Clubs - Societies - Churches

Badminton Club

We meet at Neroche Hall most Monday afternoons from 2.00pm to 4.00pm (depending on how many turn up!)  We all tend to be mature, friendly fun loving people, eager to let off steam & keep fit.  Our numbers have been dwindling in recent months as people move away etc. so we would be pleased to welcome new players, beginners and otherwise.

Contacts: Molly Reynolds T: 01823 332 938
Daphne Brightwell T: 01823 480 548

Bell Ringers

Staple Fitzpaine

St. Peter’s Church Bell Ringers practice every Friday from 8 till 9pm

Bellringing is an ancient art and performs a service to the community. We call people to worship and ring for weddings.  It is a social pastime and is very good exercise for the mind and body. Full training is given.

If you are interested in joining in, learning or just coming along to see what is involved contact Paul Hart T: 01823 480 769 or
E: paul@underhill.myzen.co.uk

Orchard Portman  

St. Michael’s Church Bell Ringers has four regular members who ring for services of obligation and Harvest.  The tower has four bells so only twenty-four changes are possible.  This is less than for a tower with five or six bells, and those wishing to progress need to move on later.  However we are happy to teach enthusiasts.  There is no fixed practice night. 

If you are interested in finding out more please contact Ken Bidgood Ken Bidgood  T: 01823 421269 or E: kenbidgood@btconnect.com

 

Bowling

The Neroche Short Mat Bowling Club has played at the Neroche Hall since 1991.  It competes in the Taunton & District Small Mat Bowling League.  Currently there are 13 registered members with ages ranging from 13 to 70.

For league match's 10 players are required to fulfil 4 games with 2 in the first half of the evening and 2 in the second half with refreshments in between.

Home games are played on Thursday evenings starting at 7:30 normally finishing between 9:30/45 and are played in both a competitive and friendly spirit. The season starts in September and finishes in April and includes pre and post season friendly match's against local sides.

Contact: R E Larkman, Chairman  E: robjoy72@googlemail.com

British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)

The BASC mission is to promote and protect sporting shooting and the
well-being of the countryside throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. We represent our members' interests by providing a voice for sporting shooting which includes wildfowling, game, and rough shooting, deer stalking, target shooting and air gunning, pigeon shooting and pest control, gun dogs, promoting practical habitat conservation, training and the setting of standards and undertaking appropriate research.

Local office: BASC, Smokey Bottom, Staple Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA3 5BL
T: 01823 480 903.  Website: www.basc.org.uk/en/in-your-area/south-west 

Café Fitz

Your community Café.   Coffee, cakes and much more.  All welcome

Open Saturdays from 10am – 12 noon at St Peter’s Church,
Staple Fitzpaine.  Look out for ‘Open’ sign.

Contact Nicky Baxter  T: 01823 480 675 or Lisa Knight  T: 01823 480 611

St Peters Church Staple Fitzpaine

The beautiful ancient church of St Peter nestles in the heart of Staple Fitzpaine providing a place for Christian worship and fellowship. St Peter’s is a church in the community and as such holds a number of events throughout the year in the church, at Neroche Hall and around the parish.  Regular events include concerts, celebration suppers, 4x4 challenges and safari suppers Rector: Rev Paul Reynolds, The Rectory, Stoke St Mary, Taunton TA3 5BX. T: 01823 444023

Church Wardens:-  Alison Brown, Battens Farm, Bickenhall TA3 6TS. 01823 480441, Mal Lee, Woodcott, Curland.  01460 234 282 Click here for times of services throughout the benefice

 

The Church of St Michael serves the community of Orchard Portman

Rector: Rev Paul Reynolds, The Rectory, Stoke St Mary, Taunton TA3 5BX. T: 01823 444023  

Click here for times of services throughout the benefice

 

Family Focus Group

An informal social and support group for women of all ages who enjoy stimulating conversation and lively discussions on a wide variety of topics.  Activities also include speakers, watching films, book reviews, a summer picnic and Christmas meal.  During the ten years the group has been running we have shared with each other, in confidence, our cares and concerns and supported each other with practical assistance and prayer. 

If you think you might like to join us please feel invited and you will be made very welcome.  Monthly meetings (except August) every third Thursday
10am – 12.30pm generally at 26 Home Orchard, Hatch Beauchamp.

Contact: Marilyn Hayward T: 01823 481 008

Folk Dance Club

The Neroche Folk Dance Club meets Monday evenings 8 - 10 pm.  Dances include “Playford” (a series of dances collected in the 17th century), “Manor House” as seen in Pride and Prejudice, American contra and barn dances.  No experience is required as all dances are “called”.

It is a small and friendly group and would welcome new members.

For more information contact Liz T: 01823 278 739 or Joy T: 01460 234 237

Garden Club

The Hatch Beauchamp and Neroche Garden Club meets once a month.  The meetings may take the form of talks by guest speakers at either the Neroche Village Hall or Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall.  Alternatively they may involve visits to local garden nurseries or gardens of particular interest.  There are also social events when members open their own gardens.

There are approximately fifty members from the local area with an interest and enthusiasm for gardening and the desire to share this with other like-minded people.  New members are welcome.

Details can be obtained from:-
Wendy Morris T: 01460 234 445 or E: staplemead@waitrose.com
Joy Larkman T: 01460 234 237 or by E: robjoy72@googlemail.com 

 

History Group

The Neroche Local History Group was formed in 2007.  It allows residents with an interest in local history the opportunity to meet and explore together the history of the Neroche Parish and surrounding areas.  Research by members is encouraged and presentation of the findings makes up about half of the meetings. We also have regular external specialist speakers.  There are occasional outings to places of historical interest.

Anyone with an interest in the history of our local villages and surroundings is welcome to join the group.  There are usually six meetings a year, held in Neroche Hall, on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7.30 to 9.00pm.

For more information please contact Jane Hole T: 01460 234 410  or E: jane.hole@tiscali.co.uk   

 

Lunch Club

The Thursday Lunch Club will meet at Neroche Village Hall usually on first Thursday of the month. Open to all but must book a place beforehand for catering numbers. Lifts can be arranged & dietary requirements dealt with if possible.

Contact: Alison Brown T: 01823 480 441

Mothers Union

The Mothers Union is a Christian organisation that promotes the well-being of families worldwide.  The Stoke St. Mary Branch was formed in 1911 and welcomes members from throughout the United Benefice.  Meetings are held either in member's homes or St. Mary's Church in Stoke St. Mary every 2nd Thursday of the month, in the afternoon, for fellowship with a varied programme of events.

Contact Elizabeth Westlake: T: 01823 442 392  or
E: cassiobury.westlake@gmail.com

 

Polo Club

Taunton Vale Polo Club - Polo is an equine team sport.  Each team has four players. A polo pitch is 350 yards long and 250 yards wide. The game consists of 4 periods called  chukkas and each chukka is 7.5 minutes duration. A polo ball is plastic and slightly bigger than a cricket ball. Polo ponies are the sports car of the horse world having very fast acceleration, are highly  maneuverable and very athletic.

Taunton Vale Polo Club, based at Orchard Portman, was founded in 1911 by the Officers of the Regimental Depot of the Somerset Light Infantry and other enthusiasts. The 2011 season, the clubs centenary year, opened in April with Polo every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon until Mid-September.

The club also run “Learn to play polo” events - see “What’s on” page.

Contact: Nick Harrison Sleap T: 01823 480 460 or E: nhs@supanet.com

Senior Citizens Club

Stoke St Mary Senior Citizens Club is a social group, open to all over 55’s, who meet at Stoke St. Mary Village Hall with different speakers or features each meeting.   The annual membership fee is £7 with a £1.50 charge per meeting for light refreshments. Regular features include a raffle, book swap and trade table. Transport can be provided (at extra cost)

From 10th May meetings will be held fortnightly, on alternate Tuesdays, until end of June, then monthly.  See also “What’s on” page.  A full programme of features and events is available. 

Contact Mrs B A Pickard  T: 01823 339986

 

St Peters Singers

St. Peter’s Choir meets weekly at St. Peter’s Church, Staple Fitzpaine, on a Thursday at 7.30pm.  We enjoy singing together and keeping our voices in tune to sing at the main church festivals.  The music is generally church choral music in 2 – 4 parts. The most important aspect of our choir is the enjoyment of singing with others.

Everyone who likes to sing is welcome – there is no need to be able to read music as the ability to learn and remember a tune is the key factor.  We do learn from music scores but it is only a guide and can be easily learnt.

Contacts: Julie Pope  T: 01823 480282 or E: juliepope@staplefarm.co.uk  or
Alison Brown T: 01823 480441 or E: alison-anthony@battensfarm.fsnet.co.uk

Walking Group

The Neroche Parish Walking Group is a friendly social group for those who enjoy walking and who would like to explore with others the beautiful countryside in which we live.  It gives residents and their friends the chance to get to know parts of the parish they are unfamiliar with.

The routes are chosen to be suitable for those walkers of all abilities.  Most are circular and last about two and a half hours.  It is usually possible to take a shorter version of the route if so desired.  Some walks are arranged around a special event, for example at bluebell time, or at mid-summer evening.

You do not need to become a member – just let us know that you are interest in coming along.  Sometimes we need to know in advance to help with arrangements.

Contact Sheila Green T: 01823 480 758 or E: sfgreen@btinternet.com
Jane Hole T: 01460 234 410 or E: jane.hole@tiscali.co.uk

 

Womens Institute

Bickenhall & District WI is a typical small rural institute that was founded in 1927.  We aim to provide a diverse programme of speakers, and activities. Anything from Wildlife conservation to Wine tasting! Our members are from all age groups, from different backgrounds and with a wide range of interests.  Somerset Federation also provides a comprehensive range of activities, visits and competitions.

We meet at Neroche Village Hall on the second Wednesday evening in the month at 7.30 p.m.  We would be pleased to hear from anyone wishing to join our friendly group. Come as a visitor and see if this is for you.  If transport is a problem we will do our best to help.

Contact: President: Pauline Phelps T: 01460 234 455  or

Secretary: Frances Alford T: 01460 234 245