february 2020 · 2020-01-24 · february 2020 3 annual monthly full page £ 100 £ 12 ½ page £ 50...

February 2020

THE

February 2020 1

First, I must apologise for the non-arrival of our waste paper collectingskip on its booked date of January 10th. I know that many readers werefrustrated by this after saving all their paper and card over the Christmasperiod.

I should, perhaps, explain that Viridor the firm who provides the monthlyskip have closed their depot in Martock and transferred our collection toits Taunton Depot. We were alerted to this and received firm assurancesthat the service would be unaffected by the changes and that the Januarydate was confirmed. Viridor have now re-confirmed our February datesso let’s cross our fingers.

This month’s magazine sees two interesting articles from residents—beekeeping and the importance of maintaining our heritage of trees aspart of our fight against climate change. May I thank those contributorsand suggest that we all have something to talk about and share with ourfellow villagers? Is it too much to hope that these articles might promptmore of you to send in articles to keep our magazine interesting?

I see that the Somerset County Council is making a bid to take over thedistrict councils including our own. Without getting too political may Isuggest that we should watch this development carefully? I postulate thatmoving decision making further away from our communities will notimprove the efficiency of our local administration or it’s quality. Might itbe better to revert control back nearer the customers as it was in thedays of the old Ilminster Rural District Council?

David Froome

T h e S e av i n g t o n s ’ N ew s

DON’T FORGETThe Waste-paper Skip! pm Friday 14th February

until am Monday 17th February

The Latest Copy Date is the 20th Februaryfor 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’ News2

All events, unless otherwise shown, are held in the Millennium HallFor bookings call 07905 215993 or [email protected]

7th February Last date for next orders under village heating oil scheme—p 10

8th February 7.30 pm Flix in the Stix—”Downton Abbey” in Hinton St George Village Hall—p 12

13th February 7.30 pm Gardening Club talk “Bees and Beekeeping” by Neil Cook—p 23

20th February 7.30 pm RSPB Group talk “Birds of Prey” by Ian McGuire—p 13

22nd February 8.30 am Just a Brisk Walk—p 10

27th February 7.00 pm Community Land Trust AGM—p 11

16th March 7.15 pm Charity Theatre event in aid of Village Shop “Night Must Fall” by Emlyn Williams at the Swan Theatre—pp 7,14

18th March 10.30 am Coffee Morning in aid of The Butterfly Trust at Carter’s Barn, Water Street p 11

Regular Activities

2nd Monday noon Community Lunch in Village Café

3rd Tuesday 6.30pm Parish Council Meeting in Village Café

3rd Wednesday 10.30am “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

February 2020 3

Annual Monthly

Full Page £ 100 £ 12

½ Page £ 50 £ 6

¼ Page £ 28 £ 4

Advertising enquiries to: [email protected]

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

2nd February 11.30 am Family Communion (CW)

9th February 8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

9th February 11.30 am Café Church in Community Shop & Café

16th February 11.30 am Holy Communion (CW)

23rd February 11.30 am Service of Reflection

The Church Administrator can be contacted on 07831 982470 or [email protected]

Service taken by the Archdeacon of Taunton, The Ven Simon Hill followed by coffee and biscuits in the Church

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

The Seavingtons’ Weather in December 2019

Last year—2019 Previous year—2018

Temperature

Average Minimum 3.89°C 5.68°C

Average Maximum 9.81°C 10.60°C

Mean 6.75°C 8.14°C

Rainfall

Monthly Total 140.4 mm (5.62") 106.1 mm (4.24")

Total for the year 884.3 mm (35.37") 811.5 mm (32.46")

The wettest December since 2013 (157.2 mm) & 2000 (167.6 mm)75 mm (3") above long term average for our area


Bob Myers 1927—2019From Simla to Seavington – The Life of Bob (Robert Arthur) Myers

Imagine being seven years old and waving goodbye to your parents, with hundreds of other small boys, from a school train that was to take you on a three-day journey across India. Bob Myers must have been terrified, but after a few hours of grieving for his parents left on the platform at Howrah station in Calcutta, he was making friends with the other boys on the train - as he went on to do wherever he went in his life.

Bob Myers was a member of the last generation of the British Raj in India. His father was a railway engineer, based in Giridih at the family estate near Dhanbad in the state of Bihar, and his mother was a music teacher in Mussoorie, a hill station north of Delhi. He was born on 30th December 1927, the third of four children, and was sent off to Bishop Cotton's School in Simla in 1935, where he remained for 9 months of every year until the end of the war in 1945.

The school and his life in Simla remained intensely important to him throughout his life, and it was there he developed his love of sports, particularly cricket and hockey, and his skills as a boxer. Thanks to those skills and his bright mind, he left Simla and India for Selwyn College, Cambridge.

Bob read law and economics at Cambridge, and continued his sports, playing college hockey and becoming a boxing blue (welter weight). He was captain of the Cambridge University boxing team in 1949. After moving to London later in 1949 to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, ultimately with Peat Marwick (now KPMG), he trialled for the Kent County Hockey team and played county hockey for a few years.

In London, Bob met Gillian Keys, and in 1956 they married in Charlton Marshall in Dorset. They lived in Kensington for four years and their first daughter, Camilla, was born in 1959. In 1960, the family moved to the little village of Turville in the Chilterns - the location for many films and television series, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Vicar of Dibley. There the family grew with the addition of Emma (1961), Sophie (1963), and Jonathan (1965).

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Bob loved St Mary's Church in Turville and he was treasurer of the Parochial Church Council for many years, turning around their finances. He was instrumental in enabling the restoration of the church, and the commissioning of a window by John Piper to commemorate St Saviour's church in the neighbouring parish of Turville Heath, which was closed in 1975.

Bob left his safe accountancy job with Distillers in London in 1963, and set up his own consultancy, specialising in financial and taxation management for large family estates in Ireland. He also bought and managed a successful ten-pin bowling business in Hove, which continued till the mid-80s.

Through all of this, Bob was enabled and wholly supported by his wife and business partner, Gilly, who not only ran the home, but his office as well: typing all his correspondence and legal memoirs between meals and long into the night. Working from home meant Bob was able to spend a great deal of time with his children and a growing menagerie of dogs, cats, horses and chickens, all of whom gravitated to his kindness and simple encouragement.

Bob retired in 2002 (though Gilly did not!) and together they made their move west to the Old Rectory in Seavington. They wondered how they would get to know people and make new friends without children to bring them together, but they found everyone here so welcoming and kind, they soon settled in to a happy and busy life in Somerset. Bob was delighted to discover the Book of Common Prayer in use in St Michael's Seavington, and regularly attended services there.

He was a strong supporter of community enterprises, giving generously of advice and money to both the Hinton St George and Seavington Community Shops. Bob was gregarious and always interested in people, as seen at the recent Celebration of his Life in the Millennium Hall attended by so many generations of friends and relations from the different stages of his life.

Bob Myers died on 17th December 2019, leaving his beloved wife Gilly and constant companion of 63 years, his four children and sons- and daughter-in-law, and his four granddaughters, Elfrieda, Siana, Alicia and Freya, who have given him so much pleasure in the last years of his life. He will be greatly missed.

Camilla Myers


2019 Spot the Difference PuzzleHere are the answers to last month’s spot the difference puzzle. Thewinner was Mrs Jill Doble who found 24 of the 25 difference. She hasnow received her £25 voucher to be spent in our community shop.

1. The left hand house has lined tiles drawn in.2. There is an extra telegraph wire on the left.3. There is extra shading on the middle car’s windscreen.4. There are extra branches on the tree behind the right hand house.5. The windows on the right hand house have been shaded in.6. There is extra snow on the left hand wall.7. The front car has extra shading on its headlights.8. It also has a different number plate.9. It is also darker in tone.10. There is extra added texture on the tyre tracks in the snow.11. The distant telegraph poles have cross spars.12. There is an extended trellis on the left.13. There are two extra birds in the sky.14. There is a moon in the sky.15. There is grass peeping through the snow on the left hand side.16. There is a bin partly buried in the snow on the left.17. There are highlighted stones on the gable end of the right hand house.18. There is an added fence post behind the front car.19. There is an animal in the snow on the left, about half way back.20. There is an extra window on the gable end of the left hand house.21. There is one less pole in front of the second house on the right.22. There is an extra car in the road.23. There is added detail on the right hand house, facing the road.24. There is extra foliage on the tree behind this house.25. There is added snow on one of the left hand walls.

Note from St Michael’s ChurchwardensWe are writing to advise you that the Rector Tom Handy will be unavailable dueto illness until the end of February. We send Tom our very best wishes for aspeedy recovery. If you need support, assistance and guidance, please contactyour Church Wardens, Amanda Jaggers 01460 240554 or Anne Shaw 01460249156, in the first instance. We are blessed to have retired clergy andassistance that will be here to support our parish and services throughout thistime.

The Church Administrator will be able to pass any comments, queries orsupport that is required onto the correct person. The Church Administrator canbe contacted on the parish office mobile which is 07831 982470 or [email protected]

February 2020 7

Over the counterMarion Bennett (01460 249522)

First of all a reminder that our next fundraising event is -

A VISIT TO THE SWAN THEATRE, YEOVIL TO SEE"NIGHT MUST FALL"

a psychological thriller by Emlyn Williams, first performed in 1935DATE - 16th MARCH 2020 @ 7.45pm (Doors open at 7.15pm)

TICKETS COST £12 and are available in the shop A limited number of places available for a coach pick-up from the

Millennium Hall—First come. First served—£5 per personThe Swan Theatre is located at 138 Park Street, Yeovil, BA20 1QT

Tickets are selling well so book early to avoid disappointment. This is a charity performance in aid of Seavington Community Shop and Friends of Ilminster Library (FOIL). Proceeds will be shared equally between the two.

Valentine's Day is creeping up on us. We have a range of Valentine cards, great value wines and a selection of savoury nibbles and delicious chocolates. We can't do the bouquet of red roses but we do have lovely gifts. Come and see our current art and craft displays.

Ray Thorogood is showing his "photo art" depicting a wide range of views of Somerset and Dorset. His methodology combines photography with digital manipulation. Pictures are available framed or just mounted.

Christine Buckler is offering a lovely selection of earthenware and terracotta pottery for the home. Each piece is uniquely decorated and coloured and just to be extra practical the earthenware pots are oven proof.

We never know what weather February will throw at us but remember we will always be open and we will offer as many of our usual services as possible. A cold snap is the ideal excuse to pop into the cafe for hot drinks, soups, homemade cakes and, of course, a chat with your fellow villagers. Our village Get2Gether Group meets on the third Wednesday of the month in the cafe and our Community Lunches are on the second Monday of the month. See you!


Parish Council News – January 2020

Pauline Parsons [[email protected]]

Recent published report from Somerset County Council regarding the proposal to form a Unitary Authority for Somerset which would mean joining the County Council and all District Councils into one body. – District and Parish Councillors are concerned to learn that there may be NO PUBLIC CONSULTATION on this. The fact that full County Council meetings only take place four times a year does not fill anyone with confidence that this proposal could work and in fact will it save the millions of pounds that County are saying. Similar initiatives in other parts of the Country have not delivered on the amounts to be saved.

Police Surgeries at the Shop/Cafe – Following the appointment of a new PCSO for the area we now have a date for the first surgery that will be held – TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY 12.30pm to 13.30pm. If you have any concerns at all please call and speak to our new PCSO Mike Bell.

County Highways – Church Lane – Some of you may be wondering why the road closure scheduled to happen in January for works to be carried out to the footway did not happen. These works were pulled by Stanska [contractors for Highways work for Somerset County Council] on safety issues. It would seem that they felt just tarmacking over the existing slab stones would not work. A suggestion has now been made that the pathway is taken up completely, Church Lane is resurfaced and just a white line marking a pathway is painted. It seems that this is being done is many areas now. There is also a suggestion that a lower weight limit needs to be put on the lane. Of course, when this will happen we do not know.

Rookesmead Lane - Still awaiting for the ditch to be dug out and hopefully the verge re-instated.

Falcon Close – Since last month’s News we have moved closer to resolving the issue of the footway in front of Falcon Close. We do now have a name of someone in County trying to drive this forward. However, what we do not have is a date as to when the works will be carried out. We will continue to pressure County to get this sorted in hopefully the not too distant future.

February 2020 9

Small Improvement Scheme – Works now completed although we are still waiting for one of the speed limit signs to be moved

Purchase of our own SID –As the complications that had been raised by County have been resolved ie they cannot stop us installing a similar device to the one used in South Petherton it was unanimously agreed that an order would be placed asap. Consequently we are hopeful that this will be up and running within the next month or so.

Planning – Both the applications for outline planning, for one dwelling in West Street and the other for 8 houses in Water Street have finally been approved. Both with many conditions which will have to be met when a full planning application is made.

At the time of writing there is still no further news regarding the appeal at Southernaways regarding the shed. There is also an Appeal in progress regarding the Enforcement Notice recently issued by the District for the removal of the shed.

Dog Poo Bins – The Parish Council has received a request from the SPFA for an extra bin on the playing field. However, some time ago, when a similar request was made to the District Council, we were informed that no extra bins would be emptied by the District Council and it was not a job that the Parish Councillors wished to undertake. At that time we were reminded that dog poo can be disposed of in any bin as long as it is double-lined. This means it can be put in dog poo bins, litter bins, and even your own wheelie/dust bin as long as that bin has a removable [probably black plastic] liner.

Village Car Park [opposite the Volunteer Inn] – Discussions have taken place with regard to some formal conditions being put on parking in this area. When the wording is finally agreed residents will be informed. We are in communication with the Police trying to get a vehicle removed from the car park that has been there since early November. It would seem that no-one in the immediate area knows who this car belongs to.

VE Day Celebrations – 8th to 10th May 2020 – being organised nationally by SSAFA [The armed Forces charity] The Parish Council has not received any additional information with regards to planned events for the weekend other than that listed below.


Just a Brisk Walk

Matthew Towill ([email protected])

The February 2020 ‘Just a Brisk Walk’ will take place on Saturday 22nd meeting at the Seavington Village Hall car park at 8.30am. The walk around village footpaths will last about an hour returning to the village cafe for coffee and further conversation! Everyone welcome.

Seavington Villages Oil Run

Nigel Key (01460 241540; [email protected])

The next order will be paced on Friday 7th February, so please get in touch if you would like to be included. The delivery will be during the following week.

The following order will be placed on Friday 3rd April.

May 8th – 10th Flower Festival in St Michael’s Church with refreshments being served in the Garden area.

Friday 8th May – 3.00pm in the Garden Area the Parish Council will invite residents to Toast to the Heroes of WW2.

Friday 8th May – 7.00pm – the bells of St Mary’s Church will be rung. SSAFA has suggested that no parties or celebrations should happen until after the bells have rung.

We do know that the Community Shop are considering plans for an event but have not yet met to formulate the ideas.

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING AN EVENT CAN YOU LET THE PARISH COUNCIL KNOW so that a programme of all of the Events to be carried out over the weekend can be published [at the latest in the April Newsletter]. As stated last months the Parish Council will ring fence funds to support events.

February 2020 11

SEAVINGTON COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTAGM - Thursday 27th February [For shareholders only]

7.00pm in the Millennium Hall

If you are a shareholder you will receive formal documents by 6th February 2020. If you have given permission for an e-mail address to be used the papers will be sent electronically. If not you will receive printed copies.

One of the resolutions the AGM is to decide what mechanism is to be used to decide on what village projects are funded by surplus rental income and which ones aren’t. To this end we are looking for 3 members to help with this.

If you are not already a shareholder, and wish to become one before the AGM, forms can be collected from the Community Shop. We will not be able to enrol anyone on the evening of the AGM..

Joy Madge andthe Inner Wheel Club of Taunton

(International Committee)

INVITE YOU TO A COFFEE MORNINGOn Wednesday, 18TH March 2020

from 10.30am to 12noonAt Carters Barn, Seavington St Mary,

Ilminster. TA19 0QR

Proceeds In aid of The Butterfly TreeA UK based (non governmental charity) helping orphans

in Zambiawww.thebutterfly tree.org.uk Charity No. 1118084


SEAVINGTON SHOP AND CAFE

GOT THAT FEBRUARY FEELING?Start the day with a full English breakfast.

For lunch try our delicious homemade soups, jackets, paninis,freshly made sandwiches, plus daily specials.

COMMUNITY LUNCH Monday 10th February. To book ring Jane - number below

REMEMBER TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE SWAN THEATRE TRIPon March 16th to see "Night Must Fall" by Emlyn Williams. See separate advert

TREAT YOUR VALENTINE! OR YOURSELF!See our selection of Valentine cards. chocolates and wines

We also have the perfect gift -This month's art display is by Ray Thorogood

See your favourite Somerset and Dorset views uniquely captured by Ray's photo art. Available mounted and framed.

The craft display is by Christine BucklerA beautiful selection of earthenware and terracotta pottery for home

Seavington Village Shop & Cafe, Water St, Seavington TA19 0QH. 01460 249730Opening hours: Shop Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cafe Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.00pm, Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm

Flix in the StixAndrew Overhill (01460 72563)

Hinton St. George ‘Flix in the Stix’ presents ‘Downton Abbey' (PG), on SATURDAY 8th February 2020 in the Hinton 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. DOORS OPEN 7.00 pm. To reserve Tickets please contact Bob Kefford on 01460 72563.

The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives: a royal visit which soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue.

This movie has all the familiar cast and a regicidal plot to be solved but the best part of the film is arguably the splendour of Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) itself which shines throughout the film. Written by Julian Fellowes as usual, the period (1929), the couture and the atmosphere are captured aa well as you would expect and the ensemble cast are on top form.

February 2020 13

The Warehouse Theatre

The Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster is one of the best equipped and run small amateur theatres in the country, offering high quality entertainment throughout the year to audiences of all ages. We also run a thriving Youth theatre and act as a venue for

local groups and clubs to hire. For details seen www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk or call 07943 779880. Tickets can be purchased on line via the website or from Harrimans Menswear in Silver street Ilminster.

Upcoming Events:

February 26th—29th

Three one act plays directed by new directors Lucy Driver, Sally Carrington and Valda Dagnall:

Dark Stairway based on the Bethnal Green wartime disaster.The Railway Siding, a mystery to keep you guessing to the endTome Clusters a gripping crime drama

South Somerset RSPB Group

‘Birds of Prey’

This new illustrated talk by Ian McGuire is a wonderful opportunity to discover the wide range of raptors that live, breed or visit the UK. From goshawks, hen harriers, opsreys and kestrels to golden eagles, this talk looks at how each species has evolved. Ian will also look at the serious conservation issues that face many of these beautiful birds.

Thursday 20th February - 7.30pm The Millennium Hall, Seavington St MaryEntry: Group members £3, non-group members £4, under 18’s free

(tea/coffee & biscuits included) – wheelchair access

NON-MEMBERS VERY WELCOME

For further details contact: Denise Chamings (group leader) on 01460240740www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset

A registered charity: England & Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC37654


Seavington Flower Show 2020Photography Subjects

Here are the titles for the photography sections for the Flower Show 2020, so you have plenty of time to get organised!

The class for the under 16 age group is:

· "Close Up"

In addition, there are two further classes open to all ages which are:

· "Botanical Britain"

· "Hidden Somerset"

We look forward to seeing your photographs at the Flower Show later this year.

BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

MONDAY MARCH 16th 2020 @ 7.45pm

Visit to the Swan Theatre, Yeovil to see

"Night must fall"a thriller by Emlyn Williams

Tickets available in the ShopOr from Marion Bennett—01460 249522

A limited number of seats will be available for a coach pick up at the Millennium Hall - first come, first served!

Proceeds in aid of the Shop and Cafe

February 2020 15

Introducing your “all year round” Garden Maintenance Programme

AYR GARDENING SERVICES

Andrew Hall will bring over 30 years experience to your garden

Pruning Clipping Vegetable Gardens Planning and Planting Lawn Care

All Year Round Garden Maintenance to suit all household budgets!

Why not give me a call for a free (no obligation) consultation

Tel: 01460 241374Mob: 07824 996930

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective treatment for conditions

such as back pain, sciatica, insomnia, low energy, migraines,

gynaecology & fertility issues, sports injuries etc.

Why not give me a call to see if I can help?

Kerry Wratten BSc (Hons) LicAc MBAcC

Tel: 07712 481231

www.kerrywratten-acupuncture.com

Clinics at: Ilminster, SomersetSeaton & Hemyock, Devon

TRADITIONALACUPUNCTURE

& CHINESE MEDICINE

All types of Electrical work undertaken at very competitive prices including:

New Circuits Electric heating systemsSecurity lighting systems Control systemsEmergency lighting systems MaintenanceAppliance testing KitchensBathrooms Energy saving lightingCCTV Systems Ventilation systems

Free, No obligation Quotes01460 240099 or 07980 674480

[email protected]


Portable Appliance Testing (PAT); Electrical Power Quality AnalyserPeriodic 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

St Margaret’s Support GroupsTaunton and Yeovil

St Margaret’s Support Groups are open to anyone affected by a life-limiting illness – patients, their families and friends. As well as providing an opportunity to meet others in similar situations, our trained volunteers can offer visitors:

a listening ear ◊ provide free information ◊ help signpost to other servicesThe groups are run on a drop-in basis – there is no need to book or to be referred

Or perhaps you would like to become a volunteer to help run these groups?

St Margaret’s Hospice, Taunton TA1 5HA Thursdays 2pm-4pmOctagon Theatre, Yeovil BA20 1UX 10.30am – 12.30

For further information please contact Lesley BurgessE-mail: [email protected]; Tel: 0845 070 8910

February 2020 17

Beekeeping Preparation for WinterKen Dewsbury (01460 241155)

This article is the first of a short series by a very experienced localbeekeeper which draws attention to various aspects of beekeeping whichshould interest apiarists and others a�racted by these fascina�ng insects.

The incidence of colony mortality is far greater in the winter than at anyother time. This is generally due to the bees being confined to their hivefor long periods, and any problem, such as disease, queen failure ordepletion of stores, cannot be easily rectified. The beekeeper is unable todetect any winter problems within the hive, for the weather is usually toobad to risk opening up and disturbing the winter cluster. Carefulpreparation for winter is therefore vital to both bees and beekeeper. Thethree potential problems already mentioned are worthy of closer scrutiny,as preparations should be made in September.

If the colony has been disease free through the summer, then thereshould be little to worry about as they go into winter. Nosema andDysentry are winter killers, which can be avoided by taking the necessarysteps.

Strange though it may seem, the bees’ own honey is not always the bestfood to see them through the winter. Some honeys, such as heather andhoneydew, are high in fibre, and if this is the only food available, it resultsin the bees need to defecate more frequently. If the winter weatherprevents cleansing flights, then dysentery occurs on the combs, and willspread quickly through the colony. It is therefore beneficial for the bees tobe fed at least some sugar syrup, in order to ensure that their winterstores will not harm them.

Starvation is one of the principal reasons for bees failing to make itthrough the winter. They are unlikely to succumb in the depths of winter,when the colony is tightly clustered and little stores are being used, but inMarch, when the brood nest is rapidly expanding, with the resulting strainon already depleting stores, starvation is a real possibility. Prior to thewinter preparation the amount of stores already in the hives should bedetermined, and then supplemented with the correct amount of sugarsyrup. Usually 3 gallons of heavy syrup which would be 2lbs sugar to 1ptof water. Dampness within the hives can be a problem, although the beeswill seal any spaces or gaps with a hard setting glue type resin known aspropolis. Personally, my hives are called WBC’s which are better insulatedwith an additional outer wall.


Shepton Beauchamp Pre-School NewsNatalie Nolan ([email protected])

We have had a great start to the year at Pre-school, focussing on the weather, which was somewhat changeable throughout January, giving us plenty to talk about. It was pretty mild at times, making it easier for getting the children outside! Rather wet, but puddles are always fun!

This month at Pre-school with the inspiration of Valentine’s and Pancake days, we are focussing on cooking! The children have been very excited to create some sweet treats! However, we are of course teaching them about healthy eating. The children enjoy discussing different foods, their likes and dislikes, and they can bring in foods beginning with the letter of the week (eg S for Swede T for Tangerine)

Children’s school packed lunches has been a topic in the news/media recently, in particular that many children do not have enough healthy food in their lunch boxes. We always encourage parents to pack a balanced diet, and discourage them from bringing in packaged sugary snacks such as biscuits and cake. It is important to start this at Pre-school otherwise it can be very difficult to change eating habits when they get older.

The colour of the month is Purple!

Dates for the Diary

Toddler Group is on 6th Feb and 5th March (usually first Thursdays of the month) Babies - Pre school age welcome. It is a friendly and relaxed group with coffee for parents/grandparents or whoever is accompanying the little one. Come anytime between 09:00 - 11:15am.

Pre-School is closed for half term - week commencing 17th Feb

For more information please call Sarah or Kath 07765437301 or email [email protected] or visit www.sheptonbeauchamppre-school.co.uk or follow us on Facebook - or just pop in and meet us - we'd love to see you!

We are looking into expanding our offered hours, to include a Thursday and the option of starting earlier by attending the school morning club, please enquire if interested.

February 2020 19

Shepton Beauchamp Primary School NewsCharlie Pattisson (01460 241396)

It’s that time of year again – time for Egg Shackling with Father Geoff. This has a long tradition in the village, for those of you who are unaware of what it is … each child brings an egg to school; the eggs are all put into a large bowl (unbroken) then the bowl is shaken gently and the last unbroken egg is the winner – simple and fun!

The class topics for this term are well under way with Seymour Class learning about Earth and Space. The children will be learning about how the moon changes during the month, different time zones and how far planets are from each other and hopefully at the end of the topic there will be a trip to We the Curious Planetarium in Bristol.

Coles Class have the exciting topic of Once Upon a Time and will be using the story of Jack and the Beanstalk throughout all subjects –measuring beanstalks, going on a giant hunt at Cowleaze, designing a house for Jack and using iPads to find images of beans and discover other fairy tales. Coles Class will be going out on welly walks every Friday afternoon – do say hello if you see them!

Inspired by the book ‘Street Child’ the children asked to raise money for Barnardos by wearing green clothes and choosing to sleep in a box at lunch time. They raised £72 and later in the term raised £100 for Children in Need.

We are planning a Dig for Victory Garden for VE Day in our learning garden and perhaps building an Anderson Shelter. If anyone has any ideas and suggestions to help with this we would love to hear from you.

FOSS (Friends of Shepton School). This term we have a mufti day and cake sale planned and a disco at the end of term as well as a Bingo night at the Duke of York. The Learning Garden is ready for planting when the weather warms up and we have plans for a Dig for Victory Garden to tie in with VE Day in May. If anyone has any spare children’s wellies, we would love to have them especially size 1-4 for the older children. Thank you.

F o r mo r e i n f o rm at io n p le a s e c a l l 01 460 24 0793 , [email protected] or follow us on Twitter @SBPrimarySchool WEB www.sheptonbeauchamp.somerset.sch.uk


Trees in 2020Jo Mills, Seavington St Mary

It seems to be an age ago that, as village Tree Wardens, Ry Coffman and I wrote a series of short pieces for the Seavington’s News about the small steps that could be taken to become more environmentally-friendly or ‘eco’ as it is now known. Now, as Australia burns and Indonesia floods, seems to be the right time to re-look at what was our passion then and now; namely trees.

In our post-Blue Planet/Attenborough Enlightenment where many have pledged to reduce their use of plastic everythings, and many others have set about planting trees in order to absorb the carbon we humans continue to pump into the atmosphere it seems extraordinary that our local environment has recently lost so many trees. The row of poplars on the way to Kingstone and the large evergreens that continued that hedge are a massive and shocking loss altering the landscape hugely and releasing carbon in no small measure. I know that some of those trees were rotten and required felling as evidence by a few that had gone before. But I am shocked that the whole lot were felled at once, at a time when we need trees more than ever. Other trees have gone: a thorn in Seavington St Mary felled and the electricity board seem to have done their worst with a false Acacia in Seavington St Michael. Hopefully that one will survive. I understand the thorn had rotten heart wood.

A large ash was felled not so long back because it was hollow. Now I would welcome any feedback on this, but I had understood that the strength in a tree was in its outer, growing layers – those closest to the bark where the xylem and phloem flow – not in the heart wood – I seem to recall being told that very old trees can last a lot longer once the heart has rotted out as the tree can flex more in the wind – think of those photos of veteran trees that Victorian folk hid in for photographs – they usually seem to be doing very well – and that famous image of the giant redwood with a road running through it….. but I digress! The felled ash had been the home to owls. I wonder if they have manged to rehouse themselves.

So, trees …… I did a calculation last year after one of those reports saying how many thousands of trees need to be planted for the UK to achieve carbon neutrality. It came to 46 trees each. A tough ask to do that. Ry and I struggled to find places to plant trees and sadly oversaw the felling of horse chestnuts on the playing field that had succumbed to disease. Mature trees are much better at absorbing carbon and producing lovely oxygen that little ones! But we planted as many as we could at the time, and re-planted a mix of trees on the playing field to try and dodge a total wipe out by disease in the future.

It could be that many of us could squeeze a tree into our gardens – perhaps a lovely ornamental tree, or even a fruit or nut tree which would give local food as a bonus. Even small gardens can hold an espaliered apple or pear – not so

February 2020 21

hard to keep in shape with a good pair of secateurs and a YouTube video to show you how. That, however, is a long way off 46 trees each. But help is at hand! Many of us struggle to find the perfect birthday or anniversary gift especially as so many households reach ‘peak stuff’ and not many of us really needs another gizmo, or pair of socks or bar of soap! Luckily the Woodland Trust (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk) can handle this and will accept donations and even dedicate trees – I gave two trees as birthday presents last year and the recipients can’t wait for the good weather to go to visit their special wood. Even closer to home Langport Transition town group are aiming to plant 2020 trees in 2020 – and are trying to raise £2020 to do this (http://transitionlangport.org.uk/). Another local venture has seen trees planted at Joywights on Ruskway Lane near Barrington where willing volunteers have been planting trees every weekend in December and January. And, as the deadline approaches for submissions to the Seavingtons News (Jan 11th), the National Trust has announced an initiative to plant 20,000,000 trees over the next 10 years to mark its 125th

anniversary. They might need a bit of help!

But, finally a sad sight – wildlife groups have for some time now pointed out that standard trees in hedgerows are very good for wildlife. Birds, insects and small mammals all benefit, and several have been allowed to grow on in hedges in our local area over the past couple of decades – sadly the mechanical hedge cutters don’t always spot a tree in the way. I think the photo below illustrates how it isn’t always enough to plant a tree –trees needs caring for too.

Somerset has one of the lowest tree cover rates in the entire country so anything we can do will make a difference, no matter how small the tree or the project. So if you are short of a New Year resolution, a gift idea ,or you simply want to make a difference please consider planting a tree ….. or two .. .. or three!

photo: One of three damaged 15 year old ash trees in Dark Lane 2020 –bent trunk showing that this poor tree had been hit by the flail before!


Seavington Gardening Club

Kate Mulligan (01460 242023)

Thursday 9th January 2020

Claire Greenslade came across as someone who is very happy in her work. Mind you, as Head Gardener at Hestercombe she probably has good reason to be. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and sense of humour provided us with a wonderful insight into the shaping of an historic garden. Initially she obtained a degree in fashion and textiles but then began training as a gardener at places like Barrington Court and now she has a regular team of six working at Hestercombe along with an army of volunteers.

The house and gardens have a long history covering at least three centuries and recent discoveries of what are thought to be the remains of an Elizabethan water garden could extend this to four centuries. The gardens had been neglected over the years and were in a shocking state but gradually they are being brought back to life.

The Fire Brigade leased the house and grounds and put in an application to tarmac over some of the landscaped garden to use as a training area. Fortunately for us they were refused permission but only lost out by one vote and so the formal gardens were saved.

Hestercombe Gardens Trust now owns the land and surrounding farmland but have an ongoing huge task restoring and re-modelling. Original plans for some of the garden buildings were found but often it had to be guess work mixed in with some historical knowledge. The Witches Hut had a lucky revival as it was photographed in 1927 for Country Life Magazine which is just as well because there was virtually nothing left of it by the time restoration began.

Two of the most famous names in garden design and planting have strong associations with Hestercombe. Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll were responsible for how the formal gardens look today. Jekyll's original designs were found by a gardener in the potting shed in the 1970’s so they were able to copy and use them but she never visited

February 2020 23

Hestercombe or did any of the planting herself. This was also the only garden that Lutyens designed that did not include the house which may not have pleased him.

Having all the detailed information can be a great help for restoration but it can also raise problems. Sourcing some of the plants was difficult or even impossible, so decisions had to be made as to how far to stick to the originals or how much can you interpret them for modern times? Trying to get the balance right is probably the hardest job of all. Plans continue for the house too and whilst it holds the restaurant and contemporary art gallery at present ,there are plenty of ideas to take it further. So all I can say is keep watching out - Hestercombe is definitely moving on and well worth a visit.

Our thanks to Claire for such an entertaining and knowledgeable talk.

Flower of the Month Competition:

1st Liz Hayden - clematis Winter Beauty2nd Anne Clifford - daphne Jacqueline Postill3rd Jenny Deubert - hellebore Harvington Double

Forthcoming Events:

Thursday 13th February at 7.30pm in the Millennium Hall a talk on Bees and Beekeeping by Neil Cook. Doors open 7.00pm -refreshments will be served before and after the talk. Visitors welcome - £2 payable at the door and annual subscriptions £8 are now due if you haven’t already paid.

Flower of the Month Competition continues so please bring along a single stem of the flower of your choice.

For further information please contact Karen Day - tel. 01460 249728


A Reminder:County Council Complaint ‘phone Number

The Somerset County Council has a single telephone number through which you may report problems such as potholes, drainage issues etc: 0300 123 2224

SPFA LotteryJackie Priddle ( 07706 092578)

The winners in the January and February draws are:

Place Prize January

1st £50 Shirley Farrington

2nd £30 Chris Rowsell

3rd £20 Alan Newberry-Street

4th £10 Ms T Smith

5th £10 Angie/Colin Robertson

February

Lynne McMurdle

Aubrey Peckham

Joy Madge

Sonia Brooks

Ben Partridge

February 2020 25

Telephone01460 52413

Website newinn-ilminster.com

Facebook@newinnilminster

Open 7 days a weekLunch & Evenings

18th Century InnGood Local Produce

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Large Car Park

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If you are looking for a new system or an upgrade to your current systems then please contact us to arrange a free quote

Tel: 07598 794115 [email protected] www.wifi-networks.uk


Oven Cleaning

Ilminster’s independent, environmentally friendly, oven cleaning service

No fumes, no fuss, just a super shiny oven that looks as good as new

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February 2020 27


01460200 000

10 West StreetIlminster

Friendly, professional advice in plain EnglishFor Home & Business

www.monkeypuzzlecomputers.com

PUGSON CONSTRUCTIONGeneral building, Re-pointing, Landscaping, Chimneys and roofing

Stoves installed by Hetas approved engineer,Oftec certified oil tank installations, removal and replacementsCall Nigel in Seavington St Mary for a quote on 01460 391595

Mobile 07731323005. [email protected]

NICK RUTTER — CHIMNEY SWEEP

Experienced, Approved, Established 10 YearsAll 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

February 2020 29

Brook House Bed & Breakfast, Dowlish WakeCountry 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

NEWCHESTER FARMHOUSE B&BBroadway, Merriott TA16 5QH

Moved from the Beeches, Seavington, the new B&B is now open

3 en-suite rooms, comfy beds, full breakfasts, cake on arrivalwww.southsomersetbandb.co.uk

contact Abby t: 01460 73917 m: 07779 606620

We offer 15 hour and new

30 hour funded places

Baby & toddler group

1st Thurs of the month

Open Mon, Tues, Weds

and Fri 9-3pm“Welly walk Wednesday!”

Outdoor play in our lovely enclosed garden

Shepton Beauchamp Pre-school“A fabulous environment for your child to make friends, learn and have fun”

Contact Sarah or Kath for more information 07765 437301 [email protected]


PIANO LESSONS

ALL AGES, ABILITIES, GRADES AND THEORY

ALWAYS WANTED TO PLAY?COME AND GIVE IT A TRY—FIRST TWO LESSONS FREE

Judith Church Dip ABRSMMobile: 07979 104906 Home: 01460 249795

Dennis Evans Building ServicesProperty Refurbishment Services

Painting & Decoration ◊ Wallpaper Hanging ◊ Wall & Floor TilingPlumbing ◊ Bathroom & Kitchen Installations ◊ Plastering

Fully Insured. Estimates and advice without obligation

01460 76139 or 07831 765262www.evansbuild.co.uk

J JASONWHITEHEAD

Decorator ◊ Interior PaintingExterior Painting ◊ Paper Hanging

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surrounding areas.Mobile:

07857 519038E-mail:

contact@jasonwhiteheadpainter.co.ukwww.jasonwhiteheadpainter.co.uk

Seavington St Michael, Ilminster

February 2020 31

RICHARD CLIFTONPAINTER AND DECORATOR

Interior and exterior workFree written estimates or quotations

Good preparation; Attention to detail

Tel: Ilminster (01460) 52544; 07773 373882

Dog Grooming by HelenFriendly Home Environment

Will Collect and DeliverAvailable Weekdays, Evenings and Weekends

Please ‘phone HelenMobile: 07867 988109 or 01460 241053

Curtain making, dressmaking & alterations

‘phone Jennifer, South Petherton01460 242766

R A Wicks LtdFireplaces, Stoves & Flues

Fireplace Showroom, Chimneys Relined & New BuildHETAS registered installers

Tel: 01460 74612; www.wicksheating.co.ukFireplace Showroom, Tail Mill Lane, Merriott, TA16 5PF


Editorial: David Froome & Maria PottsAdvertising: Tony BeresfordProduction: Brian & Elaine EdwardsTechnical & web-site support: Eugene Mulligan

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.

Editorial address: Middlefield Barn, Church Lane, Seavington St Mary,Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0QP; [email protected]

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february 2020 · 2020-01-24 · february 2020 3 annual monthly full page £ 100 £ 12 ½ page £ 50...

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