Health & Family

Opening this April, Wells’ new luxury care home

IT’S reassuring to know that your loved one is supported and well cared for, that’s why at Crandon Springs Care Home, our friendly team provides bespoke residential, dementia and respite care in beautiful surroundings.

Resident wellbeing is at the heart of what we do here at Crandon Springs – we offer a choice of delicious meals prepared by talented chefs, a café for socialising and enjoying freshly baked treats, spa bathrooms for a luxury bath time experience, stunning en-suite bedrooms with smart TVs, a choice of comfortable lounges, a cinema for an authentic movie experience and in-house hair and beauty salon for a little bit of pampering.

Barchester are a sector-leading provider of dementia care and we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of specialist care with dignity and respect for each individual. We’re committed to helping families by providing the best possible support for their loved one.

All staff receive dementia care training, developed by Barchester’s very own team of Dementia Care Specialists. Crandon Springs has a dedicated Memory Lane community which is specially designed to provide the best physical environment to help our residents easily find their way around.

Our life-enrichment programmes allow for all residents to have access to a choice of activities. We also have some of the most advanced technological solutions to enhance engagement and support increased physical and social interactions.

The safety of residents and staff is one of our greatest priorities. That’s why Barchester’s homes have rigorous infection control measures, which includes regular coronavirus testing of both residents and staff and we’re delighted our residents and staff have been prioritised to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.

We’re making our home as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents, and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our home.

Barchester Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest care providers supporting older people living independent lives with dignity and respect. Providing a wide range of services for a variety of needs for 25 years, Barchester Healthcare support 11,000 residents across 200 homes for short breaks to long-term stays.

If you’re considering care options for yourself or a loved one, the expert team at Crandon Springs Care Home are here to support you. To book an in-person or virtual tour, please call 01749 302052 or visit www.barchester.com/CrandonSprings

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs School Street scheme for part of Frome

tHree schools and two nurseries are at the centre of a proposed new traffic management scheme in Frome. the School Street scheme – backed by £117,000 from Somerset County Council – will see traffic restricted in favour of safe walking and cycling around Oakfield, trinity and Critchill schools. Avanti and Busy Bees Nursery should also benefit from the scheme. All residents who live in the School Street area will still be able to access their roads without restriction, as will school staff, buses and people with disabilities.

Frome town Council, which received the funding as part of the government’s emergency Active travel Fund, says it aims to deliver the project by March next year which provides plenty of time for consultations to develop a well-designed and considered plan. the School Street scheme was initially proposed last summer, supporting schools and the local community to tackle air pollution, poor health and road danger by encouraging healthier lifestyles and active travel, leading to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. the proposed scheme in Frome is an area that limits (but will not prohibit) vehicle access and prioritises walking and cycling around.

Anne Hills, leader of the Frome town Council said: “We are delighted to receive the School Street funding which builds on our Active travel Challenge project. this investment into Frome to support the walking and cycling infrastructure will greatly improve some of the active travel safe routes to schools and enable us to fully incorporate the views and wishes of the community into the scheme at the same time.

“Ultimately this will lead to improved health and well-being in our youngsters who will benefit both from being able to actively travel safely but also from hugely improved air quality. this is a win/win for our entire community.”

The council welcomes comments on the proposals. For updates, visit: http://bit.ly/activetravelfrome

Roads clean-up

Litterin hedgerows and verges on the busiest high-speed roads across Bath and North east Somerset is being tackled in a seven-week clean-up operation. Last year crews collected more than 188 bags of unnecessary waste weighing in at 3.5 tonnes, the equivalent of a light goods vehicle.

Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Climate emergency, said: “the rubbish in our hedgerows and verges is completely unnecessary and is only there because of people’s carelessness.

“Most of it is fast-food packaging and items thrown from vehicles. Litter is not only an eyesore but damages the environment and wildlife too.

“Our clean-up operation is expensive, time consuming and dangerous for our crews and it’s frustrating that this time and money could be better spent on other essential services for residents.

“However, we want to keep our countryside looking beautiful, which is why we have dedicated funding to carry this out each year. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to drivers during the clean-up.”

Property demand in Somerset and Dorset is higher than ever

AT the end of last year, it was reported that house prices had seen the largest annual growth in six years. Experts concluded this was down to tax breaks, stamp duty allowances and changing demand due to Covid-19.

According to national estate agency figures, reported in The Sunday Telegraph at the end of 2020, last year saw a 90% increase in demand from house-hunters for country and rural town locations.

As we move further in to 2021, fears that house prices would fall off the edge of a cliff after the surge of last year, have been put to bed as the market sees continued demand for houses in popular areas of Somerset and Dorset.

Although Bruton was the most searched for town in Somerset (according to Rightmove, 2020) last year, evidence shows that perspective buyers are also searching for property to both buy and rent in surrounding areas of Wells, Glastonbury, Frome and Bruton – all of which have risen to fame as some of the “trendiest towns” in Somerset over the last decade.

Rental property owners who once relied on all-year round tourism trade and events such as Glastonbury Festival have had to rethink their strategy at least until the end of spring, as the UK remains in Lockdown #3. Thus, local property agents have seen a rise in short-term lets becoming available, meeting the demand for those in-between house sales and looking to “try the area before they buy.”

Whilst there is no denying the majority of demand comes from outside of our two beautiful counties, it’s important to remember that those looking to sell aren’t necessarily looking to leave this part of the world. People are moving to experience life in a different community, or be closer to family – two things that we have all come to crave over the past 12 months. It’s no wonder interest is rife.

You can find more information about property sales and advice at www.lodestoneproperty.co.uk or contact Lodestone Well’s office on: 01749 605088.

Charlie Armytage –branch manager, Lodestone Property Wells

By Charlie Armytage, Lodestone Property

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Wrapped up against the cold

As club members were unable to get together to celebrate Inner Wheel Day, they lit candles in their windows in a gesture of friendship

THe inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale has begun its year of helping local good causes as it means to go on by collecting nine black bags of hats, gloves and scarves for the salvation army in Weston-super-Mare.

Club members also raised £500 for the organisation, which was the sum donated in lieu of sending each other Christmas cards.

Pageant plans ahead

Organisers of the axbridge Pageant, which had to be cancelled last year, are pressing ahead with plans to hold it in 2022. artistic director, John Bailey, said: “We are cautiously optimistic that the 2022 pageant will be able to take place as long as life looks to be returning to normal, more or less, by august of this year.

“if it does then we can begin to plan meaningfully ahead, ramping up preparations for ticket sales, casting, costuming, construction, promotion and fundraising.”

The pageant involves a cast of hundreds telling the town’s history and has been staged every ten years since 1967.

The pageant is set to take place at 3pm daily over the Bank Holiday weekend of saturday-Monday august 27-29th, 2022.

Mural project is making progress

anOTHer window has been completed by artist ruth ames-White as part of an ambitious project to create a six-metre diameter walkable mosaic map and illustrated history of the city of Wells. Wells in Mosaic is a community project to install the piece of permanent art next to the Bishop’s Barn in the form of a map of the historic city centre, along with many artistic and informative features. The centuries old Charter Fair is represented in the latest window The latest window celebrates the city’s Charter Fair, which dates from 1201, and is represented in the 54cm-high window by a “galloper”, symbolising a horse from a carousel ride. richard green, a member of Wells Civic society and an honorary member of the showmen's guild of great Britain, said: "speaking on behalf of the guild, we are very proud that the Wells Charter Fairs are being depicted in one of the many windows on this amazing project, for the events are an integral part of the living history of the city.”

The fundraising group supporting the project is currently discussing ways in which further money might be raised to ensure ruth’s work can continue until community events can resume post-pandemic. as well as making donations, members of the public and local businesses and organisations can sponsor one of the blue lias stones which will surround the mosaic when it is installed.

Richard Green with Wells town crier Len Sweales at a charter fair

Queen of the orchard?

Ona cold winter’s day a green man slowly emerged from the swirling smoke of his huge bonfire. greeting his young wassail queen, he entered the clearing round the oldest apple tree in the orchard. no crowd, no music, no dancing allowed. But the Pearson family of Bishop sutton rose to the occasion and wassailed their apple trees alone this year.

They still dressed up to keep the ancient tradition alive and, of course, to ensure a good apple crop! as the smoke cleared the family sat around the roaring fire, drinking the remaining cider, remembering past years and planning for a much bigger event in January 2022. elsewhere other families have been wassailing fruit trees in their own back gardens, not wishing their children to miss the knowledge and practice of english folklore.

Colin Emmett recites the incantation

Maisey and Alistair Pearson

in Kilmersdon, Martin and Frances Horler also celebrated wassail time in their garden, with Martin in a smock and a crown upon his queen.

Lisa and Nancy Warbrick Teddy and Immy Locells Martin and Frances Horler

Operation Easter Bunny

aTthis time of year members of Cheddar Vale Lions Club are usually busy preparing for their annual senior citizens’ party, a popular springtime event.

But for the second year running, the party has had to be cancelled, due to Covid-19 restrictions. instead the Lions will be delivering a chocolate egg and a greeting card for each resident of local care/residential homes in time for the easter weekend.

They say it is a small gesture but one which they hope will bring a smile to a few faces. They look forward to the time when they can organise a party for the senior citizens and meet again.

Sue is “simply the best”

PUPiLs and staff at st Mary’s Church of england Primary school in Writhlington have helped sue Timperley celebrate 30 years of working there as a cleaner and midday supervisor.

The celebrations included a lunch where sue was the guest of honour and lunch was served to her (in a socially distanced way). staff at school bought her a Pandora gift, a rose named “simply the Best” and a magnolia tree to plant in the school grounds. additionally, she was presented with a “This is your Life” book and a card which all staff contributed to making. The children in school created a banner to mark the occasion and those at home, through social media, were encouraged to send cards. The governing board gave Mrs Timperley a stunning bouquet of flowers and a stand of delicious bespoke cakes to have with a well-earned cup of tea. in sue’s time at st Mary’s, she has seen the school grow from 70 to 170 pupils, the building of the school hall, the opening of the school nursery, creation of a sensory garden and conservation area and the final classrooms completed for Years 5 and 6 a few years ago. an emotional Mrs Timperley said: “i have loved working at st Mary’s, the children and staff at our school are very special. Thank you – i really wasn’t expecting anything.”

Headteacher, Cathie Lampert, said: “The staffing team at st Mary’s really is unique. This is a school where everyone supports each other and all are prepared to go above and beyond to nurture the children to achieve their goals.

“The fantastic length of time that sue has worked at the school embodies the ethos and values which we all share.”

End of an era at talking newspaper

FrOMe Talking newspaper is saying farewell to gill Fone, who has volunteered with the organisation for the past 40 years. gill, aged 84, has been involved in many community groups in Frome including the tourist information centre, the civic society, the horticultural society and st John’s Church PCC. a retired midwife, gill and her late husband alan moved to Frome in 1977 and both joined the talking newspaper in 1981. alan passed away in 2019. gill stood down as chair of the talking newspaper in 2018 and will retire from the committee at the charity’s biannual general meeting in March.

Her daughter, Caroline amor, who lives in shepton Mallet, said: “Mum takes a keen interest in news and events in Frome and regularly attends and speaks at council meetings.

“Forty years ago, mum and dad became involved with the Frome Talking newspaper for the Blind and Partially sighted. Together they organised the recording, duplicating and distribution of tapes and later memory sticks to listeners in Frome and the surrounding villages.

“This really was a huge commitment, involving an awful lot of work and giving up all their Thursdays. Mum kept a list of the listeners’ birthdays so they always got a mention on the tape and during lockdown she has been ringing listeners to see how they are.”

Socially-distanced celebrations at St Mary’s

Sue with some of her anniversary gifts

Village builds a new war memorial

The war memorial is often a focal point in many of our towns and villages, recording forever the lives of local people lost in war. Long Ashton lacked a single central memorial, so a trust was formed to see what could be done. Two years later a new memorial is about to be unveiled, as David Addis reports.

a War memorial is any physical object created, erected or installed to commemorate those involved in or affected by a war or conflict. generally war memorials are erected by local communities. each memorial is unique. it represents that community’s chosen method of remembrance whether it be a cenotaph, plaque or more utilitarian example such as a bus shelter or hospital or a village hall.

The names of those recorded on a memorial may only be remembered on that monument, making it important to preserve it to commemorate that individual’s sacrifice.

These memorials are important because they act as historical touchstones. They link the past to the present and enable people to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated or were affected by conflict(s).

Memorials can be an important source of information for young people in understanding the sacrifices made by past generations. This will in turn ensure memorials are cared for in the future. Who is recorded varies with communities making their own decisions.

Memorials represent a focal point for remembrance, both individual and collective, particularly on occasions such as remembrance sunday or anniversary events. The sacrifices made by so many for our freedom needs to be remembered and war memorials play a vital role in ensuring that continues.

Long ashton did not have a war memorial listing all of the fallen of the parish. some are listed in the two parish churches, some on the former Congregational Church Memorial, now in the rBL meeting room at the community centre, some are listed on the lych gate and chancel rail at st Mary’s Leigh Woods, whilst others are on family graves and some on war graves overseas.

The lack of a complete war memorial was highlighted when the parish commemorated the signing of the armistice marking the end of WWi at the drumhead service we held at Peel Park on november 11th, 2018 with our royal Marine guard of honour at the temporary plywood cenotaph there. a group was set up to investigate the possibility of erecting a complete war memorial in the parish with all the names of casualties known at this time.

Just two years later, we are almost ready to dedicate the replacement for the plywood mock-up, thanks to the generosity of the people of Long ashton parish and others.

Despite almost unsurmountable objects being strewn in our path, the Long ashton War Memorial Trust can announce that the concept of local retired architect alan atkins, “to provide a tasteful but modern war memorial” is nearing completion.

The war memorial will be located on the corner of Long ashton road and Theynes Croft, directly opposite the old school where a number of the fallen were educated.

The paved area, courtyard and retaining walls (constructed from stone rescued from the old village institute, later a WW2 arP HQ, and latterly the Long ashton branch of the royal British Legion) has been completed by local stonemason Paul Clark and his son Jak.

The black granite panels, with the names of the fallen, which total over 100, will be installed in the next month or so, ready for the dedication and unveiling which is planned to be held on Monday, april 12th, 80 years to the day when the Mill Cottages, nos 39 & 40 Orchard Cottages were bombed in what became known as the good Friday raid, killing five of the inhabitants.

We do not know what we will be permitted to do in view of the lockdown and are sure that some form of open air remembrance type event will be permitted, as was the case of the ground breaking ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, september 15th, 2020, for the last remembrance sunday.

Artist's impression

Rewarding young achievers

aFTera break last year because of Covid-19, the Pride of somerset Youth awards will go ahead this year. nominations are being invited in six categories: volunteering, charitable work, arts and culture, sport, overcoming adversity and enterprise. as in previous years the sandy Padgett award will be given to the young person who has undertaken an outstanding individual or community activity.

Past award winners have included english cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura gallagher and record-breaking wheelchair athlete Jamie edwards.

The awards are run by the rotary Club of Taunton in conjunction with somerset Day and BBC somerset.

Covid restrictions permitting an awards evening is planned at Bridgwater and Taunton College on the evening of May 11th, somerset Day.

Peter renshaw of the rotary Club of Taunton said: “There are some amazing stories of young people in somerset who have achieved great things. We want to hear about them and celebrate their achievements.” entries should be sent to somerset@bbc.co.uk, putting PosYa in the subject heading or posted to BBC somerset, Winchester House, Deane gate avenue, Taunton, Tai 2UH. The closing date is Friday, april 2nd.

Boards celebrate town’s heritage

Nick Hall and Lucy Tudor in the Miners’ Memorial Garden

a COViD-delayed community project to illustrate radstock’s history has finally been completed.

Two heritage boards featuring 12 key locations in the town have been installed after a joint effort by radstock residents’ association, radstock Town Council and radstock Museum.

The boards feature old photographs and three-dimensional maps by local artist Jane randfield, based on some old walking maps which she had illustrated which were in the museum.

The residents’ association first raised the idea of the information boards in september 2018 and the council allocated money for them from their community infrastructure fund. Dr nick Hall, museum chairman, and Lucy Tudor, head of publicity, took on board the residents’ wishes and set about choosing key locations within the town that had a story to tell in local history.

One is sited in the Miner’s Memorial garden outside the museum and the other in the flower bed opposite radstock Town Council Hub, both on land maintained by the town council.

Lucy said: “Once we knew how many boards we had and what size they were to be, nick and i chose to feature the history of twelve locations in total, six on each board. We split the 12 locations geographically: six on the northern half of the town would feature on the board in the Miner’s Memorial garden and the six on the southern side of the town would feature on the board opposite the hub; that way each point of interest would either be visible from standing by the board or be only a short walking distance away from it.

“For example, Victoria Hall is visible from the board opposite the hub, and snails Brook, outside swimming pool used by miners, is not visible, but is just a short walk from the board behind st nicholas’ Church.”

The museum hopes the boards will inspire people to visit when it re-opens this spring or summer. For details, visit: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

Knitting together in the pandemic

aTTenTiOn has turned to easter at the inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale.

Confined to their homes, members have busied themselves knitting, from blankets for people with dementia to easterthemed chicks. Two club members have knitted ten rabbits and more than 125 chicks then stuffed them with cream eggs, which have been delivered to Weston Hospicecare for a fundraising campaign.

One of the blankets – members have been knitting individual squares

Meanwhile, squares for the blankets have been flooding in while other members have knitted toys for sale by local charities. as well as seasonal items, several others have also been knitting hats, gloves and bootees for newborns in st Michael’s Hospital in Bristol and other local baby units.

Quartet’s new leader

QUarTeT Community Foundation has appointed a new chief executive, suzanne rolt, who has led st george’s, Bristol as director and CeO since 2006. she joins at a time when Quartet is on course for another recordbreaking year of grantmaking in Bristol, B&nes, north somerset

and south gloucestershire.

Chair of trustees, sue Mountstevens, said: “Thanks to our committed supporters Quartet is in a strong position to help local charitable organisations take action throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With suzanne rolt’s leadership experience, philanthropy knowledge and energy we’ll be able to do more to help with the Covid response and recovery.” ronnie Brown, acting chief executive since sue Turner left, will continue as philanthropy director when suzanne joins the charity in april. Quartet’s endowment fund now stands at £54 million. suzanne said: “i’ve been privileged to have my dream job, running one of the country’s finest halls, meeting the world’s greatest musicians, and having the best seat in the house for thousands of brilliant and unforgettable concerts.

“now i have an opportunity to direct my passion and experience towards leading Quartet, an organisation dedicated to improving people’s lives and bringing about positive change.”

Food collection

THe Happy Box in Chew stoke is currently collecting items for the Carpenters food bank in Withywood, Bristol.

The old red telephone box was converted at the end of last year, raising a smile with different themes, including support for the nHs.

One of the organisers, Kate Tilling, said: “Hopefully this will add to the use of the phone box as a creative/happy/inspiring hub.

“People can donate any non-perishable food items, and also the food bank often need strong carrier bags so those can be donated too.”

Community kitchen is on the menu in Castle Cary

a grOUP of students in Castle Cary are spearheading a new venture to offer families in need a regular supply of ready meals.

They’ve launched FeD, a community kitchen which builds on the town’s popular Buy-it-Forward scheme in which shoppers at two independent businesses add an extra small amount to their bills to pay for food and essentials for other residents who might be struggling to make ends meet in the current climate.

The seven ansford academy students have been granted permission to use the school’s kitchen to prepare meals such as lasagne, pies and pasta sauces.

FeD was the brainchild of local food writer and mother ali ray who said: “The student volunteers are being mentored in cooking skills while also running the project like a small not-for-profit business, taking on roles from publicity to fundraising, design and project management –hopefully all useful stuff for later in life.”

The students all offer specific skills based on their interests, from website and graphic design to accountancy, and aim to produce around 100 meals to be distributed once a month via the Cary Cares support network. a Facebook page is up and running. george’s greengrocer & Fruiterer and Unwrapped essentials are the first Buy-it-Forward businesses in the town to help FeD, whilst Hadspen Quarry has funded the packaging for the meals. support has come also from Battens solicitors’ charitable fund and Castle Cary Town Council which has helped the students gain Level Two and Level Three food and hygiene certificates. ali added: “We will post updates of recipes, which ingredients we are needing to raise donations for each month and perhaps even shouting out for an extra catering pan to borrow now and again. We hope other local food producers might get on board to help us too. so please spread the word.”

Ali Ray and greengrocer George Cronk (back) with students Maisy Unsworth, Beatrice Musson, George Manning, Beatrice Musson Darcy Musson and Kirsten Pike. The other students running FED are Megan Douglas and Eiri Mountjoy-Maron For details, find FED on Facebook at: fed castlecary

Litter patrol

UPto 25 litter-pickers are in action in Pensford and the surrounding areas and organisers say the village has never looked cleaner.

One of the volunteers, Dom Lowe, said: “For years we have organised litter-picking days once or twice a year to collect all the rubbish into 20 or 30 sacks but within weeks we would have to watch it start again then slowly accumulate until the next time.

“in October a handful of us decided to try something more proactive and get out more regularly to clear the eyesore every week or two and stop it building up. The difference has been very noticeable and others have now asked if they can help.”

Pictured (l to r): Parish council chairman, Janette Stephenson, Simon King and Dom Lowe with Dave the dog

Frome’s missing links –the campaign continues

sOOn it will be possible to walk, run, scoot or ride from the centre of Frome to the end of Whatcombe Fields near spring gardens without the need for wellies!

Frome's Missing Links, which is campaigning to create a safe, traffic-free route from the town centre to the Colliers Way multiuser path near great elm, hopes to start laying a surface on the section from Welshmill as soon as lockdown restrictions are eased. The Colliers Way connects great elm to radstock on a traffic-free route, maintained by sustrans.

Plans are now in place to continue the route from Frome along the river before it turns towards selwood Manor and then passes through the wood leading up to the rail crossing.

Planning permission was granted in autumn and the group now has promises from aggregate industries and Connor Construction to supply and lay some of the Tarmac. This will make it possible for people with buggies, scooters, bikes and mobility scooters to enjoy this natural green space, as well as narrowing the gap between this end of the path and the start of the Colliers Way in great elm to just 2.5 km.

Volunteers from Frome's Missing Links worked through the summer to prepare the way for this extension. new hedges have been planted to screen the new route, a cattle grid has been laid

Cattle friendly: volunteers Bill Farr (in the hole), Tom Woollard (overalls) and Richard Ackroyd (wheelbarrow) installing a cattle grid along the route

and fences put in place. Frome's Missing Links is also campaigning to create multi-user paths to the south of Frome towards Longleat.

For details, contact mail@fromesmissinglinks.org.uk or visit: www.fromesmissinglinks.org.uk

Lockdown litter pickers

TWOyoung sisters from Pensford have been spending some of their time during lockdown clearing the lanes of litter near their home. Their mum, natalie stephens, said: “Lily, Daisy and i litter pick quite regularly on our walks and with the footfall at the moment there’s loads of rubbish and even some just thrown outside our house.

“i set a challenge for them – 1p for every piece and this goes in to their piggy banks. They just love litter picking, but obviously i have to carefully monitor it as there’s all sorts thrown away.

“it’s amazing what people just dump! in the bridle way near us i’ve reported three fly tipping incidents over the years! awful! We litter pick locally, from Belluton and up the bridleway to norton Malreward.”

Love tokens

CHiLDrenat Bishop sutton Pre-school and Forest Club made wooden love tokens for Valentine’s Day, which were given away with meals to raise funds at a takeaway curry evening.

Pre-school representative, Jennifer Pattison said: “They had a super time with the red paint and sticky fingers to make these little individual works of art.”

Lions rise to the challenge

CHeDDar Vale Lions Club’s project to supply iT equipment to local schools has turned into one of the biggest it has ever undertaken.

The week they launched, an ex-Lion, an iT technician, offered to set up the process of data-wiping and resetting the devices. They then contacted the local Men’s shed, where a member was certified to PaT test all the items to ensure their electrical safety.

Their production line was set and they were then accepted on to the BBC’s Make a Difference website and offers of equipment started rolling in.

They then set up a network with other Lions clubs to collect the devices. By the middle of February they had managed to log and test 125.

The equipment has gone to Cheddar First school, Fairlands school, Kings of Wessex and Hugh sexeys and more requests are being received.

Wyvern Coffee, a local company in Cheddar gorge, ran a raffle which raised £330 for the project. Lenny’s community café in shipham donated another £250.

Mums hope for play area

Happier times –a fundraising street party in 2019

a grOUPof mums in Ubley hope they are close to starting work on a play area in the village, after fundraising since 2018. They have raised £7,000 so far and are now a registered charity.

Their aim is to create a community space bringing together the village’s older generations with the young.

One of the organisers, Jo Croot, said: “We are awaiting the outcome of a grant application at present, and if we are successful we will have the funds to commence Phase 1 of the work - ground works, rubber flooring, erection of a modest timber framed play castle and slide and benches.

“We are hoping that we can get this in place in the coming months as people really need outdoor space to go to right now. it would be wonderful to have it installed in time for summer.” in their latest fundraiser, Father Christmas visited Ubley in a sleigh on the back of a tractor, accompanied by six members of City of Bristol Brass Band. The event raised £300.

Details: ubleyplayarea@gmail.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-ubley-play-area

Lions Jan Clark and Sylvia Cook delivering a few of the items to Fairlands

Tributes paid to conservation veteran

gLasTOnBUrY Town Council has led the tributes to former councillor John Brunsden MBe, who passed away at the end of January. John, a retired vet, had been a national Trust glastonbury Tor warden, the president of the glastonbury Conservation society, a st John’s church bellringer and a Freeman of the John Brunsdon: 1929-2021 town of glastonbury. More recently, he was made an alderman of the town. His other interests included antique furniture, butterflies, local history, old buildings in glastonbury and his grandchildren.

John completed 44 years continuous service with glastonbury Town Council between 1975 and 2019. He was awarded the MBe for conservation services in glastonbury in november 2001, John received his award at Buckingham Palace presented by Prince Charles.

The town council said: “glastonbury Town Council continues to recognise the enormity of good work that John undertook on behalf of the town. it is with great sincerity that his work on restoring the footpaths in and around the town is to continue. a project to install way markers, interpretation boards and seating which John advised on until the end is to continue with delivery funding through the Town Deal Fund.”

Valley Arts survey

VaLLeYarts is launching a valley-wide survey to find out which events and activities people would like to see in their community.

Valley arts was set up in 2015 to make the performing arts more accessible, with the eventual aim of building a centre at Chew Valley school.

There’s also a chance to win some great prizes from local businesses! The survey, which is available online and in paper format, seeks to discover what the community needs after such a challenging year.

Be it an outdoor gig, a theatre performance, some creative writing or a salsa workshop, it says your views will help shape the future Valley arts programme.

Lockdown competition puts nature in focus

A frosty landscape taken by parent Alice Thomas

CHeWMagna Primary school has held its first ever family photography competition for both children and parents helping them to deal with the restrictions of lockdown. it also benefited the school by raising money, which will be put towards new art resources for all to enjoy once normal classes resume.

The competition gave another outlet for developing the children’s love of nature, with home learning forest school sessions giving them plenty of ideas for photos. naomi Crowne, Key stage 1 teacher, said: “We’re constantly trying to find creative ways to support and engage our school families during this really difficult time. With so many of their normal activities restricted, a countryside ramble, camera in hand, proved a winning combination for lots of our families.

“We were so impressed with the quality of the entries, that it was tough picking a winner! it gave the whole family the chance to get out and about (in a safe way), enjoy nature and get creative. it also proved to be a useful fundraiser for the school.”

The overall winner was Key stage 2 pupil, Charlotte, aged ten, with her landscape shot of a frosty hedgerow, which landed her the top prize of a Covid-safe family photo shoot with local photographer, natalie stephens.

Dylan, aged six, won the Key stage 1 with a photo of a frosty spider’s web. Parent, alice Thomas, won the adult age group with her picture of a frosty landscape.

Village project moves a step closer

THe project, called Project newton, to regenerate st Laurence Church in east Harptree and open it up for wider community use has reached a vital stage.

The scheme has planning permission and the go-ahead from the diocese and organisers hope to go out to tender shortly.

But it’s now launching an appeal for local donations to make sure its application to the Heritage Fund, worth as much as £290,000, is accepted. a letter to villagers says: “For the Heritage Fund to support our project they need to know that we have other financing in place and this is where your promised donations are vital for our success.”

Project newton is named after the Tudor monument of sir John newton in the church porch and involves the village school and other local organisations, as well as Bristol Museum, and is developing an outreach programme with an alternative education provider in south Bristol: Learning Partnership West.

The project will involve major works of repair and conservation to the tower, the bells, the wall paintings at the east end of the church, the roof of the chancel, the stained glass and the south porch.

Project newton also aims to significantly improve access to the church and churchyard and to create an exhibition area showing the history of the church and village.

Organisers say: “Coronavirus has affected us all, and some much more than others, and we hope that this project will enable our community to build something together for the future.”

Details and how to pledge support: https://eharptreechurch.co.uk

Stars support rugby walk

rUgBYlegends Jeremy guscott and Dan Hipkiss are backing the Bath rugby Walk Challenge alongside over 100 Bath rugby fans to raise funds for Bath rugby Foundation and Dorothy House.

Participants can choose their very own rugby-themed distance walk over the six nations period, which runs until March 20th.

Jeremy guscott said: “We know it’s going to be different this year but i think by taking part and raising much needed monies for these two charities you’re all incredible. it’s going to be tough, we know that, there’s lots of challenges out there and i’d just like to say good luck. i hope it all goes well.”

Dorothy House chief executive, Wayne de Leeuw, said: “The care we provide at Dorothy House has never felt more vital or needed than at this time.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the support that they and their family need at the end of their lives and we need our community to raise funds to allow us to reach more of those who need us.”

Phone mast objections

a MOBiLe phone mast is to be erected on the playing fields of Wells Cathedral school, despite widespread opposition, including a complaint from the school itself that it was not consulted on the plan. agents for Vodafone successfully appealed against an initial decision by Mendip District Council and Wells City Council to refuse permission.

Campaigner, Peter Welsh, said: “The playing fields would be blighted by a phone mast on site, as would the meadows and national Trust woodland in its vicinity.

“This is a sensitive area in terms of its school location, and the industrial lattice-style mast will reduce the joy and experience of all those who use the sports ground.

“i spent a bitter sweet sunday morning today with my family and other residents enjoying the snowy meadow slopes a mere handful of yards from the proposed mast tower site wondering if this may be the last time Wells people of all ages can take their trays and sleds to an unspoiled natural resource.”

The phone company says the site was the best locally to provide its customers with 3g and 5g services. in a statement Wells Cathedral school said: “We are shocked that best practice has been ignored, that parents have not been given the opportunity to learn more about the proposal, and that we have not had the chance to address any concerns about siting a mast on school grounds. as it stands, this whole process feels undemocratic.”

The school is taking legal advice.

Citizen of the year

THere is still time to nominate someone for the title of glastonbury Citizen of the Year. glastonbury Town Council introduced the award a few years ago, recognising the work of an individual whom councillors consider has worked over and beyond for the benefit of their local community. nominations should be emailed to townclerk@glastonbury.gov.uk or posted to glastonbury Town Hall, Magdalene street, glastonbury Ba6 9eL by 5pm on Tuesday, March 9th.

Another satisfied customer

LAST November we told you about the beautiful Residence windows and doors that perfectly replicate 19th century designs. Recently they featured on a Channel 4 series you may have watched and you can see more by visiting www.residencecollection.co.uk

At the end of last year we fitted Residence doors and windows for the McClives in Nailsea. We were thrilled at just how they enhanced their property and even more thrilled to receive this letter:

“We wanted to say a proper thank you for the wonderful service and fantastic experience we have had as customers of Kingfisher. You have kept every promise and have made our house warm and cosy. We can't believe the transformation and now have windows to be proud of; elegant, beautifully crafted and expertly finished, inside and out.

“We are so pleased with the Residence 9 product: the depth gives an element of luxury, the wood grain effect looks like real wood and the individual panes match the style and age of our home. The inside is as beautiful as the flush outside and we don't believe we would have achieved this with any other product. The double opening windows feel very high end and we couldn't be more pleased with our matching bespoke inward opening door.

“From the first time we met Angie we knew we were dealing with a different sort of company. She listened to exactly what we wanted, made valuable suggestions and her experience and patience allowed us to visualise our dream windows. Her thoughtful advice was so appreciated and she was also able to be competitive on price. We have absolutely loved working with a small family-run business.

“Everybody involved with our project has been professional and efficient. The fitters arrived promptly every morning. The team worked around obstacles like having two children home, days of bad weather, new flooring to protect, limited access to certain rooms and having to wear masks at all times due to Covid-19. The clear plan of action and working strategically in zones minimised stress and disruption and allowed a room at a time to be readied.

“It honestly felt like getting our windows perfect was as important to the fitters as it was to us.”

TONY THURLING

Adding timeless elegance to your home

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If you’ve ever admired a property in your area for its wellpolished and sophisticated exterior, there’s a good chance that it had interior window shutters installed. A smart front door, clean paintwork and a neat garden can all help to enhance a property’s appearance, but well-fitted window shutters give an instant touch of class and sophistication to any home.

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The third dimension

THEfirst known photograph was made in 1826 by the Frenchman Joseph Nicephore Niépce. It was very crude, but inventors saw the possibilities of the process and began to develop better equipment and light-sensitive chemicals. By the end of the century portable special viewer. It is possible to use a single camera, moving it With PHILIP HENDY cameras were being used to record all aspects of life and the world around us. Early cavers also wished to show the horizontally slightly between shots. For the best results, the light source should be in a constant position, to avoid confusing shadows. wonders of the underworld to the general public and, despite the Using a digital camera, slight variations in the tilt of the camera heavy cameras, some evocative pictures which have stood the test can be rectified on a computer and the images can be viewed of time were produced. The photographic plates of the time were either on the computer or printed and seen through a viewer. not very light-sensitive, so sturdy tripods were used to support the I am grateful to Michael Perryman of the South Wales Caving camera and long exposures were necessary, using various forms of Club for the use of the photographs reproduced here. He suggests lighting, or the explosive magnesium powder. viewing them from 60 to 100 centimetres. If you normally wear

Any movement produced a blurred image, so when cavers were glasses, do so. Aim to make your eyes converge (just looking included in the photo, they had to remain absolutely still, which beyond your nose), but while still focussing on the two images. resulted in rather rigid, unnatural poses. Try Withyhill Cave first – it may help to first concentrate on

Stereoscopy was developed in America in 1849 and had reached making the text fuse into a single image. Persistence pays! Once Britain two years later. In 1851 stereo photographs were produced you have “locked on” to the stereoscopic image, you can look of sea cave entrances on the Gower peninsula and by 1859 true around the scene and enjoy the 3D effect. It should be easy then to underground stereo photographs were being taken, in Mammoth view the other images. Cave in the USA, and in a Swiss cave. Inventors always seek to improve their output and the fourth

The first known British 3D pictures were taken in the Blue John dimension beckoned. Stereoscopic cinematography was the next Caverns, in Derbyshire. Two identical cameras were set step and the first 3D film was produced in the USA in 1924. The horizontally a short distance apart and the films exposed US continued to pioneer the medium, resulting in the first largesimultaneously. The resulting prints were then mounted side-by- scale showing in New York in 1939. side and viewed through an arrangement of lenses. Two projectors threw synchronised films onto a screen and the

Many people can dispense with the apparatus. The “natural” viewer wore spectacles with one green and one red lens to see the displacement of the camera lenses is around seven centimetres, or combined image. Many of us have watched 3D films at an Imax the distance apart of the human eyes. Greater displacement results theatre; dispensing with coloured lenses and using polaroid lenses in exaggerated perspective. This can appear strange, although it is set at 90º to each other improves colour quality. useful in interpreting 3D aerial photographs. The most famous stereoscopic cave film to date is that made in

When we look at objects, each eye sees a slightly different view, Chauvet Cave, in the Ardeche, discovered in 1994. Its chambers which is apparent if we look at something and alternately close are decorated with an amazingly large number of Upper one eye, viewing the object with the other. When viewing a 3D Palaeolithic paintings, mainly of animals, but also with symbols, image, moving the head slightly will produce the same effect – as the meaning of which is shrouded in mystery. we move, part of the background comes into view, while another They date back around 32,000 years. In 2010 Werner Herzog part disappears behind the foreground. made a 3D film of the cave, which passes through the various

It is clear that the best 3D photographs are of scenes with a chambers, bringing to life scenes where the viewer feels as though good depth of field. So cave passages provide better subjects than they are really there. chambers or flattish walls. The technique is not commonly used Although most of us are happy to look at two-dimensional cave by cavers, although Maurice Hewins of the Wessex Cave Club has photographs, when the opportunity arises, it is well worth the a large collection, mainly of Mendip caves. He used an Edina effort of screwing up one’s eyes and looking at the extra camera with two lenses, which puts the photographs on adjacent dimension. It is possible to appreciate the netherworld in a frames of the film. completely different way – and without the discomfort of actually

Mounted on card, the resultant pictures can be seen using a being there.

Swildon’s Hole

Upper Flood Swallet Withyhill Cave. Green Lake Chamber