Summaries of Parish Council business

1950-1954
(RPI Index-24-see Introduction)

1950

Spring 1950

The Council met on 21 February in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The final account from Messrs Spiller was presented. It was for £412:14:8d. As the Council had already paid £250 a debt of £162:14:8d remained. The Clerk pointed out that there was not enough money in the account to meet this sum. It was agreed to pay £100 on account and to see if Messrs Spiller could offer some rebate. After doing that the Council planned to appeal to the County Education Committee for more money. The Chairman reported that the Church clock was in need of repair .It was agreed to support an appeal to the Parish for the £50 or £60 required. Mrs Dommett drew attention to the “ Blind Spot” at Street Corner and it was agreed to contact the District Surveyor .

On 5 May the Council gathered in the Jubilee Hall for the Annual Parish Meeting. Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Pym Vice-Chairman in succession to Mr Rushton who had resigned from the Council. The Chairman was asked to contact Mr Rushton to try to persuade him to remain a member of the Council. Others present were Mrs Bowden, Mr and Mrs Dommett, Messrs Miles, Pym, Pattemore and Phillips. The Council agreed to advertise for a Parish Clerk in the Chard and Ilminster News. Mr Phillips explained that the workload had increased and would continue to do so and that a Permanent Clerk was required. The Council then discussed raising more funds for the repairs and improvements to the Jubilee Hall. It was agreed to stage another Festivities Week and a meeting was arranged for 18 May to float ideas. Following an application from a political party to hire the Jubilee Hall, the Council decided it should not be used for such a purpose and should only be available for locally organised events enjoyed by villagers. It was decided to allow the Girl Guides to use the Recreation Ground for their exercise. The Council agreed to leave the charges for hiring the Jubilee Hall unaltered except for a new charge of £0:2:6d for using the power point to make tea.

Summer 1950

On 4 August the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Chairman reported that he had written to Mr Rushton but to no avail. 
It was agreed that the Women’s Institute should have their own Notice Board outside the Jubilee Hall provided it was kept in good repair. The Council granted permission for the Football Club to use the coal storeroom in the Jubilee Hall as a changing room for visiting teams. A request from the Labour Party to use a cupboard in the Jubilee Hall for storing crockery and to erect a Notice Board outside was rejected. 
The Clerk briefed the members on a meeting he had attended in Chard concerning Public Rights of Way. He also gave details of the damage done to the War Memorial by a lorry belonging to Mr Wheaton. He said the matter was being dealt with by the police .He continued by saying that the District Nurses were to be re-housed and he considered the Council house currently occupied by the R.D.C. Architect Mr Lee to be suitable for their use. 
A letter was read out from Brigadier Neville about Civil Defence Recruiting. The Council agreed to ask Lieutenant Colonel Tomkins to be responsible for local recruiting. The Chairman reported that the County Education Committee had sent a cheque for £12:10:0d to go towards the cost of repairs to the Jubilee Hall. This was in response to a request for £150! 
After a long discussion the Temporary Clerk agreed to continue for another year provided someone else could do the Jubilee Hall bookings. The Council agreed that the Caretaker, Mrs Paul, should be approached. Various cheques were signed .

On 22 August the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. Following “ The Winsham Week” the members decided that a letter should be sent to the main participants asking for their views on how the money made should be spent. It was decided that a letter of thanks should be sent to Mr Simmonds for his Picture Entertainment and to Mr Grabham of the George Hotel for the loan of the Skittle Alley.
The Council agreed to invite Mr Dommett, Clerk to Chard R.D.C., to a Parish Meeting on 7 September to explain the Somerset County Council policy on Rights of Way.

 On 16 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall.Revd Childs acted as Chairman. It was with great regret that the death of Mr Pattemore was reported. A tribute was paid to him by the Chairman, all members standing for two minutes in silence as a mark of respect. The Council agreed to carry out further repairs to the Jubilee Hall, namely relining the roof valleys and concreting the path at the rear of the building. A letter was read from Mr C W Phelps resigning as Cemetery Caretaker from 25 March 1951.The following cheques were signed:
            a) Chard R.D.C. Repairs to Water System Jubilee Hall £2:2:3d
            (b) Chard R.D.C. Water Rates Jubilee Hall £5
            (c) Recreation Ground Tithes Account £0:5:11d
            (d) Parish Meeting Advert £0:4:0d
            (e) Wilts United Dairies Firewood Jubilee Hall £1:5:0d
            (f) South Western Electricity Jubilee Hall £1:18:4d
            (g) Swaffield & Foote Piano Tuning Jubilee Hall £0:8:6d
            (h) Messrs Halse & Son Cemetery Account £1:10:1d
            (i) Slade Jubilee Hall Account £14:9:2d
            (j) Hayes Jubilee Hall Account Lighting System £82
            (k) Charles Knight Stationary £0:0:10d
            (l) Slade Auction Jubilee Hall chairs etc £16:12:6d

Spring 1951

On 23 January the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. Others present were Messrs Pym, Dommett, Miles, Phillips and Mesdames Bowden and Dommett. The Council decided that people hiring the Jubilee Hall should be responsible for locking up after a function and for handing the keys to the Caretaker. They then discussed a complaint from Mr Hood that water from the Jubilee Hall was entering his house. The Clerk was asked to contact Mr Slade to do any necessary work. It was agreed to have a Spring Clean in the Hall and to perhaps make use of the carpet, which had been stored in the attic since the Hall was taken over as a school during the War. The Council decided to obtain an estimate for various repairs in the Churchyard. A number of cheques were signed. 

On 9 April the Council gathered in the Jubilee Hall for the Annual Meeting. Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Pym Vice- Chairman. Other members present were Messrs Dommett, Miles, and Phillips and Mrs Dommett. Apologies were received from Mrs Bowden. As there were no volunteers for the post of Clerk, Mr Phillips agreed to continue for a further year. It was decided to apply to the Somerset Education Committee for a grant towards the maintenance of the Jubilee Hall. After a long discussion it was decided to raise some of the charges for hiring the Jubilee Hall. Other decisions made at the meeting were:

(a) Miss Courtney granted the keep on the Recreation Ground till Lady Day 1952 for £5.
(b) Mr Bridle to be asked to tidy the Churchyard by Mr Dommett.
(c) The Jubilee Hall carpet to be re-laid in the Ladies Dressing Room “ as this was the purpose for which it was presented to the Hall”.
(d) The playing cards and keys to various cupboards of the Hall to be kept by the Caretaker.
(e) The County Education Committee to be approached for a grant towards the cost of repairing the Churchyard wall.

Various routine cheques were signed.

Summer 1951

On 26 June the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. It was reported that Civil Defence Courses would start in the Jubilee Hall on 5 July. Mr Douglas Paul was appointed Caretaker of the Hall in succession to his mother who had died. Mr Phillips handed in his letter of resignation to the Chairman, which was accepted. Cheques were signed for the following:

(a) Mr C W Phelps Cemetery Quarter ending 25 March £5
(b) Chard R.D.C/ Jubilee Hall Rates £5:10:0d
(c) Bailey & Sons Jubilee Hall Receipt Book £1:2:9d
(d) South Western Electricity Jubilee Hall £2:18:2d
(e) KDJ Slade Jubilee Hall Repairs £57:18:5d
(f) Mr D Paul Caretaker Jubilee Hall £3:18:0d
(g) Prudential Assurance Recreation Ground Third Party £3:7:6d
(h) Mr A Broadbridge Jubilee Hall Cleaning £0:16:3d

Autumn 1951

On 1 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported details of the audit of the accounts for the year 1950/1951. He was asked to speak to the Highways Surveyor about the need for signs to warn of the danger posed by the Axewater Bridge. The Council decided to appoint Mr J Evans as Caretaker of the Cemetery at an annual salary of £20, which would be subject to periodical review. The Clerk was asked to speak to Mr Wheaton about buying some of his land for an extension to the Cemetery. Mrs Dommett was elected to serve on the Nursing Association Committee. The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from the County Council about the Welfare Clinic, which was to be run once a month in the Jubilee Hall. He also read a letter he had had from The Royal Agricultural Hall Ltd proposing a re-arrangement of their share capital. It was agreed that the Clerk should get advice from the Manager of the Westminster Bank before taking any action. The Clerk reported that the Women’s Institute had presented a set of stage curtains to the Jubilee Hall and that he had written a letter of thanks. Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1952
On 7 January the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk presented a Financial Report showing a balance of about £80 in the Parish Council Account. He then gave details of the Auditors comments on the Year 1950/1951. The Clerk reported that he had not received a reply from Mr Wheaton about buying some of his land for an extension to the Cemetery. Mr Dommett was asked to take up the matter with Mr Wheaton. The Council was informed that the District Surveyor had authorised a sign for the dangerous corner at Axe Bridge and that it would be erected shortly. 
A letter of complaint from Mr Higgins was read saying that his Bakehouse wall had been damaged by the lavatory overflow in the Jubilee Hall. After a long discussion the Council agreed to ask Mr Slade to carry out the necessary work for his estimated cost of £50 to £55. An application from Mr Phelps to hire the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday evenings for Old Time Dancing was agreed at a cost of £0:15:0d per session. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Wheaton to remove the obstructions on the Winsham to Ammerham footpath. The Clerk reported that the original shares in the Royal Agricultural Halls (nominal value 10 x £10) had been exchanged for 140 x £1 shares. A fresh certificate had been issued. 
It was proposed by Mr Pym and seconded by Mr Miles that Mr Dommett be appointed as representative Trustee of the Wheadon's Charity in place of Mr Rushton who had left the district. Various cheques were signed including one to K D Slade for £22:1:6d for repairs to the Jubilee Hall. 

There was a Special Council Meeting on 24 January in the Jubilee Hall to arrange a social event. Revd Childs was Chairman. Tasks delegated by him were:

(a) Mrs Bowden- Refreshments
(b) Mr Miles- Announcer
(c) Mr Pym - Records

It was agreed to display notices in the Village Shop and for Mr Hawker to be approached for a gramophone. 

On 18 February the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Arrangements for the Social were discussed. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1952

On 26 May the Council met for the Annual Parish Meeting. Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Pym as Vice Chairman. Other elected members were Mary Bowden, Theodore John Childs, James Cull, Hilda Mary Evans, Beatrice May Harding, Douglas Henry Paull, Joe Hodder Phillips, and Janet Dunn Ralston. After some discussion it was decided to advertise for a Parish Clerk as the Temporary Clerk, Mr Phillips wished to be relieved of his duties. It was agreed to let the keep on the Recreation Ground to Miss Courtney for the year for £5. The Council decided to ask Miss Harding to check the Rights of Way and Footpaths survey before it is sent to the County Council. They also decided to agree to a request from Mr Evans, the Cemetery Caretaker, for some gravel to be bought for the paths.

Autumn 1952

On 4 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. It was reported that Miss Harding had checked the Survey of Footpaths and Rights of Way and had found them to be correct. The Clerk was authorised to return the document to Chard R.D.C. for forwarding to the County Council. The Clerk was asked to write to the Committee of the Old Time Dancing Class thanking them for their gift of £4:10:0d to the Jubilee Hall Fund. They were granted use of the Hall for another year! They were also allowed to use it free of charge for a Dance on 12 September in order to raise funds for “The Lynmouth Disaster Fund”. 
The Chairman announced that the Church collection on 14 September would be donated to the same cause. The Council agreed to hire out the Jubilee Hall chairs at six pence each, chairs having to be returned the following day. The Clerk reported that Miss Courtney no longer wanted the keep of the Recreation Ground. Revd Childs and Mrs Bowden were re-elected as members of the School Managers representing the Parish Council. The members heard that four more Council Houses were planned and that building should start soon. The Council was told of a number of complaints about the filthy condition of the main village streets. The Clerk was asked to raise the matter with the appropriate authorities. The following cheques were signed:

(a) Mr D Paull Jubilee Hall Caretaker £7:16:0d
(b) Mr D J Evans Cemetery Caretaker £14:4:0d
(c) Mr D J Evans Children’s Recreation Ground £1:10:0d
(d) South West Electricity Fuel and Light £1:17:1d
(e) Chard R.D.C. Election Expenses £3:2:3d
(f) Jubilee Hall Fire Insurance £2:11:9d

On 3 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk read a letter from Miss Courtney asking for the keep of the Recreation Field. After a discussion the Council decided to refuse her application as the children were now using the Field a great deal. 
The Clerk reported that at a meeting he had had with the Highways Surveyor, it had been agreed that traffic signs should be erected at the approaches to the village from West Street and from the Chard to Bridport road. It was also agreed to place white lines at the cross roads near the War Memorial. The Surveyor was not sympathetic to the request to tidy the filthy streets, saying “ that it was just a question of finance and a shortage of labour and he thought a lot could be done if the public exercised a little more thought and refrained from throwing cigarette packets etc about the streets”. 
The Council discussed the hire charges for the Jubilee Hall and agreed to some changes. After a long debate it was agreed to form a Coronation Celebrations Committee made up of representatives from all the clubs and organisations in the village. The 27 November was planned for their first meeting. Miss Ralston raised the subject of sewage disposal, saying that the village had far more cases of measles, mumps and tonsillitis than elsewhere locally. Messrs Cull and Phillips said they were taking up the matter with Chard R.D.C. Various cheques were signed. 

On 27 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk gave his Financial Report. The balance in the account was £242:8:3d. “ A letter from the Secretary of the Old Time Dancing Class was read by the Clerk complaining of the action of the Caretaker of the Hall with regard to the erection of the stage etc and also that access to the Ladies Toilet Room was not possible on the night that the class had use of the Hall owing to a Football Meeting being held in the kitchen. The Caretaker was questioned as regards the complaint and after a lengthy discussion it was proposed by Mrs Bowden and seconded by Miss Ralston that the Football Club be asked to change their night of meeting so as to enable the Old Time Dancing Class to have full use of the Hall and Ladies Cloak Room. Carried unanimously.” 
The meeting chose Revd Childs to be Chairman of the Coronation Celebrations Committee with Mr Meaker as Secretary after which there was a discussion about the programme of events. This meeting was well attended. Various routine cheques were signed.

Spring 1953

The first Council Meeting of the New Year was on 5 February in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported that the Divisional Surveyor had written to say that two “ Children” signs would be erected either side of the playing field on the B3162 but that no sign was planned in West Street. The Clerk was asked to query this decision, as West Street is busy at times due to the Sawmills and Milk Factory. An increase in salary for the Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall was agreed, the new rates to be ten shillings a week in the winter and six shillings in the summer. The Council decided that house to house collections for the Flood Relief Fund should coincide with the collection for the Coronation Fund on 14 February. The members agreed to have a meeting with the Divisional Surveyor to discuss the “Curbing in Church Street”. This followed a number of complaints to the Clerk and to some Councillors. Various cheques were signed. 

The Council met in the Schoolroom on 27 March. Mr Pym was Chairman. The Clerk presented a Financial Report for the Year 1952/1953 indicating a balance of about £150. This was considered to be satisfactory. It was reported that recruiting for the Civil Defence was poor and that more volunteers were needed. The Council considered a planning application for a caravan site at Stuckeys Farm following a letter of objection signed by five neighbours. The members decided to forward it to Chard R.D.C. with their comments. As a Coronation Contribution the Girl Guides were granted permission to place flowers on the War Memorial until the end of the Year. Various cheques were signed, including one to KDJ Slade for the Jubilee Hall for £54:8:4d.

Summer 1953

The Council met on 21 July in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was re-elected Chairman with Mr Pym Vice Chairman. Other members of the Council were Mrs Bowden, Mrs Evans, Miss Ralston, Mr Paull, Mr Cull and the Temporary Clerk, Mr Phillips. The Council decided to grant Mr Simmonds a reduction in hire charges for his Picture Shows in the Jubilee Hall for a period of six months due to falling audiences. The Clerk reported that he had secured a Tax Rebate of £15:12:6d on the Royal Agricultural Halls Shares Dividends after a very long time. The members agreed to apply for a bus service to Crewkerne on Fridays leaving at 10am and returning at 5pm. This service would enable children to attend the Health Clinic and people to catch another bus in to Yeovil.

Autumn 1953

On 17 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The purpose of the meeting was to carefully consider the idea of buying a Recreation Field from the Rural District Council. The field concerned was West Field, an arable field costing about £126 per acre. The Council discussed ways of raising the necessary money. Mention was made of a number of “Dormant Funds” and Mr Paull was asked to check on the £80 belonging to “The Boys Club”. The Council agreed that the money should be raised in the village if possible by a united effort. A Parish Meeting was arranged for 1 October to hear the views of the local residents. 

On 16 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk presented his Financial Report. The members voted for an allowance of £8 to the Clerk towards his costs, which he had been paying from his own pocket. The Clerk was asked to apply for a Pillar Box and telephone for Laymore following an application from Captain Bell. The Clerk reported that the Jubilee Hall Improvement Fund had a balance of £53 and it was agreed to spend some of this money on improving the area around the Hall. It was decided to obtain an estimate to concrete the space between the Hall and the Bakery and to delegate authority to the Clerk to act as he saw fit in cooperation with Mrs Higgins, the owner of the Bakery. The Council decided to offer the Jubilee Hall garden “Let Free” for the next two years and thereafter for ten shillings a year. Various cheques were signed.

 On 7 December the Council met in the School Room. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported that the concreting of the space between the Jubilee Hall and the Bakery was almost completed but that, owing to the non- cooperation of the owners of the Bakery, it would be impossible to complete the job as he had wished. The cost of this work was expected to be £50. The Clerk was asked to proceed with repairing the boundary wall approach from Fore Street and with the erection of suitable gates to prevent “ little boys from trespassing on the garden and surround of the Jubilee Hall”. The Clerk reported that he was organising for the renovation of the equipment in the Recreation Ground as some of it had become dangerous and shabby. He said that he was applying to the Playing Fields Association for a grant towards the cost. It was reported that there had been eight applicants for the Jubilee Hall garden. After a discussion the Council decided to divide it and to let the half near the garage to Mr Manning and the other half to Mr Evans and Mr Grabham. Mr Lawrence was the reserve choice. Authority was given to the Clerk to proceed with the other planned work for the Hall, while Mr Pym was asked to see if Mr Hart would sell some iron railings to the Council, which he had and appeared not to need. They were thought to be suitable for gates from Fore Street. The Clerk asked the Council for their authority to buy a brief case as “he was rather tired of walking about with the Council books wrapped up in a piece of old paper and string”. His request was granted! Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1954

On 18 January the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported that the Council Account was £170 in credit and this was considered satisfactory. The members discussed an application from a Mr Miles to show films in the Jubilee Hall on Monday evenings in place of Mr Simmonds. This was granted, subject to certain conditions. The Clerk asked if the charges for “The Exclusive Right of Burial and Erection of a Memorial” to the late Dorothy Knight might be as for a Parishioner as this person met her death by accident and she was born in the village and left a young family behind. This was granted and was unanimous. The condition of the Churchyard wall was discussed and it was agreed to seek professional advice from Chard R.D.C. with a view to perhaps lowering the wall to reduce repair costs. A letter was read from the British Legion asking for a ruling on the fees charged for the Hall and by the Caretaker. After a very long discussion it was decided to ask Mr Paull to carefully think the matter over and it would be dealt with at the next meeting of the Council when it was hoped that all members would be present. Various cheques were signed. 

On 22 March the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. It was decided to repair two swings in the Recreation Ground and to have the others dismantled while the grant application was being considered. The Council agreed to the principle of buying half an acre of ground for an extension to the Cemetery and a site meeting was arranged. The Clerk reported that the road signs at the West Street approach to the village would be erected soon. Mr Paull told the Council that, as he would be moving to Chard shortly, he would be stepping down as Jubilee Hall Caretaker and that therefore a replacement would be needed. It was agreed that the salary should be twelve shillings a week in the winter and eight shillings in the summer. Various routine cheques were signed.

Summer 1954

On 19 July the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Pym as Vice Chairman. Other members present were Mrs Evans, Miss Ralston, Miss Harding, Mrs Bowden, Mr Paull and the Clerk, Mr Phillips. Apologies were received from Major Cull. The Clerk reported that there were three applicants for the post of Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall. They were Mr Bulmer, Mrs Martin and Mr Evans. On a majority vote Mr Evans was chosen for the job. The Council discussed the problem of lorries and buses parking near the new Council houses in West Street and at the turning to Winsham off the main Crewkerne road. The Clerk was asked to investigate this problem. The following cheques were signed:

(a) Mr Paull Caretaker Jubilee Hall £3:18:0d
(b) Mr Evans Cemetery Caretaker £5 and Cutting the Grass in the Churchyard and Recreation Field £3:10:6d
(c) Swaffield and Foote Jubilee Hall Piano Tuning £0:19:0d
(d) Tithe Commissioners Recreation Ground £0:5:11d
(e) Young & Son Parish Meeting Advert £0:4:6d
(f) Halse & Son Burial Ground Account £0:11:3d

Autumn 1954

The Council met on 14 September in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. A letter from the Cinema Manager asking for a reduction the cost of hiring the Jubilee Hall due to poor attendances was read. After a discussion it was agreed to reduce the cost to ten shillings per evening. It was reported that the Tithe Commissioners had asked for the final payment for the redemption of the Tithe Liability of the Parish Council for £12:3:4d. The Clerk was authorised to make the payment. Complaints about large signs blocking the Church Street pavements, the irregularity of the 0950 bus and rowdy behavior by teenagers were discussed. The Clerk was asked to take action on all three problems! Several cheques were signed including one to KDJ Slade for £19 for repairs to the Jubilee Hall.

On 26 October the Council met in the School Room. Revd Childs was Chairman. There was a discussion about the re-decoration of the dado rail in the Jubilee Hall. This was due to have been done by Messrs Spiller & Co of Chard according to their letters dated 28 April 1950, 23 May 1950 and 7 May 1953! The Clerk was asked to contact them with a view to getting the work done. Revised hiring charges for the Jubilee Hall were agreed. Following a proposal by Mrs Evans, the Council decided to rejoin the Parish Councils Association. The subject of street lighting was raised by Miss Ralston and after a discussion the Clerk was asked to find out more information on installation costs. Various cheques were signed.

On 6 December the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported on the results of the audit for the year 1954/1955. He then announced that the cost for twenty street lamps would be £620 and the annual running cost £36. As this was such a large sum, it was decided to raise this matter at the Parish Meeting. A letter of resignation from the Council from Mr Paull was read out. This was due to him leaving the village. It was accepted with regret. Various cheques were signed.

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