Several households, plus the Half Moon pub, in the centre of Horsington, are now enjoying a sizzling broadband service, thanks to the new super fast service.
But several people, including your editor, have noticed that for the rest of us the service appears to have been downgraded, with lower speeds and more outages at certain times of the day. A cynical ploy by BT to force everyone to cough up for the new service? Or are we imagining it?
Please tell us if you agree – perhaps we can find out more. (Horsington residents only).
We will publish the results as soon as a viable sample has been collected. Please forward to your friends who may not be regular Blog readers – Ed
Up to 45 quality stalls selling quality products, not usually found on the high street, this occasion offers an unbeatable Christmas shoppingexperience.
Entry £3.00 in aid of Childrens’ Hospice South West.
Daniel Maclise RA, The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher after the Battle of Waterloo, 1861. House of Lords Collection
2015 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, a vital turning point in world history.
Dr Patrick Mileham, former army officer, academic and historian is giving a talk on the battle in Horsington parish Church on Sunday 22nd November at 3pm.
Patrick, is a member of the Waterloo 200 Committee assisting in the national 200 th anniversary commemorations in 2015. He will explain the events of the three days of campaigning leading to the decisive battle at Waterloo, just south of Brussels, bringing peace to Europe following years of conflict. As the Duke of Wellington, British and Allied Commander in Chief, said the result was a “close run thing”. The lecture will consider why this was so, and how difficult it was to defeat Emperor Na-poleon of France considered by many to be the supreme genius of warfare.
The 2015 Horsington Open – the third competition in this series – was the biggest and best yet. 42 golfers of varying abilities took part for fun and charity at Henstridge Golf Club on Friday 23rd October, enjoying a good day’s sport, making new friends and raising a grand total of £607 for the St Margaret’s Hospice charity. AND it didn’t rain.
The competition was won by the narrowest of margins by Tony Brodie from Henstridge, coincidentally the oldest player. Henstridge also won the team event, again by the narrowest margin. But why not? After all it’s their home course, and some of them play virtually every day.
Horsington’s golfers performed extremely well. John Macdonald came a close second, beating David Blake, George Wagland and Peter Gripper by a tiny margin. George Wagland, John Macdonald and Richard Gaunt all improved their scores considerably over last year, and Paul Mann won the “Nearest the pin” competition on the 8th hole. Sadly Chris Bailward, playing for the first time for many years, was pipped for the “Putt of the day” competition, putting from off the green on the 8th, having tonked his previous two balls into the lake. He was beaten by Henstridge’s Mike Baker, who putted off green for a birdie. (No I don’t understand either- Ed)
The Half Mooners team, led by landlord Andrew Tarling were in the frame to win the team competition but failed due to what was described as, ahem, “putting failure” by the , er, ahem, team captain.
The competition was so close that the scorers had to take into account performance on the last six, and then the last 3 holes to decide a winner. There were 7 players contending for the first 3 places with 3 points between them. This may be a testimony to the accuracy of the handicapper or the skill of the players. Or maybe the organisers need to look more closely at the handicaps.
A special mention should be made of the Foresters team, of Joan Palmer, Bob Foot, Joy Crabb and Kath Rolls. These brave souls had never been on a golf course in their lives, and although they came last, it was no humiliation, and we observed them executing several spectacular cover drives. The cricket club secretary has been informed and will no doubt be recruiting them next year.
Anthony Yateman, another golfer making his debut (he claims), won the best dressed golfer award, resplendent in plus fours and a bow tie. We hope competitors will take note for next year.
The amount raised for charity was far in excess of previous efforts, helped by the generous donation of a foursome at the championship golf course at Woodbury Park, Exeter by Hunts Foodservice Ltd. This was auctioned at the prize giving, with Howard Bentley-Marchant from Yenston providing the winning bid of £110.
Thanks to everyone who took part, donated, catered, scored or bid – see you again next year.
The Winning Team from Henstridge GC – Tony Brodie, Steve Penny, David Botterill, Mike BakerThe Half Mooners – David Blake, George Wagland, Peter Gripper and Andrew TarlingPrevious Winner Chris Dibben with Richard Walker, who came 3rd this yearAndrew Lakeman and Andrew Gordon of the Fifehead FolliesLiz Bentley-MarchantThe Foresters team, making their golf debut: Joy Crabb, Kath Rolls, Bob Foot and Joan PalmerAnthony Yateman, Horsington,s best-dressed golferDavid West, the fastest golfer in the competitionPrizewinner William WallaceJames Gordon and Hutch Wright of the Wright StuffHoward Bentley-Marchant, Glynn Parry and Colin ConstableSally Ward, Ladies’champion
The Horsington Open at Henstridge Golf Club on Friday 23rd October was an intensly fought competition, with scarcely a hair’s breadth between the main contenders. 42 players took part. A full report will follow shortly, but here are the results:
There were 5 players with 21 pts, and 1 with 20. Results were decided on the last 6, and then the last 3 holes.
David Blake, and Hutch Hutch Wright also had 21 points, Previous winner Chris Dibben had 20 points
Team Prize : There were 3 Teams with 65 points – Henstridge, The Half Mooners and the Wright Stuff. Prize goes to Henstridge, on the basis of last 6 and then the last 3 holes’ performance.
Longest drive Richard Walker Nearest the pin Paul Mann Putt of the Day Mike Baker putted off green for a birdie (hotly contested by Chris Bailward who putted off green having put 2 previous balls in the lake and Tony Brodie who achieved a 24 ft Putt)
Best Lady Sally Ward Best Newcomer Tony Brodie
Most improved players
Richard Gaunt +3
George Wagland + 7
John MacDonald +7
But the prize goes to Glynn Parry +10 (on a lower handicap) Wooden Spoon – William Wallace and a special award to The Foresters – First time on a Golf Course.
Best Dressed Golfer Anthony Yateman.
Thanks to everyone who took part. We raised a considerable sum -at least £500- for the St Margaret’s Hospice, and will report further when the accounts have been done.
Thanks to all sponsors, donors, and the Henstridge Golf Club management and members for the smooth running of the event.
Forty golfers will step out onto the turf of Henstridge Golf Club on Friday 23rd October for the third Horsington Open, the biggest field yet. The event is in aid of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, which seeks to improve the quality of life for people with life threatening illness while extending support to their families.
Competitors will be teeing off from 9.45 am to 1.15 pm
There will be a Prize giving and a Raffle at the White Horse South Cheriton at 6.30 pm on Friday. All welcome.
The organisers would like to thank the following for their help and generosity
The White Horse, South Cheriton
The Half Moon, Horsington
Henstridge Gold Club
Hunts Foodservice ltd
Wincanton Racecourse
Mrs Sally Ward
Jerry’s Electrical, Wincanton
And everyone who has helped with prizes and advice.
If you are thinking of going racing at Wincanton on Boxing Day, and who isn’t?, book in advance and save a cracking £10 per ticket for the Premier enclosure and the grandstand.
All you have to do is make sure you book by Saturday 31st October. After that day, prices go up to £25 for the Premier Enclosure, £18 for the grandstand.
If you turn up on the day, entry will set you back £27.00 or £20.00.
The Blog would like to record the generosity of, and thank, the Wincanton Racecourse for providing prizes in the Horsington Open. A most generous gesture-Ed
Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd at Shaftesbury Arts Centre is an electrifying coup de theatre which should not be missed.
This not a jolly singalong musical but high drama with more than a hint of opera. The principals and cast perform it magnificently, ably supported by a superb group of musicians.
The show’s second week runs from Wednesday 21 October to Saturday 24th October. Performances at 7.30. Get a ticket if you can. Box office
One of the colourful floats at the Wincanton carnival
Wincanton’s Carnival returned in great style on Friday 16 October after a six year absence. The streets were full of people to welcome the 40-odd entries ranging from large illuminated floats to quirky and amusing walking groups.
It was great fun, an amazing spectacle and the Blog has no hesitation in congratulating the organisers and participants on an excellent show.
Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s new production of Sweeny Todd by Stephen Sondheim has got off to a great start, with a rave review in the Fine Times Recorder
Your editor is going tomorrow and will provide his own write up in due course.
Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd at Shaftesbury Arts Centre is an electrifying coup de theatre which should not be missed.