17 minute read
Community
Walks resume
BISHOPSutton and Stowey WI have started up their monthly walks again, visiting Litton reservoir in spring sunshine. Pictured (l to r) are Jenny Harris, Nita Wendover, Pat Smith, Janet Thornhill, Liz McDowall, Cherryl Taylor and the two dogs, Puddle and Bee.
Members also held a 90th birthday lunch for former president, Liz Balmforth (below).
Links with Uganda
CHEWStoke Church School has been busy strengthening its partnership with Christian Life Primary School in Uganda. Students from both schools have been working with each other on a number of projects. The children at Chew Stoke wanted to develop the link even further by being able to video call the children in Uganda and talk to them in real time.
They held a non-school uniform day and raised enough money to be able to purchase two iPads, which have now been delivered to Uganda. A NEWCrime Prevention Fund has been launched in partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Somerset Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation. It will support community projects and activities that help to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour. Community groups and charities can now apply for grants of between £1,000 to £5,000 to help create safer communities.
Justin Sargent, chief executive at Somerset Community Foundation said: “We want to fund a wide range of communityled projects including creating safer streets and green spaces, raising awareness among young people, and the promotion of restorative justice.”
Mark Shelford, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Local residents know their neighbourhoods better than anyone and we want to help communities prevent crime in their area.”
The deadline for first applications is May 27th.
Evie and George with the iPads
Preventing crime
Mark Shelford
Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/opcc www.quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/oppc
Fete is back
Hannah Maggs giving tractor rides
COMPTONDando has announced the village fete is back, after an absence of two years because of coronavirus restrictions.
It will be held on Saturday, July 2nd, 2-5pm, with all the traditional attractions, raising funds for Compton Dando Community Association, the village hall and St Mary’s Church.
West Harptree
WEST Harptree village hall committee is busy organising Platinum Jubilee events following a successful spring craft market in the newly refurbished hall, organised by Karen McCombe, treasurer, and Ginny Ireland, chair, along with the rest of the committee.
The committee will be holding several events for the Jubilee afternoon, including games in the Crown garden and a children's tea party. Then there will be a prize giving for competitions held previously, finishing around 3pm.
There will also be another craft and book market in September.
Some of the hall committee are pictured (l to r) Rick Zurburg, Sue Jory, Ginny Ireland, Simon McCombe, Sandra Colton, Karen McCombe and Bill Jory (seated).
Positive meeting
WELLSu3a held a workshop for their trustees and group leaders. With over 50 groups, the event was well attended with the day concluding with a talk by one of the experts from the Antiques Roadshow, Paul Atterbury. Delegates and guests were welcomed by Sue Revell, chairman and the day was led by John King who introduced all the speakers. Paul Atterbury and Sue Revell Very positive comments were expressed from all who attended. Delegates were able to meet other group leaders and meet people who had only been a name on a list prior to the workshop.
Edie gets new wheels
Pictured (l to r) John Palmer, Chelwood Bridge Rotary president, parents Jason and Sharon Browne, Rotarian Rob Taylor, Grace Dursley and Carrianne Summers
EDIEBrowne, aged ten, from Chew Stoke has a new all-terrain pushchair thanks to fundraising efforts by Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club and the Chew Valley Xmas tractor run, organised by Grace Dursley and Carianne Summers.
These funds, together with donations from other local Rotary clubs and money raised by Edie’s parents, Jason and Sharon, enabled the family to purchase the all-terrain wheelchair and all the fittings.
It was back in 2016 when we first reported on Edie, who has severe health problems. Chelwood Bridge Rotary agreed to buy a Hart walker, which transformed Edie’s life.
The following February she stunned everyone by taking some independent unaided steps.
Rotarian, Rob Taylor, said: “Edie is thrilled and excited with her new wheels. It has been a pleasure to help the family and it is all worthwhile seeing Edie, who despite all her health issues, is such a happy and joyful child.
“Thanks to Carrianne and Grace, whose efforts at Christmas helped make this all possible, also a huge thank you to all those that donated.”
Café’s success
Anne Bennett (left) and Liz Richardson get to work on bacon butties
THEmonthly café held in St Mary’s Church, Stanton Drew, drew the crowds, with the cake stall running out.
The café opens on the second Saturday of each month, 10am-12 noon, with the next being held on Saturday, June 11th.
Last orders
THEever popular Big Breakfast, held in Stanton Drew for the last 15 years, is coming to an end with the Previous breakfast (l to r) former Rotary president Mike Hedges, Rob and Mary Taylor, Di Farmer and Doris Gillette last one being held on Sunday, July 10th.
The Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has served some 1500 breakfasts over the years, raising more than £15,000 for charity.
The Big Breakfast has traditionally been on the Sunday following the Stanton Drew Flower Show with breakfasts served by Rotarians and their families inside a large marquee.
The club has been largely supported by the local Classic and Historic Motor Club, using the breakfast as the start point for their rallies.
Breakfast will be served 8am-12noon in Stanton Drew village hall, £9.50 per person, £5 for children U-14.
Volunteers welcome
THEFriends of Trendlewood Park at Nailsea are looking for more volunteers. There is a lot of work to do to maintain this beautiful semirural area which stretches from Nowhere Wood to the Kenn Hedge, with a lot of projects taking place all year round.
These include trees being planted under the Queen’s Canopy scheme, the development of a new wetlands area close to the pond and maintaining all the existing vegetation to enhance the contribution being made to biodiversity.
If you enjoy being in the countryside taking light exercise or just enjoy meeting other like-minded people why don’t you think about joining the group?
Cameley’s got talent
THREEpupils at Cameley Primary School, Evie, Ellie and Isabella, decided to organise a talent show to make up for all the events missed in the last two years.
Throughout the afternoon they commentated on the performances with special guests as the judges, including the school’s Year 6 leaders – Joe, Evie, Naomi and Summer.
After 32 acts the winners were announced: 1st Reyn M –singing Million Dreams; 2nd Grace G – playing Perfect on the piano; joint 3rd a) Humphrey and Harry M – ukulele and break dancing and b) Toby, Hugh and Jensen – science.
Community awards
(Photograph courtesy of Rob Perkins, Valley Life) CHEDDAR Parish council presented two community service awards at the annual parish meeting. Christine Reynolds received her award for all her help in the community over a number of years, from litter picking to feeding the church cat and tending neglected graves. Ceri Davies played a pivotal role in organising an army of volunteers at the Winchester Farm vaccination centre, recruiting, managing and encouraging nearly 200 volunteers.
They are pictured outside the new community pavilion with council chairman Derek Bradley-Balmer.
New recruit
CHELWOODBridge Rotary Club has welcomed a second new member in a matter of weeks. Paul Willis, pictured with club president John Palmer, is a chartered accountant, whose career culminated in working for the Financial Conduct Authority. Other new members are welcome!
Details: chelwoodbridge.rotary@gmail.com
Jubilee tree
(Photograph courtesy of Kevin Higgins)
Blagdon Rainbows
YOUNGSTERS belonging to the 1st Blagdon Rainbow Guides have planted an apple tree in the garden at Blagdon's village hall.
Their leader, Tracy (Tigi) Higgins, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to take part in the Queen's Canopy Project and the gift of the tree from Thatchers Cider has been fabulous.
“The girls have been really excited to do this, particularly after they received a lovely card from Her Majesty thanking them for the card they sent to congratulate her on her Platinum Jubilee.”
School’s new book bench
FARRINGTONGurney C. of E. Primary School started the term with a new book bench, made and transported by MSN Men’s Shed based at Farrington’s in Farrington Gurney.
The bench has been placed in the school garden and will be used to help literacy and also as a place where the children can sit and rest whilst working on their garden area with teachers.
Members are currently repairing and painting outdoor furniture for Paulton Hospital and making garden planters for local schools. They have members working on their own projects, which include renovating a tea trolley, making hedgehog boxes and constructing a bird house.
Men’s Shed is open on Tuesdays from 9.30am until 4.30pm and Fridays from 9.30am until 1pm.
Details: Steve Swift, chairman, 07775735789 email stephenkhswift@gmail.com
Refugee support
SOMERSETNorth Trefoil Guild collected over 500 items for refugee relief work. They have been sent to Bath Welcomes Refugees.
End of the road?
THEtrustees of the community bus service for Midsomer Norton and Radstock say the charity might fold unless more clubs use their bus.
Midsomer Norton & Radstock Community Service Trust, formed in 1967 to provide accessible transport, says unfortunately the number of clubs in the area seeking group transport has gradually declined over recent years with a further significant reduction in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The team of experienced volunteers have a fully accessible 12-seater minibus which is fitted with a low step side door and rear mounted lift.
The charity is currently operating with an absolute minimum number of volunteers and would need more if demand increases.
Details: Melvyn Johnson 01761 452585 or Nick Rogers 0781 7476535
Foodbank warns of “growing crisis”
KEYNSHAMFoodbank provided 1,364 emergency food parcels to local people in the year to March, with 637 of these going to children. This is a six percent increase on 201920.
The foodbank says it believes the increase is due to people’s finances being hit by the increasing cost of living; the impact of £20 a week being cut from Universal Credit payments during the last year; and insecure or low-paid work.
The food bank is part of the Trussell Trust network, which has experienced its busiest time since the height of the pandemic in 2020 and food bank managers are warning of a growing crisis.
Gwen Edwards, chair of trustees at Keynsham Foodbank, said: “The support we see across the community for people on the lowest incomes is incredible. But it shouldn’t be needed. We should all be free from hunger.
“No-one should be pushed deeper into poverty without enough money for the things we all need. It’s not right that anyone needs a food bank in the first place –everyone should be able to afford the essentials.
“At the moment the situation is only set to get worse, as this is just the start of the cost of living crisis. But we know what’s pushing people to need food banks like ours, so we know what needs to be done.
“People cannot afford to wait any longer for support – UK, national and local governments at all levels must use their powers and take urgent action now to strengthen our social security system so it keeps up with the true cost of living.”
Details: https://keynsham.foodbank.org.uk
Centenary celebration
LITTONand Hinton Blewett WI celebrated its 100th anniversary in style with Pimms in the sunshine followed by tea served by members dressed as Lyons Teashop Girls. They were joined by WI officials and guests from Chewton Mendip and East Harptree WIs.
Pictured (l to r) Penny King, Jenny Handford, Kathleen Lyons, Georgina Jefferies, Jackie Ireland, Gabrielle McBride and June Russell (president)
Village bids farewell
Oak is the favourite
CONGRESBURYvillagers contributed over £500 to retiring village post master, Jagtar Seehra, after 35 years, at a lowkey event, requested by Jagtar because of Covid, in Congresbury Community Cafe, courtesy of Debbie Fortune.
Alex Ballard presented Jagtar with a commemoration gift of a splendid glass vase, inscribed with “Congresbury thank you for 35 years of friendly Post Office service”.
Rose Osborne handed a bouquet to Jagtar's wife, Sukhvinder, who often assisted him. Jagtar thanked everyone for their contributions and Alex for organising the presentation.
He said: “We are truly overwhelmed to receive this honourable award,” cutting the special cake, made by Pam Stewart.
RAFA anniversary
ROYAL Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset Branch celebrated its 75th anniversary in style with a special lunch at Wells Golf Club.
The Shepton Mallet branch held its first meeting on September 27th, 1946 and its first annual dinner on March 7th, 1947.
The Street and Glastonbury Branch held their first meeting in November 1946. The Shepton Mallet branch became the Shepton Mallet and Wells Branch in 1963 and merged with the Street and Glastonbury Branch in 1993 to become the Mid-Somerset Branch.
The original anniversary lunch was postponed in December 2021 due to the high levels of Covid prevalent in the area.
Consequently, on April 30th a convivial crowd of 35 branch members and friends, including 99-year-old Dick Froome, enjoyed a 75th anniversary commemoration lunch.
An association certificate, signed by the Royal Air Forces Association president, Air Marshal Sir Baz North, recognising the outstanding contributions of the branch over the years was presented to the branch chairman.
The branch normally meets on the first Monday of each month but the next meeting will be on Monday, June 13th at 11am at the Street Inn, BA16 0DR commemorating the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.
THE Chew Valley Plants Trees group hopes to double tree cover in the Chew Valley by 2030 and is making good progress.
One of those running the group, Jackie Head, said: “So far we have recorded over 8000 trees and shrubs planted, of which oak is the most common (nearly 2000).
“Other fore-runners are field maple (over 700) and hazel (nearly 600). Willow, birch and wild cherry are also often planted (approximately 250 of each). We are aware of 36 different varieties of native trees and shrubs that have been planted.”
They would like to hear from organisers of summer events where they can have their information stall and from anyone else who has planted trees or shrubs.
The team at Westfield Farm
Jack in the Green returns in triumph
VILLAGERS and visitors turned out in style for the return of Evercreech’s Jack in the Green procession and picnic.
Due to the pandemic, it was the first time the event had taken place since it was launched in 2019.
Treacle Eater Clog morris, from South Somerset
Hundreds of people joined in the event Jack and the Sun lead the procession from the Old Stores Studios
Local children with members of the Mendip Academy of Performing Arts
Friends unite to clear historic site
THEtown of Glastonbury is not short of awe-inspiring sites of historical, cultural and spiritual importance. The Tor towers over in its majesty, the Chalice Well and garden offers a space for deep reflection and healing, the Abbey places one in the heart of Arthurian legend.
To the west of the town however, hidden away in an area called Beckery Island, can be found a rather modest bramble-strewn hill known as Bride’s Mound – a less frequented sacred spot, yet by no means less significant.
Protected and preserved by volunteer collective Friends of Bride’s Mound since their formation in 1995, the natural simplicity and beauty of the Mound has recently faced a lamentable disruption, as a large amount of rubbish, some of it hazardous, was left following the eviction of a number of people from the site in September last year.
The mound takes its name from the Celtic Goddess Bride (also known as Brigid or Brigit) of fire, healing, poetry and smith craft, who later became embodied by St Brigit of Kildare, linking Pagan Celtic and Christian traditions.
It has been claimed that St Brigit visited Glastonbury in 488AD, staying at a chapel which once stood upon Bride’s Mound, potentially the same chapel where, legend has it, King Arthur had a vision of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, leading to his conversion to Christianity.
Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed not only chapels, but a monastic cemetery of human remains dating back to the 5th century, the earliest evidence of monastic life in Britain, predating even Glastonbury Abbey.
Weaving its way through the rich tapestry of folklore and both archaeological and spiritual history of Glastonbury, one can see why Bride’s Mound might be of great importance to a great many people, and this has been clearly shown to be the case through the substantial clean-up operation mounted by local volunteers.
Made up of members primarily from the local traveller community and Friends of Bride’s Mound, organised by the wonderful John Golle, the team worked tirelessly throughout the winter months, every weekend, come rain or shine.
As no skips were offered from the local council, a small group of local business people have paid for the first to get the ball rolling, in what has been a true exhibition of community spirit and agency.
In the words of Serena Roney-Dougal, one of the founders of the Friends group: “It's been a fantastic effort by the local community and we are so delighted with the generosity of local donations to get this next stage of the job completed. It just shows how much the local people love Bride's Mound and want to see it return to its natural beauty as soon as possible.”
Under the wonderfully eccentric theatre and spectacle of Glastonbury, bursting from the grandeur of its more famous sites, there is another kind of beauty which lies deep in its heart; in the understated love and community which binds the town together.
This is what Bride’s Mound represents, and this inspiring restoration effort has truly brought it back to the forefront in these difficult times. Special thanks for the kind donations go to Bob Burns, Lui Krieg and Joseph Hunwick.
The team who are responsible for this clean-up operation have estimated a further five skips are needed to complete the job and they are calling for more donations. If you feel inspired to assist with the effort please make a donation to the Friends of Bride’s Mound including the reference SKIP.
The mess left behind Work underway
