Gorge visitor centre opens for new season Community picnic to celebrate the coronation

FOLLOWINGthe success of the Platinum Jubilee picnic last year, Cheddar Parish Council is organising another community picnic to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The picnic will be held at Sharpham Road Playing Fields on Sunday, May 7th, 12-4pm, and entry will be free.

There will be free entertainments for all ages, including storytelling and music with Theo the Duck for younger children, face painting and colouring, and organised games for children of all ages, including dodgeball, tagging and old favourites like tug o’ war and relay races.

Older picnickers can enjoy live music throughout the afternoon. Guests are invited to dress up for the occasion, and there will be a parade of fancy crowns and red, white and blue fancy dress with prizes for the best children and adults.

VOLUNTEERSwere out in force at the Cheddar Gorge visitor information centre to spring clean the building ahead of reopening for the new season. The centre is open seven days a week from April 1st to the end of September.

The centre has a wealth of walking guides, maps and information on activities in and around Cheddar and also stocks a range of local merchandise. Local businesses are invited to provide small quantities of leaflets for display. There are also opportunities to have video clips on the centre’s display screen.

The centre is being managed and staffed entirely by volunteers and anyone interested in helping should get in touch. All that’s required is some local knowledge and an interest in helping visitors to the gorge make the most of their visit. New volunteers are given training and teamed with experienced members to start with.

Last year was the first full year of operation since the local community took over the facility from the National Trust. Over 15,000 visitors came through the doors from all corners of the UK and all parts of the world. Even more are expected in the coming year.

Details: cheddargorgevic@gmail.com

The bar will be open in the community pavilion and the Lions Club will also be selling teas and coffees. Car parking space is limited, and guests are asked to take their litter away with them at the end of the afternoon.

Details: clerk@cheddarparishcouncil.org 01934 743217