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
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