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Abbas & Templecombe Messenger August 2026 Locomotive No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ passing through Templecombe 09/07/26
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/Tue-Closed Wed-09:00-14:30 Thurs/Fri/Sat-09:00- 14:30 & 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 08:30-18:30 08:30-18:30 08:30-18:30 18:30-20:00 Telephone Only 08:30-18:30 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 4AT www.wincantonhealth.co.uk
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 You may need to book and pay a fee 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 You may need to book and pay a fee 01305 221040
August Reflections August invites reflection. Near the end of summer, it reminds us of time passing, history’s lessons, the joy of sport and the importance of thanking God for every blessing. August was once called Sextilis in the Roman calendar, meaning the sixth month, before being renamed in honour of Augustus Caesar. It later became the eighth month and has long been linked with leadership, change and harvest. August has witnessed many significant events. Christopher Columbus began his first Atlantic voyage on 3 August 1492, Britain entered the First World War on 4 August 1914, and Hiroshima was bombed on 6 August 1945. These moments show August as a month often marked by discovery, conflict, change and lasting consequence. As I write, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, bringing huge anticipation. It is the first tournament hosted by three countries — Canada, Mexico and the United States — and the first to include 48 teams, giving more nations a place on football’s biggest stage. Supporters are hoping for passion, surprises, underdog stories and unforgettable moments. By the time you read this, the tournament will be over, and England’s progress will be known. Wimbledon has also brought a memorable British story through Arthur Fery. His wildcard run to the semi-finals showed courage, belief and determination. Although he lost to Alexander Zverev, his achievement showed that hard work and confidence can open doors that once seemed out of reach. Through history, sport, success and disappointment, we always have reason to thank God. Each day, opportunity, lesson and gift remind us that life is not only about what we achieve, but also about the grace we receive. Gratitude encourages us to do our best, persevere through struggle, and remain humble, hopeful and strong. As we reflect on the past, enjoy the present and look to the future, we can thank God for His gifts: strength, family, talent, protection, opportunity and faith. Have a blessed August.
August Church Services 2nd 10.30 am Holy Communion St Mary’s 9th 10.30 am Worship for Everyone St Mary’s 16th 10.30 am Morning Worship St Mary’s 23rd 9.30 am Bubble Church Templecombe Village Hall 10.30 am Joint Benefice Holy Communion St Nicholas, Holton 30th 9.30 am Bubble Church Templecombe Village Hall 10.30 am Joint Benefice Holy Communion St John, North Cheriton
Wednesday 15 July 2026thOver the past ten years, it has been a privilege to serve the children, families and wider communities of Abbas and Templecombe. As I reflect on that time, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the unwavering support, encouragement and belief that you have shown our school. Schools do not thrive in isolation. The progress we have made together has only been possible because of the strong partnership between the school and the communities we serve. Whether through volunteering, attending events, supporting fundraising activities, celebrating successes, or simply championing the school within the community, your contribution has helped shape the positive and nurturing environment which our children enjoy today. Over the last decade, we have seen significant progress across many areas of school life. We have worked hard to raise standards, enrich opportunities for our pupils and create a culture where every child is known, valued and encouraged to achieve their very best. Most importantly, we have built a school community that places children at the heart of everything it does. Today, the school is in a strong position, with dedicated staff, wonderful pupils and a clear sense of purpose and direction for the future. As I step aside, I do so with great confidence in the school's future leadership. I am delighted to introduce Mrs Brazier as the new Head Teacher. Mrs Brazier has been an integral part of the school's journey, serving first as Deputy Head Teacher and more recently as Head of School. Her commitment, expertise and deep understanding of our community make her exceptionally well placed to lead the school into its next chapter. Alongside her, Mrs Wicks will continue to play a key role in the leadership of the school. Having been a valued teacher and, more recently, our SENDCo, she brings a wealth of knowledge, care and experience to the role of Deputy Head Teacher. I am also delighted to share that Mrs Greene will be joining the school's Senior Leadership Team in her role as Office Manager. Mrs Greene is often the first point of contact for many of our families and plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of the school. Her extensive knowledge of our school community, commitment to supporting children and families and dedication to ensuring the school operates smoothly make her a valuable addition to the leadership team. Between these three members of staff, they have dedicated more than forty two years to our school. They know our children, families and community exceptionally well and have been instrumental in many of the successes we have achieved together. The school is truly in very good hands. Their passion for education, commitment to inclusion and determination to provide the very best for every child will ensure that the school continues to flourish. Thank you once again to the communities of Abbas and Templecombe for your support, kindness and friendship over the last ten years. It has been a remarkable journey and one that I will always remember with great affection and gratitude. As I move to a different Trust school in Bridgwater I look forward to watching the school continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead. With sincere thanks and best wishes, James Webb Executive Head TeacherAbbas and Templecombe Church School SchoolLane,Templecombe,Somerset,BA8 0HPEmail –enquiries@at.bwmat.orgPhone – 01963 370481
If any Parishioner has any concerns or 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 All Parishioners are welcome to attend At Abbas & Templecombe Village Hall, School Lane, BA8 0HP Meet at 7.15 pm every second Tuesday of the month Abbas and Templecombe Parish Council are having a stall at the Village Fete at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 22nd August. As part of our stall we would like to invite any of the groups who meet in the Village big or small to come along to our stall and advertise their groups - what they do, where they meet, how often - it will be a good way to promote what your group has to offer to the Village. For further information please contact the Clerk either by email clerk@abbasandtemplecombe-pc.gov.uk or telephone 01963 370527.
Stalls may still be available. Call Donna on 01963 371241 or Jacqui on 07713958354
AT THE SOCIAL CLUBSATURDAY 8th of August 2026 10—1Forthcoming dates for 2026 8th August 12th September 10th October 14th November 12 Decemberth
TEMPLECOMBE 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
T Birds Events CalendarAugust – December 202610th August 14th September 12th October 9th November 14 DecemberthMembers only Afternoon tea Open your eyes to Abstract Art Skittles in Social Club Christmas Crafting Members only Christmas eventCome 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.
Hi everyone, my name is Pollyanna and I am taking on the UK’s 24-Hour Three Peaks Challenge in honour of my stepdad, Paul, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). What is MND? MND is the term used to describe several progressive neurological conditions that damage nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord. These nerves control muscles, and as they stop working, it affects a person’s: - Mobility and movement - Speech and communication - Breathing, swallowing, eating, and drinking - Emotions, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours There are four main types of MND, some of which are severely life-shortening. My stepdad has Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a rare form of MND that causes severe weakness and stiffness throughout the body, usually starting in the legs. PLS makes up only 3 in 100 MND cases, and there is currently no known cause, cure, or specific treatment. Imagine waking up one day to find your legs too weak to walk to the bathroom, or your arms too stiff to lift your drink without spilling it. Imagine having to watch as your friends and coworkers continue with their lives, while you are forced to sit back, knowing you may never get the chance to run, swim, cycle, or even walk with your family again. Everyday tasks that you used to take for granted, such as eating, getting dressed, and moving around the house, have become mountains for you to climb. PLS not only weakens the body but can also strip away independence, dignity and mental well being. This is the unforgiving reality for many PLS and MND sufferers, including my stepdad. Yet still, he wakes up every single day and climbs these mountains, determined to be present for the small moments that make life worth living. I am repeatedly astounded by his strength and resilience, and I want to help him and others like him continue this fight. By supporting this fundraiser, you are helping MND charities provide vital care and research, giving people like my stepdad the chance to keep enjoying life’s precious moments. While the condition can be severely disabling, with the right support, people with PLS/MND can go on to live full and meaningful lives. In honour of my stepdad, and to help raise vital funds for the Motor Neuron Disease Association, I will be climbing a mountain of my own, or rather three of them. While this is a challenge in its own right, it pales in comparison to the daily battles faced by people living with MND. Local family affected by devastating disease
Paul’s Story My stepdad has always been a hard-working and loving person. He came into my life when I was just 2 years old, and ever since, he has been there for me and our family in every way possible. Just before the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul’s health began to decline. What started as pain in his legs and back soon became more serious. After waiting 18 months for an appointment, he began a long, frustrating journey to reach a diagnosis. He told me himself: ‘What affected me most was how long it took to get the diagnosis, having to have all these tests, some of which were really painful, and having them all come back negative. This became increasingly frustrating, until finally I was able to change Neurologist and get the diagnosis.’ Now, more than five years later, Paul is in a local community hospital as our home is no longer suitable for his needs. Watching him go from seemingly completely fine to a wheelchair in such a small amount of time has been heartbreaking. Not to mention the intense struggle my parents have been through, having to fight at every stage to get the answers we needed. While the money from this fundraiser will not go directly to our family, the support we have received, and will continue to receive going forward, from charities has been absolutely vital to his journey so far. How MNDA has supported our family The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) focuses on improving access to care, funding research, and campaigning for the rights of those affected. Their mission is simple: to make MND treatable and ultimately curable, ensure everyone gets the care they need, and make sure no one faces MND alone. To read more about the charity’s core mission, please visit - https://www.mndassociation.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/Beating-MND-Together- Promises Document.pdf Our family has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from their support. Most significantly, they funded an MND coordinator to work alongside Paul’s local clinician, giving him day-to-day guidance, support, and advice. The charity has also provided practical advice around equipment and finances, as well as the funding for essential items that make a real difference to Paul’s quality of life. The MNDA website has also been invaluable, allowing us to learn about the disease at our own pace and in a way that felt manageable. Local support groups organised by the charity gave Paul and my mum the chance to connect with other people going through the same experiences, which has been a huge comfort.Their continued support has been instrumental in helping us navigate this journey, and we are so grateful for everything they do.
My Challenge From 31st July to 2nd August 2026 I’ll be taking on the UK Three Peaks Challenge with Charity Challenge. Aiming to complete it in just 24 hours, I will trek around 26 miles and ascend to a total height of almost 3,000 metres, climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales: Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m), and Snowdon (1,085m). Living with my own chronic illnesses and with no hiking experience whatsoever, this will be the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced. But every step will be for my step-dad, who faces even tougher challenges every single day while living with Motor Neurone Disease. If you can, please consider supporting this fundraiser, either through a donation or by sharing this message. Together, we can help the Motor Neurone Disease Association to continue providing vital care for those living with MND, while also funding crucial research to one day find a cure. Thankyou, Pollyanna x For more information about the MNDA, their work, and how you can help, visit www.mndassociation.org You can also get involved by: Fundraising: www.mndassociation.org/fundraising Volunteering: www.mndassociation.org/volunteer Campaigning: www.mndassociation.org/campaigning Pollyanna would have completed her challenge by the time most of you get to read any of this but you can still help by getting involved via the above information and links and you can still donate via the link on the page opposite. Pollyanna’s Challenge
Why I never say “hello” first when I answer the phone Adapted by Sarah Horn from an original article by Rachel Rickard Straus, Group Money Editor at the Daily Mail When I’m called from a number I don’t recognise, I answer the phone and stay silent until the caller identifies themselves. It feels horribly discourteous and is not the ideal response when, for example, my doctor’s surgery phones. But it might be worth it if it helps protect me from the new wave of sophisticated AI scam techniques doing the rounds. One of these is voice cloning, where scammers take just a brief audio clipping and use AI to create a digital replica of your voice that sounds exactly like you – and that can be used to say anything the scammer chooses. They can then trick your loved ones into sending them money by using your voice to ask for it – inventing an excuse of suggesting that you are in some distress, for example. I hope that by not sharing my voice, it will be slightly harder for scammers to gain access to it and exploit it. As soon as I identify the caller, I quickly apologise for my rudeness. It’s not great, but I fear we’re all going to have to adapt our ways to fight the onslaught of AI fraud coming our way. A city watchdog report into the future of AI in financial services this week warned in no uncertain terms that it’s coming. ‘AI will amplify fraud and cyber risks by 2030, says the Financial Conduct Authority repot. ‘They will become faster, cheaper, more scalable and more persuasive’. As much as £1.3 billion was stolen by scammers last year. Firstly, we can no longer try to outfox scammers – they are increasingly too clever for that and we won’t win. For example, a couple of years ago, I applauded a reader who got in touch to say that when he is called by scammers, he keeps them on the phone and strings them along. His reasoning was that as long as they were speaking to him, they wouldn’t be trying their luck with other potential victims. But now, I’d advise the reader to hang up as quickly as possible. His efforts would now be futile as scammers can use AI to make countless calls at the same time. And I’d worry they could clone his voice and use it against him. One strategy to beat the dangers of cloning and impersonation is setting up a code word with loved ones that only you know so you can prove you are speaking to the right person if you need to.
Secondly, we need to stop assuming that we can spot when a website, social media post, email, phone call or text is generated by a scammer. Until recently, there may have been telltale signs. For example, the grammar would be poor, correspondence purporting to be from our bank would look nothing like the genuine article, and web pages would be littered with errors. But, increasingly, with the help of AI, scammers can copy to perfection. Thirdly, we need to be alert to the rise of personalisation. Until recently, scammers would have to blitz thousands of potential victims with the same bogus message. With AI, scammers can personalise messages so that they seem even more persuasive – and that means that everyone is at risk of falling for them. So we’ll have to be even more on our guard. Take a minute before you respond to any correspondence from your bank or other providers. If you have any doubts, contact the company directly rather than responding to the message that you receive. And, in this world of AI, remember that humans are often the most useful weapon. Sense- check messages with loved ones if you’re not sure.
2Camelot Explorer Scout UnitMaria 07885 987350friends or just have fun, we have our meeting on aMonday evening 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 07793433375If you want adventure, learn new skills, meet new
By the way the airconditioning is excellent!Tuesday£3.00 for the evening
Space for Artists! Every Friday morning 10.00—13.00 Horsington Village Hall Time and space to draw, paint, relax and grow.Join us!Alison 01963 370866Templecombe Indoor Bowling Club (Short Mat)Horsington Village Hall Thursday mornings 10:00am —1:00pm 01963 364287 Or Terry Loader (Chair) terrence666@uwclub.netJoin us in the Village Hall Monday 2.00pm to 4.00pm Thursday 7.00pm to 9.00pm Please contact Chris Jeans (Secretary)Horsington Art GroupA friendly group who exchange ideas. Somemembers are very experienced and can give advice. New members are very welcome whether they are talented or beginners Come and join in for a no-cost trial session.John 07510 260457 Rhonwen 01935 389690
Contact jessmr91@aol.com https://www.facebook.com/daisychainbabytoddlers https://www.instagram.com/daisychain_toddlersTerm time
Sherborne Literary Society – Upcoming events in August and September The Sherborne Literary Society is a charity created with the aim of raising the profile of reading and writing, sharing of new ideas and encouraging creative expression. We do this by hosting a variety of events in Sherborne, with authors of all backgrounds and genres. 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. Events are open to members and non-members, however for a mere £10 annual subscription, you can become a member and receive discounted tickets, priority booking and 10% of books at Winstone’s bookshop in Sherborne. In August we have a couple of events: 14th August - The lovely Rory Maclean is launching his new book ‘Geography of Heaven’ at the Butterfly House in Castle Gardens. A search over the years for Katrin his late wife, and the hereafter, tracing across history and around the globe mankind's ideas of the afterlife, seeking out places where the veil is thin. Places where our mortal world touched the divine. 19th August – We have an illustrated talk by actor and writer, Karin Fernald on Frances “Fanny” Burney at The Digby Hall, Sherborne. Fanny was an 18th Century novelist and diarist, most famous for “Evelina”, and was active within the burgeoning theatre community of Georgian London, as well as a courtier to Queen Charlotte. This is a joint event organised by Sherborne Literary Society and The Arts Society, Sherborne. 9th September – Sofka Zinovieff will be in conversation with Lou Troup (Chair of SLS), discussing her latest book “Stealing Dad” at D’Urbevilles. A sharp and darkly funny novel about a large Bohemian family, spanning Athens, London and the Hebrides. Sofka tells the story of a group of dysfunctional siblings who find themselves banned from their own father’s funeral and take matters into their own hands. Her third novel has been warmly praised by The Spectator, The Telegraph, The Literary Review and the Observer. Tickets via the Sherborne Literary Society website where you can also become a member. Tickets also available at Winstones on Cheap Street.
Sudoku 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 Puzzles Section Our Sudoku puzzles range in difficulty from levels 1 to 8 where 1 is the easiest Level One Level Two Level Three Level Four
Level Five Level Six Level Seven Level Eight Here are some little 4 x 4 puzzles
Sport Themed Word SearchBat. Billiards. Chess. Cricket. Darts. Judo. Skate. Swim. Team. Tennis. Track. Volley. Jump. Play. Race. Referee. Score. Goals. For Abbas & Templecombe Messenger articles and advertising, please get in touch with Michael Bird Tel: 07401491741 Email: aatmessenger@outlook.com Cut off date for submission is the 15th of the month Kindly printed by Thales UK, Templecombe