Mendip Times
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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2
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Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
JULY 2013
IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER ON MENDIP • GUIDE TO GOLF • CHILCOMPTON & WEDMORE • WHAT’S ON • RIDING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
FLAMING June may have been a bit on the dull side, but that doesn’t dampen spirits around Mendip, as the magazine shows this month. We’ve had our cameras at events all over the area, including the Royal Bath and West show and Open Farm Sunday, and preview more to come this summer, including the Mid-Somerset Show, Priddy Folk Festival, Mendip Rocks! Festival and Glastonbury Extravaganza – with a chance to win tickets. We also turn the spotlight on Chilcompton and Wedmore before big events there this month. If you are looking for somewhere to go or something to do, have a look at our growing what’s on section. Summer fruit is the order of the day for our food writer, June MacFarlane, while our gardening expert Mary Payne is looking forward to tasting tomatoes from her first greenhouse. In business news we hear how one village shop has been saved – and another village stalwart has retired. We also hear about plans in Axbridge to commemorate the centenary of World War I next year and visit a fascinating garden in Bishop Sutton, which was created from a former waste tip. With extended features on golf and riding, plus all of our regular features and contributors, let’s hope for sunshine soon! August 2013 deadline: Friday, 12th July 2013. Published: Tuesday, 23rd July 2013. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Marjorie Page marjorie@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: Kilmersdon Jack and Jill races by Mark Adler. See page 28.
6
Tell us your views – future of Wells Recreation Ground
40
Lest we forget – Mendip remembers the Great War
70
Dancing for joy – hundreds take part in the Somerset Folk Dance Festival
90
It’s a winner – Chew Valley’s first 10K race
Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business ........................................34 Charities .......................................42 Internet and Crossword..............46 Property........................................47 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......49 Walking Sue Gearing....................50
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........52 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......54 Community Simon Selby .............59 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............64 Family Mendip Mum....................64 Caving Phil Hendy........................68 Homes and Interiors....................73 Golf................................................78 Riding Celia Gadd ........................82 What’s On ....................................92 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
Friendly tradition
The procession arrives at the church
MEMBERS of Priddy Friendly Society staged their annual procession and club day in the village. The procession began from the Queen Victoria Inn and passed by the village green on its way to the church for a special service. After lunch, a sports day was held on the green.
The roll call of society members in front of the Queen Victoria Inn
NEWS
Fairtrade café in Axbridge
Pictured (left to right) Mike Sartain, chairman Axbridge Chamber of Commerce, Liz Scott chairman of Axbridge Harvest Home committee, John Albone mayor, Sue Albone mayoress and cafe organiser, and (right seated) Vonnie, Axbridge Town Crier.
A NEW Fairtrade community café has opened in Axbridge, operating from the Church Rooms, in The Square. It was the vision of Sue Albone, the mayoress, and Fairtrade steering group member. The aim is to provide the community with a venue to enjoy refreshments in bright simple surroundings, operating on a donation basis to suit every pocket. Axbridge has a wealth of businesses in the square and the café will be a welcome addition, providing a collection box supporting the Cheddar Valley Plus Food Bank, as well as selling a variety of Fairtrade products. The organisers said they wish to thank everyone for the donations of china, table cloths, café banner and the host of local residents who have come forward as volunteers to man the café and bake cakes for the enjoyment of customers. Mike Sartain, chairman of the chamber of commerce and Liz Scott, chairman of the harvest home committee, were at the opening. The chamber was the driving force in achieving the reinstatement of Fairtrade status in the town and supported the new Fairtrade café with a donation towards set-up costs. The harvest home committee have strong Fairtrade links within the town, funding the existing Fairtrade market stall at the Axbridge Farmers Market. They also provided financial support towards the set up of the Fairtrade café. The café will be open every Tuesday from 2-4pm, with a private outdoor patio open on sunny days. All are welcome.
New president
Pipers from the Southern Jacobites, based in Wiltshire, accompanied the standard bearers
NAILSEA and Backwell Rotary Club has a new president, John Churchill, former regional executive director for the NHS in the South West. An enthusiast for rugby, football and golf, John lives in Backwell with his wife Eileen, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren. He joined rotary in 2003. MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 5
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Park idea wins praise
PROPOSALS for a major revamp of Wells Recreation Ground and the historic Bishop’s Barn have won general approval. Dozens of people attended a consultation event in the Grade I barn – and in the Market Place – to view outline options drawn by an architectural practice and to complete a survey about their own ideas for the area. There are no firm plans at this stage and no timescale for any work to be carried out. Working in partnership with the Somerset Building Preservation Trust, Mendip District Council has commissioned an options appraisal for the recreation ground which will assess what could be done to improve the site and make it more attractive to local residents and visitors to Wells. Wells City Council has also contributed to the project. Amongst the suggestions for the barn are ideas to turn it into a venue capable of hosting music and theatre events as well as meetings and other functions. Architects Benjamin and Beauchamp, from Wedmore, have also suggested moving the bandstand to a more prominent position, building a pavilion and even planting a community orchard. They are also working with local groups including Wells Civic Society and Better Play Areas 4 Wells, plus local schools and sports clubs. Kirstie Harris, from the play campaign group, said: “We’re delighted to see that something may be done to
Pat Benjamin beneath the original roof trusses of the barn, which dates from around 1430
make the Recreation Ground more attractive for everyone.” Architect Pat Benjamin said: “The most important aspect of the project is the Bishop’s Barn; it needs to be turned into a venue which can be used all year round. But its setting is also very important and we want it to become the focal point of the enhancement of the area.” No costs have so far been drawn up for the project, but it is expected that a bid for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be made. Whatever the conclusions of the appraisal, the recreation ground will stay as open space for recreational use by the local community, in line with the original aims and objectives of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust.
A lack of parking has been highlighted as one of the issues surrounding the future use of the barn
The bees’ needs
A TASTER day to encourage more people to take up beekeeping is to take place at the Avalon Marshes Centre at Shapwick in July. It has been organised by Somerton and District Beekeepers Association and will feature talks, tips and demonstrations as well as honey tasting. It is being held on Sunday, July 14th from 10am until 4pm. G Meanwhile Blagdon, Clevedon and District Beekeepers’ committee are opening a new teaching apiary in Brockley. Local MP John Penrose will do the honours on July 13th. Details: www.northsomersetbeekeepers.org Advance booking is required for the Avalon Marshes event. The day costs £20 per person (£10 for children under 14). For details and to book please contact Steve Home on 01278 662335
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Kirstie Harris and Adrian Ballard, from Better Play Areas 4 Wells, carried out their own survey of visitors to the recreation ground
For more information about the play area campaign or to add your support, visit: www.facebook.com/betterplayareas4wells or e-mail: betterplayareas4wells@hotmail.co.uk
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Proud of their farms
FARMERS opened their fields and barns to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at their importance to the economy and the environment. Open Farm Sunday was organised by LEAF – Linking the Environment and Farming – and more than 360 farms took part nationally. In Mendip, Walk Farm at Witham Friary, near Frome, Wookey Farm, at Wookey, near Wells, Thistledown Farm at Babcary, near Keinton Mandeville, and Mill Farm at Wedmore all hosted a series of demonstrations and tours, attracting hundreds of visitors.
ENVIRONMENT
One man and his dogs ALAN Dagger, from Timsbury, trained to be a sheep shearer 20 years ago, but now has around 800 sheep of his own. He holds his own open events, where the public are welcome to meet the sheep and even help with the lambing.
Alan and his dogs Bean (left) and Poon take a well-earned break
Neil Darwent shows visitors around Walk Farm, a dairy, beef and arable operation which is part of Lordswood Farms Ltd.
Some of the dairy herd at Walk Farm
Quarry visit
Sheep farmer Alan Dagger attracted an interested crowd for his shearing demonstrations at Walk Farm. Alan used to work there and was delighted to take part in the day
YEAR 5 and year 6 classes from Chewton Mendip School visiting Westbury sub Mendip Quarry as part of their Quarry Faces learning project. The quarry will host a Mendip Rocks! event on Saturday, August 17th. MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 7
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ENVIRONMENT
Get ready to rock!
M E N D I P
W E A T H E R
S C E N E
FINAL preparations are underway for the third Mendip Rocks! festival which will celebrate the fascinating geology of the area. Mendip Rocks! will feature a wide range of events which tell the ancient stories that have shaped a unique and very special landscape over the past 420 million years. Some of Mendip’s best kept geological secrets are very much the theme this year, with many events being held at sites that are either not usually open to the general public or are littleknown. The limestone geology has created the highest inland cliffs in the country to climb and some of the most beautiful caves to explore. This valuable rock has been quarried for centuries. The many disused quarries of the Mendips are also the perfect place to examine the passage of geological time as well as in the dramatic gorges and from the hill tops. Ruth Worsley, one of the organisers, said: “We aim to explore this geological diversity throughout our festival events. These include talks, walks, workshops and visits. No prior in-depth knowledge of geology is required, all will be revealed as we explore together.” The festival begins on Thursday, August 1st with a roadshow at Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge and ends on Wednesday, September 11th with a talk by Dr Robin Thornes about Doulting stone as part of the ongoing Quarry Faces heritage project followed by a tour of Doulting Stone Quarry. G See page 69 for listings. Admission to events – unless otherwise stated – is free but a donation of £3/adult, £1/child is welcome towards the Mendip Rocks! Project. Many events require advance booking. For general enquiries or for a copy of programme contact Ruth Worsley at the Somerset Earth
The June high
Exploring Mendip’s geology is not always this strenuous!
Science Centre on 01749 840156, or email: ruth@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
HIGH pressure at this time of the year can give us some of most perfect weather conditions this country has to offer, such as those we experienced during the first part of June. Air descending within the high pressure area disperses all the cloud, leaving blue with DAVID skies and long hours of unbroken sunshine, MAINE from well before 6am until after 9pm, with maybe just a little fair weather cloud during the afternoon. Unfortunately, this doesn’t coincide with the holiday season and it can be a very busy time of the year for many people. The farmers are working flat out in the fields, often from dawn to dusk, cutting the hay and silage, their task made worse this year, of course, by the late start to spring. Students at school and university are still busy with their endof-year exams and, even for people like myself, all those outside DIY jobs that I have been waiting for months for suitable weather to carry out, can now be done. High pressure can occur in August, of course, when everyone is on holiday but, with the Continent heated up to its maximum, the highs tend to be shorter lived, giving just two or three days of sunny hot weather before the thunderstorms arrive. Hopefully, more about our sunny summer next time.
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Hardly a cloud in the sky: Roger Warwick (left) and Pete Skipp with an old cider press at the Royal Bath and West Show. See page 12
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Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510
Congratulations to the organisers of the 150th Royal Bath and West Show. As in previous years we sponsored the “Power of the Past” section. The weather stayed fine and the Saturday was particularly busy. We very much enjoyed having the opportunity to meet those who called in to see us including established clients, potential new clients, (l:r): Ken Alway, Sarah March-Paschal (a professional contacts and others who trainee solicitor at the Shepton Mallet office), simply dropped by for a chat over a Robin Weelen, Tony Sugg (section steward) glass of wine. and Jan Alway enjoying the sunshine outside our tent at the Bath and West Show The message that came through is that whilst people recognise the benefits that modernisation and technology offer they still place a very high value on continuity and personal relationships. They appreciate a professional and modern service delivered by a local firm that knows and understands them. On the subject of continuity we congratulate Robin Weelen upon reaching the 40th anniversary of his admission as a solicitor. Robin has spent all his working life in the Mid-Somerset area and many of his younger clients are the children or grandchildren of clients that he acted for when he first qualified.
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Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400
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The ladies with something to beef about I’M writing this at the beginning of June and there has been some fine dry weather at last – just right for haymaking. So, along with many other farmers in the area, we started mowing. The crop is light. We have only had one third of the usual number of big bales and hope for a second cut later on. With MARY Hay could be expensive this winter. JAMES MBE My main topic this month is beef – producing it, selling it and eating it! The horsemeat scandal has died down, for now. We are producing some wonderful beef in this country, so are the supermarkets promoting it? I have been reading that Co-operative Food has launched a new policy to source more meat and poultry from British farms, though they were doing this well before the horsemeat scandal. Tesco has agreed to bring its sourcing policy ‘closer to home’, so some initial steps have been made, but there is more to be done. Keep your eye on the labels – trust in the Red Tractor logo. Now for the eating of beef itself. I met ‘Ladies in Beef’, all beef farmers’ wives, at the Royal Bath and West Show and they have had a great idea. Is it possible to serve a roast dinner to 2,000 people and have at least five minutes in which they all eat at the same time? The ladies think it can be done and they have teamed up with the Royal Bath and West Show to host the event at the showground at Shepton Mallet on Thursday October 10th. It is an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the
YFC success
FARMING
most people served a roast dinner simultaneously. Asda, one of the biggest retailers of Red Tractor assured British beef, has agreed to be the main sponsor. The Bath and West Show is very keen to be involved and the show’s resident caterers Hayes Catering are up for the challenge. It will take some organising! Do buy a ticket and join the fun. Additional sponsors will be very welcome because all proceeds will go the farming charity R.A.B.I (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution). This Guinness World Record attempt takes place at lunchtime and guests must arrive by 11.30am to ensure that seating begins at noon and the countdown starts to lunch being served. Apple pie and cream, coffee and tea will follow, and there will be entertainment to make it a truly memorable occasion. The current Guinness World Record for the most people eating a roast dinner simultaneously is 1,632 set at the East of England showground on 22 February 2009. Can we do it – yes we can! Come and support this unusual occasion, it should be fun. I will put out a reminder in the September issue. Tickets for this record-breaking attempt are £25. Tel 01749 813899 or e-mail tickets@bradsons.co.uk. For more info go to www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk
Young farmers relaunch club
SOMERSET YFC have had a busy couple of months organising the county rally in May and then manning the YFC marquee at the Royal Bath and West Show, where a committee of 15 YFC members put on a fabulous display of activities. Their hard work earned them a bronze award in the Agricultural Trade Stand category, received by chairman, Alice Hooper (pictured) of Polden Hills YFC, from show manager Alan Lyons. PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
WELLS and Glastonbury Young Farmers Club is to relaunch in July in a bid to attract new members. The club, which this year celebrates its 75th anniversary, is organising an evening event at the Blue School in Wells on Friday, July 19th. Club chairman Katie Uphill said: “Young Farmers offers many opportunities and you don’t have to be a farmer to be a young farmer! It will be great to see lots of new faces!” To mark their anniversary, the club is holding a dinner on Saturday, September 28th at Rookery Manor, near Highbridge. The guest speaker for the evening will be Lionel Hill, national president of Young Farmers Clubs. The relaunch takes place in Wells at 7pm. For more information or for tickets (£35pp) for the anniversary dinner, contact Katie Uphill via email at: katie.uphill@hotmail.co.uk or on: 07753 424523.
GUY SALMON LAND ROVER BRISTOL
Guy Salmon at the Royal Bath and West Show
GUY Salmon Land Rover Bristol found themselves in pole position at the Royal Bath and West Show with a prime site right in front of the main show ring. With a full range of vehicles on display, staff were kept busy greeting both current customers and friends, as well as
those eager to inspect what the latest models have to offer. G Last month we said we supplied vehicles to St. John Ambulance at the Badminton Horse Trials – sorry, it should have read The Red Cross.
MENDIP TIMES • JLLY 2013 • PAGE 11
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Showstoppers!
THE Royal Bath and West Show celebrated its 150th anniversary in style with a four-day showcase of some of the best livestock, food and drink and entertainment in the country. A commemorative book, a specially-brewed beer and a cheese were produced as part of the celebrations.
John Jones, (left) Albert Rixen (centre) and John Wilson, demonstrated a steam-driven apple crusher in the cider orchard
Crowds fill the main showground avenue on the Friday of the show
Gold for Bob
BOB Chaplin from Gaymers’ Shepton Mallet cider mill was awarded Gold for his services to the cider industry. He’s pictured with the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Price, who presented the medal, and Rupert Best, retiring chief steward of the Orchard and Cider Group. Bob is taking over from him. PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2013
Bringing the school together
John Alvis, show society vice-chairman, presents Edward CliftonBrown, owner of West Bradley Orchard, near Glastonbury, with the award for the best cider orchard in the south west Longvernal School pupils (at the front) with the other county winners, from Bristol, Dorset and Wiltshire
Pony Club games
Civic guests
Amateur gardeners were challenged each day to create a garden from scratch outside the flower marquee in a competition supported by Cheddar Garden Centre. John Smith and Ursula Smallman, from Nunney Horticultural Society took the honours on Friday, when they beat Marie Glover and Shaun Washington, from Westonsuper-Mare Horticultural Society
AN award-winning environmental project at Longvernal School in Midsomer Norton has helped to bring the community together, said judges at the Royal Bath and West Show. Longevernal has a wide catchment area but its ongoing work to improve the environment in its grounds and attract wildlife has united pupils, said Brigadier John Hemsley when he announced that the school had won the overall 13th annual Environmental Youth Award, supported by HSBC, the show society and the Farming and Countryside Education programme. The school was also named the best in Somerset. Headteacher Jane Richardson said: “We are absolutely delighted especially because it recognises our approach to learning which is closely linked to our environment.” The school received £500 in prize money, which will go towards restoring an old orchard and a conservation project to attract more birdlife.
Pupils receive their county award from Joanne Rayment, from HSBC, Brg. John Hemsley and Lady Elwes MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 13
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Dear Mendip Times, I have just been reading the new birthday issue’s communities section (Glastonbury memories by Simon Selby) and thought you might like to see a photo I took at Glastonbury in 2009 (I think). It’s of some lovely mounted police persons enjoying “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. They were having a great time with the revellers. Chris Thatcher Very old reveller! Binegar
Dear Mendip Times, Local ACF (Army Cadet Force) units across the North Somerset area are looking for adult volunteers. Do you like the idea of inspiring and leading young people to achieve
Army cadets taking part in the Collett Day Festival in Shepton Mallet PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
LETTERS
things they never thought possible? Are you looking for something exciting to do in your spare time? Then how about becoming an Army Cadet Force adult volunteer? With around 46,000 cadets (aged 12-18) in 1,700 locations in communities all over the UK, the ACF is one of the country’s largest voluntary youth organisations. We currently have around 8,500 enthusiastic and committed adult volunteers – but we are always on the hunt for more! No particular experience is required and we provide all necessary training. So if you can give up one or two evenings a week and want to do something different with your free time, this could be exactly what you are looking for. Gain new skills, practical training and valuable experience. You do not need a military background and we will provide all the training you require. There are local ACF units in Burnham, Cheddar, Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead, Yatton and two in Weston-super-Mare. For more information about volunteering with the ACF please visit the ACF website, www.armycadets.com, email us, TRACER@armymail.mod.uk, or call our Taunton headquarters on 01823 284486. Will Hellier Somerset Army Cadet Force Dear Mendip Times, Thank you for the wonderful coverage of our Garden Festival in the June issue. Thank you for giving us ‘two bites at the cherry’. The coverage you did the previous month for Stone Allerton gardens really worked – we had 513 visitors over the two days we were open. Lucy Hetherington NGS Somerset County Organiser
Dear Mendip Times, I am hugely disappointed at the decision not to ban Sky Lanterns following a recent report highlighting their impact on livestock and the environment. The independent report carried out for DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government assessed the possible impact of sky lanterns and helium balloons on livestock and the environment, including their fire risk and suggests throughout that sky lanterns pose a risk to aviation, the environment and a significant risk to costal rescue services. Many cases from across the United Kingdom are highlighted including examples of sheep deaths, marine and costal litter and examples of fires caused by sky lanterns. It seems this evidence is not enough as, according to the report, the risk of death and injury sky lanterns pose to livestock is ‘low’, according to a report. In other EU countries, this product has been either banned or removed from sale. The Spanish authorities have said uncontrolled sky lanterns posed a risk of burns and fire. We know of the very real risk they pose to wildlife, crops, the environment and human life, I was confident this review would lead to a ban of sky lanterns however that is not the case. I will continue to push the UK Government to take action on the sale and use of sky lanterns. I would like to hear readers views on this and urge readers to get in touch via www.juliegirling.com. Julie Girling MEP for South West England and Gibraltar
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NEWS
Kids get a day out
THE Rotary Club of Wrington Vale celebrated a decade of summer trips for Kids Out, a national rotary initiative, by taking 38 children from six schools to Longleat for the day. The trip involved 19 rotary drivers and 20 helpers, setting off from Burrington Combe.
YFC celebrates 80 years
80th committee members, Jez Kingman, Sue Wells, Rachael Branch, Jo Dunn and Chloe Harvey
MEMBERS of the My Cheddar community group have carried out their second litter pick of the year. Using equipment provided by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and Sedgemoor District Council, the group split into three teams. My Cheddar secretary Martin Kay said: “As the Cheddar civic pride message gets out, we are hoping people will drop less litter and the need for community litter picks will reduce.“ To get involved in future litter picks and follow the My Cheddar team’s progress, visit the CPRE web site www.litteraction.org.uk/my-cheddar
Photo by John Holbrook Photography
Litter pickers clean up Cheddar
FARRINGTON Gurney YFC celebrated its 80th anniversary with a black tie dinner and dance at The Conygre Hall, Timsbury, with young farmers, past and present, coming together to celebrate the club’s inaugural meeting in 1933. A wonderful evening of memories and fun was had with guest speaker John Alvis, of Alvis Bros. Ltd., followed by Alan Lyons, Royal Bath and West show manager, Brian Clothier, president, Jez Kingman, chairman and Robert Wells, past president. Early meetings were held at the Auction Rooms, Farrington Inn or the village school in Farrington Gurney. The first president, who remained so for 20 years, was M. Roberts, agent for the Duchy of Cornwall. Officers appointed were Harry Green and Jack Froud as joint club leaders, A. Mattick as chairman, R.W. Blacker as secretary and J.H. Edgill as treasurer. Since then the club has remained strong and remains part of one of the largest youth organisations in the country. Led by young people, for young people, Farrington Gurney YFC provide their 60 plus members aged 10-26 with a unique opportunity to develop skills, work with their local community, travel abroad, take part in a varied competitions programme and enjoy a dynamic social life. Details: Jez Kingman or Rachael Branch, farrington.gurney@somersetyfc.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 15
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Summer on the menu – at last!
A BIT of a faltering start and definitely tardy, but summer fruit is definitely on the menu for July. Wait until local supplies have been well bathed in sun, otherwise they will taste pale and insipid (perhaps how we look), and then dive right in. Look for some of the less commercial varieties – there are lots of interesting names around – and with With JUNE strawberries, go for the smaller, tastier ones, not the MACFARLANE giants that have the doubtful quality of never seeming to go off no matter how long you keep them.
STRAWBERRY BREAKFAST COMPÔTE WITH YOGHURT
I like the first strawberries just as they are – a quick rinse in cold water and a bowl of sugar to dunk them in – but when that idea has run its course I make them into a breakfast compôte. You can use any summer fruit for this, the principle is the same. Makes getting up worth while! INGREDIENTS s, rrie wbe stra h Handful of fres
hulled 1 dsp caster sugar 1 tsp lemon juice Greek yoghurt
PEACH MELBA
This dish, invented by 4 small peaches Escoffier at the Savoy 400ml water Hotel in London to honour 2 tbsp caster sugar the Australian soprano squeeze of lemon juice Nellie Melba, celebrates 200g fresh raspberries its 120th anniversary this Good vanilla ice cream year. It only has a few ingredients, is as kitsch as you like, and tastes fantastic. Make in advance and assemble at the last minute.
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
Poach the peaches in the water, sugar and lemon juice until they are tender. Leave until cool enough to handle and remove the skins. Halve peaches and remove stones. Whizz the raspberries to a purée with some of the poaching liquid and sieve to remove pips (please do this, as a favour to your guests!). Assemble two peach halves per person, a couple of scoops of ice cream and a splash of raspberry sauce and imagine yourself in the Savoy Hotel in 1893! PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
METHOD
Whizz the first three ingredients very briefly so the fruit is chopped not puréed. Pile into a small dish or jar. Spoon over yoghurt. Cover and chill overnight.
SUMMER PUDDING
When is the last time you made a summer pudding? It’s a brilliant British invention and another of those recipes which belongs to an era when every lady wore starched white linen and a big hat for picnics. A laundress’s nightmare!
METHOD
Sort the fruit and remove any that don’t make the grade. Remove stems and hulls. Put all the fruit except strawberries (if using) into a stainless steel saucepan with the water and sugar. Bring slowly to a simmer for three or four minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the strawberries. Slice the bread into seven or eight quite thick slices and remove crusts. Cut a round piece to fit the bottom of the bowl. Cut each of the remaining slices into three soldiers and line the bowl snugly, keeping a few for the top. Fill the lined bowl with the fruit and its juices. Cover the top INGREDIENTS with the remaining (for a 1litre pudding bowl) pieces. Put a small 900g mixed summer fruit plate on top to fit and and berries, heavy on the weight it down. Put in raspberries a shallow bowl to A day old loaf of unsliced catch any juices that good white bread overflow. Leave 3 tbsp white sugar overnight in the fridge. 3 tbsp water Unmould and serve Double cream to serve with double cream.
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New food and drink festival
PLANS have been announced for a major food and drink festival for all the family which will be held in October at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. The Somerset Food and Drink Fest 2013 will take place on Saturday, October19th and Sunday, October 20th. More than 100 exhibitors will fill the Showering Pavilion. Organisers say the event – which will take place on the corresponding weekends in 2014 and 2015 – will feature the very best in local food and drink, both from within Somerset and the surrounding areas. Mendip Times is proud to be the official media partner for the first festival, which will raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. Graham Walton, from GW Publishing Events, which is organising the festival, said: “The event will have over 100 exhibitors. There will be opportunities to taste, learn about and enjoy locally produced food and drink from small and medium sized producers, along with some famous Somerset names. “With cider makers, real ale brewers, cheese producers and retailers, wine and spirit makers, butchers, bakers, together with hot foods, cold foods, spicy and tasty, The Somerset Food and Drink Fest aims to bring the best of the region to one place for a rather special weekend of great fun for all the family to enjoy.” Graham added: “Many of us know of CHSW’s wonderful and heart touching work. They aspire to help to build precious memories for families whose children are living with life-limiting or life threatening conditions. They rely on the generosity and efforts of people to help them to deliver their promise to ‘make the most of short and precious lives across the south west’. “ “We have pride in them being part of this show which will be raising funds for their cause.”
For further information about special ticket offers or to book a trade stand, contact the show organisers on 01749 880168
FOOD & DRINK
E OF FEATHER M U S PL Traditional country pub and B & B with flagstone floors, log fires, beer garden and a beautiful stream side location. Family run with a welcoming atmosphere, dog and children friendly. Opening times 12pm till 11pm. Food served 12pm till 2.30pm and 6pm till 9.30pm. To book, ring 01761 462682.
DUCK RACE SATURDAY 13th JULY
5pm start, pig roast, bbq, ice cream stall, face painting, local band playing and 3 bars open. raising money for Blagdon and Burrington pre schools and Blagdon guide and scouts Best dressed Plastic Duck competition – see website for entry details
With Burrington fete on the same day – make a day of it with an afternoon at Burrington and an evening at The Plume! Visit www.theplumeoffeathers.com
BEAH
English & Mediterranean Restaurant, Wells
A la carte menu
(including authentic Moroccan tagines)
Two-course £12 dinner menu Served Monday – Thursday from 6pm Two-course £10 lunch menu Served Monday – Saturday from 12 noon – 2pm (3pm Saturdays) HAVING A PARTY? Come & see out beautiful upstairs function room ideal for all occasions, menus to suit all budgets
For more information, call Nicola on
01749 678111 email info@beah.co.uk • www.beah.co.uk 2, Union Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PU Relaxed and friendly dining in the heart of Wells MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 17
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MENDIP TIMES
JULY 2013 DATES Wells: every Wednesday 9am-2.30pm All other markets 9am-1pm unless otherwise marked*
Friday 5th Wincanton (9am-12noon) Saturday 6th Midsomer Norton & Axbridge Sunday 7th @ Frome Supermarket (10am-2pm) Saturday 13th Frome & Keynsham Friday 19th Cheddar Friday 26th Burnham-on-Sea Saturday 27th Glastonbury & Yeovil (9am-2pm) follow us @SFMMarkets For more information phone 01373 814646 or visit www.SomersetFarmersMarkets.co.uk
Powering farming’s future www.yourenergyuk.com
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2013
Your Energy supports farmers markets
SOMERSET Farmers Markets who organise over 180 markets a year are a not-for-profit organisation who enable local farmers and food producers to sell directly to their customers. As such SFM rely on the support and sponsorship of local companies who they feel have a shared commitment to sustainability in Somerset. One of these is ‘Your Energy’ who are based close to Keynsham and whose operations manager Nick Spicer lives just outside Frome. Your Energy focuses on small to medium size solar projects primarily in Somerset and the South West. This includes work within the agricultural sector enabling farmers to control their electricity costs by maximising the use of their barn roofs to generate their own solar energy and community projects such as installing solar panels at Hilperton Village Hall. The Your Energy team has also been involved in the NFU national ‘Fit for Farming’ events helping to advise farmers about renewable energy options and are an approved supplier for Lombard bank who provide agricultural finance loans enabling farmers to make the investment. Nick Spicer said: “We believe passionately in all things sustainable and locally sourced produce is just one of those, but why shouldn’t your electricity be the same?”’
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Mixing ancient and modern
THERE can’t be many pubs that can boast ancient standing stones in their garden, but that’s not the only distinctive feature of the Druid’s Arms at Stanton Drew. The 300-year-old building has been given a new lease of life with a refurbishment that has retained all of its rustic charm, but installed state-ofthe-art facilities, including a new bar, cellar, kitchen, central heating and toilets. At one stage, when new owners Ian and Louise Hudson got to work, only the outside walls, roof and the original stone fireplace were still standing. Ian supervised the work himself through his company Hudson Plumbing and Heating and it was done in ten weeks. John Mills, who was formerly at the Yew Tree, Chew Stoke, is manager. The result is a country pub that appeals to all, offering quality homecooked food in its dining room, three real ales in its bar and a sports bar which is used by four cricket teams, two football teams, two darts teams,
and for table skittles. But the garden, with its massive stones, could well be a key attraction and Ian has an architect looking at how he can create a family-friendly play area away from the stones behind the pub – in the meantime he’s planning a
FOOD & DRINK
series of kids’ activities at the pub over the summer holidays. Ian said: “I really felt for the place as it was and could see it had so much potential. With the ground we’ve got it might also make a very attractive wedding venue.”
Historic country inn with fine wines, three real ales and Thatchers cider F Families and walkers welcome
Ian, Louise,
John and the
team wish you
a warm
welcome
Quality home-cooked food our speciality – pub favourites with a changing menu F Starters from £3.95 F Main courses from £7.95 F Snacks from £2.50 F Children’s from £3.50 F Plus every other Thursday – French night with renowned chef Raymond Ray Open all day 12noon - 11pm seven days a week Food served 12noon – 2pm and 6pm to 9pm
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 19
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Farmers at festival
A NEW farmers’ market exclusively for food and drink from the Somerset Levels and Moors will take place at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay in July. The Festival Farmers’ Market is a headline event as part of the Avalon Marshes Festival, which runs from Sunday, July 21st until Saturday, July 27th. The food market – on Friday July, 26th – will run alongside an exhibition on the heritage of the Avalon Marshes and Shapwick Heath, local crafts and information on the work being carried out on the reserves by several conservation bodies. Elaine Spencer-White, from the organisers Levels’ Best, said: “This Festival Market is a great opportunity to introduce many people to the finest food and drink produced from this wetland landscape. If it is successful there are plans afoot to hold a market at the centre on a regular basis.”
NEW WEEKDAY TEA DEAL Free piece of cake with a cup of tea or coffee 2.30pm-4.30pm Monday to Friday FISH AND CHIP RESTAURANT
12noon to 2pm and 5pm-7pm CAFE OPEN 9am-5pm midweek Saturday 8.30am-7pm Sunday 8.30am-4pm for breakfasts and Sunday roasts
Traditional Fish and Chips, Sunday Roasts, Cream Teas and Ice Cream
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Function and conference rooms now available for parties, meetings and training
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GARDEN FOOD
A rare breed
THE picture below is of my new breeding trio of West of England geese. Those of you who read this column regularly may remember that I expressed an interest in keeping this very rare local breed some years ago, and it has taken me this long to find a true-to-type, unrelated breeding trio With JAKE at an affordable price! WHITSON West of Englands are an ancient breed of goose that were popular up until Victorian times, principally as a meat breed, and are one of the very few autosexing geese: that is, the geese and ganders are different colours, pretty much from birth, though the differences get more pronounced with age until the ganders turn white and the geese turn a lovely lacy grey and white. A problem with West of Englands is that they have been heavily (and misguidedly) hybridised with other geese in the past, particularly Embdens, making it difficult to find pure stock. However, I’m not a purist, and I’m not particularly fond of the ultra-strict guidelines imposed on breeds, so as long as your West of Englands are recognisable, and retain the most important features of the breed, then I don’t mind if a few coarse Embdens found their way into the fine West of England line at some point in the past. As with many breeds which are rare, genetic diversity is one of the main obstacles to keeping the breed going, so keeping only those very few geese which conform to a very strict definition could lead to a dangerously small gene pool. Obviously, this trio are not for eating. But the best of next year’s goslings will be sold for breeding, and the rest will be fattened for meat. In the meantime, I still have a couple of goose legs in the freezer from the pair of Legarths I kept last year. For a simple Sunday meal for two, I’ll defrost a leg, rub it in a mixture of salt, ground bay leaves and Szechuan pepper, and roast it in a medium hot oven for about an hour, then serve the pulled apart meat and crispy skin with pan juices, kale shoots and new potatoes.
Jacob Whitson is a chef and food writer who has worked in many of the West Country’s most prestigious restaurants. He is currently working on his first book, a travelogue detailing the regional foods of Japan.
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Feel like chicken tonight?
AS a forager here’s the best advice I can give you: try a little first then wait 24 hours, then try a bit more. If you are okay after this time and notice no untoward effects then by all means carry on and eat some more. Just make sure you cook it well. And to what do I refer you may ask With ADRIAN (guessing that it’s something to do with BOOTS chicken) and you would be right. And wrong! The chicken I’m referring to is the fungus Chicken of the Woods and, no it doesn’t actually taste of chicken, but it does have a texture and mild flavour that could pass as a chicken substitute, much as tofu is used in vegetarian dishes. Chicken of the Woods or Sulphur Polypor (Laetiporus sulphureus) is made up of layered brackets 10 to 50cm in width, irregularly semi-circular in shape. The upper surface has a suedelike texture and the rounded frilly edges are made up of bands of alternating yellow and bright orange colours. The lower surface is covered in very small pores which are also bright yellow. The bright colours fade to dull orange then straw-coloured as it matures and sometimes evidence of last year’s brackets can be seen as a white, bleached out mass on or near the tree. Don’t forget to use all your senses – it also has a very ‘mushroomy’ smell! Found primarily on oak and sometimes beech trees it also likes pine, cherry, willow, sweet chestnut, poplar and yew. Avoid those growing on yew as they are poisonous. Quite common and relatively easy to identify they can be found in the spring through to the autumn. Only pick the young specimens as they become tough and bitter with age. The first time I discovered Chicken of the Woods it was growing on a very mature beech tree. Excitedly, I planned to return in the next few days, but we subsequently experienced some of the worst weather and high winds on record so it was over a week later when I returned to the spot. There before me was a scene of utter devastation. The beech tree had been blown down by the wind (but you understand that the fungus had a hand in this by devouring the tree from the inside) and landed square on top of it. Some say this might be just desserts but I could find no piece bigger than my little finger nail. It was literally atomised! No chicken of the woods for my supper that day let alone dessert. So what was the big warning at the beginning of this piece all about? Well it is known to cause gastro intestinal problems for some people and this is exactly the issue I had with it – when I finally got my hands on some. I love its name, the way it looks, its smell and texture in a dish. The only problem is it doesn’t love me. I can say with hand on heart that I really don’t feel like chicken tonight. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, researcher and farm conservation advisor. You can visit his website www.walkthemendips.com to learn more about the Mendips and his Wild Food Walks.
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 21
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A lasting gift
TALKING to guests at one of his last official duties as Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Price takes centre stage in a chapel-like “room” in the new Garden of Reflection at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. The Garden of Reflection is a piece of stunning landscape artwork in the form of a contemporary garden, built on a formerly derelict site, featuring 85 silver birch trees, a wildflower garden and yew trees. At its heart is the room, known as a ‘poustinia’, which reflects a religious tradition in Russia, where people seeking solitude to deepen their self-understanding would go into the woods and to small hermitages to reflect. Another feature of the garden is a sweeping 40 foot seat designed by artist, Stephen Broadbent, and carved by Wolff Stone, of Cranmore. The words: “Wanderer, there is no path, the path is made by walking” is carved across the length of this seat; an extract from a poem by the Spanish poet Antonio Machado. Bishop Peter, who retired from his seat at the end of June, said wanted to leave a lasting legacy at the Palace. He said: “For nearly ten years my wife Dee and I have wanted to create a contemporary garden here at The Palace in Wells. Countless people come to the Palace and in particular its gardens, because of the tranquillity and calm. Many come to immerse themselves in the surroundings to take stock of their lives, and to open themselves up to a better self-understanding.” G As Mendip Times went to press, a farewell service was being held for the Bishop in Wells Cathedral, followed by a picnic on the Cathedral Green.
Twink bows out
NEWS ONE of Winscombe’s best-known shopkeepers, Twink Collinge, has retired after running her shop, The Rocking Chair, for 30 years. She was a founder of the Winscombe and Sandford Chamber of Commerce and has insisted the new owner retains the shop as a retail outlet. She said: “The village doesn’t need another beautician, accountant, or charity shop. It’s the mix of
shops that draws people here.” Her shop had been a gents’ outfitters, Brewer and Page, becoming a gift shop and café, before she took it over. She said: “All the kids from Sidcot School came, saying the food was better here, as well as workers from the old House of Nisbet Teddy Bear Factory, round the corner.” After closing the café, she concentrated on gifts, cards and “pocket money” toys, before opening a flower shop next door. Now 69, she has had both her hips and knees replaced and faces an operation on her back. But she said the death of her long-term manageress, Linda Harding, had left her bereft and started her thinking about retirement. Twink’s husband, John, a former captain of Winscombe Cricket Club, worked in the shop as a “Saturday boy” and still works as a manfacturers’ agent. The couple have three children and four grandchildren. Village traders and loyal customers joined together to give Twink a warm send-off.
Bedtime reading Bishop Peter and guests inside the poustina in the Garden of Reflection
The team from Wolff Stone PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
‘BOOK at Bedtime’ was a real success at Pensford Primary School with most of the children attending dressed in pyjamas and clutching favourite teddies, ready to hear stories read to them in their classes. Hot chocolate was served to all whilst parents shared stories with their children. The aim was to emphasise the importance of reading. Head teacher, Lorna McIsaac, said she was delighted that 20 parents signed up on the night for Reading with your Child workshops.
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MENDIP TIMES
Wedmore prepares for a party
PETER SEDGWICK
B.D.S. (U.Brist) D.P.D.S (U.Brist)L.F. Hom (Dent)
TIM COATES
B.D.S. BSc (Hons) Ph.D
SALLY CANTWELL Hygienist
JANE FELLOWS Hygienist
Preventative, conventional and advanced cosmetic treatments
New Patients Very Welcome Please phone or call in for an information pack
Coronation House, The Borough, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EG Tel: 01934 713013 • www.wedmoredental.co.uk email: enquiries@wedmoredental.freeserve.co.uk
THE newly-formed Wedmore Street Fair Committee are preparing a great day out, as usual, with a mix of stalls, entertainment, food and drink when The Borough is closed for the event on July 6th. This year’s theme is Kings and Queens to celebrate 60 years since the Queen’s Coronation. All stallholders have been asked to think about how they might decorate their stalls and to consider appropriate costumes to enhance the effect. Burtle Silver Band and Wedmore First School dancers will both be providing the entertainment, amongst others, and there will be craft demonstrations at Borough House. All profits from the day go to Wedmore organisations such as the village hall, harvest home, pre-school and the Green group. The street fair was established by royal charter back in the 13th century, but lapsed for many years until it was revived in 1978, as part of the celebrations for the 1100th anniversary of the Treaty of Wedmore between King Alfred and the Danes.
Mendip Times reduces travel costs All types of poultry, meats and game. For those lazy Summer days, BBQ packs and our award winning sausages
Tel: 0800 097 8611
www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Produced on our own farm or supplied locally
Just pop in or we can take your orders over the telephone, call us at the Shop on 01934 712384
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
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A real family restaurant
FOCUS ON WEDMORE
Timeless beauty with an ancient past
Wedmore ring with replica
NANNY Ida’s Family Restaurant and Tea Garden in Wedmore really is a family affair, run by brothers Adam, Daniel and Tony Willott, with support from their mum Margaret. Open from 8am until late, it also caters for the whole family, from traditional English breakfast to sandwiches (£4), lighter bites (£6.50), teas and home-made cakes, to full meals (steak and trimmings £15) with the option of smaller portions. They have also just opened a tea garden at the back of the restaurant, which you will find opposite the church in the village.
WEDMORE jeweller Erica Sharpe has been recreating a very special ring that was found within a few hundred metres of her workshop and gallery in the Borough Mall. The Anglo Saxon ring was unearthed in a local garden and verified by the British Museum as dating from the 6th or 7th century. Erica recreates the ring’s unique design in silver, gold and platinum. She said: “The design is amazing, not only because it is so timeless, but also as the beautiful knotwork is entirely held in place by its own tension; the piece is made from just two pieces of wire.”
Finest food
PISCES stocks an amazing range of fruit and vegetables, personally chosen at market by Dean Downer, together with a daily collection of Cheddar Valley strawberries, direct from the grower. With his supply partners in Bristol operating both on the London and Paris markets, he can source all of your special requirements, with a little notice. The fish comes direct from Cornwall and smoked salmon from Loch Fyne, with a large selection available including hake, brill and large Cornish cod among the best sellers.
9–10 e Borough Mall, e Borough, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB For an appointment, telephone
01934 713513
PISCES
FISHMONGER & GREENGROCER
Direct supply of Cornish Sea Food. Loch Fyne Smokehouse stockist. Northern Water and Continental seafood specialists. Fruit and vegetables personally selected at market, exotics and the unusual, fresh herbs and the best local produce. Selection of culinary ingredients. Open all day Tuesday to Friday plus Monday and Saturday mornings.
5 The Borough Mall, The Borough Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Tel: 01934 710318
Is a well established luxury boarding facility, on a traditional family run farm in beautiful countryside. Single and families of cats can be catered for, as can special/individual diets. Visit and see our comfortable, homely and loving atmosphere; see the individual attention your cat deserves, prior to booking. Collection or delivery can be arranged. Feline Advisory Bureau Listed (FAB) • Local Authority Licensed
MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2012 • PAGE 25
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MENDIP TIMES
Songs of praise wows Wedmore
VILLAGERS in Wedmore raised the roof when they got together to sing some of their favourite hymns. Organised by The Friends of St Mary’s and called Now That’s What I Call Hymns (or NANTWICH) the Songs of Praise style event has been hailed a great success. The Friends had encouraged people to vote for their favourite hymns and the eight most popular were chosen. There were 286 votes cast and Praise My Soul
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
the King of Heaven turned out to be the most popular. Ian Scott was Master of Ceremonies and the evening also featured a number of readings from David Hopkins, David Sisson, Andrea Brenner and the Vicar of St Mary’s, Richard Neill. The Friends of St Mary’s gather together the help and support of people who are not necessarily regular churchgoers but who love the church as
a community centre, as a beautiful building and as the backdrop to their village lives. The friends’ next project is the strengthening and renovation of the stone balustrade around the top of the church tower, so that villagers can once again go up and enjoy the view from the top. Catch the Friends’ ‘human fruit machine’ game at the Wedmore Street Fair on July 6th.
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Nuffield comes to Wedmore
FOCUS ON WEDMORE
NUFFIELD Health Taunton Hospital is holding two complimentary events at the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club for your convenience, hosted by consultants. Their first event focuses on varicose veins and their second event focuses on cosmetic surgery. Their consultants are offering 15-minute complimentary one-to-one consultations. Everyone has different reasons to investigate cosmetic surgery and you can ask questions that are relevant to you. Places at these events are limited so call 01823 250 612 or email taunton.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com to book.
OFFICE/STUDIO TO LET IN CENTRAL WEDMORE LOCATION Various sizes and uses possible.
Call Ian Leavey in The Mall 07860 710267 THE BOROUGH MALL CO LTD
Young entrepreneurs Sharon Lewis and Emma Rogers have brought a new vitality to Wedmore. They have now joined forces to offer a complete beauty and hairdressing package, a must for proms, weddings and special occasions.
Sharon has been running Essence for six months, while Emma started Beauty by Emma last November, just across the courtyard from Sharon in King Alfred Mews, across the road from the village church.
Sharon, Emma and their teams offer a complete hairdressing and beauty package in the heart of this historic village. They will be hosting demonstrations during Wedmore Street Fair on Saturday, July 6th and raising funds for BIBIC, the Bridgwater charity that helps brain injured children.
Exclusive to Mendip Times Readers! Summer Pamper Package Luxury mini-pedicure Sunkissed highlights
Only £45 Just mention Mendip Times when booking Terms and conditions apply
Telephone: 01934 712313
Telephone: 01934 709878
5 King Alfred Mews, Church Street, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4AB
2 King Alfred Mews, Church Street, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4AB MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 27
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MENDIP TIMES
Kilmersdon Village Day
Sarah Hall was the winner of the ladies’ race. She is pictured with race organiser Anthony Dutton and his daughter Martha
Long grass and buttercups proved to be a challenge for a young competitor in the The Jack and Jill hill race
All smiles as youngsters enjoy the play equipment behind the village hall PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Comp
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Competitors at the start of the men’s race
Ubley village fete
EVENTS
Members of the local Exit Stage Left drama group showcased their talents in front of the village church. The group is trying to raise £3,000 for new microphones to allow it to stage the musical Bugsy Malone in the village hall in September Leah Bates, aged nine, with Ted, her Pug x Lhasa Apso dog. The pair won a prize in the class for best trick: Ted sings along when Leah plays the harmonica!
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 29
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Unusual Poole performs well
AT their sale of antiques, fine art and collectables at the beginning of June, Killens found strong pre-sale interest for a collection of Poole pottery that many other viewers very easily and understandably may have simply glanced over. Five telephone bidders registered to bid and following some strong bidding, with additional on-line interest, the items made £480. About 500 lots were offered and other items selling to advantage included a collection of silver plate dolls house furniture (£1,000), a pair of Victorian silver candlesticks (£400), 3 military swords (£370) and a 1986 UK gold proof set of coins (£1,200). There was an exceptional entry of jewellery with a
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
good continental tile bracelet achieving £700 and a gold sovereign and chain making £460. At their sale of Victorian and later effects in mid-June, a further 500 lots were offered with strong bidding for a diverse array of items. The next sale to be staged at the Auction Rooms at Rookery Farm is a further sale of antiques, fine art and collectables on July
13th and a large entry has been received with a good range of furniture as well as smaller items. Further entries are invited for this sale together with their sale of Victorian and later effects on July 23rd. The team are able to undertake free house visits or alternatively, the auction rooms are open from 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday.
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Momentos of Taunton Cider TAMLYNS’ Collectors sale on August 20th already includes a good selection of items ranging from interesting early pistols and swords, Dinky toys, model trains, postcards, cigarette cards and a range of Breweriana items including some Taunton Cider mugs. Taunton Cider were, up until a few years ago, based in Norton Fitzwarren just outside Taunton and for many years they produced cider mugs, usually made by Wade pottery, either as year mugs or to commemorate their own achievements. These mugs were copied from originals in their huge collection of early cider mugs so, although they were of recent manufacture, they were true to designs of the 19th century. One of the more popular designs with collectors is a blue and white mug with a view looking down Hammet Street in Taunton towards St. Mary’s church – this sale will include a quart and a miniature mug of this design.
Guinness is also well known for its iconic advertising – the toucan is perhaps one of the immediately recognisable designs, as were the Zoo Animals. Carlton Ware made a series of the Zoo figures and, famously, a set of three graduated flying toucans. Over the years these have been faked – collectors
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
need to be wary when buying as even the factory mark is reproduced so they are very misleading. The ones in Tamlyns sale though are all the “real thing” – and are in good condition, too. A sale catalogue will be available nearer the sale date and of course it will all be online.
For further information, contact Tamlyns Auction Rooms on 01278 445251.
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 31
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Car boot bargain fetches thousands
CLEVEDON Salerooms maintain that items in their specialist sale are offered to the widest possible audience to achieve the highest possible price and the recent June sale proved no exception. The Chinese Wucai circular box and cover measuring 24cm diameter, pictured, was recently purchased by the vendor at a car boot sale for £18. The base had a crude stapled repair and was marked for the Wanli period 1573-1620. Bidders from the UK and China fought for the piece with a
What’s On at Somer Craft Addix in July 2013 5th: Card class using ‘resist’ techniques 6th: Parchment craft 10th: Card class, stencils and paste 12th: Scrapbooking for beginners 13th: Card class, paper piecing Sat 20th: 2 classes, Parchment craft using grids/beading/macramé bracelets 26th: Cards for all occasions 31st: Card class, big, bold and beautiful
SOMER CRAFT ADDIX Craft Shop
For all your crafting needs! Open -Tues-Sat 10-4
BACK IN STOCK CUTTLEBUG SISSEX SPECIAL OFFER PROMARKERS £2.25 EACH 52 COLOURS Unit 6, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA3 4UL
01749 840567 • 07791 843591 www.somercraftaddix.co.uk
UK bidder coming out on top, prepared to part with £6,950 for the damaged box and cover. Clevedon Salerooms’ success in selling fine jewellery and vintage watches has lead to an expansion of their team. Marc Burridge is pleased to announce the appointment of jewellery and silver consultant John Kelly, Fellow of The Gemmological Association, with many years experience in valuing jewellery and silver. On Tuesday July 23rd and Tuesday August 20th, 9.30am – 5pm, John will be providing free verbal no-obligation sale estimates on all jewellery and silver. Watches will be appraised by Marc Burridge. No appointment is necessary and there is plenty of free on-site parking at the salerooms.
Some gems from our
Specialist Jewellery Sale
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS
£19,600
£7,600
15 16 17 July 29 30 31 July 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – ample free parking no appointment necessary
£3,400
£41,500
£4,600
Jewellery, Watch & Silver
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Free Valuation Days Held at the Salerooms – ample free parking Tuesday 23rd July • Tuesday 20th August 9.30am – 5pm
Next Specialist Sale Thursday 12th September
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Leigh Country Fair and Dog Show
EVENTS
Adelaide, aged five, won the best young handler class in the dog show with her pet Penny, a one-yearold standard poodle. The show attracted dozens of entries
Annie Hobbs (left) and Hazel Park, members of Leigh-on-Mendip WI, on the group’s stand. Cotton bags and cakes were amongst the goodies on sale
Pip, a Harris Hawk, goes through the hoops – literally – to the delight of some helpers. Pip comes from Mere Down Falconry
Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band performed in the marquee. The band says new members are always welcome. Visit: www.midsomernortonandradstocksilverband.org MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 33
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Mandy rings the changes
Timsbury Workshop Estate
THERE’S a new buzz about Chew Magna High Street, thanks to Mandy Brown, who has revamped her popular The Valley Trading Post into three separate units. After more than six years in the village, Mandy decided the old single shop lay-out wasn’t working, so now the Post Office and Valley Trading Post have their own separate entrances and Mandy has let the new third unit to a
Mini Units in planning
Photography Studio
IT Computing
Florist
Food Preparation
Cake Making
Artist Studio
All enquiries: Call 01761 470523 or Email: timsburyworkshops@yahoo.com
local lettings agency. It means a greater range of goods at the Trading Post and a new section specialising in school uniforms for Chew Valley and local primary schools. Supplied by Trutex, the uniforms have a 12-month guarantee. Mandy said: “I’d been considering this for three years. It means that Moira Sage now owns the Post Office, so I can concentrate 100 per cent on running the shop. I hope it’s also good for the village to see this growth – it’s the retail outlets that bring life to a village.”
itÄÄxç The
Jackets G Fleeces G Walking Boots G Bags G Hats, Gloves G Travel Clothing
TRADING POST
G
Rural Shopping The Jewel in the Crown of
No. 1 Broad Street Congresbury BS49 5DG 01934 877333 www.countryinnovation.com
ECATCHER MOL
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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
Welcome back!
NOW REOPENED AFTER REFURBISHMENT * Free handmade journal (RRP £7.99) on purchases over £20
The Valley Trading Post, 1-2 South Parade, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8SH 01275 332430 Email: dakini@btconnect.com
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BUSINESS
Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.
Saving village shops
PAUL Blackburn, who has owned Draycott Village Stores and Post Office for the last 13 months, has taken over Westbury-sub-Mendip village store and post office, saving it from possible closure. Rachel Knell, who herself saved the Westbury shop four years ago, by taking it on with a team of volunteers, is buying a camper van and looking forward to a well-earned rest. Born in Durham, Paul was manager of two youth hostels in the Lake District, when he decided he would like to run his own small business. He said: “I wanted somewhere in the south west, saw the shop in Draycott, took a gamble, and it’s worked out great.” He says both shops are similar, though Westbury does more fresh and local food. He will still be relying on volunteers there, but is also looking for an extra member of staff for the post office. The villagers themselves are now looking to buy the shop premises for the village. At a time when other village
shops have been closing, Paul’s looking forward to the challenge of running both shops, both of which are now open at lunchtime. He said: “I’ve had good support because people wanted to keep the shop in the village and I’ve listened to what people want, adding 100 new lines at Draycott, which is not a big shop. “I wanted a little bit more to do and having the two shops is enough for me now. I enjoy the job and living here and it shows.”
Braces Shooting are holding an Airgun Open Day Saturday 6th July 10am-3pm Lots of guns available on the day to try and buy both new and secondhand. Prizes to be won including full airgun setups! HFT course set up by Tony Fouracres and the rest of the Daystate team Try the new Daystate Huntsman Regal Try guns and accessories from Daystate, Weihrauch, Air Arms, Stoeger plus many more. Have a go clay shooting stand, try clay pigeon shooting with a shotgun Hot food and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Location: Maes Knoll Farm, Norton Malreward, Pensford, Bristol, BS39 4EZ
Tel: 0117 300 9956 Email: info@bracesofbristol.com Or find us on facebook!
BLAGDON HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGES
Would you like to try this?
FOR A GIFT WITH A DIFFERENCE
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Please contact Nicky & Mike Lyons
01761 462250/07889 976498
www.blagdonhorsedrawncarriages.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 35
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Kathryn’s bespoke design is a winner
BUSINESS
FREELANCE florist Kathryn Delve, from Yatton, has won a prestigious award for her skills. Kathryn runs Bespoke Blooms, creating distinctive designs for Kathryn with her cushion design wedding, parties, offices and homes. She has been studying advanced floristry at the Academy of Floral Art and entered the WorldSkills competition in Manchester, achieving first place in her heat. Kathryn, who recently passed her Level 3 exams with distinction at the academy, based in Exeter, said: “I was thrilled to achieve first place. Whether it be a corporate event, a wedding, private celebration or a regular or one-off commission for your business premises, we will design for you. With our attention to detail and personal approach the focus is on making flowers look beautiful.” All students were asked to bring with them a “cushion” design, which could be given to an interior designer. During the competition itself, Kathryn was asked to produce a wired bouquet and a coffee table design.
Helen’s award • Accounts preparation for sole traders, partnerships and small companies • Business taxation and self-assessment returns • Payroll services • Small business start-up advice • Free initial consultation
HELEN Lacey, of Red Berry Recruitment, was runner-up in the Young Director of the Year Award for the South West at the Institute of Directors’ business awards. Helen won this category last year, so said she was absolutely delighted to be recognised again for a second year. She’s pictured with Richard Ayre, regional director of South West IOD. PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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Park’s festival success
COMMUNITY groups and organisations were the big winners at the annual Collett Park Festival in Shepton Mallet. The event celebrates the donation of land for a town park by benefactor John Kyte Collett and churches, schools, clubs and societies ran fundraising stalls during the day.
Going down a storm – Darth Vader and his team were a big hit with Somerset Young Farmers Club Andy Neal, the new town crier for Shepton Mallet, led a parade of dignitaries and guests through the town to the park
Billy the border terrier is the “mascot” for the Mid-Somerset Show and helped out on the agricultural society’s stand. He is pictured with Laura Thomas (left) and Christine Barham. See show preview, page XX
The Silver Bugles, from Uphill and Frome, march into the main arena for the opening ceremony The festival attracted one of its biggest crowds for several years with hundreds visiting the stalls or simply soaking up the sunshine
Liz Jordan sold her teatime recipe books in aid of the League of Friends of Shepton Mallet Community Hospital. The friends hold their annual fete on Saturday, July 13th in the grounds of Park Surgery from 2pm. PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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Draycott Strawberry Fayre
EVENTS Singer Holly Gray entertained the crowds
Members of Draycott and Rodney Stoke First School PTFA
Shane Penfold (left) and Anthony Majors helped with the skittles
Time for ice cream
Pony rides were popular MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 39
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Honouring war heroes
Mendip remembers
T H E G R E A T WA R 1 9 1 4 - 1 8
A soldier’s story
HERBERT Edward Chard was born on July 2nd 1896 to Robert Louis Smith Chard and Dora Chard (née Reed). At the age of 17 he joined the Great Western Railway as a clerk in Cardiff. A few days after the declaration of war in early August 1914 Ted Chard went to the headquarters of the North Somerset Yeomanry in Bath (the Yeomanry were reservist cavalry regiments). He was asked two questions by the recruiting sergeant: “Can you ride a horse?” and “Can you fire a rifle?” He answered “Yes” to both questions and immediately became Trooper Herbert Edward Chard. Within three weeks of Ted Chard joining the army his regiment was shipped to France – hardly time for sufficient training. During his four years of war service they marched to Mons and back and Trooper Chard suffered frostbite. By 1917 his regiment had suffered such great losses it was decommissioned and the officers and men were posted to other cavalry regiments. During his four years of active service Trooper Ted Chard had only two 10-day periods of home leave. Ted was demobilised in December 1918 and returned to Axbridge where he first helped in his father’s butchery business before developing a market gardening business selling strawberries, flowers, fruit and vegetables. He married Amy Palmer Porter from Bridgwater in 1922 and they had two sons, Edward Rex Chard and Michael Louis Chard. The family lived in a house on Hillside, Axbridge. Herbert Edward Chard died on October 19th, 1957 and is buried in Axbridge Churchyard. Axbridge and District Museum says it’s grateful to the Chard family for the information and for allowing Trooper Herbert Edward Chard’s medals to be displayed in King John’s Hunting Lodge Museum.
PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2013
HISTORY
AXBRIDGE and district museum, based at King John’s Hunting Lodge, is planning a roll of honour to mark the centenary of the First World War next year. The names of those who died in both world wars and other conflicts are recorded on the various war memorials to be found in By BAZ almost every community – Rodney Stoke is HAMBLIN a Thankful Village where all those who served in WWI survived. The museum wants to remember those who served and returned, many of them shattered physically and/or mentally by their experience, by creating a roll of honour with a short biography of each person. Initially the criteria for inclusion would be that the person would normally have been resident within the museum’s collecting area and have been awarded any of the First World War campaign medals: British War Medal 1914-1920: Although the award is dated 1914-1918 it was in fact issued for certain operations up to 1920, chiefly post-war mine clearance and service in various parts of Russia. Victory Medal 1914-1918: Although awarded to mark the end of the war in November 1918 the inscription reads: “The Great War For Civilization 1914-1919.” 1914 Star: This star was authorised in 1917 for service in France or Belgium between August 5th 1914 and midnight on November 22nd/23rd, 1914. 1914-1915 Star: This star was authorised in 1918 and awarded to all who saw service in any theatre of war in 1914-15, including the North West Frontier in 1915. The museum is asking for the names of anyone who meets the criteria, with as much detail about them as possible to help their research. Once it has established the Roll of Honour for the First World War it hopes to expand it at a later date to cover conflicts from 1919 to 1945 to include the Second World War and then from 1946 to the present to cover more recent conflicts.
Details: King John’s Hunting Lodge Museum, The Square, Axbridge or contact Baz Hamblin on 01934 733939 or 07979 994126.
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Dig for victory!
CHURCHILL Parish Council is celebrating the completion of its long-running project to provide allotments for villagers. The process to find land to provide allotments began in 2010 and the council said it proved to be a quite slow and protracted task to undertake. However it was worth waiting for as land became available to purchase rather than lease. A Public Works Loan Board loan from the Department for Communities and Local Government was secured and the purchase of two fields on Pudding Pie Lane in Langford was completed in July 2012. The council said: “The difference it has made to the fields in the time from this February to June is testimony to the hard work and enthusiasm of all the tenants and their families. The diverse way the plots have been designed makes the fields very interesting and attractive as well as fulfilling in terms of a sustainable community project everyone has enjoyed taking part in.” The council says the scheme may also kick-start future events and possible partnerships with other projects in the village, including a village show planned for Saturday, September 14th. G The formal opening takes place Saturday, June 29th at 3pm. The event is being sponsored by Thatchers Cider and Alvis Brothers.
Lions’ charity cheques
THE City of Wells Lions Club has two new members, Sue Lines and Wells’MP Tessa Munt. After welcoming the new members , club presented cheques to Heads Up (£1,000), Westfield Centre (£100) and Wells City Band (£200). These are just a few of the good causes supported during this financial year. Others helped included Air Ambulance, Wells ATC, Rockers and Rollers Day Nursery, Wells SODA, Glastonbury FM, St John Ambulance, Frome Canoe Club, Somerset Tall Ship for Disabled, Wookey Church Youth (Ignite), Lions Special Olympics, District Youth Activities, MD Youth Trust, RBL Poppy Appeal, Marie Curie Cancer Care, educational bursaries for two students and an emergency welfare case Shepton Mallet.
Past and present
NEWS
Lorna at work in Radstock Museum.
A NEW book shows the shock of the new and the elegance of the old in the buildings of Radstock and Midsomer Norton. Radstock and Midsomer Norton Through Time has been written by Radstock Museum’s acquisitions officer, Lorna Boyd. It features a mass of photographs giving insight into how the area has coped with the decline of traditional industries, like mines and railways, and how it celebrates its fascinating heritage in the present day. Radstock and Midsomer Norton Through Time is published by Amberley and is on sale in Radstock Museum bookshop for £14.99. G Radstock Museum is used to odd objects coming into its huge store of industrial and agricultural artefacts. But one thing has got its expert archivists stumped. It’s a curved piece of wood with a long metal crook attached to it, found with an assortment of tools and implements. Tom Randall, one of the museum’s researchers, said: “We’d love to know what it is because we are puzzled.”
Tom Randall with the “thing”
If anyone can identify the object, they should call the museum on 01761 437722, or email: info@radstockmuseum.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 41
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Minibus named after bishop
MENDIP Community Transport, the not-for-profit company that provides transport for the handicapped, elderly, sick and socially disadvantaged, has named a bus in honour of the retiring Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Price. He’s pictured at the ceremony at the Royal Bath and West Show with MCT chairman, Alan Gloak. The charity’s chief executive, Mike Curtis, said: “During Bishop Peter’s time as patron of MCT the charity has become a major player in the community transport sector. Over the last 11 years we have travelled over 3 million miles and provided transport for over 500 community groups. Today we operate 23 buses, employ 67 staff and are blessed with the services of over 60 volunteers.”
Cheddar food bank
THE action group behind the Cheddar Valley food bank have decided to call the organisation Cheddar Valley Plus, reflecting their aim of providing a whole range of support services, as well as the food bank itself. As well as Cheddar, it will cover Winscombe, Sandford, Rowberrow and Shipham across to Priddy, Wedmore and Bagley and to the west as far as Badgworth, Weare, Cross and Compton Bishop. Their immediate challenge is to raise £5,000 to set up and operate the food bank. They also need to secure the use of a warehouse facility as a storage and distribution centre within the Axbridge, Cheddar and Wedmore areas. G Meanwhile the food bank in Clevedon fed 546 people, nearly half of them children, from May to the end of December, and looks likely to feed 1,000 people this year. Paul Gale, chairman of the food bank steering group, said: “These figures are really shocking. No-one would have believed them when we opened last year. “It is particularly sad to see the families who are being referred to us for help. It is often the case that, even though parents are working, the family income is so low that something like the increase in fuel costs or an unexpected bill can plunge them into crisis.” Local people can help to feed families in crisis by donating at the next food collection at the Tesco store in Clevedon on July 5th and 6th. Details: Sue Albone or Matthew Dumelow at cheddarvalleyfoodbank@gmail.com Clevedon foodbank can be contacted on 07722 769529; email info@clevedon.foodbank.org.uk
PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Tony’s ultimate challenge
Tony with staff and residents
ONE of the care workers at Orchard Vale Trust, in Wookey, has taken on a series of ultra run challenges to raise money to help support residents of the five care homes it provides across the south west. Tony Ainsworth started on June 8th by running the 26.2 hilly, off-road miles of the South Downs marathon. In July, Tony will be running 200 miles in five days following the West Highland Way in Scotland. His son, Kalum, will be giving support on a mountain bike. In November the third event is planned to be a coast to coast run covering 300 miles and three major national parks from the west coast of Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. The fourth and ultimate challenge is attempting to break the world record, running 500 miles in nine days, following the Camino Santiago across the rugged mountains of Southern France and Northern Spain. The event is at planning stage at present but is set for Easter 2014. Orchard Vale Trust was set up to provide a caring environment and support to meet the individual needs of those in its care, for the rest of their lives. It was founded in 1985 and opened its first home, East Court, in Wookey, in 1986. It has since opened four other homes to meet the various needs of the residents. Tony said: “I love running over the Mendip hills getting out and being lucky enough to appreciate our lovely part of the country is fantastic but by far the best part is getting the support of others through their giving to this cause. It really motivates me and keeps me going. I will be carrying a banner with all our sponsors, donors and supporters on to remind me who is behind me.” Details: www.orchardvaletrust.org.uk routetotony@gmail.com www.tonysultrarun.com
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Beating cancer
A PUPIL at Wrington Church of England primary school asked her headteacher for a non-school uniform day to raise money for charity after her brother beat a brain tumour. Nine-year-old Tegan Jones (pictured centre), of Wrington, hopes that all 210 pupils might raise more than £200 for Cancer Research UK. Tegan said: “My brother, who is 22, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was 18. He is better now but it hurt my family and I don’t want anybody else to go through what we went through. We are stronger than cancer. I want to do what I can to raise money so scientists can help prevent other people going through this.” Headteacher, Sarah Joskey, said: “We have a strong tradition in the school of listening to students and when Tegan put forward the request to raise money for this very good cause, we were delighted to help. “A number of families have been touched by cancer and it’s wonderful that a child takes the initiative to support the charity Cancer Research UK.”
A spring in their steps
Minibus appeal for spinal injury patients
CHARITIES
A £50,000 appeal has been launched to provide a minibus for patients at the region’s only spinal injuries centre. The appeal aims to fund a specially-adapted vehicle for the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury. The spinal centre treats patients from across the South and South West of England. Money raised will also fund the support staff needed to help take patients out of the centre as well as vehicle maintenance. The SSIT says trips outside the centre are an important part of the rehabilitation process for people with a spinal cord injury but one of the biggest barriers facing wheelchair users is suitable transport. The minibus will ensure that patients being cared for can be safely transported to recreational activities that will complement their ongoing rehabilitation. Designed in consultation with staff at the spinal centre, the new minibus will be adapted to carry four passengers in wheelchairs with additional seating for four others. SSIT trustee Annie Maw, from Pilton, a former High Sheriff of Somerset who was a patient at the centre 11 years ago, said : “Although a spinal cord injury breaks your body, you’re still the same person with normal interests and aspirations. Regular outings while in the spinal centre provide contact with the real world – people and places – and these can be deeply restorative and reassuring.
Donations to SSIT’s Patient Minibus Appeal can be made via the website ssit.org.uk or by post to SSIT, 21 Chipper Lane, Salisbury SP1 1BG.
TWO charities each saw their funds boosted by £2,000 thanks to the efforts of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel. The money was raised at a “Spring Showstoppers” concert featuring the Bath Male Choir and members of Bath Light Operatic Group. The Golden Oldies singing charity and Freewheelers blood courier service were presented with their cheques at the club’s recent Centurion Hotel Interclub lunch attended by members from around the district. Golden Oldies, founded by Grenville Jones, holds weekly singing sessions across the South West and South Wales. Grenville’s ambition is that Golden Oldies – Sir Cliff Richard is its patron – will become a national charity. Volunteers from the Bristol, Bath and Weston branch of Freewheelers save people’s lives by covering more than 100,000 miles a year delivering out-of-hours blood, breast milk, X-rays and medicines.
Inner Wheel joint presidents Linda Tanner (on bike) and Mollie Arnold, with Grenville Jones (right with cheque) Lynne Evans (district chairman, standing at back) and Freewheelers Jason Phillips (with cheque) and Andy Smith MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 43
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Charity cheque
THE Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge presented a cheque for £750 to the Combe Down Holiday Trust, a local charity providing holidays, short breaks, or days out for disabled people and/or their carers and families living in the Bath & North East Somerset area. Inner wheel president Val Coles is pictured presenting the cheque to the trust’s chief executive Richard Osborn at a meeting at Cameley Lodge.
Ken’s sailing marathon
KEN Falcon, aged 71, from Cheddar has endured a 16hour marathon, sailing around the Isle of Wight to raise money for RYA Sailability, which helps disabled men, women and children get on the water and experience sailing. He has sailed for many years and is still currently involved with sailing, through his local club, Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club, and his involvement with the UK Laser Class Association, the double Olympic Sailing Dinghy, as chairman and the principal race officer. In the past he was the solo national and world champion in his solo racing dinghy and said he now wanted to give something back by sailing single-handed around the Isle of Wight to raise money for a worthy cause. Ken said: “Thanks especially to all of you who have donated to Sailability and, in so doing, encouraged me to complete this challenge (which I will not be repeating!!!).” Details: www.justgiving.com/ken-falcon
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
GIFT aid across the world
Chairman Derek Trick
THE Frome-based GIFT Friendship Trust has given financial support to 18 young people under its bursary award scheme in the last year, involving projects in Uganda, Chile, Malaysia, Cuba, Malawi, Honduras, The Gambia, Borneo, Nicaragua, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Bangladesh, Peru, China and elsewhere. For 27 years the trust has encouraged young people to experience another culture by undertaking projects by living and working with indigenous communities in developing countries, and this has involved 350 young people working in no fewer than 52 countries. Derek Trick, chairman and a co-founder of the GIFT Friendship Trust, said: “GIFT’s purpose is to extend the educational development of young people to go beyond the classroom and lecture hall and to experience the reality of another culture in other parts of the world. “Compared to the UK, many of the visits are to impoverished communities, but the reports we receive back from our young recipients always positively reflect on how other people, who have little or nothing, are happy, have a great sense of family and community purpose, and manage without all the clutter of wasteful material things we have in our own society. “It is an invaluable reality check on life for our young people to round off their education before entering the work place and is the perfect entry on their future CV.” Details: www.giftfriendshiptrust.org.uk
Support for air ambulance
SOMERSET Freemasons have presented Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a grant of £2,000 from their national charity, the Freemasons’ Grand Charity. Nationally since 2007 the charity has given £1.2 million, providing funding to every air ambulance in England and Wales. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance chief executive Bill Sivewright said that the charity needs £1.5m a year to provide this vital service, which has carried out over 9,375 missions since it was launched. On behalf of Somerset Masons, Ray Guthrie, said: “Air ambulances across the country play such a vital role in ‘taking the hospital to the patient’ saving precious time and consequently saving lives.”
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Charity awards
THE Inner Wheel Club of Frome made two charity awards at its annual meeting. It gave £500 to Samaritans Purse, which sends “Operation Christmas Child” shoe boxes to Eastern Bloc states and African Countries and £400 to the Piers Simon Appeal for their “School in a Bag” charity which sends a schoolbag filled with stationery, equipment and resources to orphans, vulnerable and disaster affected children across the world. President Jenny Hulbert (left) is pictured with Eileen Hinton (second left) from Samaritans Purse, and inner wheel members Gwen Barnard and De Barnes, who chairs the Overseas Service committee which has raised more than £1000 during the year for overseas charities.
Tenth anniversary celebration
THE Ambassadors, who support Quartet Community Foundation, celebrated their tenth anniversary at Langford Court, home of Sir David and Lady Paula Wills, who is chairman of the Ambassadors, who have raised £70,000 for the charity. Quartet covers North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset, as well as Bristol and South Gloucestershire. It now has an endowment fund of £20million and distributes grants worth more than £2million a year. Lady Paula is pictured (centre) with Caroline Duckworth, Quartet’s chief executive to her right, with committee members (l to r) Val Urquart, Mel Waycott, Liddy Hill and Jane Moss.
Look out for Simon this summer
CHARITIES
SIMON Drew from Glastonbury is hoping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) by busking throughout the summer. He will be performing solo acoustic guitar-based tunes at various places in the High Street, including an improvisation around themes from Tubular Bells, various instrumental songs and some classical guitar pieces. As a heart disease patient himself, he is raising money to help save lives and to support the BHF’s campaign against heart disease – the UK’s biggest killer. Simon, aged 50, a former HR manager, said: “I can no longer work, I would really like to busk all day, seven days a week but in reality can manage only a couple of hours every 3-4 days and then only if the sun is shining and there’s not much wind. ‘Dying’ and then being ‘re-born’ was very liberating – I never thought I’d have the bravery to play in front of people or indeed enjoy it.” Julie Patterson, Fundraising Volunteer Manager, for the BHF said: “We all know someone who has been affected by heart disease, it can affect anyone, young, old, male or female – it doesn’t discriminate. “We really appreciate the huge effort that people like Simon put into raising funds for the charity to enable us to continue our life saving work.” Details: Julie Patterson, 01749 880784; Simon Drew 07887 518 499/01458 830111 simon@tormusic.co.uk
Long distance walker
GRANDAD Peter Gatenby, aged 69, from Henton, near Wells is nearing the end of a mammoth task of walking alone to the extremities of the British mainland. His intrepid walk started on April 13th last year. After walking for many months he had to adjust his plans due to the weather – remember the rain in 2012! He set off again on April 2nd and has been walking continuously since then with the odd rest day. Peter, who has now reached Scotland, has got through five sets of boots so far. Details: www.theextremities.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 45
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INTERNET
Online calendars
MANY providers now include an online calendar for you to use or not as you wish. But once you get used to using one, you may wonder how you managed without it. Many email providers (such as gmail.com) include an online calendar but there are all sorts of places where they exist as an inbuilt programme or app – iPad; Tablets; etc. Just click on the Calendar option and then sign in – if you don’t already have an account with them, you will need to create one with your email address and password.
Then decide what format you want – many people find a month at a time the most useful, so click on the appropriate button at the top right of the page. This example shows a monthly calendar displaying Wednesday, 12th June as the current date. On the left is the whole month with arrows to the left and right, so if you wanted July, you would click on the arrow pointing right to move to the next month. It also has UK holidays active, which shows Father’s Day in purple. You can also share your calendar with work colleagues, or with friends. In the top right corner is a Cog symbol (the usual symbol for Tools/Settings/Options), which contains a link to your settings, where you can set your Time Zone or Date Format, whether you want the week to start on a Sunday or Monday, whether you want the weather to be shown etc. This is also the place to choose to have UK holidays displayed. We will look at more settings and creating a date with or without a reminder in the next issue. Submitted by IT for the Terrified : The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934-741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, either one-off sessions or a series, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts 2 hours and costs £10. We can cover a range of subjects including absolute basics on Windows XP/Vista/W7/W8; photo management; iPad; Tablet computers; basic web design; Word processing etc. We are closed for the whole of the school holidays this year, and will reopen on 2nd September 2013. Open House sessions will be in September – see next issue for dates. See our web site or contact us for further details. PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS
1/2 Web disrupts menu by arrangement near Wells (8,3,6) 5 Whistles and . . . two or three-piece Cockney wear (6) 10 Hello, best to concentrate on your ears (5) 11 French rise to severe responsibility of 30,7 (9) 12 Self-delusion sends away means of keeping warm (4,3) 13 Feminist keeps at making increase (7) 14 Things not working without energy attract smart types (5) 16 To cause annoyance after damage is bound to make you open wide (9) 18 Daily extract can hold things together (5,4) 21 Lions left Long Island . . . some body part remaining (5) 23 Half the musicians found a shortcut to source of cider (7) 25 Sign to keep on track for bookworms (7) 27 Racy style of treasure of 30, 7 (5,4) 28 You’ll find I enjoy the freer kind of pop music (5) 29 What’s said about fifty, if different, may end up apart (6)
30/7Citizen to believe in looking after property . . . (8,5)
DOWN 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9
15 17 18 19 20 22 24 26
Water source led to feeling satisfied (4-3) See 1 Across Lamb is topped off with gravy (5) Couldn’t keep to the point so went for a walk (7) Lenin gave a means of fermenting the masses (9) See 30 Across Use bad language to approve strongly (5,2) A single drink for fated Russian character (6) On French having got through test looked outclassed (9) Great Dane found pleasant setting for refreshment (3,6) Inadequate regulation may nevertheless help the needy (4,3) Leading man loses nine going in for dodgy reading (3,3) My army pal turned out to be a plant (7) Watertight lock up gives mobile power source (3,4) Give comic a terrible reception to provide for (5) Dublin is unlikely place to find pancake (5)
Answers on Page 97
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House sales hit three-year peak THE number of homes sold in the South West over the past three months reached its highest level in three and a half years as buyers across the country continue to return to the market, says the latest RICS residential market survey. Chartered surveyors in the region sold on average 18 properties during the three months to May, representing the highest reading since November 2009. Furthermore, sales are expected to continue their rise over the next three months with a net balance of 27 per cent more respondents predicting transaction levels will grow rather than fall. As demand increased, the supply of property to the market held firm. A net balance of 26 per cent more surveyors in the region reported an increase in the number of new instructions, the same figure as that of April.
Average stocks per surveyor now stand at 61, down just slightly from 63 last month. Meanwhile, prices took a dive last month as a net balance – 20 per cent more chartered surveyors in the south west reported increases rather than decreases. This figure has now been in negative territory for two years. However, with the demand for property on the up, a net balance off 11 per cent more surveyors predict that future prices will begin to rise, rather than fall. Differentiating from the sales market in the south west, the rental market saw a drop in tenant demand this spring. Interest from would-be renters fell to a net balance of 41 per cent during the three months to May (from +49 percent in April). In tandem with the fall in demand, a decreasing number of landlords placed
CONSTRUCTION has started on a new development of eight rural homes for affordable rent in the heart of Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury. Raglan Housing, working in partnership with Mendip District Council and regional contractor Brookvale Homes, is behind the new development at Talbot Orchard in Ham Street. The new scheme, which is due for completion in November this year, will provide a mix of four energyefficient two-bedroom houses and four three-bedroom houses for affordable rent. The economical-to-run homes will have energy-saving features such as high levels of thermal insulation and air source heat pumps. Nina Richards, affordable housing officer for Mendip District Council, said: “The homes will be for local people and this is just one of the schemes we have programmed
to deliver with Raglan. We will continue to work closely with them and all our partners to make sure we can continue to meet the needs of the local community.“
New homes for local people
PROPERTY their properties on the market during the last quarter. A net balance of just 10 per cent more chartered surveyors
in the region reported rises in new instructions, a decrease on the previous quarter’s reading of 19 per cent.
CHURCHILL GREEN CHURCHILL NORTH SOMERSET
Highly individual detached house offering quality accommodation amounting to 4,700 sq ft in secluded private setting on the edge of the village. The versatile interior can have annexed accommodation/office if desired. Delightful level gardens and drive entrance amounting in all to .75 acre. More land can be available by separate negotiation to purchase or rent if required. EPC rating E. Ref: 24561 GUIDE PRICE £895,000
PROPERTY TO RENT BELLUTON PENSFORD CHEW VALLEY
A unique opportunity to rent an attractive 4 bed farmhouse with or without the adjoining 2 bed cottage and with an option to rent adjoining land by separate negotiation. Both properties can be accessed by separate drives. EPC rating F. Ref: 23925/1
Wrington Tel: 01934 864300
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2013 • PAGE 47 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 47
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Children enjoying outside play at Brue Farm Day Nursery in Lovington, near Castle Cary, Somerset. For further information please contact the nursery on 01963 240111 Award winning Children’s Day Nursery
Next Steps Childcare Centre
Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School
Highly qualified team. Excellent secure rural location. Funding available for 2-3-4 year olds Gardening, Yoga, Music & Dance, Cookery
01749 346808
www.nextstepschildcare.com The Royal Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet BA4 6QL Ofsted 2009 “Outstanding partnership with parents”. “Children have great fun freedom exploring the world outside in the fresh air, Excellent organised activities.”
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
EDUCATION
Explore and have fun
Welcome to Audrey the donkey, the latest member of the Brue Farm Day Nursery team. An exclusive Children’s Day Nursery delivering exceptional care & education in an award winning environment Babyroom
Nursery
Preschool
Forest School
Ofsted 2010 “Children have developed good language and number skills and show a passion for exploring and investigating their world.” “These skills will help support their future learning”
Funding now available for 2-3-4 year olds
Wells Road Latcham Wedmore BS28 4SA
01934 713527
www.littleowlschildcare.com
NEXT Steps is a well-established and popular childcare centre situated within 240 acres on the Royal Bath and West Showground just outside Shepton Mallet. They have an exciting activity garden, a private forest school area and access to all the varied outdoor space within the showground. Come rain or shine, their learning and fun flows from inside to out. They are proud to be working in partnership with all their local first schools. This year our pre-school “graduates” and their families, will be attending the Leavers Express Party, on the miniature railway steam train within the showground. There are places available for September 2013.
Give your child a flying start LITTLE Owls is an award winning childcare centre with the emphasis on outdoor fun and learning, situated on the delightful Isle of Wedmore overlooking the Mendips Hills. Their building has been adapted to ensure that there is a child friendly learning environment. Outdoors they have a wildlife nature garden and a forest school activity centre. The qualified early years teacher and her team are committed to delivering outstanding care and education. They are proud to work in partnership with Wedmore First School Academy, with 12 of their Wise Owls pre-school children due to start there in September. They have a few places left for September.
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WILDLIFE
The real wild
SINCE the State Of Nature report was launched last month we have been bombarded with bad news about our declining wildlife. By CHRIS There is so much SPERRING doom and gloom and MBE focus on species which are threatened and habitats that have been lost, that it all begins to sound like there’s nothing anyone can do. Well, yes, there are depressing statistics in the report, but it worries me that so much pessimism will cause people to switch off and give up, when in fact we need the opposite. Wildlife conservation needs to be all inclusive, yet more and more regulations and restrictions are alienating the very people that can make the most difference. Of course we need to protect vulnerable species and habitats, but surely the best way to do this is to make them more accessible; to bring people more in touch with nature, not less? I’m always banging on about the “real wild” and how much we can do by letting nature take back some control. We know how important it is to re-create some of our lost wildflower meadows and woodlands, but we shouldn’t forget the less aesthetically pleasing habitats which are just as vital and support just as much biodiversity. The humble bramble bush, for example, is often seen as a nuisance even, I’m sad to say, on some nature reserves, but the food, cover and nesting sites that this type of scrub provides for a host of wildlife, from invertebrates to birds and small mammals, is immense. We do have to manage
A short eared owl at Barbara’s home at Townfield
landscapes and habitats as we have long ago removed the animals that nature provided to carry out this work, but to what degree we manage should be led by the results of nature and not plans laid down in offices. Many of the best wild areas appear to be abandoned human sites such as old industrial facilities. Just have a look around Mendip and you’ll see what I mean. Overall, we should be optimistic about the state of our wildlife. I meet farmers and landowners every day who are willing to create wild areas so that they and future generations can enjoy our wildlife. Many species are doing well: red kites, otters, peregrines, buzzards, bitterns, little egrets and polecats to name but a few. We can all help too; whether by creating small wild patches in our gardens, putting up nest
This month’s article is dedicated to the memory of Barbara Handley
Barbara Handley on the Hawk and Owl Trust reserve at Shapwick
Photography by Chris Sperring
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boxes or volunteering to help look after our local wild places. G LAST month I lost a friend and colleague – Barbara Handley, chairman of the Hawk and Owl Trust, who lived at Charterhouse. Her property sat in seven acres of land which she devoted to wildlife. Barbara wanted somewhere where kestrels could hunt and, in the evening, barn owls hover effortlessly in view of her house. In the 10 years she lived there the number of species using and breeding on that land increased dramatically. She created a place where she could stand outside her house and listen to skylarks singing from above, a place where in the summer glowworms, marbled white butterflies, grass snake and adder could be seen with ease and the occasional ear tips of brown hare could be viewed in the waist-high wild grassland. In winter huge flocks of redwings and fieldfares would descend with meadow pipits into the now fallen grass and linnet and goldfinch became plentiful. It was where the tawny owl would give out its haunting calls and where, in the spring, wild snowdrops would give way to bluebells, primrose and cowslips. Barbara was a very positive and determined leader, never afraid to try new ideas, and always upbeat to the last days of her life about how we can reverse the decline of our native species. Barbara felt that it was our duty to give wildlife as much of our land as possible and that we would be all the richer for it. In my small garden I see a new species every time I walk outside. This inspires and excites me. Whether we have 100 acres or a window box, isn’t it our duty to do what we can? The rewards will be immeasurable.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 01275 849287 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 49
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The way to the White Horse
THIS month let’s go a little further afield to one of the Wiltshire white horses – the one set in the hillside above Westbury. Amazing views, big skies, paragliders soaring on the thermals, rooks raucously crying as they, too, fly and the sweet song of skylarks are some of the features of this Wiltshire downland circle which goes above the White Horse. Start in Bratton, a village near Westbury and climb steadily, but
not too steeply, up to the hill fort and the White Horse and then head along the Imber Range Perimeter Path before climbing a little more and then following the line of the hill to curve round and drop down. Walk along the flat through fields to return to Bratton. It’s a fairly dry walk with only one stile, so ideal for dogs, with refreshment at the Duke pub in Bratton where you park. PARK: In Bratton, a village on the B3098, three miles east of Westbury, Wilts. The Duke, along the main road in the centre of the village, is a traditional country pub ideal to start or end the walk. You can use the car park, but please ask, in case they have a function on. If not there is plenty of parking nearby. START: Cross the main road from the Duke and turn right and shortly go left up The Butts. Bend right at the top in Upper Garston Lane. Drop down to a crossroads and go straight on towards Bratton Camp. Start to get a good view of Bratton Downs on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain on your left.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
1. LANE Reach a lane and turn left to begin the uphill stretch. It is a quiet lane but there
may be some cars coming up to the car park. Notice the lynchets on the side of the hill – you will see more of these further on. These ancient terraces are believed to have been caused by medieval ploughing methods, working along the contours to provide growing ledges and in an attempt to prevent erosion. The smaller terraces are where animals have grazed over the years walking along the terrace and feeding from the terrace above. Ignore side turns and continue to where the lane bends left. Here go up to a stile (the only one on this circle) on the right and come onto the outer edge of Bratton Camp Hill fort. 2. BRATTON CAMP The original Iron Age Hillfort defences were built at Bratton Camp over 2,000 years ago. These earthworks protected a settlement of round houses, granaries, stores and workshops. However, 3,000 years earlier a Neolithic long barrow existed on this hill and later excavations in the 19th century uncovered human skeletons and cremations. Today, this extensive chalk grassland supports herb and grass species that provide a habitat for insects, including the rare Adonis Blue butterfly and the scarce forester moth. Follow the edge round with amazing
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WALKING
views across the right with the prominent chimney and buildings of Westbury Cement Works, although it seems likely that it will be demolished in the not too distant future. Bend round on the hillfort edge and then cross the outer ditch and turn right on the opposite bank and drop down left down steps. Continue along the edge and soon come above the White Horse – look back down to the right.
3. WHITE HORSE There is an information board and then continue to a seat to give one of the best views. The Westbury white horse is the oldest of the nine Wiltshire horses. It is believed to have been cut into the hillside in the 16th century to celebrate the supposed Battle of Ethandun in AD 878 although it is not certain. But what is sure that there has been a white horse on the site for at least 300 years. In 1778, a Mr. George Gee (appropriately named!), who was steward to Lord Abingdon, had the horse re-cut to a design nearer to its present day appearance. A century later the horse had become somewhat misshapen, and in 1873 it was restored again to its present shape. In the early 1950s it was covered in concrete to ease maintenance. Curve round left following the hill edge and go through a gate onto a track. Turn right along the edge until you reach a footpath sign directing you left across the hill. Continue to the end and
6 miles, 3 hours walking. OS Explorer Map 143, Warminster & Trowbridge, grid ref: 914524
come onto the Imber Range Path.
4. RANGE PATH This is a 30 mile long distance circular path along the perimeter of the Imber Firing Range. Turn left. The path is hard and dry and ideal for striding out and enjoying the wide open spaces. Stay on it for two miles, passing a farm on your left, and ignoring side bridleways. Drop down to a T-junction and go right towards a green Range hut
5. HUT Reach a signpost just before the hut and take the footpath left along a grassy track cutting through the Wiltshire
farmland, heading north. Pass a farm over on the left. Continue on the footpath through a gate and now climb gently, starting to get views again across to the north. Go through a gate and maintain direction, passing a conical reservoir on the right. Soon the track curves left following the line of the hill and giving you great views back across to Bratton camp. Drop downhill. 6. RESERVOIR Pass Bratton reservoir, go through a gate ahead and then drop down a sunken track (Sandy Lane) to the main road. Go left a couple of yards, cross and take the footpath into a field by the Edington sign. Now simply go right around the field edge, round two corners and all the way along the undulating far side all the way to the far corner and a gate.
7. GATE Go through and down a path to a stream. Turn right along the edge and then cross and come onto a lane on the edge of Bratton. Cross over and follow the hard path ahead and then round two bends all the way to the village near the Duke. The pub dates back to the 18th century and was formerly three cottages; it was at some unknown date converted into a public house with outside tea rooms and was named The Duke William. The church apparently owned the Duke William, for how long is unknown, but they then went on to sell it in 1888. The Duke, Bratton 01380 830242. MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 51
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Showing the passage of time
WELL, the Royal Bath and West Show was a great success this year and the North Somerset Show was blessed with some of the finest weather and what must have been close on a record attendance. These shows are such an important part of the countryside year and can only be appreciated when the With LES weather is at its best. DAVIES MBE Thankfully this year that was the case. With all the pleasure of the day will however come the frustration of traffic congestion getting in and out of the venues; the crowd at the entrance and the expense of refreshments for the family, once through the turnstiles. My early memories of the North Somerset Show are of travelling on the bus to Ashton Court and walking up through the impressive gatehouse onto the show site. There was very little traffic back then and lunch, well ‘dinner’, was carried in a shopping bag. It was nothing fancy; sandwiches were a great treat and egg ones especially. Oh, how my palate has become jaded with the passage of time, when I stand making my sandwiches for ‘lunch’, the sparkle seems to have gone out of the whole idea. Often it rained, but my memory is kind to me, and I only remember the dry shows, sitting around the natural amphitheatre and watching the main events in the ring; walking around looking at the machinery and so many stalls! Then the weary trudge back to the bus stop and a wait that seemed forever. After getting on to the bus (which was inevitably crowded) the journey would be punctuated by the groan of brakes and the grinding clang of the ‘crash’ gearbox as the driver wrestled with a vehicle that had no synchromesh gears and no power steering. No sooner had he managed the Herculean task of getting the beast into top gear, than someone would ring the bell requesting to be let off at the next stop, and the whole process had to start again. After what seemed like several lifetimes to a small boy, the bus would finally stop for us, and another long walk back up the hill would bring me home again. On reflection maybe things haven’t changed that much; after all, everything is relative, isn’t it? I find gardening is an activity best done at the end of the day, as the sun goes down, and with a glass of good red wine in my hand. Only then will I appreciate the tranquillity of it all and the uniformity of the rows in my vegetable patch. They are neatly hoed and the path is brushed up; the grass cut and edged; the hedge clipped and cleared. This is my managed and manicured landscape that my great hero William Cobbett would have approved of. Although I would win no prizes for my horticultural prowess, it still gives me immense satisfaction to be there. This is my time to stand and stare at the dying of the day and listen to that most wonderful of song birds, the blackbird as he gives his final warning of the day to all the other birds about. I swear that if he could play a bugle he would be sounding “Sunset”, that most evocative of military tunes played as the Union flag is lowered at the end of each day. The countryside however is buzzing with all the good weather that early June brought. Grass has been rushed off the fields and
OUTDOORS
into the silage clamps. The ‘tractor boys’ have been working all hours as the contracting gangs move from site to site, determined to bring in the crop with the utmost speed. I remember last year and the disaster that was summer, together with its effects on moorland farmers. I can only hope that whatever lies ahead of us will be kinder than it was last year. Already there are concerns amongst the arable farmers that wheat may be in short supply because of bad winter conditions. Even in today’s modern hi-tech world we need the wheat that is grown on the land to provide our bread. Not a bad run for a plant that started around 10,000 years ago somewhere around the area of Turkey, as a result of four wild grasses that naturally crosspollinated – not bad for an accident of nature either. This country is truly a green and pleasant land that has been passed down to us along the time-span of millennia. We still manipulate this landscape to suit our needs and in its turn it supports us. It’s not only food for the body that comes from this land, it is also food for our souls. I never tire of the views, I never stop thinking about those whose lives shaped it, and to this end I can thoroughly recommend Peter Coate’s exhibition of paintings of Mendip and the Levels over the past 50 years. You will remember I mentioned before that I had been to see Peter. His exhibition at Wells and Mendip Museum opens on Saturday, July 6th and runs until Saturday, August 3rd. Entry is free and opening hours are 10am until 5pm daily, apart from Sundays when the museum will be open from 11am until 4 pm. Another local painter, Richard Blacker, painted a splendid backdrop for the Environmental Youth Awards exhibition at the Bath and West this year. It feels as if you are looking into a piece of woodland, so good is the perspective. If you want to see some more of Richard’s work go and take a look at the old Cox’s Mill site in Cheddar, that’s his work as well. I haven’t room to fit a picture into this edition, but I’ll try for next time. Congratulations to Longvernal School at Midsomer Norton, who were the overall winners of the Environmental Youth Award at the Royal Bath and West this year. They will be in this edition, and are no strangers to Mendip Times, or me, after I first met them at last year’s Mendip Ploughing Match, see page ??. Finally – last month’s picture was of the gatekeepers at Langford Court. I met Sir David Wills at the Bath and West and he did ask me why I had photographed his gateway, so at least one person got it! This month’s will be a little more exacting. Look at Peter Coate’s painting near Priddy, but where? For me the trees and the shed gave it away, but you would not normally be looking at it from this direction.
I’m always happy to hear from you, so drop me a line at Les.Davies@westcountryman.org.uk
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YEO VALLEY
Sunshine, silage and one of the country’s best cows! FINALLY British summertime has arrived and without a cloud in the sky, our cows are out in the fields enjoying their grass with the sun on their backs! With the warm, dry weather we have been able to take our first cut of grass. If you’ve looked out across the countryside over the By TOM DE last couple of weeks you may have seen the PASS grass laid out in rows ready to be picked up by a forage harvester and blown into a trailer running alongside. The grass is placed into bunkers where a tractor rolls over it to compress it and it’s covered with a cling film like plastic to exclude the air. With the aid of an inoculant containing specially selected friendly bacteria and enzymes, the grass will slowly pickle to produce silage. This will form the basis of the ration for our cows during the winter months. Sunshine is all important for raising the sugar levels in grass, whether grazed or for silage. Our herd of pedigree British Friesian cows has always been an incredibly important part of the Yeo Valley family and Mary Mead, Co-Founder of Yeo Valley, still remains very much at the forefront of Holt Farms. Twice a year our cows are put through their paces as an External Classifier from Holstein UK, which is an independent breed society, rates them.
During our classification last month we were very proud when a cow from our Holt Farm herd was rated one of the best British Friesians in the country. Lakemead Lupin 28 scored ‘Excellent 95’, this is the highest rating that can be achieved and not only was it a first for Lakemead, but also for the Classifier! Lupin has now calved for the tenth time and classified ‘Excellent’ on eight occasions, but now with the top score. The information collected during the classification is invaluable as it is used as part of the selection process when breeding. All the information about a cow is recorded against the sire, the father of a cow, and the data builds up a profile of him based on his daughters’ characteristics. For example our own Lakemead Pinnacle bull has 135 daughters across 36 herds in the UK. The scores that these daughters receive will be recorded against Lakemead Pinnacle in a Fact Sheet which is available to farmers on the Holstein UK website. Milk recording information taken monthly includes yield, fat and protein percent, fertility and mastitis cell counts, and is also passed to the breed society to give the bull a production score. These statistics, together with the ancestry, aid our team in choosing a bull to serve a cow so that they can ensure longevity, good fertility and milk yield for the future of the herd. It is this careful attention to detail which has allowed us to rear one of the best British Friesian cows in the country. Mary Mead said: “Breeding is a very long term business, especially as we rear our own replacements and don’t buy in any cows, so to achieve such a high scoring cow is a great reward, especially as there appears to be only one or two a year for our breed.”
If you would like to visit our award winning herd of pedigree British Friesians why not book yourself on to one of our Farm Adventure Tours. Visit www.yeovalley.co.uk for more information.
Supper in the garden
THIS month we will be holding the first of our supper in the garden evenings at the Tea Room in our Yeo Valley Organic Garden. The series of events will take place across the summer and will be an opportunity to enjoy some alfresco dining in the beautiful Mendip countryside with friends and family. We are committed to using the finest quality produce to create great tasting organic food and these suppers will be no
exception. The menu will be based on traditional British dishes such as asparagus salad and Eton mess. The evening is bring-your-own, making it an affordable night with first-rate food. The events will start from 7pm on: • Friday 12th July • Friday 9th August • Friday 13th September
The meal will cost £18 per person (children £8). Spaces are limited so for more information and to book your table, please email events@yeovalley.co.uk or call 01761 461425. www.yeovalley.co.uk
Tom de Pass is head of communications and events at Yeo Valley, a family-owned farming and dairy processing business based in Blagdon, and will be bringing us a monthly report on their activities. The Holt Farms organic farming operation has 1250 acres on the Mendip Hills and in the Yeo Valley beside Blagdon Lake. www.yeovalley.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 53
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A greenhouse at last!
FOR the first time in my life I am the proud possessor of a greenhouse at home. I have survived over the years with two small cold frames and With MARY an open porch. The PAYNE MBE front porch spends the winter draped in a double layer of fleece, which does not look very welcoming, nor is it very elegant. My garden is very, very small and so space for a greenhouse, even a very small one was, I thought, impossible. However, thanks to a heron, which I have accused of puncturing my pond liner, we decided to do away with the pond and replace it with a simple bubble fountain. This required quite an amount of soil to fill in the pond. This was taken from the 4’ x 4’ raised vegetable patch and by losing just one foot of garden a space developed sufficient to take, not just the smallest greenhouse, but the next size up - a 6’ x 6’ greenhouse! I always advise folk considering a greenhouse to think of a size and then go one larger, so at least I have practiced what I preach! There are so many decisions to be made. Whether to have a wooden or an aluminium one? It all depends on whether the look of the greenhouse in its proposed site is important. Wood looks more rural than aluminium, but for a small greenhouse the cross section of the glazing bars reduces the light levels slightly. Unless you are prepared to spend a fortune, avoid painted wood, as repainting is a difficult and timeconsuming chore. I have opted for an aluminium structure, powder coated in dark grey rather than green. I have also chosen toughened glass, mainly as my dear cat is likely to jump onto the roof and grandchildren are often around. One could opt for acrylic sheet but this scratches and can be difficult to clean. Glass certainly admits the best light levels and retains heat better than other materials. The ideal space for a greenhouse is an open site but sheltered from cold winds. The ideal orientation is for the ridge to run north/south so the sunlight is even on both sides. Avoid overhanging branches as the leaves will make a mess, and the PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
shade in summer may be excessive – depending on what you wish to grow of course. Ventilation is very important, and in an ideal word the area of the ventilators should be at least one sixth of the floor area, excluding the door. The smaller the greenhouse, the harder it is to get good ventilation, so a combination of roof vents and low level louvre vents gives the desired “chimney effect”. The hot air rises out of the roof vent sucking in cooler air via the louvre vents. It is a good idea to have automatic vents. The door can also be left open in hot weather. I shall also fit a wire grid door to keep birds and the cat out when the door is open. Internally I will have a solid floor on which to stand containers, but you may prefer to have earth beds on one or both sides of a central path if you wish to grow in the soil rather than pots. One side of mine has fixed slatted aluminium staging with a higher shelf. It is important to ensure that the staging is absolutely level, if you wish to use any form of capillary irrigation to make watering easier. During high summer most greenhouses will need some form of shading, depending on what you are growing. Even tomatoes benefit from this, and it can reduce the incidence of greenback. This is when the shoulders of the fruits do not ripen, remaining green. Shading can be painted onto the outside of the glass and products are available that, when dry, are opaque, and when wet from rain, go clear. This type of shading should be removed in autumn to get good winter light levels. Alternatively external blinds can be fitted, but are very expensive. A simple, but effective, alternative is to use a thin grade horticultural fleece as “curtains” inside, supported by wires.
To heat or not to heat your greenhouse! – that is the question. Obviously it all depends on what you wish to grow, but there is no doubt that heating a structure made of glass is not going to be cheap, and insulating the greenhouse, or even part of it, with bubble wrap will reduce heat loss. The most efficient and cost effective method is to use a thermostatically controlled greenhouse fan heater. The thermostat can be set to just keep out the frost, if required, and in summer the fan can be used to circulate air, especially useful in a small greenhouse. What you wish to grow is a very personal choice. Having lost my tiny vegetable patch I will grow tomatoes and hopefully avoid last year’s disastrous attack by blight when they were grown outside. I always preach that you should not grow cucumbers and tomatoes in the same greenhouse as they require opposing conditions. Tomatoes prefer a drier atmosphere while cucumbers love a humid environment but I am giving them both a go this year. Peppers, chillies and aubergines will do much better under glass than growing outdoors. If you use grow-bags then I suggest, for another year, that instead of using them flat as instructed you cut each bag in half. Stand each half upright and make some drainage holes an inch from the base of the bag. Then grow one tomato/cucumber in each “pot”. This gives each plant a better volume of compost and they are much easier to water thus avoiding the common problem of blossom end rot. This is a physiological disorder where the base of the fruit goes black, and is caused by a lack of calcium resulting from inadequate or erratic water availability. I can’t wait for that first home grown tomato picked warm from the greenhouse.
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J U LY G A R D E N T I P S
GARDENING
G Check for briar suckers coming from the roots of roses and remove them flush with the roots to avoid getting more. G Vigorous shrubs such as Firethorn (Pyracantha) will benefit from having over-long shoots pruned back and this will stop them hiding the attractive berries which should have formed on old growth. G Vigorous climbers such as clematis, honeysuckle and perennial sweet peas will need tying up again. Support them well and they will repay you well with more blooms. G All lime-hating plants, either in pots or in the garden, will reward you next spring if you regularly feed with a specific plant food such as Miracle-Gro Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron feed. This month is when next year’s flower buds form so ensure they don’t go short of water. G Check susceptible varieties of plants for vine weevil damage. Half-circle notches out of the edges of leaves are common at this time of year and are caused by the adult insects. G Feed rose bushes. Spread a handful or two of Toprose fertiliser around the plants and lightly hoe it in. Remove dead flowers and the tip of each shoot to encourage a strong new shoot to grow. This will give you a good show later. G Prune climbing and rambling roses by cutting out old shoots that have flowered (and weak ones that haven’t). Cut back hard to encourage new shoots to appear. These new shoots will carry next years’ flowers. Courtesy of Cleeve Nursery
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 55
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NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH
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Finding Truffles in Bishop Sutton
THIS looked like a bomb site 12 years ago – in fact a live ‘mole’ bomb (requiring bomb-squad removal) had to be shifted, as well as 60 tons of scrap metal. A sea of mud and diggers marked the creation of the two-acre Truffles garden. Owners, Sally and Heather, set about having traction and car engines, wheels, axles, washing machines and a multitude of other rubbish cleared from the pretty little valleys that now support wildlife and a charming woodland walk on one side and on the other, the ‘Privy’ garden with waist-high vegetable growing beds 21 feet long (5 feet wide). Less intervention was needed in the rest of the garden to create a stone 24-seat mini amphitheatre, large areas of annual and perennial wildflower meadows and established interesting flower and shrub beds, with perennial and annual planting, a rose garden and a circular herb area outside the kitchen. Now established medlar, mulberry and other fruit trees also flourish. Another year another digger was summoned to create the wildlife pond where now newts, dragonflies and mayflies can be seen during summer days. The chickens have free range in the winter, in theory removing all unwanted slugs and bugs and the garden generally has a relaxed feel, in part due to the number of seats and benches upon which to perch and contemplate the views of Chew Valley Lake and hills and countryside around. NGS opening details: July 20th and 21st, from 2pm to 6pm. Admission: £3.50, children free. Contact Information: Sally Monkhouse, Church Lane, Bishop Sutton, BS39 5UP.
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
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PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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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Paulton prepares
THE centre of Paulton is blooming with hanging baskets, ready for the South West in Bloom judges, who are due on July 17th. The Pride in Paulton Partnership has been working tirelessly every Wednesday and Friday for the last few months getting the village ready for the award. Patricia McSherry (pictured left) said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Paulton village is going to look so lovely. As our group PiPP maintains, from small pip(p)s large and beautiful things can grow.” Mike Colliver (pictured right), who chose and selected the plants in the hanging baskets, said: “The theme of all our plants this year, is fire, taken from John Wesley’s speech in Paulton.” Also pictured is sponsor Jonathan Janson, of Halton House surgery.
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MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 57
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GARDENING
Pruning the Royal Oak
Professional Tree Surgeons and Consultants 01761 241871 info@alltree.co.uk www.alltree.co.uk Lowarth Garden and Landscape Design Chelsea Flower Show Silver Gilt medal winner
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
All Tree Services is a leading tree surgery and consultancy business established in 1992 and located in the heart of the Mendips. Their highly skilled and qualified teams excel in all aspects of tree work. Whilst generally working around Somerset, Bristol and Bath, they also travel further afield. This spring they were called to Boscabel House in Shopshire to undertake careful pruning of the treasured veteran Royal Oak, famous for hiding the future King Charles II from Cromwell’s soldiers. As well as tree surgery the company also offers a comprehensive advice and consultancy service. This includes internal decay detection using PICUS Sonic Tomography. In addition, All Tree Services provides a full tree supply and planting service.
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COMMUNITY
Kitting out the cadets CRIMEBEAT – the charity supported by the High Sheriff of Somerset which I have run for several years – held its quarterly meeting By SIMON recently when we SELBY discussed bids for grants of up to £1,000 to support youth community initiatives to prevent or reduce crime. Amongst the bids was one from Inspector Shirley Eden, from Radstock police station, who was seeking some financial support to buy uniforms for a Police Cadet Scheme they are trying to start there. This is not a new idea – Avon and Somerset had cadets years ago but stopped just prior to when I joined the force in 1987. Cadets recently made a comeback in North Somerset, where the scheme is enjoying some considerable success and we were very pleased to support Shirley’s proposal. Her scheme will be offered across the entire Bath and North East Somerset area, but the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area young people will, I am sure, be well represented. I am equally
The North Somerset Volunteer Police Cadets taking part in a search and rescue exercise in partnership with Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue
certain, from my days when I worked in that area, that the business community, rotary clubs, masonic lodges and other organisations will be offering their help, if they haven’t already. The Midsomer Norton and Radstock part of Mendip is not unusual in this respect as this area really does have an abundance of people who are ready to roll up their sleeves, get stuck in and make a positive contribution, rather than just talking about it. One recent example I stumbled across the other day was the transformation down by St Chad’s Well and behind the Somer Valley FM radio station in
Midsomer Norton . . . what a difference! What had been a dark, rather dingy path leading to an equally unimpressive area around a fascinating local monument had been opened up and completely revamped. As many of the young people from Somervale School also regularly walk though this area, I imagine they too are very pleased. It was a joint project involving the station, the town council (led by Paul Myers), local residents and – I believe – the school itself. Apologies to anyone I have missed who also helped with this splendid effort, but it really is great.
To find out more about Crimebeat, visit: www.somersetcrimebeat.org
Did you know?
LAST month I wrote about some of my Glastonbury Festival memories and what the police were planning to do to make this year’s event even more successful and enjoyable. As well as the other blue light emergency services which will be on site, there are many other organisations involved in looking after festival-goers and people living in the Pilton area. Amongst those is the team from Mendip District Council which boasts many years of Glastonbury Festival experience between the band of staff that work on all aspects of monitoring the legendary event. For example, did you know that: They ensure 400 food stalls on-site are inspected to make sure they are preparing and serving food safely. Their teams ensure there is enough space and facilities to house the 177,500 campers on-site. They make sure the festival organisers have plans in place to manage the infamous Glastonbury toilets, of which there are 4,000, as well as the site’s water supplies, including two reservoirs holding an incredible 3,000,000 litres of water. Noise experts from the council monitor the output from nearly 100 stages, venues and sound systems which have a total power of 650,000 watts – the same as 13,000 home stereos. Glastonbury’s main pyramid stage has 250 speakers alone. Organisers have to ensure they stick to the rules of a noise
management plan, which they agree with the council before running the event. Among the other tasks for the council are monitoring health and safety, inspecting taxi and private hire cars with the police, checking unlicensed vehicles, cracking down on unauthorised alcohol sales, monitoring temporary camp sites and food sellers and cracking down on unauthorised charity collectors. This year there is also increased resource going towards monitoring the off-site campsites that appear to be developing around the festival site, to ensure they are being organised safely and minimising the impact on neighbours. The council’s time and effort in monitoring the festival is paid for by festival organisers through the costs of applying for and maintaining a licence. Stuart Cave, corporate manager for regulatory services, said: “The Glastonbury Festival is a massive event for the area and is always a particularly busy time for staff at the council, but it’s always worth the effort when you see a successful festival pass off safely. “We work closely with the event organisers and partner agencies to make sure the event goes as smoothly as possible, enabling visitors to this year’s event to experience an enjoyable and safe festival.”
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 59
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Focus on Chilcompton By Mark Adler
READING some of the comments in its recently-published Village Plan, it is easy to see why Chilcompton is so popular with residents and businesses alike. “Good base, good location, accessible, peaceful, quiet, friendly, rural, economical, relaxed atmosphere to work in, good local facilities” – just some of the responses from employers to a questionnaire about working life in Chilcompton. And with 18 different societies and community organisations in the village – ranging from the popular Gardening Club to the Twinning Association – there is plenty on offer for residents to enjoy, although responses to the survey suggest more needs to be provided for children and young people. Jon Pike, from the village plan committee, wrote in his report in the plan: “Chilcompton possesses a number of clubs that cover a wide range of interests, with most aspirations for clubs already being
provided by village organisations. Cost does not seem to present a threat to their wellbeing although a possible lack of volunteers may become an obstacle in the future. “Villagers perceive that lack of facilities is the major barrier to participation, although the facilities that are in the village are perceived as good or better. In
Wells MP Tessa Munt at the launch of the village plan
spite of this there are improvements that could be made at all the facilities within the village; there is large agreement that public money should be used to fund any such improvements. “There is a need to reach out to groups that are not currently represented within clubs who could provide potential future members.”
To read the village plan, visit: www.chilcomptonplan.co.uk
Raise a glass for charity
PREPARATIONS are well underway for the 7th Wessex Beer and Music Festival which is being held in Chilcompton in September. Run by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, all the profits from the weekend event go to charity. This year, 30 real ales and 30 ciders – all sourced from the ancient area of Wessex – will be on offer. There will be entertainment for all the family and freshly-cooked food, including a hog roast. There will be free soft drinks for designated drivers. Once again, the festival will be held at The Court Hotel, opening at 6pm on Friday, September 6th and running the next day from midday until midnight. Six different bands will perform live over the weekend. Last year, the Rotarians were able to buy an automatic defibrillator which is now installed outside Chilcompton Village Hall for use in an emergency. The club is still looking for sponsors for individual barrels at the festival. Standard sponsorship is £100 – sponsors will have their name and/or logo on the barrel. Premium sponsorship is £200 and sponsors will be included in the festival Some of the team at last year’s festival programme. Anyone interested should e-mail: sponsors@wessexbeerfestival.co.uk
PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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All in a good cause
AROUND 6,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Chilcompton Celebrates! event on Saturday, July 13th. It’s a chance for the whole community to get together and all the funds raised go towards village projects. Christine Foster, one of the organisers, said around 70 stallholders would be taking part. There will also be a big display of classic Helena will again perform at cars – including some rare Chilcompton Celebrates! American examples – and a chance to build a nest box on a stand being run by the Hawk and Owl Trust. Live music will be provided by Helena and Parfanon – amongst others. Members of St John’s Church will be running a barbecue and a bar will be run by Chilcompton Football Club. Many local companies and organisations also support Chilcompton Celebrates! Christine added: “It is amazing how generous people are when you approach them to help. I think it helps that we use the proceeds to fund village projects such as the annual Christmas lunch for the elderly and we are also installing new bins.”
Sixty years in business
THIS year sees the 60th anniversary of the Veale family opening Broadway Garage in Chilcompton. Harry Veale started the business in 1953 when it was a dealership for iconic British makes such as Morris, MG and Wolseley. His sons Norman and Alan worked alongside him. Norman’s sons Martyn and Richard, the third generation of Veales, now run H.F. Veale and Sons garage, which sells Texaco fuels and has a busy convenience store. The garage was one of the sponsors of the Chilcompton Village Plan.
FOCUS ON CHILCOMPTON
Wagon on a roll
THE team at the Somerset Wagon are celebrating after again being awarded five stars for food hygiene standards. Their achievements have been recognised by Scores On The Doors which lists official ratings according to the Food Standards Agency codes of practice. It is the third time in a row that the inn has achieved top marks – but they weren’t achieved without a lot of hard work. It is the attention to detail which continues to make the Somerset Wagon such a popular inn with villagers and visitors alike. In July, the Somerset Wagon will again be the start and finish point for a charity bike ride. Dozens of riders will set out on Saturday, July 6th for an approximate 25-mile route, taking in many Mendip villages – with the odd stop on the way at various pubs – before returning for a party and live music in the evening with Parfanon. The ride will again raise money for Chilcompton Sports Youth Football Club. The inn is grateful to Parker Transport for providing a trailer which will be used as the stage.
The Somerset Wagon Broadway, Chilcompton, Somerset BA3 4JW
Car and van servicing MoTs • Rental Texaco fuel and Mace general store Open Monday - Saturday 5.30am - 9pm Sunday 7am - 9pm BROADWAY GARAGE, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK, SOMERSET BA3 4JW Telephone: 01761 232298/232765 Fax: 01761 232765
Welcome to The Somerset Wagon, famed for our home cooked food, warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy our pretty garden in the summer, or indoors in winter with great log fires. Our customers tell us we’re the best food pub on Mendip! Regular live entertainment including popular local bands. Opening Hours: 11.00 - 3.00 & 6.00 - 11.00 pm Daily.
www.thesomersetwagon.co.uk info@thesomersetwagon.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 61
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Well worth a visit
FOR those in the know, Norton Green Farm Nursery is one of the places to visit for all your gardening needs. Discreetly located at Norton Green Farm on the B3139 (Bath to Wells road) on the Midsomer Norton side of Chilcompton – and close to Strattonon-the-Fosse and Kilmersdon – has easy access and ample parking. The centre is family-owned and operated for more than 20 years and many of the plants on sale have been grown in the company’s own nursery. Norton Green offers a surprisingly extensive range of products, from vegetable plants, seasonal bedding climbers, roses, trees and shrubs to compost, fertilizers, pest control solutions and lawn treatments – along with a wide range of pots and planters
to enhance your garden. The centre – where you will find a warm welcome and knowledgeable staff – is open throughout the year, only closing on Easter Sunday and for Christmas and the New Year. Norton Green is a member of the HTA and National Garden gift vouchers are available. Discounts are available to recognised gardening groups and members of the centre’s own senior citizens club.
Norton Green Farm Nursery and Garden Centre WELCOMES YOU THIS SUMMER • Summer bedding plants, Hanging Baskets, Planted Containers, etc • Comprehensive range of fertilisers, pest control, weedkillers and lawn treatments • Terracotta, Glazed and Plastic pots, Troughs, etc • Composts, Mulches and Barks • Wild Bird feeds and treats • National Garden Gift vouchers sold and redeemed • Selection of plants, including Roses, Climbers, Shrubs and Trees etc Also available: • Decorative aggregates, sand, gravel, paving & walling, etc • Fencing, posts & trellis etc. LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10.30am-4.30pm
Wells Road, Chilcompton, Nr. Bath Tel: 01761 232137 E. nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Championing village causes
SUPPORTING local good causes is a long-standing tradition at A J Champion and Sons Ltd. Whenever it can, the company helps the village school, where two “Champion” children are pupils, and it has also donated money to the Chilcompton Village Plan and to the fundraising efforts by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley for the defibrillator outside the village hall. It will also be one of the sponsors of Chilcompton Celebrates! on Saturday, July 13th. A J Champion was established in 1999 as a family business and now employs 14 people plus three generations of the Champion family. It mainly sells general building materials to small builders and private individuals but also provides a bagging service to other builders merchants. In later years it has also taken on selling bulk quantities of quarry material to larger building companies.
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See the changes at Abbey Pianos
ABBEY Piano Services has now been established within Chilcompton for more than years and the business has gone from strength-toPart of the new showroom strength. The team’s latest project has seen them making some big changes to their showroom and workshop areas, increasing both in size. Abbey Piano Services says it has created what it feels is a warm, welcoming and professional area for its customers to come and view the substantial range of pianos on offer. Give them a call and pop in for a visit; they’re located just off the main B3139 through Chilcompton.
The joinery specialists
OBERN Joinery is a family-run company under the leadership of Andy Obern and was established in Chilcompton more than 40 years ago by Andy’s father, Ray. Renowned as specialists in bespoke joinery for barn conversions, conservatories and new and existing properties, Obern work with a variety of woods such as European Oak, Ash, Sapele and Idigbo. They have extensive experience dealing with Grade I and Grade II listed properties, from providing replacement sash windows to every aspect of joinery work required and they are happy to liaise with local authorities and architects on behalf of a customer. Andy said: “We work to a high standard and specification and all the timber supplied comes from a sustainable source; this rigorous attention to quality and detail has resulted in our work being recommended by our customers.” Obern Joinery has a friendly and professional customer service team who are only too happy to assist customers with any help or information required.
FOCUS ON CHILCOMPTON
Friends – not just customers
WITH an atmosphere more akin to a group of friends with a common interest getting together over a cup of coffee, Midsomer Quilting is far more than just a shop. But with its ninth anniversary in October, Midsomer Quilting has established a truly global reputation, offering more than 3000 fabrics and scores of quilting books as well as all the other things quilters might expect to find. People come from all over the world to visit, especially when the shop hosts one of its quilting exhibitions. Between 400 and 500 visitors are expected for the Twelve by Twelve show in July. Quilters were challenged to come up with designs based on film and entertainment for a series of 12” x 12” pieces. Entries were accepted only from customers or quilters with close links to the business although the shop does send out around 1,700 newsletters! The exhibition is making its only European visit to Midsomer Quilting; it is being shown twice in the United States, twice in Australia and once in New Zealand. Chris Howell, who helps owner De Pickford in the shop, said: “The standard of the entries is astonishing; they go way beyond quilting.”
To contact Obern visit: www.obernjoinery.co.uk; email: andyobern@hotmail.co.uk; phone: 01761 232723
JOINERY Established 1968 Softwood and Hardwood Windows and Doors Bespoke Joinery For . . . Barn Conversions New Builds Grade 1 & Grade 2 Listed Properties Machine Mould Sections to Match
01761 232723 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 63
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Running to keep fit
WELL done the organisers of the Chew Valley 10K run, a huge success on every level. For such a large event to have passed off so smoothly, and without incident, is testimony to their hard work and enthusiasm, and to get 500 entrants in your inaugural 10K is quite an achievement. If you didn’t manage to squeeze in this time, the race is on again next year on June 22. By Dr PHIL As official minor celebrity race starter/finish commentator, HAMMOND I was excused the running. However, as my body is already in peak physical condition I felt I could sit this one out on Father’s Day. It did give me a wonderful opportunity to observe the sheer variety of human shapes and sizes crossing the finishing line. As you’d expect, the front-runners were all rather tall and thin, and quite serious in their pursuit of a career-best time. But as the race time stretched towards the hour mark, so did the physiques. Lots of normal-shaped people with wonderful happy faces came running over the line. And I mean running. Aside from a couple of delightful power-walkers, everyone managed a sprint finish. This was a good example of the Hawthorne effect. We tend to try harder when we know we are being observed. So even if you walked up the big hill and stopped for a pint halfway, you still put in a good show in the final stretch with the crowds cheering you on. If you look at the results on the chewvalley10K website, you’ll see that most of the runners were unattached. This doesn’t mean they were looking for love, although it’s a novel way to do speed dating, but rather that they did not belong to a running club. For me, the biggest joy of the race was lots of people who had never run since the primary school egg-and-spoon, giving it a go, doing lots of training, finding out that exercise is not so bad and hopefully continuing in the future. Exercise is a wonder drug, as powerful as any pill you can swallow, and yet too many of us find it hard to fit into our daily lives. I was thinking about this recently when I recorded a programme for BBC1 called Long Live Britain. It’s Auntie’s attempt to get the nation healthy and to reduce the risk of premature death from diabetes, heart disease and liver disease. We followed both celebrities and ordinary people, encouraging them to eat less and move more. Most of us massively overeat, even when eating healthy food. Just by discovering that a portion should fit in my cupped hands, I managed to lose a stone and a half but was still eating three meals a day. Diets are for mugs. All we need is normal, healthy eating and the power to resist the ever-present temptations of the food industry. Or as my Auntie Queenie used to say “if in doubt don’t put it in your mouth”. Of course, emotional and physical health go hand in hand and we’re very lucky to live in such a beautiful area that lifts the spirits when you walk and run around it. However, the fun runners would be much less likely to give it a go if they reach the top of the hill and got a mouthful of asbestos fibres. The fight to stop the dumping of asbestos and other hazardous waste in Stowey quarry goes on and needs all our support. For the latest details go to www.stopstoweyquarry.co.uk All the proceeds of my new show, Games to Play with Your Doctor, at the Komedia in Bath on September 19 will also go to the fighting fund. A coach will be going from the Chew Valley, but you may prefer to run. See you there. Tickets www.komedia.co.uk/bath For Dr Phil’s DVDs, books and tour dates go to www.drphilhammond.com
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Life on the small screen
I AM in an outdoor activity and clothing shop. Eldest child is trying on various waterproof garments for size. We are deciding between two pairs of waterproof trousers. We need to buy kit for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. At this point eldest child takes out her smart-phone, looks in the mirror and holds up the phone in front of her. “What are you doing?” I ask. Why would she want to take a photo of herself trying on a pair of large, unattractive trousers? “Well, if I try this pair on and then try the other pair on and take a photo of both I can look at the photos and decide which one looks best.” She explains all this in a tone which seems to suggest I’m in need of help. “Why can’t you just look in the mirror?” I need her to clarify this point (which is lost on me). I’m glad the very helpful shop assistant is serving someone else. “Oh you wouldn’t understand,” she says and there the conversation ends as I leave her to ponder her photos. The trouble is I don’t seem to understand a lot of things lately, reminiscent of the misunderstandings of my own parents when I was 15 years old. Eldest daughter’s whole world revolves around the small screen. I ask her to make a salad and think we might have some time together – her chopping cucumber while I make the salad dressing. However, I soon become aware of another presence in the room and there on the spice rack is her best-friend, like a come-to-life Mrs Pepperpot, smiling down upon me, live on daughter’s smart-phone. When I enter her bedroom to try and have a conversation, her boyfriend is there too. Not literally but instead he’s live on the small screen looking back at me, quizzically. In fact he seems to exist on the small screen, everywhere we go, even abroad. When we eventually meet him Mendip Dad jokes that it’s a relief to see he has legs and is more than five inches tall. MENDIP MUM
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Class act for health
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HEALTH & FAMILY
PUPILS of St John’s Junior School in Frome were the first to benefit from an important new crosscommunity initiative to make schoolchildren, between the ages of three and 13 years of age, aware of possible health issues such as obesity, alcohol,
smoking, and drug abuse. With the Friends of Frome Hospital underwriting the cost of the mobile ‘Life Education Wessex’ classroom to visit all the first and middle schools in the town and local villages, the initiative is being fully supported by the Frome Town Council, Frome Medical Practice, Frome Rotary Club and each of the school’s educational and management teams. Pictured (l to r) are Humphrey Barnes, president Frome Rotary Club, Mike Cole, Frome Rotary Club, Pippa Goldfinger, Frome Town Council, Alan Burgess, principal St. John’s School, with children, Spencer, Effie, Frannie and Logan, Harold and Karen Perryman, Life Education Wessex, Polly McRea, Frome Medical Practice and Peter Smith Chairman FoFH, inspecting the Life Education Wessex mobile classroom.
First aid courses
THE British Red Cross, Somerset Branch, is planning training courses at its Langport and District Centre on September 1st. All charges are donated to the Red Cross (less VAT). The Emergency Life Support course is from 9am to 1 pm and covers the correct practical procedures to preserve life in serious trauma situations: cardiac arrest, stroke, severe bleeding, choking, etc. The cost is £40, £32 concessions. The General (Basic) course starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm, with a General First Aid Certificate valid for three years issued on successful completion of the course. Please call about our current vacancies, Tel: 01749 679049
Our two homes in Wells offer: • A balance of privacy, support and security with the freedom to come and go as you please • Perfect peace of mind – no cooking, bills or repairs • Private ensuite rooms within an attractive homely setting close to the City Centre • Professional and dedicated on-site staff • Affordable Rentals • Permanent tenancies and trial stays
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HEALTH & FAMILY
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How old are our caves? IT is obvious that caves are old, but how old is a matter for debate. The Mendip caves were formed in Carboniferous Limestone, which is With PHILIP composed mainly of HENDY the remains of small sea creatures and some molluscs, which lived between 360 and 295 million years ago. Over millions of years, the land masses alternately sank below sea level, when other sedimentary rocks were laid down, and rose up so that weathering and erosion could take place. Earth movements caused faulting and folding of the strata, which dip to the north and south along a line roughly lying between the four main summits of Mendip – Blackdown, North Hill, Pen Hill and Beacon Hill. On these hilltops Old Red Sandstone (now called the Portishead Series), which was laid down during the Devonian period, protrudes through the younger limestone. Sandstone is impervious, so streams run along its surface. But when they meet the limestone, this water can sink underground and begin to form caves. Western Mendip has had most of the younger rocks weathered away from above the limestone, but as we travel eastwards, we can see that there is an increasing depth of clay and rock over the limestone. Streams remain on the surface, so Eastern Mendip has fewer, and smaller, caves and, in general, the oldest caves are on Western Mendip. Subterranean water flows along the joints and bedding planes in the limestone, and since the rocks dip away from the sandstone outcrops, swallets north of the hills drain to the north, while those on the south drain south. Thus the Burrington swallet water emerges at places such as Rickford and Langford, while Priddy swallets drain to Wookey Hole. There is an anomaly with Wigmore Swallet at Red Quar, where the water should logically join that of the Priddy catchment. Instead, it flows to the north of the Stock Hill and North Hill sandstone outcrops, and joins with Charterhouse water to rise at Cheddar. It is notoriously difficult to date cave
CAVING
Long Hole and Gough’s Old Cave, above Gough’s Cave. The higher the cave, the older it is likely to be.
passages and most work on Mendip has been concentrated on the caves of Cheddar Gorge. Entrances to these can be seen at all levels in the cliffs, where the Gorge, cut by torrents of meltwater at the end of successive glaciations, has truncated the caves. One of the lowest, Cox’s Cave, is only 23 metres above sea level, while Great Oone’s Hole is at 93 metres, and Bone Hole is at 183. The main cave, Gough’s, probably started forming around 400,000 years ago, but the higher caves above it, such as Long Hole and Gough’s Old Cave, are probably much older. From superimposed scallops on the passage roof and walls of Gough’s Cave, we know that it dried up and was then rejuvenated at least twice. The upper parts of the cave, in the Diamond Chamber area, have been dry for nearly 250,000 years, but it seems that (apart from occasional flooding) the rest of the cave has been in its present dry state for the last 14,000 years, which is of course around the time of the earliest evidence of human use of the cave. An important period in the formation of the Mendips was during the Triassic, between 250 and 204 million years ago. The climate was hot and dry, and this is when the Dolomitic Conglomerate and Red Marl formed. The Conglomerate filled earlier valleys at Ebbor and East Harptree. At Wookey Hole the River Axe, which has carved the inner part of the cave though limestone, now emerges through a passage gouged through the conglomerate which
filled a valley at the cave’s mouth. In spite of the lack of rain during this period, some caves were formed during the Triassic, though they are small and insignificant. Examples include Nancy Camel’s Hole at Croscombe, and Chelm’s Combe Quarry Cave near Cheddar. Some younger caves have formed under sinkholes, where impervious deposits such as clay, marl and shale keep water on the surface. Occasionally a weakness develops in the waterproof layer, and the concentrated flow of aggressive water can then penetrate into fissures in the limestone and form a cave. Usually the surface deposits slump into the sinkhole, so cavers attempting to dig these sites have to deal with deep mud and clay which needs elaborate shoring to keep the dig open. Very few such sites have yielded open cave, although one is at White Pit, near Priddy. The dig in the shaft at Templeton has reached a depth of 74 metres, and is still going down. Any cave with an active stream is considered to be still forming. Once the stream disappears, we regard the cave as a fossil system, and the only development will be the deposition of calcite – stalactites and stalagmites. It is not unusual to find that a cave stream has abandoned high level passages, which will now be fossil, and is developing passages at a lower level. The small stream which briefly appears in the water chamber of Goatchurch Cavern, and then sinks again in the floor, is a good example.
Phil is a member of Wessex Cave Club and has been caving for the last 44 years. Still active, his main interest is in digging to try to find new caves. He has published a caving cartoon book and collaborated on the recently-published Swildon’s Hole – 100 Years of Exploration.
PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Photography by Phil Hendy
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FESTIVAL OF GEOLOGY
Explore our geological history!
Step back in time and explore an amazing 420 million years of geology history right under your feet! Mendip Rocks! is supported by the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership in collaboration with the Somerset Earth Science Centre and Somerset Wildlife Trust.
DIARY OF EVENTS
Thursday, August 1st Rocky Roadshow. Longleat Conference Room, Goughs Cave, Cheddar Gorge: 11am4pm. Fun for all ages with drop-in workshops from the Somerset Earth Science Centre team joined by the Bristol Dinosaur Project. FFI: Dr Gill Odolphie, 01749 840156 or: gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
Saturday, August 3rd Banwell Bone Caves Treasure Trove. 10.30am–4pm. Guided tours of impressive display of prehistoric animal bones. Advance booking essential by Wednesday, July 31st via: johnatthecaves@btinternet.com or write to: John M Haynes, The Bone Caves, Banwell, BS29 6NA. Tickets £6 (including tea and cake). Tuesday, August 6th Crook Peak Drystone Walling. Drystone walling course with the National Trust and Mendip Hills AONB. 10am-3pm. Suitable for 16 yrs and over. Booking essential. FFI: Andy Mallender (AONB) 01761 462338 or: amallender@somerset.gov.uk
Sunday, August 11th Vallis Vale’s Hidden Geological Gems. Exploration of the De la Beche Unconformity and fossil foray at Tedbury Camp’s ancient sea bed with Elizabeth Devon. 10.30am-4pm. Bring picnic lunch. Location: ST 749 492.
Mells River Bridge at Great Elm village. FFI: elizabeth@earthlearningidea.com Wednesday, August 14th Discover Black Down and Burrington Ham. A six-mile circular walk with Andy Mallender, Mendip Hills AONB. 10am–2pm. Booking essential. FFI: Andy Mallender 01761 462338 or: amallender@somerset.gov.uk Saturday, August 17th Wild Westbury Quarry. A tour of this former limestone quarry where cave bears once lived. 2pm–5pm. Stancombe Lane, Westbury-subMendip, Wells BA1 1HT. Booking essential. FFI: Nigel Taylor 01749 871289 or: nigel.taylor@explosives.net Wednesday, August 21st Explore Ebbor Gorge. Guided walk with Bob Corns from Natural England. 2pm-4pm. Location: ST 520 484. Ebbor Gorge car park on Wookey to Priddy road. Suitable for 11 years and over. Booking essential. FFI: Simon Clarke 01458 860120 or: simon.clarke@naturalengland.org.uk Thursday, August 29th A Tale of Two Mendip Quarries. Tours of two working quarries at Moons Hill and Whatley, within 4 miles of each other, quarrying different rock, millions of years apart. 10am–3 pm. Meet Somerset Earth Science Centre, nr Stoke St Michael. Booking essential. FFI: Dr Gill Odolphie 01749 840156 or: gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk Saturday, August 31st Explore Black Rock. Come and enjoy a family fun day at Black Rock nature reserve anytime between 10am and 3pm. Booking essential. FFI: Somerset Wildlife Trust 01823 652400 or: enquiries@somersetwildlife.org Monday, September 2nd Wells – A History in Stone. A journey through time to the ancient landscapes of the Wells area by looking at the rock types used around the Cathedral Green on a guided walk with David Rowley. 2pm. Meet at Wells and Mendip Museum. £3/person. Booking essential. FFI: 01749 673477 or: admin@wellsmuseum.org Friday, September 6th The Rushing Waters and The Frozen Deep. Illustrated talk about the fascinating world of the caves beneath the Cheddar Catchment, including photographs of the largest cave chamber so far found. 7.30pm. Wells and Mendip Museum, Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2EU. FFI: Peter Glanvill 01460 64262 or: pglanv@aol.com
Saturday, September 7th Explore Shute Shelve Tunnel. At Slader’s Leigh Local Nature Reserve, near Winscombe. 11am–3pm. Family activities and short tours of the tunnel, cut through the rocks of the Mendip Hills. ST421 562 (part of a day of events along the Strawberry Line to mark the passing of the last train 50 years ago). http://www.strawberryline.org.uk/ FFI: Andy Mallender (AONB) 01761 462338 or: amallender@somerset.gov.uk Sunday, September 8th Cooks Wood Quarry Walk. A “Quarry Faces community heritage project” walk around disused limestone quarries near Stoke St Michael with Robin Thornes. 2pm-4pm. Booking essential. FFI: Dr Gill Odolphie 01749 840156 or: gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk Wednesday, September 11th Doulting Quarry Tour. Talk followed by tour of the quarry at Doulting. 11am–3pm. Meet at the Somerset Earth Science Centre. Booking essential, FFI: Dr Gill Odolphie 01749 840156 or: gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
Admission charges: unless otherwise stated events are free but a donation of £3/adult, £1/child is welcome towards the Mendip Rocks! Project.
Download a copy of the full programme from www.somersetwildlife.org or contact Somerset Earth Science Centre on 01749 840156, or email ruth@earthsciencecentre.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 69
MENDIP TIMES
Festival beats the rain
MORE than 1,000 children from 61 schools took part in the Somerset Schools Folk Dance Festival held on the Cathedral Green in Wells. For the past two years, the festival had to be called off because of bad weather. This year it escaped the showers and attracted big crowds – including a large number of civic leaders, supporting their local schools.
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Spring into summer
EVENTS
NORTON Radstock College’s first summer festival had a real Somerset flavour, with “Scrumpy and Western” band The Mangledwurzels entertaining the crowds, along with tribute band Piston Broke. The fair is normally held in spring, but the college decided to give it a new feel, holding the event outside the horticulture and animal centre at the main Radstock campus. The fair raised money for three good causes: the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Trussell Trust, which runs hundreds of foodbanks across the country, and the college’s Student Hardship Fund. College Principal Shirley Arayan said: “It was a great event showcasing all the College has to offer and the staff and students worked hard to put on the show; lots of people commented on how the new location worked well.” Top right: The Mangledwurzels had the crowd dancing Right: Piston Broke entertain the crowds
A raffle boosted the college’s fundraising efforts
The Barnes family with Wayne Clarke, from the animal care centre, and Rocket the tortoise MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 71
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MENDIP TIMES
MOTORING
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MENDIP TIMES
John Fisher retires from Kingfisher JOHN Fisher, chairman of Kingfisher Windows, has decided to retire. Tony Thurling reviews a career that has been inspired by – and been an inspiration to – his family.
HOW often do we hear from our political leaders that the economic backbone of this country is its small businesses? How frequently are we told that they are the key to our recovery? Sadly the political rhetoric far outweighs the tangible support small businesses really need. A realistic grasp of how small businesses operate and the problems they face would serve as a wake-up call for those we have elected to represent us. And after years of dealing with those problems – and solving them – John Fisher is well placed to deliver such a message. John formed Kingfisher Windows back in 1986 and at the age of 78 has decided to retire and leave the running of this highly successful business in the capable hands of his children. He said: “The company is in excellent shape and we have grown the business year on year. But like so many other small businesses we are not helped by legislative straitjackets and bureaucratic red tape.” Whilst John would like the government to put its money where its mouth is when it talks of the great importance of small businesses, he is a realist who has developed an entrepreneurial
• SERVICING • PERIODIC INSPECTIONS • MAINTENANCE • REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO ALL TYPES OF SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS • SERVICING AND INSTALLATION OF UNVENTED MAINS PRESSURE HOT WATER SYSTEMS
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
strategy that delivers results. Daughter, Angie, who is the company’s sales director, said: “My father has always insisted that nothing is achieved without enthusiasm and he has pursued this philosophy whatever the economic climate. We have to work with how things are rather than how we necessarily want them to be.” Born in Wedmore, John married Gwen in 1958 and by 1966 they had four daughters and two sons. Today they have 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Gwen said: “The family gave John’s work ethic a clear sense of purpose and helped shape not just his role as a father but his whole approach to business. Family values mean everything to John.” In 1975 John joined a major national double glazing company. He rapidly became one of their most successful salesmen without recourse to the pressure selling techniques so prevalent in the industry. He said: “I never have and never will put people under pressure to buy and when, in 1986, the company brought in whizz kids to encourage us to do just that, I walked out.” That same year he started Kingfisher Windows in Sand. After a few moves over the years the company is now based in East Brent. Locations have changed but those family values have remained firmly in place. General Manager Kevin Fisher said: “Dad has instilled in us a business ethic that makes working for Kingfisher satisfying and enjoyable. He has always treated customers like friends, is incredibly proud of our reputation and our unashamedly principled approach to doing business. Those values will not change.”
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Tel: 01934 813261 www.westongarden.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 75
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MENDIP TIMES
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TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
THE COMPLETE SERVICE PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 77
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MENDIP TIMES
GOLF – SOME EASY TIPS
TO AVOID BACK PAIN
Going straight onto the tee and trying to hit the cover off the ball is the surest way to strain your back. Follow these easy tips to reduce the threat of back injury:
Warm up: stretched and gradually loaded muscles are less likely to be sprained. So, put the club behind your neck and shoulders and gently twist your torso back and forth to warm up your upper back and shoulders. Then pull your knees up to your chest a few times to stretch your lower back.Then stretch your hamstrings by trying to touch your toes a few times. Practice swings: gently swinging a golf club helps warm up the correct muscles which will generate the force (torque) and twist (torsion) behind your swing.A smooth rhythmic swing will reduce low back strain (L5/S1) and improve your performance!
Load: starting off with smaller irons and building up to larger woods will allow your muscles to get used to a gradually increasing load and also help avoid injury. Keep your knees bent and a shoulder width apart.The rest is up to you. If you have any problems please give us a call.
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Mendip Times is available from over 800 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres. ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP
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PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY NYLAND OAKHILL PAULTON PENSFORD
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WALTON WANSTROW WEDMORE WELLS WEST HARPTREE WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WINFORD WINSCOMBE WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRAXALL WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
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GOLF
Ladies get to grips with golf at Mendip LADIES are being encouraged to take up golf by joining the new Golf and Gossip sessions at The Mendip Golf Academy. Matt Shapcott , the assistant professional at Mendip Golf Club runs a weekly ladies only group to introduce absolute beginners to this great game. The aim is to attract ladies who have never picked up a club before and teach them all together so that they are all in the same boat and gain confidence from each other. All equipment is supplied as is a complimentary cup of coffee afterwards. Eventually the newcomers to golf will be confident and able enough to play the new Mendip Academy Course and regular 18 hole course with their new friends and partners. Caroline Stevens, who attended the first Golf and Gossip session commented: “We all loved it. Matt taught us in such a way that none of us felt self conscious and the lady members made us feel very welcome in the clubhouse afterwards. It is also a great way to make new friends.“ The sessions will take place at 12noon
Ladies from the new Mendip Golf and Gossip group with Mendip Golf Academy Professional, Matt Shapcott.
every Tuesday from now until the autumn and cost just £6 per person. Just turn up
or call Matt on 01749 840570 for more information or to book your place.
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 79
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MENDIP TIMES
Fit for a queen
SUE Dredge, ladies captain at Orchardleigh Golf Club near Frome, chose a right royal theme for her Captain’s Day to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation. Players responded to Sue Dredge in her Coronation-themed buggy Sue’s red, white and blue colours with similarly-colourful outfits, many including crowns, tiaras and flags! The award for the best-dressed team went to Sarah Hynds, Mary Ford and Gail Painter. Pat Pitt was named best-dressed individual. In the actual match, first place went to Liz South, Karen Burns and Jackie Pudney; second were Sue Chalker, Marion Underhill and Christina Francis and Sarah, Mary and Gail came third.
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Mendip Spring’s Masters
MENDIP Spring Golf Club has introduced a new medal competition for the four sections of the club: Mens, Ladies, Seniors and Juniors. Masters Medal Golf was the idea of club captain Bill Hole with support from the club’s management. Medal competitions have been held for all Master Harry Rac receives his Masters’ flag four golf sections from club captain Bill Hole. and the first year’s winners were Andy Burton (Men), Janet Fear (Ladies), Wyn Daniel (Seniors) and Master Harry Rac (Juniors). Each winner was awarded a Pin Flag embroidered with a Masters Symbol and section title, and will have their name added. The Flags are being displayed in the Clubhouse. The four Medal competitions will become annual events and will be held around the time of ‘The Masters’ USA golf tournament, helping to launch the season at Mendip Spring.
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Free golf lessons at Mendip Spring MENDIP Spring Golf Club in Congresbury is aiming to broaden the appeal of this very social sport to a wider range of participants, young and old. On Sunday, 21st July Mendip Spring is throwing open the Club’s facilities, from 11am to 3pm, to all who wish to try their hand, start to learn the game and make new friends. You need no previous experience of golf, just go along to Mendip Spring. All equipment will be supplied on the day. You can try your hand on the driving range under the guidance of PGA professional golfers; have a free putting/chipping lesson and sign up for four FREE golf lessons, details available on the day. All visitors can enjoy a complementary BBQ and meet club members of all ages. They can tour the newly refurbished Clubhouse and are welcome to stay on to use the facilities and watch ‘The Open’ golf tournament on television. If you like what you see you can obtain information on special membership offers, including a £25 per month membership for the 9-hole Lakeside course, ideal for golfers who are new to the game. Over 20 years there has been continuous development of Mendip Spring Golf Club including the 18 hole Brinsea championship course, Lakeside course, and clubhouse facilities. Today the club has flourished beyond all recognition and is highly regarded as one of the leading clubs in the south west. Three resident PGA Professionals are available for individual and group tuition, and junior tuition is a regular Saturday morning feature. The club’s facilities include a well-stocked Pro Shop, a 15-bay driving range, practice chipping, putting and bunker areas. Golf clubs, motorised buggies, electric and pull trollies are available for hire. The two courses have a feeling of maturity beyond their years. Flora and fauna has improved throughout, with lowland planting in and around the lakes attracting a wide variety of birdlife from the nearby Chew Reservoir and surrounding nature reserves. The clubhouse, centred on the original 16th Century farmhouse, is full of character and provides comprehensive bar and catering facilities, restaurant, function rooms and overnight accommodation. It is an ideal venue for special occasions.
GOLF
Golf coaching for all ages at Mendip Spring.
To pre-register for the Open Day phone 01934 852322, email info@mendipspringgolfclub.com or you can register on the day.
MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 81
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MENDIP TIMES
Embroidery or eventing?
SUE Francis, aged 59, from Teal Farm, Blackford, near Wedmore has proved that hard work does pay off and she has made a terrific With CELIA comeback with her GADD horse The Running Total by coming second in her recent British eventing competition at Ascott Under Wychwood. Sue said: “I wasn’t quite ready to hang up my boots and start embroidery so thought I would give eventing another chance.” The Running Total (or George at home) had a nasty accident on the lunge on Christmas Eve and fell over and cracked his sacrum. It was touch and go for a few weeks with everything crossed that he wouldn’t suffer from permanent nerve damage but under the expert and careful handling of Sue, vet Tim Randle, and physiotherapists Lotty Merry and Molly Fursden, he has made a fantastic recovery. Sue is one of the most hard-working ladies I have met and her home and livery yard at Teal Farm is kept immaculately at all times, with the horses’ welfare coming absolutely at the top of the agenda, and she and her longstanding and very dedicated assistant
Sue Francis on The Running Total (George)
Stephanie Sweet leave nothing to chance when it comes to fittening and training their horses. Dawn and dusk, summer and winter, Sue is on the yard completing maintenance chores, hay-making, mucking out and generally making the livery owners feel welcome and safe. Last year George qualified for the regional championships in dressage and started his eventing career but was very green and inexperienced. This year after his break from eventing, he came out with all guns blazing and did a lovely
MBE for Trails Trust founder
TRAILS Trust Project and Development Officer, Rachel Thompson, from Priddy, has been awarded an MBE for bridleway creation services in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Rachel and her late husband, Michael, were the founder members of the multiuser countryside access charity The Mendip Cross Trails Trust, now The Trails Trust (TTT). Over 80 routes have been opened for horse riders and cyclists in the Mendip area since The Trust was formed in 1997 and £500,000 raised in grant funding to establish these routes. TTT’s biggest achievement though, has been the development of the use of
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
Express Dedication at Common Law, a little known ancient legal principle, that TTT has used to negotiate directly with landowners for the creation of new rights of way, instead of depending upon statutory creation methods administered by Local Highway Authorities. Rachel wrote a book on this in cooperation with Defra and Natural England. It’s now used to enthuse, enable and empower individuals and voluntary groups to create multi-user rights of way, while giving other bodies, such as local authorities, landowners and managers, the information to have confidence in the process.
dressage test and a bold and clear show jumping and cross country to put him in 2nd place and qualify him for the Riding Club championships in September. The yard at Teal Farm has a perfect blend of professionalism and friendliness. A large and well surfaced outdoor school, horse walker and numerous large stables provides the perfect setting for training, and the yard is well situated within quiet lanes surrounding Wedmore and Blackford. I look forward to seeing this pair progress through the levels.
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Agnes celebrates triple success
AGNES Smalley, who celebrates her 90th birthday in September, has recently celebrated three major achievements for the Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group. One of the group’s most energetic volunteers, Agnes has funded the purchase of a vitally needed replacement horse and has also seen her disabled pupils pass their exams and win rosettes in a national competition. Every week, Agnes finds a way of getting from her home in Frome to the carriage-driving group’s base near Street to provide the refreshments and training for the group’s disabled drivers. Having been an active supporter of riding and driving for the disabled for decades, Agnes uses a rocking horse, miniature harness set and a toy wagon to teach disabled people about carriage driving. She also oversees the Somerset Levels group’s tea-urn for its weekly sessions, and is an ardent fundraiser for the group. Her most recent achievements include seeing three of her latest disabled trainees attaining their Grade 2 proficiency certificate, despite severe disabilities. According to the RDA’s regional carriage-driving representative, Jenny Pennell, who conducted the assessments: “They were a credit to their trainer, Agnes, and were all very excited to be given their badges and certificates.” But there was more good news for Agnes. Three of the group’s more experienced disabled drivers, who received their initial training from Agnes, have now secured places at the National RDA Championships by winning rosettes at the South West qualifying event, staged in Devon. Meanwhile, Agnes responded to the Somerset Levels group’s
RIDING dire need to replace their large pony, Troy, who was so vital for wheelchair drivers and pulling the group’s large wagonette for fundraising events. She dipped into her savings to Molly and Agnes enable the group to buy Molly, a piebald cob owned by Devon vet, Anja Walker, who had seen the group’s plea for a replacement when Troy was returned to his owner. Chair of the Somerset Levels RDA carriage-driving group, Caroline Sturgess, said: “Agnes is just amazing. She is one of our most active and reliable volunteers. We rely on her to be there every week to dispense refreshments and train our disabled clients. But she does so much more for us, like producing the group’s newsletter and being at every event we attend to shake a collecting tin. “Who else but Agnes would have the idea of shaking a collecting tin among the queues for the toilets – grabbing the precious pennies from people wanting to spend a penny? “I don’t know how you do it, but Agnes should be put forward for the national honours list – she has earned the right to be Dame Agnes.”
Filly finds her destiny
LAST month we reported how the equine welfare charity HorseWorld, based at Whitchurch, had launched a competition to name a foal, after her mother was rescued. The winner was Rebecca Challenger, who suggested the name Destiny. Equine welfare director, Jerry Watkins, said: “The name Destiny appealed to the staff because we believe it was her destiny to be born here at HorseWorld rather than in Wales where her pregnant mother, Stardust, was found in a poor state along with three other mares. “The thing to remember though is that these animals are the lucky ones. The recent upsurge in welfare concerns has kept us on our toes and we’re sure there will be many more to come.”
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Nunney’s big names SOME of the equestrian world’s leading riders including Sir Mark Todd, Sam Griffiths, Paul Tapner, Izzy Taylor and Tina Gifford competed in the Nunney International Horse Trials. Coral Keen, from Wiltshire, riding her nine-year-old mare Zoe won the db+Paulsponsored CIC2* at the event which saw more than700 competitors take part over the three days of competition. Chairman and co-organiser Teresa Dufosee said: “Everyone seems so thrilled with the venue and we’re so grateful to Mrs Angela Yeoman for allowing the event to take place at her home and to everyone who so kindly sponsored the event. “The feedback has been very positive, we’ve had some wonderful comments and we very much hope that we will continue building on the event so that it becomes firmly established in the both the eventing and social calendar.”
Local rider Georgina Symes in front of Southfield House, the venue for the showjumping
Preparing the tack for a day’s competition
Caroline Yeo, on Titus Andronicus clears the water jumps
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The Fire Place, sponsored by Mendip Fireplaces, is safely jumped by Billie-Ann Warren and Siberian High
Grace and danger – showjumping thrills in the main arena
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RIDING
Festival gains international status
July 2013 show dates
Saturday 6th Polden and Bridgwater Riding Club unaffiliated dressage at Cannington Equestrian Centre Unaffiliated dressage at Urchinwood Manor, Wrington Unaffiliated show jumping at Pontispool Farm, Norton Fitzwarren Sunday 7th Silverton Hunt One Day Event at Pontispool Farm, Norton Fitzwarren Severn Vale Riding Club show jumping at Leyland Court Farm, Bristol Tuesday 9th British Dressage at The Hand Equestrian Centre, Clevedon Sunday 14th Clear round show jumping and cross country at Urchinwood Manor,
Wrington Wednesday 17th British Dressage at Stockland Lovell Manor, Fiddington Thursday 18th Stockland Lovell Manor unaffiliated show jumping Friday 19th Unaffiliated evening dressage at Urchinwood Manor Saturday 20th Unaffiliated show jumping at The Hand Equestrian Centre, Clevedon Sunday 21st Area 15 Pony Club Horse Trials at Pontispool Farm, Norton Fitzwarren Polden and Bridgwater Annual Show at King Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre Sunday 28th Unaffiliated One Day Event at Urchinwood Manor
THE British Eventing Open Championship has gained international CIC*** status for 2013 which will provide important qualifications for horses and riders in the season. The festival is one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar and with the newly awarded CIC status the event will have an even higher profile. Once again a bumper weekend is being planned by the organisers of The Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park, presented by British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) from August 2nd – 4th and everyone is hoping that the sun will shine for this year’s horse trials. Due to the cancellation of last year’s event all horses and riders that missed their opportunity to compete in last year’s three championship classes – the Dodson and Horrell Novice Championship, the Smith and Williamson Intermediate Championship and the British Eventing Open Championship will be welcome back this year alongside all those who qualify for the championships this season. The combination of the glorious location of Gatcombe Park, top class international sport, family entertainment, first class catering and shopping facilities means that an increasing number of followers and families use the festival as an opportunity for a weekend away and this year the caravan park has been extended to accommodate the increase in demand. Details: www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk
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Photograph by Kit Houghton
Sam Griffiths
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Eggchasers’ cracking Cary time!
The victorious Sailor Jerry’s and Moody Cows sides with Kay’s widower, Mark (front), who travelled from Australia for the event
By Mark Adler
The Moody Cows in action against Harlequin Ladies
Heads above the rest
Hair we go – Katie’s locks get the chop PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
THE competition should have been a test of strength – could people crack a goose egg using the pressure in their palms without using their fingers? By the end of the weekend, anything went when the goose egg challenge became part of the awards ceremony at the Kay’s Cary 7s tournament at Castle Cary Rugby Club. Men’s and ladies’ teams from across the south of England took part in the fun tournament, which celebrated the life of rugby player Kay Booker. Kay died of cancer in July 2009. The annual event raises money for Macmillan Cancer. Sailor Jerry’s – a team from the Yeovil area which included personnel from RNAS Yeovilton – took the honours in the men’s competition; the Moody Cows, a Barbarians-style ladies team who Kay used to play for, once again triumphed over the Slingbacks (Rossyln Park Ladies Rugby club).
MIMI Avery and Katie Wilson raised thousands of pounds for two charities by having their heads shaved during the tournament in memory of Kay Booker. The pair were good friends with Kay who, despite her illness, dedicated her energies to fundraising for cancerbased charities. As well as raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, the pair also donated their hair to the Princess Trust, which funds wig making using real hair for children suffering from cancer and leukaemia.
Mimi with her long hair and the Moody Cows
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RUGBY Chris Booker (right) presents the winning trophy to the Moody Cows side
Just smashing – a Sailor Jerry’s player yoking around
Joe Pullin scores a try in Cary’s semi-final against Charlie’s Angels
Cracking up – a member of the losing Slingbacks team
Cary will be hosting an open day for players of all ages and abilities on Saturday, July 13th. For more information, visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/castlecary/
Mimi manages to smile as her hair comes off
Katie (left) and Mimi present a cheque for £5,200 to Elizabeth Grey, Sue MacWilson and Maggie Knight, from the Castle Cary Macmillan Cancer Support committee. The charity was founded in the town in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 87
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Season just weeks away
Soccer chiefs elected
FROME Town FC has announced its provisional list of preseason friendlies in the build-up to what promises to be an exciting season at the AlderSmith Stadium. The action gets underway on Saturday, July 13th when the Robins visit old friends Shepton Mallet, from the Toolstation League, which is closely followed on Tuesday, July 16th with Paulton Rovers visiting Frome which will see the return of former manager Andy Crabtree and players Nick Bunyard and Dean Evans as well as several other familiar faces now involved at Winterfield Road. Friday, July 19th will see Frome go to Bradford Town and then will also be on the road on Saturday, July 27th with a visit to the Hand Stadium to face Clevedon Town. A week later and newly-promoted Gosport Borough will travel to Frome on Saturday, August 3rd and the final warm-up game before the action gets underway will be on Saturday, August 10th when Frome go to Conference South side Weston-super-mare. G At Frome Town’s annual presentation evening, awards were presented to: Club Man of the Year: Gary Collinson Players Player: Dave Thompson Supporters Player: Darren Chitty Managers Player: Darren Chitty Directors Shield: Matt Smith Special Recognition: Teresa Graham, Laura Dredge, Louise Coate, Bill Collinson, Rodney Neale Long Service Awards: Shaun Baker (20 years as physio/kit man) and Ian Pearce (10 years as club secretary) A special award was also given to Dean Evans with the evening marking an end of his Frome Town career as he moves on to Paulton Rovers.
SOMERSET Football Association has elected Peter Hockley as its new chairman to succeed Alan Hobbs, from Midsomer Norton, who has retired. Peter, the current deputy chairman, was elected at the governing body’s Annual General Meeting in June; his role will be filled by John Shearing, a member of the Somerset FA Board. After the meeting Peter paid tribute to his Peter Hockley predecessor, presenting Alan with an award to mark his 29 years’ service as chairman. Peter said: “I am honoured to be chosen by the members of the Somerset Football Association as their new chairman. As only the sixth incumbent of the role I am aware of the history of the position and of the people who I follow. I am looking forward to the challenge and hope to give the leadership to Somerset FA that befits what I believe is a highly professional and successful county FA.” Peter, from Milborne Port, has a background in grassroots football having played for several teams in the south east of the county before joining Milborne Port FC in 1976, initially as 1st team manager before becoming secretary and then club chairman during a near 30-year association with the club. As well as being the Somerset FA deputy chairman since 2005, he has been a director of the company since its incorporation in 1999 and also represents the Somerset FA on the FA Council, a role he has held since 2005.
PARALYMPIC Games medallist Stephanie Millward will be the guest of honour at this year’s Frome Half Marathon event. Stephanie, who won four silver medals and one bronze in the swimming events at London 2012, will start off the marathon runners at 10am on Sunday, July 21st. The swimmer from Corsham, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, has been named in the British Gas GBR Disability Swimming Team for this summer’s IPC World Stephanie with her Paralympic Championships in Montreal in medals August. The half marathon – along with a 10k run and 5k fun event – begins and ends at Frome Town Football Club. The event has been organised by the Rotary Club of Frome and Frome Running Club.
CAMERTON and Peasedown Croquet Club has won its first four matches of the season In only its second full year of playing at its new site. The new club has attracted many new players and the results of the beginners and “improvers” courses are reaping benefits. Team captain Mo Boys said: “Our teams include several The club welcomed players from Swindon members who started at a recent match croquet last year and the club’s success reflects how well they have improved – this is just the start.”
Stephanie’s the star-ter!
For more information about the event, visit www.fromehalfmarathon.co.uk
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Successful start
The club is offering a Croquet Experience to anyone interested in taking part. Details: 01225 708540.
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SPORT
Charity is the winner
A FOOTBALL and netball tournament at Writhlington Sports Centre, near Radstock, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity. A total of 12 football teams and nine netball teams took part in an afternoon of fierce – but friendly – competition in aid of Time is Precious. Paulton Midwives score again on their way to an 11-6 victory over Purnell Tigers
Purnell Tigers and Paulton Midwives after the end of their match
The charity, based in Coleford, was set up by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son Ben to support not just those children who, because of illness or disability, find themselves in hospital for treatment but their families who want to be with them. Its aim is to help provide the hospitals where Ben received his care with the equipment and facilities to make life more bearable for young patients and their families. The Chilli Boys were the winner of the football tournament with Norton taking first place in netball. Neil said: “Thank you to everyone who took part. It was a fantastic day. Time is Precious would like to thank everyone who made this event possible, including Writhlington Sports Centre for donating their facilities.” G The next Time is Precious fundraising event is Character Day on Thursday, July 12th when it is encouraging schoolchildren, office workers and anyone else to dress up as their favourite character for the day.
Chilcompton took an early lead but Clandown equalised in the second half as the game finished 1-1
Clandown ‘A’ and Chilcompton sides before their first round match
For more information, visit: www.timeisprecious.org.uk
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First race is a winner
Chew Valley 10k Fun Run start
THE first Chew Valley 10km road race took place from Bishop Sutton, attracting 445 runners, taking on a steep, but beautiful, rural route, with views across the Chew Valley. Cakes, hot dogs and ice creams provided a strong inducement to race to the finish at Bishop Sutton Primary School, with Kieran Young (35:14) and Marie Berryman (42:41) first to cross the line in the men’s and women’s categories. Compere Dr Phil Hammond brought his usual irreverent humour to the commentary – see page 64 – and local band Time Out gave a party-like flavour to the event. In addition to the 10km race, a 1km fun run was held and saw 150 children aged 3-14 years pounding the street. Rebecca Binns and Emily Anderton
Some of the marshalls and fun runners
Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk
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Friends celebrate anniversary
(Pictured left to right, standing) Robin Duys, Geoff Egan, Tom Burr, Dougal Mackay, Clive Edney, (seated) Janet Hall, Robert Dunning and Nancy McGiveron.
THE Friends of Wells Cathedral celebrated their 80th anniversary with three days of events, concluding with evensong at which the bishop, the Rt. Rev. Peter Price, gave his last sermon before his farewell service in the cathedral on June 22nd. The friends have supported all aspects of the cathedral’s life over 80 years, providing grants of money and practical support. From a small group, there are now several thousand friends across the globe. Secretary of the friends, William Newey said: “New Friends are always welcome. We are a very diverse group of people but all united in support of the special place that is Wells Cathedral.”
MUSIC
Somerset Chamber Choir at Wells Cathedral
THE beautiful sounds of Mozart’s Requiem will be heard in Wells Cathedral this month at Somerset Chamber Choir’s concert on July 27th. Mozart’s Requiem is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, but it is no secret that it is one of the world’s most enduring and popular pieces of music. Left incomplete at the time of his death, Mozart’s musical last words will be heard in the same programme as James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross – setting Jesus’s last words to vivid music of desolate, dignified beauty and serenity. Together with performances of MacMillan’s Strathclyde motet In Splendoribus Sanctorum – featuring flamboyant flourishes on solo trumpet over choral plainsong – and Mozart’s intimate motet Ave Verum Corpus, the concert promises to be a moving and memorable summer evening of music in the grand setting of the cathedral. The choir – which has staged an annual Wells Cathedral concert since the early 1990s – will be joined by the superb professional orchestra Southern Sinfonia, together with four very fine young soloists: the soprano Ruby Hughes who is a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist and who makes her BBC Proms debut later this summer, the mezzo-soprano Helen Sherman, a Young Concert Artists Trust performer, tenor Andrew Tortise who is a former Wells Cathedral Choral Scholar and was also a soloist at the choir’s 2011 Bach B minor Mass, and baritone Callum Thorpe, all conducted by Graham Caldbeck. Tickets are available online at the choir website www.somersetchamberchoir.org.uk or from Taunton TIC (01823 336344)
Pictured (l to r) Matthew Owens, organist and master of the choristers, the Rt Revd Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells (who is also patron of the friends), the Very Revd John Clarke, Dean of Wells (who is president of the friends) and Dr Robert Dunning, chairman of the Friends of Wells Cathedral.
Details: www.wellsfriends.org
Ten years on
RECORD producer, Alan Wilson, who owns Western Star Recording Studios in Paulton, is celebrating the company’s tenth anniversary by bringing out a book, The First Decade – the Western Star Story, which will be launched at two gigs at the Fleece in Bristol this month. They will include artists and bands, which have recorded at the studio. Rock ‘n’ Roll historian and broadcaster Geoff Barker will be compere and 50s pop star Vince Eager will make a special guest appearance. MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013 • PAGE 91
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WHAT’S ON
Glastonbury Extravaganza returns BRYAN Ferry – acclaimed as one of the most innovative and stylish musicians, songwriters and singers to emerge in pop and rock music – is to perform with his Bryan Ferry Orchestra in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey in August. Staged by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, who is also an ambassador for the abbey, the Glastonbury Extravaganza concert will be held on Sunday, August 11th, with the night ending with a spectacular firework display. The concert will boost the abbey’s appeal to conserve the ruins and enhance the visitor experience for future generations. Michael, who has staged the Extravaganza in the spectacular ruins of the Abbey for 17 years, took a break last year when the festival itself had a fallow year. Previous stars to appear at the abbey include Status Quo, Madness, Van Morrison and Jools Holland. Michael said: “We were very fortunate to be able to get Bryan Ferry who will come up with the goods and deliver a spectacular show.” Janet Bell, Abbey director, said: “The people of Glastonbury have been asking if there would be another concert this year at
Bryan Ferry – my love of jazz Bryan Ferry and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra
SINCE the release of his first record with Roxy Music in 1972, Bryan Ferry possesses the rare distinction of being regarded as both classic and timelessly contemporary – an accomplishment achieved by both his recordings with Roxy Music and the range and intensity of his solo albums. And visitors to the Extravaganza may well be treated to a rather different version of the legend – as a jazz singer harking back to the 1920s style currently all the rage thanks to the Great Gatsby film. He said: “The first ever concert I went to when I was ten years old was very important in this respect and very much sowed the seed for my love of jazz. I went to see Chris Barber’s Jazz Band in Newcastle, which was part of the British trad-jazz revival. After this initial exposure to jazz I started listening to the American origins of this music, such as Armstrong, Ellington, etc. and became quite obsessed by it, my later favourites being Charlie Parker, Miles Davies and the singer Billie Holiday. “However, I rather abandoned it for rock and roll at the start of my career; it wasn’t until much later that I came back to my love of jazz and instrumental music. I really admire Duke Ellington from his time at The Cotton Club in New York, which then was the place to be. This style of jazz was much more sophisticated and urbane, more arranged and controlled.”
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Michael Eavis in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey
the abbey and we’re delighted that, thanks to Michael, there will be. We are sure it will be well-supported and tickets will sell fast; we are all looking forward to it.”
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Mendip Times has teamed up with Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Festivals to offer one reader the chance to win a pair of tickets worth £70 to enjoy the Extravaganza on Sunday, August 11th. To enter, please answer the following question: Name the first band that Bryan Ferry went to see. Answers on a postcard to be received by Friday, July 12th to Glastonbury Extravaganza Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, BS40 7RG. The first correct entry picked will receive the pair of tickets. The editor’s decision is final.
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MENDIP TIMES 1 50 t h
ANNIVE R SAR Y
Portishead Flower Show & Country Fair
150 years and still going strong!
@ e Show Field, Clevedon Road, Portishead, BS20 7RA Sunday 11.30am – 6pm and Sunday 10.30am – 6pm. Adults £5, children under 17 Free. Parking Free
Miranda Krestovnikoff (BBC’s One Show and Coast) will be opening the Show on Saturday at 12.00 noon. ree marquees with Horticultural, Handicraft and Cookery exhibits and Trade stands, numerous Arena events including a replica Hurricane plane, Gundog display, Morris Men and young children’s activities + Companion Dog Show. Refreshments available.
For full details of what’s on and when, see our website: www.portisheadflowershow.com Contact Details Tel: 01275 817350 Mob: 07989 140367
THE first Portishead Flower Show was held in 1863 and was organised by Dr Charles Wigan who was born in Australia but went to live in Clarence House in Portishead as a young boy. The Portishead and District Horticultural Society was formed and people from the surrounding towns were invited to take part in the show. Portishead, at the time, was a very small village and the first show was held in a field with entries from landowners who employed professional gardeners. Whilst the gardeners had grown the plants, it was the landowners who received the prizes and plaudits! It was subsequently agreed that amateur gardeners or “cottagers” could submit entries. A number of the horticultural judges resided in the large estates in the North Somerset area including Tyntesfield, Ashton Court and Westbury, and Lady Fry, who resided at Failand House, was a regular visitor to the show. Shows have been held every year since 1863, with the exception of the war years, at a variety of venues. The current venue, The Flower Show Field in Clevedon Road, was purchased in 1951 by the society as a permanent home, and is also available for other community events within the town. The show is a major event in Portishead’s calendar and has continued to adapt to reflect changing times. The show title has varied to include Fete and Country Fair. Apart from flowers, vegetables and fruit the show has included handicrafts, country crafts, horses, dogs, funfair and even dare-devil motor displays amongst others. The 150th anniversary show is being held on Saturday 27th and Sunday July 28th and will be opened by Miranda Krestovnikoff (BBC’s One Show), with a packed programme of events. Details: www.portisheadflowershow.com
Competition winners
Last month we teamed up with the organisers of Yeovilton International Air Day for a competition to win five pairs of tickets to the show on Saturday July 13th. The first five correct answers picked were from Mr. P. Emery, Wells, Mrs T. Johns, Langport, Ms Vicky Parsons, Shepton Mallet, Mr B.J. Tavender, Wotton-under-Edge, and Ms M.K. Peverley, Yeovilton. PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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Hurdles set to return for festival
PRIDDY parish council hopes to have the village green’s famous sheep hurdles back in place in time for Priddy Folk Festival. The old hurdles, with their distinctive thatched roof, were destroyed in an arson attack on April 28th. It is hoped that the traditional thatching that protects the hurdle stack will be redone during the festival itself, which runs from July 12th-14th. Local legend has it that there must be a stack of hurdles on the green in order for the sheep fair to take place in August. Dean Collier, folk festival chairman, said: “Finishing off the rebuilding of the hurdles at the festival will be a positive way to end a sad story of vandalism, and to show how resilient the people of Priddy are.” The folk festival is now in its 22nd year and will play host to at least 40 different acts as part of the official line-up, as well as dozens of unofficial performances, a children’s festival, dancing and other events.
VILLAGERS in Baltonsborough, near Glastonbury, are putting the finishing touches to their annual community festival. The event runs from Tuesday, July 9th until Friday, July 19th and boasts a mixed programme of events includes art exhibitions, illustrated talks, theatrical productions, practical creative workshops, and the Baltonsborough Fare – a dinner of local produce. Organisers say the festival is a celebration of local talent and produce and all profits from the events will go to helping with community projects within the village and its environment. The festival leaflet is available from Baltonsborough Shop.
with well known singer/choir leader/voice coach Jenny Peplow. Learn some tricks of the trade. Develop breathing skills – learn to harmonise – have some fun. At the Wellsway, West Harptree. On Saturday 17th August, 9.45-5pm £60 including tea and coffee/biscuits. Please bring packed lunch.
Entries in by 10th August
Ring Jenny on 01373 812093 to book your place.
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Details: www.priddyfolk.org
The best of Baltonsborough
A SINGING WORKSHOP
COMING UP:
Now showing: Behind The Candelabra (cert 15)
Wednesday 3rd July Friday 12th July
Friday 19th July
Wednesday 31st July
Now You See Me (12A) Monsters University in 2D & 3D (U) Pacific Rim in 2D & 3D (tbc) The World’s End (15) Smurfs 2 in 2D and 3D (U) The Heat (15)
G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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Thursday June 27th The Festival Players, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in the wonderful setting of Goblin Combe Lodge, BS40 5PP. Open air performance at 7.30pm so please bring your own seating. Grounds open for picnics from 6pm. Refreshments available. Tickets £14.50 (£8)from 01934 833723 or email: enquiries@goblincombe.org.uk Friday June 28th Glastonbury Male Voice Choir concert in St. Paul’s Church, Easton, Nr Wells, 8pm, in aid of St. Paul’s Church. Tickets £10.00 from Pam 01749 870585 or Jane 01749 870543. Refreshments + glass of wine served at interval. Saturday June 29th -Saturday July 13th Mendip Calligraphy Group Exhibition at Wells and Mendip Museum, 10am – 5pm (closed Sundays). Free entry to exhibition. Saturday June 29th Mendip Male Voice Choir Concert, St John’s Church, Keynsham ,7.30pm. Tickets: 01761 413842 or 01761 233948. Bath Choral Society Summer Concert, 7.30pm at St Swithin’s Church, The Paragon, Bath. www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Writhlington Village Fete, 2-6pm at the village hall. Craft show, car boot, refreshments. Entry free. Details: 01761 439130. Blagdon Midsummer Madness, The Mead, 2-11pm, scarecrow trail, donkey derby, stalls, hog roast, beer tent, with music by Junk Male. Compton Martin village fete, Ring O' Bells 2pm. Sunday June 30th Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Tuesday July 2nd Mendip DFAS lecture, “Two London porcelain factories: Chelsea and Bow – a study in contrasts”. Details: 01749 670652. Issy and David Emeney are just magic at weaving stories into song. Midsomer Norton library, 7pm. Tickets £4. Details: 01225 394041 or www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries Friday July 5th – Sunday July 7th Yeo Valley Lions 11th Claverham Beer Festival – Maritime theme with a free beer for anyone in appropriate fancy dress. Several new beers to try. Details: www.claverham-beer-festival.btck.co.uk PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2013
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T i m e s
Saturday July 6th Wedmore Street Fair – see page 24. Angel Heart Theatre presents “MasyMeg and the Honey Bees”, a traditional travelling puppet theatre with a magical adventure for everyone over the age of four. Ubley Parish Hall, 2pm. Tickets £5 (under 4 free). Details: Jackie on 01761 463373 or Becky 01761 463863. Chewton Mendip Summer Fete, 12.30–3pm on the school field. Traditional stalls and games with brass band, folk dancing, school choir, tug of war and scarecrow competition. Summer Serenade with Unity Singers at Barrow Gurney Church at 7.30pm. A delightful evening of popular songs. Tickets, £7 include refreshments. To book: 01275 464334. The Festival Player’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the garden of Speeds Farm, Lamyatt, near Castle Cary. Tickets £15 (£5) from 01749 812031. All proceeds towards Lamyatt’s church maintenance and village hall improvement project. Midsummer Music at Cleeve Nursery’s 30th anniversary party, 8pm-midnight. Live music including soul, funk, disco and Motown. Bar and food. Tickets £11/£9 do not include refreshments. Details: Cleeve Nursery shop (BS49 4PW), Backwell PO, www.backyardpromotions.org or info@cleevenursery.co.uk Easton Scarecrow Spectacular – competition around the village in the morning, fete in the afternoon at the village hall, 2pm, stalls, activities, family fun afternoon. In aid of church and village hall. Details: www.eastonvillage.co.uk or Tel: 01749870929. Taize singing at Stoke St Michael, 4-5.15
W h a t ’ s
pm. Hot drink and biscuits afterwards. Come along to sing. Songs can be heard on Taize website. Donations for church funds. Contact Janet, 01749 840409 www.naturalvoice.net Sunday July 7th Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake will be served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Polden Hills walk, 10am. www.dontwalkalone.co.uk Wednesday July 10th “Shrubs and Perennials”, a talk by Paul Gilmour for Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North at 7.30pm. July 12th – July 20th Somerton Arts Festival – includes exhibitions and live music at various venues. Programme, from Overt Locke’s shop, West St, includes 10% on tickets – which are available from 07928 508700. Saturday July 13th Chilcompton Celebrates! See page 60. Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Café – 10am-12noon in Brent Knoll Parish Hall. FREE Admission. Held on second Saturday monthly. Details 01278 760308. Goldney Gala – a secret garden festival in Clifton, Bristol, in aid of Sue Ryder Care. 11am-9pm, family entertainment and activities include storytelling, Shakespeare, acoustic music, holistic treatments and tours of the crystal grotto. Axbridge Fun Day, 12noon-midnight, Axbridge Sports and Social Club Community Association. Sunday July 14th Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church.
Classic Car Redhill Club Event July 18th
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Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Tuesday July 16th Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, talk on Lifeboats by John Yabsey, St John’s Church Hall, 2-4 pm. Visitors/new members warmly welcomed; contact 01761 413580 “Anton Gaudi and his architecture of Barcelona” lecture for Mid-Somerset DFAS at 11am, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ. £6. All welcome. Details: 01963 350527. Friday July 19th South Cadbury Castle walk, 10am. www.dontwalkalone.co.uk The Severn Jazzmen (Traditional & Dixieland). Conygre Hall, Timsbury,BA2 0JG. 8-11pm. Dance in cafe style setting. Donation to Blood Bikes.Tickets £8 on the door. Bar & food.Details: 01761 471245 or www.mendipmusic.com Saturday July 20th Corston Village, near Bath, Country Fair, 2-5pm. Stalls, bouncy castle, classic cars, silver band, dog show, RAF fly past. Refreshments and entertainment for all ages. Bleadon Village Market – 9-12.30 in the Coronation Halls. Details: www.bleadon.org.uk/market SodzLaw, a blues/rock band with music from the ‘60’s to present on Brent Knoll Village Green, from 7.30pm. Bar and BBQ. Tickets £8 adults (accompanied under- 14’s FREE). Details: 01278 760308. Book Sale and coffee morning, 10am-12, Writhlington Methodist Church centenary celebrations. Westfield Ladies Choir Musical Extravaganza at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, 7.30pm in aid of Cancer Research UK. Details: Alison Battle 01761 436942 www.justgiving.com/LesleySchofield0628. First ever Valley Green Belt Barn Dance, Stanton Drew Village Hall, straight after the village’s Flower Show. Details: Rosie Pierce 07528 175789 or email valleyhoedown@gmail.com Claverham Big Night Out, Claverham Court Farm, Hot Shots, Flash Harry, tickets £8 in advance, £10 on the night, 6.30pm-1am, organised by North Somerset YFC Sunday July 21st The 2nd Great Nempnett Thrubwell
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Sheep Race Day, 12noon at Nempnett Village Hall, BS40 8YJ. Bar and BBQ, free entry and raffle, donations from proceeds to local charities. Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. follow
Friday July 26th-Sunday July 28th Lions Club of Weston-super-Mare beer festival on the Beach Lawns, preceded by a Race Night on the Thursday. Details: www.westonlionsrealalefestival.org.uk Saturday July 27th Somerset Chamber Choir in concert, 7pm at Wells Cathedral. Including Mozart’s Requiem and James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross. Tickets: www.somersetchamberchoir.org.uk 01823 336344 or Wells Cathedral shop. Sunday July 28th Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Saturday August 3rd – Sunday August 4th Nailsea & District Horticultural Society Summer Show, Golden Valley playing field, 12.30pm. Stalls, refreshments and a fun dog show as well as flowers fruit and veg.
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Saturday August 3rd Nunney’s 38th Annual Street Market and Fayre, 10am-5pm. Includes live music in front of Nunney Castle. Details: www.visitnunney.com Sunday August 4th Summer garden party at Southfield Farm, Farleigh Rd, Backwell, 2-5pm, in aid of St Bridget’s Church, Chelvey. Southfield Farm gardens feature in the National Garden Scheme and are well worth a visit. There is plenty of off-road parking with disabled access to most areas.01761 463888 or 07768 991997. Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Sunday August 11th Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. Saturday August 17th Bleadon Village Market – 9-12.30 in the Coronation Halls. Details: www.bleadon.org.uk/market Sunday August 18th Priddy Abseil / Zip Wire Event, 12 noon from Priddy Church Tower – try with guidance from professionals, or just climb up inside the tower if you prefer! Stalls and refreshments. Details: pam.main@hotmail.com Compton Dando, St. Mary’s Church. Teas and cake served between 2 – 5pm. Profits to the Church Funds. All welcome. 55th Timsbury Horse and Dog Show, at a new venue: Sleight Farm, Stowey Road, Clutton, BS39 5TF. Details: stabledoorequestrian@hotmail.co.uk 01761 235704 or kim_mcgarva@hotmail.co.uk ,07514884777 Bank Holiday Saturday August 24th Somerset Showcase in Axbridge. Arts & crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, themed café Medieval Square 10am til late. Details: www.somersetshowcase/info
ANSWERS TO THE MENDIP MINDBENDER
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ACROSS: 1/2 Westbury sub Mendip, 5 Flutes, 10 Lobes, 11 Montacute, 12 Fuel oil, 13 Greater, 14 Dudes, 16 Dentistry, 18 Paper clip, 21 Gland, 23 Orchard, 25 Library, 27 Lytes Cary, 28 Indie, 29 Worlds, 30/7 National Trust. DOWN: 1 Well-fed, 3 Bisto, 4 Rambled, 6 Leavening, 8 Swear by, 9 Onegin, 15 Surpassed, 17 Tea garden, 18 Poor law, 19 Lad mag, 20 Palmyra, 22 Dry cell, 24 Cater, 26 Blini.
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WHAT’S ON
New attractions at Shepton
ORGANISERS of this year’s Mid-Somerset Show are ringing the changes with new features and attractions to maintain its status as the best free event of its kind in the country. Known by most people as the Shepton Show, the one-day event still has agriculture and the countryside at its heart, but the show committee is keen to attract as many visitors as possible on Sunday, August 18th. Former Coronation Street actor Sean Wilson, who is now an expert cheese maker, will be the guest judge at the South West Cheese Awards being held at the show. The Wurzels – sponsored by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis – will again be headlining the show but organisers have also set up an acoustic stage to showcase local performers. The venture is being supported by Nunney Acoustic Café. The growing popularity of the Addlestones Classic Vintage and Steam Field has led organisers to move the classic car display to the edge of the main show arena. Instead the field will showcase rare industrial heritage – this year the focus will be on quarrying. This year’s show will also feature a bigger flower show, with more vegetable and floral art classes and there will be more trade stands, with a new shopping marquee in the Haskins Field. Organisers are also appealing for more volunteers to help in advance and on the day itself. For more information or to find out more about the acoustic stage, contact Christine at: secretary@midsomersetshow.org.uk or telephone the show office on: 01749 938044
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