What’s On

Festival will fill Shepton with snowdrops

HOPE In Nature is the theme for this year’s Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival, featuring workshops, talks, street entertainment and an art trail as well as thousands of snowdrops.

The festival is a celebration of the achievements of the town’s 18th Century horticulturist James Allen, hailed as the Snowdrop King for his work hybridising the plants.

The highlight of the festival on Saturday, February 19th and Sunday, February 20th will be the unveiling of a 10-foot high carved stone obelisk on the Allen family grave in the town.

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Horticulture, Communities and Engagement, will give a James Allen Memorial Lecture as part of the festival, whilst Yeo Valley Garden will open specially.

The festival patron is RHS Chelsea gold medal-winning gardener Dan Pearson, a keen collector of snowdrops. His enthusiasm was fired by gifts from the garden designer Mary Keen. Dan said: “I now find myself with 70-or-so varieties, but even so I do consider myself still to be an amateur galanthophile! "Without fail, the early emergence of snowdrops will have me on my hands and knees, rummaging for their new life. Although I like the winter and do not want to rush it, the galanthus are important for their precociousness which, like a flare going off, announces with pristine surety that there is now a tilt towards growth."

Amanda Hirst, a director of the Shepton Snowdrop Project, organisers of the festival, said: “We are thrilled to have Dan Pearson as our patron. There are some wonderful synergies between his description of his own snowdrop journey and that of James Allen, the inspiration behind our Snowdrop Festival.

“He too was an amateur galanthophile and it's fascinating that each should have embarked as amateurs on a love affair with snowdrops with such huge enthusiasm and great curiosity.”

Sculptor Sam Lee who, alongside woodcarver Amelia Crowley-Roth, is working on the obelisk

For details, visit: www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk

Snowdrops at the palace

THE Bishop’s Palace’s popular “Snowdrop Celebrations” have returned to Wells running each consecutive weekend until February 27th – it’s the perfect way to mark the arrival of spring and longer days.

Since 2018 visitors have enjoyed the carpets of snowdrops around The Bishop’s Palace Gardens every spring. To complement the themed weekends, visitors can collect a printed Snowdrop Walk to guide them around the moat banks carpeted with spectacular snowdrops, and across the Willow Bridge to enjoy an arboretum full of snowdrops.

Each weekend, little ones can pick up a children’s trail leaflet from the palace ticket office with the reward of a small prize upon completion. There will be a variety of artisan craft stalls and children’s activities in The Undercroft.

Head Gardener James Cross said: “The Snowdrop Weekends have proved to be hugely popular in recent years but the growing season can be variable, so don’t leave it until the last day to visit, as you might find they’ve already gone!”

So head over to Wells to celebrate spring at The Bishop’s Palace and enjoy these beautiful flowers in a stunning setting.

Meanwhile, Jan Wallwork has become the new chief executive of The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens.

Most recently acting as business advisor in the heritage and conservation sector with both private clients and charitable trusts across the UK including Lytham Hall Trust & Cliveden Conservation, Jan’s career has almost exclusively been within the historic environment.

She said: “My delight in joining the team at The Bishop’s Palace is profound. The first of many visits this year, back in the summer, was memorable because I was not only enchanted by the historic buildings, the gardens, the staff and volunteers I encountered, but also the potential of the palace – the chance to join at a pivotal moment in its long history –the prospect of creating new ways of strengthening our engagement with our community.”

In her spare time, Jan enjoys spending time outdoors and is often out walking with her family, her camera and her deerhound lurcher. l Entry to the snowdrop festival is included with any standard admission.

Jan Wallwark, the palace’s new chief executive

Get ready to light up Blagdon

BLAGDON Lantern Parade is back this year with the theme of outer space, organisers Blagsaey Arts CIC have announced. Taking place on Saturday, March 5th, they expect to see lots of fun and fabulous lanterns such as rockets, aliens, planets, spaceships, robots and more. Lighting up Blagdon Everyone is welcome to join them at dusk for their fifth parade around Blagdon village, with beats provided by the Bloco B drummers.

There will be drop-in lantern making workshops at Blagdon Village club (10am-1pm) on Saturday, February 19th and Saturday, February 26th where volunteers will help people make their own plastic bottle rocket lanterns – take a plastic bottle to be reused. They will also be working on a bigger lantern. The sessions are free and open to everyone, of all ages and abilities.

Blagdon PTA will provide tea and cakes at the workshops as well as hot food and treats after the parade at Blagdon Village Club.

From Monday, February 14th Blagsaey CIC will be selling classic lantern kits to make at home for £4 from Blagdon Village Shop.

For details, find Blagdon Lanterns on Facebook and Instagram, Blagsaey Arts CIC on Nextdoor or email blagdonlanterparade@gmail.com

Looking to entertain the family this February half term?

WESTONMuseum has lots of familyfriendly activities and events. There is something to do every Saturday and throughout all school holidays. None are bigger than the annual History Week during February half term (19th27th).

You can meet a Roman, learn about what life was like under the rule of the empire and even have a go at some military marching. Learn about life in both the Ist and 2nd World Wars, see some of the weapons and hear about life on the home front. Or why not come face to face with awesome realistic dinosaurs?

The main History Week events are free; then there are some supplementary bookable sessions taking place for a small charge. Head to the museum’s website for details on prices and booking.

Weston Museum was founded in 1861 by William Mable. A shoemaker by trade, he came to Weston-super-Mare from London. Mable was fascinated by the excavations taking place up at Worlebury hillfort and began to put together a collection of natural history specimens.

Weston Museum today is housed in a beautiful and distinctive historic building. It tells the story of the town and the surroundingarea from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s free admission means that it is truly for everyone and is TripAdvisor’s number one tourist destination for the town.

Details: www.westonmuseum.org/events

Showtime at village hall

CLAVERHAM Village Hall has announced its first ever season of live events, featuring celebrity lineups, comedy nights and hit touring theatre shows. It says the regular live performances are an attempt to provide the local area with a much-needed social events calendar.

The first show is scheduled for February 12th featuring J.D. King, regarded as one of the world’s leading tributes to Elvis and star of the hit touring theatre show Elvis the Legend.

Following this, performances will include The American Four Tops Show, rock n’ rollers, the Firebirds, TV comedy legend and Royal Variety veteran, Mick Miller, Britain's Got Talent comedy star, Ben Langley, West End vocal group, The Four Harmonies, Oktoberfest with the Bavaian Stompers – and much more.

The hall is a registered charity and relies solely on a group of dedicated volunteers to keep the venue running as a community hub at the heart of the village. It operates seven days a week and hosts a diverse range of regular activities and private events including line dancing, martial arts and ballroom dancing.

The Tannery Bar is also open seven days a week, 711pm.

DID you know…. The Bath & West Showground officially opened its gates in 1965, as the Royal Bath & West of England Society needed a permanent home for the everpopular Royal Bath & West Show.

Whilst the Showground continues to be the home of a whole host of events throughout the year, it is also available for hire. Whether it’s a family party, a business meeting, an outdoor concert, a gala dinner or a school prom, the Bath & West Showground is the perfect venue for just about anything. As well as 240 acres of outdoor space (which includes a lake, a miniature railway, and numerous woodland areas), the Showground also has six sizeable permanent buildings, including the Wessex Pavilion; a recently refurbished two storey Bar & Restaurant.

Visit www.bathandwestshowground.com to find out What’s On at the Showground, as well as contact details for the event team, if you wish to find out more about venue hire.

Details: info@claverhamvillagehall.co.uk

Looking for somewhere to host your next event? Farming history at museum

DISCOVER what life was like on the old Abbey Farm this halfterm at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.

The museum is running a new farm trail throughout the week with lots of activities for all the family to enjoy. They include a “meet the animals” day on Tuesday, February 22nd and a tractor day on Wednesday, February 23rd. On Saturday, February 25th, there’s a chance for some foodie fun in the farmhouse kitchen to find out how people in the past fed themselves during the “hungry gap”.

The events coincide with photographer Pauline Rook’s captivating exhibition about life on the Blackdown Hills.

THE MENDIP TIMES WHAT’S ON GUIDEFOR FEBRUARY 2022

As Covid cases are still high we advise that you check that these events will take place. We’re happy to list entries for community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Commercial entries £25. Please send entries as a single paragraph of less than 25 words.

Thursday January 27th

“Snow Cats and Snow Wolves” talk by former NHU editor Pete Brownlee about films made with Gordon Buchanan. 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Rooms, £2.50.

Saturday, January 29th

Sfortzandi Duo Concert: clarinet and piano, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10, details: www.yms.org.uk “Comic and Curious” an evening of songs, music & verse, 7pm Allerton Church. Drinks on sale. Tickets £5 from 01934 351098.

Saturday January 29th and Sunday 30th Somerset Vintage & Classic Tractor Show

Bath & West Showground. Auction 29th. www.somersettractorshow.com

Monday January 31st Wessex stationary engine club meeting

8pm Old Down Inn Emborough. All welcome. Congresbury Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. All welcome.

Tuesday February 1st-27th

Festival of Snowdrops East Lambrook. NGS day February 10th. See P48.

Tuesday February 1st

The Arts Society Mendip “The History and Culture of Al-Andulas” Ian Cockburn on the Moorish invasion and culture of Iberia, 711 to 1492. 11am, Croscombe village hall and via Zoom. Guests welcome, donation £6, email: tasmendip.comm@gmail.com

Thursday February 3rd

Congresbury Gardening Club talk by Neil Ross “Things the gardening books never tell you” 7.30pm Congresbury Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Valley Arts Public Meeting via Zoom, 7.30pm, on planning for the future. Our vision is to build a performing arts centre in the Chew Valley. Tickets: Eventbrite.

Friday February 4th

West Mendip Orchestra rehearses every Friday 7.45pm- 10pm, The Lynch Chapel Winscombe, BS25 1AR. New members welcome. See P66. Candlemas Cattle Fair Frome. See P11.

Saturday February 5th

Orchard Management Day, Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury BA6 8DB. 10am-3.30pm. Led by Les Davies MBE. £60. Booking essential: www.srlm.org.uk

Sunday February 6th

Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty the Queen, 9.30am St James’s Church, Winscombe BS25 1BX. Ceremonial tree planting 11am Russet Copse, Sandford BS25 5QB, 12.30 at War Memorial Recreation Ground Winscombe, BS25 1AP. Details: 07960 697874.

Monday February 7th

Congresbury Friendship Evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

Wednesday February 9th

Chandos Society of Artists Beat the February Blues social at The Admiral Landing. Details: www.chandosartistssociety.uk

Thursday February 10th

Blackdown Hills photographs by Pauline Rook, Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury BA6 8DB. 2.30-3.30pm. £5. Bookings: www.srlm.org.uk

Thursday February 10th to Sunday February 20th

Midsomer Norton Window Wanderland, see P57.

Friday February 11th

‘The Poole Harbour Osprey Project’ a Zoom talk for Avon Wildlife Trust. Details: www.keynshamawt.org

Friday February 11th – 13th

Wildlife Window Wanderland 6-9pm Yatton, Claverham & Congresbury with emphasis on local wildlife. See P7.

Saturday February 12th

Bunting Workshop for the Jubilee, 2pm Church Centre, Winscombe, BS25 1BA. Details: 07960 697874. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Midsomer Norton Wassail. See P16. Meet the Artist: Pauline Rook. Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury, BA6 8DB. 10.30-3.30pm. Book: www.srlm.org.uk

Monday February 14th

“The History of Clifton Observatory” talk by Mary Coward to the Nailsea & District Local History Society, 7.45pm, Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors £2 www.ndlhs.org.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club St James Village Hall, Winscombe BS25 1AQ. 8pm to 10pm. No experience necessary: 01934 742853.

Wednesday February 16th Henton and District Gardening Club

“Wild Flowers & Wallabies of SW Australia” talk by Hilary Little, 7.30pm Henton village hall, B3139. www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com

Thursday February 17th

Shipham Gardening Club talk by Ian Anderson: “The Nature of Somerset”, 7.30pm Shipham village hall, BS25 1SG. All welcome. Rotary, Nailsea & Backwell whist drive, Tithe Barn, Nailsea, 2-5pm, £3 inc refreshments.

Friday February 18th and Saturday February 19th

“Wedmore – have your say.” Exhibition about the proposed new GP surgery. See MT January issue p58. Friday 2-7pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm at the village hall.

Saturday February 19th

Claverham Market 10am-12pm village hall. Butcher, vegetables, jams & chutneys, books, jigsaws, crafts. 01934 830553. Jubilee Quiz, 7pm Winscombe Community Centre BS251JA. Details: 07960 697874.

Saturday February 19th and Sunday February 20th

Shepton Snowdrop Festival. See P76.

Saturday February 19th to Friday 25th

February Half Term Activities Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury BA6 8DB. 10am-5pm, closed Sun/Mon. Booking advised, see www.srlm.org.uk

Sunday February 20th Hedge Laying & Vintage Tractor Run,

Cranmore. See P13.

Monday February 21st “Steart Marshes – changing the coastlines

for our future” talk by warden Alys Laver for Timsbury Natural History Group 7.30pm Conygre Hall. Visitors welcome, £3. Congresbury Friendship Evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

Wednesday February 23rd

Harptrees History Society: “Out of the earth: Bath’s mineral wealth” with Stuart Burroughs of the Bath Museum at Work, 7.30pm, West Harptree village hall BS40 6EG. Please wear a mask. Visitors welcome £3. Booking essential: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org

Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support

meeting 1.30pm WI Hall. Details:01275 462107.

Thursday February 24th

Avon Wildlife Trust: Morocco: birds & scenes, talk by Mike Landen & Mark Watson, 7.45 Chew Magna Old School Room, £2.50.

Thursday February 24th to Sunday 27th

Snowdrops at Yeo Valley Gardens, 104pm. Tickets: www.yeovalley.co.uk

Saturday February 26th

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc.

Concert by the Bold Brass Ensemble

7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10. See P66. www.yms.org.uk

Sunday February 27th

Elworthy Cottage nr Taunton, open for the NGS. See P48.

Monday February 28th

Mendip Folk Dance Club St James village hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. 8-10pm. No experience necessary. 01934 742853.

Wessex stationary engine club meeting

8pm Old Down Inn, Emborough. All welcome.

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