THE PARISH
NEWS
(Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Mantis)
Vol. 1, No.4
September 1985
Editor: Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford. North Cadbury 40778
What happened to summer this year? The football season is with us already, the children will very shortly be back to school, and the evenings are drawing in. This must be a time to think back to the glorious summers of the past two years, and to be thankful for them. However, all things come to an end, and perhaps there will be an Indian Summer. All things come to an end ... This month sees the end of the long and caring ministry of our Rector and his wife. Many tributes have been paid, and there are more in this issue, but, although we have known Patrick and Irene for only three years, we feel we must add our own word of appreciation for their help and friendship, together with our good wishes for their ministry in Cornwall. During the interregnum, until such time as the future of our parishes is decided, Alan Hoskins has taken on the task of arranging preachers for our three churches, and details will be published each month in Parish News. Meantime, in case of emergency, any of the respective churchwardens or members of the Parochial Church Councils will be only too willing to give what help and advice they can. A word about the distribution of Parish News; in Sparkford, Mrs Totsy Edwards does a valiant job in delivering copies throughout the village, and copies are always available at the Post Office, Richard White's Garage and the Sparkford Inn, but if anyone knows of a gap in the system, please let me know, and we'll take steps to remedy the situation. Items for the next issue by 20th September, please.
SPARKFORD
PARISH
COUNCIL
In the absence of the Chairman, Mr Cluett. Mr Bishop took the chair at the August meeting of the Parish Council. It was learned that because Ainsty Drive is a private road the South Somerset District Council is not responsible for erecting a name plate, and that the request to lower the kerbs at the entrance to Manor Close to accommodate wheelchairs and prams has been referred to the Divisional Highway Surveyor. The Lease in respect of the proposed play area in the Glebe field, is, when Mr Cluett returns, to be referred to Mr Anderson, the solicitor acting on behalf of the Parish, for clarification of the so-called 'buffer zone' clause. It was agreed to increase the annual grants to the Churches towards the upkeep of the churchyards to £65.00 each, for the year 1985-86. It was also agreed to issue a cheque for £65.00 to the Cricket Club now and a further cheque at the next meeting, making a total of £ 130.00, the agreed grant for 1985-86. Councillor Mr F Warren expressed his disapproval that the seat known as 'Pensioners Rest' has been returned to Twines Close by an unknown person or persons, despite the decision of the Parish Council that the seat be placed in the Cricket Field. It should be understood that the Parish Council, as properly elected representatives of the community, took the decision in the best interests of all concerned. The Parish Council expressed disgust that those who object to this decision were not present to put their case although the matter appeared on the agenda for this meeting and had been properly displayed on the Parish notice boards. It was agreed that, as feelings are running high over the moving of the seat, the matter will be open for discussion by the Parish at the next Council meeting, to be held on Tuesday, October 1st, at 7.30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, when it is hoped that an acceptable solution can be reached. Meanwhile, the seat will be placed in safe keeping. Mrs Cottier then went on to report that concern has been expressed over possibly hazardous parking at Wolfester Terrace. The Clerk is to ask the Housing Department of the District Council if further or more accommodating parking facilities can be arranged. Avril Ward Clerk to the Council.
FROM YOUR COUNTY
COUNCILLOR
Just a news flash this month - The date for the Sparkford By-pass Exhibition has been provisionally arranged for 6th November. More news hopefully next month. Barbara Cottier.
REV. PATRICK
CONNOR
On Friday, 16th August, a goodly company assembled in Sparkford Parish Hall on the occasion of the farewell presentation to the Rev. and Mrs Patrick Connor. In making the presentation of a colour television set, plus insurance for 5 years and something towards the cost of the license, the Churchwardens, Mr George Chappell and Mr Fred Warren, each paid their own tribute to the long service and devotion to the care of the parish shown by Mr and Mrs Connor. In his reply Mr Connor said that, although both he and his wife were very sorry to be leaving, the chance of returning to Cornwall seemed to arise at an opportune moment. He said that the gift of a colour television set was greatly appreciated, especially as their present black and white set was gradually becoming more and more unreliable. They hoped to return to the area from time to time, and said that visitors in Mawnan would be welcome at any time. The Sunday School, represented by Donna Ray, presented Mr and Mrs Connor with a Wedgewood vase, and Troy Edwards, for the Scouts and Cubs, gave a Thank You badge. After the presentations, refreshments, prepared by the ladies of the Church, were greatly enjoyed by all.