Supporting the Village of Sparkford Including the hamlets of Weston Bampfylde & Little Weston, Somerset
by Freepik
Glitter
image
Welcome
to the May/June Edition of The Spark Magazine 2025 Issue 7
www.sparkmagazinesparkford.co.uk
WELCOME to the First Anniversary Edition of The Spark Magazine and many thanks for your positive feedback! We hope to keep you informed of local events, etc. throughout the year and give an insight into how other people live their lives in and around the area.
This winter has been extremely challenging for all our farmers and food producers and we are so lucky to be able to have local suppliers who are able to provide us with food boxes full of fresh produce. Wild Garden Vegetables in Galhampton are featured on pages 40 to 42.
The Willow Vale Animal Experience is a wonderful venture created by Neil & Alison Allen. It gives us a chance to get close to their animals on a one-to-one basis and the experiences are tailored for groups wanting to cuddle and feed their animals. Alison is pictured on the front cover of this issue with Rover, one of her beautiful Valais Blacknose sheep. See pages 36 to 38.
Do you like antiques? Then there is a wonderful Aladdin’s Cave of antiques and reclamations at The Curious Cow in Mudford – see pages 17 to 19.
It is 90 years since the Amateur Players of Sherborne performed! See pages 44 to 47.
Bargains galore at the Sparkford Boot Sale taking place on Saturday the 5th July! If you wish to open up your garage, please see page 11 for more details – it should be a great day for both sellers and bargain hunters!
Family Horrell on their country walk – find out more on pages 26 and 27
We are only able to publish The Spark Magazine due to the support of our advertisers and we would really like to thank them all.
Distribution: The Spark was delivered to you by: Jane Notley, Andy & Anne Voysey, Elma Wakefield, Justine Spacey, Anne Purdy, Helen Skinner, Victoria Rogers, Peter Bristow & George & Jill Lawson.
If you too could help us deliver The Spark Magazine, please contact: Victoria Rogers who is co-ordinating the distribution01963 440475 – Many thanks!
Thanks also to: Wincanton Print www.wincanton-print.com and Victoria Osborne, Graphic Designer www.victoriaosbornedesign.com
GET IN TOUCH
Please get in touch if you have any events that you would like us to publish in the July/August 2025 issue of The Spark Magazine – we will need all contributions and advertisements by the end of May and artwork (in high resolution 300dpi) by the 5th June 2025.
jpbristowbristow@gmail.com 01963 361753
Chairman (Elected 8 May 2024):
Mr Ken Flood kflood1612@hotmail.com 07484 182390
Vice Chairman (Elected 3 June 2024):
Mr Trevor Tuck trevorctuck@gmail.com
Councillors:
Mr David Hazel davidhazel80@btinternet.com
Mr Andrew Quick andrew.quick2020@gmail.com
Mr Duke Westwood duke.sd.westwood@gmail.com
Mr Richard Squires richardsquires51@gmail.com
Mr Larry Piper larry.piper@pipertrimmers.co.uk
Clerk:
Mrs Lisa Davis clerk@sparkford-pc.gov.uk
Somerset Councillors:
Mr Henry Hobhouse henry.hobhouse@somerset.gov.uk
Mr Kevin Messenger kevin.messenger@somerset.gov.uk
USEFUL CONTACTS
Anne Tuck (Beavers) 07538 502812
Victoria Rogers (Hall) 01963 440475
Caz (Playing Field) 07841 470237
Karen (Playing Field) 07506 250359
Jon King-Brain (Cricket) 0791 449 4330
Rob Sage (Vale of Camelot 01963 440432 Churches) or 01749 850934 office@camelotparishes.org.uk
For updated Planning Applications, please visit the Parish Council’s NEW website www.sparkford-pc.gov.uk – click on the ‘Parish Council’ tab and then click on the ‘Sparkford Planning Applications’ tab.
Somerset Mobile Library – Route C
Parish Hall, Thursdays 1.35pm – 2pm
Like many things in life, we don’t realise what we have until it’s gone!
The Mobile Library Service comes to Sparkford ‘s Parish Hall every four weeks and is cherished by many people in the village.
However, like several other valuable services, the Mobile Library is under threat and needs more support to exist.
The Somerset County Council have agreed to keep this service available until November 2025 but once that deadline is reached, it looks as if yet another vital asset will be lost due to cost-cutting.
This is a free service and books can be ordered and collected on the Library’s return. If you can, please pop along to the Parish Hall
and browse through the very varied selection of books and talking books. Kenny Southern, the Mobile Library’s Driver & Librarian will be on board to assist in any way he can.
The dates this year are: 22 May, 19 June, 17 July, 14 August, 11 September & 9 October
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries or call
Somerset Direct on 0330 1232224
What’s on
at the Sparkford Parish Hall
Mondays 9am-12pm
‘O’ Gauge Trains
Would welcome new members!
Bob Harris: 01963 440167
Parish Council Meetings: 1st Monday of every month - 8pm
Monday & Tuesday Evenings (Term time)
Beavers / Cubs / Scouts
Anne Tuck: 07538 502812 www.sparkfordscouts.org.uk
Wednesdays
Art 2pm – 4pm
George Lawson: 01963 440551
Jaya Jaks Yoga 6.30pm – 7.30pm jayajaks21@gmail.com 07974 681422
Thursdays
Explorers
Somerset Mobile Library
Village Hall Carpark: 22 May, 19 June, 17 July, 14 August, 11 September & 9 October
For further information visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries or call Somerset Direct 0330 1232224
Follow us on Facebook! Sparkford Parish Hall
Fridays
Bingo
Every 2nd Friday of the month
Fridays & Saturdays
Paul Parsons is now taking one-to-one dancing lessons by arrangement Contact: 07805 571590
Various days
Fitness & Boxing
Please contact: Gemma Ruegg 0799 031 1969
MAKE A BOOKING
If you would like to book the hall (£4 per Hour) or need further information, please contact Victoria Rogers, Bookings Secretary on 01963 440475
Please note that if you are having a party or event where you need some wine glasses, cutlery, crockery a and maybe even tables, we can hire them out to you for a small donation.
Forthcoming events May-June
May
2 – 4 11th Yarlington Fringe – A Festival of Art, Music, Drama, Dancing – A weekend of Entertainment for all the family – Live Music All Day – Craft & Music Workshops, Demonstrations, Childrens’ Entertainment –Local Beers & Ciders, plus World Famous Duck Race! – FREE! For more information contact Jane: 01963 440660 – janebraybo@gmail.com or Rose: chapelcross@gmail.com – Yarlington Village Somerset in on Facebook.com
2 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
3 Castle Cary Vintage Market- Free Entry – Free Parking
6 Cam Vale Tuesday Group – AGM + 60 Years of Local Weather – Speaker: Geoff Chapman –More details from Marion Chapman - Tel: 01963 220741
6 u3a – Visit to Dyrham Park & Bradford-on-Avon – 9am – 6pm - Leaving at 9:00am Castle Cary Car Park we will arrive at Dyrham House in time for coffee. There is so much to see - the beautiful newly renovated baroque mansion - Cost: National Trust Members £13.00 - Others £33.00 – Booking Required - u3a Site: www.camelot-area.u3asite.uk
7 Queen Camel Youth Club – 6pm-8pm – Queen Camel Memorial Hall. Open to young people aged 10-14 living in Sparkford
8 Sparkford Parish Hall – Tea Party for VE Day 80 – 10am - 12noon – Proceeds to Sparkford Church
9 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
10 Specialist Plant Fair & Open Garden, Yarlington House BA9 8DY - An opportunity to buy plants from specialist dealers from all over the South West, plus a selection of unusual annuals from Yarlington House – 10am-4pm – You can explore the extensive gardens, not normally open to the public. Bacon sausage baps, tea, coffee and cake - Plant Raffle – £5 (under 16s free). Cash or cards accepted – dogs welcome on leads - Free parking - Further information, please Contact: Carolyn de Salis: 01963 440334
10 VE day 80th Anniversary – North Cadbury Village Hall – 12pm – 4pm – Bring a picnic and meet up with your friends and neighbours! – Live Music & Bar Available.
10 Crossfest UK South 2025 – Bath & West Showground – A one-day Mixed 6’s Functional Fitness Competition (3M/3F) with a Music Festival – 9am – 10pm. £480 for mixed teams of 6 (£80pp).
10 Breathe (part gig, part puppet theatre and part live film) – Cary Community Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary - The story follows a “seedling” puppet as they hatch from an acorn and experience the hectic forest floor. Learning the forest rhythms, they investigate the weird and the wonderful. A Take Art event. Running time 60minutes. Tickets £5. www.wegottickets.com/event/639177 A Take Art event Suitable for 5 years + Supported by Brue Valley Rotary www.halfastring.co.uk
10 The Balsam Centre – Craft Activities, Games & Workshops
10-13 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Bede Griffiths Conference
11 Somerset Day Celebration – The Market House, Castle Cary – 2.30pm – 5.30pm – Cream Teas –Local Cider – Childrens’ activities.
11 Bath & West Showground – Young Driver – Driving Lessons for 10 – 17 year olds – 9.30 am from £49.99
14 Queen Camel Youth Group – 6pm-8pm Open to young people aged 10-14 living in Sparkford
16 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
16–19 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Advanced Healing
18 The Sherborne Market – dorsetartisanmarkets.com/Sherborne
18 Toy & Train Collectors’ Fair – 10.30am – 2.30pm from £4 – Bath & West Showground
20 The Arts Society, Mid Somerset – Art Behind Bars – The role of the arts in breaking the cycle of crime, prison and re-offending – Angela Findlay – Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ http://www.theartssocietymidsomerset.org.uk
21 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Living Well with Pain Day
22 Somerset Mobile Library – Sparkford Parish Hall – 1.35pm – 2pm
23 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
24 Mark Harrison with Charles Benfield – Caryford Community Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary. Mark is an original songwriter and stunning guitarist, Charles is a much-admired player of the double bass and electric bass whose fine harmony vocals contribute to this duo’s unique sound incorporating elements of classic roots, rock, folk and blues. https://www.wegottickets.com/event/645379
24 The Balsam Centre – Repair Café and 0-5s Clothing Bank 10am – 12.30pm
28 Queen Camel Memorial Hall – Queen Camel Youth Group – Open to young people 10-14 Living in Sparkford 6pm-8pm
29–31 Royal Bath & West Show bathandwest.com/tickets Adults Advanced £25.50 (until 28 May)Under 5s go free Family Advanced: 2x adults & 3x children) £51
30 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
30 – 3 June – Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Silent Retreat
30 u3a – May Meeting & Talk – Caryford Community Hall – ‘The Countryside Detective’ synopsis: Country walks can be greatly enhanced if one has a knowledge of signs left by animals and where to look for them. Members free – Guests £2.00 - https://camelot-area.u3asite.uk
31 Sherborne Abbey 60th Anniversary Concert in aid of Maple Ward, Yeovil Hospital – 7.30pm | Tickets £10 – contact 01749 860352 or chrysk@henning1.plus.com or at the door. Once again the concert will feature a wide range of music, and we will be joined by several of our professional friends who have supported us over the years including Tom Toomey, Marta Fontenals-Simmons, and Adelaide Brown.
June
3 Cam Vale Tuesday Group – Ramblings of a Medieval Archer! – More details from Marion Chapman - Tel: 01963 220741
4 Queen Camel Memorial Hall – Queen Camel Youth Group – Open to young people aged 10-14 living in Sparkford 6pm-8pm
6 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
7 Castle Cary Vintage Market – Free Entry – Free Parking
7 Family Pride Day – The Balsam Centre – 10am-2pm
8 The Cesarz Tabor violin and guitar duo playing classical arrangements at All Saints’ Church, Castle Cary. Tickets £12 from Bailey Hill Book Shop, The Market House and the church website, or £15 on the door.
11 Queen Camel Memorial Hall – Queen Camel Youth Group – Open to young people aged 10-14 living in Sparkford 6pm-8pm
13 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Yoga 9.30am – 11am
14 Open Pathway Retreat Centre, Queen Camel – Photography Workshop 2pm
14–15 Antique & Collectors’ Fair – 9am – 5pm – Bath & West Showground £10 from noon on Friday. Saturday & Sunday – Entrance £6
15 2nd2None Driving School – Under 17s and HGV – 10am – 3pm – from £45 per 30 minute session –Bath & West Showground
15 Sherborne Market – dorsetartisanmarkets.com/Sherborne
17 The Arts Society Mid Somerset – Mesoamerica-Maya: Bonampak Murals, ‘The Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ http://www.theartssocietymidsomerset.org.uk
18 Queen Camel Memorial Hall – Queen Camel Youth Group – Open to young people aged 10-14 living in Sparkford
19 Somerset Mobile Library – Sparkford Parish Hall – 1.35pm – 2pm
19 u3a – Open Day – 2pm – 4pm - An opportunity to meet representatives from our various activity groups. Do come along and see what we can offer you. You’ll be assured of a warm welcome. Free refreshments - Venue: Caryford Community Hallhttps://camelot-area.u3asite.uk
21 Duck Race – 2pm - Church Road, Sparkford (access via foot-path near garage block) – BBQ –Refreshments – Fun & Games! – All proceeds to the Sparkford Playing Field Committee
23 Kimbers Farm Shop BA9 8HD – Car Boot Sale - £10 per pitch – Enquires 07813 989839 –All proceeds to Charity ‘MIND’ – 8.30am set up for 10am – 1pm Trading. £1 pp entry fee – BBQ & refreshments available
24 Glastonbury Festival Camping – Bath & West Showground – Refer to Glastonbury Festival website and search for Campervans and Caravans for all current booking information –www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
24 u3a – Visit to Dunster & West Somerset Railway - 9am – 6pm - Leaving at 9:00am Castle Cary Car Park we will arrive at Dunster in time for coffee. This medieval Village, situated with Exmoor National Park is home to 200 listed buildings - £38 – Booking Requiredhttps://camelot-area.u3asite.uk
25–29 Glastonbury Festival, Worthy Farm in Pilton.
25 Queen Camel Memorial Hall – Queen Camel Youth Group – 6pm-8pm – Open to young people Aged 10-14 living in Sparkford
28 The Balsam Centre – Repair Café and 0-5s Clothing Bank 10am-12.30pm
4-6 July – Devito’s Circus – Fairfield, Churchfield Drive, Castle Cary BA7 7LB
If you would like your event to be listed free of charge in The Spark Magazine, please contact Jackie Bristow on 01963 361753 or jpbristowbristow@gmail.com
23rd Specialist Plant Fair and Open Garden
Yarlington House BA9 8DY By kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis
Saturday 10 May 2025 10am-4pm
To be held in the spacious park at Yarlington House. An opportunity to buy plants from specialist dealers from all over the South West, plus a selection of unusual annuals from Yarlington House.
You can explore the extensive gardens, not normally open to the public.
Bacon and sausage baps, tea, coffee and cake. Plant raffle.
ENTRANCE: £5 (under 16s free) Cash or cards accepted. Free Parking. Dogs on leads welcome. For further information, please contact: Carolyn de Salis: 01963 440334
Sparkford Village Garage Sale
Saturday 5 July 10am to 2 pm
Do you need to de-clutter? Would like to open up your garage for this event? Please contact Julia by Saturday 17th May – Tel: 07756 877990 (There is a £10 booking fee in aid of the Village Hall).
Light refreshments and maps showing garages taking part will be available in the Village Hall on the 5th July and the community is invited to join in the event which promises to be a great day of bargain hunting!
Duck Race
Saturday 21 June
Cam Vale Tuesday Group,
Queen Camel - March Meeting 2025
Talk By
George
Bethell, Secret World Wildlife Rescue
George Bethell, from Secret World of Wildlife Rescue came to speak to us.
Pauline and Derek Kidner opened their farm as a visitor attraction in 1984 to supplement their farm income. Soon, vulnerable and injured animals were being brought to them by concerned members of the public.
Pauline began treating these animals, and in 1992, Secret World of Wildlife Rescue was founded.
The Charity now deals with approx 5,000 animals, and up to 15,000 phone calls re advice a year. All animals are assessed and if injuries are severe, sometimes euthanasia is the only answer.
George showed some distressing pictures of animals that had been injured, some by thoughtless actions. A swan with a hook embedded in its neck and a hook embedded in its beak with the fishing line around its neck, a grass snake paralysed at the point of a cat’s attack on its spine, and a heron with twine cutting deeply into its foot. They did not survive.
Rubber bands can cause constriction for tiny mammals seeking food in the undergrowth. Nets in ponds are a danger to grass snakes. Drink cans, wire, string
and plastic can be lethal. Lawn mowers and strimmers often cause injuries to hedgehogs and other mammals hiding in our gardens.
We then saw pictures and short videos of animals that had been successfully treated. Many orphaned fox cubs, badgers, birds , deer, are cared for until able to survive on their own. Feeding them is a labour of love, fledglings needing to be fed every 30 minutes or so during daylight, and mammals every 3 to 4 hours day and night.
Deer are very vulnerable and need to be treated gently and quietly. Traffic accidents cause such stress to deer that they go blind for up to 14 days. Rapid treatment during this time can give a better survival chance. The stress can be such that the deer’s internal organs will suddenly shut down.
We learnt so much about wildlife. A hare, when having to leave its young, will leave them in separate fields to aid survival. Owlets often fall out of trees. Baby Tawny Owls will wait until nightfall and then climb up the tree back to its nest. A feat not learnt by other owl species.
The charity have their own Hospital and a part-time vet. There are outside
enclosures suited to individual animals needs where they can recover. Limited human intervention during this time aids their lessening dependence on humans.
Animals are generally released back where they were found so that they recognise their surroundings and know where food can be found.
The Rescue centre is not open to the public, but there are occasional Open Days. Educational tours can be arranged.
A fascinating talk......On closing, any idea how big a polecat is at birth?... I was amazed, its the size of a 50 pence piece!
The Group meet on the first Tuesday of every month in the Memorial Hall in Queen Camel.
New members and visitors are welcome.
COMING UP…
May
AGM + 60 Years of Local Weather Speaker: Geoff Chapman
June
Ramblings of a Medieval Archer!
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about The Tuesday Group, please contact Marion Chapman T: 01963 220741.
New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3PZ T: 01278 783250 | E: info@secretworld.org www.secretworld.org
Live Band
Bouncy Castle
Basket Weaving Demo
Face Painting
Bar & BBQ
Family Fun Day
Bring a picnic rug and join us on this community day to help raise money for Local Somerset Charity “Help for Homeless”.
SOMERSET DAY 10 TH MAY JOIN US FOR THE BIG SOMERSET PICNIC 11 am -3 pm IN THE ORCHARD AT TEALS
OPENING HOURS: 8AM TILL 6PM. 7 DAYS A WEEK.
1 ORCHARD LANE, SOUTH CADBURY, YEOVIL, BA22 7FS
Summer shade solutions
With the outdoor living season fast approaching, now is the time to get planning your shading solutions for patios and gardens and thinking of ways to enjoy the outside with our unpredictable weather.
At LPSS our comprehensive range of premium quality retractable Awnings are weather tight with a vast range of fade free, water repellent fabrics ensuring years of use from your investment whilst fitting in with your surroundings. For areas that are more open to the elements the Weinor Plaza
Viva is perfect with a sturdy frame work to house your awning, making it the perfect choice for year round use. Our range of Aluminium Verandas offer the flexibility of Glass or Polycarbonate roofs as a more permanent structure to extend your outdoor living options with optional extras of underslung awnings for extra shade, glass sides or sliding doors, heaters and LED lighting to create an extension of your garden for eating and enjoying sitting outside all year round, whilst sheltered from the elements.
Visit our website to view the full range of what we have to offer and give us a call for a free, no obligation quotation | www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk enquiries@lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000
Discover the difference of bespoke property marketing.
We don’t just sell & let homes. We bring them to life with creative marketing, expert local knowledge and a personal touch. Contact our Bruton team and let us show you the true value of working with a modern local Estate Agent who do things differently.
Bruton 01749 605099 bruton@lodestoneproperty.co.uk
Wells 01749 605088 wells@lodestoneproperty.co.uk
Lettings 01749 605002 lettings@lodestoneproperty.co.uk
The Curious Cow Antiques BBC’s Antiques Road Trip comes to Mudford!
The Curious Cow has recently featured on the BBC’s ‘Antiques Road Trip’, the popular daytime antiques programme. Expert James Braxton visited in May 2024 and spent half a day filming the segment that was aired. James managed to secure 3 items, and each one made a profit at the auction. Of course, the star of the show was little Sammy, the Jack Russell, who ended up with more air-time than the human owners of the business! It won’t be long before he has his own social media presence!
As a team, we love interior design and know that it’s as much about the objects and furnishings you choose as it is about the walls, floors and ceilings. With The Curious Cow, you can find much of what you need to bring your vision together.
From that perfect Art Nouveau mirror that adds light and space to your living room to the indulgent Queen Anne style cabinet that adds grandeur to your dining room, we can help you find the right pieces to complete your interiors”.
Heritage is in their blood
Located on a working farm, where the main barn, farmhouse & coach-house are all listed buildings, it’s little wonder that when it comes to the past, the team at The Curious Cow are steeped in the history of the area, giving them unprecedented access to places many antique dealers would kill to go and view!
At the farm you will probably be welcomed by Sammy, their Jack Russell, plus their wonderful cats and other farm animals!
They often get asked how they came up with the name of the shop & business
In the not too distant past, Hinton Farm was renowned for its herd of Pedigree Guernsey cows, who produced the richest & creamiest milk going. When farming costs rose sharply the farm reluctantly
“
Having spent years dabbling in the antiques trade, and coming from a farming family where reclamation is written in the DNA, Stephen saw an opportunity to realise his dream of having his own shop right on his doorstep.”
decided to part with the herd. After the herd was sold, that left a number of buildings formerly occupied by the Guernseys with no purpose. Having spent years dabbling in the antiques trade, and coming from a farming family where
reclamation is written in the DNA, Stephen saw an opportunity to realise his dream of having his own shop right on his doorstep.
Over the course of about 18 months the old dairy was stripped out of all the equipment that cows need to make way for the equipment that humans need. The roof was stripped off and re-laid after it was waterproofed. And a huge chimney breast was constructed to hold our large wood burner, because even though cows don’t need underfloor heating, we humans need to be kept at least thawed out!
They eventually had an empty building, and it didn’t take Stephen long to start filling it!
Opening in March 2023 and operating for limited periods of time, the shop filled and the reputation of The Curious Cow soon took off.
By October 2023 part-time opening wasn’t enough and it was then that Simon arrived to run the shop day to day, and to take care of the tech & social media side of things.
“And that’s where we are at today. The shop is open 5 days a week with Simon at the helm, while Stephen scours the country for new stock to fill the gaps left by our sales”.
Chic home furnishings in Somerset & beyond Antiques Reclamation | Upcycling | Indoor/Outdoor | On-Line | In Store www.curiouscowantiques.co.uk
The Old Dairy, Hinton Farm, Mudford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8BA
p: 07359 580872 | e: info@curiouscowantiques.co.uk
West Camel Adult Ballet Classes with Natalie Munns
Natalie has been ballet dancing on and off for over thirty years and, as a child, performed with the English Youth Ballet.
We’ve been running in the Davis Hall (with sprung floor - perfect for dancing) since November last year. Our attendees’ ages range from 20s-80s!
Some have done ballet before; some danced when they were children and some have no previous ballet experience.
Each class starts at the barre to learn ballet technique and improve strength, flexibility, balance and stamina.
Each week also includes dancing to music from a famous ballet. This is our chance to imagine ourselves taking to the stage as swans, fairies or sugarplums!
“
I
find that running
this
class is the perfect way for
me
to include ballet in my life again, juggling it around my three young boys and the hectic schedule they bring!”
Class members have mentioned that they enjoy the lessons for various reasons, from helping with memory and coordination, fitness and core strength as well as the great feeling that comes with the release of endorphins from doing a whole body work out. There is plenty of room in the class to welcome anyone who might wish to join in!
For friendly adult ballet classes, please Contact Natalie on: 07541 398925 7.30pm - £8 – Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, Somerset BA22 7QX
Sparkford Hall Bank Another Optimistic Work of Art by Zac Greening on the Sparkford Hall Hill
“This piece was originally made by the children of Wincanton’s Primary schools in 2022. It was subsequently exhibited on the gates of Wincanton Primary School for the last few years. I decided to erect it on Sparkford Hall hill as a positive New Years response to the trials and tribulations of last 5 years from Brexit through to Covid to the cost of living crisis. I felt like this year was going to be a breakthrough year and moment where we as a society can turn the corner into a more positive and sustainable, collective existence.”
To see more of my work go to: www.zacgreening.co.uk or follow me on #zacgreening
The Sparkford Hall Bank is also the home of the Landpower
Robotics Husqvarna
Automower
The Automower can be seen on the A303 daily working tirelessly to keep the bank looking spick and span! Landpower Robotics is a family run company with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Husqvarna Automowers. We specialise in the sales, in-
stallation, and servicing of Automowers. We’ve been awarded Husqvarna Dealer of the Year multiple years running, so look no further for all things Automower. Husqvarna is the world leader in robotic mowing and has been making them for over 30 years. We feel no need to sell any other brand, we only want to sell the highest quality product to our customers.
We are based in Yenston, Templecombe, alongside our sister company Landpower Machinery, which specialises in Garden Machinery, Arborist Equipment, and Machinery Hire. We stock a wide range of brands, including Yeti, Stihl, Ego, Timberwolf, and much more!
Call us on 01963 370654 for your free Automower site visit!
Diner
All aspects of Modern and Traditional Renovation & Plasterwork
Plastering•Limework •Floor Screeding Plumbing • Electrics • Carpentry Groundworks • Local Stone Masonry
Always happy to provide helpful advice and a free no obligation quotation.
Somerton Castle Cary Sherborne T: 01963 240185 or M: 07974185923
E:office@modernandtraditional.co.uk www.modernandtraditional.co.uk
Sherborne Turf A6 Advert - _St A6 Adverts 24/03/2025 11:02 Page 6
A May Day dream
How is it already May? With summer beckoning, we are enjoying long country walks along country lanes filled cow parsley, red campion, and buttercups, always a joyous sight on a spring morning. The air is filled with the sweet scent of fruit tree blossoms, and the fields beyond are a vibrant tapestry of green. We’re embracing the season by making the most of longer days in the garden, all whilst enjoying the bounty of spring produce.
This year, we are participating in No Mow May, allowing parts of our land to grow wild. We use trustee vintage tractor to mow walking paths, leaving the rest wild to create a haven for wildlife. Leaving the grasses to grow long, provides valuable food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and birds. Last year we spotted a family of hedgehogs, roe deer, herons and sparrowhawks.
One of our favourite outings in late Spring is a visit to Red Barn Farm in Mudford to stock up on their finest asparagus. We love to savour the delicate flavour of freshly harvested spears, whether grilled, roasted, or simply steamed with butter and lemon. And of course, we always pick up a tray or two of the juiciest strawberries from the neighbouring farm in Chilton Cantelo. We return home with the car laden, so our guests can expect a treat. The seconds strawberries are the ones that don’t quite make the cut, usually down to size and form rather than flavour. We often use these to make syrups and cordials, here’s an easy recipe for you to try at home.
Horrell & Horrell’s Strawberry Cordial
Ingredients
500g ripe strawberries (cut in half and hulled)
500g caster sugar
500ml water
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Method
1. Place the cut strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon slices in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
4. Strain the pale pink liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into sterilised bottles.
5. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry cordial mixed with sparkling water, or add to a glass of sparkling wine for a refreshing strawberry Bellini!
We hope you too are enjoying the beauty and bounty of the season.
SPARROW By James Hynes The Sunday Times Best Seller – Review
by Claire Brooker, Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary
The narrator of James Hyne’s novel is a boy slave, in the Roman Empire. Set in Carthago Nova (modern Cartagena) in southern Spain, the boy works in a tavern that is also the only brothel in the port. When the story starts, the young boy is being put to work in the kitchen, where he is befriended by Euterpe, one of the ‘wolves’ (prostitutes). They all live in fear of Audo, the manager of the tavern, an ex-soldier prone to bouts of anger and violence to punters and prostitutes alike, as well as Sparrow.
The reader is quickly drawn into the brutal life of a slave and Hynes does not hold back in describing the physical and sexual violence
that this entails. From the outset, the narrator tells us that there will be no happy ending to this tale. Instead, we have a series of sometimes harrowing scenes which drag Sparrow further and further into the horrors of life as a young boy in a brothel. As he says at one point, “Reader, I know you know where this is going”. There are passages in the book which are beautifully written and the depiction of life in town on the edges of the Roman Empire is vividly drawn. But the relentless and sometimes gratuitous descriptions of violence against minors, women and girls takes up too much of the writing before an ending that is abrupt and strangely ambiguous. The book is historically accurate, but I’m not sure what the author is trying to tell us, other than the fact that the Roman Empire was not for the faint-hearted!
BAILEY HILL BOOKSHOP
NEW l SECOND HAND l RARE BOOKS
STREET CASTLE CARY BA7 7BG l TEL 01963 350917
WE ARE OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 9AM TO 4PM
Eat, sleep, entertain, celebrate at The Sparkford Inn
Fully Licenced for Civil Ceremonies
Twelve en suite bedrooms
Catering for up to 130 guests
Large function room with own bar, stage & facilities
Beautiful 18th century building with original features
Full packages available, with everything under one roof
Please ask for our latest brochure, or email us at Sparkfordinn.yeovil@phoenixpub.co.uk
High Street, Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7JH www.sparkfordinnpubyeovil.co.uk p: 01963 440218
This season’s MUST-HAVE favourites
Carolyn Coleman Mobile Hairdressing Service
Specialist colour service with optional Olaplex treatments.
Fabulous hair extensions service with 80 colours to choose from and many more pampering treatments.
To book an appointment, please call Carolyn on 07701 299898 e: carrcoleman28@gmail.com Follow me on Facebook TLC HAIR PAGE
The Village Stores
Bob and Jackie New welcome you!
Family run since 2010
Event Catering for all occasions. Funeral Wakes, Anniversaries, Weddings, Drinks Parties
contact@dorsetdelightscatering.co.uk 07783 928532
www.dorsetdelightscatering.co.uk
An extensive range of goods and services available
• Fresh meat from BARCLAY BUTCHERS of Wincanton. Daily delivery of a selection of meats and your orders taken.
• Selected local farm cheese including MONTGOMERY’S world famous Farmhouse Cheddar
• Frozen meals from OLIVE’S KITCHEN
• MOORES and BORDER biscuits in stock
• LONGMAN”S Farmhouse Butter
• Off Licence, including locally made Cider
• Fresh BREAD, PASTRIES & PIES baked on the premises
• Dry Cleaning with PUFFINS of Yeovil
• Groceries – Fruit & Vegetables & Milk
• Pet foods & household goods
• Hot drinks available
• Colour/Black & White Photocopying – Faxing – Laminating AND MUCH MORE...
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8am-6pm Monday-Friday 8am-1pm Saturday 9am-1pm Sunday
The Village Stores, North Cadbury BA22 7DW Tel: 01963 440201
Willow Vale Animal Experience
If you have ever wanted to have a cuddle with a Donkey, walk with an Alpaca, hand feed a sheep or participate in agility with Goats then we can make this happen and more. We offer small groups a supervised yet relaxed and personal visit tailored to you. There are opportunities to meet and greet the Donkeys, perhaps give them a groom, which they love, or
even take them for a walk around the field. Get close to and hand feed our very friendly sheep, we have different breeds including Jacobs, Valais Blacknose X, Shetland and Coloured Ryland which look like Teddy Bears. Also our wonderful Alpacas, the boys are very inquisitive and enjoy being taken for a walk. They will take feed from your hand and you can
Willow Vale is a rural country smallholding of 10 acres located in a beautiful natural valley at Maperton in South Somerset.
hear them humming to each other. Being around an Alpaca is a beautiful experience and as they look into your eyes you can feel your heart melt.
The Pygmy Goats too, just love meeting people and going for a walk. They enjoy jumping on things so we can do “Goat Agility” which is a lot of fun.
After your Animal Experience, take some time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. We can provide light refreshments and the opportunity for you to bring a picnic. There is a spring fed stream running through the centre of the property with native trees, woodland, a natural pond and
the tall Willow Trees which dominate the site, giving the property its name. Historically the vale used to consist of willow beds that were grown and harvested to make baskets and fencing. Wildlife is attracted to the site with Rabbits, Pheasants and Deer often seen in the fields. Many different birds also live here, Red Kites and Buzzards soar above and the little Tree Creepers run up and down the willow trunks.
Water Voles make their home in the banks of the stream, if you are lucky you even hear a “plop” as they drop into the water, or see little sticklebacks darting around. In Spring, Frogs, Toads and Newts lay their eggs in the
pond. Dragonflies and Damsels are in abundance in the warmer months with many species to identify. Just sitting on the bench by the pond for a short while, you will be amazed by what other creatures are making it their home. The location has a really special feel and for anyone wanting to experience nature in a relaxed way it ticks all of the boxes. We have cared for and maintained the property since 2011, creating the beautiful natural environment it is now. Introducing the animals, getting to know them and working with them has been a labour of love and we are excited to be able to share this with you. We hope you will enjoy your visit
and leave feeling inspired with a sense of wellbeing and joy.
Willow Vale Maperton Road, Maperton, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 8EH
To make a booking please either call or fill out the request form on the website, Alison, Neil and Sue will look forward to seeing you. Neil & Alison Allen
www.willowvaleanimalexperience.co.uk p: 07841 482250 alisonallen828@gmail.com
Wild Garden Leaves & Veg
First and foremost it is a highly productive market garden that occupies less than an acre of the two acre site, so quite a ‘micro’ market garden compared to some and hence we primarily specialise in growing salads and leafy greens, summer crops of french beans, cucumbers, heritage tomatoes, herbs and then a broad range of other produce which is aimed specifically towards local customers. We supply produce to shops, chefs and caterers within a ten mile radius and the full list of these is on our website.
Our growing principles are LOCAL, NATURAL & SEASONAL, everything is completely naturally grown using a system that is naturally regenerative.
Two years ago we began our Farm Shop Friday which is open to all to buy directly from us between June and September, running every Friday between 10am and 1pm (June 6th – 19th September). On Farm Shop Fridays the gardens are open for people to enjoy and alongside the garden produce we offer light refreshments and a range of preserves made from our produce. This range is forever expanding and as well as the usual jellies and chutneys we make small batch raw Apple Cider Vinegar from the 55 year old cider apple trees we inherited with the garden. We are also now making delicious Kimchi and Kombucha for sale as we expand into the wonderful world of fermenting, and new this year
Wild Garden can be found in Galhampton village, tucked away on the back road to North Cadbury.
are VEGETABLE PLANTS, HERBS
AN WILDFLOWER PLANTS and a Wild Woodland toddler play area which is open to customers on Farm Shop Fridays.
Our produce is available to order and collect - this is a very simple system which is explained on the website. When you register your interest by email you’ll receive a link to our ‘shop’ which shows what’s available every week. Collect your order on a Friday or Saturday. Simple!
The WILD part of the garden is hugely important to us, it’s such a peaceful haven for both humans and wildlife - there are many places to sit by the pond and under the apple trees, a lovely place to wander, chat with friends and enjoy some sparkling homemade elderflower fizz and a delicious cake.
We have planted thousands of trees to create a protective native tree belt and hedges around the land. We’ve
also added cobnuts, sweet chestnuts, walnuts and more fruit trees into the orchard area and many wild flowers have been introduced over the years. Alongside our vegetables and flowers we now sell potted native wildflowers. We hope this will enable anyone to create nature friendly areas in their gardens and do a little bit of rewilding for our much diminished countryside. Watching the insects and birds that come to wild areas will reward every effort!
Hope to see you soon…
Tia & Nick.
Mabel’s Café
Galhampton Stores
High Road, Galhampton, Somerset BA22 7BH | p: 01963 401230
Open 7 Days a Week
Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm
Sunday - 10am – 2pm
Wedding & Event Florals
Sympathy & Gift Designs
Flower School & Creative Workshops
Galhampton
Shop & Country Store
Animal Feeds and Bedding Timber Supplies
Tools | Hardware | Gardening Workwear | Logs and Gas
Local Food | Home Essentials
Open 7 days a week
Mon-Sat 7.30am – 5.30pm | Sun 10am – 4pm 01963 440464
Family-run, rural country store on A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford
Fir Tree Business Park, High Road, Galhampton, Somerset, BA22 7BH sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk
Amateur Players of Sherborne – Onward to the next 90 years!
Last year, Amateur Players of Sherborne – APS – celebrated performing drama in the town every year for 90 years since their origins in 1934. They entertained the good townspeople and billeted troops during the war years. Even during Covid, as soon as social distancing restrictions were relaxed, APS performed memorable productions outdoors in Paddock Garden to an audience hungry for fresh live entertainment.
2025 sees the group planning for the next 90 years and beyond, performing four plays per year and occasionally hosting visiting actors and musicians. APS strives to offer drama chosen by the membership that will surprise and delight their capacity audiences.
Quality is the key, rather than opting for obvious crowd pleasers, and they do not shy-away from presenting challenging contemporary drama as well as comedies and classics.
The recipe, which seems to work, is to present a variety of different genres. In any year, an APS audience can expect to see contemporary drama, classic drama (including Shakespeare), thrillers, comedy, big-cast ensemble productions, small cast productions and even some experimental plays written by local authors.
Since 2018, home for APS has been the delightfully intimate Sherborne Studio Theatre. This fascinating building began life as Coombe Church, a chapel constructed early in the 1880s using corrugated iron and known affectionately as the ‘Tin Tabernacle’.
Similar prefabricated buildings were originally intended to be shipped throughout the British Empire. This one was transported from London by train, delivered and erected on site for just a few hundred pounds. No one could have guessed at the time that the building would still be delighting new ‘congregations’ of theatre goers well into the 21st century!
Today, APS looks to the future. The next production, in June, will be ‘The 39 Steps’, a comic parody of the John Buchan novel and iconic Hitchcock film. It is a riotous blend
of multiple roles, inventive stagecraft, shadow puppetry and physical theatre. Mix a thriller masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this hilarious fast-paced whodunit.
If you want to see the theatre for the first time, or get involved with a welcoming and enthusiastic amateur drama group, go to www.aps-sherborne.co.uk
Amanda Milburn M.A.R, F.H.T, Reiki practitioner
Opens her new natural therapies practice at Woodside Court, Sparkford, Somerset
Iam thrilled to be offering natural therapies at the Woodside clinic in Sparkford and I am very much looking forward to meeting wonderful women who want to take control of their own health and well-being.
If you are looking for an MOT for your body or just for some much needed relaxation, reflexology is a great place to start! I started my journey into complementary therapies in 1995 when I discovered Precision Reflexology…and
my goodness this has been the most interesting and amazing therapy to start with! Even today I still get amazed at the help, insight and healing my clients attain from just a few treatments.
I studied Precision Reflexology for two years, completing my course at the School of Precision Reflexology in Exeter Devon, I am a full member of the Association of Reflexologists and I am also a Holistic Massage practitioner and Reiki healer. I love working holistically, using the ancient principles and combining the universal energy that surrounds us all to help the body to heal itself.
I call this style of Reflexology ‘the light touch’ as it is so gentle and not painful! And if you would like the addition of hot stones this makes the treatment even more soothing and indulgent.
Precision Reflexology energise treatments to give quicker and more positive results. It is a method of tuning into the energy system, which gives more accuracy and the treatment is carried out on a much deeper level.
I am passionate about Precision Reflexology it is a special treatment and after all these years, it is still my favourite and my go to if someone needs
to un-block, re-balance or find out what is going on. It is also a wonderful therapy for you to relax, de-stress and therefore you are able to process life and take responsibility for your own healing.
It has given me so much joy over the years to see clients who have worked with me, achieve their goals, whether it was for health and well-being or supporting them through difficult times in life.
Reflexology has delivered amazing results for people, whether it was for Stress, depression, menopause, women’s health issues and well-being, migraine, neck and back problems, anxiety, grief and so much more, it hasn’t failed to give people the support and strength to feel well, balanced and happier!
The other therapies I practice can be combined with the reflexology and tailored to your needs.
I have worked in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire over the years working in natural therapy centres, clinics and retreat centres, I have now moved back to Somerset and I am so happy to be here in beautiful Sparkford!
I will be offering Precision Reflexology, Hot stone Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage, and Reiki Healing.
Appointments are for Women only I’m afraid. For appointments and further information please call me on 07485 111231. Looking forward to meeting you!
Woodside court clinic, Sparkford Somerset BA22 7HL (A359)
The Pied Piper of Sparkford Meet Mikey…
Wherever Alan Piper goes out for a walk, he is followed by his faithful and very loving furry friend called Mikey. This is no ordinary pussy cat and he knows a soft touch when he sees one! Although he doesn’t belong to Alan, he has decided to be part of his life!
Whenever he can, he will join Alan on his walkabouts – He certainly seems to think that he is a dog rather than a cat and as they say, dogs have owners and cats have staff!
Mikey can be found wandering all over the place and even stops at MacDonalds to find out what is available to eat. He also travels over the railway line to other parts of the village and who knows, someone else might feed him too!
Alan doesn’t mind this attachment, as Mikey keeps him company throughout the day while his wife, Jane, is working at Pipers Trimmers.
Year round family space...
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CONSULT A PRIVATE GP
Consultations
Prescriptions
Blood tests & investigations
Cardiovascular tests
Cancer screening tests
Well woman checks, to include HRT prescribing, osteoporosis assessments, breast screening, smear tests as appropriate
Well man checks, including prostate cancer screening
Lifestyle & weight management advice and medication
Children and all ages welcome
Home visits available
The Poundbury Clinic Middlemarsh Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3FD
The Kingston Wing, Yeovil Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT 01935 609453
clinic@wessexprivategp.co.uk wessexprivategp.co.uk 01935 384234
Welcome to Lazy Lobster, Castle Cary
The Lazy Lobster is the sister of the Lazy Lobster, Chew Magna, Somerset.
The old bank building in Castle Cary has been renovated by Mr Kelly, who was responsible for the majority of the work carried out with other tradesmen brought in to help complete the project over a 4-year period. The restaurant was finally opened on the 16th August 2024. The team are delighted with the building and local artist Sandy
Bell painted over a hundred images of various fish on the inside of the restaurant. She also created twelve paintings for the establishment
Husband and wife team Don & Donna Kelly and their staff work tirelessly to bring a taste of the sea to their diners’ plates over both sites.
“We like to describe a visit as an experience spread out over an hour or two rather than just a meal”.
With a near constant flow of plates to your table, the focus is
We like to describe a visit as an experience...”
on sharing and enjoying as a table rather than as an individual.
You also never have to experience the worst feeling in a restaurant...Food Envy, as when ordering for the table you get a bite of every delicious dish!
When you arrive, don’t forget to check out the blackboards for their daily specials! A range of specials are: Lobster, whole fish on the bone and oysters.
They are committed to sourcing their fish as locally as possible, with the bulk of their produce coming from
Brixham Fish Market. “Brixham Fish Market is our first port of call, with a representative present from the break of dawn hand selecting our Signature Lobsters and Daily Specials”.
“Our focus is on sustainable and local ingredients. That’s why all of our lobsters are caught off our coasts supporting British Fishing and ensuring quality and freshness.
“Everyone knows that the fresher the fish the better. With that in mind, our menu is ever evolving, as the seasons come and go. Sourcing at the highest quality and as locally as possible”.
Their extensive menu includes Brixham dressed crab with lemon parsley mayo and sour dough crostini, and a grilled monkfish butternut squash madras, spiced potato and spinach and giant king prawns from Brixham.
If you’re not that partial to seafood, they also serve duck, beef, and pork-based dishes.
The Lazy Lobster is currently open from Thursday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to book ahead by using their online booking service or calling 01963 846740. They are a card payment establishment.
Lazy Lobster, Bank House, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AW 01963 846740
www.lazylobstercastlecary.co.uk
THE TEN CHURCHES OF THE CADBURYS AND CAMELS
Sunday 4th May Yarlington 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
3rd Sunday of Easter Queen Camel 9.30am VE Day Service
VE Day Corton Denham 11.00am Holy Communion
Celebrations
North Cadbury 11.00am Holy Communion - VE
West Camel 4.00 pm Tea @ Four
Sunday 11th May Galhampton 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP)
4th Sunday of Easter West Camel 9.30am Holy Communion
Sutton Montis 11.00am Holy Communion
Weston Bampflyde 11.00am Informal Service
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Tuesday 13th May South Cadbury 10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 18th May Queen Camel 9.30am Holy Communion
5th Sunday of Easter North Cadbury 11.00am Sunday Worship
Sparkford 11.00am Holy Communion
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Yarlington 6.30pm Sung Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 25th May South Cadbury 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP)
6th Sunday of Easter North Cadbury 11.00am Holy Communion (CW)
Yarlington 11.00am Sunday Worship
Weston Bampfylde 11.00am Holy Communion
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Galhampton 6.30pm Evening Service
Thursday 29th May Castle Cary 7.00pm Deanery Ascension Day
Ascension Day Holy Communion
Sunday 1st June Yarlington 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
7th Sunday of Easter Queen Camel 9.30am Rogation Service
The Sunday after Corton Denham 11.00am Holy Communion
Ascension Day North Cadbury 11.00am Holy Communion (CW)
West Camel 4.00 pm Tea @ Four
Sunday 8th June Galhampton 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP)
Pentecost
Whit Sunday
West Camel 9.30am Holy Communion
Sutton Montis 11.00am Holy Communion
Weston Bampflyde 11.00am Informal Service
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Tuesday 10th June South Cadbury 10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 15th June Queen Camel 9.30am Holy Communion
Trinity Sunday North Cadbury 11.00am Sunday Worship
Sparkford 11.00am Holy Communion
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Yarlington 6.30pm Sung Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 22nd June South Cadbury 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP)
Trinity 1 North Cadbury 11.00am Communion & Baptism
Yarlington 11.00am Sunday Worship
Weston Bampfylde 11.00am Holy Communion
West Camel 6.00pm Methodist Service
Galhampton 6.30pm Evening Service
Sunday 29th June Queen Camel 10.30am United Benefice Service
Trinity 2 West Camel 6.00pm United Service
Registers:
21st February Funeral Matthew “Frazer” Newton Mendip Crematorium (South Cadbury)
25th February Funeral Janet Lesley Valerie Penson Mendip Crematorium (North Cadbury)
28th February Funeral Allan Drake St Barnabas, ueen Camel
1st March Memorial Service Louise Heleen Albrich Holy Trinity, Sutton Montis (Galhampton)
21st March Funeral Albert William Haines Yeovil Crematorium
5th April Ashes Buriel Albert William Haines – Sparkford Church
HAROLD F. MILES
FUNERAL DIRECTOR FAMILY RUN BUSINESS
All arrangements made 24-Hour service
Private Chapel of Rest
South Cadbury
Tel: 01963 440367
Pre-paid Funeral Plans Winton Cottage
Anyone for badminton?
Would you be interested in playing this sport for fun?
Rimpton Badminton Club would like to encourage new members for weekly or occasional games.
We play on a Wednesday evening from 7.00 – 8.30pm in Rimpton Village Hall BA22 8AD.
We have one court and if more than four people turn up, we rotate so you should get to play a few games and have a breather in between! There are no membership fees and no commitments; just turn up and play for £2 a session. The standard is moderate and beginners are welcome.
If you are interested in any way, please drop me an e-mail: Mr Lindsey Maguire: Lindsey@studio-6.co.uk or give me a call on 07903 297712.
PAUL PARSONS DANCE
Ballroom and Latin American dance classes have been held in the Market House, Castle Cary from around 1975 up until March 2020.
Everything changed for everyone in the Spring of 2020. I left the Market House and now run classes in a few different venues throughout the week.
Croscombe Village Hall - Monday 6.30pm –Intermediate Ballroom and Latin class – 7.30pm for beginners Ballroom & Latin.
Galhampton Village Hall – Wednesday at 7pm for intermediate Ballroom and Latin American.
Sparkford Parish Hall – One-to-one tuition for couples or singles is available by arrangement.
For more information and an informal chat regarding anything you might like to know, please contact me on: 07805 571590. Email: paulparsons7@googlemail.com
SCOUTS (101/2 - 14 Years)
Tues. 7.15pm-9pm
Scott Austin
asl@sparkfordscouts.org.uk
CUBS (8 - 10¹/² Years)
Mon 6.30pm-8pm
Lucia Atkinson
csl@sparkfordscouts.org.uk
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
BEAVERS (6-8 Years)
Tues. 6pm-7pm
Anne Tuck
bsl@sparkfordscouts.org.uk
EXPLORER SCOUTS (14-18 Years)
Alternative Thurs.
Kevin Davis sl@sparkfordscouts.org.uk
Please contact Anne Tuck on 07538 502812 | www.sparkfordscouts.org.uk
Expert Lawn Care Services
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Contact us today for a healthier, greener lawn!
AG Fenced It
Thinking
Here
Honesty
Please
Bakers Executive Coach Travel
Bakers Coaches have been established for over 60 years. It is a small, family run coach hire operator based in the Yeovil and Somerset area who also offer private hire and airport transfers.
The business was started in the late Sixties by Barry Baker working with only one minibus and the company has grown over the years.
In 2000 Shane Baker and his cousin Andrew Palmer took over and they have continued to run this unique friendly
coach service ever since.
Proud of its family traditions and links to the community, they continue to cater for all groups of people. “We try our very best to accommodate everyones’ needs”.
About 3 years ago they branched out and started Day Trips and are planning more holidays in 2026.
Jump on board and join us on one of our day trips or our new, exciting Meal Club!
Call their office and you can speak to Maria, Shane’s wife or Kayleigh their daughter, or if your very lucky Shane himself! p: 01935 428401 e: office@bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/bakerscoachesyeovilsomerset/ www.bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk
Bakers Executive Coach Travel
Your local coach day-trip specialists
Mendip Belle Train 3 Course Lunch 11th May Adult £88.00/Seniors £85.00
Cruise to Brixham 15th May Adult £54.00/Seniors £51.00/ (Exmouth Disembark) Child £45.00
Devon County Show 17th May Adult £55.00/Seniors £52.00/ Child £47.00
Wells & Cheddar Gorge 29th May Adult £62.00/Seniors £59.00
Half Day Geology Cruise 8th June Adult £49.00/Seniors £47.00/ with Guest Speaker Child £44.00
Donkey Sanctuary & Sidmouth 14th June Adult £39.00/Seniors £37.00/ Child £33.00
Bideford 5th July Adult £52.00/Seniors £49.00
Minehead & Lynmouth 15th July Adult £52.00/£47.00
Iford Gardens & Warminster 29th July Adult £55.00/Seniors £52.00
Taunton Flower Show 2nd August Adult £45.00/Seniors £43.00
Annual Teignmouth Trip 5th August Adult £45.00/Seniors £40.00
Turkey & Tinsel Holiday 3rd – 7th Half Board £315.00 per Person
Shanklin Hotel, Isle of White November + £35 Single Supplement
SENIORS: 65+
Pick Ups in Yeovil, Martock, Cartgate Picnic Area, Somerton, Sherborne, Wincanton & Sparkford www.bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk – 01935 428401 office@bakerscoaches-somerset.co.uk www.facebook.com/bakerscoachesyeovilsomerset/
Haynes Motor Museum Unveils Exclusive Somerset-Themed Scalextric Track
Haynes Motor Museum is set to unveil a brand-new, specially commissioned Somersetthemed Scalextric track this April.
Having teamed up with Scalextric and partners, ‘Think Scalextric’, the Museum’s new track will offer visitors the chance to race the famous toy set in some familiar settings.
The meticulously designed track celebrates the essence of Somerset, complete with miniature depictions of iconic landmarks and local culture.
Among the standout features is a scaled-down replica of the world-famous Glastonbury Festival Pyramid Stage, bringing festival magic to the track, complete with festival style toilets.
Motorists will also race past part of Cheddar Gorge, apple orchards, a local farm shop, cider stands, and grazing cows, depicting the county’s rich agricultural heritage.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring a household toy favourite to the Museum. We wanted our track to have its very
own theme and what better twist than to celebrate some of Somerset’s iconic backdrops,” said Museum Marketing & Communications Director, Steve Mytton.
“Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a miniature version of the Museum itself, complete with the famous Red Room exhibition and Haynes Heritage Engineering, our classic car workshop,” he added.
Eagle-eyed visitors will spot quirky additions such as a block of cheddar cheese with race fans perched on top and a car park scene inspired by the Museum’s popular Breakfast Club events.
Visitors will have the opportunity to race Scalextric cars familiar to the Museum’s collection, including Williams F1, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, Ford Anglia, VW Beetle, Lamborghini Countach and Porsche 911.
Following its Easter debut, the Somerset-themed Scalextric track
will become a permanent part of the Museum experience. Included with Museum entry, visitors will have the chance to test their skills all year round.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Haynes Motor Museum to bring the spirit of Somerset to life in this new Scalextric layout. Featuring iconic attractions from the area, including the museum itself, this track offers a fun and immersive way to celebrate the region’s rich motoring heritage.” Says Simon Owen, Head of Brand at Hornby Hobbies.
Housed within 15 exhibition spaces, Haynes Motor Museum showcases more than 300 vehicles and automotive memorabilia.
From the earliest motorised vehicles of 1898 to today’s cuttingedge designs, the Museum tells the stories of the people who designed, built and drove them, while reflecting on their impact on society.
Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH.
Open daily from 10am. Book online and save 10%.
For more information, visit: www.haynesmotormuseum.org or call 01963 440804
Chocolate Chip Biscuits With thanks to Suzie Coulsey, Sparkford
Ingredients:
7oz Self Raising Flour
Pinch of Salt
1 oz Cocoa
5 oz Butter
4 oz Sugar (castor)
1 egg
2 oz Chocolate Chips (dark)
180º – 10-12 Minutes
Method:
1. Put all ingredients (apart from the chocolate chips) into mixer.
2. Mix for 10 seconds – scrape down the bowl and mix for 5 more seconds.
3. Turn on to lightly floured board and knead the mix –
4. Roll into a long shape and cut into rounds.
5. Cook for 10 – 12 minutes
If you have an easy recipe to share, please contact Jackie @ jpbristowbristow@gmail.com
Sudoku
Issue 6 answers:
Sudoku #1061 (Medium) Answer
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• Booking flexible, tailored & guaranteed
• Medications given
• Enhanced DBS.
• Text updates while you are away
• Your property will be secure
Looked after professionally with love and care for your cats, as though they are mine.
Tel: 07748 775657 for further information | www.happycatservices.co.uk
Have you ever wondered if you should be brushing your
pets teeth?
Well, the answer is yes! Much like with us humans, the build-up of plaque and tartar can cause periodontal disease in our four-legged friends, which can lead to bad breath, pain and tooth loss. There are many products on the market that claim to help with dental disease and finding the one that suits your pet can feel like a mine field. Gold standard oral care would include daily brushing with a toothbrush and pet specific toothpaste but, as Veterinary professionals, we understand this might not be possible in every animal. Looking out for dental products that have the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal guarantees the products have been trialled and proven to reduce plaque and tartar in our animals. Evidence of dental discomfort may not be obvious and we see many animals with severe periodontal disease who continue to eat.
Signs to look out for in your pet include:
• Bad breath
• Change in eating habits
• Drooling
• Red and inflamed gums
• Discolouration of the teeth
• Missing or wobbly teeth
• Discomfort or swelling around the face
• Pawing at the face
If your pet is showing any of these signs it is best to get them checked with your Vet or Veterinary nurse to rule out more serious problems.
Leonie Harrison RVN NCert Dentistry
SOUTHILL VETS LTD
The Surgery, Balsam Fields, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9HE
p: 0196333226
Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.
Our motto is simple; “make it more fun”. We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike.
St Michael’s Academy, Yeovil.
Tel: 0345 313 0122
Grass Royal, Off St Michael’s Avenue, BA21 4JW
BA21 4LE (for sat nav purposes only)
Contact: Christina
e: christina@rugbytots.co.uk www.rugbytots.co.uk
THE FENCING & GATE COMPANY
Domestic fencing specialist
Over 30 years’ experience
Free survey and quotation
10 year guarantee No VAT 01935 330 095
QUEEN CAMEL BOWLS CLUB
Off Englands Lane, Queen Camel, BA22 7NN
Are you looking for a new form of gentle exercise?
Would you like to play a competitive and enjoyable game?
Why not try Lawn Bowls and make some new friends at the same time?
We meet every Tuesday from mid-April until mid-September and also hold a number of social events throughout the year as well.
All are welcome.
To find out more please contact howard.davies121@yahoo.com - 07957 834717
North Cadbury Tennis Club
North Cadbury Tennis Club is a public tennis facility situated in the village of North Cadbury. The club has two courts, holds a weekly club night during the summer and participates in the Yeovil & District Tennis League.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please check our website for details.
Non-members wishing to play can book a court, subject to availability, for a fee of £10 per court per hour.
Contact: Liz Ellis 079665 49714
www.northcadburytennisclub.co.uk
QUEEN CAMEL TENNIS CLUB
A friendly and sociable two-court Club with floodlights on the edge of the Playing Field in Queen Camel.
We enjoy competitive & social play and have a great coaching programme including Saturday mornings for children from 5 upwards and for adults Wednesday evenings.
In addition to our regular Club Night on Tuesday evenings, we also have a new Club morning on the first Sunday of the month 10 am until noon. All members welcome
Interested in joining? Great news, new memberships run annually, beginning on the 1st April. We offer Junior, Adult, Social and Family memberships. For more information visit our website
www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/QueenCamelTennis Club
Queen Camel Tennis Club, The Playing Fields, Green Lane, Queen Camel BA22 7NW
Household
Cubicle
Bratton I Marshfield I Neston
Hilperton I Trowbridge I Monkton Combe
Wanstrow I Royal Wootton Bassett
Queen Camel I Acton Turville 01225 791155
