Mendip Times
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VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3
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FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
AUGUST 2016
IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER EVENTS • HEALTH • SPORT • PETS & VETS • WALKING • ENVIRONMENT • WHAT’S ON Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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CONTENTS
Welcome
THE weather is a hot topic of discussion this month, with Mary James saying farmers can’t get on with haymaking and Chris Sperring expressing concern about the miserable summer’s effects on wildlife. But a bit of rain doesn’t stop us enjoying ourselves, as our picture special from Glastonbury shows. Elsewhere Priddy Folk Festival enjoyed some sunshine, as did many of the dozens of fetes and festivals across our area – we have pictures from many. With August come more events and the first of our harvest homes – our What’s On section is bursting with details. We also preview the MidSomerset Show and Frome Cheese Show. We have tributes to a pilot, a soldier and a rugby stalwart, who all made significant contributions to their different communities. We meet three young golf players who have received their county colours from Somerset. There have been celebrations at Aldwick Court Farm and Somerset Rebels speedway. Our sports section also has some hair-raising pictures from the BMX World Championships, held at the Royal Bath and West Showground. Thank goodness there’s more to life than football and Brexit! With all of our regular contributors and features, let’s hope for better weather in August.
September 2016 deadline: Friday, 12th August 2016. Published: Tuesday, 23rd August 2016. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: The Pimms Bar at Rode Village Day. Photo by Mark Adler. See page 82.
38
Right as rain – service with a smile at Glastonbury
47
Forget Brexit – boules is big in Wells
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98
Rooted in Mendip – Daphne’s memories in print
The lion reigns tonight – schools combine for musical
Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Internet and Crossword..............14 Food & Drink...............................18 Business ........................................28 Arts & Antiques ...........................31 Charities .......................................45 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......53 Walking Sue Gearing....................54 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........56
Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......58 Caving Phil Hendy........................64 Property........................................65 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............68 Community...................................72 Homes and Interiors....................84 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ....90 Sport..............................................93 Music.............................................98 What’s On ....................................99 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 3
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Sign signals return of railway heritage
Death of Yvonne Rowe
NEWS
Yvonne (right) with her daughters
The wagons are available via the railway club’s website: www. burnhamanddmrc.org
DOZENS of people attended the funeral of Bishop Sutton village stalwart, Yvonne Rowe, who has died at the age of 83. The former landlady of the Ring O’ Bells in Hinton Blewett moved from Cornwall to Bristol where she was a nurse at Frenchay, before she and husband, David, a fashion retailer, moved to Bishop Sutton. Yvonne was a keen supporter of the village’s Red Lion Social Club and had played shove ha’penny for the Castle of Comfort. She leaves her three daughters, Alison, Carolyn and Vanessa and grandchildren Ashley, Rachael, Sam, Harry Yvonne served in the WRAF and Gracie.
SCULPTOR Jeff Body has been commissioned to create a series of commemorative plaques to celebrate Radstock’s industrial and cultural heritage. Best known for creating the iconic sheep sculptures in Shepton Mallet, Jeff has drawn on some well-known – and lesser-known – facets of Radstock’s past for the series of 12 plaques which will be put up around the town. The chain border around the plaques pays tribute to both the town’s mining and railway heritage, whilst the dragonfly represents the giant Radstock Dragonfly. A fossilised fragment of a giant dragonfly – with a 16” wingspan – was discovered at Tyning Batch in 1912. It is now the symbol of the Dragonfly Education Trust which runs Writhlington School, Mendip Studio School and Peasedown St John primary school. Jeff, of Shepton Mallet, grew up in Radstock and was commissioned by the Norton Radstock Regeneration Company to create the pieces. He said: “I set out to try to represent the town’s industrial heritage and also the fact that Radstock is becoming a much greener area with its roots in the family and community.”
Jeff with the new Radstock plaque and models of his famous sheep sculptures
Supporters by the new Burnham-on-Sea sign
A STATION sign has been installed on the site of an original platform at Burnham-on-Sea as part of a project to remember the town’s railway heritage. Burnham-on-Sea Railway Heritage Group plans to install items of railway memorabilia along the route of the line from the town to Highbridge. A signal post is to be put up close to Burnham’s Roman Catholic Church in the near future. The group received a donation from members of Burnham and District Model Railway Club which has produced a limited edition wagon for sale. Heritage group treasurer Paul Hambleton said: “The Railway Heritage Group is deeply grateful for this generous donation to our funds which is allowing the project to move forward.”
From dragonflies to coal mines
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Ramblers get set for holiday weekend walking festival
MEMBERS of Mendip Ramblers have been busy making sure everything is in place for their free walking festival in Cheddar over the August Bank Holiday weekend by checking out the routes. This year the ramblers are holding their festival in collaboration with Cheddar Walking which last year gained national Walkers Are Welcome accreditation for the village and whose members are delighted to be working on their first major event. Armed with maps, pruners and gloves, the festival organisers have been out and about fine-tuning the guided walks that will be the draw for members and visitors who will be offered a feast of views and landscapes over three days, August 27th to August 29th. On each morning, there will be three walks of various distances from Taking a breather from preparations for the August Walking Festival are, (l-r) Martin which to choose and all will start from Kay and Huw Robson of Cheddar Walking with Les Stather and Martyn Hart from Mendip Ramblers the Scout Hut at Cheddar First School. They will be led by an experienced event the group has arranged and the members and helpers who make this rambler and accompanied by other first with Cheddar Walking. possible and we are looking forward to volunteers to make sure walkers stay Festival organiser, Martyn Hart, said: hopefully introducing the joys of on track. Tea and cake will be on offer “We hold our festivals in different rambling to new members through this at the end of each walk. There will be venues across the area and we are really festival weekend.” a shorter walk each afternoon as well. pleased to be in Cheddar this time and Huw Robson, chairman of Cheddar Mendip Ramblers walking group, to be working with the new Cheddar Walking, said: “It is a great thrill for us which has just celebrated its 40th Walking group. We are sure everyone after less than a year of operating as a anniversary, now has more than 300 who joins us for the weekend will be Walkers Are Welcome village to be members and usually sees around 40 excited at the prospect of some superb helping to host a festival like this and to members walking each week. This walking in a spectacular setting. show off our fantastic walks to a new year’s festival will be the 15th such “As ever we are grateful to our audience.” Details: www.mendipFestivals.org.uk or www.cheddarwalking.org.uk or contact martyn@mendipramblers.co.uk
Photography days
THE Hills to Levels Partnership is hosting two photography days over the summer to give families the chance to head outside, learn a little about nature and how to capture the moments on camera. On Thursday July 28th, there’s a Family Photography Day with Iain Green from Wildlife Wonder, 10am-1pm at the RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve Car Park, Meare, BA6 9SX. On Wednesday August 24th there will be another photography day at Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Westhay nature reserve car park, Westhay BA6 9TX. PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Details: steve.mewes@rspb.org.uk
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ENVIRONMENT
Geology festival launched
Mendip mudlarks aid AONB
Geologist Peter Hardy (bottom left) and Jim Hardcastle, from the AONB (right) at the launch of Mendip Rocks! with quarry owner Nigel Taylor and Adel Avery, from SESC, and some of the visitors
VOLUNTEERS with Mendip Hills AONB celebrated the opening of a new boardwalk in East Harptree Woods with a boardwalk shaped cake! They built it on a footpath in East Harptree Woods that lets walkers cross a very muddy area. The volunteers help the AONB Unit to enhance and conserve the Mendip Hills and raise awareness of its special qualities. The new boardwalk is 15 metres long and took 150 hours of volunteer time to build. The area collects water at this natural low-point making it waterlogged and very muddy for most of the year. Walkers can now pass along the public right of way through the woods and out on to the Mendip plateau. Nic Penn, volunteer co-ordinator for the AONB Unit, said: “The volunteers had to work in very muddy conditions, often digging drainage channels first before working on the boardwalk. This has been an amazing achievement for them and we're really grateful for all their hard work and good humour!” East Harptree Woods is a Forestry Commission site and they worked in partnership by providing the materials for the boardwalk, which is close to the famous Smithams Chimney, a remnant of the mining industry that shaped the landscape. The volunteers do a variety of practical tasks across the area every other Wednesday.
THE 2106 Mendip Rocks! geology festival was launched in style with an open afternoon at a Mendip quarry rarely open to the public. This year’s celebration of the history of Mendip landscape takes place A bee orchid on the over six bank of the quarry weeks, from Saturday, September 17th to Monday, October 31st. Dozens of people, including children, took advantage of the launch event Wild Westbury Quarry to explore Westbury-Sub-Mendip Quarry. The festival is organised by the Somerset Earth Science Centre in partnership with the Mendip Hills AONB, supported by Somerset Wildlife Trust and Natural England. www.mendiphillsaonb.org/events
Council ban on herbicide FROME Town Council has taken the decision to ban the use of the chemical glyphosate in its work looking after most of the town’s parks and green spaces. It follows a similar move by Glastonbury Town Council and talks are to be held with both Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council
Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/volunteering/
over a wider ban. Chris Stringer, the town council’s environment manager, said: “We’ve been following the discussions about glyphosate for some time now. We realise that the scientific communities are divided and we understand that there’s a very current debate over both the health risks and the environmental
impacts of glyphosate-based products. “But like other councils – including Glastonbury Town Council and Hammersmith and Fulham – we’re taking a precautionary step that puts the health of our people and our parks first." G Glyphosate has just been granted an 18-month extension to its European licence.
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ENVIRONMENT
Protecting Somerset’s coast
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched a fundraising appeal to study the county’s 73-mile stretch of coastline. It says its diverse habitats and wealth of species are facing many threats, including the need for reinforced coastal defences, tidal and nuclear power generation and general development. The Somerset Brilliant Coast Appeal hopes to raise £85,000 to fund an indepth study. The trust says: “Contrary to what might be the public perception, Somerset’s 73 km coastline is an extraordinarily diverse place, rich in
M E N D I P
W E A T H E R
S C E N E
A stalked jellyfish
Dunlin
habitats, wildlife, world-class geology and historical heritage. “However, little is known about our coastal wildlife and, coupled with increased development pressures, this lack of awareness could lead to poor decision-making for its future, which may have irreversible consequences for wildlife further across the county.” Director of Conservation, Michele Bowe, said people might simply regard the coast as a series of holiday parks, with a nuclear power station sandwiched in-between, but says it contains a wealth of natural treasures in need of urgent and long-term support. She said: “For many years Somerset’s coastline has been largely misunderstood, and its extreme ecological importance under-appreciated. We are working hard
to discover and spread awareness of the wealth of species, habitats and history that it hosts. “We know that there are sharks, seals and thousands of migratory birds, but our knowledge of the intertidal zone is extremely limited. In the last year we have been carrying out exploratory surveys, including Somerset's first dive survey in more than 30 years. “Even with this limited effort we found that our coast is home to the stalked jellyfish – a new species for Somerset and one of national conservation importance.”
Details:www.somersetwildlife.org/coastappeal
August – a quiet month?
THE schools are out and it seems something like a third of the population is away on holiday. Traffic is generally much lighter and it seems easier to get about. Even on the weather front, August is usually the quiet month. It is the time of with DAVID the year when there is least activity MAINE going on in the Atlantic. The Arctic is at its warmest now, with little to intensify the jet stream to cause those big Atlantic storms. There are exceptions to this, of course, notably in 1979 during the challenging Fastnet yacht race when a storm claimed the lives of 15 competitors and three rescuers. We still get rain in August, of course. However, any storms are usually much more localised and slow moving with some places getting a deluge and others staying dry. Some of our heaviest one-day downpours have occurred at this time of the year, the Lynmouth and Boscastle disasters being just two that come to mind. With the mud still clinging to some people’s wellington boots after the Glastonbury Festival, August is also a time for many important events such as the Bristol Balloon
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Smiling through the mud at Glastonbury
Fiesta (August 11th-14th) and the Mid-Somerset Show (Sunday, August 21st). Both have endured their share of problems with bad weather but, as they say, the show “must go on”. I’m not going to predict what the weather might hold, but I hope everyone enjoys whatever events they are planning or plan to attend this month. September is the month when everything comes back to life both on the roads and meteorologically speaking.
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Tel: 0800 097 8611
www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
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Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510
It’s that time of year again! Summer is here, the farmers are making hay, the sun is shining (occasionally) and the Mid-Somerset Show is taking place on the 21st August 2016. We will again be running a booth in the Chamber of Commerce tent and would be very pleased to see those of you who might like to pop along and say hello. We lawyers are required to continually update our legal knowledge by attending courses and seminars. On one such course it came to our attention that farming partnerships in particular are notoriously bad at ensuring there is a written partnership We are continuing with our BGW agreement in place. is can result in baby boom and congratulate our possible tax reliefs being lost on the death of Sarah Cooper and her husband Adam on the birth of Alex a partner and can have unforeseen tax implications during the lifetimes of the partners. In fact, the same is true of any partnership – valuable tax reliefs can be lost without proper succession planning. We would urge those of you in partnerships who do not have a written agreement to prepare one. Any of the directors in our four branches would be pleased to help.
Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400
Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
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What Brexit means for farmers
JUNE 23rd onwards has been a tumultuous time for the UK in every walk of life, not least the farming community. Brexit promised a lot, but we know already that some of those promises will not be met. The agricultural press came up with some very apt headlines. Such as “What Brexit With MARY Means for You”, declaring that farm support JAMES MBE may be cut and there would be no bonfire of farm rules and regulation. The following week the headline was “Cash Chaos”, millions of EU funding lost and “Industry Future at Stake”. There is no doubt the farming industry is in for a rough time and I suspect it will take longer than two years to be sorted. As far as those rules and regulations are concerned, our civil servants gold-plated the rules that came in from Europe so they will not give any up very easily. The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has a high proportion of staff with no idea how farming operates. Spare a thought for Angela Leadsom, the new Minister of State for the Environment, who has to be briefed by DEFRA, especially as she has no farming background. According to my Google search there are only three farms in her constituency but she did fight against wind farms in the area. It has always been noticeable that when an actual farmer has that role as Minister of State they do not have a long tenure. Farmers themselves can help by keeping their own MP up to
PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
FARMING
date as to how they are coping. It really does matter. Meanwhile the National Farmers Union leaders along with the Country Landowners Association and the Tenant Farmers Association are working together to encourage the minister to work with them to forge a British agricultural policy that encourages growth, innovation, productivity and profitability. If ever those organisations were important and needed it is right now. There is an added bonus, the NFU has a lady deputy president, Minette Batters. All power to her elbow! The country voted for Britishness so it will be really great to see consumers getting behind the farming industry and buying our wonderful British food. The weather does not help matters at all. Silage has mostly been made but in our area hardly any hay. Haymaking is always a battle between the farmer and the weather. This time it’s diabolical. If you cut grass which cannot be dried it will rot in the field; if you are lucky and can bale the hay when it’s only slightly damp it can be baled and wrapped – then it’s called haylage. There are events coming which will be worth a visit. North Somerset Agricultural Society is holding its Ploughing and Hedging Match on Sunday September 4th at Moorledge Farm, Chew Magna by kind permission of Mr and Mrs G James and H.C. Curtis & Sons. There is a crafts and produce section and your support for this local event will be much appreciated. For schedules please ring 08456 342464. Entries must be in by August 27th.
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EVENTS
Support for services
ARMY and navy cadets marched through Stanton Drew as part of an armed services day organised by the village pub, the Druid’s Arms. The event also promoted the Rural Hidden Heroes project being run by local village agents from the West of England Rural Network. It’s keen to hear from anyone with a military background or their families.
The crowd outside the Druids Arms at Stanton Drew
Butcombe
Details: 01275 333701
Rector, the Rev Nicholas Maddock got a soaking
The cake stall (l to r) Liz Davis, Sheila Croker and Sally Gulliford
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Bea Dowling feeding cousin Frank's lambs on the guess the weight stall
Snail racing was popular
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Chewton Mendip
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EVENTS
The WI were in charge of teas
Anyone for Pimms? Julia Howlett (left) and Cathy Lee
The barbecue with (l to r) Amie Matthews, Rachel Morley, Jamie Lott and Al Mitton
Chewton Mendip School's folk dancing team
Compton Martin
Egg-catching is a new village custom
Entrants in the fancy dress competition all got a prize
The cakes were delicious
Some of the villagers who provided teas
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INTERNET
Windows 10
MOST, if not all, people using a Windows system will now be on Windows 10. A nice system which is a sort of cross between all previous systems, and (on the whole) seems to be working quite well. On thing which can be confusing when you look at the new W10 welcome screen, is the logins – make sure you click on your usual login and enter your usual password, then all your files and folders will be where you expect them to be! There are a few settings you might want to look at however. By default in Windows 10, Microsoft observes what you're typing and saving to the machine. It uses this as feedback to make its service better, but if you wish, there is a simple way to disable this "keylogging" feature. Go to Start menu and open Settings, then click on Privacy settings, and click General option. Disable the option that says Send Microsoft info about how I write to help use improve typing and writing in the future Then click the Speech, Inking and Typing menu and click the option that says Stop getting to know me and toggle its setting to off. Make sure you keep a note of what you did, so if you change your mind, you can change the settings back again. It’s a good idea to do a regular cleanup as well: Open Start menu and search for Disk cleanup. Once done, it will ask you to pick the drive you want to scan (usually C drive) and let it scan your computer. Thank you to all our customers for your patience over our move, and we look forward to seeing you again in September. Submitted by I.T. for the Terrified: Moved to a new address, as from 5th September: Cheddar Village Hall, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RF Same phone number: 01934 741751 Same email and website: www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in-depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you for £10 per hour. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows W7/W8/W10: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you can spare two hours a week have skills on any level that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.
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CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Like a tree? Not a sapling, certainly (7) 5 As it happens, I’ve given it some thought (7) 9 Concerning a move round – this is a complete reversal (5-4) 10 Nick from the Union Jack finds Queen Margaret’s origin (5) 11 Card game played with energy in Dorset? (5) 12 Not cooking food properly is not only dangerous, it's stupid (4-5) 13 The seventh rally-driver will hold you spellbound (7) 15 Actor’s assistant has to put up with a lot (7) 16 60’s car under small vessel (7) 18 Commit bigamy in Somerset? (7) 21 Follow closely copper’s arrest of clergy giveaway (3,6) 23 Frank would say he was a composer, almost as much as Julius (5) 24 Make law go astray to become radiant (5) 25 Bird by water is from Merseyside (9) 26 Ageless but makes a good sailor (3-4) 27 Doctor in confused RT acknowledgement followed Sigmund to compose operettas (7)
DOWN 1 First wife large for instance (7) 2 Proud to take no further part (4,3) 3 Roger and French, that is, make knot again (5) 4 Teenager with weapon at meeting place (5,4) 5 Stop an elephant with section of fence (5) 6 End an Arab meal with this? Or start an Indian, more like (4,5) 7 Bringing me ink, José wouldn’t be appreciated by outsiders (2-5) 8 Old French coin to put on – almost – in South America (7) 14 Give Roy news so he can find his way home (4-2-3) 15 Feathers stream towards the sea (9) 16 Angry country players become irresponsible lot (7) 17 It may become legal in TV for her to cook (7) 19 No horse found heading towards the beach (7) 20 Cockney says this is the place to advertise noise excluder (7) 22 Drinks to musical rhythms (5) 23 Democrat missed tea to produce digital record (2-3)
Answers on page 105
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Priddy hits the high notes
Band-to-watch Flats and Sharps who blend country and bluegrass with folk
Members of Berkshire Bedlam Morris relax in the bar
Relaxing on the village green
Jo CrozierCole, from Shipham, in the Market Field
Ellis, aged two, and mum Emily, fro
In a field of our own: two musicia PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2016
Cellist Beth Porter, who is based in Bath, on stage at Swildon’s. She was accompanied by her band The Availables
Priddy attracts musicians young and old
Horsing around - Outside Capering in the market field
Chilcompton-based covers-with-a-twist band Ewe, Me and Him brought the weekend’s music in the Fringe Tent to a high-energy finale ly, from Hutton, enjoying Flats and Sharps
Cathy Judge and Johnny Francis Crowds enjoy the Priddy Singers in the Market Field
Jamming on the village green
usicians take time out to rehearse . . . and relax MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 17
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Eat local, eat national
ONE of the most likely important impacts on us following the Brexit vote will be from a combination of the UK’s reliance on imported foods and the fall in the value of the pound. We only produce 60% of the food we consume so we are very dependent on imported food and a weaker pound will mean it will cost more. Watch With JUNE out for more expensive Spanish fruit, Italian MACFARLANE vegetables and French cheese. But don’t we have lots of great homegrown food right here? Yes, indeed! Fruit and salad in abundance, fish and seafood from our cold northern waters, locally raised meat and our wonderful local cheeses. Enjoy these now while they are fresh and in season.
DUCK SALAD WITH BLACKCURRANT VINAIGRETTE
Blackcurrants are in season now (blackcurrant jam is one INGREDIENTS of my favourites), and they go (for two) brilliantly with duck, cutting 2 duck legs through the richness of the olive oil, salt bird. thick slice of sourdough METHOD bread, cubed Preheat oven to 180°C. Pat 1 tbsp red wine or sherry duck legs dry. Rub with salt. vinegar Put a small splash of oil into 4 tbsp walnut oil an oven proof dish, place 40g blackcurrants, cleaned duck on top, roast for about small salad leaves 45 mins until well cooked. Remove from dish and allow to cool. Toss the bread cubes in the dish with the duck fat and brown in the oven until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. Meanwhile pull duck meat from the bones. Whisk vinegar with walnut oil and add blackcurrants. Taste for seasoning. Arrange salad leaves, croutons and duck pieces on a plate and drizzle vinaigrette over.
GINGER AND AMARETTI BERRY CHEESECAKE (for two) 100g ginger biscuits 50g amaretti biscuits 100g butter, melted 150g full fat soft cheese 50ml double cream 1 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp honey 125g punnet raspberries
INGREDIENTS
A delicious cool creamy cheesecake with a spicy base. Use any of the seasonal summer berries. I have decided on raspberries, but blackcurrants or fresh strawberries would be equally good. Easy to make in advance and assemble at the last minute.
METHOD Brush two moulds with melted butter. Whizz the ginger and amaretti biscuits in a blender to fine rubble. Put in a bowl and stir in remaining butter. Press mixture into moulds to make a base. Chill. Beat together the cheese, cream and sugar. Add 1 tbsp honey. Chill. Put raspberries in a small pan, add a splash of water and remaining honey and cook very gently without stirring until juices run. Remove from heat and cool. To assemble, dip moulds briefly in hot water to release. Spoon raspberries over.
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Duck salad with blackcurrant vinaigrette
CRAB LINGUINE WITH CHILLI AND PARSLEY Brown crab is at its best now; buy it freshly cooked or as picked meat. If you buy a whole one cooked look for a heavy creature – light ones are not the freshest. Check the internet for how to prepare it. If you are lucky enough to get a live one, chill it in the freezer until comatose before cooking in boiling water.
INGREDIENTS
(for four) 400g linguine 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium red chilli, deseeded and chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 whole cooked crab, picked, or about 100g/4oz brown crabmeat and 200g/7oz fresh white crabmeat big splash white wine 1 tbsp capers small squeeze of lemon (optional) large handful parsley, very finely chopped
METHOD Assemble all the ingredients, because this is a quick recipe. Cook the linguine according to the instructions until very al dente. Meanwhile, warm the oil in a roomy pan and cook the chilli and garlic very gently without browning. Add the wine, turn up the heat and boil quickly until an emulsion forms. Off the heat, stir in the brown crabmeat until a thick sauce forms. Add the capers. Taste for seasoning. With the sauce over low heat use tongs to add the cooked linguine to the pan. If dry add some of the pasta water. Stir through the white crabmeat and the parsley. Check pasta and seasoning again. Drizzle a little oil over and serve.
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Another worthy effort!
Pictured (left to right) are Vickie Watts, Matthew Norris, Mark O’Brien, Nick Rose and Lucy Hemings.
THE Jacket and Jill’s team arrived back from the Glastonbury festival triumphant, if a little muddy, after raising over £5,000 for Kilmersdon Primary School. The stall, run by members of the PTA, has been feeding hungry Glasto goers with baked potatoes for over ten years! In 2001 the school took up its first stand at the festival to raise money for a new classroom and this proved such a success they’ve been back every year. Funds raised have helped to build an amphitheatre, community growing garden, poly tunnel, fund forest school lessons and the most ambitious project to date – a new school building which was completed last year. The team said they would like to say a huge thank you to all the parents and local companies who helped.
FOOD & DRINK
Afternoon Tea 10% off Quoting ref: 12301mdt
Bronze Package F Selection of Finger Sandwiches F Selection of Homemade Cakes F Freshly Cooked Scones with Cornish Clotted Cream and Jams F Selection of Fruit and Classic Teas F Freshly Brewed Coffee
£11.95 Per Person Upgrades available Please speak to a member of our team
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 19
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Aldwick Court’s award-winning wines
Pictured in the vineyard's new shop and tasting area Mary Watts with her daughter, Sandy Luck (right) and vineyard manager Elizabeth Laver
AUGUST DATES Wells Each Wed 9am—3 pm
All ot her markets 9am-1pm unless ot herwise m arked*
SAT 6th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 7th SFM @ Frome Independent SAT 13th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 2Oth Crewkerne FRI 26th Burnham-on-Sea SAT 27th Glastonbury & Yeovil (9am-2pm)*
Travelling through or living in the village, if the doors are open – come in and enjoy what Blagdon’s little country pub has to offer. Booking highly recommended
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
ALDWICK Court Farm and Vineyard has launched three new 2015 vintage English wines and there is already a prestigious gold and silver medal winner among them. Mary’s Rose 2015, which comprises a mix of Pinot Noir, Solaris and Regent grapes, has been awarded a gold medal by the UK Vineyard Association in its 2016 Wine of the Year Competition. Finbarr 2015, a combination of Madeleine Angevine and Seyval Blanc grapes, received a silver medal. Its third wine, Bacchus 2015, which is 100 percent Bacchus grapes, wasn’t entered, due to it being Aldwick’s first release of this variety. Managing director, Sandy Luck, said: “As a relatively young UK vineyard, to receive recognition from the prestigious UK Vineyard Association for our Mary’s Rose and Finbarr white, makes us all very proud indeed. Our 2015 vintage wines are better than ever and this further endorses that we are developing the vineyard in the right direction.” The UKVA award follows last month’s announcement that the Aldwick Buteo, a still white wine, secured the Taste of the West’s 2016 gold award and Aldwick’s 2013 fizz, Jubilate Sparkling Brut, a silver award. Their Jubilate 2013, has also just been ranked among the highest scoring sparkling wines in a national UK wine panel tasting held by wine magazine Decanter. Aldwick wines can be purchased directly from the newlyopened vineyard shop, where there’s an opportunity for tastings and discussions with those well-informed about the crafting of Aldwick’s English wines. Selected wines are also available locally from Budgens (Langford), Winscombe Wine Shop, Lye Cross Farm Shop, Blagdon Stores and New Manor Farm Shop, West Harptree. Alternatively wines and tours of the vineyard are available online. Details: www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk 01934 864404.
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Raising a glass to festival anniversary
Some of the team at last year’s festival
WESSEX Beer Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new venue and added attractions. This year’s weekend of top quality beers and ciders will be held at Chilcompton Sports Ground, using the newlycompleted clubhouse as well as a number of marquees. Organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, the annual festival has come a long way since the first event at the Royal Bath and West Showground. Dickies has been confirmed at the main sponsor, but individual barrels are still available for sponsorship at £100 each. As with previous years, the event, on Friday, September 2nd and Saturday, September 3rd, will showcase live music from local bands. Organisers are this year supporting Children’s Hospice South West as well as many other rotary projects and good causes. A spokesman said: “Ticket sales are already going well with a group of eight coming from Norway who are members of a drinking club there.”
FOOD & DRINK
Doorstep Dinners – home-made meals delivered
DO you ever get to mealtimes and wish dinner was already made? Cheddar-based Doorstep Dinners is the new way to enjoy wholesome, homemade food without having to make it yourself. Owner Beccy Thomas cooks in her 5* food hygiene-rated home kitchen using locallysourced ingredients. Meals can be delivered frozen or fresh, or even hot and ready to eat. A delicious summer menu, dishes of the fortnight and Beccy's pre-packed BBQ in a Box mean there is plenty of choice. Allergies and special diets can be catered for. Details: For more information, or to place your order and receive 10% off, call 01934 221438, visit www.doorstepdinners.co.uk Email beccy@doorstepdinners.co.uk (new customers and orders over £10 only – please quote 'Mendip Times Offer').
Tickets prices are £8 in advance and £10 on the door. For details and sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 21
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GARDEN FOOD
Jam fit for a queen
HERE'S a delicious recipe I picked up in Sweden – it's called Queen's Jam. It's made with a combination of 50% raspberries and 50% blueberries, which can both be either wild or garden variety. It's a combo I find much more satisfying than either on its own, with the With JAKE raspberries adding an acid sharpness to WHITSON the blueberries soft rich flavour. In Sweden it only seems to be used as a jam, but I quite often adapt the combination for use in another Swedish classic – blueberry soup. Traditionally, this is a lightly cooked, slightly thickened blueberry sauce, which is eaten either hot or cold. I love the classic form but I may like my adaptation even more – I call it Queen's soup. To make it, add half raspberries and half blueberries to a pan, and cover them with around twice their volume of water. Bring rapidly to the boil, and simmer for a few minutes. Liquidise, then add sugar to taste (this may be more than you think!) and thicken, very lightly, with a little cornflour and water. It should have the consistency of a thick fruit puree, with just a hint of extra silkiness from the cornflour. Serve piping hot in mugs on a cold day, or chilled in bowls with a little cream on a hot day. In Sweden they have small biscuits for adding to blueberry soup – some crumbled ginger biscuits make a good substitute.
Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire, and runs the business jakeswildfungi.co.uk, making specialist mycorrhiza products for tree planting.
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Horta a day keeps the doctor away!
MANY of you may already be aware of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The people of Crete are some of the most long-lived on the planet due to their liberal use of raw olive oil, nuts, legumes, fruit, vegetables and wild greens known as Horta. I was lucky enough to experience this firstWith ADRIAN hand during a recent visit to the island. I BOOTS have always wanted to explore the food culture of the Mediterranean islands particularly where there is still the use of wild food in local cuisine. I met chef Alexis, a passionate food advocate, who was kind enough to spend time explaining the influence of the soil, sun, climate and even sea salt on the quality of the food. Many Cretans don’t seem to consider Horta to be “wild food” in the same sense that we do as something separate. That’s because it has always been a part of the rural “house economy”, just as much a part of their diet as food produced from the garden or farm. And nearly everyone I spoke to either collected it themselves, or their mother did! He introduced me to one of the most popular edible greens of Crete Stamnagathi. Stamnagathi (Chichorium intybus chichory) is a member of the chicory family of plants; it is low growing, forming a rosette when young. The leaves are similar in shape to that of rocket, but the texture is firmer with a delicious bitter undertone. It usually grows in coastal areas and the best time to collect it is in the spring to early summer. Chef Alexis described to me the “good cut”, the particular way that Horta is harvested with a sharp knife in a curving motion, producing a U-shaped cut. This sustainable approach ensures that the greens re-grow and are available next time. This knowledge has been passed down over many years and highlights the Cretan connection with their food and the landscape. Once cut and washed, these mountain greens can last up to three days so is quite economical. I have a great selfie of chef Alexis and myself nearly crying with laughter. Just before it was taken I said “say cheese – hold it... do I have any Horta stuck in my teeth?” He liked that joke a lot. Once we could breathe again I took photos of the dish. So here it is, Stamnagathi served in the traditional way: uncooked and simply dressed with olive oil and vinegar, and washed down with Raki of course! It was a joy to find such passion (and humour) for the healthful food of Crete. My warmest thanks go to executive chef Alexis Lefkaditis, Blue Palace, Elounda. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 23
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Foodies: may the fourth be with you
GET your forks at the ready: Wells Food Festival is returning for the fourth year running. Taking place on Sunday, October 9th, this free-to-enter, foodie, fun day out for all the family is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary culture. From 10.30am to 4.30pm, visitors can graze their way around the artisan market which stretches from the Market Square, along the Bishops Moat and into the Recreation Ground. Organisers are promising more than 130 stall holders and street food sellers offering everything from cheese and chocolate to pies and paella. The popular Family Marquee will be housed in the Bishop’s Barn, with even more creative “hands-on” activities to whet the appetite for those budding young Jamies and Nigellas. The Recreation Ground will host a “Food for Thought” area for the grown-ups, focusing on food sustainability and waste, including a Taste Challenge and Harvest Fayre with a
Food stalls along the Bishop’s Moat
“twist”. Meanwhile, three ticketed events will be taking place in the Town Hall: cider tasting with local expert, Bob Chaplin; wine tasting with Wraxall Vineyard and a curing demonstration from the awardwinning Somerset Charcuterie. In addition, the Town Hall will host a variety of local artisan stalls on the ground floor including
the Happy Felt Club and Andrew Eddleston pottery. And for all budding food photographers, an exhibition entitled “Eat the Landscape” is also being held in the Town Hall. If you’d like to be included, bring your photograph which you feel fits the title, to the Town Hall on the day of the festival, before 10am.
For further information and to book for the ticketed events, visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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What’s new from Myrtle Farm A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
Happy anniversary to the Railway Inn
IT’S incredible to think that the Railway Inn is celebrating the first anniversary of its refurbishment. So on Saturday 30th July we’re having a party – all welcome! We’ll have a marquee in the garden, the new pizza oven and barbecue will be in full swing, and we’ll have face-painting for the children. Sit back and enjoy the fun with music from the Cherry Pickers from 3.00pm, and in the evening local band Wrong Direction. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our customers during this very exciting first year.
Presenting Thatchers Family Reserve
WE’RE embracing a rediscovered century old family recipe to craft our new Family Reserve – an 11% sparkling apple wine. Only the first gently pressed juice of the Katy dessert apple is used to craft this classic cuvée. Light golden hues, gentle effervescence, with a great combination of intensity, delicacy and length, creates a dry, subtle sparkling apple wine. “This is a very exciting new addition to our family,” says Martin Thatcher. “We like to think that if champagne was made in Somerset, this is how it would taste.” Thatchers Family Reserve is available in 750ml wired cork bottles from Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm, and at The Railway Inn.
Cheers from us all!
FOOD & DRINK
Have you tried our Thatchers Haze and Gin Cocktail?
A THATCHERS family favourite going back over generations, we’ve brought gin and cider right up to date with our refreshing cloudy cider, Thatchers Haze. Simply add a 25ml shot of premium quality gin to a 275ml glass of Thatchers Haze, and top with mint, cucumber, lime and of course a slice of red apple. Serve in a balloon glass, or for a great outdoor treat, why not use a handled jar.
Summer Fest
SUMMER is always such a great time to get out and about to meet everyone! Still to come this summer we’ll be at the amazing Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August 11-14th), and for the first time we’ll be at Brisfest Soundscape in Bristol on July 30th. We hope to see you there. Meanwhile we have loads of great memories of our Glastonbury Festival experience this year. We met so many people over the weekend, and enjoyed brilliant music – we can’t wait for the next one!
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 25
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Food feast fills Frome
HUNDREDS of people packed the Market Yard car park in Frome for the town’s annual Food Feast. Held to coincide with the Frome Festival, the evening event showcased food stalls from around the region. Frome Street Bandits arrive in the car park to begin the evening’s celebrations
TWO COURSES £8.95
Come and try the newly beautifully refurbished Masons Arms
WE ALSO RUN SOME FANTASTIC FOOD OFFERS
We Look Forward To Welcoming You To Our Pub!
Masons Arms, Marston Gate, Frome, Somerset, BA114DJ PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Monday-Friday Lunchtimes Two courses for £12 Monday Night Fish & chips and a pint or glass of wine for £9.95 Wednesday Steak Night 2 delicious 8oz rump steaks, chips & salad with a large carafe of house wine for only £29.95
MASONS ARMS MENU STARTERS & LIGHT BITES Soup of the day, toasted sourdough 4.95 Ham hock, pear & blue cheese salad with honey mustard dressing 5.75 Quinoa, roasted cauliflower salad with harissa, apricots & almonds 5.75/11.50 Baked smoked haddock, spinach & cheddar with poached hens egg 6.25/12.50 Mint & courgette potato cakes topped with feta cheese 5.25 Potato, smoked salmon & spring vegetable salad with dill & mustard dressing 6.25 Pan fried sea bream, spiced aubergine purée, fresh tomato salsa 6.25 FOR 2 TO SHARE Selection of breads, olives, hummus & homemade pesto 7.50 Baked Camembert fondue, studded with garlic & herbs with pickles & bread 13.25 Mixed charcuterie board with a selection of breads, pesto, olives & hummus 13.25 MAINS Spiced fish stew with chorizo & mussels, toasted sourdough & garlic mayo 12.50 Homemade beef burger with coleslaw & hand cut chips Add cheddar, blue cheese or bacon for 80p 10.95 Olde English pork sausages with cheddar & spring onion mash & onion gravy11.50 Slow roasted lamb shoulder, onion purée, spring vegetables & sauté potatoes 12.95 Spicy red pepper mac ‘n’ cheese, seasonal salad and toasted sourdough 9.95 Vegan bean burger with Hand Cut Chips & Pickles 9.95 Sea trout, cauliflower purée, new potatoes, roasted cauliflower & mango dressing 13.75 Chickpea & potato curry with basmati rice, pickles & herb salad 10.50 Pan roasted chicken breast, french peas, pancetta & new potatoes 13.50 Char grilled 8oz rump steak hand cut chips, crispy onions & salad 16.95 Char grilled 8oz rib eye steak, hand cut chips, crispy onions & salad 20.95 Extra sauces: cafe de Paris butter, blue cheese or peppercorn 1.95 EXTRAS Hand Cut Chips 3.50 • Skinny Chips 3.00 • Spicy House Chips 4.00 Café de Paris Bread 5.50 • Bread 0.75 • Side Salad 2.50 Spicy mac n cheese 3.00 • Vegetables 2.50 • Sauces 1.95 If you require any information on allergens, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help
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FOOD & DRINK Country shopping at its best
North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM
CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH US! IT’S BARBECUE TIME! COME AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE ON OFFER!
Tasty Cheddar strawberries and our own cream!
S pe nd £ 5 0 o r mo r e in the Far m Shop and get
£5 OFF with th is voucher
Enjoy a good Sunday roast
Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday
Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas
TEA ROOMS Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches
Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Farm Shop: 01761 220067 Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 27
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EVERLAST Coatings Limited
Superior exterior elastomeric masonry coatings, with 15-year guarantee Will not chip, flake, peel or fade Free quotations
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Pebbledash before coating
Pebbledash coated with pro-flex ultimate colour Waterlily
Cheddar games store Allgoodmeeple.co.uk is a recently relaunched web store based in Cheddar, selling popular family board games. It grew out of diversification of the old Scalextric motor racing circuit which was based near the Cheese Company until 2008. Local businessman Martin Kay runs the site which aims
Front of completed bungalow
Freephone: 0800 112 3006 e-Mail: info@everlastingcoatings.co.uk www.everlastingcoatings.co.uk Address: Towerhead, 13 Towerhead Road, Banwell, North Somerset
ECATCHER MOL
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 mendipmolecatcher.co.uk PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
to get people playing board and card games to stimulate social interaction, exercise the brain, and just to have great fun with family and friends. “We are not talking Monopoly and Cluedo here,” says Martin “but much more recent publications such as Ticket to Ride, Catan, Qwirkle, Codenames and many more, on a variety of themes. “Strategy, bluffing, deduction, general knowledge, skill, dexterity and pure luck may be needed – and some games are co-operative, meaning everyone is on a team trying to beat the game itself!” The store supports board games events at Cheddar Library and customers can click and collect their games from Cheddar (or take advantage of the free P&P).
CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY
Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley
Tel 01761 451787
www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk
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A change from Brexit! EVERY small company relies on its local community for its livelihood and those of its staff and sometimes it's good for us to give something back. An opportunity came for us recently when a friend organised a Macmillan tea party as she had benefitted from the care and support of the Macmillan nurses. She then gathered her friends around and told them of her brilliant idea to bake cakes without added sugar which she had discovered was extremely unhelpful for people with cancer. As I had previously owned a coffee shop, I was absolutely unable to refuse! (She's not daft, my chum!). She is also an artist, so a second string to our bow was to produce and sell hand-decorated post cards. Several sessions and a lot of volunteers later, we must have had nearly 100 cards. Admin duties were undertaken by friend number three who produced timetables and organisational hints to keep us all on track. When the afternoon arrived, my friend's lovely old kitchen table was groaning
under at least 200 pieces of delicious cakes, none with “actual” sugar added. We had all found alternative means of sweetening and flavouring the cakes and our recipe cards were also popular. The afternoon was excellent and the party made £850 (with a little help from Gift Aid) together with giving us such a lot of fun and enjoyment. Macmillan told us that this would enable them to employ
BUSINESS
a nurse for a fortnight! We were well chuffed! As an antidote for the Referendum, doing something like this with good friends really works! I have to say, the stragglers' party with a glass or two of wine and an auction of the left-over post cards put the sugar-free icing on the cake! Take care. Jane Bowe, Probusiness
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 29
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BUSINESS
John Wainwright & Co: a living heritage in the Mendips
WHEN local auctioneer John Wainwright and his business partners launched their quarrying business in the Mendips in 1891, it was a bold move. Now, as the company celebrates its 125th anniversary, that same spirit of enterprise is leading to even greater success. Wainwright is one of the UK’s largest independent quarrying companies. It sells premium construction materials and operates a successful surfacing division. As a proud local business, it is committed to the people who depend on it for their livelihoods, and to the wider community. It sees itself as the custodian of a living heritage, started by its founders all those years ago. That is why it has recently opened Avonmouth Asphalt, a £9m investment that expands both its production capacity and geographical reach. Added to ongoing investment in its Moons Hill Quarry and Head Office, Wainwright is shaping up for an even brighter future. At its heart, though, remain the same values that have always been there: honesty, integrity, decency and service. So you can rely on Wainwright to do the right thing, by its people, its customers, its local communities, and the environment. For prospective employees, that makes Wainwright an attractive proposition. Join the company, and you’ll work for a major local employer, with deep roots in the area and a willingness to invest in its people so they realise their potential. See page 81. Details: www.wainwright.co.uk
Wainwright is a growing business. Would you like to grow with us? Loading Shovel/Dumper Driver Salary: Circa £20,000 48 hours per week We are seeking a self-motivated and professional individual for the position of Loading Shovel/Dumper Driver. The role is full time, working a 48 hour week with occasional weekends when necessary. Shift patterns are likely to be Monday to Friday working either 5am to 3pm or 7am to 5pm. Working in a small team reporting to the Quarry Manager, you will be responsible for operating and ensuring the smooth running of the loading of materials in order to fulfil customer and quality assurance requirements in the supply of high quality aggregates. Due to the requirements of the role, it is essential that applicants hold appropriate Plant Driving Licences as well as a full, clean Driving Licence.
Sales Coordinator Competitive Salary Full time We are looking for a Sales Co-ordinator to work in the office at Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael. This is a vital role, where you’ll deal with customers on a daily basis. You’ll have great customer-service skills, a fantastic telephone manner, and a professional approach.
Working within our pricing strategy, you’ll negotiate orders and produce quotations. You’ll record information with accuracy, and will be proactive in driving sales and building long-term relationships. While knowledge of the construction industry and our products would be an advantage, it is not essential. A willingness to learn is more important.
Viafix Plant Operative Salary: £21,500 48 hours per week We are looking for a committed and hardworking Viafix Operative to join our small team. You will be responsible for operating and ensuring smooth running of the Viafix/Bagging Plant facility, fulfilling customer orders on time and to the right quality. On a daily basis, you will be bagging material, loading bags onto pallets and wrapping pallets ready for delivery. You will also be required to move pallets using the forklift truck. Consequently, a valid forklift truck licence would be an advantage as would any other plant/machine tickets. This is however not essential as full training will be provided. A production, construction or quarry background would be an advantage.
For further information on the roles listed and for all other vacancies, please visit the careers page of our website www.wainwright.co.uk. To apply, please forward a CV and covering letter to our HR department (hr@wainwright.co.uk) by the closing date of 05/08/2016. PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
A tale of two interesting jugs THESE two very different jugs will be offered at Clevedon Salerooms’ next Quarterly Specialist Sale on September 1st.
The 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace included a Royal Worcester Porcelain stand where the company displayed a range of “Communion and dejeune services, of pierced or honeycomb china”. This impressive double-walled communion jug (right) is such a piece. Featuring hand-painted reserve panels together with the script “This is my blood shed for the remission of sins”. The 23.3cm high jug carries an estimate of £2,000 – £3,000. Serpents do not enjoy a great reputation from a biblical point of view, but this rare Hungarian Zsolnay pottery lustre glaze jug can be partly forgiven since it was produced some 50 years after the Worcester example. Manufactured around 1900, it is a tour de force in free thinking ceramic design and glaze techniques. The 29cm high hooded cobra can only be filled via the mouth. This serpent is not without sin
however, carrying as it does a crack across its base. Clearly seeking redemption, the serpent, despite this damage, warrants an estimate of £4,000 – £6,000. Jonathon Horne the late, great, collector of pottery once said: “I’d rather have a damaged interesting pot, than a boring perfect one.”
If you have interesting items you may be thinking of selling why not attend one of their free valuation days on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd or contact the salerooms on 01934 830111.
FREE VALUATION DAY . . .
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS
£23,500
£19,600
1 2 3 August
9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Thursday, 11th August
Sales start at 10am On view day before 10am – 7.30pm. Sale day from 9am
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
£4,300 £5,150
£2,950
Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch
Valuation Day
At the Salerooms Tuesday 9th August, 10am – 4pm
Next Specialist Sale Thursday 1st September MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 31
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Music, camping, fun
An “in-tents” jamming session at Bere Regis
WANTED – VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE
HARDY, ALLCOCKS ETC. Also BRASS & WOOD REELS EARLY LURES & BAITS, RODS ANGLING BOOKS TAXIDERMY CASED & MOUNTED FISH
01934 625810
Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
TONY and Carrie Osborne took a weekend off from running Swan Artworks picture framers in Paulton to enjoy a family camping break with a difference. Friends from the Bluebird Acoustic Café, which they help to organise in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, joined them for the second Bluebird Camp at Bere Regis. Guitars were packed along with the camping gear for a weekend of music and relaxation. Carrie said: “Lots of food, music and alcohol was consumed and friendships were cemented; it was an absolute joy to see our younger members jamming with the old dogs and teaching them a few things. The Bluebird has created a massive extended family and it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with good friends and, of course, some awesome guitars!” The Bluebird Acoustic Cafe re-opens its doors on Sunday, September 18th at 3pm at Stratton-on-the-Fosse Village Hall. Everyone is welcome.
Boom time at abbey
Dom Leo Maidlow Davis, Prior Administrator of Downside Abbey, helps sound engineer Simon Jolly on the team’s visit to the abbey
DECORATIVE antique dealer Drew Pritchard and a television crew were welcome by staff at Downside Abbey at Stratton-onthe-Fosse when they filmed material for a new series. The Quest TV team arrived at the abbey on the final stop of filming for Salvage Hunter, which is broadcast on the Discovery Channel. They spent several hours sifting through items in the Works Yard and store cupboards.
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For details, visit: http://www.questtv.co.uk/salvagehunters/
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Smashing price for tennis necklace AT their sale on July 16th at the Mendip Auction Rooms, Killens put some 700 lots under the hammer with an excellent selection of silver, jewellery, collectables, pictures and furniture selling extremely well in spite of concerns that the summer period and the EU referendum result would have an impact on levels of interest. A charming 18ct white gold and diamond “Tennis” with the 112 round brilliant diamonds set as tennis balls attracted strong interest in the room and over the internet selling for £2,700. Other jewellery also met with firm interest with a diamond solitaire ring achieving £600, a 9ct gold necklace realising £370 and a 15-stone diamond cluster ring £320. The surprise of the sale was a delightful Victorian brass lantern clock with pierced decoration of fish achieving £2,600. There was an interesting entry of paintings and pictures entered with a
good selection of World War 2 aviation signed prints by Robert Taylor generating strong interest. An unframed print entitled Knights Cross made £500 with others selling for between £400 and £500. There was strong demand for silver items with a pair of silver pheasant cock and hen table ornaments by C J Vander Ltd making £1,000. A silver salver with Chippendale border on three scroll feet, Sheffield 1925, achieved £320. With an excellent entry of jewellery and silver, many specialist buyers were in attendance with good prices achieved. Collectables and unusual items often attract strong interest and a cased montage of a large Barbel fish with reeds in a bow fronted case that was caught in the Great Ouse by a Mr Baldwin in 1952 and weighing 8lb 2oz, sold for £600. A collection of mostly Chinese embroidered panels made £2,000.
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
As we go to press, the sale of Victorian and Later Effects including household items on July 26th looks to be another large one with an anticipated entry of approximately 800 lots including a diverse range of items on offer. Entries are now being received for forthcoming sales with the next sale being of Antiques and Collectables on August 13th. The newly-refurbished and attractive auction rooms offer excellent facilities with extensive parking and the delivery and collection of items couldn’t be easier. On sale days, the Lookout café provides bidders with a view over the saleroom and provides delicious coffees, cakes and baguettes.
The valuers in the Auction Rooms team of Killens conduct valuation days every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or will be content to undertake a free home visit. The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or log onto www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 33
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EVENTS
Wedmore Stree t Fair
The Borough was packed
Dancers from Wedmore First School Academy
Bowls club members Peter Duggan-Rees (left) Dave Nicholls and Vic Matthews
Burtle Silver Band entertained the crowds
PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Poppy, aged five and her sister Maddie, aged eight
The human fruit machine – Tessa Munt (left) Alison Campion and Don Gaudoin
Tombola with Barbara Ellis (left) Gwen Fisher and Jenny Fox
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EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
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Death of rugby stalwart STEVE Bridges, who has died aged 69, was a huge supporter of Winscombe RFC and one of the village’s best-known characters. At the age of 16, on November 10th, 1962, he played in Winscombe’s first ever match against a Clifton side and scored the first ever try for the club. He went on to become club chairman and president. He was also a parish councillor and a supporter of many village organisations, including being chairman of the War Memorial committee. After attending school in Churchill, where he was head boy and captain of the
NEWS
cricket and rugby teams, he went on to Dartmouth Naval College and then served for more than 30 years in the navy. He was a warfare officer on HMS Andromeda during the Falklands war. He moved his family back to Winscombe after finishing his service at RNAS Yeovilton. In recent years he had coped with serious health problems, but that didn’t stop him standing as an independent in last year’s local elections. The village church, St. James’ the Great, was crowded for his funeral, with minibuses laid on to take people from the rugby club. Some village shops closed as a mark
Plaques for the memories
HOLLYWOOD film director Edgar Wright was reunited with some of his former teachers when he made a return visit to the Blue School in Wells to unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour. Edgar, best known for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, also met current students at a question-and-answer session. Edgar was a student at the school from 1985-1992 when he discovered his passion for film-making, borrowing the school’s limited equipment to shoot and edit his own work, persuading staff and school friends to join the cast and using the city for his locations. The plaque was the second in a series of seven to be unveiled across Wells to celebrate former residents and
of respect. He leaves his wife Anne, daughter Laura, son Andrew and four grandchildren.
Town crier Len Sweales with Philip Welch, from Wells Civic Society and Natasha Mingo-West and Kevin Newton from the Swan Hotel. The plaque lists former guests including Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw
famous visitors. The plaques are a joint project between Wells Civic Society and the Rotary Club of Wells. The first was unveiled outside the Swan Hotel, where royalty and prime ministers have stayed.
Edgar and his former headteacher Peter Wild. The plaque sits outside the school’s main reception
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Edgar with Derek Cooper and daughter Sally, from the familyrun Wells Film Centre. Derek once took on Edgar to work in the projection room
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Madness in the mud – but they loved it!
Oskar Zaky, from Glastonbury, playing in the Green Room, the backstage bar in the Theatre and Circus field. Amongst those enjoying the teenager’s set was Squeeze frontman Glen Tilbrook
Friday morning next to The Blues stage in the Silver Hayes area
Photography by Mark Adler
Raining all over the world – Jeff Lynne’s ELO
It’s cool for cats – Lily waits for Squeeze to appear
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Yeovil’s very own PJ H wowed the crowds at Stage
The Pyramid Stage see viewing platform in the Theatre field
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n PJ Harvey ds at The Other
ge seen from a in the Circus and
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2016
Wino Tyrone, from Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs, plays to the crowd at the Avalon Stage
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In tribute to Bowie
Coldplay’s Chris Martin on stage
Members of Dexter Selboy and the Shonky Trio on the Bandstand
Priddy impressive: The Drystones play to a packed Avalon Stage
An explosion – literally – of coloured
One Step Beyond – Suggs and Madness pulled out all the stops and were one of the highlights of the weekend
Pinky – and perky: many fans stayed at the front of the Pyramid Stage all day to get the best view of their favourite performers
A member of Burnham and Highbridge Brass Band which played on the Pyramid Stage PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Girls just want to have fun – Terri, work on the Wells RFC food stall
A view from the pit in front of the Pyramid Stage as Coldplay perform
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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2016
Page 41
Yannis Philippakis of Foals performs on the Pyramid Stage
No waiting – The 2 Men clamp down on parking violations
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir in fine voice on the Pyramid Stage. Many people waved flags and banners saying We Love NHS
oured confetti showers Coldplay fans
Terri, Baylee, Maisie and Rosy at tall
m
Magic Ladybug wanders through Green Crafts in the Field of Avalon
Women beehiving badly – street theatre was all around
Bristol’s Ambling Band
Russell Marsden, from Band of Skulls MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 41
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Natural development
TALL Trees Kindergarden is a nursery for 0-4 year olds in Frome and offers extensive outdoor learning experiences and the Montesorri ethos. Their philosophy is to provide a healthy, stimulating, inspiring, fun and educational environment where children can be children, and aim to bring back traditional values in providing a high quality environment for children, with the emphasis on natural developmental opportunities. They believe these sort of activities promote young children’s self-esteem, team working, language skills, empathy, creative skills – to name but a few.
0-4 years Natural and Organic ethos Amazing outdoor opportuni es Montessori and Heuris c play Incredible home-cooked food
Let us show you the wonderful opportuni es we can offer your child.
Contact us to arrange a viewing 01373 465691 emma@talltreeskindergarten.co.uk www.talltreeskindergarten.co.uk
EDUCATION
Mark’s an inspiration
CRISPIN School in Street welcomed a special visitor, Mark Ormrod, from Blesma, the charity that supports limbless veterans. Mark joined the Royal Marines in February 2001 when he was just 17. He was just under four months into a tour of duty in Afghanistan when, on Christmas Eve 2007, he stepped on an IED landmine, which blew up in front of him. Mark lost both legs above the knee and his right arm above the elbow, making him the UK’s first surviving triple amputee from the conflict. During his recovery, Mark was told that he would never walk again. Now, Mark has not used a wheelchair since 2009, has opened his own gym, is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and the author of the award winning autobiography Man Down. He is pictured with staff and Year Ten students. Details: www.blesma.org
Learning through play
FROM picking apples in the local orchard to meeting newborn lambs; to cooking and
Fully qualified staff with high adult-to-child ra os Varied curriculum with child ini ated ac vi es Children accepted from 2yrs 3 months Open term me: Monday – Friday Funding available
PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
serving lunch for 30 people. No two days are the same! Blagdon pre-school offers a safe, happy, friendly and stimulating environment. Their inside and outside creative play areas encourage children to fulfil their potential, develop self-confidence and a love of learning through play. Staff are fully committed to supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development. Thursdays are spent slowly and sensitively preparing those children starting school that academic year for the transition to school.
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Burrington praised
BURRINGTON CofE Primary School was one of over 600 nominated for the ENTHUSE Award, run by the Wellcome Trust. They were then shortlisted with 60 contenders and Burrington came fourth overall. The award was for their work in raising money to buy wheelchairs for children in remote villages. The latest recipient, Maurine, aged six, is pictured. The Burrington Science Group has bought 11 wheelchairs so far. The final four shortlisted were invited to the awards ceremony in London, where Oscar Chambers-Smith, Burrington's Science & ICT Co-ordinator, represented the school with a stand showcasing the school's work. Burrington and their partnered schools were told their work had stood out over the last three years as one of the more ambitious projects undertaken with the ENTHUSE grant.
OPEN MORNING
Tuesday, 27th September, 9.15 – 11.00am
If you are unable to attend on this date, please phone the school office to make an appointment. We look forward to welcoming you. 7.45am Daily Breakfast Club After-school club options available, with after-school care offered at the Potting Shed, Blagdon on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Pre-School Opening January 2017, please call the school for further information. Coffee Morning in the Village Hall, all welcome, come and join us on 2nd September, 7th October, 4th November & 2nd December, 8.50 – 11am
‘Believe and Achieve’
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Explore wildlife on the Mendip Hills
EDUCATION
IF you want to go a little wild this August, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Black Rock reserve is the perfect place to be. The reserve, which is close to Cheddar Gorge will be holding a Family Fun Day from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday August 16th. The event, which is free to attend, will be filled with activities for all the family, from wildlife-based arts and crafts, to nature trails – a great way of learning about wildlife while venturing through the reserve. To add to the fun, the trust is partnering up with other organisations. The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be running activities so visitors can discover why the Mendip Hills are one of England’s finest landscapes, and will demonstrate how they were formed, and reveal the incredible story of what lies beneath them. The Save Our Magnificent Meadows project will also be at the event, to talk to visitors about the wonders of wildflowers and why it so important that we protect our meadows. The project, led by Plantlife and primarily funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is a partnership project with the Somerset Wildlife Trust and ten other organisations, which aims to restore 6,000 hectares of wildflower meadows across the UK – including the Mendip Hills. Olivia Dullaghan, Visitor Experience Officer for Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “The Family Fun Day is a wonderful opportunity for people to discover the wonders of the Mendip Hills, the geology that underlies the reserve and the fantastic species that thrive there.”
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
(Photograph courtesy of Jeff Bevan)
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Supporting local causes
Closer my God . . .
CHARITIES
(l:r): Matt Crowcombe, Vaughan Ives, the Rev Jonathan Hunter Dunn, Nick Bennett and Claudia Titley
Club president Alan Bowhay presents a cheque to Lindsay, Richard and Maisie
THE Rotary Club of Somer Valley has made two substantial donations to local good causes. Lindsay and Richard Seymour received a cheque for £400 towards a hand-propelled trike for their disabled daughter Maisie, aged seven. Maisie contracted an MRSA-type infection when she was in a neonatal ward at Bath’s Royal United Hospital. Jessica Robinson received a cheque for £648 on behalf of SWALLOW, a local charity helping young people and adults with learning difficulties to live and work in the community. The money will enable 18 people to enjoy their first horse riding lessons.
Alice in hospice-land
Jessica receives a cheque from club president Alan Bowhay
ARTIST Gill Davies has presented four watercolours of characters of Alice in Wonderland to Children’s Hospice South West in Wraxall as her final duty as president of the Inner Wheel Club of Shepton Mallet. Gill painted the characters for a Mad Hatter’s tea party hosted by her club in March for members of Inner Wheel District 20. Phil Rice, retiring president of the Rotary Club of Shepton Mallet offered to frame the illustrations and fellow Rotarian Don Clifford, a retired jeweller, produced brass plaques to attach to the paintings.
PEOPLE with a taste for adventure are being invited to abseil down a church tower in October in aid of charity. Shepton Mallet-based SOS Africa, which funds educational projects in the continent, is looking for individuals, schools, businesses and community groups to take part. In previous years, the charity has held abseils down Cranmore Tower and from the top of the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival site. As well as raising funds for SOS Africa, people who take part are being encouraged to raise money for their own favourite charities. The Rev Jonathan Hunter Dunn, rector of Shepton Mallet, and SOS director Matt Crowcombe will be the first to abseil down the tower of SS Peter and Paul in Shepton Mallet. The abseils takes place on October 15th and 16th and October 22nd and 23rd. Abseilers must pay a deposit of £10 and raise £50 as an individual or £300 as a team of six. For details, visit: www.sosafrica.com or email info@sosafrica.com or call 01749 344197 with your preferred abseil time/date and contact details.
Gill (centre) with Phil Rice, hospice staff and Inner Wheel members during their visit to the hospice
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 45
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Walkers’ record
Teeing off in Natalie’s memory Teeing off – a previous event
OVER 250 entrants, a record number, took part in the Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs event organised by the Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell, raising more than last year’s total of £20,000 for local charities and good causes. Rotarian, Alan Davies, said: “Our grateful thanks, as always, to local folk who turned out in force to make the fifth year of this event a record.”
Samba for charity
THE annual St Peter’s Hospice Midnight Walk saw well over 1,000 women take part and is expected to raise around £100,000. The event had a special carnival theme with walkers samba dancing through the streets of Bristol dressed in carnival attire. PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
A NINTH and final charity event is being held in memory of Natalie Holland, who died of cancer, aged 26. Natalie’s Charity Golf Day and Auction will be held at Mendip Spring Golf Club near Congresbury on Friday August 26th. Natalie, who lived in Langford, died on November 30th, 2007 after a battle with cervical cancer. It was her idea to hold the first golf day for charity in September 2007. Since then over £80,000 has been raised by her family for charity. The main beneficiaries have been Weston Hospicecare, who cared for Natalie in her final days, and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, which she wanted so much to help. Natalie’s parents, estate agents John and Vanessa Webb, say that after ten years they hope to end on a high by reaching a target of £100,000 “which would be a glorious legacy to their daughter’s memory”. Natalie who was a speech and language therapist at Weston General Hospital was married to Mark Holland only weeks before being diagnosed with cancer. She studied at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff where she was awarded a 1st class honours degree and there is now a degree prize named after her.
Natalie and Mark
Details: Anyone wishing to enter a team, donate an auction or raffle prize or for further details contact John and Vanessa Webb 01934 863371 or email mail@johnwebbestateagents.co.uk or mail@wringtonvalelettings.co.uk
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CHARITIES
Boules players score for charity
THE 16th Wells Charity Boules competition raised almost £5,000, organisers have announced. A total of 48 teams took part in the daylong event when the Market Place was transformed into a little bit of France. Minehead-based team Boomtown Pratts beat off Shepton Mallet Swifts to claim the title of champions. Since it began, the tournament has raised £80,000 to support projects run by The Nepal Trust as well as others backed by local rotary clubs. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Wells and the Rotary Club of Avalon, who thanked local businesses for their support and sponsorship.
Henry Sica, aged two and a half, gets a little help from dad Matthew, who was playing for the Rock House Dental Practice team
The Market Place was transformed for the day
Teams came from local businesses and organisations as well as groups of friends
Cheddar-based Mendip Inner Wheel and “supporters”
The Pinot Partakers get into the spirit
For information on the work of The Nepal Trust, visit: www.nepaltrust.org MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 47
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Funding for Wizzybug
THE outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge, Spike Parker, is pictured presenting a cheque for £1,000 to Nigel Harris, director of Designability who manufacture the Wizzybug. Spike said: “Wizzybug is a wonderful cause. It is a fun and innovative powered wheelchair designed specifically for children under five. Even those as young as 14 months can operate its simple controls, allowing them to zip around with their peers, developing spatial awareness, social interaction and independence.” Professor Harris said: “We are really grateful for the ongoing partnership and support we have from Chelwood Bridge. There are over 200 Wizzybugs out on loan around the UK and they make such a big difference to the children and their families. We can only achieve this by working together.” Details: http://www.designability.org.uk/product/wizzybug/
Lottery boost for disability forum
A BIG Lottery Fund grant to the Somerset-based charity Compass Disability Services will allow the Mendip Disability Forum to expand. The forum meets four times a year at Tor Leisure Centre in Glastonbury and provides an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the Mendip area to be consulted and informed on issues from various organisations. Compass Disability Services, based in Taunton, is a user-led organisation. Its board of trustees, which is elected by users, is comprised of at least 80% disabled people. Richard Pitman, its CEO, said: “The forum is an excellent opportunity for disabled people and carers to have their say, we are delighted to be able to support the forum in its future direction.” Future dates for the forum are: Wednesday, September 7th (11am-3pm) and Wednesday, December 14th (also11am-3pm). For details visit: www.compassdisability.org.uk
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Charity celebrates anniversary
Helen Kingman, the society's human resources director (left) – who has worked at the charity for 27 years – cuts the cake with Susan Philpot – the charity's newest employee
THE National Osteoporosis Society, which is based in Camerton, has celebrated its 30th anniversary by sharing a giant cake with staff. Osteoporosis is the fragile bone disease that causes painful, debilitating and sometimes fatal fractures, particularly of the wrist, hip and spine. It affects almost three million people in the UK and there are roughly 300,000 fragility fractures a year. Set up in 1986, The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the pain and suffering caused by osteoporosis. Over the last 30 years, the charity has funded ground-breaking research into the condition, set up support groups across the UK, raised awareness and provided a lifeline for those with the disease. The society’s Chief Executive, Claire Severgnini, said: “Over the past three decades the National Osteoporosis Society has been a constant presence, providing help and support to those affected by the condition, raising awareness and investing in research. “Today, thanks in part to our work, the understanding of osteoporosis among both the general public and health professionals is much, much greater than it was in 1986 when the charity was established. “There is still a lot of work to do, but we will continue the fight to build a brighter future for those affected by the condition.” Details: www.nos.org.uk
Charity boxes stolen
TWO full charity boxes have been stolen from The Griffin pub in Frome by an opportunist thief. The two charities involved were the town’s Black Swan arts centre and the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. Martin Bax, who collects for the BCUSG, said: “I was devastated and was sickened that somebody had stolen charity boxes which must be the lowest of the low crime.” Rik Lyall, owner of the Griffin, added: “This was a despicable act, but I would like to thank the local community for all their help and support.”
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Charity opens outdoors shop
WESTON Hospicecare has “got on its bike” to raise money with a new outdoors shop at the rear of its store in Cheddar. The shop will offer refurbished bikes as well as a range of other outdoor and camping equipment, making it the first charity shop of its kind in the area – and it’s doing well, selling on average a bicycle a day. The charity’s retail director, Gemma Turner, said: “We decided to open the shop because we saw there was a gap in the market. It can be very expensive to equip the family with bicycles and all of the kit you need to go camping or to enjoy the beautiful countryside around us. “We wanted to make it easier and more affordable for people to stay fit and have an active lifestyle, while supporting the hospice.” The shop will stock a range of bikes, with prices around £75 for adults and £30 for children. The shop will also offer a range of outdoor and camping equipment, including tents, hiking boots, walking poles and more. Although many of the items available in the shop have been donated, the hospice is also working in connection with Recycle Your Cycle, an organisation that works to rehabilitate prisoners by teaching them technical and work skills. Mark Abrahams, founder of Recycle Your Cycle, said: “There are a number of similar organisations to ours that have been set up to export bikes, but ours is unique in wanting to help UK hospices to raise money in an ethical, green way. We are excited to be working with Weston Hospicecare on this venture.” Weston Hospicecare has announced the return of its Midnight Beach Walk on September 10th. Details: www.midnightbeachwalk.org.uk 01934 423960.
Moose boost lifeboat appeal
A CHEQUE for £5,500 has been presented to the Burnham-onSea RNLI by Ron Fisher, governor of the town’s branch of Moose International. Ron was a member of the shore crew for a number of years and now looks after the fuel for the craft and tractors. The money will go towards the appeal to buy a new D Class lifeboat. The money was raised from a stall run during the past year by Ron and members of the lifeboat crew at Sedgemoor Services on the M5.
CHARITIES
Guitars in the garden
Liam and Steve at the artisan market
MUSICIANS Liam Hayward and Steve Henderson take to the “stage” at Browne’s Garden Centre near Wells to entertain visitors to its Artisan Market. Stallholders at the market – which helps raise money for local charities – included Mary Wridgway, of Wellington, who decorates cards, notebooks and other items. All proceeds from her sales go to St Margaret’s Hospice.
Mary on her craft stall
RNLI fundraisers Jan Pearce (left) and Mary Summers with Ron Fisher
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 49
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Daphne becomes an author By Tony Staveacre
DAPHNE Watts is the daughter of a Mendip farmer who became a bit of a celebrity in 2002. It came about because I produced a radio programme about her strange life which was broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol and then picked up by Radio Four. They put “The Liberation of Daphne” into their documentary series “It’s My Story”. The Daily Mail became interested, and gave her a two-page spread with a sensational tabloid twist. In reality, Daphne’s extraordinary story tells of a life of virtual enslavement. Her parents were locked in a kind of Victorian time-warp, in which their only child was set to work seven days a week, no holidays, no social life. The driving force was their dread of insolvency. They were tenant farmers of the Wills estate, dependent on profit. Daphne was only set free in her 57th year, after the death of her father, Frank. She talked to me about her decades of restricted life with clarity and good humour. She was abused, in a way, but carries no resentment, amazingly. She says, with a cheery grin: “I served more time in gaol than Myra Hindley had!” In her 71st year, fitted with new teeth
and a pacemaker, she has a good life: “I can do what I like now.” She has discovered Scotland and the Lake District, and met up with relatives from New Zealand. She doesn’t like the changes that have taken place in recent years in country life and country living: “Nobody cares what’s going on up at the farms, whether they’ve done their hay-making, or whether the cattle have had a wet winter, it don’t concern them. “They go to the supermarkets, they buy their food from abroad. They all go off to Bristol to work, they go to dinner-parties together. They live in the country, but don’t care for the countryside. In the old days, people would come up from the village and
help us with the hay-making, or bank up a few walls, and clear the snow.” The Blagdon Local History Society has taken an interest in Daphne and is working with her to sort out and index the mass of papers, bills, official letters and incidentals that her father hoarded since 1941 – the Watts Archive, which tells us quite a lot about rural life on the Mendip Hills after World War Two. Now, with my encouragement and editorial involvement, Daphne has become an author. Rooted in Mendip is Daphne’s own story, in her own words, transcribed and typed up from three hand-written exercise books – one green, one blue, one purple. Although she left school at 14, she has a nice turn of phrase and is an
This package can be bought via the website – www.daphnewatts.co.uk – which also offers sample chapters and audio North Somerset BS40 7TP. Postage and packing costs an
PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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articulate commentator on the changing world of family farming. When she became an orphan, it was her independent decision to retire from small-scale farming, because she saw that there was no future in it. Good choice. She has a vintage tractor which she takes to tractor rallies. Her greatest fun was taking part in a Tractor Challenge at Hullavington in Wiltshire. She said: “We were trying to beat the world record for the most tractors working in one field at the same time. Some chaps had come all the way from Guernsey to take part. Were we all mad? It’s not so noisy when you’re Rhodyate Hill Farm where she lived
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HISTORY
right in the middle of them, although the smoke and dust soon built up. “The boys had a race across the field with cultivators later on. I made my way home in the driving rain but all my fuses failed so I had no indicators or windscreen wipers driving over Mendip! Good weekend, though…” Rooted in Mendip is 153 pages long, with lots of illustrations in colour or black and white. It costs £12, which includes a free CD recording of the two radio programmes (60 minutes duration) featuring Daphne’s distinctive voice, and commentaries from me and other Blagdonians who bear witness to an extraordinary Mendip story.
audio extracts. Alternatively, send a cheque (made out to Daphne Watts), to TS Enterprises, Channel View, Blagdon, ts an extra £4. Or phone for information: 01761 462161.
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 51
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EVENTS
Rickford Duck Race
Adult winner Kath White (left) receives her prize from one of the sponsors Jo Woolley Junior winner Tommy Dimond
Crowds along the stream
Dressing the ducks
Chelwood Bridge Rotary’s Big Breakfast
(l to r) Rob Taylor, Gerry Coles, Ken Biggs, Mary Taylor, John Butler and Di Farmer
PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Enjoying their breakfast (left to right) John Langdon, Anne Stephens, Rosemary Langdon and John Stephens
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WILDLIFE
Is the weather taking its toll? WELL, what an awful summer it’s been so far. No doubt I will be told it’s just normal, but looking around I’m not seeing bees, By CHRIS butterflies or even SPERRING MBE some birds as much as I think I should. For birds, August is a slow month in any case, as adults of many species are moulting; this means they are replacing worn or damaged feathers. As this can make them just slightly less efficient flyers, they will often just feed and then hide away, mainly because the slight drop in flight efficiency will possibly make them easier targets for the predators. There are exceptions, of course, as in some birds which even now will still be breeding. The barn owl is one bird who may well still have owlets in the nest during August. This owl starts breeding at anytime of the year, the key to commencing its breeding season lies with the availability of small mammals such as voles. During the barn owl monitoring I have been carrying out this year it does seem that many pairs have started later, but both those that started early or late have ended up with the same fate. The weather has played a crucial role again in breeding success, reducing brood numbers from what seemed a good number to perhaps unsustainable numbers. The beginnings of the autumn migration will start during August and some birds will have already left for the wintering areas such as swift and cuckoo. Even local and resident species such as blackbirds may well begin movements away from the areas where they’ve established breeding territories. A walk around the Severn Estuary in August will reveal a steady stream of birds making their way south from more northerly breeding areas. One of the upsides to the cool July weather has been that a dawn and
evening chorus of, well, some bird song has continued. Robin, blackbird, song thrush and wren are the main songsters mixed in with summer migrants such as willow warbler, chiffchaff and blackcap. Meanwhile, with insects I’ve been out playing the game “Spot the Wasp”. This is serious as wasps, like their close relatives the hornet, are so important. They not only join in with pollination, but are efficient predators, very often they will prey upon those other insects that may well damage crops. Both species have an amazing lifestyle: the female workers service the nest with food cleansing and other tasks, as they work together for the goal of producing future queens. The marriage
flight of the short-lived males and future queens should take place during August, however with the lack of both species being observed it’s going to be a less noisy wedding than in previous years. Butterflies also seem low in numbers with many cool, damp days keeping them grounded unable to feed. Through the beginning of August look out for marbled white butterflies. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this spectacular butterfly of the rough grasslands, they don’t fly for long during the year. A female marbled white can lay up to 600 eggs on tall grasses. Interestingly, through July one of the saviours for bees in the countryside and urban areas has been the amount of bramble flower. Walking past one bramble bush during a cold, cloudy, late July this one bush was well covered in bees and this is, of course, a plant so many of us want to get rid of. I really hope at least a little bit of summer starts to come through during August, as autumn at the moment feels like a small step away.
The familiar shape of a swift in flight A bumblebee on a bramble bush
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust. Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com. Please visit www.swp.hawkandowl.org for more information
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 53
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Blaising a trail
TAKE a different look at Bristol this month and visit a mill that was saved from Chew Valley Lake when it was flooded. This is a fascinating, beautiful and moderate circle on the fringe of Bristol from Blaise Castle, taking in the National Trust’s rustic Blaise Hamlet and following
the estate’s dramatic limestone gorge. Join the River Trym and continue along to Sea Mills, a former port on the River Avon. Take the Severn Way along the edge and then head up to Shirehampton Park golf course and on to glorious Kings Weston House with a welcoming cafe before heading back to Blaise. There is also a pub en-route at Stoke Bishop. There are no stiles so it’s very dog friendly. Most of the walking is on good paths and there are no major hills.
PARK: In the free car park for Blaise Castle on the B4057 between Henbury and Lawrence Weston.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
START: Walk past the cafe, toilets and play area to Blaise Castle House built late 18th century by Quaker banker, John Scandrett Harford, and now housing a museum. Blaise Castle was immortalised by being described as "the finest place in England" in Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey. We now take a short detour of a few minutes to the NT’s delightful Blaise Hamlet. For this, go on past the main entrance of the house (right) and then bend out left passing stables. Turn left on the main road, cross and go down Hallen Road signed to Blaise Hamlet. Cross and just past Castle Close go through a gate in the stone wall into the picturesque hamlet.
1. BLAISE HAMLET The green is circled by nine rustic cottages, each different and built in 1811 for the retired estate workers at Blaise Castle and designed by John Nash. Return to Blaise Castle House. Go back past the house and turn left on the path signed to Hazel Brook, Coombe Dingle across the open area. Stay on the main hard path which bends down into the dramatic wooded limestone gorge with Hazel Brook below.
2. GORGE Continue on and soon reach the old watermill down left. This is Stratford Mill, brought here in the 1960s to save it from being lost when the Chew Valley became a reservoir. Cross the bridge and turn sharp right on the main path close to the Hazel Brook. Ignore any side bridges. Pass two ponds.
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WALKING
The path crosses the brook and leads you along to a car park at Coombe Dingle.
3. COOMBE DINGLE Go through and out onto the crossing road. Turn right briefly and then left onto a path which soon bends right and becomes a raised concrete path through woodland. Go on and under a road bridge and head on alongside what is now the River Trym in an open area.
4. STOKE BISHOP Take the first bridge left and the path leads to Stoke Bishop. Turn right by the refurbished Mill House gastro pub and cross the road. Take the small dirt footpath into woodland at the end of a low stone wall by a litter bin. It winds through to reach an open area by the poplar-fringed river. Ignore the first footbridge and go straight over a crossing road. Just before the large road bridge, cross right over a footbridge. Go left under the arches and head towards the creek where it may be muddy. 5. SEA MILLS This was once the site of the Roman settlement of Portus Abonae. Much later in 1712, a wet dock was built here so that large sailing vessels needn’t navigate the dangerous Avon any further up. You see remains of this in the river near the rail bridge. Once under the bridge go right along the River Avon. 6. RAIL ARCH The path bears right under a railway arch. Turn left alongside a sports ground and on to a junction. Here go left on the path in woodland. It goes up and down steps and parallels the railway on the left (ignore a path forking up right). Come up into an open grassy area which you cross, bearing right. Go out to the A4.
7. GOLF COURSE Cross with care and go over into Shirehampton Park Golf Course. This is NT land and there is a public right of access, but take care of golf balls! Go straight ahead onto the course staying below and right of a green and follow a path down the bank and right down steps to cross a golf course track. Follow the path on the other side and once up, go left round the side of this green to come alongside woodland. Keep close to the woodland on your left, climbing. Look out for a footpath arrow left by a Golf is Dangerous sign through a few trees. Maintain direction following two more
5.5 miles, about 3 hours walking 0S Explorer Bristol & Bath 155, grid ref: 559 786
footpath signs and climb up to reach more golf course. Up ahead on the far side is a white cottage with a red tiled roof. Aim for this, watching out for golfers. Go round between Tee 6 and a green and out through a gate. Cross the road to the cottage and follow the footpath at the side uphill. Ignore a footbridge and continue straight on down the side of a folly, the Echo, to join a wide track towards Kings Weston House.
8. KINGS WESTON This historic and once very famous house dating from mid-18th century was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh (responsible for Blenheim Palace). After many different uses it is now renovated for conferences and weddings, as well as a private residence. Go left round the side and come to the spectacular view across Avonmouth. The welcoming Hunting Vault cafe is at the back. Facing the view, bear left along a path a few yards and right through the metal fence down to the Severn Way footpath below. Go right below the house and on down to the main road. Go more or less straight over to the Severn Way on the other side. This hard path heads on and
then by houses turns right up steps and on up to a field. Go left following the edge. Near the end, bear diagonally across through new tree planting and in the corner go left and on up to the road. This leads up to the main road. 9. ROAD Follow the pavement left for about 300 yards to 30mph signs. Cross to the track opposite which gently rises into Limekiln Wood. Continue all the way up to the top to the open area on Kings Weston Hill.
10. KINGS WESTON HILL Turn left soon reaching an Iron Age hillfort and farmstead. Stay to the left of this and go left on the footpath down through woodland. Reach an open area and go across to woodland taking the track which follows the woodland right and bending round right. Whenever you want, bear off left across the grass to Blaise Castle car park. Blaise Castle cafe, 0117 963 9174 Mill House pub, Stoke Bishop, 0117 968 2913 Hunting Vaults Cafe, Kingsweston, 0117 330 3405
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 55
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s Diary
THERE have been times recently when I wonder which month I'm in. Weather “upside down” doesn't even begin to describe what is happening. The Jet Stream, yet again, has curved well below us causing these conditions. Bad enough we can't get the BBQ going, With LES sit outside in the garden, or plan any DAVIES MBE outdoor activity with certainty. Spare a thought for the agricultural world, where the second cut silage has been made very difficult because of the weather. A scorching summer it is not, so I'm enjoying what fine weather comes my way and getting on with the mowing and ground work whenever possible. Predicting the weather is still difficult. Science has improved our understanding of it and our ability to forecast it within reason. Still, I have been caught out on many occasions through listening to the day’s forecast and not going with a little “gut” instinct. I now tend to “listen and look”. Listen to the forecast and look out the window. One of the most amusing methods of weather predictions I ever saw was, as ever, a very simple affair. A piece of A4 paper with a square cut out of the middle and taped to the window. Written at the top of this paper were the words “Today's Weather”. “So” I asked the inventor of this most wondrous low-tech bit of kit, “How does it work”? “Simple” he replied, “I look through this square and that is today’s weather”! Seaweed, fir cones, even looking to see if the cows are lying down have all been employed in the art of weather predication. Yet within the natural world there are those who know when bad weather is on its way. Insects are such creatures, especially the flying sort. Watch the swallows, martins and swifts chasing insect around the sky. On a fine day when the air pressure is high, they will be way up in search of the constantly needed flying protein. As the air pressure drops, so do the flying insects. This is where you will see the hunters almost skimming the ground in a display of aerial acrobatics that would have the Red Arrows display team going green with envy. During the evening the bats will fly lower as well, as the night shift takes over predation duties on the insect community. Animals seem to know the onset of bad weather; cats will become agitated and hide before a thunderstorm, whilst bees rush back to the hive before the onset of a storm. The old countrymen also had their ways of predicting the weather and a whole load of “tales” and sayings have grown up around these. The amount of fruits and berries borne by the bushes and trees were always seen as an indication of weather to come. Other predictions were based upon weather conditions in certain months being able to predict the coming seasons. I think the most famous of these is the old saying of “Never cast a clout until May is out”. The clout was the under-garment into which people were “sewn in” for the winter way back when – personal hygiene was never a big thing in those days. This should never be discarded until the May blossom, or hawthorn as it is also known, has come into flower. Sunny days that lured you into a false sense of security in early May would soon turn cold again.
The clouds are a fascinating subject all on their own. We stand, sit, or even better lie on the ground gazing upwards at the cotton wool-like clouds that float slowly by on a warm summer’s day. Yet that same summer sky can have clouds that tower up and flatten like an anvil at the top, a sure sign of approaching thunder. These towers can take all day to build, but watch out when they have finished! A “mackerel” sky is a good indication that any spell of fine weather is coming to an end. This is where the cloud formations break up into smaller segments and look like the side of a fish. An evening sunset where the sun goes down like a ball of fire is a good omen, whereas a watery sunset of pale colours usually means damp weather. There are however the steadfast Mendip weather rules: • If you can clearly see Wales from the top of Black Down, it’s going to rain; if you can’t it will be raining already. • Temperature wise, the top of Mendip will generally be at least two coats colder than the bottom of the hill. • Never trust a sunny day on Mendip. • Whatever the weather on Mendip, at the end of the day, it gets dark. The weather fills our every waking moment, it’s a very English thing! We are very good at queuing and talking about the weather. We like our summers to be long and warm; our autumns cold, sunny and crisp; our winters cold and snowy and the spring to be the bearer of good news for the coming year. Is all this too much to ask for? My closing words this time are of praise for Brigadier John Hemsley OBE, who has just stood down as chairman of the Royal Bath and West Environmental Youth Award (EYA) scheme. John was the instigator of this scheme and personally sought out the sponsorship from HSBC in the early 1990s. In his time as chairman he forged a dedicated team of people who all share his drive and passion for this cause. Many schools have participated over the years and several notable people have awarded the prizes to the successful winners. These have included the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. John's motivation and leadership have created the award scheme as it is today and one that I am honoured to be able to take over as its new chairman. Don’t forget, if you are a youth organisation of any sort that is involved with environmental issues and enhancement in your area, then get onto the Bath and West website and go to Environmental Youth Award. It might be you picking up the prize money next time. This month’s picture: cloud, weather indicator or baby elephant?
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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YEO VALLEY
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It’s cuttings time once again
LAST month we looked at what seeds to sow in summer to get a succession of flowers next year, so this month we will discover how easy it is to propagate many plants by cuttings, without the need for sophisticated environments. Many deciduous shrubs can be rooted With MARY from cuttings taken now. Weigela, PAYNE MBE Deutzia, Philadelphus, roses and hydrangeas to name but a few. Select this season’s growing shoots without flowers and collect the cuttings in the early morning while they are still turgid. Pop the material in a plastic bag and take to somewhere cool to prepare them. Your prepared cutting should be approximately 4” (10cm long). The immature growing tip can be pinched out and the base of the shoot cut straight across just below a leaf. Where the leaf stalk joins the stem is called the node and it is in this area of the shoot that there are stem cells or meristem cells that are capable of generating roots. This is called a nodal cutting. Some may be familiar with a “heel cutting”. In this case the shoot is pulled downwards off the parent plant with a sliver of older wood attached, and the “tail” is trimmed off. The lower leaves should be trimmed off and the remaining leaves may be cut in half, especially if they are large as in hydrangea. Just the base of either type of cutting can be dipped in hormone rooting powder if required, but remember that your rooting powder should be fresh each year and should preferably have been stored in a fridge. A well-drained and well aerated compost should be used for all cuttings. A 50:50 mix of multi-purpose compost and a sharp grit or perlite is ideal. Several cuttings can be put in each pot but do not bury them too deeply; just deep enough for each cutting to stand up. The pot should then be watered carefully and covered with either a plastic bag secured with a rubber band or cut down plastic bottles make ideal mini greenhouses. Both materials will reduce the water loss from the cuttings while they grow new roots. It is very tempting to try digging up your cuttings to see if they have rooted – don’t – wait until new roots appear out of the base of the pot! It is best to leave potting each cutting individually until the new growth starts in the spring. The pots of cuttings of hardy plants can be overwintered in a cold frame, cool conservatory or a sheltered spot in the garden. They take up less space this way and also the new roots are very vulnerable to damage when potted in the autumn. Evergreen plants such as box, holly, choisya, and ceanothus can be taken in August using the same technique but do not remove the growing tip. The shoots have matured and are tougher, so will take longer to root. Once deciduous shrubs have lost their leaves in the autumn, hardwood cuttings can be done. These are the simplest as they can be stuck straight into the ground outdoors or put into deep pots. Forsythia, buddleia, flowering currant, blackcurrants and gooseberries can all be done in this way. Use current season’s growth of about pencil thickness. Cut PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Newly-prepared cuttings
straight across just below a bud at the bottom and above a bud at the top making the cutting 9-12inches (25 – 30cm) long. Then insert them into well-drained soil burying the cutting two thirds deep, and spacing them about six inches (150mm) apart. On heavier soils make a slit with a spade and pour in some sand to improve the drainage at the base of the cutting. These require no overhead protection and will produce roots in the autumn or, more often, in the following spring. Do not disturb them until the following autumn, 12 months after they were put in, when they can be lifted and potted up or planted straight out into their permanent position. You have nothing to lose with this quick and easy method and it is amazing how many shrubs can be propagated this way. It is well worth trying with roses too. The resulting plant will be on its own roots and therefore not prone to suckering from the rootstock used commercially for convenience. The important point is to use this year’s growth that has matured and not old wood that is too tough. It is safe to take cuttings of the many salvias and penstemons, that may be slightly tender, and have become so popular recently. These root extremely easily from softwood tip cuttings taken in August/September, ideally from nonflowering shoots. Pop a plastic bag, secured with a rubber band, over the top of the pot and keep it out of the sun and they will root in a couple of weeks. These can be overwintered on a cool, well-lit windowsill or greenhouse, ready for potting in the spring Finally a tip for those taking cuttings of bedding geraniums (pelargoniums). After preparing the cuttings leave them on the side overnight. This allows the base of the cutting to seal over and helps prevent rotting. Put the slightly wilted cuttings into a pot using a slightly moist, but not wet, compost. Do not water them and do not cover with a plastic bag. The leaves are covered in a layer of hairs which helps prevent the cuttings losing water. Over-watering or too much humidity encourages the development of “blackleg” and failure to root. It is so simple, but very rewarding to take cuttings of your plants. Not only will you keep your own garden supplied with young vigorous plants, you will have plenty of spares to share with friends.
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AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
GARDENING
G Take cuttings of fuchsias, pelargoniums and other tender plants now G Dead flowers, and a little bit of the stem below, should be trimmed off lavenders now. G Roses tend to succumb to attack from blackspot, mildew and rust at this end of the summer and you must not let down your guard against these diseases! G Prune wisteria and any climbing and rambling roses now. G Plant hydrangeas, snowdrop bulbs and, autumn flowering crocuses now G Take cuttings of border pinks (Dianthus) this month. G Look out for pests on cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and other brassicas G Fill spaces in the veg patch by sowing quick maturing items such as turnips G Sow seed of autumn onion (sometimes called Japanese onion) now for the earliest crop of next year. G Keep picking runner beans and courgettes regularly. Both can be used to make excellent chutney or can be given to neighbours and friends. G Dig up your potatoes, dry and store undamaged tubers in a dark frost-free place for winter. G Plant strawberry runners. Those planted now will produce the earliest crops next year. G Let the grass on your lawn grow longer. This is not an excuse to mothball the mower until next spring but it is a good ploy to help it get through dry periods. Courtesy Cleeve Garden Centre
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 59
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NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH
The Old Vicarage, Weare
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
Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE 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 Se e ou r webs ite for mo re details www.rockymou ntainnurseries.co .uk
ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
OPENING for the first time for the NGS, the Old Vicarage at Weare nestles into the rising ground of the Isle of Wedmore. This is a chance to see behind the high stone walls and laurel hedges that border this secluded but exuberant delight of a garden. New owners Trish and Jeremy Gibson moved there just three years ago from North Cornwall where they opened their farmhouse garden for the NGS for several years, so they knew the sort of challenges that updating an old vicarage garden would give them. Not least of these was transforming a hard tennis court into a bold, colourful new garden with contemporary planting, set against the existing beautiful mature yews and magnificent redwood. The one-anda-half-acre garden slopes up behind the vicarage with its courtyard of characterful cottage outbuildings and from the ample terrace seating, among colourful planting, there are fine views out to the church tower with the Mendips beyond. Hidden at the top of the garden is a small vegetable plot, and on one side lies a dense and atmospheric wild garden beside a small stream. NGS opening details: Saturday August 6th and Sunday 7th, 2pm-5.30pm. Admission: £3.50 with accompanied children free. Details: Trish and Jeremy Gibson, 01943 732731, trish.gibson@btinternet.com www.oldvicaragegardeners.com. Address and Postcode: Sparrow Hill Way, Weare, BS26 2LE. OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book or local county leaflet available from local garden centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk
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GARDENING
A c u t a b o v e t h e re s t ? MENDIP Rural Services has opened a new showroom and service centre at Rookery Farm at Binegar, specialising in lawnmowers and garden machinery. Run by Aaron Coleman, the centre is an extension of his other main interest, providing agricultural services. Aaron’s decision to open the showroom comes with the ringing endorsement of two previous employers – Rob Uphill, who used to run Uphill and Son Ltd, and Richard Lyons, the landlord of Rookery Farm. Aaron has taken over the garden equipment side of Uphill and Son Ltd, with Rob’s full support. Rob said: “Demand for garden machinery sales and service remains very strong on this part of Mendip and Aaron is very well known to a lot of people round here, including our old customers. I wish him every success.” Richard added: “We are very pleased to see Aaron come here. It is just the sort of business we wanted to attract.” Both sides of Mendip Rural Services will continue to run alongside each
We’re backing Aaron! (l:r) Rob Uphill, Aaron’s fiancée Esther (with their daughter Felicity), Aaron, Richard Lyons and Piers Chamberlain
other. Aaron has taken on agricultural engineering student Piers Chamberlain, 17, to help him and plans to offer additional services such as ATV and quad bike servicing, along with tool hire – including log splitters. Aaron’s sister, Emma Green, runs Paws to Claws pet grooming parlour at
Rookery Farm and together they run Wells and Mendip Dog Day Care from the family home near Wells. Aaron said: “It is very exciting. I have to look to the future and think long-term. The support of both Rob and Richard is very much appreciated.”
Mendip Rural Services Ltd. At our showroom we offer: Lawnmowers and garden machinery
Now open at Rookery Farm, Binegar
Sales, spares, service and repairs Tool sharpening
Our contractor services include: Equestrian, campsites and smallholdings Paddock care, drainage and fencing
Chainsaw chains made
Digger and driver hire
and resharpened
Logs and hay for sale
Personal protection equipment
07491 665290
Fully insured
07974 259766
E-mail: mendipruralservices@outlook.com • Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Unit 8, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA3 3UL. Tel: 01749 840848 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 61
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GARDENING
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
Opening 8.00am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri. 8.00am – 12.00pm Sat
John Deere X115R – Promotional price whilst stocks last was £2840.80 inc VAT
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
NOW £2099 INC VAT Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS
Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk
PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
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NEWS
Conquering Kilimanjaro for Secret World PETER Garrett, from Stawell, has raised more than £1,000 for Somerset charity Secret World by climbing Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. He said: “I can only describe it as one of the hardest challenges I have ever completed.” Peter has served his country in several overseas conflicts and has been stationed with the Royal Engineers in the Scottish Highlands for four years. He’s written graphically about his final ascent to the summit, more than 19,000 feet above sea level in Tanzania. He had set off from Camp Simba six days earlier and witnessed a variety of grueling experiences along the way, the worst of which was acute mountain sickness. He said: “Before the trip, when I told friends that I was climbing Kilimanjaro, a few people said it was ‘easy’. Yes, it is technically easy, but I challenge anyone to climb in complete darkness by head torch light alone for six hours whilst feeling violently nauseous, with a headache and dizzy spells and at times scrambling over rocks… and call it easy. “The final route to the summit started with a steep climb that zigzagged across rocky terrain. The gradient of the climb was at times unbelievable and it required frequent stops to rest and catch a breath; couple that with the effects of altitude and I was really not in a good place.
Meeting the wheelchair challenge The team take a rest near Mells
LAUGHTER and sheer determination were the responses when the going got tough during a Duke of Edinburgh challenge along part of the Colliers Way near Radstock. Led by Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, a group of wheelchair users from Writhlington School were joined by ablebodied friends and staff – including head teacher Mark Everett – as they travelled 15 miles from Great Elm to the edge of Radstock and back. It was the start of a four-stage attempt by Mrs Maw to make a 60-mile journey around Somerset to highlight the diamond anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Mrs Maw, who uses a wheelchair, was on board her electric scooter for the trip. The second leg of the trip was from WestonSuper-Mare to Cheddar with the third taking place in West Somerset. As Mendip Times went to press, Mrs Maw was due to complete the challenge by arriving at Glastonbury Abbey to highlight its Rescue Our Ruins appeal. The incline at the start of the journey from Great Elm took its toll on some, but Mrs Maw said: “Their determination was extraordinary and there was great support.”
The Uhuru summit
A precious amount
CHILDREN’S charity Time is Precious has received a £2,000 donation from Higos Insurance Services towards its work to support youngsters in hospital. Time is Precious, based in Coleford, works with hospitals in Bristol, Bath and Yeovil to purchase items which help to create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to help assist recovery. The Higos donation will go towards a new project to refurbish the Rainbow Room at Yeovil’s children’s ward where families stay when children are having treatment for cancer and leukaemia.
Flick Franks, a member of the Higos Community Fund and Louise Guise, from Higos’s Somerton office, present the cheque to Louise Coate, trustee of Time is Precious
For details about the work of Time is Precious, visit: www.timeisprecious.org
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 63
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Cave history – it’s not set in stone
FROM time to time, in composing these articles on Mendip caving, my memory plays me false. On the whole, cavers are a helpful lot, and there is always someone willing to put the record straight, for which I am grateful. In the June issue, I wrongly attributed the With PHILIP name of the dig site, Fairman’s Folly, to the HENDY landowner. Fred Davies, a veteran caver and long-time friend, has corrected me, saying that Miss Fairman was a forester’s daughter, living in the 1950s in a cottage near the Miner’s Arms. She became friendly with a group of cavers and suggested that they might like to dig in a depression which she had come across. Despite valiant efforts over the years, the site was extremely unstable and the shaft kept collapsing, until it was finally abandoned. The dig might be Miss Fairman’s Folly, but perhaps the real foolishness was the prolonged attempt to dig this hopeless site. Fred also corrects me for an earlier error, where I quoted him as saying that “Caves is where you find ’em”. He assures me that as an adopted Son of Somerset (albeit Devon-born) he would have used the correct verb “be”. This is a typical example of Somerset verbal economy, since the word needs no declension, i.e. I be, you be, ‘e be, we be, etc. The science of caving, speleology, advances over the years like other scientific disciplines and increased knowledge can in time shatter earlier dogmas. For many years, the perceived wisdom was that Cheddar Gorge was an unroofed cave. Those caves exposed in the sides of the gorge were simply inlet passages. Awkward facts, such as the absence of masses of rocky debris left as the cave roof collapsed, were ignored. It is now known that the gorge was created by a succession of glacial periods. At the end of each period, the resulting meltwater carved the ravine deeper and deeper, cutting through some of the earlier caves. Shallow valleys can be traced from Priddy and Yoxter, where they join at Cheddar Head and gradually deepen into the gorge. They are now dry, for any surface streams have long ago found their way underground. Another inlet, the Longwood Valley, which runs into the gorge at Black Rock Gate, is normally dry, as the stream which rises on Blackdown normally sinks at Longwood Swallet. However, exceptional rainfall can reactivate the surface stream. This last happened over the winter of 2012-13, causing the gorge road to be closed for several weeks, until cavers and others managed to get Longwood Swallet
CAVING
Cheddar Gorge
the water back underground at Longwood Swallet, and Longwood Valley Sink, further down the valley. The shallow valley which runs from Priddy to Cheddar probably influenced Herbert Balch, when he discovered Swildon’s Hole in 1901. The cave passages were found to run almost due west to the first sump, so with the wisdom of the day, it seemed reasonable that the cave water would flow under the valley floor, to rise at Cheddar. We now know, of course, that the direction taken by a cave has more to do with the bedding and jointing of the rock in which it has formed, than the surface topography. Even when Sump I was passed in 1934, and it was subsequently shown that the cave then turns left to head almost due south, many cavers continued to believe that the original cave runs to the west, if only it could be found. So far, the only major passage to the west of the main streamway, the North West Stream Passage, has been proved to be an inlet. Water tracing experiments have proved conclusively that Swildon’s Hole water flows to Wookey Hole. It was another misconception that led to the discovery of Eastwater Cavern, just over half a mile to the south east of Swildon’s Hole. After the initial discovery of Swildon’s Hole, the landowner denied permission for further exploration. Balch and his friends assumed that if they could find a cave where the stream sinks in the Eastwater depression, it would soon link with Swildon’s. After working their way down through a dangerous boulder ruckle, a cave was duly found, but it proved to be an entirely separate system. We know today that the Eastwater stream, like all of the Priddy swallets, emerges at Wookey Hole, but so far any confluence, where the water from two or more of the caves meet, has not been found. We believe that the dig at Templeton could lead to this place, and the conjectured “master cave” – but of course, we could be on a wild goose chase.
Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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Brexit hits market
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PROPERTY
UNCERTAINTY fuelled by the EU Referendum has resulted in a marked drop in activity in the South West housing market, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It says new buyer enquiries declined significantly across the UK in June, with 36% more chartered surveyors nationally reporting a fall in interest – this is the lowest reading since mid2008. The South West fared somewhat better however, with just 4% more respondents reporting a decline in buyer demand (as opposed to a rise). Nevertheless, this follows a particularly steep decline during May. There was also a further fall in the supply of properties coming available for sale across the region in June, which is echoed across much of the UK. RICS says this highlights the continuing challenge presented to the market by the lack of stock. In the South West, 23% more chartered surveyors saw a fall in new instructions in June from a net balance of 18% in May. The national figure points to an even steeper monthly decline, with 45% more surveyors reporting a fall in new instructions. Spokesman, Roger Punch, said: “Across the South West the mood of the market has certainly been subdued, but there are some signs of confidence returning. Optimistically priced properties have inevitably been challenged and, while the transaction volume is now likely to increase, prices are set to be flat for the time being.”
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 65
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Doulting Village Fete
Emily – as Alice – and Nicola as a Cheshire cat. The day had an Alice in Wonderland theme
The Rev Jonathan Hunter Dunn, rector of Shepton Mallet, competing in a fastest “milking” competition
Members of the Doryoku Ryu Karate Jitsu club, one of the biggest in the south west, gave demonstrations of their skills on the playing field at St Aldhelm’s School
Edd Pritchard, Year 3 teacher at St Aldhelm’s School, takes a soaking from pupils – all in aid of school funds PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Cara, from Hazelgrove Archers, in action. Adults and children had the chance to try their hands at the ancient skill of archery
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EVENTS
Holcombe Family Fun Day
Jo Candy (left) and Kelly Stokes, were raising funds for Kilmersdon School
No strings attached. Holcombe Brownies and Guides – (l:r) Rachel McEntee, Minnie, Sophia, Emily, Connie and Jenny Coburn – ran several fundraising games
Antiques and tractor rides
Colin and Dot Harris, of Clutton, on their plant stall
Holcombe Twirlers dance through the village on their way to the playing field
A GREAT day was enjoyed by everyone who attended Compton Dando's annual fete, which was opened by Duncan Campbell from the BBC's Antiques Roadshow. Duncan is an expert in
silverware and was on hand afterwards to value silver items which people had taken along. There were many stalls, plus trips up the church tower, as well as tractor rides, and the event made a profit of just over £4,000, which will be divided between the community association, St Mary's Church and the village hall.
Mo Collings and Chris Dibble were in charge of cakes
Antiques Roadshow expert Duncan Campbell (left) and Charles Fallon, who introduced him
Children waiting for driver Gary Pearce, who was giving rides in his tractor and trailer
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 67
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Lying for a living
COMEDIANS lie for laughs, politicians lie for power. Consider the Nolan Principles of Public Life – By Dr PHIL selflessness, HAMMOND integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership – and how they were upheld by politicians on both sides during the Brexit campaign. There appears to be no comeback for knowingly lying in a referendum vote, even if it triggers a constitutional crisis. If a surgeon enthusiastically proposed radical surgery, wilfully misled the patient about the likely outcomes, made a huge incision from nipples to knees and then admitted he didn’t have a plan of what to do next, he would be struck off. But we apparently live in a postfact world where politicians can manipulate the media to downplay the risks of global warming or exaggerate the existence of weapons of mass destruction while experts scream at the TV screen “what about the evidence?” We have no idea where Brexit will lead us, as much of it depends on the competence and conviction of those doing the negotiating for us. Circus clown Boris Johnson and disgraced former defence secretary Liam Fox are not my idea of competence and conviction, but we’ll see how far David Davis can go with his scary SAS stare. Theresa May’s cabinet clear-out had one notable exception. Jeremy Hunt was reappointed to health on the same day that Jim Mackey – Head of NHS “Improvement” – declared that the NHS was “in a mess”, would miss all its finance and performance targets and there had been “five years of decline on all of the things that people would worry about”. May kept Hunt waiting, doubtless testing if any sane woman wanted the job first, before handing the state of the nation’s health back to Hunt. Should we be worried? Hunt
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struggles with critical thought, such as signing an early day motion to support homeopathy. He bribed GPs to screen for dementia before realising the screening tests were highly inaccurate and people were selling up their houses and moving into care homes when they thought they had dementia, only to find later they had mild cognitive impairment. Hunt’s threat to impose a new contract on doctors and then wilfully misinterpret statistics has made him disliked and distrusted by NHS staff, but he doesn’t seem to give two hoots. He repeatedly claimed that 11,000 more people die at the weekend because of lower staffing levels, even though the authors of the research said to assume the two were related would be “rash and misleading”, as did the National Statistics Authority, but he carried on telling the same untruth in the hope that it might one day become true. Hunt’s decision to go to war with NHS staff has triggered unprecedented strikes, which are not entirely his fault (the BMA should spend its money on professional negotiators rather than using knackered junior doctors), but my guess is that Hunt is a convenient smokescreen for the creeping privatisation of the NHS. NHS England recently admitted the latest NHS reforms “offer private sector organisations an enormous amount of opportunity”. Virgin Care is busy hoovering up as many NHS services as it can. So many GPs are planning on reducing hours or retirement that practices are easily bought up. Private takeovers of hospital chains are on the cards, and the bureaucracy of administering a pointless market takes £4.5 billion away from the frontline. Currently, a Lords NHS Inquiry is considering patient charges and insurance. Hunt is just the happy whipping boy, diverting attention from the real agenda. Don’t believe the politicians. Our NHS is for sale, and has been for some time.
Dr Phil’s NHS Revolution is at the Edinburgh Fringe, August 5th-27th
PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Plop the Raindrop
HAVE you ever heard the sound of water dripping from a tap … plop… plop…plop. Or the sound of rain drops falling from a hole in the guttering … plop… plop… plop. That’s my name: Plop. Plop the Raindrop. I’m a tiny water droplet. I can go everywhere that water goes. And I’m indestructible. Sometimes I’ll be floating high on a fluffy white cloud. You get nice views up there. But it’s a bit cold and scary. Or I might be sitting in a muddy puddle with my friends. When you jump in – splish, splash, splosh – we can hitch a ride on your wellie boot. Once you get home and leave your wet boots to dry, we disappear. We can do magic! Where do we go? Usually we just float back up to a cloud in the sky. It’s called evaporation. Or your cat might lick me with her tongue – so then I end up inside her tummy. It’s a bit dark and smelly inside a cat. Do you think you would like it? Fish are worse. Very smelly. Once I fell into the big wide sea and got swallowed by a fish. It’s not much fun being drunk I can tell you. Do you know how old I am? Nearly as old as the world. Older than dinosaurs! But I never get older. As you get older, you just get bigger don’t you? I don’t. For a very long time I was hibernating, frozen in a massive block of ice. Then it melted. I rolled down a river for a long way before getting out. I once had a ride on a dinosaur. I went to the moon with the first spacemen. When you have your bath at night, do you splash the water? When it goes gurgle down the plughole, do you know where the water goes? That’s me and my friends going for an adventure. Do you remember what evaporation is? After it’s rained, it’s how the pavements get dry. That’s also me and my friends going on another adventure. Do you want to know where? MENDIP GRANDAD
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Specialists tackle sporting injuries PIONEERING knee surgery is always developing and 2016 has so far been a big year for Circle Hospital with the launch of its biological knee service allowing their specialists to use cuttingedge soft tissue techniques and cell-based therapies. The specialist Knee Unit at CircleBath hospital is concentrating on new technologies to preserve the natural knee, and some of these pioneering surgical techniques are available to patients today, where clinically appropriate. Many people injure their meniscus or “footballer’s cartilage”, which is a rubbery shock absorber in the knee. Some meniscal tears can be repaired, but the current treatment for most tears is to remove the torn part, as the meniscus cannot easily heal. Removing a piece of meniscus can lead to earlier arthritis, so the team are now inserting “scaffolds” to allow the meniscus to regenerate and are using transplant menisci. In the short term, the procedure aims to restore the loadbearing and shock absorbing functions of the damaged meniscus, contributing to pain relief and restoring functional mobility. The holy grail of knee surgery is to re-grow articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the slippery gristle that covers the weight bearing surface of joints, allowing the joints to move smoothly. Normal articular cartilage surfaces moving over one another are more slippery than two ice cubes rubbing together. The problem is articular cartilage doesn’t easily re-grow when
HEALTH & FAMILY
damaged, so the knee specialists at Circle are launching a cutting-edge technology called chondrocyte transplantation to take a small number of normal cartilage cells out of the knee and grow them in a laboratory before re-implanting in the patient’s knee. Mr Neil Bradbury is experienced in the use of this pioneering surgery. Early results have been encouraging. The future of this type of technology is very promising and companies all over the world are looking to improve this and similar techniques. The team of specialist consultant orthopaedic knee surgeons at CircleBath have refined the treatment of complex ligament injuries, and are now able to reconstruct or repair most of the ligaments around the knee through keyhole surgery. This has made a huge difference to a patient’s recovery when combined with specialist physiotherapy. Knee surgery has a very high success rate and is a constructive branch of medicine, so most people are very satisfied with the results. CircleBath’s Knee Unit brings together leading specialist knee surgeons, including Neil Bradbury, Umer Butt, Ben Lankester, David Shardlow and Allister Trezies. CircleBath hospital has developed a reputation for pioneering healthcare. It is a recognised centre of excellence for knee surgery and has some of the most technically advanced diagnostics available in the world today.
Details: enquiries@circlebath.co.uk or 01761 422214 www.circlebath.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 69
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A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset. You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word
The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA
Single and looking for a social life . . . then join SPA
An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events
For more informa on go to www.singleprofessionalsassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Jackie – 01458 840958
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
LOVE IS A MUST FOR THIS AUGUST!
HEALTH & FAMILY
Trusted teams to run Shepton Mallet’s new health campus
SHEPTON Mallet Health Partnership, a joint venture between Care UK and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is the preferred bidder to run the new Shepton Mallet health and wellbeing campus following an announcement by Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group. Somerset Partnership, which currently runs the community hospital and the minor injuries unit (MIU) on the site will, from January 2017, work with Care UK, which runs the Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre, to deliver a range of NHS services for people living in the Shepton Mallet area. The partnership’s vision for the campus will extend the range of healthcare services available in the town over the next eight years and is expected to include a number of enhanced services: • Extended opening hours from 8am to 10pm every day for the MIU from the current 8am to 8pm with access to diagnostic services including x-ray during those opening hours. • A community facility that goes beyond being a hospital, providing a base for the community, including voluntary and third sector organisations to support people taking responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. • Two “ambulatory care” beds which could offer services such as blood transfusions and IV antibiotic therapy locally. • Support to carers, providing a meeting place and services to assist them with issues they may face both from a health and social care perspective. Shepton Mallet Health Partnership will also be continuing its work with local voluntary and community groups – through the Community Partnership Group – to support how it develops the health and wellbeing campus over time to meet the local health and wellbeing needs. Welcoming the announcement, Dr Nick Broughton, Chief Executive of Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted our trust is one half of the partnership that is now the preferred bidder for this new, local, integrated health and wellbeing campus for the people of Shepton Mallet and the surrounding areas. “We have been working hard with Care UK partners on an innovative solution to providing healthcare that locates on one site a range of NHS community and mental health services. The campus will draw on the dedication to excellent care that our staff have been delivering locally for years.” Hospital Director Chester Barnes from Care UK, who has been responsible for the Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre since 2008, said: “I hope that local people will be pleased to hear that the two current providers will continue to deliver health services on this site for at least another eight years.” The new service, which will go live in January 2017, has been commissioned by Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group. Commissioners wanted to see services on the Shepton Mallet site evolve from two separate services to a much more integrated health and wellbeing campus providing a range of NHS services and minimising the need for patients to have to travel to neighbouring towns for routine health appointments.
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Mendip lottery plan
A NEW lottery offering a £20,000 jackpot prize is set to be launched by Mendip District Council to help fund voluntary and community groups in the district. The Shape Mendip Lottery will be online and the draw will take place weekly. For each £1 ticket bought, 60% of the ticket price will go to support community groups throughout the district, though there will also be an option for players to support a specific organisation, and 20% will go to prizes. No money will go to the council. Cllr Philip Ham, Portfolio Holder for Transformation, said: “Historically, the council has provided substantial financial support for voluntary and community groups in the district. “However, we are facing unprecedented financial challenges in the current economic climate and in recent years we have reduced the number and size of grants we give to voluntary and community groups. “We want to continue supporting the voluntary and community sector and hope that the lottery will enable local organisations to raise money themselves or through a new grant scheme.” The council hopes to launch the lottery in November.
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Kids day out
Youngsters from Crispin School head to Longleat
CHILDREN from Brookside and Crispin Schools in Street enjoyed a day out at Longleat Safari Park as part of an annual event organised by the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street. G Jon Fear has succeeded John Lambert as club president.
A “wheel” honour for Frome
National Inner Wheel president Zena Coles with all of the District 20 presidents, including Kate PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Brookside School children
KATE Lewis, a member of Frome Inner Wheel Club, has been installed as chairman of the organisation’s District 20 group. The honour comes at a time when the club is celebrating its 80th anniversary and guests who gathered at the Standerwick Centre near Frome for the handover included Zena Coles, President of the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland Zena Coles and district chairmen from three other areas. It is only the second time that a member of the Frome club has become district chairman; Freda Thackway held the office 20 years ago, she is still a member of the club today.
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Jacky hands over to Heather
MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel’s chain of office has passed to new president Heather Langridge. Heather, who succeeds Jacky Emm, plans to raise money during her year in office for her chosen charities, Dorothy House Hospice and Canine Partners. At the club’s annual meeting in The Jolliffe Arms in Kilmersdon, Jacky was presented with a pair of crystal candle holders in appreciation of her leadership. Heather, with the chain of office, and Jacky, last year’s president
SOUP can help save lives
(l:r) Successful presenter Elaine Hutchinson with local businessman Michael Johns, former Wells MP Tessa Munt and compere Paddy O’Hagan
FREE first aid courses are to be offered to ten community groups in the Wells area after a second successful SOUP charity event. Elaine Hutchinson, who runs Safe Systems, will use the £300 first prize voted for by people who attended the lunchtime event to offer 60-minute Save a Life courses. The other three entrants won £100 each. They are brain injury charity Headway, the Health Works arm of the Counsellors Collective which provides affordable counselling for a wide range of problems, and eating disorders charity SWEDA. At a Wells SOUP the money is raised on the door where the public pay £5 for a soup lunch followed by brief presentations from groups hoping to win financial support for their projects. The door takings are then match-funded by local businesses. To contact Elaine to book a course, community groups should call 01749 686766 or email her at: elaine@safesystemsconsultancy.com
COMMUNITY
Rotary award winners
Rotary president, Andrew Walsh-Waring is pictured with Kathryn Wright and her parents (left) and Lily Breese and her parents (right).
FROME Selwood Rotary has made its Young Citizen and Youth Leadership awards to Frome College students. In October, six students were selected for the youth leadership award and were interviewed by Rotarians Chris Stilton and Malcolm Westgate. After a difficult judging process and much discussion, they announced the winner to be Kathryn Wright in Year 12. Both judges said they were very impressed with all the candidates but said that Kathryn stood out. Then interviews were held for the Rotary young citizen award, with three Year 10 students selected for the final stage and the judges said they had another tough choice to make before selecting Lily Breese. Lily is a great supporter of local charities. In this academic year alone she has participated in a car wash in aid of boxer Nick Blackwell’s recovery; organised a cake sale to fund a sporting opportunity for a local teenager; run a charity 5k for Endometriosis UK; joined a Cycle 4 Charities event; and joined in the Frome Carnival.
Roll up for bale rolling
A scene from last year’s competition
A BALE rolling competition is to return to Priddy green in September in aid of the village’s pre-school. Teams of three are being invited to register ahead of the event on Saturday, September 3rd. The first race begins at 5pm. Teams (over-18s only) should contact Priddy Pre-School on: priddypre-school@live.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 73
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Congresbury Village Fete
Congresbury Evening WI The flower show was popular
The sweet stall was busy
King and Queen Jack Wood and Lily Thompson PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Sing Out Loud
The decorated umbrella competition
The tug o’ war
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EVENTS
Midsomer Norton Fayre
Toby Whitty, of Frome, is a doctor with the Knights Hospitaller of Warwickshire, a 12th Century living history group. He is pictured demonstrating a trepanning tool
Country dancing by children from Some of the Midsomer Norton Primary School pupils who competed in a maypole competition. The school was named the overall winner School
Millie Noble and Dan Cox are up-and-coming local duo Guts and one of many bands performing during the day
Burrington Village Fete The village church was a great backdrop
The first arrivals reach the finish line in the annual duck race organised by the Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions Club
Dancers from the village school
The cake stall (l to r) Fiona Wall, Teresa Gard and Heather and Isabella Taylor
There was a queue for the tombola stall
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 75
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• Autarky Grain Free recipes, available at Tapsons • 20% off 2kg bags • Purchase includes money off voucher for grain-free 12kg
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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Attention to detail at Midsomer Pet Lodge
David and Jacqueline in the sunny courtyard
CATS can be notoriously fussy creatures, so deciding to take on the running of a cattery was no easy decision for David and Jacqueline Massey. But the couple realised that paying attention to detail was the key to keeping their guests – and owners – content. Which is why Midsomer Pet Lodge, in a rural location on Paulto Hill just outside Paulton, is a cat lover’s delight. The 30 pens are spacious, spotlessly clean, airy in summer and warm in winter – and all come with blankets, bowls, scratching posts and toys. Each pen is spacious enough for two cats from the same family; some can be linked up to cater for four animals. Every cat is an individual and David and Jacqueline can cater for all dietary requirements – within reason. Prices are charged per day at £9 for the first cat; £7 for extra cats sharing pens. David said: “A lot of thought has gone into the design of the cattery and we have created a courtyard around which the pens are situated with windows that can be removed to improve the air flow. Each pen is heated in winter.” Client information whiteboards include not just details of the car’s name and owner and dietary requirements, but notes about their personalities such as “shy” or “timid”. Jacqueline said: “Some cats can take a little time to settle in if they are missing their owners, but we aim to make sure they are as content as possible and give them as much attention – and cuddles – as they want, or as little.” Midsomer Pet Lodge is open from 10am-noon and 2-4pm on Mondays to Saturdays, but is closed on Sundays. Delivery and collection outside those hours is available by The pens have all a cat needs for his or arrangement. her stay – with cuddles “on demand”
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Welcome to Four Legged Fancies!
VICKY Stent created Four Legged Fancies as her family have been involved with dogs for over 30 years. They are guide dog puppy trainers and have helped train over 45 dogs in their first stage in becoming working guide dogs. Vicky says she did not just set up this business as she is dog mad but more importantly she was concerned about the junk that goes into some pet foods. Many dog treats on the market might look nice and tasty but many of them contain high amounts of sugar, salt, colours, additives and preservatives, all of which can lead to an unhealthy pooch. All of her treats are made with healthy, natural ingredients and kept as low fat as possible with none of the nasties in other treats. She believes the best part of treating your dogs is not only doing it with something tasty but also with something that is fun for the owner. This is why most of her treats are a bit mad such as her Bangers N' Mash pupcakes or her Lamb Terrier biscuits. These treats make fun and original gifts for dog owners and are a great way to say “Thank You” or “Happy Birthday” to a special doggy mad friend. All of her recipes are dog friendly and come from a knowledge of what ingredients are safe and not safe for dogs to eat.
Animal experts
BASED in Midsomer Norton, Tapsons has been trading in the South West for over 30 years. Many of their experienced team are SQP qualified persons under the Animal Medicines Training and Regulatory Authority to provide confidence that the advice given is correct, relevant, and up-to-date. Tapsons are a Downland Partner and part of a national network of independent distributors who supply a wide range of animal health products under the Downland brand to the farming community. Tapsons also stock a wide range of goods for the smallholder, for horses and for domestic pets. They offer excellent value for money on a wide range of animal health products for most requirements.
PETS AND VETS
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:-
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
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 77
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MOTORING
SHIPHAM MOTOR GROUP Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX •
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G Caravan Servicing G Annual Habitation Checks G Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers G Warranty Maintained G Damp Repairs G Accident Repairs G Insurance Repairs G Accessory Fitting
Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment
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VOLVO
With a vast experience of old and new models, you can be sure that your Volvo will receive the highest quality service but without Main Dealer prices!
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Volvo Warranty Compliant Independent Servicing on New Cars Volvo Accredited Master Technician Specialist Volvo Diagnostics and Software Downloads 01934 842350 Air Conditioning www.shipham.co.uk MOT Testing Volvo Parts & Accessories
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UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES MG ROVER & LAND ROVER SPECIALIST
Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement
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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
MOT TESTING STATION COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE QUALITY USED CARS BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE Your peace of mind is our priority
CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY BS40 6PG Telephone: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk
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Re-Joyce – steam loco is given a cracking name!
I name this loco – the cider flows as Paul cracks open a bottle as Nigel and Andy look on
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and railway author Paul Atterbury officially launched Midsomer Norton Station’s own steam locomotive. Called Joyce, the Sentinel 7109 returned to steam earlier this year for the first time in around 50 years after a complete overhaul by owners Andy Chapman and Nigel Dickinson. After unveiling the name plaque, Paul cracked open a bottle on the front of the loco; in true Somerset style it was a bottle of Thatchers cider rather than champagne. Paul said: Paul Atterbury is a well-known “Andy has summed it up railway author away from his entirely; this is a day to Antiques Show duties re-joyce!” Sentinel 7109 was the prototype for Sentinels 47190 and 47191 which were allocated to the Radstock shed and were a familiar sight in the area. Joyce’s working life was spent at the gasworks in Croydon. Nigel said: “This is an exciting time for Andy and I. We have been through many trials and tribulations to get this wonderful old loco going again and we are very proud that Paul has come to give it the official steam launch.”
The Goold family, of Camerton, brought along their 1933 Sentinel steam lorry for the celebrations. Paul is pictured with Gary, Justin and Dawn
Garry takes the helm
NEWS
FOLLOWING a very successful year, Wrington Vale Rotary’s retiring president Mike Batchelor handed over the chains of office to his successor, Garry Carr. Garry is the managing director of West End Windows, which has a showroom in Garry Carr (left) and Mike Batchelor Winscombe and manufacturing base in Bristol. He lives in Langford with his wife, Pauline. In his address to the club, Garry said he is looking forward to continuing the many projects and relationships the club has already established during Mike’s presidential year, but to seek out additional opportunities to benefit both local and international causes. With an active membership of 40 members, he said there is much Wrington Vale Rotary Club can still offer to local communities where help or assistance for both young and elderly are needed. Details: www.wringtonvalerotary.org.uk
Brock in a spot of bother
A BADGER cub is being nursed back to full health by staff from Secret World Wildlife Rescue after becoming stuck in a drain outside a shop in Midsomer Norton. Staff at TG Auto Centre spotted the cub Aquamarine being treated by a vet was in trouble and called the charity, based near Highbridge, for help. Tristan, Secret World’s release co-ordinator, said: “Once the badger was out and safely contained we could see she was in a poor state. She was very wobbly on her feet, shaking, and so dirty. “We had no idea how long she’d been down there for, and she was in such a bad condition that we really weren’t sure she was going to make it. Her main problem was that she was very dehydrated and very hungry.” Named Aquamarine, the badger is now well on the road to recovery and she and another cub will both be mixed with another group of badgers and later in the summer they will all be released back into the wild together as a family group. Secret World is opening to the public daily from Monday, August 1st throughout the summer from 10am to 4pm each day. The Secret World Summer Party will be held on Bank Holiday Monday – August 29th – with all money raised going to the charity. For details, visit: www.secretworld.org
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 79
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Tribute to war hero
By Mark Adler
A VILLAGE near Frome fell silent to remember the 100th anniversary of a local hero’s bravery in the First World War which led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Arthur Batten-Pooll, former Lord of the Manor of Rode, was severely injured by a bomb whilst leading a trench raid at Collene on the Western Front in France in June 1916. Despite his injuries, the 24-year-old continued to direct operations and helped in the rescue of other wounded men as they made their way back to their lines for which he received the VC. He was serving with the Royal Munster Fusiliers and went on to win a Military Cross before being captured in 1917 at Passchendale and spending the rest of the conflict as a prisoner of war. His injuries meant he could not serve in the Second World War, but he ran the local home guard, donated land for Rode
Memorial Hall and supported the village school. Lt. Batten-Pooll died in 1971, aged 79, and was buried with full military honours in the family grave at St Lawrence’s churchyard in nearby Woolverton. Serving and former military personnel, along with army cadets from from Normandy Company, Somerset Cadet Bn (The Rifles), gathered in Rode for the unveiling of a memorial in the village hall before a service at the graveside. Villagers then gathered around the war memorial in Rode before a further service when a Government-issued commemorative paving stone, given to each VC recipient’s place of birth, was unveiled. The day was organised by Rode parish council with the support of local defence contractor SEA and took more than a year to organise. St Lawrence’s churchyard is
Lt. Arthur Batten-Pooll
Guests gather at the war memorial in Rode
Mike Lewis with the Somerset Rifles standard
Cordelia (left), from Rode Scouts, who read the citation at the graveside, and Evie, a pupil at Rode School, who read the citation at the war memorial PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Lt. Col. Peter Bates (left), who oversaw the organisation of the day with Brig. David Godsal, a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, who unveiled a copy of the VC citation in the memorial hall
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Quarry looks to the past – and the future
A MENDIP quarry company is celebrating its 125th anniversary with one eye on the past and the other firmly on the future. Wainwright, based at Moons Hill Quarry at Stoke St Michael, has published a book chronicling its history, based on its extensive archive, by local writer Dr Robin Thornes and is planning an open day for late summer/early autumn. At the same time, the company has announced the launch of its Futures Foundation, a fund to be managed by a group of trustees which will make grants to local community groups and environmental projects. It is also celebrating the completion of a £9m asphalt production facility at Avonmouth, which will generate an expected 250,000 tonnes a year using local stone and which will be shipped via Avonmouth Docks. Peter Barkwill, managing director of Wainwright – the company has seen just five MDs in its history – told guests at the launch of the book and the foundation at Rook Lane Chapel in Frome: “We are a vibrant, energetic and dynamic company with lots of ideas and a loyal workforce.” Peter said he was “blown away” by the book, which was six years in preparation. Robin, who has worked on community projects including the hugely successful Quarry Faces, said: “As a writer, you are
HISTORY
An iconic image from 1904 of the new screen house and bins at Moons Hill Quarry
always looking for the characters to tell the story. When I first went to Wainwright’s office, I was shown an ordinary filing cabinet which contained the company’s archive in extraordinary detail. When I started reading about John Wainwright, the founder, I knew I had struck gold.” G A decision by Somerset County Council on the company’s planning
application to create three new spoil tips at Stoke St Michael had still to be determined as Mendip Times went to press. The application has been opposed by some local residents. The book – One Hundred and Twenty Five Years of Quarrying, Our Story – is available from local outlets including the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore and Hunting Raven Books in Frome. Building for the future: the new asphalt plant at Avonmouth
Peter Barkwill (left) and Robin Thornes at the launch of the book and the Futures Foundation MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 81
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Rode Village Day
Putting some wellie into it – the welliewhanging competition was a test of strength
Making a splash: Carisma in the stocks with Esme, Edward and Sophia Not the 267: villages have been campaigning to save their local bus service and renamed the tractor ride after the bus
(l:r): Amy Opie, Lucy Clayphan and Natalie Duncan on the pimms and prosecco stall
Making their debut: the Rode Ukelele Group on the main stage PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
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EVENTS
East Harptree Village Fete
The village school choir
The snail race is underway
Pimms and cream teas on the lawn
Winners of the three-legged race
Stanton Drew Flower Show
Four-year-old Joseph Zurakowski with his prizewinning cup cakes
Anne Stephens with her prize winning potted plant
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 83
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS
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JACKSONS
Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .
N e w t o t he ra ng e . . .
LAST month I used this page as an opportunity to tell you about two of our exciting new panels, Tartan trellis and Venetian Hit and Miss – this month it’s my pleasure to let you know about two more new offerings, that are no less exciting than the first ones. We’ve wrestled with the idea of producing a ‘Louvre’ style panel for some time, knowing it would look incredibly effective – in fact our original Venetian, was born out of this early experimenting – but for one reason or another, which I won’t bore you with, we weren’t happy with the prototype Louvre. But, ladies and gentlemen, all that’s changed. I am delighted to introduce you to Jacksons Louvre panels. You will see from the photo at the top of the page they look every bit as good as they should, and the light effects as the sun shines through creates wonderful striped shadows. A semi-solid panel with masses of style, Louvre has the sleek and modern good looks suited to contemporary gardens. The horizontal slats are made from planed and specially shaped Jakcured timber, which are secured at an angle, unlike the straight vertical slats of our Venetian panels. The slats are reminiscent of Louvre blinds for windows, that’s why we chose the name, and they are larger thus allowing a bit more privacy than Venetian – yet they still let in light and offer less wind resistance compared to solid panels like Chilham, or Tongue and Groove. The other new panel is the Reculver; a distant relative of the palisade family; palisade is an old term for a style of fence made from vertical pales that are attached to horizontal rails fixed to fence posts. It is probably the most common construction method of making fencing, when not using fence
New Louvre panels look great especially when the sun shines through them
panels and posts. The new Reculver panel could and should be described as a palisade style fence, but there’s nothing ‘old style’ about it, the crisp elegant lines give it an altogether stylish and unusually modern look. As with all Jacksons timber products these are made from specially kiln dried and pressure treated timber, guaranteed for 25 years against rot and insect attack, and they are designed for use with our slotted posts, gravel boards and capping rails. To find out more go to your dedicated page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal where you can find out more about these and our other products and news. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk
Reculver panels – an elegant stylish new look panel from Jacksons
WIN £300 OF JACKSONS VOUCHERS
To enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win £300 of Jacksons vouchers simply log on to your dedicated page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 30.8.16. To enter go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal
For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre.
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 87
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For quality Windows, Doors, Conservatories & Bi-folding doors
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 89
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Ain’t nothing but a hound dog . . .
Stirling: best working dog
Judging on “the flags”
During a fabulous tea organised and provided by Hunt Master Jason Somerville’s wife Ali, the trophy winners were announced: winning dog – Stirling, walked by Mrs Kerry Pullen, and winning bitch and puppy show champion – Starfish walked by Mrs Anna Seymour. All the walkers receive a teaspoon engraved with their puppy’s name. The highly intelligent young hounds are now entered into the pack, being exercised throughout the summer coupled to an older hound learning manners and obedience to the huntsman’s commands. Once the harvest is gathered in from the fields autumn trail hunting can commence. I caught up later with Tim Pullen. Worst moment for the hunt? “Without doubt having no secure home after the original Priddy Kennels were sold, but a big thank you to local landowner Ronnie Thayer for coming to the rescue and providing a great temporary solution.” Best moment? “Definitely this amazing facility in such a beautiful location, what could be better, so a massive thank you to the Uphills.” Top tip for others in a similarly difficult situation? “Never give up!” A great mantra for life indeed.
The commemorative plaque
PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
(Photography courtesy of Maria Harper)
RECENTLY I was delighted to be invited to the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt 2016 Puppy Show and official opening of the new hunt kennels. Surely it can only happen on Mendip? A soaking wet weekday afternoon, 200 happy kindred spirits “brollied” together With RACHEL at a stunning and isolated Mendip location THOMPSON watching a pack of hounds and enjoying a MBE sumptuous tea in a steaming marquee – money could not buy a greater pleasure. MFH Chairman Tim Pullen welcomed us all and, most especially, the director of the Master of Foxhounds Association Major Tim Easby, who gave an inaugural speech stressing “how wonderful it was in this day and age for new kennels to be built”. He unveiled a plaque built into the kennel wall which simply, but eloquently reads: “Mendip Farmers’ Hunt Kennels. With thanks to Rob and Jane Uphill 2015.” Thanks to them indeed for secure tenancy at last for this truly local organisation which has been part of Mendip life since 1920 – first as the Mendip Hunt, then from 1940 as the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt. Impressive team work has seen landowners Rob and Jane Uphill, farmers, followers and supporters provide a home for the staff and light, airy accommodation for hounds and horses. At 3.15pm the puppy show started in earnest. Couples of young foxhound puppies are sent out into the world for several months to puppy walkers to be socialised with other animals and humans and to start their obedience training. Competition is fierce to secure the winning dog and bitch titles. The young hounds (Stroppy, Starter, Strider, Stirrup, Strawberry and Strudel, to name a few) were paraded in traditional fashion “on the flag” by huntsman Kent Lock assisted by whipper-in Aaron Freemantle, both smartly attired in white coats and bowler hats. Major Easby, along with Dulverton West huntsman John Nicholson, assessed each animal for conformation, movement and attitude.
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Protect your horse
THE UK’s largest horse charity, The British Horse Society (BHS) has issued urgent advice to owners asking them to make sure their horses have shade, water and suntan lotion during hot weather. Horses are affected by the sun in exactly the same way as humans – much like paler-skinned and fair-headed humans, horses with pale flesh-coloured skin and grey or white fur are the most susceptible to burning. Lee Hackett, BHS Director of Policy, said: “Anybody who has been burnt on holiday knows how much it hurts. Our message is simple – horses need suntan cream and shade too. Owners need to be extra vigilant during a heatwave. “If you see a horse in pain or suffering from the sun, please do call our welfare team or an animal rescue charity like the RSPCA.” Horse owner Ann Baylis was baffled when her horse Jack’s nose looked sore and red last summer. After research, Ann discovered that her horse might have been sunburned. Anne said: “I didn’t know that horses could get sunburn, but poor Jack’s muzzle looked really sore. After the incident I always make sure I put sun protection on Jack’s nose on sunny days.” Many horse sun cream brands are available on the market, but the BHS advise that any sun protection will be beneficial. As with humans, higher factor SPF and waterproof sun creams are recommended, for instance kid’s sun block, and should be applied regularly throughout the day. Horses that do get burnt can be treated with aloe vera or aftersun lotion, but a vet should see extreme cases. The society also advises: • Horses continually have access to water throughout the day • Any field with horses in should have plenty of shaded areas, otherwise horses can be left in the stable in the day and turned out overnight • When travelling on long journeys, horses should be given breaks from the heat of the horsebox. Air conditioning can also be bought for horseboxes. Details: www.bhs.org.uk
What’s new at Stables Equine Practice
RIDING
Tim on duty at the 2012 London Olympics
THE summer has seen a few changes at The Stables Equine Practice, based at Wookey. Alice Thomas has moved onto pastures new, working for Dodson & Horrell as a Thoroughbred and Performance Horse Nutritionist and the practice welcomed Jenny Henderson to the team. Jenny has spent the last two years in Lambourn with a keen interest in medicine and lameness. Tim Randle is currently away overseeing the veterinary care of the equine athletes in Rio at the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the team have a busy time ahead back home in Somerset providing veterinary cover for local Pony Club events, endurance rides and local shows - plus trying to fit a few talks into their busy schedules. The practice has recently taken delivery of a brand new 3.5 metre gastroscope and are able to perform gastroscopies "in house" which will significantly drive the cost down for existing and new clients. A spokeswoman said: “If you have concerns that your horse or pony may have symptoms of stomach ulcers then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01749 830666 to discuss them with one of our vets.” G To receive regular updates or stay in touch with what the practice is up to, please like their Facebook page or email info@sepvets.com and they will add you to their mailing list.
Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts
# Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset # Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic # 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone # A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI) Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk
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EVENTS
Teddies take to the skies
Too big for a parachute?
STOWEY Church has sent £222 to The Children’s Society, raised with a fun day and teddy bear parachute jump from the church tower. The young owners later collected “certificates of bravery” for their teddies, which were presented by Jane Tibbs, of the Diocese of Bath and Wells during a short service in the packed church. Church warden, Jill Nicol, said: “We are very much hoping that the teddies will want to jump again next year. We also want to give a big thank you to Bishop Sutton Pre-School, and everyone who helped make this such a memorable and fun afternoon.” George and Charlotte with their teddy bear
Who is going next?
Coming down PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
Photography by Ros Anstey
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Bowls trio in national finals
(l:r) John Mathews, Steve Amor and Mike Pratt
THREE members of Purnell Bowls Club in Paulton are through to the finals of a national competition. Mike Pratt, John Mathews and Steve Amor reached the County Competition Triples final after defeating Bristol 1816 in a semi-final at Yeovil. It was back in 2002 that a Purnell men’s team got to a final of a county competition and again it was a triple and Mike was a member of that team The trio will now compete in the national finals at Leamington Spa at the end of August.
County colours lift the spirits
Aimee, Helen and Victoria
THREE young women golfers were awarded their Somerset county colours at the end of the annual South West InterCounty Match Week. Presentations to Aimee Sawyer, who plays at Mendip Golf Club, Victoria Watts, from Farrington Park, and Taunton and Pickeridge’s Helen Hayward, were Aimee plays out of a bunker in the opening foursomes against Devon
SPORT
made by Somerset captain Fran Davis, also from Mendip GC. Hosted for the first time at Mendip, the week pitched the home side against Wiltshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and eventual winners Gloucestershire. Sadly for Somerset, they came away emptyhanded. Victoria on the ninth green
Tournament ends on a high
THIS year’s K7s rugby tournament at Castle Cary RFC raised £4,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support, organisers have revealed. The weekend, held in memory of former player Kay Booker, who died of the disease – is expected to be the last, at least in its current format. Club secretary Viv Armson said: “I am very pleased with the efforts made by all our participants and volunteers and it's great that we can again support the charity that was so close to Kay's heart.”
Winners Gloucestershire will go to the national finals in September
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016 • PAGE 93
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Open for fitness
Toby Eliot (left) the mayor of Frome, cuts the ribbon with the help of Edward Drewe, vice-chairman of Mendip District Council
THE new-look Frome Sport and Fitness Centre has reopened in style following a £2.5m refurbishment. Run by Fusion Lifestyle, a leading charity leisure operator, the centre offered visitors a day of free activities. Fusion took over the running of Mendip District Council’s leisure services – including Frome – in a unique deal which is being closely watched by other local authorities. Councillor John Parham, Keira, aged four, Portfolio enjoys a hug from Holder for Ollie the mascot Finance, Governance and Corporate Services at Mendip District Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see how this popular leisure centre has been transformed by Fusion and I'm confident that local people will be very happy with the improvements. “At the time when many local authorities were closing leisure facilities, Mendip took the bold decision to protect the long-term future of sport and leisure across the district by allowing Fusion to take over long-term leases of our leisure centres. “That decision has already led to a multi-million-pound improvement programme which will bring all of our facilities up to date whilst at the same time saving the council nearly £1 million per year, money that can be reinvested in key frontline services.” PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
And the winners are . . .
TWO athletes have shared the title of TS5C Young Sports Person of the Year at this year’s Somerset Sports Awards: swimmer Cameron Kurle, from Glastonbury, and wheelchair racer (T33) specialist, Jamie Edwards from Taunton. Cameron has been Alan Gloak presents the joint TS5C selected for the Team Young Sports Person of the Year GB Olympic swimming Award to Jamie Edwards and squad for Rio this Cameron Kurle's mother, Jane. summer whilst Jamie Cameron was away training competed for Team GB in the Brazilian Paralympic School Games last November, coming home with three gold medals. Jamie was also runnerup in the Outstanding Achievement in Disability Sport category at Somerset Sports Awards. The TS5C charity grants funds to young aspiring athletes in the county, helping towards the costs of travelling, kit and training. Alan Gloak, chairman of TS5C, said: “TS5C sponsors talented young sports performers in Somerset and our award goes every year to our highest achieving athlete. Both Cameron and Jamie have performed to an outstanding level in their chosen fields. It was impossible to pick one over the other.” The three runners-up for the TS5C Young Sports Person of the Year Award were Street athletes, Jessica Hudson and Charlie Cook, and Street swimmer, Brodie Williams.
Getting outdoors
BALANCE Gym members got outdoors for an eight-kilometre walk supported by local producers in the form of tea and organic cake. The three-hour walk around Timsbury included views across the estuary to Wales and a view of the White Horse in Wiltshire. At one stage they were followed by a herd of goats. The route was planned by Corinne King and ended after three hours with tea and cakes. Details: www.dontwalkalone.co.uk
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SPORT
Top riders head West
THE BMX freestyle world championships returned to the UK after 28 years in a three-day music and extreme sports festival at the Royal CYCLING Bath and West with EDMUND LODITE showground. The NASS festival featured several hundred of the top professional and amateur BMX athletes from across the world competing across four freestyle disciplines. As with other forms of freestyle competition, there are no specific rules; competitors are judged on the difficulty, originality and style of their moves within a time limit. The”Dirt” course started with riders descending a steep ramp into a series of mounds which sent them hurtling through the air to perform tricks. Typical tricks include front flips, back flips and taking hands or feet off while high in the air. The “Vert” discipline uses a U-shaped half pipe with an extension that is vertical, hence the name. This is the sort of thing you see at skateboard parks, and at 14 feet this was one of the tallest in Europe. Using the momentum from the drop, riders used their run to perform air tricks as they rose above each face. Inside the main pavilion a purposebuilt course had been constructed for the “Park” riders. This discipline uses ramps and drops found in the other categories mixed in with “street” rails and jumps.
Contestants in the BMX Flat championship
The Dirt championship
The riders went at high speed over the large course and were free to use it in whichever way to show off their individual skills, including cycling across vertical walls. The “Flat” discipline was the most artistic with riders having three minutes on a stage to pack in as much as possible. Using incredible skill every part of the bike was used by riders to balance or spin on. Whereas riders in the other disciplines will generally take part in one of the others, flatlanders tend to only ride flat. Days will be spent perfecting a trick that may last seconds. Flatland also differs from the others in that the terrain is nothing but a smooth flat surface.
After qualifying rounds the finals were held on the last day of the festival. American Nick Bruce was named Dirt World Champion and Australians Vince Byron and Logan Martin took the Vert and Park World titles respectively. Matthias Dandois from France was crowned Flatland World Champion. BMX freestyle has come a long way since the 70s. Although its racing counterpart is gradually becoming mainstream, BMX freestyle is a long way behind, but probably quite happy with that. Its high octane energy and alternative culture give it an edge and appeal to those who want to push the boundaries on what you can do with a bike.
BMX Vert world champion Vince Byron
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Rebels claim pairs title
The grand final: the Somerset pair lead Edinburgh
Doyley [Jason Doyle]. I really wanted to make up for losing out in last year’s final, and although we didn’t really go into the meeting with a game-plan, Rohan and I rode well as a pair, and I am just so pleased to have won tonight for everyone associated with the club, but most of all for the Hancock family who put everything into this club.” Rohan added: “This has been a perfect night for me and Josh and the
support was amazing. I've been at the club two minutes and everyone has been great with me from the off, and the win tonight is for everyone connected with the Rebels, it’s just so great to see the smiles we have put on so many people’s faces tonight. “It's a really proud moment for me to help the club win a trophy after they decided to sign me over the winter.”
Josh and Rohan celebrate with fans
Rohan (far left) and Josh (third left) in action against Peterborough PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
(Photography courtesy of Colin Burnett)
THE “Cases” Somerset Rebels speedway side has won the Premier League Pairs Championship in front of a packed home crowd at the Oaktree Arena near Highbridge. Josh Grajczonek and Rohan Tungate defeated Edinburgh in the final. Earlier, the Somerset pair had booked their place in the semi-final with 26 points out of a possible 28 in the group stage, going on to beat Sheffield 7-2 in the knock-out. It was the tenth successive staging of the competition at the Oaktree Arena, but Somerset had won title just once before, in 2013. Garry May, Somerset Team Manager, said: “Josh and Rohan were just superb tonight, as they have been all season. I think they were probably a bit nervous in their opening ride, but once they got that out of the way, they were almost untouchable. “Even when Josh was at the back in the semi-final against Sheffield, I just knew that he would find a way past, which he did with an absolutely stunning move. “In the final itself, once they hit the front as soon as the tapes went up, they were not going to be denied, but even so, it was with a mixture of jubilation and relief when the chequered flag fell at the end of the four laps and we could start celebrating their championship win!” Josh said: “It was good to win the Pairs Championship again for Somerset, having won it in 2013 with
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SPORT
From Frome to Kigali – rugby “union” helps to heal the wounds of war By Mark Adler
A RUGBY referee from Frome will be taking to the pitches of Rwanda as part of a unique sporting charity which is using the game to help with the process of reconciliation in the country. Duncan Fisken, aged 64, was the first to volunteer for the trip after Andy Brook, one of the founders of the Friends of Rwandan Rugby gave a presentation to a meeting of the Somerset Rugby Referees’ Society. A former rugby coach, Duncan took up refereeing as a way to give something back to the sport which he loves, especially at junior level. He will fly out to Rwanda in early August to join other volunteer coaches helping to establish the game at grassroots
(Photograph courtesy of Amanda Harman)
A coaching session during last year’s trip to Rwanda
Duncan (right) at home in Frome with Barry Malpass, from the Somerset Referees’ Society
level for both boys and girls. Since the first trip in 2008, 89 coaches will have been sent out, helping to recruit rugby development officers, getting the game onto the Rwandan schools curriculum and even supplying 200 books on the laws of the game – enough for a copy to each school, youth group and club that currently plays rugby in a country still coming to terms with the aftermath of the genocide. A successful career in IT has seen Duncan travel to most parts of the world – he was based in Singapore for a number of years before moving to Frome – but he has never visited Rwanda. Duncan said: “I am so excited about the trip. Referees have the opportunity to offer a role model and to influence behaviour. “As with here, it’s question of generating respect amongst the players themselves and between the players and officials.” The trip – Duncan will visit Kigali, Rusizi and Huye – is selffunded, but the referees’ society has made a contribution and Duncan will be acting as their ambassador. He’ll be taking up all his luggage allowance, but very little of it will be his own. The RFU is providing whistles and shirts for the referees he’ll be coaching, courtesy of former Somerset player and referee Claire Daniels, who now works for the union. Duncan has already set his heart on making a further trip to Rwanda – probably with his son Alexander, a keen player.
For details about the Friends of Rwandan Rugby, visit: www.friendsofrwandanrugby.com or to find out more about the Somerset Referees’ Society, visit: www.srrs.org.uk
Anyone for table tennis?
WOULD you like to refresh your skills at table tennis? Would you like to learn how to play? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes”, then look no further than a group of people in Compton Dando who meet regularly to play and who even hold a tournament once every three weeks. The group, headed by Richard Davis, are inviting people to go along to one of their table tennis afternoons in the village hall. At present a doubles tournament takes place about every three weeks on Sunday afternoons and at the last event people of all abilities were taking part. The next tournament is due to take place on Sunday July 31st, starting at 2.30pm, with the one after that taking place on Sunday August 21st. The entry fee is £3, or you can just go along and support at a charge of £1. The cost includes tea/coffee/biscuits. Mr. Davis said: “Players of all abilities are welcome, even if you haven’t played before.”
Richard Davis (left), Lyn Watson and Ron Waker waiting for others to join them at their regular practice morning
Details: Richard 01761 490727 or richardjamesdavis@hotmail.com
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Schools take to the stage
MORE than 130 children from Priddy and Westbury-subMendip primary schools joined forces for two performances of the Lion King. The schools are federated and already share resources and
The schoolchildren staged two performances in front of a packed Priddy Village Hall
Concert aids church
Steve, Mo, Geoff, Sally, Pete, Chris, Anne, Martin, Felicity and Ric at Sandford Church
LOCAL folk group Badgerset entertained a packed audience at All Saints’ Church, Sandford and the event raised over £550 for essential building and electrical work. The ten-member group features harmony singing, no fewer than 11 different musical instruments and a touch of Morris dancing – not surprising since most of the male members belong to the Mendip Morris Men. Badgerset will be back at All Saints’ in December to present their very popular Christmas Folk Carol Concert. PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
MUSIC enjoy joint activities, but the musical was the first time they had worked together in their entirety. The musical was directed by Jess Dalwood, and designed and choreographed by Reece Tingley.
Group adopts a new name
THE Tabor handbells and chimes group, based at Tabor Independent Methodist Church, Timsbury have decided to change their name to The Tabor Ringers. New music stand backdrops to reflect this change are being made by Carole Chivers. Over the past few months the group, under the leadership of Angie Poole has been kept busy entertaining at various venues throughout the local area and in Bath. Their music is interspersed with community singing led by Lynda Lye and recitations by Carol Wilkes or humorous stories by Dianne Carter. Bookings for the remainder of this year are coming in and some Christmas bookings have already been taken. December is their busiest month, so if anyone would like them to play carols for them contact them now to avoid disappointment. They are busy rehearsing for their next engagement entertaining members of AGE UK lunch club at the Methodist Hall Midsomer Norton. They are always willing to welcome new players. Anyone interested can just go along to rehearsals on Monday afternoons from 2pm-3pm at Tabor Church. Details: Freda Brimble 01761 470891.
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Vikings to invade Weston
DO you miss Weston Museum's popular History Week events? This summer, Weston Museum is putting on a special History Weekend instead, with Vikings, traders, food and rides! The museum is currently closed for refurbishment. The event is being held on Saturday 20th to Sunday August 21st, 10am till 5pm on the Beach Lawns in Weston-superMare. Entrance is free, no need to book – just go along! The main attraction will be the Hildsvin Viking Reenactment Group, who will have battles in an arena, hold “kiddie vikes” sessions, where young children are trained to attack warriors, as well as having Saxon Getelds to “sail”. There will be Viking Oseberg tents, which will include an industrial area with Dark-Age forges and metal work, a woodworking area with an authentic pole lathe, shave horse, and other interactive activities such as a working kitchen, a glass exhibit, bone working, warriors (with a weapons rack), an authentic mint, a trader with various wares, a lord's tent, wolf-dogs and a raven. There will also be traders, food and drinks vendors, rides for young children, Punch and Judy, Magic Mike, face painting and you can meet the owls looked after by Avon Owls. Alongside events like this one, Weston Museum is currently running outreach programmes within the local community, including a learning programme for local schools and groups and a reminiscence programme for residential homes and community groups.
Coffee time at Wells Film Centre
WHAT’S ON
THERE are many places in Wells in which to relax over a coffee, but only one where you can enjoy watching a film at the same time. Wells Film Centre has launched its special Summer Coffee Morning Season on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Doors open at 10am and tickets are £5 which includes a tea or coffee and biscuits. Screenings begin at 10.30am. Films booked in include: Mother's Day (12A), Race (PG), Learning To Drive (15) and The Meddler (12A). Details are on the film centre’s website: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 29th July Friday 12th August
Friday 19th August
Friday 26th August
NOW SHOWING: Finding Dory (U) 3D/2D
3D Sat, Mon, Wed: 2.00; Fri, Sun, Tue, Thurs: 4.30 2D Fri, Sun, Tue, Thurs: 2.00; Sat, Mon, Wed: 4.30
Jason Bourne Pete’s Dragon 3D/2D Nine Lives (PG) Swallows & Amazons Ben-Hur
G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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Flying ace honoured
A NEW ten-day exhibition paying tribute to one of the greatest pilots who ever lived, Captain Eric Brown, has been launched at The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm Museum (FAAM), Yeovilton. A Life Lived at Full Throttle 1919-2016 honours the man who was not only a remarkable naval aviator but also an outstanding test pilot. He was at the cutting edge of aviation technology as it made the transition into the jet age. Captain Eric Brown sadly passed away in February this year. Aviation Curator at FAAM, Dave Morris, said: “By the end of his flying career he had achieved a world record of having flown no fewer than 487 different aircraft types – a record that is unlikely to ever be beaten.” Captain Eric Brown’s test flying work for the Fleet Air Arm saw him achieve 2,407 carrier deck landings and 2,721 carrier catapult launches. Of the 44 different aircraft types currently on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Captain Eric Brown flew 38 of them including co-piloting Concorde 002 on a test flight. The exhibition is free with a valid museum ticket until July 31st.
The bronze bust of Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown purchased by the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Captain Brown is flanked by (left) sculptor Jenna Gearing and (right) TV personality Kirsty Young
The train now standing . . .
Green for go: train guard Nik Viney signals the start of the “pull” against a stationary Ivatt class 2MT 46447 tender loco. Ivatt 2s were a common sight on the Cheddar Valley Line
VILLAGERS in Cranmore are pulling together to ensure this year’s street fayre is one of the best ever. Rather than letting the train take the strain, they put their shoulders into a photo opportunity at the village’s East Somerset Railway to promote the event, although they needed some help from railway volunteers and visitors! Organisers are appealing for teams to compete in a tug-of-war contest which will be one of the highlights of the fayre, on Sunday, August 14th, which will also feature stalls, a dog show and children’s races. For details and to book a stall, find Cranmore Village Fayre on Facebook or email: cranmorefayre@gmail.com
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Summer at Wells Cathedral
OVER the summer holidays, Wells Cathedral invites families to take part in two sessions where you may not only learn a little more about the cathedral but also test out your creative skills! There’s no need to book. On Wednesday August 10th, 1pm -3pm, “Saints and Badges” £1 per person, with guides on hand to give free discovery tours on the theme and help you discover secret details. Explore the building looking for saints, hear some interesting stories and learn about their symbols. Make a badge of a saint’s symbol as found in the cathedral as a souvenir. On Wednesday August 24th, 10.30am-12.30pm “Soap Carving and Masons’ Marks” £2 per person, follow the masons’ marks treasure hunt. Design your own masons’ mark and carve it out of soap; they use soap that resembles the locally quarried Doulting stone used to build the cathedral. And check out the free family trails available as well as the free stained glass and embroidery “Weekly Walks” which continue over the summer on most Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 11.15am. The themes for August are Glowing Golds and Who Runs the Cathedral? Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk
WHAT’S ON
Revving up for steam up
MEMBERS of the North Somerset Vintage Tractor Club are making preparations for their two-day steam up and vintage rally at Flax Bourton in September. The event – on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th – takes place alongside the club’s annual vintage ploughing match and hedging competition. The tractor run will take place on the Saturday afternoon followed by live music from the Redhillbillies in the evening. Meanwhile, the club would welcome new members of all ages, regardless of whether people own tractors. Monthly club meetings are held at Redhill Village Club on the first Tuesday of each month and it also holds fundraising events during the year.
1 7t h a n d 1 8 t h S e p t e m b e r Bir ches Farm , Cambridge Batc h, F lax Bourton BS 48 3Q S 0 77 6 9 9 9 7 71 9 8 / 0 1 2 7 8 6 71 78 4
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Family fun at the palace
THIS summer, The Bishop’s Palace, in Wells is aiming to be the THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells, will be filled with floral art this top destination for keeping children and families entertained autumn as it hosts the NAFAS South West Area Floral Arts throughout the school holidays! Awards from September 9th-11th. The end of July sees the much anticipated launch of The The rooms of the medieval palace will be filled with a Dragon’s Lair the brand new, interactive learning and play area stunning array from the 40 South West area flower clubs on for children. The outdoor activity space will be located in the the theme of Ancient and Modern to complement this unique arboretum of the palace gardens. setting. The natural play installations will be targeted mainly at primary The palace will also be putting on a large selection of stalls aged and pre-school aged children in order to encourage a lifealongside the displays, with gifts, food, tools and materials, long love of the palace, heritage and culture. Children will be many with a distinctly floral theme. able to navigate their way through the grounds to the area using To inspire the younger visitors, there will also be fun floral an illustrated story map, encouraging learning through discovery. sessions for children on offer. Equipment will include a pole jungle in the shape of the Tickets will be priced from £7 to £9 and will include dragon’s wings, climbing pods, a waterwheel with sluice gates admission into the palace and its 14 acres of landscaped, RHS and a central structure (The Dragon’s Lair) with boulders and tree accredited gardens. stumps, ideal as a storytelling area The competition entries will be judged in private on Thursday for children and community events. September 8th and the displays will In addition, every Friday the then be open to the public on Friday palace will host Family Activity September 9th. Trophies will be Days which are held in the Stable presented by the Rt. Rev. Ruth Worsley, Yard Activity Room. These themed Bishop of Taunton, on Sunday events are based on a different subject each week and will September 11th at 4pm. encourage little ones to explore the NAFAS South West Area was formed natural environment and they’ll even in 1955 and is the second oldest area in Bowlore's medieval re-enacters will set up camp in be able to take their craft projects UK with 40 clubs within the area and the palace grounds over the Bank Holiday weekend home with them. approximately 1,500 members.
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Show brings community together, says president
Caroline Waldegrave, this year’s president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society
AGRICULTURAL shows are an ideal opportunity for town and country to mingle and none more so than the Mid-Somerset Show, says this year’s president Caroline Waldegrave. Caroline – Baroness Waldegrave of North Hill – says she is excited about her day at the show, on the Shepton Mallet Showground on Sunday, August 21st, with a mixture of formal duties and, hopefully, a chance to stroll round the many attractions. Married to former Conservative
government minister Lord William Waldegrave, Caroline is a renowned cook and businesswoman, managing director of Leiths School of Food and Wine and running her own residential cookery courses at Dudwell Field Farm, the family home near Chewton Mendip. Caroline said: “I have always loved agricultural shows and the way they can bring farmers and customers together. You have people with all sorts of interests there, sharing the day out. “Obviously I will be paying special attention to the food and drink and cheese classes but I am also really looking forward to seeing the pig classes; they’re fascinating animals!” Lord Waldegrave is Provost of Eton College and Caroline says she spends much of her time “living on the M4”, which is why Dudwell School only operates outside of term times. She added: “I lead quite a complicated life, so I enjoy my time here immensely and the school is rather fun.”
WHAT’S ON
S&D memories continue
MODEL railway enthusiasts will be paying their tribute to the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway at this year’s Railwells event in Wells. Three stations on the iconic line will be represented on a small scale at Wells Town Hall as part of eight S&Dinspired layouts: Edington Junction in 7mm scale depicts the line in the blue period before 1930. Burnham-on-Sea is the subject for the other two, one 2mm scale and other 4mm scale. The Somerset and Dorset travelling exhibition will be in attendance, together with Paul Townsend showing how to model this fascinating railway. Organised by the Wells Railway Fraternity, Railwells will be celebrating its 39th anniversary. Alongside will be the Scalefour Society, marking its 40th year. G Railwells takes place on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday August 14th. For details, visit: www.railwells.com
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M e n d i p
Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.
Wednesday July 27th Bristol Hippodrome, The Chicago Blues Brothers, 7.30pm, tickets from £27.40.* Thursday July 28th Bristol Hippodrome, Psychic Sally, 7.30pm, tickets £27.90.* Summer Safari, Burrington Ham free fun-filled afternoon for all the family, organised by Mendip AONB. Details: www.discoveringblackdown.org.uk/calendar. Friday July 29th Cheddar Library summer craft session organised by the library sewing and craft group, 2.30-3.30pm, 50p per child, please book at the library. Bristol Hippodrome, Russell Watson Songs from the Heart, 7.30pm, tickets from £32.90.* Saturday July 30th Bristol Hippodrome Motown’s Greatest Hits, 7.30pm, tickets from £22.90.* Mendip Society Walk, Oakhill to Stoke Bottom, 2pm, meet in the Oakhill Recreation Ground car park, Zion Hill (BA3 5AN), a walk of 5 1/2 miles through fields and lanes and returning through parts of Harridge Wood. Details: Bob 01934 820575. Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Talking Newspapers Backwell W.I. Hall, 1.30pm. Sunday July 31st Bristol Hippodrome Puppetry of the Penis – The Vegas Show, 7.30pm, tickets £24.40.* Monday August 1st – Saturday August 6th Bristol Hippodrome, Footloose, starring Gareth Gates and Maureen Nolan, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Wed & Sat at 2.30pm, tickets from £18. * Thursday August 4th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 8.7mi/13.9kms from Winsford, OS Map ExOL9 SS905350, start 10.30am, park in public car park. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783 or 07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Tremendous Trees, Burrington Ham, 1.30pm, free event organised by Mendip AONB. Details: www.discoveringblackdown.org.uk/calendar. Friday August 5th The Cheddar Vale Lions story-time, Cheddar Library, 2.30pm-3.30pm, free session, but please book at the library if possible. Saturday August 6th Nunney Street Market and Fayre, 10am – 5pm, 150 stalls, music, food and drink, parking £5. Mendip Society walk, Buckland Dinham to Norton St Phillip, meet 10.30am Buckland Dinham church, The Cross (BA11 2QS), a tenmile walk with a stop at a pub for a drink, but bring a packed lunch. Details: Peter 01761 221995. Summer Flower Show, Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, Nailsea School, 12noon. PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2016
T i m e s
Sunday August 7th Sixth Mark Moor International Vehicle Festival, Mark Village Hall. Details: www.mmivf.co.uk Bristol Hippodrome, the Illegal Eagles, 7.30pm, tickets from £25.90.* Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Day, games, competitions, bouncy castle, fun and frolics in the palace gardens, 10am-6pm, plus Muddy Mondays and Fun Fridays every week in August. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. St. Mary’s Church, Compton Dando themed tea, WW1 and the villagers, 2pm-5pm. Mendip Society cycle ride along part of Sustrans Colliers Way, members only, meet at 11am in the Station Road car park at Wellow (BA2 8QB). Details: Peter 01761 221995. Bradford on Avon Lions Club annual art exhibition, Westbury Gardens, Bradford on Avon, 11am – 4pm, free admission, refreshments. Details: Keith Yates 01225 863404. Mid Somerset Oxfam Group quiz night, Britannia Inn, Wells, 7pm for 7.30pm start, teams of up to six people, £2.50 per person. Details: Terry 01749 672342 or just turn up. Cary Handmade Market at Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 10am-3pm, quality handmade crafts by local artisans, free entry, parking and Wi-Fi. Details: Gilli at kcgirl@live.co.uk. Monday August 8th Bristol Hippodrome the ELO Experience, the Electric Light Orchestra, 7.30pm, tickets from £25.90.* Tuesday August 9th – Saturday August 13th Bristol Hippodrome, The Mousetrap starring Louise Jamieson, 7.30pm, with matinees 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday, tickets from £16.90.* Wednesday August 10th Kilmersdon Gardeners – Story of a Garden – a talk by Tony Davies at our regular monthly meeting. 7.30, Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD, non-members very welcome (£2). Thursday August 11th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk of 6.5mi/10.4kms from Clevedon Pier, OS Map Ex154 ST402 719, start 1.30pm, park along seafront. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Animal Antics, Burrington Ham, find out all about the fascinating animals that live on the commons both now and in the past, 1.30pm, free, organised by Mendip AONB. Details: www.discoveringblackdown.org.uk/calendar. Friday August 12th Bishop’s Palace, Wells outdoor theatre, Around the World in 80 Days, Boxtree Productions, 6.30pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Saturday August 13th Clutton Flower Show, Rudges Field, Clutton. Mendip Society walk, Crook Peak from Winscombe, meet 2pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD), a 5 to 6 mile walk with a steep climb to Crook Peak, many fabulous views. Details: John 01934 842868. Mark Harvest Home. Details: Mel 07875 058525 mel.allen321@yahoo.co.uk or Jeff Fear
W h a t ’ s
01278 783261. Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Café, 10am – 12noon in Brent Knoll Parish Hall, free admission. Details: 01278 760308. Sunday August 14th Bristol Hippodrome, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, 3pm, tickets from £22.40.* St. Mary’s Church, Compton Dando themed tea, local artists’ exhibition, with afternoon tea & cake, 2pm-5pm. Banwell Society of Archaeology, trip to Cirencester to see the Corinium Museum and Roman amphitheatre. Beacon Hill Wood Society picnic. Celebrating 20 years of Woodland Trust ownership. An informal affair – bring your own picnic – from 1pm with speeches and entertainment for all the family, including wildlife walk from 2-4pm. Beacon Hill Wood, Old Frome Road, Doulting Beacon, Shepton Mallet. Ffi: www.beaconhillsociety.org.uk Thursday August 18th Street & Glastonbury U3A enrolment for activities in 2016/2017, 10am – 12.30pm in Glastonbury Town Hall. Details: Julie Hillman, membership secretary 01458 446643 or see www.u3asites.org.uk/street-glastonbury West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk (strenuous in places) of 10.1mi/16.2kms from Widdecombe-in-the-Moor village green, OS Map ExOL28 SX719768, start 10.30am, park in public carpark. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Redhill Club classic car & motorcycle evening gathering, 7pm-10pm, BBQ food available, all welcome to park up, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Friday August 19th Wedmore Harvest Home. Details: www.wedmorehh.com Saturday August 20th – Monday August 29th Clevedon Art Club 60th open art exhibition, Clevedon School science atrium, 10.30am – 6pm, Sundays 2pm – 6pm. Saturday August 20th Bristol Hippodrome, Joe Longthorne, 7.30pm, tickets from £25.15.* Mendip Society walk, Holcombe to old Coleford, meet 2pm in Holcombe playing fields car park on Brewery Lane (BA3 5EG), a walk of 4 miles over high meadows and wild flower reserves. Details: Terry 01749 840752. Barrow Gurney Flower Show in the village hall, 2.45pm, celebrating all aspects of village life. Details: www.barrowgurney.com Sunday August 21st Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet, see page 103. St. Mary’s Church, Compton Dando themed tea, the church’s 800-year-old history, 2pm5pm. Wednesday August 24th All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2NL, Chamber Philharmonia of Cologne perform music by Vivaldi, Mozart and Paganini, tickets on the door or from JPB Music, 6 Connaught Place. Details: 01934 628600. Old Bowlish House, Shepton Mallet, ownernarrated tour of Clothiers’ mansion with
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tempestuous history, built c.1618, modernised by Georgians and Victorians, five modest gardens, one with historic ruin, cream teas, booking essential. Details: www.invitationtoview.co.uk or 01206 573948. Thursday August 25th Ladies Pamper Evening, 7pm – 9pm @ The Wellsway, Harptree Hill, West Harptree, BS40 6EJ, taster sessions, retail stalls and refreshments, free entry, supporting the Royal British Legion. Details: 01761 221382. West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk with one steep section of 6.5mi/10.4kms from Burnham-on-Sea Rugby Club, OS Map Ex153 ST315502, start 1.30pm, park in road opposite club. Details: Ken Masters Tel: 01749 670349 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Saturday August 27th – Monday August 29th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Bowlore Medieval Weekend, 10am – 4pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Whitchurch Village Fete, with various events over the three days. Details: Ashton Broad 01275 832148 or email whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk http://www.whitchurchparishcouncil.co.uk/ Mendip Ramblers Bank Holiday walking festival, in collaboration with Cheddar Walking, 10am each day three walks of various distances, 1.30pm short walk, all starting from the Scout Hut at Cheddar First School. Details: www.mendipfestivals.org.uk and click on Cheddar on the left or contact Martyn 01761 471891 or at martyn@mendipramblers YMCA Mendip Mower Racing and family festival, Cross, tickets £5 a day or £10 for the weekend, children under-12 free, in aid of Somerset Coast YMCA. Details: www.mendipmowing.co.uk Flower Festival “Rhymes and Reasons”, St Giles Church, Leigh on Mendip, BA3 5QJ. 11am-4pm. Local History Exhibition and Refreshments. Concert in the church on Saturday at 7.30pm, tickets £7.50. Ffi: Caroline Harris 01373 812889. Saturday August 27th Bishop’s Palace, Wells outdoor theatre, The Canterbury Tales, with The Pantaloons, 7pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Taize' & Teas at Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along and join in with singing or come and listen, free event but donations to the church would be gratefully appreciated. Details: Janet 01749 840409. Nick Wadham’s LIVE nature stage show, Secret World Wildlife Rescue centre. In between performances there will be the opportunity to handle many of the insects and reptiles featured and enjoy family activities. 10am-4pm. Admission £4 adult, £2 child. Continues every Wednesday in Auguts. Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge TA9 3PZ. Sunday August 28th St. Mary’s Church, Compton Dando themed tea, summer memories, 2pm-5pm. Save the Children horse, companion dog and teddy bear show, Rodney Stoke, BS27 3UN, 9.30am-5pm, refreshments available throughout the day. Details: Amanda Holmes 01749
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870467. Monday August 29th St. Mary’s Church, Compton Dando themed tea, last of the year, 2pm-5pm. Secret World Summer Party. Family fun day with all money raised going to Secret World. Open 10am-4pm. Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge TA9 3PZ. Wednesday August 31st – Sunday September 4th Taste of Somerset, St. Mary’s Field Hutton, 11am; dog show Thursday, flower show Saturday, 2pm, 60s night Saturday and Proms Sunday. Wednesday August 31st Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, afternoon tea at Backwell W.I. hall, 2pm. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. Friday September 2nd Redhill Club open mic night, 8pm -11pm, Jerry Blythe will be hosting an evening with a mix of live music by local acoustic singersongwriters. Details: Jerry 07900 587646 01934 862619. Friday September 2nd – Sunday September 4th Valley Fest, Community Farm, Denny Lane near Chew Valley Lake. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk Saturday September 3rd and Sunday September 4th Yatton Moor Festival of Arts and Crafts, St. Mary’s, Yatton, entries invited from anyone living or worshipping in Yatton, Cleeve, Claverham, Kenn or Kingston Seymour. Details: www.yattonchurches.org or from Val Dickens 01934 832800. Saturday September 3rd Axbridge Showcase, farmers’ market, music, entertainment, display of vintage vehicles in the town’s medieval square. Details: www.axbridgeshowcase.co.uk Sunday September 4th North Somerset Ploughing Match, Craft and Produce Show, Moorledge Farm, Chew Magna, free parking and entry. Redhill Village Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 1pm-5pm, adult and children’s exhibits on display, ploughman’s lunches, WI tea & cakes, arts, crafts, produce & beauty stalls, classic cars, free entry, all welcome, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Monday September 5th – Friday September 9th Street and Glastonbury U3A five-day visit to the Somme battlefields, cost £375per person. Details: Andrew Boatswain 01458 832195. Monday September 5th Bristol Hippodrome, The Carpenters’ Story,
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7.30pm, tickets from £24.90.* Wednesday September 7th and Thursday September 8th Bristol Hippodrome Peppa Pig’s Big Surprise, Wednesday 1pm and 4pm, Thursday 10am and 1pm, tickets from £17.15. Friday September 9th and Saturday September 10th Chew Valley Beer Festival, Ubley Parish Hall, tickets £8.50 which includes commemorative glass, live bands and great selection of beers and cider. Details: Book tickets online www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk Saturday September 10th Frome Cheese Show, see page 106. Chew Stoke Harvest Home Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk Keynsham Light Opera Group present ‘A Night at the Oscars’ a selection of songs from Oscar winning musicals, 7.30 at The Space, Civic Centre, Keynsham, tickets £10 (£8 concessions). Details: 07580 259 757 or online www.klogs.co.uk Sunday September 11th Family Fun Day and Dog Show, Ston Easton village hall & playing fields, 11am-3pm, dog show, stalls, sheep racing, hay bale rolling, BBQ, afternoon teas. Come and join the fun! Thursday September 15th Redhill Club classic car & motorcycle evening gathering, 7pm-10pm, BBQ food available, all welcome to park up, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Saturday September 24th Redhill Club horse race night, 8pm-11pm, cash prizes to win on each race, all welcome. Details: 01934 862619. Sunday September 25th Circus is coming to Town! Come and be entertained by clowns, juggling and of course, audience participation, Bishop Sutton Recreation Ground (behind village hall), three showings at 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm, under 2's free on laps, tickets £7 each, organised by Bishop Sutton Primary School PTA in aid of the school. Details: lisa_vowles@sky.com 077917 870 19 / 01275 332083.
BRISTOL HIPPODROME Further information and booking at www.atgtickets.com/bristol or 0844 871 3012. Bkg fees apply and all calls 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR AUGUST Across: 1 Elderly, 5 Pensive, 9 About-turn, 10 Anjou, 11 Poole, 12 Half-baked, 13 Enthral, 15 Dresser, 16 Minisub, 18 Wedmore, 21 Dog collar, 23 Cesar, 24 Aglow, 25 Liverpool, 26 Sea-legs, 27 Romberg. Down: 1 Example, 2 Drop out, 3 Retie, 4 Youth club, 5 Panel, 6 Naan bread, 7 Injokes, 8 Ecuador, 14 Ross-on-Wye, 15 Downriver, 16 Madcaps, 17 Nigella, 19 Onshore, 20 Earplug, 22 Lilts, 23 CD-ROM.
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Can you “fit” the farming food bill?
Cowtastic Summer Fun!
WHAT’S ON
Farmer Oliver Fuller, who has worked parttime milking cows in Somerset for three years.
Educational and traditional games for all the family in a beautiful countryside setting. Explore the farm and meet the animals.
Open every day throughout the summer at Farrington’s Farm Shop and Café.
Tractor Ted Live!
Friday 26th August 11am–3pm Find us just off the A362 (BS39 6UB). Open from 9.30am, 7 days a week
THE Frome Cheese Show has commenced its campaign to find “fit farmers” to take part in its new cheese-themed cookery bakeoff competition. The competition, to be held on Saturday, September 10th during the show, is open to men and women who work in the farming sector in some form. Three candidates will be chosen by a panel of judges shortly before the show. They will be required to cook from a recipe of their choice and will be judged on their final dish by professional chef Josh Eggleton. All dishes must contain some kind of cheese in the list of ingredients. Show secretary Julie Harding said: “We realise not all farmers, or those connected to the industry, will be naturals in the kitchen — but we would encourage them to enter. We are looking for people who enjoy having a go and like a new challenge in the spotlight. “We also feel that it’s a great way of saying thank you to all the wonderful farmers out there, many of whom are finding trading conditions very difficult at the moment. We hope to make them smile and would like to see our fun campaign bring farming a little more to the fore for all the right reasons — any way to highlight the industry has to be a good thing.” Interested applicants should email admin@fromecheeseshow.co.uk and include 100 words about themselves and their link to farming. They must also include a high resolution photograph that will be published on the new Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show website (www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk) if they are shortlisted. All shortlisted entrants will receive a free ticket to the show.
Ladies Pamper Evening
Thursday 25th August 2016 19:00 – 22:00
Pop along and join us for an evening of pampering and retail therapy Supporting The Royal British Legion Enjoy taster sessions from therapists, a selections of stalls and a treat from our licensed bar. Free admission
The Wellsway
Harptree Hill, West Harptree, BS40 6EJ 01761 221382 enquiries@thewellsway.co.uk
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Courses for the serious home dressmaker or fashion student wishing to solve pattern problems. Please email Lee for more info on: lhollahan@mac.com Or visit her website: ‘learnpatterncutting.com’
Next Pattern Cutting Two Day Master Class Saturday September 3rd and 10th The Pelican, Chew Magna £140 for the course which runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm each day Students will need to bring their own sewing machine and lunch.
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