Ilminster Press - Issue 49 - May 2022

ILMINSTER PRESS

M 20 AY 22

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Edition Number 49

IT IS A THUMBSUP TO THE JUBILEE TREE GIVEAWAY IN ILMINSTER AS THE TOWN CELEBRATES THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE. TURN TO PAGE 8 FOR MORE DETAILS. FORMER MAYOR OF ILMINSTER, CLLR VAL KEITCH, ENJOYS COUNCIL ELECTION SUCCESS  BUT ONLY JUST! TURN TO PAGE 4 FOR FULL STORY.

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ILMINSTER TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB CONJURES UP ITS OWN GREAT ESCAPE TO AVOID RELEGATION FROM THE PREMIER DIVISION OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY LEAGUE. TURN TO PAGE 31 THE JUNIOR SECTION OF BROADWAY AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY RETURNED TO THE STAGE WITH THE LEGALLY BLONDE JR MUSICAL. LUCY SPEKE (RIGHT) AND PEYIA WRENCHAMBERS SHARED THE LEAD ROLE OF ELLE OVER THE FOURSHOW PRODUCTION. MORE PHOTOS  TURN TO PAGES 2223.

Tragedy on A358 A WOMAN has died following a collision between a car and a lorry on the A358 near Ilminster.

Emergency services were called at about 8.25am on Tuesday, May 10, to where the collision happened.

The driver of the car – a woman in her 20s – was taken to hospital by air ambulance but sadly died.

A police spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with her family and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.”

The A358 remained closed between the junctions with the M5 and A303 while collision investigation work was ongoing.

“We’d ask anyone who witnessed the collision and not yet spoken to police to call 101 and give reference 5222110035,” added the spokesman.

Town is all set for Platinum Jubilee celebrations FOUR days of fun and celebrations are planned as Ilminster joins with the rest of the country to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II – marking her 70 years on the throne.

A special four-day Bank Holiday weekend runs from Thursday, June 2, through to Sunday, June 5, and a full itinerary of events taking place in Ilminster can be found on Pages 08-09 of this edition of the paper.

The beacon will be lit at 9.45pm on June 2 as part of a national event, while there will be a family fun day at Britten’s Field on June 3 from 11am to 6pm including a giant waterslide.

Street parties are being planned to take place in Ilminster on June 4, while there will be a traditional family fun day on the Ilminster Recreation Ground on June 5 from

11.30am to 5pm.

It really should be a great weekend for all the family to enjoy and to celebrate this historic occasion.

Princess Elizabeth, as she was, acceded the throne at the age of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952. The Coronation of the Queen took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey.

ESTABLISHED TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS OR CHARITIES WHO WORK TO BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF ILMINSTER. Website: www.goochtrust.co.uk | Email: goochtrust@googlemail.com Phone: 01460 52214 For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

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JUBILEE PREVIEW ‹‹ 8-9

2012 OLYMPIC TORCH MEMORIES ‹‹ 12-13

LITERARY FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ‹‹ 15-18

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EDITOR'S NEWS IN BRIEF NOTE WELCOME to the May edition of the Ilminster Press community newspaper – YOUR community newspaper.

It was back in May 2018 that the first-ever edition of Ilminster Press was published – where have those four years gone?

But I would like to thank everyone – advertisers, readers and contributors – for their continued support over that time.

The fact that I have been able to produce the Ilminster Press each month since May 2018 is testament to the town – the fact that traders have been able to support me with advertising and I truly thank all of them.

Even in the unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic I have had the support of local businesses.

Although I know it has been not been easy for many traders during the pandemic and they have had to take the necessary action, I am proud to have continued to produce the Ilminster Press. The support of advertisers has been fantastic, plus the backing of the Gooch Charitable Trust.

But it looks as if we are coming through Covid-19 now and life is beginning to return to normal. There’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks here in Ilminster – the Ilminster Literary Festival, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the Ilminster Midsummer Experience for example!

A special big thank you to freelance photographer Christine Jones, who some of you might know better as “the lady that takes the photos” – her pictures, hard work, enthusiasm and encouragement have been key to the success of Ilminster Press.

I would also like to thank James Healey, of JRH Media, for his superb help with design and layout each month and for putting up with my dithering.

The next edition of Ilminster Press will be out on June 16, 2022. So please get in touch with your news, views and photos by emailing me at ilminsterpress@ gmail.com - here’s to the next 12 months!

Best wishes STEVE SOWDEN - Editor

Photo of the month

NEWS IN BRIEF >> IF any business would like to advertise in the next edition of Ilminster Press – out on Thursday, June 16, 2022 - please get in touch by emailing ilminsterpress@gmail. com or by phoning 0777-319-8081.

It would be great to make the next edition even bigger and better again. >> MANY of the photos printed in the May edition of Ilminster Press are available to be bought.

Anyone wanting to buy photos included in this edition – please drop us a line at 0777-319-8081 or email yeovilpress@gmail.com.

CONGRATULATIONS go to hard-working and talented apprentices Josh Evans (left) and Adam Carter from Broadway-based family run business Grinters. Josh has recently successfully completed his Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Plumbing in the Building Services Engineering Sector with the Federation for Industry Sector Skills & Standards, while Adam Carter (right) has passed his apprenticeship with Advanced Carpentry and Joinery (Advanced Site Carpentry) Level 3 with distinction with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Grinters has been a long-standing supporter of the Ilminster Press. This photo of Josh and Adam was taken by Ilminster Press photographer Christine Jones. If you have a picture you would like to share and perhaps see published in our Photo of the Month feature – please email the Ilminster Press at ilminsterpress@gmail.com with your picture and details.

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>> KEEP up-to-date with the latest news going on in Ilminster by logging onto the Ilminster Press website at www.ilminsterpress.co.uk . >> ILMINSTER Press is published

by Steve Sowden, of Ilminster Press, and printed by Newsquest at Fleet House in Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, or at Newspaper House in Osney Mead, Oxford, Oxfordshire.

ILMINSTER PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

Pg 04: Local Elections Pg 07: Lollipop lady Felicity retires!

Pg 08-09: Platinum Jubilee News Pg 12-13: Photo Special - Olympic Torch in Ilminster Pg 14: Down Memory Lane Pg 15-18: Four-Page Preview - Ilminster Literary Festival Pg 19: Ilminster History Society Pg 20-21: Flashback Pg 22-23: Photo Special - Legally Blonde!

Pg 24-25: Leisure News Pg 26-27: What's On Listings Pg 28: Church News Pg 29: Family Announcements Pg 30: Ilminster Cricket Club Pg 31: Ilminster Town FC For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

HAVE THE ILMINSTER PRESS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH Avoid missing out on getting your copy of the monthly Ilminster Press community newspaper by signing-up to our delivery service.

It will cost £25 a year to have theIlminster Press hand-delivered to your home each month within the Ilminster area. It will cost £40 a year to have the Ilminster Press posted elsewhere in the country.

Email ilminsterpress@gmail.com or phone us on 07773-198-081 for further details.

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LibDems take control of County Hall as Val has a nervous few hours THE Liberal Democrats have taken control of the Somerset County Council following the local elections held earlier this month.

And in one of the most keenly contested divisions the former Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Val Keitch, who is currently leader of South Somerset District Council, claimed the second seat available in Ilminster – but only just.

Cllr Sue Osborne, of the Conservatives, topped the poll with 1,494 votes in Ilminster. But there were two recounts to determine who won the second seat during a dramatic count at the Westlands Yeovil entertainment venue on Friday, May 6.

It was eventually conceded by the Conservatives that Cllr Keitch, of the Liberal Democrats, had taken it by just five votes from Tory candidate Jo Woodcock.

The LibDems’ other candidate, Ray Buckler, came fourth – just eight votes behind third place.

The look of relief on Cllr Keitch’s face spoke volumes.

Full Ilminster Division result: 1 Sue

Osborne* (Conservatives) 1,494; 2 Val Keitch* (Liberal Democrats) 1,397; 3 Jo Woodcock (Conservatives) 1,392; 4 Ray Buckler (Liberal Democrats) 1,384; 5 Roger Bradley (Green Party) 425; 6 Karin Cumming (Green Party) 342; 7 Paul Sellers (Labour) 227. (Candidates elected denoted by a *).

A total of 6,661 votes were cast with an electorate of 8,331 in the Ilminster division.

More than 430,000 people were eligible to vote for the 337 candidates standing for the 110 seats. The turnout at the election by district was Mendip – 39.3%; Sedgemoor – 30%; Somerset West and Taunton – 38.73%; South Somerset – 38.15.

The new look county council is made up of 61 LibDems, 36 Conservatives, five Green Party and five Labour councillors and three independent members.

The two seats in the nearby South Petherton and Islemoor Division were won by LibDems – Adam Dance and Jo Roundell-Greene.

This year’s election was different as

ILMINSTER TOWN COUNCIL

We have been informed by South Somerset District Council (SSDC) on the 10 May, 2022, that the next stage of the Neighbourhood Plan would commence from Thursday, 19 May, 2022. This involves the Regulation 16 public consultation on the plan submitted to SSDC. The consultation will run until midnight on 8 July, 2022.

SSDC is required to bring the proposal to the attention of people who live, work or carry on business in the neighbourhood area - details of how to make representations will be made available. Anyone making a representation may include a request to be notified of the local planning authority’s decision under Regulation 19 in relation to the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The submitted documents will be on the SSDC website and a hard copy will be made available to view during normal opening hours at the SSDC Offices, Petters Way, Yeovil; Ilminster Town Council Offices; and Ilminster Library.

Once the consultation ends the comments received will be looked at by an independent inspector.

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110 councillors were elected – two in each of the 55 divisions – as Somerset prepares for the biggest change in local government in decades.

For their first year, the councillors will take responsibility for all current county council services and oversee the local government reorganisation to establish the single unitary Somerset Council on April 1, 2023. District councils will remain until March 31, 2023, and the councillors serving on them will continue in their roles until that date.

From April 1, 2023, the 110 members of the unitary council will be responsible for services that are currently delivered by the county and four district councils, ranging from adults’ and children’s social care to highways and housing, and from libraries to planning and licensing.

The full council annual meeting on May 25 will appoint a chairman and vice-

chairman of the council, the leader of the council, and the members of the various council committees.

Immediately after the full council meeting it is expected that the new leader of the council will confirm appointments to cabinet roles.

Parish and town council elections were also held on May 5 around the area, but one was not needed to determine the 15 members of Ilminster Town Council – as only 15 people stood.

The new Ilminster Town Council is as follows: Philip Burton; Michelle Gunn; Brian Hamilton; Matt James; Ben JennerHurford; Val Keitch; Ian MacKillop; Sue Osborne; Darren Paul; Paul Sellers; Andrew Shearman; Stuart Shepherd; Leanne Taylor; Neil Tinson; and Len Wilcock.

PHOTO: How the political make-up of the new Somerset County Council looks.

News in Brief

Ilminster Midsummer Experience THE Ilminster Midsummer Experience will be returning to the town in full glory next month with four-days of events and activities.

The IMEx is to be held on Thursday, June 9, through to Sunday, June 12, and among the highlights will be a classic vehicle show, food and crafts market, family dog show, plus the ever-popular Flag Festival during which more than 100 colourful flags decorate the town centre buildings for four weeks.

There will be something for all the family to enjoy. Go to www. ilminsterexperience.co.uk for more details.

range of birds and wildlife residing up there as well as possibly some mystical wood dwellers for children and adults to keep an eye out for!”

Herne Hill conservation work ONGOING conservation work is taking place at Herne Hill in Ilminster and organisers are hoping to encourage more people to take a look at what is happening up there.

An Ilminster Town Council spokesman said: “Over the next few months it is hoped that people will see a greater

Easter Egg Hunt CONGRATULATIONS to all those who took part in the great Ilminster Easter Egg Hunt.

As a result of a kind gesture from the Co-op in Ilminster, organisers at Ilminster Town Council were able to award additional prizes over and above what had been planned.

Free tea and coffee!

THERE will be a free tea and coffee morning held in a marquee outside of the Tony Rice Bar on the Ilminster Recreation Ground later this month.

It will be taking place on Thursday, May 19, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and funded by Somerset County Council’s ‘opening up safely and reconnecting communities fund.’ It will be hosted by volunteers and some of Ilminster Town Council’s members.

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HELPING OTHERS TO HELP OTHERS The Gooch Charitable Trust is an Ilminster-based charity founded in 1998 to support local community groups or charities who work to benefit the people of Ilminster.

We invite local organisations to apply for a grant.

For more details go to: Website: www.goochtrust.co.uk Email: goochtrust@googlemail.com | Phone: 01460 52214 6

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Felicity has spent 40 years helping children cross the road

ILMINSTER lollipop lady Felicity Windsor has retired after a remarkable 40 years of help children cross the road safely.

Felicity began her time with the lollipop back in April 1983 at a time when Dallas was the most popular television show, Liverpool had just beaten Manchester United in the League Cup at Wembley Stadium and Spandau Ballet were at number one in the charts with the song True.

The majority of staff at Swanmead School in Ilminster were not even born then and Mark Walker, who has just left his role as Swanmead headteacher, said he had only just started out as a primary school pupil!

But from that moment in April 1983 Felicity has done the morning shift from 8.20am to 8.50am and the afternoon stint from 3.20pm to 3.50pm helping children safely to and from school at the top of the High Street and Butts area.

Mr Walker said: “We reckon that Felicity has done over 15,000 shifts in those 40 years and we challenge the country

MONEY MATTERS

Are all your outgoings meant to be outgoing?

to find a school crossing patroller who has done more – certainly in the history of Somerset schools there is no one on record who has done this amount of service.

“After 40 years Felicity has decided that now is the time to step down and this achievement is quite remarkable and, on behalf of all the Ilminster community we all give our endless thanks to Felicity for all that she has done and given to supporting our young people over four decades. Just incredible! Happy retirement Felicity!”

PHOTO: Felicity Windsor.

More wardens needed for emergency planning in Ilminster ILMINSTER Town Council is still looking for more local residents to offer to act as Resilience Wardens in their part of the town.

With the first two “at risk” areas of Ditton Street and Station Road having been identified, more wardens will be needed.

Two FREE training courses have been arranged for June and to take part all you need to do is contact the town council who can add your names to the list of those wishing to help. The sessions will either be on Monday, June 6, and Monday, June 13, between 6pm and 8.30pm or Tuesday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 14, also between 6pm and 8.30pm.

The first session of each option will be Incident Management - an introduction to emergency response and guidance on building a multi-role volunteer group. Key

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topics include the three Cs of Command, Control and Communications and how these apply, working with emergency responders, undertaking dynamic risk assessments and implementing a basic command structure for a volunteer group.

The second session will be Flood Volunteer - understanding flooding and your role, and flood risk awareness.

This explores the causes including the impact of the Climate Emergency, the different types of flooding and how flood risk is communicated, and flood water safety.

Key topics include weather and flood warning systems, the role of a warden before, during and after a flood and protecting the wellbeing of a warden and the wider community during a flood.

A friend of mine (let’s call her Jane) has just rang me in tears to say that she has been paying into a life insurance product that wasn’t needed for 24 years – without realising!

This was a hangover from an endowment mortgage product Jane took out in the 1990s and it had been off her radar ever since.

There was no correspondence from the provider either after it was set up, so no way of being reminded of the product without scouring her bank account. The worst part is, we just did the maths, and that’s nearly £8,000 Jane didn’t need to spend. Ouch.

What do they say? ‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’.

I’m not sure that’s completely true, but from Jane’s story, it proves it’s important to fully understand your outgoings, so there’s no small hole leaking money from your bank account bucket!

Companies are changing all the time, products get moved around from company to company, we get married, divorced, have children, move house, lose jobs, start jobs and so it goes on.

Our lives are changing all the time and that may mean that you need to keep nimble, with one eye always on your financial health.

Think of it like your fitness regime. That exercise programme you were given fifteen years ago and swore by, probably isn’t going to get you match fit today. A review can help you prepare for the long term and check there are no unnecessary outgoings along the way.

The moral of the story is, keep an eye on that bank account regularly, and check for leaks!

Jenny

JENNY MANDERS Principal Manders Financial Services Ltd Manders Financial Services is based near Ilminster and is celebrating its tenth year in practice.

Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

Outdoor gym equipment coming to Ilminster WORK on the Ilminster Recreation Ground play park off Canal Way has continued at a pace with the completion of a youth shelter.

A spokesman for Ilminster Town Council said: “There are also a few more tweaks planned to the recreation equipment and facilities there.

“One of the developments that people have been talking about is the installation of outdoor gym equipment on the recreation park.

“As a result of a very generous bequest the council is looking into installing a fitness trail around the recreation ground with equipment spaced out around the trail for people to use.”

It is planned for a community consultation to take place in the coming months to help establish exactly what equipment should be installed in the recreation ground and also at the Winterhay and West Crescent play parks.

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Telephone 01460 259066

www.mandersfinancialservices.co.uk Manders Financial Services Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only

St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial

Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

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The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be four days to remember ORGANISATIONS within Ilminster have been busy preparing activities for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee special four-day weekend which will be held from Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5.

To start things off, there will be the Town Crier making his proclamation at the Market House at 2pm on June 2.

Later that evening will be a service at The Minster, followed by the beacon being lit in conjunction with beacons across the country.

On the Friday, June 3, the Ilminster Sports Club Ltd is hosting a fun family day on Britten’s Field from 11am to 6pm.

There will be a giant waterslide, bouncy castle, food stalls, music and more.

On Saturday, June 4, the Ilminster Library will have a display during the morning and people will also be having street parties.

A spokesman for Ilminster Town Council said: “We hope everyone will take a moment at 7pm on Saturday, June 4, wherever they are, to sing the national anthem.”

And finally on Sunday, June 5, between

11.30am and 5pm, the Ilminster Rotary Club will be hosting a fun family day on the Ilminster Recreation Ground.

There will be a variety of shows such as Morris Dancers, a ukulele band, the majorettes, and a range of traditional family games, as well as craft and food stalls. It will certainly be a weekend of fun!

Take a look at the full itinerary which can be seen on Page 9 – the page facing this one – in this edition of Ilminster Press.

The Archie Gooch Pavilion is open to everyone! * Available to hire for parties or community events * * Become a member to receive cheaper drinks and hire costs * * Monthly events such as bingo, quiz nights and live music * Join The Archie Gooch Pavilion page on Facebook.

We planted this tree in the year of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee ORGANISERS of the Ilminster Tree Project have decided to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in a very special way.

The Queen’s accession to the throne took place in 1952, 70 years ago. This gave the Ilminster Tree Project team the idea it was looking for - how about giving away 70 trees, one for each year of the Queen’s reign, for the residents of Ilminster to plant?

There would then be 70 new trees that people could look at in the future and say “we planted that tree in 2022, the year of the Platinum Jubilee.”

Sarah Hunt, of the Ilminster Tree Project, said: “As the planting sites were likely to be domestic, gardens or allotments, the trees that we chose were the smaller growing varieties like rowan, cherry and blackthorn.

“We sourced the trees from Perrie Hale nursery near Honiton and as soon as they were available, at the end of March, we went ahead and activated our delivery plan.

“Six weeks previously we announced via the Green Ilminster’s Facebook

page and WhatsApp groups and posters around town, that there would be free trees available to 70 lucky Ilminster residents.

“Happily we also managed to secure generous sponsorship for the Giveaway from Branstons, a national brand with a local presence down the road in Seavington St Michael.”

Sarah added: “We produced a Planting Instruction sheet which we emailed to all those people who took up the offer and the trees were made available for pickup, from the newly-opened Share and Repair Shop in Ilminster.”

Here are photos of some of the residents planting their trees.

Archie Gooch Pavilion, Britten’s Field, Canal Way, Ilminster 8

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The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Events in Ilminster Thursday 2nd June Jubilee & Coronation related photos in town all weekend presented by Heritage of the Ile Trust 2pm & 8.45pm Town Crier’s Proclamation & a cry at the Market House 7pm at The Minster - A service to celebrate and give thanks for the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen 9.45pm Lighting the beacon - meet at the Market House 8.30pm-9pm Friday 3rd June 11am – 6pm Family fun day on Britten’s Field hosted by Ilminster Sports Club Ltd giant waterslide, bouncy castle, food stalls, music & more!

Best decorated cake and best crown competitions hosted by The Minster 50’s themed night – food at 6pm, dancing from 7.30pm hosted by Ilminster Bowling & Tennis Club Saturday 4th June 9.30am – midday Jubilee themed craft and book displays in Ilminster Library Cricket matches on the recreation ground Arrange your own local street party 7pm Wherever you are, sing the National Anthem together Sunday 5th June 11.30am – 5pm Traditional family fun on the recreation ground hosted by the Rotary Club – games, craft & food stalls, face-painting, majorettes, ukulele, & more!

Cricket matches – youth, ladies & men’s matches The scarecrow competition starts 5th-12th June - hosted by Ilminster Town Council

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Polly the Parrot is now back on its perch - thanks to Ilminster Share and Repair!

ONE of the first people looking for help from the new Ilminster Share and Repair Shop was Rosa Davis who had an unusual item that needed some much-needed TLC – a parrot!

For many years Polly the Parrot used to hang up in R. A. Dyer’s drapery shop in Silver Street, Ilminster, where she advertised Pretty Polly stockings.

Rosa moved to Ilminster as a child when her parents bought the store in 1937 and Polly became a famous icon in the town. Many people recognised her with her bright colours and still remember her long after the department store closed down, after which she found a new home, perched in Rosa’s conservatory.

Unfortunately, Polly had fallen off her perch and suffered some damage, so when Rosa heard about the new Share and Repair service she came to enquire if the veteran parrot could be repaired.

Not surprisingly, from those familiar with Monty Python, jokes abounded about “dead parrots” which had “fallen off their perches!”

Repair volunteer Laurie Burn saw Polly and was immediately keen to take on the

project – quite a change from his usual skills as a guitar maker!

Both of Polly’s feet had snapped off, her wings were loose and the mounting holes in her wings were broken. Her tail feathers were also very brittle and had snapped in several places.

Laurie took Polly home to his workshop and began the task of repairing the physical damage to her feet and wings.

This involved filling her body and wing cavities with expanding foam to stabilise her frail structure. She was made of some kind of resin, probably 50-60 years old and very brittle. Her loose wings and broken feet were fixed and her feet reinforced with steel rods.

Three days after Laurie had collected the parrot he received an urgent visit from one of Rosa’s friends asking that he phone Rosa immediately. On the phone Rosa asked if work on the parrot had begun, to which the answer was “yes.”

Three years earlier Rosa had contacted BBC’s The Repair Shop programme to see if it would be interested in Polly for its experts to repair. Rosa had heard nothing from the BBC – until now; and Polly’s

Ilminster Emporium 21 Silver Street, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0DH

Ilminster Share and Repair Shop volunteer Laurie Burn and artist Andrea Key with their handiwork as Polly the Parrot looks so much better.

repairs were already well underway! This disappointment was quite a loss for Rosa and Polly, but a great scoop for Ilminster Share and Repair Shop!

Rosa visited Laurie in his workshop to discuss what to do and agreed that the repair work should continue. All of Polly’s remaining gaps were then filled with white filler and sanded down to recreate the original shape.

Once the physical repairs were complete and Polly was sitting securely back on her perch Laurie began to consider how to restore her paintwork. Not being part of his skill set, Laurie asked an artist friend from his church, Andrea Key, to help.

The final challenge was the tail feathers. The originals were made of an early form of plastic which had faded and become extremely brittle. It became

obvious that it was impossible to restore the feathers, so it was necessary to make replacements.

Andrea suggested making new feathers out of thick watercolour paper, which has a stippled finish nearly identical to the original plastic. She then set about cutting out and painting the feathers to match the original colours.

Finally, Laurie glued in the new tail feathers to Polly’s restored body, and Polly was Pretty again! Pretty Polly was delivered back to Rosa’s conservatory where she sits happily on her perch.

The former R. A. Dyer’s drapery shop in Silver Street is now home to the Ilminster Emporium, while the Ilminster Share and Repair Shop can also be found in Silver Street.

Artisan gifts, art, crafts, furniture, upholstery, jewellery, children's clothing, vintage and home interiors. enquiries@ ilminsteremporium.co.uk www.ilminsteremporium.co.uk 10

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Top: Polly the Parrot was feeling a bit sorry for itself.

Above: Rosa Davis with Polly.

Right Lovingly and painstakingly restored Polly the Parrot back on her perch!

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Butcher scoops top accolade in national craft butchery awards

ILMINSTER butcher, Bonners, has picked up a national award in the annual Smithfield Star Awards.

One of 12 artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Ilminster butcher won the best burger category with its Peppercorn Steak Grill in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.

Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the prestigious awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including traditional pork sausage, burgers, gluten-free product, bacon, barbecue product and black pudding.

Products are evaluated using a oneto-three star rating system by a panel of independent industry judges, with all three-star products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award.

Bonners’ Peppercorn Steak Grill was described by judges as “well constructed” and an “excellent product” and received

top marks beating 11 other butchers from across the UK to secure top spot and receive the coveted Diamond Award which was presented to the Bonners team by much-loved restaurateur and Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett.

The Ilminster butcher also received a three-star rating – the highest rating possible - for its Steak & Blue Vinny Cheese Pie. Clinton Bonner, of Bonners the Butchers, said: “This is a great achievement and really goes to show what you can achieve when you have a great team behind you.

“We’ve been in business for over 50 years now yet we’re still always amazed and grateful to win prestigious awards such as these. We’re excited for our customers to try our award-winning Peppercorn Steak Grills, which are now available to buy in our shop.”

Bonners has been a long-standing supporter of the Ilminster Press over the past four years.

PHOTO: Clinton Bonner (left) is pictured with Brad Land, Matthew Dyer and Jack Watson along with their awards.

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LOOKING GOOD

Competition: Do you know someone who deserves a Makeover Day? THIS month has been a month of celebrations at Transformations as on April 12, 2022, we celebrated our first year at Eaglewood Park, Dillington Estates. Wow - what a year it has been!

We also learnt we had made the finalist position in two categories of the Professional Beauty Magazines 2022 Awards. We are one of the final six in Boutique Salons in the UK and I have made it to the final six in the UK for Business Leader. The team and I will be off to London for an evening of glamour in July. We have our fingers crossed to win.

We have also launched our newsletter, full of handy tips and hints for your hair and skin in May. If you have not signed up, please feel free to sign up at www.transformations.org. uk.

We are currently getting ready to start our Jubilee celebrations and have an amazing Spa Day offer this month for only £79 so if you wish to feel like a Royal for the day, I strongly recommend trying it.

To celebrate our success and the Jubilee we would like to make a kind gift to a member of the public of Ilminster and surrounding areas by gifting a “Makeover Day” to the value of £300 to someone who deserves a reward.

We are running the following competition: Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond from 2020-2022? Maybe it could be a teacher or carer or member of your family who is unwell? We are looking to treat someone who really deserves a reward. Please write to us in less than 200 words and tell us why this person deserves a “Makeover Day.” Please send your entry to info@ transformations.org.uk, the closing date is Monday, May 30, 2022. We will announce the winner on Saturday, June 4, 2022 via our social media channels.

Ker r y

Annual meeting for Ilminster Fairtrade group THE Ilminster Fairtrade group will be holding its annual meeting on Thursday, May 19, at the Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club from 7.30pm in readiness for an 8pm start.

The meeting will hear reports from the current committee on the activities and achievements of the past year including any financial reports.

There will also be the election of committee members for the 2022-23 year.

A spokesman said: “We anticipate the core meeting business being concluded within an hour and would welcome new

faces and contributions to the meeting, so do join us and bring a friend to find out more!

“Should you be interested in serving on our management committee, a full list of roles are outlined on our website at http://www.ilminsterfairtrade.uk/ who_are_we.html although non-specific roles are also available for those with a general interest, or desire to support our endeavours throughout the year.”

To find out more, please contact group secretary Natalie on 07746 727002 or message the group on its social media Facebook page.

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The day the Olympic Torch came to Ilminster - ten years ago!

IT is incredible to think that it is now ten years since the Olympic Torch Relay weaved its way through Ilminster on its way to London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

It was early on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, when the Olympic Torch relay reached Ilminster and the town centre streets were packed to see the possible once-ina-lifetime moment.

The arrival of the Olympic Torch was one of the first civic events the then new Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Roger Swann, attended and he was joined in the town by the then Mayors of Chard and Crewkerne, Cllrs Cathie Morrison and Neil Sturtivant respectively.

Mr Swann, who has only just stood down after many years on Ilminster

Town Council, said: “I felt very proud and honoured that Ilminster had been chosen as part of the Olympic Torch procession.”

South Somerset District Council coordinated the torch relay through the area with the help of town councils.

“This was an unforgettable event and the area looked at its very best,” said a council spokesman.

The Olympic Torch arrived in Somerset on Monday, May 21, 2012, at Porlock before travelling to Minehead, Dunster, Carhampton, Washford and Willton before an evening of celebrations at Somerset County Cricket Club ground in Taunton.

The following day the Torch travelled via Ilminster to Yeovil, Ilchester and Somerton and then carried through

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Street, Glastonbury, Wells, Croscombe, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Southwick.

The journey through Somerset was part of a 70-day tour across the UK before the Torch arrived at London’s Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony on July 27, 2012.

Thousands of torchbearers were recruited for the Olympic Torch relay and they each wore a white and gold uniform.

Sheran Taylor, Tonia White, Sophie Vaughan-Williams, Claire Taylor and Amy Clutterbuck were the five torchbearers who weaved their way through Ilminster with the Olympic Torch four years ago.

Tonia said: “The people of Ilminster were absolutely fantastic – they supported us as though we were part of their own families.

“As five female runners we could not have asked for more support or encouragement; so to the people of Ilminster, I would just like to say thank you and I would not have wanted to carry the torch through any other town.”

People may remember that Tonia, of Taunton, was the daughter of Tony and Pamela Adams, of Newport, who were killed in the horrific M5 crash near Taunton of November 2011 which claimed seven lives.

The Market Square in Ilminster was particularly packed with people for the relay and they were there to see Amy Clutterbuck receive the Torch.

It was a day Ilminster will not forget.

PHOTOS: Christine Jones.

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DOWN MEMORY LANE In association with the Heritage of the Ile Trust

Coronation celebrations in Ilminster from 1911 and 1953 WELCOME to the latest Down Memory Lane feature – produced each month courtesy of the Heritage of the Ile Trust.

Next month will see Queen Elizabeth II celebrate an unprecedented 70 years as the monarch after she acceded to the throne at age the of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952.

The Coronation of the Queen took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations will take place over a special four-day bank holiday weekend of June 2-5. Turn to Pages 8-9 of this edition of Ilminster Press to find out more about the planned local celebrations.

These photos in this month’s Down Memory Lane feature include pictures from the time of the Coronations of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and her grandfather, King George V, in 1911.

The Trust was formed in 1976 by a group of local Ilminster people who were concerned to preserve the past of the area for the benefit of the future.

The Trust is managed by an enthusiastic body of volunteers who collect and collate photographs that are given to them.

The collection now totals over 4,000 images and the Trust also welcomes donations of other historical records relating to the area.

If you would like to find out more about the Heritage of the Ile Trust please

go to the organisation’s website at www. heritageoftheile.co.uk .

The Ilminster Press would like to thank the Heritage of the Ile Trust and, in particular, Jim Sainsbury, for sending us photos each month for the Down Memory Lane feature which has proved very popular with readers.

If you have any old photos you would like to see appear in the Ilminster Press – in addition to our monthly Down Memory Lane feature please get in touch by emailing us at ilminsterpress@gmail. com .

The Heritage of the Ile Trust, meanwhile, will be hosting its annual meeting at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on Thursday, May 19, from

7.30pm.

There will also be a presentation on Ilminster’s Industrial Heritage given by Heritage chairman Jim Sainsbury along with a display of photographs from the group’s collection.

Tickets are priced £5 – please look at the advert on this page for more details.

Celebration party at Winterhay Rec in Ilminster in 1953.

Celebrations in East Street, Ilminster, for the Coronation of King George V in 1911.

The Coronation Tree at Sea, on the outskirts of Ilminster, in 1980.

A bonfire being built by staff of the concrete works to mark the Coronation of King George V in 1911.

The Red Cross team from Ilminster are pictured before setting off for Coronation duty at Marble Arch in 1953. Pictured are Graham Street, Ron Baker, Doug Seaward, John Baker and Frank Keitch.

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ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022 MAY 21-28 Four-Page Pull-Out Preview

Among those appearing in this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival will be well-known TV antique expert Philip Serrell (left) will be at the Warehouse Theatre on May 23, award-winning crime novelist Cara Hunter will be at the Ilminster Arts Centre on May 22 and Vic Marks (right), a former Somerset and England cricketer and now a successful sports journalist, will be at the Warehouse Theatre on May 28.

Fantastic festival line-up gives people a chance to explore FINAL preparations are being made ahead of the 2022 Ilminster Literary Festival which will be held from May 21-28 with a packed itinerary of events and speakers.

The annual festival offers people of all ages from Ilminster and the surrounding area a great opportunity to meet authors and other literary and arts personalities through talks, discussions and meetings at affordable prices.

The festival is back to an eight-day programme of events – following the disappointment of 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in it being cancelled altogether and then late last year when a smaller festival took place.

But 2022 and the festival is back to its best and congratulations goes to the organisers on working their magic to conjure up a fantastic line-up.

Events will be held at a host of venues in and around Ilminster – Monks Yard, The Minster, Ilminster Arts Centre, The Minster Rooms, Warehouse Theatre, The Studio at Rose Mills, Seavington Millennium Hall, The Cottage Garden at

Jordans Courtyard and The Shrubbery Hotel.

The Deputy Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Leanne Taylor, who is shortly expected to be elected Mayor, said: “The festival gives us a wonderful chance to find hidden gems within the pages of books or verses of poems.

“To listen to interesting talks and to discuss with friends and neighbours – it is an opportunity to wander through genres of literature we usually skirt around in bookshops.”

Cllr Taylor added: “The event has been carefully pieced together by the hardworking committee and I congratulate them on a wonderful programme.

“Thank you also to the team of volunteers who will ensure a seamless delivery once more. We are so fortunate, here in Ilminster, to have teams of people who will run around behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

For more information about the literary festival – go to www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org .

COVID 19 Audience safety is a priority. Please see the ILF website (ilminsterliteraryfestival.org) for the full Covid policy. You are particularly asked not to come to the Festival if you are testing Covid positive.

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ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL

Ilminster Literary Festival is back with a bang this year after a cancelled Festival in 2020 and a much shortened one in November 2021, both courtesy of the pandemic.

ILF 2022 – which covers the wider arts as well as literature - is offering 23 varied talks and events between Saturday May 21 and Saturday May 28, with something for everyone.

See information on these page.

BUY TICKETS NOW: - Online at ilminsterliteraryfestival.org - From Ilminster Arts Centre 10.30 to 12.30 from May 7th to 21st - By post, using the order form in the free F estival Programme Brochure – widely distributed to local venues for you to pick up and take away.

Any unsold tickets also available on the door at each event.

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ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022 FOUR-PAGE PULL-OUT

THE ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL ITINERARY OF EVENTS (Details correct at time of going to press) FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 PRELUE EVENT Ilminster Arts Centre 2pm Tickets: £3 on the day.

Annie Garthwaite – Arts Centre Readers’ Group Q&A A SPECIAL Question and Answer session with Ilminster Arts Centre’s monthly book club’s Annie Garthwaite. This event is open to non-members. Annie’s debut novel, Cecily, was a Waterstones Best Book of 2021 and a Times and Sunday Times “top pick” and described as a “vivid and compelling portrait of a formidable figure from the 15th century and a heroine for our times.”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 PRELUDE EVENT Greenfylde First School 6pm Tickets: Not required Children’s Poetry Recital Final We have held Poetry Recital Competitions in all our Literary Festivals to date, with some outstanding winning performances.

Greenfylde School will again be hosting the competition this year. Children of all ages from local schools have been invited to perform a chosen poem, adding intonation, action, and excitement, and the winners from the local heats are competing tonight in the Final. We hope to see many young people from the area bringing performance poetry to life. All finalists will be awarded a certificate, and the winners and runners up each receive a splendid book, complete with an Ilminster Literary Festival bookplate to remind them in later years how well they did.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022 Monks Yard 1.30pm Tickets: £8 Daisy Waugh – The Tode Hall Mysteries Daisy Waugh has great fun mixing cosy crime capers with elements of Brideshead Revisited, her grandfather’s novel. In the Crypt with a Candlestick stars the Tode family, who have owned the magnificent money pit that is Tode Hall for generations. The mental instability of the heir persuades Lady Tode to bring in some more distant relatives to run the house, and mayhem ensues.

Daisy has been an agony aunt, a travel writer, a reviewer of restaurants and of luxury houses. She has written columns in The Independent on Sunday, the Times & Sunday Times, the Sunday Express, The Indy, and Standpoint Magazine.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022 Monks Yard 3pm Tickets: £10 Accompanied juniors aged 8-17: £5 Harry Venning – Release Y our Inner Cartoonist Cartoons are great and so are cartoonists.

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at Harry’s cartoon workshop. Learn how to transform a flat piece of paper into a riot of laughs, an explosion of adventure, a cacophony of sound and a gobsmack of disbelief. All shot through with the real emotion that comes from drawing eyebrows in just the right position. Suitable for all the family (apart from the miserable ones).

Harry Venning is a comedy writer, cartoonist, and lecturer. His awards include a Sony Radio Award For Comedy and UK Strip Cartoonist Of The Year. For 25 years he drew The Guardian’s weekly strip cartoon Clare In The Community, which he developed into the successful BBC Radio 4 sitcom.

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022 The Minster, Ilminster 7.30pm Tickets: £10 South Somerset Choral Society Concert – Spring, Summer and Jubilation!

A celebration of Spring, Summer, and the Queen’s Jubilee with a programme of song, verse and prose covering more than 600 years.

There’s more than a smattering of love, and the other important things that the fancy of a young man (or woman) might turn to at this special time of year as well. And for those of slightly more mature years – you’ll just have to come along and hear for yourselves.

South Somerset Choral Society is one of the premier choirs in this area with an enviable reputation for the quality of the music and programmes they deliver.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 Ilminster Arts Centre 3pm Tickets £10 Cara Hunter – Detective Thriller Author with Lynda Creek Cara Hunter is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling crime novels Close to Home, In the Dark, No Way Out, All the Rage and The Whole Truth all featuring DI Adam Fawley and his Oxford-based police team. Close to Home was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick and was shortlisted for Crime Book of the Year in the British Book Awards 2019. No Way Out was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 100 best crime novels since 1945. And The Whole Truth was a Richard and Judy pick in 2021. Cara’s novels have sold more than a million copies worldwide, and the TV rights to the series have now been acquired by the Fremantle Group.

SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022 Ilminster Arts Centre 7pm Tickets: £10 Graham Hurley – Is There Life After Crime Fiction Graham is best known for creating the character of DI Joe Faraday. Gétévé and France Télévisions started adapting Graham’s Faraday stories in 2011 through 90-minute television films under the title Deux Flics sur les Docks (literally Two Cops on the Docks).

Desperate for a new challenge, a chance encounter prompts a WW2 novel, Finisterre, short-listed for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize. Among other things, Graham will discuss the perils of being captured by a particular genre – in his case crime fiction –

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before describing his journey from yet another contemporary homicide to the very different world of our parents’ war - how it happened, why it happened, where it led him, and what it has taught him so far.

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 The Minster Rooms 10.30am Tea and coffee from 10am Tickets: £6 Sophy Layzell – Local and Debut Authors’ Forum Have you ever thought of writing a book?

Have you already made a start but need advice about what to do next? Sophy will be talking to three local women about their publishing journeys and how they were compelled to write following their own life experiences.

They will discuss the publishing journey and the different pathways to getting published.

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 The Warehouse Theatre 2.30pm Tickets: £12 Philip Serrell – What Am I Bid? My Life Under The Hammer From the well-known TV auctioneer as seen on Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, Flog It! comes the entertaining and informative memoir of life under the hammer. When Philip Serrell gave up teaching to become a professional auctioneer, he thought he was embarking on a sensible and safe career. . . a quiet life in the country with no surprises. How wrong he was.

From dodgy cars to fakes in the saleroom; angry livestock, mangled silverware and tortuous, not to mention muddy, experiences in local markets and farm sales, Philip has been there, done that and got the hoofprints on his suit to prove it.

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 Ilminster Arts Centre 7.30pm Tickets: £10 David Pugsley – Was Jane Austen’s Aunt a Shoplifter?

In one of the earliest cases about shoplifting in high society, Jane Austen’s wealthy aunt was accused of theft in Bath in August 1799 and tried at Taunton Assizes in March 1800. Was she guilty of theft or were the shopkeepers guilty of perjury? This talk will present the evidence and ask the audience for their verdict. There will be some references to characters or events in Jane Austen’s novels. Since 1993 David has been the Hon Archivist of the Western Circuit. He has a special interest in causes célèbres in the West Country in the 19th century.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 Monks Yard 10.30am Tickets: £8 Huw Lawford – Inside the Mandela Revolution A British Soldier’s Inside View of his Rise to Power Following the election of President Mandela, the South African security structure needed a radical transformation. The old system, that had been a threat to most of the nation, was

to be replaced with one that was ethnically balanced and would provide security for all South Africans. It brought political and racial adversaries together and melded them into a unified force. The UK was asked to provide a team to oversee the transformation.

This is a story of creating success out of failure, of ensuring the political is above military necessity, and about a small team learning how to survive and, ultimately, influence all those around them to put the past behind them and look to the future.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 Monks Yard 2.30pm Tickets: £10 Patrick Cockburn – What Really Happened in Afghanistan and Why Did The Taliban Win? Patrick has been a Middle East correspondent for the Financial Times and The Independent.

He was also a correspondent in Moscow and Washington and is a frequent contributor to the London Review of Books. He won the Martha Gellhorn Prize in 2005, the James Cameron Prize in 2006, the Orwell Prize for Journalism in 2009, Foreign Commentator of the Year (Editorial Intelligence Comment Awards 2013), Foreign Affairs Journalist of the Year (British Journalism Awards 2014), and Foreign Reporter of the Year (The Press Awards For 2014).

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022 The Warehouse Theatre 7pm Tickets: £15 DOUBLE BILL Rob Barratt plus The Sunset Café Stompers Rob is a Dudley-born comic poet, humourist and singer from North Cornwall. His act combines clever wordplay with satire, verse, song, and audience participation. He deals with such important topics as second homes, squid, distressed furniture, data-driven education, Neanderthal politics, and his relationship with potatoes. But beneath the humour lurk serious issues.

The Stompers’ music is rooted in the bars and bordellos, the dance halls and the street parades of New Orleans in the 1910s and 20s, and later in the clubs and speakeasies of Chicago and New York, as musicians migrated to the big cities to find work. Apart from their more regular gig scene - playing in pubs, clubs, village halls, and at theatre and church concerts - they are invited each year to play at various jazz festivals, such as Bude, Upton Upon Severn, Swanage, and Pershore.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022 The Minster Rooms 10.30am Tickets: £8 Neil Hanson – Inn and Out at the Top Neil Hanson has over 60 published books to his name. As well as his own, much-acclaimed work, he’s also a “ghost writer” for, among many others, sports stars, showbiz legends, captains of industry, SAS men, fast-jet pilots, a treasure diver, an explorer, a kidnap negotiator, a leading surgeon, and a spy. His talk “Inn & Out at the Top” is a tour of the highs and lows of his time running Britain’s

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ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022 FOUR-PAGE PULL-OUT

highest inn back in the 1980s - so high above sea level that it had its own climate, with winds that could tear car doors off their hinges, and winter snows that cut off the inn for weeks on end.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022 The Minster Rooms 2.30pm Tickets: £8 Mary Chisholm – Quests in Architectural History Adventures of a Blogger in Somerset Where is one of England’s oldest inns? Why did the Grand Duke of Tuscany visit Hinton St George in 1669? What links Montacute House to a Royal Oak? How did Cardinal Wolsey take revenge after being clamped in the stocks? Why was a plant grown in South Somerset key to the economy of England?

Blogging can be a liberating method of publishing history online. Mary Chisholm is an architectural historian living in Somerset.

She has her own website where she publishes blog posts based on research into local history.

She might start with a building, an idea or an object and follows where the thread leads. In this talk Mary shares some of her adventures in Somerset and where they have led.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022 The Yard at Rose Mills 6.30pm Tickets: £10 James Crowden – Cider Country How an Ancient Craft became a Way of Life How about a relaxing evening in out-ofthe-ordinary surroundings? James is a wellknown local author and poet and will focus on his latest book Cider Country (“Magisterial” – Tom Parker Bowles), which explores how an ancient craft at the heart of rural Somerset became a way of life. Burrow Hill Cider will be on hand to talk about the process and work involved in cider making, and the running of a well-known family business.

We’re delighted to be using a new venue for this event - Rose Mills Studio on the edge of Ilminster, where seating is a random collection of old sofas, picnic chairs and stools. Leave the smart clothes at home, find your Bohemian side, and come along to a warm welcome and a Festival event with a difference!

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 Seavington Millennium Hall 11am Tickets: £10 Tea and coffee from 10.30am Sally Nex – How to Garden the Low Carbon Way Is it OK to use potting compost? Which plants are best for absorbing pollution?

What’s the alternative to carbon-packed fertilisers? How can I cut out single-use plastics? Aspects of gardening can actually be bad for the environment. But make a few changes and you can significantly reduce the carbon imprint of your outdoor space, and even use it to lessen the impact of your other activities.

Sally discusses how to make gardening easy, enjoyable, and eco-friendly. Sally worked as a journalist on BBC radio, television, and World Service for 15 years. Since leaving the BBC, she writes, teaches, and gives talks on vegetable growing, self-sufficiency, and sustainable gardening.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 Cottage Garden, Jordans Courtyard 2pm Tickets: £10 Jean Vernon – The Secret Lives of Garden Bees Walk and Outdoor Talk Bee walks are a great way to learn more about the pollinating bees in our gardens.

Jean will introduce some of the bees that we might see. Then she’ll talk about which plants are best for bees. And if we’re lucky the bees might come and join us. Jean likes to safely catch a few bees as we walk, and

Mary Chisholm will be at The Minster Rooms on Wednesday, May 25, from 2.30pm with her presentation entitled Quests in Architectural History – Adventures of a Blogger in Somerset.

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James Crowden will be at The Yard at Rose Mills, Ilminster, on Wednesday, May 25, from 6.30pm to present Cider Country: How an Ancient Craft became a Way of Life.

pass the little magnifying pots around so that we can see the bees close up. (No bees are harmed when she does a bee walk). Bring a brolly if wet - bees still fly in the rain! Ken will be on hand afterwards to chat about keeping honeybees.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 Shrubbery Hotel 7pm Tickets: £17.50 Antiques Call My Bluff A light-hearted and entertaining event to pit your wits and knowledge against the experts. See advert over the page.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 Monks Yard 10.30am Tickets: £8 Roger Doughty – Computing at Home & Staying Safe Online Roger had a successful career in city banking before moving to the West Country.

Since 2000 he has taught and serviced computers in return for charitable donations.

In 2012 he helped set up and run the Horton Computer Hub, a community group based at the Methodist Church in Horton, Ilminster.

It offers not-for-profit technology teaching across a host of Microsoft and Apple products including laptops, tablets and smartphones.

If you need friendly, expert help with understanding, using, and protecting your computer, this session is for you. This talk is not a hands-on session, so please don’t bring laptops, etc.

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022 The Warehouse Theatre 2.30pm Tickets: £10 Joan Greening – The Comedy and Tragedy of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Joan Greening is an award-winning playwright. She created ITV situation comedies including The Cabbage Patch and Troubles and Strife. Her theatre plays are performed nationally and internationally.

She has premiered many new plays at the Edinburgh Festival over the past few years.

In this session, she will share the experience of presenting live performance at the Festival.

“I have been associated with the Edinburgh Fringe for many years and I am absolutely sure that there will never be another one like 2021!”

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 Monks Yard 10.30am Tickets: £10 Julie Summers – Dressed for War: The Story of Vogue editor Audrey Withers From the Blitz to the Swinging Sixties Vogue’s editor, Audrey Withers, kept the magazine going in the toughest of circumstances. Julie describes Audrey’s life up to and including the war, and reveals how she came across a treasure trove of material in the Conde Nast Archives in New York that re-wrote British Vogue’s history.

Julie Summers is a bestselling writer and historian. Her books include The Quest for Sandy Irvine (a biography of her grandfather,

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ILMINSTER LITERARY FESTIVAL 2022 FOUR-PAGE PULL-OUT

the man who built the ‘real’ bridge over the River Kwai), When the Children Came Home - a social history of servicemen returning to their families from the Second World War, and Our Uninvited Guests, about the wartime requisitioning of thousands of houses to provide accommodation for the armed forces, secret services and government offices, as well as vulnerable children, the sick and the elderly.

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 The Warehouse Theatre 2.30pm Tickets: £10 Darrel Warner – From the Somerset Levels to the Hollywood Hills The Life of the Graphite Gangster An international award-winning artist and illustrator, Darrell initially began his freelance career in the advertising and publishing markets before making a switch to the film world. Darrell specialises in the very disciplined area of costume concept and illustration for major feature films. From Pirates of the Caribbean to Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy to James Bond, his

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biography amasses some 50+ Hollywood Blockbusters to date.

This is a rare insight into the oft very secret world of pre-production procedures of a concept artist in film, a job very few have even heard of let alone be aware of…

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 The Warehouse Theatre 7.30pm - Tickets: £10 Vic Marks – Late Cuts In Conversation with Roger Swann Vic Marks is a sports journalist and former professional cricketer. He played in 6 Test matches and 34 One-Day Internationals. His entire county cricket career was spent with Somerset. After retiring as a professional cricketer, he became a regular on Test Match Special, and writes for The Observer. He is currently Chairman of Cricket at Somerset.

Whether revisiting his playing days to reveal the secrets of bowling a killer spell, and what it feels like to be heckled by a riled-up crowd, or ruminating on the current state of the game (don’t mention The Hundred!), this talk is bound to delight all cricket lovers – and others!

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Harry Venning will be at the Monks Yard on Saturday, May 21, from 3pm with his presentation entitled Release Your Inner Cartoonist.

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Looking back at old Ilminster police records from the 1930s RECORDS from Ilminster Police Station’s incident log book from the mid-1930s have provided the Ilminster History Society with some interesting insights into life from yesteryear.

The society has now kindly allowed the Ilminster Press to publish a few of the extracts from the police records – reports of a lost pen belonging to a student at the Girls Grammar School in Ilminster on July 15, 1937, and the crashing of a bomber aircraft at Broadway the following day on July 16, 1937.

“The one about the lost pen made us laugh as the item was found by the “loser” Mrs Pennington from the Girls Grammar School 11 days after it was reported lost,” said society spokesman Ben Hurford-Jenner.

“While a bomber plane crashing in 1937 at Broadway must have caused quite a stir in and around Ilminster and according to the local newspaper reports at the time the London-Taunton road was completely blocked.

“We would love to hear from anyone who remembers this crash and can provide more details or photographs from the day.”

Ben added: “Similarly, we would love to hear from anyone who has access to documents like the extracts shown here or any documents that have historic

significance to Ilminster for us to make copies of for our collection.”

Please contact the society by email contact@ilminsterhistory.co.uk or 07873167371 (please leave a message).

The Ilminster History Society is going from strength to strength in looking at bringing the town’s past back to the future.

The society was launched during 2020 when the country went into lockdown because of the Covid-19 pandemic and it started as a group on social media Facebook for people to share photos and stories about the town’s past.

Since then the group has grown to nearly 2,000 members and there are lots of regular posts and discussions among people interested in Ilminster’s history.

But it was in the latter stages of 2021 that the group’s founders decided they wanted to make the society an official group.

The new Ilminster History Society has said it will not be focusing on photographs, but more on the history behind the pictures along with historic documents, maps and items.

The society is actively seeking people with an interest in the history of Ilminster to join as volunteers to help with projects and also to give ideas on what the society should work on.

PC Weaver reports the the crashing on 15.7.37 at 11.45am on the highway at Jordans, Broadway, of a Handley Page “Heyford” bomber, no. K6877, of the 99th Bomber Squadron, stationed at Boscombe Down. The plane was being flown on military exercises, by pilot Sergeant Heayes, no. 561740, with Pilot Officer Cooper as second pilot, and aircraftsman Chapman as wireless operator. The plane was forced down.

Quiz Night Join us for a quiz and raffle to raise money for Ilminster History Society.

Lost 15.7.37, in Ilminster. A Waterman fountain pen. Property of Miss Pennington, The Girls Grammar School, Ilminster.

Signed S E Weaver PC 300. Cancelled - found by loser 26.7.37

Get your thinking caps on for fundraising quiz THE Ilminster History Society will be holding a quiz night later this month to raise funds for the group.

The quiz will be held on Sunday, May 29, at the Ilminster Bowling Club in Shudrick Lane from 7.30pm in readiness for an 8pm start.

It will cost £1 per person to enter and

there can a maximum of five people per team.

There will also be a raffle on the night.

For more information - please contact the society by email contact@ ilminsterhistory.co.uk or 07873167371 (please leave a message).

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Sunday 29th May 7:30pm for 8pm start Kindly hosted by Ilminster Bowling Club, Shudrick Lane, Ilminster, TA19 0BN £1 per person—Max teams of 5 Ilminster History Society A registered charity in England number 1196283 Registered address: 71 Summerlands Park Avenue, Ilminster, TA19 9BU www.ilminsterhistory.co.uk contact@ilminsterhistory.co.uk

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FLASHBACK

IN this month’s Ilminster Press community newspaper we take a pictorial look back at some of the stories and photos which featured in the corresponding May editions of 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Did your photo appear in the Edition Numbers 1, 13, 25 and 37 of the Ilminster Press? If you would ever like a back copy of the Ilminster Press please email us at ilminsterpress@gmail.com . Past copies of the Ilminster Press are priced £5 which includes post and packaging.

SCRUMPTION cakes were the order of the day at Tesco in Ilminster as funds were raised for town’s ongoing public defibrillator appeal. Pictured are Aimee Fitzpatrick, Helena Jones and Claire Kingdon Wall. This photo appeared in the May 2018 edition of Ilminster Press. Photo: Steve Sowden.

Legendary BBC Test Match Special radio commentator Henry Blofeld (second right) appeared at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster for an amusing anecdotes and reminisces from his life. He is pictured with (from left) Ilminster Cricket Club president Stuart Shepherd, event sponsor Jane Morgan and event organiser Julie Fowler. This photo appeared in the May 2018 edition of Ilminster Press.

Photo: Christine Jones.

THERE was plenty of baby talk at the Hannah May Hair and Beauty Studio in Ilminster after three of the team all gave birth within the space of just 26 days. This photo appeared in the May 2018 edition of the Ilminster Press.

Photo: Christine Jones.

PUPILS at Greenfylde First School in Ilminster were looking forward to the annual Ilminster Literary Festival – especially hosting a junior poetry recital competition. This photo appeared in the May 2018 edition of Ilminster Press. Photo: Steve Sowden.

A FANTASTIC £1,001 was raised for two charities during a cream tea afternoon held at Horton village hall. The afternoon fundraiser was organised by Kim Hill to support the Marie Curie charity and the oncology department at Yeovil District Hospital. Angie Blackwell, of Cottage Flowers, came along and provided a very entertaining floral demonstration and produced some beautiful arrangements.

This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press. Photos: Christine Jones.

THE annual 2019 Ilminster Town Criers Competition was hailed another great success by organisers. It was the fifth competition to be held in the town and the 2019 event was held on Saturday, May 11, which coincided with Somerset Day. Pictured are Ilminster town crier Andrew Fox and his wife Julie. This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press.

JUNIOR members of the Broadway Amateur Theatre Society were busy preparing for their next production – Cinderella with Music. This photo – taken by photographer Christine Jones – appeared in the May 2018 edition of Ilminster Press.

The May 2018 edition of the Ilminster Press included a feature on the grand opening of the newly-refurbished and newly-named Tony Rice Bar, previously known as The Shed, at Ilminster Recreation Ground – home of Ilminster Cricket Club. Members of Tony’s family are pictured at the opening.

Photo: Christine Jones.

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Gemma Champion, Aby Bidgood, Claire Stephenson and Kym Toms (pictured from left) successfully completed the 26-mile Walk the Walk Moonwalk around London and raised £1,738 for the Breast Cancer Research charity. This photo appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press.

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The Heritage of the Ile group– which provides the photos for the Down Memory Lane feature in the Ilminster Press each month – held its annual meeting at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster and was packed with people interested in the town’s past and included a talk entitled A Further Walk Through Olde Ilminster hosted by Jacqueline Bennett. This photo, taken by Christine Jones, appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press.

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DILLINGTON House was blessed with glorious weather for its Easter Eggstravaganza Weekend. This photo of the Ilminster Lions and Dillington staff appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press. Photo: Christine Jones.

TEENAGER Evelyn Lee bravely had her lovely flowing locks cut off and sent to the Little Princess Trust charity to help make a wig for a child who was suffering with hair loss due to cancer or another illness. Evelyn, who will be celebrating her 16th birthday on May 22, 2021, got her mum Abigail to do the deed and 15 inches of hair was sent to the charity. Evelyn did this in memory of her grandmother, Trish Lee, who passed away in May 2018. The photos show Evelyn Lee before and after the hair cut. These photos and story appeared in the May 2019 edition of Ilminster Press.

THE people of Ilminster joined with the rest of the country in commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE – Victory in Europe – Day. The usual street parties and events had to be re-thought because of the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions and advice. These photos appeared in the May 2020 edition of Ilminster Press. Photo: Submitted.

ILMINSTER Bowling and Tennis Club was awarded £4,500 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund towards the club’s running costs during the coronavirus pandemic. This photo appeared in the May 2020 edition of Ilminster Press, but was taken before Covid-19 restrictions. Photo: Submitted.

THE Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of Ilminster Scout Group were keeping very busy – even during the lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic. Even though face-to-face Scouting had stopped the young members had not with leaders setting weekly challenges for all the members to keep them Scouting at home. These photos appeared in the May 2020 edition of Ilminster Press.

THE Ilminster Press put out a message on social media in early May 2019 asking for parents and carers to get their children to design a Thank You poster – showing appreciation to our NHS workers and other front-line staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. We received lots of photos – including these two which appeared in the May 2020 edition of Ilminster Press.

Greenfylde First School pupil Oscar Proctor, six, was featured in the May 2021 edition of Ilminster Press after he was given a special behinds-the-scene look at the police in action. Oscar, who has an extremely rare disorder called Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, travelled in a police car with his older brother Alec and mum Emma to Avon and Somerset Police’s operational training centre in Clevedon. Photo: Steve Sowden.

Well-known florist Angie Blackwell was featured in the May 2021 edition of Ilminster Press after announcing plans to transform a piece of ground into a Cottage Garden at the Jordan’s Courtyard complex at Horton Cross. Cottage Garden is now a flourishing floral haven and is also now home to Cottage Flowers. Photo: Steve Sowden.

THE newly-revamped play area at the Ilminster Recreation Ground was officially declared open, while the large sand barge was officially named Sophie Louise in memory of the late Sophie Storey who had played a leading role in a public consultation about the proposed play area improvements back in 2014. These photos appeared in the May 2021 edition of Ilminster Press.

Photos: Christine Jones.

THE Ilminster branch of the Royal British Legion commemorated the charity’s 100th anniversary with a short ceremony at the War Memorial outside The Minster. These photos appeared in the May 2021 edition of Ilminster Press. Photos: Steve Sowden.

For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

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ILMINSTER PRESS YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

CALLING ALL CLUBS, SOCIETIES, GROUPS AND CHARITIES IN THE ILMINSTER AREA WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR GROUP NEWS INCLUDED IN FUTURE EDITIONS OF THE ILMINSTER PRESS? IF YOU WOULD - PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! You can email Ilminster Press editor Steve Sowden at ilminsterpress@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

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Legally Blonde sees theatrical group return to the stage with success!

THE junior members of Broadway Amateur Theatrical Society triumphantly returned to the stage with sell-out shows for their production of Legally Blonde Jr. BATS has been away from the stage at Broadway Village Hall for a couple of years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions during which time many of the juniors have gone on to other things or moved onto university!

So there might have been question marks over the future of the junior section with dwindling numbers, but a rallying call saw young wannabe stage performers come to the fore and join the group with excellent enthusiasm.

It was therefore a real celebration for BATS to be back on stage with a new group of young people enjoying themselves performing.

The upbeat musical of Legally Blonde follows the adventures of student, Elle Woods, who tries to win back her exboyfriend by earning a Harvard law degree.

Elle seems to have it all - good looks, a relationship with the “campus catch,” and great taste in clothes. Her life is

Lead role Elle was played by Lucy Speke (right) for three shows and understudy Peyia Wren-Chambers for one show.

Photographer Christine Jones took these photos during a dress rehearsal when Peyia was playing Elle.

turned upside-down when her boyfriend dumps her as he tries to get serious about his future and attend Harvard Law. Determined to win him back, and to his surprise, Elle manages to also gain entry

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to Harvard Law School. Once there, with the help of some new friends, she proves herself to the world and sings some fantastic songs along the way!

The lead role of Elle was played by

Lucy Speke on three of the four shows, while understudy Peyia Wren-Chambers was Elle on the Saturday matinee performance.

Christine Trueman, of BATS, said: “Most of the cast had more than one character to play - partly because we double cast to cover for Covid just in case anybody had to be in isolation for show dates.

“Very luckily that didn’t happen, but it also meant they all got lots of time on stage. They did so well learning the different parts.

“The show was great. The audiences loved it - we ended up with practically full houses on every performance. I could not believe it how the ticket sales went mad that last few days before the start of the run. A good time was had by all.”

Cast members were as follows: Lucy Speke, Henry Burn, Daniel Baker, Peyia Wren-Chambers, Amelia Wellman, Jorja Berry, Sophie Poole, Yelena Stevens, Meghan Pike, Jasmine Giles-Headley, Frankie May Guyett, Martha Keitch, Ella de Warren-Penny, Lily Knight, Maisy Buttle and Poppy Lankester.

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Mistress of Murder, Agatha Christie, returns to the Warehouse Theatre THE Ilminster Entertainment Society is busy putting together its next production which will be performed at the Warehouse Theatre.

The play is set around an unhappy game of romantic “Follow My Leader” one weekend at The Hollow, home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell.

Dr John Cristow is at the centre of the trouble for at The Hollow are Henrietta, his mistress, Veronica, his ex-mistress, and Gerda, his wife.

To further complicate matters, also present is Edward, in love with Henrietta, and Midge, in love with Edward. Is it any wonder that it all ends in murder?

A wonderful play by the Mistress of Murder, Agatha Christie, and the IES will be looking to thrill audiences with its production of The Hollow at the Warehouse Theatre from June 22-25.

Tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 for children/students and these are available from www. thewarehousetheatre.org.uk .

wide variety of talks on gardening-related and other topics, visits to local gardens of interest, two flowers shows, plant sales and discounts at Gardens Group garden centres.

For more information email BDGSTreasurer@gmail.com or phone 01460-54691.

Arguably the greatest crime novelist of all-time – Agatha Christie.

THE Barrington and District Gardening Society is on the lookout for new members!

Meetings are held at Barrington Village Hall on the third Tuesday of most months – starting at 7.30pm.

For your annual fee of £10 you will receive a number of benefits including a

HORTON Film Club started showing films in the village hall in February 2012 and last month it celebrated its 100th showing – the film Nowhere Special.

The club has 72 members who pay £25 for the 11 films shown in the year.

In non-Covid times visitors are welcome, paying £5 to watch each film.

The film club was the only movie group in 2012 to successfully apply for a National Lottery grant. The £5,665 from the Lottery fund was supported by a £6,500 grant from the Horton Village Hall Committee.

The money was used to buy a cinema

quality projector, a DVD player and amplifier, surround sound speakers and an additional set of staging. The latter means people watching films in the village hall have a choice of two tiers of staging or the floor. Typically, films attract an audience of between 45 and 90.

Glyn Ottery, chairman of Horton Film Club, said: “The club has been very successful, putting back over £1,000 to the village hall each year.

“The film club is run quite differently to most village film clubs, in that the club buys the DVD and blu-ray to show each month. This means the club has built up a large catalogue of films shown, which members borrow free of charge.”

The season post Covid runs from September to July each year. There is one film each month, usually on the third Thursday of the month starting at 7.30pm. The remaining films for this season are: May 19 – Belfast; June 16 – West Side Story; July 21 – The Duke.

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Ilminster Arts Centre bounces back but would still welcome support MAY 18, 2022, will mark the first full year of renewed activities at Ilminster Arts Centre since it was forced to close by the Government due to Covid-19.

Having to lock its doors led to a significant loss of income for the charity, as well as many other arts and entertainment venues.

“It’s probably been the toughest time for the arts centre charity since it was established more than 25 years ago,” said trustee Alan Hyde.

“Encouragingly, since we were allowed to open our doors again we’ve made and continue to make a strong and steady recovery as we build back visitor numbers. But there’s more to do. Support from the community and visitors has never been more important as we continue with our busy and varied programme of performances, exhibitions and workshops.”

The arts centre says that, like many performance venues, audience numbers to its weekly concerts remain slightly lower than normal, although more people now appear to be venturing out.

“As a charity we rely heavily on the

popularity of our concert programme and have worked hard to build a good reputation for live music, jazz in particular,” added Alan.

“It has helped to put the town firmly on the UK’s music map. We even get international attention. Performers love playing in such a historic church setting, with our beautiful glass-stained windows, a unique atmosphere, amazing acoustics, and a well-ventilated, high-ceilinged main hall.”

Surveys show that once people attend a concert again they remember the thrill of live performances above all else and confidence is restored.

Thankfully, audience numbers has not been an issue for Friday’s (May 13) Abba Angels tribute concert which is a sell out.

And there are many more performance highlights to look forward to in the coming months including Sunsplash on May 27, with the Philip Clouts quintet, who will be playing jazz from the South African townships.

On June 24, the arts centre welcomes legendary American sax player Jean Toussaint, formerly of Art Blakey’s Jazz

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Messengers. He will be playing top class ‘hard bop’ jazz, supported by the Craig Milverton Trio - not to be missed!

As well as enjoying excellent live music from top performers, concert-goers also get to enjoy free entry to the high quality art exhibitions in the Gallery, while they enjoy a drink before performances and during the interval. “You could say that at each concert we provide a multisensory, value-for-money experience to suit all sorts of cultural tastes,” said Alan.

To celebrate Somerset Day on May 11, the arts centre launched a competition for two free tickets to any concert performance over the next 12 months.

The winner will be announced on May 23. To enter, visit the art centre’s Twitter or Facebook pages.

In other news, the arts centre launched its Ilminster Open Exhibition 2022 last month, inviting artists to submit their entries by 6pm on June 11. There is a total of £800 in prize money up for grabs and an opportunity for your work to be put on public display. For more information email artscentreopen@gmail.com or visit www.ilminsterartscentre.com

Separately, in the near future the centre plans to re-launch its Friends scheme, so keep your eyes peeled for details.

Finally, for now, the arts centre continues to welcome applications from local people wishing to be a volunteer or trustee and give something back to the community. If you are interested, please email iacvolunteers@outlook.com.

PHOTO: Legendary sax player Jean Toussaint will be at Ilminster Arts Centre on June 24.

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LEISURE LISTINGS WELCOME to the Ilminster Press leisure listings and what’s on guide. If you would like to have a listing included in the future – please email us at ilminsterpress@gmail.com.

MAY 2022 Thursday, May 12: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, May 12: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Friday, May 13: Dillington House – Course: On the Margin, Into the Frame – Black Identity in Art. Friday, May 13: Dillington House – Course: Two Ways to Paint a Watercolour.

Friday, May 13: Ilminster Arts Centre – Readers Book Club.

Friday, May 13: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Abba’s Angels.

Saturday, May 14: Ilminster Town Criers Competition from 10am to 1.45pm in the Market Square, Ilminster.

Saturday, May 14: Comedy Night at the Warehouse Theatre in Brewery Lane, Ilminster, from 7.30pm.

Tickets priced at £12 and available online plus more information at www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk. The show is not suitable for children.

Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 17: Dillington House – Course: An Introduction to Interior Design.

Monday, May 16: Dillington House – Course: Bookbinding – The Cross Structure Binding.

Tuesday, May 17, to Saturday, June 11: Ilminster Arts Centre – Exhibition: Liz Watts and Susan Thomson return with their latest exhibition entitled Sweet Dreams.

Tuesday, May 17: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Tuesday, May 17, to Thursday, May 19: Dillington House – Course: Recorder Consort Course.

Wednesday, May 18: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, May 18: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Wednesday, May 18: Dillington House – Course: Willow Bee Sculpture Workshop.

Thursday, May 19: Horton Film Club at Horton village hall – Belfast – starting at 7.30pm. For more information contact 07585 114711.

Thursday, May 19: Heritage of the Ile Trust is holding its annual meeting at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster from 7.30pm. There will also be a presentation about Ilminster’s Industrial Heritage. Tickets are priced £5 – which includes membership of the Trust for 12 months.

To book your tickets – please call 01460-53928 or email info@heritageoftheile.co.uk .

Thursday, May 19: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, May 19: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, May 19: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 01460-61996.

Friday, May 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Felting.

Friday, May 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Rag Rugs.

Friday, May 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Mingus Moves.

Saturday, May 21: Dillington House – Course: Industrialisation and German Unification.

Saturday, May 21, through to Saturday May 28: The 2022 Ilminster Literary Festival. Go to www. ilminsterliteraryfestival.org for more details. Checkout the centre pages of this month’s Ilminster Press for full itinerary of fantastic events.

Saturday, May 21: Grand plant sale arranged by the Somerset Wildlife Trust Ilminster and Chard Group. A wide variety of plants as well as cakes and preserves will be on sale – please donate good quality, labelled plants, along with cakes and preserves. Offers of help appreciated – please contact 01460-234551 for more

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information. The sale will be taking place at the Market Hall in East Street, Ilminster.

Sunday, May 22: Murder Mystery Evening at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster in support of Guide Dogs – the Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne fundraising group – from 7pm. Call 07970 555504 for more details.

Monday, May 23: Dillington House – Course: You the Jury – Casebook 8.

Monday, May 23: Dillington House – Course: Your Day of Wellbeing.

Monday, May 23: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

Wednesday, May 25: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, May 25: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, May 26: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, May 26: Dillington House – Course: Thomas Paine – An 18th Century English Radical, Founding Father and Author of the Rights of Man. Thursday, May 26: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, May 26: Ilminster Rotary Club and Ilminster Literary Festival will be holding an evening of Antiques Call My Bluff at 7pm at the Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster, in support of the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal and Bowel Cancer UK. Tickets are £17.50 which includes a ploughman’s supper and will be available from April 26 from www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org.

Friday, May 27: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Stitch.

Friday, May 27: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Jazz from the South African townships with the Philip Clouts Quintet.

Saturday, May 28: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Sew Along.

Monday, May 30: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

JUNE 2022 Wednesday, June 1: Dillington House – Wednesday Lunch and Lecture: Honfleur – Cradle of Impressionism.

Wednesday, June 1: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, June 1: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, June 2, through to Sunday, June 5: The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 70 Years on the Thorne Celebrations. There are plenty of events happening in Ilminster – go to Page 9 of this month’s Ilminster Press for full itinerary details.

Thursday, June 2: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 0146061996.

Thursday, June 2: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Friday, June 3: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Three Men In a Boat.

Saturday, June 4: Ilminster Arts Centre – An Evening of Music and Art. A musical evening with harpist, singer and songwriter Bianca and a chance to ask Liz Watts about the making of her ceramics.

Monday, June 6: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

Monday, June 6, to Wednesday, June 8: Dillington House – Course: Schwalm Embroidery.

Tuesday, June 7: Dillington House – Course: The Dillington Book Club will be discussing Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forester.

Thursday, June 9: Dillington House – Course: Lino Printing Workshop.

Friday, June 10: Ilminster Arts Centre – Readers Book Club.

Friday, June 10: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Mike Denham with Michael McQuaid.

Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Dillington House – Course: Stonehenge – Landscape and People.

Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Dillington House – Course: Elizabeth Gaskell – Selected Works.

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Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 12: Ilminster Midsummer Experience – Flag Festival; Ilminster Arts Centre Exhibition; History Trail; Scarecrow Competition. Please note – subject to change.

Saturday, June 11: Ilminster Midsummer Experience – The Food and Craft Market; Suitcase Market; Community Drive; Street Entertainment; PopUp Art Exhibition; The Warehouse Theatre; Ilminster Tennis Club. Please note – subject to change.

Sunday, June 12: Ilminster Midsummer Experience – Classic Vehicle Show; Lunch on the Rec; Motionhouse; Family Fun Dog Show; Three Peaks Walk; Strolling Garage Sale; Ilminster Bowling Club; Face Painting; Children’s Fun Fair; Food Court; Brass Band Concert; Ilminster Majorettes; Ukulele Club. Please note – subject to change.

Sunday, June 12, to Friday, June 17: The annual Scarecrow Competition in Ilminster.

Monday, June 13, to Wednesday, June 15: Dillington House – Course: An Introduction to the Philosophy of the Islamic World.

Monday, June 13: Dillington House – Course: Leatherwork – Card and Coin Pouch Workshop.

Monday, June 13: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

Tuesday, June 14: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Tuesday, June 14, through to Friday, June 24: Ilminster Arts Centre – Exhibition: Work by pupils of Greenfylde First School – its last as a First School; before becoming part of a new primary school in September. The display will also include the creative work of the Cygnets and Sunny Ile pre-schools.

Wednesday, June 15: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, June 15: Dillington House – Course: Paint and Stitch on Silk.

Wednesday, June 15: Dillington House – Course: Printing with Leaves Workshop.

Thursday, June 16: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels Thursday, June 16: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, June 16: Horton Film Club at Horton village hall – West Side Story – starting at 7.30pm. For more information contact 07585 114711.

Thursday, June 16: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 01460-61996.

Thursday, June 16: Dillington House – Course: Botanical Intarsia Knitting Colour Workshop.

Friday, June 17: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Tim Horton – Piano.

Saturday, June 18: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Art Chest – Children’s Art Workshop.

Sunday, June 19, to Friday, June 24: Dillington House – Course: Bobbin Lace.

Monday, June 20: Dillington House – Course: On the Margin, into the Frame – Northern Lights.

Monday, June 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

Tuesday, June 21: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Tuesday, June 21: Dillington House – Course: The Colourful Tombs of Beni Hasan.

Wednesday, June 22: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, June 22: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Wednesday, June 22, to Saturday, June 25: The Ilminster Entertainments Society will be performing the Agatha Christie play Hollow at the Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster. Tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 for children/students – available from www. thewarehousetheatre.org.uk .

Wednesday, June 22, to Friday, June 24: Dillington House – Course: Victoria Style Hand Embroidery.

Thursday, June 23: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, June 23: Ilminster Arts Centre –

Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, June 23: Dillington House – Course: You the Jury – Casebook 9.

Friday, June 24: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Stitch.

Friday, June 24: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Jean Toussaint with the Craig Milverton Trio.

Monday, June 27: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Clay Sculpture.

Monday, June 27: Ilminster Arts Centre – Course: Country Sheep Needle Felting Workshop.

Monday, June 27:Dillington House – Course: Dot and Speck and Dash and Dab. Monday, June 27, through to Wednesday, June 29: Dillington House – Course: Evelyn Waugh – His Life and Literature.

Tuesday, June 28: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Tuesday, June 28, through to Friday, July 8: Ilminster Arts Centre – Exhibition: Gaia.

Wednesday, June 29: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, June 29: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, June 30: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, June 30: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, June 30: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 01460-61996.

JULY 2022 Friday, July 1: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong Tribute.

Sunday, July 3, through to Wednesday, July 6: Dillington House – Course: English Parish Churches – Their Architecture, Design and Use. Monday, July 4: Dillington House – Course: Paris – Its History and Art. Monday, July 4: Ilminster Arts Centre – Course: Willow Chicken and Cockerel Workshop.

Tuesday, July 5: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Wednesday, July 6: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, July 6: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Wednesday, July 6, and Thursday, July 7: Dillington House – Course: Chinese Brush Painting – Flower, Bird and Insects in Freehand Style for Intermediate and Advanced.

Thursday, July 7: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, July 7: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Friday, July 8: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Greg Abate US – alto sax supremo.

Monday, July 11: Dillington House – Course: Indian Block Printing Workshop – Next Steps.

Tuesday, July 12: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Tuesday, July 12, through to Friday, August 5: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Annual Open.

Wednesday, July 13, and Thursday, July 14: Dillington House – Course: Making a Leaded Stained Glass Panel.

Wednesday, July 13: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Wednesday, July 13: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Thursday, July 14: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, July 14: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, July 14: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 01460-61996.

Thursday, July 14:Dillington House – Course: Aran

For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

Knitting – Cables and Bobbles.

Friday, July 15: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Callum Smart on violin and Richard Uttley on piano.

Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Experimental drawing and print-making weekend.

Monday, July 18, through to Wednesday, July 20: Lawson’s All Human Circus will be at the Ilminster Recreation Ground.

Monday, July 18, through to Thursday, July 21: Dillington House – Course: Botanical Illustration.

Monday, July 18: Dillington House – Course: The Cathedral Builders.

Tuesday, July 19: Dillington House – Course: Architecture on Holiday – The Buildings of the English Seaside.

Tuesday, July 19: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Wednesday, July 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Acrylics.

Wednesday, July 20: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, July 21: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Pastels.

Thursday, July 21: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Painting.

Thursday, July 21: Horton Film Club at Horton village hall – The Duke – starting at 7.30pm. For more information contact 07585 114711.

Friday, July 22: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Magellan’s Circumnavigation – In Words and Song.

Monday, July 24: Dillington House – Course: Bookbinding – Optional Focus on Case Building.

Tuesday, July 25: Dillington House – Course: The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt’s Capital.

Tuesday, July 26: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Watercolours.

Wednesday, July 27: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, July 28: Chard Folk Dance Club at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall from 7.30pm. More details from Elaine on 01460-65909 or Hillary on 01460-61996.

Friday, July 29: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: The Gareth Hughes Sextet – featuring Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes and Dean Masser.

Sunday, July 31, through to Thursday, August 4: Dillington House – Course: The Joy of Painting.

AUGUST 2022 Monday, August 1, to Wednesday, August 3: Dillington House – Course: The Thutmosids of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

Tuesday, August 2: Dillington House – Course: Get to Know Your Sewing Machine.

Wednesday, August 3: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: The Figure & The Face.

Thursday, August 4: Dillington House – Course: Lace Knitting.

Sunday, August 7: Dillington House – Music: Guitar Festival Sunday Concert – Eden Stell Guitar Duo. Sunday, August 7, to Saturday, August 13: Dillington House – Course: Guitar Summer School.

Monday, August 8: Dillington House – Music: Guitar Festival - Amadeus Guitar Duo. Tuesday, August 9: Dillington House – Music: Guitar Festival – Jessica Marie Quinones and Mark Eden.

Wednesday, August 10: Dillington House – Music: Guitar Festival – Duo Agostino.

Thursday, August 11: Dillington House – Music: Guitar Festival – Bibi Heal and Amanda Cook.

Friday, August 12: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Mike Denham with an All-Star Quartet.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Landscapes with Churches – West Country Church Crawling with Mike Hope.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Pencil to Paint Art Course with David Chandler.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Ready, Steady, Write – with Diane Janes.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Stumpwork Embroidery with Annette Bolton.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Ten by Ten – More! With Gwyn Parry Jones.

Sunday, August 14, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: The Mysterious Impressionists with Dr Jan Cox. Monday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 16: Dillington House – Course: Pencil Art with David Chandler.

Monday, August 15: Dillington House – Course:

Willow Dragonfly Workshop.

Tuesday, August 16, and Wednesday, August 17: Ilminster Arts Centre – In the Field & In the Studio.

Tuesday, August 16: Dillington House – Course: Willow Pig Workshop.

Tuesday, August 16: South Somerset District Council Play Day on the Ilminster Recreation Ground.

Wednesday, August 17, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Exploring Fabric Dyeing and Screen Painting with Zara Shepherd.

Wednesday, August 17, to Friday, August 19: Dillington House – Course: Paint Art Course with David Chandler.

Friday, August 19: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: An Evening with Tim Pitman with Duo Paradis.

Monday, August 22: Dillington House – Course: Red Woodland Squirrel Needle Felting Workshop.

Monday, August 22: Dillington House – Course: The Woman in the Window.

Monday, August 22, to Wednesday, August 24: Dillington House – Course: Watercolour Wildlife.

Wednesday, August 24: Dillington House – Course: Foundations of Yoga.

Friday, August 26: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Alex Garnett with Alison Neale and the Craig Milverton Trio.

SEPTEMBER 2022 Friday, September 2: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Humphreys, Berridge and Grimwood.

Wednesday, September 7, through to Saturday, September 10: The Ilminster Entertainments Society will be performing the comedy play Holiday Snap at the Warehouse Theatre in Brewery Lane, Ilminster.

Friday, September 9: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Rag Rugs.

Friday, September 9: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: The Sweet and Hot Quartet.

Saturday, September 10: Macmillan Cancer Support World’s (and Ilminster’s) Biggest Coffee Morning at the Archie Gooch Pavilion in Canal Way, Ilminster, from 9.30am to noon. Stalls will include cake and jam, bring and buy, bric-a-brac, bag a bargain plus a raffle. Come and enjoy coffee, cake and chat to help raise money for a fantastic charity.

Saturday, September 10: South Petherton Carnival.

Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17: Bethany Goodman will be at the Warehouse Theatre in Brewery Lane, Ilminster, to present the one woman show Tell Me On A Sunday – by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black – with tickets priced £20 and £16 for children/students and available from www. thewarehousetheatre.org.uk .

Friday, September 16: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Flying Folk with Jemima Farey.

Friday, September 23: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Sketch and Design Books.

Friday, September 23: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Bowie Fashion – A Tribute to David Bowie.

Saturday, September 24: Ilminster Children’s Carnival.

Saturday, September 24: Wellington Carnival.

Friday, September 23: Ilminster Arts Centre – Workshop: Creative Sketch & Design Books.

Friday, September 30: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Ben Holder and Pete Allen.

OCTOBER 2022 Saturday, October 1: Ilminster Carnival – the main illuminated parade.

Friday, October 7: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: The Jubilee Quartet.

Saturday, October 8: Chard Carnival.

Friday, October 14: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Dave Kelley with Bob Hall and Hilary Blythe.

Saturday, October 15: Taunton Carnival.

Friday, October 21: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: A Short History of Music.

Friday, October 21, to Sunday, October 23: Dillington House – Course: The Hanseatic League.

Friday, October 21, to Monday, October 24: Dillington House – Course: Bobbin Lace.

Sunday, October 23: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: Imaging the Merchant Princes of the Renaissance with Mike Hope.

Monday, October 24, and Tuesday, October 25: Dillington House – Course: Making a Leaded Stained Glass Panel.

Tuesday, October 25: Dillington House – Course: Beaded Starburst Embroidery.

Friday, October 28: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Mark Crooks and Colin Oxley with the Craig Milverton Trio.

Saturday, October 29: Dillington House – Course: The Age of Discovery – The Mercantile Empires.

Monday, October 31, to Wednesday, November 2:

For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

Dillington House – Course: Amenhotep III and the Sun Kings of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

NOVEMBER 2022 Tuesday, November 1: Dillington House – Course: Knitted Toys.

Thursday, November 3, to Sunday, November 6: Dillington House – Course: Autumn Delights Embroidery.

Friday, November 4: Ilminster Arts Centre – Music: Burrell, Kibble and Gerrard.

Monday, November 7, to Wednesday, November 9: Dillington House – Course: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind.

Monday, November 7, to Thursday, November 10: Dillington House – Course: Botanical Illustration.

Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13: Dillington House – Course: Raphael, Leonardo and Michelangelo – A Fresh Look.

Friday, November 11: Dillington House – Course: Won’t Draw, Can’t Paint!

Monday, November 14, to Friday, November 18: Dillington House – Course: Bookbinding – Optional Focus on Library Style Binding.

Wednesday, November 16: Dillington House – Course: Willow Angel Workshop.

Friday, November 18: Christmas Festival – better known as Victorian Evening – will take place in Ilminster town centre and include the switching-on of the Christmas Lights.

Monday, November 21: Dillington House – Course: Every Picture Tells a Story – Victorian Narrative Painting.

Monday, November 21: Dillington House – Course: Introduction to Mindfulness & Meditation.

Tuesday, November 22: Dillington House – Course: Learn to Machine Sew Piped & Zipped Scatter Cushions.

Friday, November 25, to Sunday, November 27: Dillington House – Course: Egyptomania.

Sunday, November 27: Dillington House – Sunday Lecture: Ancient Egypt at the Movies with Mike Hope.

Monday, November 28: Dillington House – Course: Christmas Card and Gift Block Printing Workshop.

DECEMBER 2022 Thursday, December 1: Dillington House – Course: Festive Knitting Workshop.

Monday, December 5: Dillington House – Course: Christmas Card and Gift Block Printing Workshop.

Monday, December 5: Dillington House – Course: Vintage Bear Needle Felting Workshop.

Tuesday, December 6: Dillington House – Course: Festive Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshop.

Tuesday, December 13, to Thursday, December 15: Dillington House – Course: Architects and the Architectural Movements of the Twentieth Century.

JANUARY 2023 Friday, January 20, to Monday, January 23: Dillington House – Course: Enhancing Wellbeing Getaway.

Saturday, January 21: Dillington House – Course: The Age of Discovery – The John Company and India.

FEBRUARY 2023 Monday, February 23: Dillington House – Course: The Devil in the Detail: Deciphering Two Iconic Tudor Portraties.

MARCH 2023 Saturday, March 18: Dillington House – Course: The Age of Discovery – Trade and The Flag: The Spoils Divided.

APRIL 2023 Monday, April 3: Dillington House – Course: Barbara Hepworth and St Ives Artists 1928 to 1975.

MAY 2023 Saturday, May 20: Dillington House – Course: The Age of Discovery – In Search of the Northern Passages.

FOR more details about events, ticket information and times at Dillington House – please go to https:// dillington.com or phone 01460-285648.

For more details about events, ticket information and times at Ilminster Arts Centre – please go to www. themeetinghouse.org.uk or phone 01460-54973.

For more details about events, ticket information and times at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster – please go to www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk or email info@thewarehousetheatre.org.uk .

For more details about the 2022 Ilminster Literary Festival running from May 21-28, 2022, please go to www.ilminsterliteraryfestival.org .

EXCITING NEWS! Cottage Flowers has relocated to The Cottage Garden at Jordans Courtyard at Horton Cross, near Ilminster, TA19 9PY

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm Weekend opening hours longer in the summer months We look forward to seeing you! Call us on 01460-53020 YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

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CHURCH NEWS

The human race is one - there is not you, there is no me, there is only we YOU may be familiar with this phrase - And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

These rather ominous sounding words were written by the poet and priest John Donne, who was the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in the early seventeenth century. The poem begins with these equally famous lines - No man is an island, Entire of itself.

Both the start and the end of the poem are meant to make us think about our connectedness to one another and the ways in which we can only truly flourish when everyone does. And that applies not only to our near neighbours but to

those far away too - which is why the war in Ukraine diminishes everyone, and why our hearts long for peace for that country and its people. The whole world is connected – something we also learned from the pandemic.

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a great advocate for the idea of ‘ubuntu’ - a Bantu word that means “I am because we are.” He explained it like this: “The human race is one. In ubuntu, there is not you, there is no me, there is only we.”

Which brings me back to bells. The Minster is blessed with a beautiful ring of bells and a very dedicated band of bellringers. The bells sound out across the town for all kinds of occasions. A single

bell tolling solemnly to mark the start of a funeral, all the bells ringing joyfully to celebrate a wedding and on Sunday mornings, a single bell rings three times to remind the town that bread and wine are being blessed in a service of Holy Communion. In a few weeks’ time they will be ringing a peal to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

But what’s the point of ringing the bells, beyond the fact that they sound wonderful? I think they remind us of the connectedness that John Donne’s poem refers to and which ‘ubuntu’ is all about. Human beings aren’t meant to live alone but together - in loving, caring families, and neighbourhoods. So when

we hear a bell tolling for a funeral, we feel sadness for the loss of others, and when we hear them ringing at the start or end of a wedding, we rejoice at a couple beginning their married life together.

Praying may not be something you do regularly, or maybe you don’t call it that, but perhaps all of us could use the bells of The Minster as a prompt to think of one another in our joys and sorrows and to hold them before God, who is with us through all life’s seasons.

With my love REV JO STOBART The Minster at Ilminster & St Mary’s Church at Whitelackington

Jubilee events with The Minster A SERVICE of Thanksgiving will be held at The Minster in Ilminster on Thursday, June 2, at 7pm to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Come along to our beautiful parish church and give thanks for the 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen with songs and readings to reflect a life of duty and service to our nation,” said a spokesman for The Minster.

“The service will last no longer than an hour - allowing plenty of time to join in the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm.”

A Cakes and Crowns event will be held on Friday, June 3, from 10.30am encompassing a cake competition and parade of decorated crowns.

One undecorated cardboard crown will be given to each pupil at Greenfylde First School ahead of the event with additional

News in brief THE next Memory Café sessions are being held on May 18 and June 1 at the Minster Rooms in Ilminster.

It is a dementia friendly safe space in the heart of town for conversation and friendship along with refreshments and a range of activities to enjoy.

FOR information about all services and activities at The Minster in Ilminster and at St Mary’s Church, Whitelackington, please visit the website www.ilminsterpc. org.uk or Facebook page www.facebook. com/minsterilminster.

You can also contact The Minster and St Mary’s Whitelackington via the Church Office, The Minster Rooms, Court Barton, Ilminster TA19 0DU. Alternatively phone 01460-57811 or email office@ilminsterpc.org.uk .

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crowns made available for decoration on the day or requested in advance.

A treasure hunt, free jubilee themed crafts and tea, coffee, and cake will be on sale throughout the day.

More details about events happening locally for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee can be found on Pages 8-9 of this edition of Ilminster Press.

DID you know that May is National Walking Month? It is also the time of year that many churches celebrate Rogation days - the three days which precede Ascension Day which are especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.

So, why not dust off your walking boots and join the Beating the Bounds walk on Sunday, May 29 - marking the boundaries of Ilminster and Whitelackington?

More details can be found in the advert on this page.

THERE are three opportunities to join in with a short meditation session at The Minster in Ilminster from 8.10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Evening meditation also takes place each Wednesday at 7.30pm, with an earlier start of 7pm on the first Wednesday of each month.

For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Let us know your family news WELCOME to the Family Announcements feature in YOUR monthly Ilminster Press community newspaper.

We will be delighted to publish your announcements – whether it is Births, Birthday Greetings, Congratulations, Marriages, Anniversaries and Good Luck Messages.

We will also hopefully be working closely with local funeral directors on the sad event of death announcements and possible obituary reports.

People can submit their Family Announcements by emailing the Ilminster Press at ilminsterpress@gmail.com .

Steve Sowden, editor of the Ilminster

Press, said: “Family Announcements are part and parcel of any local newspaper and I’m delighted to offer this service to the people of Ilminster and surrounding area.

“The Ilminster Press now has a printrun of 2,500 copies a month and these are distributed at various outlets within the Ilminster area where people can pick them up.”

Lineage announcements can be published for free, but if you would like to add a photo to your message there will be a charge of £5.

So if you have any Family Announcements that are coming up in 2022 – please let us know.

www.ilminsterpress.co.uk | ilminsterpress@gmail.com

Choice of Hearses available including our Land Rover Hearse

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS PAULL – BARRY: Many happy returns Elvis on your Birthday on May 25. We hope you have a fantastic day! Lots of love from all your family and friends.

PAULL – BARRY: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 25. Have a great day! Best wishes from everyone at the Ilminster Press.

HAINES – DANIEL: Have a lovely day on your Birthday on May 26. Love from all your family and friends.

HAINES – DANIEL: Congratulations on your Birthday on May 26. Best wishes from all your pals at Ilminster Town FC. HAINES – DANIEL: Hoping you have a great Birthday on May 26. Best wishes from everyone at the Ilminster Press.

GLYNN – IRENE: Many happy returns for your Birthday on June 2. Love from all your family and friends.

GLYNN – IRENE: Congratulations on your Birthday on June 2. Love and best wishes from all your friends at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster.

GLYNN – IRENE: Hoping you have a wonderful day on your Birthday on June 2.

Best wishes from your friends at the Ilminster Press.

WARFIELD – MARK: Another year older, another year wiser. Many happy returns for your Birthday on June 4. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

WARFIELD – MARK: Have a fantastic day for your Birthday on June 4. Best wishes from everyone at Ilminster Cricket Club.

WARFIELD – MARK: Congratulations for your Birthday on June 4 – have a few beers to celebrate! Best wishes from the Ilminster Press.

SOUSTER – LISA: Many happy returns for your Birthday on June 9. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

SOUSTER – LISA: Have a fabulous day on your Birthday on June 9: Best wishes from all your friends at the Broadway Amateur Theatrical Society.

SOUSTER – LISA: Congratulations for your Birthday on June 9 – have a great day! Best wishes from your friends at the Castaway Theatre Group.

SOUSTER – LISA: Here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday on June 9. From everyone at the Ilminster Press.

TIMSON – KENNY: Many happy returns for your Birthday on June 10. Love from all your family and friends.

TIMSON – KENNY: Congratulations on your Birthday on June 10 – hope you have a great day. From all your chums at Ilminster Town FC. TIMSON – KENNY: Have a great Birthday on June 10 (even if you are a Spurs fan!). Best wishes from the Ilminster Press.

WOODARD – LUKE: Have a fantastic day on June 10 for your Birthday. Love and best wishes from all your family and friends.

WOODARD – LUKE: Many congratulations for your Birthday on June 10. Many happy returns – best wishes from the Ilminster Press.

STUCKEY – CRAIG: Have a fantastic day on your Birthday on June 18. Love from all your family and friends.

STUCKEY – CRAIG: Many happy returns for your Birthday on June 18. Best wishes from all your friends at Ilminster Town FC. STUCKEY – CRAIG: Have a great day on your Birthday on June 18. Best wishes from your friends at Ilminster Town Ladies FC. STUCKEY – CRAIG: Hoping you have a great Birthday on June 18. Best wishes from everyone at the Ilminster Press.

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Send your family announcements to ilminsterpress@gmail.com

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For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

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29

ILMINSTER CRICKET CLUB 1ST TEAM FIXTURES 2022 PREMIER TWO BRISTOL/SOMERSET DIVISION WEST OF ENGLAND PREMIER CRICKET LEAGUE (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)

Saturday, May 7, 2022 Midsomer Norton v Ilminster Midsomer Norton won by five wickets Saturday, May 14, 2022 Ilminster v Frome 12.30pm Start Saturday, May 21, 2022 Bristol v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Monday, May 23, 2022 Ilminster v North Perrott Major Knockout Cup 6pm Start Saturday, May 28, 2022 Ilminster v Golden Hill 12.30pm Start Saturday, June 4, 2022 Bishopston v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Saturday, June 11, 2022 Weston-super-Mare v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Saturday, June 18, 2022 Ilminster v Shapwick & Polden 12.30pm Start Saturday, June 25, 2022 Winterbourne v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Saturday, July 2, 2022 Ilminster v Downend 12.30pm Start Saturday, July 9, 2022 Ilminster v Midsomer Norton 12.30pm Start Saturday, July 16, 2022 Frome v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Saturday, July 23, 2022 Ilminster v Bristol 12.30pm Start Saturday, July 30, 2022 Golden Hill v Ilminster 12.30pm Start Saturday, August 6, 2022 Ilminster v Bishopston 12.30pm Start

Ilminster look to bounce back after opening day disappointment THERE was opening day disappointment for Ilminster Cricket Club at the start of the 2022 season.

The firsts went down by five wickets away at Midsomer Norton in the Premier Two Bristol/Somerset Division of the West of England Premier Cricket League.

Midsomer Norton won the toss and elected to field and Ilminster lost opener Jonny Warry to a duck.

It became 18-2 when the experienced Sam Spurway, coming in at number three, was bowled for just five.

But Ilminster rallied through skipper and opener Charlie Vickery and Ben Johnston before Vickery departed for 31 with the score having moved to 66-3.

Johnston top scored with 60, but he became the sixth wicket to fall with the score now on 129-6.

Ilminster were eventually bowled out for 155 on 36.3 overs.

Midsomer Norton reached the winning post on 35.4 overs with five wickets down shared between Adam Cox (two), James Pyman, Charlie Vickery and James Thompson.

It was a bad day all-round for the Ilminster men – as the 2nds lost to North Newton, the 3rds were defeated

by Wincanton and the 4ths lost against Taunton Deane.

At least the Ilminster women gave the club something to cheer about on May 8 with wins against Broadway & Horton and North Petherton, although there was a defeat against North Perrott.

The first team will look to bounce back in their first home game of the season on May 14 when Frome are the visitors to the Ilminster Recreation Ground.

They then travel to Bristol on May 21, before they face North Perrott in an evening game at the Recreation Ground on Monday, May 23, in the Major Knockout Cup starting at 6pm.

Ilminster are at home again on May 28 with the visit of Golden Hill and then visit Bishopston on June 4 and a trip to Weston-super-Mare on June 11.

The Ilminster All Stars for five-to-eightyear-olds starts on Friday, May 13, and there is still time to sign up via the ECB

website; a great way for children to learn skills that can be used far beyond cricket.

As ever the club’s Under 19s T20 competition looks to be gripping as ever and Ilminster’s continued effort to produce both great cricket and a great atmosphere has rewarded them with the hosting of three games of finals on August 7. The group fixtures start in June with a friendly game planned for May 27.

Ilminster CC always looks to welcome both new and returning players, so if you want to dust off the willow, let the club know and email ilimnstercricketclub@ gmail.com. You can also contact the club through social media.

If you prefer to relax in the sun then you can take advantage of drinks offers and members draw by joining as a social member from £25 - links to join can be obtained on the club’s Facebook page or by using the email. Or you can join by visiting The Tony Rice Bar which is open weekends on Fridays from 5.30pm, Saturdays from midday and Sundays from midday.

Give bowls a try during club open taster days THE outdoor bowls season has started and the green is open and Ilminster Bowling Club is offering people the chance to have a go at bowls during FREE open taster days.

A club spokesman said: “Bowls is a fantastic sport for all ages and abilities from new to experienced bowlers – so come and experience a few hours with us and have a go at bowls.

“We will have our coaches on hand to help people get to grips with the game or help develop their game.”

The open taster days will be held from 10am to 12midday on Friday, May 27, and then from 10am to 2pm on Monday, May 30.

“If anyone would like more information please email or call us,” added the spokesman. “Or if people would like to

register for the event they can do via the club website or just turn up on the day and we will be there to welcome them.”

More details available from 01460-52268, email ilminsterbowlingandtennisclub@gmail. com or go to www.ilminsterbowlingclub. com .

Meanwhile, a special night will take place at the bowls club on Friday (May 13) when a celebration night is held in honour of the club’s very Kirsty Hembrow who won the EIBA National Ladies Singles Championship.

“We would like to invite members and guests from across the county to come and celebrate this achievement,” said a club spokesman on its social media Facebook page.

Saturday, August 13, 2022 Ilminster v Weston-super-Mare 12.30pm Start Saturday, August 20, 2022 Shapwick & Polden v Ilminster 12.30pm Start

Members of Ilminster Bowls Club at the opening of the green for the 2002 outdoor season on April 24. Photo: Courtesy of Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club’s social media Facebook page.

Saturday, August 27, 2022 Ilminster v Winterbourne 12.30pm Start Saturday, September 3, 2022 Downend v Ilminster 12.30pm Start

30

Members of Ilminster Bowls Club at the opening of the green for the 2002 outdoor season on April 24. Photo: Courtesy of Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club’s social media Facebook page.

YOUR new local newspaper that covers YOUR local area

Kirsty Hembrow. Photo: Courtesy of Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club’s social media Facebook page.

For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk

FINAL TABLES Somerset County League Premier Division Table as at May 5, 2022

P Nailsea & Tickenham 30 Mendip Broadwalk 30 Clevedon Utd 30 Stockwood Wanderers 30 Middlezoy Rovers 30 Chilcompton Sports 30 Nailsea Utd 30 Fry Club 30 Watchet Town 30 Chard Town 30 Stockwood Green 30 Clutton 30 Worle 30 Ilminster Town 30 Keynsham Town Res 30 Westfield 30

Perry Street League Premier Division P South Petherton 16 Chard Utd 16 West & Middle Chinnock 16 Misterton 16 Perry Street & Yonder Hill 16 Halstock 16 Forton Rangers 16 Crewkerne Rangers 16 Ilminster Town Res 16 Division One Shepton Beauchamp 16 Barrington 16 Combe St Nicholas Res 16 Dowlish Wake & Donyatt 16 South Petherton Res 16 Misterton Res 16 Pymore 15 Waytown Hounds 16 Forton Rangers Res 15 Division Two Drimpton 18 Charmouth 18 Donyatt Utd 18 Thorncombe 17 Shepton Beauchamp Res 18 Chard Utd Res 18 Winsham Utd 18 Crewkerne Rngrs Res 18 Ilminster Town A 17 Netherbury 18 Division Three Kingsbury Episcopi 16 Pen Mill Athletic Utd 16 Perry Str & Yonder Hill Res 16 Combe St Nicholas A 16 Barrington Res 16 Merriott Dynamos 16 Crewkerne Rangers A 16 Uplyme Res 16 Farway Utd 2nds 16

Ilminster Town pull off the Great Escape FIXTURES 2021-22 - a fantastic achievement by The Blues ILMINSTER TOWN FC Pts 80 70 69 52 47 45 41 38 35 35 34 34 33 32 29 8

Pts 40 28 24 21 21 19 18 15 15 44 40 34 25 18 18 17 10 1 46 44 27 25 25 25 24 15 10 7

TWO crucial victories over local neighbours Chard Town helped Ilminster Town secure safety in the Premier Division of the Somerset County League for another season.

Ilminster have been struggling all season and looked – at one point – as if they were heading for relegation.

At Christmas they had pocketed just six points in the bag from 15 league fixtures and things did not look good.

But manager Matt Rowswell from promoted from the reserves and with an experienced backroom team of Kenny Timson, Charlie Rutter, Martin Case and Martin Callow they managed to turn things around.

They secured safety in the penultimate game of the campaign away at Chard Town on May 2 where an excellent 3-1 success – thanks to goals from Kris Hastings, Taylor Jefferson and Louis Rutter - was achieved meaning that Ilminster had picked-up 26 points from their last 14 games.

That result came just a few days after

an impressive 3-1 win at top five side Middlezoy Rovers on April 30 and a 2-0 success at home to Chard Town on April 15.

The fact that Ilminster lost their final game of the season with an 8-0 thrashing at runners-up Mendip Broadwalk did not really matter – it was mission accomplished by The Blues, Premier Division survival.

Ilminster Town Ladies, meanwhile, had to settle for runners-up spot in the Premier Division title in the South West Regional Women’s League.

They had been looking on course for the title, but a couple of 3-0 defeats in the closing stages of the season opened the door to AFC St Austell. One of those 3-0 defeats came at AFC St Austell on March 27 and it was the pivotal result.

Ilminster Ladies closed the season with a 3-2 win over Torquay United at home on April 10 and then a 4-0 victory at Bideford AFC on April 14. AFC Austell took the championship by just one point from Ilminster.

Gymnastics success for Swanmead girls

SOMERSET COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) August 14, 2021 Ilminster Town 1, Fry Club 1 August 21, 2021 Ilminster Town 1, Clutton 3 August 25, 2021 Ilminster Town 0, Chilcompton 3 September 4, 2021 Ilminster Town 2, Keynsham Town Reserves 2 September 11, 2021 Somerset County League Premier & Division One Cup First Round Ilminster Town 0, Chard Town 2 September 18, 2021 Ilminster Town 0, Stockwood Green 1 September 25, 2021 Nailsea Utd 4, Ilminster Town 0 October 2, 2021 Cup Staplegrove Reserves 2, Ilminster Town 1 October 9, 2021 Clutton 4, Ilminster Town 3 October 16, 2021 Ilminster Town 1, Nailsea & Tickenham 3 October 23, 2021 Ilminster Town 1, Clevedon Utd 4 November 6, 2021 Ilminster Town 1, Westfield 0 November 13, 2021 Ilminster Town 0, Worle 0 November 20, 2021 Ilminster Town 0, Nailsea Utd 6 November 27, 2021 Chilcompton Sports 6, Ilminster Town 2 December 4, 2021 Worle 3, Ilminster Town 1 December 11, 2021 Clevedon Utd 1, Ilminster Town 0 January 3, 2022 Ilminster Town 3, Stockwood Wanderers 0

45 42 34 28 16 13 11 10 5

South West Regional Women’s League Premier Division P Pts AFC Austell 18 45 Ilminster Town 18 44 Sherborne Town 18 38 Torquay Utd 18 35 Forest Green Rovers 18 27 Royal Wootton Bassett T 18 22 Bishops Lydeard 18 19 Marine Academy Plymouth 18 15 Middlezoy 18 11 Bideford AFC 16 -6 Somerset Women’s League Division One P Pts Pen Mill 14 36 Portishead Res 14 28 Stockwood Wanderers 14 27 Bishops Lydeard 14 27 Banwell 14 19 Paulton Rovers Res 14 13 Ilminster Town Res 14 10 Burnham Utd 14 4x

FIRST TEAM

January 8, 2022 Nailsea & Tickenham 3, Ilminster Town 3 January 15, 2022 Westfield 1, Ilminster Town 2 January 29, 2022 Ilminster Town 2, Middlezoy Rovers 1 February 5, 2022 Stockwood Green 1, Ilminster Town 2 February 12, 2022 Fry Club 2, Ilminster Town 3 February 26, 2022 Ilminster Town 0, Watchet Town 0 March 19, 2022 Stockwood Wanderers 2, Ilminster Town 0 March 26, 2022 Ilminster Town 1, Mendip Broadwalk 2

THESE girls from Swanmead Community School in Ilminster have worked so hard at their gymnastics since Christmas working tirelessly with their gym coach every Tuesday lunchtime.

This has now delivered success with some fantastic results at a recent gymnastics tournament against other schools from South Somerset.

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Two teams of six were entered into a competition against six other local primary schools with the focus on floorwork and vaulting.

One team from Swanmead came third, while the other team actually won the competition!

“What a fabulous achievement and great to see all their hard work pay off,” said a Swanmead spokesman.

April 2, 2022 Keynsham Town Res 2, Ilminster Town 0 April 9, 2022 Watchet Town 2, Ilminster Town 0 April 15, 2022 Ilminster Town 2, Chard Town 0 April 30, 2022 Middlezoy Rovers 1, Ilminster Town 3 May 2, 2022 Chard Town 1, Ilminster Town 3 May 7, 2022 Mendip Broadwalk 8, Ilminster Town 0

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For more news check out www.ilminsterpress.co.uk