Mendip Times
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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 12
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
MAY 2021
IN THIS ISSUE: FOCUS ON WEDMORE • HEALTH & FAMILY • FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • COMMUNITY • FARMING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
WITH longer days comes increased optimism and the gradual return of some popular events, including the Mid-Somerset Show and Frome Cheese Show, with further details of the Bath and West Country Festival. Easter gave many communities the chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine – we have pictures from around the area, some of the first we have been able to take for a year. We’ve 20 pages devoted to charities and community news. There’s optimism reflected in our very busy business section with one company advertising 50 new jobs. In a special feature on Wedmore, local trader Dean Downer has weathered the pandemic to celebrate 30 years in business. We’ve news of a new flag flying over Axbridge Town Hall and a new war memorial in Long Ashton. The Mendip Society has a new chairman, Tina Bath, who gives us her thoughts for the future. Dr Phil Hammond reports on a village’s successful campaign to stop tipping at a quarry, described as one of the worst cases of toxic dumping for 30 years. With all of our regular features and contributors, let’s hope we can look forward to a merrier month in May.
June 2021 deadline: Friday, 14th May 2021 Published: Tuesday, 25th May 2021
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@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: Aoife in wonderland. See Events, page 34.
35
All smiles – Easter in Oakhill
16
Back on track – steam trains return to action
72
79
Take a bough – bringing cheer to Bishop Sutton
Hanging out the bunting – Croscombe’s colourful makeover
Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Nick Green .....................10 Internet and Crossword ..............12 Food & Drink ...............................20 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business.........................................37 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......49 Walking Sue Gearing ....................50 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........52
Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......54 Caving Phil Hendy ........................64 Health & Family ..........................66 Home & Interiors.........................75 Community ...................................76 Charities........................................87 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE....93 Sport ..............................................94 What’s On.....................................96 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
Carnivals cancelled for another year
ILLUMINATED carnival carts will not be seen on the streets of Somerset for the second successive year after the main annual processions were postponed until 2022. The decision follows a meeting of the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival Association comprising the seven carnival towns (Bridgwater, Burnham on Sea, Weston-super-Mare, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury) and the three organisations which represent the entries. David Churches, SCGFCA secretary, said: “It was an extremely hard decision for us to make, but in the current financial climate and with so much uncertainty still present in terms of the risk from the virus, we felt this was the most sensible option for us all. “Time is not on our side for our carnivals which are held in November, and the lockdown restrictions over the past 12 months have seriously limited the fundraising opportunities for our towns, carnival clubs and walking groups. “When this is combined with the ongoing social distancing arrangements, there is very little chance in raising the necessary monies needed to put on such spectacular events or indeed building the amazing entries we have become accustomed to over the years.” David added: “I am sure many members of the public and carnival lovers will be disappointed by this news, and we look forward to welcoming them back to our carnivals as we know them in 2022.”
In fine voice once again
Social distancing was observed as churchgoers sang together
MEMBERS of the congregation of St Andrew’s Church in Holcombe celebrated Easter Sunday by singing together in the churchyard. It was the first time in more than a year that they had been able to sing hymns communally and it followed a morning service inside the church.
The service was led by the Rev Clarissa Cridland, priest-in-charge of Coleford with Holcombe
NEWS
Alan Southwood – passing of a Wells character
Alan Southwood with images from the Bert Phillips collection in the Wells and Mendip Museum
RETIRED Wells businessman, Alan Southwood, who was also a volunteer at the Wells and Mendip Museum, has died, aged 89. His mother, Hilda, worked for the famous Bert Phillips photographic studio in the city, known for the many historical images of Wells and its residents. The collection is held by the museum and Alan used to organise exhibitions using the images, including those from the annual carnival; he was a former president of the carnival association. Alan ran Somerset Stationery Supplies in the city which was known as an ideal place in which to catch up on local gossip. Richard Green, a member of Wells Civic Society and one of the organisers of the annual charter fairs, said: “His love for the twice-yearly charter fairs over the years would see the showmen frequent the business for items like chalk to mark out their allotted grounds and, of course, the newspaper, the ‘World’s Fair’. “Alan was also interested in the circus community and made friends with many of them including the late Gerry Cottle. One of my great memories was being outside his shop, standing next to him and showman Charles Heal; they were a great double act with their antics!”
Peasedown party off
PEASEDOWN St John’s Party in the Park Festival has been cancelled for a second year because of the pandemic. Chairman, Nathan Hartley, said: “With uncertainties around how society will operate after the end of the lockdown roadmap on June 21st, question marks remain about whether large gatherings really are appropriate at all this year.” Since 2009 the event has raised almost £100,000 for the local community.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
The need for more social housing in Frome The public image of Frome tends to be one of trendy shops and markets, quirky cobbled streets and independent cafes. That’s how the national press portray us in those “best places to live” articles. Sadly, alongside the success of the town as a destination for visitors, creatives and innovative entrepreneurs comes the inevitable rise in property
prices. Frome is certainly in the sights of many looking for a better lifestyle away from cities. Following the recent lockdowns larger towns and cities have felt claustrophobic and lacking in nearby countryside. Whilst the ongoing rise of Frome might sound positive there is another side to the story. Local people are being priced out of the housing market and rental prices are soaring. Frome is becoming almost a town of two halves. There are those who are comfortably housed and those who are struggling with rising rents, low incomes and the real possibility of having to leave their home town to be able to afford a home. Decent housing is a human right, and it’s something that we can provide. The lack of recently built social housing is a huge problem. The right-to-buy scheme saw significant numbers of council homes taken out of the housing stock in past years. It left a big hole in the socially rented market that still exists today. In short, building new affordable social housing for local people is a must; we need to do it, and we need to do it soon. We should all see the benefits it will bring our community. A quick look at the statistics gives us a sharp reminder of the situation here in Frome. Figures from Mendip District Council show that the numbers of applications on the housing waiting list
has been fairly consistent between 2018 and the present day. A total of between 256 and 276 applicants in the top two tiers of the list (gold and silver categories) are waiting on the register. In simple terms, this means that Frome needs to provide up to 276 social rented homes to meet the current housing need. These homes would range from one-bedroom to five-bedroom properties. This number is likely to be an underestimate. It doesn’t include those lower down in the bronze section of the housing waiting list. Also, it doesn’t include those who simply haven’t applied to be housed because they feel their chances of being housed in their hometown are so small. The team behind Frome Area Community Land Trust (FACLT) has been working hard for the last couple of years to bring new genuinely affordable rental housing to Frome. The team works closely with organisations such as Fair housing for Frome. FACLT is hoping that they will land their first sites fairly soon and begin to provide homes to help ease the local housing crisis. one of the aspects with Community Land Trust properties is that they can be targeted at local people. The other key aspect is that the homes would not be part of any “right-to-buy” scheme. This ensures that they stay affordably rented in perpetuity. Community Land Trusts have already been hailed for their success across the country. They make a big difference on a local scale and help people stay in their home towns rather than be housed elsewhere. The community is at the heart of any community land trust development. FACLT hopes to bring the Frome community together and work towards making a real difference in our wonderful town. You can find out more by going to https://fromeareaclt.org Mark Brookes Frome Area Community Land Trust
Planting trees in Pensford gives volunteers satisfaction
More than 500 trees are to be planted at Wild Things Farm in Pensford, a family-run farm supported by volunteers. Sally Jenkins, who runs it with her partner, Tom, said: “Volunteers all remark how good it has made them feel – tree planting gives satisfaction and a feeling of hope and anticipation, looking forward to seeing them grow in many years to come. “We are very grateful to a number of local and national groups who have donated trees for us to plant, including The Conservation Volunteers, Chew Valley Plants Trees, Parsonage Farm, rewild Chew and a number of local residents who saved saplings or offered cuttings from their gardens. “Wild Things Farm is an evolving project that aims to bring people together to produce food, while developing wonderful relationships with each other and with nature.
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Volunteers Kurt and Scarlett with their children Henry and George
“Amongst rolling fields, woodland and river bank, we plant, we play and we ponder things together. We believe access to wild spaces outside and the
wildness of our own hearts are both crucial to health and happiness and we want to support everyone to get reconnected.”
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ENVIRONMENT
Climate change grants at grassroots level
The Somerset Climate emergency Community Fund has given out grants totalling £1 million to local communities to help them tackle the impacts of climate change in their area. Somerset County Council leader David Fothergill announced the scheme last year to encourage innovative community projects that share the council’s vision of working towards a climate resilient Somerset. Community organisations and city, town and parish councils were invited to bid for grants of between £5,000 and £75,000 for projects that can make a real difference, reduce carbon levels locally and improve our environment. A joint initiative in Bruton and Castle Cary receives £75,000 for a scheme to retrofit high-quality low-carbon improvements to local housing. The Bruton Town Council-led project, which has been developed jointly with Castle Cary Town Council, one Planet Bruton, Greener Cary and the Centre for Sustainable energy, will give independent advice to homeowners about the best and most carbon-efficient way of improving their homes, at the same time as working with local builders to develop their expertise in low-carbon retrofitting. The project will run for 18 months and combine the professional expertise of the Centre for Sustainable energy with detailed local knowledge and will employ a professionally qualified co-ordinator. Bruton mayor ewan Jones said: “retrofitting home improvements that save energy offers the greatest return on investment of all carbon emission reductions – while delivering warmer more comfortable homes, where families can live more healthily. Like many Somerset towns, Bruton has a high proportion of older, much loved but ‘hard to treat’ traditional buildings. retrofit Bruton & Cary will help to build the local skills that will create local jobs as retrofitting accelerates.” Frome Town Council has also received £75,000 to pay for a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and employ a resilience engagement officer for two years. The LCWIP will create detailed and joined-up infrastructure designs that plan safe walking and cycling routes around and through the town. The council says having an LCWIP will
Trust appeals for funds
SoMerSeT Wildlife Trust has launched its 2021 Somerset Nature reserves Fund appeal to support the maintenance of its nature reserves across the county, which costs about £2,000 a day. The trust’s reserve managers are now starting another season’s habitat work without having been able to complete much of the work from last year, when volunteers were unable to help. With the added problem of ash dieback, the trust has had to bring in contractors at considerable expense to help them keep on top of things. Chair of trustees, Graeme Mitchell, said: “There’s never been a year where donations to our Somerset Nature reserves Fund have been more vital. our planned reserve management budgets simply weren’t designed to support the amount of additional costs we’re facing. “Visitor numbers have almost doubled on our nature reserves
Retro-fitting work will improve older homes, says Bruton Town Council
unlock further funding to make these designs a reality. Councillor Paul horton said: “Increasing walking and cycling will benefit everyone in Frome by reducing traffic and congestion, improving air quality, lowering the risk of ill health, and enhancing both mental and physical well-being. “Frome Town Council will be inviting residents to contribute to the development of this plan, to make this a community wide project.” The project will start in May and will be completed by the following spring. The resilience engagement officer will support the people of Frome to become a resilient, healthy, connected community. elsewhere, parishes including Cheddar, Buckland Dinham and Baltonsborough received funding for solar panelling; Coleford to improve two playing fields and create new allotments and Shipham for an environmental improvement plan at the village school.
during lockdown and, whilst it’s brilliant to see so many people out enjoying nature locally, of course more visitors mean more maintenance work, with wear and tear on paths, boardwalks, stiles and hides needing constant repair. “We have also had to repair damage and deal with fly-tipping as a result of those few who don't treat our reserves with respect. We’re playing a massive game of catch up. “We want to thank all our supporters for everything they’ve done to help the trust in recent times. It’s hard to ask for help again but we need people to get behind us and support the fund this year. “We are committed to doing our best to maintain our nature reserves – for the wildlife that call them home, the wider ecology of the county, but also for everyone who lives, works and visits Somerset.”
Details: somersetwildlife.org/naturereservesfund or call 01823 652429
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 7
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MENDIP TIMES
ENVIRONMENT
Lake’s annual clean-up WeDDING rings, eels and broken glass were among the items recovered from Clevedon Marine Lake during its annual spring clean. every year volunteers from Marlens, the charity that maintains the lake, open the sluice gates to drain out the water to remove tonnes of silt build-up. A working party of volunteers trawled the lake bed to remove debris, rescue sea creatures and search for missing treasure. Among items found were two GoPro
Caspar with the ring
cameras and three rings. Caspar Clarke, aged nine, was the youngest volunteer to find a ring using the metal detector that he got for Christmas. After his mother posted a photo of him holding the ring on the swimmers' Facebook page, they managed to reunite it with its owner, Andrew Mitchard. Caspar said: "Cleaning up the lake was quite fun, especially when we found cool things like eels and rings! I felt really excited and surprised that I actually found something. The man was obviously very happy for me to find it, and I was happy because he got his ring back." rowan Clarke, newly-appointed chair of Marlens, said: "A lot of people don't
realise that Clevedon Marine Lake is run by a charity and a dedicated team of volunteers. These volunteers don't just organise clear-ups when the lake is drained; they also litter-pick, clean, mend and even pick up dog poo pretty much every day." Marlens is now working hard to prepare for what it expects to be a busy summer. rowan said: “We know that fresh air and exercise support our immunity and is good for our mental and physical health, so we don't want to discourage visitors. “But we would ask that people help us keep the lake clean by not bringing their dogs, taking home their litter and that they donate £2 every time they visit."
major problem in Croscombe but wants to keep on top of the situation. Meanwhile, the village’s Traffic Working Group is consulting residents about possible traffic calming measures.
It’s been running an online survey to gauge people’s feelings and what they would like to see done to make the village a safer place. l See Community page 79.
Details: email volunteer@marlens.org.uk
Keeping Croscombe tidy reSIDeNTS of Croscombe joined in an annual litter pick organised by the parish council as part of its ongoing efforts to keep the village looking neat and tidy. The council says rubbish is not a
The litter pickers assemble before splitting into small groups
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
The empty lake
Tackling the verges on the busy A371 heading towards Wells
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MENDIP TIMES
Making hay – and silage – while the sun shines IT’S this time of year when farmers start filling their silage pits and barns with feed for their livestock for the next winter. Historically, the main way of conserving grass for animal feed was to make it into hay. However, some 50 or so years ago, silage started to be made on British farms With NICK and can be found on the menus of many GREEN farm animals. Hay is dry grass that has been dried as quickly as possible to conserve the nutrients. To make hay, the grass needs to be mowed, spread in a thin layer over the whole field ready for the sun and breeze to dry the upper side, turned over so the lower side can be dried, then when it is completely dry, it is made into rows ready for a baling machine to make it into whatever size and shape bale the farmer wants. The bales have changed from man-made sheaves to small bales needing to be manhandled to large square bales requiring big machines to move them. It all sounds very simple and whilst modern machinery has made the process much less labour intensive, it still relies on five or more dry, warm days to make really good hay. Silage has taken over from hay on most farms. It is still grass
but rather than storing it at the 90% dry matter in hay, it is stored at about 30% dry matter. The field process is similar to hay making. The grass is mowed, spread out to dry, rowed up and then harvested. Silage can be baled but more often is chopped into short lengths and stored in a clamp. By excluding the air from the grass and sealing the clamp with polythene the sugars in the grass act as a preservative. The grass is pickled and can be stored without spoiling. Whilst many won’t see the finished product, lots of us will see the tractors and trailers hauling the grass to the farm. When we find ourselves following these tractors and trailers around our country lanes it is worth remembering the effort that needs to go into feeding the animals in six months’ time.
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
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PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
NEW camera-guided precision technology has come to farms in the West Country thanks to Tibbs Machinery Solutions at Camerton. Following the launch of their new franchise in the autumn, they have taken delivery of their new Garford high speed inter row hoe demonstrator. The family run company, which specialises in precision farming products are certain that this new product will be a huge asset to farmers. Richard Tibbs, managing director, said: "With the drive towards reduced use of chemicals and improved soil structure we are proud to be able to provide progressive farmers with practical, affordable solutions to help their business evolve and be competitive. “The Garford hoe is a great example of British engineering and can work in many drilled crops – from cereal, maize and beans to specialist vegetable and salad crops.” Tibbs Machinery Solutions are the first dealer in Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire to offer Garford’s products and hope to set up some demonstration days, once Covid restrictions are lifted. Richard Tibbs established the firm in 2014 following a successful career working for a number of large machinery suppliers and manufacturers. He studied at Cannington College, held an apprenticeship at R J Tinknell & Sons and holds a BEng in Off-road Vehicle Design following studies at Harper Adams University.
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Easter on the farm
FARMING
AROUND 70 youngsters and their families enjoyed a visit to a smallholding near Shepton Mallet for an Easter egg trail. Families were encouraged to walk along footpaths from either Shepton Mallet or Croscombe to reach Rock Farm at Windsor Hill which is home to the Good Life Projects, a family-run sustainable farming enterprise. Rock Farm is also one of the bases for the Food Forest Project, a community scheme to encourage wellbeing and grow sustainable food for people to enjoy for free. It recently completed work on an education centre at Rock Farm. FFP has another site at West Shepton and has just opened a third, Worthington Woods, in Wedmore.
Enjoying the sunshine at Rock Farm
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l Ready mixed for 2 stroke engines l Burns cleaner than ordinary fuel l Virtually free from sulphur, benzene and solvents making it less harmful than regular petrol, therefore breathing much cleaner air when working with power tools l Better for engines, longer storage staying fresh for years therefore easier starting l Reduced toxic emissions so better for the environment
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 11
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INTERNET
Forwarding emails
SOMETIME we receive an email and we would like to send it onto someone else. In the not too distant past, there was a lot of jokey emails doing the rounds, which got sent on to everyone in a very long chain. That doesn’t tend to happen so much now, but the etiquette remains the same. If you reply to an email, you are simply sending back to the person who sent it, of course. But when you forward an email you are sending on everything – all the names and email addresses in the body of the email and all the attachments. At the top of the email will be the reply arrow, usually top right. To forward, click on the three little dots (first illustration) for a drop down list and click forward, or you can scroll down to the bottom of the page and find three boxes, and click on the Forward arrow (second illustration). This starts a brand new email, starting with the words Forwarded email and containing all the information you originally received, so if it has been previously sent to five people, all five email addresses will be sent onto the new recipient. Which is OK if everyone knows everyone and is happy for their address to be shared, but in these days of Data Protection, may not be acceptable. So if that is the case, highlight and delete any address you think should not be shared. If you are sending it onto one person, then just put the address in the To: or Recipients box, type what you want to say, and off you go. But if you are sending it to more than one person, who may not want their data shared with others, click on the Bcc link – top right of your email – and put all the address in the Blind Carbon Copy box – everyone will get the same email with the same contents and the same attachments, but will not know who else has received it. So it would be polite to put something like – Hello Committee or Dear friends, etc at the start, so everyone knows what’s what. And when you receive an email that has been forwarded, just bear in mind that it may have been altered.
Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Not training at the moment, but contact us for a word of advice on your computer use. Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com • 01934 741751 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.
PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Occupy, preoccupy or fascinate (7) 5 Name of the recently retired High Sheriff of Somerset (7) 9 Grass like plant with triangular stems common to the levels. It has given its name to a Local Government District (5) 10 An indoor map indicating where furniture is sighted (5,4) 11 Became higher than the temperature set or desired (10) 12 A criminal plan, a fraud (4) 14 Before Noah. Literally “before the flood” (12) 18 This village near Frome plays host to an international cult, “Universal Medicine” housed in a spread called ‘The Lighthouse’ (12) 21 The last word beginning with “A” (4) 22 Children’s storage can eclipse conversion (6,4) 25 Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (9) 26 A person to whom meat or animal products are tabu (5) 27 Diverge as if from a central point (7) 28 Precisely, word for word (7) DOWN 1 My research could not find anything of note about this village, but it sits on A371 between Wells and Westburysub-Mendip adjacent to
2
3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 17 19
20 23 24
Wookey Hole (6) Village not far from Glastonbury. 16/17th July it is holding a two-day music festival called The ---Gathering. Plus, the Abrahams live here (6) Munificent, the opposite of tight-fisted (4-6) Capital of Bulgaria (5) What hospitality businesses have been busy at (9) Flat bottomed rowing boat or sea fish (4) Catholic, multifarious or diverse (8) Munition banned by treaty in 1997 but significantly not signed by China, Russia or USA (4,4) Name of what was the combined Kingdom of Serbia and Montenegro prior to 2003 (10) The middle of an earthquake (9) A newcomer compared to fiction (8) Under pressure or underlined (8) Immature offspring of a blowfly (6) Avidly, with a sharp eye (6) Class of actors to the east (5) Chemical occurring in blood, bile, milk, urine and perspiration (4)
Clues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 94
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MENDIP TIMES
Market moves as town centre is “transformed”
Charter fair cancelled for another year
NEWS
A previous charter fair in Wells
Cidermaker Alan Stone – a regular stallholder – serves a customer
SHEPTON Mallet’s weekly Friday market has relocated to part of a car park whilst the first phase of a £300,000 project to enhance the town centre is carried out. The Market Place and Town Street are being resurfaced to improve their appearance. Work should be completed by June when work to re-modernise the library – also in the Market Place – is also due to end. Businesses in the area remain open. The project is jointly funded by Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council and Shepton Mallet Town Council and is being managed by the county council. Whilst work goes on, the market has moved to nearby Great Ostry car park.
Royal funeral duties for Toby
A FORMER Shepton Mallet Air Cadet was a member of the guard of honour at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Senior Aircraftsman Toby Stratford, whose family still lives in the town, is part of the RAF Queens Colour Squadron and was guarding St James’ Palace when news of the duke’s death was announced. Toby was selected as one of the 70 RAF personnel to represent the service on parade at Windsor Castle and took his place as a member of Toby is currently a member of the RAF Queens Colour the guard of honour in the Inner Squadron Quadrangle. Toby joined 1182 (Shepton Mallet)RAF Air Cadets aged 13. He particularly enjoyed the ceremonial aspects of the training and progressed to be the Squadron Standard Bearer at ceremonial parades including the Shepton Mallet Remembrance Day services. The former St Paul’s Junior School and Whitstone Academy student joined the Royal Air Force in January 2019. He is becoming a service helper to visit and support the Shepton Mallet cadets and provide an insight into life in the RAF. Toby’s grandfather Flt Lt John Stratford DFC was a Lancaster pilot with 166 Squadron during WWII. Toby’s father, Peter, served in the Royal Navy for 20 years. PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
WHAT should have been the 820th Wells May Charter Fair will not be held this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Wells City Council says Mendip District Council was unable to give permission for a road closure order for the Market Square. The fair would have seen the 30th anniversary of the civic opening of the fair and lunch at the Swan Hotel. Instead, the city council and fair operators Shaun Rogers say they will pull out all the stops to offer Wells something special if the event can go ahead next year. Richard Green, co-ordinator for the city council and the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain, said: “We are not alone this year; the likes of Helston, Torrington and even Hereford, who were to celebrate their 900th anniversary, will all have to wait another year for their charter fair events.”
Protecting dogs from thieves
A NEW group which aims to prevent dog theft has been established in our area, following an increase in dog thefts nationally during the pandemic. Marianne Streather has volunteered to run a group for the national DogHorn campaign in the Chew Valley and already has nearly 300 people signed up on their Facebook and WattsApp groups. Marianne Streather with She said: “This campaign aims to her rescue dog Lucy build support networks for local communities to share information on dog thefts, advise people how to keep themselves and their dogs safe and assist in sightings of thieves/vehicles in the event of a theft taking place. “There’s a lot of fear in the dog walking community. We want to build a protective community that makes people safe to get out walking their dogs.” A software developer and designer with Rolls-Royce, she lives with husband, Jason, a cycle coach, and son Reggie, aged three, on a farm at Norton Malreward. The organic beef farm is owned by her parents Jill and Paul Britten and is run by her sister Fiona Penfold. Details: Facebook DogHorn-chewvalley DogHornSouthBristol@yahoo.com
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MENDIP TIMES
EVENTS
An egg-cellent adventure
DOZENS of families enjoyed an Easter-themed trail around the village of Oakhill – to spot Easter bunnies and complete a word quiz. The trail raised hundreds of pounds for further improvements to Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall on The Rec.
Fuel for thought – hot drinks and cakes before setting off on the trail
Harlow and Peyton with their prizes at the end of the trail
Which to choose? Mila and Neli at the cake stall
Niamh and Ryan tick off another rabbit – this one was in the grounds of All Saints’ church
Easter outdoors
THE children at Chew Stoke Church School ended the first half of the spring term with a special Easter exhibition, prepared by pupils. School head, Ben Hewett, said: “Due to social distancing the school’s traditional Easter service in the village church was not possible this year. Instead the children from Kingfisher Class performed a special Easter assembly which was fantastic and the school was treated to a medley of songs, poems and readings. ”
PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Easter celebration
CHILDREN at Shoscombe Church School and St Julian’s School, Wellow took part in a day of Easter-themed events and activities to mark the end of the first quarter of 2021. Headteacher of both schools, Ruth Noall, said: “The start of 2021 has been another challenging time for us all. Despite the lockdown and the ongoing restrictions around social distancing, our school children have continued to shine through.”
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MENDIP TIMES
Long Ashton war memorial dedication and unveiling LLs cadet, Bethany Scott, releasing the Union Flag for Mrs Maw
Long Ashton residents had planned to welcome the Princess Royal back to the village when she was due to unveil their new war memorial on Monday, April 12th, 80 years to the day from when the Mill Cottages were bombed, killing five of the inhabitants. Sadly, and understandably, she had to cancel late on the Sunday night following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, was kind enough to attend and unveil the new memorial for them. A socially spaced group of residents gathered to hear Cllr Charles Cave, chairman of the Long Ashton War Memorial Trust, dedicate the memorial to the 104 former residents named on it, who lived and died in the service of their country. During the ceremony, representatives of village organisations read poems by Rupert Brooke, John Masefield and John McCrae and the chairman of the Bristol Anglo-Polish Society read quotations from the wartime polish leaders in exile based in London during WW2. Charles Cave then invited the Lord Lieutenant to unveil the new memorial and a commemorative plaque. A Remembrance time capsule made from a 1916 WW1 British 108mm brass shell case with the cap made from a similar german shell and filled with wartime memorabilia was placed in the foundations of the memorial. The Royal British Legion Standard, the Polish Air Force Association Standard and the local Scout and guide flags were dipped as local Scout leader Duncan Venison played the Last Post and the Reveille.
Alan Atkins with a watercolour of the memorial by Patrick Collins PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
NEWS
The finished memorial
The Lord Lieutenant laid the first wreath at the new War Memorial on behalf of the county and other wreaths were laid by family members and village organisations as the 104 names of the fallen were read out by Charles Cave, Alex Burgh, Leigh Woods, Artur Bildziuk, chairman of the Polish Airmen’s Association, and Angela Prosser, great granddaughter of William Walter Wilson who died in the Mill Cottage bombing. The dedication ceremony finished with Duncan playing the national Anthem. Mrs Maw was then introduced to some of the relatives of servicemen commemorated on the new memorial, before meeting the architect, stonemasons and the memorial mason. Brownie Edith Warren presented a posy to her, before Mrs Maw presented a keepsake to some of the colour party and others involved in the project. The new memorial, the only one in the parish to include all known casualties, was the concept of retired local architect Alan Atkins, with black granite panels bearing the names of the fallen. The memorial is Alan’s representation of a family group looking towards Heaven. The larger panels record the names of WWI and WWII fallen and the smaller panels record the Wilson family of Mill Cottages, with other civilian casualties of the parish and the Polish crew of the Halifax Bomber LL126 who lost their lives when the bomber crashed into the field behind All Saints Church on november 21st, 1941. The memorial is in a small courtyard with a garden area and seating and is surrounded by walls constructed from stone rescued from the former Village Institute, later the WW2 ARP HQ, and then the Long Ashton branch and club of the Royal British Legion. Local stone mason Paul Clark and his son Jak constructed the walls and paved area, and nick Johnson engraved the memorial stones. The memorial was funded by the generous donations of local people, local groups, military regiments associated with the fallen and national organisations, at no cost to the local council tax payer. The Princess Royal last officially visited the village in the 1980s, when she laid the foundation stone for the self-build guides headquarters and then returned two years later to open the finished building. David Addis, secretary to Long Ashton War Memorial Trust
Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 22/04/2021 13:04 Page 75
RH
Windows
THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC
HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk
Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342
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MENDIP TIMES
FOOD & DRINK
Table for six, please
IT looks like we will be able to eat together again, even if it is in the garden with blankets! You might like to have a With JUNE barbecue and just in time MACFARLANE here come the wonderful summer ingredients of asparagus and local strawberries. And if you have never made a real strawberry daiquiri, now’s your chance! STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI
Raise a glass to eating out together again
These tasty kofte kebabs can be made in advance
KOFTE KEBABS
Tasty, spicy and a bit like a holiday on a stick, you can make these in advance and keep them refrigerated while the barbie gets to temperature. Soak bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes before using.
INGREDIENTS
(for four) 500g minced lamb I large shallot, finely chopped 1 small bunch flat leaf parsley, leaves only, chopped 1 small bunch mint, leaves only, chopped 1 tbsp sumac 1 tbsp Ancho chili flakes 2 tsp salt
METHOD Combine everything in a large bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Take equal portions of the mixture and squeeze firmly around the skewers. Refrigerate, covered, until needed. Brush with oil and grill on each side for one min to seal, then for another eight mins to cook through, turning. Serve with a yoghourt, mint and garlic sauce, salad, and warmed pitta breads.
ASPARAGUS FRITTATA
This is the real thing! Use the best, sweetest, local strawberries and be glad you live in Mendip! Adjust sweetness to your taste.
INGREDIENTS
(Per cocktail) 7 small ripe strawberries, hulled 50ml white rum Juice of one fresh lime 8 ml sugar syrup Crushed ice
METHOD Put all the ingredients except the ice into a blender and whizz to combine thoroughly. Add a good handful of ice and blend again. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
English asparagus is the best in the world and the season is underway now. We have until the summer solstice to enjoy it, so let’s make the best of it!
METHOD Preheat oven to Use English asparagus for this frittata 180°C. Put the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water and bring to the boil. Simmer for INGREDIENTS four-five mins until almost tender, (for six) then add the asparagus for another 200g potatoes, peeled and minute. Drain. Heat the oil in an cubed ovenproof frying pan and soften the 200g asparagus tips onion. Mix most of the cheese into 1tbsp olive oil the eggs and pour over the onion, 1 onion, finely chopped followed by the potatoes and 6 eggs, beaten asparagus. Top with remaining 50g pecorino cheese, grated cheese. Transfer to oven and cook until frittata is risen and golden. Serve with a green salad.
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MENDIP TIMES
Cosy bars and restaurant
Family and dog friendly
A traditional family run country pub tucked away in a beautiful corner of the Chew Valley with a delightful garden and front patio Monday to Friday 4pm From 12noon Saturday and Sunday
Refreshing pints in the summer sun Sunday lunches a speciality
Regil, Winford, Bristol BS40 8AY
01275 472388
www.thecrownregil.com info@thecrownregil.com
SHOP | CAFÉ | WINE | DELI Fresh local produce and homemade food
Suppliers include: Arthur David • Taylors Bread • Farmhouse Dairy • Mitchards Takeaway breakfast, lunch and Friday night specials
The Stores, High Street, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LJ • 01761 240820 PREMIUM SOUTH AFRICAN WINES also available in store from Perold Wine Cellar https://peroldwinecellar.co.uk • 01225 375002
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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WILD FOOD
A field of cuckoos
BiRD watchers you can stop reading now, this is not a newly discovered behaviour of this particular bird species but a celebration of wildflowers in spring! Wild flowers are popping up all over the place and one in particular caught my eye, because whilst walking along a route i take every day i With ADRIAN found the greatest number of them i had ever BOOTS seen in one place. This flower is a member of the cabbage and cress family of plants and has long been a symbol of the fecundity of spring being linked to the first cuckoo song, virgins, milkmaids and their preferred attire and, well, ladies in general. Obviously this is where the two most commonly used names for this flower originate: “Cuckoo Flower” and “Ladies Smock”; a celebration of new life and hope for the productivity in the year ahead. Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis) is a delicate upright perennial up to 60cm high, found in damp grassland, meadows, woodlands and roadside verges. it has even been known to pop its head up in less well drained gardens. The flowers are 12cm across, are white or tinged lilac. The leaflets are slightly toothed, the end leaflet is larger than the rest. The seeds are contained in cylindrical pods which have a trick, along with other members of the cress family such as Hairy Bittercress, of dispersing their seed by suddenly exploding, hurling their salvo over quite some distance. The flavour of Cuckoo Flower’s leaves have been variously described as “slightly spicier than Hairy Bittercress”, more positively as a “taste sensation” through to “although edible, this plant is bitter” and the positively glowing review of “unpleasant, oily bitterness that makes it inedible”. Obviously this can be due to a number of factors, including the age of the plant and just because something is edible doesn’t mean to say it is tasty or indeed suits all tastes. Timed right, the pepperiness makes a great addition to a dish or embellishes a bland cheese sandwich. My photography simply doesn’t do the sight justice but there is something rather wondrous in discovering such a profusion of beautiful flowers where there has been so few before, gently nodding their heads in the breeze. Even if you are a bird watcher, you cannot fail to be impressed with this field of cuckoos. 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.
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FOOD
Spring cabbages
THiS year we’ve done really well with our spring cabbages. We grew two varieties – Durham Early and Wheelers imperial. These were sown under cover in plugs in late August last year and planted out in September. We had to spend a day or two picking With JAKE off caterpillar eggs but this late planting WHITSON date meant that we avoided most of the pests and diseases of cabbages and are harvesting now just before they start to come back again. The wind took its toll however and an effect of this has been that a few plants bolted before making nice heads. This is no great shame to us as the flowering shoots are absolutely delicious, very much like purple sprouting broccoli. We’ve found that by picking out the main flowering stems we also get a secondary crop of smaller shoots. The main thing is to pick them as soon as possible before cooking (think minutes and not hours), so the sugars in the plant don’t have time to turn to starch. Simply steamed, these cabbage shoots (or broccoli) lend themselves to any number of dishes. i particularly enjoy this old favourite of mine, where the shoots really take centre stage, adapted from The River Cottage Cookbook – steamed broccoli with an anchovy and chilli dressing. To make the dressing simply blend together a tin of anchovies and their oil, 150ml olive oil, two teaspoons each of Dijon mustard and cider vinegar, two peeled garlic cloves, a pinch of rosemary leaves and ground black pepper. Once you have a smooth emulsion, add some finely chopped fresh red chilli, or a pinch of chilli flakes. Steam your broccoli, toss with a knob of butter and then warm up the sauce over a low heat in a pan with another knob of butter. Serve with a few boiled potatoes or crusty bread.
Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 23
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MENDIP TIMES
eat:Castle Cary returns
eat:Castle Cary in May 2019
The Churchill Inn Bristol Road Langford BS25 5NL 01934 852757 the churchillinn.co.uk
A new look A new menu Same warm welcome
Russ and Bernie’s relaunched pub
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
A ONE-day celebration of local and regional food and drink, organised by multi-award winning eat:Festivals, returns to Castle Cary on Saturday, May 1st. eat:Castle Cary is a free event with approximately 50 regional food and drink producers who will be well-spaced out along the roads. The whole market is in the open air and will have measures in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission. eat:Festivals is led by Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds – two women on a mission to reconnect residents with the productive landscape that surrounds them. The social enterprise, started in 2012, has grown steadily, now hosting 23 events in Somerset, Devon, South Gloucestershire and Dorset each year. The last Castle Cary festival was held in May 2019. They said: “We know that weekend shindigs, days out and socialising have all been turned on their heads over the past year with plans disrupted and many regular events cancelled. in 2021 we are hoping for the best, but ensuring our plans include a worst-case scenario. “We managed to deliver six, socially distanced and Covidsecure events between lockdowns in 2020 and we are thrilled with the support from local council officers and support services in planning a fresh series of adapted markets in 2021 – including this one in Castle Cary. “We are using quite a wide area within the town centre and the honey-coloured stone of the Market House is the perfect backdrop to showcase the micro and small producers from across the region – many of whom have not been to a live market for over a year.” For details, visit: www.eatfestivals.org
Summer at Lye Cross Farm
LyE Cross Farm is looking forward to summer with a range of special offers and a more comfortable outside seating area. it’s also extended its hot drinks range, now from beans not a machine – offering Lattes, Americano, Flat White and more. Why not enjoy with friends and family a freshly made roll, Nutts Scotch Eggs, Clarks Pies and Chunk of Devon pasties? The improved seating space means you can enjoy a catch-up and some lunch or a cheeky slice of delicious cake whilst being surrounded by what’s going on at Lye Cross Farm! Promotions in May include some great deals on their Lye Cross Farm Cheddar, Ramus Fresh Fish and why not indulge in any hot drink with a “sweet treat” for just £3.75?
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FOOD & DRINK
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 25
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FOOD & DRINK
Thank you pizzas
ORDER NOW FOR COLLECTION ONLY HOMEMADE 9” PIZZA TOPPED WITH CHEDDAR/MOZZARELLA MIX
Chicken Ham Pepperoni Steak Tuna Chilli Jalapenos Mushroom Olives Pepper Pineapple Red Onion Spinach Sweetcorn Rocket Goats Cheese Order via Facebook facebook.com/Cheddarpizzahouse or call 07862 469983 Cheddar Pizza House, 7 Littlewood Way, Cheddar BS27 3FP PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Richard and Kathryn Munday
Cheddar firemen
HUSBAND and wife team, Kathryn and Richard Munday, have launched Cheddar Pizza House during lockdown from their home in Cheddar. They started offering homemade pizzas for takeaway on Friday and Saturday evenings at the end of January and have made over 300 so far. They said: “We have been elated with all the support we have received from the local community. “We wanted to give something back to the community so we recently sent some of our pizzas down to Cheddar fire station for the firefighters to enjoy and as a way of saying thank you to our local key workers.”
butchers * fishmongers * delicatessen
THANKING OUR CUSTOMERS NEW AND OLD FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT
open: monday – saturday 7am-6pm • sunday 10am-4pm
e cross, union street, cheddar, somerset bs27 3na • 01934 742521 email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com
(Photos courtesy of Adam Butcher)
MENDIP TIMES
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EVENTS
Yarnbombing for Easter
Spring colour at St Vigor’s (l:r): Gordon Jackson, Val Letcher, Di Jackson, Trevor Letcher and Sue Padfield
KNITTERS have turned parts of Chilcompton and Stratton-onthe-Fosse into a riot of colourful flowers as part of the Easter celebrations. The yarn bombing was a joint effort by worshippers in the St Vigor and St John benefice who decorated the churchyard and porch of St Vigor’s Church in Stratton-on-the-Fosse and a cross and the gates to St John’s in Chilcompton. The knitters also yarn bombed a cross outside the entrance to St Vigor and St John primary school where pupils joined in by painting Easter messages onto pebbles. Meanwhile, an embroidery group let by Patricia Ardron has created an Easter-themed thank you to the NHS by the River Somer in Chilcompton.
St Vigor and St John rector, the Rev. Esther Smith, at St John’s in Chilcompton
The yarnbomb in The Street in Chilcompton
Year 3 pupils by the cross outside the primary school in Chilcompton
An Easter chick – part of the display by the river in Chilcompton
Welcome to St John’s!
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 27
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MenDip TiMes
Axbridge flies the flag
The new flag on the Town Hall
AXBRIDGE has a new flag, reflecting the town’s long history, thanks to the Axbridge Town Trust, a charity set up in 1889 to acquire the assets of the Axbridge Corporation, which had been dissolved by the Municipal Corporations Act of 1883. It is now flying on the balcony of the Town Hall alongside the Union Jack with the blessing of Axbridge Town Council, which has accepted it as the town flag. Displayed on the flag is the motif which Axbridge has used since at least the Tudor period, but probably from even earlier. It features the lamb and flag, or Agnus Dei, Lamb of God, as it is also known. Sometimes it is also referred to as the The new emblem Paschal Lamb. It may also refer to Axbridge’s former prominence in the wool trade. It contains a legend around the edge, “Communitatis Burgi de Axbridge Siggilum”, the Seal of the Community of the Borough of Axbridge. Axbridge has retained the lamb and flag as its symbol for possibly over 800 years, in a variety of forms.
History on our doorstep
THE historic Grade I listed church of St. Vigor’s in Strattonon-the-Fosse is one of only two churches in England named after Saint Vigor, a French bishop and Christian missionary. The church has been at the heart of the community dating back to the 12th century and has had many additions and changes in its history. Rare amongst small rural churches, it has a number of fine wall monuments. Many are dedicated to the Long, Knatchbull and Salmon families, who are entwined with both local and national events from being knighted by Oliver Cromwell, to being in the militia that quelled the riots of the Shepton Mallet weavers of 1758; through to marrying into the Mountbatten family. However, many of these monuments are in need of repair and conservation. Work has now started on them as part of a wider project to adapt the church for current and future needs. As a first step, two of the monuments have been dismantled to ensure they do not deteriorate further or present a hazard to the public when the church reopens as soon as the current restrictions allow. The work was undertaken by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, with significant funding provided by The Sperring Charity, which offers financial support to the people and organisations of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas.
Details: www.stvigorstjohn.church
History goes online
A 17th century version
PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
SOMERSET Archaeological and Natural History Society will hold its AGM via Zoom on Saturday, May 15th at 10.30am. During the pandemic it is offering an exciting programme of online webinars and virtual events. Its Facebook page has lots of information on its work and upcoming events and plenty of photographs too. The society now has a YouTube channel, where some events can be seen after the initial live stream.
Details: www.sanhs.org office@sanhs.org
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HisTory
society wants your historic photos
HARPTREES History Society is looking for historic photos like this one of people and places in the Chew Valley and Mendip areas. Over the years, the society has collected a large archive of local photographs which are being digitised, labelled and tagged so that anyone can make a search when its new website goes live. They would love to hear from anyone who may be able to add to their collection. The photos would be carefully scanned and returned. Any background information about the photos would also be very welcome. This photo shows the former Matthews’ Duchy Garage next to the Farrington Inn. The society normally meets monthly in West Harptree Village Hall.
Details: Lesley ross lesleymmross@yahoo.co.uk or nick roberts nickroberts221@gmail.com
The enduring power of stanton Drew stone Circle
WE recently did one of Sue Gearing's walks that she describes in the Mendip Times, the circular from Pensford, and I must say what a great walk it is (we had lovely dry cold weather) and how well Sue guides one round. As we came to Stanton Drew and saw the stone circle, not only was I taken by their place and history but by the fact that they are so little known about. I have written this poem and wondered if you would publish it in the magazine. Along with compliments to Sue for her description and my awakening! The site has been closed during lockdowns.
sTAnDing sTones
In Stanton Drew they stand, The Petrified Dancers, hand in hand Form circles for the wedding fun. The fiddler plays, they have begun
They danced on and on until energy sapped They collapsed where they stood, in his web, trapped. And there they are, still standing as stone Permanently fixed, never to roam.
Long ago, back thousands of years They shared the same modern hopes and fears Of family and friends, of building a life As one, free from hunger and strife.
Away from the stones, across field and road A group of three stand proud and bold, One in the centre facing out Two side by side, still waiting for nought.
Their day and night of revelry Feasting and singing carefree. To celebrate the joining of two Young lives; lovers, faithful and true.
A community strong, held together by faith, Belief in the Gods to guide them with grace Through good times and bad, famine and feast Protect them from evil and from The Beast.
The party must end by midnight dead For the morrow was Sunday, or so it is said. But The Devil appeared as a handsome youth And played on through the night, whilst hiding the truth.
That was the dancers, but what of the bride And the man she would wed, stood beside? The parson (or whatever he was called then) Ceremonially dressed up again?
These stones forming a three-cornered room The parson, The Bride and Bridegroom. People of Stanton call it “The Cove”, A place one could hide and never move. This is the legend of Stanton Drew An ancient gathering place to Meet and worship and celebrate The seasons, nature, the good and the great.
Andy Cowell, Farrington gurney
Andy has recently published a collection of poems which are available from olympia and the usual bookstores. Details: Heart stones by Andy Ts Cowell – olympia publishers
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 29
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MENDIP TIMES
Artists sketchbooks have an international flavour Cam Valley arts Trail (CVaT) group artists, Gina Belford, Gaynor Leverett-Jaques and Karen George have all signed up to take part in an international art project, The Sketchbook Project, which is hosted by Brooklyn art Library in New York.
Gina Belford
Karen George
The library holds the world’s largest collection of artist sketchbooks and each year they invite artists to add to it. Registration for the project is open until June and anyone can take part.
Gaynor Leverett-Jaques
Details: https://brooklynartlibrary.org/participate www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk
DRAWN FROM THE GARDEN WORKSHOPS Charcoal drawing workshops at Yeo Valley Organic Garden May 19th – September 29th
Please check out availability on my website: www.natashaclutterbuck.co.uk For all enquiries get in touch: Phone: 07464951180 Email: info@natashaclutterbuck.co.uk PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Discovering antiques – a stirring tale!
HoLed up at home with time on my hands, I recently found myself contemplating the Big Bang. Well, to be more precise, my Big Bang. What was the thing that kick-started my life in antiques? It’s a question I’m often asked but have never been able to answer. Try as I might With to identify a moment of dazzling CHRIS YEO epiphany, I could not recall any such event. I can only conclude it must have been lurking in my dNa. For as long as I can remember the man-made things around me, be they buildings or dinner plates, have held a magnetic fascination. It was only natural that, sooner or later, antiques would attract my attention and, true to form, I was hooked whilst still in short trousers. my enjoyment, however, has always been much more about discovery than possession. I have always been captivated by the notion that an object – no matter how ordinary – can be a silent witness to history, a tangible link with a time, person or place. You could almost say it’s meat and drink to me. Which brings me on to wooden spoons. Back in the 1990s, a friend of mine was working at one
ARTS & ANTIQUES
of the major London auction houses. at the end of a long day, just a fraction before closing time, as the liveried doormen were about to swing the heavy oak doors shut, a rather scruffily dressed young man strolled into the grand reception area. T-shirts and ripped jeans are now de rigueur on Bond Street, not so in the ‘90s. eyebrows were raised. The young man’s enquiry was as unlikely as his appearance: would the auction house be interested in selling his aunt’s wooden spoons? He went on to explain that he had approached all the other auctioneers in the area but – suspecting youthful high jinks – each had shown him the door without further enquiry. Unfazed and intrigued, my friend asked his aunt’s name. “elizabeth david” came the reply. The young man was indeed the nephew of the fabled food writer and the resulting sale of the contents of her kitchen, which included her wooden spoons, became headline news. The moral of the story? Have an enquiring mind. don’t be put off by appearances and remember, it’s not always the early bird that catches the worm.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 31
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MENDIP TIMES
Lanterns light up the night sky BLaGdoN'S fourth lantern parade was as colourful as ever, though it had to be a socially distanced event. This year the theme was nature and foraging and the big lanterns were made in memory of friend and parade organiser andrea Bonetti who died from cancer last summer. The mushrooms and flowers were inspired by her wonderful vibrant pastel and charcoal drawings of nature and her family helped carry them. The parade is organised by Blagsaey arts CIC.
Details: Facebook @blagdonlanterns
Guild support for mosaic
THe Wells in mosaic team says it is delighted to have received not only a very generous donation from the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, but also great praise for the project. When mosaic artist, Ruth ames White, was accepted as a member of the guild, guild master, Prue Biddle, was very impressed with her work – especially the skill and ambition shown in the six-metre diameter mosaic depicting the City of Wells and its history. So impressed that she and her members decided to give their support to the project. as well as a significant financial contribution, the guild is keen to support Ruth and the team in any way they can in the future. Prue said: “We are delighted to support the mosaic and look forward to some of our members being able to visit the studio in the not-too-distant future to see the work in progress.” members of the guild work all over the county but their gallery, in Broad Street in Wells, is where work is exhibited and sold. Details: www.somersetguild.co.uk www.wellsinmosaic.org
PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Knobkerrie hits the mark
KNoBKeRRIeS at first glance look pretty harmless but they can have a lethal history being a form of club used mainly in Southern africa. Typically they have a large knob at one end and can be used for clubbing an enemy’s head! Tribal items have always been met with strong demand at the mendip auction Rooms and a Zulu example offered in april achieved a price of £1300. With the auction rooms now allowing viewing, there was really strong online bidding at the april antiques sale with quality once again selling. The demand for furniture has improved a little and a charming George III bureau bookcase realised £2000. There was also keener interest for pictures with two framed
ARTS & ANTIQUES
old master pen and ink drawings achieving £1300, a pastel portrait of Rembrandt £850 and a modern still life by Raymond Campbell £750. a charming chaise longue or day bed by Howard & Sons was offered having been bought at another local auction house last year for £12. The owner had decided not to keep it and took it to mendip where it was recognised as “Howard & Sons” and of value. With appropriate cataloguing and promotion, it went on to achieve £1500. The auction rooms are now open for valuations and viewings and it is intended to welcome the public back for sales on may 25th. The team of valuers at the auction rooms are also out on the road undertaking free home visits.
Contact the auction rooms on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 33
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MENDIP TIMES
On the trail of a white rabbit
Singing Flowers
ALMOST 350 families enjoyed a fantasy trail around Holcombe, complete with larger-than-life characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to entertain them. Wonderland in Holcombe was organised by the village’s Holcombe Hive team which last year held Halloween and Christmas events. The trail – which ended with children meeting the White Rabbit in his burrow to receive Easter eggs – was raising funds for the village.
Not one caterpillar, but two offering advice! Laura Parslow (left) and Anne Hale were the first characters on the trail
Jumping for joy at the Mad Hatter’s tea party
PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Planting roses – the Queen of Hearts
Jacob, aged five, and Rose Marie, aged three, at the start of the trail
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EVENTS
Full steam ahead for heritage line
PASSENGER-carrying steam trains returned to the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore for the first time since the latest Covid restrictions were eased. Enthusiasts and families alike were delighted to take their seats once again – although the first train was delayed by 30 minutes due to a minor fault with the line’s Ivatt loco. During lockdown, work continued to create the heritage line’s new museum in a former ticket office and waiting room. The charity – which recently received aid from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund – hopes it will be able to open the museum to visitors from Monday, May 17th.
The Ivatt loco 46447 prepares to leave the sidings for its first journey of 2021
Richard “Dick” Bellchambers at work in the engine shed on GWR Prairie loco 4555 on loan from the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Dick owns the ESR’s distinctive bright blue Lady Nan loco
Attention to detail inside the new museum
Loco driver Alan Jefferies, who lives in Nunney, grabs a bite to eat on the footplate. Alan used to work on the Somerset and Dorset Railway
Lynne Sharp with Barney the station dog, always on hand to greet visitors
Enjoying the scenery
For details, visit: www.eastsomersetrailway.com
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NEWS
Flying high once again
FALCONRY displays returned to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells for the first time in many months with Tony Bryant’s medievalthemed Raptorcare entertaining visitors. After Covid led to the cancellation of so many of his favourite events, Tony admitted to being a little rusty – and some of the birds were occasionally a little reluctant to fly or obey instructions! Tony is due to return to Wells in the autumn.
One of the harris hawks in flight
This barn owl stole the hearts of many onlookers
Pop-up shop is Rotary’s way to re-use and recycle FROME’S three Rotary clubs have joined forces to open and run a charity shop in the town’s Westway Precinct. A queue of shoppers formed outside the spacious former M&Co store before the doors opened, revealing everything from furniture and household items to books and musical instruments. The shop is part of a new Rotary focus on the environment with the message “Rotary – recycle, repurpose, renew, reduce waste” and it’s the eighth such shop to be run in Frome by the clubs. Dot Cretney, from the Frome Selwood club, said: “The last shop was taking about £1,000 a week and we’re hoping for the same here, if not more. “People in Frome are very supportive of us. They know the majority of the
Rotarians gather in the former M&Co shop ahead of opening to the public
money will be going to local good causes and they’re also very generous in donating items.” The clubs – operating as Rotary in
The first customers make their way into the store
PAGE 44 ULY 36 • MENDIP TIMES • JM AY 2019 2021
Frome – had hoped to open the shop in January but were thwarted by lockdown. The shop will be open from Wednesday to Saturday each week.
An eye for a good deal
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BUSINESS
The importance of appointing a guardian for your children Becoming a parent is life-changing and with so much planning involved along the way, it is hardly surprising that many people do not consider drafting a Will and appointing a guardian at what is a very important stage of their lives.
Why appoint a guardian? if there was one person in the world you would trust to bring up your child, who would it be? This is a difficult question, and one which can prevent people from finalising their Wills. making a Will and incorporating a “guardianship clause” allows you specify who you would like to bring up your child if you were not around as opposed to leaving it to the court to decide.
Should I make a Will? A guardianship appointment only needs to be in writing and signed and dated to be valid. it can be a letter of wishes, setting out how you would like your child to be brought up. This can include a range of different things, from the kind of education you would like them to have, to sports, activities or hobbies you would like them to take part in. You can even specify which family members and friends you would like your child to be kept in touch with.
Kat King
it is a very personal letter and, although not legally binding, it can be very useful for the person responsible for bringing up your child. However it is worth thinking about including this in your Will as this also takes into account other aspects of the administration of your estate such as who your executors/trustees will be as they will be responsible for dealing with the estate funds and releasing money to the guardian.
For more information in relation to appointing a guardian or making a Will, please contact Kat King on 01749 342 323 or kat.king@mogersdrewett.com. We are here to help.
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Safety first as coach travel returns WiTH england coming out of the latest lockdown, Berrys coaches have relaunched their London Superfast Service. They have been busy in the background over the past few months, still supporting the local community and providing school transport for children of key workers. now schools have fully reopened, they have welcomed all students back on board, transporting them safely to and from school on a daily basis. With their Superfast Service returning, their coaches will be serving all stops daily, from Tiverton to Wincanton, Bridgwater to Amesbury and many stops in between. They have been awarded the “good to go” certificate from Visit england, which recognises the processes they have put in place to ensure they are covid safe. Safety is paramount for both their customers and team members. So they have put in place covid secure measures which include compulsory face coverings (unless medically advised not to), hand sanitisers on board every vehicle, temperature screening prior to boarding
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
vehicle, enhanced cleaning regime utilising aerosol-based disinfectant fogging equipment and retrofitted air conditioning and filters to help remove particles and virions from the air on board their vehicles, creating a
James, Stuart and Scott Berry with the latest Plaxton double decker coach
healthier environment onboard the coach. in the coming months, they are planning to relaunch their Day Tour brochure, with many exciting destinations planned for 2021.
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BUSINESS
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements – co-habitation
A Pre-nuPTiAL agreement is a legal agreement that sets out how assets should be divided in the event of a divorce. in late or second marriages people will often have already accumulated significant assets or perhaps have an expectation of an inheritance which they might wish to protect in the event of the relationship going awry, particularly in its early stages. The advantage of a pre-nuptial agreement is that it can clearly set out the parties intentions at the outset of their relationship and in particular identify what assets are to be regarded as marital assets and how they should be divided in particular circumstances. in this way many of the issues which are commonly argued in matrimonial financial cases can be avoided to the benefit of all concerned. So the main purpose of a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement is to limit the claims that can be made against assets brought into the marriage, and help the parties to more easily reach a financial settlement if the relationship ends. Although either party can still take the matter to court, a judge is unlikely to ignore an agreement freely entered into by both parties without very good reason to do so.
if the agreement is prepared correctly and carefully, with both parties having had the opportunity of taking independent legal advice and the agreement is fair, it can carry significant weight. using these agreements can lead to a significant saving in legal costs. in the absence of a pre-nuptial agreement it is still open to the court to ignore assets built up before the marriage and after it has broken down. Post-nuptial agreements are less common than pre-nuptial agreements but can still achieve the same objectives although it is perhaps even more important to demonstrate that steps have been taken to establish that the agreement is fair and has been freely entered into by the parties after a full disclosure of their financial circumstances has been given. All this is fine as far as married couples are concerned but the position is potentially more difficult for those who are just cohabiting. They are at a disadvantage as the court does not have the wide and flexible powers to divide up the assets as it does in divorce proceedings so if a relationship breaks down a division of assets is not based on fairness but more on strict property law principles which could lead to one party
going unrewarded even at the end of a long relationship. However such an outcome could be avoided using a cohabitation agreement which can set out the parties intentions and record in as much detail as is required the split of the assets in a variety of scenarios. These agreements are used too infrequently and it would save a great deal of acrimony if they were in more common use. 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 OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168
Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 39
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MENDIP TIMES
P & C Logs
Mendip Times All systems go for shows reduces travel costs TrADe stand applications have opened for both the mid-
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Somerset Show, in August, and the Frome cheese Show, in September. Both agricultural societies say the events will look and feel slightly different as they respond and adapt to the coronavirus restrictions in place at the time – but the news that they are going ahead is a welcome relief to all. The mid-Somerset Show – a free event for people visiting on foot – will take place on Sunday, August 15th at the society’s new dedicated showround on the edge of Shepton mallet, closer to cannard’s grave. Work is well underway to build new storage space and offices on the site. Frome Agricultural and cheese Show will take place at its West Woodlands showground on Saturday, September 11th. Tickets were being released in the first of three stages as mendip Times went to press, following the government road map to ensure there is no breach of any maximum capacity restrictions. Frome cheese Show manager Hannah george said: “We were all very disappointed that the show couldn’t take place last year. it has for the previous 150 years and more brought the local community together to celebrate the very best in local agriculture. “We hope after what has been a very unsettling year for us all where businesses have been adversely affected you will all look forward to joining us for a fun day out to support those business in getting back on their feet and to celebrate and learn more about British farming, agriculture and the rural way of life.” For details, visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk and www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk
A new opportunity for online sellers
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We are all, thanks to the pandemic, very aware of shopping online and the ease with which we can buy almost anything with a few clicks on a keyboard. To be able to buy something online does of course require it to be available online and a new jointventure business based in Shepton mallet aims to bring this ability to the heart of the mendips. Food and beverage manufacturer Framptons and their distribution partner Willmott’s Transport have formed online Fulfilment Limited (oFL) to provide their own customers and other local businesses with everything necessary to sell via the internet directly to consumers, without the need for costly deliveries to distant warehouses. From those with existing online sales wishing to save on initial delivery costs to businesses who do not yet sell online, oFL can offer website design or updates including building a shopping channel, order capture, cash collection, storage, picking, packing and despatch. if your volumes don’t yet justify a website, sell online with your products listed in the oFL web-shop by promoting your products via social media. no picking, packing or taking to the Post office! if you have products to sell, oFL is your local option to help get them to the consumer.
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BUSINESS
New local HQ for worldwide company
THe Somerset Toiletry company are thrilled to have re-opened The Soap Bar café and gift Shop at its new headquarters in the old Warwick Arms, on the A37 in clutton. Purchased at the end of 2019, the former pub has undergone extensive renovations, but due to lockdown, it has only been open to the public for six weeks. The café offers chilled and luxurious surroundings where home-baked cakes and light Sakina Buoy and Lily her Romanian lunches are rescue dog available and great coffee and teas. it still has a licence, so wine, beer and snacks are available to purchase. The gift shop sells the full range of products that The Somerset Toiletry co. are famous for alongside end of lines, outlet goods, and various products that the company produces for larger worldwide retailers. established in 1999, the company now designs, manufactures and sells products in over 50 countries. it has 45 staff based locally between the head office, the warehouse and the soap production site. The company ethos of selling “exquisite product at honest pricing” is at the heart of much of their decision making and ensuring that active products with good ingredients don't have to cost a fortune. They are also on a journey of making all of their products more sustainable by ensuring plastic bottles use recycled material and gifting is packaged in cardboard outers rather than plastic. Also, many of their products are vegan friendly. owner Sakina Buoy says the addition of a café and shop is extremely exciting, as it allows them to be much more connected to their local community. She said: "The café and shop will allow us to meet our customers and opens another channel for us to employ local people and offers those that come in an opportunity to purchase our regular products as well as take advantage of some great bargains. We hope to expand our hours and offering as time goes on." Sakina also states that they have been honoured to offer an office to Billy chip, a local charity doing incredible work in helping the homeless, which the Abernethy-Hope family set up in memory of their son.
Camping
Book your wild camping for your UK staycation www.chills.org.uk/camping
Nature Gift
Give a tree to family & friends www.chills.org.uk/naturegift MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 41
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MENDIP TIMES
Helping you make a Will: which Will suits you? ArguABLY the most important document the average person will sign during their lifetime is a Will; after all, which other document deals with all your assets and decides who will receive them after your death? many people delay making a Will, perhaps because dying seems too remote an event, or even from worries that it might hasten the end of their life. However, one thing the pandemic has taught all of us is that life can change very quickly, and things shouldn’t be put off. The process of making a Will can seem too difficult to do, although like most tasks the more it is delayed the harder it can be to face. We can help you make the process easier enabling you to focus on the most important questions, to better protect your loved ones and possibly to save tax. our expert advice is more expensive than making your own Will, or receiving help from a non-specialist, but a Will is not something that can be skimped on. it is
vitally important for your family’s future security, and we are always transparent in our pricing. Our online Which Will? tool given the importance of having a well thought out Will, we have developed an online tool that helps in deciding which is the best form of Will for you. everyone has different circumstances, particularly in this ever more complex world, where blended families are commonplace. Your own personal situation, and the nature and amount of your assets, are vitally important in deciding which Will is best for you. our Which Will? tool is easy to use and asks you a series of questions to determine your situation before recommending which Will is likely to be most suitable. if you request a consultation, our specialist team will know important information about you in advance, making the process easier and helping you to get more out of the meeting.
Complex Wills complex situations sometimes require complex solutions, but our specialist team can explain their recommendations in clear, jargon free language. As a national firm we make significant numbers of Wills every year and so we have dealt with numerous people with many different circumstances enabling us to get to the heart of any problems quickly and efficiently. Caring for your family A Will enables you to put in place asset protection where necessary, provide clear directions for what is to happen to your estate and, in some cases, maximise your family’s inheritance by reducing tax. Drawing up a well thought out Will can help reduce the stress that your family will be under at a very difficult time, could reduce the likelihood of expensive disputes, and is one of the most powerful ways you can care for your family and demonstrate your love for them.
Access our easy to use Which Will? tool at www.clarkewillmott.com/which-will/ to find out which Will is best for you.
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@wilding_arb @wilding_arb PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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BUSINESS
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Clear Space Self Storage – a growing success story A neW phase of development is underway at clear Space Self Storage in Shepton mallet to meet increased demand for space from business and domestic clients. The team at clear Space has created a mezzanine floor inside the building off Fosse Lane (next to Dobbies garden centre) and is also opening secure “compound” storage for people to park vehicles alongside exterior units. recent months have seen a surge in interest in the concept of self-storage, some of it generated as a result of the pandemic with people starting up their own small businesses having been made redundant or who want to reclaim their garage and shed at home. Stuart Ashe, from clear Space, said: “The secure compound spaces are particularly popular with people who don’t want the commitment of a long-term lease on a unit on a trading estate or don’t want to pay business rates. “They rent a unit from us with a secure area for their vehicles alongside. if their business grows, they have the option of renting a larger space.” Stuart added: “For others working from home, they might want to rent a unit to store their craft materials, for example, as they don’t want to have to clear the dining table at the end of each day.” clear Space is also working with local charities and other community groups to find convenient and affordable solutions for their storage needs and is now a drop-off point for parcels for uPS, DPD and DHL. Stuart said: “We see ourselves as very much part of this community and are more than happy to help if we can.”
Shepton Mallet’s Knit & Chat community group were able to get a “good deal” on their storage space
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Enjoy 50% off your first full month’s storage by quoting MT2021 when you contact us. Clear Space Self Storage, 1 Mendip Avenue, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4PE. Tel: 01749 715000 Web: www.clearspacespelfstorage.com • Email: info@clearspaceselfstorage.com PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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How Arthur David coped with Covid
TWo years ago Arthur David Food with Service, based at Sutton Wick, near Bishop Sutton, was named both Family Business of the Year and Bristol Business of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony. Then came the pandemic and lockdown. So how has the company coped? Founders Arthur and Diana David Before lockdown last march, it was making deliveries to 2,800 customers every day, including hospitality venues, care homes, schools and hospitals. in their words, on lockdown day, march 23rd last year, “business dropped off the cliff”, losing them 75 percent of their customers overnight. The immediate effect was that 299 of their 546 staff had to be furloughed and 50 were made redundant. others, mainly from eastern europe, had already decided to head home. While the base at Bishop Sutton stayed open, their depot in Bridgwater closed and their warehouse at Bristol Fruit market was restricted to wholesale work. Whilst the hospitality sector received much needed support via the government job retention schemes, the wholesale supply sector were not eligible, leaving Arthur David with debts of over £1million. But due to its bulldog spirit it has survived and is looking forward to its 60th anniversary next year – it was founded by Arthur and Diana David in 1962. it had to adapt to do so. it started an online home delivery service, making 450 deliveries a day at one stage and added 700 new customers like pubs doing takeaways, forging new relationships with local suppliers of fresh meat and fish. it linked up with local suppliers, many of them in the chew Valley to offer a great range of locally produced goods. The site at Bishop Sutton even became a mini garden centre for a while selling bedding plants and compost for everyone who joined the lockdown gardening craze. it also supplied surplus food to charities and community groups in Bristol. The company’s head of culture, Jon evans, said: “We were determined to stay in there. Although we were going through pain, we recognised many of our customers had it worse and they came back to us when they could. “But it’s been the sheer dogged determination and culture of our staff that’s got us through. We have an amazing team that have worked tirelessly to keep our family business alive. Living our values, they have done all that has been asked of them and much more to ensure we remained open throughout. “We just could not have done it without them. Hopefully the road map has helped us stage our rebirth, which means we are now looking to recruit around 50 people across the business. “There are some great opportunities to join the team and be part of the exciting new chapter in our history.”
BUSINESS
Email: jobs@adavid.co.uk Arthur David, Food with Service Hillside Farm, Sutton Wick Bristol BS39 5XR • 0330 333 4441 www.arthurdavid.co.uk
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HISTORY
Hospital’s early history in images
A UNIQUE photographic exhibition will open at the Wells and Mendip Museum in June telling the early story of life in the Somerset and Bath County Lunatic Asylum – later known as the Mendip Hospital. The collection charts the stories of patients and staff from the asylum’s opening in 1848 through to 1918. In partnership with the Friends of the Mendip Hospital Cemetery, the exhibition will feature the photographs and stories of some of the almost 3,000 patients and staff buried in numbered graves at the cemetery and will give an incredible insight into the pioneering work that went on at the hospital. The hospital closed in 1991 but the last burial in the cemetery took place in 1963. In 2000, the cemetery was saved from development and is now looked after by the friends who are hosting open days each Sunday until September. The chapel will remain closed until June 21st at the earliest, depending on Covid19 restrictions being lifted at that time. Organisers say the exhibition will offer fascinating accounts about the care and treatment given at the hospital during a time
Friends chairman, Peter Jaggard: the chapel must remain closed until Covid restrictions are lifted
Patient John Selman
One of Peter Bolton’s works lies beside some of the many cast iron gravemarkers
when, unlike pre-conceived opinions, care was in many cases enlightened considering the availability of medicine and the contemporary understanding of mental health conditions. Meanwhile, the friends are appealing for more people to become members, to join in garden working parties and other activities or to hold fundraising events. Tree surgeons had to fell a number Sophie Wildman-Gurung, one of of trees due to ash die-back, the friends’ newest members, but its beautiful yew trees – plays her Celtic harp in the planted in 1880 – are cemetery grounds unaffected. It is hoped that some of the tree trunks and felled timber can be used to add to a number of striking sculptures by local artist Peter Bolton. Friends chairman Peter Jaggard said: “We would love to welcome more volunteers who could contribute in any way they can, from gardening to showing people around, doing as little or as much as they feel they can. “It’s a fabulous way to enjoy this unique space.”
Miss Nicholls, one of the staff at the asylum
Fanny Reynolds, another patient
The exhibition opens in the museum on Cathedral Green in Wells, on Saturday, June 4th and runs until Saturday June 19th. For details, visit: www.wellsmuseum.org.uk and www.mendiphospitalcemetery.org.uk
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What’s the secret weapon to selling your house? IT’S an exciting time when you find a buyer for your home. But if you’ve moved more than once, you’ll know that while the path to your new front door maps out a fresh start, it can also be a rocky road of setbacks and slowdowns. Which is why, when choosing an estate agent, you should ask yourself which company can actually get the job done. Lodestone Property, based in Bruton, Wells and Shaftesbury has a 96% success rate of selling homes. The secret to its success is not only good communication and innovative marketing, but the work of a dedicated Sales Progressor, Rachel Badrick, who oversees the sale once an offer has been accepted. Rachel explains: “It’s my responsibility to keep a sale on track to completion, not allowing it to fall through because of a technical difficulty.” Rachel, who formerly worked in conveyancing, ensures all parties have all the facts at any one time and that deadlines are observed, for example, informing the vendor’s solicitor that the buyer’s mortgage has an expiry date to prevent delays. She adds: “The added value this role brings to the vendor cannot be underestimated. Agencies that compete on price alone add no value. Selling or buying a house is often a stressful time for everyone involved; emotions run high, so sometimes just listening to someone’s frustration is part of what I do.
PROPERTY
“At the end of the day both parties want the same outcome and I am here to facilitate that.” By Cath Rapley, Lodestone Property
For sale: Oak Cottage, Leigh Upon Mendip
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 47
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THE MENDIP SOCIETY
Welcome to our new chairman – and a long-time friend HELLO – l would like to introduce myself to those who do not know me; my name is Tina Bath and I am the new chairman taking over from Richard Frost. Here l would like to thank Richard for all his enthusiasm and hard work as the Mendip Society chairman over the past five years, helped by the rest of the hard working committee, resulting in the healthy and stable society I am joining. Just to fill you in on a bit of my background – I was born and brought up in Ubley, well that’s a bit of a lie; l was actually born in hospital but from day one l was in Ubley. I knew my ancestors lived and farmed in Blagdon and Butcombe and found the earliest records of the Bath side of my family tree showing them in Ubley in 1696, at that point as farm labourers. I often wonder if their land was acquired during the Enclosures 17701830 but either way our family are probably still classed as relative newcomers! Almost all my life has been spent on the Mendip Hills; l had horses until my early 20s and other hobbies included walking, running, badminton and swimming. I became self-employed in my mid-twenties carrying out dry stone and lime mortar walling and hedge laying work, much of the time for Bristol Water, the National Trust, and Somerset County Council, alongside local private work.
Planting the new holly hedge
I became a Mendip Hills AONB volunteer in 1986 and eventually joined their warden service in 1993 until it was disbanded in 2009. Returning to selfemployment I intended making green furniture and charcoal but such was the demand for countryside management skills, the new venture never got off the ground. I have lived in Priddy since 1995 with my two teenagers, who both attend Wiltshire College studying engineering and agriculture. I served for 15 years on Priddy Parish Council, also on the Priddy Sheep Fair committee and Priddy School PTA, and was one of the founder members of Blagdon Country Fair. I am presently a committee member of the Mendip Ploughing Society, the Wrington & Burrington Hedging Society and the National Hedge Laying Society. This last year has been difficult for everyone but hopefully some sense of normality will soon be returning. The two nature reserves owned and managed by The Mendip Society have been well used in the past year by the public to exercise in the open air and also for some of our volunteers to get out and exercise by keeping on top of the scrub, grassland, track ways, and hedgerows. The society is planning to extend its Heritage Grants Scheme with a section to cover the landscape and countryside environment, with small grants aiming to encourage schools, clubs, community groups and farmers to make the best of their land for biodiversity. This will be by restoring old or creating new, wildlife habitats, whether that be wildlife ponds, wildflower areas, hedges, walls or community garden projects across the Mendip Hills, wherever it can be shown to be to the public good. There are Mendip Society members who enjoy getting involved with different projects so this is an opportunity for more shared ventures. One such project
Tina Bath – our new chair
with the AONB, in which the society was in fact the recipient, was the recent planting of a holly hedge in Tania’s Wood Reserve, the intention being to make an area in the wood along the top of a ditch very stock proof, with holly being the ideal prickly bush to use. The grant for the hollies came through the AONB from MTL Group, local tree surgeons and landscape contractors, who donated some of their profits from contracts removing ash trees suffering from dieback. It is part of the AONB’s larger initiative to see more trees planted in the Chew Valley area and along the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills. Here there are many existing woodlands which will benefit from being connected by new planting which fits the character of the area and benefits wildlife. The Mendip Society will continue to respond to planning applications, opposing new developments that threaten to suffocate the Mendip Hills, and where the scale of development detracts from the openness and tranquillity of the countryside both in and around Mendip. Many villages risk losing their unique identity and need a balanced public transport system linking them with nearby road and rail networks to survive; so there is still much for the society, and others, to work towards. New members are always welcome. Tina Bath and Judith Tranter
For details of all events visit www.themendipsociety.org.uk and Facebook ‘The Mendip Society’
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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WILDLIFE
Up with the lark to hear the dawn chorus
FIRSTLY, may I say a massive thank you to all those farmers and landowners who contacted me after last month’s appeal for information about barn owls. As soon as Covid restrictions are lifted I will be getting back to my farm advisory visits which will include monitoring and By CHRIS offering habitat creation advice. I’m SPERRING MBE beginning to feel a bit like a locked-up puppy as I’m told I will be allowed out after my second injection, which is very soon. As April moves into May, bird song is at its most spectacular and with the first bird to sing around 4.30am or even earlier in the morning, it’s not surprising many people have never experienced a dawn chorus in all its glory. The question I’m always asked is which is the first bird to sing in the morning? I often say tawny owl (tongue in cheek) as it has probably been singing all night long and continues its calls as the main bird song starts. But seriously, it really depends on the area; where I live for example it’s always a toss-up between the blackbird and the robin who gets going first and in more wooded locations the wood pigeon could well be the first bird. I have led so many dawn chorus walks over the years and can remember well, more than 20 years ago, leading very early morning walks on Mendip. We would arrive on site at 4am and be greeted by a small bird already in full song; the bird in question was none other than the nightingale. Its amazing repertoire, once heard, is never forgotten; it’s the song of legends and inspiration, sadly now though much reduced in numbers throughout the country. I haven’t heard any reports of nightingales on Mendip in years, though I’m told they pass through the area crossed by the Strawberry Line. When you look at their habitat requirements, it’s not surprising that they’ve declined and also explains why any passing birds would be attracted to the Strawberry Line, because of our old friend “scrub” and the woodland edge that they are attracted to. A few years ago, whilst in France, I was amazed at just how many nightingales could be heard; still very difficult to actually see but heard very easily, it seemed that every outcrop of mature thick scrub had a singing nightingale in it. Obviously, declines can
My favourite songbird – the blackbird
be caused by many other reasons, but without doubt if the main habitat type for a species is not present then this becomes of paramount importance if we want to hear nightingales in our area again. There is, however, now a golden opportunity to reverse this. With everyone talking about the millions of trees we need to plant across the country maybe this will indeed help those species that have declined through our eagerness to tidy up vegetation. What would be great is if we could just let our existing woodland areas expand naturally so that scrub would form quickly. Scrub is the home of so many species that have declined and is also nature’s “tree guard”, so there would be no need for all the plastic pollution caused by tree planting schemes. Sadly, early indications are that some new woodland schemes ignore nature and reinforce my worst fear and that this opportunity will in fact just plant new woodlands on green field sites under a sea of plastic. We can do and must do better than this. So which bird is your favourite songster in the absence of nightingales? Let me first tell you mine and it’s the blackbird, with its effortless delivery and almost bluesy laid-back feel. So now you tell me, what’s yours? l I’ll be streaming several online dawn chorus events on Facebook over the next few weeks. You will have to watch them live, as I will delete them once they’re finished. This, of course, ensures that I’m not the only one awake at 4am. Tree planting schemes such as this can cause waste plastic
Natural regeneration of scrub can be a boon for songbirds
I have resumed giving talks again but only online, so if your groups want to book me for a talk please message me through my Walks and Talks page on Facebook @ChrisSperringwildlife MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 49
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Blossoms, bluebells and beautiful views
BLOSSOMS and bluebells feature on this circle from Bleadon – at its best in May/June. Bluebells are found in the woods up on Hutton and Christon hills and blossoms galore top the 100 acres of cider apple trees planted by Thatchers around Shiplate Slait. There’s a steady climb near the start up Hellenge Hill and then we head across a golf course and into woods before reaching Upper Canada. After a climb and a circuit round Christon Plantation the route takes us out on Bleadon Hill and then down Shiplate Slait to see the orchards below. Head across fields on the level and follow this with an easy climb onto South Hill which overlooks Bleadon village. Apart from the blossoms, there are great views to the
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
south and across the estuary and good contrasts between the heights above Bleadon, the village itself, woodland and the flat land not far from the Axe. There is only one stile. PARK: In the free village car park just south of the church in the centre of Bleadon on Coronation Road. There are the halls here, toilets and a children’s playground. There is also an interesting information board about the history of Bleadon and the discovery of Bleadon Man, a replica of which is in the Coronation Hall.
START: Turn left out of the car park, passing the information board and toilets. A short way up here, on Coronation Road, cross and go over towards the church, passing the cross. Go through the churchyard to the right of the church. The Tarmac path bends left. Then turn left and go up to reach Shiplate Road. Turn right. After a few minutes, stay on the grass verge alongside the road (there is a lower residential road at this stage). Soon find a footpath signed up a drive left.
1. HELLENGE HILL At the top of the drive by Spindlewood go ahead through a gate on to Hellenge Hill, a beautiful open area full of wild flowers. A short way up, at an information sign and footpath post, fork right and climb gently. Continue to climb ignoring a path going ahead and reach a kissing gate. Maintain direction still climbing. At a fork, stay left. Start to enjoy great views over the River Axe across the Levels, to
Brent Knoll and over the Bristol Channel. Carry on as before going through two gates, and then head more steeply uphill towards the right hand end of the house up above. Go to the right of the mound at the side and head up to a Bristol Gate onto the road. 2. ROAD Turn left, soon getting glorious views south across the Levels and beyond. Continue for a few minutes, passing houses.
3. GOLF COURSE Reach the drive on the right leading to Bleadon Hill Golf Club, marked as a public footpath. It is just before a seat and small parking area on the right. Make sure you read the warning signs and stay on the footpath. Pass the golf club building and then head across the course following the well-defined track and going closely alongside a golf driving range. Here you need to take particular care. Simply keep following the track. Go down into a hollow, through a gate and carry on. Maintain this direction through gates and come alongside a wood. At the end of the field enter the woodland. The path goes straight on through the wood which should be a picture with bluebells, ransoms (wild garlic) and primroses in season. Carry on, soon dropping downhill.
4. UPPER CANADA Reach a T-junction with a lane in an area known as Upper Canada and turn right following the lane quite steeply uphill. At
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a right hand bend near the top, turn left onto the West Mendip Way and follow it along a track known as Scratchy Lane. At the end, at a T-junction with a track, turn left downhill. Soon follow it right and climb gently, coming alongside fields.
5. PLANTATION Reach woodland on the right, part of Christon Plantation and drop down. There will be some bluebells here but they get better as you progress. Ignore a track going left and just bend right, going downhill over very bumpy terrain, still with Christon Plantation on your right. At a T-junction with a track and a field ahead, turn right with the field left and woods right. Begin a climb and carry on to another junction by cottages. There is a great view here across to Crook Peak. Turn right opposite the second cottage coming alongside the southern edge of the plantation. It’s a steady but not difficult climb now on a rocky path until you reach the top and a junction. Here, turn up left on the West Mendip Way. Leave the WMW as it goes left. Just keep straight on and arrive at a gate into a field on the top. Head across with fantastic views in all directions, particularly down the Mendip spine to Brean Down and Flat Holm and Steep Holm. 6. SHIPLATE SLAIT On the far side of the field, head through a gate and follow the right fence on down in an area known as Shiplate Slait. The name comes from “Shiplade” meaning sheep path and “slait” which was a pasture and this area was described as “one of the finest sheep slaits in England” at the end of the 18th century. Go through a gate, and continue down a path which leads to a Tarmac lane/drive.
6.75 miles, about 4 hours walking. OS Explorer 153 Weston-super-Mare & Bleadon Hill, grid ref: 340 568. Postcode BS24 0PG
Follow it on down and bend round getting amazing views over the vast cider apple orchards of Thatchers Cider based in Sandford a few miles away to the north east. On these slopes the Romans used to grow vines. The orchards here of over 100 acres were planted about nine years ago with the aid of a GPS. The variety of cider apple trees includes Dabinett, Harry Masters Jersey, 3 Counties, Redstreak, Angela and Lizzie. At the foot reach the Bleadon-Loxton road. 7. FARM Cross over and on the right of the farm entrance go through a pedestrian gate and left along the fence, down and round the corner. Then join a path which soon crosses a plank bridge and reaches a field.
Follow the right edge of several fields, going through Bristol Gates. At the fifth gate where you have to go left or right, take the kissing gate on the right and bear diagonally up across the field to another gate. Join a path which goes along the side of the hill above the farm and takes you up into a field on South Hill. From here there are good views south and below you can see the River Axe. The river rises 20 miles away in Wookey Hole and before the construction of the sluice in 1802, the river was navigable for coal vessels and small craft as far as Cheddar. It also had important fisheries but these were ruined by poisoned water from the lead works at Charterhouse and chemical refuse from paper mills. Today, the cleaned-up river is once again favoured by anglers. The sluice has greatly minimised the risk of flooding. 8. SOUTH HILL Bear left up to a kissing gate and carry on along the side of the hill. At a crossing track turn up right then head on across left aiming for the tower of Bleadon church below. A gate in the corner leads onto a path which drops down, with steps, through another gate and comes out by Bleadon Church. Retrace your earlier steps through the churchyard, past the cross and to Coronation Road. Turn left back to the car park, or for the Queens Arms, turn right and then go on up to the pub which is on the left at the start of Celtic Way. Queens Arms, Bleadon: 01934 812080
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 51
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West Countryman’s diary
IT’S the middle of April as I write this, but cold and I still light the fire every night. The ground needs to warm up before anything starts With LES to grow in my DAVIES MBE vegetable patch, which is just as well because I haven’t started. My grandfather was often late getting his potatoes in, so he would end up digging and planting at the same time. There is an art to this and that is remembering where you put the last row in. I tried it once and potatoes came up everywhere! The rest of the world continues to turn as things move towards spring. My plum and pear blossom looks good in the orchard, whilst the apples show promise. There is however a long way to go before they are harvested. Sue Gearing tells me that she is doing an apple blossom and bluebell walk in this month’s Mendip Times. For me these are two iconic floral tributes to spring. The orchards will certainly look their best under a covering of blossom, but it’s also a very vulnerable time for the apple tree. Frost at this time of the year can destroy the crop. One such story relates to the former Abbot of Glastonbury, St Dunstan. Dunstan is said to have made a pact with the Devil to destroy the apple crop so that barley he was growing could secure a good price for beer. The Devil kept his part of the bargain and sent a frost to destroy the blossom. I can’t find what Dunstan’s repayment was, but there are so many stories of him tangling with old Beelzebub that maybe be promised to leave him alone for a while! Cider apples blossom a little later than eating and cooking varieties and in doing so miss many of the potentially damaging frosts. However an air frost occasionally comes down through the Vale of Avalon in the middle of May, knocking out the blossom. It’s still called a Dunstan Frost. When I worked at Long Ashton Research Station during the mid-1970s, water was sprayed onto apple blossom to protect it from frost. Some experimental work was so vital that blossom had to be protected and using water was a proven way of doing it. Strange though it may
seem, the temperature within the encapsulating ice was just above freezing and sufficient to stop the damage. Two very large pumps would supply hundreds of litres of water from a reservoir, whilst a team of us would be on standby to carry out the work throughout the night. Once started it couldn’t stop until the sun brought a slow thaw the following day. The blossom was thus saved by this unusual method. The death of the Duke of Edinburgh has left the whole country in shock. The Queen came to the throne in the year I was born and as a “New Elizabethan” I grew up in a world of hope after the post-war darkness. HRH was always there in support of the Queen. It must be said that he made a huge difference to other people’s lives, especially those in their teenage years. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gave so many the chance to achieve. Youngsters didn’t have to be cut out for the world of academia to be successful. They had the “D of E” award. Charterhouse Centre was linked with the award and during the expedition season, Mendip would be full of groups undergoing training. Laden like pack animals with everything they were going to need (and then some) they would trudge the lanes and pathways. There always seemed to be a map case swinging around the neck and a tin cup strapped onto the rucksack, as they attempted to find the next check point. My involvement with the award began at Clevedon Secondary Modern School in
OUTDOORS the 1960s. Geoff Haig was the sports master and youth leader of the day who introduced the idea to some of us hopefuls in 1966. Those early days of the award have changed, but the basics remain the same. Fitness, some sort of public rescue and service training, an expedition together with a pursuits and project section made up the four areas that were progressively expanded from Bronze through to the Gold Award. I still have my award record book and it contains the names and signatures of those who were so influential in my teenage years. Amongst those names is Scanda Vaitalingam, the biology master from Clevedon School, who wrote of my Natural History project: “An interesting diary, quite well presented.” Perhaps these words of conservative encouragement led to West Countryman’s Diary? By 1967 I had successfully completed the Bronze Award. It’s with the expedition for the Silver Award that my most lasting recollection of the D of E remains. I completed this through the Army Cadet Force whilst at camp in Dorset during 1968. A small group of us carried out the three nights covering 30 miles. It was on the final night that we set up camp feeling somewhat exhausted and fell into a deep sleep. I awoke with a start, looked at my watch showing 7.30 and roused everyone else. We broke camp and started off down the road to our prearranged pick-up point. I started to wonder why it was getting darker rather than lighter, when the officer who came to check on us asked where we were going. I explained we were off to the pick-up point, to which he replied that was not arranged until the following morning! Yes, we thought we had slept the whole night through in just a few hours and were totally disorientated. The officer drove away laughing to relate the tale in the mess that night. We however found an alternative camp thanks to a local farmer, whose generous wife cooked us all breakfast the following morning. Finally, this month’s photo is of a young Les Davies who woke everyone up that evening. This was taken just before I left for two weeks’ training in Germany, February 1969. My Silver standard badge is just visible on the right sleeve. Whatever happened to that young man!
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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Oh dear, what can the matter be?
An exceptionally wet winter coupled with significant frosts and biting cold winds, akin to the Beast from the East of a few years ago, have led to lots of damage to plants. The combination of cold and wet roots has been lethal for some plants. It has even had a drastic effect on some of the French With MARY vineyards where the grape blossoms have PAYNE MBE been frosted leading to what is expected to be a 40% reduction in yield. To try to prevent frost damage the farmers have been burning candles along the rows and some have even chartered helicopters to fly over the vineyards and stir up the cold air. It was the frost and cold winds that put paid to the magnolias this year. Those in sheltered positions and high ground may have escaped but the flowers of many have become a disappointing brown. The new growth will be fine, this was just another year when these striking plants have suffered. I reckon we get a good year for them one in ten and it is for this reason that I am reluctant to encourage folk to plant them in exposed areas or frost pockets. I have a theory that the pink flowered ones, such as M. x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’, ‘Star Wars’, and ‘Susan’ tend to fare better, but I cannot guarantee it. The evergreen magnolias flower much later in the summer, so do not suffer this trauma. The wet and cold also had a devastating effect on many plants of Mediterranean origin like rosemary, lavenders, sun roses and rock roses. Sadly, these plants rarely break from old wood if cut back severely. Sometimes the plant is so severely affected that replacement is a better option. Even some buddlejas have been killed this year. They survive on old buildings, apparently on fresh air, but in the soil where the roots have been wet and cold they suffer and the new growth is vulnerable to frost damage. It is wise to leave pruning your buddleias until mid to late April. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas have also suffered. This year’s flowers are carried in the topmost buds and if these have been damaged by frost then there will be few or no flowers this season. Hydrangea paniculata and H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ do not suffer this fate as they produce their flowers on the new growth made this year. There are now new lacecap and mophead hydrangeas that flower early on last season’s growth and then flower again on the new growth, so at least you get a “second bite at the cherry”. Hydrangea ‘Everlasting Bride’ is one such variety that was bred for the cut flower market, but makes an excellent garden plant for smaller gardens, as it only grows two to two and a half feet high by the same across. The flower buds of early wisteria have also been affected. Camellia flowers likewise and the white ones particularly so. I avoid using white camellias because they are more vulnerable. Care is required when buying shrubs from garden centres that have been grown in polythene tunnels as the warmer environment encouraged new growth which can easily be touched by frost. The weather has also been unseasonably dry with very few April showers, so plants in pots may be very dry and require careful watering to re-wet the compost. It is vital that the original root ball of all newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials, is kept moist as well as the surrounding soil. PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Magnolia with frost damage
This is especially important for evergreens as the cold wind has sucked the moisture out of the leaves. For all these, just dampening the soil around them is not sufficient, each individual plant will need careful watering every couple of days. Many broad-leaved evergreens, such as euonymus, griselinia and photinia that produced new growth, encouraged by the unseasonably warm spell that we had in late March, have suffered foliage scorch. The sadness is that this distorted new growth will be with you for a couple of years or more unless you are brave enough to cut it back and wait for new foliage to emerge. Garden centres are very quick to start selling tender bedding plants. Buyer beware, these need to be cossetted until the coldest weather is over and should never be planted in the garden before the end of May or early June when the risk of frosts has passed. The same goes for tomato plants which hate being chilled and the foliage will literally turn blue. Even an unheated greenhouse has been too cold at night for them. Fruit crops may well be reduced as the flowers of blackcurrants, strawberries, pears and plums are vulnerable to frost damage. The blackcurrant industry is selecting varieties that flower later to avoid the problem. Redcurrants are rarely affected as they flower later. The centre of a strawberry flower will go black when it has been frosted. If this cold spell persists then early flowering apple blossom may also be affected and pollinating insects are reluctant to venture out in a cold weather. Early potatoes and even later ones could well have been frost damaged but will usually sprout again. Those living in low lying areas, such as the bottom of the Chew Valley, will have experienced more damage than those living at higher altitudes as the cold air rolls downhill creating frost pockets. The magnolias demonstrated this perfectly this year. The talk of climate change has encouraged the gardening fraternity to push the boundaries and try growing more plants previously considered too tender for our shores but every so often we get a year, like this one, when we are reminded that care is necessary.
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• Time to plant up your hanging baskets and containers. • Give some of your border perennials the “Chelsea Chop”. If you cut some of them back by about half now it will delay flowering but extend the display longer in your garden. • Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon. Put them in a shady spot, keep well watered but bring them back inside if frost is likely. • Be ready to cover tender plants with horticultural fleece if frosts are forecast. Check the forecast every day this month. • Order slug nematodes and rid your plants of this pest the natural and safe way. • Stake border perennial varieties that are tall growing and that tend to flop over. Either use pea sticks (tree and shrub prunings are good) or use purpose-made support systems. • Plant out Cannas and Cosmos (chocolate plant), Dahlias and Begonias. • Trim foliage off early flowering perennials to encourage fresh new leaves. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) responds particularly well. • Hostas divide well this month. Lift clumps and split them up making certain that each shoot has plenty of root attached. • Wait until spring flowering bulb leaves die back naturally before removing them. • Watch out for scarlet lily beetles. This pest can eat your lily leaves in a few days! • Earth up early potatoes and keep a watch out for late frosts, cover with horticultural fleece if frost is likely.
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Grass cutting & maintenance MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 55
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Getting back to work
WITH lockdown restrictions eased, members of Temple Cloud in Bloom have been out and about tending to the various locations in the village. One of the leaders, Beccy Angell, said: Pictured (l to r) Lins Herbert, Lyn Paul and “Spring colours Doris Gentle, with Pam Jeffery and Anne are in full bloom Thomson at the front and it was super to be back out working and planting in various locations around the village, catching up with friends.” The focus this year is planting for pollinators and the first job was the planting of snowdrops, bluebells and aconites, wildflower plugs, cowslips, primroses and red and white campions, carefully nurtured during lockdown. Members will be out again working on Saturday, May 15th, meeting at Paulmont Rise at 10am. new volunteers are welcome. Details: Facebook Temple Cloud in Bloom TCiB or Doris Gentle 01761 451060
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Magnificent magnolias
Laura Richards admires the magnolia in the Bishop’s Palace grounds
VISITORS to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells and to Glastonbury Abbey have been admiring the attractions’ stunning magnolia trees.
Glastonbury Abbey boasted impressive displays of daffodils also
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PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Make more of your garden
ELIzA Gray has been designing gardens for 15 years now, but this year has seen a huge demand for her services. Eliza said: “People have spent more time than ever at home this year and are increasingly finding that their gardens are able to offer a safe space for meeting up with loved ones. now more than ever, we are looking for the ‘outside room’. “We are demanding more from our gardens, from special seating areas to veg patches, and often a professional consultation or design can help you to save time and money to get your desired result. I can help you with your garden layout, your choice of materials and choosing which plant to put where.” Details: www.elizagraygardens.co.uk
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 57
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The Hayes, Newton St Loe
Stunning in all seasons. One acre garden on edge of Duchy of Cornwall village. Opening details: Saturday May 29th and Sunday May 30th, 11am–4pm. Admission: £6, children free. Address: The Hayes, newton St Loe, Bath BA2 9BU.
Sunnymead and Coombe Cottage, Long Ashton
Sunnymead dates back to 1403, with a wrap-around family garden (0.4 acre), 1700s pond and rockery. Opened in memory of Marja-Liisa Walden. Combe Cottage is a Georgian cottage overlooking a field. Opening details: Sunday, May 30th 2-5pm. Admission: £5, children free. Combined admission for both gardens. Addresses: Sunnymead, 153, Long Ashton Road, BS41 9JQ; Combe Cottage, 161, Long Ashton Road, BS41 9JQ.
The Red Post House
A third of an acre walled garden with shrubs, borders, trees, circular potager, topiary, combining beauty and utility. Opening dates and time: Sunday, May 16th, 2–5pm. Admission: £4, children free. Address: Fivehead, Taunton TA3 6PX. Booking tickets: Some garden visits may have to be pre-booked. Check the NGS website. 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: https://www.ngs.org.uk
PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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GARDENING
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 59
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AnnekA Wright had been a nurse for 16 years when she decided to branch out into colon hydrotherapy with her own practice, Pure-Hydro, based in the Borough mews at Wedmore. She’s been operating for nearly a year offering the highest quality treatment in a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. She said: “our aim as a business and a clinic is to break the taboo surrounding internal hydrotherapy and ultimately guide our patients to a lifetime of understanding the long-term benefits of gut health.”
Celebrating 30 years
deAn downer of Pisces will celebrate 30 years in business in may, making him one of the village’s most enduring and popular traders. Pisces provides customers with fresh fish from newlyn and Loch Fyne and fresh, quality produce which dean selects personally from Bristol Wholesale Fruit market. He’s provided a lifeline during the pandemic, staying open throughout, apart from one week at Christmas, when he showed up on someone else’s track and trace. He said: “I’d like to thank customers for the support I’ve had. The fish trade was particularly busy after supermarkets closed their fish counters.”
Ready to welcome visitors
Wedmore jeweller, erica Sharpe, is ready to welcome customers to a brand new studio. Working by appointment only, erica has recently created the perfect space from which to make the bespoke jewellery she specialises in. She also takes on the re-designing and making of old pieces into new - giving them an exciting modern upgrade. When her retail shop had to close she took her work online and her website now hosts her collections.
PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Sports clinic expands
FOCUS ON WEDMORE
SomerSeT Sports Therapy Fitness Clinic is based in the beautiful village of Wedmore at the bottom of the mendips. Jeni davis, the owner, started her business in the Allertons after moving from London and has recently moved the clinic next to The George in Wedmore. Jeni offers sports therapy, sports massage, spin classes and personal training in a beautiful private gym. Her vision at the clinic is to treat and offer pain relief and a variety of treatments that cross over into rehabilitation and personal training, ensuring that patients can get back to normal life and the sport they enjoy. They also have Shockwave therapy at the clinic for tendonopathies. Jeni over the last 15 years has worked pitchside locally for the rFU and the FA treating sports injuries. Claire Tidswell and roberta Bass are also based at the clinic. Claire is originally from Somerset and achieved her masters in osteopathy at oxford Brookes and offers a high quality hands-on treatment with follow-up advice and exercise plans to enable people to return to sport and work. roberta is a women’s health physiotherapist from Cheddar who works locally in the nHS. She completed her degree at UWe in Bristol and now brings her specialist knowledge to the clinic for private appointments in her women’s health clinic.
Osteopathy with Claire Tidswell 0707376648835 • claireosteopathy@gmail.com
Sports Massage Therapy, Sports Massage and Personal Training Shockwave Therapy 07747 798508 • www.somersetsportstherapy.co.uk Women’s Health Clinic with Roberta Bass Pelvic health issues, Pregnancy related pain, Menopause symptoms 07862 620259 • www.robertabasswhphysio.co.uk
jeni@somersetsportstherapy.co.uk www.somersetsportstherapy.co.uk fb. somersetsportstherapyfitnessclinic The Cottage @ The George Inn, Church Street, Wedmore BS28 4AB
Parking is available in the George car park for our patients MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 61
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MENDIP TIMES
Energy challenge
Green Wedmore has launched a new project hoping to get 1,000 properties in the village and surrounding area to install solar panels. They have teamed up with a local company, Sunlit Solar, to provide discounted solar packages, and a financing scheme through Lendology, which is backed by local councils to target home improvements and energy efficiency measures. It says: “They like our project because not only are we installing renewable energy but there are other benefits too like the reduction of fuel bills.” Details: info@rogerselectricians.co.uk
We are open!
At Wedmore dental Practice our vision is “Better Teeth for Better Health”. maintaining good oral health is vital to maintain your overall health; ensuring you visit the dentist regularly remains important. We recognise that the Coronavirus pandemic has been demanding for all of us; whether in terms of mental health, finances, illness and loss. But it has also given us the opportunity to think differently, re-evaluate what is important and re-shape our lives for the better. Investing in your health and wellbeing is fundamental and we are here to help. We have recently teamed up with denplan to offer a wider range of plans, personalised to your specific dental needs. denplan is a really easy way to spread the cost of all of your routine treatment into affordable monthly payments, reducing the chance of receiving unexpected dental bills. Plans cover regular check-ups and hygiene visits with your dental team, and some plans even cover any restorative treatments you may need. our team can talk you through your options, and recommend a personalised plan for you. Currently, anyone joining one of our plans can benefit from: • a free scale and polish (worth £80.50) with our Hygienist • discounts for multiple members • discounts on any treatments that fall outside of the plans • kid’s plans starting from £5.74 per month • options for worldwide emergency dental cover dental and oral health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. did you know, poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes? We are committed to supporting you to maintain your dental, and overall, health and wellbeing.
So don’t delay, come and see us today.
@wedmoredental
PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
WELCOME TO WEDMORE!
Lime is brimming with wonderful clothing and accessories. Come and treat yourself to a lovely shopping experience in these strange times, new clothes give a lift and a feeling of wellbeing, so pop in and see us, a warm welcome and plenty of fun awaits!
Look forward to seeing you all. Claire and the lovely team!
15, The Borough Mall, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB
01934 710479
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FOCUS ON WEDMORE
The Swan Wedmore – ready to welcome you
THe Swan in Wedmore is turning Inside out for weekends of outdoor eating and drinking until Sunday, may 16th. only a minority of pubs and restaurants will open before mid-may, when indoor eating and drinking will be allowed, but The Swan has great outdoor space. The Georgian village inn has recreated its stylish interior vibe in its large, covered, luscious terrace and garden. There’s spacious seating, heaters, sheepskin rugs and romantic lighting for memorable times under canvas. Customers will be able to enjoy the blooming country garden as they tuck into the enticing Inside out menu of delicious local food from head chef Sam Sperring-Trendl and his team. expect starters of smoked mackerel and chalk stream trout fishcakes and mains of vegan miso roasted cauliflower, roast fillet of market fish and spiced spring lamb. And what feast would be complete without a rhubarb pavlova or dark chocolate mousse with honeycomb and cherry sauce? The Inside out cocktail list features
classics and clever new creations. A Chase Grapefruit and Pomelo cocktail or a glass of english fizz from the Test Valley will make the perfect sundowner. Spring is the time for chilled, sunlit wines. If you’re raring to try new things, then order a chilled red. not icy, but colder than cellar-temperature, a bottle of nebbiolo elvio Tintero from Piemonte could make you rethink red wines.
But perhaps you simply crave a thoroughly well-crafted pint of local cider or Cheddar Ales Potholer in the spring sunshine? The Swan, Wedmore, will open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-11pm (food until 9pm) until Sunday, may 16th. reservations for up to six people from two households can be made online at: www.theswanwedmore.com or by calling 01934 710 337.
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MENDIP TIMES
When art deco came to Cheddar
Restaurant and tea room
UNTIL George Cox found the cave that bears his name in 1837, there were few caves known in Cheddar Gorge. They included Long Hole, With PHILIP Great Oone’s Hole HENDY and Saye’s Hole. A few locals added to their meagre income by showing visitors around the caves and by selling souvenirs, mainly spar or stalactites and stalagmites taken from the caves. Antiquarians also explored, looking for ancient bones and artefacts for sale or for their private collections. Most of these have now been lost. An old couple, Jack and Nancy Beauchamp, showed visitors around a small cave below Long Hole, now known as Gough’s Old Cave. This was taken over by Cox’s nephew Richard Gough, who extended the cave, built pools of water, and imported formations from other Mendip caves. In 1890 he turned his attention to Sand Hole, a roomy shelter at road level almost beneath the Old Cave. It had been variously used as a cart shed and gambling den. By 1898, Gough had
cleared debris in the cave, until he found the large and superbly decorated St. Paul’s and Diamond Chambers. He installed the novelty of electric lighting (the first show cave in Britain to be lit in this way) and Gough’s Stalactite Cave was opened to the public. The south side of the Gorge had been purchased by the Thynne family of Longleat in 1558; later the head of the family became Marquess of Bath and his eldest son was titled Viscount Weymouth. Cox and Gough held separate leases on their land and there was a lot of rivalry between the two cave proprietors, who employed touts at the railway station to persuade visitors to visit their superior cave. The animosity continued until the 20th century, when the leases expired and the caves came under the control of Longleat Estates, with Gough’s Cave in 1927 and Cox’s Cave in 1938. Under the Gough family, the area between Gough’s Cave and the road had a very rustic appearance, with wooden buildings, arches and gardens. After the lease reverted to Longleat, Viscount Weymouth, Henry Thynne, who later became the sixth marquess, took a keen
interest in Cheddar and commissioned a new complex of buildings around the entrance. The architects were Russell Page & G.A. Jellicoe and they designed a modern art deco building, with large glass windows and pink external plastering, to complement the grey of the cliffs. On the ground floor was the Caveman Restaurant, a luxurious establishment with uniformed waitresses and a palm court trio. Later, a glass-bottomed goldfish pond, complete with fountains, was built above the restaurant. There was also a terrace, tea garden and snack bar. The grand opening in June 1934 saw the road lined with Rolls-Royces and the centrepiece of the inaugural dinner was a life-sized replica of the famous skull of Cheddar Man, fashioned in ice cream. Entrance to the caves was at the top of a broad staircase leading up to two semicircular kiosks, beyond which steps led down into the cave itself. The development proved to be very popular, although there was controversy when later a store was built above the restaurant. This was thought to be out of keeping with the original design.
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
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Viscount Weymouth also encountered difficulties when he applied for an alcohol licence for the restaurant. Objections were raised by local licenced victuallers and by various churches. The initial application was refused, but was granted by magistrates a year later, in 1937, provided that alcohol was on sale all year round. The present entrance, at road level, was constructed in 1958, requiring the removal of the steps and siting two ticket kiosks at the new gate. Later additions to the buildings and alterations have largely obscured Page and Jellicoe’s building, although one of the original kiosks remains. New attractions, increasing administration, and the need for a larger museum led the drive for expansion. Eventually the museum was moved across the road into the cottage which had been Gough’s family home and later a tea garden. Gough’s Cave proved to be a popular and lucrative tourist attraction, with an admission fee of a shilling (5p) in 1935. Almost 30,000 visitors came to the cave each year and even more patronised the snack bar. When Longleat took over the lease of Cox’s Cave this was included in the attractions and in 1967 Jacob’s Ladder, the Lookout Tower and Pavey’s Cave were purchased. Pavey’s Cave was a roofed-in quarry with mined passages close to Cox’s Cave,
CAVING
View from across the Gorge
primarily used for exhibitions. It later became the Waterfall Cave, with a pumped cascade, and then Fantasy Grotto. It was linked to Cox’s Cave in 1987, when the Crystal Quest, based on the Lord of the Rings, was opened. Latterly, the two caves became Dream Hunters, a stunning audio-visual depiction of life in the Stone Age. The income from Cheddar largely helped finance the Longleat Safari Park,
which was opened in 1966 at the same time as Longleat House was opened to the public. On becoming the sixth marquess, the new viscount, Alexander, later to become the Bohemian seventh marquess, also took a keen interest in the Cheddar attractions. The caves are now closed, due to Covid, but it is hoped that they will one day again be opened for the enjoyment and education of the public.
Gough’s entrance c. 1930
several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 65
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MENDIP TIMES
Destruction on our doorstep
If we don’t take care of the environment, it won’t take care of us. This is the key lesson of the pandemic. This virus was (probably) not manufactured in a lab but it was certainly man-made in the sense that the planet is desperately trying to support 7.8 billion humans with mouths and egos to feed. By Dr PHIL If we cut down forests to displace animals HAMMOND closer to us and then treat them inhumanely in the way we capture, rear, transport and slaughter them, it’s hardly surprising that their viruses cross over to us. Covid is one result of climate change, animal cruelty and environmental destruction. Amidst all the pandemic pre-occupation, you may have missed the fact that, according to the Environment Agency (EA), “possibly the worst case of toxic waste dumping anywhere in the UK in the last 30 years” has happened on our doorstep and may in time threaten our water supply. So why was it allowed to happen? Cast your mind back to April 2012 and you may remember being asked to raise objections, sign a petition or even protest outside BANES’ offices against the proposed dumping of up to 645,000 tonnes of asbestos and other hazardous waste in shallow Stowey quarry which sits on top of a windy escarpment over watercourses that feed into the region’s drinking water reservoir, Chew Valley Lake. There was a dual risk of asbestos fibres carried in the wind causing a very unpleasant cancer, mesothelioma, up to 40 years later and toxic waste mixed in with the asbestos that could feed into the water course. The risks were worsened by the fact that the owners of the quarry had no expertise in the safe handling of asbestos and toxic waste and, as it turns out, no regard for the law or the consequences of their actions. They had however bought the quarry for £1.6 million, thanks to a loan from Barclays, and calculated they could make up to £20 million by taking asbestos from all over the UK (and perhaps Europe). BANES council initially approved the application but a small group of committed locals – the Stowey-Sutton Action Group (SSAG) – and our lawyer managed to get it overturned on the grounds that it hadn’t been properly advertised. The dispute between owners and activists went all the way to a public inquiry. BANES and the EA withdrew their objections on day one, leaving the SSAG to fight alone. We won and the inspector criticised both BANES and the EA and made it clear that any escape from the site of toxic materials could have catastrophic results. The EA, he observed, tends to act “after the event” when damage has been done because planning law requires it to assume “regimes will operate effectively”. The quarry owners were left with “a permit to import and process 65,000 tonnes of inert rubble, soil, construction/demolition waste” at the site. This was much less lucrative and SSAG pointed out that the owners would likely dump all manner of waste in there to try to get their money back and that the EA and BANES would lack the resources and the willpower to stop them. And so it came to pass. Mark foley took charge of the quarry and opened the gates to all manner of waste. SSAG members monitored suspicious quarry activity, when a round the clock increase in dumping started. At times, the smell was so bad it surely reached the nostrils of local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who lives a few miles away.
There was a six-month window of opportunity to prevent the damage when quarry traffic was noted to be very high and from all over the UK, yet BANES and the EA were both conned by foley and refused to properly investigate until it was too late. foley covered up his misdeeds with soil, lies and forged paperwork and despite repeated warnings from SSAG activists, including lorry documentation, videos and photos of toxic waste, the EA weren’t inclined or able to stop him until at least 200,000 tonnes of waste, half of it hazardous, had been dumped and the quarry was “levelled up”. Given that foley was only permitted to deposit 65,000 tonnes of inert waste, he managed to avoid £8.4-£16.8 million in landfill tax, which makes his recent fine at Bristol Crown Court a pittance. The companies who dumped their waste there have also evaded charges for disposal of hazardous waste that range from £40-£600 a tonne – one reason why illegal dumping is so common. The EA needs to prosecute them too. In October 2016 the EA finally put a stop notice on all activity at the now full quarry and started putting bore holes in to monitor the leachate, with alert monitors in the streams below the quarry. Analysis showed that about half the samples were hazardous and either carcinogenic or harmful to the environment. We may get lucky, and it may only cost us millions to clean up and monitor the waste. But if it reaches the reservoir eventually, it could cost up to £9 billion. Bath and North East Council were just as easily hoodwinked. They were slow to respond to concerns and were prepared to take the site owner’s word that nothing untoward was taking place there. On a conveniently planned visit, they discovered the entire quarry site was covered over with soil and illegal waste hidden from view, despite ample photographs of it from previous months. The EA faced such savage cuts and is so under-resourced, it is simply “not fit for purpose”. BANES too is hardly brimming with resources. The only people closely monitoring a very high risk situation were determined local residents and when they reported their findings no-one stepped in to stop it. This wilful environmental blindness is happening everywhere from sewerage in our water courses to live animal markets in China. Only when disaster happens, do we act. foley is facing two-years and three months in prison, likely to be cut short, and a £72,000 fine. He will have made much more from the illegal dumping. foley’s law is clear – if a bank gives you the money to buy a large hole in the ground, you can fill it with whatever you please, irrespective of any planning or environment laws which won’t catch up with you until the hole is filled, the damage is done and the money is in the bank. Speaking of which, why didn’t the laughably named Sustainability Team at Barclay’s Bank ensure their money wasn’t used for environmental destruction? On a brighter note, there are plenty of people out there who really care about the environment and give their time and energy for free to protect it. The SSAG is testimony to this and without them, foley would have likely got off scot-free and be destroying someone else’s environment. So thank you to Sally Monkhouse, Heather Clewett, Robert Drewett, David Dickerson, Sarah Streatfield-James, David Elliot, Emma Robinson, Vanessa Watson, Lucy Pover, Bernadette Braidley, Kay Boreland, Gareth Thomas and Rowland Janes. As for me, I’ll be voting green in the local elections…
Dr Phil is author of Staying Alive, Medicine Balls and Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?
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HEALTH & FAMILY
Direct to cremation?
fUNERAL director Rod Major says it is easy to be swept away with the latest fads and trends, including “direct to cremation” services – as chosen by the late superstar David Bowie. The service is a funeral that has no service, no flowers, minister or celebrant and certainly no congregation. Rod, who runs Wells funeral Services, says such funerals are an option to be considered where money is an issue or very few people are able to attend a service because of lockdown and travel restrictions. Lack of available finance can sometimes be an important factor too. But Rod said: “However, given the choice, I still believe that most people see a final farewell as a way to recognise and honour someone’s life and the difference they made in ours. Here at Wells funeral Services, as I reflect on the first few (busy) months of this year, our records show that Somerset does not have many David Bowie followers. “A ‘direct to cremation’ funeral costs somewhere between £997 and £1,499 and we have only delivered two such funerals. Ninety five per cent of our funerals have been traditional funerals: a hearse, limousine, flowers and order of service. The cost of this can be anywhere between £2,995 and £4,495.” Covid-19 restrictions on the number of people able to attend a funeral in person have seen a rise in the use of Zoom and facetime and the live broadcasting of services on YouTube and facebook. Rod added: “Many of us have friends and family living all over the world so I think we will see increased demand for the use of Zoom-type technology in the future. Crematoriums and churches are installing broadband and webcams, providing varying degrees of quality and viewpoint. Surely this is a good thing if it allows relatives who are being shielded or friends who live elsewhere in the world to attend and pay their respects?”
Middlewick: relax, unwind
THE Spa at Middlewick, on the edge of Glastonbury, offers views of rolling hills, blue skies and airy spaces designed to keep you connected to your beautiful surroundings. find your space to unwind: choose from meadow gardens, relaxation lounges, or the indoor pool and steam room. for the ultimate pamper, their luxury shepherd’s hut treatment rooms, lit by lanterns, complete the Spa at Middlewick’s quiet, contemplative and restful experience. Their spa is a little different to others you might have visited. They say their focus is your holistic wellbeing and the nourishment of your mind, body and soul. They do this by drawing on the wisdom of Glastonbury, with a distinctive Somerset twist. The stunning relaxation room is where you can drift away following your treatment and fully absorb the benefits of unwinding in the calm and reflective space.
M
t
Everyone is talking about Wells Funeral Services. Why? We have an unblemished record of 5-star Google reviews which speak for themselves:
“If you are searching for a high-touch, high care, bespoke funeral director, then without question, I would recommend Rod and his team.” EK
“Thank you very much Rod for the professional and caring service, and the guidance you provided during such a difficult time. I believe that what you offered was way above and beyond what a typical funeral director would do.” LGN
“From the first time of speaking to Rod, regarding our dad’s funeral, he just made a very difficult time a little less so. When I would come off the phone, my husband would say it sounded like I was talking to a member of the family, and really it felt like that, he put you at ease, everything was thought out professionally but with a sense of humour, which we felt was the right way to go, always providing a personal touch.” ML
01749 670 100 • wellsfuneralservices.co.uk
Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals Theas’ Footcare, Mobile Foot Clinic
Minimum 2hrs = £32.50 (All Credit Cards Accepted)
Mobile: 07849 033 055 Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 67
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MENDIP TIMES
Spring is in the air at Stanton Court
RESIDENTS at Stanton Court Care & Nursing Home in the Chew Valley have been celebrating springtime with a month of spring-themed activities in a national care home competition. Throughout March, each of Country Court’s 33 care homes took part in activities with a different spring inspired theme for each week, with prizes for the winner. At Stanton Court, residents have enjoyed taking a stroll in the sunshine and admiring the spring flowers around their village of Stanton Drew. One of their first gardening activities of the year was planting sunflowers and broad beans which they’ll nurture and track the progress of as they watch them grow over the next few weeks. Staff bought a little bit of wildlife into the home with a visit from two lovely little guinea pigs; Olga de Polga and Pearl were a source of great amusement for residents who enjoyed making some new furry friends. Residents also enjoyed some Easter
crafts, making Easter bonnets, cards and baskets to decorate their home. Local people have been encouraged to get involved in the spring activities by entering a wildlife photography competition. Residents enjoyed reviewing the photos and judging over 70 entries sent in by friends and family members. The winner was Maria Ianni whose mother lives at nearby The Laurels Care Home in Draycott near Cheddar, who sent in a fantastic shot of lions taken in Tanzania National Park. Wendy Perkins, Home Manager at Stanton Court, said: “It’s been a long winter for our residents so we’re celebrating spring with some new activities for residents to engage with. With the first day of spring on March 20th, it’s the ideal time to feel hopeful and optimistic about the coming summer and gradual return to normal life for our residents.” Country Court wellbeing teams have received support and information with a series of workshops from its wellbeing partner, Oomph! Wellness.
Its senior client impact manager, Bianca Vercoe, said: “This has been ideal for creating a meaningful home environment at Country Court Care Homes. It has been wonderful to see the homes so full of life and hope during their spring-themed activities.”
Details: Wendy Perkins 01275 332410 or email stantoncourt@countrycourtcare.com
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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
e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 69
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MENDIP TIMES
A time to reflect
The service was led by the cathedral chancellor the Rev Canon Dr Rob James
PEoPLE gathered in Wells Cathedral for a short service of reflection and prayer on the first anniversary of the first lockdown. At mendip District Council’s offices in Shepton mallet, staff and councillors observed a minute’s silence at midday. the nationwide event, organised by end-of-life charity marie Curie, was to acknowledge the collective loss of the nation, to support those left behind and
The cathedral chapter gather in front of a plaque remembering those who lost their lives to Covid or who continue to suffer and people who have helped during the pandemic
symbolise hope for a brighter future. Both Somerset County Council and Bath and north East Council are organising award schemes to recognise the work of volunteers and organisations during the pandemic. Somerset has launched the Somerset medal which will be presented on Somerset Day, monday, may 11th.
North Somerset Council marked the anniversary of the death of its first resident from Covid by lighting 334 candles on the steps of the town hall in Weston-super-Mare
Taking a moment to remember
Shining Light awards for Covid heroes
Community heroes in Bath and north East Somerset who have made an exceptional contribution to helping others during the Covid-19 pandemic are set to be recognised in a raft of special new awards. the Shining Light Awards aim to highlight people who have gone above and beyond to volunteer or to support members of their community over the past year.
nominations are now open for the ten awards for volunteers, carers, charities, businesses, nurses, teachers, public sector workers, and anyone who has exceeded what is expected of them in order to help their local community or an individual over the past 12 months. Councillor Andy Furse, council chair, said: “over the past year i have found it staggering to witness many extraordinary
acts of kindness and support by people in Bath and north East Somerset to those in need. “We have always known there are true heroes in our community, but the challenges posed by the pandemic have highlighted these exceptional people more than ever before. it’s really brought out the best in our communities.” nominations close on April 30th.
Details: www.bathnes.gov.uk email connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk or call 01225 477807
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Food bank sees surge in demand
tHE Keynsham Food Bank has seen an increase of 60 percent in the number of people they have been supporting through the pandemic. they say this increase has been dealt with successfully thanks to the continued support and generosity of people who make donations. Project manager, Alan Hale, said: "it has been a very challenging time for us but i am immensely proud of the volunteers who have worked extremely hard to ensure that we continued to deliver the service to those who needed our support. Also a big thank you to Keynsham and District Dial a ride who do the deliveries for us." Since April 1st, 2020 the food bank has supported over 2000 people which is a 59% increase on numbers in 2019/20. Alan Hale said: "i am always at pains to make clear to people that food banks are not synonymous with benefits and this year has reinforced that fact as over 25 percent of those we have supported have been referred to us due to them being on a low income. “there are many, many families out there in our community who lead extremely hard lives and it is heart-warming that the community comes together to support and help them with their donations of food and money and my grateful thanks go out to them. “the sad fact is that any of us might one day find ourselves in distinctly different circumstances. the food bank and its volunteers are not judgemental." in the meantime all food banks anticipate a further increase in demand, as unemployment increases with pandemic measures starting to wind down. Details: keynshamfoodbank@gmail.com
Lions’ laptop appeal
CHEDDAr Vale Lions’ appeal for laptops saw 87 of them distributed to local families, but left them with 14 iPads/tablets, which they have donated to Weston General Hospital. As well as being used for patients to talk to families when visiting is not allowed, they will help volunteers dealing with dementia patients. the Lions are still taking in devices if anyone has any to donate and have schools and families waiting. they will also be contacting other hospitals to see if they require any small devices.
MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS
Support for young people
tHE Jack Hazeldine Foundation, based in Clevedon, has been granted £35,100 from the Charities Aid Foundation resilience Fund to provide outreach support to young people who are vulnerable and disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Coronavirus has presented JHF service users with an incredible challenge this year and the demand for bespoke mentoring, tutoring, and therapeutic support packages has increased dramatically. JHF managing director Pearl Cross said: “it is clear the impact of Covid-19 has been acute and far-reaching across Somerset. young people are now in emergency need of complex support. our charity has seen a significantly greater call on services and significant changes to delivery of activities. “We are witnessing a huge impact on the very people we are here to support, many without necessary funding for support services. this emergency grant will enable us to reach out to more in need young people, and will strengthen our community and the quality of life of vulnerable families.” Details: hello@thejhf.org visit www.thejhf.org https://www.facebook.com/JHFcharity or call 01275 873962
Taking positives from the pandemic
BLinD, educational speaker, James Shone, from Beckington, near Frome cycled 150 miles from Bath to Big Ben raising over £20,000 for his charity i Can and i Am. it will fund a new double decker bus which will visit schools to help tackle mental health challenges in young people. James was accompanied on his tandemathon by colleague Anthony Dutton. James, a school teacher and house master, was forced to quit teaching in 2013 following a brain tumour that left him without sight and his body partially disabled. motivated by his desire to see children fulfil their potential, he set up his charity and has spent six years visiting hundreds of schools to speak about his journey and the importance of how to inflate young people’s “balloon of self-belief”. He said: “the pandemic has been challenging in so many ways to our young people but i know that from it we can take so many positives. i want to help break the negative cycle so prevalent among young people today and to equip them with the tools they need to believe in who they are and what they can do so that they can live their lives with confidence.” Details: www.icanandiam.com
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MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS
Chicks bring Easter cheer
DurinG the dark winter months of lockdown, members of Bishop Sutton and Stowey Wi decided to start making knitted Easter chicks, which they hung around the cherry tree on the green opposite the village Post office. they also crowned the post box with an Easter post box topper featuring a mother hen with eggs and small chicks surrounded by crochet flowers. the group’s president, Jenny Harris, said: “We found out that Janet Thornhill (left) and Jenny Harris with the post box decoration
Pictured (l to r) Jenny Martin, Denise Stirrup, Janet Thornhill, Nita Wendover, Julia Young, Meriel James and Jenny Harris
New lease of life for laptops
A LoCKDoWn Laptop appeal, launched to help families with home schooling, has received so many devices it has stopped further collections until it deals with all those it has been given. Paulton councillor, Grant Johnson, said he has been “gobsmacked” by the level of support for the scheme, which has seen the roll-out of reconditioned laptops across north East Somerset and Bath. He’s spent his weekends driving all over the district to make collections. richard Stelling has then wiped each laptop clean and set them all up as ChromeBooks, which was considered the most user friendly for school children. richard said: “i managed to set up a little factory production line in my house to get through all the donations we received and even roped my son in to help.” Cllr Johnson said: “Lots of children who have had access to the technology lent out by schools are now finding that it needs to be returned, so we are fulfilling a need for those children in our community. “the response i have been getting as i distribute them across the area has been fantastic, and it just goes to show what these donations mean to our youngest residents. “What’s incredible about this scheme is that it's stopping a lot of these laptops eventually ending up in landfill as e-waste. We are giving it a new lease of life and more importantly a very grateful home.”
Bishop Sutton Primary School were holding an Easter trail on Easter Sunday and arranged for our decorated tree and post box to be part of this. “We had reached 100 knitted chicks, which were threaded on twine by Janet thornhill, for hanging around the tree. Beaks and eyes were added by Janet and also Denise Stirrup. most of the chicks were stuffed with re-used bubble wrap to keep their shape even if it rained. “We had initially started knitting the chicks to fill them at Easter time with chocolate creme eggs for family, but someone had the brainwave of hanging them from the cherry tree at Easter to raise the hopes and expectations of the community after our long winter of lockdown. “Eggs and chicks symbolize the promise of new life and a future – especially meaningful as we emerge from lockdown.”
Grant Johnson
Details: lockdown.laptops.nes@gmail.com
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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ELECTRIC charging points are due to be installed in Mendip District Council-owned car parks for the first time as part of a drive to encourage motorists to switch from fossil-fuelled vehicles to cleaner, electric ones. Some 24 charging points will be placed across seven council car parks in the district, providing 56 bays for electric vehicle charging. They’ll be located in Frome, Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Shepton Mallet as the council takes important steps to meet its Climate and Ecological Emergency objectives. Work is due to begin over the summer on the installation programme by partners Franklin Energy.
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MENDIP TIMES
Food bank run becomes a regular event
Food bank trustee Elaine with some of the goods donated by the Inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale
MEMBERS of the Inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale have begun monthly deliveries of supplies to Cheddar Food Bank. On the latest visit, the club handed over three bags of tinned food, two boxes of dried goods and a bag each of toiletries and household cleaning materials with a total weight of 40kgs. The food bank has extended its distribution area, taking in villages including Sandford and Winscombe.
Baby hats
A TOTAl of 51 hats in an array of colours and designs have been delivered to Southmead Hospital thanks to members of Bishop Sutton & Stowey’s WI group, who have been making them in their Knit and Natter group. The baby hats are made for neonatal hospital units.
Award for community foundation
SOMERSET Community Foundation has been awarded a High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Award, which cites their “outstanding work to the community in Somerset and for their acts of thoughtfulness and kindness during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020”. The foundation launched the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal on March 19th, 2020, just a few days before the first national lockdown was announced. The award was presented on the anniversary of the first emergency Somerset Coronavirus Response grants, which were approved for payment less than a week after the appeal was launched last year. These first grants were made to food banks across the county and in those first few weeks of lockdown SCF continued making emergency grants to frontline charities across the county, every day. Justin Sargent, chief executive at SCF said: “We’re truly delighted to have received this Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Somerset. Our grateful thanks go to our local charities on the frontline, who have worked tirelessly to ensure our vulnerable neighbours across Somerset have been cared for and supported through these most difficult of times. “We’re also incredibly grateful to all the donors who have supported the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal so generously in the last year. Thanks to the £1.5m of flexible funding we’ve received from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and public sector partners, and a year after we made our first grant, we’ve awarded almost £1.2m of grants to date, to over 370 charities, with more funding being awarded in the weeks and months to come to help local charities recover from the impacts of the pandemic.” High Sheriff, Mary-Clare Rodwell, said: “To recognise
this particularly challenging and unusual year, I have made High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Awards for exceptional acts of compassion and outstanding contributions to the welfare of the community. SCF supports charities and voluntary organisations. “Their swift and nimble actions in response to this pandemic showed a resolve and determination over and above what would be expected of them. With impromptu groups forming in towns and villages across the county, SCF provided them with the funds to address the different needs of their individual communities. Their work was, and is, vital to our communities, and I thank them.” As life slowly returns to normal, it’s feared that charities will face a funding crisis following 2020, and SCF is standing by to make sure essential charitable services are not lost.
Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/grants-groups
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Town fund will help Glastonbury grow – literally
A SCHEME to plant trees – including willow – is underway in Glastonbury as part of a Government-backed project to revitalise the town. Town councillors and volunteers planted hundreds of withies on Herbie’s Field – ten acres of land bought by the authority as a community space and for car parking for events – as well as a hedgerow. Meanwhile, the council has installed a number of tree planters in key locations around the town, but they have received a mix reaction to their appearance. Herbie’s Field is part of what is being described as an Accelerator Project as the council spends an initial £500,000 as part of the government’s £3.6bn Towns Fund. Glastonbury is one of 101 towns earmarked to benefit from the fund with the opportunity to secure up Willows are planted by pushing the withies directly into the marshy ground
Town councillor Brian Outten at Herbie’s Field
COMMUNITY
The planting team at Herbie’s Field – there is a proposal to grow cricket bat willow on the site
to £24.5m of investment for the town. Other projects proposed range from creating a new piazza entrance to Glastonbury Abbey and a new sports
hub at Tor leisure Centre to refurbishing buildings on the former Morlands factory site.
The iconic former Morlands factory gates now sit at the entrance to Herbie’s Field
One of the town centre planters – but not everyone is a fan
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 77
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School plants an orchard
HEMINGTON Primary School has received a gift of ten fruit trees from The Tree Council as part of their Orchards for Schools initiative. Every child in the school and pre-school helped to plant the trees. An additional 30 bushes and trees were also planted in the school’s conservation area, enhancing its forest school provision. School head, Naomi de Chastelain, said: “We are so grateful for the children to be able to connect with nature in this way. After a difficult year with the Covid-19 pandemic this is just the kind of outdoor opportunity our children need to support their wellbeing.” The school said it would also like to thank parent, Will Reynolds, for making the charity application and helping to plant the trees and Richard from Combe Garden Maintenance for his help and advice.
Smashing it again
Effects of Covid and climate change
A NEW report says that Covid-19 has hit our most disadvantaged communities hardest – and warns the climate crisis will do the same. The Vital Signs 2021 Climate and Communities report by Quartet Community Foundation examines how the climate crisis is already affecting local lives across the West of England and includes local and national data on energy and transport, food, weather and nature. It also features local projects already taking positive steps to improve the environment and tackle climate change. The report’s author, lucy Gilbert, head of policy at the foundation, said: “It’s clear that, as with the Covid crisis, it’s those of us already facing disadvantage that are going to feel the worst impacts of the climate crisis. “Our local charitable organisations will be frontline in responding to climate change because they’re on the ground, ready to act swiftly, as they’ve been doing throughout the pandemic. “We want to support local action now that will help mitigate the local effects of climate change. There are some fantastic local initiatives working on this already, and now is the time to support them. We want to play our part by working with philanthropists and local organisations to support a fairer, greener future. The charity sector has been working flat out to support communities during Covid; we want to make sure they have the resources they need to help communities through the climate crisis too.” l Since the launch of its Coronavirus Response Fund in March 2020, Quartet has supported 276 groups with grants totalling £2.4m. In total it gave more than £5million to 930 projects last year. Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/reports
Friends and family welcome Tabby at the finish line Tabby around seven hours into her run
lONG-distance runner Tabby Maidment has raised at least £1,400 for Evercreech Primary School after completing a 75km run around the village. Tabby had set a target of raising £250 for the school’s Association of Parents and Teachers to help fund the building of a new outdoor shelter and replacing the play surface at the school’s Acorns pre-school group. Tabby – who last year ran 50km for Acorns – completed the run in around nine hours.
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
£1,400 – and counting; Tabby’s fantastic fundraising effort
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Putting a smile on people’s faces
Bunting can be seen throughout the village – including this dovecote Terri (left) and fellow villager Andrea
DOZENS of homes, the village hall, church, school and pub in Croscombe have been festooned with bunting in the latest community-wide “feel good” initiative. The colourful displays – which it is hoped will remain throughout the summer – were the idea of the village’s events committee which has worked throughout the pandemic to bring a smile to people’s faces. Previous lockdown events have included socially distanced outdoor cinema screenings and a creepy Halloween trail. Croscombe’s Christmas Charter Market was replaced with a walkabout buy-swap-sell walking trail rather than being held in the village hall
– and was so successful it may be repeated. Villagers also pulled together when torrential rain flooded homes at the end of last year, setting up a “flood hub” alongside the parish council. The idea for the bunting came from Terri Chichester, who runs The Cross bed and breakfast in the village. She said: “I am really hoping the bunting will bring an abundance of colour to the village and celebrate events such as – hopefully – the end of lockdown, the Queen’s birthday, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and our own village events.” Terri added: “There’s a tremendous community spirit in the village at present; it’s really buzzing.”
Organisers hope the bunting will remain in place throughout the summer
Many of the displays can been seen on the main road
Putting up bunting for a neighbour
For details, visit: www.croscombeeventsgroup.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 79
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Village thank you
Jennifer (right) with Gavin Heathcote and Karen Walker
JENNIFER Calignano, who has spent the last 15 years cleaning up the streets in Peasedown St John, has been publicly thanked for her efforts by Peasedown Community Trust. Jennifer, who is often seen around the village with her bike and litter picker, received a bouquet of flowers and a new litter picker from trust chairman Gavin Heathcote and trustee Cllr Karen Walker. Gavin said: “Jennifer is one of our community angels. We often see her out and about collecting litter, in her own time. She cares passionately about our village and is much loved by all. “This public presentation is just a small way of us saying thank you.” Details: www.facebook.com/PeasedownCommunityTrust or email peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com
Lions’ Easter gifts
CHEDDAR Vale lions delivered a total of 406 chocolate eggs to 12 care homes and residential establishments in the area, along with a card bearing a special Easter greeting and a promise of parties to come, having had to cancel their usual spring tea party. A club spokesman said: “We know supermarkets are inundated with requests from charities, but the managers at Morrisons and Tescos in Wells couldn’t have been more helpful. We are incredibly grateful for their support of Operation Easter Bunny!”
Keeping Pensford tidy
Young litter pickers
AFTER the village of Farmborough lost its village sweeper, two brothers answered the call to help clear litter from the streets. Harry Goodchild, aged nine, and William, aged six, who go to the local village school, stepped in until a new village sweeper could start work. Harry said: “We wanted to help the environment and it felt good. People should go on regular litter picks because if birds ate the litter they would choke and if a mouse got stuck inside a bottle it would suffocate.” William said: “People should not be lazy and throw rubbish on the ground. They should use a bin. Rubbish is not good for birds and other animals.” Their parents Helen and Mark are very proud of them both and said: “Whenever we go for walks the boys point out all the litter lying around and make us take it home so we were happy they wanted to help clean up.” PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
Kyle Daniels (left) and Mike Daniels
PENSFORD’S 25-strong group of volunteer litter-pickers have received a boost, with the arrival of ten new litter bins around the village. Six have been bought by the parish council and four supplied by Kyle Daniels of Kyle’s Waste. Cllr Mike Daniels organised the supply of the bins – and will also be emptying them on a regular basis. He said: “The bins have been made out of reclaimed wood where possible and there are still another couple to go out. Hopefully they will get used properly." One of Pensford’s volunteer litter-pickers, Dom lowe, said: “Along with our 25-strong litter-picking group these bins will help hugely in keeping Pensford looking clean and lovely.”
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Major boost for canal society
Local councillors Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson (left) and Mark Sherrey at the foundations of Terminus Bridge as it looks now
THE Somersetshire Coal Canal Society is celebrating after its project to restore Terminus Bridge got the backing of residents and Paulton Parish Council. As part of their Community Infrastructure levy (CIl) requirements, the council decided to hold a consultation online and in the winter edition of their village magazine so that residents could decide how best to spend its current total of CIl monies. Over 75% of the Paulton residents who voted decided to back the Terminus Bridge project which will also see the extension of the canal to its stop plank at Radford Mill. The society’s work party organiser, Mark Sherrey, said: “Getting the support of local residents means the world to us as we are a society run entirely by volunteers. Securing this funding means we can really start to progress our long-term plan of action for the canal. “We have long been aware that we would eventually need to install a new bridge on the site of the old Terminus Bridge, just East of Paulton Basin, in order to restore an uninterrupted length of canal down to the stop plank.” local labour parish and district councillor, Grant Johnson, the original proposer of the project, said: “It’s so important for us to remember where we have come from as a community and for future generations to understand how the industrial revolution helped shape the area we live in. “There is often very little opportunity to bring back what has been so sadly lost, but with the Somersetshire Coal Canal and the restoration of Terminus Bridge, we have that opportunity. People often think of progress as replacing what came before, but I’m a firm believer that the things that made us matter and we have a moral obligation to do all we can to save it.” Working parties have resumed at Paulton Basin and the Details: https://www.coalcanal.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/255247428606/
School marathon
COMMUNITY
STAFF at the Horse and Jockey in Binegar and the Barber Company in Midsomer Norton have walked a marathon 26.2 miles to raise funds for a swimming pool for the Mendip School on the Bath and West showground. They followed the cycle path from Oldland Common through Bath to Frome, and have so far raised just over £1,000, twice their original target. The appeal is close to landlady, Nikki Hutchison’s heart as Jack, her son, attends the Mendip School.
Return of the wallers
VOluNTEERS with the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) unit are back out rebuilding drystone walls, including this wall that forms part of the Deer leap nature reserve above Westbury-sub-Mendip. The unit is targeting walls for rebuilding that connect nature reserves to help wildlife recover. Volunteers undergo training in how to rebuild the walls. lauren Holt from the AONB said: “It's been a special day on the Mendip Hills, and not just because the sun was shining! We welcomed back our first drystone walling volunteer group in just over a year. “We're limiting our group sizes, keeping lots of space between us and getting plenty of fresh Mendip air. Thank you to our wallers for their spirit and commitment to the cause of caring for the drystone walls of Mendip.” Details: Special Qualities – Mendip Hills AONB
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 81
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More murals for street art trail
GlASTONBuRY’S extraordinary mural art trail is continuing to expand with even more works appearing on the sides of homes, businesses and other locations. The popularity of the street art initiative has attracted artists from a wide area and the team behind the initiative is now updating a guide to the works on show. A dedicated website is also currently being created. Curated by Glastonbury artist Kim von Coels, the trail is backed by Glastonbury Town Council and Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. The new guide should be available in May from the town’s visitor centre.
Sara Trenchard’s new work along Jacob’s Ladder, a footpath connecting Windmill Hill Road with Bove Town
This mural is on a house opposite the entrance to the Somerset Rural Life Museum
Tasha, by Oxana Gaida, on the side of The Globe pub by Abbey Park, was completed in 2020
A section of another mural in Jacob’s Ladder alleyway – this one by Jon Sikoh
Street artist Robb Chung came from London to create this work at the games courts off Benedict Street
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Tardis lands in Chew Stoke
CHEW Stoke’s Happy Box lived up to its name over Easter as it was decorated with an Easter theme and was the base for the village’s Easter trail, which raised money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. The former telephone box has still been taking donations for the food bank in Withywood. One of the organisers, Ruth Donlevy, said: “Massive thanks to James Edgerton and support of Pictured (l to r) Becky Heath, Chew Stoke Parish Council Bethan Kilroy, Kate Donlevey and for engineering some solar Lowri Knight who decorated the power for The Happy Box! box, before setting up the Easter “This will, hopefully, trail allow the old ‘Telephone’ lights to be lit up at night without being on the grid and the possibilities otherwise are endless. Chew Stoke’s version of The Tardis from Dr Who here we come.”
Countdown to Somerset Day
Flying the flag for Somerset
SOMERSET Day will be celebrated on Tuesday May 11th and organisers of celebrations to mark the event say it’s time to get your flags, bunting or window stickers and posters ready. They want people throughout the county to “Fly the Flag for Somerset” and are asking people to download a Somerset Day pack from their website. The pack includes templates for the distinctive yellow and red Somerset flags and bunting to make and brighten up homes,
Looking ahead to walking festival
COMMUNITY
MENDIP Ramblers are pressing ahead with plans for the return of their free walking festival over the August bank holiday weekend. last year’s festival was cancelled due to the pandemic, but the ramblers hope this year’s three-day event – based on Shipham – will be able to proceed. Walking groups restarted in April – with restrictions – and the working party has been back in action. Despite the difficulties in 2020, the working party did succeed in their vital repairs to rights of way. In ordinary times they would be out almost every week of the year; last year that was reduced to 109 hours of work in 29 weeks. The result in 2020 was 35 repaired or new gates, 53 repaired or new stiles, four new bridges and lots of smaller jobs. Elaine Dadley, from the ramblers, said: “All of this means better walking for all walkers, not just ramblers. This work is carried out on behalf of the local authorities, but the labour is free. The group are currently back at work, as are the members who regularly check footpaths in order to report problems.” For details, visit: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
gardens and communities. For those who would like to purchase bunting or larger flags, Somerset Day has partnered This sign has appeared on the edge of Pilton with Red Dragon urging people to support Somerset Day Flagmakers. A window, car sticker and badge pack is also available to buy. Somerset celebrates its birthday over the weekend of May 8th and 9th through to Somerset Day itself. lucy Housley, one of the organisers of Somerset Day said: “Finally, we have a chance to celebrate – spring is here, and we are starting to meet with friends and family outdoors, so let’s really go for it and have a massive splash of colour across Somerset.”
For details, visit: www.somersetday.com
Popular choir begins search for new director
CONGRESBuRY Singers is seeking a new musical director, following the retirement of Gordon Pullin after 12 years. They put on four concerts a year, with a wide selection of programmes, from classical to folk songs, and usually perform Stainers Crucifixion at local churches during Holy Week. The choir meets on Tuesday evenings 8-9.30pm in the Old School Rooms and hopes to resume rehearsals in September. New members are always very welcome. Applications close on May 21st.
Details: Chair David Triffitt davidjtriffitt@hotmail.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 83
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New film will guide skatepark designers A FuNDRAISING appeal is due to be launched in May to build a modern skateboard park in Bruton. The volunteers behind the BruBowl plan say the new facility is desperately needed by young people in the town as the current ramp in Jubilee Park is too small and out-of-date; the BruBowl would incorporate the latest features and designs. A proposal for the BruBowl was first raised by a group of parents – many of whom were skateboarders themselves – in 2016 when they sought the backing of Bruton Town Council. Now the council has secured a long-term lease on the site from landowners the Sexey’s Trust and a £150,000 fundraising appeal can begin. Anyone interested in using the new multi-use facility was invited to take part in a short film to pass on their ideas to the skatepark designers. Rufus Bullough, one of the original parents behind the BruBowl idea, said: “Currently there is a gap in Bruton’s community of a safe, inclusive and accessible space catering for the growing number of 5-18-year-olds. We are providing a service to Bruton’s young people where they can build confidence, challenge themselves, express creativity whilst developing social skills and resilience. “BruBowl skatepark will support Bruton’s young people by providing a safe, designated multi-use wheeled sports park. It will support a broad range of ages and abilities with a credible leisure facility to meet the increasing demand for cycling, skating, scootering off the roads and away from traffic in a busy rural town “BruBowl skatepark will develop the health and wellbeing of young people, particularly relevant during the pandemic, in a free outdoor community space, proven to be welcoming to both families and individuals alike.”
Dozens of young people took part in the filming
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
A youngster with big ideas – filming of the video underway in Jubilee Park
Iyla and Sache were also asking for people’s ideas
The current ramp is too small and out-of-date
For details, find BruBowl on Facebook
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Celebrating the life of Gerry Brice
Primary School and The Blue School, treasurer of the village hall committee and chairman of the parish council. In 1987, Gerry won Community Policeman of the Year for his services to the police force. Gerry had also served as an Irish Guard in the 1950s which involved serving his country in Egypt and taking part in The Trooping of the Colour in 1957. On behalf of his family, granddaughter laura Roberts said: “Gerry will be missed by his loving family and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. A celebration of his life will be arranged when the
Gerry (second left) with former colleagues at a reunion at Wells police station
(Photo courtesy of Wells Nub News)
Garden project has Lions Club backing Grants available CITY of Wells lions Club is continuing to help local charities despite being restricted in their fundraising events for the last year. One being regularly supported is The lawrence Centre in Wells, a charity offering help to older people including those who may be socially isolated of suffer from memory loss. (l:r) Lion Paul Marsh, Maggie Charlesworth and last year, the club drew Rebecca Edwards, from the Lawrence Centre, and into their funds and gave Lion Ian Williams £600 to the centre towards the cost of personal protection equipment. They then became aware of the aim to developing an outside area for visitors to enjoy a quiet space with flowers and wildlife. The plan was developed by Rebecca Edwards and she and lion Ian Williams put together an application for a lions Environment Grant. All were delighted to hear that a grant of 450 Euros had been made. Work has progressed well with weeds being removed and some planting and heavier work removing fibrous roots is underway. lion Paul Marsh has offered assistance in the garden and his carpentry skills to develop the entrance. Once the tree surgeon has completed his work planting of the remaining area can take place. l The centre still needs more funds, in particular to help buy some seating. For details, find the lawrence Centre Garden Project on Facebook.
NORTH Somerset groups are being invited to apply for up to £20,000 each to improve health and wellbeing as we exit lockdown. The North Somerset Community Partnership fund has £350,000 to award over two rounds this year. Grant applications need to be made before the first deadline, June 3rd. The fund is held by Quartet Community Foundation. Julie Newman from Quartet said: “The Covid crisis has exacerbated many existing inequalities but thankfully North Somerset groups have shown they can reach and support our most disadvantaged communities. “The last round of grants went to a diverse range of groups. One, Escapeline, supports vulnerable children at risk of exploitation from county line gangs. Another, Vision North Somerset, is using their grant to alleviate loneliness and isolation for people suffering sight loss. “As we emerge from the long winter lockdown this new grant round can benefit a really wide range of local projects tackling health and wellbeing in North Somerset.” Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grantprogrammes/north-somerset-communitypartnership-grant/
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021 • PAGE 85
(Photo courtesy of Nigel Taylor)
Former policeman Gerry Brice died at the beginning of April. Gerry (PC 603) completed 30 years’ service in the Avon and Somerset police force between 1959 and 1989. Beginning his career in Keynsham, Gerry was later posted to Chewton Mendip in 1966, where he quickly became a pillar of the community. PC Gerry Brice completed 30 years’ Gerry thrived on service in the force helping those around him and always went the extra mile. Being the village policeman was everything Gerry had wanted and he involved himself in every aspect of village life. Alongside being the local bobby, he was churchwarden, chairman of the school governors at Chewton Mendip
COMMUNITY
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Better late than never
COMMUNITY
An eggs-cellent initiative
Club president Sue Ruddick loads up her car to deliver the eggs to Lenka Grimes, the co-organiser of Fair Frome
Civic recognition. Award winners (clockwise) Radek Evans, Rachel Clark, Gill Fone and Dawn Cunningham
lAST year’s mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, has been able finally to present his civic awards to community champions in the town after the pandemic caused the annual ceremony to be postponed. The awards were announced during the council’s online meeting in March; earlier Mark had presented certificates and flowers to the winners – in a safe, socially-distanced way. Mark said: "This last year has seen so many truly heartwarming stories of folks volunteering to help others during the pandemic. This community feeling is what we strive for in Frome and it's wonderful to see so many still continuing with this. “In my civic awards I wanted to recognise four individuals who have each volunteered to help others, some for many years and some raising thousands of pounds, each special in their own way." The recipients were Radek Evans, a regular volunteer with many organisations including the Fair Frome foodbank and the Food at Five community meals and who also helps with Active and in Touch. Frome’s neighbourhood sergeant, Rachel Clark, received her award for the amazing fundraising work she has done for the charity We Hear You. Gill Fone (featured in the March issue of Mendip Times) has played an important part in many organisations in Frome over the years and has overwhelmingly contributed to the community. Dawn Cunningham set up Frome’s CAB and welcomed the first client back in 1974. Dawn continued to volunteer one day a week in Frome and at Midsomer Norton until late 2019 when she had to step down due to ill-health. l The current mayor, Anita Collier, will present her civic awards covering her mayoral year at the council’s annual meeting later in the spring. PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
THE Inner Wheel Club of Frome purchased £200 worth of Easter eggs which went into family food parcels organised by Fair Frome.
Norman conquered
NORMAN, the crusader knight who has been guarding the back entrance to the ruins of East Harptree castle for the past ten years, has hopefully been saved from an ignominious end. When villagers walking in the combe recently found that Norman had been toppled from his lookout point they went to his rescue and brought him back into the village to dry out. Norman was carved and installed in East Harptree combe during their festival in Norman as he used to look 2011. But Norman appears to have been attacked by time, water and rot (and probably woodlice) rather than any more sinister foe. He’s now dry and recuperating in a villager’s garage, while discussions are taking place about how to renovate and waterproof him.
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Boost for cancer research
HAnnAH’S Willberry Wonder Pony Charity has announced a new research project with middlesex University, which aims to uncover why bone cancer spreads to other tissues. The research, which will be led by Dr Helen Roberts, will aim to unravel the complex cellular and environmental control of how a rare type of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma (oS) spreads to other tissues such as the lungs. The charity was established by talented horse rider, Hannah Francis, following her diagnosis with the aggressive form of bone cancer in 2015. Hannah was determined to ensure that noone with a diagnosis of osteosarcoma in the future would have to endure the bleak prospects and archaic treatment regime that she experienced. Hannah, who lived near Frome, established her charity in march 2016, before she died in August 2016 at the age of just 18. For the past 30 years, survival rates in oS patients have remained unchanged, partly due to the lack of research into why the tumour spreads and what initiates this process. Dr Roberts said: “i am delighted that Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity has given me the opportunity to investigate why osteosarcoma tumours metastasise to the lungs. Along with our collaborators at the Royal Veterinary College, we plan to use cutting edge cell-based assays to define not only the role of the bone cells, but also the lung environment.”
Support for WWF
Pictured (l to r): Olivia, Evie and Martha
THREE Chew Valley girls raised £74 for the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) by selling homemade flags, themed around the Six nations rugby, along with warming cups of hot chocolate. olivia Davies, Evie Cloes and martha Davies wanted to raise money to help put an end to tiger poaching and also to help in the fight against climate change affecting the polar bears. The girls said: “We wish to thank every one of our customers for their support and hope to do it again soon!”
CHARITIES
Simon’s PPE – positive potty experience
Simon Robertson, from The Dental Clinic, Portishead, is aiming to raise £5,000 this summer for Vine Counselling, based in Congresbury. He plans to cycle the 350km King Alfred’s Way in three days in early June then do a “Tough mudder”, a ten-mile run with 25 obstacles along the way, on August 21st. All in his full work PPE protective gear! Simon said: “King Alfred’s Way is an off-road mountain bike challenge. i do a bit of road cycling, but this will be much harder and unrelenting. “Tough mudder challenges are physical and mentally taxing and include plenty of mud, ice cold water and even electrocution. i am not a runner!” Simon’s wife Tracy works for Vine Counselling, a nonprofit making charity offering affordable, donation based, professional counselling to people who need help to cope with anxiety, stress, bereavement, depression, bullying, trauma, loneliness, abuse and family problems. Simon said: “Vine has seen an unprecedented demand for their services at a time when their fundraising opportunities have plummeted. This is an invaluable service that i would like to support in their efforts to support others.”
Details: Virgin Money Giving | PPE . . . Positive Potty Experience for Vine
Fitness classes resume
AgE UK Somerset hopes to encourage a move towards “normality” with their “let’s move together and improve together” fitness campaign. The charity’s Ageing Well team, who normally run and manage hundreds of community-based exercise classes, have held a wide range of online exercise sessions since last July. They plan to resume their community-based classes from may 17th, with strict safety measures in place, while continuing online sessions for those who would prefer to stay at home for the time being. The charity’s “stay strong, stay steady” classes – falls prevention sessions run in conjunction with Somerset County Council and the nHS – will also be resuming and hope to have a positive impact on the strength and balance of vulnerable adults. Details: 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk or visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk
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Riding for Mike and the RNLI
PHiL Bindon is planning a 200-mile cycle ride from Westonsuper-mare to Padstow, visiting lifeboat stations on the way, to raise funds for the RnLi. it’s in memory of his son, mike, aged 23, who was swept away by a freak wave while fishing off the Cornish coast on January 22nd, 2014. Phil, from Bleadon, is hoping to raise £10,000. He said: “The RnLi and air support were on the scene within 15 minutes. They never found him and my life changed that day, forever. But back to 2020, i had a lightbulb moment. i wanted to raise awareness again and help the RnLi.” He took up cycling while furloughed from work and raised £700 for a cancer charity. He will start his Ride your Bike for mike from Weston on Saturday, may 8th at 10am. Some of his colleagues from Edenstone Homes, where he works as a project manager, will join him on the first leg to minehead. They include Chris Edge, Steve Barley and mike Huddlestone. others joining him for the challenge include matt groves, Liz Porter, Richard goddard-Jones, Alan Jackson and Alex Walker. After minehead the ride takes in ilfracombe, Port isaac and Padstow.
Tall ships adventure thanks to STAR
A TEEnAgE girl from the mendip area has been given the chance to sail on a tall ship thanks to the Somerset-based young people’s charity STAR. Anna (not her real name) will become part of a Tall Ships Youth Trust crew for her Duke of Edinburgh challenge. The main aim of STAR – Somerset Trust for Arts & Recreation – is to raise funding to enable many disadvantaged and vulnerable Somerset children and young people the opportunity to participate in activities and experiences which is often denied to them through poverty and, sometimes, dysfunctional lifestyles. Helen Bown, STAR’s development officer, said: “many of these young people typically have lower self-esteem, fewer social skills, achieve less at school and are at a higher risk of social exclusion and being involved in anti-social behaviour. “STAR’s funding helps to address this and a typical request for help is for a child to attend a social club or arts and drama clubs. Recently we have had requests to help with children’s mental health affected by Covid and we have funded horse therapy sessions and gym memberships. Activities which most young people take for granted but for those less fortunate, activities which remain out of reach.” Anna, 13, is one of ten young people in the county to be helped with their bronze DofE challenges. Helen added: “Covid-19 has affected STAR’s funding considerably and we now have to think of imaginative ways to raise the muchneeded funds to be able to meet all our referrers’ requests at a time when young people are facing extraordinary levels of youth unemployment, they are feeling excluded and mental health issues are on the rise.” One of the Tall Ships Trust fleet
Philip Bindon is fundraising for RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution (justgiving.com)
Supporting the RNLI
THE RnLi is expecting a busy summer, with so many people taking holidays at home, and with fundraising activities hit by the pandemic it has launched a spring appeal after dipping into its reserves to maintain services last year. in 2019, RnLi volunteers saved 374 lives and helped over 38,700 people. The Chew Valley Fundraising Branch is supporting the appeal. it’s also looking at the possibility of an event, possibly partly outdoors, in September and has provisionally booked Ubley Parish Hall for their Curry Lunch on Friday, november 12th. Details: https://rnli.org
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For details about STAR’s work, visit: www.somersetstar.org.uk
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Portrayal of a pandemic – an exhibition FRomE-based befriending charity Active and in Touch has opened submissions for an art exhibition called Portrayal of a Pandemic. The exhibition is part of the tenth anniversary celebrations for the charity which helps combat loneliness and isolation in the community and is the brainchild of Di Roberts, Active and in Touch co-ordinator. All forms of art are Entries are now open welcome including paintings, mixed media, photography, textiles, sculpture and also poetry. The exhibition is open to all with three age categories: under-12s, under-18s and adults. Artwork will be selected by an invited panel of guest judges
CHARITIES
for the exhibition with 30 of the best submissions going to a public vote in June to choose 12 images to be published in the charity’s 2022 calendar. Portrayal of a Pandemic will take place in September at Black Swan Arts, Frome Town Hall and other venues to be confirmed. Active and in Touch says: “Since march 2020, individuals, families and the community have experienced a whole range of emotions and challenges including, grief, fear and greater loneliness resulting from restrictions and concerns for the future. “There have also been so many uplifting times with heart touching experiences, the kindness of strangers and the beauty of nature. “Active and in Touch is asking for people to share these experiences and the feelings they evoked with others as a lasting testimony and an affirmation of better times ahead. Being creative has been a support for many people already and hopefully more will be inspired to unlock their creativity and send their work for the exhibition.” Entry is free but artists will be asked to consider making a donation to the charity if their work is sold. Artists should submit work by emailing a jpeg photograph by Friday, June 4th to events@activeandintouch.org
For details, visit: www.activeandintouch.org/events-information/
Charity plant sale
gREEnHoUSES are filling up in East Harptree as people grow seedlings and plants in readiness for the annual Christian Aid plant sale. This annual sale was started by Hazel Rider (pictured) and Jane Bagott 18 years ago. This year, because of the pandemic, there will be no house-to-house collections for the charity. Hazel said: “We are hoping to have a pop-up plant sale from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, may 15th, which will be held outside St Laurence’s Church in East Harptree.” Hazel and others are busily growing vegetables, annuals, and perennials for the sale but said that if anyone has any seedlings or are dividing up perennials to keep the plant sale in mind or take any spare plants to the sale on the day. Details: www.christianaid.org.uk
Rotary aid for Yemen
WATER Survival Box, the charity of Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club, has sent a further consignment of 200 boxes to the Yemen with the help of the Jubilee outreach York Trust. They recently left its midsomer norton depot for Shipley in Yorkshire, where they were loaded on to a container for the Yemen Rotary president, Tony Quinn, said: “This is the second such distribution the charity has made to the Yemen with the help of JoY. one hundred boxes were delivered in January. “The Water Survival Box provides essential items for victims of disasters, natural or man-made and its most important feature is the grifaid Water filter which provides up to 100,000 litres of safe water when water systems are damaged, polluted or nonexistent.” Details: Tony Quinn 07734 112997 www.watersurvivalbox.org or www.rotary.org
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Taking steps to beat cancer
The blood donor
Adrian Jay (right) with his music partner John Newcombe
PAUL Charlton of Connaught Freemasons Lodge in midsomer norton, has completed his fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK, walking 10,000 steps every day in march. in total he walked 343,783 steps, 262 km, losing 4.5 kg in weight. At the start Paul set himself a target of raising £250; however, he has now exceeded £1,000, helped by a £200 donation from lodge’s charity account. Details: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/paulswalk-all-over-cancer-fundraising-page-120
Jamie’s going the extra mile
FiTnESS instructor Jamie Curd is in training for an ultramarathon with a difference at the beginning of may for Fromebased charity Active and in Touch. Jamie – known as “Jay” – will be attempting the 4x4x48 Challenge for the charity which aims to combat loneliness and isolation. The challenge is a gruelling endurance feat which has been popularised in recent years by ex-US marine David goggins and involves completing four miles every four hours for 48 hours. Jamie, who lives in East Woodlands and runs nCR Fitness, will be running a four-mile multi-terrain route around Longleat Woods on Saturday, may 1st and Sunday, may 2nd. He said: "Active and in Touch works to support people who suffer loneliness and isolation, this through the circumstances that life has thrown at them including caring for a partner for years, moving to a new area, mental health needs or just not feeling confident to try new things alone. "As some of you know, i have suffered with social anxiety, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, making it difficult to connect and maintain friendships so this is a cause i can relate to and am
WE are all getting used to a jab in the arm now that the Coronavirus vaccine is being rolled out but imagine being jabbed in the arm 400 times! This total will be reached this summer by Adrian moore, former BBC Radio Bristol presenter Adrian Jay, who lives in East Harptree. Adrian started giving blood in his 20s and has made 392 donations since 1972. He said it takes an hour to extract the amount of plasma and platelets that can save the lives of up to six children and one adult with cancer and/or leukemia. He says that it only takes a couple of days to get your blood back up to what it usually is. Adrian, who was 70 on April 25th, had booked the East Harptree Theatre but has postponed celebrations until later in the year. At 19, although still running a mobile disco, he started working at the BBC, joining them in 1972. on new Year’s Eve 1992 he did his last mobile discotheque show and in April of 1993 left the BBC to start a production company making radio and TV commercials. Thirty years on and he is still giving platelets and plasma every month at Southmead Hospital.
Jamie Curd in training for his 48-hour challenge
willing to go the ‘extra mile’ for." Jamie is hoping to raise £480 for the charity. Local runners are welcome to join him for a socially distanced lap during his attempt.
For details, visit: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/jamies4x4x48challenge/
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Walk for welfare is big step in the right direction
moTHER and daughter duo Emma and Annabel Aitken have raised more than £6,000 for a small charity helping schoolgirls in Kenya by walking the 117-mile mendip Ring, which roughly follows the mendip District Council boundary. The pair, from Butleigh, took six days to complete the route using a network of existing footpaths designed by members of mendip Bridleways Association. Emma, aged 35, and Annabel, aged 12, had set an original target of raising £4,600 for St Peter’s Life-Line, a small charity founded by David Baldwin in the Kajuki region of northern Kenya.The charity works to support education, clean water, sanitation and healthcare by various community projects. Emma and Annabel are fundraising specifically to support LifeLine’s work to reduce period poverty, where women simply cannot afford the cost of sanitary protection. in this community, where female genital mutilation is traditionally undertaken, girls often have to miss school for one week each month once their periods start. if the girl has to leave school completely then early, arranged marriage is commonplace. The money raised will provide the material needed to make and provide more than 120,000 sanitary pads. The charity has already built a small factory and provided micro-finance to allow local women to be employed to make the pads for free, or at cost, for local girls. Annabel, a student at Crispin School in Street, has given presentations to Time to rest: Annabel and Emma schools about the work of with flowers presented to them by David Baldwin St Peter’s Life-Line.
Easter Monday: Emma and Annabel were joined by charity founder David Baldwin (left) and friend Elspeth Ryler (far right) for the start of their walk from Butleigh village green Glastonbury Tor is in the distance as the pair stride out
Wellwishers turned out in force to greet the pair on their return to Butleigh after six days of walking
For details, visit: www.stpeterslifeline.org.uk • Emma Aitken is fundraising for St Peter's Life-Line (justgiving.com)
Club’s donation to “super sniffers”
THE inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale has made a £100 donation to the medical charity Detection Dogs after watching a Zoom presentation by Joanne gardiner, one of its representatives. DD, nicknamed “Super Sniffers”, uses dogs to detect bladder cancer and other illnesses – currently there are 16 dogs working solely on recognising signs of Covid-19. Some of the dogs used by the milton Keynes-based charity work using samples and live with their trainers; others are alert assistance dogs and live with people who have lifethreatening conditions.
Joanne Gardiner with some of the super sniffers
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CHARITIES
Annual meeting held online
mEmBERS, trustees, staff, parents and carers attended the annual meeting of the Westfield-based charity SWALLoW via Zoom. SWALLoW supports local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities and more than 50 people took part in the event. The charity says members have been adversely affected by Covid as disruptions to normal routines and health vulnerabilities caused anxiety and concern. it has been offering help and support throughout and a huge thank you at the meeting went to SWALLoW staff for their dedication and care. Stephen Barran, chair of trustees, said:
The charity’s AGM underway
“it was lovely to see so many people come together at the Agm to celebrate SWALLoW’s achievements over the past year, the going has been tough at times
but everyone has pulled together to make sure SWALLoW members get the support they need. i am very proud of the whole team.”
For details about SWALLOW visit: www.swallowcharity.org call 01761 414034 or find them on Facebook
Sea shanties in Weston
WESTon-super-mare’s very first sea shanty and folk music festival is taking place along the seafront from August 6th-8th raising funds for the local RnLi and the Lions Club. it’s being organised by one of Weston’s own shanty bands, The Steepholmers, with the support of north Somerset Council, Weston Town Council and The grand Pier. organisers say: “The festival is set to be a major event in the South West music calendar and after the challenges of the past year, brings an opportunity for everyone to enjoy live music in a safe and family-friendly way.” more than 50 bands from all over the UK are set to appear free of charge, with free admission to all venues. All those attending will be able to donate at any of the collection points across the town throughout the weekend. Sea shanties have long been very popular as a key part of Britain’s unique folk music scene. now there are sea shanty bands
all over the country and the scene is growing year on year, providing good toe-tapping fun for all the family.
A PRoJECT aimed at helping young people with mental health issues in the Cheddar Valley is celebrating its first anniversary as a charity by launching a new image and a new telephone counselling service. The Space was initially formed in 2017 by The Cheddar Community Partnership and as part of their organic development it became a charity in 2020. it offers counselling, a weekly youth club, activities and information services for young people aged four to 18 years experiencing mental and emotional distress. The telephone service is for parents or carers whose children and young people are experiencing poor mental well-being. Trustee John Pimblott said: “The Space has been on an amazing
journey and our services have grown quickly due to our ambition to provide a community of support around our children and young people. “The pandemic has highlighted the need for a range of services to children and young people, offering support in the early stages of mental health issues and we have risen to that challenge. “The Space is a forward, modern thinking charity and as our services have developed so has the opportunity for us to have a logo and brand that A new look for The Space defines who we are.”
Details: https://wsmshantyfest.com/ http://bit.ly/WsMShantyFest2021#wsmshantyfest
New image for young people’s mental health charity
For details, visit: www.thespacesomerset.org.uk
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Green traveller on Mendip
RECENTLY I caught up with Kelly Knight, Mendip District Council’s Principal Sustainable Travel and Tourism Officer. With RACHEL Kelly is busily THOMPSON plotting her way MBE around Mendip designing multi-user path connections to link up our five larger communities and numerous villages and hamlets. Creating green infrastructure to enable sustainable travel on foot, by bike and horse, scooter and disabled conveyance is a key Mendip District Council active travel policy. As someone who regularly walks, cycles and horse rides it’s great to see Mendip recognising the need to be inclusive, following the Scottish example of core paths which are “community paths that help people stay connected, access green space and get
Nicky Kingman on Isaac on part of the Colliers Way linking Radstock to Frome
active”, legally open to everyone irrespective of their chosen (nonmotorised) travel mode and travel purpose. The Welsh Government too is leading the way in looking to legislate so that more of the rights of way network is accessible for multi-use. Although everyone seems obsessed with cycling, Kelly recognises that all non-motorised users can share the same space. After all, we all share rural roads and multi-user rights of way – bridleways and byways. Women, especially, find it difficult to find time to cycle to work or are prevented by the need to drop children at school. Many women are horse riders particularly in rural Mendip and many have recently said that they feel safer exploring the countryside on horseback. Kelly says what’s important is getting people out there, leaving cars at home when we can, following the example of the Dutch and their exciting concept of “20-minute neighbourhoods”, where everything you need is accessible a short walk or ride away and travel space is low speed, shared and safe. Mendip has an amazing resource of lightly trafficked country lanes, unclassified county roads that can be used as part of the green travel network. We need to look again at the quiet lane concept, where speeds are lower and motorised users expect to encounter people walking, cycling, riding and carriage driving. As keen multi-user path developers, Kelly and I agree on the principles of engaging with landowners and farmers, listening to their concerns and using access to provide solutions rather than causing nuisance and a source of concern. Ensuring routes are in the right place, perhaps in a corridor or along a boundary with some biodiversity enhancements such as tree and hedge planting, creating wildlife ponds and a place to rest and enjoy the view will encourage users to go out and explore Mendip. User education is key too as well as showcasing farming and food
RIDING
Kelly Knight. It was a fun pose and her daughter definitely wears something warmer and safer than her pyjamas and slippers when they go for a ride!
production that delivers year-on-year whatever the weather. Designing and delivering multi-user paths is a complex process of identifying routes and landowners, negotiating, planning and developing infrastructure on the ground and securing wherever possible permanent routes, investing in a legacy for the future. Kelly says that most of the preferred route identification is in place and around 200 landowners have been identified too. The next step is to work out the best order of delivery and talk to landowners and farmers. A connecting network of quiet lanes, multi-user rights of way and other paths offers amazing opportunities for farm diversification and benefits to everyone in the community and outside. Kelly says this is Mendip’s USP – the offer of accessible, safe, sustainable travel and recreation through beautiful landscape, passing through Mendip towns full of charm, unique history and heritage. A reason to stop off for a day or a week instead of just passing through Somerset on the way south.
For details, visit: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9827/Mendip-s-multi-user-paths-project-to-transform-travel-gainsmomentum
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To the top of Two Trees
SOME hill climbs are hard because they are long and wear you down gradually. Others start off gently but then have a very steep section that makes them tough. And, then there are those that are steep from the very start, intimidating any cyclist who may approach it. CYCLING A good example of the latter is Two with EDMUND LODITE Trees in the pretty village of Blagdon situated on the northern flank of the Mendip Hills. It’s made up of three different lanes, the last of which is Two Trees – an evocatively named, ruler-straight stretch of hill that takes you along the final kilometre to the top. It is one of those Mendip Hill climbs that more-or-less just tries to go straight uphill, unlike its neighbour at Burrington Combe which follows a longer, but on average less steep path made by nature. Both are featured regularly in the Junior Tour of the Mendips, a national race for Britain’s best young cyclists. The climb starts at the junction on the A368 by the Seymour Arms. Because you’re already nearly one third of the way up the Mendip Hills you will need to reach for the lowest gears from the start. Then what follows is a tough but terrific, breathless and beautiful ride towards the top of the Mendip Hills. The first section rises from the village centre along a lane flanked on both sides by pretty cottages. The 14% gradient gives you an immediate heart-pumping and breathless introduction to the climb ahead. As the houses spread out, the slope eases off a little until you approach a sign indicating bends in the road ahead for 400 yards. In this section along Rhodyate, the twists and turns on the lane expose the increasing gradient ahead of you. On one of those left-hand bends passing a green bench, just before the headquarters of Yeo Valley Organic, if you look backwards slightly you’re rewarded with fine views over Blagdon Lake. You’ll also see how high you have already climbed bringing some reward for your efforts so far. As the direction steadies the gradient eases and you go past the junction with Ellick Road on your right. Ahead is Two Trees the final section of this climb. The perfectly straight lane rises way into the distance bordered here and there by trees. I suppose at one time there were just two trees! This is the most deceptive part of the climb. Because the
Junior Tour of the Mendips
lane is straight it’s hard to judge how steep it is, appearing not to look too difficult. You could easily be mistaken for thinking that all the hard work had been done earlier. However, after a short distance your legs will kick in with a reality check as the gradient increases again. The end of the lane can be seen on the horizon, but at almost a kilometre long it doesn’t appear to get any closer despite your efforts. It is though a beautiful lane to cycle along, wide with very little traffic and fine views. Just as you approach the horizon there is one final steeper section that will remind you of how you started this hill climb. Breathless, you reach the end of the climb, where the lane levels off between two opposing field gates, about 100 metres before the junction with the road from Burrington Combe. Although this is a tough climb, I think it looks harder than it actually is and there’s a great sense of achievement from cycling it. The last long straight uphill section is unlike any other hill climb you will find on the Mendip Hills. For that reason alone, it makes Two Trees a standout classic amongst the hill climbs of Mendip. Climb Stats: Distance 1.6 km; Elevation Gain 151m, Average gradient 8.7%, Max gradient 17%
MAY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Engross 5. Rodwell 9. Sedge 10. Floorplan 11. Overheated 12. Scam 14. Antediluvian 18. Tytherington 21. Amen 22. Pencil case 25. Gastritis 26. Vegan 27. Radiate 28. Exactly. DOWN: 1. Easton 2. Godney 3. Open-handed 4. Sofia 5. Reopening 6. Dory 7. Eclectic 8. Landmine 13. Landmine 15. Epicentre 16. Stranger 17. Stressed 19. Maggot 20. Keenly 23. Caste 24. Urea PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
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Croquet drives away the Covid blues MEMBERS of Camerton and Peasedown Croquet Club rushed down to their four lawns to enjoy their favourite sport when restrictions were lifted. The club has now secured planning permission for a new clubhouse, water treatment plant for toilets and an irrigation system to ensure their lawns remain in tip-top condition. Work started just before Easter and by May, when Covid rules change again, the club will be looking forward to welcoming visitors and new members. Club chair, Mo Boys, said: “As we are a part of our local community and once these works are complete, we will be able to welcome even more visitors to our club. ‘If you are looking for a sport with light exercise, opportunities to meet people (under Covid rules) and if you want to improve your health and wellbeing – then think croquet – sport, tactics, skill, team, friends and fun.” The club will be holding the first of a series of four introductory weekly sessions starting May 9th, then 16th,
23rd, and 30th all from 2-4.30pm. The cost is £25 and that is refunded when you join the club. All equipment is provided free – just wear flat-soled shoes.
Details: Mo Boys 07929 733640 or email moboys@talktalk.net
Club expands junior section
CHILCOMPTON Sports Cricket Club is preparing to open up its junior training sessions to youngsters aged five and upwards in June. The club, embarking on its seventh season at Chilcompton Sports Ground, currently offers coaching to children aged seven to 13. Junior training sessions take place every Wednesday evening from 6.15-7.45pm and the club plans to expand the age range from Wednesday, June 2nd. There are professional coaches and facilitators for every session all of whom are DBS checked. The club plans to arrange local friendly matched in June and July and offers a pathway for juniors to progress to the senior teams. The senior side play every Saturday in the Bristol and District League with a Sunday XI playing in the North Somerset League. New players are welcome.
Former junior players Alexandra Baughan and Thomas Scott who made their senior debuts in 2020
For details, contact Dave Travis on 07725 458404 or dave.travis@hotmail.co.uk
New look for this year’s Glastonbury Road Run
THE annual Glastonbury Road Run will return on Sunday, May 2nd but in a new Covid-compliant format and with a revised route. For this year alone, organisers will be staging a single 10km race instead of offering a variety of distances and a fun run and the route will avoid Glastonbury town centre and other key locations such as the West Mendip Hospital. They say the route could be one of the fastest 10km routes in the south west. Race HQ will be at the Strode Leisure Centre and runners will be sent off in “waves” rather than staging a mass start to try to maintain social distancing. The team say they like the new course so much they are planning a new race for the Autumn – provisionally called the “Glastonbury Levels 10K”. l Entries are limited to 1,500 runners. For details, find Glastonbury Road Run on Facebook.
Dawn to dusk cycle challenge
A GROUP of members of Mendip Cycling Club are in training for an endurance challenge with a difference – chasing the sun from East to West in aid of a special needs school in Street. They will set off at dawn from the east coast of Kent to try to cover the 205 miles to Burnham-on-Sea by sunset. The 13 riders will have just under 17 hours in which to complete the challenge on Saturday, June 19th. The club, which has members from Wells, Glastonbury and Street as well as further afield, wants to raise £5,000 to buy a special needs bicycle for Avalon School, attended by the daughter of one of the riders. For details, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mendipcyclingclub?utm_term=xE3ZxeJVn
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(Photography courtesy of Chris Challis)
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The Bath & West Country Festival – new attractions added
exCIteMent is building about the Bath & West Country festival, which is replacing the royal Bath & West Show for 2021, as new attractions and performers are confirmed. this one-off event takes place on August 27-29th and, whilst retaining the Main ring, Main Lawn, Woodland and Countryside Arena which visitors know and love, the organisers have also announced new features to enjoy. Amongst them is Lakeside farm, which offers interactive farming fun for the family. Lakeside farm includes the Sheep Show, where visitors can learn about breeds of sheep and watch a sheep shearing demonstration; and the Dog & Duck Show, where a collie dog will put a group of ducks through a course of tunnels and slides. Another new feature is Canine Corner which, along with a show from Pawsability, will host a fun Dog Show. Bring your pooch and enter the show on the day!
the food Hall is always popular, and this year visitors can buy delicious local produce from its new home at the Showering Pavilion. With roaming performers, fun photo opportunities, scrumptious street food and live music too, a fun festival vibe is guaranteed. Alan Lyons, Head of Shows, said: “everyone is delighted to see the festival take shape, and we have planned the event
with Covid safety in mind. that’s why we have reduced the number of marquees and will be using all of our permanent buildings, which are spacious and have plenty of air flow. “We’re also currently limiting the number of tickets available per day and there will also be plenty of hand washing/sanitising stations across the showground to keep everyone safe.”
Tickets are available now at https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets
May Day family fun
CHILDren’S World is excited to announce their May Day festive Special on Saturday, May 1st at Paddington farm, on the outskirts of Glastonbury. the charity’s December festive Special was a huge success and Glastonbury town Council has funded this followup community event, which promises to be full of brilliant performances and seasonal craft. the cabaret area will include Amy Amelia, the Blue puppetry from noisy oyster, Butterfly, will be with Dangerous Dave, and fun entertaining families and games from Same Same but Different and much more. there will also be a May Day craft area followed by contact juggling from Blue Butterfly, Amy Amelia. Charity director, Kristen Lindop, said: “It’s great to get back out into the community. We ran a festive Special, just before the winter lockdown, which proved very popular, and we’re really pleased to produce another. Huge thanks to Glastonbury town Council's Youth Committee who have funded this event, which will provide much needed joy and in-person fun for local families.” l timed tickets cost £10 per household. for details, find Children’s World on facebook or visit: www.childrensworldcharity.org
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Village sale
A PoP-uP market will be held on Saturday, May 8th, 10am12noon at the Mead in Blagdon in aid of St Andrew's Church. It will include a sale of plants, produce, toys, books and brica-brac, with government guidelines in place.
Towering teas
After a successful tea and cake afternoon in Pensford, the friends of Pensford tower are inviting everyone to their next event on Sunday, May 16th in the church rooms and churchyard, Barbara Avery serving (l to r) Doreen Bond, Beattie Jones, Glenda Tidcombe and restrictions Louise Tidcombe allowing, at 2pm. When St thomas a Becket Church became redundant in 1971, after being closed following the 1968 flood, its tower remained consecrated and in 1992 was taken into the care of the Churches Conservation trust. With contributions from parishioners and friends, the trust repaired and refurbished it. It was officially opened and rededicated in 2011. Details: Jane Flower 01761 490234 or 07703 699123, or email flowerj@live.com.uk
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WHAT’S ON
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MENDIP TIMES
Time for tea
St Mary's Church in Compton Dando is planning to start its Sunday afternoon teas again this summer, hopefully from Sunday, July 4th. one of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “We have missed you and look forward to welcoming you back this summer. We have had so many walkers come to enjoy the walks around our village during the pandemic so we hope they will return and enjoy the teas too.” If all goes well with lockdown restrictions they may also do three days of teas over the August bank holiday weekend and a couple of weekends in September.
Garden Festival returns to The Bishop’s Palace
tHe Bishop's Palace Garden festival returns to celebrate its sixth year, amongst 14 acres of stunning rHS partner gardens. the event takes place July 2nd-4th, when the gardens will be at their very best with dramatic summer colour and the evocative fragrance of roses. festival speakers will include roy Lancaster, John Horsey, Claire Greenslade and James Cross. the South Lawn will be filled with stalls including nurseries, food and drink, garden gadgets, gifts, sculpture and more, and there will be live music, hands-on demonstrations, workshops, flower installations and garden tours. tickets are £12.50 adult and £6.50 child and are now available on the palace website.
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WHAT’S ON
Classics set to return
CHeW Valley rugby Club are hoping to start their Classic Car and Bike meetings from Sunday, June 27th subject to the lifting of government restrictions. the meetings start at 10am and finish at 3pm. the kitchen will be open and drinks will be available in the bar. there’s free entry to classic car and bike owners and free parking and entry for anyone who is interested. there are further events planned for Sundays, July 11th and 25th, August 1st, 15th and probably 29th. Facebook: Chew Valley Classic Car and Bike Meet
Cyclists support hospice
tHe Weston Hospicecare Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle event returns on Sunday, July 11th, starting at the Post & Wicket in Wedmore. this challenge sees bike enthusiasts take on 30, 40 or 70-mile courses across the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels. there is also a fun, family-friendly 12-mile course which returns by popular demand. Weston Hospicecare is working with an enthusiastic group of cycling volunteers from Wedmore. Money raised from registrations will be split between Weston Hospicecare and St Mary’s Church. All funds raised through sponsorship and donations will go directly to the hospice. the 12-mile ride takes a flat route around the Somerset Levels; the 30-mile heads out towards Glastonbury; the 40-mile up Cheddar Gorge and around Chew Valley Lake. the 70-mile adds 30 miles around the Somerset Levels to the 40-mile route.
Details: https://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/ event/wedmore-40-30/
Annual plant sale is back
foSSeWAY Gardening Club’s annual plant sale will be held outdoors at Harvester Yard in Ditcheat(near the church)on Sunday, May 9th from 10.30am-12.30pm. A wide variety of plants will be for sale at reasonable prices. Details: 07772 008594
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