Notices

Somerset Climate Emergency

Earlier this year, all five Somerset councils declared or recognised ‘climate emergencies’, agreeing to work together to produce a joint Climate Emergency Strategy. The strategy will identify ways for Somerset to work towards being carbon neutral by 2030 and adapt to predicted climate change impacts.

A series of drop in events will be held on Saturdays, between 10am and 4pm at the following venues:

  • 18 January, Somerset West and Taunton. The Glassbox, Taunton Library, Paul Street, TA1 3XZ.
  • 8 February, Sedgemoor District Council. The Sedgemoor Room, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR.
  • 15 February, Mendip District Council. The Council Chamber, Mendip District Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT.
  • 22 February, South Somerset District Council. Vicarage Street Methodist Church, Vicarage Street, Yeovil, BA20 1JB.

Open to residents, businesses, groups and anyone with an interest, the drop-ins will be a chance to discuss the initial thoughts of the five councils set out in a ‘framework’ document.  There will be a family craft area at each event and a ‘pop up cafe’ with guest speakers on topics linked to protecting the environment.

They will be seeking feedback on whether the work so far focusses on the right areas, covers everything it should and whether there are actions that communities could take forward themselves.

Further details is available here.

An online survey will also be available between 6 January and 19 February 2020 Somerset-Climate-Change-Survey

 

Temporary Road Closure

RCNWS12515 – Knighton Lane in the parish of Stogursey; from the junction with Shurton Road, north-westwards for a distance of 300 metres.

Proposed commencement date is 14th January 2020 and the works are expected to last for 3 days (08.00 – 17.00hrs).

 

This order will enable KN Network Services to carry out new pole installation and tree trimming works on behalf of BT Openreach in this road.


The Order becomes effective on 14th January 2020 and will remain in force for eighteen months. These closures are to be part of phased works.


Please visit www.one.network for further information on the alternative route. Advanced warning signs will be installed 10 days prior to the commencement of works for each closure.


For information about the works being carried out please contact KN Network Services (Alex) on 07976 918303.


Patrick Flaherty
Chief Executive
Dated: 10th January 2020

Sir Reginald Neville Howse VC – Local Hero

Sir Reginald Neville Howse VC – Local Hero

By Steve Lee

For nearly twenty five years now I have been part of a small research team of four who collate information and record memorials to those awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), Britain’s highest military gallantry award for actions in the face of the enemy. The aim of the group has always been to create a definitive record of all memorials worldwide in order to ensure that no VC is ever forgotten. The work is currently being added to a memorial website www.memorialstovalour.co.uk

Living in Somerset I have a particular interest in all VCs connected to the county which brings me to the purpose of this article. Although he spent much of his life in Australia, Sir Neville Reginald Howse VC was born in Stogursey on 26th October 1863, much of his life is well document but I have been unable to find much out about his early life in Somerset. Through this article I was hoping that someone in the area may be able to tell me more about Sir Neville’s early life. There are many references to him being born in Stogursey but none give anything more specific and this is one of many questions I’d hope to find the answer to. Local knowledge tends to be a very useful resource so with this in mind I’d appeal to anyone who may know more to contact me via the email address below or on the telephone number also included.

What is commonly known is that Sir Neville was the son of Alfred and Lucy Howse; Alfred was a surgeon. He attended Fullard’s House School, Taunton and went on to study medicine at London Hospital (M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P). Due to declining health he migrated to New South Wales where he registered to practice in December 1889.

In January 1900, he was commissioned into the New South Wales Medical Corps and sailed out to South Africa to help with the Australian Forces during the Second Boer War. During action at Vredefort on 24th July ‘he went out under heavy crossfire and picked up a wounded man and carried him to a place shelter’. For this act he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

His achievements after this point continued to show how remarkable a man he was, his contribution to medical care, particularly in the Armed Forces doubtlessly saved many lives. I do him little credit by not expanding on his life after his VC action but I’m mindful of not taking up to much of your local publications.

In conclusion, I appeal to anyone who may be able to add any information regarding his early days in Stogursey to contact me. My email address is stevelee@memorialstovalour.co.uk or telephone 07551191070.

I’d also be very keen to look at the possibility of erecting some form of memorial to Sir Neville in the village which I’d hope would be befitting of a very special ‘Son of Stogursey’.

School Admission Arrangements 2021/22 Consultation

School Admission Arrangements

2021/22 Consultation

 Have Your Say

School admissions arrangements for children who are due to start or transfer school for the 2021-22 school year, and those moving schools during the 2021-22 school year will be consulted on for a minimum period of 6 weeks ending 31 January 2020.

This consultation applies to a number of schools and academies throughout Somerset.

This consultation period allows parents, other schools, religious authorities and the local community to raise any comments or concerns about proposed admission arrangements.

To view the consultation (live from 9 December) please visit https://www.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/school-admissions-policy/.

Somerset County Council                                                                             
County Hall, Taunton
Somerset, TA1 4DY