The Leveller - Issue 68 - December 2020

L e v eThle l e rISSUE68DECEMBER2020

Distributed FREE to: Ash, Bower Hinton, Coat, East Lambrook, Hurst, Kingsbury Episcopi, Long Load, Martock, Stapleton, Stembridge, Thorney

Also online at: www.martockonline.co.uk

Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year

to all our Advertisers, Contributors and Readers

Photograph courtesy of Richard Allen

Sarah Elizabeth - Dip ST - M.A.R. POP-UP WOOD
Equilibrium Therapies FIRED PIZZAS

SPINAL TOUCH Our 10/11” thin and crispy
BIO-STRESS RELEASE THERAPY pizzas are all £8 no matter
REFLEXOLOGY what toppings you have!

5* food hygiene rating and COVID trained

07779 812990 @ethicstreetpizza
01458 241297 or see the back page for dates
[email protected] in Martock and local villages

Rosies Cottage, Long Load. TA10 9JX Please visit www.ethicstreetpizza.co.uk for our menu

PLEASE RECYCLE ME

Editor’s Letter The Martock Farmer’s Market

As I write this we are in another lockdown The market is held, in the Precinct, on the second Saturday
for, theoretically, a month. I hope this can of each month - 10.00am – 1.00pm Saturday 12th December,
reduce our infection rate, low but rising far 9th January and 13th February. Currently fewer stalls ensure
too fast. social distancing can be maintained.

On a more optimistic note can I say how Ring Fergus on 01935 822202 for a table.
glad I am that I live here where fellow
Martockians, or Martock Beans (those that WE ALSO HAVE MARTOCK VIRTUAL FARMER’S MARKET
were born here!) care about each other.
I wonder how easily we might find this in Some of our market stallholders are happy to deliver to your door while the
a large town or city? restrictions continue.

Our Parish Council Support Team and Chicken: Dawn Quince, Hinton St George, chicken and guinea fowl, chicken portions,
its volunteers have supplied up to date eggs, and salad 07939 485260. Will deliver to Martock and surrounds on Fridays.
information for contacting them while/ Minimum order £10 Order by phone 07939 485260 or website form
when we are under restriction and can, if hintonharvest.co.uk BACS payments fine.
needed, help with essential food shopping,
medication collection and support phone Cheese: Whitelake Cheese: Russ will deliver in a box, please contact him on
calls. There is a new central number and [email protected] there are a lot of cheeses on offer on their website
update on Page 6. www.whitelake.shop/

The lockdown is due to cease from Bread: Peter Hill of Bower Bakery will deliver within 5 miles of Martock free,
December 2nd but it is likely many minimum order £5, 07787 288998.
restrictions might continue under a
tiering system or occur again, possibly Coffee: Available at a reduced rate if you explain you are from Martock.
after Christmas, so all details herein may https://www.readscoffee.co.uk/ to see what you wish to order, then send to
be affected by these quite sudden Covid cdr@readscoffee.co.uk Charlotte will send an invoice to you with payment
changes. instructions. Delivery will be by DPD courier, about £3.50.

Mary Marshall, Editor. Water buffalo: Buffalo meat, sausages, buffalo milk and mozzarella, the farm shop is
open on the A37 just south of Ilchester, refrigerated delivery is an issue, ring Jane
Contact Details Corp on 01935 840567.

ARTICLES: Jams: Get in touch with Sue and Brenda [email protected]
Mary Marshall
[email protected] Vegetables: Duncan Palmer has started supplying veg boxes, get in touch with Emily
11 Bearley Road, Martock, TA12 6PG on [email protected]
01935 825098
Also:
ADVERTISING:
Bea Higginson Melbury Farm, Somerton, beef, lamb, fruit juices, sauces 07854 552382.
[email protected]
07881 818027 Mary and Rachel Young, Potwell Plants, plants, vegetables, and eggs
from Broadwindsor 01308 868718.
DISTRIBUTION:
Martock Community Group Eammon, Sausage Shed 07794 967740.
[email protected]
01935 826457 Leah Grinter, cakes 07818 43275.

DISCLAIMER. This issue of The Leveller magazine Fergus Dowding, chemical-free cider, vinegar, and vegetables 01935 822202.
contains information which has been supplied directly
to the Editor (M3). The assertions and opinions expressed Please do try to support these small businesses trying to survive during
in articles, announcements and advertising in this these difficult times.
publication reflect the views of the author(s) and do not
(necessarily) reflect the views of the Editor or anyone Martock Women’s Institute
working in the production of The Leveller magazine. Founded 1920
While every effort is made to offer care and attention to
the content of The Leveller, we can in no way whatsoever Although unable to have our usual meetings on the 3rd
be held responsible for the completeness or accuracy of Wednesday each month during this time of COVID
content nor can we be held liable for any direct or indirect restrictions, members have kept in touch by phone, email,
damage that may arise. ‘distanced’ chats in person, and have taken part in ZOOM
talks and meetings with other members around the County.
MARCH 2021 ISSUE DEADLINE We enjoyed a series of Mini Garden Parties, keeping within
SUNDAY 17TH JANUARY 2021 the ‘Rule of Six’, which made the most of the summer
afternoons in August and early September. For our ‘non’ meeting days we circulate a
2 newsletter, some quizzes and puzzles, and a small refreshment pack to all members.

We are looking forward to ‘business as usual’ at some time (early?) next year and
would like to send all Leveller readers our good wishes for Christmas time, and for a
happy and healthy year in 2021.

If you would like any further information about Martock WI, please ring Kathleen
Whiting on 01935 825494, or Brenda Swindells, 01935 508265, or email
[email protected]

Santa to visit Martock as usual All Saints’ Church

This has certainly been a tricky year for everyone, but there is We have slowly been returning to a reduced service pattern
no way that Santa would forget us when we all need as much in the benefice, enabling us to operate safely in all our churches.
joviality as we can get. This has been working successfully although it is quite
a different experience not been able to sing hymns.
This season Santa will, once again travel around the
village, but due to concerns with public safety and We have been continuing to advertise for a new priest and hope
in line with government restrictions on crowds, his and pray that we might be successful in making an appointment
visit will be on one night only and he will not this time around. Who knows, we may even have good news by
be stopping but passing and waving good the time this goes to press!
cheer to all he passes.
Our Christmas services this year will look rather different as
The date is still to be confirmed, and information on timings and carol singing will not be permitted. However, we will be offering
locations will be posted on as many social media platforms as we an alternative type of carol service on Sunday 20th December at
can manage. 9.30am in All Saints’. It will be entitled 'Comfort & Joy at
Christmas' and will consist of readings, reflections and a
Sadly, the traditional charity collection and the distribution of selection of Christmas music. A booking system is likely to be in
sweets will not be possible. operation as numbers will be limited. We are unable to offer a
midnight service but there will be a 9.30am service on Christmas
The Martock Community Group, who help Santa when he visits Day. Other services are also available at Holy Trinity, Ash and
the village, would like to thank everybody for their support over St. Martins, Kingsbury Episcopi.
the years and hope that in 2021 it will be possible to return to the
traditional format for his tour. Our popular Christingle service will not be able to take place
unfortunately, but a Christingle online assembly will be
Merry Christmas to one and all. happening at Ash and Martock schools.

Martock & District U3A Please check out our website

There is still overwhelming support for Martock & District U3A to http://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11008/ for up to date
carry on and so even with the current restrictions several of the information, our weekly service sheet and our church magazine,
groups set up by members are meeting, within the guidelines and The Messenger (only available online). Our benefice administrator
inviting new members to join. is also available on 01935 826113 for pastoral matters.

With the extra time many of Paper crafting We hope you are keeping safe in these difficult times and look
us have now it could be an forward to seeing you in the near future.
ideal time to learn or do
something new and, through Sally Howells
the U3A you have the
opportunity to join in with a Stanchester Quire
chat in French or German,
learn the ukulele or recorder, Unfortunately, due to the ongoing government guidelines, we are
practice your flower arranging still unable to meet as a large group. Please check our website
or gardening, learn to craft www.stanchesterquire.org or ‘phone 01935 824238 to check
lovely things from paper, updates of when we might start rehearsing
discuss philosophy, or cycle again, hopefully some time in 2021!
local routes.
In the meantime, please remember that
But if you have another interest that you would like to enjoy or singing is so good for both your physical
share with others, we may be able to set up a new group. and mental health so don’t be afraid to
give it your all in the shower!
Martock & District U3A also offers online coffee mornings and
sharing news, stories and support through a special Facebook Sally Howells, Secretary
group, Martock U3A Keeping in Touch.
Martock Guardians
So, do get in touch and join us. For more information about Concerts/Charity Raffle
Martock & District U3A see Facebook Martock & District U3A,
Due to the ongoing pandemic we have been unable
website www.u3a.org.uk, to continue with our concert programme for 2020;
email [email protected], nor were we able to proceed with our annual
charity raffle in support of the church fund. I would
telephone 07510178094. like to let our concert goers know that we will be
refunding their raffle ticket costs and that, pandemic
permitting, we will restart our concerts in 2021.

Unfortunately, with the current pandemic restrictions, we are
no longer able to proceed with our annual charity raffle or our
concerts. We will contact raffle ticket buyers and refund all costs
and we hope to restart the concerts and the raffle in 2021.

David MacLean
Martock Church Guardians

3

Jigsaw Puzzle Bank Petherton Folk Fest 2021

A FREE library of jigsaw puzzles for adults Statement from Pete Wheeler, Chair of the Petherton Folk Fest Committee.
to enjoy at home and then exchange for a
new one! It is a huge understatement to say that the cancellation of this year’s Petherton Folk
Fest was a disappointment! The Committee and I, however, promise (subject to there
Wednesdays, 10-12 Martock Community being no restrictions) to be back with a bigger and better Fest on Saturday 19th June 2021.
Office, Market House
The planning for Petherton Folk Fest 2020 was well advanced when in March, we had
Home delivery may be possible for those no option but to cancel. The great news is that the majority of musicians, dancers and
unable to access the Community Office. entertainers booked for this year are returning in 2021!
Puzzles quarantined for Covid Security
Our plan for 2021 is to continue to build on the success of previous years by having even
Donations of complete more quality Music, Dance and Children’s entertainment than ever before.
jigsaws always welcome
The first Folk Fest took place in 2012 with the specific intent of providing a one-day
For further details Festival in South Petherton, ensuring that it was supported by the village and that it
would be a free event. This is still the case, and without our sponsors, supporters and
C ET please contact Caroline the generosity of all attending, and the tireless work of so many brilliant volunteers, we
DEVS IPSE Bennett 07946 121 612 or would not have survived.
AVE VID
Full details of the programme for 2021 will be released early next year, together with an
Fiona Hook 07929 294 680 update from me, and will, as in previous years, feature events in Market Square, The
David Hall, The Brewers Arms pub, St Peter and St Paul’s Church and The Blake Hall -
together with stalls, and very much more.

A great day is guaranteed, and I have no doubt that the strange happenings of late will
ensure that the enthusiasm from everyone for next year’s event will surpass anything
we have witnessed before!

Stay safe and looking forward to seeing you all next year!

Merchant Navy
Remembrance

Ash Women’s This is a photo of a merchant navy tribute which I made
Institute 1972 – 2010 for Martock, probably for the garden of remembrance,
I made it because I was in the Merchant Navy for 20 years
Well ladies, time is passing and due to myself.
ongoing restrictions, we still cannot
arrange our meetings in the hall. Since the You do not see many Merchant Navy tributes, bearing in
lockdown it has been a difficult and lonely mind the Merchant Navy lost more men than the whole
time, many of us occupied watching three services put together, so they deserve recognition.
nature in our gardens.
Fred Hodder
Some of our members have lost loved ones
and some have been in hospital for an Sarah Elizabeth - Equilibrium Therapies

operation as life I have decided after many years to take the leap & follow my heart & passion by
still carries on. starting my Complimentary Therapies Business full time.

Some of you have • Spinal Touch
taken up new For Correcting Postural distortion - A pattern of touch points covering
hobbies and we the spine, abdomen, head & shoulders Facilitating Pain Release.
have been baking
a lot. • Bio-Stress Release
Working Specific areas to Facilitate Pain Release /
We have also had great support from our Movement associated with Chronic Stress Injuries, which can
village volunteers in the early days, be due to Trauma, Fractures or Postural & Structural Imbalances
Caz from the Bell being a STAR. We thank
you all. • Precision Reflexology
For Migraines (excellent results), Physical & Emotional
We are in the process of getting your Well-Being - Or just as a Totally Relaxing treat.
emails as I write so that we can forward
the County News and other information People suffering from the following conditions have responded well -
as we receive it from the new Federation Back Pain - Neck & Shoulder Pain - Sciatica - Injuries -
Offices. Headaches / Migraines - MS- Asthma - Emotional Upsets

To all our members we wish you all a These effective therapies are very gentle & can safely be used on children, the elderly &
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year even animals.

Stay safe and Well If you or someone else you know is interested, please contact me on 07779 812990
Marilyn Cross or email [email protected]
Take Care – Sarah

4

A Complex Situation

ROUNDWELL STREET, SOUTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET TA13 5AA RAFT (refugeeaidfromtaunton) volunteers
cannot receive many of the donations
Petherton Arts Trust receives lifeline grant generously given before the advent of the
for The David Hall from Government’s coronavirus, partly because of the
£1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Listed below are the items needed at
present.

Lower Body washable clothing for men,
women and children - trousers, jeans,
leggings and women’s’ long skirts - for
refugees in Greece.

Petherton Arts Trust (PAT) has New unopened hygiene products –
been awarded a grant of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel,
£51,476.00 as part of the deodorant, sanitary wear, nappies, baby
Government’s £1.57 billion wipes - urgently needed on Lesbos
Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) following the Moria camp fire.
to help face the challenges of
the coronavirus pandemic and New clothing and footwear for men,
to ensure they have a women and children, including underwear
sustainable future. and socks (the Turkish Government
refuses to allow used clothing to pass
PAT – which owns and runs through its country to Syria)
The David Hall performing
arts centre in South Petherton New blankets e.g. knitted from square,
- is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently gratefully received for Syria
needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced as part of the very first
round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Used unwanted crutches, walkers and
Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due wheelchairs in reasonable condition (they
to be announced over the coming weeks. are allowed through Turkey to Syria).

“To say that we are delighted would be a massive understatement,” said Tom Davies, Sleeping bags, tents, blankets, backpacks
speaking on behalf of the Board of Petherton Arts Trust. “This substantial grant means and teenagers’ clothing and footwear are
that we can stave off the financial consequences of the past six months and – as and when still needed in Northern France.
the pandemic allows – look forward to The David Hall reopening fully. Meanwhile, we are
welcoming reduced numbers of supporters to our few current events – although we have Raft cannot store products not
an exciting programme in the run-up to Christmas.” immediately required, e.g. bedding,
household items, as it is not known when
The Grade 11 listed David Hall was formerly a United Reform Church and occupies a they will be able to distribute them.
prominent position in South Petherton. It is renowned for its live music events – mainly
Folk, Blues and Acoustic – and offers a range of further entertainment, including coffee Please contact Andrea Clark
mornings, quizzes, ceilidhs, talks, drama and dance performances. Plus, it is home to on 01935 822111 to donate.
Petherton Picture Show. Due to the pandemic, The David Hall’s usual programme has
been replaced mainly by music performances which are streamed into peoples’ homes. Thank you to all supporters.
The result has been a dramatic decrease in income.
Geraldine Downey 01460 271358

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural
organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save
jobs, and help the culture sector’s recovery.“

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. Job Club is currently closed. However, I am
This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, still running a service via telephone, email,
with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can and some face to face appointments.
bounce back strongly.”
If you require support with finding
Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: employment, accessing training/education,
volunteering, or Universal Credit. Please
“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and contact me on the details below.
life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of
cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding I am currently working Monday, Tuesday,
is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these and Wednesdays.
challenging times.”
Lisa Whittle (Job Club Coordinator)
Anne Brown, who is PAT’s Finance Officer and submitted the application on behalf of the Mobile: 07495 611417
Trust for the £51,476.00 Culture Recovery Fund, commented:
Email: [email protected]
“It is a huge relief to know that The David Hall has a substantial amount of funding for
the immediate future. We do not know how much longer we shall need to cope with the You can also contact me via the Martock
pandemic but meanwhile, with the invaluable support of our patrons, volunteers and the Job Club Facebook page.
local community, we shall continue to offer whatever entertainment we can.”
facebook.com/martockjobclub/

5

Wedding & Celebration Cake Company Martock Parish Council
Beautiful Bespoke Cakes for your Special Dates Services Team

www.thesilvercake.co.uk The Team have been providing additional support to the residents
[email protected] of Martock since March of this year due to the restrictions
imposed by the Corona Virus. The team have been proactive in
07765 786164 establishing a support network of volunteers to help with
facebook.com/thesilvercake essential shopping and the collection of prescriptions for those
shielding indoors, food parcels for those in need and have also
Martock - Somerset provided support phone calls to those who have become isolated
and lonely during these times.

Having worked hard to achieve the support required the team have
also been effective in managing to continue their specific roles
within their own groups. They have met on doorsteps, despite the
weather, done walk and talk to name a few of their initiatives and
all within the government guidelines adhered to by Parish Council.
Even had a social distance tea party for one of our elderly residents
and a day at the ‘beach’ in another front garden.

By the time this has been published we should be well into the
winter months and you will note that the Services Team have
continued to work within the restrictions providing support to
their groups. The delivery of each service may have been slightly
amended to accommodate social distancing, but the commitment
to do so as ever is 100%.

Sadly, the much-enjoyed Merry Martock has been cancelled for
this year. But please follow all the updates to Services and what
is available to you, by looking at the Martock Online website or
checking the notices in the Community Office window at the
Market House.

Martock Parish Council and the Service Team wish to say a BIG
thank you to all the volunteers, local businesses and organisations
who have been instrumental in getting food, medicine and even a
warm hello to those that need it most.

Martock Parish Covid Essential Service Provision

AVENew central numberCDET
DEVS IPSE VI

During the pandemic, the Services Team along with volunteers SIGNPOSTING TO OTHER SERVICES
will again be providing essential services to individuals and If you are uncertain as to where to go for help, then one
families who meet the criteria for support. For those who are in of the team will try and provide details to you of the
quarantine, vulnerable or at risk and cannot access support via other organisations and support services.
a family member, a friend, or a neighbour.
PLEASE REMEMBER OUR VOLUNTEERS
Please note we have a new central number We are very grateful to the volunteers who are
supporting the Services team, in ensuring that help can
01935 310040 be given at this uncertain time. However, this involves an
element of risk to them, so please ask for their help only if you
for this support which we will be providing from Monday 9th have no other means of support
November, we ask that a message is left, and we will then
respond accordingly. Our wonderful volunteers are currently Martock Parish Council reserve the right to withdraw or revise
delivering this information across the Parish. the service going forward.

MEDICATION COLLECTION For all other enquiries please contact our usual numbers
Medication collection/delivery days will be on a Tuesday Caroline Bennett – Seniors Support Coordinator 07946 121 612
and Friday. Naomi Gass – Community Support Coordinator 07539 754 413
Lisa Whittle – Job Club Coordinator 07495 611 417
ESSENTIAL FOOD SHOPPING
Shopping will be delivered to you on a Monday or a Caroline Bennett
Thursday. Food shopping will be limited to certain items Seniors Support Coordinator /
only, please check when telephoning. Martock Community Services Team
07946 121 612 or email [email protected]
FOOD PARCELS
Food parcels will be provided to those who do not have Martock Parish Council
the financial means. Collection of food parcels by the The Market House, Church Street, Martock, TA12 6JL
recipient will be required on the day of collection unless
otherwise agreed. This will be mainly on a Friday through the Usual working days - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If you
Transforming Lives Food Bank. Requests will need to be made by require a response outside of these hours, please contact the
midday Wednesday. Parish Office on 01935 822891

6

Making people’s True Tree Care
financial lives easier... Experienced, Fully Insured,
Qualified Tree Surgeon
Investing Retirement Planning
Estate Planning Financial Planning All aspects of tree surgery
available, including:
Peter Watts Independent Financial Adviser
01935 829030 07908 829756 [email protected] • Pruning
• Dismantling
[email protected] • Felling
• Hedge cutting
STONE REPAIR AND REPOINTING • Stump removal
• Replanting
Over 30 years experience
Residential and Ecclesiastical For a friendly, professional service
phone Craig Downting NPTC + UA
07502 400986
Mobile: 07861 240499
Old Fashioned Craftsmanship Home: 01935 864319
at Sensible Prices Email: [email protected]

Re-pointing • Mullion Windows • Flagstones • Fireplaces PINNACLE ACCOUNTANCY
• Lime Plastering • Porches and Doorways SERVICES (SW) LTD

• Steps and Iron Railings • Specialist Mortar Design A reliable personal service that
doesn’t cost the earth.
L e veThle l e r
For all Personal, Business and Corporate Tax.
ADVERTISE HERE Accountancy, Payroll & VAT.

The Leveller is Sizes and Rates: Any profit 2nd Floor, Commerce House, North Street,
delivered 4.5×6.7 cm £30 is distributed to Martock TA12 6DH
6.3×6.7 cm £40 local community
quarterly to over 9.3×6.7 cm £45 01935 826500
3000 local homes 9.3×13.5 cm £80 projects
[email protected]
If you might be interested, please email
[email protected] R. Barrett Decorating Services

Painting, Decorating
+

Sash & Casement
Window Conservation

www.timberwindowconservation.co.uk
R. Barrett Decorating Services

Tel: 01460 259744 Mob: 07759 177029

7

News from the Martock Christian Fellowship
Methodist Church
LOVING GOD, LOVING PEOPLE
I think we can assume that, sadly, this
Christmas will be very different. We have At the time of writing this it does look like we could
all known tough times before, but nothing be in for a bleak Christmas this year, and many people
quite like the seemingly endless effect the will not feel the joy and warmth which we usually
virus is having on us. It is so sad to be associate with celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ.
denied the closeness and company of
those we love and care about, at this time Myself, Janet, my wife and my daughter, Hayley, have been
of the year especially. thinking about how we may be able to bring just a little bit of
enjoyment and the 'spirit of Christmas' to those feeling isolated, stressed
We tick each day off the Advent calendar or just missing some of the usual Christmas traditions such as carol singing whilst
edging towards Christmas Day and try to maintaining Covid security. We are all part of the Martock Christian Fellowship puppet
make the best of it. If the true meaning of team, and whilst we cannot do any public puppet shows, we would like to bring some
Christmas hasn’t been part of the season Christmas cheer by offering to do short (10 minutes), free puppet shows, perhaps 2 or three
for some, perhaps now it can be seen as carols /Christmas, songs especially for those who need cheering up this Christmastime.
the Holy time it really is, before it became
the over-indulgent spend fest we have We are looking to call at a pre-arranged time and from a safe distance on your drive or
made it today. front lawn to do a short illuminated show especially for you, or you may wish to nominate
someone you know in the Martock area who you think would enjoy and deserve a fun
And if his year has taught us anything it is individual puppet show.
to see all that is important in our lives and
celebrate them, and to thank God for the We plan to be available between Monday 14th and Wednesday 23rd December between
simple gifts. Like the presence of family 7 and 8.15 pm, although these dates are weather dependent. If you, or someone you know
and friends. Good health. A place to call (and with their permission), would like us to call and do a show please contact me,
home. Sufficient food in our cupboards. Trevor Goss, on 01460 55433 (evenings only).
Giving, to those who have suffered
hardship and loss to help them cope. Sarah Slade
Supporting charities, and acknowledging
the sacrifices made by the workers in all Community If you have some time and would
the front-line services, who put their Allotment like to work alongside other
wellbeing on the line for us. Project gardeners, please join our
Community Allotment Project at
Or to take a moment to pray for peace in the Bower Hinton Allotments.
this divided world of conflict and fear. Great for companionship, mental
and physical well-being – and of
All presents that do not need wrapping. course healthy eating, with an
abundant of freshly grown
Above all, Christmas is a time of hope and produce!
goodwill. We Christians celebrate the birth
of a child who changed everything. There If interested, please contact
may not be carols and concerts this year in Naomi Gass,
our Church, but we still give thanks, for
the Prince of peace. Community Support
Coordinator
Plans are in place for future services, but
the safe distancing measures will limit Letters to the Editor
numbers attending. One day we
shall be open again to all who This week, as I normally do , I went up the
would like to join us, all the churchyard to lay my tribute in the garden of
community groups we remembrance, and I was rather concerned as
enjoyed sharing our Church to the state of the Remembrance stone which,
with. We miss you. you may agree with me, needs some
restoration as you can hardly read the
Watch our noticeboards for lettering on it. Hopefully the local British
details of any changes. legion or another party might spruce it up for
future generations to come.
Christmas blessings
to you all. During the lock down I made up some thank you posters
for Martock, and I would like to thank all of you who
Christine Weymouth. kindly displayed the rainbow posters. However
some refused, including a fast food outlet. Let us
8 hope if they ever need these services they will
be there.

Fred Hodder, Martock

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Based locally in Martock

Top quality specialised cleaning
& value for money services.

• Carpet cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Leather restoration

• Stain protection
• Odour control
• End of tenancy or moving in cleans
• Fully insured and industry trained

Call 01935 592701 or 07771 884699
for your free quotation.

(more details and services can be found at)
www.yeovil-carpet-cleaning.co.uk

With Thanks

This year has provided a number of challenges re the production
and distribution of The Leveller.

We saw the June issue cancelled due to Lockdown and associated
risks for our valued delivery volunteers, who ensure the
magazine is distributed to over 3000 homes in the local villages.
We have since seen further financial challenges with the funding
of the magazine due to advertiser’s ability to continue to provide
support due to their circumstances. September’s issue was only
possible by using reserved funds, and now December’s issue has
thankfully been able to go ahead with the incredible support and
flexibility of Stable Print in Stoke sub Hamdon who produce and
print our magazine.

The magazine aims to reduce digital isolation, delivering local
information and supplier details to our community as a whole.

The magazine is a fabulous addition to the beautiful patchwork
of amenities our special Village provides, and we would like to
thank everyone involved from start to finish who make this
possible. Long may it continue!

L e veThle l e r ADVERTISE HERE

The Leveller is delivered quarterly to over 3000 local homes Sizes and Rates: 4.5×6.7 cm £30 • 6.3×6.7 cm £40
9.3×6.7 cm £45 • 9.3×13.5 cm £80
Any profit is distributed to local community projects
If you might be interested, please email
[email protected]

9

Martock Floods anything. However, thanks to John’s Co-op Member
insistence and public support a way Pioneer
In 1966 having heard that Water Street forward was agreed.
was once again flooded, I made up my I am your new Co-op Member Pioneer.
mind as a lifetime Martock citizen, to do Any flood scheme must be cost effective I now live in Martock, only being here a
something about it. I drove to Hurst Bow, and obviously there must be a budget. year as before I was in Langport for 20
put on waders, and walked through the A design was proposed and after much years. I am going to be working with
flood water. I wanted to see for myself the pressure from John Peyton as MP, and me Martock, South Petherton and Stoke-sub-
course of the water and speak to the as a Parish and Rural District Councilor, a Hamdon stores and hope to bring the
many affected householders. This was not one in 15-year flood alleviation scheme community together. I decided to do
only heartbreaking for them but had been was approved as good value for money. this job as I wanted to be part of my
going on for many years, far too long. So out of that one positive meeting we community and help make a difference.
eventually got the flood alleviation Over the years I have been on PTA’s, helped
Outside the brooks Garage Showroom, scheme that we have today. with dementia charities and the church
I happened to meet the chairman of the As we all know this has worked well over and local community I lived in.
then Langport Drainage Board. I told him the years, so much that during the 2013-
in no uncertain terms that this was a 2014 Great Somerset Flood when every As a Co-op Member Pioneer, I will be
disgrace and what was the Board doing vulnerable community was badly flooded helping to develop our Community
about it. He said that the Board had been (some lasting for weeks) in Martock, to the Wellbeing Index, which has identified three
in correspondence with the then best of my knowledge, not one single key areas that help improve the overall
Somerset Rover Authority and Yeovil house was flooded caused by the well-being of our communities. The three
Rural District Council and sent copies to overtopping of Hurst Brook. About 10,000 areas are mental wellbeing, education and
Martock Parish Council and nothing acres of land either side of the Cartgate skills and community spaces.
could be done. It would be too expensive. Link Road right up to the edge of Yeovil,
This one bland statement not only made including parts of the villages of As a cooperative, over the next few years,
me very angry, but I also quickly realized Montacute, Tintinhull, Stoke and Ash we are running a campaign ‘Endangered
that no authority was really interested in drain eventually into Hurst rook. Spaces’. The Endangered Spaces campaign
Martock’s predicament. will focus on saving, protecting and
With that enormous catchment area and improving community spaces, so I am
I vowed there and then I would stand for climate change looming I am certainly not asking the community to tell me about
Martock Parish Council and Yeovil Rural saying that no area of Martock will ever spaces that they need help to protect, save
District Council at the 1967 election with flood again, that would be nonsense, but and improve.
the aim of not only alleviating the the major Hurst Brook works and the
flooding in Water Street but also in other minor schemes of the 1970s and 80s, I will be supporting Wellbeing with our
smaller areas of the village where a few Bower Hinton East, Bower Hinton West, National Charity Partnership supporting
houses were regularly flooded, blind Lane Hurst and North Street, have played a Mind as a Cooperative we are raising £6
and outside the Rose and Crown in Bower major part in keeping Martock Parish million over 18 months to support mental
Hinton, outside Yandle’s Timber Works in relatively safe and will continue to do so wellbeing.in England & Wales, SAMH in
Hurst and Whellers Lane off North Street. for the foreseeable future.
Scotland, Inspire in
After I was elected to both councils, I dug Patrick Palmer. Northern Ireland.
out the file and found there had been Martock Parish Council 1967-2019
many letters between the two authorities, Pictures courtesy of martockonline Due to Covid things
but everyone was negative. Each had are a little different
expected the other to pay for it so neither and I would love to
had taken the lead. I was elected come and meet you,
Chairman of the Parish Council in 1970 but we may have to
and that gave me the authority to take use video calling,
charge of the village flooding problems. emails and telephones to start with. I am
happy to meet outside.
As a relatively new Parish Councillor and
now Chairman, I rang up the Rt. Hon. I look forward to hearing from you and
John Peyton, MP for Yeovil, and outlined working together.
the negative attitude of the Somerset
River Authority, Langport Drainage Board Emma Green, Member Pioneer
and Yeovil Rural District Council. He said Martock/South Petherton/
‘bring me the file, call a public meeting Stoke-sub-Hamdon
and I will chair it and metaphorically Mobile: 07929827602
knock their bloody heads together’. John
never minced his words, having been I work part-time hours and may not
a 2nd WW POW in German Prison camps respond immediately.
for 5 years.

John opened the meeting by saying in no
uncertain manner ‘Patrick gas given me
the Water Street flooding file, it is an
absolute disgrace and I will not close the
meeting until you, as representatives of
your authorities, have agreed a clear way
ahead with a firm timetable to ease
Martock flooding’. It was a long meeting,
no one wanted to commit themselves to

10

drapes direct The Curtain & Blind Specialist Andrew Tabor

Call 01935 824888 Landscape Design & Construction Since 1988

n Curtains & blinds Free Advice 3 Quality guaranteed 3 Address: PO Box 2672,Yeovil, BA22 7YT
n Tracks & poles Mobile: 07751 840815
n Conservatory & sunroom Free home measuring 3 Professional fitting 3 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.andrewtaborlandscaping.co.uk
Blinds and sails
(incl. perfect fit) Free walk-in advice
n Patio awnings session at the Youth
n Shutters Centre every Tuesday
n Bay window specialists
n Allusion, Vision and from 10am - 1pm
bloc out blinds
The Youth Centre,
See more at Church Street,
www.drapesdirect.co.uk
Martock TA12 6JL
Or visit our NEW SHOWROOM
Unit 7, The Old Railway, We offer assistance to the
North Street, Martock TA12 6FF community on issues such as debt,
energy prices, housing and more.
Independent oven OPENING HOURS
cleaning services
Monday Closed
We clean Ovens, Hobs, AGAs, Tues-Thurs 9am-5pm
Ranges, Rayburns, Microwaves, Friday 9am-7pm
Saturday 9am-3pm
Extractors and more...
21 North St,
Mister Oven cleans all the doors, Martock,
racks, shelves and surrounds with TA12 6DH
specialist products that are gentle on
your appliances but tough on grease Telephone for appointment
and stains. Your oven will be looking
as good as new in no time, without (01935) 822264

you even lifting a finger.

Tel 01935 862614
Mobile 07752 695264

www.misteroven.co.uk.

(Internal and External) We have been serving homeowners in the2015|2016 P r i n tPrint & Design Ltd
Fully qualified · References available South West for over 40 years
At Stable Print we offer a full range of Design
Contact Adrian M & G Harding Developments Ltd is a well established and Print services. Our Graphic Design team can
building contractor company benefiting from a renowned create your new Corporate Identity, Business Stationery,
The Goslings, Goose Hill, Bower Hinton, Sales Literature, Exhibition Displays and Graphics.
Martock, TA12 6LJ reputation for quality and professionalism. Digital printing allows us to be extremely competitive
on your shorter runs. Lithographic printing enables
◆ Purpose Made Conservatories, We can offer all aspects of work including: us to produce larger runs to the highest standards,
Windows, Doors, Staircases, on time, every time. We also offer Point of Sale
Kitchens, Bedrooms Etc. • Extensions • New Build
and Packaging Solutions.
◆ All Areas Covered • Conversions • Restoration Please get in-touch to see how our

WORKSHOP: Sparrow Works, M & G Harding Developments Ltd, Water Street, Martock friendly team can help you.
Bower Hinton, Martock Mobile: 07766 727402 Unit 1 l North Street Workshops
l Stoke sub Hamdon l Somerset l TA14 6QR
01935 825858 Website: www.mandghardingdevelopments.com Tel: 01935 824943 Email: [email protected]
MOBILE: 07767 621333 Email: [email protected]
EMAIL: [email protected] IAN CROSSLAND
Jane Taylor
Property Maintenance
Registered Childminder
Interior and exterior decorating
“Outstanding” Early Years Provider Carpentry and small cabinet work
Restoration of timber windows and doors
I have been registered for 25 years and work with assistants
who are highly qualified. We offer “Quality Childcare” in a Hanging doors
home environment on my smallholding in Milton. It benefits Fitting fences and gates
from a large well-equipped playroom with a secure play Exterior lime mortaring
area. The children can also enjoy supervised access to all
the animals on the farm and all of the outdoor spaces. No job too small
We also provide an after school service for For a friendly, reliable,
children at Ash Primary School. local service please give me a call.
We are open Monday to Thursday.
Term time and in the holidays Tel: 01935 411813
7.30am till 5.30pm. Mob: 07811 070 498

Contact Jane on 01935 826356 11

Ofsted Registration No is 142616

POP-UP DATES

Friday 4th December
Hambridge Village Hall – 5pm to 9pm

Friday 11th December
Chilthorne Domer Village Hall – 5pm to 9pm

Thursday 17th December
Kingsbury Community Centre – 5pm to 9pm

Friday 18th December
Martock Recreation Ground – 5pm to 9pm

Tuesday 22nd December
Hambridge Village Hall – 5pm to 9pm

Wednesday 23rd December
Martock Recreation Ground – 5pm to 9pm

New Years Eve
Martock Recreation Ground – 5pm to 9pm

5* food hygiene rating and COVID trained

To guarantee your time slot please message 07460 776 476
by 12 noon on the day but if not, we will fit you in somehow.

Please visit www.ethicstreetpizza.co.uk for our menu

Wychwood B&B • Twin Room with R A Wicks
Private Bathroom
Bearley Road, Martock, TA12 6PG Fireplaces, stoves and flues
07919 050540 • Double Room with En-suite
Telephone: 01460 74612
[email protected] • Single Room with En-suite
RA Wicks enjoys an enviable reputation for top
• All rooms with TV, Wi-Fi, quality fireplace work, and employs craftsmen with a
Tea & Coffee facilities, hair building background so that any fireplace alteration
dryer, electric fan, extra is possible.
pillows, towels & toiletries Our fireplaces are often individually designed and we
complete the whole job from survey to installation.
• Breakfast Tray in Room You can discuss your requirements, or just get a
taste of the products available, by visiting our
• Self-Serve Continental showroom.
Breakfast in Garden Room
8am - 10am R A Wicks Ltd
Fireplace Showroom, Tail Mill Lane
• Room rates vary
according to season Merriott, Somerset TA16 5PF
www.wicksheating.co.uk/Contact-us.html
• Advance bookings only

@WychwoodMartock @Wychwood

Richard Pring

BATHROOMS & PLUMBING

I provide a complete bathroom installation service, including:
n En-suite design and construction n Bathroom redesigns
n Suite replacement n Wet room conversions
n Reduced mobility and other special needs solutions
n Power showers n Walk in showers n Floor and wall tiling,

All general plumbing including: I offer top quality
n alterations, repairs and problems solved bathrooms, designed &
e.g. an outside tap n a new hot water cylinder installed to reflect your
n moving a radiator n fixing a dripping tap. individual needs. I give
friendly service & advice -
Estimates are always free.

Call on 01935 881968 or 07816 327461
Email: [email protected]