Ditcheat Life Blog

Ditcheat Horticultural Society, Sports Gymkhana & Flower Show

Sun, 29 Aug 2021 19:36:59 GMT

News paper report of the 1948 Show

This blog post is prompted by my visit to the 135th Hawkesbury Horticultural Society Show in South Gloucester, it is believed to be one of the longest continuously running Horticultural Shows in England. From its start in 1885, to the 134th Show in the summer of 2019, it had been held every year without a break.

The Ditcheat Show folded in the early 60's . This report is of a show that I cannot remember, being not quite 1 year old. However, I do recall many of the shows in my childhood and competed in the children's section.

Ditcheat's Annual Show

______________

One of the "Best Ever"

Success of Cheese Section

Ditcheat Horticultural Society's annual show on Thursday, in a field lent Mr. S. R. Dyke, was one of the best in the long history of this society. Entries totalled over 500 being not far below the 1946 record figure, and the quality in several sections was stated by the judges to have surpassed anything they had seen this season. The photographic section was once again a delightful and well-supported feature. The industrial section contained a fine array of needlework, knitting, and cookery exhibits, and there was a glorious display of flowers. Another feature which this year was an outstanding success was a cheese section, in which the introduction of a new percentage class succeeded beyond the organisers' expectations, thanks largely to the enthusiasm of Mr. Hugh Look, who initiated the class and personally secured good support for it. In addition to the horticultural show there were sports for children and adults. gymkhana events, skittling competition, baby show, fun fair, refreshment tents. &c.. and the day's proceedings concluded with a dance in the Jubilee Hall.

Principal officials were : President, Mr. S. W. Golledge; Chairman, Miss J. E. Vincent; Vice-Chairman, Mr. W. Higgens; Hon. Treasurer. Mr. S. R. Dyke: Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. H. Castle: Hon. Assistant Secretary, Mr. F. J. C. Vaux; Judges. Messrs. Gane and Stone (vegetables); Mrs. Napier, Mrs. Carr, Mrs. Comm and Mrs. Robson (table decoration and bowls of flowers). Mrs. C. White and Mr. Brown (flowers). Mrs. Allan and Mrs. Hodder (W.I. classes, handicrafts and bottled fruit). Mr. Loxton (eggs and poultry), Mr. K. Hill (cheese). Mr. Graham (photograph). Mrs. Roynon and Mrs. Leir (children's classes), Mr. Trump (honey). Dr Taylor (baby show). Sports officials : Chairman. Mr. J. K. Longman; starters, Messrs. A. H. Scutts and J. Cochrane; handicappers. Messrs. J. Barber. S. W. Golledge, A. H. Scutts and E. Dyke: judges, Col. Harrison, D.S.O. Major Hodgson, M.C.. Messrs. R. Dyer. C. G. Graham and H. C. Limtern.

PRINCIPAL WINNERS

Principal show winners were as follows : Agricultural workers Ditcheat parish, —Vegetables White cabbages, spring-sown onions and winter-sown onions F. Higgens; single shallots and marrows. W. Higgens; carrots, long, G. Hoskins; short, P. Higgens; parsnips. W. Higgens; turnips. G. Hoskins; beet, globe. F. Higgens: lettuce. F. Higgens; peas, W. Higgens; broad beans. G. White; runner beans, potatoes, and collection vegetables. F. Higgens. All parishioners except those employing regular gardener.—Vegetables— White cabbages, red cabbages, spring-sown onions, and autumn-sown ditto Miss J. E. Vincent; single shallots. A. E. Phillips; marrows. W. Higgens; carrots, long. G Hoskins; short. W. Higgens; celery, F. Higgens; parsnips, R. C. Billing- turnips Miss J. E. Vincent: beet, globe W Higgens; lettuce. A. E. Phillips; peas. A. E. Richards; broad beans. R. C. Billing: runner beans, D. Webb; frame cucumbers. Miss J. E. Vincent: ridge. R. C. Billing; tomatoes, A. H. Scutts (2); potatoes, W. Higgens; heaviest potatoes, White; cooked potatoes, Mrs T. H. Look: collection vegetables. P. Higgens. Fruit—Cooking apples. W. Boon; dessert. S. H. Ford; bottle soft fruit. Miss J. E. Vincent; ditto, stone fruit. Mrs. Boon. Flowers— Window plant pot, flowering- and foliage, A. E. Phillips: begonias. Miss R Deck; roses, Mrs. Graham; dahlias. G. Emery; sweet peas, L. C. Bailey: asters. Mrs. F. Vaux (2); antirrhinums. Mrs. F. Vaux (2); annuals Miss B. Look; bunch of sweet peas Mrs. G White: garden flowers. A. E. Phillips: bowl garden flowers. Miss J, E. Vincent.

Ditcheat and Alhampton W.I. members. —Rock garden, Miss B. Look; shopping bag Miss W. Scutts; salad. Miss W. Scutts.

Open.—Shallots. F. Higgins:. spring-sown onions L. Adams; autumn-sown ditto. G. Emery: potatoes. A. E. Phillips: carrots, long G. Hoskins: short, W. Higgins; parsnips R. D. Sealey (2): annuals and perennial E J. Eliott; gladioli A. E. Philips; sweet peas. R, D. Sealey; garden flowers Miss J. E. Vincent. Fruit—Cooking apples. W. Boon; dessert ditto. T. Golledge; plums. Mrs. P. W. Brake; bottled fruit Mrs. P. H. Brake; plum jam. Miss I. Golledge; gooseberry jam. Mrs. Croft.

Eggs and poultry—Hen eggs, white. Miss S. E. Hunt; brown. Miss B. Lester; any colour, Mrs. R. A Price; cockerel, dressed for table, R M. Snell; duck, ditto. Miss B. Lester; duck eggs, Mrs. P. W. Brake (2). Honey—Pot. light, C. Joyce; dark. Mrs. Graham; comb honey. C. N. Crofts.

Cheese – Single cheese or 3 truckles, not less than 40lbs.. Wm. Cole: one cheese, not less than 40lbs. (percentage class), W. H. Dauncey.

Handicraft Section (open). Handknitted socks or stockings. Miss A. Look: hand-knitted garment for adult wear, Miss I. M. Corp; "Something new out of something old,'' Miss W. Scutts". hand-made embroidered article. Miss N, Dawkins; hand-made article, boys or men. P. M. Sullivan. Photography—Snapshot scenes, landscapes, &c., T. Golledge; ditto of child under 14, Mrs Harris; ditto. animals, birds, pets at large or at the zoo, Miss M. H. Wride.

Children's Section.—Girls under 16, table decoration. Ann Richards; girls at school, handicraft, Mary Kynaston; under 14. decoration vase with garden flowers. Joan Bailey; under 14, knitted garment. Joyce White: infants (under 8 years), wild flowers, W. Webb.

Table decoration, open—Mrs. Vincent.

Baby show. —Under 1-2 months, Judith E. Meader; under 2 years, Chervle M. Collett.

CHILDREN’S SPORTS.

100 yards (girls under 8), Susan Perry: boys (9-10), Dennis Hutchings; boys over 10. John Badman; sack race (girls), Brenda Collett; boys under 10. Dennis Hutchings: over 10. John Badman; three-legged. Brenda Collett and Douglas Emery; egg and spoon (girls). Sheila Collett; boys (under 10), Dennis Hutchings; boys over 10. Douglas Emery: wheelbarrow race (under 10). J. Perry and M, Barber; over 10. Terry and Veronica Moore; hand-in-hand race, Tony and Veronica Moore; blindfold race. Alan Hutchings and Eileen Fenner; backward race, Mary Scutt and Tony Moore; allfours race (girls), Eileen Fenner and Joyce White (equal); boys. Tony Moore: hopping race (girls). Eileen Fenner; boys under 10, Robert Baby; boys over 10, Tony Moore.

ADULT SPORTS.

100 yards flat (open, handicap, men), Kenneth C. Fear (scr.); ladies, Miss R. A. White fscr.); pushing cycle backwards 100 yards (open). A. E. Richards; potato race on cycles (open). C. Payne; mixed relay race (open), C. Payne's team: egg and spoon race (open. Margaret Adams; sack race (ladies, open). Mrs. A. E. Richards: gent's, C. Payne; novelty race (mixed). Norris Yeoman; quarter-mile flat (handicap. open), C. Payne (scr.); hurdle race (local), P. W. Moody; ex-Service men's 100 yards (handicap), E. Dyke (scr.):

Pony jumping (not exceeding 14.2 hands, children under 16. open), M. Churches: horse jumping (open), T. Brake; novice horse jumping (open), G. R. Creed: tennis racket and ball competition (horseback, open) G. Higgins: Gretna Green race (open), Miss S. Snell: musical poles (horseback open). Miss R. 'Yeoman; costume race (horseback, open) C. G. Oborne.

Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser - Saturday 14 August 1948

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Ditcheat Wagon Works

NET22166 — Sun, 30 May 2021 12:34:44 GMT

A glimpse into the history of wheelwright and wagon works

This post was prompted by a response to this website from Denise Graham, she wrote

"Both my husband & myself worked for John Wainwrights over at Stoke St Michael, Many years ago a large brass 'nut' was found (for the wheel of a horse drawn stone waggon). It is stamped with "Ditcheat Waggon Works Shepton Mallet(t). ? Padfield & Son(s). It has been 'persuaded' on and off with a chisel, so some letters are unclear. Would you know any history of Padfields Waggon works? "

During my childhood the business in the centre of Ditcheat was run by Mitchell & Hill Builders & Undertaker, wheelwrights, smithy and wagon building had stopped. Although I remember the Tyring Platform present in the yard.

The first record I found from the newspaper archives dated January 1890 is of William Hodges advertising for a blacksmith.

Early in 1897, William Hodges retired due to ill health and offered the business to let.

March 1897 the substantial stock in trade was auctioned for William Hodges.

GH Read & Son succeeded William Hodges at Ditcheat Wagon Works, in 1909 they expanded with the acquisition of the West Pennard business of Naish Bros.

In 1915 an advertisement appeared from Reads to dispose of the business

February 1916 Bruton Solicitors were advertising the premises to let.

In March 1916 the entire stock of G & W Read & Son was to be offered for auction.

April 1916 GW Read & Son deny having sold the business !

December 1916 Shepton Mallet building contractors Padfield & Son acquire the Ditcheat Wagon Works from GW Read & Son

April 1918 EG Padfield & Son announce the acquisition of the late HC Dunkerton, blacksmith in Shepton Mallet

April 1930 Padfields closed the Ditcheat Wagon Works.

New Paragraph

Grove Footpath

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 11:57:28 GMT

The Grove footpath wall rebuilt 1992

A few people will remember the dilapidated wall along the Grove footpath pre 1992, when you could just step over a pile of stones into the orchard. It was not economical to repair as far as the agricultural use would justify and the ownership was questionable, a problem that was often raised at Parish Council.

One day when Norris Yeoman was cleaning along the path surface and edges a car pulled up at the end and this chance meeting led to the wall being rebuilt. The gentleman was a representative of Bovis and was looking for projects to put forward for the government's Employment Action scheme, where unemployed people would volunteer minimum of 32¼ hours per week and receive £10 per week over and above their DSS benefits.

A scheme was approved and the Parish Funded the materials with contribution from the farmer, Earnest Dyke. A large van body was purchased and used as a site store and cabin. There was a set back when the men's tools were stolen from the lock up store. The next night the hired mixer was also stolen. A villager loaned his mixer, more tools were forthcoming and within a few days

£365 was collected in the village to replace the original tools.

Norris Yeoman is pictured here with the scheme facilitator and Ben Look, Parish Council chairman, along with the four of the volunteers, whose efforts are greatly appreciated by the villagers. The new oak footpath barriers were generously made by Dave Burfitt

A final poem from the builders, Derek Evangelista, David Chayter, Ted Welch, Colin Foot & Graham Jefferies.

Pylle Lime Works

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 20:58:37 GMT

Quarrying and lime burning was big business in Pylle

The quarry was in existence since from about 1870 and was generally described as producing “Blue Lias Lime and Selenitic Cement”, but in Kelly’s Directory of 1902, it also claims Portland cement.

The opening of the quarry quickly followed the completion of the Burnham to Evercreech section of the Somerset & Dorset Railway in 1862

During the next 40 years the quarry was operated by a number of owners, this page reproduces advertisements and newspaper reports of events and court cases. It is interesting reading and is an insight to the industrial heritage in Pylle and the local area.

The newspaper reports were researched from www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk with additional information from www.cementkilns.co.uk/cement_kiln_pylle.html

Maps are found at The National Library of Scotland which has more editions of OS maps including the First Edition maps from 1884, use this link ,

Wells Journal - Thursday 12 August 1875

County Court, Wednesday.

Before R. A. Fisher Esq., Judge

Walter Garland. Pylle, v. Weedon. Claim £6 7s. 0d. for work done and materials supplied to defendant. Mr. Hobbs with plaintiff ; Mr. Davis, of Sherborne, for defendant.—Plaintiff deposed that he made some quarrying bars, hammers, and other things for the use of the lime kilns at Pilton, on the order of a man named Wall who was in the service of defendant, and who said defendant would pay him as soon the work was done.—Mr. Davis said the wrong party had been sued by plaintiff. as the lime kiln for which the articles were supplied and the work done was vested in the Pylle Lime Company, which was incorporated in 1874. Defendant occasionally visited the kiln in the capacity of a shareholder, but gave no order for and was in no way responsible for the cost of the goods supplied to Wall's order. It was also stated that some of the articles charged for had not been received.—Mr, Wm, Weedon, a merchant, residing at Exeter. deposed that he knew the quarries and limekiln in question which were worked by a company of which he was a shareholder. He produced the certificate of incorporation. He had never given orders to Wall individually for these goods.—Judgment for defendant.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 29 August 1884

SHEPTON MALLET PETTY SESSIONS.

Before Colonel E. B. Napier (in the chair), Major H. Ernst, Captain .Sherston, Messrs. E. H. Clerk and G. B. Napier.

THE CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT AT PYLLE

At the Shepton Mallet Petty Sessions, on Friday, before Col E. Napier (in the chair), Major Ernst, and Mr. E.H. Clerk.

Frederick Jacobs, late manager the Pylle Lime Works, of the Somerset Lime and Cement Company, was charged for that he being servant of the Company, did on or about the 12th June last past, feloniously embezzle and steal a bankers’ cheque and order for the payment €4 5s 8d, drawn in favour of the Company William Garland, of Aldershot; also a cheque for the sum £13.17s from Messrs. Messer and Co., of Readiug; and cheque for the sum £9 18s 11d, from Jonas Nichols, of Southampton.

Mr. Welsh, of Wells, instructed Mr. Nalder, of Shepton Mallet, appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Hobbs, of Wells, for the defence.

Mr. Welsh, in opening the case, said that in November last prisoner was employed by the Company as sub-manager the Works, under Mr. T. J Hickes, at a salary of .30s per week. At the end of the month, the retirement of Mr. T. J. Hickes, he became manager, but at the same salary as before. On the 5th March,1881, the directors passed resolution that should receive, as from the 1st January this year £135 a year, and be was in addition to have the use of a cottage, and a piece of garden ground and some other little things. It was his custom to send, fortnightly, requests for the payment of the sums dueo for wages, and sum on account his own salary was included. These sums were taken by the secretary to Messrs. Roberts and Co., of London, and forwarded in cash to Stuckey’s Bank at Shepton. From whom prisoner drew it by cheque. As to monies received at Pylle, it was the custom to send the cheque on to the secretary in London, and prisoner sent vouchers to the persons paying them. Prisoner requested that he should have stamp to affix to accounts when sending them out. directing them to paid to the Loudon Office the Company. It was part of prisoner's duties to send to the Company early each month a list of accounts due to the company at the close of the preceding month, and in some some of these accounts which prisoner was charged with embezzling the cheques in payment of appeared. Lists persons who were to sued were placed in the hands of Mr Nalder the solicitor the company at Shepton Mallet, to collect, amongst them those named, and at the end of June prisoner stated that he had not received those sums, although it had been since ascertained that he had received and cashed the cheques about the 12th. They appeared in the list which he furnished to the Company's secretary on 17 ^th July. He thought he should be able to satisfy the court that embesslement had been committed

Prisoner came into the employ of the Company in November, 1883,as sub-manager under Mr. T. J. Hickes. About the 21at November, 1883, assumed the managership, and the letters Which passed between the Company and the prisoner were put in, fixing the salary. The prisoner sent to the Company fortnightly requests for the payment of money for wages of the men, in which were included his own salary up till the 10th June. There was nothing in writing to show every detail of his duties—the manager would be supposed to know that. On the 30th December he wrote to relieved of the financial management of the works, and allowed to advise all accounts to be paid direct to secretary, and on the 9th January the board consented to this. This witness informed him of, on his calling at the office of tbe Company in London, and an india rubber stamp was forwarded to him. On the 27th of May the prisoner wrote to the secretary asking for £10 on account of his salary, but to this witness replied unofficially that as the request was not accompanied by a statement of account, the directors gave no instruction for payment. In another communication was asked to submit a statement of his petty cash payments, and travelling expenses. It was the prisoner’s duty as manager, to submit to witness at the end of each month a statement of all debts .

Western Gazette - Friday 17 October 1884

EMBEZZLEMENT AT PYLLE - Frederick Jacob, on bail, was indicted for embezzeling bankers' cheques and orders for the payment of £4 1s 8d, £13 7s 8d, and £9 18s 11d, received by him on account of the Somerset Lime and Cement company Limited his employers, at Pylle, on or about the 12th of June. -Mr. Poole and Mr. Hamilton prosecuted, and the prisoner was undefended. - the prisoner was found guilty, and the Court passed sentence of nine months' hard labour.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 17 July 1885

Wells County Court

Tuesday

Before His Honour Judge Metcalfe Q.C.

Somerset Lime and Cement Company v Thomas Watson.— Defendant did not appear. The representative of the Company appeared, and said the debt was contracted through the London agents of the Company ; defendant had not denied having the goods, and had returned the empty sacks.—His Honour: You must prove received them. The case was adjourned.

Bridport News - Friday 04 December 1885

SERIOUS ACCIDENT

On Friday, a man named Attenborough, foreman at the Pylle Lime and Cement Works, met with serious accident. A trolley rope had got detached from the drum by which it was being lowered to the quarry, and he, believing the trolley to have been fixed in its position, went to replace the rope on the drum. The trolley started again, and the rope struck him across the leg, breaking it in three places. He was removed to the hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate it. He progressing favourably.

Central Somerset Gazette - Saturday 02 January 1886

JURORS FINED.

Mr. W. Muller, coroner, held an inquest at the District Hospital on the body of John Attenborough, who died from the effect. of an accident at Pylle Lime Works. He was struck by a rope which slipped from the drum used to lower trollies to the quarry. and one of his legs had to be amputated. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death." The inquiry was delayed some time owing to the non-attendance of two tradesmen who had been summoned on the jury, and the coroner fined them each £2

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 05 November 1886

PYLLE,

Accident at a Quarry. —Early on Saturday morning a number men were engaged in a quarry at Pylle, hoisting a block stone, which had been loosened by blasting, with a crow-bar, on the end of which plank was placed, and on this the men stood to prize the block up. It was bad morning for the work, and the plank slipped, allowing the crow-bar to fly back with the weight of the stone. It caught a man named Saul Lintern, of Ditcheat, under the chin, fracturing his jaw. He was at removed to Mallet Hospital, and though it was at first feared that the injuries were very serious, he progressing favourably.

S hepton Mallet Journal - Friday 05 May 1882

LEAVING WITHOUT NOTICE.

Charles Stephens and Wm. Watch, two young labourers, were summoned Mr. Escombe, manager of the Pylle Lime Works, for leaving bis service without giving the requisite week’s notice.

Complainant stated that was manager the works in question, and proved that the defendants left his service on Easter Tuesday, without giving the proper week’s notice. On Easter Monday they visited the works—an improper proceeding—and took away their tools. They had no right the property at all that day. He hear of them next being employed on the sewage work in the town of Shepton Mallet. The defendants, who received 12s weekly, were summoned for that amount each. An amount of 7s 6d was due to Stephens and 7s to Watts. They were to have an increase of wages at the end of the week—2s 3d a day. They had not, however, applied for the money that was due to them. He had a large number of men employed at the works, and if they left without giving notice it would a serious matter in carrying on business.

Stephens complained that Mr. would give a man the ‘‘ sack ” at minutes’ notice; but he (defendant) was informed the bench that the aggrieved party had his remedy in court of law.

Cross-examined by Stephen, Mr. Esccombe denied that he (Stephens) left the works in the previous summer without giving notice; in fact he did give notice. John Cleaves, foreman at the works, proved that was authorised the manager to ‘‘put men on,” and that they left the works and went on the sewage works without giving any notice. No agreement passed between them when engaged, but they had worked there before, and knew the rules. They were paid by the day, as when it was wet they could not work.

Fined 12s each and costs.

Allowed week for payment of the amount.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 20 January 1893

WELLS COUNTY COUKT.

Tuesday.

Before His Honour Judge Austin.

A GIFT, OR OTHERWISE.

Boyvton and Pegrim, v. Bisgrove.— This was a claim by a firm lime burners, of Pylle (for whom Mr. W. Muller appeared), who claimed £1 I9s 5d for lime supplied to Mr- Bisgrove. Station master at Templecombe, and formerly of Wincanton. A counter claim was filed for £2 3s 9d. commission claimed on the sale of lime. Defendant alleged that the lime, which was being claimed for was a gift to him. He had asked for gift of little lime for his garden, and the manager sent him on truck load, for which he charged him. He told him that that was too much for the small garden he had, and the manager then said that he would send him on some rough lime that had ,and which he could sell for manure and repay himself. He claimed the commission as an agent for the sale of the plaintiff’s lime.

Mr Muller said there was a company called the Somerset Lime and Cement Company at Pylle, to whom the defendant was an agent. Their business was,. however, sold early in 1891, by the voluntary liquidator to the defendants. Defendants counter claim was for commission on lime supplied by the old company, whilst the plaintiff’s claim was for lime supplied by the new company. Defendant had an idea that he could bring the old claim for commission against the new company, when in reality it should have been sent to the liquidator.

Mr Bisgrove said that he was dealing with the manager, Mr. Boyton, and did not know whether he was the principal or not, especially he as he received letters from the firm in the same name.

Mr. Muller said that the new company, the Pylle Blue Lias Lime and Selenitic Cement Works Co., merely bought the works The debts would collected by the voluntary liquidator. ,

Correspondence between the parties was put in, and it appeared that Mr. Bisgrove had admitted the debt under the mistaken impression that he could only in that way bring his counter claim.

His Honour gave judgment against Mr. Bisgrove on both claim and counter claim.

A private communication took place between defendant, His Honour, and Mr. Muller, as to payment, and payment was ordered at 5s per month.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 17 May 1895

SHEPTON MALLET PETTY SESSION.

FRIDAY

Before Major H. Ernst (in the chair), Capt. J. D. Sherston, Messrs. J. Spencer, F. Spencer and A, L. Phipps.

DOG LICENSES.

John James Farrance, lime manufacturer, of Pylle, was summoned by Alfred S. Knill, excise officer, for keeping dog without a license; on April 6th. Mr. Chambers, supervisor of excise, appeared with Mr. Knill, division officer, to prosecute, and Mr. Calder Woods defended.

P.C. Cooper said that Saturday, April 6th, at 2.15 p.m., was on duty close to Pylle Lime works in the parish of Pylle, and saw a spaniel dog. He went to defendant and asked if he owned the dog and had a license. He replied that it was his dog, but had not got license as the dog was not six mouths old till next week. Witness told him that the dog was more than that. He had seen the dog, which was about 10 months old, on the premises ever since October last.

By Mr. Woods : He did not mistake the dog for the dog’s mother. He had ascertained that the dog was the same that he saw in October.

Mr. Woods for the defence said that the dog was not more than six months old at the time the constable called. Mr. Farrance had the dog in October last a young puppy, direct from the mother. He took out the license within a couple of days. The dog became of licensable age at the end of April. No caution had been given to the defendant. The Bench gave defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed the case.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 29 November 1895

UNJUST WEIGHTS.

Messrs. Farrance and Boyton, Pylle lime works were summoned by Mr. Nathan W. Crick, inspector of weights and measures, for having in their possession on October 16tlh, a weighing and two 56lb weights which were unjust. Mr E. H. Roach (Davies and Roach, Wells and Glastonbury), appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Pomeroy, from the office of Mr. A E Nalder, Shepton Mallet, defended.

Nathan W. Crick, inspector of weights measures, said that he attended Evercreech in July, and August, 1893. He sent notice to the defendants On July 29th received letter from the defendants stating that they had only one weighing machine to weigh up 4 cwt and one weighing machine for trucks which was out of order and not used. He replied, calling attention to the necessity for the weighing instruments to be stamped. On August 4th he received a letter stating that the weighing had a dead weight over 2 cwt. and that and engine could seen at the works, He replied to this that the machine could not be over one cwt dead weight, as it was of ¼cwt capacity, and should be brought to him. In September 1894 again notice was given, but no weights or machine was sent him. He attended the works on October 14th last, and saw the machine, which was a 3 cwt sack machine. Mr. Farrance said it was used for weighing sacks of cement. He tested the machine which was much broken and out of order, and found it 1½ lbs, against the purchaser at 1 cwt. Defendant said he was glad it was not other way on. He tested the weights there, and found 2 half-cwt weights were, one 2 ounces and the other 3 quarters of an ounce light.

In reply to the bench Mr. Crick stated that he took the earliest possible opportunity of visiting places where the weights were not sent to him on his periodical visits.

Cross-examined by Mr, Pomeroy: I did not give the defendant to understand that the weights were against the seller. I told him they were against the buyer. I state positively that I did not say the contrary on that occasion, and that to that defendant made the reply. There were two other newer ½-cwt weights bearing my recent stamps. I did not consider the discrepancies small. I offered to have the weights adjusted if they could be adjusted. Defendant stated the machine was used for weighing cement.

Re-examined : I found that the weights could not he re-adjusted.

Mr. Pomeroy contended that the offence was a trivial one. There was some misconception on the part of his clients as to his duty in regard to taking the weights to the inspector. They took over the weights and machine with the business, and the weights had not been used for some time, having been replaced. He denied that the inspector said that the machine was against the buyer. The remark of the defendant was made under the impression that it was against themselves.

The bench considered that the case was proved, and fined defendant £2 and costs ; on a single cwt it may not he much deficiency, hut on larger quantity, it would he considerable.

On the application of Mr. Roach, the weights were forfeited, and the machine ordered to be adjusted within seven days.

Mr. Pomeroy stated that there was no necessity for that as the machine had been replaced.

Mr. Roach : It must be distinctly understood that the machine must not be found on the premises should the Inspector visit there again.

Mr. Pomeroy accepted the condition.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 03 September 1897

PYLLE The employees of Messrs. Farrance and Boyton, of the Pylle Lime Works, numbering about 30, with their wives, had their annual outing on Saturday last, to Portsmouth, and after spending a very enjoyable day they reached Pylle station about twelve o’clock.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 31 July 1903

WELLS COUNTY COURT

FRIDAY Before his Honour, Judge M.V. Austin

A PYLLE DISPUTE.

Frederick Kilby v. Farrance and Boyton.— This was a claim by the patentee of certain lime kilns, against Messrs. Farrance and Boyton, lime burners of Pylle and London, for damages, for their having broken and entered a house rented by him of them at Pylle, where he resided when manager for them. —Mr. F. O. O. Chubb, solicitor, of Wells, appeared with the plaintiff, and Mr. Douglas Metcalf, barrister of the Western circuit, instructed by Mr. A. E. Nalder, of Shepton Mallet, for the defendant company.— The particulars of claim alleged that on or about the 18th May last the defendants did trespass by wrongly breaking, entering and taking possession of a dwelling house and premises, at Pylle, of which plaintiff was then in occupation as tenant, and also that the defendants did, on or about the same date, wrongfully seize and carry away therefrom the household furniture and other goods and effects of the plaintiff, and still detained the same, and defendant claimed by way of damage the sum of £25, less credit for a half year’s rent, £5/4/-, and a sum of £1 due from him to the defendants, making the net amount of claim £19/16/-. The defendants counter-claimed for £8/18/6 for an omission of an entry on the debit side, of a book kept by him as bookkeeper to the defendants, by which the cash balance for which he was responsible was increased by that amount. —Mr. F.O.O. Chubb opened the case.—Frederick Kilby, the plaintiff, stated that he was patentee of a certain kiln, and had been engaged in the business for years. He had been in Messrs. Farrance and Boyton’s employ as manager, not as book-keeper. He kept the books, and he took the house in March, 1902, at £2/12/0 a quarter, coal and oil free. He put in letter from Mr. Boyton of April, 1902, showing that he was not book-keeper, but manager for the manufacture of cement. September 8th he had some communication as to the tenancy ; on September 22nd he gave notice to leave in March. He settled up the rent to September 29th. He then withdrew the notice. It was not true that he was going to give up possession of the cottage in October. They settled the cash account. He offered £3/4/0, deducting his wages on two occasions, Mr Farrance refused it, and put the “bums” in. Witness immediately paid them out. He wrote to them on that, withdrawing the notice, and had no reply. Nothing more occurred till February, when he was at Seaton Carew. He had left the employ of Messrs. Farrance and Boyton in July, 1902. It was part of the agreement for the erection of his patent kiln, that the kiln should be shown to any possible customer, and they had it free of royalty on that account. He kept the cottage on for the sake of meeting customers there. February he received letter stating that the door was open, but on communicating with some one at Pylle he found this was untrue. Later he found the furniture was removed. He wanted the cottage for the sake of his kiln business, and all his note paper was headed. “Pylle, Somerset.” He had not received his furniture yet. He valued it at £10. Cross examined: He did not know the date of the letter which Mr. Nalder stated that the furniture would handed over to anyone appointed by him. The Judge held that the rescinding of the notice must be clearly and explicitly agreed to by the landlord.—In further cross-examination the plaintiff denied that he agreed to go out in a month’s time, instead of in March, He received letter in October stating that he had promised to leave the cottage in a month’s time instead of in March. The cottage was within the works, and close to the office. A kitchen and two bedrooms were furnished. The things were worth £10. An inventory was put and examined the plaintiff. As far as he could recollect it was about right. He went away from the cottage about the fifth of December. He had not lived in the cottage ever since. He left his furniture there without going near it from December to May. He could not tell if the front door was open, for was three hundred miles away. He saw the furniture on Sunday morning last. It was not in the house, hut in an old whiting shed. He could see it through the window. He did not ask to look at it, as his brother had been refused. He was not book-keeper, but he kept the books as matter of convenience.—The Judge: Did you keep the money ?—Witness: Yes.—By Mr. Metcalfe He always kept the cash, because on one occasion Mr. Farrance went to the safe and took the money. —The Judge : He had a right to steal his own money.—Plaintiff: More than one had access to the safe. A letter of the 21st September was put in, in which complaint was made of his carrying the office cash in his pocket. He did not remember Mr. Farrance drawing a cheque £10 for wages for Evercreech in February last year, and keeping £l/1/6, and giving witness the balance of £8/18/6. The entry to that effect was in Mr. Farrance’s writing. Mr. Farrance paid the wages, and should have made the entry on the other side. He never once paid the wages whilst he was there ; the whole of the entries there were in Mr. Farrance’s writing. In reply to the Judge, Mr. Metcalfe said that the books were audited in July this year, when this was detected.—After hearing further evidence, his Honour gave judgment for £10/5/-, to be reduced to 5/- on the return of the furniture, on the claim, and for the defendant for £6/4/-,without costs, on the counter-claim,this being the amount admitted.

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 18 November 1910

£600 GONE 3½ MONTHS.

Arthur Alfred Shepherd, residing The Ferns. Pilton, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and lately carrying business in co-partnership with Charles Cubitt Gostling under the style or firm of “The West England lame and Cement Company,” at Pylle. Somerset, as lime and cement manufacturers, came up for his public examination. The debtor's statement affairs allowed gross liabilities £129/16/4, due to two unsecured creditors, and assets (as stated by debtor), bicycle, estimated to produce £l/5/-. and one bad book debt £110/4/9, estimated produce nothing; leaving deficiency of £l28/11/4. The cause failure as alleged by debtor was the failure of my late partner to discharge the partnership liabilities agreed under the deed of dissolution, dated the 11th October. 1909.” He alleged that had execs of assets over liabilities the 10th day June, 1909, £887/9/5, his income since 10th day of June, 1909, viz., drawings as partner in the West England Cement and Lime Co. —10 weeks at £3, was his loss in connection with his partnership with C. C.Gostling was amount paid to Charles Cubitt Gostling £600. less amount to be paid to him on dissolution of said partnership when he retired from business £105, paid law costs connection with partnership £l4/12/1. paid for alterations and decoration to The Ferns, Pilton £2l/0/9, paid for removal of furniture from Lewisham to Pilton ,£33. liabilities (included in statement affairs) which should have been discharged by his late partner under the terms of the partnership deed £129/16/4, loss in respect premiums on endowment policies £9/3/2. The Official Receiver’s observations were :—“The receiving order was made on the 10th October, 1910, on the debtor’s own petition. He was adjudged bankrupt the same day. The debtor (aged 46) entered into partnership the 11th June, 1909, with Charles Cubitt Goatling, of Pylle, Somerset, where they carried on business under the name of The West of England Lime end Cement Company.” The debtor put £600 capital into the business, i.e., £500 for a half-share of the plant and goodwill and £100 towards the working capital. The partnership was dissolved on the 11th October, 1909, by mutual consent, Mr. Gostling taking over the liabilities and assets, and agreeing to pay the debtor £105 by instalments of £6 per month. No payment on account of this sum has been made to the debtor, and the amount, together with interest £5/4/9, is estimated in the statement of affairs to produce nil. The dissolution was duly gazetted. Gostling appears to have carried on the business until Christmas. 1909. when he left Pylle, having previously disposed of the assets. The debtor has furnished the Official Receiver with an address in London at which his late partner may found. The books of account kept were cash book, creditors’ and debtors’ ledger, sold day book, and sack account book, which the debtor states were left with his late partner on the dissolution. The debtor states that he became aware of his insolvency in February last, when was sued for the two partnership liabilities shown in his statement of affairs. He alleges that the firm was solvent when he retired from it on the 11th October, 1909, and produced a rough balance sheet, which he made out for his own information about the end of September, 1909. This balance sheet shows liabilities £242/11/9 anti assets £385. The debtor states he does not know what liabilities, if any, his late partner has discharged. The debtor states has never possessed any household furniture. The whole the household furniture and effects the debtor’s address is claimed by debtor’s father-in-law. with whom, debtor states, has lived since his marriage. The father-in-law is tenant of the premises. The two items shown in the deficiency account for alterations and decorations the Ferns, Pilton, and the cost of the removal of the furniture from Lewisham to Pilton were paid by the debtor because he states it was for his (the debtor’s) convenience his father-in-law took lease of the premises and had the furniture removed to Pilton. The claim to the furniture is being investigated. The debtor’s life was insured in the Scottish Widows’ Assurance Co. for £300 and in the British Equitable Assurance Co. for £100. He states surrendered these policies to the respective companies in or about May and July last for £30and £11 respectively. These sums were expended him in living. He has had no occupation since 11th October, 1909.—In reply to the Official Receiver the debtor confirmed the particulars given above. The expenses of removal were tor his father-in-law’s goods—as his .father-in-law was moving for his benefit he considered it only right that he should pay the cost removal and the other incidental expenses. He had never had any furniture his own. He paid for a half share in the business. He found he could not work, and would not work, with the other man, and sold out his share on October 11th 1909. the agreement being that the partner would pay all the liabilities and give him £lO5. His late partner left the place before Christmas, and the present claim was in respect of partnership debts which Mr. Gostling had not paid according to the agreement. As a matter of fact had lost his £600 in three and half months, and in addition this claim was made against him. He made the ordinary investigations before going into the partnership, and found that an increasing business was being done. He had endeavoured to find Mr. Gostling, but could not succeed. —The Official Receiver said that the address which had been furnished him had failed to find Goatling. A few questions were asked by the Registrar as the investigations made by debtor and his father-in-law prior to taking over the business, and the examination was then allowed to close subject the signing of the notes.

This appears to be the end of quarrying and cement production in Pylle , the 1928 OS survey shows the railway siding removed and the quarry returning to wild.

There were numerous small Lime Kilns in the locality, examination of the old maps show them at Lamyatt, Stoney Stratton, Maesdown Hill, Beard Hill, Evercreech (on the now Bath & West Showground), The works at Leighton Lane, Evercreech alongside the railway line were later coming on stream circa 1890, these works probably saw the decline of the small works in the area.

The Pylle Lime works appear to be the only producer of cement from this group of local sites. The website www.cementkilns.co.uk/cement_kiln_pylle has more details of cement production at Pylle.

Ditcheat Bricks

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 21:56:49 GMT

I often wondered the story behind Ditcheat bricks

Examples of Ditcheat bricks stamped "C Welch" can be found in a number of walls around the village. The location of the brick works is shown on an 1884 map available at https://maps.nls.uk/view/106022273

The works are missing in the 1928 revision https://maps.nls.uk/view/101461624

The area worked covered the whole of the site now occupied by the houses on the east side of Folly Drive. Clay was excavated to the level of the rear gardens right up to the front gate of the present houses. The houses are build on made up ground, mostly with the surplus trench spoil arising from the installation of mains drainage in the village around 1958.

The Ditcheat Brick works are listed in Kellys directory for 1861 operated by Welch and in 1883 by Andrew Hillard. Brick works were numerous in the area, Kellys 1883 listed works at Castle Cary, Bruton, Cannards Grave, Hornblotton, Wanstrow,

The Somerset Brick & Tile Company operated at Evercreech up to the mid-1950's

The images below are from newspaper advertisements which expand on the history, it appears the works closed in 1886

The Green Tree Inn

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 20:26:43 GMT

A selection of newspaper clips featuring the Green Tree Inn

Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 05 February 1926

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

DITCHEAT.

Farewell Gathering. —A very pleasant evening was spent at the Green tree Inn,” on Friday last, on the occasion the departure of the Post Office Linesmen, who have, for this last three months, been residing in the village during the installation new lines. Mr. George Merrifield, speaking for the villagers, said that the company the linesmen would be greatly missed, and that if they should happen to return to the district at some, future date, they might be sure of very hearty welcome. Mr. Bert Lockyer, replying on behalf the linesmen, spoke highly of Ditcheat hospitality, and .said that they would always live in the hope of returning to the village, if only for short stay. The Ditcheat Jazz Band, which was in attendance during the evening, and rendered excellent music, was ably led Mr. Herbert Mintern.

Wells Journal - Friday 18 October 1957

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD

PRESENTATION TO DITCHEAT LICENSEE

Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Rayes, who retired this week from the Green Tree Inn, at Ditcheat, where Mr. Rayes has been licensee for the past nine years, were the recipients of a handsome electric standard lamp on Saturday evening. The gift, together with a large box of chocolates, was presented to them by Mr. A. Vaughan, on behalf of customers and friends, during a social evening at the Inn. Mr. Vaughan spoke in appreciative terms of the many services rendered to the parish by Mr. and Mrs. Rayes, and of their interest in the Green Tree Sports Club, which they formed for the benefit of customers some years ago. An expression of thanks for their kindness and for the support of their ' regulars over the years, was made by Mrs. Rayes, who later provided refreshments for those present.

At Shepton Mallet Licensing Sessions the licence of the Green Tree Inn was transferred from Mr. Rayes to Mr. Reginald Sidney Tucker of Lower Bagborough Farm, Pylle.

Cheddar Valley Gazette - Friday 04 December 1970

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

He was Mr. E. H. (Ted) Rayes, of Swiss Cottage. Castle Cary. who had been in the licensed trade for 41 years. He began work in July 1919 for E. J. Allen and Sons of Evercreech, then well known local soft drink manufacturers. For many years he was licensee of the Green Tree Inn at Ditcheat. He joined the ILA.F., but was invalided out after serving three and a half years. Later he became licensee of the Britannia Hotel, Castle Cary, but after several years returned to Evercreech and took over the Bell Inn. assisting Messrs. Allen and Sons in between times. Owing to the ill health of his wife, who had been a tower of strength to him during the preceding years. he gave up the Bell Inn and then worked permanently as a representative for Allen and Sons. who were taken over by Messrs. Cantrill and Cochrane Ltd., one of the largest soft drinks manufacturers in the country. Knew licensees in three counties PROBABLY one of the best known sales representatives among the licensees in Somerset, Dorset and Wilts, retired, for health reasons, on Friday last, and to mark the occasion a retirement party was held for him at the Harvester Inn, Galhampton. Mr. Rayes, during his years as representative met and made a countless number of friends among the licensees of Somerset, Dorset and Wilts. During the years he had served as secretary of the Mid Somerset L.V.A. and served on the committee of South Somerset L.V.A.

Central Somerset Gazette - Friday 02 March 1956

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD

County chairman at Ditcheat Legion dinner

The conviviality and comradeship which invariably marks the gatherings of ex-Service men was much in evidence at the second annual dinner of the Ditcheat branch of the British Legion at the Green Tree Inn, on Saturday evening. Nearly all the 42 members of the branch attended together with guests from neighbouring branches, and Mr. E. Craven presided. The principal guest was the County Chairman, the Rev. E. E. Leonard Houlden, who paid tribute to the officers and committees of branches throughout the length and breadth of Somerset. Also present were Mr. Basil D. Byers, County Secretary ; Prebendary J. A. Lloyd Armstrong (Rector of Ditcheat) and Mr. H. Baker (Crewkerne). The arrangements for the dinner were made by Mr. John Butcher (branch secretary), and Mr. F. G. Rayes. Mr. Craven announced at the commencement of the dinner that Admiral Leir, the branch President, had unfortunately broken some ribs by falling from a ladder and was, therefore, not able to be present. The Loyal Toast, and the toasts to the British Legion and to the visitors were proposed by Mr. Leigh Clare (branch treasurer).

Mr Houlden, respondnig to the toast to the Legion, said he enjoyed the great fellowship of the Legion, which was one of the finest fellowships that had ever been formed. It was engendered out of war but it had the avowed intention of trying to bring happiness and help to those who suffered in the cause of war. The British Legion, he said, was doing as much, if not more than ever in its history to help those who had fallen by the wayside. " We talk glibly of the Welfare State, but even with its welfare schemes, there are still very many men and women who need the care, help and love of the British Legion," he declared. " There are many cases being fought for entitlement to pension. " There are many boys coming back now, although we are supposed to be at peace, from various minor salients in the world who are being advised and instructed how to obtain pensions which we are getting for them."

£500 Gift

A recent gift of £500 from the 11th Armoured Division for the amenities and furnishings of Somerset Legion House at Weston-super-Mare showed that the serving soldier realised what was being done for the ex-Service folk by the British Legion, he added.

When serving soldiers made a gift like that, it showed that the Legion's work was being appreciated and recognised, but he wished it was more so among those men who were serving as National Servicemen. He felt sometimes that branches themselves were to blame for this state of affairs. They did not " put themselves over " to the men before they join the Forces and were not quick enough to bring them into the midst of the Legion when they came home.

There was much work for the Legion to do. There were many cases, in the large and small branches, that needed care and attention and sympathy and which could only be supplied by members of the branches themselves, through their Services Committees.

Wonderful Memorial

Mr. Houlden went on to pay tribute to the officers and committee members of branches throughout the length and breadth of Somerset who were doing fine work for the Legion which was not always fully realised by ordinary members of the Legion. They were working for all ex-Service men and women. It was grand work that must be tackled swiftly and well if it was going to give the maximum and really effective help to all those who might require it. The speaker hoped that the branch was making, from time to time, full use of Somerset Legion House, which was a wonderful war memorial given by Somerset men and women to perpetuate the memory of those who gave their lives. The home was doing famous, valuable work.

He emphasised the fact that the British Legion was trying to serve everybody above self, by the service work in the branches, by Somerset Legion House and by all the very wonderful branches of service work within the orbit of the Legion. The Legion was judged locally by what its members were locally, and it was well regarded in this part of Somerset.

V.I.P at Rally.

Mr. Byers spoke of the proposed rally at Weston-super-Mare this year when it was hoped that a “Very Important Person” would be present. He said the machinery was already in motion, and the name of the person would be announced later. Mr. Baker. responding to the toast of the visitors, gave some very amusing reflections on his service in the first World War. He also said that the world needed amongst nations and people the fellowship which the produced. The people who were in the first World War seemed on the whole, to have been more eager to join the Legion than those who had been in the second. The latter, as far as he could see, seemed somewhat allergic to tie themselves to any organisation. He wished the Legion could have more and more young people coming in. Entertainment was provided after the dinner by Messrs. G. Carter, R. Jeans, W. Hutchings, Miss Sylvia Hutchings and Miss Gladys Jeans (members of the Evercreech Vagabonds) and Mr. F. J. Starkey. Mr. Craven expressed the branch's appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Rayes and all responsible for the excellent meal and arrangements.

A cottage garden on the Wraxall Road

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:35:23 GMT

The home of Florrie & Arthur Richards (Florrie was Norris Yeoman's elder sister) Mrs Richards was known to many as the lunch time supervisor at Ditcheat School. Arthur was a signalman at Evercreech Junction South at the time of the closure, he then was painter and decorator for Mitchell & Hill the village builders.

Vacuum cheese packing

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 11:16:30 GMT

Cheese packed by new vacuum process machine

CHEESE packed by a new vacuum process machine at Castle Cary – there are only seven such machines in the country – was on sale at the National Dairy Council's June Dairy Festival which was opened at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

The vacuum packed cheese is marketed by Mr. G. L. Churchhouse, of Manor Farm, Castle Cary, in the name of Castle Cary Dairy Products, Ltd. Mr. Churchhouse was there on Saturday, supervising his stand in the Dairy marquee.

He was one or a number of Mid-Somerset people who had an interest or who were taking part in the show.

Cheese-making equipment for cheese-making demonstrations was loaned by Mr. F. Isgar, of Wainbridge. Mark, and Mr. David Hilton, of Ham Lane, Pottery. Compton Dundon, was there with his potter's wheel.

ONE AT DITCHEAT

Mr. Churchhouse. whose vacuum packed cheeses proved an interesting item, explained to our reporter that only three of the seven packing machines in the country were owned by farmers and two were in, the Mid-Sonierset area—at Castle Cary and on Messrs. Barber Brothers farm at Ditcheat.

WEEK'S PROGRAMME

Mr. Churchhouse sells his own Cheddar cheese, as well as other makes. retail and wholesale. The week's programme of the Dairy Festival be on Saturday with a reception given by the Festival committee.

A member of the National Milk Publicity Council. Mr. D. J. Vogler, told the gathering of some 300 people at the reception in the Winter Gardens that the dairy industry is one of the largest single food industries in the country.

BEST IN COUNTRY

It had a turnover of £5OO million a year and four million gallons of milk was sold every day. In fact so much milk was being sold that five pints per head of the population was bought every week. "We shall soon have seven pints a week—one a day—and then we shall have to have a slogan to replace “Drinka Pinta Milka Day” he said.

Miss K. D. Maddever. of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said the Weston Festival was the finest in the country. The Mayor of Weston. Councillor E. B. Moore. reminded his audience of how the Festival had grown and paid tribute to the organisers. This is Weston's seventh Dairy Festival.

OPENED BY MAYOR

Later the Mayor opened the Festival which covers week of activities. There arc daily demonstrations of cheese-making, milking. feeding of calves and piglets and many other attractions, including a ploughing match on the sands.

Throughout the Festival music is being provided by military bands and on Tuesday the major offering was a helicopter rescue demonstration by the Royal Navy.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was Young Farmers' Day with children's sports and a tug-o'-war competition.

CARNIVAL

To-day (Thursday) is the day of the big Weston Carnival. The Festival ends on Saturday with an open gymkhana. as one of the attractions.

Ditcheat men fraudulent betting

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 22:01:44 GMT

Ditcheat men in trouble

Jack Albert Lintern, hairdresser. Rectory Cottage, Ditcheat, was charged at the instigation of William Tylcr, of the Investigation Branch G.P.0., London, with obtaining £4/9/9 by means of forged instrument, a falsely date stamped betting letter, on 5th September. 1929. at; Ditcheat. There was a second charge against him for endeavouring to obtain £5/8/1 by means of a forged instrument falsely date stamped lettering letter. 27th September, 1929, at Ditcheat, and a third in regard to a similar offence at Ditcheat on 29th September, 1929, when the amount attempted to be obtained was £l2/9/6. In respect to the last case similar summons was issued against Frederick Ward, labourer. 6, Prospect Villas, Ditcheat. Mr. F. W. Willmott, solicitor, of Taunton, appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Postmaster General, and Mr. W. F. Long, of Bath, was with the defendant. By the consent of all parties the cases were taken together. In outlining the cases at length, Mr. Willmott said the method adopted by Lintern was to get 'envelopes stamped with the letter “A”, which indicated that the letter had been posted before 10 o’clock in the morning. He was enabled to do this through the instrumentality of a young lady named Miss Turner. Having secured these envelopes Lintern inserted in them betting slips containing the names of winning horses of races won later in the day, having previously ascertained the results through being acquainted With Mr. Spencer White, of Shepton Mallet, who gave them him over his own telephone. The receipt of some of these letters marked “A” led to suspicions being raised in London by the recipients. The matter was reported to the Post-master General, and inquiries instituted. In so far Miss Turner was concerned he could only say that she had been imposed upon by Lintern, by reason of some tale had told her. She had received no financial gain by participating in the frauds, but had rather courted severe disciplinary action. Continuing, Mr, Willmott characterised the betting slips sent by Ward to Mr. White a particularly impudent affront. They very seldom were able to got evidence so clear as in those cases, and was instructed to put the matter forward very strongly so far as Lintem was concerned. Mr. Long stated that they did not dispute any of these statements made by Mr. Willmott. George Sleigh, a representative of Alec Ward, commission agent, 11a, Bridge-Street, Bristol, stated that on the 6th September he received a betting letter from London, This contained a 1 - each way on Miss Lynn, and 2/6 double bet on Miss Lynn and Golden Hair. Both these horses won at Derby on September 5th. The starting prices were 8 to 1 against and 11 to 4 against respectively. The amount won with a stake of 4/6 was £4/9 /9, which money was paid. On September 6th his suspicions wore aroused by the date stamp, and he had made enquiries and found that the letter “A” stamped on the letter proved that it had been posted before ten o’clock. Joseph Middleton, representative of A. H. Maurice, Ltd., commission agents. Bridge-lane, London, said he received bets of 2/6 each way Gaffadoun, any to come 10/- win on Money Talks. Gaffadoun won at Newbury and Money Talks at Newmarket, the starting price being 25 to 1 Gaffdoun, and 3 to 1 against Money Talks. With a stake of 5/- the winnings would have been £5/8/1, and if the bets had been genuine that amount would have been paid. He was suspicious about the date stamps, and handed the letter to the Post Office for enquiries.

Told to Get Out.

Walter Spencer White, commission agent, of the Bungalow, Shepton Mallet, said that before 27th September he had had dealings with the man Lintern, who was in the habit of placing a few bets and ’phoning up for results of the races, which witness used to give him. He gave himresults on 5th September and 27th September. On 28th September received a letter with the Ditcheat A mark, which contained a betting slip in name of F. Ward, Prospect House, Ditcheat, with 2/6 each way on Gaffadoun, any to come 10/- win on Money Talks. If the bet had been genuine. Ward would have been paid £l2/9 /6. On the 4th of October Ward came to him and said., “I want my winnings on Gaffadoun and Money Talks.” I asked him if the betting slip was in his handwriting, and said “Yes.” Witness said “Are you quite certain.” and again replied “ Yes.” Witness then told him he could clear out. He had reason to think that the handwriting was the same the letters received from Lintern.

Cross-examined by Mr. Long, he said that previous to this he had never had any betting transactions with Ward.

John Bertram Sissons, of the Secretary’s Office G.P.0., London, said he asked defendant the bets were made after the winning horses were known, and replied Not all of them”. As regards the letter of the 5th September to Mr. Ward, he said got the names of the winners from Mr. White by telephone, and then wrote out slips. He got the young lady in the Post Office to put A stamp on it. Defendant made similar admissions with regard to other letters of 22nd September to Mr. Maurice, and 27th September to Mr. White.

Pleaded Guilty.

Defendants were then formally charged and both elected to be dealt with summary and pleaded guilty.

Mr Long said defendants had admittedly done a fraudulent act. but that the frauds would never have been but for the foolishness of a third person. The young lady at the Post Office was the cause of the trouble. If she had not done what she did the temptation would never have arisen. That, however was no excuse. .

Mr. Alfred J. Barber, of Abbey Farm, Ditcheat gave evidence of character, and letters testifying to their good character were read from the Head Teacher of the Ditcheat School and Mr. Talbot of Castle Cary (Lintem’s former employer).

£10 in Fines.

The Chairman, addressing Lintern, said they had found him guilty of a serious offence, and had no other alternative but to convict. Unfortunately betting seemed to have hold of large class of people, and led to serious temptations. In view of his age they had decided not to send him to gaol, but to fine him £5 in first case. £3 in the second, and £2 in the third. A further would £5 would be allowed for costs. With regard to Ward, they thought he had been influenced by Lintern, but was the older the two and ought to have resisted the temptation. They did not feel compelled to convict in this case and bound him over in a sum of £10 for two years, with one surety of £5.—His employer, Mr. Barber, agreed stand as surety.

Somerset Weaving Mill Acquired by Local Firm

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 21:34:21 GMT

Wells Journal - Friday 18 January 1929

Image © Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

From 1797 to 1929. Somerset Weaving Mill Acquired by Local Firm.

In the quaint old-world village of Ditcheat which lies between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary, and a mile or so from Evercreech, there are several points of interest to the visitor. The fine old church with its lych gate will immediately attract. This is the church of St. Mary Magdalene, built in the Perpendicular style, but originally Norman. Nearby is the Priory, a large building in the Gothic style and originally attached to the Abbey of Glastonbury. It is built in the Gothic style and was originally moated and had large tithe barns and buildings. In field a short distance from the village is a petrifying spring called the Holy Well.”

Walking down through the village street, if we may be allowed to use this description of the main thoroughfare, we come to a large group of buildings, too large for a farmhouse or for the usual type of village industry. Curiosity prompts us to enquire as to the industry carried on in this peaceful spot, and we naturally show some surprise when told that it is a weaving mill. Upon reflection we can well understand that the Ditcheat weaving mill is one of the few remaining in the rural districts of the country. With the advent of industrial centralisation the majority of mills scattered all over Britain were either abandoned or adapted for other purposes. Not so with Ditcheat, however, for this factory always had a good local market for its goods, since its inception in 1797.

POWER WEAVING INTRODUCED

Originally there were three mills—at Ditcheat’ Bruton and Evercreech. The one at Bruton is now transformed into Messrs. Hendersons, Iron Works the one at Evercreech now being Messrs. Hill’s Cheese Stores, whilst the mill at Ditcheat retained for the manufacture of textiles suitable for the dairy industry. It is interesting to note that in those days the mill was worked by one of the old steam beam engines. In 1879 Edwin King introduced power weaving machinery which had revolutionised the weaving industry all over the country

With the introduction of an electrical generating plant and the fitting of electric light throughout the mill in 1909. the Ditcheat mill became quite a model factory and it can easily claim to be the only factory of its kind in the country for the manufacture of specialised textiles required for the milk producing and cheese making industies

The first proprietor of this mill was Mr. George King, who travelled all over the county selling the goods he manufactured.

The same industry carried on in the same premises has been handed down from generation to generation until the death of Edwin King, during the early days of the War, when his son was in the Navy, and of course, on active service, for which reason the business was sold to Mr. T. G. Vincent, the present representative of an old family of yeoman farmers. Thus was the continuity of ownership broken after a period extending over 130 years.

During our visit to the Ditcheat Factory we were surprises to notice under what pleasant conditions the workers carry out their duties. Light, airy workrooms with a view from the windows so full of rural beauties, that a Lancashire lassie would turn green with envy, if she could have a peep at the Ditcheat Mill.

DAIRY TEXTILES.

In walking through the weaving room, it was noticed that various cloths were in the course of manufacture Cheese Cloth in the “flat,” and in the single and double “tubes” Linen cheese strainer cloth, linen cheese banding and many others which were not familiar. In another part the factory cheese caps for export were being cut in thousands, whilst roller bandages very similar to the surgical variety, were being cut and rolled from large pieces of material for a special method of cheese banding practised in Scotland and elsewhere. The goods made by this old established firm are of the highest excellency, and the workers carrying on their daily duties are working under the most pleasant conditions. Rent, Rates and Taxes and general overhead charges being so extremely small, it is not to be wondered at that not only is the very best work turned out from this Factory, but more important still to those who are issuing the goods upon a far lower cost than can possibly be produced in a more expensively equipped factory and in a higher rated district.

COLONIES SUPPLIED.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Ditcheat Factory has been so successful in supplying goods continuously for many years to some of the largest wholesale firms in London, Manchester, Birmingham and the Colonies.

The firm of Clares Dairy Textiles Specialists have been the pioneers for the supply of special and suitable materials for dairy use, and the acquisition of this Somerset factory will considerably assist them in supplying every need in this respect. The Ditcheat factory will be of great utility in research work for fabrics suitable for the dairying industry, and thus the many thousands of their customers will know that everything sold by Clares is subject to exhaustive tests before, during, and after manufacture.

The Farm that Jack Built

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 08:23:08 GMT

The day Adam Henson's father (Joe) came to Ditcheat.

This film was made circa 1980, for those who do not know Ditcheat Life at that time "Jack" was Paul Barber's father. The farming scenes are at Knowle Park Farm, near Shepton Montague.

Organ maker from Ditcheat

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 22:20:53 GMT

Charles Hillard an organ maker from Ditcheat

I knew that Ditcheat had cheese cloth and brick manufacturers, an organ maker was a new one to me.

Houses for auction

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:03:49 GMT

To be sold by Auction

I wonder where these houses are, do they still exist ?

Castle Cary Market House

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:22:53 GMT

Castle Cary Market House

Castle Cary is our nearest market town and I thought it worth sharing his newspaper report of the opening in 1855. I have reproduced the text from an Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED downloaded from www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk

To view a report from "The Builder" May 10th 1856 click this LINK

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Sherborne Mercury - Tuesday 09 October 1855

OPENING OF THE CASTLE CARY MARKET.

The opening of the New Market House Castle Cary took place on Tuesday last, under very favourable auspices. The day, although rain was threatened in the morning, proved to be fine one; and the town, as might have been expected, was all bustle and animation. The new building is situated in the centre of the town, and is great improvement to its appearance. It is handsome structure, in the style of the fourteenth century, and. which perhaps still more to' the purpose, it will afford very convenient accommodation tor persons bringing produce for sale to the market. On the ground floor is a large open space, to be used for a corn, cheese, and general market, with butchers’ stalls behind; and over this a large room has been provided for the storage of corn and cheese. Accommodation has also been made for the literary requirements of the town. Adjoining the store room is reading room, and in connection with it, arrangement has been made which deserves imitation in other places. On market days persons will be admitted, on payment of penny, to an inspection of the papers and periodicals—an advantage which, we have no doubt will be largely appreciated, and which we hope will prove not only beneficial to those who attend the market, but remunerative to the institution which has shown so excellent an example. On the upper floor there is a spacious and handsome assembly room. 52 feet in length 22 ft. in width, with a raised platform in the back part, affording every convenience for the delivery of lectures, and the holding of public meetings. The architect is Mr. Penrose. of London, who has displayed considerable taste in the erection; and who has happily met. in Mr. Davis, the builder, a gentleman most competent to carry out his plans with success. A little work still remains to be done before the building will be completed but under the supervision of Mr. Davis it is progressing satisfactorily, and will soon be finished.

The market itself afforded excellent promise of the future. The day happened to be that of the Bridgwater and Little Elm fairs, and no doubt many dealers, and a considerable quantity of stock were thereby kept away. But notwithstanding this, the supply, if not large, was favourable, and perhaps greater than, under the circumstances, could have been expected. The general price of beef was 10s. 6d. to 11s. per score. Heifers and calves brought £13 to £14 a piece. There was fair quantity of cheese, and prices were 58s to 72s. per cwt. The best lot shown was that of Mr. Kingston, of Hornblotton, who disposed of the whole produce of his dairy, at, we understood, 72s per cwt. In the corn market wheat fetched 10s., and the best samples 10s. 3d. a bushel; new barley sold at 37s. to 38s; oats, 28s.; beans, 26s to 28s. Quarter.

THE DINNER

was fixed to take place at two o'clock in the New Assembly Room, which was suitably decorated for the occasion, and which soon became filled to overflowing It was necessary to place tables on the platform, and accommodate as many as possible of the visitors there. Mr. Harrold, of the George, and Mr. Andrews, of the Britannia, were the caterers, the dinner being partly supplied each; and it is needless to say how well they did the duty devolving on them. Those who know Mr. Harrold will not need to be informed that both the provision and arrangements on his part were all that they should be, and the friends of Mr. Andrews will entertain as little doubt of his successful catering. The Chair was taken by Theodore Thring, Esq., and Capt Phelps, and T. Matthews, Esq., officiated as Vice-Chairmen. Among the company were the Rev. R. J. Mead. Rev. F. Grey, Rev. H. Daw, H. Shute. Esq.,C. C. Wallace, Esq.. W. Matthews, Esq , G. A. Woodward, Esq.. D. H. Ashford, Esq.. &0., &c. with large number of the principal agriculturists of the neighbourhood, and tradesmen of the town, A letter had been received in the morning, the secretary, from James Bennett, Esq.. of Cadbury House, containing his very best wishes for the success of the market, and expressing regret that illness alone, at the last moment. prevented his attendance.

The Chairman said that in every meeting of Englishmen, the first toast was "the Queen." We had long learned how to respect her in time of peace ; and now had seen her noble bearing towards her people in time of war. (Cheers ) She had seen her gallant armies forth with ;a monarch's pride and those who returned home would know with what grace she could bestow the honour due to them. She had not forgotten in the din of arms the claims of pity and tenderness, but had woman's sympathy for the wounded—a woman's tears for the fallen. (Loud cheers.)

The Chairman then proposed the health of Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the royal family which wag warmly responded to.

The Chairman said the next toast was " The army and Navy.'' In times of peace we were often too apt to decry the profession of arms; but, when danger was at hand we all clung to the name and the aid the British soldiers and sailors. In former times many had said that England had degenerated since the days of the Peninsula -that commerce and agriculture had damped the military spirit of the people, and luxury and education quenched the warlike fire of the soldier. To craven spirits and croaking men such as these, the Crimea had sent forth a noble reply. (Cheers). Never was a firmer front shown to the enemy, or military courage displayed amid the endurance of greater hardships. Those men, who passing through the desponding days of disease and death had withstood under canvas, thinly clothed and hardly worked, the fearful storms of Crimean winter, toiling day to day in narrow crowded trenches, with the stifling stencil and deep mud on the one hand, and the rustling bullet and bursting shell on the other, and without share in the dread onset of the fight or the glory of victory—those men might surely be said to have shown courage as great, and devotion as true as England ever saw in her sons, or a grateful country loved to honour and reward. (Loud cheers.) Had a christian spirit and christian education ruined the training of men such as these? Had it not rather given a keener edge to their courage—a finer tone to their loyalty? The letters of the private soldiers that came home —those simple, earnest and truthful annals of the camp—(a strong contrast to what was known in former times,) would live with the names of Alma. Balaklava and Inkerraan. and would tell in future times how the British soldier 1855 did his duty —how he learned to fight, to suffer and die for the honour of old England. (Loud cheers ) But whilst he dwelt on the deeds of the soldier, he must not forget our ever watchful guardians, the sailors. no wish of theirs had the Russian ships slunk under the walls of their fortresses. By no interfering of theirs the enemy sunk their ships in the harbour of Sebastopol. Had they come out. We should have seen a large portion of them at Brest and Spithead. (Much cheering) But had the navy done nothing in the present war ? Not a boom of the enemy’s gun had been heard on the high seas; much less on the shores of England. The sea defences of Odessa had been demolished ; Fort Constantine attacked, and the arsenals Sweaborg destroyed; and why should we attach less honour to this last gallant deed, because science and skill had taught our men to deal a great blow on the enemy, without entailing a corresponding loss on the allied fleets? (Cheers) He must not talk too long of the war. though he was quite sure that the hearts of all went along with him. They had met for a peaceable object, yet he might say that in the present war, the surest foundation was laid for future peace. France and England had blended their interest in one common cause - England winning the greater glory perhaps Alma and Inkerman, and France the Mamelon and Malakhoff Those ancient rivals had quenched their former animosities in one battle field, and one united shout of victory. (Cheers). Their friendship was not the mere alliance of courts and diplomatists; but it was the heartfelt respect and regard which nation gave to nation. (Loud cheers.) He was sorry that there was no Crimean officer present to return thanks for the array ; but on the part of the navy there was one who had seen service in every part of the world —his friend, Capt.Phelps—(Cheers)—and who he believed might return thanks for the army too,. having served in former wars. For the sake of the navy, he (the Chairman,) regretted that Capt. Phelps was not in the Black Sea—having been sent home invalided—to reap the honours he would there have won; but for the sake of the meeting, he rejoiced because they had him here as a specimen of what good stuff sailors were made of. (Cheers.) He could tell them what the sailors had done, and what they were ever ready to do when England called for their services. (Loud cheers.)

Capt. Phelps. in returning thanks for the branch of the service to which he belonged, said he had a great deal rather be where his comrades were. (Cheers.) He fought at Odessa, and was glad that he was there; and although he was now here returning thanks, he might shortly. if it was the will of her Majesty. be carrying on the British flag with honour. (Loud cheers.)

The Chairman then proposed “The health of the Bishop and clergy of the diocese." He congratulated the county of Somerset on having at last a real bishop among them — a working man, and a very kind hearted one. He was glad to have such man in the county, and he was also glad to see so many of his friends of the clergy present to support him. It showed that they considered their own interests and those of their parishioners identical. He should couple with the toast the name of Mr. Mead as vicar the parish. When a stranger came into the town and saw the beautiful parish church, which was at once the admiration of the neighbourhood, and ornament of the town, he might naturally ask whom they had to thank for its restoration The answer was Mr. Mead. (Cheers.) had also done a great deal for the town, and they well knew with what success he had watched over and promoted its interests. (Cheers.)

The Rev.R J. Mead said he could not but perceive in the compliment that had been paid to the Bishop and Clergy, the respect which was borne to the office which, under God's Providence, they held; and he also accepted it is an acknowledgement that the clergy were most deeply and truly interested in the prosperity of the country. He congratulated the agricultural interest of the neighbourhood on having premises provided where they might conveniently transact their business; and his fellow townsmen on having a building which greatly contributed to ornament the town, and would he hoped also contribute to its prosperity. (Cheers) The rev gentleman then proposed the health of Mr. Hobhouse. of Hadspen. the Chairman of the Directors of the Market Company, and of the Directors in general.

The Chairman, in returning thanks on behalf of the Board, expressed his regret that Mr. Hobhouse was not present to preside; but they all knew the cause of big absence, and sympathised with him in his sorrow. In the progress of the undertaking, his business-like habits, constant attention and general courtesy had greatly contributed to its success. On behalf of the directors, he might say that during the time they worked together, they had been most united board. He did not mean a unanimous board—(a laugh) —because it would be contrary almost to human nature —certainly to English nature, if everyone agreed on the same subjects: but on the occasions when there had been difference of opinion. the minority had always deferred to the wishes and vote? of the majority, and had given their best energies, with the same cordial good will to carry out those measures which were carried against them, as if they had been the measures that they had most at heart. He was asked not very long ago, but he was bound to say that it was not by an inhabitant of that town or resident of that neighbourhood, why they had built a new market-house at Castle Cary, and founded a new market? His reply was very easy. He said that they were not, like many gentlemen in other towns, building a market house to fish for a market—that they did not aspire to lead public of pinion. but were merely following in its wake. The farmers and dealers of the neighbourhood had already made that town the centre of one of the best cattle markets in the district; and they were only providing accommodation for the increased requirements of the market in erecting a new building. That market was no creature of interest. It was not propped by the land owners, or petted by the towns people. or nursed merely by the farmers of the adjacent country. For many years the Castle Cary market had dwindled away, and become almost nonentity ; but the farmers and dealers found it good situation for a market, and they had made it, within the last few years, one of the best in the district They had made the market themselves. (Cheers ) But those who fed cattle also grew corn and made butter and cheese, and they liked to carry their produce to the same centre. The corn market had not been started in any spirit of jealousy, or in a hostile feeling towards any other town, but merely in the spirit of free competition, to provide for the wants of those farmers who actually attended the cattle market. (Cheers). The company was also alive to the consideration that a railway—long enough proposed. he was sorry to say— would pass through the district; and if the name of the Great Western had not become a bye-word for broken promises—he should have hoped to see some gentlemen coming to the town by railway that day. But sure it was that it must be opened in short time, and the coming of the railway would naturally bring great facilities for dealers from all parts of the country to attend, and for the removal of the product bought. He saw an earnest of what the market would be, in the number who attended that day. and the produce that had been displayed below. They need not be afraid, if they brought produce, to find a plenty of buyers in a rising market, for dealers would come wherever produce was exposed for sale. It might be little inconvenient them for the next month or two. but with spring would come the railway, and with it Castle Cary would be found to be the best centre and most convenient mart both for farmers and dealers of all the adjoining district. With the prospect of such a market before them, what had the directors done to provide accommodation? Below they had raised an arcade where corn might be pitched ; and it was as light as the most anxious inspector of a market could desire. There was a space behind for general market purposes, into which it might be necessary to throw more light upon some future occasion. If he were a butcher, there was raised platform where he might dispose his meat, in the best possible point of view for those who desired to buy. It was difficult, having selected a site in the centre of the town, where space was of course valuable, to put as much as possible into so small a space ; but with the addition of a little greater height to the building, there had been provided what he thought the farmers would say were very good stalls. proof against their great enemies dirt and dung. But there was also a public room well calculated for meetings, and no one could rejoice more than he did to see it then so well filled. (Cheers.) There had been no forcing—no invitations were sent out; but those gentlemen who attended had assisted him in the endeavour to get the fullest possible room at the opening of the market. In addition to the assembly room there was a reading room- Now education—popular education especially —was one of those subjects which was always most worthy the attention of the statesman and the citizen, had become one of the most popular topics of the platform orator. They need fear no declamatory speech from him ; for he was not one of those who thought that mere Mechanics' Institutes, and the opening of reading rooms would at once enlighten the inhabitants of town; but, there was a great real practical use that reading rooms were calculated to be of. Every one in the present day wished to be abreast with the current the times, and to know the history of what passed in own days. Who was there that had not friends at the war, and would read the public journals to learn about them? Who was there that had no interest in reading them —the capitalist in the price of the funds—the tradesman in the circular prices—the farmer in the rise of the markets; and where were they to find all these but in the public papers? He might add, with regard to the townsmen, that the addition of lectures was calculated to do a great deal of good Lectures were not only of use to the lectured but also a means of instruction to the lecturer. They tended to make him better acquainted with his subject —and enabled him better to condense it. when required, or point the moral where one was to found. They were a great advantage to the lectured and were a source of agreeable amusement on winter's evening. He hoped that his friend, Mr. Mead, would be well supported in the new reading room as he had been in the last. (Cheers.) This might perhaps be said to be a subject rather for the townspeople than for the farmers; but for them it was proposed to lay the newspapers and books on the table of that room on every market day. and to admit those who attended the market, on payment of a penny at the doors. He had now told them what had been done but as representing the Board of directors, he was not afraid to make clean breast of it. and tell at what expense they had done it. They had been able to purchase the site and provide the accommodation which the meeting had seen ; and when all the charges were paid the total cost would be under the sum of £3000 (Cheers ) He believed that in no other town in the neighbourhood had an equally convenient building been erected at so small an expense. It would be observed, on inspecting the list of shareholders, that the landowners' of the neighbourhood, with very few exceptions (and those exceptions would readily occur to every one) had done their duty in promoting the undertaking; and they would find the names of the principal townspeople and great many farmers. But still, like many another public company, there were a few more shares to be taken—and but a few. He should ask some of those gentlemen who had attended that day— not to take large amount of shares —but take a single one each, which would enable the company to start free from any debt whatever—more than could be said of most public undertakings. (Cheers) But they might reasonably ask what were the prospects of the shareholders. The charges of the market had been based upon the best possible financial principle—that of making very low charges in the hope of getting great deal of custom. For corn, the same rates had been adopted as were taken at Shepton Mallet, without similar accommodation. The only alteration was that, instead of paying a shilling for unloading every waggon, there would be a shilling on every first sack pitched in the market, and nothing for unloading. The object was that all who brought corn to the market might pay, and that they might not charge the gentleman who came from a distance for unloading waggon, while, as he was informed was the case at Shepton, those who lived close by pitched their sacks for nothing. In the other charges the Company had been guided those of the Highbridge market had had an interview with the hon secretary of that market, which was well known to be a very successful one ; and that gentleman told him that charges had been fixed upon that were considered quite a nominal rent, in order to ensure a large supply. The Company adopted the same charges, because they were quite assured that low rates and ample custom would bring in very good dividend. (Cheers ). He did not take the opening day altogether as a guide; but when he looked on the number of gentlemen there were around him, he was quite sure that there need be no fear, either for those who attended the market, or who took shares in the company. (Cheers.) The hon. and learned gentleman then concluded by proposing the health of “Sir Hugh Hoare, the Lord of the Manor Castle Cary ."who, he said, had rendered every assistance to the undertaking. (Cheers.)

Mr. King, of Manor Farm, was called on to respond and stated that Sir Hugh had not only contributed towards the market but given up his claim to toll. He had also assisted In the restoring of their beautiful church, towards which he gave nearly £200 and from what (Mr. King) had heard him say he believed it would always be pleasure to him to do anything in his power to promote the interests of the town. (Cheers).

The Chairman proposed " the health of the agriculturists who support, and intend to support the market." No one who had known the neighbourhood long could pass through it without seeing that great agricultural improvements had taken place. There were better draining, better corn, more cows kept for cheese, fewer weeds, better hedges, better instruments and better cultivation in every respect, and all this was due to the improving agriculturists many of whom he saw around him. The hon. gentleman coupled with the toast the names of Mr. Shute. Mr. Lush and Mr. Young, of Yarlington, as representing the districts which they resided.

H. Shute, Esq , said there was an old proverb in Latin which he should not repeat because would not be understood—(laughter,) —but the plain English of it " he gives twice who gives quickly." He might apply this to himself, rising thus early to return thanks for the honour that had been done to him and his brother farmers. He little expected to meet in that large and elegant room such an assembly as he now saw; and yet. when he considered the character and respectability of the farmers of the neighbourhood, there appeared no reason why it should not expected. He thought he might safely say, after seeing that building, and hearing what he had heard today, that both his own face and his sample would often be seen in the Castle Cary Market. (Cheers). He believed there was every reason —and he wished to do no disparagement to any market in his own immediate vicinity —to expect, that with the excellent roads there were, and the extraordinary facilities for disposing of corn and other produce which the railway would afford. Castle Cary would become distinguished place among the towns of the neighbourhood. With regard to improvements in farming, he could not help thinking that his excellent friend (the Chairman) while he had been rising in his profession rapidly, which he could not do without a great deal of study of Coke and Littleton and other books, must also have turned over with good effect the leaves cf Stevens's Book of Farm" (Laughter and cheers) He had given them a lesson to day by which they ought to profit; and he hoped they would remember that the fewer weeds there were in their parcels, the more creditable it would be to them. (Cheers). ,

Mr. Hawkins of Yarlington, in the absence of the other gentlemen who were named by the Chairman, who had left the room. also returned thanks.

The Chairman then proposed " the town and trade of Castle calling upon Mr. Grey to return thanks for the resident gentlemen; Mr. Matthews for the manufacturers, and Mr. Buncombe for the tradesmen.

The Rev. F. Grey responded, expressing briefly the great interest he felt in all matters connected with the town, and his earnest wish for the prosperity of the market.

Mr Matthews and Mr. Buncombe also briefly returned thanks.

The next toast was "the health of the honorary secretary. Mr. Russ," proposed by the Rev. F. Grey, who highly praised the valuable services rendered by that gentleman during the time the work had been in progress.

Mr. Russ said that the company had done him too much honour in thus acknowledging the very trifling services which he had been enabled to render. lt would have been out of his power to have done anything towards raising that handsome building, or to have been of any service to the town, if it had not been for the assistance he had received. No one ever had the pleasure or honour of working with parties who were more ready to set their shoulders to the wheel. Gentlemen had attended not merely to see what was going on, and get the credit of a good work, but they had come ready furnished with the law of the subject. And it was not a trifle that was necessary for this purpose, he could assure them. He hoped that notice would be taken of the sums in which undertakings of this kind were mulcted. There were now two companies established for the benefit of the town, (the Market Company and the Gas Company). and he hoped that both of them would prove successful; but he did not think they ought to be taxed as they were. There bad been no less a sum than £87 odd paid for costs connected with this undertaking ; and he would engage to say that for the Gas Works there was not less ; and this had nothing to do with the conveyance of the sites, or anything of the sort; but was merely for the registration. Mr Russ than paid compliment to the chairman of the Board of Directors, observing that gentleman so much good temper and kindness he had seldom met with; but it was not only the gentlemen of the neighbourhood who had taken an interest in the undertaking. but also the ladies. (Cheers). There was one lady who, more than any one he knew had entered into the undertaking, and who with her pencil had sketched very nearly the present building He referred to Mrs. Thing, whose health he begged to propose. (Cheers).

The Chairman briefly acknowledged the toast, and proposed" the health of the architect (Mr. Penrose) and the builder. (Mr. Davis)” Great credit he said, was due for the ingenuity which had been displayed in adapting the building to a difficult site had heard fault found with it; but although peculiar in its character he believed it was perfectly true to the style of architecture to which it belonged. No work could be carried out without good builder, and in this instance every thing had been executed well. Perhaps Mr. Davis had been somewhat dilatory in finishing the work ; but he hoped he would be able to make good defence for not completing it earlier. (Cheers).

Mr. Davis, said that he hoped the execution of the work would be found satisfactory. It was sometimes the case that too much haste was the worst speed, and when completed he trusted they would have no reason to find fault with the builder, or retract the compliment they bad paid him. (Cheers).

The Chairman, in proposing " the Press” took occasion to find fault with the criticising of “General Journalism." on the proceedings of the war. He complained that the license of a land of freedom and the privilege of Englishmen to grumble were too much made use of; and, in reference to the comments made on the attack on the Redan, he remarked on the difference in the distance the French and had to go; and contended that, if reserves had been sent out, might only have been to be slaughtered. (Cheers).

The toast was duly acknowledged.

The Chairman the health's of those who had contributed towards the market, and market house, to which Mr. Penrose, the architect, who had just entered the room, responded. This was the last toast; and the Chairman soon afterwards left the room. The vacant post was taken by Capt. Phelps, under whose presidency a convivial evening was spent.

Several glees were sung in the course of the afternoon The singers were, from some mis arrangement, late in their attendance, but when they did come, they contributed much to the gratification the company.

Ditcheat is the vilage for cheesmaking Shepton Mallet Journal Friday 3rd February 1961

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 20:06:51 GMT

Ditcheat is the Village for cheesemaking

Ditcheat is home to one of the largest Farmhouse Cheesemakers, cheese has been made on the 40 odd farms in the village for hundred of years.

These links are to a report in the Mid-Somerset Series newspapers published in 1961.

Page 1 Page 2

1,200 years in the making

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 19:38:29 GMT

1,200 years in the making

I found this image on the internet, two features stand out - no clock face and the weather vane is where we now have a flag pole.

I am sharing text copied from the Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 27 May 1932 which I accessed from www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. I hope this will give you some insight into or heritage.

DITCHEAT

PARISH CHURCH RESTORED.

IMPRESSIVE DEDICATION SERVICE.

The great work of restoring the beautiful Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Ditcheat, has now been completed, and on Tuesday afternoon a special dedication service of thanksgiving was held in the Church, which was filled to its full capacity, invitations having been sent to one and all who had helped the laudable work since 1920. Tuesday was in every way a great day - red-letter day—for the parish; it marked-the completion of a long cherished ambition, and brought Bishop, Clergy and Laity together in joyful thanksgiving. Few who were privileged to attend the rededication of the Church bells by the late Bishop Kennion, on a gloriously fine summer’s afternoon, some 12 years ago, would recognise the interior the Church, for the more recent restoration, including the re-seating, has completely changed the old order of things, and all is now new and polished.

The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. H. H. Tripp and the preacher was the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Rev. S. J. B. Wynne Willson. Other clergy present were; Preb. Ross (vicar of Claverton), Preb. Maclean (rector of Dinder), Preb. Bennett (vicar of Pilton), Preb. H. J. Ker Thompson (vicar of Publow), Rev. T. E. Townsend, R.D. (vicar of Coxley), Rev. C. C. Lock (rector of West Pennard), Rev. G. Wright (rector of East Pennard), Rev. J. Day (rector of Kingweston), Rev. A. Burney (Oldfield), Rev. L. S. Lewis (St. John’s, Glastonbury),-. Rev. Curtis. (East Lydford), Rev. C. Mitchell (North Wootton), and the Rev. J. Jarvis (organising secretary, Church Pastoral Aid Society).

The service took the form of shortened evensong. and opened with the hymn ‘“We love the place, O God.” the Psalm being “How amiable are Thy dwellings.” The first lesson was read by Preb. Bennett, and the second by Rev. Townsend. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were set to Barthold Tours in F., and the anthem, beautifully rendered by the choir, was Stainers - “O clap your hands.”

Other hymns sung were “Now thank all our God,” and “Lift the strain of high thanksgiving”

In his address to the large congregation, the Bishop said was a real pleasure for him to be there and rejoice with them in the completion of that great task. It seemed to him a most wonderful and notable achievement that in twelve years, a village no larger than theirs should have collected so very large a sum -over £4,000. It was the same where ever he went, large sums of money had to be raised, and the marvellous thing was that it was done. It was a striking tribute to the devotion of the people in their country parishes of Somerset to the religious life of their villages, which was beyond all praise.

Their readiness to respond to the appeal came in answer to enthusiasm, energy and untiring faith of the Rector. Speaking on the erection of the beautiful village churches throughout Somerset, the Bishop said that in those days men seemed to dwell near to God, because they were nearer to nature in the days before industrialism and materialism.

A collection was taken reduce the £85 deficit on the scheme, and following the service the visitors adjourned to the schools where tea was served.

A FEW NOTES ON THE CHURCH .

The Church is cruciform in plan, with a centre tower of which the lower part is late twelfth century, and the oldest part of the building now standing. The Chancel was re-built the 13th Century, the windows being beautifully hooded specimens of geometrical tracery (cinquefoil architrave) of character rare in this country, but presenting a considerable resemblance to some of the work in Tintern Abbey (1280). In the time of Henry VI, about the middle part of the 16th Century, 1422 to 1470, the Nave and Transepts were re-built, and the Tower raised a stage higher. The pointed arches supporting the tower formed a barrier between the Nave and Chancel. The Chancel was laid open to the two transepts by “Squints” reaching down to the level of the floor, through which processions could walk, the ancient oak door to that at the South Transept being still in position. The beauty of the chancel seems to have preserved from destruction and, as at the neighbouring Church at Pilton, the walls were raised to range with the Transepts and Nave, and a row Clerestory windows inserted at the same time. These alterations were carried out by Dean Gunthorpe, Rector of Ditcheat, also Dean of Wells and private Chaplain to King Edward IV. during 1465 to 1498.

On the exterior of the Chancel on the battlements of the parapet are shields, carved in stone, . bearing the arms of Rectors of Ditcheat, among which are those Bishop Stillington, 1466-91, Abbot Solwood 1457-93, and Dean Gunthorpe 1465-98. The work was therefore contemporary with that of Pilton, carried out by Precentor Overay in 1471-98.

Some fragments of painted glass escaped the axes and hammers of the Puritans and the figures of St. James and St. Phillip appear in the South Transept. The tie-beam roofs of oak in pannels over the Nave and Transepts are very beautiful with richly carved beams and spandrels.

The pulpit and reading desk are Jacobean, cut down from the Leir pew.

In the north aisle is a “hatchment” with elaborate armorial bearings of Sir Robert Hopton, a Royalist and proprietor in this Parish. The Manor House on the north side of the church-yard, was built for his son.

The following notes were found written in an ancient Parish Book discovered in the old oak chest at present in the Church “In the year 824 Ditcheat Church was built. In the year 851 the Saxon name of the Parish was Dicheas Wite. The whole number of houses 167, inhabitants 1002. The Parish contains 6,000 acres of land. In the year 1292 Ditcheat Church was valued at 27 marks. The Church was dedicated St. Mary Magdalene in the “Reign of Henry the Third 1216 to 1272”.

At the Reformation period the Rood Beam across the Nave Arch, was probably pulled down ; the corbel supports are still there, and the approach to the same still exists.

There was also west-end gallery erected about 1753, but this was removed in 1850.

The Chancel Screen (date 1630) being in a very dilapidated condition, was taken down about 1860. The original Rectory House, called at that time a Vicarage, and built by Adam de Sodbury, Abbot Glastonbury, in 1331, was destroyed by fire in 1680, and on the old site is now a Farm House called the Abbey Farm. Since 1680 the house now called “The Priory.” built John Gunthorpe in 1473, became the Rectory, but this again was exchanged for the present Rectory House in 1893. In the outer hall the Priory can be seen a finely carved screen recording names and arms of successive Rectors of Ditcheat since 1433.

A celebrated Rector of Ditcheat was one Richard Alleine, Rector here for 53 years, a noted Puritan preacher. He died in 1656, and some of his sermons are still in existence, written in his own neat handwriting. Robert Baskett succeeded, but was shortly after evicted by the Cromwellian Parliament, and one Tobias Tidcombe (a son-in-law of Richard Alleine) was intruded in his place. After a few. years came the Restoration, when the said Tobias Tidcombe was evicted in his turn and Robert Baskett restored to his old home at Ditcheat.

During the Cromwellian persecution, much damage was done to the Church, coloured windows smashed, etc. The ornamental head the Churchyard Cross, date 1332, was knocked off, and recovered in 1860 in the ditch by the Manor House garden. Its remains are now resting in a “piscins” in the south transept. Similarly a holy water stoop was discovered lately in the moat at the present Priory, and restored to its old niche in the domestic Chapel there. At the dissolution and spoliation of the Abbey of Glastonbury the 16th Century, A.D. 1646, Sir Ralph Hopton purchased for £1,122 from King Henry VIII. the whole parish of Ditcheat and the various Manorial rights. This Sir Ralph Hopton while building a mansion at Evercreech Park, in the next parish, lived for a time at the present Priory, while the present Manor House was built by his son.

Later on, about 1643, his grand nephew. Sir Robert Hopton, who had espoused the Royalist cause, was the celebrated “Cavalier General” who was created Lord Hopton on winning the Battle of Stratton, 1643.

Under Cromwell, his property at Ditcheat was confiscated, and he died in exile at Bruges. At the Restoration (Charles II., 1660), his daughters recovered the estates, and their husbands sold them, also the Advowson of the Living about 1669. Mr. Thomas Leir, of Charlton Musgrove, Somerset, bought three-quarters of their estate, and Mr. Edward Dawe, of Dorset. bought the Manor House (Ditcheat House as it was then called), and the remainder of the Hopton estate, There were two Manors in the Parish. The Abbey (Glastonbury) Manor (carrying the rights of Free Warren) and The Crown Manor. In 1670, Mr. Leir, of Charlton Musgrove, bought the presentation the Living of Ditcheat for his son, Thomas Leir, who was presented in 1699 and about 1720 he bought the Advowson the Living for £1,020, and thus that branch of the Leir family have held the Living for the last 230 years, during which there have been six Leir Rectors.

In the Chancel the following inscriptions on stone were covered up when the Chancel floor was tiled:-

“To the memory Richard Alleine, Rector of Ditcheat, Who died June 28th 1656, aged 78 years.” "In hope of a blessed resurrection here lyeth the body of Rev. Dr. Christopher Coward, late Rector of this Parish. A man of justice most strict and exemplary, and In patience and meekness a pattern truly Christian died 16th April. 1699, aged 69 years.”

Discoveries made the restoration of the Church in 1931:-

A beautiful fresco painting (13th Century) of St. Christopher.
A fine rood screen doorway (13th century), and also a rood loft doorway (13th century).
A 12th century window in the West Front of the Tower.
A fresco painting, believed to 13th century, of the transfiguration, not yet uncovered, above the central arch of the Tower facing West above rood screen.

STATEMENT BY RECTOR .

As Rector of this Parish I should like to thank, on behalf of our Parishioners, all those kind people living outside our Parish, in the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Devonshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, and in Bristol, London, and in New Zealand, Canada and United States of America, who have so generously sent donations for the restoration of our Church: we are indeed most grateful to them all.

Of the £2,600 raised, not reckoning the £1,731 raised for the Church bells and tower restoration, £1,447/16/10 has been from inside the Parish, and £1,052/3/2 outside our Parish. We parishioners need no thanks for the money we have given, it has been a great privilege and joy to have taken part in the restoration of our beautiful Church, denied so many other generations of parishioners of Ditcheat. The restoration has been carried out in three separate stages. The first stage in the years 1920 to 1924, when we restored our Church bells, tower and clock, at total cost of £1,731/16/4; the money for this was chiefly raised in the parish of Ditcheat itself. No. 2 stage, the most difficult joy of all, from the years 1229, the renewing of the floors, seating, walls, heating apparatus, the restoration of the roofs of chancel, north transept, south and north aisle roofs, etc., at a cost £1,791/8/6. For this second stage we are greatly indebted to Brig.-General J. A. Gibbon, C.M.G., who, besides being the second most generous subscriber to the funds, most kindly undertook the supervision and direction of the entire work free of charge, thus saving the parish considerable further expenditure. The third stage, from 1931 to 1932, which has just been completed, the restoration of the nave and south transept roofs, the restoration of the pinnacles, parapets and gables, etc., at cost of £793/18/10, under the direction of Mr. W. D. Caroe, the Diocesan Architect. The contractor employed for this third stage has been Mr. P. L. Blevins, of Glasgow, who has carried out the work most satisfactorily. Mr. Blevins has also kindly undertaken to open out and restore the lately discovered beautiful 13th century fresco painting of St. Christopher at his own expense, free of any charge.

What has further not been included the expense of the restoration is the opening up of the doorways on to the rood screen and rood loft, the cost which has been entirely borne by Major-General R. L. Leir-Carleton, who also paid for the restoration of the pinnacles, parapets and gables, and was the most generous subscriber to the whole cost of the restoration.

I must also mention the great deal of gratitude which is owing from the parish, the Church Council, and myself, to the Churchwardens, Mr. A. G. Barber and Mr. R. N. Look, who have been ungrudging in their labours and assistance, Mr. Barber right throughout the entire restoration, from the bells restoration to the finish, and Mr. R. N. Look in the two last stages. The total cost of the three stages of the restoration has been £4,317/3/8 all paid for, with the exception of £85/7 /4.

To the Rector, Churchwardens, and all who have helped in the noble work, we accord our hearty congratulations.

Somerset Churches from The Somerset Guardian Friday 8th October 1948

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 19:18:03 GMT

The article contains a compliment to the bells, and reference to the smashing of the church yard cross by Cromwellian forces. The illustration is the column without the sundial that is in place today.

The sundial was in situ above the south door entrance we use today, it was a heavy piece of masonry which was judged to be not sufficiently secure and risk to life if it were to topple. In recent times it was removed and fixed to the church yard cross.

Ditcheat Church Bells are 100 years old on 14th December 1920

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 17:16:28 GMT

Ditcheat Church Bells are 100 years old

Ditcheat Church has one of the finest ring of eight bells in the land, through this website I hope to tell the story of how this came about and the people that promoted the art of bell ringing and left the legacy we are proud of today.

The name Thomas Gifford Vincent is synonymous with Bell Ringing in Ditcheat, because there were two, father and son, successive in the role of Tower Captain. Trawling the newspaper reports of the Ditcheat Ringers Annual Supper, It appears that TG Vincent sn. began ringing in 1850 becoming Tower Captain in 1888 and was still a grandee at the Annual Supper in 1920.

TG Vincent sn. at the 1906 Supper, in responding to the Toast to the Bell Ringers said “I hope to be spared a few more years to see things go on as satisfactorily as they have been in the past, and that when it is time give up the work, my successor will strive to maintain the same efficiency.” He was referring to Tom Vincent jn. upon whom his father’s mantle was expected to fall.

Due to the War the Suppers were suspended in 1915 and resumed in 1919, it is thought Tom Vincent jn. became Tower Captain some time in this period and was the driving force in the 1921 restoration.

The Annual Ringers Supper reports found in The Shepton Mallet Journal Archives which are accessible at British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) give a fascinating insight into the people and the Church life in the village.

To set the scene, this LINK is to the 1893 report, at time before the 1902 renovation when the bells were not in good order and very hard to ring. I understand that the ringers were paid for their services and that cider and ale were probably consumed in ringing chamber to quench thirst from the hard labour.