Parish Clerk Changeover Parish Council, Community Group Rich Tweedy’s Letter Sustainability Group Dora’s Poetry Corner Shapwick Jam Village Hall Shapwick Starlets WI History Group Dovecote School Car Parking Cricket Club Community Cafe What's On SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 In this issue: S U M M E R I S S U E , J U L Y 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 1 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 After a break in 2023 - too much Royal competition... Shapwick Jam returned triumphantly this year: great crowd, great music, great food, great weather (see p. 4). As this issue of Shapwick News goes to press, the outcome of the General Election (sorry to mention it) still awaits us, but by the time you read it, the die will have been cast. The new Shapwick Village website has been launched! See p. 2, and try it at: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/ Thankyou, Sue! And welcome, Linda! In April we said Thankyou to Sue Williams after 22 years of tireless service as Clerk to the Parish Council: Sue says “I would like to say thank you to everyone who came to what became known as 'Sue's Do'! It was lovely to see so many Parish Councillors past and present. Thank you too for the very generous gift which will be put to good use as Steve and I get to work on our allotment and garden remake.” And in May we welcomed our new Parish Council Clerk, Linda Hall, and repeat that welcome here on behalf of the village! The Jam is back.. . Ja is back... Time will tell how the new situation in Westminster affects life in Shapwick, but in the meantime, the village’s many activities and societies help to make life here special! Jam tomorrow? Jam today!
This wonderful new website replaces the previous Parish Council only site with a colourful, easy to navigate site. It is very much a Shapwick Village website, providing pages for Shapwick’s community groups including Starlets WI, Community Café, Cricket Club, Shapwick Runners, St Mary’s Church, Sustainability & History Groups, Allotment Society, Village Hall and others, as well as easier access to Parish Council information, agendas, minutes, financial reports etc. If you are responsible for a community group (not commercial) and wish to join the site please contact the Parish Council. Our aim is for the Shapwick Village website to become the goto place for all things “Shapwick”. There is a “Services” area under “Our Village” which will list local (non commercial) services applicable to Shapwick residents, a “Village Calendar” and much more. At: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/sign-up/ you can register your email address to receive alerts about website updates. Initially these will be for PC agendas and minutes but will expand with time and will later include a text message option. All Agendas and Minutes at: shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk 2 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 Shapwick Parish Council GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC . We are very proud to announce the launch of the Shapwick Village website! The new website has been funded by the PC and developed by webglu, in particular webglu’s MD and owner, Shapwick resident, Steve McAuliffe, who has given many hours of his time to work with the PC and Community Group to design and deliver the Shapwick Village website as well as providing generous financial terms. The Village website works on Smartphones, PCs and tablets, and the best way to find out more is to visit it by using the QR code here or going to www.shapwickvillage.co.uk on your browser! Village Green: the first two pieces of play equipment, a tri-seat swing set and a trim trail installation, are expected within the next 12 weeks. We have also commissioned a new fence along the church path to the south of the allotment area. There are now “free to use” table tennis bats and balls in the grey post box next to the Table Tennis Table: just flip the lid up. Please enjoy using them; if you do happen to lose any of the balls please be kind enough to replace them. Have fun! Perhaps someone would like to organise a “Summer Table Tennis” competition for Shapwick residents to encourage use of this facility? More games: we would like to provide easily accessible games equipment on the Village Green for football, cricket, rounders, tennis etc. We are asking for donations of equipment, which will need to be of a lightweight plastic type. We will then provide a storage box / area on the Village Green. If you have a donation please drop them off at Hillgrove, Mill Lane - the porch door is always open. Or send a message to: clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk. MANY THANKS in advance! Councillor Vacancy: Unfortunately Nikki Polden has had to resign from the PC due to a high level of work commitments. Many thanks to Nikki for all her help and support over the past two years. This creates a great opportunity for you to be co-opted onto the Parish Council. It is clear to see that Shapwick Parish Council is a vibrant “can-do” organisation where you can develop your ideas, learn new skills and make a great contribution to our brilliant community. If you are interested please email your details to Linda Hall on clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk Annual Parish Meeting: this was held in May; our thanks to all of the contributors. Reports can be found under Council Matters, Agenda and Minutes on Shapwick Village website. Annual Parish Council Meeting: was also held in May. Graham Croucher and Lesley Gaskell were elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. Full minutes can be found on the Village website . Contact your Parish Council: - Finally: success is all about communication and with our new Parish Clerk, Linda Hall, in place a timely reminder that the most efficient method of contact is via email to clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk or you can use the enquiry form on the Shapwick Village website. Thankyou...and welcome: We said thankyou to the outgoing Parish Clerk, and welcomed the new one! See p. 1!
Sustainable Shapwick Somerset Levels Three Michael Hills rise Out of its heart Topped by three churches A few miles apart Three landmarks in history Shrouded in mystery Rising from its soggy plain Towered Tor of Druid fame Brent Knoll where giants fought Hurled rocks without a thought Burrow Mump near Athelney Was King Alfred’s territory Once the sea lapped round their shore Now they’re in the sea no more Climate change and melting ice Could change all that in a trice Could be islands once again Rising from the soggy plain Mysterious they will ever be Whether in or out the sea. It's been great to see some of the uncut areas of gardens as part of No Mow May over the last few weeks, although given the weather, it seems like the whole garden has gone wild! The Sustainability pages of the new Shapwick Village website have a 'Contact Us' section. The aim of the page is to put you in touch with someone in the village who has already installed alternative energy sources, moved away from oil or installed a car charger. Whilst they will not be able to recommend what you do, they may be able to answer some questions on their set up, any issues they encountered or unforeseen problems. We are planning an Autumn litter pick, probably late September or early October, so look out for dates nearer the time. As the hedgerows die back, it will no doubt reveal a summer's worth of rubbish. Finally we are working with the Parish Council on a wild area on the Village Green. If you are interested in supporting this, please drop me an email at sustainable@shapwick.org/ RICH TWEEDY Every blessing, Rich Tweedy vicar@poldenwheel.co.uk Personally, I think there should be an extra option on the ballot paper, for ‘None of the above’ (which I wrote in once for an election a few years ago). Alternatively, as they do in Election Reflection 3 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 On July 4th we have the opportunity to vote for our next government. So when you read this, it will be all in the balance or maybe just decided. This is a privilege that we should not take for granted – even if we feel cynical about the candidates and their parties. We only need to look at the fake elections in Russia (in which any credible candidate was either banned or, in Alexei Navalny’s case, killed), or the totalitarian regimes in China or North Korea, to realise what a privilege it is to live in a democracy. We are free both to vote for our government and to criticise those who govern. STEVE POLDEN The most dangerous situation for a democracy is when the very process itself is questioned. Whatever else may be said about the upcoming presidential elections across the pond, it is extremely troubling when one of the candidates has declared a previous election to be rigged merely because he lost. That is why we should honour, uphold, and pray for the democratic process itself in this election – whoever wins / has won. There is another freedom which we should not underestimate, either: the “freedom of thought, conscience and religion”, as enshrined in article 9 of the UK’s Human Rights Act. There are many countries in which Christians are persecuted for their faith (often those in which militant forms of Islam are dominant). Like the freedom to have free and fair elections, this is a privilege which we should never under-value. American elections, they should leave a blank to write in your own candidate. Either of these would be an option for those who are thoroughly dis-satisfied with all the candidates, while still honouring our democratic political process. Dora’s Poetry Corner DORA WATKINS
A HUGE thank you to everyone who made Jam ‘24 such fun – to key duo Sid and Steve, our volunteers, performers, and everyone who came along. A special thanks to those who bought evening tickets in advance – your early support makes a huge difference! As ever, profits go to The Village Hall, Green, and other local charities, and we’re already looking forward to doing it again in ’25 – hope to jam with you next year! Saturday 7 June 2025 from 2pm, Village Green Shapwick Jam The mini-festival featured a double helping of live music, starting in the afternoon with terrific performances by seasoned pros and emerging talent as part of the Open Mic session. Then something completely different; a medley of toe-tapping tunes by the extraordinary Somerton Ukulele Band - with 20 or so members strumming away, we’re going to need a bigger stage next year! Many thanks to Jon Wood for organising the afternoon acts, plus his and Jake Dawes’ sound engineering skills throughout – also the WI crew for providing scrummy refreshments, and to all behind the scenes who kept beers flowin’ and Jam Burgers flippin’ well into the night. As the sun set, we gathered around the big top arena (AKA Ashcott Beer Fest marquee – thanks guys!) for the evening show, opened by the wonderfully lyrical Flo + The Escape Lane. The charismatic Seb Longhorn then won over the crowd with a rousing solo performance, after which Spitfire Tides’ barnstorming set gave the tent poles a proper testing. As the night went on, indie rockers Last One Home (featuring local lad Fin Dawes) took over with a fantastic performance, before The Man From Funkle’s epic groovefest finale. 4 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 Live Music, Sun, Friends, and Fun – All the Ingredients for a Perfect Jam! THE JAM TEAM . On 8 June, there were stirrings of an unusually loud and lively musical nature in the unlikely rock ‘n roll venue of Shapwick – although what better location for a grass roots music festival than the Village Green! The Pilton-style makeover came together surprisingly quickly with the help of enthusiastic residents, and after nervy weather forecast checks it was a joy to wake up to a sunny morning, with just enough breeze to flutter our lovely new flags. (Thanks to R A Stacey Plant Hire for the generous loan of these, plus the rest!) S SS Save the dates!!! Saturday 12 October 7.30 pm, Village Hall Harvest Supper Saturday 7 December 2pm-4pm, Village Hall Shapwick Starlets WI Christmas Fayre .....
Shapwick Village Hall 5 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 MICHAEL MOTUM, BRIDGET DAWES, NERINA SCOTT AND IAN HALE Changes at the Village Hall: Kitchen Refurbishment Over the last year or so the Village Hall Committee have been planning changes to the hall (see the April Shapwick News); the focus was to extend the kitchen as the old one was small and outdated. Frequently the size of the kitchen proved particularly challenging for functions and as such the hall had to 'extend' its kitchen into the foyer. So, we have taken onboard hirers’ comments and the new plan provides a larger kitchen area and reorganised toilet. The result will be space that better serves the needs of the hall. Our applications for grants alongside our own fundraising events have made the project possible. Thank you to all who supported our events and we hope you have enjoyed taking part. The hall committee are hugely grateful for all the grant funding received from a number of sources including The National Lottery (thank you if you are someone who buys a ticket), the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund, and Sedgemoor District Council (now a part of Somerset Council) together with several generous others. For a short time there will be a period of disruption for hall users but our aim is to keep this to a minimum. Both the committee and our builder are keen to complete the works promptly. We look forward to seeing you at a forthcoming opening event when we shall not have to rely on the use of the foyer as a kitchen extension! Meanwhile 'The 100 Club' and Breakfast Mornings have continued over the last couple of months. The 100 Club has seen its first year anniversary and thanks to your support both these fundraisers are now well established. Winners in April were Sheila Banfield and Steve Campion and in May Gerry King and Amy Anderson. If you would like to join or simply might like to know more please email shapwickvh@gmail.com or contact one of the committee members. The cost is £12 per year per number. In the autumn we have the Harvest Supper to look forward to on October 12th. Look out for the boards in the village and the village Facebook page. If you would like to be more involved with the running of the hall, and the exciting time ahead, or perhaps have a skill you could offer - no matter how small – please get in touch. We usually have around six meetings a year and the Committee would really welcome your support and ideas. Just contact any of us or via shapwickvh@gmail.com. It’s been a busy month for the Starlets, starting with the Shapwick Jam (see p.4). A very pleasant afternoon was spent serving teas, coffee cake, sausage rolls and cream teas. Thanks to all those ladies who either baked, set up or served. It was well worth it, with £400 being donated to the Shapwick Jam charity. Shapwick Starlets WI SUE SELLICK The speaker for the WI meeting, Jordan Coates from the Regional Fraud Team, spoke knowledgeably and sympathetically about the three main scams prevalent today. Cold calls about computer software: someone phones and says there is a virus on the computer/laptop and insists you need to download remote access tools/apps WhatsApp text: supposedly from someone you know/son/daughter/relative, saying they need an urgent money transfer, having lost their phone, bank card etc. Cold calls purporting to be from the bank: saying there is activity in your account and you need to transfer money into a safe account. Two days before the official opening of the Glastonbury festival, twenty people associated with the Starlets had a coach tour of the site, from the impressive Pyramid Stage to the many small venue food outlets to the various camping and glamping areas, including the infamous compost toilets. The tour explained the history of the festival, the length of time and preparations needed and the clear up operations afterwards. A very informative morning! We offer something for everyone, including a monthly book club, a walking group and a walking netball club. If you would like to join us either as a WI member (meeting the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30 in the Village Hall), or a walking netball member (Monday evenings 7.00 – 8.00pm at Dovecote School), please contact us via Shapwick Starlets Facebook page or on shapwickwi@yahoo.com She advised “taking 5 and telling 2”: taking five minutes to reflect on what someone is asking you to do - is it plausible, reasonable and likely to be real and genuine; and telling what you have been asked to do to two people who will be able to reason whether or not this is credible. Jordan encouraged everyone to report fraud through the Action Fraud Reporting Tool and forward any suspicious activity to 7726 (spelling SPAM on an alphanumeric phone keypad). If you have been a victim of a scam, phone 159 which takes you straight through to your bank’s fraud team. Very reassuring advice indeed.
We’ve enjoyed a fair few historical happenings lately, starting with Bridgwater Council Leader Brian Smedley’s rip-roaring account of anti-Slave Trade campaigner John Chubb, which led to a poll on the town’s most radical campaigner, chosen from Brian’s top ten contenders (and the winner was… Robert Blake!). Then local historian and farmer David Baker gave us a great talk on the history of dairy farming in Somerset, and his ancestors’ lives at the family farm in Meare. David still farms today, and his profession has clearly been an all-consuming passion since starting out in the late 70’s; weathering the ups and downs, adapting to change and pioneering the organic movement. As ever, there were many fascinating facts and figures along the way – did you know that Meare Cheese was once second only to Cheddar? And most recently group member Louise Gaunt researched and presented a fantastic hands-on talk about industries arising from sheep farming in Somerset – see the main article below to find out more! The group is taking a break for Summer, in the meantime if you’d like to get involved please contact history@shapwick.org or find us on Facebook - there’s some lovely old Shapwick photos recently added to check out. 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/ 6 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 Shapwick History Group goes Radical JOHN ANDERSON The Woolly Detective - A investigation into what sheep brought to Somerset LOUISE GAUNT As an active spinner and weaver, anything related to wool processing attracts my attention, and the research behind this talk was prompted by seeing, on a house in Wells, a plaque related to wool combers in the 18th Century. My talk ranged from early sheep in the bronze age through to modern times with reference to Clarks shoes and Morland sheepskin products. Somerset was a very wealthy county between the 13th - 17th centuries, wealth mainly from sheep and their wool. Cloth production, knitted hosiery and leather all contributed to that wealth, both for the clergy and lay people. Before the industrial revolution, many of the processes involved were carried out, all by hand, using simple tools, the same as those used today by hand crafters and artisan weavers. Various tools were passed around the audience during the talk, including hand cards, drop spindles and small wool combs, plus a sock being knitted on four needles. Woollen hosiery formed a significant contributor to the wealth of Somerset, with hand knitting centred on Wells, Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury. Knitting was often done by women and children as a way of supplementing the family income from home. I looked too at the leather and glove making industry in and around Yeovil utilising the skins from the wool industry. Again, this provided a significant income to the merchants of Somerset, plus employment within towns and villages. Clarks shoes grew out of the sheepskin industry, beginning with slippers made from off cuts from tanned skins, rapidly expanding to be the worldwide success we know today. At the end of the evening the audience had the opportunity to see spinning in action, using my own wheel and drop spindles. We’re keeping Tracey very busy, but she hopes to be back in Shapwick News soon! Nothing from the Horse’s Mouth this time? Baaaa! Cluck!! Määh!!! On a serious note... Shapwick News addressed this in January 2023 but it is still a problem. Footpaths are a wonderful right, but farmers shouldn’t have to put up these notices. So dog owners, please pick up after your dogs!
The club continues to provide a wide range of opportunities for anyone to get involved in cricket at the Sustain ground on Northbrook Road. For children our All Stars (5-8 years old) and Dynamos (8-11 years old) programs run until 12 July and provide a great introduction to the game. They operate on Friday evenings from 6.00-7.00 pm and parents can join in with their children or enjoy a drink on the terrace and soak up some evening sunshine! The club runs junior teams at U10, U12, U14, U 16 and U 19 levels playing competitive league cricket with opportunities for both girls and boys to get involved. The Womens XI have had a particularly successful start to the 2024 season, having won all 4 of the games they have played, with Kate Scott with the bat and Emma Silcox with the ball leading the way. The team train on Tuesday evenings and play most of their games on Sunday afternoons. Stallholders showcased their products, and visitors were delighted to interact with the animals on the farm. The event attracted families of both existing and new students, as well as numerous members of the enthusiastic Shapwick community, all of whom came out to show their support and enjoy the festivities. ? SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 7 Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club At the adult level the Men’s 1st XI plays in the Somerset Division of the West of England Premier League and at the time of writing have won 3 of their 6 games and are 6th in the Division. Calum Haggett is the leading run scorer with 224 runs and Joe Mason has taken 14 wickets. The 2nd XI play in Division 1 of the Somerset League and have won 5 of 7 games played and are currently 2nd in the Division. Ben Trotman has scored 281 runs and is also the leading wicket taker with 15 wickets. The 3rd XI play in Division 6 West of the Somerset League and have won 2 out of 4 games played and sit 7th in their Division. Alistair Barr is the leading run scorer with 125 runs and Anthony Veevers has taken 8 wickets. The 3rd XI provides a great opportunity for our older junior players to be introduced to adult cricket in a supportive environment. Adult training is on Wednesday evenings from 6.00 pm and anyone interested in playing is welcome to come along. ALISTAIR BARR More information about all aspects of the club at https://sandpcc.play-cricket.com Dovecote School DAISY JOHN Despite the weather conditions, our annual Summer Fair in partnership with the Dovecote Family Support Committee was a resounding success. We welcomed the public with open arms, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for guests of all ages to enjoy. From exciting tombola and raffle prizes to refreshing drinks, the day was filled with fun and entertainment. Our guests also had the opportunity to participate in various games, including the popular "guess the baby photo" game featuring staff members and students, as well as activities like "guess the name of the teddy" and "guess how many sweets are in the jar." Additionally, the BBQ, café, plant sale, and second-hand stall provided plenty of options for delicious food, shopping, and socializing. A big thank you to all who came and supported our school! Car Parking in this village can create some tensions, so we thought it would be useful to share the correct process to follow should you have concerns.This is not a PC matter as we do not have any powers of enforcement and they should be reported to Avon & Somerset Police using the following GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC Car Parking link which is dedicated to parking and has list of the type of issues that should be reported via this channel : https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/parking-issues/ This can help, too, to clarify what is and is not legally permitted. The link is also on the Shapwick Village Website under Services.
What's On in Shapwick, July to early October 2024 Like to help edit future issues? Please email: shapwick.news@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk. Shapwick News is a quarterly publication. For the autumn issue in October 2024, please submit contributions no later than 15 September 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. Summer Issue, July 2024: Published by Shapwick Parish Council, edited by Moray McGowan. Call for Volunteers & Contributions Pilates: Tuesdays 9.30-10.30am or 10.30-11.30am; Wednesdays 7-8pm. Contact: juliehotchkiss98@yahoo.co.uk. SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 4 8 Every Sunday: Shapwick Runners' Sunday Run! Meet at the cricket field, set off at 9am. All abilities welcome! Pavilion events (Bingo, Pub Nights): bar and kitchen open from 5.30. Pavilion Pub Nights: Fridays alternating with Bingo: 5 July, 19 July, 2 August, 16 August, 30 August 13 September, 27 September . See Facebook, and the roadside signboards, for other upcoming dates! Friday 12 July, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 8pm. Sunday 21 July, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Thursday 25 July: Community Cafe special! Cream Tea at the Pavilion Friday 26 July, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 8pm. Sunday 28 July: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church Friday 9 August, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 11 August, 2.30-4.30 Tea at 5 Lawn Lane (see above) Sunday 18 August, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Friday 23 August, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 25 August: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church Thursday 29 August: Community Cafe, Village Hall Friday 6 September, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Saturday 14 September: Music on the Pitch (see above) Sunday 15 September, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Friday 20 September, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 22 September: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church Thursday 26 September; Community Cafe, St Mary’s Church Friday 4 October, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm Saturday 12 October; Harvest Supper, Village Hall The Shapwick Allotments have taken remarkable shape in a few short months (thanks to Geoff Ballard for these before, during and after* drone images), and the October issue will carry a full report and pictures! (*Indeed: not really “after”: the work is ongoing, some say unceasing!) Allotments Community Café: on the last Thursday of every month, starting at 2pm, rotating between the Pavilion, the Village Hall and St Mary’s Church. A great place to meet other villagers and friends over a tea or coffee and a cake or two... WENDY ANDERSON
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