Ladies Group

The Chiselborough Ladies Group was formed in 1979 by two young mums and has managed to keep going ever since. The policy was to run the group with the minimum of admin which we ensure we follow to this day! Our meetings are usually held on the fourth Thursday of each month starting at 7.30pm in members houses around the village with visiting speakers covering a wide range of subjects, interspersed with these are meals out and visits to various places of interest. An annual programme is put together, a copy of which is given to each member, in addition forthcoming events are published in the Parish Magazine and also on the Chiselborough email site. New members or visitors are always very welcome to join us.

2022 Update: The Ladies Group is currently on hold looking for new leadership and fresh input.  We are open to new ideas. Anyone interested or wanting further information, please contact Angela on 881542.

Choir

If you enjoy singing, why not dust off your vocal cords and join us! The Benefice Choir originally operated for a number of years to sing at mainly festive services in the churches across the 7 villages in our Benefice. The idea is to sing music of various types which enhances worship - especially at times like Easter and Christmas.

We are a happy group of singers who enjoy singing, and work hard during the hour's practice - but we also enjoy good humour! You would be most welcome to come along and join us, or just come along and sit in for all or part of a practice. If you can read music, fine, if not, equally fine - just come and have a good sing!

Update March 2024: : Yes, here we go again! Nearly 40 singers joined the Benefice Choir at Christmas to sing at the carol services at Norton and Chiselborough and we have a splendid opportunity to get together again to sing at a very special service to be held at Odcombe church at 10.30am on Sunday June 30th.  This service will be a service to celebrate the ordination of Rev. Coelette Parkes and is taking place the day after her ordination in Wells Cathedral. The service at Odcombe promises to be a joyful service of celebration and praise and the Benefice Choir will be taking part by singing anthems and leading the hymn-singing. So if you enjoy singing, why not come along and join us. All music is provided and anyone is welcome - even if you would just like to come along to a rehearsal and 'give us a try'! Rehearsals will be as set out below and are from 7.00pm until approx. 8.15pm. (no later) We shall use Norton church as a base for the first 3 rehearsals, with the final rehearsal being at Odcombe church. Friday May 31, Norton Church; Friday June 7 - no rehearsal; Thursday June 13 Norton Church; Friday June 21, Norton Church; Friday June 28th, Odcombe Church. Please could I ask that you let me know asap (preferably no later than early May) if you would like to come along and sing with us or just 'try us out', so that I can get music etc. organised, and have some idea of numbers. Email would be best, or do please leave a phone message and I'll return your call if we are not at home - even if you just would like a chat about the choir. Thank you. 

Chris Denman E: denmans77@sky.com T: 01460 74696

Hand Bell Group

We are fortunate in having a wonderful set of Whitechapel handbells in the village, which were donated by Christine and Lewis Cavill in memory of their son, Nigel. Under the leadership of Cilla Caswell with music provided by Anna Terrell, we play a variety of music ranging from old time favourites and hymns to jazz and pop, sometimes playing at various events in the village. There is currently a four in hand group (a misnomer as we only play two bells in each hand!) that meets regularly. This Group often plays at Care Homes and the Yeovil Hospice and have also held various fundraising events in local churches.

For further details please contact either Cilla 881782 or Angela on 881542, all young folk very welcome to come and have a go.

Bell Ringers

The central tower of Chiselborough Church contains 5 bells, of which the three middle bells are the oldest, probably cast in around 1380. This is very old so these bells are some of the oldest both locally and nationally. They are rung by the traditional English method of rope and wheel. To read about our unusual bells, and about bell ringing, see this article by Jane and Michael Spencer.

New bell ringers are welcome and training can be arranged.

Currently, bell ringing practice is on Tuesday nights and there is Sunday service ringing.

For more information, you are welcome to contact the Tower Captain, Edward Venn, on 881204.

Common Working Group

Our Common is a valuable asset to Chiselborough. A wonderful place to sit and enjoy the spectacular views, especially at sunset.

It may appear as if the Common looks after itself but behind that natural look is a team of volunteer carrying out all manner of jobs. Regular working parties are organised throughout the year to keep grass, trees and hedges under control. It’s rewarding to work in the open air with fellow villagers, towards a better Common for all to enjoy.

New volunteers are always welcome, and should you be interested, please speak to Jen Buckmaster on 882626.

Winter events/ Coffee Mornings

We organise monthly informal get-togethers through the winter months, from October to April. It’s a great chance to meet people and make new friends in the village, while raising funds for our Parish Church. Recent events have included Cider Tasting, February Valentines’ Tea Party, Coffee Mornings, New Years Drinks, Talent & Time swaps, Old Coins Clinic and Recipe & Book Swaps. These events were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. The organiser position is currently vacant - if you, or you & a friend, would like to take this group forward, please contact Louise on 881791 or Dick on 881542.