Mendip Times
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4/19/18
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 12
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FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
MAY 2018
WI N T I C KE T S TO THE ROYAL BATH & WEST S HO W
IN THIS ISSUE: SHOW PREVIEWS • GREAT FLOOD • EVENTS • MUSIC & THEATRE • WALKING • WHAT’S ON • WILDLIFE Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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Welcome
THE Mendip year is in full swing – we have pictures this month from point-topoint, hedgelaying and Mells Daffodil Festival, as well as many other events. We also preview North Somerset Show and the Royal Bath and West Show. Wedmore Young Farmers’ livestock show set the tone with some fine animals on display and enthusiastic youngsters leading them. We’ve more of your pictures of the Great Flood of 1968, looking at Chew Valley and Keynsham this month – keep those memories coming in. We meet two remarkable men. Ed Jackson has managed to climb Snowdon for charity less than a year after breaking his neck in an accident and David Exell has just run a series of marathons in the Himalayas – at the age of 76! Evercreech Films’ members got a pleasant surprise when they went to watch Paddington 2, when one of the stars of the film, Maddie Harris, popped in from her home nearby. We celebrate new nets at Chilcompton Cricket Club and Glastonbury Choir’s 95th anniversary. We also look forward to Somerset Day and a whole range of forthcoming festivals across the area – our What’s On guide is huge this month. With all of our regular contributors and features, we show there’s never a dull moment on Mendip. June 2018 deadline: Friday, 18th May 2018. Published: Tuesday, 29th May 2018. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@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 or: letters@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: Charity walk on Mendip. Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 79.
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The Great Flood – aftermath in Pensford and Keynsham
CONTENTS
It’s showtime – Mendip farming at its best
11
50
Climbing high – the rugby player paralysed in an accident
104
From field to food – youngsters keen to learn Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............16 Food & Drink ...............................18 Business.........................................34 Education ......................................41 Arts & Antiques ...........................42 Charities........................................48 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......55 Walking Sue Gearing ....................56
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........58 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......60 Caving Phil Hendy ........................67 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............70 Community ...................................74 Music & Theatre ..........................86 Homes and Interiors ....................90 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE.....97 Sport ............................................100 What’s On...................................105 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 3
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NEWS
R a i l w a y h e r i t a g e s c h e m e g et s l o t t e r y b o o s t WORK is underway to reinstate part of a former platform at the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore and rebuild a waiting room as an education and interpretation centre. The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the charity £46,500 towards the cost of the scheme which focuses on reinstating the former down platform and its characterful waiting room which were demolished by British Railways in the 1960s. Once complete, the waiting room will explain the history of the railway and its effect on local industry, people and businesses. Trustees at the railway hope the education centre will be open at the end of the year. The project will also enable volunteers and staff at the ESR to learn new skills and be trained in oral history
Two of the railway’s locos in action: ex-GWR 5637 (left) and Ivatt 46477
and heritage interpretation. Cranmore station opened in 1858, it closed to passengers in 1963 and was once an important hub for the local quarrying industry. Dick Masters, chairman of the trustees, said: “To secure its future, the East Somerset Railway is planning
Toby Caldwell, aged ten, regularly helps out dad Alistair on guard duty on the line
some substantial investment which will fund a whole range of improvements aimed at giving our visitors more to enjoy from their visit. We are delighted to have received support, thanks to National Lottery players, which will make a big improvement to Cranmore Station.”
The impact of the line on local people and businesses will be explored in the new visitor centre
Praise for Mendip’s tourist industry
WELLS MP James Heappey celebrated English Tourism Week by visiting some of the best local visitor attractions and accommodation. He began his day at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells, seeing the result of recent restoration work and new additions to the gardens. He said: “The tourism sector in Somerset is so important and we are doing very well. Visitor numbers are growing year on year, which is great. But, it is my view that we can get more from the visitor economy if we learn to market ourselves properly. “For too long, Somerset has been the drive-through county on the way to the far South West and we need to do more to show that we have a huge amount to offer here.” He was accompanied by Hugh Cornwell, chairman of Visit Somerset, who said: “Somerset is a quintessentially English county, embraced by its residents and its visitors for the history and beauty of its varied landscape of hills and marshland, of its ancient towns and villages. “Those who welcome visitors to Somerset are equally varied; from individuals offering AirBnB accommodation to companies
James Heappey (second left) with head gardener James Cross, palace head of communications Merryn Kidd, chair of trustees Rear Admiral David Wood and Hugh Cornwell
specialising in facilities for caravanners; from self-employed activity instructors to volunteer guides in stately homes; from trainee apprentices in hospitality to highly celebrated chefs; all managers and their staff in sales, accounts and operations in every kind of business from transport to tourism, from conservation to catering, from retail to recreation.”
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Farming partnership wins national award
Fairtrade award for Community Farm The Community Farm's Kim Brooks accepting the award
Ben Thorne and Rupert Cox (centre, left and right) at the awards ceremony
A PROJECT set up to help farming communities in the aftermath of the 2014 floods has won a national environmental award. The Hills to Levels team is celebrating after winning the Duncan Huggett Award for the Environment at the Flood and Coast Project Excellence Awards run by the Environment Agency. Set up in 2015, the project, funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, was a collaboration between the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, the Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal Bath and West Society to support farmers manage their land more effectively in times of heavy rain to help “slow the flow” and control flooding across Somerset. In its first two years of operations the project provided advice and support to more than 600 farmers and issued capital grants totalling £196,000 while also working with local communities to inspire them to manage the effects of flooding in their villages. In their citation, the judges praised Hills to Levels for being “a unique partnership of farming and conservation charities working together to reduce flood risk whilst encouraging nature and growing high quality food.” Rupert Cox, from the Royal Bath and West attended the Awards with Ben Thorne of FWAG and in a joint statement they said: “We are delighted that our collaborative approach has been recognised at the highest level of the flood and coast industry. With so many large innovative engineering works from across the UK being recognised throughout the evening, it was amazing that our land-based farmer-focussed initiative came to the top of the pile for environmental projects. A big thank you to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery without whom we could not have made such an impact in the county.”
THE Community Farm, based above Chew Valley Lake, has achieved silver status at the South West Fairtrade Business Awards, held in Bristol. It’s the third year running The Farm has received the accolade. Not only does it stock Fairtrade products, it also uses Fairtrade behind the scenes too, in the staff teas and coffees or in the fabric used to make its uniforms and tablecloths. Owned by 500 shareholder members, The Farm prides itself on paying farmers – both local and overseas – a fair price for their produce, supporting environmentally-friendly farming practices, and educating the public about ethical agriculture. Profits from the products sold through their fruit and veg box deliveries, their Bath-based farm shop and Southmead Hospital market stall, help fund learning and community activities at The Farm. Managing director, Ped Asgarian, said: “The wellbeing of the farmers we work with is one of our core ethics. We continually support our suppliers, both locally and overseas, challenging the supermarket pressure that’s driving profits for growers in to the ground. “We always aim to pay above the market price for the great produce they grow. Not only is this great for them, it’s great news for our customers too. Supporting our suppliers means we have a constant supply of the best possible produce.” Danni Rochman, project co-ordinator of Bristol Fairtrade, said: “The Community Farm is a great example of where Fairtrade meets local – they recognise that where products can't be sourced from their own fields and those of nearby farmers, Fairtrade in combination with organic is the best way to stay true to their values.” Details: www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk, email farming@thecommunityfarm.co.uk or call 01225 913 097
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History, health and fun in Beacon Hill Wood
A FAMILY forest fun day and a guided walk to encourage people to adopt a more active lifestyle are some of the events being held to attract more visitors to a Mendip beauty spot. Beacon Hill Wood, above Shepton Mallet, hosted the first visit by Holly and Hawthorn, a local, not-for-profit community organisation offering forest school and outdoor education to a variety of local groups. Families enjoyed a trail through the woodland, toasting marshmallows and generally exploring. The group was supported by volunteers from the Beacon Hill Society, which works with the Woodland Trust to safeguard the wood and to promote its use. Members of the society also hosted a health walk, organised by the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, which combined a 90-minute stroll through the wood with an explanation of its history and geology. Another health walk will be held on Thursday, May 10th to admire the woodland’s famous bluebells. ● For details about Beacon Hill Wood, visit: www.beaconhillsociety.org.uk Details of the health walks can be found at www.zingsomerset.co.uk and for details about the forest school, visit: www.hollyhawthorn.org
Health and history combined – Jo Smith, SASP Active Lifestyles Officer for Mendip (third from left) organised the walk
Get your walking boots on
ENVIRONMENT
Society member Peter Banks (front, right) leads the health walk
Beacon Hill Wood is ideal for families to explore and play
MORE than 50 members of Mendip Ramblers recently enjoyed their annual spring walking holiday, this year based in Torquay. The snowy conditions made for interesting walking – but the sun shone too and the coastal and riverside walking was beautiful. Their spring and summer programme includes all the usual walking opportunities but also a breakfast walk for early risers, a pub walk for the later risers, and Mendip Ring and Wessex Wanderer walks too. The Yorkshire Dales team hopes to complete that route from Ilkley to Bowness on Lake Windermere in mid-summer and Brittany with all its charms beckons again! So, maybe new walkers will join them? They welcome all who just turn up on the day – so if you’re in the Mendip area on holiday, or have recently moved, or you’ve made an Easter resolution to get fit, check out their website and take your boots!
Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
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Butcombe’s litter tree
THE village of Butcombe organised a successful litter collection day and filled numerous black bin liners with copious rubbish discarded along the surrounding roads. Rather than just send it straight to landfill, a choice selection of recovered litter was used to create a Butcombe Litter Tree in order to highlight this unnecessary blight affecting Mendip
villages and countryside. One of the organisers, Justin Milward, said: “This worsening scourge is visually unattractive, environmentally damaging and ultimately wastes ratepayers' money through clear-up costs like drain unblocking. “It would be great if other villages and local communities 'grew' their own litter trees in order to help make the dropping of rubbish socially unacceptable. Don't do it, take it home and ideally recycle it!”
Inspired by rubbish
The team inside the former bank building; local businesses provided free food for a celebration lunch
ONE of the biggest community litter picks in Shepton Mallet is providing the inspiration for a new series of arts workshops and events. The Rubbish Art Project has taken over the former HSBC building in the town centre for at least the next six months. The building is owned by Bridgeman Properties. Around 50 people took to the streets of Shepton for a two-hour litter pick organised by Sustainable Shepton Mallet which will provide the artists with materials for a number of rubbish-inspired works to emphasise the need for sustainability and to promote the idea of the town becoming single use plastic-free. The workshops will begin on Thursday, May 10th. For details, find Sustainable Shepton on Facebook.
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ENVIRONMENT
When the Mendips were mountains
GEOWEEK will be running for the first time across the UK in May this year, with two events planned in the Mendips, organised by Wells residents Doug Robinson and Chris King. A Story in Stone takes place on Saturday, May 5th from 11.30am explaining the The Browne’s Gate ‘Story in stone’ in stone heritage of Wells. the city. They will visit some buildings displaying the wonderful building stones of Wells, all from the immediate Mendip AONB on the city’s doorstep. These building stones tell amazing geological stories of the region’s 200 million year journey from the southern tropics across the equator into northern latitudes. It’s a journey through tropical climates, deserts, shallow seas, mountainous terrain and flash floods before being invaded by Jurassic seas. Their free-of-charge GeoWeek walk begins at 11.30am and will continue until around 1.30pm – but you are welcome to drop in and drop out of the tour during that time. On Sunday, May 13th they explore the time when the Mendips were mountains, with the Deer Leap/Ebbor Gorge Experience, beginning at 2pm. This will explore the remarkable geological and historical stories of the area. They say: “It is a story of idyllic tropical seas that were eventually invaded by large river deltas. Then, when the area lay astride the equator, enormous forces bent and broke these rocks to form the Mendip Mountains. How warm were the seas? What caused the mountain building and how high were the mountains? “We will not only discuss these questions, but will also ask, did the makers of the standing stones, the mediaeval farmers and the local coal miners in the 1800s really know what they were doing?” They need to limit numbers to both tours for safety reasons, so email Chris to book a place and to receive extra information about the activities. Doug is a retired geologist at Bristol University. Chris is Emeritus Professor of Earth Science Education at Keele University.
Details: chrisjhking36@gmail.com
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Late spring affects farmers
AS I write, the NFU has reopened its Fodder Bank for its members across the country. You will remember how useful it was at the time of the flooding on the Somerset Levels. The continuing wet weather has seen farmers in many parts of the country experience shortages of feed With MARY availability for livestock. JAMES MBE The late spring has seen livestock and dairy producers unable to turn out stock due to the lack of grass growth and available forage. By the time you read this I hope it will be drier. Have you been watching Countryfile or the new Springtime on the Farm on Channel 5 presented by Adam Henson? The Springtime programme has been brilliant. Based on a farm in Yorkshire at lambing time it has involved farmers, vets and presenter all explaining clearly the reason behind all activities with personalities getting a taste of the real thing. Will Channel 5 do another farming programme I wonder? Finally, this month I am finishing the breed of dairy cows feature. There are two more British breeds you may see, The Ayrshire and the Dairy Shorthorn. See photos. The Ayrshire breed originated in south west Scotland, being first registered in 1877. The colouring is any shade of red or brown (including mahogany) and white. The cow is
Ayrshire cow
particularly noted for her strong udder attachment and she can produce large quantities of high quality milk from grass, becoming popular in organic systems. I cannot name an Ayrshire herd in this area, one in Taunton may be the nearest. Numbers of the Dairy Shorthorn have decreased rapidly in the last 30 years, so much so that the breed is on the endangered list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Shorthorns were originally found in North East England with the first being registered in 1822. They were primarily a dual purpose breed which means a dairy cow producing a good beef calf. Colouring is red, white or roan. I would call the colouring somewhat smudgy rather than clearly defined patches. Tom Osborne at Ston Easton has a Dairy Shorthorn herd. There are also Beef Shorthorns being produced in our area. You will be able to see examples of nearly all the dairy breeds at shows such as North Somerset at Wraxall on May 7th and the Royal Bath and West Show, May 30th – June 2nd. Incidentally both shows also hold countryside/education days when hundreds of schoolchildren have the opportunity to see farming practices in action and see cows, calves, pigs, sheep and poultry at close quarters.
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Dairy Shorthorn
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FARMS across Mendip will open their gates for Open Farm Sunday 2018 on June 10th. As the farming industry’s annual open day, it offers a fantastic chance for people to discover real farming at first hand and see for themselves how their food (and much more besides) is produced. It is also a great way for farmers to shine a light on what they deliver and why supporting British farming matters. The nationwide event is organised by Linking Environment And Farming and mongst those take part will be Pyle Farm at Trudoxhill, where visitors can see dairy cattle, sheep,pigs and poultry. Others include: • Fosse Farm at Stratton-on-the-Fosse: cereal crops, cattle, sheep and poultry • Middlewick Farm at Glastonbury: sheep and poultry • Farrington’s Farm Shop at Farrington Gurney: cereal crops, potatoes and other vegetables • Orchard Park Farm at Hornblotton, near Shepton Mallet: cereal crops, livestock and apple orchards • Durslade Farm at Bruton: cereal crops, beef cattle, sheep and pigs For details, visit www.farmsunday.org
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FARMING
A fine show by young farmers WEDMORE Young Farmers held their 84th annual livestock show at the George in Wedmore. Prize winners included Verity Adams, Hannah Payne, Lottie Hill, Elizabeth Bell, Joshua Walton, Archie Hill, Bradley Jennings, Megan Hatch, Jack Williams, Fay Nicholls, Maddie Rousell, Grace Willcox, Holly Barber, Emily Bell, Lloyd Hewish, Will Tucker and Tom Stevens. Judging the sheep
Dotty, aged two, and Flossy, aged three, meet some lambs
Elizabeth Bell from West Hay
Some young spectators
Verity Adams, from Cheddar
The beef suckler class MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 11
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PERFECT PAVE Perfect Pave has extended the range of its block paving and other landscaping projects, which it supplies to both trade and public. It has an extensive range of Indian sandstone in smooth and natural varieties and new ranges of porcelain slabs in numerous colours and textures. It also has a new line of dry stack walling. Contact James for details. e company has built an enviable reputation over the last 17 years and now has contracts all over the South West. Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres
Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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A great day out
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NORTH SOMERSET SHOW 2018
NORTH Somerset Show will offer something for everyone, with an exciting programme of events and demonstrations! Livestock remains at its heart, but there is an awful lot to see and do. Why not try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, archery or air rifles? There’s children’s entertainment and quad bike rides – and the tug o’ war for the more energetic. For an adrenalin rush without the effort, try watching the tractor pulling. Horses are an important part of the show, with jumping, showing and some fine heavy horses. A horse-drawn fire engine will be on display with vintage tractors and military vehicles. The Countryside area will be busy, demonstrating a range of crafts and skills, alongside Terrier racing and the dog scurry. With a huge selection of food and drink on offer and trade stands to browse, it promises to be a great day out. For competition winners, see page 114.
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Award-winning bread from Winnies Bakery WINNIE is a natural ferment produced by Winnies Bakery for most of their speciality breads. Winnie started life around 20 years ago as a mix of rye flour and water and attracted some wild yeast and began to ferment, since then she has been bubbling away and now provides the heart and soul of their breads. Winnie is always hungry so she is fed on a daily basis to keep her warm and cosy. After all, without Winnie, Winnies Bakery’s unique flavoured
bread wouldn't be the same. By using a natural ferment, they don't have to add any chemicals to their bread, they even use sea salt to keep the bread as natural as they can. Winnie's Bakery is a local multiaward winning bakery in the heart of North Somerset, their bakery and shop can be found on Big Lamp Corner in Weston-super-Mare, and on the High Street in Burnham-on-Sea, where you will find a wide range of traditional bakery goods, sitting next to their snacks-on-the-go in both shops. Winnie’s Bakery is a hand-crafted,
artisan baker of award-winning rustic sour dough, slow fermented and delicatessen breads who try to source everything as natural and local as possible, even their Fairtrade Coffee is locally roasted. By combining their passion for food and desire to see customers smile, Winnies Bakery aim to supply the best baked goods that “satiate the soul as well as the stomach”. They are dedicated to celebrating bread with character and flavour, using the best of today’s ingredients to rediscover the flavour of yesterday.
Satiate your soul along with your stomach Indulge in our goodies at the North Somerset Show in Wraxall May 7th, (don’t panic, we shall be bringing our Marmite and Cheese Tear & Share too!) Traditional fermentation methods, hand-moulding skills and artistic finishing abilities bringing out the true goodness and taste in our award-winning breads. Have a cup of locally bagged tea in our old bakery at the back of the shop in Weston. Visit us in Burnham or at a local farmers market. Enquire about our Wholesale Delivery Service. 5 Meadow Street • Weston-super-Mare 30c High Street • Burnham-on-Sea 01934 645509 • sales@winnies-bakery.com PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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Food for thought
WEST Country farms and food producers are developing novel and exciting new food and drink products, with many taking their place alongside the traditional cheese, cider and pies at this year’s North Somerset Show. Chuckleberry juice, kimchi, lychee flavoured beer and rapeseed oil mayonnaise are among the products visitors to the show will be able to taste alongside other innovations, such as cakes on cakes, when the food tent opens to visitors on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7th. Show secretary Tim Ledbury said: “Our farming and agriculture drives the food industry and we have some fantastic cider and cheese manufacturers, who will be offering tasters. But we also have farmers and food producers who are pushing the boundaries and providing exciting new food and drink options for today’s society.” Traditionalist will not miss out with farmhouse cider; cheese, charcuterie, sausages, bread, herbs, puddings and mead all produced in the West Country on display for show visitors to take home. ● Organisers have decided the discounted tickets offer will end on April 30th, though tickets will still be available to buy online.
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 15
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INTERNET
Phone/tablet tips
Messages If you get a message with a lovely photo, you might want to email it on, or save it, so just tap the Info button, then tap More. Select additional photos, then tap Save Images. They’re saved to your Camera Roll. On other systems, double-tap the photo, then tap the Upload icon and tap Save. It will be with your other photos. If a message doesn’t go, then tap on the Info icon and tap Retry. Take a screenshot Press (briefly) the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time. The picture is saved to the Screenshots album in Photos. If your iPhone or iPad “freezes” e.g. stops working, hold down (for a couple seconds) the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons at the same time, which should allow you to turn it off. Then wait a few seconds and turn it back on. Magnify the fine print Go to Settings > General > Accessibility and turn on Magnifier. Then triple-click the Home button to use the camera to zoom in on small details. Tap the Filter icon to enhance the image. Tap the shutter to freeze it. iOS (e.g. Apple) can remove apps you don’t use. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store and turn on Offload Unused Apps. If you reinstall an app later, documents you created with the app, and all your data, are still there. Keep first things first. Swipe right on a note to keep it at the top of the list, even when you add new notes. In Control Centre, tap Wi-Fi button to disconnect from the current network — without turning off Wi-Fi. AirPlay and AirDrop still work and iPad joins known networks when you change locations or restart. Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com 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. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones.
PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
The Commonwealth Games have recently ended but who took part? This grid will reveal some of the participating countries
ACROSS 1 Country in Central America, formerly British Honduras (6) 5 An island country in Melanesia, capital Suva (4) 9 Country in Southeast Africa bordered by Tanzania and Malawi (10) 10 The second-largest country by total area in the world. Finished fourth in the medals table (6) 11 A sovereign state in the Indian Ocean, managed a bronze medal this time around (10) 15 A Polynesian island, capital Nukuʻalofa (5) 16 Southeast Asian sovereign city-state notching up a haul of nine medals (9) 17 Republic located along the Gulf of Guinea, capital Accra (5) 18 Independent state consisting of six islands in the Pacific (5) 19 Rhys McClenaghan (Gymnastics, Men’s pommel-horse) won gold for this country – Northern _______ (7)
DOWN 1 A British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean (7) 2 Island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea (5) 4 Large southern Asian country, finishing third in the medals table (5) 6 This Caribbean island achieved 27 medals in the Commonwealth Games (7) 7 Southern Asian country winning both their silver medals in shooting (10) 8 This country finished seventh in the medals table, with a tally of 36 which included 10 golds (5) 10 Eight gold medals amongst a haul of 14 found their way back to this Eastern Mediterranean island (6) 12 Country finishing eighth in the medals table with 44 including 9 gold (8) 13 Two gold medals found their way back to this south west African country (7) 14 Formerly known as Pleasant Island, this island situated in Micronesia won a silver in women’s weightlifting (5)
Answers on page 113
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The Great British Spring Menu
IT has been a long, wet winter and hard for producers. Local asparagus is late, but will catch up, so buy it as soon as you see it. The Jersey potato farmers have been at their wits’ end With JUNE because of the weather; the MACFARLANE crop will be down, and probably expensive, but they need our help. Watercress is at its best now, as are fresh herbs, early rhubarb and the first garlic. Unique flavours from great produce.
JERSEY ROYALS WITH WATERCRESS PESTO
GRILLED HALLOUMI AND ASPARAGUS
Asparagus and halloumi – a great combination
When you’ve had your fill of Somerset asparagus and melted butter try this. Halloumi is a vegetarian cheese from Cyprus that keeps its firm shape when cooked and squeaks as you eat it. Children love that!
INGREDIENTS
(For 2) 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 2 tbsp olive oil Juice of ½ a lemon 1 tbsp mint, chopped 250g asparagus 225g halloumi cheese Olive oil
METHOD First make the dressing. Mix the first four ingredients together well, taste for seasoning and set aside. Heat a ridged grill pan. Trim the asparagus to fit the pan and slice the halloumi into six pieces. Brush both with olive oil. Grill until coloured and tender. Serve with the dressing, and good bread to mop up. Jerseys Royals with watercress pesto
When potatoes are this good I like to eat them as a stand-alone course, but this makes a good dish to accompany steak or chicken too. Use rapeseed oil – olive oil is a bit overwhelming. METHOD Steam or boil the potatoes. Meanwhile make the dressing. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan. Process to a puree with the watercress, garlic and oil. Remove to a bowl and add the cheese. Taste for seasoning. Drain the potatoes and allow to dry a little before dressing with pesto. Serve warm.
500g Jersey Royal potatoes, scrubbed 1 tbsp pine nuts 1 bag watercress 1 clove garlic Big splash rapeseed oil 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
INGREDIENTS
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RHUBARB & VANILLA CREME BRULEE INGREDIENTS
(For four) 400g rhubarb, washed 9 tbsp caster sugar 4 egg yolks 600ml double cream 1 vanilla pod
Upmarket rhubarb and custard, flecked with vanilla seeds! METHOD Preheat oven to 200°C. Chop rhubarb into 1cm lengths. Put in a small roasting tin, coat with three tbsp sugar and roast until tender. Divide between four ramekins. Chill. Whisk yolks and four tbsp sugar until pale. Scrape out vanilla seeds. Scald cream and seeds in a pan until tiny bubbles show around the edge. Whisk into the egg yolks. Pour back into the pan and stir over medium heat until thick enough to leave a trail. Decant into a jug. Pour over chilled rhubarb. Refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle remaining sugar over and grill or blowtorch until a glaze forms. Leave for a few minutes to harden and serve.
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What’s new from
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FOOD & DRINK
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
Learning new skills
AS part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging and developing skills in the workplace, we’re going to be attending the very first Big Bang event to be held at The Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare on 27/28 April. The Big Bang is an interactive fair that aims to get students and young people passionate about STEM subjects – that’s science, technology, engineering and maths. We’ll be one of a number of local employers attending the Big Bang, which will be full of hands-on exhibits, displays and workshops. Here at Thatchers we’ve recently introduced a brand new Young Talent programme, which includes apprenticeships, graduate and sandwich year opportunities across the company. This year we’re offering up to 12 new positions within our cidermaking and orchard teams, marketing, finance and sales, laboratory, engineering and supply chain.
A taste of summer
Join us for a Charity Cheese and Wine Tasting
Spring offers in the Cider Shop
SUMMER Vintage is our new bottled cider, inspired by a stroll through our Somerset orchards. With a touch of sweetness from our choice of dessert apples, and added body and depth from our bittersweet apples, this is a wellbalanced, 7.4% medium dry cider, with all important freshness for the warmer weather. We first made this cider back in 2016 as a limited edition, and now thanks to popular demand it’s back! Thatchers Summer Vintage is available in selected branches of Tesco, the Thatchers Cider Shop in Sandford, and online at www.thatcherscider.co.uk
THE Thatchers Foundation is holding a fundraising Festival of Cheese, Cider and Wine, at Winscombe Cricket Club on Saturday 19th May, from 5pm to 11pm. With live music, and local award winning producers, this promises to be a great evening, all in aid of local charities. Tickets, price £15, are available from The Wine Shop and Farrons Estate Agents in Winscombe, The Railway Inn, Thatchers Cider Shop, and Thatchers Reception at Myrtle Farm in Sandford.
Diary dates at The Railway Inn
• Come and join in the Somerset Day Fun on Friday 11th May. The Mendip Morrismen will be performing between 6pm and 7pm. Cider and
cheese tasting too! • We’ll have the pizza oven and BBQ on the go during the good weather throughout the summer.
STOCK up for your bank holiday parties with our special offers in the Myrtle Farm Cider Shop: • Our 12 pack of Thatchers Vintage – £16 • Our cans of Barrel Roller and Leaf Twister – £1 each Mariet and her team look forward to seeing you! • The Smokin’ Hotshots will be performing Sunday 27th May at 3pm. • Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for details.
Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA
MT ENDIP • MAY 2017 2018 • PAGE 19 MENDIP IMES T • IMES NOVEMBER
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Cider competition attracts quality entries THE British Cider Championships at the Royal Bath and West Show – the biggest cider competition certainly in Britain, probably in Europe – is open for entries. The competition, which is the centrepiece of the giant Orchards and Cider marquee at the show, is geared very much to the quality end of the cider market, from traditional farmhouse cider to the new and exciting craft and artisanal products that are taking the industry forward. Organisers were expecting an entry of more than 500 ciders and perries, from all corners of Britain, as cider-makers large and small go in search of the Holy Grail of the British cider industry, the Fruiterers’ Trophy for the Champion British Cider.
THE New landlord Dave QUEEN Green wishes you ADELAIDE a warm welcome BLAGDON
NEW Sunday Carvery 12noon-3.30pm Now open Seven days a week 5pm to close Food served Thurs Fri Sat 12noon-2pm 6pm-8.30pm Sunday 12noon-3.30pm
A traditional English country pub Real ales, local cider, fine wines and locally-sourced home-cooked food
Gastro food at pub prices!
RESERVATIONS TAKEN ON 01761 463926 Celebrate the Royal Wedding on Saturday 19th May with our Best of British Street Party
BATH ROAD BLAGDON NORTH SOMERSET BS40 7TH
Tel: 01761 462 279
Tea & Biscuits from 10am A fully stocked bar featuring best gins, spirits, ales & Prosecco plus the rest! A Buffet table from 1.30pm with traditional British food Live Music Dress Code: Wedding Guest, with a prize for Best Dressed Guest Tickets will be available from the pub, see you there!
e-Mail: info@theseymourarmsblagdon.co.uk
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
There are classes for every type of proper cider, including farmhouse, but also sparkling, organic, single variety and bottle fermented, as well as for perries and apple juice. Anthony Gibson, Orchards and Cider chairman, said: “The championship area in the marquee, with its row upon row of bottles and demijohns, of every shade from palest straw through bright gold to deepest russet, is one of the great sights of the cider world.” The championship has a new sponsor this year, in the shape of Barber’s Cheese, and also a new website: www.britishciderchampionships.com ● See Royal Bath & West Show preview on page 114.
Landlord’s new goal
DAVE Green is the new landlord of the Queen Adelaide in Blagdon and he’s immediately stamped his mark on it, with a new Sunday carvery and seven-day-a-week opening. With quality food and drink, home-made sausages, hams and puddings, he’s promising “a good meal, good service and a good time” to customers. He also has the Ring O’ Bells in Nailsea, a very successful pub, which is now run for him by a manager. He said he’d had his eye on the Queen Adelaide for seven years, because of its proximity to Blagdon Lake – he teaches fly fishing – so he’s planning fishermen’s breakfasts and you can expect to see smoked trout pate on the menu. He’s planning different food theme nights and regular events. The first on May 7th, his birthday, will raise money for goalposts for the local junior football team.
Welcome to the Seymour
THE Seymour Arms in Blagdon is a local public house, 11 minutes’ drive from Bristol Airport, with accommodation comprising five tastefully furnished en-suite bedrooms. The on-site Michelin recommended restaurant, open throughout the day and serving food at lunchtime and from 6pm, features a seasonal à la carte menu, as well as a range of more classic pub favourites showcasing the best of West Country produce. The well-stocked bar offers local ciders, beers and a range of spirits. Breakfast is available for all, including non-residents, just give the pub a call and they will set you up a table. On May 19th they are planning their own Best of British street party to celebrate the royal wedding. There's tea and biscuits available from 10am and a buffet table of traditional British food from 1.30pm, live music, and a prize for the bestdressed guest. Tickets are available in advance.
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GARDEN FOOD
Magic banana ice cream
I HOPE you'll forgive the departure from the usual “Garden Food” theme, but I've made a discovery I'm rather excited about and have to share. And that is that you can make an amazing, sweet, creamy and delicious ice cream with just one ingredient – frozen With JAKE bananas – a food processor, and about WHITSON two minutes of your time. I discovered this out of simple curious experimentation with frozen bananas, which have long been a favourite of mine, both to eat as they are, or blitzed into milkshakes and smoothies, but later I found out that many other people had already discovered this amazing effect. Firstly, you need some peeled and frozen bananas – this is something I generally have in the freezer anyway, as it's an excellent way of preserving bananas that are going a bit brown and soft. Then you simply slice around two bananas per serving into thinnish slices (this is easily done without defrosting – just use a sharp thin bladed knife) add to your food processor (a splash of milk or yoghurt helps it go round and gives a softer consistency, but is not necessary) and blitz for a minute or two until completely smooth and whipped – almost like Mr. Whippy ice cream. This is so good and so much healthier than normal ice cream that I've recently found myself eating it almost every day! A favourite variation of mine is to add a heaped tablespoon of cocoa to the mix before blitzing, for a chocolate ice cream, or top with chopped nuts at the end. I suspect that it'd also be delicious with coconut milk or desiccated coconut. The possibilities are endless and in the summer I intend to make variations with strawberries, raspberries, maybe even rhubarb or elderflower. Enjoy!
Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Green mist or spot the difference?
SPRING seems to have arrived finally although a little damper than usual. Between the rainstorms, low level cloud and fog I managed to get out on my pushbike for a spin. It’s a great way to see the countryside at a slightly quicker pace than walking, but you see so much more than if you were in a car. With ADRIAN I have historically driven friends to BOOTS distraction whilst out on rides (they always seem to take much longer in the spring) as I can’t help myself being somewhat distracted also, in a different way of course. When I see some edible goodies just waiting to be collected for a lovely meal, I stop to have a look and my companions have to wait for me to catch up. Again. So back to my first springtime bike ride and I couldn’t help but notice that under hedgerows and in the woods a carpet of lush greenery has sprung up. Upon closer inspection this reveals a whole collection of different spring plants, some considered edible and therefore “wild food” by us, but rubbing up shoulder to shoulder with some quite poisonous examples which are just as common and just as eager to grow in the milder temperatures. And guess what, they are all virtually the same tone of green. Yes, you may think of course they are green, but what I’m getting at is that at this early stage in spring the variety of understory plants haven’t fully developed yet and to the untrained eye they can all look the same. Identification is critical. Someone once told me that they had been given “wild garlic” soup, I replied was it nice? They said that at first it seemed rather nice but after the first mouthful the bitter finish and a burning sensation (no the soup wasn’t too hot) in the throat was unpleasant. It turns out that whoever had picked the wild garlic had also picked Dogs Mercury and Lords and Ladies. All I could do was shake my head. I call this the “green mist of foraging fenzy” which descends upon people when faced with an abundance of something. They just seem to pick everything. We return to my bike ride story and the rather long-winded way of getting to the point. Whilst observing this bright green plant display, I captured this image to illustrate my point. Growing cheek by jowl are edible and poisonous plants – can you spot the difference? And before you say that it would never happen to me, can you identify all these plants? Answers on a postcard please... 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.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 21
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C he w K i t c h e n e x p a n d s LOCAL hotspot Chew Kitchen is now opening its doors another evening! Driven by the success of its everchanging menu of locally-sourced food, diners are now able to pop in for a midweek treat on Wednesdays. It’s owned by Rob and Nicky Lisle, veterans of Yeo Valley Canteen, The Pelican and Bear and Swan, in Chew Magna and The Muset and Over the Moon restaurants in Bristol and is run by general manager Joey Williams. They serve breakfast every day but Sunday and lunches every day, including their stunning Sunday lunch. They now serve dinners Wednesday to Saturday. New specials are created every day and all the food, apart from fish from Cornwall, is supplied by local traders. Rob sacrificed his motorbike for a La Spaziale coffee machine, eager not to sacrifice quality in any aspect of his business. He commemorated the loss by getting the machine in the same shade of red. Their patio has become a favourite spot for their popular lunches and breakfasts.
They have a wide range of spirits, not found elsewhere in the Valley, including artisanal vodkas, extensive gins and a representative spirit in at least every category, as well as a wide range of wines, ales and ciders. Chew Kitchen is stunning, with most of the venue’s interior, fittings and
furnishings built by, or sourced (recycled), by Rob himself. They are family/child and dog friendly and can host events, without any rental charge. They also do outside catering for weddings, birthdays and other events. They are particularly proud of their TripAdvisor record.
NOW OPEN FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY Fresh daily menu depending on local produce
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER | EVENTS | OUTSIDE CATERING Superb range of food, drinks and coffee
Chew Kitchen Chew Lane, Chew Stoke, Bristol, BS40 8UE opposite the medical surgery. hello@chew.kitchen • 01275 332933 • Chew.kitchen PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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E OF FEATHER M U S PL
DUCK RACE
FOOD & DRINK
Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS
SATURDAY 7th JULY
Starting at 5pm. Great family fun evening with a local band playing, best dressed duck competition, duck racing, BBQ, pig roast, face painting, ice cream stall, 3 bars open. Come and get your ducks from the Plume, decorate at home or at the Plume from 5pm and enter them before 6pm. All monies from the duck racing, best dressed plastic duck competition and car park goes to Burrington primary school, Blagdon cubs and to get a defibrillator for Rickford village.
Rickford, Somerset BS40 7AK
01761 462682
Organic free trade coffee and selection of Miles' tea • Cream teas Proper afternoon tea (bookings only) • Homemade bread, teacakes, traybakes and cakes • Local eggs, milk, cream, bacon and ham and selection of West Country cheeses. Currently available – Alice's famous marmalade and, always available, Bread & Beyond's even more famous pies. Beautiful and collectible Burgess and Leigh china. Vintage gifts and original paintings by noted artists from Andelli Home and Andelli Art. Sandwiches made to order with our own home-baked bread. Cyclists, walkers and dogs very welcome
Bread & Beyond
Open: Monday to Friday: 7am - 4.30pm Saturday: 7.30am - 3pm
High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ
Visit www.theplumeoffeathers.com
01761 240820 email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com
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THE RED LION VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT SUTTON HILL ROAD, BISHOP SUTTON BS39 5UT
01275 333042
Great Pub Food, Lunch or Dinner Wide selection of pub classics with smaller portions available
Home produced food served 12 noon–2.30pm, 5.30pm–8.30pm • Sunday Roasts 12–4 Please call to make a reservation
A choice of real ales, ciders and quality wines Tasty Roast Dinners available for Sunday Lunch Kitchen closed on Mondays • 2 course Pensioners Lunch £10.00 FULL MENU AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk
WELCOME BACK TO AWARD WINNING CHEF SCOTT LUCAS
The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community
OPENING HOURS: Mon – Thurs 12pm-3pm, 5pm – close Fri, Sat & Sun – open all day
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
From fizz to cheese WHAT makes gin and fizz better? Somerset cider, beer and cheese according to The Rolling Cocktail Company. Following the success of their recent gin and prosecco festivals in Glastonbury and Wells, the Pilton-based, cocktail caravan and mobile bar business are putting on a fantastic festival in Shepton.
The Shepton Gin, Fizz, Craft Draft and Cheese Festival takes place on Friday, June 8th from 6.30pm at Shepton Brasserie on the High Street. The event features local producers such as E18teen gin, Aldwick Court Vineyard, Milk Street Brewery and Downside Cider as well as local fizz experts and cheese connoisseurs. Guests can sample and purchase over 30 craft cheeses and tipples, soak up exhibitions from local artists and listen to live music. ● Tickets cost £15 and include a tote bag, free drink and glass. The brasserie will also be serving pre-ordered Somerset cheeseboards as well as a tantalising selection of cheesy dishes include baked brie, mac and cheese and much more. Only 50 tickets left, book now online or email for more information.
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FOOD & DRINK
Welcome to The Wheatsheaf and Valley Smokehouse JONATHAN Newberry and his family have two important anniversaries to look forward to. It’s nearly 30 years since he set up the celebrated Valley Smokehouse, which supplies top restaurants and hotels all over the country. And it’s a year since he moved it from Dundry Hill and opened a new smokehouse at The Wheatsheaf, in Stone Allerton, which he runs as a pub and restaurant with his wife Alison and daughter Jemima. The project has been a seven-year labour of love since they bought the Wheatsheaf, restoring the semi-derelict pub and outbuildings, which meant Jonathan learnt a whole range of skills from carpentry to stone work, using mainly recycled materials. The result is stunning. The pub’s old concrete and plaster has been removed to reveal the 300-year-old building’s original flagstones and stone walls. As you would expect from a former chef, there’s a fine selection of local beers, ciders and food, with a selection of products from the smokehouse next door. In the future they plan to add a new conservatory to further increase seating. The celebrated smokehouse is as busy as ever, specialising in Loch Duart smoked salmon and a range of other smoked foods. The smoked butter is used in the pub for smoked mashed potato and beer-braised brisket. Regulars will recognise Piero, who has been with Jonathan for 21 years, and Barnaby, who has worked with him for 14
Jonathan (right) with Piero (left) and Barnaby
years. The smokehouse is open to customers, but Jonathan is finishing off a new shop and café, which are nearly ready. Jonathan said: “The smokehouse provided the funds for us to gradually do all of this building work. We opened the pub three years ago and have gradually extended the opening hours. “It’s been a long haul, but we have had a lot of support, with local people volunteering to help with painting and maintenance. We are also lucky to have a great team of staff to make it all happen.”
PuB | ReSTAuRAnT | SMOkeHOuSe
Wheatsheaf Inn Closed Sunday night and Monday Open for lunch: 12noon – 2pm Dinner: 6pm – 9pm
The Valley Smokehouse Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm
WHeATSHeAF Inn | STOne ALLeRTOn | AxBRIDge BS26 2nH | 01934 444333 enquiries@valleysmokehouse.com | www.valleysmokehouse.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 25
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It’s the little touches that count
FOOD & DRINK
ATTENTION to detail is the key to the success and growing popularity of the multi award-winning Holcombe Inn. Whether staying in one of their 11 luxiously appointed rooms – including a romantic hideaway in the inn’s Tranquillity Garden – or enjoying a drink or a meal, the team focuses on the little touches that can make such a difference. Right now, the Holcombe Inn’s extensive kitchen gardens are
Al fresco dining in the Tranquillity Garden
The Holcombe Inn – perfect for a romantic getaway this spring
being planted up with produce ready for the summer and the Tranquillity Garden is a perfect location for a coffee, beer or glass of fizz – and, of course, al fresco dining. The garden is aimed at adults, but families are more than amply catered for in the inn’s other garden, which will shortly offer a bucket swing and sand pit for the little ones. The Holcombe Inn has been honoured with two AA rosette status. Owner Jules Berry said: “We’re very happy to have achieved this. Our team of chefs work hard to produce delicious dishes packed full of flavour.” The team has been joined recently by Jeseigh, who is concentrating on the pastry section producing the most delicious desserts, cakes for the coffee bar and handmade chocolates for guests – the little touches that mean so much.
A welcoming place to linger with a pint, glass of wine or coffee and cake. Perfect for al fresco dining using produce from our kitchen gardens Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. A real English pub serving local beers and ciders. Keep warm on any chilly spring evenings in front of our log fires Surrounded by beautiful walking countryside, a short distance from the historic old Holcombe church of St Andrew’s where scenes from Poldark were filmed (we are keyholders). Open all day, every day. Serving food 12.30-2.30pm and 6-9pm Mon-Fri 12-9pm Sat and Sun
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R em emb ering t he flo o ds ALONG the Chew Valley, various events are being arranged to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1968. Keynsham was badly affected and much has been written about the disaster; in previous years, exhibitions and dramatic productions have been staged in the town to remember it. Yet, apart from a flood level marker in Dapps Hill, Keynsham has no physical reminder of that night, and no memorial to those who died when they were swept off the Chew Bridge in the town centre. Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society believes it is time to rectify this omission and is proposing a project to construct a permanent commemoration of the event. Many bridges along the River Chew were destroyed or irreparably damaged by the flood. One of these was the ancient County Bridge on the Bitton Road out of Keynsham. Built into the north parapet of this was the County Bridge Stone, sometimes known as the Abbot’s Seat as it was reputed to have come from Keynsham Abbey. Older residents have fond memories of sitting with “one foot in Somerset and the other in Gloucestershire”. The ancient stone was swept away but later recovered; since then it has been out of sight in the council’s archaeology store. The society is planning to re-erect this stone in Keynsham Memorial Park with a commemorative plaque and an explanation nearby of the history of the stone and the
The morning of 11th July, from the bottom of Gooseberry Lane looking towards Dapps Hill.
events of July 10th, 1968 to inform future generations. The project has the support of Keynsham Town Council and permission to use and display the stone has been obtained from B&NES Council. To display the stone in an appropriate way has a substantial cost and the society is running a public appeal to raise £5,000: about half that sum has been donated so far. It is hoped that the memorial will be unveiled on July 10th, 2018. Society chairman Richard Dyson said: “We are pleased that so many local people support the idea of a permanent commemoration of this important event in the history of the area; if a few more feel able to make a contribution this will soon become a reality.” A donation form can be downloaded
View from Gooseberry Lane, Keynsham on 11th July 1968
PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
from the society’s website www.keysalthist.org.uk or collected from the Keynsham Town Council Offices on Temple Street. Details of how to donate via online banking are also posted on the website.
The County Bridge Stone in its original location
A view from Avon Mill Lane, looking towards the Memorial Park. A car can be seen in the river.
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Trapped in Chew Stoke
Dear Mendip Times, In response to your request for experiences during the flood of July 10th, 1968, I thought you might be interested in our story. That evening my husband (then fiancé) and I were travelling from Hursley Hill, Whitchurch to Pilgrim’s Way, Chew Stoke to see the rector regarding our wedding plans for our forthcoming marriage at Norton Malreward Church. Although it had been raining heavily all that day and the water was running down each side of the lanes as we drove along, having never experienced flooding before and never heard of floods in the area, we were unconcerned. When we arrived at the rectory the rector and his wife remarked on the bad weather but did not seem particularly bothered. However, during the evening the stream, which ran under the lane on one side of the rectory, overflowed and a car had to be abandoned in the lane. The bank on the other side of the rectory collapsed into the lane. The water flowed through the garden and we were completely cut off. The rector and his wife kindly put us up for the night and I well remember having a delicious supper of apple pie which the rector’s wife had made earlier. Without mobile phones and other modern technology we had no idea that the flooding was so extensive. It took us 45 minutes to get back to Hursley Hill, a journey of ten-15 minutes normally as, of course, so many routes were impassable. When we did get back to my parents’ home at Hursley Hill, there was no sign of any flooding at all and after many frustrated attempts to let my employers, in East Street, Bedminster, know why I hadn’t got in to work, the news that there was flooding there too finally filtered through to us. The ironic thing about it all, however, is the rector at Chew Stoke was a Noah Owen! We also took these photographs in Pensford. Glenys and George A’Court – now married 49 years Sandford
THE GREAT FLOOD
From our album – Pensford
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Great Flood diary dates
COMMUNITIES along the Chew Valley and Keynsham are busy planning events to remember the Great Flood of 1968. June 30th, 5pm, Bridge over the Flood – a revival of the Keynsham Flood commemoration musical. Details: www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk Thursday, July 5th, 7.30pm, Upper Hall, Chew Magna Old School Rooms The Mills and Industrial Heritage of the Chew Valley and Keynsham. Saturday, July 7th from 10.30am Woollard Remembers 1968, around the village. Sunday, July 8th Walkers Are Welcome Walk, 9.45am Keynsham to Compton Dando and back. 2pm – Pensford tea party and remembrance service on old bridge. Details: 01761 490234. The West of England Rural Network (WERN) has secured Big Lottery funding for a Great Flood project and is keen to hear about communities organising remembrance events or activities. Details: ruth@wern.org.uk 01275 333701 07884 345298.
Keynsham Memorial Park
The bottom of Dapps Hill
The hole in the road at Bath Hill
I WAS a 20 year old young man living in Keynsham at the time. Getting back from work on the Tuesday evening the rain got heavier as the evening progressed but I would not be aware of what the next day would reveal to us all living in the area. Getting the Bristol bus the next day to go to work in Brislington there were some unbelievable sights to see on the way in. A mess everywhere. Going through Brislingon village there was a car on its side next to the pub which the torrent of water had caused to happen. When I got off the bus and went into work at Bristol Commercial Vehicles where I was a machinist the electrician checked all the machines for safety as in places the rain has come in through the roof. It was then work as usual. I hope that the copies of photos taken in Keynsham that I have enclosed may
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
be of interest to your readers if you use any of them. One picture shows a hole in the road on Bath Hill next to the park. Another shows the mess at the
bottom of Dapps Hill. I am glad that I have saved those photos of that time. Roy Reeves Midsomer Norton
We want to hear your stories. Write to: The Great Flood, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge,
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Memories of that night
THE GREAT FLOOD
Chris Face, who lives in Keynsham, was an ambulanceman on call at home on the night of the floods. Here, he recalls his role in the rescue operations.
AT the time of the floods, I was in the ambulance service, working from Keynsham Ambulance Station. Myself and my colleague were called out to Chew Magna, to deal with an unknown situation there. The only information we were given was that a group of people were trapped in a house, alongside the stream. We never got there. While driving past the Round House in Stanton Drew, we were Chris Face at home in Keynsham engulfed by a wall of water, which rose over the floor of the ambulance. The engine cut out flooded park. And on looking carefully, could and we were stranded. see someone in the trees in the middle of the Shortly after, a passing tractor offered to flood water. tow us to Pensford, where we could telephone One of the occupants of the car had escaped our control by landline, as our radio had cut as the car was swept through the trees and out. managed to climb one of them. None of us On arriving at Pensford we noticed that, present was able to effect a rescue, so a call first, there was a wall of water covering the was made to the nearest place which could bridge, and secondly, to our horror, the houses help. This happened to be RAF Colerne. on the other side of the river, had lost their They sent a crew, complete with Mae West walls. The houses were open to us and people lifejackets and a rubber dinghy, which the were standing on what was left of the floors crew proceeded to inflate. I helped them and waving frantically to us for help. Thirdly, launch and immediately they were capsized. there was a fire engine parked by the pub. The crew then swam through the swollen The crew asked me to accompany them river to the tree where the lad was clinging, back via Keynsham, then on to Marksbury fitted him with a Mae West. The crew swam and around to Pensford, to help those who back with the lad to shore, the crew none-thewere trapped by rising flood water. We got as worse for their impromptu dip. far as Keynsham, and on to the bridge, when To finish the exciting events, a helicopter a wall of water engulfed us. I was sitting arrived, and hovered over the park, where we behind the driver on a very high seat and the were, and lowered a gentleman, who had been water came up to my chest. I had to grab my rescued from Woolard. first aid kit (not the amount that paramedics He had been trapped inside his bungalow, have to carry now) and swim for it. and escaped through the roof by removing the An ambulance officer from my station had tiles, and was then picked up by the arrived by that time and proceeded to give us helicopter. He was driven to hospital, by one orders as to where we would be most of our ambulances, suffering from effective. In mounting rescues, in different hypothermia. parts of Keynsham, Dapps Hill was our first port of call. Someone had brought along a small, ten-foot dinghy, which we launched at the water’s edge and rescued a number of old people who needed help. I eventually got home at 4am, soaked to the skin. I got to bed, only to be called out again, and told that there were some people trapped in a flooded car on the bridge. My colleagues and I arrived at the bridge to be told that the car, with the occupants inside had been swept over downstream. I heard calls for help, in the
oombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG, email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or call 01761 463888.
CHRIS joined the ambulance service in 1958 after working in the RAF as a radar mechanic, including serving in the Far Eastern Air Force, in (then) Ceylon where he was a member of the Jungle Rescue Service, flying in Bristol Brigand aircraft, then posted to Malaysia, where he flew in Sunderland flying boats, bombing and machine gunning the bandits. Chris was working as a television aerial installer and wanted to find a driving job when, from a roof, he saw an ambulance pass by and decided to apply. He went to Keynsham ambulance station and was taken on. Training and equipment in the ambulance service at the time was basic by modern standards. Some ambulances – with just a two-man crew – were designed to take up to four stretchers at a time. It was quite common for ambulance crews to be on call at home which could mean it could take 35-40 minutes to reach the station and get to the scene of an incident. Chris met his wife Mary through work – she was one of the control room staff. Chris said: “It was quite unusual because Mary would send me on a call and I was able to tell her the outcome. People in the control room rarely knew the end of the story. “It was a wonderful job, with some very sad times but also some very happy ones.” MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 31
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New head for Somerset army cadets
COLONEL Peter Bates OBE has taken over as the new commandant of Somerset Cadet Battalion (The Rifles) Army Cadet Force. Col Bates was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1979 and served the majority of his regimental career in the Airborne and Commando brigades, serving on operational tours during the Falklands War, in Colonel Peter Bates
Celebrating Somerset ITV’S Ben McGrail will be hosting a special concert in Wells on Saturday May 12th in celebration of Somerset Day 2018. With music from The Drystones, Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, plus brilliant young musicians from across the county, proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Somerset hospice movement – St Margaret’s Hospice, Weston Hospicecare, and Dorothy House
Northern Ireland, the jungle, Bosnia and Iraq. In 2013, Col Bates left the army early and spent two years as business development director at a group of schools in Bath, before working as an army reservist virtually full-time. Part of his duties included coordinating and delivering all Ten Tors activity for three years. He lives on the border of Somerset and Wiltshire and is married to Merete, a Danish physiotherapist who runs a private practice in Somerset.
Hospice Care. The concert is being held at Cedars Hall at Wells Cathedral School, and tickets are available from Cedars Hall Box Office 01749 834483, or online http://cedarshall.events Keeping to the Somerset Day theme, a complimentary reception of locally produced food and drink, sponsored by Wyke Farms and Thatchers Cider, will be served before the concert celebrations at 6pm. There are events taking place throughout the county for Somerset Day on May 11th and across the following weekend. These include: Clevedon Pier Celebrating Somerset Day on May 11th, 10am to 4.30pm. The Mendip Morrismen at The Railway Inn, Sandford, May 11th, 6pm-7pm. Full details: www.somersetday.com
Somerset Day Craft Fayre, Shapwick Village Hall, May 12th, from 2-5pm. Somerset Food and Craft Fair and Flower Festival, Long Sutton Village Hall, May 12th. Local Producers Fayre at Brean Leisure Park on May 13th. For full details see page 105.
Death of Sheila Walker
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NEWS
SHEILA Walker, one of Chew Magna’s most prominent villagers, has died at the age of 86. A former parish council chairman, she had supported many local societies, including drama, history, the Chew Magna Society and Chew Stoke Bowls Club. She and her husband, David, who died five years ago, ran Walker’s Stores in the High Street for many years. It was built by his great grandfather and they were the third generation of the family to live there. Sheila had been advising Mendip Times with our series on the Great Flood of 1968 and its effect on the village and area. We will have a report in a later issue. She died on April 2nd. She leaves three children Janet, Caroline and Peter and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna on Friday, April 27th, at 1pm.
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Tel: 0800 097 8611
www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
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Passage to India
NEPINSRI Travel is offering a 14-day tour in India, including four national parks and conservation zones in Rajasthan and Gujurat, with 17 safaris in private jeeps. The company is an approved elephant friendly tour operator. The cost includes all meals (excluding drinks), all camera fees (applicable in the national parks in Gujarat for cameras over 7.1 megapixel), all accommodation, tour leader for the duration of the trip, train transfer and air-conditioned private car. Prices are from £2,595 per person (based on four people travelling together).
“THREE BIG CATS PHOTOGRAPHY” TIGERS, LEOPARDS AND LIONS NOVEMBER TO MARCH DEPARTURES 14-DAY TOUR FROM £2595 PER PERSON BASED ON 4 PEOPLE TRAVELLING TOGETHER
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Half century
MERV Howard is about to celebrate exactly 50 years working for the same company – by retiring. He joined RM Penny in Ston Easton on Monday, May 6th, 1968. Now 72, he said: “I was so excited to start. I asked the company I was with previously to put me on the diggers but they didn’t. So I saw an advert in the paper, had an interview with Roger Penny on a Saturday lunchtime, and got the job for about £30 a week. “I had a little digger with no cab, sitting there in all
weathers.” Merv, from Oakhill, spent almost 20 years on the machines, before moving into the office in 1984 and is now plant hire manager. He will leave RM Penny for the last time on Friday, May 4th. Wind back half a century and he would have been starting there on the Monday morning.
Now’s the time to invest in solar
IF you haven’t installed solar panels yet, the sun is setting on the Feed-in Tariff (F.I.T). Local experts, Solarsense, say 2018 is the year to invest in solar, diversify your income and improve your bottom line. Solar panels have been used by homeowners, landowners and businesses for years. However, with the impending closure of the government feed-in tariff (April 2019), the number of grants available (DEFRA & Carbon Trust to name a few) and the significant drop in panel prices, there has never been a better time to invest in this smart technology (ROI up to 16%). Solarsense has completed more than 10,500 residential, commercial and industrial renewable energy installations and is responsible for powering some of the UK's leading organisations. They place great emphasis on the quality of their installations and are proud to have won 18 regional, national and international awards in recognition of their expertise, customer service and pioneering projects. Why not visit Helios House (BS48 4AH) for the Solarsense Open Day on May 24th to view a range of working renewable energy technologies, including solar PV panels, solar battery storage, electric vehicle charge-points and the Tesla Model S to name a few. Details: For a free, no obligation desktop survey simply call 01275 461800 or visit www.solarsense-uk.com for more information.
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BUSINESS
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 35
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P & C Logs Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels
C al l P h i l o n 0 7 7 3 4 0 9 8 3 2 3 , o r C o l l ee n o n 0 7 7 8 5 2 5 0 0 3 3 o r o n E v e n in g s 0 1 9 3 4 7 4 1 9 4 1 Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).
CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY
Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley
Tel 01761 451787
www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk
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LECATCHER MO
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
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Crane King expand their range SOMERSET-based crane and specialist lifting equipment company Crane King Limited have launched their new range of Samson truck cranes. Strong and versatile, Samson cranes are aimed at supporting the smaller truck and trailer market. Crane King recently relocated from the Midlands and, with more than 40 years’ experience in both the truck and marine environment, are well placed to use this knowledge and expertise to support the needs of businesses in the South West. The company now has offices near Shepton Mallet and in the past has delivered and supported projects as diverse at the conservation of King Henry VIII’s Mary Rose ship to providing support to the construction of the Second Severn Crossing and the Thames Barrier. It also supplies quayside cranes, workboat and fishing cranes. Steve Fisher, Business Development
BUSINESS
One of the new range of Samson truck cranes being offered by Crane King
Director, said: “We continue to support the defence, offshore and renewable energy sectors with our marine applications, but we felt our ability to deliver and support hydraulic lifting equipment would be of benefit to the various industries of the South West.
“Our cranes are suitable for a wide range of applications from forestry, conservation and landscaping to agriculture and construction. “We strive to deliver the same excellent standard and levels of support to all our customers globally.”
For further information and advice please contact us at info@craneking.com or call us on 01749 347093.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 37
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Winner of 'Best Luxury Chauffeur Service Bristol' SME South West Enterprise Awards
If you are looking for quality mobile toilet and shower hire in Bristol, Bath, Taunton, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and surrounding areas, call Chew Valley Hire Ltd on 01761 221 105 Top quality transporta on services in Somerset and Bristol Bristol Execu ve Travel provides corporate travel, airport and train transfers, meet and greet for students, wedding hire and private vehicles for spor ng events Luxury travel now available in Somerset and Bristol
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Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366 Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk
MENDIP BUILDING STONE
RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICE
Licensed Waste Carrier Single items to whole houses, garages and gardens cleared FOR SALE Mendip Building Stone £50.00 +Vat per tonne collected. Delivered rates available
Please call 01761 437733 PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
For a free no obligation quote, please call
John: 01761 410424 or mobile 07919 584737
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high quality aerial photography in the Mendip area with prices from £120 + VAT Property photography and video for estate agents and private owners Aerial inspections of buildings, structures for building inspectors and private owners Solar panel inspection Event photography and video High resolution photography and 4k video Site survey and risk assessment prior to flying
Pilot accredited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for commercial operations CAA approved third party insurance
Please visit www.skylark.ltd for more information and enquiries
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BUSINESS
How GDPR will affect small businesses THE General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect on 25 May 2018 and small businesses should be aware that it will apply to them as well as larger organisations. The regulation applies to information which directly or indirectly identifies an individual, including customer lists, contact details, generic /biometric data and online identifiers like IP addresses. The new regulation will require organisations to strengthen existing controls, implement new processes and procedures and document, embed and evidence them appropriately. The GDPR covers all forms of data (whether or not it is electronic) so it will be important for a small business to track and manage customer records. It will also be important to understand what information a business holds and where it is held so it is readily retrievable. A customer might request that his data be deleted – how easy would it be to find that data? Who is the responsible
person for undertaking this task? It would be wise to educate all business staff on the new rules and to protect and encrypt your equipment. The data controller within the business must check that all contracts with processors must comply with the GDPR. If records are stored off-site the business should ensure that its suppliers have tracking procedures to recall the movement of manual records. A business should firm up with the data consent process giving clear data consent options to consumers. Under the GDPR a business will need to make clear the lawful basis for processing the data and for how long the business intends to keep it. This information must be provided in a concise, easy to understand and clear language. With regard to marketing it will no longer be enough to assume a consumer's consent to the use of his data based on his doing nothing. The customer must give active consent (by ticking a box or other
means). The GDPR is a development on the Data Protection Act and a welcome one for consumers. It will also represent an opportunity for businesses to undertake a "spring clean" of their systems to manage data more securely and efficiently and so to win the trust of their customers. Edward Lyons
Please contact Barbara Calcutt (Bristol Office 0117 950 6506) or Anna O’Hara (Kingswood office 0117 967 5252) to discuss this further.
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. ● Family & Divorce Law ● Co-habitation disputes ● Inheritance disputes ● Wills and Living Wills ● Powers of Attorney ● Administration of Trusts ● Property – sales and purchases Chew Magna 01275 332168
OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 39
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BUSINESS
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Centre of excellence
EDUCATION
Year 12 girls at the Driving Conference
THE Kings of Wessex Academy, in Cheddar has a large and vibrant sixth form and is a popular place to study. Learning is stimulating, nurturing and fun. Kings is proud of its traditional values, yet is forwardthinking and enjoys a reputation as a centre of excellence. Fantastic facilities make Kings a happy place to be and study. Exciting enrichment activities enliven learning and the senior student team organise the annual charities week. A must! A Year 12 work experience placement, career talks, mock interviews and higher education programme all prepare students for their next steps. At Kings, they care and love the whole child so that they grow into confident and resilient adults.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 41
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A unique gift!
iar the
have rain s an
and nice
t The er to
Ring fit for a champion
TIMSBURY Art Group, which meets every Thursday afternoon from 2pm at the Conygre Hall in North Road, Timsbury is preparing for their next exhibition at the Conygre Hall in Timsbury on May 12th from 10am. There’s no entrance fee. This year they plan a new innovation: a £2 raffle ticket will ensure you get an original painting on a postcard executed by one of their members, so every ticket will be a winner! There will also be greetings cards and refreshments including home-made cakes. Details: Sue Macey 01761 470951 or sueian.macey@talktalk.net
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PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
The Artist’s Gallery www.tag.uk.net
4 Borough Mews The Borough Yard, Wedmore Somerset BS28 4EB info@tag.uk.net 01934 713295 Opening times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm
WEDMORE jeweller, Erica Sharpe, has been describing one of her most interesting commissions, making a ring for Jo Frith to commemorate her success in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won gold and silver medals. Erica said: “It is a nervewracking honour to create an object that represents the pinnacle of someone’s focus, training and achievement.” Although non-sporty at school she said a visit to the 2012 Paralympics in London with her three young children completely changed her perception of sports. She said: “The events we saw were totally inspiring. The atmosphere of excitement, support, and healthy competition gave the stadium a remarkable buzz. The sheer brilliance of the athletic achievements from the competitors was captivating and humbling. An electric aura of ‘anything is possible’ rubbed off onto us, we carried it home and we can still feel it.” She and Jo worked on designs together and finalised a stylish, pretty and practical band ring. To represent Jo’s silver and gold medals, there was one fine sparkling white diamond and one rare natural “canary” yellow diamond. The background band was in Fairtrade yellow gold, mined in South America. Jo wanted the Paralympic logo to be the central focal point, created as a raised motif in contrasting white gold. Erica said: “I was nervous when the time came for Jo to collect the ring, I hoped I had done justice to her remarkable achievements – thankfully she was delighted and wore it at the following night’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards.”
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ARTS & ANTIQUES
Suits the weather – bids flood in for Noah’s Ark CLEVEDON Salerooms’ recent specialist sale included this fine 19th century Black Forest carved painted pine model of Noah’s Ark. With 130 figures including a pair of elephants, right down to a pair of ladybirds, the
46cm long ark and figures had clearly been looked after during its lifetime. As the level of bids gradually increased, Noah and his family watched from the deck knowing that however high the bids rose, their future was assured. One collector extended an olive branch before parting with £2,480 to secure the ark and provide a safe harbour
in pastures new. Following the success of the recent Wells jewellery valuation day the salerooms’ specialist valuers will be doing it all again, this time at the salerooms on Thursday, May 10th between 10am–4pm, offering noobligation free verbal valuations on all jewellery, watches, silver and gold, with the June 7th quarterly specialist sale in mind.
For more information contact the salerooms on 01934 830111.
Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding Our Free Valuation Days can be a rewarding experience!
RESULTS FROM THE RECENT SPECIALIST SALE: Victorian Military Service Medal Sold for £1,480
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS Tues 8th & Wed 9th May 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms No appointment necessary
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Auctions 3rd & 17th May
Pr Andrew Beer Oil on canvas pigeon portraits Sold for £2,480
Free Jewellery, Watch, Silver & Gold Valuation Day at the Salerooms
Sale starts at 10.30am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
Thursday 10th May 10am – 4pm On the above date our experienced Valuers will be offering free no-obligation verbal estimates on all items of jewellery, watches, silver and gold at the Salerooms with the 7th June specialist Sale in mind. No appointment necessary. For further information contact Toby Pinn MRICS on 01934 830111. MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 43
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Why not be original?
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Alce with Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis
THE second Bath Art Fair – on the edge of Norton St Philip – will bring together some of the most innovative professional artists from around the country in one relaxed setting. Organised by award-winning professional artist Alce Harfield, from Dean near Shepton Mallet, the fair (shortlisted for a Bath Life Award) will offer visitors the chance to browse original paintings and hand-made prints, stunning hand-crafted jewellery and artisan ceramics. The fair is open to the public on Saturday, May 12th and Sunday, May 13th at Farleigh Farm Shop on Farleigh Road (just off the A36). Alce is best-known for her vivid acrylic canvases, which she describes as “colour to lift the soul” and subjects which range from the Glastonbury Festival to flowers and landscapes. She said: “Find the perfect piece for your
new house extension, that awkward spot in your living room or brighten up your garden with a sculptural piece. Each artist will be happy to talk about their work, its creation and discuss a possible commission and prices start from £30. Fall in love with something original!” Another feature of the fair is the popular “pre-loved” contemporary art
stand with 100% of sales going to Dorothy House Hospice Care (top quality donations always welcome) with donations of signed posters from Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis. There is also a chance to relax in the fair’s own pop-up café, whilst listening to live music. Car parking is free.
For a preview of the exhibiting artists visit www.bathartfair.co.uk
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Sale highlights hit the headlines
COOPER and Tanner’s antiques and collectables online sale of March 21st was very successful, the main highlight was two rings that sold fantastically well: a blue sapphire and diamond ring that sold for £28,000 and a Cartier single stone diamond ring that sold for £42,000. After a story appeared in a local newspaper, the articles were featured in the Daily Mail, The Sun and The Metro; auctioneer Gareth Wasp also appeared on BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol to talk about the find. There were other interesting lots that did very well including a collection of postcards and cigarette cards that sold for £750; an eight-day longcase clock that sold for £260 and an early 20th century impressionist oil on board that sold for £170. In our next antiques and collectables sale on Wednesday, May 2nd we have a range of lots that have been consigned including a private collection of oriental ceramics and a private collection of Victorian and later jewellery. The following sale will be Wednesday, June 13th; the closing date for entries is May 30th. We hold free valuation days every Thursday and Friday at the salerooms and free specialist jewellery valuations are available by appointment. Free home visits are also offered; please contact the office to book. ● Over the summer there will be free valuation mornings at Cooper and Tanner offices across the region; please contact the office for further information.
This Cartier diamond ring sold for £42,000 and made national news
SALE ROOMS OUR WEEKLY AND MONTHLY ANTIQUE AND GENERAL SALES £ 7 SOL ,0 D 00
LD
SO
5 £7
Collection of postcards and cigarette cards, many with military interest
£2
SO
8,
LD
00
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£2
One of a pair of early 20th century Chinese plaques, each carved in relief
A sapphire and diamond ring, cased
80
An oval mirror, with a hammered pewter outline, the reverse with a label “Liberty, London”
Free valuations every Thursday and Friday; free home visits by appointment, please contact the office to book. Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@copperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 45
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Sculpture celebrates cider
ARTIST Ian Marlow has completed a commission to celebrate the heritage of one of Mendip’s most historic inns. Ian, of Buckland Dinham, created an apple-themed work which hangs next to the entrance to the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland. The sculpture is made in stainless steel and corten with the apples powdercoated in two colours. Ian said: “I was born and raised in Somerset and returned to it as an adult, so I’ve always regarded Somerset as my natural home. I was delighted, therefore, to be commissioned The apple tree sculpture was to make this sculpture by the commission by Sue Gait, the new owners of the Tucker’s new landlady of the inn Grave Inn, to celebrate the next stage in the life of this historic Somerset pub. Being an old cider house, and as cider is synonymous with Somerset, it was obvious that theme of the sculpture should be connected to that. “One of the lovely features of old buildings – and I have lived in several including the 200 year old chapel that is now my home – is that they mature and mellow over the centuries, adapting and changing as time and people come and go. They are much like trees that go from slender saplings to rugged, ancient statues content with their place in the landscape. Tucker’s Grave Inn has established itself in much the same way and has become an iconic part of Somerset’s landscape and history. “An old apple tree, with its gnarled trunk rising up beside the stone walls of this old building, as if the two have grown together over the years, seemed the ideal subject for the sculpture.”
New exhibition by Martin Bentham
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells says it’s delighted to be welcoming artist Martin Bentham to the exhibition room with a collection of his latest paintings. Martin, from Blagdon, last appeared at the palace in 2014 with an extremely successful show and art fans from around Somerset are eagerly awaiting his new collection. He has been a full-time professional artist since graduating from Exeter College of Art and Design in 1985. Primarily a figurative painter, Martin prefers to work directly from his chosen subjects, which are mostly derived from the people and landscape of the Mendip Hills. He also paints still life. Martin has held successful biennial one man shows since 1993 and has exhibited at numerous, notable selected exhibitions including the Royal Academy and the Royal West of England Academy (RWA). The exhibition opens on May 12th and runs until June 30th from 10am-6pm daily. The exhibition is included in standard admission to the palace and gardens.
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Antiques Road Trip have great day on Mendip
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THE team from the popular TV show, Antiques Road Trip, recently filmed an episode on Mendip attending the Mendip Auction Rooms. Celebrity valuers Timothy Medhurst and Christina Trevanion had spent the previous week shopping in the South of England prior to sending the items to the Killens team at Binegar to be sold at auction. Items entered by the valuers included a satsuma bowl, military ephemera and a pair of wooden candlesticks. Profits were made and all will become clear when the episode is screened later in the year. Tom Killen, who conducted the auction, said: “We were delighted to welcome Christina, Tim and the Antiques Road Trip team to the Mendip Auction Rooms once again. The celebrities always set us a challenge in trying to make a profit on the items that they buy but the producers were delighted with how the filming went and have confirmed that they will be back later in the year.”
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Busiest viewing day ever
MENDIP Auction Rooms team certainly had a busy Easter being open for Good Friday and Easter Monday so that the two sales held on April 3rd and 4th could be viewed and the crowds flocked in. The Monday was the busiest viewing day ever seen with both car parks full and a queue for the catalogues. The Tuesday sale of Antiques & Collectables was a challenge with 700 lots going under the hammer and staff and clients having to behave themselves in front of the cameras filming the Antiques Road Trip. An excellent entry of jewellery met with keen interest in the room but, particularly, from internet bidders. Many fell in love with the copper cheese making vat labelled A Hillier, Ridgeway, Frome and there was keen bidding for this with it eventually selling well above estimate for £840. Other collectables that generated strong bidding included a Scottish sword by Andrea Ferrara with an unusual horn grip £800 and a Jacques chess set £550 but the star of the show was a William IV mahogany wine cooler with tin liner that achieved £3,300. On April 4th, some 400 lots were offered and another large crowd was in attendance. There was some strong bidding with a quantity of silver plate making £260, a Chinese porcelain figure £240, a set of six leather bound books £190 and a quantity of Mamod engines and parts £190. The next Antiques and Collectables Sale will be held on May 5th and Victorian and Later Effects Sales on May 1st and 15th. As always, entries are invited.
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Dressing for charity
PUPILS from Selwood Academy, Frome dressed as various characters at their recent book fair to raise funds for local charity We Hear You.
Sports Relief run
Housing boost for young people
HOUSING for young people in the local area has received a boost after YMCA Mendip learnt it had been awarded registered provider status by Homes England, the former Homes and Communities Agency. Registered provider status means that YMCA Mendip will not only be able to continue to maintain the 100+ bed spaces it already provides for young people within the community, but will make it easier for this vital provision and support to grow in the future. Chief executive, Karen Deverell, said: “This achievement means that YMCA Mendip can now look to develop more housing for young people and acquire existing homes for those struggling to access the housing market. “This is so important, as we know how difficult it is for young people on low incomes in the area who are unable to get onto the housing ladder and struggle to afford the cost of market rents. Registered provider status opens up so many options and opportunities for YMCA Mendip to develop this sustainable housing moving forward.” But it’s not just about a roof over a head. The charity provides residents and any young person who visits their drop-in centre or youth clubs a framework of informal education, with opportunities to learn new skills, socialise and gain new experiences.
Cheddar ducks
CHEDDAR Vale Lions’ popular duck race will be held in Cheddar Gorge on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28th. Profits will again be going to Children’s Hospice South West. The first of two races will be at 2pm. OAKFIELD Academy, in Frome raised £466.98 for charity, when students and staff threw themselves into supporting this year's Sports Relief. The day culminated in the whole school joining a one-mile run, including head teacher, Emma Wilkes (pictured).
Charity walkers
Honour for Graham
FORMER deputy chief executive of local adoption agency Families for Children, Graham Pellew, has been awarded an OBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace. Graham, who has recently completed 30 years of working in adoption, was awarded the honour for his services to children and families. During his time at Families for Children he helped place over 500 children with adopted families across Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall.
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A BLIZZARD did not deter brave walkers from taking part in the Mendip Men’s Walk in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice, starting from Wells Cathedral Green and ending at Tor Rugby Club. The event was officially begun by Wells town crier Len Sweales.
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CHARITIES
The long good Fergie . . . and other tractors
DOZENS of enthusiasts defied heavy rain to take part in an annual charity vintage tractor road run across the Somerset Levels. The run was held on Good Friday and began at the Railway Inn at Meare as drivers and passengers headed for Cossington and Puriton before returning to the inn. The run raises money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and organisers are now planning for their annual two-day Rev Up at the Railway, which will also raise money for the charity. The display of vintage steam engines, lorries and other vehicles will be held on Saturday, September 8th and Sunday, September 9th.
Braving the elements – the convoy sets off from Meare
The run raises money each year for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Anyone with a tractor was welcome to join in
For details contact Ivan Sparks on 07891 939055 or ivan.sparks@hotmail.co.uk
People’s grand prix
CHILDREN’S charity, Jessie May, is looking for people to run, jog, walk, push or wheel their way around its family fun run on Sunday July 8th to raise funds for terminally ill children. The People’s Grand Prix is fast becoming one of the charity’s most popular events, having raised £2,600 last year. Now in its third year, it is hoped that over 100 people will take part and enjoy the day at the Odd Down Cycling Circuit in Bath. Money raised will go towards hospice and respite care for children with lifelimiting illnesses within their own homes in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Wiltshire.
Details: http://www.jessiemay.org.uk/peoples-grand-prix-2/
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Climbing back to the top
A WEEK short of a year after breaking his neck and being told he might never walk again, former Bath Rugby number eight, Ed Jackson, from Timsbury climbed to the top of Snowdon with 70 family and friends to raise money for charity. He managed the climb on April 1st, a week before the anniversary of the accident, when he dived into the shallow end of a friend’s swimming pool. He has had a remarkable road to recovery. And on Wednesday, May 9th, The Rugby Players’ Association has announced it will honour him at the 2018 RPA Players’ Awards, in association with England Rugby. He has been confirmed as the second of two recipients of the RPA Blyth Spirit Award, with Scotland’s Doddie Weir also set to receive the award. The award recognises tremendous courage in the face of adversity. After breaking his neck Ed was at first paralysed from the neck down. Family and friends on top Snowdon
Sue Jackson, Ed’s stepmother, Ed Jackson, Ed’s fianceé, Lois Rideout and Harry Cook, Ed’s stepbrother
Despite the bleak prognosis, the RPA says Ed showed remarkable courage and determination and, with support from the RPA’s official charity Restart Rugby, was back on his feet within months of his accident. Not content with simply focusing on his own recovery, Ed has dedicated his time to raising funds for Restart Rugby as well as visiting professional squads across the country to share his experiences and talk about his sudden transition from the game. The latest chapter in his incredible journey was the climb 3,560 feet up Mount Snowdon to mark the anniversary of his accident while raising money and inspiring the thousands of people who are dealing with similarly life-changing injuries. He said: “The support I have received from the rugby community as a whole throughout this journey has been truly humbling. I want to dedicate this award to all of you that have made such a big difference to me and my family over the last 12 months. It’s not what I have done but what everyone has done for me that shows the true spirit of rugby. Thank you.” He kept a detailed blog during his months of treatment, which is available on his website.
Details: htpps://edjackson8.com https://www.justgiving.com/edjackson8
Norman’s big night out
A CHARITY night in Paulton has raised more than £700 for Dorothy House Hospice Hospice Care. It was the third annual event to be organised by Norman Carpenter and offered live music, a disco, dancing and American-style supper at Paulton Rovers. Norman, of Midsomer Norton, is already planning next year’s event which he promises will be bigger and better than ever.
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Norman presents a cheque for £780 to Steph Cox, community fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice, at their centre at Winsley, near Bradford-on-Avon
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Marathon man’s new challenge HAVING completed the six marathons of the Marathon des Sables last year as the oldest Brit ever to have achieved it – I have now completed a notable double by running the five marathon Annapurna Ultra in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal – a truly amazing experience. Having suffered a devastating earthquake in 2015, which caused the cancellation of the annual climb of Everest, the results of the earthquake were only too apparent in the villages and towns of Nepal especially Kathmandu and Pokhara which was my base this year. It is no surprise that Nepal is the candidate for massive charity appeals worldwide; it is a very poor country with a disastrous economy which releases very few funds to improve the infrastructure. There is little Tarmac on the roads which are mostly cobbles built painstakingly by hand with no machines; sanitation is almost non-existent in the towns and tea-houses where we stayed; hot water is an unusual privilege but seldom come across; food and drink is cheap and tipping of more than 50 pence is considered over-generous. But the scenery is outstanding and watching the yaks ploughing the terraces without falling over the edges and the peasants tending to their chickens and their vegetables in the many villages scattered over the foothills is illuminating and so different from the technology of the more civilised countries. The Annapurna Ultra covered 210 kilometres over a period of six days with nights spent in the comforts (?!) of the village houses where the occupants would move out to sleep in the verandahs of their own homes and the proceeds from the half pension would be handed over to the whole village, such is the community spirit, where of course most of the residents are related to each other. The hills on the tracks and trails were often too steep for running up so we tended to run on the flat and downhill to try to make up time, often finding the 1,000 steps or so climbing through mountain villages and jungles quite intimidating and
CHARITIES
requiring frequent stops to draw breath! It mostly passed without incident except on one occasion when I was concussed walking straight into a fallen tree whilst looking at the ground to avoid tripping up over loose stones – blood everywhere but the marathon doctor cleaned me up as best he could and I was able to go on my way. As with the race last year the camaraderie of my fellow contestants and the organiser was so rewarding. There we were all crammed together in bare rooms with only sleeping bags for comfort and often not enough chairs for sitting round the table for supper yet the unselfishness was outstanding and each morning I had a “valet” to fit me into my kit and my rucksack before sending me on my way with a good luck message. Last year I was able to raise over £25,000 divided between Bristol Area Stroke Foundation and Mountain Rescue this year I simply gave a small contribution to help rebuild the devastation of Nepal. The photos show a typical teahouse with the 8,000 metre Annapurna range behind set off by Machhrepuchhcre the sacred “fishtail” mountain which nobody is allowed to climb. David Exell, aged 76 Wrington PS I trained for it over the Mendips for six months with my dog Dora
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(Photo courtesy of Bernard Harding)
Tangent quiz packs out hall
Stray Dogs: (l:r) Mark Duffield, Geraldine Hoole and Steve and Janet Veale with (centre back and front) quiz master Neil Blake and Tangent chairman Carol Wintle
MORE than 20 teams took part in the Shepton Mallet Ladies Tangent Club bi-annual quiz in Doulting Village Hall, raising £700 for the Stroke Association. Just one point separated the winners “Stray Dogs” over the “Sign of Four” team. A smiling “Crowbars” team took the wooden spoon.
Hospice bags donation
Pictured (l to r) are Jane Winsley, Marion Bodman, Neil Ritchie and Tina Emery.
A DONATION of £1,459 has been sent to Dorothy House Hospice thanks to the raffle of a Mulberry handbag to the local support group which organises an annual sale for the hospice in Chilcompton Village Hall. It was decided to hold a separate raffle for the bag and the draw took place at Mulberry’s head office. The lucky ticket was drawn by Neil Ritchie, finance director of Mulberry, and the lucky winner was Jane Veale. The charity is always looking for volunteers to help in their shops and application forms can be obtained from the shops. PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Odd socks for “Porge” Georgia Bryant – known as Porge
THE rugby world is uniting to help raise funds to enable the manager of the Chew Valley Cats ladies rugby team to take part in a pioneering clinical trial to combat leukaemia. Georgia “Porge” Bryant has been fighting the disease for the last seven months, enduring numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant in an attempt to rid her of the disease. However, Porge has recently discovered that her treatment has failed. The only option left to her is to urgently take part in a clinical trial, but the NHS cannot fund the treatment. Each course of treatment costs around £35,000 and at least three may be needed before she is accepted on the trial. Porge reformed the Cats and has also raised thousands of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of a friend who lost her life to the disease. Friends and family – known as the Chew Valley Family – are trying to raise £150,000 for the initial course of treatments, before she is accepted on the trial, which may have to take place in the United States. As Mendip Times went to press, some £65,000 had been raised. Rugby players and supporters across the region joined in the campaign with an “odd socks rugby” weekend. ● The Chew Valley Family will be hosting a family fun day fundraising event for Porge on Saturday, May 5th, at Chew Valley Rugby Club. There will be a strongman competition, games and music. Tickets are £10 for adults, kids go free. To donate to the appeal, visit: https://uk.gofundme.com/poundsforporge or collection boxes will be located around the Chew Valley including Chew Magna Post office and Chew Stoke doctor’s surgery. If it is a larger amount and people would prefer to write a cheque, please make it payable to Charlotte Bryant, Georgia’s sister.
Chew Valley Cats in their odd socks
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Hospice collection
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African funk fundraiser!
WRINGTON will be dancing to an African beat on Saturday, June 9th, when the village’s Tokende African drumming group will be hosting an evening of music to raise funds for Project Mahola, a charity providing healthcare in rural Cameroon. The project is close to the heart of Alphonse Doudet Touna who visits Wrington each month to teach the Tokende group. He originates from Cameroon and formed the Helele Afro funk band with some of Bristol’s finest session musicians. The band will be playing on the night at Wrington Memorial Hall, doors open 7.30pm and tickets are £10 available from Amors Stores. Details: Sandie at shargreaves@live.co.uk www.maholaproject.org
BLAGDON'S Weston Hospicecare support group's annual bin bag collection was very well supported. Organiser, Tina Smith, said: “It was a very successful morning with everything from a bird cage to an office chair, a wardrobe to saucepans, and lots of clothes, bric-a-brac, books and household items. “We even managed to make £203 profit by means of a raffle, selling tea, coffee and cake as well as some donations for donated goods purchased.” The goods will be sold in hospice shops.
Rotary charity concert
Cheers to Mendip fund
THE 2017 Butcombe Trail Ultra, organised by Bristol’s Town and Country Harriers, raised over £500 for the Mendip Hills Fund. Antony Clark, who along with Matt Milkins, acted as co-race directors, is pictured handing the cheque to Judith ChubbWhittle, joint chair of the Mendip Hills Fund. The race has grown from 33 entrants in its first year, to 55 in 2017 and to over 100 for this year’s event on April 28th. Details: www.butcombetrailultra.com
Langford Court open garden
Vic Clarke, president of Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club presenting a cheque for £901 to Jane Bowden, a CHSW volunteer
THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has presented a cheque for £901 to the Children’s Hospice South West thanks to a concert which members helped organise last Christmas with Keynsham Rotary Club. Club president, Vic Clarke, said: “I had the pleasure of being a member of Mendip Male Voice Choir which sang at the concert. Among the songs in our repertoire is a beautiful song called Shining which was composed specifically for and donated to the CHSW.”
SIR David and Lady Wills will be opening the gates to their beautiful gardens again this summer on Sunday, June 10th, 10.30am- 5pm. This year the gardens will be open in aid of the charity Canine Partners which trains and provides assistance dogs to people with a range of physical disabilities. There are around ten acres of garden to enjoy at Langford Court with many distinct areas to wander around including a formal parterre, large herbaceous borders, a fernery and a newly designed white garden. Tickets are £3.50 and are available in advance from Trug Stores in Wrington or Wedmore or they can be purchased on the day.
Walk the line
YEO Valley Lions Club are taking entries for their popular Strawberry “Lion” 50:50 sponsored walk on Sunday, May 20th on the Strawberry Line at Yatton. Individuals or groups can raise money for the organisation or charity of their choice whilst also helping Yeo Valley Lions raise funds to support Springboard Opportunity Group. Details: www.yeovalleylions.org.uk
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THE MENDIP SOCIETY
The Mendip Society is going to be busy this summer IF I had to choose just one word in connection with the weather these past few months – it would have to be “rain” – too much of it. The effects of the constant downpours on our countryside are everywhere: farmers’ fields so waterlogged, they cannot get onto them, every gateway impassable, ditches full to the brim, although primroses do seem to have had a field day. This month, with the help of a Mendip Hills Fund grant the children of Blagdon Primary School are starting their first term of Forest School visits to Tania’s Wood, Ubley. On a recent work day to put up the sheltering tarpaulin and clear away the ravages of winter, we found the wood running with clear rivulets everywhere; webbed feet and rain hats would be very useful, but wellington boots will suffice – but then, playing in water is every small child’s dream. They’ll love it and we are glad to be able to provide the place for them to do it. Good luck to Blagdon School.in their new adventure. Another casualty of all these deluges is the Strawberry Line, the section from Winscombe to south of Shute Shelve tunnel, which now carries the relief water pipe to Axbridge Reservoir. As I write this, the cycle and walk track is still almost knee-deep in mud; the contractors, Kier, say they need at least two weeks of very dry weather to even think about reinstating the track surface, to re-open the line. The latest forecast is “May, sometime”. The earlier the better for the Mendip Society as on May 19th together with the Reptile and Amphibian Group and the AONB we are planning a “Wild Day Out” in our nature reserve, Slader’s Leigh, adjacent to the line. From 11am-3pm
join us for a free nature-themed day out with the family, take part in activities such as bug hunting, pond dipping, looking for reptiles, wild art and some practical conservation work with hand tools for the older kids; there is space for little ones to tree climb and play – and toilet facilities are available. Light refreshments will be provided for a donation but we recommend bringing a picnic; and it’s better to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy! This event is being run by staff and volunteers from the three groups, helped by the AONB Young Rangers. Visit www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/event/wild-day-free-familyevent/. It’s free but places must be booked on https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wild-day-out-free-family-eventtickets-44799698103. It has been proved conclusively that being in the open air, working with others or simply enjoying the countryside can benefit everyone. The Mendip Society can provide opportunities for all sorts of beneficial activities which is why we are supporting SWT’s Naturally Healthy sponsored month. Visit www.slnp.org.uk for the full month’s programme in our area. This year again we are a major sponsor of the Mendip Rocks Festival, the launch will be at the Rock On Mendip day in Burrington Combe; a free, “no need to book” day of fun and activities for all the family provided by the Mendip Rocks team – ourselves, the Somerset Earth Science Centre and the Mendip Hills AONB. It runs from 10am – 4pm with parking in the lower and upper car parks in the combe; there will be details about the festival in the Mendip Times later. This year we have a striking new banner “flag” so wherever you see this waving in the breeze that’s where the society is sure to be. What Mendip conjures up to most people is stone – more specifically stone walls and it seems that this is the countryside skill that many want to know about and even to learn how to build a good dry stone wall. One good chance is to attend the talk on May 3rd at 2.30pm at the Wells & Mendip Museum by Ian Clemmett, lead ranger for the National Trust Somerset Coast & Countryside. He manages the huge areas of N.T. open landscape, much of it in the Mendips – and that’s an awful lot of dry stone walls. See our website for details. Judith Tranter
Details: www.themendipsociety.org.uk or ring 01275 874284/472797
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WILDLIFE
The yellow-legged mining bee
THE UK has more than 250 species of bee, but over the last 20 years overall numbers are estimated to have fallen by 50%. This is a frightening By CHRIS statistic, as I think we SPERRING all now realise just MBE how important bees are. Whether you’re a gardener, farmer or consumer, your life will inevitably be touched by bees. Whilst writing this in April we are experiencing yet again another cold start to the spring, which will certainly affect the early-emerging bees. One of the first species to emerge is the yellow-legged mining bee. This is not a rare species by any means, indeed since the 1980s its population has spread in the UK and it can now be found throughout Southern England and the southern coast of Wales. Measuring around 10mm in length, this bee is actually smaller than the flower head of the common daisy, a fact which is easy to see as these, and other low-growing plants, seem to be its first food as it wakes. This is a solitary bee, so does not form a colony with a queen and workers like many other species, and sexes can be distinguished by the body shape (males are noticeably thinner looking) and the yellow hairs on the back legs which only females possess. As the season and the spring flowers progress these bees become important pollinators of fruit trees, including the pear
A cuckoo bee alongside a yellow-legged mining bee
and apple trees which are so important to us here in Somerset. They dig burrows in the ground to nest in, creating obvious soil heaps outside, which are easy to find during the day, but if it rains or at night the females will seal the holes up. As the early morning warms the ground they become active, with females emerging from their burrows and beginning to collect food from the surrounding plants. As solitary bees with no queen hierarchy, the males will congregate around burrows mating with females as they emerge or return. Early in the season they will appear to swarm, but it is in fact more of an aggregation, where they are all buzzing around just above the ground. They will utilise roadside banks if those are managed sympathetically, and they can also be found on lawns, particularly those with plenty of daisy and dandelions. This bee is also described as pet and child friendly, which I can vouch for having sat amongst them trying to take pictures there was no aggression whatsoever. As I was watching a patch of ground buzzing with 100 or more of these busy little animals I noticed what looked like a small wasp mingling in with them. I soon discovered that this was not a wasp, but actually a cuckoo bee. Just like its avian namesake, the cuckoo bee displays kleptoparasitic behaviour, by entering the burrows of the mining bee and laying its eggs in the nesting chambers. Upon hatching the larvae will consume their hosts larvae, so that the mining bee will raise the cuckoo bee larvae as their own. Cuckoo bees generally lack the pollen collecting sacks and also have much less body hair than their host, and of course they don’t construct their own nests. Many bees have their own unique cuckoo bee associated with them, as in the case of our mining bee here. If you wish to help the ellow-legged mining bee, and its cuckoo bee, not to mention a huge variety of other invertebrates, then please leave the lowgrowing wild flowers alone. Don’t strim them while they are in bloom, and yes this does include some flowers which people have decided to call weeds; things like daisy, dandelion and lesser celandine. These are all vital food sources for insects as they emerge from hibernation, so don’t get the lawn mower or strimmer out
A yellow-legged mining bee
on the first sunny day of the year. Or, if you must, then leave a few patches as wild flower areas. This is something we can all do. I am currently trying to persuade our council to leave a bank which they usually strim continuously throughout the spring and summer. They cut the grass around the daffodils but destroy all of the lowgrowing wild flowers. Sadly, some people will always be of the opinion that uncut areas look untidy, but these will be the same people who complain that they don’t see as many butterflies as they used to, or that their songbirds are disappearing. We have to change this ‘tidy’ mindset, and open people’s eyes to what a huge difference we can make by letting nature look after itself a bit more. In the process we will save the cash-strapped councils some money. Surely this is a win, win situation!
Typical roadside where bees can thrive
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com
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Wonders of one of the country’s newest wetland reserves
ENJOY this easy, flat and dry wildlife walk through the maturing wetland reserve of Steart Marshes, a very special landscape in Somerset between the Severn Estuary and the River Parrett. The marshes are playing a vital part in helping the environment and combating flooding to villages. Rising sea levels are putting
With Sue Gearing PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
the squeeze on our coast, so the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Environment Agency have created Steart Marshes – one of the UK’s largest new wetland reserves by breaching the River Parrett. Hundreds of hectares of saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands now buffer homes and businesses from rising sea levels and provide a unique habitat for a rich mix of wetland wildlife including otters, egrets, owls, waders and visiting wildfowl. The saltmarsh will also be grazed for specialist saltmarsh lamb and beef and its creeks are a nursery for the fry of important fish stocks. At the same time it is absorbing much climate-polluting carbon as the marsh matures. Walking is on surfaced paths and dogs on leads are welcomed. There are toilets halfway round and the pub in Combwich, near where the walk starts, is open at lunchtime at the weekends as well as from 5pm onwards all week. It is possible that opening hours may be extended, so it’s worth checking. There is no refreshment available in the reserve itself. Bring binoculars to spot the wildlife and to take advantage of the bird hides and platforms. You’ll enjoy wide open views across the marshes, rushes and lagoons and have flocks of birds such as lapwing wheeling above. 3.5 miles, about two hours. This is for the basic walk and you can add quite a bit
more (up to three or four miles) if you go to other bird hides, out to the breach and back or explore further.
PARK: Along the river front in the village of Combwich by the Anchor Inn. Combwich is on the River Parrett between Cannington and Hinkley Point power stations. Take the A39 from Bridgwater. Go round Cannington and then follow signs following a new road to Hinkley Point and Combwich and further on Combwich is signed off to the right. Enter the village and, instead of turning left up Church Hill and winding up and down through the village, go a shorter way straight ahead on a smaller lane signed as the England Coast Path and soon come alongside the river by the village hall and further on by the Anchor Inn. Park somewhere suitable along here. START: Combwich village was the site of an ancient ferry crossing. From the 15th century it served as a port for the export of local produce and the import of timber and also served the local brick and coal yard until the creek silted up in the 1930s. Go on to the Anchor keeping it on your left and the river bank and play area on the right. On the bend just past the pub, continue ahead on the marked bridleway, which soon rises up onto a bank.
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WALKING
Les D
1. SIGNPOST At a signpost, turn left towards Otterhampton and the WWT main car park on the well-surfaced path. Already the area is maturing in the few years since 2024 when it was developed. Notice the careful hedge and small copse planting on the way round. On the right is the remains of an old ridge and furrow farming system. Flocks of lapwings were wheeling above the marshes, the sun glinting off their wings, when I came and swans were preening in the water. Start to see some wooden reserve hides
2. VIEW PLATFORM After about 20 minutes from the start, reach a viewing platform. As you continue, see ahead the block buildings of Hinkley Point. At a signpost, ignore the left turn to Otterhampton and just continue round, coming alongside the lane. Cross a bridge and then reach a junction where you can go out left to the car park and toilets. You could also do a detour to Stockland freshwater marsh from the car park. 3. CAR PARK To continue our circle, bear right on the path towards the Mendip Hide, soon
OS Explorer 140 Quantock Hills & Bridgwater, grid ref: 260 424. The Anchor Inn, Combwich postcode TA5 2RA.
reaching a half circle information point. Continue on towards Mendip, Polden and Quantock Hides, passing square bug “hotels” on the left. At a signpost, you can make a detour left to Polden Hide. Our main route goes towards Mendip and Quantock Hides. At the next signpost, you can fork right to Quantock hide and continue round from there coming out below Mendip Hide. But here I have chosen to go left up to Mendip.
4. MENDIP HIDE This great viewing area is made from an old container, clad with timber. The view is out over some of the lagoons created after the breaching of the Parrett in 2014. Come out and turn left, dropping down and continuing on the main path, soon passing a wicker work sculpture of a deer – just one of several pieces of artwork here. Reach yet another a signpost and turn up left so that you get the best views over the lagoons. Continue along, passing an information board about the breach.
5. RIVER PARRETT Reach the River Parrett ahead and a signpost, giving you the choice of going left on the raised grass bank all the way to the breach. The most spectacular time is either side of high tide. To continue our circle go right on the path by the river back to Combwich. Depending on the tide you may have the Parrett flowing strongly on your left, or see the incredible mud patterns that appear at low tide. Soon return to the village. The Plume of Feathers duck race is on Saturday, July 7th, not the 8th as stated last month, from 5pm. The Anchor Inn, Combwich, 01278 653612. Ring to check opening hours.
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s diary
SOMEONE has told me that British Summer Time is here and that spring has begun. I think that person is hiding at the moment, because With LES I see no real evidence DAVIES MBE of the latter. I hope, however, that by the time you are reading this things will have changed! So whilst I await the arrival of spring, let me take you back nearly 28 years in my life to a time when Mendip Wardens walked the earth. The second part of this story begins with my arrival in September 1990, as the newly-appointed Assistant Countryside Warden, Mendip Hills AONB. Fran Griffiths had left and I applied for the vacant post. I was successful in gaining a place amongst the hopeful 1,500 applicants and had passed the two days of interviews, designed to test the practical skills as well as aptitude. I had achieved a long ambition to become a countryside warden, and within the Mendip Hills, where my grandfather, Charlie Tavener, came from. The family wheel had turned full circle and again there would be a Tavener working on the Hill. The first week was a heady round of meetings with those who held sway, not only on the Hill, but within Avon and Somerset county councils. There were trips into Bristol to see the admin department who dealt with the ordering and procurement . Avon ran us, as they had no other countryside services, apart from their own Public Rights of Way department, who we were working very closely with. How I remember the copies of letters sent from The Avon Rights of Way team to parish councils or landowners, perhaps over a blocked path, broken stile or some other access issue. They nearly always began with: “I will arrange for the Mendip Wardens to ...” The instruction to what was then a warden service, from our county council managers was simple – get out there and make a difference to those who are using the area. Now that was not just the visitors, this meant everyone and as we all know you can’t keep everybody
happy all the time! I had fancied a bit of time “swanning” around the Hill in my new (well it was to me) Subaru pick-up truck, learning to be a custodian of the countryside. On the other hand I had the skills that were needed for practical tasks and here was an organisation that would provide the money and equipment for me to do just that. We were also asked to keep the Somerset council amenity land up together. It made sense, these were the areas that the public were using, and they were high in wildlife and history value – they are still icons on the Hill. Somerset had only recently purchased the Deer Leap site, on the Priddy to Ebbor Gorge road and we were doing a lot of work in establishing a picnic site and repairing the field boundaries. This is where a young Tina Bath spent days and days in all kinds of weather, rebuilding the walls. She was selfemployed then, before joining the warden service in the mid-1990s. My first job was to help Tom Elkin build a stone information plinth in the picnic area. It doesn’t seem much these days, but Tom did break the mould with this stone plinth, with the National Trust and others following suit. This was much more in keeping with the surroundings than the two tubular steel posts concreted into the ground, as was normally employed to display information or interpretation boards. Through a programme of gate and stile improvements on the public rights of way system, we managed to reduce the incidents of what was termed “unintentional trespass”, that means getting lost to you and me. Landowners and farmers came to see that having good gates, stiles and waymarking could help with the visitors coming into the countryside. One local farmer summed it all up for me by saying: “There’s plenty of room for everyone here, provided there is a bit of give and take on both sides.” How right he was. “People notice good gates and stiles,” remarked another farmer. Slowly things were getting better and people felt more confident that they were where they were meant to be and caused less problems when they went for a walk.
There was a lot of information to be put out to those who were using the area. Tom gave a lot of illustrated talks and soon I was helping out. These talks were given to everyone, local trusts and societies, the Women’s Institute and a wide range of small groups and clubs. They were all important, because it wasn’t just the people that came to listen to a talk, it would be the numbers of others that would listen to them afterwards. So the word was spread. This slide show still exists and has stood the test of time. True it has changed or rather “morphed” from being “One Man’s Mendip” in Tom’s time to my “Mendip Hills through the Time Tunnel”. It’s still as relevant today as it was then in telling the Mendip Hills story. The work of the wardens was no 9am5pm job and that’s what I liked about it. We worked weekends every weekend and had contact with landowners, visitors and the local communities. We built up a reputation for being able to help and a reputation for knowing the person that could sort a problem out if we couldn’t. People came to the wardens’ office for help and information, the door was always open and contact with visitors helped get across the message of how to enjoy but not destroy the things they had come to see. This month’s photo? Well, check out the hair style, moustache and “sticky” patch on the elbow as I rock the 90s warden look! More next time, when I expand a little on how the Wild West (Mendip) was won in a world of rural crime.
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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“Gardens are not made by singing ‘Oh, how beautiful,’ and sitting in the shade” – RUDYARD KIPLING
WHAT better way to spend an hour or two getting ideas for your own garden than to visit other peoples’ who are brave enough to open theirs. Raising money for a wide variety of worthy causes is the usual incentive for folk to open their gardens and we are blessed with a huge variety in our With MARY area. PAYNE MBE The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) is probably the best-known of the garden opening charities, raising vast sums each year for mainly nursing and cancerrelated charities, but other charities are realising the benefits to be made and have started their own schemes. Sometimes whole villages get together for a fundraising event and a host of gardens will be open usually within walking distance. Often the local church will be open for viewing as well and if you are very lucky may be hosting a flower festival as well. From the visitor’s viewpoint the thought of a nice cup of tea and home-made cake adds to the attraction and for some visitors the refreshments are their first point of call. For others the garden is viewed first. Surplus plants are frequently offered for sale and offer the chance of a memento of the garden or a much sought-after treasure. Some charities like to inspect their potential open gardens prior to accepting them into the scheme. This need not be a terrifying experience and is best done at the same time as the garden is proposing to open. Usually when it is at its peak. The criteria for acceptance can vary but about 40 minutes of interest is usually expected. This does not preclude small gardens from opening. For many years I opened my tiny garden for the NGS, so small is it that I could only get four or five folk in the back and the same in the front at any one time. To achieve this a telephone appointment system was operated allowing each group one hour. Some garden owners may feel daunted by a flood of visitors on a single afternoon and prefer to open “by appointment” to small groups at a mutually convenient time. One such in the Mendip area is Cameley House. Some gardens operate both systems and open on set day(s) and offer to take groups “by appointment”. There is inevitably a certain amount of one-upmanship comparing one’s own plant to that of the garden owner’s. “Mine is better than theirs” and vice versa can often be overheard. From the garden owner’s point of view perhaps the most terrifying aspect is trying to ensure all weeds are kept hidden although some visitors like to see the odd weed – home from home. Garden owners are not expected to know names of everything in Latin! The digital camera age has helped enormously to take the place of notebook and pencil. If you do come across a plant that you would like to know the name of a quick photo can be shown to the owner before leaving. Resist the temptation to rush out to the garden centre and fill any remaining spaces with bedding plants the day before opening because that is exactly what it will look like –the slug population will have listened to your plan and gathered their PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
friends and relatives for a midnight feast. Other pests can have equally devastating results. Badgers have a passion for tulip bulbs and will go to great lengths to get at them. Good friends of mine defeated these attractive but garden unfriendly creatures by growing the tulips in pots up high out of reach. Empty pots of the same size were dug into the ground in the required positions and on the day of opening the potted tulips were slotted into the empty pots – what a show. After closing time, the pots were lifted and the process repeated for the following day’s opening. Details of all village group garden openings are available on the brilliant Open Gardens – UK National Directory website. Dates for National Gardens Scheme garden openings are on the NGS website – ngs.org – or pick up a county leaflet at your local library or garden centre. For those opening for the Red Cross look on their website. This year St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton are starting their own scheme too. Visitors should check on details to see if dogs on leads are admitted and children should always be kept under close supervision. The vast majority of visitors are delightful but sadly there is always one or more that think taking a cutting from a coveted plant will not matter. If everyone took just one cutting from that plant, there would be nothing left. The chances are the cutting will not root. I have seen folk with unfurled umbrellas on a sunny day dropping cuttings and even whole small plants into the folds of the ‘brolly. Often the garden owner will be delighted to give you a cutting if you ask or there may well be the same plant for sale. The vast majority of gardens open in June so your dates may clash with other major events such as the Wimbledon Final. It would be great for more gardens to open in August and September. I realise that you have this “date” hanging over you for the whole of the summer BUT when very many other gardens are past their prime yours will still be looking good. I thoroughly enjoy seeing gardens of all shapes and sizes and often wonder what I would do given the same space and of course a deep pocket of pennies. A particular favourite of mine in this area, opening on Sunday, May 20th, is Watcombe in Winscombe and I would not change anything.
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M AY G A R D E N T I P S
GARDENING
Time to plant up your hanging baskets and containers. Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon. Cut aubretia back hard when it has finished flowering and give it a feed. They will produce new growth soon and remain more compact if this is done each year. Wait until spring flowering bulb leaves die back naturally before removing them. Prune early flowering shrubs back now so that they have time to make new growth and flower buds for next year. Large forsythia can be cut back hard, flowering currants trimmed a little and camellias can be trimmed to reshape them. Large over-grown early flowering clematis such as montana, alpine, macropetala and winter flowering species can be pruned surprisingly hard when they have finished blooming. Start feeding greenhouse tomatoes with a high potash feed Support runner beans with canes or poles and strings. Make sure that they are well watered at all times. Support peas and mange-tout with pea sticks, tree prunings or netting. Outdoor tomatoes, pumpkins, squashes and cucumbers can be planted out late this month. Give them cloche or tunnel protection to start with. Treat lawn weeds with a good lawn weed killer. This is the best time to do it. Don’t use the cuttings for composting until the fourth cut after applying weedkillers. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 61
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NORTON GREEN GARDEN CENTRE
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PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Gardens recover
THE Moor Gardening Club are inviting the public to their open garden event on Saturday, June 30th and Sunday, July 1st from 2pm-6pm to see how their gardens have recovered since the devastating floods on the Somerset Levels in 2014. The villages of Moorland and Fordgate were badly affected, with the majority of homes wrecked by the flood water, along with gardens which were left almost unrecognisable. When the floods eventually receded, villagers had to come to terms with the fact that years of hard work had been obliterated. However, slowly but surely their gardens have been brought back to their former high standards. Eight gardens will be open to the public, ranging from intimate cottage gardens to large plots with panoramic views. One of the gardens had a makeover by Alan Titchmarsh and his team for the ITV programme “Love Your Garden”. Admission will be £4 per adult, no charge for children under 16 (no dogs), with proceeds going to the village church and hall and the Bridgwater Food Bank.
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Have wildlife in mind
GARDENING
AS spring unfurls hedgerows are greening up, garden borders are crammed with new shoots, noisy birds are busy nest building and raising young. Warmer temperatures get the lawn growing, dandelions flowering and hungry insects seeking out nectar and juicy shoots. So, what can we do to keep nature in balance and to encourage wildlife in our gardens? Angela Morley, local horticulturist, designer and plantsperson offers you some top tips to make your garden more wildlife friendly. 1 Provide overwintering sites for insects (and their eggs), bats and amphibians. For example, leave access to sheds and barns, south facing dry stone walls, “wildlife hotels”, log or stone piles which can be ornamentally stacked and therefore act as a focal point. Avoid cutting back everything in the garden in the autumn; instead tidy up in March, composting all debris or making a log pile with the woody material. 2 Value trees, hedges and large shrubs in your garden (or plant some), these are very important to birds for shelter, nesting and as a source of food since insects will live, feed and breed in the crevices, on the leaves and flowers. Birds eat huge numbers of caterpillars and some even time the incubation of their eggs to coincide with caterpillar emergence. 3 Grow a range of early flowering plants such as Lonicera fragrantissima, Daphne, snowdrop, Scilla, Cyclamen, Hellebore, Pulmonaria, and Begenia to provide nectar for early emerging insects (for example honey bees, bumble bees, butterflies). 4 Create a pond, the larger the better however even a small pond will attract some wildlife. A pond without fish and with at least 1/3rd of the base covered in submerged oxygenating pond plants is ideal. In my pond I have a healthy population of newts including great crested newts. 5 Don't be too tidy in the garden, an area of long un-mown grass is important for a wide range of moths and butterflies (moths being good bat food), it will also save time and money. Mown paths through long grass look good and can lead to an attractive seat or a glade with some furniture. In midsummer and in October this can be cut; however consider cutting it a bit higher than the rest of the lawn for permanent interest and structure to the garden. ● Angela is a keen and knowledgeable wildlife gardener and can help you by offering consultancy, planting plans, garden design and plant sourcing. Contact Angela on 01749 830205 or angela@wildgardens.co.uk www.wildgardens.co.uk
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07832 109041 • 01392 496798 leeprior@hotmail.com • www.ldprior.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 63
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Mendip Rural Services Ltd. Visit our showroom for:
Lawnmowers & garden machinery Sales, spares, service & repairs Tool sharpening Chainsaw chains made & resharpened Personal protection equipment
We also offer: Paddock maintenance & fencing Chain harrowing & rolling
01749 840848•07491 665290 E-mail: mendipruralservices@outlook.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Unit 8, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA4 3UL. Tel: 01749 840848
Spring has sprung at Mendip Rural Services
FROM – literally – cutting edge lawnmower technology to a local cricket club’s “old faithful”, it can all be seen at the showroom and workshop at Mendip Rural Services at Aaron Coleman in the Mendip Rural Rookery Farm, Services showroom at Rookery Farm Binegar. Owner Aaron Coleman says it is a sure sign that spring has sprung when sales of new mowers and garden machinery take off and others are brought in to be serviced, although probably few like the cricket club machine pictured here. Not that it’s been a quiet winter for Aaron; the paddock and maintenance side of the business have kept him busy, even during the wet weather – drivers on the A37 at Ston Easton can’t have failed to notice the impressive post-andrail fencing which Aaron completed by the road just in time for the Mendip Farmer’s Point-to-Point meeting there. Aaron said: “We’re now into our third year at the showroom and we’re getting busier each month.”
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PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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Wedmore’s hidden gardens
GARDENING
WEDMORE is planning an open gardens event on Saturday, June 23rd and Sunday, June 24th, when ten gardens will open their gates. Tickets and programmes, with maps, will be on sale at St Mary’s church from 10.30am each day, as well as at all the gardens. Light lunches will be served at one of the gardens and tea, coffee and cakes will be served at the church and in another garden. There will also be a plant stall. Entry to all ten of the gardens is £8 per person, children free, with money going to St. Mary’s Church. The gardens will be open from 10.30am to 5pm. Details: Anne Blandford anne@blandford.me.uk
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 65
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EVENTS
Cutting edge
Charlotte Silvester from Castle Cary
A BLADE shearing tournament at Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin attracted competitors and visitors from far and wide to enjoy a weekend devoted to wool. Stan and Ramona Smith with dad Sam from Priddy
Organiser Andy Wear in action
Easter fun in Camerton
Squeeze Fiddle Pluck provided music
The Easter egg hunt in the Spinney
CAMERTON Community Hall and the nearby Spinney were the venues for the village’s Easter Fun Day. The event raised funds for the hall. PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
The Easter hat competition
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CAVING
The caves of Longwood Valley
With PHILIP HENDY
SEVERAL streams rise on the southern flank of Black Down. Having collected surface water from the impervious sandstone, they flow down to sink in swallets at the limestone boundary. One of these can be traced from its source, a low dip in the track between the radio masts above Rains Batch and Beacon Batch, the highest point of Mendip at 325 metres above
sea level. It is joined by water from other small springs, but much of it has been collected by Bristol Water Works before passing under the lane between Charterhouse and Tyning’s Farm. It then enters the Longwood Valley. Under normal conditions, the stream then sinks at a choked depression just beyond a concrete blockhouse. This is the original entrance to Longwood Swallet, but cavers now enter by climbing a wet shaft under the blockhouse. This sporting (i.e. wet) cave was discovered by boys from the Sidcot School Speleological Society in 1944, after a lot of work excavating the stream sink. Realising that the exploration would be a major undertaking, they enlisted the help of the Wessex Cave Club and the University of Bristol Speleological Society, reaching the Great Chamber in 1945. Further exploration continued over the years, although no great discoveries were made. The farthest point of the cave, where the water enters an impassable sump, was reached in 1982 by members of the Wessex CC, at a depth of 175 metres. Longwood Swallet is 1700 metres long and two routes, wet or dry, may be used to reach the main streamway. Unfortunately, when the route to the lower streamway was opened in 1947 it was named August Hole, thereby creating the confusion that there are two caves, when in fact there is only one. Because of the cave’s location, and its difficulty and fine formations, it is locked, and access is controlled by the major Mendip caving clubs on behalf of the Charterhouse Caving Company Ltd., which administers access to caves on land owned by the water company or by Somerset Wildlife Trust. In the upper series, there is an entertaining horizontal Letterbox squeeze, which has defeated many a corpulent caver. Two threemetre drops lead via the Showerbath to the top of a loose slope above the large Great Chamber. August Hole starts just below the second three-metre drop and leads to the four-metre Swing Pitch, from where Great Chamber can be entered via Fault Chamber. The water can be followed up or downstream, and although the passages are often high and wide, the going can be somewhat strenuous. The final part of the cave is very tight and demanding, and can fill to the roof after heavy rain. Longwood Swallet is a very interesting and well-decorated cave, offering a choice of routes in the upper series, some airy traverses, and a fine streamway. The cave is rather prone to flooding, in which case the swallet cannot cope with all of the water, which continues on down the valley to find another sink. This was dug in the 1970s and ‘80s by members of the Wessex CC and others, before being abandoned. The heavy rain during the winter of 2012/3 caused water to flow on down to Black Rock
Longwood showerbath
Gate and into Cheddar Gorge. The amount of rock and gravel washed into the road and uplifting of the road surface caused the Gorge to be closed to traffic for several weeks, until cavers managed to open up the sink to Longwood Swallet, and turned their attention to the lower intermittent drainage point, Longwood Valley Sink. Unless circumstances are exceptional, these two holes can cope with heavy rain, saving the Gorge from further damage and closure. Members of the Wessex Cave Club have been digging Longwood Valley Sink for the last five years. Progress is slow, and has to stop when the stream flows into the entrance, but eventually the water will join with the main underground River Yeo, which rises just below Gough’s Cave. There is one other significant cave at Longwood. It is in the right bank of the inlet valley which enters the main combe from the north west. High above the two valley arms is the Neolithic henge of Gorsey Bigbury. The cave is entered by creeping along a narrow rift, which was dug over many years by UBSS. They discovered bones and teeth of rhinoceros and hyaena and called the site Rhino Rift. The breakthrough was made by Wessex and East Somerset cavers in1971, when they found a cave that resembles a Yorkshire pothole rather than a Mendip cave. It comprises three pitches of 30, 17 and 29 metres. Each lands on an unstable rubble slope, and cavers are advised not to descend the third pitch because of the danger lurking above. The cave continues via climbs and vertical squeezes, to end in a choke. Although the cave was first explored by using ladders, it is now a valuable training site for SRT, where cavers use descenders and jammers to climb up and down using a single rope. Several routes have been fitted with bolts, so there is plenty to practise. Both Longwood Swallet and Rhino Rift are popular with cavers, and it is hoped that one day, Longwood Valley Sink will be extended to reach a major streamway and be added to the list of Mendip’s sporting caves.
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 caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 67
(Photograph courtesy of Peter Glanvil)
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Record entries for hedgelaying show
THE Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society’s 186th competition was held at Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, and attracted a record number of entries – 46 – including several women who had attended their training courses. There was also a big increase in produce entries. James Prodger, aged six, great grandson of former show chairman Frank Wear
Hedging Champion Colin Clutterbuck (centre) with winners (l to r) Anna Perry, Dave Brackley, Steven McCulloch and George Ford
The ladies who did lunch
Tom Vowles who was third in the champions class
Competitors in the intermediate class PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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HEDGELAYING
Judges in action (l to r) Charlie Patch, Les Rogers and Colin Young, who judged the open veterans and champions classes. Dennis Croker and Ivan Gulliford judged beginners and improvers. Richard Wear and Charlie Ogborne judged the produce. Andrew Ford judged best lady and under 25-year-old Beginner Debbie Sluijmers, Green Ore
Beginner Dide Lucas, Radstock
Colin Clutterbuck’s winning hedge
Roz Simmonds, West Harptree
Judging the record produce entries Judith and Charlie Ogborne with Richard Wear (right)
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 69
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Dog tired
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READERS of this column will know I’m a big fan of dogs. There’s nothing quite like the damp snout of a muddy Labrador against your thigh, or the By Dr PHIL unconditional love and HAMMOND joyous enthusiasm that greets you every morning, whatever your own mood. We even have dogs in the Royal United Hospital to cheer up patients and staff. Big love to Muddy Puddles. But is it healthy to sleep with your dog? It’s a question I made up the answer to in my modest selling book Sex, Sleep or Scrabble? But now proper research has been done to give it the thumbs up. Some 40 dogs (no puppies) who shared a bedroom with their American owners were fitted with a Fitbark, an activity tracker that attaches to the collar and records whether Rover is at rest and sleeping or active and at play. The dog owners wore an Actiwatch 2, which also records movements and whether you are sleeping soundly or not. The humans also kept a sleep diary to record how well they thought they’d slept and how refreshed they felt on waking. Over seven days of testing, the humans slept for 81% of the time they were in bed and the dogs slept 85% of the time. Anything over 80% is satisfactory. Humans slept slightly better when the dog was off the bed, dogs slept the same whether they were on or off the bed. Sadly there was no control group comparing sleeping with a lapdog to sleeping with a laptop. But it’s hard to catch up on emails when a dog is licking your keyboard so maybe that was one reason they are good to sleep with. Based on a non-random selection of my Somerset acquaintances, a surprising number of people sleep with their dogs, particularly in-between marriages. They can fart, moult, snore, hog the duvet, spread fleas and dribble as well as any human, but some are natural hunter-gatherers during the night, so expect restless legs. On the plus side, they’re warm, unconditionally affectionate, damp at one end and generally happy to see you in the morning. And you can always compare dog breath. Dr Phil is on comedy tour (sadly without his dog). Dates at www.drphilhamond.com
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Plop the Raindrop
SPRING is one of my favourite times of the year, when the flowers and grass start to grow. For a few weeks we can play hide-and-seek among the snowdrops. We prefer to call them snow pearls because of their shape and the way they shine in the sun. We also like it if there’s more frost and we get covered in snow! We tiny water droplets think that’s brilliant because we look our very best, shining like jewels in glitter. It doesn’t last, of course, and in no time we melt to a brown, slushy mess, like the gooey leftovers of the tide at
Weston. As the sun warms the earth, the new blades of grass are great to use as slides. And as the bees and other insects wake up after winter, we can hitch a lift to move from flower to flower. Primroses are one of my favourites, pale yellow and gold, with small stripes at their centre, just like rays of the sun. Their leaves are like soft blankets. The danger is that some people pick the flowers for salads or drinks. You can be in primrose heaven one minute and gurgling inside someone’s bottom the next. There’s the same danger with wild garlic. Some people apparently like its farty smell and eat it, can you believe that? My favourite flowers are probably bluebells, which can look like dappled sky spread across the woods or hills. They look lovely and smell so beautiful. One thing I bet you didn’t know is that bluebells can sing. You’ve already met my friend, Fred, the wandering leaf. Have you heard my friends the Blue Belles? I think they should be on YouTube. Their tiny, tinkling tones are like the softest lullaby, though I’m not sure if human-type animals like you can hear them. Listen hard when you find some in the woods this month, or up on Black Down, where they dance in the wind. Their favourite song is about raindrops like me falling on your head! I was once lulled into a beautiful deep and dreamy sleep by the sound of the bluebells. The sun was warm, the bees were buzzing and I just chilled out… Summer came, the flowers were safely stored away in their bulbs underground, ready to emerge again next year. But I was asleep so they took me with them! I had no choice but to sleep for a whole year. It’s a tough life being a water droplet, sometimes. Mendip Grandad
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Putting feet first
HEALTH & FAMILY
WITH extensive nursing and healthcare backgrounds, Sarah Crosse of Instep Foot Care has seen the difference that having cared-for feet can make to a person’s balance confidence, and well-being. Sadly, she says, painful feet can result in the loss of freedom to go out, for fear of falling and pain and discomfort. Life events can severely limit your ability to care for your feet. For example delayed recovery from a back problem, a spell in hospital, training for a marathon or simply preoccupation with other life challenges, can mean “letting your feet go”. And she says it can be difficult to get them back into shape and comfortable working order again. A problem area of your foot can have repercussions for the rest of your body as it alters your gait and posture. Indulging in a whole-foot makeover is a great opportunity to rediscover some equilibrium with a therapeutic massage at the same time! She welcomes people suffering mental and physical health difficulties, offering discretionary concessions, in addition to party rates, vouchers and a special introductory offer. For May only she is offering a complete feet treat for £20.
Single and looking for a social life . . . then join SPA
An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events
For more informa on go to www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk email: spasocialgroup@gmail.com Or Contact Jackie on 07908 864914
Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 71
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Enjoying life?
HEALTH & FAMILY
SPRING is here and it is the season of hope but if you dread getting out of bed in the mornings after a fitful night’s sleep and life seems difficult, hypnotherapy can help. Hypnotherapy is relaxing, safe and can help you to make changes in your life that have seemed beyond reach. Maybe you would like to lose weight or just generally get your life in order. It could be that you are anxious all the time and would just like a break from the worry. Miranda Robarts-Arnold offers an initial consultation where she will explain what hypnotherapy is, how the brain works, why difficulties are occurring, and how she can help you to get you to where you want to be.
Wonderful Walkies need Fabulous Feet! Why not phone Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice to make sure you have Fab Feet?
Call 01749 372404 Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice, Rookery Farm, Roemead Road, Binegar, Somerset BA3 4UL Web: www.footfaerie.co.uk • Email: footfaerie@gmail.com
COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset. You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word
The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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Like ducks to water
Lin (left and representing children’s duck race winner Tilley) with Jo, winner of the adult race Members of the Conker Committee at the end of the first duck race
MEMBERS of Witham Friary’s Conker Committee – a group of fundraising villagers – are celebrating the success of their first duck race. The villagers got together originally to organise a conker competition, but events have now expanded to include a six-aside soccer tournament and bonfire night celebration. The committee was formed after a group of Sunday evening drinkers in the village’s Seymour Arms pub decided they wanted to bring the community together and raise a little money for local projects at the same time.
The winners of the children’s design-a-duck competition
Rotary party
WESTON Rotary Club’s annual Easter party saw fun and games in St Paul’s Church Hall for the elderly and disabled. The party has been held for over 18 years and continues to go from strength to strength. Everybody tucked into home-made sandwiches and delicious cakes and the Queen was properly toasted with a glass of sherry. The party was started by a welcome from Weston Rotary president Marian Barber and town mayor Councillor Jos Holder. The president said she would like to thank to all those volunteers from the club and particularly the ladies of West Woodspring Inner Wheel who worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success.
Going quackers in Witham – committee member Mike controls traffic during the races
Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk or contact secretary George Horsfield 07900 160111.
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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Inter-club tea in Midsomer Norton
Back (l:r) Mollie Arnold and Elaine Muir. Front (l:r) Lynne Evans, club president Jacky Emm and Stewart
MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel welcomed members from across the district for their annual cream tea which was also attended by district chairman Lynne Evans. The guest speaker was Stewart Sheppard whose hobby is salvaging discarded items, sometimes worth thousands of pounds. Stewart brought along some of his more unusual finds, including a bronze effect garden goose, a pottery rhubarb forcer more than 100 years old, vinyl records and a giant teddy bear. He is also a DJ and augmented his skip anecdotes with a musical quiz. Stewart with some of his reclaimed items
Museum reopens
COMMUNITY
Axbridge Mayor Pauline Ham with trustee John Page and carnival queen Ayesha, princesses Summer and Emily with mayor’s consort Lola and invited local dignitaries
AXBRIDGE and District Museum had a civic opening for the new season. The museum, situated in St John's Hunting Lodge in the Town Square, will now be open until October 31st, from 1pm until 4pm except on the first Saturday of each month when the museum will be open from 10.30am until 12.30pm to coincide with the monthly farmers' market.
Lions support scouts and guides
YEO Valley Lions Club has presented a cheque for £2,000 to the 1st Burrington & Wrington Scout & Guide Group who are raising funds to improve their premises in Wrington, an old chapel built in 1864. The group has been running for over 50 years and has over 140 young people aged five to 15. The building also gets considerable use for community events and activities. The Lions Club donation will go towards the cost of replacement windows. Lion president Roger Gibbins is pictured with Adrian Hopkins, chair of the scout group, with scout leaders and troop members in the Wrington hall. Adrian expressed his delight and appreciation of the donation which is a major contribution to the current fundraising. He also took the opportunity to appeal for more volunteers to help in the running of the group, including administration of the various sections and support functions. Details: wringtonscoutandguides@gmail.com
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 75
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Commemorating the end of WWI
THIS year marks 100 years since the Armistice was signed, which brought WW1 to an end, and Long Ashton is planning to put on a spectacular centenary remembrance commemoration event on the weekend of November 11th to remember the 300 village servicemen who answered the call for King and Country in WW1 and the 65 who did not come home. The commemoration will start at 7.30pm on Friday, November 9th, with the annual Royal British Legion Remembrance Concert at All Saints Church, featuring the Treorchy Orpheus Male Voice Choir and The Downs School Music Ensemble At 8am on the Saturday the Union Flag will be unfurled at the Royal British Legion flagpole, opposite the Old School, where many of the servicemen were taught. There will be a poppy trail in the churchyard and a poppy stall in the village shopping area. On Sunday, November 11th the Village Remembrance Day Parade, with the RBL, scouts, guides and others will leave the Community Centre, Keedwell Hill, at 9.50am, and march the mile and a half to All Saints Church, for the Remembrance Day service. Senior military officers from the village will lay poppy wreaths on the war graves in the churchyard, and the Polish Consul Emeritus will lay a wreath at the Polish Memorial to the crew of a Free Polish Air Force Halifax Bomber which crashed in the field next to the church on November 21st, 1944, whilst returning from a mission. At 6pm, a Drumhead service will be held in Peel Park and will feature Avonmouth Sea Cadets Corps of Drums and Clevedon Brass Band. Then, the village’s oldest veteran, a WW2 Wren, will help light the village beacon, at
7pm as part of the national chain of beacons, with the final one lit by the Queen in London. Church bells throughout the country will peal at 7.05pm to remember the 1400 bell ringers killed in action in WW1, including two from Long Ashton, Charles Butler and Harry Fisher. Following this, a film made by a local film maker Will Ennals of Agent Rose will be shown in the village hall. She was a heroine of the French Resistance, who rescued 102 allied airmen in occupied France during WW2. After the war, she married an Englishman and Madame Andree Peel settled in Long Ashton. The recreation ground, Peel Park is named after her. Organisers are appealing for funds to support the weekend and have set up a crowdfunding site: “Spacehive.com/Long-Ashton-Remembers”
Details: Dave Addis 07801 816612 01275 394523 or email thebattlesover@longashton.plus.com
May Fair on the Green
OLD Station Millennium Green is the perfect setting for the annual May Fair on the Green on Saturday the 12th of May. This will be the 19th Fair to be held on the local community owned site since it opened in 2000 and is where the community joins forces to provide a family fun day with free admission plus lots of stalls and games at pocket money prices. Proceedings start at 2pm, with John Penrose MP to open the event, followed by the colourful tradition of local schoolchildren
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
dancing the Maypole and the dynamic Samba Drummers of North Somerset setting feet tapping. Hawks and Owls, Giant Slide, attractions, stalls and games will fill the site. May is the most attractive time of year at the heritage and conservation site, which is cared for by local volunteers. Much work has been done over past months to enhance woodland areas, wildflower and wildlife habitat. The annual May Fair helps fund these efforts. Old Station Millennium Green is on the Strawberry Line in the centre of Winscombe at BS25 1AQ
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COMMUNITY
Villagers knit together Farrington Gurney in miniature
Tidy Cheddar
MEMBERS of Farrington Gurney Women’s Institute reached for their knitting needles when they were invited to take part in a craft competition to celebrate another club’s 80th anniversary. Camdyke WI set the theme of “Your Village” for the interclub contest and Farrington set to work on a model of theirs – winning first prize. Farrington has 29 members who meet every second Tuesday of the month in the village hall and knitting is a popular hobby, with members producing everything from knitted hats to baby clothes and red memorial poppies.
Easter play
Members of the WI in action
YOUNGSTERS enjoyed the Easter themed workshop activities provided by Wansdyke Play Association's Souper Play Day event at St. John’s church hall in Midsomer Norton.
IT was third time lucky for a spring street clean in Cheddar, after the event was called off twice because of bad weather. Cheddar parish council organised the event with team members from Will Sealey Cleaning joining local residents and parish council representatives, who took to the streets of Cheddar and surrounding areas to clean up discarded rubbish.
Knits for kids
Linda McGregor (seated) with members of Radstock Knitters
MEMBERS of Radstock Knitters have donated 50 crochet and knitted blankets for a charity which helps children in crisis. Project Linus provides the comfort blankets to youngsters who might be sick, disabled, traumatised or disadvantaged. The blankets knitted in Radstock will go to the neo-natal unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital, children’s wards across the area, Children’s Hospice South West in Wraxall, Barnardo’s and other groups. Jenny Prowse, founder and organiser of Radstock Knitters, said “I am grateful for all the hard work that the ladies put into all the projects we support. Every Saturday we meet all these creations appear as if from nowhere. It is a lovely group of ladies and new members are always welcome.” ● The knitters meet every other Saturday from 10am to midday in the Radstock Methodist Church coffee room. The next meeting is on April 28th. For details email radstockknitters@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. To help Project Linus, email Linda McGregor at linda.somerset@gmail.com
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 77
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Brownies got talent
CLUTTON Brownies were able to earn their Entertainer's Badge by putting on a talent show for their families. A small entrance fee was charged and refreshments were served in the interval, with £80 being raised towards Brownie funds.
In memory of Sara
NOMINATIONS have opened in Peasedown St John for the village’s Sara Holley Community Award – launched seven years ago in memory of one of its most popular residents. In April 2011 Sara Holley, who was well known and respected for her love of the community, unexpectedly Nathan Hartley (left) and Scott Holley with the passed away at 2018 Sara Holley Community Award the age of 43. Over many years she played a key part in numerous community projects, including her involvement with the first Party in the Park festival in 2009. To remember Sara, the Party in the Park festival team, in partnership with her family, introduced the Sara Holley Community Award. Sara’s son, Scott Holley, said: “I know that our mum loved the village and would have felt great pride having a community award named after her." The award itself will be presented at the village’s Party in the Park festival on Saturday, June 9th, in front of a crowd of over a thousand people. Any member of the community can nominate anyone they believe meets the criteria. All nominations must be received by the Party in the Park team by 5pm on Friday, May 25th. Nomination forms can be collected by contacting Nathan Hartley through nathan.hartley@peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk or by downloading a copy from www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Forest Lodge fundraisers
Helping to keep them in the air (l:r)Dr Will Passmore, critical care doctor, past lodge master Barry Goodyer and his wife, Carolyn, lodge member Ray Beckingham, Gary Currell present worshipful master and James Yates, critical care paramedic
THE Forest of Mendip Lodge of Freemasons, who meet at Yatton, have made two donations to local good causes. A cheque for £1,300 has been presented to the Great Western Air Ambulance. The money was raised during Barry Goodyer’s year in office as worshipful master. The second donation – raised from a raffle at the lodge’s Christmas lunch – was for £295 to Baytree School in Worle.
(l:r) Aline Kay, Baytree deputy head, Heather Sullivan, wife of lodge member Dan Sullivan, Ray Beckingham, and Dan and Heather’s two children
Classroom artists
THE children of Cameley Primary School have produced three new large art panels for their school hall – created with help from members of the Cam Valley Arts Trail Group. Hannah Maggs, headteacher, said: “The children all had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend the Cam Valley artists to anyone else who was thinking of involving a number of students or adults.” Karen George, chair of the Cam Valley Art Group, said: “We are very keen to share the arts and opportunities to be creative with our community and performing this project with one of the local schools was a fantastic opportunity to put this into practice. We are as thrilled as they are with the result.”
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Five hundred mile walkies for cancer charity
The party of beavers near the end of their six-mile walk
MEMBERS of the 1st Sandford and Churchill scout group tackled part of the West Mendip Way to raise money for Cancer Research. Group members, leaders and parents – 71 in all – hiked a cumulative total of 664 miles, with the scouts starting from Winscombe – hiking 13 miles – the cubs from Shipham – covering ten miles – and the beavers walking from Cheddar – six miles – to end on Priddy Green. So far, they have raised almost £1,000. Their efforts were inspired by Sarah Hathway, one of the group leaders, who has recently been undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Sarah completed ten miles. Cub leader Lisa Collins said: “She is a remarkable woman as she has been attending every cub meeting she can and doing organising and paper work behind the scenes, with an amazingly positive attitude.”
COMMUNITY
Dad, I made it: beaver Arlo Shirt is congratulated by dad Phil as he arrives on Priddy Green Time for a break
Drugs bus hits the road
TWO friends who have worked with offenders and vulnerable young people have launched their own drugs and substance misuse awareness service – in a converted doubledecker bus. Stacey Litster and Kerry Farmer have transformed the bus into a mobile education centre, aimed at children from ten years old upwards. Called Resilience Voyage, the bus is based at the Royal Bath and West Showground, and will travel round the south west visiting schools, Stacey (left) and Kerry
Guests at the launch of the drugs awareness bus
youth centres and community events. Inside the bus are mock prison cells in which young people have to solve challenges in order to be released and a mock-up of a drug user’s squalid flat. The bus was unveiled at a gathering which included police community support officers, social and youth workers. Stacey and Kerry hope the bus can also be used to offer other educational programmes, targeting areas such as mental health.
For details, find Resilience Voyage on Facebook.
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Spring into action!
WHILST the weather is trying to prove otherwise, spring is here and is always known as a time for new things and moving forwards. We at Cooper and Tanner have embraced this wholeheartedly and have made some significant changes this spring!
Since January we have increased our rural professional department by adding Tori Osborne and Ross Whitcombe to the team as well as welcoming Claire Pollett back from maternity. Tori Osborne, has joined the rural team at the Standerwick Office, she is married to a dairy farmer on the Mendip Hills with their two teenage children and is a registered RICS Valuer and an AMC Agent, with over 25 years experience in rural affairs. Ross Whitcombe, has joined our Glastonbury office. Both will provide assistance to the existing rural team on a range of rural professional matters and will be selling livestock weekly at Frome Cattle Market. Claire returns to Standerwick where she will continue to provide advice on a wide range of rural issues including planning, compensation, valuation and Basic Farm Payment applications. We also take this opportunity to inform everyone that Michael Joyce has been made up to a consultant of the firm and will continue his role at the Standerwick office where he has provided unrivalled advice to his many clients for over forty years!
If new staff were not enough we are Tori Osborne also delighted to announce that that we now have three new branches in Bridgwater, Wedmore and Cheddar. These additions to the Cooper and Tanner family will allow us to bring our high quality marketing and service to new areas. We will also be offering Rural, Professional, Commercial, Auction, Sale Rooms and Development services in these towns and surrounding villages.
If you live in the Wedmore, Cheddar, or Bridgwater area and would like any advice, please do not hesitate to pop in. Ross Whitcombe
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Claire Pollett
Michael Joyce
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PROPERTY
Chance to buy a rare Georgian mansion RARELY available these days – most have been renovated and restored – Max House Farm offers a wonderful opportunity to purchase a large house and land situated in an unspoilt valley on the edge of the North Somerset village of Winscombe. Once a fine Georgian farmhouse, circa 1800, Max House Farm now requires full renovation and restoring to its former glory. The large Georgian house has some 7,500 sq. ft. of floor space over two floors with cellarage below. Much of the original features are now lost, but the large house comprises extensive principal reception rooms, along with staff quarters, nursery service areas, kitchens and ancillary offices. The house sits well in the plot with a former walled garden to one side, a coach house and stable block. The property stands well back from the lane and was approached over a long treelined and railed drive at one side – depicted by the photograph shown – there was even a “ha-ha” dividing the garden from the land. The drive leads to a turning circle at the front of the house. The garden and farmland were once divided by a high stone wall (now dilapidated), where there remains a gothic arch from the south to the north side of the house. Max House Farm sits in 3.82 acres of garden and paddocks and faces south with a superb view to the Mendip Hills (AONB) and a backdrop to the north to the woods at Banwell. There have always been rumours in Winscombe that Jean
Simmonds attended ballet classes at Max House and used one of the large front rooms for her ballet practice. When she returned to London in 1943 when she was 14, she enrolled with her sister Edna at the Aida Foster School of Dance. It was only two weeks later the well-known film director Val Guest visited the school and spotted her there performing. He cast her immediately for the part of Heidi, the sister of Nina played by Margaret Lockwood in his comedy film Give us the Moon. It could be said that Max House played an integral part in the formulation of Jean Simmonds’ film career!
The property is for sale by auction on Tuesday, July 24th with David James and Partners in Wrington. 01934 864300.
W
NE
Langford, Nr Churchill • Guide Price £760,000–860,000
Ideal purchase for a family with horses or for the professional equestrian requiring plenty of land and facili,es. A four bedroom detached house, yard with stabling for 13 horses and floodlit menège. Other outbuilding and good riding. Located down a no through lane just 2 miles from the A38, 13 miles south of Bristol. Available with up to 21 acres. EPC: D. Ref: 25470.
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W
NE
Li-leton, Nr Chew Magna • Guide Price £795,000
Secluded loca,on on the outskirts of Chew Magna and Winford in a hamlet se.ng of just four proper,es. A good size converted barn with large gardens, paddocks and stabling. Three recep,on rooms, three/four bedrooms, farmhouse kitchen, u,lity and boot room, two bathrooms. Character features, natural floorings, woodburners, beams etc., In all 4.36 acres. EPC: F. Ref: 25461.
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NE
Winscombe, North Somerset • Guide Price £500,000
FOR SALE BY AUCTION A substan,al Georgian country house circa 1800 located in rural valley, approached over a long drive and requiring total renova,on. Some 7580 sq of floor space and 3.82 acres of former walled garden and land. Coach House and stables also requiring renova,on. Ref: 23922.
NE
West Harptree, Chew Valley • Guide Price £350,000
Gloriously located stone barn with pp for conversion occupying a ‘car free’ loca,on in the village with lovely views over farmland. Approx 1345 sq of proposed accommoda,on over two floors. Large garden & paddock of about half an acre with further land available. Ref: 25420.
Felton, North Somerset • Guide Price £475,000
Link-detached three bedroom property presented in immaculate condi,on. Offering equestrian facili,es of 0.8 acre paddock, twin stables and tack room. Village loca,on with excellent transport links to Bristol. EPC: D. Ref: 25525
Worlebury Hill, Weston-s-Mare • Guide Price £300,000
A secluded loca,on with stunning views – offered by this good size semi detached house. Two recep,on rooms, breakfast kitchen, three bedrooms, cloaks and bathroom. Integral garage and gardens front side and rear. Some upda,ng required and plenty of poten,al to extend. EPC: E. Ref: 25507
Contact the Wrington Office: 01934 864307 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 81
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MOTORING
Be seen on the green
For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes
Wells Cathedral will once again provide a stunning backdrop to the classic and historic cars
THE Mendip “Vintage & Classic Tour” organised by the Classic & Historic Motor Club will take place on Sunday, May 13th, starting at Brent Knoll and finishing in traditional style on Wells Cathedral Green. Now in its 24th year, the event has become one of the most popular events in the West of England’s motoring calendar, attracting a wide range of interesting vintage and classic vehicles. It will be helping to raise funds for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support and is open to 160 pre-1988 vehicles. The cars are due to arrive in Wells from 2pm. For details, visit: www.candhmotorclub.co.uk/index.php/5
SHIPHAM MOTOR COMPANY
Bailey approved body shop and workshop
● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting
Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment
Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX
• • • • •
VOLVO
Volvo Warranty Compliant Independent Servicing on New Cars Volvo Accredited Master Technician Specialist Volvo Diagnostics and Software Downloads 01934 842350 Air Conditioning www.shipham.co.uk MOT Testing Volvo Parts & Accessories
With a vast experience of old and new models, you can be sure that your Volvo will receive the highest quality service but without Main Dealer prices!
co FR u E ca rte E rs sy
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UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs
ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement MOT TESTING STATION
COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE
QUALITY USED CARS Your peace of mind is our priority
CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY. TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk
BEFORE
AFTER
Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–12 noon Approved
Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 83
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Hats off to festival organisers
THE annual Mells Daffodil Festival went ahead despite bad weather forcing organisers to ban parking in the village and having to hire in a fleet of buses to offer a park-and-ride service. Festival chairman Daisy Steel admitted finances would be affected but said the committee would press ahead with ambitious plans to mark the 40th anniversary of the festival in 2019. Daisy said: “Obviously we are all disappointed, but we were determined this year’s festival would go ahead. We didn’t want to cancel, the weather improved and people still came.” ● Next year’s festival will take place on Monday, April 22nd.
Renowned ballet dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta opened the festival with a flourish, helped by town criers from across Mendip and further afield
Everyone’s a winner: all the children who entered the Easter bonnet competition won a prize
Youngsters from Mells First School sing in the Community Tent PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Kate and Isaac make a splash
Glastonbury? No, Mells. Devon (left) and Sophia in the main field
Shoppers in Selwood Street
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Tribal Belly Dance, from Frome, brought some sunshine to the proceedings with two performances
Amy Lugg, 17, from Evercreech Explorers (left) and Amy Cottrell, 15, from Frome Explorers, have been chosen to represent East Mendip on a 30-strong aid trip to Madagascar in the summer of next year. They were selling cupcakes to raise funds for the £2,800 minimum they must each raise to pay for the trip, which will see them working with Water Aid. They’re also raising money online
There were food stalls aplenty in Selwood Street including this one run by the Unusual Pork Pie and Quiche Company of Shepton Mallet
MELLS DAFFODIL FESTIVAL 2018
Homemade goodies on sale using locally-foraged ingredients
Peas in a Pub perform in the Beer Tent
Sarah West, from Mells Nursery, advertising teas and snacks in the tithe barn
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 85
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Male voice choir celebrates 95 years
GLASTONBURY Male Voice Choir celebrates 95 years of singing for the people of Somerset this year. The choir was first formed in February 1923 when 20 men of the town came together to create a male voice choir for Glastonbury. The first photograph of the choir taken in 1923 shows a choir now some 30 strong. The men of the choir seem to have been enjoying themselves. A report on a social event in March 1924 records: “The brevity of these minutes is explained by the fact that
the secretary so overindulged in the good things provided that he is not as yet sufficiently recovered to concentrate on secretarial work.” During the choir’s long history it has seen many changes. Currently it has over 40 members and has been rejuvenated and reinvigorated over recent years, with new members bringing a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to the existing core of experienced singers. This has produced a new dynamism and spirit to the choir, honed to high levels of precision by their musical director Tracey Hansford, who is ably supported by accompanist Shelley Prior. The choir is now delivering beautiful harmonies with crisp and bold interpretations of a wide range of musical genres. The choir’s annual guest night concert is being held in Glastonbury Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16th at 8pm. It will feature an excellent programme of music ranging from traditional and sacred music to popular contemporary pieces. There will also be a musical tribute to mark 100 years since the end of the 1st WW. The guest performer will be an exciting young soloist from Bath, Izzie Clarke.
Tickets are available from members, on the door or call 01458 831218. This has been a favourite sell-out event in recent years so tickets will be in demand.
Pink Bra’ss concert
PINK Bra’ss, the mostly all-female brass band from the Mendip area, are going to perform their third annual concert in the Town Hall in Wells on June 30th at 7.30pm, with guest soloists including Stephen Sykes. The band formed three years ago under the baton of Joanne Sykes with local ladies from brass bands all over the area. The first concert was in aid of breast cancer, the second was for local trombone player Stephen Sykes, who had a rare form of lymphoma. This year’s concert is in aid of cancer research. They rehearse at Clarks HQ which they loan to them free of charge. Their first rehearsal was on April 22nd. They have a Facebook page where you see what they get up to raise money. PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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New season, new venue for choir
A full house at Camerton for the Mendip Male Voice Choir
MENDIP Male Voice choir began their 2018 concert season by singing at a new venue, Camerton Community Hall. A capacity audience helped raise £1,000 for further improvements to the building. Hall chairman Clive Turner opened the evening by giving a brief outline of what had happened at the hall over the past year with much improved electrics and refurbishments. Hall bookings are way up, backed by many events, but he said there was still a long way to go to complete the work. Nearly every member of the choir attended, accompanied by pianist Philip Evry and musical director Jamie Knights. The singing didn’t stop after the concert; over a pint or two in the bar the men were off again, going through some of their favourite songs.
Invitation to sing
WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society will welcome voices from Wells and surrounding areas to its annual Come and Sing day, an opportunity for local singers to work with one of the UK's leading conductors, Matthew Owens, and sing with members of the choir. This year the chosen piece is Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, which the society will also perform at the 1918 – 2018 centenary concert for Remembrance on November 10th, along with Jonathan Dove's For an Unknown Soldier. The Come and Sing takes place on Saturday, May 5th in the Methodist Church, Wells, from 9.30am to 5pm. The day concludes with an informal performance of the Requiem at the end of the afternoon. You can hire a score for the day (£1 plus £5 deposit) or take your own. The OUP edition will be used. Details: wcos.org.uk or email come-sing@wcos.org.uk
MUSIC & THEATRE
Georgia’s got talent
A YEAR 12 student at Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton has won an annual talent competition organised by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club. Georgia Mann was awarded the Richard Jones Memorial Cup for her outstanding performance at Writhlinton’s Dragonfly Theatre. She had previously been a runner-up in the competition, now in its fourth year. Georgia with the talent show trophy The singer, who performed Evermore from the musical Beauty and The Beast, said she had been encouraged to perform by her school and hopes one day to sing in London’s West End. Winning the show will help when applying for drama college which is her ambition after leaving school. The event is a showcase for the area’s emerging performing talent for 11-18-year olds. Tina Veater, who organises the event, said: “It is a great stepping stone for young people to start performing. All our performers were superb and we had a great variety of vocal, rapping and dance performances this year.” Rotary club president Ian Huxham said: “The sheer courage of the contestants to get on stage and perform is inspiring. With a variety of excellent performances, the well-deserved winners and our judges all made for a really fun evening.” The evening raised £1,000 for local charities supported by the club.
Performers and judges
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Festival boost from theatre great
A FOUNDATION set up by billionaire theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has awarded a grant to the organisers of the first Wells Theatre Festival. Preparations are in full swing for the festival taking place in July which will feature a community performance of Romeo and Juliet in front of Wells Cathedral. Performances and Read all about it: festival workshops will take place organisers at Wells Market (l:r) in other venues around Veronica Elks, Ros Johnson, Neil Wells including Wells and Johnson and Claire Vincent Mendip Museum, Cedars Hall, Wells Almshouses Chapel, Little Theatre, The Globe Inn and The Bishop’s Barn. Oscar winning actress, Dame Judi Dench and renowned Director, Sir Richard Eyre are patrons for the festival. The Mackintosh Foundation has awarded the festival £1,000. A spokesperson for the foundation said: "The Macintosh Foundation is delighted to award the Wells Theatre Festival a grant to support this exciting and innovative venture. We wish them every success in their first year.”
Neil Johnson, fight director, during rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet
Chloe Waters as Mercutio
For details about the festival, visit: www.wellstheatrefestival.org
PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
New season underway
TABOR Ringers, based at Tabor Independent Methodist Church, Timsbury have begun a new year of engagements. The first was a sad occasion, when the group played at the funeral of a former founder and playing member, Eric Brimble, who resigned from the group in January 2017 due to illness. Both Eric and his wife, Freda, were founder members and Freda was secretary for many years. The week following Eric’s funeral the group had a return trip to The Good Companions club based at St Philip’s and St James’ Church in Bath. The concert planned at Pine Lea, Midsomer Norton had to be cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. A couple of the ringers were snowed in at home and another one was stuck in Minehead. It is hoped a later date can be arranged. The group are taking the advantage of a gap in engagements to learn new music, which they are planning to roll out for the spring/summer season. The diary is beginning to fill for the rest of the year and especially during December, their busiest season. Details: Ruth Bailey 01761 752049.
Star of the show
EVERCREECH Films’ screening of Paddington 2 had a guest celebrity – the mainly young audience were treated to a reading of a Paddington Bear story by Maddie Harris, who stars in the movie and lives locally. Maddie, aged 17, took time out to read for ten minutes to the 44 children and 40 adults in the audience, despite suffering from a mild cold. In the film Paddington Bear lives in London with the Brown Family and Maddie plays the part of Judy Brown, screen daughter of Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins, who play Mr and Mrs Brown. Maddie also drew the raffle tickets for a prize draw to win a replica Paddington Bear or a Paddington 2 DVD. All the children in the audience were given free marmalade sandwiches, Paddington’s favourite, or jam sandwiches, courtesy of Evercreech’s Co-op store. Evercreech Films hold shows in the village hall on the third Saturday of most months.
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Fosse Way rocks
MUSIC & THEATRE
Garage music in Shepton
Staff and students get in the swing
PUPILS and staff at Fosse Way School in Westfield celebrated National Sing Up Day! with its young instrumentalists. Its rock and roll theme had everyone dancing in the aisles with a range of singing workshops with Tim Parker from Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Music Hub, where they learned some classics like Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”. Some groups also attended a ukulele workshop led by Jody Prewett, whilst various musical activities were taking place all around the school, from “guess the lyrics” challenges to “be the change” activities – the theme of the day. Music co-ordinator Becca Tranter said: “In the afternoon we held our first ‘Marvellous Live Music Showcase’, featuring the orchestra, ukulele club, Tiny Trebles Choir, Showstoppers Choir, instrumental pupils and music groups. This was a very popular showcase which attracted so many pupils and families that there was standing room only at the back of the hall!” One of the hands-on workshops
Frome busks
A DUO called Fresher and Angel were the winners of the first Frome Busks competition aimed at musicians aged under 25. Seven acts Fresher and Angel perform after winning the competed competition throughout the town for the prize of two gigs locally. Dan Fresher and Nathan Angel are a dynamic duo that love playing music, especially acoustic and hip-hop covers, and have been described as “a mix between The Kooks and Michael Buble”.
Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis opened the studios. He is pictured with young drummer Blaise Wagstaff. His father Pete is leader of the Pete Wagstaff Band
A NEW music recording studio aimed at young musicians has opened in Shepton Mallet. Pocket Money Studios is based in the garage of a house in the town and was set up by homeowner Susan Ayton, her daughter Millie and sound engineer Sofie Hunter to provide a low-cost solution to recording for budding musicians and established local bands.
Michael with Sue Ayton (left), sound engineer Sofie Hunter and Sue’s daughter Millie
Expo helps charity
A NEW music expo – connecting all sections of the industry – has raised more than £700 for charity. Organised by Mike Mihalas, of Midsomer Norton, proceeds from the day-long event in Mike (left) presents a cheque for £500 to Frome were split Dorothy House Hospice between Dorothy House Hospice, Children’s World and London Marathon runner Wyatt Wendels. A further expo is planned for the autumn.
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PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Saving lives
TINCKNELLS now has a defibrillator placed outside its Cathedral View Offices in Wells allowing continuous access in the event of an emergency. Located at the company's Wookey Hole Road site, the new defibrillator is available 24 hours a day and will be a valuable aid when dealing with emergencies in the city. Diana Tincknell said: “The defibrillator will provide a potentially lifesaving facility locally. The initiative is as a direct result of the wonderful service offered by the local First Responder Unit, of which Tincknell's long-serving tanker driver Graham White is a valuable member.” A training opportunity will be given to anyone who would like to attend when the NHS's Anna Smith gives detailed guidance on Tuesday May 1st between 6.30–8.30pm at the offices, Wookey Hole Road, Wells. Details: Shirley on 01749 683924.
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Showroom sparkles for Firenza
Welcome to South Road: Andy with Kathryn, Sue and Rosie
SOME of the latest trends, designs and equipment for bathrooms have gone on display at the new Firenza dedicated bathroom and tile showroom in the heart of Midsomer Norton. With the existing showroom on Radstock Road becoming increasingly kitchen-orientated, owner Andy Stock and his team decided the time was right to expand. The result is a bright and inspiring space with easy parking on South Road, featuring designs for all sizes of bathroom with a range of tiles and flooring solutions also on show. Andy said: “We are always looking to display new, innovative products but were simply running out of space. “Although brochures, photos and samples of tiles and such like are great, there’s nothing better than seeing the displays themselves.” Andy, who has 30 years’ experience in the kitchen and bathroom industry – from design to supply and fitting – added: “The opportunity arose at just the right time to open a showroom on South Road. Our Radstock Road showroom will also have some tile displays but will focus on kitchens.”
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Coping with life’s setbacks
SOMETIMES, through no fault of our own, life just throws a spanner in the works. Back in 1992 it did this to John and Pauline Tucker. One day their training business was flourishing and profitable, the next a multinational client pulled the plug and everything John and Pauline had worked so hard to build was lost. It was heartbreaking but, in the words of the song they “picked themselves up, dusted themselves down and started all over again”. John’s attitude was to tell himself that if they had done it once, they could do it again. He went to university and got himself an MSc in management development whilst Pauline gained a place at the University of the West of England and began to carve out what proved to be a long-term and worthwhile career in nursing. Then, after working in the States and New Zealand for a number a years, John set up a new consulting business in the UK that he still runs today, working with family businesses. His clients include theme parks, farmers, cider makers and sign manufacturers. He loves his work and feels life’s lessons have perhaps been painful but ultimately beneficial. He said: “If you are going to recover from setbacks, you have to be honest with yourself.” Whilst he doesn’t blame himself for the failure of his training company back in ’92, he recognises that focusing too much on “being successful” can be at the expense of a balanced family life. That is why he is committed to working with family concerns and why his hard-won
HOMES & INTERIORS
John and Pauline Tucker with their daughters and grandson
experience can prove so valuable. Recently John and Pauline moved into a new home in Puriton. Pauline loved the location, but John, whose DIY skills are slightly less than zero, was daunted by the amount of renovation required. They found a builder, but were a bit taken aback when they realised that all the single-glazed windows needed replacement. They asked three firms to quote. John said: “The first company were like the double-glazing salespeople of the 70s. They gave me a price and as soon as I questioned it, it suddenly dropped dramatically. For me they immediately lost all credibility.” Pauline said: “Kingfisher is so very different. It is a family business and that resonated with us, but more importantly they are completely up-front and we really appreciated their honesty. They gave us their best price and left us to make up our own minds in our own time. We chose them and we’re glad we did. Every aspect of their service and workmanship is excellent.”
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EVENTS
Paying homage to miners HUNDREDS of spectators gathered at Bath College’s Somer campus in Radstock for a theatrical tribute to Somerset Coalfield workers which was literally larger-than-life. The Man Engine – at 11-metres high, the biggest mechanical puppet ever built in Britain – was the star of two spectacular shows which also featured actors from the Bath Natural Theatre Company and the Radstock and District Silver Band. The show, from Golden Tree Productions, was originally designed to honour Cornish tin miners; Man Engine takes its name from the nickname given to the lift which used to takes miners to and from the seams. Radstock was the first venue outside Cornwall on the Man Engine Resurrection tour of Britain’s mining communities.
The Somerset coalfields remembered
The Man Engine towers above the crowds at Radstock PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
The puppeteers with members of Bath Natural Theatre Company Creative director and narrator Will Coleman with an example of an infamous guss and crook
The Man Engine rises
A lasting tribute to the workers of the Somerset coalfields
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RIDING
When Braveheart equine star met a Cornish pirate
A FORMER rugby player turned equine sports masseur has joined in the birthday celebrations for one of Mendip’s most famous horses. Sometime in the month of May (we think) Percy is 30 years old: a wonderful age for most horses, even more impressive for a large With RACHEL framed 16’3” Hanoverian x Thoroughbred. THOMPSON Since this month it’s the story of ex-Cornish MBE Pirate Keith Reynolds and we needed a model, I decided this dear old lad needed a birthday treat care of Mendip Times, in whose pages he has often featured. Mel Gibson rode Percy in Braveheart and at the end of 2016 Percy – mascot of the Veteran Horse Society – joined a group of riders and horses on the beach at Brean Down to film scenes for the short, independent fantasy film The Wall of Lyon. So here we are – Mothering Sunday – a day when all mothers (even stepmothers) should be snuggled on the sofa in front of the television, chocolate box and glass of wine to hand. Particularly today as snow is lying on the ground and the last icy blast from Storm Emma whips over the Mendip Hills. No cosy sofa here, instead Keith, from East Mendip, and I watch Caroline (Percy’s owner and carer) leading Percy along the track. Keith says it’s important to watch a horse moving before massage. Unsurprisingly, due to old age and the cold weather Percy is a little stiff behind. Keith advises on the benefits of gentle daily exercise. Inside the stable we watch Keith perform his magic. “Lovely skin.” Keith enthuses, sweeping his hands over Percy’s immaculate coat, “it’s so interesting to treat an old horse.” Percy is enjoying the treatment, licking and chewing at one end and farting at the other as Keith massages the top of his tail. Keith learnt the value of sports massage to his own body when playing semi–pro rugby. Deep tissue massage enhances performance and aids rehabilitation following an injury. As he works he explains how massage increases muscle flexibility, aids recovery and increases condition. Riders may not Caroline and Percy during filming at Brean Down
Keith massages Percy as Caroline looks on
notice the horse is suffering from muscle fatigue, tightness or inflammation. Massage opens up pathways allowing acid expulsion, giving access to oxygen-rich blood cells and repairing torn muscle fibres. During the detoxification stage where sweeping motions (effleurage) are used to expel toxins via the lymph nodes we chat and Percy snoozes. Keith says that having just left the Navy (although still a reservist) he is excited about being able to be both a stay-at-home dad to two boys and to be embarking on his dream career of working with horses. The recent arrival of a fabulous new addition to the family – an 18-hand warmblood x sports horse, on whom Keith is learning to jump, has caused even more excitement. Passionate about the horses he treats, Keith works with other equine experts to provide holistic solutions to equine problems and says: “Massage has so many beneficial effects. We work our horses hard and they deserve the best – then they will return the favour!” Keith is also a trustee of The Trails Trust and is again organising a “Right of Way” competition. Riders have a lot of fun hacking out and uploading route photos and descriptions and competing for some fab safety gear last year so have a go – go to The Trails Trust’s Facebook page. ● Access News: The British Horse Society has joined forces with other access organisations to petition for the forthcoming Agriculture Bill to include improved public access. Go to www.ramblers.org.uk and click Keith Reynolds Dip ICAT on “have your say on the future Equine Sports Massage Therapist of countryside access” to sign Email: Keith@mendipesm.co.uk the petition. Web: www.mendipesm.co.uk Tel: 07739 120853
Visit www.mendipesm.co.uk to find out more about Keith and Mendip Equine Sports Massage.
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One of the best for years
A HUGE crowd enjoyed the start of British Summer Time at the Mendip Farmers’ Point-to-Point meeting at Ston Easton. Local riders Martin McIntyre and Will Biddick had a winner apiece with the ladies race being won by Claire Hardwick aboard Western Diva. Bob Bracher, from the Wessex Area of the Point-to-Point Association, reviewed the meeting and said: “The six point-topoint races were competitive events with the Welsh raiders securing three races with a double for owner David Brace and another training success for Mickey Bowen.” He added: “The Restricted race over two and a half miles was won in convincing style by the mare Elizabeths Wish owned by Emma Mellor and the starter for the meeting Jeff Fear. With her usual rider Christopher Barber unavailable Martin McIntyre took over on the free going mare who never saw a rival and very boldly jumped from fence to fence. Emma’s instructions to Martin were ‘do not dare her’ as some of her jumps were extravagant.” Will’s victory was on board Danceur du Large, trained by Ed Walker. Bob said: “His name translates as ‘Dancer of the Open Seas’ and Polly Walker representing her husband did add that this was quite appropriate as when ridden the gelding was ‘rather like riding a surf board’.” A Mendip picnic
Three camel races began the day. Jockey Sarah Gould won the main race – the Mendip Members’ Camel Cup
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Bookmaker Mike Smith
The Ford Fuel Oils PPORA club members’ race got the meeting proper underway
Cath Penny congratulates Will Biddick who won the RM Penny Open Maiden Steeplechase on Danseur Du Large
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Archie Stamp won the Mendip Mini Rush Division One pony race on Mayday Black Mink
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POINT-TO-POINT
Legendara clears the first fence in the Alec Jarrett Open Maiden Race, won by Arthur’s Sixpence
Diana Tincknell (second left) presents the prizes to the winning connections of Elizabeths Wish, from the Weston and Banwell Hunt, in the Ticknell Restricted Steeplechase
Meeting the hounds
Rosie Ashforth, of Bristol, who rides with the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt, celebrated her 40th birthday by taking part in the camel racing – and won her own race
Jetstream Joe clears a fence in the Tincknell Restricted Handicap
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Junior tour of the Mendips
(Photography courtesy of Alex Reed)
IT was a case of dreams can come true as the best junior male cyclists in the country took part in the Tour of the Mendips. The two-day race, over CYCLING three stages, is part of with EDMUND the National Junior LODITE Road Race series and showcases the best that Mendip has to offer. The first day started with a short 4.2 km time trial by Chew Valley Lake. For this, the 80 riders had to use the same bike that they would use for the other two stages – a real “race of truth”. On wet roads and in the early morning drizzle it was Oscar Mingay, last year’s overall winner, who clocked up the early time to beat. As the weather improved the roads dried and that may have played a part as the final riders started. Amongst those it was Ben Healy (Zappi Racing Team) who sliced off an impressive 12 seconds to take the leader’s jersey into stage two. The Oxford- based Zappi Racing Team is a good example of how cycling is supported at the grassroots in this country. The team was set up by Flavio Zappi an Italian ex-professional cyclist and former wearer of the green (points) jersey in the Giro d’Italia. His vision now is to give young riders – often talented, but overlooked – the opportunity and ability to prove themselves. The 105km second stage took the riders around seven laps of the Rifleman’s circuit on top of the Mendip Hills, near Priddy. To reach the fast circuit on rolling roads the riders first had to contend with the mighty
climb up Harptree Hill. As expected there were plenty of attacks and breaks. The sight of breakaway riders pushing flat out whilst pursued by the might of a chasing peloton along the Mendip lanes, is a spectacular sight. In the closing sprint, four riders were still clear. Although Dylan Hughes (Spokes Racing Team) was narrowly pipped into second place by Matt Ellis, he had gained enough time to be the Tour leader overnight. After the race I tagged onto a small bunch of riders including the Scottish based Spokes Team as they rode back to the race HQ. Hughes told me he gained his cycling legs in the hills of Scotland not far from Edinburgh. After winning the first round of the national series, two weeks earlier, there were many eyes on where he would finish this time. Although disappointed to be beaten to the line in this stage he was fairly pragmatic: “A lot of people look no further than the top three places, and that’s a mistake. In the time trial I was only seconds down from the top, in 12th place, now I’m the leader.” The following day, the final 80km stage of the Tour picked off three classic Mendip
Rifleman’s PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
Burrington Combe
hill climbs. The rapid ascent up Burrington Combe began to separate the riders and atop the Mendips a small group created a gap from the peloton. The rolling hills saw a chasing group leave the peloton and join the leaders on the steep climb of Rhodyate Hill, near Blagdon. With the peloton closing in the leaders approached the final climb at Harptree Hill where the finish line waited at the top. This was a tough way to end a long race and a group of three riders battled it out on the hill in a sprint to the line. In a close finish Ben Barlow (Spokes) narrowly pipped Alex Haines (Leicester Road Club) to take the stage win. Barlow said: “We were caught by a group and we worked well together and kept it going until the end. I was told the second climb was steep but I didn’t realise it was that steep!” Haines said he was happy as he had gained enough seconds from the previous stages to take overall victory: “I went to bed last night just dreaming of winning but thinking realistically that it wasn’t too much of an option. I had a go today and got quite lucky but had the legs to make use of the luck.” The biggest cheer at the line went to local Chew Valley student George Bazley who finished third in both the race and overall classification. Bazley is a former rider with Bristol Cycling Development Squad who organised this event. For them the Junior Tour is a massive undertaking each year. They do it for one simple reason, to provide the area’s young riders with an opportunity to race a National level event close to home. Bazley’s achievement this year is a well deserved reward for that vision. But none of that would happen without the effort from all those, including the many volunteers and sponsors, who made this prestigious event happen.
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Another great year for skittle champions
BLAGDON Club have won the Wrington Vale skittles league division one for the second time in the last five years. They also reached the semi-finals of the memorial cup. Captain, Steve Fraser, said it had been another great year. He’s one of three players who have notched up more than 40 years with the club – the others are Dick Dyer and Ken Mitchell. Vice-captain, Jim Westbrook, has also been playing for more than 40 years with Blagdon and other local teams. The team hit its highest ever away score of 578 pins, with Phil Hucker hitting the most away spares. He also hit the highest away score with 70 pins. Blagdon Club have always played in the top division. It didn’t lose a single home match this year.
Karate kids – and adults – bound for Sicily
SPORT
Tributes to tennis player
WELLS Tennis Club has paid tribute this week to pioneering club member Hazel Willmott who died in March. Hazel joined the club in the 1960s, while she was a physical training teacher at The Blue School in Wells and remained a member until ill health forced her to stop when in her 60s. During her time at the club she served as chairman, ladies’ captain and club president and also chaired the North Somerset League. Notably she is one of only two people to be awarded an honourable membership in recognition of her remarkable contribution to all aspects of local club tennis. Club member Brian Smith said: “By the 1970s club membership had dropped to a record low of 20. Alongside a few others, Hazel’s mix of persuasion, coercion and relentless pressure meant the club gained a new lease of life and participation started to grow. “With Peter Bowers she started a junior coaching programme and got funding to replace the shale courts with tarmac. By the time I joined the club in the late 1980s the membership was up to about 50 and two of the courts were lit.” Club chairman Dan Cooke said: “I'm told that she always combined playing tennis with a real desire to get people involved. She would always be armed with both a tennis racket and pen and paper to make sure names would be quickly on a list for new tasks to develop and promote tennis in Wells. “We certainly wouldn’t have in excess of 200 members today playing regular tennis today in Wells without her efforts and determination.” Another lasting legacy of Hazel’s time at the club was the formation of the annual 100+ tournament where the combined age of each pair had to add up to 100 or more. ● The club is planning to dedicate a bench to Hazel Willmott at the earliest opportunity. Hazel Willmott – club members have paid tribute to her efforts and determination
KIA karate group Giardinia has taken a group of students to Sicily for a competition, with competitors aged from five to 70 plus. The club meets in Axbridge and other local villages. The competitors are pictured with club officials Diego Giardina, Gerald Filer, Stephen Linham, Lynsey Sullivan and Anne Smith. New members are welcome. Details: Anne Smith 07843 946949
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Cricket club’s net worth
CHILCOMPTON Sports Cricket Club is celebrating the completion of its new £20,000 outdoor cricket nets in time for the start of the new season. The cricket club was formed in 2014 out of the ashes of Stratton-on-the-Fosse Cricket Club, which had played on the grounds at Downside School for 93 years. The move to Chilcompton meant the village had its own cricket club for the first time and the club has gone from strength to strength. It now runs three senior teams – the 1st XI play in Bristol and District Division Six – and two junior teams. More than 40 children are involved in the youth section. ● Junior training takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6.15pm Youngsters were quick to swing with the seniors training into action on Thursdays from 6.30pm. New players are always welcome. For details contact club secretary Dave Travis on 07725 458404 or email: dave.travis@hotmail.co.uk
Cary celebrate promotion
Cary cruise to title
PLAYERS, officials and supporters of Castle Cary RFC will be partying even harder at their end-of-season dinner in May after cruising to their league title in style. With just one game to go, Cary had lost just one game all season and recorded some impressive victories including 74-0 against Wiveliscombe IIs in their last home game of the season. Cary played this season in the Tribute Somerset 2 South of South West Division, scoring 1186 points and conceding just 153. ● The dinner takes place at the clubhouse on Saturday, May 19th.
Another try for Cary as they cruise to victory against Wiveliscombe IIs
Thumbs up for Cary’s success – including Wells RFC guests who were visiting for the afternoon
Winston Duguid, from the Somerset Cricket Board, helps Jacqui Nolan, from Chilcompton Sports Cricket Club cut the tape to open the new nets
Some of the sponsors of the new nets with club official
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Chance to try bowls
MORE than 40 members attended the spring meeting of Fosseway Bowls Club, which held its President’s Day on April 15th. Anyone wanting to try the game of bowls will be very welcome at the club. Go along on any Monday evening at 6pm, when bowls and shoes will be available to borrow with qualified coaching. Anyone joining after these sessions will have free membership for the year. Details: Ray Soby 01761 453218.
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A right royal reunion
LAURA Sykes was just a baby in her mother Sue’s arms when Princes Anne last visited Castle Cary more than 25 years ago and stopped to say hello. Sue has kept a photo of that meeting ever since and, on the princess’s latest visit to the town, she and Laura – now Laura King – were there again. This time, however, the pair were holding Laura’s own child, nine-week-old Rosa, and were once again introduced to the princess. Sue, who has lived in Castle Cary all her life, said: “The princess was ever so friendly and we joked how we’d all changed over the years.” Princess Anne was visiting the town to meet the volunteers who run the town’s Save the Children charity shop. The princess is patron of the charity and spent more than 30 minutes chatting to the team. The shop itself has been running for more than 50 years. Later the princess visited Weston-super-Mare to open Weston College’s South West Skills Campus and also Keynsham to open the Chocolate Quarter Retirement Village.
Laura, Rosa and Sue with a photograph of the princess’s last visit to the town
The Save the Children team
NEWS
Princess Anne chats to Laura and Sue outside the Save the Children shop
The princess about to leave Castle Cary
(Photograph courtesy of Jason Bryant)
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Food for thought at day for schools AROUND 1,200 Key Stage Two schoolchildren enjoyed a day of meeting farmers and food producers at the third annual Field to Food Learning Day at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Live animals, hands-on activities and displays of farming machinery provided children and teachers with a close-up experience of farming and food production. Created with the purpose of educating and informing young people about agriculture in engaging, interactive ways, the event has evolved from The Royal Bath and West of England Society’s founding principles.
Nick Marsh, from Denela’s Bakery in Shepton Mallet, explains to youngsters from Croscombe School about the source of their daily bread
Field to Food has been devised in collaboration with educational specialists to ensure that it satisfies
East Harptree pupils with staff and steward Stewart Crocker (second from right)
All smiles in a typical cow crusher machine from a Westfield Primary pupil PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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aspects of the National Curriculum, as well as being enormous fun for all involved!
Making butter on the Wyke Farms demonstration stand – these are youngsters from Charlton Horethorne, near Wincanton
Lucy the sheepdog and owner James Small, of Priddy, pose with pupils from Bishop Henderson School in Coleford
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WHAT’S ON
Somerset Day 2018 – What’s On THURSDAY 10th MAY Cheese and Cider Night Wincanton Racecourse from 3.30pm. Wincanton Racecourse is celebrating three of Somerset's greatest things – cheese, cider and racing! Start Somerset Day a day early, this evening meeting kicks off at 3:30pm with live music from local band The Enrichments throughout the evening For more information visit: http://wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk/eventstickets/whats-on/Cheese-and-cider-night Made in Somerset The White Hart and ACEarts, Somerton 10am3pm. Over 30 Artisan stalls – contemporary crafts, gifts, food and produce, raising funds for Etatu charity. Come for a coffee, browse and shop. Entry free, raffle. Facebook – MiS4Etatu, Instagram – MiS4Etatu, Twitter – MiS4Etatu FRIDAY 11TH MAY – SUNDAY 12TH MAY The Great Somerset Tea Party New this year is the Great Somerset Tea Party being organised by, and in aid of, St Margaret’s Hospice Care in association with Somerset Day. Taking place on the 11th, 12th and 13th May, there will be tea parties galore, all in aid of a fundraising target of £26,000 – that’s a day of care across all of the Hospice’s services. We hope you’ll take part in the biggest tea party Somerset has ever seen. More information at www.somerset-hospice.org.uk FRIDAY 11th MAY A-Z Challenge A social media A to Z challenge starting at 7am and finishing at 8pm! The aim is to visit as many different businesses over the course of the day throughout Somerset, each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet. For more information email: marksph@hotmail.com Summer Lunchtime Concert – a Somerset Day Celebration St John's Church, Park Street, Taunton 12.45 – 13.45pm (Doors open 12.00 Noon). Our county’s history and heritage will be celebrated in a specially extended hour long concert. Gibby Swaine and Sue Watts have been making music together for many years and have invited The StoggyMen, from Stogumber, to join in a programme that will explore the wealth of traditional Somerset music. Tom Mayberry, will take us back to 878 with an explanation of why this day is so significant for Somerset. Fruit punches with a Somerset flavour will be served before the start. Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of Halsway Manor, National Centre for Folk Arts and St John’s Church. For more information email: meeingalmington@gmail.com Pride of Somerset Youth Awards Bridgwater and Taunton College Conference Centre, Taunton – 6.30pm. Organised by Rotary Club of Taunton and supported by BBC Somerset and the Somerset County Gazette. For further information visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04r965p Somerset themed Networking Event ‘Tea Party’ Rural Enterprise Centre, Royal Bath and West Showground. Federation of Small Businesses in collaboration with the Royal Bath and West Rural Enterprise Centre to celebrate business in Somerset. For further information email: Nicola.Bailey@fsb.org.uk A Race Against Time: The Story of the Kenyon photographic Archive The Museum of Somerset – 2.30pm. A talk about the work of photographer Stanley Walter Kenyon
who captured thousands of images of Somerset, and the project to rescue the collection. Partof the Museum’s Talk and Tea programme with Janet Tall, Head of Archives & Local Studies. The talk compliments an exhibition of Kenyon’s work that is on at the Museum until the end of the year Booking advised on 01823 255088 – £5 including tea and cake. 'Picture Somerset' with artist Donna Vale 'For Every Cloud' Gallery, Langport – Evening launch 7-9pm. Comprised of Somerset photographs taken by people who either photograph our county professionally, for the love of it, or both. For more information visit: www.somersetcool.com Cothelstone Hill Heritage Walk 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. A walk to discover the archaeology and natural history of the hill, with the South West Heritage Trust and the Quantock Hills AONB. Booking via The Museum of Somerset on 01823 255088 – £5 Miles Tea & Coffee celebration ‘Tea Party’ Vale Yard, High Street, Porlock, TA24 8PU 10.30am to 12.00 noon. Join Miles at the Porlock Roastery Yard as we celebrate everything Somerset over a locally blended cup of tea or coffee and cake. It’s also a perfect time to raise a cuppa to our 130 years of tea and coffee heritage in the Miles family. All proceeds to St Margaret’s Hospice Cider and Cheese Tasting, and the Mendip Morrismen Railway Inn, Sandford 6pm – 7pm Clevedon Pier celebrating Somerset Day Clevedon Pier 10am – 4.30pm. For more information email: JoeNovell@clevedonpier.com Entry £1 SATURDAY 12th MAY Somerset Food and Craft Fair and Flower Festival Long Sutton Village Hall and Church. For further information email pbolton@btinternet.com Somerset Day Craft Fayre Shapwick Village Hall 2pm – 5pm. For further information email: SELLICKS@btc.ac.uk eat:Taunton Hammet Street and St Mary Magdalene Church 10am-4pm. Over 70 local food and drink producers, with free Hawksmoor Cookery School and The Retreat Demo Stage. With livestock, tractors and buskers. www.eatfestivals.org #lovesomerset food and drink festival. Free Entry Somerset Day Craft Fair Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. For more information email somersetdaybl@gmail.com> Celebrating Somerset Talent Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, Wells –
6.30pm. In aid of the Somerset Hospice Movement. A Concert featuring the Drystones Folk Duet, the Military Wives Choir, Yeovilton and some of Somerset’s emerging musical talent, compered by Ben McGrail of ITV News West country – preceded by a Somerset food and drink reception. Supported by Somerset County Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council and North Somerset Council. This is the main Somerset Day event held in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Anne Maw. Tickets available from Cedars Hall box office – Adults £25, 18’s and under £10 https://uk.patronbase.com/_WellsEvents/Producti ons/1TW/Performances Cheese & Cider Market Market House, Castle Cary 4pm – 9pm Local artisan food and drink to try and buy. There’ll also be buskers, beer and even a ‘cow’ for the kids to milk. Find out more on Facebook Castle Cary Cheese and Cider Market SUNDAY 13th MAY Local Producer’s Fayre Brean Leisure Park 9am – 4 pm. To celebrate Somerset Day 2018, Brean Leisure Park will be hosting a local producers’ fayre to showcase everything Somerset has to offer, be it food, drink, arts and crafts or community interests. Traditional Sunday Market will also be open. Somerset Breakfast being served in The Tavern from 9am until midday. Traditional Sunday carvery from midday. Outdoor bar, Children’s bouncy castle and appearances from Twiglet and the Unity Pigs For more information – admin@brean.com Tel 01278 751595 Somerset Garden Day To encourage everyone in Somerset to down tools, enjoy the diverse pleasures of their gardens and acknowledge the hard work that goes into keeping them special. Connect with neighbours, family and friends and celebrate the fruits of your gardening labour, by wearing a flower crown. For more information visit: www.gardenday.co.uk
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Where to see the best – the folk on the hill
SOME of the biggest winners in folk music’s most prestigious annual awards will be taking centre stage at this year’s Priddy Folk Festival. The festival, which takes place in the village from Friday, July 6th to Sunday 8th, has won a national reputation for being ahead of the curve when it comes to talent spotting. At last year’s festival, young rising concertina player Mohsen Amini stole the show with his high-octane, virtuoso playing as part of the fast-emerging Scottish trio Talisk. Fast forward to April 2018 and Mohsen took the muchcoveted Musician of the Year crown at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. And the good news is that the talented Glaswegian is back for Priddy 2018 as part of Ímar – a talented five piece made up of young folk musicians from Scotland, Ireland, England and the Isle of Man. Formed a year or so ago Ímar also garnered recognition at the awards, scooping the Horizon Award for the
Ímar will be playing at the Priddy Folk Festival
most promising new band or artist. And another award winner on the night are also appearing at this year’s festival. The Young’uns, who are regular favourites at Priddy, walked away with one of the leading awards – Album of Year, awarded for their critically hailed
2017 release Strangers. As always, this year’s Priddy Folk Festival is packed with top folk talent including Anxo Lorenzo, Sam Kelly, Tannara and Priddy’s own folk stars The Drystones who were also nominated for a BBC award.
For a full list of artists appearing this year and to buy tickets, visit www.priddyfolk.org
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Living history in Glastonbury
VISITORS to the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury can discover more about life on the Home Front at a Living History Day on Saturday, May 12th. Through performance, activities and exhibitions the event will depict Somerset’s experience of the First World War. Frome-based performance company The Little Victory Ball will explore the stories of mothers, wives and others on the Home Front. Using theatre, music, dance and poetry, and dressed in authentic period costumes, the actors involve audience members to create an immersive and interactive experience. The event will also explore how children were part of the Home Front effort. Activities will include decorating eggs, like those sent to cheer wounded soldiers abroad, and helping to build a scarecrow for the family farm. The day has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Visitor Services Manager Robin Savill
WHAT’S ON
The Little Victory Ball will explore stories from Somerset’s Home Front
said: “For Living History Day we will turn back the clock to create a snapshot of life on the Home Front. As well as discovering the stories of those left behind, we’ll also explore the themes of food production and medical care which were particularly important in the rural landscape of Somerset.” The exhibition, Echoes of War: The Somerset Countryside 1914–1918, will
also be open with objects, documents and photographs revealing more about the impact of the First World War on the county’s rural communities. ● The Living History Day is free to enter and runs 10am to 5pm. It is part of a series of events and exhibitions from the South West Heritage Trust that reveal more about the First World War and its legacy.
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Half term fun at the palace
THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells will continue its hugely popular season of holiday family activities this Whitsun half term with a week of family fun from May 26th-June 3rd. The focus will be A Bishop’s Life and a new family picture trail will be created around the palace and grounds, with clues for all ages to follow to discover different areas of the site. On Monday, May 28th, from, 10.30am-3pm children can join in their Make-it Monday craft session in the Undercroft, where they can discover the answers to questions such as “What does a bishop do? What do they wear? Where do they live?” And they’ll get the chance to design a cope, make an origami mitre or work on a bishop puppet! If they decide to head upstairs, the palace dressing up box will give them a chance to try dressing up as a bishop themselves. On Friday, June 1st, Nature Ninjas family gardening sessions will take place from 11am-3pm, when little ones can take the opportunity to get hands on with the palace gardening team and discover what jobs need doing at this time of year outside – there are also mini-beasts to hunt and a perfect pool for pond-dipping. There will also be a range of children’s garden games adjacent to the café so that any accompanying grown-ups can have a coffee break in peace whilst the children try their hands at Giant Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Connect Four and even Mini-Croquet!
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A laugh a minute in Wells RHOD Gilbert, Alexei Sayle, James Acaster, Limmy, Sara Pascoe, Tim Key, Mark Watson and many more will appear at this year’s weekend-long Wells Comedy Festival at the end of May. Now in its fourth year, the festival is bigger and better with 69 shows in six venues across the city. Over the bank holiday weekend of Friday, May 25th to Sunday, May 27th, the programme includes Welsh powerhouse Rhod Gilbert, the godfather of alternative comedy Alexei Sayle, “Mock the Week” regular James Acaster, cult Scottish comedy hero Limmy, multi-award stand-up Sara Pascoe, “Alan Partridge” star Tim Key and Bristolian wonder Mark Watson. Cheddar’s own Richard Herring and fellow West Country hero Jayde Adams will also be performing. There are also Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated
comics galore, including double award winner John Kearns and fellow nominees Joseph Morpurgo, Elf Lyons, Ahir Shah, Lucy Pearman, Ben Target, Adam Hess, Mat Ewins, Kwame Asante, Gein’s Family Giftshop and Steen Raskopoulos. Wells Comedy Festival is produced by Plosive Productions which stages comedy
Alexei Sayle will appear at Cedars Hall on Sunday, May 27th
Richard Herring performs on the Sunday lunchtime at the Little Theatre
(Photograph courtesy of Steve Ullathorne)
(Photograph courtesy of Paul Gilbey)
Nish Kumar, host of BBC Two’s The Mash Report, returns
James Acaster at a previous festival in Wells
For details, visit: www.wellscomfest.com
WHAT’S ON
events across the country. Ben Williams, founder and producer of the festival, said: “This is another huge year for the Wells Comedy Festival, nearly doubling in size compared to 2017. I couldn’t be happier with this year’s line-up, and with thousands of tickets already snapped up, it’s shaping up to be our best year yet.” As what is now a Wells Comedy Festival tradition, the Comedians Cinema Club close the festival with their live, chaotic, alcohol-fuelled reinterpretation of Wells’s very own “Hot Fuzz”. But the festival isn’t just about comedy. There’s also a late-night bar – open till 1am each night of the festival – serving proper Somerset cider and a speciallybrewed local beer exclusively for the festival. Plus food and drink from the Bianco Rosso Pizza Co – serving up fresh wood-fired pizzas, arancini and focaccia – and Claud the Butler – bringing its pop-up cafe, offering artisan coffee and homebaked cakes.
(Photograph courtesy of John Williams)
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Acclaimed stand-up Evelyn Mok MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018 • PAGE 109
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New attraction at Puxton Park
What makes an engine work?
PUXTON Park’s newest attraction, the Puxton High Ropes Course, has been opened by Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards. The new addition to the park, which stands over 25 feet tall, represents an investment of £300,000. Managing director, Alistair Mead, said: “This attraction has undoubtedly raised Puxton Park’s adventure factor to another level.”
THE Haynes International Motor Museum is always a great place for the whole family to visit and this half term there’s even more to do! For the youngsters between Sunday, May 27th and Saturday, June 2nd they are offering: Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow – how does an engine go? The tours will lead you around the whole museum giving you an insight into how an engine works. There will also be a surprise at the end, making this event great fun for kids and adults alike! This activity is offered at no extra cost over the normal admission price. Complete your day out in Café 750, serving a variety of meals, drinks and snacks; visit their gift shop whilst the children play in Haynes Hatch their coin-operated kid’s gokart track. Details: www.himm.co.uk
Film festival is here
THE team from Wells Film Centre are pleased to say tickets are selling fast for all events for this year’s Wells Film Festival, starting on Friday, April 27th. There is something for all tastes and ages from a pre-release screening of Sherlock Gnomes to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. ● The festival runs until Sunday, April 29th. For the complete programme and to book tickets visit: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk
NOW SHOWING From Friday 4th May From Friday 11th May
MAY EVENT CINEMA
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD NOW SHOWING:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (12A) • Avengers: Infinity War 3D/2D The Leisure Seeker (15) Sherlock Gnomes (U) 3D/2D That Good Night (12A) 3rd Manon ROH 7.15pm 10th Macbeth (15) NT 7pm 16th An American In Paris 7pm 17th The Dam Busters 7.15pm
● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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Wells Cathedral tours
WHAT’S ON
Wells Cathedral west gallery
YOU can be the first in-line to experience the exciting new High Parts Tour from Wells Cathedral which will offer visitors the chance to experience behind-the-scenes views of the iconic building from some of the highest points of the cathedral! From May 1st visitors will be given the chance to climb spiral staircases (there are up to 250 steps) to explore the “high parts” of the building as trained guides provide fascinating insights into the history, architecture and stories of Wells Cathedral. Tour participants will discover hidden spaces, galleries and chambers including behind the Wells clock (considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain) and one of only two surviving medieval tracing floors in the country where masons drew designs of areas of the building on the floor. Tours will run regularly throughout the week and places can be pre-booked via the Cathedral’s website. Jackie Croft, administrator and chapter clerk at Wells Cathedral said: “We are really excited to be giving visitors the opportunity to see the hidden spaces of the cathedral and there is something to capture the imagination of all. We are very grateful to the Friends of Wells Cathedral for providing the funding to enable the opening of this tour.” Bookings from both individuals and groups can be made via the cathedral’s website at www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit/tours, where T and Cs of booking are also available.
All the world’s a stage
GLASTONBURY Abbey will be bringing Shakespeare to the great outdoors in 2018. The season starts on Thursday, April 26th with a performance by Strode College Performing Arts students with their adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a specially created promenade performance for the Abbey grounds. More shows by other companies will be held on May 26th, June 2nd, June 13th and July 21st. Meanwhile, the abbey has announced new guided tours for people with autism. The monthly “quiet” tours will be held at 9.30am on a Sunday morning and are free with admission. The tours can be pre-booked online at: www.glastonburyabbey.com ● Pre-theatre suppers for the Shakespearean plays are available for all at Abbey House overlooking the ruins can be booked in advance at: www.glastonburyabbey.com
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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.
From this month: Spring Group Walks through the gardens of Camerton Court, Bath. Dates by arrangement. Contact 01761 479319 or www.bathcamertoncourt.co.uk Cameley House three acres of garden open for the NGS. Visitors welcome by arrangement between midApril & May for groups 10-30 (smaller groups considered). Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Fiona & Jonathan Hayward 01761 451111 flodden@btconnect.com Tuesday May 1st Guerra, Guerra! Music, the arts, & war 1800-2000 by Daniel Snowman, 11am Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, guests welcome. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk 01934 862435. Somerset Wildlife Trust Talk about Wildlife Crime, Caryford Hall, Ansford, Castle Cary, refreshments from 7.30pm, talk at 8pm, adults £3, children free. Congresbury Over-60’s Club Friendship Hour – tea, biscuits & chat, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. S.P.A Single social group meet every Tues evening, 8pm at Tramways, West St, Wells BA5 2HN. Details: Jackie 07908864914 or see www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk Thursday May 3rd Mendip Society talk “Managing National Trust properties for wildlife” by Ian Clemmett, NT lead ranger for Somerset, 2.30pm Wells Museum, BA5 2UE, members £2, Visitors £3.50, refreshments free. Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Barton Drove, Wavering Down, Compton Bishop, start 10am NT car park Kingswood, BS25 1NW, ST421560. Details: Margaret P 01761 232042 / 07910 873853. Friday May 4th Mendip Society talk “Panther Britannica” by Rick Minter on the big cats that have made our area their home, 7.30pm St James Church Hall, Winscombe, BS25 1BA, members £2, visitors £3.50, refreshments free. Open Mic Night at Redhill, hosted by Jerry Blythe, join us for an evening of live music, Redhill Club, BS40 5SG, 8pm. Details: Jerry 07900 587646. Saturday May 5th to Monday May 7th Breakaway Art Exhibition at Churchill Memorial Hall, 10am-5pm, home-made refreshments, Churchill BS25 5NH. Batik Exhibition plus work from local artists & quilters, St Bridget's Church, Chelvey, Nr Backwell, 10am–4pm, refreshments, donations to MS Society & church funds. Saturday May 5th Annual Plant Fair, Chilcompton Garden Club, 10am-12, Chilcompton Village Hall, BA4 3AX. Garden Day, Wells & Mendip Museum, 10.30 to 4pm, stalls & refreshments all day, charity plant stalls welcome. Details: 01749 675768. Plant Sale – East Mendip Gardening Club, 2pm4.30pm, Spindle Cottage, Binegar BA3 4UE, plants, veggie seedlings, cream teas – and little houses made by Alban Bunting (on TV!). Details: 01749 840200. Sunday May 6th Mendip Society walk, Widcombe & Hinton Blewett, a hard 6.5m, meet 2pm Herriott’s Bridge lay-by on A368 at south end Chew Valley Lake, ST 570 580, visitors welcome, £2. Details: Peter: 01761 221995. Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m circular Kilmersdon, Snail's Bottom, Chilcompton, start 10am Kilmersdon Village Hall BA3 5TG, ST696523. Details: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023. PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
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Castle Cary Gardening Association annual plant sale and coffee morning. Market House, Castle Cary. Beekeeping display and Tools for Self Reliance stall. Open until midday. Ffi: www.ccga.btck.co.uk Congresbury Gardening Club plant sale. 10am12noon. Congresbury Methodist Hall. Sunday May 6th and Monday May 7th Celebrating Somerset, Midsomer Norton Station, steam rides and various attractions, 10.30am-4pm. Details: 01761 411221 or www.sdjr.co.uk Bank Holiday Monday May 7th North Somerset Show – see page 12. May Day Fete, Claverham Village Hall, 12noon. Displays, dog show, bouncy castle, stalls, BBQ, teas. All welcome, entry free. Tower Open Day (and tea!) St. Mary's Wedmore, if aged over eight come and enjoy one of the best views in the county, from 10am. Call or email for reservations. Details: 01934 710149 & dahopkins@aol.com Mendip Ramblers easy 3m walk from Ammerdown Centre, start 1.30pm Ammerdown parking area BA3 5SW, ST711527. Details: Trevor & Val 01761 232311 / 07976 629342. First Pilton Jumble Sale Trail, 11am onwards, more than 30 stalls, fine cakes and other produce, numerous attractions and ample parking, supporting Glastonbury charity Children’s World. Wells Lions May Fair and Maypole dancing. Market Place 10am-4pm with maypole dancing around 1.45pm. Musical entertainment including Wells City Band. Ffi: Wells Lions Facebook page, email millerburt@btinternet.com, or 01458 210926. Tuesday May 8th to Saturday May 12th Frome Memorial Theatre FMTC present “Titanic The Musical” 7.30pm (& 2.30pm on Saturday), tickets £16/£14 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Tuesday May 8th Clevedon Art Club Hashim Akib – Demonstrating Figures in a Scene, 7.30pm 6th Form Centre, Clevedon School, BS21 6AH, non-Members £3 at the door. Details: www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Wednesday May 9th Pruning – talk by Gilly Hayward for Nailsea Horticultural Society, 7.30pm, Nailsea United Reformed Church Hall, members £2, non-members £3 includes refreshments, all welcome. Wells Civic Society, Wells Railways, three stations and many lines, with Colin Price, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. Kilmersdon Gardeners “Wicked plants: which ones are hiding in your garden” by Marian Dale, 7.30pm Kilmersdon village hall, BA3 5TD, visitors welcome, £2. Details: 01761 233325. Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, Baytree Road BS22 8HG, 7.15pm. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne: 01934 814752. Thursday May 10th Grassland Show, Royal Bath and West showground. “Made in Somerset” over 30 artisan stalls, crafts and produce, 10am–3pm at The White Hart and ACEarts, Market Place, Somerton, refreshments, entry free. Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Washing Stones Gully & Withial Combe, start 10am West Pennard Village Hall BA6 8RT, ST548381. Details: Francoise 01458 831823. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11.5m from Cerne Abbas, Ex117 ST 663014, start 10am Kettle Bridge free car park (not CP for Giant). Details: Carol: 07979 354530 or caj7599@btinternet.com Valley Arts presents Dragontail Theatre’s Pyjama Island, Bishop Sutton village hall BS39 5XJ, 10am, £5, under-1s free.
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Friday May 11th – Saturday May 19th Wedmore Arts Festival, music, drama, talks, art exhibition. Details: wedmoreartsfestival.co.uk boxoffice@wedmoreartsfestival.co.uk 01934 807229. Friday May 11th Somerset Day – see page ??? Saturday May 12th – Sunday May 13th A Festival to Celebrate Marriage 10-4pm St Edwards Church, Chilton Polden TA7 9DU, a display of wedding dresses & stories. Quirky Quilters Exhibition & Trade Stands, 10am4.30pm, Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton TA13 5DJ, café, adults £3, children free, supporting Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Saturday May 12th to Saturday June 30th Martin Bentham exhibition, Bishop’s Palace, Wells 10am-6pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Saturday May 12th Mendip Society Walk, Wellow & Hinton Charterhouse, a hard 6.5miles, meet 2pm, Station Rd car park Wellow ST 738 581, visitors welcome £2. Details: Martin: 01249 720809. Timsbury Art Group exhibition from 10am, Conygre Hall, free entry, refreshments, raffle. The group meets every Thursday, 2pm. Details: Sue Macey 01761 470951 or sueian.macey@talktalk.net ‘May Fair on the Green’ Winscombe Old Station Millennium Green, on the Strawberry Line, BS25 1AQ, 2pm, Maypole dancing, Samba drummers, owls, stalls, attractions, free entry. Willow Weaving Course, Wells & Mendip Museum, 10am to12noon, garden structures, £35, 10am to 4pm, sculptures, £60 incl. lunch, numbers limited. Please book: 01749 671770. Kilmersdon Gardeners annual plant sale 10am12.30pm Kilmersdon Village hall BA3 5TD, teas & raffle, free entry. Details: 01761 233325. Fosseway Garden Club plant sale, Ditcheat Jubilee Hall, refreshments and other table top sales, 10am12noon. Details: 01749 344219. Somerset Wildlife Trust Plant Sale & Coffee Morning, Market Place, Castle Cary, 9.30-12.30, raffle, cakes & home grown plant sale. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm, War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds & talking books. Somerset Garden Day celebration. Bishop’s Palace, Wells, create a floral crown, 10am-1pm, before Somerset Garden Day on the Sunday. Sunday May 13th Wessex Stationary Engine Club Crank Up, Sweets Tea Rooms, Nr Wedmore BS28 4UE in aid of the Alzheimers Society, free entry. Details: 01749 674402 or 01749 677297. Nearly New Sale in support of Meningitis Now, 23.30pm Ubley Village Hall, BS40 6PJ, baby & children's clothing, equipment & toys. Details: Kate: 01761 221444. Festival of Dogs. Collett Park, Shepton Mallet. Agility rings, stalls and fun dog show. 10am4.30pm. Admission free. Ffi: www.festivalofdogs.co.uk or find them on Facebook. Corsley Festival Choir concert. Handel’s Messiah Parts II and III. St. Margaret’s Church, Corsley. 7.30pm with Pimms bar from 7pm. Tickets £12.50 adults, £5 children. Tickets and info from choir members or phone 01985 841624. www.corsleyfestivalchoir.co.uk Monday May 14th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Mendip Folk Dance Club, 8 -10pm St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ, £3pp. Details: Pat 01934 742853. Tuesday May 15th Charles Saatchi – a modern Medici, The Arts Society
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lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350132. Congresbury Over-60s Club Friendship Hour – tea, biscuits & chat, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, 2 pm, St John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX, ploughman’s lunch. Details: 01761 413528. Wednesday May 16th Mendip Society walk, Wells, a moderate 4m through Beryl Wood ST 550 458, meet 2pm by west door of the cathedral, visitors welcome £2. Details: Peter 01761 221995. Henton & District Gardening Club, Painting with Plants – Jane Moore, 7.30pm, Henton Village Hall, Nr Wells. Mendip Gardening Club "Why Did My Plant Die?" Neil Lovesey, 7.30pm Ston Easton Village hall. Details: Hilary 01761 750139. Glastonbury Male Voice Choir with soloist Izzie Clarke, Glastonbury Town Hall, 8pm, traditional, sacred & contemporary music. Tickets from members, on the door or 01458 831218. Thursday May 17th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Montacute to Ham Hill, start 10am Montacute House overflow NT car park, TA15 6XP, ST499172. Details: Martyn 01458 833304. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6m from Old Frome Road, Wells Ex141 ST572462, start 1.30pm park roadside near Wells Golf Club. Details: Les: 07801 478775 or les_medcraft@hotmail.com Redhill Classic Car & Motorcycle BBQ Gathering, 7pm -10pm, Recreation Field, BS40 5SG, all welcome. Details: 01934 862619. Friday May 18th Frome Memorial Theatre “Psychic Sally Kisses to Heaven Tour“ 7.30pm, tickets £24. Details: 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Saturday May 19th Mendip Society an easy walk around the SSI at Westbury Quarry ST 504 503, meet 1pm at the quarry, Broad Lane, Westbury-sub-Mendip, visitors welcome, £2. Details: Richard 01275 472797. “Royal Duck Race”, Chew Magna 12noon, live screening of the royal wedding, live music, school fete, refreshments. Somerset Plant Heritage Spring Fair, Smallway Leisure, next to Wyevale Garden Centre BS49 5AA, 10am–3pm, admission free, nearby refreshments, specialist nurseries. Details: 01934 750895. “Music sans Frontieres” Axbridge Singers in concert with Cantagarrigue, their twin choir from the Languedoc, 7.30pm St John the Baptist Church, Axbridge, entrance free, interval bar. St. Andrew’s Church, Curry Rivel, 7pm, concert by Mendip Consort, music inspired by the Ist WW, tickets on the door. Binegar WI Somerset Federation Centenary, Binegar Memorial Hall, 1.30-3.30pm, cream teas, cakes, stalls, music from Penny Serenade. Benefit gig in aid of Children’s World charity. Starring ex-Squeeze frontman Glenn Tilbrook. Organised by Mayor of Glastonbury Emma George. Glastonbury Town Hall from 4.30pm until late. For tickets and info: www.childrensworldcharity.org/green-room-bar-ontor/ Street, chrysanthemum, dahlia and vegetable society plant sale, 8am-12noon, great selection of quality plants available, Library Gardens, Leigh Road, Street. Details: www.streetcdvs.org.uk Sunday May 20th Mendip Ramblers moderate 11.7m walk Holcombe, Cranmore, start 10am Stoke St Michael, Frog Lane car park BA3 5JL ST660471. Details: Mike P 01373 472101 / 07711 090656. Free Summer Concert, 3pm-5pm, St Benedict's Church, Glastonbury, Glastonbury Voices Choir, St
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Benedict's School, Abbey Players, St Mary's Singers & Roger Bond Saxophone, all playing free of charge to raise funds for restoration of our Grand Bechstein piano – retiring collection, refreshments. Details: Sandra 01458 835067. Redhill Classic Car & Motorcycle BBQ – food available, 7pm-10pm all welcome, Redhill Recreation Field, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Blagdon Village Fete from 1pm at Blagdon Court, Station Road, Blagdon BS40 7RN, all warmly invited to this traditional village fete. Open Gardens & Heritage Trail, Leigh on Mendip, BA3 5QQ, 11am to 4.30pm. Light lunches/cream teas. Plants for sale. Entry to all gardens £5. Proceeds: Friends of Leigh Church. Details: Graham 01373 812889. Monday May 21st Wessex Stationary Engine Club, "Out of the Earth: Bath’s mineral wealth, stone, clay and coal" with S Burroughs at the Old Down, Emborough BS3 4SA, 7.30pm, all welcome, free entry. Details: 01225 754374. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Wells Library are hosting a “Dementia Friends” event, 10.30–11.30am, find out more about dementia and the things you can do to help. Green Gardeners meet for a wildflower walk at Batcombe Downs led by Chris Cornell. Pre-booked. Details: visitors please contact Ron or Jen: 01458 899581. Tuesday May 22nd East Mendip Gardening Club talk on ‘Mixed Borders’, by Christine Brain, Oakhill Village Hall, 7.30pm, refreshments. Details: 01749 840200. Chilcompton Garden Club talk, ‘Creaking bones and an aching back need careful handling’ Ben Gait, chiropractor from Shepton Mallet, 7.30pm, Chilcompton Village Hall, BA4 3AX. Wednesday May 23rd Choir & Musicians of Wells Cathedral Junior School in Concert, 6.30 pm St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury, £12 (U16s free) on the door, proceeds to Friends of St Michael’s. Details: 01963 440929. Stellar Scribes authors will be in Wells Library 2pm–4pm, discover how to turn your novel ideas into exciting fiction. Thursday May 24th Mendip Ramblers moderate 7m walk Oakhill, Maesbury Castle, start 10am Oakhill Village Hall BA3 5AN, ST633475. Details: Trevor & Val 01761 232311 / 07976 629342. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11m from Butleigh Ex141 ST521337, start 10am, park roadside near PO. Details: Su: 07817 127904 or supinnegar@btinternet.com Friday May 25th Mendip Ramblers moderate 5m pub walk the Mineries & Eastwater, start 10am The Hunters Inn, Priddy BA5 3AU, ST540500. Details: Brian U 01749 672457 / 07476 797446. Garden Talk & Plant Sale with James Cross, head gardener, Bishop’s Palace, Wells, 7pm St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury, BA2 0LG. Donations towards church upkeep. Wells Cathedral lunchtime recital featuring music by composers affected by the events of WW1, 1pm, free entry but a donation expected.
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Saturday May 26th to Monday May 28th Flower Festival, 10am–5.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Compton Dundon, TA11 6PE, stalls & family activities all weekend, vocal ensemble “Intermedii” at evensong on Sunday, BBQ & Fete from 12noon -3pm on Monday 28th. Saturday May 26th Mendip Society walk from Congresbury, a moderate 5m along the River Yeo and through Ball Wood ST 438 639, meet 2pm car park nr A370 bridge, Gooseham Mead BS49 5BX, visitors welcome £2. Details: Richard: 01275 852786. Charity dinner for The Little Princess Trust, after which Jilly Warren will be having her head shaved! Auction, raffle, band, from 6.30pm, The Railway Inn, Sandford BS25 5RA. Tickets £25 from: jillysdoneanddusted@gmail.com Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm, War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds & talking books. Quiz Night, Redhill Club BS40 5SG. 8pm, teams max six or individuals, £1pp, refreshments available. Details: 01934 862619. Monday May 28th Cheddar Vale Lions duck race, Cheddar Gorge, first race 2pm. Bradford-on-Avon Lions Club Family Fun Day & Giant Car Boot Sale, free admission. Details: see Lions website or 01225 865851. Kilmersdon Village Day, dog show, pail trail, Jack & Jill Dash with fabulous prizes, car boot, craft & street stalls, another fun day for all the family. Tuesday May 29th Congresbury Over-60s Club Friendship Hour – tea, biscuits & chat, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Tuesday May 29th-Saturday June 2nd Somerton Music & Arts Festival art & photography exhibition in Somerton Parish Rooms, Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7NB, from 10am4pm daily, Saturday 10am-1pm, entry free. Details: www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk Wednesday May 30th to Saturday June 2nd Royal Bath and West Show – see page 114. Wednesday May 30th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall, talk on "tracking" buses and trains to determine arrival time, all welcome. Details: 01275 462107. Thursday May 31st West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10m from Wellow Ex142 ST 739584, start 10am, park village centre. Details: Vi: 07711 662993 or vihowley@me.com Thursday May 31st to Sunday June 3rd Flowers Through the Bible Festival at St Joseph & Teresa's Church, Chamberlain Street, Wells BA5 2PF, 10am-4 pm, admission free. Friday June 1st Open Mic Night at Redhill, hosted by Jerry Blythe, join us for an evening of live music! Redhill Club, BS40 5SG, 8pm. Details: Jerry 07900 587646. Frome Memorial Theatre "An Evening with Manchester United Legends" 7.30pm, tickets £25, optional pre show meet and greet £15. Details: 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Saturday June 2nd Mendip Society walk – a moderate 4.5m to Priddy Ponds ST 527 509, meet 2pm outside the (closed) New Inn by Priddy Green, visitors welcome £2. Details: Clive: 01275 848053.
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR MAY ACROSS: 1. Belize, 5. Fiji, 9. Mozambique, 10. Canada, 11. Seychelles, 15. Tonga, 16. Singapore, 17. Ghana, 18. Samoa, 19. Ireland. DOWN: 1. Bermuda, 2. Malta, 4. India, 6. Jamaica, 7. Bangladesh, 8. Wales, 10. Cyprus, 12. Scotland, 13. Namibia, 14. Naura.
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Supporting native breeds and the rural economy
WHAT’S ON
THE Royal Bath and West Show is “a regional show of Hackney pony and carriage in action national significance”, according to the show society’s chief executive, Rupert Cox. And this year several of its competitions will also provide an international stage. There will be six nations competing in sheep shearing and wool-handling championships and both the British cider and cheese awards have international standing – and judges. Mr Cox told a pre-show launch that the society’s role was to educate and inform the public about living in the countryside and the skill and commitment involved in producing quality food. He said: “We never forget that our visitors want to come to the show to see animals, taste good food, have a and help people to understand more about them.” bit of retail therapy and to be entertained.” There will be a day of private driving and new classes in the The 155th show promises all in abundance, with 11,000 competition entries, from cheese and shire horses to sheep, 125 show’s new equine area, where riders can qualify for Olympia and regional food exhibitors, and new attractions like stunt bikes and the Horse of the Year show. the Dorset Axemen. Mr Lyons also praised the 400 plus stewards who make the Head of shows, Alan Lyons, said native breeds will be show happen; the judges who come from all over the country and highlighted: “Some of our native breeds are really under threat. all over the world; and volunteers including girl guides, Castle Hackney horses – once the mainstay of London cab transport – are Cary Rugby Club, Street Theatre Group and carnival clubs like Bridgwater, Shepton and Glastonbury. now critical on the Rare Breed Survival Trust list. The Royal Bath & West Show will be held on May 30th–June “Otterhounds, which have a great tradition in the West Country, 2nd. Tickets are available from the website: are one of the most endangered dog breeds in the country, with http://www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-westonly 28 puppies registered last year. That’s why we’re so pleased show/visitors/tickets or by calling 0844 776 6777. to invite these important breeds to the show, to raise their profile
W IN A FAMILY TICKET TO T HE R OYAL B ATH AND W EST S HOW
TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil. Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone. DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available. ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information. TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire. PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers. EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2018
MENDIP Times has teamed up with the organisers of the Royal Bath and West Show to offer families the chance to enjoy a day at the event for free. We have five family packages to give away to attend the show, which runs from Wednesday, May 30th until Saturday, June 2nd. To enter, please answer the following question: Hackney horses were once the mainstay of which form of transport? Please send your answers to Bath and West Show Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us by Friday, May 18th. The first five correct entries will each receive a family ticket to attend one day of the show. The editor’s decision is final.
C OMPETITION W INNERS
LAST month we gave you the opportunity to win family tickets to the North Somerset Show on May 7th. The first winning entries drawn were from: Mrs I. Counsell, Stone Allerton. Caroline Fry, Tunley, Bath. Sally Moon, Frome. Kate Robertson, Writhlington. Mrs K. Dors, Winscombe. James Halford, Lower Weare. We also had two tickets from the Bristol Hippodrome for Miss Saigon. The first winning entries drawn were from Penny Halls, Winscombe and Pat Sills, Congresbury.
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