Beer Hackett

BEER HACKETT REP: John Parker johnwincanton@gmail.com DISTRIBUTOR: Susan Ferdinand

Friends of St. Michael’s Church

A splendid ‘Get Together’

The sun shone on Saturday 11 September for Beer Hackett’s long awaited summer ‘Village Get Together’ which was held in and around St. Michael’s Church.

The event, which had been previously delayed by Covid restrictions, was staged by the ‘Friends of St. Michael’s Church’ as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to bring the village community together after so long.

The ‘Get Together’ lived up to its name, with a buoyant attendance by villagers, friends and visitors who were able to mingle and chat.

Following a minute’s silence for all those who perished in New York on 9/11, there was much to see and enjoy: live entertainment was compered by Bonny Sartin, the celebrated local musician and poet, who amusingly introduced sets from the always popular Wriggle Valley Jazz Band, and singer Kathy Smyth who, together with pianist Jean Rudd, rendered a selection of Cole Porter and other classics.

In addition, there were bric-a-brac and book stalls, an amazing range of buffet food (generously donated by villagers), hot and cold drinks plus, for children, a coconut shy, Teddy Bear’s picnic and a range of games and activities.

The afternoon culminated in a grand raffle featuring a stupendous array of prizes. The raffle, together with various sales plus very generous voluntary contributions, raised over £200!

The ‘Friends’ would like to thank all those who contributed to making the event a great success, with a particular mention to Beer Hackett-based Brotherwood Engineering, who very

kindly supplied and erected the marquee and gazebos.

Any spare WVM copies will be placed in the village information board.

St. Michael’s Church

Harvest Festival – Sunday 10 October at 3.00pm in church.

We are very pleased to be welcoming Brother Hugh from Hilfield Friary to preach at our service.

It will be a very appropriate time to combine our Eco Church initiative with the theme of harvest, following soon after St. Francis day on 4 October and only three weeks before the COP26 conference.

We also invite you to ‘bake a loaf’ – any style, type or size – and bring it with you. The loaves will be judged after the service during the refreshments and there will be an adult and a child entry prize. Please keep an eye on the notice boards, come along with your loaf, hear about Eco Church and celebrate harvest together.

John Bingham

Laurie MacBean – A marathon goal for the children’s hospice

I’m by no means an experienced or natural runner; however, I make up for any lack of skill or experience with my passion to help others and my determination to keep our daughter’s memory alive, as well as others who have experienced what it’s like to receive care and support from the Children’s Hospice South West.

The last 18 months have been so tricky for many, but hospices have continued to try to offer support wherever and however possible. We have received food parcels, gift parcels, invitations to online games and quizzes for the children, as well as being lucky enough to be recently visited by sibling workers from Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice.

Recently we were able to return to the Hospice after nearly two years and stay for two nights, where our son Ollie was given the 24-hour care he requires and we were able to get a full night’s sleep and, with our meals cooked for us, some real rest and recuperation!

I wanted to try to give something back and help others in need, so I took on this massive challenge and I plan to run the London Marathon on Sunday 3 October in memory of our daughter Abbie, who died when she was just 23 months old.

We could not have managed without the Hospice – their practical and emotional support was invaluable. Since our first visit in 2007, we have always thought of Charlton Farm as the most amazing place imaginable. What we thought would be a sad and eerie experience is, in fact, a place where we can let go and allow ourselves to do ‘normal, everyday things’ like watching TV, having a long walk, having quality time with our other children or just being able to check in with how we are feeling and what we might need.

Caring for sick or disabled children is a job that you can’t easily switch off from – but neither can you give from an empty cup and being able to recharge is such a massive boost. I have now completed my longest run to date – 20 miles – and with a few days go to, I’m striving to meet my target of raising £100 for each month Abbie was alive.

If you feel able to support my goal please visit: https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiserdisplay/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl= LaurieMacBean1&pageUrl=2

Nick with Ollie and his sisters

Farewell to Pam Margaret Clothier

Beer Hackett was saddened to learn of the passing of Pam Clothier last month – a resident of very long standing who had made a great contribution to both the church and our small hamlet’s community life over many decades. Her son Simon relates a little of her interesting life and long association with Beer Hackett and our local area:

Pam was born in 1927 and spent her childhood in West Coker, attending Park School in Yeovil. She joined Lloyds Bank immediately after school and worked there until 1948 when she married my father, Phillip Clothier (her childhood sweetheart from age 10!), when he returned from serving in the RAF out in the Far East. My brother Chris came along in 1953 followed by myself in 1958. In 1960 the family, including my grandparents, moved into Beer Hackett to farm and have remained ever since. As well as her role as a farmer’s wife, Pam worked as a Market Researcher for many years, well into her 80s. On the death of my dad, Pam threw herself in to gardening and looking after her three grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Living next door, they were always running around to be spoilt with sweets and other treats.

My gran was a great supporter of St. Michael’s, our lovely village church. Following her death in 1986, my mother Pam took up the mantle and dedicated a great deal of her time and enthusiasm to supporting the church in countless ways up until three years ago, when she left the village to join the Old Vicarage Care Home in Leigh. Her time there was very enjoyable, thanks to the kind, caring staff and the friendly residents’ community. I’m sure I’m not alone in missing seeing her out and about in the village with time for everyone!

Simon Clothier