INan often dark and dangerous world, it’s good to shed a little light and warmth. That’s certainly what Christmas celebrations did across Mendip.
We have photos from many of those events that survived the weather and our usual heart-warming stories from local charities and community groups.
We meet two youngsters winning in the world of bowls and a man who survived an horrific fall in one of Mendip’s caves.
Mary Payne and Charles Dowding both look ahead to a new growing season, while we report from LandAlive, the regenerative farming conference held at the Bath and West Showground.
Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and we have a special feature on the many companies thriving in the area.
Croscombe Village Orchestra also has an anniversary –its 50th –while Mendip Times will be having its own modest celebration in May, for our 20th anniversary.
We wouldn’t be doing that without the wonderful support we get from readers, advertisers and contributors. Happy New Year!
February 2025 deadline: Friday 17th January
Published: Tuesday 28th January
Editorial:
Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk
Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk
Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk
Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk
What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk
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Publisher: Mendip Times Limited
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IMPROVEMENTS to The Roundhouse, centrepiece of a popular green space by the River Frome at Welshmill in Frome, have been officially unveiled.
It sits in an area known locally as “The Otherside” on the opposite side of the river to the Pump Track and Welshmill Park. The updated roundhouse was officially opened by Frome mayor Andy Jones.
A popular meeting space, over the years The Otherside has seen the addition of a wildlife pond and flower beds. The timbers used in the original roundhouse construction started to rot and damage to roof slats hastened the structure’s decline.
A project to replace the structure began in October 2024. Metal supports for the wooden poles have lifted them slightly off the ground, preventing future rotting, and the timber chosen for the refurbished roundhouse is stronger and more resilient, for longevity.
Last village calendar?
front cover of the 2025 village calendar
A CALENDAR featuring mostly work by local photographers in the Pilton area has gone on sale with the theme of Wildlife in Britain.
But the calendar, which helps raise funds for village good causes, could be the last of its kind, with people preferring digital formats to printed calendars.
The calendar was launched ten years ago to showcase the work of entrants in the annual village show held in September, following ideas by Wendy Lynn and Jenny de Gex. Jenny said: “The aim was to raise a smile in bleak winter months.”
The 2025 calendar is on sale – priced £6 – at the New Room Coffee Shop in Pilton during opening hours (mornings only except Sundays) and directly from Jenny on 01749 890465/07721 683321.
Anyone interested in taking on the production should contact Jenny
Air ambulance awards
Dr Laura Bland
OUR local air ambulance teams have both won national awards, with four for Dorset and Somerset and two for Great Western.
After all being shortlisted as finalists, Dorset and Somerset’s critical care doctor Laura Bland, specialist practitioner, Neil Bizzell, charity supporter, Tom Budgett, and chair of trustees Gillian Bryce, were all announced as winners in each of their respective categories.
Great Western’s public education coordinator, Carlota Appleby, and clinical fellow, Dr Emma Moore, were presented with the Breaking Barriers award, while 15-yearold Ethan Ross-Smith collected the Young Person of the Year Award.
Ethan collecting his award
Guests at the unveiling of the new-look Roundhouse
The
A sycamore for Sue
WINSCOMBE Primary School celebrated National Tree Week by planting a special variety of sycamore to mark Sue Griffin’s retirement after 23 years of service at the school. Sue, a learning mentor, was helped by the school’s junior tree wardens (pictured l to r) Darcy, Fin, Arya and Michael, who will also continue its care.
Rotary in action
AXBRIDGERotary group members are pictured preparing the town’s Memorial Garden before Remembrance Day. They also held a collection at Axbridge farmers’ market for Cheddar Foodbank.
New forest
AVONNeeds Trees has raised £50,000 in the last month and is set to start planting The Lower Chew Forest with more than 1,000 new trees between Bristol and Bath. They have more than 1,200 volunteers ready to start planting and plan to continue fundraising to provide future care for the trees planted this winter.
Planting trees to help prevent flooding
ENVIRONMENTAL group, Reimagining the Levels, says the tree planning season is upon us and it’s keen to hear from individuals and community groups who wish to plant mainly native trees, shrubs or hedgerows.
It says parish councils may have tracts of land that could be enhanced; schools might need a hedgerow or copse planted or renovated; landowners might have a corner or even bigger plans for their patch.
The group formed after the devastating floods in 2013/14 aiming for a more joined-up approach that looks at the causes and solutions to flooding across the entire catchment.
It’s in its fifth year of partnership with Somerset Rivers Authority’s Trees for Water scheme, where trees and shrubs are planted across water courses to slow the flow of water. This stops the drains, ditches and streams from being overwhelmed in times of heavy rain.
The group says: “There is hardly a town or village in Somerset that has not been affected by flooding this year and our efforts to help reduce the misery and harm caused by unprecedented levels of rainfall have never felt so important.”
To date the programme has delivered 130 different schemes which has supported 57,000 trees, shrubs and hedges to be planted. Other community support schemes have added more than 50,000 trees.
The group says: “People comment on how helpful and how easy we have made a vague wish become a reality. We try to visit every applicant and advise on the best way to progress, on the type of trees to plant, where to plant them and we supply both the plants and the protections e.g. tubes and stakes. It really is that easy and we make it happen!”
Young trees doing well
New hedge at Shrive Farm, Othery
Conference considers regenerative farming
THE two-day LandAlive conference held at the Bath and West showground attracted 550 delegates, 80 speakers and 50 exhibitors to discuss regenerative farming.
They heard this method wasn’t just good for nature – it could kickstart Britain’s economic revival by making farms more profitable and improving the nation’s health with foods that are higher in nutrients.
One of the organisers, Graham Harvey, said: “A wholesale switch to regenerative farming would be a lifeline to our struggling NHS and produce the ‘sustainable economic growth’ this Government says it’s looking for. So, why isn’t the Government doing more to help farmers adopt the new methods?
“Given the bottom-line cost of inputs, and rising consumer demand for planet-friendly, gut-friendly food, it’s simply
good business sense to look at more nature-based solutions.”
Carol Paris, chief executive of the Royal Bath & West of England Society (co-hosts of the event) said: “Getting so many pioneers of the regen movement - actual practitioners‘in the room’ for farmers to interact with and challenge, really seemed to work. I think it’s been inspirational.”
The society announced a new prize fund offering two farmers or farm advisers in the South West £2,500 each towards a two-year regenerative farming programme.
The society also plans to organise a series of regular social get-togethers for farmers who are just starting their regenerative farming journey.
The conference was a collaboration between Sustainable Food Somerset and The Royal Bath and West of England Society, supported by DEFRA’S ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ (FIPL) fund through Mendip and Quantocks National Landscapes and Exmoor National Park, with “in kind” support from Somerset Council.
Vanessa Becker-Hughes, Somerset Eel Project
Graham Harvey
Jen Hunter from Fernhill Farm
It was standing room only at some of the sessions
The garden at night-time
OUR gardens are just as busy during the night-time as they are during the day –perhaps even more so, as a variety of nocturnal creatures emerge from their day-time hideaways. A night-time shift using similar or the same resources! We may be unaware of all this activity but let us see.
Perhaps they have a better time than the day-time inhabitants because there are few, even no, interfering humans around trying to dictate what is and what is not to go on! Late autumn and winter are ideal times for watching and indeed listening because no late hours have to be kept except by choice.
Watchers need to be still and patient for some time so warm clothes are a must and something waterproof to sit on unless you have the luxury of a garden room or porch in which to sit.
Which creatures inhabit the night? There is a huge range – birds, mammals including bats plus hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, deer and various small mammals such as mice, rats and voles. Then there will be amphibians, reptiles and a myriad of insects such as beetles. Each has a routine uninterrupted by humans.
The night-time garden can be noisy with wildlife and it is easier to hear since there is little competition from traffic, lawnmowers, chainsaws or strimmers. Life for the night shift can proceed untroubled except for life and death battles between predator and prey.
The evocative hoot of the tawny owl is often heard in late autumn right through to January or February. Most are familiar with the “twit-twoo” call but may not
realise that it is two owls talking to each other, the “twit” being a female and the “twoo” the male. Most of the calling is to establish territories ready for the spring breeding season or to find a mate.
Occasionally there may be alarming even harrowing calls this time from female foxes searching for a mate. Or when sitting quietly a fox, badger or hedgehog may come on the scene searching for food that may even have been put out deliberately.
Hedgehogs are noisy as they snuffle through dead leaves. At any hint of danger they can roll up into a tight, prickly ball. Unfortunately, badgers can unroll them and find a tasty meal inside. Moths flit through the night sky. There are 2,500 moth species in the UK, compared to 59 butterfly species. Each has its own time of fulfilling its life cycle. Some never eat but mate, lay eggs and then die. They have fantastic names such as the Death’s-head hawkmoth, Pale Tussock, Vapourer, Old Lady, Angle Shade and many more.
Moths are excellent pollinators together with beetles, flies and even mosquitoes. There are flowers that deliberately produce fragrance and nectar especially through the night. They are usually white or pale in colour to show up in the dark.
Favourites are evening primrose, tobacco plant, sweet rocket, honeysuckle, night scented phlox, echinops, salvias and verbenas. If planting more, it is best for them to be in blocks for ease of access for pollinators.
Caterpillars tend to eat mostly at night having hidden under leaves during the
Harvest home fundraiser
day. The same applies to snails and slugs. By shining a torch for a while it is likely that you will spot caterpillars like the mullein moth tucking into a Mullein plant (Verbascum) its main food.
It will not be a surprise to find that moths and therefore their caterpillars are in decline for the usual reasons of climate change, habitat loss and the use of toxic chemicals. There is another –light pollution that disorientates flying creatures so that their circadian rhythms are interrupted. Flying, mating and finding food is harder. Birds also are affected by disturbed sleep.
It is joyful to light up the garden especially at this time of year but be careful to have the lights pointing downwards or shield their tops in some way and remember to turn the lights off when not in use.
Book recommendation
My Garden and Other Animals by Mike Dilger who is the naturalist for The One Show. He lives locally at Chew Stoke and describes with humour how he and his partner created a wildlife garden from scratch.
Happy and peaceful New Year!
DIANA REDFERN
THE organisers of the annual Wedmore Harvest Home will be offering a Christmas tree collection and recycling service in January to raise funds for the annual celebration. Collectors will be on the roads on Sunday, January 12th in the BS24 4** postcode area and in neighbouring Mark and Blackford. The suggested minimum donation is £10 and booking is essential.
The harvest home committee said: “Many thanks to Rousell Plant Hire, Stanley C Baker & Sons and DW Tucker for their continued help and support.”
To book your collection or for further details, email / message or call Rach on: rachbennett1@hotmail.co.uk 07807 156069
Buy British to help farming survive
NEWYear is always a time I reflect on the year past and look forward to the year ahead. Invariably, more often than not, my most recent reflection is Christmas. If you are blessed with children this changes as they grow older but the one thing that stays the same is Christmas dinner. For many of us this includes a turkey, roast potatoes, a selection of other vegetables, “all the trimmings” and Christmas pudding or some other sweet treat for dessert.
For all of this we can thank a farmer and the best way of thanking a British farmer is to continue to buy British produce in 2025. There is a saying “use it or lose it” and this applies to British farming. We all need to buy as much British produce as possible to make sure British farming survives.
British farming is facing an enormous challenge. As well as high input prices and low sales prices, as an industry we are being offered numerous opportunities to convert land to solar and environmental schemes with no need to produce food.
The only way to stop farmers from converting the whole of their farms to these non-food options is for us to buy British food. There aren’t many animals out in the fields at the moment but this is to be expected at this time of year. What we don’t want is for this to be the case all year round as more and more dairy farms go out of business.
Hopefully the grass is starting to grow ready for the coming year. There are some dairy farmers who calve their cows early in the year. By doing so they get the most benefit from grazed grass rather than spending lots of money on purchased feed.
The system doesn’t suit everyone or every farm but, for those who can grow grass early in the year and their farm isn’t too wet to graze, they can graze cows for the whole of their nine month lactation and save a lot of money.
For those who can’t employ this system they will continue to grow grass for grazing and silage and the excitement of silage making in May will continue. The farming year continues and at this time of year I always look forward to what might come. I have my fingers firmly crossed for much less rain in 2025 and a lot more sun. Happy New Year.
Countryside Day returns
THE Mid-Somerset Showground at Shepton Mallet will host the show society’s Countryside Day in February.
Last year’s event, held at Bagborough Farm at Pylle, saw the introduction of a gun dog scurry and clay pigeon shoot, which will return for 2025 – based on the society’s annual hedge laying competition and tractor rally – combined with a Land Rover meet. Entry is free for visitors.
Show chairman, Graham Walton, told members: “The addition of our ‘Have a Go’ Gun Dog Scurry and Clay Pigeon shooting made for an amusing day with many of you achieving top marks in the shooting and your furry friends enjoying leaping over straw bales.”
With NICK GREEN
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
Bert couldn’t beat them!
AROUND 70 modern and vintage tractors took part in the
The event, which began and ended at the Frome Showground, was raising funds for Hannah’s Willbery Wonder Pony, Dorothy House Hospice and the club itself.
A spokeperson for the club said: “We would just like to say a massive thank you to anyone involved with the tractor run and to anyone who came out to support us, despite the weather! Without you all it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Modern tractors waiting for the start
annual Frome Young Farmers’ charity run at the height of Storm Bert.
Braving the wind and the rain to watch the tractors depart the showground
This brave Fordson driver was the only one without a cab to shelter from Storm Bert
The drivers’ briefing underway Highlighting the Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony charity
The escort tractors prepare to leave the showfield
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS
4. Receptacle for ashes (3)
8. Wont ring around N Somerset village (8)
9. Old calculator (6)
10. Perfumes (10)
11. Chance going with lady, good or bad (4)
12. Way to largest village in Somerset (6)
14. Drastic measures to take on again (8)
15. Action plans (7)
17. Made with flour or flower (7)
21. Smokie Scottish town (8)
23. Like a Mother Superior perhaps, arriving at Somerset village with castle (6)
25. Large continent (4)
26. Room for sleeping (10)
28. Mythical island surrounded in Naval onslaught (6)
29. Beekeeper (8)
30. Paddle (3)
DOWN
1 Fungal infestation (3,3)
2. Problem gives terrible angst without end (4)
3. Main body of water (8)
4. Legendary creature (7)
5. Drug consumed in liberal sauna causes sickness (6)
6. A measure for cooking (10)
7. Local beer producer (8)
12. Solidify (3)
13. Outwardly, it’s forever with a kiss (10)
16. Sandpaper (8)
18. Mainstay (8)
19. Beam (3)
20. Dr ached dreadfully to obtain cheese! (7)
22. Lacking pigmentation (6)
24. All square over love, nevertheless (4,2)
27. Village stain – gospel! (4)
This month’s solution can be found on page 84
By Fairlight Cryptic Clues are in italics
Future priorities for Mendip Hills?
WHAT should be the priorities for the future of the Mendip Hills? Every five years the Partnership that looks after the national landscape conducts a survey as part of the review of the management plan. Each national landscape across the country must have a management plan, it's part of the planning system and should steer the work of relevant organisations to conserve and enhance the natural beauty.
When asked what they feel are the biggest challenges for the Mendip Hills over the next five years this is how people responded.
l Climate change impacts due to unpredictable weather patterns, habitat loss and risks like wildfires and flooding.
l Increased visitation leading to
issues such as litter, path erosion and disturbance to wildlife and habitats.
l Limitations due to funding.
l Biodiversity loss due to habitat fragmentation, climate change and agricultural practices.
l Development pressures from local housing and transportation expansions.
l Farming practices creating unbalanced ecological systems.
Priorities for the work of all the organisations on the Partnership should be;
l Enhancing biodiversity monitoring in Mendip Hills to support habitat conservation and adaptation to climate change.
l Support a broad approach to conserving ecological and geological
networks within and around the Mendip Hills.
l Promote farming and land management practices that support climate adaptation, mitigation, and conservation of the Mendip Hills’ unique qualities.
l Ensure public access and recreational activities in Mendip Hills are inclusive, healthy, and aligned with its conservation goals.
l Promote a safe, accessible green infrastructure network that benefits people, nature and wildlife in the Mendip Hills.
There will be a final consultation of the management plan in January and February 2025 before it gets adopted by the three local authorities that cover the Mendip Hills.
Galhampton
Shop & Country Store
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Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 7.30am – 5.30pm | Sun 10am – 4pm sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk • 01963 440464
Family-run, rural country store on A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford
Fir Tree Business Park, High Road, Galhampton, Somerset, BA22 7BH
And introducing our neighbours:
Sophisticated, elegant, opulent. Weddings, funerals, events or custom flowers
Email: sales@juliamoorefloraldesigns.co.uk
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
Let’s celebrate –seasonal simplicity with style
And here’s to 2025 . . . heading to a quarter of the way through the century and it feels like we were celebrating the Millennium just yesterday! It’s customary at this time of year – what with New Year resolutions and all that – for some to consider a healthier lifestyle. Here are two oh-so healthy recipes (ok, cheese is involved), but I couldn’t resist something indulgent also. After all, we could be in for a long, bleak winter and something fun and simple fits the bill for a chilly night.
PROTEIN WRAP
A healthy start to 2025
This is a good alternative to bread, high in protein and gluten free.
METHOD
Mix everything together and spread onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper, bake at 160˚C for 30 mins until lightly golden. Leave to cool to room temperature and then fill with your favourite filling, I used chicken, lettuce, cheese and onion!
INGREDIENTS
(Makes one wrap)
300g cottage cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper
1tsp garlic granules
HEALTHY VEGGIE OMELETTE
This omelette is packed with flavour and goodness
Continuing the healthy theme, serve with potatoes and salad for a filling meal.
METHOD
Fry the onion on a high-ish heat stirring all the time, preferably in a deep frying pan. Mix the eggs with the grated veg, soy sauce and herbs and tip into the pan. Stir around for a minute, then cover (use a baking tray for a cover) and cook on low seven minutes, flip and cook for a further seven mins.
NO BAKE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
Say cheese-cake!
This is so simple, so delicious – and just a bit naughty!
METHOD
Melt the butter, stir in the crushed biscuits and press into a flan tin. Melt the cream and chocolate together. Take off the heat and whisk in the cheese until all combined and pour over base. Refrigerate for a couple of hours, decorate and serve.
INGREDIENTS
(Serves one)
3 eggs
50g chopped onion
70g grated carrot
70g broccoli very finely chopped
50grams grated cheese
2tsps soy sauce
20g fresh thyme
Olive oil
INGREDIENTS
(Serves six to eight)
275g crushed digestive biscuits
100gm butter
300g chocolate (dark, milk or white)
300g double cream
250g cream or ricotta cheese
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
Café’s birthday
Howerd’s
CAFÉ
Community + Hub
Open to a
Sevier Road, Loxton, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2XE
OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 9.30amTO 3pm
Serving Breakfast, Ice Creams, Cakes, Lunches and Cream Teas
All our profits go to The Frankie Howerd OBE Trust
TELEPHONE: 01934 244362
Pictured (l to r) Ian and Sonya Stocker, mum Pauline Patch, and Alyx Carter
CONGARSCafé in Congresbury has celebrated its fifth birthday, having survived Covid and the cost of living crisis and is now looking to expand.
Sonya Stocker and her husband, Ian, both former police officers, are slowly developing a community space where people can enjoy a variety of activities such as craft, wellbeing support groups, regular monthly lunches and a repair cafe.
Last year they became a CIC, which enabled them to apply for sources of funding, including plans to expand the café itself. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-3.30pm, offering a varied menu, and employ three staff and volunteers, including Sonya’s mum, Pauline Patch, who is said to make “bread pudding to die for”.
Market continues
CHEW Valley Country Market will continue in the New Year, thanks to a new team to manage finances. They are new treasurer, Paul Willis, with Tamsin Free and Tania Beagley-Brown assisting as cashiers in Paul’s absence.
There were fears for its future when Peter Whitehead, treasurer and producer of excellent cakes decided to retired after more than 20 years. The committee wished him an enjoyable retirement.
The market will re-open after its Christmas break on Friday, January 17th, 9.30-11am at the Lower Old School Room with all the
home-made baking, craft and produce.
WILD FOOD
On the track of UPOs
LET’S face it, January is a challenging time of year for most of us. The fun of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, a distant memory; it’s now dark, wet and windy, with not much to do. But there is one ray of light, a beacon of warm hope provided by the kitchen cupboard with the discovery of long forgotten preserves. Think of it as a little life laundry for the store cupboard and a chance for you to forage for something (hopefully) tasty without leaving the comfort of your home!
We have always made our own jam, marmalade, fruit jellies, chutneys and flavoured boozes so first comes the inventory, perfect indoor fun for a wet and windy day.
Staggeringly, our cupboard currently has the following: 22 jars of fruit jam, jelly and marmalade; 27 jars of various chutneys; two bottles of Meadowsweet cordial; the remaining four bottles of homemade apple juice; one bottle of blackberry gin; a quarter-full demijohn of sloe gin (easily ten years old). Quite the collection.
And what about those gifts of preserves from alleged family and friends – do you trust them or do their offerings go straight to the back of the cupboard never to see light, let alone your insides?
Amusingly, there is always a jar of the unknown, something without a label, no list of ingredients, who made it or when; indeed it is impossible to tell from the outside what is on the inside.
Let’s call it a UPO, an unidentified preserved object. Frustrating and exciting in equal measure. Do you risk it? What if it tastes horrible? What’s the worst that can happen?
Surprising yourself, you reach for the unmarked jar and with a quick twist, a sniff and a spoon to taste, the “best thing ever!” is revealed. And what you might ask, was my recent UPO and the idea behind this article? Wild strawberry jam with a hint of rose petal; it was like spreading Turkish delight on toast.
Sadly, once finished, it was quickly followed by the feeling of crushing disappointment, if only I knew who gave it to me… so I have to thank our friends Jess and Colin for the gift, as I know that anything containing rose is Jess’s signature ingredient.
Here’s wishing you all the best of luck with your own UPO and have a happy preserving New Year!
Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist and expert forager running wild food forays, events and activities. Please visit: www.hedgerowcottage.co.uk for more information or email him at: hello@hedgerowcottage.co.uk
GARDEN FOOD
New growing season
LAST winter was exceptionally mild and for much of the time there were fresh harvests, including wild ones, like the tops of stinging nettles. In cold winters, we reap the benefit of any vegetables we put aside beforehand. Swede, parsnip and winter varieties of leek can be outside all winter. Beetroot, celeriac and carrots are better in a shed in boxes or crates, with a little soil on them and a mouse trap nearby.
I learnt the value of a trap after losing a large amount of celeriac one winter. The mice ate it from below, out of sight!
No rush to sow
January is about being ready for the rapid growth of summer. There's an old saying, sow in January and you won't have anything to eat. Instead you can look to make more and better compost in the summer months.
Gather and stockpile tree leaves and woody prunings for adding to green materials in your heaps next summer. You can have woodchips delivered by a local tree surgeon or find some on the Arbtalk website.
In terms of planning what to grow and where, I recommend a rough sketch, just to get you going in March and April. Beyond that, things often change; such as slugs eating your plantings, and weather impeding growth. Planting plans are a starting point, and are useful to give ideas on what, when, and how much to propagate.
Compost for propagation
It’s not yet time to sow seeds, but you could prepare potting compost. My mix is as follows:
50% one-year-old home-made compost, 10% worm compost, 10% woodchip three years old. All sieved to 4-5 mm. For sieving, the compost cannot be soggy, you need to spread it somewhere dry first.
You may not have enough homemade compost to go 100% in the mix. I don’t and the remaining 40% I add is proprietary compost, Urban Warm peat free. Many peat-free composts do not grow decent plants, but this one does. Also, it’s 30% worm compost, and there's no doubt that all plants love growing in that.
Charles Dowding has made no dig popular with millions of readers and viewers. Currently he grows vegetables in Somerset. He has written 14 books and gives talks plus courses at home and abroad.
With ADRIAN BOOTS
With CHARLES DOWDING
Frome Fatstock Show
THEhighlight of Cooper and Tanner’s calendar at Frome Market, their 124th Annual Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale, saw excellent entries in all sections.
The Frome Fatstock Society also presented cheques of £500
to Fairfield Opportunity Farm and both the Wiltshire and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances. Frome Market Health Hub also received a donation of £1,000.
Lucy Gould took the Supreme Championship with her Limousin steer selling at 420p/kg to Whiterow Farm Shop of Beckington, Frome who also purchased the Reserve Champion, an Aberdeen Angus Steer shown by Rachel and Steven Stamp achieving the top price of the day at 478p/kg.
Bradley Towell, cattle auctioneer, said: “It was fantastic to see such excellent Show Stock judged so well by Mr Stuart Clatworthy. The quality was reflected in the premium prices buyers paid – well done to all exhibitors.”
Supreme champion
Mike Butler the Frome Fatstock Society President and Diana Oborne from the Frome Market Health Hub
A modern venue steeped in tradition
THE recently-arrived team at the Redan Inn in Chilcompton believe strongly in innovation and looking to the future but they are keenly aware that a country inn and eating house – complete with rooms – must respect both its history and location.
Which is why anyone looking for a pint and a bag of crisps will be made to feel just as welcome as those seeking a fine dining experience, whether a local or visitor.
Simon Dodd, who looks after the front-of-house and has many years of experience in the hospitality sector, put it simply: “The little touches are what make a difference.”
As well as attracting people seeking a fine dining experience, the Redan also offers pizza from its al-fresco eatery, The Carriage, which overlooks several outside eating areas including a generous-sized covered terrace.
Chef Rhys Brooks who, despite being just 24 years old, also has plenty of experience in the industry, is developing a menu featuring many classics, but with a twist. Rhys’ spring menu is due to be launched in March.
He said: “I am aiming to make full use of our kitchen garden throughout the year as well as using local ingredients wherever possible and help build the menus around that.”
Simon and Rhys say they are always on the lookout for young, talented individuals to join the team and help build the Redan’s already impressive reputation.
But they also stress that, as a country pub, a warm welcome for everyone is crucial and there are plans for steak nights, live music and even bingo.
Simon added: “We are trying to bring our personalities to the Redan and we hope that is reflected in what we are trying to achieve here.”
Rhys (left) and Simon outside the entrance to the inn
Charity celebrates 21st anniversary
A SHEPTON Mallet teenager’s decision 21 years ago to donate his pocket money towards a child’s education in South Africa has grown into a thriving charitable organisation transforming the lives of children across the Western Cape and beyond.
SOS Africa marked the milestone anniversary by hosting a birthday party to remember at its recently opened Gordon’s Bay Education Centre. Its VIP guests were staff and children from the charity’s four education centres from across the region.
Matt, the charity’s CEO, said: “It was an emotional afternoon shared with many of the wonderful people who have each played an invaluable part in SOS Africa’s journey here in the Western Cape. Each SOS Africa child and staff member has their own remarkable story, they have fought against the odds to get to where they are today and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“I often reflect on the early days of SOS Africa when we walked the very first sponsored child to his first day at school. Back then I had no idea that, in that moment, a wonderful organisation had been born. I feel truly blessed to have a career which enables me to bear witness to both human kindness and determination each and every day.”
Weylands Wassail returns
FROME’S Weylands Wassail is back for its third year on Saturday, February 8th from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, in the orchard by the river behind Weylands.
Live music from Frome Street Bandits, craft activities including creating willow bird feeders for the garden, and mulled cider and apple juice will join the wassail ceremony itself. Entrance to the wassail is free, with refreshments on sale and the opportunity to make a donation to the community groups providing the activities.
Once again, Annabelle Macfadyen will stage a wassail performance and lead the crowd through the ceremony, around trees decorated by local resident and TreeGroup member Charly Le Marchant.
Contribute to Wells Cathedral’s transformational journey
THE Dean of Wells is inviting anyone who has still to visit Wells Cathedral to share their thoughts in a new online survey.
The Very Revd Toby Wright said that, whilst the cathedral welcomes approximately 300,000 worshippers, visitors and guests each year, as part of a continued ambition to positively impact lives in the city of Wells, Somerset, the diocese and beyond, he wants to hear from those who haven’t yet chosen to experience the iconic building.
The dean said: “The cathedral is a vibrant hub of community, history and beauty. We're all about people and opening ourselves up to the intimacy of wonder.
“We are committed to diversity, fostering connections and ensuring everyone feels welcome and, as part of this ambition, we’re embracing the challenge to bring more people in and increase the size and breadth of our engagement with our communities.
“So we invite you to participate in our journey of growth and transformation and would love to hear from you if you haven’t yet experienced the cathedral and our community by filling in a short questionnaire and giving us your feedback.”
The survey is confidential but anyone completing the survey before the end of January and who leaves an email address will be entered into a prize draw for £50 of high street vouchers as a thank you.
The questionnaire will be available at www.wellscathedral.org.uk
Saving lives in Cheddar
FUNDRAISERS are planning a charity event in the spring to raise funds for more defibrillators in Cheddar and surrounding villages.
The campaign was launched last year by Tina Salway in memory of her husband, Jim, who died aged 58 from sudden cardiac arrest. In his memory, she organised a charity event at The Rocks cocktail bar in Cheddar, where they held an ABBA night that raised enough funds to purchase three defibrillators.
https://gofund.me/73a2c8be
Jim Salway
The 21st birthday party in the Western Cape
Tweet of the day –the bird that flew (with a broken neck)
THEREwas a lot to crow about at Clevedon Salerooms’ Winter Specialist sale on Thursday, December 5th. The final sale of 2024 saw over 530 lots on offer with the star lot of the day being a stoneware Wally Bird tobacco jar by the celebrated Martin Brothers. These characterful creations are probably the most coveted works of these famous Victorian studio potters.
With significant losses around the neck, however, it was clear our bird could not be expected to fly particularly high and its estimate reflected this. It was, fittingly, one of the most “watched” items in the lead-up to the sale and, when its moment came, it soared above all expectations to sell for a remarkable £10,000.
When it comes to watches, the perennially popular name of Rolex can always be relied upon to stir bidders into action: a gentleman's 18K Day Date automatic chronometer sold for £7,200, whilst an Oyster Perpetual Submariner sold for a healthy £6,000.
Another lot that was fiercely fought over was a rare American Revolutionary War era engraved map A Plan of the Town, Bar, Harbour and Environs of Charlestown in South Carolina by William Faden, (1749-1836).
Dated 1780, it was a touchstone with a significant moment in US history, the Siege of Charleston by British troops which took place that year. Again, the focus of significant pre-sale interest it sold in the room to a UK buyer for £7,000.
With winter making its presence felt outside a little sunshine was provided courtesy of a collection of oil paintings Cecil Rochfort D'Oyly John (British, 19061993). A single owner collection of evocative Mediterranean and West Indian scenes was led by “West Indian beach near Port of Spain, Trinidad” which sold for £2,400. Altogether, the eight canvases sold for a combined total of £8,800.
With a sale total well above expectations, the Winter Specialist sale certainly proved to be the grand finale for another vintage year for Clevedon Salerooms. We look forward to welcoming you in 2025.
With CHRIS YEO
WOOD CARVING CLASSES
Value judgements
“IT is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” The words of philosopher Bertrand Russell.
Toby Pinn says the Christmas and New Year period is a time when many of us pause for a moment to appreciate what we have and to spare a thought for those less fortunate.
The value of family, friends, the importance of good health will be at the top of many people's list. For the blessed amongst us, these intangibles are the most important things in our lives.
Understanding the value of your tangible possessions is, for many, the first step towards living freely. If you would like to take stock of your tangibles, allowing more time to focus on the important things, enquire about a certified valuation of your home contents at www.tobypinn.co.uk
Wildlife photographer
FINLEYMiller, aged 17, has a passion for wildlife and photography, and likes to photograph birds in particular.
He has recently won two competitions, one with the Somerset Wildlife Trust in the U-17 category and the same one with the RSPB.
He’s currently at college doing an apprenticeship to become an electrician. His favourite place to photograph is the Somerset Levels, in particular RSPB Ham Wall.
He’s also visited the Isle of Mull in Scotland. He currently uses a Nikon Z9 which he says “is still a bit of a learning curve”.
A heartfelt thank you
THE team at Dore & Rees would like to start by saying a heartfelt thank you for your support during 2024; results from the past year show strong growth in specialist auctions such as Fine Asian Art and Collectors Cars.
Its team continues to deliver knowledge and expertise to its clients in an accessible way. Dore & Rees are developing a strong reputation for handling single owner collections by telling the story of the collections and presenting them to a global audience through its highly regarded website and social media channels.
Large and rare ‘star god and deer’ lantern vase, sold £227,500
Auctions such as The George Withers Collection exemplify this approach. George was an avid collector, whose home was literally packed to the rafters with antiques and collectables that he gathered over his lifetime. Over 8,000 bidders from around the world took part in the blockbuster series of auctions throughout the year that attracted press headlines.
Of the many highlights this year, the team would like to name a few – the top price was achieved in the Fine Asian Art auction on 20 May where a large and rare underglaze blue and copper and red ‘star god and deer’ lantern vase from the Yongzheng/Qianglong period from the Geoge Withers Collection sold for £227,500.
From the same auction, a fine gilt bronze figure of Manjushri with Yongle six character mark and probably of the period sold for £221,000. In September, the team joined passionate collectors at the Castle Combe Circuit for its inaugural Collector’s Car auction trackside. A 1957 AC Ace Bristol led the pack reaching a selling price of £246,400.
Dore & Rees say: “We can help you realise the value of items in your collection. Please be in touch to arrange a no obligation valuation at your home or at Dore & Rees auction salerooms.
“2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year with private collections of high calibre items consigned for Interiors auctions on 12 February and 12 March. Fine Asian Art auctions in March, May and November will feature exemplary collections of fine Chinese porcelains, Japanese cloisonne and works of art.
“Our Motoring team continue to grow their partnership auctions, the first of the year is at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show on 23 February. We look forward to seeing you in the Dore & Rees auction salerooms.”
A LENYGON AND MORANT HOWARD & SON ARMCHAIR
PROVENANCE: The Collection of the Late Mrs. Henry T. Ford II
SOLD: £10,400 (incl. fees)
SELECT INTERIORS
WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2025 9.30am
CURATED INTERIORS
WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2025 9.30am
NOW INVITING ENTRIES
Contact Guy Tayler, Head of Interiors, for more information guy.tayler@doreandrees.com
COOPER and Tanner’s last sale of the year was hugely successful with highlights including a Steinway grand piano selling for £13,800 on the hammer, an 18ct gold watch chain with a 19th century gold coin attached at £2,300 and a beautiful Maori feather box selling at £2,900.
However, the most anticipated lot of the sale was a rare 19th Century Charles
Frodsham regulator wall clock. After competition from phone bidders, commission bids and the internet it sold for £7,000 plus premium to a bidder who had travelled especially to secure its purchase.
The Fine Jewellery and Watches sale in November was also fantastic with some stunning period pieces going under the hammer. In 2025 these Cooper and Tanner
Their regular valuation days will be held across Somerset and Wiltshire in the coming weeks; please see dates below:
Friday 10th January: Cooper and Tanner Street office
Tuesday 14th January: Cooper and Tanner Midsomer Norton office
Wednesday 15th January: Cooper and Tanner Warminster office
Saturday 18th January: Cooper and Tanner Frome office (9am to 1pm only)
Monday 20th January: Cooper and Tanner Castle Cary office
Tuesday 21st January: Cooper and Tanner Glastonbury office
Wednesday 22nd January: Cooper and Tanner Shepton Mallet office
Friday 31st January: Cooper and Tanner Bridgwater office
The Steinway grand piano selling for £13,800 on the hammer
hugely popular sales will be returning with another three sales planned for the year.
Friday 7th February: Bluebird Café and Bar Wedmore
Monday 10th February: Cooper and Tanner Wells office
Tuesday 11th February: Cooper and Tanner Cheddar office
Wednesday 12th February: Cooper and Tanner Frome office
l If you would like an appointment, please call 01373 852419 or email jewellery@cooperandtanner.co.uk. For larger collections or those who are unable to make it to the offices, home visits are offered and there is no charge for this service. Please note that December 20th December to January 1st inclusively the offices are closed for the festive season. Please note that all prices have buyer’s premium added to them.
I'll take this opportunity to thank you for giving us the Mendip Times every month. Through news and information and wonderful photos it does so much to foster community both in the individual towns and villages and helps us all to appreciate the riches of the Mendips: the people and the land. Stewart Castle Mendip Times –The local monthly magazine
D UNDRY C HRISTMAS F AIR
Serving teas (l to r) Annette Milton, Jane Swyer, Linda Lewis, Jane Pellowe and Alison Hill
Diane Stephens and Nicola Bendall on fthe Holly Hedge stall
Matt and Clare Kinsey from the Salvation Army collecting for the foodbank
Matilda Hot and Poppy Tynant
Bristol South Salvation Army band
A warm welcome from Dave Hares, David Anderson and Selwyn Roberts encouraged the many villagers attending the Friends of St. Andrew's church Christmas Fair in Congresbury, which raised over £600 towards church repairs.
Another successful sale of Christmas trees and wreaths was held by 1st Blagdon Scouts from the village club car park.
B LAGDON
THENew Year will see a new bridal boutique open in Wedmore called Brides of Bohemia which is owned by award-winning luxury wedding planner and bridal stylist Jaymie Koo-Ven. She was voted Best Wedding Planner for Bristol & Beyond by Weddings & Honeymoons magazine after creating a sumptuous wedding at Harbour Hotel Bristol and creating many other beautiful weddings around the South West.
Being of Malaysian heritage, Jaymie's boutique is inspired by her travels around the world including Dubai, Maldives and Asia. Brides of Bohemia specialise in beautiful bohemian style wedding dresses and will support couples with their wedding planning as well as offering a luxury wedding candle favour service.
Jaymie says she is excited to bring her own unique and carefully curated collection of designer bridal gowns including dresses by designer Evie Young to Wedmore.
She said: “It's such a lovely place to live and the shop's location is fantastic."
To marry or not to marry –what are the consequences?
COHABITEES,or unmarried couples living together, have distinct legal rights compared to married couples or civil partners, with significant limitations under the law. These rights vary by jurisdiction but are generally far less comprehensive, leaving cohabitees at a disadvantage, particularly in areas such as property, inheritance, and financial support after separation.
CURRENT RIGHTSOF COHABITEES:
1.Property Rights: Cohabitees have no automatic right to share in the ownership of a home unless their name is on the title deeds or there is evidence of a shared intention to own the property. Courts may recognize claims under trusts law, specifically through constructive trusts or proprietary estoppel, but these require proof of financial contributions or reliance on a promise.
2.Inheritance: Unlike spouses or civil partners, cohabitees have no automatic right to inherit their partner's estate under intestacy laws. They must rely on being named in a will or making a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which can be costly and uncertain.
3.Parental Rights: Both parents have responsibilities if they are named on the birth certificate, but unmarried fathers not listed may face challenges asserting their rights. Cohabitation itself does not confer automatic parental responsibility.
4.Financial Support on Separation: Cohabitees cannot claim maintenance for themselves after separation, though child
support can be pursued if children are involved. This contrasts with married couples who may seek spousal maintenance.
5.Tax and Pension Rights: Cohabitees are not treated as spouses for tax purposes, including inheritance tax and pension rights, resulting in financial disadvantages.
PROPOSED REFORMS:
Legal reform to address the inequities faced by cohabitees has been a recurring topic. Key proposals include:
1.Recognition of Cohabiting Relationships: The Law Commission of England and Wales has advocated for greater legal protection for cohabitees, proposing a statutory framework that would apply to long-term cohabitants or those with children. This would allow cohabitees to claim financial remedies akin to a simplified form of divorce law.
2.Automatic Inheritance Rights: Several jurisdictions have debated extending inheritance rights to cohabitees, either through amendments to intestacy laws or by creating a presumptive entitlement after a defined period of cohabitation.
3.Enhanced Property Rights: Reform proposals suggest streamlining the recognition of shared property interests, reducing reliance on complex trust doctrines. A formalized system could ensure fair division based on the contributions and intentions of the parties.
4.Tax and Pension Equality: Campaigns have called for reforms to inheritance tax laws and pension entitlements to recognize
cohabitees similarly to married couples, especially in cases of long-term partnerships.
CHALLENGESTO REFORM
Efforts to reform cohabitation laws often face resistance due to societal debates about the nature of marriage versus cohabitation, as well as concerns about state intervention in personal relationships. Nevertheless, the growing prevalence of cohabitation highlights the urgency of creating a fairer legal framework.
In summary, while cohabitees currently face significant legal disadvantages, proposed reforms aim to address these gaps by granting them greater rights, particularly concerning property, inheritance, and financial claims. However, progress remains uneven and dependent on political and societal will.
EDWARD LYONS
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S HEPTON M ALLET L IGHTS
Amy Fairhurst, aged nine, switched on the town’s lights with the help of town crier Andy Neale after she won a Christmas card competition run by the town council
The All Hallows School choir in the Market Place
Frome Street Bandits got the party going in style
A large crowd gathered to enjoy the festivities
A history of churches and chapels
PENSFORDLocal History Group’s new book Places of Worship, a history of the religious buildings in Pensford, Publow and Woollard, has now been published.
In 2021, the group was asked by Andrew Hillman, church warden of All Saints’ Church in Publow, if members could assist in researching the history of the church.
The group thought that it would be a good opportunity to also look at all other “places of worship” that are or have been in the parish.
Those included are: All Saints Church, Publow, St Thomas a Becket Church, Pensford, Chapel Cottage, Pensford, Gospel Hall, Pensford, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Pensford, Tabernacle, Pensford, Baptist Chapel, Woollard and Bridge Chapel, Woollard.
This work has been carried out by local historians pictured (l to r) Hilary Cox, Paul and Lyndsay Cooper, Peter Clouting and Gary and Valerie Atterton.
It comprises over 400 pages and is packed with detailed information. The Pensford, Publow and the Stantons 100 club supported the project and helped fund it. They welcome enquires from other projects or causes who need support.
WORK to restore the five chiming bells of St Andrew’s Church in Compton Dundon is underway after a delicate two-day operation to remove them from the tower.
The bells – two of which are original and were cast in the 1600s by the Austen family based in the village – have been sent to a specialist firm in Dorset for refurbishment and retuning. It’s thought to be the first time the bells have been out of the tower for approximately 200 years.
A new frame will be built which will also accommodate two recycled bells from Sussex and Lancashire. It is hoped the work will be completed in 2025. A £150,000 fundraising campaign was held in 2024 to carry out the work.
TERRYFisher of Timsbury is pictured making a donation to Radstock Museum for the restoration of the Market Hall Clock, on the western end of the museum building. Trustee and chair of the charity, Simon Carter, said: “It is hoped that, following completion of the restoration work, this important local landmark will be at its working best later next year.”
The clock, which is visible both inside and outside the museum, was made in the late 1890s by FS Lane, a local clock, watch and jewellery maker. It was originally illuminated by gaslight paid for from the rates and was the only public means of knowing the time in Radstock apart from the sounds of the local pit hooter.
Also pictured (left) is Lawrence Eyles, museum treasurer and trustee.
Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce starts Silver Jubilee year
IN January, members of the Valley’s leading business group will be celebrating the beginning of the Chamber’s 25th year, continuing to provide goods and services, employing hundreds of people and greatly contributing to the wellbeing of the whole community.
Right back at the very beginning, the first President, Jim King, said something which is still true today: “People outside the area may regard the Valley as a sleepy, Somerset backwater.
“But the truth is it is a hive of industry and our members reflect a wide variety of businesses, from traditional rural pursuits right the way through to the most modern of high-tech companies.”
Jim, who is now Honorary Life President, was succeeded by the current Vice President and Treasurer, Rod Podger, and later by Sandy Bell, the third President and first woman to hold the office.
Starting as a sub-group of the Norton Radstock Chamber, Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce quickly became an independent Chamber in its own right, providing the three main traditional services.
First, providing a forum for people to meet, helping them to
get to know one another, do business and have some fun at social events.
Secondly, to provide relevant information to help members stay up to date.
Thirdly, to represent the interests of members and make sure their views are heard by the people who make decisions which affects the local economy, regularly inviting senior councillors to meetings.
But probably most important of all, the Chamber celebrates the success of members’ businesses.
That’s why this year they are producing a leaflet to raise the profile of members which will encourage residents who are looking for goods or services to make Chamber members their first port of call.
Covid shop’s new home
BRENTKnoll Community Shop has moved from a Portakabin to a brand new building, having opened five years ago as a Covid emergency shop.
When the village lost its Post Office and then its village shop, a public consultation survey revealed strong support for the creation of a Community Shop, run and funded by volunteers.
Within weeks it opened as an “Emergency Shop” in the closed former village shop – just as the country entered its first full lock-down for Covid.
Since then, the shop has operated at a consistent profit, open seven days per week, and run entirely by a team of more than 30 volunteers. It has also secured more than 160 share-buying members.
The shop had to move to a Portakabin in the Brent Knoll car park when the old village store went on the market.
Now Brent Knoll Parish Council has redeveloped the village’s public toilets to produce new, fully accessible toilets – and a shell for the community shop to rent.
The community shop’s professional shop-fitters have installed everything to create a modern accessible shop, including flooring, suspended ceiling, lighting, shelving, etc.
The total cost of about £60,000 has been funded by the shop’s share-sales, grants, and continuing trading profits. There remains a funding gap of about £8,000, which the shop team must fill by more share sales and grants.
Volunteers painted the new shop and arranged the transfer of stock and fittings (like fridges and freezer) from the Portakabin to the new shop, which opened on Monday, December 9th.
The official opening of the new shop was planned for Saturday, December 14th.
City mosaic is complete
ARTIST Ruth Ames White has completed a near ten-year project to create a mosaic celebrating the city of Wells.
The final stage in the community-inspired project is to find a permanent home for the six-metre diameter artwork in the form of a walkable map of the historic centre of Wells, along with many artistic and informative features. It is formed from approximately 750,000 mosaic pieces. The installation will require additional funding.
Ruth said: “Finishing the fabrication stage of the mosaic is a monumental moment. I will pack away this last strip with all the other pieces with a huge sense of relief after so many years work but also reflect on the major part this has played in the last ten years of my life, initially inspired by the glorious West Front of Wells Cathedral and the history of the city and then by tremendous support from so many people.”
Chris Winter, who has supported the community interest company project, added: “The capacity for the mosaic to contribute to both education and the visitor economy is enormous and invaluable to Wells. Managing to fund the project thus far from local sources, the mosaic will really belong to the city.”
Images and a video of the making of the Mosaic can be seen at www.wellsinmosaic.org where donations can also be made or by contacting contact@wellsinmosaic.org
The Wells in Mosaic team celebrate
Ruth lays the last of around 750,00 tiles
Festival will be bigger and better than ever
THE annual Shepton Snowdrop Festival returns in February with another extensive and varied programme which will appeal to galanthophiles, gardeners, plant collectors, as well as lovers of beautiful things.
The range of workshops, talks and walks is greater than ever before. As it’s February half term, organisers have included creative activities and story telling for children and families, all of them free.
Once again, walks, talks and garden visits are a strong feature of the 2025 festival programme. Highlights include a talk by no-dig pioneer, Mendip Times contributor Charles Dowding, on the joy and ease of no-dig gardening, and garden openings at the award-winning Yeo Valley Organic Garden and RHS
partner garden Kilver Court. Over the last few years the Shepton
Snowdrop Project, organiser of the festival, has worked with volunteers from the town to plant more than half a million bulbs in the park, grass verges and community spaces to blanket the town white with snowdrops each winter.
Festival Director, Amanda Hirst, said: “We have a unique connection to the snowdrop. As far as we know, no other town in the country can boast a connection to a Snowdrop King. James Allen, an amateur horticulturist, bred over 100 cultivars of snowdrops.
Born and bred in Shepton, he was given the title by his 19th century galanthophile peers. It’s to commemorate his legacy that we celebrate the snowdrop each year with the annual festival.”
Shepton’s annual celebration of the snowdrop is on its way
Going from strength to strength
FAMILY-run
Right Price DIY at Downside on the edge of Shepton Mallet has entered its 29th year of business and is proving as popular as ever.
Directors Mark and Suzie Nixon pride themselves on offering an extensive range of items – 12,500 – which appeal to everyone from professional builder to DIY enthusiast. From aggregates and building materials to seasonal items such as kindling and dried logs to campinq equipment, the team proudly describes the business as “an Aladdin’s Cave” and they have won regular praise for their helpfulness and knowledge; no wonder, given that some of the staff have been there virtually from the start.
New venue for wassail
THERE will be a new venue for the 2025 Mid-Somerset Show Society wassail night, taking place on Wednesday, January 15th. After a number of years at North Wootton Village Hall and next door orchard, organisers have decided to move the popular event to the showground itself at Shepton Mallet where a new orchard has been planted. The evening will start with the lighting of the bonfire at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £15 per person and include hot food and entertainment.
For details, visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk
Antique shop in new TV appearance
THE makers and presenters of the popular BBC TV series Antiques Road Trip have made another visit to the Somerset Antiques and Interiors shop in the heart of Shepton Mallet.
Owner Paul Moody is becoming a familiar face on the series as the rival presenters go head-to-head in search of items which will enchant auction house bidders.
Paul and the shop, in Shepton’s Market Place, are due to be seen on television screens sometime after Christmas and Paul said it was always a pleasure to welcome the presenters and camera crew.
Somerset Antiques & Interiors relocated to Shepton Mallet in June 2011 after six years of successful trading as the Wells Emporium in Priory Road, Wells.
Paul said: “Demand is still very high for furniture and items which have a practical use, whether in the kitchen, dining room or bedroom.”
Right Price DIY at Downside
Plenty to choose from – no wonder film crews regularly return to the shop
J INGLE W ELLS !
DOZENS of runners of all ages took part in the Rotary Club of Wells Santa Run raising money for charity, covering either 2.5km or 5km.
P ILTON
Gemma Piggott on her festive stall
Pilton Tithe Barn was crammed with traders
Santa and his elves in the Rotary Club grotto inside The CrownThe now iconic Wells Trishaw volunteers in a festive mood
On their way through towards the Bishop’s Palace
The Wells mayor with the first runners home in the 2.5km race
S TOKE S T . M ICHAEL
Enjoying a catch-up. The
by local companies including quarry company
P UBLOW
Some of the team who prepared lunch and decorated the Memorial Hall, the venue for the annual Christmas party for senior residents in the area
event was sponsored
Wainwright’s and P&I (the village stores)
David and Mary Chapman – it was their first time at the event
White elephant stall
All Saints’ Church was busy
Home baking with Janet Smith and Barb Avery
New year, new hope?
By CHRIS SPERRING MBE
A NEW year starts with maybe some hope, but the only way to achieve that hope is by delivering actions and not just talking about it.
What I’m referring to here in nature conservation terms is that time is most definitely running out for many species and those of us of a certain age only have to look back to our former years to realise that those species we would have called common are either now scarce, or rare.
In a 2023 report, HM Government recognise that, for example, woodland birds had declined by nearly 49%; obviously that means the things that they eat, in particular the invertebrates, were also in sharp decline and, indeed, that wildflowers were becoming scarce. The list goes on.
Many species are declining because it’s as if they are all on board the “decline of nature train” and it’s speeding up, so they can’t get off.
So welcome to 2025 and here’s my action plan!
More than ever, I think that halting nature's decline and reversing it in the UK really does begin within our own communities and within our farms, parks, cemeteries and, of course, not forgetting gardens.
Some see rewilding as the antidote but the first thing we must rewild is actually the way we think. All too often we see a growth of vegetation as untidy and something we should cut back to the soil, yet there is the opportunity for a growth of grass. There then follows a potential increase in insects and this includes butterflies and moths, leading to insect predator species; it can and does become a quick fix.
If the untidy growth is natural shrubs or scrub, we then have not just new and more insects by diversity, but also roosts and nests from many a variety of birds and mammals and not just ground dwelling mammals either, but also flying ones as well.
Whether this area being allowed to grow is park, cemetery or indeed garden, this does not mean you have to use every bit of the land, just a border, or space that can then be connected to the next garden, which leads to the park and on to the cemetery. It can suddenly transform a village or town with corridors of new nature which is created by the people, for the people and nature.
Every part of a community can be involved from local church to local primary or secondary school; indeed, school grounds could become undermanaged without compromising sports or play activity and saving money on the maintenance bill.
Farming is all too often seen as a problem, when in fact it’s not; it is actually a big part of the overall solution, especially when we consider that in the UK, farmland makes up 69% of land use. We need food to eat and farmers to produce, but there will be areas within
For every season, there’s a reason
that farmscape where, on a continued basis, and with connectivity as in farm to farm, that nature could be allowed to thrive.
Rewilding can happen on very large farms, where the farmer can afford to set aside land without affecting his produce and, although regenerative farming has been talked about since the 1980s, it is now that many farmers are seriously thinking about moving to this approach.
As its name suggests, regenerative farming, put simply, is allowing the land, the soil, water, nutrients and natural assets to regenerate themselves; all this instead of conventional approaches to farming that can deplete these natural resources.
There is always hope and it's with the people that this hope can be achieved, so let us begin the new year by giving just a small amount of space for nature.
That will become a new area, you don’t have to interfere with your normal practice, just a corner or strip that can then be connected at some stage to another garden or a park or, indeed, on to the next farm.
Happy New Year.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com
Let’s make wilfdlife top of our wish list for the coming year
First walk of the New Year
START the New Year on the right track with this circle in East Mendip that heads out through tranquil and very pleasant country and finishes along the Colliers Way, former railway. On the way pass through elegant Babington estate and up on the tree-lined drive. It’s an ideal winter walk. As regular readers will know, this area has provided me with a number of similar circles and this one has the benefit of being ideal for this time of year as you stay reasonably (!) mud free and enjoy the hard track of the railway line on the return to Kilmersdon…and it is more
With Sue Gearing
or less flat. But, be warned, there are quite a few stiles en-route. In Kilmersdon is the welcoming Jolliffe Arms to round off what I hope will be the first of a year of great walks.
PARK: Kilmersdon village hall car park. Kilmersdon is on the B3139, south east of Radstock. The hall is on the main road in the middle of the village, turn up Manor Close and into the hall parking. Or, if there is a function and it is getting full, find somewhere else nearby.
START: No need to go out through Manor Close. Just take the small path in the left corner of the car park (with your back to the hall). On reaching the main road, turn left. Almost immediately pass the Blind House, now used as a bus shelter.
This little square building, the village guard house or lock-up, dates back to 1785 and was known as ‘The Blind House’ because of its lack of windows. Parish records show that in 1786 the beadle received 5d beer money after locking up Charles and John Abraham and a year later 4d for locking up a sailor. What were their ‘crimes’ –probably an over-indulgence in alcohol. The pub is just across the road!
Turn left down Silver Street. Ahead
soon see the beautiful old Manor House. Take the track straight on (not right) marked as a footpath. Follow this Tarmac route, slightly rising, and crossing a cattle grid.
1. WALTON FARM
Reach Walton Farm. Go up the stony track on the left – the start of a diversion that takes walkers round away from the house. Go through a gate, then right and then down through a kissing gate. Turn left in the field, picking up the direction you were in originally. Before reaching the end of the field, cross left over a stile, and turn right along the bottom of the next field. Go up to a stile, and then head across the field, passing a magnificent oak tree. Maintain direction. It is all very peaceful along here with views across the gently rolling countryside.
At the end of the field, go through into the next, staying over to the left. Cross a stile on the left. Stay along the left side and in the corner come down to a stile onto Hoare’s Lane.
2. LANE
Go to the right a few yards and find your next stile up on the left. Follow the left field edge and continue on in the next field, maintaining direction and then follow the line of the power poles. On the other side of the field, maintain direction
in the next field, still following power poles and coming into the estate of Babington.
3. BABINGTON
Georgian Babington House, set in 18 acres, is now a rural retreat for members of the upmarket Soho Club in London, with luxury living, eating, relaxing, swimming and exercising.
Pass a stag sculpture on the right and soon come to converted outbuildings on the right. Follow the gravel path, past staddle stones and see the main house on the left. Then you reach beautiful St Margaret’s church.
This is a very popular wedding venue for Babington House and is owned and managed by a separate charitable trust. It dates from about 1748 on the site of a former church and was commissioned by the resident family at Babington, the Knatchbulls. The church is usually open in the day and visitors are welcomed. Continue up the gorgeous tree-lined drive all the way to the road.
4. ROAD
It’s left now. Take care as there will be some traffic. After a few minutes reach a junction at the entrance to Marshalls concrete works. It can’t be missed because of the brightly coloured concrete train! Pass Station House, cross the old railway line (no access to the line here) and immediately turn right on the broad track (which as you will see parallels the Colliers Way). Continue until you reach an opening on the right that will take you onto the Colliers Way itself.
5. COLLIERS WAY
You have joined the old railway route which linked many of the mines in the North Somerset Coalfied and runs between Frome and Radstock.
This 23-mile walk and cycle ride is along the course of the old Somerset Coal Canal, later a railway. Now turn right along this for about 6-7 minutes, going back on yourself, until you come under the bridge that you crossed earlier.
Now just enjoy this easy walking along the old railway for about 1.3
miles, going under another bridge, over a road and under one more bridge.
6. KILMERSDON EXIT
Soon reach an exit point on the left above the village of Kilmersdon. Follow this down and round, passing a small orchard on the way. Continue on, bending round left and coming past Kilmersdon church and passing famous Jack and Hill on the right. Reach the junction in the village and the Jolliffe Arms. Turn left back to the Blind House and up into the hall car park.
OS Explorer 142 Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref: 695 523, Sat Nav BA3 5TD. What3words: worlds.bitters.lists • 4.1 miles, about 2-2.5 hours walking
West Countryman’s diary
WELL,that’s another Christmas nearly over and as the dust of the festive season begins to settle, thoughts turn to the New Year. Like Christmas, I wonder where the last year went let alone start looking towards a new one. The “limbo” time between festivals always serves well for reflection and clearing up the Christmas leftovers. We will all have enough turkey, no doubt, to last until next year. Curried, made into pies, sandwiches or otherwise rejuvenated, the festive fare can last a long time.
Mid-winter was traditionally a low time and things don’t seem to change that much. Dark nights, cold weather and the yearning to be outside in warm sunshine, drive many to start looking at holidays away from home. I’m quite happy here, but not everyone feels the same. Sometimes to appreciate what you have it’s necessary to leave and come back again. A bold statement to make and I don’t suggest giving up your life and home just to see if you’re really happy with it. For many it’s a chance to start with a clean sheet of paper. What are we going to do next year that’s different to the last one?
Like the Roman two-headed god Janus who looks forward and backward, I will reflect on the past and look to the future. This coming year will celebrate 20 years of Mendip Times. During that time I and many others have written a column or article every month. I am asked how do I think of things to write about?
In truth I don’t know, but the great outdoors will always inspire me in some way or another. Perhaps I will have to write the opening paragraph several times before the thread that will stitch everything together becomes apparent.
My major achievement this last year was to write the book Follow the Plough. It’s a story I have wanted to tell for a long time and thank you Mendip Times readers for supporting me in achieving this goal.
Feedback has been good, but some have said it was too short. Perhaps I have left people wanting to know more and for that I feel pleased.
Peter Gearing told me a long time back that there are two types of books, the ones people will want to read and those that people want to write. Keep your eyes open for a new walking book from Yeo Valley written by Sue Gearing and myself.
It will be coming out in the New Year, focusing on the plateau and the Yeo Valley. It will be a must for the onset of spring and definitely a book that people will want to read.
To say that ground conditions are somewhat wet is to make the understatement of the year. “Welly” boots are the order of the day, but I do find it hard work walking in them for any great distance. Conversely, I need strong and solid boots for work and the lightweight boot does not fit the bill. My walking boots are good but lack the height to provide sufficient protection from standing water.
I also need ankle support as both my ankles have been somewhat weakened by falling from an apple tree and a parachute jump. Time to look back at some “old school” stuff in the form of military footwear for the coming year.
I remember the leather army boot with metal studs in the sole. Certainly not comfortable but strong and they have been around a long time (even the Roman soldier wore heavy sandals with nailed soles).
The next generation of boot that was far more familiar to me was the rubber soled boot known by its military name of “Boots DMS” meaning Direct Moulded Sole. This was literally a step in the right direction, but they were still only ankle length and needed a gaiter or puttee to give height and support.
The Northern Ireland emergency gave rise to a high ankle boot giving better support. I had extensions sewn onto my DMS boots by the local cobbler and what a difference that made in support and waterproofing.
With the 1980s came the Falklands war
and the need for a high ankle boot to give soldiers more comfort. Out went the adapted DMS boot and in came the new combat high boot. I wore mine around the farms and orchards when I was apple buying one year to soften them up before a major military exercise in Germany.
The new generation of military boot has been developed learning lessons from the past and is looking more like a walking boot than ever. They are even more comfortable and as such are well worth me taking a look at for the future.
So a look back and a look forward. Who knows what is ahead and in many respects ignorance is bliss. What happened last year is done and finished with. There is nothing that can bring it back or change it. Always remember that your past is for your reference and not for your residence.
Move ahead, be bold and remain positive, although that is not always an easy thing to do in a modern world with all its pressure and uncertainty. Also use the great outdoors for emotional and physical wellbeing and you won’t be let down.
Finally, I have had a payment from C. Stocks, but no order for a book, whilst Sarah Jarvie contacted me through Mendip Times about collecting a copy. I have tried to contact you Sarah but have had no reply, so please send me an email through my address below.
If anyone would still like a book you can order online through my bookshop: westcountrymanbooks.bigcartel.com
This month’s photo is of my grandfather Charlie Tavener showing how people managed before Wellington boots. Boots and leggings like these are probably not the best for walking in.
Happy New Year to you all.
Don’t forget you can always email me on: Les.davies@westcountryman.co.uk
With LES DAVIES MBE
Grandfather and the Munro tiller
Plants to lift the spirits in January
With MARY PAYNE MBE
CHRISTMASwill have come and gone, the New Year is upon us and spring is just around the corner, but first we must get through my least favourite month, January. With 31 days it seems to go on forever with short, often overcast days. There is not much to favour it. However, a trip to one of the winter gardens that are “bobbing up” will gladden your heart, as plants put on a brave show.
Many public gardens and National Trust properties are realising the value of a “winter garden” to attract visitors. Creating your own “winter garden”, large or small, is well worthwhile, especially if it can be viewed from the house.
Choose from the following “winter shiners” selection to suit the space available. Even a few grown in pots and moved into a strategic position for winter viewing may help January pass a little faster.
Christmas trees have had their moment of glory, but there are plenty of other conifers, especially those with glaucous, variegated, or golden foliage that will lighten the winter gloom.
The Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens ‘Koster’) has the brightest, silvery blue foliage, and makes an attractive conical shaped tree but take care not to overcrowd.
Pinus mugo ‘Winter Gold’ has green foliage in the summer, but as the temperature drops, their needles turn golden. Rheingold Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’) turns to rich orange tints in winter. For a vertical element, the golden form of the Irish Yew (Taxus baccata ‘David’) is well worth considering.
Broadleaved evergreens also come in a multitude of shades. The foliage of the dwarf form of heavenly bamboo (Nandina dometica ‘Firepower’) will turn fiery red and copper in the winter, making a low bun-shaped plant, growing to less than half a metre.
The low growing variegated evergreen euonymus are a “must have” for the winter garden. ‘Emerald ’n’ Gold’ and ‘Emerald Gaiety’ (white variegated) are so valuable and easy to grow. Both can also be used to clothe a fence or wall.
If you have space, invest in a Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’. It will not be cheap, as they are not easy to propagate, but will reward you with the most powerful scent from an upright shaped plant. Equally powerful is the scent from the Christmas Box (Sarcococca confusa). Do not worry, the box caterpillar leaves it alone, despite it being closely related.
Intersperse the above with deciduous dogwoods, noted for their coloured winter stems. For red stems I prefer to use those with coloured summer foliage such as Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ (white variegated foliage), C. a. ‘Miracle’ (pink/white foliage) and C.a. ‘Aurea has gold summer leaves.
Contrast the red stems with some lime green ones from Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ and orange stems of C. sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’. All these benefit from winter sun to intensify the stem colours and hard spring pruning.
Beneath the stems of the dogwoods plant bold groups of snowdrops. Always buy and plant these in January “in the green”,
and they will flower the same year. Never buy “dry bulbs” in the autumn, they often fail to thrive. Next autumn, add clumps of the earliest flowering daffodil, ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation.’
Winter flowering heathers come in shades of white, through pink to cerise. Both Erica carnea and E. x darleyensis varieties can be used. Unlike the summer flowering types, these are not fussy, and do not require an acidic soil.
I can recommend the deep rose pink flowers of E. carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’, E x darleyensis ‘White Perfection’ and the deep magenta of ‘Kramer’s Rote’. If you don’t mind golden foliage with pink flowers ‘Foxhollow’ may appeal to you, but is not to my taste.
Ideally, plant in groups of five or more of one variety, if you have space. These heathers will flower from January to the end of March and only require trimming over in April, to remove the old flower heads and encourage an attractive shape.
Christmas roses (Helleborus hybridus) now come in many shades. Their foliage is evergreen, but the old foliage is best removed before the New Year, to protect the emerging flowers from a debilitating black spot fungus. The paler colours will show up best, rather than indulging in the deepest purples which blend with the dark soil around them. The emerging blooms of earliest white flowered Helleborus niger are often devastated by little black keel slugs. All of these look best planted in groups.
If the weather is kind, then there is one more candidate for your winter garden. Salix ‘Mt Aso’ is a willow which bears fluffy pink catkins on the previous season’s growth. It was selected for use for cutting, but is a worthy addition to any garden, growing to about one and a half meters. Prune hard immediately after flowering to encourage plenty of new growth to perform the following winter.
The winter stems of many grasses add contrast with Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ at 80cms being ideal for smaller areas. Do not worry, it will not seed around and become a menace. Simply cut back all the stems to 5cms from the ground in late March or early April. A hoar frost will transform grass stems and retained seed heads of perennials into fairyland.
There is no need for any garden in January to be a landscape of bare earth, bare twigs and soggy leaves. The addition of just a few winter “bloomers” will lift the spirits until spring gets into full swing.
“Jacqueline Postill”
• Cut the side branches off your old Christmas tree and use these to cover tender plants in the garden. This will keep the worst of the frost off and yet allow the plant to breathe at the same time.
• Shred Christmas wrapping paper and mix it into your compost heap.
• Buy hardy plants to brighten your garden in January –hellebores, cyclamen, camellias etc
• Buy pots of snowdrops that are now coming into flower. They establish much easier when transplanted in active growth. Winter aconites too.
• Established bulb shoots will be showing above ground now and are very tough so will not need protecting. Daffodils in thin-walled pots outside will suffer if the pot is not protected from wind driven frosts so move them to more shelter.
• If your living room is looking bare now that you have taken out the Christmas tree and taken down the decorations, why not liven up the room with a houseplant!
• Central heating can dry out houseplants, so stand the pots in groups on a tray of damp Hydroleca or pebbles. This will create a humid atmosphere around the plants but do avoid over-watering and position them where they can make the most of the winter daylight.
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Bulb planting
CHILDRENjoined volunteers planting spring bulbs at St Bartholomew’s Church in Ubley. The volunteers meet once a month to tidy the churchyard and would welcome more members.
As well as planting lots of bulbs, they swept up all the leaves from a massive beech tree, putting them into a pile to compost.
They will be having a rest over Christmas and will probably meet up again in February.
Louise helping Chloe, 4, Charles, 7 and Douglas, 2, plant bulbs along the bank
Boost your skills and elevate your career with free courses at Strode College
STRODE College in Street offers a variety of courses across key sectors and booking is now open for the college’s free open evening on Thursday, February 13th.
Courses include: Accounting and Bookkeeping, Childcare and Education, Business, Leadership and Management, Health and Safety, IT and Digital Skills, Health and Wellbeing, Math & English, Retail and Hospitality, Personal Development & Employability, Health and Social Care, and Sustainability.
Strode provides flexible, fully online distance learning that allows you to study at your own pace, at a time that suits you. Their nationally recognised qualifications are delivered entirely online through your PC or laptop, giving you the freedom to learn whenever and wherever works best for you.
With their Mix and Match Short Courses, each lasting just four hours per unit, you can gain valuable skills in a range of sectors. Choose five courses that align with your goals and learn at your own pace.
Its Sector-Based Academy Programmes (SWAPS) offer industry-specific courses in Teaching Assistant, NHS Non-Clinical
Business Admin, Customer Service, and Civil Service. These programmes provide accredited qualifications and the opportunity to attend an interview with an employer in your chosen field. Whether or not you secure the job, you’ll gain valuable experience and an accredited qualification.
For more information, please contact the college’s Adult Skills Team at 01458 844502 or email: strodeadultcourses@strode-college.ac.uk. For full details, visit: www.strode-college.ac.uk
Hospice launches film
DOROTHYHouse
Hospice launched a new film as part of National Grief Awareness Week, demonstrating how it supports anyone in the community affected by a life limiting diagnosis.
Entitled We’re Here, the film follows one family as they navigate their way through the end-of-life pathway of a loved one.
The hospice says it faces a bill of £422,000 a year because of changes to National Insurance, as well as Government underfunding.
It says: “It is vital that the community understands the wide ranging and vital services the hospice offers. Without their generosity, Dorothy House could not offer families in the community the support they deserve at the most vulnerable period in their lives.”
The hospice covers an 800 square mile area, across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) and parts of Wiltshire and Somerset.
Details: wwwdorothyhouse.org.uk 01225 721480
Yellow alert
ST MARGARET’SHospice Care’s Wear it Yellow week raised £11,611.94 which it says could fund over 175 visits by its community nurses to patients in the comfort of their own home.
It says the event helped to shine a spotlight on the crucial work carried out by hospice retail and fundraising teams. This year, it was highlighted that hospices are raising more money through the sale of second-hand goods than they are receiving from government funding.
BATTERY-powered lights and candles came to the rescue when a power cut due to Storm Bert threatened to scupper a charity fundraising event at the Tuckers Grave Inn and Campsite at Faulkland.
The Christmas fair raised £1,850 for The Bowel Movement, a charity founded in 2018 after Benji Millard was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer at the age of just 33. He died the following year just two weeks before his 34th birthday.
For details, visit: www.thebowelmovement.uk
Beer by candlelight – these drinkers were undeterred by the power cut
The organising team by lamplight
Sisters Kersty (left) and Kerry on their festive stall
Testing time for RNLI Celebrate the end of Rachel’s marathon effort
THE RNLI crew in Weston-super-Mare had a busy weekend of training and assessment organised by training leads, Simon Johnson and Matt Lyons.
The team were put through their paces in areas including navigation, health and safety, towing, driving and launch/recovery.
Chris Ware, operations manager, said: “Due to the large rise and fall of the tides in Weston, a particularly challenging part of the operation is to launch and recover at low water. A full weekend’s training allowed us to fully develop all our team in these areas.”
Documentary highlights charity support
BILLYCHIP,the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has created a new documentary series featuring the work of its foundation.
The first episode explores the work of the Bristol Street Pastors, a group of volunteers who spend their Saturday nights connecting with those living on the streets. Since 2022, the foundation has donated £1,000 and 500 BillyChips to the organisation.
Jon Hope, from Bishop Sutton, co-founder at BillyChip, said: “When we set up BillyChip we wanted to make sure that we helped fund other good causes in Bristol and beyond.
“Not many people know that when they buy a BillyChip they’re not only helping someone on the streets to access food and drink, but are also donating to other good causes.”
CHARITYfundraiser, Rachel Clark, will complete an inspirational year-long running challenge on New Year’s Eve.
Since January 1st, she has been running a mile every day to raise money for We Hear You (WHY), which supports individuals and charities affected by cancer.
This is her latest feat of endurance and dedication in memory of her mother, who passed away from leukaemia. She will conclude her 365-day journey by running her final mile surrounded by supporters, well-wishers and the local community starting at Frome Rugby Club from 11.30am, with her final run at 1pm.
She said: “The kindness and support this simple yet effective challenge has generated will never fail to amaze me. There is no way I would have been able to continue at the level I have without all the support of the local community.”
Lucy Kitchener, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Rachel’s efforts are hugely valued and her dedication and hard work over the year, through rain and shine is raising essential funds for WHY.”
The final mile promises to be a celebratory event for all ages, with opportunities for the community to run alongside Rachel, cheer her on, or simply go along to show their support.
Details: We Hear You: 365 miles for WHY: The Sequel
Phones wanted
WELLS Lions have a secure box in the reception at Wells Town Hall where unwanted mobile phones can be left ready for collection.
Already hundreds of phones have been donated to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance over the last four years.
Details: cityofwellslions@gmail.com 0345 833 6736
Aid for Ukraine
THE 1st Blagdon Scouts had a special stall at Blagdon Church’s Christmas fair, raising money for Rotary’s Water Survival Box scheme.
Hugo Pike, who is a founder and trustee of the scheme called in and was told one of the scouts was from Ukraine.
He said: “I was able to let her know that next week our 12th consignment of Water Survival Box humanitarian aid will be on its way to Ukraine.
“This time it is in the form of 20 Community Water Filters, each of which will convert contaminated water into safe drinking water for some 500 people for several months.”
Charlie’s plea for help
A TALENTED21-year-old filmmaker and photographer from Gare Hill, near Frome has been crippled by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a rare and intensely painful condition, sometimes dubbed “suicide disease”.
Charlie Moore secured a very prestigious apprenticeship with Paramount Pictures when he was 17, after school in Upton Noble and Bruton, only to have to leave due to the pain he was going through.
He’s been fighting the disease for more than three years but says the NHS cannot provide the specialised treatment he needs.
He said: “CRPS has left me in constant agony, stripped me of my ability to work, and brought me to a critical point where, without further support, my dreams and independence are slipping away.
“I am humbly reaching out for help to afford treatment, mental health support, and the tools I need to live a fuller life and return to my passion for photography and filmmaking.”
CHRISTINELawrence from Shepton Mallet is running the Bath Half Marathon 2025 for RUHX, to say thank you for the care she and her son received in the maternity ward and the neonatal unit at the Royal United Hospitals Bath.
Christine became a patient at the RUH at 32 weeks pregnant with her son when she developed acute pancreatitis. Her baby was delivered by C section at 35 weeks because the pancreatitis meant he had stopped growing.
She said: “The least I can do as a way of saying thank you to RUH for saving both mine and my baby's life is to get my health on track, run a half marathon and raise a little money for them in the process.
“This is my first half marathon. I’m pretty nervous but I have previously run a 5K and 10k before having children and after the birth of my son and gallbladder removal I then took part in my local Shepton Mallet Parkrun to try and get my health back on track.”
RUHX is the local lead charity at the Bath Half Marathon 2025 and is looking for volunteers to join their cheer squad at the event.
Details: fundraising@ruhx.org.uk
Centre’s award
THECarers’ Centre in Bath has received an Excellence for Carers Award from the Carers Trust for showing best practice in services, advice and information for unpaid carers.
The centre has worked tirelessly for 25 years to support unpaid carers in Bath and North East Somerset. It estimates there are 19,600 carers in the area.
Jacqui Orchard, chief executive, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award from the Carers Trust. It’s a reflection of all the hard work and dedication The Carers’ Centre staff have shown in helping to support the growing numbers of unpaid carers in our community.”
Details: 0800 0388 885 or support@banescarerscentre.org.uk
Pictured (l to r) Megan, Hugo Pike, Pip Riley, scout leader, and Sonia, who is from Ukraine
W RINGTON D ICKENSIAN F AYRE
CROWDS gathered in the Market Place in Frome for the official start of the Christmas season and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.
Musical entertainment from Frome Town Band and Frome Community Choir, Andrew Bourn and The Enrichments was followed by the eighth annual ‘Light the Night’ lantern parade.
Gathering in the Market Place for the
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
NEARLY 60 members and guests settled down to Burnham's Moose Christmas Meal at Brean Country Club which raised £190 from a raffle.
Special guest was Gwyneth Melville, National President of Ladies Circles, who said: “’I feel I am among friends here and have really enjoyed myself today.”
Congresbury Singers
Village school choir
The village drama group's theme was Oliver Twist
Getting into the spirit
(Photos courtesy of SuperFunkyPenguin
Photo + Video)
F ROME C ELEBRATES
switch-on
of Chris Bailey)
B URNHAM - ON -S EA
Burnham Ladies' Circle President
Sandra Nicholson (left) with National President Gwyneth Melville
(Photo courtesy of Mike Lang)
When caving goes wrong
Jon Riley
In recent years, the world has been exposed to several high-profile caving incidents, notably the miraculous recovery of a young football team from a flooded cave in Thailand. Fortunately, such incidents are relatively uncommon, but when they do occur, the consequences can be very serious. This is an account of one such incident, written from the perspective of the casualty, Jon Riley, who happily survived to tell his tale.
MOST caving activities take place during weekends and are conducted by visitors from all corners of the UK.
For those who live near a caving region, however, midweek activities are also regular and often encompass “digging”, an activity aimed at unblocking choked passages within known caves or searching for and clearing the infill from undiscovered ones.
Often undertaken under cramped working conditions, digging is very physical work, requiring the manhandling of great quantities of “spoil”, either to a dumping area within the cave or, in some instances, out to the surface. Typically, digging teams install basic infrastructure such as winches or hauling ropes to aid their efforts. Digging is a long-term activity, but the ultimate reward of being among the first people to discover new passageways is a great attraction… until it goes wrong.
My own experience of being rescued from a cave was the consequence of an accident in 2015. We had been digging a cave named Templeton, which comprises a 50m deep shaft, leading to two separate vertical developments. In one section, an artificially widened horizontal passage led to the top of another shaft, which we had christened Echo Pot. This was the scene of my fall.
Details of the fall itself remain unclear. We were preparing to install some new infrastructure and I was at the top of the pot removing debris when I probably slipped on the gravelly floor and fell over the edge. There were no witnesses to the event and I have no actual memory of the fall itself, so I can only guess at what happened based on my knowledge of the cave and the injuries that I suffered, which included broken ribs, back, neck, pelvis and shoulders.
Echo Pot is 13m deep, which an acquaintance later likened to falling from a fifth-floor window. A small ledge projects from the far wall a few feet above the bottom and it is likely that I hit this ledge with enough force to fracture my ribs and some vertebra within my rib cage. The sudden halt resulted in a whiplash injury to
my neck and then I fell the small distance to the floor, fracturing my shoulders and pelvis. The ledge is physically only a very minor feature of the cave but, as it probably saved my life, it retains a certain prominence in my memory.
Thereafter, my future existence depended on the actions of Mendip Cave Rescue, who were called to extricate me from the cave. Their initial concern was my medical condition, which was clearly serious. The need to move me to a hospital was paramount, but caving accidents require considerable time and effort moving from the underground location to the surface.
I have no memory of the rescue itself, but I am advised that I acted appropriately. Following initial medical treatment, I was hauled up Echo Pot and slowly dragged out through the narrow section before being hauled out of the cave.
On the surface, my existence next depended on the National Health Service. I was stabilised by a trauma specialist from Wiltshire Air Ambulance and subsequently transferred to Southmead, where I was placed in an induced coma for three weeks.
I have no memory of this either, but to this day I retain the patient’s book in which medical staff and visitors freely recorded their observations. This suggests that I did not always act appropriately; this was also noted by family members who regularly visited me and provided support at the time. It would seem that I “had my moments”, along with some extremely vivid dreams, which I understand is not uncommon under controlled medication.
In due course, I was transferred to Bath RUH and continued my recovery under the control of George, a face familiar to me from the caving social world. From there, I was moved to the final venue on my hospital tour, West Mendip Hospital. No matter how the medical profession tried to hide me, cavers sought me out and visited.
Months later, while having my final bone scan, the operator indicated that the emergency services try to work within the “golden hour”; within an hour of the accident. He noted that he remembered me because, in my case, it was seven hours.
In addition to the patient’s book, I have
some other mementos. I have cards sent to me by cavers, a diagram of my physical injuries drawn up for me by medical staff when I was sentient enough to ask about the damage and a copy of a caver’s magazine, sent to me by a friend. He perhaps did not appreciate that it carried an article on the original discovery of Echo Pot with pictures. Or did he?
I made a point of getting back underground before the end of the year, and shortly afterwards I revisited Echo Pot. In due course, I met again with those involved in the rescue at a local hostelry frequented by cavers. I bought the beer.
Riley is a local caver who has spent four decades digging for new passages beneath the
of the team responsible for the recent discoveries in
He is
Jon
Mendip Hills.
a member
Wookey Hole.
Mendip Cave Rescue
Echo Pot, the scene of Jon’s fall
A “wheely” impressive fundraiser
MEMBERS and supporters of the Inner Wheel Club of Shepton Mallet held a sponsored walk in the town in aid of three charities.
The walkers completed 76 kilometres on a circuit of the town’s Collett Park, marking the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the club’s charter, raising money for Guide Dogs for the Blind; The Leprosy Mission and to support Music to Connect, music sessions run by the club aimed at people with memory problems which is held monthly in the Salvation Army Hall.
Meanwhile, past president Judi Rice has obtained some bleed kits for the town including in the park, The Club, The Charlton Inn and next to the defibrillator by the police station.
Lions’ donations
CITYof Wells Lions have ended the year with another round of fundraising for local charities. They donated £200 each to St Lawrence day centre, Wells Dementia Action Alliance and Focus counselling group.
Walks around Wells
THEWells walking group, run by Martin and Dora Errington, will resume on January 7th after a break over the Christmas holiday.
They meet every Tuesday at 11am at the closed entrance to Morrisons in Wells for a leisurely walk of about an hour around the city.
It is an entirely voluntary group with no ties, no fees, no commitment and no registration; the only requirement is you walk entirely at your own risk.
There are about 20 members, with roughly ten walking every week who come from the surrounding area –Wells, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Wedmore and even Taunton occasionally.
Some are pictured after a recent walk.
Speaking up for their school
A TEAM from St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury triumphed at Shepton Mallet Rotary Club’s Youth Speaks competition.
Held by coincidence at the school, the three-strong intermediary team, aged 11-13, beat five others to reach the next stage of the district-wide competition.
New president Janet Thornborough (fourth left) and fellow fundraising walkers
The winning team with rotary club president Robin Weelen (left) and Mike Kew, the Rotary District 1200 Co-ordinator Youth Speaks 2024/25
Meeting old friends
THE monthly Heritage Café which was started in September at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury is going from strength to strength. It gives people who worked at two large sheepskin tanneries and factories, Morlands and Baily’s, the chance to meet and chat, as well as welcoming other visitors.
Several visitors have taken along items from their time working in the sheepskin industry, for example old copies of the ‘Morlands Magazine’.
Gerald Billing has attended all the Heritage Cafés so far. He has persuaded some of his former colleagues to go along, including Roger Bond and Marlene Pursey, who worked in the chairman’s office.
Heritage project co-ordinator, Alison Horgan, said: “It’s wonderful when people recognise old friends and colleagues and share their memories. It’s great to see the connections between people, and everyone enjoying socialising.”
The cafe meets every last Friday of the month, 10-12.30pm at the Red Brick Building. The next meeting is on Friday, January 31st.
Brother and sister Pete Bryer and Margaret Lewington (nee Bryer) both worked at Morlands, as did their brother Stuart and their father Roly. They were pleased to discover that they’d been featured in several articles in Morland’s Magazines!
BISHOPSutton Village Hall Committee are providing a “warm space” and social meeting place to anyone in the village and Chew Valley area every Tuesday until March, 10am-3pm. They will have supervisors to greet people and keep them topped up with tea/coffee, even snacks and lunch if those attending would like that – all free of charge.
There will be things to do such as playing boxed or card games, puzzles, etc, with a chance to meet up with friends and keep warm at no cost.
Christmas toys
AFTER many years of collecting and sending off Christmas shoeboxes to underprivileged children in wartorn countries, Mel Jameson of Chew Stoke decided to help the Salvation Army in their Christmas appeal this year.
A successful coffee morning raised £420 which the Salvation Army will put towards buying toys for children. She also suggested that those who wanted to help, fill up Christmas bags with goodies which would be given out to people after they had enjoyed their Christmas dinner with the Salvation Army volunteers.
Mel said: “The Salvation Army Major, Christa Beeldman, and her husband Peter, have just collected 51 bags from us.
“Many thanks to everyone who filled bags, especially Chew Stoke WI. A big thank you to Penny Savil too, who buys items for the sale throughout the year.”
Festival’s success
VALLEYArts Fringe Festival presented over 70 shows and workshops and nearly 2,000 people attended their events this autumn.
As a charity, they rely on funding, donations and the support of the community to keep bringing fantastic entertainment and creative opportunities to the Chew Valley.
They say: “Every penny helps us continue hosting events like this festival, supporting local artists and making the arts accessible to everyone.
“If you’d like to help us make next year even bigger and better, we’d love your support – whether that’s a donation, sponsorship or volunteering your time. Together, we can keep the magic alive!”
Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk
Youth club gift
SOMERSET Freemasons have donated £4,000 to Long Ashton Youth Club to provide young people with more positive activities and professional guidance in a safe environment.
The club provides youth workers who can help young people develop and reach their full potential.
Pictured (l to r) are Dr Phil Jackson, chair, Carl Tersey, youth club committee member, with Graham Puddy, Paul Hinkley and Matt Westley representing Somerset Freemasons.
CHEDDAR Valley u3a wants to encourage new people with new ideas to join the management committee to maintain and improve their already very vibrant charitable organisation. It says: “It is very rewarding, interesting and not at all onerous, with just six meetings each year.”
Contact Richard Hamlyn, chairman, 07851 703760, or pop in to one of their social coffee mornings at the village hall, on the third Thursday each month, 10-11am.
Details: https://cheddar-valley.u3asite.uk
Sale in aid of wildlife
AVONWildlife Trust’s Chew Valley Group will be holding their annual jumble sale in the Old School Room, Chew Magna on Saturday, January 11th, 10am.
The event is always packed and has raised thousands of pounds for the charity over the years. Donations are welcome.
Details: 07941 058446
Foundation expands
JAMESHolyday, managing director and Richard Lloyd, chair, at Summerfield Developments (SW), declared Somerset Community Foundation’s (SCF) new office refurbishment officially open.
They are pictured with Mary Hancock, operations director, and Fiona Foster, senior philanthropy director, at SCF’s office on the Royal Bath and West showground.
The Summerfield Force for Good Fund, which is managed by the foundation, has awarded almost £50,000 in grants to 24 local charities and community groups over the last 14 years.
James Holyday said: “It was our absolute pleasure to be able to return the favour and lend our own expertise when the time came for them to renovate their office.”
SCF, now in its 22nd year, has grown considerably in size, and in doing so has been able to award more funding to the community groups and charities it supports.
Mary Hancock said: “We’re extremely pleased with the new look office. It offers a much more welcoming and comfortable environment and can now accommodate the increase in the number of staff and volunteers working so hard to award more funding to communities across Somerset.”
This year SCF awarded over £4 million to 421 local organisations and 391 individuals.
Details: www.somerstcf.org.uk 01749 344949
Lunches support village
THE Friends of Pensford Tower, who provide lunches fortnightly, plan to give £400 towards the restoration of the windows in the village’s Old Church Room.
The next lunches are on January 8th and 22nd. Pictured (l to r) Catherine Miller, Jane Gardner, Eilish McNickle, Jenny Gully and Pam King.
International aid
WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club has been highlighting the $1.125 million given by the Rotary Foundation internationally to Mercy Ships.
The donation will equip the Global Mercy, the world's largest purpose-built hospital ship, with state-of-the-art medical technology, to operate in Africa.
It says most Rotary Club members make a voluntary donation of £65 a year to the Rotary Foundation.
It says: “This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration and generosity, making a significant difference in the lives of people in need. It's a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together for a common cause.”
Details: Angie Biggs 07790 400718
Appeal reaches target
FROME’S Missing Links, a charity which works towards connecting Frome to the surrounding area on traffic-free, family friendly routes, has hit its Crowdfunder target by raising £20,000 and is now moving forward on surfacing a 1.3km stretch of path near Great Elm.
By raising this amount from the local community, the group has been awarded further funding by Sustrans, Somerset Council, Sport England and an anonymous donor.
The combined total will meet the cost of Tarmacing the stretch of path which runs between Elliots Lane in Hapsford, and the Colliers Way. The Colliers Way is a traffic free link to Radstock, which connects with Sustrans’ Route 24 to Bath.
Chair, Richard Ackroyd, said: “We are now ready to appoint a contractor for this work. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed and made this possible.”
Details: mail@fromesmissinglinks.org.uk
Health and wellbeing partnership launched in Glastonbury
WEST Mendip Primary Care Network and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership have joined with Glastonbury Town Council to run a new health and wellbeing centre in the town.
St Dunstan’s Community Health and Wellbeing Centre, next to the town hall, is due to be completed this summer; the partnership’s aim is to ensure it has the maximum beneficial impact for the people of Glastonbury and the surrounding areas.
The restoration of St Dunstan’s House is one of ten projects being supported by the substantial investment of £23.6 million awarded to Glastonbury in 2019 as part of the government’s then Levelling Up initiative.
Glastonbury Town Council are keen to ensure that the centre meets the needs of the community and have been gathering feedback from local residents on the use of the facility, through open days, public forums and a comprehensive questionnaire.
Town Clerk, Conor Ogilvie-Davidson, said: "We want to guarantee that the activities, sessions, and initiatives held in the building are suitable for all, and do not lean too heavily into any one sector’s needs, therefore, the town council decided to open applications for partner organisations to help steer the overall operations of the centre.
“We’re delighted that West Mendip PCN and SASP have joined us to form this exciting partnership; their invaluable expertise will assist us in ensuring the centre meets the needs of our community.”
Gillian Cook, Neighbourhood Development Manager for Mendip at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are looking forward to working with the rest of the Strategic Working Group to advise the partnership in delivering robust community services.”
West Mendip PCN, one of 13 PCNs in Somerset, works in collaboration with five GP Practices in Glastonbury, Wells and Street.
Marie Madeleine before . . . and after
A recent St Dunstan’s House partnership meeting
My guide to a healthy 2025
By DrPHIL HAMMOND
MY friend Michael Mosley died this year and as a tribute here are some of the simple things he recommended if you want a little New Year health boost.
1. Have one to three cups of coffee a day –but not first thing
Coffee is rich in flavanols and antioxidants called polyphenols, compounds shown to improve brain and heart health and to have anti-inflammatory effects. I drink my first coffee first thing, but apparently, you’ll sleep better, eat less and get more of a caffeine hit if you go for a morning walk first and have a coffee on your return.
2. Take a brisk walk soon after waking
This gives you the benefits of exercise and exposure to natural light, which wakes you up, resets your internal body clock, regulates hunger, mood and body temperature. If you walk at the sort of pace you’d use if you were in a hurry to get somewhere, you’ll also have 21 per cent lower risk of death from heart disease than your more sedentary friends.
3. Stand up for two to three minutes every hour
Plenty of studies have shown a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and death from all causes. But regular movements, even in a sedentary day, helps keep blood sugar under control. Stand whenever you can.
4. Practice slow breathing every day
Just by changing how quickly and deeply you breathe you can slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, reduce stress levels and combat anxiety. There is also evidence that changing the way you breathe can reduce pain. Spend a few minutes doing one of the below:
4:6: breathe in for a count of four and out for a count of six
4:2:4:breathe in for a count of four, hold for two, then breathe out for a count of four
3:4:5:breathe in for a count of three, hold for four, then breathe out for a count of five
5. Eat oily fish twice a week (tinned tuna doesn’t count)
Oily fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation. This can improve heart health and has been shown to reduce your risk of cancer and dementia. Think Smash: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring (note to self – I’m not good at this one).
6. Have a nap after lunch — perfect for heart health
Not only can napping boost mood and wellbeing, but large studies have even shown a link between regular napping and good heart health. 20-30 mins is fine, and no later than 3pm or it can interfere with night-time sleep.
7. Do two minutes of squats and press-ups every day
From the age of 30, you will start to lose about five percent of your muscle mass for every decade that passes — unless you do
something about it. At least 30 press ups and squats a day can reverse the trend.
8. Get out into green space
There are plenty of studies showing that being in green spaces can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and help to boost your immune system. Go the whole hog outdoors – sniff, touch, taste and move. Fill up your senses with the beauty of the Mendips.
9. Eat an apple a day (unpeeled) to lower blood pressure
Most of an apple’s flavonoids are in or just under the skin and they can reduce inflammation and blood pressure, lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes. Pink Ladies are particularly good.
10. Turn the tap to cold for ten seconds at the end of your shower to boost your immune system
Cold water immersion can boost your mood, lower stress, improve your cardiovascular health and strengthen your immune system. I hate doing this but I occasionally give it a go and I had a lovely wild swim in Vobster Quay this year, but I did need a wet suit.
Water that’s too cold may not be great for a dicky heart. So, ten seconds in the shower is enough for most.
11. Sing for five minutes a day
Research shows that singing is a great way to boost mood, reduce anxiety and even relieve chronic pain. Go for something you know really well and belt it out. The Beatles take some beating. 12. Stand on one leg while cleaning your teeth to improve balance
Michael has been advocating this for years but I tend to do squats while brushing. Balance does get worse with age but yoga, t’ai chi, using a “wobble board” and walking backwards can get it back on track (if you don’t fall over).
13. Enjoy some bacteria to boost your mood
It’s an acquired taste, but kefir (a zingy form of fermented milk), sauerkraut or kimchi each day can lower stress levels and improve mood scores in just four weeks, if they contain live bacteria. (Yeo Valley do some lovely Kefirs).
14. Be nice to your neighbours
Humans are social animals and warm friendships are the key to mental and physical health. Invest in those connections now and they’ll be there for you when things go pear-shaped.
15. Dance for ten minutes a day
Dancing has been shown to be more effective than traditional fitness exercises for improving your muscles, balance and brain health, and it’s more fun. Vigorous dancing can get your heartbeat up to over 140 beats per minute and can alleviate depression, reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, boost your memory and protect against dementia.
If you can sing and dance with your neighbours, whilst standing on one leg and eating a Pink Lady at the same time, even better. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dr Phil ‘s five-star Edinburgh Fringe show, Fifty minutes to save NHS, can be watched for free on YouTube. Please make a donation to Doctors in Distress if you can
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Practice Principal – B.D.S (U.BRIST) MFGDP
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Dental Hygienist – EDHThe
New Domiciliary service coming soon
Cider visit
RESIDENTSof Cadbury Hall in Yatton marked International Men’s Day on November 27th by visiting Thatchers Cider at Sandford.
At Wedmore Dental Practice our vision is to “share our passion for health” and our reputation is built on providing personalised care for every patient. Our Practice Principal, Jennifer Morecroft, has long recognised the lack of domiciliary (care that takes place in someone's home) services in Somerset. With this in mind, we are delighted to be able to offer a new domiciliary service commencing in December 2024.
“Wedmore Dental Care @ Home” is a private dentistry service provided for those patients who are unable to access our practice to have their check-ups or treatment carried out; instead, we come to you in your own home/care setting.
It is recognised that other illnesses such as heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause. One of the primary advantages of domiciliary care is that individuals who cannot, through physical or mental disability, reach a dental surgery can receive care within the familiar surroundings of their own homes. This environment promotes a sense of comfort, security, and emotional well-being, which can significantly enhance the overall health outcomes and quality of life for those in need of assistance.
To find out more information about this service and the treatments available please visit our website www.wedmoredental.co.uk and go to our “Dental Care @ Home” information page or phone us on 01934 713013 to speak to one of our reception team who will be happy to help.
Residents discussed their courting days over a glass or two, antics as young men and enjoying a pint or two at the rugby.
Audrene Abrigo, general manager at Cadbury Hall, said: “International Men’s Day is a really positive way for us to thank all of the unsung heroes that help to make our lives better.
“It is a great way for us to recognise all the wonderful men in our lives and let them know how much we value them.”
COURT HOUSE
e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.
You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered. Rated by the CQC as good in all areas
e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com
Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk
W INSCOMBE
St James' events team
Inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale
Father Christmas arrives
Winscombe and Sandford Festival and Flags Group are preparing for VE Day celebrations next year. Pictured (l to r): Mike Williamson, Alisa Haynes, Alison Williamson and Martin Hagen
Weston Brass
The queue to see Santa stretched down the road
Christmas gifts –spreading a little warmth
TINCKNELL Fuels’ “Winter Fuel Giveaway” saw three winners each receiving 500 litres of fuel to help keep them warm this winter.
It was in response to the Government’s recent winter fuel payment cuts and was also part of its policy of giving back to the people who have supported the company since 1925.
Tincknells invited nominations through a dedicated page, allowing people to enter themselves, a loved one, or even a
charity. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of heartfelt stories pouring in. They are looking at repeating the giveaway next year.
One of the winners was a 97-year-old man, nominated by his daughter, who missed out on the fuel payment by just a few pounds.
They are pictured with Dominic Savage, Wells depot manager (left) and Tincknell’s directors, Diana Tincknell and Rob Ormond.
Winners Mr and Mrs Maggs with Tincknell’s staff (l to r) Rob Ormond, Nick Lockyer, Diana Tincknell and Joe Rich
Sharpened skills will keep us at the cutting edge
I CAN’T believe that my business is about to begin its sixth year. The time has passed so quickly. It’s quite hard to remember the early days as we were starting to feel the impact of the pandemic. Since then we’ve had periods of red-hot demand for properties in the Chew Valley and other times, which I call the new normal, when there are still many people who want to live here and enjoy our lifestyle but who are a bit more conscious about price.
My own long experience of selling houses means I can personally adapt to whatever market conditions are thrown at me, but to ensure we are providing the best possible service to all out clients I do everything as a business owner to provide my whole team with the tools they need to do their jobs.
That is why we will be starting the New Year with training sessions with an industry leader, who will refresh our knowledge of every aspect of buying and selling houses. It means we will be sharpening our skills to keep us at the cutting edge and maintain our position as the local agent of choice, as we proved beyond doubt last month when we were able to call on independent statistics provided by Rightmove.
We’re looking forward to having some rest and relaxation over the festive period, but you can be assured we will be up and running as soon as we hit 2025 and raring to bring you the qualities of Dedication, Imagination and Delivery which have brought us the success which so many clients have enjoyed and
appreciated. It is true that we are in a quieter time for the housing market at this time of the year. But I always say that things go into overdrive as soon as spring comes and the clocks go forward. That’s why if you are even considering selling your property in the coming months, now is the time to come and talk to us. We will give you the very best advice about what little jobs you should be tackling to show your home at its very best and we can plan the most effective marketing campaign, so that you are ready to go at the perfect time.
As you know, whilst I am enthusiastic about helping get you moving, I am also passionate about helping good causes in the Chew Valley and supporting local shows and events because I think it’s so important that we all do our bit to preserve the communities that make it special to live here. So if you are planning something during the coming months do let us know about it and we might be able to give you a helping hand to make your event the success it deserves.
JOANNA TILEY
L IGHTING U P R ADSTOCK
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
COMMUNITY volunteers Julie and Mike Rowe were given the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in Radstock. The couple, who live in nearby Writhlington, are volunteers at the town’s community-run library amongst other roles.
Youngsters marvel at the annual display of lights in the front garden of this house in Waterloo Road; the family raises funds each year for the
A SHWICKAND O AKHILL F AIR
Amelia, aged 12, with pet sheep, Evelyn, outside Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall. Evelyn was amongst a number of pedigree Ryland sheep to greet visitors to the village’s Christmas Fair
ST MARGARET’S,Hinton Blewett held its third Carols Under the Tree on the village green outside the Ring O’ Bells. The carollers started at the church, processing with lanterns before the switch-on.
Mendip Brass Band accompanied about 100 carollers who filled the church courtyard, a wonderful way to start the festivities.
Julie and Mike (front) after switching on the lights
Great Western Air Ambulance
Balloon fun by the miner’s wheel
H INTON B LEWETT
Volunteer of the year
THE Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership has announced the Volunteer of the Year 2024 is Teresa Tickoo. It says Teresa was chosen as she has helped with a wide variety of roles that conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and raise awareness of it.
She has been a key member of both the nature recovery tasks and drystone walling group, attending in all weathers and providing both advice and encouragement to volunteers old and new.
For the last few years she has been a young ranger assistant, using her previous teaching experience to help with the delivery and planning of this highly varied programme.
She has also been key in the visitor monitoring and various species monitoring programmes, especially the butterfly group.
Andy Chamberlain, Ranger Volunteer Coordinator, said: “Teresa has been a fantastic help to the work of the National Landscape Team, especially over the last year, and many of our projects would be far more difficult without her amazing help.”
Details: Volunteering –Mendip Hills National Landscape
Massacre on Mendip
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered a massacre from the Early Bronze Age at Charterhouse Warren, on Mendip, which they say rewrites the history books.
They believe at least 37 people were massacred, butchered, and likely partly consumed by enemies as a means to dehumanise them. The scattered bones were discovered in a 15m-deep shaft in the 1970s, a mix of men, women, and children, suggesting they were members of a community.
Researchers from several European institutions analysed the bones. Their results are published in the journal Antiquity Professor Rick Schulting from the University of Oxford said: “Charterhouse Warren is one of those rare archaeological sites that challenges the way we think about the past.
“It is a stark reminder that people in prehistory could match more recent atrocities and shines a light on a dark side of human behaviour. That it is unlikely to have been a one-off event makes it even more important that its story is told.”
David Walker, Wells & Mendip Museum's Hon. Curator said: “The human and animal remains are an extraordinary assemblage.
“We will never know what happened all those years ago, but the scientists using new techniques like Archaic DNA analysis can tell us a lot about these individuals and their society."
Bryan Wells –a Somerset soccer legend
Bryan Wells, who died in November
THE funeral has taken place of Bryan Wells, who served football in Somerset for more than 60 years in many different roles.
Bryan, of Oakhill, died in November aged 89. Bryan had many different roles in his career, originally as a player, then manager mainly for his home village, then serving as an administrator including at Shepton Mallet FC which he chaired and then the Mid Somerset League. He was to serve as chairman of the league for many years before becoming president, which he remained for the rest of his life.
In a statement, Somerset FA said that, in 2005, Bryan became chair of the County Cup Committee; in this role he dramatically changed the county cups, making the finals far more of an event for teams, he believed that a county cup final should be a special experience for everyone and pinnacle for a player at county level.
Under his leadership the county greatly increased the number of competitions that it played, with The Girls Under 16 Cup, Girls Under 14 Cup, Boys Under 15 Cup, Women’s Junior Cup and finally Boys Under 15 Cup (he was to donate the cup that is presented to the winners) all begun during his tenure.
Bryan became a life member of the Somerset FA in 2001 and was made a vice president several years later. In his 60s, Bryan discovered the women’s game and became a champion of it, his Sunday afternoons would often be spent watching women’s football and this in turn saw his drive to create three of the five female county cups that are held in Somerset.
The FA added: “He will leave a huge hole as a leader and champion of grassroots football in Somerset, but there are countless people in Somerset football who will have benefited from his service to the game. In the roles he served as a chair of leagues and committees he will have made decisions that will have upset people; however, it will be hard to find people who disliked him; as well as being highly respected he was loved by many across the game.
“He was a truly great servant of football in Somerset in general and of County Cups and the Mid Somerset League in particular; there will never be another Bryan Wells. We will all miss him greatly.”
Bryan led family, friends and villagers in the building of Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall in 1986. After serving in the army with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, he worked for many years at the Oakhill Brewery. Alongside this he was a magistrate, local councillor and chair of the village hall committee.
(Photograph courtesy of Somerset FA)
Charity ride
THEbig Bristol bikers’ ride in aid of Children’s Hospice South West was cancelled because of the weather but Henry Matyjasik from Backwell and his family still managed to raise more than £600.
He was joined by eldest son Lance and his 16-year-old daughter, Charlotte, riding pillion, with friend and fellow biker, Charlie Hallam. Details: www.justgiving.com Lance Matyjasik 2024
Safety work consultation
WRINGTON residents are being asked to have their say on plans for safety improvements in the village.
North Somerset Council is proposing a series of improvements to make pedestrian movement and active travel safer and more accessible between Orchard Close and Wrington Primary School. It wants to hear from parents using the route, commuters and other road users and businesses and community groups in the area. The consultation is open until 12 noon on Friday, January 17th.
Car
of mind
M IDSOMER N ORTON C ELEBRATES
Players, coaches families at the Midsomer Norton RFC – under-13s tombola. They were raising funds for a tour in May to the Isle of Wight
And the lights are on: (l to r) Ken the compere, local MP Anna Sabrina and town mayor Martyn Plant
Enjoying the snow machine in The Hollies garden
The Paulton Ukekele Band greeted visitors to the Santa Specials at Midsomer Norton South railway station
Aurora (left) and Aelia with the SASS Events stiltwalkers
The heritage railway line was renamed for the festive season
C HEW M AGNA
E MBOROUGH
THEChurch of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of Mendip’s most prominent landmarks, was decorated ready for its annual candlelit carol service.
The church has no heating, electricity or running water!
(l
r)
B ISHOP S UTTON
Chew Magna Society members installing their tree. The Christmas Fayre was cancelled because of the weather.
Members of Bishop Sutton and Stowey WI held their Christmas meal at the village’s Red Lion pub
CHEWStoke Church School officially ushered in the Christmas season with its annual Christingle service at St Andrew’s Church.
C HEW S TOKE
Olivia and Everly Jemma
Pictured
to
Lyn Killen, Nicky Wheeler, Kay Trippick, Joan Parker and Jacky Smith.
Some 60 Santas abseiled down Cheddar Gorge, raising more than £20,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice.
C HEDDAR
Badminton
WELL, since my last proclamation of not using my waterproofs, they have well and truly come out and been used. The mud has well and truly appeared and we are battling high winds which has led to several events locally being cancelled. I think it’s natural to feel a bit guilty as we end up doing things like keeping horses in their stables longer hours, not able to ride or turnout as much.
As horse owners we always want to do our best but sometimes the weather is not helpful and safety always must come first for both humans and horses. You always know when they name a storm that it’s not going to be good news and will be a weekend of feeding carrots to your horse rather than getting out and going riding.
I did have some amazing news that I have qualified for the Le Mieux Badminton Grassroots championship which is held at Badminton horse trials in May. This championship is aimed at amateur riders and runs before the main international class starts.
It’s a truly destination championship for those who are amateurs like me and we spend a significant proportion of our eventing season trying to qualify.
I am truly excited especially as Badminton is my “big” local event and I have been attending Badminton Horse Trials since I was a small child. I have told myself that just getting there on the day will be a great achievement and anything else is a bonus.
At this time of year, I tend to do more hacking and we are lucky in Somerset to have some lovely opportunities. The beach is always a No1 choice at this time of year as you can have a lovely canter with no mud. From October until March you do not have to pay as a horse rider to park on the beach which is helpful.
I also often use South Road car park which you do have to pay for but is around £3. It’s always best to check the weather and I always tend to go to Brean rather than Burnham-on-Sea as there are less dog walkers.
I will admit I have had lots of issues with dog walkers and been chased several times on the beach which is very stressful and dangerous even when you are keeping a fair distance away from them.
Lately when I have been down there have been more wardens on the beach and so dog walkers tend to be more respectful and better about putting their dogs on leads.
Riding on the Mendips
H Do you or does someone you know want to take up riding, but have never quite got round to it? We now offer riding lesson vouchers – a great way to start the new year with a new hobby
Now the hard task begins of preparing the horse and trying to get there on the day in good form.
H We can personalise the vouchers and they can be for any financial amount. All vouchers are valid for 12 months.
As we know with horses, nothing is guaranteed, and they do spend their time looking for inventive ways to miss key competitions.
H Vouchers can be emailed once payment has been received.
H Vouchers can also be gifted forward if the original recipient doesn’t wish to take them up.
H (e rider must be within our weight limit and complete a registration form)
I will at some point spend time with my wonderful coach, Jo May, who is based at Wedmore, planning the season and work
backwards to make sure my own fitness and the horse’s fitness is as good as it can be.
On the Mendips we are lucky to be able to park at The Swan at Rowberrow and then go after to get a spot of lunch or pay in the car park if you are on limited time for the parking.
If you are looking for new routes a good starting point is the BHS website www.bhsaccess.org.uk which lists several options and some you might fancy exploring which are slightly further afield like the Taunton Herepath and Quantock hills.
Finally if you fancy having a good gallop in managed circumstances we have a number of gallops in the area which can be hired – Spaxton, Pontispool, Chard and Conkwell Lodge, Limpley Stoke.
Lucy Counsell is a lifelong equestrian with a passion for eventing. She set up the riding club, Equestrian Training South West, served on Area 12 Riding Club committee and has her UKCC2 qualification to coach riding
With LUCY COUNSELL
Lucy at Nunney
W EDMOREBY L AMPLIGHT
Cheddar Male Voice Choir
Wedmore Brownies
Port Reeves Paul Harley and David Tucker leading the lantern parade with piper Scotty
St Mary's (l to r) Sue Smith, Lizzie Hector and Heather Hector
Carols around the Christmas tree
Cheddar Valley Lions
ONE of the risks associated with owning a bicycle is the likelihood that someone may attempt to steal your bike. The only positive news is that the vast majority of cyclists are unaffected. The last set of data compiled (in 2022) shows that 98% of bicycle owners in the UK were not the victim of bike crime. In fact, over the last 15 years there has been a general downward trend in reported bike theft.
Are those reasons to be cheerful? Definitely not, if you were one of the victims of 66,960 reported bicycle thefts in England and Wales in 2023/24.
But crime statistics depend on a crime actually being reported to the police. If a bike theft isn’t reported to the police, it won’t appear in any of the data sets that are published. Survey evidence suggests that the real number of victims is likely to be at least double the reported one.
Like all theft, it is a crime that can leave victims financially and emotionally crushed – yet is very rarely solved by police.
Analysis of crime statistics from July 2021 to June 2023 found almost 90% of bike thefts were closed by police without a suspect even being identified. Just 1.7% of bike thefts resulted in someone being charged.
That is a bleak picture, but the problem with theft in general isn’t that much better across society as a whole. Home Office figures show that in the year to March 2022 just 6.3% of robbery offences and 4.1% of all thefts in England and Wales resulted in charges. A highly critical report into the police’s handling of theft and burglary warned that “most victims aren’t getting the justice they deserve”.
The difficulty is that the police are operating in an extremely limited sphere. They are constantly given political directives they have to adhere to, and real-terms funding to the police was cut by the last government by 19% from 2011 to 2019. The low charge rates for theft are indicative of an under-funded police force being unable to investigate such crime.
What never appears in crime statistics is the impact on victims. In policing terms, bike theft is a high-volume, lowlevel crime but that’s not how its victims experience it. The campaign group Cycling UK said, “that while bike theft was often seen as a minor offence, it carried a significant social impact”.
Dr Will Norman the Walking and Cycling Commissioner for London said bike theft “disproportionately affects those on low incomes”.
He said: “Bikes offer cheap travel for people on low incomes, and replacing a bike is a big part of someone’s income. If you’re self-employed, or on a zero-hours contract, you’re less likely to be able to access things like a cycle-to-work scheme.”
Sadly, it is the young and disadvantaged who are most at risk. They are the ones who are less likely to have a secure place to store their bike, or indeed have any insurance. Without a bike, alternative transport to and from work becomes an additional burden they can ill afford.
There are a few things we as cyclists can do to protect our bikes from theft. Whenever possible it’s best to store a bike behind a locked door. If that’s not possible then investing in the best quality cycle lock, you can afford, is money well spent.
Cable locks look secure but in reality, offer very little protection. D-locks offer the best balance between portability and protection and the smaller the shackle, the harder it is to attack. The only downside is that they are heavy, so many commuters now leave their D-lock overnight (locked) at their place of work.
It seems obvious but locking the bike through the frame is the most secure method. Lock it by the wheel and you may find that it is the only part of the bike left when you return!
The availability of online marketplaces has had unintended consequences for bike theft – more than half of stolen bikes are sold online. One way to redress this would be to require bike frame numbers to be listed on adverts. Then potential buyers could check to see if the bike has been reported as stolen.
Cyclists can only do so much to protect their bike. Without more investment in policing and better regulation of online marketplaces much-loved bikes will continue vanishing from railings and lampposts across the country.
CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE
ACROSS: 4. Urn 8. Wrington 9. Abacus 10. Fragrances 11. Luck 12. Street 14. Reassume 15. Tactics 17. Bloomer 21. Arbroath 23. Nunney 25. Asia 26. Bedchamber 28. Avalon 29. Apiarist 30. Oar. DOWN: 1. Dry rot 2. Snag 3. Atlantic 4. Unicorn 5. Nausea 6. Tablespoon 7. Butcombe 12. Set 13. Externally 16. Abrasive 18. ????? 19. Ray 20. Cheddar 22. Albino 24. Even so 27. Mark
Youngsters take the honours
NORWESTBowls Club in Westfield celebrated a successful season at its presentation evening, welcoming several new and very promising bowlers.
While the men’s and ladies’ teams finished mid-way in their leagues, two rising stars have caught the eye this year.
Chloe Holmes, aged 16, and Jack Vine, aged 17, did amazingly well scooping two Bowler of the Year awards, Jack for indoors and Chloe for outdoors.
Alongside their Somerset Player of the Year awards Chloe was runner up in the junior ladies’ pairs and winner of the Under 25s ladies’ singles. Jack was a member of the Under 25s 4 Counties team and runner up in the Indoor Under 25s men’s singles.
Jack was also named Player of the Year. The club said: “Most youngsters when they play bowls just want to turn up and play but not Jack.
Graffiti work is knockout
NORTON Radstock Boxing Club’s gym has been given a fresh new look inside and out by volunteers and a local graffiti artist. Members of the club repainted the outside of the gym, in Coombe End, Radstock, before the artist got to work, giving the building a new lease of life.
Malcolm’s successful year
THESeniors’ section of Fosseway Golf Club celebrated another enjoyable season with a presentation lunch at the Centurion Hotel, Midsomer Norton. Seniors’ secretary Alan Jones looked back on a
“He helps put the kit out and away, helps with team selection and club maintenance, sends in team results and at times has even been known to make the tea. Well done Jack, thoroughly deserved.”
New club president, Kath Hillman, is pictured with them. She also presented outgoing president, Merv Ashman, with a bottle in recognition of his hard work over the last two difficult years.
Gym owner Sean Jenkins said: “I’m really pleased with the finish, I think it gives the building a new cool appeal to the next generation of young people coming through its doors.
“It took a big effort from lots of the members making it a real team effort and I’m really proud of them all.”
season that had been a good one for the social team with five wins, one defeat and one halved match.
The player of the year award for the Roger Tabb Trophy went to Malcolm
Tucker who had a highly successful season winning several trophies, including the Rupert Moore Championship and the Eric Jones Cup for the best nett summer eclectic.
The gym before . . .
and after
Bold as brass
BOLDBrass will give a rousing start to the New Year with a concert at St Mary’s, Yatton on Saturday, January 25th.
Their ensemble of trumpets, tenor horn, euphonium, tuba, trombones and percussion will entertain with music from light classics, swing and big band, as well as from the great musical shows, jazz and pop. The concert starts at 7.30pm, £12, children free.
Details: www.yms.org.uk
Shipham Players
SHIPHAMPlayers’ next production will be Daisy Pulls It Off by Denise Deegan on Febrtuary 6th, 7th and 8th.
This “jolly hockey sticks” play gives younger members the chance to showcase their talents. It is a comedic play that parodies the classic British schoolgirl adventure stories about life in a1920s girls’ boarding school.
Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, January 4th at £8 for Thursday and £10 for Friday and Saturday.
A golden time for village orchestra
CROSCOMBER Village Orchestra will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding with two special concerts planned to mark the milestone.
The orchestra has been an integral part of the local community since its founding in January 1975 and former members of the orchestra have been invited to return for the celebrations. Over the past five decades, the orchestra has nurtured many young musicians, several of whom have gone on to enjoy successful careers as orchestral players and soloists.
Anthony Bevan, 71, who has conducted the orchestra since 1978, said: "It has been an honour to lead this wonderful orchestra for so many years, watching so many talented young musicians find their voice and their passion for music. We are a family, and this anniversary season is a
testament to the dedication and joy that music has brought to all of us."
Jo Sackett, a founding member of the orchestra and its secretary for five decades, said: "When we started this orchestra in 1975, we could only dream of reaching this point. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and to celebrate this occasion with both familiar faces and new ones. We look forward to many more years of music-making.”
Her son, Jonathan, triggered the idea when he commented that the 1973 Christmas service at St Mary the Virgin, Croscombe “could have done with an orchestra”. On January 15th, 1975, 15 adults and children met to make music together under Jo’s leadership and has gone from strength to strength. New members are always welcome.
The first concert will take place on Saturday, January 18th and will feature a more formal programme, with Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, "Eroica", Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, and the Bruch Violin Concerto No.1. The season will conclude with a Prom-style concert on Saturday, May 17th, featuring shorter, well-loved favourites in a lighthearted and familyfriendly atmosphere, perfect for audience members of all ages.
l Both concerts will take place at Croscombe Village Hall at 7.00pm. tickets cost £10 for adults and under-16s free and are available from The George Inn, Croscombe, from Thursday, January 2nd, or on the door (subject to availability). For details, find the orchestra on Facebook.
. . . and during rehearsals in October for the 50th season
The orchestra in c.1980 . . .
The farmer’s friend –on four wheels
THIS year’s Somerset Vintage and Classic Tractor Show at Shepton Mallet will celebrate probably the industry’s most iconic brands – Ford and Fordson.
The marque – which made tractors more affordable for the average farmer from the early part of last century – will take pride of place in the indoor static section at the event at the Royal Bath & West Showground on Saturday, January 25th and Sunday January 26th.
Competition to be crowned champion of champions at the show – which is open to all marques – is certain to be fierce as owners ensure their entries are in peak condition.
Proceeds from the show go to local charities and good causes – the 2024 event raised around £12,000 – and it also offers a fascinating day out for enthusiasts and the curious alike, with an auction on the Saturday, by HJ Pugh and Co. certain to attract huge interest.
Storytelling
MENDIPStorytelling Circle is offering an informal taster session to give people the chance to gain storytelling skills. It says storytelling relaxes, entertains and often informs both adults and children. Whether telling stories around a campfire, at a family gathering or to a group of friends, it says a little advice at this skills session will give you the confidence to enjoy the activity.
The taster session will be on Saturday, February 8th, 101pm at Ston Easton village hall where about 30 members of the group meet monthly.
Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com
BATH & WEST SHOWGROUND BA4 6QN
Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th 2025
INDOOR STATIC TRACTOR SHOW AUCTION
Ford and Fordson tractors
Implements, trade stands, toys, models, books etc.
On Saturday, January 25th by HJ Pugh & Co • www.hjpugh.com
RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
Saturday: 8.30am-4pm
Sunday: 9am-3.30pm
Contact Mike 07976 535762
If an entry form is needed by post, please ring Marcie: 01747 822662
with such diverse topics of interest and has such amazing coverage of small and larger local events –that would otherwise go un-heralded! It’s a total joy, from the excellent pictures capturing a great moment and snapshot of humanity to the encouraging features bringing hope in the restorative efforts of communities and nature’s own recovery. It puts our local free paper to shame in terms of the showcasing of community events and people’s fundraising or community-spirited efforts.
A prize-winning exhibit from the last time Fords and Fordsons were the main feature of the static show
Sarah Crosse
HE M ENDIP T IMES
Commercial entries cost £25. We’re happy to offer entries for non-profit community group meetings and charity fundraisers free of charge. If you feel that your entry fits our criteria for free publicity please state why – and send a succinct single paragraph, in a format that can be copied and pasted to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk
Wednesday December 18th
Wells Folk Night 8pm City Arms. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Mendip Storytelling Circle, stories for a grown-up audience, 7.30pm Ston Easton village hall, BA3 4DA. £5 for the Trussell Trust. Details: www.mendipstorycircle.com
Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30pm St Thomas's Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome. Details: wellsfdc.co.uk
Thursday December 19th
Yatton & District Horticultural Society Quiz 8pm Hangstones Pavilion, BS49 4HS. www.yattonhorticulturalsociety.co.uk
Cheddar u3a Coffee morning with carols from Singing for Pleasure, 10am village hall BS27 3RF.
West Mendip Walkers 9m moderate circular walk starting 9.30am from Blagdon Fire Station, BS40 7RL. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Friday December 20th
Blagdon: carols with Blagdon Ukeleles from 6pm New Inn.
Saturday December 21st
Claverham Market: 10am-12 Village Hall. Butcher, veg, crafts etc 01934 830553. Jack & the Beanstalk with Chaplin’s Touring Panto, 3.30pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Adults £10, U-16s £5. Party of 4 (min one adult) £25: Congresbury PO or 01934 830271. Booking essential.
Christmas with Bath Camerata 6pm St Mary’s Church, Bathwick. Festive Christmas music; carols old and new and some audience participation too! Conductor Robert Brooks. Tickets £15-£25 from Bath Box Office 01225 463362 or www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
St Mary’s Yatton Christmas coffee morning with Cadbury Saxophone Band, 10am-12.30 village hall.
Bruton: Santa Claus classic & unusual vehicle parade. Santa on a vintage motorbike! Midday, High Street.
Thursday 26th December
West Mendip Walkers 7.9m moderate circular walk starting 9.30am from Somerset Council offices Cannards Grave car park Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Wednesday January 1st
New Years Day celebrations in Priston: duck race at 11am. Silver band, Morris dancing, Mummers play. Folk music from noon onwards. Details, Colin: 3inabar@gmail.com
Thursday January 2nd
Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 24pm every Thursday, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com
West Mendip Walkers strenuous 12m circular walk starting 9.30am from Holford Bowling Green TA5 1SA. W3W: pony.warned.denote. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Paulton Folk Night 8.30pm Red Lion. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome.
Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Friday January 3rd
Radstock Folk Dance Club, every Friday (except 31st Jan) 8-10pm St Peter’s Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3 incl refreshments. heather.m.leverton@gmail.com
Monday January 6th
Cheddar Valley Singers, Mondays 7-8.15pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com or Facebook. Tuesday January 7th
Joyful Voices: fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com
Weston u3a meet for coffee every Tuesday, 10am Friends Meeting House, 6 High St WsM BS23 1JF. Come and make new friends! Yatton Local History Society ZOOM talk by Terry Ransome on British Schools. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com
Wednesday January 8th
Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Neil Ross “Garden disasters” 7.30pm village hall, BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3. Free refreshments. www.kilmersdongardeners.org
Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm St Thomas's Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month. Details: wellsfdc.co.uk Sing2breathe for breathlessness. Learn techniques for breathing control 1.45 to 3pm every Wed, Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.
Harptrees History Society: ‘Festive customs & traditions’ Dr Colin Chapman. £10 incl seasonal supper. Cash bar. 7.15pm West Harptree Memorial Hall BS40 6EG. Please email to book: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Subject line “January Supper”. Mendip Storytelling Circle. Stories to entertain a grown-up audience. 7-30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. www.mendipstorycircle.com Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers Tim Lewis/Sheila Furneaux "Our Harmonious Garden", 2-3.30pm WI Hall, Backwell
Thursday January 9th
Chew Valley Death Café 12-1.30pm Community Library Bishop Sutton. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Please contact bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com
Draycott Art Club meets 10am-1pm and 2pm4 every Thurs except school holidays at Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com
Blagdon Local History Society: “Local turnpikes & toll houses” by Steve Osman, 2.30pm Court Lodge BS407TQ. Visitors welcome £3. www.blagdonlhs.com
West Mendip Walkers moderate 7-8m circular walk starting 9.30am from Cadbury Castle
Wells Scottish Dancers the Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Every Thurs 6.30–8.30pm. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com
Sing2breathe for breathlessness. Learn techniques for breathing control, 2.15-3.30pm Priory Health Centre Outpatients, Wells. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.
Friday January 10th
Keynsham AWT talk by Xavier Tobin “Jaguars in the Clouds” 7.30pm Keynsham Baptist Church, BS31 1DS. Visitors welcome £4.50, incl drink.
Frome Society for Local Study: Nicola du Pisanie: Building a replica of a Roman villa at The Newt, 2.30pm Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5.
Compton Dando Craft Day: do your craft in company, 10-4pm village hall, BS39 4JZ. £8 incl homemade lunch. Details: hdottridge@hotmail.com or Harriette, 01761 490445.
Chew Magna Jumble Sale 10am Old School Room. For AWT’s work at Folly Farm. Donations of clothes, books, toys, white elephant etc. all welcome: 01275 332482. Blagdon Wassail starts 11.30am from the New Inn then processes past the churchyard to the old orchard overlooking the lake. Check before travelling if poor weather forecast: colinemmett@gmail.com
Parkinson’s NW Somerset Support group meeting, 10.30-12.15, St Francis Church, Nailsea. Coffee & chat and a talk about Power of Attorney. Join us!
Chaplins Gold Pantos presents Jack and the Beanstalk, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, doors open 2pm, suitable 3-12years, adults £5, children free. Details: www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Sunday January 12th
Priston Wassail, 2pm. There won’t be any guns here to scare the spirits from the apple trees so they’ll be totally dependent on audience participation to make a lot of noise – bring an old metal pan and something to hit it with. Details: colinemmett@gmail.com
Monday January 13th
Priddy Folk Session 8.30pm Queen Victoria. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Nailsea & District Local History Society talk by Philip Ashford: “The experience of travel by ship in the Bristol Channel” 7.45pm Nailsea School, BS48 2HN. Visitors most welcome £3. Details: 01275 463479 or www.ndlhs.org.uk
Norton Radstock u3a talk: “A very big garden” by Margare Heffernan 2pm-4pm Somer Centre, M Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome.
Details www.norad.u3asite.uk
RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch: talk by Graham Mackinlay on aspects of his RAF career and discussion of plans for 2025. 11am then optional lunch. Wells Golf Club, BA5 3DS. Details:rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458224057.
Tuesday January 14th
The Arts Society Mendip: The first World War through the eyes of German artists, with Angela Smith. 11am Croscombe Village Hall and by Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk
Shipham, Rowberrow & Star History Society: Peter Lander “Birnbeck Pier: living memories” 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. Guests welcome £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784.
Wednesday January 15th
Friends of Weston Museum talk: “Birnbeck Pier, back from the brink” by Simon TalbotPonsonby 2.30pm Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Visitors £4. www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemuseum wsm/
RSPB Bath ZOOM talk by Andy Tucker “The Birds of Ecuador and Columbia”. 7.30pm. St Andrew’s Community Church, Combe Down, BA2 5QA.
Henton & District Garden Club: Gardeners’ Question Time – with our own panel of experts! 7 for 7.30pm Henton Village Hall. Plant sale. Visitors very welcome, £5. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com
Later Life Planning Clinic, with Dorothy House and Bath Wills, Old School Room, Chew Magna, free, 11am.
Thursday January 16th
West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular walk starting 9.30am from Churchill, BS25 5NH. W3W: pens.requiring.overdone. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Winscombe & Sandford Festival and Flags Group. Open meeting to gather ideas for the 80th anniversary of VE day in May. All welcome! 7.30pm Church Centre, Woodborough Rd, BS25 1EJ. Details, please text: 07776 235435.
Friday January 17th
North Somerset Quilters. Speaker Janet Haigh “Inspirations from Portishead” 7.30pm Backwell WI Hall, Station Rd, BS48 3QW. Visitors welcome £7. Details Karen 01275 463119.
Saturday January 18th
Kilmersdon Wassail 3pm at the community orchard, Ames Lane. Details: Martin Horler 01761 437372. Check before travelling if poor weather forecast.
Hutton Wassail, village hall, 6pm.
Sunday January 19th
Bishop Sutton Wassail: Somerset Morris dancing in the old farmyard, Bonhill Rd, at 3pm then procession to the orchard and huge bonfire. Cash bar. Tickets £5 (children £2.50) includes a hotdog, from www.suttontheatre.com Check before travelling if poor weather.
Monday January 20th
Winscombe District u3a illustrated talk by George Bethel of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, 2.30pm Community Centre, BS25 1JA.
Refreshments from 2pm. Visitors welcome, £2.50.
Chew Valley u3a talk by Dr Phil Hammond 10am Ubley Village Hall. All welcome.
Tuesday January 21st
The Arts Society Mid Somerset Lecture ‘The Two Gustavs: Mahler and Klimt’ by Gavin Plumley. 11am Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. Tea and coffee from 10.15am. Visitors welcome, £7.
Wrington Local History Society: talk by Ken Parsons “From sheep to shirts: the story of the Somerset wool industry” 7.30 for 8pm
Wells Folk Night 8pm City Arms. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Thursday January 23rd
Chew Valley AWT illustrated talk by Cathy Mayne about dormice, and the work being done to try to prevent their decline, 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, £2.50. West Mendip Walkers moderate 7.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Castle Cary, BA7 7EE. W3W: awards.ember.eradicate. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Saturday January 25th
Frome Society for Local Study: Derrick Hunt: The Somerset Coal Canal, past, present and future, 2.30pm Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5. West Harptree Quiz Night. Bar from 6 for 7pm start, village hall. Details www.westharptreehall.com
Bold Brass, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £12, Children free: www.yms.org.uk
Sunday January 26th
General knowledge quiz, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 3pm, tickets (which include tea and cake) £8 advance / £10 on door. Details: www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Monday January 27th
Norton Radstock u3a coffee morning 1012noon Somer Centre M Norton BA3 2HU. Visitors welcome. Details: ww.norad.u3asite.uk
Tuesday January 28th
Chilcompton Gardening Club AGM, Quiz and buffet, 7.30pm village hall, BA3 4EX. New members welcome.
Wednesday January 29th
Harptrees History Society: Philip Ashford, ‘Travel in the Severn Estuary before the Age of Steam’. Visitors £3. Please book after January 15th: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Subject “January”.
Thursday 30th January
West Mendip Ramblers strenuous 12m circular walk starting 9.30am from Clevedon BS212 6YJ. W3W: dine.gears.unit. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Friday January 31st
Whitchurch Local History Society: “The social history of public adverts” by Mike Hooper, 7.30pm United Reformed Church, 24 Bristol Rd, BS14 0PQ. Visitors welcome £4. Details: 01275 830869.
Saturday February 1st
RNLI Winscombe & District Branch Quiz 7
for 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. £12pp or £72 for a team of six, incl Ploughman’s Supper. Bar & raffle. Details: meejlfh@gmail.com or 01934 842304.
The Mendip Society Wassail: meet Burrington village square 6.30pm to choose the Wassail Queen before processing to the orchard, then supper. If staying to eat (adults £5, children free) please contact to help catering numbers: 01761 221995 or membership@themendipsociety.org.uk
Monday February 3rd
Bath NATS talk with Peter Cooper “Harvest Mice” 7 for 7.30pm BRSLI, 16 Queen Square, BA1 2HN. Visitors welcome £3.
RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch: talk by Roger Cowie “From Russia with Love” 11am with optional lunch, Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. Details: rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458224057.
Tuesday February 4th
The Arts Society Mendip: “Fakes & forgeries” by Marc Allum. 11am Croscombe Village Hall and Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk
Weston u3a meet for coffee every Tuesday, 10am Friends Meeting House, 6 High St, WsM BS23 1JF. Come and make new friends! Yatton Local History Society talk by Elizabeth Vaughan on Frontline health care in WW1. 7.30pm Methodist Church BS49 4DW. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com
Wednesday February 5th
Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers, Grassy Knoll Ukulele Ensemble (open to public), 2-3.30pm, WI Hall, Backwell.
Thursday February 6th
Wells Scottish Dancers the Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Every Thurs 6.30–8.30pm. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com
Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 24pm every Thursday, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com
Paulton Folk Night 8.30pm Red Lion. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Friday February 7th
Radstock Folk Dance Club, every Friday 810pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3 incl refreshments.
heather.m.leverton@gmail.com
“Looking for me friend” fun cabaret based on the music of Victoria Wood, 7.30pm, Chew Stoke village hall. Details: www.valleyarts.co.uk
Coping with drought and flooding in the garden, lecture by Sally Morgan, Wanstrow Village Hall, 7pm, tickets £5. Details: Geoff Andrews 07515868785 or 01749 850229.
Saturday February 8th
Frome Society for Local Study: Dr Adrian Webb: A seventeenth century scoundrel, 2.30pm Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5.
GRAB your medieval garb and be transported back in time at the Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre!
Tickets are now on sale for the spectacular weekend of revelry in the abbey’s 36 acres of historic ground.
From the fire-breathing antics of jester What A Palaver to the spectacular Grand Joust, there’s no shortage of entertainment to look forward to. Visitors can also enjoy live music from medievalinspired artists, hear a master-crafted yarn from our storyteller and watch a penny turn to gold in the hands of the Tudor Alchemist.
HAMPER COMPETITION WINNER
CONGRATULATIONS to Pam Wallace, of Locking, near Weston-super-Mare, the winner of our fiendish Find the Rabbits competition.
Run in conjunction with Ford Farm Cheese, makers of award-winning Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar, we challenged readers to find five golden rabbits hidden within the pages of the December issue of the magazine.
The first name to be drawn was Pam’s, who has won a hamper of festive goodies.
l The rabbits could be found on pages 22, 35, 79, 88 and on the Ford Farm/Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar advertisement itself.
One of the fayre’s medieval battles is underway
If that’s not enough to keep everyone busy, why not try your hand at have-a-go archery or learn some moves at Sword School before heading to the lively re-enactment camps to experience day-to-day life across history?
Round off the weekend by exploring the bustling medieval market full of unique wares and treat yourself to a variety of delicious food options from traditional fare to modern delights.
The Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre offers an unforgettable experience across the weekend of April 26th & 27th April. What’s more, under 15s can visit the fayre for free!
