NunneyVoice Spring 2026
Spring 2026 Issue 6
NunneyVoice
If you want to contribute to the next NunneyVoice newsletter, please email nunneyvoice@nunneyparishcouncil.com
Nunney Legend
Astrid Callomon
How long have you been in Nunney? 2015 – that’s about 11 years.
Why did you come to Nunney?
I left the remote mountainous region of Suffolk in search of fortune and fame and headed both South and West to attempt claims on unclimbed peaks. I arrived in Somerset to find them all claimed. I then fortuitously stumbled upon the village of Nunney; and a pub that did really good onion rings. Really really good ones.
Who did you come to Nunney with and where did you live?
I returned from the USA to find my best friend living in a caravan in my parents’ garden. Both of us in need of new views, good ale and excellent cheese, we decided to up-sticks and travel west. Along the way we picked up a redheaded friend from London. We moved in next to the pub and were collectively known as ‘the kids’ - because back then, we brought the average age of the village down by at least two decades.
What do you like most about Nun-ney?
Probably, I’d say (looking into the distance), yeah I like the people. I really do. It felt very like a TV sitcom when we got here. Cathy knocking on our door asking if we needed sugar, and hoards of people on our first day, shook my hand, told us where they lived and that we were welcome. Within the first weeks we put on
a ‘living room gig’, and someone said: well done, you’ve done a thing, you’ll be invited to things. Some weeks later a frantic Cathy knocked again asking if anyone could be in a play in three weeks time and I ended up playing ‘Stripper’ in Canterbury Road Tales; and that was my introduction to the Nunney Players and the unusually large quantity of village committees.
What do you do in Nunney?
I’m a gardener with a penchant for roses and compost.
Nunney Community Cinema Returns
The first film is showing Monday March 23rd 7pm and then every 4th Monday in the month.
Look out for the films chosen to be screened advertised on posters throughout the village as well as posts on Nunney and NCA Facebook.
Reasonably priced drinks and ice cream available at the bar.
Come along for a fun evening and bring a friend (or two!)
Events
Wild Memories
Nature and wildlife group for anyone living with dementia or memory loss.
Join our relaxed and friendly group to get active, make friends and enjoy nature and wildlife. We bring nature indoors during the winter months to keep cosy.
Wildlife friendly gardening, nature walks & seasonal crafts. Open and accessible for all abilities and interests.
Try something new or bring your own activity ideas.
Approximately 20 gardens of all varieties and sizes will be open in our beautiful and historic village which is centred around the 14th century, moated Nunney Castle, managed by English Heritage. If visiting from outside Nunney, the village car park can be found on Castle Hill, BA11 4NL.
Tickets and a map showing all the gardens, together with toilet facilities will be at the Village Hall which is just a 5-minute stroll from the village car park, following the signed footpath from Nunney Market Place. There will be a few parking spaces at the Village Hall, BA11 4NR.
The Nunney & District Flower Show (NDFS) committee will be offering homemade cakes and cream teas all day in the Village Hall where you will also find a plant stall. The church will have sandwiches and light refreshments all day and the George Inn and The Café at Nunney will both be open to visitors. All NDFS proceeds help to fund both the traditional Nunney & District Flower Show that was originally set up in 1884 and the Village Fete, plus sponsorships for horticultural, craft, educational, sustainable and ecologically friendly projects in Nunney.
CONTAINER POTATO CHALLENGE
Nunney & District Flower Show (NDFS) CHALLENGE you to grow the heaviest crop from just one potato.
To sign up as a competitor you will need to pop along to NDFS's stall at Nunney's Easter Day Bonnet Parade & Duck Race and purchase (for £1) a pre-chitted (ready-to-plant) potato.
This event starts at 11am on Sunday, 5th April 2026.
Your £1 includes both full written instructions and permission to enter your container and potatoes into the Village Show on Saturday, 5th September 2025.
The Winner wins £10 AND ... OF COURSE ... takes their spuds home to cook up a potato feast!”
Nunney Open Gardens
Church Services
1000 on Palm Sunday - 29th March where we remember the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week.
On Easter Day 5 April at 1030, we will hold a service of Easter Worship in Nunney churchyard, or in the church if the weather is poor. This will finish before the start of the Easter Bonnet Parade and well in time for the Duck Race!
Everybody is welcome to join us.
It’s church, but not as you know it! Think that Church is boring, old fashioned, or irrelevant? Time to think again!
Messy Church is for ALL AGES - We welcome everyone and are relevant and accessible to all.
Messy Church values CREATIVITY - We reflect the creativity of God in its hands-on approach to being church together.
Messy Church values HOSPITALITY - We welcome everybody to enjoy the hospitality and unconditional love of God.
Messy Church is CHRIST CENTRED - We help people encounter Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Messy Church values CELEBRATION - We mark significant events and reflect a God of joy who wants people to have life in all its fullness.
Next event: Sunday 17th May 4 - 5.30pm
Important Websites & Numbers
NUNNEY VILLAGE
All Saints Church Services – www.postleburychurches.org/all-saints-church-nunney
Neighbourhood Watch – Coordinator: 07787 922 658 www.ourwatch.org.uk
Nunney Community Association – www.nunney.org
Nunney Community Association FB www.facebook.com/groups/517091301700569/user/100066804558798 Nunney First School - 01373 836429 – www.nunneyfirstschool.co.uk Nunney First School Facebook – www.facebook.com/NunneyFirstSchool Nunney Parish Council – www.nunneyparishcouncil.com Nunney Parish Council Defibrillator – At car park entrance at the George Inn Nunney Parish Council FB – www.facebook.com/NunneyPC Nunney Players FB – www.facebook.com/p/Nunney-Players-100057455987896Nunney Village announcements www.facebook.com/groups/nunney/announcements Shop – Mon-Sat 8-5pm, Sun 9-1pm www.spar.co.uk/store-locator/awl11988-spar-market-place-nunney Post Office Services – Nunney Village Hall Thursdays 10am – 12 midday. Sustainable Nunney www.facebook.com/groups/167359223445570/ The George Inn – 01373 836458 www.thegeorgeinnnunney.com Village Hall Bookings – Enquiries and bookings www.hallbookingonline.com/nunney
Village Hall calendar – www.hallbookingonline.com/nunney/calendar.php Waste Collection – www.somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/check-my-collection-days
TRAVEL
Road Works – nunneyparishcouncil.com/latest-news Frome Bus – 01373 471474 – www.fromebus.co.ukFrome Community Drivers – 07596591391 – www.fromecommunitydrivers.org.ukNational Rail – www.nationalrail.co.uk
FROME
Find Frome – Family Information Network Directory – www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/find
Frome Community Hub – www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/the-town-hall/frome-community-hub Frome Town Council – 01373 465 757 – www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk
SOMERSET
Somerset Community Connect – early access to help for families www.connectsomerset.org.uk
Somerset Council – 0300 123 2224 – www.somerset.gov.uk
Roads, Potholes, etc. – www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road
Somerset Government – Children www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education
Somerset News – www.somersetlive.co.ukMendip Ramblers – walking group www.mendipramblers.co.uk
WHATS ON FOR CHILDREN
What’s on Somerset – www.whatsonsomerset.co.uk What’s on Somerset Events – www.whatsonsomerset.co.uk/events
Kids Days Out – Somerset www.kidsdaysout.co.uk/kids-days-out-england/somerset.html National Trust South West – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly/family-days-out-in-the-south-west Visit Somerset family days out – www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/family-days-out
Longleat – www.longleat.co.uk Cheese and Grain Frome – www.cheeseandgrain.com
There is a wealth of services in and around Frome to help with life, health, financial problems, loneliness, bereavement and mobility. Here are some signposts.
“Living and feeling better can start with a simple step – connecting”. Services, groups and one-to-one support can be accessed through your GP practice.
Health & Well-being
Citizens Advice Somerset
“We believe nobody should have to face problems alone…”
An independent free confidential and impartial advice service for anyone in Somerset. This can be on the phone, via email, or in person.
Among the issues CA can help with is advice about welfare benefits, money, financial services, pension, debt problems, tax credits, council tax support, housing and homelessness.
In recent years, Nunney Parish Council has supported CA with a grant since its excellent work is recognised and they’re aware residents of Nunney have used their services. How to connect:
Frome Town Hall – Monday 10am to 1pm
Shepton – Highfield House, Park Road, BA4 5BT. Wednesday 10am to 2pm Phone: 0808 278 7842
They offer a wide range of help and information to link you into groups eg. chat cafés, projects and resources, healthy lifestyle, living well at home, advice for parents and young families, befriending (someone to visit or ring regularly) and much more!
How to connect: through your GP or Ring: 01373 468368 (press option 1) Email: somicb.frome.healthconnections@nhs.net
Community Equipment and Wheelchair service in Somerset
If you need help with equipment at home or a wheelchair to go out, you can borrow this by contacting this service. It may involve an assessment by an Occupational Therapist who will make a home visit.
How to connect: 0300123 2224 Email: adults@somerset.gov.uk
Community Drivers Frome
For people living in a BA11 postcode who find it difficult to get transport to a medical appointment, visit a loved one or do some shopping, etc. Friendly volunteer drivers provide lifts within Frome, Bath, Bristol, Shepton and Taunton.
Open Book at Nunney First School
Every two weeks a group of dedicated volunteers gather with the Nunney First School children to ‘Open the Book’. Using imaginative costumes and props, and reading from simple scripts the young actors produce funny, insightful and wonderful performances bringing to life well-known stories from the Bible. In the past 8 years we have produced over 50 stories and repeated the favourites, like Noah and The Last Supper. We aim to make the stories fun, memorable and relevant to everyday life. And I bet if you ask any pupils past and present, they will tell you they love being part of the action.
Nunney Parish Council AGM
Come along and meet your Councillors at the AGM and hear what your Council have been doing on your behalf Monday 11th May 2026, 7.15pm at The Village Hall
Take this opportunity to ask questions, give your views about current and future projects. Hear the latest news about replacing the bridge over Nunney Castle moat and time frame for when the Castle interior will re-open to the public.
Any questions, please contact Rachel Nash - clerk@nunneyparishcouncil.com
There’s an admin fee of £6 per journey, plus a charge of 80p per mile – or 40p per mile if you have a valid bus pass.
How to connect: 07596 591391 Email: hello@fromecommunitydrivers.org.uk Visit: www.fromecommunitydrivers.org.uk
Building up the village community. www.nunney.org Since 1981 the NCA has organised many amazing events for residents of Nunney, helping to build the village community and bringing people together in social settings. Every year there are three main occasions: the Easter Day Duck Race and Bonnet Parade, the village Fayre Day on the last Saturday in July - successor to the weekly Wednesday market established by Royal Charter in 1260! and Christmas Carols by the Castle in December. The NCA also provides the Christmas trees in the Market Place and at Nunney School, replies to all children’s letters to Father Christmas posted in the special postbox on the bridge, and Santa gives a present to every child in the village schools.
These events are free of charge and funded by the NCA. We rely for funds by selling ducks for the Easter Duck Race for £1 each and charging Fayre stall-holders for their pitch and for car parking. Sometimes we received donations from generous villagers.
Last year a celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day was held, focussing on the lives of people in the village and those who still remembered the end of the Second World War. There has been a Halloween Party and a celebration of the Coronation. Warm Space was jointly established by the NCA and the Parish Council; a reminder of the original intention that NCA could offer social occasions and events that the Council could not, which meets throughout the winter months.
New members of the committee are always welcome and are invited to attend a meeting before deciding to join. The next occasion, our AGM and committee meeting and everyone is invited.
Monday 16 March, 7pm at The George. Annual Meeting followed by Committee meeting.
Sunday 5 April, Easter Day Duck Race and Bonnet Parade, in the Market Place Tea, coffee, cakes and tombola from 11am Easter Bonnet judging at 11.30am Duck Race at 12noon – ducks £1 each from committee, the Spar, and on the day.
Saturday 25 July, Nunney Fayre Day, 10am-5pm
Saturday 12 December, 5pm, Carols by the Castle with Brass Band
Nunney Community Association (NCA)
"The 20 mile and hour scheme in Nunney was finally established last year. It has made considerable difference but there are persistent offenders and people do become complacent and we need to keep up the pressure on drivers to slow down.
Nunney Parish Council plans to install Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) as visual reminders to drivers to keep within the 20mph speed limit. A further measure is to set up a Community SpeedWatch scheme. This gives local residents an opportunity to get involved in helping to keep our roads in Nunney safe.
What does Community SpeedWatch do? Community SpeedWatch is made up of a network of community volunteers who monitor traffic speeds through scheduled high-visibility roadside sessions. The scheme is overseen by Avon & Somerset Po-lice. These sessions provide evidence of the level of speeding, frequent offenders and will help to reduce speeding and enhance road safety to improve the quality of life in our village.
What is involved in becoming a
Community SpeedWatch Volunteer?
Volunteers will provide certain details for a DBS basic police check to ensure they have no convictions or criminal record.
Nunney Speed Watch
They will then receive training (45 minutes to 1 hr), be shown how to use equipment, where they can stand to do the speed checks. The location will have been agreed before by the Road Policing Unit (RPU)
All necessary equipment is provided and access to support and resources.
What are the commitments for a Speed-Watch Volunteer?
Be available for a session lasting 30 minutes to 1 hr. Depending on the number of volunteers, we intend to carry out up to 4 sessions per month. Sessions will be in dry conditions and during daylight hours only.
Be willing to abide by all training and safety regulations, wear high viz jack-ets, etc
Be willing to work with one or two others.
Does SpeedWatch make a difference? Evi-dence – data and anecdotal – suggests that it really does!
warning letters are sent to owners of vehicles observed speeding, along with advice to help change their driving behaviour
police take further action against per-sistent and high-end speeding offend-ers.
If you are interested in applying to be a volunteer, please contact Graham Brook, our Nunney SpeedWatch Coordinator on NunneySpeedwatch@nunneyparishcouncil.com
"Rural crime continues to have a significant impact on our farming and countryside communities. Offences such as poaching, hare coursing, and the theft of farm equipment or livestock can cause considerable disruption, financial loss, and emotional stress for those affected.
One of the challenges we face is that many incidents go unreported. Members of the public often assume that suspicious behaviour in the countryside is simply a farmer, contractor, or landowner carrying out legitimate work. Similarly, individuals seen walking across fields with dogs are frequently presumed to be exercising them, when in some cases the behaviour may be linked to illegal hunting or poaching.
Why Reporting Matters
You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team through the Avon and Somerset Police website for non urgent concerns or rural crime advice.”
Your reports directly assist the rural crime team in tackling:
Hare coursing and deer poaching
Theft of machinery, tools, diesel, and livestock
Damage to crops, fences, and gates
Suspicious vehicles or unknown individuals on farmland
What to Look Out For
Residents are encouraged to report anything that seems unusual, such as:
Vehicles driving slowly or parked in remote rural locations
People stopping to watch fields, livestock, or farm buildings
Dogs being used to chase wildlife across farmland
Unfamiliar individuals entering fields or woodland without clear purpose
If you are unsure whether something is suspicious, please report it anyway—we would rather check and find nothing than miss vital information.
How to Report
999 – If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger
101 – For non emergency reports and ongoing suspicious activity Online reporting:
www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/report
You can also contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team through the Avon and Somerset Police website for non urgent concerns or rural crime advice.”
Rural CrimePlease Report Suspicious Activity
Nunney’s Sensory Garden Experience, Fairy Trail & Treasure Hunt programme ‘Find Your Sixth Sense’ has come to fruition.
Sponspored by Somerset Council (SALC) this fun community health and wellness initiative has rightlfully received a lot of attention over the last year. Over all, it comprised of several community gardening days, one of which included planting our five gorgeous QR coded sensory troughs, one for each sense, as well as multiple fitness bootcamps, and a handful of activities for Nunney children, including a Fairy Door making workshop at the annual Flower Show. Over thirty local kids made their very own Fairy Doors that they can now seek and find in the Old Quarry Gardens as part of the Treasure Hunt. There are also five other QR coded treasures that already live within the Old Quarry Gardens, or that have been newly created as part of this series, like Sam, our ‘build-a-dragon’ who is guarded by the fairies inside the ‘Dragon’s Lair’. Or, the ‘New Willow Archway’ that was planted in a February community workshop, hosted by Mary Cross, where kids and their parents and grandparents wove a majestic willow entry into the newly coined ‘Exploratory Woodlands’. This area now houses the majority of the Fairy Trail & Treasure Hunt that includes the products from the final community workshop attended by 15 local children and their families. Hosted by Annmarie Sweet ‘Nunney Critter Castle Making’ comprised of making insect hotels, a hedgehog house
and some very clever pine cone bird feeders.
The NPC is a grateful recipient of this grant and we are so pleased so many locals, visitors and tourists alike have benefited from this new and hopefully, long-lasting, Sensory Garden Experience. The project is called ‘Find Your Sixth Sense’ and we hope you can find your sense of adventure whilst you visit our beautiful Old Quarry Gardens.
Nunney Sensory Garden
For the month of December the church was transformed into the land of the Nativity. A backdrop of mountains, with twinkling stars and cosy blankets for the shepherds; an exotic observatory, with telescopes and the Magi preparing gifts for Jesus; Horrid Herods palace, the Grumpy Innkeeper’s bar and culminating at the simple stable with bales of hay, animals and the cradle for the baby. The scenes were brought to life when actors performed for the pupils of Nunney First School and during the Childrens Crib Service. It was a special and unique way to celebrate the Christmas Story and was loved by all who came to see it.
Nativity at the Church
down the aisle in candlelight. Everyone enjoyed the readings, nativity and musical performances followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Many thanks to Caroline Pomeroy for leading us brilliantly and to all the musicians (and ringers) for taking part.
Sunday December 21st saw a full house at All Saints’ Church for the annual concert featuring Nunney’s traditional Pop-up Choir, accompanied by the fantastic Soul Food band. The choir, superbly led by Lucy Simon, performed traditional carols culminating in Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol.” Lucy performed a beautiful solo on “Once in Royal...” and led the choir
Candlelight Carols
The Burns Night Committee
It was a dark and bleak night in January; the sort of evening where you just want to make a nest on your sofa and get cosy. Emerging from this nest, my father, sister and I took a short walk to Nunney village hall for the Burns night celebrations. We were met by people in full Scottish regalia, adding colour to the occasion and there was the buzz of conversation and laughter, with old friends catching up and the making of new friends.
Sarah Worsley played a medley of Scottish tunes on the violin and our MC Jane Norris welcomed nearly 100 of us; some Nunney dwellers and others from; Frome and neighbouring villages. Playing tribute to Scotland’s poet Robert Burns, blending tradition and togetherness, Reverend Keith Johnson, recited the famous prayer attributed to Burns ‘Burns Grace at Kircudbright’. Our talented chef Ruth Brooks entering the hall carrying the dressed haggis, to the sound of bagpipes. George Pritchard recited the ‘Address to the haggis’, and everyone had a ‘wee dram’! The haggis was truly delicious,
accompanied by neeps, tatties and gravy, with a choice of traditional puddings. Colin Bailey kicked off the entertainment looking dapper in a kilt sang A Red Red Rose’ and ‘Ye Jacobites by name’, followed by a tongue in cheek version of the life of Burns, ‘The Immortal Memory’, and a raffle and quiz. The traditional toast to the ‘Lassies’ was given by Allan Koop, and Jane Norris responded with a toast to the ‘Laddies’! and with more high spirits some took to the floor for traditional Scottish reels.
A huge thankyou goes to everyone who organised such a fabulous evening, and to all who came along to support. Burns night in Nunney is best finished with laughter a smile, sore feet and a promise to practise before next year!
