December 13th, 2014 is the 120th  Anniversary  of the first meeting of Winsham Parish Council. It is celebrating this by holding a 'Double Diamond' party to which all Winsham residents are invited.

The 1894 meeting was supervised by Walter  Northcombe, who was to become the first Parish Clerk. Col. Cornish Henley, of Leigh House was elected Chairman .This all happened in the Jubilee Hall, which will be the venue for the celebration.

The formation of Parish Councils came about with the introduction of the 1894 Local Government Act, pushed through, against considerable opposition, by the then Prime Minister, William Gladstone. It was a vital step towards moving power from the land owners and the church in allowing the people to manage their own local affairs. Winsham was one of the first communities to take advantage of the move towards increased democracy. The formation of Rural District Councils were part of the same Act.

Winsham Parish Council was one of the first Parish Councils to be formed under the legislation which commenced in December 1984.

So it really is something worth celebrating. To mark the event the Jubilee Hall is being taken over for the evening, and a hot two course meal will be served. This will be followed by a drama documentary relating to Parish Council deliberations and activities over the last 120 years, written by Stella Abbey, and performed by the Winsham Players, augmented by members of the present Parish Council.

To wind up the evening on a festive  note, there will be a 'Double Diamond' community sing-song, including some Christmas carols, led by two octogenarian musicians, who have a long history of entertaining the village-Tony Meech on the piano, and Ivor Hyde on the accordion.

Tickets will be £5, and seating capacity is limited by licence to 75. Tickets will be on sale  from Winsham Shop starting on the 4th November, so be sure not to delay. The event will start at 7.00pm  for 7.30pm. Due to licensing regulations, it will be a 'bring your own drinks' event.

Throughout the evening, the Master of Ceremonies will be Simon Preston.