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Ciência e Agrotecnologia
Print version ISSN 1413-7054
Ciênc. agrotec. vol.37 no.1 Lavras Jan./Feb. 2013
Physiological quality and amylase enzyme expression in maize seeds
Qualidade fisiológica e expressão das enzimas amilases em sementes de milho
Gustavo Evangelista OliveiraI; Renzo Garcia Von PinhoII; Thaís de AndradeII; Édila Vilela de Resende Von PinhoII; Custódio Donizete dos SantosIII; Adriano Delly VeigaII
IUniversidade Federal de Lavras/UFLA Departamento de Biologia/DBI Cx. P. 3037 37200-000 Lavras MG Brasil email@example.com
IIUniversidade Federal de Lavras/UFLA Departamento de Agricultura/DAG Lavras MG Brasil
IIIUniversidade Federal de Lavras/UFLA Departamento de Química/DQI Lavras MG Brasil
The physiological quality of maize seeds is affected by the genotype. Thus, the study of expression of genes associated with this characteristic is important in the genotype selection process in breeding programs. The aim of this research was to study the expression of amylase enzymes associated with physiological quality of maize seeds with different genotypes and seed sizes. We further sought to assess the expression of these enzymes in dry and soaked seeds The experiment was conducted in the experimental area and the Central Seed Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture of the Universidade Federal de Lavras. Seeds of four maize inbred lines were used, classified in two sizes. The physiological quality of the seeds was evaluated by means of germination, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index and accelerated aging test. Expression of the alpha amylase enzyme was evaluated by the electrophoresis technique and expression of the alpha amylase B73, alpha amylase (LOC542522) and beta amylase 5 (amyb5) genes was studied by the qRT-PCR technique in dry and soaked seeds of the inbred lines. There is differentiated expression of amylase enzymes in maize seeds of inbred lines with different levels of physiological quality. higher expression of amylase enzymes is observed in soaked maize seeds. The expression of transcripts is higher in smaller as wellas in soaked maize seeds of inbred lines.
Index terms: Zea Mays, seed quality, qRT-PCR.
A qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho é influenciada pelo genótipo. Assim, o estudo da expressão de genes associados a essa característica é importante no processo de seleção de genótipos em programas de melhoramento. O objetivo neste trabalho foi estudar a expressão das enzimas amilases associadas à qualidade fisiológica de sementes de milho, de diferentes genótipos e tamanhos de sementes. Objetivou-se ainda avaliar a expressão dessas enzimas em sementes secas e embebidas. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental e no Laboratório Central de Sementes do Departamento de Agricultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras. Foram utilizadas sementes de quatro linhagens de milho, classificadas em dois tamanhos. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada por meio dos testes de germinação, emergência de plântulas, índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas e envelhecimento artificial. A expressão da enzima -amilase foi avaliada pela técnica de eletroforese e a expressão dos genes alpha amylase B73, alpha amylase (LOC542522) e beta amylase 5 (amyb5), foi estudada pela técnica de qRT-PCR em sementes secas e embebidas das linhagens. Há expressão diferenciada das enzimas amilases em sementes de linhagens com diferentes níveis de qualidade fisiológica. Maior expressão das enzimas amilases é observada em sementes de milho de menor tamanho e embebidas.
Termos para indexação: Zea Mays, qualidade de sementes, qRT-PCR.
The physiological quality of seeds is affected by the genotype, and thus selection for this characteristic must be considered in genetic breeding programs (GOMES et al., 2000; JOSÉ et al., 2004; HOECHER et al., 2006). In addition, the effect of seed size on the physiological quality of seeds has been observed in some studies (VON PINHO et al., 1995; ANDRADE et al., 1997).
In general, the selection of new cultivars considering the characteristic of seed physiological quality has not been observed in maize breeding programs. Nevertheless, after the value for cultivation and use testing for registering the cultivars, i.e., when the cultivars have already been developed, after several years of selection, one encounters cultivars that are productive but with low physiological quality, which makes placing the new cultivar on the market unviable.
Expression of genes associated with physiological quality may be assessed by means of germination and vigor analyses (COIMBRA et al., 2009; CATÃO et al., 2010) and furthermore by transcriptional analyses of proteins in seeds.
During the maize seed germination process, the embryo produces and secretes natural gibberellins to the endosperm. These hormones induce the development of hydrolytic enzymes in the aleurone layer, such as alpha amylase and beta amylase enzymes, which are responsible for degradation of the reserves that are found in the endosperm. Usually, alpha amylase enzymes are not present in dried seeds, being synthesized "de novo" and secreted by the aleurone layer (KIGEL; GALILI, 1995).
The alpha amylase enzyme is important in starch hydrolysis, being responsible for 90% of amylolytic activity in maize seeds. The alpha amylases constitute a family of endoamylases that catalyze the hydrolysis of -1,4 glycosidic linkages of starch, glycogen and other carbohydrates (FRANCO et al., 2002). This enzyme, together with the beta amylase enzyme is highly related to seed quality. For that reason, gene expression studies of these enzymes, by means of the qRT-PCR (HERNANDEZ et al., 2004; SONG et al., 2011; WANG et al., 2012) and electrophoresis (JOSÉ et al., 2005) techniques are important for knowledge of genetic behavior, thus being able to assist maize genetic breeding programs directed toward seed physiological quality.
Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the expression of amylase enzymes associated with physiological quality of maize seeds with different genotypes and seed sizes. We further sought to assess the expression of these enzymes in dry and soaked seeds.
The experiments were conducted in the Central Seed Laboratory and experimental area of the Department of Agriculture of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (Federal University of Lavras), municipality of Lavras, MG, Brazil.
Seeds from four inbred lines were discrepant in regard to seed quality according to Gomes et al. (2000), with two being of greater quality (63 and 64) and two of minor quality (43 and 54), table 1.
Initially, a field for multiplication of seeds of the inbred lines was installed by means of self-pollination of the plants. This field consisted of six ten-meter rows for each line, installed at a spacing of 0.8m. Fertilization, management and crop treatments were performed in accordance with that recommended for the crop.
The ears were collected manually when the moisture content of the seeds reached approximately 25%. Husking was performed manually and drying was performed in an ear-corn dryer at a temperature of 35o C until the seeds reached a moisture content of 13%. After drying and shelling with a manual sheller, the seeds were classified in regard to size in circular sieves and were grouped into seeds retained in the 20/64 and 22/64 pol sieves, designated as large seeds, and those retained in the 18/64 and 16/64 pol sieves, designated as small seeds.
After seed classification, a germination test was performed to verify initial quality of the seeds. Through the results, it could be seen that the seeds from all the inbred lines showed high physiological quality, for the experimental conditions during their production phase were favorable. For selection of discrepant genotypes, just as for physiological quality of the seeds, it was necessary to submit them to accelerated aging. For that reason, the seeds were treated with the fungicide 5,6 - dihydro-2-methyl-1,4-oxathi-ine-3-carboxanilide (200 g/L) and tetramethylthiuram disulfide 200 g/L at a dose of 250 ml for each 100 Kg of seeds. The method used for aging was transparent plastic boxes (11x11x3,5cm), where the seeds were distributed on a screen suspended in the inside of a box containing 40 mL of water, where they remained incubated for 96 hours at a temperature of 41º C (VIEIRA; CARVALHO, 1994). The aged seeds were homogenized and dried in a shaded area at ambient temperature until reaching initial water content of 13%.
Assessment of the physiological quality of the seeds of the four inbred lines was initially performed by means of germination counting in three, five and seven days (BRASIL, 2009), seedling emergence and emergence speed index was performed in plastic box with two parts of soil and one part of sand (EDMOND; DRAPALA, 1958) and accelerated aging test, these tests are according to Gomes et al. (2000).
For analysis of alpha amylase enzyme expression by means of the electrophoresis technique, small and large seeds of the four inbred lines soaked in germitest paper for 70 hours were used. After this period, the embryonic axes were removed and the endosperms were cold ground in liquid nitrogen (ROOD; LARSEN, 1988) and stored in a freezer at -81º C. Another sample of dry seeds was cold ground in liquid nitrogen and stored in a freezer at -81º C up to the time of analysis. Extraction and revelation of the alpha amylase enzyme was performed according to Alfenas (1998).
In addition, analysis of beta amylase and alpha amylase expression was performed by means of the qRT-PCR technique. That way, RNA extraction was carried out from seeds of inbred lines with high and low physiological quality and two sizes, which were crushed in liquid nitrogen and with addition of the reagent Pure Link RNA Plant® (Invitrogen), according to manufacturer specifications. Integrity of the RNA was verified in 1% agarose gel and viewed after staining with ethydium bromide. RNA quantification was performed in a sprectrophotometer, using wavelengths from 260 and 280 nm.
After nucleic acid extractions, the samples were treated with DNAse Free to avoid any contamination with DNA. Therefore, DNase DNA Free (Ambion) was used and protocol carried out according to manufacturer recommendations. To prove efficiency of decontamination, a conventional PCR reaction was made with all the samples, proving the non-amplification of the DNA. In this reaction, a DNA sample of maize seeds and the primers of the endogenous controls Ubiquitin and Alcohol Dehydrogenase (ADH) were used as positive control. The amplifications were assessed in 1.5% agarose gel stained with ethydium bromide.
After the RNA extraction and purification process, synthesis of cDNA was carried out. For this purpose the High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription cDNA® kit from Applied Biosystems was used, following the protocol recommended by the manufacturer.
For analysis of gene expression by the qRT-PCR technique, the primers used were designed with the assistance of the software Primer Express 3.0 (Applied Biosystems) after a search of the gene sequence at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NATIONAL CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION-NCBI, 2012), table 2. Ubiquitin and ADH genes (LIVAK; SCMITTGEN, 2001; SCHOLDBERG et al., 2009) were used as endogenous controls.
The equipment ABI PRISM 7500 Real-Time PCR (Applied Biosystems) was used for analysis of quantitative gene expression by qRT-PCR using the detection system SYBR Green and cDNA was obtained from RNA extracted from seeds. Thermal conditions of the reaction were 2 minutes at 50° C, 10 minutes at 95° C, followed by 40 cycles of 15 seconds at 95° C and 1 minute at 60° C, and finalized with 15 seconds at 95° C. The data were collected and stored in the program 7500 software (version 2.0.1). For each reaction, 1.0 μL of cDNA diluted 1:5, 0.2 μL of each primer and 5.0 μL of master mix SYBR green UDG with ROX (Invitrogen) were used for a final volume of 10.0 μL/sample. The negative controls and melting curves were included in all the analyses.
Three technical replications were used for each gene under study, with the results normalized using the Threshold Cycle (CT) obtained by expression of the reference genes ubiquitin and ADH.
CT was determined by the number of cycles in which the fluorescence generated within a reaction crosses the baseline (threshold). The CT comparative method was used. For that purpose, a validation experiment was carried out in advance to prove that the amplification efficiencies of the target genes and references are similar and very near 100% (TYAGI; BRATU; KRAMER, 1998). The standard curves for the genes under study were generated from the following dilutions: 1:5, 1:25, 1:125, 1:625 and 1:3125. This procedure also allowed definition of the best dilution of cDNA used in each reaction, which was 1:5.
The samples of least expression for each gene were used as calibration samples and the method used to measure relative expression was the relative standard curve method, described in the manual of the device (AppliedBiosystems). For quantification of gene expression by the PCR technique in real time, the values obtained corresponding to the mRNA levels of the samples were compared in relation to the values of the control mRNA levels. After obtaining crude data, they were analyzed by means of the 7500 software SDS program (version 2.0.1). To calculate the level of expression of genes of interest, the following were considered: Ct (exponential increase of the PCR product) of the target gene and endogenous control, ΔCt = Ct (sample) Ct (endogenous control) and the ΔΔCt = ΔCt (sample) - ΔCt (calibrator). Then the level of expression was calculated by the formula: RQ = 2-ΔΔCt.
For analysis of results of the tests used for assessment of physiological quality, a fully randomized design was used in a 4x2 factorial arrangement, with four inbred lines and two seed sizes, with four replications. Comparison of the means of the treatments for the tests was carried out by the Scott & Knott test at the 5% probability level. Analyses were performed on the statistical program R 2.14.1 (2011).
By the results of analysis of variance of the data obtained in the germination, accelerated aging test, emergence and emergence speed index tests (Table 3), a highly significant (P≤ 0.01) effect was observed for the interaction between the size x inbred line factors and for each isolated factor, with the exception of the emergence speed index, where the size factor was not significant.
The mean values of the data obtained are presented in Tables 4 and 5, together with their groupings by the Scott & Knott test at the 5% probability level.
In the germination test, assessments were performed at three, five and seven days. Lower values of germination at three and five days, regardless of the seed size, were observed in seeds of the inbred lines (43 and 54), defined by Gomes et al. (2000) as being of low quality (Table 4).
In general, in the seeds of inbred line 64, greater mean values of germination were observed in all assessment periods, regardless of size. In small seeds, inferior mean germination values were also observed at seven and five days for inbred lines 54 and 63.
Through the results of the accelerated aging test (Table 5), less vigor was observed in small seeds of inbred lines 43 and 54, and large seeds of inbred line 43. These results are in agreement with those obtained by Gomes et al. (2000), who worked with these same inbred lines and observed that inbred lines 43 and 54 were less vigorous than the others. Less vigor was also observed in small seeds of inbred lines 54 and 64, respectively.
In regard to seedling emergence (Table 5), it was observed that the large seeds of the four inbred lines did not differ among themselves. For the small seeds, lower values were observed in seeds from inbred lines 43 and 63.
The results of the emergence speed index obtained by the formula proposed by Edmond and Drapala (1958) supplies the mean number of days to emergence. It may be observed from the results of Table 5 that for the large seeds, the best indexes were for inbred lines 54 and 63, while for small seeds, the best indexes were observed in seeds of inbred lines 54 and 64.
In general, in the results of tests used for assessment of physiological quality, lower germination and vigor values were observed in seeds of inbred line 43, and better physiological quality in seeds of inbred line 64. It should be noted that depending on the test used, there are some inversions of behavior. According to Gomes et al. (2000), José et al. (2004) and Souza et al. (2008), the physiological quality of maize seeds is controlled by various genes and thus, the conditions during the seed production process may affect the behavior of the inbred line, which requires assessment of quality of seeds produced under different climatic conditions.
The climatic conditions during the seed production process were favorable to the physiological quality of the seeds. For that reason, there was the necessity of submitting the seeds to the accelerating aging before the assessment of physiological quality by the germination and vigor tests. The statistically significant differences observed between nearby germination and vigor values resulting from low values of the coefficient of variation should furthermore be noted (Table 3).
There was a tendency for the large seeds to present mean values greater than the small seeds, just as reported by Carvalho and Nakagawa (2000), who observed greater germination of larger seeds as opposed to the smaller. Nevertheless, there is no consistency of results in the different genotypes, which corroborates the results of Andrade et al. (1997) and Nafziguer (1992). These authors furthermore concluded that the size and format of the maize seeds did not present any significant effect on grain yield.
In figure 1 are presented the isoenzyme patterns of alpha amylase in large and small seeds of maize lines submitted to soaking. Greatest expression of the enzyme was observed in seeds of inbred line 63, and the least expression in those of inbred line 43. The alpha amylase enzyme is important in starch hydrolysis, being responsible for 90% of amylolytic activity in maize seeds (FRANCO et al., 2002). Thus, seeds of genotypes with greater expression of these enzymes have greater ease in making carbohydrates available to the embryo, resulting in greater germination speed and vigor.
In dry seeds, the expression of alpha amylase was not observed by the electrophoresis technique. This is due to the low activity of this enzyme in the dry seeds, with its synthesis by the aleurone layer "de novo" being necessary (KIGEL; GALILI, 1995).
Starch degradation, the main reserve source in most of the seeds of tilled plants, is essential in germination of these seeds (YAMASAKI, 2003). By the results (Figures 1 and 2), it may be observed that the activity of the amylases increases considerably during the soaking process. The same was observed by Sana et al. (2009) working with turnip and wheat seeds.
In relation to seed size, the greatest expression of this enzyme was observed in large seeds of inbred line 54 (Figure 1). In these seeds, greater germination values at 5 and 7 days and greater vigor by the accelerated aging test were observed (Tables 4 and 5).
By the isoenzyme patterns obtained by means of the electrophoresis technique, greater expression of the alpha amylase enzyme in seeds of inbred line 63, regardless of the size, was also observed (Figure 1).
In regard to lower expression of the gene in dry seeds, it is observed that most of the amylase enzymes involved in germination of maize seeds are synthesized "de novo", with the need for soaking. According to Lovegrove and Hooley (2000), Nakajima et al. (2006) and Xie et al. (2007), after soaking, synthesis of gibberellin occurs, which is secreted in the aleurone layer, where it activates alpha amylase synthesis.
In figure 2A, greater expression of the AmyB73 gene is observed in soaked seeds of inbred line 64. Expression of this gene was not observed in dry seeds in any of the inbred lines, and in this situation there is "de novo" synthesis of the enzyme after soaking of the seeds (KIGEL; GALILI, 1995). This behavior was also observed for the alpha amylase gene (LOC542522), with greater expression in soaked seeds of inbred line 63 (Figure 2B).
It may be inferred that the AmyB73 and alpha amylase (LOC542522) genes are associated with the physiological quality of seeds of the inbred lines studied. For lines 64 and 63 classified as having seeds of greater physiological quality, the greatest values of expression of the AmyB73 and alpha amylase (LOC542522) genes were observed, respectively. By means of germination and vigor tests, lower physiological quality was observed in seeds of inbred line 43. For these two genes in this inbred line, the lowest expression was observed. It should be noted that in this inbred line there was expression of the alpha amylase (LOC542522) gene only in the large and soaked seeds.
In relation to the AmyBeta5 gene (Figure 2C), its expression was observed only in the soaked seeds. Moreover, greater expression was observed in small soaked seeds. The beta amylase enzyme is synthesized during seed development and its release and activation occurs during germination, being accompanied by the accumulation of its isoforms (SOPANEN; LAURIÈRE, 1989). The gene in reference is related to synthesis of beta amylase in the literature. Nevertheless, its expression was not observed in dry seeds.
Comparing the results of the expression observed by the qRT-PCR and electrophoresis techniques, specific isoforms which may be associated with the genes under study are verified in the alpha amylase zymogram (Figure 1). It is inferred that the AmyB73 gene (Figure 2A) is associated with isoform 1 of alpha amylase and the alpha amylase (LOC542522) gene (Figure 2B) is associated with isoform 2 of alpha amylase.
Furthermore, in relation to the zymogram presented in figure 1, greater activity of the alpha amylase enzyme is observed for inbred line 63, and upon comparing these results with the expression assessed by the qRT-PCR technique, greater expression of the alpha amylase (LOC542522) and AmyBeta5 genes is observed (Figure 2).
Thus, upon assessing amylase enzyme expression by means of the electrophoresis and qRT-PCR techniques and by the results of tests used for assessment of physiological quality, it is observed that inbred line 43 presents lower physiological quality, which could compromise its use in hybrid composition, principally as a female parent. Thus, by means of these analyses, there was significant expression of genes associated with amylase enzymes and with physiological quality of the seeds.
Analysis of the alpha amylase enzyme expression profile by means of the electrophoresis technique may be used to assist selection of genotypes in breeding programs. That way, it is possible to eliminate genotypes with minor seed quality in the initial phases of the program.
It is important to emphasize that various genes in addition to the amylases may be involved in control of the seed physiological quality trait. For example, genes directly related to plant respiration may be cited. Therefore, it is suggested that new studies be carried out seeking to involve a greater number of multigene families and genes.
There is differentiated expression of amylase enzymes in maize seeds of inbred lines with different levels of physiological quality.
Higher expression of amylase enzymes is observed in soaked maize seeds.
The expression of transcripts is higher in smaller as well as in soaked maize seeds of inbred lines.
To the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq), CAPES and the Research Support Foundation of the State of Minas Gerais (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG) for financial support.
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(Received in october 27, 2012 and approved in december 12, 2012)


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Good chase scenes
(5 out of 5 stars)
"More than many other computer-animation videos, this one works because it knows what it is. Even the best computer animation cannot compete with reality for realism. (Yes, that's tautological but think about it. Think about ALL tautologies.) Lots of nice chase scenes, which are the strong suit of animation. They're always exciting; they don't require the destruction of millions in cars nor the deployment of cadres of police, and most of all they eye doesn't linger long enough on any one thing to be disturbed by banality. Great detail in computer backgrounds is just as hard to do as great detail in the subject, and a chase focuses the attention. Too, the music is just right for animation. It is properly driving when it needs to be, and it recalls no other music. I dread the day when some fool tries to set an animation to "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Mr. Livgren was smarter. The animators also understand that virtual reality really is a mockery of reality, and concentrate on interesting images. I recall my anticipation in 1982 when MTV came out. I thought, "At last. Interesting pictures with the music." Of course we know the story of MTV: a dog's breakfast of arty or quirky shots, quite indigestible, and tiring to the eyes. This DVD however is much better. I've watched it four times. And one scene, with hammers quite pointlessly banging on steel, in a warehouse lit by light coming through slowly rotating fans, sticks in the mind. And it's funny too, something very rare in animation. If you buy one computer animation DVD, let it be this one."
Great animation, fantastic soundtrack
Dustin M. Smith | Aurora, CO | 11/24/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoyed The Mind's Eye series (Mind's Eye, Beyond, and Gate)you'll enjoy this one. More great computer animation and a fantastic soundtrack from artists Mike Oldfield and Kerry Livgren (former guitarist of rock group Kansas). No extras, I would liked to have had an onscreen menu with a index of the animation sequences. But, other than that the quality is very good."
Best of the genre
James M. McDonald | Grand Rapids, MI | 06/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The graphics are superb. The underwater chase scenes in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace are very reminiscent of the chase scenes toward the beginning of this video.If you are a Kansas fan, you'll immediately spot the style of Kerry Livren, the musical genius behind this video. Only two tracks have vocals. One is overtly Judeo/Christian expressing that only the Creator can satisfy. Livgren became a Christian before Kansas disbanded (just listen to Dust in the Wind or The Wall).The vocal track (next to the last) is the only one I don't like. The vocalist is Kerry's son, Jacob. It would be a good song if it weren't for an unecessary, irritating falsetto part that he sings. It is very badly done.If you do not like Kansas, you will not like the music. My brother first showed me this video a couple of years ago. I went out and got it myself. As soon as I am finished here I am ordering the DVD!"
A visual and audio delight!
bobby tomms | Tampa Bay, Florida | 12/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the most amazing DVDs you'll ever bare witness. Its combines the best in computer animation, with one of the world's finest musical talents (Kerry Livgren of the rock group Kansas). If you're looking for a DVD to show of your player, or if you got a great home theater system and want to enjoy it, than look no futher than this gem!"


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British Columbia Government: Education Options and Information
British Columbia Home Educators' Association
** Become a member of the BCHEA! Read their bylaws here.
A List of Schools In British Columbia that Support Home Learning
- Anchor Academy
- ASCEND Online School
- British Columbia Ministry of Education Distributed Learning Programs
- Bulkley Valley Christian Distributed Learning School
- Burnaby Online
- Campbell River Christian School
- Christian Home Education in the Kootenays (CHEK)
- Christian Homelearner's eStreams (CHeS)
- Collaborative Education Alternative Program (CEAP)
- EBUS Academy
- Heritage Christian Online School
- Hume Park Learning
- Kamloops Christian School
- Kleos Open Learning
- Nanaimo Christian School
- Oak and Orca: Learning Naturally
- Pathways Academy
- Pacific Spirit School
- Regent Christian Online School
- Self Design
- Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning
- Traditional Learning Academy
- Vancouver Christian School
- Windsor House School
British Columbia Curriculum and Learning Standards
- British Columbia Curriculum: K-9 Curriculum can be downloaded here.
These are the documents that I downloaded from the B.C. government website and then adjusted for size so that they print out more efficiently. They can be kept according to subject or it is also easy to sort the pages according to grades K-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9. A lot of the learning standards are repeated in those grade sections.
- Applied Skills
- Arts Education
- Career Education
- English Language Arts
- French Language
- Mathematics
- Physical Health Education
- Science
- Social Studies
For further curriculum planning, I highly recommend The Well-Trained Mind.
Curriculum Suppliers


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"1,2,3 -NIKE!" I stared in judgemental disbelief with a very visible grimace. There – in front me, was the floor staff at Nike – shouting their morning mantra in unison. The manager, or who I assumed was the manager, was… Read More ›
Month: July 2013
Sometimes a girl just wants to be a mother fucking diva. A right, I can wholeheartedly admit, I do not deserve. But…. As ashamed as I am, there are days when admittedly I wish I was a corporate superboss. … Read More ›
A Day Like This
There will be days that start with the gleeful cheer of your spouse shouting he told you so. Where he will run victoriously and obnoxiously throughout the house in nothing but his boxers screaming to the world of his triumph…. Read More ›


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The original man page was written by Ross Paterson.François Pinard did the initial conversion to Texinfo format.
Richard Stallman contributed his usual invaluable insights to the overall process.
Certain options are available in all of these programs.
Rather than writing identical descriptions for each of the programs, they are described here.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, with no Front-Cover Texts, and with no Back-Cover Texts.
A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".
This manual is a work in progress: many sections make no attempt to explain basic concepts in a way suitable for novices.Thus, if you are interested, please get involved in improving this manual. The GNU utilities documented here are mostly compatible with the POSIX standard. Include the version number, machine architecture, input files, and any other information needed to reproduce the bug: your input, what you expected, what you got, and why it is wrong.If you have a problem with ', as it can can often help find and fix problems without having to wait for an answer to a bug report.If the debug output does not suffice to fix the problem on your own, please compress and attach it to the rest of your bug report.Although diffs are welcome, please include a description of the problem as well, since this is sometimes difficult to infer. This manual was originally derived from the Unix man pages in the distributions, which were written by David Mac Kenzie and updated by Jim Meyering.What you are reading now is the authoritative documentation for these utilities; the man pages are no longer being maintained.


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Beaver Shelter Building at The Lloyd - June 2013
The Beavers went up The Lloyd to help finish off the shelters the Scouts had built the previous evening. Everyone worked really hard to make their shelter as waterproof as possible - they were put to the test at the end and a few Beavers got a bit wet ! Everyone had a great time and thank you to all the parent helpers.


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First day with the kids is finally here! The team battled distractions in the morning but made it to the drop-in center to spend a great first day there. Months of hard work and preparation finally came to life and the kids, team and staff were all thrilled to see each other. God really worked in the various stations of the Vacation Bible School and kids were given the opportunity to accept Christ. We concluded the night at the Bridges' house for a wonderful, home-cooked meal and a moving debrief of the day. Read more for details.
The team woke up with great excitement early to go to the drop-in center and the first day of our VBS program. The electricity went out around 3am and stayed off through the day. We still had our daily devotional early in the morning and the helpful staff was still able to make coffee, toast and scrambled eggs over a fire.
The Forsaken Children staff and kids gave us a very warm welcome with roses. The kids were finally gathered, including street kids and those from the halfway home.
The team was thrilled to see them and the feeling was mutual - lots of hugs were given. We were presented a welcome cake to eat and I had the honor of blessing it (cutting it in half while kids clapped).
Bradley and Cathy led the kids in singing and gesturing to Soul on Fire. I gave the lesson for the day on realizing that Gods means for you to be where you are and I was able to present my background and testimony, feeling called to do so, having just completed the Evangelism and Spiritual Gifts Harvesters' program. I even had the chance to give a formal invitation to the kids to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although no one raised their hand, I am hopeful that seeds have been planted for later in the week or down the road.
All of the kids had a great time in our different stations including 1. Arts and Crafts- Sylvia and Cathy led the kids in gluing cotton balls into a cloud with Luke 9:35 verse and putting together a cross necklace, 2. Games – Bradley led monkey in the middle and "steal the bacon" 3. Bible Application – Liz brought the word to the kids and used Ethiopian examples to tell them the "story" and 4. Composition – Joyce conducted a word search associated with the Exodus out of Egypt and stickers. Kelly, Meme and the whole team were thrilled to see the hard work and preparation finally come to life!
The Bridges had us over to their home for dinner including homemade lentils, vegetables, rice -all delicious! Joyce had prepared a delicious chocolate mousse cake and we celebrated Karyn's birthday early. The power was out but we had our daily debrief and the Holy Spirit was among us. We recapped highlights of the day of how God was among us wherever we went and prayed salvation for not only the kids but for family members back home.
Can't wait for what the Lord has in store for all of us in Day Two tomorrow!
Dan and team Ethiopia!!
PS Don't forge to comment! We read them every morning!!


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Womens Institute
Pilton Village Women's Institute
President: Janet Ladyman
Secretary: Shirley Watt
All enquiries to 890224 and 899514
The new WI has gone from strength to strength with a membership that has increased to forty. We have an enthusiastic membership of mixed ages and a friendly warm welcome awaits all members old and new. We offer the opportunity to learn, develop and pass on new skills, to belong to something special, making friends, working as a team and having fun with events.
Our WI meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm at Pilton Village Hall. In addition we hold bi monthly coffee mornings in members' homes and twice a year we meet for lunch at a local pub, restaurant or cafe. We also arrange outings to local places of interest and these have included Cole Manor at Bruton and visits to Wyke Farm and Yeo Valley to look at the cheese and yogurt making processes.
Over the past year, we have enjoyed a varied programme, which have included a talk on the history of the local carnivals, Wine Tasting Evening by Majestic Wines and a taste of how the Scot's celebrate Burns night (see below). Future events planned for 2017 include a presentation on the "History of Clarks Shoes", and an introduction to Tai Chi, along with many other WI County Events available to members.
Why not come and give us a try, you don't need to know how to bake, and it's not all about Jam and Jerusalem!!
January 2017
It was Christmas Party Time for the Pilton Village WI at their December meeting.
After the formalities members gathered for an evening of fun, food and entertainment. Each member had brought in some savoury or sweet food for us to nibble on, but before we could sample the treats, Alison had arranged our entertainment for the evening – a music quiz through the ages. Alison had music from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's,and 00's, and played a few notes of each song, to enable us to try and recall the artist and the name of the song.
There was a lot of brain racking and frustration, along with reminiscing and laughter.
It was a close call, but the winners were, Shirley, Christine, Joyce and Jane who took the title with a score of 79, bagging themselves a prize of a bar of chocolate!!
We then tucked into the food delights, which was followed by singing a couple of Christmas Carols and finally, the committee presented each member with a Christmas Gift.
Jane Marchant
Next came the "Piping in of the Haggis" which was accompanied with Alison and Lysbeth presenting the Haggis to "A Man's a Man for "A" that".
We were then served with our Haggis, accompanied by neeps and tatties,! otherwise known as mashed potato and carrot and swede, both mashed with a generous helping of butter. It appeared to be very much enjoyed, with lots of clean plates. If that wasn't enough, pudding, was a "Tipsy Laird" – trifle, with just a hint of alcohol added!
Whilst coffee was being served our member Daphne, recited a poem she had written about Burns Night with Carole, kindly giving all our members a gift of shortbread.
Our evening ended with the business matters, and the raffle of Marmalade and Chocolate being won by Pauline and Molly having raised an incredible £40.
February 2017
At our January meeting we were treated to "A Hint of Burns Night". This was an idea from our Scottish members, to show us English how Burns Night is celebrated!!
The committee members had set up the room, beautifully with table lined with tartan, and various Scottish decorations around the room, and our committee members having dressed up in their Scottish dress.
We were delighted to be joined by five guests, brought by Molly, for the evening.
The evening started with one of our Scottish Members, Lysbeth Ballantine, reading the Scottish Grace "The Selkirk Grace" before we were all served our starter of Rye Bread and Scottish Salmon.
April 2017
At our March meeting we were visited by Andrew McElwee who came to talk to us about the National Trust. He used to live in Kent where he was a surveyor but in retirement he took up a job advertised at Polesden Lacey as a manager. Polesden Lacey is an Edwardian house and estate located on the North Downs at Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey. It is owned and run by the National Trust and is one of the Trust's most popular properties.
Andrew spoke at length about his job interview to get the job and then about his time there, explaining one particular time when the property was suffering with a problem with bats that got so bad they had to call in a professional to sort the problem out. A Batman was called who just happened to be called Robin!!
As Andrew went on talking, one of our members, Molly, discovered that her daughter got married at Polesden Lacey during the time Andrew was there, which was a great coincidence. Andrew was very humorous with his stories, and the evening was completed with Sheila thanking Andrew for his presentation. Jane Marchant
May 2017
Our April meeting was "Members Night" and our members had arranged for a visit from Peter Lawrence who is an artist having spent many years working in the Middle East, drawing inspiration from the area for his water colour painting.
After the formalities, Peter introduced himself and explained how he has always loved painting and the arts, but his education took him down the engineering route, which lead him to work as an engineer for a sanitation company based in the Middle East. Peter spent many years in various difference countries, such Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Dubai, and in particular the capital city of Jordan, Amman.
As Peter had always loved to paint in watercolours, he started to paint, drawing inspiration from the area, such as the landscapes, where he painted the Ancient Lost City of Petra in Jordan. He also painted many other scenes of the local ancient architecture, people and flora and fauna, all using vibrant colours and different techniques. Peter explained how many of his paintings hold particular memories for him, and reflect his mood at particular times.
Following a meeting with another artist, it unexpectedly led to the opportunity of publishing a book displaying his art work of Jordan. This led to two further books published with his artwork, along with an exhibition displaying his work in Amman, Jordan, to which three Jordanian Princesses' attended.
Peter was obviously very enchanted with the area, particularly Jordan and the city of Amman explaining how the difficulties in the area, through religion and politics have not done any favours for the area.
March 2017
On the 18th March 2017, Pilton Village WI hosted their Afternoon Tea Event at Pilton Village Hall.
Our members had set up the room beautifully, with tablecloths, fine cutlery, china and flowers adoring the tables.
Our guests were treated to a selection of homemade dainty sandwiches and cake treats, along with scones with jam and cream, all served on three tier cake stands and with a plentiful supply of tea by our very smart WI waitresses for the day.
The afternoon was very pleasant with guests taking the time to sit, relax and chat, creating a lovely buzz in the room.
It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it, raising an amazing £350, with the proceeds going to the Pilton Village Trust and the refurbishment of the foyer area of the village hall.
June 2017
At our AGM in May the local WI Advisor, Anne Preston, attended to help with any queries or issues.
A skittles team is being organised by Clare.
There will be no meeting in June because of the Festival, but we shall visit Midney Gardens.
We were delighted that our Burns Supper appeared in the County News.
Several members recently enjoyed a performance of 'Guys and Dolls' at Strode Theatre by the Street Musical Comedy Society.
The next item on the agenda was discussion of the Resolutions. Celia spoke on 'Action on Loneliness' and Clarissa spoke about attempts to ban Micro Plastic Fibres. After hearing all the pros and cons, 21 members voted for 'Action on Loneliness' and 19 also voted for the Resolution on Micro Plastic Fibres.
Our secretary gave an account of our achievements over the past year and Janet, our president, thanked everyone for their help.
Janet was re-elected president; Shirley and Sheila will be secretary and treasurer respectively, and the committee members are Jane, Joyce, Tracey, Linda and Ann.
Celia expressed the members' thanks to the committee for all their hard work during the last twelve months.
The evening closed with tea and cake.
Jane Marchant
September 2017
Our guest tonight was Dawn Lawrence who visited us to introduce us to her poetry books that were inspired by her husband who was a geologist in different counties, and had various encounters with wildlife.
Dawn, has written for People's Friend, a women's magazine since 2003, with the magazine recently celebrating 150 years.
It was from creating the stories, poems and illustrations, Dawn decided that the funds raised from the books would go towards animal conservation, particularly the Born Free Foundation set up 25 years ago by Virginia McKenna.
Dawn explained that in 3 years over 100,000 elephants were killed. In addition, there are now only 15,000 lions left in the wild with only 2,800 Tigers and 300 Siberian Tigers.
In the UK there are only one million hedgehogs left, along with Kingfishers, Puffins and the Dormouse along with Bees being on the endangered list. The Water Vole being the most most endangered UK animal.
Along with Dawn's wildlife information, she shared with us the poems she has written about the numerous different animals that are on the endangered list. Dawn's poems were charming, and you could see and feel her passion when she read some of them to us.
Dawn had a lovely selection of books available to purchase, and many people took advantage of purchasing early Christmas presents.
The evening ended with Clarissa giving the vote of thanks to Dawn for her wonderful presentation
Photos of Pilton Village's WI Summer Party. Our members enjoyed a lovely evening get together with a selection of nibbles and drinks, and the surprise visit of a hot air balloon. Our member, Sue, is shown prior to her visit to the hairdressers, where she is donating her hair to charity.
At our October meeting we were treated to a demonstration of Tai Chi by Zabeth Reid. Zabeth explained that Tia Chi is over 500 years old.
Zabeth showed us a movement called Z4 which was extremely soothing and performed by Zabeth very eliquently.
All our members were able to join in, either sitting or standing, demonstrating it is accessible for all.
Zabeth finished off by showing us some moves with a sword and fans.
A very enjoyable evening, leaving our members very relaxed and calm.
Pilton Village WI October Meal Get Together
We all enjoyed a lovely get together the other evening at the Old Down Inn, kindly organised by Val Dixon. It was a great way to have a good chat supported by excellent food and drink.
We all enjoyed a wonderful evening recently at our Christmas Party. Wonderful food, drink and company. Alison was our quizmaster for the evening, with a very random quiz!! First prize being won by Clarissa! The evening was completed with each member receiving a Christmas gift from the WI committee to thank all the members for their support over the last 12 months
November 2017.
At our November meeting, we were joined by Tiggy Trethowan who works behind the scenes as events manager for The Antiques Roadshow. Tiggy explained that as a child she was not academic, but was passionate about drama which she studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. After many years in the television industry working on various shows, she was offered a job with the Antiques Roadshow who at the time wanted to update the image of the show, and make it a bigger and better show with more visitors than the 1500 visitors attending at that time.
With her experience gained from the other shows, she brought in new security, health and safety, lost children, first aid and training for the many volunteer stewards. There are now up to 6,000 visitors per event. She explained that the way in which visitors are chosen has not changed over the years, and every visitor to the Antiques Roadshow gets a valuation if they visit, but it is only 5% that are filmed.
It was lovely to hear about Tiggy's life, with its many ups and downs. She was most enthusiastic, and you could tell she loves everything about her job. Jane Marchant
Pilton Village WI - January Meeting
Have you ever noticed the Blood Bikes driving around, thought they were part of the NHS? You'd be wrong! This organisation is totally run by volunteers,and our guest for this evening was biker, Julian Barefoot, who came to explain how it all works. Known as Freewheelers and Blood Bikes they are Emergency Voluntary Service "EVS". Their motto being Riding for Life. Julian explained the organisation was originally established in the 1950/60's in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset area, with the organisation becoming a registered charity in 1990. They provide an out of hours courier service to the NHS.
The bikes will carry the following items: blood, pathology, medication, equipment, X-rays and scans, patient notes, surgical tools. Since 2015 they also carry breast milk for the NICU Milkbank, following the purchase of special boxes by The Lions. They work Monday to Friday 7pm to 7am, and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays, running four bikes at a time. So, you won't see them during the daytime throughout the week. There is no fixed central office, with all riders working from home. All bikes are fitted with blue lights and sirens, and road traffic laws must be complied with at all times, so no breaking the speed limits!
Julian went on to explain that all riders fit this volunteer work around their regular jobs. Julian fits the work around his job as an accountant for the NHS. This is the same for all the different roles in the charity, such as fundraising, co-ordinators, and committee members. Funds do need to be raised to cover the running costs of the bikes, which is approx. £120k per year, excluding the cost of the bikes. It is estimated they save the NHS half a million pounds a year, and in 2016 they performed 4974 deliveries, and covered one hundred and eighty thousand miles.
Julian's presentation was fascinating. I was certainly one of the ones who thought these bikes were funded by the NHS. Just goes to show you can learn something new everyday. What an achievement to the members of this organisation.
The aims of the organisation are:-
To save lives
Provide medical support to the public
Help the NHS save money
To promote a positive image of motorcycling
To promote safe motorcycling
April 2018
At our February meeting we were joined by Catherine who introduced us to jewellery making. Many of us had a go, and after a little bit of frustration with the intricacies, we had some lovely results. For those who did not wish to indulge, a good catch up, with tea and cake, completed the evening.
Jane Marchant
May 2018
At this month's meeting we were due to be visited by Angela Pitt to give us a presentation on her voluntary work for the Galapagos Islands. Sadly, due to the arrival of the 'Mini Beast from the East' she was not able to make it.
Fortunately, Alison came to the rescue, and arranged at very short notice, a few games of Bingo for all of us who dared to venture out. Alison was Bingo Master for the evening and after calling out the numbers for a while, there was eventually a player with a full house. Daphne claimed the prize in the first game, with Gill being the winner of the second. Both were presented with their prizes - Cadbury Creme Eggs!!
Our thanks go to Alison, who was able to arrange the Bingo at such short notice.
Jane Marchant
The Pilton Village WI are organising a trip to Highclere Castle on 11th July, and currently have a few spare spaces.
We wondered if other Pilton residents would like to join us?
We will be leaving the village around 9.15 am and returning about 5.30 pm.
The cost, which includes entrance to the House and Gardens and the coach, is £25.
If you would like to join us please call Alison on 899516.
June 2018
What a busy time – a group of us went to Strode to see the show Copacabana mid April, ; we had a lovely Italian meal in Shepton, kindly organised by Val and then the banner parade through Wells shortly after.
Our May meeting was our AGM which was well attended. The business meeting covered the County News in which Gill and Daphne appeared centre page. The resolution re Mental Health was discussed giving both for and against reasons and was unanimously passed. The issue of a donation to Denman was thoroughly discussed and it was agreed to make one. However, a member suggested we ask Carol Smith from County to come to a meeting to give us the latest position. Then the issue of Wilton Lodge was discussed and although everyone thought that insufficient information was available it was decided that selling Wilton Lodge and looking for more suitable premises was probably the way forward.
The business meeting was followed by the AGM and as all but one of the committee were willing to continue they were unanimously re-elected. No other member wished to join the committee. Celia thanked the committee for all its hard work over the past year as did our President, Janet Ladyman
The meeting ended with very nice refreshments and a good chat.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month in Pilton Village Hall from 7.30 p.m and visitors are always welcome.
Our June meeting's speaker is from Somerset Road Safety and in July is our garden party.
July 2018
What a busy time – a group of us went to Strode to see the show Copacabana in mid April, we enjoyed a lovely Italian meal in Shepton, kindly organised by Val and then the banner parade through Wells shortly after.
Our May meeting was our AGM which was well attended. The business meeting covered the County News in which Gill and Daphne appeared centre page. The resolution re Mental Health was discussed giving both for and against reasons and was unanimously passed. The issue of a donation to Denman College was thoroughly discussed and it was agreed to make one. However, a member suggested we ask Carol Smith from County to come to a meeting to give us the latest position.
Then the issue of Wilton Lodge was discussed and although everyone thought that insufficient information was available it was decided that selling Wilton Lodge and looking for more suitable premises was probably the way forward.
The business meeting was followed by the AGM and as all but one of the committee were willing to continue they were unanimously re- elected.
No other member wished to join the committee. Celia thanked the committee for all its hard work over the past year as did our President, Janet Ladyman
The meeting ended with very nice refreshments and a good chat.
Sheila West
On July 11th members and friends enjoyed a lovely day out at Highclere Castle. It was a beautiful day, the house was lovely and the people very friendly. The grounds were extensive and the gardens also beautiful.
Members of the Pilton Village W.I. met for their annual Garden Party on July 16th in the lovely garden of George and Sheila West. After the singing of Jerusalem and the usual business, members enjoyed a feast of finger food provided by the committee. Although rain had threatened earlier, the evening was fine and the breeze quite refreshing after all the heat. Thanks to everyone involved in the preparation of the event and to our hosts.
On July 25th Pilton Village W.I. hosted the County Fun Quiz in the village hall – we also won! Bruton and Evercreech were joint second.
On the 11th September we are hoping to visit Midelney Manor, Near Langport.
Our next meeting will be on the 17th September, at the village hall, when Sarah Maude will share some stories of her life working behind the scenes with the stars.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month except in August in Pilton Village Hall from 7.30 p.m and visitors are always welcome.
August 2018
As part of the business meeting, Carole Smith, Denman Ambassador had been invited to speak so that members understood what Denman was about and what the financial situation was now. Carole explained that the actual business side of the college was financially sound but that money would always be needed to keep the Grade II Listed Georgian Building in good repair. £650,000 had been raised so far and a new project, "Love Denman", was launched at the conference in Cardiff. Carole was an enthusiastic ambassador for Denman and encouraged members to think about going on the Federation Visit 25th -27th March 2019. Watch County News for Details.
Our speakers were Andy and Neil from Somerset Road Safety.Their role is to help drivers to drive safer for longer. We had a test on road signs, which I think we passed with flying colours, mostly! They emphasised the 'only a fool breaks the 2 second rule' to do with safe distance when driving. They use the acronym COAST – Concentration, Observation, Attention/Awareness, Space and Time.
Somerset County Council run a one-hour refresher course, non- judgemental, for £25.00. They ended their talk by giving out goodie bags.
Sheila West
September 2018
On 11th July members and friends enjoyed a lovely day out at Highclere Castle. It was a beautiful day, the house was lovely and the people very friendly. The grounds were extensive and the gardens were also beautiful.
Members met for their annual Garden Party on 16th July in the lovely garden of George and Sheila West. After the singing of Jerusalem, and the usual business, members enjoyed a feast of finger food provided by the committee. Although rain had threatened earlier, the evening was fine and the breeze quite refreshing after all the heat. Thanks to everyone involved in the preparation of the event and to our hosts.
On 25th July Pilton Village WI hosted the County Fun Quiz in the Village Hall – we also won! Bruton and Evercreech were joint second.
On 11th September we are hoping to visit Midelney Manor, near Langport.
Our next meeting will be on 17th September, at the Village Hall, when Sarah Maude will share some stories of her life working behind the scenes with the stars.
Sheila West
October 2018.
After the business meeting in September, our speaker was introduced
As the daughter of an actress Sarah Maude often travelled the country to
accompany her mother when she was performing so it is not surprising that she was interested in theatre from a very
early age. Her mother suggested that she would be wise to have a useful skill to fall back on so Sarah did a
secretarial course and then studied at RADA.
Sarah spent much of her working life as a P. A. to many well known stars - Liza Minnelli, Dirk Bogarde, Oliver Read,
and Sean Connery to name just a few. As a consequence she has an apparently endless supply of stories and an
interesting collection of memorabilia which she shared with us at our last meeting.
Her stories ranged from poignant to hilarious. A flatulent actress had to disguise her problem by clapping as she
moved around the stage. Another actor woke her in the early hours expecting her to find his lost hire car. It
transpired next day that he was looking for the wrong car.
It was evident from her experiences that she had relished the lifestyle and had tackled the challenges she met with
humour, sensitivity and a huge sense of calm. We certainly enjoyed our evening with her and her stars.
Our next meeting is on October 15th and our speaker is a volunteer from Somerset Wildlife Trust at Pilton Village
Hall at 7.30 – visitors very welcome.
November 2018
At our October meeting we were joined by Bill Murray who visited us from the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Bill came to explain how the trust works within the county of Somerset with regard to wildlife, both fauna and flora. Bill explained that Somerset has 70 wildlife reserves in the county which helps to protect and maintain and improve wildlife in the county.
He explained they work with different organisations and individuals, such as farmers, to try and encourage them to change some practices in order to help with wildlife, such as keeping some areas of fields as meadow areas in order to encourage certain species of butterfly and flowers. This has proved successful with the return of certain butterflies and flora in some areas, along with the return of the Red Kite which had all but disappeared from our area.
In addition, he explained that the trust also liaises with organisations and councils regarding proposed planning applications, providing information as to how building in a certain areas may impact wildlife, and suggesting more suitable areas.
All of this work is undertaken from, membership, grants, donations and lottery funding along with the help of many volunteers.
It was an informative talk, with many of us learning about the many different reserves in the area which are available for us to visit and explore.
Dec 2018
After the business meeting we started our Christmas festivities with a quiz set by Alison when we discovered how much we didn't know! It was good fun and, after a tie breaker, was won by Sheila Steward who was presented with a large gold chocolate medal and a small gift.
We then all tucked into the buffet which had been provided by all members and was extensive – lots of choice and delicious pickie bits. Christmas music played in the backgroud and there was a lot of chat. The raffle prize, of scented candles, was won by Ann Trippick.
Gifts, which had been beautifully wrapped, were distributed at the end of the evening nd it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
The subject of our January meeting is the Emotional Freedom Technique and our speaker for our February meeting is John Robson a Forensic Dentist
Our meetings are on the third Monday of each month in the village hall at 7.30 and visitors are always welcome.
Sheila West
January 2019
A new year with a rush to rejoin which was gratifying. The business meeting discussed a new start time of 7.15, our educational visit to Burns the Bread, where we are going to be taught how to make bread and Eccles cakes and make our own pasty and the proposed visit to the historical house and gardens at Malmesbury Abbey in June.
Our speaker, Julie Atterton-Gunn, was then introduced and her subject was the Emotional Freedom Technique. It was explained as being like acupuncture but without the needles!
Julie demonstrated that by tapping certain areas of the face and body and quoting a mantra, you could free up your feelings which helps with all manner of aches and pains through the Meridian lines which flow through your body. She asked for a volunteer and our President was persuaded to take part in a demonstration. After a very stressful day and after a couple of rounds of tapping she said she definitely felt less stressed. We were then asked to find a partner and try it out – quite a few giggles at this stage but everyone agreed that it was very thought provoking and would try it at home as and when the occasion arose.
Our speaker in February is a Forensic Dentist and in March the subject is Coffee and Coffins – very intriguing!
Sheila West
March 2019
We started with our usual business meeting when Celia reported on the Literary Lunch held at Taunton Cricket ground, which was excellent. Our visits to Burns the Bread and to Malmesbury Abbey plus an invitation from Binegar to their meeting when a Chelsea Garden gold winner would be their speaker, were all discussed.
Our speaker, John Robson, was then introduced. John is a forensic dentist. His work has taken him all over the world and included his participation after the Malaysian tsunami, the Ukrainian plane attack and similar events. It was easier to identify people if they are in what is called a 'closed' environment, like an aeroplane where there is a list of passengers as opposed to an 'open' environment such as a train crash. He showed a slide of a bite mark where identification of the suspect would have been quite easy but this is not always the case. One amusing story was about a lady who contacted the police because she had dug up quite a few teeth but it turned out that the previous owner had been a dentist and just threw his old extractions into the garden.
There is no central department where all dental records are kept. If you are a National Health patient your records are kept but as many dentist today are private, there is no easy way of identifying someone if they do not have any identification about their person.
In his other life John is also a member of the Gey Dogs band.
Our next meeting is on the 18th March and is entitled Coffee and Coffins – visitors welcome.
April 2019
Our meeting in March headlined ,Coffee and Coffins, was slightly unusual! Our speakers were two lady funeral directors from North Petherton, Wallace & Stuart It was a very informative evening and not at all morbid. There were discussions about all sorts of things which when a funeral is being arranged you might not think of or don't like to ask. There are lots of different types of service, or none at all. You can even be buried in your own garden, with the appropriate permissions, although when coming to sell this might be a problem! They are a totally independent company and are the only female undertakers in the area. They are also qualified to take non religious services. There was quite a lot of humour during the meeting and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
In February and March two groups of members attended a very enjoyable evening at Burns the Bread in Glastonbury. We were shown how to make various doughs and pastries and even made our own pasties – some more successfully than others! It was a very informative experience and everyone came away with lots of goodies. Mr Burns is a very jovial character and obviously loves the work that he does. He explained how he came into the industry and how it is a family business – his grandson was there to help. During the evening a buffet was laid on and we were able to test many of the things available in his shops.
In April 16 members went for a meal at The Courtyard Restaurant in Wells. The food and service were excellent.
Our next meeting in April is Members Nights and our May meeting is our A.G.M. Visitors always welcome.
June 2019
On the 5th June we went to Malmesbury Abbey House, Abbey and gardens. The tour of the Abbey House was very interesting. Apparently Henry the VIII owned it in 1543 and the Abbey was one of the last to be destroyed There was also a large library and most of the books were on gardening and had belonged to Ian Pollard who bought the property in 1994 but sadly passed away recently. I did notice a copy of the Domesday Book too. The next part of the house we visited was below the library and was constructed in 676 and believed to house a bathing pool. The gardens were lovely and would be even lovelier in two to three weeks time as the roses had just started to come out. There is a lovely wooded walk, which is quite steep, down to the River Avon and there are several pools. The views are spectacular.The main structure of the Abbey, although partly a ruin, was quite intact and well worth a look.
Malmesbury is the oldest town in the country and has lots of small independent shops. The weather was good and we had a great day.
Our next meeting in July is going to be a garden party – details on posters nearer the time.
July 2019
In July we had our summer party which this year was held at the pavilion and playing fields.
After the usual business meeting, instead of the usual buffet style food, each member of the committee provided a different sweet. These went down well with all the members! The weather was kind to us and we were able to set up a golf croquet course and boules were also available. However, most of the members sat and chatted although a few took part in the activities.
Unfortunately, the football team had not been made aware of our hiring the pavilion but when asked, they kindly kept to the other end of the field as it was a training session rather than a match, thankfully.
The speaker for our meeting in August is Peter Tinney on his childhood reflections and our September meeting is entitled The Skip Man and the speaker is Stewart Sheppard. Visitors always welcome.
Sheila West


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OUCA's Trip to Westminster/
Jeff Vinall (Committee, Brasenose) is an undergraduate reading Jurisprudence
The elusive "great storm"-which-never-was set the backdrop for OUCA's trip to Parliament, so it was under a surprisingly bright sunlit sky that we rendezvoused at Oxford train station. Predictably, despite the noticeable absence of the expected deluges, the rail system was in disarray. Whether to change at Reading or Thatcham, or go straight for Paddington, was therefore a contentious issue – before long, we had made our choices and splintered into several smallish groups. Our journey proceeded in typically Conservative fashion as, from the moment our separate trains left the station, we were in competition. And it was a fierce competition, becoming ever more nerve-wrecking as we willed our trains onwards towards the capital, but ultimately we all arrived (more or less) in time to huddle into a small meeting room just off Westminster Hall to hear the former Government Chief Whip, Andrew Mitchell, speak.
Ironically, given how far we had come, Mr Mitchell's first revelation was his passion for attending debates in Oxford and Cambridge – especially how he had been disappointed that the Oxford Union did not vote to show confidence in Her Majesty's Government at the beginning of this term. He wasted no time, though, in moving onto a topic of unsurpassable importance: how the Conservatives could hope to win the next general election. "It's the economy stupid!" – Bill Clinton's famous phrase, at least to Mr Mitchell, was equally applicable to the current situation. In his view, the Conservatives lost their credibility on the economy after Black Wednesday, when the Conservative Government of John Major was forced to increase interest rates greatly and then exit the Exchange Rate Mechanism. Mr Mitchell's question, then, was whether the improving economy under the current, Conservative-led Government would be enough of a reason for the electorate to once again vote for Conservatives. The danger, he said, is that the people will think it is now becoming "safe" to let Labour back into power.
On George Osborne, Mitchell was full of praise. Once, he admitted, the popular view of Osborne had taken a battering; however today the Chancellor of the Exchequer is, to use Mitchell's phrase, "recovery stock". If he's right, we heard it from him first … if not, he hopes we'll quietly forget – either way, you read it in Blueprint before the national papers.
Although the economy is of undeniable importance, Mitchell's second proposal was that the party must reach out to minority communities. His experience as Minister for International Development, he said, had shown him without doubt that people from, for instance, immigrant backgrounds were as likely as anyone to be conservative, if not more so. Giving the example of Pakistani communities, Mitchell expanded: their natural ideological background is often conservative but, at the moment, the Conservative party as a whole is not one which they feel able to support. This, he said, must change.
The Labour Party currently facing us is one which Mitchell said espoused "raw socialism". The idea of restraining energy prices by law, mooted by Ed Miliband in his recent party conference, predates the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Mitchell declared it long since disproved. That said, though, it is important that the Conservatives do not look out of touch. On this point, Mitchell stressed that an Oxbridge education should never be a barrier to aspiring politicians; however it is important that the Party is seen to understand the necessity for "scrimping and saving" wherever possible. The next election, he thought, is one of the most open and exciting of recent years. Conservatives ultimately, if we are to win, need to champion progressive, compassionate conservative policies.
Members then had an opportunity to ask questions on a variety of interesting topics. Amongst these, it was almost inevitable that the spectre which has been hanging over Mitchell since the now-infamous "plebgate" would arise. Mitchell said that he has deliberately shied away from commenting publicly on the matter; however he did have one particularly poignant point to make: if it is possible for police officers in the diplomatic protection group to stitch up a senior cabinet member, then what chance do children from deprived backgrounds and minorities have of being treated fairly?
After a short time during which members were free to explore the Palace of Westminster, it was time for our meeting with the Home Secretary. We gathered outside the meeting room with the kind of solemn nervousness which I imagine can only accompany an impending meeting with one of the great Secretaries of State in Parliament: none of us were sure from where she would arrive, what format she wished to address us in or even whether some national emergency might understandably call her elsewhere. But, soon enough, we were ushered into a room which, from its appearance, must usually be used for Parliamentary committee meetings, for our audience with Theresa May.
Mrs May, after apologising for the short wait before she had arrived by way of the understatement "I lead a busy life", said that she would make a short speech then take questions. On this last point, she said she would follow the motto of John Major and allow members to ask "any questions you like, in the manner you like, and I will answer however I like".
The speech Mrs May gave then listed some of the most impressive achievement of the Home Office under her leadership since 2010. These included, for example, the "most significant reforms to policing since Peel". This involved, she said, the establishment of the new National Crime Agency, the introduction of a new College of Policing alongside, for the first time, a code of ethics for police officers, and the scrapping of over £4.5 million worth of man hours which had previously been used for unnecessary bureaucracy.
She also propounded her success thus far in advancing a new Immigration Bill which will make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to live in the UK. On this point, though, Mrs May stressed that the current situation, whereby the judiciary have not always accepted Parliament's true intention in relation to incorporating article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, the right to a private and family life, in the Human Rights Act 1998, was unacceptable. The Government would now aim, she said, to put the interpretation of that article beyond doubt through legislation.
Mrs May also highlighted the importance of a new Modern Slavery Bill which she will guide through Parliament, expressing her sadness that such measures were necessary to combat human trafficking. Such a need was clearly demonstrated, though, she pointed out, by a recent case where the National Crime Agency identified over 80 workers being exploited for their labour in Cambridgeshire.
Mrs May then took questions, and to our surprise we were able to get through an extraordinarily broad range of issues, as the Home Secretary kindly gave us much more time than we might have expected.
On the issue of immigration, for example, Mrs May spoke of her intention to bring down the cap on entry but simultaneously expressed her concern that academics should never be prevented from being able to teach at our academic institutions simply because they are from outside the EU. The Home Secretary also spoke more candidly of her dissatisfaction with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act, reiterating her personal preference for a new British Bill of Rights.
In relation to a query about the low turnout at the first election of Police and Crime Commissioners, a measure introduced under her ministership, Mrs May spoke of her optimism that turnout in such elections would rise. This would happen, she said, because the next elections would be held in May rather than November, when people are more used to having the opportunity to vote, and candidates would have to stand either challenging or defending a pre-existing record.
On the issue of recent spying scandals, Mrs May was keen to stress that the UK possessed a strong legal framework and a strong oversight structure to prevent abuses of the powers which security services have been widely publicised as exercising. However, the Home Secretary also conceded that tradition frameworks for monitoring communications technology, for example the "context rather than content" model used for telephone calls, did not translate well to monitoring internet communication. A new framework, she said, was needed and Mrs May went on to express her disappointment that Nick Clegg had effectively done away with the Bill in which she had intended to implement such a new framework with a throwaway remark made during a radio interview.
Finally, Mrs May also spoke about her own progress through the party. From an early age, the Home Secretary was interested in politics, and began her political participation "stuffing envelopes" for her local Conservative association. She confirmed her involvement with OUCA while at Oxford and spoke fondly of the ability of student politics in Oxford to teach skills which are extremely useful in Parliament. One length to which she had never gone though, which she jokingly suggested perhaps William Hague might have done, was reading Hansard under the bedcovers at night.
This brought to an end our audience with the Secretary of State for the Home Department and our second fantastic political speaker of the day. The die-hard amongst us remained in Westminster for a meal before returning to Oxford, and all would testify to how enjoyable and intriguing the day had been. All who attended should therefore be grateful to our President for his hard work in securing such high-calibre audiences and managing a successful excursion. All we need to do now is establish, as Mr Mitchell informed us CUCA already has, a termly dinner in Parliament.


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Mother's Day is coming up. We've thought through some ideas of how you can treat your mom this year. Our hope is to encourage you to give gifts of meaning and purpose, that really add value to mama's life. We hope an idea below will be perfect for the mother(s) in your life!
something pretty.
- Ashley Addair's art @ Rala's First Friday event
- Native Map Knoxville neighborhoods map
- Noonday Collection earrings & bracelet
something practical.
- iphone charger key chain from anthropolgie
- tile mate key finder from amazon
- Handmade stationary from Lisa Clow Studio
something personal.
- Cold Gold leather painting workshop at the Hive with mom
- Floret flower seed collection to plant with mom
something to pamper and empower her.
- glowing body yoga studio class pass
- Wild Lavendar Spa facial treatment
- Help You Dwell gift card of 3 hour value, to be used as she desires! We can help rearrange a challenging space, organize a closet, design and hang a gallery wall, bring order to the pantry, set up a new room, and so much more. Possibilities are endless and mom will enjoy our organizing services in a way that is unique to her needs. Give the gift that will free her up, instead of add more clutter to her life! Contact us with any questions regarding this special.
*Blog Image from Terrain