Mendip Times
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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5
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Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
OCTOBER 2017
IN THIS ISSUE: FOCUS ON RIDING • AUTUMN EVENTS • SPORT • GARDENING • MUSIC • ARTS & ANTIQUES • COMMUNITY Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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Welcome
OF all the various outdoor pursuits across Mendip, riding is probably one of the most popular, with miles of open space to enjoy and a big choice of activities. This month we have a special feature. Rugby is also important here and Winscombe RFC have been celebrating after being named the country’s top rugby club – many congratulations to them! We also hear of a new initiative this month to encourage girls’ rugby. You can tell from the size of this month’s magazine that it’s been a hectic summer of fetes, shows and festivals. We have pictures from many of them including Wedmore Harvest Home, where Gwen Hector was one of the guests, a few days after her 100th birthday. We enjoyed meeting so many of you at Mid-Somerset and Frome shows. We look ahead to this autumn’s various events in a packed What’s On section and have details of the forthcoming carnival season – the next big nights in our annual social calendar! Read about the pig that became a navy mascot and meet the couple whose holiday in India turned into a trip back in history. We also meet the cavers reunited 50 years after a breakthrough in caves at Priddy. With all of our regular contributors and features, welcome to autumn on Mendip. November 2017 deadline: Friday, 13th October 2017. Published: Tuesday, 24th October 2017.
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Medieval weekend at Bishop’s Palace. Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 130.
CONTENTS
12
Wurzels on song – Frome Cheese Show in pictures
25
Two bishops afloat – moat races attract big crowds
121
76
Sitting pretty – Holley’s winning day in the sun
Cycle speedway – Coleford’s Krissy off to Oz Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Food & Drink ...............................16 Internet and Crossword ..............26 Business.........................................28 Arts & Antiques ...........................40 Charities........................................54 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......65 Walking Sue Gearing ....................66 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........68
Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......70 Property ........................................83 Caving Phil Hendy ........................86 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............88 Community ...................................92 Homes and Interiors ..................100 Music ...........................................106 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...110 Sport ............................................116 What’s On...................................122 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 3
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Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510
There is no denying that autumn is upon us. The days are shorter and cooler. We have already reached the equinox and football managers are starting to get the sack! At BGW we are reflecting on a great summer. We thoroughly enjoyed sponsoring the Power of the Past Section of the Royal Bath and West Show at the end of May and the Mid- Somerset Agricultural Show in August. The Cheddar Office relocation at the end of July (of which more in the November issue of Mendip Times) was very successful. Many of us (especially those with young children) have found time to jump off the treadmill for a week or two to spend some quality time with family and recharge for the busy run-in to Christmas (sorry to mention that word at the end of September!). Our intrepid director Libby Rae has organised a firm’s quiz night early in October, so next month we’ll be able to tell you which of us were on the winning team and who got the wooden spoon. Let’s hope we all enjoy some more sunshine before the cold sets in! Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400
Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
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Village craftsmen build cemetery lych gate
NEWS
Villagers at the dedication service for the new lych gate
A NEW lych gate stands at the entrance to Binegar Cemetery, thanks to the work of local people. Binegar Parish Council supervised the building of the gate, in local stone and green oak under a slate roof. The stonework was created by Shaun Leaver and the woodwork by Alban Bunting. The design is by Richard Higgins with help
from councillors and parishioners. The gate is a gift to the parish from Mr and Mrs Robert Wilcox. Parish councillor Jonathan Abbott said: “The lych gate has become a real talking point and has been much admired by all. Parishioners have expressed great thanks to Mr and Mrs Wilcox for such a generous gift.”
New playground is ship-shape
Preparing to take the plunge on one of the slides
Eric prepares to cut the ribbon watched by John, Simon and Rowena – members of The Lighthouse team – and some of the many youngsters. John designed and built the playground and Eric acted as “consultant”
MORE than 300 people enjoyed an afternoon of free activities to celebrate the opening of a new shipwreckthemed adventure playground in Tytherington, near Frome. The playground is in the grounds of The Lighthouse, a guest house and conference centre which includes Café Nouveau.
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Creating a buzz in Castle Cary
BEEKEEPERS in south Somerset will be holding their annual honey show in Castle Cary in October. The 80-strong southeast division of the Somerset Beekeepers Association will be taking over the Market House for the event on Saturday, October 14th from 10.30am-1pm. The show will have classes for various kinds of honey and wax. There will be honey to taste and buy and displays of Guy Clothier, from Wincanton, beekeeping equipment, demonstrates the art of making wicker craft products and other beehives called skeps on the items. association’s stand at Evercreech Group chairman Village Show. Guy was a full-time Lionel Horler said: “We thatcher who now teaches skep-making want to make the honey show an event for all the family where we can show the public what we do and people of all ages can learn about bees and beekeeping.” There will be a school art competition and entries will be exhibited on the day. As well as prizes awarded by a judge, the public will be asked to vote for the picture which they like best.
Learning an ancient country craft
Off to mow a meadow – using traditional scythes
A HANDS-ON workshop to learn the art of scything has been held by Backwell Environmental Trust and attracted people from as far away as South Wales. The trust says there has been an upsurge in interest in traditional hand scything using Austrian scythes for cutting meadows in an environmentally friendly way. Austrian scythe blades are widely recognised as being amongst the best in the world and are imported into the UK from a factory first established in 1540. The volunteers were taught the correct techniques for hand scything by BET’s Peter Speight. After scything, the grass was raked up into piles and removed from the meadow – on Community Farm land above Chew Valley Lake – using pitchforks – a very traditional English scene. Ian Chambers, of BET, said: “I think everyone had a fantastic day, learnt some new skills, made some new friends and went away hopefully inspired to carry on this ancient country craft on their own patch of land.”
The Frome Tunnels – exploring legends and facts
THE Frome Tunnels Project was formed in 2003 to investigate stories and legends of a complex system of tunnels under Frome. Since then many site visits have been made, basic excavations undertaken and stories recorded in an attempt to separate rumour from reality. It is clear from this work that the tunnels do exist, although their extent and purpose remain matters for conjecture. Most of the known tunnels come out in cellars of private residences, churches and pubs throughout the town, with the
Going underground – one of the project’s tours during last year’s Mendip Rocks! festival
inevitable result that they have been blocked off to prevent unauthorised entry. But why were they built, when and by whom? Many are simply drains that have been covered up over the years, but which remain below ground to take water from natural springs, an excellent example being the remains of a medieval road and gully under the town bridge. Others such as those in Willow Vale are clearly industrial in origin, but many more are clearly designed for the passage of people. Were they escape tunnels or bolt holes, built during the tumultuous period covering the Reformation, English Civil War and Monmouth Rebellion? Investigations continue. In addition to these tunnels under the town, we have first-hand reports of much longer tunnels that lead into the town from outlying areas, in particular a tunnel said to be six feet high and six feet wide, going from Nunney Castle to Frome, a distance of three-four miles. Similar long distance tunnels led into town from Beckington Castle and from Longleat House, both more than four miles long. These have still to be rediscovered. Gary Kearley, Frome Tunnels Project
If you have any information or stories or want to know more (including details of our tours) please visit the Frome Tunnels Project Facebook page.
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ENVIRONMENT
Wetlands a winner
AVALON Marshes Somerset has been voted the Best Environment Project in the National Lottery Awards, the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects. Comedian and nature enthusiast Bill Bailey, who hails from Somerset, visited the Avalon Marshes Centre near Westhay to announce the news after more than 5,600 people voted for the project. He said: “I’m from Somerset, so preserving the local landscape is important to me. The project does an incredible job of keeping this historic wetland in tip-top shape. “Stunning landscapes like Avalon create an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and provide an unparalleled access to wildlife for nature lovers like me.” Avalon Marshes Somerset beat off competition from a record breaking 1,300 entries to win the public vote. The project will receive a £5,000 cash prize and an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy. The conservation of the Avalon Marshes has taken place over four years, with 60 projects helping to preserve meadows, woods, reed-beds and lakes, plus the mystical Isle of Avalon, home to Glastonbury Tor. The wetlands are home to wildlife like marsh harriers, bitterns and otters, while the area has 10,000 years of human history, giving a rich
Carymoor’s special celebration
Bill Bailey with some of the Avalon Marshes Somerset team
archaeological heritage. Simon Nash, from the Somerset Wildlife Trust, speaking on behalf of the partnership behind the project, added: “National Lottery funding was crucial in enabling us to make the developments we wanted to this unique and special place. “We have been able to make these ancient wetlands more accessible to the general public and highlight their national importance in terms of both wildlife and heritage.”
THE eco-charity which has transformed founder of Carymoor, Hamish Craig, said: 100 acres of capped landfill at Dimmer, “It is wonderful to see how Carymoor has near Castle Cary, into a species-rich nature evolved since a small team of us started reserve has celebrated its 21st anniversary. things 21 years ago. We wanted to use the Guests at a party to celebrate Carymoor landfill site to encourage our visitors to Environmental Trust’s achievement think about how important it is that we included Glastonbury Festival founder look after our environment.” Michael Eavis. The occasion also saw the Carymoor chief executive Rupert charity announce a new five-year Farthing added: “We are so grateful to sponsorship deal with Viridor, the Viridor who have supported the charity recycling and renewable energy company since 2008 and this new sponsorship deal which owns the Dimmer landfill site. will now take us to 2022 and through our More than 100 schools from across next stage of development. It is a Somerset visit the site each year – along challenging climate for small charities and with 5,000 other visitors – to see the site their support has made all the difference to and learn ways to reduce waste, as well as us.” exploring some of the created habitats. Friends and supporters of Carymoor came together to mark the occasion and to open a new “Going Underground” exhibit which shows what lurks beneath the surface of the landfill. Honorary Children from Castle Cary primary school attended the 21st birthday president and party
Trust beats target
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has exceeded its £5,000 crowdfunding target for its Perry Mead Wildflower Project, thanks to over 150 members of the public, raising £5,630. The new project now has the funds to improve habitats for Somerset’s bees and butterflies, which will help reverse the shocking decline in pollinators over recent decades.
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ENVIRONMENT
Village hosts rambling festival
ALL three days of this year’s Mendip Ramblers festival in Butleigh were attended by more than 100 walkers each day. As well as local ramblers, the festival welcomed visitors from other parts of the UK including Dorset, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Manchester and Sussex. The festival was free to attend and some visitors were trying walking for the first time. There were different distances of walk each day, but all offered fine views of the Somerset countryside and some welcome shady woodland walking. All of this was possible because of the help and support of the Butleigh community and the efforts of many Mendip Ramblers members including the planners, tea and cake makers, car parkers, walk leaders, and the unseen efforts of the Mendip working party who repair the stiles and gates and keep the footpaths open. Next year’s festival is expected to be held in Ditcheat. Earlier in the summer, some members walked in Snowdonia, others completed the first 40 miles of The Dales Way and the regular Monday, Thursday and Sunday walks have been well supported.
Walkers gather before the start of the Sunday morning walks
On their way: these walkers were part of a large group which chose the longest, 10-12 mile ramble
New walkers are always welcome, as are new members who wish to support the group in keeping the footpaths open for all. For details, visit: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Vote for Wedmore
GREEN Wedmore is working closely with the village hall committee to put solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall battery set-up on Wedmore Village Hall. This will save money and help reduce Wedmore’s environmental impact. But they need votes to win money from the M & S energy fund before the deadline of October 20th. Wedmore Community Power Co-operative already operates solar arrays off Quab Lane just outside the village and the aim is to make Wedmore a zero carbon community.
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Details: www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/green-wedmore
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TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil. Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone. DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available. ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information. TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire. PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers. EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
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Keeping traditions alive
Available at: 16 High Street, GLASTONBURY BA6 9DU T: 01458 832061 Mon to Sat 9.30 – 17.00 Sun 11.00 – 16.00
105 High Street, STREET BA16 0EY T: 01458 442500
Mon to Sat 9.30 – 17.30 Sun 12.00 – 16.00 WE ALSO OFFER THE FULL BARBOUR RE-WAX AND REPAIR SERVICE
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everyone together and where volunteering is fun. It always deserves a big thank you to the farmers who allow their land to be used and the farm buildings in this case. Every time there is a report that berates farmers for a loss of wildlife or overuse of pesticides or lack of wildflower meadows etc. I feel frustrated and sad that the public do not get the real picture that farmers really do care for the environment. For a start agricultural land is the most accessible it has ever been. Under environmental schemes over 30,000km of hedgerows have been planted and restored providing habitat and shelter for a range of wildlife. Under these schemes for instance no hedges can be cut between March 1st and September 1st. This is strictly adhered to. Then there are voluntary schemes. An organisation called Campaign for the Farmed Environment is made up of a large group of farm-related organisations which encourages farmers and land managers to voluntarily adopt important land management practices to benefit the environment. It may be planting trees, growing buffer strips next to water courses, pollen or nectar seed mixtures or efforts to reduce erosion and better protect the soil. All the advice is there, the farmer just has to ask. More farms are becoming organic – another story but not enough room to write it up this month. Finally, this month a good news story. Chew Moos icecream, which I have often written about, has expanded. At Graylands Farm, Dundry they now have an ice cream parlour/coffee shop open two days a week, Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 5pm. Well done to all the team at Graylands, it has been a lot of hard work.
Photos courtesy of Burnham-on-Sea.com
IN August I had the pleasure of attending East Brent Harvest Home as a speaker. This is a really old village tradition and there are still around six of these events running in Somerset. Imagine sitting on a platform at the side of a huge marquee holding 450 people With MARY being served wonderful British food by JAMES MBE volunteers, including farmers of course. It takes a huge amount of organising and it was great to see so many young people helping. The Burtle Silver Band played whilst we were eating and when it was time for the sweet most of the band disappeared! They had gone to the village hall across the road to meet the ladies carrying Christmas puddings and they led the parade back across the road and around the tent. It was a wonderful example of a community pulling together, raising money and having a great time. These old traditions are wonderful and it would be sad to see them die out. Another local event I attended at the beginning of September was a big disappointment to everyone. It was North Somerset Show Society’s Ploughing Match where the ploughing had to be cancelled because of so much rain. Nevertheless the Craft and Produce Show was held at Box Bush Farm, Redhill. The entries were of a very high standard. Despite the rain many members and friends turned up to view the exhibits and enjoy an excellent lunch. It’s another kind of event that brings
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FARMING
Never a dull moment LIFE as a vet is never quiet and variety is always guaranteed, as Langford Vets Farm Animal Practice can demonstrate over the last month. Whilst the majority of the time is spent visiting the farms of North Somerset for standard examinations and treatment from cows to pygmy goats to hens, there are always cases that require more intensive examination. In these cases the team can work with colleagues in the Langford Vets Small Animal and Equine Referral Hospitals to provide further work up, such as x-rays. This month the wider team were utilised in the examination of a dairy cow who was lame with a swelling at the fetlock. An xray ruled out a fracture allowing vet Pete to focus on managing the cow for a soft
tissue injury, from which she successfully recovered. More recently, vet Julie and the Equine Centre surgical team worked together to remove a cancerous mass from an elderly goat’s muzzle. This collaborative approach allows Langford Vets Farm Animal Practice to offer a wider service to clients and provides Bristol Vet School students with multidisciplinary experience. If you are a young farmer or apprentice, the Farm Animal Practice is hosting a free practical evening on October 12th. This workshop will provide you with the opportunity to practice some key skills needed to treat animals such as giving injections including calcium into the vein, amongst others.
Setting up to x-ray the cow
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Hits and misses at Frome Cheese Show
A HUGE number of cheese entries, a storming performance by The Wurzels and even a hen party on a day out were some of the highlights of this year’s Frome Cheese Show. But no cattle classes left some visitors disappointed as organisers tried to compensate by redesigning the livestock area and introducing new attractions and demonstrations.
Big cheese: Chris Stilton, the chairman of the cheese committee, with the supreme champion cheese from Long Clawson Dairy
Girls allowed! Bride-to-be Gemma Osborne (centre in yellow hat), who lives in Alhampton, with her hen party friends. Gemma is due to marry on October 14th
Diana Stevens, of Maiden Bradley, puts the finishing touches to her floral art display Colours of the Rainbow PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
The Wurzels after their crowd-pleasing set on the Horseshoe Stage
Ex-MP David Heath (left) acts as a judges steward for John Clothier and Donna Forward Cossin Why, a white British goat owned by Wendy Webster, of Bridgwater, poses for the camera
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Vernon and Hannah and Edmonds with Uno, a dyed pink texel who has been helping the family raise more than £1,500 for Breast Cancer Research
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FROME CHEESE SHOW 2017
A rainbow brightens the skies as visitors leave at the end of the day Bubble trouble: youngsters enjoy the display by Rainbow Gecko – the Bubble Faerie and BubbleMan
Inside the flower tent
The handicraft marquee committee decorate the entrance
Starting young – Harry Fisher, aged two, and his mum Liz
There were lots of sheep but no cattle this year
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Show honours villagers Susanna, aged three, and Emily, aged six
Chelwood Flower Show
Crafts and Arts judge Jennie Chippendall having a difficult time judging entries.
THE flag flew at half-mast on Barrow Gurney village hall for the village flower show in memory of village stalwarts Elaine Davys and Dolly Vowles, who have passed away in recent months. As well as a display of flowers, fruit and vegetables, the show featured crafts and wine.
Tombola: Wendy Thayer, with Mervyn Vowles and show secretary Sue Pearson
Prize winners Colin Godman Guessing the weight of the (wine) and his wife Judy (herbs) cake
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Some of the fruit waiting to be judged
Pauline Weaver judging the flower displays
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EVENTS
Village Day anniversary
HIGH Littleton and Hallatrow Village Day celebrated its 21st anniversary with a circus theme, starting with a grand parade of village clubs and organisations.
Entrants in the fancy dress competition
Circus skills were popular
Young competitors from Frome Dog Training Club
Tamsin Rendall entered Gizzy in the dog show
High Littleton Scout Group were in charge of the barbecue. Angie Wiles (second left) has helped at every show
Chairman and Ringmaster Chris Wootten leads the parade MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 15
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Mists and Mendip fruitfulness
With JUNE MACFARLANE
TIME to celebrate one of our great contributions to British food – the West Country apple harvest! Whether it be eating, or cooking, or cider, we have wonderful apples in this part of the country, so please buy them at markets and farm shops! Grouse comes into season now, dropping in price at the end of the month. Local damsons will set it off a treat.
Lord of desserts
APPLE AND BLUE CHEESE PUFFS INGREDIENTS
(Makes eight) 3 large apples 3 tbsp water puff pastry sheet 250 g blue cheese 1 egg, beaten poppy seeds
From now on I will have a bowl of freshly stewed Bramleys in the fridge – for breakfast, or a sauce, or, as here, to nestle inside puff pastry with a hunk of blue cheese. Is it a starter, or a dessert? You decide!
METHOD Peel, core and chop the apples and simmer in a pan with the water until soft. Crush. Set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 200°C. Roll out the pastry and cut in half lengthways. Cut each half into eight squares, place a spoonful of apple and a hunk of blue cheese on half the squares, brush the edges with beaten egg and top with another square. Seal. Brush tops with egg, scatter poppy seeds over and slash to allow air to escape. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.
BAKED APPLES WITH SULTANAS AND CANDIED ORANGE PEEL
INGREDIENTS
I chose Lord Lambourne apples for this dish with a good balance of sweet and sharp. The candied orange peel makes it something special. METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Score the apples about their middle. Place in a baking dish. Mix everything else except apple juice together and use to fill holes in apples. Scatter leftover mix around the fruit. Pour over apple juice. Bake for about 40 mins until cooked through and fluffy. Serve with cream.
BREAST OF GROUSE, DAMSON SAUCE INGREDIENTS
(For two) 4 grouse breasts The Cure 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp brown sugar black pepper 1 fresh bay leaf, shredded Damson Sauce 250g damsons 150ml red wine 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly Plus: butter, sunflower oil
The birds have been feeding well on this year’s excellent heather and are plump and succulent. You are lucky if you can get grouse at all, but nevertheless some people find it too gamey. This method, with a light cure, softens that gamey taste and a fruity sauce is a lovely finish.
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METHOD Mix together the ingredients for the cure and put into a ziplock bag with the grouse. Massage in. Leave for 15 mins then rinse in cold water
(For four) 4 apples, cored 100g sultanas 50g raisins 100g candied orange peel 1 tbsp honey ½ tsp ground cinnamon 3 or 4 grates of nutmeg 150ml apple juice
and dry. Simmer damsons with red wine and sugar until tender. Sieve out the stones. Add redcurrant jelly and season, adding more sugar if necessary but you don’t want it to be overly sweet. Melt one tablespoon butter and one tbsp oil in a heavy pan. Sauté the grouse breasts on one side for two mins without moving. Turn and cook for another two mins. Remove and rest in a warm place for two mins. Before serving sauce whisk in two tbsp butter for a glossy finish. Serve grouse on toast or fried bread with the sauce.
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FOOD & DRINK
A massive Thank You!
We’d like to say a huge thank you from us all at Thatchers to all our visitors who came along to our Open Day, making it one to remember. There were many familiar faces in the crowds, and many new friends were made too. Some had travelled from as far afield as the West Midlands and Hertfordshire; others from towns and villages close by, here in Somerset. We really appreciate everyone joining us, and helping make our Open Day very special. Thank you. See you at the next one in 2019.
Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA
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Five star pies
SOMERSET food producer Jon Thorner’s has been awarded a total of five Stars from the Great Taste Awards for their pies. Their Creamy Steak & Peppercorn Pie was awarded a prestigious two gold stars and the Blue Cheese Lattice, BBQ Pulled Pork and Steak & Stilton Pie a fantastic gold Star each. Great Taste, the world’s most coveted food awards, which celebrates the very best in food and drink, saw 12,300 products judged by over 500 judges. Every single Jon Thorner’s pie continues to be individually filled and hand crimped in their kitchen near Shepton Mallet, giving them their authentic hand-made look and taste. If you are visiting the Wells Food Festival on Sunday October 8th, Jon Thorner’s is a main sponsor and will have stalls at the event, which is free and starts at 10.30am.
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Celebrations at the Rising Sun
FOOD & DRINK
(Photography by Tara Mather)
MIKE and Jo Drury are celebrating their fifth anniversary at The Rising Sun in Pensford. They have worked hard to rescue this once run-down pub and with the help of local trades people have transformed it into a thriving community asset. They have a field to fork ethos that has helped establish their food as some of the best in the valley. Whilst producing their own pork and lamb on their farm close to Pensford Viaduct, they aim to source as much produce locally if they can’t grow it themselves. The kitchen is headed up by Sam SperringTrendl who also tends the kitchen garden to bring a variety of fresh produce to the table. This year’s Regatta saw several hundred people descend on the banks of the River Chew to enjoy the live music, duck race and boat race which they put on to thank people for their on-going support.
The Rising Sun Pub and Farm
The Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford, Somerset BS39 4AQ
01761 490006
flippindog@live.com www.therisingsunpensford.com MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 19
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A foodie gem on Mendip
TAKE a cowshed on a farm right out on Mendip and against everybody’s advice open it up as a café bistro where food both local and seasonal is served with a passion. Mad idea? But it’s now nearly nine years since Paul and Lynda Hartley opened Hartleys Kitchen at Rookery Farm in Binegar and they are still there, still happy and together they have built a team who participate in all aspects of the business and really enjoy it. “Local” is very much part of their toolbox. Paul believes that food just doesn’t need to travel too far. Their reputation for a seasonally-changing menu is legendary. Just check out Trip Advisor for proof. They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and customers flock to Hartleys for dishes that are locally influenced, national classics and worldwide favourites. Breakfast is a speciality, with a very comprehensive menu from kippers to kedgeree, full English to hand made pancakes, oodles of local fruit and yoghurt and coffee from Martin Carwardine, roasted in Somerset. Hartleys has a team that are very welcoming, well informed and accommodating to the point that every customer is made to feel special – it is hospitality after all. Classic car meetings are a regular event (from Aston Martins to Morris Minors), there is live jazz on occasions and regular gastronomic events like Indian cooking days, Beaujolais Nouveau (always a fantastic experience), through to Christmas. This year’s Christmas menu is exceptional, full of delicious dishes to hug the Festive Season. Hartleys is fully licensed and open six days a week – sadly not in the evening, however.
Hartley’s Kitchen e Café bistro on the Mendips It’s all Happening at Hartleys Kitchen. Always fresh, always seasonal, always local, always with Passion
A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D
Early days?
THE vintage is said to be made in September for an October harvest; ideally with warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Not so 2017! With August barely over, Mother Nature fired her starting pistol amidst shrieking winds and splattering rain. First official With storm Aileen proved seasonably ELIZABETH transgender, becoming Sebastian as she LAVER headed up the Channel to Germany. Everyone rallied. Aldwick’s perfectly wonderful winemaker Steve Brooksbank and wife Alison flew back from holiday. Our loyal volunteer pickers mustered in a flash. On 13 September, a precocious Solaris harvest commenced. Meteorological advice be damned! The sky blackened; rain pelted down. We fifteen soldiered on, gathering in a 3-tonne crop. Allowing a 16% loss to badgers and over-ripening, both yield (7 tonnes per hectare equivalent) and sugar levels (94 Oechsle or 12.7% potential alcohol) aren’t bad for ‘cool climate’ Somerset. Thursday followed, benignly. With 1100 kilos of pristine Early Pinot Noir rapidly snipped and gently crated, the team proceeded under the supervision of Managing Director Sandy Luck to clear half the Madeleine Angevine. Farm Manager Tim Mewton and I crossed the Mendips with two deliveries of the Solaris, Pinot and Mad Ange to Steve and rendered labour to spare Alison. She’d been drafted to cover for assistant winemaker son Harry! A glorious Friday morning ensued. Before lunch, the final Madeleine vines were relieved of their average 5 kilos of fruit, which was driven to the Bagborough winery. Three grape varieties yielding 7 tonnes secured: Four varieties and a possible 16 tonnes to go?
Lunch American style: Thursday October 12th A celebration of the best classic American dishes Bring your Cadillac and join in the fun!
Beaujolais Nouveau: Thursday November 16th Open at 8am for Beaujolais Nouveau, a French Breakfast buffet and classical French lunch. Oooh La, La! Berets optional!
Monday – Saturday: 8am-4pm for what we believe to be the best breakfasts on the Mendips plus local, national and international lunch dishes. Fully Licensed.
Sunday: 9am–3.30pm Breakfast and outstanding Sunday Lunch. Hartleys Kitchen, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL Tel 01749 841718 or visit www.hartleyskitchen.com for everything!
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Picking grapes is not always a picnic!
Elizabeth Laver is Vineyard Manager For wine & vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk
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GARDEN FOOD
The Georgia candy roaster
THIS squash has been something of an unexpected success this year – an old heirloom from the United States, with a renowned sweet flavour. Given its state of origin I imagined it might struggle in our cool summers, but it has done really well, setting several large delicious squashes With JAKE per plant. WHITSON I sowed them around April on the windowsill in pots filled with rich compost, then planted them out in raised beds in May, adding a good double bucketful of very well-rotted horse manure in each planting hole. They're ripe enough to pick as I write this in midSeptember, though they still seem to be slowly growing, and I imagine the best time to pick them will be sometime in October. This is a super sweet variety of squash with a very smooth texture – very much like sweet potato. It needs noticeably less sugar adding when you make a pumpkin pie with it, which is a traditional use in the south eastern US. It's also perfect roasted in chunks with a roast dinner, or made into soup. I like pieces of it roasted in olive oil and chopped rosemary, broken open and topped with plenty of freshly ground black pepper, salt and butter, maybe with a little bread, for lunch. The seeds are also nice roasted with a little oil and salt as a snack. A note on squashes and pumpkins – if you wish to store them over the winter, it is important to harvest them by cutting the vine on both sides of the stem, not the stem itself. Afterwards, take them in somewhere warm, around 25ºC, for around ten days to allow the skin to dry out and any minor damage to heal. Then store them somewhere cool, ideally around 12ºC, for example in a garage or cellar. The more constant the temperature the longer they will keep. Different varieties have different keeping qualities, but many will keep all the way through until the spring if treated in this way.
Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
This may not be for you!
AS some of you know, I like to look out for wild foods wherever I go and a recent trip to France is no exception. I visited the Auvergne region as I had always wanted to see the incredible volcanic chain of domes in the lush green landscape. It is a sight to behold. There is even a place called Volvic With ADRIAN where apparently they do something with BOOTS mineral water. Whilst scaling Puy de Dome the highest volcano in the range, I noticed these incredible and rather strange looking wild flowers distributed right across the sides of the volcano. I thought “they look interesting”. A little while later in a gift shop (never miss an opportunity to sell something to a tourist) on top of said volcanic intrusion I noticed bottles of liqueurs and aperitifs with a yellow flower on the label. A light bulb flickered somewhere and a connection was made. I then went to the book section and found a lovely book on wild flowers of the Auvergne region and there it was, the flower so abundant on the slopes: Great Yellow Gentian. Great Yellow Gentian (Gentiana Lutea) is a perennial plant, with leaves that are large, oval, pointed and ribbed, and bluish green in colour. The flowers are yellow, five to nine petals with a star-like shape clustered on the upper leaves. Found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes up to 2,500m above sea level. Look for them in June – August in the mountains of Central Europe. The root can be up to 5cm thick and is the bit that everyone goes wild for. The flowers in the picture have just gone over, so are missing their bright yellow blooms but this is the perfect time to collect the root as all the goodness is retreating from the plant. Gentian root has an incredibly bitter taste containing gentiopicrin which is said to give it stomach and immune properties – good for cleansing oneself on the inside. So how bitter is it? Gentiopicrin is one of the most bitter natural substances known to science, so bitter that it is used as the baseline for measuring bitterness! So why use it? Basically anything soaked in enough booze and sugar is going to be worth considering no matter how bitter it was in a former life. Personally I think it’s just an excuse to have a drink! Of course I love being up-sold to in gift shops, so I bought the book and liqueur but my French isn’t the best so had to spend a while deciphering its uses from the book for your edification. Basically decoctions of the root are used to make herbal tea, an aperitif and digestive, or as a basis for sirop (with a ton of sugar and agave syrup) for drizzling over fruit salads. I don’t mind bitter flavours as I think it adds to the whole range of our wild food experiences but if you cannot stomach anything bitter at all then it’s probably not for you! Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 21
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CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH US!
Country shopping at its best
Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas
Time to think about Christmas and our home-produced meat
MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM
TEA ROOMS
Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches
FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE
Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
Emma Bridgewater China and other Christmas gifts
Enjoy a good Sunday roast Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday
North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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FOOD & DRINK
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Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s traditional little country pub. Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us. Note 80% menu is Gluten-free. Booking highly recommended. In season: Trout • Pheasant • Venison GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES
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Great pub Lovely food every day Delicious Sunday roasts Tuesday night quiz nights Well-kept real ales Top wines Gorgeous gins En-suite letting rooms Join us for your special Christmas meal with our delicious 2 or 3 course set menu from £18.95. We are serving this festive menu every day and evening throughout December for pre-bookings only so get in touch with us today to book in your party. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook as “Seven Stars Timsbury” or visit our website at www.sevenstarstimsbury.co.uk email: hello@sevenstarstimsbury.co.uk For all enquiries please call: 01761 471700
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Three days of fun
Fete princesses (l to r) Ruby, Mollie and Charlie Hall, members of Young Seekers, St Nicholas Church The fete included flowers, produce, arts and crafts
WHITCHURCH celebrated the 40th anniversary of its annual fete, first started to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The weekend started with a barn dance and car boot sale before ending with a traditional village fete.
Pictured (l to r) Mary Leader, Caroline Luckhurst and Angela Bailey from Whitchurch United Reformed Church An introduction to table skittles
The refreshment team in action Young contestants in the dog show
The first children's race PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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EVENTS
Moat races are c-rafty
SOME ingenious design work went into the rafts taking part in this year’s Wells Moat Boat Races next to the Bishop’s Palace. Teams from local businesses, youth groups and the Bishop’s Palace battled it out in front of several thousand spectators. This year’s event was raising money for Mendip YMCA, charities supported by Wells Lions Club, and 1955 City of Wells Air Cadets.
The Swannies – the Swan Hotel team
Heaven’s above – the Palace Paddlers featured not one, but two bishops amongst the crew. The Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Rt. Rev. Peter Hancock, was joined by Bishop Ruth of Taunton. Bishop Peter’s wife, Jane, was also on the team
Just Sails weren’t confident at the start about the design of their raft Pintanic Youngsters from the Bristol and Gloucester Wing reach the finish line
The Heavenly Badgers
John North, the mayor of Wells, signals the start of a race as some of the palace swans gather MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 25
INTERNET
Smartphones
THIS month’s article looks at smartphone cameras and most should apply to most phones, but some may only apply to iPhones. To keep your phone private, it’s best to have a password or a swipe code or if you have fingerprint or facial recognition, it’s best to go with that. For a swipe code, you decide on a pattern you want to use to wake your phone. On an iPhone, you can swipe left when you first pick up the phone to access the camera, even before you enter any password. On most devices, once you have opened the camera, you can take a photo by using the volume buttons on the left of the phone or the volume control on headphones. For a good photo, your keywords should be – light; angle; perspective and focus but don’t forget reflections can produce lovely results. Cameras on a phone can suffer from the shakes, but there is a few ways to minimalise this by pushing the side of your body against a vertical surface to steady it, resting your elbows on a low wall, or even simply bracing your phone by holding it in both hands and tucking your elbows into your body. Take a deep breath and let out a slow, steady exhale as you gently tap the shutter release button. Or you could use a tripod or headphone volume control works well. And avoid using the zoom if you can, as this tends to magnify the shake but edit afterwards instead. If you have an Apple Watch, you can use it to see what your camera is seeing – bit James Bond that one! Keep the sun over your shoulder if you are outdoors, or the window to your back if indoors. Most smartphones have a burst mode, where if you hold the shutter button down it keeps taking lost of shots, so you can go through and delete the ones where someone’s eyes are shut for example. Don’t forget to do that though, as you will end up with lots and lots (and lots) of identical photos. Try different angles – cat’s eye view can be interesting! Check the background before you shoot – a tree growing out of someone’s head can ruin a shot. Professional photographers often stage a shot so the subject isn’t dead centre and use a “rule of thirds” by putting the subject in one corner and capture some of the surround. Don’t cross the road while using your phone/camera/text. And an obvious one to finish – keep the camera lens clean! Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Now using: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF. Tel: 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skillsharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers. Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices.
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
A test of your local knowledge of Mendip and surrounding areas
ACROSS 2 Village on the Somerset Levels and birthplace of 12D (8) 4 West or East ____, hamlets in the parish of Bankland (4) 6 Village found on the River Fivehead, 7 miles south east of Taunton (12) 10 Slang for an inhabitant of Australia (6) 11 The hunting lodge in Axbridge carries the name of this English monarch (4,4) 13 ___ Valley, Blagdon-based dairy producing foodstuffs (3) 14 _____ Welles, star of Citizen Kane (5) 16 A manufactured fabric using cellulose (5) 17 A sombre song expressing mourning etc. (5) 19 Gin – Mother’s –––– (4) 21 National Trust-owned country house in Wraxall (11) 23 Somerset harbour town (7) 24 ______ Graves, W-s-M born actor, played Freddy
Hornchurch in the movie ‘A Room With A View’ (6)
DOWN 1 & 3D Taunton-born actor and star of 2011’s ‘Iron Clad’ (5,7) 4 Village 6 miles west of Axbridge (8) 5 Village 4 miles south west of Wincanton (9) 7 _____ Rift, cave found near Charterhouse (5) 8 Village 2 miles north east of Chard (8) 9 Kingsbury ________, village on the River Parrett featuring an octagonal lock-up for drunks (8) 12 _____ Fielding, 18th century novelist, born in 2A, author of ‘Tom Jones’ (5) 15 _______ Garden can be found at 13A (7) 18 & 22D Company’s internal network system (5,3) 19 Hamlet in the parish of Beckington (5) 20 ____ Vincent, late rock’n’roller (4) 22 See 18 down.
Answers on page 129
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Thinking outside the box
WELLS Funeral Services is celebrating its first anniversary and proprietor Rod Major has certainly cemented the business’s reputation as being somewhat unconventional in its approach to bereavement. That is not to say Rod takes the matter of bereavement lightly; from the outset he has worked with some of the most reputable and experienced funeral directors in Somerset. But instead of basing himself in a traditional office, Rod prefers to run a stall each Wednesday at Wells market, meeting and chatting to shoppers to impress upon them the reassurance of pre-arranging funeral services. And he has become popular amongst fellow traders with his friendly approach. Rod said: “My market family of the other traders came up with a new slogan: ‘At Wells Funeral Services we think outside of the box!’” He added: “Our colleague, Nicholas Maggs, who is party to each and every one of our funeral services, has almost 50 years’ experience in the funeral business. So, whilst we are the newest funeral service, we have the most experienced man working with us in the district of Mendip! For a truly competitive and first-class service talk to Wells Funeral Services, you won't be disappointed!” Wells Funeral Service is now able to offer a credit facility on funeral bookings with 12 months interest fee, 24 months at 9.9% or 36 months at 14.9% with a deposit of 10% (subject to credit checks). Rod said: “We hope this will help families in their hour of need.”
COLUMBARD PET SHOP 62 High St, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DQ A warm welcome awaits in our traditional, independent pet shop where our experienced, friendly staff are always happy to help advise on our large range of sensibly priced products. If we don’t have something you need in stock we can almost always get it – please just ask! Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, fancy rats, budgies, finches, canaries, tortoises, bearded dragons, geckos plus tropical & coldwater fish all stocked. Complete starter kits available for all pets at brilliant prices.
SPECIALIST RAW FEEDING SUPPLIERS WITH OVER 100 RAW PRODUCTS STOCKED
columbardpetsupplies.co.uk PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY
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Tel 01761 451787
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NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
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Do you work to live or live to work? IN our own household, it has been known for one or the other of us to sneak off in the evening, iPad or laptop in hand to just do some “catching up”. This is far more likely to be Mr B, as I am more frequently to be found in what my sons have christened The Snoring Chair (rude!). Over the years I have spent working with clients, it seems to have been becoming an increasing problem for us all to establish a sensible cut-off point between our day's work and relaxation time. The reason I see so much of this is that many of our clients are what are known as “small and medium sized enterprises” owned and run by one or two people or sometimes a family. Everyone's work is important, but to many of these small businesses, it is crucial. Their ability to work effectively and to undertake as much paid work as possible is what keeps the roof over their heads and the food in their families' mouths. Now, I understand this – after all, we are just such a business ourselves. However, as I get a little ...er... more
mature, I realise that in order to earn sufficient and to be able to spend time with our families and friends, we really do have to prioritise. As a parent, I know how important it has been to me to be able to spend time with the children, ensuring they feel important and loved. As a daughter, I also knew the disappointment when parents missed crucial school performances and special events because they were working. Now, for me the starting point is, what do we want from life? If it's speed boats, fast cars and assorted gin palaces, it is unlikely (unless we have the inventiveness of a Sir James Dyson or the innate entrepreneurial ability of a Sir Richard Branson) that we will achieve this via our working lives. After that, what are our needs and requirements? A home, food and clothing, money available to pay our dues without anxiety and time and money for leisure pursuits? Take time to work this out with your nearest and dearest. What is the minimum income you can manage on and what do
BUSINESS you need for the luxuries and for the pension, or “future income” as it is now being termed? If you need help, you can chat to a financial adviser (a good independent will charge for their time, but that can be well worth it). You can chat through plans or thoughts with your accountant or there will be, I am sure, financial planning websites which are available, but I am not qualified to recommend which is best. It's lovely to aim for the stars in business and most of us will be secretly imagining the day when we can retire as millionaires. Let me assure you, not all millionaires are living happy lives, and a number have not achieved their wealth without there being some blood on the carpet. Better, perhaps, to imagine a life well lived. A balance achieved between earning and spending and a happy and fulfilled life filled with family friends and positive experiences. Good luck! Jane Bowe Probusiness
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BUSINESS
Edinburgh Woollen Mill – where customers become friends
THE word “community” is never very far from the lips of Lesley Parham, general manager of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill store in the Haskins Retail Centre in Shepton Mallet. Lesley and her team are passionate about maintaining a friendly atmosphere and creating somewhere shoppers will linger for a chat and where they are on first-name terms. EWM opened in March 2010 with Lesley in charge – her working life has always been in retail – and she has overseen its development as a popular outlet with an extensive in-store range as well as concessions. For women, EWM brands such as Country Rose – luxury casual wear – and mix-and-match outfit building Isle are complemented by the versatile Honnor Millburn collection. James Pringle and PG Field countryware are popular with men of all ages and golfers have a range of Colin Montgomerie clothing. Concessions include Tigi, Klass, Just Elegance and Gabicci. Lesley said: “We really do feel we are part of the Shepton Mallet community. People will stop by for a natter on their way to have a coffee or to go into town and we are on first-name terms with many of our customers who become friends.” The EWM store has 12 staff; with Ponden Homes next door – also part of the EWM group – there are 35 in all. EWM offers retail apprenticeships – Alice Green is one – and Lesley added: “Everyone gets on with everyone else here. We do things together and socialise together; it’s a
Meet some of the team – (l:r): Alice Green, Josh Kent, Aaron Moulder and Lesley Parham
lovely place to work.” ● Lesley and her team hold regular fashion shows – call into the store and sign up for their e-mail alerts – and host evening for groups such as the WI. The team also raises money for Pancreatic Cancer Research after the passing of a colleague from the disease.
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 31
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A Professional Company serving the South West
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Burglar Alarms ✵ Fire Alarms ✵ CCTV Systems ✵ Insurance approved ✵ Installation, maintenance, repairs and upgrades ✵ Central Station Monitoring ✵ Local engineers Tel: 01275 331914 sales@chewvalleyalarm.co.uk www.chewvalleyalarm.co.uk
Relax knowing your property is protected
Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels
P & C Logs C al l P h i l o n 0 7 7 3 4 0 9 8 3 2 3 , o r C o l l ee n o n 0 7 7 8 5 2 5 0 0 3 3 o r on E v en i n g s 0 1 7 6 1 2 2 1 5 4 3
Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).
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ALDWICK COURT FARM
A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D
Aldwick Court Farm – the perfect wedding venue IN June 2012, Christina Ford and Aaron Cooke became the first couple to celebrate their marriage at Aldwick Court Farm’s new venue. The New Barn was very much a work in progress as they planned their nuptials. Christina said: “The windows only went in the previous week, walls were being painted two days before, and there wasn’t a front door. We used marquee liners on the bare floor. But I really wanted to be married at Aldwick. It’s a very special place for us.” Much can happen in five years. Mr and Mrs Cooke returned to the vineyard to be photographed – as a family. The vines are nine years old. And Aldwick won Best Venue in the 2017 Bristol and Somerset Weddings Awards. Christina said: “We feel privileged to have had the first wedding in this beautiful venue. We loved every minute of the day.” On Sunday October 15th, Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard is offering newly-engaged couples and those planning a wedding ceremony a warm welcome to tour their beautiful, well-appointed venue, with a wedding fayre from 11am – 3pm. Admission is free. It’s a chance to meet the Aldwick team, who strive to ensure that your “big day” is a five-star success and to discuss with them your specific requirements. You will be able to sample delicious canapés prepared by Taste Buds, Aldwick’s in-house caterers, and to explore with them your menu options. You can also visit trade stands sponsored by Aldwick’s recommended suppliers: florists, photographers, wedding cake designers, entertainers, resident DJ, local hoteliers and B&B hosts. And you can sample Aldwick wine! Why be married in a
Christina and Aaron Cooke in Homefield Vineyard 2017
Christina and Aaron Cooke in Homefield Vineyard 2012
vineyard if not to serve your guests the award-winning, estate-produced wine at your reception and wedding breakfast?
For wine & vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 33
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BUSINESS
Pre-nuptial agreements – do they work? MONEY and property can be a potent source of discord before, during or after a marriage. The lawtherefore encourages people to avoid conflict and reach agreement where possible. In the past the English courts declined to approve “pre-nuptial” contracts on the ground that they undermined marriage. However with the proliferation of prenuptial contracts in Europe the English courts have been forced to change their view and the position now is that the court should give effect to a pre-nuptial agreement that is freely entered into by each party with a full understanding of what it means unless it would be unfair to hold the parties to that agreement. Examples of what might make an agreement unfair could include inequality of bargaining power between the parties, the failure of the agreement to take into account any children of the relationship ( perhaps causing the wife to give up a lucrative career to look after those children) or a failure by one party or the other to give a full and frank disclosure of their financial
circumstances. Another reason why a court might decide to look behind a prenup is where one of the parties has relocated to another part of the country where houses are more expensive. In general however the existence of a prenup which is challenged within divorce proceedings causes the court to lean towards a “needs” rather than a “sharing” approach which is a significantly stricter and less flexible approach than if a prenup did not exist. What happens if you marry abroad and choose to adopt the marital property regime of the country in which you marry? In that event an English court will play close attention to that regime and consequently any prenup which might take account of that regime. The wish to enter into a prenup is usually driven by one or other of the parties having pre-existing assets which is more often the case where parties marry (or remarry as the case may be) during their middle or later years and wish to preserve some of their assets not least for their existing children. The
Edward Lyons
overall message is that they can enter into a “prenup” with increasing confidencethat it will be supported by the court in the event of it being challenged. Edward Lyons
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. ● Family & Divorce Law ● Co-habitation disputes ● Inheritance disputes ● Wills and Living Wills ● Powers of Attorney ● Administration of Trusts ● Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168 PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252
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Show is full of colour
BALTONSBOROUGH was packed with visitors when the village staged its 111th annual show. Entertainment ranged from the traditional produce marquee and stalls to live music and the second Colour Run as well as a dog show and impressive displays of vintage and classic vehicles.
Gotcha! The colour run brought the day to a close
Recognise him? George Padfield (left) was on the front cover of the September issue of Mendip Times outside a firefighting exhibition at Wells and Mendip Museum. Here, George is pictured with dad Paul (centre) receiving the shield for the best commercial vehicle entry from judge Clive Hennessey
Marni, aged three and from Street, on the face painting stand
Admiring the produce in the marquee PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Skiffle – with a twist – band John D Revelator. Find them on Facebook
Jam tomorrow… Marion Rutter, Sue McNamee and Pam Grottick had virtually sold out of jams and chutneys on the St Dunstan’s Church stall
Brothers-in-arms: Madison and Mason
Reckless Youth – aka Theo Wakeling – performed his own protest songs (www.recklessyouthmusic.com)
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EVENTS
Coleford Village Day
Willow, a two-year-old Sheltie, was named prettiest bitch in the dog show. She is pictured with owner Carl Crouch and judge Rob Parry-Hall, from Silva House vets Some of the Time is Precious team on their stall. A gala ball in aid of the Coleford-based charity will be held at the Centurion Hotel on Saturday, October 21st. Meanwhile, Nicky Halford, who founded the charity with husband Neil in memory of their son Ben, has been recognised by Downing Street for her efforts with a Point of Light award
Friendly rivalry: Coleford under-7s played Holcombe under-8s in a football match. Coleford’s shirts were funded by a grant from the revival group
Spencer Massey with some of his winnings on a stall run by friends of villager Jason Winsley who are raising money to provide him with his own mobility scooter. Spencer is pictured with Margaret Compton, one of the people running the stall and his mum Laura Coombs
Cakes for Coleford: helpers Sheila, Kerry, Nicky and Naomi in the tea tent. The village day was once again organised by the Coleford Revival Group
Hard Shoulder on stage before their set. The local band will be supporting rock legends Wishbone Ash at the Cheese and Grain in Frome on Saturday, October 21st
Message in a bottle: solo singer/guitarist Olly played a number of Police covers
Beat that! One of the contestants in a hotly-contested strong man contest MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 37
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Long may it continue
NEWS Standard bearers gather for the ceremony
ceremony and who died a few weeks before the ceremony. Peter said: “Terry said to me: ‘Long may it survive.’”
Standard bearer Al Stewart, from the Shepton Mallet branch of the Royal British Legion
HEAVY rain forced the organisers of the 38th Paulton Arnhem Remembrance to hold the annual ceremony in the village’s Holy Trinity Church instead of the traditional site at the Double Hills memorial field. Hundreds of serving personnel, exservicemen and the public packed the church for the still-moving ceremony – the last time it had to be moved due to bad weather was in 2010. The service marks September 12th, 1944 when a glider carrying 23 airborne soldiers and crew bound for Arnhem crashed at Double Hills killing all on board. Many local people witnessed the tragedy which claimed the first lives of the battle. Peter Yeates, the 80-year-old veteran organiser of the service, paid tribute in his welcome address to Paulton resident Terry Gillard, who was a staunch supporter of the
Peter Yeates, the main organiser of the annual ceremony, welcomes guests to the church
Normandy veteran Joe Vango, of Chilcompton, arrives with daughter Sue to lay a wreath
Ex-servicemen before the start of the service
Local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg is shown the programme for the event
Members of the Bath branch of the Royal Observer Corps Association with their wreath
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Cathedral green inspires artists ARTISTS of all ages and abilities were drawn to Wells Cathedral Green for the first Art 360 event in the city. The afternoon was aimed at encouraging people to discover the panoramic views. Although dominated by the catherdral, the green has many other historic views on offer. Emma, aged 11, at work on an architertural sketch of a corner of the West Front
Harry, aged five and Jack, three, from Pylle, were inspired by the stained glass windows in the West Front of the cathedral
In the name of art: Jack gets messy
Eric Maggs, of Claverham, paints the cathedral from a different angle PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Some of the Art 360 organisers. An exhibition of work by the winners of a competition went on show in the cathedral Janet Jackson and Annie Davenport, both from the Cam Valley Arts Trail and Old Bakery Artists, were joined by Diana Walker from the Timsbury and Kilmersdon Art Group
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ARTS & ANTIQUES
Free jewellery and watch valuation day at Wells Town Hall SUCH is the demand for fine jewellery and vintage watches that Clevedon Salerooms has decided to spread its net further in order to seek out pieces for their pre-Christmas Quarterly Specialist Sale. The salerooms have been holding well-attended free noobligation jewellery valuation days at the salerooms in Clevedon and also in Bristol for some time and have now
Clevedon Salerooms Quarterly Specialist Sales attract bidders from around the globe.
decided to hold an event in Wells Town Hall on Monday October 9th, from 10am – 4pm. You will be assured of a warm welcome by the salerooms team and tea and coffee will be served throughout the day. Demand for pre-owned Rolex and Omega watches is particularly high at present with collectors from around the globe battling to secure the best examples. Condition is not always important, illustrated by the £41,500 the salerooms achieved for a 1950s Rolex Explorer that was not working sold to a bidder in Hong Kong! Marc Burridge the salerooms’ watch specialist will be on hand to look at any watches whilst gemmologist, John Kelly, will be pleased to give free verbal estimates on all jewellery and silver. The November Specialist Sale is arguably the best time of the year for selling jewellery as internet bidders seek out the rare and unusual for Christmas gifts.
Details: Toby Pinn, Chartered Arts & Antiques Surveyor at the Salerooms on 01934 830111.
Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding Our Free Valuation Days can be a rewarding experience!
RESULTS FROM THE SEPTEMBER SPECIALIST SALE: Rolex Explorer Ref: 1610 Sold for £8,650
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS
Step cut 1 ct diamond ring Sold for £5,550
2 3 4 & 16 17 18 October 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery 12th & 26th October
Sales start at 10am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
Amber beads Sold for £1,980
Kutchinsky Bangle Sold for £3,450
We have buyers around the globe seeking pre-loved Rolex and Omega. Condition unimportant
Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch
Valuation Day
At Wells Town Hall Tuesday 9th October 10am – 4pm MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 41
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Blazing a trail
AFTER 15 years, Chew Valley Arts Trail has truly established itself as a stand-out event in the local calendar and continues to attract visitors from further afield who Kingfisher by Lydia Barker enjoy a day out in the beautiful countryside whilst appreciating the fine range of arts and crafts on show. It’s a great two-day opportunity to see a huge variety of art, with varied painting styles, photography and sculpture. Crafts people will be displaying jewellery, stitch work, glass making and bookbinding. It’s a relaxing way to see the work, browse and chat with the exhibitors and find a special treasure. Brochures are widely available and the website provides additional information on directions, where refreshments are available and detail on disabled access. Details: www.chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk
Sculpture exhibition
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A VISIT to Cathy Judge’s studio in Chewton Mendip is one of the highlights of the Chew Valley Arts Trail, from October 14th-15th, when she will have new work on display. She was introduced to sculpture by accident at an open day at Shute Farm Studios, near Shepton Mallet in the late 1990s. She said: “I was instantly hooked and the following day rushed out to buy my first slab of clay. Hardly a day has passed since then that has not found me sculpting.” Her beautiful female figures and bronzes are much in demand and will be on display in her studio, gallery and sculpture garden during the arts trail. They can be viewed at other times by appointment.
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Antique bible attracts worldwide interest AT their Antiques and Collectables Sale on September 9th, Killens saw an excellent entry of some 650 lots go under the hammer with an early 17th century bible generating strong interest on the internet, telephone and in the room. The bible had been restored and was printed by Robert Barker of London with a prologue by Thomas Cranmer, the former Archbishop of Canterbury who was executed during the reign of Mary. Fine ceramics met with competitive bidding with a pair of 19th century French porcelain cassolettes selling for £1,200, a pair of two-handled Royal Crown Derby pedestal vases £850 and a pair of miniature French champlevé enamel vases £850. An excellent entry of jewellery generated strong interest with new buyers present. A three-stone diamond 18-carat gold ring achieved £820 and a gentleman’s single stone diamond ring £700. Amongst the collectables sold was a collection of ephemera relating to aircraft
including photographs of Weston-superMare airport £670, an 18th century dummy
ARTS AND ANTIQUES board £850 and a bronze of Burmese, the well-known horse of the Queen, £700. There was a good range of pictures and paintings on offer with a delightful oil on canvas of a seated dog and a jackdaw by William Weekes (1856 – 1904) selling for £750. On September 19th, an entry of almost 600 lots of Victorian and Later Effects attracted one of the largest crowds seen at the auction rooms for a mid-week sale and there was some confident bidding for all on offer. Due to an increase in the number of items being entered for sale, more sales are being held with Victorian and Later Effect Sales being held every two weeks during October and November. Entries are now being invited for forthcoming sales with the next sale being of Victorian and Later Effects on October 3rd. Valuation days are now taking place every day of the week from 10am to 5pm or members of the valuation team are
The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauction rooms.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 43
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Cam Valley arts trail
WANTED!
Railway Relics and pre1970s Amusement machines ● Railway clocks, pocket watches and hand lamps ● Enamel and cast iron platform signs ● Vending machines, signal box and ticket office items ● Wall mounted penny flickball machines ● One arm bandits, what the butler saw ● Bollands working models
01278 793529
Please phone after 6pm
Ripley Antiques & Vintage The Square • Axbridge BS26 2AP
The Artist’s Gallery
01934 732641
www.tag.uk.net
4 Borough Mews The Borough Yard, Wedmore Somerset BS28 4EB info@tag.uk.net 01934 713295 Opening times: Wednesday 2pm–5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm
Opening times 10am – 5.30 Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm – Sunday Find us on Facebook PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
CAM Valley Arts Trail celebrates its fifth anniversary on Saturday November 4th and Sunday November 5th, with over 40 artists and crafts people taking part in this free community event. They will be showcasing and selling their original, handcrafted work in painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, felt, glass, pastel, silver, wood, batik – and more – across the Cam Valley in the villages of Clutton, Farrington Gurney, High Littleton, Paulton, Temple Cloud, Timsbury and Tunley. They will also host a number of free “taster” art workshops and demonstrations for the community to enjoy. It's a great opportunity to try something new, talk to different artists about their work and buy some original pieces of art as Christmas presents. Remember your chequebook or cash since most artists cannot take credit card payments. Details: www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk
Avid collector
PAUL Baker is an enthusiastic collector of vintage pre-1970s amusement machines and railway relics. He lives near Burnham-onsea and has been collecting for more than 20 years travelling all over Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset to visit antique fairs, flea markets and more recently private vendors to buy items for his collection. Some of Paul’s favourite items have been found in the strangest of places – barns, attics, cellars and even in a stable! If you think you may have something Paul might be interested in, even if it's not working, broken or just unloved, give him a call or see his advert for more details.
New shop in Axbridge
RIPLEY is a brand new edition to Axbridge Square. It’s a little shop that offers classic antiques alongside mid-century retro. You'll find furniture, music, curios and gifts; a sprinkle of local history and a very warm welcome. Jules and Lou look forward to meeting you.
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Fair supported by a wide range of dealers THE Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair returns to the luxury laden Haynes International Motor Museum from October 13th-15th following a smash-hit debut in October 2016. Bruton 2017 offers an exciting blend of eager returning and new exhibitors who will pull out all the stops at this show. It will have choreographed displays of 18th-20th century decorative trouve for the home and garden, French and Swedish town and country furniture, architectural reclamation, humble English Folk Art – early pottery, samplers, walking canes, mid-century furniture and accessories, lighting, textiles, grand painted furniture from local country houses, dazzling jewels and even desirable vintage designer handbags. On Saturday October 14th, BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and author Mark Hill will add some celebrity sparkle to the fair with his “Mark Hill Selects” tour – using his expert knowledge to inspire visitors with tips on using traditional and decorative antiques in the modern interior for a cool century mash-up! Mark will also be selecting some collectors’ pieces – he has an eye for obscure objects and visitors can look forward to a fun and engrossing event. Mark’s tour will be streamed live on social media from 1pm. A number of notable Somerset dealers will return in 2017 including The Factory in Castle Cary home to seven leading dealers from the decorative trade founded by David Tupman Antiques. Expect to see a highly charged eclectic mix of
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
decorative antiques. Alchemy from Bruton will bring French and English upholstery, dining tables and chairs, Quillon House Antiques, also Bruton-based, with fine English oak and country furniture and equestrian paintings, Elizabeth Lee Interiors from Frome with French, Swedish and English decorative antiques for the home and garden, Waterfall Antiques, Bath, with a wide selection of leather luggage, conservatory decoration and kitchenalia, Sherborne-based Macintosh Antiques with painted country house furniture and upholstery from the leading furniture makes of the C18th – C19th and Somerton-based specialist upholstery and CMid design dealers Life England will also return in 2017. Exquisite Swedish and French painted furniture and antiques for the garden and conservatory will be shown by La Place Antiques and No1 Lewes from Sussex. Folk Art will be shown by leading experts Erna Hiscock and John Shepherd, Devon-based Appledore Antiques and venerable long term Bath exhibitors Terry and Marie Kelly and collectible walking canes will be shown by Winfield Canes. The organisers have teamed up with celebrated local restaurant Roth Bar & Grill for a competition to win a culturally enriching lunch with wine for two people. Situated at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Roth Bar & Grill plays an integral part in the Hauser & Wirth Somerset experience combining gastronomy with contemporary art. The competition is free to enter.
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 45
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Raise the song of harvest home Pictures by Mark Adler
“Come ye thankful people come, Raise the song of harvest home All is safely gathered in, Ere the winter storms begin” *Harvest festival hymn written in 1844 by Henry Alford
MORE than 500 people sat down to lunch at this year’s Wedmore Harvest Home as part of the village’s annual celebrations. The day began with a procession of floats and other entries from the village centre to the playing fields before the meal. Children’s games and tea were followed by evening entertainment starring The Wurzels. Harvest Home chairman Tom Willcox told guests at the lunch: “I’m in this role to hand harvest home onto the next generation. To survive you have to adapt and that is what we are doing to sustain it.”
Port reeves David Tucker and Paul Horley with some of the volunteers who served lunch
Julia and daughter Olivia, aged six, on Teddy the Shetland pony
Heidi, aged six, and brother Harvey, aged one, as Bo Peep and her sheep
George and Anita Brown with Robert Bees before the start of lunch PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Up to mischief on one of the floats
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Volunteers get ready to enjoy their own lunch
Organisers are keen to get more young people involved – it seems to be working
WEDMORE HARVEST HOME
Gwen Hector celebrated her 100th birthday just a few days before the harvest home. Gwen is pictured with her sons Robert and Alan and their wives Lizzie and Heather
Youngsters from Wedmore’s twin town of St Medard de Guizieres in France, with some of their hosts
Carnival royalty: queen Hermione and king Finn with princess Phoebe and prince Noel
Fun on board an airport fire engine
The Rev. Richard Neill blessed a loaf as well as a jug of milk as part of the thanksgiving service which included the harvest hymn
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HISTORY
A remarkable passage to India
READERS may be aware that George Pearson became headmaster of Norton Hill Grammar School in Midsomer Norton in 1962 overseeing the transition to comprehensive education, before leaving the school in 1976 to take up a position with The Schools Council. However, few will know that before taking up a place at Cambridge University he served as a junior officer in India from 1945 until 1947. Earlier this year, a chance meeting in Delhi created an opportunity to revisit this period of his life at a time when so much media attention is being paid to independence and partition. In March, my wife Jane, George’s daughter, and I arrived at our hotel to be greeted by the owner, Arun Khanna, who asked us what plans we had for our three-week holiday in India. We explained that we would be travelling in Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi before making our way up to Shimla, which Jane’s father had visited while on army service 70 years ago. Arun asked us the name of George’s regiment, and when we Colonel Khanna with Jane replied that he was attached to The Bengal Sappers & Miners, he declared: “What a coincidence, our hotel is named The When we learnt that the Colonel was in his 90s, still alive and Colonel’s Retreat after my father who had also served as an well, we contacted our son back home and asked him to search officer in the same regiment, eventually becoming its the attic for copies of A Brief History of the Regiment (1939-47) commandant.” which George had written in 1947, together with photographs of his time in Northern India, and a unit record he compiled several years later. On receipt of samples of these documents we forwarded them to the Khannas. Some days later we received an email to say that the Colonel was overjoyed to receive the material and would meet us for breakfast when we returned to Delhi again in a few days’ time. It was a real pleasure to meet Colonel Khanna who had not only been stationed at the Regimental Centre in Roorkee, as had George, but to hear that they had many interests in common, particularly world history and cricket. On our return home we posted a spare copy of George’s military history book to Colonel Khanna which he has arranged to go to the Regimental Museum in Roorkee. Some 14 years after his death, George would have been delighted to know that one of his earliest works had been returned to its source. Peter and Jane Clouting (nee Pearson)
Village holds history weekend
BANWELL Society of Archaeology usually have no meeting in August but this year they decided to have an Archaeology Weekend in the hope of getting more interest in the village’s history. The weekend started on Friday with a talk by Vince Russett, former archaeologist for North Somerset, with displays on the Saturday in the village Hall by the Banwell society, Weston Museum, Mick Aston’s Young Archaeologists scheme, Know Your Past, and demonstrations of LIDAR the ground radar. There were also two walks around the village taking in the church tower and its Victorian fire station. On the Sunday there were visits to Banwell Bone Caves and the surrounding pleasure gardens and follies, once owned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, George Henry Law. The weekend was deemed a success but they will not know if they have attracted new members until their next meeting.
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Mick Aston's Young Archaeologist display
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Pilton packs a punch
THE Pilton Show was the filling in a three-day sandwich of events over one weekend in the village. Festivities began on Friday night with the Pilton Party – headlined by Bastille – at Worthy Farm and the next day the village playing field was packed with attractions for all the family on the Saturday, followed by a barn dance in the evening. The Sunday was due to host a cricket match and tug-of-war with a church service, but the cricket was cancelled due to bad weather.
Some impressive stunts by members of the Savage Skills mountain bike display team
Rufus Shaw, 11, tries out the MMA boxing gloves and training pads he bought from the Emporium bric-a-brac stand with some help from Uncle Neil
Digby and Zach having fun in the sun
Christine and Joe King with their prize-winning trug of homegrown vegetables
Clementine with Tias, Orla and Lexi PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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Evercreech Village Show
Meare Family Fun Day
EVENTS
Three young guests admire the vegetable exhibits in the show tent
Pam’s People: the group meets on Wednesdays in Evercreech Village Hall and staged a dance routine in the show arena
Ted Allen, the next president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, comperes the day’s events in his home village
Steve Neal and Sarah Silman with Meare Chapel's splat the rat attraction The Sutton Household encampment
Polden Hills YFC members with their balloon competition
Bubble trouble: Amelia, aged two, enjoys one of the free children’s activities at the show MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 51
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CARNIVAL
From Notting Hill to Castle Cary
ORGANISERS of Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival have received a £14,000 grant from Arts Council England to work with young people in the run-up to this year’s 40th anniversary processions. The money will help to fund a visit by a costume designer from the Notting Hill Carnival in London to the town’s primary school and help Ansford Academy students build their own cart. It will also get Cary’s own carnival club, Cary Comedians, back onto a cart. Last year, a lack of funds meant the club had to compete as a walking entry. As part of the ruby anniversary celebrations, there are also plans to stage live entertainment on a stage in front of the Market House before the main procession on Saturday, October
One of last year’s carts in Castle Cary
Carnival gets tough on street traders
14th; the children’s procession takes place on the afternoon of Saturday, October 7th. It will be followed by a children’s festival. Castle Cary Primary School will hold a week-long educational programme. Head teacher Sarah Martin said: “This is a great way of helping the pupils to understand how carnival in Somerset is part of their cultural and social heritage. They also have an after-school carnival group who every year participate in the children’s carnival.” Ansford Academy is taking up the challenge to “create a cart” in just weeks for the illuminated evening carnival. The Cary carnival society is providing resources including a trailer, paint and wood with advice from people with years of experience in building carts. Notting Hill’s Mahogany Carnival Club, which will be working with the primary school children, will take part in their spectacular costumes in the evening procession.
For details, visit: www.ccas.org.uk
CARNIVAL organisers across Somerset have joined forces to discourage pedlars from taking to the streets during the processions. Instead, all 14 processions are to use official sellers with their own merchandise and all profits will go back into carnival. The carnival consortium says the pedlars seldom contribute towards the costs of the processions and are concerned the public assume they are supporting carnival by buying from them. A spokesman for the consortium said: “An antiquated and outof-date Act of Parliament allows these pedlars to trade anywhere they like in the country and we are therefore powerless to remove them from the streets. So, it’s a case of if we can’t beat them, we have to join them. By doing so our aim is to redistribute some of their massive profits to offset some of our ever-increasing costs.” Products to be offered for sale by the official carnival sellers will include flashing wands, batons and windmills, whistles, bunny ears and many other items. Prices will range from £2 to £4.
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Members of Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Society held a coffee, cake and bric-a-brac morning at the Market House to raise funds for this year’s events
Carnival DVD celebrates a Somerset tradition
A DVD celebrating 75 of the most iconic carts since the 1970s has been released by the Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project. Five Decades of Carnival costs £10 and is available from the project. Visit: www.cispp.org.uk Here are the dates for this year’s largest Somerset carnival processions: Saturday, November 4th: Bridgwater (7pm) Monday, November 6th: Highbridge and Burnham-onSea (7.30pm) Friday, November 10th: Weston-super-Mare (7.15pm) Saturday, November 11th: North Petherton (7pm) Monday, November 13th: Midsomer Norton (7.30pm) Wednesday, November 15th: Shepton Mallet (7.30pm) Friday, November 17th: Wells (7pm) Saturday, November 18th: Glastonbury (7pm) For details, visit: www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk
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Keep the cold out this winter with one of our stylish sheepskin jackets or coats. We also part exchange your old sheepskin, suede or leather coat towards a new one.
Visit us for: Barbour quilted and waxed jackets and accessories Gloverall Duffle Coats Leather Gloves Cashmere and Tweed Scarves Traditional Morland’s sheepskin slippers Sheepskin Rugs including Jacob and other rare breeds Hunter Wellingtons and accessories Sheepskin car seat covers Quality leather luggage, bags, briefcases and purses
Tel: 0800 097 8611
www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
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We’re only here for the beer . . . … AND the cider and the food and the live music – these were some of the scenes at this year’s charity Wessex Beer Festival in Chilcompton. Organised each year by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, the two-day festival featured more than 20 real ales and more than 30 ciders. Bands performing in the marquee included You, Men and Him, Call the Shots, Bobby Martian and the Planets, Up Your Brass and The Deverills.
Raising a glass to this year’s festival: members of the Rotary Club of Somer Valley
Some early arrivals on the opening night
Most of the barrels were sponsored by local companies
Lindsay’s appeal tops £14,000
LINDSAY Game began a Just Giving page in 2015 to raise money for The Forever Friends Appeal for a new cancer treatment centre at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, with an original target of just £1,000. Thanks to many generous donations from family and friends this fund has now reached £14,000 (including Gift Aid), and although Lindsay died on June 21st, aged 60, after a 28-year struggle with cancer, the fundraising continues. Local villagers in Chew Stoke will be holding a “Pink” coffee morning on Saturday October 7th at the church hall, Chew Stoke, when everyone will be encouraged to wear pink, including pink wigs. There will be some entertainment from Jiggidy, from Bath, a very talented duo, and songs from Mary Dowson's Hall Singers. It is hoped that a representative from The Forever Friends Appeal will be there to give feedback about what PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
The souvenir glasses have become a collector’s item down the years
happens to all the money that is donated. On July 22nd, St. Andrew's Church, Chew Magna was packed with almost 300 people who wanted to share in the celebration of Lindsay's life. Her husband, Nigel, and family say they are very grateful for the support they have received.
Details: www.justgiving.com/Lindsay-Game
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Bowled over by charity event
Sue Harding and John Harvey
(Photos courtesy of Steve Wilkinson)
THE Wedmore branch of the Friends of Weston Hospice have raised £900 for the centre with a Wine and Pudding Evening at the Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club. Most of the puddings were either donated by local businesses or made by supporters and there was also an opportunity to try indoor bowling.
An impressive range of puddings
CHARITIES
Alison’s ready to rock the catwalk for cancer charity
Alison will be one of the models at the charity show in London
WEDMORE’S Alison Slade will be one of the models taking part in a high-profile London fashion gala in aid of Breast Cancer Care. All 31 models – men and women – who are taking part will be on the catwalk for the first time following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Alison, 52, was diagnosed aged 45. She said: “I love being outdoors and keeping fit. We have three dogs, sheep, chickens and pigs within our three-acre orchard. “I have a wonderfully supportive family, hubby Barry and now grown-up sons, Toby and Jacob. I live life to the full and can't wait to be a model at The Show.”] The show takes place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel in London for a second time on Thursday, September 28th. Last year’s show raised more than £403,000 for Breast Cancer Care. To support Alison and for tickets and information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Wings appeal wins support in Wells THE MID-SOMERSET branch of the Royal Air Force Association has been presented with a donation by the Waitrose store in Wells for the charity’s Wings Appeal to support former and current personnel and their families. Whilst the focus of the appeal is around the anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September, RAFA encourages people to fundraise all year round. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the aerial battle.
Waitrose store manager Chris Prest hands over a cheque to John Hawkins, vice chairman and Wings Appeal co-ordinator of the Mid-Somerset branch of RAFA
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Charity in the frame
WORLD Snooker chairman Barry Hearn is the latest patron for South West-based charity Jessie May, the hospice at home charity which cares for terminally ill children in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, He will help raise awareness for the charity as well as vital funds. He will also support various charity events with the first being An Evening with Steve Davis and Barry Hearn on Thursday October 19th. Taking place at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, the event will be hosted by Mark Regan with a Q&A session with Steve Davis and Barry Hearn. Julian Withers, head of fundraising at Jessie May, said: “We are delighted to welcome Barry on board as a Jessie May patron. Barry has been instrumental in driving our partnership with World Snooker which has been massively beneficial for us in the past year, both in terms of awareness and funds.” Jessie May is currently caring for 125 terminally ill children in the South West and a further 47 bereaved families. The service costs £1.4million a year to run.
Great Wells Bake-off
ARE you up for the challenge? You can share your baking skills and raise money for charity at the same time at the Wells BakeOff, for MacMillan Cancer Support. It will take place on Saturday, October 28th, 2pm-4pm at Wells Town Hall. Attendees are asked to donate £5 to enter where you’ll be given your own judging form. You’ll be given five tokens to use to taste the cakes. Once you’ve tried your cakes and looked around, it’s time to vote. Bakers of all ages and abilities are invited to join in and it's absolutely free for bakers to enter. They just ask you to register beforehand by filling out a form on their website. Entries close on October 21st. Details: www.wellsbakeoff.co.uk
Charity barbecue
Details: www.jessiemay.org.uk/eveningwith/
Race night aids hospice
FROME Friends of Dorothy House are holding a Race Night on Saturday October 28th at Frome Football Club. There will be six races, each with eight horses. At the start of each race the horses will be auctioned to the highest bidder or syndicate, with a chance to win money back on a placed horse. There will be a cash Tote with pay-outs to the first three horses across the line. Tickets, £7.50 will include a ploughman’s supper. Details: Terry Aldous 01373 464333 or steph.cox@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk
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BARRY and Margaret Chapple raised over £1,000 with a barbecue in their garden at Whitstone Road Shepton Mallet to raise money for Parkinsons UK. As Barry himself is a sufferer, he wants to raise as much money as possible for this charity. He said he would like to say a big thank you to family and friends for their support and to businesses in and around Shepton Mallet for their donations.
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Charities converge on Wells
THE fourth Wells One World Fair, featuring over 30 charities, will be held at Wells Town Hall on Saturday October 7th, 10am4pm. The fair is organised by the Mid-Somerset Oxfam group and guest of honour will be Jo Frith the local paralympic gold Jo Frith medal winner. Each charity will do its own thing. Some will be keen to raise funds by selling Christmas cards and gifts, books, cakes, handcrafts, fairly traded goods, and lots more. Other charities will want to spread the word about their causes and projects. Some will have literature and petitions to offer. This year is Oxfam’s 75th anniversary and there will be a wishing tree for people to add birthday wishes. The musical interludes have become a popular feature of the fair and there will be ukuleles, a dulcima and a choir, as well as lunches and teas. Entry to the fair will be by voluntary donation, but the organisers’ primary intention is to attract as many people as possible to come along to visit their favourite charities and to get to know some new ones. The first One World Fair took place in 2014 and was, to some extent, a trial run. Now the event is established as a regular feature in the city’s annual calendar. Details: David Green 01749 673356 email db.green@tiscali.co.uk or Celia Lacey 01458 445921 email celialacey48@hotmail.com
Fish on the menu
THE lifeboat charity, the RNLI, has come up with an appropriate way to raise money – by holding a fish supper. The Winscombe and District branch has accepted the challenge by organising a gourmet fish supper at the Queen Victoria in Priddy on October 12th, with three courses for £20. The national fish supper initiative runs from October 13th to 15th and the charity says if you would like to organise your own fish supper and offer donations to the RNLI there is still time. RNLI supporters in Butcombe will be holding a fish supper in the village hall on Friday October 20th, at 7pm, offering fish pie or vegetarian lasagne for £20, drink included, or £10 for U18s. Details: Priddy – Tina 01934 842304 or email: meejlfh@gmail.com Butcombe – Georgina and Christopher Lewis 01761 462269 or email Georgina.jefferies7@gmail.com
Charity jump thanks hospital
CHARITIES
Graham Perry is pictured presenting the cheque to Amber Janney from The Grand Appeal
Radstock Co-op’s trainee manager, Graham Perry, raised nearly £2,000 for the Bristol Children’s Hospital Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal by jumping from a plane and free falling 20,000 ft. The Co-op donated a further £400 from funds raised from a charity raffle held at its annual awards ceremony. Graham’s wife, Katie, gave birth to twin daughters, Ezri and Maya earlier in the year. During the pregnancy, they received the devastating news that Maya had an abnormality with her heart and would require a series of major operations, the first one within days of the birth. Maya has undergone two of the operations and has another one scheduled for a few weeks’ time. Thanks to the skill, support and expertise of the staff at the Bristol Children’s Hospital, Maya has recovered well from her operations.
Kingfisher’s coffee morning for charity
KINGFISHER is holding a coffee morning at their East Brent Showroom on Saturday November 4th, in aid of Macmillan Nurses and Children’s Hospice South West. Angie Hicks, managing director of the windows, doors and conservatories specialist, said: “We are looking to raise money for two charities close to our hearts, both of which deserve all the support we can give them.” The coffee morning will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and there’ll be something for everyone – coffee, tea and soft drinks, a range of mouth-watering cakes, a draw for some really great prizes and the kids can win prizes too in the Kingfisher Colouring Competition. There’s a Lucky Dip and you’ll be able to pick up a bargain or two at any of the stalls that are already planning to make your visit an exciting experience. Kingfisher’s showroom is at Mill Batch Farm at East Brent, on the A38 just south of Rook’s Bridge, on the left as you cross over the motorway bridge.
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Mark’s achievement
AMPUTEE Mark Jenkins has completed the cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Readers may recall from July’s Mendip Times that Mark, from Wrington, joined a small group of family and friends riding in memory of Gerry Hicks of Redhill who sadly died of pancreatic cancer in July 2016. The group of five riders set off from Land’s End in the early afternoon of July 25th and the team and support crew settled into a routine as the weather cooled although the showers were an added problem for Mark trying to keep the wet out of his prosthetic leg joints. The climb up Shap Fell in the Lake District and the very steep climb away from the shores of Loch Ness out of Drumnadrochit was a particular challenge for Mark who said: “Walking up hills is not really an option for me so I have to select a gear and put the extra effort in to keep the pedals spinning around and keep momentum.” Mark lost his leg after a rugby accident in 1996. They reached John O’ Groats after 12 days having cycled 964 miles raising awareness and money for the charity. Gerry’s daughter, Carina, who cycled with the team said: “Generous donations were often given at our roadside breaks and overnight stays.” Details: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RideforGerry
Get ready for Christmas THE Mendip Christmas Fair is an annual event not to be missed. Why go anywhere else when you can do all your Christmas shopping under one roof in the wonderful setting of Aldwick Court Farm? Meet your friends and enjoy a light lunch or a delicious home-made cake. And all the profits raised are shared equally between the Guild of Friends of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the Children’s Hospice South West. This year nearly half the stalls are new
Siobhan says thank you
Siobhan with her family (l to r) Lester, Cameron, Siobhan and Lisa Coles and her friend Grace Mabbs-Godfrey.
SIOBHAN Coles, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, says her life has changed thanks to huge support from family and friends who raised the money for a special ventilating vest. Siobahn was very ill just after Christmas and things were touch and go for a while, but she rallied and the hospital advised that she would benefit from having the special vest to help her breathing. This could not be provided by the NHS so her friends started a fund to raise the £6,000 needed to buy one. Supporters included Chelwood Bridge Inner Wheel Club. Siobhan said: “The airway clearance vest is brilliant and has really helped to improve my lung capacity. After suffering critically from a flu virus along with my condition my lung capacity only managed to get back to 49% but with the vest's help I reached 55%. “And for someone with CF that's a fantastic achievement, considering I was barely able to breathe and stand up just over four months ago. “Most importantly the vest has given me more independence to carry out my physio treatment by myself, which is really encouraging for an aspiring young adult.” Siobhan held a thank you celebration at her local pub The Druids in Stanton Drew.
to the fair, or returning after a break by popular demand, offering an even wider range of gifts. So there should be something to suit all tastes and pockets. For the first time, they even have a stall selling gifts for the special dog in your life! Aldwick Court Farm is signed just south of the A38, between Redhill and Wrington. There is ample free parking and access for all, with free entry for children under 16.
Details: www.mendipchristmasfair.org or on Facebook
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Phineas doesn’t have the foggiest . . .
CHARITIES
Have a ball with the RNLI
Time for a rest: Christopher and Phineas back home in Wells
LITTLE does he know it as he lounges on his bed, but Phineas the Schnauzer played a significant role in helping owner Christopher Bond complete a charity challenge. The much-loved pet accompanied Christopher, 74, every step of the way as he ran 25 kilometres of the Thames Path in London in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Christopher and Phineas joined 3,000 other walkers and runners on the annual Thames Path Challenge. Christopher, of Wells, is a keen runner – he has been one of the organisers of the Glastonbury Festival Run – but the challenge pushed him to the limits. He said: “It was five kilometres further than I have ever run, but Phineas and myself worked together and he really helped me through it. I am very grateful to him.” ● Christopher has so far raised around £1,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society. To support him, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Christopher-Bond3
Dementia charity is the winner at dinner
(l:r) Kate and James Heappey – charity patron – with Heads Up trustees’ chair Wendy Attridge, manager Bridget Harvey and fundraisers Philip Welch and Merv Colenutt.
A GALA dinner in Wells has raised more than £3,000 for the city’s dementia care organisation Heads Up. Held the Swan Hotel, the event – including an auction – was attended by 100 guests.
A scene from last year’s RNLI ball
A FEW places are still available for the second Burnham-onSea RNLI ball on Saturday, October 14th. The black-tie ball will take place at The Batch Country Hotel in Lympsham and follows the success of the first event last year. Event organiser Lesley Hart said: “This event is back by popular demand following the success of last year’s event. We are looking forwards to a fantastic evening!” Tickets (£35 each) are available by email to rnlievents@outlook.com or find details on Facebook.
Precious time at Lego Day
One of the impressive display at the Lego event
A LEGO building event has raised more than £2,700 for the Coleford-based Time is Precious charity. Time for Bricks saw 1,000 visitors to the 45-plus tables of displays at the Centurion Hotel in Westfield. Exhibitors came from all over the country displaying cities trains, Star Wars and even an Olympic stadium. There were also interactive events for children.
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(Photo courtesy of Mike Lang)
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Lawn Mower Racing Festival
Competition is intense as the dust rises
EVENTS
Winscombe Michaelmas Fair
Baguette eating and cider competition
Sunshine over the three days brought out the crowds
The Viking invaders – re-enactment group
(Photography courtesy of Scott Henderson)
Weston Brass Band
Local band Le Boolaheads! entertained the Sunday afternoon crowd PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Ashleigh, Amelia, Poppy and Sienna
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History made at “Poldark” church A MENDIP church which appeared in the latest series of the hit BBC drama Poldark has hosted its first wedding in more than 100 years. Holcombe Old Church was replaced in 1885 by the newlyconsecrated St Andrew’s in the village and, as a result, the Ecclesiastical Commission ruled that marriages were no longer allowed to be celebrated there. The Reverend Clarissa Cridland, associate priest of Holcombe and Coleford, who performed the first ceremony since the decision, said: “In the last few years it has been felt locally that there would be great pastoral advantages to celebrating marriages there again, as well as benefitting the Churches Conservation Trust who have the care of the church.” A licence was granted by the Diocese of Bath and Wells in August 2016 and the first marriage – between Hannah Fry and Sam James – took place on August 19th this year. Although neither Hannah nor Sam live in the parish, they had a qualifying connection since Hannah’s grandfather, Gordon Fry, was churchwarden for many years. It was Gordon who, in August 1987, handed over the care of Holcombe Old Church to the Redundant Churches Society (now the Churches Conservation Trust).
NEWS
Hannah and Sam at Holcombe Old Church
Rev. Cridland added: “The day itself was lovely, although there had been thunder and heavy rain during the previous 24 hours. The church holds between 70 and 80 people comfortably seated and was very nearly full. “There is no electricity in the church and so it was beautifully candlelit, with hymns and music being played by a guitarist on the balcony. The bride and groom looked radiant and everything went really well.” ● Filming of scenes at the church for series four of Poldark is due to begin shortly. It is possible to get married in Holcombe Old Church even if you do not live in the parish or have a qualifying connection.
The page from the London Gazette of Tuesday, September 29th 1885 in which the announcement that St Andrew’s was to be substituted for the old church was made
For further details contact Clarissa at: clarissacridland@hotmail.co.uk or visit: www.holcombechurch.co.uk
Golden cockerel
THIS is the closest most people will ever get to a weathercock – this one usually resides above the church in East Brent. Steeplejack Dave Dawson (pictured) is head of Dawson Steeplejacks, which has been in business for 180 years. They fitted the bird in 1933 and previously attended to it in 1962 and 1982. Dave said: “Spinning around all these years they require the spindles cleaning and greasing. At the same time we are re-gilding it in best English gold leaf.” He’s carrying out the work at their workshop in Huish. He’s now retired from climbing but is ready to repair damaged cockerels and vanes.
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(Photos courtesy of David Hirst)
History is made when Clarissa conducted the first wedding in more than 100 years
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College offers wide choice
EDUCATION
FROME College Sixth Form Open Evening begins at 5.30pm on Wednesday, November 1st, with a presentation by the principal and senior leadership team in their campus Merlin Theatre. The presentation will be repeated at 6.15pm and guides will provide tours of the college where there will be displays of work, subject information leaflets, and refreshments. Their committed team of staff will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the largest range of courses on offer in the area. In the last two years, seven students have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge which highlights the high quality of support and guidance given to students, ensuring they can access a wide range of opportunities once they finish their studies. Frome College prides itself on the careers guidance and participation opportunities on offer to students alongside academic subjects, providing a broad and balanced curriculum to equip students with essential life skills for their next steps. They are supporting more students to successfully apply for apprenticeships and going on to complete degree level apprenticeships free from the costs of student loans. Apprenticeships are set to grow significantly in numbers over the coming years, and they will be ensuring that their students are firmly placed at the front of the queue. The college has a comprehensive Sixth Form which can cater for students of all abilities, having the widest range of A Level and vocational courses in the area.
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Terry’s record of Timsbury’s history
HISTORY
Words and pictures by Ros Anstey
TIMSBURY man, Terry Fisher, has written a book about the history of the village and is giving all proceeds to the Royal United Hospital's Forever Friends Appeal Cancer Care Campaign. The book subtitled “Just a moment in time and memories past”, tells of the village from 1922 until 2016. Terry said: “I bought a computer not long before my mother died, mainly for our grandsons who were aged ten and 13 at the time. However, after mother died I thought I would try typing all of the memories that she told me over time and of when she was young. “As things went on, I decided that living and working in Timsbury all my life, I would continue with my own memories of growing up during the war years and how things have changed over the years, especially as people's lives are so different today.” The book contains almost 100 years of memories, with scores of photographs. Terry’s mother died in 2003 at the age of 93, so her photos record life in the 1920s. He was born in 1933 so he’s been able to recollect the war years to the present day. It includes characters he’s known, the pubs within walking distance of Timsbury that have closed during this time, and “more than a few other interesting episodes in my life”. He said: “I started to type things that my mother told me of her early days as a child and in the early 1920s. This led on to the days of my birth with photos that I had mislaid and found again. It's amazing how clear one can remember people's faces and events even before school age. Once I had started I found there were so many changes in my lifetime I had to just carry on.” He’s had advice from a friend, William Bertram, himself the author of a book An Architect’s Tales, in 2009, and from Sanjeev Pun, who ran the village post office for 11 years. Terry said: “Sanjeev then pushed me into publishing it. He was the first person to see what I had written when he was the post master, all in its rough state as I remembered things, with no paragraphs, and with grammar unchecked. “He encouraged me to get it up together and he would have a copy. Since then he's seen the proof copy and said he would have a pile to display in his new shop.” Mr Pun said: “Terry's book started off as thoughts initially and a chat when my current shop was the Post office in Timsbury prior to the post office being reallocated. “Terry then produced a draft version, with annotations and asked me if I could read through the material which I did with great pleasure. My acquaintance with Terry Fisher now stretches for 11 years and we have shared many thoughts and jokes over the years. “The book is fantastic
Terry Fisher giving a copy of his book to Mavis Bush, outside the Seven Stars pub in Timsbury, in the spot where Mavis had posed aged eight with her late brother Dennis back in 1935. Mavis is now 88.
Terry Fisher with Sanjeev Pun
and captures many essences of village life but also the importance of documenting history. I have always had a passion supporting independent flair for our village albeit in supporting charities or individuals and hence it was a pleasure for me to sell his book.” The book is priced at £7 with all the proceeds to the Forever Friends Cancer Care Campaign and is available from Mr Pun’s new shop Health and More and from Connie’s Tea Rooms.
Details: Terry Fisher 01761 470573
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WILDLIFE
Winter flocks and late pollinators
BIRDS that gather in winter roosts have been starting to form since the end of the breeding season and, no doubt, many of you will take a trip to the Somerset Levels at some stage during the winter to witness the amazing starling murmuration, where literally thousands can be witnessed sky dancing By CHRIS together before going to roost in one of the SPERRING reed beds. MBE Other birds can be interesting to observe carrying out this same behaviour, for example members of the crow family will form into large winter roosts, which at first can be fragmented but during colder spells will form into sometimes spectacularly large flocks reminiscent of a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. Close to where I live, rooks and jackdaws have been gathering and building up their numbers since July, but now, in October, carrion crows and magpies will join in as well. Just the other evening I witnessed over 200 rooks and jackdaws heading over my house like a storm cloud at dusk towards a local woodland. Smaller birds Jackdaw in flight such as longtailed tits will form extended family groups as they forage through woodland and gardens alike. As dusk forms, the group stays close together looking for a sheltered bush to all line up in and by pressing themselves together they keep each other warm. This behaviour can be essential for survival in such tiny birds as, in the depth of winter, they will not only have to endure freezing conditions, but also up to 14 hours of darkness in which they cannot feed to replace their energy. And don’t worry about the birds on either end of the line because the group swap places throughout the night to ensure everyone gets a turn on the end! It’s not just birds to look out for in October, there are still insects about too. At this time of year one of the best plants to see insects buzzing around is the late-flowering ivy. Although ivy starts flowering during September some will still be available during October. Sadly, most of the pollinators gathering nectar from the ivy are in the last flows of their lives, but it’s still possible to observe many bee and asp species, and maybe even a hornet or two.
An ivy bee
There is one species of bee which times its emergence specifically to take advantage of the ivy flower. It is appropriately called the ivy bee. This bee was only confirmed as a species in the mid 1990s and was discovered on the slopes of the Alps. Ivy bees are in the family of mining bees and have a short life cycle, and do not form colonies like honey bees do. As adults they construct a hole in soft/sandy soil in which they lay their egg. When the larva hatches it feeds on nectar stored by its parents until it’s ready to emerge. Ivy bees were first recorded in the UK in 2001, so are still considered a new species here. During October try searching for them as you walk past a flowering ivy outcrop. They look similar to the honeybee in appearance, but have a wasp-like abdomen. This is a picture I took on my iPhone of an ivy bee, which has been used to confirm the species’ presence in this area. If you do get lucky please report your findings to www.bwars.com – The Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society. A long-tailed tit
● I will be leading two public owl prowls this month. Please contact me for more information and booking. Also, there are still a few places left on the Griffon Vulture wildlife break in November to Provence in the South of France. For more information and booking go to https://www.facebook.com/intothewildholidays/
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com
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A walk down memory lane
THIS is a memorable circle around Tickenham in North Somerset, taking in a trout farm, sculpture trail, Cadbury Camp Lane, farmland and a nature reserve with a clapper bridge and waterfall. It was devised together with Les Davies, West Countryman and Mendip Times writer, who was brought up on Hales Farm in the area. This was a nostalgic walk for him and he is happy to share some of his memories with us all. It is a way of realising that the countryside we walk through is an evolving and living working landscape. There is a fairly significant uphill stretch at the start from Jackland Fishing Lakes up through a wooded sculpture trail, to prestigious Cadbury Camp Lane, but it is quite well graded with only a few steep short sections. The first half of the walk is mainly in woodland and then it is down through fields and on the moor. There is an option to shorten the walk considerably omitting the Land Yeo, the moor and Tickenham Church. Les’s recollections are in green type. PARK: At Jacklands Fishing Lakes, just outside Nailsea on the road to Clevedon. Accessed by a drive on the right on the bend before the hill. The fishing lakes have kindly given permission for MT readers to park there (see note below), but park sensibly to leave room for others, and do visit the simple cafe and shop where the friendly owners serve a range of produce and tasty home-made snacks.
PLEASE NOTE: the farm is closed Mondays so parking and the shop and cafe
With Sue Gearing PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
will be closed. You can still do the walk but instead park near the fire and police stations in Pound Lane on the edge of Nailsea (which is en-route) and follow directions from 11. FIRE STATION.
START: Originally set up 20 years ago, the lakes are well stocked with trout, roach, perch, rudd, bream and carp. Owners, Andy and Caroline, are also committed to preserving and increasing the wildlife. It is a pleasant spot to relax over a tea and snack and enjoy the surroundings. The shop has a free map of the sculpture trail. This was set up in memory of a young man called Ty who lived in and loved the woods here and died aged 21. The stone sculptures were made by his father. They are quite small, so keep your eyes open! Half-way along the drive to the lakes follow the sign to the Sculpture Trail.
1. SCULPTURE TRAIL Come up to a drive, cross and go over a stone stile opposite and climb steeply. Stay on the main track as it bends right. This a path that I used to walk from home to Nailsea. I went this way to catch the first bus to Bristol and then a coach to Radstock College on day-release from Long Ashton Research Station. Dark wet and cold on a winter’s morning at 6am!
Reach a junction of tracks and fork right in the woods (ignoring the Sculpture Trail direction). Follow the fence line and go straight on at a crossroads of paths. Eventually come to an old lime kiln on your left. Ignore steps up left, and stay on the main track coming nearer to the sculptures, some of which you may miss (I couldn’t find the snake sculpture on the path but missed it second time around!). Pass a dormouse sculpture. Carry on, pass a rabbit sculpture left. Soon fork up left. Pass a mouse sculpture and a fox sculpture
and reach a crossroads of tracks with a small badger sculpture on the right. Head straight on climbing again, passing a deer sculpture and winding up to reach a crossing track at the top. Here, by the three steps which take you out of the sculpture trail is a small sculptured robin in the middle of the path.
On our right along the crossing track I remember a small sweet shop which Mrs Knight used to run from her house where I used to buy Bazooka gum!
Go straight over the crossing track, climbing steeply on a small path. Reach Towerhouse Lane. 2. TOWERHOUSE LANE
Towerhouse Lane is where my mother and brothers Geoff and Dennis used to ride a “soap box” down the hill to take the paper waste to a collection point.
Turn up left and come to the busy Clevedon road. Cross onto a footpath opposite and climb. The first house you pass on the left was the home of Wurzel, Adge Cutler. Go on through Moggs Wood.
It was in the wood that I used to run freely as a child. I buried a time capsule in a tin there over 55 years ago.
Cross two stiles and keep on. Come alongside a field, pass a pylon and continue to Cadbury Camp Lane.
3. CADBURY CAMP LANE Turn left for nearly half a mile. Pass a very large new house with a new stone wall on the right, and at the side of Deerwood turn left on the fenced path which drops quite steeply. When the wooden fence ends, keep straight on down along the green wire fence to a crossing sunken bridleway – and old packhorse trail from Tickenham to Bristol. 4. BRIDLEWAY Turn right. After about five minutes reach a stile on the left and have a great view
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across fields.
WALKING
These made up the 250 acres of Hales Farm. I can still make out most of the field boundaries and recall their names; 14 acres, lower 7 acres, Green Lease and Lucern, to name a few. I had a connection with this land for 30 years and it still calls me back now.
5. FIELDS Here cross the stile into the field known as Left Hand Steep Ground. Head down and across to near the end of the wood on the other side.
Below is the wood I always know as The Little Wood, in my day full of bluebells, primroses and wild garlic, but sadly no more. I helped haul hay bales out of this field as a young man up until 1982.
Then bear down the full length of the field. Cross a stile and continue on. Go through a gate on the left by a pylon. Go up across two fields and a large gate. Take the stile to the right of the gate and reach the road in Stone Edge Batch. 6. STONE-EDGE-BATCH Turn right on the pavement and cross before you reach the main road for safety sake. Then cross the main road with great care to the bus stop.
This was where I used to wait for the bus to school in the village and, if raining, shelter in the old waggon house in the yard.
Go right along the main road for a few yards to turn left on the public footpath between cottages. Go straight on through three gates and down towards a yellow/black marker and cross a white stile. Here, to visit the moor and Tickenham Church we do a loop. If you want to omit this – for the SHORT ROUTE – turn left and follow directions from ’9. WILLOWS’. For the FULL ROUTE, go right to reach the Land Yeo river, built in the 13th century by monks to provide water to nearby Tickenham Mill. Cross the stone hump bridge and turn right along the raised bank towards Tickenham Church. Continue all the way to a lane. Go left to the church. 7. CHURCH This has an unusual dedication to St. Quiricus & St Julietta.
This is a very important little church to me. We used to come here from Tickenham School for Christmas, Easter and Ascension Day services. My family are buried here below the North Wall – all Taveners. Around on the west side lies the grave of the MacEwen-Smith family, who owned Hales Farm. I grew up knowing them all.
OS Explorer 154, Bristol West & Portishead grid ref: 480 729. Postcode BS21 6SG 5 miles, about 3.5 hours walking, or 3.7 miles, about 2.30 hours walking.
Behind the church is Tickenham Court, a medieval hall, now a farm. For safety sake go back out the main gate and turn right on the lane. Going out the side gate gives you precious little visibility when getting onto the lane. Soon cross Monkey Bridge with a sign about an accident there to a travelling menagerie.
This is where the German Invasion during WW2 – had it taken place – would have been held at bay by my grandfather, Charlie Tavener and his Lewis machine gun! He was a member of the Home Guard.
Follow the Causeway road across the moor, a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to rare invertebrates and plants.
8. CAUSEWAY BRIDGE Arrive at Causeway Bridge. On the other side, cross the road to go through a Bristol Gate onto the moor. Bear down the field to a stile by a gate in the far corner, alongside the Parish Brook. Our route is straight on to the left of farm buildings, (so, go left and then right avoiding the slurry). Pass the farm buildings and go through a gate ahead. Continue by the brook, and on through another gate. Soon bear left between two pylons to a footbridge on the other side. Cross and continue across the field up to the Land Yeo where you were earlier. Re-cross the hump bridge and bear up right to the willows. 9. WILLOWS Follow the line of willows and continue
across the field. Cross a stile and immediately turn down right, to go over a footbridge.
10. MOOREND SPOUT Go ahead down a small path which takes you to a long boardwalk into Moorend Spout Nature Reserve owned and managed by NEWT (Nailsea Environment and Wildlife Trust). Reach a footbridge over the spout or waterfall.
The stone clapper bridge by the new footbridge is where nearly 55 years ago I sat down and dried my socks off on a bush after paddling in the steam and salvaging nuts and bolts discarded from pylon construction.
Continue straight ahead and at the end turn left through a gate and follow a track to reach Pound Lane. Cross and go left.
11. FIRE STATION Pass the fire and police stations and reach the main road. Turn left along the pavement. This peters out at Jacklands Farms. Hug the edge with care and at the bend, cross to a metal hunting gate tucked in the corner. Follow the river through rough ground and then along the field edge to cross left over a footbridge. 13. FISHING LAKES Come between lakes to the start.
Jacklands Fishing Lakes, open 8 – 4.30pm. Closed Mondays. MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 67
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OUTDOORS
A Westcountryman’s diary AUTUMN seems to be arriving early this year, but where oh where is the Indian summer that has been talked about? My memory seems to be With LES very short but I can DAVIES MBE recall some fine days when the sun shone. I like autumn – I think that nature is very kind to us by allowing such a season. It’s that transition from summer into winter that gradually gets us used to shortening days and colder weather. If we get a good autumn the sunny days seem even more precious than those of summer, perhaps that's because I know they will be few and far between. I had my annual week away in Pembrokeshire again and it’s interesting to see how the agricultural scene is changing there. No more early potatoes – they are now concentrating on second early and main crop. This must be the first year that I have not brought potatoes back, the farm that I always pick up a bag from had none ready this time. I have brought them back as a gift before now, but somehow that wasn't received in the same way as a box of fudge or chocolate! Great weather when I was there, for a change, and the coastal walking was as wonderful as ever. Puts me very much in mind of north Cornwall but without the number of people. Life was simple – I did nothing but read, walk and stand and stare, all things that I have become very good at doing. Bracken is still being moved off Burrington Ham and Black Down for conversion into heat logs. The amount of ground being covered is amazing and it makes such a difference to the look and the access on to the common. Cattle have returned to Burrington Ham as part of a new conservation scheme that has been entered into by the conservators. They are the governing body on the common, there by an Act of Parliament, the 1911 Burrington Commons Act. Their job is regulating the use of the common, which amongst many other things includes grazing and bracken cutting. The cattle will play a crucial role in keeping the re-opened areas of Ham open for everyone to enjoy and it is essential that they remain safe and on-site. Those
regular visitors will no doubt have noticed the water trough that has been installed this year. This trough means the animals have access to clean water and will no longer rely on the old dew pond, which is just as well because on my last visit there it was full of wood thrown in by people for some unknown reason. This water trough will help keep the cattle close by. Mineral licks have also been put out and you will see these hanging from the trees like Christmas decorations – did you know it’s only just over three months to Christmas! These animals are the very versatile Red Devon breed, also known as Ruby Reds and as you can see they weigh in rather well. I spent some time with them recently, just standing by and letting them get used to me being around. It’s said that this breed could well have connections with the Phoenecians from several thousand years back. They were the ones who used to trade with the ancient Britons before the arrival of the Romans around AD 43. As big as these animals are they can still be frighted by dogs and as you can imagine when one of these animals gets worried they may become defensive. Normally they pose no threat, they are placid creatures and don’t have calves with them. Neither are there any bulls – what you will see are steers, males that have been castrated. There are no breeding animals on the common and that includes the goats who graze the sides of the coombe, together with the ponies who prefer to spend their time on Black Down and as far away from people as they can get. Care however should be taken with dogs around livestock and “on a lead” is by far the best way of maintaining control of the
possible confrontation between canine and bovine. I mentioned the walk that I took a group from the Mendip Society on in last month’s edition. A “bimble” around what used to be Hales Farm in Tickenham, the area in which I grew up. Well I am delighted that fellow Mendip Times contributor Sue Gearing has chosen to put the walk in this month’s edition. It has been altered a little to include some more interest and is accompanied by a few of my very personal memories about this part of Somerset that fills such a very special part in my life. It’s a littleknown area, so lovely and I really hope that you enjoy it. There is so much going on and so much to do. My slope mowing is way behind because of the bad weather. I don't want to be operating a machine on any slippery slope no matter how much protection I have around me. I’m now also the proud owner of just under 2.5 acres of woodland, which is a nice mix of open space and hard woods. There is a very nice patch of bluebells, violets, orchids and so much more that I managed to see this year. Having gone almost one year round I have a better idea which bit needs my attention first. That's been the bracken covering the open area where the largest patch of bluebells are. I hope they will be more visible next spring after two sessions to clear the heavy bracken cover. I will to be able to bring you more from Fox Wood as the next year unfolds – still lots to find out and to see there. Finally from me this month is the picture that tells a thousand words – he’s big and beefy but oh so vulnerable! He’s one of the Red Devon steers on Burrington Ham.
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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Autumnal pleasure
SUMMER has come and gone, but my favourite season is yet to come – autumn. The magic way that plants and animals adapt and change ready for the winter ahead has always fascinated me and by including a good selection of plants that exhibit good autumnal tints you can postpone the With MARY inevitable onset of winter. PAYNE MBE So how do plants know when summer is at an end? The sun still shines, the rain still falls, but plants are more sensitive than we think. They respond to changes in day length and lower night temperatures are the main triggers. These factors cause a reduction in the levels of hormones in the plant and this causes deciduous plants to create a layer of corky cells where the leaf stalk joins the twig. This traps sugars made in the leaf from moving to other parts of the plant. The sugars can then be converted into the red pigments that we see in some plants, such as the Japanese acers. In other plants, the green pigment in the leaves starts to break down revealing other yellow and orange pigments that were masked by the stronger green pigment of chlorophyll. Sadly, all plants do not colour well every year, so why is this? The main reason is the weather. For excellent colour, we need bright sunny days followed by cool, clear nights. Not all plants will colour, even if the weather conditions are just right. You may have noticed that the younger leaves at the tip of the shoots colour less well compared to the older leaves. Also, genetics are involved; for example if Liquidambar (a classic well-coloured tree) are grown from seed some of the resulting plants will colour well and some poorly. The horticultural industry has therefore taken this on board and selected good clones of Liquidambar, and propagated them vegetatively, giving them variety names such as ‘Worplesdon’ and ‘Lane Roberts’. The acidity, or alkalinity of the soil does not appear to be involved, but it is true to say that many acid-loving plants do colour well. Deciduous azaleas and blueberries are two common examples. So what plants should you be growing in your garden for reliable autumnal tints? As far as trees are concerned, Japanese maples are an obvious choice, but must be grown in a sheltered spot ideally under the canopy of high deciduous trees. Many of the cherries also colour well, with the added bonus of spring flowers. Prunus ‘Pandora’ is ideal for smaller gardens. Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ offers even more seasonal colour, with early summer flower, persistent red cherry sized fruits and good autumnal tints. The ideal hawthorn tree if you don’t mind a few large thorns. Sorbus commixta Olympic Flame boasts early summer flowers, abundant clusters of red fruits, and shiny leaves that turn to vivid orange-red. Coming down in size, the shrubs also include some classic plants for autumn. Snowy mespilus (Amelanchier canadensis) is a winner with white spring flowers, red edible fruits (although the birds will not give you the chance to try them) as well as good foliage. The tiny leaves of the herring bone cotoneaster (C. horizontalis) often turn to such fiery red colour that they obscure the abundance of red berries. This is an excellent plant for a north facing wall. Perhaps the most surprising colour PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Acer p. 'Westonbirt Red'
comes on the winged spindle (Euonymus alatus) from China which turns to shocking pink in the autumn, and is a real eyecatcher. For smaller gardens, there is a shorter form called E. alatus ‘Compactus’. We do not normally associate good foliage colour with hydrangeas but there are two groups well worth growing. The oak leaved hydrangea (H. quercifolia) is ideal for a lightly shaded spot, and sports bold panicles of white flowers in late summer. Hydrangea serrata heralds from Japan and Korea. These are much more delicate looking shrubs than the bold large leaved mophead and lacecaps types which rarely colour well. There are a host of different varieties, all of which offer good autumn foliage, and are better suited to the smaller garden. I grow ‘Tiara’ and ‘Bluebird’ both of which are readily available. A shrubby cherry that is even suitable for pot culture is P. incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’. Palest pink flowers in spring are followed by good autumn foliage, and even the twigs are interesting in winter. The stag’s horn sumachs (Rhus typhina) are well known for their foliage colour, but are rather prone to suckering, and making a takeover bid for your entire garden. R. typhina Tiger Eyes is a much better behaved. The spring foliage opens a chartreuse green which develops to golden yellow for the summer, followed by fiery autumnal tints. My final selection of shrubs must include Viburnum plicatum ‘Mariesii’, the perfect plant for large banks, where its layered branches show off the plates of white flower in the early summer, and the foliage colours well. Team it up with a late flowering white clematis such as C. ‘Undine’ allowed to scramble through it. Herbaceous perennials rarely colour well, but a couple of less familiar ones are worth mentioning. Aruncus ‘Horatio’ is a hybrid with the better known rather coarse goat’s beard. ‘Horatio’ is far superior with white flowers in summer over neat divided ferny foliage. The flower stems turn red and the foliage to shades of yellow and orange so do not be tempted to deadhead this plant after flowering. Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) has fine, needle-like foliage which turns to butter yellow in the autumn and is a great accompaniment for the prairie switch grasses (Panicum virgatum) which also colour well. Let us hope that the weather this month gives the plants in our gardens and the landscape beyond the chance to give of their best this autumn so we can enjoy the colours which almost change before our eyes.
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GARDENING
OCTOBER GARDEN TIPS
Plant wallflowers out to provide a great display and fantastic scent in spring. Plant winter flowering pansies out now but look for those that are already in flower or have buds showing. Plant any sort of tree, shrub, climber, perennial, conifer, rockery plant and heather this month, as long as they are hardy. This is the very best month for planting! Plant spring flowering bulbs as soon as you can. Tulips can be left until next month but the sooner you get the others planted, the better will be the show in spring. Plant all forms of fruit trees, bushes and canes this month; this is the best time for planting. Sow sweet peas for the best and earliest blooms next year! Sow them in extra deep pots or better still Root Trainers. Lift dahlia roots and store them in a frost free place for winter. Clean shade material off greenhouses now. Wash the glass to get the maximum light into your plants. Pull up runner bean plants and put them on the compost heap. Store the poles in a dry place for next year. Sow Mustard & Cress for a nutritious salad or garnish. Wrap tender plants with a tent made of a tripod of bamboo canes and a covering of horticultural fleece. Erect a net over your pond to prevent falling leaves from trees and shrubs getting into the water and increasing the nutrient levels when they breakdown. Remove dead leaves from pond plants as they die back. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
Everything for your Autumn Garden!
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G A R D E N S
ALTHOUGH the main gardening opening season is over there are still six gardens open until the end of October by arrangement. To visit, simply phone or email the garden and arrange to visit at a mutually suitable time.
O F
T H E
M O N T H
Honeyhurst Farm Aller Farmhouse
Address: Williton, nr Taunton TA4 4LY. Contact: Mr & Mrs Richard Chandler, 01984 633702, sylvana.chandler@gmail.com Admission: £4, children free.
Address: Honeyhurst Lane, Rodney Stoke, Cheddar BS27 3UJ Contact: Don & Kathy Longhurst, 01749 870322, donlonghurst@btinternet.com www.ciderbarrelcottage.co.uk. Admission: £6, children free.
Little Yarford Farmhouse
Address: Kingston St Mary, Taunton TA2 8AN. Contact: Brian Bradley, 01823 451350, yarford@ic24.net Admission: Admission £4.50, children free.
Broomclose
Address: Porlock, Minehead TA24 8NU. Contact: David & Nicky Ramsay, 01643 862078, davidjamesramsay@gmail.com Admission: By donation.
Henley Mill
Address: Henley Lane, Wookey BA5 1AW. Contact: Peter & Sally Gregson, 01749 676966, millcottageplants@gmail.com www.millcottageplants.co.uk. Admission: £4.50, children free.
Nynehead Court
Address: Nynehead, Wellington TA21 0BN. Contact: Nynehead Care Ltd, 01823 662481, nyneheadcare@aol.com Admission: £6.50, children free.
Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres. Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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Happy 21st birthday
Lucy Newman with her ladybird fairy cakes
A “Bake Off” inspired Show Stopper won by Carol Beaumont
BURTLE Garden Club has celebrated the 21st anniversary of its annual flower show. For the first time in the show’s history, it was held at Edington Village Hall rather than at Burtle Village Hall. Show chairman Michael Richards said: “The afternoon was extremely busy and so well supported and appreciated. Burtle Flower Show was a hugely successful day. “Our gratitude to everyone for their help and support, our judges, auctioneer, exhibitors and visitors, not forgetting Ros for making our visit to Edington Hall such a pleasant and successful one.”
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Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 73
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Time to get planting
Guests at the launch included Matthew and Leta Showering
• TREE SURGERY • GUTTER FASCIAS AND WINDOW CLEANING • CHIMNEY LINERS • SECURITY LIGHTING • ROOF REPAIRS
THE 2018 Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival has been launched with a plea to everyone to get planting! Businesses, schools and community groups were amongst the organisations at the launch at Showering’s Cider House. The festival took place for the first time in February this year and inspired massive support from the community in Shepton Mallet and beyond. The dates for 2018 are Friday, February 16th to Sunday, February 18th; a programme of events is still in the planning stage but festival organisers say now is the time to start planting bulbs to ensure impressive displays.
The festival is being organised by members of the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society who have begun selling bags of bulbs at £1.50 for ten or £2.50 for 20.
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GARDENING
Impressive displays at Bruton Show
MORE than 700 entries were on display at the 93rd show organised by the Bruton and District Horticultural Society. The 93rd show was organised by Janice Halstead, Janet Jones and James Alexander and prizes were given out by Brian Tipping, former president of Bruton & District Horticultural Society. Amongst the winners was Kenneth Thom, who received the President’s Cup for an exhibit of special merit from all sections for his watercolour of Sexey’s Hospital. ● The society meets on a regular basis and members come from a wide area, including Batcombe, Evercreech, Castle Cary and Wincanton, as well as Bruton. New members are welcome. For details, visit www.brutonhorticultural.org.uk
Isla Rawlinson-Plant won several prizes, for her Speckled Sussex and Marran eggs and her vegetable animal and also the John Staite Cup
Sue Bradder won the Society Cup for gaining most points in the flower classes. Her New Century apple blossom geranium was magnificent. Her secret? Sue fed the plant with seaweed, although she forgot to do it regularly
Committee members Jenny Dewsbury (left) and Felicity Smith on the raffle stall. Clare Sydenham (right) won the Leslie Challenge Cup for gaining the most points in the vegetable classes
PERFECT PAVE
Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects. Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres
Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 75
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EVENTS
Bear necessities in Rodney Stoke
MUCH-loved horses and dogs were joined by equally-loved teddy bears and cuddly toys at the annual Rodney Stoke gymkhana. Held each year in aid of Save the Children, the family event featured some serious equestrian competitions – plus classes for novices – alongside the dog show and toy competition.
Hugo, the event mascot, receives some cuddles PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Lucy Cockram, on Jack, on their way to a clear round in the very restricted novice class Dog show judge Ian Martin
Horses and riders show off their walking and trotting skills
Doris – renamed Liz for the day – is a regular sight in fancy dress each year and was brought from Chapmanslade by owner Sue Foster
Olivia, of Cheddar, decided Frank the Labrador – also known as “boy-boy” – needs some protection from the sun
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MOTORING
Enter the dragon
A FIREbreathing “dragon” – the latest weapon to slay potholes – has gone on trial in Somerset, the county of wyverns. The dragon patcher is socalled because it uses flames to dry and heat damaged road surfaces before spraying hot bitumen and stones into the defect. It is claimed to be five times faster than a traditional patching gang and can be controlled by one operator. As well as simply filling potholes, it can also be used to treat sections of road with cracks or minor deterioration to prevent potholes forming in future. Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “Somerset has a long association with dragons and wyverns but I’m pretty confident this is the first time a dragon has been used in the county for road maintenance purposes. “It’s certainly an impressive piece of kit – it moves along the road rapidly and also gives us another option by treating roads to stop potholes forming. We now need to keep a close eye on the repairs and see how they compare with traditional techniques in offering the best solution for Somerset taxpayers.” The dragon patcher was used at a range of different urban and rural sites across Somerset which will now be carefully monitored. If judged a success, it is likely the dragon will return for another, longer trial next year. The number of potholes requiring attention fell from 27,479 in 2010 to 19,717 in 2016. To report potholes, visit the Drive section at www.travelsomerset.co.uk and stay up-to-date on roadworks and traffic conditions by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter.
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Felton flower show
Lily and Alice admiring some of the photos on display Serving teas
One of the winners Viv Etheridge
Society chairman, Mike Cantwell, inviting visitors to guess the region his glass of wine was from PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Brian Sharples (left) and Neal Dent admiring some of the produce on display
Jeremy and Lisa Golding admiring some of the prizewinning baking
The tombola and jewellery stalls were popular
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EVENTS
Hutton has a party
HUTTON’S festival week involved a whole series of events, which raised large sums of money for local charities and organisations. The grand finale was Hutton Proms Night featuring the music of Weston Brass, with singer Laura Porter.
Enjoying proms night
Barbecue time
The sun shone for the Showcase
Admiring some of the blooms in the flower show
Taking a rest
One of more than 60 stalls at the Taste of Somerset show
The marquee was packed MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 79
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No porkies here – Dennis the “pig-oner” of war A couple from Street have uncovered a family link to one of the First World War’s most unusual stories about a “prisoner of war” – a swimming pig called Dennis. Mark Adler reports.
THE chance discovery of two newspaper cuttings from the November 1958 letters pages of the Daily Mirror and a photograph amongst a former Royal Marine’s military records has led to a fascinating tale of a pig which raised £1,785 for the British Red Cross. In March this year, Mendip Times told the story of Len and Lynn Ware, who had spent months trawling through a mass of family artefacts and documents collected by Lynn’s late mother and grandmother at their home in Horningsham. Many of them referred to a First World War hospital at nearby Longleat House. Months later and the couple have continued examining further documents and have come across artefacts from her grandfather Albert Moody’s experiences in the war, including the sinking of the German cruiser Dresden by HMS Glasgow off the Falkland Islands in 1915. Private Moody served on board Glasgow
MENDIP TIMES
Grandmother’s wartim By Mark Adler
ngings of a SORTING through the belo away is loved one who has passed never easy. sometimes traumatic; it is some surprising Occasionally they reveal the person’s and fascinating insights into history. her mother, Lynn Ware, of Street, knew her mother, Ethel Barbara Carpenter – and of family history. Moody – were collectors Len discovered in What Lynn and husband ham, near Barbara’s home in Hornings glimpse into life Frome, was a remarkable g the First as a domestic servant durin World War. uncovered Not only that, the couple ments relating to some extraordinary docu most famous in’s the history of one of Brita House. stately homes: Longleat house between Ethel had worked at the ed as a relief 1916 and 1920 when it serv en; her family hospital for injured servicem generations. had lived on the estate for h book with Ethel kept a small autograp and asked many her when she was at work something of the injured men to write are more than 30 inside. The entries – there atures to jokes – range from simple sign too politically d poems; a few would be as well as correct to repeat today. Staff
Dennis the pig on board HMS Glasgow in a photo taken by Private Albert Moody
from 1910-1916. Dresden sank slowly at first, and then sharply listed to the side. One hour later a tiny body was observed swimming towards Glasgow. A petty officer dived overboard and made a line fast around what turned out to be, a little pig. In spite of its gender, the pig, the only POW of that engagement, was christened Dennis and had the run of the upper deck; she used to run around with the troops as they exercised on deck. Dennis was adopted by the crew of HMS Glasgow, who made her their mascot. Private
e memories
patients contributed. idea why she Lynn said: “We have no or why she had carried the book with her guess she must access to the hospital but and tried to cheer have chatted to the men them up.” ent in Barbara was the oldest resid h in May 2015, Horningsham until her deat asked to plant a aged 87. In 2012 she was to commemorate tree near the Bath Arms lee. Like her the Queen’s Diamond Jubi look after the mother, Barbara used o
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Len and Lynn at home
in Street
Church in beautiful Congregational of Ethel’s dying Horningsham; it was one ld continue the wishes that Barbara shou for the building. family tradition of caring has written Len is a keen historian and cts of Shepton several books about aspe he was taken Mallet, but admitted even ographs and aback by the amount of phot and Ethel had documents that Barbara gathered over the years. off to help Lynn Len said: “I took a week it too us six go through everything and
Moody was even able to photograph Dennis on the deck where the pig remained for a year. Special permission was granted for Dennis to be disembarked when the ship reached home in 1916 and she was renamed Tirpitz, after the head of the German navy, Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, when she was transferred to a Royal Navy training base in Portsmouth Harbour. Unfortunately, the pig had a troublesome side to her nature and it was eventually agreed that she should be sold at auction in aid of the British Red Cross. Len explained: “Records at the Imperial War Museum show that Messrs Knight, Frank and Rutley put her up at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, where Tirpitz was knocked down to William Cavendish-Bentinck, 6th Duke of Portland for £440. In February 1918, she was auctioned again, this time in Ayrshire where she fetched £840 for the Red Cross and the Agricultural Relief Fund of the Allies. Then Tirpitz went up for sale at the Nottingham Patriotic Fair for £505. The total from the three sales was £1,785 around £20,000 in today's money.” Tirpitz died in 1919 and her head was mounted by a firm in Piccadilly. Also in the Imperial War Museum's records is a letter from Welbeck Abbey in which the Duke of Portland requested the Imperial War Museum accept the mounted head of Tirpitz. Tirpitz's head was put on display as part of the museum's original exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1920 and also featured in the museum's 2006
Tirpitz's head underwent conservation work in preparation for a place of ho
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Albert Moody in Hong Kong
HISTORY
temporary exhibition “The Animals' War”. Len added: “The first letter in the Daily Mirror in 1958 came from an unnamed ex-marine who asked what had happened to Dennis; the second was a reply from the Imperial War Musuem, telling the whole story. “We didn’t know why the family had kept the cuttings and then we discovered the photo of Dennis separately and it all made sense.”
of honour in the First World War galleries that opened in the IWM in 2014.
The head of the renamed Tirpitz
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 81
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Visit was a signal delight
(L:r): Will George, Stuart Garner, Chris Ross and Alan Greatbatch in Swanage Signal Box
TWO trainee signallers from the Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton spent a day at Swanage Railway as part of their training and development. Supervisor Alan Price took Chris Ross and Stuart Garner with experienced signaller Will George to look at single line block working which is a safety measure on single lines. Alan: “We were royally entertained by all the Swanage staff and particular thanks are due to Tony North, their signal engineer ,who arranged the trip. We were also all able to get a turn on the Westinghouse A1 frame in the Swanage Box with help from their Signal Inspector Alan Greatbatch.” Treats on the trip included a footplate ride for Will on the M7 0-4-4 tank engine which used to run on the little Dorset and Somerset branch lines and a ride on the footplate of the Southern Railway U class loco for Stuart.
The history of Westfield
RESIDENTS of Westfield have pulled together the many threads of the area’s long history for the latest in Radstock Museum’s Communities and Villages series. The exhibition encompasses everything from the Roman Fosse Way to its mining and farming heritage to the creation of Westfield as a parish in its own right in 2011. Records show that from the time industrial coalmining was established in 1763 through to the 1970s when the mines closed, more than 10,000 men and boys had been employed in the local pits. Two of the most infamous pit disasters happened in Westfield and many of the pill boxes, built as an outer defence perimeter for the pits still stand today and can be visited on the Westfield Heritage walk. The exhibition details the history of the four different church traditions in Westfield as well as the seamless shift in industry from the closure of the mines to the growth of wellknown businesses. A spokeswoman for the museum said: “Delving back into our ancient Roman history right through to the present day, the exhibition is interwoven with the personal stories of Westfield folk who made this a community of which they can be proud.” The exhibition runs at Radstock Museum until 29th November.
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
French flair for visitors from Wells
NEWS
The visit to France
A GROUP of 25 people from Wells has visited Paray-leMonial, the city’s twin town in France. Visitors on the five-day trip included the mayor, John North, deputy mayor, Celia Wride, and councillor Colin Price. The Wells Twinning Association party met with JeanMarc Nesme, the mayor of Paray-le-Monial and Daniel Gordat, the president of Paray-le-Monial Twinning Association to discuss the relationship between the two towns and the general political situation in Europe. A spokeswoman for WTA said Paray was very keen to re-energise the twinning relationship between the two towns, which everyone felt had waned over the previous few years. In particular, re-establishing relationships between community groups such as school children, sports clubs and musical associations was considered very important. The mayor of Bad Durkheim in Germany – also twinned with Wells – is due to visit the city for this year’s carnival.
Wedmore Real Ale Festival
Hundreds of people supported the Wedmore Real Ale Festival, which raises funds for charities and local organisations in the area.
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Show was a real crowd pleaser THOUSANDS of visitors enjoyed the sights and sounds of the annual Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show at Shepton Mallet. There were impressive numbers of entries in classes ranging from dairy cattle and cheese to cider and crafts, along with trade stands. Show society chairman Ian Harvey said the event will remain on its current site next year, ahead of a proposed move in 2019 to land slightly further south. ● We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand at the show and for your kind and generous comments about the magazine.
Show president Peter Barkwill (centre) with guests and sponsors at the pre-show party Covers band Daytona entertained the 300 guests at the sell-out preshow party on the Friday night
John Davis with his Mendip Herd of Red Polls, with Joe (left) and grandson William who was three the following day The Mangled Wurzels entertain in the countryside arena
George Keen, from Keen’s Cheddar at Wincanton, with the supreme champion cheese, a two-year-old cheddar made from raw milk PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
A splash of colour: cousins Chloe (left) and Daytona
Show president Peter Barkwill (left) presents a long service award to veteran ringside commentator Arthur Stevens, who retired last year
Nick and Lottie Hill with the overall champion
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THE MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2017
Mendip farmers Geoff Bown, Pat Kean, Tony Thomas and Norman Clothier
Cheese judging on the eve of the show
Crafts and steam from a bygone age
Ponchos on parade: who cares about a bit of rain?
The Harlem Rhythm Cats, from Binegar
George Bryne, of Lydford-on-Fosse, was the first recipient of the David Vagg Perpetual Trophy for the best vintage vehicle with his 1935 Rover 14 convertible. George is pictured with David's widow, Diana, members of their family and show president Peter Barkwill
One of the winners of the sheep classes
Richard Wear with grandson Kyle and his prizewinning ram Walter. Richard received a long service award from the agricultural society after being nominated by Roger Noble
Show chairman Ian Harvey makes a donation to the Send a Cow charity
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 85
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Cavers reunion – 50 years on IT was on Saturday August 12th 1967 that five young cavers from Bridgwater Technical College Caving Club had the amazing experience of discovering 600 metres of pristine new Mendip cave. Exactly 50 years later, four of them – one had sadly passed away since – came together again for an underground reunion at Sludge Pit Cavern at Priddy to celebrate their discovery, made during their first attempt at digging open a choked Mendip swallet and achieved after only one week of digging! The four – now all nearly 70 years old – were Chris Richards from Weston-SuperMare, Colin Rogers from Burnham-onSea, Bernie Evered from London and Clive North from Chewton Mendip. All are still active cavers, with the exception of Bernie who came out of his long caving “retirement” for the occasion. The fifth member of the team had been John Cornwell. Following the discovery of the cave the name of Contour Cavern was decided upon as the entrance, Mendip’s highest, was only about ten feet from the 900 feet contour. When the team later learned the name of the field it was located in, they renamed it Boveways Cavern. It was subsequently pointed out that the site had always been known locally as the Sludge Pit, and this somewhat insalubrious name – obviously favourite amongst the greater caving public
(l-r): Bernie Evered, Clive North, Chris Richards and Colin Rogers (prone) at the cave entrance
PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
An 18-year-old Clive North with the short-lived rock formation – The Spire
– has stuck ever since. After the site was first spotted as a potential cave dig an aerial photography mission confirmed some marshy ground feeding a tiny stream directly into the depression. A camping cave dig was set up during a college break and the cave entered just a few days later – a most unusual occurrence as cave digs can go on for years with no guarantee of success. The cave is now well-known and documented. Not so well known, though, is the remarkable “needle” of solid rock which was a major feature of the chamber at the foot of the entrance pitch. This was
an early victim of some thoughtless visitor who obviously thought it would look better in their garden maybe than at home in the cave. It was a piece of solid limestone rather than a stalagmite eroded into a sharp pyramid by downcutting on three sides. There were no signs of broken fragments so it presumably succumbed to removal in one piece. The group’s 50th anniversary day ended with drinks and a meal in the Queen Victoria Inn at Priddy where it was agreed that regular reunions would be a good idea and not to wait for the 60th! By Clive North
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Mendip caves on film
With PHILIP HENDY
ALMOST as soon as the pioneers of caving began to explore the underworld, they started to take cameras underground to record the sights and to show less intrepid members of the public what
caves were like. The equipment was bulky and heavy and rather delicate. Images were exposed on glass plates and illuminated by using time exposures and lots of candles, unless the quicker but unstable magnesium flash powder or ribbon was used. Some remarkable photographs were produced, however, not least under Mendip by J. Harry Savory. Although flexible film was becoming available, most serious photographers still preferred to use glass plates, which gave better results. Between 1910 and 1921 Savory recorded scenes in the caves known at the time, mainly Swildon’s Hole, Wookey Hole, Lamb Leer and some at Burrington. Also active at the time were Harry Bamforth, originally from Holmfirth in Yorkshire, and Herbert Balch, the father of Mendip caving. Balch had a large collection of magic lantern slides for illustrating his lectures. Many of these are stored in Wells & Mendip Museum, and the best of Savory’s photographs were published in a book, ‘A Man Deep in Mendip’, in 1989. It took a while for cine photography to be used in caves; the difficulties were much greater than when taking still images. Early cameras were very bulky and it was not until hand-held cameras
Swildon’s Hole – Climbing the 20ft Pot
operated by clockwork became available, that underground cine filming became possible. The film was 16mm nitrate or cellulose and was very “slow” by modern standards. Therefore the amount of light required to expose the film was high. Also, the essence of cine photography is to record movement, so the camera and lighting must be easy to manoeuvre when in use. Nevertheless, some cavers took up the challenge. The earliest Mendip film I am aware of was shot in Goatchurch Cavern and Read’s Cavern at Burrington by Prof. Edgar Tratman of the University of Bristol Speleological Society in 1933. Because of its age, much of the early film stock was deteriorating, but Maurice Hewins, himself a caver and keen film maker (and producer of stereoscopic images), has taken it upon himself to locate these old films and transfer them to DVD. Jonathan Williams has put these films online and around 60 of them, from 1933 to the present, can be viewed on the website of the Mendip Cave Registry and Archive. In the early days, the slow film speed and low lighting available could be compensated for by passing the film through the camera at less than the standard 24 frames per second. When played at the correct speed therefore, the actors in the film would appear to move faster than normal. So they were told to move more slowly. It did not always work, with some amusing results. Lighting was often provided by industrial Tilley lamps with large reflectors, though later 12-volt lights powered by car batteries were sometimes used. Manoeuvring these down a cave was never a popular task. In the 1960s, Maurice used 25-volt airfield spotlights, powered by two banks of four motorcycle batteries. Gradually the equipment became more compact and reliable, and faster 8mm Super8 film was used. Colour filming became possible and in 1952 the Axbridge Caving Group made a colour film in Axbridge Ochre Cave, using arc lights run off a generator. Today, the helmet-
CAVING
Filming in Swildon’s Hole, 1964
mounted Go-Pro camera records onto a memory card, from which the images can be downloaded directly onto a computer for editing. The Go-Pro, and other digital cameras, are quite able to produce quality images using nothing more powerful than a caver’s headlamp. It must be said that for various reasons, many of the films available are grainy and poorly-lit. However, they all give a sense of what it was like to go caving at the time. Clothing was varied, usually old clothes, jacket trousers and jumper. Some cavers were able to acquire boiler suits, but there was no protection against the cold water to be found in some caves. Very few cavers had any kind of helmet, most opting for a trilby hat with the front brim fixed up, or a beret. Without a helmet, it was impossible to use a cap lamp and most early cavers used candles or hand torches. What may be surprising to us today is the number of women who went caving and obviously enjoyed it. We can also understand the difficulty of carrying heavy bulky rope ladders and hemp lifelines underground, in addition to the mountain of photographic paraphernalia. The MCRA film archive consists of caving films from the 1930s to the present, covering cave rescues, digging, social events and foreign trips. They are a valuable record, available for all to see thanks to Maurice Hewins and his colleagues. The films can be viewed at www.mcra.org.uk. Click on Films.
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 87
(Photography by Tony Dingle)
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Don’t prevaricate, perambulate
IT takes a lot to shock me, but a Public Health England survey has found that four in ten adults in England aged 40 to 60 do not even manage ten minutes of continuous brisk walking a month. It was published as I was walking Hadrian’s Wall for the Transplant Association with a By Dr PHIL group of mid-fifties Chew Valley men. In five HAMMOND days, we walked for longer than 40% of our age cohort do in 15 years. A particular shout out goes to PC Andy McKeown, who pitched up after a busy week keeping the peace in his son’s walking boots. After I’d led the group the wrong way through a wet field or two, Andy’s magic boots started to disintegrate and the blisters kicked in on day one. I would have given up then but Andy is made of stern stuff, or at least his policeman’s feet are. He switched to training shoes and got blisters in other places and finished walking into Newcastle, 75 miles later, in flip flops, which was strangely appropriate. No drug in the world gets anywhere close to physical activity in terms of benefits to mind and body and reducing the risk of early death and disability. And if I do die early, I want my organs to be well perfused and ready to donate, not clogged up and half cocked. We’re 20% less active than we were in the sixties and walk 24km a year less a year than 20 years ago. Too much sitting contributes to one in six deaths and costs the NHS nearly a billion a year. PHE has set a low bar asking everyone to do ten minutes walking a day at a pace that makes you breathless but not speechless. It’s even produced an Active 10 app to encourage you. Will it work? If you took a step for every fitness App on the market you’d be Mo Farah. A recently retired professor I know started going to the gym for the first time in his sixties. His wife was aghast. “How long will you do it for?” “Until I enjoy it.” That’s the secret of exercise. What starts as a chore becomes a daily pleasure. Hadrian’s Wall was spectacular in parts but there are plenty of walks on our doorstep that take the breath away, both physically and mentally. Go for it.
Mike Gough, Neil Smith, Andy McKeown, Matt Torrible and Phil Hammond
Dr Phil’s Health Revolution is in Bishop Sutton on October 14th and Taunton on October 20th www.drphilhammond.com
PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Plop the Raindrop
IT’S been raining and I’m stuck in a puddle in the guttering on the edge of the roof, just waiting to see what will happen. It’s quite warm and cosy up here and a lot of my friends, the other water droplets, have dropped off to sleep. I can’t see over the rim of the gutter, though I can look up at the roof and the sky. Sometimes it’s nice to listen very hard. Just close your eyes and see what you can hear. There’s a gurgling sound, which could be water going down the drainpipe, or someone’s hungry tum. I can hear a radio playing somewhere in the house and the sound of children chattering as they get out of bed. A door goes bang and there are footsteps going downstairs. A tap is turned on and there’s the whooshing sound of a kettle being filled. Perhaps mummy and daddy are making your breakfast. A car engine starts. The car is driving away. Someone is going to work. I hear voices moving down the street. Some children are already going to school. There are lots of sounds if you listen. A robin singing. Starlings squabbling over the fat balls on the bird feeder. Traffic getting louder on the road down the hill. A tractor collecting hay bales. Dogs barking. Bees buzzing. Close your eyes and tell me what you can hear. A clock ticking? A washing machine spinning? Mummy singing? A butterfly passing? I open my eyes to see the shadow of the chimney across the roof. Slowly the shadow moves as the sun gets higher and hotter. The guttering makes a cracking sound as it heats up. High in the sky an aeroplane passes, probably taking people on holiday. It leaves a long, straight vapour trail in a line across the clouds. Sometimes you can see lots of them. Two magpies land on top of the roof. Swallows, martins and swifts spin by chasing insects before they start to head south to spend the winter in Africa. See you next year. On the roof, moss is growing on the tiles, green, soft and furry, a perfect bed if I had happened to land in it. As it is, I can see under the tiles and hear lots of scurrying movements and see a glimpse of bright round eyes. You would be surprised to know how many neighbours you have living in your roof. Sparrows, spiders, mice, earwigs and wood lice might all have a home there. And up in the chimney a family of jackdaws have built a nest. It’s surprising what you can see and hear if you just take some time to listen and watch. As a water droplet I don’t get much choice in the matter, since I can’t move on my own. At the moment I might get swallowed by a thirsty spider or mouse. I might evaporate and end up back in the clouds. But it’s just started raining again. Water is running along the guttering. I’m headed for the drainpipe and another new adventure. BYE! MENDIP GRANDAD
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Health roadshow
HEALTH & FAMILY
THE Creating Health team is a new community group which has a passion for community health and wellbeing, sharing info and having fun. They are bringing the Creating Health Roadshow to Street for a varied and fun evening of information and inspiration. Dr Campbell Murdoch, a Somerset GP, will give a simple explanation of the science of nutrition and health which is proving successful for so many people. If you have type two diabetes, or wish to maintain a healthy weight, then this talk is a must. There will be info to take with you, healthy tasters for you to try, a free raffle, a chance to meet local health-related organisations and charities, and an optional Tai Chi class at the end. It’s being held at the Royal British Legion, Farm Road, Street on Thursday, October 19th, 6.45 for 7pm start. Details: info@creating-health.org.uk text: 07904804524 www.creating-health.org.uk
Care home supports charity
THE Laurels Care Home in Draycott donated the proceeds of its annual summer barbecue to the Hope for Tomorrow mobile chemotherapy unit. The money was topped up by Country Court Care to make a total donation of £500 to the charity. Despite the weather the barbecue was well attended by local families and members of the local community. The cheque was presented by home manager Wendy Perkins to Colin Thomas and Margaret Thomas from the charity. Hope for Tomorrow build, provide and maintain state-of-the art mobile chemotherapy units to NHS Trusts to operate with their fully qualified staff. The Somerset unit known as Bumble is in need of some refurbishment so the money will go towards that. Each unit costs £260,000 to build and launch, which includes the provision of at least one nurse’s support vehicle to each NHS Trust Partner. The Laurels Care Home provides high quality residential care for up to 21 residents and has recently become part of the Country Court Care group, which owns 25 care homes across the UK, providing care for up to 1085 elderly people across the UK. It is a family owned and run business, renowned for being a best in class care provider with an outstanding reputation. Details: www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 89
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Suffering from a sports injury? . . . we can help you!
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Fast, effective new treatment for tennis elbow
TENNIS elbow can be painful, wearing and long-lasting. But a new, yet wellproven treatment, Shockwave therapy, can bring relatively fast and permanent relief – and it’s now available at a Glastonbury clinic. Tennis elbow is a tendon problem and, whilst it can develop in tennis players, for most people it occurs through more sudden overuse of an underused tendon by exercising at the gym, doing gardening or carrying heavy loads. Traditionally, treatment has included rest, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, with exercises for rehabilitation. Shockwave therapy is an attractive, faster alternative increasingly used by orthopaedic hospitals. It directs acoustic mechanical pulses through the tissues, stimulating the body to naturally heal. Somerset Shockwave offers patients a free assessment and recommends six treatments with its state-of-the-art machine, each lasting 15-20 minutes, followed by a review. Details: For a free assessment at Somerset Shockwave call 01458 836153 or go to www.somersetshockwave.co.uk
Dream that became a reality
• Rented self contained, en suite accommodation for the active elderly • A home cooked 3 course mid-day meal • 24 hour emergency cover • Lift to first floor & sitting room • Independent living within private community • Close to the centre of a thriving, picturesque village • Spacious landscaped gardens • Friendly, home from home • Activities and outings • Guest accommodation • Views of the Mendip Hills • Welcome to people of any faith or none • Charges are fully inclusive For news on current vacancies please contact the Resident Warden 01934 843746 • warden.sewell@btconnect.com Sewell House, Belmont Road Winscombe BS25 1LQ www.sewellhouse.org.uk
Sewell House is managed by Sidcot Friends Housing Society Ltd – a not-for-profit organisation
PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
SEWELL House began as a dream by the late Margaret Sewell, a local Quaker, because of her concerns for the plight of the elderly in the immediate post-war period. The support of her husband and Quaker Friends helped the dream to be turned into today’s very tangible results. Committee minutes of the first meeting held in 1965 summed up the concerns: “It was the wretched conditions in which many elderly people were found to be living that in the latter days of the War, drew the attention of Friends to the housing needs of the elderly.” The simple idea was and still is “to free the aged of the stresses of household management in comfortable specially designed individual accommodation yet still have the support of a warden and friends”. While the individual flats have been modernised over the years, the original philosophy of Sewell House remains – that residents should feel that it is their Home. Live-in wardens, beautiful gardens, and a home-cooked lunch 365 days a year, help to create a wonderful sense of community. Since 1970 over 250 people have enjoyed living there. During that time they have shared in the celebrations of several residents reaching their 100th birthday and even a marriage between two residents. Sewell House is a not-for-profit organisation which is managed by Sidcot Friends Housing Society Ltd.
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Mendip Times reduces travel costs
HEALTH & FAMILY
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The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 91
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Sellers take a pew
ST John’s Church in Glastonbury was transformed into a craft and produce market on August Bank Holiday Monday as part of its fundraising drive to pay for renovation work. Tours of the church tower also helped to boost funds.
Imogen Crees was knitting baby blankets out of scraps of material in aid of the church. Any unsold were being sent to the Project Linus charity which provides “comfort blankets” for sick and traumatised children: www.projectlinus.org.uk
Pews were transformed into market stalls inside the historic church
Live jazz greeted visitors to the fair. Their opening song was Fools Rush In (where angels fear to tread) . . .
Tea is served
Philippa Chapman, a church reader, bought several vintage items
Lady Hylton seated with rotary club president Ian Huxham with rotarians: (l:r) Roger Meadows, John Emm and Chris James
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Costume maker and wardrobe mistress Pam Burrough (left) with 1940s enthusiast Cheryl Ludgate. Pam was selling unwanted outfits and vintage clothing
MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock hosted a tea party for former members and guests at the Ammerdown Centre near Kilmersdon. Around 70 people enjoyed a talk about the centre’s historic gardens by Lady Joanna Hylton of Ammerdown before sitting down to tea followed by a stroll around the grounds.
Lady Hylton in the maze holding a bouquet presented to her by the club as a thank you gift
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COMMUNITY
Potting shed project gift
Roundabout is an eyecatcher
MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel has made a donation to a project in Kilmersdon which helps people with mental health issues or who are suffering from loneliness. The Potting Shed is a small gardening project based in the kitchen garden at Ammerdown House. The money was raised during past president Heather Langridge’s year in office and will go towards the cost of a new garden tool shed. Meanwhile, club members have visited the Cheddar Chocolate Company, played croquet in Peasedown St John and enjoyed a cream tea and bring-and-buy sale at the home of current president Jackie Emm. ● Tickets are now on sale for the club’s 60th anniversary charter night dinner dance celebration at The Swan Hotel in Wells on October 28th and Julie Harris will be speaking on “Knickers to Uganda” at the club meeting at Kilmersdon’s Jolliffe Arms on September 27th. New members are always welcome. For details, call either 01761 235873 or 01761 416811.
SHEPTON Mallet has its “sheep roundabout” and now Street has a distinctive one of its own – in the shape of the Rotary Roundel. Members of the Glastonbury and Street club worked with local businesses and Street Parish Council to decorate the roundabout at the entrance to Street Business Park with golden Derbyshire gravel and grey Welsh slate. A spokesman for the club said: “The enhanced visibility and clean look is a credit to the community. Whilst the consortium trust that this ‘new look’ will impress visitors to Street, Rotary also hopes that passers-by will be sufficiently impressed to make inquiries as to ‘Why Rotary?’ and, then, what else does Rotary do apart from roundabouts!”
Club president Jacky Emm presents a cheque to Jon Durrant and Darren Plummer of The Potting Shed project
The gardens offered a perfect setting for the afternoon
et u gift
Tea in the sun with rotarians and guests
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Villagers tuck into community picnic
FAMILIES gathered around Upton Noble’s village hall for a community picnic, funded in part by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Organisers received a “significant” award from the fund’s Celebrate England initiative, created to encourage communities to get together for a special event or activity. Together with other sponsorship, it paid for more than 100 specially prepared lunch boxes. The free picnic was held as part of the village’s annual beer and cider festival, which also featured live music and entertainment for children.
These friends find a quiet corner in the playing field to enjoy lunch
Festival organisers take a turn behind the bar
The Johnsons on stage on the Saturday afternoon of the festival
Sue and Clive Heath grab a pint and a lunch box from the village hall
John Thompson hosted a test-of-strength challenge to raise money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and only one person achieved it: Phil Feeney is a rock climber and film maker from St Alban’s who was visiting friends. Visit: www.somekindatribe.com PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Satya and Oscar sit down for their picnic watched by dad Dan Hurring, the main festival organiser
Frome butcher Adrian Cayford won a raffle to be named the headline sponsor
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Here’s to the 30th!
FORMER workers in the Somerset coalfields gathered at Radstock Museum for the 29th annual reunion organised by the Somerset District Miners Welfare Trust. The trust recently donated £1,000 to the museum – its full name is Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum – towards the cost of enhancing its mining displays.
Radstock Museum historian Dennis Chedgy is appealing for information about who once owned this miner’s lamp. The Wolf safety lamp came from Kilmersdon Colliery and would have been used by either a mine deputy or a member of the safety team in the 1950s or 1960s. It has the initials ZM – or EM – engraved on the base Trust president Michael Eavis with ex-miners Mo Duery, who worked at Kilmersdon, and Selwyn Rees, who worked at Writhlington
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COMMUNITY
Ex-coalfield workers gather beneath the mine wheel at Radstock
Thank you ladies – the now traditional gifts of flowers to the team who prepared lunch were presented by Michael Eavis and trust chairman Francis Hillier
A chance to catch-up. Next year the reunion will celebrate its 30th anniversary
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Platinum wedding plans
TO celebrate the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary in November this year, Mendip District Council is calling for local couples also celebrating their platinum wedding this year to come forward and celebrate with them. Council chair, Cllr Edward Drewe, said: “We would like to recognise the Queen and Prince Philip’s special anniversary by offering residents of Mendip who are also celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary a special gift. “If you, or someone you know, were married in 1947 and are still together today then please get in contact so we can help you celebrate this special day.” One such couple are Jean and Don Kay, of Glastonbury, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at the end of August. The couple, who received a card from the Queen congratulating them, met in Kent where they both lived. Don's teaching career took the family first to live in what was then known as Malaya, and then a few years later to Germany where they spent many years before moving back to Kent and later to Glastonbury. They have four children, Janet, Sally, Ian and Claire. On Tuesday mornings the couple can be found in Glastonbury Country Market selling their craft and Jean is always there with her spinning wheel. Don and Jean at home
John and Joy: thank you!
John and Joy (front, second and third left) with villagers at the surprise party
VILLAGERS in Doulting, near Shepton Mallet, staged a surprise presentation to two much-loved stalwarts of the community who are taking a back seat after 50 years of voluntary work. John and Joy Lees have been involved in just about every aspect of village life, from the church to the annual produce show. They have helped fundraise for the village hall, the restoration of the church bells, skate park and community space known as the Glebeland. Sarah Goff, who succeeds John as chairman of the village hall committee, told the couple: “We want to say a huge thank you for everything you have done over the past 50 years.” John said: “This has been bloody marvellous; we didn’t have a clue about tonight!” Joy added: “We are very happy about the years we have spent doing it all, but it feels right for someone else to take over the reins.”
Exploring the Somer Valley on foot Details: Claire Dicken 01749 341341 or email claire.dicken@mendip.gov.uk
Rotary aids hurricane victims
ROTARY’S Water-Survival Box project is offering help to victims of Hurricane Irma, which devastated many island communities as it tracked across the Caribbean en-route to Florida. A consignment of 500 boxes has been offered to the Rotary district covering the area, with more boxes being prepared. The project arose from the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean and is managed by seven senior members of the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge, who are also trustees of the registered charity. During the past 11 years a total of 13,500 boxes have been sent in response to 53 disasters in 27 different countries across the world and helped protect some 115,000 people from water-borne disease. They need sustained funding of between £150,000 – £200,000 each year. Details: www.watersurvivalbox.org
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The lawn at The Hollies in Midsomer Norton was the starting point for a number of walks led by volunteers
THE second annual Somer Valley Walking Festival offered a chance for people to explore the history and heritage of the area with a series of guided events. The community weekend was aimed at local residents and visitors as part of the TryActive campaign run by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Other partners included the Ramblers Association, Radstock Cooperative Society, Radstock and Westfield Big Local, Peasedown St John parish council and Paulton parish council.
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Grants available
SOMERSET Community Foundation is supporting Comic Relief by delivering part of a £2million national investment, supporting small, community-led organisations with grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 towards their core running costs. Grassroots charities and community groups, which must be locally-based with local people involved in the running of the organisation, can apply for the Comic Relief Core Strength – Local Communities grants from Somerset Community Foundation. The deadline is Monday November 13th and applications will be considered from charities and organisations with an annual income of up to £100,000. Andrew Ridgewell, programmes manager at the foundation, said: “We’re incredibly proud to work with some fantastic local organisations, and our reach into communities means that we support the very smallest charities and community groups which are exceptionally important to the well-being of our communities and the specific needs of individuals. “We know that one of the key challenges faced by local organisations is getting funding for their core running costs and we’re delighted to continue our strong partnership with Comic Relief to help small and local charities concentrate on what they do best – helping those in need.” ● The foundation has bid a fond farewell to grants panel member Jane Lock after nine years of expert advice and £3.9m of grants funding to 1,787 community groups and charities across Somerset. The foundation also administers the Somerset Social Enterprise Fund and has funding packages available ranging from £25,000 – £100,000 to support charities and social enterprises. Details: Call 01749 344949 or email info@somersetcf.org.uk
Funding for local projects
THE Mendip Hills AONB Unit and Somerset Community Foundation’s latest grant round for the Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications from October 1st – 31st. Grant funding of up to £2,000 is available for projects which are working to conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and East Mendip through to Frome. Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB manager said: “This is ‘Mendip Money’ raised by visitors and events that use the area and is really simple to apply for. “Last year we funded transport to the area for a mental health charity, internationally important archaeological work, marquees for a community organisation and work to make a forest school site for the Mendip Society.” The fund was set up with the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership, and income is generated through sales of Mendip Hills’ badges and visitor-giving schemes in the area. Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk or call Jim Hardcastle 01761 462338 or SCF programmes manager Jocelyn Blacker on 01749 344949.
Community award
COMMUNITY
THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has awarded its annual community award to Farmborough born and bred Patrick Bridges. Rotary Club president, Vic Clarke, said: “Patrick is very involved with all aspects of village life – he is the tower captain for the church, maintains and winds the clock, decorates the church at Christmas and helps give some of the older villagers a vital social lifeline through Tuesday teas. “His kindness and generosity towards other villagers is legendary, but as a very thoughtful and modest man he seldom makes public what he does or indeed takes any credit for it. “However, Patrick's major significant contribution to life in Farmborough is The Farmborough Flyer, a free monthly newsletter that goes to every house in the village with news of local events, local people, updates from the church, the parish council, the county council and wider initiatives that may affect the village.”
Pigs get poke from cat
CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club added pig racing to the attractions at Wedmore Harvest Home. A local cat added to the fun by jumping on to the track to see what the pink, fluffy pigs were up to.
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Chew Stoke harvest home
Entertainer Nutty Noah with some of the audience
(l to r) Anton Gilbert, Duncan Brown and Robert Lisle admiring the onions and beetroot
Chew Stoke WI members Maggie Bone and Ann Hollomon manning the WI’s cake stall
(l to r) Chew Valley school pupils Imogen, Neve and Daisy admiring the flower exhibits
The male tug o' war team
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The female tug o' war team
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Show full of colour
FLOWERS, vegetables, cakes and crafts filled Farmborough Memorial Hall for the annual village show. There was also a high number of entries in the photography competition along with children’s paintings and handmade items. Be Wright said: “Farmborough Flower Show is a locally supported gardening, produce and craft show. I would like to thank the show committee: Ann, Barbara, Dawn, Phil, and Ray, for their hard work and commitment, plus the many volunteers who helped in advance and on the day of the show, as well as giving a big thank you to all the show’s sponsors without whom there would be no show.” Visitors admire the exhibits
Pensford show
EVENTS
Martha and Dave offering horse and carriage rides with shire horses Captain and Bill
Sue Curtis at the guides stall, manned by Rachael Dando and Tina James
Elizabeth Taylersen painting Freya's face, while others queue
Tracey King and nine-year-old Lola inviting everyone to guess the name of the teddy bear
(Photography courtesy of Phil Gray)
Guess the weight of the cake, made by Barbara Gammon
An abundance of flowers on show
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FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Autumn colours
VICTORIA and Scarlet manufacture and fit made-tomeasure curtains, blinds and much more from their workshop based in Somerset. With the first signs of autumn approaching, now is a good time to think about curtains and blinds to help add a cosy feel to chilly evenings at home. With lots of new fabrics available and a range of linings to assist in heat conservation and stop draughts why not pop in and see what ranges they have for you? Their home consultations are free of charge and come with no obligation. Mention the Mendip Times and get 10% off any made-to-measure order this autumn. Their lovely showroom also has a wonderful selection of gift and home-wares and they welcome browsers.
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RH
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Great turnout for Village Day
STRATTON-on-the-Fosse has held its annual fun day with plenty of attractions for young and old alike. Organisers said there was a great turnout despite some poor weather. The day raises funds for the village and proceeds will this year go towards a permanent radar speed warning sign. Dancing in the rain: pupils from St Vigor and St John’s school
Banwell blooms
Members of Jamie Woodland’s Black Belt Academy demonstrate their skills
Villagers pride themselves on the quality of prizes in the raffle
BANWELL Horticultural Show saw the green-fingered villagers pull out all the stops to give a show to be proud off. Lyn Ralph was thanked for her work in organising the show, along with members and friends for their help in setting the show up. Brenda Ellwood with the Jude Long Cup
Daisy Mitchell with her miniature garden in seed tray
President John Bawden presenting Barry Taylor with the champion rose bowl PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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EVENTS
East Harptree Flower and Craft Show
Beckington Village Day
Fancy dress parade
Giving it some welly: Joseph, Kasey, Angus and Isaac were running the fun attraction in aid of Beckington Cricket Club
The human fruit machine being run by the Forever Friends Appeal for Bath’s Royal United Hospital
Admiring the vegetables
The start of the sheep races
Watch out Dragon’s Den: Callum, aged nine, came up with his own ideas for a stall to raise money towards the cost of buying a Play Station Four
Tea time
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Chilcompton’s fringe benefits
THE first Chilcompton Fringe Festival has been hailed a success after hundreds of people enjoyed a day of live music, performance, readings and workshops. Festival organisers took over the village sports ground for the event, which offered around 30 hours of live entertainment across three stages and other venues. The festival was opened by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis.
Two of the principal sponsors: businessmen Ian Hobbs (left) and Mark Matthews Members of Exit Stage Left, a youth theatre company based in Radstock. The group’s next production will be early next year when they perform Just So at the Dragonfly Theatre in Writhlington. Find them on Facebook Mark Anthony, from the three-piece band Hidden Gentlemen, from Glastonbury
Mellow times at the first fringe festival
Some of the festival organisers: (l:r) Giles Harrod, Tim Curtis, Martin Bown and Neil Button PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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No holds barred: The Venezuelan Pig Rustlers had the Pavilion marquee rocking
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Exit Stage Left on stage
Solo blues: John Dando on the Pavilion stage
Finger picking good: the festival was a real family event, with plenty of activities for youngsters
MUSIC & THEATRE
Monitors perform on the Plateau stage
Richard Dee, of Brixham, is a science fiction writer and gave a talk “How to create your very own fantasy worlds”
Mark and Tracey Norman were part of an Exeter-based writers group who gave talks and readings
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Band aids charity
WEDMORE-based band Kindred are launching their first studio album at a charity evening at Wedmore village hall on Saturday, November 18th. The album “Our Tomorrow” will raise money for bibic, the Somerset charity that provides therapy and help for children and their families for conditions such as autism, sensory processing, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and more. Kindred are also donating 20% of all ongoing sales of the album to bibic. The album will be available on CD and vinyl on the night of the event and also via itunes afterwards. Kindred are a local band from Wedmore and Cheddar that have been growing in success over the last 18 months with gigs across Somerset and Devon. The album is entirely original material and has been recorded at the White House Studio, Kew Stoke. Ian Scott, guitarist and songwriter, said: “I’m so excited by the launch of our first album. We are really pleased with the result and hope we will be able to raise lots of money for bibic, It’s a great charity and it’s great to be bringing music and charitable giving together.” Tickets are now on sale for the launch evening at a cost of £3 per ticket. Details: iandscott@me.com or call 01934710683.
From Russia with love
A NINE-strong choir from St Petersburg will perform in a concert at St John’s Church in Axbridge in October. The Voskresenije Choir – its name means “Resurrection” and it is a choir with a strong Christian basis – will sing a range of sacred music and folk songs on Thursday, October 19th. Jurij Maruk, their conductor, sang for some years at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, one of the world’s leading opera and ballet centres. He later became choirmaster of the St Petersburg Radio and Television Choir. ● Tickets are £10 (or £8 each for groups of eight or more) are available from Axbridge Pharmacy, Penny Cooke (01934 733304) and Malcolm Owen (07747 624131) or at the church after services. Remaining tickets will be sold on the door.
Songs for all
TRINITY Singers are to collaborate with young musicians from Churchill Academy Chamber Choir for their next concert in November. Called “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blues”, the concert will boast a range of music from the past 400 years! The performance will take place in All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Weston-Super-Mare, on Saturday, November 11th at 7pm. ● Tickets range from £5.50 to £8.50 and will shortly be available from Positickets (http://www.positickets.co.uk/) or on the night on the door.
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Acclaimed duo
THE Duo Karadys, a viola and piano duo with Carol Hubel-Allen and Marcel Zidani, will be playing at St. Mary’s, Yatton on Saturday, October 28th. Carol received her musical training at the Royal Academy of Music, and after a spell with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra she joined the Pfeifer String Quartet in Stuttgart, touring extensively throughout Europe. The pianist for the duo at St Mary’s will be Marcel Zidani who is an accomplished prize-winning composer and teacher whose book Hey Presto! Pedal your way to Piano Perfection offers a “fast track” method to learn the piano. The duo will play enchanting and melodic music by Handel, Schubert, Brahms, Mendlessohn and Shostakovich (music from the film The Gadfly). The concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets £8 members, £10 nonmembers including refreshments. Tickets can be obtained from the church office or on the door on the night. Details: www.yms.org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 e-mail david.ford@yms.org.uk
Guitar masterclass
CHURCHILL Music! is celebrating a scoop with the news that three worldclass guitarists will be playing for them next year. John Williams, John Etheridge and Gary Williams will also be holding teaching sessions for local primary school children and masterclasses for Churchill Academy music students before they perform at the academy on June 16th.
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MUSIC
Priston Festival’s tenth anniversary
Lunch in the sun
Cathy Judge and Johnny Francis
Dressing the giant festival cockerel
Decorating cakes in aid of Children's Hospice South West
Saskia Griffiths-Moore on stage
MC Richard Harris
Cream teas were popular MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 109
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Ode to autumn: season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
SUMMER has ebbed away, the hunters brought up from grass, the show horses at rest. Hacking along bridleways and lanes lined with old man’s beard, red hips and haws, leaves drifting slowly to the ground to mix with fallen hazel nuts crackling With RACHEL under hooves, snatching at blackberries as THOMPSON we pass. MBE My hot tip for an autumn day ride is to explore the woods and moors around Rowberrow, Shipham and Burrington. Parking is easy near Tynings gate. The many bridleways take you up and over the top or around through the woods to Dolebury Warren. Factor in a stop at the Swan Inn, Rowberrow for a perfect day out with your horse. The autumn countryside is a sociable place. The other day I met a cheerful group of ramblers emerging from the mist to settle comfortably upon the trig point barrow for a rest. Impromptu joshing followed – Tam was compared to Clint Eastwood’s horse – where was my cigar? “No climbing on the ancient monument!” I admonished. I can’t repeat the reply. But oh, the Woodspring Ramblers are fun loving and up for a laugh – I’m definitely joining them when I can’t ride anymore or perhaps before – they even go on holiday together, I bet that’s a hoot. Rural social occasions that bring the countryside together are so important. August 23rd – Priddy Fair day – slid past and I wondered if anyone mourned the loss of this traditional event? For centuries, all of Mendip – drovers, farmers, Showing how it’s done: hunter class judge Robin Sharp
PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Not a cigar in sight: Woodspring Ramblers viewed from Tam
gypsies, travellers, tradesmen and local people – poured onto the village green to sell sheep, trade horses and tack, exchange banter and consume quantities of beer, cider and ice cream. Many a horse sold at Priddy found useful, kind and enduring homes on Mendip. The Somerset shows thankfully survive due to hard working staff and volunteers. Attempting to socialise whilst watching the main ring anxious not to miss anything is tricky. At the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show two performances held my attention. I watched riveted as hunter class judge Robin Sharp rode several competitors’ horses in stunning, competent and quietly, elegant style, oblivious to the crowd. This was followed by Devon-based Jonathan Marshall, who with his black Luistano stallion and a falcon performed his unique, flamboyant “free spirit” display which combines ancient horsemanship skills with the medieval art of falconry. Two very different horsemen. Soon after the show, arriving at a pretty gîte in rural Brittany, to celebrate (escape from) my “big” birthday, we were greeted by a large chestnut Breton horse and a rather shy appaloosa. Both of whom indicated a preference for the fallen apples in the garden next to their paddock which Peter had no trouble indulging. A short walk away I stumbled upon another Breton horse pulling a large tourist wagon along a long-distance path (147km) leading from Roscoff to Concarneau. This beautifully maintained sand and gravel footpath and cycleway, waymarked at every kilometre with additional signs indicating the facilities in nearby towns, had a (clearly well used) central grass strip for horses. The traffic-free path led users through stunning countryside. Clearly someone clever and forward thinking in the local council had one eye on the health and well-being of local people (walkers, cyclists AND horse riders/carriage drivers) and the other on developing the tourist trade. Perhaps someone from Mendip District or Somerset County Council could visit this facility with a view to creating a similar route across Mendip? Its only 50 miles from Frome to Weston-super-Mare. ● Julia Garrett (Garrett Saddler’s, Draycott) is having a Macmillan coffee morning on 29th September at 10.30am. Turn up to support and socialise!
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RIDING
Clippy is the face of horse welfare charity
A RESCUED pony who now lives at a horse welfare centre near Somerton has become the face of the charity behind the project. Clippy was discovered in February 2016 abandoned in a dilapidated stable, emaciated and knee-deep in filth. The roof of the structure had collapsed in on him and he was surrounded by rusting metal, wood and debris with no access to food and water. He was taken into the care of World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm at Kingsdon where he has made a full recovery. Now he has become the charity’s adoption ambassador, succeeding May, who has been rehomed. People who sign up to support Clippy will receive regular updates about him and the work of the centre. The charity was founded in 1927 and Clippy became the first pony to take part in the RHS Chelsea Flower show when he appeared at the charity’s garden celebrating the anniversary. Glenda Spooner Farm assistant manager, Grace Vooght, said: “It’s been incredible to see Clippy grow and develop during his time with us. Not only has his physical appearance and condition improved dramatically, but his personality and confidence have also flourished. Upon arrival he had quite a listless demeanour and
Clippy, World Horse Welfare’s new ambassador
it was clear he’d been through a terrible time. Whilst he was undoubtedly nervous of humans, he has always been very willing to put his trust in the team here at the farm as if he understands that he’s now in a safe place.”
For details, visit: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/adopt
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Promoting riding skills – and butterflies IT’S been quite a summer at Divoky Riding Stables where the 60m x 40m outdoor school was re-surfaced with a top-of-the-range waxed pro-track sand and a new set of showjump poles were delivered. The number of horses has increased and training of new young horses is well underway. With promotion to head girl, Tamara Landgon who is Pat’s “right hand” has taken charge of the Pony Club centre, expanding it over the summer with students taking their D and D+ tests examined by Sara Greenwood BHSAI. The school was delighted to welcome back many foreign pupils again this summer with students from France, Italy and China coming to study with Pat. The team are also waiting to hear the results for the National Rural Business Awards in which they have been shortlisted for the Best Rural Sporting Business. This award looks at many aspects of
PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Divoky Riding School Pony Club
each business and enables the team to talk about their work with the National Trust on Collards Hill where the Large Blue Butterfly was reintroduced into the UK after dying out here. The Divoky horses have helped,
together with a small herd of Dexter cattle kept by Pat Bishop and Martin Lawrence, partners in the riding school. The large Blue Butterfly has had its best year ever on the hill with record numbers of eggs being counted at the end of the season.
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A very special season at Wincanton Racecourse WINCANTON Racecourse will be celebrating its 150th anniversary during the coming season, which opens on Friday, October 20th. Racegoers will be invited to enjoy Wincanton’s landmark birthday throughout the season, where its heritage and sporting history will be celebrated and remembered. It was actually on August 1st that the racecourse marked the anniversary of the start of racing at the award-winning track and since then it has been uniquely synonymous in the sporting and rural communities, coupled with great racing. Huw Williams, general manager of Wincanton Racecourse, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating and sharing the racecourse’s rich history throughout the 2017/2018 season and we hope that all our racegoers enjoy learning more about this very special rural racecourse.” For this season only, Wincanton will
adopt a special commemorative “150 years” birthday logo, which will be replicated in the racecard and on other commercial material and merchandise. One of the most visually-compelling additions to this celebration is the commission of a 60-page hardback book
by local author, George Bingham. The book explores 150 years of racing in Somerset with a series of anecdotes, stories and photographs and is a tribute to those that founded the racecourse and helped save it, through various crises, for future generations.
RIDING
Wincanton’s second October fixture falls on Sunday, October 29th and will be a “150 Years Celebration Day” with plans for a large Victorian-themed community bonanza. This family-orientated raceday will have a two ticket admission prices – Premier or Grandstand Enclosures – and will include free entry to all children aged 18 and under, when accompanied by an adult. In addition to the six races, there will be a charity race in aid of Key4Life – a local charity that specialises in reducing youth reoffending through rehabilitation programmes. ● The book, Wincanton Racecourse – the first 150 years, will be available to purchase (£25) from the racecourse office and other outlets. It will be officially launched on Friday, October 20th at the season opener. For full details about Wincanton’s forthcoming season and racedays, visit www.wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk
Adult and Children’s riding lessons for all abilities 10am–8pm Monday to Friday Weekends: Club sessions for children Adults and children’s private lessons from 3.30pm Hacking available for competent riders every day. Telephone: 01749 880233 e-Mail: info@divoky.co.uk • Website: www.divoky.co.uk Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG
MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 113
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Expert care
CHARLOTTE Cambridge graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science. Her thesis “investigating the thickness of cheek teeth subocclusal secondary dentine in horses of different ages” received runner-up in the Eqvalan Equine Thesis of the Year and was published in the Equine Veterinary Journal. This fuelled her interest to become an equine dental technician and led to her attending the Academy of Equine Dentistry, Idaho where she became IAED certified. She has since become UK certified and BEVA/BVDA approved and is a full member of the BAEDT. Sponsored by Dearsons Equine she regularly demonstrates their dentistry equipment and attends conferences around Europe with them. Charlotte recently went to Antigua to treat 160 donkeys at the Antigua and Barbuda Donkey Sanctuary with Spana which was sponsored by Animal Friends and Dearsons Equine. The donkeys are all fine after the hurricanes luckily – just very wet – but donations are very much welcome and you can adopt a donkey at www.antiguaanimals.com
Charlotte Cambridge (White)
A proud partnership is created
IT’S business as usual at The Stables Equine Practice following the exciting announcement that practice is going into partnership with Langford Vets, part of the Bristol Vet School. The two have always enjoyed a close relationship and have now decided formally to become partners in response to what they see as an increasingly corporate and profit-driven approach in the industry. On the whole, SEP and Langford Vets’ clients will hardly notice any difference except that some of the team from Langford Vets will work out of the practice at Wookey and the University of Bristol logo may appear on the practice vehicles. Nicko Robertson, who founded SEP 20 years ago, said: “We are really excited by this development. The Stables Equine Practice has been built up by knowing our patients and clients and their specific needs, and we have been able to exercise our own clinical and ethical judgements on a case-by-case basis. We are fortunate to now have a partner that not only shares this philosophy, but can offer the clinical excellence of a referral centre driven by these same ideals.” Closer ties with Bristol Vet School mean that the vets at SEP will have even more support from the veterinary specialists at the Langford Vets Equine Centre, either at the clinic in Wookey or at the hospital at Langford Vets.
Certified Equine Dental Technician
Keep your horse at its optimum performance level for this winter
• Is your horse reluctant to go forward into the contact? • Better on one rein than the other? • Leaning on the bit? Headshaking? • Tilting their head when ridden? • Losing weight, quidding, or not chewing correctly?
These are all possible signs of dental abnormalities.
Free equine dental check-ups available. BEVA/BVDA Approved. IAED Certified. BAEDT full member. Fully insured.
To book an appointment call Charlotte on 07795141845 or email charlotte@equidentist.co.uk or find me on facebook. You can also visit my website www.equidentist.co.uk
BRISTOL VET SCHOOL
Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts since 1997
★ Treating horses and ponies throughout Somerset from our purpose built clinic base near Wells ★ Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our clinic ★ 24 hour emergency cover – our dedicated equine vets always available at the end of a phone ★ Fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment for dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI) as well as all aspects of routine health car Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk
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RIDING
Ridin g c entre with facilities for all URCHINWOOD Manor is a picturesque 17th century manor house surrounded by over 100 acres of pasture. Sally and Peter Hall started Urchinwood Manor back in 1979 and continue to run a successful riding and event centre, approved by the British Horse Society. Urchinwood is able to offer excellent facilities, having had two new Andrew Bowen surfaces in the indoor and outdoor school, knowledgeable, friendly, qualified staff and provide tuition for all riders from beginners to advanced riders of any age in a safe environment. Riding is a fun activity and an excellent way of getting fit and staying fit. Urchinwood has gained the Accessibility Mark Centre approval, which specialise in disabled riders, encouraging all riders to reach their full potential and allowing riders to enjoy being with horses in a safe place. They
are able to offer lessons in their indoor and outdoor schools and also rides on the farm which are very popular with many of their clients. Urchinwood also offers friendly livery on a full or working livery basis and allows the livery owners the use of all the on-site facilities such as both arenas, cross country course, show jumps and dressage arenas.
They hold many events throughout the year and encourage many of their clients to take part, whether it be Unaffiliated Dressage, Clear Round Cross Country or Unaffiliated One Day Event. They are also a Pony Club and Young Equestrian centre and hold sessions monthly for young equestrians and throughout the school holidays for Pony Club.
URCHINWOOD MANOR RIDING AND EVENT CENTRE
Expert tuition for all ages Accessibility Mark for Disabled riders Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country and Side Saddle lessons available Large indoor school and outdoor school with Andrew Bowens surfaces Pony Club and Young Equestrian Centre Cross Country and Show Jumps available to hire Livery available with the use of on site facilities Gift Vouchers available Ride yourself fit and have fun!
Contact the office on 01934 833248
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A Mendip murmuration
AUTUMN looms closer and it won’t be long until starlings flock together to create their huge and spectacular murmurations over CYCLING the Somerset Levels. with EDMUND Also, like “Birds of a LODITE Feather” it was mountain bikers who rode together in a new off-road cycling event on the Mendip Hills. Organised by Channel Events, the Mendip Murmuration saw like-minded individuals coming together for a common purpose – to cruise and carve over the stunning landscape of the Mendip Hills. Following on from their successful offroad events held on Exmoor and the Quantock Hills, Channel Events were asked by the National Trust to deliver a similar event in the Mendip AONB, as
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part of the 2017 South West Outdoor Festival. The trust use the festival to publicise, educate and promote outdoor activity in the natural environment, and this year’s festival was held near Cheddar. It’s been a few years since an organised mountain bike event had been held on the Mendip Hills so this non-competitive sportive was a welcome return, but it wasn’t easy. Although there are established off-road trails used by local riders, getting permission for an organised event required the support of Mendip AONB, Wildlife Trust, Forestry Commission and landowners. Dan Brice, from Channel Events, said: “It was great to get everybody together and make this work. At the end of the day we all have the same common interest, to enjoy the beauty of the Mendips in a way that works for us all.” On the day, riders had a choice of either a 20 or 30-mile circuit. The
challenging route worked its way over and around Cheddar Gorge, across Black Down, through the forest playground of Rowberrow Warren and across Crook Peak. Although heavy going, the mixedterrain route included some of the best views from the top of the Mendips. Jim Hardcastle, head of Mendip AONB, said: “The Mendip Hills are renowned as a tough but beautiful place to ride. The route takes you across some of our most iconic landscapes. The tough climbs and technical descents are always rewarded with amazing views and characterful areas.” After the event, the feedback from those who took part was positive with plenty of comments about Crook Peak. It’s likely that this event will become a regular feature on the cycling calendar. That success is down to the stunning beauty of the Mendip AONB and also the respect of riders to other users, whether on foot or horse.
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Bowls champions
Terry Priddle, Steve Amor and John Mathews
THREE members of Purnell Bowls Club, Terry Priddle, John Matthews and Steve Amor, have been crowned Somerset County Triples Champions, the first members of the club to achieve the honour. Purnells lost to Norwest in the final of the Mid-Somerset Floodlight Bowls Competition, which has raised £27,000 for charities in the last 12 years.
Anyone for table tennis?
THE table tennis club in Compton Dando is looking for new members. Organiser, Richard Davis, said: “We welcome players of all abilities, even if you haven’t played before, and particularly welcome older retired people.” He started the club one and a half years ago and it meets in the village hall every fortnight on a Thursday, with tournaments on the third Sunday of the month. The club charges £3 per two-hour session, including tea and biscuits, with any profit going to Julian House in Bath. So far this year they have sent them £800. The photo shows (l to r) Glynis Gainard, Richard Davis, Jill Elliott, Ron Waker, Roger Carpenter, Margaret Boucher, Lynn Wilson and Jill Harman, with Josh and Ollie (front). Details: Richard Davis 01761 490727 or 07968 269841 or email richardjamesdavis@hotmail.com
Girls rugby puts on a united front
SPORT
Come and join us – the girls’ message to other youngsters
THREE rugby clubs have joined forces to encourage more girls to take up the sport. Mendip Girls Rugby is made up of youngsters from Wells RFC, Tor RFC and Castle Cary RFC and is aimed at under13s (Years seven and eight) and under-15s (Years nine and ten). Anna Marie Perry, from Mini and junior rugby sides are keen to Castle Cary, said: attract boys as well as girls “A lot of clubs are struggling to attract players at those age levels and it makes sense to join forces. “It’s meant to be fun and enjoyable rugby for every ability.”
Players stage a skills demonstration during the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show
For details, contact the minis/junior coaches at each club: torminirugby@yahoo.com estellelove@aol.com and annamarieperry13@gmail.com MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017 • PAGE 117
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Winscombe named top rugby club WINSCOMBE Rugby Club has been named Rugby Club of the Year at the Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards. Celebrating the best of English rugby, from grassroots to the pinnacle of the game, the ceremony is the only event to bring together all clubs and players from the leagues in England. With 1,000 nominees in 12 different categories, Winscombe was thrilled to win the coveted title following a season of unprecedented success for the club. The senior team won the Somerset Premier league and progressed to the South West Division for the first time in their history, while junior teams reached many local finals with the U15s winning the Bristol Combination Cup. The jewels in their crown have been their young ladies at U15 and U18 level who, having formed only four years ago, have become dual national champions at both levels, beating clubs with much longer and prestigious histories. Club president, Andrew Gunningham, attributed their success to the entire club, from youngest under six, to its strong senior sides and girls, saying: “It’s a wonderful achievement and everyone in the club should be very proud.” Club chairman, Kevin Rosser, said: “The award is fantastic recognition not only of our achievements on the pitch but for
The Winscombe team at the awards
Making hay on the golf course
A TEAM of farmers calling themselves The Haymakers was victorious at the annual charity golf competition organised by the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street. Held once again at Wheathill Golf Course, near Castle Cary, it also saw an inter-rotary competition for District 1200 which was won by the Yeo Vale club. This year the principal charity was Children's’ Hospice South West along with other rotary causes and more than £3,000 was raised. A spokesman for the organisers said: “As ever, the club is eternally grateful to our sponsors, without whose generous support we would not manage to raise such princely sums and, of course, the golfers without whom there would, by definition, be no competition. “We are also most grateful to the Wheathill staff who worked hard to prepare the course and were most helpful to us on the day, together with CHSW staff who also assisted.” PAGE 118 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
Winscombe Players and officials at the awards
the club as a whole. Players, volunteers, parents, helpers and supporters, all live the One Club ethos, all working together to help us flourish. “Pathways have been established from the 400 children and young adults in 15 age group sections to the three men’s senior teams, colts and, this season, our new ladies team. All living the ethos of communicating and encouraging and living our club moto – ‘Friendship Through Rugby’.” Held at Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby, the awards were judged by rugby personalities Jeremy Guscott, Catherine Spencer, Maggie Alphonsi, Nick Cain and Jeff Probyn, collectively representing expertise in every facet of the game. Event ambassador, former England captain Chris Robshaw, helped create the awards to honour the achievements of every rugby club in the country. He said: “I am honoured to be a part of an event that recognises the, often unheralded, work and achievements of those involved in rugby around the country. It is fantastic that the Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards is now a permanent fixture in the rugby calendar and has now become the largest rugby club awards ceremony in the world.” The winning team The Haymakers
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SPORT
Croquet champions Rotarians try croquet
CAMERTON and Peasedown Croquet Club have had a double celebration. They beat Nailsea to become the South West Federation Association Croquet Intermediate League area champions. In a lighter vein they were also hosts to over 30 members of Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club for an evening of croquet, friendly banter and family rivalry, which continued until the sun set and the Pimms dried up.
Winners (front) with Nailsea, standing
Details: Brian or Mo on 01225 708540
Sarah joins football’s top table
SARAH Nickless, the football development officer for youth and mini soccer in Somerset, is to sit on the Football Association council after she was appointed chair of the organisation’s national youth council. Sarah, of Street, will be the first youth council chair to sit on the governing body after the FA structure was reformed. Her appointment follows three successful terms representing the FA youth council across a number of key roles; most recently leading this year on developing a peer-led learning and development community across the network of county FA youth councils. As part of her role, Sarah has become the youngest female appointed to the FA council; representing not only the FA youth council, but every young person in the game. Sarah said: “I’m incredibly excited by
the opportunity to continue to represent the FA youth council and to keep developing pathways for youth and adult partnerships to flourish throughout the game. It’s imperative that we maintain and build on the momentum which has been created over the past seasons and to really highlight the importance of listening to and involving young people in the development of the game.” A spokesman for the Somerset FA, which is based in Glastonbury, said: “Sarah’s passion for developing young people ad the game has been showcased through her work and enthusiasm to provide opportunities across Somerset. We’re thrilled that Sarah has been appointed as chair of the FA youth council and can continue to make a difference not only in Somerset, but nationwide.” ● For more information about the
Sarah Nickless is thrilled to be taking up her national role
Somerset FA youth council follow them on Twitter @SomersetFAYC and the national FA youth council at @TheFANYC
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Wildlife helped by martial arts expert
A CHEDDAR fundraiser has successfully completed a gruelling 105-mile race across the Scottish Highlands to support a local charity. Jane Lambert, a senior instructor at Cheddar’s TAGB Tae Kwon-Do club, took part in an adventure race called Coast to Coast last weekend in aid of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, based at East Hunstpill. The race took place between Nairn and Glen Coe and includes running, cycling and kayaking. Jane completed the course in 11 hours and 40 minutes, well below the average of 14 hours, and raised £1,500. She said: “The first day was weather perfect for racing and we finished in just five hours, the sun was shining, everyone was smiling and the scenery was breathtaking! “But things can change quickly and the Highland weather was pretty unrelenting on the second day. It’s amazing how much this can impact a race like this and the last four miles were pretty tough! The constant climb to over 1600 feet was challenging, but I made it, and even had enough in the tank for a sprint to the finish line!"
Jane at the end of the challenge
Cheddar’s TAGB Tae Kwon-Do club meets every Wednesday and Friday at Kings Fitness and Leisure. Beginners of all ages and abilities are always welcome.
Now we can call it home
Ted Chappell, chairman of Horrington Cricket Club, welcomes Richard Parsons to Chapel Piece
MEMBERS of Horrington Cricket Club have celebrated the formal opening of their home venue after an appeal for support to buy the ground raised more than £90,000. Richard Parsons, president of Somerset County Cricket Club, was the guest of honour at a party at Chapel Piece, at East Horrington near Wells to mark the achievement. He unveiled a commemorative board thanking the individuals and organisations who supported the appeal which guarantees the ground will remain as a community asset.
Thank you: (l:r) Kevin Russell (secretary of Horrington Cricket Club), Richard Parsons and Ted Chappell (chairman of Horrington Cricket Club) at the unveiling of the Chapel Piece commemorative board
C ri c k e t m a t c h i n m em o r y o f J o h n a n d S t e v e TWO stalwarts of Leigh on Mendip Cricket Club and Coleford Athletic Football Club were remembered at a special memorial cricket match between the two villages. Both teams featured members of the families of John Webb and Steve Willis and it was a close-fought contest played in a great spirit. Leigh's total of 140 from their allotted 25 overs felt a little under par and some lusty late hitting by Reece Crocker saw Coleford home with a couple of overs to spare. Leigh on Mendip Cricket Club now has a John Webb memorial bench and a Steve Willis honours board. PAGE 120 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
The two teams in front of the memorial bench
(Photography courtesy of Patrick Kirkby)
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SPORT
Pedals to the medals – Coleford’s cycling hope By Mark Adler
THERE are no brakes, just a fixed gear and a not-so-fixed approach to some underhand tactics – welcome to the slightly crazy world of cycle speedway. And welcome to the world of Kristina Mines, a 20-year-old from Coleford who is off to Australia in November to represent Great Britain in the women’s world championships. Cycle speedway is held on a short oval-shaped, shale track which on average is 87m in length. There are always four riders in a race and they all sprint for four laps. It is a contact sport where there can be explosive elbow-to-elbow action and some other pushing and shoving. As Krissy says: “It’s at the referee’s discretion; sometimes if you think you can get away with something, you will do it. It can be vicious.” Krissy, a former pupil of Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton, took up the sport just over seven years ago after trying it whilst on a family cycling holiday in Poole. Her nearest track is at Poole – she rides for them and the southwest women’s team – so practice time is at a premium. Whilst other riders have tracks near their home, Krissy is more likely to be seen on the Colliers Way path near Radstock with dad David. Krissy will join eight other women on the trip to Adelaide in November, competing in five tests against Australia before going for glory in the individual women’s world championships. Whilst the sport comes under the remit of British Cycling, there’s only a minimum of support. Her cycling top is provided by the governing body but Krissy must buy everything else, choosing cheaper trainers rather than expensive ones because they can wear out so quickly. And Getting ready to race; dad David modified the bike because of Krissy’s petite stature
Krissy at home in Coleford
cycling leggings are often shredded to pieces. On top of that there is the helmet, the elbow and knee pads and Krissy also wears a back support after sustaining a nasty injury in a race when she was taken out by a kick to her bike from a fellow competitor. In 2011, she raced for the victorious junior England squad against America for the world test matches in Edenton, USA, where she also came fourth in the women’s world championships. In the 2015 world final which at Wednesfield, Wolverhampton she came sixth. Her dedication to the sport has meant putting a university place on hold. Instead, she works overnight stacking shelves in the Tesco store in Shepton Mallet. Her colleagues and bosses are full of admiration for Krissy and have been holding fundraising event to help towards the £1,500 cost of the trip. Manager Mike Dennett said: “We are all so very proud of Krissy. To represent Great Britain is an incredible achievement.”
Krissy is still looking for more sponsorship for the trip, which runs from November 13th until December 3rd. To help, call Krissy on 07516 276750 or email: krissymines97@hotmail.co.uk
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Making your vows underground
WOOKEY Hole Caves offer some of the most beautiful caves in the world with amazing rock formations and stunning clear pools. Carved by the River Axe over millions of years and with thousands of years of human history, this makes a truly magical and atmospheric venue for wedding ceremonies. There are three chambers licensed for civil ceremonies, The Witch’s Kitchen, The Cathedral Cavern and The Witch’s Parlour. Each has its own qualities and the chamber is lit with candles ready for the wedding ceremony. The first wedding in the caves took place in 2005, since then this unique venue has welcomed couples who have chosen Wookey Hole as the setting for their wedding, reception and honeymoon. With the hotel and elegant celebration room, Wookey Hole offers an unrivalled package. The dedicated wedding co-ordinator will guide couples from the first meeting, ensuring a smooth journey and delivering the perfect day. If you are looking for a venue with a difference, something out of the ordinary or if you just have a “thing” for going underground, then look no further. Only a handful of couples have chosen these beautiful caves and they remain one of the best kept secrets in Somerset.
SAW is in the air
Organisers of SAW at the launch in Kilver Court gardens THEATRE AT THE Event: The Ultimate Half-Term Quest An Ancient Greek double bill: JASON & THE ARGONAUTS AND MEDEA The search for half-term entertainment is over, with a stunning, stage premiere of the ancient Greek tale of adventure from the renowned Four of Swords. Venue: Theatre Tropicana, Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare Date: Wed 25 – Sat 28 October 2017 For more details and tickets, visit www.tropicanaweston.co.uk or book at external Box Office, Tobacco Factory Theatres on 0117 9020344.
Details: weddings@wookey.co.uk
DOZENS of artists gathered in Shepton Mallet for the official launch of this year’s Somerset Art Weeks. The event, to herald the start of Prospect – which runs until Sunday, October 8th – took place at Kilver Court where artist David Ward has created In the Air – an installation of sounds and voices beneath six of the individual arches of the railway viaduct. Details: www.somersetartworks.org.uk
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 6th October
Starts Friday 13th October
Starts Friday 20th October
Event Cinema for October
NOW SHOWING:
The Mountain Between Us (cert tbc) Home Again (12A) The Lego Ninjago Movie (U) 3D/2D Geostorm (12A) 3D/2D • My Little Pony (cert tbc) Blade Runner 2049 (cert tbc) 5th Hamlet NT 11th Coriolanus RSC 23rd Alice's Adventures In Wonderland ROH
● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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Beware – laughter is catching
WHAT’S ON
IT’S Hallowe’en and the ghosts of Gough’s Cave have come out to play! This year, Cheddar Gorge & Caves have teamed up with the world-famous Natural Theatre Company, so you can meet a gaggle of ghouls, gossiping amongst the shadows. Stumble across creepy and cheeky characters from the cave’s fascinating history from October 21st – 29th. They will make you jump. They’ll definitely have you in fits of giggles. Come and see them from 11am to 3pm (included with your Explorer Day Ticket) where you can piece together the stories of the characters and decipher what is fact, what is fiction – and what is just plain nonsense! In the evenings, witness a very different kind of entertaining live show – Fright Nights – again with the sensational Natural Theatre Company. You’ll receive some treats before you enter the Cave where the stories have a greater level of intensity, revealing a dark tale of rivalry and deceit – and perhaps even some madness – that haunt the cave to this day. Interact with amazing performers and enjoy seeing this great landmark brought to life in an immersive experience!
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CAMERTON COURT GARDENS Camerton, Bath BA2 OPU
Guided Group Walks throughout the year Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn (Minimum 15 – Maximum 25)
For Further information and dates available, contact Julieann Tel: 01761 479319 or Email: camertoncourtbath@gmail.com
Discovering Mendip’s geology ROCKTOBER is about to roll onto the scene, with a whole month of events to celebrate the 450-million-year geological history of the Mendip Hills. Running from Saturday, September 30th until the end of October, the Mendip Rocks! festival has something for everyone, including free family fun days, guided geo walks, tours of working and disused quarries, practical drystone walling, children’s and adult’s art workshops, geology field visits and more! The festival’s finale will be a day of inspiring geology talks to discover “Making the Mendips – A Blast from the Past” on Saturday October 28th at Wells and Mendip Museum. The Mendip Rocks! festival is supported by Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit, Somerset Earth Science Centre and The Mendip Society. Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
Santa at the Abbey
GLASTONBURY Abbey is to host a visit by Father Christmas in December, complete with his reindeer. For the first time Santa will be meeting children in the historic Abbot’s Kitchen on three consecutive Saturdays, December 2nd, 9th and 16th (between 11am and 2pm). You can book your slot to meet him in the kitchen, listen to a festive story and give him your Christmas wishes. Afterwards you can also see his reindeer and have a photograph taken in his sleigh and enjoy all the abbey has to offer. The price is per child and is to meet Santa only; admission to the abbey needs to be added when you make your booking and is at the online advance price. Santa uses Somerset Reindeer Ranch for his reindeer while visiting Glastonbury Abbey. They now have secondgeneration calves, mostly born in the UK so are well acclimatised to our seasons. They are extremely friendly and are fed daily with imported lichen and a range of nuts and grains mixed to their specific requirements. They are herded using their partner breed of dog, the Samoyed, and are happy to work for six weeks at Christmas, spending the rest of the year being waited on hand and hoof! The timings to see Santa are to coincide with the times required for moving the reindeer and to ensure their welfare is paramount. Somerset Reindeer are also providing the sleigh you can be photographed in.
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For details, visit: www.glastonburyabbeycom
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War Horse back at the Bristol Hippodrome THE smash-hit First World War drama, War Horse, is set to return to the Bristol Hippodrome from Wednesday October 18th to Saturday November 11th. The play, which has been seen by over seven million people worldwide, has won 25 awards including the Tony Award for Best Play on Broadway. Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship, about a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, is set against the backdrop of the First World War. It is the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history and features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping horses to life on stage. Michael Morpurgo said: “After a few months rest, out at pasture, Joey, the War Horse and his great team from the National Theatre, will be touring the UK again, from 2017 through to 2019 and the centenary of the end of the First World
War, taking their show all over the country, to towns and cities, many of them places War Horse has not been seen before. “I am so pleased this is happening; that so many more people will have the chance to enjoy this unique theatrical event.
WHAT’S ON
Steady boy, steady Joey. Trot on!” The tour coincides with the centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War and follows the production’s hugely successful tour of the UK and Ireland in 2013-2014.
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Ghostly goings on
THE Haynes International Motor Museum is always a great place for the whole family to visit and this half-term there’s even more to do! For the youngsters between October 21st and 29th they are offering Haunted Haynes Week where the ghosts move into the museum. Children can come in full fancy dress if they dare, have a go at pumpkin carving and complete the Ghostly Charlie Crow Treasure Trail around the Museum. Details: www.himm.co.uk
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Have a “horrible” time at the Wells Festival of Literature
MARTIN Brown, the illustrious illustrator of the best-selling Horrible Histories, will be sharing his passion for “drawing and doodling” as part of the Wells Martin Brown and friend Festival of Literature which celebrates its silver anniversary in October. His talk will be one of the highlights of the festival, running between Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 21st. Several events have already sold out but tickets are still available for Martin’s talk at 3.30pm on Sunday, October 15th. The festival June also welcomes Sarpong award-winning author John Boyne (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas). The Thelma Fisher Memorial Event also covers fiction – a discussion on memoir, and the writer Tessa Hadley will introduce her short story collection Bad Dreams. Dr Graham Tomlin explores Luther’s Gospel and its uncanny relevance to the 21st Century, whilst celebrity chefs Peter Gordon and Rowley Leigh talk about their influence on what we eat today. June Sarpong challenges her audience to conquer the discriminative views they often don’t even know they hold! And with poetry, politics, science and surrealism on offer – and plenty more besides – visit www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk for details.
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WHAT’S ON
WNO return to the Hippodrome with autumn season
WELSH National Opera return to the Bristol Hippodrome this autumn with two Russian-themed operas which mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution. Performing from November 15th–18th, the company will bring its productions of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and Janáček’s From the House of the Dead, based on the book by Dostoevsky. Alongside these are two performances of Johan Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, in WNO’s delightful production. Opening the week is Eugene Onegin, evoking the elegance of early 19th century St Petersburg alongside simple countryside settings. This revival of James Macdonald’s original
production will be directed by Caroline Chaney and conducted by Latvian Ainārs Rubikis who has recently been announced as the new music director of Komische Oper Details: wno.org.uk
Berlin. From the House of the Dead will be a revival of WNO’s original 1982 production, this time in a new critical edition by musicologist John Tyrrell with performance suggestions by Charles Mackerras. Unfinished at the time of Janáček’s death, this will be the first time that the opera is performed in a version that is as close as possible to what Janáček intended. Tomáš Hanus said: “WNO’s ‘Russian Revolution’ season reflects the soul of Russian people, culture and thinking, as well as the history. The extraordinary beauty and immense power of the music of great masters like Tchaikovsky and Janáček puts us right at the heart of this Russian phenomenon.” During the season there will also be two performances, including one matinee, of WNO’s acclaimed production of Die Fledermaus, conducted by James Southall.
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M e n d i p
Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.
Wednesday September 27th Mendip Ploughing Match, Priddy Hill Farm. Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support with speaker Shirley Leslie from Vision North Somerset, 1.30pm, Backwell W.I. Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with Wells Cathedral School, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome. Thursday September 28th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk six miles from Ken Master’s home, OS Map Ex141 ST483454, start 1.30pm, park considerately in lane near house. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Chew Valley Wildlife Group, The Five-year Butterfly Hunt illustrated talk by Phil Hall in Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, admission £2.50; season ticket available. Saturday September 30th to Saturday October 28th Mendip Rocks! Festival launch, Wells Market Place, from 9am, with events throughout the month. Details: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events or contact Somerset Earth Science Centre 01749 840156 gill@earthsciencecentre.org.uk Saturday September 30th Cheddar Male Choir charity concert for Meniere’s Society, with the Moor Singers, St. Mary’s Church, Wedmore, 7.30pm, tickets £8 on the door, or from village store or Bill Litherland 01934 712592. Details: www.cheddarmvchoir.co.uk Taize’ and Teas, Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along and join in singing Taize’ chants with us or just relax and listen in our wonderful church, teas, coffee and biscuits will be available afterwards, no charge but donations to the church are always welcome. Details: Janet 01225 869337 or 07376 573093. Cheddar Michaelmas Folk Fair, Cheddar Village Hall, BS27 3RF, 7pm for 7.30pm, a unique minifestival of traditional ballads, tales and music performed by entertainers from round and about old Somerset, plus supper, tickets £9. Details: Judy 01934 744082 or Heather 01934 743013. Mendip Society Rickford and Blagdon pub walk, meet 11am in Ubley Sawmills car park BS40 6PF ST 529 587, a moderate walk of about 4.5 miles to the Plume of Feathers at Rickford for lunch at about 1pm and return the 4.5 miles via Blagdon, max no 25, booking required. Details: Martin 01761 462528. Plop! Theatre Show Red Brick Building, Morland Enterprise Park, Glastonbury BA6 9FT, 3pm, children £5, adults £7. Congresbury Horticultural Society Autumn Show, The Old School Rooms, 2.30-4.30 pm. Ffi: www.congresburygardening.org.uk Monday October 2nd Congresbury Memorial Hall Club friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Wednesday October 4th St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with new recitalist Louise Best, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome. Thursday October 5th Congresbury Horticultural Society, Growing and Showing Euphorbias with Antony Turpin, Congresbury Methodist Hall, 7.30pm, new members always welcome. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 9.5 PAGE 128 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2017
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miles from Clatworthy Reservoir, OS map ExOL9 ST043312, start 10am, park in car park. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/0741 5517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday October 6th Redhill Club Open Mic Night hosted by Jerry Blythe, starting at 8pm, join us and unwind with an evening of live music, acoustic singer-songwriters at their very best. Details: Jerry 07900 587646. Camerton Railway Event, Camerton Community Hall, speaker Colin Maggs, £5, inc refreshments, free parking, 7pm. Cheddar Library craft and sewing group, making fabric mug or wine glass padded mats, coasters, 2.30pm. Saturday October 7th Wells One World Fair, featuring over 30 charities, Wells Town Hall, 10am-4pm. Details: David Green 01749 673356 email db.green@tiscali.co.uk or Celia Lacey 01458 445921 email celialacey48@hotmail.com Charity Coffee Morning for The Harvey Hext Trust, A Siblings Wish, 10am-12 noon, Regil Village Hall, BS40 8BD, coffee, tombola, raffle, cakes, hot pasties, various stalls. Details: Gwyn Riches 01275 472705 or Pat George 01275 472077. Mendip Society walk, Radstock to Kilmersdon, in conjunction with the Mendip Rocks Festival, meet 11am in the car park opposite Radstock Museum in Waterloo Road, Radstock (BA3 3EP) ST 690 551, parking free up to four hours, a four to five-mile moderate walk exploring the industrial heritage and geology of this area. Details: Roger 0117 9620541. Supporters of St Peter’s Church, Draycott, Michaelmas Fayre, local crafts, refreshments, children’s area, 10.30am-2pm. All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2NL, Weston Youth Orchestra present an evening of exciting orchestral music, including excerpts from Carmen and a selection from Beauty and the Beast, tickets available on the door, 7.30pm. Charlie Dore multi-talented, award-winning singer songwriter, composer and musician, Caryford Community Hall, Castle Cary, £12. Details: www.wegottickets.com Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group, fungi search in Alfred Tower’s woodland and grassland areas, meet at Stock Hill ST459513, 10.30am, adults £5, children over six £2.50. Details: Mick Ridgard 01373 463875 or mridgard@sky.com Valley Arts autumn festival event, Kate Dimbleby and Keith Warmington, Ubley Village Hall, 7.30pm. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Valley Arts children’s show Alf and the Highwayman, Chew Valley School, 2pm. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Cheddar Vale Lions jumble sale, village hall, 2pm, entrance 20p. Castle Cary Children’s Carnival. Procession 2pm followed by children's entertainment festival outside the Market House, with circus skills, face-painting, mask-making and lots of special treats to eat! Ffi: www.ccas.org.uk West Gallery concert, Stowey Church, near Bishop Sutton, BS39 5TQ. 7pm. Harvest concert of music from country churches in the Georgian era. Tickets £7.50, to include ploughman's supper at Manor Farm, from Jill and Graham Nicol on 01275 333456, or by email, jill.broadhead@cpsoutlook.co.uk Tickets will not be available on the door. Wells Library Space Day To Boldly Go, celebrate World Space Week and space exploration, loads of things to see and do for everyone – FREE! Details: 0300 123 2224 or wlslib@somerset.gov.uk "Afternoon Tea @ The Ritz". Croscombe Village Hall, 3pm. Delicious afternoon tea with musical interludes by Sheila Ross and a short talk by Jim Scott about his travels around the world. Tickets £7.50 from
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Croscombe Village Stores or Phone Elaine: 01749 939457. Sunday October 8th Redhill Village Club Classic car and motorcycle breakfast meet, 9am-11am, all enthusiasts welcome to just park up on the recreation field (BS40 5SG), full English breakfast available in the hall. Details: 01934 862619. Wells Food Festival. Details: www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk Cheddar Library open day festival, eight different events, 11am-4pm. Monday October 9th Nailsea and District Local History Society, agm and The History of Bristol’s Water, with Paul Hodge, Nailsea School, 7.45pm. Mendip Folk Dance Club, St James Church Hall, Winscombe, BS25 1AQ, 8pm-10pm, no experience necessary, everyone welcome, come and give it a try, £2 per evening, also on the 23rd and 30th. Details: Pat 01934 742853. St John’s Memory Café, St John’s Church, Chilcompton. A session on First Aid - safety awareness in the home. 2-4pm. Trained volunteer staff, refreshments and activities. Ffi: 01761 502068. Tuesday October 10th The Arts Society Mendip J M W Turner, The Day Parliament burnt Down, talk by parliamentary archivist Caroline Shenton, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk 01934 862435. Congresbury Over-60s Club, entertainment by the Reflections Singers, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Wednesday October 11th Wells Civic Society, Wells Almshouses, their history and how they are used today, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. Details: www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk Thursday October 12th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6.5 miles from Mells, OS map Ex142 ST726491, start 1.30pm, park on roadside near Talbot Inn. Details: Hilary Stirling 07709 024033 or peter.stirling@me.com Langford Vets Farmers’ Meeting FREE training evening covering practical skills for young farmers, 7pm, Langford Vets, BS40 5DU. Details: www.langfordvets.co.uk Mid Somerset Tinnitus Self Help Group, 7.30pm in Wells Fire Station Community Room, all welcome. Details: Michael Rowe 01749 673044 email mstshg@live.com Friday October 13th Valley Arts evening of swing and jazz with local band Magna Jazz, Chew Valley School Hall, 7.30pm. Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk/ Saturday October 14th Dr Phil Hammond’s Hilarious Homecoming Gig at Bishop Sutton Village Hall in the Chew Valley, in aid of Bishop Sutton Pre-School and Forest Club. Tickets £17.50. Details: www.bishopsutttonpreschool.org.uk/events St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, organ recital with Jim Williams, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome. Churchill Music! Aquinas Piano Trio, one of Britain's most sought-after chamber groups, including Haydn, Beethoven & Schumann, St. John's Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5QW, 7.30pm, tickets £12 champions, £16 non-champions; UI8s £4. Details: www.churchillmusic.org.uk or Susannah Read 01934 844106. Winscombe Community Association Winscombe Big Book Sale and Freecycle Event, 9am-12.30pm, Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe,
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refreshments, free entry. Details: 01934 843986. Castle Cary Honey Show, featuring beekeepers from south east Somerset, Castle Cary Market House, 10.30am-1pm. Details: Lionel Horler 07894 039933 lhorler934@talktalk.net or Les Kimberley 07855 899257 leskimberley@gmail.com Mendip Society geocaching walk around Burrington Ham BS40 7AT ST 490 580 with Jen Harley, 10.30am to 1pm, meet in Burrington Combe upper car park (BS40 7AT). Book at: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books. Stoney Stratton Apple Day. 12-4 pm in The Neill Orchard, Back Lane, BA4 6EA. Fun for all the family, locally produced food and drink. Details: Jane Neill 01749 830513. Dragons’ Den. Four charities pitch for prize money at Wells SOUP, Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells BA5 2PU, 1-2pm, entry £5 includes a light lunch. Details: 07715 770454. Quiz Night. Winscombe Church Hall, BS25 1BA. 7pm. Tickets £6 per person available from William Du Croz (07960 697 874 or email: wducroz@hotmail.co.uk Castle Cary Carnival. 40th anniversary celebrations. Live music and entertainment in front of the Market House all afternoon. Procession begins at 7pm. Ffi: www.ccas.org.uk Monday October 16th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Timsbury Nats talk by John Martin on his travels in South Africa, Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury BA2 0JQ, 7.30pm. Tuesday October 17th NADFAS lecture The Horse and Modern Art from George Stubbs to Mark Wallinger, the Arts Society illustrated lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350132. Christmas Fair at Wincanton Racecourse Marquee, from 10am, entry £3, free parking, organised by Somerton & Frome Conservatives in support of Marie Curie. Details: 01963 33656. MIdsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild, 2pm, St John's Church Hall, BA3 2HX, talk by Jane Norris "Nursing & Midwifery at home and abroad". Details: Glen Hepworth 01761 413628. Wednesday October 18th to Tuesday October 31st Frome in Palestine 1917-1948 Silk Mill Gallery Merchants Barton, Saxonvale, Frome BA11 1PT, 11am-7pm, free admission. Wednesday October 18th St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with Somervale School, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome. Thursday October 19th North Somerset Rural Business Forum Mendip Spring Golf Club, Congresbury BS49 5JT, speaker, Meurig Raymond, NFU president, 7.30pm, members £25, non-members £10. Details: richard@cooksleyandco.org Somerset Morris, women’s morris side, taster session, 8pm-10pm, Marksbury Village Hall, BA2 9HP. Friday October 20th Camerton Community Hall S & D talks, memories of the Somerset & Dorset Railway, rare film from Green Park to Bournemouth, £5 inc tea/coffee and biscuits, 7pm. Details: www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk Cheddar Library craft and sewing group, "Bring Your Own Craft, and Chat" session, 2.30pm. Mendip Society walk around Charterhouse lead mines ST 505 557, meet 2pm in the Blackmoor
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Reserve Car park, Charterhouse (BS40 7XR), a fourmile walk around the old lead workings, part of the Mendip Rocks festival. Details: Richard 01275 472797. RNLI Butcombe fish supper in the village hall, 7pm, offering fish pie or vegetarian lasagne for £20, drink included, or £10 for U18s. Details: Georgina and Christopher Lewis 01761 462269 or email Georgina.jefferies7@gmail.com Saturday October 21st Blagdon Weston Hospicecare big breakfast, Blagdon Village Club, 9am-12noon. Details: Angela Smythe 01761 462601or Tina Smith waterdene@aol.com Mendip Society walk A Tale of Two Quarries – Fairy Cave & Cooks wood, in conjunction with the Mendip Rocks Festival, meet 2pm, Stoke St Michael Recreation Ground car park, Frog Lane (BA3 5JL) ST 661 472, a four-mile walk. Details: Terry 01749 679128. Trash or Treasure day, organised by Radstock Museum’s Bygone Days Team in association with Killens Auctioneers. 10am-4pm, The Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton. Free entry. Each valuation £1. Fun quiz and refreshments. All money raised for museum. Sunday October 22nd Ebbor Gorge Family Fun Day jointly organised by the Mendip Society, the National Trust, Mendip Hill’s AONB, SESC, and Natural England, with family activities, rocks and fossils, 10am-4pm. Details: Simon Clarke 01458 860120 or at: simon.clarke@naturalengland.org.uk Monday October 23rd Bishop’s Palace, Wells Nature Ninjas, start half-term with a garden-based session of woodland wonders. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Tuesday October 24th Congresbury Over-60s Club Terry Merrett-Smith illustrated talk on ‘MGM Musicals’, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Wednesday October 25th St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, lunchtime concert, with the U3A choir, doors open 12noon, refreshments available, no charge but donations welcome. Thursday October 26th Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group, life and times of the brown hare, talk by Peter Thompson (Biodiversity Advisor, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust), St Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome, BA11 1EU or ST774478, 7.30pm, adults £2.50, children and students £1. Chew Valley Wildlife Group: A Sortie in Spain illustrated wildlife talk by Philip Mugridge in Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, admission £2.50; season available. West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk six miles from The Bell Inn, Buckland Dinham, OS map Ex142 ST752511, start 1.30pm, park on roadside near inn. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or kenmasters265@gmail.com Rock climbing taster sessions at Fairy Cave Quarry, Stoke St Michael with Ian Butterworth and Terry Gifford from 10am to 12pm for 16-21-year-olds and from 2pm to 4pm for the over 21s, limited places at £5pp and booking is essential at: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk Friday October 27th Cheddar Library craft and sewing group, "Christmas Crafts – a special family session for
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children" book in children at the library counter in advance, 50p charge for materials, 2.30pm. Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday, woodland wonders. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Cheddar Library Fun Fossil Friday Rocktober! event, 2.30-3.30pm, with Somerset Earth Science Centre team, suggested donation £3, booking recommended. Details: chelib@somerset.gov.uk 0300 123 222. Saturday October 28th Frome Friends of Dorothy House Race Night, Frome Football Club, tickets £7.50 to include a Ploughman’s Supper. Details: Terry Aldous 01373 464333 or steph.cox@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk Mendip Society walk Farmborough to Hunstrete Lake, meet 2pm in the car park at the end of Church Lane, Farmborough (BA2 0AN) ST 661 606, a fivemile walk across fields and through woodland. Details: Roger 01225 872777. Duo Karadys Concert St Mary’s, Yatton, melodic music by Handel, Schubert, Brahms, Mendelssohn and Shostakovich, 7.30pm, tickets £8 members, £10 non-members inc refreshments, from the church office or on the door. Details: www.yms.org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 or e-mail david.ford@yms.org.uk Cheddar Male Choir annual concert with soloist Francesca Bowkett, Kings of Wessex Theatre Cheddar BS27 3AQ to help raise funds for the choir charity, tickets £8 available from Deane’s of Cheddar, a choir member or on sale at the door on the night. Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books. Taize’ and Teas, 4pm, Stoke St Michael Church, refreshments available afterwards, also Taize’ chants are sung at the Ammerdown Centre on the first Tuesday in the month. Details: Janet 01225 869337. Poppy Concert. The Wells branch of the Royal British Legion presents their 96th annual Poppy Concert. Wells Town Hall. Doors 7pm, programme 7.30pm with Wells City Band and guest artist Poppy McGhee. Raffle and refreshments. Tickets £5 from Wells Film Centre Cinema daily 1pm to 9pm or on the door. Saturday October 28th and Sunday October 29th Midsomer Norton Station, Real Ale Train Saturday 7pm, followed by Hallowe’en Pumpkins on the platform on Sunday, tickets from station 01761 411221 or the Redan Inn. Monday October 30th to Monday November 27th Exhibition of painting and prints by Sarah de Say, Wells & Mendip Museum, Wells BA5 2UE, 10am4pm daily, closed Sunday, museum entrance £3. Details: 01749 673477. Monday October 30th and Tuesday October 31st Pro-life Art Exhibition at 14thC Church of St. Philip and St. James, Norton St. Philip, Nr. Bath, BA2 7LY, 10am-4pm, admission free. Monday October 30th Wessex Stationary Engine Club talk the engineer, John Padmore of Bath, by Tony Coverdale, 7.30pm, Old Down Inn, BS3 4SA, all welcome, free entry. Details: 01225 754374. Tuesday October 31st Camerton Community Hall Halloween Family Party, spooky disco, fancy dress and scary food plus lots of fun games, 5-7pm. Details: www.camertoncommunityhall.co.uk
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR OCTOBER ACROSS: 2 Sharpham, 4 Lyng, 6 Beercrocombe, 10 Aussie, 11 King John, 13 Yeo, 14 Orson, 16 Rayon, 17 Dirge, 19 Ruin, 21 Tyntesfield, 23. Watchet, 24. Rupert. DOWN: 1 James, 3 Purefoy, 4 Lympsham, 5 Blackford, 7 Rhino, 8 Chaffcombe, 9 Episcopi, 12 Henry, 15 Organic, 18 Intra, 19 Rudge, 20 Gene, 22 Net.
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Medieval times at The Bishop’s Palace
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BOWLORE Medieval reenactment group set up camp in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells for a weekend of activities including longbow, crossbow and other weapons demonstrations, talks and lessons, including have-a-go archery. It was the fourth stay at the palace by the group, which Pam Eddiford, co-founder of Bowlore, hails from Taunton. with Pyewackett, a four-year-old little Bowlore was owl. She is Pam and Neil’s pet owl and founded by Neil goes with them to all their shows Eddiford and his wife Pam. Neil said: “We visit lots of castles to stage displays, but there is something quite special about staying in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace. They are superb.”
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Building bridges
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A NEW exhibition opens in the Bishop’s Palace in Wells on October 28th. Alcantara … Beyond the Wells is a new project involving Somerset artist Peter Lawrence and Jordanian artist Zeina Barhoum. Alcantara is an Arabic word meaning bridge and the exhibition will feature landscapes and impressions of Wells, Somerset, Europe and the Arab world. The exhibition will also incorporate the launch of a book containing the paintings complemented by prose and poetry from writers in Somerset and the Levant region. All royalties and proceeds from the book will be donated to three charities working with refugees and displaced people in the UK, Jordan and Palestine. The project celebrates the universal languages of music and art and highlights the bridges that exist between the Levant, particularly Jordan, and Europe, with a focus on Britain. The project is supported by Arts Council England. The exhibition will be open daily from 10am – 4pm in the Exhibition Room of The Bishop’s Palace and will run until the end of January.
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