Pension misery ahead

If you have a “Drawdown Pension”, prepare for a nasty surprise.

One Horsington resident was stunned to return from holiday to find his income had been reduced, at a stroke, by over one third following a review of his fund.

All pension companies are required by law to review the state of their client’s funds every 3 years to ensure the income from it is sustainable.  The rules were changed this April, and now anyone with a drawdown pension (where the funds are invested in the stock market rather than in an annuity) can expect a similar result when their pensions come up for review.

The rules now insist that funds’ maximum income limits are governed by the notional return on Gilts, which are at an all-time low thanks to printing money through quantitative easing. This applies even if the fund is not invested in Gilts.

It seems that there is no problem which cannot be made worse by Government intervention.

Pensioners in these schemes can apparently expect cuts of between 36 and 50 per cent, while MPs and the mandarins who make to rules continue to collect their gold-plated-index linked payouts.

You have been warned.

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Slate or tile? It’s important (apparently)

Many of us were surprised to learn that even the parish church needs to apply for planning permission, even for alterations.

The Blog’s planning applications section reveals that they want to change the external roof covering on the south aisle from clay tiles to Welsh slate. The reason for the change is that the existing roof  has too shallow a pitch for clay tiles, and is therefore vulnerable to water penetration. Slate tiles will provide better protection, according to the consultants employed by the church.

Horsington Parish Council discussed this application at their last meeting.   Surprisingly, Two Councillors were in favour, but three Councillors were opposed. One abstained because he/she felt that they needed further information.

The meeting recognised that the roof needs repairing but one Councillor, who has experience in roofing, reported that there are tiles on the market that are suitable for roofs with a pitch down to 15 degrees, and the council felt that this option should be investigated before the option of replacing the tiles with slates is taken.

Relations between the church and the parish council are said to be “strained”. Oh dear.

Fantastic cream tea on offer after concert

Cream Tea
It’s what we call a “serving suggestion”

Cream tea lovers can indulge their wildest dreams on Sunday September 16th at Horsington Parish Church.

However, to take part, they must first listen to a concert of 18th Century music punctuated by readings from the famous diaries of Parson Woodforde, who was born in Castle Cary, and who spent some time in Horsington, as you will find out if you attend.
Indulgence has its price, but it’s worth it.

Tickets 01963 371 478 or 370562

More about the concert

Woof Woof. Good dog!

Wincanton-based Somerset & Dorset Animal Rescue are holding their annual Fun Dog Show and Fete on Sunday 30 September at Balsam Farm, Common Lane.

Apart from the dogs, there will be the usual array of marquees selling bargains, bric-a-brac, pet items, cakes and other refreshments. Entries from 12 noon, judging starts at 1 pm.

More details from Sam on 07971 079249 or skodasam@hotmail.co.uk

Jubilee video raises the roof

Sales of the video of the Jubilee street party have raised over £480 for the church roof fund. There are plenty more copies for sale at £10 from the Half Moon.

Make sure you have a record of this unique event, as there  unlikely to be another celebration like this in the lifetime of any of the people present.

Virtually everyone who attended is featured in one way or another, along with the team of volunteers who put the event together.

The video has been made to a high professional standard, and has two bonus tracks – the Horsington Bellringers, and original archive footage of the Coronation in 1953.

The blog has learnt that the DVD will not work in some players. The manufacturers have put their hands up and owned up to a technical fault, and replaced the lot. If your copy does not work, pick up a  replacement from the Half Moon.

September Diary

Something missing? Email the editor editor@idnet.com

Regular activities (village hall unless stated)

Mondays Pilates 6pm
Tuesdays Upholstery 10.30 am , Badminton 8pm,
Wednesdays Adult tap dancing 6.15
Thursdays Art 10.00
Fridays Art 10.00

Other events

Wednesday 5th September  Half Moon Music Night, 8.45
Tuesday 11th September Coffee and cake party in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support -The Old Bakery, Horsington 11am Tel 01963 370273. More . . .
Thursday 13th September Parish Council, 7.30, Village hall
Sunday 16 September Trio Violetta concert of  18th century music and readings from Parson Woodforde’s famous diaries, followed by a cream tea. St John’s Chrch, Horsington, 4pm. More . . .
Friday 28 September Reception and book signing to launch Lord Waddington’s memoirs. Yarlington House, 6.30 pm.
Sunday 30 September Fun dog show and fete, Balsam Farm, Common Lane, Wincanton. More…

St John’s Church services

2nd September 9.15 Holy Communion
9th September    11am Morning prayer
16th September 9.15 Holy Communion
 30September 10.30 United Benefice Service

New sluice for pond

Horse pond sluice
Putting the finishing touches to the horse pond sluice gates

Thanks to Charles james and Phil Shrimpton, the horse pond has a set of spanking new sluice gates. These will maintain a decent level of water in the pond, and regulate flooding (Surely cause flooding -ed).

A big thank you to both for their hours of work and engineering expertise. Plus thanks to Kev Wigley, who supplied the gates.

Charles James and Phil Shrimpton
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