Ordinary Meetings-Summer 
The meeting on 13 May, chaired by Mr Fry, considered a detailed plan from the R.D.C., including a map, about an improved water supply. It was attended by a member of the Press for the first time. A long discussion took place during which concerns were expressed about cost and the probability that once the proposed scheme was finished more households would demand water of the improved quality. It was thought that an extended scheme would be sensible and popular and that the expense could be met by means of a loan over a number of years with the interest being met by consumers. The Chairman asked Mr Fowler, the Parish Rural District Councillor, to thank Chard Rural District Council for their great assistance and to explain to them the views of the Parish Council. 
A letter was discussed from the Postmaster of Chard wanting to close the Winsham Post Office on Thursday afternoons. 
The Council could not agree to this and asked the Clerk to reply saying that the Assistant Postmaster should manage alone one Thursday and the Sub Postmaster the next. On 10 June Mr Budge acted as Chairman at an uneventful meeting. It was reported that no further progress had been made over the water supply and this was still the case when the Council met on 8 July.Mr Budge also chaired this meeting. On 12 August the Council had a long discussion about the water supply but no firm course of action was agreed. Mr Budge was again in charge.

Ordinary Meetings-Autumn 
The first meeting of the Autumn took place on 9 September in the Jubilee Hall. A letter from Messrs Gifford, Fox and Co. complaining that a stile leading to their factory was blocked led to the Clerk being asked to write to Mr Wheaton asking for the obstruction to be removed. 
Mr Pym was elected to serve on the Committee of the Evening Continuation Service. 
The Clerk was asked to see Mr Churchill about the Parish Pump, to remind Mr Perrott to cut the grass in the Cemetery and Churchyard and to see Mr Ross (Clerk to the Union) to say that the Parish Council wanted the original Water Scheme to go ahead without delay. Mr Budge chaired this meeting. 
On 14 October Messrs Fowler, Loaring, Pile, Pym and the Clerk attended a meeting with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. 
A Precept of £3 for Burial Board expenses and one of £2 for Parish Council expenses was signed. 
The account of the Parish Lighting Fund was read and it was agreed that the Clerk should try “ to get more subscriptions towards that useful object”. The final meeting of the year was held on 11 November. Mr Budge acted as Chairman. The original minutes contain one interesting entry “It was thought that the Parish Council might have been treated with more confidence and consideration with regard to the carrying out of the Water Scheme for Fore Street and Back Street and the Clerk was instructed to see the Clerk of the Rural District Council with regard to the matter”.

1911

Ordinary Meetings-Spring
The first meeting of the New Year was on 13 January in the Jubilee Hall. A letter from Chard Rural District Council about the Water Scheme was discussed and the Clerk was asked to acknowledge it. A resolution was then passed unanimously stating “ That in the event of any owner or occupier requiring any special advantages of the Water Supply beyond the plans of contract as arranged that he or they shall pay the whole cost of such extra work”. A copy of this was forwarded to Chard R.D.C.. Mr Budge acted as Chairman at this meeting and at the one held on 10 February when nothing of note happened. 
On 10 March the Council authorised cheques for Mr Perrott, Revd Spencer, Revd Taylor and Mr Singleton. 
The Annual Parish Meeting was arranged for 27 March. Mr Northcombe, the Clerk, was granted £4 for making and collecting the Special Expenses Rate.
He was instructed to write to Chard R.D.C. asking for a Danger Signal to be erected at the entrance to the village “ to warn motors to be careful because of the school and the dangerous corner”. 
Mr Budge chaired this meeting. The Annual Parish Meeting was delayed and finally took place on 15 April in the Jubilee Hall.Mr Fry was re-elected Chairman with Mr Budge Vice Chairman.Messrs C.Phillipps and T.M.Loaring were appointed Overseers for the ensuing year and Colonel Henley and Mr Fowler Trustees of Holsworthys Charity. 
A complaint was made about Mr Hodder abusing the Water Supply. The Clerk was asked write to the R.D.C. about it. 
There were also complaints concerning the footpaths leading from Hazelwood to Ammerham and the one crossing Verdhay.The Council agreed to investigate both of these. 
The Clerk was asked to see the Caretaker about the unsatisfactory appearance of the Churchyard and the Cemetery. The meeting ended with an agreement to hold a Public Meeting about the Coronation Celebration on 26 April.

Ordinary Meetings -Spring
The first meeting of the New Year was held on 12 January in the Jubilee Hall.Mr Budge acted as Chairman. It was decided to hold further meetings this week to consider applications for allotments and to re-consider the Band application to use the Hall one evening a week. 
On 19 January the Council met again, this time Mr Fry took charge. Many of the men applying for allotments were present. After a full discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should write to Colonel Henley stating that:

(a) Two acres of land would be required.
(b) The Council would be responsible for the rent and for the erection of a fence.
(c) Colonel Henley should inform the Council whether he is willing to let the land and if so at what rent. He should also clarify whether he wants to deal directly with applicants or not and to indicate when the land would become available.

A Site Meeting was arranged with the R.D.C. Inspector following a letter about a water pipe fracture in Fore Street. 
The Council agreed to allow the Coronation Band to use the Jubilee Hall one evening a week provided each member of the band became a Member of the Jubilee Hall. 
On 9 February the Council met with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. A deputation of men requiring allotments was interviewed and a letter from Colonel Henley refusing to grant part of Balsom was read to them. After a long discussion it was agreed that Messrs Budge and Norhcombe should see Colonel Henley and talk the matter over with him. 
It was reported that there had been a meeting with Mr Carter, the R.D.C. Sanitary Inspector, about the water leakage in Fore Street. 
The next meeting of the Council was on 8 March in the Jubilee Hall. A letter from Colonel Henley was read in which he stated that he objected to part of his field being used for allotments and suggested that the Council look for another site. He also said that should the applicants refuse an offer of an alternative site the Council should drop the matter. 
It was agreed that Messrs Budge and Northcombe should see Mr Raisin with a view to obtaining part of Stadway for allotments. 
Routine cheques were signed. The Council welcomed a plan from Chard R.D.C. for alterations to the road at Street but the Clerk was asked to write saying that, as the changes were for the benefit of motorists they did not intend to levy subscriptions towards the cost. 
The Clerk was also asked to thank Chard R.D.C. for the installation of Danger to Motorists signs in the village. 
A complaint about the state of the footpath across Verdhay to the Gospel Hall was to be investigated by the Clerk. 
The Annual Parish Meeting was arranged for 25 March in the school. 
On 17 April the newly elected Council met .Mr Fry was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Budge as his Deputy. Messrs T.M. Loaring and Robert Edwin Budge were elected Overseers. Colonel Henley and Mr Fowler were re-elected Trustees of the Holsworthy Trust. 
It was reported that Mr Raisin had been willing to let Stadway for allotments for £4 per acre but that the applicants had refused the offer.Mr Budge, not present through illness, sent a letter stating that he was against the Council acquiring land by compulsory powers.

Ordinary Meetings-Summer
On May 10 the Council met with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. The Clerk reported that no objections had been made over the new scheme for the management of the Winsham Charities (Wheadons and Holsworthys). He was asked to complete the necessary paperwork. Colonel Henley and Mr Fowler were appointed its Trustees.Mr Thomas Hellier was appointed to the Council in place of Mr Frank Pile who had left the Parish. 
The Clerk was asked to write to Chard R.D.C. explaining that the Parish Council had done its best to get allotments but that they should not apply for compulsory powers. 
On 14 June Mr Budge took charge of the meeting, which was attended by Messrs Hellier, Loaring, Pym and the Clerk. The Chairman welcomed Mr Hellier.
Routine cheques were signed. 
A letter was read from Chard R.D.C. asking for £15 towards the cost of the road improvements at Street. The Council agreed that the Clerk should refer to their earlier letter and to point out that Colonel Henley, one of the largest ratepayers in the Parish had already offered to give the necessary land, which is valued at £20.
A letter was read from Mrs Peadon complaining of the disgraceful state of the road in front of the George Inn owing to the mess made by cows from Mr Hillier’s farm. Mr Hillier agreed to try to do something about it. 
On July 12 Mr Budge acted as Chairman. A letter from Chard R.D.C. was read which expressed disappointment at the Parish Councils unwillingness to contribute to the road improvements at Street, authority to clean out the sewage tank and promising a visit by the Surveyor to inspect the grating at the bottom of Church Street.
Mr Fowler agreed to tell Chard R.D.C. about the danger to travellers caused by the very high hedge adjoining Mr Spurdles field at Axwater.
Mr Pym chaired the meeting on 9 August. It was a quiet one. Permission was granted to Mrs Meech to plant a rambler rose on her child’s grave and it was agreed that a lock should be obtained for the Cemetery gate. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Churchill about it.
 

Ordinary Meetings -Autumn
On 13 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. 
The Clerk was asked to see Mr Perrott, the Caretaker, about the untidy state of the Churchyard and to write to Chard R.D.C. about water running over the road at Paul’s Ash Lane.
Mr Northcombe reported that he had received a form about the land value of the Parish Meadow. On 11 October Mr Budge took charge once more and it was said that the state of the Churchyard remained unsatisfactory. The Clerk was asked to write to the Caretaker saying that the salary due to him would be paid when the work had been completed. 
It was announced that the water problem in Paul’s Lane had been corrected the day after the last meeting. Mr Fowler agreed to ask Chard R.D.C. for custody of the key to the water tank in High Street. 
The Clerk was asked to write to Wayford Parish Council asking them to replace the footbridge across the River Axe between Winsham and Bere Chapel. 
Cheques were signed for Mr Perrott, Revd Spencer and Mr Singleton.
Mr Budge agreed to see Mr Hayes about the state of property at the corner of Church Street and in West Street. 
There was a small gathering on 8 November, only Messrs Budge (Chairman), Loaring, Hillier and the Clerk attended. 
It was reported that the Churchyard was now in good order, no reply had been received from Wayford Parish Council and that the owner of the dilapidated property would “grant an interview” when he next came to Winsham. 
The final meeting of the year was on 13 December. Mr Budge acted as Chairman.
 The Clerk was asked to reply to a letter from Wayford Parish Council .
The Council agreed that the Clerk should hold the key to the water tank and that Messrs Fowler and Budge should meet the Caretaker to explain to him outstanding work needing to be done in the Churchyard and Cemetery. 
Routine cheques were signed.

Ordinary Meetings -Spring
The first meeting of the New Year was held on 10 January in the Jubilee Hall with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. 
Updates were given on the missing bridge between Winsham and Bere Chapel, the high hedge at Axwater and the poorly maintained Churchyard and Cemetery. 
On 31 January the Council met when it decided to investigate the idea of levelling the Churchyard .The Clerk was asked to find out whether the Council has the necessary authority to do so. 
It was reported that six applications had been received for the post of Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall. After going through them the Council decided to make an appointment at the next meeting having advertised the post in Pulmans Weekly News on 4 February. 
The Clerk was asked to write to Mrs Downton, the owner of Stadway, asking on what terms she would let that field for allotments, the Parish Council being responsible for the rent and rates. 
Mr Budge chaired this meeting as he did for the following one held on 14 February. 
At this latter meeting it was reported that Mrs Downton had written offering the field for £14 a year .The Clerk was instructed to reply offering £9 pointing out the lack of any risk and that the Council would be paying the rates and rent. 
The applicants for the Jubilee Hall Caretakers Post were considered unsatisfactory and it was decided to advertise the job in the Somerset Gazette. 
At the next meeting on 28 February it was reported that Mrs Downton had written to say that the field had been let at a higher price than the Parish Council had offered but a letter from Messrs R.and C. Snell was read offering to let Lower Stadway for allotments at a rent of £12 per year. The Clerk was asked to reply offering £10 a year providing the applicants were willing to pay that amount. 
Those applying for the post of Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall were discussed and it was agreed that the Chairman and the Clerk should interview Mr Simpson and Mr White, both Army Pensioners. 
An offer from Chard R.D.C. to spray part of the main road with tar was thought unnecessary. Messrs Budge, Fowler and Pym were chosen as representatives to meet three representatives from Cricket St. Thomas to choose one of them as a School Manager for the two Parishes of Winsham and Cricket St. Thomas.Mr Budge chaired this meeting .
A special meeting occurred on 6 March about allotments. Most applicants attended. A letter from Mr Snell offering Lower Stadway for £10 a year was read out. Many applicants thought the rent too high and it was decided to refuse the offer. 
The next meeting of the Council was on 17 March in the Schoolroom. It was the Annual Meeting.
Mr Budge reported that Mr White from Taunton had been interviewed for the Jubilee Hall Caretaker Post, two other selected candidates having refused the job. An application from Mr Singleton was read out and he was thought particularly suitable, as he was able to support himself through his own trade. 
He was chosen unanimously. The Clerk was asked to draw up an agreement to be signed by Mr Singleton .Mr Loaring was chosen to brief the new Caretaker on his duties and “for his taking on the residence of the Cottage”. Mr Budge acted as Chairman for this meeting. 
The first meeting of the newly elected Council took place on 11 April in the Jubilee Hall.Mr Fry was elected Chairman and Mr Budge Vice – Chairman for the coming year. Other Councillors present were Messrs.Fowler, Hillier, Holcombe, Loaring, Pym and the Clerk.Messrs.R. E. Budge and John Henry Boait were appointed Overseers. 
The Vicar and Churchwardens were present when it was agreed to level the Churchyard in the autumn. 
There were three complaints, one about a tree obstructing Watery Lane Ammerham by Mr Courtney, one about the well doors in Fore Street and one about the dilapidated property belonging to Mr Hayes .The Council undertook to investigate all of them.

It was agreed that the minimum charge for hiring the Jubilee Hall would be £0.2.6d, to be paid in advance to the Caretaker. Mr Budge acted as Chairman for this meeting. 
On 13 June the Council met again. Estimates were agreed for work to be done on the wells by Mr Singleton and Mr Robbins with Messrs Holcombe, Loaring and the Clerk overseeing the work. 
Mr Singleton signed the Agreement as Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall and it was agreed that the Clerk should collect £0.12.6d including the Caretakers Fee beforehand for the use of the Jubilee Hall in future.Mr Budge was Chairman of this meeting. 
The next meeting was on 11 July, attended by Mr Fowler (Chairman), Mr Holcombe, Mr Loaring and the Clerk. The Clerk was asked to write to Chard R.D.C. about the faulty taps at the wells and about the dangerous state of a property in West Street .
He was also asked to contact the Postmaster General requesting a later collection as the present arrangement was unsatisfactory for businesses. 
Routine cheques were signed. 
On 8 August the Council met with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. The main item of the evening was the water supply to the additional new school buildings. The Chairman was asked to write to Chard R.D.C. as follows: “That Winsham Parish Council will grant permission for water supply to school without charge on the understanding that it will not injure the present supply and an agreement to that effect. The Parish Council will raise no objection if safeguarded in this way.” .... "The Parish Council also claims the right at any time if required to tap the main laid by County Council to the school should more public taps be necessary".

Ordinary Meetings -Autumn
Mr Budge chaired the meting held on 12 September in the Jubilee Hall. 
It was agreed that the School should pay £0.10.0d per week to use the Jubilee Hall.
Mr Loaring reported that the well taps had been adjusted .
The Clerk was asked to write to the Postmaster General again about the late collection of letters and to request that the Telegraph Office be opened on Thursdays. 
It was reported that a letter had been received from Chard R.D.C. concerning a projecting wall in Back Street belonging to Mrs Peadon.The Clerk was asked to reply saying that Mrs Peadon would agree to the wall being demolished and rebuilt in line with the Bakehouse, provided the R.D.C. met the costs involved. 
It was reported that Mr Hayes had visited his dilapidated property. 
It was agreed that Mr Churchill should repair the gate on the footpath leading to Ammerham and that various bills should be settled. 
A Special Meeting took place on 27 September when Mr Ross, Clerk to Chard R.D.C. was present, to reach agreement on providing the school with water from the village supply. 
On 10 October the Council met with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. Progress reports were given on a number of matters .It was agreed that the Clerk should put a notice in the Jubilee Hall calling for all subscriptions to be paid in advance to the Caretaker. 
Cheques were signed for Mr Perrott (£1.2.6d –Salary and Fees), Mr Northcombe (£0.16.0d-Fees for Revd Spencer and for the Sexton, Mr Singleton) and Mr Singleton (£0.15 .1d Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall). 
The Council voted to ask Chard R.D.C. to ask for tenders for the demolition and rebuilding of the wall in Back Street. 
It instructed the Clerk to write to the Caretaker to say that he will not be paid until both the Churchyard and Cemetery are put in good order. Mr Fowler and Mr Holcombe were asked to report when the necessary work was completed. 
On 14 November Mr Fowler reported that estimates for the wall in Back Street had been submitted and that he and Mr Holcombe had “viewed the Churchyard and Cemetery and although not satisfactory the general condition was better than before”. It was agreed that Mr Perrott should be invited by the Clerk to attend the next meeting and be prepared at that meeting to give an estimate for levelling the Churchyard.
 It was left to the Chairman and the Clerk, in consultation with Revd Spencer the School Correspondent, to write to the County Education Committee about the School using the Jubilee Hall for Cooking and Handicraft classes and to protest against the expense of conveying boys and girls to and from Chard Centre.Mr Budge acted as Chairman at this meeting and at the final one of the year on 12 December. At this last meeting it was reported that the County Council had agreed to pay ten shillings a week for use of the Jubilee Hall by the School and to use the Hall as a Handicraft Centre rather than sending the children to Chard. 
It was also reported that the G.P.O. had written saying that no changes to the current arrangements could be made at present .It was agreed that Messrs Holcombe and Pym “should interview the Postmaster at Chard on the subject”. 
The Caretaker of the Churchyard and Cemetery, Mr Perrott, attended the meeting .He did not provide an estimate for levelling the Churchyard stating that he was underpaid and wanted to give up the job. The Council agreed that, should he not give notice shortly, he would be given notice to finish his engagement at the end of March 1914.

Ordinary Meetings-Spring
The first meeting of the New Year was on 9 January with Mr Budge acting as Chairman. It was reported that no applications had been received for levelling the Churchyard and that the Clerk had given written notice to the Caretaker of the Churchyard and Cemetery. 
A letter was read from The County Council Education Committee about the appointment of a School Manager now that it had become a Council School.
Messrs Budge and Loaring were appointed to represent the Council and the following other names were suggested; Miss Fry, Miss Savile, Revd Spencer, Mr Fowler, Colonel Henley and Mr Dommett.
The Clerk was asked to write to The Open Missions refusing them use of the Jubilee Hall due to a previous booking. 
Various routine cheques were signed and Mr Robbins bill for repairs to the Water Supply was authorised to be paid. 
On 13 February the Council met in the School, Mr Budge acting as Chairman. It was agreed to accept Mr W Spurdles tender for levelling the Churchyard - £1 per week per man. 
The Water Agreement for the School between the R.D.C. and the County Council was read and the Chairman was asked to report the views of the Parish Council to Chard R.D.C.
The dilapidated state of Mr Hayes property was to be referred to Chard Rural District Council. On 13 March the meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall. It was reported that Mr Spurdle had almost finished levelling the Churchyard and that Mr Budge and Mr Loaring would be meeting him to “give further instructions.” A Precept for £5 for the Burial Board expenses was made on the Overseers. 
Routine cheques were signed and the Council decided to issue notices for the post of Caretaker. A Special Meeting was held on 25 March to fill the vacancy. Applicants were Messrs J.Robbins, H.Paul and J.Short.Mr Short was chosen for the job. 
At this meeting Miss Fry was recommended for the appointment of School Manager, as Cricket St Thomas had no representative on the Management. The Chairman, Mr Budge, was asked to state to the Secretary of the County Education Committee that the Parish Council considers that the School should close until after the Easter Holidays due to the illness of the Headmaster and the building of the new wing. 
The Statutory Meeting was held on 15 April in the Jubilee Hall.Mr Fry was re-elected Chairman with Mr Budge as his Vice-Chairman.Messrs John Henry Boait and Eli John Broom were appointed Overseers.
Mr Hillier offered to give grass seed for the Churchyard and Mr Short, the new Caretaker, asked for some tools to be provided. 
Mr Loaring agreed to check whether Mr Perrott still had some belonging to the Burial Board.

Ordinary Meetings-Autumn
On 11 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall.Mr Budge acted as Chairman. 
After some discussion it was agreed to leave the repair of the gates on the footpath leading to Ammerham in abeyance until further advice had been taken.
 Mr Holcombe and Mr Northcombe were appointed “ to interview Mr Copps over the best way of renovating the Jubilee Hall which is in need of repair”. 
The Clerk was asked to write to the owner of the field at Malthouse asking for the stile leading from the road to be repaired. 
On 9 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall.
 It decided that the repairs to the footpath gates leading to Ammerham should be carried out by the landowners and not by the Council. 
Cheques for Burial Board expenses were signed. The report on the Jubilee Hall was discussed and it was agreed that Mr Singleton should be asked to give an estimate for doing the necessary work at the next meeting. He was to be paid £3 extra for the additional work involved while the Hall was used as a school. 
The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Copp thanking him for his helpful advice and to the owner of the property adjoining the Hall drawing his attention to the defective drain which was thought to be the cause of the dampness in the N.E. corner of the Hall. 
The Clerk was also asked to write to Chard R.D.C.complaining that the rebuilding of the wall in Back Street had achieved nothing as it had been rebuilt in the same place!
A letter was read from Mr Fry and one from Lord Bath concerning The Prince of Wales Fund. The Council thought funds could be raised by holding a Patriotic Concert and dividing the proceeds between the Village Lighting Fund and the Prince of Wales Fund.
Mr Budge chaired  the next meeting in the Jubilee Hall on 13 November. 
The Clerk was asked to write to the owners of the stiles at Malthouse and Verdhay asking for them to be repaired. 
A letter from Chard R.D.C. was read about the wall in Back Street. It was agreed that the Clerk should reply saying that the rebuilding was unsatisfactory and that the Parish Council should be consulted more carefully when work of this kind was being carried out. 
It was decided to ask Mr Singleton to lift the floorboards in the N.E. corner of the Jubilee Hall to establish the cause of the damp. This followed a letter from Mr Ward Coleridge, owner of the adjoining property. Mr Singleton reported to the Council that he would be unable to provide an estimate of the cost of necessary repairs to the building. 
The final meeting of the year was on 11 December.Mr Budge acted as Chairman. 
A letter was read from Mr Raisin saying he would do the necessary stile repairs but no reply had been received from Mrs Quick, the other owner involved. 
It was reported that Mr Singleton had lifted the floorboards in the Jubilee Hall and found that the damp was caused by rainwater seeping through the pathway outside. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Coleridge asking his permission to take up the path and have it cemented as well as the wall. 
The Council heard that the concert had been a great success and that £3.5.0d would be sent to the Prince of Wales Fund and £3 be credited to the Village Lighting Fund. Mr and Mrs Northcombe were thanked for their excellent organisation of the event.

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