THE PARISH NEWS (Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Mantis)
Vo1.2, No.9
February 1987
Editor:
Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford,
North
Cadbury
40778
Here we are again! Winter is well and truly with us once again, but already the early bulbs are pushing through the hard ground and the snow. And it will get warmer - it really will! Items for the next issue by February, 15th, please.
SPARKFORD
up
PARISH COUNCIL
It was with much regret that Mr. Cluett broke the news at the January meeting that for various reasons, but mainly the ill health which she has suffered since injuring her arm in the early part of last year, Mrs. Pam Hoare is to give up the agency of the Post Office. This is particularly sad because Mrs. Hoare's family have had business connections with the Parish for the past 85 - 90 years. The service which she has so willingly made available to the Community will be greatly missed. Mr. Cluett, on behalf of everyone, warmly wished her a long and happy retirement within the Community which she has served so well in so many ways. Next, the solution proposed by Wake's Services to the problem of the school bus waiting in Church Road at the junction with the A.303, thus causing a restriction in visibility to other road users: it is, that the children will catch the public service bus to the Sparkford Depot where the school bus will now pick them up. The Parish Council agreed that although this is not the ideal solution it is the only one which is acceptable in the circumstances. The questions of a lay-by on the Wincanton side of the Post Office, or, alternatively, the provision of one on the Yeovil side of White's Garage have been investigated by the Parish Council but both suggestions have been turned down by the Police and the County Surveyor for safety reasons. Hopefully, the situation will resolve itself when the A.303 improvement proposals come to fruition. Meanwhile, thanks to Wake's Services for their help. Noisy motor cycles are again causing offence and particular concern was expressed that some riders and their pillion passengers do not wear crash helmets, which is both illegal and dangerous. Unbelievably, the street lights are again either not working properly or not working at all! This, despite letters, phone calls and repeated servicing. The Clerk will follow up the strong letter of protest sent last month to Mr. Thistlethwaite at Taunton and meanwhile, Mrs. Cottier will take up the matter with the Trading Standards Office at County Hall. The problem with the lights added to the difficulties with the intermittent drop in the voltage supply or complete loss of supply to Sparkford prompts the question, "Are the two connected in some way?" A letter from Mr. Lord the District Engineer of Southern Electricity assuring us that all is now well with our electricity supply is ridiculous and the Clerk will reply to that effect. It was agreed that either Mr. Lord or his Deputy be invited to the next meeting, February 2nd., when the exact nature of the problem will be explained. (Mr. Good, Deputy Engineer, has since agreed to come to this meeting, so will all residents who have grievances please put them in writing and pass them on to a Councillor or to Mr. Cluett). Residents are warned of the danger presented by the missing railings to the river in the vicinity of the bridge at Weston Bampfylde. These are to be replaced some time during 1987/8 and meanwhile, orange bunting and reflector plates warn of the danger, particularly to vehicles approaching from Sparkford Hill Lane. A pot-hole between the Lane and the bridge is to be reported to Mr. Boyle-Hayward, as is the surface water collecting on the road outside Mill Farm. More on Highway complaints: Water overflowing drain between entrance to Ainstey Drive and Twines Close, which, in icy weather could prove hazardous to road users, is also to be reported to the Highway Surveyor who is presently investigating our other complaints mentioned in previous issues. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to all residents of Green Close, reminding them of the danger of parking each side and opposite other vehicles on this comparatively narrow highway. The Parish Council is worried that should a fire engine or an ambulance be needed by an occupant, the driver may find it impossible to approach the residence, and here they are particularly concerned with the elderly occupants of the bungalows. Everyone is asked to park with care. In closing this long report, may I remind everyone of the Annual Parish Meeting on Friday the 27th. March at 7.00 pm in the Parish Hall. Who knows, perhaps by then we shall hear the result of the Public Inquiry into the A.303 Improvement Proposals. Next meeting: Monday, 2nd. February, 1987 at 7.30 p.m. Avril Ward Clerk to the Council
CHURCH SERVICES 1st. February - Epiphany 4 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion Sutton Montis Rev. C. Edmundson. 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion Weston Bampfylde Preb. L. Walsh. 8th. February - Epiphany 5 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion Sparkford Rev. C. Edmundson. 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion Sutton Montis Rev. G. Waldron. 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer Weston Bampfylde Preb. J. Swingler. 15th. February - Septuagesima Sparkford 10.00 a.m. Morning Prayer Mr. R. Dick. 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion Weston Bampfylde Rev. L. Golledge. 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer Sutton Montis Rev. C. Edmundson. 22nd. February - Sexagesima 9.00 a.m. Holy Communion Sparkford Rev. R. Snowsell. 11.15 a.m. Morning Prayer Sutton Montis Rev. L. Golledge. 6.30 p.m. Evening Prayer Weston Bampfylde Mr. W. Chapman. 1st. March - Quinquagesima 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion Sutton Montis Preb. J. Swingler. 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion Sparkford Rev. R. Snowsell. N.B. Please note that some of the service times have been changed; changed times have been printed in bold type. This is the new schedule of services planned for the first six months of the new pastoral scheme. It will by reviewed by the Rev. L. Morris and the churchwardens after this six months' trial (or possibly before). We now know that the actual scheme cannot now start until March 1st. at the earliest.
SPARKFORD CHURCH ROTAS 1st. February 8th. February 15th. February 22nd. February 1st. March
Flowers Flower Guild Flower Guild Flower Guild Flower Guild Mrs. Chappell
Cleaning Mrs. Baker & Mrs. North. Mrs. Singer & Mrs. Norris. Mrs. Deacon & Mrs. Ridout. Mrs. Spencer & Mrs. Hoddinott. Mrs. E. Marsh & Mrs. B. Pay.
SPARKFORD
Sidesmen Weston Bampfylde. Mrs. J. Chappell. Mr. F. Warren. Mr. A. Fear. Mr. T. Tuck.
CHURCH
As mentioned in 'Cub's Chat', the Christingle Service before Christmas was a splendid occasion, as also were our Carol Service and the Midnight Communion. Our grateful thanks go to the Rev. R. Snowsell, Rev. C. Edmundson, and to Mr. Bob Dick and his band of readers at the Carol Service. Shortly now, if all goes according to plan, the pastoral re-organization scheme will come into being, and we shall, together with Weston Bampfylde and Sutton Montis, be welcoming the Rev. Lyn Morris and his wife into our midst. We look forward to his ministry among us, and pray that both minister and ministered will be richly blessed. On Monday, 16th March, there will be an Installation Service for all of our three churches, to be held in Sparkford Church at 7.00 p.m. This will be followed by coffee and biscuits in the Parish Hall, an opportunity to meet Mr. Morris and his wife in more informal surroundings. Needless to say, everyone will be most warmly welcomed at either or both of these events. This would also seem to be an opportune moment to express our most grateful thanks to all those, both clergy and laity, who have conducted our services during the past fifteen months or so. Their willingness and enthusiasm, in itself, has been an example to us all, and we shall remember them all with great affection. May we also express our indebtedness to Alan Hoskins, who took in his stride the task of making all the necessary arrangements. We have been fortunate enough recently to receive gifts of plants for the churchyard: from Mr. & Mrs. G. R. Bartaby, of the Coach House, Ainstey Drive, rose bushes, and from Mrs. Joan Dick, of Church Road, shrubs. Our thanks to them for these welcome gifts. The Annual Church meeting will be held in the Church on Thursday, March 19th, at 7.30 p.m.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
From Sunday, 8th February, Sunday School will be at the new time of 11.00 a.m. to 12 noon every Sunday, except for the first Sunday in each month, when there is no Sunday School, and the fifth Sunday in the month (when this happens), when there will be a Family Service at 10.00 a.m. All children and their parents will be welcome at the Family Services, and it is hoped that the Sunday School will continue to take part. The next Family service is on 29th March. Any child over 3 years is welcome to join us at Sunday School, held in Sparkford Church. Ann Tuck
CUB'S CHAT Carol singing around the village just before Christmas raised over £30 for the fund to send Robin White to Australia next Christmas. Our thanks to all those who contributed so generously, including the Rev. R. Snowsell. The Christingle Service, held at Sparkford Church, was a beautiful event; thanks to Mark Berry for playing the organ for us, the group of young people who sang for us and Rev. R. Snowsell who officiated. Over £80 will be sent to the Church of England's Childrens' Society as a result. We start the new year with a Stick and Glue Workshop on the 5th January - always a very messy morning! We have wild flowers to plant from Major Crawford of the Sparkford Copse Trust and a nesting box to erect before the Spring. Looks like being a busy year again.
Carole Cranmer Cub Scout
SOUTH CADBURY
Leader
PARISH COUNCIL
Summary of meeting held 10th December 1986 Old Peoples' houses, S. Cadbury: It is understood that agreement has been reached for the sale to the District Council of two plots in the projected development adjacent to the Red Lion and that two bungalows will be included in the District Council's building programme. The starting date cannot yet be forecast. Review of District Wards: Information has been received that the Boundary Commission's draft proposals involve no change in our Camelot Ward; and that any revision of the District structure will not be effected before 1991. Next meeting of the Parish Council: The next meeting .will be the Parish Meeting for 1986/87 in Sutton Montis Village Hall on 11 th March 1987 unless otherwise advertised.
Brodie Lea Parish Clerk
SUTTON MONTIS
NEWS
An enjoyable Christmas party resulted in a profit of £98 for Village Hall funds: many thanks to all the willing helpers. Sutton Montis 100 Club: December £50 winner: No. 56, Lady Mackworth Young. Neighbourhood Watch: In conjunction with the police the village has successfully organised a neighbourhood watch scheme.
IN BRIEF The Bingo evening held before Christmas in aid of the 59 Trust raised the magnificent sum of £145. Ladies' Keep Fit classes start again on January 29th, with Mrs. Eileen Snelling. Every Thursday Sparkford Parish Hall at 7.45 p.m.
evening
in
a representative
of
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY February 2nd 14th
Sparkford Parish Council, Committee Room, Sparkford the Southern Electricity Board will be in attendance. Valentines Day Jumble sale, in aid of Sparkford Church,
Parish Hall, 7.30 p.m., when Sparkford
Parish Hall, 2.30 p.m.
March 3rd 11 th 16th 19th 27th
Pancake evening at Carlian, Church Road, Sparkford, by kind invitation of Mr. & Mrs. Barrie Longman, 7.30 p.m. Bring and buy stall. South Cadbury Annual Parish Meeting, Sutton Montis Village Hall. Installation Service for the Rev. Lyn Morris, Sparkford Church, 7.00 p.m., followed by coffee and biscuits in the Parish Hall. Sparkford Church Annual meeting, in the Church, 7.30 p.m. Sparkford Annual Parish meeting, Sparkford Parish Hall, 7.00 p.m.
SERVICES, FOR SALE AND WANTED Brenda and Jenny: caterers for weddings, parties etc. Floral arrangements and special dietary also crockery and cutlery for hire (no charge if we cater for you). Yeovil 79787.
needs on request;
THIS MONTH'S
RECIPE
Vicarage Pudding 11b. S.R. Flour 31/2 oz. mixed fruit 31/2 oz. brown sugar 6 oz. margarine 2 oz. black treacle 171/2 fl. oz. milk Mixed spice, to taste. Mix the dry ingredients together, add the melted margarine and treacle, and also the milk. Cook, in a greased tin, for 40-50 minutes at 350 deg. F (180 deg. C). Chris Longman
I'M FINE, THANK YOU There's nothing the matter with me I'm as healthy as can be I have arthritis in both my knees, And when I talk it is with a wheeze, My pulse is weak, my blood is thin, But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in. Arch supports I have for my feet Or I wouldn't be able to be on the street Sleep is denied me night after night But every morning I find I'm alright, My memory is failing, my head's in a spin, But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in. The moral of this, as the tale I unfold, That for you and I who are growing old, It's better to say 'I'm fine' with a grin Than to let folks know the shape we're in. How do I know that my youth is all spent? Well, my 'Get up and go' has got up and went, But I really don't mind when I think with a grin, Of all the places my 'Get up' has been. Old age is golden I've heard it said, But sometimes I wonder as I climb into bed, With my ears in the drawer and my teeth in a cup, My eyes on the table until I wake up; Ere sleep comes o'er me I say to myself, "Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?" When I was young my slippers were red, I could kick my heels right over my head; When I grew older my slippers were blue, But still I could dance the whole night through; Now that I'm old my slippers are black, I walk to the store and puff my way back; I get up each morning and dust off my wits, Pick up the paper and read the 'obits', If my name is still missing I know I'm not dead, So I have a good breakfast and go back to bed. Anon [Thanks
to Gwenda
North - Ed.]
Typeset & Printed by J. H. Haynes & Co. Ltd., Sparkford,
Yeovil, Somerset,
BA22 7JJ.