APRIL 2019

ASH NEWSLETTER

Editor: Caz Halfhide email: ashnewsletter@aol.com

S E R V I C E S A T H O L Y T R I N I T Y , A S H

APRIL 2019

7th APRIL 11.00am Baptism Service 14th APRIL 11.00am Holy Communion

Palm Sunday 17th APRIL 7.00pm Stations of the Cross 19th APRIL 2.00pm Last Hour around the Cross Good Friday 21st APRIL 11.00am Holy Communion

Easter Day 21st APRIL 11.00am Holy Communion

Evening Prayer is said every Wednesday at 5.00p.m

The Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting will be held on Thursday 4th April 2019 at 6.00pm – in the Church. This is your opportunity to hear about what the Church, here in Ash, has been doing during the last year, and possibly suggest things that we might do better in the future.

FOR ANYONE WHO IS EITHER DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO SIGN DURING A CHURCH SERVICE, ONE OF OUR LOCAL PCSO’S, CAROLE, HAS OFFERED TO HELP.

SHE CAN BE CONTACTED ON: 07889 659179

A MESSAGE FROM THE BENEFICE MINISTERY TEAM

I guess most of you reading this have a faith and are believers, but I am still keen to write something that has pause for us all to think even if you have no faith. So, imagine if what we call faith was called love or caring or helping others; would that make a difference? And what if I suggested that caring and helping are good practical human behaviours, but love is more spiritual and trickier to pin down? Love can lead to devotion and the devotion of the lover is gentle, kind, caring and ready to help. Belief can lead to anger, militancy and even terrorism. When we truly love we can accept others’ thoughts and ideas when we truly believe we can be dogmatic and forceful, determined we are right; I see too much of this in everyday life. Love need not be blind, but faith must, ultimately, be a leap in the dark. Let me suggest how faith and love can be one and how we can be spiritual and practical, how we can have an everyday faith that cares and how all people in any community can live together through helping and caring for each other. For those of us with faith we should be asking: Is our faith an everyday faith? Does it help us live and tell the story of God in our everyday world? Those of us who go to church need to connect what happens in church on Sundays to the everyday lives of people in the congregation and those around us in the wider community. As believers we need to be welcoming, caring and open to all spiritualities and those with none. And those of you with no belief or who are, at best, sceptical please trust us in our faith which we are trying not to keep bound-up in religious worship in the church, but ready to demonstrate through how we live. In order to be trusted I am therefore keen for us in church to: Be curious - about people’s daily lives and experience Visit people where they spend their time during the week Pray for people’s everyday lives when we worship together Make sure noticeboards and sheets aren’t just about church things Support people for their work and life beyond church Connect preaching clearly to how we live every day. The Bishops of Bath & Wells are keen for us to do this too and they and their team are there to help us to live out the Good News of Jesus confidently in all of life, Sunday to Saturday in homes, schools, communities and places of work. Maybe we could all do with listening more, saying less and being alongside others with a hot drink to offer care, help and love. God is love, Mac

Ash WI ‘Our children are the same as yours’ was the title chosen by Trevor Goss, this month's speaker, who has a pretty challenging job : he is a Social Worker, a Team Manager who recruits foster carers for children in Somerset, There is a perception that these children are ‘naughty’, which Trevor refutes. They may behave differently because they are living with a stranger, who is not their birth parent. They have to learn to trust. To experience continuity and consistency as a given. Trevor works with the parents of children who have been taken into foster care, hoping that they, or another family member will ultimately be able to look after their child again. The two video clips we saw illustrated the behaviour of an emotionally abused child. The first with her foster mother, and in the second, the way the birth mother’s words and actions had been the reason that those behaviours developed. They did not make comfortable viewing. He explained that the role of foster parents - who must be over 21, fit and healthy- is to provide reliability, stability and a consistent approach so that the child feels secure and valued. They (foster parents) are subject to many checks, both before and after their training and must expect visits to see their foster child by their appointed Social Worker. Business Lorraine asked Members for suggestions for our 2019-20 programme and ideas for places they might like to visit on our outings- not too far away! She also reminded us that our Annual Meeting is fast approaching and asked for some new Committee members to replace those who wish to stand down. We have been asked to provide cakes to serve with tea/coffee at the Annual Parish Meeting on 15 th April., and volunteers are requested for the WI’s refreshment tent at the Bath and West Show.

On 8th April, at 8pm we look forward to Katherine Crouch teaching us ‘new tricks for old gardeners’. Visitors are welcome.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH GARDENING CLUB – MARCH 2019 MEETING

This month’s meeting was very well attended and the speaker this month was Christine Stones. Christine gave us Tour de France of gardens which she has visited showing us gardens of every description from the formal gardens of the Palace of Versailles to smaller and sometime quirkier gardens, including one garden where the owner had used broken plates etc from war damaged buildings to decorate his garden. This month was the daffodil bulb competition the winners being 1st Peggy Horwood 2nd Pat Brock 3rd Nicky Vaughan 4th Liz Bulloch. Well done. Aprils meeting will be on the 29th April - the speaker will be Tony Burgess & the topic will be West Country Snippets.

VISIT THE BENEFICE FACEBOOK PAGE

Churches of Martock, Kingsbury Episcopi and Ash, Somerset

ASH REMEMBERS 100 YEARS ON The tributes to the five men on the Ash Roll of Honor and the story of the building of the memorial bell tower and the local men involved in its construction is now on the History Section of Ash Village Website, www.ashpcsomerset.com where it can be read or downloaded. The original tribute on display in Holy Trinity Church around Remembrance Day last year has been put together as an illustrated booklet and contains additional material as a result of further research. We are looking into the possibility of having this printed as a booklet, which might be of interest to some people, especially those with no access to the internet. Watch this space for more news on this next month. Derek Groves

DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: PLANT SALE – ASH VILLAGE HALL – SATURDAY 11TH MAY

(Further details in next months newsletter)

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH SCHOOL – MARCH 2019

Spring is always an interesting time of year at school. The plants are all starting to sprout and it is lovely to see the daffodils in bloom on the bank of the village car park. We have been busy with many exciting activities. We had World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. The children came to school dressed in different outfits or just in their own clothes. They went to the Reading Café and enjoyed reading to themselves and others. The older children paired up with younger ones and shared favourite stories. They then enjoyed cake and a drink in the café. On Friday 15th March we held a cake baking competition for each year group. The wonderful cakes produced by the children were then sold at the end of the day and the money raised went towards the charity. They also came to school dressed in many different colours and made a donation to the Red Nose charity. We are looking forward to our other teams from the older year groups competing and wish them well. Our ambassadors for the Erasmus project are preparing for their visit to Bristol later this term. They will be meeting up with the children, who are attending, from the European schools. There are fun activities planned and I am sure they will represent the school well and make new friends from the other schools.

Our school gymnasts have been busy practising for the local competitions. So far our younger children have participated and were very successful. One of the teams won the event and has qualified for the next round to find the county champions. They will be competing at Millfield at the Spring Games.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, ASH

COFFEE N’ CHAT! ASH PAVILION

Every Wednesday 10am – 11.30am ALL WELCOME

A big thank you to all who contribute & continue to support this weekly event.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

Return of the BIG BREAKFAST ASH VILLAGE HALL

SATURDAY 18TH MAY 9.30AM – 11.30AM

FULL ENGLISH + TOAST, TEA/COFFEE/JUICE £5.00 PER HEAD

IN AID OF VILLAGE HALL FUNDS

The PTA has been very busy raising money for the school. They sold refreshments at the end of the World Book Day event and have some new events planned. They are holding afternoon tea for mums and children to attend following the Church service which will be held on Friday 29th March at 2.15pm. Everyone is welcome to join us. They are also holding the very popular Easter Disco on Thursday 4th April and I am sure that the children will have lots of fun. Our Easter Service will be held at the church on Friday 5th April at 2.15pm. We hope parents and friends of the school will be able to join us for this event. We are holding an Easter Craft morning on Thursday 4th April. This is an opportunity for children to step off of the regular timetable to enjoy making things linked to Easter. If you have skills to offer or would just like to join in the fun then please do contact the school office. We are delighted with the local people who have been coming in to support us as Reading Mentors. It has been beneficial for the children and the adults involved have found the involvement rewarding. So if you have time to commit once a week to come and work with a small group of children we would love to hear from you. Please contact the school office on 01935 822674 if you wish to be involved or email the school office at office@ashprimaryschool.co.uk

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

DRAFT Ash Parish Council Minutes for 4th March 2019 **newsletter version – please note that these minutes do not contain numbering and

complete copies of the minutes may be viewed on the village website** NOTE – UNDER THE ITEM MAY MEETINGS THE DATE ARRANGED FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH MAY NEED TO BE CHANGED AND THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE APRIL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Present - Cllrs. J. Parker, [chairman] R. Coombes, N. Bluck, L. Buckley,[vice chairman] - M. Wooden, S. Vickery, N. Bloomfield [7] - nine members of the public - District Councillor Graham Middleton

Apologies for absence None Declarations of interest none Minutes The minutes of the meeting of 4th February 2019, as circulated, were RESOLVED [7/0] to be an accurate record and were signed as such by the Chairman Matters to REPORT from the previous meetings An update on the Churchyard wall regarding responsibility for repair was provided by the Chairman. Liaison is ongoing with the Parochial Church Council and the adjoining landowner. Correspondence and Planning A. CORRESPONDENCE

1. Local land sale – 6 acres between Back Street and Burrough Street. A suggestion had been suggested by a resident that a community bid be raised. Cllr. N. Bloomfield advised that it was unlawful for a parish council to purchase land to block something. It was noted that there was no preplanning application at present. It was AGREED that this was not a matter for the parish council to become involved with.

2. Ash Planning – to consider the creation of a parish council planning policy. A presentation was made to those present by the Chairman regarding land availability in Ash and planning. Following considerable discussion, it was AGREED that a built development planning line be drawn up to aid further consideration of this matter.

3. Correspondence regarding the Lack of preventative gritting on Ash Main Street and linking roads – A response had been received from Somerset County Council Highway Services Manager outlining the current situation. It was AGREED to publish this response on the village website.

4. Letter from Newquay Town Council re parking enforcement survey – noted 5. South Somerset District Council Play area user survey – It was AGREED that this be

put onto the website and added to the village newsletter.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

B. PLANNING Applications received: Application number 19/00353/LBC [listed building consent] Alterations to barn/garage – Manor Farm Witcombe Lane AshTA12 6AJ It was RESOLVED [7/0], that no objection be made Application number 19/00354/LBC Proposed removal of covered walkway – Manor Farm Witcombe Lane AshTA12 6AJ It was RESOLVED [7/0], that no objection be made Application number 19/00356/LBC Proposed Alterations to attic room to include re roofing and installation of 3 rooflights – Manor Farm Witcombe Lane AshTA12 6AJ

It was RESOLVED [7/0], that no objection be made to this application but Council comment that it would be more appropriate if the centre rooflight was the same size as the other two proposed.

Environment a. Grass Cutting Tender

One tender had been received It was AGREED that the tender be distributed to further companies to acquire three quotes. Deadline to be extended to Friday 22nd March.

b. Lengthsman Specification No tenders had yet been received. It was AGREED that the tender be distributed further to acquire three quotes.

c. Village Play Area

Following consideration of the existing situation and the quotes for repairs received to date it was RESOLVED [7/0] that the contract with Playdale be terminated due to the excessive wait for repairs to be undertaken.

d. Ash In Bloom – to consider a grant It was RESOLVED [7/0] that a grant of £500 be made

e. Ash Somerset Environmental Records Centre Report. This had been received and requires processing prior to publication. It was reported by Cllr. M Wooden that the next step will be to gather information from DEFRA and local surveys. Anyone interested in taking part was encouraged to talk to Cllr. M. Wooden.

The Recreation Ground It was noted that amendments were being made regarding the inclusion of the play area land and that the transfer deed was currently with South Somerset District Council

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

Accounts

1. It was RESOLVED [7/0] that up to £300 be authorised for the purchase of, and roof repairs to, the shed. Councillors to liaise re appropriate roofing.

2. It was RESOLVED [7/0] that the following payments were authorised:

CQNo. payee re amount

1306 HMooreclerkswagesFebruary2019 £230.86

1307HMRevenue&Customs PAYE&month11 £59.60

1308yeovilshopmobility

donationagreedatFebruarymeeting £50.00

1309 L.Buckleyrefundforofficesoftware £64.99

1310somersetwildlifetrust

SomersetenvironmentalrecordssearchasagreedatFebruarymeeting £62.40

1311 AJWhiteGardenFarm&countryservices £303.00

1312 N.Pulfortd lengthsmaninv.25 £115.001313 HMoore expensesrefundtodate £60.15

3. New Bank Account

a. Further signatures were required

May 2019 meetings a. Annual meeting of the parish:

It was noted that the village hall had been booked by the Chairman for the 15th April from 7pm to 9pm Enquiries to be made regarding refreshments Village groups to be invited and the event to be promoted in the village newsletter

b. Clerk advised those present that nomination papers for those wishing to stand to election to the council in May were now available from the parish council office, from the Clerk via email and from the District council website.

Nomination papers need to be return to the district council offices by hand during office hours from 18th March until 4pm on 3rd April

The Chairman encouraged anyone who feels strongly about the village to stand

ASH VILLAGE HALL Registered Charity No: 304466

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE SUITABLE FOR MANY FUNCTIONS:

WEDDING RECEPTIONS, KEEP FIT, DANCING EVENTS, AUCTIONS, JUMBLE SALES, CONCERTS ETC

SPRUNG FLOOR – STAGE KITCHEN/TABLES/CHAIRS

DETAILS & BOOKINGS BECKY WHITE

TEL: 01935 825343 (EVENINGS ONLY) EMAIL: martinwhiteok@hotmail.com

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

Public Open Session • Play area – it was reported that there was a possibility of funding for new play

equipment from the Round Table. It was AGREED that Cllr. L. Buckley make enquiries at the school for ideas about appropriate equipment

• A question was raised as to why there was no 20mph limit through Ash – Cllr. N Bloomfield advised that the village did not meet the current criteria – a Small Improvement Scheme [SIS] had been submitted however there was a shortage of funding. Cllr. N. Bloomfield agreed to investigate the 20 is plenty scheme with highways.

• It was reported that some lower branches on the trees on the verge outside the school were still a hazard. Cllr. M. Wooden agreed to ask for them to be cut back further

• Cllr. N. Bloomfield reported on budget cuts at County and the appointment of a new finance officer. It was also reported that there was now a renewable energy storage facility installed by the District Council that will supply Taunton at certain times and feed back into the grid at other times to produce an income.

Date of next meeting

Monday 1st April 2019 7.30pm at the pavilion

The Meeting then closed

The Benef

i c e O f f i c e i s W e d n e s d a y 1 0 a m - 4 p m , T h u r s d a y 1 0 a m - 2 p m

EVENTS & CONTACT NUMBERS

TUESDAY TEA CLUB Tuesday Tea Club invites you to the Pavilion on

Tuesday Afternoons, 2.15pm – 3.45pm, for social time, card and table games.

Tea and Raffle £1 Details from Yvonne Moseley: 01935 825462

For your children’s or family party etc. ASH PAVILION

VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS £4.00 per hour

DETAILS & BOOKINGS YVONNE MOSELEY TEL: 01935 825462

HOLY TRINITY, ASH – CONTACT INFORMATION

For general enquiries and information & bookings about weddings or

baptisms, please contact the Benefice Office on 01935 826113 or email benefice.martock@gmail.com or pop in at The Vicarage, 10 Water Street, Martock TA12 6JN on Wednesdays 10am to 4pm, Thursdays 2.30pm to

6.30pm or Fridays 10am to 2pm and speak to Sarah Nicholas, our Benefice Administrator who can help or guide you towards someone who can!

EVENTS & CONTACT NUMBERS

YOGA CLASSES EVERY WEDNESDAY 2.00PM – 3.00PM

ASH VILLAGE HALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MARGARET NORRIS: 01935 824737

VISIT THE VILLAGE WEBSITE www.ashpcsomerset.com