RETURN TO LOOKING BACK WITH MALCOLM TUCKER MAIN PAGE
In 1986 it was announced that John Reed was to be the new Timsbury rector. The institution in April was conducted by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. John Bickersteth. At the time John who trained at King’s College London and Ripon College Oxford was precentor of St. Alban’s Cathedral where his main duties were concerned with the musical part of the services together with some pastoral work. Since then John’s career continued to prosper and he became Archdeacon of Taunton.
Gordon Jarrett retired as Pastor of Tabor Church after 40 years in the post and at a special leaving ceremony he was presented with a framed picture of Tabor and a cheque. He said that during his years at Tabor he had preached 2070 sermons, performed 159 christenings, 73 marriages and 117 funerals. His successor was John Chivers from Midsomer Norton.
Timsbury Natural History Group celebrated its tenth anniversary. At its first meeting over 60 people had crammed into the Grove Room at Conygre Hall and consequently it moved to Timsbury Primary School. Later it moved back to the main part of Conygre and in 1986 audiences of over 100 were not uncommon.
Timsbury Male Voice Choir held its first annual concert under its new conductor Brian Attwood. Accompanying the choir were guest artistes Margaret Smith (soprano) and Jeff Parsons (trombone) and the chairman was Bryn Pryor, President of the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions. The proceeds of the concert went towards Paulton Hospital and Mavis Ditte from the Hospital League of Friends was in attendance.
Some 392 colourful tops were knitted by friends and customers of Janet Ford whose Jantons Fashion shop used to be in Maggs Hill. The tops which went via Oxfam to the needy children of Ethiopia came from as far afield as Warminster and Wareham. The shop continued to be used as a collection point for all Oxfam garments.
The success of the village quiz team had a positive effect on the Conygre Hall. Their prize for winning the inter-village competition was £100 and this was used to buy a lectern for the hall. It was made by retired Beechen Cliff schoolmaster Frank Schiele who had his own forge in the village. The winning team comprised of Maurice Jenkins (captain), Sheila Matthews, John Fosdike and Julian Rutter.
Timsbury Theatre Group performed the comedy “Fool’s Paradise” by Peter Coke. It was a comedy full of eccentric characters and amongst those taking part were Mike and Sheila Allen, Margaret Robinson, Rita Woolley and Daphne Jeffs. A very impressive set was designed by Alec Frost.
 |  |  |
| Margaret Robinson, Michael Allen and Sheila Allen in a scene from Fool’s Paradise | Fool’s Paradise programme. | Daphne Jeffs and Rita Woolley at rehearsals of Fool’s Paradise. |
Sue Chilcott collected £3500 and a gold medal when winning the prestigious Royal Overseas League contest at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Besides winning the medal and cash she was also named the most up and coming musician of the year. Later in 1986 Sue flew to Banff in Canada where she was to study music and drama.
Timsbury Youth Club organised a country fayre with many village groups taking part. It needed to raise £1500 to qualify for a donation to its Trust Fund. The music was provided by the 93 City of Bath Squadron ATC band and there was also a display of tae-kwon-do.
The Silver Jubilee Flower Show was voted the best for at least five years. Fine weather brought out the crowds giving an attendance of nearly 900. Despite terrible growing conditions during the year the marquee was packed with high quality exhibits. Prizes were presented by ex-Timsbury Secondary Modern School headmaster Desmond Foster while the champion exhibitor and winner of the Royal Horticultural Society Banksian medal for the most prize money gained was Nick Box.
On the sporting front the Timsbury Toxophilites Archery Club came fifth in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset indoor winter league. The Timsbury team was the youngest in the league with their ages ranging from 11-15. 14 year old Spencer Russell received a medal for being the most improved archer over the season during which his score rose from 92 to 187.
The Timsbury A snooker team won the knock-out cup in the Radstock and District Billiards and Snooker League and Timsbury Cricket Club welcomed the Somerset cricket captain Peter Roebuck as their guest speaker at the annual dinner and dance. A special presentation was made to club stalwart Jim Hucker who stood down after many years as umpire and Keith Lewis was voted clubman of the year.
Finally Mrs Pickwick’s tea shop in Midsomer Norton run by former Timsbury Parish Councillor Terry Towler and his wife Pauline found its way in to Egon Ronay’s edition of Just A Bite. Special mention was made of the fine array of cakes and pastries available.