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Abbas &Abbas & TemplecombeTemplecombe MessengerMessenger Abbas & Templecombe Messenger November 2026November 2026November 2026 Free local news, events,Free local news, events, contacts & puzzlescontacts & puzzles Free local news, events, contacts & puzzlesex-Private H.E. Day of the 15th Hussars who lost a leg during the Great War photograpghed on Nov 11th 1938 selling wooden crosses
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 0800 555 111 0345 646 0707 01823 331345 03457 484950 01963 33864 01963 351725 Crabb’s TaxisDimmer 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 Charges may apply. 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 anything that you feel should be considered for inclusion in these pages please get in touch and let us know. Email: aatmessenger@outlook.com Tel: 07401 491 741 Please leave a message if you call is not answered.07950 826962
The 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.ukABBAS & TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL Could you help? Do you have a couple of hours per week to spare and earn some money? The Parish Council is looking for a replacement Clerk to administer the Council business, minute the meetings and look after the finances. Please contact the Council at clerk@abbasandtemplecombe-pc.gov.uk or phone 07814319110 For more informationPlea to all pet walkers. Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in the amount of pet faeces left on our footpaths and open spaces. Our village has many bins available for disposal of these. Please help to keep the village clean and tidy by bagging all pet faeces and either placing in one of the available bins or take it home and put it in your black council bin.
T Birds Events Calendar November 2026 – January 2027 9th November 14 Decemberth 11 Januaryth 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
10.30am Joint Benefice Holy Communion at Holton Church Services for November 2026 Sunday 1st 9.30am Bubble Church at Templecombe (Village Hall) 10.30am Holy Communion at Templecombe 3.00pm All Souls’ Service at St John’s Horsington Sunday 8th 10.00am Remembrance Service at Templecombe followed by Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in the churchyard (10.50am.) Bubble Church at Templecombe (Village Hall)Sunday 15 Sunday 29 th th 9.30am 10.30am Morning Worship at Templecombe 9.30am Bubble Church at Templecombe (Village Hall) Nostalgic November As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder, we perhaps have a little more time to think, to reflect and to remember. All Hallows day November 1 , is more commonly known as All Saints Day. Its origins date back to the early church – around 731 AD – celebrating the lives of those followers of Jesus who had died or been killed for their faith. All Souls Day, 2 November, is a day to remember and pray for anyone who has died. This year, we will hold our Benefice All Souls service in Horsington. Anyone who wishes to remember a loved one is warmly invited. st nd A few days after that is another day of Remembrance - remembering all those who died in the first and second World Wars and subsequent wars and continue to do so. We mark it by wearing poppies – a reminder of the flowers that flourished in the ground that was the Western Front. Many observe a two-minute silence to commemorate the signing of the Armistice, a peace agreement that ended the World War – the great was that it was hoped would end all wars. We also hold an act of remembrance at the village war memorial and a service at our church. It is perhaps no coincidence that as the nights grow longer and days are darker, many acts of remembrance involve light. Remembering can bring hope in times of darkness and despair. It is good to remember the mistakes of the past so that they are not repeated. As Christians, we remember Jesus, ‘Light of the World’ who died on the cross to bring hope and light to us and to the dark places of the world, the true source of spiritual light. It is our prayer that you will experience His light and hope at this time of remembering. The St Mary’s Worship team.
St Mary’sAbbas & TemplecombeQuiz NightLast Sunday of the monthAt the Templecombe Sports & Social ClubThe next quiz will be on29th of NovemberStarting at 7.30pm2.50 per person — just turn up!RaffleBar open£All entries welcome!CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 2026 To be held in the church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Abbas &TemplecombeDisplay Dates: 12th and 13th of December 2026 10am to 4pm Entries can be brought to the church and assembled On Friday 11 from 10am until 1pm or by arrangement. Battery Lights are preferable but if you need electricity, please let me know. th If you would like to enter a Tree, please contact a member of the PCC or just bring your tree on the 11th. Alternatively, please contact Brenda Ford Mobile: 07747 773982 Email: fairielillie@aol.com
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 session
Saturday 14 Novemberth 7pm TemplecombeUnitedReformedChurch£7.50ahead,(Ploughman’s supperincluded) Teams of up to 6 people. thPleasegiveanindicationofnumbersbyThursday12(01963)370818 oremail templecombeurchurch@gmail.com Hundreds of churches. Thousandsofpeople. One big quiz. Get together with your friends, family, church and community for an evening of epic quizzing fun. Every pound raised at the Big Quiz Night will help transform the lives of people living in extreme poverty.
A warm welcome from your new Headteacher Hello everyone, For those of you who don't know me, I’m Melissa Brazier and I am absolutely delighted to have taken up the role of Headteacher at Abbas & Templecombe Church School this September. Although my role is new, the school certainly isn't! I have been part of the Abbas & Templecombe school community for over 12 years and during that time I have had the privilege of teaching and leading in our school, including the last two years as Head of School. This means that I already know many of our children, families and staff very well and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to continue my journey with the school in this new role. One of the things I love most about our school is the sense of community. We are a small school, but we have a big heart. Our children are at the centre of everything we do. They are curious, funny, kind, enthusiastic and wonderfully individual. It is a privilege to watch them grow in confidence, discover what they are capable of and develop into the young people they are becoming. Our vision is that every child should be Known, Loved, Challenged and Flourishing. We want our children to feel safe, valued and cared for whilst also being encouraged to have high expectations of themselves, to persevere when things are difficult and to believe that they can make a difference. Our School values of Love, Perseverance, Inspiration and Respect underpin everything we do.
We are also incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated team of staff. They care deeply about our children and work exceptionally hard, both in the classroom and behind the scenes, to make sure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. As a new Headteacher, one of my priorities is to continue to build a culture where staff feel valued, supported and able to do their very best work. I firmly believe that when adults flourish, children flourish too. We are proud to be part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT). Being part of a wider family of schools gives us access to expertise, support and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the Trust, which is particularly valuable for a small rural school like ours. We are very grateful for the support they provide and for the sense that, although we are a small school, we are very much part of something bigger. As we look ahead, I want our school to continue to be a place where children feel known and cared for, where they are excited to learn and where they are encouraged to become independent, confident young people who believe they can make a difference. I also want to strengthen the relationship between our school and the wider Abbas and Templecombe community. Our school is an important part of village life and I hope that we can continue to build strong connections with local families, organisations, Churches and community groups. I feel incredibly proud to be leading a school that I have known and loved for so many years. There is lots to look forward to and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Melissa Brazier Headteacher Abbas and Templecombe Church School
22ndnd 2ndTemplecombe ScoutTemplecombe ScoutTemplecombe ScoutGroupGroupGroupDear Residents of the VillageMy name is Elaine and I am a Trustee of the 2 Templecombe Scout Group.ndWe have recently been awarded a grant for the National Lottery Community Fund of £20,000.This money will go towards the refurbishment of the building, which is in a dire state, with the roof failing.I hope you will wish us well over the next year as we start the project to bring the Scout Hut up to a better standard.Thank you to everyone who has purchased a lottery ticket, to the National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who has supported us over the years enabling us to take the next step with the project.Yours in ScoutingElaineOn behalf of theLeaders and Members of the 2 Templecombe Scout GroupndCamelot 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 on
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 364287Templars 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
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?
As autumn draws to a closeandwinterapproaches,Novemberisatime for a little tidying, planting for the future and, perhaps most importantly, making space for wildlife in our gardens. Although growth is slowing, there are still plenty of jobs to do, and a little thought now, can make a real difference to how our gardens look and support wildlife over the coming months. Jobs in the garden November is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, while the soil is still relatively warm and moist. Planting now allows roots to establish before spring growth begins. There is still time to plant wild daffodils, native bluebells, for colour in the months ahead. Clear fallen leaves from lawns and paths, but rather than removing every leaf from the garden, collect some to make leaf mould. Simply pile them in a corner or place them in a compost bin and allow nature to do the work. In a year or two, you will have a valuable soil improver for borders and containers. Protect vulnerable pots from prolonged frost, raise containers onto pot feet to improve drainage, and check that gutters and water butts are clear in order to collect rainwater over winter. If you have a pond, remove excess fallen leaves before they sink and decay, but avoid disturbing any wildlife that may already be sheltering there. Make your garden a haven for wildlife As temperatures fall, birds, insects, amphibians and small mammals all need places to shelter and find food. One of the simplest ways to help is to resist the temptation to tidy everything away. Leave some perennial seedheads standing over winter. Plants such as teasels, and ornamental grasses provide structure and interest in the garden, while their seeds offer food for birds and their stems provide shelter for overwintering insects. You can cut them back in late winter or early spring, when the worst of the cold weather has passed. Create a quiet, undisturbed corner with a pile of logs, twigs and fallen leaves. This can provide shelter for beetles, fungi, hedgehogs and other garden wildlife. If you have a compost heap, it can also become a valuable habitat, so take care when turning it over during the winter months. Keep bird feeders clean and topped up, provide fresh water, and remember that natural food sources such as berries, seeds and insect-rich plants are just as important. If you are putting up nest boxes, autumn and winter are good times to do so, giving birds time to investigate them before the breeding season. November in the Garden – Working with Nature.
A little less tidying = a little more nature in your garden A wildlife-friendly garden does not need to look neglected. It is about finding a balance between the spaces we enjoy and the places nature needs, keep a small patch of longer grass, or plant a native tree or shrub if space allows. Even the smallest garden, patio or container display can contribute to a healthier environment for wildlife. As we head into winter, remember that every garden can play a part in supporting nature. By making a few small changes this November, we can create greener, more resilient spaces that benefit both people and wildlife throughout the year. Looking Ahead November encourages us to slow down and appreciate the quieter beauty of the garden. By carrying out a few essential tasks now and making space for nature, we can help our gardens weather the winter months while providing a vital refuge for wildlife. So, wrap up warm, enjoy the crisp autumn air, and take satisfaction in knowing that every leaf pile, bird feeder and bulb planted is an investment in a flourishing garden next year. When it’s too cold to be out in the garden make plans for next spring to buy new plants for your herbaceous borders to ensure you have flowers for pollinators throughout the seasons. Look at what has been successful and survived the summer heat and add similar plants to that sunny border. Or why not add some ornamental grasses to create a more naturalistic look to your garden and to cope with hotter drier summers. They also help to build your local habitat by providing shelter for insects overwinter. 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 We are now closed for winter and re-open in March 2027, although winter visits are always welcome by appointment. If you’re looking to replant or redevelop an area of your garden, but not sure where to start, our Garden consultation service can help. From telephone advice to a personal visit to your garden with bespoke recommendations, we have various consultation services to suit your needs. Book an appointment with one of our experts today www.plantwild.co.uk/garden-consultation-service/ Or contact the nursery for more details: Tel: 01963 371060
Upcoming events in November 2026 We have some fabulously interesting authors joining us for events in November: 3rd November – Stephen Sackur will be discussing his book “Hard Truth” Can the fight for the truth be won? Drawing on his long and distinguished reporting career, Stephen Sackur mounts a passionate case for truth telling in his book 'HARD truth', out this Autumn. Sackur's compelling writing, clear arguments and meticulous research make this a must read for anyone who values the power of the press to hold the powerful to account. 16 November – Amy Jeffs will be in conversation withth Lou Troup (Chair of SLS), discussing her latest book “Arthur”. Join Sunday Times bestselling author Amy Jeffs for a tapestry of fascinating Arthurian tales, in conversation with Louise Troup. 'Arthur a New Life' mines the seams of a story that we THINK we know - but do we? Join this wonderful Somerset based historian of stories for a truly fascinating evening. ALL EVENTS will be held at Cheap Street Church. Doors open 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm start TICKETS are £12 members, £15 non members, £8 for students and under 18s Tickets available from Winstone’s or via the Sherborne Literary Society website www.sherborneliterarysociety.com where you can also become a member for a mere £10 annual subscription, and receive discounted tickets, priority booking and 10% off books at Winstone’s bookshop in Sherborne. About SLS: We exist to encourage creative expression in our community through reading and writing events and outreach. Over the last year we have hosted Booker Prize winners and nominees, debut novelists, historians and the only Annual Travel Writing Festival in the country.
28 November 2026, 2pm, Templecombe Village Hallth Adults £12, Child £5, Group £30 For tickets, call 07849 510415 or www.maytreeartstemplecombe.com
TEMPLECOMBE VILLAGE MARKETAT THE SOCIAL CLUBForthcoming dates for 2026TABLES £5. ANYONE INTERESTED IN HAVING A TABLE PLEASE CONTACT MARILYN CHILDS ON 07535047128NEXT MARKET14th November 12th DecemberSaturday 14th of November 10:00-13:00
TEMPLECOMBECome 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.comContact jessmr91@aol.com https://www.facebook.com/daisychainbabytoddlers https://www.instagram.com/daisychain_toddlersAn 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 10 of Novemberth6.30 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.comMusic 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.com
31536Puzzle SectionOur Sudoku puzzles range in difficulty from levels 1 to 8 where 1 is the easiestSudoku 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 puzzle78
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/November Themed Word Search