Threatened at first by a torrential downpour, the Jam Team, the WI Cake Team and the artistes were undaunted and the evening was glorious! See p. 4. Shapwick Swam? Parish Council, Community Group Allotments Rich Tweedy’s Letter Arts & Crafts Group Shapwick Jam Village Hall Shapwick Starlets WI Dora Watkins and her poems Shapwick Picture Crossword Open Gardens Dovecote School From the Horse’s Mouth Bunny Hop 2025 Cricket Club Sustainability Group/Litterpick What's On SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 In this issue: S U M M E R I S S U E , J U L Y 2 0 2 5 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 Remembering Dora and her poems See p. 6 See p. 11 Shapwick in Bloom! Shapwick Jam! See p.4 n a t u r e t h e s e a s o n s t h e mo o n a t om i c wa r p o l l u t i o n s h a pw i c k s ome r s e t t h e l e v e l s h i s t o r y l i me r i c k s t h e u n i v e r s e wo r k a n d p l a y s t e am t r a i n s w i l d l i f e l o v e wome n a c t i n g t h e s e a t h e wa r i n Uk r a i n e h o u s ewo r k t e c h n o l o g y c l i ma t e c h a n g e 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 & 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 Jubilees, Coronations, Christmas: Significant national dates rarely go unnoticed by the crocheting McNallys! And that went for VE Day on 8 May 2025 as much as ever. Another lovely postbox topper. Thankyou, Pam, Toni and the crocheting team!
At the Annual Village Meeting in May, representatives of our village clubs and organisations gave lively and amusing updates on their progress and plans. In the Parish Council AGM, which followed, the Financial reports for 2024/25 were approved and Graham Croucher was re-elected as Chairperson and Lesley Gaskell as Vice Chairperson. The full set of papers is available under Council Matters, Agendas and Minutes on the Shapwick Village Website. Play Area: we are in the final stages of phase 1. Topsoil has been added to level the play area and grass seed sown. Unfortunately the recent dry weather delayed establishment of the grass and therefore the removal of the fences. The final piece of work will be the re-pointing of the Station Road wall during July. We hope that everyone is enjoying using the play area. We always welcome feedback and suggestions, ideally via the Parish Council’s Contact Form on the Shapwick Website. All Agendas and Minutes at: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/council-matters/agendas-and-minutes/ “REPORTING IT”: Discussion at the Local Community Network has brought out the fact that we are empowered and encouraged as citizens to report “issues” that we experience and observe in our everyday lives. To help Shapwick Residents navigate their way through the various options we have updated the list of relevant links on the “Services Information” page under Our Village on the Shapwick Website. Under the heading REPORTING PROBLEMS TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY: -"REPORTING IT" is a selection of relevant reports sites e.g. REPORTING PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD SOMERSET & AVON POLICE: - REPORT AN INCIDENT & UPLOAD VIDEO FOOTAGE, CRIMESTOPPERS, AVON & SOMERSET REPORT ALMOST ANYTHING, NEIGHBOURHOOD E-WATCH, ENVIRONMENT AGENCY & for anyone who enjoys a good map: ONE.NETWORK, an interactive map that shows current & future roadworks. Take a look: you don’t know when you might want to use these services, such as reporting recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Shapwick. 2 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 Shapwick Parish Council GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC . I would like to add one memory of Dora Watkins to the celebration of her poems on p. 6-7. It is largely due to Dora that Shapwick News was relaunched in 2022. At the first meeting of the Community Group when we were exploring ideas Dora simply and firmly said “Just get Shapwick News going again” and we did. Thanks to Dora from everyone for Shapwick News. Remember: 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! Local Community Network: - Highways working party. The use of data from public reporting and other sources was highlighted by Dan Cox from Somerset & Avon Police. In an excellent presentation about road safety, he highlighted the so-called Fatal 5: speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, distracted driving, drug / drink driving careless driving PC Cox also underlined that drug problems included prescribed as well as recreational drugs He highlighted some surprising facts, particularly about the involvement of older drivers and prescription medicines. He stressed that there will be more unmarked speed checking vehicles targeting the areas known for speeding and accidents. The full minutes are on the website under Council Matters “LCN & Other Meetings”. The Allotments continue to flourish; more in the autumn Shapwick News.
Arts and Crafts Group The Shapwick Arts and Crafts Group continues to thrive. A wide range of new activities are being attempted successfully and we are all enjoying a couple of hours of relaxing crafting along with a superb array of cakes and savoury delights. We meet on Thursdays, 2-4pm, in the Village Hall. RICH TWEEDY Every blessing, Rich Tweedy vicar@poldenwheel.co.uk Relax, folks! 3 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 What do you think it would mean to live life the way God intended, as described in the Bible? I wonder whether you think the answer might be “you should work hard every hour that God gives you, and only then would you gain God’s approval”? Fortunately, that’s not God wants of us! One of the things that characterises the life that God desires for us is that we include rest within it. Of course, there is plenty written in the Bible about working hard – but right from the start, rest is part of the picture! It’s even embedded in the ten commandments: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy... On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” . MARGARET DOBBS We’re entering holiday season, when many of us will go away for a while. You may not have thought of it this way before – but taking a holiday (holy-day) is closer to how God wants us to live our lives than not doing so! It’s an example of how God wants us to receive his grace, freely given to us, rather than to strive in our lives, either to impress God or our employers or our colleagues or anyone else. I find watching wildlife is one of the most relaxing things to do – so here’s a picture of the glossy ibis that was at HamWall earlier this year.
Our evening session began with the super Seb Longhorn, a Jam veteran and as popular with the crowd as ever, entertaining us with a mix of popular covers as well as his own songs. The Ceili House Band were up next and got the crowd tapping their toes with a lively mix of traditional Celtic acoustic music and folky arrangements of popular songs. Then Bridgwater ska band Shoot the Moon took to the stage, and with a brilliant (and slightly We then welcomed another Jam veteran, Nevertheless. Their varied mix of perfectly performed covers and original tunes kept the party going well into the night... Thank you again to all the helpers and supporters for their hard work before, during and after! Huge thanks to Roger Stacey for his continued support of the event, to Richard and Charlie at RSL Scaffolding and the great crew from Ashcott Beer Fest, for the hire, rig and derig of the Big Top. S SS The Shapwick Starlets WI provided a scrumptious assortment of cakes and refreshments throughout the afternoon, while The Olde Boston Tea Party bluegrass band opened the show with a joyously upbeat folk music performance. With local legend Jon Wood kicking off the open mic session, we also saw a welcome return visit from the extremely talented Izzy Wheeler. 4 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 Shapwick Jam 2025 THE JAM TEAM . Shapwick Jam '25 was a great day and evening - you certainly didn't let a few showers dampen your spirits! And as profits are being donated to local charities, your support also makes a difference further afield. To celebrate our fourth outing we unveiled The Griffin's Head Inn, named after Shapwick's old pub (located on the road to Westhay), and were honoured to open 'Dora's Bar', in memory of our very own Dora Watkins, who was an enthusiastic supporter of the Jam (along with all other local community events). P h o t o s : J o h n A n d e r s o n We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Jam; check out our Facebook page for more photos in the meantime! bonkers) performance, they totally got the party started!
Shapwick Village Hall As our big birthday approaches, our plans are taking shape – a day out crafting in the Anglo Saxon Long Hall on our birthday, and a Treasure Hunt around Burnham on Sea in the summer. Cake and fizz have been ordered and work on our Centenary bunting and banner is in full swing: it looks amazing already! We are about half way there with our Acts of Kindness and have lots of information to go into our booklet – Shapwick Starlets WI 1925 – 2025. It seems the Strangways (a Strangway was one of the founders of Shapwick WI) were a very private family, so sadly we have not managed to find a picture of Sophia as yet. 5 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 BRIDGET DAWES, IAN HALE, MICHAEL MOTUM AND NERINA SCOTT Village Hall activity continues to benefit from the new kitchen. The latest morning breakfast on Saturday 17 May proved a great success and we remain hugely grateful to those who support these quarterly fund-raising events. The next breakfast will be in September once normality returns following the summer period. Also on the programme is October's ever popular Harvest Supper; dates to be confirmed in the next edition. The recent Annual Parish Council Meeting were briefed on the Hall's out-dated trust deed that underpins the existing charity. It dates from 1992 and is in need of a refresh. The Community Council for Somerset are advising trustees to create a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The Village Hall will continue to be a village focused charity registered with the UK Charity Commission. An open meeting, outlining the need for change and its implications, will be held in the early autumn. Shapwick Starlets WI SUE SELLICK Sadly we lost our longest serving member in April, our dear Dora who continued to take part in our competitions even when bed bound. We have a competition cup that Dora won numerous times, so in her honour it will now be known as Dora’s Cup. We will all miss her as she has been a huge part of our WI, with her Mother being a founder member. (Read some of Dora’s poems on pp. 6-7). In May, we had our AGM, and the present committee were voted back in. Once the formalities were completed, bingo was the name of the game. We have a very whizzy machine which we couldn’t actually get to work, due to operator error it seems. Meanwhile work on improving the barn roof that covers the kitchen and reception areas will soon be underway. There's much else ongoing enabling the Village Hall to be well placed in continuing to serve the people of Shapwick and its neighbourhood. Should you want to get involved in whatever capacity you will be most welcome. Just contact any of us or via shapwickvh@gmail.com. In April, Lynne from St John’s Ambulance showed us how to carry out CPR and also demonstrated the use of a defibrillator; always good to refresh these skills. Our Book Club had an outing to the Cinema to see The Salt Path as we had read the book. Consensus of opinion is that the book is better. We are currently reading Are we having fun yet, definitely a laugh out loud book recommended to me when choosing books from the library van. We are lucky to have this service. If you have not tried it before, dates are on the Somerset Council website. A big thanks to Dovecote School for purchasing some goal posts so that our netball team can play on the outside court. We are improving but we do tend to play by our own rules most of the time.......and laugh a lot! For our June meeting, Sally from Taunton Early Birds WI talked about how to win competitions, some with just luck and others where some skill required. I think a lot of us have now turned into ‘compers’, so watch this space to see if any of our members actually win anything. Watch out for the postcard from a luxury villa in the Bahamas or maybe a year’s supply of baked beans! Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us on the Saturday of the Shapwick Jam (see p. 4), but we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits. We have ordered sunshine for next year! We will have a break in August, but are currently planning some August Adventures; who knows where we will end up?
Dora Watkins contributed a poem to each Shapwick News right up until the last issue before she died. She began writing poems as a child and left several hundred poems spanning many decades; some she typed up herself, others have been kindly transcribed in many hours of work by Kayla Lavigne. The range is remarkable: poems on nature and the seasons, the environment, love, village life, housework, social and technological change. The poems can be whimsical, funny, observant about us humans and our foibles; there is even at least one risqué limerick, a poem on Hitler and a wry comment on archbishops from Thomas a Beckett to George Carey. There is Somerset dialect (“dimpsey dark”) but there are also poems on the vastness of space and time, the threat of atomic war, or the effects of climate change. There are jolly ditties and sad reflections, though pessimism is usually balanced by a wonderful positive energy. Some of the poems are sentimental, others toughly honest about inner struggles; others again observe cruelty and destruction in the wider world but draw comfort and guidance from small things, be it nature, friendship or family. We can only print a small selection here, but we do so to remember Dora and say thankyou for a remarkable life and contribution to the village. 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 5 Remembering Dora and her poems After the holocaust Like a light burning out of darkness A kingcup raised its head Like a golden phoenix rising From a black ashen bed Let holocaust on holocaust Forever vent its wrath As hope, it springs eternal Throwing lightness on the path Turns black night into glowing day The reaper passed this way and left A little seed within the cleft To cheer us on our merry way A tiny little flower head Upon a black and ashen bed Like the sun on coal-black day Warms us with its gentle ray O golden little flowerlet bright Help us to treat this world aright. Jumble sale The humble jumble comes into its own Get a new outfit, not needing a loan A fur coat for winter – not real, of course Even an outfit for riding a horse Pushing and shoving – hey! I had that first Fill up a bag until the sides burst No doubts about the pleasure jumble can bring Come! You can buy almost any thing. The flowers drink as from a friend They open up and drink the cup That nature now provides They do not fear the thunder They do not hide their heads The lightning holds no terror As it shines upon their beds First night The scene is set, the stage is laid The audience? Well, they have all paid The toffees are being handed round The papers thrown upon the ground My heart is beating like a drum I wish that I had never come “Matilda! Mary’s lost her book”, She’s asking all the audience to look Oh holy smoke here comes the vicar Makes me feel just that much sicker Wonder if, when in the pulpit he stands, He ever gets sweat coming out of his hands But his audience of two must seem a flea bite ‘Gainst what I see through the curtains tonight All right on the night, they keep telling me But with that remark I fail to agree Women’s International Year Women’s International Year is nineteenseventyfive A year when every woman should be glad to be alive We’ve had Emily Pankhurst and suffragettes and such Women’s Lib and Burn the Bra: it’s all been much too much Now we’re having equal pay for equal work, well done! Women from all walks of life are rising up as one But let’s not on our laurels lie There’s much to do before we die The universe Stars wink and blink In a black velvet sky Ice cold air hits my cheek Penetrates my lungs They expand exhilarated I am part of the night Part of the universe Spanning the ages All one in harmony With its maker
Summer in Somerset Leafy lanes abound where lovers walk Deep in hedgerows creatures live and stalk Verdant shady woods with dappled sun Birds sing out their hearts where rabbits run Rolling wooded hills slope to the sea Lazy lapping waves go tumbling free Summer county, precious gem so rare Magic place, what can with you compare? Waves Waves cascading against the rock Running in rivulets down its face Kissing the sand at its feet Fragments of jade glistening Ingots of jet shining in the sunlight Droplets catching the sun A kaleidoscope of colour ever changing 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/ 7 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 Remembering Dora and her poems Stress My mouth is dry, my hands are wet O for a respite, to forget Do this! Fetch that! It’s getting late Come hurry now, they will not wait O dear now, I’ve got a ladder Must change; makes him even madder Lock the door, shut the gate Now we’ve got to push the crate From out a gate a herd of cows Ambles slowly across our bows Sitting motionless, tight lipped Think he’s going to throw a fit When we reach the wedding scene Service over, wedding’s been Get the camera, snap ‘em quick Now just why won’t the shutter click Sat by the vicar at the reception Lots of subjects couldn’t mention Now I seem to feel quite ill Think I’ll go and pop a pill Fledgelings A babble under eaves Scratching, squeaking, busy, busy To and fro, worms, slugs Ever open mouths devouring Warm eggs, creaking, breaking New life eager to explore Wings aflutter, nouveau flight Mothers calling, courage, courage Ginger feline watching, stalking Whiskers twitching, eyes alert Mother squeaks a warning Babble babble all join in Frighten hm with constant cackle Scurry scurry, what a worry Flying lessons fraught with danger All too soon they fly the nest Mother then can take a rest To walk along a sun-drenched shore The sea that rolls for ever more A seagull’s cry, a night owl’s scratch A cosy room, securely bolt the door A small child sleeps not out of reach These things we all can share Don’t hanker after gold and wealth and fame The simple things are best and stay the same Autumn Hedgerows tinted yellow brown and gold Tell us now that summer’s growing old Fields of stubble standing in the sun Bereft of corn and waiting for the plough Children too are having lots of fun All knocking conkers down from chestmut bough Squirrels are busy hoarding up their nests They scurry to and fro with all their might They do not think of all those ifs and buts But of approaching winter and their plight If they had lazed the golden days away For that folly they would have had to pay Pollution Acid rain wafts gently down creating carnage on the rown no fish swim on crystal bed but lie in murky stillness dead flowers picked when as a child are no longer growing wild hybrids fool the honey bee now no nectar will he see deep wounds cut in forests lie gape wide open to the sky poison seeps right through the land meets the water through the sand the bluebell wood and primrose dell do not escape the deadly knell fir trees choke and fight for life disease and death in trees is rife are we trembling on the brink will we be like the moon extinct Her get up and go it got up and went Her life’s latent force was very nigh spent When she espied cider her smile it grew wider Twas Somerset too so strong and so true The apples that grew not far from the Brue She supped it up quick was very near sick Her got up and go got up and came back
What does it say behind these flowers? The place where this is located. For the Villagers of Shapwick CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS 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/ Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! 8 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 The name of the road opposite this fence. The missing word on this sign. The missing word on this notice. The name of this lane. The word on this small sign. IF ONLY I COULD WEAR A HAT THIS SUMMER... answer diagonally Where would you find this sticker? What have I blurred in this image? ← → → Hello everyone! I hope you're all making the most of the beautiful summer sunshine —whether that’s spending time in the garden, enjoying a cool drink, or simply taking in the peaceful charm of our lovely village. To add a bit of fun to those slower, laidback afternoons, I’ve put together a special crossword puzzle for you to enjoy. It's perfect for when you want to chill and take a leisurely walk around the village. (clues are not in order)
Shapwick – you did us proud! Over 120 paying visitors and numerous children, from towns and villages far and wide arrived in Shapwick on Sunday 25 May in the beautiful sunshine. Their mission: to see 10 very different gardens, visit the allotments, eat cake and drink tea. th Described by our host gardeners as A garden for all seasons, Secret garden, A walk on the wild side, Revitalised sunken garden, A garden in transition, Hidden walled garden, Colourful, scented and wildlife friendly, A garden of two halves, Did you just see a giraffe? Across many borders, there was plenty to see and “every garden different”, said our visitors. Shapwick Open Gardens 2025 LISA POMEROY SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 The day could not have happened without our wonderful volunteers. Thank you for selling tickets, meeting and greeting, car parking, serving teas, selling plants and overseeing the allotments. Thanks also to Dovecote School for the use of their car parking and printing facilities, and to past committee members for sharing their knowledge. Over £300 is heading to each of the village organisations we chose to support this year, The Village Green, The Allotment Association and Shapwick Starlets WI. Thank you everyone from your Open Gardens Committee, Jo, Lesley, Lisa and Sue. (More pictures on p.1!) 9
YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT Over the years the farm which belonged to Lord Vesty has seen many changes. In the aerial photo from the 1970s you can see a stone building running up through the yard: this was the pig sties, which caught fire from a heat lamp and were no SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 1 0 Dovefest 2025: A Joyful Celebration of World Music Day! DAISY JOHN On Thursday 20th June, Dovecote School was transformed into a buzzing, joyful celebration for World Music Day – and what a day it was! Staff and students embraced the festival spirit in full force, arriving in colourful and creative festival wear. The morning began with a music quiz to get everyone in the mood – a brilliant warm-up as teams worked together to prove their musical know-how. From there, the school was alive with sound during the Music Making Carousel, where tutor groups rotated through the music room to explore instruments, rhythm and creative expression. But the real magic happened in the afternoon, when Dovefest truly came to life! From 1pm to 2.30pm, the school grounds were transformed into a festival field, with music, creativity, games and laughter echoing from every corner. Students had the freedom to roam between activities, trying whatever sparked their interest: A chilled-out zone with therapeutic colouring and bracelet making gave students a calm and mindful space to relax. Outdoor games brought joy and energy: from Giant Jenga to Flamingo Ring Toss Facepainting and glitter tattoos added a sparkly, festival-worthy flair that students (and staff!) couldn't resist. Instrument making under the tree encouraged pure creativity as students built weird and wonderful instruments from recycled materials. The karaoke area was a roaring success – with inflatable microphones, favourite songs and lots of enthusiastic singing. And of course, ice creams and squash were on hand in the library to help everyone stay cool and refreshed in the summer heat. The festival was rounded off with live performances – showcasing the incredible talent and confidence of our students and staff. A fitting finale to a day filled with music, laughter and celebration. Throughout, staff worked to ensure students felt safe, supported and included. The atmosphere was one of true community and celebration. Dovefest 2025 was more than just a fun day – it was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, lift spirits and create unforgettable memories. Bring on the next one! FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH T RAC E Y LOCKY E R Mum and dad moved into Bowerings Farm in 1963 after they got married. Dad moved from Kent Farm, Shapwick, his family home, and mum from East Huntspill. Bridget, Andrew and myself were brought up on the farm and always made to work! We had everything from ducks, pigs, chickens, cows, beef cattle to, of course, sheep. Farming in our childhood was very manual with the machinery not being as advanced as today. We used to hay make with small bales and it was always great to ride on the top of the load on the way home. Silaging was a time for the farmers to help each other: David Jenkins, Norman Stevens, Gordon Cox and dad would have their own little set up cutting and hauling grass, and Bert Hilburn used to buck rake the grass into the pit. As children we loved harvesting: there were sandwiches, fish and chips and of course ice cream! The only exception was when dad grew potatoes: we would have to follow the tractor collecting bagfuls of potatoes and the weather was always wet! Times were tough but times were fun - we had the greatest childhood. more. The other picture is from the 1980s when dad had a lot more buildings, including the cubicle house and hay barn. Dad had the sheep shed put up in the 1990s to make life easier and more modern, and we have used it ever since. Sadly after dad died we had to give up the farm but Diana and Dominic have made our family home into the most beautiful place. So after 62 years farming in Blacksmiths Lane, I will shortly be moving to my own new shed in Three Trees on Main Road.
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/ 1 1 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 5 Shapwick Bunny Hop 2025 Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club We are now approaching the mid-point of the season and at the time of writing enjoying some spectacular summer weather. The club continues to provide cricket for an ever widening spectrum of the local community including Juniors from age 5 upwards, womens softball pairs, disability cricket sessions and two mens Saturday teams. We are always keen to include new players and contact details are listed on the right. ALISTAIR BARR Junior Cricket: Contact Judith Wanliss ( judithwanliss@hotmail.co.uk and 07904 435437). The Pavilion is open on Friday evenings while junior training takes place and is a great place to unwind for a couple of hours with the family. Ladies cricket: Emily Bartram on 07894 854547, emilyspencer987@hotmail.co.uk). The ladies team practice on Tuesday evenings and new players are always welcome in a very sociable group. Mens Cricket: Club Captain Josh Luckins on 07496 678909. Practice is on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. The 2025 Music on the Pitch will take place at the club on Saturday 13 September and provide a feast of local music talent alongside locally sourced beers, cocktails, a full bar and barbecue. It’s a great local community event so add a note to your diary. See poster on p. 12! On 18 June we hosted ex Worcestershire cricketer Olivia Robinson who is undertaking a walk from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for Chance to Shine – an independent charity promoting the opportunity to play cricket in state primary and secondary schools. Olivia is staying at 70 cricket clubs across the country en route. Olivia had walked from Taunton to Shapwick that day and was on her way to Wells the following day. She still had the energy for a quick net and can be seen in action in the picture! You can follow Olivia’s progress through her Facebook page or at Olivia's Trek: Land's End to John o'Groats - JustGiving TERESA KING Easter Monday's 16 Shapwick Bunny Hop once again brought together runners from across Somerset and beyond for this scenic yet challenging 7.5 mile community trail run. There were 117 finishers, including seasoned runners and first-timers alike, with plenty of participation from Shapwick residents as well as all the local running clubs. This year's male winner was Mike Cowell from Cheddar in 44 minutes, female winner th Photographs thanks to John Anderson, Frank Barnard, Paul Douglas and Street Striders Lisa Martin in 56 minutes, and first Shapwick resident home was Gerry King (9 overall) in 54 minutes. The new organisers, Street Striders, did a fantastic job and maintained our community feel. We would like to once again thank all those who ran, spectated, marshalled, volunteered at HQ, made a cake or let us run through their land. The walk was also well supported (particularly by the WI). Proceeds are being split between Mind in Somerset, and Shapwick Village Green and Hall. th See streetstriders.co.uk and our Shapwick Village website for more race photos and full results.
What's On in Shapwick, July to early October 2025 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 2025, please submit contributions no later than 15 September 2025, 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 2025: Published by Shapwick Parish Council, edited by Moray McGowan, assisted by Charlotte Douglas (page 8) . 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 5 1 2 Every Sunday: Shapwick Runners' Sunday Run! Meet at the cricket field, set off at 9am. All abilities welcome! Pavilion events (Bingo, etc.): bar and kitchen open from 5.30. Pavilion Bingo Nights: alternate Fridays: Eyes down usually 7.30pm. The Arts and Crafts Group meets on Thursdays from 2-4pm, Village Hall: contact margaretdobbs@gmail.com See Facebook, and the roadside signboards, for other upcoming dates! Friday 11 July, Pavilion: Bingo. Sunday 20 July, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church. Friday 25 July, Pavilion: Bingo. Sunday 27 July, 9.30: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church. Thursday 31 July, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, St Mary’s Church. Friday 8 August, Pavilion: Bingo. Sunday 17 August, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church. Friday 22 August, Pavilion: Bingo. Sunday 24 August, 9.30: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church. Thursday 28 August, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, Pavilion. Friday 5 September, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Tuesday 9 September, 7.30pm: WI/Starlets, Village Hall Saturday 13 September: Music on the Pitch (see above) Friday 19 September, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 21 September, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Thursday 25 September, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, St Mary’s Church Sunday 28 September, 9.30: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church Friday 3 October, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm Tuesday 14 October, 7.30pm: WI/Starlets, Village Hall October, date to be announced: Harvest Supper, Village Hall! SUSTAINABLE SHAPWICK /LITTERPICK Most of the litter was collected from the roads/lanes leading into the village as opposed to in the village itself. Often this is items thrown from cars and also blown off the refuse truck following the weekly recycling collection. Our plan is to drive small teams of four to the parish boundary and then they will walk back. If required cars can go and pick up full/heavy bags and pick up the teams if necessary and bring them back at the end. Smaller teams and those with children will collect from inside the village, covering a number of lanes and roads. We will probably need a couple of volunteers to help with transport: again look out for updates. By concentrating on the worse areas, we hope to make the greatest impact. Our wild flower area and planting has suffered with the unseasonably dry weather. Hopefully some of the things we planted will have survived, and will flower this and subsequent years. Thank you to everyone who helped on the last litter pick. We collected around eight bags of rubbish during the session. We will organise an Autumn pick. Please look out for dates on the website and FaceBook: we are aiming for either Sunday 12 or 19 October, subject to getting the litter pick equipment from the council. Following feedback on the last event, we will try changing the format for the next one. STEVE POLDEN
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