Pitcombe News - November 2017

PITCOMBE

news View online at www.hall.pitcombepc.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2017

In this issue: Defibrillators Now In Service - pg 7 The Happy Cooker Recipe - pg 10 Hadspen Wine Club - pg 18 Kids Outside Less Than Prisoners - pg 26 ...and more

MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE PARISH OF PITCOMBE

What’s on...

...LATER ...WEEKLY

...THIS MONTH

Pitcombe News

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Friday 3

Black bin collection

Sunday 5 - 6.00pm

Patronal Choral Evensong

Sunday 12 - 10.50am

Remembrance Sunday

Tuesday 14 - 7.30pm

Parish Council Meeting

Friday 17

Black bin collection

Saturday 18 - 10.00am

HFT Fair Wincanton

Sunday 19 - 11.00am

Holy Communion

Sunday 25 - 6.00pm

Evensong

Wednesdays - 7.15pm

Short Mat Bowls - Hadspen Village Hall

Saturday 9 December

Christmas Party - Hadspen Village Hall

Sunday 17 December - 4.00pm

Carol Service

welcome

November 2017

PITCOMBE NEWS

N

ovember is relevant for fireworks lighting up the skies, the clocks turning back, Remembrance Day, The Lord Mayor’s Show and, for those petrolheads amongst you, the Regent Street Motor Show. Locally, the Stourhead Gardens reveal the autumn colours in all their glory. November is also known for the opening of the ‘crumpet season’ and for snuggling up in front of a cosy fire, as the days shorten and the temperatures fall.

In Pitcombe, the Wine Club was treated by Peter Wyatt to a whirlwind tour of the ‘Iconic and Fine Wines’ of the world, ranging from a perky little Gruner Veltliner from Austria, to the up-and-coming vineyards of Washington State and a strutting Alborino from Spain, amongst other notables. A report on the Harvest Supper appears in Village Hall news, highlighting the delicious meal, produced by Helen Parker and friends, and the raffle of fresh produce donated by the community.

Robin Currie, the mastermind behind the Defibrillator programme, proudly announces on page 7 that the two defibrillators, one at the Village Hall, the other at the Girls School, are now fully in service. Two training schedules have been scheduled for those keen to learn how they work. Nice one, Robin.

St Leonard’s Church highlights two important services in November, Patronal Choral Evensong on the 5th, with the Bruton Choir, and Remembrance Day Sunday on the 12th. Elsewhere, have a read of the article under Nature Notes (pg 6) entitled ‘British children spend less time outdoors than prisoners’. Much food for thought.

Happy Half Term to all those teachers who deserve a well-earned break!

contribute

Editors: Jane and Anthony Hodges Layout and design: Max Doughty

The next edition will be December 2017/January 2018. Please send any articles or advertisements to the Editors by 15 November at the latest. Our contact details can be found in the Parish Directory in the centre of this magazine.

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Pitcombe News

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S LEONARD’S

November Services

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5 November - 6.00pm

Patronal Choral Evensong with Rev Roger Burt, Chaplain to Sexey’s Hospital, and the choir from Bruton

12 November - 10.50am

Remembrance Sunday Service with Rev Hilary Jalland

19 November - 11.00am

Holy Communion with Fr Justin Bailey

25 November - 6.00pm

Evensong with Fr Justin Bailey e have two special services in November, Choral Evensong for the St Leonard’s day service and the traditional Remembrance Sunday service the following week. The clocks go back to GMT (UTC+00) at the end of October but people did not like having evensong at 4.00pm so, from now on, all the services on the 4th Sunday of the month will be at 6.00pm.

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The time for the Remembrance Day service, which is being put together by my fellow churchwarden (Wendy Crane), starts at 10.50am so that we reach the appropriate place at 11.00am for the 2 minute silence.

As a result of our recent collections and donations, we were able to send £669 to Anguilla to help restoration of Charles Brook the Island Harbour Care Centre.

Churchwarden

November 2017

The Parson’s Pulpit N

ow that the clocks have gone back and the evenings begin to draw in, it is no surprise that we hear some people complaining that they are experiencing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). In other words, the rather dull and dismal weather changes their whole attitude to life, making them continually depressed.

The Church can help to brighten us all up by starting the month of November with the exciting celebration of All Saints’ Day.What is this festival all about? We know that, as we go through the year, the Church commemorates particular well-known saints on their own special days. For instance, there are those who were with Jesus during his earthly ministry – James, John, Andrew, Peter and the others. Then there are those who have proclaimed the Gospel during the succeeding centuries – Francis, Martin, Theresa and so on. But in addition to all these there are also those countless saints in every generation whose faith has inspired their contemporaries.

All Saints’ Day encourages us to honour all those saints, known and unknown.

It is an important celebration, reminding us that the Communion of Saints is a reality, testifying to the wonderful spiritual bond between the Church Triumphant in Heaven and the Church Militant here on Earth.

I would like to suggest that you try and spend some time in prayer and meditation when you can thank God for those people whose witness to the Gospel has helped you on your own spiritual journey. I shall be thinking of that humble RE teacher whose detailed knowledge of the Bible led me to love Bible reading for myself.And that elderly priest whose life of prayer and devotion was a constant inspiration to me as I prepared for Ordination.

So, who will you be remembering at this All Saints’ Tide? And have you yet come to realise that you are also called to be a Saint? What are you doing about it?

With my prayers.

Mark Ellis Page 5

SATURDAY 18th NOVEMBER 2017

WINCANTON MEMORIAL HALL 10am - 1.30pm

HELPING THOSE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

Delicatessen, Cakes, Christmas Cards, Books, Puzzles, Trash &Treasure, Children’s Basement, Christmas Things, Garden Plants Bag Lady, Jewellery, Tombola, Art, Kitchen Dresser, Raffle, Vintage Fashion, Refreshments

Charity No. 313069

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November 2017

THE DEFIBRILLATORS ARE NOW IN SERVICE!

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hanks to all of those who have contributed to our project to provide two defibrillators within the Parish, we can announce that they are now in service!

They are located at the Hadspen Village Hall (next to the Kitchen door) and at the Bruton School for Girls on the wall of the theatre next to the main car park entrance. They are housed in weatherproof cabinets and these flash in hours of darkness.

We have chosen what are called ‘Public Access’ types; these can simply be taken from the cabinet in case of emergency and put to use without the need for codes or keys and so can provide life saving help at once.

In order to provide full confidence to potential users, we have arranged for two introductory events to familiarise members of our community with the units and demonstrate how easy they are to use.

The first will be at Hadspen Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 13 November; The second will be at Bruton School for Girls at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15 November.

Please come along to whichever is most convenient for you.

The Defibrillators are protection for us all, whatever age we might be and as a Community we can be proud to have this equipment. It has been financed through our own efforts; The Defibrillators are fully automatic. by contributions from The Parish This means they simply need to Council, The Hadspen Village Hall and be taken from the cabinets and, on all the generous donations made by opening the device, full audible and local people. visual instructions on how to use them are given. Once the patient is We hope we never need to use them. fitted with the pads, the device does But if we do, we will have done our everything; it determines if a shock is best! necessary and automatically provides it without further intervention by the My sincere thanks to all who have rescuer. helped!

Robin Currie arctheduke@gmail.com Page 7

Cole Manor Tea Rooms We have our first batch of mini Christmas cakes and mini Christmas puddings already cooked and ready for ‘feeding’. It feels horribly early as we are still picking tomatoes from the greenhouse and cutting flowers from the borders but – they will be delicious! If you would like to order anything in the Christmas pudding/cake line then do let us know as we would be delighted to do this for you.

Candlelit Christmas teas will be available towards the end of November as well as a special lunch menu. Please call us for details.

The Tea Rooms will close around 4.00pm on 22 December and reopen at 10.00am on 9 January.

Our opening hours remain the same: Tuesday – Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm.

Booking f o r Sunday roasts need to be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Call us on 01749 813676

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November 2017

BRITANNIA ‘RULES THE WAVES’

D

uring a pleasant few days in Devon recently, Jean and I visited Britannia Royal Naval College, a magnificent building, near Dartmouth, where the Royal Navy train their Officers. We had an excellent ‘guide’ a retired Naval Officer.

Naval officer in older times carried a sword as part of the uniform.This was discontinued decades ago, however there still are occasions when a sword is required to salute a special visitor to the Ship and ‘ceremonials’ ashore.

We were given a splendid lunch in a We were in a party of former Merchant magnificent dining room, followed by Service Officers who had undergone a visit to the Chapel and the beautiful their training in HMS ‘CONWAY’, grounds surrounding the College. formerly HMS ‘NILE’ a 92 Gun Line of A very memorable Battleship, named after visit. one of Nelson’s famous WGC victories over the French.

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there are still occasions where a sword is required to salute a special visitor

One couldn’t help being envious of the comfort and facilities available in a ‘shore establishment’ which had proper bedrooms compared with the ‘Hammocks’ which we ‘Conways’ had to sling from the ‘deckhead’ or ceiling and climb into! Mind you, it meant that the rats could run freely around the deck underneath you!

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In front of the Naval College there was a huge ‘parade ground’ where the Cadets were trained to march and also practice their ‘Sword drill’. Every Page 9

THE HAPPY COOKER

Pitcombe News

LAMB SHANKS BRAISED IN RED ALE

Seasonal comfort is offered here for November, taken from Rachel Allen’s ‘COAST - recipes inspired by Ireland’s Wild Coast’.

Rachel Allen loves how beer transforms in flavour when cooked, and HC heartily agrees! The gentle toasted malty twang of a red ale turns into something very mellow and deep when simmering away for a couple of hours with delicious meaty lamb shanks.

This recipe serves four as a main course.

INGREDIENTS • • • • Page 10

4 lamb shanks salt and freshly ground black pepper 400 g red onions peeled and cut into wedges through the core 100 g celery, trimmed and cut at an angle into 1 cm chunks

• • • • •

8 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 2 tbsp chopped sage 250 ml red beer or ale 500 ml light lamb or chicken stock 1 tbsp tomato puree

November 2017

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 150 °C (Gas Mark 2).

2. Trim some of the fat off the shanks and render it on a medium heat in a pot big enough to take the four shanks.

Season the shanks with salt and pepper.

3. Turn the heat up to high and fry the lamb shanks in the pot until golden on all sides. You might need to brown them two at a time.

4. Remove the shanks, leaving any rendered fat behind, then fry the onions, celery and garlic for a few minutes and season again.

5. Return the shanks to the pot with the sage, beer or ale, stock and tomato puree.

6. Bring to the boil, then cover with a lid and cook in the oven for 2.5 - 3 hours, until the meat is succulent and almost falling off the bone.

7. Serve on a bed of roast garlic mash or plain mashed potatoes with plenty of braising liquid.

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Pitcombe News

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THE GESUALDO SIX

n Friday 17 November 2017 at 7.30pm The Gesualdo Six will be performing in the Memorial Hall at King’s School, Bruton. The Gesualdo Six are vocal consort specialising in the performance of renaissance polyphony but the group also programme modern works including pieces by Joanna Marsh, Sarah Rimkus and Paweł Łukaszewski in their recent concerts. Other programmes have included sacred and secular renaissance works by the

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English and Italian masters, combined with modern works by György Ligeti, Francis Poulenc and Gabriel Jackson.

The group were St John’s Smith Square Young Artists 2015-2016.

Tickets cost £10 and are available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/kingsbruton Please contact Ashley Marshfield (Director of Choral Studies at King’s School, Bruton) AJM@kingbruton.com for further details.

BRUTON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

n September we had a reminder of our group visit to Burrow Farm Gardens near Axminster. Owner Mary Benger showed a series of pictures of the many different areas in the lovely garden. She explained how the lake was dug in an area too poor for farming, when her husband offered her a half-day’s use of a digger.

She extended that to half a week and before she had a chance to get the clay puddled the rains came and filled the pond, which stayed filled.

On 20 November we are having a talk on selection and care of houseplants, including tips on what makes a good present. Maybe this will help those of Page 12

us who can’t keep poinsettias alive until Christmas (speaking personally).

Our autumn newsletter sent to members contained information and menu choices for our winter lunch on 13 January – always a popular event.

The newsletter and booking form are also on our website.

Talks are in Bruton Community Hall on Mondays at 7.30pm, where you would be very welcome. If you’d like to join us and are not a member, please phone me on 01749 812393.

Alison Shingler brutonhorticultural.org.uk

Your local, independent oven cleaning service.

01936 441697 www.ovencor.co.uk Email: contact@ovencor.co.uk

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The Flower Shop Beautiful fresh flowers Bespoke country style bouquets Range of jugs, pots, gifts and vases Weddings, funerals, events Family run business Local deli delivery 8 High Street Bruton, Somerset. BA10 0AA Telephone: 01749 812465 Email: jo@theflowershopbruton.co.uk www.theflowershopbruton.co.uk

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Pitcombe News

PITCOMBE PARI

PARISH COUNCIL Chair

John Knight

Secretary Zoe Godden ST LEONARD’S CHURCH The Rector Justin Bailey Benefice Office Bell-ringing

Asiong Crombie Tina Harley

Church Flowers Roster

Tina Harley

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Secretary Carole Wyatt Churchwardens

Charles Brook Wendy Crane

FRIENDS OF ST LEONARD’S Secretary Cathie Brook HADSPEN VILLAGE HALL Chair Steven Wheadon Bookings Secretaries

Penny Mounsey Jan James

Secretary

Carol Wintle

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Co-ordinating Officer Sue Chamberlain

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01749 813635 stationmasterknight@me.com pictombepc@gmail.com 01749 812616 frjustin@btinternet.com benefice@stmarysbruton.com 01749 813262 tina.harley@btinternet.com 01749 813262 tina.harley@btinternet.com 01963 350222 carolewyatt@btinternet.com 01963 351492 c.brook@ucl.ac.uk 01749 813005 wendycrane@btinternet.com 01963 351492 catherinebrook@aol.com 01749 814980 steve@longman-cheese-sales.co.uk 01963 359488 penny.mounsey.354@btinternet.com 01963 350464 janet.james945@btinternet.com 01963 350632 carollw1950@gmail.com 01963 350616 sechamberlain@btinternet.com

ISH DIRECTORY PITCOMBE NEWS Co-Editors

Jane Hodges

Anthony Hodges SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB Secretary Carole Wyatt U3A Bridge

Kate Mair

Patchwork

Jan Wilcox

History

Bruce Bower

November 2017

01963 351429 janepamelahodges@hotmail.com anthony.hodges@hodgesassociates.org 01963 350222 carolewyatt@btinternet.com 01963 351544 kateandbillmair@hotmail.com 01747 840335 mail@janwilcox.plus.com 01747 840335 bowersxb@btinternet.com

PILATES Shirley Rutter

01749 812176

Jane Onslow

01963 351544 janeonslow@theretreatsc.co.uk

BRUTON ART CLASS

POLICE, AMBULANCE OR FIRE EMERGENCIES Police Non-emergencies HEALTHCARE Bruton Surgery Wincanton Health Centre Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre LOCAL COUNCIL District Councillor Mike Beech County Councillor Roads and Transport

Anna Groskop

999 101 01749 812310 01963 435700 01749 333600 01749 812335 mike.beech@southsomerset.gov.uk 01749 812520 anna.groskop@southsomerset.gov.uk 0845 3459155 roadsandtransportSD@somerset.gov.uk

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November 2017

VILLAGE HALL THE HARVEST SUPPER

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nother well-supported, successful Harvest Supper was held on 25 September. As usual there was a good deal of noisy chatter around farming and community activities, followed by a super meal provided by our ever-faithful catering team, and on this occasion led by Helen Parker. The menu included mouth-watering tarragon chicken, sliced gammon, mushroom and tarragon pithivier and savoury tarts. To take pressure off the caterers, a posse of people got involved in clearing the tables and washing up, which is a theme we will hope to continue into the future.

We omitted the auction this year in favour of raffling produce boxes, which seemed to work really well, turning a profit of over £260 split between St. Leonard’s Church and the Hall. Many thanks go, in particular, to Peter & Carole Wyatt for putting together a memorable array of produce boxes and flowers which truly stole the show, not forgetting the many who contributed to the array of delights.

Now let’s all look forward to the Christmas Party being held on Saturday 9 December for which an advert with details appears on the back cover of this edition of the Pitcombe News.

Chris Mounsey

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Pitcombe News

HADSPEN WINE CLUB

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n Friday 29 September all the members of Hadspen Wine Club were safely gathered in for an evening of conviviality and enlightenment. Our guidebook was to be ‘Iconic and Fine Wines from the Wine Society’ and the tour guide was Peter Wyatt who regularly studies the good works of that respected institution. Peter had made a selection of wines which took us on a whirlwind tour of the world’s wine producing regions – as though we had boarded a vessel capable of supersonic flight with no duty payable on consumption of alcoholic beverages.

We started in Austria with a Gruner Veltliner (2016) from Willie Brundmlayer’s terraced Kamptal vineyards near Vienna. Initially flagged as being ‘inoffensive’ the wine had mineral, pepper and citrus notes. It was surprising to learn this was the most expensive white wine of the evening at £13.95 as it seemed a little underpowered.

Peter’s second white took us to Spain, more specifically Galicia. The grape was albarino and the wine label was Altos de Torona Albarina from Rias Baixas (2016). The wine has received Gold by Decanter and IWC trophies and was widely enjoyed on the evening. £10.95 was a reasonable price for what was an enjoyable drop with vibrant citrus fruit and oatmeal complexity… although some were sceptical of the oatmeal. On our table we also learned that the Rias of north east Spain are a region of little-known, tranquil beauty.

Who knew that wine is now being produced in quantity in Washington state on the Eastern seaboard of America? Peter informed us that local topography had created an area suitable for grapes protected from the prevailing winds and rain from the Pacific. Grace Lane’s Riesling (2015) is just off dry and packed with lemon and lime scents and flavours. It is perhaps a little early to reach conclusions about this developing wine region but at £9.95 it was the cheapest of the evening.

From America to New Zealand and a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir (2015).

You won’t find this gem anywhere else – Paul Pujol of Prophet’s Rock fame makes his hauntingly perfumed pinot for Wine Society members only. Did we find blueberry and rhubarb flavours…perhaps some did. Some decided the grape had travelled too far south to an area better suited for sauvignon blanc... that is the enduring fascination of wine tasting.

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November 2017

Stellenbosch in South Africa was our next port of call – a marvellous red produced by Kanonkop in 2014. This rich and spicy full-bodied red was fermented in traditional open concrete vessels for velvety fruit and soft tannins.

It shows typical plum and red-fruit aromas and flavour with a smooth fleshy palate.At £10.50 this was a very well-priced competitor for wine of the evening.

Why not compare the Cape wines with the French… a couple of Clarets to conclude proceedings. From the Haut-Medoc Château Beaumont offered a youngish red with plum and blackcurrant dominant described as an excellent ‘red meat wine’. With a drinking life ahead until 2024 this could be a good wine to lay down at £13.95 a bottle.

We lingered in France for the last bottle of the evening – a delicious red from Château Haut-Bages Monpelou, Pauillac 2009. Peter had decanted the wine in advance of the evening and the effort was worthwhile… the wine was two thirds cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc in support delivering a wine which is intensely perfumed and deliciously ripe and rounded on the palate. Drinkable from now to 2035. At £25 per bottle this was a pricey gem and the question is whether 2 bottles of the Stellenbosch was a better option… another enjoyable debate.

The wines were accompanied by delicious Barber’s cheddar cheese and crusty bread. The unsung heroine of the evening was our ‘guest’ Carole Wyatt who assisted Peter throughout.Thanks then to Peter for conducting us on this tour and providing some shafts of sunlight even as the Autumn days shorten around us.

RW

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Charles Dowding Day courses at Charles Dowding's garden: There are dates for 2018 on the website, book early to secure a place as they mostly sell out well beforehand.

10.30am to 4.00pm at Home Acres, Alhampton BA4 6PZ £135 includes the best vegetable lunch in Somerset. www.charlesdowding.co.uk Homeacre’s garden is open on the first weekend of June (2nd – 3rd) 12.00pm to 4.30pm, in aid of NGS. Charles is on a tour of northern UK in late January and early February.

Charles' latest book is a bestseller, reprinted and 2000 already shipped to the USA: No Dig Organic Home & Garden.

Grow, cook, use and store your harvest.

By Charles Dowding and Stephanie Hafferty Check out his Diary too!

Available on the website and at Bailey Hill Bookshop.

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PITCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL November 2017

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t the September meeting, we were delighted to note that the installation of the two defibrillators at Bruton School for Girls and the Village Hall has been completed. The units are mounted externally and we shall be organising familiarisation meetings in the near future, led by first responder Alan Wells (see Contact us! Find pg 7). We agreed that the units should be registered to the Ambulance Service in order to facilitate their our details in the availability within a wider catchment. Our thanks to Parish Directory Robin Currie who has seen this project through and to you, the local community, for your generous financial support.

The council raised no objections to planning applications relating to: 1. The formation of internal vehicle routes within the Hadspen Estate 2. A side and rear extension and other external modifications to a property at Ludwell Rise 3. The demolition of the existing roadside barn at Bottom Barn Farm and its replacement with a carport

Next meeting: 14 November at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

4. The change of use of land to form an additional parking area for the Village Hall Our clerk proposed a draft budget for 2018/19 which we approved and are pleased that it maintains the parish precept at its current level.

John Knight Chair Page 21

Pitcombe News

CASTLE CARY GARDENING ASSOCIATION

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ur October speaker, Adrian Hutchinson, gave a fascinating and hilarious talk on ‘Plants, Potions and Poisons’. He gave us scientific information and the folklore about a huge number of plants. The group were spellbound learning how many of our beautiful garden plants turn out to be really toxic and how others will heal. The phrase ‘Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May is out’ refers to the Hawthorn flowers, also known as May, rather than the month. This was due to the change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1582 when the flowering descriptions by month became out of kilter. Who knew? And that the Ancients’ medications were obsessed with serpents, reproductive disorders and their guts! Apart from the snakes, plus ça change!

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designed for the specific needs of the user with local materials for their local terrain. The meeting starts at 7.30pm and the talk around 8.00pm.

On 7 December, Rosemary Le Grand will be back by popular request.

Her talk with beautiful slides is on ‘Exploring the North Island of New Zealand’ so something to provide cheer for the winter ahead.

learning how many of our beautiful garden plants turn out to be really toxic

Our next meeting is our AGM on 2 November which we follow with a talk from a charity. This year we are hearing from David Constantine, cofounder of Motivation, a Bristol-based charity creating special wheelchairs Page 22

Full year membership, of a mere £7, runs from January to December so if you wish to visit, it’s probably more relevant at this stage to know that we only charge a £1 visitor’s fee. This gives you the talk and refreshments.

Membership also gives you discretionary discount on gardening products at Dave Marsh Hardware and Julian Shave in Castle Cary.

”

Erica Holt

Final phrase:

Letters in the final phrase:

FEFTOE LPPEA

SARKSPERL

WEDROPNUG

MMRREEEB

UGY SEKWFA

NAPLIREMTA

FORSIWRKE

H

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Unscramble these 11 letters to work out the final 12-letter phrase (one letter has already been filled in for you)!

Then, if it helps, take the 11 circled letters and write them on the spaces.

Unscramble all of the words on the left and place the letters into the boxes.

DOUBLE SCRAMBLE PUZZLE

November 2017

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Any job Big or small

felling & dismantling professional pruning fruit trees hedge cutting stump grinding site clearance Public liability insurance certificate provided on request

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November 2017

BOTTOM BARN FARM

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t was quite unsettling being away from Bottom Barn Farm for so long during the summer, where there is always another job to be done. It was also strange to not really have any responsibility apart from keeping Rebecca and me safe on the journey south along the Spanish and Portuguese coast to Lagos aboard Talulah Ruby 2. It was a joy to reconnect with Rebecca who is nearly 26 and a grown independent woman, and although both quite wilful, we made a superb team. I read somewhere that as soon as you give birth, you have to start letting your children go. How true that is. We visited some beautiful places and tried lots of local, interesting food. The weirdest must have been goose barnacles, a crustacean that clings to rocks in places that have a strong crashing surf. Perilous to harvest, they are considered a rare and wonderful delicacy thanks to their sweet flesh which tastes a bit like a cross between lobster and clam.

I returned home on 14 September just in time for the harvest. All the machinery was back together, greased well and ready to go. Even the apple sorting station was ominously tall and ready to see action. The apple harvest is now well under way. The apples are dropping off the trees considerably sooner than last year, which might mean more rots to be discarded towards the end of harvest, especially if the weather is warm and wet. We are alternating deliveries; one to Showrings the other to Thatchers.

Since fencing the big field there have been complaints about access, even though styles were professionally built and someone cut large holes beside the styles presumably to let their dogs through. Such a sad thing to do by someone who obviously enjoys the countryside, but doesn’t respect it. At last, the four styles have been replaced with metal gates supplied by the council. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago someone left the field gate open and our powerful bull, Major, 9 heifers and 7 very lively calves ended up in our neighbour’s driveway, having crossed the road. Please make sure gates are always shut. This was a potentially dangerous mistake.

It is a muddy, busy times at Bottom Barn Farm and we very much appreciate the patience and tolerance by all drivers who use the lane and walkers who enjoy the orchards. Now off to pick up some more apples.

Alison Tilley

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Pitcombe News

BRITISH CHILDREN SPEND LESS TIME OUTDOORS THAN PRISONERS

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ambridge researchers seeking to “quantify children’s knowledge of nature” surveyed a cohort of four to 11-year-old children in Britain. The researchers made a set of 100 picture cards, each showing a common species of British plant or wildlife, including adder, bluebell, heron, otter, puffin and wren.

They also made a set of 100 picture cards, each showing a “common species” of Pokémon characters, including Arbok, Beedrill, Hitmonchan, Omanyte, Psyduck and Wigglytuff.

The children were then shown a sample of cards from the two sets, and asked to identify the species for each card.

The results were striking. Children aged eight and over were “substantially better” at identifying Pokémon “species” than “organisms such as oak trees or badgers”: around 80% accuracy for Pokémon, but less than 50% for real species. For weasel read Weedle, for badger read Bulbasaur – and this was before the launch of Pokémon Go. The researchers published their paper in Science. Their conclusions were unusually forthright – and tinged by hope and worry.

“Young children clearly have tremendous capacity for learning about creatures (whether natural or manmade),” they wrote, but they are presently “more inspired by synthetic subjects” than by “living creatures”. They pointed to evidence linking “loss of knowledge about the natural world to growing isolation

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from it”. We need, the paper concluded, “to re-establish children’s links with nature if we are to win over the hearts and minds of the next generation”, for “we love what we know … What is the extinction of the condor to a child who has never seen a wren”.

Clearly the lack of natural literacy – especially of nearby nature – is involved with the major structural changes that have occurred in the experience of minority-world childhood. Online culture has boomed and screen time has soared.

In Britain, the “roaming range” (the area within which children are permitted to play unsupervised) has shrunk by more than 90% in 40 years. Traffic growth, the pressures of school work, parental fears and the decrease of available green space have all helped to close down wild play and the knowledge it brings. “The children out in the woods, out in the fields,” said Chris Packham in 2012, “enjoying nature on their own – they’re extinct”.

Meanwhile, childhood well-being declines, with obesity rates rising and mental health dipping. The headline of a 2016 report (sponsored, notably, by Persil) was that British children “spend less time outdoors than prisoners”: climbing walls, not trees.

Extracts from an article in The Guardian

by Robert MacFarlane, a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, who has recently (5 October) published a beautiful children’s book called ‘The Lost Words’, illustrated by Jackie Morris.

November 2017

Your Health & Wellbeing

by Sarah Crossman *** Hand and Feet Reflexology *** Reflexology Lymph Drainage ** NEW ** Beautiful gift vouchers ready for the gifting season Treat your loved one to something special Available from Life Reflexology or visit Made in Bruton 13 High Street.

Sarah Crossman CRM5 MAR CNHC Tel: 07531 831 553 sarah@lifereflexology.co.uk www.lifereflexology.co.uk Pitcombe, Bruton.

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Pitcombe Parish CHRISTMAS PARTY SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2017 HADSPEN VILLAGE HALL 7.00PM

• SUPPER, GLASS OF WINE • CAROL SINGING with SOLO PERFORMANCES • FESTIVE MUSIC BY ROY WHEADON AND DAVE EASTOE • TOMBOLA AND RAFFLE • QUIZ

TICKETS £12.00 CHILDREN UNDER 12 £5.00 CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE

AVAILABLE FROM: Gerald Spratling – 01749 812 806 (Cole) Anthony Hodges – 01963 351429 (Hadspen) Martin Jennings – 01749 812397 (Pitcombe) Chris Mounsey – 01963 359488 (Higher Hadspen)

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