WITHtowns and villages making preparations for the Coronation, our What’s On listings are crammed with events this month.
There will be so much going on –and we can’t possibly be everywhere –so please do send us your favourite photos.
It’s been a busy month with spring flower shows, a very muddy charity event and Cheddar’s first triathlon, and more. We have pictures from these and Wedmore YFC’s 89th annual show.
We meet Somerset’s new High Sheriff and a Mendip woman who is supporting efforts to save tigers and leopards in South East Asia.
Our series on the Big Freeze has sparked many memories so continues this month. We pay a visit to Charterhouse to see repairs being done to a dam there.
Mary Payne has advice on summer pots – and Dr Phil Hammond has advice for the government about disputes in the NHS.
As ever, thanks to our advertisers for their support – we couldn’t do it without you!
We’ll be at the North Somerset Show on May 1st – pop by and say hello!
June 2023 deadline: Friday May 12th
Published: Tuesday May 23rd
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Westway Farm, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS39 5XP
Young people on the DofE award scheme also attended the presentation event at Carymoor Environmental Centre
A £10,000 donation has been made to the Somerset Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bursary Fund by Somerset Freemasons.
The presentation took place at Carymoor Environmental Centre, near Castle Cary, which is one of five places in Somerset to run an Alternative Provision education scheme for disadvantaged young people in the county.
AP education is arranged by the county council or schools for pupils who, for illness, exclusion or other reasons, cannot receive education in a mainstream school. As well as supporting AP, the Somerset Bursary Fund is available for any young person in Somerset who needs financial support to do their DofE Award, whether as a remote participant, through a school, college or in a group such as Guides or Scouts.
Rupert Farthing from Carymoor Environmental Trust said “We have loved hosting the DofE group from Ansford Academy and seeing the students develop their skills and confidence each week. The group has really benefitted from spending time outdoors and learning practical skills. We're so grateful to be part of the DofE scheme and to be able to offer this opportunity.”
l Anyone aged 14-24 living in Somerset who would like to know more should email: DofE@somerset.gov.uk
SHEPTON Mallet Royal British Legion member Michelle Marchant has been honoured with a branch president’s award for service. The presentation took place during a tree-planting ceremony in the town’s Collett Park to mark the 41st anniversary of the start of the Falklands conflict.
A CEREMONY has been held at Wells Cathedral to mark the end of the Queen’s Green Canopy project.
The project was initiated in 2021 by the then Prince Charles as part of the late Queen’s platinum jubilee. His ambition was for as many trees as possible to be planted across the UK under the banner “Plant a tree for the jubilee”.
In Somerset, 40,000 trees were planted during more than 230 individual events. A blessing by Acting Dean Anne Gell of a tree in the cathedral’s Camery Garden marked the end of the project in the county.
Amongst those who attended were Annie Maw, the predecessor of Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, Vice Lord Lieutenant Ted Allen, Deputy Lieutenants Gloria Craig and Clinton Rogers and renowned sculptor David Backhouse, whose final work, Resurrection, also stands in the garden.
SHEPTON Mallet businessman Tony Guidi has been elected president of the 2023 Mid-Somerset Show.
The managing director of 3 Solutions 2011 Ltd, Tony has supported and sponsored the show for many years. He was elected at the MidSomerset Agricultural Society’s AGM meeting and succeeds vet Paddy Gordon.
Tony said: “The show is a major day in the local area’s calendar and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful day out. I’ve always been proud to support it and am very much looking forward to this year’s show.”
VOLUNTEERSfrom Westbury-subMendip Strawberry Line Association were out planting apple trees at the end of March, thanks to a donation from family cider maker Thatchers.
The association received a donation of five apple trees as part of Thatchers Community Orchard project, which has helped community groups, schools and charities across the UK plant more trees this spring.
The Westbury-sub-Mendip association is a community group working to develop a safe multi-user path between Cheddar and Wells, linking the villages in between and following the route of the dismantled
“Strawberry” railway line.
A 1Km section opened in Westbury in December 2022 and it is hoped that it will eventually be extended to become part of a circular traffic-free route – the Somerset Circle –connecting Bristol, Portishead, Clevedon, Yatton, Cheddar, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Radstock and Bath.
The trees have been accepted for the Queen’s Canopy Map, thanks to the initiative of Westbury resident, Buffy Fletcher, who set up the Westbury Tree Group two years ago. The volunteers are passionate about raising and planting trees from seed in the local area.
ADAPTINGthe Levels, a partnership project between Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset County Council, and FWAG South West, have launched a Climate Adaptation Toolkit to help
communities prepare for our changing climate.
It says the guide will help communities take action into their own hands, including advice on funding, consents, and permits.
Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/news/adapting-levels-project-launches-its-free-climate-adaptation-toolkit
THE unveiling of a refurbished polytunnel at the Blue School in Wells has marked the launch of a new collaboration to help wildlife along the Strawberry Line linking Wells to Shepton Mallet.
Students in the school’s garden and conservation club will use the structure to propagate wildflower seeds which they will later plant at Dulcote Hill. The project is a joint venture between the school and the Strawberry Line Society.
Richard Jones, the volunteer coordinator for the Strawberry Line Society in Wells, said: “We would like to thank the Blue School for seeing this as a worthwhile venture.”
Wells resident Drew Horsfield, who came up with the idea of restoring the polytunnel after a chance meeting with a member of the Blue School staff, said: “We hope this will inspire students to take ‘ownership’ of this section of the Strawberry Line and enjoy the results of their hard work.”
Denise Denis, a Wells city councillor, added: “This will create a wonderful resource in the community and help nature. It will
provide a link to the Bee Lines which traverse Wells and help pollinators.”
The Strawberry Line will provide a key section of the proposed Somerset Circle, a 76-mile, traffic-free route using disused railway lines connecting Mendip to Bath, Bristol and Clevedon, with branches to Glastonbury, Frome and Weston-super-Mare.
For details, visit: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk
ITseems so sad that the number of swallows that migrate to us in summer is declining so drastically. Flies of all kinds, beetles, moths and aphids are just a few of the enormous variety of flying insects that a swallow is catching as it skims, turns and dives with breathtaking agility over pastures, hedges and mature trees.
All the better if there are sheep, cattle or horses grazing. They attract even more insects.
The swallow, whilst in flight, can somehow tightly pack a mixture of insects held together with saliva. Such a bolus would typically include 11 large and up to 40 smaller items which are fed to the young.
A pair of swallows is likely to make between ten and 25 visits to the nest every 30 minutes, depending on the time of day, availability of insects and needs of the young. Bringing up three youngsters from hatching to fledging needs approximately 1000 visits to the nest over 21 days. Exhausting work.
An awful lot of insects are needed. However evidence shows without question that insect numbers are declining – perhaps because of the intensification of farming with more monocultures and fewer ponds, orchards and meadows, plus the routine use of pesticides.
New housing takes up former farmland. Each leads inevitably to the loss of habitats and food sources for many including the swallow family.
Swallows seem doubly threatened. Their traditional association with humans means that swallows have a particular liking for buildings – barns, porches and stables in which there are ledges or solid rafters on which they can secure their nests.
These are made of individual pellets of mud cemented together with grasses into a beautifully symmetrical cup shape.
Such a nest takes about ten days to construct and another day to line with feathers. Once built it is likely to remain as a permanent home for future generations of that family, unless, of course, it is removed. It is astonishing that nests are destroyed because of the mess created over the breeding season.
The modern trend for barn conversions means eviction for many swallows. How shocking that after a huge migratory journey (6000 miles approximately) back home, the swallow finds no home. Added to this is our penchant for tidiness and security, meaning that once open garages, roof spaces, lofts and barns are now sealed against all intruders including swallows, swifts and bats.
Throughout the UK swallow nests are legally protected if they have eggs or young, but nests not being used are not. However, swallows always return to the same nest, so this does not help the
swallow.
The state of the insect population is equally hard to address without changes in the type of grasses sown and with the return of more sheep and cattle grazing out of doors. The increase of horse keeping and provision of stables seems a positive step for the entire swallow family.
Gardeners can play a huge part too. Creating a variety of habitats will encourage biodiversity including an increase in insect species, whilst cutting a swallow-sized hole in a shed/garage door will give access to a bird but not to an intruder (not even a cat or squirrel).
Swallows are birds evocative of summer days. It would be terrible to take them so much for granted that we miss the stresses from which they may well already be suffering.
Friends of mine love their swallows so much that they hang umbrellas beneath each nest to catch baby birds that fall out and then they can be returned to the nest!
Let’s look forward to the return of more swallows in years to come and perhaps we can do our bit by encouraging insects and providing and keeping traditional nest sites.
This from naturalist Roger Deakin who has sadly now died. He loved swallows and allowed them to nest in his ancient chimney piece:
“Now that the weather had worsened I was itching to get a fire going. I caught myself, for a moment, wishing that the birds would hurry up and leave as you sometimes do when a guest lingers that little bit too long.
“However when such selfish sentiments seep up I remind myself that I am a mere newcomer to this ancient dynasty of nomads who settled here centuries before I ever appeared on the scene and will, I sincerely hope, long outlive me here.”
(From Waterlog by Roger Dakin)
DIANA REDFERN SANDFORDSOMERSET Wildlife Trust is urging everyone to take action for nature in their gardens and other outdoor spaces this spring.
There are an estimated 124,500 gardens in Somerset — as well as ancient churchyards, school grounds, allotments, and other outdoor spaces — and they can all be havens for wildlife.
Their suggestions include adding hedgehog holes to fences, building swift boxes, creating pollinator-friendly window boxes, making a pond and leaving patches of your grass to grow wild.
The trust is hosting a number of initiatives and campaigns, including various awards which could earn a “This is a Wildlife Garden” plaque.
For those who already have a wildlife garden, it’s suggesting they hold open days to show how it’s done and to raise funds for the trust.
Details: www.somersetwildlife.org
CHILDRENat East Harptree primary school were invited by Colston Gay of North Widcombe Farm to plant 70 trees for the extended Queen's Green Canopy initiative on Duchy of Cornwall land near Harptree Combe.
Headmaster, Ian Harvey, said: “I was so impressed by the children's determination and persistence in digging in rocky terrain.
“It was wonderful to hear the children talking about their plans to return to the site in years to come with their children and grandchildren.”
THIRTYnew bike racks are being installed across Mendip designed in the shape of Penny Farthings. They can be found in Wells, Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Street.
Paul Bannell from Glastonburybased engineers, Bannell Engineering, has created the racks, which are designed to complement the traffic free
network of paths that Mendip has been working on for the past two years.
AROUND20 volunteers from Compton Dando and the surrounding area got together for their annual litter-pick.
Organiser, Sarah Wilson, said: “Luckily the weather was kind and we had a lovely dry morning. We covered all the lanes in and out of Compton Dando, including the lane to Burnett.
“Along with the usual assortment of bottles, cans, and takeaway packaging, we also found gallons of chip fat!
“This year's haul was a little less than in previous years and this is, in part, due to the many villagers who pick up litter all year round on their walks.”
After the clean-up some volunteers ended the morning enjoying a soup lunch prepared by one of the volunteers, Harriette Dottridge.
THEgrass is definitely greater on the Mendip Hills. You don't need to be an expert to know that an “ancient woodland” is important. You have ancient grasslands on the Mendip Hills. These grasslands have been lightly grazed on the sunny, south facing slopes and haven't changed for generations. The plants and wildlife have had all this time to create rich and rare habitats.
There are also lots of other rare types of grassland across the Mendip Hills that all add up to make it a very special place for nature. We need to protect these grasslands and help to connect them via hedges and drystone walls, verges and rough field margins. Every link in the chain is important.
Through the Farming in Protected Landscape programme we're working with farmers and land managers to protect the best bits and make room for more nature.
Grasslands need careful management to create a really diverse habitat full of wildflowers and insects. We can achieve this through grazing to mimic the natural relationship between herding animals and grasses.
To make the habitat as rich as
possible we must be careful not to under or overgraze any patch of land. This is something various local farmers have learned more about recently on our holistic grazing management course.
They were given the tools to understand how to manage better their grasslands, conduct surveys to detect improvements in soil quality and habitat diversity and learn about techniques such as mob grazing.
If you are interested in moving across to regenerative soil management practices, would like advice or funding to put infrastructure in place, or have any other ideas for projects on your land please get in touch with our Farming Engagement Officer Lucy Stockton 01761 462338
With NICK GREEN
THREEgenerations ago, most people had contact with farms and farming. It might have been direct contact with relations or friends owning farms, living in a village and being part of the agricultural community or working on farms. Now, the majority of the British population are remote from farms and farming and the closest they get is a walk in the countryside.
Successive governments have made it easier for the public to access the countryside and in most cases, farmers have been very willing to embrace that support and welcome people onto their farms.
Gone are the days of farmers standing with crossed arms at the field gate warning walkers to “keep off my land”. That is as long as those walkers behave themselves. After the miserable winter we have had, there seems to have been an explosion of people visiting the countryside recently.
Along with this there has been a significant increase in sheep worrying and attacks by dogs. When this happens who can blame
the affected farmer for not wanting people on their land? It isn’t just the lives of their sheep which are affected, it’s the farmer’s business. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions including keeping their dogs on leads and under control.
When the UK left the European Union, the British Government decided the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments farmers received for land ownership or occupation would be replaced by a system of payments that would reward farmers with public money for “public goods”.
At the moment all the public goods appear to revolve around the environment. This raises one big question. What are public goods? Many will suggest they are something anyone can and should benefit from.
So, better public access in the countryside could be included. Likewise, more hedges, trees and ponds would be nice. But what about food being a public good that everyone needs and should benefit from?
When you are out and about, take a look around you. Everything needs to be in balance and as well as the beautiful countryside we have around us we all need food. Happy walking!
WEDMOREYFC’s 89th annual show held at The George was blessed with sunshine and many fine entries including large numbers for the Baby Dairy section.
Main winners were: Best Junior Member, Grace Willcox; Best Senior Member, Elizabeth Bell; Best Handicraft Senior, Beth Williams; Best Handicraft Junior, Ella Crossman; Best Leading & Grooming, Hannah Payne; Beef, Maddie Rousell; Best pair of Lambs, Liam Hector; Baby Dairy, Gwennie Goulding.
BINGis Microsoft’s search engine, a rival to Google’s version.
To test the new AI (artificial intelligence) features added in a recent update, the following question was typed into its search bar: “Can you provide an article that explains the update to Bing?” Its answer:
“Microsoft announced a significant update to Windows 11 on February 28th, 2023 featuring an array of features that harness the power of AI and improve the way people get things done on their PC. One of the updates includes bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar.
Last month, Microsoft introduced the new AI-powered Bing and Microsoft Edge, your co-pilot for the web –delivering better search, complete answers, a new chat experience and the ability to create content.”
A follow-up question was asked: “Can you add some detail on Bing Create?” The answer: “Bing Image Creator is a new AI-powered tool that allows you to create images with your words. You can use it to generate images for your blog posts, social media posts, or any other creative project you have in mind.
“To use Bing Image Creator, go to bing.com/create in your browser and sign in to your Microsoft account. Enter a description of an image you’d like to see and hit the Create button.”
For the questions in both cases the Android version of the Bing app was used having been downloaded from Google Play Store for Android devices. Versions are available for other machines.
Just to be sure a final question was asked: “Are Bing answers copyrighted?” The answer: “Bing answers are not copyrighted.”
The chase is on for IT companies to perfect their AI systems so more announcements can be expected soon – but can AI ever mimic human intelligence and speech and would we want it to – after all we humans make mistakes?
No doubt our tech-savvy children will soon be trying it out doing their homework . . .
ACROSS
1 Alcoholic drink mixed for example with a gong (6)
5 Old fashioned ‘Perry’ produced in Shepton Mallet, being reintroduced after recovery of the trade name (8)
9 Marked by interesting and exciting happenings (8)
10 Smaller, upper assembly of the US government (6)
11 Australian idiom meaning to feign death or sleep (4,6)
12 This Welsh river flows alongside the Millennium stadium (4)
13 Computer readable patterns of parallel lines (3,5)
16 Fine distinction or subtle difference (6)
17 Protection from lover around end of November (6)
19 New visas can change your hair-do maybe (8)
21 Steep (4)
22 Good feeling you get from solving this crossword (10)
25 Use sparingly to extend availability (3,3)
26 Cat may be bothered with this after washing (4,4)
27 A period of secret surveillance (5-3)
28 Coffee could be readied at the stadium (6)
DOWN
2 A small hammer used by the judge to gain attention (5)
3 & 4 down Lady from Street aged 104. In the news recently for living in the same house 102 years and now moving
4 See 3 down (7)
5 Small swallowed rounded food masses (7)
6 Not necessarily an apt description; but the helper of the groom at a wedding (4,3)
7 Put pressure on convict to struggle working (9)
8 Objects showing human involvement as distinguished from natural materials (9)
14 A region of low pressure experienced while flying (3,6)
15 The mechanism of a timepiece (9)
18 Italian rice dish (7)
19 Where ‘The Ancient Mariner’ set sail from (7)
20 Somerset Unitary Council came into being on 1st April on ....... day (7)
23 A cruel and brutal fellow (5)
24 100% synthetic material used in making clothes (5)
By greendandelionClues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 78
WITH more mud and more obstacles, the Mud Master Obstacle Course Race welcomed 200 participants in its second year. The event saw teams, individuals, clubs and charities tackle mud pools, cargo nets and space hoppers to name but a few of the 20+ obstacles, over 5k, 10k or 20k courses at Puxton Park. Hosted by the Weston Lions Club alongside Puxton Park, this year’s main beneficiaries were The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Weston Hospicecare and The Children’s Hospice South West.
The Mud Master is the first event of its kind to be held in Somerset and this year welcomed 500 participants to the first Junior Mud Master held on the Saturday before the main event.
Details: www.wsmlions.co.uk www.mud-master.co.uk
MEMBERS of Woodspring Model Sailing Club met at the Lake Grounds, in Portishead on Good Friday. The original of these models with three sails was the Margaurite built at Pill in 1905.
Details: Roy Ackrill 01275 463574
A versatile combo for sharing
This recipe can be used as a sandwich filling, luxury dip, vol-au-vent filler or spread over crostini for a canapé.
METHOD
Mix everything together, adding salt and pepper to taste and use for sandwiches or canapés . . . or just eat straight out the bowl with a spoon!
Curry favour with these Scotch Eggs
If you haven’t got a blender, use chicken mince instead of the thighs.
METHOD
Put all the chicken and all the seasoning in blender and blitz until smooth or, if using mince, combine everything well in a bowl.
Flatten a portion of mixture in your hand and mould it around one of the cooled eggs. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. Dip each one into the flour, then the egg and roll into the breadcrumbs.
You could put them into the fridge to firm up or, if you’re impatient like me, you can cook them straightway. I did mine in the air fryer at 180°C for 10 minutes or you can bake them in an oven at the same temperature for 20 minutes. Delicious served hot or cold dipped in some mango chutney.
INGREDIENTS
(Makes two rounds of sandwiches)
3 finely chopped spring onions
100g grated cheese
1 grated apple
40g walnut pieces
100g mayonnaise
INGREDIENTS
(Enough for five to six eggs, depending on size)
430g skinless chicken thighs
1tbs tandoori paste
1tbs mango chutney
3tsp garam masala
3tsp cumin
3tsp garlic granules or fresh COATING
In three separate bowls put:
120g breadcrumbs
One egg mixed with 50ml milk
50g flour
Scone or cake? Scakes are great for picnics
A reliable little birdie told me the new king is rather partial to fruit cake, so I’ve combined the classic ingredients with a scone in this very simple recipe.
METHOD
Combine everything together in a bowl and then divide the mixture in six-eight muffin cases or, as I did, into well cleaned (obviously) empty tuna tins! Cook at 160°C for 20 minutes, then let them cool. Cut in half and sandwich together with some delicious salted English butter. Wrap them individually and hand them round at your picnic!
INGREDIENTS
(Makes six to eight)
150g vanilla ice cream, melted
200g mixed dried fruit
150g self-raising flour
1tsp cinnamon
Butter (to serve)
I, for one, am certainly looking forward to watching the coronation of King Charles III – and Queen Camilla –on Saturday, May 6th, and I plan on sharing the following picnic recipes whilst celebrating with family and friends.
LIVE music and stalls helped to spread the word about the Children’s Air Ambulance as well as raising money for the charity.
The event took place at the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland, which offers charities free use of its Old Parlour Café and barn. The Frukes ukelele band and The Original Barn Finds provided
the live music for the event, which raised almost £600 for the charity.
The next fundraising event at the inn is an afternoon tea party on Saturday, April 29th in aid of the Bowel Movement charity, whilst the CAA is holding a free family fun day at Bath Racecourse on Saturday, May 20th.
OPEN: Noon-11pm (Mon-Sat) Noon-10pm (Sun)
Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.
T: 01225 962669
E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk
W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk
For details, visit: www.childrensairambulance.org.uk
Friday 5th - Live band: FANTASTIQUE - in the barn
Saturday 6th - Cream Teas all day in the parlour
Live band: EL TORO - in the barn
Sunday 7th - Live band: MONOS NEWWAVEBAND - in the parlour
Friday 15th - Live band: THE BLUE MOOD BAND - in the barn
Friday 20th - Live band: THE UNTOLD BAND - in the barn
Friday 26th - STARRY EYES
Saturday 27th - Live music: D STATE - in the barn
* Bands 8pm-close except Monos Newwaveband 2-6pm –all FREE!
Pizzas served Fri 6pm – Sun 6pm Old Parlour Café and Bar open Fri and Sat 8am-11pm (Sun 8am-5pm)
WE have a long association with blackthorn, with large quantities of fruit stones regularly found at archeological sites. It was believed to be a magical tree, powerful against dangers not often specified by our superstitious ancestors, but powerful nonethe-less.
The wood makes a strong walking stick and was fashioned into the Irish shillelagh, a stick with a large knob on the end used as a weapon. And the wood used for this task was from the blackthorn tree.
Blackthorn (along with hawthorn) was used extensively to enclose land during the medieval period. During the later Enclosure Acts of the 1800s and onwards, they were further used to create field boundaries, known as the “quickset” hedgerow.
Local names for the shrub include: blackhaw, buckthorn, egg-pegg-bush, snag-bush and my personal favourite “pig-in-the-hedge”, replete with many references to its use as hedging material. The famously long and painful spines were perfect for keeping livestock in, or out.
Blackthorn is the first shrub to flower (before it comes into leaf) stealing a march on all the other shrubs attracting the early pollinators first. A clever adaptation. It spreads by suckering, popping up new shoots from the soil and reproduces via seed (stones) in the sloe fruits. But it is not the sloes we are interested in this time, but the flowers. Historically, blackthorn flowers were used to make herbal remedies although one has to be careful with it. The fruits are a small round, black/blue berry covered (when young) in a white bloom.
Blossoms of blackthorn have a wonderful aroma of almonds and are delicious simply plucked from the branches and nibbled on. If that is not enough for you, then a number of them can add colour and flavour sprinkled over a fresh spring green salad or in a long drink.
However, as always there is a warning. In common with apple pips and sloe stones, each flower contains minute amounts of cyanide which accounts for the almond aroma. More importantly in quantity they are known to have a laxative effect and will likely guarantee you a headache or worse still, both.
Blackthorn flowers are definitely not the darling buds of May.
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
I HAVEto confess I didn’t grow these –I bought them! I have grown them in the past, however, and if you have a source of fresh green hardwood logs (oak is preferable but alder, beech, chestnut and hornbeam are all good too) then this can be a fun project. The logs need to come from healthy trees and you need to inoculate them within six weeks of them being cut.
With JAKE WHITSONYou do this by drilling holes at regular intervals along the length of the logs and inserting dowels inoculated with the fungus (which can be purchased online). The holes are then sealed up with a little wax and the logs left in a cool, moist, shady place to allow the fungus to spread within the wood.
Crops begin after 12 months or so depending on the size of the log and can continue for seven years or more depending on the type of wood.
I find the flavour of shiitakes quite variable, with some having a strong, delicious, almost smoky flavour and others being quite mild. I imagine this has to do with both the type of wood they’ve been grown on as well as the time of year and environment they fruited in.
Regardless, they are excellent pretty much anywhere you might use button mushrooms. They are of course well suited to Asian dishes and I love to make the classic dish of General Tso’s chicken, but with shiitakes replacing the chicken.
To do this I first cut around 500g mushrooms in half and sauté them until all the water has evaporated. I then toss them in a batter consisting of a tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp cornflour and 2 tsp vegetable oil until well coated, then fry them hard in plenty of oil until crispy and golden.
After draining any excess oil, they go back in a pan with a sauce made from 1 tbsp tomato concentrate, 1/4 tsp cornflour, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar and 4 tbsp of water or stock. Over a moderate heat, this sauce quickly thickens and clings to the mushrooms. Serve immediately with plenty of steamed rice.
Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder –he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
A FOOD growing charity which works with disadvantaged young people and adults was amongst the stallholders at the March Sunday market organised by the Shepton Experience CIC.
Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity, based in the Chew Valley, was founded in 2020 to offer training to people who may have experienced social disadvantages or barriers to learning and/or employment.
Alice in Wonderland was the fancy dress theme for the market.
THE Marshes Hub Tea Stop has moved into purpose-built new premises at the Avalon Marshes Centre at Westhay.
On its first day of opening, visitors were full of praise for its modern new look which features seating for 60 under cover, tables and chairs spread around a patio area next to the centre’s wildlife pond looking onto the new archaeological village. There is more seating available inside the Somerset Crafts Centre and an innovative bike rack for cyclists by the new Meeting Room.
Welcome to our new building and outdoor space. A local family-run business.
Café open 7 days a week
09.30am to 5pm
Serving breakfasts, snacks, light lunches and afternoon teas and now pancakes and waffles!
Seating for 200 with 60 under our new covered area
An ideal place to stop on your day out on the Somerset Levels
The Marshes Hub Tea Stop has been run by Sally Cave and her family and a 15-strong team, all local to the area, for the past five years. Sally also runs the Grain Store Café at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury as well as a separate catering business called Cherished Events Catering.
An already-impressive menu features everything from breakfasts to ploughmans, quiche and toasties to cakes but Sally has now introduced a choice of pancakes and waffles. There are also plans to offer a midweek roast.
Sally said: “It’s taken a lot of hard work by everyone here to get the café open and the team at the Avalon Marshes Centre have been brilliant. It’s a very exciting time for us.”
The café – open every day from 9.30am5pm – will have an official launch on Saturday, May 21st when the Avalon Marshes Centre hosts an open day with all its partners.
AFTER the very long –and often wet – winter it’s just great to be out and about in better weather enjoying our glorious countryside.
At Hartley’s Café Bistro, part of Rookery Farm at Binegar, there are cool tables inside or “al fresco” tables under parasols. Here you can enjoy a truly scrumptious breakfast, from a traditional Full English to kedgeree, handmade pancakes and smoked salmon plus a variety of teas, soft drinks and a well-structured wine list.
Lunch is always a mêlée of fish fresh from Brixham, great salads, meat and steak in green pepper sauce from Somerset farms, pasta dishes, vegetarian options and international dishes to tease and please the palate.
Then, if you still have room – and I’m sure you will – feast your eyes on the dessert counter. Yummy! The wines are carefully chosen to marry well with the food at Hartley’s.
So here comes summer and a trip across the glorious Mendips for breakfast, brunch or lunch at Hartley’s surely is a must.
A RETIRED television commentator and producer from Wells has published his first illustrated children’s book aged 80 and despite having terminal cancer.
Peter Butler’s “Heidi’s New Home” – inspired by family holidays in Cornwall – is intended as the first in a series of “The Tales of Gripper the Crab”.
The stories are illustrated by artist Kathryn Pow, also from Wells, and tell of the adventures of Gripper and his sea creature friends who live in a rock pool by the fictitious town of Porthmeric.
Peter, who has also provided the voices of the characters for audio books, had planned to write the stories several years ago until illness struck in 2016 with a diagnosis of bowel cancer which has since returned.
He admits the pressure is now on to publish the five remaining stories but says they offer him much-needed daily motivation. All profits from the books will go to cancer charities and cancer research.
Peter said: “The stories I have written are not only intended to be fun to read and listen to but they also incorporate
important messages for our children about sea pollution, global warming, over-fishing and homelessness etc., and also how, sometimes in life, things are not all they seem to be.”
He’s voiced his adventures as a character called “Barnacle Boppy” (the nickname his grandchildren assigned him) and has converted his shed at the bottom of the garden into Barnacle Boppy’s Fisherman’s Hut complete with lobster pot and fishing nets, where he sits and writes.
Peter added: “My sea creatures are a family, when one of them is in trouble all the others gather around to help, but as well as writing these fun and informative stories I also offer another message.
“I have learned when you have cancer yourself or know someone who has and maybe even lost the will to live, you, like them, must not think bad things because there is always something you can do, something to give you a special reason for living.
“It’s easy to consider cancer is the end of your life but it can actually be the beginning of a new one no matter long you are granted, believe me.”
For details, visit: www.peterbutlerbooks.co.uk
FORMER Oakhill resident and historian Percy Lambert enjoyed a special day out when he met up with friends from the Oakhill & Ashwick Local History Group at the recently opened Oakleaf Café in the village hall.
Percy, who will celebrate his 98th birthday in May, is now a
resident at the Glen residential home in Evercreech. He was an active member of the history group for many years, contributing to several books about life in the parish.
It was his first visit to the village hall since its refurbishment.
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
CLEVEDON Salerooms is delighted to announce that it has been entrusted with the sale of the contents of Barrow Court, former home of the late technology entrepreneur Iann Barron CBE. The auction will be hosted at Clevedon Salerooms on June 1st.
name that is precisely the scene with which they are rewarded.
formal gardens by Francis Inigo Thomas, completed in 1897.
With CHRIS YEOFew people looking for the quintessential English manor house would expect to find it barely a mile from Bristol Airport. So secluded is the setting of Barrow Court, that even amongst the locals, its story is barely known.
Yet, if the curious traveller ventures down the long leafy lane which bears its
The house – Jacobean in appearance but incorporating earlier and later elements –traces its history to a Benedictine nunnery founded on the site in the early 13th century.
Converted to a private house following the dissolution of the monasteries, it passed through several hands before in 1881 being bought by the Gibbs family of nearby Tyntesfield, whose influence in this part of North Somerset was comparable to the Rothschilds, their equally wealthy contemporaries in Buckinghamshire.
It was Henry Gibbs who embarked on a comprehensive remodelling of the house and garden at the end of the 19th century, including the much-admired parterre and
The subject of articles in Country Life in 1902 and 1931, Barrow Court took its place among the roll-call of celebrated West Country historic houses before being converted to institutional use whilst still in the ownership of the Gibbs family.
In 1976 the house was sold and divided into seven separate dwellings. Iann Barron purchased two of the seven and then the interconnecting third.
An ardent champion of Barrow Court’s history, over many years he undertook a mission to revive the property, lovingly restoring many of its notable features and creating with curatorial flair a wonderland of period furniture and works of art, all of which exude a depth of history and feeling of having always been there.
DO you have any family heirlooms at home gathering dust or have you always wanted to know how much your Asian art, porcelain, pictures, silver, classic car, memorabilia, jewellery or watches are worth?
Come and meet our specialists this month, many of whom are well-known faces on the BBC Antiques Roadshow, to have your items appraised and receive a free auction estimate.
Dore & Rees, based in Frome, holds regular auctions throughout the year from specialist Classic Car, Automobilia, Asian Art, Curious & Collectable, Jewellery & Watches and Silver auctions to general Select Interiors auctions offering furniture, pictures, sculpture, clocks, decorative arts, collectables and more.
Auctions are performing well, with strong prices being realised for quality lots. In the Fine Jewellery and Watches auction in March, Victorian jewellery was performing particularly well with a Victorian diamond and shamrock brooch selling for £7,800 (incl. fees).
A Rolex steel oyster perpetual cosmography Daytona wristwatch was the top lot selling for £19,500 (incl. fees). Classic Car auctions are always popular with a 1988 Aston Martin V8 X Pack Volante in pole position selling for £246,400 (incl. fees).
Next month we have Select Interiors auction on June 7th, Classic Cars auction on June 17th and Fine Silver and Fine Jewellery & Watches auctions on June 28th; all are open for entries until mid-May.
The team at Dore & Rees can help you understand and realise the value of your items, give us a call.
TUESDAY 9 AND WEDNESDAY 10 MAY
Asian Art – Lee Young • Collectables – Marc Allum
Motoring – Nick Wells • Silver – Duncan Campbell
Pictures – Graham Snow • Interiors – Guy Tayler
Jewellery – Susan Rumfitt (10, 11, 15 May)
Clocks & Watches – Richard Price (15 May)
Appointments available at Dore & Rees Auction
Salerooms in Frome or at your home Contact
THREEearly George II silver square waiters with the mark of Paul de Lameries, London 1733 and 1734, achieved a hammer price of £11,200 (before premium) having met strong demand in the room, over the internet and on the telephone.
These waiters were formerly the property of Sir Stephen Theodor Janssen Bart. an MP and former Lord Mayor of London, then by descent. He died in 1748. Paul de Lamerie was silversmith to George I in 1716 but was never appointed to the coveted post of Royal Gold/Silversmith.
However, the Victoria and Albert Museum describes him as "the greatest silversmith working in England in the 18th century".
Amongst the jewellery, items selling to advantage included an early 20th century 18ct gold curb link “Albert” or watch chain £2600, an Edwardian rose gold, sapphire and diamond cluster bangle £2300, a late Victorian rose diamond swallow brooch £1300, a further Edwardian 18ct gold fetter-and-three “Albert” or watch chain £2400, and an early 20th century pearl necklace
on an Art Deco sapphire and diamond oval cluster clasp £3500. There was an excellent entry of watches including an impressive collection of pocket watches. An 18th century French open face alarm pocket watch, Jean Gosselin a Paris, achieved £2000; an 18th century Georgian silver cased pocket watch £1000 and a George IV 18ct gold cased open face pocket watch (Jn Farr, Clare St. Bristol) £1700.
Amongst the more modern watches an Eterna-Matic, KonTiki, gentleman's stainless steel automatic bracelet watch realised £1500 and a Longines, lady's Swiss 18ct white gold bracelet watch £1700.
So if you have silver or jewellery to sell, we want to hear from you. As part of the local community we want to do the best for you. Call into your local auction house at the Mendip Auction Rooms for a free valuation and to consign your items. We will place it into one of our specialist silver and jewellery auctions and advise you on the straight-forward selling process.
At their latest sale of silver and jewellery at the Mendip Auction Rooms, Killens saw strong demand for the lots on offer
COOPER and Tanner Salerooms’ Single Owner Sale of April 5th was a resounding success with prospective buyers from all over the country and many from around the world partaking in bidding.
Viewing was well attended and on the sale day itself there was much competition with room bidders, telephone bidders and, of course, those bidding online.
One of the most anticipated lots of the sale was an impressive oil on canvas –Circle of Jan Victors (1620-1676), portrait of a young gentleman wearing a turban and holding a cane, 134cm x 104cm – the hammer finally fell at £3,600 to a buyer in the Netherlands. A beautiful Victorian sailor’s shell valentine, contained in a hinged lockable display case, was a highly contested lot with several telephone
bidders, selling at £1,600 on the hammer. Other highlights of the sale included a rare 18th century painted dummy board figure in the form of a young woman selling at £1,250; a Victorian mahogany kneehole desk, in the Chippendale style, selling at £800 and a large pottery baluster vase and wood cover with decoupage decoration selling at £1,600.
Following the successes of last year, the third Specialist Jewellery, Silver and Gold Sale will be held on May 24th at 10am. With a range of ages and types of jewellery and silver included in the sale there is sure to be something to catch your eye. The online catalogue will be available from May 10th. Viewing will take place on Monday, May 22nd (10am to 4pm) and Tuesday, May 23rd (10am to 6pm).
If you would like any additional information regarding sales, valuations or any other matter please contact the Salerooms on 01373 852419 or email: salerooms@cooperantanner.co.uk * Please note that all prices are subject to a buyer’s premium of 22% plus VAT and additional online fees if purchased via this route.
ROBERT Drewett, the latest High Sheriff of Somerset, has a simple message for people who might not understand the role: I’m here to help you.
The retired solicitor made his “declaration of office” in March at the traditional Legal Service in Wells Cathedral and has wasted no time in getting out and about to meet people from all walks of life around the county.
However, Robert, who lives near Bishop Sutton, believes some people – especially in North East Somerset – might not even be aware that the role of High Sheriff exists and he wants to change that.
Robert said: “The position covers the whole of the county of Somerset but I’m aware that I’m the first High Sheriff in 45 years to come from North East Somerset and I really want to connect with people in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton, Peasedown St John and the villages to see how I can help them.”
The 18th Century court dress – complete with the Somerset Sword – is saved for more formal occasions: Robert is the King’s representative in the county in all matters of the judiciary and law and order. But the emphasis in the 21st Century is community, voluntary and charitable organisations and recognising people who “contribute to the wellbeing of the county’s residents”.
The office of High
Sheriff administers grants from its charitable trust and the High Sheriff Awards scheme and Robert says he is keen to meet as many people as possible in his year of office: “That’s going to be the fun part. I want to hold a traditional tea party in September with lots of fun stalls.
“And if people ask me to visit them, I might even take the sword!”
To contact the High Sheriff email: robertdrewett@highsheriffsomerset.org.uk
KEEN World War Two enthusiast Karen Cook is to open her unique History Hut near Somerton on Somerset Day –Thursday, May 11th – to welcome a group of charity cyclists on their way through the county.
The History Hut is a converted Nissen hut on farmland at Low Ham and contains memorabilia about the war. Karen opens the hut to the public at certain times of the year but also hosts
school, club and society visits. The last public event was over the Easter weekend when she was joined by some living history enthusiasts.
A family friend, Bryn Thompson, is among the cyclists and has chosen the History Hut and Somerset Sight to benefit from any donations.
l The hut will be open from 10am-3pm. For details, find the History Hut on Facebook.
WALKINGand cycling in the countryside are ever popular activities but some may be uncertain about whether they can use a particular pathway. Here are some examples of where you can go.
A public footpath is a path on which the public have a legally protected right to travel on foot. The majority of footpaths are shown on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps.
The right of access on a public footpath normally only extends to walking (there may be other unrecorded rights as well), so there is usually no right to cycle or ride a horse on a public footpath.
However, it is not a criminal offence to do so unless there is a traffic order or byelaw in place specifically; it is a civil wrong to ride a bicycle or a horse on a public footpath and action could be taken by the landowner for trespass or nuisance by the user.
A public bridleway is a way over which the public have the following, but normally (unless otherwise according to Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 s56(1)(b)) no other rights:
(a)to travel on foot and (b) to travel on horseback or leading a horse, with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the way.
Although Section 30 of the Countryside Act 1968 permits the riding of bicycles on public bridleways, the Act says that it "shall not create any obligation to facilitate the use of the bridleway by cyclists". Thus, the right to cycle exists even though it may be difficult to exercise on occasion.
Cyclists using a bridleway are obliged to give way to other users on foot or horseback. A byway open to all traffic (or BOAT) is a highway over which the general public have a right to travel for vehicular and all other kinds of traffic, but which is used by the public mainly as footpaths and as bridleways are used. Finally, a permissive path, permitted path or concessionary path is a path (which could be for walkers, riders, cyclists, or any combination) whose use is allowed by the landowner.
It would normally be a path that is not at the time on the definitive map of public rights of way but that does not prevent it from already being a public
path for any or all of those user categories mentioned.
For instance it might be a historic route fallen into disuse or it might have been used for 20 years “as of right” by the public, in both cases being a public right of way which is not yet shown on the definitive map.
ANDREW James, who runs Carved Stone Letters at Masbury, near Wells, offers some advice to anyone wanting a headstone or memorial tablet to remember a loved one:
“Organising a headstone or memorial tablet can feel like a daunting task – it’s a big responsibility at an emotional time and there are lots of options (and often lots of regulations) to consider. But it’s also a lasting way to commemorate someone special, so you’ll want to get it just right.
“We have designed, produced and installed memorials for
churchyards, cemeteries and private locations throughout Somerset and beyond, and we always feel very honoured to guide and support families through the process. We try to make it all as easy and comfortable for you as we can, often over a cup of tea at our Old Station home.
“We always encourage you to make the memorial personal; to choose something that you like and which also reflects your loved one in some way. This can be as simple as the type of stone and inscription style, or perhaps a meaningful icon or a line from a favourite song or poem.
“Our biggest tip? Probably to start early and don’t rush. You have to wait around a year for burial plots to ‘settle’ before you can place a headstone, but some types of granite are currently taking up to six months to be delivered from the quarries abroad – so we’d suggest starting to think about things sooner rather than later, especially if you’d find it comforting to have the headstone in place for the first anniversary.”
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
WHENthumbing through the pages of the Mendip Times last month, I came to page 71 and let out a shriek, just as my son came through the door. “That’s our car,” I said. The memories came flooding back as I remembered the night of a horrendous journey back from Wells at the start of the Big Freeze.
At the time I lived with my husband Roy Minty and our two-year-old daughter Carole, on Chewton Plain at 1, Field Farm Cottages. Our neighbours were Gerald and Gwen Cridland and their daughters Catherine,18 and Virginia,16.
Two families also lived in Field Farm House. Roy and Gerald were employed by the Waldegrave Estate for Chewton Farms Ltd.
Roy and I went to a New Year party at our friends’ Ralph and Zena Hill in Wells. During the evening Ralph went outside to retrieve more beer bottles from his water-filled dustbin, as you did in those days. He came in and said: “It’s snowing and the flakes are as big as half-crowns.” (Before the days of decimal currency!)
Roy looked out the door and said to me “Get your coat” and to Ralph he said: “If it’s doing that down here in Wells, I dread to think what’s happening up top.”
Our daughter Carole was being looked after by our neighbour Gwen. So began a difficult trek home. After leaving Wells and reaching home, we saw no other moving vehicles and no other human being.
Driving up Wells Hill we encountered abandoned vehicles all over the road. Being a good driver and used to navigating in difficult conditions, Roy steered the car around the cars until we reached the top of the hill to the Romulus and Remus monument. There was no mast there in those days.
There were no more cars in our way, just increasing volumes of snow falling and growing snow drifts. We reached Green Ore Crossroads, no traffic lights then, and moved slowly and with greater difficulty towards Nedge Hill. The windscreen wipers could not clear the snow, so our hands
were out of the window clearing the snow as best we could.
Just as we reached the top of the hill, the car struggled and died. Roy managed to restart it, telling me to keep the engine running. He got out and took the shovel and two hessian sacks out of the boot.
They had been placed there as a precaution when an earlier storm on Boxing Day caught us out. He dug around all four wheels, laid the sacks under the rear wheels and told me to drive on. I said: “What about you?” “Never mind me,” came back the reply through the howling gale.
I cautiously allowed the car to drive forward in first gear. After a few yards, the driver door opened, a shovel and two hessian sacks whizzed past my ear and a voice said, “move over”.
Back in the car, Roy negotiated the descent down towards Bathway. Still no sign of life or vehicles. Approaching the village there was more shelter from the trees and although drifting, the snow was easier to manage.
We also agreed that if we couldn’t get up Chewton Hill, we could at least walk home from there. We found Chewton Hill was passable, being sheltered by Baber’s Farm on the left and the tall building that was Fred Whitfield’s carpet business on the right.
Once at the top the howling blizzard attacked us again, Chewton Plain was slowly being engulfed in snow drifts and the road barely visible. We hoped to be able to turn the car into the lane leading to Ston Easton, because to leave it on the main road and buried with snow would leave it prey to any passing snow ploughs we presumed would arrive.
We made the turning and after about 50 yards met a fivefoot drift which was gaining in momentum every second. “That’s it,” said Roy, “we walk from here”.
He attached a parking light to the driver’s window, dug a gap in a dip by the hedge and we walked the remaining three hundred yards through the smaller drifts to home. We arrived to see Gwen struggling around the path with pillows and blankets as she prepared to sleep in our house to be with Carole. The Cridland family never expected us to make it home.
We were young, I was 22 and Roy was 29. We didn’t consider the obvious danger; we were desperate to get home to our daughter. Had we not made it, the Cridland family would have cared for her, but she would have been confused.
That was just the start. The next morning saw us look out on a winter wonderland of snow with no evidence of roads or any sign of human life, although the snow had largely ceased falling.
Michael Whitfield, the farm cowman, was walking to work from Chewton and saw the parking light glinting through the snow and began frantically digging with his hands because he thought we were inside. Later that day Roy cleared the snow from the front of the car so that it was visible to any mechanical vehicle approaching. Nothing did for six weeks!
Roy and I have gone through this event in the last few days, because I wanted to be sure that I had my facts right. We are the only two people who know what happened from the time we left Wells until we reached home.
Thereafter it became a battle for the farm workers to feed the animals and get the milk to the Priory Dairy, where the greatly missed Chewton Cheese was made. Bob Powell has already said that the only vehicles that moved were tractors and snow ploughs.
Part of Roy’s job was to ferry the milk to the Priory from Field Farm, Rookery and Sperring’s Green. In the farm’s lorry he also collected milk from Mervyn Speed at Grove Farm, Brian Green and Alfie Oaks from East End and Arthur Green and Richard Dudden from Dudwell and Cutler’s Green.
They all had to take their milk by tractor and trailer. The only way out of Field Farm, was to travel along the lee of the walls and take the milk onto the main road further along the plain.
There was also the small matter of food for the four families. Four milk churns were placed on the main road and meat, bread and groceries were deposited there and brought back to the four households. As Bob Powell said, we paid up, when we could all get out.
Getting out was the next problem; the big freeze set in. Nothing moved for ten days. Then with Catherine and Virginia, we set out for the village shop and some supplies. Everything was still frozen solid with the main road just passable for tractors, heavy vehicles and 4x4s.
To get to the village we had to walk along the tops of the hedges and walls until we reached the top of Chewton Hill. It was a real treat, we met people!
Soon after Roy started to clear the lane in the evenings with the tractor and front loader. At the same time Roger Penny, who had a small tractor with loader, did the same
from Ston Easton. It took weeks, there was so much snow and it was piled high.
Speaking with Roy recently he said that he believed that was the start of Penny Plant Hire as Roger was approached by the council to clear other minor roads.
Finally, after six weeks the car was reached and towed from its frozen vault and we began the task of getting it started. Towed by the tractor and with me in the car an attempt was made to jump start it.
After several fruitless attempts. I was installed on the tractor with instructions of how to move forward. Eventually after a few tries, the car burst into life. We were mobile again.
Sadly in 1980 after two more children, Roy and I decided to go our separate ways. He, to Saudi Arabia to work and when he returned, he bought a garden centre in Nairn, Scotland.
Now retired he still lives in Nairn. I trained to be a teacher, became headteacher of two schools, in Bath and Glastonbury. I now live in Timsbury. Who knows how the events of 1963 shaped our future lives?
Gwen Cridland is 101 and lives in Castle Cary and her younger daughter Virginia (Ginny Hartley) lives in Wells.
Roy will be 90 in May and I will be 83 in June. I said to him: “We were only in our 20s in 1963, we wouldn’t be able to do that now.”
His reply was: “Oh I would still have a go.” When I told our son Adrian, he said: “Dad still thinks he’s invincible.”
I suppose what it does say about both of us is that we were then and are still now pretty resilient.
A FRONT-wheel drive Mini helped teacher Michael Baker reach his school in Bath from his home in Wells during the Big Freeze.
Where the snow was compacted on the main roads, Michael –who taught geography and mathematics – managed to drive with two wheels in a rut and two wheels on the verge.
But even the Mini couldn’t help when he decided to visit a friend living on the edge of the village of Chelynch, near Shepton Mallet, and was stranded overnight.
By chance, Michael, who is in his 80s and who now lives in Henton, was carrying a camera containing colour film in the car, and was able to capture these scenes as they ventured out to clear the lane and go for a walk.
WENDY said: “We went dancing in the hall opposite the Bath Theatre Royal. We came out to find it was snowing and by the time we got to Radstock it was getting deep and slippery.
“Well, having a Ford Anglia 105E van we couldn’t get up the hill out of Radstock, although Paul put chains on the wheels, so had to go back into Midsomer Norton along Radstock road to our friends’ house.
“We knocked them up and I stayed with them, but Paul had to walk back to Binegar to let my widowed mother know that I was safe. He stayed there then.
“We were married in Binegar Church on March 31st by which time the snow had gone but it was still a cold dry day but windy. Our reception was at the Mermaid Hotel in Wells at 7s/6d shillings a head. As my mother was a widow we paid for our own wedding.”
Paul had finished his five-year-long engineering apprenticeship with Sheldon Jones in Wells before getting a job at Hinkley Point power station before in 1962. The
couple then moved to Taunton where they both worked and had their first daughter before returning to live with Wendy’s mother in Binegar and Paul went to work in a local quarry.
The young family then moved to Peasedown St John where Paul worked as a lorry driver. Their son was born there in 1966. They then moved to Newbury, near Coleford, and Paul decided to start his own tipper lorry business in 1971.
The following year, they moved back to Peasdown and, in 1974, had another daughter. The couple still live in the same bungalow after 51 years.
Wendy added: “We have loved living here; in those days there was a lot of retired miners and neighbours who took us under their wings as the young couple who had just had a new-born.
“The minister of the chapel at that time came to see us and welcomed us to the village. In fact, we celebrated the Silver Jubilee in our garden, with our neighbour getting a barrel of beer and everyone chipping in with doing cakes. Paul got a skittle alley and it was a very joyous occasion with a stage and the children getting up to do their party piece.”
Welsh-born Paul was a member of Mendip Male Voice Choir for more than ten years after the couple retired in 2004 and sang at the Royal Albert hall in 2012.
Wendy Treasure recalls the night she and her husband-to-be, Paul, went for a night out in Bath just weeks before their wedding at the end of March 1963, only to become stranded by the Big Freeze.Wendy and Paul at their wedding reception in at the Mermaid Hotel in Wells Wendy and Paul with a diamond wedding anniversary card from King Charles and the Queen Consort
A STUDENT from Frome College is through to the national finals of the Rotary Young Photographer competition with an image of Pulteney Weir in Bath.
Amelie won the intermediate category in the Frome Rotary round before going through to win at the district final, which covers Somerset and parts of Dorset and Wiltshire.
There was a total of 49 entries in the Frome Rotary round; the theme was The Beauty of Architecture. In the senior section, Zuben, also from Frome College, won with a highly technical compilation of images. Edison, from Oakfield Academy, won the junior section. All three went into the district final
Certificates were presented by Emma Reynolds, Principal of Frome College and Margaret Gilmour, past president of Frome Rotary. Margaret said: “After a long break from working with local schools due to the covid pandemic it is so pleasing to be able to support and encourage students to challenge themselves and develop their skills. The Young Photographer competition along with Young Chef and Youth Speaks has shown the talent in our schools is excellent. Good luck Amelie in the national final.”
Emma Reynolds, principal of Frome College said: "The excellent range of all the photographs entered for this competition reflects the creativity and confidence of our students. Well done to all of them and to our winners." l The results of the national competition are due to be announced in late April/early May.
THEafter-school Forest Club from Blagdon Primary school, who visit Tania’s wood every week, now have a shelter to keep dry.
The Mendip Society, who manage the site near Ubley, got together with a few parents to build it and the children added their own creative flare by decorating it with natural weaving.
The shelter will be used when Year 1 at Blagdon School attend their Forest School sessions next term, as well as providing a dry spot for Mendip Society volunteers and visitors on training on courses.
THEachievements of 15 newly qualified youth workers were celebrated at a special certificate presentation event at Dillington House, Somerset.
The event, which was hosted by the Somerset Youth Work Alliance (SYWA), brought together over 50 guests including youth workers, young people, councillors and commissioners, to celebrate and champion youth provision in the county.
The training was made possible thanks in part to £25,000 of grant funding from Somerset Community Foundation.
WEDMOREFriends of Weston Hospicecare raised £2,125 for the hospice with a fashion show held at Wedmore Bowls Club.
Some 80 ladies sat down for afternoon tea before enjoying the show, featuring local women, thanks to the support of local businesses.
Chair, Shirley Wederell, said: “Thanks to the wonderful team of Wedmore Friends, Kukkina and the models.”
NORTHSomerset Trefoil Guild members have collected more than 100 “Tailor's Tins” containing sewing items for Ukrainian refugees in the Chew Valley.
The idea came from Catherine Grynova, a contributor to Mendip Times, who said they were forced to flee Ukraine with one small bag and no room for household items.
Vyshyvanka embroidery is popular in Ukraine.
The guild’s county international advisor, Mary Gray, took up the idea and got an enthusiastic response from guild members to collect and fill the tins.
The first were distributed at the hub, held regularly for the refugees in Bishop Sutton village hall.
Co-ordinator, Sam Oliphant, said: “There was much excitement when our Ukrainians saw the lovely spread of beautiful tins.
“A massive thank you from the Chew Valley Ukrainians - a lovely gesture by everyone who contributed which was very much appreciated.”
AT their recent AGM, held at the Mendip Golf Club, Shepton Mallet 41 Club outgoing president Peter Davey handed over his regalia to the new president, Andrew Davies who, in turn, presented a past president’s medal to Peter.
Peter has had a very successful year as president including organising a visit to the RNLI station at Poole. Andrew Davies passed his badge of office as vice president to Michael Flack. This year will be the club’s 41st anniversary and suitable celebrations are anticipated.
ST MARY’S Church in Compton Dando will be having summer Sunday afternoon teas, starting on Sunday, May 28th, 2.30-5pm, as well as on bank holidays.
Before that the church will also be holding a “Three Kings” exhibition with teas for the Coronation weekend, May 6th-8th, 2.30-5pm.
A RECENTLY formed community group in Coleford transformed the village’s Hub space into the set of Alice in Wonderland for a Mad Hatter’s tea party for all the family. Coleford Rocks – known as C.R.O.C.K.S. – was set up after the Coleford Revival Group was disbanded. Its aim is to organise family-friendly events with the eventual ambition of bringing back the annual village fun day. Their next planned event is a quiz night on Friday, May 26th.
For details, find Coleford Rocks on Facebook
FROME Selwood Rotary recently partnered with the Opus 111 choir to raise money for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. The performance attended by 100 people at Wanstrow Village Hall was a resounding success and raised £1,100. The choir, based in Shepton Mallet, is led by Ann Stilton. This was their first performance since the Covid pandemic. Bath Cancer Unit support group are raising money to purchase a state-of-the-art scanner. Frome Selwood Rotary added £2,500 to the money raised boosting the scanner appeal by £3,600.
Details: Guy Parkinson 07712185798
www.fromeselwoodrotary@btinternet.com
PENSFORDTower Friends held their first fundraising tea of the year in the newly refurbished Old School Room, which is available to hire.
More events are planned throughout the year, including Coronation teas on Sunday, May 7th, 2pm.
Details: Jane Flower 01761 490234
BLAGDON’SWeston Hospicecare knitters have again been busy with their knitting needles making Easter Chicks and Easter bunnies for their annual Spring Fair, which raised £620, despite the poor weather outside.
MEMBERS of Bishop Sutton and Stowey WI decorated the village’s Millennium Garden with Easter chicks and green knitted hearts.
President, Jenny Harris, said: “We love our world. The green hearts were made to remind people of climate change – you can make a difference!”
MEMBERS of the Children’s World charity’s Youth Committee staged their first Easter Extravaganza – a familyfriendly day of activities and entertainments – at Abbey House in Glastonbury.
Arts and crafts inspired children’s imaginations
BLAGDONWI members have toasted the 75th anniversary of their founding with a celebratory glass or two and a cake made and decorated by current president, Pat Hocks.
Marion Ball and Win Gould, whose grandmother and mother were founding members, with current President Pat Hocks
There will be more celebrations with an anniversary lunch at Woodford Lodge and a Coronation cream tea in the Village Club garden on Monday, May 8th to which everyone is welcome.
Details: Jane Venner-Pack 01761 463699
BILLYCHIP, which supports rough sleepers, has now been launched across more than 250 Central Co-op food stores in the Midlands.The scheme has also been adopted by Southern Co-op stores and in South Wales.
Founded by the Abernethy-Hope family in Bishop Sutton following the death of their son, Billy, it enables people to buy tokens which rough sleepers can exchange for food and drink.
www.billychip.com
WHEN Elizabeth Rodman found a lost cheque down the back of her sink, she couldn’t believe the company would honour it after 25 years. But she got a replacement by return.
The cheque for about £70 was for hay bought from her mother’s farm at Litton by hay merchants, Abbott and Co.
Elizabeth said: “What a wonderful company, I wasn’t expecting a reply never mind a cheque.”
Company owner Simon Dee Shapland, who lives at Banwell, said: “We’ve been going for 120 years and pride ourselves on being a country company that looks after our customers.”
He joined the company aged 19 and is still working, aged 80.
Members dressed appropriately and enjoyed the Charleston and Foxtrot, following demonstrations by Jan Osborne and Debbie and Mark Storey.
President, Hazel Wedlake, said: “Three obliging husbands kindly stood in as bartenders for the night.”
Chair, Sue Revell, is pictured receiving a certificate from Sam Mauger, CEO of the Third Age Trust, to celebrate 30 years of Wells u3a.
She said it was a very thought-provoking day which left the delegates with many ideas and plans for the future together.
THE organisers behind Somerset Day are inviting people to take part in Somerset’s biggest ever quiz on Friday, May 12th.
It will be hosted live by BBC Radio Somerset, 7-9pm, but organisers also want others to take part by hosting a quiz on the same night and at the same time to raise funds for local good causes. They will provide a pack with the rounds, questions and answers.
Somerset Day founder, Nigel Muers-Raby, said: “This is no ordinary Somerset Day and no ordinary quiz – we are organising Somerset’s BIGGEST EVER quiz.
“So if you run a pub or community venue, have a team of employees or friends that would benefit from a social or are a school that needs funds raising, then this could be the perfect opportunity to bring together your community and raise funds for a local Somerset-based cause.”
In addition to running the quiz, Passion for Somerset CIC, the company behind Somerset Day, are supporting other events taking place to celebrate the county.
These include the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards on Thursday, May 11th at the Conference Centre, Bridgwater & Taunton College, Taunton; Somerset FA Intermediate Cup Final at Shepton Mallet Football Club; eat:Taunton in the town centre on Saturday, May 13th and a special service of Choral Evensong at Wells Cathedral, also on Saturday, May 13th at 5.15pm.
Somerset Day is May 11th and is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May. It marks the date when Alfred the Great gathered “all the people of Somerset” to march against the invading Viking army.
Details: www.somersetday.com
MEMBERSof St Andrew’s Church in Chew Magna are delighted that the priest’s house in Kwacha, in northern Zambia, has finally been completed and a new priest, Father Thomas Zulu, appointed.
The house is attached to the church of St Mary and St John in Kwacha, which has been linked with Chew Magna for 26 years.
Jenny Biggs, who is one of the church members running the link, said: “The house was first suggested in 2007 as rental costs were making it difficult to appoint a permanent priest for this congregation of 300. Plans were drawn up and fundraising began here and in Africa.
“Progress has been slow as building material costs soared and the final stages were held up of course by the pandemic. However during the last year we have been able to support the Zambians’ fundraising efforts and at last the house was ready. Labour has been provided by the congregation.
“So it was with great joy that we heard Archbishop Albert Chama, Bishop of the Northern Diocese of Zambia and Archbishop of Central Africa, had blessed the house.
“It will mean so much to our link congregation and it has been a great privilege to work with them over the years.”
DURINGthe often cold, wet and windy days of early spring we had a lot to do with hedges – mostly those in our nature reserve, Tania’s Wood, near Ubley. Once the boundary of the mediaeval deer park in that parish, much of our present reserve boundary dates from around the year 1240.
Hedges grow out of control if you don’t watch them, becoming untamed and wilful; they then need training again to become useful stock-proof guardians and brilliant wildlife corridors and homes.
This needs a certain kind of skill; we are lucky that we have just the sort of individuals and groups locally who have this skill – one they can also pass on to others.
One of the objectives of The Mendip Society is to nurture and promote the skills relevant to the workings of our countryside –for time out of memory, hedging (in times past it would have gone alongside “and ditching” too!) has been one of our foremost country skills out of which has grown our local hedging societies.
So we were very happy when asked if we would be a sponsor for the Wrington & Burrington Hedging Society’s recent hedging competition and do the honours for the beginners class. We know how important it is to encourage the beginners; this is why we run several days, during the hedging season ourselves.
At our recent AGM, our guest speaker was Nick Green, known to readers of Mendip Times, who is well known to be passionate about looking after the countryside in the most beneficial and sustainable way for farming as possible.
The hedge used for this most recent competition, at Stepstones Farm was one planted by Nick some years ago when he started at Alvis Bros. Ltd, and he was pleased to see that some of our volunteer hedgers were taking part this year. Thank you Nick for your support, from the Mendip Society.
During 2022, we were very lucky, and grateful, to be the recipient of two legacies and two other donations in memory of
departed members of the society and to be honest they couldn’t have come at a better time for us.
It’s no secret that our membership is getting older with every year that passes and so are less likely to volunteer to help with the various tasks that are involved in the running of an organisation like ours.
So our small committee has decided that we will have to advertise for a paid administrator to get things running again. It need not be a member of the society, although it would have to a resident of Mendip and familiar with all things Mendip and preferably someone who can be self-employed.
Of course, if someone were to volunteer to do just that for us, we would much rather be able to offer more applicants a grant under our new Small Grant Scheme, through which we were able to help nine very worthwhile projects in the last year. There will be more details on this in our next page.
In the meantime, we have two new walk/visits coming up soon – for members and visitors. On May 16th we are invited to join Les Davies on his Annual President’s Walk.
This year he will guide us from Cheddar, up a quite steep gradient climb through Mascalls Wood, an ancient woodland belonging to the Somerset Wildlife Trust, into Fox Wood at the very top end which belongs to him. The area is well known for its bluebells – it will be a beautiful time of year.
In June we are once again invited by Kate Lawrence, manager of Chancellors’ Farm, to see how traditional breeds of livestock are used to manage the wildflower meadows the farm is so famous for.
You may remember the Coronation Meadows project, a British nature conservation scheme supported by King Charles, when he was Prince of Wales. It was started as a campaign to restore the UK's threatened wildflower flora. It is a working farm so obviously no dogs can be allowed.
* Sumer is icumen in – Wessex Dialect of Middle English/
By CHRIS SPERRING MBE
WE conservationists do “doom and gloom” extremely well don’t we, what with this species declining and that species going to be extinct? Sometimes, however, it's good to take stock and raise awareness of the fact that there are some brilliant successes happening and even new species coming in to take advantage of some hard work. The little egret is one such bird.
Back in May 2015, I wrote about the little egret and I’m glad to say that it’s still all going well. There is historical evidence that suggests that little egrets were indeed once very common. They are a species listed in the main feast of the 1429 coronation of King Henry VI in York.
So, this species was probably very common through the warmer periods of medieval times, but with hunting and the beginning of a series of mini-ice ages around 1650, it's quite likely that the little egret was already heading south to warmer areas.
By the 1950s, the little egret was all but a bird of southern Europe, from where it began its strong recovery due to protection laws and increasing awareness about its habitat. By 1996, it was back in Britain as a breeding bird and, by 2008, the population was thought to be around 4,500 individuals.
The little egret is smaller than the familiar grey heron, measuring around 65cm head-to-tail, compared to the heron which is around 100cm. The plumage is white giving way to a long heron-like black bill and long black legs. During the breeding season, adult egrets will have two long plumes coming
off the nape; indeed, these plumes were once most sought after for decorating ladies’ hats etc.
Little egrets are found in wetland areas, though will travel to ponds and lakes, and can be found in coastal areas as well. But, without a doubt, the best places to come across them and observe them with ease locally will be on the Somerset Levels.
If you do get the chance to observe them closely (and without disturbing them) watch their hunting behaviour. As they wade slowly through the water watching for movement, they may also run in shallow water and even deliberately shuffle their feet in the mud to disturb potential prey.
You may also observe them suddenly freeze to the spot (and sometimes for quite a time) before suddenly throwing their spear-like beak like a dart into the water to catch a fish, amphibian etc. They can also feed on dry land as well, where they may feed upon reptiles, insects, and small mammals.
Little egrets will nest not just in colonies but indeed with other birds as well. The nest can be in small trees, scrub or even in reed beds. Three to five eggs are laid and are incubated by both parents for around 25 days. Young egrets are cared for by both again and will fledge at around 45 days old.
The little egret is just one of many birds which are both recovering and increasing in number; no doubt this is helped by greater protection for the species and a warmer climate but, above all else, some of the superb habitat creation schemes.
If you wish to join me with a chance of observing little egrets then do book on to the May walk at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve on the Somerset Levels via: https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Search
EACHyear it is never quite certain when bluebells will be in full bloom, so I have constructed this walk in the heart of Mendip, visiting areas where there should be bluebells at slightly different times. It takes in a variety of landscapes –Burrington Ham, Fullers Hay woodland, as well as Black Down where the later bluebells should appear. It is a fairly challenging circle with many ups and downs and it can be a good idea to take a stick as some paths are rocky and uneven. Enjoy great views from the Ham and from Black Down. Expect mud after rain. The route is stile free. Even if you miss the bluebells, it is a wonderful and varied circle.
PARK: Near the bottom of Burrington Combe on the cross Mendip road, the B3134. Park in the bottom car park which
has a line of trees and is below the bike shop.
START: Turn right and right again on Ham Link. This quiet route winds gently uphill. At a grass triangle, ignore a lane right which descends to Burrington village and simply keep on up.
1. STONY TRACK
Reach the first marked footpath on the right through a gate. It’s a stony, uneven track, again climbing gently through woodland. Soon reach a more open area with humpy bumpy grassland.
This is “gruffy” ground or “groovy” ground so called after the Mendip lead miners who were known as “groovers” due to the trenches they excavated when mining the lead ore. To stake a claim, the groover had first to dig a pit in which he stood up to his waist. Then he threw his pick as far forward and backwards as he could to mark the claim.
Carry on to a clearly marked path on the right which soon becomes a pretty avenue of silver birches – quite a rarity on Mendip.
Story goes that these were left over from a planting assignment around here and in the end the then Mendip warden (not Les Davies) decided to fashion an
attractive birch avenue. Good for him! Or, perhaps it was designed as a fairy route to the hill camp which we come to soon.
Follow it all the way to the end of the avenue and bear leftish on a path across open land and continue.
3. BURRINGTON CAMP
Ahead see an information board about this ancient camp, whose history remains a bit of a mystery. You can go in if you wish. Then turn left on the grassy track and follow it on, before turning up slightly right. Come to a junction and turn up right to reach the end of Long Rock, a great viewing point over the valley and beyond, although tree cover has reduced quite a bit of the vista. Turn left on the wide grassy track.
4. JUNCTION
Soon, at a tree and junction of three paths, take the first on the left. This takes you across the common and bracken where you will see bluebells. Maintain direction. At a fork, take the right path, passing a water trough and keep on. Join a track where you keep straight on. Another track joins but you continue on to an open area and arrive at a broad grassy track. Bear across towards two low posts separated from each other.
2. BIRCH AVENUEAt the left post turn left across to a kissing gate and large gate leaving the common. In the field, go ahead along the hedge and then left down the far side. Go through a gate into another field, still along the right side.
Arrive at a line of trees. Now bear diagonally left across the field and just the other side of the buildings go right through a kissing gate. At the end of the farm building follow the arrow right and soon go into the wood of Fuller’s Hay.
Go on through, seeing more and more glorious bluebells carpeting this beech woodland. Drop down where you get a view left across to Blagdon Combe down on the A368 – described as one of the prettiest miles in England. The track goes on, down and up and eventually nears the end of the wood.
Take the right-hand path by an old stile up into a field. Turn left along the edge and carry on into the next field at the end of which, turn up right across to a visible large gate. To the left of this is Yeo Valley Organic’s HQ with a wonderful view across Blagdon Lake. Go through the gate and bear diagonally up right across fields (ignore a track going up). As you go, you may have to go over a temporary stile in an electric fence not far off the end of a short hedge. But just maintain direction up and at the top reach a grassy track and go across to a kissing gate in the hedge. In this next field, follow the right edge down, and leave through a kissing gate by Lower Ellick Farm. Turn left on the farm drive to reach the B3134, cross-Mendip road.
8. MAIN
Cross with care, turn right and go through a pedestrian gate by the cattle grid. Carry on for a short way to reach a house on the left, Ellick House. Turn left up the stony track which can be wet and muddy. Work is going on to reduce the flow of water down here into the combe. Go through a gate and on to Black Down.
9.
You have about 2.5 miles ahead. Reach a
marker post and bear right, then take the upper (left) of two paths, thus starting to climb up onto the Down which because of its altitude should have blooming bluebells later than most.
Start to get wonderful views across the estuary. You are likely to see grazing Devon Red cattle up here as well as Exmoor ponies.
At a lone tree towards the top, ignore the stony track and take the grassy one, bearing up right. Reach a post and junction. If you want to go to the trig at Beacon Batch, the highest point on Mendip, it’s along left a short way, but we are going straight on to continue our circle.
Pass many tumps which date back to WW2 and were part of a decoy to make enemy planes think that this was Bristol and to keep them away from the city itself. Many of the tumps have been half destroyed.
Eventually reach the main stony track which leads east-west across the Down. Turn right and follow this on. Continue until you reach a little post and stay on the main, dryer track going slightly right.
Further on, at a dip in the path, with a low footpath marker post on the right, and between two thorny trees, take the path right. This becomes an easy grassy track heading north. In the distance, down in the valley, you can see my home village, Wrington. At a fork, ignore the path curving left and just go straight on, as before. As you progress, down on your right is the valley of West Twin Brook. After a while, the path narrows. Near the bottom, go over the first crossing path and then reach a broad crossing track. Again, go straight on, onto the grass where the path is not clear at first. Just maintain direction and you should find a path. When it forks, take the right side and this leads you on, nearer trees and bushes. Stick with this and soon get views across Burrington Combe. Go on through trees and continue all the way to a gate onto a track – the Link.
Turn right taking you down to Burrington Combe. In the car park, at the weekend, if you finish between 11am and 4pm, you can have a burger from the young man who runs the van there.
THEMerry month of May and spring really starts here… at least that’s what I’m hoping because April has lived up to its showery reputation with a bit of sunshine thrown in. The dandelions have given the bees an early and much-needed nectar source in readiness for the apple blossom this coming month. Pears are ahead of the curve as are plums and cherry when it comes to the sight and smell of blossom.
Nothing beats that early morning walk when the trees are still damp and the air is full of a heavy perfume.
There is however a long way to go before the fruit is harvested. May frosts can wreak havoc and wipe out the hoped for crop. Back in my Long Ashton Research Station days some experimental apple trees were so valuable they had to be protected from frost by spraying water on them.
Crazy as it may seem water sprayed onto the blossom during the frosty nights kept the blossom just above freezing. This latent heat was sufficient to prevent damage. Everything was carefully monitored and those involved in this work, of which I was one, would have to check in with a controller who would put us on standby or stand us down.
Standby meant going to spend the night in a building in the orchards. The team would arrive throughout the evening as the critical time was late night/early morning when clear skies would lead to a radiation frost as the warm air disappeared into the cold dark night.
The same thing happens in the desert, so I’m told, although I have never been there as it’s somewhere east of Bristol!
Once the low temperature alarm sounded two large water pumps were started, taking water from a reservoir. This was then pumped through a maze of pipes and sprinklers onto the trees. Once spraying had started it had to continue until the air temperature rose just after daybreak.
By then several thousand gallons of water had been pumped to encase the trees and blossom clusters with solid ice. Slowly the ice would melt and the blossom was unharmed. This was a vast improvement from lighting fires that burned throughout the night in drums to raise the temperature.
It doesn’t take much for me to forget that only yesterday the wind was blowing, driving rain against the windows. Now the sun is shining I feel so much better. Life in the hedgerow begins again as everything starts to green up.
Herbie the hedgehog has spent all winter in a shelter at the bottom of my garden hedge. I kept this shelter covered in leaves, sticks and anything else that would add insulation and weather protection. My great worry was that the hedgehog would not survive winter, but as soon as I noticed the exit hole had been opened up, I felt happier.
So it’s back to biscuits and water every night (for Herbie not me) which I hope will supplement its diet. I’m calling Herbie “it” because I don’t know if it’s he or she.
There are other hedgehogs in the Springfield Terrace gardens
which speaks volumes for the wildlife value of town gardens when they are carefully managed (or not as the case may be with benign neglect). The greatest reward of all would be to see a family in residence as breeding starts soon after the end of hibernation.
Where there is life there is also death. In order for things to live there often has to be something else that dies. As a boy being brought up in the countryside I was made aware of this at an early age, but when it strikes close to home it can be a little upsetting.
The blackbirds are always the first to nest in the garden. It’s their song that fills the summer evening, a special song that like the wood pigeon’s call tells me its summer. The blackbirds’ young leave the nest early in the season to be fed and fussed over by the parents.
It seems an endless and often thankless task they have. Sparrow hawks have learnt that there are meals to be had in these same Springfield Terrace hedgerows and so it was that a hapless fledging was taken down by a hawk in my front garden.
Fool that I was, I tried to intervene. I should have known better, but this wasn't the field, moor or hill where I knew such things went on, this was literally in my front garden. My intervention was to no avail and the hawk had its meal with the only reminder of the young bird being a few feathers on the grass.
This is how nature is and I remember during my Warden days taking a lunch break whilst putting a stile into a hedgerow. Around the corner of the lane came a sparrow hawk just a few feet off the ground, silent, low and with the head turning from side to side like radar searching for a target.
It was to my watching eyes something amazing, yet also the very personification of terror. It passed me and flipped over the hedge in the hope of surprising some unsuspecting bird on the other side.
These days we are taking up more and more green spaces for development and housing and the wildlife has less area in which to survive. Our wildlife is fine as long as it stays in the countryside has always been one of my “Lesisms” but like the urban fox it adapts to new surroundings quickly.
Thankfully we don’t have wolves or bears, or will this follow as some kind of rewilding to be re-introduced by “good meaning folk” in the future… ask those who live in the Forest of Dean about wild boar!
The North Somerset Agricultural Show will be at Wraxall on May 1st, so I’m hoping for fine weather, especially so this year as I will be commentating in the countryside arena. Come along and have a great day out.
Finally, this month’s photo is the apple tree version of the peacock in full display and hoping to attract plenty of pollinating insects but no frost!
JUST about every organisation, amateurs included, produces some form of regular newsletter to keep its members informed of news and developments. Caving clubs and our regional and scientific bodies are no exception. Today most journals, bulletins, newsletters and the like are professionally printed and bound in full colour and on highquality or glossy paper. It was not always so.
Until the 1960s, it was the onerous chore of the club editor to laboriously produce a stencil of each page, to be printed on a Roneo machine. Using a typewriter with the ribbon removed, copy was typed onto a special stencil, with typos corrected using a type of red Tippex.
Surveys and sketches had to be drawn on the stencil by hand. Stencils were then placed on the rotating drum of the Roneo machine, where turning a handle allowed ink to be pressed through the stencil onto paper.
Assistance was often demanded from other members to collate, staple and envelope the journal. Sometimes another machine could be used to print address labels onto sticky paper, using reusable stencils. It was all very time-consuming, but many clubs managed to produce journals on a regular basis, often monthly.
The advent of the photocopier, often used to produce clandestine “foreigners” at work, made life much easier, as copy could be sent to a professional printer, who used an offset litho machine to print and then finish the publication. Surveys and drawings were of much better quality, but although photographs could be printed, these were generally not so clear.
The widespread availability of computers revolutionised journal production, as it did the newspaper industry.
Final copy is now sent to the printer by email and the result is usually of a quality associated with commercial publications.
Most club newsletters inform members of news, both within the club and in the wider caving world, with descriptions of trips and accounts of discoveries made. Details of forthcoming expeditions are also given, although in the short-term, most cavers refer to their club’s website.
The freemasonry of caving is international and although there is friendly rivalry between local clubs, we are all united when it comes to serious caving. And like to know what others are up to.
Some clubs produce two types of publication. The University of Bristol Speleological Society, for example, operates as a caving club, mainly involving students, but it is also a serious caving and archaeological research organisation.
Day-to-day affairs are covered in an occasional Circular, while the annual Proceedings records the scientific aspect. Similarly, the Shepton Mallet Caving Club issues newsletters, while their Journal, produced annually, records their foreign expeditions and scientific matters.
When some important development or discovery merits special attention, this is recorded in an Occasional Publication. There are exceptions to the general rule.
The Cave Diving Group newsletter, for example, records all dives by its members. The British Cave Research Association produces two glossy magazines, Caves and Caving, of general interest, and Cave and Karst Science, which deals with serious research.
Embedded within BCRA are specialist interest groups, such as the Cave Electronics Group and a biology section. These have their own publications.
The regional bodies, such as our own Council of Southern Caving Clubs, issue regular newsletters, mainly dealing with access and any particular hazards recently observed in caves. Mendip Cave Registry and Archive does not produce a newsletter, but acts as a forum for collating information on caves in the region.
Photographs, logbooks and other memorabilia are freely accessible on its website and the body also publishes books of local interest.
So generally, cavers are well-informed about the state of caving via the written word. Added to that, there are plenty of online forums and discussion groups, although some of the threads can get a little tedious. There is so much information out there that it is sometimes difficult to know where to start.
I have often written about cave digs, as these can be of interest, especially when, as occasionally happens, one “goes big”. There are several digs in progress on and under Mendip at present, but most of them are worked by men (and some women) of a certain age.
True, there comes a time in one’s caving career when all the best caves have been explored, often many times, and a lot of the smaller ones have been “ticked off”. It is also a sad fact that as time goes by, many of these caves seem to be getting longer and tighter, with deeper pitches.
Not wishing to hang up our helmets, many of us turn to digging. A lot of us are retired and some have been so for many years. So we have the time, but the fact is, none of us are getting younger or fitter.
We would welcome some younger blood (no pun intended), so we can pass on our skills and enthusiasm for hopefully giving our younger cavers some new places to explore and enjoy.
With PHILIP HENDY
THEtiming of the Coronation has probably stopped the country turning red, white, and blue as the spring season’s pots were planned and planted before the date was announced and the summer season’s planting will take place after it is over. Folk may be tempted to plant up too early for street parties and then suffer the disappointment of a late spring frost.
I do not consider it safe to plant summer bedding plants until the end of May, or even the first week of June, despite being tempted by plants on offer in early April. Most are very sensitive to frost.
We all like some good colour for the summer months and pots are an attractive and successful solution if a few things are considered.
When choosing your pot or container, first check that it has adequate drainage holes in the base. Pots made of terracotta are porous and will lose a considerable amount of water through the sides. To combat this, cut the bottom off a thin carrier bag and use it to line the inside of your pot.
Fill with compost and plant up, trimming off any surplus plastic. This also makes it much easier to empty the pot at the end of the season or when repotting. Pot-bellied containers, whose top is narrower than the middle, can be problematical when trying to remove well established plants such as hostas or agapanthus.
To overcome this, find a plastic pot that fits snugly into your more attractive outer pot. Plant into the plastic pot and slide it into the outer one.
Your choice of potting compost is a minefield these days, as so many are now, quite rightly, peat free. Most potting composts have a small amount of fertiliser incorporated which will last for 5-6 weeks. After that you are faced with weekly liquid feeds or adding granular products to the compost at the potting stage.
The modern “slow release” fertilisers, especially formulated for container grown plants are excellent and will feed for a period three or six months, varying with the product. I use the six-month one, as it will keep your pots going right through until you change in the autumn.
If you opt for the three-month product, then you will need to start liquid feeding in early August to keep the plants going. Plants in pots are not a labour-saving option, as they require a considerable amount of care with watering through the season. Adding a water retaining gel to the compost will help slightly by reducing the frequency of watering, but over the summer the same total volume of water will still be required. Choosing more drought tolerant plants can help considerably, more of this later.
Installing an automatic drip watering system, controlled by a minicomputer attached to the tap, is the ultimate solution as adopted by the many pubs whose displays of hanging baskets and pots are outstanding.
For those using hand watering, try standing your pots in saucers. These catch any water that has run straight down the
inside of pots that are a bit dry and allows it to soak back up again.
Plant and colour choice is very personal but don’t let me put you off choosing red, white, and blue if you wish! However, the position of your pots should dictate what plants you choose for best effect. For shady locations then cool shades of white, pink, lavender, and pale blue work well. For sunnier spots stronger colours work best – yellows , oranges, reds, and purples.
For hot spots, select drought tolerant succulent plants such as aeoniums or echeverias and add bright coloured pelargoniums (geraniums) which also cope well with occasional dry spells.
Three styles of plant work well in pots. Something taller in the centre, plants to trail over the edge and then others to fill the gaps. If you have highly ornamental pots or urns resist the temptation to hide the sides of your pots with trailing plants. You want the neighbours to notice how tasteful they are!
For shady locations there is less choice of plants, but two classics, begonias and busy lizzies will always perform well. Begonias are very different theses days from the wonderful huge blooms grown by enthusiasts for shows.
The most popular and dependable are the “Illumination Series” with apricot shades leading the colours. Even the begonias with smaller, sometimes even single pendulous flowers, but produced in abundance, give an excellent display, especially those derived from a Bolivian species Begonia boliviensis such as “Santa Cruz”.
The Non-Stop Series of begonias, with 3” fully double flowers on compact bushy plants, are also reliable and will flower through to late October. The small-flowered Begonia semperflorens are still deservedly popular.
Busy Lizzies have recovered from the devastating bout of downy mildew that plagued them for several years, but plant breeders have introduced resistance to the disease which appears to be working well. They tolerate sun or shade.
Traditional trailing lobelia struggles to make it through the season. It sets seed and so stops flowering. There are now sterile forms that will keep blooming but are not so good for the bees and insects.
Instead, I prefer to use the fan plant Scaevola. Blue fan-shaped clusters of flowers on trailing stems bloom all season (see picture with Begonia “Santa Cruz” and blue trailing Scaevola).
• Plant out Dahlias and Begonias but protect from late frosts and plant up your hanging baskets and containers. Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon.
• Some houseplants can be moved outside for summer this month. Put them in a shady spot until they get used to the brighter light outside and make sure they get watered regularly.
• Citrus plants will benefit from being outside from now until late August. Once acclimatised they will relish the sunshine! Some orchids, such as Cymbidium, are happier outside than in.
• Give some of your border perennials the ‘Chelsea Chop’. If you cut some of them back by about half now it will delay flowering but extend the display longer in your garden.
• Start feeding greenhouse tomatoes with a high potash feed, as soon as you can see the first visible tiny fruit. Vibrate flowers regularly to improve fruit set.
• Earth up early potatoes and keep a watch out for late frosts, cover with horticultural fleece if frost is likely.
• Tie in soft new shoots of trained fruit trees and canes. Hoe off raspberry canes that appear between the rows. Check gooseberries for sawfly larvae.
• Sow courgettes, marrows, ridge cucumbers and melons in individual pots.
• Sow turnips, swedes, cauliflowers, leeks and other late winter vegetables now.
WITHover 50 exhibits, Timsbury Gardening Club’s spring show defeated the winter and early spring’s poor weather to put on a wonderful display of flowers.
Organised by Keith Pursey, Lyn Bowddage won the spring show trophy. Other winners were Jill Rose, Keith Pursey and Master H. Lawrence in the children’s class.
The club’s annual show is on August 19th, 2-4.30pm and craft fair October 29th, 10am-4pm at the Conygre Hall, Timsbury.
FROME
GARDEN CENTRE
FABULOUS SELECTION
The society meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm at Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LB. All welcome.
For details, call Jane on 07776 208531 or email jane.norris9@gmail.com
ERRATICMarch weather did not inhibit Congresbury gardeners, who filled the Old School Rooms with a feast of colour and perfume for the Gardening Club Spring Show. Photographer Rob Bacon waved the flag for the men, gaining an award for his stunning photographs, but all the remaining seven trophies were taken home by local ladies.
Keen gardener Jane Hares from Hewish gained three trophies for her wide-ranging exhibits.
Queen of flower arranging was Jenny Edwards (pictured) with her eye-catching blue and yellow container for Ukraine.
Other trophy winners were Rosemary Bailey, Judy Brook and Denise Smith, with Chloe Chetland in the children's section.
WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137
Presenting the prizes, chairman Liz English thanked show secretaries, Lyn Bacon and Pat Jarvis.
Selwood Horticultural Society’s annual daffodil growing competition saw 37 entries, with winner Victoria Turner followed by Marilyn Vernon in second place, Derek Trick in third and Rosa Pearce, fourth.THIS year’s Open Gardens in Alhampton event, on Sunday, May 21st, will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the village’s Haddon Wood community woodland.
Eight gardens around the village, close to Castle Cary, will be open from 1-5pm. Run by the Friends of Haddon Wood, the annual fundraiser attracts large numbers of visitors.
Haddon Wood was created on 28 acres of land donated to the Woodland Trust. Planting on the former farmland began in March 2013.
As well as planting several thousand native trees, the friends group has created a wildflower meadow, orchard and wildlife pond. Part of the land has been left unplanted as it boasts an important example of medieval ridge and furrow farming methods.
Among the gardens on show will be no-dig gardener Charles Dowding’s and Gert Schley’s organic garden – Gert appeared on BBC Gardeners’ World last year. Gert’s late wife, Mary, was one of the main campaigners for the creation of the wood and is commemorated with a seat in one corner.
An early planting session
Admission to the open gardens is £5 for adults. For details, find Haddon Wood on Facebook or visit: https://friendsofhaddonwood.wordpress.com/
TEL: 017 49 8 41014 FAX: 0 1749 84105 5 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk
COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS
Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE
Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Sun 10am-4pm)
Serving breakfasts until 11.30am; lunch
THIShas a walled garden of a third of an acre with shrubs, borders, trees, circular potager and topiary, which combine beauty and utility. A further one and a half acres has lawn, orchard and vineyard, plus there are various fruit trees. There are views to Ham Hill and a summerhouse with sedum roof and a belvedere.
Address: Fivehead, Taunton TA3 6PX.
Contact: The Rev Mervyn & Mrs Margaret Wilson 01460 281 558. margaretwilson426@gmail.com.
Opening date and time: Sunday, May 14th, 2-5pm.
Admission: £5, children free, cash only.
Also open by arrangement January 1st to December 1st for groups of 20.
Sunday May 14th
By kind invitation of Count and Countess Charles de Salis
Saturday 13th May
10am-4pm
To be held in the spacious park at Yarlington House. An opportunity to buy plants from specialist dealers from all over the South West – plus a selection of unusual annuals on the Yarlington House stall. You may explore the extensive gardens, not normally open to the public. Tea, coffee and cake all day. Plant raffle.
ENTRANCE £5 (under 16s free) cash or cards accepted.
For further information please ring Carolyn de Salis 01963 440344
Proceeds to Yarlington Village Hall
Watcombe 92, Church Road, Winscombe, BS25 1BP, £5, children free, 2-5pm.
Sunday May 21st
Penny Brohn UK Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, BS20 0HH, £5 children free, 10am-4pm.
Saturday May 27th and 28th
The Hayes Newton St Loe, Bath, BA2 9BU, £6 children free, 2-5pm.
THENGS in Somerset is inviting more people to open their gardens for the charity next year. Last year it gave £3 million to beneficiaries including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Their annual registration process, which ensures inclusion in their printed Garden Visitor’s Handbook and county booklets, begins in mid-August and closes at the end of September. Full support is given.
Details: Laura Howard 01460 282911 email laura.howard@ngs.co.uk
To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to:
DIY or Trade customers welcome, to our new purpose designed showroom and stock yard.
Specialists in hard landscape supplies, providing:
Porcelain tiles
Natural stone paving
Granite paving
Landscape accessories and bespoke products
Jointing compounds and sealants
All our sales team are ex-installers, allowing us to provide you with experience and knowledge to help you create your perfect paved area.
Local service at online prices, next day nationwide delivery also available.
“Passionate and professional about paving”
MILLon the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre has been open since 1982 providing fun, outdoor activities for children and adults coming from Bristol, Bath, Wells, London and far-flung places such as Hong Kong, France, Spain and many other countries.
They pride themselves on getting adventure into everyone’s stay, with activities such as climbing, canoeing, assault courses, rafting and many more fun activities.
They have a brand new High Ropes course for 2023 with new elements; Pirates Plank, Gladiator Wall and still have the old favourites High all Aboard, Leap of Faith and Crate Stack.
Before 1982 the site was a nine-hole golf course. They have endeavoured to bring back the flora and fauna to the 25
acres by planting lots of trees, shrubs, re-instating hedgerows and straight away instigating a no chemical spray policy!
Their passion for the environment is something that they have always tried to communicate to their customers. Therefore, for 2023, they have welcomed St John who is their very own in-house environmental tutor.
He introduces children to all of the environmental elements at the centre. The sustainability tour enables children to discover more about Mill on the Brue’s thermal voltaic panels, geo thermal heating, rainwater harvesting, trees, plants and recycling.
The other tour is Garden to Table which explains the circle of food, from food waste, composting, planting, harvesting and tasting.
This year they have been busy helping within Bruton community too, with a litter pick, raising £1,150 for the British Heart Foundation and they will be participating in the Somerscience Festival on May 1st showcasing their very own Sustainability Tour.
They are open to schools from February through to November and have unaccompanied children that will be with them from July 16th–August 25th for residential camps. They are also open this summer with day camps from July 26th.
YOUNG makers aged between eight and 15 set out their stalls at a special Kids in Business market to showcase their work.
Handmade resin art, chocolate bars and cakes, wooden items and more went on sale at the Good Life Projects CIC, an educational farm on the edge of Shepton Mallet, which was celebrating its first anniversary.
KELLIENash, deputy head at Axbridge First School, has received outstanding praise from Ofsted on her focus as a personal tutor to teacher trainees.
The school has long been involved with supporting the development of the next generation of teachers, many of whom now work within Somerset-based Wessex Learning Trust, to which the school belongs.
For much of this time, Kellie has guided these trainees. After a recent OFSTED inspection, the inspector described her as “the Gold Star Standard of Personal Tutor” and said he'd “like to spread that magic everywhere”.
Kellie said: “I am motivated to guide and develop likeminded teachers, who have the children's best interests at the heart of what they do. Not just that, by supporting teachers to be passionate, to go above and beyond and to make children's learning experience the best it can be – this is why I love the work I do!”
Headteacher at Axbridge School, Dominic Shillabeer said: “We were so pleased that Kellie's efforts, passion and enthusiasm were recognised. More than that, we were delighted to know that the training and personal development that our trainee teachers experience, is of a high-quality and contributes to a better education for the children under our care.”
MENDIP-based clog and step dance group The Beetlecrushers celebrated their 40th anniversary with a series of displays in Wells where they were joined by Somerset Morris, Enigma Morris and Treacle Eater Clog.
After dancing at the Bishop’s Palace, they performed in front of Wells Cathedral before a ceilidh in Coxley in the evening.
l The Beetlecrushers practice at Binegar Village Hall. New members welcome.
HUNDREDSof people attended a memorial service near the town of Hochwald in Switzerland on Monday, April 10th, at 10am, about the time 50 years earlier that a plane from Bristol crashed killing 108 people, mainly mothers from villages around Mendip.
As well as families of the bereaved, it was attended by local families, who had been involved in the rescue and representatives from the emergency services.
The British Ambassador James Squire and other dignitaries from Switzerland were also in attendance. The local brass band played and the ceremony was followed by a church service in the village, where 108 candles were lit. Malcolm Brooks, who was there with his wife Jean and her brother, Mike Heal, laid one of the many wreaths.
His mother, Joan, was one of eight from Wrington who died, mainly from the local skittles club. Others were from Axbridge, Cheddar, Congresbury and Yatton. Several local services were held.
For details, email: beetlecrushers@hotmail.com
Malcolm said: “I’ve visited the memorial many times, choosing to drive rather than to fly. This was much harder than it’s ever been before.”
THE Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Michael Beasley will be one of two Bishop Assistants to the king at his upcoming coronation.
This historic ceremonial role dates back to the Coronation of Edgar in 973, where two bishops led him by hand into Bath Abbey. Since the Coronation of Richard I in 1189, the bishops of Bath and Wells and Durham have continued this
tradition.
On Saturday, May 6th, Bishop Michael and Bishop Paul Butler will accompany King Charles III throughout the ceremony in Westminster Abbey and they will stand on either side of St Edward's Chair during the anointing.
Bishop Michael will attend a special service at the Bishop’s Palace in the Bishop’s Chapel on Monday, May 8th at
5pm. Spaces will be issued on a firstcome, first-served basis. For details, visit: www.bishopspalace.org.uk/event
l Mendip Times will be out covering as many coronation events as possible, but we can’t get to all of them without your help. Please send us a photo or two and a brief description and we’ll run as many as we can in the June issue. Send to: news@mendiptimes.co.uk
ORGANISERS of the legendary Witham Friary Conker Competition have held their first event of 2023 – the fourth annual duck race.
Around 250 people bought ducks which – thanks to recent heavy rain –were in the form of their lives as they tackled a stretch of the River Frome
through a tunnel beneath the garden of the Seymour Arms.
Proceeds from the Easter Bank Holiday Monday event went to charity.
LAST year, chancellor and former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, contacted me and asked if I’d like a signed copy of his new book, Zero, a manifesto for eliminating avoidable harm in healthcare. In it he writes: “The relatively low number of doctors (in the UK) makes daily work extremely pressured.
SOI was minding my own business sitting in a bluebell when a bee came along and bundled me out of the way.
Plop, I went, down into the grass. A tiny water droplet like me is no match for a big fat bumble bee. They can barge their way into anywhere.
By DrPHIL HAMMOND
“Frontline staff are increasingly experiencing burnout… In the latest NHS staff survey, around 40% of frontline staff say they have been unable to function properly at work because of stress.
“As a result, many then choose to reduce their hours and work part-time, but in doing so – for perfectly understandable reasons – they exacerbate the pressure on their colleagues even more.”
Hunt also writes in detail about the junior doctors’ strikes in 2016, when he was health secretary and how harm could have been avoided if both sides had behaved better and negotiated earlier.
He also knows perfectly well that junior doctors’ pay has fallen considerably relative to inflation since the Conservatives came into power and this is leading to an exodus of doctors overseas.
Put all this learning together, and Hunt seems the perfect Chancellor to guide newish health secretary Steve Barclay into negotiations with doctors, nurses and other NHS staff, to prevent harmful strikes.
Instead, the government is making exactly the same mistakes as 2016. It is refusing to enter negotiations with junior doctors unless they call off strikes and abandon their calculation of a 35% pay uplift.
And Hunt is insisting no-one gets more than 5%, which could precipitate a catastrophic combined doctors and nurses strike. It’s almost as if he doesn’t believe a word he writes.
Here's what needs to happen.
The Conservatives need to accept that public sector pay has fallen considerably relative to inflation since they came to power. Do they really want their legacy to be poorer public services and poorer public service workers? Once you accept the principle of pay restoration, you can negotiate the figures. A 35% uplift is a BMA pipe dream calculated using the Retail Prices Index. Use the Consumer Prices Index and it falls to 19%. Other economists estimate 14%. There is a lot of negotiation to be done, so grow up, do it and stop more strikes.
Hunt could even spread the pay deal over several years and leave Labour to pick up the bill.
Declaration of Interest: I’m a member of the British Medical Association, mainly for the magazine, and used to be a very angry junior doctor, working up to 120 hours a week and paid at £1.20 an hour for 80 hours and £3.60 for 40 hours. However, in my second year (in 1988) I could still get a mortgage on a flat.
Since then, the salary has gone up 2.3 times and the price of the flat has gone up ten times. I chose stand-up comedy, rather than striking, and discovered it pays a lot better than being a doctor. But I carried on doing both, mainly for the material.
Dr Phil’s 1990s junior doctor comedy, Struck Off and Die, is available on Audible. His Covid Inquiry is at bathcomedy.tv
Have you ever seen one get stuck inside a house? The way they go head-banging against the window must give them a terrible headache.
I was sat on a bee once when it flew into a bus. That didn’t go well for it. But I got a lift all the way to London. Horrible place, full of concrete and people, two of the things I hate most, excepting you of course.
From the bluebell I landed on a blade of grass, sunbathing, without a care in the world. Until a herd of cows came strolling along, doing what cows do. Moo and pooh mainly.
I managed to avoid the pooh – for the time being. But a massive pink tongue wrapped itself around my tussock of grass and I got eaten.
Did you know that cows have two stomachs? They are like two slowmotion washing machines, slopping green gooey gunge backwards and forwards.
A bit like your clothes, I expect, when you’ve been making dams in the stream.
Inside the cow you’re pleased to think you’ve escaped when you get out of the first stomach, until you are directed into the second. Obviously, it’s dark and extremely smelly and there seems there’s little option for escape. Fortunately there is a way out.
As you know, cows produce milk and that’s one option if you end up in that; the downside being you might then get drunk by a human bean with their cornflakes.
I discovered the second option. Elsewhere in this magazine there are photos from the Wedmore Young Farmers’ spring show. The cow that ate me was there.
See if you can spot me in the pile of pooh in the corner. Welcome to the Merry month of May!
MENDIP GRANDAD
CLEVEDONwill soon be welcoming a new family-owned business –The Clevedon Hearing Clinic. Situated on the corner of Hill Road and Bellevue Road in the newly-refurbished Channel Court Business Centre, it is founded by director of audiology and clinical lecturer, Asa Richards. He told us more about the clinic:
“I have worked extensively throughout the hearing care industry as an audiologist, head of audiology and clinical lecturer and have always wanted to be able to offer an exceptional hearing service to local communities especially as the NHS struggles to meet the demands of those with hearing concerns.
“Covid-19 and the resulting lockdowns reminded many of the importance of communication and that hearing loss comes with many an impact on their lives which ultimately lead me to open my first clinic in Chepstow, my home town, and a town and community that has opened its arms to the services we offer.
“Following its success, I felt
compelled to expand our services to Clevedon. Why Clevedon, you may ask? Well, like Chepstow, it is a town with a great community spirit and a place where everlasting memories created as a child were made and a place where I hope to relocate to in the not too distant future.
“It is therefore important to me to create a clinic that provides expert hearing care and offers free hearing tests to its community without having to wait. Often, it may just be an issue of ears being blocked with wax, which is something we can safely remove or it may be one is looking for a more bespoke and discreet hearing device, of which we have many options rather than an off the shelf offering.
“One thing I will stress, however, is that if you are over the age of 55, you should be having your hearing checked every 24 months, especially as latest research shows what potential impact of hearing loss may have on one’s brain health if not detected.
“We cannot wait to open our doors on Tuesday, May 9th and to get to know
THEGreen & Healthy Frome partnership has been awarded £1.7 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund to accelerate health and climate action in Frome over the next three years.
The partners – Edventure Frome, Frome Medical Practice and Frome Town Council – will now expand and deliver a number of pioneering projects which promote people’s health and wellbeing, whilst also reducing carbon emissions.
Over the past two years, the team has been testing out ideas to help people in Frome live green and healthy lives, from free energy advice sessions to e-bike loans, as well as encouraging and supporting people to develop their own green and healthy initiatives through Future Shed.
It says this funding means they can make further progress towards Frome Town Council’s 2030 target for net zero
Details:
everyone and be of assistance to the local community. Even if you just want to pop in, have a coffee and ask us something in relation to any hearing concerns you may have, please feel free.
“For those unable to visit us, we also offer our services in the comfort of your home, which I know many locals appreciate and have already booked.”
carbon, whilst boosting Frome’s health and wellbeing and supporting its residents through the current cost-of-living crisis.
Johannes Moeller, chair of the Green & Healthy Frome Board said: “The climate crisis is not a problem to be fixed in isolation – it's connected to every aspect of our lives.
“That is why we need to work in partnerships and find solutions that are not only good for the planet, but also tackle the issues that matter to us day to day – our health and wellbeing and the cost of living.”
The outgoing mayor of Frome, Cllr Sara Butler said: “Frome is so lucky to be benefiting from this pioneering partnership which is now having a real impact on people’s lives and the fact that the project has been awarded further lottery funding speaks to its success. Go Frome!”
MEMBERS and friends of the Strawberry Line WI, based in Cranmore, took to the footpaths of East Mendip as part of Ovarian Cancer Action’s fundraising awareness month.
A total of 16 people – and six dogs – completed a circular walk around Mells, Great Elm and Chantry raising £417 for the charity which so far has collected more than £100,000 through its “Walk in Her Name” initiative.
A GROUP of friends from Stoke St Michael are taking on a walking challenge in May, named The Three Towers Challenge, taking in Cranmore Tower, King Alfred’s Tower and Glastonbury Tor before returning to Cranmore.
One of the walkers, Sarah Jenkins, will be tackling the twoday, 45-miles route in memory of her father, Richard Jenkins, who died last year, to raise money for Cancer Research. The challenge begins early in the morning on Saturday, May 27th.
The friends came up with the idea after being involved in the 40 for the Federation event, a 26-mile walk raising funds for their village school. They hope other walkers will join them on sections of the route.
To sponsor Sarah, visit: https://gofund.me/28789f1a
THE 12th Nailsea Charity Walks & Runs, organised by Rotary Nailsea and Backwell, takes place on Sunday, June 11th.
This is a great opportunity to support your favourite charity by getting sponsorship to walk, or run, 5K, 10K or 20K.
The event is based at the Scotch Horn Centre in Nailsea and if June 11th doesn’t suit you, you can do your walk or run at any time until the end of July.
The event is suitable for all ages and level of fitness with the shortest walk being suitable for disability vehicles and pushchairs/strollers whereas they challenge the fittest to run the 20K, as several have done in recent years.
Details: https://bit.ly/NailseaWalks email RotaryNailseaWalks@outlook.com
CANCER counselling charity, We Hear You, based in Frome, has received a donation of £3,800 from Thatcher and Hallam, based in Midsomer Norton, after 18 months of fundraising by staff.
A LONG-term mentor with PROMISEworks is preparing to cycle 650 miles round the boundary of Somerset to raise funds and awareness of the young people’s charity.
Steve Atkinson, 68, will set off from St Mary’s Church, Cannington, at 11am on Sunday May 21st and plans to finish at Burnham-on-Sea Baptist Church on Sunday, June 4th at 10am.
On the way, he will be meeting up with mentors and mentees in the major towns and spreading the word about the work they do.
BATH-based charity, The Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE), has been awarded just over £300,000 by The National Lottery Community Fund.
It will support families living with dementia to maintain social activities during the transitional phase between diagnosis and longer-term community support by offering a range of activities led by carers and patients.
This new funding will allow the charity to reach more patients and families and provide accessible information packs, one to one support, peer support drop-ins, seasonal events and regular social groups run both at the RICE Centre and across Bath and North-East Somerset.
Melissa Hillier, Chief Executive Officer at RICE said: “The funding will be transformational in helping our charity to grow and support more patients and families with dementia and other conditions of older age.”
The charity is looking for volunteers and people affected by dementia to get involved with RICE, their events and activities.
Details: Catherine.wright@rice.org.uk • www.rice.org.uk
ORGANISERSof the Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle ride have announced it will return on Sunday, September 10th.
The event supports multiple causes including Weston Hospicecare and the Friends of St Mary’s, Wedmore.
Cyclists will pass beautiful Somerset landmarks such as Cheddar Gorge, the Somerset Levels and Mendip Hills on a choice of 40, 30, 70 or family friendly 12-mile rides.
Details: westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/wedmore-40-30/
For several years, Steve has tackled annual long-distance cycle rides including one from Somerset to his original home city of York; and from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He has also raised more than £6,500 for charities including the homeless, MIND, the British Heart Foundation and now PROMISEworks
PROMISEworks recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to provide one-to-one mentoring to improve the mental health and well-being of some of Somerset’s most vulnerable young people, aged from five to 25.
Steve said: “I am really excited about this next charity cycle ride. Not only will I be doing what I enjoy most, but I will be raising money and involving an organisation close to my heart.”
Ali Hart, general manager of PROMISEworks, said: “We are absolutely delighted to launch this exciting event which will raise funds, promote PROMISEworks and, importantly, allow young people to take part in cycling and feel part of the activity.”
To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steveatkinson9www.rice.org.uk
THECivil Aviation Authority has announced that Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance will benefit from a share of more than £200,000 to improve their airfields.
Both Henstridge and Almondsbury will receive Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) which will help helicopters fly in poor weather.
WESTONHospicecare will stage its Mendip Challenge on Sunday, June 4th, offering 30, 20, 10 and 5 mile routes on the West Mendip Way between Wells and Weston. Thousands of people have taken part in the event since 1991. Last year it raised £56,000 for the hospice. Entry fees range from £10-£25.
Events and Challenges Manager, Nicola Slark, said: “We can’t wait to see our amazing supporters tackle this incredible challenge again this summer.
“There really is something for everyone with four beautiful routes following the superb West Mendip Way.”
Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/the-mendip-challenge/
WRINGTONVale Rotary Club presented a cheque for £1,400 to Weston charity, Somewhere to Go, which provides a sanctuary and essential help to disadvantaged vulnerable adults.
The club meets each week at Mendip Springs Golf Club.
Details: Angie Biggs 07790 400718 or Ivor Metherell 01761 462607
THEMen’s Walk to Support Dorothy House Hospice raised over £50,000 and had 280 men walking from Dorothy House in Winsley along the Kennet and Avon Canal to the Bath Pavilion. The hospice is now planning its Trek Vietnam 2024 event, its second overseas challenge, which will take 25 people to northern Vietnam to complete a community project at a local hospital and complete a five-day trek in the Pu Luong Natural Reserve.
Details: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
DEMELZAStokes works to support tigers, leopards – and artists – with the conservation charity, Wildlife Asia and has spent much of the last decade in Southeast Asia.
She’s recently returned to live in Ubley, close to what was the family home, Nordrach at Charterhouse.
Her late father, Richard, founder of the Stokes greengrocers’ chain, and mother, Nichola, who now lives at Hinton Blewett, also founded a dynasty of wildlife
conservationists.
Demelza’s sister, Tabitha, now in Cape Town, helped set up the first wildlife protection dog unit in Malawi, while brother Luke is involved in tiger conservation in Thailand. Her other sister, Verity, who now lives in Cornwall, was a volunteer manager at Avon Wildlife Trust for a while.
Demelza said their love of wildlife sprang from wandering the Mendips and on family trips to India and Africa.
After learning Thai and Burmese languages at university, she set off for South East Asia with a rucksack, working as a journalist and film-maker before joining Wildlife Asia, which is based in Australia.
While still working for them, she has
also set up the initiative, PARDICOLOR, with Tabitha, supporting artists in the region.
Bristol artist, Holy Moly, has designed posters of a leopard and tiger, with sales of prints raising funds. Both posters were recently shown on a billboard in New York.
Demelza said: “I’ve got to see so many wild and remote places. The work on tigers and leopards is progressing pretty well. “During lockdown I felt the need to help wildlife artists out there and started the initiative with my own savings. We’ve supported 26 artists so far.”
TWO sisters from Cheddar will be walking 103km around the Isle of White at the end of April to highlight the potential dangers of sepsis and to raise funds for two medical charities.
way
THE annual Good Friday Tractor Run around the Somerset Levels raised almost £1,400 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Starting and finishing at the Railway Inn at Meare, dozens of tractors and some classic Land Rovers went on a route past Walton Windmill to Compton Dundon and the outskirts of Glastonbury.
Nicky Maunders developed sepsis at home 18 months ago whilst recovering from a procedure at an unnamed hospital and underwent two further lifesaving surgeries at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital. Nicky also suffered Post-Sepsis Syndrome.
Nicky and sister, Elainna Teare, are raising money for Love Musgrove and the UK Sepsis Trust. So far, they have held a quiz night at the Kings Head in Cheddar, a cake sale, name the rabbit competition and cake raffle in the special needs school –Sedgemoor Manor School in Mark – where Nicky works.
Nicky said: “I am trying to raise awareness of what exactly sepsis is and raise money for Love Musgrove as a thank you for saving my life and the UK Sepsis Trust as a thank you for helping me come to terms with life after sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome.”
The pair will tackle their walk on Saturday, April 29th and Sunday, April 30th.
To support them, visit: Sisters Against Sepsis fundraising on JustGiving
PAULINEWest will be opening her garden at Simbriss Farm, Ashwick, Oakhill on May 13th and 14th, raising money for Dorothy House Hospice. She’s been fundraising for the hospice since her husband, Brian, died nearly 13 years ago and has raised £25,000 in that time, with help from family and friends.
There will be teas and various stalls, with free parking, 2-5pm both days.
Details: 07444 943700
THEREwill be a celebration in Stanton Drew on the weekend of July 22nd and 23rd of the 300th anniversary of the visit of the celebrated antiquarian, William Stukeley.
Stanton Drew is the site of one of the most important stone circles in England, after Stonehenge and Avebury. There are three circles, of which the Great Circle is second only to Avebury in size, and a cove of three stones in the village.
William Stukeley was the leading antiquarian of the 18th century and the first to perform a rigorous study of Avebury and Stonehenge.
He visited Stanton Drew just the once, on July 23rd, 1723, but in that
short time he produced a detailed plan, made several accurate drawings and wrote an account that was to bring Stanton Drew to national prominence.
On Saturday, July 22nd there will be a symposium of talks on William Stukeley and the archaeology of Stanton Drew, given by leading academics and archaeologists, Dr Jodie Lewis, Dr Neil Linford, Dr Susan Greaney, Prof Josh Pollard and Dr David Boyd Haycock.
On Sunday July 23rd, the exact 300th
Details: https://stukeley300.org.uk
ONEof the dams at Charterhouse has been partially restored to show how it might have looked when first built.
A series of three large dams cross the valley going down to Velvet Bottom and were built to provide settling beds for miners digging for lead.
Romans started mining in the area around AD 49 but it’s not clear when the dams were built. The area was mined extensively in the Middle Ages and again in Victorian times when the last Cornish miners worked the area.
The work has been carried out by professional dry stone
anniversary, there will be a day of events in the village, including tours of the stones and an exhibition.
The events are being organised by Stukeley 300, a group with representatives from Stanton Drew Parish Council, Bristol and Avon Archaeological Society, Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, Bath and Counties Archaeological Society, and English Heritage.
Tickets are £25 for attendance in person; £15 for streaming by Zoom.
wallers Kevin Toal, from Street and Phil Smith, from Marshfield with help from Will Feay, from Saltford, who cleared grass and earth before working on the stone.
Kevin said: “We were expecting finds like clay pipes, but nothing. We did find .303 cartridges so the dams were obviously used as rifle butts for training in WW2.
“We also found more lizards and slow worms than I’ve ever seen before.”
The work was organised by Somerset Wildlife Trust with funding from Mendip AONB’s Farming and Protected Landscapes Fund, with support from the South West Heritage Trust and Historic England.
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SPRING is really getting underway and gardens and hedgerows are coming to life. So that means we will be starting to see some better weather and we can begin to look ahead to the summer when we will be out and about at our local shows.
I will be there with my team, so please come along and say hello. There’s nothing I like better than a good chat with friends, old and new.
The first date you should pop on your calendar is Saturday, July 1st for the Compton Martin Show, which regularly has the best tombola I’ve ever seen. Now skip to Saturday, August 12th when the Clutton Flower Show will be staged.
Then it’s on to September with the Stanton Drew Flower Show on Saturday the 2nd, with the Chew Stoke Harvest Home rounding things off the following week, Saturday the 9th.
You might be wondering why an estate agent is highlighting summer shows when they should be telling you all about their
great skills and the reasons you should be calling on them when you want to buy or sell a house.
Of course, we provide the best service in the Chew Valley – all the statistics prove it – but I firmly believe that running a business in this area is about much more than that.
I think it’s important to be a proper part of the community in which you do business, so we do our bit to support local causes and we throw ourselves enthusiastically into the social events of the summer, such as the shows I’ve already highlighted.
We also do all we can to use other local businesses and nothing gives us more pleasure than to recommend Chew Valley companies, because it benefits everyone if we have a strong and successful economy. There are obvious advantages in using people who know the area because they can avoid the pitfalls that someone coming in from outside may be unaware of.
That’s particularly true when it comes to talking to people about buying and selling homes because it’s not just about marketing the bricks and mortar, it’s about explaining the detail of the lifestyle people will be investing in and helping them appreciate the ins and outs of village life.
You can’t do that unless you live and breathe life in our Valley and have the local knowledge and experience that my team possesses.
So whatever goods and services you are looking for, consider using a local supplier and if you are thinking of buying or selling a home don’t hesitate in coming to talk to us and we’ll prove we are the best people to get you moving.
JOANNA TILEY
IT comes to something when conversations are reduced to talking about the state of the roads and the weather, but having to avoid flooded potholes in so many roads and lanes as well as being battered by all the rain wind and hail, it’s little wonder that the weather is a topic at the moment.
As well as continued cancellations in the eventing calendar, Mendip Farmers Pony Club had to cancel the first day of their Easter Camp as the gales threatened to flatten everything and everybody at Mendip Plains, but undeterred, the resourceful organisers decided to take the members bowling instead.
Delighted children had a great time, and everyone stayed warm and dry, getting involved in competition of a very different sort. Reconnecting with friends after a long winter was fun for everyone, and not being in damp clothes was an added bonus.
The second day was a different story, with sunshine in abundance, and children back aboard fresh ponies. Warm coats, hot drinks, good lessons, the day was enjoyed enormously. Parents are always grateful to the team who make it all happen, particularly when a Plan B averts a potential disaster.
As I write, it’s Grand National week at Aintree, the one week in the year when I place a bet or two. We all know betting on horses is a mug’s game, and that the Grand National is anybody’s race, but it’s fun studying the form, listening to the pundits, and even choosing a horse because you like the name!
My first ever bet on the National apart from being in a sweepstake, was in 1989 when I put a pound to win on Little Polveir at 28 to one. He was ridden by Jimmy Frost and trained by Toby Balding and had won the Scottish National two years previously.
He was a smallish 12-year-old horse with a cheeky look about him. Luckily for me he went on to win by seven lengths and I felt as if I’d won the lottery. Fortunately, I don’t seem to have an addictive personality, so I didn’t squander my new wealth on any other horses, which is just as well because I have never repeated my success!
Many readers will remember the amazing Aldaniti who won the National in1981, trained by Josh Gifford and ridden by Bob
Champion who had barely recovered from cancer. Following his retirement this iconic horse was once paraded at Brent Knoll Horse Show… I don’t know how they bagged that one but it was a huge attraction and a privilege to see him in the flesh.
Has anyone got a photo of that, I wonder?
This year for the Aintree Bowl scheduled for the first day of the meeting, my money was on Bravemansgame, trained by Paul Nicholls and to be ridden by Harry Cobden. He was runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, and I thought sure to be tipped for the favourite, so I got early odds and was looking forward to settling down to watch the race.
At the last minute, or the eleventh hour, or whatever figurative expression of speech you can think of, there was the announcement that Bravemansgame had been pulled from the race as a result of a court order. Something to do with one of the part owners, nothing to do with the team who look after, train, or ride the horse. Shocked and horrified myself as a mere onlooker, the disappointment which must have been felt by the Ditcheat team can only be imagined.
Meanwhile the Cotswold Cup Unaffiliated Eventing series is underway, providing wonderful days of sport at some fantastic venues. There are junior and senior sections in the 80. 90 and 100cm classes for young riders aged between ten and 18.
Points can be earned during the season and the series will end with the Championships at Cirencester Park in September, which will run as a three-day event for seniors, and two days for the juniors.
Kicking off at Waverton House during the Easter holidays, Izzy Penfold came 5th in the 70cm class riding her lovely bay pony Eclipse. Izzy had clear cross country and show jumping rounds and just a couple of annoying time penalties cross country.
William Falango came 13th in the 80cm class on his young seven-year-old Just be Jack. He had one unlucky pole down in the show jumping which cost him six places, but he stormed the cross country inside the time.
It’s now all about tuning the three phases to get them all good on the same day… a feat of achievement that eludes so many, but that’s the name of the game in competition…getting it alright on the night. Onwards and upwards.
With JANE PATERSON
THE owners of Callow Rock Quarry, near Shipham, have donated aggregate to improve a stretch of local bridleway at Eastwell Lane.
ALHAMPTON-based jockey and trainer Will Biddick took on Aintree’s biggest fences to win the prestigious Foxhunter’s Chase for amateur riders over the Grand National course.
Riding Famous Clermont, trained by Chris Barber, it was Will’s first victory in the twomile, five-furlong race.
Will is the most successful point-to-point jockey in history but also runs a breaking-in and pre-training yard at Manor Farm, a short distance from National Hunt champion trainer Paul Nicholls; Will worked for Paul for many years.
Will (centre, in maroon and blue with white stars) on board Famous Clermont at the BSV point-to-point in March
THEroad passing through Cheddar Gorge is often named as one of the most scenic drives in the UK. Rising dramatically through towering limestone cliffs the road twists and turns its way up onto the Mendips. The naturally carved route set deep into the Mendips also makes it extremely popular for cyclists.
There are much harder and longer hill climbs on the Mendips, but no others can offer a backdrop of such natural stunning scenery. The visual drama makes the Gorge a mecca for cyclists and on most days, there will be riders of all abilities riding through it.
Its fame was heightened by the Tour of Britain and understandably features in many local cyclo-sportives. It’s included in Simon Warren’s book of “100 Greatest Cycling Climbs” and therefore attracts cyclists from across the UK eager to “tick-off” the climb.
Cheddar is incredibly popular with tourists and the road in the centre is lined with plenty of gift shops and cafés, which can be very busy at times. The climb starts on a little plateau, alongside a pond, near the shops.
From the off, the road starts to rise immediately weaving its way uphill. It is tough but not overwhelming. For those attempting the climb for the first time it’s important to remember that it’s not going to be like this all the way.
All the hard work is done on the lower slopes, in the first kilometre or so, and then it gets a lot easier.
Passing the car parks on either side of the road you are reminded how popular Cheddar Gorge is. There are usually plenty of walkers on their way to enjoy the scenic paths around the Gorge and rock climbers preparing to climb up the cliff walls.
There are also many tourists making their way down to the caves and attractions in the village – and an opportunity for you to impress them, as you ascend the Gorge!
Just after the last car park the road narrows in-between two walls of stone, before switching back through a hairpin on the right. It is now time to get ready for the steepest section of the climb.
Ahead, the road bends left and starts rising dramatically for about 100 to 150 metres. Now if you’ve been frugal and have one more gear left then now is the time to use it.
If all the gears have gone, you will need to lift yourself up out of the saddle to get some extra power from your legs.
Ahead, you may be able to see a join on the road where two sections of re-laid Tarmac meet. That is your immediate goal as it also marks the point at which the gradient eases significantly.
You will probably reach it short of breath and with your heart racing, but all the hard work is done. From here on the last few kilometres are a dream to cycle along with just a gentle gradient to deal with and a chance to admire the stunning scenery. The higher you climb the easier it gets and the faster you ride.
The towering cliffs and rocks gradually give way to tree-lined slopes before reaching the open grasslands at the top of the Gorge. The climb ends at a lay-by just before a junction to the left.
Here, you will find calm, peace and tranquillity in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle that you left behind in Cheddar.
To carry on riding there are a few options – head straight on towards the ancient city of Wells or turn left towards the picturesque Chew Valley and its lakes. Alternatively, the Priddy Road Circuit is a lovely 7-mile loop (along B roads) which circles the firing range and returns to the same junction.
The ride through Cheddar Gorge is spectacular, and I’ve cycled it more times than I can remember. Any time is special but, if you can time the ride when the shops are closing and the cars have gone then you will be rewarded with a hill climb to remember.
Climb statistics: Distance 5 km; Elevation Gain 190 m; Average Gradient 4%; Max Gradient 16%.
SOMER Valley Tennis has enjoyed a successful winter in the Avon Tennis mixed leagues with promotion for both their “regular” players plus their more experienced “seniors”, ably led by captains/co coordinators Luis Jauregui and Darren Thompson. Their mixed team finished first in division 2B with a total of 76 points and secured promotion to Division 1 for the 2023 winter season.
Those participating were Patrick Lodge, Samuel Perryman, Will Knight, Tom Craig, Sam Harris, Andy Jeffery and Luis Jauregui and eight ladies, Mandy Baldwin, Jane Bullus, Rosanne Cobb, Alexandra Hull, Julia Nest, Louise Derrick, Christine Hunt and Francesca Beg.
The season ended with the top two teams in division 2B facing off. Will Knight, Mandy Baldwin, Francesca Beg and Sam Perryman (pictured) overcame Thornbury to win promotion.
The club is based at Writhlington Tennis Centre, with about 100 members, but also operates courts in Farrington Gurney, Farmborough and Timsbury.
They have five men’s teams and four ladies in the Avon Tennis summer league, which starts on May 12th.
Details: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/SomerValleyTennis
SIXTEENgirls’ and boys’ teams from Chew Valley Primary Schools took part in the annual football competition at Chew Valley School, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge.
The winning teams were: Division One (Boys) Winford Primary School; Division One (Girls) Bishop Sutton Primary School; Division Two (Boys) Stanton Drew Primary School; Division Two (Girls) Pensford Primary School.
At the end of the afternoon, Rotarian John Palmer presented the cups to the winners of each league and medals to all members of the winning teams.
ASHLEY-MARIEBurke, a year 7 pupil at Chew Valley School, has designed this year’s Chew Valley 10k T-shirt. The race takes place on Sunday, June 11th starting at Bishop Sutton village hall.
She is pictured with Chew Valley School’s head of design & technology, Jo Ashman and new sponsors Justin Taylor, Winford Ford (left) and Matthew Gerrard, Truespeed. More than 400 entrants have already registered. The deadline is 11pm, Sunday, May 7th.
Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk
TRI Cheddar, the village’s first triathlon, attracted a full house of 250 competitors over two distances involving swimming, running and cycling.
More than 70 people were involved in marshalling and organising the event and earned praise from the competitors.
Claire Foster, from Chew Magna, won the women’s sprint event in her first triathlon. Other results were:
Sprint race: 1st Sam Morris and Clare Foster; 2nd Mike Page, Megan Paveley; 3rd Marcus Williams, Abbie Hillman.
Super sprint: 1st Chris Jefferies, Jo O’Callaghan; 2nd Matt Rees-Warren, Charlotte Hollis; 3rd Jonathan Bartlett, Eleanor Thatcher
King and Queen of the Gorge: Marcus Williams, Margie Knight.
MIDSOMER Norton RFC are through to the final of the Bath Combination Cup after a thrilling home victory over the University of Bath.
Trailing 27-43 with ten minutes to go, Norton fought back to win 46-43 – earning them a return visit to the Rec in Bath for the final on Wednesday, April 26th.
Their opponents – either Trowbridge or Chippenham – was due to be decided as Mendip Times went to press.
CRICKETER Pete White batted in the nets for 24 hours to raise funds for new facilities at his home club of Cranmore.
As well as facing balls from friends and family – who took it in turns to keep Pete company in three-hour stretches – the 28-year-old batsman, who lives in Frome also had access to a bowling machine.
His target was to raise at least £1,800 for the club’s efforts to rebuild and extend their clubhouse. Cranmore CC 1st XI play in Division Two of the Somerset Cricket League.
The marathon session took place in the sports hall at nearby All Hallow’s School. The club is forming links with the school to offer coaching sessions.
Pete with some of his supporters
Footings
for the new clubhouse are in place but there’s more work to doJoy for Norton at the end of the game Norton opened the scoring just after the start but soon fell behind Both sides were cheered onto the pitch by Norton’s youth players
THE“Come and Sing” event at St John’s church, Glastonbury culminated in a “very special” performance of J. Stainer’s, The Crucifixion, according to one seasoned participant.
She said: “Surely another satisfying success for the Musical Director at St John’s, Matthew Redman, who again inspired and encouraged this scratch choir to produce an outstanding performance.”
The next “Come and Sing” event is on Saturday, June 10th, with four coronation anthems by Handel. All are welcome at the workshop, 2pm, before a free concert at 5pm.
Details: www.stjohns-glastonbury.uk or Facebook, St John’s Glastonbury Music
BRUTONChoral Society is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with an early summer gala concert at the Memorial Hall, King’s Bruton on Saturday, May 20th at 7.30pm.
They will be joined by the Sir Godfrey Kneller Brass Ensemble, directed by David Bertie, as well as guest soprano soloist Kirsten Mulcahy.
The choir will be singing a wide range of music including movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria, some rousing Verdi opera choruses, and to round it all off a selection of much-loved songs from Oklahoma! Tickets are £10 in advance, £12 on the door, to include a glass of Pimms!
CONGRESBURYSingers are looking for an experienced, energetic musical director, as they look to develop their repertoire and attract new members post-Covid.
They are a friendly and social bunch of varied ages, who enjoy making music and perform four or five concerts per year locally.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm, during term time in Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Applications close on May 15th.
Details: Angela Hanson, chairman angela.hanson@hamsterenterprises.net
Details: www.brutonchoralsociety.org.uk
THE Wells branch of the Royal British Legion has announced that the Warminster Military Wives Choir will take centre stage at their third summer concert at The Bishop’s Palace.
The concert – a support act has still to be confirmed – will take place on Sunday, June 11th with profits going to the Poppy Appeal.
Gates open at 6.30pm with the concert beginning at 7pm. Tickets are £15 and people are welcome to bring their own refreshments.
Organiser, Derek Cooper, said: “We look forward to seeing as many of you as
possible to what, based on previous years, promises to be a very special evening. We
Warminster Military Wives Choir
are so grateful to The Bishop’s Palace for their support.”
Tickets can be bought from: https://bishopspalace.org.uk or in person at the palace
A MUSICAL afternoon will be held in Chew Magna’s Millennium Hall on Sunday, May 28th, with tea and cakes and a bring and buy table. It will feature the Navis-Minstrels and The Stanton Drew Handbell Ringers, raising money for Cancer Research and restoration of the “Highwayman Victim’s” gravestone in St Andrew’s churchyard. The inscription to William Fowler reads "shot by an Highwayman on Dundry Hill June 14th 1814 aged 32 years". Tickets, £5, from Chew Magna Post Office.
WELLS Cathedral Oratorio Society will present an extra-special concert at Wells Cathedral on May 19th to celebrate King Charles' coronation.
Their “Sound of Wells” concert, with orchestra and soloists, will include glorious anthems, including Zadok the Priest, and other specially chosen pieces.
Details: www.wcos.org.uk
PAULTONConcert Band is looking for players of brass, woodwind and percussion. It is a non-contesting village band and has been present in Paulton since 1981, now under the musical direction of Richard Soulsby.
They are also keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in conducting in the future.
The band rehearses once a week from 7.30-9pm on Monday evenings in the cellar underneath Paulton Methodist Church. They perform throughout the year in the local and surrounding areas.
Details: www.paultonconcertband.org Mike on 07706 060268
A scene from one of the Players’ rehearsals
SHIPHAM Players have announced that their next production will be of Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy, Neighbourhood Watch, in June.
Tickets for the show – on Thursday, June 15th, Friday, June 16th and Saturday, June 17th at Shipham Village Hall –go on sale from Monday, May 1st.
For details and tickets, visit: www.shiphamplayers.org.uk
THE final concert of Yatton Music Society’s spring season will see the return of the Kramer Durcan Duo to St Mary’s Church, Yatton on May 20th.
Miriam Kramer is an American violinist of outstanding talent while Nicholas Durcan is a prizewinning piano and organ graduate from the Royal Academy of Music.
For this concert he will accompany Miriam on both the piano and organ and their music will include popular music from the classical composers and Gershwin.
The concert starts at 7.30pm, with tickets £10, half price for students over 16, children free.
Details: www.yms.org.uk
ST HUGH’SChurch at Charterhouse will open every Sunday afternoon, 2-5pm, thanks to members of the church family from Blagdon, Ubley and Compton Martin.
The former vicar of St Hugh’s, the Rev Simon Lewis, said: “St Hugh’s is a small picturesque sacred space up in the Mendip Hills and many people stop at St Hugh’s as they walk this part of the Mendips, either as pilgrims or tourists.”
The Anglican church, dating back to 1908, is a Grade II listed building. Dedicated to Hugh of Lincoln, it was built in 1908 by W.D. Caroe, on the initiative of the Rev Menzies Lambrick based on a former welfare hall for the local lead miners. There is always a cup of tea and usually biscuits or a cake available.
Geologist Mathilde Braddock and artist Sara Dudman who are leading a wild pigment foraging walk and workshop on July 1st
SOMERSET Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury is to host a new exhibition of artworks in May that celebrate Somerset’s coast and waterways.
The exhibition, called “FLOW”, opens on Saturday, May 20th and will take visitors on a journey all the way from the Somerset Levels to the Sargasso Sea.
FLOW brings together the work of five artists who use a range of media. The exhibition features embroidery, painting, printmaking and sculpture by Sara Dudman, Jane Hood, Julia Manning, Jane Mowat and Judy Willoughby. It is a development of “Somerset’s Brilliant Coast”, an engagement project undertaken by Somerset Wildlife Trust and Contains Art during 2020-21.
Yellow Eels by Julia Manning; one of a series of 12 large prints which raise awareness about the decline of eels by telling their dramatic saga from Somerset’s waterways to the Sargasso Sea
Exhibitions and Programme Manager, Sarah Cox, said: “The artists have produced unique interpretations of the county’s wildlife based on a scientific understanding of coastal and river ecology.
“Together they shine a spotlight on the changes affecting Somerset’s coast and waterways, including new pressures arising from climate change and human activity.”
As well as seeing the artists’ work, visitors will be able to contribute to a community artwork evolving in the Abbey Barn throughout the exhibition. During May half-term, families can explore the environmental themes in the exhibition through trails, arts, crafts, activities and science experiments. A series of events will begin on World Environment Day (June 5) with a talk about landscape, art and science.
For details visit: www.srlm.org.uk
EASTER at the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway
Heritage line at Midsomer Norton saw a good number of visitors with plenty to enjoy for all ages including unlimited train rides. This year they varied their locomotive power with resident Class 08 diesel shunter (D4095) hauling coaches on Easter Sunday and its distinctive Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) doing the honours on Easter Monday.
With the season now in full swing, the trust behind the line has some further delights in store in the coming months. They have a Wickham Weekend event planned for July when various Wickham trolleys will be on site from around the South West will join their resident Wickham.
Later the same month, they are holding another Real Ale & Cider festival when there’ll be a selection of local ales and cider to be tasted and enjoyed whilst riding the train.
Jake Walker, from Signals Model Railway Club, which has installed a layout inside one of the static carriages
THEAlfred Gillett Trust, a heritage charity based in Street, is building a new museum to display a vast collection of museum objects and archive material ranging from 200million-year-old fossils to 200 years of shoemaking.
In 2019 the trust secured ownership of the historic collection about the history of Clarks shoes and is now planning a new museum to open by 2025 at the Grange, adjacent to Clarks Village.
Their internationally significant ichthyosaur fossils will remain in their current location at the Grange, which will be refurbished.
Rosie Martin, director of the Alfred Gillett Trust said: “We’re delighted that this amazing collection will be open to the public, adding to Somerset’s rich and large array of iconic visitor attractions, as well as opening up our gardens for all to enjoy.”
An exhibition about the project will be opening shortly at The Grange.
Details: https://alfredgilletttrust.org/a-new-museum-instreet/
For details and to book, visit: www.sdjr.co.uk
THECheddar Individuality
Project has had huge support and saw its 1,000th ceramic figure made on April 6th.
They will go on display at Cheddar Catholic Hall on May 21st and there will be walking trails around the village and gorge on July 9th.
The project aims to celebrate that everyone is different and special. It has been supported by Seed Sedgemoor.
WICKHAM TROLLEY RIDES
Wednesday 31st May 10am–3.30pm. Wickham Weekender 8th & 9th July –a celebration of Wickhams with visiting trolleys
REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd July –sample some special local ales and cider
THE Wells Comedy Festival returns for a seventh year, bringing a “weekend-long comedy jamboree” (The Guardian) with dozens of comedians descending on the city across the bank holiday weekend of May 26th-28th.
Shows this year include a live recording of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ regular Jamali Maddix, triple threat Rosie Jones (Live At The Apollo, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Trip Hazard) and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid.
Joining the festival are a host of awåard-winning comedians: Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Jordan Brookes, Chortle’s Best Newcomer Celya AB and Funny Women Award Winner Thanyia Moore. More familiar faces return with the likes of Mark Watson, Paul Foot and Spencer Jones bringing their newest shows to Wells.
Completing the star-studded line up are Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Tim Key, John Robins, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Colin Hoult, Sam Campbell, Jen Brister, Rhys James, Jessica Fostekew, Chloe Petts, Sikisa, Stephen Bailey, Esther Manito plus a family show from musical duo Shelf.
Tickets are already flying out the door with Tim Key, John Robins, Phil Wang, Jen Brister and Kiri Pritchard-McLean already sold out.
Details: www.wellscomfest.com
CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club is planning its second country music festival on May 20th and 21st raising funds for local good causes.
The weekend kicks off with campers arriving at Petruth Paddocks on the Friday evening with music from 12noon-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Artists performing include Cliff Weston, Chris Harris, Chris James, Annalee West, Streamline, Spread Your Wings plus other local bands.
Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk email: country@cheddarvalelions.org.uk
THE Evercreech Jack in the Green community day returns on Monday, May 1st when villagers and visitors gather to celebrate the start of summer.
Organised by the Old Stores Studio – a not-for-profit community arts space – the event will feature a procession led by “Jack” alongside Frome Street Bandits, Treacle Eater Clog Morris and circus performer Chistopher Bullzini.
For details, find the Old Stores Studio on Facebook
WEDMOREArts Festival starts on Friday, May 5th, 11am, with the opening of an arts exhibition in the village’s Masonic Hall. It then continues with a full programme of events until Sunday May 14th.
From a photography workshop through to a brass ensemble there’s something going on during Festival week to suit all tastes and every age.
Any profits from the festival go to supporting young local artists and performers, like Poppy McGhee, Innes Oliver and Georgie Sweet.
It has recently given £1,000 to Wedmore First School to help with art/drama development. During Festival week they are funding a week’s workshop for children across the school culminating in an exhibition on Friday, May 12th.
Details: www.wedmoreartsfestival.co.uk
BRUTON and Castle Cary will host the first ever Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths festival on Monday, May 1st.
Organised by the Somerscience Trust, the ambitious event takes place across 12 venues in the towns with 85 different activities provided by 65 organisations and all are free. The aim is to inspire and engage young people and their families with STEM and to show what Somerset has to offer in terms of research, development and practice in this area. The festival will be attended by nearly 200 STEM expert contributors and supported by 80 volunteers from the South West area all with a science, tech or education background.
Families can expect shows, science circus, a full programme of talks by experts, fun workshops, tours of local eco centres and an interactive Science Fair. There will also be a Health Hub to engage with health scientists, engineers and the NHS and some very high-tech machinery as well as a Teddy Bear’s Hospital.
The event will be opened in Castle Cary at 11am by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, with a special virtual speech by George Freeman, Minister for Science and Technology.
Throughout the day visitors can travel between venues and towns on the free festival shuttle buses and all activities are first come-first served so no advance tickets are required.
For details, visit: https://somerscience.co.uk
THEDig For Victory Show is a fantastic weekend of 1940s fun for all the family. History lovers can enjoy talks from fascinating experts and enthusiasts or listen to local authors sharing excerpts from their books.
Re-enactors will bring history alive by illustrating life on the frontline and a radio transmitting station will be demonstrating morse code using WWII equipment. Petrol enthusiasts can get up close and personal with everything from a jeep to a Sherman Tank and a huge number of restored vehicles.
Visitors can enjoy local produce, crafts, brocante and antiques amongst the array of stalls and if fashion’s your thing, then browse the beautiful vintage clothing. Younger visitors can “join up” and learn to march, before completing an assault course, or have a go at old-fashioned games like skittles and croquet.
And if you want to keep the fun going, make sure you buy a ticket for their Victory Dance on the Saturday night and dance the night away with the Big R Big Band. The Dig For Victory Show is a truly unique event offering something for all generations in the beautiful North Somerset countryside.
Details: www.digforvictoryshow.com
We’re happy to list entries for non-profit community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Please send them written as a succinct single paragraph, in the format below, to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Entries sent in as posters or which take time to re-write may be charged for at the commercial rate, £25.
Wednesday April 26th
Folk Session 8.45pm City Arms, Wells. Sing, play a tune or just listen. Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Harptrees History Society, “The intrepid
Marianne North – remarkable Victorian botanical artist” 7.30pm West Harptree Memorial Hall BS40 6EG. Visitors £3. Book: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org
Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support 1.30 pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107.
Saturday April 29th
Richard Lennox concert 12 All Saints’ church, WSM, BS23 2NL. £12 on door inc light lunch.
Chelvey Coffee Morning with stalls and an organ recital by Jean Routley, 10am-12 St Bridget’s. Park in Chelvey Court paddock. Plant & cake sale 10-12am St Andrews church, Congresbury BS49 5DX. Fundraising for school bibles.
Saturday April 29th to Sunday May 14th
Frome Art Society Spring into Summer Exhibition, 10am-4pm every day, The Long Gallery, Black Swan Arts, Frome BA11 1BB. Preview April 28th, 6-8pm. Details: www.fromeartsociety.co.uk
Sunday April 30th
Shepton Mallet Spring Market 10am-3pm Market Place, BA4 5AZ. Live music, street food.
Classic Car Meet, Cheddar 10am-2pm Petruth Paddocks, BS27 3FS. Free entry. No min/max stay. Details: 07831 336444 or Facebook Chew Valley Classic Car & Bike.
Monday May 1st – Bank Holiday Shipham & District Gardening Club plant sale on the village green 1pm to 4pm. Wedmore Church Tower Open Day 10am3.30pm. Booking essential: 07984 924432 or dahopkins@aol.com
North Somerset Show, Wraxall Showground.
Tuesday May 2nd
Yatton Local History Society talk by Jonathon Holt on Architectural Follies of Bristol & Somerset, 7.30pm Methodist Church. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com
The Arts Society Mendip: “A brief history of Bookbinding” 11am, Croscombe village hall & Zoom. Guests welcome £6. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk
Tuesday May 2nd to Friday May 12th
Art Exhibition Wells Cathedral Cloisters: pottery, stained glass, embroidery, paintings, willow sculpture. Details: 07787 874198.
Wednesday May 3rd
Bereavement Support Keynsham drop-in first Wed every month, 5.30pm-7pm, Baptist Church Hall, High St. A safe place to meet others who are bereaved. Free, with refreshments. Details: 07776 493221 or bereavementkeynsham@gmail.com
Backwell & Nailsea Support group for Carers talk by Michael Pratt “My travel experiences” 2pm-3.30 Backwell WI Hall. Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm every Wed at Dinder village hall. £4.50 inc refreshments. Come alone or with partner. Details: www.wellsfdc.co.uk
Thursday May 4th
Folk Session 8.30pm Red Lion, Paulton BS39 7NW. Sing, play a tune or just listen. Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Cheddar Valley U3A AGM 2pm Sharpham Rd Pavillion then talk; “Feel the fear and do it anyway”.
West Mendip Walkers 10m circular walk starting 10am from nr Alton Barnes, SN8 4LU. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Friday May 5th
Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall, £5. Come and join us!
Magenta headlining Winscombe Folk Club’s Coronation Concert 7-10pm Festival Marquee Sandford Rd. £7 cash on door for the Flags & Festivals committee and local Food Bank. Details: 07551 197685 or winscombefolkclub@gmail.com
Friday May 5th to Sunday May 14th Wedmore Arts Festival – full details: www.wedmoreartsfestival.co.uk
Saturday May 6th
North Barrow Royal Cream Tea, 3-6pm Community Hall. A “best crowns” competition for all ages! Cream teas £5. Bar. Holcombe’s Coronation Party 6.30-10pm, playing field. Shepton Mallet Big Band and tenor Tim Pitman. Free. Bar & food. Shepton Mallet coronation celebrations. Party in a field, Mid-Somerset Showground, 710pm. Free.
Bruton Family Fun Day 2pm onwards Bruton Club, Quaperlake Street. Live music, activities, BBQ, bar. Coronation on big screen. Details: www.brutonclub.co.uk
Saturday May 6th and Sunday 7th Chew Magna coronation celebrations, quiz on Sat. Sunday: duck race 11am then lunch in the cricket pavilion. Details: chewmagnasociety@gmail.com
Batcombe coronation celebrations, Jubilee Hall. Sat: live streaming from 10am. Cricket competition from 10.30am. Bar & food, live music 6-11pm. Sunday: children’s procession, treasure hunt, crafts 11am-midday. Big Picnic 1.30pm.
Sunday May 7th
Cheddar Parish Council Community picnic, Sharpham Rd Playing Fields, 12-4pm. Details: clerk@cheddarparishcountil.org 01934 743217. Shepton Mallet coronation celebrations. Picnic in the Park. Coronation concert on a big screen. Collett Park.
Classic Car Meet 10-2pm Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar BS27 3FS. Free entry. No min/max
stay. Details: Antony 07831 336444 or Facebook: Chew Valley Classic Car and Bike meet.
Wells coronation celebrations 10am-6pm Cathedral Green. Fun family activities, live music.
Westfield Big Coronation Lunch, 12-3pm Westhill Recreation Ground. Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band. Details: www.facebook.com/westfieldparishcouncil Cary’s coronation celebrations from 12, Donald Pither Memorial Field, Castle Cary. Food & drink for sale or BYO picnic. Bouncy castle, climbing wall, face painting.
Stoke St Michael Party in the Park (community field) BYO picnic, table and chairs. Live music with Ross Kirk 1-4pm. All welcome.
Monday May 8th – Coronation Day
Norton Down coronation tea 2-4pm Methodist Church garden. Coronation chicken, scones, cakes. All welcome.
Mendip Folk Dance Club, 8pm-10 St James Church Centre Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary, Details Pat 01934 742853.
Folk Session 9pm Queen Victoria, Priddy BA5 3BA. Sing, play a tune or just listen. Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Tuesday May 9th
Wells & District Wildlife Group, Booming Bitterns and more… an evening visit to the RSPB reserve at Ham Wall, 7pm-9pm. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 01749 677600.
Wednesday May 10th
Weston-s-Mare Family History Group talk by Ann Ballard: “Hidden Gems: an heraldic & genealogy journey” 2.30pm Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Baytree Rd, BS22 8HQ. Blagdon Local History Society: Weston Aviation with Simon Begent, charting the aviation history of our area, 7.30pm Court Lodge (next to village store). Visitors welcome £2.50. Details: jackykerly@gmail.com
Mendip Storytelling Circle – folk tales and more . . . £5. 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com and on Facebook.
Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Brian Jaques “Plant names – amusing & educational” 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome, £3 inc tea/coffee. www.kilmersdongardeners.org
Thursday May 11th
West Mendip Walkers 9m circular walk starting 10am from West Pennard Village Hall, BA6 8RT. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Wells & district Gardening Club talk by Francis Burroughs “A Victorian Head Gardener” 7.30pm Wells Town Hall. Visitors welcome, £3. Details: www.wellsgarden.club
Friday May 12th
Frome Third Age talk by Carol Paris “History of the Bath and West Society & Show”, 2pm The Assembly Rooms, BA11 1EB. Details: www.fromethirdage.com
Saturday May 13th
Mendip Male Voice Choir 4.30-6pm St Nicholas’ Church, Radstock. Joint concert with SWALLOW, which supports people with learning disabilities.
Kenn Village Market 10am-12 village hall.
Fosseway Gardening Club Plant Sale 10-12 Ditcheat village hall, BA4 6RB. Details: 07772 008594.
Wells Cathedral Choristers 1pm Marston Church nr Frome. Details www.marstonmusic.co.uk
Chilcompton Gardening Club Plant Sale, 10am-11.30, village hall BA3 4EX.
Brent Knoll Bazaar, farmer’s market & café
10-12 Brent Knoll Parish Hall.
Parkinson’s NW Somerset Support Group meeting, 10.30-12.15, St Francis Church
Nailsea. Talk by the Parkinson's local adviser, Caroline Craig.
Shapwick Jam! 23: free live music from 2pm on the village green then ticket only event from 7.30pm. Details on Facebook or call 07834
671322 / 07969 854918. For the village hall and DEC Ukraine Fund.
Congresbury Gardening Club Plant Sale
10am-12.30 Methodist Hall. Entry £1 inc. refreshments. Please leave donations 4.305.30pm Friday.
Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc.
Saturday May 13th and Sunday 14th
Open Garden for Dorothy House Hospice, 2pm-5pm Simbriss Farm, Ashwick, Oakhill BA3 5BA. Adults £4, children free. Dogs on leads welcome. Teas, stalls. Free parking. Details: 07444 943700.
Monday May 15th
Nailsea & District Local History Society talk by Yvonne Bell, “Grandma’s Garden” 7.45pm Nailsea School. Details: www.ndlhs.org.uk
RAFA Mid-Somerset meeting & pub lunch: “Building RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands” 11am Street Inn, Somerton Rd, BA16 0DR. Details: 01458 224057 or email: Lunchrafa.midsomerset@gmail.com
Bath Storytelling Circle – tales & ales, 8pm upstairs at the Raven, Bath BA1 1HE. Details on Facebook.
Chew Valley u3a AGM, 10am Ubley Parish Hall. All members most welcome.
Congresbury Memorial Hall Club
Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.
Wednesday May 17th
Friends of Weston Museum talk: “Lead Mining on Mendip in the Roman & Victorian Periods” by Steve Tofts, 2.30pm Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Visitors £3 Details: www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemuseu
mwsm
Henton & District Gardening Club: “Why create a Botanic Garden” talk by Anne Brake,
7.30pm Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD. Visitors welcome, £5. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com
Thursday May 18th
Cheddar Valley U3A coffee morning 10am11.30 village hall.
West Mendip Walkers 6.25m circular walk starting 10am from Bleadon Village Hall, BS24 0PG. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Mendip Morris dancing 8pm at the Langford Inn and 9pm The Swan, Rowberrow.
Friday May 19th
Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall, £5. Come and join us! Chapel Allerton’s “Right Royal Knees-Up” Concert: songs, music and singalong, 7.30pm in the church. Cash Bar. Tickets £10 from 01934 710188 or johnnytspence@yahoo.co.uk
‘Sound of Wells’ Coronation Celebration
Concert. Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society with some glorious anthems, orchestra & soloists, 7pm Wells Cathedral. Details: www.wcos.org.uk
Saturday May 20th
Weston-s-Mare & District Family History Society Open Day, 10am-4pm, Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, BS22 8HQ; www.wsmfhs.org.uk
Kramer Durcan Duo violin & piano/organ, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10, details: www.yms.org.uk
Blagdon Village Fete 1-4pm Blagdon Court. Maypole, miniature garden competition, games and a magician! For Blagdon school, church, Weston foodbank. Details: blagdonvillagefete@gmail.com
Kilmersdon Gardeners Plant Sale 10.3012.30 village hall BA3 5TD. www.kilmersdongardeners.org
Chapel Allerton cake & plants sale 11am1pm at the church. Home-made cakes, preserves, many plants.
Claverham Market 10am-12pm Village Hall. Butcher, veg. crafts etc. 01934 830553.
Saturday May 20th and Sunday 21st
Cheddar Lions Country Music & Camp-out Festival, Petruth Paddocks. Details: cheddarvalelions.org.uk or email: country@cheddarvalelions.org.uk
Sunday May 21st
Cheddar Individuality Project, exhibition of ceramic figures, Cheddar Catholic Hall, 11am4pm. Details: cheddarindividualityproject@gmail.com
Bruton Choral Society 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, Memorial Hall, King’s Bruton, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from Convenience Store or £12 on door. Children free. Details: 01749 813161 or www.brutonchoralsociety.org.uk
Classic Car Meet 10-2pm Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar BS27 3FS. Free entry. No min/max stay. Details: Antony 07831 336444 or Facebook: Chew Valley Classic Car and Bike meet.
Tunley Coffee Morning 10am-12 Recreation Centre, nr Bath BA2 0DZ. All profits to hall funds.
The Somerset 100 a 35 mile, 100k, or 100 mile road cycle on the Somerset Levels. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/somerset100
Monday May 22nd
Mendip Folk Dance Club, 8pm-10 St James Church Centre Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary, Details Pat 01934 742853.
Congresbury Memorial Hall Club
Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.
Tuesday May 23rd
Chilcompton Gardening Club, talk by Fiona Hazer Bizony about her organic flower farm in Faulkland. 7.30pm village hall BA3 4EX.
Wednesday May 24th
Folk Session 8.45pm City Arms, Wells. Sing, play a tune or just listen. Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Thursday May 25th
West Mendip Walkers 10.5m circular walk starting 10am from Winscombe, BS25 1AE. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Mendip Morris dancing at The Strawberry Special, Draycott at 8pm and the White Hart, Cheddar at 9pm.
Saturday May 27th
RNLI Plant & Garden Sale 10am-12
Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1HP. Seedlings, Acers, shrubs, tubs & tools. Details: meejlfh@gmail.com or 01934 842304.
Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc.
Sunday May 28th
Shepton Mallet May Mayhem Market 10am3pm Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ. Fancy-dress competition, live music, street food.
Open Mic 3-5pm Marston Music nr Frome. Perform or listen £3 inc tea/coffee. Details www.marstonmusic.co.uk
Handbell Ringers & Recorders from 3pm Chew Magna Millennium Hall. Tea & cakes, bring & buy. Tickets £5 from Chew Magna PO for Cancer Research and “the Highwayman victim’s gravestone”.
Monday May 29th
Wessex Stationary Engine Club meeting 8pm Old Down Inn, Emborough.
Wednesday May 31st
Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30 pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107.
Thursday June 1st
Folk Session 8.30pm The Red Lion, Paulton BS39 7NW. Sing, play a tune or just listen. Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com
Cheddar Valley U3A talk ‘The Art of the Magician’ 2pm village hall.
Friday June 2nd
Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall, £5. Come and join us!
THE Royal Bath & West Show returns in June, with agriculture and countryside interests at the heart of the attractions.
Taking place from Thursday, June 1st to Saturday, June 3rd, the show’s organisers are delighted to welcome back livestock classes this year. These will be taking place in the Sheep Ring, Cattle Ring and Pig Ring and visitors will also be able to see the livestock lines at close range. Younger members of the family can also meet farm animals at the Lakeside Farm and learn about the field-to-fork processes.
SHEPTON Mallet-based children’s charity SOS Africa is offering people with a head for heights a unique chance to abseil 160 feet from the top of Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead.
The abseil – over two weekends in September – will be the charity’s highest abseil to date and the first time that the iconic landmark owned by the National Trust will be open to public abseiling.
Since it was first founded by Dr Matt Crowcombe in 2003, each year SOS Africa and experienced instructors Aardvark Endeavours have hosted fundraising challenges including abseils from iconic venues including Glastonbury Festival’s Pyramid Stage and Wells Cathedral, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to educate disadvantaged children in South Africa.
The folly was built by Stourhead Estate owner Henry Hoare II in 1772 at the site of Egbert’s Stone, the folkloric landmark where Alfred the Great rallied his Saxon troops in 878AD to hold off a Viking invasion.
This year’s abseils will take place on September 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th with 25% of proceeds going to the National Trust. Matt said: “SOS Africa’s Alfred’s Tower event will be the charity’s most challenging abseil to date from one of the most well-known monuments in the South West.
“We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for embracing this exciting event and we cannot wait to start raising funds for two very important causes.”
To take part, each abseiler must pay a £20 deposit and pledge to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. Team places are also available.
For details, email matt@sosafrica.com or visit: www.sosafrica.com/alfreds-tower-abseil
Equine fans will have plenty of opportunities to watch competitions, including show jumping (taking place in the Main Ring on all three days); scurry (also taking place in the Main Ring); the Pony Club Games (heats in the Pony Club Games ring, finals in the Main Ring); and Heavy Horses (located on Avenue A, with turnout displays in the Main Ring).
There will also be 24 Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, including Miniature Horse Stallion of the Year, The Andrews Family Partbred Pony of the Year Championship and The Price Family Supreme in-Hand.
Away from larger animals, Great British Dogs returns for a fourth year. This popular exhibit is located near the Woodland & Countryside Arena and showcases rare British dog breeds. Our waggy-tailed friends will show off their skills in the Main Ring when Pawsability Dog Agility put their pooches through their paces and there is also a dog agility course in the Woodland & Countryside Arena.
Finally, the Vintage Machinery display allows visitors to step back in time and see the range of tractors which worked on farms as mechanisation became more commonplace. There will also be a display of commercial vehicles which transported the goods, alongside the stationery or “barn” engines which powered the farm to drive milking parlours and water pumps. Ticket prices have been frozen for the third show in a row, with advance saver tickets (which include free admission for two children) starting from £22 per adult.
For details, visit www.bathandwest.com/tickets
