Local Groups in Chiselborough
Chiselborough is a small village, with a population of just around 275, and this allows the chance to get to know most or many of fellow villagers. There is a good mix of longstanding Chiselborough or Somerset families, and ‘incomers’, and most residents find it to be a particularly friendly and accessible village. There are several informal clubs and social groups—take a look below and feel very welcome to contact the organisers if you’d like to come along, help out, or if you have any suggestions or requests.
Most group events will be listed in our Diary section—with the exception of regular practice evenings.
Also, there is also an independently run village email newsletter in Chiselborough, which includes a wealth of practical, social and community information. If you would like to receive this, please call Alexandra on 881476.
Chiselton Golf Society
The Chiselton Golf Society is a group of golfers from Chiselborough and Norton who enjoy occasional 2-day away breaks. For more information, contact Ian Murray on 881883.
Update July 2022: The society of ten hardy players took on the courses at The Dorset Golf Resort near Wareham. With sunny and breezy conditions, we all enjoyed the first day's golf followed by a visit to the 19th for refreshments and then an excellent dinner. The next morning with sleepy heads we managed to gather our strength for the final round on the hottest day of the year. As you can imagine, it was very hard going, the humidity was rising plus the rumbles of thunder in the distance. Finally, we all dripped in for a long cool drink and the prize giving. On leaving the club, the heavens opened with claps of thunder overhead and the sound of sirens, informing all players to leave the course - our timing was perfect. Till next time.
Cinema Group
We make regular visits to the cinema. These are organised on an 'ad hoc' basis depending on what is showing and who is attending. Numbers attending vary from 2 or 3, up to over twenty. All tastes are covered within the scope of Yeovil Cineworld (Fellini to James Bond). The choice of film depends on suggestions from all and transport is organised if needed. Watch the Youth Club email for announcements. Contact Stafford Craig: stafford.craig@gmail.com
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!
Chris Denman E: denmans77@sky.com T: 01460 74696
Sunday Tennis Group
On most Sunday mornings around the year, we have an informal group playing doubles on a hard court kindly loaned by a Norton resident. New participants very welcome! For further information please contact Grant on 07764 940206.
Art Group
A fun and sociable Art Group has been running for some year with members drawn from here and the surrounding villages. Up to 16 of us meet once a week during term time using a variety of media, water colours, pastels etc and choosing their own broad range of subjects from flowers to battleships! We usually decide between us to invite two or three visiting tutors each term to help us improve our technique.
See artwork by Chiselborough artists here.
Update 2022: The Art Group is back up and running meeting every Monday morning during term time starting at 9.30am. Please note however, we have relocated to West Chinnock Village Hall.
For further information please contact Angela on 881542.
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.
Music Nights
Chiselborough Music Night is a monthly evening of live music and spoken word performance held in the village Hall, where people of all abilities/genres/ages are invited to perform, and listeners are very welcome too. We love collaboration and we try to cultivate a lively and appreciative atmosphere. Locally produced food and drinks are available, and there is a free swap shop to delve into.
From September to April, excluding December. Usually held on the last Friday of the month, beginning at 7.30pm. Email patchtucker@gmail.com to join the mailing list if you would like a reminder when a Music Night is coming up. Free entry, donations welcome.
Chiselborough Movie Club
We opened our doors at the village hall four years ago and show films throughout the winter period on a monthly basis, usually on a Saturday night. Interested?—Of course you are! To read a lively and encouraging description by organiser Simon Spurway, click here To contact Simon: M: 07909 014994 E: simon.spurway@gmail.com
Fellowship
Bible study, prayer & fellowship Group: led by Chris Howat.
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.
Handbells group
Art Group - drawing by Angie O'Neill
Benefice choir
If you have a group that is not listed here, please send details to Sara.
If you’d like to start a new gathering or activity, that’s great! Simply send Sara the details and the group will be publicised here. Photographs are also welcome.