Why doesn’t Ash Have a War Memorial? Actually it does!!

As a Thanksgiving for Peace at the end of the First World War money was raised by villagers to add a Tower to the Church. This we now believe to be the only War Memorial in the form of a tower in the country, built with locally-raised funds in 1919 by local builders, some of whose descendants still live in the village. To celebrate the centenary of the ending of the First World War the Tower is to be re-dedicated during the Remembrance Day Service in Holy Trinity Church on Sunday November 11th, starting at 10.50 a.m. so that the two minutes silence can be observed at 11.00 a.m. This is to be a Village Service, to which everyone is invited, to celebrate what our predecessors in the village left for us. We owe them this tribute.

NOVEMBER 2018

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

NOVEMBER 2018

4TH NOV 11.00 a.m Morning Prayer 11TH NOV 10.50 a.m Remembrance Service with Holy Communion 18th Nov 11.00 a.m Holy Communion 25th Nov 11.00 a.m Holy Communion

Evening Prayer is said every Wednesday at 5.00p.m

VISIT THE VILLAGE WEBSITE www.ashpcsomerset.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE BENEFICE

Dear All

The benefice is in a vacancy – ‘vacancy’ – I must admit that the label ‘vacancy’ troubles me – the notion of vacancy is worrying. What is it to be vacant? The word has many negative connotations – it suggests emptiness, a void demanding to be filled – and if we say ‘he had a vacant look’ it suggests distraction or even disdain. Chambers dictionary also says ‘vacancy’ can mean ‘thoughtless’ or ‘inane’ which itself can mean vacuous or senseless…not pretty is it? Overall the word vacancy seems to accentuate that something is missing; that things aren’t complete.

Not so many years ago we called the period between vicars an ‘interregnum’ which means the time between things – usually any break between leaders. I like this notion better as it doesn’t suggest emptiness, thoughtlessness or distraction – it merely highlights a break in continuity which we all know will be restored, seamlessly and thoughtfully over a time of preparation, prayer and reflection. The idea of ‘interregnum’ evens allows a break to be a natural thing, one that has a sense of loss, but also a huge feeling of opportunity.

This is how it feels across the benefice, which is simply taking a break before the next priest-in-charge and the break is offering opportunity for new priests to minister to us, to see more of some friendly faces and to give our lay worship assistants more chances to lead us in worship.

Churchwardens, supported by what some churches call the ‘elders’, are the key to ensuring continuity through practical leadership with accountability and many responsibilities. It is a shame that the benefice only has 4 out of the 6 church warden positions filled at this point, but nevertheless they are, with our administrator, keeping things going in a fulfilling – not empty – way and with a sense of professionalism and, I pray, an openness to the present and the future.

For the break in continuity is not a break in business as usual –although it should augur change, celebrate difference, challenge our preconceptions and test our comfort zones and the results of this will, we pray, weave its way into a new era. We are around half way through this break period with all the exciting stuff about adverts, interviews and appointment ahead of us.

Meanwhile, don’t be vacant, be filled with the sense of opportunity for the future and play your part in supporting our churches as we move naturally to welcoming our new priest-in-charge.

Love and prayers, Mac

ASH REMEMBERS 100 YEARS ON

JOIN US 100 YEARS TO THE DAY AFTER THE END OF WW1

Remembrance Day Service at Holy Trinity Church and

Re-dedication of the Church Tower Sunday 11th November 2018 - Service starts at 10.50am

Immediately followed by

An opportunity to come together to view a Tribute Display in the church that tells the story of:-

• those on the Ash Roll of Honour who served their country but never returned - Arthur Beckey and Robert Hodges in WW1 and William Worner, Leonard Bush and Frederick Stacey in WW2

• those from Ash that served in WW1 and returned

• the building of the church tower as a War Memorial and the local people involved in its construction.

Everyone is welcome especially family members connected to the events and people mentioned above, former members of the Armed Services and members of today's Armed Forces Community.

NOTE: The Tribute Display marking the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 will be on view each day in Holy Trinity Church from Remembrance Sunday 11th November until 30th November.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

Thank you to everyone who supported and helped with THE BIG BREAKFAST at the Village Hall on

Saturday 27th October.

A total of £325.00 was raised for Village Hall Funds

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

YOGA CLASSES

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2.00PM – 3.30PM

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH CHRISTMAS FAYRE IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

SATURDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2018 ASH VILLAGE HALL – 2.30PM

A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON TO START THE FESTIVE PERIOD, WITH

LOTS OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS & TREATS ON SALE

THE GRAND DRAW with lots of delightful prizes, will take place during the afternoon with

Prizes to include: HAMPER, MEAT VOUCHER, SPIRITS,

WINE & CHOCOLATES

*TICKETS NOW ON SALE IN THE VILLAGE*

ADMISSION 30P

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH IN BLOOM

BLOOMING WELL DONE ASH The results have now been announced for the 2018 South West in Bloom competition which was part of the national RHS Britain in Bloom campaign. I am delighted to say that Ash in Bloom was again awarded Silver Gilt in the Small Village Category. We were also the overall runner - up for “The best Interpretation of Art in the Landscape” for our hubcap into flowers installation on the children’s playground fence. We were also shortlisted for the South West Tourism's Award for Best Portfolio. Ash Millennium Wood was recognised as “Outstanding” in the RHS" It's Your Neighbourhood" Awards, the highest level achievable. We could not have achieved this without the efforts of our small band of volunteers and the support of other groups and individuals in the village. Well done Ash and my sincere thanks to you all. Antoinette Groves Ash in Bloom

A huge thank you to all the “Knitters” who have responded and contributed poppies towards our Remembrance Day “Waterfall of Poppies” Rosemary Gay

ASH WI Our next meeting will be held on

Monday 12th November at 8pm, with a guest speaker

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH SCHOOL – OCTOBER 2018

The first half term has been very busy. The older children have been completing Bikeability to improve their road safety awareness. Twelve children practised riding around the playground before going onto the main roads. We have been participating in many sporting events. Our boys’ football team have qualified for the ESFA area finals which take place in November. The cross country runners have been participating at Aldon hill and the Yeovil Football Club. We have some excellent competitors including the best Year 5/6 girl and second best Y3/4 girl. Our older girls team have come first in the two events held so far. We had a lovely Harvest Festival service where the children brought lots of gifts. These were donated to the Lords Larder in Yeovil where they were distributed to those in need. We are looking forward to our Christingle service which takes place on 30th November. Our Erasmus + project continues with the older children writing opening chapters to stories which will be sent around Europe for the next chapters to be written. They have also written diary entries of a day in the life of the school. The younger ones have been writing different versions of the Three Little Pigs which will be shared with our partner schools. The PTA held their first big event of the academic year with the Halloween disco. It was a great success and the children (and parents) dressed up in superb costumes which were very scary. The pumpkin competition provided some excellent entries and I know the judges had a tough time selecting the winners. The PTA has given some money towards new sports equipment which includes some footballs and also some netball resources. They are also going to contribute funds towards the new running vests which are going to be ordered for the cross country competitors. It is wonderful that the hard work being done by the parents can go towards such useful and important equipment. The Year 3 and 4 children visited Taunton Museum for the day to find out about the distant past. They found it fascinating and it supported their studies about the Stone Age very well. We welcomed a visitor from Secret World who talked to the children about hibernation and the different animals they help at the centre. The Year 5s and 6s went to the Octagon theatre to hear from three children’s authors. They had the opportunity to hear about their writing experiences and to purchase signed copies of the books. We are pleased to be working with the village to help the children understand more about the centenary of the end of the First World War. We have one of the ‘there but not there’ silhouettes in the school from the Armistice and Armed Forces Community Programme and are finding out about local men who went to fight in the war.

Ash Gardening Club – October Meeting We were treated to a very entertaining talk from Chris Cornell, Chris is a local man and is a very colourful and entertaining character. The subject was Wild Flowers to and from the Garden. Chris gave us a very lively talk and his knowledge of plants and their botanical names is amazing. Some of the descriptions of what plants were used for and some of the folklore surrounding them certainly got the audience going. He brought pictures of his own garden which you could describe as unconventional, tending to be more on the wild side, he needed understanding neighbours. That’s what gardening is all about we have the garden we wish to have you don’t always have to comply to the rules to enjoy it! At this month’s meeting we welcomed guest from other gardening clubs, members came from Kingsbury, Long Sutton, Martock, Over Stratton and Tintinhull. It was good to see so many people from other clubs. We hope they enjoyed the evening. November’s meeting is Monday 26th November - 8.00pm. It will be followed by the AGM so please come along. There will be a speaker, Mr John Crabb well known by RSPB members.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, ASH

COFFEE N’ CHAT! ASH PAVILION

Every Wednesday 10am – 11.30am ALL WELCOME

On 26th September a total of £114.81 was raised for MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT.

A big thank you to all who contributed & supported this event.

On 14th November, all proceeds will be for the BRITISH LEGION.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH CHRISTMAS FAYRE IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

IN ADDITION TO RAFFLE PRIZES, DONATIONS for the following stalls will be

most gratefully received:

CAKES, SWEETS, CHRISTMAS STALL, QUALITY GOODS, TOYS, HOMEMADE PRODUCE,

TOMBOLA/BOTTLE STALL (ANYTHING FROM SHAMPOO TO

CHAMPAGNE)

PLEASE CONTACT KEN WITCOMBE (01935 824381) TO ARRANGE TO DROP OFF YOUR DONATIONS AT EITHER:

DANBY HOUSE, 42 MAIN ST, ATHELSTAN, 9 MAIN STREET

OR, IF COLLECTION REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT CAZ (01935 822727)

GRAND DRAW Sadly we have lost some of our regular Raffle

Ticket Sellers. Please could anyone able to assist contact either Ken or Caz.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

VISIT THE BENEFICE FACEBOOK PAGE Churches of Martock, Kingsbury Episcopi and

Ash, Somerset

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT Minutes of the October 1st 2018 Parish Council Meeting

Present: Ash Parish Councillors:

District Councillor: Parishioners:

Jack Parker [chair] Lynne Buckley, Steve Vickery, Mick Wooden, Neil Bloomfield, Nick Bluck, Roger Coombes.[7] District Councillor: Graham Middleton Parishioners: 11

Prior to the formal opening of the meeting:

• The Chairman introduced the new Parish Clerk to those in attendance. • Derek [member of the public] spoke of village commemoration of 100 years since the

end

of the second world war which is to include a re dedication of the Church Tower as a war memorial, and a display focused on the village roll of honour. Everyone was invited to attend the public service on 11th November.

Apologies – none

Declarations of interest – none

Minutes of the previous meeting it was noted that Cllr. S. Vickery had had an interest in item ‘allotments’ It was then RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of 3rd September 2018 were a true and accurate record and they were then signed as such by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING

• Allotments – three quotes had been obtained for the required works and the lowest selected.

• Village play area – Weekly inspections are being undertaken and records of inspections are being kept. It was noted that 2 items of equipment require repair and the insurance position regarding in house repairs was to be investigated [Clerk] Outstanding works to one piece of equipment was also to be chased [Clerk]

• Training – a question was raised by a member of the public as to the availability of training to non-councillors. It was noted that the position was unclear regarding the current training on offer and that the parish council would only be able to fund training for existing Councillors.

• It was noted that reported potholes still required attention although some had been marked.

• It was reported that all bus stops on Main Street would be served.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH PARISH COUNCIL Di Clarke Memorial Following consideration of the types of notice boards that had been costed, it was RESOLVED to proceed with the wooden board. [Nick Bluck] It was agreed that three quotes for the installation of the new noticeboard would be obtained [Nick Bluck] It was noted that a utilities search may need to be undertaken prior to installation. It was noted that a posthumous Service to the Community Award was to be made to Di Clarke in a service at County Hall on 11th October. Family would be in attendance to collect the award. Parish Office & Equipment

It was noted that the creation of a parish council office at the pavilion would increase transparency, accessibility and visibility of the council as well as centralising all points of contact & future proofing it against potential future changes of staff and councillors. The new Clerk of the council would have to be supplied with a computer and printer by the council no matter where they were located. It was RESOLVED that the following would be costed:

a. Lap top, printer and software [Lynne Buckley]

b. Cost of the Martock Pc’s no longer required.[Neil Bloomfield] c. Wifi [Clerk] d. External, secure post box [Clerk] e. Structural, electrical, fittings and health & safety requirements [Nick Bluck ]

Centralised email address – it was requested that it be checked that small councils did not require a ‘.gov ‘ email address [Clerk]

Village Website – end of trial It was noted that the end of the initial six month trial had been reached. Antoinette Groves confirmed that she was happy to continue with maintaining the website.

a. It was RESOLVED to maintain things as they were until the May Annual Parish Council meeting when it would then be considered for review on an annual basis.

b. Antoinette Groves advised that an external hard drive should be purchased to provide an independent and secure back up. It was agreed that this would be investigate [Lynne Buckley]

Correspondence and Planning a. Consultation on Licensing – Council agreed to make no comment

b. Ash 2 Speed indicator device sites – consideration of a contribution to the Martock scheme. It was agreed that this item is to be put onto the agenda of the next meeting [Clerk] with full information including potential costs to Ash parish council being provided for discussion [Neil Bloomfield] c. Planning application number 18/02663/FUL – Land South of Main Street Ash. – Change of use of agricultural land to agricultural/equestrian use and the erection of a stable/storage building. It was RESOLVED that subject to Highways approval regarding the access, Ash parish council raised no objections to this application.

ASH PARISH COUNCIL District & County Councillers Report District Councillor Neil Bloomfield – It was reported that the transformation of South Somerset District Council [SSDC] was in progress with interim disruption ongoing. The newly elected leader of the council is Councillor Val Couch. District Councillor Graham Middleton – made no report due to recent absence. County Councillor Neil Bloomfield – It was reported that Somerset County Council [SCC] were making further cuts to their budget and that cuts to all services were pending with SCC running only those services that it was required to do so. The impact of these cuts could mean no ditching, no hedging and no further free supply of de-icing materials. Parish councils would need to consider the taking on of such services and the resultant cost implications. It was also reported that a public transport consultation was about to start.

Environment

a. Footpaths – it was noted that parts of the boundary of the footpath linking Back Street to Witcombe Lane required repair. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the land owner requesting maintenance [Clerk] The name and address of the land owner to be provided to the Clerk [Lynne Buckley]

b. Millennium Wood – It was noted that the local Scout group have been making use of the woods and that it is starting to be used for a range of activities. It was also noted that an interpretation board will be installed inside the entrance to the wood.

c. It was reported that NALC [national association of local councils] are asking for councils to sign up to the ‘Charter for Trees’. It was agreed that this would go onto the agenda of the next meeting [Clerk] with a copy of the charter being circulated to all councillors prior to the meeting [Clerk]

d. It was reported that there were potential planning applications on local green-field sites in the pipeline

e. It was reported that Martock Town Council were investigating the provision of private enforcement contractors for the prevention of dog mess.

f. It was noted that council could consider environmental surveys of green areas g. Neighbourhood Plans – Neil Bloomfield briefly outlined what these were and their use.

Recreation Ground – transfer of ownership It was reported that Mick Wooden had presented a business case to SSDC [south Somerset District Council] for the transfer of the land to Ash Parish Council ownership at the price of £1 and had received officer level approval at present. It was noted that Ash parish council would be required to cover the District Council’s legal costs which were estimated to be between £750 and £1,500.00. It was thought that legal costs to Ash Parish Council would be similar.

1. It was RESOLVED that three quotes for solicitors fees would be obtained for consideration from local solicitors [Lynne Buckley in liaison with Gayle Defries]

2. It was RESOLVED that Ash parish council proceed with the project subject to an upper limit for legal costs of £3,000.00 [Lynne Buckley, Clerk, Mick Wooden]

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

NEWS FROM AROUND THE VILLAGE

ASH PARISH COUNCIL **Due to the need of the PCSO to leave the meeting the Chairman proposed that their report was taken at this point instead of during the open session and no objections were raised** It was reported that

• New team shift patterns had been introduced which would impact on general availability of local PCSO’s.

• Farm thefts had been reported locally • A big funeral was due to happen locally on Wednesday.

Accounts

a. Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2017/18.

o It was noted that the internal audit had been carried out and all internal control objectives had been met.

o The annual governance statement was read out to those present with the council responding yes to statements 1 to 8 and not applicable for statement 9. It was then RESOLVED that the Annual Governance statement was approved by Ash Parish Council

o It was RESOLVED that the 2017/18 Accounting Statement as prepared by the internal auditor was approved by Ash Parish Council

• b Payments for authorisation It was RESOLVED that the following payments were authorised to be made:

CQNo. payee re amount 1274 Came&Company annualinsurance £1,250.00 1275 Pinnacleaccountancy internalaudit&prepofannualreturn £108.00 1276 Ashvillagehall roomhire13thSeptember £30.00 1277 N.M.Pulford Lengthsmanwork £90.00 1278 MickWooden refundofpaymentforvillagestrimmerrepairs £20.00 1279 GeoXphereLtd. annualonlinemappingfee £43.20

Budget preparation It was noted that budget preparation was ongoing. [Jack Parker, Lynne Buckley, Clerk] It was noted that the receipts and payments accounts would need to be brought up to date [Clerk]

Open session - Concerns were raised by parishioners regarding the scheduled funeral.

** The meeting was closed at this point in order to facilitate a community discussion and then reopened ** The date of the Christmas light switch on was confirmed as December 7Clarification was provided regarding the licencing consultation

The date of the next Ash Parish Council meeting was confirmed as

Monday 5th November at 7.30pm in the pavilion.

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

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

VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS £4.00 per hour

DETAILS & BOOKINGS YVONNE MOSELEY TEL: 01935 825462

YOGA CLASSES EVERY WEDNESDAY 2.00PM – 3.00PM

ASH VILLAGE HALL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MARGARET NORRIS: 01935 824737

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

EVENTS & CONTACT NUMBERS