NunneyVoice - Issue 2

Dear Subscriber First Name

This Summer Issue is full of news about the goings on in and around Nunney for families and visitors over the next few months. The Open Gardens, Nunney Summer Fayre and the Flower Show in September all feature, as well as a piece by the Headteacher at Nunney First School, the success of VE Day, stories about village children and many other articles. There is also a list of links to Summer activities for families and a list of useful contacts.

The response to the first NunneyVoice has been overwhelmingly positive and we have increased the number of copies printed to 1000 for this issue only. In the future there will be limited printed copies available, so please sign up for the online version. This version will be easy to use, have more detail with direct links to information and will be environmentally friendly. This means, importantly, that we keep costs down and will be able to keep producing the newsletter.

Enjoy!

NunneyVoice Team
Nunney Parish Council

IN THIS ISSUE

Postlebury Summer Party
Nunney Open Gardens
Nunney Fayre Day
Sponsor Molly & Martha
Nunney First School
Update on Nunney Castle Bridge
VE Day Celebrations
Fitness Bootcamps in Old Quarry Gardens
Survival of the Orchard
Nunney District Flower Show & Fete
Local Business Story – Organic Matters
Box building workshops in Nunney Village Hall
Little Saplings and their adventures
The Parish Council Precept
Parish Councillor vacancy

If you want to contribute to the next NunneyVoice newsletter, please reach out to nunneyvoice@nunneyparishcouncil.com

USEFUL NUNNEY CONTACTS

For a comprehensive list of local organisations, associations and services in and around our community visit Nunney Parish Council website

Amazing Auction Promises including:

~ Two nights in an apartment in Paris

~ Two nights for up to 4 people in a house in Cambridge

~ A lift to Bristol Airport and back in a luxury car

~ Piano playing for an event

~ Two hours' chainsawing

~ A sewing project (eg curtains, bunting)

~ Two days cat-sitting

~ Two hours swimming for up to 10 people in a private pool

~ A day ticket for Longleat Safari Park for two adults and two children

~ Four bottles of wine from the Wine Society

~ A freshly cut 10ft Christmas Tree (in December!)

~ Tea and cake for two in the Cafe in Nunney

~ A cake

~ Assistance with doing a tax return

~ A cubic metre of good quality part-seasoned logs

~ A ride in a Mazda MX5 sports car

~ An evening's babysitting from a qualified nanny

Buy tickets for £15

OPEN GARDENS DAY

Step into summer with a stroll through some of Nunney’s most beautiful private gardens! With over 20 gardens opening their gates for the day, it’s a rare chance to explore hidden corners, meet fellow garden-lovers, and soak up the charm of our picturesque village in full bloom.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, a peaceful wander, or just a lovely day out, Nunney Open Gardens promises colour, creativity & community spirit in abundance.

This ever popular event is organised by Nunney & District Flower Show which was set up in 1884 and our committee are very grateful for the generous support of all our garden owners.

Proceeds are used to help fund our traditional Flower Show & Village Fete and to create sponsorships for horticultural, craft, educational and environmentally-friendly and sustainable projects within Nunney which are organised by volunteers.

Free parking in the car park on Castle Hill BA11 4NL - 6 minute walk from car park to village hall
Light refreshments, cream teas and plant stall at the Village Hall
Lunches available at George Inn, Cafe at Nunney & All Saints Church

Visit Nunney Flower Show Facebook page

NUNNEY FAYRE DAY

Join us on Saturday 26th July for Nunney Fayre Day 2025 — a celebration of our historic village of Nunney, and a delightful day out.

You’ll find a wide variety of stalls, the best of local produce, delicious food, crafts and bric-a-brac, donkey rides, a dog show, performers and live music, and a packed programme of activities for children in and around the village.

Nunney Fayre Day opens at 10am on Saturday 26th July and closes at 5pm. Entry is free and parking is £5 in marshalled car parks around the village.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR THE FAYRE

This year our much-loved music will echo from a new venue, the beautiful Old Quarry Gardens. To get it ready we need your help! Join us on Sunday 20th July from noon to give this magical space a tidy-up. Whether you can spare 30 minutes or the whole afternoon, every pair of hands will make a difference. Let’s get it looking its best and show just how brilliant our village spirit can be.

SEE YOU THERE

Contact Sarah Leakey for further information

SPONSOR MOLLY & MARTHA

Molly Robinson and Martha Masters are Year 4 students at Nunney First School. This month they are doing a sponsored swim to raise funds for the school. Molly is planning on swimming 10k and Martha plans to swim 5k. Click the link below If you would like to sponsor the girls, any donation will make a huge difference and would be great encouragement to Molly and Martha.

Sponsor them

NUNNEY FIRST SCHOOL

As the school year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many memories, milestones and moments of togetherness that have shaped our school community in 2025.

My first year as Head at Nunney First School began with a bang—an unexpected visit from Ofsted! We were thrilled with the outcome, especially when the parent survey revealed that 100% of respondents would recommend our school. That’s a testament to the strong partnership between our staff, pupils and families.

School Highlights - We began the year in our brand-new, purpose-built building. A fabulous space that has inspired learning, creativity and connection. Our attendance was the highest across all schools in the Trust. We celebrated excellent phonics results, embarked on insightful trips, staged musical productions, and created countless joyful memories.

Getting to know our fantastic children and dedicated staff has been a true pleasure. I’m proud of all we have achieved together this year, and excited to build on this momentum—consolidating new initiatives and introducing fresh ones in the year ahead.

Looking Ahead - In September, we will be at full capacity with 73 pupils enrolled which is double the number from just seven years ago. This growth reflects the trust and support of our community.

To all the parents of Nunney and the surrounding areas: thank you for sending your wonderful children to our amazing school.

Here’s to a restful summer and an exciting new chapter in September!

Warm wishes,
Caroline Ford - Headteacher, Nunney First School

SUMMER IN SOMERSET

Thinking of places to go for a family day out in Somerset? We have curated some amazing summer attractions around Somerset for all the family. Visit our Summer in Somerset page on the Nunney Parish Council website.

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS

The NCA hosted a celebration of VE Day on May 11th to mark the anniversary itself and the contribution of the Village to the war effort.

The Village Hall swung to music of the period, stalls showed the privations of rationing, stories both sad and inspiring of the soldiers and people who lived here, with newspaper cuttings and photos of the period.

A map of the village from the 1939 Census was created by one of our terrific local artists with sketches of some of our beautiful buildings. Nunney School contributed fabulous May Dancing, and our own Land Girls from the Flower Show and Allotments put on a great display. The organisers were helped hugely by the archives at the Frome Museum and the memories of the people who lived and worked here.

Hundreds of people came during the afternoon and there was cake from our redoubtable volunteers. A special day did justice to a special place. Thanks to everyone who was involved and gave their time so generously.

The Nunney Community Association
www.nunney.org

Your future self will thank you for committing just four mornings this summer to improve your health and wellness led by Nunney husband and wife physical and mental health training team Beth & Theo, supported by Julie, over 50s wellness and menopause coach.

When: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd August from 10am.

Join in the fun and sign up for the fitness bootcamps.

This year we will be opening the doors earlier than usual, at 1pm, to help visitors enjoy our lunch stalls, ice cream van, bar, cafe offering light refreshments with cakes and cream teas, raffle, tombola, face-painting, a variety of games stalls including Splat-the-Rat and the Coconut Shy, together with Maypole dancing and a friendly Tug-of-War competition. So why not get together a Tug-of-War team with friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours and enter your team.

Contact Nunney Flower Show

Update on Nunney Castle Bridge

Latest update from Robbie Walker

COMMUNITY ORCHARD AT THE ALLOTMENTS

The community Orchard was created in March 2023.

A grant was obtained and with the help of the Nunney Parish Council, willing allotment volunteers and others in the community, including children and staff from Nunney First School, we planted five native fruit trees: cherry, plum, crab and cooking apple, and pear.

We also created a native hedge with plants indigenous to Britain, such as Hazel, Beech, Dog Rose, Honeysuckle and Willow.

All these plants create habitats for our wildlife, fruit and seeds for us and the birds to eat, and for insects to pollinate increasing biodiversity and interest.

The plants have done extremely well, but do require regular upkeep and maintenance.

Community participation is always welcome.

Contact Sarah Leakey

WEAVING WILLOW INTO OUR LIVES & BEYOND

Mary has been working with willow since 2011 and is a true specialist. She runs regular basketry and garden structure courses, and has been essential in consulting with the NPC on the Old Quarry Gardens Sensory & Wellness mini refurb. She has chosen to follow the calling of making coffins and feels she has found her happy place by helping people make their loved ones end of life journey more peaceful.

Mary invites you to come to her beautiful workshop and help weave part of a coffin, either for a loved one or even for yourself. Weaving your memories into a coffin is a very cathartic act and can play a major part in the process of grieving, or preparation for death. You can be involved as much as you choose, or not at all. Mary’s workshops are a safe and confidential space where you can do as you please to honour your loved one or yourself.

“From first contact, Mary was so kind, respectful and reassuringly practical. Her workshop has such a welcoming ambience and Mary herself held that time and space for us in such a sacred, yet relaxed way. I have warm memories of a quiet oasis at such a difficult time.” - Family of FW

For more information visit Mary’s website www.organic-matters.co.uk or call her on 07917 582 572.

NUNNEY ALLOTMENTS

Did you know Nunney has allotments? Taking on an allotment can represent quite a lot of hard work, especially initially, but with persistent effort the benefits are many. Working outside with nature, physical effort, growing fruit and vegetables, enjoying the peace and tranquillity, being part of a friendly like-minded community - these are all well-known factors that contribute to improving your mental health and well-being. Not only that, but there is also the satisfaction of providing your own fresh, healthy produce.

There are about 20 plots. most of which are currently occupied, although at the time of writing there is one plot available. It costs £25 per plot per annum, with the incentive of a £5 reduction for paying on time. There are terms and conditions with a yearly contract to sign. Plots do become available regularly. If you need more growing space why not give it a go?

To add your name to the waiting list contact Sally Foster, the Nunney Parish Council representative.

CELEBRATING OUR CHILDREN

On 11th June Little Saplings took part in the Big Toddle to raise funds for Barnardo’s. They visited the community orchard (by the allotments), fed the ducks and looked for bugs in the insect hotel at the back of the churchyard before finishing with a picnic, story and songs. They have raised at least £150!

The Little Pickers were established by brother and sister Sandy and Didi Gadsby after they had visited the Nunney Flower Show. Sandy decided he wanted to make a difference to the environment and he got a group of friends together who meet up regularly to litter pick around the village. With the support of parents, a grant was given by the Nunney Flower Show to buy proper kit – bags, litter pickers, gloves, jackets and Little Pickers signs.

About the precept

An update on how Nunney Parish Council manage the precept

COUNCILLOR VACANCY

Interested in the business of the village?

Apply for a position as Nunney Parish Councillor. The position requires regular attendance (the first Monday of each month) at monthly meetings and participation in multiple NPC working groups outside of Council meetings. Join the groups that interest you and put your passion to work for the village! It's a volunteer government position that requires roughly ten hours a month. It's highly rewarding and you really get back what you put in. Take a look at the website and feel free to email any of the councillors with questions.

To apply, please email the clerk, Rachel, at clerk@nunneyparishcouncil.com.

We hope you enjoy the second issue of the NunneyVoice. Please encourage friends and neighbours in the Village to sign up to receive the NunneyVoice online.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for our next newsletter, please visit NunneyVoice on the Nunney Parish Council website.

If you want to contribute to the next NunneyVoice newsletter, please reach out to nunneyvoice@nunneyparishcouncil.com