The NEWSLETTER for TATWORTH & FORTON

December 2016 / January 2017

TATWORTHS GOT SOMETHING TO SAY!

(WE JUST NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU)
After the very successful appeal in the last issue of
The Drift which showed the generosity and support for
the publication to continue we now need your input to
make it even more interesting and special for the village
community.

You must have something interesting to say perhaps

there is a special birthday coming up or maybe a
retirement, wedding or a newborn on the way? It could
be that you have a talent or skill that someone else might
find useful. For instance, dog walking, pet sitting, child
minding, shopping for someone who can no longer do this
for themselves; it does not have to be anything special,
even a friendly visit to a lonely neighbour can make a
persons life more comfortable. If you have offered these
services in the past maybe you have an interesting or
amusing story to tell?

What articles would you like to see featured in

The Drift for 2017?
Please contact any member of the Rag team and we will
try to incorporate the item in future editions. Items can
be anonymous if you wish but why hide behind a bushel we are all a friendly lot!
If you have a favourite recipe you would like to share
please let us know, is there a member of your family who
has taken up a new sport, craft or interest that others
may like to try There are many many ideas and you dont
have to be a expert, just take part!
Lets get 2017 off to a wonderful start!!
Robin Munday - Editor of the Drift

Issue 78 The DRIFT

Issue 78

CHANGING SOUTH SOMERSET

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ATTITUDES WHY I DONT GIVE UP!

Andrew Turpin writes:

About twenty years the campaign was launched for
District Councils and District Councillors to reduce the
costs of paper and postage by using computers and more
recently, lap tops in order to go paper free.
Habits have been slow to change but there has been a
break through! At District Council meetings, attitudes
have changed and the majority of District Councillors are
now using tablets, drastically reducing costs.

I am continuing to attend some smaller Council meetings

from home, by Teleconferencing and aiming to
persuade others to do the same, so that we can
significantly reduce the South Somerset District Councils
travelling expenses.
Changing attitudes and habits does take a very long time
but persistence does pay. That is why I do not give up on
fighting for improved bus services and reopening our
local railway station!

SUCCESS FOR THE MEMORIAL HALL

Our picture shows

Hall Chairman Maggie
Bradshaw (2nd from
right) receiving three
Hallmark certificates
for excellence at a
recent Community
Council for Somerset
award ceremony.

TATWORTH & FORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Warm in Winter
Expecting your Winter Fuel Payment? Dont need it?
Donate it! Surviving Winter is an award-winning
campaign that encourages people to donate some or
all of their unwanted Winter Fuel Payments to other
people in their communities who need it most.
A Surviving Winter grant doesnt just pay for extra
heating. Its hand delivered by one of our small
number of trusted local partners, like Citizens Advice
South Somerset. A Surviving Winter grant becomes
the foundation for a new relationship that can help
overcome the isolation and loneliness that many older
people experience. With the support of over 300
donors, Somerset Community Foundation was able to
provide vital grants to 390 older people to help
them through last winter. Please help us grow this
campaign to reach every isolated and vulnerable
household in the county.
To find out more about Surviving Winter, please visit:
http://www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter.

To donate some or all of your Winter Fuel Payment,

please send a cheque made out to Somerset
Community Foundation (SW written on the back),
Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton
Mallet, BA4 6QN. You can also donate online or call
01749 344949. Gift Aid forms are also available to
download on the website. Thank you for making a
difference to an elderly person in your community
this winter!

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DRIFT
58

T&F CHRISTMAS MOVIE

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Tatworth and Forton Parish Council,

The Parish Office, Tatworth Memorial Hall.
Telephone: 01460 221066
Email: tatworthfortonpc@yahoo.co.uk
www.tatworthandfortonparishcouncil.org.uk

CO
RN
E

Telecommunications Base Station

The Parish Council received a pre-planning
application from Telefonica and Vodaphone for a
base station in New Lane. The purpose was to learn
the views of the Parish before considering a formal
planning application. A large group of concerned
residents including a local doctor attended and
expressed their concerns about the possible long
term health effects for those living within a 400
metre radius of the mast. In echoing the concerns of
residents the Parish Council asked that any future
base station for the Parish be sited at least 400
metres away from any residential areas.
CO RNE

T
OR

The Christmas film Florence Foster Jenkins will be

screened on Friday 16th December. A light comedy/
drama with Meryl Streep as Florence who always wanted
to be an opera singer despite her tone deafness and lack
of talent. But there is much more to her story. Come and
enjoy - there will be real mulled wine and mince pies too.
The film starts at 8.00pm and doors open at 7.15pm.
Tickets cost 4.00 (cheaper than Chard), bar and raffle
as usual.

TATWORTH & FORTON COMMUNITY

SPEEDWATCH - AN URGENT APPEAL!

By the time you read this, your local

Community Speedwatch Team will have
just started operations for their 10th
Year and will have completed over 700
watches.

During that period, they will have recorded over 66,000

vehicles, of which over 4,000 will have been reported as
exceeding the speed limit. They will have committed
over 1,500 man-hours to your safety.

Community Speedwatch was originally introduced

to the Parish by the late Iris Leeke in 2007 when
speeding on the B3167 at Dyke Hill registered over 30%.
Over the years, these figures have gradually been
reduced and today sees the following improvements.
At its worst

B3167 Dyke Hill

30.5%

1.6%

3.6%

0.1%

Station Road/Bugway Lane

18.4%

B3167 Bridge Farmhouse

28.1%

The Hollies

Fore Steet/Langdons Way

Now just

18.2%

9.6%
4.5%

2.9%

Fore Street/Loveridge Lane

7.4%

2.8%

Overall average

28.6%

6.3%

Fore Street (20mph area)

18.7%

7.0%

We intend now to concentrate on further improvements

in respect of those sites still above the South Somerset
average (2%) but we very much need your help to
maintain safety in your Parish.

If you can spare just one hour each Month to help us

to reduce speeding even further, please contact any
member of the team or ring me on 01460 220116.
The more volunteers we have, the greater the flexibility
we should have to plan where we are and at what times.
It will not be a waste of your time as these results
have proven that CSW is an effective way of reducing
speeding.

YOUR PARISH NEEDS YOU !

Doug Allen
Co-ordinator Tatworth & Forton
Community Speedwatch

VANDALISM AT COOMBSE POND

George Beattie writes:

I am sorry to report that vandalism is on the increase

at Coombse Pond. The pond is being restored by
volunteers and it is disheartening to see such mindless
events. This is obviously the work of a few who have no
social values. The area is now patrolled by the police
who will be supplying a CCTV camera to survey the area.
BE WARNED!

www.tatworthandforton.co.uk

TATWORTH WI

October and November have been two busy months for

WI members. In addition to the monthly meetings and
lunches, members attended the Somerset Federations
Annual Meeting in Taunton, the ABBA Tribute Night,
an Autumn ramble and joined West & Middle Chinnock
WI for a very enjoyable Murder Mystery evening.
Tatworth hosted the Somerset Speakers Auditions
day on the 31st October and in November, members and
friends, visited The Octagon Theatre in Yeovil to see the
musical White Christmas. There was a Coffee Morning
at County H.Q., Wilton Lodge on the 15th November,
where Jane Grant had a craft stall and Tatworth
President Angela held a Coffee & Chat morning at
her home on the 23rd November.

Members are now looking forward to their visit to Wells

Cathedral on the 7th December for the Somerset County
Federation Carol Festival and then the group Carol
Service organised by Horton WI for the 12th December.
At the meeting on Thursday the 15th December, there
will be a Christmas meal in the Memorial Hall, catered
by Liz Beale and her helpers, where there will also be a
Secret Santa and entertainment by a Magician. The
speaker at the meeting on the 19th January 2017 will be
John Pearce, the well known local golfer, Clerk
of Stowell Court and husband of Tatworth WI treasurer,
Diana. His talk Is entitled Life on the Oil Rigs.
John spent twelve years in the Royal Navy and was a Chief
Artificer when he left to work on the oil rigs,
in the Ninian oil field of the North Sea as a computer
technician. Working for well known companies such as
Chevron, he continued working on the rigs for twenty
five years, ending his career as an offshore installation
manager, the equivalent of being the captain of a ship.
This should be a really interesting evening, learning
about living and working in such a difficult environment.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT
SOUTH CHARD CHURCH,
POST OFFICE LANE, TATWORTH
10th December 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Jumble Sale (come and find a bargain!)
18th December 6.30pm
Carols by Candlelight Service

21st December
Members of the church will be singing Christmas Carols
around the village in the evening. Listen out for us!

25th December 10.30am

Christmas Day Service
We are a friendly, easy going and welcoming church with
a lively, happy style of worshipping God. Please come and
join us at 11.00am every Sunday.
We have other regular events including:

* Kids&Co. an under 5s group which meets every

Tuesday in term time from 10am-12noon. Bring your
kids to play and relax with a coffee and chat to other
mums. Cost 1 per week.
* Ladies Football Team. We meet at Tatworth Playing
Fields on Mondays at 5pm to kick a ball about. Come
and join the fun.

* Craft and Chatter. Every Monday at Well Spring,

St Margarets Lane, Tatworth from 10.30am. Bring a
recent project, learn to knit or crochet, or just come
for cake and a chat!

Sean Smith
Pet Portraits & Wildlife Art

The November edition of The WI County News magazine

provided details of the Somerset WI programme planned
for 2017. These include Ten Pin Bowling at Taunton on
the 25th January, Marmalade making demonstrations on
the 21st of January and the 1st of February, an Antiques
Evening at Horton, a Fashion Show, another Police
Custody Unit visit, the Roadshows and many other events.
Kurling and seated Volley Ball are continuing in Tatworth
Memorial Hall on Mondays at 2.00pm.

TATWORTH AMATEUR PANTOMIME

SOCIETY

Sheila Harding writes:

We present the pantomime Little Jack Horner on
Thursday February 23rd - Saturday 25th at the Tatworth
Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Matinee 2.30pm Saturday.
Tickets will be on sale in February.
Come along and see our local thesbians strutting the
boards with all the usual comedy, romance, good
overcoming evil etc. You are bound to have an enjoyable
evening and a good laugh where you can cheer, clap boo
& hiss and singalong in all the right places.

Issue 78 The DRIFT

I specialise and work in high quality coloured pencils

to create a portrait that will last a lifetime.
Im available for commission to bring out the soul &
character of your pet or favourite animal.

Commissions, Prints, Greeting Cards,

Cushions & more
www.seansmithportraits.com
seansmithportraits@gmail.com

07814 048911
3

TALENTS AT THE READY!

QUIZ NIGHT WAS A SUCCESS

One of the schemes being considered to raise money for

Appeal 150 for the storage project at St Johns includes
the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-23).

Lesley Frankau writes:

Our idea is to make available a small sum of money

(5-20) to well wishers to commit to raising a profit for
the project by any reasonable funding idea.
Suggestions include:
* coffee morning
* lunches or suppers
* sale of craft work
* car washes for neighbours
* sale of cakes
Please use your imagination!
Also please note any children
who would like to be involved
must be over 16 for some activities.

Those taking part would have plenty of time to organise

their activity or produce their craft work. We could
organise a table top sale in the village for the sale of
craft handiwork or other items produced.
Anyone interested, please complete the form below and
drop it off in the box at the back of St Johns or pass to
a member of the congregation. If you require any further
details, please contact the following:
Graham Goodwill 01297 792601 (evenings)
Lesley Frankau 01297 33420 (daytime)
Application Form

Name .........................................................
Activity proposed ..........................................

Address.......................................................

.................................................................
.................................................................
Telephone number .........................................

Amount required..........................(20 Maximum)

Email address ...............................................

* Please note that any form of gambling is excluded from the project.

TATWORTH FLOWER CLUB

On 3rd November, Florist Angie Blackwell from Cottage
Flowers of Ilminster entertained the club and visitors
with seasonal arrangements. The vote of thanks was
given by Jackie Nicholls.
There were a good number of entrants in the Club
competition which was entitled Bonfire Night and was
judged by Angie who awarded points as follows:
Karen Hallett 8pts, Jean Down 7pts, Anna Bagwell
& Pat Sargent 6pts, Valerie Garth & Ros Roderigo 5pts.
The judges choice being awarded to Karen Hallett.

Another fun-packed quiz evening was held at St Johns in

October when the talented quizzing duo Jim and Sheila
hosted another wonderful event raising 240 for church
funds.

Around 45 people from the village came along for the

evening and it soon became apparent why the Church
Hall needs a storage room for the youth clubs
equipment, pool table, stacking chairs and tables. I do
not think we could have slotted any more people into
the Hall. We were packed to the rafters, if we had any!
We were delighted to see so many familiar faces and
some new ones too, particularly when members of the
TCYC (Tatworth Church Youth Club) came along with
Team leader Matt Baker, with wife Helen and mascot,
three months old baby Elliot. I suspect he was their
secret player who provided some answers to the
questions!

Amid guffaws of laughter, groans or cheers, according to

which team got the most points throughout the evening
the final relevation was revealed that team The Young
Ones were the winners who were presented with bottles
of wine and chocolates. New arrivals to the village, Team
Tatworth Turnip Heads received the wooden spoons.
Fear not we have all been there at some point! Next time
the only way is up!
In second place The Rascals - Graham Goodwill, Nick and
Lesley Frankau, plus their mascot, Moss the dog who slept
most of the time and Simon Bloomfield from Ilminster.
Simon has joined the 150th Appeal Committee to assist
the Social & Fundraising team in their approach to
charitable trusts for our youth group and the store room
project.
A wonderful evening (does anbody watch Strictly Come
Dancing on Saturday evening I wonder!) which was
thoroughly enjoyed by us all. Many thanks to everyone
who came along, helped set-up the Hall, clear away
afterwards and washed the glasses. This is our last
quiz this year, but we have plans for two more evening
quizzes in 2017, January and June (to be announced
shortly, so remember to make a note in your diaries).

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 1st December when

National Demonstrator Alison Finch will be demonstrating
under the title Christmas Traditions.

The members competition for December will be

Christmas Carol.
Meetings are held in Tatworth Memorial Hall, TA20 2QW.
Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2.00pm start and visitors are
most welcome for an entrance fee of 5.
There is no Meeting in January. On February 2nd we have
Lisa Fowler with Crafty Creations.

www.tatworthandforton.co.uk

CHRISTMAS DECEMBER GARDENER

As the festive season approaches take the opportunity

while you and your garden are taking a well earned rest
to put some winter colour in the house.

Poinsettias native to Mexico have colourful leaves called

bracts popular but rather strange decorative plants,
(members of the Euphorbia family). They need more dark
than many plants, a bit like rhubarb. They are really
grown as annuals so once they start shedding their leaves
dont bother to keep them.

Try planting some winter hardy bulbs in your flower beds

before the ground gets too hard. You cant beat alpine
cyclamens - reasonably priced too. Hyacinths are on sale
for indoor colour but you can also plant out hyacinths
if they have been correctly prepared by the growers.
This involves a higher temperature speeding up process,
followed by low temperature for six weeks, so do check
before buying.

If you are thinking of buying some plants for winter or

spring (I do enjoy forward planning, it makes winter less
dreary) have a good explore round local garden centres
and on-line. There are some superb bulk offers of
bulb/corms. Winter bulbs must be planted in well drained
gritty soil in a sunny aspect and can be a wonderful
addition of colour to many parts of the garden. Do it
soon! Its worth planning ahead to add bulbs to spring
lawns, edges and bedding, especially good for early
spring rockery colour.

Look for (fragrant) daffodils (narcissus), leucojums,

ornithogalums, chinodoxias and tulips (all lily family) as
well as early iris bulbs. Anemone blanda (ranunculous
family) produce small but pretty blue and white daisies.
Plant corms now, they bring welcome long-lasting spring
colour. Bellis (daisy) and violas (viola) will also add
cheery colour for the coming season.
Early colour spring plants such as heathers (ericaceous)
are best planted in containers with acid soil.

Evergreen Ilex Holly with Christmas red berries is a good

shrub to have in a container even to plant out if the soil
is still warm. Sarcococca (box family) is available now wonderfully fragrant and happy in the shade, also
Osmanthus (oleaceae) a small holly-like very attractive
shrub. The very fragrant yellow Coronilla, an easy to
grow leguminous shrub, is a cheery sight, still to be
found flowering at this time of year.

Footsore? Problem Toe Nails?

Enjoy all the colours of the winter berries, the red and
white Cornus and Salix (willow) stems, but try not to
begrudge birds their tasty feast. I had a Solanum with
many attractive orange red berries; I now have a Solanum
with just a few unripe berries but a very happy blackbird.

WILDLIFE

Birds depend on us all during difficult weather

conditions, so do ensure there is appropriate food for
them, not just in dispensers but also for the ground
feeders, blackbirds, thrushes, robins etc. Thrushes are on
the endangered list now and they love what gardeners
dont, snails and slugs. It will help if we can leave the
garden a bit more relaxed and untidy, so plenty of leaves
(not on lawns ), broken branches, bits of moss etc. as this
will generate a food chain of over-wintering insects that
ground feeding birds require very desperately in cold
snaps!
Hibernating animals are many more than we realise,
so try to leave habitats such as piles of leaves perhaps
retained by some branches or under some spreading low
ground cover branches e.g. cotoneaster. Hedgehogs are
desperate at this time of the year so check they can get
from garden to garden through a small hole in the fence.
This is really important for them to travel to find winter
habitats.

Perhaps its time to get winter coats on and venture out

on a dry day to walk through parks, lanes and public
gardens. Dont forget the National Trust and RHS
Gardens. These larger gardens will be looking their best
after a frost on a bright sunny morning in the coming
coldest months, especially when the Snowdrops are
popping their heads up to give us a taste of spring.

Tatworth & District Horticultural Society Reminder

The last meeting of 2016 will take place on Thursday

8th December at 7.30pm in Tatworth Memorial Hall.
This will be the Annual General Meeting of the Society
open to all comers. The format of the evening will be
the Annual General Meeting (not too lengthy!) followed
by a light hearted general quiz and concluding with a
Bring and Share supper.

Lets all look forward to another year of growing

opportunities; the gardeners New Year starts on
22nd December with daylight hours getting longer !
A Happy and Peaceful New Year to all.
Tony Arnold - ACIHort

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Telephone: 01460 221806

Mobile: 07926 093053

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Illminster, Lyme Regis, Seaton and surrounding areas

Issue 78 The DRIFT

MOTOTECH

Tatworths Local Garage - Please Support Local Traders!

What a nice,
an
l and pleasant m , is.
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to
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Mike, the ow
does
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He does not over job...
a really good
ay
Mrs. J.M. Allaw
South Chard

General car repairs,

Servicing, M.O.T.s,
M.O.T. work, Tyres, Exhausts,
Batteries, Air-Conditioning,
Car Diagnostics,
Re-gas & repairs.

NO VAT
ON
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Call now on 01460 221313 to book your appointment:

Junction Garage, Station Road, Chard Junction TA20 4QJ

Celias Salon

Celia is passionate about showing women how a great hairstyle

makes you look great and feel fabulous.
~ Extra time to discuss the best styles to suit your face shape,
hair type and lifestyle.
~ Each haircut is created with care and precision.
Enjoy an extra special experience, at a highly professional,
peaceful countryside salon.
Braeside, Bugway lane, Chard Common TA20 4HH
Telephone: 01460 221444 / 07971 675577

TATWORTH MEMORIAL HALL

SATURDAYS
From 5.00pm to 7.30pm

peter trotter
the window s p e c i a l i s t

Installation of PCVu,
Timber & Aluminium
windows
doors
conservatories
patios
fascia boards
guttering
bi-fold doors
porches
triple glazing

Repairs & replacement

windows
doors
conservatories
handles
sealed glass units
locks
hinges

Special offers available on selected doors and

windows. Check out the website and see what
our customers say.
www.petertrotter.co.uk
Contact us for a free no hassle quotation on
01460 220865 or 07771 761782
Email: info@petertrotter.co.uk

WENDYS KITCHEN
VILLAGE CAFE

* Everyone welcome - No ned to book

* Good home-cooked food - friendly atmosphere
* Come along and enjoy lunch or a snack, coffee & cake etc.
Every Wednesday 10.00am -2.00pm at TMH

The Golden Fleece

RESTAURANT - BAR - BED & BREAKFAST

Open every evening and Sunday lunchtimes for delicious home

cooked food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Thursday Night is Pie Night. Join us for a selection of our
finest, homemade pies and a drink - for just 10.

Free 10 year insurance backed guarantee as standard.

The Golden Fleece, Perry Street, South Chard,

Somerset,TA20 4QH
Tel: 01460 220285
www.thegoldenfleecechard.co.uk

www.tatworthandforton.co.uk

EDITORIAL

Dare I mention the words Jubilee Field and Trees?

You will be aware of items in the last issue of The Drift

regarding the Parish Councils recent decision to move
some of the trees. I asked for an update from the Parish
Council following their last meeting but nothing has been
forthcoming. I understand however that the offer of
assistance made by two local residents was rejected but
the matter is due to be discussed further at the next
Parish Council meeting.
So, if you have an interest in the subject I would suggest
you contact a local councillor.

Any opinion expressed in the Drift may be those of the

author but not necessarily of the Editorial team.
Robin Munday

TATWORTH WIVES GROUP

Hester Down writes:
Our AGM took place on 3rd November when we reviewed
our activities over the last year. Over the year we
raised 200 for our 2016 project, Munchkins Miniature
Shetland Rescue, a charity for rehabilitating and
re-homing miniature Shetland ponies at Southleigh,
Devon, and a further 352 from the Christmas fair held on
9th November at Farriers Field, Jane Grants home, will
be added to that sum. We also raised 136 at a coffee
morning for the Samaritans. Our project for 2016 will be
Little Bridge House, the Childrens Hospice South West.

Our speaker after the AGM was Mary Dewar whose talk
Time Remembered recounted her journey to becoming
a Lay Reader. It was some 37 years ago that Mary first
felt called by God to serve, but it was another 10 years
before it became clear that the way forward lay in
training to be a licensed Reader. Two arduous years of
training followed before the good news arrived in June
1991 that she had passed. Mary took us through the
detail of the steps leading up to her formal licensing by
Bishop Nigel McCulloch in Wells Cathedral on 5th October
that year, a significant day for Mary which will remain
forever engraved on her memory, and which opened
a new Chapter in her life. This year she celebrated
25 years of service in the Readers Ministry, during which
time she has served people in Tatworth and beyond in
many ways through church services, house communions,
funeral visits and funeral services, pastoral visits, study
groups, Sunday School and childrens holiday clubs. We
trust she will be given the energy to continue to minister
to the community in which she lives for many more years
to come.
There will be no meeting in December and our next
gathering will be our New Year Cheer Party on Thursday
12th January at 2.00 pm in the Tatworth Church Room to
which all are welcome.

Issue 78 The DRIFT

EDITORIAL TEAM

Please send COPY to: Printers Patch, Dyke Hill, Perry Street,
Tatworth, TA20 2PY. Telephone: 01460 220819
or email to: drifteditorial@gmail.com
Deadline for The DRIFT (no: 78): 7th January 2017

The Drift is published by the Tatworth & Forton Residents

Action Group, printed by Perry Print and distributed by
volunteers.
The views expressed in contributed articles are not
necessarily those of the RAG Editorial Team.
Dont forget the RAG website:
www.tatworthandforton.co.uk

The terms for advertising in The Drift are:

* 90mm x 60mm: 5.00 per insert
* 110mm x 60mm: 10.00 per insert
* Advertisers who are based in Tatworth & Forton
receive a 5.00 discount for the first insertion.
For further information please contact the Editor:
Robin Munday. Telephone: 01460 220819.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Dyson DC33 Vacuum cleaner with all the tools. Excellent

condition: 30.00. Contact Sue on 01460 220339.

Winter Coat needs attention! - Can you shorten a

woollen winter coat for me please? I would be happy to
bring it to you to look at (an easy job if you are able to
sew - I think!). Phone Sandra on 01460 220819 or email:
wonderwoman@perryprint.eclipse.co.uk ...Thank you!!

RAG PROJECT TEAMS

Contacts:
Action Group Leader - Robin Munday 220819
Action Group Treasurer - Nick Bernard 220339
The Drift
Robin Munday (Editor) 220819
Chris White (Artwork) 221221
Community Speed Watch - Doug Allen 220116
Health & Wellbeing Centre - Roy Bain 220152
Walks - Jane McGee 220826
Environment - Judy MacOmish 220966
Public Transport - Andrew Turpin 220691

The Project Teams welcome new members could you perhaps spare a little time?

TATWORTH RESIDENTS CLASSIFIED

FOR THE NEXT ISSUE

For all your Sales and Wants, a single column chance

to advertise those unwanted bits and bobs.

No larger than 5 lines plus a contact number. A small

charge of 2.50 per issue will apply.
Copy with payment should be sent to the Editor with
all advertising proceeds going to support the Drift.

The DRIFT DIARY 2016/17

Date & Time

Thurs 1st Dec - 7.00pm

Thurs 1st Dec - 2.00pm
Wed 7th Dec
Thurs 8th Dec - 7.30pm
Sat 10th Dec - 12.30 - 2.30pm
Mon 12th Dec
Thurs 15th Dec
Fri 16th Dec
Fri 16th Dec - 8.00pm
Sun 18th Dec - 6.30pm
Wed 21st Dec - Evening
Sun 25th Dec - 10.30am
Thurs 12th Jan - 2.00pm
Thurs 19th Jan
Sat 21st Jan
Wed 25th Jan
Wed 1st Feb
Thurs 2nd Feb
Thurs 23rd Feb - 7.30pm
Fri 24th Feb - 7.30pm
Sat 25th Feb - 2.30pm
Sat 25th Feb - 7.30pm

Regulars

Every Monday - 10.30am

Every Mon - 2.00pm
Every Mon - 2.00pm
Every Monday - 5.00pm
Every Mon - 7.00 - 8.00pm
First Tues - Monthly
Every Tues - 10.00am - Noon
Every Tues - 2.00 - 4.00pm
Every Tues - 5.00 - 6.00pm
Every Tues - 6.00 - 7.00pm
Every Wed - 10.00am - 2.00pm
Every Wed - 3.30 - 5.00pm
Every Wed - 7.00pm
Every Thursday - 7.00pm
Every Thursday - 8.00pm
Every Sat - 5.00 - 7.30pm
First Thu - Monthly
First Thu - Monthly 2.00pm
Third Thurs - Monthly
Fourth Tuesday - Monthly
Last Fri - Monthly

Event

Tatworth & Forton Parish Council Meeting

Tatworth Flower Club Meeting with a demonstration by Alison Finch
Tatworth WI Somerset County Carol Service in Wells Cathedral
Tatworth & District Horticultural Society Meeting, Quiz and Supper
South Chard Church - Jumble Sale
Tatworth WI - Group Carol Service by Horton WI
Tatworth WI - Meeting and Christmas Meal
Cake Day
T&F Movies - Florence Foster Jenkins
South Chard Church - Carols by Candlelight Service
South Chard Church - Carol Singing around the village
South Chard Church - Christmas Day Service
Tatworth Wives Group New Year Cheer Party
Tatworth WI - Meeting with guest speaker John Pearce
Tatworh WI - Marmalade Making demonstration
Tatworth WI - Ten Pin Bowling at Taunton
Tatworth WI - Antiques evening and Fashion Show at Horton
Tatworth Flower Club - Crafty Creations with Lisa Fowler
Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society - Little Jack Horner
Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society - Little Jack Horner
Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society Matinee - Little Jack Horner
Tatworth Amateur Pantomime Society - Little Jack Horner

Venue
TMH
TMH
TMH
SCC
TMH
TPS
TMH
SCC
SCC
SCC
Ch Rm
TMH
TMH
TMH
TMH
TMH
TMH
TMH

South Chard Church - Craft and Chatter Group - Meet at Well Spring, St Margarets Lane
Stretch and Relax Class
Ch Rm
New Age Kurling & seated volleyball - 1.50 per session, including refreshments
TMH
South Chard Church- Ladies Football Team
TPF
Celias Get Fit, Tone-up & Stretch Class
TMH
Chiropodist - Mr Grimminger - Tel: 30114
TMH
South Chard Church - Kids & Co. Under 5s Group
SCC
Tatworth Craft Group - 1 each including refreshments - Brewer Room
TMH
Under 10s Softball Cricket (up until19th April)
HSH
School years 6 - 10 Hardball Cricket Up until 19th April)
HSH
Wendys Kitchen
TMH
Exercise Class
TMH
Chard & District Lace Group - Brewer Room
TMH
Chard Karate Club - Juniors (R)
PSC
Chard Karate Club - Seniors (R)
PSC
Traditional Fish & Chips van
TMH
Tatworth & Forton Parish County Meeting
TMH
Tatworth Flower Club (for contacts see text)
TMH
WI Meeting
TMH
Kents Fellowship
KCR
Perry Street Social Clubs Monthly Big Quiz
PSC

KEY: Ch Rm - St Johns Church Room, PSC - Perry Street Club, TMH - Tatworth Memorial Hall, TPF - Tatworth Playing Fields,
TPS - Tatworth Primary School, PO - McColls/South Chard Post Office, StJ - St Johns Church, KCR - Kents Common Room,
CCC - Chard Cricket Club, CVH - Chardstock Village Hall, CBCG - Chardstock Bowls Club Ground, CMC - Cricket Malherbie Church,
SCC - South Chard Church.

www.tatworthandforton.co.uk

RURAL BUS UPDATES

NOVEMBER 2016

On behalf of a working group set up in June/2016,

formed of Parish Councillors in Thorncombe

(Sally Welford, Steve Dunford, David Marsh), Tatworth & Forton Parish Council,
(Andrew Turpin) and Bus Users & Supporters (Mary Marsh).
Dorset Community Transport (DCT); our little green buses
By way of introduction; DCT is a not for profit organisation, who
have run the rural bus routes, serving Thorncombe, Chard Junction,
South Chard, Tatworth and Chard (14), as well as Thorncombe,
Marshwood, Hawkchurch and Axminster (688). They run modern 16
seat mini buses, with wheel chair capability and are part of an
overall national umbrella group, originally started in Ealing in West
London in the 1970s, Ealing Community Transport, (ECT).
Dorset County Council (DCC); some history of the rural bus cuts
DCC gave only 11.5 weeks in total, (starting w/c January 18/16,
with a consultation), to find a way to replace all the deregistered
1-2 day routes in the county, and then stopped their bus subsidy as
of April 11/16. This of course effected cross county services, not
just communities in Dorset. Of interest to us all in this area are the
14, which serves communities in Doset plus Somerset and the 688,
which serves communities in Dorset plus Devon.
Public meeting held at the Bottle Inn, Marshwood on 17/3/2016
52 people were in attendance, mostly rural bus users and
supporters, bussed in by DCT. The meeting was called to try and
find a solution to the above cuts. There was good representation
from local PCs, District and County Councils. At this meeting, Mr
Tim Christian, the GM of DCT, announced that the 14 and 688 were
not in fact de-registered and DCT would continue running both
routes unchanged, until 31/5/16. It also emerged at this meeting
that In fact the 688 would continue to be subsidised, by Devon
County Council.

What has happened since the Bottle meeting and 31/5/16?

Route 14, Marshwood to Chard, via Thorncombe, every Thursday
In order to reduce overall operating costs, the timetable for this
service was modified as of 5/5/2016. It now runs on Thursday, in
conjunction with the 688, (as below).
This switch to Thursdays has been generally well received.

The route includes stops that are not served by any other public
transport, such as Station Road, (Chard Junction), Langdons Way,
Water Mead, Tatworth Memorial Hall, Kents Lane, Cross Ways and
School Lane, within the confines of Tatworth and South Chard. It is
therefore, very important to continue this route, in order to serve
the internal areas of the villages.
Passenger numbers are generally good, with between 75% and 85%
loading each week.
Concessionary Bus Passes can also be used on this service.

Route 688, Thorncombe to Axminster, every Thursday

It has been confirmed for some time that the subsidy from Devon
County Council, will continue for this service until the end of March
2017. This will enable the 688 to run unchanged until this date.
We are very hopeful that the subsidy from Devon County Council
will continue, beyond the end of March 2017. Concessionary Bus
Passes can therefore still be used on this service.

Passenger numbers on this route are also good, with similar

numbers to the 14 of between 75% and 85% loading.

These two routes, (14 and 688), are intrinsically linked, since the
same bus does both routes and fits between the morning and
evening Marshwood Primary School runs. This therefore makes very
efficient use of the bus and the drivers time and helps with the
overall cost of the routes. DCT, have stated that they will continue
operating these routes, and with our support there is no reason why
they cannot continue as they are now, unless there are other
unforeseen changes.

Fund-raising activities have started in order to provide the

financial support needed
(N.B. Even though Devon County Council are subsidising the 688
portion of the above routes, there is still a shortfall in funds, since
Dorset County Council withdrew their bus subsidy, in April/16. We
therefore need to raise a total of 2000.00, for the financial year
2016/17).
A Fathers Day Breakfast Club, in Thorncombe on June 19/16, was
extremely successful, raising a total of 340.00 and with other
donations, was rounded out to 450.00.

A craft fair and coffee morning is coming up on November 12/16,

at Thorncombe Village Hall, between 10.30am and 1.00pm. (All are
welcome and lifts will be provided from the Tatworth and area, for
those who need it).
There were several local businesses in Chard and area that kindly
donated raffle prizes for these events, along with several other
raffle prizes donated by individuals within the Thorncombe Parish.
These Chard businesses have also indicated that they will continue
to support this initiative, in the future.

Collection jars have been in place and Perry Street Social Club,
(South Chard) and Thorncombe Village Shop. This has been
followed by a collection jar at Tatworth Memorial Hall and shortly
at Thorncombe Sports and Social Club.

Dorset Travel
Our group, by working with Amanda Evans, (Community
Engagement Officer, Dorset Travel), have established that
whatever funds we raise locally, Dorset County Council will match,
through their Community Transport Grant, up to a maximum of
2,000.
We will therefore raise a total of 1,000, the first 500 will be
applied for this month, with the second 500 by the end of the
financial year 2016/17. Dorset County Council will match these
funds.

This is indeed excellent news and will be extremely

helpful in ensuring that our vital rural bus services will
continue. Any further help with fund raising events would be most
welcome so that we can keep these vital rural buses running.
Timetables - FYI
Corrected timetables are available, from Dorset Community
Transport for both the 14 and 688, as the current versions on the
Dorsetforyou website are unfortunately not accurate.
We have copies of these, for anyone who needs them and they will
be displayed at all relevant locations, as soon as possible.

Cllr. David Marsh - (on behalf of the working group of Tatworth/Forton and Thorncombe Parish Councillors and Bus Supporters).
My contact telephone number is 01460 30139, or e-mail dmarshdavid@aol.com