Village Hall Parish Council, Community Group History Group Shapwick Starlets WI Dora’s Poetry Corner Allotments Cricket Club Rich Tweedy’s Letter For the kids of Shapwick Sustainability Group From the Horse’s Mouth What's On 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 BRIDGET DAWES, IAN HALE, MICHAEL MOTUM AND NERINA SCOTT The project to extend and improve the Village Hall kitchen facilities together with reconfiguring the toilets is almost complete, and the Village Hall Committee are very pleased with the transformations. The kitchen now offers a much bigger working area with new appliances and spacious units, and the modern toilets complete the alterations. We plan to have an open event with refreshments AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 In this issue: A U T U M N I S S U E , O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y T H E S H A P W I C K C O M M U N I T Y G R O U P Blink and it’s gone...but actually there WAS a summer, bracketed in the village by two musical events: Shapwick Jam in June (see the July Shapwick News) and then Music on the Pitch in September, which just squeezed in before the weather broke. All summer, work on the Village Hall (see below) and the Village Green continued, and the combination of skill, toil and the generosity of nature saw the allotments flourish and produce their first harvests (see p. 4). Meanwhile, as this issue of Shapwick News shows, the village’s many other activities continued. And - see What’s On on p. 8 - it is going to be a busy autumn! Full colour version of Shapwick News on the Shapwick Village website: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/ . Here we are again... New Facilities at the Village Hall where villagers will be able to see the transformations; this will be advertised in the Village and on the Village’s Facebook page. The project has received funding from various charitable organisations including the National Lottery, Sedgemoor District Council’s Platinum Jubilee fund, the Garfield Foundation and our own fund- The kitchen as it was…. …and as it is now raising events, and we are very grateful to all the organisations for their generosity. We look forward to enjoying the new facilities at the various events we have planned in the coming months, starting with the Harvest Supper, and continuing with a Breakfast Morning, a Quiz Night, a Wreath Making Event, the WI Christmas Fayre, and a New Year’s Eve Party. See the posters in this issue and the What’s On page (p. 8)!
Village Green: - After placing our order for the play equipment we were disappointed to learn that the installation date had been pushed back: We now expect it to take place during October and November. However work has carried on preparing the play area and finalising our fencing and access plans. This work has revealed just how poor the condition of the wall along Station Road is and this will require additional work, cost and fundraising. It is a beautiful wall and with village support we would like to preserve and indeed restore it. Shapwick Village website: - www.shapwickvillage.co.uk The brilliant new website has had an encouraging start with a steady stream of regular visitors. Pay a visit if you want to keep in touch with “everything Shapwick”. Along with Shapwick News and the Shapwick Residents Facebook page, we are very well served as a community by all forms of media. We hope that you enjoy them all and find them useful. If you have any suggestions to improve the Shapwick Village website or any access issues please leave a message on the Contact page or email clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk Examples of recent updates to the website include: Shapwick Starlets photo gallery updates Creation of a Flood Resilience section on the Services Information page How to get Flood prevention resources on the Sustainability page All PC agendas, minutes and y/e financial statements The Services Information section has been updated and expanded “What’s on in Shapwick?” As well as the What’s On page of Shapwick News, we will soon be providing a new service to keep you up to date with new entries on to the Shapwick Village calendar. If you use the link below register to you need never miss out on village events. https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/sign-up/ 2 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 Shapwick Parish Council and Community Group GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC . Shapwick Memory Project - A Call for Volunteers! Shapwick History Group is planning to hold a discussion session with long term village residents later in the year; if you think you could help, we'd love to hear your thoughts and stories. It won't be at all formal, just an excuse for a small group to get together and have a natter about times past and record how village life has changed over the years. Subjects covered might cover family, school, work - or wherever the conversation takes us! We already have a lovely film featuring Dora Watkin's reminiscences (to be posted on the village website soon...) and it would be great to add more memories people JOHN ANDERSON may have for future generations. If you're interested in taking part please contact us at history@shapwick.org, find us on Facebook, or contact John Anderson at 8, School Lane. Thank you and hopefully see you soon... 3. clue: a Halloween bird 4. clue: an insect that is a 1 letter sound Some clues for the word search (see p. 6) 5. clue: a bird that rhymes with wheelbarrow 6. clue: something new on the green 7. clue: the action of growing crops 8. clue: a meeting place The new post & rail fencing along the church footpath alongside the allotments has been completed thanks to some first class work by village resident Tom Coombs. We are also grateful to Bradfords Builders Merchants, Glastonbury who kindly sponsored some of the materials. Flooding has become an important issue in Shapwick. Though the PC has neither legal responsibilities nor financial resources in this area, we are exploring ways to support the community's response, with a focus on signposting sources of information via the website (shapwickvillage.co.uk): see "Flood Resilience Information" at the end of the "Services Information" section of "Our Village". See also the information and suggestions on "Flood Resilience" in the Sustainability Group report (p.7).
On the last Thursday of the month, starting at 2pm, rotating between the Pavilion, the Village Hall and St Mary’s Church (see What’s On, p.8). A great place to meet other villagers and friends over a tea or coffee and a cake or two... Guardians of the farmland The sleepy farmyard started awake At the first shrill cackle Something was amiss, something wrong The sentinels sensed it The perfect watchdogs, fearless and bold Attuned to every whisper Each stealthy footfall on grass or mud Each breath of man or beast Watchmen guarding so the farm can sleep Feel safe that all is well Their powerful wings could break a leg Their hissing still a heart Nature’s guardians, the elite force SAS of the yard Foxy slunk off, his tail between his legs Farmyard peace reigned once more. SUE SELLICK Shapwick Starlets WI 3 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 Dora’s Poetry Corner DORA WATKINS As we amble into Autumn, we are planning ahead for 2025. However, a quick look back on what we have been up to during the Summer: In July, we were inspired by Kate Lynch, a rural documentary artist. Her charcoal drawings, pastels and paintings celebrate traditional rural work and traditions in Somerset. Kate made it look so easy; we all had a go, with varying results! Some of the more adventurous amongst us even attempted a self portrait! And as a result of this taster, we are hoping to visit Coates English Willow to buy our charcoal as recommended by Kate. As we have no meeting in August, we go on August Adventures instead, and this year our first outing was by bus to the Blake Museum in Bridgwater, so interesting we intend to go back as we didn’t manage to see all the exhibitions. There was also a fascinating display of dolls -The Change in Costume 1066 - 1980s. Our speaker for October is Sally Mills, writer and artist who will be talking about her time on the Seychelles. In November we will be crafting for Christmas, followed by our Christmas party in December. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in Shapwick Village Hall. If you would like to join us please contact us via our Shapwick Starlets Facebook page or by email: shapwickwi@yahoo.com. Finally please don’t forget to put the date on your calendars for our annual Christmas Craft Fayre on Saturday 7th December, 2.00 pm – 4.00pm in the Village Hall (see poster, p. 7). All stall holders are local artisans. There will be a raffle and delicious home made cakes. fountain dating back to 1779, and the site of the Bloody Assizes where 542 people were convicted in one day for rebellion. The following week we hunted around Glastonbury on a Treasure Trail which included one clue at the top of the Tor, including a few stops on the way up to ‘admire the view’ – so much fun. Then Wells again, to follow a ‘Swan Walk’ to Dinder and back: supposedly a walk of 5 miles, but somehow we managed to walk 8 by doing quite a few detours in the wrong direction.....walk towards the big tree (which tree?), through the kissing gate (what kissing gate?); some stunning views though on the way and lots of laughing! Finally Taunton: a visit to the Museum of Somerset, where we checked out the Shapwick Hoard. Our September meeting focused on preparing the poppies for our annual display in the churchyard. We have (we think) about 1500 poppies so far, and each year our lovely ladies provide more, so we will be busy sewing and knitting. Answers to Charlotte’s Word Search (p.6) : You might need a mirror! Diana coiling a straw bee skep’, willow charcoal drawing by Kate Lynch, reproduced by permission Then to Wells, to follow the Blue Plaque Trail, including the Swan Hotel (which hosted Winston Churchill), the Conduit Community Cafe WENDY ANDERSON
4 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 First successful Growing season in the bag! Well what a start, so much rain and cold in March and April, it was like nothing was ever going to grow! Having had what seemed like a football pitch’s worth of cardboard and then well mixed compost delivered, we built and manicured our plots under the careful eye of Poppy, Karen and Shelley (our expert growers). Slowly, after the rain had slowed and the temperature warmed, an amazing transformation took place. There may have been a few disasters on the way, but some great successes and a whole new population of cabbage white caterpillars fed! All of our 11 current allotment pitches are allocated with nearly 20 whole or shared tenancies and 55 National Allotment Society members: how amazing is that! With two new smaller plots being prepared for next year’s season, we will be looking for a couple of new growers in the village. So if you are keen to join us, please let Jo Wright (shapwickallotments@gmail.co.com) have your details. Simon Dawes, Chairman SAA Great teamwork, with new friends combining their skills, time and knowledge to get us off to a great start. Fruit and Veg a-plenty (although sometimes all at once!), a spread of colour from flowers across the plots: these have transformed the once grassy meadow into a beautiful, well organised (and weeds do count) and well kept growing display. Lots of time and enthusiasm spent on providing for the insects and looking after the soil, with a plan for a long term ecosystem to provide for an even better harvest in 2025. Shapwick Allotment Association SIMON DAWES So we know what works and what doesn’t now; new crops and techniques to try next year and ‘when to cover up with netting and when not to take it off too early!’ Some pictures taken by our Allotmenteers show how the site has changed, but many of you have also witnessed that yourselves, as we share time with many interested villagers, over the hedge. Our first infrastructure install projects started with the first 2000 litre water tank, then the communal shed and Bridewell Lane entrance gates (kindly funded by the Parish Council).
Despite the wet start, 2024 was a season that turned out successfully for many activities within the club. The Ladies team finished top of their league in the Somerset Pairs Softball Gibson Division – a great achievement for a team set up only two years ago. They won 7 of their 9 games. Emily Bartram was the top run scorer with 66 and also took the most wickets with 9. The Mens 2nd XI also had an excellent year, finishing second in the Somerset Cricket League 1st Division and earning promotion to the Premier Division for next season. They won 13 of their 18 games. Ben Trotman scored 573 league runs and was the 4th highest run scorer in the league; he also took the most wickets with 24, again the 4th highest total. AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 5 Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club The 1st XI finished 6th in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League, winning 9 games and retaining their status for next season. Calum Haggett top scored with 442 league runs, at an average of just over 40. James Hayman took the most wickets with 29. Of particular note was the Sam Edmunds’ innings against North Petherton CC when he hit 173 from 154 balls. Junior teams continued to be popular. In addition to All Stars (5-8 year olds) and Dynamos (8-11 year olds) the club ran competitive teams from U10s up to U 19s including boys, girls and mixed teams. ALISTAIR BARR More information about the club at https://sandpcc.play-cricket.com Availability was a constant challenge as work and family commitments took their toll. Overall the club used 74 players in the three mens teams over the course of the season. The 3rd XI inevitably suffered particularly as a consequence and ended the season in 8th place in Division 6 west, winning 5 of the 14 games they played. Sam Trotman top scored with 312 runs, which remarkably were accumulated from only 4 innings, with two not outs, a top score of 119 not out and an average of 156. Harrison Veevers was the most successful bowler with 17 victims. The season finished with the Martin Baker memorial game on 7 September, honouring not only Martin himself but also other long standing club members who have passed on in the last year including Lynton Rudge, Colin Burrows and Dave Crozier. Their huge contributions to cricket locally will be much missed. On 11 August, Lisa Plant’s Afternoon Tea in Lawn Lane for the Macmillan charity “Breast Cancer Now” raised £576! Well done, and thank you, Linda! 9. clue: a prickly mammal 10. clue: they get hunted by cats and birds More clues for the word search (see p. 6) Reminder: views expressed are those of the author (Anthony Lipmann et al., soslevels.co.uk), and not necessarily those of the Editor or the Parish Council.
Harvest Celebrations? RICH TWEEDY 6 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 For the kids of Shapwick Finding it hard because the photos a bFlack and white? Find a flourition of Shapwick News at: https://www.shapwickparishcounci l.org.uk/parish-newsletters/ Hi folks, As I write, we’re at the beginning of the season for harvest celebrations. It’s a time when we remind ourselves of how fortunate we are that we have abundant food – and how grateful we should be to an agricultural industry in this country that provides so much of the food that we eat. Climate change is a reality of the world we live in – and if we don’t act now, in all parts of our lives, the situation will only get worse – and we’ll wonder why we didn’t take the warning seriously beforehand. In this harvest season, let’s reflect on what it means to be stewards of all of God’s Creation, for the good of all creatures, showing love to neighbours both locally and globally. However, this has been yet another year when we have been affected by climate change. While the rest of the world has suffered from the hottest days ever recorded, we have been suffering from an unusual wet and cold summer. Today, news came of how catastrophic this summer has been for our butterflies: small tortoiseshells (shown here) have been particularly badly affected. Every blessing, Rich Tweedy vicar@poldenwheel.co.uk Hi, I’m Charlotte, I’m 12 years old and I want to encourage all the amazing kids of Shapwick to read our fabulous Shapwick News! So in this issue, I have created a word search for you to try! Actually, it’s for any age really. You can try it without any words or clues, but if you need some help you’ll find clues scattered throughout the paper. The first two clues are down below. There are 12 words in all. Don’t forget to look backwards and diagonally. Good luck guys! I would like to recommend a series of books called “Warriors” by Erin Hunter. I’ve recently read the first few series (and she does have a LOT). It is a story about ‘Clans’ of cats that live in a forest area in the countryside near ‘Twoleg nests’ (sort of like Shapwick). CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS I would be really interested to hear from any other young people in the village who might like to give me some recommendations for things you’d like to hear about or share with others, I was thinking about great books that people have read. If you’d like to send anything to me, email me with a “Message for Charlotte” at shapwick.news@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk! I’ve got to say, I didn’t really have strong feelings about cats before but now I’m begging my parents for one! The books are totally addictive and it’s a struggle to put them down. I would say they’re aimed at tweens and teens (9-14) but my mum really enjoyed them too! clue: you see their murmurations 1. clue: the meaning of Shapwick 2.
S SS There is no known cure. Currently DEFRA permits the use of 3 unauthorised serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines, subject to licence. Any animal showing signs is immediately culled and movement of fellow stock is banned or severely restricted. The areas currently restricted are in the south east: East Anglia, the Home Counties, Greater London. But it is spreading. There is no compensation currently for the livestock. A fate every farmer dreads. Shapwick Sustainability Group . Shapwick Sustainability group is planning a litter pick on Sunday 17 November. Look out for details on the website (https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/) and Shapwick Facebook group. As the undergrowth dies back and the hedgerows have been trimmed, it is an ideal time to clear rubbish that has accumulated over summer in ditches and hedges. Can you help us propagate some plants? The group has been working with the Parish Council to see how we manage some of the areas of the village green to help support wildlife and insects. We are looking to plant some 'wild' flowers in parts of the village green, for example Cowslips. We will need a lot of plants, so do you have some space to help nurture some seedlings over winter on a window cill or greenhouse? If you can help, please drop me a line on sustainable@shapwick.org or drop me a text with your name to 07504 516623. Once we have finalised the details, we will be in contact. 7 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 STEVE POLDEN Want to reduce your heating bills? Somerset Council offers a thermal imaging camera hiring facility that allows communities to look at buildings and see where improvements could be made in insulation. We have applied for a camera, which we would have for three days. If you would be interested in having a 'thermal image' survey of your property, please email us at sustainable@shapwick.org. Assuming we are successful in our application, we will be in contact and let you know the dates we have the camera. If there is a high demand, surveys will be completed in order of email receipt. A recent Somerset Prepared Roadshow on Flood Resilience featured an organisation associated with the Rotary Club called EVAG. They provide households with a service that surveys flood threatened properties and make recommendations to improve property resilience. They may provide some flood prevention kit e.g. hydro snakes or self-activating 'sand bags'. If you are worried about flooding drop us an email to sustainable@shapwick.org and we can pass your details on. Finally, are you thinking of installing an alternative energy source, for example solar or buying an electric or hybrid vehicle? These are big financial decisions, and you may have some questions. Several villagers have already installed and are using these renewable sources and would be happy to show you their installation and answer questions. There is an enquiry form on the village website and we'll try and put you in touch with someone who has the relevant experience. From the Horse’s Mouth TRACEY LOCKYER Blue Tongue a new threat: Blue Tongue, a viral infection spread by biting midges. It currently threatens the agricultural sector across the British countryside. Sheep, cattle, goats and deer are at risk. The symptoms are ulcers and sores in the mouth and nose, discharge, drooling and swelling of the lips, tongue, head and neck. If any animal is pregnant, Blue Tongue can cause stillbirth, small weak babies and death. 11. clue: a familiar school 12. clue: you see these birds on Christmas cards More clues for the word search (see p. 6) The outbreak of Foot and mouth disease in 2001 was a significant economic and social disaster. It caused a crisis in British agriculture and tourism, with over 6 million farm animals killed in Britain. Now we face
What's On in Shapwick, October to December 2024 Like to help edit future issues? Please email: shapwick.news@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk. Shapwick News is a quarterly publication. For the winter issue in January 2025, please submit contributions no later than 15 December 2024, preferably via e-mail. Thank you! There is no guarantee that all material submitted will be used - publication is at the Editor's discretion and articles may be amended or condensed. We do not print anonymous contributions but are prepared to include items under a pen name, if so desired, on condition that we are given the name and address of the author(s). Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Editor nor Parish Council. Autumn Issue, Octboer 2024: Published by Shapwick Parish Council, edited by Moray McGowan, assisted by Charlotte Douglas. Call for Volunteers & Contributions Pilates: Tuesdays 9.20-10.20am or 10.30-11.30am; Wednesdays 7-8pm. Contact: juliehotchkiss98@yahoo.co.uk. AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 4 8 Every Sunday: Shapwick Runners' Sunday Run! Meet at the cricket field, set off at 9am. All abilities welcome! See also the calendar on the Shapwick Village website: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/events/ Pavilion events (e.g. Bingo): bar and kitchen open from 5.30. Community Cafe, monthly, Thursdays 2-4pm; venue as below. Donations of cakes always very welcome! See Facebook, and the roadside signboards, for other upcoming dates! Friday 4 October, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Tuesday 8 October, Village Hall, Starlets WI 7.30pm. Friday 18 October, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Saturday 19 October, Village Hall: Harvest Supper 7.30pm. Monday 28 October, Pavilion, 6.30 for 7pm: Solar Farm in Nythe Road peatlands: for and against . Presentations and panel discussion organised by SOS Levels: See https://www.soslevels.co.uk/. 6.30 for 7pm. Thursday 31 October, Village Hall: Community Café, 2-4pm. Friday 1 November, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Saturday 9 November, Village Hall: Breakfast Morning, 9-11am. Tuesday 12 November, Village Hall, Starlets WI 7.30pm Friday 15 November, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 17 November: Litter pick: details on the website https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk or Shapwick Facebook Monday 18 November, Village Hall AGM, 7.30pm. Friday 22 November, Pavilion: Quiz Night fundraiser for Tom’s Y11 experience at Crispin School. Thursday 28 November, Village Hall: Community Café, 2-4pm. Friday 29 November, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Friday 29 November, Village Hall: Quiz Night, Fish’n’Chips, 7.30pm. Saturday 7 December, Village Hall: WI Christmas Craft Fayre 2.00 – 4.00pm Tuesday 10 December, Village Hall: Starlets WI 7.30pm Friday 13 December, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Saturday 14 December, Village Hall: Wreath Making, 2-5pm. Saturday 21 December, St Mary's Church: Community Café Special! 2-4pm. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, Christmas and other tasty cakes. Saturday 21 December, Pavilion: Christmas Bingo! Note earlier start of 7pm Tuesday 31 December: Village Hall New Year’s Eve Party!
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