VOL30 No 5 Febuary 2012 THE PARISH NEWS
- for Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston with Sutton Montis
Editor:Shauna Greed ‘Catalina’ Church Road, Sparkford, BA22 7JZ email: s_greed@yahoo.com |
| SPARKFORD
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT The last two Parish Council meetings were held on 5th December 2011 and 9th January 2012. Two planning applications have been received.
As you will now have seen, Highways have removed the island, on which the bollards were fixed, from the High Street. They had told us they did not have the funding to keep replacing the bollards and as we know from the amount of vehicles that hit the island it was dangerous to leave it as it was. Hopefully it will not result in an increase in speeding along that particular stretch. We have now agreed with Highways that a Speed Indicator Device will be installed in early February in The Avenue/old A303 to monitor the speed of traffic coming into the village from the Chapel Cross direction. We have been advised by Yarlington Housing Group that they hope to begin construction of the new affordable housing before the end of March this year. They are currently putting the building work out to tender. It was reported at the last Parish Council meeting that there were
numerous overgrown hedges in Church Road, The Avenue, the High Street, and we would be
very grateful if home owners would trim back any overhanging growth from the footpaths to
allow for wheelchair and pushchair access. Councillors had noticed an increase in the
litter pick patrol from McDonald’s and the surrounding areas were looking much
better. SPARKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH We had an excellent Christmas Party on the 9th December in the Parish Hall which was enjoyed by about 60 people. The raffle not only paid for the evening but produced an extra £102.38 which was a great bonus. Much thanks to everyone who came, to all our helpers, and to those who provided such good raffle prizes. If you didn’t come, you certainly missed a good evening! There are almost daily reminders that crime has increased by about 10% for a number of reasons, not hard to imagine. Additionally, a lot of community support which people relied upon has been cut back. It becomes more apparent that we must do all we can to assist one another. One simple security aid can be in how we park our cars. It could be worthwhile considering parking ‘defensively’; for example, up against the garden door or across the entrance to the garage – it is worth a thought! The theft of heating oil is increasing. The average tank can now be holding the best part of a thousand pounds. Wishing you all a happy and healthy and crime-free New Year. Bill Westcott CaféXtra VILLAGE BREAKFAST GATHERING CaféXtra Village Breakfast Gathering will take place on SUNDAY, 19TH FEBRUARY. BREAKFAST SERVED, 9.30AM – 11.00AM, in the Parish Hall. Sparkford Church welcomes everyone for good coffee, toast and croissant, a milkshake bar, and a round of bacon rolls. This venture aims to provide a monthly meeting point for our village, with the option, too, to pray and hear a Bible story at one point in the morning. No charge for breakfast but contributions welcome. Andy Voysey FROM THE BISHOP – ‘Celebrating our common humanity.’ I am surprised at how caught up I became in the Stephen Lawrence case which offered some closure to his family with the conviction of two of his killers at the turn of the year. I was a parish priest in South London at the time of Stephen’s murder and was Vicar of a parish in Surrey Docks in which racism was never too far from the surface – indeed for some black members of our congregation exposure to racism was a daily occurrence. Some commentators have suggested that the Lawrence case marked a watershed for race relations in this country. ‘Britain’, said one, ‘is a much more tolerant and open country. We have new laws to prevent the stirring of racial hatred and our public institutions are better representative of and responsive to all the people.’ It is certainly true that the determination of Doreen Lawrence to get justice for her son did lead to a root and branch review of policing through the McPherson Inquiry and that has seen some change for good. However, as Doreen Lawrence herself has said, ‘The fact is that racism and racist attacks are still happening in this country and the police should not use my son’s name to say that we can move on.’ Around the week that Stephen’s trial concluded, a young Indian, Anuj Bidve, was shot and killed on the streets of Salford and a young black footballer from Oldham was racially abused by an opposing supporter at Liverpool’s ground. Why do I raise all of this now? At the beginning of February, the church celebrates the Feast of Candlemas and we hear again the prophetic message of Simeon who declares that Jesus is to be a light for all the nations – Jews and Gentiles. It is a radical message that requires all of us, in the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, ‘to see God’s image in the one who is not in our image.’ As the Bosnian born theologian, Miroslav Volf, says in his award-winning book, Exclusion and Embrace, it may not be too much to claim that the future of our world will depend on how we deal with identity and difference. So, on the feast of Candlemas, let us light a candle in celebration of our common humanity. Bishop Peter Taunton CHRIST AND THE CHOCOLATERIE [A little temptation during Lent] On Wednesday afternoons in Lent this year, we are trying a taste of something different! ‘Christ and the Chocolaterie’ is an original, innovative, and lively Lent course inspired by the film Chocolat. Using the film as a starting point, we explore issues about God, the world, and what it means to be human. The Course begins on WEDNESDAY, 22ND FEBRUARY, with a showing of the film at Weston Bampfylde Village Hall, beginning at 2.30pm and ending at 4.45pm [approx.]. All participants in the course do need to see the film. Over the following five weeks, the course goes on to explore the following themes: Wednesday, 29th February, ‘Giving up’ -the prelude to change; Wednesday, 7th March, ‘Giving out’ - the power of a gift; Wednesday, 14th March, ‘Getting wise’ -the possibility of change; Wednesday, 21st March, ‘Getting real’ -the power of acceptance; and Wednesday, 28th March, ‘Growing up’ – the process of change. The course will take place either at ‘Springfields’ Weston Bampfylde or at Weston Bampfylde Village Hall, depending on numbers. Apart from the first week, all sessions will finish at 4.00pm. If you are planning to come along, PLEASE LET US KNOW. Sign up forms will be at the back of all churches from the end of January. Alternatively, please ring Rose on 01963 440026 or send an email to revroseanne@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you! Revd. Rose Hoskins THANK YOU FROM SPARKFORD CHURCH It was very pleasing to see so many parishioners and visitors to
our church carol service despite the electricity failure at the beginning of the service
– the fault being water seeping into the junction box to the lamp above the church
gate. Our grateful thanks is due to those persons who donated the superb tree and for so
beautifully decorating the same. The offertory collection amounted to nearly £100 and
this sum was forwarded to the Children’s Hospice South West at Wraxall, just south of
Bristol. There are opportunities for visitors to attend the hospice on certain days of
each month so if anyone is interested in paying a visit, please let me know. SPARKFORD COFFEE MORNING There will be a Coffee Morning from 10.00AM-12.30PM, 4th FEBRUARY, in aid of Somerset Air Ambulance, in the parish hall. Coffee/tea, homemade cakes, raffle, spring bulb pots, craft table, white elephant stall, and books will be on offer to help raise funds for this wonderful cause. Could you bake us a cake or donate a prize to the raffle or perhaps something to sell on the white elephant stall? If so, please get in touch with Helen at ‘Sonlie’ Church Road, Marcia at No. 61 Church Road, or call us on 01963 440422. Please come along and show your support. BLUEBELL DAY All being well, we will be having Bluebell Day again this year on SUNDAY, 29TH APRIL. We have chosen to split the money between Somerset Sight and Diabetics Support Group this year. If anybody is willing to help us, we would be very grateful. Either on the gate or car parking, with teas on the day, or even making a cake, if you would like to help, please give us a ring on 01963 440907. Anne & Reg Aldworth COUNTESS GYTHA PRIMARY SCHOOL The Christmas plays at the end of term were brilliant. The children looked lovely in their costumes and sang beautifully, a number even singing solos. Wren and Nightingale classes enjoyed their visit to Cleaveside Close to sing carols, while Falcon class sang carols and songs from their production of Wind in the Willows at the Queen Camel Village Café in December. Everyone loved it when the helicopter arrived with Santa’s elf on board. He collected letters from the children for Santa Claus and gave them all chocolate Santa lollies. On the last day of term, Santa arrived in person and gave the children presents from his beautiful grotto. He even visited the pre-school Christmas party. Congratulations to all the children chosen as ‘Workers of the Term’ and ‘Brilliant Behaviour of the Term’ and special congratulations to Larissa Warren who received the ‘Jill Martin Shield’. The new term started with a fantastic Tudor Day where KS2 children came to school in Tudor costumes and took part in a whole range of activities such as making soap, candles, perfume, bread, medicine, and clay pots, using authentic materials, tools, and methods from Tudor times. They also made their own ink and wrote out the Lord’s Prayer in Latin using quills! At the end of the day, they enjoyed a Tudor banquet with food and entertainment provided by jugglers, jesters, dancers, and actors. It was a really wonderful day. The children were immersed in Tudor history and gained so much from the experience, more than they ever could from just reading books or going on the Internet. Janet Mills, Headteacher 3RD SPARKFORD SCOUT GROUP We started the new year on the 9th January. Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts have a full spring programme. Beavers highlight this term is a sleepover in the village hall. Scouts are participating in the county Master Chef Competition at Shepton Mallet and going climbing and caving. Daffodil bulbs have been planted by cubs, scouts, and parents around the green areas at either end of Wolfester Terrace to brighten up the western area of the village in the spring. We have reduced our waiting list for beavers, cubs should have places available in the summer, and scouts have places available now. The scout group have a ‘Supper and Quiz Evening’ on 11th February – a fun evening for all the family and all are welcome; quiz teams of ‘four or more’. Tickets available through section leaders or contact me, Trevor Tuck, group scout leader, on 01963 440860 or 07775 666155. NEW YEAR – NEW YOU! Happy New Year to you all. My name is Rachel Cozens and I run the local Sparkford Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club which includes an exercise class at the Sparkford Inn on TUESDAY MORNINGS AT 11.30AM. As we all know this is the time of the year when most of us are most motivated to do something about our health and well-being. If you are fed up with your clothes being too tight, feeling tired all of the time, or even getting puffed out just to walk from the front room to the kettle, then here are a few tips to help you get back on track: 1.) Cut back on fat - Always read the nutritional label on the back of food - Try and stick to less than 5% fat per 100 g or less (this does not include oily fish and oats these foods give us huge benefits to our health of our heart. It’s also OK to eat red meat with visible fat trimmed off (try and limit it to twice a week, not fried); 2.) Watch your portion sizes, especially rice and pasta. This is the main reason why people cannot lose weight even when they are eating healthily; 3.) Get Active! This is very important not only because it will help you burn excess fat but it will make your heart and lungs stronger. Always try and do a little bit extra every day. No matter what your fitness level, if you do not use it, you will lose it; 4.) Always have Breakfast, this is the most important meal of the day it will give you more energy and help you to keep fuller for longer throughout the day. Go for high fibre cereals or wholegrain. If you say you never have time then have at least a piece of fruit (a banana is perfect); 5.) Have a varied diet and remember your fruit and vegetables – five-a-day; 6.) Drink plenty of fluid, especially water. Our bodies need 2 ltrs. a day! I run classes in your village and 11 other classes in the Yeovil area. If you would like any further help or advice please contact me. I would also like to wish Rosemary Conley all the best in her ‘Dancing on Ice’. She was 65-years-old last December and she looks amazing. She does practice what she preaches! Rachel Cozens, 01935 864453 or rachel.cozens@rosemaryconley.com SOUTH CADBURY AND SUTTON MONTIS WI MEETING 14TH FEBRUARY (2.30pm, Sutton Montis Village Hall) - Enjoy ‘A talk on India’ with Mrs. M. Bigg. The South Cadbury and Sutton Montis Women’s Institute welcomes new members. For information on how to join, please call 01963 440105. Micheline Winter SUTTON MONTIS 100+ CLUB WINNERS
SOMERSET CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERT: OUT OF THE EAST 3.00pm, SUNDAY, 19TH FEBRUARY - King's College Chapel, Taunton. Somerset Chamber Choir will take its audience on a journey through some delectable and inspiring choral works from Russia and the Baltic Countries, interspersed with piano pieces played by dazzling pianist Anita D'Attellis, including movements from such works as Rachmaninov's Vespers to the beloved piano works of Chopin. This will be a concert to warm the soul of any music-lover in Somerset this winter. Tickets: £11, £15, £18 from Taunton TIC: 01823 336344 or book online at www.somersetchamberchoir.org.uk. GREAT BRITISH FISH AND CHIPS SUPPER Want to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chips supper on Friday, 18th May, whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services. You can hold a fish and chips supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting seven friends and asking them to donate an additional £5 means you will raise at least £35 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives. For more information or to request a fundraising pack, call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350, email fishandchips@spinal.co.uk, or visit www.spinal.co.uk/fishandchips. CAMELOT MUSIC NIGHT QUEEN CAMEL VILLAGE HALL – 8.00pm–11.00pm - £3. Last Thursday of every month, doors open at 7.30pm. Music by a mix of different performers monthly. Bar and Raffle. Find us on Facebook. Martine/Iain 01935 851556 martine.hardy@live.co.uk CAMELS COMPUTER CENTRE FREE courses on learning how to use a computer. We have computers available, so you do not have to own one. We work at your pace. You come and go as you please. The Davis Hall, West Camel. Mondays, 7.00pm-9.00pm or Wednesdays, 2.00pm-4.00pm. 01935 851039 I DRIVE 4 U * Private Hire * Airports, Docks, Stations, Theatres, Hospitals, Shops, Etc. * Any Distance Covered * Martin Diment Tel 01935 850065 or 07812 959458 ESSENTIALLY FRENCH THE SPARKFORD INN A great place to meet up with friends and family - a
warm welcome and hearty food awaits you. New menu and specials galore! WEBBER CAR SALES AND SERVICING GARDENING AND DESIGN BY MANYBERRIES BED & BREAKFAST YOGA FOR YOU...AT SRMHC CAKES FOR *ALL* OCCASIONS WALKIES BABYSITTER AVAILABLE |
Copy date for the March issue: NOON – Febuary 15th 2011 The Parish News is Typeset by Shauna Greed and printed by J. H. Haynes and Co., Ltd., Sparkford, Nr. Yeovil, BA22 7JJ as a service to the community |