Together, We Deliver
John Beaven, Editor
I ended September’s editorial with gratitude, and it’s only fitting to begin this one with a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made one-off or regular donations to help cover the cost of bringing Network free to your door. Some of you have even contributed enough to cover your neighbours’ copies, and more—thank you!
It’s important to us that every home gets Network free of charge, so that everyone has this opportunity to connect with their local community, not just those who might subscribe to a paid-for magazine. From my time at the surgery, I know that about 10% of residents move in or out each year, and we want newcomers to be welcomed with a copy of Network on their doormat from the start Our faithful advertisers play a big part in making that happen, but with a full-colour magazine and more varied content, we also rely on additional support Your generosity has enabled us to cover costs over the past year, and we’re truly grateful.
Looking to the year ahead, we would welcome more support to keep Network flourishing and full of things that you’d like to read, so if you’d like to cover the cost of the copy in your hand, or for your street, then £1 would cover your copy, £2 your neighbour and £5 would go even further. New supporters have ensured that this edition is already covered so do consider joining the wave if you’re enjoying Network: donorbox.org/supporting-network
We need to play our part in that too, and keep Network to a size that is sustainable, focussing on content that is local, engaging and encourages community, connection and care. This month you’ll see that we’ve omitted the contacts list and editorial team page so that you can enjoy more of the fresh local articles that you want to see - we’ll still include these lists from time to time, as space allows, so do keep handy a back copy that has them in They can also be found at beckingtonbenefice.org/connecting/network/contacts/
All of our team are volunteers, giving freely of their own time, and if you’d like to play a part in putting Network together, do get in touch.
Finally, thanks to all of our content contributors this month, and especially those children brightening our shorter, darker days with some fabulous firework pictures!
Cover Image: Fireworks
Louise’s Shed of Surprises
Anne Oakes
Tangiers Farm is situated on the edge of Frome in Clink Road, Berkley and is home to the James’ family. Louise James originally set up sales of her eggs and surplus garden veg from within a small shed by her entrance gate seven years ago. She then added a few second-hand books and seasonal items to raise money for Berkley Church. Her children had a plaque designed and the name ‘Louise’s Shed of Surprises’ was born.
Such a Thing as Society
Mel Usher
Neighbourhood Plan
Ben Richards
The Circus Restaurant
Treasured Remembrance in Glass
Mike Wilsher
Russ Perrett: A Beckington Legend
Phil Cary
Storm Amy Batters Beckington
Paula Fox
Portfolio on the Beckington Parish Council and explains: “My remit is keeping the village looking clean and tidy and as accessible as possible with the grass cut regularly and waste bins collected regularly”.
It was lovely to see appreciation for their work on the village Facebook page: “to the two gentlemen who were clearing Sue’s Walk today - thank you”.
Helping Hands in Frome
Frome Community Fridge on Facebook for daily updates.
And for those who need clear, trusted advice, Citizens Advice Somerset offers free, confidential help on welfare, housing, debt, employment, relationships and more. Drop-in sessions run in Frome Town Hall on Mondays (10am–1pm) and at Fair Frome on Fridays (10am–1pm) Call 0808 27 87 842 (9am–4pm) or visit citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk Three simple ways to care, connect and share – all right here in Frome
Up & Coming Tennis Stars
Christian De Jaeger
Andrew’s Pin-Up Riley
David Wheeler
“Cars are the sculptures of our everyday lives.”
Chris Bangle
Doctor’s Final Act of Service
David Jordan
Living with Spiders
Australian Geographic
Springmead’s Recognition for Art
Shirley Offer
Owls Travel Back in Time
Jenny Collins
Selwood’s Welcome Service
Luci Hooper
A Blue Christmas
Rev Jo Robinson
Ancient Paths
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path”.
Psalm 119:105
Rev Jo Robinson
Honouring the Fallen
Ben Richards
days
Remembering Gunner Brooks
Jackie Lobley
saw fierce fighting, with Gurkhas and gunners bravely holding their ground against relentless Japanese attacks. Despite suffering head wounds, Gunner Brooks fought off an ambush while helping to evacuate the wounded. Relief finally came after eight days, when Gurkhas reached the hill and covered the withdrawal of survivors whose only food had been condensed milk and biscuits dropped by parachute.
He was later awarded the Burma Star
Remembered with pride.
Book Clubs - More than Reading
Ruth Jordan, Jane Seymour, Lisa Gauntlett, Laura Parry & Mike Wilsher
Memorial Hall Refurb
Jeanette Hurst
Anne Baker
Bellringers on the Road
John Ball
St Katharine’s, East Woodlands
Pam Chapman
Nativity Festival
Maria Beaven
Floodlighting St George’s Tower
From Across the World
Mike Wilsher
From the Archives
Jim Dowling
Your paragraph text