Recent and current news as it happens in Stoke St Gregory

News in Stoke St Gregory
Playing Field Draw (news updated 9th March 2013). Winners for the February draw ; 1st Simon Baldwin / 2nd Barbara Wellwood/ 3rd Fiona Quick Drawn by Ian Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE NEWS(news updated 22nd February 2013). Griggs Hill, main road into our village, will be closed for 7 weeks starting 25th February 2013, due to critical work which will be undertaken by Wessex Water. They aim to minimise disruption to traffic and general services to a minimum but as you can all understand traffic can only be allowed at certain times and under certain conditions. We ask everyone to plan their routes and travel times accordingly. For up to date information we suggest you follow the Facebook updates by the village stores. Ian Upshall has kindly offered to be point of contact and help keep everyone informed. So please visit the store (and pick up some lovely local produce!) or follow the facebook updates by liking the page.
Dog fouling leading to problems on the Village Playing Field(news updated 22nd February 2013). Users of the village playing field AND dog owners please be aware of the following statement from the Village Playing Field Committee ; "Things have to change. There is too much dog poo on the Playing Field. The Playing Field Trustees welcome responsible dog owners who pick up after their dogs. People who dont are NOT WELCOME. If your children walk dogs please ensure that they are given adequate supplies to pick up the poo. Filled bags can be deposited in the dog bin by the entrance gate, not in the mixed waste bins on the top field. If you cant be bothered to pick up after your dog then dont exercise it on any part of the playing field."
Important Flooding drop in meeting on Tuesday 19th February. (news updated 16th February 2013). If you have been affected by or have concerns about the recent flooding, come along to the drop in session, get information, advice and share your story. Representatives of various bodies such as the Environment Agency, Sedgemoor council and Taunton Deane will be present to discuss your concerns and all other matter relating to recent floodings and future flood risks. Show up in large numbers to voice your opinion. The drop in meeting will be held from 2pm-7pm at the Willow and Wetlands visitor centre at Mear Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HY
Playing Field Draw (news updated 9th February 2013). Winners for the January draw ; 1st Simon Baldwin / 2nd Alfie Brennan/ 3rd Jane Wilkinson Drawn by Mrs. Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Playing Field Draw (news updated 30th January 2013). Winners for the December draw ; 1st Sally Rossiter £100 / 2nd Trevor Daniels £50 / 3rd Lisa Parker £25 Drawn by Ian Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
European funded Flood Consultation during December (news updated 5th December 2012). We have been informed about a public consultation which could not be more relevant. With the current floodings everyone in the area is concerned about the future and the lack of information about the current situaton. This is your chance to have your say so please check following out ; We appreciate that many people have been affected by the recent flooding that has hit Somerset; this further reinforces the need for individuals and communities to be prepared. Somerset County Council is currently working on an EU project, funded by the Interreg IVa 2 Seas Programme, called Flood Aware. The aims of this project are to find the most effective ways of engaging with communities to make them more aware of their flood risk and how they can best prepare themselves in case the worst happens. To find out more about the project please go to: www.flood-aware.com. As part of this project we want to collect data on people’s experience of flooding and best practice of communicating with residents across Somerset. If you would be interested in taking part please complete our questionnaire. Another website to check out is ; www.somersetconsults.org.uk/consult.ti/floodaware/consultationHome
Playing Field Draw (news updated 4th December 2012). Winners for the November draw ; 1st Heather Venn / 2nd Angela Morrice / 3rd Nicola Berridge Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
IMPORTANT Information related to flooding in the wider Stoke St Gregory area( news updated 25th November 2012). To keep up to date on all the latest news make a note of a few important numbers and get yourself added to a special Facebook group for our area (click here to go to Facebook page ; Somerset Levels Flood Help Group) where you can keep yourself informed as well as inform others of any news related to the floods. The latest news is that residents in Curload, Athelney and Burrowbride have been warned that potentially they will need to be evacuated because of rising river water levels. For the latest information call the Environment agency Floodline 0845 988 1188, select option 1. For people in Curload and Athelney use quick code 164027. The best radio station to stay tuned in to is BBC Somerset Sound 95.5 For sandbags and general flood messages use Taunton Deane council emergency number 01823 351441 Or check out the environment agency web page for latest Flood News.
Update on the Somerset Community Oil Scheme (news updated 7th November 2012). We are writing to update you regarding a money-saving scheme offered by the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) that is bringing significant benefit to people across Somerset - the Somerset Community Oil Scheme! The Somerset Community Oil Scheme is now one year old! In this first year our members in Somerset have saved a massive £19,022.94, 8.2% of the total cost! On average we have saved our members 4.74 pence per litre. You can find our ‘One Year On’ report as well as an introduction to the scheme here – www.somersetrcc.org.uk/oil/oneyearon And further information can be found here – www.somersetrcc.org.uk/oil
Playing Field Draw (news updated 28th October 2012). Winners for the October draw ; 1st Dorothy Boon / 2nd Celia Baker / 3rd Veronica Andrews Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Handy Stoke St Gregory Directory available to you (news updated 21st October 2012). The Parish Council has published a very handy directory in PDF format listing all the necessary contact information you might need as a Stoke St Gregory resident. The 2 page double sided A4 flyer contains email and telephone information for following categories ; Services (including emergency services, schools, churches etc) Local Government Sports and activities It also has a handy little map of the village printed. The directory of Stoke St Gregory is available for download now.
New date announced for Stoke Stampede ; 30th December (news updated 14th October 2012). After more than 25 successful Stoke Stampede 10K races on Boxing Day there is a new date on the calendar. This year the popular athletics event will taken place on Sunday 30th December. All information you need on the race can be found on www.stokestampede.co.uk. For runners' safety a road closure will be in place for the village square during a short part of Sunday 30th December. As the village playing field benefits greatly from the funds raised by this event the organising committee highly appreciates the understanding and support from fellow villagers. If you wish to get involved by assisting in one of many tasks, each of them lasting for a maximum of 2 hours, please get in contact with Sue Hembrow or Colin Moore, for details please see the playing field page on this website.
FWAG SouthWest Opens Membership to the Public. (news updated 8th October 2012). The Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) SouthWest is a UK registered charity (No. 1146071) aiming to support, enthuse & inspire farmers and landowners to value the environmental assets on their land & use them to secure sustainable & profitable businesses for the future. Set up in the 1960’s by a group of forward thinking farmers, FWAG has worked across the UK to protect our countryside, wildlife and natural resources. FWAG SouthWest continues to use this experience to influence policy decisions and contribute to research for the benefit of farmland wildlife. The charity also takes an educational role, providing farm days for school children, inspiring them to engage with the natural world and understand where their food comes from. As a charity FWAG SouthWest relies on the support of its members, until now this has been exclusively farmers and landowners. By extending the membership to the wider community FWAG SouthWest can showcase the regions wildlife and the environment that farming provides. As a friend of FWAG SouthWest you will be supporting our work promoting sustainable agriculture to farmers and the wider community. You will receive our quarterly newsletter and be invited to Friends events, these will include a guided tour of a farm to see how the needs of wildlife and environmental protection have been successfully integrated into modern, productive farming systems. To find out more about FWAG SouthWest, our work, projects and how to support us (for as little as £20 per year) visit our website: www.fwagsw.org.uk email: info@fwagsw.org.uk or call: 01823 355427.
Playing Field Draw (news updated 4th October 2012). Winners for the September draw ; 1st Jane Williams / 2nd John Mills / 3rd Brian Singh Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Slide show impression of Stoke St Gregory Jubilee Celebrations.(news updated 26th September 2012). With thanks to Paul Kenefick for making as many photos as he possibly could of the many events that took place around the village we are proud to announce that you can now view an impression of them on this website. Have a look at the maps and images page and relive this great range of events and try to find yourself on one of the many photos. The Jubilee slideshow can be found at the bottom part of the page
Installation and training of a life saving device.(news updated 17th September 2012). Working with the management and staff of the Royal Oak, David Fothergill County Councillor has funded the installation of a portable automated defibrillator (AED) into the Pub. This is a vital part of an initiative to improve health and wellbeing in rural areas. Friday 5th October St Johns Ambulance will hold an introduction meeting at the Williams Hall in Stoke St Gregory. This is an important new village facility so come and learn how to use the AED before one day you might just need to. Remember it’s there for anyone who needs it. Have a look at the poster to announce this event (and share it by posting it in your window!)
Playing Field Draw (news updated 16th September 2012). Winners for the August draw ; 1st Phil Quantock / 2nd Gerald Venn / 3rd Pat Sollis Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Somerset steps up waste action (news updated 29th July 2012). Community groups from across Somerset are being urged to get involved in action to prevent waste and help families save money on food, fashion, gardening and shopping. Scores of organisations, from green groups to parish councils, charities to churches, are being invited to a major conference in September to discuss how to work together in 2013. It is linked to Somerset’s new waste prevention strategy, which aims to help everyone minimise waste, save money and have fun developing positive habits with long-term benefits. As well as networking opportunities and guest speakers exploring ways groups can engage with their communities, the conference will showcase local people’s waste reduction, reuse and repair efforts. Organisers say the conference will help groups: Discover free resources on offer to tackle waste and save money Tap into communication tools for reduction, reuse, and repair Learn about successful waste prevention schemes Share waste cutting experiences and ideas SWP Managing Direct Steve Read said: “Preventing waste with avoidance, reuse and repair, from smarter shopping to make do and mend, better food use to growing your own, can bring together communities and help families save cash. “Any local group can apply for the conference, whether they are green, help vulnerable or low income families, or focus on youth, disabled people, seniors, women, tenants or ethnic minority groups.” The free half-day conference to share waste reduction ideas and experiences is taking place on Saturday 29 September at The Canalside in Bridgwater. For more information, groups should visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/about/campaigns/conference or email recycle@somersetwaste.gov.uk. [possible picture caption for attached] Waste prevention: why discard when you could repair, sell, donate or give away unwanted items
Playing Field Draw (news updated 29th July 2012). Winners for the May draw ; 1st Dave Elliot / 2nd Julie Meikle / 3rd Helen Grant Winners for the July draw ; 1st Alison & Mark Hembrow / 2nd Brian Hendy / 3rd Jo Tecks Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds!
Village Agent appointed for Stoke St Gregory (news updated 20th July 2012) Valerie Hunt has been appointed our Village Agent under a Lottery Funded Project. She acts as an information point for residents. She can advise people on topics such as adaptations to housing, grant for insulation and ways to improve healthy living. Valerie will be covering Stoke St Gregory, Burrowbridge, Othery, North Curry, Lyng and Durston. She will be working on as village agent 8 hours per week with her picking up emails and telephone calls each Monday morning. For all her details check the village agent page on this website.
The OFFICIAL Jubilee program is now available. (news updated 10th May 2012). The biggest cooperation ever between all organisations in the village has been pulled off for the Queens Jubilee. Download the full programm here ; Queens Jubilee Program 1 - 4 June 2012 and make sure to be around, participate and enjoy as many of the events as possible !
Latest update on 2012 Jubilee Celebrations shows great progress (news updated 29th April 2012). Make sure you are around for the Jubilee celebrations in Stoke St Gregory? The committee is well under way with their preparations for 4 days of celebrations with something for everyone. Read the latest minutes of the meeting held by the Jubilee Committee by clicking here. Get excited and get involved ! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary free as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Award winning performance by St Gregory Players (news updated 23rd April 2012). The village drama group, St Gregory Players, not only produces full length plays in the village, it also often enters the Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s Festival of One Act Plays which takes place annually in Spring. Winners go on to represent the county in subsequent rounds of a national competition open to any amateur drama group in England. SGP’s youth group, directed by Liz Brown, has often been named the best youth group in the Somerset festival, but has never won it outright. This year, Liz directed the youth group in a version of “Alice in Wonderland” but also an adult cast (herself, Fran Wolfman and Belinda Morgan) in “Sylvia Plath, a dramatic portrait” a typically challenging and powerful piece that tells the life story of the poet and uses several of her poems to do so. At the 2012 Somerset festival in Burnham-on-Sea, the two plays picked up numerous awards, and the Sylvia Plath play was the outright winner. It thus went forward to the Wessex Division quarter final on 14 April at Filton College, in competition with three groups from the Bristol area – and won again. This unprecedented success takes the cast on to the Western Area semi final, against groups from the rest of the South West; this takes place on 5 May at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton. A third win would lead to an appearance in the All England final in Worcester on 9/10 June. “Alice in Wonderland” goes on to a separate Four Counties youth competition in Backwell on 28 April. Both plays were presented in the village hall to a bumper audience on 13 April and the funds raised will help to cover the costs of the later rounds of the competitions. Although SGP is established and successful, it has only a small core of active adult participants and newcomers are always welcome.
2012 Jubilee Celebrations 4 day events programme coming together (news updated 9th March 2012). Rembember below news message from late November? A lot has happened since. Read the latest minutes of the meeting held by the Jubilee Committee by clicking here. Get excited and get involved ! The committee would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have given ideas, suggestions and offers of help towards village celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being held on the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd- 5th June 2012. The programme of events is starting to take shape with various activities including a celebration breakfast to start the proceedings on the morning of the 2nd a ‘Big Lunch’ on the Sunday for all the family exhibitions of art and photography at various locations around the village music and drama events involving young and old a dance and pig roast for over 18s on Saturday evening a walking treasure hunt the lighting of a Jubilee beacon At the moment the Tuesday is seen as a quiet day for everyone to celebrate in their own way – but if you have more ideas please let the committee know!! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Keep warm and healthy in your home. Visit the free information exhibition(news updated 16th February 2012). Mark 13th March in your calendar for a one off event in the Williams Hall. Between 10am and 1pm you will be able to get a wealth of information on keeping nice and warm in your own home. This is an exhibition of organisations and businesses helping you how to save Money and Stay Warm and Healthy. You can get free advice on saving money on energy bills, on how to get free loft or cavity wall insulation or draught proofing and other insulations. Free refreshments will be available. View the poster advertising this event.
Superfast Broadband coming to Stoke St Gregory ? (news updated 11th February 2012). It's up to you if superfast Broadband is going to be available in Stoke St Gregory anytime soon. Take 5 minutes of your time right now to read all about the survey that will be conducted throughout Somerset and Dorset (click here to read the latest key briefing) or simply go to www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk to express your interest in superfast broadband. The more interest shown.......the better the chance of browsing quicker than ever.
Rock and Roll night tickets now available (news updated 21st January 2012). It's going to be another night to remember in Stoke St Gregory. Benny and the Teds will be playing on Saturday 18th February. It simply means lots of dancing to classic rock style music from the 60s & 70s and more up-to-date numbers too. What better excuse do you need to dress up and for the gentlemen to get the brylcream out ! 'Sausage and Mash' supper included in the ticket price of £12.50. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Bar available. Tickets are availble from Stoke Stores or Alison 491273 but be quick as usually all events sell out in the hall !
Stoke St Gregory Parish Council advertise vacancy for a Clerk. (news updated 12th January 2012). Stoke St Gregory Parish Council seeks a Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer. This post is part-time, involving an average of 17·5 hours per month. View the full advertisement by clicking here.
Willows and Wetlands fundraising week for St Margaret's Hospice a great success. (news updated 19th December 2011). One of the leading businesses in our village is builing a name for itself. Not just because of its touristic visitor centre and craftsmanship. They are also active in fundraising. Their latest one was a week of activities during november at the Willows and Wetlands visitor centre. Sam Dixon, Tourism development coordinator of PH Coate, told us that "Following an excellent week of fundraising, The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Meare Green. are pleased to announce that a total of £1,150 was raised for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice." she continued to say that "A huge Thanks goes out to everyone who attended our festive Tearoom Get-together, purchased Their Christmas cards & contributed so generously." It won't surprise you St Margaret's Hospice was extremely pleased with the efforts Sam and her team put into this event. For any further events at the visitor centre please keep an eye out on the events calendar on this website.
2012 Jubilee Celebrations 4 day events programme coming together (news updated 26th November 2011). The committee would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have given ideas, suggestions and offers of help towards village celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being held on the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd- 5th June 2012. The programme of events is starting to take shape with various activities including a celebration breakfast to start the proceedings on the morning of the 2nd a ‘Big Lunch’ on the Sunday for all the family exhibitions of art and photography at various locations around the village music and drama events involving young and old a dance and pig roast for over 18s on Saturday evening a walking treasure hunt the lighting of a Jubilee beacon At the moment the Tuesday is seen as a quiet day for everyone to celebrate in their own way – but if you have more ideas please let the committee know!! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Somerset Community Oil Scheme announced (news updated 17th November 2011). The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) is running a scheme that will reduce the cost of your domestic heating oil each time you place an order. As a member of the scheme you will make savings on your oil energy bill. View the leaflet by clicking here (which includes a registration form).
Christmas Lights switch on 19th November 6PM (news updated 17th November 2011). An enormous Christmas Tree arrived in Stoke St Gregory and has found itself a prominent place in front of the Royal Oak in the village square. Saturday 19th November at 6pm the lights will be switched on and you are all invited! The Burrowbridge Community Choir will be present and will no doubt show us what they've achieved during their sessions in both Burrowbridge and Stoke St Gregory. In the pub 21 stalls are ready to dazzle you with special Christmas gifts and more music by local musician Laurence Morgan can be listened to.
Willows & Wetlands runs a classroom naming competition (news updated 8th October 2011). Can you think of a snappy, lively name and win a prize? We are offering a £25 High Street gift voucher to the winning entry. The classroom and wildlife hide was built earlier this year. It is available for groups of more than 6 people to use for studying farming, the environment and school curriculum studies. It is situated on the edge of a hill overlooking willow beds, the River Tone and Curry moor. The closing date is 30th November 2011. This competition is open anyone over the age of five. The winners will be contacted by 15th December 2011 and will be invited to an official opening event in 2012. To request an entry form please contact us: Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY. Fax 01823 490814 or Email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk. For more information visit www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk
Stoke History Group presents new website (news updated 30th October 2011). A new initiative in the village has led to a new website being launched which focuses solely on the history of Stoke St Gregory. It is very much a website in which you can participate by having your stories and images published. A bit like Wikipedia if you like to compare it to something widely known. An introduction to the new website can be found on the village life page that describes all sports and activities (Open the page here and scroll down to 'other activities'). To go straight to the new website, which has already got some interesting photo material on it !, click here. Please contact Dave Evans at gregorystoke-history@yahoo.co.uk if you wish to know more about the site and how to contribute to the contents of it.
New phone number to contact Avon & Somerset police ; 101. (news updated 8th September 2011). Avon and Somerset have informed us of following ; From 19th September you will be able to contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling us on 101. Part of a national programme to make it easier for you to contact your local police, 101 will be used for non-emergencies such as: reporting a crime contacting local officers getting crime prevention advice making us aware of policing issues in your local area making an appointment with a police officer for any other non-emergency Key Facts 101 will not replace 999, which will continue to be used for emergencies. 101 will replace our existing 0845 number, although there will be a 3-month period when both numbers will be available. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can textphone us on 18001 101 Calls to 101 from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long your call lasts. 999 should be used for an emergency, when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.
Committee formed to organise 2012 Queen's Jubilee celebratory events. (news updated 27th August 2011). Following the public meeting held on 10th August a committee has been formed to organise the village events to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee over the weekend and bank holidays covering the 2nd to 5th June 2012. Several ideas were put forward at the meeting but more are needed, particularly from the younger residents to make sure that any events planned appeal to as wide a range as possible. The members of the committee are: Sara Sollis (Chairman), Bill Carpenter, Ian Upshall and Jean House (junior). The committee will have their first meeting on Wednesday 31st August, so anyone who has not yet done so please contact Sara Sollis at sara.sollis@btinternet.com or 490069 with ideas or offers to help as soon as possible.
New Choir starting 27th September making singing fun. Join in! (news updated 27th August 2011). Catherine Mowat is the driving force behind a new initiative in the village. She has set up a community choir. Without the need to be able to read music you will be taught a variety of songs ranging from Gospel to folk and African. There is a real buzz around the choir which is open to all ages. Read more about the choir and where they meet each Tuesday evening on the choir page on this website
Stoke St Gregory Parish Council plans an eventful Queens Jubilee in June 2012 (news updated 24th July 2011). A public meeting will be held to plan Stoke St Gregory's celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The idea is to set up a group to organise events for the Jubilee weekend in June 2012. Please do come along with your ideas for events and activities. Click here to see the poster invitation. (opens as pdf in Adobe Acrobat reader.
Neighbourhood watch warning : Burglars target Stoke St Gregory (news updated 23rd June 2011). During the night of 21st-22nd June a number of dwellings in the village have been subject to burglary. Sheds, garages and other outbuildings as well as a vehicle were broken into and properties were taken. The police requests villagers to report any information they might have related to these events and warns everyone to be alert and report any suspect matters. You can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.
60th Anniversary party on the Playing Field great success (news updated 18th June 2011). Pictures paint a better picture than a thousand words. Just view a photo slide show which gives you an impression of how enjoyable this event was for everyone. Click here for photos !
School fundraising event raises £130 for MacMillan (news updated 16th June 2011). During their coffee and Maypole dancing afternoon on 13th June Stoke St Gregory school raised the handsome sum of £130 for MacMillan Cancer charity. A big thank you to everyone who joined us, for buying our cakes and drinking our tea. You can see the children again dancing around the maypole on 18th June on the village playing field, as well as the school band playing later in the day.
Something for everyone for 60th Anniversary Anniversary weekend(news updated 28th May 2011). There will be choice of events for all of you to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Playing Field. Sports, entertainment, celebration and party are keywords for two days of activities. You can view the complete program by clicking here. Latest news update : TICKETS FOR THE PARTY IN THE WILLIAMS HALL 18TH JUNE HAVE SOLD OUT !!!!
Newly elected parish council presented on this website(news updated 18th May 2011). With all votes counted and verified and the first Parish Council meeting held we are pleased to present all Parish Council members to you on this website with all their contact details so you know how to get in touch with them regarding village matters. Click here to open the councillors page.
Williams Hall Events Committee meeting success(news updated 17th May 2011). The open meeting held 7th May saw a big turn out which pleased the new committee. A lot of suggestions for events were put forward for consideration. The committee is hoping to use some of those over the next year. Events which have already been decided on are an afternoon tea on 13th August, Sunday Lunch on 23rd October, Bonfire Breakfast on 5th November and a winter lecture on 17th November. Details of all these will show on the events calender on this website.
Parish Council Elections on 5th May. Select your preferred councillor.(news updated 27th April 2011). 5th of May should be in your agenda already as it is election day. For our village especially important as it is your chance to vote for your own Parish Councillors. All candidates for this local election present themselves in a leaflet which you can view by clicking here. (opens as a PDF file)
Tickets for Playing Field 60th Anniversary party night NOW ON SALE !(news updated 21st April 2011). It is all building up to be a brilliant - have to be there- party to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our playing field. There are events on both 18th and 19th June (see events calendar for more details). The big party on the Saturday night will be held in the Williams Hall. Live music by Penthouse Shed (who were extremely popular at a private function last year !). Buy yourself and friends a ticket (£10 each with access for over 18's only) which are available at the Royal Oak 490602. (or contact Gill Slattery, Colin Moore, or Sara Sollis to reserve yours). Price includes a mouth watering Hog Roast.
New Owners Arriving at The Village Stores (news updated 8th April 2011). After a protracted period of time, The Village Stores in Stoke St Gregory is changing hands on 12 April 2011. We will be saying "Goodbye" to Angela and Doug Parry who are returning to their roots in Hertfordshire after a little over three years managing the Stores. Some of you may have spotted the new owners, Ian and Karen Upshall, on 1 and 2 April when they visited the village for some last minute training. Ian and Karen are moving from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, having lived there for twenty years. They originate from Dorchester, Dorset, and are looking forward to their return south and taking on a new challenge. Up until December 2010, Ian had spent 32 years in the nuclear industry whilst Karen has had a long career in the care sector, most recently supporting adults with learning difficulties. They have two 'children', Nick who lives and works in London and Helen who is in her second year at The University of Sussex. They will be making appearances in The Stores now and again. Ian and Karen are passionate about good, local, fresh food and will be making it a priority to ensure they can offer the best food to their customers. Ian says "We are very aware that Somerset has some great producers and we want to make sure that the people of Stoke St Gregory benefit from this. We want people to tell us what they would like to see in their Village Stores and, if it makes good business sense, we will do our utmost to supply it!". The new owners are looking at providing other services too, like Paypoint, which will allow people to pay bills, charge eletricity 'keys' and purchase travel tickets. "We met quite a few people during our training and have already received loads of support and encouragement. People have been very welcoming and we look forward to being accepted into the community. We are outgoing people who love the countryside and making new friends. Please come and see us soon!". The Village Stores will be closed for a few days during the transition - from Sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 April inclusive. The first day of trading will be Thursday 14 April with the Stores opening at 7.30 am. Footnote - there will be a short period before the new debit/credit card machine is installed so customers are advised that they will only be able to pay with cash or cheque. The new system will be up and running soon!
New build Willow Set Preschool progressing well (news updated 4th April 2011). The pre-school new build now has a roof and it won’t be long until Willow Set are able to move in. They will be holding an official opening when people can come and have a look around the fantastic new building and see what they are offering their children. Fundraising is ongoing with a bingo on 8th April (see the events page on this website) and a raffle too as they are needing to buy 3 new tables for the children as the ones they have at the moment are looking a little worse for wear. Willow Set preschool will have their own website made as well, kindly donated by one of the parents. They are looking for local sponsors to help fund the annual cost of this and have already gained support from 5 businesses that will have their links on the new website.
Royal Oaks wins Nationals competition by PRS and makes the headlines.(news updated 6th March 2011). They managed to keep it quiet for a long time but the news is finally out. Various newspapers, radiostations and PRS music magazine are covering the opening of a new music venue right here at Stoke St Gregory. The Royal Oak has won the PRS Music national competition with their plan for a modernisation make over of their function room. It has been transformed in to a light and airy space, ideal for parties and live music without losing sight of country living features. No wonder their plans impressed PRS Music so much that they were awarded a cash prize to make their dreams come true. After months of hard work the official opening attended by professionals from the music industry, press, the Mayor of Taunton (councillor Jefferson Horsley), PRS music management and 80's popstar Howard Jones was a great success. The very first live performance, by Snappa, a regional band with massive potential, was a huge hit. It is hoped the venue will showcase lots of local talent in future. For more information contact Nicola Berridge at 01823 490602 or click here to go to the Royal Oak page on this website. NEWS UPDATE : SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG TALENTED SINGERS/MUSICIANS. Following their PRS for Music Makeover win, The Royal Oak at Stoke St. Gregory are organising a showcase for young talented singers and musicians. If you are interested in taking part, are under 18 and have your parent’s permission please call Nicola on 01823 490602
Post office closed temporarily. New post master needed.(news updated 19th January 2011). Unfortunately Pam, Stoke St Gregory's very own post master, had to make the tough decision to retire from her position. Which effectively means that the village is now without a post office. It has been confirmed however that the Post Office will want to keep offering their facilities in the village. If you want to explore the possibility of setting up and running the post office please contact the Parish Council who can put you in contact with the right people.
Boys on the level bare nearly all for charity calendar (news updated 19th November 2010). Inspired by the worldwide success of the Calendar Girls brave dads have teamed up to produce a female friendly calendar. Each of the men posed under challenging conditions, creating some stunning images, never to be forgotten. Proceeds of the sales of the calendar will go towards Willow pre set school. The calendar can be bought for 5 pounds at the village shop. Ideal as a very special gift under the Christmas tree !
Granny Gothards features in Your Somerset October edition. (news updated 9th October 2010). Local company Granny Gothards, manufacturer of organic ice creams and sorbets have been selected by Somerset County Council to feature in the 'Made in Somerset' section of the Your Somerset magazine. This magazine gets distributed to every household in Somerset and is being handed out on various events and exhibitions. It is thrilling to see that a locally based company gets so much recognition for their product. In the magazine they are quoted : 'We're passionate about dairy farming so producing ice cream from our own milk is an absolute pleasure. Based in Stoke St Gregory our cows graze on the glorious Somerset Levels, so our milk goes from pasture to pot in just one day, you can't get much fresher than that!' Click here to view the Granny Gothards page on this website. We wish you lots of good ice cream tasting times.
Redesigned Stoke St Gregory website launched. (news updated 27th September 2010). It has been a long time coming but finally the new look village website has been launched. Since 2004 Dave Evans has been kind enough to devote his time to building and maintaining a website which gave every individual and organisation in the village a platform to communicate with the world. Early 2009 Dave unfortunately had to inform the Parish Council he would no longer be able to continue this time consuming task. It took a while for the Parish Council to find someone willing to take on the challenge of bringing the website up to date. Redesigning the website and incorporating all content has now been completed. This does not mean however that this is the end of developing the website. In fact it is only the start as the site has to be become very much a live document. Every day there are things happening in the village which should be added to the news or events section. New groups and activities may be started up and contact person and telephone numbers change. To keep the site up to date so it reflects Stoke St Gregory life correctly please submit your information to the webmaster via email.
Tennis Court closed due to repainting. (news updated 14th September 2010). On 20th September work will start on the tennis courts on the playing field. They will be unavailable for access for 1 week due to repainting. If any changes to this planning, this will be announced on the notice board on the playing field. Club members will be notified on progress. Click here to view the tennis page on this website if you want to find out more about tennis in Stoke St Gregory.
New chef arrives at Royal Oak. (news updated 11th September 2010). 10th September saw the introduction of tasty dishes by Rodney Scott, new chef at the Royal Oak. A free tasting session for all seemed the perfect way to get to know the former head chef of the Candlelight Inn at Bishopswood. Bookings can now be made. Click here to view the Royal Oak page on this website if you want to find out more about the Royal Oak, pub and restaurant.
The future of the village hall. (news updated 9th September 2010) Summer 2010 will be the time the Williams Hall fundraising committee will have to be replaced by a new 'Hall entertainments committee'. A combination of experienced and new members full of new ideas and energy is needed to ensure the village will continue to play an important role in village life. A public meeting to form the new committee will be held in spring 2011. Volunteers who want to become a part of the future of the Williams Hall can contact Ross (490152) or Alex & Sally (490917).

News in Stoke St Gregory
Playing Field Draw (news updated 18th April 2013). Winners for the April draw ; 1st Amanda Bowery / 2nd James Tuckett / 3rd John Musgrove Congratulations to all winners. If you would like to join in and support the Playing Field - £ 6 a year, please phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279. Thank you for your support.
Playing Field Draw (news updated 9th March 2013). Winners for the February draw ; 1st Simon Baldwin / 2nd Barbara Wellwood/ 3rd Fiona Quick Drawn by Ian Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE NEWS(news updated 22nd February 2013). Griggs Hill, main road into our village, will be closed for 7 weeks starting 25th February 2013, due to critical work which will be undertaken by Wessex Water. They aim to minimise disruption to traffic and general services to a minimum but as you can all understand traffic can only be allowed at certain times and under certain conditions. We ask everyone to plan their routes and travel times accordingly. For up to date information we suggest you follow the Facebook updates by the village stores. Ian Upshall has kindly offered to be point of contact and help keep everyone informed. So please visit the store (and pick up some lovely local produce!) or follow the facebook updates by liking the page.
Dog fouling leading to problems on the Village Playing Field(news updated 22nd February 2013). Users of the village playing field AND dog owners please be aware of the following statement from the Village Playing Field Committee ; "Things have to change. There is too much dog poo on the Playing Field. The Playing Field Trustees welcome responsible dog owners who pick up after their dogs. People who dont are NOT WELCOME. If your children walk dogs please ensure that they are given adequate supplies to pick up the poo. Filled bags can be deposited in the dog bin by the entrance gate, not in the mixed waste bins on the top field. If you cant be bothered to pick up after your dog then dont exercise it on any part of the playing field."
Important Flooding drop in meeting on Tuesday 19th February. (news updated 16th February 2013). If you have been affected by or have concerns about the recent flooding, come along to the drop in session, get information, advice and share your story. Representatives of various bodies such as the Environment Agency, Sedgemoor council and Taunton Deane will be present to discuss your concerns and all other matter relating to recent floodings and future flood risks. Show up in large numbers to voice your opinion. The drop in meeting will be held from 2pm-7pm at the Willow and Wetlands visitor centre at Mear Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HY
Playing Field Draw (news updated 9th February 2013). Winners for the January draw ; 1st Simon Baldwin / 2nd Alfie Brennan/ 3rd Jane Wilkinson Drawn by Mrs. Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Playing Field Draw (news updated 30th January 2013). Winners for the December draw ; 1st Sally Rossiter £100 / 2nd Trevor Daniels £50 / 3rd Lisa Parker £25 Drawn by Ian Upshall. Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
European funded Flood Consultation during December (news updated 5th December 2012). We have been informed about a public consultation which could not be more relevant. With the current floodings everyone in the area is concerned about the future and the lack of information about the current situaton. This is your chance to have your say so please check following out ; We appreciate that many people have been affected by the recent flooding that has hit Somerset; this further reinforces the need for individuals and communities to be prepared. Somerset County Council is currently working on an EU project, funded by the Interreg IVa 2 Seas Programme, called Flood Aware. The aims of this project are to find the most effective ways of engaging with communities to make them more aware of their flood risk and how they can best prepare themselves in case the worst happens. To find out more about the project please go to: www.flood-aware.com. As part of this project we want to collect data on people’s experience of flooding and best practice of communicating with residents across Somerset. If you would be interested in taking part please complete our questionnaire. Another website to check out is ; www.somersetconsults.org.uk/consult.ti/floodaware/consultationHome
Playing Field Draw (news updated 4th December 2012). Winners for the November draw ; 1st Heather Venn / 2nd Angela Morrice / 3rd Nicola Berridge Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
IMPORTANT Information related to flooding in the wider Stoke St Gregory area( news updated 25th November 2012). To keep up to date on all the latest news make a note of a few important numbers and get yourself added to a special Facebook group for our area (click here to go to Facebook page ; Somerset Levels Flood Help Group) where you can keep yourself informed as well as inform others of any news related to the floods. The latest news is that residents in Curload, Athelney and Burrowbride have been warned that potentially they will need to be evacuated because of rising river water levels. For the latest information call the Environment agency Floodline 0845 988 1188, select option 1. For people in Curload and Athelney use quick code 164027. The best radio station to stay tuned in to is BBC Somerset Sound 95.5 For sandbags and general flood messages use Taunton Deane council emergency number 01823 351441 Or check out the environment agency web page for latest Flood News.
Update on the Somerset Community Oil Scheme (news updated 7th November 2012). We are writing to update you regarding a money-saving scheme offered by the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) that is bringing significant benefit to people across Somerset - the Somerset Community Oil Scheme! The Somerset Community Oil Scheme is now one year old! In this first year our members in Somerset have saved a massive £19,022.94, 8.2% of the total cost! On average we have saved our members 4.74 pence per litre. You can find our ‘One Year On’ report as well as an introduction to the scheme here – www.somersetrcc.org.uk/oil/oneyearon And further information can be found here – www.somersetrcc.org.uk/oil
Playing Field Draw (news updated 28th October 2012). Winners for the October draw ; 1st Dorothy Boon / 2nd Celia Baker / 3rd Veronica Andrews Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Handy Stoke St Gregory Directory available to you (news updated 21st October 2012). The Parish Council has published a very handy directory in PDF format listing all the necessary contact information you might need as a Stoke St Gregory resident. The 2 page double sided A4 flyer contains email and telephone information for following categories ; Services (including emergency services, schools, churches etc) Local Government Sports and activities It also has a handy little map of the village printed. The directory of Stoke St Gregory is available for download now.
New date announced for Stoke Stampede ; 30th December (news updated 14th October 2012). After more than 25 successful Stoke Stampede 10K races on Boxing Day there is a new date on the calendar. This year the popular athletics event will taken place on Sunday 30th December. All information you need on the race can be found on www.stokestampede.co.uk. For runners' safety a road closure will be in place for the village square during a short part of Sunday 30th December. As the village playing field benefits greatly from the funds raised by this event the organising committee highly appreciates the understanding and support from fellow villagers. If you wish to get involved by assisting in one of many tasks, each of them lasting for a maximum of 2 hours, please get in contact with Sue Hembrow or Colin Moore, for details please see the playing field page on this website.
FWAG SouthWest Opens Membership to the Public. (news updated 8th October 2012). The Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) SouthWest is a UK registered charity (No. 1146071) aiming to support, enthuse & inspire farmers and landowners to value the environmental assets on their land & use them to secure sustainable & profitable businesses for the future. Set up in the 1960’s by a group of forward thinking farmers, FWAG has worked across the UK to protect our countryside, wildlife and natural resources. FWAG SouthWest continues to use this experience to influence policy decisions and contribute to research for the benefit of farmland wildlife. The charity also takes an educational role, providing farm days for school children, inspiring them to engage with the natural world and understand where their food comes from. As a charity FWAG SouthWest relies on the support of its members, until now this has been exclusively farmers and landowners. By extending the membership to the wider community FWAG SouthWest can showcase the regions wildlife and the environment that farming provides. As a friend of FWAG SouthWest you will be supporting our work promoting sustainable agriculture to farmers and the wider community. You will receive our quarterly newsletter and be invited to Friends events, these will include a guided tour of a farm to see how the needs of wildlife and environmental protection have been successfully integrated into modern, productive farming systems. To find out more about FWAG SouthWest, our work, projects and how to support us (for as little as £20 per year) visit our website: www.fwagsw.org.uk email: info@fwagsw.org.uk or call: 01823 355427.
Playing Field Draw (news updated 4th October 2012). Winners for the September draw ; 1st Jane Williams / 2nd John Mills / 3rd Brian Singh Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Slide show impression of Stoke St Gregory Jubilee Celebrations.(news updated 26th September 2012). With thanks to Paul Kenefick for making as many photos as he possibly could of the many events that took place around the village we are proud to announce that you can now view an impression of them on this website. Have a look at the maps and images page and relive this great range of events and try to find yourself on one of the many photos. The Jubilee slideshow can be found at the bottom part of the page
Installation and training of a life saving device.(news updated 17th September 2012). Working with the management and staff of the Royal Oak, David Fothergill County Councillor has funded the installation of a portable automated defibrillator (AED) into the Pub. This is a vital part of an initiative to improve health and wellbeing in rural areas. Friday 5th October St Johns Ambulance will hold an introduction meeting at the Williams Hall in Stoke St Gregory. This is an important new village facility so come and learn how to use the AED before one day you might just need to. Remember it’s there for anyone who needs it. Have a look at the poster to announce this event (and share it by posting it in your window!)
Playing Field Draw (news updated 16th September 2012). Winners for the August draw ; 1st Phil Quantock / 2nd Gerald Venn / 3rd Pat Sollis Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds! Phone Sue Tyler-Moore on 01823 490279
Somerset steps up waste action (news updated 29th July 2012). Community groups from across Somerset are being urged to get involved in action to prevent waste and help families save money on food, fashion, gardening and shopping. Scores of organisations, from green groups to parish councils, charities to churches, are being invited to a major conference in September to discuss how to work together in 2013. It is linked to Somerset’s new waste prevention strategy, which aims to help everyone minimise waste, save money and have fun developing positive habits with long-term benefits. As well as networking opportunities and guest speakers exploring ways groups can engage with their communities, the conference will showcase local people’s waste reduction, reuse and repair efforts. Organisers say the conference will help groups: Discover free resources on offer to tackle waste and save money Tap into communication tools for reduction, reuse, and repair Learn about successful waste prevention schemes Share waste cutting experiences and ideas SWP Managing Direct Steve Read said: “Preventing waste with avoidance, reuse and repair, from smarter shopping to make do and mend, better food use to growing your own, can bring together communities and help families save cash. “Any local group can apply for the conference, whether they are green, help vulnerable or low income families, or focus on youth, disabled people, seniors, women, tenants or ethnic minority groups.” The free half-day conference to share waste reduction ideas and experiences is taking place on Saturday 29 September at The Canalside in Bridgwater. For more information, groups should visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/about/campaigns/conference or email recycle@somersetwaste.gov.uk. [possible picture caption for attached] Waste prevention: why discard when you could repair, sell, donate or give away unwanted items
Playing Field Draw (news updated 29th July 2012). Winners for the May draw ; 1st Dave Elliot / 2nd Julie Meikle / 3rd Helen Grant Winners for the July draw ; 1st Alison & Mark Hembrow / 2nd Brian Hendy / 3rd Jo Tecks Congratulations to all winners. Not playing yet ? Contact the Playing Field committee and help hem raise necessary funds!
Village Agent appointed for Stoke St Gregory (news updated 20th July 2012) Valerie Hunt has been appointed our Village Agent under a Lottery Funded Project. She acts as an information point for residents. She can advise people on topics such as adaptations to housing, grant for insulation and ways to improve healthy living. Valerie will be covering Stoke St Gregory, Burrowbridge, Othery, North Curry, Lyng and Durston. She will be working on as village agent 8 hours per week with her picking up emails and telephone calls each Monday morning. For all her details check the village agent page on this website.
The OFFICIAL Jubilee program is now available. (news updated 10th May 2012). The biggest cooperation ever between all organisations in the village has been pulled off for the Queens Jubilee. Download the full programm here ; Queens Jubilee Program 1 - 4 June 2012 and make sure to be around, participate and enjoy as many of the events as possible !
Latest update on 2012 Jubilee Celebrations shows great progress (news updated 29th April 2012). Make sure you are around for the Jubilee celebrations in Stoke St Gregory? The committee is well under way with their preparations for 4 days of celebrations with something for everyone. Read the latest minutes of the meeting held by the Jubilee Committee by clicking here. Get excited and get involved ! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary free as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Award winning performance by St Gregory Players (news updated 23rd April 2012). The village drama group, St Gregory Players, not only produces full length plays in the village, it also often enters the Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s Festival of One Act Plays which takes place annually in Spring. Winners go on to represent the county in subsequent rounds of a national competition open to any amateur drama group in England. SGP’s youth group, directed by Liz Brown, has often been named the best youth group in the Somerset festival, but has never won it outright. This year, Liz directed the youth group in a version of “Alice in Wonderland” but also an adult cast (herself, Fran Wolfman and Belinda Morgan) in “Sylvia Plath, a dramatic portrait” a typically challenging and powerful piece that tells the life story of the poet and uses several of her poems to do so. At the 2012 Somerset festival in Burnham-on-Sea, the two plays picked up numerous awards, and the Sylvia Plath play was the outright winner. It thus went forward to the Wessex Division quarter final on 14 April at Filton College, in competition with three groups from the Bristol area – and won again. This unprecedented success takes the cast on to the Western Area semi final, against groups from the rest of the South West; this takes place on 5 May at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton. A third win would lead to an appearance in the All England final in Worcester on 9/10 June. “Alice in Wonderland” goes on to a separate Four Counties youth competition in Backwell on 28 April. Both plays were presented in the village hall to a bumper audience on 13 April and the funds raised will help to cover the costs of the later rounds of the competitions. Although SGP is established and successful, it has only a small core of active adult participants and newcomers are always welcome.
2012 Jubilee Celebrations 4 day events programme coming together (news updated 9th March 2012). Rembember below news message from late November? A lot has happened since. Read the latest minutes of the meeting held by the Jubilee Committee by clicking here. Get excited and get involved ! The committee would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have given ideas, suggestions and offers of help towards village celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being held on the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd- 5th June 2012. The programme of events is starting to take shape with various activities including a celebration breakfast to start the proceedings on the morning of the 2nd a ‘Big Lunch’ on the Sunday for all the family exhibitions of art and photography at various locations around the village music and drama events involving young and old a dance and pig roast for over 18s on Saturday evening a walking treasure hunt the lighting of a Jubilee beacon At the moment the Tuesday is seen as a quiet day for everyone to celebrate in their own way – but if you have more ideas please let the committee know!! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Keep warm and healthy in your home. Visit the free information exhibition(news updated 16th February 2012). Mark 13th March in your calendar for a one off event in the Williams Hall. Between 10am and 1pm you will be able to get a wealth of information on keeping nice and warm in your own home. This is an exhibition of organisations and businesses helping you how to save Money and Stay Warm and Healthy. You can get free advice on saving money on energy bills, on how to get free loft or cavity wall insulation or draught proofing and other insulations. Free refreshments will be available. View the poster advertising this event.
Superfast Broadband coming to Stoke St Gregory ? (news updated 11th February 2012). It's up to you if superfast Broadband is going to be available in Stoke St Gregory anytime soon. Take 5 minutes of your time right now to read all about the survey that will be conducted throughout Somerset and Dorset (click here to read the latest key briefing) or simply go to www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk to express your interest in superfast broadband. The more interest shown.......the better the chance of browsing quicker than ever.
Rock and Roll night tickets now available (news updated 21st January 2012). It's going to be another night to remember in Stoke St Gregory. Benny and the Teds will be playing on Saturday 18th February. It simply means lots of dancing to classic rock style music from the 60s & 70s and more up-to-date numbers too. What better excuse do you need to dress up and for the gentlemen to get the brylcream out ! 'Sausage and Mash' supper included in the ticket price of £12.50. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Bar available. Tickets are availble from Stoke Stores or Alison 491273 but be quick as usually all events sell out in the hall !
Stoke St Gregory Parish Council advertise vacancy for a Clerk. (news updated 12th January 2012). Stoke St Gregory Parish Council seeks a Parish Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer. This post is part-time, involving an average of 17·5 hours per month. View the full advertisement by clicking here.
Willows and Wetlands fundraising week for St Margaret's Hospice a great success. (news updated 19th December 2011). One of the leading businesses in our village is builing a name for itself. Not just because of its touristic visitor centre and craftsmanship. They are also active in fundraising. Their latest one was a week of activities during november at the Willows and Wetlands visitor centre. Sam Dixon, Tourism development coordinator of PH Coate, told us that "Following an excellent week of fundraising, The Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre. Meare Green. are pleased to announce that a total of £1,150 was raised for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice." she continued to say that "A huge Thanks goes out to everyone who attended our festive Tearoom Get-together, purchased Their Christmas cards & contributed so generously." It won't surprise you St Margaret's Hospice was extremely pleased with the efforts Sam and her team put into this event. For any further events at the visitor centre please keep an eye out on the events calendar on this website.
2012 Jubilee Celebrations 4 day events programme coming together (news updated 26th November 2011). The committee would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who have given ideas, suggestions and offers of help towards village celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee being held on the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd- 5th June 2012. The programme of events is starting to take shape with various activities including a celebration breakfast to start the proceedings on the morning of the 2nd a ‘Big Lunch’ on the Sunday for all the family exhibitions of art and photography at various locations around the village music and drama events involving young and old a dance and pig roast for over 18s on Saturday evening a walking treasure hunt the lighting of a Jubilee beacon At the moment the Tuesday is seen as a quiet day for everyone to celebrate in their own way – but if you have more ideas please let the committee know!! Contact sara.sollis@btinternet.com More details to follow in future news updates, but do keep the dates in your diary as there should be something for everyone to enjoy!
Somerset Community Oil Scheme announced (news updated 17th November 2011). The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) is running a scheme that will reduce the cost of your domestic heating oil each time you place an order. As a member of the scheme you will make savings on your oil energy bill. View the leaflet by clicking here (which includes a registration form).
Christmas Lights switch on 19th November 6PM (news updated 17th November 2011). An enormous Christmas Tree arrived in Stoke St Gregory and has found itself a prominent place in front of the Royal Oak in the village square. Saturday 19th November at 6pm the lights will be switched on and you are all invited! The Burrowbridge Community Choir will be present and will no doubt show us what they've achieved during their sessions in both Burrowbridge and Stoke St Gregory. In the pub 21 stalls are ready to dazzle you with special Christmas gifts and more music by local musician Laurence Morgan can be listened to.
Willows & Wetlands runs a classroom naming competition (news updated 8th October 2011). Can you think of a snappy, lively name and win a prize? We are offering a £25 High Street gift voucher to the winning entry. The classroom and wildlife hide was built earlier this year. It is available for groups of more than 6 people to use for studying farming, the environment and school curriculum studies. It is situated on the edge of a hill overlooking willow beds, the River Tone and Curry moor. The closing date is 30th November 2011. This competition is open anyone over the age of five. The winners will be contacted by 15th December 2011 and will be invited to an official opening event in 2012. To request an entry form please contact us: Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY. Fax 01823 490814 or Email nicola@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk. For more information visit www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk
Stoke History Group presents new website (news updated 30th October 2011). A new initiative in the village has led to a new website being launched which focuses solely on the history of Stoke St Gregory. It is very much a website in which you can participate by having your stories and images published. A bit like Wikipedia if you like to compare it to something widely known. An introduction to the new website can be found on the village life page that describes all sports and activities (Open the page here and scroll down to 'other activities'). To go straight to the new website, which has already got some interesting photo material on it !, click here. Please contact Dave Evans at gregorystoke-history@yahoo.co.uk if you wish to know more about the site and how to contribute to the contents of it.
New phone number to contact Avon & Somerset police ; 101. (news updated 8th September 2011). Avon and Somerset have informed us of following ; From 19th September you will be able to contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling us on 101. Part of a national programme to make it easier for you to contact your local police, 101 will be used for non-emergencies such as: reporting a crime contacting local officers getting crime prevention advice making us aware of policing issues in your local area making an appointment with a police officer for any other non-emergency Key Facts 101 will not replace 999, which will continue to be used for emergencies. 101 will replace our existing 0845 number, although there will be a 3-month period when both numbers will be available. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can textphone us on 18001 101 Calls to 101 from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long your call lasts. 999 should be used for an emergency, when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.
Committee formed to organise 2012 Queen's Jubilee celebratory events. (news updated 27th August 2011). Following the public meeting held on 10th August a committee has been formed to organise the village events to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee over the weekend and bank holidays covering the 2nd to 5th June 2012. Several ideas were put forward at the meeting but more are needed, particularly from the younger residents to make sure that any events planned appeal to as wide a range as possible. The members of the committee are: Sara Sollis (Chairman), Bill Carpenter, Ian Upshall and Jean House (junior). The committee will have their first meeting on Wednesday 31st August, so anyone who has not yet done so please contact Sara Sollis at sara.sollis@btinternet.com or 490069 with ideas or offers to help as soon as possible.
New Choir starting 27th September making singing fun. Join in! (news updated 27th August 2011). Catherine Mowat is the driving force behind a new initiative in the village. She has set up a community choir. Without the need to be able to read music you will be taught a variety of songs ranging from Gospel to folk and African. There is a real buzz around the choir which is open to all ages. Read more about the choir and where they meet each Tuesday evening on the choir page on this website
Stoke St Gregory Parish Council plans an eventful Queens Jubilee in June 2012 (news updated 24th July 2011). A public meeting will be held to plan Stoke St Gregory's celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The idea is to set up a group to organise events for the Jubilee weekend in June 2012. Please do come along with your ideas for events and activities. Click here to see the poster invitation. (opens as pdf in Adobe Acrobat reader.
Neighbourhood watch warning : Burglars target Stoke St Gregory (news updated 23rd June 2011). During the night of 21st-22nd June a number of dwellings in the village have been subject to burglary. Sheds, garages and other outbuildings as well as a vehicle were broken into and properties were taken. The police requests villagers to report any information they might have related to these events and warns everyone to be alert and report any suspect matters. You can call anonymously to the independent charity CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111. For general information about Neighbourhood Watch nationally see the www.ourwatch.org.uk website.
60th Anniversary party on the Playing Field great success (news updated 18th June 2011). Pictures paint a better picture than a thousand words. Just view a photo slide show which gives you an impression of how enjoyable this event was for everyone. Click here for photos !
School fundraising event raises £130 for MacMillan (news updated 16th June 2011). During their coffee and Maypole dancing afternoon on 13th June Stoke St Gregory school raised the handsome sum of £130 for MacMillan Cancer charity. A big thank you to everyone who joined us, for buying our cakes and drinking our tea. You can see the children again dancing around the maypole on 18th June on the village playing field, as well as the school band playing later in the day.
Something for everyone for 60th Anniversary Anniversary weekend(news updated 28th May 2011). There will be choice of events for all of you to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Playing Field. Sports, entertainment, celebration and party are keywords for two days of activities. You can view the complete program by clicking here. Latest news update : TICKETS FOR THE PARTY IN THE WILLIAMS HALL 18TH JUNE HAVE SOLD OUT !!!!
Newly elected parish council presented on this website(news updated 18th May 2011). With all votes counted and verified and the first Parish Council meeting held we are pleased to present all Parish Council members to you on this website with all their contact details so you know how to get in touch with them regarding village matters. Click here to open the councillors page.
Williams Hall Events Committee meeting success(news updated 17th May 2011). The open meeting held 7th May saw a big turn out which pleased the new committee. A lot of suggestions for events were put forward for consideration. The committee is hoping to use some of those over the next year. Events which have already been decided on are an afternoon tea on 13th August, Sunday Lunch on 23rd October, Bonfire Breakfast on 5th November and a winter lecture on 17th November. Details of all these will show on the events calender on this website.
Parish Council Elections on 5th May. Select your preferred councillor.(news updated 27th April 2011). 5th of May should be in your agenda already as it is election day. For our village especially important as it is your chance to vote for your own Parish Councillors. All candidates for this local election present themselves in a leaflet which you can view by clicking here. (opens as a PDF file)
Tickets for Playing Field 60th Anniversary party night NOW ON SALE !(news updated 21st April 2011). It is all building up to be a brilliant - have to be there- party to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of our playing field. There are events on both 18th and 19th June (see events calendar for more details). The big party on the Saturday night will be held in the Williams Hall. Live music by Penthouse Shed (who were extremely popular at a private function last year !). Buy yourself and friends a ticket (£10 each with access for over 18's only) which are available at the Royal Oak 490602. (or contact Gill Slattery, Colin Moore, or Sara Sollis to reserve yours). Price includes a mouth watering Hog Roast.
New Owners Arriving at The Village Stores (news updated 8th April 2011). After a protracted period of time, The Village Stores in Stoke St Gregory is changing hands on 12 April 2011. We will be saying "Goodbye" to Angela and Doug Parry who are returning to their roots in Hertfordshire after a little over three years managing the Stores. Some of you may have spotted the new owners, Ian and Karen Upshall, on 1 and 2 April when they visited the village for some last minute training. Ian and Karen are moving from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, having lived there for twenty years. They originate from Dorchester, Dorset, and are looking forward to their return south and taking on a new challenge. Up until December 2010, Ian had spent 32 years in the nuclear industry whilst Karen has had a long career in the care sector, most recently supporting adults with learning difficulties. They have two 'children', Nick who lives and works in London and Helen who is in her second year at The University of Sussex. They will be making appearances in The Stores now and again. Ian and Karen are passionate about good, local, fresh food and will be making it a priority to ensure they can offer the best food to their customers. Ian says "We are very aware that Somerset has some great producers and we want to make sure that the people of Stoke St Gregory benefit from this. We want people to tell us what they would like to see in their Village Stores and, if it makes good business sense, we will do our utmost to supply it!". The new owners are looking at providing other services too, like Paypoint, which will allow people to pay bills, charge eletricity 'keys' and purchase travel tickets. "We met quite a few people during our training and have already received loads of support and encouragement. People have been very welcoming and we look forward to being accepted into the community. We are outgoing people who love the countryside and making new friends. Please come and see us soon!". The Village Stores will be closed for a few days during the transition - from Sunday 10 to Wednesday 13 April inclusive. The first day of trading will be Thursday 14 April with the Stores opening at 7.30 am. Footnote - there will be a short period before the new debit/credit card machine is installed so customers are advised that they will only be able to pay with cash or cheque. The new system will be up and running soon!
New build Willow Set Preschool progressing well (news updated 4th April 2011). The pre-school new build now has a roof and it won’t be long until Willow Set are able to move in. They will be holding an official opening when people can come and have a look around the fantastic new building and see what they are offering their children. Fundraising is ongoing with a bingo on 8th April (see the events page on this website) and a raffle too as they are needing to buy 3 new tables for the children as the ones they have at the moment are looking a little worse for wear. Willow Set preschool will have their own website made as well, kindly donated by one of the parents. They are looking for local sponsors to help fund the annual cost of this and have already gained support from 5 businesses that will have their links on the new website.
Royal Oaks wins Nationals competition by PRS and makes the headlines.(news updated 6th March 2011). They managed to keep it quiet for a long time but the news is finally out. Various newspapers, radiostations and PRS music magazine are covering the opening of a new music venue right here at Stoke St Gregory. The Royal Oak has won the PRS Music national competition with their plan for a modernisation make over of their function room. It has been transformed in to a light and airy space, ideal for parties and live music without losing sight of country living features. No wonder their plans impressed PRS Music so much that they were awarded a cash prize to make their dreams come true. After months of hard work the official opening attended by professionals from the music industry, press, the Mayor of Taunton (councillor Jefferson Horsley), PRS music management and 80's popstar Howard Jones was a great success. The very first live performance, by Snappa, a regional band with massive potential, was a huge hit. It is hoped the venue will showcase lots of local talent in future. For more information contact Nicola Berridge at 01823 490602 or click here to go to the Royal Oak page on this website. NEWS UPDATE : SHOWCASE FOR YOUNG TALENTED SINGERS/MUSICIANS. Following their PRS for Music Makeover win, The Royal Oak at Stoke St. Gregory are organising a showcase for young talented singers and musicians. If you are interested in taking part, are under 18 and have your parent’s permission please call Nicola on 01823 490602
Post office closed temporarily. New post master needed.(news updated 19th January 2011). Unfortunately Pam, Stoke St Gregory's very own post master, had to make the tough decision to retire from her position. Which effectively means that the village is now without a post office. It has been confirmed however that the Post Office will want to keep offering their facilities in the village. If you want to explore the possibility of setting up and running the post office please contact the Parish Council who can put you in contact with the right people.
Boys on the level bare nearly all for charity calendar (news updated 19th November 2010). Inspired by the worldwide success of the Calendar Girls brave dads have teamed up to produce a female friendly calendar. Each of the men posed under challenging conditions, creating some stunning images, never to be forgotten. Proceeds of the sales of the calendar will go towards Willow pre set school. The calendar can be bought for 5 pounds at the village shop. Ideal as a very special gift under the Christmas tree !
Granny Gothards features in Your Somerset October edition. (news updated 9th October 2010). Local company Granny Gothards, manufacturer of organic ice creams and sorbets have been selected by Somerset County Council to feature in the 'Made in Somerset' section of the Your Somerset magazine. This magazine gets distributed to every household in Somerset and is being handed out on various events and exhibitions. It is thrilling to see that a locally based company gets so much recognition for their product. In the magazine they are quoted : 'We're passionate about dairy farming so producing ice cream from our own milk is an absolute pleasure. Based in Stoke St Gregory our cows graze on the glorious Somerset Levels, so our milk goes from pasture to pot in just one day, you can't get much fresher than that!' Click here to view the Granny Gothards page on this website. We wish you lots of good ice cream tasting times.
Redesigned Stoke St Gregory website launched. (news updated 27th September 2010). It has been a long time coming but finally the new look village website has been launched. Since 2004 Dave Evans has been kind enough to devote his time to building and maintaining a website which gave every individual and organisation in the village a platform to communicate with the world. Early 2009 Dave unfortunately had to inform the Parish Council he would no longer be able to continue this time consuming task. It took a while for the Parish Council to find someone willing to take on the challenge of bringing the website up to date. Redesigning the website and incorporating all content has now been completed. This does not mean however that this is the end of developing the website. In fact it is only the start as the site has to be become very much a live document. Every day there are things happening in the village which should be added to the news or events section. New groups and activities may be started up and contact person and telephone numbers change. To keep the site up to date so it reflects Stoke St Gregory life correctly please submit your information to the webmaster via email.
Tennis Court closed due to repainting. (news updated 14th September 2010). On 20th September work will start on the tennis courts on the playing field. They will be unavailable for access for 1 week due to repainting. If any changes to this planning, this will be announced on the notice board on the playing field. Club members will be notified on progress. Click here to view the tennis page on this website if you want to find out more about tennis in Stoke St Gregory.
New chef arrives at Royal Oak. (news updated 11th September 2010). 10th September saw the introduction of tasty dishes by Rodney Scott, new chef at the Royal Oak. A free tasting session for all seemed the perfect way to get to know the former head chef of the Candlelight Inn at Bishopswood. Bookings can now be made. Click here to view the Royal Oak page on this website if you want to find out more about the Royal Oak, pub and restaurant.
The future of the village hall. (news updated 9th September 2010) Summer 2010 will be the time the Williams Hall fundraising committee will have to be replaced by a new 'Hall entertainments committee'. A combination of experienced and new members full of new ideas and energy is needed to ensure the village will continue to play an important role in village life. A public meeting to form the new committee will be held in spring 2011. Volunteers who want to become a part of the future of the Williams Hall can contact Ross (490152) or Alex & Sally (490917).