We have a couple of fun events coming up, and all are welcome to come along and learn about old - or very old - Shapwick! Shapwick ‘Ted’ Talk - Thurs 28th May, 6.30 for 7pm, Village Hall An evening dedicated to WW2 evacuee Ted Baverstock, with readings from his memoir Blown Away - Seeds on the Winds of War, which paints a vivid picture of village life during wartime through the eyes of 'an assortment of scallywags who exchanged the streets of Dagenham for the lanes of Shapwick'. Whilst missing his own family back home, living in Shapwick was a turning point for Ted as he learned to love his new life in a small farming community which left a life long impression, and a keen interest in nature. Unfortunately Ted is no longer with us, but his evocative stories live on, and we hope to be joined by his daughter Suzie on the night. Entry is free (small donation appreciated) and we’ll be toasting Ted with a few ciders - possibly appreciated by our plucky volunteer readers! Roman Villa Site Visit We've been offered an opportunity to meet representatives of the archaeology team currently carrying out investigation work at the new wetland and grassland site adjoining the Hawk and Owl Trust's Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve. The presence of a Romano-British villa has been discovered, with foundations, pottery, flints and other artefacts recovered. If you'd like to attend this site visit (and why wouldn't you!) please get in contact at history@shapwick.org so we can gauge numbers. As ever you can also follow us on Facebook for future updates. Free, date tbc. WI NTER I S SUE | APR I L 2 0 2 6 6 Shapwick History Group JOHN ANDERSON 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/ Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club ALISTAIR BARR As the days get longer and warmer the cricket season beckons and arrangements are in hand for summer 2026. The men’s first XI, captained by Josh Luckins, will play in the Premier Division of the Somerset Cricket League while the second XI captained by Tom Barr will be in Division 6. New players are always welcome and should contact Josh at jlluckins@hotmail.com or just come along to our practice evenings on Wednesdays from The women’s team were league champions again in 2025 and this year the captain is Izzy Talbot. They will be competing in a T20 softball league, and practice on Tuesday evenings at the club. Anyone interested in playing this summer should contact Izzy at Isaybel.t@hotmail.com. The junior section will again be running AllStars and Dynamos plus age group teams from U12 to U16. Contact Judith Wanliss at judithwanliss@hotmail.co.uk. Junior training is on Friday evenings and the bar is open for parents, spectators and anyone who would like a drink - hopefully in the sunshine! 6.30 to 7.45pm at the club on Northbrook Road from 15 April. This will include use of our brand new nets which will provide a great place to learn and practice. We have preseason friendlies against Street CC away on Saturday 18 April and Lydford at home on Sunday 26 April before the league season starts on Saturday 2 May. h The Pavilion remains available for hire when not being used for cricket and enquiries should be directed to spccbookings@outlook.com or 01458 210012. Somerset Council is funding “Step, Ride, Thrive” – a project led by the Avalon & Poldens Local Community Network (LCN), aimed to improve access to the Avalon Marshes through sustainable, active travel. The project focuses on buses, bikes, and walking, and aims to tackle transport inequality, promote healthier lifestyles, and strengthen connections between people and nature. As part of the project, on Wedneday 29 April, Dovecote School is hosting a free bike maintenance session, delivered by local bike recycling charity On Your Bike. See poster on p. 1. As well as a session for Dovecote students, there will be a session open to all from 3-7pm. Topics include essential bike safety checks, an overview of bike components, and puncture repairs. The initiative promotes safer cycling, and any bikes visitors bring will receive a safety check, with minor repairs and adjustments made as needed. The goal is to improve bike safety, encourage cycling, and support sustainable travel and healthy lifestyles in our community. Step, Ride, Thrive / Bicycle Workshop
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