Autumn 2009 Puriton Newsletter

YOUR
Puriton
Newsletter
PPC
ication
Commun
Issue 6 Autumn 2009
Autumn 2009
Cover Picture: Rye Green and Church Cottage
Photograph by Pete Burke ©
2
In This Issue........
From the Editor.............................................................................................................................................................................4
Puriton Web Site.........................................................................................................................................................................5
Parish Council News.................................................................................................................................................................7
Parish Path News........................................................................................................................................................................9
Parish Council - Minutes of Meetings.......................................................................................................................10
Parish Council Election.........................................................................................................................................................12
Puriton Stunner .........................................................................................................................................................................14
Calling All Village Hall Users...........................................................................................................................................15
Bright Lights Competition...................................................................................................................................................16
Is this lady the oldest resident in Puriton?.............................................................................................................18
Further Tales From The Village Hall............................................................................................................................20
Puriton Playing Fields and Sports Centre...............................................................................................................22
St Michael and All Angels Church..............................................................................................................................23
Policing in Puriton....................................................................................................................................................................25
Parking Issues Street Briefing...........................................................................................................................................26
Community Speed Watch................................................................................................................................................27
Neighbourhood Watch......................................................................................................................................................28
Newsletter Editorial Group..............................................................................................................................................29
Advertising Rates.....................................................................................................................................................................29
Parish Council Members....................................................................................................................................................30
Do you know who your parish clerk and parish councillors are?.......................................................31
About This Newsletter..........................................................................................................................................................32
3
From the Editor.......
vehicles speeding when entering the village
from the direction of Woolavington.
Well, here we are at the end of the summer
and the beginning of Autumn and the run up
to Christmas.
Somerset
What summer? I hear you
ask. It has been a bit dismal
and certainly
notthe
‘barbecue summer’ that our
wonderful
weather
forecasters predicted earlier
in the year.
County
Council
Highways
Department have in fact on
one occasion deployed a
Speed Visor at the entrance to
the village near Puriton Park.
These are the signs that flash
to indicate to drivers that they
are driving too fast and are
often very effective in slowing
down traffic.
And of course, just to make
matters worse, we’ve had a
recession to cope with.
They are not speed cameras and
therefore no prosecutions arise
from their use - they are simply
a deterrent to speeding. They do however
collect data about the mean speeds recorded
and this data is passed to your parish council.
We will publish this data as and when it
becomes available.
For some this has been a difficult time, with
people losing their jobs or being forced to take
cuts in pay and hours. Hopefully we are now
on the road to recovery but it will still be hard
for many for some time to come.
Unfortunately SCC only have a limited
number of these devices to share around all
the villages in the county, so they are only
deployed periodically in each location.
So, enough of the doom and gloom - what has
been good this year in the village?
Well, there have been some good events in
the village, such as the pantomime, the village
hall quiz and, more recently, the flower show
in the village hall, which attracted a record
number of entries and had a dry day for it into
the bargain. See a full report on page 14 .
One other initiative that was discussed was
the use of hand held speed guns, operated by
volunteers from the village.
The police would be willing to provide one of
these for our village provided that there were
volunteers to operate them.
We’ve also got a wonderful lady in the village
called Winifred Stone, who celebrated her
104th birthday in August. Congratulations
Winifred. You can read more about Winifred
in this newsletter on page 18.
You can read more about this in the
newsletter in the police section. We do need
volunteers to operate this scheme so, if you
would be interested in this, why not let us
know now? Contact your neighbourhood
police team, any parish councillor or email us
at [email protected].
And what about the things that are concerning
people in the parish?
Your parish council has been getting many
complaints about speeding and inconsiderate/
illegal parking in the village. As a result the
police organised, in conjunction with the
parish council, a street meeting to discuss
the issues and possible solutions. This
was well attended and, again, there is a report
in this newsletter on the issues raised.
With regard to the speeding issue, many
people expressed concern at the number of
That’s all from me for now, best wishes to you
all.
Pete Burke
Editor
4
Puriton Web Site
The web site continues to develop and receive
a lot of visits, just over 5000 since we
launched last November.
We have recently embarked on a re-vamp of
some parts of the site and hope to make the
front end more interesting. If you’ve any
suggestions as to how we can improve the
site further please let us know.
village, so please, please use it! Remember
the old adage - “use it or lose it”.
If you would like to contribute to it, please send
an email to
[email protected]
Or you can use the contact buttons which you
will find on the left hand side of the main pages.
You can find the site at:
www.puritonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Please make use of it as it is there for the
whole community. You can post news and
articles, details of forthcoming events, details
of your club or society, advertise your business
and even sign up for an electronic version of
the newsletter which you will receive by email.
A lot of hard work has gone into producing this
site and it has all been done at no cost to the
There is now also a forum, yet in its infancy,
but it is there for everyone to interact. I’d like
to hear from anyone who has ideas for topics
to be started.
We’ve actually had quite a few posts recently
regarding speeding and parking in the village,
plus a comment about a yappy dog in Middle
Street!
If you’ve got something to say, why not use the
forum?
M
ini
overs
Dress Agency -NOW OPEN!
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Ladies, do you have a wardrobe full of clothes you
don’t wear?
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FreePhone
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0800 085 3468
(All items should be in very
good/excellent condition and are
sold on a commission basis.)
Also: Storage, Packing, Cleaning, Waste Removal
5
PURITON POST OFFICE
Middle Street, Puriton.
Tel: 01278 685355
NEW IN STORE!!
KLEENEZE ORDER POINT.
The UK’s leading household catalogue company has teamed up with
Puriton Post Office so you can now order all your Kleeneze products
at your local Post Office.
Choose from over 1500 great Household, Health and Beauty and
Christmas products.
All items delivered free.
Christmas Toy Catalogue Now Out!
Don’t fight with the crowds - Order and collect your presents locally.
10% deposit with order.
Christmas Club available – pay balance in instalments to suit you up to Christmas Eve.
Also available
½ price boxes of Christmas Cards, gift wrap and large selection of
relative cards all at Very competitive prices!
Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 9am – 1pm & 2pm – 5.30pm. Wed 9am –
1pm, Sat 9am – 12.30pm.
6
Parish Council News
A Message From the
Chairman Mark Healey
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have to start my chairman’s report
on a sorrowful note and that is to
announce the death of Councillor Bill
Watts, who passed away recently.
Bill was well known and liked by
many in the village. He was highly
intelligent and contributed much to
council meetings. He wasn’t one to
sit back and take the easy route of
agreeing with everything that was
said but, rightfully,
challenged
much, as a result stimulating debate
on village matters to the benefit of
the council and the parish as a
whole. (Bill, you were our critical
friend and will be much missed).
funding will be scarce. One of the
ideas that the Parish Council has
been looking at is to employ a Village
Ranger.
This is a person that would look after
our local needs in respect of repair
work around the parish, grass cutting
and tidying of verges, litter picking
and reporting to the council on issues
that arise.
On a different note, let me welcome
all the people who have recently
moved into the parish of Puriton,
Downend and Dunball. We hope that
you will soon join in our village way
of life.
This would alleviate the need to
employ sub-contract labour, thereby
driving down costs and being more
responsive to local needs. There
would be the added advantage of
lifting the visual impact of our parish
You will see that the new notice to visitors.
board has arrived and has now been
installed at the village hall in a better Many village communities employ a
person to take on this role, usually on
position that is easier for all to see.
a part time basis. In our case we
I don’t have to tell you that things are would probably look to share the
tight out there financially and that we ranger with other villages in the
will, as a community, have to do far Huntspills to achieve economies of
more for ourselves as government scale.
7
The Parish Council would very much Bright Lights Competition
like your views on this matter so that,
if it is your wish to have a ranger, we Don’t forget, it’ll be Christmas soon
may take it forward sooner rather and time for the Bright Lights Award.
than later.
You may remember that last year we
ran a competition for the best
Christmas lights on the front of a
property.
You can let us know by:
Writing to the Parish Clerk
Contacting any parish councillor
Using the Contact Us facility on
It was very hastily arranged yet we
the parish council website
had a number of top quality entries.
Sending an email to us at Details of the closing date for entries
[email protected]
etc. are to be found elsewhere in this
Visiting the Forum on the web
newsletter and we are expecting
site and posting your views there.
some fierce competition this year.
We would like to know if you think the Mark Healey
idea is a good one and, if so, what
sort of duties you think a village Chairman
ranger should undertake.
Puriton Parish Council
Garden Care
T:
01278
685277
M:
07767
332559
E:
[email protected]
C A Gulliford
Local and Trustworthy
with high security status.
Most gardening work undertaken including:
Grass cutting and strimming, hedge cutting, weeding and digging,
regular weekly maintenance or just a one off to suit your needs
I will look after your garden as if it were my own.
8
Parish Path News
By Chris Hewett - Parish Path Liaison Officer
I recently took on the role of PPLO (Parish Path Liaison Officer) for Puriton and have been asked
to produce a small article for the Puriton Newsletter. Perhaps the best place to start is to explain
what this voluntary role entails as I suspect that, like myself, many of you will have never heard
of a PPLO or what they do.
My understanding is that the public footpaths, within the parish, fall under the responsibility of
both the Parish Council and Somerset’s Rights of Way Team. Actual physical maintenance work
is undertaken by the Somerset’s Rights of Way Team in accordance with the Parish Council’s
requirements.
Funding is provided to the Somerset ROW team by central government and is then allocated on
a parish by parish basis. The funding available to each parish is extremely small and nowhere
near sufficient to cover all the maintenance and footpath issues.
The main role of a PPLO is to help look after the local rights of way network by committing to:1
Regularly survey their local rights of way and submit an annual report to the Somerset
ROW team and also parish council.
2
Report any problems to the Somerset ROW Team.
3
Ensure paths are correctly waymarked.
4
Carry out light clearance works such as cutting back vegetation around gates, stiles and
signposts.
5
Organise or lead a group of volunteers willing to help maintain or improve our local rights
of way network (subject to strict Health and Safety rules)
It is early days for me but I have managed to walk all our paths, carry out several hours of
pruning as well as reporting various problems and then passing on relevant information to
interested parties.
It’s clear that problems can arise fairly quickly so I would like to encourage all of our parishioners
to let me know of any problems they encounter either via the Puriton Website or by contacting
any parish councillor. I will then follow up as speedily as possible.
Next time perhaps I will write about some specific work done or problems encountered but for
now, please keep walking those paths.
Chris Hewett
9
Parish Council - Minutes of Meetings
Parish Council Meeting July 2009 - Summary of Minutes
Prior to the meeting commencing Mr and Mrs Hillier of 8 Puriton Hill brought up issues of
teenagers gathering on the Village Hall playing field at night, an incident of vandalism that
evening and the height of trees in Village Hall field. Councillor Mrs Sandra Tizzard indicated that
Puriton Playing Fields had taken advice re trees with regard to another resident of Puriton Hill
and that they had been advised that trees were not overgrown and no action was therefore
required. Councillors agreed that vandalism was a police matter. It was also suggested that,
although it was not a direct responsibility of the Parish Council, the Clerk be asked to write to
SDC relating to the trees in order to obtain the Landscape Officer’s advice.
Mr Greenwood of Purewell brought up issue of inconsiderate/illegal parking in Canns Lane,
Waterloo, Purewell areas. He had contacted police who had distributed leaflets to some effect.
However problem had worsened again and he asked that the Parish Council give the matter their
serious consideration.
The Chairman then formally opened the meeting at 8.15 pm.
The Chairman announced the death of Councillor Bill Watts who had served the Parish Council
for a number of years. There then followed a few moments of silence.
Notice Boards – Downend & Village Hall
It is noted that the Chairman has a local contractor who is preparing to carry out the work. The
new notice board will be located outside the Village Hall whilst the present one will be installed
at Downend. The Chairman is also investigating the possibility of having solar lighting installed
within the new Notice Board.
Hillside Telephone Box
The matter is slowly proceeding through the various avenues of red tape and the Parish Council
is waiting to be issued with MPAN Number
Overgrown Boundary Hedges – Webbers Way/Hall Road
The Clerk indicated that there were two courses of action that the Parish Council could
undertake. One is to undertake the repair of the fencing and the is other that the owners of the
offending trees be personally written to asking them to take the necessary remedial action
Village Bus Services and Hall Road Bus Stop
SCC report that they have carried out a couple of surveys in the am and pm peak and have also
tracked down the Safety Audit paperwork from the original work done at the bus stops. The pre
and post audits show no concerns with regard to visual issues for vehicles approaching from
either direction whilst buses are parked at the stops. It is highly unlikely that agreement will be
given by SCC to agree to moving the bus stops for this reason and on cost grounds.
10
Dysfunctional Street Light – Hillside & Middle Street
Despite numerous attempts to SEC via SCC no-one seem to be taking any notice that these lights
are still not repaired. It was noted that the Parish Clerk will continue to chase.
IT Equipment
It was noted that the Parish Council have funds in its accounts that need to be dispensed as soon
as possible.
Affordable Housing Survey
The Parish Council are now required to put up a minimum of two Councillors to form part of the
land exploratory committee.
It was later queried by Councillor Lavick as to whether or not the Parish Council had formally
adopted affordable housing project. Councillors agreed to defer this issue till next meeting and
ask for clerk’s clarification.
Parish Council Meeting September 2009 – Summary of Minutes
Prior to the meeting commencing a number of residents addressed the meeting regarding their
concern at the increasing occurrences of vehicles parking on pavements within the village. The
Chairman advised those present that a site meeting was to take place the following Wednesday
where residents were being invited by PC Jasmine Desmond, PCSO Lora Bray and the Parish
Council to highlight specific problems in the village.
Mr & Mrs Jones addressed the meeting in respect to the amended planning application number
09/08/00017. The Chairman was asked as to how the Parish Council planned to respond to the
proposals whereupon he responded by saying that it was his intention to attend Sedgemoor’s
consultation meeting. Mrs Jones urged the Parish Council to be proactive in their response to
the Planning Application.
Notice Boards – Downend & Village Hall
The new notice board had been successfully installed. Work has yet to be completed on resiting the old notice board. It was resolved that from left to right the notice board would be
dedicated to Puriton Playing Field; The Parish Council: The Village Hall
Bus Shelter Re-Decoration and Insurance Claim
It was noted that an insurance claim was being pursued with the insurers and that the police
were following up on the reluctance of the perpetrator to answer the clerk’s telephone calls.
Footpaths – BW28/3 & BW28/13
The Parish Council was of the opinion that the stile should be replaced on BW28/3 and
footpath BW28/13 should be cleared of the overgrowth. SCC has been notified accordingly
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Illegal Parking
It was noted that a public meeting was arranged for the 10th September in Woolavington Road.
Village Ranger Service
The Council are investigating the potential of services that could be provided for the benefit of
the village if a Village Ranger was appointed. It would be a part time job say 10 hours per
week.
“Bright Lights” Christmas Competition
The Council confirmed that a similar competition to last year would be held again in December.
Parish Council Vacancy
Sedgemoor District Council has advised that an election has been called for to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Councillor Bill Watts.
Parish Council Election
As a result of the death of Councillor Bill Watts, a vacancy exists on the Parish Council.
Ten electors within the parish (the minimum number required by law) have formally requested
an election to fill this vacancy. Consequently an election will be held on Thursday 5th November,
when all registered voters within the parish of Puriton, Downend and Dunball will be entitled to
cast their vote for a candidate to fill this position.
Nomination Papers and notices of the election are now available from Sedgemoor District
Council. In the meantime, anyone who wishes to stand for election should notify the Clerk to
the Parish Council of their intention to do so. Details are also on our web site.
This can be done by writing to him at the address given on page 30 of this newsletter or by
sending an email to [email protected].
M & D WINDOWS
Mike Trigger and Dan Parker are now able to offer a complete, high quality installation service
for UPVC windows, doors and conservatories.
Please call for a free quotation or for free advice
Mike:
Dan:
home: 01278 683702,
home: 01278 683479
12
mobile: 07834 623617
mobile: 07789 224042
Court Farm Butchers
Family butchers run by
Stuart and Pauline
Beef and Lamb all raised on our own local farm plus a huge selection of quality
meat and meat products, dairy produce, sauces, jams, pickles, fresh vegetables,
home made cakes and bread.
You’ve tried the rest, now try the best!!
Riverton Road
Puriton
TA7 8BW
Tel: 01278683394
Mob: 07743896977
Aikido
"The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is a common English interpretation and in a world of
increasing conflict whether physical or mental due to the stresses of modern day life, work
and study, by learning how to create harmony within ourselves and our lives, we can avoid
this conflict or circumvent it in a manner that allows us to remain free from avoidable harm.
Aikido will improve both physical and mental health, enabling us to focus on our daily tasks
as well as permit time to spend on ourselves, a commodity very lacking in today’s busy life.
Practised by the young and our elders alike, it is a non aggressive art that relies on inner
calm, focus and peace not ego, physical prowess or a desire to fight.
For more information, please contact Chris Wilmot on 01278
641194 or come along to class on Sundays, 4 pm til 6 pm and
3rd and 4th Tuesday in the month from 7.45 to 9.45 pm at
Puriton village hall.
You are welcome to come and observe, please arrive 15 minutes early to
allow for introductions.
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Puriton Stunner
Celebrating its 30th year since it was revived in
1980, Puriton Flower Show again raised the bar, in
standard as well as support, with a display which
filled the Village hall in splendour. Make no
mistake about it, this one will go down in the
record books as a superb effort.
There was a near record numbers of exhibitors and
also in the total number of entries, many of which
were of a high standard.
This was an outstanding show in every way with
563 entries just from the parish of Puriton.
It was appropriate that Mrs Margaret Brown won the
Puriton Inn Cup for most points in show, she had also been
an exhibitor in the very first show. Also another exhibitor
Mr Mike Parker won the Puriton Challenge Cup for
vegetables, a feat he achieved at the 1980 show.
A dry afternoon saw large crowds turn out and it also
meant that the Watchet Town Band (kindly sponsored by
a donation from the Puriton Inn) were able to play on the
adjoining field, where the annual car boot sale also took
place.
The presenters of Trophies were Councillor & Mrs Mark Healey.
The committee would like to thank all exhibitors for making it such a wonderful community
event, also everyone who helped in anyway.
Special thanks to the W.I. for their hard work in serving refreshments, and the judges for giving
us their time: Mr Richards; Vegetables & Fruit, Mr Addison; Flowers & Floral Art, Mrs Hobbs;
Domestic, Mrs Spicer; Handicraft and Mrs Morley; Art.
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Calling All Village Hall Users
Would you like to publicise your organisation or activity group in this newsletter?
Would you like to submit reports of your organisations’ meetings in these pages?
Do you want to recruit new members to your group?
Would you like to advertise particular events that you are organising?
Would you like to see all of the above on the village’s new web site?
If the answer to any of the above is yes, then why not contact one of the editorial group to
discuss your requirements?
If you use the Internet you can put stuff in the Latest News or Latest Events section yourself.
They won’t appear immediately on the site as they have to be checked then activated by the
editor. This is to stop people putting dodgy stuff on.
But above all, PLEASE use these facilities to tell us
what you are up to!
We need your support!
Jim’ll Fix It!
Big jobs, small jobs, it really doesn’t
matter - if you need a job done then
I’m your man.
If you want A leaking tap fixed
A light bulb changed
Rubbish taken to the tip (I’ve got
a very large trailer)
Painting and decorating
A fence mended
Paving slabs laid
And many others
For all your new and used babywear,
childrenswear and equipment
Your items sold for you Clothing from birth to 3 years
Baby equipment & toys
EASTOVER SHOPPING CENTRE
BRIDGWATER
Call: 07831 826398
Then call Jim Pumfrey on
01278 683479 or
(All items should be in very good/excellent
condition and are sold on a commission basis.)
07903 252166
15
Bright Lights Competition
Last year we ran a competition for the best display of Christmas lights on the front of a
property. Although it was a hastily arranged last minute affair we had quite a few entries, all
of which were of a very high standard.
The winners were the Curtis family in Puriton Park and their winning entry is shown below.
We are running the competition again this year and hope we will have many more entrants
than last year.
You can see from the picture what you have to beat and it’s not going to be easy, because the
Curtis family are sure to be out to surpass their efforts of last year!
If you want to enter this year the details are as follows:
The closing date for entries is 11th December.
You can apply by email to [email protected] or
[email protected], by post to the Parish Clerk at the address shown on page 30
of this newsletter, by handing in to any Parish Councillor or by handing in to the post office in
Middle Street.
All we need to know is your name and address and the fact that you wish to enter the
competition.
The judging will be done between 17th and 19th December and the winner will be notified as
soon as possible after the judges have reached a decision.
We will present the shield at a time to suit the winner, when a photograph of the display will
be taken for publication on the web site and in the following newsletter.
16
Puriton Post Office
Middle Street
Puriton
Tel: 01278 685355
For all your
Euros, travel insurance, top-ups, bill payments, foreign currency, banking,
insurance and investments
Plus
Greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery and sundries
Opening Hours
9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5.30pm
Sat
9am - 12.30pm
Early closing on Wednesday
Mon - Fri
Wood ‘en stuff
106 Bath Road, Knowle, Bridgwater
For all your carpentry and property maintenance
Timber fencing
Fully insured
Decking
Laminate flooring
Free estimates
Door hanging
Kitchens and Bedrooms fitted
Call Gary on 01278 683734 Mobile 07821513608
17
Is this lady the oldest resident in Puriton?
Winifred Stone was born in 1905 in Redditch in Worcestershire. She was a
school teacher before her marriage to Dick in the 1930s. In 1944 the couple
moved to Minehead, where they first had a grocery business. Later they
moved into the hotel business, running a large hotel for a number of years
before downsizing (as it is now called) to a smaller B
and B called Tudor House. Finally, on their retirement,
Winifred and Dick moved to Puriton in 1975.
Winifred soon became involved in village life, acting as
Secretary for the Over 60s Club and, on leaving that
post, still maintained an active interest by making their
Christmas crackers each year. She also enjoyed
playing Whist, at which she was an excellent player.
Life was, however, not without its bad times. Winifred
suffered from cancer and, as a result of treatment, lost
her left eye. She also lost husband Dick who died in
the 1980s.
A keen gardener, Winifred was planting (and eating) her own vegetables until
she was 90, any surplus being offered to (and eagerly accepted by) her
friends in the Over 60s. Sadly she decided, at the age of 96, to give up her
gardening activities.
Now house-bound, Winifred still enjoys reading, especially Dick Francis
novels, as well as watching sport on television. She is particularly keen on
snooker and horse racing. She also manages to complete the crossword each
day.
Winifred recently celebrated her 104th birthday with a small gathering of
family and a few friends who dropped in to wish her well. Her niece and two
great-nieces travelled from Redditch to help her celebrate.
We wish Winifred well and hope she lives to complete many more crosswords.
18
ADVERTISEMENT
19
Further Tales From
The Village Hall
I would like to congratulate the Flower Show
Committee for their efforts with this year’s
show. Well done, I gather that a near record
number of entries
was received this
year.
He/she then pulled it over the main gate, put
it in a trailer and drove off with it in broad
daylight - the cheek of it!
By now you will be agreeing with me that this
was a matter for the Police. I decided that,
just before ringing our Persons in Blue (we
cannot say Boys in Blue anymore - quite right
too!), I would ask a well known character in
On a personal note,
thank you from my
wife and me for
asking
us
to
present the prizes.
(P.S.
The
strawberry cream
tea was great can’t
understand
why my wife didn’t
get any!)
The Big Red Gate
The mystery of the big red gate continues. In
the last issue of the newsletter I left you with a
nail biting conundrum about the disappearance
of the gate. In this issue all is revealed!
After talking to the contractor, who said he
hadn’t a clue as to what had happened to it, I
decided to use my Sherlock Holmes style
deduction. We have at the hall a CCTV camera
that records, so the removal of the gate must
have been recorded on video and I would be
able to see who or what had removed our
beloved gate.
After spending hours trawling through
numerous people and cars walking or driving
backwards, there it was in glorious colour. The
shape of a person walking up and down the car
park looking at the gate then grabbing hold of
it and dragging it towards the locked main gate.
the village, Gerald Darch, better known as
“Ticky” (hope I spelled it right Gerald), who
cuts grass etc., if he had seen any shady
characters knocking around.
As I walked down his driveway I stopped and
looked in disbelief. There it was, our big red
gate on his trailer!
He said that he had noticed that it had been
broken and that he was going to fix it and put
it back on. I’m glad to say that the gate has
now been mended and is back in its rightful
place
A riveting story I hear you say and well worthy
of a Pulitzer Prize!
I suppose the moral to the story, is don’t jump
to conclusions until you know all the facts.
20
Village Hall Refurbishment
In the last issue we said we would change the
kitchen area and refurbish the ladies’ loos. It
was decided that two big projects running at
the same time might be a tad adventurous.
Therefore. ladies, we decided that your needs
should take priority.
By the time you read this the ladies’ facilities
will have been completely upgraded.
Village Fun Day 2010
“What’s all this?” you ask. Yes. ladies and
gentlemen, a day out for the whole village is
being planned.
A complete day of fun,
competitions, pig roast, disco, racing and
generally enjoying ourselves.
This is planned for next year and we need your
support, your money and your ideas to make it
a success. Alan Scott and his merry band of
people are organising this much needed event.
Alan, you have the support of the Parish
Council and, I think, every other hall user
group in the village, so don’t hold back - the
bigger and more outrageous the better!
The date is yet to be confirmed, but we do
need people to put forward ideas - there will be
a planning meeting in the village hall on
Thursday 15th October at 7.30pm. Everyone
is welcome to attend.
The Village Hall
Committee
Chairman
Treasurer
Mark Healey
Dawn Saunders
Members
Mary Hellyer
Grace Sellick
George Street
Julie Vearncombe
Myrtle Lipscombe
Beverley Stanley
Alan Scott
All Aspects of Plumbing & Heating Undertaken
Specialising in Disabled Bathroom Installations
Qualified & Reliable
Free Estimates
No Call-out Charge
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37 Rowlands Rise
Puriton
Nr. Bridgwater
Somerset TA7 8BU
Email: [email protected]
Tel : 01278 683921 • Mobile: 07789 116524
21
Puriton Playing Fields and Sports Centre
Puriton Bowling Club: All day, every day.
Contact: Derek Clarke 685882
Puriton Junior Youth Club (8-12 yearolds): Monday 6.00-7.30. Contact: Yvonne
Collins 683672
Ballroom Dancing: Tues & Wed evenings.
Contact: Margaret Brown 685125
Puriton Playing Fields
Line Dancing: Monday evenings. Contact:
Margaret Brown 685125
Village Hall Playground
Refurbishment
Target Shooting: Wed evenings. Contact:
Bookings secretary
T’ai-chi: Mon 11.30 am-12.30 pm, Thurs
9.30-10.30 am. Contact: Claire & Veronica
686933
If you have any ideas about how the children’s
playground at Puriton Village Hall should be
refurbished, you are invited to contact Puriton
Playing Fields Management Committee.
Ballroom Dancing: Thurs evenings.
Contact: Joan Jay 424841
Please contact us in one of the following ways:
Junior Karate: Wed evenings. Contact:
Frank Ellul 07725 545906
Via the Puriton Parish Council website at
www.puritonparishcouncil.gov.uk or email
to [email protected]
Puriton Gold Archery Club: Tues & Fri
7.00-9.00 pm. Contact: Colin Foy 685226
Phone Judith on 01278 685242
Drop a note into Puriton Post Office or to
9a Woolavington Road, addressed to
Puriton Playing Fields
We welcome suggestions from residents of
Puriton, young and old, concerning the
development of
playground.
Puriton Sports Centre
Regular Events at Puriton Sports Centre with
Contact Numbers
Bookings Secretary (for Function Room
etc.): Sandra Tizzard 685355
22
St Michael and All Angels Church
Licensing of Doris
July 20th seems a long time ago
now, but we would just like to
mention what a lovely, happy
service Doris' licensing was. It was
good to see so many people from
her previous parishes - real coming
together of 'goodbye' and 'hello'
from us.
A big welcome to Doris and Jim we are delighted to have you with
us.
We say thank you again' too, to all those who worked so hard behind the scenes and the
excellent and varied food from so many.
Church Services
Details of church services can be found on the Puriton web site at
www.puritonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
If you need any church information please contact the church wardens:
Pete Russ
684221
Robin Smith
684700
Bell Ringers Increase in Numbers
Recent attempts to recruit more bell ringers through these pages and through the web site have
been very successful, to the extent that there are now four new members of the band being
trained, with another new member who is already an experienced ringer.
We’d like to welcome Victoria, Sue, John, Barry and Bob to the band.
The bells are normally rung for Sunday service, weddings and various special occasions. New
members of the band are still always welcome.
If you’d like to get involved, contact Norman on 01278 684050.
23
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Taunton Road Service Station, Taunton Road,
Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6LD
SERVICING & REPAIRS
Tyres
Welding
Air Conditioning Service
Chip Tuning
ECU Re-mapping
Electrical Diagnosis
Tel: 01278 420077
www.masonautoservicesltd.co.uk
AVENUE BARBERS
9 THE AVENUE, HIGH STREET
BRIDGWATER
Tel: 01278 420202
Cut and Style for Gents.
by
Amanda and Tanya
We look forward to your visit.
Opening times:
Monday – Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 8:30-1:00 pm.
Appointments not necessary
24
Policing in Puriton
Puriton is part of the Woolavington/Puriton/West Poldens Beat which covers Puriton,
Woolavington, Cossington, Chilton Polden, Edington, Catcott and Burtle.
The Neighbourhood Team responsible for covering this area consists of Sergeant Steve Crago
(Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant), Constable Jasmine Desmond (Neighbourhood Beat
Manager) and PCSO Lora Bray (Police Community Support Officer). The team is supported by
Constable Andrew Cohen (Youth Strategy Officer) and Katey Wells (PCSO Support).
Sergeant
Steve Crago
Constable
Jasmine
Desmond
PCSO Lora
Bray
PCSO Rachel
Aston
PCSO SO
Katey Wells
All these officers can be contacted through the Avon and Somerset web site (see the link below).
Have you been the victim of a crime recently? If so, did you report it to the police? If not you
should do so by calling 0845 456 7000. You should also use this number to report anything
suspicious that you see or any information you may have about a crime which has previously
taken place. If incidents are not reported to the police then they are unaware of problems in the
village. If you wish to contact the police anonymously then you can call Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111
Do not dial 999 except in an emergency or when a crime is actually taking place.
PACT - what do you know about it? PACT stands for Partnerships and Communities Together
and is an opportunity for people to get involved with deciding what the policing priorities are in
their community. You can find out more about PACT and how to get involved by visiting the
Avon and Somerset Constabulary web site at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Beat Surgeries
If you have any issues or
concerns regarding policing or
crime in the village, or would
like advice on crime prevention
etc., then this is your
opportunity to discuss them
face to face with members of
your neighbourhood police
team.
Coffee Stop, Church Hall
Tuesdays 10.30 am to 12.00
27th October
24th November
22nd December
25
Mobile Library, Village Hall
Tuesdays 1.45 pm to 3.30 pm
20th October
17th November
15th December
Parking Issues Street Briefing
Following many complaints from residents about inconsiderate and illegal parking, as well as
speeding through the village, a street meeting was held to discuss the issues and how they
might be addressed.
The meeting involved members of the Parish Council, our local Police Neighbourhood Beat
Team and members of the public.
Below are brief notes of the issues raised. Any actions arising from this meeting will be
publicised in future newsletters and on the web site.
PRESENT
PCSO Jasmine Desmond, PCSO Lora Bray, Mr Chris Betty from Somerset County Council
(Sedgemoor Highways). Parish Councillors Mrs Sandra Tizzard, Messrs Peter Burke, Geoff
Lavick, and Barry Crowe together with 24 residents and Mr B Poole Parish Clerk.
Location: Canns Lane/Woolavington Road
1
2
3
Lack of visibility due to parked cars on pavement when exiting from Canns Lane into
Woolavington Road
Excessive speed of traffic along Woolavington Road
Lack of sufficient car parking spaces
Location: Canns Lane/Waterloo Close
1
2
3
4
Lack of visibility due to parked cars on pavement when exiting from Waterloo Close into
Canns Lane
Canns Lane - lack of sufficient car parking spaces
Investigate the use of garages being occupied by non Puriton residents
Investigate the possibility of turning the green into a car park
Location: Canns Lane/Purewell/Waterloo
1
2
3
Indiscriminate parking in the vicinity of the junctions especially on the white line and the
parcel of land at the end of Purewell
Investigate the parcel of land at the end of Waterloo
Improve signage in Waterloo
Location: Canns Lane/Middle Street
1
1
1
Change road priorities
Excess speeding
Improve signage
Location: Middle Street/Pool Close
Improve road markings
26
Location Middle Street/Culverhay
1
1
Road Markings
Parking on pavements
Middle Street
Investigate LDF
Village Stores
Parking on pavement
Woolavington Road
Indiscriminate parking on sight lines - due to the manner in which vehicles are parked on
Woolavington Road it is impossible to see approaching traffic both inbound and outbound.
Community Speed Watch
Are you concerned about speeding vehicles in Puriton?
Motorists who speed through residential neighbourhoods are very often unaware of the impact
their actions have on local residents, or the danger they pose to other road users.
Would you be interested in becoming part of a local Community Speed
Watch?
What is the Community Speed Watch Scheme?
Community Speed Watch gives local people the ability to actively get involved in road safety.
A Community Speed Watch can be set up in any village, small town, or urban area,
governed by either a 30 or 40 miles per hour speed limit, to discourage drivers and
motorcyclists from driving faster than the set speed limit.
Community Speed Watch is a partnership between the Community, the Police, Fire
Service, Parish Council, and County Council, with an aim to tackle the problem of
speeding motorists, therefore improving the quality of life of the local residents.
A Speed Watch consists of local residents, who are willing to volunteer a small amount of
time each week to monitor speeds with speed detection equipment.
Persistent offenders will receive a second warning letter, and on a third occasion,
offenders can expect further action by police.
At present there are in excess of 72 Community Speed Watch schemes successfully
running within the Avon and Somerset area.
If you feel that Community Speed Watch could help to improve your quality of life, please
make contact with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, who will assist in the
implementation of a Community Speed Watch.
27
Neighbourhood Watch
SOMERSET WEST
POLICE DISTRICT
WATCH SCHEMES
ARE YOU A NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COORDINATOR IN PURITON?
If so Puriton Parish Council would like to hear from you to discuss what can be put in this
newsletter and on the web site about Neighbourhood Watch. To contact the parish council
send an email to [email protected] or contact the Clerk at the address shown in
the listing of parish councillors.
Neighbourhood Watch and other Watch Schemes thrive in the Somerset West Police District with
just under 27,000 properties (both domestic and commercial) involved.
There are currently some 1160 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the District together with
around 800 members of specialist Watches for businesses, farms, hotels, pubs, schools, post
offices and more.
What are the aims of Watch Schemes?
Cut crime and the opportunities for crime
Help and reassure those who live in fear of crime
Encourage neighbourliness and closer communities
Tell the police and your neighbours about suspicious incidents in your neighbourhood
What benefits can it bring to your community?
Messages forwarded to co-coordinators to inform them of crime trends, public
information, crime reduction information
Information Bulletins published 3 times a year and circulated to schemes
Special Offers on security equipment such as personal alarms, vehicle security, shed
alarms, property marking kits etc
Discounts on house insurance – available from many insurance companies for
members of schemes registered with the police
Most active Watch areas see a reduction in crime and increase in the sense of
community spirit and well being
How do I obtain more information about Schemes?
Simply contact Lindsey Stone in the Watch Schemes Office, Bridgwater Police Station, Phone
01823-363348 during office hours or Email [email protected], who will
give you the necessary advice and arrange for an information pack to be forwarded to you.
28
Advertising Rates
8 cm x 2 columns
4 cm x 1 column
= £26.00
= £6.50
4 cm x 2 columns
Full Page
= £13.00
16 cm x 2 columns
8 cm x 1 column
= £50.00
= £13.00
Rates are per annum (Parish Council financial
year) and pro rata and are payable in
advance.
Newsletter Editorial Group
Pete Burke (Editor)
1 Puriton Hill
Puriton
Somerset
TA7 8AF
Tel:
01278 684757
e-mail: [email protected]
Bruce Poole
The Chippings, 21 Stoneleigh Close
Burnham-on-Sea
Somerset
TA8 2EE
Tel:
0788 780 2922
e-mail: [email protected]
Mark Healey
31 Riverton Road
Puriton
Somerset
TA7 8BW
Tel:
01278 685368
E-mail
[email protected]
[email protected]
29
Planning - Area Three
Sandra Tizzard
Tel: 685355/685093
Parish Council
Members
Hillside
Hillside Drive
Hillside Crescent
Cypress Drive
Birch Avenue
Maple Close
Rowan Close
Please note that all parish councillors can now
be contacted through the parish council web
site at
www.puritonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Parish Clerk: Bruce Poole
Dip HE Local Policy; Principal ILCM
Planning - Area Four
Barry Crowe
Tel: 685550
The Chippings, 21 Stoneleigh Close
Burnham-on-Sea Somerset TA8 2EE
Tel: 0788 780 2922
E-Mail: [email protected]
Office Hours 10.00 am -1.00 pm
Puriton Hill
Webbers Way
Hall Road
Planning - Area Five
TBA
Mark Healey (Chair)
Tel: 01278 685368
E-mail: [email protected]
Rye
Court Grove
Batch Road
Batch Close
Northmead Drove
Churchfield Drove
Peter Burke
Tel: 684757
Planning - Area One
Geoffrey Lavick
Woolavington Road
Walnut Close
Puriton Park inc Elm Lea Close
Spring Rise
Manse Lane
Planning - Area Six
Judith Fletcher (Vice Chair)
Tel: 685242
Riverton Road
Newlyn Crescent
Rowlands Rise
Parsonage Court
Planning - Area Two
Richard Hindle
Tel:
Planning - Area Seven
Paul Herbert
Tel: 683502
Middle Street
Tahnee Court
Pool Close
Culverhay Close
Rookery Close
Canns Lane
Purewell
Waterloo
Waterloo Close
Bristol Road
Station Road
Old Pawlett Road
Downend Road
Downend Crescent
30
Do you know who your parish clerk and
parish councillors are?
Below are their photos to help you know them when
you meet them in the street.
Bruce Poole
Parish Clerk
Paul Herbert
Councillor
Mark Healey
Chair
Geoff Lavick
Councillor
Judith Fletcher
Vice Chair
Sandra Tizzard
Councillor
Pete Burke
Councillor
Newsletter and
Web Site editor
Richard Hindle
Councillor
Barrie Crowe
Councillor
31
About This Newsletter
This newsletter, while it is strictly non-political, serves as a forum for information and debate and
for the views of the people of Puriton, Downend and Dunball. The views expressed by
individuals and published in this newsletter are not the views of the Parish Council, nor does the
Parish Council necessarily share such views.
However, un-attributed articles are generally meant to be for information and the entertainment
of the public and as such are largely authoritative.
The Editorial Group reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any material submitted for
publication. Any items containing discriminatory material relating to race, colour, creed, gender
or age, whether implied or implicit, will be rejected outright.
It is hoped to produce the next newsletter at the beginning of December but this will depend
largely on the amount of material submitted for publication - all letters, articles and advertising
copy for inclusion in that issue should be submitted to the editor at the address shown on page
29, or by email to [email protected], by no later than 17th November 2009.
Advertising - Terms and Conditions of Acceptance
Local businesses are invited to advertise in the newsletter - please contact Bruce Poole, Clerk to
the Parish Council, for details.
All adverts are accepted on the basis that they comply with the following conditions:
The advertiser warrants that:
The reproduction and/or publication of any advert does not breach any contract or
infringe or violate any copyright, trademark or any other personal or proprietary rights
adverts comply with the requirements of all relevant legislation and codes of practice
governing the advertising and newspaper industries in force in the United Kingdom at
the time of placing the advert
All adverts submitted to us are legal, decent, honest and truthful and comply with the
British Code of Advertising Practice and all other relevant codes under the general
supervision of the Advertising Authority
The editorial group reserves the right to alter or abbreviate any advert as they see fit. The
editorial group reserves the right to refuse to carry an advert on reasonable grounds, especially
in the spirit of good taste and decency.
Advertising Rates
Adverts will be charged on a centimetre column basis, a full page width being two columns
wide. Box adverts can be single or double column, with the depth being in multiples of 4
centimetres. Rates are charged per annum, payable in advance. See the examples on page
29 for prices.
© Puriton Parish Council - Editorial Group
Printed by Courtyard Press, Bridgwater
32