Feb 2011/Mar 2011

Forward Planning

We hope to repeat the Annual Book Sale in the spring.
Please would you let me know if you have any books to contribute?

We will happily collect.

Thank You. Pamela Lewis 864408

  Future Issues Of Chinnock Chimes:

Please note that in future any insertions for the Chinnock Chimes should be directed to Brian and Lynda Kemp, 449 Weston Street. tel: 01935 863693 e-mail bri.lyn.kemp@talktalk.net

From April the Chimes will be produced towards the middle of the month. Deadline for copy to Brian and Lynda will be the 10th of each month.

 PLAY AREA GRASS CUTTING

Volunteers are needed to mow the grass on the Weston St Play Area. Each volunteer usually does a month between April and October. Ride-on mower supplied, any fuel bought is reimbursed.

Contact Ric Pallister 863897

 East Chinnock Golf Croquet Club

An open meeting will be held on Friday 25th February at 7.30 pm. in the Village Hall. If you are interested in playing please join us at this meeting, and let us know what you think would be relevant to forming a friendly club.

Marianne Merchant (862390)

Reminder

The Post Office Service is available in the Village Hall
on Monday afternoons 1-3 pm. and
Tuesday Mornings 9-12 noon;
very handy when we have the Coffee Mornings. 
 

East Chinnock Gardening And Countryside Club 

The first talk of 2011 was given on Monday the 17th January by a very good speaker, whose subject was Cuba. The talk included exploration of the political history of the island, in particular the relationship the relationship with the United States and the former USSR, and also it's agriculture and economy. The visual aids covered a varierty of interesting buildings and several beautiful landscapes. Slides of some beautiful flowers were also included.

The next Speakers Meeting will take place on Monday 21st February 2011, and the subject is Medieval Cookery and Medicine.

David Balmford

Chinnock Chimes All Set To Change Editors

Meg Wellard will be handing over to Lynda and Brian Kemp who will be producing the Chimes for the foreseeable future, commencing April 2011 .It has been an interesting and enjoyable experience to produce the Chimes, but after five years it is time for a change. Thank you to all those villagers who have contributed to the paper and distributed the copies; without you the Chimes would be a none starter. I hope Lynda and Brian will enjoy their time as editors. Talk nice to your printer and all will be well!!!!

Meg

Who Won The Christmas Quiz?

The Winners of the 2010 Christmas Quiz are the Weber Family, who beat the runner up by half a mark with a magnificent score of 93.5. It was not an easyquiz and there were other villagers hot on the Webers' heels, notably Helen and Roy Early and Roger Jewell. This enjoyable bit of fun raised £55 for St Mary’s Church. A copy of the answers will be on the wall at the next coffee morning.

Quizmaster Keith Lewis : Quiz mistress Jo cox  

Village hall bookings

The Hall Committee are very grateful to Daphne Gillard for the excellent work she has done as booking secretary and caretaker.  Daphne has decided to give up the role and we are delighted that Ros White has agreed to take over. So for all future bookings for the hall please phone Ros on 863796 or contact her through the village website.

Bruce Murdoch

Portman Arms

We are thinking of closing the shop, completely due to lack of customers. Instead we are considering opening a café to serve breakfasts etc.  Any comments regarding this would be appreciated.

S.O.S

Christmas is over and the gifts for the soldiers have been delivered. Please remember our village collecting box at 2 Barrows Court. Toiletries, savoury and sweet snacks, light clothing, books and playing cards etc. are all welcome.

The parcels we send to support our servicemen and women on active duties in Afghanistan are "surprise packages" And as such are great moral boosters.

Thank you for your gifts in 2010.

Marianne Merchant

 Potato Day

Saturday 12th February 2011, 10:30 to 3:30 Drimpton Village Hall

Our Fourth Annual Potato Day, organised by gardeners for gardeners, with Pennard Plants offering over 60 varieties of Seed Potatoes for sale, by the tuber or in bags, with information on type, cultivation and disease resistance for each one. There will also be Heritage Vegetable seeds, a selection of Garlic, Onion and Shallot sets, plus herbs, and fruit For more information please contact 01308 868843.

We are on Chard Road, Drimpton, between Chard and Beaminster. (Clapton, Wayford & District Horticultural Society)

Women's Institute Open Meeting Wednesday March 9th 2011

The Great Crane Project
Speaker Damon Bridge

The project is run in partnership with The Wildlife and Wetlands Trust and the RSPB.

"Over the next five years, the project will focus on the reintroduction of cranes into the Somerset Levels and Moors - 60,000ha of floodplain in the South West of the UK, dominated by extensive mixed pastures, meadows and wetlands."

 All are welcome to join us at this meeting

  Dec 2010/Jan 2011

Post Office in the Village Hall 
Mondays 1-3 pm and
Tuesdays 9am-12 noon.

During 2011 the outreach Post Office in the Village Hall will be open for the duration of all the Tuesday coffee mornings. The Parish Council, Feoffees and the Village Hall Committee are all helping to fund this service so please use it or lose it. 

Village Hall Management Committee

Shirley, Steve and Stephanie would like to say a big hello to everyone in the village. They have just taken over the Portman Arms and are making a difference already!

A full menu is available at Lunchtime (12-2 pm.) dinner (6-9 pm.), good beer and a friendly atmosphere.

Sunday Roast will be served from 12-3 pm. £7.50 for main course.

Fun Quiz:
On Sunday Evening a fun quiz will be hosted from 8.30 pm. in the evening with a free supper.

The shop has now re-opened and offers fresh bread, vegetables and a good selection of sweets and chocolate. We regret that papers will not be available to buy off the shelf but we can order a paper for you on a regular basis or on certain days.

We are very committed to making a success of the Portman Arms and we welcome suggestions from our clients. The accommodation is undergoing refurbishment to provide a more attractive Bed and Breakfast facility.

Christmas parties welcome
Happy Christmas and Best Wishes To Everyone For 2011 

On 10th and 12th October 2010 two croquet afternoons were held, As predicted the old, the young, males and females came along with the intent to establish a club in East Chinnock. Over the two dates 20 people attended, the weather was lovely and it was lots of fun. Next year starting in April, we hope that there will be an East Chinnock Croquet Club open to everyone to join or just come along for the day. A big thank you to everyone who came and for all the support and suggestions given to assist in the start up of the club.

Marianne Merchant and Harry Dodge

  Foot Health Clinic

 So, if you can't reach your feet for any reason, have a medical condition that requires ongoing support for your feet, or if you have, (or it feels like you have) just run a marathon, or just don't want to travel far, a Foot Health Practitioner can help. Book now.

Lynda Kemp

7 - 10pm. On Wednesdays. Cost of haircuts £7.50

Gardening and Countryside Club

20 members attended a very interesting outing to the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre on 20/10/10. We found significant improvements to walkways and observation ports in evidence. The early arrival of certain species of Swan could be taken as a sign of a hard winter to come. The guided tour included an interesting observation of a family of Otters

In November a speaker for the Nation Trust (South West) gave a talk. It was noteworthy that he stressed that the National Trust wished to significantly increase the involvement of local people in the use of the amenities available at the National Trust Sites, including the establishment of allotments on National Trust land.

The Club Christmas Dinner will take place on Friday 10th December 2010 in the Village Hall.

 Oct/Nov 2010

 Concert Stars!

Dr. John Cox and Maurice Jones opened the Harvest Concert in St. Mary's Church with their rendering of the Moan Haka. Made up for the occasion and scantily clad in Moan costumes they acted out the body language projected by the All Blacks at the start of their rugby matches. The authentic Haka language was used and when translated into English it is inspirational in sporting terms but actually says very little considering the verbosity. The concert translation was made by Hilary Pallister who mimicked the Health and Safety announcements that are or were supposed to be a feature of every meeting or gathering. After words like Tanngawakarongo, Kia rite, Kia mau (repeated and exaggerated) Hilary translated - Good Evening! Ringa, ringa pakkia, Waewae takahia kaqi kino nei hoki...the exits are there, there, and there; and so it went on. It was a really an excellent act which also required some hard work behind the scenes involving make-up and costume creation. I am sure all present would want to say thank you and Well Done! to John, Maurice, Hilary and Jo Cox (costumes.) To name very few of the contributors. Gerald Witcher co-ordinated the concert. The audience enjoyed piano recitals from Phoebe Gardener, double bass and bassoon recitals from Jo and John Cox and the East Chinnock Male Voice Choir performed to their usual high standard. The soprano voice of Jane Lefeurve was a delight and the duet sung by Rossana Carter and Ros Weber was an enjoyable contrast to the "fun" features. The organisers headed by Marianne Merchant, Jo Cox and Pamela Lewis can be rightly proud of their efforts. 

A Golf Croquet Club For East Chinnock?

The Parish Council have agreed to allow Golf Croquet to be played on part of the play park. It is a game that can be enjoyed by the young and the old, males and females; and it is hoped that you will come along and join in. Sufficient equipment will be available for games to be played. Weather permitting there will be an opportunity to play on Sunday afternoon, commencing on 10th October. Further information from Harry Dodge and Marianne Merchant (862390)

Osteopath Now Working In East Chinnock

My name is Lynda Kemp and I am a Registered Osteopath. Having worked for 14 years in Yeovil I am now practising from the renovated barn at 449 Weston Street.  Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. We look at the structure and function of the body. Osteopathy is based on the principal that the well-being of the individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.  As an osteopath I am trained to look at your body and find where and why the structures are not working properly and then treat you using touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of the joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance blood and nerve supply to the tissues and to help your body's own healing mechanisms.  If any part of your body is not moving properly or you have stubborn pain, please consider making an appointment. I will be totally honest with you and if I think that osteopathy is not the answer for you I will tell you and try to come up with a more appropriate therapy for your condition or send you to your GP.  The most common problems that people visit an osteopath with are back pain (any part of the back), neck and shoulder problems, leg pain, headaches, repetitive strain injuries, postural problems caused by driving, work and gardening, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries. If it hurts come and get it checked out.  For more information on osteopathy go to www.osteopathy.org.uk or give me a ring on 01935 863693.

Village Art Exhibition

To all those who took part in the Art Exhibition, and all those who came to the viewing, our grateful thanks.  You will be pleased to hear that we were able to make a donation to the Church of £150.00.  We look forward to meeting you all again in two years time, which will soon come around. So if you are artistically inclined, start painting, you may be amongst those who sell paintings next time. Thanks again.

Gerald Witcher and Carol Isaacs

West Coker Scouts and Guides Christmas Post. 

The Scouts post is great value for local deliveries of Christmas cards. At just 15p a card it's a snip. It's also a fund raiser for the Scouts and Guides, so your support comes straight back into the local community. Good for your pocket and good for the village. The boxes are out early November, same places as last year. They are located at Cott Farm, the church, and 3 Orchard Leigh (Gill Harris) Delivery areas include the Cokers, East Chinnock, Hardington, Pendomer, Odcombe and Yeovil. 

To make sure your cards arrive in best condition, put the addressed envelopes into a poly bag with 15p per item. Then put the whole bag into one of the collection boxes which are regularly emptied. Last date for collection is Monday 13th December. Full instructions on the box.

West Coker Scouts and Guides Carol Service

Will be celebrated at Hardington this year, Sunday 5th December 3pm. Everyone most welcome to join the Group for the service and mince pies afterwards.

West Coker Scouts and Guides Christmas Bazaar.

The Bazaar will be a chance to do some local Christmas shopping in the comfort of the Scout Hut, Halves Lane, West Coker. Come and see Santa in his grotto. We'll be selling gifts, toys, cakes, refreshments, and there's loads of raffle prizes. Date is Saturday 27th November, 11:00 to 13:00

1st West Coker Brownies

1st West Coker Brownies have an exiting term ahead. In addition to our usual meetings on Tuesday evenings, some of our brownies will be sailing at Sutton Bingham, and some will be performing in Bright Sparks 2010, the Yeovil Division Centenary Guide Show at the Octagon in November. Snowy Owl is also taking part, and Tawny Owl is coordinating costumes and back-stage, so we will be working hard this term. Those brownies not taking part are looking forward to watching the show. We are all looking forward to the Divisional centenary celebrations in Yeovil, when together with Guiding across the world we will celebrate the end of our centenary year by partying, and renewing our promises at 20:10 on 20/10/2010. We are also looking forward to a Hamdon District Brownie evening, and a very special Christmas treat when we are joining with 2nd West Coker Brownies for a trip to Cardiff to see "The Nutcracker" at the theatre. During the last year, the brownies have been working towards and have now achieved their adventure challenge badges. This term they will be working towards their collectors, speakers, hobbies, world traveller and entertainer badges, as well as supporting Remembrance parade, our Christmas bazaar and carol service, the Christmas postal deliveries, and carol singing in Yeovil, making it a very busy term for us all.

Jane LeFeuvre (Guider in charge- 1st West Coker Brownies)

If you have a daughter 7-10 years old who would like to join 1st West Coker Brownies, please contact Jane LeFeuvre on 01935 862774 or pop in to one of our meetings, held at the Scout and Guide Hut, Halves Lane, West Coker, Tuesdays 6-7.3Opm.

Note: 2nd West Coker Brownies is also held at the hut on Fridays 6-7.3Opm, (contact Rebecca Divall on 01935 86 3105). Rainbows: If you have a little girl 5-7 years old who would like to join the West Coker Rainbows, please contact Jane LeFeuvre on 01935 862774 or pop in to one of our meetings, held at the Scout and Guide Hut, Halves Lane, West Coker, Thursdays 5.45-7.OOpm.

Village Croquet Match

The annual golf croquet competition took place in September. The weather was kind and everyone enjoyed the event and the refreshments. Jane Lock and Ian Stephen won the competition see their photo in the Picture Gallery.

East Chinnock Under Fives

This term we have welcomed new children, as well as welcoming back familiar faces. At pre-school, we are exploring Autumn Festivals and Light and Dark, following as always, the framework of the Early Years Foundation stage Curriculum, which is now well established in the group. The wonderful summer weather enabled us to get outside most days last term. We enjoyed summer walks around the village, exploring the environment, gardening, and a trip to the Tithe Barn children's farm at Abbotsbury, alongside our usual outside activities. The children enjoyed playing in our new tepee, and making dens/imaginative play areas outside, which also gave them much needed shade from the hot summer sun. The sun also shone for our summer fayre, which was, as always, well supported by villagers, as well as by families and friends. We are very grateful for all this support, which enabled us to raise the money to pay for all the redecoration, industrial cleaning and maintenance of the Church Rooms which has taken place over the summer. Some of the children entered the under fives classes in the East Chinnock Village Show, and were all pleased and excited with the prizes and certificates they received. Our open door policy means villagers are warmly welcomed to pop in for a visit, have a cup of coffee and a play with the children. We also welcome patrons, who for £10 a year receive invitations to all our events, including a free cream tea at our summer fayre. Note: This term we are collecting the Morrison’s Let's Grow vouchers and would welcome any unwanted tokens that you may collect to help us towards our target of at least 1000 vouchers.  

We also offer a drop in session for parents who have an occasional need for a place for their child for a morning at pre-school. We currently have spaces at all our sessions, and would also warmly welcome new families to our integrated toddler group. If you are interested in any of these sessions, or would like further information, please contact Jane leFeuvre 01935 862774 or Maggie Card on 01935 476585.

Aug/Sept 2010

New Editor Required For The Chinnock Chimes From April 2011 

A new editor/compiler for the Chinnock Chimes is sought from April 2011.

Meg Wellard will have completed five years by that date and unfortunately she is not getting any younger! Patience wanes as one ages, especially when the computer or printer malfunctions! I also feel that there is so much printed matter around that The Chimes needs to take a step or two backwards and just deal with the village news and forthcoming events. Also, the cost of printing has soared in the past eighteen months or so and I realise that The Chinnock Chimes is not sustainable in the present format on the grounds of cost. At first I thought I would try to set up a steering committee to agree changes to the Chimes. Having put a tentative toe in the water, so to speak, I have come to the conclusion that I expanded the Chimes so I have to set about the shrinking process and await the comments of the Parish Council and readers. That is why the June issue was smaller and this issue is more petite. However, I hope it includes all requests for insertions, albeit that the emphasis is mainly on the future and not the past; and that readers will get accustomed to a no frills approach. Once an affordable version is sanctioned a search for a new editor, who will inevitably bring their own flare to the newsletter can seriously begin.
M.W. 

 East Chinnock Village Show

31st July saw the village hall crammed with vegetables and flowers, cooking and preserves as well as handicrafts, pictures, and photographs. Despite the difficulties of the weather we had a record number of entries. Many of the judges commented on an excellent show. In the afternoon the hall was buzzing with people enjoying an excellent display (as well as tea and cakes). Individual winners are too numerous to mention but Mike Slater presented cups to the following winners of the various sections. Vegetables Ken Atwell, Flowers Kate Balmford, Flower Arranging Margaret Coe, Cooking Sue Adcock, Handicraft Fiona Brook, Art Suzanne Brooker,  Photography Kathy Topple, Children's classes were won by Emma Homewood and Mathew Early. The winner of the cup for the most points earned overall was Julie Jewell and the WI cup was won by Kate Balmford.

The sub-committee responsible for the show would like to thank all those who helped to make the show the success it was, from printing schedules and prize cards, to providing food for the judges and refreshments in the afternoon, and prizes for the raffle, but especially to all those who exhibited. 

More Volunteers Wanted For Speedwatch

The village community speed watch team has been working very hard over the past few months and we certainly notice a difference in the number of speeders through the village when we are 'on duty'. Police Road Traffic Units have joined us on several occasions and their support is much appreciated. Seeing 5 fluorescent jackets and a police car is a very effective way to remind drivers what speed they should be driving through the middle of our village. 

We are always looking for more volunteers to join the team. The sessions are only one hour and we do not operate in the dark or when it is raining. There are usually a couple of teams out each week but volunteers just do what suits them, to fit around work, family etc. Some do once a week, some once a month; it all helps. If you would like to get involved please contact Andy Sinclair on 862837. 

A Thank You To East Chinnock 

To the People of East Chinnock.

I would like to pass to you my thanks and the thanks of my colleagues for the parcels that you kindly sent out. It is extremely heart warming to know that the British public are supporting us in our roles over here in Afghanistan

Your care packages have boosted the morale amongst the chaps here. Martin made a beeline for the nuts and Ovaltine once they were out of the boxes. Mark was very grateful for the socks, we think the guys in the laundry have lost his issue. 

Again I would like to pass on our appreciation of your generosity. 

                      The Boys in Kabul 

The East Chinnock Gardening And Countryside Club 

The outings to the Bishop's Palace Gardens in Wells and the National Trust house and Gardens at Tyntesfield were very enjoyable and relaxed days out.

The outing to the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre is scheduled for Wednesday 20th October 2010, with 20 members expressing an interest so far, but more are required to make the visit viable. Would members or friends wishing to join the outing, or who require details, please contact Tony Fleet on 01935 863980. Those members who have expressed an interest in writing or verbally will receive confirmation shortly, and payment is required by 4th September at the latest. Speakers programme for the period November 2010 to April 2011 is now finalised with the exception of January. Several options for this date are currently being actively pursued The AGM takes place on Monday 18th October 2010, and new members are most welcome. The Christmas Dinner is scheduled for Friday 10th December 2010.       

David Balmford. 

Polite Notice 

Would walkers using the airfield in East Chinnock please keep their dogs on a lead and keep to the footpath by the brook for their own safety. The owner of the field is flying more frequently and would like to know that he can land safely. Dogs tend to run at the plane and walkers often do not hear the engine in time, causing the pilot to go round again. Thank you for your consideration.

Jun/July 2010

Changing Chimes! 

This issue of the Chinnock Chimes has reduced in size and is somewhat less colourful. Such changes will be a likely trend for the future. The present editor will be continuing to produce the Chimes up to February 2011. By that time I will have served five years and that is probably the right time to seek a new editor. He/she will have the opportunity to produce a Chinnock Chimes that will meet approval and future requirements, but avoid repetition of information that is available elsewhere. This is a necessary approach to the task as the cost of printing is an expensive item. Changes in the way people communicate are very evident in all walks of life. The village now has an excellent web site and there is a village computer with expert help available at the coffee mornings. Information that individuals require, which is not necessarily related to East Chinnock, can be found on the web and a printed copy can also be obtained. I will be setting up a small group who will have the expertise to produce guidelines for the new editor on the expected content of the future Chimes. No doubt the paper will be smaller and primarily based on brief village news and future village events. I have enjoyed producing the issues since April 2006 and demonstrating that home computers and printers have come a long way in that period of time. Anyone who has undertaken the Village Computer Course and has an interest in making something out of a few blank pages, could be the next editor! Once the new look Chimes is agreed I will be introducing it before vacating the task next February.

Meg Wellard  Editor 

East Chinnock Village Show  

Have you still got your schedule for the show handy?  

If you’ve lost it or think you never had one please contact Judy Rofé (863966) or Meg Wellard (863809) for a spare. 

It would be great if every household could enter at least one class. We've tried to keep the schedule as simple as possible, and a photo, pot plant or something you've made could be easy to find.

Don't think yours is "not good enough", it all helps to make the show a success. We'd love to have lots of children's entries too - hopefully we've chosen things that won't take up too much parental time - and there will be a small prize for all children's entries, Let's make it the best show ever and every entry gets a point towards winning a cup
Judy Rofé 

Bridge Farm Cider is Highly Rated! 

Nigel Stewart has had a very successful year at the Shows. He also has a impressive display of various ciders in the farm shop.

Just drive in and the shop is easy to find. Moreover in a week or so Nigel will have his first crop of new potatoes Customers can just have as many as they want, the new potatoes do not keep so they are not sold by the sack! The whole set-up is fascinating and the sheep grazing in the apple orchard is an unforgettable sight. J.S. Bach would surely approve. 

Show Results 

Paverstock Cider Fete
1st. In class (sweet)
2nd. In class medium, 

Devon Show
2nd. Dry
3rd. Sweet

 Bath And West
Apple Juice Ashmead's Kernal Med/Sweet.
Champion in Class 

Farmhouse Cider  1st. Sweet -
Reserve Champion
3rd, Dry

Speedy Exit From The Garage! 

Like me, I am sure that many villagers were surprised at the speed with which Barrows Hill Garage disappeared. The good news is that the mechanic Nigel Cooke has set up his own business in Lopen Heas doing servicing, MOT's and repairs.  He provides an excellent service, collects and returns vehicles and all at competitive prices. Tel: 07921293544 or 01460 240194 

Speedy Takeover 

The former Barrows Hill Garage was swiftly taken over by John Sugg for car sales only and renamed West Country Cars. John seems to have a splendid range of good looking cars to chose from and he informs me that he takes pride in his standard of customer care. He has promised to write a short introduction for the next Chimes. Meanwhile Tel: 01935 863538 Mobile: 07860710219 

The Troops Are Still In Afghanistan 

Thank you to everyone who has kept the supplies going. When sufficient goodies accumulate they are packed up in two kilo parcels and sent to the soldiers on the front line. I would be pleased if some small item can be left over the summer months so we can dispatch the parcels for Christmas early. The operation to distribute parcels is no easy task, so it is better not to leave posting until late in the year, THANK YOU, receiving an unexpected parcel is such a morale booster.

Marianne Merchant 

Combining Pleasure With Business! 

A big thank you to all who supported St. Mary's quiz night and book sale with lunch. A very full hall produced a lively and enjoyable quiz. 

A record number of books were donated and buyers and browsers enjoyed soup lunches. The results of these events has helped towards the cost of the timber treatment in the Church nave roof. An excellent way of combining pleasure with business!

Pamela Lewis 

Artists of the Village 

Once again we are holding our bi-annual Art Exhibition and sale on 14th August in the Village Hall. All profits will go to the Village Church appeal.

Should you wish to take part with the opportunity to sell some paintings, please let me know and I will supply you with an entry form and conditions. Entries and fees must be notified and paid prior to the Exhibition, so we can put them into a catalogue. Entries on the day will not he accepted

A 10% commission is payable on any sales.

Gerry Witcher, 19 Orchardleigh, East Chinnock. Tel: 01935 862602 

Apr/May 2010

I moved to the village in August 2009 with my wife Kelly and son Oliver. Shortly after the move I was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and worked in the Nada Au district which was where the Brigades main effort was launched on the tour. I was part of the Artillery Fire Support Team (AFT) and we attach ourselves to infantry companies and platoons to provide fire support from guns, mortars and rockets, attack helicopters, jets and surveillance planes. I was involved in lots of operations aimed at providing security for the district.  I spent most of the tour living on small basic patrol bases and check points, which have very limited facilities and access to welfare. I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone in the village who have helped to provide welfare parcels for troops on the ground, as they are brilliant for morale.  I came home from Afghanistan in March in good time for the birth of our second child.

Ryan Barry 

East Chinnock Gardening and Countryside Club

The speakers for meetings held in February and March covered two very interesting topics. The subject for February was "Bees" given by Nick Board. Although there is concern over the decline in the bee population in certain areas of the world, the speaker made the point that other methods of pollination meant that food supplies were not in significant danger. He also explained the various functions of the different members of the bee colony. The subject for March was "Hidden Dorset" given by the eminent wildlife photographer Colin Vamdell. His slides of wildlife, flower and forest were absolutely stunning and he described the effort and patience required to obtain his results. He also stated that photographs taken in conditions of rain or fog often produce excellent results. 

The talk on Monday 19 April 2010 is on the Bishop's Palace Garden at Wells. This is in advance of the outing to the gardens organised for Thursday 17 June 2010. The outing scheduled for Tuesday 13 July 2010, is to the National Trust House and Gardens Tyntesfield near Bristol. Both these outings are full day events.

David Balmford

ShelterBox

A total of £312.00 has been sent to Shelterbox from the village of East Chinnock, following the article in the last Chinnock Chimes.  I have received a receipt and a thank you letter from them, telling me that the money went towards Boxes 50105 and 50106. Up to date news giving the destination of Shelterboxes can be found on www.shelterbox.Org.  Shelterbox also say they have committed enough aid for 100,000 Haitians with thousands more shelterboxes being sent in the coming weeks and months.  Also a Shelterbox response team was immediately dispatched to southern Chile after the massive earthquake there. An initial consignment of 448 Shelterboxes was committed to that country.  Thank you to everyone who contributed,

Pam ODonnell 

East Chinnock W.I

During March the WI visited the Bakery in (Glastonbury, a family run business, aptly named "Bums the Bread". Apart from proving interesting to see how our daily bread and other goodies are produced, the outing was distinguished by the outstanding hospitality of the owners. The members attending were given a supper of delicious savoury and sweet finger food and wine. This family business is some miles away so regular use is not practicable, but if you are in or near Glastonbury, Burns the Bread, is situated in the main High Street, is well worth a visit. Their pastes are delicious and really superior to the average Comish version. The firm will also supply and deliver finger food for parties etc. 

The next meeting is on Wednesday 14 April at 7.45. The speaker is Linda Bridges and her topic Somerset Sight. New members and visitors are always welcome.

MW 

Feb 2010/Mar 2010

East Chinnock Women’s Institute

If you still think the WI is all “Jam and Jerusalem” please think again. The speakers we have obtained for the future are on the following subjects. “Weapons of the Hundred Years’ War”: An on site visit to a traditional baker: “Somerset Sight”- a local organisation helping those with vision problems: “Cheese talk with Tasting”: “Friends of the Manjushree Orphanage in Nepal”: “It’s a Vets Life”: “The Samaritans”: “Children of Fiji”:“Trekking in Hot Countries”. In addition we have a skittles team and ad hoc meals and theatre visits.

In Conjunction with five nearby institutes we form as group which organises skittles, scrabble, craft workshops, cooking demonstrations, and golf croquet. We are also part of the Somerset County Federation which arranges a whole variety of events and challenges. Some of our members have undertaken sailing a tall ship, sand yachting, rally driving, gliding, a variety of rambles, drama, singing, scrabble, golf croquet, short mat bowls, outdoor bowls, tennis, cookery demonstrations, foreign and UK holidays (anywhere from Norfolk to China).

The WI also has it’s own college in Oxfordshire which has one, two, three or five day courses on all manner of subjects (men can also sign up for a course there). Although this list is quite comprehensive it is not  anywhere complete. So if you feel that you could find something that appeals to you, why not come along on the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH (with the exception of August) at 7.45pm. and give us a try.

Perhaps the most important role of the Institute is that it offers opportunities for all women to enjoy friendship and support.

Joyce Lewens

East Chinnock Gardening and Countryside Club

Looking back, a very enjoyable Christmas dinner was held on 4th December ‘09 with excellent food provided by Sue Thomas and her helpers.

“Slovakia” was the topic for the meeting held on 10th January ‘10. This was given by an enthusiastic speaker with interesting slides showing a variety of castles and attractive countryside. The lasting impression was of a country with a relaxed lifestyle, perhaps similar to that in Great Britain some fifty years ago.

The talk inspired a large number of questions, and was followed by refreshments.
The next speakers meeting will take place on Monday 15th February ‘10 and the subject will be “Bees”.
The subsequent meeting on Monday 15th March’10 will have as its subject “Hidden Dorset”.
Garden Club Outings: A full days outing to Bishop Palace Gardens at Wells has been arranged for Thursday 17th June ‘10
Also, an outing to the National Trust House and Garden  at Tyntesfield has been arranged for Tuesday 13th July’10. This will also be a full day event, and support from at least 30 members is requested.

David Balmford 

1st West Coker Brownies

1st West Coker Brownies are having a great time celebrating the Centenary Year of Guiding, which started last August with a County Launch Party in Taunton. Looking forward to an exciting 2010, we will be continuing to work towards our Centenary Adventure Challenge badges, which have 10 sections full of exciting challenges. Completion of a challenge leads to points, Brownies having to achieve 100 points to get the badge. Last term we enjoyed an interesting visit to Yeovil Fire Station, and with the help of two further evenings lead by Fire Fighter Brad Atkinson, the Brownies obtained their Fire Safety badge. In October we joined other units in our District for a wonderful "In the Dark" campfire evening, indoors unfortunately because of the wild wet weather. The children made lanterns, decorated glass jars to put nightlights in, toasted marshmallows, drank hot chocolate, and finished with a candlelight sing song. Other highlights of the term were a "bring a friend" Pyjama party, and a joint Christmas evening with 2nd West Coker Brownies, when we made Christingles and Christmas Cards, followed by carol singing and party food. We finished the term by joining our District, Hamdon, to sing carols in Yeovil Borough, at the Town Centre Christmas Family Fun Day. This was a fantastic opportunity for the girls, while also raising over £100 towards the Bright Sparks Guide Show 2010, which will take place in November at Yeovil's Octagon theatre. This term, the Brownies are looking forward to continuing our challenges, including a trip to the pantomime Aladdin, at the Octagon theatre, a Scottish evening, and a Yeovil Divisional Dabble Day of art and craft activities to celebrate our Centenary Thinking Day. Later in the term we will be having an Easter Mad Hatter's Tea Party and an exiting Centenary Adventure Weekend Away with other Brownies from the District, to Osmington Bay in March. We are very busy fund raising for this trip at the moment, as we aim to make it affordable to all. We are indebted to several local parish councils and charitable trusts that have kindly donated to this venture, helping support those Brownies who live in their respective parishes. Further details of these and other funds raised will be detailed in a future newsletter, when our fund raising is complete.

Jane LeFeuvre (Guider in charge- 1st west Coker Brownies)

 If you have a girl 7-10 years old who would like to join 1st West Coker Brownies:

Please contact Jane LeFeuvre on 01935 862774 or pop in to one of our meetings, held at the Scout and Guide Hut, Halves Lane, West Coker, Tuesdays 6-7.3Opm.

Note: 2nd West Coker Brownies is also held at the hut on Fridays 6-7.3Opm, (contact Rebecca LeFeuvre on 01935 863105).

1st West Coker Rainbows

1st West Coker Rainbows are also enjoying celebrating the Centenary Year of Guiding, including the County Launch Party in Taunton. They too will be working towards their Centenary Adventure Challenge badges, needing 100 points to get the badge. Last term we too visited Yeovil Fire Station, where the Rainbows had great fun climbing into a fire engine and squirting hoses everywhere outside in the dark. They enjoyed the "In the Dark" campfire evening, and also a visit to the cinema with Holy Trinity Brownies to see" Ice Age 3". Other highlights of the term were a "bring a friend" night, a "red" night, a trip to see the Yeovil Christmas lights switched on, and a visit from our community police officer, who educated us all on road safety in the dark, letting us try on various jackets, belts etc and discover who showed up best in the dark. After our unit Rainbow Christmas party, we finished the term by joining the carol singing in Yeovil Borough, at the Town Centre Christmas Family Fun Day, which made a lovely start to everyone's Christmas celebrations. This term, the Rainbows are looking forward to continuing their challenges, including like the Brownies, a trip to Aladdin, a Scottish evening, and the art and craft Dabble Day to celebrate Thinking Day. Also this term they will be having a Valentine theme Promise Party, a "green" night, and an Easter theme Pot of Gold Party.

If you have a little girl 5-7 years old who would like to join 1st West Coker Rainbows, please contact Jane Le Feuvre 01101935862774 or pop in to one of our meetings, held at the Scout and Guide Hut, Halves Lane, West Coker, Thursdays 5.45-7.OOpm.

Dec 2009/Jan 2010

CLOCKWORK!

THE EAST CHINNOCK CLOCK

Work has been carried out to ensure The Village Memorial Clock (frequently but erroneously referred to as "The Church Clock") will not now suffer from rain damage. Two members of an historic conservation team abseiling from St. Mary's Tower, did the necessary work.
FL

The Village Christmas Fair

A big thank son to all who supported the church stall. Chocolates of all descriptions were sold out, And the winner of the Fudge's Hamper Hag was Mr Fry.

PL

The WI would also like to thank the many people who bought the goodies on their stall.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

MW

All the village groups who had stalls at the fair were pleased with the outcome. Our two visiting stallholders selling jewellery and toys were also very pleased with their sales and have asked to come back next year. Thank you to all who supported us and we will set the date for the 2010 fair in good time so it can be part of everyone's planning for next year.

Village Hall Management Committee

The Annual General Meeting of the East Chinnock Gardening and Countryside Club was held on Monday 19th October 2009 in the Village Hall. The Chairman, Michael Slater, welcomed members and reported that 2008/9 had been a successful year with excellent speakers and good support for meetings.

The Committee for 2009/2010 was elected as follows:-
Michael Slater (Chairman)
David Balmford (Secretary)
Joyce Lewens (Treasurer)
Other Committee members: Gerald Witcher, Tony Fleet, Sue Adcock, Betty Bowles, Judy Rofé and Ian Stephen. 

The Chairman having welcomed the new members of the Committee, thanked Jenny Jones and Daphne Gillard, who were stepping down for all their hard work during their time on the Committee. 

Discussion took place at the AGM on whether the Village Show should continue on a annual basis, or whether it should be held every two years. It was decided to continue to hold the Show annually, and a Sub Committee was formed to organise the Show in 2010, with Gerald being thanked for his organisation of previous Shows.                                                                           

A well supported evening visit was made in October to the floodlit Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, with refreshments being enjoyed in the restaurant before walking round the floodlit footpaths.

Also in October a speaker from the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth gave an interesting presentation on Donkeys and the work of the Sanctuary. 

A questionnaire designed by Ian Stephen to find out members preferences for outings in 2010 was circulated for completion at the meeting and the results will be used when finalising the outings programme. 

The annual Christmas Dinner was held on Friday 4th December in the Village Hall It was an enjoyable occasion, and was concluded with Michael thanking Sue Thomas and her team for the excellent meal

David Balmford 

 Back To Top