THE PARISH NEWS (Sparktord, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston)
Vol. 1 , No.2
July 1_985
Editor: Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford
North Cadbury 40778
As I write this, it's raining hard, with thunder and lightning as an accompaniment - hardly Flaming June! Still just over a week to go to the 'Village Day': let us hope that the weather will improve.in time, and that all the organisers' hard work will be rewarded with a fine day, crowds of people, and financial success. A change of title this month, showing, we hope, a clearer indication of our purpose. Have you a favourite recipe, household or gardening tip that you would like to share with others? Or perhaps a memory of someone or something from the past? This is the opportunity you've been waiting for, to help make this YOUR rnaqazine. You will see in this issue our first 'small ad.' Just the way to get rid of that item you've been meaning to do something about for so long. There must be someone who is looking for just that very thing. And only 50p. per insertion. Contributions for the August issue by July 15th, please.
SPARKFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
At the June meeting of the Parish Council concern was expressed that the second phase of the Street Lighting Project is still not fully operational despite various promises from the S.E.B. The Clerk was requested to seek a firm date when the work will be completed. Mr. Cluett said that the Parish has, indeed, cause to be grateful to Mr. Wake for so kindly offering to finance the two lights at Wolfester Terrace in memory of his late wife, and to the Haynes Publishing Company for generously providing finance for a further two lights. The Ladies' Club had raised, through jumble sales, 'knit-ins' and donations, enough for the fifth light and the sixth light would be financed from Parish Council funds. Mr. Cluett expressed his gratitude to all concerned for their generosity, which will benefit the whole community. Negotiations to acquire the lease for the proposed play area in the Glebe are being handled by solicitors who are acting for the Parish and it is hoped to have definite news very soon. Meanwhile it was noted that a great deal of effort is going into preparations for the 'Village Day' on the 29th June, to ensure its success, and it was hoped that everyone from the Parish will come together in enjoyment of the day. Proceeds will be for the Playing Field Fund. The bad condition of road and pavement surfaces in Green Close and Twines Close is to be reported to the Divisional Highway Surveyor, as are the overgrown hedgerows and banks throughout the Parish, and the damaged parapet to the bridge over the river at Mill Farm, Weston Bampfylde. (See 'From your County Councillor'). The matter of the damaged stiles which are the responsibility of British Rail is to be followed up at the request of Mrs. Cottier. It was noted that there are no name plates to either Manor Close or Anstey Drive, and that the kerbs at the entrance to Manor Close require lowering to allow accessfor prams and wheelchairs. The Clerk will refer these matters to South Somerset District Council. • A letter will be sent to the County Surveyor regarding various faults in street lights which have already been reported by our Postmistress, Mrs. Pam Hoare. An acknowledgement was received from the Citizen's Advice Bureau for the donation from the Parish Council to their funds. (See item on the work of the CAB.) Avril Ward, Clerk to the Council.
FROM YOUR COUNTY
COUNCILLOR
Weston Bampfylde Bridge:- The County Surveyor has accepted the report that the bridge is in poor condition and that unless remedial works were carried out in the near future would have to be made subject of a severe weight restriction. As the Wessex Water Authority are carrying out flood alleviation work for the River Cam it was decided to replace the bridge with a new structure of "adequate" proportions on a more favourable alignment. Hillview Footpath at Queen Camel:- As this footpath affects those of us who live in Sparkford parish as well as Queen Camel there has been a joint effort to get a continuation of the footpath on the A359 in front of Hillview. This has been accepted into the programme of road works but it is unlikely that it will be done until next year. This is an extremely dangerous stretch of road to walk on especially for a Mum with a pram and I will continue to press for an early start. I hope to be able to present the Surveyor's plans to both parish councils in about six weeks. Barbara Cottier