building, which was perhaps once the refectory, but which is now used as a barn, will be noticed abutting on a farm-house along the road to Milborne Port. In an orchard at the back of the farm are the ruins of a small chapel." It was found by Time Team that the long building post-dated the preceptory, having timbers dated to ; but that the chapel, since demolished, and with only footings remaining, was authentically Templar. Governance The Abbas and Templecombe parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security, and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council. The village falls within the non-metropolitan district of South Somerset, and the area of Somerset County Council. The village is part of the 'Blackmoor Vale' electoral ward for council elections, along with several neighbouring villages. It is also part of the Somerton and Frome constituency in the House of Commons. Historically it was part of Wincanton Rural District, before local government reorganisation in 1974. Transport The railway station is served by trains on the London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids West of England Main Line, originally built by the London and South Western Railway. When the village was served by the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, trains had to reverse into Templecombe station. This unusual characteristic was shared with Limerick Junction in County Tipperary in Ireland, and also previously with Dorchester South. The station closed in 1966 due to the Beeching Axe, but re-opened due to local pressure in 1983. Economy Templecombe's largest employer is Thales Underwater Systems. Religious sites The parish Church of St. Mary dates from the 12th century, but was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building. The church contains a panel painting discovered in a local cottage which has been carbon dated to around 1280 which