Dear Editor,

As a recently retired 'Copper' as well as having been the last West Coker Residential Beat Officer (or 'Village Bobby' if you wish).  I was very interested to learn that we now have our own Police Officer (again), albeit having to 'share' him with our neighbours in. East Coker, Odcombe. and East Chinnock.  The Officer we have is PC Ian Stamper whom I've known for more than 15 years and who, I'm sure, will provide a vastly improved and conscientious service to ours and the other villages.  I've spoken to Ian a few times recently and he is very keen to 'put himself about' on our behalf and it's up to us to give him our full support.
I must say, however, that I personally have mixed feelings about how this scheme was brought to fruition.  On the one hand I must give a big vote of thanks to Mr Berkeley and his Group, who are of course based in the village, for their generous sponsorship to the Avon and Somerset Constabulary coffers, thereby making it all possible.
On the negative side, as far as I'm concerned, it is somewhat regrettable that this is the (only?) way whereby our village is granted regular Police 'cover'.  What about the entitlement which should be the right of taxpayers who already fund our Public Services?  Why should Mr Berkeley's Group even have to see the need to supplement a budget supposedly already in place for such a service?
It's a sad indictment of the times which has seen the village Police Station closed (for ever) by one Chief Constable who deemed it dispensable, only for his successor to ride in a la Dick Turpin 7 years later and to partially redress that 'wrong' by dint of, in my view, highly questionable and mercenary means.

What, me?  Bitter and twisted?  Perish the thought.  A happy and crime free new year to you all.

Fred McLoughlin

Dear Editor,

It was great taking part in such a happy show and I think it only right and proper to confer some well deserved gratitude on a group of very hardworking people.
No, I don't mean those of us who found it necessary to have our fragile vanity sated by treading the boards (or stage blocks in our case) and thereby receiving (tumultuous?) applause from a (rapt and adoring?) public.
No, I refer of course to those 'Guys & Dolls' behind the scenes without whose unselfish and sterling efforts there would have been no show.  I'm not going to mention individuals, but I just wanted to pass on my thanks to each and every one of you for the starring roles you all played.

Fred McLoughlin

Dear Editor,

The Rodbard Trust was formed during the 19th Century to aid the poor and needy who reside within the Parish of West Coker.  A modest annual income is generated from the rental of land at Foxcroft, Gooseacre Lane, West Coker.
If there is anyone who feels that they would benefit from this Charity, or would wish to remember the Trust in their Will, then they are requested to contact the Trustees for further information.
Trustees:  Rev R Terrell,

The Parish Council will be displaying the final plans for the refurbishment of the children's playground at Halves Lane at their next meeting on 25th January.  Advice has been sought from other Parish Councils and the District Council and when the plans are approved, an application for grants towards the work will be made.
The Commemoration Fund is backing the Parish Council's plan and having asked permission to use Jack Goodland's name, intend to hold the first fund raiser on the 24th February at The Recreation Club.
We know that the Parish Council has put aside money for the purchase of play equipment and for its future maintenance but to give our village children a good set of equipment will need extra money.  The Commem. Fund would like all village groups to consider the play area in their year's programme of events as The Company and Garden Festival already have.