08/00947/FUL - Change of use of garage to recreation room, erection of garage, store and greenhouse.  Mr & Mrs C Franke, Little Weston House; Little Weston Road, Sparkford.
• No planning decisions have been received.
• Following on from last months report on the flooding in the village we have now had a site visit from Highways Inspectors who agree there are problems and have promised to investigate these matters. All the gulleys are being jetted/dug out in their jetting programme for March so that should help alleviate some of the problems.
• As you are probably aware Sparkford Post Office has been proposed for closure under the Government guidelines. Everyone should have received a letter and seen the posters around the village giving details of where to send your views on this matter.
• Our District Councillor has arranged a meeting with McDonald’s and various department of South Somerset District Council to discuss various problems such as litter, footpaths etc.
• We have received a letter from a charity LELEKA based in the Ukraine who tries to arrange holidays for children affected by the Chernobyl disaster. They are asking if anyone in our village would be interested in offering a home to a child/children for a couple of weeks. If anyone is interested could they please contact me for further details.

The date of the next Parish Council Meeting will on Monday, 7th April in the Parish Hall commencing at 8.00pm.
Karen Bourke Clerk to Sparkford Parish Council

SUTTON MONTIS VILLAGE HALL.
The Chairman and members of the Sutton Montis Village Hall Committee invite all village residents to attend the Village Hall Annual General Meeting. This will take place on Friday 25th. April in the Hall at 730p.m.
Janet Little (Hon. Sec)

SPARKFORD ART GROUP
Our ‘Summer Term begins on the 16th April. We meet fort nightly on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm in Sparkford Parish Hall. The meetings comprise discussions, demonstrations and practice of a wide range of aspects and techniques of painting, mostly watercolour, and drawing.

Members pay £2 a session; funds pay for hall hire, art books and videos, workshops by visiting professional artists, occasional outings and a SUMMER EXHIBITION SATURDAY & SUNDAY, l4th/l5th JUNE).
New members are always welcome. If you would like to know more about this lively, friendly group and about painting as an engrossing hobby, just turn up on an appropriate Wednesday or ring Fred Rogers or Don Humpage

SPARKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
You may not believe it, but people are going through the contents of your wheelie Bins and black sacks. They are looking for and finding, in some cases, your personal details which they either sell to someone else or use for their own crooked gains. The answer is to shred all paper with your details on .- just your name and address and post code is all they need, in some cases.
There are still telephone callers purporting to be respectable organisations, asking for your bank details and password. DON’T ever pass these details to anyone over the telephone.

The Neighbourhood Watch Barbecue will be held on Saturday July 19th at 6.00pm. Please put the date on your calendar and come.
Bill Westcott

COFFEE MORNING.
IN AID OF CHURCH RESTORATION FUNO
You are most welcome to come and join us - Carol and Reg, 7 Twines Close, Sparkford.
Bring and Buy, Raffle, Cakes, preserves
We look forward to seeing you - Saturday 26th April

St Margarets Hospice
Caribbean Caper  - A Murder Mystery Evening at Odcombe Village Hall On Friday 11tk April at 700pm. Ticket £27.50 to include welcome drink- 3 course dinner-raffle tress: Hawaiian- prize for the most imaginative dress. Tel 01935 709493
Charity Spring Ball. - at Westlands Leisure Complex, Yeovil on Saturday 5th April tickets £35 to include drinks reception, 3 course meal, live music by STORM, Steve Carpenter from Ivelfm, fun casino, giant scalextric and much more tel 0845 0000446
4th Annual Charity Walk - Sunday 25th May - forms available at the Hospice shops, Libraries & Tourist Information Centres soon.
The Bluebell Walk by kind permission of Anne & Reg Aldworth at Woodlan4s on A359 N.E of Sparkford, Yeovil. Sunday 27th April 10.00-5.00pm Adults £2 Children 50p- Refreshments available.

Evergreen Meeting - February
The Evergreens meeting was not as well attended as usual and the promised talk by Somerset Fire Brigade was cancelled at the very last second. It was also the meeting when the announcement of resignation was given by Pat. Due to the commitment of fostering, it was deemed this a greater priority and that full attention was need to be directed in this way. We would like to thank everyone who donated and helped fund-raising throughout the year and we leave knowing that Evergreens is solvent and has a healthy bank balance. The desk has now been cleared and outstanding monies will be paid into the bank. Karen, the treasurer, will need to be contacted if a float is need for the future. Well, thank you one and all, once again. Pat & Vicky

EVERGREEN CLUB
Sadly after two years at the helm, Pat and Vicky have decided to stand down as organisers of the Evergreen Club. The members would like to thank them for their time and efforts during this time. Apparently during the last meeting it was suggested that Sharon be approached and asked if she would consider taking over again. Better the devil they know. So, after a 2 year sabbatical and previous experience of having a 6 year reign as El Presidente she agreed. (It is nice to feel wanted, or were they just desperate?) For those of you who don’t know, The Evergreen Club is a informal club for some of the elder residents of the village age 55 and over. It is a self funding group who enjoy their monthly get together, for tea, cakes, talks, coach trips etc. The Club was formerly the Mothers Union and when that sadly closed the Evergreen Club was born. It has been running as the Evergreen Club for nearly 40 years. The meetings are open to anyone when we have speakers/events etc if anything takes your fancy. There is the annual Bingo and Christmas Lunch. Meetings are normally, 2nd Thursday in the month 230pm - 4pm unless stated. For those with mobility problems there is transport available, again drivers do this on a voluntary basis. This Club is a very important part of village life and as mobility and age and perhaps loneliness creep up on people the chances to see friends regularly diminishes. Our ‘village elders’ love to chat and reminisce about by-gone times and what a pleasure it is to stand back and listen to them talking about events and things that have happened. They are a wonderful group of who I affectionately call my ‘little old ladies’, but I have been reliably informed they have been infiltrated by a couple of gentlemen!!! In the coming months we have:

March - Future Plans and Events There are trips and charabanc outings to be planned, events suggested. Sub fees decided,
Thursday April 10th - AGM and Jewellery Making with Carolyn Brown. Caz makes her own glass beads and charms and all her own links in silver, copper and steel wire at her studio in nearby Sigwells. She will be selling some of her own things and holding a workshop whereby you have the opportunity to buy what you make. She can re-cycle your old jewellery into something more up-to date for you or make a custom piece at very reasonable price. If she has something you like but not the right coloured stones she will make you one in the colours /stones/beads/crystals you like. Prices start at £4 to £50+ Come along and play and have a cuppa with us. At it is the AGM subs will be collected.
Thursday, May 8th - Chair of the Parish Council Justin Crawford. Justin will be talking about local issues and what a perfect opportunity to hear the views and concerns of the older residents of the village who quite understandably do not go out at night when the Parish Council normally meet. Hopefully Cllr Mike Lewis will be able to attend but that is because he is a very busy man, working on the behalf of our community. Again this meeting is open to all. Wednesday,
June 4th - Dr Huins 2 - 3.30pm. PLEASE NOTE A CHANGE OF Day and TIME. A favourite visitor to all in Evergreenland. Dr Huins again will be talking about joys of old age and answer any general questions and giving general advice. He is very cheap and only wants a chocolate cake as his fee. If memory serves, he took away 2 cakes at his last visit with us!!!
Thursday, 10th July - The Reintroduction of the Garden Party in Green Close. Tea, wine, cakes and relaxation at No 10. We have been very lucky so far in previous years with regard to the weather and we have sweltered in the sun. But as there is now a house in what was part of the garden at No 10, its construction has introduced some shade so we shouldn’t suffer as in previous years.

If anyone has a pastime , job or interest that they would like to share and you could spare an hour please let us know. As an example, a former resident had an interest in cake decorating and also made marzipan fruit. She came along gave us a demonstration and then we all made marzipan fruit. It was something a bit different for us and very enjoyable.
If you have any suggestions or would like to make a contribution of time or even sign up for the driving rota please let Sharon know. Contact: Sharon Bradford Tel: 440110 ~

Castle Cary Choir Concert
  - in aid of Project Mozambique at West Camel Parish Church Friday April 1 1th 2008 at 7. 30ptn
Tickets £5 from Alan Hoskins Tel: 01963 440026 or on the door

CHARITY SALE
ALL PROCEEDS TO THE CARY - MUFULIRA PARTNERSHIP TRUST
SATURDAY 24th MAY – l0AM - 12 NOON
SPARKFORD VILLAGE HALL
Do you have anything to donate? Bric-a-brac, toys, books, dvd’s, plants etc.
Alan Trott Tel: 01963 440255

On the Doorstep
Despite dire warnings from the prophets of doom that computers would herald the end of traditional forms of reading, book publishing is still a thriving industry. Christian books in particular have seen a surge in popularity in the last few years. But keeping up to date with the latest publications can be an expensive business. Fortunately, there is an alternative. The Resource Centre at the Old Deanery in Wells has a collection of over 10,000 books, DVDs, CDs, posters and study packs on all aspects of Christianity and the world’s major faiths, including many of the latest publications. All are available on free loan to any member of the public.

We welcome visits to our Centre in this lovely old building in Wells. Why not tie it in with a visit to the market on Wednesday or a stroll around the Bishop’s Palace? We are open 9 to 5 on weekdays, apart from Friday when we close at 4 pm. And while you are here, you might like to take the opportunity to look around the beautiful garden at the Old Deanery, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory by a group of dedicated volunteers.
But you don’t have to come to Wells to use our service. Ring Sue Bloomfield on 01749 685129. I will be happy to answer your queries and help you find resources that will suit your interests. Books will then be sent to your nearest public library for you to collect and you can drop them off there for return to us. There is no charge for this service.

For those who are comfortable using Computers, our catalogue is available online on the Bath & Wells website www.bathandwells.org.uk There is a link from the Resource Centre pages. You can then email us at resourcecentre@bathwells.anglican.org or telephone and we will organise delivery in the same way. We can post items to you if you need them urgently.

Somerset’s Heritage Roadshow at Glastonbury Abbey

This May the Museums In Somerset, a group of over 50 museum and heritage organisations in Somerset, will join forces will local history groups to host the second annual Somerset Heritage Roadshow. The group, with the support and assistance of Somerset County Council, will be holding the free event in the historic surroundings of Glastonbury Abbey.

The Somerset Heritage Roadshow is an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to discover mare about the county’s history, the museums that preserve it and the groups that study it. Three marquees will be placed in the grounds to hold the exhibitions and activities that are being put on by museums, history, geology and archaeology societies. There will be plenty to see and do, with activities for all the family running throughout the day.

Visitors can paint their face like the Iron Age warriors, watch Medieval Knights sword fighting and even find out what the Monk’s of the Abbey had for their tea. They can meet a host of historical figures from throughout Somerset’s history and find out hidden secrets from their local history. With over 50 stands and activities and demonstrations running throughout the day, this promises to be the highlight of Somerset’s events calendar.

This event has been funded by Bristol City Museum through the Museums, Libraries and Archives councils Renaissance in the Regions programme, a government funded Initiative to transform England’s museums and make them more accessible to their local communities. Natalie Watson, Somerset County Council’s Museum development Officer said, "This event is a wonderful opportunity for Somerset County Council and the heritage organisations across Somerset to show the fantastic collections they care for and preserve in a new and interesting way."

The Somerset Heritage Roadshow is being held at Glastonbury Abbey on Monday 5th May, between 11am-5pm. Entry is free for the Roadshow and the Abbey.

For more information please contact Natalie Watson on 01823 320203 or ~

SUTTON MONTIS 100 PLUS DRAW
Winners in the draw were as follows:
January ‘08      £10    No. 131    Sharon Scarlett
February ‘08    £10    No. 43      R & L Sinha

BED AND BREAKFAST
"A captivating 17fh century cottage standing within a garden courtyard"
The Dairy House Little Weston Somerset 01963 440987 e-mail grahambarnett@lineone.net

THANK YOU
Alison, Alex, Eleanor and Thomas Lawes would like to say a belated "Thank You" to all who gave cards, presents and best wishes on the safe (if a little late) arrival of Catherine on February the first. Once again, a special "Thanks" goes to Sharon Bradford for her help and support and for remaining on stand-by for so Iong

3rd Sparkford Scout Group
January has been busy again, Cubs came second in the County Quiz competition and one cub won the district Chess competition and is now entering at County Level. Scouts entered the County Master Chef competition, pulled out all the stops and served a three course meal that won the competition together with a large shiny new shield for the group and smaller personal shields for the team....  We are now waiting for the information on the South West Regional Competition. Scouts also entered two patrols in the District Incident Hike competition, 6 patrols entered and Sparkford Scouts came first and second.

We are not a large group but both sections are doing really well, with summer coming we hope to be out and about. If your village has applied for bulbs to be planted courtesy of South Somerset district Council and you need some willing helpers we are working on Community the Service badge....  so give us a ring and we’ll come along to help.

We are holding an Auction of Promises on Saturday 17th May in Sparkford Parish Hall at 7.30pm, promises are piling in bid for a cake baked for you each month for 12 months, tickets to local attractions - all welcome.
For further information please contact Trevor Tuck, Group Scout Leader on 01963 440860.

The Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association

The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to demonstrate to us on a daily basis the need for us to care for the soldiers, sailors and airmen who are serving us and serving their country.
Furthermore, the lives of many of those who are returning from these theatres of war, having sustained physical injury, emotional trauma or both may be altered forever,   and so too the lives of their families.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help is committed to helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, reservists, National Servicemen and the families of all these people. We provide a reliable, caring and caring service to more that 50,000 people each year
Our network of 7,000 volunteers provides practical and financial assistance, emotional support and a wide range of services to ensure that SSAFA Forces Help makes a real difference whenever anybody turns to us for help.

All enquiries from those seeking help will be dealt with confidentially. Volunteers may direct veterans to other organisat ions, whilst offering low-level emotional support, such as a friendship visit when the need for support is specialised. There is also a great need for volunteer help whether that may be as a fully trained caseworker, treasurer or fund-raiser. Please think about helping SSAFA Forces Help — you will be welcomed!

The Somerset Branch of SSAFA Forces Help can be contacted on 01984 624564 or homeshawc@btopenworld.com and our national website is at www.ssafa.org.uk

WALKIES!
Dog walking service for when you are at work, on holiday or just out for the day.
Plus feeding and minding of dogs,Cats and other pets.
Call Floss Morgan at WALKlES 01963 220 416

From The Memoirs of Edith Bennett of Sparkford Hall
The stories (in previous Parish News issues) of my Godfather’s adventures show him truly enough in a rather comic light, but never was a Parson better loved, not only by his parishioners but by the Diocese. "What does Uncle Charlie think?" the Bishop would ask at meetings. When, long after Aunt Mary’s death, the Niece then living with sat, as she thought, by his deathbed, he suddenly opened his eyes. "Come, I’ve had enough of this. I’m going to get up." He lived three years longer. Death was only able to conquer him by sudden ambush. He had taken his Morning Service and was resting after luncheon when his niece, expecting to find him in his study, found the room empty. Presently she found him lying dead on the gravel before his front door in the sunshine. (A family tradition recalls that he had a horror of dying indoor’s.
Guy Bennett