Network Apr-25

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Connecting communities in Beckington, Berkley, Lullington, Orchardleigh, Rodden & Woodlands

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From the Editor John Beaven It’s a delight to hear the birds singing every day now. I’m pretty hopeless at identifying which are which, but I do appreciate the different songs and voices when I’m in the garden or out walking. Including more and varied voices from across our communities is an important part of our vision for the relaunched Network, and so it’s a real pleasure to introduce you to new members of our growing team.

Mel Usher has a wealth of experience in local government and dealing with communities; you can find out more about him, his reflections on how communities change and why red and white stripes sometimes make him cry, on page 46.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” I know from my own experience and practice that wellbeing relies on, and can be fostered by so many different things, including exercise, nature, spirituality, good food and many other things. Olivia Shone has a passion for wellbeing and supporting others to find and foster it, born out of her own challenges in life: discover more on page 24. Explore the benefits of walking and talking on page 9, or if you’d rather be on the water, or know a young person who might like to be, then our feature on Frome Canoe Club (page 11) is for you!

Water also features in our article on local wildlife: Guardian journalist and local resident Derek Niemann has very kindly contributed a fascinating article on beavers, on page 5. If you have an interest in wildlife and would like to contribute to Network magazine, please do get in touch.

We see one of our roles as signposting readers to what’s available locally, to support their wellbeing, and we are very grateful for the ongoing support and contributions of Ann and Julie from Mendip Health Connections (page 22) - they support patients of Beckington Family Practice and Frome Medical Practice respectively. There’s lots more to discover in this Easter edition, including the brilliant artwork of Beckington First School pupils, so do enjoy, and Happy Easter!

Cover: Evie K.

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Nature

All Teeth and Tail

Guardian country diarist Derek Niemann Every small child in the area would love to draw it, a Disneyesque furry with big teeth and a skateboard of a tail. But how do we get to see Somerset’s elusive latest resident?

There’s no question beavers are here, and in some numbers. Just about two years ago, Natural England carried out a walking survey on the Frome and Avon all the way down to Bristol and reckoned there were probably more than a hundred wild beavers living in that stretch. They’re almost certainly on every waterway around us, both on the Frome itself and in its tributary streams.

If you know what to look for, there is evidence of where they’ve been in barkstripped trees, broad mud slides into the water, and untidy piles of sticks on the bankside, making up a beaver nest (known as a lodge). What of the animals themselves? Richard Ackroyd of Friends of the River Frome offers tips on beaver-spotting.

“Number one rule is to keep your eyes peeled. I always look at the river if I'm walking past it – there’s always something to see. Your best chance though is to go out at sunset or first thing in the morning. Find a spot and sit still. Be very quiet and very patient.

“April through until the beginning of June is a good time of the year to see beavers because you start to see the youngsters coming out. They're not as frightened as the adults; in fact, they're quite inquisitive. Eyes peeled!”

Photo: Richard Ackroyd

Photo: Tony House

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Farming

April on the Farm: A Crucial Month for Somerset’s Farmers

Mike Wilsher April is a busy and often unpredictable month for farmers across Somerset. With longer daylight hours and (hopefully) rising temperatures, it’s time to get stuck into spring planting, lambing, and preparing for the months ahead.

Many arable farmers are drilling spring barley, oats, and maize, hoping for a good balance of warmth and rain to get crops off to a strong start. Grass growth is also key this month, especially for dairy and livestock farmers who rely on lush pastures for grazing. With last year’s wet autumn and winter, some fields are still drying out, delaying planting and adding to the workload.

Lambing season is in full swing, bringing long days and sleepless nights. For many sheep farmers, April is a make-or-break period—ensuring lambs are healthy, well-fed, and safe from predators. The weather plays a major role here, as cold snaps or heavy rain can spell trouble for young stock.

Speaking of the weather, April in Somerset is often a mixed bag. Farmers will be keeping a close eye on forecasts, hoping for gentle spring showers rather than relentless downpours or late frosts, both of which could set things back.

Amidst all the activity, we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge that our regular editor, Phil Cary, has been unwell and in the RUH. Now back at home, we wish him well and look forward to his return, in due course.

For now, farmers are pushing ahead, doing what they do best—working with the land, the elements, and a good dose of optimism.

If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him….

The people who give you their food give you their heart.

César Chávez 7

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Sport

Power Walking or Power Talking? - Kirsty Doonan Mike Wilsher

If you’ve ever wandered around Beckington and noticed a lively group of women striding purposefully through the countryside, chances are you’ve stumbled upon one of Kirsty Doonan’s power walking sessions. These power walks combine exercise with social connection, making them one of the area’s most popular activities. So much so that these classes have been running for 18 years.

Kirsty’s three-mile power walks include exercise stops for a well-rounded workout. It’s akin to running but with added strength and mobility exercises.

Dogs are welcome, but phones are not—the emphasis is on movement, conversation, and well-being. The power walks provide both a physical boost and a mental lift, with many participants solving problems and finding inspiration through shared discussions.

Kirsty’s journey to leading these power walks is unique. A true local, she began as a stable hand in Woolverton for Nicki Parnell before moving into IT support, a field she quickly realised wasn’t for her. Encouraged by her husband, she retrained as a personal trainer, and during a walk with her sister-in-law in Norfolk, the power walking concept was born. Since then, she has established it as a beloved part of Beckington life.

Now living in Rudge, Kirsty remains active through tennis and other pursuits.

While her personal training slots are currently fully booked, the power walking sessions are open to newcomers. Many walkers stay for years, enjoying both the workout and the camaraderie—after all, it’s as much about power talking as power walking! If this sounds like your scene, contact Kirsty—you won’t regret it! www.mamadoo.biz 9

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Sport

Frome Canoe Club - Join Us or Hire Our Clubhouse

Ben Nash Frome Canoe Club offer a range of different water sports including kayaking, canoeing and slalom. We cater for a range of abilities from brand new starters to experienced white water paddlers; everyone is welcome. We welcome anyone from the age of 8. We will be starting our taster sessions in April where people can come and try, at our clubhouse in the centre of Frome. We have a huge range of kit for people to borrow including boats, paddles, and waterproof clothing, which is ideal for new starters getting involved. Across the year we have weekly sessions and weekend trips.

Some of the rivers we paddled on last year include: river Frome, river Dart, river Ogmore, Symonds Yat, river Barl, river Avon and many more. We have a dedicated session day on Wednesday evenings for children and Tuesday evenings just for adults.

We have a modern clubhouse which has function rooms for hire for the community and businesses to use. The clubhouse is situated in the heart of the town and has two modern function rooms that can be rented individually, or the entire clubhouse can be hired. They are perfect for events, including functions, meetings, group gatherings, training sessions, birthday parties, AGMs and more.

To join, email: fromecanoeclub@gmail.com Clubhouse hire: clubhousebookings.fcc@gmail.com https://hallbookingonline.com/fromecanoeclub

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History

Old Holcombe

David Jordan The present village of Holcombe, just across the fields from Downside Abbey, is in itself evidence of a bygone era. What is now “The Holcombe Inn” was formerly known as “The Ring o’ Roses”, probably a reference to the ancient village nearby, which was destroyed following the bubonic plague of 1346-1352. Only the late Saxon/early Norman Church of St. Andrew survived, which was originally consecrated by Archbishop Wrotard of York in the year 928.

St. Andrew’s is a time capsule. It was extensively rebuilt in the 1500s, and it is still regarded as Holcombe’s Church in spite of the construction of another building in the new Holcombe. Services are still held there, often by candle light.

Apart from many interesting external features, it has original late Georgian box pews in place, as well as a wooden Jacobean pulpit.

In the graveyard is a memorial to the family of Robert Falcon Scott (of the Antarctic), whose father managed the local brewery. It also contains an ancient yew tree estimated to be around 1,500 years old.

As someone who lived in Holcombe for many years, I have taken many family members and friends to the site of the original village. The Old Church and its surroundings exude a very powerful atmosphere, both positive and negative. All those who have been there have come away with a sense of past generations and of the monumental event that shaped the landscape in that area. After all, history is about people.

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History

From the Archives St George’s, Beckington This archive photo, which probably dates from the 1860s/1870s, is from the late Mick Watts’ collection.

It was almost certainly taken by the Rector, the second Sainsbury Langford Sainsbury, who was an amateur photographer. Many of his photos appear in “The Beckington Story” (see advertisement).

This is a rare view of St. George’s and The Rectory (built in the 1600s) before the trees permanently blocked the latter from sight.

Rodden church, before the alterations & enlargement in 1832.

Courtesy Frome Museum

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History

Then and Now Dr Mary Hickling I suppose I am now able to compare the life of a working mother with a large family 60 years ago to some mothers working today. In my day there was no statutory maternity leave for working mothers, no daytime nurseries for under school-age children, and no disposable nappies or microwave ovens. One relied for childcare on au pair girls, good friends, and those very fortunate who had grandparents nearby. I often felt like an inadequate doctor and a substandard parent and I imagine many “working” mothers today feel the same. Somehow, fathers did not feel obliged to lend a hand as they do now.

I had compensations, however. My husband was a scientist, interested amongst other things in the reproduction of elephants and fortunate enough to be included in research in Uganda on the shores of Lake George in the Mweya National Park. Life wasn’t boring for the rest of the family either. Home tuition was disturbed when my son insisted that a poisonous snake was heading for him from overhead. He was right! And I knew that Safari ants can consume a captive animal alive, so when I heard the familiar rustling noise of the ants approaching, I had to rescue my youngest child asleep on the floor. But unfortunately we struggled back under the mosquito net, totally covered in safari ants. Very painful! And we discovered that the elephant outside the bedroom window, which we could have touched, had polished off my entire veg patch.

Back home again, part time GP before the advent of 111. Night calls before the advent of smart phones and postcodes. And I can confirm that if I had a night call, it seemed certain to be raining that night! But we were ingenious. I remember my husband taping his stethoscope to his chunky phone so that he could mow the lawn whilst on call. General practice has changed a great deal since those days technically, obviously, and on a more personal level. But somehow, I am very grateful to have been a general practitioner in those days rather than now.

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Business

Sorbus: Supporting Our Community, One Tool at a Time Mike Wilsher

At Sorbus, we’re more than just a supplier - we’re part of the Frome community, dedicated to helping outdoor professionals and garden enthusiasts thrive.

Whether you’re an arborist, gardener, or just love the outdoors, we offer tools, advice, and services to support your work.

We stock top-quality equipment like our Japanese ARS pruning range, including secateurs, saws, shears, and loppers. Our durable, waterproof workwear keeps you protected in any weather. For plant health and safety, we offer Pocket Diagnostic tools to detect diseases early and timber inspection devices to assess structural integrity.

We also provide in-house embroidery and printing for personalised workwear, ensuring your business looks professional. For those in demanding outdoor jobs, we offer first aid courses with +F forestry certification and climbing courses for both beginners and experienced arborists.

Located in Frome, we’re proud to serve our community with expert advice, quality products, and friendly service. Whether you need reliable tools, safety training, or customised gear, Sorbus is here to help. Pop in, say hello, and let us support your outdoor adventures with the best equipment and care.

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Parishes

Beckington Parish Council – 2025/26 Precept Cllr. Anne Owen

Beckington Parish Council (BPC) is funded via a local tax, or ‘precept’, which is collected by Somerset Council and shows as the line item ‘Beckington’ on your Council Tax Bill. The precept for 2025/26 is £55,545. That’s around £103/year for Band D or less than £9/month per household. Annual audited accounts are available on the BPC website.

While modest, this charge is up 22% from 2024/25 and your Councillors know that any increase is unwelcome. However, we are facing some unprecedented challenges and so have to make difficult decisions.

As you know, national policy is now to significantly increase the rate at which new homes are being built. Since December 2024, Somerset Planning East has received 3 Planning Applications totalling up to 79 dwellings in Beckington in addition to the 111 added since 2006.

Your Councillors have a lot of experience between us, but none of us have professional qualifications in planning matters, which are complex and highly technical. A typical Planning Application runs to hundreds of pages and supporting documents with endless references to policies and guidelines. To do the best job that we can on behalf of the parish, we are using a Planning Consultant to make technical evaluations of each application to supplement our local knowledge and help us respond.

We believe that there may be more Planning Applications in the pipeline and so we have added £9000 to our budget for the next year. This accounts for almost the whole increase in the precept. In other budget areas, your Councillors are working hard to contain costs while delivering the services the parish needs, such as bus shelters, grass cutting, clearing footpaths of vegetation and rubbish clearance, especially following the recent incidents of fly-tipping.

Thank you for your support.

Please make your voice heard on issues of importance to the local community. parishclerk @beckingtonparishcouncil.org.uk

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Parishes Selwood

Jim Dowling

The latest meeting of Selwood Parish Council [SPC] was held on Wednesday 5th March at East Woodlands Village Hall [EWVH] Andrew Penna [AP] from David Wilson Homes gave a presentation on their proposed development off Birchill Lane. Several local residents present expressed serious concerns over existing and potential flooding issues. AP promised to contact the contractors on the nearby development who appear to be pumping the surplus water that is causing residential flooding.

The Old Forge West Woodlands application for internal and external alterations was supported by SPC. The Certificate of Lawfulness for a Farm Shop at Lodge Hill, Berkley caused concern. There was no information supplied on whether they had addressed previous concerns over access and as this was a notification only application SPC would ask the local Somerset Councillor to ask for further clarification.

There were reports on the potential Old Ford development, the Local Plan Engagement Session and Road Speed on Bulls Quarry Road.

Following the Selwood Garden Community application being called in by the Secretary of State, SPC decided to respond as an "interested party" as the financial risk of being a "Rule 6 statutory party" was too great. Responses to the Inspector will have to be supplied by April 4th.

The next meeting of SPC will be on April 23rd at 6.30pm at EWVH

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Health

Community Wellbeing Initiatives Julie Carey-Downes (Frome) & Ann Collins (Beckington)

Looking for ways to connect, stay active, and support sustainability? Here are three fantastic community projects happening in Frome, Beckington, Shepton Mallet, and beyond.

Postcard Project – Frome & Shepton Mallet Health Connections Mendip runs the Postcard Project for those unable to attend groups.

Volunteers send free, handwritten postcards to recipients, offering a personal touch of connection.

If you'd like to receive a card or become a writer, support is available. To get involved, contact Health Connections Mendip Everyone Needs Pockets – Green & Healthy Frome This network focuses on clothing and textile sustainability. Join their free monthly meet-up at the Remakery, Welshmill Hub, Frome, on the second Friday of each month from 10 am to 12:30 pm to share ideas and get involved in projects supporting reuse and recycling. For more information, email: everyoneneedspockets@gmail.com or visit everyoneneedspockets.org.

Be Healthy, Be Happy Programme Improve your wellbeing with this free rolling programme covering sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and social connections. Sessions take place in Coleford during June and July at the Mendip Room, Church Street. For details, contact Health Connections Mendip.

Join in and be part of a thriving community!

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Health

Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Somerset Sight Can Help Susie Winter

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is linked to vision loss. When you lose your sight, your brain gets less information from your eyes so the brain can make up for this by creating unwanted hallucinations. Not everyone who suffers sight loss will experience CBS but for those who do, it is very frightening.

Do you know of anyone suffering CBS? Are they too scared to mention it?

Somerset Sight is your local charity who supports blind and partially sighted people across Somerset with qualitative practical and emotional support.

For more information or to become volunteer, please contact 01823 333818 or email admin@somersetsight.org.uk Puzzle

Recognise anyone from this Somerset Farmer image? Let Jim Dowling know.

Exercise is bunk. If you are healthy, you don't need it: if you are sick you should not take it.

Henry Ford 23

Wellbeing Olivia Shone John Beaven

Olivia moved to Beckington seven years ago, with her husband and four children. Passionate about wellbeing, she practises as a counsellor and teaches movement and mindfulness. Her professional training is rooted in her own personal experience, having found these wellbeing practices helpful in navigating her own challenges. Olivia approaches wellbeing through her own ‘faith lens,’ seeing it as not just about mental and emotional health but also encompassing body awareness and spiritual engagement. With degrees in Theology and Christian Spirituality and a vibrant faith, she found her own faith culture lacking when she faced personal struggles, where it preferred intellectual belief over holistic experience. This led her to explore meditation and mindfulness, developing a meditation app in 2015, training as a yoga teacher, and she is about to finish her psychotherapy training this summer.

She is curious about finding connection in the everyday – connection within oneself, with others, with nature and with the Divine. Olivia has found that everyday things hold both gift and God, and enjoys helping others explore and experience the wider meaning of life in order to grow in healing and wholeness.

She has run events in Bath Abbey during the Bath ReBalance Wellbeing Festival for the last three years, has run meditation courses in the village, has a regular Tuesday evening movement class in Beckington and is hosting the Weekend of Wellbeing event this spring.

To learn more about Olivia’s work, classes, or one-to-one sessions, visit www.meaningfulwellbeing.com or contact her at olshone@gmail.com 24

A WHOLE Weekend of Wellbeing in Beckington John Beaven

This spring, women in midlife have the opportunity to nourish their body, mind, heart, and soul at The WHOLE Weekend of Wellbeing, taking place in Beckington on May 31 – June 1.

The vision for this has grown from Olivia’s personal experience of embodied practices alongside therapy and her own spirituality as she has faced significant personal challenges. Offering a holistic approach to wellbeing, it will engage the WHOLE person, body-mind-heart-soul, offering empowering workshops with inspiring information and revitalising practices for women in the midlife.

Hosted by Olivia, she will be joined by three expert facilitators: Caroline Radcliffe, an experienced choir leader from Frome; Gill Sakakini, an artist and pioneering priest from Shepton; and Perry-May Britton, a polyvagal teacher from Sussex. Together, they will offer varied and holistic workshops involving movement, understanding of the nervous system, meditation, creativity, nature connection, singing and reflection framed in the context of resourcing oneself to live a healthy and ‘whole’ life.

The weekend will help women to understand how awareness of the body brings about wellbeing, as well as how spirituality plays a vital role. All this will take place in a lovely, large vintage tent, with lunch and drinks included. It promises to be a fun, yet inspiring weekend leaving you revitalised and resourced to live well.

Early bird tickets (until April 10): £90 for the full weekend or £50 per day.

Standard tickets: £110 for the weekend or £65 per day. For more information and bookings, visit www.meaningfulwellbeing.com.

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The Power of Forty The Trials and Temptations of Lent James Cary Lent often feels unclear—what should we be doing, or not doing? In medieval times, fasting meant abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs, but this was often practical as much as pious—by March, much of the winter’s salted meat was gone. Many were exempt: labourers, pregnant women, the sick, and even the wealthy, who could pay to avoid fasting.

But the real question isn’t what we give up, but why.

Lent lasts forty-six days, but Sundays—celebrations of Christ’s resurrection—are excluded, leaving forty days of fasting. This mirrors Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, where Satan first tempted him with food. Jesus responded: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Deut. 8:3) Instead of fixating on what we give up, perhaps we should fast in a way that prioritises time with God. Skipping a meal is meaningful only if that time is spent reading, meditating, and praying.

Biblically, forty is a number of trial and preparation—Israel’s forty years in the wilderness, Moses’ forty days on Sinai, and the forty days between Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Lent is not just about endurance but training for faithful service.

Jesus says: “I am the bread of life… Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

(John 6:48-51) Lent should not leave us merely hungry, but spiritually nourished—ready for what comes next.

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A Good Walk

Southwick Country Park Loop 0:56 Time | 2.28 miles

Please consider sharing your favourite walk with us.

“There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”

Sylvia Plath

“There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community”.

M. Scott Peck

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Wellbeing

Hope Springs Up

Rev Jo Robinson

Spring is a hopeful month and, as it’s my first spring here, I’m enjoying guessing what flowers might pop up next in the rectory garden. Another joy is that the days are getting longer and everything feels brighter.

At least it feels lighter in this beautiful corner of Somerset, but watching the news is a different story – the skies seem to be getting darker, as we see the continuing bombardment of Gaza and Ukraine and the fragility of attempted ceasefires.

At this time of year, as we look towards Easter, we first have to face the desolation of Good Friday – the day the sky turned black. Hopes are crushed as the disciples see their Lord Jesus die on the cross. He is then taken down and placed in a tomb, and they think it’s all over. But then, three days later, to their absolute astonishment, the risen Jesus appears among the disciples and shows them his nail scarred hands.

The message of Easter, for those of us who follow Jesus, is that no matter how black and dark the situation appears there is always hope and the Christian hope is not just a ‘wishful thinking’ kind of hope, it is a firm hope, a strong belief, that beyond the grave there is resurrection life. The bulbs hidden underground in the garden are a reminder that, even when things look really bleak, God is always at work to bring life and hope in unexpected and wonderful ways.

I wish you all a hopeful and joyful Easter.

An Easter Garden in a church porch

St George’s, Beckington Tower Lighting The tower will be lit on Sunday March 30th, Mothering Sunday, in memory of Jean McCarthy, from her daughter Ali McCarthy .

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Schools

Pre-school Building Update Emma Milton

We’re pleased to report positive discussions with Somerset planning. The next step is ecological and land surveys, which will determine the completion date.

Common Questions Have the plans changed?

Yes. Originally, we planned a new building, but due to costs, we’ve opted for a second-hand mobile unit within the original footprint.

How will the build be funded?

As an independent charity, we self-finance through grants and fundraising. If you have bid-writing expertise or know good grant providers, please get in touch.

When will the project be completed?

Survey timings depend on nature, meaning we likely won’t be in by summer as hoped. Current estimates suggest Spring 2026. We’ll share updates as dates are confirmed.

Links with local schools Beckington Pre-school remains independent and has no affiliation with any school or trust. We continue to operate with a parent-led committee and volunteer trustees.

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Schools

Down on the Farm Caroline White

Spring is a lovely time for a visit to a farm. In this month’s edition we have an article about Berkley First School’s visit to Flintford Farm and an accompanying article about life on the farm submitted by Meredith aged 12, a former pupil of Berkley First School and now a pupil at Selwood Middle School.

Meredith Halliwell* A Day in the life of Flintford Farm In the morning I get up around 6 am and warm up the bottle of milk for my lamb that I have to feed, I get my wellies on and head outside with a bucket of barley and nuts for the cow who we are giving special feed to. I walk to the field where all of the sheep and lambs are and I have to find my little lamb and feed her a bottle of milk. Once finished I have a look around to see if all the sheep are okay and in the right field – sheep like to get out! After that I check their water and fill it up if needed and that’s me all done.

However, we aren’t done as a family yet – my mum feeds the chickens and collects the eggs and dad has to feed the cows. Most mornings me and my brother have to leave by 7.45 am to go to school and mum and dad go to work in their “day jobs” away from the farm. When I get home from school I repeat this process. We are currently waiting for our last 6 sheep to lamb and 15 calves to be born – spring is a busy time on our farm. *aged 12. Formerly a pupil at Berkley First School and currently a pupil at Selwood Academy.

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Down on the Farm

Caroline White

On a bitterly cold day in February, the KS2 children and staff from Berkley School made an educational visit to “Flintford Farm” and “All Saints’ Church” Rodden. They walked across the fields from the church to the farm where they were able to visit the chickens, lambs and cows. After that excitement they conducted an interview with farmer Liz Halliwell. Interesting and thoughtful questions were asked.

After lunch, I was able to join them, and as I walked down from the car park, I could hear their happy voices rising to meet me. They seemed undaunted by the icy conditions even though, at one point, we were pelted by hail!

Once the afternoon session began, they went on a hunt for mini beasts which turned up worms, slugs and a particularly dazzling beetle. When we returned to the warmth of the church hall they began documenting their findings.

Revd Jo joined us and took the children into the church where they spent time making comparisons with St Mary’s, Berkley. Their observations were very thoughtful and it was really interesting to hear how much they knew, especially about Berkley Church. They talked about the stained glass windows, and asked questions about the pulpit and lectern. Revd Jo told them about the baptism of two people which had recently taken place in the river at Rodden.

This was a lovely opportunity for the children to enjoy a cross-curricular day.I know they were very grateful to Mr Dowling and Mrs Halliwell for their hospitality “down on the farm”.

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Gracie

Jess

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Beckington First School Art

William H

Riley

William B

Elis B

Axel

Sophie

Freddie

Elsie

Elis B

Tilly

Ruby

Jesse

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Schools

Beckington First School - Book Week 2025 Sam Higgins

Our school ‘Book Week’ was so much fun. The children loved being ”hot seated” (answering questions in role as their character). They were also very excited about coming back into school for ‘Stories by Starlight’ dressed in their pyjamas.

All classes planned lots of lovely activities for the children to enjoy around a focussed author to celebrate ‘World Book Day’. We had book assemblies and story swaps where children linked up with different classes throughout the week and ending with a whole school mixed age book quiz.

We were all able to dress up on Friday as our favourite book character; they all looked amazing!

Visit of Archdeacon Anne to Berkley School Caroline White During a recent visit to the Beckington Benefice, Archdeacon Anne visited Berkley First School. Mrs Thompson took the Archdeacon on a tour of the school and she was able to meet the Staff and Children. She listened with great delight as each class shared a worship song that they had chosen for her and spoke of the things they enjoy about being part of a church school. They spoke openly and confidently about Jesus and some children eagerly shared work that they have been doing in Religious Education (RE) lessons.

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Springmead Robotics Team challenges Forfar Education Schools Shirley Offer ‘Jeremy’ the Robot was created by our STEAM club as part of the lead up to National Engineering Week. Forfar Education, which owns and manages several exceptional independent schools across the UK, including Springmead School and Little Crickets Nursery in Beckington, as part of its STEAM project across all its Schools, conducted a Robotics Challenge, named 'Build, Code, Compete!'

Springmead School’s Year 5 and 6 club took the competition very seriously.

The team, through their own creativity and working together, rose to the challenge, to build and code a Lego robot from scratch, that would pick up an object and drop it off at a designated location.

Science lead, Stacey Watson says, “The children worked independently, they took the brief and ran with it. From designing and building the robot, to coding it for the task, their robot, 'Jeremy', is testament to their hard work and innovation.”

A STEAM club member in Year 6 said, “It was great, we made the robot together and had to listen to each other’s ideas and check that it worked as we made it.”

Sally Cox, Headteacher says, “It was great for the children to be competing against other Schools.”

We are eagerly waiting for the results, but this project has sparked huge interest in robotics, coding and programming and we will be building on the learning that took place.

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Churches

St Katharine’s, Woodlands Pam Chapman First 100 Club Draw in the church on Sunday, 2nd March: £30.00 Sheila House, £20.00 Diana Carrington, £10.00 Dan Norris. It's still not too late to join - the more members the more draws or prizes! Contact Lorna Wheeler.

Applications to apply for or to renew Enrolment on the Church Electoral Roll are now due. Forms available from Lorna or can be found on line. It costs nothing and you don't even have to live in the Parish. You don't even have to volunteer to do anything!

However, on a different subject ..... if you would like to be a little more involved, we would really welcome a few more members on the Parochial Church Council.

Again, not onerous - four or five meetings a year, a say in (or even help with) the maintenance and upkeep of the church and surrounding grounds. Please knobble anyone coming out of church at 12.15 pm on the 1st or 3rd Sunday of any month and they'll point you in the right direction.

The Memorial Service on 14th March was a wonderful tribute to Steve Bainbridge. He would have loved the music.

Thursday, 8th May marks the 80th Anniversary of World War Two. Therefore on Sunday, 4th May our church service will acknowledge the occasion. We invite anyone attending to wear their service medals.

Appropriate hymns and the National Anthem will also be sung. Do join us, if you can.

Must try to remember it's "God Save the King" nowadays!

6th April, 11:15 am – Morning Service 18th April, 4:00 pm – Good Friday Hymns and Readings (my favourite service of the year) 20th April, 11:15 am – Easter Holy Communion 4th May, 11:15 am – Service (details above) 18th May, 11:15 am – Holy Communion 38

Rodden Jim Dowling The Spring Coffee Morning this year will be held on Saturday 12th April from 10.00am till 12 noon at The Old Carthouse, Flintford Farm, Frome BA11 5LD. This will include Bring and Buy and Cake Stalls.Cost £5. All welcome.

We look forward to seeing a good congregation on Thursday 17th April Maundy Thursday and Sunday 20th April Easter Sunday to take communion, celebrate Easter and sing traditional Easter hymns.

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Societies

Standerwick, Berkley & Beckington WI

Carol Sadler At our meeting on Thursday 6 March members enjoyed a talk by Nick King about the benefits of skin products produced from goats milk. Nick was diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and goats milk was recommended as beneficial as it is higher in calcium than cow's milk. ' He then started keeping goats. After some research, he started making skin products such as moisturiser, hand cream, soap & lip balm which can help alleviate skin conditions like Eczema. He started selling his products at Somerset markets but gave this up when he obtained outlets in various farm shops and at Yeo Valley’s shop. His two sons joined him in his business, and after his appearance on Dragon’s Den in 2024 his business went from strength to strength. We were able to purchase some of his products after his talk.

Our next monthly meeting will be on Thursday 3 April when Somerset artist Kate Lynch will be our speaker. Then on Thursday 1 May we will be holding our AGM. Both the above meetings will be at Beckington Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Mothers Union Jenny Ayrton Ash Wednesday starts the beginning of Lent and this coincided with our March meeting, so we joined the congregation of St George’s for a Holy Communion service, with tea and chat afterwards.

Mothering Sunday is on the 30th March; we are celebrating this at our meeting at Lahs Place on Wednesday April 2nd at 2.30 pm with tea and cake, to raise funds in memory of mothers. Monies raised are for projects involving families worldwide; do come and join us.

On May 7th, David Collier will be talking to us about the Roman Baths.

“A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.”

Samuel Goldwyn 41

Societies

Friends of St George’s Jo Casey

'

Gardens and Gardening It's that time of year when we tidy up our gardens after winter and will be enjoying the extra daylight in the evenings. As you divide or dig up plants can we ask that you remember the Friends of St George's Plant Sale on Saturday 17th May. Donated plants are sold, with proceeds going to the upkeep of St George's church. On Sunday 8th June some gardens in Beckington will be opening their gates for visitors to enjoy. This is always a popular afternoon and it is amazing how many varied and lovely gardens there are in our village. We do look forward to seeing you on both occasions.

Save the Date!

James Cary returns on Wednesday 2nd July at 7.30pm in St George's.

James is a well known TV comedy script writer for programmes including Miranda, My Family, My Hero, Hut 33, and Citizen Khan as well Radio 4 comedy. James will bring his new one man comedy show "God, The Bible & Everything" (in 60 minutes). Not to be missed event in Beckington.... save the date!

Easter Lilies Would you like to remember a loved one with an Easter Lily in St George's this Easter? We will buy the flowers and arrange them on your behalf. Please contact Jo Casey if you wish to celebrate the memory of your special one: Lilies cost £2 per stem and just let her know how many you want.

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Beckington Memorial Hall

Jeanette Hurst

'

A huge thank you to Jemma Hillman and to all the hosts and supporters of the Safari Supper. A total of £2,800 was raised for the refurbishment of the Beckington Memorial Hall playground. We hope that work will begin on renewing the flooring very soon.

Please support our Easter Eggstravaganza to be held on Sunday 6th April 10.30am – 12.30pm, at the Hall. All profits to go to the playground fund.

Firstly there will be an Easter Trail with fun for the children, drinks and hot cross buns. This year we will have an additional treat for gardeners, taking place at the same time.

We will be welcoming Alistair Scott from Trug and Lettuce, Frome who will introduce his new Plant a Border event, where he will create a sample border filled with Spring plants, to give you inspiration for your garden. You will be able to buy or reserve plants, which can be picked up later or delivered to your home.

10% of the sales will go to the Playground Fund and there will be an opportunity to win a special plant at the end of the morning.

200 Club winners The draw for March took place at the committee meeting on 10th March: £50 no. 182 Jeanette Hurst, £25 no. 44 Martin Elliott, £10 no. 68 Joan Mallard.

The Beckington Hall 200 Club is registered with the MDC Licensing Department Reg No LN/009406098

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Societies

Frome Bridge Club

Mike Wilsher The Frome and District Bridge Club has long been a haven for both seasoned players and newcomers eager to delve into the intricate world of bridge. Affiliated with the English Bridge Union (EBU), the club prides itself on offering friendly yet competitive duplicate bridge sessions for its members and visitors.

The club convenes every Monday at 7.00pm at the Wesley Methodist Church on Wesley Slope, Frome. For those looking to sharpen their skills or embark on their bridge journey, beginners, improvers, and refreshers gather on Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm. Additionally, Thursdays at 9.30am are reserved for friendly play and lessons, ensuring that players of all levels find a suitable environment to enjoy the game. Each session is modestly priced at £3, with the added comfort of tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep participants refreshed.

The club’s commitment to integrating new players is evident through its structured lessons and supervised play sessions. Boards are electronically duplicated, and Bridgemate scoring is utilised, allowing for immediate results upon the completion of the last board. This blend of tradition and modernity ensures a seamless experience for all attendees.

For more information about the Frome and District Bridge Club, including session times, news, and lessons, interested individuals can visit www.bridgewebs.com/frome/.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, the Frome and District Bridge Club offers a warm welcome and an opportunity to engage in the timeless game of bridge within a supportive community.

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Rode & District Gardening Club

Sharman Flindall

March marked the club’s AGM. Helen welcomed members and reviewed the past year, highlighting successful events such as a willow workshop, plant sale, and open garden day. The committee was re-elected, and members were encouraged to support this year’s plant sale on 7th June.

Lindsay & Steve Lister from Blooming Wild Nursery gave a talk on eco-friendly gardening. Their nursery grows wildflowers without chemicals, pesticides, or heated tunnels to promote biodiversity. They encouraged gardeners to store water, mulch beds, and embrace No Mow May. Even a small pond, like one in a raised bed, can attract diverse wildlife. Wildflowers can integrate with other plantings, increasing insect, amphibian, and bird populations while creating essential wildlife corridors.

The Listers grow most of their plants from seed and demonstrated various growth stages of red campion thriving in peat-free compost. The club will visit Blooming Wild in August to explore their plants, growing areas, ponds, and tea rooms.

Next month, on 14th April, Paul Green will present seasonal plants, with examples available for purchase. On 12th May, the club will visit Ridley Cheer Garden near Warminster, known for its magnolias, acers, and flowering shrubs.

Further details to come.

Guests are welcome at meetings, held at 7.30pm in Rode Village Hall, and on garden visits.

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Communities

From Town Halls to Turnips: a Life in Communities John Beaven

We’re delighted to welcome Mel Usher as an editor, focusing on community—a subject he not only understands deeply but is passionate about. With a wealth of experience in local government, grassroots initiatives, and community transformation, Mel brings insight into what makes communities thrive and adapt to change.

Born in Sunderland to working-class parents, Mel’s journey has taken him through university in Leicester and Nottingham, and work in London, Lancashire, Liverpool, and Somerset, where he has lived for the past 25 years. Now based in Beckington, he is married to Sandy and has two daughters.

After studying Sociology and Social Psychology, Mel trained as a town planner but found his way into local government, rising to become Director of Housing in Blackburn and later Chief Executive at South Somerset. His leadership in reshaping local government earned him an OBE and led to a national role establishing and leading an agency tasked with improving councils across England—a challenge he describes as “daunting and not always 100% successful!”

Following early retirement for medical reasons, Mel moved to Frome, where he played a key role in launching Independents for Frome (IFFs). Under their leadership since 2011, the town council has gained recognition for its innovative approach, inspiring others to rethink local governance.

Mel remains deeply interested in how communities function, and how global and local changes impact daily life. After moving to Beckington, he quickly donned wellies and took on an allotment, now finding himself chair of the association!

Surpassing all this is his lifelong devotion to Sunderland Football Club, a love affair marked by 'disappointment, joy and tears in equal measure'.

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Community Life

Mel Usher

Most of us feel the need to be part of a community. This can be passive or active. It can be in a small group or a large one. A formal variety can be through recognisable organisations like the church, a youth club, an allotment association, the memorial hall committee etc.

But we now know that the everyday ties that bind us together are just as important. These bonds can be casual conversations, a nod in the street, a chat over the garden fence, a shared pub conversation, or interactions with friends or colleagues at work.

They all provide a sense of belonging, an emotional connection that encourages participation and accountability, and can also influence behaviours and relationships.

Many people in towns, as they wait for a bus or struggle in an anonymous supermarket, feel that these informal social bonds will be stronger in villages.

They may be right, but village life has changed considerably since the 1960’s when Ronald Blythe wrote Akenfield, a fictionalised account of a real village described through the words and anecdotes of villagers recounting their shared experiences of work, education, welfare, religion and finally, death. That almost pastoral world now seems as far away as the Napoleonic Wars and was already disappearing fast never to reappear.

Profound changes have come to the country and rural life through shop closures, new developments, commuting, working from home, children rapidly moving away, and more recently, screens and social media. As a result, what had happened naturally in terms of developing community life now has to be nurtured and reinforced. How can we help that happen? Read the next edition’s exciting episode.

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Communities

Beckington Village Clean Up

Maria Beaven

Thank you to all who joined in with the very successful Beckington Village Tidy Up on 1st March. The sky was blue and the sun shone brightly as 25 people set to, clearing litter and organic matter from pavements, paths and grass verges.The results of everyone’s hard work are evident; the areas cleared underwent a wonderful transformation and the difference is clearly visible. 30 bags of rubbish, soil and weeds were taken away. We are grateful to Clive Winterbourne from the Parish Council who took away and sorted all the waste, at least 75% of which was recycled. Thank you to those who served refreshments in the church, which were much appreciated.

Beckington Neighbourhood Plan Update Ben Richards By now, every household should have received a housing survey in which we are asking you to indicate a preference for where you think any future housing might go in Beckington. We have allowed six weeks for this consultation period – the deadline is Friday 2 May to get your completed surveys to one of the collection boxes (Mes Amis, Beckington Motors, The Full Moon at Rudge, The Bell at Standerwick or The Woolpack). We have also published a Housing Background Paper on our website with some wider information derived from work conducted over the last year. There have been some questions about when the indicative housing figure of 95 homes given to us by Somerset Council will run from and to. Their email to us stated that the figure is for the next 15 years (2025-2040). As this period includes the remainder of the current local plan (out to 2029) and the subsequent plan period, we are seeking clarification as to whether there is a specific allocation for each period. https://www.beckingtonplan.co.uk

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Communities Rudge Lane Incident

SPC 4391 John Ross-Osbourne We’ve been investigating three reports of a man indecently exposing himself to women in Rudge Lane, Frome.

The incidents, which are being treated as linked, happened between October and December last year. All the reports related to a man seen within or alongside a grey van.

We take reports like this extremely seriously and a full investigation was carried out by officers, resulting in a man being arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.

The man was interviewed and further enquiries are still ongoing.

We’ll continue to carry out patrols of the area and we would urge people to report any similar offences to us so we can investigate, even if they’ve already happened and you haven’t yet made a report. You will be listened to and believed.

If you want to report an incident in progress, always call 999, otherwise you can call 101 or contact us through our website.

East Woodlands Village Hall Pam Chapman

Pop up Pub 7.00 pm onwards Friday, 4th April and Friday, 2nd May. Line Dancing Evening - Saturday, 26th April 7.30 pm onwards. Limited tickets available. £12.00 to include supper. Licensed CASH Bar. Tickets from Sharon Rose: email sr210662@gmail.com or phone 07966 755509.

Spring, and the daffodils on the lane to the church and village, are both a little late this year. They'll be at their best in the first two weeks of April.

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Styles Hill Community SpeedWatch Team

Gerard Crawshaw

Do you walk your dog along Styles Hill, or go to the post-box, or take your children / grandchildren for a walk locally? If so, you will probably have noticed the speed of some vehicles which can sometimes be quite scary.

No doubt you will have seen our Community Speed Watch teams out on Styles Hill, usually twice a week, weather permitting. We are there to encourage drivers to keep to the speed limit and so ensure safer roads for everyone. On average we record speeding vehicles travelling between 36 mph and 50 mph. The fastest speed recorded has been an alarming 92mph!

We know from recorded statistics that a consistent presence at the roadside reminds drivers to slow down. To achieve this, we work in teams of two and are now in need of new team members. Would you be willing to volunteer?

If you can spare just one hour a month and are willing to take part in a short training session (30 minutes with the Regional Coordinator), we would love to hear from you.

For more information, or to register call Andrew Pullin on 01373 472170 or a.pullin@talktalk.net

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Network Team John Beaven Editor

Ann Collins Health Connections, Beckington

Caroline White Schools

Julie Carey-Downes Health Connections, Frome

David Jordan History

Mel Usher Community

Revd Jo Robinson Churches & Devotion

Olivia Shone Wellbeing

Judith Craig Distribution

Digby Fox Dining

Philip Cary Farming & Rural Mike Wilsher Coordinator To: Subscribe digitally for free https://beckingtonbenefice.org/connecting/newsletter/ Advertise network@beckingtonbenefice.org Give to Our Free Magazine https://donorbox.org/supporting-network Contribute or Comment network@beckingtonbenefice.org Distribution Network is distributed to 1,400 homes across Beckington, Berkley, Woodlands, Lullington, Orchardleigh & Rodden Disclaimer All information in this publication is for general reference only.

Network is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, or loss/damage to posted material. We do not endorse or recommend any listed services or care providers.

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Church Contacts Priest in charge

Rev. Jo Robinson jo.robinson@beckingtonbenefice.org

Safeguarding John Beaven Officer

01373 673757

safeguarding.benefice@beckingtonbenefice.org 01373 830535

Churchwardens

Beckington Berkley Lullington & Orchardleigh Rodden

Judith Craig

judith.craig@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 830970

Maria Beaven

maria.beaven@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 830535

Jeanette Hayward jeanette.hayward@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 832315

Mike Wilsher

mike.wilsher@beckingtonbenefice.org

07590 110860

Wendy Wilsher

wendy.wilsher@beckingtonbenefice.org

07525 346932

Jim Dowling

jim.dowling@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 462515

wheelerlj@icloud.com

01373 830873

E. Woodlands Lorna Wheeler

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Contacts Beckington Allotment Assoc.

Mel Usher

usher.mel@gmail.com

Beckington Bell Ringing

John Ball

johnagball.51@gmail.com

01373 830419

Beckington C of E First School Sally Jeffries

beckingtonandmellsfederation.co.uk

01373 830438

Beckington Coffee Community Caroline White

caroline.white@beckingtonbenefice.org

07968 588138

Beckington Family Practice

01373 830316

Beckington Lunch Club

Gill Barnes

stuartj.barnes@btinternet.com

Beckington Memorial Hall

Jeanette Hurst

info@beckingtonmemorialhall.org.uk

Beckington Mothers' Union

Jenny Ayrton

ayrtonjenn@aol.com

Beckington Neighbourhood Plan

Ben Richards

npsgbeckington@gmail.com

Beckington Parish Council

Paul Russell

parishclerk@beckingtonparishcouncil.org

Beckington Players

Abi McGillivray

tickets@beckingtonpanto.co.uk

01373 831585

Beckington Pre-School

Nicola Harding

info@beckingtonpre-school.co.uk

07920 137800

Beckington Royal British Legion

Barry Davies

bandkdavies@msn.com

Beckington Tennis Club

Rachael Cornish

Rachaelmcornish@gmail.com

Beckington Tower Lighting

Maria Beaven

maria.beaven@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 830535

Marianne Burke

marianneburke@me.com

07884 185143

Neil Moore

neil.r.moore@icloud.com

07864 628932

Janet Harvey

berkleyparishcouncil@gmail.com

Beckington Village Choir Berkley Parish Council Berkley School

01373 830011

01373 830208

berkleyschool.co.uk

Berkley Village Committee

Louise James

louiserjames@gmail.com

07977 208006

CAP (Christians Against Poverty)

Phil Gray

philgray@capuk.org

0800 328 0006

Community Drivers Frome

Morag Stuart

hello@fromecommunitydrivers.org.uk

07596 591391

Climate Emergency Group

Jim McAuliffe

jim.mcauliffe@btinternet.com

07887 657844

Fair Frome

Lenka Grimes

info@fairfrome.org

07714 587129

Friends of St George's

Jo Casey

jo@mijocasey.plus.com

01373 830885

Health Connections, Frome

Julie CareyDownes

mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net

01373 468368/1

Health Connections, Beckington

Ann Collins

mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net

01373 468368/2

Lullington Parish Council

Gus Colquhoun

lullingtonparish@mac.com

Mamadoo

Kirsty Doonan

kirsty@mamadoo.biz

07788 100629

Network Editor

John Beaven

network.editor@beckingtonbenefice.org

01373 830535

Network Coordinator

Mike Wilsher

network@beckingtonbenefice.org

07590 110860

Rode & District Gardening Club Sharman Flindall

rodeanddistrictgardeningclub@outlook.com

Selwood Parish Council

Sammie MillardJones

clerk@selwoodparishcouncil.gov.uk

Springmead School

Sally Cox

office@springmead.com

Standerwick, Berkley & Beckington WI

Kathy Kingman

contactkathy@btinternet.com

The Hub

Andrew Kellett

andrew.kellett49@outlook.com

07850 310547

Woodlands Village Hall

Louise Nicholls

ljnicholls29@gmail.com

07707 465135

01373 831555

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