Mendip Times
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VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
SEPTEMBER 2019
IN THIS ISSUE: • FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE • ARTS & ANTIQUES • SUMMER EVENTS • WEDDINGS • BUSINESS
Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
IT’S a sign that we are heading into autumn when harvest homes take place – we have pictures this month from Wedmore and several other villages celebrating the harvest. They are one of those community traditions that make our area such a special place, along with so many fayres, fetes and flower shows. We have pictures from them too, as well as from larger events like the MidSomerset Show, Valley Fest, Somerset Steam and Country Fair and Glastonbury Extravaganza. We meet the family who are distantly “related” to a steam train, feature the Holcombe hippies, and hear how geology can be real a blast! On a more serious note we have an update on Max Sewart, the eight-year-old boy we featured last month, who has been refused treatment on the grounds of cost. In Castle Cary they have been paying tribute to the founder of Macmillan Cancer Support. As usual we have many pages devoted to charities, voluntary groups and What’s On listings. We are pleased to devote so much free space to worthwhile causes – thanks purely to the support of our advertisers. We also have a special Focus on Axbridge, a guide to weddings and an extensive preview of Somerset Art Weeks. Welcome to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. October 2019 deadline: Friday, 13th September 2019. Published: Tuesday, 24th September 2019.
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or: email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Main ring action at the Somerset Steam & Country Fair. Photo by Mark Adler, see page 76.
12
Baa-sking in glory – MidSomerset Show in pictures
76
Little and large – stars of steam take centre stage
118
100
Harvesting potential – children support garden project
Sport for all – Frome’s marathon effort Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............14 Food & Drink ...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business.........................................44 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......65 Walking Sue Gearing ....................66 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........68 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......70
Caving Phil Hendy ........................78 Charities........................................80 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............89 Community ...................................94 Property ......................................102 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...106 Homes and Interiors ..................108 Sport ............................................114 Music & Theatre ........................120 What’s On...................................124 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 3
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Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
RATHER like the weather (and the cricket), the property market is always difficult to predict in August. However, we continue to be pleasantly surprised at how buoyant things are despite all the fears of a no deal Brexit. Unless the worst predictions turn out to be true, the market should continue to hold up well. Internally, this tends to be a quiet month with many of our staff, especially those with young children, enjoying a well-earned break with the family. It is worth mentioning a recent change in the law that affects those who are private landlords of residential property. The change is being phased in, so the effects are being felt gradually. There is now a restriction on landlords claiming mortgage and other interest incurred on a property that is being let. As a result, landlords will no longer be able to claim higher rate tax relief. This could result in a landlord being a higher rate taxpayer but receiving only basic rate tax reduction for these costs. Where landlords are a married couple and one pays tax at a lower rate than the other it can often be helpful to adjust the property shares between them so as to reduce exposure to higher rate tax. We can prepare the necessary documentation to effect this, so please contact us if you think that we can help. We'll be back again next month by which time the Ashes will have been won or lost and the Rugby World Cup will be upon us. Enjoy what is left of the summer!"
Castle Cary: e Old Exchange, Church Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EJ. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400
Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
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MENDIP TIMES
A time and place for reflection
NEWS
AN outdoor “reflection” area for pupils at Mells CofE First School has been opened by Lady Clare Asquith, the Countess of Oxford and Asquith. It follows the introduction of an indoor “quiet” space which has proved popular with pupils. Lady Clare prepares to cut the ribbon to the new reflection space, watched by local vicar the Rev. Clive Fairclough and head teacher Claire Chantler (right), AJ and Tom Charlton (left) and members of the school council
Pupils and guests including Lady Clare, vicar the Rev. Clive Fairclough, AJ and Tom Charlton in the new area of reflection
The last of the cotton line
The outdoor area overlooks the countryside and was created with the support of local timber firm Charltons. Claire Chantler, executive headteacher, said: “Our school is located in a beautiful setting, with a superb unique building as our centrepiece. “We have excellent facilities, including four wonderful classrooms, a hall, an outdoor classroom, a little garden, a playground, a field as well as our own outdoor activity trail, a wild area and a developing forest school provision.”
Bitterns, bikes and breakfast at chamber meeting
Kevin Anderson, from the Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre, with chamber members
Ruby with headteacher Michelle Heap
THERE will be a familiar name missing from the register when the new term starts at Baltonsborough primary school. For the last 17 years, five of Max and Maxine Cotton’s six children have been pupils there. Ruby, the youngest, became the last of the family to attend Baltonsborough. Ruby, who will join Crispin School in Street in September, followed in the footsteps of William, who first attended Baltonsborough in 2000, Oliver in 2004, Jack in 2007 and Harry in 2009. Ruby has another brother, John, the eldest. Max and Maxine have been enthusiastic supporters of the school and its adjoining pre-school.
MEMBERS of Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce used some pedal power to attend their monthly breakfast get-together. Instead of driving to the Avalon Marshes Visitor Centre, several chose to cycle the six miles from Glastonbury to the nature complex along the recentlydesignated Bittern Trail to hear a talk by Kevin Anderson, the Avalon Marshes visitor part used cyclists the The end of the line: experience officer, of the former railway line which makes about the centre’s up part of the walking and cycle trail to future plans. the visitor centre from Glastonbury
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
Energy from waste
FOUR local councils have signed ten-year contacts with two regional companies to manage waste that cannot be recycled or otherwise reused. The contracts will ensure the vast majority of such waste is diverted from landfill and instead used to generate energy, with the potential to power more than 120,000 homes. The agreement covers Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol City, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire council areas. Until now, the four authorities have worked jointly to dispose of this waste via energy recovery facilities in Scandinavia, but the new approach will mean it is managed locally, saving money and transport-related emissions. The contracts will see Viridor and Suez disposing of 120,000 and 50,000 tonnes of residual waste each year respectively, while a third company, ETM, will manage the disposal of 45,500 tonnes of bulky waste. The new arrangements will ensure that all of this waste is managed in the South West region and that the electricity produced feeds into the power grid locally. By reducing transport and other costs, it is expected that the four local authorities will save more than £300,000 each year. Going hand in hand with ever-increasing levels of recycling, they say the new contracts will have a positive impact on their carbon footprints and environmental impact.
Rangers abroad
TWO intrepid young rangers from the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), James Kemp and Ross Carruthers, embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Estonia to take part in the International Junior Ranger Camp. Ross and James represented the Mendips at the annual meet, where 30 young people from 15 protected areas across nine different countries, share ideas and initiatives on how to protect and conserve their local protected landscapes. James, said: "We discussed topics that we all agreed on like global warming and plastics. I found it interesting to learn about what others have done and what they would like to do in the future." Ross said: "The presentations were fantastic and the food was even better! The highlight one day was the camp fire with traditional music from local musicians and lots of singing from us." Details: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/caring-about-theaonb/volunteering/
Pond party goers make a splash
Funding for Bath’s Clean Air Zone
GOVERNMENT money of up to £10 million has been announced to fund schemes that will help reduce the impact of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Clean Air Zone on businesses and residents. The funding is on top of £5.5 million already secured to implement the zone when it is launched by 2021. The zone is being introduced to reduce harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide by 2021 at the latest. Private cars and motorbikes will not be charged to enter the city and there will be no charge for vehicles that meet minimum emission standards. But taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses and vans that don’t will have to pay £9 a day, while buses and HGVs will be charged £100 a day. The council has put in a bid for more than £28 million to fund a wide package of measures to support those affected by the scheme and further improve air quality in the city. The £10 million already announced will help local bus companies to upgrade older buses; provide financial support to help local businesses and individuals upgrade non-compliant commercial vehicles; and fund a team of travel advisors to help businesses access the financial support on offer and encourage people to switch to greener, cleaner travel. As part of the full business case to be submitted later this year the council will seek funding for other mitigation measures to help businesses consolidate deliveries and reduce their reliance on large vehicles delivering goods into the city centre by using alternatives such as electric cargo bikes and vans and micro distribution hubs. Councillor Dine Romero, council leader, said: “While we have not yet secured all of the funding we bid for, this announcement from the Joint Air Quality Unit will allow us to move forward with Bath’s Clean Air Zone. We will continue to make our case for the full funding which is necessary to deliver the scheme successfully. "In the meantime we can start to focus on supporting those local businesses directly affected by charges. We don’t want people driving polluting vehicles in the city and we recognise businesses may need support to make the necessary changes. “This announcement means we can now progress the work needed to get the financial assistance scheme up and running, further improving air quality in the city.”
VOLUNTEERS armed with spades and pickaxes joined forces to dig out a wildlife pond at the Forest Food Project plantation on the edge of Shepton Mallet. The pond on the edge of the site on the Old Wells Road will be allowed to fill naturally and offer a valuable habitat with the borders being planted with edible plants. Around 200 trees have been planted with the aim of the site becoming a focal point for people from the area to enjoy the crops, meet and enjoy the scenery. Access is free. The project is about to start work on a similar site at Easton, near Wells. PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
For details visit: www.thefoodforestproject.org
Taking a break from the digging
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A NEW study carried out for the Campaign to Protect Rural England by the independent New Economics Foundation casts major doubt on the potential economic benefits claimed for the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport. David Worskett, chair of CPRE Avonside, said: “This independent study by NEF aviation specialists shows that one of the principle justifications for expanding Bristol Airport – the claimed economic benefits – is simply not sound. “Nor can the proposals be squared with recent national and local commitments on climate change. To incur all the damage involved – to the Green Belt, to the tranquillity of the whole region, to the levels of congestion and pollution, when the benefits are simply not there would be highly irresponsible. “Far from enhancing the region’s economy the net result would be to harm it. North Somerset Council must turn down the application. If they don’t, then central government must. It is time to ensure that the full environmental impacts of aviation are properly reflected in any new proposals.” Dr Alex Chapman, consultant at the New Economics Foundation, said: “Our analysis identified a number of concerning inconsistencies in the airport’s business case. We believe these have led to a significant overestimate of the potential economic benefits of the scheme and a significant underestimate of its potential carbon costs. “Current and future generations of the South West region deserve far better. Indeed, on the findings of our report, and the council’s own review, we would expect to see this application rejected.” Reader’s Opinion – see page 40. Details: https://www.nefconsulting.com/cpre-expansion-ofbristol-airport http://avonside.cprelocalgroups.org.uk
Reimagining the Levels
A SMALL group of local people got together after the devastating floods of 2013/14 on the Somerset Levels to see how the area might be better managed. Recently they called a meeting to engage with town and parish councils and local activists to promote community led tree planting and to launch the Somerset Tree Planting Fund which they have set up with Somerset Community Foundation. They say trees are part of the solution. In torrential downpours they help water soak down into the soil rather than flood the land. They also soak up carbon. Yet Somerset has one of the lowest levels of tree cover in the country, less than seven percent, far less than the national average of 12% and the 25% cover in Europe. The group says: “By encouraging all Somerset’s communities to engage with this tree planting initiative and turning it into the county’s biggest community activity ever, Reimagining the Levels is offering us a very positive step forward.” About 50 people gathered for the programme of lectures in Walton village hall with guest speaker Stephen Moss, author and president of Somerset Wildlife Trust. Case studies were presented by teams from Plot Gate, Green Wedmore, Baltonsborough and Godney. Details: reimaginingthelevels.org
Help wildlife trust to buy new land
Westhay nature reserve
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched an urgent £60,000 appeal to help buy and restore a crucial 11-acre piece of land next to its internationally-important Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve in the Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury. Peat extraction on the land has come to an end, which now represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the trust to secure the longer-term future of the important wetland site by restoring and connecting the piece of land to its existing reserve. The trust says that in doing so, it will be able to stabilise and future-proof water levels, which is vital for the reserve’s myriad of fragile habitats, if they are to continue to protect the rare wildlife that call them home. It has until October to raise the funds for the project To date, extraction equipment has pumped water away from the area in order to extract the peat, causing water to then drain out of the trust’s adjacent reserve into the void left after the peat was removed. This “plughole” at the edge of their reserve has meant the Trust has relied on diesel pumps to continuously pump water into the lowland acid mire, wet woodland and other vital habitats, in order to keep them at the right water level. With this piece of land under the trust’s ownership, Westhay’s boundaries in the south west corner can be raised to hold water on the reserve, improving hydrology and water stability across the entire area. It can then be controlled by more sustainable methods, such as gravity draining and evaporation, rather than relying on diesel pumps. Keeping this entire area wet has the added benefit of retaining more carbon in the ground, so has a potentially wider positive impact for people. Peat is the single biggest store of carbon in the UK, storing the equivalent of 20 years of all UK carbon dioxide emissions and keeping it out of the atmosphere. Georgia Stokes, CEO of Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “Westhay Moor is a really significant place for a whole variety of wildlife, and a fantastic testament to almost 50 years’ of dedicated work by our staff and volunteers. It really shows how wildlife can return if given the right conditions to thrive. The stakes are high; with biodiversity declining globally and in Somerset. This is a vital piece of land that will enable us to manage Westhay Moor better for wildlife, and for all of us visiting this very special reserve. We have an amazing window of opportunity right now to secure its future so please, if you can, support the appeal. Donations large or small, really can make a difference.” For details, visit Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website: https://www.somersetwildlife.org/westhayappeal, call 01823 652429 or send a cheque made payable to Somerset Wildlife Trust to 34 Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5AW.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 7
(Photo courtesy of Paul Eaton)
Report questions airport expansion claims
ENVIRONMENT
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MENDIP TIMES
Geology festival is rocks and roll THIS year’s Mendip Rocks! Festival has been a blast – right from the opening event. Dozens of visitors had a rare chance to visit Alford Technologies’ Westbury Quarry to enjoy its geology, views and some hands-on activities – including the chance to blow up a car. The festival runs until October 20th. It is organised by the Somerset Earth Science Centre in partnership with the Mendip Hills AONB and The Mendip Society.
ENVIRONMENT
A chance to have a go at drystsone walling
Geologists Peter Hardy and Danielle Schreve led guided walks through the quarry
Sophie Parsons painting a rock. She later found out she had won the raffle
Enjoying the view from a sculpture in the quarry
Inspecting wildlife in the pond in the quarry
Westbury Quarry is home to a specialist explosives company and Sophie Parsons, of Glastonbury, won a raffle to blow up a small car. Sophie (far left) is pictured with mum Jenny and sister Phoebe and explosives experts Nigel Taylor and Steve Bosley. Nigel then primes the explosives before all took shelter in a bunker. Other visitors watched the explosion from a viewing platform high above the quarry floor
For full details, visit: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk or find Mendip Rocks on Facebook
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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MENDIP TIMES
Life on a modern dairy farm
IN 1967 a young John and Pauline Alvis started a Friesian/Holstein dairy herd at Regilbury Park Farm in North Somerset. Now, in 2019 there are 750 Friesian/Holstein/Jerseys being milked at Regilbury Park with the next generation Johnny and Jo Alvis in charge. With MARY If you are taken aback by the large JAMES MBE number of cows then let me assure you that this herd is managed to a very high standard. All the cows go out to grass in summer and one group of 250 stays out all year. All cows are milked in a rotary parlour which is a 60-cow rotating platform. With two people milking the average number of cows going through per hour is around 250. Modern technology is very evident here as cows are fed according to their yield as worked out by the computer which gets a reading from the collar around the cow’s neck. Johnny said: “The key to a happy healthy herd is good stockmanship and to that end we work closely with our vets on animal health and nutrition.” Johnny and Jo paid tribute to their staff and exceptional, experienced vet, Clare Tibbs, from the Tibbs and Simmonds practice. A vet is in attendance once a week from autumn to spring and once a fortnight in summer. A cow will indeed be happy if she has good nutrition, good hydration and good accommodation. All the milk produced goes up to Lye Cross Farm for cheese making. The whole system has
GALHAMPTON Country Store
A FAMILY-RUN SHOP & STORE ON THE A359 BETWEEN CASTLE CARY & SPARKFORD
Horse feed & supplies
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TOOLS, CLOTHING, GIFTS, FOOD-TO-GO, PET, POULTRY, LIVESTOCK FEEDS & MORE
Home essentials & hardware
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Open seven days a week: Mon-sat 8am-5.30pm/sun 10am-4pm
Fir Tree Business park, High Road, Galhampton, yeovil, somerset, Ba22 7BH • Tel: 01963 440464 email: sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Johnny and Jo Alvis
Red Tractor certification. The farm is split into five-acre paddocks and the groups of cows rotate through them. Johnny said: “The secret to good dairy farming is growing good grass.” Yes indeed, and the weather has been good for that this year. I am reminded at this point that my cousin, the late Ken Russell, a well-known agriculturalist who was born in Winford, was a lifelong advocate that growing good grass was the key to good milk production. There is minimal artificial fertiliser used on this farm and the main fertiliser is slurry of course. If you are wondering about the calves then all calves are reared, females (heifers) will eventually join the herd and the bull calves go to a separate unit to be reared for beef. The day starts at 3.30am and ends at 5.30pm. Jo keeps all the records and that is some job, believe me! A passport for every animal is just the start. She also relief milks and does relief calf rearing. Both Johnny and Jo believe in attention to detail, attention to staff and finding the right people for the right job. It does indeed pay dividends. This farm is of course, linked into Farmlink, the charity that John Alvis senior started some 12 years ago to link schools with farms and provide “a classroom in the countryside”. In fact Johnny and Jo are more than happy to have visitors/ groups, but do book a place. Details: johnnyalvis@lyecrossfarm.co.uk
Farming and equestrian folk are key customers
GALHAMPTON Country Stores has recently added a range of wooden paddock gates to their extensive range of stock. Since the store last featured in Mendip Times, owners Charles and Katie Bradley-Hudson have been steadily building up stock lines. Says Katie: “We have been talking to our customers to find out what they would like to see stocked in their local country store. “Being in such a rural area, and with farming and equestrian folk a key part of our customer base, a range of affordable, well-made wooden paddock gates seemed the right thing to add to what we already have on offer. Ranging from 3’ to 14’ in length, there should be a gate to suit all gaps!” The store can be found on the A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford. Adds Katie: “We are open seven days a week so customers are welcome to call in for a browse. Our friendly team are always happy to help – there’s even coffee or ice cream for sale, depending on the weather!”
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Bee show buzzing
THE County Honey Show held at Taunton Flower Show attracted a record number of entries and hosted the Asian hornet roadshow for the first time. Beekeepers from as far afield as Cornwall competed for the best honeys, wax and other products from or inspired by beekeeping. Somerset Beekeepers’ Association chairman Anne Pike said it was a stand-out show: “Entries were the highest they’ve been for years and visitors to the Bees and Honey feature were treated with the sight of many hundreds of jars of honey, honeycombs straight from the hive and beautiful artwork. “It is wonderful to see more people get involved in these competitions which showcase the beauty of local honey and wax and their skills as beekeepers.” The Blue Ribbon for the best exhibit in the show went to John Roberts from Falmouth for a magnificent cake of beeswax.
FARMING
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MENDIP PLOUGHING MATCH
The 150th Annual Competitions will held on land at 100 Acres, Yoxter, Nr Charterhouse BA5 3BS on Wednesday 25th September 2019 A celebration of agriculture on the Mendips over the last 160 years.
• Ploughing • Hedging • Stone Walling & Farm Produce Show • Demonstration of Steam Traction Ploughing. • Display of Vintage Tractors • Land Rovers and Classic Cars. Free entry and car parking Refreshments and Bar • Trade Stands. Main Sponsors – Yeo Valley, Mallets Cider, R M Penny, Kelston Sparkes, Tincknells and many other local firms
Enquiries: Jim King 07810413664 or Judith Ogborne 07783709619 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 11
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MENDIP TIMES
Here’s to the next 100 years
MEMBERS and guests toasted the future of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show after the flag was lowered on the current Shepton Mallet Showground for the last time. After around 100 years on the site, the one-day show is due to move in 2020 to land closer to Cannard’s Grave. The flag was lowered by show president Matthew Showering. Show chairman Ian Harvey told guests: “We should raise a glass to the next 100 years of the show.”
Time for a chat
Judging the sheep
All smiles during the grand parade of livestock
Shepton Mallet Royal British Legion (l to r) Jan Crewe, Pat Howe, Gaynor Walker and Michelle Marchant
Show chairman Ian Harvey (left) and president Matthew Showering with the society flag after the closing ceremony
Taking a break in the Vintage Field
PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Josh Lewis, aged nine, during the grand parade
The greatest showman! Carla with Mr YumYum, a Ryland, in the best-dressed sheep competition
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THE MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2019
Cheese judges and stewards
Rose Aams (left) and chief pig steward Susan Tanner Elaine Hill’s dog and duck display
Nick Hill and son Archie from Nyland with their interbreed champions
Fiona Godber-Ford with her three-year-old Afghan hound Zeus
Hitching a ride on a rare double-engined tractor being driven by Mike Brockway
Sarah Beeny judging the celebrity cheese class
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 13
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INTERNET
Internet facts
A FEW more facts about our techi world. There are over four million posts published on the internet every single day. But what is a blog I hear you cry! The full definition is a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. Basically, a kind of online diary – a web log. Some 6.7 million people publish posts on a blogging website regularly, with 12 million posting blogs to their social media. About 81% of online consumers trust information found on blogs. In fact, 61% of U.S. online consumers have made a purchase based on recommendations from a blog. There are approximately 333.8 million domain name registrations (registered websites) worldwide, and that number is now increasing steadily by approximately 1% each year. Top-level domain (the bit after the .) About 53% of emails are opened on mobile devices (smartphone or tablet). In 2019, it is estimated that there will be around 2.77 billion social media users around the globe. The average attention span on social media sites in 2000 was 12 seconds, this year the average attention span is just eight seconds. That is less than the nine-second attention span of your average goldfish! Over 400 million people use Instagram Stories each month. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are the top messaging services, with over 50% of internet users using one or the other. Snapchat (for sharing photos and text) usage is highest amongst the Gen Z population (38% regularly use it). Generation Z is apparently adults born in the second decade of the 21st century, perceived as being familiar with the internet from a very young age. Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF • 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk • itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you would like to share basic or more advanced skills with others, please get in touch.
PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Arachnophobes are frightened of this creature (6) 5 Hamlet of Burrington boasts of a 'Plume of Feathers' (8) 9 Warning given but nothing happens (5,5) 10 First part of Hinton Blewett covers lively interest (4) 11 East Asian evergreen shrub that gives us tea (8) 12 Brusque or sudden (6) 13 England’s nobility includes someone who will look down on you (4) 15 Try and get a word in -------? (8) 18 Instruction (8) 19 Certain of the end of treasure (4) 21 We are on the Polden Hills not The Thames (6) 23 This hamlet has a bottom next to High Littleton (8) 25 Man eating giant (4) 26 Two vertical layers of bricks with a space between (6,4) 27 Win at a bookmaker near Nailsea? (8) 28 Top man in Cuba (6)
DOWN 2 A public square (5) 3 Hide one's feelings (9) 4 In point of fact (6) 5 A versatile fella (anag.) Event in Wedmore 20th September (4,3,8) 6 Military or political manoeuvres (8) 7 A previous inmate of Glastonbury Abbey (5) 8 Contributor of tax to local authorities (9) 14 Nerve pain (9) 16 American term for handbasins (9) 17 Crustacean found on ships hulls and rocks (8) 20 Medicine administered to induce vomiting (6) 22 Adjust a little (5) 24 King or 28 maybe (5) by greendandelion
This month’s solution can be found on page 129
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MENDIP TIMES
Healthy, sustainable and good for the planet As harvest time arrives, another summer of topsyturvy weather reminds us of climate change. We are encouraged to eat a bit less meat and dairy, more plants, With JUNE MACFARLANE seeds and pulses, to support sustainable farming practices and biodiversity and above all to waste less food. Time to sort out that fridge!
TOMATOES WITH MOZZARELLA, ANCHOVIES AND BASIL
INGREDIENTS
(for four) 8 tomatoes 8 anchovies 2 cloves garlic Handful basil 1 ball mozzarella 175g fresh breadcrumbs Olive oil
Use good, locallygrown tomatoes and make summer last a little longer with this dish. Leftovers are excellent too.
METHOD Preheat oven to 220°C. Chop anchovies and garlic finely and mozzarella into small pieces. Cut tomatoes in half lengthways and scoop seeds into a bowl. Arrange tomatoes closely in an ovenproof dish. Add breadcrumbs, basil and a splash of oil to stuffing ingredients, mix well, season and pile into tomato shells. Anoint with olive oil and bake for about 40 mins, until tops are golden.
Chermoula is a marinade and relish popular in North Africa, matched here with cod
BAKED COD WITH CHERMOULA AND BULGUR WHEAT
This is a delicious thing! Light and fresh and clean tasting, very lightly spiced, lemony and fragrant. Please try it!
INGREDIENTS
(for four) 4 portions cod fillet 250g bulgur wheat 2 leeks, cleaned Leaves from two thyme sprigs 1 small lemon Olive oil 4 tomatoes, skinned and seeded 400g haricot beans 4 tsp chermoula paste
METHOD Preheat oven to 200°C. Put bulgur in a pan and cover with water. Add one tsp salt. Simmer covered for ten mins until water had been absorbed. Turn off heat. Chop white and pale green parts of leeks, season, put in ovenproof dish with thyme and zest and juice of lemon, and a splash of olive oil. Cover with foil and soften in the oven for ten mins. Chop tomatoes, drain beans, add both to leeks. Cover and cook for a further five mins. Add bulgur, mix and place cod pieces on top with one tsp of chermoula on each. Roast uncovered until fish is cooked, about ten mins.
PEARS BAKED IN MARSALA
Celebrate the start of harvest with this dish of pears in a rich syrup of brown sugar, Marsala, bay leaves and lemon. METHOD Preheat oven to 200°C. Arrange pears in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle over sugar and Marsala. Tuck in pieces of peel and bay leaves. Bake until pears are tender, 30-40 mins. Serve warm with thick cream.
INGREDIENTS
(for four) 4 firm dessert pears, quartered and cored 80 ml Marsala 75g soft brown sugar Thin peel from 1 lemon 8 small bay leaves
Last of the summer vine – make this tomato dish using local tomatoes
PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Celebrate the harvest with this pear dish
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What’s new from
Myrtle Farm
You’re invited to our Open Day
FOOD & DRINK
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
WE’RE looking forward to a day full of fun activities at our Open Day at Myrtle Farm on Saturday 14th September. The gates open at 11.00am. This is a great chance to see behind the scenes and find out all about how we grow our apples and make our cider. Plus there will be craft stalls, live music and lots of fun! So please join us for: • Trailer tours of the orchards • Guided tours of our cidermaking, canning and bottling lines • See our gigantic oak vats • Apple pressing • Children’s entertainment • Sports activities for the youngsters • Live music from Black Jacks, The Floor Shiners and Southern Sons. • Mendip Morris • Craft stalls • Cider tasting • BBQ • Pizza oven at The Railway Inn
Professional tips from Somerset for Winscombe CC juniors
YOUNG players at Winscombe Cricket Club once again really enjoyed their annual coaching day with the professionals at Somerset County Cricket Club. During their day out to the County Ground, the young players and their parents got to see Somerset continue their push towards a first County Championship title as well as taking part in two coaching sessions. The day was finished off with a visit from Somerset captain Tom Abell for a question and answer session. Winscombe Coach Rob Shephard said, “Thanks to Somerset and Thatchers for giving our young cricketers another great day out. They loved the coaching sessions and we hope this will help inspire them to keep playing the sport and maybe become a future Somerset captain like Tom Abell!”
Introducing Orchard Blush, our new pink gin
WE’RE introducing a new pink gin, Orchard Blush, that’s now available in our Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm and in The Railway Inn. Distilled from sweet and juicy dessert apples including Fuji and Gala, our Orchard Blush is subtly flavoured with botanicals including juniper, coriander, lavender, macadamia nut and buttercup. Seville Orange with lemon and lime add zesty citrus notes. It takes its natural, pale pink colour from the beautiful hibiscus flower. Orchard Blush is available in 35cl bottle, which retails at £19.99.
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA
M 2019 • PAGE 17 MENDIP ENDIP T TIMES IMES •• S NEPTEMBER OVEMBER 2017
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MENDIP TIMES
Festival doubles in size
HAVING attracted 20 food and drink stalls in 2017 and over 30 last year, the 2019 Cheddar Food & Drink Festival will feature more than 40 stalls providing a fantastic range of local produce and supplementing Cheddar’s already excellent pubs, restaurants, shops and cafés. The 2019 Cheddar Food & Drink Festival takes place on Sunday, September 8th from 10am until 4pm and will again be located in the Lakeside car park at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge, with stalls also situated in the nearby Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company courtyard. Live music will include the superb Sam Evans of the band Verdisa from midday.
Young chefs compete
Following the path of Countryside discovery? Why not come along to our inspiring workshops: 19 Sept 21/22 Sept 16 Oct 19 Oct 27 Oct 6 Nov 9 Nov 4 Dec 11 Dec 25 Jan 20 Jan/Feb 20 Mar 20 2020
Wild food foray with Adrian Boots £45 Dry stone walling with Kevin Toal (2 day) £95 Wild & untamed floristry with Callie Marks £45 Wild booze with Adrian Boots £55 Fungi foray with Adrian Boots £45 Autumn heart & wreath with Callie Marks £45 Fungi foray with Adrian Boots £45 Christmas wreath with Callie Marks £45 Christmas arrangement with Callie Marks £45 Intro to hedge laying with Kevin toal £65 Orchard management with Les Davies MBE Tree and woodland planting – please call Go Wild landscape series talks & walks with Adrian Boots & Les Davies MBE – please call
25% off accommodation for workshop participants in luxury cottage and glamping with hot tubs
www.gowildevents.com Email: hello@gowildevents.com Tel: 01761 463356 PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
THIRTEEN students from Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar took part in the annual Young Chef cooking competition organised by the Rotary Club of Mendip. Their challenge was to devise, prepare and cook a two-course meal to restaurant standard in two and a half hours. The first prize of a set of chef’s “whites” and a day’s kitchen work experience went to 14-year old Saskia Carrington; the runner-up was Cami Chew and Georgia Thurling was in third place. Rotarian Patrick Simpson, the event organiser, said: “The overall standard of the dishes was extremely high and the judges had great difficulty in making their final selection. Rotary would like to thank Arabella Beacham, head of food technology at Kings for her help in staging this competition.”
THE RED LION VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT Sutton Hill Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UT
01275 333042 The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community
AUTUMN LUNCH SPECIAL! 2 courses for *£9.95, Mon – Sat
DELICIOUS DECEMBER Christmas Party-style lunches available with all the festive trimmings – call us for details!
*Quote MTRL to receive this offer!
Opening hours: Closed Monday day time and open at 5 for drinks only • Tuesday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm. Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Food & Drink section.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 16:00 Page 19
GARDEN FOOD
Glorious garlic
THIS is the first year we've made a serious attempt at growing most of our own garlic and the results have been hugely satisfying. As it is so rare to find British grown garlic, I had always assumed that it was perhaps not so suited to our climate, however we With JAKE found it to be a trouble-free crop. WHITSON It is an odd crop in that in general you plant it around mid-winter and harvest around midsummer – however this varies variety to variety. Garlic is ready to harvest when around two-thirds of the leaves have turned brown. After harvesting, they should be left out to dry a little in the sun for a day and then stored in a cool, airy, dry place inside, with the leaves and stems intact, to “cure”. This final stage of ripening gives time for the remaining goodness in the stems and leaves to go down into the bulb and helps them go fully dormant and store for longer. After a month or so stored like this you can remove the stems and peel a few layers of skin from the bulbs to clean them. The uses for garlic are, of course, without end. I particularly like to roast whole unpeeled cloves until slightly blackened and soft inside and add them to salad dressings (particularly Cesar), soups and sauces. I also love whole cloves roasted alongside a piece of lamb to squish up and eat as a kind of rich savoury sauce on the side of my plate. When you grow your own garlic, there are many more possibilities as you can also harvest the garlic early for using “green” when it has a much milder, more vegetablelike quality. Another bonus crop, a few weeks before the bulbs are ready, are the beautiful curly flowering spikes, known as rocamboles or scapes, which occur only on hardneck varieties of garlic, and which should be harvested (and eaten!) so that the plant puts more energy into the bulb. They are crunchy and sweet like a green bean, but with a strong garlicky flavour – ideally suited to being chopped and added to pasta sauces towards the end of cooking. Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder. He is currently working on setting up a small sustainable goose farm in Somerset with his partner Johanna.
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Cracking year for wall-nuts!
AS a forager I’m always happiest when we have a good fruit and nut bearing year and this year looks set to be excellent. This will be in most part due to the right sort of conditions in the spring to allow pollination. So for example if there are high winds With ADRIAN and rain in the spring then it really affects BOOTS plants and shrubs’ ability to be pollinated. Blossom and flowers are decimated, insects are blown off course or just stay in bed and the whole thing is a sorry affair. But when we have a good spring without the storms, then hey presto there are lots of nuts and berries at the end of the summer. This year is a cracking (sorry) year for hazel nuts, more than enough for me, you and the squirrels. Just check out many of the hedgerows on Mendip with hazel present and by and large they will be bearing nuts or cob nuts as they are sometimes known. Hazel (Corylus avellana) is a small tree or shrub with single or multiple stems, large roundish leaves with a pointed end and serrated edges. The stems are straight, with horizontal marking and grey brown colour. The flowers are catkins with the nuts appearing in clusters of two, three and four. Found in woods and hedgerows, nuts are available from August to October. Of course you may be wondering what all this has to do with walls beyond my usual trick of having a terrible pun intended to link to the title. And it’s nothing to do with walnuts either. Now this is not something that happens every day. On the Mendips there are plenty of dry stone walls and plenty of shrubs bearing nuts. But never have I seen the two together – until now. This is a picture of a dry stone wall with a hazel nut bearing branch growing right through it! Trees and shrubs are always looking for light to photosynthesise. When crowded out, the search for more light becomes critical. In this instance the hazel sent out a branch, there was a gap in the wall and it was able to capitalise. The shrub gets light and space and we get nuts. Everyone’s a winner! Except maybe the wall, as the action of wind on the branches dislodges the stonework. So if you want to learn how to repair a dry stone wall or learn more about nutty hazel nuts wild food and fungi them you are in luck. I have a course available for dry stone walling on September 21st and 22nd with Kevin Toal and foraging courses with me on September 19th, October 27th and November 9th this year. Hope to see you there! Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 19
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MENDIP TIMES
The Churchill Inn Bristol Road Langford BS25 5NL 01934 852757 the churchillinn.co.uk
As fresh as it gets
A new look A new menu Same warm welcome
Russ and Bernie’s relaunched pub
Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
A MILK hut supplying pasteurised milk in glass bottles on a farm at Blackford, near Wedmore, is proving a big hit with villagers and visitors alike. Since opening at the beginning of August at the family-run New Grove Farm in Snipefield Lane, Coombes Micro Dairy has become something of a focal point in the village. Coombes Micro Dairy is run by Jack and Alice Coombes, using milk from Get a moo-ve on: Emily and the family’s 250-strong Oliver, who live in Blackford, herd of pedigree with a pint of freshly-dispensed Holsteins. The herd is milk milked three times a day. The milk hut – open from 8am until 7.30pm every day – also sells Alice’s delicious home baked cakes and the couple have begun stocking different flavouring to offer milkshakes on tap! Alice said: “As people are becoming more aware of where their food is coming from and how it is packaged, we thought it was the ideal time to launch the micro dairy.” Milk bottles cost £2 – they are, of course, reusable – and the milk costs £1 per litre, dispensed through an easy-to-use refrigerated vending machine, housed in a spacious, purposebuilt cabin with a seating area. Alice added: “We looked at several different milk huts and decided we wanted ours to be indoors. “It is popular already with local people but we are getting more visitors who have seen our signs.”
Fizz and gin with a swing
LOCAL gins, fizz, art and food plus music from the Harlem Rhythm Cats and a free swing dance taster class from Swing Time Frome are all on the line-up for The Rolling Cocktail Company's annual event in Wells in October. On Friday, October 11th, The Wells Gin, Fizz and Swing Festival kicks off a weekend of delicious food and drink events in Wells. The Pilton-based Rolling Cocktail Company business will once again be founders Matt and Kelly taking their retro caravan to the Knight city and serving up a fantastic selection of cocktails in the marquee on the Recreation Ground. l Tickets are £15 per person and include a free drink and glass. Mendip Times readers can benefit from an exclusive 10% saving on event tickets by entering MT10 at the checkout before September 20th. Book now at www.therollingcocktailco.com
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Attention to detail at the Strode Arms
IN the four months that Fleur and Matt Bond have been running the Strode Arms at Cranmore, customers old and new will have seen how much attention they pay to even the smallest details. With Fleur running the front-of-house side of the business and Matt overseeing the kitchen, the couple have put the quintessential country inn back on the map with both drinkers and people looking for a snack or high-quality dining. Fleur and Matt recognise that the Strode Arms is first and foremost a country pub and they are working hard to generate a welcoming atmosphere, combining great beers, ciders and wine with quality food. Fleur grew up in Stratton-on-the-Fosse; Matt hails from Australia and the couple met in Midsomer Norton when he was visiting England. They have returned from Australia to take over at the inn. Fleur said: “Our aim is to build a rapport with customers whether they’re simply looking for a relaxing drink or a delicious meal. We have built up an excellent and conscientous team of staff so I can have time to chat to customers and check that they are completely satisfied.”
FOOD & DRINK
A beautiful village setting for the Strode Arms
Welcome to the Strode Arms – an outstanding country inn Open for drinks seven days a week Food served seven days a week (inc. Sunday lunches midday-4pm) (See our website for full details) OUR WEEKDAY MENU MIGHT INCLUDE: To start Soup of the Day served with Bread & Butter £5 Smoked Salmon with Dill Creme Fraiche, Pickled Radish & Feta £6.50 Goats Cheese en croute with Caramelised Red Onion £6 Main course Gammon Ham, Eggs & Chips w/ Onion rings £12.50 Beer Battered Fish & Chips w/ Peas & Homemade Tartare Sauce £12 Braised Steak & Mushroom Pie w/ Rich Gravy, Chips or Mash & Veg £13.50 Cherry Tomato & Asparagus Penne w/ Feta, Goats Cheese & Parmesan £10.95 10oz Sirloin Steak or Ribeye w/ Tomato, Mushrooms, Onion Rings, Peas & Chips £20.00 (add a sauce of Pepper, Diane or Mushroom for £2) (A range of Baguettes & Ploughmans also available at lunchtimes) SUNDAY LUNCH MENU To start Soup of the Day w/ Crusty Bread & Butter £5 Roast Cauliflower, Sweet Potato & Beetroot w/ Tahini Cream £6 Goats cheese en croute w/ Caramelised Red Onions £6 Smoked Salmon w/ Dill Creme Fraiche, Pickled Radishes & Feta £6 Main course Choice of Topside of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding & Rich Gravy Loin of Pork, Crackling, Rich Gravy & Apple Sauce Roast Chicken, Stuffing & Rich Gravy Chefs Homemade Nut Roast & Vegetable Gravy (V) (All w/ Roast Potatoes, Parsnips & Vegetables) £13 Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Tartare sauce & Peas £12 6oz Beef Burger, Chips & Coleslaw £10
A range of homemade desserts always available – please ask for details • Children’s menu available We can cater for all types of functions from birthdays to business meetings
e Strode Arms, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4JQ Tel: 01749 880450 E: info@thestrodearms.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 21
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MENDIP TIMES
A bar that’s tailored to your needs
Traditionally serving Prosecco, gin, cider. A bar tailored to your needs. Like Pandora’s Box – you never know what could come out of it. You decide. Suitable for parties, festivals and weddings Contact: Facebook: Pandora’s Box – Chew Valley Instagram – pandorasboxcv Telephone Helen 07896 812475 • Geri 07799 113749
PANDORA’S Box began last summer when two best friends, Helen Perrett and Geri Sanders, a teacher and retail manager, decided to convert a run-down horsebox into a beautiful mobile bar. The two working mums from Dundry met at the school PTA running events and bars to raise money for their children’s school. They decided to focus their energy into their own business and the thought of having a mobile caravan selling food and drink came up. An internet search popped up a horse box – their lightbulb moment, they say. It took Geri’s carpenter husband, Lee, six months to refurbish it, including a plush oak interior. They say: “Then came the infamous name. It stemmed from the many conversations deciding on what we would sell. What could we sell? “Quite frankly – anything! Just like the myth of Pandora’s Box anything could come out of it. Now we have a beautiful horsebox with the ability to attend any party, festival or wedding, selling beverages tailored to our customers’ needs. The feedback has been fantastic and really encouraging.” Bookings for next year are already coming in – and they have bought a second horse box.
Restaurant • Bar • Accommodation
CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN
£5 off meal for two £10 off meal for four with this advert B and B accommodation Three family rooms and four doubles Quiz every Thursday • Music monthly
The Langford Inn, Lower Langford, Bristol BS40 5BL 01934 863059 • www.langfordinn.co.uk
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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Forks focus at Wells Food Festival GET your forks at the ready: the free, family friendly food festival is returning to Wells on Sunday, October 13th, for the seventh year running. To get the creative juices flowing, there is an exclusive food photography competition, open to amateur photographers in three age groups: 11 and under; 12-17 and 18 and over. Up to five digital photographs can be entered, each with a food theme. The deadline
The festival market stretches along the Bishop’s Palace Moat
for submissions is Monday, September 30th. The judging panel, headed by food and lifestyle photographer, Neil White, will select the best photograph in each age group for an exciting exhibition in Wells Town Hall to be held on the day of the festival. Elsewhere in the festival, visitors can taste their way round Somerset in the Artisan Market. A total of 175 producers and street food sellers will have stalls set up in the Market Place, stretching into the grounds of The Bishop’s Palace, along the Moat and into the Recreation Ground. There is an interactive children’s trail which will take younger family members on a journey of food discovery around the festival, learning some great local foodie facts as they go. Over in the Recreation Ground, the Charlie Bigham’s Discovery Zone promises to be better than ever,
FOOD & DRINK
There will be lots to keep children entertained
celebrating Somerset’s heritage of dairy farming, as well as taking an informative look at composting and food waste. The Royal Bath and West of England Society is returning with its farmyard. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about farming and where their food comes from, with a variety of “hands, eyes, ears and noses-on” learning.
The festival is open from 10.30-4.30pm. Entry is free. For full details about the festival – including the photography competition – visit: www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 23
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MENDIP TIMES
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MENDIP TIMES
Nunney Street Fayre
My best side! Royal Air Force Association fundraiser Anthony Newlyn, on the Frome branch’s stall
Musician Paul Kirtley is raising money through various events for Bone Cancer Research. He is pictured playing a Beatles song to Teresa, Sarah and Sam
The fayre is organised by the Nunney Community Association. Pictured are committee members Lara, Jeff, Frances and Richard
The High Street was packed with visitors throughout the day
These characters were promoting the Frome Comic Con, which took place at Frome College the week after the fayre PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Welfare, Nunney-style. In the 19th century, a local charity paid for a suit of clothes, lodging and medical care for villagers aged over 60 years old. The man’s suit included buttons featuring the village’s iconic castle. The clothes are on loan from Frome Museum
Flower power – retail therapy amongst the market stalls
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Blackford Harvest Home
Speaker Georgie Seymour with chairman Mike Isgard
Hoping for a win
Server Courtney Rich with grandad Franny Bobbitt
Party helps school
EVENTS
CLUTTON Primary School PTA members raised £214.17 by holding a swishing night (clothes exchange) in the skittle alley at the Railway Inn. Pictured (l to r) are organisers Julie Clemo, Louise Johnson, Sophie Piddock, chair Ange Wilcox, and Ann Robb.
Barrow Gurney Flower Show
The tombola stall (l to r) Georgina Raistrick, Wendy Thayer and Alexia Thayer
Chelwood Flower Show
Some of the organisers (l to r) standing Betty Parsons, Pat Joiner, Stephen Meale, Carolyn Beecroft and Pat Harrison, seated Annie Sherborne and Anne Harrison
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 27
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MENDIP TIMES
Family history is full steam ahead
A SPECIAL steaming of Midsomer Norton Station’s loco Joyce has reunited the beloved engine with the family of the woman after whom it was named. Sentinel 7109 was named Joyce in 1927 after Joyce Joyce leaves the station for an Helen Sandeman, the emotional journey carrying daughter of the operator of the members of the Sandeman family Croydon Gasworks in South London where the loco spent its working career until the mid1960s. After entering preservation in 1968 and many unsuccessful attempts at restoration, the locomotive arrived at Midsomer Norton station in December 2004. Many volunteers have been involved in the years of restoration and changes in ownership have whittled the owners down from 18 to one. Joyce, now owned by Andy Chapman, of Wiltshire, re-entered service pulling passenger
Joyce (right) at work at the Croydon Gasworks in 1965 (photo courtesy of Peter Nicholson, of Burnham-on-Sea, who lived next door to the site as a child)
Andy Chapman (left) with Joyce’s relatives Jenna Sandeman, Ian Hocken and Elizabeth Hocken (nee Sandeman)
trains late in 2016. Relatives of Miss Sandeman were reunited with the engine for the first time in at least 50 years when they visited the station. Andy said: “I’d discovered that Joyce Helen was born in 1902 and had died in 1974 and that she had been described as incapacitated in the 1939 census. I’d also known that although she had no siblings or children herself, her distinguished father, William James Sandeman OBE, was one of eight children and that there must be distant relatives of Joyce Helen somewhere to be found. For years I’d been trying to find them but had drawn a blank. However, in January this year, I received an unexpected phone call. “The call was from Ian Hocken who told me that Joyce Helen was his great-aunt! At a family get together last Christmas, the subject of what had happened to Joyce Helen’s steam locomotive had arisen and they decided to do an internet search for it. Not expecting anything, they were gobsmacked to find my blog about the restoration and YouTube videos galore of ‘Joyce’ in action. Ian then made efforts to contact me.” Andy added: “I visited Ian and his family at Reigate in April. Ian had sent me some photos of Joyce Helen as a child and as a young adult. Sometime after 1914, Joyce Helen had suffered a tragedy that left her incapacitated for the rest of her life and that is why her father named the loco ‘Joyce’ after her at the age of 25.”
New president’s “affection” for show society
THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, has been named as the new president of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, organisers of the annual Bath and West Show. Mrs Maw, who lives near Pilton, succeeds The Earl and Countess Bathhurst. She said: “I am delighted to be taking over as president of the Royal Bath and West of England Society. “The last year has been busy and exciting while the Earl and Countess Bathurst have been serving as joint presidents and theirs will be a hard act to follow! “However, there is much to look forward to, over the coming year, and I am very honoured to have been given this role by an organisation for which I have so much affection and respect.” Handing over the badge of office, the
PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Earl and Countess said: “We have had an extraordinary year as joint presidents of the Royal Bath and West. “The variation of events the society
Annie Maw with the Earl and Countess Bathhurst
offers to the world of agriculture, as well as the wider community, is deeply impressive and we have both felt hugely privileged to have been a part of it all. “From the Dairy Show and the Field to Food events, to the main Royal Bath and West Show, we have savoured every moment, and of course our presentation to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of the society was a day neither of us will forget. “We are both incredibly grateful to all the members of the society for making our year so incredibly special.” Mrs Maw joins a line of society presidents stretching back to 1852 which in recent times has included Michael Eavis, Lord and Lady Fellowes, The Countess of Wessex, Lord King of Bridgwater and the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
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NEWS
Fight for Max goes on
WHILE the authorities still refuse to pay for treatment for Max Sewart’s Batten disease, fundraising locally goes on and his father Simon is looking to move to Holland, where treatment is available. Max, aged eight, fell on holiday and had to be taken to hospital. Simon, from East Harptree, said: “He’s going downhill steadily and is struggling to walk and run.” There is no cure for the disease but the drug that could help him is available in Holland and other European countries. Authorities here won’t meet the cost. Chew Valley Rugby Club’s annual Party for Porge, in memory of former player Georgia Bryant who died from cancer, raised funds for Max, as did West Harptree’s Westfest fete. Simon has served legal papers on NHS England and NICE, which approves drugs, but is also preparing to move to Holland. He said: “I’ve found a flat near the docks in Rotterdam, where the hospital can provide suitable treatment. I’m in the process of applying for residency and then I can get a social security number and apply for health insurance.” He will then have to register his software company there. He said three other families have come forward who are in a similar position. He said: “We’ve had our funding request refused again so we’ve served new legal papers. Whatever happens, we will still campaign to get access to rare disease drugs that are effective. “We’ve just been overwhelmed by the support we have had.”
Max and father Simon with organiser Lottie Bryant The Valley Cats in action against the men
Face painting was popular
In charge of strawberries and cream
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Art group celebrates
COMPTON Dando Art Group celebrated 14 years of meeting for classes in the village hall by having a ploughman's lunch in the Compton Inn after a morning painting. Group leader, Sonia Priest, said: “Our art group has been a great success and although some members have moved on there are still around 25 artists attending on a regular basis.”
Anonymous Art Show 2019
ON Saturday, August 31st Glastonbury Galleries will be hosting its ever-popular Anonymous Art Show. Now in its fourth year, the exhibition will run until September 21st and will feature over 120 artists exhibiting a huge variety of media. This year the artwork, which totals over 240 pieces, will take the format of an 8 x 8” square canvas, or a mounted, glazed and framed picture of the same size. Each piece of artwork will be on sale at £49 and the artist will not be revealed until after the purchase. Glastonbury Galleries has been operating as a framing business and gallery since 2004. Ruth Morland, herself a Guild-Commended Framer, said she’s delighted by the effort and enthusiasm people have shown in response to the exhibition. Details: www.glastonburygalleries.com
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They were talking heads at August sale
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
fronts making £420, a 20th century haberdasher’s shop cabinet A PABLO Picasso “Heads” pitcher was one of the star lots at Cooper and Tanner’s Antique and Collectables sale on Wednesday, selling on commission for £400 and a 19th century mahogany circular library table had bids online, on the phone and August 7th. commissions, finally selling online for £380. The vendor found this lot in a box of items from a house An early hand-coloured engraved map of Oxfordshire made clearance and with online bidders beating room bids for the £320 at the hammer; the detail and colours in the map really made pitcher, it sold to a regular local buyer for £1,400. this a beautiful piece which bidders obviously appreciated. Ceramics did well at the sale with a Dame Lucie Rie (1902A collection of eight, 19th century female portraits were won by 1995) pottery vase in a brown and cream glaze of flared form a room bidder for £650, the panels were each painted on a French making £480 at the hammer. Off to France with a winning online bid was a highly-decorative ceramic panel and surrounded by gilt frames. They were bought 19th century middle eastern dagger, the grip in the form of a bird’s by a local buyer who fought off stiff competition to win them. Cooper and Tanner are having a jewellery, silver and antiques head set with ruby eyes, this lot fetching £600 at the hammer. valuation morning at Bath Three bronze sculptures by Cricket Club on Tuesday, Bayre had online bidders in a September 24th. Auctioneer frenzy with competitive bidding Gareth Wasp will be present pushing the total hammer for all three over £2,500; The Stag along with John Kelly, a generating the most interest, consultant who is a fellow of the fetching £1,300 alone. Bronzes by Gemmological Association of Bayre are held at the Met Gallery Great Britain. and Brooklyn Gallery in New The valuation starts at 9am and York. runs until 1pm; no appointment is necessary just pop along on the Furniture also had a great day for a free valuation. Please resurgence with some classical feel free to call the office on pieces fetching good prices, a pair 01373 852419 if you have any of 20th century oak Finsbury A room bidder came away with this collection of 19th Century further questions. filing cabinets with tambour portraits for £650 on the hammer
COOPER AND TANNER SALE ROOMS HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR AUGUST SALE
Pablo Picasso pitcher. Sold £1,400
19thC Middle Eastern dagger. Sold £600
Oak Finsbury filing cabinets. Sold £420
Stag bronze by Bayre. Sold £1,300
SALE ROOMS Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 31
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Contemporary art show winners
Filippo Guerrini-Maraldi, from main sponsor RK Harrison, (left) with the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Dr John Davies
Junior young artist ARTISTS and guests gathered in Wells Cathedral for the announcement of the winners of this year’s Wells Art Contemporary Awards. For the first time, the cathedral hosted the WAC exhibition, an open competition for UK and International visual art that has gained praise and respect in the UK and abroad. It was established in 2012 Ian Burke and Ade Adesina were the recipients of the top £2,000 RK Harrison Prize for their linocut
print titled Whitby translated. The winner of the Chubb Bulleid People’s Choice was Georgina Lowbridge, with her painting Too Much Fun.
PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
SOME 80 young artists from various local schools took part in the Junior Young Artist of the Year competition organised by Wrington Vale Rotary Club. Isabella Hay from Burrington Primary School was the winner, with Wrington pupils Ethan Leggett second and Isla Cloke third. The photo shows competitors who received various certificates from district governor Dennis Stevens on the left of the photo. Also in the background is Wrington Vale Rotary president, Philip Britton and organiser Brian Kirkup.
Elements of Nature
SCULPTOR Ian Marlow has curated a new solo exhibition of his work opening in September at The Courts Garden at Holt, near Bradford-on-Avon. The Courts Garden – a National Trust Flight. The texture Ian adds to the property – is an English stainless steel of his sculptures country garden full of makes them shimmer differently styled garden rooms, each with their own surprise. It is a testament to its gardeners, past and present, who all have brought with them something new. Ian’s subjects are always drawn from nature, using modern materials to create natural forms which allows them to sit comfortably in either traditional gardens or in the minimalist landscape of modern architecture. Ian, of Buckland Dinham, has spent the last few months planning the exhibition Elements of Nature with the team at The Court Gardens and creating some new works for specific areas. He said: “The nice thing about a solo exhibition is that you can arrange the whole exhibition around the gardens, fitting the sculptures into specific areas and creating a natural flow which visitors can enjoy as they wander through the beautiful setting.” l Elements of Nature runs from Saturday, September 7th until Sunday, October 20th. The Courts Garden, Holt, Wiltshire BA14 6RR. Tel: 01225 782340.
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Concertina plays a happy tune
THE sale of antiques and collectables held on August 10th attracted an excellent entry of some 750 lots with some exceptional lots on offer generating very strong interest. The room was packed with potential buyers with many commenting that they had never seen so many in attendance in spite of being in the middle of the summer! A fantastic selection of quality jewellery once again led to many viewing the sale and a large number of bidders in the room as well as on the internet and telephone. A white metal cluster ring set with a central blue sapphire and diamonds achieved £1,650 with a further similar ring realising £1,000. There was a good entry of watches and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch made £1,600, another by Ulysse Nardin making £1,350 and a yellow metal Geneve wristwatch selling for £950. There was also a good selection of oriental items and interest was seen from across the world. A carved jade and wood brush stand, just 17cm long with the jade panel carved with a dragon in foliage, generated interest in the room, on the internet and a number of phone bidders and sold for £3,600. Three further Chinese hardstone carved
ARTS & ANTIQUES
figures, the highest being 8cm tall, sold for £1,600. Prior to the sale, interest was shown in a charming boxed concertina manufactured by the well-known London maker, Charles Jeffries. This interest turned into bids on the day with a sale price of £3,200 being achieved, well above estimate. Other collectables entered included toys, militaria, kitchenalia, ceramics, glassware, rugs, carpets and other items that met with firm interest. A collection of books relating to Eton achieved £600 and two tiny 19th century Hertwig bisque bears sold for well above estimate at £540. There was a good collection of paintings and pictures with interest in modern and contemporary art shown. A certified Banksy print achieved £1,000. Our next sale of antiques and collectables will be staged on Saturday, September 7th starting at 10am.
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Rare pottery crib at Clevedon Salerooms CLEVEDON Salerooms’ September 12th quarterly specialist sale will include this 300-year-old slipware pottery crib. Made in Staffordshire, such cribs were given to celebrate the birth or christening of a new arrival. This example carries the initials E.G and was taken to the Antiques Roadshow many moons ago where it was dated by ceramics expert Henry Sandon to circa 1690. Measuring some 24cm long, the crib is not without a few chips and cracks but despite the condition this rare survivor is offered with an 17th century slipware pottery crib
ARTS & ANTIQUES
estimate of £800-£1,200. The picture section includes this charming 18th century oil on canvas portrait of a spaniel, the unattributed work by an artist familiar with the work of George Stubbs. Canine works are much in demand and this house-trained example is looking for a new family willing to part with £2,000-£3,000. The sale includes a large consignment of gold coins and a good selection of fine gem set jewellery. The catalogue is online now at www.clevedon-salerooms.com. After Stubbs, 18th century oil on canvas
If you have items you may be thinking of selling simply email images for a free sale estimate to info@csrauctions.com Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE AnTiQuE VALuATiOn DAYS
Diamond & Citrine brooch £2,200 - £2,800
Pair of 19th Century Anglo-Indian side tables £1,500 - £2,500
16th & 17th September 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Sale Thursday 26th September Sale starts at 10.30am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm
Tel: 01934 830111 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
5” gauge live steam loco £1,000 - £1,500
Omega Speedmaster 1968 Pre-Moon Chronograph £5,000 - £7,000
Quarterly Specialist Sale
Thursday 12th September at 10.30am Viewing day: 11th September 10am – 6.30pm Sale day from 9am Online catalogue available 30th August
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Art festival is 25 years young
Somerset Art Weeks are an annual countywide celebration of the variety and quality of contemporary visual art that can be found in Somerset. Since its inception in 1994, it has become an important event in Somerset’s calendar delighting art lovers from near and far and is marking its 25th anniversary. The festival is run by members of Somerset Art Works. Paintings, sculpture, print and jewellery are amongst the art that will be on display in galleries, studios, barns, a library, a hospital and even Shepton Mallet Prison! Somerset Art Weeks Festival showcases the work of more
SOMERSET ART WEEKS than 300 artists, with exhibitions, talks, films, installations and workshops across the county. Due to the increasing popularity and growth of the event, the decision was made by SAW members in 2007 to make Art Weeks an annual two-week event with an alternating focus between an Open Studios Event and Festival Year. Both events continue to support the development of the Somerset artistic community as a fundamental part of the cultural life of the county by showcasing a broad range of visual arts and craft.
A shared experience
CHRISTINE-Ann Richards’s journeys, over four decades, to China and Japan have very much influenced her classical thrown porcelain and bespoke garden ceramics. Both will be exhibited during Somerset Art Weeks in her chapel and garden at Wanstrow, near Frome (Venue 84). Commissions welcome. Joining her will be Lutz Krainhoefner, who will be exhibiting his burnished smoke-fired pottery, shaped and polished stone, glazed stoneware and their combination, blurring the lines between nature and the man made.
For details about their work visit: www.christineannrichards.co.uk and www.lutzkrainhoefner.comhttps://theoldstoresstudio.wixsite.com/theoldstoresstudio
VENUE 84
Somerset Arts Week 2019 21st September – 6th October Christine-Ann Richards Lutz Krainhoefner
Exhibition of Thrown Porcelain Burnished Smoke Fired Pottery Polished Stone & Garden Ceramics
Open 11am – 6pm (closed Tues & Wed)
Chapel House, High Street, Wanstrow, BA4 4TE Tel: 01749 850208
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MENDIP TIMES
Studio is new to the arts scene
VENUE 95, Pilton International Collective, is one of three venues of quality artistry to suit wide tastes in the village of Pilton. Peter Lawrence has exhibited his vibrant watercolours before with Dante Turner’s award-winning portraits, but this year they are joined by Kelly Montshiwa who will show sculptures, carvings, wall hangings and artefacts from her native Botswana around the picturesque garden terraces of Freedom Cottage with its stunning views to Pilton Church. The international theme embraces the Arab world, Africa, Dante’s native Peru and Europe.
Venue 95 Pilton International Collective Freedom Cottage, Cumhill, Pilton
Sculpture, art and artefacts from Africa, coordinated by Kelly Montshiwa, in picturesque garden terraces, portraits and landscapes by award-winning Peruvian painter, Dante Turner, and bold watercolours, including his latest collection “Andalucía”, by Peter Lawrence. A variety of art representing Botswana, Ghana, the Arab world, South America, UK and Europe. STOP PRESS: Kelly will be introducing Ghanaian Artist Yaw Obuobi with some of his uniquely spectacular yarn art. Venue 95. Freedom Cottage, Cumhill, Pilton, BA4 4BG. Phone 01749 890875 email lispet@mac.com Open 11am till 5pm Parking Limited on-site space or park at village hall/club or Venue 96 and walk PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
For details and to book courses, email theoldstoresstudio@gmail.com or visit: https://theoldstoresstudio.wixsite.com/theoldstoresstudio
VENUE 87
An international flavour in Pilton
THIS year's Somerset Art Weeks include an exciting and brandnew venue to the Mendip art scene: The Old Stores Studio in Evercreech. The Old Stores Studio (Venue 87) – now a Community Interest Company – is a versatile art studio, venue and events space offering seasonal art, craft and creative workshops, events and regular groups throughout the year. During SAW 2019 they will be showcasing more than a dozen artists exhibiting in the studio along with demonstrations and workshops being held throughout the fortnight. The artists’ work encompasses printmaking, paper cutting, drawing, oil painting, felt work, textiles, pottery, collage, candles, rope and leatherwork, and includes reclaimed wooden furniture and pieces by Nick Weaver, ceramics by Alison Potter, original collagraph prints by Cath Bloomfield, mixed media paintings by Kate Cochrane and fine silver jewellery and art prints by Theodora Gould. The studio – next door to the church – was founded by best friends Maria Cauchi and Nik Slade, who trialled the venture with a festive workshop in conjunction with the switch-on of the village Christmas lights. They followed that with their curated/coordinated Evercreech Jack in the Green – a contemporary, participatory May Day folk event for all.
OPEN PREVIEW Fri 20 Sep from 6pm
The Old Stores Studio has a range of workshops and artworks including: • Printmaking • Paper Cutting • Drawing • Oil Painting • Felt Work • Textiles • Pottery • Collage • Candles • Macrame and including: Reclaimed Wooden Furniture and pieces by Nick Weaver, Ceramics by Alison Potter, Original Collagraph Prints by Cath Bloomfield, Mixed Media Paintings by Kate Cochrane, Fine Silver Jewellery and Art Prints by Theodora Gould.
VENUE & COFFEE BAR OPEN 10AM - 5PM • 21 SEP - 06 OCT
The Old Stores Studio, High Street, Evercreech, Somerset BA4 6HZ. Tel: 07841 437713
https://theoldstoresstudio.wixsite.com/theoldstoresstudio
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Guest artist at Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios
Between Takes by Rebecca Barnard
SOMERSET ART WEEKS
HERITAGE Courtyard Gallery and Studios, in the heart of Wells, has made it their mission to support, encourage and showcase some of the finest contemporary artists in the region. This summer they have had a widelyacclaimed exhibition at the Bishop’s Palace, “Re-Formation,”
which can still be enjoyed during SAW. HCG&S will also be hosting their usual high standard of contemporary art produced by their own studio artists during SAW. They will be exhibiting in both the gallery and in their individual studios. The acclaimed Somerset artist Miriam Sheppard will be showcasing her amazing work “Head in The Clouds”, an interactive sound and visual installation in the loft space above the gallery. The gallery and studios are jointly run by Heather Wallace and Rebecca Barnard who both agree that creative people need support and encouragement. They said: "We wanted to create a quality platform for artists at all levels, from beginners to dedicated fulltime practitioners. Our aim is to provide a supportive and stimulating environment, as Plastic Angel by Heather Wallace well as be a hub for all the community to enjoy a variety of contemporary art, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.” l Re-Formation is open daily at the Bishops Palace until October 6th. Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm. For details, visit: www.heritagecourtyardstudio.com
23a Broad Street, Wells BA5 2DJ. Tel: 01749 671112 Open Mon–Sat 10–4 www.somersetguild.co.uk
Venue 103 – proud to be part of Somerset Art Weeks
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MENDIP TIMES
Prison project will be Art Weeks highlight
Glastonbury mural
A UNIQUE Glastonbury Mural Trail will take part in Somerset Art Weeks which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. For the first time, a map is being created to take visitors on a tour of the Glastonbury Mural Trail with some murals receiving a bit of fresh love to make sure they’re at their best for the occasion.
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A workshop underway in the Art Bank Café in Shepton Mallet
workshops will receive a free “get-into-prison” ticket. Fiona said: “The opportunity for members of the public to visit Shepton prison before it changes hands and see our exhibition will be a truly unique cultural experience.” John McCarthy will be speaking in the prison on September 28th
The B-Wing artists
(Photograph courtesy of Geoff Dunlop)
AN Arts Council-funded project set in the unique and haunting spaces of B-Wing in Shepton Mallet Prison promises to be one of the standout attractions of this year’s Somerset Art Weeks. Site-responsive artworks, poetry and performances will transform the space, reflecting its history, and confronting political and environmental issues. Somerset based artists and co-curators Luminara Star and Fiona Campbell are working alongside six other South West artists and writers for an exhibition and special events, including a talk on Saturday, September 28th by John McCarthy, worldrenowned writer and broadcaster. For five years he was held hostage in Lebanon. John has worked with Geoff Dunlop, one of the artists involved. The project is engaging the local community through workshops, talks, readings and exciting one-off special events. Whitstone School, home education and adult groups have taken part in workshops creating collaborative artworks to form part of the exhibition. Funding by the Somerset Skills and Learning Council has allowed all workshops, talks and tours to be free to the public, and in addition, participants who book onto the
SOMERSET ART WEEKS
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Mystery of church cross found in mud
he mystery cross – found buried in mud at Burnham-on-Sea
A LONG-lost brass cross from an unknown church has been handed into trustees at Frome Museum who have been celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the town’s iconic foundry J.W. Singer and Sons. The cross, almost buried in mud at Burnham-on-Sea, was found by someone from Mark; it’s thought the cross may have been stolen but discarded because of its weight and the fact that it is stamped on the back
with the name Singer. The cross is catalogued, but the team at the museum is currently trying to establish which church it came from. The discovery of the cross was revealed during a Finds Day at the museum, where experts were on hand to help members of the public identify pieces of interest. Works cast at Singers include many iconic public statues, war memorials and civic works, from Boudica on the Thames Embankment in London, the friezes at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to the figure of Justice that crowns the Old Bailey in London.
NEWS
Trustees and experts at the Finds Day at Frome Museum. Back (l:r) Jennie O’Kane, Colin Wisbey, Dave Crisp, David Robinson and Barry Edwards. Front (l:r) Emma Robinson, Laura Burnett and Sheila Gore
Laura Burnett, Portable Finds Liaison Officer for Somerset, with a family who brought in a collection of bones from their garden
An exhibition about Singer, who began work in 1848, is on show at the museum until mid-November. For details, visit: www.fromemuseum.wordpress.com
Arnhem service will be “last of its kind” ORGANISERS of the annual Double Hills Memorial Service say this year’s event – the 40th – will be the last to take place on such a large scale. The ceremony, on Sunday, September 1st, remembers the 23 lives lost when Glider RJ113 crashed into a meadow called Double Hills near Paulton on Sunday, Sept 17th.1944. The men who died were the first casualties of Operation Market Garden, the plan to land an Allied airborne army behind German lines and end the Second World War. Military and civic dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s service in large numbers. Weather permitting, there will once again be a flypast of aircraft overhead followed by a parade through Paulton. The service was founded by Peter Yeates, who witnessed the crash aged just seven years old. The memorial was funded by donations and built by Royal Monmouth Regiment volunteers in 1977 but it is now in need of urgent renovations. People who attend the service will be asked to make donations. In future years, a simple memorial service will take place. Peter said: “The memorial will be renovated. Work has already commenced and will cost at least £4,000. The foundations are slipping due to subsidence, and although
This year’s event will be the last to be held on such a large scale
renovated in 2004, further deterioration will continue. The central tablet listing the names and the event has also lost its depth in the etching.” All are welcome to attend the multi-faith service. Visitors are being asked to gather from 1.45pm.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 39
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Dear Mendip Times, I always enjoy reading Les Davies' articles but I wanted to see if I could gently nudge him away from his view that the EU are “penalising” the UK for wanting “to take control of their own destiny”. Les made this claim after referring to the bravery of the soldiers from many nations who took part in the D-Day campaign, some of whom did not return. The reason Les that so many of us want to remain in the EU is precisely to avoid any repeat of those dreadful days of war. We think that working and trading together must be preferable to fighting to resolve our differences. Since voting to leave, the EU has said that when we do so the UK will cease to benefit from the advantages of membership. This is the same for any organisation: if I cancel my cricket club membership, I can expect to be refused entry to watch the matches. I don’t think I could complain that I was being penalised! Our country and our lovely county of Somerset have so much to offer the other nations of the world and we have so much to gain from friendship and co-operation with them. One day the whole world will need to learn to work together if the human race is to survive. It therefore seems to me that it is not the right time to isolate ourselves from our nearest friends with whom we have worked and traded in peace for so many years through our membership of the EU. William Barnes West Bradley Dear Mendip Times, Just a thought with the airport extension in mind. It's a quote from that famous conservationist John Muir: "Not blind opposition to progress but opposition to blind progress." Richard Frost, Chairman, The Mendip Society
Dear Mendip Times, Thank you so very much for your cover story about Max and the battle to get treatment for his Batten Disease. Also to Phil Hammond for yet another article about this awful disease and the failure of NHS England, alone in Europe, to treat children like Max with these so rare diseases. It was a wonderful day at the East Harptree fete and we were all very touched at how the community of East Harptree came together to support Max and his family; so amazing! Jacob Rees-Mogg had also mentioned the East Harptree School sports day (the day before) and the way the children helped Max to win his race. It’s a very, very special school – children, teachers, support staff and parents. We also went to Porge’s Party the following Saturday. Another wonderful event so generously arranged to help Max and his family. I think you will be mentioning that in this issue and, again, we were so moved and grateful for the efforts made to organise another so supportive event. We have lived in the Chew Valley for over 40 years. It has always been a generous and supportive community. The evidence of that has been made so obvious through these events and the many other offers of help and encouragement. Through your magazine we say “thank you”, words which do not fully convey the true depth of our gratitude for all the support and encouragement. It is five months since Max was, after two years of pressure, finally diagnosed. The publicity through papers such as yours, local and national press, radio and television seem to be the only way to keep PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
this awful neglect of small children in the public eye. Through them and parliament, with Jacob Rees-Mogg’s continuous pressure, we hope to change the way NICE evaluates such ultraorphan drugs. As a country England lies far behind our fellow Europeans in our standards of care and compassion. NICE specifically excludes the “Rule of Rescue” – we really are a long way behind. We even operate a postcode lottery within the UK! Thank you to you all at The Mendip Times. Annie & John Sewart (grandparents to Max) See Porge’s Party page 29.
Dear Mendip Times, H Pring’s criticism of Dr Phil Hammond in your August issue was just plain wrong. Anyone familiar with Dr Phil’s column (especially his recent moving account of past family difficulties) knows that he’s an intelligent, committed and sensitive man and as a journalist and commentator someone certainly entitled to his own informed opinion. Our country has never been as divided as it is now with truth being the first casualty. Our influential press media is controlled by a few rich individuals who lecture us from afar, living patriotically offshore (presumably for tax reasons). We have political parties (again controlled by a few rich men) who have been fined for financial misconduct and breaking electoral law during the referendum campaign. We have a Prime Minister who was “crowned” by 92,000 Tory party members, just 0.1% of the electorate. And a PM who has reinstated a number of ministers who were previously sacked for leaking, lying and breaching the ministerial code. With such a concerted assault on what used to be considered basic principles and decency, we need people like Phil Hammond to speak truth to power now more than ever. As part of the Hippocratic Oath he took before becoming a doctor, Hammond would have vowed to “do no harm”. Far from doing harm, his lively, witty and informed Mendip Times pieces are a highlight of the magazine. And if H Pring still disagrees, then he/she can always avert their gaze and swiftly turn to the next page, Ian Pitch Winscombe
Dear Mendip Times, I see that the planning inspectors have dismissed North Somerset Council’s pig-in-a-poke plan for a new town (2,800 houses) in the Mendip Vale near Churchill. Let us hope that having rubbished the present plans the inspectors will have inspired the councillors to put climate change at the top of their agenda and to advance some new plans which entirely exclude the idea of a new town in this beautiful rolling countryside. The decision of the government appointed inspectors shows that common sense has broken out but it should never have come to this but for the fact that the NSC had continually and pig-headedly dismissed the many well-reasoned objections with the casual disregard of a man who knocks off a thistle top with his walking stick. This approach must have resulted in a huge cost to local taxpayers. Our councillors must now firmly grasp the nettle and tell their planning officers to immediately shred their present offering and come up with a new plan for the location of housing close to Bristol, where there is both employment and public transport. Failure to do so would suggest that our councillors have no serious interest in looking after the environmental wellbeing of the Mendip Vale and fulfilling their Climate Change Emergency initiative. Mendip Bystander
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Dear Mendip Times, I’ve lived in Chew Magna for over 34 years and in that time the impact of Bristol Airport has been increasingly unpleasant. Ever more noisy flights with their dangerous emissions plus nose to tail traffic have turned this beautiful village into a dirty, congested main route often full of angry foul-mouthed drivers. The airport now plan to expand from nine million passengers a year to 12 million and eventually 20 million. They haven’t yet got planning permission, but they have strong support from among others Bristol’s mayor and many businesses. Since the climate emergency was declared both Stanstead and Marseille in France have had expansion plans refused. I wanted to find out the facts about Bristol’s expansion. On a very hot evening in July, I was in Chew Magna Church Hall to hear five speakers give a picture of what a bigger Bristol Airport would mean. The speakers were Jill Rawlins, chair of Wrington Parish Council where the airport is sited, Tanguy Tomes, a Bristolbased environmental consultant, John Adams and Scarlett Vester of the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion Alliance, Hilary Burns of the Parish Council Airport Association and Ben Moss, from Chew Stoke, representing Chew Valley Extinction Rebellion. There was a lot of detailed information and several alarming facts were revealed. The airport have just published a glossy pamphlet claiming they will go carbon neutral by 2025. But if you read it carefully this does not include emissions from any aircraft or the traffic to and from the airport. Tanguy Tomes and his colleague Dr Adrian Gibbs have carried out a detailed assessment of the airport’s projected carbon emissions if complete expansion goes ahead. They have found that the real
figure is an increase of 4.5 million tonnes per annum. To offset this you would need to continually plant trees covering an area the size of North Somerset every four months. The graphs he showed us were shocking. The lack of any significant transport plan means that the road congestion already being experienced is bound to increase. John Adams told us of narrow local roads already regularly clogged by angry drivers. Bristol is the only major airport without any motorway or rail link - 87% of passengers come and go by car or taxi. The airport make most of their profits from parking and have no interest in reducing the number of cars. In their carbon plan they aim to charge an extra levy on those drivers using the drop-off zone to pay towards carbon offset. They will still take the full profits from the increased car parks they now want to build. Jill Rawlins pointed out that the increased number of planes will most likely lead to a change in flight paths. At present planes legally have to fly in a straight line for five miles before turning for their destination. Air space is limited as we are surrounded by both military and Royal no-fly zones, but more planes will most likely mean a reduction in the five-mile limit and we could well see planes regularly turning and stacking above our villages with the increase in noise and air pollution. There will also be an increase in night-time flights. Perhaps the most cynical and shocking development is a recent poll which appears to show that the vast majority of local residents are in favour of the extension plans. This poll was widely reported in the local media. On closer examination the poll was carried out on behalf of the airport and
Dear Mendip Times, Readers may remember the letter in Mendip Times some months back from the then deputy leader of North Somerset Council when he sought to convince readers that putting 3,000 houses at Churchill and a similar number at Banwell would be good planning. Well, I and many other readers, replied that his logic was totally wrong as it would only lead to an additional vast numbers of cars clogging up the existing A38 and A370 routes to Bristol pumping out yet more carbon and pollutants into the atmosphere, taking us backwards in responding to climate change. Well it seems we were right and the independent inspectors appointed by the government have, after hearing evidence, recently written to North Somerset suggesting that their selection
READER’S OPINION
only 271 people were asked for their views. Compared to the many thousands of local residents strongly opposed this shows they could only find 189 people in favour! Ben Moss pointed out that since we are experiencing the highest July temperatures ever recorded, we are all now fully aware of the need for action on the climate. He said: “There has been lots of hot air, but little action so far. I want a planet for future generations to thrive on.” He also quoted: “It’s the richest 10% of the globe who create half of the carbon emissions; the poorest half create 10% of the emissions. If we were to cut the top 10% of emissions down to the EU average we would drop global carbon emission by a third.” Full videos of this meeting are on YouTube at Bristol Airport, The Truth. To help fight the expansion you can still lodge a comment on the North Somerset website, planning ref. 18/P/5118/OUT. You can also write to your local councillor or support a crowdfunding campaign for legal support at www.crowdjustice.com/case/bristolairport-is-big-enough Peter Brownlee Chew Magna
of the above strategic development locations is not sound and they should look again at their proposals. Now is the time for the newly-elected councillors to show they understand that large-scale development should only go ahead where there are viable sustainable transport solutions and that means placing development within walking distance of railway stations or much closer to where people want to go i.e. Bristol – where there are already good sustainable transport links like Metrobus. So North Somerset, time to think again, formally withdraw these illogical locations from the Joint Spatial Plan and come up with sustainable locations for new development. Tony Harden Wrington
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 41
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MENDIP TIMES
Wet, but worth it – Wedmore Harvest Home Photographs by Mark Adler
Haydn was part of a family entry in the procession which took place in heavy rain
Surf’s up! Ian Scott, Trevor Savage and Dave Howell in a tuk-tuk imported recently from India Richard Willcox (left) and Anna-Clare Seymour – the speakers at the lunch – with harvest home chairman Tom Willcox
Vicky Evans (seated middle) celebrating her birthday
Wedmore vicar the Rev Richard Allen during the outdoor service PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Double Vision with Swan Lake
Port reeve David Tucker tastes the beer
Richard Willcox leads the vintage vehicles in the procession through the village
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WEDMORE HARVEST HOME 2019
Waiting for lunch to be served
Wedmore Twinning Association were hosting a visit by residents of St Medard de Guizieres in France and two helped carve the meats. Cyril Humbert (left) and Benoit Dayraut (third from left) are pictured with Tom Stevens, Neil Ellis and Clive Reason Haydn (in pram), Heidi and Harvey with their country garden procession entry
Jamie Wall presents the lunch organisers with flowers. Just under 500 people sat down to lunch with around 300 children and families enjoying an afternoon tea afterwards
Little Rascals with their take on the cricket world cup 2019
A member of the Wedmore Young Farmers’ Club on their Grease float
Grace Seymour and Maggie as Dorothy and Toto
Gwen Corksish, aged eight, the 2019 harvest home queen
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 43
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MENDIP TIMES
Country clothing clearance
Missing moles
PAUL Middle took over the Mendip Molecatcher business from Bob Woodbury in June last year and says he could not have taken over at a worse time. We were in the grip of the hottest summer since 1976, with the lawns brown and dry and the only mole activity in the flower beds and veg
LECATCHER MO
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
patches which were getting watered. He said: “These are hard moles to catch so I was thrown into the deep end. Having got through the drought things improved and I had a busy winter especially January which was flat out. This summer has been nice and steady so far. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers new and old for their custom and for all the customer comments they have sent back to me which can be seen on the website. “Next summer/autumn I am hoping to expand into wasp control as well.”
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
TINCKNELL Country Store are holding a massive clearance event at their Wells store with up to 70% off country clothing from Thursday, September 5th to Sunday, September 8th. The clearance is to make way for new and exciting lines and to increase its pet offering, giving “All things Pet” a much bigger area in the shop so as to keep pace with the growing demand from customers for their little furry friends. Top brands such as Alan Paine, MUSTO, Baleno, Aigle as well as the very popular and stylish Welligogs plus equestrian clothing brands including Ariat, Toggi and Shires will all be reduced. Some footwear will also be on sale, making it the perfect time to prepare for autumn with a new pair of wellies. Tincknell Country Store will continue to offer customers a great choice of country and waterproof Clothing, as well as their huge range of wellies, work boots and riding boots. Coming soon in store is a new range for autumn of Hunter jackets and gilets as well as new Le Chameau traditional flat caps. The country clothing clearance sale starts 8am on Thursday, September 5th and is exclusive to the Wells store, not online, when it’s gone it’s gone so grab yourself a bargain.
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BUSINESS
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 45
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MENDIP TIMES
Simon Callow supports hospital ACTOR, writer and theatre director Simon Callow is backing The Forever Friends Appeal’s RUH Will Month scheme. People can now make their will writing appointment for September with participating solicitors. The actor paid a visit to the RUH earlier this year to see how the scheme has helped transform patient care through this very importance fundraising initiative. He said: “It’s terribly important, for every possible reason, for all of us to have an up-to-date will. If you haven’t got one, help is at hand as part of the Forever Friends Appeal Will writing scheme. RUH Will Month is a great opportunity to have a will written to professional standards. It costs less and helps support your wonderful local hospital. Do take advantage of this really excellent will writing offer.” This year, 14 participating solicitor firms across Bath, Bristol, North East Somerset and Wiltshire have joined the RUH Will Month scheme. They will prepare and draw up a professional will for you at a reduced fee – £100 for a single standard will and £150 for standard mirror wills or joint wills. Jan Witt, In Memory & Legacy Officer, the Forever Friends Appeal, said: “It may come as a surprise that fewer than half of the population have an up-to-date will, despite its importance in offering you peace of mind and security for both you and your family. “Often having a will written can be expensive, therefore, we’d
like to urge people to take advantage of our will writing scheme to ensure your savings, possessions and wishes are respected in the future and giving you peace of mind now. “By taking part in RUH Will Month you are also helping to support your local hospital as the solicitors waive their fees and are instead donated to our charity. This means that you can decide where the fee is donated – whether it goes towards one of our fundraising campaigns or to a specific ward or department that you have a special connection with.” To take part in RUH Will Month, simply call any one of the participating solicitors listed on The Forever Friends Appeal’s website and make an appointment quoting ‘RUH Will Month.
Details: Jan Witt 01225 825819 or email jan.witt@nhs.net
TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil. Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone. DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available. ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information. TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire. PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers. EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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BUSINESS
Avoiding the financial pressures of the care system
HAVE you planned for later life? It might not be something you are thinking about right now, but it’s important to know that the current care system can cause a lot of financial pressures and getting ahead of the game could be a very wise move. The Kings Fund report in 2016 predicted that, with cuts to local authority budgets, rising demand for services and shortages of staff, the social care system would be increasingly unable to meet the needs of older people. There is a growing care funding gap which will be £2.8 billion in 2019/20. The report showed that reductions in fees paid by local authorities to care providers, plus cost pressures such as the National Living Wage, are reducing the incomes of providers. An increasing number are likely to leave the market or go out of business as a result, potentially leaving older people without the care they need. These pressures are prompting some providers in affluent areas to step back
from providing care for people funded by the local authority. As a result, more are having to pay for their own care and this has served to push up private sector care fees. The ‘care cap’ of £72,000 has been scrapped and the means test threshold remains at £23,250, so assets above this are likely to be needed to pay for care in many cases. Also, many using the system complain it is too complex, not user friendly and leaves people confused about how the system works. Planning for later life should also be considered if you are making substantial gifts, otherwise, if care is needed, you may find yourself short of funds to secure the care services you require. If you find yourself or a loved one needing care services, we can help you to understand which benefits are available to you under the care system and help you put a plan in place. Chris Tweedie, Chartered Financial Planner, Accredited Member of SOLLA 01225 701217 • chris.tweedie@om.uk
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 47
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MENDIP TIMES
J&D WASTE Mendip Times REMOVAL reduces House, Garden, Garage and Shed clearance
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Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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Compensation for holiday and overseas injuries FOR most people, their annual holiday is the biggest investment they make every year. After months of saving, planning and anticipation it can be hugely traumatic to suffer an injury on holiday, and even more so if you feel that the injury in question was caused by another party being negligent. As with most other cases of personal injury, it is possible to claim compensation in these circumstances, but, if the injury was sustained overseas then the legal situation immediately
becomes less straightforward. In all personal injury claims there are two facts which have to be established. The first is that an accident, event or course of events caused an injury to you. This will usually be ascertained via medical examination and is therefore the simplest part of any claim. The second fact which needs to be demonstrated is that the accident in question happened as a result of somebody else’s negligence. In many cases this will be equally obvious and claimants are often surprised to find that a third party which vociferously denies responsibility in the immediate aftermath of an event becomes much more amenable once legal action is mooted. Indeed, the majority of cases are settled out-of-court when the other party realises it will be futile and expensive to argue their corner. Often, the simple fact that you are pursuing a claim with professional help will be enough to win the compensation to which you are entitled. If you’ve been injured overseas then the exact course of action can depend upon whether you are travelling as part of a package deal or independently. The laws covering package deals are set out in The Package Travel Regulations 1992. For the package provider to be
BUSINESS
deemed responsible the accident in question has to have happened within the hotel complex itself or on a trip or excursion organised by the package provider. If this is the case, then you should be able to pursue a claim against the package provider in the UK and the usual advice applies: gather as much information as possible regarding the accident including photographs of whatever it was that caused the argument, contact details of any witnesses, medical reports of your injuries and your own written account of what happened. Using these, your lawyer will attempt to demonstrate that the provider of your holiday failed to fulfil their duty of care toward you. The precise details could range from an unsafe swimming pool to food poisoning caused by unhygienic food presentation, but the basic principles remain the same. If you are travelling independently and suffer an injury then it may be more difficult to pursue a claim. You may, for example, need to go to court in the country in which the accident happened, thereby dealing with laws such as health and safety regulations as they are applied in that country. The same basic rules apply but you will probably need a lawyer to guide you through the process. Edward Lyons
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills
l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases
Chew Magna 01275 332168
OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 49
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MENDIP TIMES
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We are a small business with a big heart and tackle virtually anything on wheels. A family business of over 80 years situated in Bruton. We are seeking an experienced and passionate HGV Fitter who is looking for a varied role including a full range of servicing, safety inspections, repair work, general maintenance and damage repairs. Full time position, some overtime, pay commensurate to experience and efficiency, 28 days paid holiday (incl. Bank Holidays) and a good environment with a happy crew!
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We are a small business with a big heart and tackle virtually anything on wheels. A family business of over 80 years situated in Bruton. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Car and Commercial Painter who is looking for a varied role which would include work in Car, Classic and LGV. Full time position, some overtime, pay commensurate to experience and efficiency, 28 days paid holiday (incl. Bank Holidays) and a good environment with a happy crew!
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Can-am ATV’s and SSV’s Westwood ride on lawnmowers Ariens zero turn and push mowers Echo Power tools Agricultural Machinery and servicing Call into our shop to find: u Tools u Fasteners u Fixings u Timber u Fencing u Electric fencing u Oils u Lubricants u Water fittings u Clothing u Spares u Parts
PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
5% Discount for NFU members on Can-am ATV’s and SSV’s
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EVENTS
Stokefest 2019
LIVE music, a dog show, stalls and games were amongst the attractions at this year’s Stokefest community day in Stoke St Michael. The event, now in its second year, is organised by the Stoke St Michael Community Group and was held on the community playing field.
Peter Barkwill, chief executive officer of Wainwright’s Quarry, opens the festival, watched by (l:r) Paul Green and Amanda Taylor from Stokefest, John Johnston, community field chairman, and Brian Rexworthy, Wainwright’s financial director
Karen Pearce and Sophie White, aged eight, on a fundraising stall for the Stoke Baby and Toddler Group. The produce came from the group’s own allotment
Lola tackling the scurry course
Guitar virtuoso Rodney Branigan, originally from Texas, on stage
Ruby, on Sansom, and Cameron, on Bella, enjoy a ride led by Tracy Arthur from Mike’s Donkeys
Daughter and father Sharon Upham and Patrick Crawley step back in time to read some old comics on sale on a stall run by the memorial hall committee
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 51
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MENDIP TIMES
Coleford Flower and Craft Show
Nigel Taylor (back right), chairman of Somerset County Council, was the official guest at the 121st annual show. He is pictured with show committee members Philip Horler and (front) Sheila Perry, Emily Brown and Myra Perry
Family affair: Lynne Garrett and sister Pat Robinson on the bottle stall, with Pat’s grandchildren Jamie, Sienna and Autumn Rose
Neil Sales won a number of awards, including this one for a trug of mixed vegetables
PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Nempnett Thrubwell fete
Lyn Houlton and Rosemary Porter serving cups of tea
Rory Everett and his horse Jess took rides around the village
Pictured (l to r) Tilly, aged six, Lottie, seven, and Beth, six
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EVENTS
Cranmore Village Street Fayre
Local musicians entertained throughout the afternoon
A bubbly atmosphere at the village fundraiser
The Desert Divas belly dance troupe invited youngsters to take part in their pirate and mermaid-themed performance
The Mighty White entertained visitors
Clutton Flower Show
Mike Coombs with his black Labrador, David Brown with his Cirneco dell 'Etna and Ro Stein with her Saluki
Scarlet with her prizes on a stall run by Cranmore and Doulting Pre-School
Michael Eavis, who opened the show, with one of the organisers Sean Fraser
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 53
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MENDIP TIMES
Shining a light on harvest time in Somerset
A NATIONAL symbol celebrating British food at its best has arrived in Somerset for a series of harvest celebrations. The British Food Harvest Torch will be the focus of events from Saturday, September 21st until Sunday, October 6th as part of British Food Fortnight. The torch will be on display in churches across the county and will be taken to Young Farmer’s Club events before being driven by tractor to the door of Wells Cathedral for the YFC 80th annual Harvest Festival on October 6th at 7pm. The torch will visit the Mendip Ploughing Match and take pride of place at a special harvest flower festival organised jointly by the five Mells parishes: Mells and Vobster, Chantry, Great Elm, Buckland Dinham and Whatley. For the first time the parishes are linking together to create one event. Visitors will be able to travel to each location using a series of specially created walking and cycling routes mapped out as part of a Harvest Trail. The Rev Clive Fairclough, from the Mells Benefice, said “This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate harvest and support our farmers by celebrating British food across Somerset and locally with our flower festivals in five villages around Frome.” Each church will have a flower display; there will also be concerts, craft demonstrations, bulb planting, teas and more with a special Harvest Barn Dance starring the Somerset Levellers in Mells Barn on Friday, September 27th. Carrying a torch for British farming and the countryside: the Rev Clive Fairclough outside Mells church
For details about the flower festival, visit: www.mellsgroup.church/what-we-do/the-great-harvest-trailphp or find Rev Fairclough on Twitter at: @clivetherev
How to be a Mendip Ranger
MEMBERS of the public interested in volunteering to help conserve the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are invited to an open evening on Thursday, September 26th to hear about how to become an AONB volunteer ranger. The role requires a minimum commitment of seven hours per month and at the end of the year-long induction programme, role holders will have undergone outdoor first aid, navigation, countryside interpretation and emergency situation training as well as learning about the wildlife and history of the area. Details: lauren@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk or phone: 01761 462338).
PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
All hands on deck at Paulton Basin!
NEWS
THE Somersetshire Coal Canal Society has set out impressive plans to restore water to a stretch of the canal between Paulton and Radford that could see boats get underway once more. Currently used by walkers and nature lovers alike, many are aware of the splendour of this hidden gem. Once an industrial hot spot of the Somerset coalfield, the basin was slowly taken back by Mother Nature after the closure of the local pits. Since then the two basins have been painstakingly restored to their current condition and feature the largest inland waterways dry dock in England. All this has been achieved with the help of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society, many volunteers and grants. Sunday, August 3rd saw the return of the popular working parties, which were attended by local volunteers and B&NES councillors for Paulton, Grant Johnson and Liz Hardman. Work party manager, Mark Sherrey, said: “Our longterm aim is to restore the canal along its entire length to its junction with the Kennet and Avon Canal at Limpley Stoke. To do this we need the help and support of the communities that the canal goes through. “We are currently working towards improving the section that includes the two basins so it can once again hold water.” Not only would the project create opportunities to have boats once again in Paulton, but it would create a wildlife corridor, with the potential to bring economic benefit to the local area. Cllr Johnson said: “Every penny and spare pair of hands really does go a long way and it’s going to be a real community effort.” If you would like to help, volunteers gather on the first Sunday of the month at Paulton Basin, by the dry dock, between 10am and 4pm. If you would like to donate, please contact Mark Sherrey, the work party manager. Details: mark@coalcanal.com
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The Oakhouse Hotel offers excellent choice THE charming Oakhouse Hotel can be found in the heart of the beautiful medieval town of Axbridge in Somerset less than two miles from Cheddar Gorge and just 20 minutes from Bristol airport. The Oakhouse is a delightful hotel and restaurant, stylish, attractive and welcoming. Whether you want just lunch or a delicious dinner, the menu offers excellent choices, aiming for locally sourced produce and regular new dishes to tempt you. It has ten individually wellappointed en-suite rooms each of which are individually designed, comfortable and cosy, just like the rest of the hotel. It has family rooms, junior suites, standard doubles, deluxe doubles and of course a bridal suite should you be staying with them for that special occasion. And they are dog friendly. It offers restaurant, lounge and bar menus, with alfresco dining in Axbridge’s medieval square, afternoon tea, which must be booked in advance,
at £22.95 for two people or celebration afternoon tea at £31.95 for two. They will be holding a Wedding Fair on September 29th, from 12–3pm and this will provide an opportunity to view the hotel and the beautiful Court House and meet a range of local
FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE
suppliers to discuss your wedding requirements. The Oakhouse wedding reception options are designed entirely around you, bespoke to your requirements and they assure you of the most memorable wedding day. The luxurious, newly featured Court House which sits comfortably next door allows for further private wedding options including use of their indoor swimming pool, spa treatments and the lawn with an outside terrace as well as further sleeping accommodation. The Oakhouse also caters for other occasions, including christenings, naming ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations and funeral wakes. There’s a choice for Sunday lunch: one course £12.95, two courses £16.95, or three courses £19.95 – booking is advisable. From October, seasonal game will be on the menu. The Oakhouse is open 8am–11pm every day, with food served 8am– 9.30pm daily. Introducing Weddings at The Oak House Hotel and Court House
Somerset’s Medieval Gem Rediscover The Oak House Hotel, restaurant and bar situated in the medieval town square of Axbridge. Renowned for opulent afternoon teas, local ales, ciders and gins, and dining from fine to tapas and back again. A warm welcome awaits you. COME AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER – DON’T MISS OUR AUTUMN WEDDING FAIR An opportunity to view the hotel and the beautiful Court House marquee set up. Meet a range of local suppliers. Sunday 29th September 2019, 12pm – 3pm Free to attend, please let us know if you wish to attend: info@theoakhousesomerset.com
l The charming Oak House Hotel offers couples and guests a unique wedding venue experience, catering for small intimate celebrations up to 60 l The wedding reception is exclusive and private, with the hotel being exclusive for that day l The newly featured Court House which sits comfortably next door allows further exclusive wedding options for larger numbers up to 120 l Delicious range of menu options available l Civil Ceremony Licence l Comfortable range of accommodation available l Experienced and dedicated team on-hand to assist with planning and on the day 2019/early 2020 Late availability package – £3,500 – 40 day guests, plus 60 evening guests on selected dates.
Mention this Mendip Times advert and receive 10% off restaurant & bar food (T&C’s apply)
The Oak House Hotel, The Square, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AP Tel: 01934 732444 Email: info@theoakhousesomerset.com • www.theoakhousesomerset.com facebook: @theoakhousesomerset • instagram: @theoakhouseaxbridge MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
Antiques – and much more!
RIPLEY Antiques is a quirky little home interiors shop situated in the medieval square of Axbridge. Inside you will find quality items, exclusive to Ripley’s, often unique and rarely found. Alongside a warm welcome they will provide you with a pleasant space to peruse their antiques and collectables while listening to vinyl on the Bang & Olufsen retro deck! Once a month the space is transformed into a cosy and intimate bistro. For £25 per head you will be treated to a four-course meal, with ingredients that are seasonal and locally sourced, planned in conjunction with Axbridge growers and Cobbs of Cheddar. Enjoy a passionately cooked, carefully considered menu, take your own booze, relax and enjoy the ambience. Ripley now hold local auctions on the last Sunday of the month. So whether you want to sell or buy, you have somewhere local to go! By touring local villages, as well as Axbridge itself, items are always refreshed. They say it also means that various local communities are provided with this opportunity rather than just one, working towards a more responsible and ethical, not to mention environmental, way of shopping. In the last sale there were Longine and Omega watches, Lalique perfume bottles, diamond rings and various collectables. At their next sale at the end of September you will also find some gorgeous jewellery and a Henry Moore collotype of Woman Holding Cat. Very exciting!
Ripley Antiques also provide a house clearance service and are happy to advise you of various ways forward at what is often a difficult time. Details: www.ripleyantiques.co.uk Jules 07476613557 Lou 07585 220591 info@ripleyantiques.co.uk
New exhibition
BUYING OR SELLING? ASK US FIRST!
Visit Axbridge’s Aladdin’s cave Antiques and collectables Regular bistro nights • Local auctions Some of our recent finds . . .
Lead garden cherub
Detail from Japanese ceramic fish bowl
Vintage signal master and Hornby tin train
PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Vintage Lalique bottle
Pictured (l to r) Alma Williams, Irene Aldridge and Jane Sharp
A NEW exhibition at Axbridge and District Museum commemorates the horses used in WWI. A banner produced by Minehead Quilters’ Group was inspired by a book by Susan Burdett about her great, great grandfather, Norman Woodcock, who served at Gallipoli and with the British in the Middle East at the time of Lawrence of Arabia. Her book, “On the Day I Left my Boyhood Behind” will be on sale during the exhibition, which runs until the end of October.
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New Axbridge dementia group set up A NEW initiative has been established in Axbridge to support those living with dementia and their carers. The “Sharing Stories Group” has come out of the work to make Axbridge a dementia-friendly town which began earlier this year when a total of 55 people attended talks in Axbridge, organised between Dementia Friends and the then mayor, Barbara Wells. Following more discussions with local people who expressed an interest in getting involved, Barbara has now set up a fortnightly story and poetry reading group – with volunteers reading aloud and serving refreshments, supported by money from the civic service and the Mayor’s banquet. The initiative has also brought together the different generations in the town. Barbara, with staff from Winscombe Hall care home, organised a poster competition at Axbridge First School – serving to both raise awareness amongst the children of the condition as well as provide an outlet for their artistic endeavours. The overall winner received a prize kindly donated by Winscombe Hall and will see their poster being used to advertise the group. Runners-up received pens and a colouring book. The very first meeting takes place at the Town Hall on Wednesday, September 25th, 2-3.15pm and fortnightly thereafter. The sessions are free, as are the refreshments. Two local businesses are also playing key roles in making the group a success: Ripley Antiques and Vintage will be taking along items from bygone days to spark memories and discussions, while
FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE
The Almshouse Tea Shop will be providing delicious cakes. Barbara said: “We have some very talented, trained and experienced volunteers who will be doing the reading and they will be selecting and sharing a wide range of stories and poems which we hope will stimulate discussions as well as bring back memories. “We look forward to those living with dementia as well as their carers dropping in for the stories over a cup of tea and to chat with old friends – as well as make new ones.”
Details: Barbara Wells 01934 733779 email barbara.wells@axbridge-tc.gov.uk
Winscombe Hall is a warm and comfortable country house set in 6 acres of gardens and woodlands. Here we approach care with old fashioned kindness, promoting individual choice and care plans for all of our residents – we believe it’s the little things that matter to our residents and their loved ones. Our highly-trained care staff attend to our residents needs 24 hours a day. Come and visit us and find out what real care is.
We provide personal 'home from home' care for individuals with Residential and Respite needs and are specialists in Dementia, Alzheimers and Palliative Care
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AXBRIDGE Blackberry Carnival is seeing a revival since new committee members got involved three years ago. There were over 200 walking entries last year, as well as floats, and there’s so much interest this year that organisers have extended the road closure into the town square. The carnival is on Saturday, September 21st, at 2.30pm, with a parade led by many local mayors, who are invited to lunch first in Axbridge Town Hall. Chairman, Bev Davies, whose family have been involved for generations, said: “With our ten-yearly pageant taking place next year, there seems to be a real carnival mood in the town.” As well as the carnival parade, the town’s medieval square will be occupied by Heal’s traditional funfair from Wednesday to Saturday.
Successful day
ON Saturday, July 13th, Axbridge Sports and Social held a very successful fun day on the Furlong. The weather was kind, the food was excellent, the drinks flowed and the music was great, including a very special solo effort from young Axbridge resident Honey Cox! Organisers want to say a big “thank you” to all those that came and supported the day and helped to make the clearing up easier by using the recycling bins and taking their rubbish home! Funds raised will once again be put towards providing and decorating the Christmas trees around the town in December. On Friday, May 8th next year they will be returning to the Square, organising a celebration of the Axbridge community in conjunction with the VE Day anniversary. More details to follow. Spokesman, Jim Wornell, said: “Thanks to the people of Axbridge who support our events, it makes all the hard work so worthwhile!”
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Pageant preparations
(Photography by Ian Mason)
Carnival inspires Axbridge
AXBRIDGE Pageant, held every ten years, has a local sponsor for next year’s event, which will be held over three days at the end of August. Pageant director, John Bailey, is pictured (left) with sponsor Neil Barnes, from Enable, with staff and residents wearing some of the hundreds of costumes which are being made for the historic event.
Axbridge prepares to rumble
AXBRIDGE is planning its fifth annual Rumble in the Jumble, the community event where residents set out their stalls and bargain hunters take to the streets in search of a deal. The event, to be held this year on Saturday, September 14th, was the brainchild of ex-mayor Barbara Wells who wanted to showcase the lovely medieval town and provide a practical way for residents to recycle and sell-on items they no longer have a need for. The event is free for visitors who can “rumble around” the historic town, soak up the relaxed atmosphere, enjoy homemade goodies and find those hidden gems in the jumble. Stallholders pay £10 which is donated to the Axbridge Pageant 2020. Applications, maps and information are available from various outlets in the town.
Museum finds day
ARE you a metal detectorist? If you are and you have found an item locally that you would like identified, take it along to Axbridge & District Museum on September 14th, 1-4pm. Laura Burnett, the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme working through the Somerset Heritage Centre, will be happy to discuss your find with you. You won't receive a valuation, but Laura will be able to help you discover its relationship to its historic or prehistoric period and will, if necessary, take it away for an additional expert opinion. She may also be able to tell you if your find is likely to be classified as treasure trove or not. Your find may help archaeologists, too. Past finds have led to many exciting further research projects. However small, that item you've discovered could be important! Axbridge & District Museum is located in King John's Hunting Lodge, Axbridge Square. It is open daily, 1-4pm and entrance is £2.50. You can use the same ticket all season. National Trust members and U-16s visit free of charge. Details: www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk
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FOCUS ON AXBRIDGE
Hale Events – a small Axbridge business delivers big events NOT many locals know about Hale Events, a business based in Axbridge, or that it organises some of the largest consumer and business to business shows in the South West. They’ve been in the town for more than 25 years now and say it’s the perfect location for their business. It’s always been important for them to maintain a healthy work life balance and having a business based there, employing mainly local people, helps with that. This historic Somerset town is also close to the M5, which makes for easy access to customers and partners all over the UK and particularly in the South West region. They organise a public Christmas Shopping Fayre in Exeter, which attracts 15-20,000 visitors and Giving & Living, a trade show for gifts, home, and coastal products, also in Exeter, which attracts buyers from independent retail, tourist attractions, heritage sites, and others who want to stock the products required to supply the millions of tourists who visit the region each year. They also organise B2B shows for the food and drink sector. They say culinary tourism is a growing trend, with such amazing destinations as Padstow and Dartmouth and
Mike Sartain, Financial Director (left) and Mike Anderson, Managing Director
increasing numbers of top chefs are attracted to the lush and productive land and the richly stocked sea that surround this peninsula. They have shows in Exeter, Wadebridge and Bristol for chefs, deli and farmshop buyers, café owners, restaurateurs, caterers – in fact anyone who needs to source and stock regional produce. Their food shows host a great mix of artisan producers, leading food service suppliers, and business services. If you’re interested to find out more, visit www.hale-events.com which tells you lots more about them and what they do.
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Symbols of love
ERICA Sharpe Fine Jewellery is based in Wedmore and specialises in bespoke rings for engagements and weddings. Established for over 25 years, her work has been created for clients all over the world and won many awards. Designing and making rings for engagements and weddings form a major part of the working life of a jeweller. Erica says: “It is a privilege to be involved in the process of marking such a big event in a couple’s lives and every piece I make for a wedding or betrothal is as individual as the couple themselves. “The design and materials can tell the unique story of the couple, possibly including elements of how they met, things of special significance or symbols of their connection.” The gemstones that she uses come from trusted suppliers, who source only from environmentally, and ethically sound operations. Erica uses Fairtrade gold or offers the option of recycling gold and other precious metals in her work. Damaged or worn gemstones and diamonds and valued family heirlooms can be given a new lease of life by re-cutting and polishing. If you want a ring as unique to you as your wedding or betrothal celebration, then Erica Sharpe Fine Jewellery is a good place to start.
QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT • High Peaked Roofs • Clear Roofs and Window Walls so ‘Conservatory Ends or Entrances’ can be created. Also Flame Towers.
Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366
• Furniture • Starlight Lining • Dance floors • Lighting • Fridge trailer hire Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk
PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
A stunning location
THE Best Western Plus Swan Hotel enjoys a fabulous location, directly opposite the stunning West Front of Wells Cathedral. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a large wedding reception or the civil wedding ceremony itself, the hotel provides the perfect venue at any time of the year. Civil wedding ceremonies are held in the delightful Garden Room, which opens out onto a secluded walled garden. The Ivory Suite on the ground floor has its own reception area and bar and seats up to 90 guests for a wedding breakfast. Evening functions for up to 150 guests can be catered for by hiring the adjacent Garden Room. At the front of the hotel, Swan Terrace provides a unique opportunity for wedding photographs. The luxurious Honeymoon Suite has panoramic views of the cathedral. The hotel currently offers a fantastic fixed price wedding package of £4,999.
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Planning your wedding and honeymoon MILES Morgan Travel are specialists in arranging weddings and honeymoons and are experts at helping you plan what should be the trip of a lifetime. They work with award-winning partners and therefore know people they can trust to help arrange the finite detail that will make a big difference to your trip. They are also full of ideas – just tell them what you have in mind and they can help inspire you with what they feel will match what you are looking for. They can hand-pick the best resorts and wedding packages anywhere in the world and help you choose the perfect
venue. Each holiday they create is totally bespoke to suit what a couple would like. For those getting married abroad they can also help you with the detail, the photographer, the florist and even a make-up artist and hairdresser for your special day. They have a resident weddings and honeymoon coordinator in their Wells branch, Nicki, who herself got married in Mauritius recently. She has the experience to get things right for you and the knowledge of many destinations in the world to give you first-hand advice. Book a free appointment with Nicki whenever convenient to you to discuss your wedding or honeymoon plans, or they have a special event in partnership with Kuoni on September 18th at their branch in Wells with Amy from Kuoni, Prosecco and cupcakes while they start to talk about your wedding and honeymoon plans.
FOCUS ON WEDDINGS
Another top award for Miles Morgan
LOCAL travel agent, Miles Morgan Travel has been crowned the best travel agent in the South West and Wales for the fourth year running and sixth time in total. The annual award is voted for by holiday companies, airlines and tourist boards and recognises the professionalism, marketing and sales produced by travel agencies. Managing director, Miles Morgan, said: “I could not be prouder to receive this award. We currently have 15 shops and beat off some stiff competition, so this is an amazing achievement. My staff do a fantastic job and to see their efforts rewarded with this prestigious award is wonderful.”
Details: call 01749 671660 to confirm your appointment
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Add some bling to the event!
SILVER Street Loos is a family-run business based at Barton St. David, near Glastonbury, and set up by Rachael and Philip Lettieri who wanted to offer something a bit different for weddings and events in the South West. They are perfect for any occasion and offer that extra touch of “bling” along with fresh flowers, music and a personal service to ensure that all your needs are covered. Silver Street Loos also provide builders’ loos, disabled units and septic tank emptying. *Book early to secure your own special loo for next year’s weddings and parties.
Beautiful Luxury Toilet Hire Weddings, Parties, Corporate Events Also Construction loos, Welfare, Septic Tank Emptying, Drainage Installation Tel: 01458 851234 Mob: 07977 521325 Email: admin@silverstreetloos.co.uk Web: www.silverstreetloos.co.uk
Making your special day perfect
TOPLINE Catering understand that you want everything to be perfect for your wedding day and their professional wedding catering service guarantees that you will not be disappointed. Part of the preparation for a great wedding is choosing a company that will listen to your wishes for your day. You should be able to trust your wedding caterers to look after you and all your guests in a friendly and professional way leaving you to just enjoy the day. Choose from their range of imaginative traditional or informal dishes, all locally sourced and freshly prepared. Their 30 years plus of professional catering experience and their skilled and experienced teams of waiting and kitchen staff mean that your wedding catering will be in safe hands. Topline Catering also have links with several trusted complementary service providers such as, wedding DJ, photographer and bar and marquee hire. They can also recommend very special wedding venues.
Something very special from Geni Printing
GENI Printing knows that your wedding day is very important to you and their bespoke wedding stationery will help capture the mood of this very special occasion. Nigel Game and his staff pride themselves on outstanding quality and service. There are a wide range of cards available, including, smooth, silk, textured, linen, satin, pinstripe, hammer, pearlescent and parchment. Special motifs, bows, rounded corners, gold or silver edged cards etc. can also be supplied. They can supply invitations, reply postcards, location maps, favour tags, order of services, table plans, menus and place cards. The colour of ink, inserts or cards can be matched to your colour scheme for the big day. Geni Printing’s “state of the art” Konica Minolta Colour Digital Presses, produce an unsurpassed quality, second to none. Give your professional, very experienced, local printers a call on 01275 333895 – you won't be disappointed! Details: www.geniprinting.co.uk
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Somewhere a little different . . .
GLASTONBURY Wedding and Events venue is a very quirky and unique place for couples who are getting married, who would like something that is different from the normal package. Nestled on the edge of the Somerset Levels with outstanding views of the famous Glastonbury Tor and surrounding area, stands the old pre-Norman village church that has been restored to its former glory. The main building can be decorated to your colour choice and theme Being a deconsecrated village church, they can offer civil weddings, hand fastings, celebrants, or any special occasions you wish to celebrate, family reunions, birthdays, retirements, wakes
FOCUS ON WEDDINGS and christening parties. They have a large private car park next door, disabled facilities, large grass areas for marquees, toilets and in-house catering facilities for hot or cold food. They are fully licensed 365 days a year until midnight and carry a well-stocked licensed bar with a wide choices of local ales beers, ciders, lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. The large grass area outside can be used with picnic tables, hay bales and fire pits to create the ideal relaxing place to have a quite drink and socialise with friends and relatives celebrating the event. Viewing is strongly recommended.
If you are looking for quality mobile toilet and shower hire, or Trackway hire in the Bath, Bristol, Shepton Mallet, Wells & Glastonbury areas, call Chew Valley Hire Ltd on 01761 221 105
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 63
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Volunteering – it’s good for you MANY are the times when we have written that Mendip is a unique area for many reasons, usually about its landscape and geography. However, there is a great deal more to it than that and reading the Mendip Times will always show us why. The pages are full of small and large community groups doing great things for others in need of a helping hand with pictures of ordinary (but extraordinary) people giving up their time in order to achieve something better for others around them. Some are supported by organisations which give grants to help get things done, but it must be remembered that other volunteers have given their time and effort to raise those grants in the first place, which then have a direct effect on our countryside and people. Even if we cannot physically assist, we can offer support in other ways. Now, it’s a peculiar thing, but it seems to be that the givers of that support also benefit – some call it a “rosy glow” or “feel good factor”, it’s simply knowing that your efforts have contributed to achieving something worthwhile for other people. It is now acknowledged that volunteering, which is what we are talking about, in the fresh air of our
"Tucksy" in action
lovely countryside is the most beneficial thing we can do for our mental and physical health and wellbeing. Caring for the natural habitats of our land and enabling others who cannot access it for themselves is the best thing of all. The Mendip Society has two nature reserves to care for, needing the attention of dedicated volunteers and many new ones join our ranks at the suggestion of support groups. One such, we’ll call him “Tucksy”, wrote this in our newsletter after his first visit to us last year: “Having always enjoyed the outside, it was a great shock to me and my family when I rapidly contracted an illness that changed my life, physically and mentally, from enjoying the simple pleasure of, say, going for a walk, to a prolonged stay in hospital and the best part of a year’s rehabilitation. “My confidence was shattered but slowly through a Wellbeing Through Nature group I learnt to come out of my safe zone and meet new people; then The Mendip Society was asked about my volunteering on their nature reserve. When I arrived, nervous and apprehensive at Tania’s Wood on a cold November morning, the first hurdle had been crossed by just turning up. “I was made very welcome, drank lots of tea, munched biscuits and we had a big bonfire; I went home happy, smelling of smoke, had done some physical exercise and mentally it was a tonic – I ate and slept well that evening. “Being outside in nature with supportive like-minded people has helped my recovery and rehabilitation with increased physical and mental wellbeing, reduced stress and anxiety; I now volunteer on a regular basis, there’s nothing like being in a muddy ditch cutting down some overhanging branches – the banter’s not too bad either! “I now also ‘buddy’ for Wellbeing Through Nature, supporting those going through what I did; I am also a volunteer ranger, giving something back for the great support that I have had.” Volunteering is also about “swings and roundabouts”. Our members also enjoy visiting new places and doing
THE MENDIP SOCIETY
Inside Sandford Levvy
new activities; last month a baker’s dozen of us were expertly led by Mendip Times caving contributor Phil Hendy into the Sandford Levy mine. Who better to lead them than a caver of 50 years’ experience, especially when encouraging his not-so-young charges into the entrance – a sort of slot to be slithered through one way or another – into a roomy passage, or as put by one of the group “rather like getting into a house through the letterbox”. But the main point was, Phil was also a volunteer that afternoon and the monies collected by our chairman for our adventure (and many thanks to Phil for making it so) was donated to Mendip Cave Rescue, who, yes you’ve guessed it, are all also volunteers. They do invaluable service finding cavers lost or injured underground and showcased their skills at the launch of the MendipRocks! Festival in Westbury Quarry in August. One little boy was thrilled to be part of the team practicing carrying the stretcher. The two-month festival programme runs until October 20th. Richard Frost, Judith Tranter
Mendip Cave Rescue
For details of all events visit www.themendipsociety.org.uk and Facebook ‘The Mendip Society’
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WILDLIFE
Teasel – good for wildlife and good for floral decorations!
ALTHOUGH we can’t all be fortunate enough to live in the countryside, most of us can manage to attract some wildlife into our gardens; by building ponds, putting up a bird table or leaving a “wild” patch. In my garden I have done all of these and although I am surrounded by neatlyBy CHRIS manicured lawns and cropped hedges, an SPERRING MBE abundance of wildlife manages to find my little oasis. Most of the huge varieties of plants that now exist in my garden have arrived by natural means, and every time I step outside I seem to find something new. One of the most obvious plants that I have now to admire is the teasel; also known as Fuller’s Teasel or wild teasel. These plants seem to have done particularly well this year and they are attracting a huge variety of invertebrates, which in turn are attracting birds and other wildlife. Teasel is a biennial plant which starts life as a small, starshaped plant with leaves firmly pressed to the ground. By the second year the flowering stalk rises from the main plant and the the familiar egg-shaped head is formed. To begin with the head is spiny and green, but during the summer a stunning transformation occurs, with over 2,000 minute, blue, lavender-like flowers busting into bloom. It’s said that teasel is unique in the plant world because of the way in which it blooms; beginning with a ring of flowers around the centre of the head and gradually, as each ring of flowers dies, another ring of flowers opens up, each one further from the original central ring.
Teasel has been used for centuries as both a tool and a decoration – now it can help wildlife
White-tailed bumblebees are attracted to teasel
Many different species of pollinating insects are attracted to teasel flowers, including bees (like the white-tailed bumblebee pictured), butterflies, moths and hoverflies. Following these, of course, are the predators, such as spiders which seem to find the teasel plants ideal structures in which to construct their webs. Once the flowering season has finished an abundance of seeds develop within the now dry, hard brown head and this attracts a whole new variety of animals. Finches, especially the stunning gold finch, are particularly fond of teasel seeds and, even if you don’t see them during the rest of the year, they will miraculously appear to harvest the ripe teasel seeds during the autumn and winter months. Small mammals also enjoy these seeds and the huge leaves provide an excellent source of cover for small animals such as newly emerged froglets seeking refuge from eagle-eyed blackbirds and even the neighbourhood cats. This hardy plant has also been used by people for centuries; as combs in the woollen and fabric industries, and as ornaments, for example in Christmas decorations and flower arranging. I do recommend growing teasel in your garden as a positive way of helping your local wildlife and it’s a great way of growing your own Christmas decs too! *I’m planning a few dusk and evening Mendip walks through the autumn and early winter – please drop me a line if you are interested in attending and I will keep you informed of the details. I will be speaking on community wildlife projects in Camerton during October.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust You can contact him on 07799413918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com Facebook or Twitter
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A towering walk in East Mendip
THIS month we are off to East Mendip for this wonderful and for many of you, a totally new walk, from Cranmore, taking in glorious beech woodland with many ancient trees, the very visible folly of Cranmore Tower with the chance of panoramic views and coffee, tea and cakes. We follow a grassy track
which winds along the hill and overlooks Torr Quarry, has splendid views and a picnic area and goes through an underpass under the busy main road. Then we pass a former manor, now All Hallows School, and it’s along a small lane back to the start. The station has a cafe and there is a pub in Cranmore, so you are spoilt for choice. There is a steady uphill stretch to the tower not far from the start, but it is easy going in the main and on good tracks and a quiet lane. It should be fine for dogs too. PARK: At East Somerset Railway’s Cranmore station, east of Shepton Mallet just round the corner from Cranmore village. It has a large free car park. It’s worth looking around the station and there are toilets and the Whistle Stop Cafe (check opening times). Or park in Cranmore village itself near the Strode Arms and pond which we walk to.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
START: The station is on the East Somerset Railway, a 2.5-mile heritage railway. It was once the former Cheddar Valley line that ran from Witham to Yatton, meeting the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway at Wells. It is now lovingly run by volunteers and has several special events. It has toilets and
a cafe, not always open. Leave the station, turn left and shortly, right into Cranmore village. Pass the Strode Arms opposite the pond and continue to the Memorial Hall. Turn left here in Cooks Lane, passing Cranmore church on your left. One of its features is a wonderful stained glass window behind the altar. Turn right in Crane Cottages.
1. FIELDS At the end take the kissing gate into a field. Cross the field and go on into the next field. The official path (not well marked) is diagonally left across the field, aiming for a large solitary oak. Pass just to the left of the oak and head down to the bottom hedge to find a gate. Exit with great care onto the busy road and cross to the grass verge. Turn right a few yards past the Methodist church into the hamlet of Dean. 2. DEAN Turn left in Dallimore Lane and continue through this pretty hamlet for two or three minutes to a footpath and bridleway sign on a telegraph pole. Take the public bridleway on the right. Climb quite steadily passing the overgrown ruins of some cottages. After about ten minutes when the main track bends left, go straight ahead through a gate up into a field. Here you join the East Mendip Way.
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WALKING
3. EAST MENDIP WAY Continue on up, cross a track, and continue a little more steeply and follow the EMW as it bends right with good views across on the right. Straight ahead (not left) reach a kissing gate into a field. Once through, turn left and leave the field in the corner and carry on along the left side of Cranmore Wood and its beautiful beeches. 4. TOWER Reach Cranmore Tower on your right. Turn right on the track, leaving the EMW and then visit the tower and/or tearoom, or enjoy sitting outside. For £2 there is the chance to climb the 184 steps of the tower to the top at 1050 ft. There are breathtaking views with plaques showing special points of interest. You will probably meet the owner Farhad who with his wife, Gill, has lovingly restored the tower and surrounding buildings over 28 years. Situated in a clearing in the woodland with many paths, it is a beautiful natural haven for walkers and campers and those who appreciate simple countryside peace. It opens all year at weekends and bank holidays at 11.30am, but Farhad will open up for groups with prior booking at other times. During the school holidays he is open most days, but do check. Cranmore Tower is the highest point on the Mendip Way. It was part of the fancy of landowner John Paget who lived below the hill at Cranmore Hall and, as was the fashion, wanted a folly.
Le
5.15 miles, about three hours walking OS map 142 Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref: 663 430, postcode of station BA4 4QP.
It dates back to 1862-1864. During WW2 it did service as a look-out tower for the Home Guard and the Royal Corps of Signals. It fell into disrepair and had a couple of owners before being bought by Farhad. He now has a tearoom there and welcomes campers. He hopes to build more accommodation and arrange suitable functions and activities. Already there has been an abseil off the top for charity and a zip wire course into the woods from the tower. To continue, leave the tower and take the hard track alongside which you just joined. Go through beech woodland. Soon pass telecommunications installations right. Continue to a junction still in the woodland and turn right, on a track known as Furzeclose Lane, beginning to descend and passing several spectacular ancient beeches. It is a fair distance. Near the foot, bend left on the track where you may encounter puddles and reach a lane.
5. LANE Turn left for a few minutes and then go right through a metal gate, soon passing a blasting notice for Torr Quarry on the other side.
6. GRASS TRACK Continue up through trees and then join a grassy track which continues on along the hill with great views and which you follow for about a mile. En-route, pass a dramatic picnic area overlooking the
quarry – such a contrast! – and carry on down the track which bends round and reaches an underpass under the A361. Turn right and follow the grass track along, parallel with the road, sheltered by a hedge but still a bit noisy. Bend left and continue to a gate at the end and out onto a lane by Wellington Farm in East Cranmore 7. EAST CRANMORE Go straight ahead (not left) on the lane. Soon pass East Cranmore church now a private home and All Hallows School – once known as Cranmore Hall, the home of the Paget family. Join another lane and keep straight on all the way into Cranmore village, a distance of about a mile, past the Strode Arms and pond and then left back to the East Somerset Railway, if you started there. Cranmore Station: 01749 880417. Cranmore Tower, ring Farhad Shahbahrami, the owner or his wife Gill 07931 136091. Strode Arms, closed Monday lunch: 01749 880450. l A reader has pointed out an error in April’s walk from Wrington. Under section 2. ROAD, it should read go right up the drive to Stablegrove and not Stonewall Grove. We hope this hasn’t caused any problems. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 67
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s diary
HAS someone pulled the “fast forward to autumn” lever whilst I was out to lunch? But can I really complain about the weather? It has been good and With LES nowhere near as bad DAVIES MBE as last year’s drought conditions. For me the sun has shone when I wanted it and the rain has arrived as I needed it. How lucky am I, or is it just rose tinted glasses? I wrote last month’s column just before my annual trip with the students from the University of Georgia in the US. This year they stayed at Charterhouse Warren Farm for two nights, with good weather and a chance to experience the Mendip Hills. As always Jim Hardcastle and his team at the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) office provided the starting blocks for what was to be eight days of exploration in the British landscape. The tour would stretch from Mendip to the Peak District, then into the South Pennines and the story of the Bronte sisters, before arriving in the awe-inspiring Lake District. What isn’t there to like about the lakes – like the Yeo Valley on steroids is the way I would describe them. This is the land of Wordsworth and Beatrice Potter, who must have drawn so much inspiration from those misty mountains and picturesque lakes. No wonder people such as these were moved to create the literary masterpieces we wonder at today. Leaving the lakes behind, the next stop was Hadrian’s Wall, a bleak landscape yet captivating like that of the South Pennines. I cannot help but imagine the place in winter with the hapless auxiliary soldier as he stood at the very edge of Roman Britain. Here is a link to Mendip with the Second Legion Augusta being one of those units that helped build the wall. For those not familiar with Mendip Roman history, this is the military unit that subjugated the Celtic tribes of the West Country and paved the way for the highly efficient lead extraction and processing on Mendip that was to go on for nearly 2000 years. Edinburgh was the last stop for me and what a city it is – cosmopolitan, exciting and soaked in architectural heritage. Here the tall grey stone buildings seem to scrape against the sky, whilst the castle seated
high on its prominent rock, broods protectively over the city. It was here that the dream was to end for me and a sharp awakening into the real world of other people was to take place! Edinburgh airport like every other airport, train station or bus terminal is an ants’ nest of activity. People are rushing about, late for the check-in or departure gate. They drag with them cases and bags that trundle on small wheels. Some are upright and I wonder if they have a mind of their own when it comes to cornering, just like a shopping market trolley. I sat and watched the world go by, each person with a story to tell, but far too busy to notice anyone else around them. Some within the cocoon of their headsets that look like ear defenders, others still, holding the mobile phone, using their thumb to navigate through whatever piece of web information or message they are absorbed in. The flight back was comfortable and gentle. I had however sat in someone else’s seat and had to crawl over two other people to gain my own. Once this manoeuvre had been completed I was finally sat next to the man with his mobile phone and his head set on. Obviously in a rush to get off the plane on landing, he asked me with a certain amount of irritation in his voice: “Are you going to move then?” This no doubt is the world for many people who have to travel – thankfully I am not one of those and was able to return to the relative tranquillity of my less complicated world. After all that, I was in need of a holiday! So one week later I was off to Pembrokeshire to soak up some sun and seaside. I missed it last year but enjoyed it even more this time. Just like North
Cornwall but without the people is the best way to describe this coastline. The potato crop was being brought in and the wheat had been harvested in good conditions. This part of the United Kingdom is blessed with a good growing climate and a red sandy soil that warms up quickly. In the past the Pembrokeshire potato market has suffered but perhaps we will need it again in the not too distant future, as we shall need the home holiday market. It is now back to Mendip after all that wandering and to the sanctuary of my world. I have often said that if you are born and brought up in a telephone box you won’t know any different until you step outside. Well I tend to step outside my telephone box a lot more these days but I’m always happy to step back inside again! On Saturday, September 7th the dispersal sale will take place at Rose Farm in Westhay. For many years the Willcox family farmed on the moor, but with the recent death of Horace Willcox this part of a Somerset farming story has come to a close. As you can imagine there are a lot of memories tied up here for the family, but life has to move on. Such a collection of rural bygones and artefacts I have rarely seen, so if you have an interest, go along on the sale day. There could be something that catches your eye and, if so, wonderful. Always remember that everything there has been “pre-loved”, so treat it with respect and give it a new life. For more details contact Cooper and Tanner who are arranging the sale. Finally I leave you with something to gladden the heart! A Mendip sunset that closed the day but held the hope of another one to come.
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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September is always a special month for us at Yeo Valley and Holt Farm. It’s the month that we join forces with all of our friends in the organic world and shout from the rooftops about why organic is the way forward. But this month will also mark the 25th birthday of our Yeo Valley Organic brand. In 1961 Roger and Mary Mead began farming in the Yeo Valley. They started out at Holt Farm, Blagdon with 30 cows, a few sheep and some arable crops. In 1969, Lag Farm, the farm next door, came up for sale and Roger and Mary decided to expand. They bought the farm and very quickly opened a tearoom and a “pick your own” fruit farm. Using leftover fruit and skimmed milk from their clotted cream, they started making yogurts. They were so pleased with the results that before the year was over, Roger and Mary had taken to the road and were selling Yeo Valley yogurt around the valley in their Morris Minor. In 1994 the Milk Marketing Board was deregulated and my husband Tim Mead (Roger’s son), helped seven local dairy farmers set up The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo).
YEO VALLEY
We couldn’t have done it without the support of our loyal local customers over the years, so thank YOU! Back to “Organic September”. What is so special about organic then? Well, we believe it is better for people, plants and the planet. It all starts with the soil, which we don’t think should be doused in artificial fertilisers. Healthy soils are a major store of carbon, containing three times as much carbon as the atmosphere and five times as much as forests, therefore helping prevent climate change. We’ve got to look after our precious soil. Organic certification also ensures the highest animal welfare standards – for us that means happy cows who spend their time outside grazing on pastures (organic, of course!). Read up on all things organic this month on the Soil Association’s website and look up the Sustainable Soils Alliance too – it’s fascinating stuff. One final thing to note this September is the 150th annual Mendip Ploughing Match, on the 25th. It’s a wonderful spectacle and a true celebration of our agricultural heritage in this part of the world. See you there!
Tim saw the opportunity for an organic yogurt and committed to buy all the milk from newly formed OMSCo and, using this milk, to relaunch the Yeo Valley brand as organic. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 69
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MENDIP TIMES
Be prepared – time to take cuttings
I HATE to say it, but September is the month when we prepare the garden for the winter ahead and the following season, so it is still a With MARY very busy time. PAYNE MBE If you grow tender perennials such as pelargoniums (geraniums) it is time to start taking cuttings to overwinter. Take shoots about 4-5” long and remove flowers and lower leaves. Cut just below a leaf joint, as this is the point of greatest cell activity to produce roots. Do not insert your cuttings in a pot but leave them on the side overnight. This allows the base of the cutting to seal over and helps prevent the cuttings rotting. The following morning put the cuttings in pots of a very well drained compost. A very slightly moist mixture of multipurpose compost and perlite or grit is ideal. Do not put a plastic bag over the pot, just leave them in a greenhouse or on a windowsill out of direct sun. Do not be tempted to water too much – keep them on the dry side. The cuttings can stay in their pot over winter or can be potted individually when well rooted. They take up less space if left in the cuttings pot! For other cuttings, such as penstemons, salvias and hydrangeas do the same method but pot the cuttings immediately, water and cover with a plastic bag or equivalent. Keep out of direct sun. Lavender and rosemary cuttings, like pelargoniums, need a very well drained compost and no plastic bag. Cuttings can also be taken from evergreen shrubs like Hebe, Ceanothus, bay, Choisya, Viburnum, sage and star jasmine. With these plants a simple cold frame will suffice for rooting, in the shade and do not try to pot up the rooted cuttings until the spring. September is also a good time to collect seeds from your garden. The seed heads should be going brown as immature seeds will not germinate. Pop the seed heads in a paper bag or envelope, not plastic, and keep them dry. The seeds will be shed into the bag and can be cleaned later. Virtually all dry seeds can be stored well in an airtight box, containing a small quantity PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
of silica gel, and then put in the refrigerator. Seed of hardy perennials plants, such as rudbeckias, delphiniums and achilleas can be sown immediately and overwintered in a cold frame when they will germinate in the spring. This also applies to seeds of trees and shrubs. They need the chilling of the winter temperatures to help break the seed’s natural dormancy. In the vegetable garden harvesting is still in full swing, but when spaces become available, that will not be required until the spring, try sowing a green manure e.g. red clover or Italian ryegrass. These can be dug in, in the spring and will help preserve and improve the soil’s structure. When harvesting of blackberries and loganberries is finished, the old canes that have fruited can be cut out and the new shoots trained onto horizontal wires. I like to prune blackcurrants when they are harvested by cutting out the fruiting shoots, and picking in the luxury of a deck chair. However, if you missed out on that tip then prune your blackcurrants now, removing the older wood on which they fruited, leaving space for this year’s growth to develop and ripen ready to carry next season’s crop. Pots and hanging baskets of summer colour should still be looking good and can be encouraged to complete the season if given a liquid feed. Permanent plants in pots should be checked for vine weevil attack. The adults feed at night on the foliage making notched cuts in the edge of leaves. The females (there are no males!) can lay 500 eggs at the bases of plants and these hatch into grubs that feed on the roots of your plant with devastating
consequences. Plants in pots can be treated with a drench of vine weevil killer, but this cannot be used on plants growing in the garden soil. Alternatively, there is an effective biological control in the form of a microscopic eelworm that can be purchased and watered onto your pots, or the soil in the garden. The soil or compost must be kept moist for these miniscule creatures to work their magic and the soil temperatures must be adequate (they’re a bit fussy!) so read the instructions carefully. September is an ideal time to use both theses controls to prevent the grubs feeding all winter. I am reluctant to mention the “C” word but if you would like a bowl of hyacinths in bloom for Christmas you need to be planting the prepared bulbs now. Rather than plant a group of say five bulbs in one bowl, I suggest you use individual smallish pots with one bulb per pot. Leave the nose of the bulbs above the compost, water them and then put somewhere really cool, ideally below 90C (450F), the cooler the better. Leave them for six to eight weeks by which time there should be a mass of roots and the shoot should be about 2.5cm (1”) high. The individual pots can now be repotted together into a bowl selecting the bulbs with the most even development. Keep the bowl in good light but still cool, and let the foliage and flower bud develop. Then bring the bowl into the house at room temperature and enjoy watching the flowers develop. If the flower stems tend to flop, stick a kebab stick or thin green split cane down through the side of the bulbs and tie the stem to it.
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SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS
• Scarify your lawn to remove old dead grass. Use a spring tine rake and put the old dead grass and moss that you rake out onto the compost heap with some Garotta compost activator. Follow up with Westland Autumn Lawn Feed & Moss Killer. • Spike compacted areas of your lawn with a fork and brush in a turf dressing of pre-mixed compost. This particularly applies to well-used areas. For larger areas use a hollow tined aerator and then brush in fine grit or coarse sand. • This is the best month for establishing new lawns. Sow new seed or turf, both after careful soil preparation. Don’t skimp on this as it is the one chance to get it right! • Rejuvenate tired looking lawns by over-seeding with a mix of fresh seed and lawn dressing compost. This is what professional green-keepers regularly do. • Fast growing hedges such as leylandii may need trimming again and will look better for it throughout winter. Don’t leave this too late as that might result in brown patches. Give evergreen hedges a final trim. • This is the perfect time to plant a new hedge (or place an order for bare root plants for later). • Plant spring cabbages in well-prepared soil. Space them 30cm (1ft) apart. Apply a fertiliser that has low nitrogen content, the nitrogen can be added in the New Year.
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MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 71
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MENDIP TIMES
Gardening club’s 20th anniversary year
HENTON Gardening Club is welcoming new members – from novice to expert – as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at Henton Village Hall at 7.30pm, the home of its annual Wessex Daffodil Show in April, as well as organising a coach trip each June and garden party in July. Annual membership is £8 or £3 per visit for guests. For details, visit hentongardenclub.weebly.com or call 01749 679638
Time to look forward to next year
IF this summer was just too hot and dry to think about gardening, now is the time to prepare for changes in the coming year. Garden designer and tutor Christine Pritchard is running a number of short courses to suit enthusiastic new gardeners with the first starting this November. You can choose to redesign your whole garden or learn more about putting plants together in your borders. There are two venues to choose from: Stoke Lodge in Bristol and the Somer Valley Campus (formerly Norton Radstock College). The Stoke Lodge courses are available on Wednesdays or Saturdays and the Somer Valley Campus courses take place in the evenings. To learn more about specific styles of garden Christine offers one day courses for “cottage gardens”, “naturalistic planting” and many more specific garden types. These take place at Stoke Lodge and the Somer Valley Campus Would you like more help season by season? Christine teaches one-day courses on “spring”, “summer” and “autumn” at the University Botanic Garden in Bristol. You don’t need to be a knowledgeable gardener or fluent in Latin to enjoy these informal courses. Details: Christine Pritchard 01761 221166 or visit www.christinepritchard.co.uk
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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N G S G A R D E N O F T H E MONTH
ALTHOUGH the main gardening opening season is over there are still several gardens open by arrangement, throughout September. To visit, simply phone or email the garden and arrange to visit at a mutually suitable time.
GARDENING
New faces at Castle Cary gardening show
ABBEY FARM The two and a half acres of mainly walled gardens on a sloping site provide the setting for this Cluniac Medieval Priory gatehouse, with various interesting plants, small arboretum, pond etc. Address: Montacute TA15 6UA Contact: Elizabeth McFarlane, 01935 823556, ct.fm@btopenworld.com Admission: £5, children free.
BRADON FARM Classic formal garden created in recent years, demonstrating the effective use of structure. Much to see including parterre, knot garden, pleached lime walk, formal pond, herbaceous borders, orchard and wildflower planting. Address: Isle Abbotts, Taunton TA3 6RX. Contact: Mr & Mrs Thomas Jones, deborahjstanley@hotmail.com Admission: £6, children free.
BROOMCLOSE Large, varied garden set around early 1900s Arts and Crafts house overlooking the sea. Original stone terraces, Mediterranean garden, long borders, copse, camellia walk, meadow with bee hives and vegetable garden. Address: Porlock, Minehead TA24 8NU. Contact: David & Nicky Ramsay 01643 862078 davidjamesramsay@gmail.com Admission: £4, children free.
HENLEY MILL Beside River Axe, with a zigzag boardwalk at river level, lies two and a half acres of scented garden with roses, hydrangea borders, shady folly garden and late summer borders with grasses and perennials. Address: Henley Lane, Wookey BA5 1AW. Contact: Peter & Sally Gregson, 01749 676966, millcottageplants@gmail.com, www.millcottageplants.co.uk. Admission: £5, children free.
OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS. To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk
The winners gather. Back (l:r) Martin Halford, Anne Wood. Lesely Ridgley, Neal Hatch, Kate Bonson, Diane Clothier, Lionel Horler, Ida West, Imogen Crees, Sarah Gooder. Front (l:r) president Janet Hutchfield, Zara Palmer, Rebecca Harrison, Jo Pepper, Karen Pepper, Mark Jones. Kneeling: Jacob and Charlotte Purcell
ORGANISERS of the annual Castle Cary Gardening Show say they were delighted to welcome some new faces to the competitions – reflected in the line-up of trophy winners. They say thank you to everyone who entered the classes and to helpers and visitors to the event at Caryford Hall.
END OF SEASON STOCK SALE It's that time of year where we offer some fantastic savings on the HONDA stock we have left for 2019. We do Part Exchange if you fancy upgrading your machine? Once they're gone . . . they're GONE.
Covering Frome (Shepton Mallet, Bruton and Wells) Call: 01373 832965 or visit: www.mendipmowers.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 73
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MENDIP TIMES
Gardening club offers buckets of fun
Popular gardens
Part of the exotic garden at Dormers
STOWEY Open Gardens had a record 610 visitors and raised £2,850 for the National Garden Scheme, for distribution to various health and caring charities. Teas at The Mead and plant sales at Dormers raised £1,500 for Stowey Church. Organisers said they would like to say thanks to all who worked so hard to make the afternoon so successful.
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Helen Dauncey with her bucket of spuds
HELEN Dauncey, a member of the Fosseway Gardening Club, which meets at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, was the winner of its “potatoes grown in a bucket” competition. Helen produced a crop weighing 2.82 kilos from a single seed potato. The winner was announced at the club’s annual meeting, held in the garden of Roger and Sally Yeoman. The next meeting is on Tuesday, September 10th at 7.30pm when Avon Bulbs will advise on varieties available and how to get the best results. l New members are always welcome to join in the club’s social activities, talks and outings planned for the coming year. For details, contact Janet Fulford on 01749 331306 or Jill Swindale on 07772 008594.
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Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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GARDENING
Cheddar Flower Show
Twins Louise and Kieran Sparkes admire one of the vegetable displays
NORTON GREEN GARDEN CENTRE
Regil Village Flower and Produce Show
Prize winners Jane Piper, Kay Richardson and Amy Linklaker
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WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 www.nortongreencentre.co.uk Open: Mon to Sat 9.00am to 4.30pm Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 75
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MENDIP TIMES
Fair salutes countryside wartime workers Photos by Mark Adler
THE main theme of this year’s Somerset Steam and Country Fair was a tribute to the people who worked on the land during the Second World War. Many exhibitors dressed in period costume to showcase the contribution the countryside made to the war effort and the “friendly invasion” by United States forces as they brought their vehicles and troops to Somerset in preparation for D-Day. The fair took place at Low Ham on farmland owned by the Cook family, long-standing supporters of the annual event.
Taking its place in the grand parade of steam
Keith Reynolds, one of the event organisers, ahead of a comical cops and robbers display in the main arena which led to a fire being doused by the Wimborne St Giles horse drawn fire engine This beast – a diesel conversion of a ploughing engine - later helped in a ploughing demonstration
Mendip history in miniature. This 4 ½” scale engine, named Lorne Margaret, was one of four built by quarry engineer Ron Torr, of Gurney Slade. Richard Bradley, of Mark, was asked to look after the engine and later bought and restored it PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Part of William Pinder’s display of belt-driven machinery
A traction engine threads its was through some of the 180 tractors on show
Peaky blinder – enjoying a ride on the back of a traction engine
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SOMERSET STEAM & COUNTRY FAIR 2019
A chance to shine – Brian Burden, from Dorset, prepares Princess Mary, a showman’s road loco built in 1922, for the main display
Richard Newman (left) and Richard Bradley, chatting during the main parade
Rocket, the terrier, on board a 1910 Burrell, owned by Brian Gilbey, of Galhampton
The Wimborne St Giles horse drawn fire engine, pulled by two Percheron beauties Vervaine and Vitamin
Rolling back the years: Paul and Sally Gulliford with their 1926 road roller
The Road Up Gang were up to their usual mischief
Enjoying the main arena parade of steam
Tractor pulling displays offered fuel for thought MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 77
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CAVING
Caves in conglomerate
ALTHOUGH the majority of caves are formed in limestone, there are some which have developed either wholly or partly in conglomerate. This is a rock which resembles coarse concrete, with large pieces of limestone and other rock cemented together with fine-grained sediment. With PHILIP This was formed during the Upper Triassic HENDY period, 251 to 199 million years ago. By that time, the Mendip Hills had been much reduced in height by erosion and the flanks of the hills were scarred with deep ravines. The Triassic period was generally hot and dry, with the occasional interlude of wetter weather. Weathering and erosion continued and the ravines filled with debris, mainly limestone boulders of varying sizes. This debris filled the ravines and in places took the form of scree on the sides of the hills. Finer sediment filled the gaps between the stones and boulders and gradually hardened to bind the conglomerate together. The rock was a valued building material and even today farm gateposts and buildings can be seen, made out of “Draycott Marble”, as it was called. Much of the conglomerate is reddishbrown, due to the deposition of iron oxides. Inevitably, this conglomerate infill blocked the outlet to caves which had been formed earlier, so when the climate became milder and wetter, the old resurgences could no longer operate. A classic example is at Wookey Hole, where the first part of the cave is formed in conglomerate. Holes at varying heights in the cliff above the current river exit show where emerging water forced its way through the rock, gradually finding lower routes until the present entrance level was reached. The visitor entrance is one such abandoned high-level route. Further into the cave, the conglomerate gives way to the older limestone and a good example of the junction of the two types of rock can be seen in the blasted tunnel, made in 2015 to provide tourist access to Chamber Twenty. Swallet caves in conglomerate, where streams sink on the top of Mendip, are quite rare. One such is Wigmore Swallet at Green Ore, where a fluted shaft was dug intermittently over a number of years through conglomerate and marl, until a concerted effort by a team led by the late Tony Jarratt broke through in 1999. Other sinks in conglomerate have been dug over the years, but only one, Attborough Swallet, which is a tributary to the Wigmore system, has yielded an appreciable amount of cave passage. As might be expected from the location of conglomerate on the lower slopes of the hill, several resurgences issue from this rock. Some, such as Rickford Rising, are important sources of water for the Bristol Water Company. In Harptree Coombe, Garrowpipe Spring is an attractive resurgence, although in very wet weather, water wells up from several other places in the valley bottom. Most of the ‘”dry” caves are quite short; some may be abandoned resurgences, such as Badger Hole, Jenny Wren’s Cave and Rhinoceros Hole in the Wookey Hole ravine. Some of these caves, together with Rowberrow Cavern in Rowberrow Warren, have proved to be important archaeological sites. Conglomerate is not generally reckoned to be important as a
The Cowshed Dig
source of ore, the exception being iron ore in its various forms. The commonest is ochre, which filled fissures in the rock. It was exploited at various places, particularly in Compton Martin Ochre Mine and the so-called Paint Holes above Draycott. Lead occasionally occurs in veins in conglomerate, such as in the Snake Pit in Stockhill woods at Priddy. The mines in Harptree Coombe were dug in the search for calamine, an ore of zinc. The lower part of Singing River Mine at Shipham, another calamine mine, is in conglomerate. One of the richest conglomerate ore bodies was found at Higher Pitts Farm, Priddy. The earliest records show that lead was the first metal sought, but the search for manganese began in the early 17th century, with iron mining commencing in the mid-18th century. In the beginning, the mines yielded handsomely, but by the 19th century fortunes failed. Partly this was due to the high cost of transporting the ores, as they had to be carried down the hill, via Green Lane, to Wookey Hole. The arrival of the railway in Wells in 1859, and other lines in later years, provided some respite, but it was not to last. Several companies were formed, but few lasted for any length of time. It appears that on at least one occasion, the mine was “salted”, to make it appear richer than it was. Mining ceased in 1891 and the final company, the Somersetshire Manganese and Iron Ore Company Ltd, closed in 1893. It made a genuine attempt at mining, but the area had been worked out, and it was impossible to make a profit. For many years, however, Higher Pitts Mine was regarded highly by mineral collectors for the rich variety of specimens which were found there. More than 30 different minerals are recorded and this is where the first specimen of “Mendipite”, a lead mineral, was found. The area has long been returned to agriculture and the mines filled and lost. The story may not end there, however, as last winter the farmer found that due to a leaking drain, the soil under a cow house had been washed away, leaving a large void causing the concrete floor to collapse. A team of cavers is currently digging down into this hole. The rock is conglomerate, with large spaces being revealed as the stony mud infill is removed. The dig is currently more than 20 metres deep and there is no indication that it has ever been mined. The location is near the head of the tongue of conglomerate reaching up from Wookey Hole and it is hoped to reach the underlying limestone. It may yet provide the key to entering the far reaches of Wookey Hole Cave.
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
(Photography by Phil Hendy)
MENDIP TIMES
Motoring page.qxp_Layout 1 22/08/2019 16:46 Page 1
MOTORING
1. 1999 J-Reg Land Rover, 2.5 Lt, Naturally Aspirated, 99,000 miles, Army Green, Hard Top, New Tyres, Crossbreed – Half a Wolf, very tidy and drives brilliantly. £7500.00 + VAT
2. 2007 Mitsubishi L200 4X4, 2.5 Lt Diesel, 112,000 Miles, Crew Cab, Metallic Green, very tidy and only used for light work. £3995.00 + VAT
3. 2003 Peugeot 307 Estate, 1.6 Petrol, Blue, Alloy Wheels, ideal to get to work. £675.00
4. 2010 Toyota Yaris TR VVT-I , 1.3 Lt, 5 Door, Petrol, Silver, 2 Previous Owners £2995
5. 2013 (63) Jaguar XF Estate Sport, 28,000 Miles, V6 Diesel, 8 Speed Automatic, Metallic Green, white leather interior, On the Register, very clean and tidy, travelling in luxury. £13,950
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Please telephone 01749 813655 for more information on any of the vehicles above. We also offer MOT’s Class 4,5 & 7
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(Ph t
OVER 5,000 complaints were made to Somerset County Council by the county’s residents and businesses about potholes over the past 12 months according to new Freedom of Information figures gathered by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB’s national report revealed that local authorities across the country receive a complaint to fix a pothole every 46 seconds and also showed that the South West had the fourth largest amount of complaints of any region in the country. The figures show that Somerset County Council received 5,286 queries about potholes with the Hankridge Roundabout at Taunton being the one that received the most complaints.
)
Potholes affecting business
BEFORE
AFTER
Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–12 noon Approved
Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 79
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MENDIP TIMES
Yeo Valley hosts charity night
CHURCHILL Preschool raised £4,300 at a charity dinner at Yeo Valley’s headquarters in Blagdon. The local business granted a free night to the Churchill-based charity, which saw over 90 guests enjoy a three-course meal in Yeo’s Canteen restaurant, a fashion show, charity frock shop and market stalls. Churchill Preschool chair, Fran Yandell, said: “This was the first time we’d hosted a fundraising event on such scale. We’re so grateful to Yeo Valley for giving us this opportunity as there’s no way we could have made it such a success without their support.” Churchill Preschool’s committee, a dedicated group of local mums, organised the event and had to go through a rigorous application process to secure the fundraising night. Rachel Mailey, event manager at Yeo Valley, said: “What a night! I’m so glad Churchill Preschool made it through the selection process. They had a lot of ideas, ambitious ideas, but despite being a small group of volunteers all with jobs and families to juggle, they pulled it all off as they said they would and should be really proud of their achievement.” Churchill Preschool provide care and education for children from two years old until they go to primary school. They are currently taking applications for September 2019 places. Details: 01934 852154 or email churchillpreschool@hotmail.co.uk
Big bike day for charity
COACH operator, Gerald Creed, is organising The Big Hearted Bike Day at Bath's Odd Down Sports Centre on Sunday, September 29th to raise money for The Bristol Heart Institute. This follows the hugely successful ball he held in February for the institute, which treated him after a heart attack two years ago. His company Bugler Coaches at Clutton are sponsoring the festival, which has a variety of events, supported by British Cycling. Gerald said: “We want anyone with a bike to come along and enjoy a ride around this lovely purpose-built track. It doesn't matter what age or ability, every rider will be welcomed and assistance will be on hand for the less able.” Details: www.bigheartedbikeday.co.uk
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Charity films
AGE UK Somerset has worked with students from the University of Somerset to produce films about their classes for older people. Ageing Well, a programme managed by the charity, contacted the university to ask if any of their media production degree students would be interested in working with them. Kerrie Sloper, a first year student on the course, got in touch. Ageing Well runs a variety of classes and activities across the Mendip area, more recently with an increased emphasis on fall prevention activities. Its latest “Stay Strong Stay Steady” class is about to start in Cheddar. Over the course of the last few months, Kerrie and fellow student, Emily Hicks, have filmed classes all over the county, trying to capture the range of classes on offer. Kerrie said, “I have met many brilliant people and seen some amazing classes in the process of this project. I am thankful I got the opportunity.” Dianne Ramsay, Ageing Well’s manager, said the films successfully got across the message that their classes were accessible to everyone, even older people who had a history of falls, or were anxious about falling. Details: 01823 345626 or visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk
Grants available
THE trustees of The Richard Jones Foundation will be meeting in October to consider applications for grants. This trust was started way back in 1692 for the purpose of financially assisting young people under the age of 30 who are in education and training whether at university, college, school or in an apprenticeship who are resident in the villages of Chew Magna, Stanton Drew, Newton St Loe, Stanton Prior and Stowey Sutton (Bishop Sutton). Grants are also made to organisations within these villages whose purpose is perceived as educational. Details: peter.h.godfrey@gmail.com
Gardens open for hospice
BURNHAM on Sea Friends of Weston HospiceCare have held several open garden events over the summer raising more than £800 and are planning more open garden events next year. Peter and Jeanne Gilraine opened their garden and recruited six of their near neighbours to do the same. Earlier in the year Jacqui Strong and Dorothy and Cedric May opened their gardens. Their next event is on Saturday, October 19th a Soup and Pud event in the community centre. Details: derwen73@gmail.com
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Support for RNLI
SOME 120 friends and supporters of the RNLI gathered at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club for another evening of music, food and refreshments, raising £742 for the charity. Music was provided by Rebel Brass from Clutton, who encouraged some to have a jive. Chair person, Gillie Slater, said: “The RNLI is solely dependent on the generosity of the general public to keep this essential life-saving service afloat (pun intended), rescuing people from both in the sea and on the beach.” Their next popular event will be the annual curry lunch, at Ubley village hall on Friday, November 8th. Details: secretary, Tim Gracey, 01275 854623
Lifeboat’s loss
WESTON-superMare RNLI stalwart, Brian Ward, who had been deputy launching authority and station treasurer, has died after illness. He was born on Birnbeck Island, where his father ran a bar, and got to know the lifeboat crew stationed there. He joined as soon as he was old enough, aged 17, with his close friend Richard Spindler. He served as boat crew for many years, taking part in many rescues, until back problems caused him to have to give it up, but he remained an officer until he retired recently.
Golf day to support Samaritans
CHARITIES
IT’S not too late to enter a team for the Samaritans’ popular charity golf day held at the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club on Friday, September 6th. Teams are invited to take part in the four-ball Bowmaker competition, maximum handicap for men 28, and ladies 36; with prizes for the top placed teams and nearest the pin on certain holes. Individuals and companies are being invited to sponsor a hole on the day. Throughout the day there will be a raffle and silent auction for some great prizes. All proceeds will go to support Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset Samaritans which is run entirely by volunteers and funded by donations. Branch director Andy said: “It costs us around £30,000 a year to keep our centre open and available to those most in need. Without the incredible generosity of the general public we wouldn’t be able to provide our telephone helpline for those struggling to cope.” Details: David and Holly Cole 01934 713392, Andrew Midgley, 01934 712642 or Shirley Turner, 01934 713214 or email davidwdcole@gmail.com
Flight across the channel
Daniel Maughan (left) and Simon Maughan (right) with their father David at the Arc de Triomphe
BROTHERS, Simon and Daniel Maughan have echoed their grandfather Air Vice-Marshal Charles Maughan’s 1959 historic flight from London to Paris – by pedal power rather than air power – all in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. The original event was staged by the Daily Mail in 1959 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1909 Bleriot flight from Calais to Dover. AVM Maughan raced from Marble Arch to a helipad which took him to a waiting Hawker Hunter at Biggin Hill and across the Channel to the Arc de Triomphe in just 40 minutes and 44 seconds. Now 60 years later, his grandsons have tackled the same distance. Simon, who lives in Frome, said: “My grandfather loved a challenge, he was a very active person so he would have loved what we have done. “The RAF Benevolent Fund is a very special charity and I am honoured to be paying tribute to my grandfather by fundraising for them.” Details: https://archtoarc.org/ or donate via JustGiving
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Charity launched in Billy’s memory BILLY Abernethy-Hope’s plan to help the homeless looks set to be realised despite his tragic death last year while backpacking in Thailand. The 20-year-old ambulance driver had spent time supporting the homeless in Bristol before going travelling and was shocked at the reluctance of the public to help them, thinking they would spend the money on drink or drugs. He came up with BillyChip.com where members of the public could buy £2 tokens, which homeless people could exchange for food and drink at participating outlets. His parents, Jon and Sarah and sister Meg decided to hold a music festival for him “as a funeral did not seem at all appropriate for such a young vibrant soul. We had no idea how far and wide the loss would be felt”. Professor Green on stage
Nearly 1,000 attended the event in their garden at Bishop Sutton, including a surprise performer MOBO and NME award-winning artist Professor Green. Meg had responded to a post from him on Instagram about dealing with loss and grief and ended up being in Rag 'n' Bone man and Professor Green's music video "Photographs". The event raised nearly £20,000 to launch the BillyChip charity, which says: “Our mission is to provide a worldwide platform which brings local people and our partners together to deliver kindness, compassion and a free hot drink to homeless people living rough on our streets. “The Billy Chip can be given to any homeless person instead of money and the recipient can redeem the Billy Chip in any participating outlet for a drink, food
Billy Abernethy-Hope
or collect them up for a night in a safe, warm place. The Billy Chip can be purchased for £2 via any participating retail outlet.”
Details: www.billychip.com
Riding for cancer victims
MENDIP District Council’s chief executive, Stuart Brown and his son Ben, took part in the Prudential RideLondon 100-mile bike ride to raise money for Mendip’s staff-led charity of the year, CLIC Sargent, raising nearly £1,500. Stuart said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day, and a privilege to ride with my son for such a deserving charity (even though he beat me!). The aches and pains are worth it when you see the
money that people have kindly donated and recognise the good that it can do.’’ Rachel Webster, CLIC Sargent fundraising manager said: “Last year CLIC Sargent supported 78 families in Somerset when their world had been turned upside down by childhood cancer. “We can only be there for these families when they need us the most through support from people like Stuart, Ben and Mendip District Council. Thank you.”
Details: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartridelondon2019
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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CHARITIES
Family festival is a laugh a minute
GLASTONBURY-based charity Children’s World is celebrating the success of its second annual family festival. The three-day event took place at Paddington Farm Trust – also a charity – at Wick, near Glastonbury, and offered non-stop entertainment for young and old from clowns and circus performers to have-a-go activities. Children’s World fundraises during the year to be able to stage the event at a minimal cost to visitors, but trustees are hopeful that this year’s festival has made a profit which will enable them to invest in their other, year-round activities. The festival was supported by Glastonbury Town Council and the National Lottery’s Award for All scheme.
Walkabout time with these gentlemen from the Disappointing Clown Company
Having a bubbly time
Dancing to the eccentric Yoko Mainwaring Experience
Isabelle won the prize for the best hand-made crown
Una soars above the Mendip Hills
Adeline Le Roux
For details, visit: www.childrensworldcharity.org
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Blue plaque tribute to cancer charity founder
AN end-of-terrace house in Castle Cary has been recognised officially as the birthplace of Douglas Macmillan who went on to establish the charity now known as Macmillan Cancer Support. Relatives of the pioneer, who would have been 135 years old in August, gathered at the property along with volunteers and charity officials for the unveiling of a blue plaque above the front door. It brought to an end decades of mystery over which house Douglas was actually born in – either number 1 or number 12 Cumnock Terrace – after research by local historian David Gee and the owner of number 1 which enabled the plaque to be unveiled at number 12. The plaque was unveiled by Douglas’ great nephew John Brewser, David Gee and John Pearson, executive director of cancer support operations, Macmillan Cancer Support. John Pearson said: “Douglas Macmillan’s legacy is enormous. His personal experience, knowledge and vision established the cancer charity in 1912. That charity evolved and more than a century later, it is now Macmillan Cancer Support. “Today, Douglas Macmillan founded the charity Macmillan reaches after the death of his father and supports millions of people with cancer each year helping them live life as fully as they can and funded almost entirely by public donations, legacies and fundraising.” It was the death of Douglas’s father, to whom he was very close as a young man, that set him off on his work with cancer, establishing the charity in 1912. Douglas, born in 1884, left Somerset in 1901 when aged 17 and took up his first appointment with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1904, starting his lifetime career as a civil servant. His work for cancer was effectively a “hobby” whilst he progressed in
Family’s thanks
THE Boulton family from Temple Cloud have presented a cheque for £15,726.28 to Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Wallace and Grommit grand appeal. Four years ago their son, Morgan, was rushed to the RUH, with meningitis, then transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital, where doctors managed to save his life. Kay Boulton said: “Without the Bristol Children's Hospital I wouldn't have my healthy hyper, loving child with me today." Their latest fundraising event was a fun day in Temple Cloud. Kay is pictured, seated, with back row (l to r) Amy Burge, Deena Boulton, Tasha Dix, Ashton Dix and Shaun Dix, with children Mia, Morgan, Harry, George and Aiden.
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
A proud moment: (l:r) David Gee, John Pearson and John Brewser outside number 12 Cumnock Terrace
Guests at the birthplace of Douglas Macmillan after the ceremony
the civil service. l The Castle Cary branch of Macmillan Cancer Support covers an area stretching from Shepton Mallet to Wincanton. It would welcome new volunteers. For details, email: castlecarymacmillan@gmail.com The branch is holding its annual Big Coffee Morning on Saturday, September 28th at The Market House in Castle Cary from 10am-midday.
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Animal aid
Discover a secret on the Mells 10K
CHARITIES
The start of last year’s 10k run
AN afternoon garden party held by Janet Parsons at her home in Stowey raised £1,035 to support abused donkeys. Chew Valley Snails supported the event (l to r) Jaine Tucker, Ann Gillard, Janet Parsons, Sally Pearce and Jules Winter.
Bigger and better
Spic and span: Rotarians in their new shop premises
THE Rotary club of Frome has moved its shop, from a small unit near the bridge in the town’s Westway Precinct to the former Argos store nearby. Club president, Margaret Gilmour, said: “We are delighted to be able to expand into this larger area. We are well supported by our partners, Frome Inner Wheel, and a significant number of club members and their partners and friends get involved in so very many ways which keeps the shop vibrant and prosperous.” In the past 12 months the club has raised around £47,000 and much of this is from their Christmas float and the shop. Margaret added: “We have spent around £30,000 on local youth programmes, assisted local support groups and charities and individual local families in need. “We also contributed several thousand pounds toward the 1,200 children attending the annual Kids Out Day at Longleat and a similar amount on international disaster relief such as water boxes. “We also allow some local charities to use the shop at no cost which again benefits Frome people.”
ORGANISERS of the charity Mells 10K event say people taking part can view part of a famous country estate seldom open to the public. The event – held in memory of youngster Ben Crutchley – raises money for the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. Starting at 10am on Sunday, October 12th from Mells Recreation Ground, the route will comprise of two laps through the grounds of Mells Park Estate (which is not normally open to the public) finishing back at the Recreation Ground. Ben Crutchley – his parents Walkers will go first setting want to raise £1m for CLIC off at 10am, the runners at Sargent 11am and finally the cyclists will set off at 11.15am. Ben’s parents Nige and Su hope 250 people will sign up for the event as part of their campaign to raise £1m for CLIC Sargent. They said: “We would also really like to attract more ramblers as the Mells Park Estate isn’t usually open to the public so is a great opportunity to see part of it.” For details, visit: www.mells10k.com
Taking therapy for granted
A NEW community group set up to support people in Frome to access complimentary therapies, no matter what their income, has been given a welcome funding boost. Wellbeing Frome received a £300 Mayor’s Grant and was also the lucky winner of the community group’s survey prize draw. The group offers natural treatments from local therapists at no cost, or an optional donation, with no questions asked. Mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, said: “Wellbeing Frome is an example of what makes Frome such a positive and communityminded town, and supporting small projects like this to continue their great work is exactly what the Mayor’s Grant pot is all about. The next event will be at the Cheese and Grain on Saturday, September 7th. Doors open 1.30pm. For details, find wellbeingfrome on Facebook
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MENDIP TIMES
New school garden
THIS year’s leavers at Chewton Mendip CEVA Primary School left their legacy by re-vamping an overgrown and unused area. The Quiet Garden was quiet for all the wrong reasons and so when the children were asked what they wanted to give to the school as their leaving gift they decided to exercise their green fingers! Fox Class started the revamp by re-planting to provide all-year-round colour and interest and to attract bees, birds and butterflies to the space.
Welcome to Frome College
FROME College is delighted to welcome prospective families to their open evening on Thursday, September 26th and their open morning on Tuesday, October 1st. You will be greeted at their campus Merlin Theatre by their students and leadership team, followed by guided tours of the school and opportunities to talk to staff in all subject areas. Refreshments will be available during the evening. Emma Reynolds, head teacher Frome College is a vibrant, inclusive and highly successful school. Their committed team of staff work closely with students to develop aspiration, achieve potential, and fulfil personal development in each student. Their vision is great teaching and learning, with a focus on both academic and pastoral excellence. Essential to their success is their culture of hard work, commitment and discipline. They pride themselves in having a community ethos, and thrive on their strong supportive relationships with their families. Frome College strives to ensure their students are nurtured and cared for in a happy, safe environment where they can grow in confidence and are challenged to achieve their best in all aspects of school life. They are proud that their students achieve great exam results, make brilliant progress, and leave as successful, ambitious young adults.
New college centre at Puxton
PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
PUXTON Park has formed a partnership with Weston College to play a lead role in training the animal management staff of the future, with funding from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). A new £1.4million Animal Management Education Centre will enable learners to develop industry-specific skills working within the park’s extensive farmland, facilities and wide range of farm and domestic animals. Puxton Park is providing land to the college to create the centre. Significant financial investment has been provided by the college’s successful bid for £990,000 funding from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority. Alistair Mead, Managing Director of Puxton Park, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Weston College. Puxton Park was originally built with the intention of being an educational working farm. “Over the past 12 years, the park has grown in many ways; however, our roots as a place of learning and growth are deeply ingrained in everything we offer which is why we feel so passionate about supporting and working with future veterinary nurses, animal keepers, animal scientists, farmers and vets.”
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EDUCATION
Creative approach is producing outstanding results ALL Hallows, though traditional in its setting and in the way it upholds values such as good manners and a consideration for others, is far from traditional in its approach to education. Under the leadership of educationalist and child psychologist Dr Trevor Richards, the school has a clear vision on how to help the children thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world. Questions staff regularly ask themselves include “how can we preserve natural curiosity?”, “how can we maximise academic attainment whilst minimising stress?” and “what can we do to prepare our children for their senior schools, university and beyond?” The focus is truly child-centred and happiness and well-being lie at the heart of every decision the school makes – the children are secure in the knowledge that it is OK to be themselves. This approach does not come at the expense of academic rigour, nor does it compromise entry to some of the UK’s more selective senior schools, it is
enabling children to achieve above and beyond expectations. Preserving childhood is top of the agenda and this means giving children time to grow at their own pace, allowing them to take risks and make mistakes, nurturing their talents, giving them opportunities to discover passions, helping them develop resilience and make lifelong friendships. At All Hallows, success is not judged by the outstanding scholarship record
but on a daily basis, at an individual level, where children are pushing personal boundaries and achieving milestones. Qualities the school aims to engender in their pupils include compassion, resilience, creativity in thinking, a willingness to take risks and an ability to be inclusive and make friends. Be sure to visit – just call Jackie on 01749 881609 to make an appointment to see the school and meet Dr Richards.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 87
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MENDIP TIMES
Mark Harvest Home
Fete supports Max
WEST Harptree’s Westfest raised £1,239 for the village hall and towards health care for Max Sewart, who has been refused medical treatment on the grounds of cost. See page 29.
Pete Budd of the Wurzels opened the event PAGE 88 44 • MENDIP TIMES • SJEPTEMBER ULY 2019 2019
Simon Sewart with Felix (left) and Max
Indy, aged two, Oscar, five, and Berry, five, enjoying children's activities upstairs in the village hall
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Comedy and politics
HERE I am at the Edinburgh Fringe, just 29 years after my debut with Tony Gardner in Struck Off and Die. So what’s changed? There are more comedians than you could ever imagine, partly because the rewards for success are substantial. If you have some good stories to tell that ring By Dr PHIL bells with your audiences, you can launch a very HAMMOND lucrative career provided the stories don’t dry up. The starting point is usually the “sh*t happens” moments in your life. Comedy is that rarest of careers where you can relish an unpleasant experience because you can turn it into ten minutes of comedy gold. The trouble is if you are successful then the trappings of success take you away from the gritty reality that gave you your material. Many comics have one or two really good shows in them before struggling to find more. This year I’ve gone a little off-piste. I’m doing one show called the Great Health Con, which explores how (and why) we spend trillions pursuing “health” without understanding what it means. My other show, Vote Dr Phil?, is helping me get my head round whether I should stand against my MP Jacob Rees-Mogg at the next election as an independent candidate promoting intelligent kindness and health for all as the driving forces in politics. The best chance of beating Rees-Mogg would be a progressive alliance around a single candidate, but our politics is so riven with tribal distrust, most parties would rather lose individually than win collectively. Perhaps the biggest change at the Fringe has been the plethora of proper politicians now promoting themselves in shows like (I jest not) “Rock and Roll Politics”. Politics was famously described as show business for ugly people and they’re desperate to get up on stage and tell us how it’s all going horribly wrong, but without the jokes. Given that half the population will never forgive MPs for not agreeing a Brexit deal, and the other half would never forgive them for inflicting a no deal, it’s brave of them to show their faces. Andrew Marr, the king of the BBC pundits, told me he thinks we will now leave without a deal. Not a great punchline for me. Comedy and politics have a lot in common. Comedians tell lies for laughs, politicians tell lies for power. Comedians may start off telling a true story but, like an oyster takes a grain of sand and polishes it into a pearl, a comedian will embellish a story for maximum comic effect. Audiences accept this, because they’ve paid to be entertained. We should be less tolerant of lying politicians, because our safety and well-being depend on them getting to grips with reality. What saddens and surprises me most is that we no longer seem to reward or value the truth in public life. NHS whistle-blowers are still being taken round the back of the hospital and shot, when they should be paraded as heroes. And politicians can lie with impunity and make it to the very top on either side of the Atlantic. What message does that send to our kids on how to get ahead in life? If people want to earn a living out of lying, they should stick to comedy. Dr Phil is performing his Edinburgh Fringe shows in Bishop Sutton on September 21st. Details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-phil-hammond-double-billtickets-65656744089
HEALTH & FAMILY
Plop the Raindrop
IT was one of those wonderful bright mornings, when I woke up today with the sun reflecting on my rather fine fat tummy and the birds singing and the bees buzzing. I suppose I looked like a very small version of one of those bubbles you make with a machine, where there’s a flash of light on the top and a vague collection of rainbow colours on the side. Isn’t it clever that nature can make such a collection of colours? As a water droplet my appearance changes all the time – black as a Scottish loch one minute and white as a cloud the next. I know some of you like to change your appearance as well, but you need clothes and lipstick and stuff to do it. The ancient Egyptians were really good at it and I met some people once who just painted themselves blue all over. How weird is that? I was daydreaming in an apple tree after meeting up again with my old friend Leaf, who had spent the winter sheltering in a compost bin. He’d started to get his colour back, after emerging looking like a scrunched-up bit of snake skin. We were passing the time by counting how many bees and other insects visited a small bunch of blossom. Inevitably when the numbers got too high we fell asleep and lost count, then woke up and started again. I gather human beans count sheep to get to sleep. It must be very messy having so many in your bed. One of the bees stopped for a chat and said what a wonderful morning it was. Occasionally you just need to enjoy what’s around you and put any negative stuff to the back of your mind. It won’t go away but a bit of sunshine and gentle breeze can wash away most worries for a while. The bee’s main concern was the dwindling number of hives and nests in the area, as well as the threat of Asian hornets that kill bees. Hopefully things will improve. Obviously in my somnolent daze I didn’t see the spider coming down the branch or see it ducking under Leaf to hide. It must have tickled, because Leaf giggled in his sleep and through the corner of my eye I saw this huge thirsty spider staring straight at me looking for a drink. Have you heard of a thing called serendipity? It sounds like a place somewhere in Fairyland. Actually it’s a very long word meaning something that happens by chance, with a happy ending. Well the breeze shook the branch and I went rolling straight past the spider and out into mid-air and down onto the grass. The ending wasn’t altogether happy though. I got swallowed by a worm. It’s very dark down a wormhole. MENDIP GRANDAD
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MENDIP TIMES
Children helped by rail enthusiasts
Fraternity chairman, Colin Price, presenting a cheque for £500 to David Maidment, chairman of the Railway Children Charity
RAILWELLS, the Wells Railway Fraternity’s annual model railway exhibition, took place in Wells Town Hall in August and once again raised money for the Railway Children Charity, which works with youngsters who run away from home and are found at railway stations.
Country house sale
SOMERSET Sight’s country house car boot sale will be held at Yarlington House, Wincanton on Sunday, September 8th, thanks to patrons Count and Countess Charles de Salis. There are estimated to be 23,000 people living with visual impairment in Somerset and the organisation, celebrating its 100th anniversary, provides practical and emotional support. The sale opens at 8.30am with early bird entry £5 and £3 from 9.30am. Pitches are booked by prior arrangement only for £35.
Surgery donation
Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals Theas’ Footcare, Mobile Foot Clinic Mobile: 07849 033 055 Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk
Details: 01823 366147 or holly.sutton@somersetsight.org.uk www.somersetsight.org.uk
ELAINE White (pictured on the bike) has donated £540 to Winscombe surgery after celebrating her 70th birthday by fulfilling her wish to ride on a Harley Davidson. The ride was set up by fellow members of Winscombe Community Singers, who are pictured with her. The donation was accepted by doctors John Jackson and Matthew Paul. Two members of Weston Harley Club are also pictured – Frank Bamford (right) and Pete Emery. Elaine said: “The surgery looks after me so so well. Health services get such a bad press because of cuts in the NHS and all people do is moan so I thought I would do something positive to help them. I hope it inspires people to do the same.”
CLARE HALL Ston Easton • Radstock
Nursing and Residential Care
Rooms with a view available
For viewings please call 01761 241626 or email: admin@clarehallnursinghome.co.uk PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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HEALTH & FAMILY HEALTH & FAMILY
No kidding
WHEN it comes to natural soaps with amazing benefits, goat milk soap tops the list, according to Goats of the Gorge. It says pure goat milk along with certain other natural ingredients make it an excellent alternative to regular synthetic soaps. Its products have earned various testimonials from customers. Rachel Heddington, from Soundwell, in Bristol said: “Our daughter Heidi is five and has been suffering with psoriasis since starting school. It's been a life saver. Heidi had several areas of psoriasis all over her head and would scratch them red raw. “After using the bar twice she was no longer scratching her head, was not red and angry looking, and most of all brushing her hair was no longer a traumatic event.” Claire Hipkins said: “Love this soap! I must say I’m very impressed, I suffer with acne prone skin and I’ve been through loads of different washes, creams etc. First time trying the goats milk soap with beeswax and honey and was shocked at how much my skin looks clear!” Details: 07958 261971 or email sales@goatsofthegorge.com
Why Balance is key
WHAT does the word “balance” mean to you? For me this has been my key word for 2019. I decided not to make any New Year’s resolutions this year – when it comes down to it how many of us actually complete them by the end of the year and more often than not they can make us feel worse than better if we don’t stick to them. One word I chose to embrace for the year ahead was “Balance”. Not only does the word resonate with the members I see on a daily basis at Balance The Countryside Gym in Timsbury but it inspires them and me to work towards a more balanced life. For me balance means freedom, joy and peace in all areas of our life but particularly when it comes down to our health. How many of us start the year with a new diet or exercise regime but set our goals too high? At Balance we work with our members to focus on making small achievable fitness tasks that work towards an overall goal and with the introduction of our new yoga studio we are now able to offer something for everyone. Mat-based classes including Pilates, yoga, teen yoga and stretch and core now all take place in our beautiful studio overlooking the countryside and our more high impact classes including circuits, HIIT, kettlebells and body conditioning take place in our gym space. By providing a fitness solution for all we hope we can encourage everyone to enjoy a better balance in their lives and that is far more fun than all of those unachievable New Year resolutions! To find out more about Balance The Countryside Gym and the classes we have to offer we would love you to join us on Saturday, September 21st from 2-6pm for our Family Fun Day with food, drinks, stalls, a fashion show and yoga demonstrations in our new studio. Vicky Rees-Davies, Instructor at Balance The Countryside Gym
£12.25
£14.25
£3.00
Skin Cream and lotion contain Sweet Almond oil
Research shows that goat’s milk is beneficial when used in skin care products. Sometimes it is the key ingredient that helps manage and improves severe and long-term skin conditions. Goat’s milk is particularly high in vitamin A, which is very important for healthy skin, helping those with Eczema, Psoriasis and unexplained skin complaints, particularly very dry and sensitive skin.
Wholesale enquiries welcome and group talks given Visit our on-line shop: www.goatsofthegorge.com • Goat’s Milk Skin Cream 100ml • Goats Milk Lotion 250ml • Shampoo bars • Unperfumed Soaps • Soaps with essential oil Geranium or Lavender
Contact us: 07958 261971 sales@goatsofthegorge.com Milk from Chew Stoke’s award-winning Kerborne Dairy Herd
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 91
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MENDIP TIMES
Local eye specialist
JAVAD Moayedi is a high-volume cataract surgeon and has vast experience of small incision cataract surgery having performed more than 30,000 cataract and lens surgery procedures. After training in Sweden, he moved to the UK in 2005 to establish ophthalmic services at Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre, an independent practice in Somerset. Since 2008, he has helped establish three more centres in the South West and his system for reducing waiting times for NHS cataract patients has been implemented at other centres across the UK. He enjoys a very high success rate, more than 99% of his patients would recommend him for eye surgery. Mr Moayedi is a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and, in addition, holds membership within both the American and European Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, along with the UK and Northern Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Mr Moayedi is a qualified consultant cculoplastic surgeon, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions in the eye region. His particular interest is eyelid reconstruction, and he performs blepharoplasty as well as procedures to treat ectropion and entropion eyelids. In addition, he performs other cosmetic eye procedures including the removal of moles and skin tags. He has published papers on the topic of cataract surgery and has given lectures on the latest cataract surgery techniques.
This is a bare-faced me and tod ay is the first fabulous day of the rest of my life. About five years ago I was told at Yeovil Hospita l that I was going blind. I also went to Dorchester Hospital where they did some tests but basically could not do anything for me, so signed me off. I have to say life has been quite a struggle, I don't I think I realised how much unt il two weeks ago, when I went for an eight-minute operation, carried out by Mr Javad Moayedi, who gave me back my sight in the right eye; yesterday he did the same in my left eye. This man who says his job is his passion has changed my life - I would put him in the same category as my two beautiful bab ies. He has given me better sight than I have eve r had before and my joy is overwhelming. I am so grateful that Javad ma de his life work helping people like myself and like myself have had a life changing experience. What a wonderful world, how lucky am I! Moira Hullet Martock, Somerset Patient testimonial
✜ Over 30,000 successful cataract and vision correction procedures. ✜ Eyelid surgery, removal of eye bags, excess skin and lumps. ✜ Virtually 100% patient satisfaction. Javad Moayedi,
MD, MRCOphth, MSC Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Harley Street, London Specialist in Cataract, Lens and Laser Vision Correction and Eyelid Surgery • Contact No: 07885 655091 • Email: javadvisionuk@gmail.com • Facebook: Javad Moayedi • www.javadmoayedi.co.uk
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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HEALTH & FAMILY
COURT HOUSE
Ground Floor & Courtyard Rooms Currently Available
e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.
You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered. Rated by the CQC as good in all areas and outstanding for Care
The Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk
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Scouts attend World Scout Jamboree
EIGhT Scouts from across Wansdyke District took part in the 24th World Scout Jamboree in 14,000-acre Summit Bechtel Reserve in the wilds of West Virginia, uSA. over the past 18 months the Wansdyke Scouts, together with scouts from all over the world, have been busy fundraising to pay for their Jamboree costs and have attended several training camps organised by Avon County. The photo shows Jamboree unit leaders Simon Walker and Will Summerill with Caitlin from Radstock; James from Midsomer norton; Lucy, Emma, nathan and James from Keynsham; and Austin and Sam from Saltford.
Sun festival
ThE 24th annual Glastonbury Goddess conference was opened by the Mayor, Cllr Denise Michell. Delegates filled the specially decorated Town hall celebrating the Sun Goddess, with lectures, workshops and ceremonies culminating in a procession to the Tor on Sunday morning.
Meet the team keeping people safe
A SPECIAL family day is being held in Wells on Sunday, September 1st to offer visitors a chance to meet teams from a wide range of emergency services. The event has been organised by Wells Rotary Club and teams from the fire brigade to Freewheelers and from the air ambulance to cave rescue are expected to take part. Club president Chris Borrison said: “Everyone is familiar with the ‘big three’ emergency services, fire, police and ambulance, but there are many other organisations ready and willing to step in when the need arises. Most of these others are run by volunteers, relying on the generous donations from the public. The air ambulance is a perfect example.” l The free event takes place in the Market Square from 10am5pm. Weather and operational commitments permitting, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will land on Wells Cathedral Green at some point during the afternoon. PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
COMMUNITY
Glynn takes the chain
Sue hands the chain of office to Glynn
CLEVEDon Lions Club has welcomed its new president, Glynn hill, who takes over the role from Sue Miller for the coming year. Glynn, along with his wife Sandy, has been a member of Clevedon Lions for four years and has taken a very active role in all events and fundraising activities. During Sue’s year as president, the club has raised more than £18,000 which has been used to support organisations and charities ranging from Above and Beyond and Children’s hospice South West to Clevedon Comedy Club and Clevedon Cricket Club.
Hutton festival week
huTTon'S annual week of events takes place from August 28th in the marquee at St Mary's Field, off St Mary's Road in hutton. The annual event is jointly run by hutton Parish Council and horticultural society and raises money for local charities. Events commence at 11am on Wednesday, August 28th with the Taste of Somerset food, drink and craft fair. This event also includes a classic cars and bikes display which last year had a display of over 50 vehicles. There will be a charity quiz night on Thursday, August 29th, with the annual horticultural show on Saturday, August 31st from 2pm. hutton Football Club will be holding a summer party in the marquee on the Saturday evening, raising funds for a local, physically disabled youngster. St Mary's Church will hold a "Songs of Praise" service in the marquee on Sunday at 10am and the weekend finishes with hutton Proms on Sunday evening, 7.30pm, featuring the Royal Air Force Association band. Details: parish council office 01934 813871
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Rotarians host cream tea party
Rotary club president Patricia Naish (second from right) with fellow members, helpers and The Hon. Andrew Joliffe, from the Ammerdown Centre
MoRE than 80 guests enjoyed a cream tea, music and a tour of the Ammerdown Centre at Kilmersdon organised by the Rotary Club of Midsomer norton and Radstock. The guests included members of the centre’s TLC Club as well as users of the area’s community bus. The day was organised by rotarian Roger Meadows and a team of volunteers.
Community play day
Peasedown St John Parish Council presenting a community grant cheque to Bath Area Play Project at the Peasedown Play Day
ThERE was a large turn-out of residents for the Play Day held at Beacon Field in Peasedown St John. Bath Area Play Project were able to put on the event, using a £500 community grant from Peasedown St John Parish Council. The project held play days at various locations throughout the summer. Details: www.bapp.org.uk
Free training
ChARITIES, Creativity Works and St. Mungo's, are offering a new creative volunteer training programme with placements for anyone who would like to volunteer with community groups and support creative skills. The free training will take place in Bath over six half-days in october. Creativity Works is also offering a course in Shepton Mallet for those experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues. Details: www.creativityworks.org.uk
COMMUNITY
President makes club history
All the presidents are women: Patricia Naish (left) with Inner Wheel president Sue Hopkins, who has taken on the role for a second year
PATRICIA naish has become Midsomer norton and Radstock Rotary Club’s first woman president in its 63-year history. her chosen charity for her year in office is Children’s hospice South West but Patricia, of Paulton, is also planning to set up a new youth group for the area called Rotakids, aimed at seven-12-year-olds in Midsomer norton to help them make friends and become involved in community activities. Rotakids would be based out of schools, youth groups and community centres and would be supported by teachers, youth workers and Rotarians. Patricia spoke of her plans at a meeting of the club’s Inner Wheel counterpart and said she hoped both clubs would work in fellowship during her time in office.
Quilters support guide dogs
DRAyCoTT Quilters have made this fabulous quilt which they are raffling to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind. They are a small group of quilters (currently 13 members), who meet once a week in Draycott, to sew and work on charity projects. over the last year they have been jointly working on this large quilt, designing it together, each of them taking small sections to make at home and then joining them to make the complete quilt. The approximate size is 7’8” square. The quilt is made up of 86 individually made 6”, 8” and 12” blocks. These are interspersed with 49 eight-pointed stars, 24 snowballs and 120 flying geese, all bordered by another 176 flying geese. The draw will take place on Saturday, november 9th at their Quilt Show in Draycott. Raffle tickets are being sold at £1 each. Details: draycottquilters.co.uk
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Medal for community work
GRAhAM harris has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours for his work in the community around Leigh-on-Mendip. During the last 17 years he has taken an active role with a number of community projects including The Friends of Leigh Church, raising money for repairs and maintenance and creating a community café. he set up the Leigh-on-Mendip Community Activity Group 12 years ago, working with the local Age Concern office, to provide support for older people and help reduce loneliness. They run a monthly meeting with activities including a cooked lunch, indoor curling group and a programme of day trips to nGS gardens and local places of interest. Since 2017, Graham has also been an active Ride+Stride volunteer for the Somerset Churches Trust. Securing support from the heritage Lottery Fund, he created the East Mendip Churches heritage Trail, an exciting cycle route which incorporates 13 churches in East Mendip and has the support of Sustrans and other cycling groups. The East Mendip Churches heritage Trail has become an important route for the Somerset Churches Trust annual fundraiser Ride+Stride, raising well over £1,100 last year.
Holcombe hippies
MEMBERS of the Welcome Club in holcombe dressed in Flower Power style for a talk about Glastonbury Festival. Christine Watts gave a short talk on the history of the festival and as a volunteer with security and Teresa Mitchell spoke of her work in the medical centre. The competition for the best dressed hippy was won by Cathy Selway, with Jean Edwards second and Bill Attwood third.
Vicars on their bikes in Oxford
Michael Auton, Somerset Churches Trust Ride+Stride coordinator said: “Ride+Stride is one of the most important sources of income for the Somerset Churches Trust. Without the hard work and dedication of volunteers like Graham, we would not have monies to invest through grants to churches and chapels across Somerset. “his recognition in the 2019 honours list, is both welcome and appropriate for the important voluntary work he has done for the community of Leigh-on-Mendip and Somerset.” Graham said: “I have been very pleased to be able to provide the volunteer support for the local community and it has been rewarding to see the successes that we have achieved. My award of the British Empire Medal enables us to celebrate these successes and I know it has been appreciated by everyone involved. “I am particularly pleased to be able to help the Somerset Churches Trust raise income through Ride+Stride and through their efforts to be able to maintain the superb heritage that we have in many of our Somerset churches.” Ride+Stride takes place on September 14th and if anyone is interested in taking part call Michael 07862 253514. Somerset Churches Trust has allocated over £740,000 in grants to over 400 churches across Somerset since 1996. Last year, nearly £34,000 was given to 15 different churches. Ride+Stride raised over £16,500 last year and 152 churches opened their doors to welcome riders and striders.
Michael Auton (left) and Graham Harris PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Details: www.somersetchurchestrust.org
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New community library
CoMMunITy leaders and volunteers in Peasedown St John are celebrating the launch of a new community library, in the wake of cuts to the mobile library service. Volunteers will staff the library 12 hours per week, Mondays 1–4pm, Wednesdays 1–7pm and Saturdays 10am–1pm. other services provided include free access to the internet, tea and coffee-making facilities and A4 photocopying/scanning services. The official opening will take place on Monday, october 28th, 1pm at the library’s new home, St John’s new Community Centre, 33a St John’s Close, Peasedown St John (BA2 8JG). Details: peasedownlibrary@hotmail.com or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PSJcommunitylibrary
Fun day supports community
STRATTon-on-the-Fosse Fun Day usually raises over £2,000 for local good causes, with previous projects including the village hall, church and community garden. This year they hope to raise enough money to help buy an inground trampoline for the play area of the community garden and a zip wire, funds permitting. The event will also support Radstock Museum’s dementia cafe, St Vigor’s and St John’s Church, The Dairy house project, which supports local homeless people, and Fosse house nursing home’s resident’s activity fund. There’s lots of entertainment planned for the Fun Day and Dog Show on Sunday, September 8th in the football field and village hall from 12noon. Entry is free.
Street art boost in Radstock
COMMUNITY
Shepton Mallet becomes more dementia-friendly
SMDAA members and supporters with recipients Christopher Young, from Christopher Young Opticians, Libby Stoodley, from Bartlett, Gooding and Weelen Solicitors and Janet Rundle, from Shepton Mallet Library
ThREE organisations have received certificates of thanks for their efforts to make Shepton Mallet a dementia-friendly town. Shepton Mallet Dementia Action Alliance awarded the certificates to Bartlett, Gooding and Weelen Solicitors, Christopher young opticians and Shepton Mallet Library. SMDAA is organising a series of further dementia awareness training sessions for individuals, businesses and other groups in the coming weeks. They will take place on Wednesday, August 28th at Whitstone Leisure Centre on Charlton Road (6-7pm); on Thursday, September 12th at the Art Bank Café in the high Street (1.30-2.30pm) and on Monday, September 16th at the library in the Market Place (3.30-4.30pm). Sister Anne Martin, one of the driving forces behind the dementia alliance
IW president Sue Hopkins presents a cheque to principal youth worker Sally Bailey, flanked (r to l) by senior youth worker Jayne Lewis, assistant youth worker Michael Baxter and Cam, a group member
ThE Radical Street Space youth group in Radstock has received a £250 donation from the Midsomer norton and Radstock Inner Wheel Club. The group was set up eight years ago after consultation with young people who “wanted somewhere to go on a Friday”. Supported by Churches Together and based at St nicholas Church Centre, the group has decided to use the donation to provide skilled help with decorating the basketball court with “tasteful” street art panels.
For details and to book a place, contact Peter Hillman on 07970 665036 or email gphillman@hotmail.com MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 97
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People’s lunch
FRoME-based Active and In Touch are holding an Active Autumn Lunch on october 13th thanks to being one of four charities in Frome that won the Peoples’ Budget, voted for by the people of Frome a few months ago. It will be a lunch that people have contributed to either by growing the vegetables that are being eaten – some of their members are growing vegetables at a plot given to them by Mells Walled Gardens – or cooking them in various classes leading up to the main event. This will involve a weekend of cookery, ending in a lunch on a Sunday afternoon that everyone of all ages can enjoy. They are also asking if people could pledge some vegetables for the cookery sessions. They are making soup for the actual lunch, so any kind of vegetables would be gratefully received. Active and In Touch helps people reconnect with their community by offering either one-to-one befriending or weekly social groups. They help anyone from 18 upwards. The lunch is open to anyone from the Frome community and the surrounding villages. Details: Di Roberts 07468 859453 or email activeandintouch@gmail.com
Brenda bows out
BREnDA Bishop is retiring after 19 years as stewardess at East harptree Village Club, with a grand send-off planned for Friday, September 13th. She used to help out when former stewardess, Wendy Childs, was off sick and took over from her. She said: “It’s just been brilliant. The main enjoyment has been the customers.” The club are now looking for a replacement and like most village clubs are keen to attract new members. Since it opened in 1983, the club has been a hub for skittles and social events and for supporting elderly folk in the village. It’s open Monday to Friday from 7.30pm and at other times if needed for quizzes or other events. Brenda from Compton Martin said she’s looking forward to spending more time with husband Michael, their three daughters and four grandchildren.
PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Heritage competition awards
Winners gather: (l:r) Sue Cant, who won the textile and craft classes; Brian Allen, picture category; Sue Dickinson, cake competition (and second in craft) and Paul Williams, photography
PEoPLE living in the Darshill, Bowlish and ham areas of Shepton Mallet have taken part in a heritage-themed competition run by their local conservation society. The winners in five categories were announced at the Darshill and Bowlish Conservation Society annual garden party. Entries were judged by local residents the television presenter Chris Kelly and his wife, Vivienne.
Community grants available
North Somerset Intercultural Dance
QuARTET Community Foundation has grants available for community groups and projects which benefit the health or wellbeing of disadvantaged people in north Somerset. Philanthropy officer Julie newman said: “north Somerset is a great place to live but research shows that not everyone benefits. Life expectancy inequalities in north Somerset are growing and the number of people with depression is also increasing year on year. “These grants fund those small, local causes that do such great work supporting the health and wellbeing of north Somerset residents of all ages.” Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available through the north Somerset Community Partnership Grant Programme and groups must apply before october 18th. Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/northsomerset-community-partnership-fund-grant/
RAF memorial service
A SERVICE commemorating the Battle of Britain and the Royal Air Force’s contributions to subsequent conflicts will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Shepton Mallet at 9.15am on Sunday, September 15th. The service, which is being organised by the Mid-Somerset Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, will be led by the Rector, the Rev Doctor Jonathan hunter Dunn, and will be held in association with local RAF air cadet squadrons. The service will incorporate the laying-up of the standard of the Royal British Legion Shepton Mallet Women’s Branch. The service will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Shepton Mallet cenotaph. This is the principal Royal Air Force memorial ceremony of the year in the Mid-Somerset area and will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant and high Sheriff of Somerset as well as the mayors of Wells and Glastonbury and the chairmen of Mendip District Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council. All are welcome at the service and the wreath laying. Dress: uniform or civilian clothes, with medals. organisers say why not honour deceased family members by wearing their medals (on the right breast)?
Carnival time in Frome ThE countdown has begun already to this year’s Frome Carnival, taking place on Saturday, September 21st. After the success of the family fun day – £2,867 (£800 more than last year) which will go towards the cost of paying attendance money to clubs to bring some of the larger carts to this year’s procession – organisers have presented cheques to local charities and other organisations. They have also named the groups who will benefit from both the children’s procession on the Saturday afternoon and the main evening spectacular: Fair Frome, yMCA Routes and Zero nights. This year marks the 90th anniversary Organisers hope to attract more large carts to this year’s event by offering attendance money
In memory of Roy
COMMUNITY
FoLLoWInG the death of past president of Wrington Vale Rotary Club Roy hunt some four years ago, Rotarian John Thatcher arranged for an annual clay pigeon shoot to take place within one of the Thatcher’s orchards each year in memory of Roy and in recognition of the wonderful service he gave to the local community and to Thatchers Cider where he once held a directorship. For the second year running, the winner was Ivor Metherell who outshone his fellow competitors by hitting more clays than they managed to achieve. he was presented with the cup by Joan hunt, Roy’s widow.
YMCA Routes received a cheque for £1,250 from the proceeds of the 2018 carnival
of carnival in Frome and organisers say the response from some of the larger carnival clubs about taking part has been encouraging, especially as representatives from Frome’s twinning towns –
Château-Gontier in France, Murrhardt in Germany and Rabka-Zdrόj in Poland – will be attending. In the run-up to the big day, the carnival royalty and ambassadors will be visiting nursing and residential homes in the area. on Sunday, September 15th, the organisers are holding their annual quiz night at the Mason’s Arms; the day before, they will be having a stall at the Frome Cheese Show where tickets for the annual duck race – taking place on Sunday, September 29th.
Carnival organisers would welcome more stewards and supporters on carnival night itself. For full details, visit: www.fromecarnival.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 99
(Photo courtesy of Nick Spratling)
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COMMUNITY
Homeless project goes back to its roots
A PIonEERInG community gardening project to help people with sometimes complex issues reintegrate into society is expanding its services with the launch of a vegetable box scheme. Root Connections, based at Manor Farm on Duchy of Cornwall land at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, works closely with the Elim Connect Centre in Wells. The near two-acre plot sits next to Dairy house, a six-bed hostel offering residential accommodation to the homeless, rough sleepers and isolated individuals suffering from sometimes complex mental health issues and needs. Dairy house residents are encouraged to volunteer in the garden as often as they feel they’re able to, where they can take part in structured activities, such as “soft” horticultural learning, and are supported with social reintegration by working alongside the team of volunteers including people from the nearby communities of Chilcompton and Stratton. That includes pupils at St Vigor and St John primary school, who have taken the project to their hearts. Acting head teacher Cathy Burchill said: “on our return to school the children have planned ways to support the charity over the next academic year. They have created a set of postcards to sell, designed honey labels for the honey that is being produced and created leaflets to promote the charity.” Root Connections – which has received support from
Markus, a volunteer with Root Connections, on their stall at Midsomer Norton Farmers Market
Somerset Community Foundation – grow vegetables and salad crops throughout the year. They also have a cut flower garden and the team is now selling to local restaurants, health and wholefood stores, local food distribution networks and booked every weekend throughout the month at Somerset Farmer’s Markets and church events. Sue Cross-Bourton, from Root Connections, said: “We’re proud of all we achieved in our first year, but really couldn’t have done it without the support of our volunteers, customers and the Dairy house residents – who remind us of what it’s all about and keep us anchored in our endeavours.”
Lunchtime on a Friday, when Dairy House residents, volunteers and staff gather around the table Harvesting carrots
Pupils from St Vigor and St John School on a visit to the farm
Crunch time at Root Connections
For details, visit: www.rootconnections.co.uk
PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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EVENTS
Valley Fest – rocking the valley
Ultimate Elton
Details: https://valleyfest.co.uk/
Basement Jaxx
(Photography courtesy of Louis Smith)
VALLEY Fest welcomed its biggest crowd yet at over 7,500, who basked in the August sunshine, enjoying Michelin-starred feasts alongside music including Tom Odell, Razorlight, Basement Jaxx and the ultimate Elton. It was a great way to raise funds for The Teenage Cancer Trust, Jamie’s Farm and The Nicholas Branston Foundation. Planning for next year is already well underway.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 101
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MENDIP TIMES
KEYNSHAM OFFICE 1 High Street, Keynsham Bristol BS31 1DP T: 0117 986 3681 E: keynsham@daviesandway.com
SALTFORD OFFICE 489 Bath Road, Saltford Bristol BS31 3BA T: 01225 400 400 E: saltford@daviesandway.com
DILLY MEADOWS visual connections to the surrounding open countryside whilst combining traditional elements in keeping with the setting. Good commuter links, excellent schools as well as the opportunity to rebalance your life with the great outdoors on your doorstep; sailing, cycling, walking as well as an abundance of local pubs and restaurants.
THE ALDERNEY £439,999 • Open plan kitchen dining room • 3 bedroom, master with en suite • Dual aspect lounge • Contemporary country style • Located in highly desirable Chew Valley • 10 Year New Home LABC Warranty • Help to Buy available
Only 13 miles south of Bristol in the heart of Chew Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dilly Meadows is a small exclusive development of 18 individually designed homes. Each of the unique properties design features include; modern open living space, maximisation of natural light, strong
Wonderful location with open country views! 7 acres of land, spacious house in rural lane location. A detached house requiring some up dating in superb location, four double bedrooms, bathroom kitchen, sitting room, dining room, study. Large utility & Cloaks. Adjoining Workshop and double garage. Drive entrance, south facing gardens and land adjoining of 7.44 acres. Further land available by separate negotiation. EPC: E Ref: 23686
Chew Stoke • Guide Price £745,000
Picturesque setting for this true country cottage! A detached four bedroom stone cottage in rural lane between Chew Magna and Bishop Sutton. Superbly appointed with three reception rooms, kitchen, cloaks and utility, bathroom and shower room. Detached double garage. Gardens and stream frontage. EPC: E Ref: 25676
Near Chew Magna • Guide Price £718,000
Contact the Wrington Office: 01934 864307 PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Far reaching views over Blagdon Lake and beyond! A spacious detached 4 bedroom property with quarter acre garden and plenty of parking. Sitting/dining room, kitchen, utility, 2 shower rooms and bathroom. Plenty of scope for further extension. EPC: E. Ref: 22382
Nempnett Thrubwell • Guide Price £595,000 Amazing views to Blagdon Lake and beyond! A spacious, detached 3 bedroom bungalow with the benefit of a detached one bedroom holiday cottage. Sitting room, garden room, kitchen, utility, 3 bedrooms, 2 en-suites and bathroom. Pretty landscaped gardens. EPC: C. Ref: 25693
Blagdon • Guide Price £750,000
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Traditional Mendip farm comes to market
PROPERTY
SET in the heart of the Mendip Hills AONB, Home Farm is set high above Compton Martin and has come to the market with Killens with a guide price of £1.5 million. Approached by a gravel driveway, the farmhouse has been recently renovated and now provides a five-bedroom family home offering modern living accommodation blended with the retention of character features. Set in generous grounds, gardens and paddocks extending to just over seven acres, the property offers great privacy and benefits from views over the open Mendip countryside. An extensive range of traditional stone barns oozing with potential for conversion to an alternative use are included
with the property as well as useful modern steel-framed buildings. Whilst in a rural location, Home Farm is within easy reach of Compton Martin, Blagdon or the Harptrees that offer a good range of local facilities and, of course, being on the Mendips there is an abundance of recreational opportunities available on the doorstep whether that be in undertaking cycling, walking, riding or other outdoor activities. So, if you are seeking a comfortable, family house in a quiet rural location with great potential then Home Farm is certainly worth a look. Contact the Chew Magna office of Killens to arrange an appointment on 01275 333993.
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Idyllic holiday homes now available LOCATED in rural Somerset and set within 250-acres, Cookswood is a collection of sustainably built holiday homes, some situated lakeside and others within woodland glades. Cookswood will have so much to offer, including many wonderful facilities and activities, with something to keep the whole family entertained. This includes a luxury spa with an infinity pool and fitness suite, farm shop and cafe, stables, and a restaurant and bar for fine dining. Children will be entertained with the kids’ club, woodland play areas and endless outdoor pursuits. The mineral lake and beach areas will offer breathtaking views and activities such as swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. There will also be scenic nature trails, cycle routes and bridleways for you to enjoy and a nature study centre will give you insight into how we
enhance habitats to benefit wildlife. You are able to choose your desired freehold plot on the site and preferred design from a selection of modern and traditional styles. Customers also have the opportunity to work with their talented design and build team to make the interior of their property bespoke to
PROPERTY
suit their individual taste and personal requirements. With staycations on the rise in the UK, a Cookswood property is also an excellent investment opportunity, as owners are able to rent out their holiday home, enabling a return on their investment.
Prices from £350,000. For more information please visit www.cookswood.com. To arrange a viewing of the site please email hello@cookswood.com or call us on 01761 232889
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Horse warriors – stay safe and enjoy your trail riding HOW often do we hear horse riders saying: “Oh well, I can’t ride that well, I’m just a happy hacker!”? Happy hackers! Take heart from an inspiring social media post by Ross Jacobs of the Good Horsemanship clinic (USA). Ross takes issue with “trail riders who describe With RACHEL themselves as ‘pleasure riders’.” THOMPSON Stop it, he says. “We are all pleasure MBE riders! I hope we all ride for pleasure – even professional horse people. Heaven forbid those who practice their exercises in the safe confines of a riding facility, riding precious, gold-plated ponies with their diamante browbands, would have any sort of challenge that would cause their makeup to run. “To train a good trail horse is proof of a person’s skill as a horseman or woman when behind every bush hides the shadow of the grim reaper ready to unleash mayhem and death, it is the trail rider that will slay death.” Look what we cope with – livestock, dogs, all types of terrain, hills, valleys, streams, cyclists, road works, vehicles, tractors, PIGS! Ross says: “Trail riders, you are the WARRIOR CLASS of the horse world!” I must admit that currently I feel less of a trail warrior than an accident waiting to happen. In the last couple of months Tam and I have been chased downhill (in a rain storm) by an enthusiastic French Bulldog (fell off, started a cow stampede, lost second horse who bolted towards home etc.), two weeks later chased down same hill by fun loving nosy cow (jumped off horse – still alarmed by dog chase, waved arms, fell through gate etc.) and finally last week bitten by a pipistrelle bat (111, A&E, rabies jabs, bat in bat hospital – don’t ask). Horse owners are increasingly worried about loose dogs. Just recently, four collies apparently obediently under the close control of the owner, suddenly gave chase to a carriage driver, biting the horse causing it to bolt, the carriage to tip up and the driver and passenger to tumble out. Most dog owners are fantastic, gathering up their charges, putting them on a lead, but nonetheless a few are unaware that a dog chasing a horse can result in horrible life changing injuries A horse “warrior”
PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
RIDING
Alice Breeds from Shepton Mallet; a stable girl and instructor at Burcott Riding Centre
for equestrians and their horses plus legal and costly consequences for the dog owner. Since 2010, 1,400 dog attacks on horses have been reported to the British Horse Society (BHS). The Blue Cross and BHS have both issued safety advice aimed at keeping dogs and horses safe around each other by explaining this issue from the “predator/prey” dog (chase) and horse (bolt) point of view. Horse and dog socialisation is key – see www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/keep-dogs-and-horses-safearound-each-other. https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-andinformation/safety-advice-and-information/commonincidents/dog-attacks As for my fun loving cow, cows are notoriously inquisitive and boisterous. The BHS has great advice – essentially keep calm and quiet, give a wide berth to cows lying down, to breeding males (!) and to cows and calves. If necessary, turn your horse towards cows, not away from them (applies to dog encounters too). The BHS says “making a route hazardous or difficult to pass can be a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and dangerous animals are dealt with by the Animals Act 1971”. See more here: http://www.bhs.org.uk/~/media/bhs/files/pdfdocuments/access-leaflets/livestock.ashx?la=en The bat will be back home when he’s recovered. I don’t think Tam cares about the bat but I have warned the cat (her fault for catching it in the first place). Make sure you have downloaded the new “what3words” app into your phone. Somerset emergency services are using it now so if you are unlucky enough to suffer an accident help can come quickly even if you are “somewhere on Black Down”. *Don’t forget there’s still time to sign up for the Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association Festival Ride around the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm, Pilton. It takes place on Sunday, September 29th from 9.30am. A fantastic ride for all levels of rider with 12 miles of tagged and signed route over amazing countryside. Also a three-mile lead rein route on the festival ground. Optional jump field, all weather parking, tuck wagon, loos and photographer. Entry forms on www.mbba.org.uk
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EVENTS
Writhlington Flower Show
Rupert Bevan, the chairman of Radstock Town Council, with show chairman Rob Langley
The show is celebrating its 130th anniversary
Ian Chant, a regular exhibitor and member of the show committee, enjoyed further success at this year’s event Nahla Eccles with one of her three prizewinning entries
Say it with flowers . . . and veg. One of the celebratory entries.
The show has a proud heritage and is always well supported by villagers
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Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental
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01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 5.30pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.00pm
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Telephone: 01761 417170 • www.diamondbrite4you.co.uk Unit 5, Three Winds Business Park, Downside, Shepton Mallet BA4 4FH Email: enquiries@diamondbrite4you.co.uk
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HOMES & INTERIORS
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 109
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R.O. Dando and Sons Ltd Builders, Decorators & Roofing Contractors
Reduce energy bills as well as carbon emissions
A NEW green energy company based in Somerset is helping house owners and businesses to reduce their costly energy bills. Headed by energy expert John Burfield, Sand Lizard Tech reduces consumption through adding an environmentally friendly additive to central heating systems. John said: “We are proud to offer an easy solution to saving money this winter. Like many people, we want to do our bit for the planet and we are pleased that our system is completely organic and helps to reduce carbon emissions.”
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01275 342656 www.seal-lite.co.uk Unit 1, Tweed Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6RR PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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Wrington – a lovely place to live EVEN if we try to resist it, when we live in a city (with the notable exception of Wells), we find ourselves rushing everywhere. And despite the packed roads, pavements and shops, cities can be lonely places too – few people have time to smile or simply pass the time of day. Villages are different. Wrington, even with its BS postcode could be a million miles from Bristol. The people don’t tear about, you can park your car easily or if you’re as lucky as Terry and Elaine Garty you can wander out and sit by the stream that flows through your garden. Terry said: “Yes, Wrington is nothing like Stockwood where we lived until 2012. Bristol was a good place to be as far as work was concerned, but now we’re retired, the pace of life here suits us to a T.” Having said that, once Terry starts telling you about his interests and hobbies, you have to ask yourself where all those quiet, peaceful moments get a look in. The Gartys moved to Wrington mainly
because they’d fallen in love with the place over a period of years whilst visiting Elaine’s sister (who still lives in village). Elaine said: “Visits are one thing, but living here is another. Both Terry and I are keen conservationists and take the whole subject very seriously.” In between gardening, history club, photography, walking, visiting their daughter in New Zealand and attending the local chapel, Terry and Elaine enjoy enhancing their property. Terry said: “We really didn’t like the ‘flat look’ of the windows at the front of the house and we wanted some guidance and advice on installing bay windows. The big firms, to be truthful, made me angry. They try and rush you into decisions and put you under pressure.” Elaine said: “And that’s why we went to Kingfisher and would recommend them to anyone, nothing is too much trouble, they know what they’re talking about, you make up your mind in your own time and they’re all lovely people.” Tony Thurling
HOMES & INTERIORS
l Kingfisher continues to grow and the appointment of Tim Miel as sales manager marks another step forward. Managing director, Angie Hicks, said: “Finding the right people for Kingfisher is not easy because we deliberately set standards that are very different from the industry norm. We absolutely forbid any hint of pressure selling and this is in stark contrast to the way most windows, doors and conservatories are sold. “Tim not only has vast experience in all these fields but, most importantly, he buys in to our values.” Tim joined his father’s family business straight from school and spent three years at Weston Technical College gaining advanced City and Guilds qualifications whilst continuing to work and train in the family firm.
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CATHEDRAL CITY CITY PLUMBING CATHEDRAL ANDY PARSONS
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LEADWORK • OIL • SOLID FUEL • L.P.G. GAS • NATURAL GAS 'Part L' registered unvented hot water cylinders, all condensing boilers and all servicing and repairs of above fuel systems Design & installation of underfloor heating for old & new properties
PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Heading towards the Olympics
DO you know an “icepick” from a “triple bar spin”? Or a “truckdriver” from a “tailwhip”? The answer is probably no, unless you also know CYCLING about BMX freestyle. with EDMUND LODITE It’s a fast growing sport, that doesn’t get enough media attention and will be included in the Olympic Games for the first time in Tokyo 2020. The NASS festival at the Bath and West Showground saw some of the best amateur and professional BMX riders from across the world competing in a BMX freestyle competition. The festival is a three-day music and extreme sport event. These combine to create a high energy event for tens of thousands of fans enjoying the individuality and creativity of alternative youth culture. BMX freestyle cycling originated in the USA. The earliest photographic evidence is from the 1970s where riders used makeshift vertical ramps. It wasn’t long before BMX riders also began using skateboarding parks. From there, freestyle started to make use of the urban landscape as new bike tricks were performed on streets. Riding and performing on a BMX bike is not something that you learn how to do
quickly or easily. You learn the hard way through repetitive practice and from your mistakes. Since its early days the boundaries of what can be achieved have been pushed further and further and still are today. This is what makes it exciting. There is no manual or rule book to follow – it is truly freestyle. At the showground there were competitions in three BMX freestyle disciplines – Park, Street and Ramp. “Park” makes exclusive use of riding skate parks, often with an emphasis on riding bowl transitions or ramp jumps. This is the discipline that will feature in the Tokyo Olympics. “Street” makes use of features found in urban and public space. These tricks are performed on kerbs, handrails, stairs,
New women-only cycling group WEDMORE Women Wheelers is a new club for women in and around the Wedmore area. Sam Brown from Blackford set it up; she loves cycling and has trained to lead rides with the cycling charity, Breeze. She said: “I saw a need to start a group for women cyclists as there was already an established men’s group. I discovered that many women were new to cycling or hadn’t ridden in years and enjoyed the social aspect of
making new friends, building confidence, while being outside in the fresh air doing a sport they enjoyed.” Rides organised by the club are generally at a slower pace so they cater for all abilities. They usually include a stop at a coffee shop to give members an opportunity to socialise. Historically rides have been on a Sunday morning but now they are scheduled during the day and in the evenings during the summer. The club uses a WhatsApp group to share information about rides and members are welcome to opt in or out. A website is being developed so members will soon be able to plan their rides and sign up online.
ledges, banks, and other obstacles. “Ramp” is performed in a half pipe (consisting of two quarter pipes set facing each other). Tricks are performed as the rider “airs” above the ramp. In all disciplines points are awarded for the technical difficulty and execution of a trick, or combination of tricks. Creativity and style are also rewarded. This year saw a number of Olympic hopefuls competing at the showground. It was one of those athletes, Justin Dowell from the USA who won the Park competition for the second year running. BMX freestyle has come a long way from its early roots. Where BMX cyclists riding along rails or steps outside an office building were chased off by security guards, they will soon be competing for gold medals!
As the club grows, it will offer different rides at a variety of levels to cater for all abilities. To find out more their launch is at Warmans, Pilcorn Street, Wedmore, BS28 4AN on Thursday, September 12th at 6pm, starting with a nine-mile ride followed by drinks and nibbles from 7.30– 9pm.
Details: www.bc-clubs.co.uk/wedmorewomenwheelers or ring 07939 724757
PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Rugby club reunion
MIDSOMER Norton RFC is once again holding a lunchtime reunion of former players along with friends, sponsors and supporters. It will take place from 12.30pm on Saturday, September 28th ahead of the First XV team’s home match against Gordano RFC. MNRFC played very creditably throughout last season in Tribute Western Counties North finishing second to Chew Valley RFC and narrowly losing their home play-off against Crediton. For Norton, Tom Fear continues into his third season as captain with ever-present tight head prop Dan Jenner in the vice captain’s role. Martin Blackmore continues as head of rugby and coaching.
Join the rugby fun
SPORT
Winscombe under-13s girls
The play-ff final against Crediton
For details about the lunch, contact club president Nigel Rowles on nigel.rowles48@outlook.com
We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points
COACHES of Winscombe Rugby Club’s under-13s girls’ team are looking to recruit more players for the new season, starting in September. The girls train on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-7.30pm at Winscombe RFC and also play mixed touch rugby on Thursdays from 7-8pm at the ground. Coach Mark Harris said: “All are welcome even if you haven’t played before as we are a new team! “Come and make some new friends and have fun while you learn new skills.” For details, email Mark at markmagpie@hotmail.com
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Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres. ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BADGWORTH BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BATCOMBE BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON CHURCHILL
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TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WEARE WEDMORE WELLOW WELLS WEST HARPTREE
WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 115
(Photography courtesy of Mike Lang)
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Medal winners
THESE Mendip Mallards were medal winners at the intercounty swimming gala at Plymouth earlier last month. Mendip Mallards are part of Mendip Disabled Association and swim each Sunday at Strode Pool 12.30-1pm. New members are welcome to join them for a protected swim.
French connection
PLAYERS at the annual Millennium Green boules tournament in Winscombe were bowled over by the expertise of an exceptional player! This was no surprise when his team-mate from Winscombe introduced his long-standing friend, visiting from France, as Eric Sirot, three times petanque world champion. By pure chance, the event took place on Bastille Day! Now in its ninth year, it is a popular family day and teams can't wait to compete. The final between runnersup Sandford Hillbillies (right, on photo above) and McCrossends from Winscombe was a very close-run match, which made for a friendly edge and a great end to the day. Former champion Eric Sirot
PAGE 116 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Tough test at end of tennis season
Wells Ladies A – a 10-1 victory kept them in Division Two
WELLS A Ladies tennis team faced a final match relegation showdown with Woodland A to stay in Division Two of the North Somerset Tennis League summer season. The home side, led by captain Julia Nest, beat the Westonsuper-Mare visitors 10-1 to retain their place. Meanwhile, the Wells club welcomed dozens of new players for its Nature Valley Big Tennis Weekend. All five courts were busy with children, adults and families for free coaching and an introduction to the club.
Wells coach Kevin Durney (rear) with some of the youngsters who enjoyed the open weekend
The regular Wednesday Rusty Rackets group held their end of season fundraising night on Wednesday, August 21st. Twenty players competed in short mixed 20-minute sets followed by a quiz, raising £210 for charities including the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. Anyone interested in improving their tennis skills can join the group which is open to non-members and runs all year round. The next session will be on Wednesday, September 4th.
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Beach boys on song against Wells
A RUGBY team from Long Beach, California began their tour of England with victory over Wells RFC. Dozens of players, officials and supporters from CSU Long Beach RFC travelled 6,000 miles for the tour. In Wells, they were treated to a civic welcome by city mayor John Osman and town crier Len Sweales ahead of the match, which was broken down into 20-minute quarters allowing both sides to make plenty of changes. Long Beach ran out 31-40 winners before heading to London and then Newcastle on their travels. l Wells First XV open their Somerset Premier League season on Saturday, September 7th with a visit to Nailsea and Backwell. They welcome Imperial to the Charter Way ground on Saturday, September 14th.
SPORT
Long Beach opened the scoring with a try after just two minutes
Despite the defeat, Wells have shown promise in pre-season preparations Long Beach coach Jason Reynolds and captain Steven Bodley exchange gifts with Wells captain Jamie Payne and club president Alan Goymer
Long Beach on the attack
Aaron Cook is once again expected to be a mainstay of the Wells Firsts
Wells (left) and CSU Long Beach – Wells used 45 players during the match! Long Beach brought over a 30-man squad
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 117
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Road run hits new heights Photos by Mark Adler
THE eighth annual Frome Half Marathon had it all – not just record entries. Smiles, tears, laughter, friendship – and sheer grit – were on display from the opening one-kilometre family fun run, through the five and ten km events to the main race itself. As usual, fundraising for both local and national charities was the motivation for many of the runners who also included people with disabilities. Volunteer marshals lined the routes along with a big crowd of well-wishers and spectators at the start and finish as well as enroute to cheers on the competitors.
The mass start for the 5k, 10k and half marathon The start of the fun run
Sofia (left) and Mila Peet near the fun run finish
Some of the Time is Precious Team finish en-masse
Professional boxer Ryan Wheeler, from Frome
Abbie Rowe (left) and Nicky Willis complete the 10k
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10k winner Nathan Young (centre) flanked by third-placed James Donald (left) and runner-up Ricky Montacute
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Martin Tucker is a familiar face, raising money for charity
FROME HALF MARATHON 2019
Ettie Douthwaite and Kieran Cunningham, from Frome Powerchair Football Club at the start of the fun run
An arm of friendship at the end of the 5k
James Bellward, a member of the RAF Athletics team, after winning the half marathon in a time of 1hr, 11mins, 48secs
Frome Athletics Club members before the start This spectator had a number of friends and family taking part
Frome mayor Mark Dorrington at the end of the 10k
Lauren Burd crosses the line to win the women’s 10k race MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 119
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Time to join the Somer Valley Singers
Dance sessions to whet your appetite
Members of The Somer Valley Singers at their annual end-of-term dinner at the Old Down Inn, Emborough
Chalice Morris Men dancing in Street on Somerset Day in May
SOMER Valley Singers choir is to hold an open evening in September to recruit new members. All are welcome to the “open practice” evening, on Thursday, September 26th at The Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton. The choir sings in a variety of styles from musical show numbers, through popular songs to spirituals and jazz. Members all have a love of singing – in a relaxed and informal setting. Most of their performances are in local care homes with the occasional charity concert for the public as well during the year. l The evening will run from 7.15-9pm.
Charity concert
JENNY Peplow Singers, an award winning choir, are hoping to raise funds for the Radstock based SWALLOW charity (South West Action Learning and Living Our Way). The choir have planned a relaxed evening, combined with the charity’s own choir at the Methodist Hall, Paulton on Friday, September 13th. Refreshments will be served, the event is suitable for all, entry is free but donations will be gratefully received.
A tale of two abbeys THE Parish of St John’s Glastonbury is fortunate to have one of the only remaining parish choirs in the diocese of Bath and Wells. This summer, in addition to their regular, weekly services, the choir has been performing around Somerset, including an acapella Mass at Glastonbury Abbey and three services at Bath Abbey. Both venues are well known as popular tourist attractions and many of the visitors that heard the singing said how delighted they were to have heard music from the English choral tradition. St John’s organist and Director of Music, Matthew Redman, said: “Both occasions were great successes and added to the already growing reputation of St John’s choir as a fantastic musical team. PAGE 120 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALICE Morris Men will be hosting a series of three taster sessions in September in Brent Knoll Parish Hall as part of a membership drive. The sessions are open to boys and men from North Somerset, Sedgemoor and Mendip – or further afield. Chalice Morris Men are a traditional morris team dancing in the Cotswold style and have been going since 1971 with two of the original members still dancing with them. They are a men-only side but would be delighted to put any women interested in dancing with a female or mixed club in the area. Neil Gratton, from Chalice Morris, said: “We are most anxious to find younger members but actually don't mind how young or old. All we require is the willingness to have a go. As a club we are known as one of the friendliest clubs around.” The sessions take place from 8-10pm on Thursdays on September 12th, 19th, and 26th. For details contact Neil on: 01278 782346.
“We’re fortunate to receive invitations to sing at various prestigious venues. That is a great honour; and I’m delighted people from far and wide are uplifted hearing our music”. In recent years, St John’s choir have been engaged to sing at Exeter, Hereford
and Salisbury Cathedrals as well as frequently deputising at Wells Cathedral when the regular choir is on holiday. The choir currently has vacancies for new singers of all ages and levels of experience. Organ and choral scholarships are available for students.
Theatre’s new friends
THE Merlin Theatre in Frome has announced it has teamed up with award-winning theatre company, New Old Friends, as its new associate organisation, commencing this season. To mark the start of this new partnership, the company will perform the opening two nights of its latest touring show, Crimes On The Coast, before heading off for a further 30 plus performances in venues as far away as Fyfe. These will be on Friday, September 13th and Saturday, 14th.
Choirs in tune for charity
THE choral talents of two Mendip choirs are uniting to entertain an expected sell-out audience in Wells in October and help to raise £3,000 for a local charity. Wells Lions are staging a concert in St. Cuthbert’s Church on Saturday, October 5th to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. The “Men of Somerset” concert will bring together the Glastonbury and Mendip male voice choirs for a twohour performance of classic and contemporary music. The two choirs, who rarely perform together, have agreed to join forces to support the charity which provides vital care for children with life-limiting conditions. The concert will showcase the individual talents of each choir and combine their 60-plus voices to sing together in four-part harmony. Wells Lions president Steve Whitby said: “It’s going to be a busy day for Wells Lions. We’re running a diabetes awareness event in the Town Hall in the morning, and organising this great concert in the evening. “Two very different events that will benefit our community. It’s quite amazing what a small but dedicated group can do.” l The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets – £10, or £15 for reserved seating, are available from St. Cuthbert’s Church, Wells and Mendip Museum, The Swan Hotel in Sadler Street, Wells, or by phoning 01458 210926. They can also be bought on-line at www.eventbrite.co.uk (booking fee applies).
MUSIC & THEATRE
Details: merlintheatre.co.uk 01373 465949
New autumn season YATTON Music Society commences their autumn season of quality music with a concert by the brilliant pianist Harry Nowakowski-Fox and his equally talented cellist wife Alisa Liubarskaya. Harry graduated as a Kendall-Taylor Scholar of the Masters in Performance course at the Royal College of Music in 2013. Shortly afterwards he was named as a Young Steinway Artist and won the special prize at the Valletta International Piano competition. Alisa began her studies at the Belarus State Music College before completing
her musical education at Trinity College of Music where she received first prizes at all the major competitions for strings. For this concert their music will include memorable tunes from Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Brahms and Piazzola. The concert starts at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Yatton. Ticket prices £8 YMS members, £10 non-members including complimentary refreshments. Tickets can be obtained from the church office or on the door on the night.
Alisa Liubarskaya
Harry Nowakowski Fox
Details: www.yms.org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 or e-mail david.ford@yms.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 121
(Photo courtesy of Louis Smith)
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Now, that was something special! Photos by Mark Adler
LEGENDARY ska pioneers The Specials rolled back the years to get 10,000 people dancing at this year’s sell-out Glastonbury Extravaganza. With their first album – called Encore – to be released in more than 20 years reaching the top of the charts, the band were on superb form. The evening at Glastonbury Abbey opened with an emotional performance by a male choir from the valley – the Brue Valley, that is. Led by conductor Jennifer Westcott, The Brue Boys sang in front of their biggest audience to date and admitted there had been some pre-show nerves. They were followed by another band making one of their first live appearances in more than eight years. The Lighthouse Family – duo Tunde Baiyewu and keyboardist Paul Tucker with a backing band – released their first studio album in 20 years in July. They begin a UK tour in November.
The Specials had everybody dancing
These fans had travelled from the Midlands for the show
The Brue Boys, conducted by Jennifer Westcott
This year’s event was head and shoulders above the disappointment of last year when headliner Paloma Faith cancelled at the last minute
Still on top form: Lynval Golding, one of the founder members of The Specials PAGE 122 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
Tunde Baiyewu, of the Lighthouse Family
Just one of the many birthday parties being celebrated at the event
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Terry Hall, the charismatic lead singer of The Specials
GLASTONBURY EXTRAVAGANZA 2019 This year’s fireworks finale was bigger than ever
Louise Manship, of Shepton Mallet (left), was at the front of the stage for The Lighthouse Family Paul Tucker (left) and Tunde Baiyewu on stage
Waiting for the headliners
Party time at Glastonbury Abbey
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New festival at Bishop’s Palace THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells has announced that it will be holding a brand new festival in September designed to celebrate the harvest season. Following the popularity of the annual garden festival, it decided that a new flagship event should be introduced in autumn for locals and visitors to enjoy the “fruits of the season”. The Harvest Festival on September 28th and 29th will encompass a range of activities and entertainment, including an array of stalls, selling everything from cheese to cider and chutney. There will be a variety of talks and Q&A sessions with tips on growing your own fruit and veg and on using local produce, dancing from local Morris Men, live music acts including the Wells City Brass Band and a chance to see and understand the palace allotments. For younger visitors, there will be crafting activities with autumnal and
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eco-themes and a chance to take part in some hands-on gardening sessions in the community garden. There will also be a collection, in coordination with local aid charities, for dried and canned food, and essentials. Please check the website nearer the
time for a list of much-needed items. The event will be held in aid of the Palace Trust and tickets will be £9 adult, £4 child five-eight, U-5s and palace members are free. Groups (ten plus) £7. There is an early bird discount of £1 for advance online tickets.
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Travelling bible
THE Knitted Bible is an exhibition of knitted figures that depicts 34 well-known stories from the Bible. This epic project started life in the north east of England in 2008. A group of members of St George’s United Reform Church in Hartlepool intended to create one scene – The Last Supper. Enthusiasm and imagination took over and the project grew across the area. Finished in 2012, it now travels all around the country to many different churches and organisations, returning to Hartlepool once a year to be checked. The exhibition will be at St James’s Church, Winscombe from Friday, September 20th until Tuesday, October 1st, 10am-4pm (or evenings by prior arrangement). Admission is free. Groups are welcome but must book in advance. Details: 01934 844650
Special guests at transport festival
ONE of the celebrated Military Wives Choirs will be performing at this year’s Somerset’s Festival of Transport on the outskirts of Frome in September, organisers have announced. The choir will be one of the highlights of the event, taking place on Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th at the West Woodlands Showground. The Military Wives Choirs is a registered charity and network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, bringing women in the military community closer together through singing. They will be singing on the Sunday of the show which will once again feature a strong presence of military vehicles alongside everything from motorbikes to traction engines as well as the ever-popular 1940s tearoom. The festival is organised by Magpie Auctions and for the first time, there will be a sale on the Saturday. Tina and Tony Carter founded Somerset's Festival of Transpor rally back in 2012 with their first event taking place at Bruton. For the following two years they held show and rally in the grounds of The Haynes Motor Museum, before moving to Frome. Magpie Auctions will also be running the machinery, implements and sundries auction on Priddy Green on Saturday, September 21st.
WHAT’S ON
Autumn season in Cheddar
CHEDDAR Arts @ Kings Theatre’s autumn season of film nights promises something for everyone, beginning with Fisherman’s Friends on Tuesday, September 10th. This warm-hearted tale of a singing group, inspired by the true story of the all-male acapella group from Cornwall, stars Daniel Mays, James Purefoy and Tuppence Middleton. On Tuesday, October 15th, Judi Dench stars in Red Joan – a spy thriller based on a true WW2 story – as her character relives her complex past and work on Britain’s atomic bomb programme. Sometimes Always Never, on Tuesday, November 19th, features Bill Nighy in a highly acclaimed comedy drama as a father searching for the son who walked out on the family after an argument over a game of Scrabble. And on Wednesday, December 11th there’s the chance to see Miracle on 34th Street starring Richard Attenborough, considered by many to be the best Christmas film of all time. Details: www.thelittleboxoffice.com/cheddararts Or email cheddararts@gmail.com
Society on the move
THE Arts Society Mendip has been promoting an appreciation of the arts, in its broadest sense, with monthly lectures at the Bath and West showground for over 31 years. And now they are on the move! From January next year their lectures will be held in the theatre at Strode College, Street. The move will create vacancies in their audience and new members will be welcomed. They usually meet on the first Tuesday of each month. The programme for the coming year ranges from the artistic and political culture that grew up in the first coffee houses of the 18th century, the anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci to a brief history of post-war art – and much in between. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk
AT FROME SHOWGROUND • 28th and 29th SEPTEMBER New for 2019! Auction on Saturday & Military Wives Choir on Sunday Adults: £6.00 • OAP’s £5.00 • Under 16’s Free Steam Engines • Commercials • Tractors • Cars • Motorbikes • Stationary Engines Dog Show • 1940’s Tea Room • Catering • Trade Stands • Crafts • Craft Tents • Bar • Camping available
For more information call: 07900 695620 www.somersetsfestivaloftransport.webs.com MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 125
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We hear you, say festival organisers
(Photograph courtesy of ITV)
HISTORY, memoir, fiction and the arts – those were the categories at the top of the wish list amongst visitors to last year’s Wells Festival of Literature. And organisers have acted on the answers to the questionnaires handed out; this year’s celebration offers social commentators, novelists, historians, critics and memoirs, both big names and
Melvyn Bragg will be the guest speaker on the opening night
up-and-coming voices. Famous personalities range from Chris Patten, Melvyn Bragg, Kate Humble, Kamal Ahmed, Nicci Gerrard (Nicci French) and Peter Hennessy to Roger McGough’s poetry and music extravaganza which will close the festival. As well as the speakers, the festival – running from October 18th to October
26th – offers lunches and poetry and writing competitions and the opportunity to showcase your talent at the unique Write up! Speak up! event. Last year, the festival raised £20,000 to support writer visits and other events in local schools; organisers are hoping to increase that amount from the 2019 festival.
Ben Kane, from Chewton Mendip, a former vet and Roman expert, was the guest speaker at the festival launch at Cedars Hall
Jane Glover will talk about her historical novel Handel in London
For full details, visit www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk telephone 01749 834483 or find the festival on Facebook
The Weston Christadelphians invite you to look at their new website:
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(Photograph courtesy of John Batten)
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Boost for West Somerset Railway
THE first trial shuttle trains run jointly by GWR and the West Somerset Railway (WSR), linking Taunton to Minehead, have seen visitors flocking to West Somerset from around the country. The new shuttles have brought rail visitors from no fewer than 50 mainline stations all around Britain so far, ranging from as far away as Penzance to Newcastle upon Tyne! Trust chairman, Chris Austin, said: "First survey result figures just released by the railway show over 1,000 visitors have travelled from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard over the three days the shuttle has been running so far.” In addition, 400 visitors took a charter train from Paddington on Saturday, August 17th hauled by mighty LMS pacific locomotive Duchess of Sutherland. The next shuttle trains will run again on Saturday, August 31st, September 7th and 21st and October 5th. Details: you can book on the WSR website (www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk) or pay on the train
Art in the cloisters
WHAT’S ON
CHILCOMPTON Art Club is presenting week-long exhibition in the cloisters at Wells Cathedral in September called The Art of Somer. The exhibition will include paintings in various media and cover many subjects, some of which will be local to the area; many will be for sale. It runs from Saturday, September 7th and will be open from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on the Sunday. The club meets at St John's Church Hall in Chilcompton every Wednesday and Friday morning between 10am and midday. For details, visit: www.chilcomptonartclub.uk
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 30th August
Mrs Lowry (PG) • Mustang (15)
Starts Friday 13th September Downton Abbey (PG)
Starts Friday 20th September Ad Astra, Rambo: Last Blood
Starts Friday 27th September Poms (12A) • The Goldfinch (15) • Tomorrow (15)
EVENT CINEMA FOR SEPTEMBER
The Game Changers 16th 7pm Rigoletto On The Lake 17th 7pm One Man, Two Guvnors 26th 7pm
l Book in person l Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk l Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of less than 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.
Wednesday August 28th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support tea party with bring & buy, 2pm Backwell WI Hall. For Macular Society Research Appeal. Details: 01275 462107. Weston Walking Group: moderate 7.3m with hills Huntstile, Goathurst, all welcome. Details: www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk Kammerphilharmonie, a virtuoso concert, 7.30pm All Saints Church, WSM. Tickets £10 on door. Wed August 28th to Sunday September 1st Hutton Events Weekend St Mary’s Field BS24 9QR. Horticultural show, Taste of Somerset, events every evening. Details & bookings: Parish office 01934 813871 or www.huttonsomerset.org.uk Thursday August 29th 'Victorians Go Travelling' children's activities 10am12 Radstock Museum. £3/child over one yr. Adults £1. Museum closed to public until 2pm. Saturday August 31st Weston Walking Group: level 9.3m from Cheddar, all welcome. Details: www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk “The Ultimate Little Mix Experience” 4pm, Frome Memorial Theatre. Tickets £15.50 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Sunday September 1st North Somerset Ploughing Match & Craft show Manor Farm, Bourton, Wick St Lawrence. Details: www.nsas.org.uk Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Stourhead. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Monday September 2nd Miners Reunion, Radstock Museum, for all former employees of the Somerset coal industry. Ploughman’s lunch at 12 then slide show. Details: events@radstockmuseum.co.uk Tuesday September 3rd Somerset Wildlife Trust talk 'Rewilding the British Countryside' 8pm Caryford Hall, Ansford BA7 7JJ. Refreshments from 7.30pm. Entrance £3. Tuesday September 3rd to Saturday September 7th Radstock Museum Evacuee Week, a series of daily events marking the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the first evacuees at the outbreak of the 2WW. www.radstockmuseum.co.uk/our-eventsprogramme/evacuees-week-sept-3-7 Textile Art Exhibition by City & Guilds Diploma students, 10am-5pm Wells Museum. Free entry to exhibition only. Wednesday September 4th Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers & ex-carers. Afternoon tea trip to Cadbury Garden Centre. Book a place & transport: 01275 463215. Somerset Choral Society: every Wednesday 7.30pm Concert Hall Sidcot School. New singers (SATB) welcome, contact ginny.waters117@btinternet.com or www.somersetsingers.co.uk Weston Walking Group: Box – all welcome. Details: www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk Lunchtime Concert with soprano Sara Foster, 12.301.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday September 5th Mendip Storytelling Circle: tall tales, myths, legends & riddles. Free entry, donations. Doors 7.30pm Chewton Mendip village hall, BA3 4NS. Details: Colin mendipstorycircle@gmail.com Congresbury Gardening Club talk by Neil Lovesey "Wildlife & the Garden" 7.30pm Methodist Hall. www.congresburygardeningclub.org Cash Bingo, Camerton Community Hall, 6.30 for PAGE 128 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019
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7.30 start. Prizes, refreshments, bar. Details: www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk Friday September 6th Charity Fashion Show, 38 High St, Midsomer Norton, Tickets £5 from 01761 470863. For Children`s Hospice Southwest. Redhill Club Open Mic Night hosted by Jerry Blythe 07900 587646. BS40 5SG, 01934 862619. Coffee morning, 10.30-12noon Ston Easton village hall, first Friday every month, in aid of Ston Easton church. Shared Reading groups, every Friday. Join in, or relax with a coffee to listen. Glastonbury library 10.30am-12; Wells library 11am -12.30. Details: 0151 7292200. Saturday September 7th "The Rock of Ages Experience" 7.30pm Frome Memorial Theatre. Tickets £21, £20 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Bleadon Horticultural Society 45th Annual Summer Show 2.30pm Coronation Hall, BS24 0PG. All welcome. Lunchtime concert 12noon, All Saints’ church, WSM, BS23 2NL. The James family with songs from musicals, £10 on door, includes lunch. Considering Adoption? Families for Children information session 10am-12 Monks Yard, Horton Manor, Illminster TA19 9PY. To book: 01271 612004 or www.familiesforchildren.org.uk Evercreech Annual Show from 1.30pm sports field Weston town. Family day, many attractions, adults £2 children free. Details: 01749 831304. Theale Flower Show from 2pm: demonstrations, dog show, bar & teas, adults £2 U16s free. Evening of music & BBQ: www.thealeflowershow.com Merriman Park Fun Day, Street, 1pm-10pm Rides, stalls & attractions in the afternoon; evening live music, bar & food. Mendip Rocks! event: 2-4pm tour of Chew Stoke Pumping Station. The history & hydrogeology of Mendip’s water resources. To book: mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events/ Nunney & District Flower Show 2-5pm village hall, Berry Hill BA11 4NR. Kingston Seymour Market, 10am-12pm, village hall, various stalls selling Fairtrade goods, cakes, crafts and more. Tables at £2 each. Details: 01934 830553. Saturday September 7th and Sunday September 8th Railway Rev-up, 10-4pm, vintage vehicle displays. Auction on Sat at 1pm, live music from 9pm. Car boot Sunday. Railway Inn, Meare, BA6 9SX. For Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Details: 07891 939055. Saturday September 7th to Sunday October 6th The English Woman’s Flora exhibition: the beauty of Britain’s vanishing wildflowers. Black Swan Arts, Frome BA11 1BB, Mon to Sat, 10am–4pm www.blackswanarts.org.uk, 01373 473980. Sunday September 8th Burrington Fete and the Rickford Dash, Bourne House, Bourne Lane, Burrington, from 12.30pm with sports, fun and games for all the family, BBQ after the dash, stalls and teas. Details: Paul 01761 462104. Redhill Harvest Fair & Produce Show, 1pm-4.30, Redhill Club BS44 5SG. Stalls, kids’ face painting, refreshments, entry free. Stratton-on-the-Fosse Fun Day from 12, village hall & football field. Various activities, dog show, raising funds for the community. Entry free. Food & Drink Festival with live music, 10am-4pm lakeside car park, bottom Cheddar Gorge. Free. Rare Plant Fair, 10am-5pm Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Entry £6. Charity car boot sale, Yarlington House, Wincanton from 8.30am. Pitches must be booked in advance, £35: Holly 01823 366147 or www.somersetsight.org.uk Ride Kids Ride Fun day 12.30-4.30pm Old
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Showfield, Frome. Scoot, bike, skate from £2/child. BBQ & refreshments. Organised by Lions Club with Town Council. Monday September 9th Soulful Indian classical music. Anupama Bhagwat on sitar with tabla musician Gurdain Rayatt, 7.30pm Glastonbury Town Hall. Details & tickets: www.anupama.eventbrite.co.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club, 8pm-10, St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. £3pp, no experience necessary. Details: Pat 01934 742853. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of Bingo. Nonmembers welcome. 8.00pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. ‘Elf & Safety, Myth & Fact’ by Roy Ackrill for the Nailsea & District Local History Society 7.45pm, Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors £2. www.ndlhs.org.uk Tuesday September 10th Clevedon Art Club: Andrew Lansley "Home and Away", Sixth Form Centre Clevedon School Valley Road BS21 6AH. 7.30pm. Non-members £3. Weston-s-Mare Archaeological Society talk, 7pm Victoria Methodist Church Hall, BS23 1XU. Visitors welcome £2.50. Details: Vivien Pratt 01934 620785. Love, Power & scandal: a royal jewel for every occasion by Susan Rumfitt for Arts Society Mendip, 11am Bath & West Show Ground www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk Guests welcome, 01934 862435. Fosseway Gardening Club. Talk by Avon Bulbs at 7.30pm at Pylle Village Hall. Bulbs available to buy. All welcome. Visitors £2. Wednesday September 11th Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Alan Clarke "Isles of Scilly" 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. Nailsea Horticultural Society talk on clematis and other climbers by Jane Lindsay, 7.30pm United Reformed Church Hall. Weston Walking Group: Newton St Loe, all welcome. Details: ww.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting, 7.15pm St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, BS22 8HG. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752. Lunchtime Organ recital by David Bednall 12.301.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday September 12th Mendip Society talk ‘The Glastonbury Pilgrims Way: a new Somerset trail’ from Puriton to Glastonbury, by Chris Sidaway, 2.30pm St. James' church hall, Winscombe BS25 1BA. Non-members £3.50. Soup & Pud Lunch 12-2pm Seager Hall, Wells, BA5 2PU. £7.50 at the door. For the Children's Society. Friday September 13th Fashion show Ston Easton village hall, 7pm, for Dorothy House hospice & Ston Easton church. Tickets £10, incl supper, from 07803 084314 or 01761 241588. Jenny Peplow Singers with the Swallow Choir, 7pm Methodist Hall, Paulton. Refreshments. Free, exit donations for Radstock based: www.swallowcharity.org Barn Dancing, 7.30pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall. Admission £4. Music by Jeroka. All welcome. Caller, Peter Bolton: 01749 672911. Kitty Macfarlane, local folksinger, raising funds for Somerset Wildlife Trust. Details & tickets: Strode Theatre: 01458 442846. The wildlife of the Somer Valley Area by Deborah Porter of Cam Valley Wildlife to open the Somer Walking Festival, 7pm Radstock Museum £4 on door. Friday September 13th to Sunday September 15th Priston Music Festival www.pristonmusicfestival.co.uk Saturday September 14th
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Croscombe Harvest Market, 10-12noon, Croscombe Village Hall BA5 3RA, local produce, affordable gifts and cards, refreshments, a real community event, free entry all welcome. Details: marylucia.cadogan@gmail.com or 01749 572875, stalls available. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds. Congresbury Wine Tasting & Quiz Night, 7.30pm Scout Hut, raising funds for new village hall. Bar & cheese plates. Tickets £7 from Community Café, Church House Designs or Ally: 07814 155703. The Honky Tonks 7.30pm Chew Mendip village hall, to support the hall’s maintenance & repairs. Tickets £10 from village hall committee, 01761 241761 or 241436. Bar. Coffee morning 10.30am-12.15pm for people with Parkinson’s, families/carers. St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea. Talk: Bike Ride in Tanzania by Jenni Buck. Details: 01934 834060. Plant Heritage Autumn Plant Fair, Edington village hall TA7 9HA, 10am-1pm, free entry, refreshments. Medieval Falconry Day at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Adults £9, children £4. www.bishopspalace.org.uk Rumble in the Jumble of Axbridge, with stalls throughout the town, 10am-4pm. Maps from local shops and pubs. East Harptree Flower & Craft Fair on 2.30pm EH Theatre. Sunday September 15th Mendip Society walk from Chilcompton. Mod 4m. Meet 2pm lay-by on B3139 east of Chilcompton BA3 4RR. Details: Peter 01761 221995. Garden Open for Cats Protection 11am-5pm. Midney Gardens & Nurseries, nr Somerton, TA11 7HR. Adults £6, Children £1.50. Monday September 16th Fagus Garden Club with Tamsin Westhorpe "Life on a Gardening Magazine" 8pm Methodist Hall, Nailsea. Visitors £4. Secret World Wildlife Rescue, talk by Jamie Kingscott Edmunds for Timsbury Natural History Group, 7.30pm Conygre Hall. Non-members welcome, £3. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of bingo. Non-members welcome. 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Wednesday September 18th Lunchtime Concert, violin & piano 12.30- 1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Mendip Gardening Club 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, Caring for your Houseplants with Michael Smith. Details: Hilary 01761 750139 www.mendipgardeningclub.com Thursday September 19th Mendip Ramblers mod 6.4m Stoke St Michael & Oakhill. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Cash Bingo Camerton Community Hall, 6.30 for 7.30 start. Prizes, refreshments, bar. www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk Friday September 20th Quiz Night 7.30pm Binegar village hall. Teams of four, £10. Bar. For Dorothy House & village funds. Please book: 07528 169533. Mendip Rocks! event film premiere: “The Buried Treasure of Fairyland” under Fairy Cave Quarry.7pm Priddy village hall. £2 on door. Book: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events/ Friday September 20th and Saturday September 21st Chew Valley Beer Festival, Ubley Village Hall. Details: www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk Friday September 20th to Sunday September 22nd Wedmore Real Ale Festival Glebe Field, Manor Lane, Wedmore, BS28 4EQ, opposite village hall car park, over 100 real ales, music, etc. Details: www.wedmorerealale.com Friday September 20th to Tuesday October 1st
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“Knitted Bible” Exhibition, 10am to 4pm St James’s Church, Winscombe. Free. Groups welcome but must book in advance. Evenings by arrangement. Details: 01934 844650. Saturday September 21st Folk Night: Alden, Patterson & Dashwood 7.15 for 8pm St James Hall Winscombe. Tickets £13 from winscombe.folk@gmail.com or 07703 538861. Bar. All proceeds to RNLI. Saturday September 21st Valley Arts presents Dr Phil Hammond, Bishop Sutton village hall. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Jumble Sale 2pm Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1JA. Your unwanted items welcome – on morning or ring: 01934 843461. Claverham Market, 10am-12 village hall, Bishops Rd. Many stalls: cakes, plants, cards, preserves, eggs, books, crafts. Refreshments. Details: 01934 838017. Mendip Society walk from Hinton Blewett. Mod 5.5m. Meet 1.30pm in the village hall CP, BS39 5AY. Details: Tim 01761 452017. Last Night of the Proms! 12noon All Saints’ church WSM. Tickets £10 on door includes lunch, cake & wine. Saturday September 21st and Sunday September 22nd Considering Adoption? Families for Children information sessions, 9am-5pm at Somerset County Show. Details: www.familiesforchildren.org.uk or 01271 612004. ‘Gnomus’ caretaker of the Earth by Puppets with Guts. Join lovable giant Gnomus at Weston’s Old Town Quarry for free 15min walking tours & storytelling, from 11am on the hour, every hour, until 4pm: www.theatreorchard.org.uk. Brent Knoll Scarecrow Trail 50 strong, trail sheet £1. Refreshments. Facebook: Sally Scarecrow www.brentknollscarecrows.weebly.com/ Saturday September 21st to Sunday October 6th Somerset Art Weeks Festival, a diverse programme of art, workshops, talks & films from more than 300 artists in over 100 locations across Somerset. See page… Sunday September 22nd All Creatures Great & Small animal church service. St Laurence Church, Priddy, 11am. All welcome. Monday September 23rd Green Gardeners AGM, quiz, bring & share supper 7.30 Parish Rooms Somerton TA11 7NB. Tuesday September 24th Chilcompton Garden Club, 7.30pm village hall, a talk about trees and tree planting by the Gold Club. Congresbury Over-60s Club entertainment from the Reflections Singers, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Wednesday September 25th 150th Mendip Ploughing Match, 100 Acres, Yoxter near Charterhouse, BA5 3BS, a celebration of agriculture on the Mendips. Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support. Demonstration of gadgets to help with eye problems. All welcome. 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: 01275 462107. Harptrees History Society talk by Gill Hogarth, "Those magnificent Mendip men & their motoring
WHAT’S ON
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machines" 7.30pm West Harptree Hall BS40 6EB. Weston Walking Group: Wellow, all welcome. Details: www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting, 7.15pm St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, BS22 8HG. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752 Lunchtime Concert by Wells Cathedral School, 12.30-1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available. www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Mendip Rocks! event “What Lies Beneath”. Walk to explore Priddy Caves above ground. Meet 2pm Priddy village hall. Book: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events/ Thursday September 26th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m Orchardleigh, Buckland Dinham. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk. Somer Valley Singers ladies’ choir "Open Practice" evening to welcome new singers, 7.15pm Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UH. Friday September 27th Last Night of the Proms, in support of MARLENS, the charity behind Clevedon Marine Lake. Princes Hall, Clevedon BS21 7SZ info@clevedonmarinelake.co.uk Saturday September 28th Cats Protection Autumn Fayre 10am-12 Midsomer Norton Methodist Hall. Entry free. To book a stall: 07583 956442 or 01761 410594. "One Night of Elvis" 7.30pm Frome Memorial Theatre. Tickets £23 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Yatton Music Society: Harry & Alisa NowakowskiFox (piano-cello), 7.30pm St Mary’s Church. £10, YMS members £8: www.yms.org.uk Mendip Society walk from Backwell. Mod 5m. Meet 2pm Station car park BS48 1TJ.Details: Richard 01275 852786. Macmillan Big Coffee Morning 10am-12 the Market House, Castle Cary. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds. Trotterfest 2 at the Trotter Inn, Crickham, Wedmore. Charity music night for Wateraid. Music by Funkydillies, HoodooBlue, Digitalis and The Ratcliffe Brothers. DJ "Dad Rock" aka Richard Smith. Pig roast & vegetarian, ample parking. £7.50. Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th September Harvest Festival Bishop’s Palace, Wells, 10am5pm.Adults £9, children £4 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Sunday September 29th Jazz Vespers, with Bristol band Scythia 7pm, Holy Trinity Church, Cleeve, BS49 4NL. Free, all welcome, great music, food & people. Details 01934 283340 or nigelbthomas1@gmail.com Mendip Ramblers mod 11m Sherborne Country Way Leg 4: Longburton to Bradford Abbas. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk. Wednesday October 2nd Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers and ex-Carers, 2pm-3.30, groupwork, fun and games. WI Hall Backwell.
SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS 1. Spider 5. Rickford 9. False alarm 10. into 11. Camellia 12. Abrupt 13. Snob 14. Edgeways 15. tutelage 19. Sure 21. Walton 23. Timsbury 25. Ogre 26. Cavity wall 27. Backwell 28. Castro DOWN 2. Plaza 3. Disemble 4. Really 5. Real ale festival 6. Campaign 7. Friar 8. Rate payer 14. Neuralgia 16. Washbowls 17. Barnacle 20. Emetic 22. Tweak 24. Ruler MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2019 • PAGE 129
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MENDIP TIMES
WHAT’S ON
Pig racing: a streaky attraction at show
THE thrills and spills of pig racing – using some rare breed animals – promise to be one of the highlights of the entertainment at this year’s Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show. Josephs Amazing Racing Pigs will be “competing” over hurdles in the Village Green arena – their encouragement is a bucket of food when they cross the finish line. The races will add even more colour and excitement to the show, on Saturday, September 14th at the West Woodlands Showground. Glorious food, drink, displays of livestock and, of course, plenty of cheese awaits visitors as does live music, countryside attractions and show jumping. Enjoy all the trimmings of a traditional country show with rural competitions in everything from vegetable growing to crochet. Find out what goes on down at the farm with the big machinery demos, the hilarious Sheep Show and the Discovery Zone where you’ll find Tractor Ted and
Pig racing is coming to the Frome Cheese Show
the Animal Nursey with lots of furry friends ready to meet you! Making a very special guest appearance on the stage this year will be the fantastic Mr Bloom from CBeebies so get ready for talking vegetables and sing alongs.
Trade stands areas are stacked to the rafters with more than 300 traders now attending offering everything from local produce and scrummy cakes, to beautiful homemade goods with demonstration stands a plenty!
For details, visit: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk
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