Mendip Times
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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 10
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
MARCH 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: TREE PLANTING • CHARITY RUNS • WHAT’S ON • BUSINESS • RIDING • GOLF • MUSIC & THEATRE Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
COMMUNITIES right across our area are busy planting thousands of trees in response to the climate crisis and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy campaign. We have pictures from many planting ceremonies and a message from the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw. Ed Burdge, the 17-year-old heart transplant patient we featured last month, was well enough to greet a party of friends who cycled to Papworth Royal Hospital in Cambridge raising funds for heart research. In Cheddar another group of former school friends have joined forces to raise money for mental health charities following the tragic death of a third young woman in the village. As usual, we have many pages devoted to the fantastic work of local charities and voluntary groups. Mendip’s social calendar springs to life this month. We have previews of the Mendip Farmers’ point-to-point and the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society’s annual match. As our burgeoning What’s On section shows, life is hopefully returning to some sort of normality. With all of our regular features and contributors – and thanks to all of our advertisers – welcome to another slice of Mendip life. April 2022 deadline: Friday 18th March Published: Tuesday 29th March
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk
Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV13 3XA. 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: Queen’s Green Canopy tree-planting in Shepton Mallet. Photo by Mark Adler. See page 8.
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Rewild your mind – outdoor crafts help mental health
83
Hope springs eternal – charity cattle auction
70
100 years young – celebrations for Stacey
This is for mum – Freddie’s Wincanton success
Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Nick Green .....................10 Internet and Crossword ..............16 Food & Drink ...............................20 Arts & Antiques ...........................27 Business.........................................32 Charities........................................42 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......49 Walking Sue Gearing ....................50
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........52 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......54 Health & Family ..........................59 Community ...................................62 Caving Phil Hendy ........................71 Property ........................................72 Riding Jane Paterson .....................82 Sport ..............................................86 What’s On.....................................93 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
Top award for Duncan Massey
Somerset Day 2022
Pictured (l to r) Jessica Cunningham, operations director, Andy Smith, medical director, Will Warrender, chief executive, and Duncan Massey
COMMUNITY first responder, Duncan Massey, has been named Volunteer of the Year by the South Western Ambulance Service. Chief executive, Will Warrender, presented the award at a ceremony on the SS Great Britain in Bristol. He said: “Duncan has been an active Community First Responder (CFR), in the village of Congresbury, North Somerset, and across the Mendips since 2006. “Duncan has always been a very active member of his community, heavily involved with other voluntary organisations such as Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue and volunteers many hours of his time selflessly to support those in need. “Throughout Covid, Duncan has remained active, selflessly supporting his community and wider North Somerset area despite the increased risks associated with volunteering in a front-line patient facing role during a pandemic. “Between March 2020 and October 2021 Duncan volunteered over 1600 hours of his time to support his community and attend over 250 incidents. “Duncan always has a smile on his face and is ready to accept any challenge, he has been a real asset to his community, and the SWAST family. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him and support him.” Duncan has also received a 43-year long service award from Avon and Somerset Police for work in Search and Rescue.
Pantry needed “more than ever” VOLUNTEERS who run Midsomer Norton’s community-run pantry are marking its first anniversary by calling for more donations as inflation continues to affect family incomes. They say the support from people in the town since the free-to-use pantry opened on February 27th has been overwhelming but demand is still on the rise. Kate Turner came up with the idea of the pantry – by the side of the Methodist Church – before the first Covid lockdown to offer tinned and dried foodstuffs,
NEWS
Pictured with members of Mendip Morris are Martin Thatcher (left) and Nigel Muers-Raby
THE campaign for this year’s Somerset Day has been launched with the support of Thatchers Cider and the Mendip Morris celebrating one of Somerset’s great traditions – the wassail. After so many Somerset flags were flown in 2021, the Somerset Day team are keen to celebrate Somerset Day on May 11th by asking people to buy a flag and Fly the Flag for Somerset. In addition everyone will be invited to take part in the Somerset Day 2022 Trail Challenge, an interactive map with details of physical destinations to help locals and visitors to explore the county in celebration of Somerset Day. Nominations for the trail will be open until March 18th and the trail itself will be open from April 2nd until May 11th. Somerset Day founder, Nigel Muers-Raby, said: “What better way to evoke your passion for Somerset than to nominate and visit your favourite places and businesses?” There will be a series of different trails ranging from food and drink to landmarks, iconic buildings, attractions and events. Details: www.somersetday.com
toiletries and other essentials to anyone in need. It is open to all. Kate said: “If anything, the need for the pantry is on the rise, especially since Christmas and the New Year. As well as food, we need nappies and women’s hygiene toiletries. “A huge thank you to Sun Chemicals, Rebellion Design and Juejue, who runs charity bingo nights in Chilcompton, for their massive financial support, Tesco for regular donations and to all the people of Midsomer Norton who have donated
Needed as much as ever: Kate Turner (right) with fellow volunteers Virgie Lewis (left) and Fi Cantillon (centre) at the pantry
vouchers and goods that makes this community pantry a huge success.”
For details, find Midsomer Norton Community Pantry on Facebook
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 5
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East Harptree plants new woodland EAST Harptree Environment Group has celebrated the completion of a new wildlife corridor at the village playing field. The woodland strip has more than 400 native trees and shrubs and is designed to link with nearby hedgerows and create a protected corridor for wildlife. They have also put up owl and bat boxes. The volunteers have now started planting in the corner of a field near the village church and are appealing for more landowners to suggest other sites, Chairman, Chris Johnson, said: “These green corridors can create a nature recovery network and make a contribution to reversing climate change.” Playing field trustee, Graham
Chris Johnson
Volunteers on the village playing field
Harding, said: “It’s good to see all these village groups coming together to support this project and doing
something so positive for the playing field, for wildlife and the village itself.”
Amy Johnson and Olivia, aged 19 months
Nick Roberts and Bea Alexander
The Sweet Track is safe
THE Sweet Track, the UK’s oldest wooden walkway on Natural England’s Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve in the Somerset Levels, has been found to be safe from the effects of climate change. The wooden trackway, built by the first farming communities in 3,806 BC, crossed the reed swamp, joining an island in the floodplain to the Polden Hills. The wood has miraculously survived for almost 6,000 years because it lies within waterlogged peat, where the lack of oxygen prevents decay. There were fears that climate change and hot, dry summers might mean the peat surrounding this prehistoric trackway will dry out and the archaeological remains will suffer decay and be lost. In one area of the Shapwick Reserve, the Sweet Track is protected by an active pumping system that maintains a high water table. A four-year project by the South West Heritage Trust, funded
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by Historic England, has found that the remains of the Sweet Track outside the pumping system are not at risk of drying out, due to a combination of good water management on the rest of the Sweet Track uncovered reserve and the immediate topography. Extensive reedbed, similar to that which existed when the Sweet Track was built, maintains a high water level year-round, preventing the Sweet Track from drying out in summer.
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Fund bounces back to help Mendip projects
ENVIRONMENT
Environment gift to schools
A grant supported scything at Slader's Leigh
THE Mendip Hills Fund has made grants to 14 projects this year, worth £12,500, which help the environment and community across the Mendip Hills. Grants were awarded to tree planting projects, creating new areas for wildlife, a heritage trail in Axbridge, helping Burrington Parish Council maintain the public toilets, the information centre in Cheddar Gorge that’s run by the community and improving Litton Village Hall. Other projects included help for vulnerable people through access to the area and a community archaeology project that brings people together. All the successful projects will be contacted soon by Somerset Community Foundation with their official confirmation. Due to a fall in income related to the pandemic, the fund made no awards for the previous 18 months. It is a partnership between Somerset Community Foundation and the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership providing grants of up to £2,000. Applications can be made between September and November. Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB said: “We've had an amazing year raising money for the fund, seeing it bounce back after a difficult time due to the pandemic. “Visitors and local businesses are delighted to contribute when they see the success of the Mendip Hills Fund on the ground. The panel who make the decisions were thrilled to see the number of children and local people who will benefit from grants to get out and about in the area.”
Pupils from Owl class, Wedmore First School Academy
CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club is encouraging environmental projects in schools by donating Wild Tribe Heroes story books. The books, written by Cornish author Ellie Jackson, are designed to help children to learn more about how to help animals, plants and sea creatures and how we can all help to take care of our world. The set of six books includes free access to a range of interactive digital teaching resources for teachers and pupils. The Lions have donated the first books to Wedmore First School Academy, Axbridge First School and Cheddar C of E First School. If feedback is as good as they expect, they will consider donating sets of Wild Tribe Heroes to other local primary schools.
Wedmore litter pickers
GREEN Wedmore is holding a litter pick in Wedmore on Sunday, February 27th, with special guest Eleanor Thatcher from Thatchers cider going to help. Thatchers have supplied some new litter grabbers as they are very conscious that some of their customers leave their empties on the roadside. Organisers are hoping for a good turn-out of helpers from 10am on the day. Details: 07967 660040
Axbridge First School head Dominic Shillabeer with pupils from Redwood Class
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ENVIRONMENT
Planting for the jubilee and beyond A NEW copse has been planted by volunteers in Shepton Mallet as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to mark her platinum jubilee. People of all ages took part in the event, representing the seven age groups of her 70-year reign. Called the Crown Copse, the 21 trees – Juneberries (amelanchier lamarkii) which have white flowers in the spring and blue berries in the autumn – were planted in Collett Park with the support of Shepton Mallet Town Council. Anne Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, attended the community event – with some families giving names to the trees they had planted. The copse was laid out by local garden designer Angela Morley, a Colin and Elaine, who moved to the area just a few months ago
Joseph and William check the hole for size… PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Members of Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society and the first of the tree planters gather in Collett Park
member of the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society which came up with the idea. Grass between the trees
will be mown to create a path and, viewed from the air, it will resemble a crown.
… and William with the tree in place
From little acorns… Oriana, aged one
Signs giving details of the trees and the Green Canopy Project have been placed at each end of the copse
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MENDIP TIMES
The art of hedge laying
THERE are some wonderful heritage skills which shape our countryside. Amongst them is hedge laying. Before the introduction of With NICK mechanical hedge GREEN trimmers, a winter job for farm workers was to trim and lay the farm hedges. Hedges were trimmed annually and laid every ten years or so. Laying a hedge involves clearing the brambles and weedy growth out, cutting part way through the remaining plants and laying them on top of each other at an angle of about 35 degrees to the ground. By cutting only part way through, the plants can be bent into position and they stay alive. They are all laid in the same direction and should always point uphill. Stakes are driven into the ground at regular intervals to hold the
newly-laid hedge in place. The newly-laid hedge maintains a stockproof barrier, is great for the environment, provides food for wildlife and is valuable habitat for insects, birds and mammals. There are many regional styles of hedge laying with the one seen on Mendip being North Somerset style. The skill of hedge laying almost died out in the second half of the 20th century but some Mendip farmers involved in the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society started giving lessons to teach the skill. The lessons have continued and at the culmination of the course, participants are invited to compete in the annual hedging match. The Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society was formed in 1832 and is one of the oldest hedging societies in the UK. The annual hedging match started when the vicars from three adjoining parishes argued their hedge layer was better than the
Wrington and Burrington's last match
others. It is assumed the three parishes were Wrington, Burrington and Blagdon. A competition was staged between the three hedgers and since then (with the exception of 2021 due to Covid) it has been held annually somewhere within the three parishes. This year’s match is being held at Hazel Manor Farm, Compton Martin on March 12th. It is a great day out and as well as watching the hedge layers in action there are plenty of refreshments available.
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
Livestock to take centre stage
Sheep classes will return
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CATTLE, sheep and pig classes will be the centre of attention at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show in June, alongside equine classes, rural life exhibitions and popular family entertainment. Deputy head of shows, Jess Chiplen, said: “Livestock competitions, parades and equestrian classes are at the show’s heart and true to our traditions. “Although it bridges the gap between urban and rural life, it remains an agricultural show and captures farming’s past, present and sustainable future.” The show takes place from Thursday, June 2nd to Saturday, June 4th. One new development is the expansion of the showground’s Beadle Arboretum as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project, courtesy of generous pledges from council members and society supporters.
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FARMING
Tractor show raises thousands for charity A 65-YEAR-OLD tractor owned by a couple from Oxfordshire was named best in show at the Somerset Classic and Vintage Tractor Show at Shepton Mallet. Bought as a chassis and boxes of bits from Powys in 2013, Trevor Fowler, of Witney, spent 18 months restoring the 1957 McCormick International Harvester. It is complete with transport box, milking machines and milk churns. The return of the show after the pandemic had been keenly awaited by enthusiasts and organisers said it was the busiest they had ever known. Earlier, they had held a minute’s silence in memory of countryside enthusiast and exhibitor Mike Brockway, of Coleford, who had died just a few weeks earlier. Mike regularly took along his Fordson Super Major two-engined Triple Doe D tractor, one of the most unorthodox tractors ever built. Mike was also a regular sight in his Bristol car. The two-day show at the Royal Bath and West Showground raised £11,000 for local charities and organisations. The Dorset and Somerset Ambulance received £3,000, and Brainwave, MIND and Somerset and Dorset Animal Welfare £2,000 each. Hot Rock Carnival Club and Smandys Carnival Club received £1,500 and £500 respectively for marshalling and other duties. l Mike Brockway’s friends will scatter his ashes and celebrate his life on February 26th, 11.30am at his home, The Cottage, Stockhill, Coleford.
Trevor and Wendy Fowler with their award-winning tractor
One of the most unusual machines on show
Nick Bryne, who lives near Ditcheat and is a former show organiser, with his Fordson tractor
Enthusiast and collector Colin Cloude, of Pylle, paid his own tribute to the late Mike Brockway…
The auction by HJ Pugh attracted hundreds of lots and an equal number of potential bidders
… seen here with his Triple Doe tractor
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North Somerset Show preparations are underway ORGANISERS have begun preparing for the 162nd North Somerset Show on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd. Entries are now being invited for the annual event at the agricultural showground in Wraxall, just outside Bristol. Bumper entries are expected for the exciting show which puts the region’s agricultural expertise on display, providing a spectacular day of entertainment for all. Show secretary, Tim Ledbury, said: “Planning is well on the way and we are inviting those who rear livestock, produce food, are involved in the equestrian world or follow countryside pursuits to come forward and join in the fun.
“There are prizes to be won, but more importantly this is a chance to show off the best of British agriculture in this region and to celebrate the countryside and the people who work in it. “Agriculture is especially important in this part of Somerset and the show gives farmers, traders and visitors the chance to celebrate the very best of our countryside. Following the last two years I am hopeful that the public just want to get out and enjoy a day in country.” As well as farmers and producers, local firms wishing to sponsor a category or showcase their products are urged to go on the website and register their interest. The one-day show has been a highlight of the countryside calendar in North Somerset since 1840 when a small group of farmers formed the North Somerset Agricultural Society, having previously got together for ploughing competitions. The livestock classes will feature cattle, pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas coming from all over the South West. The equestrian programme, includes show jumping, Royal International Horse Show qualifiers, heavy horses, hunters, Shetland ponies and more. Arena events are being finalised with a full day’s programme for all the family. Early bird tickets are on sale and are priced at Adult (16+) £17, Child £7 and Family (two adults and two children (4-15) £42. Grand Parade of livestock in 2019
Details: www.nsas.org.uk 01934 837283
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Hope and Charity in the auction ring
FARMING
A 22-month-old Angus heifer called Hope and a 12-month-old Hereford heifer called Charity have helped raise more than £20,000 for Cancer Research at the second Candlemas Auction at Frome Livestock Centre at Standerwick. Hope alone raised £5,200 for the charity after it was twice bought then resold, the first time by Nick Hill on behalf of Frome Livestock Auctioneers for £2,100, resold for £1,600 to
Hope in the auction ring
Martin Hemmett presents a cheque on behalf of the Frome Fatstock Society to Katie Ferrett watched by (l:r) Nick Hill, Mark and Nicola Ferrett and Katie’s partner Josh Howden
Graham Bach and finally, for £1,500, to Martin Burrough. Charity was sold for £950 to Luke Stacey. Hope was donated by Katie and Nicola Ferrett as part of Katie’s fundraising efforts for the cancer charity after her uncle Robbie was diagnosed with cancer. Robbie is the brother of Mark Ferrett, one of the fieldsmen at the livestock centre. The other animal was donated by Tom Comley. The auctioneer was Trevor Rowland. Martin Hemmett, from FLA, said: “Everyone here has been trying to do as much as possible to support Mark and his family and the farmers here have been fantastic also.” The sale was also poignant for the team at FLA as auctioneer Michael Joyce died recently from cancer.
the annual Great Candlemas sales took place on the 4th and 11th of February.
The sale ring was lively and packed full of buyers from all corners of the UK, looking to purchase the topquality stock on offer. It included several consignments of well-bred suckled calves, with strong Angus, Hereford and Native Bred store cattle also on offer, a super show of out-wintered hardy cattle with prices soaring to peak at £1710 for the very best forward stores. On Friday 11th February we held a charity auction in aid of Cancer Research UK. A 20-month-old Aberdeen Angus x Heifer, donated by “Cowleaze Farm” sold for a total of £5200! It was followed by a Hereford Heifer kindly donated by Tom Comley selling to £950. If you would you like a visit from your local fieldsman, please call tom Rogers 07384 462288
Charity Auction in Aid of Cancer Research UK:
“Hope” sold for £2100 to Frome Livestock Auctioneers, reoffered, sold for £1600 to Graham Bach, reoffered, sold for £1500 to Martin Burrough. Hope’s totAL = £5200!
In total, more than £20,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK and we would like to thank everyone that contributed.
Frome Livestock Market, standerwick, Frome, somerset, BA11 2QB tel 01373 830033 email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: http://www.fromelivestock.com/
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 13
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Bushcraft book as couple expand into rural crafts NICK and Louise Goldsmith’s Hidden Valley Bushcraft, based in woods at Pensford, has been flat out for the last two years welcoming key workers affected by the pandemic, as well as service veterans. Their Woodland Warrior bushcraft courses featured recently on a BBC We Are England programme about mental health. Nick has also found time to write a book, ReWild Your Mind, on the value of spending time in the outdoors, particularly for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. Now they are adding a new string to their bow, with rural skills courses for veterans. Hedging champion, Colin Clutterbuck, from Stanton Drew, hosted one of the first, on hedge laying. A local police officer turned bee keeper is offering to run courses on beekeeping. Farmer Johnny Alvis has been helping to create raised beds for a vegetable garden. Nick, a former Royal Marine commando who suffers from PTSD himself, said: “The gardening courses will be run by Matt Price. He came to us five years’ ago and went on to set up his own business, Matt’s Plot. He’s going to show other veterans how to Nick and Louise Goldsmith get into gardening.” It’s the kind of success story that has earned them a national reputation, with 140 veterans booked on courses this year. They have also seen 200 key workers during the course of the pandemic. Funding for
Nick (front right) while filming for the BBC
the veterans comes mainly from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, but funding for key workers is drying up. After the BBC programme, which included a doctor and ambulance control operator talking about the pressure of the pandemic, as well as veterans, they received an influx of referrals into the programme. Louise said: “The veterans’ courses are funded for the next two years, but we need help to support those for key workers, perhaps a commercial sponsor.” She works full-time marking exams, looking after the administration of the bushcraft business in the evenings and at weekends. The couple’s son, Finn, will be three in April. Nick also makes short videos, including one recently on Seasonal Affective Disorder, and they have 55,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel. He hopes the book will be published later in the year. Publisher, Welbeck Publishing Group, say: “ReWild Your Mind is a practical guide that will help readers to connect with nature to become happier, healthier and more at peace with the world.”
The hedging course
Details: www.hiddenvalleybushcraft.co.uk and www.woodlandwarriorprogramme.org https://www.youtube.com/c/hiddenvalleybushcraft PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
NEWS
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INTERNET
Emergency phone tips
IN a previous article, we looked at using What3Words to help find you if you’ve had an accident in a remote place. It’s really helpful if you can’t explain where you are or don’t know the exact place. “This is Mendip Times” address:https://what3words.com/skate.released.watching But there are other things you can do. Emergency SOS You can make an emergency call from a Samsung or an iPhone – tap the power button 3 times for Samsung or 5 times for iPhone and it will activate an emergency call. Voice activation Most smartphones will have voice activation – just say – Hey Siri on an iPhone or – OK Google on Android and then say – dial 999. Contact 999 by text You can also text 999 if you are unable to speak. However, you do need to register in advance – text the word Register to 999 then follow the instructions. Then you just type 999 in the text number, then a brief description of your problem. The emergency service will then reply or tell you that help is on the way. If you don’t get a reply within three minutes, try something else. But all of these rely on your phone working and being charged. But if you know your phone is about to run out of battery, there is one thing you can do. Change your voicemail message to include where you are – even if it’s only a rough idea, it’s better than nothing. So when your phone dies and someone tries to ring you, they will get a message to help to find you. Don’t forget to change it back afterwards though! If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you can press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears, then drag the Emergency SOS slider to call 911. If you continue to hold down the side button and volume button, instead of dragging the slider, a countdown begins, and an alert will sound. If you hold down the buttons until the countdown ends, your iPhone automatically calls emergency services.
Submitted for I.T. for the Terrified by Lynne Duckett. Although we have stopped our one-to-one tuition, we will continue with this column to keep the name alive. This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. I.T. for the Terrified: it4ttcvh@gmail.com PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Units of currency in Saudi Arabia (6) 5 Separate article or proviso in a contract (6) 10 Part of a deceased holy person kept as an object of reverence (5) 11 American illicitly distilled spirit (9) 12 In this village in 878 a peace treaty was signed by Alfred the Great and Guthrum the Dane (7) 13 Long sleeved woollen garment (7) 14 Recurring theme in a musical composition (9) 17 Small radio device that notifies the owner someone is trying to contact them (5) 18 Wide open space like Salisbury’s (5) 19 Sprite does not start to cover value of being fit to fly (9) 21 Place or means of access (7) 23 The isolated tower on top of Glastonbury Tor is the remains of a church. To which saint was it dedicated? (7) 25 Reference book particularly register or catalogue (9) 26 An Inuit’s house (5) 27 Ski in a winding path avoiding obstacles (6) 28 Chooses without a start but still chooses (6)
DOWN 2 Stood around doing nothing (5) 3 The final runner in a relay race (9) 4 River of Northern France. Its upper basin was the scene of heavy fighting in the first world war (5) 5 Change political affiliation in the House of Commons (9) 6 Passageway in church or supermarket (5) 7 Description of clothing that hugs the body (9) 8 Gardening hand tool (6) 9 Person inside clothes (6) 15 Marking the beginning of an activity or maybe someone taking office (9) 16 Change completely, metamorphose (9) 17 Forbid, especially by law (9) 18 Somerset’s highest village above sea level (6) 20 A primary colour (6) 22 Where in windows one would find spreadsheets (5) 23 Not for certain! (5) 24 That hard bit on the end of a shoelace (5) Clues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 86
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A young Guy with his mum Ali
time and looking back she had obviously been struggling with her mental health. However, as a 15-year-old lad I didn’t really know what was happening and it was a complete shock for me when she passed. “This is why we are doing the fundraiser, so that everyone can better educate themselves about the signs of mental illness and know how to spot it and what to do to help someone who's struggling.” Doreen Smith, Operations Director, for The Space said: “The idea for the fundraiser was sparked from the recent devastating loss. Sadly, Somerset has one of the highest records for young suicides in
l C
the country, so services such as The Space where we provide free counselling services to children and young people are badly needed. “This fundraiser will provide a great opportunity to raise awareness of our services and hopefully will encourage children, young people and their families to get in touch.” As Mendip Times went to press the challenge had raised £12,222.
Sofia
Details: https://amillionmetres.co.uk/ • www.thespacesomerset.org.uk
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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Runners at Axbridge Reservoir
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A LARGE group of former school friends from Cheddar have united to raise funds for mental health charities. Their Million Metre challenge also remembers three young local women who took their own lives. It’s been organised by local man Guy Locke, with each runner contributing 100km or more of running to raise as much money as they can for local mental health charity The Space and national charity Mind. Guy said: “Our Cheddar-based group sustains a strong connection to the local area and to each other. We have come up through the local school system together, and then spread across the country, but our sense of community always remains. “This solidarity is never stronger than when a loved one is lost. Sadly, we have recently suffered another devastating loss to the seemingly invisible struggles of mental health. “The aim is to honour our friends and families, whilst raising awareness and vital funds for the organisations on the front line of this issue. The money will help provide essential care and support to those that need it most. “And help educate all of us on our mental health and the things we can do for our family, friends, colleagues and ourselves.” A 19-year-old woman from Cheddar died on January 4th. The challenge also remembers Ali Locke, Guy’s mother, who died in 2013, and Sofia Legg, who died in 2016, aged 14. It was shortly after Guy’s 15th birthday that his mother died. She was involved with the tennis club and local choirs and was a talented musician. Guy said: “I was living with Mum at the
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Million Metres challenge for mental health
NEWS d)
MENDIP TIMES
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MENDIP TIMES
FOOD & DRINK
Say goodbye to winter . . . hopefully!
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
Welcome to March – winter is on the way out and the evenings are getting lighter… but it can still remain cold outside. This month I’ve created some dishes to keep you toasty: a creamy, peppery sauce you can use in all sorts of ways; a hearty baked potato pie and a scrumptious vegan peanut butter cake.
BAKED POTATO PIE INGREDIENTS
(serves 5-6) 4 large baking potatoes 200g of grated cheese or use a batch of the pepper cheese sauce from the previous recipe 400g minced pork 1 diced onion 2 grated carrots 1 tin chopped tomatoes Heaped tsp each of mixed herbs, ground coriander, cumin, garlic granules and smoked paprika Tortilla chips Tomatoes Gaucamole
This is everything you want from a baked potato, loaded with cheese, and a warming pork chilli. Made this way you can easily serve large and small portions.
METHOD Bake potatoes until soft (I do mine in the microwave for ten minutes and then finish off in the oven). Meanwhile, fry the mince, onions and carrots for ten mins., then add all the other ingredients and cook for a further 20 minutes. To assemble the pie, slice up the potatoes and layer up (like a lasagne)in an oven proof dish, starting off with a bed of potatoes. Spread a layer of mince then a layer of sauce or grated cheese, or both. Sprinkle some cheese on the top and bake in the oven until hot and bubbly! Decorate with tortilla chips, tomatoes and guacamole.
PEANUT BUTTER CAKE
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
CREAMY PEPPER CHEESE SAUCE
This a lovely versatile sauce that could be served over pasta, gnocchi or used as a dip for crudités. I made some courgette fritters to accompany mine.
A versatile sauce which can also be used as a dip
INGREDIENTS For the sauce: 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 150g hard cheese (I used Red Leicester) 150ml double cream 2 tsp cornflour 1 tsp garlic granules
For the courgette fritters: 200gr grated courgette 1 tsp garlic granules 1 tsp tarragon 2 eggs 75g self-raising flour
This cake can easily be made vegan, if you use a plant-based milk. METHOD Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and pour into a lined 2lb loaf tin and bake for 45 minutes to an hour at 160ºC. Leave to cool. Melt chocolate and peanut butter together and pour over the top. This cake is best eaten on the same day but will taste gorgeous the next spread with peanut butter or chocolate spread and chopped nuts.
METHOD For the sauce, blend the raw pepper, cheese, cream and garlic and then cook over a low heat for 15 minutes. Mix the cornflour with a little water and stir into the sauce to thicken, season with salt and pepper pepper and it’s ready to serve! For the fritters, squeeze the excess water from the grated courgettes and mix together with all the other ingredients, then gently fry spoonfuls of the mixture in olive oil for three minutes each side.
INGREDIENTS 300g self-raising flour 150g sugar 400ml milk/vegan substitute 200g peanut butter, crunchy or smooth Teaspoon of salt Topping 100g chocolate (vegan) 80g peanut butter Chopped nuts (of choice)
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MENDIP TIMES
Country shopping at its best
North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW
Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 8.30am–5.30pm • Sunday 4pm Saturday 8.30am–5.30pm • Sunday 10am–5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9am–4.30pm
Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
TEA ROOMS
Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Function room available for hire
MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM
Barbecue time with our home-produced meat
Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts
Enjoy a good Sunday roast
Reduce plastic – with our reusable glass milk bottles
Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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WILD FOOD
Getting stuck on the coast
COASTAL areas make for good foraging, a fact that we only seem to have recently ignored in favour of a trip to the shops. Now, one can hardly be blamed for this as with so many things from the wild there is usually a price to pay, either in the form of travelling a long distance to find your prize, With ADRIAN finding it’s not ripe yet, then someone or BOOTS something else beats you to it, too hot, too cold and or just plain old bad weather etc. In this case, the price to be paid is being stuck by some of the biggest thorns ever invented. The prize is the astonishing bright orange berries and the wonderful if sharp (in more ways than one) juice they contain. Did I mention the over-powering smell of malic acid (also found in apples), and when it gets into those thorn punctures and cuts...? Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is common all around the British coast with the exception of some parts of Wales and Scotland. They prefer shrubby coastal areas and of course sand dunes. The bright orange berries are hard to miss and can be found from July, are ripe in September, but can be seen right through the winter. Be warned, collecting these berries is a very sticky business as they easily burst. They provide an astonishing amount of beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, B2 and E, potassium, iron, boron, manganese, and they also have antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumour properties. Apparently, it’s even anti-x-ray! As a result they are used extensively to treat many medical conditions. They are extremely popular in the East, Scandinavia, Finland, Russia and the Ukraine but can be strongly purgative, so take it easy on quantities. You can make a number of really fun things with sea buckthorn berries including jams, sorbets or a cordial. But the best way to enjoy your efforts and go some way to mitigate the time spent removing sharp bits of shrub from one’s fingers is to add the juice to sparkling wine for a sea buckthorn bellini or as a replacement for your usual fruit juice in a cocktail. Certainly makes braving all those thorns worthwhile. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FOOD
Love of carrots
WE had a good harvest of carrots for storage over the winter and we’re just getting through the last of them now. They were much damaged by carrot fly but are very sweet and tender – they just take a bit more peeling! We sow from spring through to around midWith JAKE summer and pull up the last of the roots WHITSON as we head into late autumn. Next year we will try covering some beds with a fine mesh to exclude the carrot flies, which seem to be the main pest. Another method which we haven’t tried yet is to build a 2ft high polythene screen around the carrot beds – this apparently excludes the low-flying female flies. I can think of no other produce that has become so uniformly insipid in the supermarkets than carrots. Bred for high production and above all else resilience in transport, the modern carrot has, to my mind at least, lost all vestiges of carrot flavour, leaving behind only a crunchy, watery and slightly sweet stick. I often think it is no wonder so many people decline to eat many vegetables when that is what is on offer. Pretty much any home-grown carrot, by comparison, has an incredible head-filling aroma, balanced sweetness, slight bitter notes near to the tops and a substantial, satisfying texture. I love carrots like this raw, either on their own (often while I cook dinner), with hummus, or – a new favourite of mine – dipped in olive oil and sprinkled with dukkah. This Egyptian and Middle Eastern nut/spice dip is fantastic with raw vegetable and really easy to make. Simply toast 50g blanched hazelnuts and a tablespoon each of cumin, fennel, coriander, black peppercorns and sesame seeds in a hot oven until the hazelnuts are light brown. Then crush to a coarse, chunky powder in a food processor or pestle and mortar and add salt to taste.
Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 23
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MENDIP TIMES
FOOD & DRINK
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The veg boxes with added value – social purpose! MEET Wally Dean and Charlie Walker – just two reasons why buying a veg box from Root Connections can make a huge difference to the lives of people facing challenges in their lives. Root Connections, based at Manor Farm at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, is a Community Interest Company with a real hands-on social purpose as it works directly with the homeless or people recovering from alcohol or drug dependency. Both Wally – a nickname – and Charlie are in their 50s and are getting back on their feet through gardening and horticulture, helping to grow the produce that goes into the veg boxes delivered on a one-off, weekly or fortnightly basis. The market gardens and polytunnels at Manor Farm are springing into life with fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables – spring flowers will soon be available also. As well as the home delivery service, Root Connections are regular visitors to farmers markets in Castle Cary and Midsomer Norton. Wally is a resident at the Dairy House
Wally with his poem dedicated to Root Connections
next door to Manor Farm. Working with the Elim Connect Centre in Wells, it offers safe accommodation to a number
of residents. Wally used to live in Glastonbury until the pandemic and turned back to alcohol. Now, one of the highlights of his week is making soup from the freshly-picked vegetables for the Friday communal lunch at the Dairy House; he’s also a keen poet and has written one especially about how life on the land has transformed him. Charlie is another “success story”. He has passed the first stage of a City and Guilds horticulture course at Root Connections – run in conjunction with Bridgwater College – and has just found a job two days a week doing gardening and maintenance at a luxury campsite near Cheddar. Charlie said: “I’ve always tried to stay positive even when things were going badly for me. You just have to be persistent.” l Root Connections was the beneficiary of a charity concert at nearby Downside School, featuring young musicians. Project founders Sue and Rob Addicott were guest speakers.
Root Connections CIC 11537595
Delivering veg boxes with a social purpose!
Fresh Spring flowers coming soon!
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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Funding programme open for farmers in the Mendip Hills AONB
IF this were an episode of Dr. Who, and I stepped back in time to an Iron Age Mendip, I like to think that I would still recognise many of the features of the landscape that make it such a special place to be. There would be sunny (foggy and cloudy?) limestone grasslands on the dramatic southern slopes, deep combes and gorges with beautiful exposed rock faces jutting out through the woodland trees, and at the heart of Mendip, farming communities pasturing hardy sheep, goats, and cattle to feed their families and trade with neighbouring communities. Archaeological studies have shown that a diverse Neolithic economy powered by farming and lead mining created a mosaic of habitats – which successive generations have shaped into our distinctive landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), one of England’s finest landscapes. Farming is an essential element of the Mendip Hills landscape. As well as delicious British products, farmers here can also supply public goods such as healthy soils, clean water, abundant biodiversity, and preserve beautiful landscapes for everyone to enjoy. Supporting the delivery of public good is likely to form a strong component of upcoming schemes in the new farm payment system Agricultural Transition Plan, and farmers and land managers within the AONB can get a head start through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. Running until 2024, Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme works alongside new and existing countryside management schemes to give farmers and land managers (including from the private, public, and charity sector) extra support to help protect the Mendip Hills AONB. Funding is available for projects which deliver benefits under one or more of these four categories: l Nature – supporting nature recovery, increasing biodiversity, improving connectivity between habitats, and enhancing management of existing habitats l Climate – sequestering carbon, reducing flood risk, ensuring the landscape is more resilient to climate change, and helping local communities adapt to the effects l People – actively engaging and educating
MENDIP HILLS AONB
the public in land management, and providing more opportunities for existing and new audiences to explore and enjoy the landscape l Place – enhancing the character of the landscape, protecting/enhancing/interpreting local cultural heritage features, and supporting the local rural economy The Mendip Hills AONB unit coordinate the programme, alongside an independent local assessment panel who review applications. We are keen to support as many farmers as possible to deliver public goods through this programme, putting farming at the heart of nature recovery and public engagement in the Mendip Hills. Since August 2021, projects we have funded through this programme include: l 6,000 trees planted in over 850m of new hedgeline near Charterhouse l Ongoing rebuilding of a dilapidated drystone wall near Charterhouse l Restorative works of a traditional Somerset orchard, drystone wall repairs, and wildlife surveys to advise on pond restoration near West Harptree l The creation of a wildlife pond near Westbury-sub-Mendip l 200m of drystone walling to be undertaken this summer near Priddy l The purchase of a tractor-mounted bale unroller to prevent soil damage around round feeders on sensitive grasslands near Ebbor Gorge l The creation of a new permissive, multiuser access route linking Priddy and Ubley Warren l Laying of 150m of historic hawthorn hedge near Ubley l A contribution towards the start-up costs of a new outdoor education charity near Churchill l Provision of a water supply to allow grazing of a SSSI near Westbury l Funding for a demonstration of regenerative agriculture practices near Compton Martin l A contribution towards the costs of an event celebrating natural fibres and farming, to be held at the end of March near Compton Martin l A project including hedge-laying, tree planting, and the removal of marginal land from production near Hinton Blewett And more applications are coming in all the time…
If you farm within the AONB and have projects you have been considering, or if you would like to receive a free advice visit to discuss potential ideas and check you are eligible, contact the Mendip Hills AONB Unit by email (mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk) or telephone (01761 462338) and ask for Megan. There is more information on our website (mendiphillsaonb.org.uk).
50th anniversary
Fifty years ago, on February 14th, 1972, the announcement was made that the Mendip Hills would be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and signed by the Secretary of State on December 1st, 1972. The AONB team are planning a series of exciting activities throughout the year to help people share their love for the area in recognition of the 50th anniversary.
Megan Godley Farming Engagement Officer Farming in Protected Landscapes Mendip Hills AONB Charterhouse Centre, BS40 7XR Office telephone: 01761 462338 Email: megan@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 25
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MENDIP TIMES
NEWS
Westbury gets planting
THE Westbury-sub-Mendip Community Tree Group has been busy planning 2,500 trees, thanks to the hard work of a score or so volunteers from the village, from neighbouring Easton, from Strawberry Line supporters and – especially – from a bunch of cheerful, hardworking Mendip AONB Young Rangers. The half-mile hedge has been planted alongside a new fence that has been provided by Greenways and the Strawberry Line and, once complete, will form a good new chunk of the cycling/pedestrian route from Cheddar to Wells. The whole project was given an added excitement by the donation and planting
Pictured (l to r) Ros Wyke, leader Mendip DC, Lewis Morrison, Tree Council, Tim Haselden, AONB, Buffy Fletcher, Community Tree Group
Volunteers in action
of two fine young trees donated by the Tree Council as part of its 50th birthday celebration. One of these was helped into the ground by chairman of Westbury Parish Council, Sue Isherwood, and the other by leader of Mendip District Council Ros Wyke, and Westbury Community Tree Group leader, Buffy Fletcher. With a little more work and the repair of a style or two, local residents can now look forward to enjoying a new circular walk. Looking even further ahead it’s hoped this path will form an important chunk of the planned extension to the Strawberry Line cycle route from Cheddar to Wells. Buffy Fletcher said: “This has been a fantastic pooling of resources and manpower from a whole variety of interested groups. Our local Community Tree Group provided some manpower (age range three to 75) and over 100 of the young trees. “The Strawberry Line and Greenways provided the stock fencing and Mendip
Steering group seeks more members
CHEW Valley Plants Trees is looking for six new members to increase their steering group in line with the growing interest in their organisation. The group was set up to help address the climate and ecological emergency at a grassroots level, aiming to support the doubling of tree cover in the Chew Valley between 2020 and 2030, providing carbon capture, enhanced ecosystems for biodiversity and promoting sustainable food production. They promise to engage in expertadvised conversation to find the right tree for the right place and to ensure that
landowners wishing to plant trees felt supported in doing so. One of the founding members, Jackie Head, said: “We are looking for people with an interest in developing our social media presence, in helping with our site visits to farmers and landowners, in helping with funding applications and in staffing our stall when we are out and about. “Being a member would mean attending a Zoom meeting once a month and perhaps offering a couple more hours a month engaging with other tasks. “We can tailor your contribution
District Council awarded the grant for the purchase of the remaining plants (through its Community Fund). Last but not least, Mendip AONB provided advice and support, two beautiful trees and a wonderful band of willing and hard-working Young Rangers.” The Westbury-sub-Mendip Community Tree Group was set up in late 2020. Since then it has created a tree nursery in the village and propagated some 1000 young trees from locally-sourced seed, planted a new woodland to the west of the village, assisted with the re-stocking of Lynchcombe Wood which is badly affected by ash dieback disease and given advice and practical assistance to various other tree planting projects in the parish. Buffy said: “It’s all about community spirit, and answering the need to plant trees for a whole variety of reasons. Our aim always is use locally sourced stock, and to put the right tree in the right place.” One of Chew Valley's mighty oaks
towards your skills and interests and the amount of time you can offer.”
Details: chewvalleyplantstrees@gmail.com 07900 641839
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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A great start to the year
The auctions at Killen’s Mendip Auction Rooms have been refined this year - with only a slight name change to some, to better suit the variety we offer and to help the buyer. For the seller, consigning has not changed – we welcome consignments every weekday from 10am to 3pm as usual, with house visits for larger items and collections possible by prior arrangement. These tweaks, however, give us the opportunity to channel your consignments even better to target audiences and for buyers to find their desired items – helping us achieve the best possible results for your objects. The new auctions have already seen a wide range of items reaching high prices even this early in the year, with a vintage pair of child's riding boots reaching the top early on, followed by a collection of vintage work tools. A blue and white Chinese vase saw incredible interest, both nationally and internationally, and eventually sold for £10,800 – a sign that the market for Chinese art is still buoyant. Gold jewellery and coins continue to sell well, as does silver, and two beautiful pieces of Boucheron jewellery caught the eye midJanuary. It is always a highlight for the team to be able to offer items of local interest and mid-February was no exception when a local maker's handiwork took one of the top spots with a Stuart Turner casting (unmarked) single cylinder pecker valve gas engine, made by the late TR Acock of Weston-super-Mare.
ARTS & ANTIQUES
Although of a child's size, these models are not toys but real engines in miniature - the quality of materials and skilled workmanship certainly deserve their market value. As always, we look forward to receiving your items at any time of the year - our experts will guide them to the most appropriate auction, with Interiors and Collectables, Fine Arts, Antiques, Silver & Jewellery and Sporting, Fine Wines and Spirits featuring in March.
Contact the team at Killens on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 27
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MENDIP TIMES
New art classes
TWo new art classes in drawing and sculpture begin soon at The hive in peasedown St John. The classes are run by local artist, holly Bennett, who draws on her wide experience of creative practice and teaching. The classes are suitable for all adults and all levels of ability, working at your own pace. everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. Sculpture classes will run from 1-3pm on Tuesdays, and drawing classes from 1-3pm on Wednesdays. Details: holly@hollybennettsculptor.com 07980 625004
Pam Harman retrospective
A ReTRoSpeCTIve art exhibition is being held in St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna in memory of Dr pam harman, who died last summer. It will be held on Saturday, February 26th, 10am–5pm and Sunday, February 27th, 12.30–4pm. Dr harman was for many decades a much loved Gp and lay reader in the Chew valley. She was also a bold and fearless artist and poet, working in a variety of media from watercolour to welding. pam died during the summer of 2021 and numbers able to attend her funeral were limited due to Covid regulations. organisers say this weekend exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate her life and her commitment to the Chew valley community. The exhibition of over 80 paintings and sculptures will also include live music, poetry, refreshments, a prayer trail and an opportunity to buy many of the works (in aid of church funds). on Sunday, at 11am, there will be a service inspired by pam’s art. entrance is free and all are welcome.
Details: cvechurches@gmail.com 01275 331061
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Antiques don’t have to be that old
The world of antiques never stands still. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that their vintage treasures will be as valuable today With (or more valuable) as CHRIS YEO when they first bought them, but the truth is antiques are as much at the mercy of fashion’s fickle finger as a hemline or hairstyle (for those of you lucky enough to still have hair). over the last decade, “Mid-Century”’ has emerged from nowhere to become the in-thing, with some pieces achieving a level of excitement previously reserved for Chippendale and his ilk, despite being a mere 50 or so years old. As the name suggests, the Mid-Century style dates from the middle decades of the 20th century, roughly from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s. Rather like Art Deco, the name was coined long after the period in
question. When it first emerged, our parents and grandparents knew it as Contemporary, and it influenced everything from the shape of a sofa or a coffee pot to the pattern on a tablecloth. It was youthful, stylish and bang up to date and that was exactly what people wanted. every style comes with its cultural baggage and Mid-Century speaks of an era of confidence, which looked ahead optimistically to a future of ever-increasing prosperity with more money and time to relax and enjoy life. Mid-century interiors were all about chic style and ease of living and this was also reflected in the furniture. Small wonder it appeals to us so much today. The philosophy of good design available to all, championed by the great MidCentury designers like Charles eames, was also taken up by manufacturers at the more affordable end of the market. Good quality and well-designed, these pieces can be
ARTS & ANTIQUES picked up at reasonable prices while still ticking all the boxes for style and quality. ercol fits firmly into this category. established in the 1920s by Lucian ercolani, the family-run firm revolutionised the home furniture market in the 1950s. Ercol room divider Today their spindly, Scandinavian-inspired designs are back in vogue, leading to some very healthy prices at auction. At Clevedon Salerooms a good-looking “Giraffe” room divider in light elm recently sold for a very respectable £700.
Chris Yeo is a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Please visit their website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 29
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MENDIP TIMES
Top sixth form education
BOTH Kings Sixth (Cheddar) and Nailsea Sixth Form are part of the Wessex Learning Trust and offer leading post-16 provision. Whether you’re looking for A-Levels, vocational courses, or BTECs there’s something for everyone across their sixth form centres. At their sixth forms, you’ll be able to explore your independence whilst also benefiting from outstanding small group teaching and supportive pastoral care. They focus on you as an individual, and tailor their support to ensure you can flourish in whatever you choose to do. Throughout your time you will receive exceptional nextstep support. They will help you narrow down your options and focus on what you need to do to get where you want to go – be that university, apprenticeships, or employment. Both centres boast outstanding prospects and achieve well above the national average of A* to C grades and entries to Russell Group Universities. Beyond your studies, you’ll also be able to grow through an incredible range of extra-curricular activities, volunteering, and work experience so that you can be your most rounded version of yourself. Whatever you’re looking for – you can find it at a Wessex Learning Trust Sixth Form. Details: https://www.kowessex.co.uk/menu/sixthform/sixth.php https://www.nailseaschool.com/sixth-form/
EDUCATION
Learning cooking skills
CHILDREN at Bishop Sutton primary school are now better equipped in culinary skills after cookery sessions from Sara Hayes of Live, Learn, Cook, based in Clutton. Sara has taught food, nutrition, health and hospitality for over 20 years and founded her company in 2016. She said: “The kids made a soda bread loaf, some cheesy stuffed jacket potatoes and apple crumble. The day was focused on understanding the importance of eating local food where possible and knowing a little more about the delights that are produced locally.” Head, Dieter Cook, said: “Understanding healthy eating and having a healthy lifestyle is a really important part of children's broader education. The lessons give children some cooking skills, as well as understanding some of the science behind cooking.”
College gets planting
FROME College’s Eco Club planted 500 trees in and around the old showfield in Frome, making it part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. It has received a message of thanks: “With your support we are creating a greener UK and a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.” Principal, Emma Reynolds, is pictured planting one of the trees. Details: www.queensgreencanopy.org
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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MENDIP TIMES
Tree huggers featured in Channel 4 series
Jill (left) and Inez during the filming of Four in a Bed
GLASTONBURY business Middlewick participated in Channel 4’s Four in A Bed and although they didn’t win, it was a great showcase for the family-run enterprise. With more than 750,000 tuning into the daytime television show, it was great publicity for Jill Barker and their spa manager Inez Findlay. The filming took place during lockdown with four competing establishments fighting for top place in the competition. Jill said: “It was never about winning the show, we were never going to be game players like some competitors. Inez and I went on the show to have a fun time and show off Middlewick and the Spa at Middlewick for the magical place that it is here in Glastonbury.” One of the highlights was the Middlewick-hosted activity. Each competitor had to take part in an activity that is chosen by the host. Matt Witt from To the Trees took the contestants on a tree walk to the ancient oak trees Gog and Magog that are located at the rear of Middlewick Farm. All the contestants loved a bit of tree hugging with a view of Glastonbury Tor. l The episode is available to watch on Channel 4 On Demand.
Solicitors support hospice
PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
SOLICITORS in Weston-super-Mare, Burnham, Clevedon, Cheddar and Wrington are giving their time, free of charge, to write wills in return for a donation to Weston Hospicecare during its Make a Will Week, starting on February 28th. Almost £20,000 was donated by supporters last year. The suggested donation for a will is £120 and £200 for a pair of mirror wills. It’s being supported by solicitors Bennetts Law, Bartlett Gooding and Weelen, John Hodge, Holley and Steer, Powells Law and Wards Solicitors. Supporters are advised to contact participating solicitors directly as soon as possible as spaces always fill up quickly.
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Obtaining title to land by adverse possession – “squatters rights”
Adverse possession of registered land Prior to the coming into force of the Land Registration Act 2002, a squatter could acquire the right to be registered as proprietor of registered land if they had been in adverse possession of the land for a minimum of 12 years. However that Act created a regime that applies only to registered land. It makes it more likely that a registered proprietor will be able to prevent an application for adverse possession of their land being completed. Now adverse possession of registered land for 12 years of itself will no longer affect the registered proprietor’s title. However: • after 10 years’ adverse possession, the squatter will be entitled to apply to be registered as proprietor in place of the registered proprietor of the land • on such an application being made the registered proprietor will be notified and given the opportunity to oppose the application • if the application is not opposed the squatter will be registered as proprietor in place of the registered proprietor of the land • if the application is opposed, it will be rejected unless either • it would be wholly unfair (by virtue of his conduct) for the registered proprietor to seek to dispossess the squatter and the squatter ought in the circumstances to be registered as proprietor • the squatter is for some other reason entitled to be registered as proprietor • the squatter has been in adverse possession of land adjacent to their own under the mistaken but reasonable belief that they are the owner of it, the exact line of the boundary with this adjacent land has not been determined and the estate to
which the application relates was registered more than a year prior to the date of the application. • in the event that the application is rejected but the squatter remains in adverse possession for a further two years, they will then be able, subject to certain exceptions, to re-apply to be registered as proprietor and this time will be so registered whether or not anyone opposes the application 2. Adverse possession: the essentials Adverse possession requires factual possession of the land, with the necessary intention to possess and without the owner’s consent. You must show that the squatter and any predecessors through whom they claim have been in adverse possession for at least 10 years ending on the date of the application 2.1 Factual possession Factual possession signifies an appropriate degree of physical control. It must be a single and exclusive possession. Thus an owner of land and a person intruding on that land without his consent cannot both be in possession of the land at the same time. The question what acts constitute a sufficient degree of exclusive physical control must depend on the circumstances, in particular the nature of the land and the manner in which land of that nature is commonly used or enjoyed … Everything must depend on the particular circumstances, but broadly what must be shown as constituting factual possession is that the alleged possessor has been dealing with the land in question as an occupying owner might have been expected to deal with it and that no one else has done so.Where the land was previously open ground, fencing is strong evidence of factual possession, but it is neither
BUSINESS
indispensable nor conclusive. 2.2 The intention to possess What is required is not an intention to own or even an intention to acquire ownership but an intention to possess. This means the intention, in one’s own name and on one’s own behalf, to exclude the world at large, including the owner with the paper title if he be not himself the possessor, so far as reasonably practicable and so far as the processes of the law will allow. Where the squatter has been able to establish factual possession, the intention to possess will frequently be inferred from the acts making up that factual possession. 2.3 Possession without the owner’s consent Possession is never ‘adverse’ if it is enjoyed under a lawful title. If, therefore, a person occupies or uses land by permission of the owner with the paper title and his permission has not been duly determined, he cannot be treated as having been in ‘adverse possession’ as against the owner of the paper title. These are potentially complicated claims in which obtaining legal advice is often a wise move. EDWARD LYONS
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and costeffective legal service for commercial and individual clients. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168
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Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 33
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Specialist grants available
SMALL and medium-sized businesses in Somerset have the opportunity to apply for grant funding worth up to £6,000 to help them grow and develop. The Business Growth Support Programme is the latest initiative to launch as part of Somerset’s work funded by Community Renewal Funding from the UK Government. It will support 30 small and medium-sized businesses to boost the pace and scale of their development. The initiative will prioritise businesses working in the clean growth, aerospace, digital, and agri-tech sectors, including their supply chains. Grants will be awarded to businesses to allow them to access specialist and expert business support service providers to meet their own specific needs and have a transformative impact on the business. Applications should focus on initiatives that boost the pace and scale of development, transformation, innovation, decarbonisation, or employment growth. The grant is one of five programmes being delivered through the Unlocking Somerset Prosperity initiative designed to support businesses and entrepreneurs across the county. There is only a short window to apply for these grants, with the call for applications closing on Friday, February 25th. For details, visit: Community Renewal Fund 2021 – 2022 (somerset.gov.uk) under the section on Business Growth Support Programme
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BUSINESS
The divorce process: what farming families need to know THE farm can be one of the most treasured family assets. In many cases, the farming way of life will have been passed down through the generations and as such the farm often forms the hub of the family. However, when couples divorce after a long marriage, all assets are placed into one “matrimonial pot”. The assets are then divided so as to achieve equality; this can include the family farm. The court will consider the need to rehouse both parties and when there are children involved, the court will want to ensure that they are rehoused in an adequate property. When there is no liquid capital, the court will have to consider whether it is necessary to sell the farm. However, many families will want to prevent this from happening. In the event of divorce, farms can be more complicated than other assets. Farms are often inherited by one party prior to a marriage and can be owned by various members of a family. As such, there can be other parties’ rights and interests to consider.
Additionally, many farmers will want the asset to be retained because it both generates their income and there is often a desire to leave it to future generations. It is usually necessary to have the farm valued and assess the financial situation as a whole. This will enable a solicitor to determine whether a settlement can be reached without the need to sell the whole or parts of the farm. It is usually possible to come to constructive solutions without recourse to the court. If parties are able to enter into negotiations, then the complexity of the farm can be considered, and flexible solutions can be reached. Furthermore, many of these issues can be prevented if the parties enter into a pre-nuptial agreement before they get married. It is also possible to come to a similar agreement during the marriage; this is known as a post-nuptial agreement. The agreements create the opportunity to discuss what would happen to the family farm in the event of separation and can be very persuasive when
Victoria Cobham
coming to a financial settlement. It can also prevent lengthy solicitor negotiations or court proceedings at a later date. At Mogers Drewett, we understand the importance of retaining the farm but also achieving a fair financial settlement for both parties.
If you would like further information, then please contact Victoria Cobham on 01749 342 323 at victoria.cobham@mogersdrewett.com
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 35
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Haven Timber nominated for two awards STAFF at Somerset based Haven Timber are celebrating after being named as finalists in both the Somerset Business Awards and the South West FSB Small Business Awards. Martina Dytor Butler, managing director of Haven Timber, located just off the A36 between Bath and Warminster said: “Becoming a finalist has been a gratifying acknowledgment for our amazing, hardworking team. We are excited to attend both award ceremonies.” Haven Timber is an independent, family-run business specialising in timber, fencing and garden buildings. With a focus on sustainability, the business is committed to providing high quality timber and timber products at very competitive prices. Popular with both trades people and retail customers, Haven Timber boasts a well-stocked impressive timber yard with a range of construction timber, fencing timber, fence panels and trellis and a garden building display together with an indoor shop area with an array of fixings and accessories. The Somerset Business awards is the county’s largest annual black-tie awards ceremony, recognising companies around Somerset for exceptional accomplishments across a range of fields. Haven Timber is in the running for the medium “Business of the Year Award” and in order to win will have demonstrated how they can stand out from the crowd through areas such as ambition, profitability, growth, sound business planning, customer satisfaction and management of people – they will have a “wow factor” that is worth celebrating. This award is judged by Alison Smith, director of Brook Financial Management. The Somerset Business Awards Ceremony takes place on March 11th at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-super-Mare. Tickets are on sale from February 15th. The FSB Business Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the selfemployed across the UK. The high-profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards is the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar.
Pictured (l to r) Martina Dytor Butler, managing director, James Lambert, manager, and Paul Dyke, sales team member
With winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year, it’s an opportunity for widespread recognition. Haven Timber has been named as finalist for South West Micro Business of the Year, an award which celebrates micro businesses punching above their weight for businesses with fewer than ten employees and which have demonstrated strong revenue growth and a product or service of a quality that stands above competitors. The South West final takes place on Wednesday, March 2nd at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-super-Mare. Haven Timber is open to the trade and public, Monday to Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-1pm. Located just off the A36, in the picturesque village of Norton St Philip, nestled between the George Inn, one of the oldest pubs in England, and the Farleigh Road Farm Shop & Café. They are conveniently located and within easy access from Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Frome, Westbury, Warminster, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Details: www.haventimber.co.uk • Telephone: 01225 720140 • Email: Sales@haventimber.co.uk
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BUSINESS
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 37
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Time to plan your holidays
THE world is open again and Global Independent Travel’s North Somerset Holiday Show is back! Meet with cruise experts, chat to honeymoon providers, pick up specialist brochures and seek holiday inspiration for 2022 and beyond. It's time to start planning your dream holiday, chat with the specialists and enjoy the experience of exploring the globe to plan your next holiday destination with big names like Jet2 Lisa and Laura
Holidays, MSC Cruises, Sandals, Ingham's, Wendy Wu, Newmarket, Titan and more! As well as expert advice from travel professionals, there will be complimentary wine tasting from Winscombe Wine Shop, exclusive presentations, the Bakers Dolphin Gold Coach on display, travel offers and free raffle with fantastic prizes including the chance to win a £250 holiday voucher. Plus, live booking stations will be available on the day should you wish to snap up a travel deal! The Holiday Show is free to enter but registration is advised. The Holiday Show, Sunday, April 3rd, 11am–3pm, Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, Congresbury BS49 5AD.
Details: Visit www.globalindependenttravel.com/events or call 01275 774 886 to book your place or receive a holiday quote
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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Death of Malcolm Pearce
MALCOLM Pearce, former owner of both Bath and Bristol rugby clubs, has died at the age of 83. He and his wife Judy lived at Lady Farm, Chelwood. When Bristol Rugby Club faced financial oblivion in 1998, almost exactly 110 years since it had been created, it was Malcolm who provided the lifeline that allowed it to return to the top tier
in a single season. He was the man who attracted a World Cup winning coach in Bob Dwyer and the former England and Bath coach, Jack Rowell, to oversee the resurgence and to bring in top class players who could compete against the best. Before that he had played a major role with Bath Rugby Club during their glory days. Usually describing himself as a simple farmer, he was anything but. He had built a newspaper distribution business and had a limitless appetite for fresh ideas and an ability to think outside the box. Above all, he was interested in everyone he met and was always the best company and he will be missed by many. Condolences to Judy and all the family.
Spring has sprung!
SNOWDROPS, crocus and even daffodils have made an appearance – but not just the natural ones. The Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival was getting underway as Mendip Times went to press and sculptor Fiona Campbell, from Cranmore, was hard at work using recycled materials to create giant snowdrops to decorate Collett Park in the town. Using donated materials, including plastic bags, Fiona has used unusual stitching techniques in her work. Meanwhile, students from Whitstone Academy in the town were helping festival organisers decorate planters celebrating the snowdrop and the town’s Snowdrop King, James Allen – a Victorian plantsmith who discovered ways to hybridise the plant.
Fiona at work in her studio in Cranmore
PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Museum set to reopen
NEWS
AXBRIDGE & District Museum in King John's Hunting Lodge is gearing up to open for another season on April 1st. Do an 18th century fire truck, Roman-era skeleton and workhouse coffin have something in common? Yes, they are all to be seen in the museum inside the notable, 16th century, National Trust-owned lodge in medieval Axbridge Square. These are not the only artefacts on display in the three floors of this small, charming museum, which also holds a wide and varied collection of exhibits relating to the geology and social history of this historic area, from the Stone Age to the mid-20th century. The three-storey Lodge was built during the area's wool-trading heyday and has had a number of reincarnations in its long life; among them, a tavern, a mini-mall of small shops and traders and, until the 1960s, a private dwelling. The museum is open from April 1st, Wednesday to Sunday, 1-4pm, and from 11am to 4pm on the first Saturday of each month to coincide with the Farmers' Market in Axbridge Square. Details: www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk Twitter KingJohnHuntingLodge@AxbridgeMuseum
A carpet of snowdrops greets visitors to the Bishop’s Palace gardens
And hundreds of visitors enjoyed the snowdrop festival in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. l We’ll bring you full coverage of the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival in the April issue of Mendip Times.
Eva, aged three, enjoys the snowdrop trail in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace with mum Teila and dad Otis
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MENDIP TIMES
Festival figurehead sings for hospice
Taya Minchington
Gardens to open in aid of air ambulance
Michael Eavis on stage
MICHAEL Eavis and his band Grasier lent their support to a charity concert at Faulkland in aid of Dorothy House Hospice. The Glastonbury Festival figurehead sang a number of wellknown standards to a sold-out barn at the Tucker’s Grave Inn. They joined Karl Ficarotta, Taya Minchinton, Rave to the Grave and local favourites Avalon Highway at the event, organised by music promoter Mike Mihalas, who runs the community interest company Music Expo UK.
DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced the launch of its Blossoming and Blooming open gardens initiative, which asks people to show their support by opening their gardens to members of the public between June and September. It says the initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for people to hold a special event within their local community in aid of the air ambulance, which relies on the generosity of the public to help raise their operational costs of over £5 million per year. Fundraising manager, Emma Jones, “We believe that spending time outdoors with nature is essential for our health and wellbeing. That is why we are asking people to open their gates, share the love of their garden, whilst raising funds for us.”
Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/open-gardens fundraising@dsairambulance.org.uk 01823 669604
Air ambulance kept busy
Avalon Highway after their barnstorming set
Michael with Sarah and Mike Mihalas, Sarah was celebrating her 60th birthday PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
GREAT Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has announced that 2021 was its second busiest year on record. The Critical Care Team received a total of 1,964 call-outs to incidents across the region which includes North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire. The most significant increase in incidents was to children and teenagers in urgent need. In 2021, 14% of GWAAC’s total call-outs were to children and teenagers; dispatches to this age group doubled from preceding years. In North Somerset, 14% of missions were to a child or teenager in need. One mum, Becky, said: “If it wasn’t for this fabulous team, Alfie would not be with us today.” The increasing demand for GWAAC’s service means the charity needs to raise over £4 million a year to remain operational, yet it receives no day-to-day funding from the Government or National Lottery, relying on the generosity and support from local communities. Details: www.gwaac.com
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WESTON Hospicecare’s next Men’s March fundraising event will take place on Saturday, March 12th. Walkers will follow a ten-mile route from the Grand Pier to Sand Point and back. After the walk, participants will receive a warm Pieminister pie and a thirst-quenching pint of Thatcher’s Cider before watching Six Nations rugby action. Events Manager Jane Murch said: “Over the past three years the Men’s March event has seen hundreds of men come together to support Weston Hospicecare. “Whether you are walking in memory of someone, to support your hospice, just for fun or a combination of all three, the Men’s March is a really enjoyable event.” It costs £18.50 for adults and £12.50 for children to register to take part, with walkers asked to make a donation or raise sponsorship for the hospice. Details: westonhospicecare.org.uk/mensmarch call 01934 423900 or email jane.murch@westonhospicecare.org.uk
Support for local food banks
THE chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen SprawsonWhite, has donated £1,200 to local charities across the district using money from the chair’s fund. The money has been given to food banks, including Wells Vineyard, Fair Frome, Glastonbury Bridging the Gap, and Street and Shepton Mallet Salvation Army branches. Elim Connect Centre, a homeless emergency shelter, also benefited from the funding. Cllr Sprawson-White, said: “I’m pleased to be able to support these much-needed, invaluable assets within our communities. “In these unsettling times, more people than ever are relying on food banks and a place to shelter, which is why we must show our support to the charities and volunteers who work so hard.” Bob Ashford, chair of trustees at Fair Frome, said: "The pandemic isn’t over with many people with acute health and financial needs, continuing to feel anxious, isolated and struggling to feed themselves and their families. “Demand on our services has never been higher and we are expecting it to continue to rise. With this very welcome support and that of the local Frome community, we will do everything we can to meet the growing challenges ahead."
Charity ride for mental health
30 years of links with the Gambia
AVON Fire & Rescue Service is celebrating 30 years since the start of a charity supporting emergency services in the Gambia. In 1991, firefighter Dave Hutchings witnessed a fatal accident while on holiday there and discovered there was no fire service cover. On his return Dave, who went on to become Chief Fire Officer, set up the charity with the support of Avon Fire Authority. Since then, many fire appliances and ancillary vehicles have been donated to the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service. Avon has facilitated over 60 training trips for fire and ambulance services and Banjul International Airport Fire Service. Dave, who is still patron of the charity, said: “I’m incredibly proud to see the GAFSIP charity is still going today. What started with a winter holiday to the Gambia has truly made a difference to communities out there.” Last November after not travelling to the Gambia in over two years due to the ongoing pandemic, Chief Fire Officer Mick Crennell, trustee Paul Kirk and a group of firefighters, travelled to Gambia to officially deliver donated fire appliances, as well as uniforms and other equipment.
TONY Tanner from Clutton plans to celebrate his 60th birthday this summer by cycling from Land’s End to John O’ Groats raising money for the health charity Mind. He said: “I wanted to do something to challenge myself mentally and physically. I really enjoy cycling and especially during lockdown this has kept me feeling good mentally.” He’s busy planning the 1,000 mile trip, due to start on July 1st. His support vehicle will be his wife Lee and dog Alfie in their VW T6 Tony said: “Every day people suffer with various mental health issues and during the pandemic it has been particularly difficult either because of lack of social contact, inability to go out or the usual support not being available. Currently in the UK 18-20 people commit suicide every day.” Paulton Rovers Football club are holding a charity coffee and cake afternoon to support him on Tuesday, June 14th, 1-4pm, hosted by Jean Lockyear and her daughters Angela and Sarah. They hold charity/fundraising events there every second Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome.
Details: Tony Tanner is fundraising for Mind (justgiving.com)
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 43
(Photograph courtesy of Ben Adams)
Men march for hospice
CHARITIES
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Musical gift
Grants available for health projects
SIMON Page, chair of Winscombe Community Singers is pictured donating £170 to Paul Slade, director of the Samaritans, Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset branch, from proceeds from Winscombe Community Singers’ Christmas Concert.
Walk of Life
THE Walk of Life supporting the RUH Forever Friends appeal will be held on Saturday, May 21st, offering a tenmile route as well as the marathon 26.2 miles. The longer route starts from Bishops Canning near Devizes, along the beautiful Kennet and Avon canal to the finish line at Holbourne Museum in Bath. Walkers on the shorter walk will join in Bradford-on-Avon in the afternoon. Karlie Evans, Events and Community Manager said: “We are really looking forward to the Walk of Life again, now in its 17th year! With your support, we’ll be able to push the boundaries of healthcare through innovation, research, cutting-edge equipment, enhancing spaces, and supporting staff even further.” The event is open to everyone and costs £15 to register (£8 for children under 18 years old). Participants are asked to raise a minimum £100. Details: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk
Charity ride
ENTRIES are now being taken for the Wedmore 4030 cycle event on Sunday, July 10th, raising funds for Weston Hospicecare and the Friends of St Mary’s Church, Wedmore. Riders have a choice of routes, 12, 30, 40 or 70 miles, starting from the village playing fields.
Details: westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/ wedmore-40-30 PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
NORTH Somerset charities are being invited to apply for grants to support local health and wellbeing. The popular North Somerset Community Partnership Fund, which has been running since 2020, opens to applications on March 1st. Groups apply to Quartet Community Foundation for the funding. Following feedback from local projects, some changes have been to the grant programme. Local groups can now make a single application in order to secure two years’ funding, up to a maximum of £40,000. Quartet and NSCP hope this will not only reduce the administration burden on local charities, but help them to plan their wellbeing projects with greater confidence - and in a way that has a bigger impact on local health inequalities. Julie Newman, Philanthropy Officer at Quartet said: “The pandemic has highlighted the sharply different experiences of our communities. Covid has in many ways hit the most disadvantaged the hardest. “We’re pleased to be able to respond to feedback from projects helping our communities through these difficult times. “For the first time ever, we invite groups to apply for NSCP grants of up to £20,000 a year for two years. We’ll also be supporting projects looking for one year’s funding for their health and wellbeing project.” Over the last two years more than 50 NSCP grants have already benefited local groups including Clevedon Skate Park, Home-Start North Somerset and Theatre Orchard. The most recent grants round awarded £127,500 to support health and wellbeing projects in the area. Quartet says the new grants are now helping charities support new parents with their mental health, families struggling to put meals on the table, people with dementia and many more in our communities. Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/northsomerset-community-partnership-grant/
Ethnic minorities survey
A NEWLY-established research group, Diverse Young Somerset (DYS), has released its first online survey results. The survey asked 13 to 20-year-olds from Somerset's ethnically diverse communities about the challenges of accessing mental health services and experiences they have had within the education system. It’s the first time this group has been surveyed in this way. The key findings include: • Nearly 70% of respondents reported experiencing racial discrimination in school or college. Nearly 40% of these never spoke up about it or asked for help. • More than 30% of respondents identified that their racial identity was a disadvantage in their education. • 67% of respondents reported problems with school or daily life because of emotional problems, such as feeling depressed, sad, or anxious. Details: https://ccslovesomerset.org/diverse-youngsomerset/
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Ultra challenges in memory of “Benny Boy” NIGE and Su Crutchley have never shied away from a challenge, especially when it comes to raising funds for the children’s cancer charity Young Lives Vs Cancer – but the coming year could see them face their sternest tests yet. February saw the tenth anniversary of the death from an inoperable brain tumour of their younger son, Ben “Benny Boy”, just a few weeks away from his tenth birthday. Since then, the couple – and older son Luke – have helped raise more than £1 million for the charity, formerly known as CLIC Sargent, organising everything from golf tournaments to the annual Mells 10K run, which alone has raised £35,000. Starting in April, Nige and Su have drawn up a diary of “21 Challenges for
Always smiling – Ben Crutchley
Ben with JLS
CHARITIES
Nige and Su (front) at the start of the 2020 Mells 10k. Held virtually last year, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, October 8th
Ben” extreme events they plan to tackle, beginning with a walk from their home near Vobster to Bath’s Royal United Hospital. Other, mostly walking, challenges will take them to London, the Cotswolds, the Isle of Wight, the Jurassic Coast and – closer to home – a swim at Vobster Quay. They were inspired originally by Ben’s determination to enjoy as much fun as possible in the time he had left. Nige said: “We called them ‘Ben’s three wishes’ but, being a little boy, he had lots more.” They ranged from a trip to Disneyland Paris and seeing the Welsh national rugby side’s “Captain’s Run” to meeting Take That and JLS. Su said: “Throughout it all, Ben kept on smiling and the CLIC Sargent nurses Sally and Ali were with us throughout the time.” Nige added: “My initial reaction when
Ben with elder brother Luke – the pair were inseparable
we were asked if we wanted help from CLIC was ‘what can they do for Ben and us after receiving such a diagnosis?’, but they were absolutely wonderful. “We had ten months of fun with Ben – other parents have had children taken away in tragic, sudden circumstances.”
Ben with Take That
Find details about Nige and Su’s 21 Challenges for Ben on Facebook. For details about Young Lives Vs Cancer, visit: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 45
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Beware the Mendip Ent!
THANKS to reader Joe Cornish for this photo of a spooky tree growing on Shipham Lane just off the A38 towards Sandford. He says you can’t tell the variety due to complete smothering of the ivy and no leaves yet! Joe’s a retired technology teacher, formerly at Churchill Academy. These days he’s happily pursuing occasional hedge laying, some woodworking and weekly dry stone walling with the enthusiastic and experienced National Trust volunteer walling group on Mendip, as well as working three allotments. l Tolkien’s Ents possessed magical powers!
Customers help give Rico a lift RICO, a seven-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog who lives at the Wellington Arms in Rooksbridge, can now get upstairs to the living quarters – after a lift was put in for him.
Rico on his way up
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Last year we reported how he had become trapped downstairs after tearing the cruciate ligaments in both back legs. Locals rallied round to help raise funds for the lift, now installed in a corner of the 17th century pub’s dining room. Steve Grubb, who has run the pub with partner Jen for 11 years, said: “We had donations from all kinds of people, it was very, very humbling, but he’s a popular dog and brilliant with kids.” Rico is now expecting a couple of knee braces from America, costing £1,000 each. And the chance to go walkies for the first time in a while!
Toad patrols are go!
NEWS
WITH the breeding season for toads, frogs and newts underway, local toad patrols are swinging into action. Cameley, and more recently Clutton, toad patrols are now into their fourth year. Margaret Finn, who organises them with Michelle Pullen, said: “With the help of our wonderful volunteers (now nearing 40!) we’re saving hundreds of amphibians every spring. “So, if you’re driving around please look out for them (and the toad hunters!) and take care once it’s getting dark.” The group has installed “ladders” into road gullies to help the animals climb out if they fall in, but thinks, ultimately, the design of gullies should be changed to make them more wildlife friendly. Margaret said: “Other measures, such as dropping roadside kerbs, so that animals can quickly get off the road, would be a great help too.” New volunteers are always welcome. Some of those rescued
Details: cameleytoads2@gmail.com cluttontoadpatrol@outlook.com You can also visit their Facebook page
Page 47 March.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2022 16:19 Page 1
Bespoke garden buildings in traditional or contemporary style HOME OFFICE • STUDIO SPACE LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION • ADDITIONAL LIVING SPACE Please call or email for a no-obligation discussion of your requirements
www.avocetpoducts.co.uk/banwell/ email info@avocetproducts.co.uk Tel 01934 824092
Events feature.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2022 15:50 Page 12
MENDIP TIMES
EVENTS
A right royal wassail
ORGANISERS of the Midsomer Norton wassail decided to go against tradition and invite all children – and a few adults – to be royalty rather than choosing just one king and queen. Dozens of youngsters enjoyed making wassail crowns in a workshop at Midsomer Norton Town Hall run by artists Kerry Russell and Steph Tudor before taking part in a procession to the Town Park where the wassail ceremony took place. The day was organised by the Midsomer Norton Cultural Consortium and funded by Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones Cultural Programme.
Maddy with her crown Cam Valley Morris
A rush to place toast in the boughs of the trees
Making lots of noise to ward off evil spirits
Midsomer Norton mayor Linda Robertson prepares to get the ceremony underway
Preparing to bless the trees with cider
Wassail kings and queens at the town hall PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
The procession makes its way along the High Street
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WILDLIFE
Waking up to the first proper dawn chorus
AS I write this in the second week of February, I must admit it feels like March now. Just yesterday morning I woke to the first dawn chorus to involve more than two species of bird. The robins and wood pigeons were joined by great tit, dunnock and the most magnificent of them all, the By CHRIS blackbird! The other incredibly early sign of SPERRING MBE change in the season is nest building. Of course, there are some species, such as magpie, that practice their nest building throughout the winter. Any time from November onwards you can observe magpies flying into a densely packed branched tree and begin testing branches by pulling on them just to see how easily they snap. If broken off successfully the magpie flies off with its stick before landing to hold it tight in its foot and begin to shape it. However, things are different now; the practicing has come to an end and the real thing is now being built. Instead of just playing with small rotten branches, the magpie now aggressively tugs with all its strength to get the better sticks it wants. It’s also now joined by its mate who contributes to nest building. First they build the classic cup shape nest, then lastly add the roof. Yes, magpies build a roof! Many people think this is to keep the weather out, but it has a much more practical use. Magpies are members of the crow family, the corvid family, not to be confused with Covid! Corvids are notorious nest raiders, A magpie in flight meaning they will raid the nests of other birds, so the roof on a magpie’s nest is their way of stopping larger corvids such as crows and ravens from looking into the nest from vantage positions or as they fly over. Yes, that means that different members of the corvid family raid each other’s nests. Don’t get upset, corvids aren’t the only ones that do this. Woodpeckers will raid other nests as well, and the worst species in my garden for this practice is, wait for it, the blackbird. Nature has a great way of providing stability; we can see
A raven – top of the corvid apex
this throughout various family groups. The aforementioned corvids live in an apex, from the much more numerous jackdaw at the bottom of the pyramid to the largest, the not-so numerous raven at the top. Birds of prey also live within an apex; for example, sparrowhawk and kestrel are at the bottom and their numbers can be regulated by the bigger members of the pyramid such as goshawk and peregrine falcon. Of course, the top of the apex for birds of prey in our area would be the white-tailed eagle. The latest news is that they are being seen near here more, so that’s one for a future article. By early March, if the weather is mild, many birds will have started nesting, so please be careful when tidying up vegetation; some bird species get only one go at nesting and failure can have a catastrophic effect on numbers whilst others can have many broods and will make up for early failures. I’m starting a series of monthly wildlife walks on The Hawk and Owl Trust’s Shapwick Moor Nature reserve. If you would like to go on one or more of these walks, please book via: Shapwick Events (hawkandowltrust.org) Also The Hawk and Owl Trust Somerset Barn Owl webcam is back up and live again; the pair of barn owls are currently very active so please take a look via Barn Owl Cam Live – Somerset (hawkandowltrust.org) A typical dome-shaped magpie nest
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413918 or via Chris.Sperring@hawkandowltrsut.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 49
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MENDIP TIMES
Doing a stretch from this medieval town
YOU may well end up in prison at the end of this walk, but you should actually enjoy it! This is a circle of contrast – from the medieval town of Shepton Mallet with its shambles, viaduct and historic prison, going up across fields and then along the Fosse Way. Here we enter Beacon Wood known for its wild flowers and bluebells. The return leg is across fields and along a very quiet lane/drive to take us to Chelynch with a popular pub. Finally head across the hill and back down under the old railway and to the disused prison, a feature of the town for 400 years. There is a welcoming café and free visitor centre in the prison – ideal for the end of your walk. After rain expect some mud. There are
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
several stiles. It is a steady climb up out of Shepton but the rest is easy-going and then downhill. PARK: In the centre of Shepton Mallet in the well signed large car park – the Commercial Road car park which is next to the car park which serves Haskins, Aldi etc. Parking fee is reasonable, especially on Sunday (£2 all day). Toilets.
START: Go out on the path at the side of the toilets signed to the Town Centre and join Commercial Road. Continue on to the traffic lights and turn down left into the old part of the town, the shambles and market square with its iconic Market Cross. There was a market cross here as far back as 1500. In 1685, following the Monmouth Rebellion, 12 of the followers of James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth were hanged, drawn and quartered at the cross. Here in the square is a good café, the Cheeky Bean. Go straight on through the square and then shortly turn right in Church Lane towards the visible church. Go left round the side of the church and past the Old Grammar School House and Old Rectory. Follow the path down left and reach the Batch. 1. RIVER SHEPPEY Go down the path on Edengrove and soon cross the River Sheppey. The path meanders and then goes under an arch with a sign – Mendip 40 – which was the old name for the East Mendip Way. Turn
left and then climb uphill, up steps and at the top cross a stile into a field. Continue to climb straight up.
2. RAILWAY PATH Reach a crossing track, the remains of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway (affectionately known as The Slow and Dirty). Turn right along the track or if you prefer take the footpath at the side. It all joins up later. Continue along and then cross right to join the fenced footpath and carry on. Ignore a stile on the right and bend left on the path, soon going under the railway tunnel. At the path end go down steps onto the main A37 road. Turn left and, shortly, cross with great care and take the footpath by Ivy House Farm. Go through a gate with an old sign warning you of the penalty of not closing it! After another gate get good views of the elegant curving viaduct right. Charlton Viaduct which has 27 arches is a Grade II listed building, built in the 1870s to carry the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway over the River Sheppey. Originally the stone bridge carried a single railway track but was widened to carry a second track in 1892 using red bricks. Take the left of the two footpaths, going into a field. 3. FIELDS We now climb gently up through fields, gate and stiles in the same direction until, up in a top field corner, cross a pipe stile onto the north-south old Fosse Way track.
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WALKING
4. FOSSE WAY Follow in the footsteps of the Roman military. This was one of their most important roads helping them to maintain rule as they crossed the country. Turn left. There may be some mud along here. After about 0.4 miles go down into a dip, where on the right is a pond in the remains of a former marl pit. Marl was extracted to use on fields as a fertiliser. Reach a road, Bolters Lane. Sadly, access to the Fosse Way straight on is not possible. So go right on the road and take the first lane left. After about 200 yards on a slight bend reach large boulders right which return you to the Fosse Way. Stay on this all the way to Beacon Wood.
5. BEACON WOOD Beacon Hill Wood is a beech and Scots pine woodland situated on a prominent ridge at the eastern end of the Mendip Hills. It includes Bronze Age burial mounds old quarry pits and a central circular earth bank with a single standing stone. It used to have a beacon, hence the name. Parts of the wood are carpeted with bluebells in spring. It is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust with support from the Beacon Hill Society. Pass an old stone boundary marker and at the second marker leave the track which bends left and instead go straight on towards the wood. At the foot of a steep slope, turn right on a path along the bottom of the wood, a lovely sunny path with good views south. Taking this route should keep us away from the forestry work in the wood done during January and February this year. The work aims to bring light into the wood. Some paths are churned up and covered with fallen timber. Hopefully the wild flowers and bluebells will make their usual show this year. The path bends uphill into the wood with a well-sited seat near the top. Follow a crossing track right and stay with this through the wood and then bend left out to the road.
6. ROAD Turn right along the verge and after a few minutes, as the road rises, go right over a stile on the marked footpath. Cross diagonally to the far corner over the top of the field passing to the right of a clump of trees and then over a stile in the corner. Go left a few yards, cross the road to a stone slab stile. Diagonally cross the field to the corner by a barn. Go down the field edge a short way and left over a
6.9 miles, about 3.5 hours walking. OS Explorer 142 Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref 617 434, postcode BA4 5SB.
stile/track/stile. Head down and across the field. Find a stile in the hedge to the left of two trees. Cross the road and take the no through road opposite towards Newman Street.
7. NEWMAN STREET Go through this hamlet and keep straight on. When the Tarmac ends go straight on along a footpath to the left of garages. Cross a stile and continue to a house ahead. Follow the diverted path left round the side of the house. Join the drive and follow it out to the road.
8. CHELYNCH Turn right and continue to Chelynch and the popular Poacher’s Pocket. Go on past the pub and take the first lane right towards Bodden. Drop downhill, past a pond and continue with a wood on your left ignoring a footpath and track. At the end of the wood go left on the East Mendip Way into a field. Follow the left edge along this high land, which is Ingdons Hill. Reach a crossing track and maintain direction with the hedge now on your right. At the top of the hill enjoy a good view across country to Glastonbury Tor. Keep on, dropping down and then bear over to right to a marked gate. Go down the path into a field. Follow the left edge. Go through a gate and cross a lane into an old Showerings’ orchard. Once out the other side, turn right down the edge and maintain direction to a stone slab stile. Then cross a track and take the stile opposite. Head across towards the viaduct.
9. VIADUCT At a choice of paths at the foot, go straight on under the viaduct. Keep on past a broken stile by a gate and up the path to the end of a road. Go straight on along a hard track. Keep your eyes open for an ammonite in the left wall! Reach the main road by the Showerings’ factory and go straight over passing the factory buildings. Keep on until you reach the old prison.
10. PRISON It is worth finding out about the fascinating and rather macabre history of this prison which dates back to 1625. It was decommissioned in 2013. Just before the prison turn up the walled path alongside the prison wall and turn right on a lane to the entrance to the prison, free visitor centre and simple café (open daily until 5pm). We continue on this lane (Gaol Lane) afterwards. The staff are very happy to take you in! They serve good coffee, tea, cakes, biscuits and snacks and you can discover more about the prison. Prison tours, self-guided or guided are available too. Come out, turn right on the lane by the prison. Turn right again and at the end go left on a walled alleyway. Do a dog-leg and head alongside the churchyard railings with the church on your right. Retrace your steps through the Shambles and the Market Cross. Then go up left and right Commercial Road. Turn left back past the toilets to the car park. The Poacher’s Pocket 01749 880220
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 51
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MENDIP TIMES
West Countryman’s diary
IT’S the end of February and on into March, named after Mars the Roman God of war. Also known to the Anglo-Saxons as the “loud” or With LES “stormy” month. DAVIES MBE With such credentials as these, it’s easy to see why it gets the reputation of “coming in like a lion and out like lamb”! If Mendip is to have snow, March is a likely month, but as those who know the Mendip climate will testify, these hills have their own weather system and will guard it jealously. If the snow comes from the direction of France, then we shall, like as not get a share, but coming from the east, it’s the Cotswolds that will stop most of it. Having made such bold statements, I shall no doubt be proved wrong. No, surely not! This is also the time of year when the countryside starts to wake up. The early sun will bring some welcome relief from the cold and wet. Nature will then snatch it back and laugh at us for getting too excited too soon. It’s a time when birds think about nesting and none more so than the blackbird, who will always catch me out with my late scrub clearance, by building in the bramble bush. The bushes and trees begin to come alive and I will hope for a little more cold weather to hold back the apple trees until I have managed to complete the pruning. In the bottom of the hedgerow, nature has other ideas as lesser celandine shows its golden head above the grass in the warm shelter out of the wind. It’s here that things start to get a hold. The violets, both purple and white make their presence felt. Primroses begin to cover the ground in preparation for the riot of colour that we hope April will herald in. The mad March hare can be seen running in wild chases and leaping energetically. They stand on their back legs and box in the most comical way, although there is nothing cute or comical in these engagements. Hares will breed at any time of the year, so this spectacle may be a struggle for social dominance or a female, a Jill, rebuffing an overzealous male, a Jack. Brown hare were once a common sight on the grassland. Numbers have declined PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
as modern, faster machinery takes a toll on the infant population, while faster roads and an increasing amount of housing development puts them under more pressure. The hare is also the quarry of the poacher and his dogs. These questionable characters have very little knowledge of the countryside way of life and even less respect for it. With the promise of spring just around the corner, the evenings are starting to open up and summer time will begin at the end of the month. As always I wonder where the time goes. Writing this in the middle of February, I am chasing my orchard work and trying to get ahead. Not only the pruning, but planting as well. Up until now we haven’t had a real winter and in a normal period I would have expected to see many more birds in the orchards. There are a few redwing and of course the ever present starlings. These birds amuse and amaze me. Just how they communicate I haven’t a clue. I don’t see them on the mobile phone, posting pictures and comments about where they are or what they are eating on Facebook, so can only assume there is some sort of telepathy involved. A few moments watching these birds is time well spent. They will sit in the surrounding trees and are totally consumed by what I can only describe as idle chatter. Then in a moment the whole flock will descend onto the grass, falling like a shower of rain as the birds move forward and land. Yet more idle chatter as they strut about feeding and then as suddenly as they alighted, all the chatter stops as the whirr of wings gets them airborne and moving onto the next patch. The
OUTDOORS
evening murmuration is a sight to behold, as the birds flock together for protection and fly to the roosting sites on the moor. The whole flight twists and turns in a bid to confuse any predators. Just who orchestrates these manoeuvres, or how, I haven’t a clue. I have seen this put to music, although not by the starlings. The twisting, fluid movement of the birds is almost “Amoeba” like, constantly changing and moving in the night sky until they find the place to roost for the night. Fully rested overnight, they begin the whole process all over again. So always remember, if you think your life lacks a little bit of lustre and variety, just give thanks that you are not a starling! With March arriving I will need to think about the vegetable patch. As always it will be new potatoes, shallots and onions in the vanguard. I tried a few different crops last time with varying success. Most gets given away, but that is part of the pleasure, when you can give home grown produce to neighbours and friends. One of my neighbours has my blackberries to make gin with, so every year around Christmas I will find a bottle on the doorstep with a label tied around the neck. Written on this label is a simple, but heartfelt message: To “Les from the Gin Fairy”. Good here isn’t it! Finally this month’s picture comes from an orchard at Butleigh near Glastonbury. With everything wassailed and woken up, it’s time to make sure I thin out the excessive growth and give the trees a good start to the season. This is real pruning without a pair of secateurs in sight… just the trusty pole saw!
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MENDIP TIMES
The magic of mulch
WHAT is mulch? It is probably best described as a surface dressing between plants which has so many useful attributes. It is very much a “gardener’s best friend”! Homemade garden compost can be used as a mulch, but unless you are an expert composter, it is likely to contain a lot of With MARY weed seeds. However, it will have many of PAYNE MBE the other benefits. Well-rotted horse or farmyard manure is similar and may introduce both weed seeds and active roots of perennial weeds such as bindweed, which you have hopefully avoided putting in your garden compost heap. This is especially so if it has been stored outdoors. A mulch made from straw is available commercially in many garden centres and this is an excellent product, providing many of the benefits, without the associated weed problem, and the bonus of discouraging slugs and snails. For vegetable plots where “looks” are less important, a layer of cardboard can be used, or even several sheets of newspaper covered with a layer of grass clippings. Mushroom compost is excellent, but will decay within 12 months and need replenishing. Woodchip mulch is ideal as it decays slowly and tree surgeons are often only too pleased to get rid of shreddings. All organic mulches have the bonus of breaking down to provide some nutrition, but there are so many other advantages, particularly for those looking to make gardening easier for yourself and better for your plants. So, what makes mulch so useful? One of the huge advantages, particularly in these times of climate change and summer droughts, is a mulch layer which will help prevent undue water loss by surface evaporation from the soil. This occurs not only in sunny weather but also during periods of drying winds. Fine grade woodchip mulch can be used on pots to reduce evaporation and therefore reduce watering. Some commercial nurseries use shredded miscanthus grasses for this purpose as it helps prevent the germination of hairy bittercress, the scourge of container plants. The other main bonus of mulch is that a minimum depth of 5cm (2”) will prevent the germination of weed seeds. It does this by cutting out the light from the surface of the soil, so seed germination is inhibited. This is only effective if a weed-free material is used for the mulch, so not homemade compost, or farmyard manure. A layer of organic mulch will not prevent perennial weeds, such as ground elder, couch grass, and bindweed from pushing through from persistent underground roots, but adding a layer of cardboard will inhibit them somewhat. I always recommend a minimum 5cm layer of woodland mulch (wood chip) to be applied immediately after an area has been planted. This will inhibit seed germination for a period of about three years. If home compost, farmyard manure or mushroom compost is used it will decay within 12 months and need replenishing. Mulch will gradually improve your soil structure by adding nutrients as it breaks down. Even a clay soil regularly mulched will show significant improvement quite rapidly. It is sometimes claimed that woodchip mulch will lead to a deficiency of nitrogen. This is not the case if it is put on the PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
surface of the soil. If it is incorporated into the soil, then the bacteria and fungi that break it down need nitrogen. To do this they take it from the soil. If you a have a garden shredder, then the chippings can be put immediately on the surface of a border. They will rapidly lose their freshly shredded colour. Shreddings from conifers are more acidic that those from broadleaved plants but can still be used, especially around rhododendrons and other acid loving plants. Other advantages include preventing rain splash, so it can be used instead of straw for strawberries, or spread beneath roses after leaf fall to help prevent black spot disease. It helps prevent erosion on newly planted slopes and may help prevent diseases. Research has shown that wood chips from willow may reduce the incidence of apple scab disease. The salicylic acid appears to prompt a disease fighting immune response. While in Australia avocado pear plantations mulched with woodchip helped prevent the devastating Phytophthera disease which is currently causing problems worldwide. Woodchip from eucalyptus has fungicidal, insect repellent and antimicrobial properties when used as bedding for poultry and animals. The use of woodchip on land contaminated by oil or diesel spills helps clean the soil by encouraging the fungi responsible for degrading such materials. Tender plants can be insulated by a generous layer of mulch whilst all treated areas will benefit from the soil insulation. One concern may be that the woodchip you purchase has come from diseased trees but the evidence so far is that it does more good than harm, but should not be dug into the soil and should be kept away from the bark of trees. A bark mulched newly planted area looks more aesthetically pleasing and by the time the mulch has decayed the plants themselves should have covered the ground and excluded light to help prevent weed seed germination. Planting any area infected with persistent perennial weeds is to be seriously discouraged. The National Trust and Royal Horticultural Society both use pigs to clear land prior to planting! Virtually the only downside to mulch in a garden is that birds, especially blackbirds, like to scratch and flick the bark onto paths or paving in search of the slugs and worms hiding beneath. Don’t be alarmed if a layer of white threads grows beneath the surface of a woodchip mulch. This is simply the “root” systems (mycelium) of the saprophytic fungi that are breaking down the mulch. You may get the occasional toadstool as well. Composted bark is frequently used in “peat free” or “peat reduced” potting compost these days and often leads to a flush of toadstools.
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GARDENING
MARCH GARDEN TIPS
• It’s time to sow ageratum, alyssum, antirrhinum, asters, begonias, marigolds, pansies, petunias, stocks and many other flowers in a cold frame or greenhouse. • Cell or plug packs are becoming increasingly popular for raising young plants. You can sow or transplant seedlings directly into them. • Apply a general fertiliser to all beds and borders. • Make a concerted effort to get on top of weeds now, they are about to make a serious spurt of growth! • Time to get planting new herbaceous perennial plants. Astrantia, anemone, campanula, echinacea, hardy geranium, rudbeckia and verbenas are the most popular varieties at the moment. • Prune most roses now, (climbing, rambling and shrub roses are best pruned in summer after the main flush of flower). Start spraying roses for blackspot, rust and aphids. • Lift crowded snowdrops, carefully divide and replant. Avoid breaking their delicate roots if possible. • Remove flower heads from daffodils as they finish flowering. A liquid feed with a liquid tomato fertiliser helps next year’s flowers to form now. • Sow parsnip seeds into a firm fine seedbed. Sow tomato, pepper and cucumber seed for delicious fresh home-grown vegetables from a greenhouse. Sow for growing outside in about six weeks’ time. • You should also sow carrots, peas, broad beans, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, lettuce, sprouts, and many other vegetables.
Where service means service
MENDIP Rural Services, run by Aaron Coleman, is where service really does mean service, whether it’s buying a new lawnmower or another item of garden machinery to maintenance and repairs to an old faithful. Add to that paddock maintenance, fencing and drainage and covering an area stretching from Keinton Mandeville to West Harptree, it’s little surprise that the former sideline has grown into a full-time enterprise. Based at Haydon, near Wells, Aaron can now call on several people to help him out on various jobs – there is still a demand for logs and kindling, for example – and he can supply new machinery from various manufacturers including Mitox, Al-Ko, Webb, Oregon and Lawnflite.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS
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Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Delicious homemade meals. Sunday Roasts, Outside catering, buffet lunches delivered, themed cuisine events. Telephone 01749 841155 for further details.
BROWSE AROUND JAMES STORE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINNURSERIES.CO.UK
ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –
Mendip Rural Services Ltd.
Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, nr Wells BA5 3EH
Our services include: • Lawnmower & garden machinery sales & servicing • Fencing & drainage • Paddock maintenance • Logs & kindling Phone 07974 259766 Workshop 01749 674077 www.mendipruralservices.co.uk email: mendipruralservices@outlook.com
PERFECT PAVE
Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects. It’s not only friendly, professional service that sets us apart, we can’t be beaten on price and ensure our prices beat those of builders’ merchants and garden centres.
Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
Weston Garden Machinery Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists
Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS
Tel: 01934 626093 www.westongarden.co.uk
Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you
We specialise in the manufacture of quality standard and bespoke garden buildings to suit your individual needs including:-
N GS GA R D EN S OF THE MON TH
Lower Shalford Farm
LOWER Shalford has a fairly large open garden with extensive lawns and wooded surroundings. The garden and woodland have been created since 1983, and works are still in progress on an ad hoc basis. There are thousands of spring bulbs, planted in drifts, growing in the wooded area and blooming in spring. There is a small winterbourne stream running through with several stone bridges, walled rose/parterre garden, hedged herbaceous garden and several ornamental ponds. Address: Shalford Lane, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HE. Contact: Mr & Mrs David Posnett. Opening dates and time: Saturday March 19th, 10am3pm, Saturday, May 21st, 10am-4pm. Booking Tickets: Visits to this Garden can be reserved through the NGS website: https://www.ngs.org.uk or by paying at the gate using cash only. Admission: £5, children free. Directions: Lower Shalford is two miles north east of Wincanton. Leave A303 at Wincanton, go north on B3081 towards Bruton. Just beyond Otter Garden Centre turn right in Shalford Lane, the garden is half a mile on the left with parking opposite the house.
WORKSHOPS/GARAGES GARDEN SHEDS SHELTERS & STABLES PLAYHOUSES Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs
We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com
PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or local county guide. Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://www.ngs.org.uk
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Beauty in stainless steel
GARDENING
SPRING is a time when our thoughts turn to our gardens as they start to emerge from the dull days of winter. As the plants that have lain dormant since autumn begin to wake up and the leaf and flower buds start to appear, we become aware that the garden needs our attention and, just as Leaf sculpture by Ian Marlow with spring-cleaning the house, it’s an opportunity to refresh parts that have become tired and lacklustre. A perfect way to give lift to any garden is by adding a sculpture as a focal point. Stainless steel is marvellous for this as the bright surface shines out from even the shadiest places. And it doesn’t matter whether your garden is a traditional cottage one or of a modern architectural style, stainless steel works in both. Wherever you place your sculpture in the garden it always adds an extra dimension as you see it change with the light of the day, the evening moonlight or with the seasons of the year, each offering you a different view of a prized possession. You’ll find a sculpture becomes not just part of your garden but part of your home and part of your life. Something to be treasured forever. By Ian Marlow
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 57
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MENDIP TIMES
GARDENING
Hidden plaque revealed THE Temple Cloud in Bloom group made a surprise discovery during their monthly Saturday morning session in the village. As they cleared the weeds they were surprised to uncover the stone, which marked the purchase of the Green by Cameley Parish Council in 1977. QUALITY BRICK PAVING VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES NEW COLOURS
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Spokeswoman for the group, Jenny Cleeve, said: “They weeded the bed beside the bus stop and on the green, before attacking the mess behind the bus stop. As they weeded they marked out the area for a new bed.” The next working morning is on Saturday, March 12th, Details: Facebook or tcibinfo@yahoo.com
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Plop the Raindrop
IF my brain was big enough to remember everything I’d seen, I’d probably be fatter than the Earth by now. It’s what happens when you are indestructible and live for millions of years, as water droplets like me do. Fortunately we’ve developed a system for sharing information between us in a sort of worldwide waterway, a bit like your worldwide web. So when we are bouncing along in a river or being bashed around in ocean waves, we can link up to share memories, news and other information. It can even happen in trickles of water sliding down a window pane. Next time you sit by a tumbling stream listen to us having a chat. A lot of what you hear is rubbish. Do you want to know what everyone had for tea or what elephant poo tastes like? But a few weeks ago I was remembering being stuck in a dark damp cave a few hundred thousand years ago when some of your ancestors turned up. One of them started scratching the cave walls. I was right on the end of a stalactite, so too high up to see clearly what was happening. As it happened, a friend of mine read my mind and said he’d been stuck in the same cave fairly recently and it was now world famous as the site of some of the world’s earliest cave paintings. I expect these days they would be called graffiti and someone would go along and wash them off. The next thing you knew these early human beans were scratching stuff on stones and bark and all over the place and had invented writing. I must confess that’s something I’ve never mastered. The nearest I’ve ever got to a book is getting stuck in ink. Of course these days your head would explode if you had to remember all the information that comes your way. Life was so much simpler years ago. Your ancestors seemed happy simply to find water, food and shelter and then found time to drag huge rocks miles so they could stand them in the ground. I could never work out why. Early road signs perhaps? These days you seem to keep everything you need to know on machines rather than in your own minds. I suppose it’s understandable when there’s so much information to take in. But the real world is so much more interesting. MENDIP GRANDAD
Back on stage
HEALTH & FAMILY
FOR me, the best indicator that the pandemic is under control is people returning enthusiastically, and without fear, to live music, theatre and comedy events. The joy of last year’s Valley Fest above Chew Valley Lake will take some beating, but this year I’ve already signed up to do two shows at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe. The largest open arts festival in the world has had a By Dr PHIL huge influence on me. I first attended in 1990, as half of HAMMOND an angry, shocking Bristol-based junior doctor double act called Struck Off and Die. We delighted and offended people in equal measure, winning awards for our Radio 4 series whilst getting record numbers of complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Council. We were successful enough to launch my partner, Tony Gardner, into a stellar acting career (My Parents Are Aliens, Fresh Meat, Lead Balloon, Last Tango in Halifax, The Larkins). I decided to stick with medicine but combine it with comedy, journalism, broadcasting and campaigning. And as I hang up my stethoscope at 60, I still hope to have a good few years of writing and performing ahead of me. So less of a retirement, more of a renaissance. My first Edinburgh show this year is called Dr Hammond’s Covid Inquiry. I’ve covered the pandemic in depth, every fortnight, for two years so I’m going to try to put it altogether, welcoming different opinions without hating each other. The fringe entry says: “Private Eye's MD and best-selling author of Dr Hammond's Covid Casebook dissects the pandemic. The more certain someone is about Covid, the less you should trust them. Do we know what went right and wrong? Could we have prevented it? Why are experts so polarised? “Can you trust a leader who petrifies the people while partying? Should we have copied Sweden? Or Taiwan? Have vaccines saved us? Will we be kinder to animals and children? Are pandemics here to stay? Can we disagree without hate? Warning. May contain traces of doubt, compassion, humour, nuance and batshit.” My second show is later and darker, and reflects on how medicine has changed from when I first did a locum shift as a doctor in 1985, even though I was still a medical student, and nearly killed a patient. It’s a reflection on all the campaigning I’ve done on stage and in print to try to make the NHS safer, and yet waiting times are as long as ever and it’s more stressful and less fun. The show’s called How I Ruined Medicine. “The outrageous confessions of a retiring NHS whistleblower. Doctoring used to be like Downing Street. Posh unaccountable alcoholics working silly hours, cocking up, covering up and laughing it off. Then I broke ranks and ruined it. “For 37 years I've worked in the NHS and exposed its darkest secrets. The NHS is still dangerously understaffed and error-strewn but now everybody knows it. I've spawned an army of regulators, lawyers and aggressively informed patients demanding excellent care in a collapsing service. You're even supposed to know what you're doing and prove it. How unfunny is that?” The good news is that I’m only going for two weeks (August 15-28th, 14 performances of each show), so you can still enjoy Valley Fest the week before and cycle up to Edinburgh. Tickets go on sale on March 3rd (https://tickets.edfringe.com/box-office). If that sounds beyond you, I’ll be doing some local shows too, with The Art of Living When You Know You’re Going to Die on March 4th at the Merlin Theatre Frome – as part of the Frome Kindness Festival. https://allevents.in/frome/dr-phil-hammond-presents-the-art-of-living-whenyou-know-youre-going-to-die/200022073904521. And I’ll be back at Wedmore Arts Festival on May 7th. Come and say hello.
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Outdoor courses for people with cancer
SIX-week outdoor courses run by the Frome-based cancer charity We Hear You will start a new season in March. WHYoutdoors courses offer people living with and beyond cancer an opportunity to explore a closer connection to nature, with huge benefits for emotional and physical wellbeing. Up to eight participants meet once a week from 10am to 3pm in beautiful natural settings near Frome and Bath and take part in gentle, non-strenuous activities, guided by two trained facilitators who are also counsellors at We Hear You. One participant in last year’s courses said: “WHYoutdoors has completely transformed my emotional health. Using nature connectedness is a very simple technique but it really works! I now feel happy again and my anxiety (which was a daily struggle) has pretty much gone. “I feel like I have learned some powerful techniques which I can apply in future situations. Life is full of ups and downs and I now have the tools to be able to navigate them.” For details, call 01373 455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk to arrange a half-hour telephone conversation with one of the team
PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Guided walks for wellbeing at the Bishop’s Palace
The wellbeing walk leaflet
ALREADY renowned for being a place of calm, beauty and wellbeing, The Bishop’s Palace’s monthly guided Wellbeing Walks now also offer visitors a chance to take steps to feeling well both physically and mentally. During the walks, visitors are encouraged to set aside their usual thoughts for a moment and enjoy the mental and physical benefits that the beautiful setting of the
palace gardens provide. Participants will benefit from focussing on connecting to and being appreciative of nature and the world around them. The 30-minute guided walks take place from 10am on the first Sunday of every month, but for those who can’t make that time, a Wellbeing Walk leaflet is also available as a selfguided trail. l Admission to the walks is valid with any Bishop’s Palace admission ticket but no need to book.
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One-to-one services
BATH & Wells Funeral Directors pride themselves on service, so they don’t demand clients visit their offices, unless Rod Major (left) with (l:r) Keith Tyrell, Ross they want to. Kirk, Steve Green and Barry Tintern They call themselves “old fashioned”, but they prefer to see people in a more relaxed atmosphere; always helpful, in their opinion, as dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough. Even if it’s a funeral plan or planning a loved one’s end-of-life care, they want clients to be relaxed and not under any pressure. Bath & Wells Funeral Directors’ own celebrant will always offer a home visit also. Owner Rod Major said: “At Bath & Wells Funeral Directors, we believe our one-to-one services is second to none. “You get our funeral director from first visit, to discuss the details of the funeral/celebration of life, all follow ups, to viewing your loved one and phone calls the day before the funeral to reassure you. We offer a very personal service to our clients, no less than I would expect if I were instructing a funeral director.”
HEALTH & FAMILY
Your Local Award-Winning Funeral Director Rod Major, owner
What our customers say: “From the start, Rod was extremely amiable, caring and attentive and was eager to attend to all our requirements. We were very particular as to what we wanted for my mother's funeral service and burial which veered away from the usual plans. Despite this, Rod was very adaptable, readily communicated with us throughout the process and nothing was ever a problem. The day itself, although tinged with great sadness, was as lovely and intimate as it could be and Rod and his team were infinitely respectful and took time and care over every stage. Myself and my family are very grateful to Rod and his team for making the day so special and such a fitting memorial to a much loved and quite unique lady.” LR
Call Rod on 01761 233 555 or email: fd@bwfd.me.uk www.bathwellsfuneralservices.co.uk
COURT HOUSE
AWARD WINNING CARE HOME
e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.
You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered. Rated by the CQC as good in all areas
e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 61
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MENDIP TIMES
Supporting the supporters
Pictured (l to r) Mel Kibby, Beverley Cook, Rotary member Graham Cannon, and volunteers Chris Gannon and Chris Scott
ROTARY Nailsea and Backwell presented a cheque for £90 to Backwell and Nailsea Support Group for Carers to help cover their expenses for their monthly meetings at Backwell WI Hall. The meetings are very informal, mostly held in the hall from 2–3.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month. All carers, any age or gender, are made welcome by volunteers Beverley Cook, Carol Hunt, Cath Prideaux and Chris Gannon, other helpers and group members. Rotary Nailsea and Backwell has been serving the local community for 45 years. It has 38 members and holds weekly meetings at Mizzymead Recreational Centre in Nailsea on Thursday evenings.
Club meetings restart
CHEDDAR Valley u3a is bouncing back after a short post New Year break because of Covid restrictions. The speaker meetings restart on March 3rd, 2pm with a talk from Nicholas Boyd about beekeeping and honey. Coffee mornings also resume on March 17th, 10.30am, also in the village hall. Looking further ahead there are plans to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, prior to which a “bunting party” will be held and anyone wanting to join in making the decorations will be very welcome. This year also sees the 40th anniversary of the founding of u3a, so they are looking forward to a double celebration – platinum and ruby! New members are always warmly welcomed.
Details: annfiler020@gmail.com • 01934 740065 Helen Batt 01934 743474
Paulton’s party
PAULTON’S Party in the Park will be back after two years celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Saturday, June 4th from 2pm in the Memorial Park. There will be live music, dance and martial art displays, vintage cars, various stalls, food and drink. The Red Lion, Paulton’s quiz night on March 13th will raise money for the event.
Details: lyonsea@hotmail.co.uk
PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Lions’ jubilee
CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and hopes to make it a bumper year for fundraising events. The first will be their Spring Fair on April 30th alongside the Cheddar Arts Festival weekend. The fair was first held in the village hall in April 2018 and was repeated the following year but had to be cancelled for the last two years because of the pandemic. Bookings for stalls are now open. They hope to offer a showcase for arts and crafts people across the area. All funds raised go to local good causes.
Youth club reopens
Soft play area
NEW youth work sessions at the Hive Community Centre in Peasedown St John are proving to be a big hit with the village’s young people. In total, 60 youngsters are now accessing the services on a regular basis. The Hive’s youth worker, Nick Blythe, said: “Last term, we launched our ‘open access’ youth work sessions and opened the youth club for the first time since the pandemic struck. “It felt great to re-open and to get back to connecting with the young people in our village. We have had over 60 different young people access the sessions with a weekly turn-out of around 50 young people.” Nick and the team are also planning a mentoring programme. The Hive Youth Club is open Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Details: nick@bathyfc.co.uk www.hiveyouth.club
New theatre season
CHRIS Cox’s charity theatre trips have taken people to 262 major shows at Bristol Hippodrome since their launch in 2004, raising over £66,000 for the Red Cross and local charities. The coach starts at around 5pm in Curry Rivel picking up in Langport, Somerton, then Keinton Mandeville/Shepton Mallet or Street/Wells. Chris is now booking for shows starting in April.
Details: Chris Cox at CharityTheatreTrips@btinternet.com 01458 273085 www.CharityTheatreTrips.com
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Hoedown is good for town
VOLUNTEERS armed with hoes, spades and buckets have taken part in Frome’s first street and verge clean-up of the year. They gathered at several sites around town for the Frome Hoedown, removing grass, leaves and vegetation from pavements and walkways. At Wallbridge, for example, they opened up around a metre of footpath leading to the Asda store which had become overgrown. The original idea of the hoedown came from Green Party town and district councillor Shane Collins. In return for the weeding and cleaning, Mendip District Council is able to avoid the use by contractors of glyphosphate weedkiller such as Roundup in accordance with its environment policies. Mendip stopped using glyphosphate in September 2019 and the hoedown is part of its manual weed management trials. Shane said: “It’s a win-win all round. We keep the paths clean and tidy and make them safer and wider for people to use and we’re helping the environment and wildlife by not using weedkillers.”
COMMUNITY
Shane and Carol get to work on the pavement at The Butts
It also offers a chance for neighbours and friends to get together the help the community. Carol Holt, who helped clear part of The Butts, said: “I live nearby and walk my dog along here, so it seems sensible to help to keep the area clean and tidy.”
Carol empties the vegetation into the nearby hedgerow where it will rot down
The crew at Wallbridge
The hoedowns take place on the last Sunday of the month. For details, find Frome Hoedown on Facebook
New chairman
PENNY Crawfurd has retired as chairman of Blagdon’s village lunch club after 11 years, but will continue to help prepare lunches. She said: “I would like to thank all those people who have supported me in the role over the years, both members and helpers. The atmosphere has always been very friendly and I do thank you all for this.” A medlar tree was among the presents from members. Debs Campbell, who is an experienced cook and has worked in a management position for many years, is taking over as chairman. The lunch club provides a two-course meal each week for members.
Co-op’s donations to local food banks
FOOD banks across the south are to receive donations totalling £30,000 thanks to Southern Co-op members scanning their cards as they shopped in December. Membership cards were scanned on nearly 300,000 separate occasions which the independent co-operative is converting to 10p per swipe and rounding up to £500 per food bank. Gemma Lacey, Southern Co-op’s Director of Sustainability and Communications, said: “Not only does this demonstrate that there is power in co-operatives and our members, but it also shows that our members care about their local communities and small gestures go a long way." Food banks receiving donations include Banwell, Bath, Fair Frome, Keynsham and Nailsea. Between April 2020 and March 2021 food banks in the Trussell Trust network gave out 2.5million emergency food parcels across the UK.
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 63
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Rotary’s charity donations
FROME Selwood Rotary members celebrated Christmas late this winter by holding their annual festive dinner in January and presenting a total of £10,000 to local charities and schools as well as £1,500 internationally. Guy Parkinson, the club’s president, explained that although Rotarians enjoy the social side, they take their service to the Guy Parkinson (seated left) with charity recipients, back row, Young People’s Trust for the Environment, Peter Littlewood, YMCA, Mark Willcox, Frome Community Club, Pete DaymanJohns, Harry’s Hydro, Malcolm Westgate; front row, Selwood Academy, Clare Cardnell, chair of governors, Life Education Wessex, Jeanette McPhail and Harold the Giraffe, and NovaSport, Jenny Rutter.
Jenny Bennett (front left) and Cindy Groves-Veen with their Paul Harris Fellow awards, with Guy Parkinson and Dot Cretney, Assistant District Governor
community and fundraising very seriously. At the same dinner the club awarded Paul Harris Fellows to two members, Cindy Groves-Veen and Jenny Bennett, for their involvement in the Rotary in Frome Charity shop. Rotary is always looking for new members, to enjoy the social side and gain new skills as well as extend its service to the community.
Details: www.fromeselwoodrotary.org.uk fromeselwood@btinternet.com
First market this year
THE sale of marmalade did well at Publow Church’s first monthly market of the year, helping raise more than £300 for church funds. One of the organisers, Kate Matthews said: “It was a bright sunny morning and so good to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones too, enjoying getting together with coffee and biscuits. “On offer was our popular home baking stall, marmalades, preserves and a pre-loved gifts/bring and buy stall, all of which went very well.” The next market will be on Saturday, March 5th, 10-11.30am at All Saints Church, Publow.
Pictured (l to r) Janet Smith, Gillian Wookey, Barbara Avery and Lyndsay Cooper
Details: Judith Hillman 01761 490324, Janet Smith 01761 490584 or Gillian Wookey 01761 490336
Children’s support charity seeks volunteers
A LOCAL charity which supports vulnerable children and young people is looking for more volunteers. PROMISEworks helps a young person to build the resilience needed to move forward and achieve their full potential – this could be staying in school, keeping out of trouble or getting to university. John Chambers, PROMISEworks caseholder for Mendip, said: “There are 21 young people aged between seven and 25 already receiving long-term mentoring
from our local volunteers, but I still have 46 in Mendip awaiting help, and every week I receive more referrals. “Each youngster has a different reason to be on the waiting list but all have one thing in common, they are asking for our support. With 250 young people in Somerset awaiting a mentor, we need many more generous hearted people to step forward, train with PROMISEworks and commit to helping one young person in the local community.”
John and his colleagues provide training and continuous support to volunteer mentors throughout the time they are part of the PROMISEworks family. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and walks of life as well as all ages. John said: “Volunteering is good for your local community, but it is also good for your health. Recent research has shown that helping others leads to improved physical health and increased feelings of emotional wellbeing.”
Details: https://healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/why-volunteer/ john.chambers@promiseworks.org.uk https://www.promiseworks.org.uk/volunteer/
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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COMMUNITY
Holocaust memorial
A SPECIAL tree planting ceremony was held in Peasedown St John to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees. Founded in 1941, the AJR provides social and welfare services to Holocaust refugees and survivors nationwide. About 70,000 refugees, including approximately 10,000 children on the Kindertransport, arrived in Great Britain from Nazioccupied Europe in the 1930s. To mark the occasion the AJR launched a campaign, 80 Trees for 80 Years, which saw 80 native oak trees planted around Britain. Locally, the Bath & North East Somerset Faith Foundation was chosen as a partner organisation. Patron, Sarah Bevan, who is the daughter of a survivor of the Holocaust, said: “Jewish refugees have contributed enormously to British life since first arriving here over 80 years ago, and so to have Bath
& North East Somerset selected as one of the locations for an oak tree is immensely humbling.” The oak tree was planted on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27th in the Eckweek Lane Play Park, Peasedown St John. Michael Hilsenrath, the son of a Holocaust survivor and sponsor of the tree, travelled from London for the event.
Details: info@bathnesfaithfoundation.org.uk www.facebook.com/BANESFaithFoundation
Let’s make it a jubilee to remember!
THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset is calling on the county’s residents to come together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and make it an event to remember. Mrs Annie Maw is encouraging communities to make the most of the once in a lifetime chance to commemorate this unique milestone in the nation’s history. The focus of celebrations will take place over the extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2nd to Sunday, June 5th. The queen formally started to celebrate her personal Platinum Jubilee year on Sunday, February 6th – the date of her accession to the throne in 1952. In Somerset, there is the chance to mark the occasion with a range of activities over the Jubilee weekend, not least the beacon celebrations which are due to be lit at 9.45pm on Thursday, June 2nd, and the traditional street parties Deputy Lieutenant Ted Allen (left) at the or village hall planting of 21 jubilee trees at the Midparties on the Somerset Showground in Shepton Mallet. Sunday. Ted, a show society trustee, is pictured with Mrs Maw secretary Christine Barham and Peter said: “The Munford, Hannah Sturgess and David Munford from forestry specialists Oliver & queen has Lang Brown devoted a
Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset (seated) at a jubilee tree planting in Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park
lifetime of service to our country and, particularly after the very difficult times over the last two years, we can make this an occasion we will all never forget. “I know that preparations are already well underway in some parts of the county, but it would be wonderful if we could all come together to mark this historic occasion.” Mrs Maw hopes to see at least 70 beacons being lit – so far 36 have been registered on the official jubilee website for Somerset. Mrs Maw added: “I want to ensure that I am able to get a full understanding of everything that is taking place across our county and to create a record and an archive for future generations to come. “I will also be arranging for picture and film archive of some of these events to be included in a county record of this most memorable year.” Meanwhile, the county’s contribution to the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting project continues to grow with some 3,000 trees registered on a map on its website.
To register a street party or any other event, visit: www.platinumjubileesomerset.org.uk or to record a jubilee tree planting, visit: www.queensgreencanopy.com
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 65
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Tina’s talk enthralls club members
Tina (right) with club president Jackie Emm
FROM hedge-laying and drystone walling to tracing her family tree back to 1696, Tina Bath gave an enthralling talk to the January meeting of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel at the Old Down Inn at Emborough. Tina, the national hedge-laying champion, spoke of her fascinating life and achievements. She was a warden for Somerset County Council for 15 years, a long-time member of the Mendip Ploughing Society and is currently chairman of the Mendip Society. The club has enjoyed several recent get togethers including a fish and chip supper followed by a film show on Inner Wheel Day when food was also collected for the Somer Valley Food Bank.
Candlemas
THE pupils at Chew Stoke Church School each made a special paper candle for Candlemas. They were used to decorate St Andrew’s Church in Chew Stoke for its Candlemas service. The photo shows (l to r) Sophie, Mason and Ben. PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Boost for village hall plans
ASHWICK & Oakhill village hall committee is celebrating after being awarded £10,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund to support its plans to build a community café in the village hall at Oakhill. The committee has been working to support the community since 1982 when Bryan Wells (pictured far right, front row) alongside other local volunteers, built the hall on land gifted to the parish nearly 100 years ago. The current strong team of volunteers are fully committed towards the success of this project with a desire to deepen community spirit and re-invigorate village life by creating a more accessible and useable space. Their aim is to create a bright and welcoming meeting area with both indoor and outdoor seating, a community book swap service and local history archive. The funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund, which is a UK-wide charity that empowers family farms and rural communities to survive and thrive will see a valuable community resource created that will serve the village residents and surrounding areas for many years to come. Andy North, chairman, said: “We’re delighted that the Prince’s Countryside Fund has recognised the work of our committee members. The support of the Prince’s Countryside fund alongside other successful fundraising activities means that building works will begin in March with the aim of a grand opening in the early autumn.”
Cash grants available
FROME-based community groups, charities or not-for-profit organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding to make their event dreams a reality. A total budget of £25,000 is available through Frome Town Council’s People’s Budget Events and applications can be made for up to £10,000 per project. Some of Frome’s most loved events such as, Light the Night, Frome Window Wanderland and Frome Festival have been supported by the People’s Budget. Applications should be for events that benefit residents and meet the council’s strategic objectives. The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, March 21st. Any suitable ideas will be taken forward to a public and the vote which will take place from 25th March until April 4th. Successful applicants will then have 18 months to stage their community event.
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COMMUNITY
Jubilee trees in Winscombe and Sandford
Pancakes return
Three of the competitors in 2020
PANCAKE races are to resume in East Harptree after a break last year. The races, for children and adults, will be held in Whitecross Road, on March 1st, starting at 11am. Organiser Jenny Cruse, from East Harptree WI, said: “Please bring your own pancake and lightweight pan. There will be chocolate egg prizes!” Donations will go to East Harptree Playground Upkeep Fund. Details: Jenny Cruse 01761 221627
Men’s shed gifts to school
KILMERSDON C. of E. VA Primary School recently took delivery of two multi-coloured buddy benches made by MSN Men’s Shed, a part of Midsomer Norton Community Trust. The buddy and book benches are part of their project to assist primary schools in the local area by helping pupils’ emotional wellbeing. The school said: “These benches will help our children enjoy their playground experience and any child who feels lonely or bullied at any time can sit on a bench. “One of our playground helpers or a member of staff will come along and help the child who needs friendship or support.” The Men’s Shed have again thanked Charltons and Protek for their donations of materials and also Andy and Tish Jeffery at Farrington’s for their continued support. The Men’s Shed are a friendly group of generally older people who meet on Tuesdays and Fridays, 9.30am-1pm, at Farrington’s in Farrington Gurney. Details: Steve Swift 07775735789 email stephenkhswift@gmail.com
The Jubilee team
THE villages of Sandford and Winscombe marked the 70th anniversary of The Queen's accession on February 6th with a service of thanksgiving at St James’s Church, Winscombe followed by ceremonial tree plantings for the Queen’s Green Canopy campaign. The oak trees were planted by a group of invited guests from the local communities representing both villages, including John Penrose MP, Archie Forbes, chairman of the parish council, Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker, the Rev Andrew Hiscox, vicar of Winscombe and Sandford, Sandford resident Tony Callow and Winscombe resident Lois Brenchley. Both Tony and Lois have given many years of voluntary service to their communities and organisers said this was a small way of recognising this and thanking them for their excellent community spirit. A very special silver spade was used for the planting. Kindly lent by Hugh Gunn, the spade was used to cut the very first sod of the railway line, now known as the Strawberry Line, on February 26th, 1867, by Mr Gunn's great great grandmother, Anna Victoria Yatman. More recently it was used by Mr Gunn’s mother when work started on the Millennium Green in Winscombe on February 27th, 1999. The tree planting marks the start of a whole series of events that is being organised across Winscombe and Sandford to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee which will culminate in a grand Jubilee Festival on June 4th.
Cole Craggs, aged 11, plays a fanfare at the start of planting
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MENDIP TIMES
Tree planting in Blagdon
Pictured (l to r) Merv Walford, Tom Harvey, WI committee members Paddy Brading, Jane Venner-Pack, Judith Swetman, Carol Marsh, WI president Pat Hicks, and Yeo Valley’s Mary Mead
ON a rainy afternoon in February, Blagdon WI planted a Rowan tree to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. It was planted on Blagdon Church field upper green footpath by Yeo Valley’s Merv Walford, aided by Tom Harvey, by kind permission and with the help of Mary Mead of Yeo Valley Farms. Blagdon WI secretary, Jane Venner-Pack, said: “A commemorative plaque will be placed by the tree later in Jubilee Year.”
New work performed
THE first performance of a new work called “Reflections”, which was delayed by high Covid levels, will take place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Ubley on Sunday, March 6th. Written by Paul and Rachel Branston, it will be part of the benefice’s eco hub launch. The work is designed to be performed as a whole or as separate anthems/songs for churches who have smallish choirs that might not be able to sing more complex works Rachel has taught through her professional career and now writes music predominantly for the benefice choir of Blagdon with Charterhouse, Ubley and Compton Martin. CDs will be on sale raising money for the benefice churches, the Salvation Army and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The service starts at 2.30pm. Details: www.rachelbranston.co.uk 01761 220102
PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
History walk
SOME of Stanton Drew primary school’s pupils are planning to write a leaflet about their village and set out on a walk to carry out research. It took in the village’s famous stone circle, the church and surrounding countryside. Teacher, Zoe Abbott, said: “We had lots of help from parents and visitors of the school and we asked lots of questions that we now need to find out about. We decided that our village is the best!”
Julie’s honour
A LIFELONG member of the guiding movement, Julie Harrington, or Tawny Owl as she is known to so many, was presented with her 40-year long service award in Paulton. Julie started her Guiding journey as a Brownie at Paulton Brownies and took over as Guider in charge of 2nd Paulton Brownies in 2011. Sue Lake, a member of the Guider team, said: “Not only does Julie and her team plan and run weekly meetings, she also arranges special trips and events, including pack holidays giving the Brownies fantastic opportunities and experiences.”
Paper needed
PRICKLES Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar say they are grateful for all donations, including food and money, but they need more newspapers to help with cleaning. If you find hedgehogs out in the daytime who look unwell and hungry following their winter hibernation they ask you to call 07806 744772.
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COMMUNITY
Community café
THE Wellbeing Café in Bishop Sutton is seeing customer numbers going up each week. It is held every Wednesday, 11am-1pm at The Link, Bishop Sutton. It is run by the Chew and Yeo Baptist Network, a family of local Baptist chapels across the area, in partnership with Renew Wellbeing. It is a café style space where volunteers encourage wellbeing through conversation, shared activities, or by simply sharing in the company of others. One of the guests, Lillian Baker, said: “It’s good. We normally do games and activities and puzzles, which is fun, and which also exercises our brains.” Her neighbour, Marian Mason, added: “I love it as it is so nice to be in the company of others, especially after the lockdown we went through.” Marian and Lillian were also praising the cakes which Catherine O’Mally makes and brings in each week to go with the coffee and tea. Margaret Blakey, who is associate pastor and runs it with the
Walkers are back
Pictured (l to r) Margaret Blakey, Marian Mason, Lillian Baker, the Rev John Miles, Steve Penney and Patsy Lonasney
pastor, the Rev John Miles, said: “We have had a good start with several new regulars joining us. We have also had good contact with the village agents who have been helping to signpost us. There is still plenty of room for growth though. “The café is all about community and having a place where we can allocate somewhere where people can enjoy themselves and also feel safe. We even have a prayer space where you can pray, practice mindfulness, meditate and even do yoga.”
Details: margaret@renewwellbeing.org.uk
BISHOP Sutton and Stowey WI have started their monthly walks after a break for Christmas and the New Year. Members set up their walking group over a year ago and it has proved to be very popular. The latest walk took them through lanes and fields near Chew Valley Lake. Pictured (l to r) Julia Young, Pat Smith, Cherryl Taylor, Nita Wendover and Sue Owen
A fond farewell
A SURPRISE presentation was made during Compton Dando’s latest monthly coffee morning to Steve Rendell, who has been a large part of Compton Dando’s village life. He and his wife, Sarah, are moving to Wales after 23 years in the village. Presenting a scrapbook, PCC member, Jenny Davis, said: “During that time he has been a PCC member, bell ringer, has organised fetes and Christmas crackers (bazaar in church), as well as organising the churchyard working party. “Both he and Sarah will be missed Jenny Davis presenting Steve Rendell with his gift very much, and we
The village’s farewell gift
wish them well in their new life.” Meanwhile, the monthly coffee morning, which has seen numbers begin climbing again after lockdown finished, welcomed 30 guests that morning. The next coffee morning will be held on Saturday, March 12th 10.30am-12.30pm.
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MENDIP TIMES
Villages celebrate 100th birthday
Preparing for his flight
The Bahamas comes to Chew
COMMUNITY
STACEY Rees from Compton Martin has celebrated his 100th birthday in style, with parties in his home village and Chew Magna and a flight in a light aircraft during which he took the controls. Compton Martin held a party in the Old School where his birthday cake was made by Jean Luckett. Stacey was joined by the village’s youngest resident, Oliver, eight weeks, and his mum Sarah. In Chew Magna, events were organised by Chew Chat, formed four years ago. Organiser, Sam Oliphant, said: "Stacey has been involved from the first tea party I organised so we have been talking about how best to celebrate his big birthday for a few years! "Initially Stacey joked about going to the Bahamas with all
of his Chew Chat friends but obviously this would be tricky so instead Chew Chat organised a Bahamian Beach Party at the church hall in Chew Magna. We also planned a surprise lunch at Chew Kitchen on his actual birthday.” With a glass of bubbly in his hand he was steered towards the back of the room where his brother John, aged 96, and his wife Queenie were waiting to be reunited after a four-year gap. To top it all, he was given a flying lesson vouncher to fly over Filton, where he used to work, a Concorde cake and Airfix model, plus a Biggles-style flying hat. Stacey lives on his own with support from his “wonderful neighbours and friends”. During lockdown he kept himself busy writing plays and a lecture on “reaching 100”!
Arriving at his party with Sam Oliphant
Stacey with his brother and sister-in-law
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Scenes of celebration in Compton Martin
Where does the water go?
IT is natural for cavers to speculate about the possible course of underground water after it vanishes beyond the current farthest reaches of the cave. Various methods have been devised for testing hypotheses, using lycopodium (fern) spores, dyes and other chemicals. These are placed in the stream, With PHILIP and suspected resurgences are sampled until HENDY one or more test positive. In the late 1960s Tim Atkinson and others undertook the Mendip Karst Hydrology Project, which by means of exhaustive testing, established the relationship between our major swallets and associated resurgences. One connection had already been established. In 1861 Mr. Hodgkinson, proprietor of the Wookey Hole paper mill, sued Nicholas Ennor, who owned the St. Cuthbert’s Lead Works at Priddy. Water used to wash lead ore was discharged underground, into what is now known to be St. Cuthbert’s Swallet. Hodgkinson claimed that this polluted water emerged at Wookey and was unsuitable for paper-making. He brought a case, which he won in 1861. It was noted, however, that more water issued from the mouth of Wookey Hole than that which sank on the minery, so Wookey was clearly fed by more than one source. The underground course of the two other major Priddy swallets was disputed for years. In 1901 explorers, led by Herbert Balch, started exploring Swildon’s Hole, eventually reaching the first sump in 1921. Up to that point, the main cave passage trended westwards and it was assumed that the cave would continue, to discharge its water at Cheddar. But further exploration, beyond the sump, showed that the cave developed southward, towards Wookey Hole. It is now well established that Swildon’s water, together with that from nearby Eastwater Cavern, emerges at Wookey Hole. The three caves currently end south of the Wells Road between the Hunters’ Lodge Inn and Priddy Green. This road runs at the bottom of a wide shallow valley, which continues past Priddy Green to deepen and become Cheddar Gorge. The route taken by these streams is currently unknown, although attempts have been made over the years to dig down to intercept it. The valley bottom has several potential dig sites, indeed in 1962 and 1963, collapses occurred near
Hunters’ Hole
CAVING
Eighteen-acre dig
what used to be the Priddy Stores. Pin Cross, opposite the start of Pelting Road, was once the end of the leat which brought Priddy’s water supply from Fair Lady Well on the Minneries. The route is now largely lost, but excess water at Pin Cross would have sunk underground. This site, and another which was dug nearby in the 1990s opposite the Queen Victoria Inn, would clearly connect with Swildon’s Hole, where Sump Twelve lies almost directly underneath the inn. Priddy Green Sink, the other site on the Green, has, of course, been connected with Swildon’s Four. Two miles away, at the Hunters’ Lodge, digging revealed Hunters’ Hole in 1954. A 21 metre pitch leads to a roomy tunnel, with no obvious way on. Nearby, in 2001, Tony Jarratt dug into the 51-metre deep Hunters’ Lodge Inn Sink. Neither of these caves seems to be close to the main line of drainage. In the field opposite the garage, an excavator was used in 1991 to open Eighteen Acre Swallet, an unstable dig extending downwards for 18 metres. It is almost directly above Sump One in St. Cuthbert’s Swallet, with which it will presumably connect. Diggers now say that they can hear running water, which is encouraging. Further west, at Lower Pitts Farm, an excavator was again used in 2021 in a boggy patch in the valley bottom. A narrow rift, extending roughly south, with some flowstone on the walls, was exposed. It was dug for a while by the Templeton team before being summarily capped and closed, but last year work started again. This site could well be significant. Other attempts to enter the so-called Master Cave are being made higher up the hill to the south. Templeton was first dug in 2000, and so far a depth of around 130 metres has been achieved. The main shaft descends vertically for 50 metres, then divides. To the south, the decorated South Pot was dug into, and beyond that Echo Pot was discovered. There are two mothballed digs at the bottom. The main impetus has been in the North Pot, which extends some way beyond the depth achieved in the South, but has turned south, so lies somewhat below and adjacent to Echo Pot. Progress here is slow. Further south again, the same team has been digging in a cowshed at Higher Pitts Farm, courtesy of farmer Martin Edwards. This dig, revealed by a collapse, is currently around 40 metres deep, all in conglomerate. At present, the digs at Lower and Higher Pitts Farms, and Templeton, seem best placed to enter the main streamway between the Priddy swallets and Wookey Hole. A lot of depth still has to be achieved, but there is no lack of enthusiasm. As Tony Jarratt used to say, Keep on Diggin’.
(Photographs by Phil Hendy)
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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 • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 71
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MENDIP TIMES
Advice for landlords from Keyring Lettings WITH demand for housing in the private rented sector at an all-time high, one Mendip letting agency is working with landlords to help provide homes to those most in need of housing. Keyring Lettings, are a not for profit Community Interest Company and have recently helped a lady and her young daughter find a new home after they had spent many months searching. Only being able to work part-time so that she was able to care for her daughter meant that she was in receipt of some Universal Credit. Just before Christmas Keyring were approached by a landlord and asked to find tenants for a property in Frome. The house proved to be ideal for the young family and within just a few weeks they were settling into their new home. Stephen Palfrey, Keyring’s Lettings and Business Development Manager commented: “Luckily, our socially aware landlord came to this person’s rescue,
and we were able to agree a long-term tenancy that suited both. “The tenant had been looking unsuccessfully for some time so we were delighted to be able to help her when other agents couldn’t. “Our landlord client was also pleased that we had found someone so quickly and we wish them both a long and happy relationship! “There is a growing list of good tenants in need of housing, who through circumstances beyond their control, don’t always meet the stringent referencing requirements that are sometimes placed on them.” In addition to finding new tenants, the agency also works closely with the local authority to help landlords bring empty or run-down properties back into a condition where they can be let. Through their contacts Keyring can help landlords access grants and schemes that can be used from refurbishing or renovating a property to becoming
compliant with the latest regulations. Stephen comments: “More and more socially aware landlords are looking to provide help where they can see there is a family in genuine need and are willing to provide them with a tenancy. We need more landlords who are prepared to work with us to make this a reality for many.” Keyring use their social media platforms to regularly keep landlords up to date on the latest regulations and industry news. And on March 17th they will be hosting a landlords’ evening with guest speakers providing an update on forthcoming regulation and changes to the industry.
Details: For more information on the event or to reserve a place please contact manager@keyringlettings.co.uk
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 73
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From pristine to poor
MOTORING
A beautiful Jaguar takes pride of place in the marquee
THESE are some of the cars which went under the hammer at a specialist motoring auction in Frome in February. From “in perfect condition” to “in need of attention”, the 38 vehicles included a Jaguar XK 120 Roadster, through Riley, Ferrari and Porsche to an Airstream, Chevrolet and a BMW Isetta.
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 75
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MENDIP TIMES
Wells organ appeal
Love is in the air
THESE stunning photographs of starlings over Hutton were taken in time for Valentine’s Day! The murmurations have been taking place for a couple of months at dusk. The heart picture was taken by Cath Hanley from Hutton and the other by Peter Dutton, also of Hutton.
RICHARD KertonWelch visited Wells Cathedral after evensong to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the magnificent cathedral organ, accompanied by his wife Lisa and mother Sue. Richard may be a familiar face to many Wells residents as he is the store manager at the High Street Branch of CanDo4You shoe repairer and engraver. This Grand Organ Experience was given to him as a gift by two good friends to mark Richard’s many years of service as organist at St Mary Magdalene in Wookey Hole. It also supported the appeal to restore the organ. During the evening Richard played a number of pieces he had personally selected. Richard said: “It has been a lifelong dream to have the chance to play the Wells Cathedral Organ. After decades playing the organ in Wookey Hole, the big step up to one of the biggest and best organs in the country was an exciting prospect. “The whole evening is one I shall never forget and I want to thank Jeremy Cole, the Cathedral Friends and most especially my wonderful friends at St Mary’s Wookey Hole for giving me this fantastic opportunity.” Details: organappeal@wellsfriends.org 01749 678830
Bat reserve pioneered in Congresbury
A NEW nature reserve is being created in Congresbury, especially for bats, by Yatton and Congresbury Wildlife Action Group. The Cobthorn reserve is a ground-breaking project facilitated by North Somerset Council working with Natural England through the planning process. It has resulted in the developer Strongvox giving a field of about two and a half hectares to YACWAG to manage for the bats forever. When 38 new houses were built in Furnace Way, a larger area of farmland was lost as a feeding ground for bats. North Somerset Council ruled that the developer had to compensate for lost habitat by creating a nature reserve. There are only about 12,000 greater horseshoe bats in the UK – which is their stronghold – and amazingly 500-1000 of them are living close to Congresbury. Their preferred landscape is one with grazing animals and tall, wide hedges with scattered flowering trees that attract insects. The Cobthorn reserve will provide this kind of habitat. Grazing by livestock is especially important in this project because young bats need a particular kind of dung beetle to feed on. YACWAG members have been busy thickening up the hedges with additional hedge plants and their graziers, Jo and Andy Milward, will be providing the stock to produce the essential dung.
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
YACWAG chair, Tony Moulin, said: “We are very excited and immensely proud of the achievement for wildlife at Cobthorn. Local people can be assured that the nature reserve will never be built on, that they will always have ‘nature as their neighbour’. “We hope that more such schemes will follow this excellent example of planning gain for biodiversity. Greater horseshoe bats are very rare and protected and it is exciting that we will be able to give them a handy ‘eat-in restaurant’ on our new reserve with plenty of dung beetles on the menu.”
Pictured (l to r) Ali Sawer, Irene Mills and Tony Moulin
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NEWS
Tree felling raises fears over bluebells
PEOPLE who visit Beacon Hill Wood near Shepton Mallet have voiced their concerns over whether this year will witness the spectacular annual display of bluebells after tree surgeons carried out thinning works using heavy machinery in places. The Woodland Trust, which cares for the historic woodland, says the planned operations were essential to create more light – and says the bluebells are already showing signs of springing into life. One person who walks their dog regularly in the woodland said: “The annual bluebell display in Beacon Hill Woods is one of the great local natural occurrences. The use of heavy machinery in the name of forestry management has completely ruined the prospect of such a display this year. “The Woodland Trust, who own this wood, explicitly state on their website that it is prohibited to uproot this protected native species, and yet this is precisely what has happened. It is such a shame – I can’t believe there isn’t a more sensitive way of managing the woodland and preserving the habitat. There won’t be much of a display this year – and that’s a shame for all the people who enjoy walking in these woods.” A spokesperson for the trust said: “In this case we are able to reassure that the thinning works will Some of the bluebells disturbed by not leave any lasting the machinery negative impact, but enable the wood to flourish. The team has now finished felling the area this refers to and almost all the timber has been extracted. With the mild weather the bluebells are starting to poke through
Tree cutting machinery in the lower part of the wood
early and small areas have been disturbed but you can already see them sprouting vertically. They will recover very quickly and the work will ultimately prove beneficial as increased light levels enable them to thrive. “We have kept the amount of vehicles moving around the site to a minimum. Once the work is complete, within the next two to three weeks, we will level off the ruts and repair any damage to the main track.” The spokesperson added: “Alongside the bluebells we want to enhance the flora and fauna within this wood. We are thinning the wood to let more light reach the ground. This should allow for any remaining natural tree and wildflower seeds to germinate, to increase the botanical diversity of the site and improve the structure of the wood, which in turn is better for birds and other wildlife. Having a more diverse range of native trees on site will also make it more resilient to climate change and any tree diseases.” l See Walking P50.
Heart transplant patient Ed greets his friends ED Burdge, aged 17, is back home just weeks after having a heart transplant at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. He walked out to meet his friends from Bristol Grammar School who had cycled the 155 miles to the hospital to raise money for heart research. After a pizza with them, he was able to return home to Cleeve with his parents Mike and Tandy. Ed, a strapping 14-stone 6’5” soccer player, had sudden heart failure in November and was in intensive care at the BRI before surgeons decided a heart transplant was his only hope. He underwent the ten-hour operation on January 9th.
His father, Mike, who runs an agricultural machinery business in Yatton, said: “It was great to see the boys arrive, there was a lot of clapping and cheering. It’s just incredible how Ed
has recovered. We are so grateful to the staff involved.” His friends Ollie, Tom, Adam, Will, Arjun and Nelson had raised £16,700 as Mendip Times went to press.
Details: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/edscharitycylebristol2papworth
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 77
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Access to Showroom by appointment only PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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HOMES & INTERIORS
A stitch in time* . . .
Angie Hicks, MD of Kingfisher, offers a few tips
WE’RE all becoming increasingly aware of the need to recycle, so it makes sound sense to take a look at the way we can prolong the life of many of the products we buy. The recent dramatic hike in energy costs too, underlines the importance of not only investing in heat preserving technology but ensuring its longevity. Based on experience and from many of the questions I am asked, I thought it would be useful to pass on a few tips that could prove useful. In themselves, none is earth shattering, but you know the other old saying, “Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves”! 1. Lubricate hinges on windows and doors with a silicone spray every six months 2. Always lift the handle on your door to pull in hook locks. This reduces draughts 3. We can enhance the specification of double-glazed units to perform as well
as triple gazed units, thereby reducing costs significantly 4. Avoid cheap PVCu units as they discolour fairly rapidly. We use only first generation PVCu and this doesn’t discolour 5. Condensation can be reduced by installing Argon filled units. If there is moisture in the room it will be attracted to the coldest surface 6. Don’t worry about condensation forming on the outside of your doubleglazed units. This simply shows that your window is working efficiently, and it is warmer inside. 7. Good ventilation in the home is very important, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. Trickle vents do help. On our units there is a night vent facility where the window can be locked in an open position 8. We will recycle wood, aluminium, glass and PVCu At our showroom at East Brent, we’re always more than happy to answer any
questions you may have and give honest, straightforward advice. And you can relax in the certain knowledge that you will be put under no pressure. That is not, or ever will be, the Kingfisher way! *After I wrote this article, I read that in a recent survey dozens of traditional British sayings are at risk of extinction. Apparently 64% aren’t au fait with “a stitch in time saves nine”. Oh well…
MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 79
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MENDIP TIMES
Multi-use pathways mean just that!
THERE is an occasional hint of spring in the air at last and it’s great. The days are lengthening, making it possible for some riders to have a quick hack out after work without flashing lights and torches. What welcome news then that the Highway Code has now officially declared that cars must pass horses at no more than 10mph and at a With JANE PATERSON distance of no less than two metres away. There are some neat little hat cams around now so that riders who wish to, can discreetly film front and rear views, and batteries last long enough to collect plenty of footage. It’s encouraging that road safety for horses and riders is being taken seriously. Let’s just hope that drivers and cyclists take note. There is surely room for everyone as long as there is tolerance and cooperation. Better still, new off-road recreational paths are continuing to WHILE I was spectating at arena eventing recently, I met a photographer who set up her business last year in the Mendip area. Martha Morgan specialises in equestrian, agricultural and countryside photography and is passionate about her subject. The love of capturing the moment, creating memories, and getting to the character of her subjects is what she is all about. Martha will travel to your venue of choice, whether it be your yard, livery, favourite spot, or show, and take as many photos as necessary until she gets your perfect shot. She will even travel at very short notice for an end-of-life situation if the dreaded happens. We all know that our fourlegged friends are only lent to us and that saying goodbye is something that most of us have to face at some time or another, horrid though it is. Martha is very sensitive to the need to preserve a precious memory. It’s something I hadn’t really thought about before, but I can see a place for it. Super enthusiastic, Martha is a registered member of the Guild of Photographers which offers ongoing training and support and makes it easier to keep updated in an ever changing digital world. Cameras are so high-tech these days and each one seems to have so many options and programmes to choose from, leading to certain confusion for the amateur who just wants to take a snap! She is also building up relationships with other equestrian photographers to make it easier to photograph multiple fences at events, clinics, pony club, and will cover any requests if at all possible. If you want a photo shoot, Martha is kindly offering Mendip Times readers a hefty 40% discount on any photoshoot booked before the end of June. A fantastic present for someone, or simply an indulgence for yourself and a chance to have a lasting memory of your favourite animal or place. Email: contact@marthamorganphotography.co.uk and mention this article from the Mendip Times.
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
be expanded. Both Chew Valley Lake and Shepton Mallet areas have ongoing campaigns to consider horses and riders on their multi-use pathways. Parliament declared ten years ago that multi-use means just that. Walkers both disabled and able bodied together with cyclists and riders, should all have equal access to enjoy safe passage along these trails. It’s not acceptable for horses to be excluded just because some people don’t like them! The MBBA (Mendip Byways and Bridleways Association) and The Trails Trust do so much work to fight for riders’ rights, and the cause is well supported by the BHS (British Horse Society). I would urge everyone to support these organisations, because it’s their unsung heroes who are working away often in a voluntary capacity, to try to ensure that all riders have a better experience off-road, in safety. I am hoping to walk the Chew Valley Lake trail to see the difficulties which one elderly rider who contacted me, has encountered.
Photo from Martha's portfolio
Martha and her partner Jon run a small farm, as well as an agricultural contracting business which keeps Jon busy. His family is steeped in farming and goes back generations to include a farrier who served in WWI. He has small machinery available to use for pony paddocks and small acreages AND he will do fencing, groundworks and empty the overflowing muck heap that has been needing to be done for ever, as well as the chain harrowing and rolling which is going to need doing very soon. We can’t all accommodate the very large tractors and implements that hurtle round the countryside, so Jon’s smaller but just as effective machinery might be just what the small yard is looking for. Lastly, don’t forget to support the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point at Ston Easton on March 20th. Fingers crossed for fine weather and good going!
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RIDING
Rescue charity launches appeal
Thor (left) and Ginny
(Ph t
t
fJ
h t
)
RESCUE charity, HorseWorld, at Whitchurch has launched an appeal following the rescue of three emaciated mares in Bristol and the successful treatment of two of their foals afterwards. The third mare died. The expectant mothers were discovered standing in a filthy barn, hock deep in soiled bedding. They were riddled with lice and suffering from rain scald due to exposure to prolonged wet weather. All had over-grown feet and were desperately trying to cope with being malnourished and heavily pregnant. One of the foals was so small at birth the team had to buy him a dog coat to help keep him warm. It cost £5,588.67 in vets’ fees to nurse these mares back to health and the intensive care required for their foals to survive. HorseWorld’s fundraising and engagement coordinator, Amy Williams, said: “Every penny donated will make a difference to Ginny, Thor, their mothers and other horses, ponies and donkeys who have, through no fault of their own, found themselves in need of help.”
Details: www.horseworld.org.uk/love
Freddie was a dreamer – no longer AS a keen pony club rider, Freddie Gingell used to dream about riding his first winner under rules – but not anymore. The 16-year-old grandson of Gold Cup-winning trainer Colin Tizzard, tasted success at Wincanton Racecourse, riding the Tizzard-trained West Approach to victory in the Colin Lewis Memorial Open Hunters' Chase opener, beating his only rival, the Paul Nicholls’ trained Alcala, by 21 lengths. Freddie was a regular winner at
pony club races at events such as the Mendip Farmers’ Point-to-Point, under the guidance of his late mother, Kim and only recently began riding in point-to-points himself. Freddie told Racing TV: “This means so much, I lost mum two years ago and she's up there looking down. She'll be up there crying as well, probably.” He added: “I just want to try to get as many rides as I can and get a few under rules as well then maybe, next season, get my conditional licence.”
Freddie and connections including grandfather and trainer Colin Tizzard
Freddie Gingell
Clearing the final fence
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MENDIP TIMES
Divoky Riding School is thriving DIVOKY Riding School is celebrating its 12th anniversary since relocating to Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, from Glastonbury with the news that it has received yet another 5* inspection rating from Mendip District Council. The riding school industry is still struggling to survive after the pandemic with one Mendip stable taking the decision to move from a riding school to livery yard – but Divoky is continuing to thrive with innovations such as “quiet hacks” and a return to riding scheme as well as working with young riders of all abilities. Having trained several jockeys and grooms who have progressed into the racing industry, Divoky, based at Manor Farm, has decided to sponsor this year’s Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point to demonstrate its continued support for the racing world. Divoky proprietor Pat Bishop said: “The British Horse Society is working hard to encourage new coaches into the industry so this couldn't be a better time to get BHS stages qualifications, there are bursaries and other support currently available. “We are also keen to encourage more mature people to come into equestrian coaching bringing with them their life skills and passion for horses so if you are considering a change of a career give us a call.”
An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip
Return to riding in 2022!
We all know it can be a bit of a challenge to get back in the saddle if you’ve not ridden for a while – but we have the answers! H Ride and coffee mornings H Adult group lessons H Quiet Hacks Call or email us for more details
Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk • Email: info@divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
Learning the parts of a pony – youngsters having fun at Divoky
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Springtime checks for horses
SPRING is coming and the restrictions of Covid are finally relaxing to allow us all to get back out there competing or just enjoying our horses in company again. As the evenings draw out and riding after work becomes a reality, it’s time to go through a mental check list before launching back into a higher level of work. Are there any soundness or medical issues that have been put on the back boiler through the quiet winter months? Stables Equine Practice is ready to address your queries and problems. We’re offering significantly discounted examinations and treatments at regular clinics in the practice including dentistry and gastroscopy days. We will of course continue our popular “Three go Free” free visits for three or more horses, which are particularly suited to this time of year as everybody is getting their horses checked and prepared for the year ahead. If your thoughts are turning to breeding why not give one of our vets a call to find out what is involved, it’s all part of our friendly personal approach? We are always happy to discuss your horse’s needs on the phone, but starting with the Mendip Point to Point we will be in attendance at numerous shows and events throughout the year, so why not come talk to us in person? Nicko Robertson, Stables Equine Practice
It’s time to go racing
RIDING
MARCH sees the return of point-to-point horseracing at both Ston Easton and Charlton Horethorne after an absence of two years due to Covid. The Blackmore and Sparkford Vale meeting takes place at Charlton Horethorne (near Sherborne) on Sunday, March 6th with pony racing at midday followed by six races, including the £1,000 Mixed Open sponsored by Ineos Grenadier. The BSV pony races are sponsored by Bradley Head Shoot together with Tizzard Racing and Richard Prince. The jockeys of the future have started their journey here such as Harry Cobden, Sam Twiston Davies, Lorcan Williams and Bryony Frost. More recently this season, Olive Nicholls and Freddie Gingell have progressed from ponies onto point to pointers, both with great success, with Freddie winning his first race under rules at Wincanton at the beginning of February. The Mendip Farmers meeting takes place on Sunday, March 20th with the first race due off at 12.30pm. Pony racing takes place at the end of the main races. As with the BSV meeting, it offers a great family day out with plenty of trade stands selling hot and cold food and also a variety of clothing and country goods. There will be a big screen at both to watch all the action with licensed bar and bookmakers. The screen at Ston Easton is being sponsored by Divoky Riding School at Downhead.
SUNDAY MARCH 6th (Pony racing from midday, followed by six point to point races from 1pm) BLACKMORE & SPARKFORD VALE POINT-TO-POINT Admission: £10 (advance) from pointingwessex.co.uk or £12.50 on the gate. Race cards £3
SUNDAY MARCH 20th (1st race 12.30pm followed by pony racing) MENDIP FARMERS’ POINT-TO-POINT Ston Easton, (off A37, 8m N of Shepton Mallet, BA3 4DH)
Admission £12.50 (advance) from pointingwessex.co.uk or facebook.com/mendipfarmerspointtopoint or £15 on the gate. Under 16s free. Tel: 07879 645364 for more information.
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MENDIP TIMES
The Big Issue with bikes
WHEN I was in Bristol the other day my eye caught some very smart-looking new bikes parked on the pavement. Upon closer inspection, it CYCLING turned out that they with EDMUND LODITE were part of the latest bike-hire scheme to be launched in the city. The Big Issue in partnership with Sharebike (a Norwegian micromobility company) have launched the scheme there before rolling it out across the rest of the country. The eco-friendly scheme has altruistic ambitions in that it will recruit and train unemployed and vulnerable people in local communities and provide them with support and services to improve their lives. The stylish red and white bikes can be hired via a smartphone – nothing radical there – but what makes this scheme different is that they are electric powered. The bikes can be hired via the Big Issue e-Bike App where registered cyclists will be able to find the location of the nearest bike. Scanning the QR code on the bike releases the internal lock, engages the motor and you’re away! At the end of the journey, you park the bike sensibly and lock it via the app – no docking stations are needed. There have been previous bike hire schemes in Bristol that didn’t end well. Yobike pulled the plug on their scheme after being beset by problems including theft and vandalism. Dumped and broken canary yellow bikes became an
increasingly sad sight across Bristol. When the operators introduced no-go areas, it simply highlighted the difference between the “have” and “have-nots” in our society, creating even more division. Whereas the Yobike was clunky, heavy and pedal powered the Big Issue e-bikes look well-built and can provide powered assistance to shorten journey times. But for the scheme to be successful it needs two things. Firstly, that the bikes are regularly maintained by Big Issue staff – and I feel confident of that. Secondly, where I am not so sure, is that they are well treated by the public. Compared to the rest of mainland Europe the UK seems to have a lot less respect for shared resources. But there are signs of change. A good example are the e-scooter trials which are taking place in Bath and Bristol (and many other cities nationally). These seem to be proving extremely popular judging by the numbers of people riding them, but I’m intrigued by the motivation for using them. On one hand if it means fewer car journeys and less congestion in our cities then that must be good for the environment. But then, on the other hand, why not ride a bike and get the health benefit as well? Maybe the answer is in the perceived ease of use and the hop on/off
accessibility that scooters provide around urban spaces. Whereas bikes and scooters face the same challenges around safety on our roads, there are subtle differences in how they are treated legally. Both are limited to a maximum of 15.5mph and there are no general restrictions on who can ride an e-bike along public roads. However, for a hired e-scooter you need to be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full driving licence to do the same thing. Also privately owned e-scooters are not currently allowed on public roads. While any increase in eco-friendly travel alternatives is welcome, it needs to be matched by investment from government in greener transport infrastructure. A step forward is the appointment of former Olympic champion Chris Boardman as the first head of Active Travel England. The new organisation will hand out funding for cycling and walking schemes and oversee designs of major planning applications. It will also inspect what is built and publish annual reports ranking councils on their performance, intended to mimic the role of Ofsted with schools. Change will come, giving people more eco-friendly choices on how they travel, including bikes and scooters. Now, if it’s stopped raining, I’m heading out for a bike ride!
MARCH CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Riyals 5. Clause 10. Relic 11. Moonshine 12. Wedmore 13. Sweater 14. Leitmotiv 17. Pager 18. Plain 19. Airworthy 21. Ingress 23. Michael 25. Directory 26. Igloo 27. Slalom 28. Elects. DOWN: 2. Idled 3. Anchorman 4. Somme 5. Crossover 6. Aisle 7. Skintight 8. Trowel 9. Wearer 15. Inaugural 16. Transform 17. Proscribe 18. Priddy 20. Yellow 22. Excel 23. Maybe 24. Aglet PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
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Anyone for table tennis?
SPORT
THE table tennis club in Compton Dando is up and running again after lockdown and welcomes mature adults of all abilities. Members stayed in touch through socially distanced rambles but now meet in the village hall every other Thursday, 7.15pm, and every third Sunday at 2.15pm. Organiser, Richard Davis said: “The £3 per session includes tea/coffee biscuits, and any money made after expenses we send to Julian House in Bath. “New players of all abilities are welcome to join and play when they can. We do not play in any table tennis league and the accent is to enjoy table tennis.”
Kings hockey champions
Details: richardjamesdavis@hotmail.com
KINGS of Wessex have been crowned Somerset U16 County Hockey Champions after beating Sexeys of Bruton 4-1 in the final held at Bridgwater. Their goals all came in the first half with Sexeys pulling one back in the second. PE teacher, Caroline Walker, said: “We knew it was going to be a tough match so we had thrown in some extra practices during the week to make sure we were as ready as physically possible. “So proud of them, such a lovely bunch of girls.” The squad prictured: Mary F, Phil G, Trinity C, Phoebe A, Millie S, La M, Maya BM, Annabelle S, Sky G, Sophie W, Bliss D, Sophie W, Winnie W.
Bridge club seeks new members
A FRIENDLY group of bridge players who meet in Kilmersdon is eager to boost its membership. The club plays mostly rubber bridge and partners are not necessary. It meets on Mondays at 2pm in the village’s Coles Garden Meeting Rooms.
A bridge session underway in Kilmersdon
For details contact: Mike Helton on 07552 719324/ mike.henton@talktalk.net or Heather Langridge on 01761 232189/handr82@icloud.com MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022 • PAGE 87
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MENDIP TIMES
Technology leads the way at Farrington Park FARRINGTON Park Golf Club has invested more than £250,000 in state-of-the-art Toptracer driving range technology in its 12-bay driving range. The system has monitors in each bay to allow players to see exactly how far the ball travels, its carry distance and accuracy. This information can then be recorded on a special app allowing the player to keep a record of their shots – good and bad! The technology also provides golfers with the opportunity to play many of the top golf courses around the world by simply selecting a golf course from the new TV screens. Farrington Park’s Golf Manager Jon Calway is convinced that it’s the biggest revolution for golf ranges for more than 50 years. He said: “We’re very proud to be the first club in the Mendip area to have installed Toptracer.” Since its installation the club has seen a 50% increase in players using the range facility. People are regularly travelling from Bath, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare to take their place on the range. Jon Calway added: “Golf has to move with the times, not everybody can spare four or five hours to play 18-holes. With this technology a player can play a complete round at St Andrews in less than two hours and it’s unaffected by weather conditions. “One Saturday in February more than 7,000 balls were hit which compares to an average of 2,000 prior to Toptracer being installed.” General Manager, Kevin Mortimer, is delighted with the progress the club is making: “We have a superb golf course along with a health and fitness club and Toptracer is a great addition to the facilities we have at Farrington. We hope that some of those coming to use Toptracer will also become members.”
The upgrading of the range is the latest round of investment that has been made at Farrington Park. Over the last 18 months major ground works have been carried out on the course as well as a new kitchen for the restaurant. The club’s owners have more than one eye on the future as they look to reinforce Farrington Park’s growing reputation as one of the area’s leading leisure facilities. Kevin Mortimer considers that the region has a lot to offer but lacks in a key area of entertainment for young people. He said: “Toptracer can fill the gap in the market for young people who would consider it a day out. A number of local schools have already taken advantage of the new facility and there has been plenty of interest from others.” The cost of using Toptracer ranges from £2 for 24 balls (£3 for non-members) to £10 for 120 balls (£12.50 for nonmembers).
The Ashton Gate Eight – 40 years on
BY the autumn of 1981, Bristol City Football Club was effectively insolvent and as each day passed the situation worsened. The club’s fall from grace had been spectacular as just two years earlier Bristol City had occupied sixth place in the old First Division. Spiralling debts meant that by February 1982 the club was on the brink of going in to liquidation. The possibility of Bristol City no longer existing was a real one. With debts reported to be in the region of £1M and losses continuing to run at £3,000 a week, the situation had reached crisis point. Local businessmen Deryn Collier and Ken Sage came forward with a rescue plan that included purchasing Ashton Gate. Its success however, was dependant on a group of the best paid players agreeing to tear up their contracts and accept a fraction of what they were owed. The eight players; Peter Aitken, Julian Marshall, Chris Garland, Jimmy Mann, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney, Trevor Tainton and Geoff Merrick were summoned to a board meeting and told the shock news that the fate of Bristol City lay in their hands. The Professional Footballers Association became involved in a series of tense meetings with both club and players. Remarkably, the players continued to make themselves available for selection and on 30th January 1982, four of them were in the side that drew 1-1 at Newport County in Division Three. A game that many
PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
SPORT
feared would be the club’s last ever game. Four days later, things came to a head at a meeting held at the Dragonara Hotel in Bristol. The eight players faced the stark reality that if they didn’t make the ultimate sacrifice of tearing up their contracts, Bristol City would be wiped off the footballing map. In the end, in an act of selflessness rarely seen in football, that’s exactly what they did. Despite their sacrifice, the club continued to struggle on the pitch. After a 7-1 defeat away at Northampton Town in September 1982, the club occupied bottom place of the entire Football League. For the supporters it didn’t really matter, they were just content to have a club at all. City managed to finish mid-table that season and the recovery was complete a year later when manager Terry Cooper guided the side to promotion. Despite not having yet made it to the promised land that is the Premier League, the club have remained financially stable ever since. Last month the club hosted a 40th Anniversary Dinner to commemorate the events of February 1982. Seven of the eight, with the exception being Chris Garland, attended the star-studded event which gave supporters an opportunity to show their appreciation for what they did all those years ago. Actions that are unlikely to be repeated in the modern era. By Steve Gooding
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MENDIP TIMES
Piano duet in Yatton
IMMA Setiadi and Nigel Clayton will play a virtuoso selection of engaging classical piano duets at St Mary’s Church in Yatton on March 26th. Both are top international pianists from the Royal College of Music where Nigel is a Professor and Fellow, an honour given for his services and presented by the Prince of Wales in 2017. Imma is from Indonesia where she graduated from the Singapore Conservatoire and completed her studies with a doctorate from the RCM. Subsequently her career has taken her to many prestigious concert halls as a soloist and chamber pianist. For this concert their music will include pieces by Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Schubert, Saint Saens and Brahms. The concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets £10, half price for students over 16, children free. Details: www.yms.org.uk daford220@gmail.com
Come join our choir
Concert supports youth work
WESTON-based charity, Revealed Projects, is hosting a fundraising concert with Weston Light Orchestra at Holy Trinity Church, Weston-super-Mare on Saturday, April 2nd, 7.30-9.45pm. The service works with young people, aged seven-18, to teach vital skills around self-esteem and healthy relationships The evening will include delightful melodies from the Golden Age of Light Music, celebrating over 100 years of Weston Light Orchestra. Project Manager, Adele Sutton said: “Young people are struggling, in particular because of the pandemic and services like ours are needed more than ever. “Every penny raised will help us continue our mission to inspire young people to be confident in who they are and develop skills to build healthy relationships in all aspects of their lives.” Tickets, £10 can be booked online. Details: www.revealedprojects.org.uk/news-1 01934 707130
Priddy Folk Festival is back
AFTER two years away, Priddy Folk Festival organisers are getting ready for a great festival weekend from Friday, July 8th to Sunday, July 10th. The festival is a “not for profit” event with fun for all the family, including ticketed events, free children’s and dance festivals as well as the “Fringe”, all held around the village green. It also generates funds for local community organisations as well as promoting folk music and the arts whilst soaking up a great atmosphere. The festival is run by a group of volunteers who are always keen to attract new people to help both as stewards over the weekend and in setting up and taking down. In return, they offer free tickets and a warm and friendly welcome to the team. For details visit: www.priddyfolk.org
All smiles: Somer Valley Singers ladies choir with conductor Daniel Robert Cushing
SOMER Valley Singers is hosting a taster session in March for anyone who might be interested in joining the ladies choir. No experience is needed to join the singers who perform a wide repertoire of music including classical, jazz, musical
theatre and pop, led by their young, professional and inspiring conductor Daniel Robert Cushing. The taster evening takes place on Thursday, March 10th at 7.30pm at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton. They say just turn up on the night, you’ll be made most welcome.
For details call Shirley Parker on: 01761 433325
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MUSIC & THEATRE
Concert ahoy!
Vicar of Dibley in Wookey
WESTON-super-Mare’s very own sea shanty band, The Steepholmers, in association with Reaper Events, will be holding a special event on March 19th, 5-11pm, at St Paul’s Church, Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare. It will raise funds for this year’s Weston-super-Mare Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival, which will be held August 5-7th, featuring over 50 bands and raising funds for Weston RNLI and Lions Club. This special fundraising concert will feature no less than seven bands: The Steepholmers, The Beach’d Buoys, The Harry Browns, Severn Whalers, The Swing Rioters, Piratitude and Morris Minor. The event will also feature a competition for the best-dressed pirate and a full bar will be available. Tickets are £6.
AFTER a two-year period of absence (for the obvious reason) the Wookey Theatre Group were back, and there was a palpable sense of excitement amongst the crowd and the performers. The show consisted of three episodes from the last Vicar of Dibley series, cleverly sewn together as one whole performance. The cast were strong throughout and from the opening parish council meeting scene we immediately recognised familiar characters brilliantly brought to life, as Frank (Gil Oliphant), Owen (Paul Reynolds), Jim (Rosie Winstone) and Hugo (Steve French) were presided over by a wonderfully exasperated David (Steve Collinson). In the play, the eponymous Geraldine (played by Lyn Hinde) is instantly attracted to Harry, a dashing new arrival to the village (played by Steve French). Their scenes together fizzed with wit and romance, leaving the audience firmly rooting for Geraldine’s longed-for happy ending. Geraldine’s scenes with the delightfully dippy Alice (played by Louise Cooper) beautifully captured the iconic pair’s hilarious chemistry, and the infamous joke explanations, to a blissfully bewildered Alice, had the audience in stitches. Dawn French has left a large cassock to fill, but Lyn Hinde’s performance as Geraldine was a triumph. She impressively combined compassion and frustration (plus occasional bursts of profanity and lunacy) with real warmth for her wonderfully eccentric parishioners. On stage for every scene, this was a massive role, skilfully executed and a real joy to watch. The addition of a pre-filmed video clip was a highlight in the second act (directed and produced by Greg Collinson and Jamie Bendy). A superbly put together dream sequence, where Geraldine gets pipped to the altar by her rival, and whilst singing a soul classic, punches both the bride and the groom in sheer frustration. Make up, lights, and sound were all extremely well done and the simplistic staging was remarkably effective. Directed by Polly Carroll and produced by Ann Gouldney, this 15th production by the WTG is a theatrical achievement of which they should be seriously proud. Wookey may be a small unassuming village, but the WTG cast and crew consistently raise their game to put on performances that are top notch.
Details: https://buytickets.at/thesteepholmersshantyband/642929
Church says thanks
MUSIC and thanksgiving filled St. Andrew's church, Congresbury as parishioners celebrated the 40 years that Liz Chappell has been organist and musical director at the church. Gifts were presented to her by the vicar of Congresbury, the Rev Matthew Thomson, and among the large congregation was the former vicar, the Rev Richard Salmon, and church and choir members from the past. The church choir was conducted by Nicola Bradshaw and accompanied by members of the Chappell family, with daughter Katie, a professional violinist, her husband, Trevor Davies, singing and playing guitar, and grandson, Hugh, former chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, on the piano.
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MENDIP TIMES
Happy birthday for The Brue Boys
LOCAL men’s choir The Brue Boys is celebrating its 15th birthday this year. It was the brainchild of choir director Jennifer Westcott. On January 15th, 2007, following an advertisement inviting singers from the Brue Valley area, 17 men turned up for the first rehearsal. The choir has gone from strength to strength still under the leadership of Jennifer and still based in Baltonsborough. It now has more than 40 singing members, some coming from as far south as Yeovil and as far north as Wells. The choir’s repertoire consists mainly of light tuneful music including songs from the shows, folk songs and sea shanties. A number of concerts are performed each year in support of good causes. There have been many highlights over the years but notably the tour to France in 2016 and an appearance at the 2019 Glastonbury Extravaganza supporting the Specials and The Lighthouse Family in front of an audience of 10,000. The current choir is pictured backstage at the Extravaganza. Following two years of inactivity due to Covid the choir is back in rehearsal and a number of performances around the area are already planned. New members are welcomed.
Lament for the Willow Man
MUSIC & THEATRE
WE have all driven on the M5 motorway and passed the Willow Man. But now the old fellow is looking somewhat tired and haggard. So musician Barry Walsh, from Axbridge, has produced an original song called the Willow Man to raise awareness of his plight. Its sculptor, Serena De La Hey, is due to make a statement regarding his future shortly. Barry is known for his songs about the West Country, such Barry and Louise Walsh as Porlock Hill and The Queen of Clovelly and his music is frequently played on BBC Radio and on the internet. Details: YouTube and Facebook: barrywalshuk
Panto time in Shipham
Details: http://www.brueboys.org.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BrueBoys/
Open by informal appointments only, including evenings and weekends
PIANO TUNING, REPAIRS, RESTORATIONS AND SALES Servicing Pianos throughout Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire
Please call us 07866 464547 sales@abbeypianoservices.co.uk www.abbeypianoservices.co.uk Anchor Road, Coleford, BA3 5PB
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
REHEARSALS are getting underway again and Shipham Players are delighted to say that their pantomime will be going ahead in 2022. Originally scheduled for February, the panto will now be performed in April. With the usual wonderful mix of a fabulous dame, a dashing hero, dastardly villain together with lots of fun and frolics, this is looking like the best one yet! The group will be performing “Aladdin A Genie-us Panto” by Limelight Scripts, at 7.30pm on Thursday 7th, Friday, 8th and Saturday, April 9th, with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday in Shipham Village Hall. Tickets, £8, will go on sale on Saturday, March 5th from the Shipham Players’ website www.shiphamplayers.org.uk Details: info@shiphamplayers.org.uk
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Dom Joly at Strode Theatre
WRITER, broadcaster and comedian Dom Joly, best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, is back on the road with his one-man theatre tour, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits at Strode Theatre on Friday, May 13th as a serial globe-trotting and seeker of dangerous travel spots when he returns to the road to complete his “Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps” tour. He’s playing more than 50 dates across the UK, including Strode in 2022 on a mammoth tour running from February to November. From North Korea to Chernobyl, Dom has visited some of the most unusual places on the planet – including, of course, the Australian bush in the tenth series of hit TV show I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here. He famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and, armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to serve up a tantalising mix of comedy and a sense of danger. The best-selling author will meet fans after the show to sign copies of his latest book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club. Dom said: “I’ve got this collection of weird holiday snaps. And I know there’s that cliché that ‘nobody wants to see anybody else’s holiday snaps’. Well, my holiday snaps are really good. And I’ve got some really good stories with them. “The theme is travel. The three things I’ll be showing will be my own holiday snaps, holiday snaps from TV shows and
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holiday snaps from my books. Strode Theatre’s manager, Fares K Moussa, said: “It’s great that Dom will be joining us at Strode Theatre, so that communities in and around mid-Somerset will have an opportunity to see this fun and fascinating show. “We look forward to welcoming him and other great artists over the coming months, as we all ease back into some form of normality.”
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Fibre Quest show celebrates natural clothing THIS exciting new show is a collaboration between Fernhill Farm’s Open Day and Blade Shearing Tournament and Stitch Fest South West. The event is being held at Fernhill Farm, a regenerative eco farm high on the Mendip Hills. Exhibitors will demonstrate
natural low-impact fibres for yarns and clothing, natural dyes and fibre crafts. There will be a programme of workshops, talks and demonstration including natural dyeing, spinning, nettle craft, blade shearing, wool handling and more. Show visitors can also see some of the top blade shearers at work and see working sheepdogs close at hand. The event is part funded by DEFRA’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. Fibre Quest entry is free but a crowd funder is raising funds to cover the cost of tickets, making it inclusive and accessible to all. Details: https://www.gofundme.com /f/fibre-quest
Fayre “bigger than ever”
GET ready for fire eating, jousting and battles as the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre returns this April bigger than ever, say organisers. As well as admiring the all-action displays there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to get stuck in themselves by trying their hands at archery and axethrowing. Taking place over the weekend of Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday, April 24th, the grounds of the historic abbey will echo to the sounds of true medieval life as the breathtaking ruins form the background for markets, living history displays and medieval demonstrations. Tolly Snell, Glastonbury Abbey’s Deputy Commercial Activity Manager, said: “Our medieval fayre has bounced back from the pandemic bigger than ever. There is going to be so much to see and do over that April weekend. “We cannot wait to bring this exciting event back to Glastonbury in what has now become such a popular date in the abbey’s calendar.” The fayre opens between 10am and 5pm on both days across the entire abbey grounds. Tickets start from just £7 for a day ticket and £10.50 for a weekend ticket. Glastonbury Abbey’s Member Plus supporters get free entry to the fayre as well as discounts or free entry to a range of other events throughout the year. They also enjoy free, all-year-round access to the full 36-acre parkland and up to 15 per cent discount in the abbey shop and café. To become a Member Plus, which costs just over £1 per week, visit the abbey’s website. You can also buy event tickets and membership in the Glastonbury Abbey Gift Shop. For details and to buy tickets, visit: www.glastonburyabbey.com
Classic cars at Downside Abbey
THE grounds surrounding Downside Abbey will be playing host to Cars on the Green on March 20th, when for the first time in a very long time, the abbey will be opening its gates to the classic car community. The event offers owners and enthusiasts the opportunity to display and enjoy their vehicles amongst the picturesque grounds of the abbey. Cars on the Green will be catering for classic and prestigious vehicle owners and enthusiasts. This event will be the first opportunity for the public to experience the grounds alongside many classic and unique cars from all eras. One of the biggest attractions will be the large grass amphitheatre on which up to 50 vehicles can be displayed and take centre stage. As well as several high quality food and drink venders there will also be a variety of stalls catering for all things automotive. The visitor centre and abbey cafe will also be open during the event. Details: https://meilleurmode.co.uk/tickets
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From murder mystery dining to Peppa Pig
THE East Somerset Railway at Cranmore has an exciting season in store for 2022 including two new evening events when intrigue, mystery and mayhem will be on the menu. Murder Mystery dining trains will be held on Saturday, May 28th and Saturday, September 10th. Murder on the Cranmore Express and As You Wave Me Goodbye will be performed by Murder for Measure theatre company during the two-and-aquarter hour journey aboard the Mendip Belle dining carriages. The season begins with the heritage line’s “Steam Gala” on Saturday, March 26th and Sunday, March 27th enabling visitors to enjoy an enhanced timetable and the opportunity to
see all their engines, 4555 and 46447 and Lady Nan, in action. Demonstration “freight” trains will be moving up and down the line from the engine shed to the tanker sidings and visitors can take a look at the latest loco to arrive for future refurbishment, 4247, and Large Prairie 4110 which is currently undergoing a complete overhaul. For families there are ample opportunities for a great day out as the line welcomes Peter Rabbit on Wednesday, April 20th, Paddington Bear on Wednesday, June 1st and Peppa Pig on Saturday, August 6th. The characters will be appearing on the platform at regular intervals during the day for story time and Punch and Judy will be providing entertainment throughout the day. The line’s last event during the summer will be The Way We Were during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Extra attractions including live music and children’s entertainment will be on offer as the East Somerset Railway takes a step back in time to the 1940s. Also new for 2022 is the newly refurbished and re-named Station Café which provides a stylish dining experience for visitors with delicious hot and cold snacks, cakes, cream teas and hot drinks available Wednesday to Sunday throughout the year. For further information please contact info@eastsomersetrailway.com or visit: https://eastsomersetrailway.com/events
An exciting season for all the family
All aboard for our murder mystery dining trains in May and September. 2¼ hours of fine food, mystery, intrigue and mayhem in our Mendip Belle dining carriages
Come and be enchanted by your favourite characters. As well as Peter Rabbit, we have Paddington Bear on 1st June and Peppa Pig on 6th August
PLUS
Steam Gala – 26th/27th March The Way We Were – August Bank Holiday Weekend Our newly-refurbished Station Café now open Weds-Sun all year
East Somerset Railway, nr Shepton Mallet eastsomersetrailway.com info@eastsomersetrailway.com 01749 880417
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Interesting and unusual plants at the palace
THE hugely popular Rare Plant Fair will return again to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells on Sunday, March 20th, with its fantastic range of expert nurseries, offering a wonderful range of rare and unusual plants. There are many specialist growers and nurseries around the country, but many are based in remote locations, or may not be open regularly (or at all) to the public at their home sites. So how can these nurseries and the avid gardeners desperate to buy their plants be brought together? The solution lies in the Rare Plant Fair where there is the opportunity to buy interesting and unusual plants from nurseries, all of whom are genuine growers dedicated to offering well-grown plants and advice on the plants they sell. The rare plant fair returns on Sunday, March 20th
For details, terms and conditions, visit: www.bishopspalace.org.uk
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Bath & West advance saver tickets now on sale AFTER an absence of two years the Royal Bath & West Show will return in June and advance saver tickets are now on sale for this much-anticipated event. Coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend from Thursday, June 2nd–Saturday, June 4th, the organisers have listened to visitors’ views and are bringing back the hugely popular Paul Hannam Stunt Show and Pawsability Dog Agility Display, as well as Lakeside Farm. Also making a welcome return is the live music Pilton Tent, with the opportunity to camp on-site. Another attraction making its launch in 2022 is The Great British Kitchen. It’s situated within the theatre and features a fully functional demonstration kitchen on the stage. An exciting line-up of chefs with South West connections has been confirmed, to provide demonstrations throughout the three-day
event. Briony May Williams, semi-finalist in the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off and now part of the presenting team of Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped will appear on June 2nd, whilst Dean Edwards, who appeared regularly on ITV’s Lorraine and This Morning, will visit the following day. Rounding off the demonstrations is the “Yorkshire Shepherdess” Amanda Owen, who will be on stage on June 4th. The demonstrations will be free to attend. The demonstrations are alongside regular favourites such as the sheep show, heavy horses, vintage vehicles, livestock and equine competitions. Jess Chiplen, Deputy Head of Shows, said: “As our programme for 2022 takes shape, now is the ideal time to book your tickets for the Show. I am
Briony May Williams will be at the show on Thursday, June 2nd
especially glad that we have been able to offer a further discount to holders of the Blue Light Card, as a thank you for their service during the past two years.”
Tickets are on sale now at www.bathandwest.com/tickets
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T H E M E N D I P T I M E S W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
FOR
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As Covid cases remain high we advise that you check for any infection precautions that organisers request, and that indoor events will still take place. We’re happy to list entries for community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Commercial entries £25. Please send entries as a single paragraph of less than 25 words.
Thursday February 24th to Sunday 27th Snowdrops at Yeo Valley Gardens, 10am4pm. Tickets: www.yeovalley.co.uk Saturday February 26th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Bold Brass Ensemble Concert St Mary’s Church, Yatton: www.yms.org.uk Retrospective Art Exhibition and celebration of the life of Dr Pam Harman, Chew Magna, also Sunday. See P28. Sunday February 27th Elworthy Cottage nr Taunton, open for NGS. Monday February 28th Mendip Folk Dance Club St James village hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. 8-10pm. No experience necessary. Details: Pat 01934 742853. Wessex stationary engine club meeting 8pm Old Down Inn Emborough. All welcome. Tuesday March 1st Contemporary Artists: Rosalind Whyte compares Anthony Gormley and Amish Kapoor; a talk for The Arts Society Mendip, 11am Croscombe village hall, and Zoom. Guests welcome, £6, email: tasmendip.comm@gmail.com. Tuesday March 1st to Friday April 1st Chandos Society of Artists Spring Exhibition, details: chandosartistssociety.uk Thursday March 3rd Congresbury Gardening Club talk on sweet peas by Philip Kerton, plants on sale, 7.30pm Congresbury Methodist Hall. All welcome. Cheddar Valley u3a talk by Nicholas Boyd on beekeeping, 2pm Cheddar village hall. All welcome. Details: 01934 740065 or email: annfiler020@gmail.com Friday March 4th Dr Phil Hammond: “The Art of Living When You Know You’re Going to Die” Merlin Theatre Frome. See P59. Wildlife Walk with Chris Sperring, 10am-12, Hawk & Owl Trust Shapwick Moor. See P49. Saturday March 5th Blagdon Lantern Parade, details: blagdonlanternparade@gmail.com Print Making. Details: chandosartistssociety.uk Sunday March 6th Oxfam Quiz Night at the Tramways Wells, 8pm. Teams up to four, £4pp. Raffle prizes welcomed. Details: 01749 672342. Mendip Hills Group SWT walk, Mascalls Wood & Bubwith Acres. Meet 2pm outside Sainsbury’s Cheddar: www.somersetwildlife.org/events Monday March 7th RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch AGM 11am Wessex Hotel, Street, BA16 0EF. Lunch 1pm. Ex-RAF service personnel & “RAF family” all welcome. Tel: 01458 224057 or email: rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com Wednesday March 9th Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Derek Dexter "Fuchsias my way" 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. All welcome. Visitors £3. www.kilmersdongardeners.org Thursday March 10th RNLI Winscombe & District Branch AGM PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
2.30pm. For details of venue: 01934 842954. Farming: to follow the plough, a talk by Les Davies, 2.30-3.30pm Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury, £5. Booking: www.srlm.org.uk Friday March 11th “Orchard” a Zoom talk by Bristol based naturalist Nick Gates for Avon Wildlife trust. Details: www.keynshamawt.org Saturday March 12th Brent Knoll bazaar & farmers’ market, 2nd Sat monthly, parish hall, 10am-12. Details: 01278 760308. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Men’s March for Weston Hospicecare. See P42. Wrington & Burrington Hedging Match, Hazel Manor Farm. See P10. Valley Arts: A Real Fiction by aKa Dance Theatre. Age 7+. 2.30pm, St Andrew’s church hall, BS40 8RD. Tickets: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Monday March 14th “The Legacy of the Somerset & Dorset Railway” talk by Michael Beale for Nailsea & District Local History Society, 7.45pm, Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors £2 www.ndlhs.org.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10, St James Church Hall, Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary. Details 01934 742853. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Timsbury Natural History Group talk on moths by Mike Bailey 7.30pm Conygre Hall, BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome, £3. 01761 433013. Tuesday March 15th Somerset Butterflies talk to Mendip Hills Group of SWT by Peter Bright, 7.30pm Cheddar Community Pavilion, Sharpham Rd. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/events Wednesday March 16th Henton & District Gardening club talk by Sally Gregson on “Practical Propagation” 7.30pm Henton village hall. Details: 01749 674767 or www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com Thursday March 17th Shipham & District Gardening Club talk by Laura Batt on Hedgehog Awareness in your garden, 7.30pm Shipham village hall, BS25 1SG. All welcome. Cheddar Valley u3a Coffee morning 10.30am Cheddar village hall. All welcome. Details: annfiler020@gmail.com or 01934 740065. Rotary Nailsea & Backwell Whist Drive 25pm Tithe Barn, BS48 4NG. £3 incl refreshments. Saturday March 19th Claverham Market 10am-12 Village Hall. Butcher, veg, crafts etc. 01934 830553. Rotary Nailsea & Backwell bookstall, Nailsea Precinct. Good condition books etc. Apollo Saxophone Quartet 7.30pm Churchill Academy Hall, BS25 5QN. Tickets 01934 852589 or tickets@churchillmusic.org.uk Sea Shanties and Folk Concert, 5-11pm St
Paul’s Church, Weston. See P91. Saturday March 19th and Sunday 20th Fibre Quest, a Stitch Fest with a twist: Fernhill Farm’s open day with blade shearing, fleece sale and sheep dog display. See P94. Sunday March 20th Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point, Ston Easton. See P85. Cars on the Green, classic cars at Downside Abbey. See P94. Monday March 21st Chew Valley u3a talk by Andy Lewis on his personal experiences: “Nought to Sixteen – A Grandad’s Journey”, 10am Ubley Parish Hall, all welcome. Tuesday March 22nd Chilcompton Gardening Club, Wildlife Gardening by Diana Walker a local photographer and artist, 7.30pm village hall. Thursday March 24th Swifts: a life on the wing, talk by Peter Bright for Chew Valley group, Avon Wildlife Trust. 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, £2.50. Croscombe Village Hall: “Josephine Baker: dancer, actor, campaigner & spy”, a play by The Egg Theatre based on her true story. Tickets: www.takeart.org/whats-on Saturday March 26th Somerset Hardy Plant Society Spring Plant Fair with 12 specialist West Country nurseries, Holt Farm, Blagdon. RHS free, Pre-booking essential: https://somersethps.com/ Folk Music Night with Edd Donovan, 8pm War Memorial Hall, Congresbury. Piano Duet Concert St Mary’s Church Yatton: www.yms.org.uk Somerset Portraits & Voices exhibition by Kate Lynch (until June 5th). Somerset Rural Life Museum: www.srlm.co.uk Saturday March 26th and Sunday 27th East Somerset Railway Steam Gala, Cranmore. See P96. Monday March 28th Wessex stationary engine club meeting 8pm Old Down Inn Emborough. All welcome. Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm St James Church Hall, Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary. Details 01934 742853. Wednesday March 30th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. Harptrees History Society: “The Winscombe Project” with Teresa Hall. Using evidence to investigate settlements. 7.30pm West Harptree village hall BS40 6EG. Please wear a mask. Visitors welcome £3. Booking essential: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Friday April 1st Axbridge Museum re-opens. See P40. Saturday April 2nd Bath Community Gospel Choir 7pm St Mary’s Church Timsbury. Tickets £10 from 01761 470677 or 471410. Please wear mask. 100 years of Weston Light Orchestra Concert fund-raising for youth work, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church. See P90.
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