Contact Othery Parish Council
Welcome
On behalf of the Parish Council and residents of the ancient village of Othery we would like to extend a warm welcome to our new website.
Known as the ‘Island on the Levels’, Othery is nestled on an apparently detached part of the Sowy island within the breath-taking Somerset Levels and includes the Hamlet of Pathe which is situated about 1km to the south-west.
Our beautiful village is rich in history, with the village name being probably pre-conquest in origin. Othery was said to have been given by King Edgar to his servant Wulfhelm in 963, and by 1086 was under the control of Glastonbury Abbey. The heart of the village is dominated by the beautiful medieval church of St. Michael, which houses a memorial to the three Chard brothers, who included Colonel John Chard, V.C. who led the defence of Rorke’s Drift. By 1515 Othery became a separate parish in its own right.
The village is surrounded by The Somerset Levels, one of Britain’s best wetlands which abound with wildlife. Thousands of waterfowl and waders’ winter in the environs, whilst overhead buzzards, marsh harriers and peregrines are a regular sight.
Othery possesses a diverse number of businesses and farms, including a public house and campsite, more about these can be found in the business section page. We have a thriving school which offers a broad and balanced curriculum. Our village hall which is busy with events throughout the year and is open for bookings wherever you may live. Othery is a low crime area with a strong community spirit and boasts a full Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
The Parish Council consists of seven elected councillors who work together to represent the views and needs of our community. The councillors are all volunteers who have a wide range of experience and expertise. We encourage residents and interested parties to attend parish council meetings which are held in the Village Hall on the second Monday of each month.
Othery is a happy, committed, and thriving community – a place where people want to live, work, and raise children.
Andrew Tizzard
(Chair of Othery Parish Council)