17 minute read
HISTORY
SLAVERY AND MILBORNE PORT
By Dr Lesley Wray
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In Bristol last summer, the statue of a philanthropist was torn down because he had made his fortune from the slave trade. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its abolition was on 23 August this year. Slavery is a horrific abuse of peoples’ rights, but it is easy to forget the history behind it.
Slavery has existed since society began; the Domesday Book mentions two slaves in Milborne. Slavery did not disappear from England until around 1100, although feudal serfdom was little better. In Africa, slavery was endemic, and from the seventeenth century European nations exploited this. Between 1662 and 1807, three and a half million African slaves were transported on British ships, while Portugal transported even more. Slavery was big business.
Putting the trade in context is important; in Britain, workers had no rights, children worked from the age of six, and there were 220 crimes punishable by death, including ‘strong evidence of malice in a child aged 7–14’or using a ‘mask whilst committing a crime.’ Executions were public spectacles. Even so, the brutality of the slave trade meant people turned against it. In 1774, Mary Scott, the daughter of a wealthy linen merchant in Milborne Port, published The Female Advocate. In this poem she commends literary women, including Phyllis Wheatley, the first slave and black woman to have a book of poetry published in Britain. At the time women were still considered the property of their husband or father, and had no rights, so they had a natural sympathy for enslaved people. In 1776, a motion ‘that the slave trade is contrary to the laws of God and the rights of men’ was debated in parliament. The trade reached its peak in the 1780s, then legislation limiting the number that could be carried on each ship was passed. New colonies in the Caribbean and the demand for their goods fuelled the trade, but finally legislation was passed in both the Commons and the Lords which brought an end to Britain’s involvement. From 1 May 1807, it was illegal for any British ship or British subject to trade in enslaved people.
Action was still needed to abolish slavery in the colonies. Milborne Port inhabitants sent anti-slavery petitions to the Commons on 30 March 1824, and to both Houses on 5 and 8 May 1826, while the Milborne Port Methodists sent antislavery petitions to the Commons on 15 December 1830, as did ‘persons residing’ in the town on 2 March 1831. The Slavery Abolition Act stopped slavery in most British colonies, freeing more than 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean and South Africa. It took effect on 1 August 1834, but the Act ensured that change was slow; it emancipated children under the age of six, but older slaves were to be retained by their owners for four to six years as ‘apprentices.’ Those who had been enslaved did not receive any compensation, although the British government paid £20,000,000 for ‘damages suffered’ by the owners of registered slaves. These were not just plantation owners, but included many ordinary people for whom owning a slave was a good investment. Slaves were like company shares today, the owners were paid a percentage of the plantation profits for the work the slave performed.
Like many places, Milborne Port played a small part in helping to get this horrible trade outlawed. However, while we rightly condemn the past trade, we should remember that modern slavery still continues.
If you would like to learn more about Milborne Port or visit the museum, please visit our website www. milborneporthistory.org.uk or email lesmik71@gmail.com.
Water Lilies
Sun rays shone through the pond-side ferns, Water lilies opened, as summer’s day returned. Pretty as any flower in its aquatic home, Above its pristine petals the hover flies droned. Trickling water caused ripples and bubbles of light, Like marbles on the surface, shiny and bright.
Between lily pads a frog with fixed stare, Waited to catch airborne prey unaware. Water boatmen effortlessly kept a steady pace, Natures equal to the universities’ boat race. A spider spun her web with skillful ease, A silver thread suspended within the reeds.
A breeze stirred bullrushes as dragonflies played, In the pond depths the fishes’ tails swayed. Reflections on the water dictated by the sky, Highlighting the clouds as they sailed by. The sun descended and disappeared from sight, Water lilies signal to close petals for the night.
Andrew Haylock
By Tracey Warren, Stoodley and Son
In my last article I explained the tipping point for the closures of the overcrowded churchyards in London, and this was subsequently reached in other cities and towns.
After the cholera epidemics, on the last day of August 1848 the first Public Health Act, 11 & 12 Vict c.63, received royal assent. It banned any new vault burials within the walls or underneath any church or place of worship, with a fine of £50 to anyone who contravened this. (Existing family vaults were exempt.) This Act laid the foundations for all subsequent public health measures and was the beginning of the legislative process that would establish public cemeteries throughout Britain. The Act was influenced by Chadwick’s report of 1843 which created a General Board of Health, with local boards of health being established.
The Metropolitan Interments Act 1850 and the Burial Acts of 1852, 1853 (consolidated in 1857) stated that, for the protection of public health and prevention of contagious diseases, overcrowded burial grounds and churchyards were finally closed. Parish secular groups appointed their own Burial Boards to be responsible for providing for the interment of the dead of the parish and they would often do so by building a cemetery and charging the expenses to the Poor Rate. (This was a tax on property levied in each parish, which was used to provide poor relief.) The Burial Board was responsible for the management of the cemetery, for fixing fees and charges, and for the sale of grave plots; today Burial Boards are still in existence within the town or parish council. These cemeteries would have grounds consecrated for Anglican use and grounds unconsecrated for the use of Nonconformists. In the Burial Act of 1854, town councils were enabled to form Burial Boards using the Borough Rate (a tax on properties within the larger borough) to establish cemeteries deemed to be for the parishes within the borough. In the 1850s-60s, the Burial Acts resulted in a large number of cemetery foundations in both rural and urban areas, such as Sherborne in 1856 and South Petherton in 1868. Furthermore, once public authorities were given the power to provide decent places of burial, the building of private cemeteries with getrich schemes ceased to be commercially viable. But one problem still remained, the public still wanted to be buried within the churchyards. They wanted to be at the hand of God at the day of judgement. Burials within cemeteries were a necessity but there was much resistance.
Walking though any cemetery today, you can see they were set out as glorious Victorian parks, with beautiful trees and sweeping paths. Cemeteries were marketed as somewhere you could promenade in your Sunday best whilst tending to your loved ones’ graves. The magnificent seven cemeteries were marketed as the place to be buried, but the uptake was slow. This was until more famous people were buried there. In Kensal Green cemetery in London (one of the magnificent seven), Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, was buried amidst pomp and ceremony that made cemetery burial the ‘height of fashion’.
Sadly, today, the cemeteries that were opened to provide safe burial of the dead are now full themselves. Grave reuse legislation has been rolled out in London, where old Victorian graves are reused, often with the existing headstones turned around and a new inscription placed on the back. Locally, both Ilminster and Yeovil are now facing the same crisis with burial space running out. We have sadly come full circle.
We are holding a coffee morning on Saturday 4 September from 9.30am to 12.00 noon at 29 St James’ Street, South Petherton, to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of our South Petherton branch. All are welcome.
By Peter Luscombe BVSc, PgC SAD, MRCVS
As we move towards the end of summer, I can report that we have encountered major problems with fleas this year; the hot spells and rainy days have created ideal flea hatching and breeding conditions. Many pets have paid the price for inconsistent flea treatment earlier in the year allowing eggs and pupae to accumulate, producing population explosions. I believe this is likely to result in flea problems in homes this autumn and winter as the fleas love our centrally heated homes.
Fleas breed incredibly quickly. After feeding, fleas lay up to 40 eggs a day and over 2000 eggs in a lifetime. Eggs accumulate in bedding and carpets to complete their life cycle, and many more hungry fleas. This cycle is typically completed in 3-4 weeks but under optimal conditions of temperature and humidity it can be as little as 12 days. Under natural circumstances, the flea cycle accelerates through the spring and summer to a peak in the early autumn; however, with central heating, our homes also create the perfect environment for fleas over winter and we recognise significant flea problems throughout the winter. It is important to appreciate that more than 95% of the flea population in the home will not be on our pets, but in their bedding or carpets waiting to hatch into adult fleas again. Also, pupae can remain dormant in carpets for 6-12 months, so massive numbers of fleas can appear quickly when the conditions are right, as we have seen this summer.
It is really important to continue vigilant flea treatment now and throughout the year, not just to kill fleas but more crucially prevent breeding and the risk of ongoing problems in the coming months.
Lower Acreman Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3EX www.newtonclarkevet.com
My key pointers to planning flea control are: which have been treated with such products.
• Read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you apply the correct dose at the correct interval.
Fleas can lay 40 eggs a day, so even a short break in the treatment can mean a lot more fleas.
• Check all your pets regularly for fleas. Look for black specks or ‘flea-dirt’ in your pet’s coat.
A few fleas might lead to a major problem quickly.
• Flea treatments are available as Spot-on products, tablets, shampoos and collars. I do not favour shampoos as they do not persist and very few owners use them frequently enough. Collars can be hazardous for cats if they get caught in them. Also, some insecticides are toxic to cats so always check the label carefully.
• Select good quality products.
Products are not all the same; cheaper options often prove a false economy. I often find evidence of fleas on animals • If you have a flea problem, invest in a good quality household flea spray for the carpets. Read the label carefully and treat all areas thoroughly after vacuum cleaning. Continue regular (daily) vacuum cleaning.
Consult your veterinary practice for more advice; they will be happy to provide more information and guidance on effective flea control.
Support needed to turn dreams into realities
Mary’s Beat, based in Cossington, between Street and Bridgwater, is a fund created in the memory of Mary Christabel Dyer, to help disabled people take part in activities that will build self-confidence and encourage participation, that they may not otherwise be able to afford. Grants of up to £1,000 are awarded for individuals to take part in music therapy, music experiences or outdoor adventures and activities, and are made possible thanks to Mary’s family, who normally organise fundraising activities every year. Since the fund was launched by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) in July 2017, a total of £12,405 has been awarded in grants to 23 individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or both, living in Somerset or Devon. However, the pandemic has meant that Mary’s family haven’t been able to do their planned sponsored cycle ride or other fundraising activities. To be able to award grants early next year, more funding is now desperately needed. Piers Dyer, Mary’s father, explained: ’We normally raise around £3,000 each year for the fund which is then given out by SCF as grants to people living with disabilities. ‘We’re keen to start fundraising again and hope to plan events for 2022, which include a concert as well as another sponsored cycle ride. Also, if anyone would like to arrange a fundraiser for Mary’s Beat we can offer support and would be happy to come along to an event to speak about the fund. We also welcome any donations which can be made at our Justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/ somersetcf/marysbeat.’ Harrison, aged 9, has Fragile X Syndrome, which causes him to be severely intellectually and learning disabled. His condition is lifelong and has a significant impact on his mobility and ability to access
physical activities and the community in a safe way. A Mary’s Beat grant of £750 was awarded earlier this year towards the Support needed to turn dreams into realities cost of a specialist trike so that Harrison can join his family on cycle rides. Mary’s Beat, based in Cossington, between Street and Bridgwater, is a fund created in the memory of Mary Having this trike has given Christabel Dyer, to help disabled people take part in activities that will build self-confidence and encourage Harrison access to cycling, significantly increasing participation, that they may not otherwise be able to afford. his level of outdoor and physical activity, giving him Grants of up to £1,000 are awarded for individuals to take part in music therapy, music experiences or outdoor the sensory feedback he needs. adventures and activities, and are made possible thanks to Mary’s family, who normally organise fundraising activities every year. Mary’s Beat will consider funding for individuals to participate in an activity Since the fund was launched by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) in July 2017, a total of £12,405 has been which would not otherwise awarded in grants be available to them. to 23 individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or both, living in Somerset or Eligible activities include Devon. However, the pandemic has meant that Mary’s family haven’t been able to do their planned sponsored cycle Harrison with his specially adapted trike music therapy, one-off concerts, and outdoor activities that will build self-confidence, ride or other fundraising activities. To be able to award grants early next year, more funding is now desperately needed. encourage participation and inspire hope for the future. Previous grants have been awarded towards the cost of specialist buggies, trikes and wheelchairs, football season tickets, music and equine Piers Dyer, Mary’s father, explained: therapy, and outdoor activity days. ’We normally raise around £3,000 each year for the fund which is then given If you have any questions regarding Mary’s Beat, please visit www.out by SCF as grants to people living with disabilities. somersetcf.org.uk/marysbeat or email Kirsty.campbell@somersetcf. org.uk.‘We’re keen to start fundraising again and hope to plan events for 2022, which include a concert as well as another sponsored cycle ride. Also, if anyone would like to arrange a fundraiser for Mary’s Beat we can offer support and 43 would be happy to come along to an event to speak about the fund. We also welcome any donations which can be
Back in the Game!
By James Cattigan, Sherborne Sports Centre Manager
We are delighted to see our members returning after such a long wait. Now that we, here in Dorset and South Somerset, are seeing things get back towards ‘normal’ we want to remind you of the sporting opportunities and warm welcome waiting for you at Sherborne Sports Centre.
• GYM SESSIONS
• SWIMMING
• TENNIS COURTS
• SQUASH COURTS
• BADMINTON COURTS
• AQUA AEROBICS
• CHILDREN’S SWIMMING LESSONS
…AND MORE TO COME!
Whether you have been able to maintain your fitness or have found it more challenging, our staff are ready to help you along your personal fitness journey whether that is to become stronger and fitter or simply to enjoy exercising socially alongside others. You may be daunted by the prospect of restarting your fitness regime or lacking motivation. To overcome this, we suggest setting small, manageable goals. It could be to look at what’s on offer on the website, to give us a call to hear what’s going on, or maybe to come in and see how the centre looks. You may then want to book a gym session or a swim and start to build up your fitness levels, gradually increasing the time and/or intensity.
Regular participation in physical activity offers physical, mental and social benefits, so to give you an incentive to return, simply cut out the coupon below to claim your free session with us!
For more information, please visit www.sherbornesports.co.uk or phone 01935 810548.
HEARING CARE THAT'S AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE
FOR YOUR EARS ONLY
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PROVIDING PERSONALISED HEARING CARE IN SHERBORNE
*SEPTEMBER OFFER*
A free hearing accessory with new OTICON aids
t: 01935 815647
We are making the Switch
By Samantha Kirk, Centre Manager
Oxley Sports Centre has had Myzone, a unique heart-rate monitor, available to their members for over two years now and it became invaluable over the several lockdowns that have happened during the past eighteen months. The best thing about Myzone is that it is suitable for all abilities so anyone can get involved.
Myzone is a simple yet effective way to track your training; it records your heart rate during your workouts allowing you to monitor the intensity of your workouts. Myzone also helps generate a sense of community within the centre via the app which allows you to: participate in challenges, connect with our fitness team and other members, earn rewards, post workouts, and connect live to our group training screens in the spin zone and fitness suite.
Having used the Myzone heartrate monitor strap for the past two years, we are making the switch to the next level of tech which means more people can participate and get involved with the Myzone community at Oxley.
The new Myzone Switch has three bands: one for your chest (as before), one for your forearm and one for your wrist. This means that those of you who swim can now use it more effectively and get the same level of monitoring as you can on dry land! What does Myzone say about switching? without breaking your flow. Wear on your arm to work out phone free.... When you are not streaming live to your workout tile or in-club display, you can store up to 30 hours of exercise data with the Switch. From a full charge, your MZSwitch will monitor any physical activity for three to six months of battery life....
‘It gives me a really straightforward way to monitor my intensity. It is an absolute game-changer....’
The Myzone community is centre based and is a fantastic communication portal for both customers and instructors alike. Share your workouts, photos, challenges and become more engaged with others from the centre, helping you to stay motivated. Achieving MEPS (Myzone energy points) month on month, through effort not just intensity, will increase your status from IRON though to PLATIMUM over the months, gaining not only prizes but continuing your fitness journey with the encouragement of others around you. It is a great motivator as you must keep your effort level each month otherwise you will drop back a level. And now with the Myzone Switch, swimmers can get in on the action. By wearing the heart-rate monitor on your wrist band or forearm strap, your MEPS will be counted, and you will be able to see in real time (without your phone) how much effort you are exerting by referring to your monitor. It shows which effort level you are at, by displaying the colour zones, at that particular time. So, you will know to switch it up or dial it down.
