THE PARISH NEWS (Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Montis)
Vo1.2, No.12
May 1987
Editor:
Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford.
North Cadbury
40778
My thanks to those who produced information about the aeroplane crash at Weston Bampfylde (see last month's issue) - to Jim Windsor, Mrs Joan Reeves, who sent me a copy of the newspaper report, and Herbert Hoskins, who was very much involved in the aftermath of the crash. Briefly, for those like us, relative newcomers to the village, an R.A.F. Mosquito aircraft, on a training flight, crashed in the field opposite Mill Farm at Weston, almost completely disintegrating. One landing wheel ended up in the churchyard, while one of the two engines is still buried some forty feet down under the field. Both trainee pilot and instructor baled out to safety. There was an intensive enquiry at the farm and it was three weeks before the wreckage, which had been closely guarded, was finally removed. This is a prime example of the type of happening that mustn't be allowed to pass into history without being recorded. Anne Aldworth, who wrote in the Parish News a few months back asking for your memories of old Sparkford, is the person to contact if you have any similar stories to tell; this is just the sort of information she would welcome. Items for the next issue by May 18th, please.
SPARKFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
At the April meeting, Mrs. Gwenda North reported that there is still some doubt that the electricity supply to the houses in the vicinity of Sparkford Church is 100%. However, as nothing can be proved until demand reaches a peak in the winter months it was agreed to defer further action until then. Happily, the street lights all appear to be working satisfactorily now that they have been fitted with the new electronic starter units. Mr. Boyle-Hayward, the Divisional Highway Surveyor, is investigating the complaints listed previously to which the following have been added: 1. Water overflowing gully at Sparkford Church. 2. Pot-holes outside 1-2 South View. 3. Re-surfacing required in Higher Farm Lane, Weston Bampfylde. Concerning the telephone box at Weston Bampfylde, British Telecom have advised that they will not reinstate the old cleaning arrangements because of cost. It was agreed to discuss the possibility of the Parish Council financing a local effort for this box and the box at Sparkford at the May meeting. More on Weston Bampfylde: It was agreed to ask the County Surveyor to have the railings to the re-built bridge inspected for safety. The Parish Council consider that the rails are too far apart and therefore, present a hazard to children playing on the bridge. A complaint is to be passed to the Area Delivery manager of the Post Office at Yeovil that the morning delivery is being unacceptably delayed since the new arrangements have been introduced. Mr. Cluett concluded the meeting with a thank-you to Mr. George Chappell, who is to retire from the Council at the May Election, for his years of service to the Parish. Next Meeting:
MONDAY,
P.S. A bouquet Church Road.
11th MAY. 7.30 pm
to South
Somerset
District
Council
for smartening
up the area near the council
P.P.S. PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T FORGET! WE ARE ENTERED FOR THE 'BEST KEPT VILLAGE' 1987. JUDGING TO TAKE PLACE DURING MAY, JUNE AND AUGUST.
MRS PAMELA
garages off
COMPETITION
HOARE
The highlight of the Annual Parish Meeting was the presentation from the Parish, and from her friends outside the Community, to Mrs. Pam Hoare. Mrs. Hoare retired as Post-Mistress on 31 st. March after 21 years of service to the Community. During these years she served as Parish Councillor, filling the vacancy created by the illness and subsequent death of her husband. She alone organised a fund to provide a bus-shelter at Sparkford for which the Parish will be eternally grateful. She served for many years as Secretary to the Parish Hall Committee and as Secretary to the now disbanded W.I. She also supervised many amateur dramatic productions involving children and adults, bringing joy to the Community. Her work with the League of Friends of Verrington Hospital and with the British Legion is to continue as is the help she has always given so willingly whenever the need presents itself in the Parish. Mrs. Cottier presented Mrs. Hoare with a basket of spring flowers and Mr. Cluett handed her a cheque for ÂŁ300 on behalf of the Community and her many friends. Mr. Cluett then summed up her work in the question familiar to the Toc H Movement, 'What is service?' 'Service is the rent we pay for our room on earth'. Mrs. Pam Hoare has truly earned a freehold in the life of the Parish of Sparkford.