The VOL.35
Village
March 2017
Magazine Covering Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde, Little Weston, Sutton Montis & Surrounds.
From The Editors Desk... Welcome to the New edition of the magazine. I have no longer got anyone to deliver for me at Wolfester Terrace end of Sparkford if one of you could please do this for me then I will be delighted. Please send all items to me at: editor@sparkfordvillage.co.uk or direct vi a post or hand deli vered to my home address shown on back of magazine.
PLEASE REMEMBER THE DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IS 15th OF EACH MONTH The Christmas Fair held in the Village Hall raised ÂŁ131 towards Hall funds. Many thanks to Sharon Bradford for organizing and Hall Committee for helping and villagers for supporting. The money will be going towards replacing the old small tables.
Message from the Head teacher Unfortunately, there is nothing to report this month please check back on the next edition for more information. In the meantime, why not take a visit to the school website that can be found at. http://www.countessgythaprimary.co.uk/ Please contact us: Tel: 01935 850345 Email: office@countessgytha.somerset.sch.uk Mrs Sue English, Head teacher Countess Gytha Primary School West Camel Road Queen Camel Somerset BA22 7LT
Dates for Your Diary CaféXtra The next CaféXtra Village Breakfast Gathering Will take place on Sunday 12th March. Breakfast served 9.30am – 11.00am Sparkford Church welcomes everyone for good coffee, Toast, Croissant, milkshake bar & A round of bacon rolls. This venture aims to provide a monthly meeting point for our village, with the option too to pray and hear a Bible story at one point in the morning. No charge for breakfast but contributions welcome
Camelot Music Night Davis Hall, West Camel Wednesday 29th March 2017 8pm – 11:00pm - £4 Doors open 7.30pm Enjoy an evening of music ranging from classical, traditional, blues, country, folk, boogie, jazz and more. Each month anything from 8 - 12 different extremely talented performers entertain on a variety of instruments, from guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bazooki, flute and keyboards etc. The artists range from local young groups or soloists, to established groups visiting from all over the South West. Raffle & bar. Find Camelot Music Night on Facebook or contact Martine/Iain on 01935 851556 or martine.hardy@live.co.uk if you would like to play and for more details
Sparkford Playing Field Association Here is the Diary of events for the Sparkford Playing Field Association During 2017 Easter bingo – Saturday 22 April Duck Race – Sunday 4 June Treasure hunt – Friday 14 July Fun Day – Sunday 10 September Bingo – Saturday 11 November More details to follow but put the dates in your diary now so that you don’t miss out on the fun!!
Another new year and Castle Cary choir are practicing some new pieces for their Spring concerts which always include a wide variety of music, from sacred to popular, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you are a regular supporter or maybe have never heard the choir before, we hope you can join us at one of our forthcoming concerts:- Friday 7th April at 7.30pm there will be a concert to raise funds for Christian Aid at Castle Cary Methodist Church, North Street, Castle Cary. Tickets are £8 in advance (£10 on the door) and include refreshments. Available from the Market House Information Point, Bailey Hill Books, or from David Osborne on 01963 351275. - Friday 12th May at 7.30pm we will be performing at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Charlton Mackrell. Tickets are £8 on the door or from the Post Office in Charlton Adam with a donation for refreshments. The concert is in aid of the Charlton’s Churches. If you would like us to help you to raise money for your Church or favorite charity, please get in touch. To find out more about fundraising, future events and to join the choir, please call John Roberts on 07970 039007 or check out our website at www.castlecarychoir.org We look forward to seeing you!
Get inspired, get motivated, get active, come dancing! Although there are many enjoyable ways to get fit, I would say there are very few that are as much fun and as sociable as doing modern jive. Strictly Jive (www.strictlyjive.com) do modern jive moves at the hall nest to the Sparkford Inn, High Street, Sparkford, BA22 7jh every Wednesday night, starting at 7.30. The hall has a wonderful dance floor, is light, easily accessible, a large car park and a bar. What is modern jive? Sometimes known as Mo'jive, LeRoc, or Ceroc, it is a fusion of Ballroom, Jive and Latin dance styles. It's a partner dance but, you don't need to bring your own. It's easy to learn and really good fun to do. As well as this, it’s great to watch. You can dance to any tune as long as it has a beat, so the music choices are endless. The benefits of dancing are many, it gets you away from the Television, and you meet new people and have a fun night out. It's an easy and a fun way of exercising, as well as learning a new skill. It also exercises the brain and focuses on visual, auditory, and tactile skills without you even noticing. We welcome absolute beginners every week, with our beginner class will starting around 7.30pm, followed by music in order to practice. We will also do an Improver class later in the evening for anyone who wants to join in. Jive classes are the friendliest classes around, with people walking around with a big smile on their face. My website is www.strictlyjive.com and my mobile is 07811018284. If you like further information, please let me know. Kind regards Roy Warry
What’s On at Sparkford Village Hall…. Monday Daytimes O Gauge Group meet every Monday between 10.00 and 12.00 Monday & Tuesday Evenings (Term Time) Scouts Cubs & Beavers Tuesday Yoga 10:00am – 12:00pm Contact Marjorie Rourke Tel: 01963 350452 Wednesday Sparkford Art Group 2.00 – 4.00 Friday Men’s Barber in Committee Room 12:00pm – 6:00pm To make a Donation or to BOOK the Village Hall Contact Victoria Rogers Tel: 01963 440475
Queen Camel Tuesday Group Tuesday February Report Group 2017 The meeting on February 7th was blessed with fine weather and many of the group had turned out to hear Brian Phelps talk about ‘Somerset Copper.’ After the usual catch up chat with friends you only see once a month and the delicious cakes and coffee, we all settled down to the briefest of monthly reports before we were introduced to Brian Phelps. The talk centred around a close friend of his nicknamed Tiny, [because of his broad, six foot seven inch frame,] and his exploits over the years both in the Somerset police force and other jobs. He painted a picture of rural life in the 1930’s that was both amusing and nostalgic and our time went very swiftly. We meet, as you know, on the first Tuesday of each month at the Queen Camel Memorial Hall arriving at 10.00am for a 10.30am start. Our membership grows by the month and we would love you to share in that success. If you want any more information about our activities, please call Pat Champion on 01963 32264 or Marion Chapman on 01963 220741.
Sparkford Playing Field Association is looking for a Secretary. The Committee plays an important role ensuring that the playing field and play area are kept clean, tidy and more importantly safe for the children and adults that use it. The Secretary role is voluntary and requires someone who is able to attend about six meetings per year, produce agendas and minutes for these meetings, assist with the organisation of and help at events such as the Duck Race and Fun Day and also help to secure additional funding for the group. If you are interested in this voluntary role please contact Lisa Davis - d.k.davis@btinternet.com. Thanks Lisa Secretary - Sparkford Playing Field Association
3rd Sparkford Scout Group
Latest from 3rd Sparkford Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Missiles, hiking and getting ready for Jamboree The new term has been a busy one already for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Lots of time outdoors, despite the mud! We are looking forward to spring and starting to plan for the Kent International Jamboree, and our own camps this coming year. The cubs have been learning about missiles and energy as part of their science badge. Each cub made their own sling shot, and they are going to make their own mini siege weapons for a challenge after half term. The Scouts have been out hiking, challenged to use their construction and teamwork skills building spaghetti structures and also worked together to produce a new Code of Conduct for the section. At the beginning of February some of the Scouts took part in a hiking weekend camp with West Coker Scout group. They were hiking on Bodmin Moor, experiencing some wintry conditions and the weekend finished with a visit to the Eden Project. We now have a small group of older Scouts, who lead activates for the younger ones, and take on new challenges themselves. Some of our older Scouts undertook a course at Hamdon First Aid this month and have all qualified as First Aiders with flying colours! We are continuing to fundraise for a new minibus and for the forthcoming Jamboree. If you would like to contribute to help us give amazing opportunities to our young people please do contact Helen Wooldridge – helen@cuddledry.com Anyone interested in joining or helping please email sparkfordscoutgroup@gmail.com YOU can help us too when you order your oil – by saving money via this price comparison link https://www.boilerjuice.com/community/3rd-sparkford-scout-group/ - who donate money to our group for every litre of oil you order! Please do use it if you can – thank you. Anyone interested in joining or helping please email sparkfordscoutgroup@gmail.com Or if you have any ideas for fundraising or donations of equipment/craft materials to our group please contact Helen Wooldridge – helen@cuddledry.com
We are always keen to hear from members of our local communities who have skills or ideas to share with our group – please do contact us on helen@cuddledry.com or call Helen Wooldridge 01963 440801.
As you all now know Sparkford no longer has a Neighborhood Watch, it was disbanded in April 2016 due to no one willing to step forward to take the helm which is an unfortunate fact. This comes at a time when our security and peace of mind is eroded not only by the inability of the police to continue the support and protection we had once all come to expect, but also by what is happening in the world around us. Neighborhood Watch has always provided a link between ourselves and the Police and even been referred to as the “eyes & ears” of the Police. It has also helped in consolidating a community from a social angle as well as a security one. Everything was handed over to the Parish Council as of April, the onus was placed firmly on our Parish council to at least keep a “watching brief” on the Neighborhood Watch. This I believe is a possible solution and would be in line with councils who delegate the various responsibilities, such as planning, footpaths, trees etc. to different councilors. I would like to again Ask if there is anyone in our community who would be willing to take on the running of the watch. If this is something you could see yourself doing, please contact a member of the Sparkford Parish Council whom would be able to help you set it up once more.
Sessions Available Did you know that you can Hire the Sparkford Village Hall? Available for hire at £4.00 per hour. Morning & Afternoon sessions available, to make a booking of the Village Hall Please contact Victoria Rogers Tel: 01963 440475
Enthusiastic, reliable and polite lad (11) seeking one-off or regular odd jobs for pocket money in and around the village. Please contact Keith (Dad) on 440033 or 07970 568742.
Church Treasurer
The church is seeking a treasurer to support the work we do. This is not an onerous role and requires 2 or 3 hours a month and to attend 4 evening meetings a year. Please contact Andy Voysey on 01963441010. Cheers Andy
THANK YOU : )
I would wish to thank all friends within the village and beyond, My sincere THANKS for their best wishes and a successful recovery from my recent operation. BRENDA PAY QUEEN CAMEL & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 'From seeds to fork!' was the intriguing title of Greg Marter's talk at the February meeting of the Garden Society. With the use of a simple demonstration of the immense time-scale over which life from its simplest form evolved, he revealed how 'recent' even simple plant life is and how through genetic changes and other circumstances the early forms led from mosses to conifers, giant redwoods, to seeded plants and the millions of flowering plants we know today. His fascinating description of how plants evolved and how humans adapted them provided much for members to ponder. Do come and join us on March 9th when a speaker from Castle Gardens will get us launched with 'Grow your own' encouraging us all to grow more of our vegetables. Richard Stephens - Vice-Chairman
Expecting your Winter Fuel Payment? Don’t need it? Donate it! Surviving Winter is an award-winning campaign that encourages people to donate some or all of their unwanted Winter Fuel Payments to other people in their communities who need it most. A Surviving Winter grant doesn’t just pay for extra heating. It’s hand delivered by one of our small number of trusted local partners, like Citizens Advice South Somerset. A Surviving Winter grant becomes the foundation for a new relationship that can help overcome the isolation and loneliness that many older people experience. With the support of over 300 donors, Somerset Community Foundation was able to provide vital grants to 390 older people to help them through last winter. Please help us grow this campaign to reach every isolated and vulnerable household in the county. To find out more about Surviving Winter, please visit: http://www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter.To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment, please send a Cheque made out to Somerset Community Foundation (SW written on the back), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. You can also donate online or call 01749 344949. Gift Aid forms are also available to download on the website. Thank you for making a difference to an elderly person in your community this winter! ********************************** Case Study: Mrs Kelly received a Surviving Winter grant last year. She had recently undergone an amputation and was left practically immobile, when a Village Agent found her trying to keep warm by heating a kettle. Mrs Kelly had run out of money to pay for heating, food or her telephone needed to summon medical assistance in an emergency. A Surviving Winter grant quickly restored the heating, and the Village Agent was able to alert other agencies that were able to put in place the care that she needed to recover fully.
Church Service Calendar Wednesday 1st Match 2017 – Ash Wednesday (Purple) 7.00 pm Ash Wednesday Service at Sutton Montis with the imposition of ashes Sunday 5th Match 2017 – 1st Sunday of Lent (Purple) Readings: Genesis 2.15-17, 3.1-7, Romans 5.12-19, Matthew 4.1-11, Psalm 32 9.30 am BCP Holy Communion at Sutton Montis 9.30 am Village Service at Corton Denham 9.30 am BCP Holy Communion by Extension at Sparkford 9.30 am All Age Service at Queen Camel 4.30 pm Tea Time at the Davis Hall, West Camel 5.30 pm CW Evening Prayer at Weston Bampfylde Sunday 12th March 2017 – 2nd Sunday of Lent (Purple) Readings: Genesis 12.1-4a, Romans 4.1-5, 13-17, John 3.1-17, Psalm 121 9.30 am Milkshake Church at Sparkford Village Hall 9.30 am Holy Communion at Queen Camel 11.00 am All Age Service at West Camel 4.30 pm BCP Evening Prayer at Corton Denham 5.30 pm BCP Evening Prayer at Weston Bampfylde 6.30 pm Evening Service at Sutton Montis Sunday, 19th March 2017 – 3rd Sunday before Lent (Purple) Readings: Exodus 17.1-7, romans 5.1-11, John 4.5-42, Psalm 95 9.30 am BCP Holy Communion at Queen Camel 9.30 am BCP Holy Communion at Corton Denham 9.30 am BCP Matins at Sparkford 11.00 am BCP Holy Communion at West Camel 11.15 am Informal Morning Service at Sutton Montis 5.30 pm BCP Holy Communion at Weston Bampfylde Saturday, March 25th 2017 – Clocks change tonight 12.00 noon Marriage Blessing of Ian Parker and Sarah Sutton and Baptism of Sophie Parker at Weston Bampfylde 14.30 pm Baptism of Lydia Williams at Queen Camel
Sunday, 26th March 2017 – Mothering Sunday (Purple) Readings: Exodus 2.1-10(or 1 Samuel 1.20-end), 2 Corinthians 1.3-7(or Colossians 3.12-17), Luke 2.33-35(or John 19.25b-27), Psalm 34.11-34(or Psalm 127.1-4) 9.30 am Mothering Service at Corton Denham 9.30 am Mothering Service at Sparkford 9.30 am All Age Mothering Service at Queen Camel 11.00 am BCP Holy Communion/Mothering Service at Sutton Montis 11.00 am Mothering Service at Weston Bampfylde 11.00 am Mothering Service at West Camel Wednesday, 29th March 2017 19.30 pm Sparkford APCM in the Church From the Registers Baptisms: We welcome them into God’s family Feb 4th Evelyn Budd at Queen Camel Feb 12th Anna McDermott at Queen Camel Weddings: May God bless their lives together Feb 4th Ashley Budd and Charlotte Reeves at Queen Camel Funerals: Behold, I stand at the door and knock Feb 13th Peter Oxley at Queen Camel
New Sparkford Homes for the over 50's For those wishing to downsize but remain part of the community Long Hazel Park has secured a planning permission to site luxury residential lodges for sale for owner occupation. Phase 1 of the project will create four 1 or 2 bedroomed detached lodges with car parking within a secure gated development. These UK built lodges are eco-friendly and are connected to all mains services including piped LPG. For the foreseeable future the exclusively for adults touring park for motorhomes, caravans and tents will continue to operate as usual in a separate area of the park. We would like to thank all those who supported our planning application. All enquiries welcome to Alan and Pamela Walton on (01963) 440002 Email longhazelpark@hotmail.com Website www.longhazelpark.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Alan and Pamela Walton
Chris Lee Garden and Tree Maintenance South Cadbury Telephone: 01963 440352 Mobile: 07899 000107
Chris Lee Tree Surgeon Ovencor is your local, independent oven cleaner. Our fully trained specialist technicians provide a friendly, reliable and thorough domestic and commercial oven cleaning service. Call today on 07817 698277 or 01963 350215 Trendle House, Trendle Lane, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0EJ
COUNTRYMAN Countryside & Garden Peter Keenlyside Mobile: 07706364709 Landline: 01963 251 733 Email: countrymangardens@hotmail.com
PETE WHITE - BMS BUILDING SERVICES 2 RECTORY FARM CLOSE QUEEN CAMEL, YEOVIL, SOMERSET BA227PS MOBILE No: 07763202864 LAND LINE: 01935 851322
The Care & Repair Company Double Glazing Repairs & Replacement Dave Baker Email: careandrepair01@btconnect.com Call: 01460 72142
For all your Garden and Home Improvements - Over 20 year’s local experience Extensions, patios, landscaping, stonework, Brickwork, fencing & plastering All aspects of Garden and Home Improvements for a free, no obligation, quotation please call: 07977 070703 Or 01963 371453 Carl.mintern@gmail.com
Vale of Camelot Growers Opening times OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.00 - 4.30 You can find us between Sparkford and South Cadbury on the old A303. For details Email: info@valeofcamelotgrowers.co.uk Vale of Camelot Growers, Sparkford, Yeovil. BA22 7JR. Tel. 07969372979
DON"T MISS OUT! Booking a family get together, wedding or a special party? Our luxury Georgian mansion will be yours throughout your stay, including 23 acres of stunning parkland, orchards and gardens, plus our tribe of alpacas & miniature ponies. The house has 11 bedrooms, a huge kitchen for family meals, several lounges and even a downstairs party room for up to 150 guests. Please call Tony on 07971 234333 or email tony@sparkfordhall.co.uk
Dear Readers we are looking for distributors to deliver the Village Magazine it’s a Voluntary Post & this can be either a permanent post or to cover illness & Holidays as and when needed in ALL AREAS: Sparkford, Little Weston, Weston Bampfylde, Sutton Montis, Queen Camel, & South Barrow. If you have some spare time and do not mind delivering in your Village or locally & would be interested, please fill out the following form & post to me at the editors Address or email me your details Many Thanks. Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Contact Number: …………………………………………… Email: ………………………………………………………………………… Areas able to cover: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….........
Copy deadline for inclusion by noon on 15th of each month Typeset © Mr Peter Downton, TerrierByteIT, Wychwood, Church Road, Sparkford, BA22 7JN Tel: 01963 441423 Email: editor@sparkfordvillage.co.uk Printed by Gillingham Press Company Ltd, South Street, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4AP