Summaries of Parish Council business

1960-1964
(RPI Index-16-see Introduction)

1960

Spring 1960

On 24 February the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Miss Harding chaired the meeting. The Clerk reported that he had applied for a remission of rates on the Jubilee Hall and that the result should be known by the next Council meeting. After some discussion it was agreed to charge the Art Club an “inclusive charge” of ten shillings per evening. The Clerk reported that the new council houses in West Field should be finished within the next two months. A long discussion followed about the cause of the dampness in the walls of the Jubilee Hall. No conclusions were reached. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1960

On 22 June the Statutory Council Meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Miss Harding Vice Chairman. The Clerk reported that the Children’s Recreation Ground and part of the Main Recreation Ground grass had been cut by Chard R.D.C. There was a discussion about the dangers of the Church Street crossroads and it was decided to consult the Highway Surveyor. Permission was granted for the British Legion to hold a Fete on the Recreation Ground on 23 July. Cheques were signed for the following:

(a) D J Evans Graveyard Maintenance £10:12:0d
(b) D J Evans Jubilee Hall Qtr Salary to 30 June £8
(c) S W Electricity Jubilee Hall Lighting £3:7:7d
(d) Prudential Assurance Policy £4:10:0d
(e) Chard R.D.C. Jubilee Hall Water Rates £1:8:6d
(f) Chard R.D.C. Recreation Ground Grass Cutting £7:17:5d
(g) S C C Association of Rural Parishes Subscription £1:6:0d
(h) Postmaster General Audit Stamps £3
(i) D J Evans Churchyard Maintenance £5:12:0d

On 19 August the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. The Clerk reported that the audit had been satisfactory. The subject of the Clerks salary and expenses arose. The Clerk left the meeting while this was discussed, saying that he would quite happily hand over all books and documents to whomever they appointed as Clerk to the Council and Burial Board. On his return the Chairman announced that it was the earnest wish of all the members for Mr Phillips to accept the post of Clerk for a salary of £20 per year with expenses. (This would mean Mr Phillips becoming the permanent Clerk to the Council rather than the temporary Clerk as he had been since 1946!). Mr Phillips accepted the offer. It was proposed by Miss Ralston and seconded by Mr Akhurst that Mr Phillips be given an honorarium of £10 for the year 1959/60 for all he has done on behalf of the Council and Burial Board. Carried unanimously. The Clerk said that the current heating system in the Jubilee Hall needs updating. He produced an estimate from Messrs Tolmans of Beaminster for £456:16:3d for the necessary work. After a long discussion, it was decided to:

(a) Accept on principle the idea of a oil fired pressure system for the whole of the main rooms of the Jubilee Hall
(b) Call and ask for other estimates from firms capable of carrying out the work
(c) Make enquiries from all available sources and try and qualify for grants to help with the cost of this improvement to the heating system
(d) Study means of raising money to meet the cost
(e) Meanwhile the existing stove and fireplace be patched and so be used again for a period

The Clerk told the meeting that he had checked whether any shares in the Hall Trust could be sold in order to pay for the new heating system. The advice from Mr Hartley, solicitor to Chard R.D.C., was that they could not. The Clerk also reported that he had written to Chard R.D.C. for a grant and was planning to attend the relevant meeting. A letter from Mr Spencer Barnes, Landlord of The George Inn, was read in which he sought the approval of the Council for his customers to park their cars outside his pub. The Council decided that the matter was really for the police and Highways Authority to deal with but the Council had no objections provided pedestrians were able to cross from Back Street to West Street safely. They also wanted to make it clear to all villagers that there were no plans to move the Village Cross, contrary to local rumours. The Clerk was asked to reply to Mr Barnes accordingly. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1960

On 27 September the Council met in the School Room. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Council decided to allow the newly formed Youth Club to use the Jubilee Hall each Wednesday evening for ten shillings per night, this charge to include a fire. A deputation from the Youth Club then joined the meeting. Officials present were Mrs Warren, Miss Down, Miss Peadon, Mr Phelps and Mr Higgins Junior. (The original minutes book contains a list of all those involved in the Youth club. This is in the form of a letter dated 8 October 1960 from M E Turner. Details are, Mr MJ Hebditch (Chairman), Mrs Warren, Mr H Spurdle, Mr Rowe, Mrs Evans (Broadenham), Mr J Higgins, Mr N Phelps (Youth Leader), Miss Heather Down (Treasurer), Miss Ann Peadon (Asst Treasurer), Mr Robert Warren (Asst Secretary). It was hoped that Major Lovelock would become President). A useful discussion followed and the Chairman wished the Club success.
The Clerk reported that the holes in the Jubilee Hall floor were to be repaired very shortly. Mr Phillips then told the members that he held little hope of getting much, if any, money from Chard R.D.C. towards the cost of the new heating system for the Jubilee Hall. A discussion followed on ways of raising the required sum. A levy of five shillings from everyone on the Parliamentary List was suggested. Finally it was agreed to call a General Parish Meeting on 31 October to determine local opinion. Various cheques were signed.

 On 8 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss with Mrs Tucker, Deputy for Mr Goodliffe of the Somerset Rural Community Council, whether the Jubilee Hall Replacement Heating System would qualify for a grant from The Carnegie United Kingdom Trust. There was much talk and many questions. The outcome was that Mrs Tucker took away with her the Conveyance and Release Deeds of the Hall for legal advice. She left an application form for the Council to complete if it were decided to go ahead. “ The position was then fully discussed by the Parish Councillors and the general feeling was that the Councillors were rather dubious of handing over management of the Hall to a separate committee and so probably lose control of their property, however it was decided to apply for a grant from the Trust”.

Spring 1961

On 31 January the Council met in the School Room. Revd Childs was Chairman. A precept of £70 was agreed for the financial year 1961/2. Correspondence was read out about the grant from the Carnegie Trust for the new heating system for the Jubilee Hall. The Council decided to accept the condition of forming a Management Committee. Miss Ralston’s idea of getting estimates for an infra red heating system for the Hall was supported. Authority was granted to the Clerk to have the Monkey Puzzle tree in the Cemetery pruned. A letter was read from the Youth Club saying that the secretary of the club was now Miss Ann Peadon of Ivy Cottage. Various cheques were signed.

On 16 March the Council met in the School Room. Revd Childs was Chairman. There was a long discussion about the comparative running costs of a new heating system for the Hall (infra red versus oil) but no conclusions were reached. The Clerk was asked to invite the various organisations in the village to nominate a member to serve on the new Jubilee Hall Management Committee. The Clerk was also asked to declare his expenses for payment authorisation by the auditor. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1961

On 1 June the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. After confirming the minutes of the last meeting the Council heard the Clerk announce the result of the election of Parish Councillors held on 13 May. The following were elected:

Harry James Akhurst -117 votes
Victor James Barrow -79 votes
Theodore John Childs -108 votes
Hilda M Evans -86 votes
Beatrice May Harding -101 votes
George Patrick Higgins- 75 votes
Walter Herbert Paull -86 votes
Janet Dunn Ralston -96 votes
Alfred Richard White -100 votes

The two unsuccessful candidates were Phyllis Hope Fawcett (42 votes) and Pamela Ruston Rawlings (73 votes).

Revd Childs was re-elected as Chairman with Mr Akhurst Vice Chairman. Mr Phillips was asked to continue as Clerk. The Council decided to form a sub committee to review burial fees and to consider an extension to the Cemetery. Revd Childs and Police Officer Rowe were elected to be School Managers. The Clerk reported that he had received from the various village organisations their nominations to serve on the Jubilee Hall Management Committee. Details were:

Mr Arthur Loaring 8 West Street - Congregational Church
Mrs Rudkin Kentsleigh - Women’s Institute
Colonel A Boyce Leigh House - British Legion
Mr Norman Phelps 6 West Street -Youth Club
Mr F J Loaring Ash Villa Fore Street --Coronation Band
Miss B M Harding The School House --Girl Guides
Mr A R White The Stores - Winsham Parish Council
Mr V Barrow Back Street - Parish Council
Mr P Higgins Bell Inn - Parish Council
Mr H Paull The Squirrel Inn - Parish Council
Mr H J Akhurst Winsham Stores Football Club
Mr G Graham Fore Street - Church Council

The Clerk was asked to seek Somerset Rural Community Councils approval of this committee. Various cheques were signed.

On 28 August the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Revd Childs was Chairman. The Clerk reported the findings of the recent audit and that the account balances were, General Account £273:10:8d, The Burial Account £22:13:8d. The Jubilee Hall income was £135, its expenses £121:17:5d. Mr Barrow reported on a meeting between the new Hall Committee and Mr Goodliffe. One of the results was that it was necessary for them to become a Charitable Trust under the conditions laid down by the Carnegie Trust. This will enable the Hall to be exempt from income tax and to qualify for a large reduction in rates. The Clerk reported that materials for the new oil fired heating system for the Hall had been delivered. The cost of £269 was to be met by a grant from The Carnegie Trust. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1961

On 2 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. A letter was read from Revd Childs resigning his membership of the Council owing to his having left the district. He recalled the happy relationship he had enjoyed with Council members whilst Chairman. Mr Akhurst acted as Chairman for this meeting. The Clerk reported that the new heating system in the Hall had been installed and tested. The total cost had been £460, including a hot water tank and immersion heater. The Council had paid for it by arranging an overdraft with the Westminster Bank until 31 December 1961. Mr Evans joined the meeting to announce his retirement as Caretaker of the Jubilee Hall. He and Mrs Evans were thanked for all their hard work. The Clerk reported that he had received an instalment from the Carnegie Trust of the £200 Grant and that this had been paid in to the bank to reduce the overdraft. To fill the vacancy on the Council caused by the resignation of Revd Childs, it was agreed to invite Colonel Boyce to serve as a Councillor. Various cheques were signed including one to Norrington Oils Ltd for £21:19:5d for 300 gallons of heating oil for the Jubilee Hall.

On 20 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Consideration of the minutes of the last meeting was held up, as the Clerk had not included the appointment as Vice Chairman of Miss Harding and the voting on the co-opting of a new member. This vote was Colonel Boyce seven votes and Mr M Hebditch two votes. A letter from Mrs Warren, late of Heron House and past President of the Young Men’s Club, suggested that the funds of the now defunct club should go to the Jubilee Hall. This was agreed in principle and the letter was passed to the Secretary of the Hall Management Committee for their action. It was noted that Mr Leslie had taken over the George Inn from Mr Barnes. The Clerk reported that he had received an income tax rebate of £39:1:4d on the Alliance Property shares dividend. The Council agreed that any necessary repairs to the War Memorial should be done.

Spring 1962

On 19 March the Council met in the School Room. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Clerk reported that Revd A.G. Fair-weather had accepted the post of one of the Parish Council Representatives on the Winsham Primary School Board of Governors. A cheque for £12:6:11d representing the dividend on the Alliance Property shares was handed to the Jubilee Hall Management Committee. It was reported that the Green Lane Right of Way had been blocked. Mr White was asked to make an inspection and to report on his findings at the next meeting. It was agreed to pay the Clerk £5 for his expenses for the Financial Year 1961/62. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1962

On 24 May the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Miss Harding was Chairman. Apologies for their absence were received from Mr Akhurst and Mrs Evans. Other Councillors present were Colonel Boyce, Miss Ralston, Mr Higgins, Mr White and Mr Barrow. A request from Chard R.D.C. for details of any gypsy encampments resulted in a nil return. The Clerk reported that a letter from Chard R.D.C. had been sent to Mr Warren of Coombe Farm telling him to remove the obstruction on Green Lane or apply for a diversion of the Public Right of Way. A request by the Art Club and the Women’s Institute for a picture rail in the Jubilee Hall was agreed on certain conditions. These were that the applicants should pay for the project and that they should make good any damage. The Clerk reported that he had applied to Chard R.D.C. to re-house the Glenworth family of eight children who were living in a house in Back Street with a “ Closed Order” on it. After a long debate the Council agreed to support the action taken by the Clerk. A request from the Youth Leader, Mr Mellor, to use the Recreation Ground on Wednesday evenings, or on any other night by prior agreement with the Clerk, was agreed. The Council decided to increase the insurance on the Jubilee Hall from £6000 to £8000 at the next renewal. The Clerk said that there was a great deal of confusion over the numbering of houses in the village. Mr Phillips was authorised to buy a second hand Hayter Mower for £20 for use in the Churchyard. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1962

On 3 September the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Mr Akhurst was Chairman. The Clerk reported that the accounts had been audited and that there had been little interest in the maps of local Rights of Way which had been available for inspection in his house. The Council decided to take no action over a letter from Chard R.D.C. about Civil Defence Billeting. It was agreed that the amount of work involved was beyond the scope of the Council and the Clerk. The Clerk reported that he was still trying to get the Glenworth family rehoused satisfactorily. Cheques were signed for Mr Evans for £25:5:11d (Churchyard, Cemetery and Recreation Ground Maintenance) and Charles Knight & Co £0:17:6d (Burial Stationary).

On 7 November the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Mr Akhurst was Chairman. The Clerk read a letter from Chard R.D.C. stating that, based on population, the Winsham Parish Quota for The Freedom from Hunger Campaign amounted to £63. After a discussion it was agreed that all the village organisations should contribute. The Girl Guides and Red Cross had already given £3 and £5 respectively. The Clerk read a letter he had written to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government requesting full information on the possibility of buying the house adjoining the Jubilee Hall. He then informed the members that the Alliance shares dividend of £18:10:5d would be issued on 15 November. He went on to speak of the problems with the distribution of the small amount of Winsham Charity money by the Vicar and Trustees. He said that he planned to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities. There was a discussion about a national emergency (Cuban Missile Crisis?) and it was thought that the number of evacuees would be equal to the local population. Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1963

On 7 March the Council met in the Jubilee Hall .Mr Akhurst was Chairman. The Council decided to take no further action about buying the house next to the Jubilee Hall due to the anticipated cost of purchase and restoration. It was agreed to hold the Annual Parish Meeting on 2 April. One cheque was signed.

On 27 May the Council met in the School Room. Members present were Miss Harding, Miss Ralston, Mr Higgins, Mr White, Mr Barrow and Mr Akhurst. Apologies were sent by Mrs Evans, Mr Paull and Colonel Boyce. Miss Harding was elected as Chairman with Mr White Vice Chairman. The Council discussed a letter from Mr Partridge of the Victory Garage about “Five Cross Roads Winsham”. It was agreed to ask the police to make a report on the matter. A complaint from Mr Rudkin about the Broadenham Lane footpath was passed to Chard R.D.C. for action. The letter had included a list of signatories. The Clerk said that he had sent a reply. Mr Phillips told the meeting of his concern about the cost of maintaining the Cemetery, Recreation Ground and Churchyard. The Council agreed to continue the present arrangements. They also agreed to pay for a new chimney liner for the Jubilee Hall at a cost of £30:4:6d. The Clerk reported that a free bonus issue of Alliance Property shares had been received. The Council agreed to retain these for future dividends which would benefit the Hall. There was a long discussion about future projects for Winsham. The conclusions were that Winsham needed housing for the elderly and for young couples with improved electrical, water and sewage installations. It was also thought important to retain the much used Rights of Way between Fore Street and Court Street. There was a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr Akhurst, the retiring Chairman, for all the good work he had done for the village over many years. Cheques were signed for the following:

(a) Charles Knight & Co Burial Account £6:14:9d
(b) D J Evans Burial and Recreation Ground Maintenance £7:4:0d
(c) Somerset Association of Parish Councils £1:8:3d
(d) Postmaster General Audit Stamps £3
(e) Parish Clerk Housing Account 1962/3
(f) Halse & Son (Stores) Weed killers £0:5:6d

Summer 1963

On 24 June the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. It was reported that a meeting had been held with the Divisional Surveyor to discuss the dangers to road users of Whatley Bottom and Five Cross Roads. Various improvements had been agreed. The Council then spent a long time discussing a letter from Chard R.D.C. seeking ideas for improvements in recreational facilities in Winsham. The Council adopted the following resolution “An Extra Ordinary Parish Meeting be called for the purpose of seeking a mandate from the village, whether or not to proceed with a scheme for development of additional recreational facilities”. A date of 4 September was agreed. A Planning Application from Mr Higgins was discussed. This was for the site behind the Bell Inn to be used by up to four holiday caravans. This was passed, subject to reconsideration after one year. Fresh arrangements were agreed to reimburse the Clerk for his expenses.

On 7 August the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Clerk was asked to deal with an insurance claim resulting from a bus damaging the War Memorial on 21 June. The claim was for about £10. The Council decided to accept an offer from The British Legion for some volunteers to clean the memorial. This was made through Colonel Boyce. The Clerk said that he had written to Mr L S Dommett following a complaint by villagers about a cow which had thrown a parishioner to the ground on the footpath between Fore Street and Court Lane. The Clerk said that he had received a verbal message from Mr Dommett saying that the cow was now tethered but the Council asked the Clerk to obtain a written response. Mr Phillips issued a draft letter to all the Councillors outlining plans for improvements to the recreational facilities in the village and inviting all those on the Electoral Roll to a meeting on 4 September. An Income Tax refund of £28:2:7d on the Alliance Property shares was passed to the Treasurer of the Jubilee Hall Management Committee. Several minor complaints were discussed mainly concerning problems with the parking of cars and late night noise. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1963

There was a brief meeting of the Parish Council on 4 September before the Parish Meeting called to discuss “The Physical Training and Recreational Facilities Of the Village”. It was chaired by Miss Harding. The Clerk reported that he was dealing with the various complaints made at the last meeting.

On 14 October the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Council discussed suitable sites for a new football ground following a resolution passed at the Parish Meeting on 4 September. Areas at Kentsleigh, Colham Lane and Westfield were debated. The matter was left to Colonel Boyce and Major Lovelock to contact Mr Roy Wheaton, the R.D.C. tenant of Westfield, and report back to the Council at a future meeting. A request from Mr Furzeman to stage a Bonfire Night Celebration on the Recreation Ground was refused because of a lack of insurance cover. Various cheques were signed.

On 12 December the Council met in the School Room. Miss Harding was Chairman. Revd Fairweather was invited to attend to deal with the appointment of Trustees for the Winsham Charities. The Clerk read a letter from the British Legion criticising the repairs of damage to the War Memorial caused by a bus on 21 June. “A letter from Mr Slade written after seeing a report of this in the local press gave a full account of the repairs and the reason for a temporary stone being used. He also protested that the publication in the press was unjustified and very unfair to himself. After a general discussion, it was proposed by Mr Barrow and seconded by Miss Ralston that a letter should be sent to the British Legion stating that the Winsham Parish Council takes strong objection to the action of the British Legion Committee by which they made statements to the press before giving the Parish Council and contractor concerned, a fair opportunity to explain the facts pertaining to the repair.”

The Clerk outlined the rules governing the appointment of Trustees of the Winsham Charities. Revd Fairweather, Miss Harding and Mr Phillips were subsequently entrusted with this task. The Clerk told the Council that Major Lovelock had offered to buy land at Westfield from Chard R.D.C. with the idea of selling it to the Parish Council at cost price as a Sports Ground. This offer was being considered by Chard R.D.C. A tentative enquiry by Chard R.D.C. to use the present “Top Recreation Ground” for council building was discussed but no conclusions reached. It was then proposed by Colonel Boyce and seconded by Miss Ralston that the R.D.C. be advised that Winsham Parish Council would be willing to negotiate for the use of the “Top Recreation Ground” for housing projects subject to an acceptable alternative site for recreational purposes being made available. Various cheques were signed.

Spring 1964

On 22 January the Council met in the School Room. Miss Harding was Chairman. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the possible exchange of the Recreation Ground for building with an area of about two and a half acres on West Field for recreational facilities for the village. After a long debate the following resolution was passed for sending to Chard R.D.C.:

(1) The Parish Council is prepared to accept in principle the proposed exchange, but it is unacceptable to the Parish Council that Mr Wheaton or any other individual be allowed to purchase the rest of the field as a condition of this transaction. (Mr Wheaton was renting West Field from Chard R.D.C. at the time).
If such a thing were allowed to happen it might prejudice “for ever” the possibility of the Parish Council acquiring an extension to the area outlined on the map provided, which will be needed if proper recreational facilities are ever to be achieved. The area in question at the moment is not big enough to be used as a football ground without the risk of damage to surrounding Council property and is completely inadequate for cricket etc.

(2) The Parish Council would welcome this exchange mainly from the point of view of providing a suitable site for the “Old Peoples Bungalows” close to the amenities of the village.
At this stage the Parish Council feels that it should not be asked to underwrite any of the expenses involved, because the Parish Council would be making available a more favourable site for development by the Rural District Council.

(3) The Parish Council would welcome any indication of whether it is possible to overcome the condition concerning, “sale of the land” to an individual which it found it could not accept.

The Annual Parish Meeting was fixed for 7 April.

On 19 March the Council met in the Jubilee Hall. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Clerk provided the Council with a progress report on the West Field exchange. The members agreed that the Green Lane Bridle Way and Footpath should be retained and that Mr Warren should apply for a Diversion Order after removing the obstruction. It was reported that the cost of repairing the Churchyard wall was £160. It was agreed to discuss this at the Annual Parish Meeting on 7 April. Various cheques were signed.

Summer 1964

On 2 June the Council met in the School Room. Members present were Miss Harding, Mr White, Colonel Boyce, Miss Ralston and the Clerk, Mr Phillips. Apologies were received from Mr Barrow. The Clerk read the result of the Triennial Elections. These were:

Colonel Boyce 139 votes
William George Graham 108 votes
Beatrice May Harding 111 votes
Charles William Hawker 92 votes
Michael Stanley Hebditch 99 votes
Frederick Courtney and John Newton 97 votes
Janet Dunn Ralston 96 votes
Alfred Richard White 112 votes
J H Phillips 139 votes

Unsuccessful candidates were Messrs Barrow, Churchill, Creech, Higgins, Rawlings, Smith, Trott and Young.

The Clerk reported that the accounts had been audited and that The General Account has a balance of £194:18:6d and The Burial Account a balance of one penny. Attention was drawn to the Revision of Burial Fees and to the plan of The Burial Ground. The Annual Meeting followed straight after the Ordinary Meeting and began at about 8pm. Miss Harding was re-elected as Chairman with Mr White Vice Chairman. Revd Fairweather and Police Officer Rowe were to be asked to continue as School Managers. Miss Ralston was chosen to represent the Council on the Jubilee Hall Management Committee. The Clerk reported that H M Auditors had advised the Parish to contact the Ministry about a loan to pay for the rebuilding of the Churchyard wall .It was said that this would definitely be a charge on the Parish as the Churchyard was a Closed Churchyard and the wall was the Churchyard boundary wall. The Clerk was asked to contact the Ministry. There was a debate about burial charges and the maintaining of the Churchyard and Cemetery. It was agreed to discuss revised fees at the next meeting and to obtain more money from the Precept to pay for the upkeep of the two areas. Various cheques were signed.

Autumn 1964

On 23 September the Council met in the School Room. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Clerk displayed a scale drawing of the Cemetery by David Griffen showing details of all burials from 1891 to August 1964. It had been produced as a result of a joint effort by Mr Phillips and Mr David Griffen. It was agreed that Mr Griffen should be paid three guineas for his painstaking work. The Council decided to ask The Parochial Church Council where it should be kept. Letters were read to the Council by the Clerk about the proposed new bus service from Winsham to Chard. It was thought that the 8:20am and 9:40am were two essential services. A long discussion followed in which members expressed their dissatisfaction with the timetable proposed by the company. The Council was also displeased about the closure of Chard Junction Station, saying that it made it necessary for there to be a bus service to Crewkerne and Axminster three days a week to connect with main trains.
There was a very long discussion about the Recreation Ground. The Parish Council was concerned about getting a fair exchange of land from Chard R.D.C. It therefore agreed to ask The District Valuer for his valuation of the whole field and of an area of three and a half acres. Mr Newton drew the Councils attention to the problem of rats at Malt House Council House Site, floodwater running down Fore Street and a pile of stones at Mr Ibbotson's house. Action was agreed on all these points.

On 25 November the Council met in the School Room. Miss Harding was Chairman. The Clerk reported that Chard R.D.C. was discussing an improved bus service for Winsham with the bus company. A letter was read from Mr Ibbotson of Court Street refuting the allegation that his “Heap of Stones” is a dangerous nuisance. It was agreed to pass the matter to Chard R.D.C. The Clerk said that the County Council had been notified that the Parish Council wishes to retain the Green Lane Bridleway with a fresh entrance to Crewkerne Road. A sub committee was formed to meet the new District Surveyor to discuss with him “ the heap of stones”, floodwater in Fore Street and the muck and manure on the path to the Cemetery. Members of this committee were Mr White, Mr Hawker, Colonel Boyce and the Clerk. A letter was read from Chard R.D.C. to Mr R Wheaton terminating the Tenancy Agreement on West Field from March 1966. It was reported that Toc H had offered three seats to Winsham as a gift. This generous gesture was accepted and it was agreed to find suitable sites in due course. Various cheques were signed.

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