Abbas & Templecombe MessengerOctober 2026r Free local news, events, contacts & puzzles Templecombe Sports & Social Club at the Recreation Ground.

Contacts & Useful Information Abbas & Templecombe Messenger Email: aatmessenger@outlook.com Templecombe Post Office 20 Westcombe, Templecombe BA8 0LH Open seven days a week 07:00-22:00 Bunters of Templecombe Michael Bird 07401 491741 01963 370472 01963 548088 Licensed café & bar 2 High Street, Templecombe BA8 0JB Sun/Mon-Closed Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri/-09:00-14:30 & Fri- 16:00-22:00 Sat-08:30-13:30 & 18:00-22:00 Co-op Food Supermarket 01963 371597High Street, Templecombe BA8 0JA Open seven days per week 06:00-22:00 Member of Parliament Sarah Dyke 02035 452414 Email: sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk Abbas & Templecombe Parish Council Tina Chapman (Parish Clerk) Email: clerk@abbasandtemplecombe-pc.gov.uk Abbas & Templecombe Church School Templecombe Sports & Social Club Recreation Ground, Vine Street, Templecombe BA8 0JY 01963 370527 01963 370481 01963 370710 Doctors Milborne Port & Templecombe Surgeries 01963 250334 Web: www.milborneportsurgery.nhs.uk Milborne Port 08:00-18:30 08:00-18:30 08:00-18:30 18:30-20:00 Telephone Only 08:00-18:30 Closed Templecombe 08:30-15:00 Closed 08:30-15:00 08:30-15:00 Closed Mon/Tue Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun Wincanton Health Centre 01963 435700 01963 828444 01935 475122 Web: Wincanton Community Hospital Dancing Lane, Wincanton BA9 9DQ Yeovil Hospital Higher Kingston, Yeovil BA21 4ATwww.wincantonhealth.co.uk Wessex Water 0345 600 4600 Web: www.wessexwater.co.uk Power Cuts Electrical Emergency Call 105

Contacts & Useful Information Citizens Advice Somerset Advice Line Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 Samaritans Monday-Saturday Somerset Council Social Services Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 Saturday & Sunday Closed Out of hours Emergency Social Work Duty Team Email: adults@somerset.gov.uk 0808 223 1133 0330 094 5717 0300 123 2224 10:00-22:00 Sunday Closed 0300 123 2327 childrens@somerset.gov.uk CrimeStoppers 100% anonymous always Web: www.crimestoppers-uk.org First Bus (No.58 Wincanton-Yeovil) Web: www.firstbus.co.uk Berry’s Coaches (Wincanton-London) Web: www.berryscoaches.co.uk National Rail enquiries Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk CATbus Ring & Ride (Community accessible transport) Web: www.southsomersetringride.org.uk Taxis Terry’s Taxis 0800 555 111 0345 646 0707 01823 331345 03457 484950 01963 33864 07795 464492 07950 826962 01963 351725 Crabb’s Taxis Dimmer Household Waste Recycling Centre Dimmer Lane, Castle Cary BA7 7NR Mon/Tue 09:00-17:00 Wed/Thur/Fri Closed Sat/Sun 09:00-16:00 Web: www.somerset.gov.uk Sherborne Household Waste Recycling Centre West Mill Lane, Sherborne DT9 6EE Open seven days a week 09:00-17:00 Web: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Charges may apply. 01305 221040If you know of something that you think should be included in these pages or if you spot any errors please get in touch and let us know Email: aatmessenger@outlook.com Tel: 07401 491 741

October Reflections Services in October Sunday 4th 9.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am 9.30 am 10.30 am 9.30 am 10.30 am Sunday 11 Sunday 18 th th Sunday 25th Bubble Church Holy Communion Harvest for Everyone Bubble Church Morning Worship Bubble Church Joint Benefice Holy Communion Templecombe Village Hall St Mary’s St Mary’s Templecombe Village Hall St Mary’s Templecombe Village Hall St Mary’s As the evenings grow longer and the landscape changes colour, October invites us to pause and prepare. Across both hemispheres, shifting temperatures and scenery mark the season’s change. At our Harvest Festival services, we thank God for the crops and everyone whose work brings food and drink to our tables. We also remember those with less and consider how we can share what we have. The world can feel uncertain. El Niño may affect weather here and elsewhere, perhaps bringing stronger storms. How can we “batten down the hatches” and protect ourselves and those we love? Whom can we trust when politics seems corrupt? For Christians, God remains constant: he created us and the world, and we can rely on him through dark and difficult times. We are not alone. Instead of depending only on ourselves, we can trust his wisdom and strength. He equips us to become the people he calls us to be. As resources diminish and ice caps melt, we must consider how to care for creation more faithfully. Could we recycle and reuse more, pause before throwing things away, and find other ways to be better stewards of all he has given us? Psalm 28 reminds us: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” God is present for each of us and helps us when we trust him and ask.

SOCIAL CRAFT GROUPThursdays 7pmAt Templecombe United Reformed ChurchBring your project and come and chat to others with similar interests. Share your skills or maybe learn something new. 50p donation per sessionFor more information please contact Helen on 01963 370818 or email helen55@outlook.comSOCIALTABLETENNISThursdays at 8pmAll ages and abilities welcome(minors should be accompanied by a parent / guardian)At Templecombe United Reformed ChurchFor more information please contact Helen on 01963 370818 or email helen55@outlook.com50p donation per sessionTEMPLECOMBE SOCIAL CLUB Club Opening times: Friday 19:30—23.30 Saturday 16:00—23:30 Sunday 16:00 - 22:30 The club will also be open on other occasions when Pool or Skittles games are arranged. New members always welcome— £12.00 per yearly membership. Function Room hire. Tel: 01963 371354 Email: tsportssc25@gmail.com

Prepare, Protect & Plan for a Wildlife Friendly Garden this Autumn. As the Autumn leaves fall from the trees, now is the time to prepare your garden or outdoor space for winter. October brings cooler nights and mornings; tender plants will need protecting from the cooler weather and early autumn frosts. Prepare to support the local wildlife this winter. 1. Leave seed heads on perennials and grasses for a winter food source. Allow leaves to collect in some areas of the garden. Leaf filled pockets will encourage birds and small mammals such as mice, voles, and foxes to feed and find shelter as the temperature drops. 2. Think about the Hedgehogs! Build a hedgehog house by using a wooden box or crate with an entrance no larger than 15cm and cover with leaves and twigs for added protection or make a hedgehog highway between you and your neighbours gardens. An access hole in fences and walls approximately 13cmx13cm will allow hedgehogs to travel easily and find more sources of natural food with less distance to travel. Visit hedgehogstreet.org for more information. 3. Plant native shrubs or trees in the Autumn such as buckthorn, holly, dogwood, and guelder rose, to increase the biodiversity in your garden across all seasons and support the local ecosystem. Many native shrubs are larval food plants for butterflies/moths in spring; the flowers attract pollinators, whilst the autumn berries help support garden birds before colder weather sets in. Check out our container grown native shrubs on our website. www.plantwild.co.uk 4. Prepare ponds for winter by cleaning and carrying out regular maintenance to ensure the water is healthy for fish and other wildlife. Make sure the water doesn’t freeze over in the coming months as a pond is a lovely addition to any garden and can provide a rich habitat for a range of wildlife. Protect wildlife over the Winter months which can be a tough time. 1. Put out additional food for birds and ensure water sources are topped up - gardeners can make a significant contribution to supporting wildlife over winter. It is also a great way to watch wildlife even in the smallest of gardens or balconies, often at very close quarters. 2. Add a wood pile of trimmed branches from Autumn pruning’s to give an area of protection for bees and insects to overwinter. Build a bug hotel- a fun way to use logs, bricks, broken terracotta pots and other natural garden materials. Don’t over tidy your garden as untouched areas are ideal habitats to protect wildlife overwinter.

3. Install nest boxes over winter or repair existing ones for birds that will be looking for places to nest early in the new year. For inspiration, look at our range of bird houses and feeders in our Gifts for Nature range at www.plantwild.co.uk. 4. Protect tender perennials by moving them into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can’t, it is worth wrapping plants or pots with fleece and mulching with a thick layer of bark or garden compost to protect the roots and stems. Mulch your borders too to retain moisture and prevent the ground from freezing which can damage roots and stems. Planning for the next season is always fun! 1. Following the heat waves of this summer it is now time to take stock of the plants that were successful and may need dividing in early Spring. Make a note of those plants that may not have survived or will benefit from relocating to a more suitable spot for the future. 2. Make plans to buy new plants for your herbaceous borders to ensure you have flowers for pollinators through the seasons. 3. Or add some ornamental grasses to create a more naturalistic look to your garden and help to build your local habitat and that will cope with hotter drier summers. 4. Consider adding wildflowers to your garden and allow an area to be wildlife friendly attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden during 2027. Happy Gardening from PlantWild at The Blooming Wild Plant Nursery, Cabbage Lane, Horsington, Templecombe BA8 0DA We are closed for winter from October re opening in March 2027. Winter visits are always welcome by appointment.

Heating oil grant help is available for households who rely on oil, are at risk of running out, and are struggling to afford to top-up. Scan the QR code, visit citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk or if you are unable to go online, call 0808 278 7842, and select option 3 Eligibility criteria: live full time in Somerset use heating oil as your main way of heating your home or water have less than 300 litres in your tank are at risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water are in receipt of universal credit or pension credit or are not in receipt of any benefits but can show you cannot afford the minimum order required for a delivery have less than £3,000 in savings. Is your heating oil at risk of running out? Find out more We’re a Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance partner

Our better off benefit calculator is here: https://tinyurl.com/CRFBetterOff When you’ve completed your benefit check you’ll receive guidance on how to claim any missing entitlements and if you need more help you can click ‘send to adviser’ and our our advice team will be in touch. If you prefer to speak to an adviser, call our freephone Adviceline on 0808 278 7842 - Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Many households are not receiving all the income they might be entitled to. It is easy to check using our free online better off benefit calculator. Are you missing out? We’re a Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance partner

The line up for this festival is really quite amazing have a look at the website and see for yourself https://yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk/

Templecombe Indoor Bowling Club (Short Mat)Join us in the Village HallMonday 2.00pm to 4.00pmThursday 7.00pm to 9.00pmPlease contactOrTerry Loader (Chair) terrence666@uwclub.netChris Jeans (Secretary) 01963 364287

Camelot Explorer Scout UnitMaria 07885 987350Monday evenings between 7—9pmWe meet at 2nd Templecombe Scout Hut, behindTemplecombe Village Hall BA8 0HP Please contact:Looking for fun, adventure and challenges: We are open to any young person between the ages of 14 to 18 years old.Jason 07793 433375If you want adventure, to learn new skills, meet new friends or just have fun, we have our meeting onSt Mary’sAbbas & TemplecombeQuiz NightLast Sunday of the monthAt the Templecombe Sports & Social ClubThe next quiz will be on25th of OctoberStarting at 7.30pm2.00 per person — just turn up!RaffleBar open£Templars Tennis ClubNew members are always welcome. Individual adult and family memberships are available. Court hire for non members is £5.00 for two hoursCourt hire for non members is £5.00 for two hours to arrange this contact Peter Andrew onto arrange this contact Peter Andrew on 01963 371053.01963 371053. Court hire for non members is £5.00 for two hours to arrange this contact Peter Andrew on 01963 371053. For membership enquiries contactFor membership enquiries contact Jörn Schuster(Treasurer) on 07887 678806Jörn Schuster(Treasurer) on 07887 678806 oror Rosanne Hollowell(Secretary) on 07804 359252Rosanne Hollowell(Secretary) on 07804 359252 For membership enquiries contact Jörn Schuster(Treasurer) on 07887 678806 or Rosanne Hollowell(Secretary) on 07804 359252

TEMPLECOMBECAN YOU HELP?Are you interested in becoming a friend of Templecombe Station? Can you spare a few hours to help look after the station, or have some other experience you can offer such as fundraising, promotion or DIY? We would be interested in hearing from you.GET INVOLVEDfriendsoftemplecombestation@gmail.comPeter Hillman (Co Chair) 07549953808Sandra Pearson (Treasurer/Secretary) 07977937986Email:Tel:Christine Hillman (Co Chair) 07484277549F R I E N D S O FS T A T I O NThe Council Meets at 7.15 pm every second Tuesday of the month At Abbas & Templecombe Village Hall, School Lane, BA8 0HP All Parishioners are welcome to attendIf any Parishioner has any concerns or needs to report any incidents of vandalism or anti-social behaviour, they can report them to Avon and Somerset Police Authority by either calling 101 or on their website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

TEMPLECOMBE VILLAGE MARKETAT THE SOCIAL CLUBForthcoming dates for 2026TABLES £5. ANYONE INTERESTED IN HAVING A TABLE PLEASE CONTACT MARILYN CHILDS ON 07535047128NEXT MARKET10th October 14th November 12th DecemberSaturday 10th of October 10:00-13:00

T Birds Events Calendar October 2026 – January 2027 12th October 9th November 14 Decemberth 11 Januaryth Skittles in Social Club Christmas Crafting Members only Christmas event Gift swap and quiz Come along and meet us all – we really don’t take ourselves too seriously! Primarily we are a women’s group, although gentlemen are welcome to attend any of our talks. We meet on the 2 Monday of every month, in the Village Hallnd 7.30 – 9.30p.m. Refreshments available £3.50 for guests/non-members. Everybody welcome. Contact Sarah on 07890 543769

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Music NightThird Wednesday of every month7:30 until 10:30pmTemplecombe Village HallWe usually sit in a circle and bring our own instruments to play, sing or recite a poem.£3.00 for the eveningEnquiries:Alan Berry01963 370716alanberry215@btinternet.comAn All-Abilities Play-Around Music GroupThe Runway RebelsBring any instrument – electric guitars, keyboards, woodwinds, strings, brass, and percussion– all welcomeWe meet on the second Tuesday of the month, so this month’s meeting is on Tuesday the 13 of Octoberth6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm startRefreshments available Wheelchair accessible, ample parkingNo ChargeWe meet atThe Clubhouse Henstridge Airfield BA8 0TNBy kind permission of the airfield owner, Mr Geoff Jarvis.For further information please contact Carol at caroleavis123@btinternet.comTEMPLECOMBECome and draw or paint for 2 hours a week on a Tuesday afternoon in the Templecombe Village hall and forget about the world!Art teacher guidanceBeginners welcomeAll materials providedIf you would like to find out more, please contact me:ART CLASSESSally Ridout: Either by phone LL: 01963 370020 Or by email: s.ridout180@gmail.com

Street Lighting in Templecombe – Have Your Say We are interested in finding out how residents of Templecombe feel about the possibility of introducing part-night street lighting in our village. The idea would be to keep the streetlights on during the evening and early night, when they are most likely to be needed, and switch them off during the quieter hours of the night. There could be a number of benefits, including reducing energy use and costs, reducing unnecessary light pollution and helping to make our village more environmentally friendly. Of course, we appreciate that street lighting can be important for people’s sense of safety and security, and any changes would need to take these concerns seriously. At this stage, we are simply looking to gather the views of local people and see whether there is enough support to take the idea forward. If you would like to add your support to exploring part-night street lighting in Templecombe, or if you have any thoughts or concerns, please get in touch, email templecombestreetlights@gmail.com or call 01963 850323 with your name and contact details. It would be helpful to hear from as many people as possible, whether you are in favour, against, or simply interested in finding out more. Please let us know what you think. Thank you The Templecome Streetlight Group.

Puzzle SectionOur Sudoku puzzles range in difficulty from levels 1 to 8 where 1 is the easiest1234Sudoku looks complex at first glance, but the solving method is straightforward once you know what to look for. Each row, column, and 3×3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9 exactly once, so the first step is to scan for “singles” — places where only one number can logically fit. From there, solvers use simple elimination: if a number already appears in a row, column, or box, it can’t go in any other cell that touches it. More advanced techniques involve spotting patterns, such as pairs of numbers that can only occupy two cells in a box, or identifying where a number must go because all other positions are blocked. The puzzle unfolds gradually, and the key is not speed but steady, logical deduction. With practice, even the trickier grids become manageable.How to solve a Sudoku puzzle56

78These little ones are not always easy This is a little bit different. The sum of all digits in a horizontal or vertical block must equal the clue in the adjacent shaded cell. You might need your glasses for this one. An old fashioned crytogram

For Abbas & Templecombe Messenger articles and advertising, please get in touch with Michael Bird Tel: 07401 491 741 Email: aatmessenger@outlook.com Cut off for submission is twelve noon on the 15th of the month Kindly printed by Thales UK, Templecombe Autumn Themed Word Search