round about
TRANSCRIPT
the villages of Langford Budville
and Runnington
the villages of Langford Budville
and Runnington
Round About
April/May 2017 April/May 2017
CONTENTS
1 Welcome
2 What's On
4 Jubilee Hall Events
7 Thomas John Priscott
8 Assistance Dog Heidi
10 Help beat Rural Crime
11 Parish Council Meeting
12 Easter Traditions
14 Langford Ladies
15 Easter Biscuits
16 Snakes & Lizards
18 News from the Churches
22 Perfect Lawns
23 Young Buddies
24 Our School
36 Local Transport Services
37 Community Contacts
38 Magazine Information
1
Welcome...
….to the April/May edition of Round About. This is a wonderful season and
we have an interesting mix for you which we hope you will enjoy.
Easter is in the forefront of many people’s minds as it is both a religious and
secular celebration. As I write this the shops are bursting with chocolate
eggs and bunnies - how did they find their way into the Christian story?
Read Maggie Norvell’s article on Easter Traditions to find out.
To help you enjoy Easter, Seasonal Treats bring you Easter Biscuits which
sound delicious, and to help you work off all the sweet goodies of the
holiday. Green Fingers gives you advice on how to turn your winter worn
lawn into a bowling green again.
As the warmer weather makes the grass grow, so it tempts all sorts of
interesting creatures out into the sun. Saranne is devoted to all things wild
and her article on Snakes and Lizards is fascinating. Lots for children to spot
as they walk and play on the common, bearing in mind that you should
look, not touch.
The children at Our School have had an interesting and fun time this term
investigating science, munching pancakes, and dressing up, all to broaden
their minds and their education.
There is plenty of News from the Churches, with a lot of sociable activity to
raise money to support and improve their facilities. Much work goes into
organising the events they host. They are very friendly gatherings and
everyone is welcome.
Last but certainly not least we have our Village Personality, the lovely Heidi,
Chis Atkins’ Assistance Dog. You may think these brilliantly trained dogs
always behave themselves, but wait until you see Heidi off the lead!
You may recognise young Robin Wedderkopp on our cover as he and his
friends often find their way into the magazine as his father is a keen
photographer, so we know who to ask when we need the perfect shot.
Don’t be shy - please send us your photos … and your articles.
Marilyn Lilley on behalf of the editorial team
We’re pleased to welcome three new arrivals to Langford Budville from
Marshfield near Bath. Juliet Shrimpton, David McKay and their four year old
son, Thomas have recently moved into 6 Reynolds. David is a hydro geologist
and works from home and Juliet is a marine biologist currently taking time out
to be with Thomas. Please give them a warm welcome.
2
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
PUBLIC MEETING
Fast Broadband for the Villages
Monday 3 April - 7.00pm - Jubilee Hall
Mark Elliot of Gigaclear will answer all your questions
What’s On
Police Beat Surgeries Jubilee Hall
Mon 3 April
Mon 15 May
Mon12 June
7.00—
8.00pm
Annual Parochial Church
Meeting St Peter’s Church Sun 2 April 11.30am
Broadband Public Meeting Jubilee Hall Mon 3 April 7.00pm
Parish Council meeting Jubilee Hall Mon 10 April 7.30pm
Langford Ladies: Herb Farm See LL article Wed 19 April 4.45pm
Soup Lunch St Peter’s Church Thurs 20 April 12.00 -
2.00 pm
Coffee Morning Runnington
Church Sat 22 April
10.30am -
12.00 noon
Curious Creatures Puppet
Show Jubilee Hall Sat 22 April 3.30 pm
Plant Sale St Peter’s Church Sat 6 May 11.00am
Annual Parochial Church
Meeting
Runnington
Church Sun 24 April 7.00pm
Jubilee Hall AGM Jubilee Hall Thurs 11 May 7.00pm
Soup Lunch St Peter’s Church Thurs 18 May 12.00 noon
Easter Services listed on church pages
3
Land To Grow On Dear village people,
We are looking to buy or long term rent a couple of acres of woodland or
field within walking distance (or a short bike ride) of Langford Budville. We
are very happy living here in the village and would love to have a little more
space to keep our bees, grow trees for fruit and
timber and, if suitable, keep some animals. We
have a couple of young children and would like a
space they can grow up in, building their bases
and playing and learning with us as we work -
essentially a wild forest garden! It's a bit of a
tall order, but if you think that you might be able
to help you can contact us on 401573
Thanks, Josh & Juliette Wedderkopp
Langford Budville Village Fete
It was agreed at the Open Fete Meeting on March 20th 2017, that there would not
be a village fete this year. This decision was made with some sadness BUT with a
huge amount of positivity and renewed enthusiasm for putting on an exciting
project for the whole family over the weekend of Friday 14 September to Sunday
16th September 2018.
We hope you will book this date in your diaries now and “watch this space” in
Round About 2018 for more details.
Once again, I would like to show my appreciation to all who attended, helped,
played, supported and spent time (and money!) at the fetes over the years. And a
special thank you to all committee members without whom the fetes would not have
taken place.
£100 from the fete will be donated to Take Arts’ Squashbox Theatre to subsidize
the performance of “Curious Creatures” on April 22nd. 3.30pm.
Lynne Moore
4
Future events at the Hall
Jubilee Hall Annual General Meeting: Thursday 11 May 2017 - 7.00pm
The meeting is the AGM of the Trustees of LBVH. It is scheduled for 7.00pm on
Thursday 11th May 2017 and is followed by the monthly Management
Committee meeting. All are welcome to attend the AGM. Nominations for
Trustees must be sent in writing to the Secretary, Margaret Brown, in advance of
the meeting and must be seconded. Margaret’s address is Brockney House,
Langford Budville, TA21 0RD.
Curious Creatures: Saturday 22 April 2017 - 3.30pm
Squashbox Theatre is back, this time with skateboarding snails,
gymnastic gerbils, and over-excited elephants. This amazing
puppet show is unlike any other you will have seen, unless you
were lucky enough to come to its production of Stones and
Bones in January 2016.
£6 ticket per adult, £4 per child. One free child per fee paying adult. Children
sit on the floor so remember to bring a cushion. For more information and tickets
contact Zenah Rowe on 01823 400331or [email protected].
The Jubilee Hall is an ideal venue for a wide variety of events including
wedding receptions, parties and dances, shows and concerts,
club and society meetings, fetes and community events,
conferences, meetings and training days
Main Hall seats up to 200+ theatre style, 150 at tables
Comfortable Committee Room with seating for 30
Large, well equipped kitchen
Spacious foyer and cloakroom Gravelled patio + grassed terrace
Easy access and parking for 40+ cars Full bar/entertainment licence
For booking availability visit www.langfordbudvillevillagehall.org.uk
call Margaret Brown on 01823 400510
or email [email protected]
5
Curious Creatures: 22 April - 3.30pm Welcome to the Curious Creatures wildlife park, established by Jeremiah Johnson: world-renowned explorer, zoologist and animal collector. Nobody knows more about animals
than him. Unfortunately, Jeremiah Johnson is currently lost somewhere in the jungles of Africa, so he has handed the running of the park over to his inexperienced nephew Craig… and things don’t quite go as planned.
Expect to meet curious creatures of all shapes and sizes: from performing fleas, skateboarding snails and gymnastic gerbils to irritable alligators, over-excited elephants, and a very intelligent orang-utan! Learn
about how animals evolved, how their amazing adaptations help them survive in the wild, and how animals can help us learn more about ourselves. After all, we’re all related if you go back far enough!
Using puppets, comedy, slapstick and live music - plus lots of amazing natural history facts - Squashbox Theatre will uncover the mysteries of the animal kingdom.
(No animals were harmed in the making of this show. But several puppets were mildly traumatised.)
www.squashboxtheatre.co.uk
Review: Max Calaf Seve - 3 February 2017
Surprisingly, on one of the stormiest days of the year
so far, a sell out show was held at the Village Hall.
Max Calaf Seve from Spain delighted adults and
children with his storytelling which included mime,
some props and an enormous trampoline.
Being chased by a chair across the trampoline
brought howls of laughter, as when he lost his trou-
sers and replaced them in mid-bounce. His athletic
skills were an inspiration and left us all with a buzz.
The delicious light refreshments afterwards were
most welcome and fortified us against the inclement
weather, so many thanks to Lynne Moore and the
many other helpers for their contributions. Thanks
also to Zenah Rowe for organising the event in con-
junction with Take Art. - Barbara Hughes
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6
Day Repeat Time Contact
Monday
Parish Council 2nd Mon in
month
19.30 Christine Hake; T: 400879 [email protected]
Police Beat
Surgery
various
19.00 PC Adrian Hooper 276 PCSO Sharon Cridlin 9511
Tuesday
Pilates weekly
11.30- 12.30
Claire Southcott; M: 077718 70033 [email protected]
Iyengar Yoga weekly 18.30-
20.00
Jackie Douglas; T: 400062 [email protected]
Bridge Course Weekly 19.00-
21.00
Lesley Garner,
Wednesday
Art Group weekly 10.00-
12.00
Susie Kenward; T: 662856 [email protected]
Short Mat
Bowls
weekly 10.00-
12.00
David Brown; T: 400510 [email protected] Philip Gothard; T: 664724
Bridge Club weekly
13.45-
16.45
Anne Harris; T: 400578 [email protected]
Red Dragon
Karate
weekly 19.00-
20.00
Peter Milne; T:01823 401134
Thursday
Iyengar Yoga weekly
10.00-
11.30
Jackie Douglas; T: 400062 [email protected]
Red Dragon
Karate
weekly 18.30-
20.00
See Red Dragon above. Peter also
runs classes on Sunday16.00-18.30.
Management
Committee
1st Thurs in month
19.30-
21.00
NA
Friday
Zumba weekly
09.30-
10.30
Caroline Ashworth; M: 07841
038141;[email protected]
Brownies Nikki Ross; T: 662734 [email protected]
These groups meet
weekly during term time.
Please contact their
leaders for further details. Guides Jill Jasper; T: 663144
Regular Events at the Jubilee Hall
7
Thomas John Priscott
1939–2016
Thomas was born at Ash Farm, Porlock in October 1939, the
second of three sons of Monro and Cecily Priscott. He was
educated at Porlock village School and then Minehead Grammar School.
Thomas went on to Cannington Agricultural College where he excelled – virtually
‘sweeping the board’ at the end of year Prize Giving.
In 1962 the family bought Bindon Farm, near Langford Budville, to which Thomas
and his elder brother Milns moved. Their first winter at Bindon in 1962 is notorious
for the extreme snowfalls. At Bindon there were just a few sheep to look after but
at Ash their parents had a lot of sheep and were in need of assistance. Thomas
set out on foot one morning heading for Porlock hoping that the main roads
were open and that he could get a lift – but they were blocked, so he trudged
through the snow, gratefully accepting the odd cup of tea offered by
householders along the way. He reached Ash late that evening having walked
35+ miles though snow. Such was his care and concern for his family and the
welfare of their sheep.
In 1970 Thomas and Barbara were married. The following year their daughter
Anne was born and two years later their family was complete when John was
born. Thomas was devoted to his family.
Thomas took great pride in the farm, aware that he was its custodian. In the
1980s he entered the Somerset Centre of Management competition for Farm
Management, and was awarded First Prize in the Championship Class.
In 2010 Thomas was diagnosed with cancer. He faced this with fortitude, never
complaining and always grateful for the treatment he received. Two years later
he and Barbara moved to Porlock and quickly became part of that community.
Thomas thoroughly enjoyed renovating their home there, where, as was his wish,
he died peacefully in December 2016.
A service of thanksgiving was held at Porlock, his final resting place. He is
survived by Barbara, their children Anne and John and grandchildren Tom,
Beatrice and Ben.
Barbara Priscott
Post Script: Thomas had a remarkable eye and frequently found interesting
artifacts on his land at Bindon, turned up by the plough, which he collected and
researched.: among them wool weights from Fox's Mill in Tonedale, and many
Neolithic stone tools and flakes. These finds encouraged him to learn how to
make stone tools himself, and he produced some wonderful ones. With Thomas's
permission we featured some of these finds in Round About in May 2015.
Saranne Cessford
8
Village Personality: Assistance Dog Heidi
Heidi is a black Labrador retriever, 7 years old,
who for the past 5 years has been guide and
companion to Chris Atkins of Swifts. Heidi was
bred from selected parents in the West Midlands,
went to Middlesborough for her ‘puppy walking’
– basic training and socialisation - then returned
to the W. Midlands for her specialist training. She
was assigned to Chris when she was 2 years old
and is Chris’s third guide dog. Most guide dogs
will retire at about 10 years old, but she’ll stay
with Chris and Maggie for her lifetime, even if
Chris gets another dog.
Chris has been partially sighted since childhood,
but was declared legally blind in 1994, and got his
first dog – a yellow Labrador called Simon – in
1996. He and his wife, Maggie, have lived at Swifts for 17 years. In his
youth Chris worked at a variety of jobs, including being sound engineer
with bands – a rather itinerant job which he gave up when he married
and had a family. Chris reckons he should have become a politician –
as they are notorious for short-sighted policies.
Heidi’s job is to protect and guide Chris when he leaves the house. Like
all assistance dogs, she wears a special harness to identify her when she
is working – it is clearly marked Assistance Dog, and has yellow
fluorescent flashes for high visibility. Chris points out that yellow is the last
colour that visually impaired people are able to
see, so is used on warning strips and signs.
As well as guiding Chris when he is out and
about, Heidi alerts him to any dangers: at home if
she sees or hears someone she knows, she won’t
bark, but will alert Chris by nudging him – she’ll
bark if it is a stranger. When walking, as well as
guiding Chris around obstacles, she will check
out strangers – Chris will let out her lead and she
will approach the stranger, and if she is suspicious
or feels in any danger will return at once to
Chris’s side and warn him to keep his distance.
Heidi with Chris in
‘working mode’
Heidi at home with Chris
and a feline friend
9
She travels with Chris and Maggie by bus and train. Although trained to
lie quietly under the seat, Heidi much prefers to sit up and see what is
going on. The rather small and narrow
slinky buses now serving the village are a
bit of a challenge, and often other
travellers aren’t too happy about a dog on
board, but they manage.
Heidi is very friendly, mischievous and
playful as all his guide dogs have been,
Chris says. Chris and Maggie have several
cats, who all clearly adore Heidi too. She is
also energetic, and needs exercise. Alison
Perry of Deane Barton Farm often fetches
Heidi and takes her out for a good walk
with her own black Labrador, Ted, who is 1
year old. The two of them rough and
tumble and are quite naughty, but they
have a great time getting very muddy.
But as soon as Heidi sees her harness being
brought down, she goes immediately to
Chris and stands to be kitted up, as good
as gold. She really enjoys going out and
working.
Saranne Cessford
Post script: If you are interested in learning
more about assistance dogs there are a
number of websites with more information.
If you want to help, there are plenty of
ways to do that and you can find the
information online – I have listed some sites
below.
If you know someone with an assistance
dog who isn’t able to exercise the dog as
much as they’d like, you might think about offering to walk the dog
when you are out walking your own dog anyway. The dog and its owner
will likely be very grateful.
http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ https://caninepartners.org.uk/ https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/
Alison Perry gives Heidi (left)
and Ted a run at Deane Barton
Ted and Heidi playing on her
time off.
10
Can you help beat Rural Crime?
Community intelligence campaign launch
A&SC have launched a new Rural Crime Community Intelligence Campaign
recently. The campaign is being run jointly with the independent charity
Crimestoppers with the aim of encouraging people to provide information in the
fight against livestock theft.
Inspector Jo Mines, who currently leads the Rural Crime Team, said: “Livestock
theft, and rural crime in general, affects the livelihoods of farmers, smallholders
and rural businesses.
“We are asking rural communities to help us by providing information and
intelligence about suspected crime in their area. We know not everyone is
comfortable having contact with us, but in that instance please do get in touch
with Crimestoppers if you have information that can help.”
Gordon Chisholm, Regional Manager for Crimestoppers South West, said: “Many
people think that we are part of the police or a TV programme but we are
neither, we are an independent charity, which allows anyone to pass on
information about crime anonymously. We cannot trace or record any call and
we never ask for your name or where you live, no one will ever know where the
information came from and you could qualify for a reward of up to £1,000 if your
information leads to an arrest and charge.”
A&SC added: “We want to hear from anyone who has information about any
suspicious or potentially criminal activity in their area, for example - details of
people/vehicles seen behaving suspiciously, vehicles moving livestock at odd
times of the day or night, potentially stolen goods or animals being offered for
sale either to the public or at markets, sightings of stolen vehicles we might put
out an alert for.
“No matter how small or insignificant people may think information is, it may be
a vital piece of a jigsaw that helps us fill in the gaps and either prevent a crime
or bring offenders to justice”
How can you get in touch? Pass on information at: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk Call us on 101 for non-emergencies Text the Rural Crime Team on 07492 888109 Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 Or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Always dial 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in danger.
Sharon Baker, PCSO 9511
Wellington Police Station
07889655302
11
Village News
Parish Council Meetings
Meetings were held on Monday 13th February and 13th March 2017
Police Report:
• There were 2 further reports of tyres being let down, crime prevention
measures are in hand.
• Parking issues have arisen with vehicles parking on a dangerous bend,
advice has been given to the owners.
• 09/02 Langford Budville. Animal – dog worrying livestock
• There was a suspicious log, where a male had been seen on the perimeter
of a remote farm in the Nynehead/Langford Budville area, and an accident
in Langford Budville.
Mr. Habgood reported that a gang of ‘hoodies’ have been in the area looking
suspiciously at vehicles. He also said that recent local fly tipping was cleared
away quickly by TD.
There has recently been damage caused on the Common from quad bikes,
young trees have also been destroyed. Anyone with any information please
report it to The Wildlife Trust.
A request has been received from Jan Middleton and Pam Farr for assistance
with regard to holding a regular afternoon community 'club' in the village hall. The Village Hall committee have kindly offered the Hall FOC.
Sadly, there are still individuals who are not clearing up behind their dogs. The
PC are looking into options to highlight the problem.
One set of nets on the goal posts has already been removed as they were
broken. It was unanimously agreed to remove the other set as they too are
being used as a climbing frame which in turn is weakening the actual goal
posts. It was also noted that stakes are being placed to hold the nets back and
not being removed, these could be potentially dangerous.
The next meeting will be held on 10th April at the Jubilee Hall. All are welcome.
Christine Hake, Parish Clerk
Up-date on Langford Budville's post box
We have been informed that any improvement to the siting of the post box is
unlikely to occur until the new financial year. We are disappointed and will
continue to make contact with the post office regarding this matter. If you
would also like to make contact with them it may assist with an earlier response!
The Parish Council
12
Easter Traditions
Easter is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar, and
like the preceding Jewish festival of the Passover, is determined by the
lunar calendar. It records the time of Christ’s crucifixion and Resurrection,
and celebrates his promise of eternal life.
Although there have been pagan Spring festivals
celebrating rebirth and fertility at the same time for
many centuries, it now appears that the Anglo Saxon
goddess called Eostre, who is said to have given the
Christian festival its name, is a fabrication first
mentioned by the Venerable Bede in the 8th Century.
Whatever the truth, it is evident that Christian and non-
Christian traditions have become irrevocably mingled
over centuries.
Easter marks the end of Lent, and is an opportunity for
feasting. Hot Cross Buns with their Christian symbolism
are enjoyed on Good Friday, and Simnel cakes are
decorated with eleven marzipan balls, to represent
Christ’s faithful apostles.
Symbolising new life, and
synonymous with Spring, eggs
play a large part in the celebrations. Originally,
they would have been gifted to mark the end of
Lent, and were sometimes dyed red to symbolise
the blood of Christ.
Pace egg plays (from the old word “Pasch”
meaning Easter ) are now mainly remembered
only in the north of England, but
some communities still enjoy
traditional Easter pastimes such
as egg decorating, egg rolling
and egg knocking contests.
Rabbits are another ancient Springtime fertility symbol,
and it is thought that the Easter Bunny tradition
originated in Germany, where the first mention of an
Easter hare bringing eggs to children was made in the
17th century.
13
The tradition travelled to America, from where the
more commercial tradition of gifting chocolate eggs
and rabbits spread around the world.
In the fourth century, the Emperor Constantine
ordered his subjects to dress in their finest clothes and parade in honour
of Christ’s Resurrection. People dressed up and
wore their best clothes to go to church, and
women would make special Easter bonnets,
decorated with flowers and ribbons. Competitions
still take place to create the finest Easter bonnets,
and Easter parades take place around the world.
In parts of the UK, groups of church members
process through the streets, sometimes carrying a
wooden cross, singing hymns and giving Bible
readings. A donkey may add authenticity, as
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a
donkey on Palm Sunday, and
legend has it that the shadow
of the cross fell across the
donkey’s back as a sign of
God’s love. Hairs from the cross on a donkey were
sometimes used in medieval times to cure illness.
Maundy Thursday is remembered as the day of the Last Supper, when
Christ washed the feet of his disciples and
commanded them to “Love one another as I
have loved you”. Centuries ago, the monarch
would wash the feet of his subjects, and last year,
a news item from Bristol
recorded church pastors
washing the feet of homeless people in the same
tradition. However, nowadays, the monarch restricts
herself to handing out Maundy money to deserving
senior citizens.
It seems that most of the traditions associated with
Easter have Christian roots, although the vernal equinox has long been
celebrated as a time to welcome the coming of longer days, and to
enjoy the new life associated with Spring. Whatever our faith, Easter Day
is a joyous occasion for young and old to celebrate. Happy Easter !
Maggie Norvell
14
Langford Ladies
March Meeting - 15 March 2017 – Puddings and Games
With ten of us meeting at Anne’s house, suitably laden with elegant calories,
there was no time for games! Without any pre-planning, we had no
replications amongst our recipes and our fine array of creations featured all
the expected ingredients of fruit, chocolate, cream, fresh cheese, biscuits,
meringue, cake, ices and alcohol. I think the two greatest successes were
Lynne’s rhubarb and ginger semi-freddo (which involved some fisticuffs with
Anne’s freezer) and Saranne’s South African traditional Malva pudding.
They were probably both helped by being the first on the tasting menu –
though we all rose to the challenge of eating generous amounts of ALL of
them! There was much discussion around footpaths in the area to introduce
Rosina to the excellent quality of the walking around Langford
Budville. There were some wonderfully dramatic stories of the River Tone
flooding and some lovely dog reminiscences.
April Meeting – Tour of Organic Herb Trading Company, Milverton,
4.45pm, 19 April 2017
OHT have kindly agreed to show us around their company in Milverton.
Unless the weather is atrocious, we will start with a tour of the herb field with
their head gardener and herbalist. The intention is then to have a talk
about the company followed by a tour of the factory and their packing
facility. Please note that the visit is starting at the end of their working day;
hence the meeting time of 4.45pm. Directions are on the website but it is
quite straightforward. Turn left immediately after the school coming from
Langford Budville and continue until out of the village. The access is clearly
marked on the right. Please can you let me know if you are planning to
come as they would appreciate numbers. I plan to remind you again
nearer the time. Roll on Spring!
Tryphena Huntingford, 01823 672717, mailto:[email protected]
New Wood
The Huntingfords are planting a small (1 acre or so) wood of native trees at
Harpford farm on the field adjacent to the River Tone, on the opposite bank
to Harpford Bridge Farm. If anyone would enjoy helping to plant the 1000 or
so trees, we would welcome you on Sunday April 2 from 11am through to
teatime – please bring a spade as we will be planting using T cuts. Access
to the wood will be off the footpath, not only for planting but also in the
long-term. If you would like soup or cake as a small thank you, please can
you let Tryphena know for catering quantities (see above). All welcome!
15
Seasonal Treat: Easter Biscuits
Easter biscuits are a traditional British cuisine gift given to guests on Easter Sunday.
They apparently originate from the West Country and are made using flour, butter,
egg yolk, baking powder and sugar.
Lightly spiced, the currant-studded soft round biscuits have a soft, sugary crunch.
Some traditional recipes include Cassia Oil. They are often slightly bigger than
traditional British biscuits, at up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. You could make
them following the recipe below or cut the dough into fun Easter themed shapes
and ice them to tempt both young and old! Preparation time less than 30 mins,
cooking time 10 to 30 mins, makes 24 biscuits.
Ingredients
100g/3½oz unsalted butter, softened
75g/2¾oz caster sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 free-range egg, separated
1 small un-waxed lemon, finely grated zest only
200g/7oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting
50g/1¾oz currants
1–2 tbsp milk
Method
1.Preheat oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line 3
baking trays with baking paper.
2.Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until well combined and fluffy. Add
the egg yolk and lemon zest. Sift in the flour and mix well. Stir in the currants and
enough milk to make a fairly soft dough.
3.Knead the dough on a floured work surface and roll out the dough until 5mm/
¼in thick. Using a 6cm/2½in fluted cutter (or fun Easter themed cookie cutters),
cut out 24 rounds. Transfer to the baking trays using a palette knife.
4.Bake the biscuits for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly beat the egg white with a fork.
Brush the tops of the cooked biscuits with beaten egg white. Sprinkle over caster
sugar and return to the oven 5 minutes, or until pale golden-brown and cooked
though. Leave to cool on the trays for a few minutes, then carefully lift onto a wire
rack to cool completely.
Recipe Tips
The biscuits can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in an airtight container.
Work quickly in a cool area of the kitchen so the dough doesn’t become too soft.
If it is soft after mixing, chill it for 10 minutes, or until it is easier to handle.
ENJOY! Lisa Mack
16
Out & About: Snakes and Lizards
Reptiles on the Heathfield
Four species of reptile are found on our common: the slowworm (Angius
fragilis), the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), the grass snake (Natrix
natrix) and the adder (Vipera berus). All reptiles are cold-blooded, so the
best time to see them is in the early morning, when they have just
emerged from the night, when they are still slow-moving and must bask in
the sun to warm up. They emerge from hibernation in spring.
Slow worms are actually legless lizards, not
worms or snakes, and are the commonest
reptile in the South West. Slow worms are
smaller than snakes, and like other lizards
they are able to shed their tails to escape
predation. They are smooth scaled and
blunt headed with adult males reaching 18
ins. Females are pinkish brown in colour,
sometimes with longitudinal stripes, and males sometimes have distinct
blue spots down the back. They’re semi-
burrowing, living under rocks and logs or in
compost heaps, and they are often found in
gardens.
They give birth to live young which have a
lovely golden colour. Slow worms are
carnivorous, eating bugs, slugs and snails, so
they’re good guys to have around. They are protected and it an offence
to kill, injure or sell one.
Common lizards are the most commonly
encountered of the reptiles in the Heathfield
as they like basking on the board walks. In
years with lots of rain and poor sunshine
lizard numbers drop though they recover in
good summers. Climate change will have a
major impact on lizards.
They are quick moving, and eat mostly
insects. Unusually for lizards, common lizards
give birth to live young (viviparous) - an
adaptation to colder climates. They emerge
from hibernation in April or May to mate,
17
and females give birth in July to 3 to 11 young, about 1½ ins long, and
dark brown or black in colour. Adults are variable, but females tend to be
longitudinally striped, and males spotted.
Grass snakes are up to 3 ½ feet long, dark
green or brown, with a yellow and black
collar. They are Britain’s only egg-laying
snake. Grass snakes favour piles of rotting
vegetation, like compost heaps, where
they are warm, dry and protected from
predators. They are also very happy in
water, as their favourite food is amphibians,
so they like wetlands.
Adders are Britain’s only venomous snake. Smaller and chunkier than grass
snakes – about 2 ft long - they can be recognized by the distinctive dark
zig-zag pattern on their backs. Their
colour is very variable.
Adders hibernate communally, in a
disused burrow called a
hibernaculum – usually in a bank with
a southern aspect so when they
emerge they can warm up quickly.
They breed early in the year before
dispersing, and give birth to live
young, fully capable of living
independently.
Their venom is mainly used for hunting – they eat small rodents, frogs and
lizards, swallowing them whole. In the last 100 years there have been only
10 reported deaths from adder bites – usually only people with an allergy
suffer any more than an uncomfortable reaction. If you do get bitten,
however, you should seek medical
advice. Even dogs will usually recover
from a bite, though they may suffer
considerable discomfort. Adders are
shy, and will detect our approach
from ground vibrations and retreat into
cover. They are a protected species
so please don’t harm them.
Saranne Cessford
With thanks to David Northcote Wright of Somerset Wildlife Trust for the information
Grass snake (top) and Adder side by side
18
News from the Churches
Bishop’s Letter
I was on the London Underground recently and saw an advert:
‘Personal Beauty Delivered to you at your Home’. It was advertising
beauty products. It made me think however what it would be like if
beauty could be ordered on the internet and delivered to the front
door. Could a package that came through our letter box really
transform us?
For beauty is of course much more than how we look on the outside.
Beauty is a thing of the heart. True beauty comes from within. Indeed
everything in God’s creation is beautiful. As Confucius said: ‘Everything
has beauty, but not everyone sees it.’ And the Psalmist declared that
everyone is beautiful, for we are all ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’. We
are all made in the image of God himself and God is the source of all
beauty.
So as we finish our journey through Lent we need to remember that
giving up alcohol, biscuits or chocolate alone won’t make us beautiful.
And as we come to Easter and the shops are filled with chicks and eggs
and Easter bunnies we need to remember that it is not ultimately what
we do, how we look, or what we have that makes us beautiful. Beauty,
true beauty, comes through the cross and the resurrection. Our lives are
changed not by what we stop eating, or what creams we might put on
our faces.
It is the Holy Spirit who truly transforms our lives, so that we become the
people God is calling us to become. When Jesus spoke to the woman at
the well he said that the water he gives is like a spring of water welling
up to eternal life. Her response was to say to Jesus ‘Give me this water’.
May that be our prayer too: ‘Lord, give us the water of life, that we might
become more like Jesus.’
+ Peter Bath and Wells
Smile At St Johns - 3.15pm- 4.30pm after-school. 3 May 2017 : For
children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Please do join us in
praying for the children and families we seek to serve and share God’s
love with. If you’re interested in getting involved as part of the Smile
team, do get in touch: More details contact:
Andy Levett on 07595 311183
19
Churches’ Service Rota
Date Langford Budville
Runnington First
Reading Second Reading
2 April 10.00 am HC 10.30am Parish Praise
Ezekiel 37. 1-14
Romans 8. 6-11
9 April 9.15 am Joint HC
Join Langford Budville
Isaiah 50. 4-9
Philippians 2. 5-11
13 April Maundy Thursday
7.00 pm HC Stripping of the
Altars
16 April Easter Sunday
10.00am Easter Family
HC
6.00pm Easter Family
HC
Acts 10. 34-43
Colossians 3. 1-4
23 April Join Runnington
9.15am Joint HC
Acts 2.1 4a-22-32
1 Peter 1. 3-9
Pancakes PLUS!
Shrove Tuesday was celebrated in gourmet style with a
pancake lunch in church, run by the Friends of St. Peter’s.
For the first round, a delicious conundrum faced us as we
puzzled to choose between savoury beef, turkey & ham,
chicken & mushroom or courgette, butternut & feta filling!
When we came to the sweet pancake, we made our own
fillings from jam, cinnamon, sugar, lemon or banana….
And we did not have to toss them! However, the school
came along and some of them did have a go at tossing
one, under the guidance of Lynne Moore. It was a very friendly and well
supported event; many thanks to the team of Sandra Lawrence, Saranne and
Sarah. We look forward to next year’s Shrove Tuesday with pleasure.
Laurian Cooper
Good Friday: Way of the Cross Reflection Service
Nynehead Church, 14 April 2.15 pm
Wellington Team Churches Together: Good Friday Service
St Johns Wellington Church & Walk of Witness to WBC Wellington,14 April 10.00 pm
20
Notes from St Peter’s
Another month has gone by punctuated by our
Soup Lunch (which raised £135) and the
Pancake Lunch hosted by the Friends of the
Church. We now look forward to our April
Lunch on Thursday 20 April. At £5 a head it is a
very reasonable way to help the Church and
have a good time. The May lunch will be on 18
May, and we will be having a Plant Sale on 6
May .
Our Easter Celebrations include our Easter Hat
competition, open to all ages, which will be
judged by Rev Selina Garner who is taking our
Easter Sunday Service which is at 10.00 am and
is followed by Easter Eggs, coffee and
refreshments. So come along and bring your
hat.
Easter Lilies. Once again at Easter there will be a
display of Easter Lilies as a memorial to loved ones. If you wish to donate and
give a name for inclusion on the Memorial List please contact either Sarah Nutt
(401261) or Lyn Wyatt (400245) or leave your donation in the Church.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be on April 2nd at 11.30 am in the
Church. If you wish to nominate anyone to the Church Council and you are on
the Church electoral Roll the necessary forms are on display in the Church. As
ever we welcome nominees to the PCC – the load is carried by too few people
at the moment! It is not a very onerous task and we have about 4 meetings a
year.
Keeping you in the picture - Members of the Parochial Church Council have
personally received a great deal of criticism about the temporary fencing
protecting the eroding roadside Church bank but not one official complaint to
the Church Council as a whole. It is our intention to secure the bank more
permanently when the correct solution has been found and permission from the
Diocese obtained.
So far we have consulted Highways, who were not very interested and quoted
lack of funds etc. The Planning department
have informed us that as long as the fence is
on our land, and no higher than a metre, it is
permissible. In the meantime the PCC will
welcome any suggestions as to a permanent
solution so that a decision can be made to
solve the problem.
Sarah Nutt
St Peter’s Café Winter Soup Lunches
Thursday 20 April Thursday 18 May from 12.00 noon
£5.00 for homemade soup, bread
and pudding
Preserves, bric-a-brac and raffle
Plant Sale at
St Peter’s Church
Saturday May 6 from 11.00am
Light Lunches & Refreshments
available
21
News from Runnington Church
The East Group Maundy Thursday service this year is to be held in Runnington
church at 7.00 pm where the traditional stripping of the altar of all decorations
will take place in preparation for Good Friday.
The Easter service on 16 April will be at 6.00 pm. We will be decorating the
church on Saturday the 15th from 10.00 am and any help will be welcome.
Saturday 22 April is the date for our annual coffee morning to be held in the
church from 10.30 to 12.00 noon. There will be the usual stalls of books and
delicious home made cakes. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Our Parochial Church Meeting takes place in the church at 7.00pm on Sunday
24 April. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Susan Osborne
You are invited to
The Annual Coffee Morning
At Runnington Church
Saturday 22 April, 10.30 to 12.00 noon
Bookstall, delicious homemade cakes,
coffee and good company!
What is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with the apostles
celebrating the Jewish Passover. The name is believed to come from the Latin
word for commandment - mandatum - from Jesus’s commandment to his
apostles “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I
have loved you"
It is the 5th day of Holy week, the day before Good Friday, and is marked in
Anglican liturgical tradition by the ceremonial Stripping of the Altar in readiness for
the Good Friday Sevice.
An Old English name for this day is Shere Thursday - probably from the word sheer -
clean - in reference to the days when bathing wasn't an everyday affair, and
people would cleanse themselves thoroughly in preparation for Easter.
Saranne Cessford
22
Green Fingers—perfect lawns
Start Right: A good lawn starts with
good grass seed – no rye grass in
the mixture – and good ground
preparation.
Fertilise the lawn at the end of
March or the beginning of April.
Moss: If you have Moss on the lawn
apply lawn sand and wait until the
moss has turned black before
scarifying if needed.
Mowing: try mowing up one way,
and back the other way to achieve
a perfect striped lawn. A roller
mower will give you a better result.
First and second cuts, make sure
you don’t cut it too short.
Compaction: If the ground is very
wet, try not to walk on the lawn as
this will compact the soil, especially
in the Winter. If your lawn is showing
signs of compaction, use a garden fork to aerate the area, and if
needed sow a little grass seed on the bare patches.
Edges: To keep the lawn looking tidier, make sure you cut the edges
regularly.
Mike and Phyllis Bayle
23
Young Buddies
Easter Multiplication Mosaic
24
Our School:
Langford children have certainly been getting up to lots of exciting things
recently!
Pancake Day this year was shared with St Peters Church, who kindly invited
pupils at the school to visit. The children were treated to pancakes (cooked
to order!) while the local community also enjoyed theirs. This enhanced the
learning the children had done in school about Shrove Tuesday and Lent.
Thank-you for having us St Peters!
On 3rd March, children took part in World book day and the children were
asked to come dressed up as their favourite book characters. The children
looked fantastic and everyone made lots of effort, even the staff! We wish to
thank all the parents who made and sorted out costumes for all their time
and hard work. We had Flat Stanley’s brother (including a life size cardboard
cut-put of Flat Stanley himself!) Mrs Twit, Cat in the hat, Percy the Park keeper
and a couple of Where’s Wallies, to name a few, all taking part in quizzes
and activities centred around a love of books and reading.
We also held a competition to create a “book in a jar”, where clues are
added to a jar to represent a story. We had some fantastic, thoughtful
entries across both classes, but the winners were Florence Self from class 1
and Annabel Crittenden from class 2. They received a book token as a
reward for their efforts. Well done to all those who took part.
At 6 ‘o’ clock, the lights were dimmed and the children returned to school in
their pyjamas, clutching teddies, for “books at bedtime”. Pupils snuggled
down to read on their pillows and duvets and Miss Coombes, Mrs Halstead
and I read from our favourite stories. There was even hot chocolate and
cookies! The children were so enthusiastic about the evening; I think books at
bedtime will have to become a regular occurrence! World book day was
definitely a success here at Langford.
On Friday 17th March children were lucky enough to visit @Bristol Science
Centre to link in with their science topics of space and light and shadows.
Children travelled by coach and had a chance to explore all the hands-on
and exciting exhibits at the science museum, some of which included a
giant hamster wheel, a sloping room and stop frame animation equipment.
The children were full of everything they had experienced, and will use the
visit to enhance their learning back in class. Our pupils were exceptionally
behaved, very patient and showed excellent manners - well done Langford
Budville!
Ella Rice, Head of School
25
A great day out
@Bristol Science
Centre
Dressing up, then
snuggling down on
World Book Day
Pancakes in
St Peter’s Church
on Shrove Tuesday
26
YOGA the Iyengar way
Langford Budville Jubilee Hall
Tuesdays 6.30-8.00pm
Thursdays 10.00-11.30am
BEGINNERS WELCOME suitable for all abilities
contact Jackie Douglas
07919 818980 [email protected]
27
Live Well - Support, Home Help & Relief Care Services
I am a qualified Health Care Professional with experience of a wide range of physical, mental & cognitive health problems including Parkinson’s disease & Dementia. I have worked in Adult Social Care, Stroke Rehabilitation and Mental Health.
Individually tailored Services: -Home Help (cleaning, shopping, meals, gardening, sorting out paperwork, filling forms…….)
-Relief Cover—your loved one will be enjoying personalised, 1 to 1 activities while you are out.
-Regain your independence and confidence- including home from hospital support
-Getting out and about- appointments, go for walks, coffee, shopping….
-Enjoying your hobbies and interests
-Personal Care
Fully Insured, DBS check & Food Hygiene certificates & References available.
[email protected] 01823 672003
Regular, Short Term, Occasional
Emma Hurford
28
carpet & upholstery cleaning
Carpets - upholstery - rug cleaning
Stain guard protection
Fast drying
Eco friendly
Free quotations and honest friendly advice
Steve Wright
Tel : 01823 618014 or 07860554753
www.carpetcleaningsouthwest.co.uk
STEVE’S SPEEDY TYRES
Mobile agricultural tyre
fitting and repair
I am from an agricultural and tyre
background and have combined the
two together to provide an excellent
service
24 hours 7 days a week
07949433632
01823 401558
Alternatively 07807893232
All aspects of Carpentry
and Roofing
Based in Langford Budville
Darren Cook
07546873600
fb.me/dccarpentryandroofing
29
Three ways to stay at Runnington Cider Barn Bed and breakfast
Rent whole Barn for family groups Rent West Apartment for business or holiday
Come and stay in our wonderful, beamed Barn, full of character in peaceful hamlet near River Tone. Four bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, large kitchen, huge open, beamed reception area
with gallery room above, flexible bedroom arrangements. Wonderful, peaceful, sunny, uplifting atmosphere.
Come and chat to me about it
Louise Bancroft - 01823 665533/07835 960704 [email protected]
www.runningtonciderbarn.co.uk
30
MICKEY LOVELL Chimney Sweep
Clean and Efficient
01984 624283 25 Southgate Wiveliscombe
TA4 2NG
31
01823 400324 07710 618892 Little Pippins, Langford Budville, Wellington
Somerset TA21 0RD [email protected]
32
33
Wellie Cabs Your local courteous cab company
covering this area and further afield
Call Lloyd on 01823 400769/07780 677778
Special rates for local one way journeys between 8.00am - 5.00pm Langford to Wellington or Milverton £7.00 Langford to Wivey £9.00
Loyalty Card available - please ask
34
cakes Jackies cakes Email – [email protected] Tel – 01823 672817 Mobile – 07866 125061
Jackie’s cakes
& catering
Delicious, fresh, home cooked cakes. Bespoke for all occasions; weddings, christenings, birthdays, celebrations - or just because you’re worth it!
Catering for funerals; Buffets for 20-200 people, from setting the table and chairs to the washing up, saving you time to spend with family, friends or guests on a busy day.
Scones freshly cooked for an afternoon cream tea.
35
36
Local Transport Services
Somerset County Council has launched a new traffic and travel website
which provides live updates from the Council’s traffic control team.
www.travelsomerset.co.uk
Slinky Bus
Anyone in Langford Budville can use the bus. It is free for those with a bus
pass and a reasonable fare will be charged for everyone else.
To use the bus you must register in advance. Download a form from:
www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk/public-transport/slinky-services-demand-
responsive-transport or call 01823 331266.
To use the bus you have to book a place at least 24 hours and up to 14 days
in advance. Bookings can be made between 9.30-3.30, Monday to Friday by
calling 01823 331266.
The Slinky bus will make up to three return journeys a day at approx times to
Wellington and once to *MPH. When you make your booking, check the
current times which can change.
*There will be an extension to and from Musgrove Park Hospital on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday for those who cannot use conventional buses.
It isn’t possible to just turn up at a bus stop and board.
Any problems, ring 0300 123 2224 or email [email protected].
37
Community Contacts
Parish Council
Chairman Kieron McGrath 01823 663080
Vice-Chairperson Jan Middleton 01823 400165
Valerie Pitman 01823 400283
Roger Poole 01823 400567
Mike Perry 01823 400991
Parish Clerk Christine Hake [email protected]
Churches
Team Vicar The Rev Alan Ellacott 01823 669824 [email protected]
Reader Sandra Lee 07980 491276 [email protected]
Church Wardens:
Langford Budville Lyn Wyatt 01823 400245
Runnington John Houghton 01823 661323
Alison Toogood 01823 667808
Jubilee Hall
Chairman Keith Moore 01823 400665 [email protected]
Vice-Chairman Roger Marshall [email protected]
Secretary and Booking Clerk
Margaret Brown 01823 400510 [email protected]
Treasurer Pam Farr [email protected]
Primary School
Head of School Ella Rice 01823 400483 [email protected]
Police
Beat Officers Tel: 101 Crime re-cording 999 Emergencies
PC Jo Jeffery 2378 Tel: 07889 657 943
PCSO Sharon Baker 9511 sharon.baker@avonandsomerset. police.uk tel: 07889 655302
PCSO Louise Fyne 6945 Tel: 07889 659476
38
Magazine Information
Editorial team: Marilyn Lilley and Saranne Cessford - joint editors;
Claire Cook - treasurer; Susan Osborne; Maggie Norvell;
Diane Whittaker
To contact us please email: [email protected] heading your
email: Articles, Feedback, Advertising, Small Ads, etc.
Our final copy dates:
Round About:
June/July edition: 21 May 2017
August/September edition: 21July 2017
Round About in Brief:
May edition: 24 April 2017
July edition: 24 June 2017
Cover photograph: Josh Wedderkopp
RA printed by Booksprint, 01823 662531, [email protected].
Advertising Rates
This magazine is distributed free of charge to around 300 households in
and around the villages of Langford Budville and Runnington.
Sponsorship of articles for a 1 year, six edition period is also available, as
well as special rates for non-commercial advertising.
Small Ads - Non commercial
For Sale items:
Under £10: up to 4 lines free; additional lines £1.00 each.
Over £10: 50p a line for first 4 lines, additional lines £1.00 each.
Wanted items: £1.00 per 2 lines.
Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
6 editions 1 edition Commercial
Mono Colour Mono
¼ page £30.00 na £7.00
½ page £60.00 £100.00 £13.00
A5 page £100.00 £200.00 £25.00
THE MARTLET INN
FREE HOUSE
a good old fashioned village pub
with a warm welcome
from Terena and Bruno
and great food
Award winning chef
Extensive menu, steak board and daily specials
Traditional Sunday lunches
Homemade puddings
Senior Citizens' lunches Wed, Thurs and Fri
Large car park
Langford Budville, Wellington, TA21 0QZ
01823 400262
Closed all day Monday and Tuesday lunchtime
Winner of Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award 2014 & 2015