november 2014€¦ · countryside, painting, music, current affairs and, above all, her family and...

November 2014

THE

Seavington House

24a Ditton Street, Ilminster, Opposite Tesco Garage

www.enscomputers.co.uk [email protected]

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Computer Peripherals, Hardware and more…..

Windows 8 Custom PCs

November 2014

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As you, our readers, know, the Seavingtons’ News reaches your letterbox each month as the result of a team effort by a number of members of our community ranging from our contributors to the team of folk who make the final delivery. As with any team, it is sad to see members leave the team, albeit to be replaced by other volunteers. Thus, I would like to thank Wendy and David Eliot for their great contribution over the past three years and welcome Brian Edwards and Roger Clampitt who have taken over the collation and binding responsibilities as well as the primary distribution to our street delivery team members. The funds which permit us to make the free production and delivery of a community magazine possible come from a mix of advertising revenue and the monthly village waste paper collection. Our Treasurer has pointed out that the amount of waste paper collected each month has recently dropped off. We can understand that it is much easier to drop your paper into the Council’s recycling box than to save it for the skip. Clearly, from an environmental impact point of view there is no difference between our skip and the Council’s box. Financially, however, only the skip collection benefits our community. In the past the Seavingtons’ News has, from time to time, been able to make grants to village clubs and organisations—the SPFA, Youth Club and Shop have all been beneficiaries in the past. These grants will dry up and the magazine will be threatened if the decline in waste paper volumes is not reversed—over to you! David Froome

T h e S e av i n g t o n s ’ N ew s

DON’T FORGET

The Newspaper Skip! pm Friday 7th November

until am Monday 10th November

The Latest Copy Date is the 15th November

for the next issue

Editorial content and diary entries to:

David Froome, Middlefield Barn, Church Lane, Seavington St Mary, Ilminster,

TA19 0QP Tel: 01460 249445; e-mail: [email protected]

The Seavingtons’ News

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All events, unless otherwise shown, are held in the Millennium Hall

For bookings call 07914 710926

For other Millennium Hall matters call Pauline Parsons on 01460 240193

1st November 7.30 pm SPFA evening of music “Serenade in Concert” - p 21

5th November 5.30 pm Village Bonfire & Fireworks—p 30

6th November 10.30 am RNLI Coffee Morning at Hunts House –p 8

9th November 2.30 pm First World War Memorial Plaque Unveiling on the Playing Field—p 5

13th November 7.30pm Gardening Club Social Evening and Talk “Cider at Barrington” - p 20

14th November 7.30 pm St Michael’s Church Music Quiz—p 14

20th November 7.30pm RSPB Group talk “Birds and Other Wildlife” p 31

26th November 7.00 pm SPFA Quiz Night at the Volunteer – p 16

29th November 10 am SPFA Christmas Market - p 31

Regular Activities

2nd Monday Noon Pensioners’ Lunches in Village Café

1st Saturday 9.00 am—2.00 pm

St Michael’s Church Seavington Trust Book Sale at 2, Winchester Cottages (opposite The Volunteer)

3rd Wednesday 10.00am “GET2GETHER” Group in Village Café

2nd Thursday 7.30pm Seavington Gardening Club

To keep up to date check out the village web-site which is updated regularly and

brings you the latest information on village matters, the programmes of village

organisations and much more. Pass the address to your friends and relatives and

let them keep in touch as well.

www.theseavingtons.org

V i l l a g e D i a r y — F o r t h c o m i n g E v e n t s

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Editorial: David Froome & Maria Potts Advertising: Tony Beresford Production: Brian Edwards & Roger Clampitt Technical & web-site support: Eugene Mulligan Graphics & Visual Support: George Brown

Village web-site:www.theseavingtons.org

Any views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editorial team. Contributions are welcomed and may be submitted electronically or in manuscript to the editor at the address on page 1. The contents of this village magazine are the copyright © of the Seavingtons' News unless the item concerned carries an alternative copyright assertion. However, all information on village activities and events may be freely reproduced.

Please do not hesitate to telephone David Froome on 01460 249445 if you have any questions.

T h e S e a v i n g t o n s ’ N e w s T e a m

Annual Monthly

Full Page £90 £10

½ Page £45 £5

¼ Page £25 £3

Advertising enquiries to: [email protected]

A d v e r t i s i n g R a t e s

2nd November 11.30 am Holy Communion (CW)

9th November 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

9th November 10.50 am Service of Remembrance

16th November 11.30 am Holy Communion (BCP with hymns)

23rd November 11.30 am Matins

30th November No service but Holy Communion at 8.00 am (BCP) and

9.30 am (CW) at SS Peter & Paul’s, South Petherton

NB No service in Seavington on the fifth Sunday of each month but you

are welcome to join the services in St Peter & St Paul’s, South Petherton.

Rev Tom Handy telephone: 01460 240377; [email protected]

S t M i c h a e l ’ s C h u r c h , S e a v i n g t o n


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Jenifer Ann Phillips 1929—2014 The Phillips family came to live at Upton House, Seavington, in 1985, having moved to Somerset from Sussex in 1974. Jenifer was born in Tamerton Foliat, near Plymouth, in 1929, of Scottish parents. Her father was in the Royal Navy and early in World War II was posted to Dundee, where the family lived during the war, returning to their house in Devon when the war ended. She started work as a secretary at Greenbank Hospital, Plymouth, and then with the BBC in Bristol. After attending an advanced secretarial college in London, she then taught at Ashridge College, Hertfordshire. In the late 1940s she returned to London, becoming PA to an architect. She and Donald first met in Devon and, after meeting again in London, were married in Tamerton Foliat in 1955. Living first in Chiddingfold, Surry, they moved from there to Ashfolds, Rusper, Sussex in 1958. Their four sons arrived and Ashfolds was their home for 16 years. Jenifer was pretty fit in those days, enjoying a thoroughly active life. However, falling on a tennis court in 1967 triggered the rheumatoid arthritis that plagued her ever since. The family left Rusper in 1974, moving to Moredon, North Curry, Donald having inherited the house and some land. Renovation was needed and Jenifer accepted the challenge, overseeing operations with Donald then still working in London. But problems continued with the house and land, which, combined with Jenifer’s worsening Arthritis, led to their move to Seavington. With Jenifer’s great interests—history, reading, gardening, the countryside, painting, music, current affairs and, above all, her family and friends—there was always lively conversation around the kitchen table. Sadly, in recent years she couldn’t participate in village activities but maintained a keen interest in all Seavington affairs.

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Seavington Playing Field Association

Bookings Clerk Required ASAP!! To manage bookings for the Millennium Hall. Computer skills necessary. The SPFA have a computer for use by Clerk. Since the installation of the new ‘Proximity Card Entry System’ much of the management of bookings is done via the Computer. Training will be given. The Hall has its own unique e-mail address. Monthly salary of £110. For more information you are invited to contact the present Bookings Clerk by e-mailing [email protected] or texting or calling the Hall mobile telephone: 07914710926. Pauline Parsons – Chair – 01460 240193

First World War Memorial Plaque

Nick Loxton At the end of The First World War, the parishioners of The Seavingtons placed three identical plaques in memory of those who had fallen in the conflict in the then three churches in our villages. Two of these survive in place in the churches of St Michael and St Mary, but the third one was placed in what was then the Wesleyan Chapel in Water Street, now a private house. When the house was converted some years ago the builders took down the plaque and it has been in safe keeping ever since. With the centenary of the outbreak of that war being specially remembered this year, it seemed fitting for this third memorial plaque to be rededicated and placed in a location accessible for all. Over the last few months, members of the Parish Council have designed and commissioned a structure to house the plaque, selected what we hope everyone will agree as a tranquil location between the Millennium Oaks in the top corner of the Playing Field and arranged for the rededication to occur on Remembrance Sunday (9th November) this year at 2.30pm. All are most welcome to attend the rededication, and refreshments will be available in the Millennium Hall afterwards.


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‘The Swift Emergencies of the Sea’

David Eliot (01460 240758)

3 – An Explosive Situation

From 1986 until retirement in 1995, I was HM Coastguard’s Regional Controller for the South West, at UK’s International Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Falmouth, with responsibility for Search & Rescue (SAR) on the coast between Beachy Head and Bude, and UK waters in the Channel & South East Atlantic. At dawn on a fine March morning in 1987, the Mate of the small Danish freighter HORNESTRAND, west-bound in the Channel off the Sussex coast, inspected the two holds. Opening the forward hold door, she was met by a wall of smoke. She ran aft and opened the main hold door: same result. The Master instantly broadcast a MAYDAY, stopped the engine and abandoned ship into a liferaft, whence he and his crew were safely recovered by a French SAR helicopter. Why the panic? The cargo was 200 tonnes of High Explosive. The Owners hired Dutch salvors Wijsmuller to recover the burning ship. Their tug TYPHOON took the drifting derelict in tow and headed for Falmouth, where Marine Agents Fox & Sons called a meeting of interested parties in a Falmouth hotel. I attended, in uniform, as an Observer. The Chairman was Fox’s clerk who had arranged the meeting, but it became obvious within minutes that he was utterly out of his depth. When he left to phone his office, I offered to take the Chair, on grounds of long experience. I was unanimously elected to the hot seat, and Fox’s clerk, to his huge relief, was released. Since this major incident was neither Search nor Rescue, and was thus entirely outside HMCG’s remit, my London HQ was very unhappy at what I had taken on, but soon realised that a Government official had to coordinate locally the UK’s response, in concert with the Salvage Master in TYPHOON; and that I was best placed to do it. I gave the Region to my Deputy and launched into a very interesting & unique 19-day operation. Our ad hoc Salvage Committee met daily; and faxed daily progress reports to the world & its wife. It comprised the ship’s Owners, the Salvors, the Dept. of Transport (me), Falmouth Harbour Master, a major British Explosives Transport firm, an Explosives Expert, Cornwall Fire & Rescue and sundry Insurers.

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After two meetings at the hotel, with the media eaves-dropping six deep outside, I took everyone to the MRCC, which enjoyed excellent communications and could be barred to the media unless invited in for a Press Conference. The Salvage Master, Capt. Oosthuizen, was a tower of strength, exuding calm confidence that he knew his job; he and I struck up a good rapport. The cargo manifest showed that all the High Explosive was in the main hold, the after 2/3rds of the cargo space, with fuses, detonators and other explosive components stowed on two levels in the smaller forward hold, where a partial tween-deck was bridged by wooden sleepers. Typical of international trade, here was a Danish ship, carrying UK-insured explosives made in East & West Germany bound for mining companies in Nigeria, on fire in British waters and being salvaged by Dutchmen! Harbour Master Falmouth rightly refused to have HORNESTRAND in Falmouth, so TYPHOON anchored her off Plymouth, about 8 miles south of the Eddystone Light. Even so, had the main cargo gone up, the resultant tsunami would have devastated the coast and small craft at sea; while the blast would have shattered glass for miles around. I imposed a 5 mile radius Marine Exclusion Zone round the ship, intermittently patrolled by the Navy; the RAF added a 20,000 ft. Air Exclusion Zone above it. A hand-held heat detector proved the fire was confined to the forward hold. If the bulkhead between the two holds held, it was unlikely the High Explosive would detonate; but extinguishing the fire was imperative Any fire will extinguish if deprived of Fuel or Heat or Oxygen. In this case, the only option was to reduce the oxygen level in both holds from the usual 20% to under 1.5%. To this end, the salvors loaded three 5,000 cu.ft. containers of nitrogen onto TYPHOON. Holes were drilled in the hatch covers and one full container was injected into each hold, then allowed to ‘mature’ for two days. Throughout the fortnight or so it took to reach this point, the media were all over us. Capt. Oosthuizen and I gave several joint press conferences to keep them on-side. One evening, I even appeared on BBC News with the news-reader intoning: “And the man in charge of the burning explosives ship says ‘One false step and it may be your last!’” Indeed, exactly what I had said. After 48 hours, the oxygen levels were so low the fire was deemed out. One brave salvor, in full protective clothing & breathing gear, talking continuously on radio, opened the forward hold door and was confronted by devastation – burnt and half-burnt boxes of detonators, fuses, etc.;


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noxious liquids oozing everywhere; the wooden sleepers bridging the tween-deck burnt through and collapsed into the lower hold, equally devastated. The after hold was smoke-stained, but otherwise intact. With the fire certified out by Cornwall Fire & Rescue, the salvors wished to take HORNESTRAND to Falmouth. The Harbour Master refused without a Certificate of Importation of Foreign Explosive, which could not be considered unless the ship was in harbour – a classic ‘Catch-22’! So she remained at anchor. Capt. Oosthuizen announced he would tow HORNESTRAND to an Explosives Anchorage in R. Elbe, the cargo being German; but the French refused to allow the tow passage up the east-bound lane of the Dover Strait Seaway, past their coast; UK refused passage the ‘wrong’ way up the west-bound lane, or via the British inshore lane. Impasse! Worse still, our daily Committee meetings were increasingly invaded by insurers and lawyers. Capt. Oosthuizen had had enough: he invited me for a drink in his hotel, telling me in secrecy that he would tow the ship away to Germany at 02:00 next morning. To hell with the French! I told that morning’s Meeting that the bird had flown and they could all go home. The aftermath fraught also. On arrival in the Elbe, TYPHOON was fined by the Marine Police for failing to fly the proper warning flags! On unloading the cargo, the fire was still burning at the bottom of the hold. Days later I was called by a Departmental bean-counter asking who had authorised the Navy to patrol the Exclusion Zone at a cost to Transport of £300k? I told him I had, with the full knowledge of our Department, Defence, the Foreign Office and Trade & Industry; and that he was lucky the Navy didn’t patrol full-time. Transport paid up. Months later, the Owners’ Marine Superintendent visited me, bearing gifts – a litre bottle of Schnapps and a set of special drinking glasses. Civil Servants are prohibited from accepting undeclared gifts, but I reckoned I had earned my bottle and kept mum!

RNLI Coffee Morning

&

Sale of Christmas Cards & Calendars

Hunts House, Seavington St Michael

Thursday 6th November at 10.30 am

November 2014

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Purpose built canine hydrotherapy facility in Donyatt Large, heated pool and state of the art underwater treadmill

All treatments carried out by a qualified hydrotherapist Evening and weekend appointments available

Conditions treated include:

Arthritis

Cruciate injuries

Elbow and hip dysplasia

Patellar luxation

Obesity

General fitness

Benefits include:

Improved range of motion of joints

Increased muscle strength and tone

Reduced swelling

Improved circulation

Dogs at Donyatt, Donyatt Garage, Donyatt, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0RG

T: 01460 55151 E: [email protected] [email protected]

Come and make your own garden climbers, a dragonfly, bird feeder or some Christmas decorations using willow from the Somerset Levels. The courses will be held at The Church Rooms, Lopen TA13 5JX. The Course Fee includes refreshments materials, and tools are provided. Class size is small allowing lots of individual tuition.

Thu. Nov 13th 10am-1pm Garden Climbers, Cloches & Fans (£35) Thu. Nov 13th 2-4pm Garden insects & bird feeders (£30) Sun. Nov 23rd 2-4pm Christmas I: Stars and Circles (£30) Wed. Dec 3rd 10-1pm Christmas II: Trees & Angels (£35)

Contact Jo Mills on 01460 241886 or email: [email protected]


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Seavington

Conservation and new works undertaken Visit our website to view gallery: www.mwlayzell-builders.co.uk Tel: 01460 249468 or e-mail: [email protected]

WISHING WELL CUPCAKES

Luxury Homemade Cupcakes, Cakes, Cookies and Bakes

Special Occasions and Events ◦ Large Parties to Small Gifts

Wedding Cupcake Towers ◦ Birthday and Occasion Cakes

Quality Ingredients - Organic Flour, Butter & Cocoa, Local Free Range Eggs

Contact Sarah – 01460 241320 / 07709194559

www.wishingwellcupcakes.co.uk [email protected]

Fully registered & 5 Star Rating with South Somerset District Council

LIFT WEST MOT &

TYRE CENTRE

Class 4 - £40

Cars, Taxis, Minibuses up to 12 seats, Goods Vehicles not exceeding 3000KG DGW, Motor Caravans & Dual Purpose Vehicles

Lift West Ltd, Lopen Head Business Park, Lopen Head, TA13 5JH

Tel: 01460242400 Email: [email protected]

Also available Class 5 and Class 7 Also Available Air Conditioning All Vehicle Repairs Undertaken

November 2014

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A U T O-M O B I L E C R A S H R E P A I R S

(Established over 35 years)

For all your vehicle body repairs from bumper scratches To a full re-spray of cars and light commercials

Our estimates are free ■

Free delivery and pickup service ■

Courtesy car available ■

Insurance approved

Contact Gary James on 01935 823694 or 07838 589208

Parrett Works, Martock, on South Petherton to Martock Road

www.automobilecrashrepairs.co.uk

Jimmy James CARPENTRY

& FURNITURE

SINCE 1989

Built-in wardrobes...cabinets… Bookcases...kitchens…

Individually designed and made

For a free quotation ‘phone me on

Ilminster (01460) 53889

BRAND NEW NURSERY

NOW OPEN!

Idyllic farmyard setting

Ages 2-5 limited places available

07936555676

[email protected]

www.littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk


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Clapper Hay ▫ Church Street ▫ Merriott ▫ Somerset TA16 5PR

Tel: 01460 74612 Fax: 01460 76222 Email: [email protected]

www.wicksheating.co.uk

VAT No: 785-3519-93

RICHARD CLIFTON

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

Interior and exterior work

Free written estimates or quotations

Good preparation; Attention to detail

Tel: Ilminster (01460) 52544; 07773 373882

Here to help with all your cleaning and Ironing needs.

From regular weekly, fortnightly, monthly cleans, one-off

Spring cleans, new builds and end of tenancy cleans.

Ironing collection service available.

Fully insured uniformed and DBS checked.

Call Jo 01460 261 600 07855 427 486

[email protected] www.flutterby helpers.co.uk

November 2014

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CANINE SERVICES

Dog Grooming

Friendly Home Environment Will Collect and Deliver

Available Weekdays, Evenings and Weekends Please ‘phone Helen

Mobile: 07867 988109 or 01460 241053

01460 200 000

10 West Street Ilminster

Friendly, professional advice in plain English

For Home & Business

www.monkeypuzzlecomputers.com


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NICK RUTTER — CHIMNEY SWEEP

Experienced, Approved, Established 10 Years

All types of fires and appliances cleaned with brush and vacuum

Full insurance valid certificate issued with every visit

Tel: 01460 52951; www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk

D.J.G WINDOW CLEANING & GARDENING SERVICES

■ Window, Gutter, Fascia, u-PVC cleaning ■ Pressure Washing

■ Hedge & grass cutting, General gardening ■ Hedge laying & fencing

■ House, garden clearance ■ Logs

Fully insured: Call Dan on 01460 57877 or 07519174788

St Michael’s Church Seavington Trust Proudly present an entertaining evening for all the family

Music Quiz Friday 14 November 14 at 7:30pm

Seavington Millennium

Hall, Seavington

Teams of 6 or just come along and join in Hot Supper Included plus Licensed Bar

Tickets £8 each from N&D News, South Petherton, Seavington Village Store, Annie Prichard (tel: 241762) or

Sally Gough (tel: 240897) Registered in England and Wales. Charity No: 1068251

http://www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk/

http://www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk/

November 2014

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The Last Dambuster has Yeovil firmly in his sights

Brian Murray

Johnny Johnson, now in his nineties and the last surviving member of the well documented Dambuster Raids of the Second World War, is to be the Guest Speaker at a very special charity event at The Tithe Barn, Haselbury Mill on Friday 21st November at 6.30pm for 7pm. Organised by the Rotary Club of Yeovil, the event is to include a two course meal plus tea/coffee and will provide guests with a unique opportunity to meet and hear a living legend as he relives and tells of that heroic mission of WW2 in which he played an important role as one of the ‘Bomb Aimers’. All proceeds of the event will benefit the locally based charity, Yeovil Opportunity Group - which provides respite care and special provision for families and children with additional needs and The RAF Benevolent Fund - Bomber Command Memorial - a tribute to the many brave men in Bomber Command. Tickets cost £16 each and can be purchased singly, in multiples or for tables of 8 or 10. They can be purchased by contacting The Rotary Club of Yeovil on 01935 475448, 01935 475770 or 01935 420051

Remembrance Sunday

This year’s Remembrance Service is on Sunday 9th November at 10.50 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, School Lane.

Everyone is welcome as we remember those who fell in wars which guaranteed the freedom we enjoy today. We shall also remember our Armed-Forces who are at present overseas making the same sacrifices.


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Posada Posada is the word for an inn in Spanish. “Posada” is the tradition in South America where the crib figures, Mary, Joseph and the donkey travel daily from house to house on their way to church in time for Christmas. Posada starts on the first Sunday in Advent, which this year is Sunday 30th November If you would like to have the crib figurines for a night please call Annie Prichard on 01460 241762 and she will be happy to explain more to you.

SPFA Village Lottery

Lesley Gudgeon (01460 240236

Here are the winners of the latest SPFA Lottery draws:

September October

First £35 Pauline Long Joy Madge

Second £20 Barry Dodge Marion Beresford

Third £15 Ken Callow Gill Beveridge

Fourth £10 Lucy Wicks Mr N Loxston

Fifth £10 Sarah & Simon Greatorex Michael Harrison

Quiz Nights at the Volunteer Inn

Two quiz nights are being held at the Volunteer Inn, in aid of Seavington

Playing Field Association.

The first is on Wednesday 26th November. The quiz starts at 8pm and

costs £1 per person to enter. All are welcome. The second is a Christmas

Quiz on Wednesday 17th December, from 7pm, with the quiz starting at

7.30pm.

Tickets for both evenings are £8 which includes hot food, with all diets

catered for, or £2 for just the quiz. Tickets are limited and are available

from the Volunteer Inn (01460 240126) or Annie Prichard (01460 241762).

November 2014

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Tree Sparrow Passer Montanus (Family: Passeridae) 5½"

Annie (01460 241762)

This lovely little bird is often over-looked as it is very similar to the House Sparrow, but smaller. Closer, inspection will reveal the whole of the crown and nape is a rich Chestnt. The underparts are a pale buffish grey; the back and wings are broadly streaked with black, brown and Chestnut. On the wings there is a double white bar. The white face has a black spot on each cheek, rather like a comma. The black bib is smaller than that of the House Sparrow, the legs are pale brown and the bill is blackish. The sexes are alike. The Tree Sparrow is a very sociable bird and likes living in groups and breading in small colonies. In winter, it will flock with House Sparrows, Finches and Buntings. It is a more rural species and seen in hedgerows, old orchards and gardens. Nests are located in a hole of a tree, a crevice in an old building, among ivy and other creepers and has readily taken to nest boxes in quiet areas of the garden. Both sexes build the nest of dried grass, straw and leaves, lined with moss, hair and feathers. They may use the same nest site for several years, the male bird’s courtship display include bowing, spreading the wings and raising the crown feathers. Whitish, blotched with brown, eggs are laid from April to July. Maybe up to three broods. Tree Sparrows eat mainly seeds and in autumn and winter feed over the stubble fields. They will also feed from bird-tables. Like the House Sparrow it “Chirrups” but has a shriller sound. It will sing in chorus with other Tree Sparrows. The call in flight is “Teck-Teck”.

I love to hear the Autumn crows go by

And see the starnels darken down the sky;

The bleaching stack the bustling Sparrow leaves,

And plops with merry note beneath the eaves.

John Clare (1793—1864)


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A Farmer’s Diary

Farm Boy For those who read last months entry, I am pleased to report the cow that under went the Caesarean Section has made a remarkable recovery. It was, of course, a shame about the dead bull calf but on the financial side it was no big loss for it would have added very little towards the very substantial vet’s bill. This is because there is no longer a ready commercial market for Friesian / Holstein bull calves following the abolishment of live exports; on the other hand, good heifer calves are always needed as replacements within dairy herds. Talking of financial matters, most of you will have picked up on the news that dairy farmers are up in arms about the fall in milk prices. Yes! It has been drastic over the last six months. However time changes nothing; it is a question of supply and demand. The arable farmers have also had to face up to a major drop in the price of cereals. Although, as always, politics comes into it, the main reason has to be the wonderful growing season that we have all enjoyed. Many years ago my son drew my attention to an article written by a leading accountant in a country land owners’ magazine. It read as follows: “Give a farmer more money and he will find a more expensive way to provide food” This might sound harsh, but he had a point. It costs a lot of money to fully embrace modern technology, but the spin off is generally a large increase in the volume of production. In the short term the huge amount of farmer-led investment also helps the wider economy. So the politicians are more than happy to encourage investment and let it rip. Before getting too carried away it would seem wise to consider the lessons learnt from the twentieth century. As an island nation in times of real crisis, like the two World Wars, we were starved of the resources needed to sustain modern farming methods. In 1956 I saw first hand just how German farming had reverted to labour intensive methods for the survival of their industry and to feed their hungry nation. They did this with great effect because manual work and old methods had not been forgotten.

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I dislike the doctrine of economists immensely because all they can see is figures and lose sight of the human factors, but a sound accountant is a different matter for he or she operates in the real World. Working with our young apprentice who is very willing and full of enthusiasm, takes me back sixty odd years when I was trained by farmers like Abraham Green, Raymond Cole and Frank Barnes. All were very good farmers in their own right. How I wish I could turn to our lad with a big smile and say with hand on heart what Abe said to me all those years ago. “Ah Robean one day you will have a farm of your own”. At that time it seemed to me like an impossible dream. But Abe was correct and his joy was as great as mine when he came to visit me about ten years later. Sadly the political scene has changed so much for, on the right the profit motive tends to take over whereas, on the left, discontent causes waves of destruction. Sitting in the middle there is a group of idealists who could take the country forward but, instead, spend their time fighting lost causes. No wonder the British people are currently giving our politicians a hard time. Surely any politician’s first goal should be to see that every young person who has drive and enthusiasm has a chance to go forward, giving them a purpose to get out of bed for in the morning. The old saying, “The Devil finds work for idle hands” is still proving to be expensively correct.

THE SEAVINGTONS' CALENDAR 2015 Marion Bennett 01460 249522

What does it cost? £8.95 per copy, including a board envelope.

Where can I buy it? The calendar is available at the till in the shop.

When can I buy it? NOW!

There is a sample calendar available for you to see in the shop and

we hope you will enjoy looking at the varied and interesting photos

which have all been submitted by residents of The Seavingtons.

Proceeds will go towards improvements to the shop and cafe. We

have already sold lots of copies so make sure you shop early!


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Seavington Gardening Club

Chris Ginger (01460 929357 or [email protected])

Thursday 11th Oct 2014 Guest Night Buffet and talk “On Wings and Wind” - the pollination of Flowers with Dr Anne and John Beddington. Last night we held our very enjoyable Guest Night Buffet and once again we were treated to a wonderful and appetising display of dishes, home cooked and presented by club members. A big thank-you to you all. The evening was very well attended with approximately 50 guests, including many visitors from other local gardening clubs. After the buffet the talk was given by Dr Anne and John Beddington. It was a very interesting, informative and detailed presentation of how different plants and flowers have evolved to entice a range of specific insects, and bees, to enable their pollination by many and various methods. We now have, as if we need one, a valid excuse to go and sit in the sun and watch for the pollination methods used to enrich our gardens. It was also the final “Flower of the Month” competition for 2014 and the result was as follows: 1st-Linda George - Rose 2nd- Jen Deubert - Serratula Seoanei 3rd- Katherine Smith - Begonia The overall winner of the year became Winners with Jen Deubert and Linda George tied for 1st place with eight points each. The Irene Williams Cup, (to be shared), was presented by Chair Sarah Day. Forthcoming Club Events. 7.30pm 13th November 2014 Social Evening (Open to non-members) :”Cider at Barrington”. Rachael Brewer from the National Trust at Barrington is giving a talk about cider and apple juice at Barrington. There will be samples, (!) and some for sale. Christmas Lunch. Charo Ritchie now has the menus for the club’s Christmas Lunch at Perry’s Cider Mills, Dowlish Wake on the 11th December at 1.00pm. Menus and details from Charo, 01460 249690.

November 2014

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Seavington Playing Field Association (Registered Charity No: 268986)

Welcomes once again to Seavington Millennium Hall the celebrated Ilminster-based choir

“Serenade”

For an enjoyable mixture of pop songs, show tunes, world music and folk songs that the whole family will enjoy

Saturday 1st November

7.00 pm for 7.30 pm

Please bring your own drink, tea and coffee available

Tickets (available from 15th October) - £5

from Seavington Village Store; N & D News, South Petherton and Annie Prichard (01460 241762)

Parish Bulb Planting

Pauline Parsons (01460 240193) Once again the Parish Council has been successful in obtaining bulbs, free of charge, from South Somerset District Council. However, this year they will not be daffodils but will be naturalising spring flowering bulbs consisting of:- Grape Hyacinth, Loddon lily, Snowdrops, Snakes head fritillary, English bluebells, and Star of Bethlehem. Shortly some 2,000 bulbs will be delivered so some help with planting will be needed. The Parish Council have already spoken to Gardening Club members. Also we would like to know where these bulbs should be planted. If you can help with planting, or have ideas on areas for planting please e-mail [email protected] or speak to any Parish Councillor. Many Thanks in advance for your help.


22

Over the Counter Mark Ellis (01460 241112)

Well, believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner. The shop is

gearing itself up for the Christmas goods offering as well as the Christmas

craft fayre. You may have already noticed some minor changes regarding

layout of the shop and location of goods. I am pleased to say that the

increasing success of the shop means that this year we will need greater

space for our offerings. The café overspill area (which is more and more

needed nowadays) will have to temporarily squeeze back into the café

confines to make way for the Christmas goods display. This year it will be

bigger than in previous years to meet the increasing number of users of

the shop. This in turn has had a Knock-on effect on the Craft Fayre. As a

result we will need to relocate the office back into its original room at the

back of the store. This will allow us to remove the screens currently

holding the alcohol and papers and open up the store again to its full size

making way for the Craft Fayre goods which will be available in

November and December.

As part of this move we will need to store some of our unsightly goods in

the garage behind the hall. To this end we are jointly, with the SPFA ,

organising a working party between 1000 and 1200 on Sun 2nd Nov, firstly

to tidy up the SPFA goods already housed in the garage (spare tables,

ladders, chairs etc) which will make room for the shop excess (yet still

needed) stores. If you can spare a couple of hours then please come

down to help.

We are keen to increase the range of goods we hold in line with the

wishes expressed by many of you in the last survey we conducted. One

of the areas we want to increase our offerings is by creating a

delicatessen counter. To this end we are looking for an additional

volunteer in the purchasing team to arrange the stocking of the counter.

This is not an onerous task, perhaps an hour or two a week. We envisage

placing an order once a week to replenish goods needed. If there is

anyone who would be willing to help in this area please contact Mark Ellis

to discuss.

The 2015 village calendar is now on sale in the shop and shows many,

many, views of the village; properties, scenes, individuals animals and in

November 2014

23

NOVEMBER IN OUR SHOP - A BUSY MONTH!

Changes to the layout of the shop floor. There will be more space - just ask if there is anything you can't find - and do look at the many new lines we will be stocking.

Christmas is coming! A wonderful range of seasonal delights and Christmas staples will be available. Why not make up a hamper of goodies for a wonderful gift?

IN OUR CAFE Jane continues to provide us with tasty breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. Bring a friend for lunch and a chat, browse our bookshelves and enjoy a break!

NEXT SENIORS' LUNCH - Monday 10th November.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

Seavingtons' Village Store & Cafe, Water St, Seavington St Mary. 01460 249730

various weathers and guises. I know from the team who put it together

that we were only able to utilise a fraction of the pictures which you

kindly sent in but if yours isn’t there, please don’t be disappointed as the

end product is still very good. Certainly, browsing through the calendar

and looking at the pictures which have been used has brought many a

smile and memory of village events to me and I would commend the

calendar to you all.

It is still our aim to employ a manager as soon as we can afford and with

café sales booming at over 50% more than this time last year we are well

on our way. Shop sales in Sept are also up by over 17% on the same

period last year which is an indication that more villagers are finding the

shop useful. And remember, if you have any particular requirements or

desires for goods to stock then fill in the form at the counter and we will

endeavour to stock it.

Don’t forget the shop is for us all (not just the volunteers who help run

it). If you are new to the village or you just haven’t yet joined the

association then please call in at the shop and become a member for the

princely lifetime membership sum of £5 per person. The Community shop

contact number is: 01460 249730.


24

The Warehouse Theatre llminster is a little gem which can be found right in the heart

of the town. It brings high quality entertainment

throughout the year to audiences of all ages, as

well as running a thriving youth theatre and being

a venue for local groups and clubs to hire.

Run by Ilminster Entertainments Society (IES) it represents one of the best equipped, professional-standard amateur theatres in the county and facilities include:

Seating for 150 people, fully licensed bar, coffee area, disabled access and T-loop hearing system.

Details of future productions can be found in the local press or on our website: www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk (plus details of audition nights, youth theatre, IES Membership and more) or call

01460 62739 or email: [email protected]

Your theatre needs you! The Warehouse is run entirely by

volunteers and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved by helping backstage or front of house during show weeks, or simply by becoming a member of IES. Can you help?

November 2014

25

Prices:

Punctures £10.00; Tracking £12.80

Wheel Balance £ 5.00—X 2 wheels

Tyre swaps £ 2.50 per wheel

Second hand tyres £15.00—Any size, including fitting

Buy 4 new or used tyres and get tracking free

Tyres @ Reyland Autos

Matthew Reyland

Reyland Autos, Sunnyside Farm, Seavington, Ilminster, TA19 0QB

01460 241238; 07969 206 866; [email protected]

□ Gear Boxes □ Clutches □ Welding & Fabrication □ MOTs

□ Servicing □ Latest Diagnostic Equipment □ Tyres & Tracking

St Michael’s Church Seavington Trust

Next sale of : Books, Plants & Bric-a-Brac

Saturday 8th November 2014

at 2, Winchester Cottages (Opposite The Volunteer) New and Second-hand Books, Selection of bric-a-brac,

A great selection for children of all ages from stories to study!

NB—Open 9.00 am to 2.00 pm— please come and browse

LOGS FOR SALE Seasoned Hardwood Logs

Loads or Bags

01460 241440; 07799 866102


26

Beautiful & Unique Handmade Bags & Accessories

Chris’s Studio Originals / Jhasper Limited Editions / Tailor Made Service

Please visit our website or contact us directly for more information or to discuss your own ideas or requirements

Jhasper Limited, Farlands Barn, Water Street, Seavington St Michael,

ILMINSTER, Somerset, TA190QH. Tel: (01460) 240818

Website: www.jhasper.co.uk—Email: [email protected]

Marilyn Hills BA MA Core Process Psychotherapy

01460 249176

Psychotherapy can help you with : Stress : Anxiety : Depression : Debt : Loss : Grief : Relationships: Personal growth

Contact me for a FREE Introductory Session

Email : [email protected]

Website: www.marilynhills.co,uk

November 2014

27

JUST THINGS a fair trade shop

33A, Silver Street, Ilminster, TA19 0DW

(opposite the Minster)

We sell a wide range of fairly traded gifts, toys, jewellery,

clothes, bags, food and much more.

Telephone: 01460 394931 Mobile: 07816 788457

Email :[email protected] Website: www.just-things.co.uk

Opening times: 9.30am – 5.00pm Tuesday to Saturday

Closed: Sunday and Monday


28

Welcome to the

New Inn

Warm & Friendly Welcome

Bed & Breakfast

A la Carte Menu

Local Ciders & Fine Wines

Monthly Quiz Night

Large car park

18th Century Traditional Public House

Picturesque Beer garden

Bar Snacks & Chefs Daily Specials

Locally Supplied Well Kept Real Ales

Richard’s Home Made Sunday

Lunch Roasts

Open 7 days a week 11.30am - 3.00pm (Lunch & Bar Snacks available until 2.30pm)

6.00pm – 11.00pm (Evening Meal available until 8.45pm)

Table & Room Bookings - (01460) 52413

www.newinn-ilminster.co.uk

New Inn, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 ONZ

November 2014

29

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT); Electrical Power Quality Analyser Periodic Inspection Reports (Domestic and Commercial)

Fire Alarm and Emergency Light Testing; Wireless Inspection Camera

Domestic & Commercial Work Undertaken:

Rewires ● Additional sockets

Extensions ● Listed building work

Computer/Telephone points ● Whole House sound systems

Security and Access Lighting ● CCTV Camera Installation

Fire Alarms; Nurse Call Systems ● Control Panel design & build

Electrical accessories ● Engraving of labels

Cable laying and ducting ● Outside Events

Electrical Door/ Gate Systems ● Intercom and Entry Systems

Mobile: 07808 049034

Pilates Classes

Experienced and qualified Teacher, Full Matwork Diploma with The Pilates Institute, NVQ level 3 in Teaching advanced exercise.

Monday 9.30 – 10.30am Seavington Village Hall (starts 28th April) £6.50 per session or £16.50 for 3 consecutive weeks.

Tuesday 10.00am – 11.00am Barrington Village Hall £6.50 per session or 27.50 for 5 consecutive weeks.

Pilates can improve balance, mobility, flexibility, strength, and back issues.

Please call Lisa Rock on 01460 242164 or email: [email protected] to enquire or request a health questionnaire.

All classes are mixed ability, so you can choose your level of exercise to suit you.

Brook House Bed & Breakfast, Dowlish Wake

Country house comfort with a very warm welcome

King size room and super King/twin room • ensuite bathrooms exceptional quality • guest sitting room • off road parking

tea and cake on arrival

www.brookhousesomerset.com or call Becky Jam 07841 594342


30

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER

from 10.00am - 12pm in The Millennium Hall Water Street, Seavington St Mary TA19 0QH

Come and be inspired -

ANGIE BLACKWELL OF COTTAGE FLOWERS, ILMINSTER

WILL BE DEMONSTRATING

Tickets will be available from

the Seavington Store from the

beginning of November

£8.50 to include tea/coffee

Proceeds in aid of the shop

and cafe

Seavington Playing Field Association (Registered Charity Number: 268986)

BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS PARTY

SEAVINGTON PLAYING FIELD

Wednesday 5th November

Starting at 5.30pm

Bonfire lit at 6.00pm ~ Fireworks at 6.30pm

Burgers - Hot Dogs - Soft Drinks

Licensed Bar in the Hall

In Aid of Playing Field Funds

Any material for the Bonfire may be taken to the Playing Field

from Saturday 1st November.

November 2014

31

SOUTH SOMERSET RSPB LOCAL GROUP

‘Birds and Other Wildlife of Peru’

An illustrated talk by Lynn & Steve Osborne taking us on a journey

around Peru. Lynn’s informative and entertaining talk will be

accompanied by her and Steve’s digital photographs taken in

August 2014.

Thursday 20th November – 7.30pm – The Millennium Hall, Seavington St. Mary

Entry: group members £2.50, non-group members £3.50, under 18’s free.

(tea/coffee & biscuits included) Wheelchair access.

NON-MEMBERS VERY WELCOME

For further details contact: Denise Chamings (Group Leader) on 01460 240740

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset

Registered Charity: England & Wales No. 207076, Scotland No. SC37654.

Seavington Playing Field Association Registered Charity No: 268986)

Saturday 29th November

Seavington Millennium Hall 10.00 am ‘til noon

Raffle, Cakes, Toys, Bric-a-brac, Jewellery

Tables still available at £5; Set-up from 8.00 am

to book one call Annie: 01460 241762 (Answerphone)

CHRISTMAS MARKET


32

The Seavingtons’ News wants to hear and publish your views on both the “News” itself and topics of importance or interest to our community. Please send your letters to the address on page 1. All opinions and views expressed are the sole responsibility of the writer and do not reflect the views of The Seavingtons’ News. For legal reasons we must have the name and address of the writer but can normally publish over a pseudonym on request.

Village Voice—letters to the editor

The Seav ingtons ’ Weather in September 2014

This year—2014 Previous year—2013

Temperature

Average Minimum 9.85°C 10.61°C

Average Maximum 21.28°C 19.73°C

Mean 15.57°C 15.17°C

Rainfall

Monthly Total 19.5mm (0.78") 47.5mm (1.90")

Total for the year 812.2mm (31.98") 440.7mm (17.63)

Not our driest September—in 2003 we had only 6.6mm of rain

‘Flix in the Sticks’

Rosemary Tout (01460 72906)

Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the Sticks’ presents ‘Mr Morgan's last love’ (12A), on Saturday, November 8th in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Tickets £5 in advance from the Village Shop and Dorothy’s Tea Room, or, £5.50p on the door. To reserve Tickets please contact 01460 72906.

Sir, We offer our congratulations to everyone who had a hand in the design, research and production of the Seavingtons' Calendar 2015! A lot of time and effort must have gone into devising such a splendid montage of village life: We shall keep our copy long after 31 December 2015. David & Wendy Eliot

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november 2014€¦ · countryside, painting, music, current affairs and, above all, her family and...

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