HISTORY

YES, 80 YEARS AGO

SHERBORNE WAS BOMBED! 0 years ago Sherborne was bombed! By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide & Blue Badge Tour Guide.

school buildings. Luckily, as the raid was was by dead-reckoning and the bomber late afternoon, all the pupils had gone crews would have been told to look out home. for easily recognizable landmarks to Whilst there was extensive damage to the town and disruption to utility services, none of the key buildings were destroyed and all were restored. check their position and find their targets. Having mistaken Sherborne for Yeovil, their targeting was very accurate except they had picked the wrong town. In total, 18 people were killed and 32 injured and detained in hospital. A bronze plaque on the War Memorial in Half Moon Street still records the names of all who were killed. Several detailed references have been published about the event. The late Jim Scofield wrote a booklet to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Bombing which was published by Sherborne Museum. The Museum also has oral histories relating The question is, why was a quiet historic to the town bombing in their oral archive market town targeted? and website. On permanent display are In 1940, Britain was at war against Nazi Germany. On 30 September 1940 at about 4.30pm the residents of Sherborne got a shock. As local historian Gerald Pitman wrote “some 300 bombs, about 60 tons, were dropped in under 5 minutes.” Sherborne had become the first town in the West of England to experience a severe enemy raid. As the map below shows, the bombs fell in distinct lines, starting about two miles west of the town at Wyke and Lenthay Common, through the centre of the town and finishing about a mile to the east. The German Luftwaffe had launched a major attack on the aircraft factories of South West England; the Supermarine factory at Southampton, Westland Aircraft at Yeovil and the Bristol Aeroplane factory at Filton, Bristol. The main target of the raid was the Yeovil factory but, due to cloud cover, the Germans did not find Westland that afternoon. They were attacked by British fighters and when there was a break in the cloud a town became visible with a railway line in approximately the correct relationship to Westland and the Taunton/ Yeovil line and their bombs were released. artifacts, including the nose cone of a bomb which dropped, pieces of shrapnel and material relating to a local ARP warden and civil defence in Sherborne. The Old Shirburnian Society website has fascinating accounts and photographs of the impact on Sherborne School. All in all, 30 September is a memorable day in the town’s long history. On 30 September I will lead guided tours of the key locations, supported by photographs after the bombing and accounts from survivors. (£10 per person) Book online at www.sherbornewalks.co.uk or phone 07989 453966. Pre-booking applies due to limitations on group size n 1940, Britain was at war against Nazi Germany. On 30 September1940 at about 4.30 Sherborne got a shock. As local historian Gerald Pitman wrote “some 300 bombs, about 60 tons, were dropped in under 5 minutes.” Sherborne had become the first town in the West of England to experience a severe enemy raid. As the map below shows, the bombs fell in distinct lines, starting about two miles west of the town at Wyke and Lenthay Common, through the centre of the town and finishing about Yes, 80 years ago Sherborne was bombed! By Paul Birbeck, Sherborne Walks & Blue Badge Tour Guide Lenthay Common was pitted with bomb This might explain why so many of the following social distancing guidelines. In 1940, Britain was at war against Nazi Germany. On 30 September1940 at about 4.30 craters and 108 estate houses near Lenthay suffered damaged and 10 were destroyed. Several children were also killed. bombs landed in the fields near Silverlake Farm to the west side of Sherborne. The German crews would have been briefed www.sherbornewalks.co.uk E: paul@sherbornewalks.co.uk p.m. the residents of Sherborne got a shock. As local historian Gerald Pitman wrote “some 300 bombs, about 60 tons, were dropped in under 5 minutes.” Sherborne had become the first town in the West of England to experience a severe enemy raid. As the bombers proceeded towards the centre of Sherborne, the Cemetery Caretaker’s house was destroyed and in Horsecastles, bombs damaged a long row that the camouflaged Westland works were situated a kilometre to the west of Yeovil town centre on the north side of the railway line. Navigation in those days As the map below shows, the bombs fell in distinct lines, starting about two miles west of the town at Wyke and Lenthay Common, through the centre of the town and finishing about a mile to the east. of houses. Three houses were destroyed in Acreman Street.

Bombs also fell in the grounds of Sherborne Preparatory School and in the Sherborne School courts. Cheap Street, close to the junction with Hound Street, experienced extensive damage in the road and the shops either side. To a discerning eye, evidence of the damage can still be seen in this area, and it is well documented in contemporary photographs. Bombs fell all around Sherborne Abbey but apart from a few broken windows the Abbey was not damaged. The closest bombs landed in Half Moon Street. The damage near the corner of Half Moon Street and South Street was extensive. As the bombers continued east, a line of bombs caused damage around Tinneys Lane in Newland, totally destroying junior

WE ENJOY THE BISHOP’S PALACE

by Tim Saunders, Travel Correspondent

While coronavirus is around we’ve made the decision to have only day trips because at least that way we won’t get caught out by sudden quarantines.

Living in Hampshire it is surprising just how far you can travel in a day without the need to stay the night. The Bishop’s Palace at Wells in Somerset is under 100 miles away and takes around two hours to get to. We leave at just after 9am and arrive before 11.30am, which gives us plenty of time to explore.

Adjacent to Wells Cathedral, it has been the home of the Bishops of the Diocese of Bath and Wells for 800 years and has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building. The children love the sound of The Bishop’s palace and little Henry is walking around saying, “We’re at The Bishop’s Palace.” It’s like something from Ben & Holly. Recently the weather has been temperamental but today although there advised. That suits us fine. We’ve brought a picnic and it’s not long before we find a bench and tuck in. This gives us chance to find our bearings and savour the splendour of the architecture and the accompanying 14-acres. It is a perfect day out for a young family in these strange times because the children can roam freely. Although there are occasions where we have to obey social distancing generally it is not necessary because there is so much space and comparatively few visitors. Somerset’s hidden secret. There are some stunning flowers and plants, a large well-tended allotment where we see onions, leeks, lettuces, courgettes, pumpkins and potatoes. The children are given some wonky carrots. Throughout the day we all take photos with the Palace’s Children’s Photographic Competition in mind. and I are looking, Henry and Heidi are trying to wake up the cat that is dozing on a chair underneath the portraits. Is it stuffed? Careful Henry. They find fun in anything. We also discover that The Bishop’s Palace featured in the recent BBC adaptation of Poldark. Nearby is the welcoming Bishop’s Chapel where if we were not accompanied by our children it would be possible to spend time to gather one’s thoughts, read the Bible and pray. There are some appropriate prayers for our times dotted about and candles have been lit by the entrance. Heidi sits by the altar and pretends to be the bishop. Open 10am to 5pm daily Single tickets provide year-long visits https://bishopspalace.org.uk/

Watch the videos at www.travelwriter.biz is some cloud, the sun shines making for a We spend much of the day outside but do very pleasant trip. As soon as we arrive it make sure that we visit the Bishop’s Palace is clear how popular it is because there is a itself where we see an array of portraits of healthy queue of visitors awaiting entry. the bishops since 1206. Current bishop,

“You need to wear a facemask in the shop but otherwise there is no need,” we are Peter Hancock, is yet to have a portrait commissioned it seems. While Caroline 26 To advertise – 01935 424724 • email: info@theconduitmagazine.co.uk • www.theconduitmagazine.co.uk

EVENTS AT THE PALACE! PICNIC AT THE PALACE!

On Friday 28 August 2020, from 6pm-9pm, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be holding their second “Picnic at the Palace” evening event.

Following the success of the first event in July, the stunning 14 acres of gardens will be open to any ticket or membership holder, or anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket or membership on the night, to enjoy exclusive access outside of normal opening hours. The Palace is offering a luxury ploughman’s picnic (full details on the Palace website), which must be pre-booked, at £18.95 per head, which will include a range of local delicacies, fresh sides, savouries and desserts. Drinks can also be pre-booked. The South Lawn will have tables and chairs set up, but visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and picnic blankets. Luxury picnics need to be pre-booked on the Palace website or by telephone by 12pm on Wednesday 26 August, and collected between 6-7pm on the evening of the event. Priority entry will be given to those with pre-booked picnics, and visitors are asked not to bring their own food and drink on site. The Bowlore Medieval Weekend takes place on Sunday 30 & Monday 31 August 2020 10am-5pm. Brighten up your Bank Holiday Weekend this year with a visit to see the wonderful Bowlore Medieval troupe at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells. Normally a very popular date in the Palace’s calendar, the event will run differently this year, due to the Coronavirus health and safety restrictions. On Sunday 30 & Monday 31 August the lively medieval combat specialists will be setting up camp throughout the Palace Gardens and then holding court in different sections of the Gardens with

their wonderful displays. This Bite-Sized Bowlore will include: Archery, mark-draw-loose and armour piercing, hunting arrows, longbow vs crossbow.

Weapons: Quarterstaff & Spear, Dagger work, Percussion weapons (mace, morning star & warhammer), Sword & Buckler, Falchion & Langmesser, Longswords , Shield-wall, Pollaxes, Halbards, Dane axes.

All of the above will include either demonstrations and/or choreographed combat, and cutting with a sharp version! In the Weapons and Armour tent (“The Black Dog”) there will be displays of blunt weapons, chain-mail, helmets and shields. Members of the Bowlore troupe will be giving interactive Q & A sessions and will also run private sword-fighting lessons at intervals throughout the day. Medieval camp life will be visible to the public at all times.

The day will be split into two halves, with all the activities being repeated and all visitors, including Palace Members, must book in advance on the Palace website for either the morning (10:15- 13:15) or afternoon (13:45-16:45) session.

Open Daily 10-5

GARDENS

PICNIC EVENINGS HISTORY

RAREPLANTFAIR SEPTEMBERAT

THEPALACE

THEBISHOP'SPALACE& GARDENS,WELLS,SOMERSET

JUST LAUNCHED - NEW EXCLUSIVE CRUISES WITH A FREE PICK-UP FROM YEOVIL FOR 2021……

By Heather Muir, Manager – Miles Morgan Travel, Yeovil

The demand for our exclusive escorted cruises, with the ease of the transport from Yeovil, continues to increase and these cruises are now more popular than ever. Some customers are enjoying their fourth and fifth departure with us. We appreciate that your holiday starts the minute that you leave your front door and, with us, you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that there’s someone on hand to take care of all your needs and assist you with the check-in process at the port. There will also be someone on-board to help throughout your cruise. Our cruise escorts invite you to our exclusive, on board and hosted welcome party so you can meet your fellow passengers if you so wish – the choice is yours. These escorted cruises are only available at Miles Morgan Travel and sell quickly, so early booking is essential. We have an amazing choice for 2021 with 8 fantastic itineraries to choose : Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux 20th May 8 nights, French River Cruising 15th June 8 nights, Exploring Picturesque Portugal 23rd June 10 nights, Cruising the Heart of the Baltic 3rd July 13 nights, Delights of Devon & Cornwall 29th July 5 nights, Loughs, Isles & Iconic Sites of Ireland 3rd August 9 nights, Scenic Views of Norway 12th August 8 nights and Rivers & Cities of France and Seville 2nd September 14 nights. We have also just launched a brand-new departure for 2023 – American Waterways & Canada in the Fall 26th September 2023 34 nights, this cruise is already selling fast so call for full details. Prices start from only £799pp, based on 2 sharing a cabin, but we also have singles available. Seats on the coach from Yeovil are limited and cabins are already selling fast. The feedback we receive about our Cruise Escorts is always fantastic. Here are some of our customer comments:

“From the moment we joined the coach we were able to relax and the drinks on the coach were even more welcome. Your warm and friendly service was reassuring and never overwhelming.” “As a single passenger, I never felt alone on the ship as I met lots of friendly people and made friends with other single passengers. I also had the security of having a cruise escort, who was very helpful and always available if I needed her.”

These exclusive cruises are always extremely popular and seats on the coach to the port fill very quickly, so early booking is strongly recommended. For more information please contact us on 01935 428488 or call in and see us at 2 Borough Arcade, High Street, Yeovil, BA20 1RX.

EXCLUSIVE TO Miles Morgan Travel NEW CRUISES FOR 2021

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£799 based on 2 sharing on Devon & Cornwall cruise and subject to availability. Coach, Escort and Welcome party subject to minimum numbers.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Food & Drink TWO SPICY RECIPES FROM THE QUEEN OF SPICE!

By Sarah Ali Choudhury

RECIPE:

2 tbsp sunflower oil 1 bay leaf 3 cardamons 1-inch cinnamon stick 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tbsp grated ginger 1 onion, finely chopped 1/4 green pepper, finely chopped 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp coriander powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tbsp mixed curry powder 1/4 tsp chilli powder (optional) 1/4 tsp paprika 1 tsp concentrated tomato purée 50ml water 1 large tomato, finely chopped 500g diced lamb Fresh coriander for garnish

RECIPE:

1 tbsp sunflower oil 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) 1 tbsp cumin powder 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp concentrated tomato purée 25ml water 1 small/medium butternut squash, peeled and finely diced Coriander or spring onion for garnish

METHOD:

1. Heat oil. 2. Add bay leaf, cardamons and cinnamon stick. 3. Add garlic, ginger, onion, green pepper and salt. Fry on a low to medium heat, stirring regularly for 5-10 mins until onions soften. 4. When onions start to caramelise, add the turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, mixed curry powder, chilli powder, paprika and the tomato purée. Stir well. 5. Add 50ml water, stir well, then add the tomato. 6. After about 10 mins, you will notice a little oil come to the top of the mixture. This means the spices are cooked and it is at this point that you add the diced lamb. 7. Stir well and cover. Cook this for 15-20 mins regularly stirring, ensuring it doesn’t burn. For the last 5 mins leave it on slow heat and covered. 8. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.

METHOD:

1. Heat oil in a heavy-based pan. 2. Add garlic, onion and salt. 3. Allow to soften and then add cumin, turmeric and coriander powder, along with the tomato purée. 4. Add water and allow to cook on a slow heat for 5-7 mins. 5. Turn to medium heat for 3-5 mins. 6. Add the butternut squash, stir well and cover. 7. You will need to cook this for about 15-20 mins on a slow heat to allow the squash to cook through properly.

Ensure that you stir regularly. 8. When done, garnish with fresh coriander or spring onion and serve.

What is Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash. It has a distinctly nutty and sweet taste, very similar to pumpkins. It is technically a fruit but can be used as a vegetable. It can be sautéed, toasted, roasted, mashed or puréed. with it. It is one of my favourite foods and sometimes I love to cook it together with chicken or lamb curry.

Best way to peel Butternut Squash. Lots of people try peeling it with a knife but I find the easiest way to peel it is actually with a potato peeler in a downward motion. Then top and tail it. Once completely peeled, topped and tailed, cut in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then dice.

You can also use the seeds. Wash and dry them, ensure they are evenly coated with oil and salt, then spread them out in a single layer and roast for about 20 mins or until starting to brown.

WORKING AS A SAMARITAN THROUGH CORONAVIRUS

By Simon Hicks, Branch Director & Listening Volunteer at Samaritans Yeovil, Sherborne & District

I am a volunteer at the Yeovil and Sherborne branch of Samaritans. We are a cohort of about 120 volunteers, contributing to the national Samaritans helpline, and as a branch, we man the phones about 85% of 24/7. In some respects, the situation regarding Coronavirus did not alter anything. We are always there to “listen” to callers sharing their own personal crisis, be it mental health issues, loneliness, trauma, pure desperation or anything else. From our early training days, we are taught never to pigeonhole callers. A caller may be experiencing similar issues to the previous one – but they are both individuals and should be treated as such. However, it is fair to say that the virus and the subsequent fall out post lockdown, has given callers additional need to worry, and added a further layer to our conversations. From a volunteer point of view, numbers across the board dropped dramatically as people took sensible isolation precautions, but those who remained able to volunteer pulled out all the stops to keep calls being answered by doubling up on shifts. We banded together to keep all of our shielding volunteers connected throughout lockdown, with weekly branch newsletters, zoom socials and sing songs. Gradually, many who have been forced to stay away are starting to return to the centre. In fact, one of our longest serving and most experienced volunteers, Ray, is poised to do his first shift in nearly six months next week. He’s 85 and has been with the branch for 21 years! We’re very pleased to have him back. We’re running induction courses for those like Ray who really want to return to ensure we make it safe for our most vulnerable volunteers. We don’t doubt that the impact of the pandemic will continue to affect us all for some months and even years to come. Samaritans offer plenty of suggestions through the website at www.samaritans.org and a new self-help app helps you to keep track of how you are feeling and offers recommendations of what you can do to cope during a crisis. There are also several other useful websites to visit including mind.org.uk. Here are just some of the things you can do if you’re struggling during easing of lockdown: • Talk to someone you trust. It might feel hard to start talking about how you are feeling. But many people find that sharing their experiences can help them feel better. You can talk to Samaritans any time of the day and night by calling 116 123 or Mindline Somerset on 01823 276892. • Express your feelings creatively - try writing, drawing, painting. • Make choices to control the things that you can. • Seek help. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is ok to ask for help. Speak to your GP, or your mental health team. Could you volunteer with the Yeovil Branch of Samaritans? Please note that our monthly open evenings are currently suspended but we would still welcome your enquiry by email at recruitment@yeovilsamaritans.org. uk or you can visit our website at https://www.samaritans.org/branches/ samaritans-yeovil-sherborne-and-district.

Volunteer with us

We will train, mentor and support you all the way.

To find out more and apply, visit samaritans.org/volunteer

Yeovil Sherborne & District

Local charity, Spark Somerset, is working to improve health and wellbeing in South Somerset, and has identified a gap in support for unpaid carers aged between 18 and 60 years and living in the Rural Practice Primary Care Network which covers Bruton, Wincanton, Castle Cary, Queen Camel and Milborne Port. In partnership with the Carers Champions at the local GP surgeries, they are conducting a survey to help them better understand what services and activities might be needed. They would like to hear from anybody who is: • Caring for a family member who has a disability, long term physical or mental ill health, or struggles with substance misuse. • Aged between18 and 60 years. • Registered with any of the GP surgeries in

Bruton, Wincanton, Castle Cary, Queen Camel or

Milborne Port. Sue Crisfield, Spark’s Social Prescribing Co-ordinator, said: “We would really like to know what kind of information, advice and support local carers feel they need. We are keen to receive your thoughts, comments and ideas, to help us with our future plans. Perhaps you would like to take respite breaks with other carers, or form an online group, or just meet up regularly to support one another - your ideas would be warmly welcomed!” The deadline for the survey is Friday 18 September. To take part in the survey, visit https://www. sparksomerset.org.uk/carers-survey . For a paper copy, you can call 01458 550973 or email support@ sparksomerset.org.uk/ To find out more about local health and wellbeing support, visit www. wellbeingsouthsomerset.org.

ARE YOUR KIDS BORROWING YOUR FEARS?

By Niki Cassar

If you have young children, naturally you want to protect them right now, but you may feel you don’t know how, as the Coronavirus information we’re given is often unclear. You may be tempted to tell them half-truths or say nothing at all. We forget that they are little satellites, constantly collecting information from everyone around them, especially from the grown-ups they are closest to. Your child may be watching TV, playing with a toy and doing a puzzle simultaneously, yet still listening to the grown-ups’ conversation nearby, because kids can multi-task! Children up to the age of 6 are particularly vulnerable to collecting and storing information, and due to their age and lack of experience, a lot of what they store is erroneous. I’m not here to tell you what’s right or wrong, but I can offer some suggestions.

First, never lie or use avoidance of a sticky subject to protect them, because there will be long term consequences, including lack of trust in you. Always explain what’s going on, tailoring the information to their age and vocabulary. Secondly, never use scare tactics! Here are some examples…. Negative: “If you don’t scrub your hands thoroughly to get all the germs off when I tell you to, you’ll catch coronavirus and have to go to hospital.” Positive: “It’s a good idea to wash your hands well when I ask you to, because you’ll stay strong and healthy.” Negative: “You mustn’t get too close to the other kids, because if you do, then you could catch some nasty germs like coronavirus and get very ill.” Positive: “Enjoy having fun with your friends, and do your best to keep a little distance away

WIN £10 in our WORDSEARCH CARRY ON CAMPING!

With many people opting for a Staycation rather than having to endure the constantly changing advice about countries that are or aren’t under quarantine, some of us found ourselves under canvas in Britain. Camping is therefore the inspiration for this month’s Wordsearch. Just find the hidden words in the grid below, ring each word until you have found all of them and when you have completed the puzzle send it to: The Conduit Magazine, Unit 4, Barton View Business Park, Sheeplands Lane, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4FW. The lucky winner receives a £10 cheque. The closing date is: Monday 21 September. Good luck. from them, so you can all stay safe and healthy.” The negative examples use authoritarian language plus scare tactics. The positive examples use simple ‘permissive’ language. Which of those do you think will benefit your children the most? And if you are an anxious person yourself, with a number of ‘what if’ fears, instead of letting them borrow your fear and making it their own, always tell them truthfully that you sometimes get worried about little things, but that it’s YOUR anxiety, and not theirs. Explain that it’s not their fault you’re anxious, because kids often think that they are to blame in some way for Mum/Dad’s problems. There are three important phrases to use with your children, over and over: You are safe and secure It’s not your fault I love you And if you think your fears are affecting you and your kids, please call me on 07973 346747 for a free, confidential chat, and receive a £15 discount on your first session of Hypnotherapy. Online sessions are my

competition

speciality!

AWNING AXE COUNTRY CODE DUTCH OVEN ESCAPE FIRE FLAP GRILL GROUNDSHEET GUIDE MATS MUGS NATURE OPEN AIR PEGS RAIN SITE STOVE TENT TORCH TRAILER WOOD

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