MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger...

8
MERR OTT MESSENGER Dear Editor 2 Shoe Box Appeal 3 BloominMarvellous 4 Merrio Tollhouses 5 The Merrio Spoed Horse 6 Important Village Features 7 Our Sponsors 7/8 Your editorial team: John Bowman 74077 Marion Biggs 74170 Peter Bryans 78182 Jane Jackson 74162 Janet Lailey 271008 Ann Lawrence 78461 Eric Vose 351857 Email: merriomessenger@ gmail.com Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merriovillage.org.uk November 2017 The informaon and views in the Merrio Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by the Editorial Team. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the informaon given is accurate, the Merrio Messenger cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copy date for the December issue is 12 th November. Inside this issue: Learning about The Great Fire of London Poppy Appeal 2017 There will be a house to house collecon in Merrio for two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday on 12 th November. For further details please contact Liz/Peter Fisk, tel. 01460 72595. All the pupils of Merriott School enjoyed a Curriculum day on October 10 th with the pupils from Haselbury School. All key stage 1 and EYFS pupils from both the schools were taught at Merriott for the day and learned about the Great Fire of London. While all the Year 3 and Year 4 pupils from both the schools were all based at Haselbury School and learned about the Ancient Greeks. The younger pupils enjoyed making model houses from the time and learning about this important event in history. One of the highlights for this learning was setting alight the model houses they made on the school field, carefully supervised by new deputy headteacher Mr Caswell and other staff. The children enjoyed learning and performing fire related songs too. Older pupils enjoyed tasting Greek food and taking part in a mini Olympics. Learning brought ancient Greek history alive for the day. Phil Smith, Headteacher, explained, The day was a great opportunity for the children to learn with pupils across the two schools on curriculum- focused projects and also allowed the children to play with new friends at break times. It was lovely to see so many excited faces, especially when the houses they had made were set alight in mock re-enactment of the Great Fire of London on the school field!The two schools which federated back in June have further curriculum days planned during the year and the children regularly come together at sporting fixtures. This half-term both schools have taken part in football and cross country events with many more highlights still to come. Parents of children starting school in September 2018 are more than welcome to come and have a tour of Merriott School and see our school in action. We are particularly pleased with how our new class arrangements are working, with children being taught in year groups for English and Maths. Prospective parents of Merriott School are encouraged to arrange a visit at the school by telephoning 01460 72547 and speak to Ms Abbott in the school office. Philip Smith, Executive Headteacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merriott Village Hall invites you to a Saturday 25 th November @ 7.30pm Tickets available from Osbornes Broadway, Merrio Pharmacy and Premier Garage £10 - Two Course Supper (with veggie opon) Licensed Bar from 7pm No Bring Your Own

Transcript of MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger...

Page 1: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

MERR OTT MESSENGER

Dear Editor 2

Shoe Box Appeal 3

Bloomin’ Marvellous

4

Merriott Tollhouses 5

The Merriott Spotted Horse

6

Important Village Features

7

Our Sponsors 7/8

Y o u r e d i t o r i a l t e a m :

John Bowman 74077

Marion Biggs 74170

Peter Bryans 78182

Jane Jackson 74162

Janet Lailey 271008

Ann Lawrence 78461

Eric Vose 351857

E m a i l :

merriottmessenger@ gmail.com

Delivered free to 1,000 homes www.merriottvillage.org.uk November 2017

The information and views in the Merriott Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by the Editorial Team. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information given is accurate, the Merriott Messenger cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Copy date for the December issue is 12th November.

I n s i d e t h i s

i s s u e : L e a r n i n g a b o u t T h e G r e a t F i r e o f L o n d o n

P o p p y A p p e a l 2 0 1 7 There will be a house to house

collection in Merriott for two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday

on 12th November. For further details please contact Liz/Peter Fisk, tel. 01460 72595.

All the pupils of Merriott School enjoyed a Curriculum day on October 10th with the pupils from Haselbury School. All key stage 1 and EYFS pupils from both the schools were taught at Merriott for the day and learned about the Great Fire of London. While all the Year 3 and Year 4 pupils from both the schools were all based at Haselbury School and learned about the Ancient Greeks.

The younger pupils enjoyed making model houses from the time and learning about this important event in history. One of the highlights for this learning was setting alight the model houses they made on the school field, carefully supervised by new deputy headteacher Mr Caswell and other staff.

The children enjoyed learning and performing fire related songs too. Older pupils enjoyed tasting Greek food and taking part in a mini Olympics. Learning brought ancient Greek history alive for the day.

Phil Smith, Headteacher, explained, “The day was a great opportunity for the children to learn with pupils across the two schools on curriculum- focused projects and also allowed the children to play with new friends at break times. It was lovely to see so many excited faces, especially when the houses they had made were set alight in mock re-enactment of the Great Fire of London on the school field!”

The two schools which federated back in June have further curriculum days planned during the year and the children regularly come together at sporting fixtures. This half-term both schools have taken part in football and cross country events with many more highlights still to come.

Parents of children starting school in September 2018 are more than welcome to come and have a tour of Merriott School and see our school in action. We are particularly pleased with how our new class arrangements are working, with children being taught in year groups for English and Maths. Prospective parents of Merriott School are encouraged to arrange a visit at the school by telephoning 01460 72547 and speak to Ms Abbott in the school office. Philip Smith, Executive Headteacher

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Merriott Village Hall invites you to a

Saturday 25th November @ 7.30pm

Tickets available from

Osborne’s Broadway, Merriott Pharmacy and Premier Garage

£10 - Two Course Supper (with veggie option)

Licensed Bar from 7pm No Bring Your Own

Page 2: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E 2 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A n o t h e r A w a r d w i n n i n g y e a r fo r t h e M e r r i o t t B e e s ( w i t h t h e h e l p o f R ay Pa t te m o r e ! )

M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ray Pattemore entered the Somerton & Somerset County Honey Show on the 16th September for the fourth year and came away with the following prizes:

6 x 1st's; 3 x 2nd's; 4 x 3rd's; 1 x highly commended; 2 x commended which secured him the Morris Plaque for runner-up in classes 9-25; The Bill Harris Cup for best exhibit in Composite Class; The Perkins Goblet for most points in the drinks classes; The Somerton Divisional Trophy for most points overall and The Allcomers Trophy for the most points scored.

Congratulations Ray - that’s a fantastic result! Editorial team

N e w s f r o m A l l S a i n t s C h u r c h

D e a r Ed i t o r, It is unfortunate that I feel that I have to write to the Messenger this month to quash rumours with regards to the future of Merriott Pre-School.

I would like to start by making it very clear that we are not financially in trouble, nor are we closing!

We at Merriott Pre-School pride our selves on being an independent, charity- run establishment, forming a strong, skilled, knowledgeable and highly qualified staff team who work alongside a dedicated committee, and it is for this reason that we have been so successful in the past, present and hopefully long into the future.

Merriott Pre-School has been successful within the village for well over 30 years and has grown from strength to strength and none more so than in the recent years.

Previously, we have seen unprecedented

numbers attending and have had to direct children and their families to other nearby local Pre-Schools as we have been unable to accommodate them all due to being full to bursting.

However, the numbers this year are not near previous numbers. This is absolutely not down to something we have or have not done but is a county-wide issue for this particular age group and it being a low birth year.

As we are forward thinking and sustain-able and wish to remain so, we have had to reduce our staff team (as any business would when they find demand signifi-cantly lower) as well as adjust expend-iture accordingly. We pride ourselves on knowing the children and their families and this too has allowed us to alter the way we 'do things' to best suit the children in our care to ensure Merriott Pre-School continues to stay open term time, Monday - Friday 9am-3pm.

We have embraced the changes the

Pre-School has encountered and will continue to monitor all areas of the business as part of our good, everyday practice.

Merriott Pre-School where “children enjoy their play, alongside staff that that have a friendly and reassuring approach, creating an inviting accessible play area inside and out that's exciting, supportive and motivates learning, all within a welcoming and inclusive group.” OFSTED 2017

Jenny Hayne, Merriott Pre-School manager and Early Years Teacher

RAISE THE ROOF! As I write, the repair work to the south aisle roof is almost complete; so by the time you read this, everything should be finished and the scaffolding removed. Not only that, I am delighted to say that we have raised the required funds. The £1300 made at the Flower Festival at the end of September pushed us across the finishing line. A huge thank you to Ann Lawrence and her team who put on a wonderful event. Once again, a big thank you to all the generous individuals and trusts who have supported this work.

Other Thank Yous: Thank you to Jonathan Stokes and Rob Chard for organising us, and everyone who came to the ‘Work Party’ on Saturday 14th Oct. The churchyard is a very special place for many Merriott residents and, to keep it safe and beautiful, we are heavily reliant on volunteer effort. Thanks also to everyone who brought produce and

money gifts to our Harvest service. We were able to send a car load to the Pilsdon Community and a generous cheque to the DEC East Africa Famine Relief Fund.

Church Service Review: With the help of our Churchwardens and PCCs we are beginning to review the service pattern for the 4 churches in this Benefice. Please could you help by sending your com-ments and suggestions to us by letter or email or by completing a questionnaire (available in churches). Please tell us: which current services you most value and why (please state church and time of service); which times of day are better for you; any other factors that help you or others to worship; and any ideas you have for new services or activities for all ages, and for those who do not currently attend.

Serving the Community We are very

keen to hear from you about how the church can BETTER SERVE the Merriott community. As well as all our regular Sunday services, baptisms, weddings and funerals – our buildings and their people are already doing quite a few things:- eg coffee mornings in church; the Minnows toddler group; offering quiet spaces in our churches and churchyards; saying of regular prayers for our communities and working with the school. But what else could or should we be doing? Are there important needs that the church could meet locally? Who and where are the most vulnerable groups of people in our community? We want to hear from you. Please get in touch with any PCC member or Julia and myself; by email, Facebook, phone or letter – whichever method suits you best! Thank you.

Revd Bob Hicks 01460 76406

See page 6 for church services

Page 3: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

P A G E 3 [email protected]

Songs of Praise 1st Sunday of each month at 6.30pm.

S h o e B o x A p p e a l 2 0 1 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Having an article in the Messenger not only promotes village events but keeps villagers up-to-date with what is going on in the various groups. So do please send us in your news. Articles and photos can be sent to: merriottmessenger@ gmail.com. Thank you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes it is that time of year getting prepared for the Carols and Classics Concert at All Saints Church, Merriott and the date for your diary will be Saturday 16th December.

This will be the 9th year that the Fisher Sinfonia has performed at Merriott’s church, providing an unmissable evening of string ensembles with organ and piano accompaniment to Classical and Festive arrangements. 2017 has been extremely busy for the string musicians whose international orchestral commitments have seen them performing with major

UK orchestras across all the continents (excluding Antarctica!) The musicians use the occasion at Merriott to meet as friends, then to entertain and enthral an

appreciative audience from across the village and surrounding areas. Raising funds for the church fabric, this year’s Carols & Classics concert will no doubt be another sell out.

Mince pies and refreshments will start the Christmas festivities at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm concert start. Tickets are £8 available from Osbornes Store, Broad-

way, Crewkerne Information Centre or contact 07870 404631 / 01460 76360, please book early to avoid disappointment. Paul Fisher

C a r o l s a n d C l a s s i c s 9

M e r r i o t t Vo l u n t e e r D r i v e r s

Would users of the Volunteer Drivers Scheme note that Barbara Byford is no longer a volunteer driver, so please do not call her. There have been a number of changes of drivers in the last few months and many users may not be aware of the new people who have kindly offered their time. The suggested contributions have also been increased slightly to reflect the increased cost of motoring.

Please call me on 279623 if you would like an up-to-date list of drivers and suggested contributions.

David Collins

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We are fast approaching Shoe-Box time again and we would be delighted if you could help once more with our 2017 appeal. We are so grateful for your generosity every year, and we know that many desperately poor and marginalised people in Eastern Europe will be deeply touched as they receive their shoe-boxes this Christmas.

Boxes can be sent to every age-range, from babies to the elderly, so the choice is

yours! Leaflets giving more details will be available from mid-September in the Church and in the Broadway Garage.

Completed boxes, as well as 'fillers' can be dropped off at the addresses below - final date for collection is November 4th. We would also be grateful for any extra empty shoe-boxes. These can also be dropped off to us at any time.

Thank you so much. Beryl Virgin - 12 Higher Beadon, Merriott: 74917

Beryl Bellamy - 35 Shiremoor Hill, Merriott: 74574

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Careford Lodge would like to thank all those who support-ed our very successful Coffee Morning on 29th Sept when we raised £311 for Macmillan Cancer. Sophie Roberts

Page 4: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B l o o m i n ’ M a r v e l l o u s ! ! !

P A G E 4 [email protected]

M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There will be a talk by a Trustee of the HMS Victory Preservation Trust entitled “The Story of HMS Victory, Past, Present and Future” in St. George’s Hall, Hinton St George on Saturday 25th Nov. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30 start. Tickets on sale from 1st Nov. from Hinton village shop or on the door.

Thank you to everybody who came for tea and enjoyed the flowers in our lovely church. The concert on Friday

with Stanchester Quire was fun - it included an old song written by a farmer called Mitchell from Merriott! Thank you to the team who

arranged the flowers including friends from Ile Valley Flower Club and those who provided and served refreshments, played music, sold tickets and altogether made the Flower Festival a success. Together, with donations, our activities raised £1,300 for the church roof. Ann Lawrence (photos taken by Jane Jackson)

D a t e f o r y o u r D i a r y :

Saturday 2nd December Merriott Social Club in aid of

Merriott Pre-School. Eyes down at 7.30.

Look out for further details next month.

A l l S a i n t s C h u r c h S e r v i c e s

Sun 5th 8.30am Holy Communion 4pm Benefice All Souls Service (for the bereaved) followed by tea & cake

Sun 12th Remembrance Sunday 10.50am Service of Remem- brance (start outside at the war memorial) Collection for the Royal British Legion

Sun 19th 10am All Age Communion

Sun 26th 10am Sung Communion

Dates for Your Diary:

Christmas Fayre Saturday 25th Nov @ All Saints Church. See poster on front page.

Details of Christmas services will be included in the December issue of the Messenger.

Page 5: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

P A G E 5 [email protected]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C r e w ke r n e Tu r n p i ke Tr u s t & M e r r i o t t To l l h o u s e s Turnpike Trusts began to be established by Act of Parliament in the 18th century in an attempt to improve the condition of England’s roads. Each trust was based in the larger towns, such as Crewkerne, and was responsible for developing and maintaining a network of roads radiating therefrom. They were empowered to raise money for this by charging tolls which were collected at Tollhouses where a gate or bar (turnpike) was only opened after the toll had been paid.

Crewkerne Trust set up Tollhouses on roads leading towards Chard (at Round-ham), Lyme Regis (at Clapton), Beamin-ster (at Misterton) and Martock (at Norton sub Hamdon).

The roads to Yeovil, Ilminster, South Petherton, West Chinnock and Hinton St. George were all controlled by Tollhouses within Merriott parish.

The Tollhouse in Merriott Village controlled the roads to South Petherton , Hinton St. George and Ilminster and is shown on the 1843 map at Merriotts-ford . This is at the junction (known as “Pyke Corner”) of the Broadshard to Lopenhead road (turnpiked in 1765) and the Merriott to Haselbury Plucknett road (turnpiked in1825). In the 1871 Census it was occupied by James Beagley aged 44 (described as a Toll Gate keeper and Chelsea Pensioner) plus his wife Elizabeth and 4 children. Today it is a private residence still known appropri-

ately as “Turnpike House”

The biggest problem at Merriott was the crossing of the two streams Goulds Brook and Beadons Brook which merged in an often boggy area at Merriotts Ford. Originally it appears that if the ford at Merriott was impassable there was another way across by the side of Court Mill, possibly via a wooden bridge, from Pyke Corner up Court Mill Lane to Lower Street. However, in 1851 the Crewkerne Turnpike Trust sold this road to William French the miller at Court Mill as by this time the Trust had built their own bridge and had no need of this alternative route. The Turnpike’s upper bridge at Merriotsford was replaced in 1920 and if you look carefully at the bridge today you can see an inscription to that effect on the NE parapet.

The road to Yeovil had a Tollhouse in Merriott Parish at Easthams Gate on todays A30, just before Haselbury Bridge, which the Trust built to realign the road and avoid the old narrow bridge down by Haselbury Mill. In 1871 it was occupied by Mary Ann Whimpole aged 36 (Toll Collector) and her daughter. The building is now a farmhouse and Grade ll listed.

To prevent people bypassing the Toll Gates using side roads two other Toll-houses were built in Merriott parish the first being at the junction of Boozer Pit and the A356 which controlled traffic

coming from the north cutting across towards Merriott and Hinton (turnpiked in 1825). In the 1841 census and on modern maps this junction is called “Hut Gate”. In 1871 it was occupied by Marga-ret Stower aged 74 (Gate Keeper) and her 33 year old daughter Martha. However at that time it was called Eight Acre Hill Toll Gate. There is no building there now.

The other Tollhouse was at Bow Gate on the present A356 at the junction with Bow Bridge where the road went to the Chinnocks (turnpiked in 1765) and controlled the traffic going to Yeovil which had bypassed Easthams Gate Toll-house. In 1851 this was occupied by John Marshallsay aged 36 together with his wife Susan and 4 children. There is no building there now.

There was also a Toll Gate at Shutteroaks bridge which is in Merriott although the Tollhouse was on the Crewkerne side. This controlled traffic cutting across to Hinton St. George from Crewkerne (turnpiked in 1765) and is still marked on modern maps as Shutteroaks Toll House. Today it is a private residence called “Haunted House”.

In 1888 roads became the responsibility of the County Council and the Turnpike Trust was wound up.

Peter Bryans

Shutterhouse Tollhouse

Easthams Gate

Merriott Tollhouse at Merriottsford

M e r r i o t t G a r d e n i n g C l u b

Tuesday 28th Nov. A talk in the year of South Somerset’s Parks and Gardens by Stephen Fox of Yeovil DC Parks and Gardens. Meet at the Tithe Barn, Church Street at 7.30pm. Refreshments and Raffle and don’t forget to bring your favourite flower for the Flower of the Month competition. Everyone welcome – non-members £2. A reminder for our meeting on Tuesday 31st Oct. where David Usher of Hester-combe Gardens will be talking about Trees/Shrubs and Pruning – this should be very interesting and appropriate for this time of the year. Venue and time as above. Barbara 72298

S & L Roofing

Local roofing business with

28 years experience and

recently completed two roofs

in Merriott.

Please call: Steve Baker on

07718 906 110 or 01460 351924

for information/quote

Page 6: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

Every month the indoor market has at least 20+ regular stalls attending with various charity and local stalls. We serve bacon butties, teas and coffees and the bar is open.

As well as promoting the Club and raising funds for the new roof, we also support and share the proceeds with many other local charities. For further details call Lola on 07885 424 588, pop into the Club or check us out on

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P A G E 6 [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

M e r r i o t t M e s s e n g e r

Merriott’s Monthly Market

First Saturday of the month, 10am - 1pm - Merriott Social Club

T h e M e r r i o t t S p o t t e d H o r s e

P I L A T E S w i t h B e l l e

Stretch, strengthen, relax and unwind

Class held at Merriott Village Hall

every Tuesday 09.30 - 10.30

First session is free Contact Belle on 0759

3299 284 for more information

It has been suggested that the Spotted Horse was sacred to the pagan religion of early Somerset tribes and associated with stock maintained by the West Saxon King Ina. Whether or not this is so, the breed seems to have been rather special for Merriott. They were known locally as Merriott Markets or Merriott Half-Hackneys and were much in demand for fast transport. Driven by Merriott tranters they carried local produce to Bristol and Salisbury as well as to coastal ports, from where they returned with fish. They transported flax to the local rope and sail mills and the finished products on to Weymouth and the Fleet. The smaller, longer-bodied horse, known

as a “hand pony” was used to carry bags of game.

Mrs Wallis of Merriott must have been a well-known breeder and exporter of the Merriott Spotted Horse, for in 1978 she had 10 stallions and 50 mares. She believed they were an ancient breed of

wild forest horse – hence the leopard-like dappling. Now DNA analysis suggests that spotted horses indeed existed in the Upper Paleolithic period, 50,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Her horses were distinctive and variable in colour, distribution of spots and size. They were dainty, short-nosed, docile and remarkably intelligent, attributes which made them so useful in an age before the internal combustion engine.

If anyone can add any other information I should be pleased to hear from them.

Also thanks to the late Queenie Dodge

Pat Hobbs Merriott Heritage Trust

P h o t o g r a p h o f t h e m o n t h

A reminder of Summer - Photo taken by Alison Bibb. Please send your photos to:

[email protected]

OPEN GROUP

2nd November - A talk by an ortho-paedic surgeon on "The Hip Joint".

16th November - Coffee Evening - what 3 items would you take to a desert island?

Any queries please contact Marion Biggs 01460 74170.

Marion Biggs

Regular users of the Merriott Rec may have noticed the installation of a Heartsafe mobile defibrillator cabinet on the rear wall of the village hall. The purchase cost of the defibrillator was jointly met by two sponsors. Merriott Parish Council, on behalf of all in the parish, wishes to extend its 'heartfelt' thanks to those sponsors - Merriott Youth Football Club and Crewkerne Hospital League of Friends.

Part of the purchase price included a Defibrillator familiarisation course and the MPC would like to appeal for volunteers to attend the course.

This appeal is directed at, but not limited to, those of the community who are directly involved with physical activities at the village hall, the recreation field, tennis courts and the bowls club. Volunteers are requested to respond to Katharine Sheehan, Clerk to Merriott Parish Council via email (merriott-clerk@hotmail. co.uk) with the following details: name, contact details, associated activity and availability (daytime or evenings).

Councillor Dave Aslett

M o b i l e D e f i b r i l l a t o r n o w i n s t a l l e d

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A very big thank you to John Goldie and the Footpath Team for clearing and filling the holes in the footpaths from the end of Beadon Lane around the pond and back An excellent job making the walk very much more enjoyable. Their work is much appreciated. Liz Fisk and Teddy (and I am sure all the doggie walkers too!)

Page 7: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

These useful gifts, illustrated with beautiful sketches of the village by Merriott artist Beryl Virgin, are for sale at Osbornes and the garage

Premier Shop. Easy to post, they make an ideal gift.

Proceeds go to All Saints Church

Charlotte Hamlin Merriott Childminder OFSTED & PACEY registered

Full/part-time hours Early years funding

Between 6.30am & 6.30pm www.merriottchildminder.co.uk

01460 73361 07721 018 335

IAN CROSSLAND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Tel: 01935 411813 Mob: 07811 070 498 Interior and exterior

decorating, Household carpentry, External lime

mortaring, Restoration work

Chris Martin Interiors Ltd

Specialising in installation

of kitchens and bathrooms

01460 76612 07976 848 677

Mobile Library @ Merriott School

Tuesday 28th Nov.

9.30 - 10.00

P A G E 7 [email protected]

Printed by Parish Magazine Printing 01288 341 617 Northmoor, Whitstone EX22 6TD

More sponsors

Gardening Quote of the Month

sent in by Mo Frampton

"What a desolate place would be a world with-out a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome”. A J Balfour

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U p d a t e o n M e r r i t h e b a t India Long from the RSPCA at West Hatch took Merri home to care for it, mend it`s injured foot and feed it on milk and mealy worms. Apparently it was a very young bat and needed round the clock care.

It is now at the North Devon Bat Flight where it is learning to fly and to catch insects. When it is ready they plan to bring it back to Manor Drive to release it.

Hopefully a real success story for this endangered species. Well Done Martin!

Marion Biggs

FAST, FRIENDLY & RELIABLE

Here at Taxi Alliance the proprietors have over 40 years experience in running taxis and private hire vehicles, serving Yeovil, Crewkerne and all surrounding towns and villages. We have 4 and 6 seater taxis and 8 and 16 seater minibuses for any occasion. All our drivers have excellent knowledge of the area.

To contact us please phone or email:

Yeovil: 01935 414444, Crewkerne: 01460 75089

Freefone: 0800 066 5089, Minibus Bookings & General Enquiries: 01460 76029

Email: [email protected]

Do you watch Strictly Come Dancing every year and think 'I would love to have a go at that!’? Or maybe you would love to revive a long lost passion? Now is your chance with both beginners and intermediate Ballroom & Latin classes available to you every Friday night in Merriott Village Hall. Beginners 7.15pm - 8.15pm; Inter-mediate 8.15pm - 9.15pm. £5 per person (6 weekly term fees apply). Couples only (this doesn't have to be man/lady).

Keri Hill, Trained competition dancer and qualified teacher [email protected] 07843 226 219

M e r r i o t t M a r q u e t r y G r o u p Now that we have been to all our shows and the Group members are catching up on holidays, we will soon start to sort out what we are going to prepare for our outings next year to help swell our finances. At the shows we visit, it is surpris-ing the number of people who think our pictures are paintings!! Initially one seems insulted by this, considering the amount of hours put in in making the picture, but then if someone thinks the picture looks like a painting, then that is a back-handed way of letting you know how well you have done your picture!! One technique used in Marquetry that cannot be duplicated in a

painting, is that of using the fact that the grain of the wood reflects the light shining on it. By using this property it is possible to highlight various sections of the picture and also make the picture look different depending on the viewing angle. This is part of the fascination of Marquetry. For all those who would like to have it all explained, or demonstrated, do come and visit us in the Blake Room in the Village Hall any Monday after-noon from 2pm to 4pm - you could be lucky enough to get a cup of tea and a biscuit!!

Ken Smart

Picture on right “Colin’s two birds”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I m p o r t a n t V i l l a g e F e a t u r e s At its meeting on October 9th the Parish Council considered asking English Herit-age to list the Tele-phone Box and the Letterbox at the corner of Lower Street and the Knapp. They are certainly characteristic of a village street scene

and have served the residents well for many years. Editorial Team

M e r r i o t t T e a T o w e l s

s t i l l o n l y £ 4 . 0 0

Page 8: MERR OTT M ESSENGERbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site1271/Messenger/November 2… · Messenger are those provided by the named individual contributors and are not necessarily

Jaycee Plumbing Heating Engineers

Boiler servicing and changes Lpg / Oil / Gas-Safe 20 Shiremoor Hill

Merriott 07970 279778 / 07738 632746

Ansaphone: 01460 76000

[email protected]

MERRIOTT HERITAGE TRUST

merriott.heritage.trust @gmail.com

01460 72465

Sally-Marie Shearing Beauty Therapy

Relaxing, Revitalising,

Beauty Treatments

Tel 01460 73957 Gift Vouchers available

Manor Farm - Your local farm shop

Lower Street, Merriott TA16 5NP Tel: 07963 102258 nigel.witcombe@

gmail.com

Complete Care & Cleaning Domestic Support Services 01460 261120 jess_completecare@ hotmail.com www.completecareand cleaning.co.uk

Merriott Childcare Solutions Childminder OFSTED & PACEY registered

Graded Outstanding

Ad-hoc, F/T and P/T hours

Registered for Early Years

Educational funding

www.merriottchildcare.co.uk

01460 74086/ 07807 753 77

R. A. Wicks Ltd

Fireplace Showroom, Flue Lining, and Multi Fuel

Stoves 01460 74612

Popular Motors, Merriott Service Station

Broadway, Quality Car Sales, Workshop, MOT testing Garage & Car Service -

01460 76803 Shop and PO - 01460 78716 www.popularmotors.co.uk

www.somersetreiki.com Sara Morley

[email protected] 07484 636577

Secure self storage & removals Competitive rates, easy & flexible

01460 243100

[email protected] www.beehiveselfstorage.co.uk

Serviced Offices To Let

Merriott Social Club •open every evening

•spacious function room available for hire

01460 74376

[email protected]

Fusion Fostering We are always looking for

families who can offer warm, loving and safe homes to

children and young people who need Fostering. Tel: 03301 239355

[email protected]

The Barn Self Catering

Accommodation 32 Church St

Merriott TA16 5PS

01460 351857 07879 066012

[email protected]

The Haselbury Mill

Haselbury Plucknett for Weddings and other Functions

01460 77095

Robert Frith Optometrists

your local independent Optician

FREE emergency appointments under

the NHS Somerset ACES service Chard 67771

Crewkerne 72964 Yeovil 01935 478463

Kevin Swain

Electrical Contractor

Free Estimates Tel 01460 73260

Chatter-Cino Café

10 Lower Street

Merriott TA16 5NL

01460 76659

Follow us on

Appliance Maintenance Services

Domestic Appliance Repairs Tel: 01460 72211

Mob: 07970 744 115 www.appliancemaintenance.co.uk

Osborne’s Broadway

Butcher of local farm meat, groceries, newspapers,

wines and spirits

01460 73459

Moorlands Residential Home

Moorlands Road

Quality care for the elderly

Contact Jayne: 01460 74425

[email protected]

Careford Lodge Residential Home

Church Street

Contact Lorraine on 01460 75592

carefordlodge@ hotmail.co.uk

Merriott Pharmacy

Free prescription collection & delivery

01460 72222

merriottpharmacy @hotmail.com

Tom Merrick

Electrical Contractor Agricultural & Industrial

No Job too small NAPIT approved contractor

01460 72757 07980 686 160

16 South Street Crewkerne TA18 8DA

01460 200666 5% off our advertised price

for people of Merriott

Jays

Complete Property Maintenance

Over 20 years experience No job too small!

01460 78891 07865 700 760

Lawrences Auctioneers

Free verbal valuations Home visits

01460 73041

Fax: 01460 270799

Merriott Parish Council

merriott-clerk@ hotmail.co.uk

07526 933464

@MerriottParishCouncil

Veterinary

Crewkerne

your local vets

01460 72443

Letting, Investment and Property Management for

S Somerset & W Dorset 01935 420555

[email protected] www.martincoyeovil.co.uk

Church St Merriott TA16 5PR Tel: 01460 78912

also on

Merriott Village Hall Parties, weddings, community groups

welcome 01460 72508

michellerowswell@ yahoo.co.uk

01460 279 279 www.stokespartners.co.uk

Quantock Joinery Systems Limited

Tail Mill Lane Merriott TA16 5PF

01460 77545

[email protected]

If you would like to promote your business or

organisation, please contact a member of the

editorial team, details are on the front page.

Alternatively, email us at:

[email protected]

Find us on

T h a n k y o u t o o u r s p o n s o r s f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t

Open 6 days a week

Tel: 01460 249730

More sponsors on page 7