WELCOME TO
Wayford
Wayford
Wayford is a small village and civil parish on the River Axe, 3 miles from Crewkerne in Somerset. England. The first historical evidence is not until 1206 when it appears in the Curia Regina (or Kings Court) rolls as "Waiford", though it probably existed when the Domesday Book was compiled but is was reckoned as part of Crewkerne and not mentioned.
Since 1 April 2023 Wayford comes under the unitary authority of Somerset Council with 2 Somerset Councillors representing the Parish. It is also part of the Yeovil Constituency represented in the House of Commons by MP Adam Dance.
The local tier of government is the Parish Council which has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rates) to cover the Parish Council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The Parish Council is a consultee for local planning applications and works with the local Police, and Somerset Council Officers on local issues including highways, drainage, footpath and street cleaning. The parish council is also responsible for managing and maintaining the Cemetery and the Allotments in Dunsham Lane.
Wayford Parish Council consists of 5 elected Councillors and a part-time Clerk. Parish Councillors are unpaid volunteers.
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The Church of St Michael
The Church of St Michael in the village dates
from the 13th century and is a Grade II listed
building. The lancet windows suggest the 13th
century as the date of the church. The
octagonal font is 14th century. There are three
marks by the door which are said to have
been made by returning Crusader Knights.
The double piscine in the santuary is unusual.
In the wooden turret, originally painted white,
hang two bells. In 1795 fire destroyed part of the vestry and east wall. The chancel collapsed in 1846 and had to be rebuilt. The church was restored in 1902 by Mr Ingham Baker, who had recently come to live at Wayford Manor. Mr Baker added the north aisle, taking particular care to see that the new walls and supporting pillars were in keeping with the age of the building.
In the porch is a scratch dial, used before there were clocks to indicate the times of the services, but rendered useless when the porch was added in 1602. A galley at the west end (the blocked window can still be seen outside) was removed. It was said the children who used it made such a noise!
The current Churchwardens are Julia Borland and Mike Kimber.
Services are on the first and third Sundays in the month at 9.30 a.m. Both are usually Holy Communion.
Contact Julia Borland - julia.e.borland@gmail.com or Mike Kimber - 07957 862 772
Clapton and Wayford Village Hall
Wayford shares its village hall with the neighbouring village of Clapton which is in the parish of West Crewkerne.
Clapton and Wayford Village Hall was 're-generated' 25 years ago forming a charity. It provides facilities for a wide range of events organised by the committee and a small band of volunteers. It is hired on a regular basis by various clubs and is available for private functions in the main hall at very reasonable rates.
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Secretary - Mary Wilson Tel: 01460 74321 Email: - maryewilson@btinternet.com
Booking Secretary - Julian Borland Tel: 01460 74321 Email: - julia.e.borland@gmail.com
Wayford Woods
Wayford Woods, which are managed by a charitable trust, are situated on the edge of the village. The woods feature well-maintained paths, a large central meadow, a lake and a stream and mixed native and ornamental plants including bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas.
The Vineyard
In 2006 a group of residents decided a social activity would be a good idea. The idea turned into a vineyard. 10 local couples were recruited and in 2007 3,500 Pinor Noir vines were planted.
Over the years the vines have matured and produce award winning sparkling wine.
wayfordvineyard.co.uk
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