Summaries of Parish Council business

1945-1949
(RPI Index-30-see Introduction)

1945

Spring 1945

The Statutory Meeting was held on 29 March in the Jubilee Hall.Revd Richardson was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Appleby Vice Chairman. Others present were Messrs Pym, Phillips, Mildon, Flory and the Clerk. As all matters on the agenda had been discussed at the Parish Meeting it was decided to proceed with the quarterly account. The Clerk told the Council that due to failing health he could not continue in his role as Clerk to the Council. Routine cheques were signed.

Summer 1945

On 22 June the Council met in the Jubilee Hall with Revd Richardson acting as Chairman. It was decided to offer a salary of £20 per year for the job of Caretaker of the Cemetery with an additional £5 for clearing the Churchyard and Cemetery. The Clerk was asked to write to Chard R.D.C. asking them to put Pools Lane “ in a better state of repair”. He was also asked to ensure that those booking the Jubilee Hall for Whist Drives and Dances be made aware that children under the age of fourteen should not be admitted. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1945

On 27 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall .Mr Appleby acted as Chairman .The Meeting was told that The Welcome Home Fund was being organised by a Committee elected at a public meeting. This clarified a query raised at the previous meeting. A bill for clearing the Cemetery and Churchyard from Mr Morgan was discussed. It was agreed to delay payment until Revd Richardson had spoken to Sir George Davies. Various cheques were signed .

On 19 December the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Richardson was Chairman. The Clerk reported that Chard R.D.C. had written to say that Somerset County Council was responsible for Pools Lane and that the Parish Council should write to them rather than to Chard R.D.C. The Council agreed to increase the charges for the hire of the Jubilee Hall to pay for repair work to damage caused by users. Routine cheques were signed.

Spring 1946

On 24 January the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Richardson was Chairman. The Clerk was asked to write to Chard R.D.C. seeking their permission for Mr Churchill to repair any leaking pipes or taps, as there were very long delays in getting them repaired at present. It was agreed to ask Chard R.D.C. to arrange a daily bus service for workmen, or at least one on Monday mornings. It was decided to apply for the number of Parish Councillors to be increased from six to nine at the next election. Regret was expressed at the absence through illness of both Mr Appleby and the Clerk. 

On 28 March the Council met. Revd Richardson acted as Chairman. A letter from Chard R.D.C. was read saying that the Sanitary Inspector would be dealing with the water wastage problem. The Council agreed “ that the names of those young men who had laid down their lives in the War be added to the names on the War Memorial”. Various cheques were signed.
The Parish Council Meeting on 28 March marked the end of an era because, at the subsequent one held on 26th April, many of the old faces were missing, replaced by a “New Look Council”. Mr Cross, the Clerk, had resigned due to poor health but there is no indication as to why Revd Richardson was replaced as Chairman. He had been Chairman since April 1925; perhaps he felt he had done his bit after twenty-one years! Whatever, there is no tribute to his outstanding service to the Council in the minutes of the meeting on 26 April 1946.

On 26 April the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Present were Messrs S A Browning, J Hammett, G S Lacey, C A Loaring, T H Pattemore, J H Phillips, C F Pym, Revd E Rushton and Sir George Davies C.V.O. On a motion proposed by Mr Phillips and seconded by Mr Pym Sir George was elected as Chairman unanimously. Mr Phillips was elected as Vice Chairman after winning more votes than Revd Rushton. There was a long discussion about appointing a new Clerk. It was agreed that until a replacement for Mr Cross was found Mr Phillips would fill the role. The Council decided to mark “ Victory Day” with a celebration including entertainment for the children. The Acting Clerk was asked to book the Winsham Band. He then read out a letter from Chard R.D.C. saying that some financial assistance would be available for such an event. The Chairman told the members that they should all see the legal documents relating to Parish Council property. He agreed to bring them to the next meeting. Messrs Browning and Lacey were asked by the Chairman to investigate a complaint about the dangerous state of the road at Purtington. Mr Phillips made the Council aware of the shortage of water in the village and of the action being taken by Chard R.D.C. Cheques were signed for:

(a) South Somerset District Electricity (for quarter ending 31 March) £2:3:4d
(b) Mr J Cross Audit Stamp £2:0:0d

Summer 1946

There was a Special Meeting of the Parish Council on 2 May in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. The reason for it being a special meeting was to inspect the Parish Councils property documents. However, the Chairman told the meeting that in his opinion this could wait for another time, as there were more important matters to be resolved. This was agreed. He then read a prepared statement detailing the powers, liabilities, responsibilities and property of the Council. He thought it desirable for this information to be placed on record .The Council agreed that this statement should be checked by the Acting Clerk and then added to the minutes. It should also be displayed in the village for the information of all parishioners. Messrs Brown and Lacey reported that a guard fence would solve the road problem at Purtington. The Chairman agreed to inform the Highways Authority. The Chairman reported that he had been unsuccessful in finding a replacement for Mr Cross as Parish Clerk. After a long debate Mr Phillips volunteered to act as Clerk for six months and the Council gratefully accepted this offer. It was agreed that it would be desirable to appoint an Assistant Clerk who could learn the duties of the position of Clerk from the Temporary Clerk! Such a person might then become qualified to fill the post of Parish Council Clerk. The Chairman was authorised to approach the following in order:

(a) Mr Bernard Milden
(b) Mr Jack Churchill
(c) Mr Basil Appleby
(d) Mr Albert Good

There then followed a long discussion about the arrangements for The Victory Celebrations. Decisions made were that:

(a) The Band would play from 2:30 to 9 pm at a cost of £10
(b) Two sub-committees would be formed, one to organise refreshments and the other sports and entertainment. Revd Rushton, Mr Pattemore and Mr Loaring formed the first and Messrs Lacey, Browning and Pym the second. In view of world shortages there was a debate as to whether food should be provided. It was agreed it should be and Rev Rushton had kindly agreed to provide it all and to pay for it.
(c) The Chairman’s application to the Food Office for 120 rations was endorsed.
(d) The cost of the event should be about £25.The Chairman invited individual Councillors to offer personal pledges towards the cost and these amounted to £13:2:0d
(e) Revd Rushton was appointed fundraiser.

Statement submitted by the Chairman at a meeting of the Parish Council on Thursday 2 May 1946

Cemetery
A loan of £150 was made from the bank in Chard on 19 December 1919 for the purchase of the Cemetery, which was paid off on 15 December 1938.The Parish Council are the Burial Authority. Besides being responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Cemetery, they are responsible for allotting sites for graves.

Borrowing
If the Parish Council wish to borrow money for some improvement work, it is necessary to obtain the consent of the County Council and the Ministry of Health. The interest on and repayment of any loan must be borne by the ratepayers of the parish.

Rates
The “Rateable Value” of the Parish is £2233, and a penny rate produces £19:13:5d as at the year ended 31 March 1945.
The Council is empowered to spend a four penny rate or £38:13:5d or up to an eight penny rate with the consent of a Parish Meeting. Anything in excess of that amount requires the consent of “Higher Authority”. Burial Expenses can be increased in addition to the four penny or eight penny rate.

Property
The Parish Council, as Trustees, holds the following property:

(a) The Recreation Field
(b) The Children’s Playground
(c) The War Memorial
(d) The Jubilee Hall
(a) The Cemetery

And also an investment of £100 in the Royal Agricultural Hall Company Limited Certificate Number 1494 for 10 £10 shares dated 26 February 1926.

Documents

All Trust Deeds, Title Deeds etc are kept in a “tin box”, the property of the Council, in the safe custody of the Westminster Bank Ltd Chard.

Liabilities

The Council has no outstanding financial liabilities in the way of loans etc, other than their general responsibility for the upkeep, maintenance and administration of the property they hold.

Poll

The cost of a Poll is about £15. This is to be borne by the ratepayers of the Parish.

George.F.Davies.

Chairman

There was a Special Meeting of the Council on 5 June in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. He read out a letter from Chard R.D.C. saying that the necessary road guard rail would be installed at Purtington. He told the meeting that he had checked all the Parish Documents and had placed a list and synopsis in the “tin box”. He asked that all Councilors  familiarise themselves with all the documents before the Quarterly Meeting on 26 July. The Chairman then told the meeting that he had seen Mr Jack Churchill and that he had reason to hope that he would become Assistant Parish Clerk with a view to later accepting the position of Parish Clerk. T here then followed a lengthy discussion about the Victory Celebrations. Revd Rushton and Mr Lacey considered their preparations to be satisfactory. Prize money was agreed for the various events, including Tug of War. Miss Harding, who was at the meeting, reported that the children were very keen. Mr Churchill, the Bandmaster and also at the Meeting, reported that the band was ready and at would be “under the instruction of the Council”. Mr Jack Churchill, at the meeting and in charge of the loudspeaker, said he was ready and that the radio set was suitable for the “job to be done”. It was agreed to ask Mr Lomax to audit the Victory Celebration Account in due course. Mr Jack Churchill was voted in as Assistant Parish Clerk.

On 20 June a Special Meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. Mr Jack Churchill attended as Assistant Clerk with Mr Phillips in the roles of Vice Chairman and Temporary Clerk. The Chairman explained that the purpose of the meeting was to wind up the accounts and other matters connected with the Victory Celebrations. The Chairman reported that he had written to a number of people thanking them for their help. Revd Rushton reported a surplus of £13:17:0d from the refreshments, having served 133 teas. After some discussion it was decided to hold this money for the present until it was agreed how it could best be used for the benefit of the parishioners .Mr Lacey reported that the sports had gone well and that the Dance in the Jubilee Hall had been a great success with plenty of helpers. Various cheques were signed.

On 27 June the Quarterly Meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. He explained that in preparation for this meeting he had asked the Temporary Clerk to prepare a Financial Statement showing the normal income and expenditure of the Council. This showed an average expenditure of £108 compared to an average income of £100.The Chairman said he had examined the insurance cover on the Jubilee Hall .He believed some changes were necessary and it was agreed that he and the Temporary Clerk would bring a proposal to the next meeting. The Council considered the Synopsis of Title Deeds prepared by the Chairman who stated that “the crux of the matter was to be found in the conditions to be observed by the Council in accordance with the terms of the various deeds. In certain respects, particularly as regards maintenance and upkeep, it would appear that in the past the Council has been somewhat remiss. It was mainly a question of labour and expenses.” After some discussion the Chairman announced that, with the approval of the Council, he proposed to set up the following Standing Committees:

Finance

Sir George Davies (Chairman)
Mr Phillips
Mr Hammett

Recreation Field, Childrens Playground and Cemetery

Mr Rushton (Chairman)
Mr Lacey
Mr Pattemore

Jubilee Hall
Mr Phillips (Chairman)
Mr Pym
Mr Loaring
Mr Browning

The Council supported this idea.

The Chairman said he would try to recover some past Schedule A Income Tax on the Jubilee Hall and Schedule D Income Tax on dividends from the Royal Agricultural Hall Company Ltd. Under Any Other Business the Chairman said that if the Parishioners wanted improvements to be made in the village some funding system needs to be started. In order to do so a Parish Meeting would have to be called to gauge peoples feelings. Some initial ideas suggested by the Chairman were:

(a) A pavilion on the Recreation Field.
(b) A tennis court on the Recreation Field
(c) A levelled space for skittling on the Recreation Field.
(d) Renovation work on the Children’s Playground
(e) Renovation work on the Jubilee Hall
(f) Improvements to the Cemetery

The Chairman suggested that if parishioners supported this idea, a fund could be started with weekly contributions leading to a situation in, say three years time, of having enough money for some improvements to be made. A general discussion followed at the end of which it was agreed that the matter should be raised at the next Parish Meeting. Mr Phillips was asked to attend the next meeting of the County Parish Council Association. Cheques were signed to pay the following:

(a) Chard R.D.C. (General and Water Rate) £3:19:10d
(b) Mr A Grabham (Salary) £5 and £1:0:0d for re-opening two graves
(c) Mrs Paul Caretaker (Salary) £3:18:0d
(d) Tithe Redemption Commissioners £3:4:4d
(e) Burial Fees £0:11:0d (Revd Richardson and Sextons Fees for the funerals of the late Mrs Paul and Mrs Budge)

Autumn 1946

The Council met on 27 September in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. He told the members that Mr Phillips had agreed to remain as Clerk until the many special problems awaiting consideration had been resolved. Mr Phillips, Chairman of the Jubilee Hall Committee gave a report, as did Mr Rushton for the Recreation Committee. Sir George Davies then gave his report from the Finance Committee. A general discussion followed at the end of which it was agreed that after some more research ideas about any improvements to village amenities should be debated at the Parish Meeting. It was decided that the Chairman and Mr Phillips should represent Winsham at any meetings of the Parish Council Association. The members decided that Mrs Bowden from Paul’s Ash and Mr Phillips should become the two School Managers. The Chairman read a letter from Chard R.D.C. questioning the ownership of the Pound. He and the Clerk were asked to investigate. The Clerk read out a Financial Statement as at the end of September, which showed a balance of £16.This sum included the profit made on the Victory Celebrations. The date of the next meeting was fixed for 17 October following the Parish Meeting on 11 October. Routine cheques were signed.

On 17 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. It was reported that, with the support of the Chard R.D.C., that efforts were being made to restore the Friday Bus Service between Chard and Winsham. Messrs Browning and Pattermore were tasked to investigate a complaint about the footpath between the Cemetery and Ammerham. In view of the voting at the Parish Meeting it was decided to canvas the whole village in an effort to raise a fund, by subscriptions, not weekly contributions, to enable the Council:

(a) To repair and make safe the Children’s Playground
(b) If the fund permits, to make essential repairs to the Jubilee Hall.

Councillors were asked to canvass various areas of the parish.Some cheques were signed.

On 21 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies acted as Chairman. The Clerk reported that £64:10:6d had been collected by Councillors and with the surplus made on the Victory Day Celebrations of £13:17:0d,a total of £78:7:6d was now available .The Chairman congratulated the collectors on their efforts. He then briefed the members on discussions and correspondence he had had with various people about improvements to the Playground, Recreation Field and Jubilee Hall. After due discussion the Council decided:

(a) To authorise the Playground Committee to “ act in their discretion”.
(b) That the Chairman should consult with the Ministry of Education about permanent improvements to the Recreation Ground.
(a) To engage Mr Morgan to check a survey done by Messrs Spillers and their estimate.
(b) To increase the insurance on the Jubilee Hall to £3000 and the outhouses and contents to £4500.

Messrs Browning and Pattermore reported that there were no obstructions to the footpath running from the Cemetery to Ammerham. After a discussion they were asked to “find out and report on the Missing Kissing Gates belonging to this footpath”. The Clerk read correspondence he had had with Chard R.D.C. on the matter of the bus service .It was agreed that no further action could usefully be taken. The Council decided that Picture Shows should be on Monday Evenings in future to avoid interfering with Mr Rushton's Guild held at his church on Wednesday evenings. Cheques were signed for

(a) J.H Phillips £3:10:0d for new graves for J Lewis, G Showers and C Appleby and to reopen a grave for J Cross.
(b) Ministers Fees to Revd Richardson £0:16:6d
(c) Mr M Cross (Congregational or Gospel Hall) £0:3:0d

Spring 1947

On 23 January the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies acted as Chairman. The Clerk presented a Financial Statement to the Council which showed that, including the Repair fund, there was a balance of £196:17:1d at the Westminster Bank. The Repair Fund amounted to £98:0:10d.The Clerk suggested that the Repair Fund should be made into a separate account. This idea was agreed. The Chairman told the Council that Mr Morgan had reported that Messrs Spillers quote of £275 for repairs to the Jubilee Hall was £50 too high. The Council agreed that the necessary work should start when funds become available. Pastor Rushton presented the report of his Playing Fields Committee. He described the planned work with relevant costs, including “incising the additional names on the War Memorial, which last would cost approximately £10.”It was decided to defer all this work for other estimates. The Chairman reported that he had sent two men to level the Ground. They had spent two and a half days there. He offered more workmen for other tasks. The Chairman agreed to contact the County Surveyor to provide road signs at a number of places in the Parish. The Clerk reported that the Cemetery Caretaker had resigned and that he had been unable to find a replacement. The Council agreed to his suggestion that instead of having a permanent Caretaker the Parish should pay someone to tidy the Cemetery and dig graves as required at the current rate of pay. The Clerk then reported that he had discovered that the Burial Fees in Winsham were far lower than a neighbouring parish. He was asked to obtain exact details in time for the next meeting. Cheques were signed for:

(a) Mrs Paul Caretaker Jubilee Hall £3:18:0d
(b) Mr A Grabham Cemetery Caretaker £5
(c) Mr C W Scriven Loud Speaker Village Meeting £2:2:0d
(d) Swaffield &Foote (Piano) Jubilee Hall £0:17:0d
(e) South Somerset Electricity Co (Jubilee Hall) £1:11:4d
(f) Mr D J Morgan Jubilee Hall Inspection £3:3:0d
(g) Mr F Churchill Repairs to Jubilee Hall and Recreation Field £2:7:6d
(h) Mr A H Hayes Jubilee Hall Lighting Repairs £1:17:4d
(i) Mr A Robbins Coal for the Jubilee Hall £0:15:10d
(j) Compensation Workman’s Policy £0:10:0d

The Annual Meeting was held on 28 March in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. Other Councillors present were Messrs J H Phillips, S A Browning, J Hammett, G S Lacey, C A Loaring, T H Pattemore, C F Pym, Pastor W E Rushton and the Assistant Clerk Mr J Churchill. Sir George Davies was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Phillips Vice Chairman. After some discussion Mr Phillips agreed to continue as Clerk for the next year if he was relieved of the responsibility for booking the Jubilee Hall and of finding a gravedigger. Mr J Churchill agreed to take over the bookings of the Hall. The Clerk presented a Financial Statement showing a balance of £36:11:9d in the current account and £91:12:3d on deposit. The Chairman reported that the necessary steps were being taken to carry out Lord Bridport's kind offer to delete from the Deed of Conveyance to the Council the penalty clause providing for the forfeiting, under certain circumstances, of the Hall and the Endowment Fund. He then said that the safety railings for the Children’s Playground along Western Way were ready for installation and had been paid for. He continued by saying that Messrs Woolcott of  Tatworth had agreed to repair the retaining wall and the masonry around the War Memorial for £50.He went on to say that he had discussed with someone from Messrs Appleby and Childs of Yeovil the inscribing of additional names on the Memorial. It was agreed that all this planned work would have to wait for good weather. The Council discussed at length the problem of the digging of graves. It was agreed that the Chairman and Pastor Rushton should interview Mr Singleton to see if he would take on this task at £0:2:6d per hour. The Chairman reported that the County Council had accepted responsibility for the repair of Poole’s Lane and that “the necessary work would be put in hand”. The Clerk reported that he had had numerous complaints about the cleaning of gutters in the main streets, which had been causing unnecessary flooding. The Chairman agreed to speak to the County Surveyor. It was reported that posters had been displayed in the village promoting the “ Dig for Plenty” campaign. The Council decided to run a Flag Day for King Georges Fund in conjunction with other villages in the area. Various cheques were signed including one for the Ministers Fees for the funeral of the late F D Richardson.

Summer 1947

On 30 May the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies acted as Chairman. The Clerk presented a Financial Statement and the Council agreed to press ahead with the improvements to the Children’s Playground at a total cost of £100, £17 more than the balance in the Improvement Fund on the assumption that the extra money could be raised by the time the bills had to be paid. The Clerk reported that the Royal Agricultural Company had resumed dividend payments on the shares, which form an Endowment Fund of the Jubilee Hall. These had stopped during the War. The Chairman reported that it was likely that £46 of back payments of Income Tax in respect of the Jubilee Hall could be recovered, as the Hall is by nature a charitable and not profit making undertaking. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Winsham Band following their generous gift of £20 to the Improvement Fund. The appointment of new Trustees to replace Revd Richardson and Mr C.S Appleby, who had both died, was delayed until a new Vicar had been appointed. Various cheques were signed.

On 31 July the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Mr Phillips was Chairman. (Sir George Davies had given notice that he would be abroad until October). It was agreed to engage the “ Flutterbyes Concert Party” to give a concert in October at an inclusive fee of twelve guineas .The suggested date was 31 October. This event was to raise money for the Improvement Fund. The Council decided to ask the Clerk to write a letter of sympathy to Mrs Paul, Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall, following the death of her husband in an accident at the Axewater Bridge Bend. It was also agreed that a letter should be sent to the Highway Authority asking for warning signs to be installed at this dangerous corner. The Clerk read out the latest bank statement for the Vicar and Trustees Deposit Balance which showed a balance of £54:12:8d.The United Charities Current Account was £52:6:2d in credit. It was agreed that Pastor Rushton be appointed one of the Trustees filling the vacancy created by the death of Mr CS Appleby. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1947

On 9 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Mr Phillips acted as Chairman. A letter was read from Mr Dommett requesting that the County Council adopt the road running from Paul’s Ash to Wayford. The Clerk was asked to pass the letter to Chard R.D.C. for action. He then announced that the Southern Bus Company had intimated that they were prepared to provide a daily service, very good news! The Council then discussed the current timetable and decided to ask for some alterations. The Flutterbyes Concert was then debated and it was agreed to go ahead, with any profit going to the Village Improvements Fund. The date of 31 October was confirmed. Mr Rushton reported that permission had been given for the Children’s Playground to be fenced. A Precept for £50 was agreed. Various cheques were signed.

The last meeting of the Year was on 30 December. Sir George Davies was Chairman. The Clerk gave a Financial Statement showing matters in a healthy state. The Chairman then outlined his ideas on the removal of the Village Pump and the Village Cross for safety reasons. It was agreed that this should be discussed at the Parish Meeting. A letter from Messrs Foote and Sanders was read asking for Gospel Hall Lane to be adopted by Chard R.D.C. As the lane is owned by several people, the Council felt they were unable to do anything. The Clerk reported that he had received a refund of Income Tax on the Jubilee Hall of £43:17:6d. A request from Mrs Bowden, Secretary of the Youth Club, to hire the Jubilee Hall was discussed. It was agreed to allow them to use it on one evening a week at a charge of £0:7:6d.Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1948

On 13 February the Council met in the Jubilee Hall .Sir George Davies was Chairman. Others present were Messrs Browning, Lacey, Loaring, Pattemore, Pym, Rushton, Hammett and Phillips. The Clerk presented the accounts for the year ending 31 March 1947.There then followed lengthy discussions about fees for using the Jubilee Hall and for burials. It was decided to delay any decision concerning the Jubilee Hall until the Clerk had done some more research but the following resolution about burial fees was passed:
“Until a revised list of internment fees has been approved by the Ministry of Health, the charge for internment of the body of a person whose age at the time of death exceeds one month and in respect of whose grave no exclusive right of burial has been granted, shall be £0:15:0d exclusive of the cost of the digging of the grave (which is the responsibility of the relatives of the deceased) as approved by the Ministry of Health on March 17 1925”.
The Chairman read out a letter from the Secretary of the Youth Club. Councillors expressed regret over remarks made in the letter about the piano and one member hoped that “ the Youth Club would so flourish and be in a position to eventually present a new piano to the Council !” An estimate of £12 to £14 from Mr Slade to repair storm damage to the Churchyard was accepted. The Chairman reported that Mr Churchill would not be able to take over as Parish Clerk. The Temporary Clerk agreed to continue for another year. A Precept for £50 was agreed. Various cheques were signed.

On 12 March the Annual Meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. The Clerk gave a Financial Statement showing a balance of about £170.He then reported that Mr Slade had repaired storm damage to the roof of the Jubilee Hall and had done it well. The Council discussed and agreed revised fees for use of the Jubilee Hall. Examples of these were that the charge for a dance went up from £0:15:6d to £1 and for a wedding reception from £0:11:6d to £0:17:6d. Sir George Davies was re-elected as Chairman with Mr J Phillips Vice Chairman. The Clerk reported that Mrs Paul was unable to continue as Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall due to failing health. He was authorised to find a temporary replacement. He was also asked to let the keep of the Recreation Ground for one year. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1948

On 23 June the Parish Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. Others present were Messrs Browning, Loaring, Pattemore, Pym, Lacey, Phillips and Pastor Rushton. Mr Hammett was unable to attend. It was reported that the Cemetery was being well maintained and that, as Mr Churchill had the necessary materials, the fencing around the Children’s Playground could be finished. The Council discussed the poor state of the Jubilee Hall roof. It was agreed to obtain some estimates for the repair work required. As Mr Phillips had resigned the Council voted to replace him on the body of School Managers with Revd Childs. The Council decided to allow the Conservative Party to use the Children’s Playground for a Cinema Show on 1 July. It was agreed that other political parties should be allowed to do the same if they wished to. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1948

On 24 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. The Clerk presented the accounts for the previous two years showing a balance of about £180.The Chairman congratulated the Clerk on this satisfactory state of affairs and for the successful audit. The Chairman reported that the major repairs to the War Memorial had been completed at a cost of £117 by Messrs H L Woolcott. The Clerk said that an application for a 7:15 am Workman’s Bus had been made and that Chard R.D.C. had supported the request. There was a long discussion about the cost of maintaining the Jubilee Hall. It was agreed that a further appeal to the villagers would probably be necessary in due course. Cheques were signed for the following:

(a) Recreation Ground Leigh Estate £2:9:11d
(b) Mrs Paul Caretaker Jubilee Hall £3:18:0d
(c) Mr Phelps Cemetery Caretaker £5
(d) Electricity Company £0:2:10d
(e) Mr Churchill Recreation Ground Fence £32:11:4d
(f) Mr Slade Churchyard Wall Repairs £9:16:3d
(g) Mr Grabham Churchyard Grave £0:10:0d
(h) Messrs HL Woolcott War Memorial £117

On 29 December the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Sir George Davies was Chairman. The Clerk read his Financial statement which showed a balance of about £60.The Chairman then read a letter from the Chief Education Officer about the hiring of the Jubilee Hall for Cultural and Educational events with the aim of qualifying for a grant to help meet the cost of essential repairs. After some discussion it was decided to let the Jubilee Hall to all “Cultural and Educational Bodies” for the nominal fee of two shillings per evening. Charges for such events as Whist Drives and Dances would remain unaltered. The Clerk then read a letter from Chard R.D.C. saying that they had provisionally selected a site for the building of more houses on the West side of the existing Bakers Field houses. As the site was over eight acres the R.D.C. considered that part of the land might be suitable as a Playing Field. After some discussion it was agreed that a better site would be part of the arable field opposite the field being offered by Chard R.D.C.
The Council was told that the coke stove in the Jubilee Hall was beyond repair. It was agreed to replace it. Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1949

The first meeting of the New Year was on 1 March. It was a Special Meeting called by the Chairman, Sir George Davies. The purpose of the meeting was for the Chairman to announce that Somerset Education Committee had decided to make a grant of £150 to Winsham Parish Council towards the total cost of £300 for repairs and decoration of the Jubilee Hall. The Council voted to accept the offer with a suitably appreciative letter. The Chairman agreed to investigate whether further funding might be available in the next financial year.

On 29 March the Annual Parish Council Meeting took place in the Jubilee Hall. Those Council members present were Major Sir George Davies CVO, Messrs Browning, Loaring, Pattermore, Pym, Lacey, Hammett, Phillips and Pastor W E Rushton. The Clerk opened the meeting with his Financial Statement for the year ending 31 March 1949 showing a working balance of £44:14:3d.The Chairman then gave his report in which he said that the grant of £150 from the County Education Committee was conditional on the Parish raising an equivalent amount. The Council authorised the Chairman to accept the offer with “ the stipulation that the Council would attempt to raise the balance”. The Council also endorsed that the Chairman’s Report which he planned to present to the Annual Parish Meeting. The Council agreed to let the keep on the Recreation Ground to Miss Courtney for one year for £5.It also agreed to let the Jubilee Hall to Mr Simmonds on a Monday evening in December for a “Free Picture Show” for the villagers. The Clerk reported that the application for a bus service via Bridge, Leigh and White Gate would be considered at the next meeting of the Transport Board. Various routine cheques were signed.

Summer 1949

There was a Special Meeting of the Parish Council on 3 May in the Jubilee Hall. Major Sir George Davies was Chairman. Other members of the newly elected Council present were Messrs Browning, Loaring, Pattermore, Pym, Lacey, Hammett, Phillips and Pastor Rushton. The Chairman told the Council of his concern over the urgency of the repairs to the Jubilee Hall and of the need for the new Council to raise between £150 and £200 to match the County grant thus enabling the work to be done. It was reported that the Church Members had raised enough money to repair the Churchyard path .The Council agreed to ask the contractors to tarmac the path running from Poole’s Lane to the Cemetery as well at a total cost of about £60.After due consideration the Council decided not to remain a member of the Somerset Association of Parish Councils due to “the apathy shown by a number of parishes in the County over the recent elections and nominations of Parish Councillors”. It was reported that the Agricultural Hall Islington Company was doing well and that a six percent dividend on the Councils shares was thought likely. The members were then informed that Sir George Davies would not be seeking re-election as he planned to leave the district. Both the Clerk and Pastor Rushton paid tribute to Sir George and to Lady Davies for their wonderful contribution to the life of the Parish. “One could sense a feeling of sorrow that the Winsham Parish Council were losing Sir George as Chairman. The Band under Band Master Dunster played Auld Lang Syne and all members stood and joined hands and sang the old favourite meaningfully”. Sir George said he regretted leaving “but it had to be”. The meeting ended with the members singing the first verse of the National Anthem accompanied by the Winsham Band.

On 24 May the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Those attending were Mrs Mary Bowden, Rev Theodore John Childs, Mrs Dorothy Clara Dommett, Messrs Leonard Sydney Dommett, Robert Frank Miles, Thomas Henry Pattermore, Joe Hodder Phillips, Cecil Frank Pym and Pastor Wilson Ernest Rushton. The Declaration of Acceptance of Office was made by each member before Revd Childs was elected as Chairman with Pastor Rushton Vice - Chairman. Mr Phillips agreed to continue as Clerk for one more year. The following committees were appointed:

Recreation
Mrs Bowden
Mrs Dommett
Mr Miles
Mr Pattermore
Jubilee Hall & Cemetery
Mr Pym
Mr Phillips
Mr Dommett

The Clerk reported that the Church path and the path from Poole’s Lane to the Cemetery had been re-laid and that the workmanship was good. The Council wished to record their gratitude to the Parochial Church Council for their public-spirited action in meeting the cost of the Church path. The Council appointed Mrs Bowden and Revd Childs as its representatives on the Board of Managers for the Winsham School. Various routine cheques were signed.

On 2 June there was a Special Meeting of the Council to consider an estimate from Messrs RG Spiller to carry out repairs to the Jubilee Hall. It was chaired by Revd Childs. After a long discussion it was decided to arrange a site meeting with the contractor when some further ideas could be talked over. Ways and means of raising at least £200 were discussed and it was agreed that the Entertainment Committee should bring their ideas for an Activities Week to the next Council meeting. The Council also agreed to buy a Minimax fire appliance for the Jubilee Hall. As there had been an accident in the Recreation Ground the Clerk was asked to contact the Prudential Insurance Company with the aim of arranging suitable cover in both the Recreation Ground and Jubilee Hall. (The accident was caused by one of the swing chains breaking. The child involved was not injured). Mrs Bowden reported that she had inspected the footpath leading from Chard Road to Holliwells Lane and that an obstruction did exist. The Clerk was asked to write to the landowner concerned.

On 16 June the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. Mr Miles told the Council that the Entertainments Committee had discussed fund raising ideas for the Jubilee Hall. After a long discussion the Council concluded that a Festivities Week should be held during the period of 11-17 September. The members then examined Messrs Spillers estimate to carry out the repairs to the Jubilee Hall and decided to accept the quote with the proviso that the ceiling be cleaned only and then treated with one coat of Cuprinol Insecticide. The Clerk was asked to request an amended estimate and to instruct them to carry on with the repairs to the roof as soon as possible. The following cheques were signed:

(a) Mrs Paul Jubilee Hall £3:18:0d
(b) Mr Phelps Cemetery £5:0:0d
(c) 'Minimax'- Jubilee Hall £5:15:0d
(d) Cemetery Account Repairs £0:8:0d
(e) Prudential Assurance Third Party Insurance £3:7:6d

On 21 July the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Council decided to replace the chains on the swings in the children’s playground with steel wire following the recent accident when a chain broke. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Chard R.D.C. to express regret that the application for a Workman’s Bus had not been successful and to urge that the matter be put before the Consultative Committee as Winsham Parish Council had been pursuing this matter for a very long time. The Chairman agreed to interview Mr Saunders about the obstructions to footpaths on his land and the poor state of repair of some of his stiles. (Mr Saunders had ignored several letters from the Clerk to the Parish Council). After some discussion the members agreed that a presentation should be made to Sir George and Lady Davies to reflect the villages appreciation for all they had done for Winsham. The Council decided that Miss Creech, probably assisted by Miss Harding, should be appointed Treasurer of the fund. It was thought that the presentation should be held on the opening night of the Jubilee Hall Week. The Council agreed to confirm the revised estimate from Messrs Spiller for the repairs to the Jubilee Hall of £344:14:6d and to set the Fund Raising Target Figure for the Hall at £750:0:0d.Various cheques were signed including one for £60:0:0d to Mr Leonard Fisher for the work done on the Churchyard and Cemetery paths.

Autumn 1949

On 9 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. A letter was read from Chard R.D.C. allocating one of the new Council houses to Mr Lee, the R.D.C. Technical Assistant. As the Council could do nothing about the matter it was decided to let it drop. Mr Miles, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee, reported that everything was in order for the “Festivities Week” following an enormous amount of work by the Committee and various helpers. In view of the general feeling in the village, the Council decided that there would not be a presentation to Sir George and Lady Davies. On 5 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The members discussed the colour scheme for the Jubilee Hall and decided to follow the suggestions made by Mrs Bowden and Mrs Dommett. It was reported that the Festivities Week had made £240:19:9d .The Council agreed that details should be displayed in Messrs Appleby’s Shop window with the kind permission of Mr and Mrs Goodier. A vote of thanks was carried unanimously for the hard work put in by the Entertainment Committee and their helpers. The subject of improving the lighting in the Jubilee Hall was discussed. It was agreed to ask Mr Hayes for ideas.

On 11 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. He read a letter from Mrs Bowden tendering her resignation. During a long discussion Mr Miles explained his position in the matter and it was agreed that the Chairman should write to Mrs Bowden asking her to reconsider her decision. The Council decided to pay Messrs Spiller £250 from the Improvement Fund as work on the Jubilee Hall was nearing completion. Various routine cheques were signed.

The last meeting of the year was on 2 December. It was chaired by Revd Childs who explained that he had written to Mrs Bowden and that, as a result, she had decided to withdraw her resignation. This news delighted the members. A discussion took place over details to do with the Jubilee Hall such as curtain material, concreting the path outside and scrubbing the floor. The Council agreed that other work would have to be done on the Hall in the future and that therefore other fund raising events would have to be held. It was agreed that Mrs Bowden would speak to Miss Harding about organising a social event in the New Year.