Shipham supports refugees

RESIDENTS of the Holiday Inn, Wrington recently enjoyed a football match against Shipham on their village pitch known as The Slope.

The asylum seekers, some of whom have been left in the hotel waiting for a Home Office decision for nearly a year, were really pleased with the opportunity to play a game and were overjoyed with the 2-2 draw.

The hotel residents struggle with boredom as they have to entertain and clothe themselves using a £10 a week allowance. Many are suffering from trauma after escaping from violence and persecution in their home countries.

As a result, a group of local residents, organising themselves via WhatsApp, have been providing lifts, clothing and days out.

Jeff Brewster, who organised the match, says it is important for the group that they are not stuck in the hotel all day and that they have a chance to experience a small piece of village life.

Shipham residents were also pleased to be able to meet the newcomers at a meal provided afterwards in Shipham Village Hall.

The team would like to play more matches but are struggling for kit, particularly football boots. They would therefore be delighted if any Mendip group has spare kit.

For details, contact Jeff Brewster at jeffbr@btinternet.com

Trail race is right on track

A NEW trail running event is coming to Shepton Mallet on Sunday, May 14th taking in some spectacular railway landmarks.

The 8½-mile Runaway Train race starts on the edge of town and follows footpaths across countryside, first to Ham Woods, then down to Croscombe and up to Maesbury Castle before returning to Shepton along former railway tracks, including a section over the Ham Wood Viaduct and through the Windsor Hill Tunnel. There is also a shorter three-mile running race and the option to walk.

Entries will be limited to 200 for this first year and are expected to sell out quickly. The event is being organised by Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers, who also stage the Uphill to Wells Relay every September.

Martin Berkeley, one of the organisers, said: "We have an exciting route that offers to both challenging terrain and some of the best scenery on the Mendips.

"Runners will enjoy muddy lanes, ancient woods, a distant hill fort, a dark railway tunnel and two towering viaducts."

Everyone will gather together after the event in Shepton Mallet Market Place for a lunch-time street feast.

For details, visit: https://runawaytrain.org.uk