THE PARISH

NEWS

(Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Mantis)

Vo1.1, No.8

January 1986

Editor:

Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford, North

Cadbury

40778

Have you made any New Year resolutions? Or are you one of those whose only resolution is not to make any? Sterling work was done .by many in our community during 1985: we had a very successful Village Day, progress was made towards the establishment of the Playing Field, the Sparkford Copse Trust finally came into being, together with the many and varied activities connected with the Church, the Parish Hall and others, most of which we have been able to report in the Parish News. We hope you will continue to use this magazine as a medium to link together all the groups and activities of our community and area. That's what we're here for! Items for the next issue by 18th January, please.

SPARKFORD

PARISH COUNCIL

At the meeting of the Sparkford Parish Council held on the 26th November, it was agreed that the proposals exhibited at the Agricultural Hall recently for the improvement of the A303 at Sparkford were more or less in line with what is required, and proved most informative. The Parish Council considered the appeal for support on behalf of the St. Margaret's Somerset Hospice Building Appeal and agreed to donate £10.00. They further agreed to subscribe £25.00 to the Sparkford Copse Trust for life membership. The Yeovil Area Local Plan was also considered and the questionnaire duly completed. The main suggestions were: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

There is a need for small starter units for light industry, and with this is linked the need for starter homes. There is a need for more parking facilities at the Parish Hall and at Sparkford Church. More garages are needed particularly for houses built by the Council. When the improvement of the A303 at Sparkford is completed, more building land could become available which may fill the above needs. There could be scope for accommodating small industries at the old market area, the station yard and Snow's yard.

It was learned that Green Close is to be resurfaced in the Spring/Summer 1986 and, meanwhile, necessary repairs are to be made. The accounts, which were audited by the District Auditor, were inspected and approved. Lower estimates were being sought for the provision of a proposed litter bin at the entrance to Twines Close. In response to our letter Mr. Cann, the Headmaster of Hazelgrove House, reports that the Police are investigating the frequency of accidents at the entrance to the school and various suggestions are being considered. Meanwhile, a planning application to lower the two outer gate posts to the level of the dwarf wall was approved by the Parish Council. Next meeting: 7th January, 1986. Avril Ward Clerk to the Council

SPARKFORD

COPSE TRUST

We are endeavouring to achieve a substantial local membership by 15th January 1986 in time for formal ratification of the terms of our Trust Deed, which we hope will take place towards the end of that month. Those wishing to become members of the Trust are asked to forward the appropriate subscription to the Treasurer. Treasurer.

Rate of Subscription.

R. F. Dick, Duneagle, Church Road, Sparkford, Somerset. BA22 7J N (Next door to the Post Office.)

Life Membership Annual Membership Annual Membership O.A.P.'s & students Annual Membership (Parish Councils, Scouts, Schools, etc.)

£25.00 2.00 p.a. .50 p.a. 5.00 p.a.

CHURCH 5 January - Epiphany. 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion

(Joint)

SERVICES Sutton Montis Sparkford

Rev. C. Edmondson. Rev. L. Golledge.

12 January - Epiphany 1. 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion 11.15 a.m. Morning Prayer 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

Sparkford Sutton Montis Weston Bampfylde

Rev. R. Snowsell. Rev. G. Waldron. Mr. C. Hemborough.

19 January - Epiphany 2. 9.30 a.m. Morning Prayer 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

Sparkford Weston Bampfylde Sutton Montis

Mr. R. Dick. Rev. L. Golledge. Mr. W. Chapman.

26 January - Septuagesima. 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer

Sparkford Sutton Montis Weston Bampfylde

Rev. R. Snowsell. Rev. R. Snowsell. Mrs. R. Hoskins.

2 February - Sexagesima (Presentation of Christ in the Temple). 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion Sutton Montis 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion (Joint) Weston Bampfylde

Rev. L. Golledge. Rev. C. Reeve.

SPARKFORD Jan.5th Jan.12th Jan.19th Jan.26th Feb.2nd

Flowers Flower Flower Flower Flower Flower

Guild Guild Guild Guild Guild

CHURCH

Cleaning Mrs. Doddington & Mrs. J. Toop. Mrs. Hemborough & Mrs. Card. Mrs. White & Mrs. House. Mrs. Tate & Mrs. Doel. Mrs. Baker & Mrs. North.

SPARKFORD

ROTAS Sidesmen Mr. R. Hemborough. Mr. A. Fear. Mr. B. Longman. Mrs. C. Longman. Weston Bampfylde.

CHURCH

The Parish Hall on the morning of the 30th November was bustling with activity as preparations were made for the Christmas Bazaar. Stalls were set up, set out with all the variety of goods to be sold - and cups of coffee were consumed! At 2 p.m. the doors were opened, and a busy two hours or so ensued. The customers seemed very satisfied with what was presented before them, and the Churchwardens were more than pleased with the £270 that was added to Church funds. By 5 p.m. the hall was cleared, cleaned and set out ready for the Parish Hall Bingo session that evening. In lighter and less onerous vein, a goodly company assembled in the Skittle Alley of the Sparkford Inn on the evening of 11 th December. Some expert (and some not quite so expert) skittling took place, and a good time was had by all. Grateful thanks are due to Chris and Barrie Longman, who organised the evening, and to Peter Protheroe, landlord of the Inn, for permission to use the Alley. £40 was raised for Church funds. A large congregation attended the Carol Service on the afternoon of 15th December. The Church was warm and bright with the lights of the Christmas tree, generously given by Barbara Cottier, and decorated by a band of willing helpers. We listened to the old, familiar words of the Christmas story, and realised once again that. in spite of all the troubles that beset the world, there is still hope for us all if only we believe and trust in our Lord. We sang, with gusto, familiar hymns and carols, and went away refreshed and renewed. The service was arranged and very ably led by Bob Dick. The Church was again full on Monday evening, 16th December, for the Cubs and Scouts Christingle Service, in which they were joined by the Brownies and Guides. The service was led by Rev. R. Snowsell, with members of all four organizations taking part. In his talk, Mr. Snowsell explained the meaning of the Christingle Service and also of the legends connected with some of the familiar things depicted on Christmas cards, such as the Christmas rose and the robin. During the service, envelopes containing money collected for the Children's Society were handed in, realising the magnificent sum of £90, and a further £27 resulted from the offertory.

NOT JUST ANOTHER

LENT BIBLE STUDY?

No, quite right! and now as they say, for something completely different. A chance to put into words all the things that you consider to be wrong with the Church! No, seriously, "What on earth is the Church for anyway?", is a programme of study devised by the World Council of Churches - but don't let that put you off! We are hoping it will result in giving people the chance to listen, talk and pray about the problems and joys, and above all, the aims of Christians in rural communities and what we should be doing about them. We would love to see you, all ages from 8 - 88 welcome, people from any denomination and non church-goers alike. If you feel so inclined please come. We would very much appreciate a rough idea of numbers for coffee and chairs etc., so please contact Alan or Rose Hoskins (Tel. North Cadbury 40026) if you are interested. The meetings will be held on Thursday evenings at 7.30 p.m. starting Thursday the 20th February. Meetings chez-nous, that is 'Sprinqfields', Weston Bampfylde (1st house on the left after Mill Farm).

SPARKFORD

PARISH HALL

As there is not a great deal of news this month, this would seem a good opportunity to publish the charges for the hire of the hall. The hall is available for a great variety of events, either single bookings or on a regular basis. The Booking Secretary is Mrs. Brenda Mills, 1, Twines Close, Sparkford. (Tel. North Cadbury 40641) and the charges are as follows:Block bookings Evergreen Club Scouts Afternoon or evening bookings for Hall and Kitchen Parties Committee Room Commercial sales (incl. Cleaning) Elections (incl. Cleaning & Heating) All day hire for Weddings etc. (The deposit is returnable once the hall has been checked and found

£2.50 per session. £1.00 per session. £1.50 per session. £5.00 per session. £5.00 per session. £1.50 per session. £22.00 per session. £30.00 per session. £25.00 plus £5.00 deposit. to be satisfactory.)

KEEP FIT Work off that Christmas flab! Tone yourself up for the glorious (?) summer days to come! Keep fit classes, led by Mrs. Eileen Snelling, will be starting again towards the end of January, in Sparkford Parish Hall, probably on Thursday evenings. Full details will. be given on notices in the Post Office and the Parish Notice Board.

IN BRIEF The The And cause. The

Parish Hall Bingo on 30th November raised the sum of £98 for Hall funds. Bingo evening at Sparkford Parish Hall on 7th December in aid of the 59 Trust realised a grand total of £160. the Bingo in aid of the N.S. P.C.C. also at Sparkford, on 14th December, made £112 for this very worthy organisers of all the above events wish to thank everyone who helped to make them such a great success.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 13 January

Weston Bampfylde

Only one this month Parochial Church Council, at Mill Farm (Mr. & Mrs. F. Hoskins),

THIS MONTH'S Chocolate

Beer Cake.

4 oz butter or margarine. 10 oz dark soft brown sugar. 2 standard eggs, beaten. 6 oz plain flour. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda. 7 fluid oz. sweet stout. 2 oz cocoa.

7.30 p.m.

RECIPE.

For the Icing.

To decorate.

4 2 2 4 1

8 walnut halves. grated chocolate.

oz plain chocolate tablespoons sweet stout oz butter oz sifted icing sugar oz finely chopped walnuts.

Method: Pre heat oven to Gas 4 (350 F) (180 C). Line two 8" sandwich tins with greaseproof paper and brush with melted fat. Cream the butter and sugar together for 3 - 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in eggs a little at a time, beating after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder and bicarb. soda together. Sift cocoa into a separate bowl, gradually stir the stout into it. Now carefully fold into the creamed butter mixture small quantities of the sifted flour

alternately with the cocoa mixture until all is combined. Divide the mixture equally between the two tins and level lightly. Bake sponges in the centre of the oven for 30 - 35 minutes until they have shrunk slightly from the side of the tins. Leave to cool for five minutes before turning out. Then coolon wire rack.

To Ice: Melt the chocolate with the stout in a pan over a bowl of hot water. When melted remove bowl from water, beat in the butter and leave to cool a little before beating in the icing sugar. Remove a quarter of the icing into a separate bowl and stir in the chopped walnuts. When both bowls of icing have cooled to a spreadable consistency sandwich the cake together with the walnut icing. Now spread the top and sides of the cake with the rest of the icing, smoothing over with a palette knife. Arrange walnut halves at regular intervals on top of cake and sprinkle with grated chocolate. Now try to be patient and allow to become firm before eating!

Rose Hoskins.

MEMORIES

OF CHRISTMAS

PAST.

As the late, great Billy Bennett used to say: 'Twas Christmas Day in the cookhouse, The Place was clean and tidy, The soldiers were eating their pancakes, No - that's wrong - that was Good Friday. In the oven a turkey was sizzling, And to make it look posh, I suppose, They'd fetched in the battalion barber, To shingle its parson's nose. (Cries of "Enough",

"Shame",

etc. All right. I can take a hint!)

SHORTEST

GHOST STORY ON RECORD.

A man huddled in the opposite corner of the railway carriage suddenly leaned towards me and tapped me on the knee. "Do you believe in ghosts?" he asked softly, I shrank back surprised. "Why, I ... Well, no." He stood up, chuckling to himself and nodding. "Neither do I," he croaked - and vanished.

MEMORY

OF CHILDHOOD

Oh, I remember now A dell of snow Frost on the bough; None there but I: Snow, snow, and a wintry sky. Walter

de la Mare,

STOP PRESS The road between Sparkford River bridge are carried out.

and Weston

Bampfylde

will

be closed later this month

while

repairs to the Cam