Parish Council Rich Tweedy’s Letter Historical Starlings? Shapwick Jam Bunny Hop 2026 Cricket Club Arts and Crafts Group Shapwick Starlets WI History Group Sustainability Group/ Litterpick What's On 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 BREAKFAST MORNING at Shapwick Village Hall on Saturday 5 September 9-11am Enjoy a full English breakfast £9.00 All Proceeds to Shapwick Village Hall SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 In this issue: S U M M E R I S S U E , J U L Y 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 Another year, another downpour, another great Shapwick Jam. See p. 4. Horses? But nothing from the Horse’s Mouth? Grrrr...it’s a very busy time for farmers though, and then there’s the heatwave...maybe you’ll hear fromme in the next Shapwick News. What? 20mph? (See p. 2) But I want to get to the Roman farm on Kent Drove before it disappears underwater! (p. 7) And on the way I am going to stop for a rest, meet some Historical Shapwick Starlings, and try the quiz (p. 3). Salvēte, posteritas!
Possible extension of Allotment area: Request for Comments A Parish Council working group has been set up to further consider the request from the Allotment Association to increase the allotment area, by adding the grass area to the east of the current allotment boundary. Please see the proposal document in the appendix to the PC meeting of 19 May, under Agendas & Minutes on shapwickvillage.co.uk. This would be an important change, and we encourage comments from Shapwick residents, via the CONTACT US form on the village website or email clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk Please let us have your views by 19 July 2026. The working group will then report back to the PC in September. Unfamiliar with QR codes? Just point your phone camera at one. When the camera "captures" the code the name of the webpage / document will appear, just click / press on it and it will open. Slowly,slowly...20mph in Shapwick? Following the recent village consultation, the Parish Council has voted to apply to Somerset Council for permission to create a 20mph traffic zone in Shapwick, within the existing 30mph zone. As part of the process we wish to continue our consultation with Shapwick residents to ensure that everyone has the chance to express their views. Please do this by 19 July 2026. To make this as easy as possible you can, preferably, use the CONTACT US form on the village website email clerk@shapwickparishcouncil.org.uk text / call 07484160913 Please see the flyer in this edition of Shapwick News: 1) The text on the map explains the two main criteria by which an application will be assessed; the PC has no influence on these criteria. 2) The yellow line shows the boundaries of the potential 20mph zone within Shapwick. 3) The numbers are the current average speeds of vehicles in each 600 metre zone. The data is sourced from vehicle telematics as used by the Police. NB extremely high and low speeds are excluded from the data to make sure the “average” is not distorted by outliers. 2 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 Shapwick Parish Council GRAHAM CROUCHER CHAIR OF SHAPWICK PC . Telephone Services: Once all landlines go digital in 2027, there will be support services such as Hybrid Landline Phones with a SIM-card that will allow the phone to work during power or broadband outages. Battery Backup Units: for routers and careline (telecare) alarm, providing short-term power in the event of an electrical outage. Assisted Engineer Visits: Vulnerable customers (especially those using personal healthcare pendants or alarms) are offered free in-home engineer assistance to install and test equipment. Search “BT GOING DIGITAL” for more info. Water: To register for the Wessex Water PSR call 0345 6003600 or go to: wessexwater.c.uk/additional-support/priority services Electricity: For the National Grid PSR call 0800 096 3080 or go to: national grid.co.uk/psr Shapwick Preparedness Background: Somerset Council has a statutory duty to prepare and maintain a "Preparedness Plan". Although Parish Councils do not have the same duty we are encouraged to take part at a local level. To this end a group of residents and Councillors have started work on this project. Priority Service Registers (PSR), aka “At Risk” registers Did you know that you can sign up for FREE if you or someone in your household meets certain criteria relating to age, disability or personal and family circumstances. Once you are registered, these organisations are committed to providing targeted and priority support. PC Agendas & Minutes Stay informed! Services and Information, including “How to register on “At Risk” registers” for certain key services and situations: electricity, water, flooding. See below. Shapwick does not face any extreme risks or dangers, and any recommendations need to be proportionate to that low level of risk. The group feels that we will be concentrating on concerns such as flooding, extended power outages and extreme weather conditions. Please note certain support services are already in place: Contact us! To contact the Parish Council, go to https://www.shapwickvillage.co.uk/contact-us/ or:
Hello historians! We know that Shapwick has been lived in since prehistoric times. For this issue, can you arrange these starlings in chronological order, with the oldest first? Give them numbers from 1 - 8! (and if you’re confident, name the era too!) You'll find the answers somewhere in this issue. Historical Starlings? 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/ CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS RICH TWEEDY were often persecuted. They therefore needed to develop secret symbols so that other Christians would know, for example, that a particular house was a meeting place. Thus, the Greek word ΙΧΘΥΣ, meaning ‘fish’, is also an acronym for the words “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour”. If you lay the Greek characters on top of each other, you create a circle with eight spokes. If that sounds obscure – that was the intention! As we become a group of eight churches, our deepest need is to know more of “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour” – who is at the heart of all we do. Every blessing, Rich Tweedy vicar@poldenwheel.co.uk Our New Group of Churches We finally have a start date for the new benefice! Our launch service will be on Sunday 13 September at 11am at All Saints Church in Ashcott. Many of us have expressed our unease about the necessity of this and the process along the way; but it is worth realising that many of these feelings are shared by those in Moorlinch and Stawell – and it is worse for them, because in joining us, they leave their friends in Middlezoy and Othery. I have been greatly impressed by the desire and willingness of members of all eight churches to leave our unease behind and to embrace our future as a group of eight churches. I was intrigued to find that an early Christian symbol was a circle with eight spokes (shown here)! In the first three centuries of the church, Christians 3 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 A.___________ B.___________ C.___________ D.___________ E.___________ F._____ G._____ H._____ Some ancient Christian symbols Image credit: Simon Ray, Unsplash
S 4 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 Shapwick Jam 2026 SIMON DAWES AND THE JAM TEAM . Surely it couldn't rain two years on the trot could it? Well, it did but not as heavily as last year. And you still came out to support us and we are hugely grateful for those that put up with the challenging conditions in the afternoon and waited for the sun to come out in the evening. A great first set by Amber Lane opened up the event, as we ate our way through some fantastic cakes and those amazing sausage rolls from the WI, followed by hot dogs and crêpes from the Jam food team. Some great bands on the Open Mic too. Thankyou to all the artists that turned up and played. Special thanks also to the Jam afternoon entertainment team who braved the elements to look after the kids’ games. We waited but the sun didn't show. No matter, the evening artists and bands were top notch, kicked off by the superb Seb Longhorn, followed by the excellent Autumn Red and the String Stomp band and finished by the Black River Rats. The evening food was amazing and the bar team were superb as always. P h o t o s : J o h n A n d e r s o n A huge Thankyou to all of our helpers, to a great Jam Team who put it all together and a special thankyou again to all the villagers from Shapwick, along the Poldens and across the moors, who helped make it another great event. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Jam; check out our Facebook page for more photos in the meantime! Shapwick Village Hall BRIDGET DAWES, NERINA SCOTT Thank you to everyone who has supported the hall events through the year so far. Our next event is a breakfast morning on Saturday 5 September. Come along for your 'full English' to start the day We will also be holding the harvest supper and a quiz night a little later in the year, watch out for boards, village socials and the October Shapwick News. The CIO of the village hall (new charity- see April issue of Shapwick News ) is looking for a secretary. If you think this is something you may be able to help with and would like to be involved with running the hall, please get in touch with any of the committee or email shapwickvh@gmail.com
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/ 5 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 Shapwick Bunny Hop 2026 Shapwick and Polden Cricket Club The season so far has been impacted by significant swings in the weather, from Met Office alerts on heatwaves to matches cancelled or abandoned due to rain. Luckily, the ground in Shapwick drains well down the north face of the Poldens. Combined with the efforts of James Hayman our groundsman, this has enabled us still to play some cricket. The first XI have completed five games to date winning two of those comprehensively. Against Taunton St Andrews, Shapwick chased down 189 for the loss of no wickets in just 18 overs, with Steve Tinnion scoring 78 n.o. and James Hayman 87 n.o. Against Butleigh Shapwick hit 291 with Calum Haggett smashing 111 n.o. from 69 balls and Butleigh were subsequently all out for 152. The second XI currently sit 3 in Division 6N having won all four completed games. Lloyd Luce is top run scorer with 148 so far, while captain Tom Barr is the league’s leading wicket taker with 12 wickets. New players are always welcome and should contact Josh at jlluckins@hotmail.com or just come along to our practice evenings on Wednesdays from 6.30 to 7.45pm at the club. rd ALISTAIR BARR Friday evenings have seen excellent attendances at junior training. It is great to see the field alive with youngsters from 5 upwards enjoying the opportunity to get fresh air and exercise, make new friends and learn some skills. Many thanks are due to those community members who volunteer to make these sessions such a success. The junior section runs AllStars and Dynamos plus age group teams from U12 to U16. For details contact Judith Wanliss at judithwanliss@hotmail.co.uk. The women’s team are currently 4 in the Holland Division of the T20 softball competition having won two of their four games. Becky Travers is the league’s top batter with 168 runs at an impressive strike rate of 112. Anyone interested in playing this summer should contact Izzy at Isaybel.t@hotmail.com th TERESA KING A huge thank you to everyone in the village who once again supported the annual Shapwick Bunny Hop on Easter Monday, from those who took part in the race, to the marshals, caterers, cake donors, landowners and the diligent finish-line timers and results team. Thanks also to Dovecote School and the Cricket Club for the use Regular local Bunny Hop rivals Tom Mills and Gerry King. Photos by Shapwick photography students Kitty and Elkie. More photos plus results on Street Striders FB page. L AllStars ready for action on a Friday evening Junior training is on Friday evenings and the bar is open for parents, spectators and anyone who would like a drink. The Pavilion remains available for hire when not being used for cricket. Enquiries should be directed to spccbookings@outlook.com or 01458 210012. We look forward to the second half of the season with fingers crossed for some more stable summer weather! Th e n ew S t a r t L i n e There was a wonderful atmosphere on the Green as happy and exhausted runners crossed the line after a tough 7.5 miles and picked up their memento Bunny Hop cider, with labels designed by Strode College students, guided by Shapwick's John Anderson. It was a brilliant celebration of community spirit and local enthusiasm. Street Striders led the organisation this year, while Shapwick residents maintained the connection to the village. We hope to see everyone back next year. of the car parks, and the Parish Council for use of the Village Green. This year's race was another success, with 150 participants including club runners seeking personal bests and plenty of fun runners, plus a great turn out for the social walk led by Steve Dunster.
In April our speaker was Nettie from Craft House Chocolate, Somerton who told us about chocolate making (buying the beans and roasting to make chocolate) and chocolate crafting (buying in the chocolate to make products). As a chocolate maker, she emphasised the need to work with the farmers and pay a proper wage to enable them to dry and turn the beans effectively. She explained that beans from Central American countries and chocolate that identified the country of origin were of a higher quality. In contrast, industrial chocolate from the named brands often utilised beans from Africa, didn’t pay farmers well and overroasted the bean to compensate for poor quality drying processes. Nettie had brought along photos and examples of the beans and chocolate making process including jars demonstrating the proportions of ingredients in different strengths of chocolate. 6 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 Shapwick Starlets WI MARY-JANE HINCHLIFFE And in June a very different topic: Ursula Clarke Franklin’s talk on Mission Penguin. Her mission was to see and photograph all eighteen species of penguin across the Southern Hemisphere. This, along with focussing on work, was her way of dealing with the sudden death of her husband and the loss of other family members. She asked if any ladies had also seen penguins and about half a dozen of our members had, in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, the Falklands and South Georgia. Ursula talked animatedly about her trips to the habitats of the various penguin groups. This was illustrated with photos of the penguins themselves and the vessels, geography and topography she encountered. Some remote places such as Tristan da Cunha could only be accessed once a year and by boat. In May Carol and Bob Northover showed us a selection from their collection of nutcrackers from different epochs and different parts of the world, the different methods used to crack nuts, such as the percussion method (hitting them between two objects) and the different Ursula’s stories were both humorous and inspirational. For example, she talked about a colony of penguins on the Falklands; you could tell they were from a British Overseas Protectorate as they formed an orderly queue to take a freshwater shower. It was clear that her adventures had helped with her grief journey. On being asked what next, she talked about a greater awareness of engaging in responsible tourism, including the acknowledgment that places such as the Galápagos Islands rely on tourism to enable them to do conservation work. Arts and Crafts Group Shapwick Arts and Crafts Group continues to meet every Thursday afternoon in the village hall from 2 until 4pm. We have a super selection of resources to choose from including the new addition of needle felting. You are also welcome to bring your own projects. MARGARET DOBBS Please come along and relax with a couple of hours of crafting and enjoy a delicious cake and cuppa. Only £5. All welcome, you do not have to be an artist! materials used, from wood, iron, brass, bronze, silver, porcelain to plastic. They told enthralling stories of how they started collecting and came across some of their finds. Many were from antiques fairs in Shepton Mallet and other local venues. Their donation from the talk would go to the charity Sight Savers which was dear to their hearts.
Shapwick History Group 7 SUMMER I S SUE | J ULY 2 0 2 6 JOHN ANDERSON Roamin' with the Romans On a murky morning back in April, an enthusiastic cohort of villagers were provided with an intriguing glimpse into the past after an unexpected discovery shone a light on the lives of our Kent Drove forebears, some 1,700 years ago. The presence of Romano-British activity first became apparent when Wessex Water carried out pre-construction surveys ahead of the large scale Wetland Project to the north of the village. The fieldwork team from AC Archaeology, who were consulted for further investigation, kindly took the time to provide us with a behind-the-scenes tour of the exploratory dig in progress - a formidable task delayed by the relentlessly soggy start to the year. surprisingly easy to visualise the ancient buildings - the remains of iron nails suggest timber structures were once constructed over the visible stone foundations. Post-research, the site will once again disappear beneath the wetland landscape. Our thanks to Stuart from AC Archaeology, Al from Wessex Water and Graham Croucher for facilitating such an enjoyably unique experience! We'll pass on any follow-up findings when available. A Shapwick 'Ted' Talk More recently, the group hosted a joyful Village Hall evening with readings from the wartime memoir of Shapwick evacuee Edward Baverstock. Ted's book Blown Away - Seeds on the Winds of War is a wonderful personal recollection of village life through the eyes of 'an assortment of scallywags who exchanged the streets of Dagenham for the lanes of Shapwick'. Ted quickly adapted to his new life as part of a small farming community. He wrote fondly about his hosts, the Stevens family at Old Farm, and the colourful assortment of village characters he encountered along the way. It was also interesting to hear about evacuee connections from other villagers, which often led to lifelong relationships, as with Ted, who regularly returned to visit his Shapwick friends. A combination of 21st Century technology and meticulous human trench work eventually revealed features and artefacts indicating an agricultural settlement dating back to the 3rd/4th century, complete with pottery, iron working tools, kiln remains, animal bones and even a few small coins. It was We were joined on the night by Ted's daughters, Suzie and Jenny Baverstock, who shared personal memories of their father, as well as participating in the group readings. Many thanks to both, along with all of our fantastic readers, including Roger, Frank, Laura and Ali. Thanks also to Louise and Chris, and to the SW Heritage Trust for the audio clips previously recorded by Ted himself. You can still find second hand copies of Ted's memoir online, and the History Group has a few copies available to borrow on request - just contact us at History@shapwick.org or find us on Facebook. Made it! Lost my helmet on the way though...
We are planning to hold another litter pick on Sunday 11 October, 09.30 start. Following the format of the last couple of picks; we will concentrate on the lanes/roads coming into the village. As usual we hope to have refreshments available at the end. Please put the date on your calendar and look out for further information on the village website and Facebook pages. Historical starlings quiz (p. 3) answers, from the oldest to the most recent 1. D. Prehistoric 2. F. Roman 3. A. Saxon 4. B. Medieval 5. C. Elizabethan/Jacobean 6. H. Victorian 7. E. 1920s 8. G. Contemporary Sustainable Shapwick /Litterpick What's On in Shapwick, July to early October 2026 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 2026, please submit contributions no later than 15 September 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. Summer Issue, July 2025: Published by Shapwick Parish Council, edited by Moray McGowan, assisted by Charlotte Douglas (page 3 and some brilliant graphics, such as Ben Starling, the charioteer!) 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 8 Every Sunday: Shapwick Runners' Sunday Run! Meet at the cricket field, set off at 9am. All abilities welcome! Village Hall Bingo Nights: alternate Fridays: Eyes down usually 7.30pm. For Bingo from September check boards. 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 10 July, Village Hall: Bingo Tuesday 14 July, 7.30pm: WI/Starlets, Village Hall Sunday 19 July, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Tuesday 21 July, 7pm: Parish Council, Village Hall Friday 24 July, Village Hall: Bingo. Sunday 26 July, 9.30: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church Thursday 30 July, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, St Mary’s Church Sunday 16 August, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Saturday 22 August, 2.30-4.30 Afternoon Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Now!, 5 Lawn Lane (see poster, p.1) Sunday 23 August, 9.30: Holy Communion, St Mary’s Church . Thursday 27 August, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, Village Hall Saturday 5 September, 9-11 Village Hall: Breakfast (see p. 1) Tuesday 8 September, 7.30pm: WI/Starlets, Village Hall Friday 19 September, Pavilion: Bingo. Eyes down 7.30pm. Sunday 20 September, 10am: Cafe Church, St Mary’s Church Tuesday 22 September, 7pm: Parish Council , Village Hall Thursday 24 September, 2-4pm: Community Cafe, Pavilion 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 Thermal imaging camera - checking for hot and cold spots After 18 months on the waiting list, we finally had the thermal imaging camera to use. A handful of villagers had expressed an interest so over three days we had it, ‘surveys’ were conducted to see any cold spots around the properties. On the older properties, doors showed as the biggest loss as well as some ceiling/roof areas. It was also interesting to see where underfloor heating pipes lay and they showed up clearly on the pictures. Anyone can borrow the camera; you just need to have a Somerset library card and put yourself on the waiting list. With only three cameras across the county, it is a long wait. STEVE POLDEN Shapwick Village Hall 100 Club winners March - Louise Gaunt, Gerry King April - Jenny Dennes, Val Watkins May - Bente Motum, Lisa Pomeroy There are still numbers available in the draw, so please email shapwickvh@gmail if you would like to join and support the hall.
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