SPARKFORD PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

The last Parish Council Meeting was held on 4th February 2008.  No planning applications had been received.
The following planning decision has been received:
07/01506/FUL - Demolition of existing building & erection of 14 no. dwelling houses with associated parking, garages & access. The Old Coal Yard & Old Station Yard, Sparkford Road, Sparkford - Zephyr developments Ltd. Although this application was originally refused by the South Somerset district Council’s Area East Committee the applicant appealed and the application has now been granted by an independent planning inspector.

A discussion took place regarding the flooding, especially in Church Road, for which we have received complaints from parishioners. The Vice Chairman of the Parish Council undertook a survey of all the gullies in Church Road most of which were blocked or in need of attention. A meeting with Highways has been arranged and it is hoped this situation will be resolved in the near future.
The date of the next Parish Council Meeting will on Monday, 3rd March in the Parish Hall commencing at 8.00pm.
Karen Bourke Clerk to Sparkford Parish Council

CALLING ALL SINGERS AND LOVERS OF GOOD MUSIC

I am looking to increase the size of the Benefice choir for at least the bigger church festivals, if not all the services. To this effect, I am planning for the service on PALM SUNDAY, March 16th There will be only 2 rehearsals for this with each rehearsal lasting one hour; venue to be decided. The music will include "Panis Angelicus" and "Ave Verum". If you are interested in this exciting project, please speak to Jo German or ring 01935 851592.

BATH & WELLS MOTHERS UNION
Appointment of Diocesan Treasurer
The Mothers Union is seeking to appoint someone to undertake the general tasks of the finances of the Mothers Union in Bath & Wells Diocese. This will involve being based in the MU Office, in the Old Deanery, Wells on Mondays and Thursday 9.00am-3.30pm, and will include management of the Office during those hours. This is a part time paid appointment negotiable and commensurate with national rates of pay.

The applicant should be in sympathy with the Aims and Objects of the MU and have some knowledge of the Church of England. The successful applicant will be accountable to the diocesan President and the Trustees and under the immediate supervision of the Co-ordinator of the Finance & Central Service Unit. They would be a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
Details: Barbara Stratton, 17 The Fairways, Sherford, Taunton TA1 3PA. Tel: 01823 330564 Closing date: Monday 17th March 2008

ST. MARGARETS HOSPICE
A Caribbean Caper - A murder Mystery Evening at East Coker Village Hall on Friday 11th April at 7.00pm
Tickets £27.50 to include welcome glass, 3 course meal & raffle.   Also prize for the most imaginative turn out.
Tel. 01935 709493

New Orleans Jazz Evening- Enjoy the Sunset Café Stompers at the Digby Hall, Sherborne on Saturday 8fh March at 7.3Opm - Ticket £12 to include welcome drink and light buffet tel 0845 3459671 Proceeds of both events in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice

Queen Camel (Morning ) W.I.
With our February speaker reporting sick at the last moment, things could have been tricky. However, one of our members offered to talk about her trip to Vietnam. So, with very little notice she produced a talk, with photos, that both entertained and inspired. From the initial hunt for the tour company who could offer the range of activities that she wanted, through the cruise in beautiful Halong Bay on a traditional junk, and the visit to the Mausoleum of Ho Clii Minh, she carried us on an unforgettable journey. After this, we hod a Bring and Buy stall as well, making over £40 for our charity. Couple this with coffee, home-made biscuits and chat, and there was another lovely morning with our friends in W.I. If you would like to join us or come along to one of our meetings, you would be made most welcome. We meet in the Queen Camel Memorial Hall on the first Tuesday of the month of 10.3Oam. Alternatively, give us a call. Jo German, our president, can be found on 01935 851592 or Carole Carter, the press officer, on 01963 220608. Why not give us a try.

SPARKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD) WATCH
Our Summer BBQ will be held at 6.00pm on Saturday l9TH July at Weston Bampfylde Village Hall
Tickets will be available from all Contact People at a later date.
All are welcome. Any queries to 440741

Helen Brazier and family would like to thank all kind friends for the lovely cards, messages of sympathy and donations to Cancer Research UK following the sad death of Mary Jayne Kyranides

WALKIES  dog walking service for when you are at work, on holiday or just out for the day. Plus feeding and minding of dogs, cots and other pets. Call Fiona Morgan 01963 220 416

BED AND BREAKFAST
‘A captivating 17th Century cottage standing within a garden courtyards
The Dairy House Little Weston Somerset BA22 7HP phone 01963 440987 e-mail Graharnbarnett@lineone.net

MORE BENNETT TRANSPORT (Charles Bennett. Rector 1874-99)
It was after a garden party that an accident happened. This time a double tricycle replaced the both chair and a pony the donkeys. The shafts were added by Uncle Charlie and fastened with a single bolt. We had started for home rather later than they did and presently Caiger, our coachmen, turned to us saying, "That’s a bicycle bolt, Miss." I got out and picked it up out of the deep white dust, for tarred roads were not yet, and shortly after we pulled up again. Yon’s the other half, Miss", said Caiger, ~the tricycle won’t be far on." He spoke truly, round the next corner the overturned tricycle stood limply in the ditch (dry happily) and, beside it, sat Uncle Charlie holding poor Aunt Mary with two broken ribs. The pony had gone cheerily home with the shafts.
(from Edith Bennett’s Memoirs)

LAUGHTER LINES
It’s time for a new car when you double the value of your car every time you fill the tank!

My kids drive me crazy. I drive them everywhere else.

When a man opens a car door for his wife, it’s either a new car or a new wife. (Prince Phillip)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY