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April 2015 Incorporating The Herald

A Village of Swimmers: Compton Dundon appears to have more than its fair share of proficient swimmers, who are more than happy to do their bit for worthwhile causes. In 1994, five Compton Dundon girls swam a mile each during Na-tional Swimfit Week. In the photograph, Pat Wall, Angela Warren, Sheila Taylor, Pat Winslade and Tina Napper still look as fresh as daisies despite their ordeal.

Another of our Compton Dundon girls, Lynda Lofthouse, swam a mile from Padstow to Rock, in the Camel Estuary, in 2013. She did this in aid of Marie Curie.

It’s now the turn of the boys. The Compton Codgers: James, Ian, Lloyd & Andrew will be swimming 5 km in the Marie Curie Swimathon on the 18th April. They would like to thank the people who have sponsored them online (my.swimathon.org/sponsor/compton-codgers) and in the village post office.

Parish Newsletter

Compton Dundon

and Littleton

The Compton Cupids

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The Compton Dundon & Littleton 100 Club The March winners were: 1st No 30 Mary Heywood 2nd No 49 John Searle 3rd No 62 James Stallard

Compton Dundon Walking Group

Everyone Welcome

Meet at the Village Hall on the following Sundays :

Sundays—10 a.m. Leader Telephone

April 19th Dick & Sue 01458 241618

May 17th Chris & Marlene 01458 273454

June 28th Paul 01458 273624

To submit news items or information for the May newsletter, please contact johngordon1952@hotmail.co.uk, or phone 01458 272135 or drop details into Pippins, Hayes Lane, Compton Dundon TA116PB. The deadline for the May newsletter is the 24th April 2015.

This newsletter and past issues may be found on the village website: www.comptondundon.com

For the latest community news and information, follow Compton Dundon on Facebook: www.facebook.com/comptondundon

The Crafts Club The crafts club meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Meadway Hall Meeting Room, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The next meeting is on Tuesday 7th April, when we will be ei-ther be carrying on with our Australian cross stitch or finishing with other projects. It’s a good opportunity to meet and have a chat.

Computer Club The next meeting will be on Monday 13th April, between 10.00 and 11.30 a.m. It will be a good opportunity for you to learn how to use Facebook!

Short Mat Bowls Club Do come and join us on a Monday or Tuesday evening, at the Meadway Hall, at 7.00 p.m. We supply the bowls and the first three evenings are free.

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The Photography Club In our March meeting, Mark showed how to use lighting to improve our portrait photography. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 15th April, in the Meadway Hall, at 7.00 p.m. Our challenge for this month is ‘Still Life’. The club is for photographers of all abilities and all are welcome.

Compton Dundon Golf Society

The first meeting of the Compton Dundon Golf Society took place recently at Farrington Park. It was a great success and there was sunshine just about all day, very Spring-like! The Course was in great condition, with the greens tricky to read and the fairways with some run on the ball, for those who managed to find them! Most importantly, everyone from the village made new friends and had the opportunity to chat during the game and over a drink afterwards.

For the record, we had 14 players and results were as follows : * Best Team score : Karen Cookson, Ian Dillamore and Andrew Curtis * Best Individual Score : Dave Wisniewski * Second Individual score : Nina Dillamore

The next meeting is at the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club on Wednesday 15th April, with the first Tee off at 11.00 a.m. The cost will be £40, to include coffee and bacon rolls, 18 holes of golf, followed by a 2 course meal and prizes afterwards. We hope as many people as possible will be able to come along and support this meeting and again enjoy friendly golf. Please note that we have to advise Wedmore of numbers attending by 8th April, so please confirm your attendance by sending me a cheque, cash or by contacting me for the CDGS banking details. Ian Dillamore, East Barn, Compton Street, Home phone : 01458 448873 Mobile : 07885 653095

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The Herald Newsletter of St Andrew’s Church

Compton Dundon

Priest in Charge: The Reverend Sharon Walker; Tel: 01458 442297 or sharonannewalker@hotmail.com. However, any enquiries with regard to Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals should be directed to the Administrator, Barry Sutton on 272811; barry@sutton-family.org.uk

Church Officers Chairman of the PCC: Peter Robertson 840562

Church Wardens: Martyn Steer 273455 & Helen Thomas 274427

PCC Secretary: Pat King 274926 Treasurer: Margaret Sutton 272811

Organist: Roger Adams 272324 Administrator: Barry Sutton 272811

Services and Events - 2nd April - 7th June 2015 All Sunday morning services start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise stated

Date Service Preacher

2nd April Maundy

Thursday Maundy Service

7.30 p.m. All Saints, Street

3rd April Good Friday 11.00 a.m. Meditation Revd Brian Gillett

5th April Easter Holy Communion Revd David Hatrey

12th April Easter 2 Holy Communion Revd Sharon Walker

19th April Easter 3 6.30 p.m. Anzac Vigil Revd Grant Welch

26th April Easter 4 10.00 Holy Communion 11.45 Annual Parochial

Church Meeting (in Church)

Revd Toby Salisbury

3rd May Easter 5

10th May Easter 6 Holy Communion Revd Sharon Walker

14th May Ascension Day Holy Communion

7.00 p.m.

17th May Easter 7 Holy Communion

24th May Pentecost Holy Communion Revd Brian Gillett

31st May Trinity Sunday Holy Communion

Time to be confirmed All Saints, Walton

7th June Trinity 1 Dedication of new

Altar Frontal Revd David Hatrey

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Easter and Holy Week

Maundy Thursday, 2nd April Benefice service at All Saints, the Parish Church, Street at 7.30 p.m. .

Good Friday, 3rd April : Meditation at 11 a.m. led by Revd Brian Gillet. The whole family including dogs are warmly invited to accompany the crosses to the top of Lollover at midday. Easter Sunday, 4th April A joyful service, at 10.00 a.m., to celebrate this great Christian festival, led by Revd David Hatrey. An Easter egg hunt will follow this family communion.

FLOODLIGHTING THE CHURCH If you would like to have the Church lit for an evening, for a contribution

of £10, at any time throughout the year, perhaps for an individual

celebration such as a birthday or anniversary or maybe in memory of a

loved one, please contact Barry (272811) for further details.

A Vigil of Prayer and Penitence on the Centenary of Gallipoli 6.30 p.m. Sunday 19th April 2015

On 4 August 2014, St Andrew’s held a Vigil of Prayer & Penitence on the Centenary of the Outbreak of the First World War. It was widely appreciated and so we resolved to include a vigil in each of the four years duration of the War. The first Vigil reflected the optimism on all sides that the conflict would be short. By the end of 1914 that optimism had drained away and the conflict was drawing in an ever-widening circle of nations. 1915 was the year of Gallipoli and so we have taken it as our theme to remember the combatants who came often thousands of miles from home to take part in the fight. We have chosen to hold the Vigil on the Sunday before Anzac Day, 25 April, because St Andrew’s was entrusted with just such a soldier. Trooper William Joseph Dawbin of the Wellington Mounted Rifles was mortally wounded in the Dardanelles and lies in our Churchyard and so brings to mind all those from distant lands who fought and died and whose service and sacrifice can so easily be forgotten.

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THE VILLAGE HOG ROAST

Anyone wishing to have a stall at the Hog Roast should contact Martyn Steer on 273455 for details.

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On Sunday June 7th, a new green altar frontal with matching vestments will be dedicated in St. Andrew’s Church at 10 a.m. These have been designed and made by Helen Richman, a very talented embroiderer, who trained at the Royal School of Needlework. The design reflects our famous Yew tree in the churchyard, which is reported to be over 1700 years old. Helen’s talent is much in demand and we feel very privileged that she agreed to take on this project. With the supervision of Helen, some of the embroidery on the altar frontal has been worked by local residents. We have enjoyed our meetings together, in each others homes and have been delighted and thrilled by the skills and talent that we have each developed. We hope to continue with this project as several of the church vestments need to be replaced.

Message from Bishop Peter of Bath and Wells

Take the Election prayerfully and seriously. Elections are in the air. No, don’t turn over the page! I’m not joining the pre-election morass of words and promises. Though I do support my fellow bishops in our Pastoral Letter that caused such a fuss in February. You can find it on the diocesan website if you haven’t seen it. The basic message is: politics has become somewhat sterile and self-interested – so turn out and vote to improve things.

But there are other elections also happening. In your parish church, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will occur during April. It’s an opportunity to choose churchwardens and church council members. And, maybe, even stand for election yourself. It’s too easy in church life to grumble about how ‘they’ do things: but perhaps the right thing is to offer to take part and help to do it better.

Then there are elections to Deanery Synods. The old joke is that a Deanery Synod is ‘a collection of people waiting to go home.’ I would like that to change to ‘a collection of people listening to God and each other’- as together we navigate the tricky waters of the future of our churches.

Actually, your Deanery Synod members are rather important. They have to elect a new Diocesan Synod this year – and I am very keen that our Synod helps grasp the many opportunities and challenges that the Church is currently facing. And lastly, a new General Synod is to be elected this autumn. Any church member can be a candidate, but Deanery Synod representatives are critical, because they actually choose who gets elected.

So, take the General Election prayerfully and seriously. But please also take our church elections seriously too. You might be one of the people God is calling to serve his church by taking on a role as PCC member, Deanery, Diocesan or General Synod representative. It could be you! That is something to think and pray about. With warm best wishes

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Are you the next Robin Hood?

The Children’s Club are holding an Archery Evening at the Meadway Hall. Friday 24th April – 6.00 to 8.00 p.m.

Places are limited to 20 – so please contact Greg Jones (272531 or greg@mor-cott.co.uk) Cost is as per normal club meetings - £1 each (cap of £2 per family). The minimum age to take part is 6 (and 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult).

Gardening Club News: The March meeting on ‘Wicked Plants’ was very informative and we now know what to avoid in our gardens.

The next meeting, in the Meadway Hall, is on Monday 13th April, when Paul Newman will tell us about ponds - a week lat-er than normal due to Easter.

We then have two trips planned - one short and the other longer. On Wednesday 15th April we are visiting Kelways Garden Centre for a tour and a talk about their award winning peonies. There is no charge but you can pay for tea and cakes afterwards in their pleasant café. Make your own way there for 2.30 p.m. - it’s about 15 minutes in the car—please phone if you need a lift. Please let me know if you would like to come, as they would like numbers. We still have a few places left on the coach for the Friday 8th May trip to the Malvern Spring Show.

If anyone would like an advert in the village show booklet, please let me know. The rates are very reasonable! Kathy (01458 274531)

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The Re-opening of the Castlebrook Inn:

Nicki and Wes would really like to thank the villagers of Compton Dundon and Littleton for their support so far. They say that the response has been incredible. Everyone has been so welcoming. They are very happy to be part of such a great community.

Baby and Toddler Group This group meets at 9.30 a.m.

on every Tuesday during term time. The next meeting will

be after the Easter break, on Tuesday 14th April.

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I had a problem with my 1946 Standard Fourteen Coupe (GOF969) last month. It was a delightfully dry and sunny day, so a good time to exercise GOF properly after many months of being moved from garage to our kind neighbour's garage while work progressed on overhauling the cottage's roof. I set out to go and fill up with fuel and knowing the level must be low (the gauge hadn't moved much when I switched on) I made sure that I had the spare can with me.

I always know if GOF is running well, or not so well, if I can crest the hill (B3151) up to Marshall's Elm without having to change down - it was going to be a no-change run, then quickly I realised that I needed to change down after all... and the engine died during the change…. and quite suddenly there was no forward motion any more! On attempting to re-start I knew straightaway it was a no-fuel situation.

With the aid of the starter motor and 1st gear I managed to get slightly onto the grass verge. Then, alas, I discovered that there was not enough in the spare can to fill the tank enough to get fuel through... Tried to reach the summit by using starter motor, but a bit too steep and too far = battery getting low... Two ladies offered to push! (I doubt four men could have done it) The ladies laughed when I admitted I had run out of petrol.... Then Mark from Compton Garage appeared (he doesn't know the car but saw it was me, he's only worked on the Astra so far). He was out on a test run and still stopped to help... and went to get me some petrol! ... Then a chap appeared (I had seen a classic car go across from Reynold's Way) he gave me his canful of petrol... Mark arrived and also poured more in, so with well over a quarter of a tank, I was mobile again. Man in classic car was Bob Owen, Legislation Director of the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs FBHVC !

All rather embarrassing - I don't think in 45 years of owning GOF I have ever actually run out of fuel (it's only stopped coming through before) - but it was splendid to find that, in a short space of time, I had so many offers of help. I am now resolved not to use the car's spare fuel in the churchyard mower etc., and must now thank Bob Owen and most highly recommend Compton Dundon Garage.

Chris Perry-Smith

At the next W.I. meeting, on Wednesday 8th April, David Wakely will join us to talk about

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Compton Dundon Archive: Two photographs of the old

Compton Dundon Garage. Can anyone put a date to these photos?

EXCITING WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES

Explorium is offering summer holiday volunteer work experience opportunities for young people in the village, who are aged 16-21 with a passion or talent in writing, maths, art, science or technology. We have two industry-sponsored projects which will run throughout the summer and so we can provide fantastic opportunities for local young people to gain skills they will need to succeed as they move closer to entering the world of work. Anyone interested please contact Julia on 01458 274050 or send a CV to info@explorium.co.uk. Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview.

Village Lunches The village lunches are at 12.30 p.m. on the final Wednesday of each month. To book a meal, please contact either:

Ally Dore 445463 (allydore@btinternet.com) or

Pauline Atkins 272485 (paulineakins1944@gmail.com)

The next village lunch is on

Wednesday 29th April.

The cost is £6.00 for a two course meal, with tea or coffee.

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Highlights from the February Meeting

Amelia Draffin of Wiltshire Farm Foods gave us a very

enlightened insight into this firm, mentioning that the T V face is that of Ronnie Corbett, who, like Marmite, you either

love or hate. Founded in 1991 and trading successfully for 23 years, many employees have spent their entire working life with this firm, locally based in Trowbridge. Located all over the UK, all meals are still produced in the kitchens at Trowbridge, the exception being pureed and soft foods for people with eating difficulties which are produced in Germany. On her first visit to the huge kitchens, Amelia's first impression was that of a Wallace and Gromit scenario as obviously mechanism has had to be introduced to the manufacturing of the meals, presently 1.3 million per week, although a personal touch is still strictly maintained. As far as possible, all products used are sourced from the United Kingdom but pork is from Denmark and chicken from Thailand. Dietary and allergy needs are met and Amelia stressed that people do not have to eat pre-prepared meals every day, although many customers, average age 80 years, choose to do so. Delivery to the door, friendly and helpful drivers, reasonable prices have all contributed to the continuing success of these products. Menus are changed twice a year with summer and Christmas promotions and just what to produce is based on feed back from the general public. In the early years, steamers were provided to customers to reheat the meals, but due to health and safety rules, this was discontinued and now meals are for the conventional or microwave ovens, microwave dishes arrive with small perforations around the edge - no need to pierce the film. Amelia gave us all the chance to taste several different meals, cakes, and with freebies including pens and small magnifying glasses, she made a very profound impression on all of us, a very good presentation. Verity Linnett thanked Amelia.

Kathy was welcomed back and we were all delighted to receive a brief visit from Sali and we very much hope she will be able to come again.

Success in the attempt to have a tea and cakes stall at the forthcoming Glastonbury Festival. This will be in the Green Field and the fee is £1,104 for the pitch - fund raising to go ahead to achieve this goal. Julie Gordon won the draw to attend the tea party at Buckingham Palace in this centenary year.

Sheila Taylor reminded members that in 1994 five ladies had swum a mile each in aid of cancer research funds,. Sheila brought along one of the original T shirts and photographs. Compton Codgers, about to embark on a similar challenge, eat your hearts out!

Skittles: We won our quarter final round against Walton by 17 pins. There are many opportunities for outings including a trip on the Matthew in August. Our guests at the June meeting will be Bucklers Mead W.I. when we will re-enact our entertainment—Old time Music Hall.

The competition for my favourite plate was won by Joan Carbin with runners up Mary Burt & Dina Chalk. Sally Walker’s Iris won the flower of the month.

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Parish Council Members

Cllr Greg Jones (Chairman) 272531 greg@mor-cott.co.uk Cllr Hugh Thomas (Vice Chair) 274427 hughthomascdpc@gmail.com Cllr Diana Churches 442078 diane.churches@live.co.uk Cllr Graham Napper 442962 Cllr Irene Parsons 273071 irene.parsons123@googlemail.com Cllr John Rowland 272367 Cllr Sue Solle 445770 carlsolle@talktalk.net

The Parish Council Clerk: Stanislaw Berkieta FCSI, Castlebrook House,

Compton Dundon, Somerton, TA11 6PR. Tel 01458 8921

Email comptondundonclerk@gmail.com

Website: www.comptondundon-pc.gov.uk

Planning Applications Received Application No: 14/05708/FUL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Red Lake Farm, Littleton Proposal: Erection of 3 fisherman/holiday lodges and conversion of existing storeroom to farm shop/reception. Application No: 15/00912/TPO Status: Pending Consideration Location: Lime Tree House, Compton St. Proposal: Application to fell a lime tree subject to Tree Preservation Order 1985. Application No: 15/00877/FUL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Beckbury Orchard, Compton St. Proposal: Erection of detached dwelling. Application No: 15/00831/COL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Shetland, Compton Street Proposal: Application for a Lawful Devel-opment Certificate for the proposed con-struction of a dormer roof extension to the rear elevation and insertion of roof-lights to the front and rear elevations. Application No: 15/00170/FUL Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land at Lockyers Farm, Peak Lane, Proposal: The erection of an eco-structure to provide staff accommodation (GR:347843/132244)

Application No: 15/00673/S73 Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land at Manor Farm, Littleton Road. Proposal: Section 73 application to vary conditions 2 and 18 of planning application 11/00702/FUL to allow changes to external appearance and flexible use of lower barn (GR:349011/130546)

Application No: 15/00523/REM Status: Pending Consideration Location: Land west of Gammons, Ham Lane Proposal: Erection of two detached bungalows with associated access, garaging and outbuilding (GR:348840/132858)

Planning Decisions

Application No : 14/04863/OUT Status: Permitted with conditions Location: Compton Randle, Castlebrook Proposal: Outline application for the erection of single storey dwelling in garden of Compton Randle.

Planning applications can be viewed online on the South Somerset District Council

homepage: (Planning and building control/view a planning

application online).

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Parish Council Election – 7th May 2015

What is a Parish Council? A parish council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish. It is the level of government closest to the community, with the district authority (South Somerset District Council) above it in the hierarchy. As it is the authority closest to the people, parish councils are invariably the first place people will go with concerns or ideas. For this reason they are a vital part of any community.

Why become a Parish Councillor? If you’ve never been to a parish council meeting before, you may be forgiven for thinking that parish councillors are a group of (probably older) people who meet now and then in a draughty village hall. If, however, you live in a community where something ‘big’ has happened, you’ll know that when people in the community need support and guidance, it is sometimes the parish council that is turned to.

By becoming a parish councillor you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support; a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride. What decisions do Parish Councils make? Parish councils make all kinds of decisions on issues that affect the local community. Probably the most common topics that parish councils get involved with are planning matters (they are statutory consultees), crime prevention, managing open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities.

It’s true to say that on their own, parish councils have limited powers to make decisions. But they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions (such as the district council, health authorities, police etc). In this respect parish councils are extremely powerful. The organisations that make the final decisions know that a parish council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something, and its views will be taken seriously. How long does a parish councillor serve for? Once elected, parish councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election.

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How much time does it take up? The parish council meets once a month, to which members of the public are also invited. Meetings may last two or three hours, depending on the agenda set for the meeting to discuss. In addition to the regular meetings, councillors may be required to attend other meetings representing the council, for example, acting as a representative on an outside body, community activities or helping develop a new project for the community. Such meetings won’t happen every day, so it’s not going to take over your life.

Am I eligible to be a Parish Councillor? To stand for election on a parish council, you must:

be a UK or commonwealth citizen, or;

be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or;

be a citizen of another Member state of the European Union;

be a least 18 years old. You don’t have to be connected to a political party.

How long does a parish councillor serve for? Once elected, parish councillors sit on the council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they can stand for re-election. If you do become a parish councillor you will have to sign up to the Code of Conduct.

What powers do parish councils have? They have a wide range of powers which essentially relate to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open space, allotments, play areas, street lighting, bus shelters, car parks and much more. The council also has the power to raise money through taxation, the precept. The precept is the parish council’s share of the council tax. The precept demand goes to the billing authority, the district council, which collects the tax for the parish council.

Parish Duties Compton Dundon has 7 Councillors who stand for election every four years. The duties and functions of a parish council are many and varied. The Council meets monthly and considers planning applications and any other matters referred to it by local residents. All meetings are open to the public and there is a forum before the start of the meeting at which members of the public can raise concerns and ask questions. There is also an annual meeting which all parishioners are invited to attend. All meetings are advertised on the council notice boards. Residents can bring to the attention of the parish council anything that concerns them, either directly or through the clerk. If matters raised are not the responsibility of the council, the clerk can bring them to the attention of the proper authority.

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Don’t take our word for it! The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it now. Come along to a parish council meeting, or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the job. Nomination forms are available from the Parish Clerk (Stanislaw Berkieta comptondundonclerk@gmail.com) and must be submitted to the District Council by 4.00pm on the 9th April 2015.

Thank you from the Parish Council. David Moores has maintained the grass area at the cross, on a voluntary basis, for many years. He has now decided to retire and the Parish Council, on behalf of the village, would like to express its gratitude. The Parish Council is now looking for another volunteer to carry out this work. Please con-tact Stanislaw Berkieta 01458 8921) if you are able to help.

The Parish Volunteers meet on the second Sunday of every month at 10.30 a.m. (somewhere the village). In March, they cleared the bridge at the rear of the Meadway Hall, before retiring for refreshments at the Castlebrook for the first time in a year!

If you are interested in joining the group please contact Greg Jones – Tel: 01458 272531