The Horsington Blog

There could be a local election soon. Stop yawning at the back!

Charles James, deputy chair, of Horsington Parish council resigned after the last meeting. He told the meeting that he believes the council is ineffective, most of its members contribute little, and that it has little or no influence on planning. But he also believes it needn’t be like that!

Many people think Horsington’s Parish Council could do with a change, but for this to happen enough people have to stand in order to force an election. If they don’t then the council will go on co-opting members and it will continue as it is.

His resignation means that at least 2 people have to stand. If that happens, there will be an election.

Come on! Show some public spirit. Your parish needs you. But again, you have to move fast. Nominations close on Monday  31^st March, when they have to be delivered to SSDC at Brympton Way.

Long live democracy

The blog is dismayed that Charles James has resigned from the Horsington Parish Council.

Charles has been a real do-er. He designed and installed the sluice gates on the pond, strimmed the river banks, planted bulbs, created a beautifully-crafted notice board for the village,  and organised the successful defibrillator campaign, obtaining funding from public bodies and charities. He even, despite being a non-golfer, created the beautiful base of the Horsington Open Golf Trophy, now residing splendidly  behind the bar at the Half Moon.

This makes him sound like a frightful do-gooder, which he most emphatically is not!

On behalf of the village, the blog would like to thank him for his efforts, and note, thankfully, that he still intends to live here.  Thanks Charles.

A three-pronged bid to help flood-hit home-owners and communities has been   unveiled by Somerset County Council. We trust the Parish Council will pursue any opportunities to improve drainage and flood protection in Horsington and the Marsh which this scheme will help, although inevitably most of the money will probably go to those who live on the Levels

The   Council is proposing more than £250,000 in new funding to help those hit by   floods. It comes on the back of £300,000 of funding towards schemes that help   prevent flooding in the first place.

The   proposals will see:

• A £50,000 grant to help people suffering hardship  after flooding at home
• £200,000 in grants available for flood schemes
• £300,000 available to work in partnership with other agencies to begin to dredge key rivers including the River Parrett (But probably not the Bow Brook -Ed)
• A commitment to lobby Government and Environment Agency for extra flood prevention funding for Somerset.

“Cabinet member David Hall said “Last   year we also made £200,000 available for individuals and communities to   bid for funding to help prevent flooding. This year we are considering the   same again with a further £200,000. These small grants can make a huge  difference, and we are keen to ensure that Parish Councils and Community   Groups are directly involved to ensure maximum benefit to their areas.

“We   have already put aside £300,000 for river dredging. This money will be made   available to the Environment Agency and we are working with others to boost   this fund. This work includes lobbying Government and Government agencies for   additional contributions.”

Somerset County Council says it is committed to  ensuring  everyone who may be eligible for emergency relief   grants can access emergency funds swiftly. They are also encouraging anyone who wishes to help those  most affected by the floods to donate. Donations can be made via the Community Council for SomertetSomerset website www.somersetcf.org.uk or call us on 01749 344949.”

Katherine Armstrong Chief Executive of the   Community Council for Somerset (CCS) said: “Our Village Agents are out in   communities and will reach as many clients as possible who have and are   affected by the floods. Visit our website to see if you have an agent near   you or pass on our details if you know someone who may benefit from our   support service. Visit: www.somersetrcc.org.uk/work-village-agents-project.php

Details of how to apply for an emergency  flood relief grant are available on the Somerset Community Foundation   web-site www.somersetcf.org.uk.

Our restaurant critic writes: One of the good things about the winter is” Ruby Tuesday” at the Half Moon. For those not acquainted with rhyming slang, “Ruby” is Ruby Murray – curry – geddit?

This year Andrew Tarling has excelled himself, taking the art of Indian cuisine to new heights. The beef vindaloo was hot, beautifully spiced and served with rice, poppadoms and an onion bhaji.

The other diners enjoyed Indian butter chicken and lamb passanda, and declared them to be excellent.

Terrific value at £10 for two. Extra poppadoms and onion bhaji at an additional charge.

Curry night is every Tuesday. There is normally a communal table for those who wish to meet their neighbours and have a chat.

The Half moon is now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-half-moon-inn-horsington/231368486886616