Ditcheat Life

Part 6 1900 - 1904

Ditcheat Life 1900 -1904

The content of this page has been reproduced from images of newspaper pages downloaded from the The British Newspaper Archive.

Wells Journal - Thursday 04 January 1900

POLICE COURT, Friday

Before Mr. F. Spencer (in the chair), Mr. A. L. Phipps and Major C. D. Sherston

After the Mistletoe. —Fredk. Ashford, labourer, Ditcheat, was summoned by Jas. Bartlett, farmer, for damaging apple trees to the value of 6d., on the 17th December. The defendant pleaded guilty.-P.C. Pullen deposed that on Sunday, the day in question, at about 7.45 a.m., on looking out of his police station window he saw defendant in the orchard opposite, belonging to Mr. Bartlett. He was gathering mistletoe, and witness called him. The defendant said he bad only been gathering mistletoe, but Mrs. Bartlett had not given him permission.—James Bartlett said the trees were damaged by little branches being broken off, and he estimated the damage done 6d. The trees had been damaged a lot lately.—Defendant said he did not damage the trees, and did not cut them.— The Bench imposed a fine of 1s. and costs, and ordered defendant to pay the damage, 6d.

Wells Journal - Thursday 04 January 1900

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday, in the Council Chamber, Market-place, Shepton Mallet, when there were present Meters. F. Spencer (in the chair), E. Cary (vice-chairman). W. Fry. W. Chappell, T. G. Vincent, E. C. Bissex, H. H. Bissex, T. Corp, and H. J. Davis; the Clerk. (Mr. A. E. Nalder), the Assistant Clerk (Mr. F. G. Bradbury), the Surveyor (Mr. R. Moody), and the Inspector (Mr. W. Phelps). The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed .

INSPECTOR’S REPORT

DITCHEAT WATER.

The Inspector (Mr. W. Phelps), reported that he had met Mr. Norton and Mr. Bowring, and given particulars of proposed scheme, and hoped that Mr. Norton’s terms would be laid before the Council. Mr. Norton said terms were laid before the Council suggesting annual rent of £30 a year, and a compensation of £62 13s. v . Mr. Vincent said the sum was more than they had expected. He thought that out of courtesy to the Ditcheat Parish Council they should leave the matter to be considered, so that a meeting of the Parish Council could be called and the matter discussed. He should propose a resolution to that effect. This was seconded and carried.

DITCHEAT SCHOOLS.

The Inspector reported that the work of alterations to the closets had been commenced.

MR ALLEN’S COTTAGES DITCHEAT

The Inspector reported that a further complaint of nuisance from closets at the barracks had been brought to his notice by the Parish Council. There were only two closets for six cottages, discharging into a ditch. The arrangement was nuisance. He had drawn Mr. Allen’s attention to it. Three closets should provided, and arrangements made for storing the soil on the dry system, and carting away at intervals, as the gardens were not large enough to properly dispose it. This was agreed to.

Wells Journal - Thursday 11 January 1900

Bath and West and Southern Counties Society.— The sixth draft (weighing over 29cwt.) of Cheese made in September and October last at the Cheese School, carried on the Bath and West and Southern Counties Society, for the Somerset County Council, at Hedge farm, Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, has just been sold to Messrs. Hill Bros., of Evercreech, at 74s. per cwt. of 112 lbs. 3,171 gallons of milk made 3,563 lbs. of green cheese. The cheeses weighed when sold 3,317 lbs., the shrinkage in drying being 8 lbs. 5 ozs. per cwt. Every cheese made at the School during 1899 was sold at the price stated in the public announcements of each month’s sale, there being no rebate of any kind. Not a single sour cheese has been made during the whole year.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 19 January 1900

FOOTBALL.

Pylle v. Evercreech.— Played at Evercreech on Saturday. The homesters were strongly represented, whilst Pylle were without four of their best and the reserves were far too light to make much show against their heavier opponents. Pylle opened the score soon after the start through H. Harper. Evercreech attacked strongly but the Pylle defence proved very sound. Harper made some good runs on the Pylle left, and Packer had hard luck with one or two good shots. The Evercrecch forwards then got away, and Rowley in trying to clear sent the ball through his own goal. Just before half time Read got away and put on number two for Evercreech. In the second half Pylle got away at the start but Woollen shot behind. Then Evercreech attacked, but the Pylle goalkeeper saved splendidly on several occasions, and F. Harper as back repeatedly broke up the rushes of the home forwards. Tett got away on the Pylle left and passed the backs, but was charged off his shot, and the leather went behind. Then Evercreech rushed down, and Robertson, who was off side, shot through, the goal being allowed, much to the disgust of the Pylle members, and the whistle blow with the scores, Evercreech 3, Pylle 1. Edgehill kept goal splendidly. F. Harper played a grand game at back, tackling and kicking strongly, whilst H. Harper was the best forward on the field. Tett, though he failed to play up to his usual form at back, worked hard and kicked with great judgment. Rowley was a splendid half and got through a lot of work. Woollen and Packer played a hard game forward, but received little support from the inside forwards, or they must have scored. Ashman, Read, and White were in fine form for Evercreech The Pylle team was .—Goal, C. Edgehill; backs, F. Harper, E. S. Tett (capt.) ; half-backs, E. Bowley, C. McConnell, A. Griffin; forwards, S. Woollen, March, Packer, Oborne, and H. Harper.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 19 January 1900

DITCHEAT.

Ringer’s Supper. —This annual gathering took place at the Manor House Inn on Monday evening last, when over thirty sat down to excellent repast, provided by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Rockett. The chair was taken by the Rector, who was supported by Capt. Gifford, Messrs. Welch, Barber, Reed, Pearce, Brooks, G. Look, jun., S. Golledge, Creed, Stone, W. Vincent, Porch, Martin, Hutton, etc. Mr. T. Vincent, the captain of the ringers, occupied the vice-chair. The Chairman gave the usual loyal toasts. The Bishop and Clergy wasn proposed by Capt. Gifford, and the rector, who met with a warm reception, responded. Mr. Norris gave “The Army, Navy and Reserve Forces,” and Capt. Gifford the course of his response warmly advocated the Volunteer forces as one of the best means of training the young men of the middle class. The toast of the evening, Our Bell-ringers,” was ably proposed by the Rector, and Mr. T. Vincent, sen., responded. Many excellent songs were sung during the evening by Capt. Gifford, Messrs. Look, A. Barber, S. Golledge, A. Lintern, T. Merrifield and others, Messrs. Brooks and T. G. Vincent, jun., gave stirring recitations. Mr. Golledge gave excellent rendering of the song, “The absent, minded beggar,” and a hat collection realised 17s 6d Mr. G. Norris presided at the piano.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 19 January 1900

PYLLE

On the evening of Thursday, last week, Mr. Cary of the Manor Farm, gave supper to his employees at Pylle and Pilton, together with some of the residents of those places. After full justice had been done to the good things provided, which took place in the Granary at Pylle, decorated for the occasion with evergreens, Mr. Cary proposed the healths of Her Majesty the Queen, and the soldiers in South Africa. The toast was received with the greatest enthusiasm, the National Anthem being song and cheers given. After this room and company prepared for the lighter part of the entertainment, and singing and dancing was kept up till 1 a.m. following morning. Among other songs, Mr. Rolls, of Pilton, contributed “The Soldiers of the Queen,” “Tommy Atkins” and the “Absent-minded Beggar.” The party consisted of about fifty guests. Mr., Mrs. and Miss E. Cary and Miss Cosens and other friends were present, doing all in their power to make everyone feel at home, and they succeeded. Just before breaking up, the party gave hearty thanks to their host, his family and friends for their very pleasant evening.

Bristol Mercury - Friday 02 February 1900

BATH AND WEST SOCIETY.

At a council meeting at the G.W.R, Board room, in Bristol, on Tuesday,

Sir C. T. D. Acland, In the absence of Sir R. H. Paget, chairman of the Agricultural Education Com- mittee, presented a report from the committee which stated that the cheese school carried on during the past year by the society on behalf of the Somerset County Council, at Pylle, was well attended by pupils, and that the price realised for the cheese had been very satisfactory. Arrangements had been made for the holding of the school during the current year at Vale farm, Batcombe, where there were very suitable premises for the purpose, The travelling farriery school conducted by the society for the Somerset County Council had been well attended by pupils, and was still travelling in Somerset. On the motion of Sir C. T. D. Acland, seconded by Col. Helyar, the report was adopted.

Western Gazette - Friday 02 February 1900

EAST PENNARD.

Village Dance.— A dance was held the School room on Tuesday. Over 30 were present, and dancing was kept up until three a.m. Messrs. T. Bellamy and Higgins were thanked for organising the gathering.

Wells Journal - Thursday 08 February 1900

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Council, was held in the Council Chamber, Market Place, Shepton Mallet, on Wednesday (yesterday). Present, Mr. F. Spencer (in the chair), Messrs. E. Cary, W. Chappell, R. J. Hoskins, J. Edwards, W. J. Fry, T. Corp, E. King, T. Vincent, J. Corpe, H. J. Davis, H. Steeds, E. C. Bissex, H. H. Bissex, the Rev. T. C. Bush, the Clerk (Mr. A. E. Nalder), and the Assistant Clerk (Mr. F. G. Bradbury). The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

REFUSAL OF RAILWAY TRUCKS.

The Surveyor reported that Mr. Dykes, the traffic superintendent of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, had refused to allow any more of the company’s trucks to used for the purpose of sending stone from Binegar consigned to Reuben Ward, haulier, of Ditcheat, who had the contracts for hauling from the station for the parish of Ditcheat, and the lower part of East Pennard. In consequence of this stoppage of trucks and the stone being wanted on the road at Pennard, be had put on another haulier. The Surveyor said the haulier he had now on, would not undertake the hauling at the same price as Ward, and consequently he paid him 6d. extra.

A letter was read from the Station-master, saying that the reason why the trucks had been refused was because they remained at the station three weeks on some occasions before being unloaded. The contract with Ward was read, showing that if he did not carry out his contract properly, the Council could, after giving him seven days notice, employ other men to carry out the contract, and charge him with the difference. The Surveyor was thereupon instructed to give the seven days’ notice.

DITCHEAT WATER SUPPLY.

The Surveyor reported that the committee bad inspected another spring at Lamyatt, and had asked the owner for terms of sale. The spring, if satisfactory, would furnish a gravitation supply. The matter was referred to the Committee, which would meet on Friday.

DITCHEAT SCHOOL CLOSETS.

The Inspector reported that the earth closets had been erected and a store for used peat. They would prove satisfactory, but at present required a slight amendment in the fixing. The old cesspool should be cleaned out. Mr. Allen had not yet commenced alterations at his cottages, but promised to do so shortly.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 23 February 1900

DITCHEAT.

On Wednesday, the 21st inst. at the Parish Church, the wedding took place of Miss Florence (Floss) E. Barber, to Mr. Charles Butt, the Manor Farm, Alhampton. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very pretty in her wedding dress of white silk alpaca, trimmed with white silk and lace, and carried a lovely bouquet of white flowers. The bridesmaids were Miss Clara Butt (sister of the bridegroom), and Miss Violet Jakeman, who wore pretty dresses trimmed with while silk, and becoming hats to match. They carried shower bouquets of pink carnations, and wore gold bangles, both being the gifts of the bridegroom. The happy pair left for London, soon after the reception, many friends being at the station to see them off. The wedding presents were numerous and costly.

Western Gazette - Friday 09 March 1900

BLACKMORE VALE POINT-TO-POINT RACES.

MR. GUEST has appointed the Committee for the arrangement of the above. The following Gentlemen have kindly consented to act : Colonel the Hon K. Digby, Buckshaw House, Sherborne ; A. E. Sutton. Esq , Shanks House, Wincanton ; F. B. Turner Esq., Manor House, Ditcheat, Evercreech, Bath ; A. Dickinson, Esq, Somerton, Taunton.

MERTHYR GUEST,

M.F.H.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 09 March 1900

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Shepton Mallet Rural District Council was held Wednesday, present, Messrs. F. Spencer (in the chair), E, Cary (vice chairman), R. J. Hoskins, T. E. Corp, J. Corpe, J. Edwards, G. E. Chappell, T. G. Vincent, E. Ring, E. Hill, H. H. Bissex, H. Steede, H. Cannon, H. J. Daria, J. Martin, E. Britten, and E. C. Bissex, and Rev. H. C. Guyon. Officers present, Messrs. A. E. Nalder (clerk), F. G. Bradbury (assistant clerk), R. Moody (surveyor), W. Phelps (inspector).

DITCHEAT WATER SUPPLY.

Ditcheat Supply.—The agreement with Mrs. Cary is being pushed forward. I propose to commence plans for application to the Local Government Board, as these will take some time to prepare. It would be wise, I think, not to commence testing the springs till the weather improves, but should like your instructions as to who should be employed for the work. The preliminary agreement with Mrs. Cary was presented, and sealed. It was considered that the work of testing should be proceeded with whenever a dry spell of weather ensued, and the necessary notices were ordered to be at once given.

Mr. Cannon stated that he knew the spring well, and had always seen it running even in the driest time.

This was considered satisfactory.

In respect of the spring on Mr. R. Norton’s property at Snagg farm, Mr. King suggested the work being closed ; but the Board considered that should be properly protected and left open for the present, in case of any further tests being required.

Wells Journal - Thursday 26 April 1900

POLICE COURT. Friday.

Before Col. E. B. Napier (in the chair), and Messrs. F. Spencer, A. L. Phipps, and H. V. Dobson.

DRUNK WHILST IN CHARGE.— Maria Bolsum, of West Lydford, pleaded not guilty to a charge of being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart on the 6th inst., at Ditcheat.—P.C. Pullin stated that at 10.15 p.m. on the evening in question he was on duty between Arthur’s Bridge and Ditcheat, and found the defendant in charge of a horse and cart at the bottom of “Grains.” She was very drunk, and the cart was stopped in the middle of the road with no light affixed to it. The defendant would not tell witness where she lived, and so he examined the cart and finding the name “G. Bolsum” on it, he drove in the direction of Ditcheat and the pony took them to the defendant’s home. On the way the defendant was very disorderly and he had to obtain the assistance of P.C. Broom, and between them the defendant was got home.—P.C. Broom corroborated.— Fined 5s., and costs 7s.

Wells Journal - Thursday 24 May 1900

SHEPTON MALLET. POLICE COURT, Thursday.

Before Mr. H. V. Dobson.

STRAYS. —Richard Jones, gipsy, was summoned for allowing three horses to stray on the 13th of May, at Pilton.—P.C. Escott stated that he found three horses straying in the Pylle-road at Pilton, on Sunday, the 13th inst., 11 p.m., and on taking them to the defendant’s caravan be found that they belonged to him.— Fined 4s., and 7s. costs. Wm. Riles, gipsy, was summoned for allowing one horse to stray on the 7th May, at East Pennard.—P.O. Broom stated that he found five horses straying at East Pennard, on the day in question, and took them to some caravans close by. Nobody, however, would own the horses, and consequently witness impounded them, remaining in charge of them until 5.30 a.m. on the following morning, when the defendant came and owned one of the horses. —Mr. Bisgood, D.C.C., said the defendant had written a letter enclosing 5s. payment for the offence, stating that if there was any more pay he would leave it when he was next passing through Shepton Mallet. —The Bench fined defendant 1s. and 8s. 2d. costs. Hy. Hughes, also member of the wandering tribe, was summoned for a similar offence at the same time and place in respect of four horses.—P.C. Broom stated the evidence in the former case, saying that four of the horses were claimed by defendant.—Mr. Bisgood said the defendant bad written enclosing 10s, as payment of the fine.—The Bench fined the defendant 4s. and 8s. 2d. costs.—Mr. Bisgood stated that numerous complaints had been received about the conduct of these gipsies, who were not above damaging property.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 06 July 1900

DITCHEAT.

The Schools.—The following report has been received from H. M. Inspector:—Mixed School— “An admirably conducted school.” Infants Class “The Infants are under good discipline and are carefully taught.” Mr. P. W. Clerk obtained Second Class in the Queen’s Scholarship examination, and will shortly proceed to Winchester Training College for a two years’ course.

S.P.G. Bi-centenary.—This parish having been selected as a centre for the celebration of the bi-centenary of the Society for Propagation of the Gospel, a large number of visitors from the surrounding parishes took advantage of the fine day, and found their way on Thursday last to the beautiful grounds of the Rectory, where tea had been prepared by Mrs. Leir and other Church workers. About 180 were present. After a short speech the Rev. C. W. Bennett, a service was held in the Parish Church. The following clergy took part in service:—The Revs. C. E. Leir, (Ditcheat), T. Crump (B. Pennard) C. W. Bennett (Pilton), H. T. Dyne (Evercreech), and D. L. Hayward (Bruton). The sermon was preached the vicar of Bruton to a large congregation. The sum of £4 has been forwarded to the Society as result of the collection made during the day.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 17 August 1900

SHEPTON MALLET PETTY SESSIONS. Friday.

— Before Col. B. B. Napier (in the chair) Messrs. F. Spencer, and H. V. Hobson.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES CASES.

Mary Bartlett, shopkeeper, of Ditcheat, was summoned by J. J. Bellamy, Inspector of weights and measures, for having in her possession for purposes of trade an unstamped measure, on July 26th.

John James Bellamy said that on the 26th July, about 11 or 12 o’clock, he could not say exactly, he went to the shop of the defendant, who is a grocer and draper, of Ditcheat, to inspect all weights, measures, &c., in use for trade there. After having inspected the weights and measures of capacity, and weighing instruments, he asked Mrs. Bartlett if she had a yard measure. She went round to the counter where the drapery goods were, and showed him two rows of marks on the edge counter, defined five heads of brass tacks one end and four at the other. They were supposed to define a yard. She stated that this was the yard measure she used. There were no intermediate tacks. He asked if she had no other yard measure, and she said "No.” The one sent to him 1898 and condemned as short, had been broken up, and she had not been able to get another. He found that the marks indicated the correct measure for the yard, but on further examination he found it had not been verified or stamped.

Mr. Spencer : Could it stamped ?

Witness: Only by my attending at the request of the owner, but I might have objected to subdivisions. Drapers usually provide brass measure screwed on to the counter, or a wooden measure. It was a measure in my view, and was used as a yard. I could have stamped the counter and marks as measure in the manner required the Act. The Bench said the case appeared to be a very doubtful one, and they adjourned it for further consideration.

Lewis Hillard, grocer, of Ditcheat, was summoned by Mr. Bellamy for having in his possession a half-pint measure which was false. Defendant's wife appeared and said that the business was hers.— Prosecutor said that on the 26th July he went the shop kept by the defendant at Ditcheat, and saw defendant’s wife, who showed him the weights and scales. After he had tested these he asked if she had any vinegar measures. She produced two earthenware vessels, one marked a pint and stamped, and the other small jug which had a little vinegar in the bottom. She said that this jug was the half pint measure. examining it he found it bore no stamp of verification and was six drams deficient of half a pint.—By the Bench : There are 80 drams in the half-pint.—Mrs. Hillard said she bad bought the jug for half-pint.—Fined 10s, and costs 6s.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 07 September 1900

PYLLE

Through the kindness of the Rev. and Mrs. McConnell, assisted by Lord Portman, Mrs. Cary, Mrs. Hamilton, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Dowling, Mr. White, Mr. Garland, Mrs. Avery, and Mr. Tet, on Monday, August 27th, the children of the Pylle school, accompanied this year by the Church Choir, had their annual trip to Burnham. Arrived at Burnham the party separated in all directions till 1.30, when according to arrangement, sailing boats and donkeys,&c.,were provided for their amusement. Each then enjoyed himself or herself till 4 o’clock, when all gathered at the Pleasure Gardens and partook of tea catered for by Mrs. Close. After tea the party again amused themselves till six o’clock, when they re-assembled and being supplied with buns, found their way to the station and entrained for homo. Upon arriving at Pylle hearty cheers who given for those ladies and gentlemen who had enabled them spend so happy day.

Wells Journal - Thursday 27 September 1900

SHEPTON MALLET. POLICE COURT, Friday.

Before Col. Napier (in the chair), Col. R. M. Clerk, and Messrs. F. Spencer, and G. B. Napier.

A Question of Notice.—John Brixey, labourer, was summoned by Fredk. Hugh Dowling, of Hedge farm, Pylle, for leaving his employment the 10th September without having given notice.—Complainant also claimed 13s. as damages caused by defendant leaving his employ. —Defendant pleaded not guilty. —Frederick Hugh Dowling deposed that the defendant had been in his employ for about three years. On the day in question witness he had occasion speak to the defendant about the way in which he did his work, then gave him notice to leave on the following Saturday week. Defendant said he should leave at once, and witness told him that if he did so he should summons him. Witness afterwards drove away, and coming back at night he was told that defendant had left. The 13s. witness claimed was a week’s wages.—Defendant said had offered Mr. Dowling a week’s wages so that he might leave once. If Mr. Dowling had offered him (defendant) a week’s wages he should have to leave at once, and could not see why, if he offered Dowling a week’s wages, he (defendant) might not leave once. The Bench, however, made order for payment of the 13s. Within 14 days. —Defendant wanted to know if he might have the case fought again, as he thought it most unfair, but his question was not answered.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 28 September 1900

PYLLE

Harvest Thanksgiving. —On Sunday and Monday last, the harvest thanksgiving celebrations were held at the Wesleyan Chapel. Interest was added to the occasion when it was known that the Rev. Thos. Kirkby, the new resident minister at Shepton Mallet, would conduct the Sunday services. This was the first visit of Mr. Kirkby to Pylle, and the villagers turned out in goodly numbers to give him a welcome. An afternoon was substituted for the usual morning service. Mr. Kirkby spoke in the afternoon from Mark iv, verses 26, 27, 28, and in the evening from the 145th Psalm, verses 15 and 16. On both occasions his remarks were very bright, interesting and instructive, and were listened to by quite large congregations, compared to the usual attendances at this place of worship. On Monday the good folk of Pilton came over and entertained a packed house to service of song entitled “Little Dot”. The connective readings were ably read by Mr. Marchant. the conclusion, the sale of the fruit, vegetables, and flowers took place. Mr. Marchant was again to the fore, and it was mainly due his efforts that the sum of 20s was realised. The collections amounted to 30s 5d, so the total proceeds the festival reached £2 10s. 5d., an amount which is far and away the best obtained at Pylle. Many thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Baby, Mrs. Oborne, Mrs. March, Miss Jane Higgins, and several of the villagers for the untiring way in which they worked to decorate the interior of the chapel.

Wells Journal - Thursday 11 October 1900

PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY

Before Col. E. B. Napier (in the chair), Col. Clerk, and Mr. F. Spencer.

ALLEGED CRUELTY TO A HORSE CASE DISMISSED. George Look, jnr . farmer, Ditcheat, summoned at the instance of Inspector Johnson, R.S.P.C.A., for cruelty to horse by working it in unfit state, on September 4^th at Shepton Mallet.-The Inspector stated that saw the defendant driving grey gelding attached spring cart at Shepton. There were three others in the cart. He was going a very fast trot, and witness noticed that the animal was lame in the off hind leg. Defendant pulled up outside the Hare and Hounds hotel, and witness found that the animal was standing three legs. He drew the defendants attention to the fact, and he replied that the horse was simply suffering from spavin. Defendant further explained that the horse was bit lame at starting, but said that worked off after the animal had been on the road for little while. Witness then pointed out to the defendant that he had already driven six miles, and that the lameness had not worn off up to that time. When released from the shafts the horse could scarcely walk. There was doubt that the animal was in great pain. Witness examined the horse, and found that the lameness was caused by a bone spavin, and the hock was also very hot. Witness suggested that the defendant could call in veterinary surgeon, but this Look did not do. The defendant asked witness later in the day what to do about taking the horse home, and (witness) told him that he must not work it home. The defendant also said that he should not have driven the horse, only it was a very good animal on the road. -Defendant said the Inspector had told a deliberate lie with regard to the number in the trap. There was no one with him except his wife.—Sergeant Hector corroborated as to the horse’s lameness. When taken out of the trap the animal had great difficulty in walking to the stable. There were either three or four in the trap with the defendant. —Defendant was sworn, and in the coarse of his evidence said hw was driving his wife to Sbepton Mallet Show on the day in question. The horse started all right, and did the journey in very good time. It was a free goer, and came in at it. own pace. He denied that it went three legs or anything like it. The animal was six years old, and witness bad driven it frequently without complaint.—William Henry Corp, farmer, Sutton, .said he had seen the horse pass his house two or three times day, but had never noticed that it was lame. If anyone rode behind the horse they would think that they were behind good, bold, going animal. -Sidney Hutton, of Alhampton, said he drove in behind the defendant on the day in question. The defendants horse was going as well as a horse could go. Mrs. Look was the only other occupants of the trap. The Inspector, in reply to the Bench, said there were two sitting behind when the defendant reached the the town.—Defendant said was sure there were not two people riding behind. The Inspector: The Sergeant was there at the time.—Mr. Hutton said was positive that the defendant only had his wife in the trap. He drove near him to within 100 yards of Shepton, and no one got up at the back of the trap.—Sergt Hector said he believed there were three or four persons in the trap when his attention was drawn to the horse.-The Chairman : You saw one sitting behind.-Sergt. Hector said could not swear to that.-The Inspector interposing, said to the best of his belief there were three or four the trap. At all events he was confident it was the same horse. The Sergeant recalled, repeated that the horse was very lame when walking to the stable.-Inspector Johnson said should like the Bench to see the animal if it could be arranged. He pointed out that he gave the defendant opportunity calling in a veterinary surgeon.—The Bench in view of the conflicting evidence, decided to dismiss the case.

STRAY PIGS.—Stephen Golledge, farmer, Wraxall, Ditcheat, was summoned for allowing 15 pig» to stray on the Highway at Huxham, on September 27tb,—B.L. Broom spoke to finding the pigs on the highway, and as he could not find owner impounded them at Ash farm. The pigs were subsequently claimed by one of the defendant's employees.—The Chairman, in fining defendant 21s. inclusive, pointed out that he was liable to penalty of £5 a pig.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT. —William Reakes, of Evercreech, was summoned for disorderly conduct at Ditcheat, on Thursday, September 20th.—P.C. Pullen said the defendant bad a dispute with his master, because he considered Mr. Hatton had not paid him sufficient. Mr. Hutton bad previously turned Reakes out of the yard, and then the defendant behaved like a madman.—Sidney Hutton said the defendant was very abusive to the last witness, and also to himself.—The Bench inflicted a fine 5s. and costs.

CHARGE OF ASSAULT : DISMISSED —Sidney Hutton, butcher, of Alhampton, was summoned for assaulting Wm. Reakes, a driver of Evercreech, the defendant in the last case, on September 20th, Ditcheat.—Complainant said that the day question, was engaged with the defendant in killing pigs, when “' the governor” just “nipped” his finger with the knife. He immediately commenced to abuse witness, who retaliated saying that had had enough, and would leave off. Defendant then knocked him down. Complainant then asked for his money, but the defendant refused pay him more than 4s.— Defendant said had cautioned the complainant several times about his carelessness in using knife, and on the day in question cut his (witness's) finger. He then remonstrated with Reakes, who, there upon, became abusive. He (Hutton) denied striking the complainant, but only pushed him out of the way.-Wm. Hoskings, butcher, in defendant’s employ, said the complainant abused his master very much. Reakes refused to go, and Hutton then pushed him. No blows were struck.—The magistrates dismissed the case.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 28 December 1900

MARRIAGE OF MR. R. P. ALLEN AND MRS. JOHNSTON.

A wedding which attracted a great deal of attention locally, from the popularity of the bride in the village, look place at the Parish Church, Ditcheat, on Wednesday afternoon. The contracting parties were Mr. Richard P. Allen, of Pilton, formerly of Shepton Mallet and Croscombe, who for many years was chief clerk at H.M. Prison, Shepton Mallet, and subsequently at Reading Prison ; and Mrs. Marie Louise Johnston, widow the late Mr. William Johnston, who has for the last 17 years filled the post headmistress of the Board school, and was also the senior lady member of the choir, and an active worker in every movement for the good of the village, or for public amusements where she could be of service. The parents as well as the children appreciated her uniform kindness and brightness, and they flocked to the church to witness the ceremony. The choir, led Mr. T. G. Vincent the senior member, volunteered their service; and the schoolmaster, Mr. Norris, was at his post at the organ, and as the company assembled played a match Scotson Clark. The service was fully choral, conducted by the rector of the parish, the Rev. C. E. Leir, assisted the vicar of Pilton, the Rev. C. W. Bennett. The hymns, “How welcome was the call,” and “The voice that breathed o’er Eden” were sung, and Psalm cxxvii . was chanted. The Rev. C. E. Leir gave an earnest and appropriate address at the close of the ceremony. Whilst the register was being signed the organist played “Mendelsohn’s Wedding March,” and merry peals were rung from the church bells as the party left the church, and at intervals during the afternoon. The bride was attired in a costume of grey cloth, with steel and sequin trimmings, lace neckerchief and hat of grey velvet, with feathers to match. She was given away her brother, Mr. Dailey, and was attended her daughter, Miss Daisy Johnston, as bridesmaid. The dress of the latter was pale blue, trimmed with white satin, black hat with pale blue trimmings. A handsome gold bangle gift of the bridegroom to the bridesmaid. Mr. E. Kmg, of Ditcheat, an old school friend of Mr. R. P. Allen, officiated as best man. After a reception at the residence the bride, the party were photographed, and the happy couple left for Evercreech Junction, en route for Torquay, for the honeymoon. The numerous and valuable wedding presents included handsome black marble clock, of classic design, with green marbled pillarettes, the bases and capitals of which, and the handles, were gilt, with lion ornament on top. This was inscribed “Presented to Mrs. Johnston the occasion her marriage by the Rector and members of the church choir the parish of Ditcbeut, recognition of her services us member of the above choir for 17 years.” The members of the School Board presented Mrs. Johnston with handsome salad bowl and servers, and there were very many other tokens of the appreciation in which she is held locally.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 04 January 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of this Council was held in the Council Chamber, Market Place, Wednesday morning, when there attended Mr. F. Spencer, chairman, Messrs. E. Cary, A.J. Davis, R. J. Hoskins, G. E. Chappell, J. Martin, F Hoddinott, W. Fry, T. G. Vincent, E. King, E. C. Bissex and H. Bissex; also Messrs. A. E. Nalder, clerk, F. G. Bradbury assistant clerk, R.Moody. surveyor, and W. Phelps, inspector

The Clerk read a reply to his letter, received from Mr. Wells, agent to Lord Ilchester, consenting to the proposition of this Council with regard to the spring for the Ditcheat water supply, namely, that at the end of the seventy years lease the Council have the right of renewal at a rent of £2O per annum. It was stated that for the first seventy years, the rent would £1 per annum, the total cost of the work being £6,000, which will he repaid during the first thirty years. Mr. Wells’ letter was considered satisfactory, and Mr King gave notice to move at the next meeting, that application be made for sanction to the loan. It was thought that in consequence of the delays in the preliminary stages of procedure it would be in the summer of 1902 before the supply would be available in the parish. The Clerk was instructed to prepare draft agreement with Lord Ilchester, embodying the terms now agreed to, and submit to the Council, and Mr. Vincent said that in March they would be having their usual parish meeting, when he would give the details to the parishioners. In regard to the Hornblotton supply, draft conditions were forwarded by Mr. Thring, for the use of the spring, providing for a maintenance to him of a supply of five gallons of water per minute, and these were accepted by the Council.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 01 February 1901

Official Announcements

TO THE INHABITANTS OF SHEPTON MALLET.

“His Majesty the King has been pleased to direct that SATURDAY NEXT the 2^nd February to be observed as day of General Mourning, and that Banks be closed and all business suspended.”

IN COMPLIANCE with the above direction all Business Premises will be be CLOSED in Shepton Mallet the whole of Saturday.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that UNITED MEMORIAL SERVICE will held at the Parish Church at Two o’clock, at which the Council will attend.

By order of the Urban District Council Shepton Mallet,

A. E. NALDER, Clerk.

31st January, 1301

SHEPTON MALLET PETTY SESSIONS. Friday.

— Before Mr. G. B. Napier (in the chair), Col. R. M, Clerk, and Mr. F. Spencer.

DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

At the opening of the Court, Mr. G. B. Napier said “Before entering upon the business of the day, I should desire to express on my part, as well as that of the Magistrates of this division, the profound sorrow we feel in the loss we have sustained in the almost sudden death our beloved Sovereign the late Queen Victoria. Her death is a loss that will long be felt by the whole community, not only of these isles, but I may say by all the civilized world. We would wish most deeply and respectfully to offer our humble sympathy to our new King, and to the whole Royal Family in their sad loss. As the years roll on deep in our hearts there will always be a tender spot for the memory of our Mother Queen. God save the King.”

Mr. Bisgood, D.C.C., on behalf of the police of the County, wished to add one word of regret at the death Her Majesty the Queen, and to express the hope that our new King will long be spared to reign over us.

Mr. Nalder, on behalf of the solicitors practising in the Court, expressed their sincere and respectful concurrence with what the Chairman had said respecting the loss they had all sustained by the death of Queen Victoria.

Mr. Mackay, on behalf of the officers of the Court, said that they agreed entirely with what had fallen from the Chairman’s lips.

PROPOSED CLOSING PUBLIC HOUSES.

Col. R. M. Clerk, as Chairman of the licensing justices, referred to the fact that it was proposed to suspend business in the town for two hours before the time fixed for the Queen’s funeral, and for one hour afterwards, and said that was hoped by the Bench of Magistrates that all the licensed houses would do the same, and close entirely for a period on February 2nd.

LIGHTS ON TRAPS.

Bert Hall, butcher, of Shepton Mallet, was summoned for driving without a light on January 14th. He pleaded guilty.—P.C. Tripp said that at 11.45 he was on duty in the Commercial road, and heard trap coming up the road. It had no light. Bert Hall was in charge. He enquired the reason why he had not a light, and he replied that it had gone out at the bottom the hill, and he could not get another. —The Bench imposed fine of 5s. and costs.

Lot Oborne, of Alhampton, Ditcheat, was summoned for a like offence at Ditcheat, on January 18th.—P.C. Pullen stated that on Friday, the 18th January, at 6.25 in the evening, he was in company with P.C. Priddle, at Brook House point, in the parish of Ditcheat. when they heard conveyance drive up and stop at the Inn. There was no light attached to it, or they would have seen it. They went to the trap, and asked who was driving, and a man named Garland stated that it was Lot Oborne, hat he hadn’t got a candle, and was gone into the Inn to try and borrow a light. The lamp was quite cold. Oborne came out and said the lump had just gone out. If there had been light witness could have seen it for 150 yards up the road. Paul Garland on behalf of Lot Oborne, stated be was in the trap, and the light went out at Brook House. Fined 5s. and 7s costs.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 February 1901

DITCHEAT.

The Rev. C. E. Leir and people of Ditcheat showed their loyalty and sorrow on Saturday last by a most appropriate service at the Parish Church, to which there marched in procession the representatives of the various local bodies. A Royal muffled peal was rung, and was very impressive.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 November 1901

STRAYS.

Georgina Hughes, gipsy, was summoned for allowing two horses to stray at Ditcheat on Oct. 18. —P.C. Pullin stated that received complaint of some gipsies being encamped on East Hill, and going there he found the two horses straying a quarter of a mile from the van. They had been in Mr Clothier’s field.—Fined 5s and 7s costs

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 February 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Council Chamber, Market Place, on Wednesday, present Mr. E. Cary (in the chair), Rev H. C. Guyon, Rev. T. C. Bush, Messrs. K J. Hoskins, G. E. Chappell, E. King, T. G. Vincent, E. J. Barton, H. Cannon, T. E. Corp, H. H. Steeds, W. Fry, E Hill, E.C. Bissex officers present, Messrs. A. E. Nalder (clerk), F. G. Bradbury (assistant clerk), R. Moody (surveyor), W. Phelps (surveyor).

WATER COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Ditcheat Water Supply—Your Committee recommend approval of Mr. Phelps’ estimate and plans for utilizing water from Lord llchester’s land, situate at Greenscombe. at a cost of £5700, an application be made to the Local Government Board for a loan.

The Surveyor stated that plans, estimates and particulars ready for the Local Government Board, will be presented, with the Water Committee’s report thereon.

Mr. King was very sorry that the figures were high for the parish of Ditcheat, but they had many schemes before them and none of them came to anything, and they were bound to have water, so that he saw no other course than to propose that application made to the Local Government Board for a loan for £5,700.

In reply to a question to the feeling of the parish it was pointed out that the parish would have every opportunity of objecting at the Local Government Board enquiry. Mr. Vincent seconded the amendment, and it was carried.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 March 1901

DITCHEAT

School Board. A meeting of this Board was held Saturday last, present Rev. C. Leir (in the chair). Messrs. Geo. Longman, H. Pearce, E. King and R.Longman and Mr. E. Leversedge (clerk). The minutes the last meeting were read and confirmed. The number of children on the books was reported to be 128, average attendance 109. Tenders were received four re-covering the yards with asphalt, but it was decided that this should stand over until the next meeting. The school cleaner sent in his resignation and another person was appointed his place. This led to some discussion to the supply of water for the master’s house and school. Some eighteen mouths since it was arranged with owner of a certain well to obtain a supply from there, but had just come to the knowledge of the Board, that this was refused some mouths ago, and water had to be procured where possible. The master being asked how much was brought daily for their use, said he should think on an average about three gallons, this was considered insufficient for the school and for the 1s per week, which is paid for carrying it. The matter was left with the master to see if he could make better arrangements. A precept was signed for on the rates for the ensuing six months.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 08 March 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

WATER SUPPLIES.

Ditcheat Water Scheme.—A sample of water from the spring has been analysed, and proves to be very good water. Your clerk has forwarded to me a copy of a protest against the scheme, for which it appears signatures are being solicited. The protest appears to assume that the lack of good supply is in Ditcheat village only. If I have not already so informed you I now beg to say that in three at least the four hamlets the present supply is unsatisfactory in parts.

Mr. Phelps stated the exact state of the supply.

It was asserted that some of those signing the protest were themselves badly off for water. Throughout the parish there was need more water.

The Clerk submitted further correspondence with Lord Ilchester’s agent, and the draft agreement, which was considered, the Council declining to assent to one clause as to repairs as it stood, terms being suggested which the Council would not undertake in any case.

Mr. Edwin King moved to confirm the following Resolution of the Council:- “That application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to the borrowing of the sum of £5,700 for carrying out the proposed scheme of Water Supply for the parish of Ditcheat, set out in the plans of Mr. William Phelps, such sum be repayable in 30 years,” and this was adopted.

In answer to Mr. Vincent, it was stated that nothing could be done till the Government inquiry.

Prospect Cottages. Ditcheat.—A new set of closets is being provided, and will, I hope, prove satisfactory.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 15 March 1901

DITCHEAT.

THE WATER QUESTION.

A largely attended parish meeting to discuss parochial affairs was held on Monday night in the Board schoolroom, presided over by Mr. T. G. Vincent, chairman of the Parish Council, and one the Rural District Councillors, supported by the members of the Parish Council and their clerk, the Rev. C E. Leir, Messrs. G. Longman. Salt, T. Barber, Parsons, G. Norris, Look, sen., Jeans, Creed, Welch, W. Hill, O. J. Allen, G. Look, jun., A. Barber, Martin, Dyke, King, Hillard, S. Golledge, Taylor, Butt, Arnold. Hallett, Burrows. Stone, White, Mundy, Read, Clarke, Harris, Porch, Bennett, Clothier, Allen, Rood, &c.

The Chairman announced that, as they were aware, one of the chief objects of that meeting was to consider the water question. It had been before the parish now for a great number of years, and various schemes had been tried to get a supply for the parish. He was sorry to say that in many instances it had been a failure. The question had arisen from the visits of the medical officer to the parish. He had to make frequent inspections right through the district and see that the parishes were properly supplied with pure water, it was consequence of his reports on the state of the supply, and the pressure of the County Council and the Local Government Board that it had been necessary to go into this matter. He had heard that it had been ascribed certain individuals, but such was not the case. It had come about from the pressure of the Boards above them, who said that the District Council must get a supply water for the parish. The representatives the parish on the District Council had done their utmost to get a supply in the parish without putting it to a very heavy expense, and also the immediate vicinity, but he was very sorry to say they had not succeeded as they wished. They were, therefore, obliged to seek a supply from some other source to satisfy the demands of the County Council and the Local Government Board. He would not detain them, because Mr. Phelps, the sanitary inspector who bad prepared the scheme, had kindly responded the invitation to come down and explain what was proposed to be done, and then it would be for them to discuss what they thought of the scheme. Mr. Phelps in an exhaustive explanation of the scheme, traced first of all what had been done during the past ten years, during the time his father and himself had been engaged on the work, omitting what had been done in the time of their predecessor Mr. Hardisty, He made special allusion to attempts 1895 and 1896 to find a supply from Ditcheat Hill; and connection with the wells which proved that they were not fed by springs in the majority cases dealt with. The medical officer recognising the difficulties of the position, reported, after testing the wells, that they were usable till a better supply could obtained, desisting from condemning them entirely which would have meant their being closed altogether. The phrase appeared to imply that the County analyst would probably say they were not fit to drink. In 1896 the County Council, wrote to the District Council, and threatened proceedings, and then commenced a chapter which was unfortunate and expensive one, in trying to get water near at hand. He narrated the tests made, and the results of the sinking wells after water without result, and ultimately passing of resolution of the Parish Council of June, 1899, asking the District Council to go further. The resolution was read, and verified by Mr. Harrold from the parish books, and Mr. Phelps went on to describe the Farm scheme, which was on the whole favourable, but the owner, Mr. Norton, laid down terms which the Council considered rather stiff. About the same time attention was called to the springs on Lord Ilchester’s land, some distance further off, but yielding much larger supply, and at a height which would gravitate to almost any part of the parish. Mr. G. Longman’s farm was the exception. The Greenscombe spring gave 15 gallons minute, and that would afford good supply for the whole parish, after meeting Lord llchester’s requirements. The District Council had elaborated scheme, and were in treaty for the acquirement of these springs. He drew their attention to the fact that the District Council were being pushed by the County Council and the Local Government Board and he received complaints from the people of Ditcheat which he was bound to report to the Council. He proceeded explain the scheme. Nearly all parts the parish wanted water, and showed how it was proposed to carry the water to meet the requirements. In reply to question of Mr. G. Longman, he said that did not think, under the most favourable circumstances, they would be able to have more water in Ditcheat for year, and that to successfully oppose the Council the parish must submit alternative scheme. Proceeding to compare the two schemes, Snagg Farm and Greenscombe, he said the chief difference lay in the £500, roundly, which would be required take the scheme to the same point as the Snagg scheme, and against that they must set certain items of annual cost for pumping and initial cost for storage, &c., which reduced the difference in the cost materially, whilst they would be getting three times the amount water, an important item to the large users. One great item in the difference in the estimates was the way the cost of labour and materials had increased since the farm scheme was prepared, and which would affect either scheme.

Mr. Longman, the Rev. C. E. Leir, Mr. Salt, Mr. Parsons asked a number of questions, and raised the objection that the parish had a good supply from wells. Mr. Phelps stated that if that was so they could raise no better case before the inspector. He would not sanction such a scheme as this if they could prove the parish was well supplied. The Rev. C. E. Leir. in moving resolution on the subject, said that he had been favoured with .sight of letter from Mr. John Higgins, whose knowledge in these subjects was considerable, and whose opinion was worth having. He pointed out that “the cost of the spring to us is very great, for in addition to the permanent works which will take away from the water that is a new first call on the spring for ever (that is to say, Ditcheat can get no water till this first demand is satisfied), these preliminary works are estimated to cost: - In pipes, works, &c., £500 ; an annual rent of £1 for 30 years, £30 ; a rent for ever of £20 per annum, say £700; total, £1230. And this is what we are asked for the surplus water, before a single drop of water, or an inch of pipe to convey to Ditcheat are provided for ! The £5000, in addition to convey this water to the parish, is the estimate cost! All this money sunk in original works ! We shall have to find money besides to pay for watching, repairs, easements, renewals, &c., in the great length of pipes, with the salary of skilled engineer in constant pay, a total of costs that ought to be very carefully thought out before being incurred.

Mr. Phelps in connection with this stated that the £20 year was not an immediate payment, but would not take effect for 70 years (a laugh, and a voice, We need not trouble about that).

Mr.Leir proceeded to argue that they would have to repay £200 a year besides interest, which would mean something like £380 to start with, and there would such things repairs, and with 50 taps and 12 miles of piping, £50 at least must put down for this, so that it would he between £400 and £600 a year.

Mr. Phelps explained that the repayment and interest combined was 5½ per cent on the outlay when spread over 30 years, £20 a year would cover the cost maintenance, so that £338 would include everything. The present scheme, further explained contained a more extended supply than the Snagg Farm scheme.

The question of the amount farmers would have to pay was thrashed out by Mr. Phelps and Mr. Longman. Mr. Phelps expressed an opinion that the landowners ought to share the burden, which was cordially endorsed. Mr. Leir read a letter, with extract from the Public Health Act with regard to the calling upon owners provide water, which he had received from Mr. Spencer, and contended that the District Council ought to have taken this step first of all. After much debate he moved that “While thanking our District Councillors for the great trouble they have taken in trying to supply this parish with water, we beg to disapprove of their proposed scheme as unnecessarily extensive and expensive; and we call upon them to require the owners of house property, where water is reported to be insanitary or insufficient, to take due measures (as required by the Public Health Act) to provide proper water for their tenants.”

Mr. Barber seconded the proposition.

Mr. Norris, after further debate moved an amendment—-“That until some alternative scheme be put before the parish by a proper authority, this scheme should receive the support of the parishioners.” Mr. J. Creed seconded.

Upon division, 21 voted for the amendment, and 23 for the original proposition. A vote thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 29 March 1901

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

DITCHEAT.

Here a threefold contest for two seats resulted in tie for the two old members, Mr. T. G. Vincent losing his seat on a mutual arrangement for deciding it, the Rev. C. E. Leir taking his place. Mr. F. W Harrold was the deputy returning officer, and Thomas, poll clerk. The numbers polled were :-

Leir, Charles Edward ……….....…………….. 61

King, Edwin ……………………………… 57

Vincent, Thomas Gifford ………………… 57

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 19 April 1901

DITCHEAT

Wedding Mr. Golledge and Miss Longman.— A large company assembled at the Parish Church, Ditcheat, on Wednesday morning, to witness the nuptials of Stephen William, eldest son of the late Mr. Stephen Golledge and Mrs. Golledge, Wraxall, with Kate, eldest daughter of Mr. George Longman, of Ditcheat Hill. The service was choral, Miss Leir presided at the organ in regretted absence through illness of Mr. G. Norris, the organist, and there was full muster of the choir, of which both the bride and bridegroom were members. The Rev. C. E. Leir, rector of the parish, performed the ceremony. The bride, who was given away her father, was attended by her three sisters, Misses Elizabeth, Florence and Hester Longman, as bridesmaids; the bridegroom being accompanied his three brothers, Mr. Richard Norman Golledge as best man, and Messrs. Reginald and Tom Golledge as groomsmen. The wedding guests included Mrs. Longman, Mrs. Golledge, Mr. M. Golledge, Miss H. Golledge, Mr. Robert, Longman, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Longman, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Norton, Master Leonard Norton and Miss May Norton, of Wells, Mr. and Mrs. G. Norman, of Shepton Mallet, and the brothers and sisters of the happy pair, the party totalling about 30. The bride was attired in a dress of cream silk poplin, with lace front and silver sequin trimming she wore a tulle veil and orange blossom, a gold watch and chain the gift of the bridegroom, and carried a handsome shower bouquet. The bridesmaids were dressed in costumes nun’s veiling, two being pink and the third eau de nil, with clusters of black ribbon velvet with tags, and tuscan hats trimmed with black and cream velvet, and bouquets. As the happy couple left the church the wedding march was played, and the bells rang out their merry peals. The wedding breakfast was served at the residence of the bride’s parents, the party being a family one representing three of the oldest families of the locality. The bride cake was a very handsome one, supplied by Mr. H. J. Goodemough, of Shepton Mallet. Amongst the many valuable and useful presents received on the occasion was a handsome clock of black marble with gilt mouldings, and a plate inscribed with the record that it was presented by the rector and members of the Ditcheat choir. In the evening the newly-married couple left for London amid showers of rice and confetti, and the merry ringing of the bells. The bride’s going away costume was of grey cloth, trimmed with black and cream applique.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 03 May 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The annual meeting of this Council was held Friday last, at the Board Room, Union Workhouse, present, the Revs, H. C. Guyon, B. Bull, and C. E. Leir; Messrs. E. Cary, E. Hill, F. Hoddinott, J. Board, I. N. Brook, R. J._ Hoskins, W Fry, E. King, H. J. Davis, E. Gait, E. C. Bissex, H. H. Biases, H. H. Steeds, J. Selway, . Cannon, J. Corpe and Britten, also the clerk (Mr. A. E. Nalder), and the assistant clerk (Mr. F. G. Bradbury).

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Mr. E. Hill was voted to the chair at the commencement the business, and as temporary Chairman said be had great pleasure in proposing the late chairman to chairman for the year. He was sure Mr. Spencer deserved their thanks for his attention to his duties. They were very fortunate in having a gentleman of the experience of Mr. Spencer, with commercial knowledge and ability, to conduct their affairs and to do without using too many words, or wasting too much of their time. He hoped Mr. Spencer would long continue preside over them, and to be example of how they were to conduct themselves. He proposed Mr. Spencer’s re-election as chairman.

Mr. Hoskins seconded, with much pleasure, Mr. Spencer’s re-election. He thought that in doing so they ought to thank him for his past services. He had presided over them very ably. He had been only a probationer so far, but supposed they would now elect him on their general staff. He had always been very nice, and they had never had any ill-feeling or unpleasantness. The business the Council became more and more complicated every year, as did that of the Board Guardians, and they wanted as chairman a gentleman of some forensic knowledge to carry them through, and that they had in Mr. Spencer.

The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Hill said they had had good vice-chairman in Mr. Cary for the last few years. He was an example to the elected guardians. He did not think he had missed a single meeting (hear, hear). Not only had he attended the monthly meetings of the Council, and the fortnightly meeting of the Guardians, but other meetings of committees. He was very attentive to his duties. He, too, was not man to waste their time using too many words. Therefore he had great pleasure in proposing Mr. Cary as vice-chairman.

Mr. King seconded and it was carried unanimously.

Mr. Cary took the chair and thanked the members the Council. Mr. Nalder said that the only committee appointed by the Council was the Water Committee. the present the members were Messrs. F. Spencer. E. Carv. J. Edwards, E. C. Bissex, E. King, W. Fry, E. Hill, H. J. Davis, F. Hoddinott. R. J. Hoskins, and Rev, H. C. Guyon, and two other gentlemen who had not been re-elected Mr. Vincent and Mr. Chappell. They were the water committee, last year, but were not on the Board now, Mr. Cary proposed Mr. Solway fill one of the vacancies. Mr. Hill said the. Rev. C. E. Leir came on to the Board on the water question, and took great interest in it, and proposed his addition to the committee.

Mr. Guyon seconded the two names, and the committee was appointed with these additions.

SHEPTON MALLET BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

The first meeting of the newly-constituted Board followed that of the Rural District Council, the Shepton Guardians being present in addition to those named above, viz: Messrs. J. Alford, W. Luff, J. T. Brown and C. W. E Denman. Later, when they had been elected chairman and co-opted respectively, Mr. F. Spencer and Mr. J. P. Luff attended.

UNEXPECTED GOOD THING.

The Rev. C. E. Leir rising, said he would not like to do anything contrary to the customs and manners of the house. When he first consented to stand as a District Councillor he had no idea that it involved being Guardian as well, till he was unpleasantly reminded it the previous day (laughter). If possible, he would like get out of the guardianship (more laughter). He heard enough, as a clergyman, about the sad sorrows the poor of his parish without coming in for their recriminations as well. If anything went wrong they poured it on the shoulders of the Guardians, and had quite enough on his shoulders parish priest. He had heard that morning something about co-opting guardians, and be would like to be co-opted out, and put the burden of the guardianship on the shoulders of his friend, Mr. King. If they had the power of appointing certain guardians to represent certain districts, he would be glad if by any means they could exercise it in his case and excuse him.

Mr. Nalder : Only two guardians can be co-opted, and they have been co-opted this morning.

Mr. Spencer : I think you must do your duty, Mr. Leir (loud laughter.

Mr. Leir expressed his willingness to be represented by Mr. King as guardian.

Mr. King was of opinion that it would be only fairness on Mr. Leir’s part to join him (Mr. King) in bearing all the trouble.

Mr. Leir suggested that Mr. King should bear not all, but nearly all. Continuing, he referred to his appointment on the water committee. He was afraid it was an open secret that he was returned by about 90 per cent, of the land owners and largest ratepayers simply to oppose the Ditcheat Water scheme. He did not want to speak on that at present, but he wished to know what course action must be taken to put a motion on the agenda paper on the subject, and when the meeting took place must send it to the clerk, and must he find a seconder?

A Member : We are now in Board of Guardians.

Mr. Leir was informed that he could at once send his notice to the Clerk for the meeting on Wednesday, and the incident terminated.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 03 May 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The monthly ordinary meeting: of the Council was heldon Wednesday, at the Council Chamber. Market Place, present, Mr. F. Spencer (chairman), E. Cary (vice-chairman), Revs. B. Bull, C. E. Leir, Messrs. R. J. Hoskins, H. J. Davis, I. N. Brooke, F. Hoddinott, J. Board, E. Britten, J. Corpe, H. Cannon, E. C. Bissex, H. H Bissex, H. H. Steeds, E. King, W. Fry and E. Hill; and the following officers:—The clerk (Mr. A. E. Nalder), assistant clerk (Mr. F. G. Bradbury), medical officer (Mr. J. T. Hyatt), surveyor (Mr. R. Moody), and inspector (Mr. W. Phelps).

DITCHEAT WATER SUPPLY.

The Clerk reported a letter from the Local Government Board with notes application for loan.

Mr. Phelps reported : —Terms in detail with Lord Ilchester are, I believe, complete ; if finally approved by the Council I presume the collecting trenches should be got out.

Mr. King enquired if case of diphtheria had been reported from Ditcbeat.

Mr. Hyatt stated that he had received a notification from Dr. C. P. Coombs, and it would be duly noted in his quarterly report. Mr. King thought it strange. As a member of the School Board he saw the notice at their Board meeting, and he saw nothing about it on their agenda, although a case elsewhere was mentioned.

Mr. Hyatt said that the case being an isolated one he had not thought it necessary to deal with it in his report ; the other case was, mentioned in Sir. Phelps’ report, not in his.

Mr. King mentioned that the case was certified on the 28th March, and owing to it four children were unable to attend school. A death had since occurred, certified croup. He thought the Sanitary authority ought to be made acquainted with it.

Mr. Spencer agreed with the latter remark.

Mr Hyatt: It has been reported to me.

In reply to Mr. Bissex, Mr. Hyatt said the Cranmore case was first in point of time.

Mr. Spencer thought it would be better that all cases should be reported to the Board at once.

Mr. Hyatt promised to bear the expression opinion in mind.

In reply to further questions he said he did not think the present case was due water but to drainage.

The Rev. C. E. Leir formally moved-“ That the Council do notify the Local Government Board that circumstances have arisen which make it desirable to put aside for the time their proposed scheme for supplying the parish of Ditcheat with water; and meanwhile to take alternative measures for this object ; and, first alternative measure, to take action (under the Public Health Act, 38 and Vic.), and after a further enquiry by the Medical Officer, or any independent Sanitary Inspector, as to the non-sufficiency or improper quality of certain wells about which complaints have been made, then to give notice to the owners any houses dependent on these wells for a water supply, requiring him or them, within a time therein specified to obtain such supply, and to take due measures and to do all such works may be necessary for that purpose.”

Mr. Leir said that those gentlemen who had read through his motion would see that it showed pretty plainly that he meant to offer very radical opposition to the programme put forth by the District Council so far as certain works were concerned. It stated that circumstances had arisen which made it desirable to put aside for the time the proposed scheme for supplying the parish Ditcheat with water. Those circumstances he submitted were the violent opposition, as violent as they could expect, from 90 per cent of the owners and ratepayers of the parish- He said 90 per cent, but might have made it 99 per cent of the landowners, householders and ratepayers of the place whom they would expect to wish to have a voice in the matter. They protested distinctly against the whole scheme as being unnecessarily expensive and extensive. He did not propose to fall foul of the scheme now; that had been pretty well thrashed out. The question was now whether it would not desirable carry out au alternative scheme, which he had suggested, and one which struck him as a very simple scheme. He took the scheme from the words the chairman, who in letter to him gave what he believed to an extract from the law books laid on the Council table. He proceeded quote, in extenso, an extract, the main portion of winch was embodied in the latter clause of his notice of motion. The alternative scheme suggested, seemed to be the most simple one in a large parish of 3,500 acres, and nearly two miles square, in which the district affected was included within 200 or 300 square yards. A few owners would have to provide water, and amongst them the School Board, of which he happened to the unworthy chairman, and few extra wells would have to be dug. It was extraordinary to them to have such alarming scheme suddenly plumped upon them. It had frightened the ratepayers for it seemed that a terrible rate would for some years hang over their heads, whereas there was a simple means of putting the saddle on the right horse calling on those persons, six or seven in all, to put their own shops in order and not let the expense fall on the whole body of the ratepayers. He supposed they had right to call on the owners whose supply was deficient to put it right. If not he would like to be corrected. Further he could not help thinking that “give a dog bad name and hang him” seemed applicable in the case. A bad name bad been given to the water supply, but he ought to know something about it. There were something like 45 or 50 wells in the village, and he believed every one was in use at the present moment, and he did not hear many complaints that the water was insanitary. They had just heard something about an extraordinary case diphtheria, but that had nothing to with water. It was, moreover, about the only case in the last ten years, and epidemic or any thing of the kind indicated damage done the water supply. He did not mean to say but that, out of these 50 wells, some were doubtful, but analysts disagreed, and with regard to a sample of water, he had known two very different results from different analysts. He believed there was great exaggeration as to the quality the water. He therefore believed that if those persons whose wells were pronounced defective were called upon to have their wells cleaned out and deepened, and if few more wells were dug. he believed there would quite sufficient water for the parish, and there need be no demand the rates at all. He felt perfectly convinced that if anybody would give him £200 he would be able to put the water supply right to pass any reasonable tests. There were only two or three cases at Alhampton ; a public house at Wraxall; he believed four public houses in all in the parish, who complained of the water supply, and the school, and a few other cottages. This was the first alternative, but he had another in case this was put out of court he must try something else, for he was sent there to fight tooth and nail against the scheme as at present constituted. The ratepayers felt that this was only the first stage of an enormous call upon them. He thought the Medical Officer ought to call meeting of the parish and ask for complaints. He admitted there bad been a shortage, but he contended that they ought sink more wells, and sink them deeper, and nothing would induce owners to improve their water supplies till pressure was brought to bear upon them. He suggested independent sanitary inspector, because he contended that it was not right that it should in the power of one man condemn the whole water supply. He was there expressing the opinion of nine-tenths of the ratepayers, and he did not know what the duties the District Council were unless it was to give expression to the reasonable desires of the large majority of the inhabitants.

Mr. Corpe knew that Mr. Leir had given the Council the opinion of the great majority of the ratepayers, and he would second the proposition.

Mr. E. King rose to move an amendment. Mr. Leir claimed to represent 90 per cent of the ratepayers. Well, he did not wish to take up as much lime as Mr. Leir, and he would say that 90 per cent was big item. He, however, represented the ratepayers as well as Mr. Leir, and asserted that the 90 per cent whom Mr. Leir claimed to represent, and those who signed the protest, Mr. Leir included some who were neither residents nor voters, nor ratepayers. At the parish meeting Mr. Leir’s proposals were, he knew, carried, but by a majority of two only—they could not go against that. If Mr. Leir was chairman the School Board, the speaker was a member of the School Board, and he asked the Council to imagine 120 children round a pail with three gallons of water trying to quench their thirst a hot summer day. As to digging wells on the school promises, the Board of Education would not allow it, and he as a member of the School Board would not agree to it. He proposed, as an amendment, that the arrangement carried out as originally proposed.

Mr. Leir said the protest was sent round by post to the landowners for signature, and if they were not resident he did not know who, unless it were the largest owners, on whom the burden eventually rested, had any right to sign the protest.

Mr. King, continuing, said that as they knew from Mr. Vincent everything possible had been done for years, and they had failed to get water near at hand. He and Mr. Vincent know as much about the parish.as Mr. Leir.

Mr. Corpe : It has been a blunder from beginning to end.

Mr. Hill reminded the Council the different attempts that had been made by sinking wells, &c. at considerable expense, to find water near at hand. It was admitted that water was required, and the Local Government Board would require a sufficient supply. He believed that if this scheme were carried out there would be plenty of water for the cattle, and all necessary work, and the farmers would have the great advantage.

Replying to a question, Mr. Phelps said there was. He had no doubt, plenty of water for cattle in this spring.

A member of the Council; But we never allow the water to be used for cattle.

Mr. Phelps : I don’t think there would be any objection to it, if there were plenty to spare.

In reply to further questions, Mr. Phelps said it was proposed to take the water to every house in the parish, except about three, and they would be entitled to the use of it for fetching if they paid the rates. There was only one farmer who would not be supplied.

Mr. Spencer thought it very desirable that the scheme should be carried out. They had had many complaints for years that Ditcheat was not properly supplied with water. It was their duty, as Rural District Council, to supply all parishes in the district, and it was very necessary that they should supply them all with good water, and they were determined to do so as far us they were able. They had tried to get water for Ditcheat by sinking wells, and sinking them deeper than they were ever sunk before, and they had been unsuccessful. Their opinion was that there was no water to be got there, therefore it was desirable that they should go further. If Ditcheat people were against it they had only to show their objections, and that they had already a sufficient water supply, when the Local Government Board inspector came down. That was a splendid opportunity for everybody to speak out, and for everybody to show that they had a sufficient supply.

Mr. Leir alleged that it was well known that if they sunk a well almost anywhere in Ditcheat for twenty-six feet they would get water.

Mr. Corpe : The Council have never sunk a well the right place.

Mr. Spencer : You have never shown us where to sink.

Mr. Phelps: We went down 126 feet, and could not find sufficient water, and geologist in London told me that he did not think we should find any water worth speaking of in the parish.

It was suggested that houses without a proper supply should be closed, rather than the parish put to such expense, but it was stated that the Council had no power to do this.

Mr. King : If you had you would have to close 30 or 40 houses.

Mr. Spencer : In a few years you will be very glad have carried out tbe scheme, if we do it.

Mr. Phelps reminded the Council that it was a not primary duty the Council to work in the way suggested by Mr. Leir ; they had a concurrent duty to supply the village if they thought fit. It had been suggested that he analysed the water, but that of course was not the case. He only took the samples to send to the County Analyst.

After further debate the amendment was put to the meeting and carried.

Mr. Spencer: Now, Mr. Leir, you will have an opportunity of attending the Government enquiry, and I should advise you get all the information you can to show clearly that what you say is right. For my part I believe Ditcheat does want a water supply, and if we could have got a supply at a cheaper rate we should have been delighted to do so.

Mr. Leir, before leaving the meeting (which he did very shortly after), said that his first alternative having been knocked on the head, he should present second alternative scheme with a view of finding water nearer home. He knew it could not paid for out of rates, but proposed to get the best water diviner he could, with the hope of finding water on the range hills at the back of the parish. Mr. Spencer : If you can find water there we shall be delighted (hear, hear).

Mr. Phelps, in reply to a question of Mr. Leir’s, said that the supply to Lord llchester’s farms would not be unlimited, the Council always protected themselves against that, and against the refusal of the Local Government Board to sanction any scheme.

A letter was read from Mr. Robert Norton enclosing an account for certain out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the Snagg farm scheme, which were considered very reasonable, and were ordered to paid.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 31 May 1901

DITCHEAT

THE WATER SUPPLY SCHEME.

GOVERNMENT ENQUIRY

The Rural District Council of Shepton Mallet having applied to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow the sum of £5,700 for purposes of water supply for the parish of Ditcheat, including the construction of works in the parishes of Evercreech and Milton Clevedon, Col. W. R. Slacke, R.R., one of the inspectors of the Board, held an enquiry into the application at the Board schoolroom, Ditcheat, on Friday. There were present Messrs. A. E. Nalder (clerk), F. G. Bradbury (assistant clerk), J. T. Hyatt (medical officer of health), W. Phelps (inspector), E. Phelps, P.Maggs (representing the Rural District Council), C. E. Leir (Rev.) and E. King, district councillors for the parish ; F. Harrold (clerk), T. G. Vincent, R. Longman, H. Pearce, E. Welch, G. Look, jun. (Parish Council), A. G. Russ (clerk to the Wells Council), E. H. Padfield (surveyor and inspector to the Wells Council), H. J. Cockram (representing Mr. R. Norton, of Wells, owner of spring and other property at Ditcheat), General R. L. Leir- Carlton, Messrs. T. Barber, N. Dyke, O. T. Norris, John Hillard, G. Look, sen., L. Salt, H. Corp, A. Barber, W. Hill, W. H. Corp. A. G. Barber, E. Thomas, Joseph Creed, J. Rood, S. Parsons, J. Jeans, J. Jones, C. Hillard, L. Hillard, Richard Allen. A. Biggin, E. Clarke, R. Walker, E. King, G. Hallett, E. Gane, G. Longman, T. Vincent, jun., John Higgins, J. Garland, T. Clothier, Stephen Golledge, Robert Munday, W. Martin, J. Daubeney, W. Gillingham, A. E. Parsons, William Corp, &c. Mr. Marsh, of Yeovil, appeared for number of property owners.

Mr. A. E. Nalder in reply to the inspector, said that the population of the parish of Ditcheat was 718 at the census of 1891, that at the last census was not yet known.

Mr. Marsh : I think it is estimated that it is 680 at the present time.

A gentleman present understood that the population was five less than at the last census ; others stated that that referred to the village itself, but that the population was 48 less in the hamlets.

Mr. Nalder continuing said that the assessable value was £3588 for this purpose, and there was no outstanding loan : the rateable value was £7925.

Mr. Marsh disputed Mr. Nalder’s figures, but the difference in the calculation for the poor rate and for this purpose was pointed out.

Mr. Marsh stated that 1d in the £ produced £20 19s 6d for poor rate and £16 10s 0d for sanitary rate.

Mr. Nalder and Mr. Bradbury replied that, as a matter of fact, 1d in the £ produced only £l4 19s 0d for this purpose.

Mr. Marsh thought there must be some mistake this point ; he was taking the figures supplied by the overseers.

Asked as to what portion of the village would he supplied, Mr. Nalder stated that the whole the population would he supplied except the residents in three cottages and one farmhouse.

Addressing the inspector, Mr. Nalder said that the attention of the Rural District Council and of the late Rural Sanitary Authority had been directed to the bad supply of this tillage for the last 25 years as appeared from the minute hooks of the Council and Rural Sanitary Authority. During the whole that time no practicable scheme had been brought forward. Though many attempts had been made to find a better supply, no scheme affording a chance of real relief from the present want of water had been brought forward for the consideration of the Council except the present one. They had considered various schemes which they could not adopt, on account of the supply of water falling off, until the present one.

The Inspector : What are the grounds for the Council considering that a new supply of water is necessary

Mr. Nalder : Owing to representations of the medical officer of health, the engineer, and the members of the Council representing the Parish of Ditcheat, and also representations from the parish generally and of the different hamlets, including also resolution of the Parish Council.

Mr. Nalder was proceeding to give further particulars when the Inspector intimated to him, that he would ask for all the information he wanted. What the Inspector wanted to know was the present state the water supply, that would best be given by the last two reports.

Mr. Nalder : The Medical Officer reported in 1986

The Inspector : Why go back to 1806, take the last two years.

Mr Nalder explaned that the recent reports continued the reference to the old state of things. He showed that in the reports of 1896. 1897 and 1898, the Medical Officer complained of the state of things in the lower end of the village, and referred to the endeavours being made to rectify this, but that unforeseen difficulties arose as to the finding of water. In 1899 and 1900, the Medical Officer reported schemes in progress. Previous reports were stronger still.

Mr. Marsh pointed out that this referred only to the lower end of the village.

Mr. E. King : Where nearly all the houses are ; there are very few houses at the upper end. Questioned as to the reports of the Inspector, Mr. Nalder stated their contents ; and handed copies of them to Col. Slacke. The matter had been before the Council for so many years that it was always taken for granted that Ditcheat was badly supplied with water, and that good scheme was needed, but no special report was presented that it was a bad supply. He would like to mention that the Local Government Board, as far back as 1895, directed attention to the fact that a better supply was required there.

Mr. Marsh : I venture to suggest that that was only to a part the village.

Col Slacke: We will get that from the Medical Officer.

Mr. Nalder, continuing, said that an answer was given that the Council were doing their best to get a supply, and from that time till now the Local Government Board, seeing from the reports that the Council were doing their best to get proper supply, had not pressed them. The County Council had, however, written on the same subject, threatening that unless the District Council did take steps they would step in themselves and take the matter out of their hands. He also read the resolution of the Parish Council on the subject, asking them to do their best to obtain a supply from the best and most reliable source and stated some of the steps they had taken get a satisfactory supply. He also stated in conclusion that the District Council would have been glad to have carried out a cheaper supply. To quote the words of Mr. Spencer, the chairman of the Rural District Council, at the last meeting, they would be only too delighted to have got a supply of water at a cheaper rate if they could have done so, and if any equally good scheme to that before them could brought forward. Failing any such alternative scheme, the members of the Rural District Council hoped the Inspector would advise the Local Government Board to sanction the carrying out of the unanimous resolution the Rural District Council.

Mr. James Tavlor Hyatt, M.R.C.S., D.R.M., Medical Officer of Health for the Rural District Shepton Mallet, stated in reply to the Inspector that the few houses at the upper part of the village were well supplied from the Jubilee well, a semi public supply from a tap connected with a spring in the hill called Ringwell. It was under private control, but the public were allowed the use of it. It afforded a good supply for this part. For the lower part of the village there were several wells, one being just outside the churchyard, available for the public, but not a public well ; he did not know of a public well in the place. He closed that well some years ago,. on account of a case of typhoid close by, and had never re-opened it, and should not do so, but he understood that it was still used. The Inspector ; If any one chooses to go and drink there, it is their own look out, and they do it at their own risk.

Continuing, it was stated by the Medical Officer that at the lower end the village including the school and the master’s house, there was no supply. There was a well used not far from there, called Slop Street well ; that was the best supply the place, but a doubtful one. The well was in garden, a private well, but used all round the neighbourhood by permission. It was very badly situated and open to contamination. None of the wells were supplied from springs except the Jubilee well, and that had been known to fail.

The Rev. C. E. Leir : On one occasion.

A Cottager : On good many.

Mr. Hyatt continuing, said that all the wells were shallow.

Mr. Salt : Mine is 90 feet deep. Two or three other gentlemen present made similar statements. Mr. Hyatt said a few might deeper, hut the majority of the wells were shallow. Slop Street Well, he believed, was about 30 feet deep.

The Inspector enquired as to the nature of the soil, and Mr. Hyatt stated that the wells appeared to be in the clay.

Mr. Phelps said that the formation was clay, on top of the lower lias and some alluvium.

Mr. Hyatt could not state the number of wells in the parish.

Mr. Marsh : There are 45 wells in the parish.

Mr. Phelps ; There may be 45 wells, but I don’t endorse that.

The Inspector. : Are you satisfied there is a deficient water supply for the village itself apart from the hamlets.

Mr. Hyatt : Yes. It is generally admitted that there is a bad supply for the lower end of the village by the schools, and all round. The upper part is only supplied by the Jubilee Well.

Mr. King : There are not many houses up that way ?

Mr. Hyatt agreed.

The Inspector : You have reported from time to time the necessity of water supply ?

Mr. Hyatt : Yes, sir. but I haven’t forced the authority because I knew that they were making endeavours to get water.

Mr. Marsh, replying to the Inspector, stated that he did not want to asked the doctor anything. He would rather ask the Inspector.

Mr. Phelps, engineer, inspector to the Council, and surveyor for sanitary purpose, said that in the first instance he should like to state that the present state of the supply was similar to that in October 1896, when the Medical Officer of Health and himself made an examination of the supply to Ditcheat village. They examined 48 houses, and took samples from three wells. Summarising the results they found that of 48 houses, 18 had water supply on the premises, which the tenants considered they were able to drink, including six cottages drawing from one well in one instance, and five from another. Samples from both these wells were taken, and the doctor reported that they were useable until a better supply was procured, and he strongly advised that being done.

Replying to the Inspector, Dr. Hyatt stated that in these cases, the water was suspicious, and liable in his opinion to contamination.

Continuing, Mr. Phelps stated that in six instances the tenants had to fetch water 250 yards or upwards and in 17 cases distances of 100 yards and upwards. Generally the water was dipped from wells by buckets. It was suggested that some of those wells should be cleaned out, and they cleaned out four. Three of these had no water in them for three weeks afterwards. With regard to the village that was the state of affairs in 1896, and he thought it was very much the same now—there had been no improvement that he was aware of. He could not say much as to the depth of the wells. He thought 15 or 20 feet was the average. Some of them were deeper. Principally they were in the lower lias formation, the clay beds.

Mr. John Higgins suggested that they were in the gravel.

Mr. Phelps replied that so far as the village of Ditcheat was concerned they were not in the gravel to his knowledge, they were clay and marl, with 18 inches to two feet of soil, and the water was chiefly surface collections.

Mr. Higgins : There is a great deal of gravel in Ditcheat.

A Parishioner Three parts of the parish is on the gravel.

Mr. Phelps : I am not referring to the parish. I am referring to the village of Ditcheat.

Continuing his evidence, Mr. Phelps said that there were three hamlets Alhampton, Sutton and Wraxall (A Parishioner : Kilkenny, Brookhouse and Bengrove). There were a few outlying houses as well. He had examined the hamlet of Alhampton within the past fortnight or three weeks, and the report was also signed by the medical officer. Of 48 houses 11 had no supply on the premises, and generally begged from others, and those who declared themselves out in the summer, including those who had no wells on the premises, came to 28 out of the 48. The number using wells liable to pollution was 13 out of 37.

Mr. Higgins: You did not test the water.

Mr. Phelps : don’t do that all.

In reply to other questions and remarks, Mr. Phelps said he did not visit all the houses.

Resuming his evidence, Mr. Phelps said he only found one well properly steined. In ten cases out of the 48 tenants expressed themselves satisfied with the supply. The wells appeared to be 12 to 15 feet, principally situated in alluvial gravel. He pointed out the situation to the inspector on the geological map. The wells were practically full to the surface ; from, say, two feet downward.

At Sutton nearly all the cottages, Mr. Phelps stated, obtained their supply from what appeared to very good spring.

Mr. Marsh ; You cannot say there it any actual need to supply Sutton ?

Mr. Phelps: I think the cottagers may be supplied so far as health is concerned, if that spring is treated and protected in some way and a pump is placed there ; but where people can go and dip I am doubtful as to the quality. It is enough for drinking purposes, but the farmers have the first right for the cattle, and can haul it away.I am told that at certain times of the year it not sufficient.

The question of Wraxall was next gone into. Upper Wraxall, except three or four houses, was well supplied water brought down from the hill in pipes. He was proceeding to give details of this and other places when the Inspector checked him. saying that he did not want particulars of every house. Lower Wraxall and Kilkenny were supplied from wells and a ditch or brook, with which the farmers appeared to satisfied. The cottagers were given facilities to obtain water, though in some cases the supply was not fit to drink in his opinion. Complaint was made of the water in this district that it was salt and brackish. He did not think it satisfactory that they should have to go to the stream. The improvement here of late years had been marked—formerly Wraxall was worse than the other places.

THE PRESENT SCHEME.

The inspector next took the evidence of Mr. Phelps as to the proposed scheme of supply from springs on Lord llchester’s land.

Mr. Phelps in reply to the inspector, said that the gathering area was probably the inferior oolite (or freestone) at Creech Hill, though the springs rose out on the Midford sands and near the lias. They intended to take the water underground.

Mr. John Higgins: The same formation as the hill close to us.

Mr. Phelps : Not according to the geological survey.

Mr. John Higgins: It is the same formation right along to Glastonbury Tor.

Mr. Phelps continuing, said that the springs would taken at height of 395 feet and dropped to 370 feet, there to work a ram to pump gallon minute to the top of the hill, to supply a farm belonging to Lord Ilchester. It would then supply a charging reservoir of 10,000 gallons just below the village of Milton Clevedon. This was at 357feet ordance datum. Then would come the main to supply a service reservoir near the village at a height of 290, the lowest point in the supply being 180 feet. From the charging reservoir to the service reservoir they had fall of 67 feet, and an hydraulic gradient of 1 in 250. This making allowance for friction, would give an estimated yield of 28 gallons a minute, the yield of the springs last year at the driest time was calculated at 20,000 gallons a day. His testings at the driest time, in reality gave rather over 21,000 gallons; that was in November, October it was 24,000 From his general knowledge the springs in the neighbourhood, October and November were the driest times. At the present time the yield was 29,000 gallons day. The estimated total quantity required was 10,000 gallons a day, 15 gallons per bead of the population. That was estimated for ordinary domestic supply. The general supply would be by standposts. but if anyone wished to take the supply into their houses they would prepared to let them to do so on terms.

Mr. Marsh in reply to the inspector, said that he had no questions to ask Mr. Phelps on the engineering details, the Local Government Board would look after that much better than he could, but he wished to ask the doctor whether any representation had been made to him respecting any part of the parish besides Ditcheat village.

Mr. Phelps : There has been from me as inspector.

Mr. Hyatt did not remember that there had been any other representation.

Mr. Marsh : Has any disorder, such as typhoid, been greater here than in any other parish.

Mr. Hyatt: No.

Mr. Marsh : As a matter of fact, there has been not a single case of any disease of the sort for the past six years ?

Mr. Hyatt : That is correct.

Mr. Phelps, cross-examined by Mr. Marsh, said that did not think deepening the wells in the lias formation would get a good supply. They had been down 150 feet, and only got small trickle. At Alhampton it might improve the supply, but it would be necessary also to re-construct the wells. At further end of Alhampton it could not, in his opinion, he obtained. The water could not be made good, it might he made better. A good supply could he obtained at Sutton by improvement—by utilising and improving the well, but the farmers might take all the water away from the cottagers. He made enquiries, and found that the well was never known to be absolutely out, but it was low and thick the summer. It could not he made a good supply, but it might be made sufficient for the cottagers. He did not examine all the houses in Ditcheat, he took 48. The remainder of the houses from his general knowledge of the place, he assumed to supplied much the same as the 48. He took it, it was a reasonable inference when he examined a number of houses indiscriminately that the other houses were about on a par with these.

The Inspector agreed with this.

In further cross-examination Mr. Phelps said some of the cottages at Alhampton were out of repair and unoccupied, but they might be again occupied. Where eight houses belonged to one person and drew from a supply on the premises of one of them, he should consider them us having supply. Where three or four cottages in a group went to one supply he had not taken them separately. No water was wasted by the ram, the whole went back into their supply, except what was raised to Greenscombe. The Council had taken no opinion beyond his own to any of the schemes. He detailed his experience in water works before and since he came to Shepton Mallet, and with various hydraulic engineers, carrying out water works at home and abroad. He was quite certain about his figures to the amount of water. He had never suggested that the water at the place was insufficient. He had suggested that if more water was wanted there was another spring handy. He had never suggested there was not enough for a domestic supply for Ditcheat—there would be ample for all domestic and reasonable purposes, if not more than enough. He believed that, as a rule, there would be enough for all dairy purposes, and for cattle to drink. They could detect improper using of it at the farms by fixing meters, and remedy it if necessary.

Col. Slacke : If you find people using the water unfairly you can cut it off, and that could be easily dealt with.

By Mr. Nadler: The water in the wells was liable to surface pollution. The wells might in many cases be improved, but not made good. The amount they could compel a man to spend improving his supply was limited ; and in his opinion insufficient, working independently ; and he did not think any plan of that sort would be successful.

By the Inspector : If an alternative scheme was suggested they would go into it. If they left out Sutton, Wraxall, Lower Wraxall, Kilkenny and Bengrove they might reduce the cost of the scheme by about £1,200. Supposing the Board recommended this part of the scheme being held in abeyance for the present, there was nothing to prevent the extension in the future. It was all included in the scheme because he believed that if there was any necessity to charge a special rate on a parish, all who paid the rate would want the water, and there were reasons for supplying it. Several other questions in connection with suggestion that the Local Government Board might advise the postponement of parts of the scheme for the present were answered.

In the course of the proceedings Mr. Nalder produced the provisional agreement with Lord Ilchester showing that he would receive, through the ram, one gallon a minute from the springs for the supply of Greenscombe, and not more than ten per cent, of the remaining water for his other farms on the line of the main. Upon this a number of questions were asked, and Mr. Marsh elicited that at the outside 2½ gallons out of 15 would go to Lord Ilchester under the agreement, and 12½ would be left.

By Mr. Higgins: That 2½ would supply Greenscombe and all drinking places, &c. It was limited to 10 per cent, after the first gallon a minute had been taken.

Mr. Nalder said he considered Lord Ilchester had made very fair agreement. In reply to the Inspector, he said that all law costs were included in the loan. There were no riparian owners affected —the Council would take care to be well within their rights. It was not in the area of any authorised supply, and wholly within the area of the Rural District Council.

THE OPPOSITION SCHEME.

Mr. Marsh addressing the inspector on behalf of the opposition, said he understood that it was desirable to have better supply for Ditcheat, and that the Inspector would so report to the Local Government Board. He accepted the fact that there was evidence to that effect—it was acknowledged by all. The question was, how was a water supply to obtained. One way had not been tried by the District Council, and that was calling upon the owners to provide the cottages and property with water. They said there that it might be done, though possibly it would be expensive thing in some cases.

The Inspector reminded Mr. Marsh that they must be in a position to say that it could be done within the limits of the Act.

Continuing, Mr. Marsh said that with regard to the outlying hamlets, was it right and proper that the ratepayers should be called on to put in such extensive and expensive water supply. With regard to Wraxall and Sutton it was absolutely monstrous to carry pipes there. He trusted the inspector would treat those two hamlets entirely outside the necessities of the scheme.

Mr. Marsh continuing, submitted that if water could be obtained in a more reasonable way it should be.

The Inspector intimated that it was impossible to go into that at the present enquiry, unless they had some scheme an engineer.

Mr. Marsh : Experiments have been made by a water finder.

The Inspector: I will hear what he says. Is he here?

Mr. Marsh : No, sir, but I have his report. The report was put in as follows; In accordance with instructions received from you I visited your village and made a search for water, on the 20thMay, 1901. After a very careful search of the hill above your village aud house, I have to report the finding of four subterranean steams of water existing in this hill, running from four different directions, and converging to a spot in meadow field near the road as marked. At this spot the spring head exists, which I estimate to be 50 feet deep or thereabouts, and to yield approximately 10,000 gallons per day. I also tested the fields in which a well bad been previously sunk and abandoned, and find no water whatever exists in that, or the adjoining fields. I also searched the fields above the hill, and find a spring exists there, which I estimate to be about 60 feet deep, and to yield 5,000 gallons per day. I also tested a field on the other side of the valley, and find the small pond in this field (which is very boggy), is the result of an overflow from a spring in the hill, but not of sufficient quantity for the purpose a village water supply. I also tested the whole of the fields in the distance from your house, and find all water existing converges to the spot as marked, and utilising, this spring would in my opinion be ample to supply the requirements of the village. I also tested an old disused well in the village, and find this well is useless, being fed from a spring in the pond at the Manor House. I also tested the village green and schools, and find no water exists there. From my experience, and the exhaustive search made of the locality, I find the most suitable site for the future water supply the village is the spot marked in meadow near the Rectory, and I should advise the sinking of a well at this spot of 6 feet diameter, steined in brickwork to a depth necessary. Then erect a wind or oil engine, and pump the water into a reservoir sufficiently high to supply the farm and village by gravitation.

Mr. Marsh added that he estimated the cost to he £l500 for carrying out his scheme for supplying Ditcheat with water, where it was admitted to be needed. He believed Alhampton was the same, but granted that a foreign supply was necessary for Alhampton as well as Ditcheat, for the purposes of argument, he was in a position to state that water could be obtained much nearer. He called attention to the fact that minimum of 3,400 gals, a day was to he supplied to Lord Ilchester as the price for allowing them to take the water and to the expense of keeping the ram and branch pipes in repair.

Mr. Nalder and Mr. Phelps corrected Mr. Marsh on some of the points raised in this connection, certain of the works being kept up by Lord Ilchester when once put in, and the main being for the supply of Ditcheat, not for Lord Ilchester’s exclusive benefit.

Col. Slacke said that allowing everything he said there to be absolutely right unless he was in a position to show where the gathering area of the supply was, that it was free from all risk of pollution, that it was good and suitable water, and to satisfy the Board of the permanency of it, they would not accept his scheme. He would have to satisfy the geologists and other expert advisers of the Board.

The report was then read.

Mr. Phelps stated that as a matter fact water was found in the well they sunk, but not sufficient.

Mr. Higgins : Moisture.

Mr. Phelps : A spring.

Mr. Marsh commenting on the report of the water finder, said that he on behalf of the owners and occupiers protested as strongly as possible against the Council’s entering into the agreement with Lord Ilchester, and being tied in the way they were for the next 70 years, and he proposed that they should test the supply nearer at hand before they went any further with the present scheme to see if water could be found there.

Col. Slacke suggested that those who were advising Mr. Marsh would, if they had the courage of their opinions, test it for themselves.

Mr. Marsh said they suggested that the District Council should asked to test it at the expense of the parish.

Col. Slacke : Now you want to throw it on the Local Government Board. They can only go on satisfactory evidence submitted to them, and you must have proper geological advice.

Mr. Marsh : Which we ask they should have. My proposition is this, that in order to avoid a certain expense of £5,700 already estimated; and which I cannot help thinking will be exceeded—instead of going straight to incur that expense the District Council should first of all test the accuracy of this gentleman’s report, and see if the water is there; if it is there use it, and if not add the cost of experiment to the scheme.

Mr. Nalder pointed out that the cost, if the scheme was abortive, would come on the common fund, not on the parish.

Mr. Marsh said that the parish was quite prepared to raise the money by subscription in the parish to pay for this supply which they believed to he there.

Col. Slacke : Will this be a gravitation supply.

Mr. Marsh : It will have to be pumped to the top of the well, after that it will flow to the whole parish.

The Inspector : It is very doubtful if you are to have supply on the spot with a permanent pumping station, if it will not run to as much money for longer main for a gravitation scheme. Mr. Marsh pointed out the large amount of main they hoped to save before it reached the parish ; it would only cost some £1,500 to put down the same amount main as under the Counci’ls scheme in the village of Ditcheat, and as far as Alhampton.

Col. Slacks : What I have to press on you is the fact that if the parish desired they might have got advice the matter, professional advice or something to put before this enquiry, or have made representation to the Council on their scheme.

Mr. Marsh pointed out that the water-finder had only been down this month, and his report received quite recently.

In reply to the Inspector, Mr. Marsh said that what they wished was that the Council should carry out a test by boring or sinking a well before they went on with the present scheme, and the parish were quite prepared to abide by the result.

Mr. Higgins : The hill is full of springs, and they flow out freely on the north side of the hill.

Mr. Nalder enquired if the £1,500 included the cost of the land and the various other charges.

The Inspector said that would all have to be properly gone into.

Mr. Higgins : How far is the spring you propose to take from Ditcheat

Mr. Phelps : It is about 2½ miles from the confines the parish to the beginning of the supply.

Mr. Marsh : This spring is only quarter of mile.

The Rev. C. E. Leir, on behalf of the owners and occupiers of nine-tenths of the rateable value, and representing them on the Rural District Council, opposed the scheme of the Council, and the tremendous expense it would involve in order to get a supply for domestic purposes for the parish, whilst they supplied farms three miles away.

Mr Nalder : May I say, sir, that the Council do not want to incur this large expenditure if a satisfactory alternative scheme can be suggested.

Mr. Marsh : You agree with me on that then ?

Mr. Nalder : Oh, yes, certainly. We always have.

After furt

Mr. Nalder suggested that the gentlemen who were instructing Mr. Marsh should carry out the test for the water. They could do it this month whilst they were waiting for the decision of the Local Government Board. The Rural District Council did not want to throw a heavier expense on the parish than they could help. They wanted to get better water supply. They were fighting for the poorer part of the population of the parish, who were the people worst supplied with water. At the same time, if the supply could be obtained near at hand, and more cheaply, they would to use the words of the Chairman of the Council at their last meeting, be delighted to do it.

Mr. Higgins : You will entertain this ?

Mr. Nalder : We will entertain anything that will be successful.

Mr. Marsh asked the Council to carry it out the expense of the parish.

Mr. Nalder pointed out the difficulties in the way of this, by the legal provisions for cases of the sort, where they were abortive.

Mr. Phelps in reply to the inspector, gave a summary of the saving by adopting the alternative scheme, which showed that it would be about £1,500 less, and against that would have to be set the cost of pumping station and extra cost of maintenance, which he roughly estimated at about £1 a week. He put in a letter of Mr. Horace B. Woodward, of the Government Geological Survey, whose advice on the question of water on the hill in question had been taken by the Council some time ago, and also a geological sketch of the locality.

Mr. Higgins ; How far off is Ringwell

Mr. Phelps : About 50 yards.

Mr. Higgins : Is that a good supply

Mr. Phelps : An excellent supply.

The position of the Rectory and of Ringwell was pointed out to the inspector on the geological plan. Mr. Higgins asserted that the geological formation in the vicinity Lord Ilchester’s spring along Ditcheat hill and to Glastonbury Tor was all similar.

Mr. Leir contended that the cost of maintenance of 12 miles of pipe should be taken into account as well as the cost of pumping. The Inspector pointed out that the cost of the main up to a certain point would be the same in either case ; so would the reservoirs. The £1,500 which had been mentioned for a new scheme was founded on nothing whatever that was before him, and the question must be gone into properly. The Local Government Board would not give their sanction to any scheme against the advice of their skilled geologists. They would not grant a loan or allow the District Council to spend money except on what was recognised as expert advice. He recalled a case in point where a well was, on the advice of water-finder, sunk 120 feet, and the water was found—an ample supply, but it was not such as was fit for use, and a geologist could once have told them that water from such a source was liable to pollution. They might, he said, take it from him that if the ratepayers wished to make further experiments, the Local Government Board would, he was sure, withhold their sanction for a short time.

Mr. Marsh : That is what we ask for.

Mr. Nalder : That is what we are quite willing to agree to.

The inspector promised to look into the whole question once, and he asked that the District Council should report to the Local Government Board what steps were being taken. He advised their being taken at once, because in a month or two, when they thought there had been sufficient delay, the Local Government Board would, if they were advised, sanction the only scheme there was before them. The Local Government Board were bound to see that a water supply was provided where it was insufficient. They might withhold their sanction for a time, but it would be very short time.

In the course of further debate Mr. Marsh said that he would recommend his clients to obtain complete estimate and specification.

The Inspector advised them also to get a geologist’s opinion as to the suitability of the water if they obtained it. He mentioned this because it was quite possible get water in sufficient quantity, but not of good quality.

Mr. Nalder, in reply to question of the Inspector, said that there would be scheme of water rents usual, and the balance if any, met out of the rates.

Subsequently to the enquiry the inspector visited the whole district in company with Mr. Phelps and Mr. Leir.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 09 August 1901

SHEPTON MALLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

The monthly meeting of the Rural District Council was held in the lower Ante Room of the Council Offices on Wednesday, present,Mr. F. Spencer (chairman), Mr. E. Cary (vice-chairman), Revs. C.E. Leir, T. C. Bush, Messrs. I. N. Brook, F. Hoddinoott, R. J. Hoskins, E. King, J. Board, J. Corpe, J.M. Green, H. J. Davis, W. T. W. Allen, E. C. Biseex and H. H. Bissex. Officers present, Messrs. A. E. Nalder (clerk), F. G. Bradbury (assistant clerk), R. Moody (surveyor), W. Phelps (inspector).

THE DITCHEAT SCHEME

Upon the report of Mr. Phelps that the spring on Lord Ilchester’s land was yielding 30,000 gallons a day, Mr. Leir stated that against that his well at Ditcheat was quite out of it, as it only yielded at present 360 gallons. They had looked upon it as a well of hope, but it bad turned out well of disappointment It appeared be thoroughly good water which could be thoroughly recommended, and although it did not come quite up to the amount required, it might have been supplemented it was thought. Some eight weeks ago it was yielding 1,620 gallons in 24 hours, but it had shrunk gradually in the last fortnight in July, so much that at the end of the month it was only yielding 720 gallons (on July 30th). This may have been caused their driving their boring an additional eight feet, after they had reached the fifty feet which it had proved satisfactory, they had hoped to get a better supply by going lower, but had only made it worse apparently. But, although some of the water might run away through this hole, great quantity still came in. On August 4th there were 3,600 gallons in the well -the accumulation of some days. On August 6^th it had risen to 4680 gallons, and that morning it had reached 5040J gallons, so that the present rate increase only about 360 gallons in the 24 hours. It was splendid water, but if the Local Government Board required so many gallons per head he was out of court. He had made an attempt, and had failed.

If one had had plenty of time be believed they could still bring in another spring in the neighbourhood, but he did not think he was justified in asking for any longer delay. They had been very good and given him two months, and plenty of rope to hang himself, and that was the result. He had never thought, he added, that this well would supply the whole parish, but he thought it would supply Ditcheat village, and he had another scheme for Alhampton. He felt disappointed, but he was at the the mercy of the court ; he could say no more. It was now for the Council to take what measures, they liked, but if they adopted the original scheme he hoped they would try to modify it, or induce the Local Government Board to modify it so far as they could. He asked that they should remember they had two charges on the rates, a fact which rather escaped attention at the inquiry. He also suggested that the borrowing should be spread over 50 years instead of 30. He did not know what powers they had.

Mr Spencer said they had no power to do so. Mr Nalder was absolutely certain that the Local Government Board would not agree to it. It was mentioned that it was proposed that Wraxall should be omitted for the time.

Mr Phelps said that the question of Wraxall was gone into before the Inspector, and he did not think it necessary for them to go any further with regard to that.

In reply to question it was said there was a public house and two or three farms in that locality which required water.

Mr. Hoskins : They will have to pay the rates, won’t they.

Mr. Phelps : Yes.

Mr. Davis : Then they will sure want the water.

Mr. Hoskins : I have a sister-in-law there who has laid out hundreds of pounds to get water from the hills, and she won’t want to pay the rates,

Mr. King and Mr. Leir both agreed that everyone was represented at the enquiry who would have to pay.

Mr. King considered it would be best to leave it in the hands of the Local Government Board.

Mr. Spencer: I am anxious know if Wraxall was properly before the Inspector.

The Chairman was assured that it was.

It was decided to report to the Local Government Board the result of the trial well, and ask for their report on the enquiry.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 30 May 1902

A bazaar, in aid of the restoration of the church bells, was held at the Board School on Thursday and Friday, in last week. The rooms had been nicely decorated for the occasion, and the stalls were arranged in artistic manner. The stall holders were Mrs. King, Miss M. Leir, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Salt and Mrs. Welch. Refreshments were provided by Miss Pearce and Miss M. Look. Miss A. Longman had charge of the flowers, and most of the gentlemen were “button-holed.” Sweets and tobacco were purveyed by Miss E. Longman, while Miss S. Dyke and Mrs. A. Barber were responsible for the bran-tubs. The weather was not very kind, a steady rain falling almost throughout the day. The attendance, however, was very encouraging. Punctual to time, Mr. Vincent, the chief organiser of the bazaar, in a few well-chosen remarks, introduced to the company, Mrs. Hoare, of the Priory, who had kindly consented to perform the opening ceremony. Mrs. Hoare thanked Mr. Vincent for his kind remarks, and assured them that it gave her great pleasure to come there that afternoon, as she took deep interest in everything concerning the welfare of the parish. She heartily hoped that the efforts of the committee and workers to restore the grand peal of bells would be successful. She did not intend to recount to them the history of the Church, but she would say that there could be no more fitting memorial of the Coronation than the object for which they were met together. She understood that during the day there would be competitions for making cigarettes by ladies, and sewing for gentlemen, and these would be particularly appropriate in these times, when, according to the new woman theory, every man should be capable of sewing on buttons and darning his own stockings. She hoped there would be many competitors in each class. She then declared the bazaar open. The Rev. H. Tripp proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Hoare for her kindness in opening the bazaar, which was carried by acclamation. Concerts were held during the afternoon and evening, and were well patronised. Other amusements provided were a gramaphone and ping-pong. On Friday afternoon a rummage sale was held, and a brisk trade was done. In the evening the room was cleared for a dance, and a good company assembled, and dancing was kept up till a late hour. The music was supplied by Mr. Thorne, of Castle Car

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 13 June 1902

DITCHEAT.

BAZAAR. —The accounts of the recent bazaar in aid of the fund for the restoration of the Church bells having been balanced ; it was found that the net result was a sum of over £83.

PARISH COUNCIL. —The Council met on the 9th inst., Mr. Vincent presiding. The other members present were Messrs. E. King, E. Welch, H. Pearce and R. Longman, with Mr. Harrold (clerk), and Mr. T. Barber (overseer). The chief business was comparing the voters’ list with the rate book, and making the necessary alterations.

SCHOOL BOARD. —The usual monthly meeting was held on Saturday last. All the members were present. A tender from Mr. Hillard for some small alterations and repairs was accepted, with slight modifications. The master’s report showed that the attendance for the past month had been about 90 per cent. Mr. E. Welch was appointed visitor for the current month. Two days’ holiday was sanctioned for the Coronation festivities, unless official intimation was received for the week, approved by the King and Queen.

Western Daily Press - Saturday 18 October 1902

DITCHEAT.

On Thursday the Wesleyans of Ditcheat opened their new chapel, which his been erected on the site of old one a cost of £370 The building is of blue lias stone, with freestone dressings porch similar material. It is lighted by handsome three-light windows of tinted glass; on each side. The interior not: yet finished. The work has been carried out by Messrs Tbomas and Son, of Castle Cary. the foundation stone having been laid in august last. Of the £370, the committee (of which Mr Jones is secretary and treasurer) have received subscriptions, promises &c. Amounting to £310 including £25 from the general chapel building fund and £30 from the million guinea fund. The building was declared open for Divine service by Mrs Clarke, one the oldest members the society in Ditcheat .and the opening service was conducted by the Rev.Thomas Rippon of Bristol. (chairman of the Bristol and Bath district), who preached. After the service a public tea, was provided in the schoolroom, and a public meeting followed in the chapel, which was crowded.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 21 November 1902

DITCHEAT,

THE CHURCH BELLS. —In consequence of the bad state of repair, this grand old peal of bells has been in for some years, a move was made early in the present year to obtain a sufficient sum to enable the bells to be restored and re-hung. This was done by public subscriptions of the parishioners, and by a bazaar, etc. ; and by the indefatigable efforts of the captain of the ringers. Mr. T. G. Vincent, sen., the Rev. C. E. Leir. and others, a sum of about £100 has been sub scribed. The work was put in hand, and is now just completed. The cage, which is of oak, has been strengthened by iron bolts and corner plates. and has been fitted with the latest and most improved fittings, which will enable them to be rung with much more ease and precision than formerly. Mr. Doble, the contractor, has, during his stay in the village, very kindly undertaken to instruct the ringers in the art of ringing scientific changes. The opening service will be held on Saturday, when a sermon will be preached Archdeacon Ainslie. The bells will be rung by the Taunton Change Ringers, and a treat is therefore expected, as the bells are considered by experts to be among the finest-toned in the county. The belfry has been, much improved under the supervision of Mr. Vincent, thus making it much more comfortable for his men.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 13 March 1903

DITCHEAT.

The preacher at the special Lent service, on Wednesday evening, was the Rev. W. Roxby, rector of Thornford. With their accustomed loyalty the parish celebrated the marriage anniversary of the King and Queen on Tuesday, by the hoisting of flags and the ringing of merry peals on the Church bells. SCHOOL BOARD. —The usual monthly meeting of the Board, took place the School, on Saturday last. All the members were present, Mr. George Longman presiding. The Master’s report showed that the percentage of attendance was just over 80. A precept for £25, for expenses up to the first day of July, was ordered to be levied on the overseers. Intimation was received that Miss M. Brunker had been successful in passing the King’s scholarship examination. Mr. King was appointed visitor for the current month. Cheques were drawn for the usual monthly payments.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 17 April 1903

DITCHEAT.

The Vestry meeting was held on Monday at the Church for the purpose of receiving and auditing the accounts for the past year, and for the election of wardens. Mr. G. Look, sen., parish warden, submitted the statement of receipts and expenses, from which it appeared that the income had been £4B/2/2, including balance from the preceding year of £4/5/6. The expenditure amounted to £36, thus leaving balance of £l2/2/2 which was considered very satisfactory. Attention was called to the need of some slight repairs to the roof. The accounts were then passed. Mr. Vincent proposed that Mr. G. Look, sen., be re-appointed parish warden for the ensuing year, Mr. Vickery seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. The The rector, Rev. C. E. Leir, nominated his old warden, Mr. A. G. Barber, and thanked both wardens for the great attention they had paid to their duties during the year. Both gentlemen accepted office and returned thanks. The Rector moved that the thanks of the vestry be accorded to Mr. Vincent for his great trouble in looking after the restoration of the bells, and in seeing the work so satisfactorily done, Mr. Look seconded, and the motion was carried, after which Mr. Vincent returned thanks and submitted balance sheet of the income and expenditure of the restoration, and described how the balance in hand was invested.

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