Litterpick! Sunday 11 October, 10am meet at Village Hall See p. In this issue: A U T U M N I S S U E , O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 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 . Faire words butter noe parsnips wrote John Clarke in 1639: It’s actions that count... And Shapwick people have been busy this summer: As we see here, Shapwick’s allotmenteers have been working all summer, and some more of their harvest can be seen on page 5. Dovecote School students too have been working hard and have achieved results they can be proud of (p. 6). And yet again Lisa and Steve Plant hosted and baked for a delightful and successful charity tea party in August (p. 2). The Parish Council and the Preparedness Working Group have put together some links for advice and support as we face extreme weather and other challenges (p. 2 and insert leaflet). Did someone say Harvest? The Village Hall Harvest Supper is on October 17 (see below)! And what did Shapwick residents actually eat all those hundreds of years ago? Just buttered roots? Find some answers in the History Group article (p. 7). Lots more inside: reports from the Starlets/WI, the Village Hall and the Cricket Club, farming news From the Horse’s Mouth, a poem about Shapwick, and breaking news about the Shapwick pigeons’ plans to keep the starlings in order... placeholder Parish Council Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Village Hall From the Horse’s Mouth Shapwick Starlets WI Allotment Association Legacy: A Poem Dovecote School Sustainability/Litterpick The Starlings Cricket Club History Group What's On 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 Saturday 17 October Harvest Supper Village Hall 7.30pm Tickets £13 call Nerina on 01458-210329 or Stuart on 01458-210119 Bar available More events between now and Christmas! Quiz’n’Chips Christmas Fayre Wreath Making See p. 8 You are invited to Shapwick Village Hall AGM on Tuesday 20th October at 7.30pm at the Village Hall. Do come along and hear what has been happening with your hall over the last year, and what’s in store for the next.
Shapwick Parish Council and Community Group The Parish Council will be developing our monitoring processes to try and make sure that Shapwick has its say, when appropriate, in the consultation process. Whenever possible, we will be publishing the key documents on the Shapwick Village website under Council & Services Info\LCN & NEW LOCAL PLAN. Residents can visit the following site for information and sign up for updates from Somerset as they are released: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/somerset-local-plan/ 2 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC . Fine weather blessed Lisa and Steve’s Afternoon Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Now, which was held at Lawn Lane on August 22nd. As usual the event was wonderfully attended, with a splendid array of cakes enjoyed by all who clearly enjoyed the opportunity to relax and catch up for the afternoon. Thanks have to go to the hosts for their efforts, as well as the generosity of those attending (and some who couldn’t). This meant the previous year’s total was exceeded yet again, and a fabulous £1077 (including Gift Aid) was raised for the charity. NEW LOCAL PLAN 2027 - 2045 Somerset Council have started work on a new Local Plan which once implemented will run until 2045. The importance of this process is best summarised in the opening words on Somerset Council website: “At the heart of the local plan is the spatial strategy for the area. This sets out howmuch housing, economic and other development is needed, and where it should be located.” The new LOCAL PLAN process started in early 2025 with a “Call for Sites” from Somerset Council to landowners for potential development sites. The results of this “call” can be found in the Interim Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) Report, which can be accessed via the website link above. Finally we will aim to consult with the Shapwick community when we are asked to participate in a consultation. We look forward to everyone’s assistance with these processes. NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR:- We are very pleased to welcome Steve Polden as your new Parish Councillor. Steve is already an active member of the community, organising the Litter Pick events and Sustainability activities. Steve will be a great asset to your council going forward. PREPAREDNESS PLANNING AUTUMN 2026 It is of course typical that after such a long hot and dry summer driven by climate change we are now being encouraged to prepare for the opposite effect, an increased level of rainfall and flooding further aggravated by the natural event El Nino. With the help of local landowners and Somerset Council our infrastructure requests around drains, ditches and culverts have now been completed. Our emphasis is now on sign-posting residents to some excellent sources of information, about how to protect their properties and themselves. Please see the enclosed leaflet, designed as a handy guide. Noah was prepared... Are you? Afternoon Tea for Breast Cancer Now STEVE AND LISA PLANT
Breakfast Morning Attendance was good at last month’s Breakfast Morning at the Village Hall. Whether it’s was the smell of bacon being carefully cooked by Ian or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee luring Villagers in, we are always glad to see you! Thank you for supporting this popular event. Village Hall Annual General Meeting You are invited to Shapwick Village Hall AGM on Tuesday 20th October at 7.30pm at the Village Hall. Do come along and hear what has been happening with your hall over the last year, and what’s in store for the next. 100 Club Winners June - Alan Ferbert, Nerina Scott; July- Stuart Dennes, Lorraine Davies August - Penny Jones, Jane Lavick Numbers are still available for the 100 Club, if you wish to join and support the running of the hall. It costs £12 per year. Please get in touch with one of the committee or email shapwickvh@gmail.com. And finally: see pages 1 and 8 for our upcoming Village Hall events! Harvest Supper 17 October --- Quiz/Fish and Chips night 27 November --- Christmas Wreath Making 5 December To book for all these events, call Bridget 210185 or Nerina 210329 Your paragraph text ext POLITE NOTICE – SHAPWICK VILLAGE HALL A concern throughout this year has been cars and vans parking within the village hall car park. The use of the village hall car park is for hirers of the hall and their immediate users or guests during the period of hire. It is a simple and straightforward rule that helps to attract hi ers and so reduce costs to villagers and users. Please encourage all to respect this rule. Shapwick Village Hall Committee AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 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/ 3 Shapwick Village Hall BRIDGET DAWES, NERINA SCOTT Village Hall Secretary The village hall is looking for a secretary. Meetings are usually held quarterly or in conjunction with events. If this is something you believe you can help with, please contact one of the committee or email shapwickvh@gmail.com. From the Horse’s Mouth TRACEY LOCKYER The summer of 2026 has seen an outbreak of Bluetongue, starting in the Southwest, with disastrous results. Bluetongue is spread by midges. Cattle, sheep and goats are at risk. July saw the first signs of the disease spread through sheep in Devon: lameness, flu-like symptoms or sore mouths (which stop the animals eating). To confirm the disease a vet had to take a blood sample which could be sent to only one testing centre in the UK. The backlog meant that the results took 3 weeks to come back. By then the sheep were either showing signs of recovering or had unfortunately died. The only treatment is a live injection, which was in such short supply vets had to get supplies from overseas. This left many farmers waiting for three weeks for their animals to be treated. The price of the injection doubled due to demand and cost £5 per sheep at the peak. The injection is given under the skin, and it takes at least 14 days to provide protection. Locally, sheep in Ashcott and Westhay were tested positive. In Shapwick, we injected our sheep in July and thankfully they stayed free from the disease. In future, the animals will have to be treated annually. Currently there is no funding available nor compensation from DEFRA. There are ongoing impacts such as on breeding. It is believed the disease can cause fertility issues in both ewes and rams, and no one knows whether particular animals are affected until the scanning of the ewes after tupping. Many farmers in Devon, the worst hit area of the country, lost hundreds of sheep and lambs and this was heartbreaking to see. Transmission and replication of Bluetongue virus from Kula Jiro: Blue Tongue in Sheep: A Systemic Review (2016) Red: the most severely affected areas. Source: gov.uk Bluetongue outbreak 2026
MARY-JANE HINCHLIFFE Shapwick Starlets WI 4 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 Shapwick Starlets summer activity The Shapwick Starlets enjoyed summer gatherings and outings in August as there was no scheduled meeting. This started with a skittles evening at the recently reopened King William Inn, Catcott, which happened to coincide with the eclipse. Ladies had made pin-hole cameras, or brought colanders or special glasses to witness this event. Someone coined the phrase Colander Girls and great fun was had by all. During the summer ladies also took advantage of the local bus service and spent a very enjoyable day in Glastonbury bargain hunting in the local charity shops. Sue was most pleased with her find of a crafty book entitled 100 Little Knitted Projects; watch out for Christmas gifts! Other bargains were a miniature lighthouse complementing a collection of wooden houses and a jigsaw puzzle roll mat. All charity items were under £5. We would also love to see you at our Christmas Fayre on Sunday 29 November from 1.30 – 3.30 at the Village Hall. See the poster on p. 8 and save the date! No letter from Rich Tweedy in this issue for personal reasons. But he hopes to be back in the next one. The Community Cafe takes place once a month, 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. See What’s On on p. 8 for the upcoming dates! WENDY ANDERSON The following week, the intrepid adventurers followed the Wells town trail, stopping for lunch at The Bishops Palace. Shapwick Starlets meet in the village hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30. We have some exciting speakers and activities over the next few months. If you would like to join us you would be very welcome. See the dates in Whats On on p. 8. October – a signing evening, sharing some fun and easy songs November – craft evening, making some Christmas decorations. December – Christmas party, sharing food and fun in the Christmas spirit January – Myths and Legends of Somerset from Luke Knight February – Experience of competing in The Great British Bake Off – Val Stones March – Deaf awareness, British Sign Language – Emm Sharpe
Shapwick Allotment Association Early Autumn update Well at last we now have some rain. Everything is so much greener and what a difference it has made to the dried ground and the produce. Looks like Jenny, Jo and Poppy have had some great crops, but the prize for the tallest sun flower definitely goes to Shelly Pople. Lots of preparation for the rest of the Autumn harvest is well underway, as the squashes ripen and the rest of the late veg are picked. As we enter October, we will get ready to extend our water harvesting project to expand our water storage capacity for 2027. 5 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 SIMON DAWES, CHAIRMAN, SAA Legacy From distant time the village has survived In shape and size and spirit it has thrived, Its people true to those who’ve gone before, Its niche in history formed in peace and war, Its thread of life allowing gradual change Remaining in its essence much the same. Take care, do not permit what cannot be undone, Do not betray a vision our forebears have begun, So much rich history easily brushed aside, Views of those against as easily denied, ‘Progress’ rendering villages just the same, Leaving only remnants and an ancient name. Our heritage cautions what might lie in store, Stay faithful then to those who’ve gone before. FRANK BARNARD To read this and all issues of Shapwick News online: https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/newsletters/ If you would like to contribute a poem on a Shapwick theme (understood broadly) to Shapwick News, please send it to shapwick.news@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk
The Shapwick pigeons have heard about the new speed limit to come in 2027 and have decided they too would like to change some things, starting with the starlings : 2027 Starlings CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS We are incredibly proud of our students and the fantastic results they achieved this summer. Their successes included GCSE grades as high as 7 in English Literature, 6-6 in Combined Science, 6 in Computer Science and 5 in English Language, History and Mathematics. Students also gained an impressive range of additional qualifications, including Functional Skills in English and Maths, Animal Care, Home Cooking Skills, Exercise Studies, Creative Craft Textiles, Creative Production and Design and Arts Awards. These achievements are especially meaningful because every result represents determination, resilience and personal growth. Our students have worked tremendously hard, supported by their families and our dedicated staff team, and we could not be prouder of each and every one of them. 6 AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 I wonder if the peeps will be as well-behaved? Dovecote School Sustainability STEVE POLDEN DAISY JOHN Our Autumn litter pick will take place on Sunday 11th October starting at 10.00. We are meeting at the Village Hall instead of the cricket pavilion. As with the last couple of cleanups, we plan to drive teams along the ‘main roads’ into the parish and walk back as these areas have the most litter. Hopefully we will also have enough people to litterpick the lanes inside the village. As usual there will be refreshments at the end. Hope to see you there! Litterpick! Congratulations! Celebrating Success!
What did our forebears eat? In 2013 Shapwick was the subject of the prizewinning book by Mick Aston and Chris Gerrard, Interpreting The English Village, based on a detailed historical study over more than twenty years led by Mick Aston of Time Team fame. Among other topics, they ask: Two hundred years ago and more what did our forebears eat? 'The animal stock farmed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries went unchanged from earlier centuries. Sheep bones outnumber cattle & pig together, and there are more cattle than pig, although the pattern does vary across the village. But there is no reason to think that good tables were not kept in many village houses and this rather dull butcher's list might easily equate to tasty ham rashers, potatoes fried in cream, buttered toast and eggs for breakfast and sometimes beef-steak for lunch, followed by home-brewed beer and smoking, then tea and cards, with a supper of bread and cheese before bed. Many villagers kept poultry and also ate rabbits, probably breeding them in hutches. These dishes are all locally documented and even the poorest households could muster pea soup, herring and potatoes, boiled peas, a basin of gruel, bacon and potatoes, and suppers of tea with bread and butter, all of which are described at the trial of murderess Sarah Freeman. Disregarding her addition of fatal dosages of arsenic many of these dishes were fresher and more seasonal than most diets are today.' In the Junior section of the club both the Under 12 and Under 10 teams reached the respective finals of their Mid-Wessex League Plate competitions, with the Under 12s finishing victorious, beating Yeovil in the final by 61 runs. The women’s team continued to thrive, moving up from playing pairs cricket to the T20 Holland Division where they finished 6 . They also reached the semi-final of the softball knock-out cup, losing to a very strong Chard team. Rebecca Travers was the 6 highest scoring batter in the league with 231 runs in 6 innings including 5 not outs. Sarah Royall finished 4 highest wicket taker with 8 wickets and a best of 3 for 17. th th th The men’s first XI finished 5 in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League winning 8 of their 14 completed games. James Hayman was the second highest scoring batter in the Division with 756 runs at an average of 69 and a high score of 148. Jacques Luckins finished 6 in the Division batting th th AUTUMN I S SUE | OCTOBER 2 0 2 6 7 Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club with 547 runs at an average of 42 and a high score of 131. In the bowling averages captain Josh Luckins finished 6 with 21 wickets and James Hayman 9 with 20. th th The second XI narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing 3 in Division 6N of the Somerset League, winning 9 of their 12 completed games. Captain Tom Barr was the 6 highest run scorer in the Division with 315 runs, while Alistair Barr was 10 with 256 runs. Tom was also third in the bowling averages with 19 wickets in just 48 overs and a best of 5 for 22. rd th th Overall a successful season that started and finished with games cancelled and abandoned due to rain but was more memorable for a summer of very hot playing conditions and little rain at all. We look forward to 2027 and hopefully a more balanced spread of weather! ALISTAIR BARR The Under-10s Shapwick History Group Shapwick History Group doesn't have anything in the calendar at the moment, but stay tuned! In the meantime share your local history ideas with us at History@shapwick.org or find us on Facebook. JOHN ANDERSON The Under-12s
What's On in Shapwick, October to December 2026 Village Hall Bingo nights: Alternate Fridays: Eyes down usually 7.30pm. Arts and Crafts Group: Thursdays from 2-4pm, Village Hall: contact margaretdobbs@gmail.com Community Cafe, monthly, Thursdays 2-4pm; venue as below. Donations of cakes always very welcome! Shapwick Starlets WI: second Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm, Village Hall; for themes and speakers see p. 4. See Facebook, and the roadside signboards, for other upcoming dates! 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 2027, please submit contributions no later than 15 December 2026, 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, October 2026: published by Shapwick Parish Council, edited by Moray McGowan, assisted by Charlotte Douglas (p. 6). 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 6 8 Every Sunday: Shapwick Runners' Sunday Run! Meet at the cricket field, set off at 9am. All abilities welcome! Sunday 11 October, 10am: Litterpick, meet at Village Hall Tuesday 13 October, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Starlets WI Friday 16 October, 7.30pm: Village Hall: Bingo Saturday 17 October, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Harvest Supper Sunday 18 October, 10am, St Mary’s Church: Café Church Tuesday 20 October, 7.30pm: Village Hall AGM Thursday 29 October, 2-4pm, St Mary’s Church: Community Café Friday 30 October, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Bingo Tuesday 10 November, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Starlets WI Friday 13 November, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Bingo Sunday 15 November, 10am, St Mary’s Church: Café Church Thursday 26 November 2-4pm, Village Hall: Community Café Friday 27 November, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Quiz n’ Chips Sunday November 29, 1.30-3.30pm, Hall: WI Christmas Fayre Saturday 5 December, 2pm, Hall: Wreath Making Workshop Tuesday 8 December, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Starlets WI Friday 11 December, 7.30pm, Village Hall: Bingo Wednesday 16 December, 19.30pm, St Mary’s: Candlelit Carols Thursday 17 December, 2-4pm, Pavilion: Community Café Sunday 20 December, 10am, St Mary’s Church: Café Church Christmas Eve Carols on the Village Green: tbc. Friday 27 November Bring your own drink
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