Mendip Times
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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 11
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
APRIL 2021
IN THIS ISSUE: • ARTS & ANTIQUES • MENDIP ON FILM • COMMUNITY • WHAT’S ON • BUSINESS
Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
A WHOLE year since the first lockdown and we are beginning to see the first signs of normal activity being resumed with events to look forward to, hopefully, depending on Covid restrictions. The Mid-Somerset Show is moving to a new site and has pencilled in Sunday, August 15th for its first show there. The Royal Bath and West is planning a threeday country show from August 27th29th. Before that on, April 17th, eat:Weston will bring a celebration of food and drink to Weston-super-Mare. The North Somerset Ploughing Match is due to be held on September 5th and the Mendip Ploughing Match on September 29th at Stanton Wick Farm, courtesy of Curtis and Sons. Wells Festival of Literature is now starting to take entries for the autumn and local attractions are due to reopen this month. It’s been a long, hard year and we look forward to seeing a lot of old friends. So do a lot of pony club members and other riding groups, as Rachel Thompson reports. This month we also meet a retired grocer and a former councillor, who have both had books published, and preview a fascinating new DVD showing Mendip life of yesteryear. As ever, thanks to our readers, advertisers and contributors for their support. Let’s hope for sunnier days ahead. May 2021 deadline: Friday, 16th April 2021 Published: Tuesday, 27th April 2021
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@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 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: Jasmin tending her lambs. See Farming, page 10.
40
52
A grocer’s tale – John’s village memories
Smiling for the camera – old footage restored
71
81
Getting in character – for World Book Day
Find the rabbits – village plans Easter trail Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Nick Green .....................10 Internet and Crossword ..............14 Food & Drink ...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................24 Business.........................................29 Charities........................................38 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......41 Walking Sue Gearing ....................42
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........44 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......46 Health & Family ..........................54 Coronavirus ..................................60 Caving Phil Hendy ........................64 Home & Interiors.........................72 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE....77 Sport ..............................................78 What’s On.....................................80 MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
NEWS
Work underway on new show site CONTRACTORS have begun groundworks on the new site of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show which is due to take place this year on Sunday, August 15th. The work, to create an access road ahead of construction of a new office and storage building, is being seen as a landmark moment in the show’s history. The one-day show had been held on its old site for the past 150 years. In September 2018, the show society announced that it had completed a deal to move to its new site further towards
Groundbreaking: (l:r) project manager Britt Edwards, archaeologist Emily Glass and show society chairman Ian Harvey with Biff Viney in the digger
Show society chairman Ian Harvey has overseen the move
Cannard’s Grave on the edge of Shepton Mallet. But delays – including the impact of Covid which led to the cancellation of last year’s show – have meant work was unable to begin until the end of February. The preparations include an archaeological survey of the new site being carried out by Emily Glass, from Archaeology England. Construction and infrastructure work is expected to last for several months.
New sculpture for cathedral’s West Front
(Photo courtesy of Vicken Parsons)
A SCULPTURE by the renowned “Angel of the North” artist Antony Gormley is to be placed in an empty niche below the north-west tower of Wells Cathedral. The cathedral has been working with Wells Art Contemporary and the community group Project Factory CIC to collaborate with the artist, who will “loan” the piece to go on display from the end of August 2021. Cast in iron, the work is just over life-size and will join many other examples of human figures – from medieval to modern – on the West Front. Gormley said: “I have chosen this niche for its position and its visibility: the book at the end of the bookshelf. I have used the orthogonal geometry of our modern habitat Antony Gormley
The empty niche chosen by the artist for the sculpture
to evoke the body as a place rather than as a carrier of narrative illustrated by appearance and attribute. “The work attempts to invoke the feeling of being isolated and exposed on this corner of a Gothic masterpiece. My purpose is to engage the eye and body of the viewer in empathic projection, to consider our time in the shelter of other times.” The Very Reverend Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, said: “The West Front of Wells Cathedral is one of the wonders of medieval architecture – a triumph of statuary and design. And now is to be added, for a period, a piece by one our greatest contemporary sculptors, Antony Gormley. Medieval and modern, ancient, and contemporary. Will we see contrast or complementarity? Come and see, then decide!”
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
(Photograph courtesy of Bristol City Council)
Visitors damage wildlife
Trees for Peasedown
Green orchid
VISITORS are being urged to help preserve the ecology of the Ashton Court Estate where temporary conservation areas have been set up to help wildlife recover from the effects of a record number of lockdown visitors. Sections of the plateau, located near the Clifton Lodge car park of the 850-acre country park, have been roped off to protect breeding skylarks which make their nests amongst the grass. Increased visitor numbers and numbers of dogs roaming off the lead are believed to have contributed to a recent decline in their population. The area is also home to an important population of green-winged orchids, some of which are in danger of being damaged by the impact of walkers on the area. The temporary conservation sites are expected to remain in place throughout the spring. The red deer park on the estate has been closed to the public since November to help with the welfare of the deer and is expected to remain so for the time being while being reviewed as lockdown eases.
Gavin and Hope
PEASEDOWN Community Trust has set itself the target of planting over 500 trees in the village this year. Working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council and campaign group, More Trees for B&NES, the charity wants to encourage residents to get involved with the initiative. Trust chairman, Gavin Heathcote, said: “Trees are one of the best solutions to our climate emergency. They improve poor air quality, alleviate the risk of flooding, lock up carbon, boost our wellbeing – making us feel healthier and happier, and create habitats for wildlife.” Details: peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com
Attracting more wildlife to churchyards
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust is working with the Diocese of Bath and Wells to launch a new wildlife scheme aimed at protecting biodiversity in churchyards and on other church land. The two organisations want to work alongside local communities to increase the value of the areas to wildlife. Called Wilder Churches, the initiative will potentially cover the diocese’s 477 parishes. Key to the scheme is the ongoing support that will be provided to anyone and everyone interested in being involved. Regular, free online training sessions will support communities to take positive action at a pivotal time for nature. Pippa Rayner, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Engaging with Nature co-ordinator, said: “If we’re to reverse the loss of biodiversity across the UK and within the county, we need to secure a strong, county-wide network of green spaces that can provide homes for wildlife and corridors through which species can travel and expand. Through Wilder Churches, we hope local people will help ensure churchyards and other church land can contribute to that network.” Sara Emmett, Assistant Diocesan Environment Officer, added: “With the diocese embracing a new environmental policy, we are
An uncut area at Priddy churchyard
delighted to be working together with Somerset Wildlife Trust to support church leaders and communities to increase the value of churchyards and other church land for wildlife. “By regularly getting together online to celebrate successes, share expertise and solve problems as they arise, we will collectively achieve so much more, so this is a really exciting initiative to be involved in.”
For details, visit: https://www.somersetwildlife.org/wilder-churches
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Making the school run greener
Scooter experience day
CHEW Stoke Church School has won praise from Bath and North East Somerset Council for winning a gold national award for promoting walking, cycling and sustainable travel to school. It’s only the second school in the district to win gold under the Modeshift STARS national accreditation scheme that recognises schools that champion healthy and active ways to travel to and from school. Bathampton Primary School was the first to receive the award in 2019. Chew Stoke has seen a significant reduction in cars parking outside the school and families that need to drive choosing to “park and stride” instead, since it started to encourage walking, cycling and scooting. Events, competitions, reward schemes and poster and video campaigns were used to promote the school’s message, including a video by pupils on Facebook. Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for transport services, said: “As more people are now working from home, making active travel part of the school run is a great opportunity for both parents and pupils to get essential daily exercise while cutting the numbers of cars doing the school run which is good for air quality.” Vicki Hennessy, deputy headteacher at Chew Stoke said: “Our mission has been to educate the children and families about the health and well-being benefits of travelling to and from school in this way and how we can be doing our bit to help save the planet. “Our PE Council led their own project to increase numbers cycling and scooting to school, and as a result more than tripled the number actively travelling in both EYFS/KS1 and KS2. It has been a whole school effort and we are very proud of our results.” Details: www.modeshiftstars.org
ENVIRONMENT
Tree clearance work completed
HUNDREDS of dead and dying trees bordering a busy road have been cleared by Somerset County Council’s highways team and its partner agencies amidst fears they could have fallen onto vehicles. The operation on Plummer’s Lane, near Cheddar, targeted 250 trees affected by ash dieback, a fungus that will kill or seriously Plummer’s Lane is now re-open after the affect over 95 per cent work of ash trees. The road reopened after being closed for nearly a month while the work was carried out. An ecological assessment was undertaken prior to any works and all necessary steps were taken to prevent disturbance to the remaining habitat. Thousands of trees have been felled across the county over the last 12 months, including recently at Bristol Hill, near Wells. Councillor John Woodman, the council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “As the highways authority, doing nothing is simply not an option – we have to act swiftly to remove diseased trees from the roadside. “The loss of this beautiful woodland in our county is a real blow but we have to put the safety of the public and road users first – this is a national problem affecting local authorities across the UK.” l See page 65 – Trust’s plea on dieback.
Working together to cut waste
NORTH Somerset Council has praised its residents and its recycling workforce for their efforts after it was named the best performing authority in the South West for cutting waste. Recycling rates published by Defra place the council as the second best performing English unitary council. This places the authority as the ninth best council in the country. In 2019/20, 60.6 per cent of household waste generated in North Somerset was recycled – a 1.9 per cent improvement on the previous year – and the second highest improvement in the top ten councils. Councillor Bridget Petty, the council's executive member for the environment said: “One of our main priorities is to make North Somerset a greener place to be, so I am really pleased that our recycling rates are runners-up of the unitary league and in the top ten of all councils in the country. “We have worked incredibly hard to encourage our residents to recycle as much as they can and I am hugely impressed with how people have responded. Thank you to everyone who plays their part and helps us to recycle as much as we can. The time and care that our residents take to sort their recycling correctly is keeping us at the top of the south west. The hard work pays off and is worth it. “Thanks also need to go to our great crews for their work in a really difficult year – they have been great key workers.”
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 7
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MENDIP TIMES
ENVIRONMENT
Love your local rivers
PEOPLE living in towns and villages on Mendip which have rivers flowing through them are being urged to join a new community network of volunteers to breathe new life into the waterways. Transforming Waterways in Somerset Towns is a pilot project being backed by the Wild Trout Trust conservation charity and builds on successful schemes in Bruton, Wincanton and Yeovil where groups of volunteers have “adopted” a river to keep it litterfree and to encourage more wildlife. The trust also runs a national Trout in the Town scheme. Theo Pike, from the Wild Trout Trust, said the plan was to begin volunteer activities once the pandemic is over and groups of people can meet and work together again. Theo, of Coleford, said: “All the rivers which drain the hills across Somerset (and particularly around the Somerset Levels) have historically been exploited for their water – first by mills and associated infrastructure, and later by the towns which grew up around these mills.
The River Sheppey in Shepton Mallet
Friends of the River Brue at work before the pandemic
“Many of these urban developments have had unforeseen longterm consequences. Highly modified river channels are often impoverished in terms of habitat, challenging for fish passage, and tend to speed flashy run-off downstream towards pinch points and other areas where flooding creates even more problems.” He added: “Urban litter and sewage misconnections cause water quality issues, and access for local residents is often restricted or potentially dangerous. Faced with this range of negative urban pressures, many towns have effectively turned their backs on the waterways which provided their original raison d’etre – ignoring them as unloved eyesores, instead of enjoying and valuing them as beautiful and beneficial blue-green spaces in the local landscape.” Theo has highlighted Shepton Mallet, Wells, Wookey, Wookey Hole and Cheddar for potential community groups but says the work could have benefits for rural areas also as TWIST is looking to work with groups such as the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Rivers Authority and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. Pilot project funding has come from the Environment Agency and Somerset Catchment Partnership. Theo added: “This short pilot project will provide an essential phase of development and information-gathering, enabling well-informed future funding bids to longer-term funders.”
For details, visit: www.wildtrout.org
Mendip prepares to get “stoned”
ORGANISERS of Mendip’s GeoWeek 2021 are hoping for the best – but planning for the worst. At best, they hope to run all their planned events. But if Covid is still rearing its ugly head, they may only be able to run field visits with “rule of six” individuals. If we are still in lockdown they say they may have to be more imaginative. The theme of GeoWeek this year is “How will the government net-zero target by 2050 affect your local area?” It kicks off on Thursday, April 29th when the director of the British Geological Survey gives a short presentation followed by a panel discussion between eminent geologists. Doulting Quarry provided many of the honey-yellow building stones for Wells Cathedral and many other local buildings. A visit to the quarry, church and tithe barn in Doulting village is planned for Tuesday, May 4th. On Sunday, May 9th a field visit will ask how the netzero target will affect the Mendip area.
They are also planning to run visits to local stone-built homes to tell their stone story. Your certificate will show your house has been “Stoned”. All activities require pre-booking.
Details: contact chris@earthlearningidea.com or see website https://earth-science.org.uk/geoweek/
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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MENDIP TIMES
Change is on the way for farming
Farming is an industry which embraces change. it might be to suit the changing climate, consumer tastes, economics or legislation. Farmers are resilient and changes are generally approached positively. great changes in farming are coming to the fore in the next seven years. With NICK With the UK exiting the European GREEN Union, it means the farming sector will no longer receive payments via the Common agricultural Policy. instead of receiving EU funds, UK farmers will be getting “public money for public goods”. Farming is entering a transitionary period moving from one scheme to another. We have a new agriculture act which dictates what farmers should do. Whilst the act encourages farmers to improve efficiency and output of food by embracing technology supported by public funds there is also a lot included about the environment. There is also an Environment Bill going through Parliament which in due course will become enshrined in law. as the name suggests, it is all about the environment. This is great news and there is plenty farmers can do to improve the environment. some of it might be repairing damage done over the last few decades by farmers themselves. There will also be greater access to the countryside in one way or another. my great concern is if the emphasis moves
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Be ready for the grass with all things
too far towards environmental work and public access versus food. it’s only natural that if the proverbial carrot is dangled in front of someone’s nose to make environmental improvements at the expense of food production, if the rewards are greater, they will go for it. This is fine while we are producing enough food at home. What we can’t afford to do is rely on imports and export all our environmental woes abroad. We don’t need to be 100% self-sufficient in the food we consume. That is neither realistic or practical. What we do need to do is keep our efforts in balance. Everyone wants a beautiful countryside with clean water, healthy soil and fresh air. But this cannot be at the expense of a thriving agricultural industry which puts safe and wholesome food on our plate. Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
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PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Jasmin’s lambs
Jasmin Jones, aged three, has been busy helping to bottle feed seven lambs at Wellow Livery Centre, where her parents sarah and mark keep a flock of 100 sheep. The lambs were either born as triplets or were weak and needed extra help.
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FARMING
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MENDIP TIMES
FARMING
Commercial and agricultural contractor PhiL Bailey carries out all aspects of agricultural and groundwork projects but specialises in land drainage, hedge cutting and construction of riding arenas. he started driving for his father at a young age back when his father was contracting and then moved on to other various contractors in the area where he gained a vast knowledge in all areas of agricultural contracting and groundworks. in 2018 he decided to set up his own business, where he started only labouring and operating other contractors’ machinery, but realised that he wanted to progress further with his business. Phil, from Banwell, said: “i needed to invest heavily in machinery to be able to offer my own specialist services.” his work takes him as far as gloucester, swindon and Taunton for various companies he works for and he also carries out work for local parish councils and farmers. he worked for a company for four years constructing sports pitches all over the country where he learnt the skill of land drainage. Phil said: “The drainage was the best part about the job and i hoped one day i would be able to offer this service myself.” The machinery he has invested in is an aFT 100 chain trencher which is capable of excavating a trench up to 1.6
ARENAS
metres deep and varies from 125mm-300mm wide depending on how the chain is set and also uses a laser for mm accuracy when trenching. it also lays the pipe as it goes. Then he can follow this up by back filling the trench with his new stone cart. Phil said: “i can do up to 1000 linear metres of trenching in a day in the right soil, which gives big savings on the time taken, labour and material costs. i pride myself on being versatile. if anyone wants to contact me to discuss a project, big or small, i’m happy to help.”
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Phil Bailey 07859 432139 • facebook.com/philbaileyservices PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Cattle “trough” reveals its mining heritage
NEWS
More success for toad patrols
The tub arrives at Martin’s home in Kilmersdon
hISToRIAN and restorer Martin horler has started work on a new project destined for Radstock Museum – a coal tub used for generations as a drinking trough for livestock. The tub was on land at heywood Farm near the site of a coal depot near Faulkland which was linked by a railway track from nearby Foxcote Pit. Martin had known about the trough for many years but was out walking with his wife Frances when he decided to have a closer look and realised its significance. Martin said: “I spoke to Stuart Perkins as the tub is on his land; I suggested that it would be nice to have the tub in the museum. I asked Stuart if he knew anything about the tub which was being used as a drinking trough for the cattle, he didn’t, but phoned his father Norman who said he didn’t know either, other than it had been there since his childhood.” The tub has now been delivered by JCB to Martin’s Stuart Perkins with the tub home in kilmersdon where restoration work can begin. Martin added: “I thought originally that this tub was one of the tubs that ran on this rail track but since it was lifted out of the mud, I discovered that it has two wheels at one end and a smaller jockey wheel at the other. “The wheels are flat not flanged, therefore could not have run on the rails so the truck must have been used at the coal depot itself, meaning it hadn’t moved far from where it was originally used to move coal before its reuse as drinking trough!”
Pictured (l to r) Margaret Finn, Michelle Pullen and Scrappy
The Cameley Toad Patrol has had a successful spring saving nearly 350 toads, 70 frogs and 40 common newts on the Cameley Road. Margaret Finn, who manages the patrol, said “There has been a great response this year from those who care about wildlife to volunteer. As we now have 16 people covering Cameley Road, we have extended our efforts to Clutton hill.” In only three days they saved 100 toads there.
Cameley School expansion is underway
WoRk has started on the £2.6m extension of Cameley CeVC Primary School in Temple Cloud. Three new classrooms are being constructed, the hall and kitchen extended, and the existing school entrance, staff room and other facilities remodelled and refurbished. The work, which is due to be completed by the start of the 2021/22 academic year will enable the school to increase the number of children it can accommodate, with 30 places available in Reception from September. Councillor kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s
Services, said: “I know how important it is for parents to send their children to school locally. With new houses being built and a growing population it was clear that in the coming years demand for places at Cameley was going to exceed supply. That’s why we’ve taken action and invested in this expansion.” headteacher, hannah Maggs, said: “After what has been a very difficult year, it’s nice to have something positive to look forward to and I know our pupils will be excited to see the work progress when they all return to school after lockdown.”
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 13
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INTERNET
Keeping favourites
HOW to export your favourites to an HTM file, ready to move to your Microsoft Edge in new Windows computer. Some systems vary, so you may have to explore a little, but this should be a general guide. You basically need to export them to an external drive and then import them to your new computer. 1. In the Internet Explorer browser, select View favourites, feeds, and history, (click the stop in the top right corner) or select Alt + C to open Favourites. 2. Under the Add to favourites menu, select Import and export.... 3. Select Export to a file, and then select Next. 4. On the checklist of options, select Favourites, and then select Next. 5. Select the folder that you'd like to export your Favourites from, and then select Next. 6. Type or browse to the location where you'd like your file exported. 7. Select Export and then Finish. 8. Your Favourites will now appear in an htm file in the location you've specified. 9. You'll need to be able to access this file on your Windows 10 PC, so send this file to yourself, either by emailing it, by saving it onto an external storage device (e.g. flash drive), or by saving it to the cloud with a service like OneDrive. Import your favourites into Microsoft Edge 1. Find the htm file that you exported from Internet Explorer. 2. In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more (three dots in top right corner) > Settings > Import or export > Import from file. (On some systems, may be under ‘Profiles - Your Profile’ > ‘Import Browser data’ and IE can be selected or ‘Favourites or Book Marks HTML File’ 3. Choose the file from your PC and your favourites will be imported into Edge. 4. To view your imported favourites in Edge, go to Favourites. Tip: To show your favourites in the Favourites Bar, select Settings and more > Settings and turn on Show the favourites bar. Then select Favourites > and drag the ones you want into the Favourites bar folder. If you are still having trouble, you may find you need to install Google Chrome. Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Not training at the moment, but contact us for a word of advice on your computer use. Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com • 01934 741751 I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, 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.
PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
1 9
10 11 12 13 15 16 18 19 21 23 25 26 27 28 29 30
ACROSS An offence that would lead to you being “over the limit” (57) Break down chemically, reduce to a lower rank (7) Made randier by the sink (7) Highest value playing card, wizard (3) Intrude new in more than one way (7) With no time 12 across becomes broke (6) A fish on its way to the Sargasso Sea (3) Earthy language, or briny (5) Informally ridiculously small (5) An uncomplaining person (5) Alternative of two (5) Tax or cask (3) Computing: A small application running with a larger programme (6) Luxury liner that sank on its way to New York April 15 1912 (7) Latin for ‘by way of’ (3) Dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail (7) Cattle I weave into a grid (7) A suburb of Radstock that had a coal mine that sent nearly 100% of production to Portishead power station (12)
Clues in italics are cryptic
DOWN 1 First generation, information processing machines using vacuum tubes developed mostly in the US c.1960 (7,8) 2 Sloping typeface usually used for emphasis (7) 3 What a baker does to the dough before baking (5) 4 King George III asked wool mills to produce a colour suitable for royalty to use. Scutts Bridge Mill, in this village produced the winning colour calling it “The Royal Blue” (4) 5 Road or railway carrying structure across low ground usually a series of arches (7) 6 Live and let live or in French ‘Laissez-faire’ (15) 7 Refer to or mention when giving evidence (6) 8 Village in the Mendips with an extensive public green where it has hosted an annual sheep fair and folk festival (6) 14 Christian name is Marcus, MP for Yeovil (4) 17 Member of UK’s touring international rugby team (4) 19 Attitude, posture or standpoint (6) 20 American style gentleman's short hair fashion (4,3) 22 Sounds like a machine gun being fired (3-1-3) 24 You will need one for theatre, train or plane (6) 26 A bird of prey’s claw (5) 27 A lady’s face covering can be vile (4)
This month’s solution can be found on page 78
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Put Spring into your step with Mendipidity 12 CIRCULAR WALKS ON MENDIP by Sue Gearing and Les Davies Thanks to readers of Mendip Times and many small shops in the Mendip area, this walks book published in October 2020 has been a huge success and we sold out. However, we have now had a reprint. This will also mean that some outlets opening again after Covid can stock the book too. And it means we can still offer you the book at £9.99, and the Bumper Pack which includes Mendipity and Miles More Mendip (published 2016) for £15. We have had to raise postage a little in line with the rises not so long ago. So don’t delay. Now that spring is here get out and explore Mendip.
READERS’ OFFER
MENDIPITY only £9.99 (plus p&p)
A new book of 12 circular walks on Mendip by Sue Gearing and Les Davies Please send me: 1 book @ £9.99 (p&p £1.75)..........................................£11.74 2 books (p&p £2.17)........................................................£22.15 3 books (p&p £3.50)........................................................£33.47 Total
£...........
Name:..........................................................................................
Address:....................................................................................... ......................................................Postcode:...............................
Bumper Pack of MENDIPITY and MILES MORE MENDIP only £15 (plus p&p) 1 pack @ £15 (plus p&p £2.17)......................................£17.17 2 packs @ £15 each (plus p&p £4.20)............................£34.20
SPECIAL OFFER:
Send cheque payable to Sue Gearing, to 33 Garstons Close, Wrington, Bristol BS40 5QT Or pay by BACS. Details: Nat West, Mrs Susan I Gearing, Book Account: Sort code 60 23 32, Account 81294956. Please mark it for Walks Books.
Walking P42 – Outdoors P44
Any queries to Sue Gearing: gearings@btinternet.com
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MENDIP TIMES
FOOD & DRINK
Coming out of hibernation
Lockdown is slowly ending, but it will be a while before we are all around the same table again. Thoughts of With JUNE resurrection at Easter MACFARLANE are timely. Seedlings are poking through the ground, herbs are fresh and green, and lemon yellow is our favourite colour. Make a family meal on Easter Sunday and look forward to the summer with optimism. GREEN HERB SALAD WITH RADISHES
Shoots of recovery with this herby salad
Pea and bean shoots make this dish!
INGREDIENTS
(for six) 250g radishes Approx 250g mixed fresh herbs per person, mainly parsley Handful pea and bean shoots 1 tbsp clear honey 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp e v olive oil Salt & pepper
METHOD Slice the radishes thinly and reserve in iced water to crisp. Roughly chop soft herbs; pick leaves from woody herbs; tear basil; not too much coriander. Break the pea and bean shoots into bite size morsels. Mix together the honey, balsamic and olive oil to make a dressing. Season well. When ready to serve place the herbs in a big bowl, pat dry and add the radishes and toss the dressing through. Serve immediately.
PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Tender lamb for an Easter lunch
EASTER LAMB WITH WHITE WINE This may be the tenderest lamb dish ever!
INGREDIENTS
(for six) METHOD 1 kg leg of lamb, fillet Put the oil and butter in to a deep, end, bone-in heavy-bottomed pot on a medium heat; 2 tbsp oil when the foam subsides put in the 15g butter lamb, garlic and rosemary. Brown the 3 whole cloves garlic, lamb slowly all over, taking care not to peeled over-cook the garlic. Add the salt, 2 sprigs rosemary pepper and wine. Simmer for about 30 Salt and pepper seconds, then cook on a low heat, 8 fl oz white wine covered with a lid set askew, for 1½-2 hrs, until very tender, turning occasionally. Top up with a little water if necessary. When done transfer to a serving dish and keep warm. Spoon off most of the fat. Add 2 tbsp water and boil, scraping up residue. Serve lamb with the juices and wedges of lemon.
LEMON SYLLABUB
A really old dish enjoying a revival – it’s like eating a spoonful of cloud!
METHOD Warm the sugar in the wine until Serve this syllabub with sweet biscuits for an added dissolved. Add the lemon zest treat and allow to cool completely. Rest in fridge overnight. Add INGREDIENTS the whipping cream and (for six adults) whisk with a hand beater 200ml medium dry white wine until you have very soft 5 tbsp caster sugar peaks. Pile into serving 1 unwaxed lemon, zested and dishes. Chill for a few hours juiced to separate or serve as is. 300ml whipping cream Sweet biscuits are nice with this.
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MENDIP TIMES
Thank Yeo from Yeo Valley HQ
The pop-up community shop at Yeo Valley hQ, Blagdon, will be closing its doors for the final time next month. Grab & Yeo, began over a year ago following the first lockdown. The last date for the shop will be Thursday, May 13th. The Yeo Valley staff canteen will not be reopening to the public this year either. Yeo Valley creative director, Sarah Mead, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported the canteen. “We have always been a staff canteen first and then we opened our doors a little wider so more people could enjoy a taste of Yeo, but under the current restrictions our priority is ensuring our staff can safely return to work. “We have lots of exciting plans ahead and we hope to be offering people some tasty treats again in the near future. For the meanwhile, people can still experience a slice of Yeo Valley by booking to visit the Organic Garden or one of our event days.” The Yeo Valley Organic Garden is open on Wednesday and Friday from April-October, and Saturdays in June and July (booking is essential). Yeo Valley experiences and event days including Farm to Fridge and Demi Demo Days are due to reopen this month. All bookings can be made at yeovalley.co.uk.
Festival will be Covid-secure Stallholders will be wearing masks and following strict Covid protocols
A FAnTASTIC one-day food and drink market showcasing local producers, eat:Weston, returns to the heart of Westonsuper-Mare on Saturday, April 17th. Organisers, eat:Festivals, have made many adaptations to ensure they are delivering a Covid-secure event that puts visitors’ personal safety first. The stalls will be well spaced out and all producers will have completed a Covid risk assessment. Stallholders will all be wearing masks and they are asking that those with any Covid symptoms stay away and follow nhS advice on self-isolation. The event has been independently assessed and validated by Quality in Tourism. There will be around 75 producers in the Italian Gardens They plan to trade between 10am and 4pm. The normal feast of entertainment is pared back this year, but visitors will still find carefully-managed children's activities and lots of ambient music. Similar festivals are due to take place across Somerset this year, including in Castle Cary, Clevedon, Burnhamon-Sea and Portishead. Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds, who run eat:Festivals, say: “Please remember your obligations regarding social distancing and smile behind that mask :-)!”
Local food
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
GReen Wedmore is creating a cookbook to support and celebrate the foods we grow in our kitchen gardens, window boxes and allotments, find in hedgerows or buy from local food producers and local food shops. It says the aim is for each recipe to account for as close to zero food miles and zero packaging waste as possible. Recipes received so far include a jelly jam foraged from our hedgerows, a herb and goats' cheese tart using cheeses from Wookey Farm, a tagine recipe accompanied by pearled spelt from Sharpham Park rather than the a typical couscous and an almost zero food miles venison dish. Organisers say that “Close to home” is not proving to be an issue at all – quite the contrary.
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WILD FOOD
Bread and cheese and cider!
I hAVe a great affinity for forests and woodlands of all kinds. They are fantastic places for wildlife, a healthy place to get out and visit and of course somewhere one can find wild foods. So it seems a shame to me that some might pass up coniferous plantations for deciduous With ADRIAN woodland in the belief that it is somehow BOOTS better. Whilst coniferous plantations aren’t as ecologically diverse (they are just plantations so in essence a crop) they can be great habitats in their own right and happily home to many for wild foods from mushrooms to edible plants, in this case wood sorrel. Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) flowers during April and May, producing a delicate flower with five white petals but the leaves look remarkably similar to clover and are believed to be the original shamrock. Indeed, it’s the white flowers that catch the eye and look like a master class in origami. Wood sorrel contains vitamin C, along with common sorrel, but also oxalic acid which can affect the uptake of calcium in the body so it’s not advised to eat in large quantities. Wood sorrel gets its common name from the French word for “sour” but it also has some interesting Somerset names, my favourite being “bread and cheese and cider”, no doubt a reference to its sharpness. historically wood sorrel was used in sauces for meat and fish dishes so would work well with a Somerset pork and cider dish. Or, for a less meaty option try freshly cut bread, butter and strong cheddar cheese with a sprinkling of crisp wood sorrel as a topping to balance the creaminess of the cheese. Washed down with some of Somerset’s best cider, this small moment of joy could only be made better when actually sat under a conifer tree!
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.
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FOOD
Poblanos and jalapeños
nOW is the very last chance to plant chillies and peppers if you want a reasonable crop this year. I planted 80 seeds from old seed packets and out of eight different varieties only around ten poblano and jalapeño kinds came up. Fortunately they are some of my With JAKE favourites – poblanos are really more of WHITSON a pepper with a bit of heat, usually picked when green but also wonderful when left to ripen to a full red. They have an extraordinary deep flavour and are incredible stuffed – either with cheese for the everyday chile rellenos or with meat, nuts and dried fruit for the extraordinary chiles en nogada, pictured. This is something I wheel out for very special occasions, when I have home-grown poblanos to hand and something to celebrate. The recipe is a little too complex for the space I have here but suffice to say it is well worth looking up and trying.
The peppers are first blackened and peeled, stuffed with a mixture of minced beef, pork, dried fruit and nuts, then battered and fried and then drowned in a sauce of walnuts and pomegranate (which, alongside a token amount of parsley or coriander, represent the colours of the Mexican flag). Incidentally poblanos are the chilli that, once dried, become the Ancho chilli, the backbone of many Mexican sauces. Jalapeños are a very different kind of chilli, much hotter than a poblano but still crunchy and fleshy and, depending on your heat tolerance, edible in quantity – I love grilled jalapeños alongside other Mexican food as a fiery side. Another dish I love to make when I have lots of chillies around are these “jalapeño poppers”. A decidedly American recipe, they are of course meant to be made with jalapeños but any number of the fleshier kinds of chilli and pepper work really well. To make them simply half your chillies, scrape out the seeds and white pith, and spread cream cheese in each one. Top each with a little square of bacon and roast in a hot oven for about 20 minutes. We eat these as a meal with rice but they are really more of a party snack – either way they are very fiery and very moreish! Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 19
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MENDIP TIMES
Chew Valley gin gets world recognition
JuST a few months after being set up by Joe Kelly, Chew Valley Distillery has won Bronze in the World Gin Awards for its London Dry Gin, the most hotly contested category. It’s a triumph given that the business was born in the middle of a pandemic – and Joe taught himself how to make gin by visiting distilleries and talking to some experts. he’d been a manager at Airbus at Filton for 15 years when he and his father Don considered making their own gin for Don’s restaurant, the Lazy Lobster, in Chew Magna, which boasts 80 different gin varieties. When Don’s wife, Donna, decided to close her hairdressers across the road, they set to work converting it into a distillery and shop, which also sells local beers, ciders and vodka. A coffee bar will launch when restrictions allow, together with a gin school and tasting sessions. Joe, aged 33, said: “I started making it in my spare time and it was going to be just a house gin for the restaurant, but
when people started taking it home, the whole thing just snowballed. Winning the award, judged by experts around the world, is just amazing.” he started with one three-litre test still, but now has two 30-litre stills and one 150-litre, making a variety of different flavours, including apple and blackberry, with apples from the orchard across the road. The strongest, navy Strength, is 59 ABV. The pandemic has meant the shop has only opened on Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm, but has been busy taking orders online and offering free local delivery. It’s also been a testing time for Joe’s wife, Amy, who is a midwife, and having to home school their children, Freya, aged nine, and Lola, aged seven. But the pandemic has had one positive outcome – they started turning the alcohol left over as a by-product into hand-sanitizer. After offering it to teachers and other frontline workers, it’s now on sale in the shop.
Located in the village of Chew Magna our fully operational distillery is a stunning venue offering you the chance to pop in and see the process of gin distillation. You will be able to purchase your bottles of The Chew Valley Spirit plus other local independent alcohol producers’ products.
World Gin Awards Bronze Medal Winner Follow us @cvdistillery on social media Email Joe@cvdistillery.co.uk Website Cvdistillery.co.uk
07734 865665 Chew Valley Distillery Wellington Gallery Chew Magna Bristol BS40 8SP
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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End of an era for village business
FOOD & DRINK
Pictured (l to r) Philip, Tracey, Carol and Richard
AFTeR serving Bishop Sutton and the surrounding community for over 100 years, the Brent family have decided to step away and let a new company, Wessex Retail, take over the reins and drive the business forward. The company runs Spar stores across the South West. Richard and Philip Brent are the third generation of the family to operate in the village. For the last 15 months they have been running the former garage as a Budgens store. Richard said the Covid pandemic had made them rethink their future. he said: “We had no intention of selling but were made a very good offer. Covid has made us all take a step back and be more aware of our mortality. “The offer meant we could stop to consider what business we would like to do next. Obviously, it was a very difficult and emotional decision.” Their grandfather, Fred, worked for Mr Ferris, the blacksmith, before taking over the business in 1930, then getting more involved with cars as they became more popular. Fred’s sons, Michael and Jeff, ran the business with Michael’s wife, ena, before Philip joined in 1988 and Richard in 1994. Over the years, Brents was involved with haulage, petrol sales, taxis, coaches and van hire, as well as garage services and MOT testing. The family said: “We would like to wish Wessex Retail and new manager, ed, all the best in their endeavours and would like to thank wholeheartedly all our lovely customers for their friendship, warmth and support over the years.”
butchers * fishmongers * delicatessen
THANKING OUR CUSTOMERS NEW AND OLD FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT
open: monday – saturday 7am-6pm • sunday 10am-4pm
Brents around 1930
e cross, union street, cheddar, somerset bs27 3na • 01934 742521 email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 21
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MENDIP TIMES
An enterprising baker in Wells
AWARD-winning family business Gluten-Free Gourmet has opened a new bakery in Wells on the city’s recently opened enterprise centre. Run by Mandy and John evans – with son Ryan alongside – Gluten-Free Gourmet’s delicious range of
H Market food, street food, events and private functions H All food prepared in our gluten-free kitchens in Wells H Savoury, sweet (inc. our new doughnuts!) H Retail, wholesale & trade H Order online • Delivery service (see website for t&cs)
Unit 5 Enterprise Scheme, Cathedral View, Wells BA5 1JJ. Tel: 07964 035959 www.glutenfreesomerset.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
Ryan and Coral, two of the Gluten-Free Gourmet team
sweet and savoury products is currently available online for both retail and wholesale customers with orders coming in from all over the country. They do offer a delivery service however customers can arrange a click-and-collect slot. Gluten-Free Gourmet is supplying cafes and restaurants and is working with another caterer to offer gluten-free food for all functions such as weddings. Mandy, a familiar figure at markets, food festivals and other events, says her diary for 2021 is now beginning to fill up as lockdown starts to ease.
SHOP | CAFÉ | WINE | DELI Fresh local produce and homemade food
Suppliers include: Arthur David • Taylors Bread • Farmhouse Dairy • Mitchards Takeaway breakfast, lunch and Friday night specials
The Stores, High Street, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LJ • 01761 240820 PREMIUM SOUTH AFRICAN WINES also available in store from Perold Wine Cellar https://peroldwinecellar.co.uk • 01225 375002
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Page 23 April.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2021 10:31 Page 1
RH
Windows
THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC
HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk
Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342
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MENDIP TIMES
Wells Art Contemporary returns to cathedral ENTRIES are now open for this year’s Wells Art Contemporary international competition and exhibition which is returning to Wells Cathedral at the end of August. Last year’s competition received a record-breaking number of entries from 50 different countries around the world and 128 pieces by 122 artists were shortlisted by WAC selectors. Thanks to funding from Arts Council England a fully virtual exhibition of all the 2020 works enabled over 8,000 people to view the “virtual” exhibition online. This year the exhibition will also coincide with the installation of a new Antony Gormley work that will be exhibited on the West
Front of the cathedral (see P5). Paddy O’Hagan, chair of WAC, said: “We were delighted to be able to take WAC online last year and still reach thousands. The organisers are excited about the prospect of retaining this element for 2021.” The Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Dr John Davies, said: "After many Somerset-based artist Jack Paffett won months of distancing and the People’s Choice Award for his restriction, how work Basic Space wonderful it will be to have conversations around stunning pieces of contemporary art in Wells Cathedral as part of WAC! Wells Cathedral and WAC, two great allies in bringing people and contemporary art together!” The exhibition will run from Saturday, August 28th until Sunday, September 26th with a special prize for work by artists from Somerset as WAC aims to increase the number of local shortlisted finalists. Enter online, deadline Tuesday, May 25th www.wac.artopps.co.uk
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Popular drive-through valuation days set to return at Clevedon Salerooms CLEVEDON Salerooms has continued to work safely during the third national lockdown. Our onlineonly sales have proved to be a continued success, as have our online valuation services where people can have their items valued by sending photos to our team of experienced valuers. Following the recent government announcement regarding the road map out of the current lockdown, we are pleased to announce that our popular Covid secure drive-through valuation days will be returning for three consecutive days during April on Monday, 19th to Wednesday April 21st, 9.30am-1pm and 2-5pm, where our expert valuation team will be on hand to appraise your items. There is no appointment necessary and there is ample free parking on site. On Monday, April 19th, gemologist John Kelly will be appraising jewellery, watches, silver
and gold, supporting our regular team of valuers. Our next specialist sale will be on Thursday, June 10th. Entries are invited for this sale.Having been able to continue our auctions online, we
ARTS & ANTIQUES
emerge from lockdown stronger than ever. We routinely have over 2,000 people registering to bid with us and have consistently achieved very healthy results with all our sales. We look forward to seeing you soon.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 25
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MENDIP TIMES
Rejuvenated by spring
Sculptor Ian Marlow welcomes the arrival of spring as a time for optimism and renewed enthusiasm. EVEN without the isolation of the last few months, winter is normally a quiet time when work in the studio is at a more relaxed pace, designing and making new sculptures for the forthcoming year’s exhibitions. Twelve months ago we were all thrown into the first lockdown and everything, including the exhibitions, came to an abrupt close. It was a difficult year for many in the arts, especially those in music and theatre, but for those of us with studios there was at least the chance to continue being creative. Even if no-one was able to appreciate the work, there was hope that it could be exhibited when life returned to normal. Those of us with gardens were lucky, we could escape into our own small patch of nature, enjoy being outside in the spring sunshine and listening to the birds. Spring brings with it new growth and
warmth after the dull days of winter, and this year there is added relief as we emerge from the restrictions of the last 12 months. The prospects for this year appear much brighter and, as we watch the trees and plants emerge from their winter rest, we too can move forward with a bold and positive attitude. I find spring is always a time for renewal, encouraging new ideas and enthusiasm for the fun and challenges in the year ahead, and my work must always have those two features for me: it must be both a joy and be interesting. New materials, new designs, new ways of approaching the sculpture, new and unusual commissions are all things that keep me motivated. As an artist I feel rejuvenated as the new season edges its way in, bringing with it a sense of direction that many of us have lacked during the dark winter months made
A sign of hope: yellow glass and steel reflect the longer days
even more oppressive by a second lockdown. So I feel inspired and positive for what 2021 will bring: new ideas, new sculptures, new exhibitions, new commissions, and all the fun and challenges that they offer. It’s going to be a great year.
Artists back wildlife auction
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has announced the return of its popular online art auction – a unique opportunity for people to bid on over 50 beautiful artworks donated by a range of renowned and established local artists. Heavy Skies, Westhay There is something for all by Margaret Micklewright artistic tastes, from paintings and textiles to sculptures and ceramics – some artists have also donated art classes – and more artwork will be going online over the next few weeks. The bidding opens at 7pm on Friday, April 2nd and closes on Friday, April 30th at 9pm. Kate Wilson, community and events fundraising manager, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful that this amazing group of creative people have come together to help us celebrate the wonderful landscapes and wildlife we have here in Somerset, in the hope that it will provide visual inspiration to people to find ways to protect it for the next generation – and also to raise much needed funds.” The auction includes works by Julia Manning, Jackie Curtis, Sky Siouki, Gary Cook, Margaret Micklewright, Kaye Parmenter, Sam Dodd, Pauline Lerry, Dawn Reader, Jenny Graham, Marielle Ebner-Rijke, Angela Knapp, Caroline Walsh-Waring, Bronwen Bradshaw, Jill Preston, Martyn Fox, Geraldine Boley, Lyn Mowat, Jo Lucksted, Kate Rattray, Rowena Kinsman, Paul Stubbs and more. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/auction #BidForWildlife
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Lantern lights up strong interest SALES have managed to continue during the lockdown at the Mendip Auction Rooms with live online bidding having become the norm and over 600 lots went under the hammer at the sale of Antiques and Collectables on March 13th. Strong bidding was seen with jewellery, silver and collectables generating keen interest. An unusual French ormolu ceiling lantern was greeted with keen bidding with a number of telephone bidders and achieved £1900 whilst a Feraghan carpet met similar interest and sold for £2600. Alongside the antiques sale, the Killens team at the auction rooms stage two monthly sales selling Victorian and Later Effects including household items. These have been well supported and on April 22nd, an evening sale of sporting items, fine wines and spirits will be held and entries are invited. The team hope that normality will start to return on April 12th when
ARTS & ANTIQUES hopefully it will be possible to open the auction rooms for valuations and viewings. In the meantime, items can to be sold can be left or collected on a contactless basis at the auction rooms and valuers can undertake free home visits. All catalogues are illustrated and can be viewed online and bids can be made either online through the auction rooms website – www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk – or thesaleroom.com. With the guidance changing frequently, do log onto the website for the latest news. As Tom Killen states: “We have had to adjust the operation of the auction rooms during the pandemic and we are really grateful for the support that we have received from our clients and friends. Hopefully, we are finally seeing a final return to normality and we are now looking forward to welcoming everyone back for viewings, valuations and sales.”
Contact the auction rooms on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 27
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MENDIP TIMES
ARTS & ANTIQUES
From Mendip to the South Pacific – with Mari Larthe LIVING in the Chew Valley for many years, Mari Larthe admired the wildlife and took part in local authority hedgerow surveys; took courses up at Charterhouse; picked fruit at the fruit farm; bought trees at Chew Valley Trees; enjoyed events at village halls and enjoyed tramping up and down the Mendips. She was also widely known as a local councillor for Pensford and Woollard and chairman of Mendip Hills AONB for four years. Although a lawyer by profession, working in both the UK and USA, reading has always been important. Some of her favourite authors are Raymond Chandler, Tony Parsons, Kahlil Gibran, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Judith Krantz. She read widely in her teens and early 20s such books at The Prophet; Don’t Push the River; and the Tibetan Book of the Dead all in an attempt to understand the point of life and society. She said: “While working in Bath I jotted down the occasional notes and it wasn’t until I stopped normal work that I took all those boxes of notes out of cupboards and began my writing life. “After working on several unpublished novels, two very good friends in East Harptree suggested I write a non-fiction book about my life. I resisted and they persisted over two years. Then I did what they suggested. That book covered a small and wonderful part of my life Travelling in Paradise.” Written under her pseudonym, Alice Eves, the book takes us on an exotic adventure through isolated islands of the South
Pacific where Polynesians still surf and commute by canoe. Then on to Buenos Aires and to Brazil. She followed this with a novel, Kavanagh Hall set in the present in sunny California, with historical references back to life in Ireland, making an enthralling read. She said: “All the people in my novel sprang from my imagination, though that may not be true of my next novel!” It will be a romantic comedy. Now living in Dorset she is helping to set up a project to gain a designation for a Dorset National Park and is close to achieving this.
Kavanagh Hall Free with Kindle Unlimited Otherwise, £3.99 Paperback £8.99
Travelling in Paradise Free with Kindle Unlimited Otherwise, £3.68 Paperback £8.99
PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Farming and divorce
Farming divorces are different from other divorces primarily because they give rise to a real risk of a break-up of what could well be a long-standing family business which may have taken many years to establish and which can generate a strong desire for the business to continue. a farming divorce, therefore, calls for imaginative and creating thinking to find a way to a fair solution. Family break-ups in a farming business can bring into play several legal issues. They might lead to a dispute over the partnership agreement governing ownership and control of the farming operation. individuals (possibly parents/grandparents) who have put money into the business may wish to intervene to establish a claim to an interest in the farm. more likely than not the farm will need to be valued and this can prompt discussion about diversification and finding ways to keep parts of the farm intact and viable, so requiring input from agricultural consultants and specialist accountants. advice may also be needed on tax, agricultural Property relief and the like. it is almost always preferable to negotiate an agreement because if the Courts become involved they have limited powers as to what can be ordered. Specifically, they can order a transfer of assets between the couple (but not to anyone else) or a sale. So it is best to reach a creative solution that achieves a fair settlement between the divorcing couple and hopefully avoid the whole farm business having to be sold. Inherited farms in a typical farming situation, where the farm has been accumulated through inheritance and gift as well as the efforts of
BUSINESS
the spouses, the person who inherited the farm will undoubtedly have an advantage. The Court must look at whether the farm is matrimonial or non-matrimonial. Land that has been inherited or gifted over generations may be regarded as nonmatrimonial. On the other hand, it may be that some of the land will have been purchased by the spouses within their marriage using commercial borrowing or accumulated profits of their partnership. Such land might be more vulnerable to sale or division on divorce as it will be regarded as a matrimonial asset. This is a complex area and careful accountancy and legal advice needs to be taken. The non-inheriting spouse in a marriage of any reasonable length, although the non-inheriting spouse may not expect to receive an equal share of the farm, their needs must still be met and housing will be a priority. There are also the needs of any minor children if they are not going to continue to live at the farm following the divorce. almost inevitably, therefore, even if all the farm was inherited, the non-inheriting spouse will be entitled to receive capital to house themselves and some form of income provision or pension provision may be made. The financial settlement for a farm divorce The extent of the provision will depend to some extent on the financial state of the farm. a farm that is subject to very little borrowing and has cash at the bank is more vulnerable to having to raise a larger sum for housing the “outgoing” spouse than a farm that is very heavily borrowed. if the farm is generational in nature the divorce
court will be much more reluctant to damage the viability of the farm by heavy borrowings for re-housing especially if there is another generation already involved in the farm and hoping to take it on in the future. How to achieve fairness in a farm divorce a good way to protect the farm and the couple is by creating pre-nuptial or postnuptial agreements. alternatively solutions can be used to achieve some fairness between the spouses whilst allowing the farm to remain viable. Examples of this may be the transfer of ownership of some of the land to the outgoing spouse who then agrees to let the land back to the spouse remaining on the farm. This helps to give some capital fairness and income to the non-farming spouse. in these complex and often delicate matters, it is vital that specialist legal and accountancy advice is taken in order to achieve the best solutions. 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.
l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168
Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 29
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MENDIP TIMES
Camping
Book your wild camping for your UK staycation www.chills.org.uk/camping
Nature Gift
Give a tree to family & friends www.chills.org.uk/naturegift
EMAIL: finnwilding55@hotmail.co.uk TELEPHONE: 07932 944694
@wilding_arb @wilding_arb PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Book up for 2021 staycation
ChESTErbLadE hills have created a place of magic in the natural world where nature and people can flourish together. Their green heart campground is a beautiful and peaceful offgrid space with a wooden cabin equipped with a kitchen, sofas, a hammock and a piano, two compost toilets, shower, outdoor seating and firepits. The space boasts spectacular views and has been thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and connection. There’s also plenty of countryside walks on the doorstep where you can observe the abundance of wildlife in the area. birds include buzzards, sparrowhawks, lesser spotted woodpeckers, tawny and barn owls, as well as finches, great tits, blue tits, crows, kites, rooks and swallows. You’ll also be able to spot wild deer, hares, rabbits, foxes and plenty of badger setts as well as a plethora of insects, butterflies and moths. Their Wild Camping ground is their wildest spot on site, with forested areas and endless walks through rolling hills. Facilities include a compost toilet, washing up station with mains water and fire pits. On the wider farm surrounding their campgrounds, Chesterblade hills is involved in environmental projects on the land including the creation of new woodlands, ponds, natural dams and wild flower meadows. Chills will also be holding outdoor events in collaboration with the Frome Festival in July, so connect with them on Facebook to find out more. Details: www.chills.org.uk/camping /// https://www.facebook.com/ChesterbladeHills/
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BUSINESS
Northavon’s highways arm aims high!
Developing a fast-growing highways business as part of the locally based Northavon Group Ltd. is “no mean feat” according to its excitable and enthusiastic director, Tony Flook.
WE have put our hearts and souls into it. Our business is strong which is why we are are aiming high to achieve our £15m growth target in the next three years. We've been fortunate to have a strong financial foothold enabling us to invest in our capital equipment such as a state-ofthe-art Vögele Super 1803-3i Paver. We believe this is a massive asset to the business. The company’s aim and aspiration of becoming a “one-stop” is well within our sights when it comes to surfacing. When it comes to our client base, we are punching above our weight working for “blue Chip” clients from numerous sectors but, whilst it stops us resting on our laurels, we still deliver a high-end service for our private clients as well and are keen to grow the market share locally. We undertake national and regional highways projects, public highways, public and private recreation installations,
Tony Flook
residential surfacing and driveways. We know our sector which is why we are always striving to operate at the top of our game. Our people are key and our investment into individuals is one of our passions. Our head office is based in midsomer norton, from where we manage a dedicated workforce of highly skilled operators located throughout the South West and further afield if needed.
The northavon group Ltd. has invested in excess of half a million pounds on this particular new machine, which is the most powerful wheeled paver in the Vögele range. it achieves a high level of perfection, with its sturdy and reliable material handling. This will boost our fully-qualified machine lay gang immensely and will easily allow us to increase our 100km distance of laid Tarmac already set down. in line with the northavon group Ltd.’s sustainable and environmental ethos, the Vögele Super 1803-3i Paver was chosen due to its intelligent emission control, using the latest engine technology. it is installed with the EcoPlus low emissions package, which significantly reduces fuel consumption and noise levels. Our highways division is just part of a six-division-strong group which covers a wide range of sectors ranging from building services and construction – both residential and industrial – to environmental work, waste water and water supplies.
The new paver will add even more muscle to the highways division
For any surfacing enquiries please contact Tony Flook on 01761 435493 at our Midsomer Norton head office MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 31
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MENDIP TIMES
Offering local business a helping hand TimES are tough. There is no doubt about that, and they are very likely to get tougher. So, what to do about it? Let’s look at the overall picture so far. We have had some seismic changes to our world and our corner of it in the recent years. We are having to deal with the aftermath of brexit which will be affecting us in business for years to come and we will be trying to see our way forward after the life-changing and, indeed, life destroying pandemic. We will need to accept that government help like the furlough scheme, the VaT relief schemes and the stamp duty holiday on conveyances are going to stop and if the “road map” out of lockdown is successful this time, they will all stop fairly soon. Very soon after that, like it or not, we will have to start repaying some of this money – £394 billion borrowed between april 2020 and april 2021 according to the bbC – which means we shall have to be prepared to potentially put aside more of our annual income to support the country via our taxes. The issue we all have to face is that love or loathe the tax man, the money we pay him goes to fund the services which we often misleadingly call “free at the point of service”, such as the nhS, our state education system, our police service
PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
... and i could go on. The good news is that this isn’t the first time we have had to dig deep to climb out of an economic pit and it won’t be the last. it is also true that we shall need to continue to spend money, and though we may be spending considerably less than before, there will, should we all determine to make things work, be sufficient to go around. Let’s be clear, whatever our difficulties, we have been living in a hugely privileged society here. We have grown to consider some things as “necessities” which our forebears would have only thought of as luxuries. Like many, our family has been affected by the pandemic recently and we are having to share our resources around to family members whose jobs have collapsed during lockdown. So what? We are all able to eat, we have a roof over our heads and clothes on our backs. i have witnessed so many people – even through our client base – who have rolled up their sleeves, and without considering their former “status” or position, have willingly got on with whatever it is necessary to provide, not only for their own, but also for those far less fortunate than themselves. in this column, i have mentioned people who have changed or amended
their business models and who are surviving and even thriving currently. This is possible for just about everyone to do, though some of us will need more help than others. To this end, i would remind you to use the information we put on our website. however, given the special nature of these times, we are offering 30 minute slots over two mornings for a free consultation with one of our accounting staff. These will be without obligation, but just our way of offering the support we can to the community that has supported us over the 28 years we have been in business in mendip. Our contact details are on the advertisement below, and the dates and times of these consultations will be: Tuesday, april 20th and 27th between 9am and 1.15pm. Please call and speak to andy Woodward, our super-efficient office manager, to book an appointment with the appropriate member of the team. don’t, please, feel overwhelmed, we are all just people trying to cope with the massive changes and disruptions life has thrown at us. it’s just that business is our area of expertise and we are willing and able to use that expertise to support you. good luck. Jane Bowe, Probusiness
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Couple open rare breeds park TOm and Jane Ward-Jones, who own redwood rare breeds, based in Wanstrow, are planning to open as a café, shop and rare breeds farm park this summer. after three years of getting planning permission, the husband and wife team have been using locally sourced companies and individual sole traders and aim to get most of the products locally to provide fresh fine quality products for the local community. after taking over their
family coal merchants in 2016, which has been running for three generations since the 1950s, diversification was required to keep it afloat, especially when the government announced the ban of traditional house coal from april 30th. They hope rural tourism will support them during the summer months when the coal trade is quiet. The family started off wishing to have some backyard poultry but have expanded to include a larger range of rare breed traditional farm animals including slate turkeys, dexters cattle and the british strain of north holland blue chickens, of which only five breeders exist in the UK. They have also planted over 350 trees on their land including a half-mile avenue
BUSINESS of oak trees, with support from the Environment agency and assistance from Kate Towers from reimaging the Levels. They hoped to hold a village tree planting event, but instead, using social media, and word of mouth, one “bubble” group at a time helped with the tree planting.
Calor Gas Logs and Kindling Garden Compost Charcoal
OPENING SUMMER 2021 – RARE BREEDS FARM PARK, FARM SHOP & CAFE Available at: Station Road Wanstrow BA4 4SZ 01749 850 361 www.redwoodrarebreeds.co.uk
We design, manufacture and install superb quality bespoke garden buildings for virtually any purpose you can imagine.
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 33
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MENDIP TIMES
Coach holidays set to resume
JOhn martin Coaches are a family run business, providing a wide range of coach holidays and day trips throughout the year. based in midsomer norton, the company has been operating for over 20 years, proudly serving the local community. The team want to assure customers, many of whom have
been travelling with them for numerous years, that they will be up and running very soon with holidays commencing after may 17th in line with government guidelines. John, martin Judy and Linda said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal and valued customers for supporting us in 2020 and are all looking forward to getting back on the road again.” during 2020 John martin Coaches were able to operate a small number of holidays and day trips towards the end of the year and for customers that had the confidence to travel, many expressed how safe they felt on board. martin said: “in accordance with government guidelines a number of safety measures
were introduced and these will continue for as long as necessary. 2020 was an extremely difficult year for everyone and while 2021 is getting off to a late start, we still have an exciting number of holidays still available for the rest of 2021. “day trips will resume and
we will be sending out a Spring/Summer day trip program as usual in april.” John added: “although we have lost holidays prior to may, we have worked hard to rearrange some for later in 2021. So please make sure you contact us for all the up to date holidays and availability.”
A 2021 holiday brochure is now available and can be viewed at: www.johnmartincoachholidaysbath.co.uk • Tel: 01761 417629 • email info.johnmartin@btconnect.com
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ECATCHER MOL
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P & C Logs
Call Phil on 07734 098323, or Colleen on 07785 250033 or on Evenings 01934 741941 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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BUSINESS
JOHN MARTIN COACHES 01761 417629
Travel with confidence in 2021 and enjoy a coach holiday that will be memorable for all the right reasons
Ring now for a 2021 brochure with full details of all holidays plus revised and new destinations Spring/Summer day trip programme will be announced soon
pick up points include Shepton Mallet & Wells
johnmartincoachholidaysbath.co.uk Email: info.johnmartin@btconnect.com MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 35
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MENDIP TIMES
More Making Tax Digital changes on the way gOVErnmEnT coronavirus support measures have provided a vital lifeline for many businesses forced to close or operate at reduced capacity due to the turmoil of the last year. however, it was clear from the outset that the information used to calculate grants, particularly for the self-employed, would in many cases be based on fairly out of date figures and mean that many relatively new businesses may have missed out on the initial grants altogether. rod Podger of accountants Underwood Lamb is reminding businesses and individuals to be aware of coming changes that may, quite understandably, have slipped out of focus over the past year. Plans have been in place for some time for the tax system to move to a more “current” basis with more frequent reporting to hmrC rather than the existing system allowing figures to be submitted up to 22 months after the date of the oldest transaction. These measures, also involving the
requirement to keep digital or electronic records, are collectively known as the “making Tax digital” (mTd) initiative. The calculations and eligibility criteria for the pandemic support measures have added weight to the argument that a more current basis of reporting and tax assessment is required and is now seen as a much more feasible solution than it might have been in the past due to advances in and more widespread use of computerised record keeping, accounting and banking services. most VaT registered businesses are already submitting returns under mTd but the scheme is due to extend to all VaT registered businesses, regardless of turnover, from april 2022. mTd for income Tax will be the next step in the process requiring the selfemployed and landlords with an annual turnover above £10,000 to maintain digital records and submit quarterly returns from april 2023 followed by a similar regime for limited companies from 2026.
Whether any of these dates might be extended remains to be seen but it is likely that the “benefits” of more regular reporting of current year results will be viewed as outweighing the potential extra administrative burdens for the taxpayer – despite the ongoing difficulties still being experienced by many. rod is advising those affected to explore potential software solutions with the help of their accountants at an early stage to avoid any problems as the mandatory implementation dates approach.
Details: Rod can be contacted on 01275 332612 or by email rod@ulco.com
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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New workwear store opens in Westfield WESTFiELd industrial Estate, between midsomer norton and radstock, has welcomed the arrival of a new workwear business. Somerset Workwear, just off First avenue, is an extension of the well-established specialist electronic assembly consumables and tools company Somerset Solders which moved from Chilcompton to Westfield in 2018. mark and Caira day, who run the business, had previously stocked anti-static ESd workwear for use in the electronics industry but decided to expand into other clothing when a unit next door to their premises became available. by chance, they had made their decision before the closure of the dickies store – just a few hundred metres away – was announced. Currently operating as a click-and-collect outlet, Somerset Workwear boasts leading brands such as Fort and Tuff Stuff alongside clothing by Swedish specialist Frostads and the american performance glovewear company ironclad. mark and Caira are also about to add to their range of safety footwear. in addition, Somerset Workwear are busy selling scrubs to a wide variety of people including vets, dentists and care home operators. mark and Caira, who live in Kilmersdon, say being locallybased is an important factor as is quality and customer service, with Somerset Workwear attracting customers from across the county and further afield. Workwear can be fashionable and stylish – popular with skateboarders and others – as well as being practical and
BUSINESS
Mark and Caira in their new shop, just off First Avenue
hardwearing. mark and Caira stress the clothing and accessories meet industry safety standards also. mark said: “People come to us saying they want to support a local business and shop local. We’re open to everyone from businesses such as care homes, farmers and builders to people who simply want something robust to wear.” in april, the couple will take on a full-time embroiderer – who used to work for dickies – to help companies with their business branding and personalisation – a growing side of the workwear business – bringing the Westfield team to seven-strong. Caira, who has a background in human resources, said: “We’re really pleased to say that Westfield industrial Estate can boast a workwear supplier once more.”
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 37
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MENDIP TIMES
Cycling added to charity event
Chipping away at 500km target
STONeMaSON Stephen Barker is rowing 500km in 100 days to raise money for the Frome-based befriending charity active and in Touch. Stephen aged 52, who lives in the town, recently lost three stone through following a healthy diet and a fitness regime. He started with a rowing machine in his house which has grown to a gym in his garage. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Stephen made the decision to change his lifestyle and is now successfully in remission. Stephen had heard about the work of active and In Touch through his local masonic lodge and from a friend at affinity Gym who told him how the charity had helped a family member. Stephen said: “The last year has been difficult for many, especially those who are alone. I am currently raising money for a local charity who helps the more vulnerable in the community.” To donate, visit: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/stephens500kmchall enge/
Ten thousand steps a day
Paul Charlton, a member of Connaught Freemasons lodge in Midsomer Norton, is walking ten thousand steps a day throughout March in aid of Cancer Research uK. Paul, who lives in Midsomer Norton, says he was inspired to do this as he has lost several close friends to cancer and others are currently being treated for it. He has already lost five kg in weight and expects to lose much more by the end of the month. Paul set himself a target of £250 but has already raised over £450. Details: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/pauls-walkall-over-cancer-fundraising-page-120
ROTaRY Nailsea and Backwell have added three cycling routes to their popular Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs, for their tenth year raising money for local charities and good causes. There’s the choice of three different bike routes; 25k, 50k and 100k available for those aged 13 or over on June 13th. Those aged 13 to 17 must be accompanied by a person aged 18 or over. The routes are offered under Cycling uK’s guidelines and are almost entirely on Tarmac. The event is for fun only, is not competitive and will not be timed. Whether walking, running or riding, everyone completing their personal challenge will receive a medal and certificate of achievement. The registration fee for the walks and runs is £8 per person aged 18 and over and for the bike rides, £10 per person aged 18 or over and £5 per person aged 13 to 17 which all goes to Rotary charities. The amount raised by other sponsorship all goes to the charity or good cause of the participant’s choice. The date is Sunday, June 13th although you can take part on any day from then to the end of July, Covid-19 permitting. Details: Graham Hunt 07970 771845 grahamjeanhunt@tiscali.co.uk
Help for students
BuRSaRIeS are available for young people across the area who want to study maths, engineering or physics at university. The RW Barnes Bursary Fund was set up in 2007 through Quartet Community Foundation and has awarded 284 bursaries totalling £285,590. The grant programme closes to applications on 9 July 2021 and the maximum award is £2,500. Julie Newman from the foundation, said: “Ron Barnes, a Somerset businessman and scientist, was passionate about giving young people opportunities. Ron set up his fund with Quartet in 2007, and when he sadly passed away a few years ago this fund increased thanks to his generous legacy. “Due to Covid, and the very uncertain past 12 months, many young lives have been put on hold. But Ron’s generous gift means that today many young people can get some financial help to get on with their lives and progress towards their chosen career.” Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/r-wbarnes-bursary/ or email julie.newman@quartetcforg.uk
Protect your eyes, says support group
IN the past Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support Group ran “awareness days”, usually in the public libraries at Nailsea, Yatton and Clevedon and at Waitrose and other venues. They distributed leaflets from The Macular Society, stating the symptoms PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
to look out for and action to take. also available were leaflets on lighting, low vision aids, protecting your eyes, using technology and many others. Organiser, Sheila Round, said: “I can still supply these. although we hesitate to add to the work of the NHS, your Details: 01275 462107
eyes are too valuable to neglect. If in doubt – find out! any problems, and I shall be pleased to point anyone in the right direction. “Please contact me if you are interested, to arrange delivery.”
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CHARITIES
Frome’s bean counters
FROMe Food Bank has received a big donation of beans from Frome College thanks to a Fine Dining Beans competition, which drew the attention of the national press and television. Teacher emily McMunn, who issued the challenge, agreed to give the winner their own height in tins of beans for the food bank. The winner was Gil Privett, with ashleigh Gahagan second and Cameron Vince third.
One of the entries
Support for Red Cross
WITH Bristol Hippodrome closed, some of Chris Cox’s charity theatre trips have been postponed until 2022 or 2023. They raise funds to support the Red Cross in langport. Instead he’s been raising funds by selling his book Total experience Corner which tells the story of his time teaching in Jamaica in the early 1990s. The paperback is now available for £12 including postage. Details: coxtheatretrips@btinternet.com
Supporting air ambulance
WellS Classic Motorcycle Club are preparing to welcome entrants from far and wide to their tenth annual Tortoise and Hare Run on Sunday, July 18th. This event is open to motorcycles and scooters of all ages and has three run groups covering different distances. The event will be based at Wells Football Club, starting with a social evening on the Saturday. The event has raised £240,000 over the years for Dorset and Somerset air ambulance. Details: www.wellsclassicmotorcycleclub.weebly.com or email tandhwcmc@hotmail.co.uk
Winner Gil Privett with teacher Emily McMunn
Book supports cancer research
aFTeR a three year break, adult cricket will return to Glastonbury this summer with a side competing in Division 7 of the Somerset Cricket league. Prior to this the club had a proud cricket history which was in danger of being forgotten. Former club secretary and player, Colin Crees (pictured), has written a book to record for posterity the life of the club, from its formation in 1920 to its final league match in 2017. all profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Cancer Research. This is the charity chosen for the memorial fund set up in memory of long-standing club stalwart Keith Beal, who passed away before Christmas. a memorial match will also be held on Sunday, august 29th at the Victoria Club, Street between Glastonbury and Street Cricket Clubs in honour of Keith and the funds raised will also be donated to Cancer Research. The book costs £5 and can be ordered from Colin via email. Details: creeser54@outlook.com
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 39
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MENDIP TIMES
HISTORY
The grocer’s tale By Mark Adler
RETIRED grocer John Barkle is a very good storyteller indeed and, until the pandemic, had been a popular and indemand guest speaker on the circuit of women’s institute meetings, rotary gatherings and the like, entertaining audiences with tales of his career and the people he has met. The past year put paid to the ten-15 talks he used to give each year and, in any event, at 85 years old, John had been planning to reduce his commitments. But lockdown has inspired him to put the stories on paper, all in aid of charity. Memories of a Village Grocer is a tale of six decades of working as a youngster, then running, stores in Ditcheat, Pilton and Wells under the well-known local name of Barkle Bros started by his father Ralph and uncle, George, in 1937. At one point, the family was running the Ditcheat and Pilton shops at the same time until the untimely deaths of, firstly, Ralph and then George, saw the family sell Ditcheat to concentrate on Pilton where they stayed until the mid-1970s. In the meantime, John and his late wife Elizabeth bought the first of two shops in Wells. John was the first trader at the first Pilton Pop Festival. He admits it did not go too well: “I had completely the wrong stock. Most of the people there were vegetarians and I had meat pies!” Festival founder Michael Eavis has
John at home in Westbury-sub-Mendip. The book is dedicated to his late wife Elizabeth who died in 2019
written the foreword to the book. In it he says: “For over 30 years John Barkle and his family made a huge impression in our village, so much so that they were even brave enough to be the first traders at the very first Glastonbury Festival. “John’s account of those years underlines the personal effort required to make a success of a village store.” The book tells of their time in Tucker Street in Wells – now a Spar store – and at the shop and post office on Bath Road – now a house. As with so many village shops, the premises in Ditcheat and Pilton are houses now too; the irony is not lost on John. The family also opened a delicatessen in Shepton Mallet but sold it in 1986. Tales of a Village Grocer also tells of
Grandpa Reed, Ralph and George Barkle, Roland Ashman and John in Ditcheat, 1938. Roland was the village postman who worked for John’s father after completing his round
John’s love of amateur dramatics, performing with the Pilton Players, Croscombe Frolics and Westbury Footlights. John, who lives in Westbury-subMendip, has dedicated the book to Elizabeth – they were married for 64 years – and all proceeds are going to Children’s Hospice South West, a charity they have supported for many years, even taking part in the Wells Santa Run several years ago. Kylie Gallagher, area fundraiser for CHSW, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be the beneficiary of John’s book. I’m sure people will enjoy a trip down memory lane reading about John’s life. And what a wonderful tribute to his late wife, Elizabeth.”
John and Elizabeth outside the shop in Bath Road in Wells in 1977
Books cost £10 + £2pp and are available from: villagegrocer2021@outlook.com
PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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WILDLIFE
Looking out for the safety of barn owls
WITH April upon us and the dawn chorus now heading towards its climax, I will be turning my attention to monitoring owl nest sites, which I do By CHRIS as part of my duties SPERRING working for The MBE Hawk and Owl Trust, with the co-operation of landowners and farmers. I will be waiting for the vulnerable stage of egg incubation to pass, then start counting how many owlets are in each nest before placing a small, aluminium, numbered ring on the leg of each bird. These activities are, of course, licensed by the B.T.O. and by doing this I can offer some vital information on things like distribution, local hazards and
Passing traffic can be a danger to low-flying owls
Chris hopes to be out monitoring owl nests in the coming weeks
conservation. Sadly, we only receive this information when a ringed owlet has been found deceased and the ring has been sent to the British Museum. It is then analysed and the ringer, such as myself, is informed of where and when it was found. The causes of death can, of course, vary tremendously but, for example, if the returned ring data tells us that certain roads are major hazards to owlets, then we look at the road and what the issues are for lowflying owls and at least try to offer advice on ways to minimise these deaths. We can, for example, look for trends, where more than a few owls have been killed on the same stretch of road. These tend to happen because, when young barn owlets distribute away from the parental territory, they fly over the best prey habitats, so that they can feed as they move. These could be along a rhyne or river system, so in that case the blackspot will
become the point where that waterway meets the road. Barn owls, like most other owls, are low-level hunters, so when they cross the road, as no doubt a few of you have witnessed, it is around car windscreen height. Another reason why a road can be such a hazard for young, recently fledged owls is that they may find an abundance of prey along the verges. Coupled with that is the fact that they weigh only around 362 grammes and the vortex created from traffic can literally suck them into passing vehicles (other predators such as buzzard and kestrel can hunt these areas quite safely due to their different hunting methods). Minimising the problem can be quite simple, such as raising or planting tall hedges, which force the owls to rise above the traffic and fly safely to the other side to continue their journey. I could write more about the information we gain from the ringing scheme, but it would probably take up the entire issue of Mendip Times, so I want to just finish this by saying that, all being good, I will be back out monitoring owls this spring and summer, having received my first Covid-19 vaccination. l A massive thank you to all farmers and landowners who have supported our work in the past. If you have owls on your land and you wish me to visit for advice or to monitor nest sites, then please get in touch with me on 07799 413918 or email me at Chris.Sperring@hawkandowltrust.org.uk Here’s to a much better spring than last year!
I have resumed giving talks again but only online, so if your groups want to book me for a talk please message me through my Walks and Talks page on Facebook @ChrisSperringwildlife
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 41
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MENDIP TIMES
Waterfall walk
A GREAT walk for spring – a new, varied East Mendip circle which begins in the small hamlet of Cameley, between Hinton Blewett and Temple Cloud. In Cameley you can visit the atmospheric 12th century church, which may be open, then follow the Cam stream across flat countryside towards Temple Cloud. Walk on to a secluded small nature reserve with bluebells and an enchanting waterfall, then follow the Limestone Link across fields towards Clutton church. The route back has beautiful views south before dropping down to return to the start where, as we come out of Covid, you may be able to get light refreshment. There are a couple of stiles – the rest are gates and the going is up and down, but
With Sue Gearing PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
nothing too strenuous. Hand on heart, after rain I cannot rule out mud, particularly around gates! A good day out for the dog, too. Wear good boots, especially useful to get you to the waterfall. PARK: In the car park of Cameley Lodge, which has very kindly given permission for MT walkers. Park in the individual bays and please don’t block gates within the car park, picnic or set up chairs. Your cars and contents are left there at your own risk.
START: Cameley was once a thriving village with brickworks and quarries but these closed and in the 19th century and the population moved to Temple Cloud and the turnpike road, so Cameley has been left in peace. Turn left from Cameley Lodge towards one of my favourite churches, St James, nestling in this tranquil valley. This gem has been untouched by serious restoration. There is a public gallery, box pews, benches worn to a shine and some remains of frescoes on the walls. The church is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It should be open and have a welcoming notice.
1. CAM STREAM Carry on along the lane, ignoring footpaths and at a left bend go through a kissing gate right into a field and ahead along the left edge of the field. Carry on through fields and gates following the Cam stream on the left. Cross a footbridge with a gate each side. Notice two beautiful oaks in the field. Go through a Bristol gate (a farm gate with a
pedestrian gate built into it) over a hummocky bridge then another Bristol gate. Go across a field to the far hedge and the follow the hedge right all the way along and round to reach the A37 near Temple Cloud. 2. TEMPLE BRIDGE Go right over Temple Bridge, cross with care to a pavement and continue on this for a short way to a drive and choice of footpaths left. Go ahead to the private road, then left over a stile (not easy) and right following the right fence, passing the farm and going through farm gates. It was here that I met two very friendly little orphan lambs complete with coats. Then there is a kissing gate and a separate pedestrian gate. Cross two fields towards a long grey industrial building up on the old railway embankment, heading for the left corner of green fencing. 3. EMBANKMENT Cross a stile gate and head up the path along the compound fence, going over the old railway embankment. The line used to serve the collieries through here. Down on the other side, reach a lane. Go left under the railway bridge and then turn right along the footpath, through a commercial area and on, keeping parallel with the old rail embankment up right. Head for another building ahead and go through a kissing gate to the left of it then go on past the building along a fence. Go through a gate and straight on towards woodland ahead. Reach a stream and turn left along it, through a kissing gate right and cross a bridge across the stream.
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4. NATURE RESERVE You are now in Stephen's Vale Nature Reserve, centred on a short stretch of stream in a sheltered, quite steep-sided valley. The valley slopes are thickly wooded, and the ground covered by bluebells and other wildflowers in spring. Here you will find the pretty two-stage waterfall, where the stream drops down about 15 feet over ledges in the reddish sandstone bedrock. At a crossing track turn left with the stream on your left. Very soon, at a fork of tracks, go right and up to a higher crossing path. Turn left on this and follow it along coming very close to the shallow stream and to a footbridge.
5.WATERFALL You should be able to hear and possibly see a little of the beautiful waterfall from here. Intrepid explorers could probably access it from this side of the stream, but there are two other ways. Cross the bridge and turn right a very short way along the stream edge. Find the way down with a bit of a scramble to the shallow stream bed and walk along the edge left as far as you can to near the base of the fall where you get a great view of the two stages. Or there is an easier route: go up to the narrow path above and turn right; that it soon leads to the top of the fall. To continue, from the footbridge go up through a kissing gate and to gates at the top. For interest: ahead across the open area is Greyfield Wood, which is in the care of the Woodland Trust. This was once a hunting ground of the Earl of Warwick and then over subsequent centuries was used
WALKING
OS Explorer 142. Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref 609 574. 5.5 miles, about 3 hours walking.
for mining. It is now a beautiful leisure area well worth a visit at some other time. There is a small car park off Greyfield Road, High Littleton (opposite the Spar).
6. LIMESTONE LINK But now we go left through the kissing gate on the Limestone Link following the Cam stream on your right. You should see bluebells and wildflowers through here in spring. We are on the edge of Highbury Hill, the earthworks of an Iron Age hill fort. The path goes out into the open, still along the stream. Maintain direction going through two kissing gates then come into a long field. At the end there is a Bristol gate then carry on across a field towards Clutton through gates, towards the church. Reach a lane, turn right and soon reach the church.
7. CLUTTON CHURCH Just before it, go left still on the Limestone Link through a kissing gate. Cross the field, over a bridge and on across to where the stream is being piped under the field. After another kissing gate head up the field to the top and soon bear down diagonally right to the far corner.
8. MAIN ROAD Reach the busy A37. Turn right and shortly go left up a stony drive to follow the Limestone Link. Go along the path, through a kissing gate and go ahead through wasteland. Join a track and continue on up past commercial buildings, then, with a large building ahead of you, go right. Cross a drive and continue as before. Reach a track through a kissing gate in the hedge and go straight over to the gate opposite.
9. FIELDS Go ahead through the middle of the field aiming for a gap in the far hedge. Then in the next field go round the left edge, round two corners passing woodland and then in the hedge go through two gates. Continue ahead across this large field, which is south facing and can be very warm, with stunning views down left across Cameley. Go through a hedge on the far side where there are two footpath markers. 10. HILL Continue ahead up through the hedge and then in the field, continue along the side of the hill. Begin to drop down as you carry on, go through a gate and on down past a myriad of emmet tumps (anthills) to the bottom.
11. TRACK Go out onto a stony track. Follow it down left, soon coming alongside the Cam Stream. Turn left on the quiet lane and return to Cameley Lodge. l Cameley Lodge is a very peaceful hotel and wedding venue beautifully developed over the years and has fishing lakes. The intention is to open the gardens for light lunches and drinks, tea and coffee from April 13th, weather and government guidelines permitting! If you have any queries contact John and Paula Harris, Cameley Lodge: 01761 452790. Cameley Lodge, BS39 5AH. Cameley is between Temple Cloud and Hinton Blewett, about 0.75 miles to the east of Temple Cloud.
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s diary
THANKFULLY my prediction of more cold weather hasn’t materialised and so I feel it is now safe to eat the tin of beans that was in the Land Rover! Lighter evenings and sunshine have helped lift the soul a little over the last couple of weeks and the rapidly rolled-out vaccination programme With LES against the dreaded Covid-19 has gone a DAVIES MBE long way to give hope for the future. The countryside, however, has been full of people and I hope that they will have become more appreciative and more respectful of just what a treasure we have in regard to access. Regular visitors to Stockhill Forest will be aware of the harvesting works going on. Timber is no longer cut just with a chainsaw and today’s felling is done with high precision and very expensive kit. This machinery needs room to work safely, their reach is long and if the cutting chain breaks or there is some other mechanical failure, the danger can be projected even further. To help minimise such risks the contractors have to restrict access to the areas they are working in. Some members of the public however seem to feel their rights are being infringed and still insist on going into these working areas. Access through the main forest barrier for the timber lorries has also been a problem. Traffic cones and notices that were designed to restrict parking have been removed and some parked vehicles have blocked access. I must say, to balance this, that not everyone who visits the countryside causes problems; in fact the vast majority go away having had a good day and leave no signs of themselves behind. Others however should not be allowed outside of their own front gate without the supervision of a responsible adult! For the second year running I have had some overwintering visitors at Foxwood. Last year three Soay sheep from Cheddar gorge spent the winter in my wood and they have returned again this time. They are respectful and spend their time grazing the open grassland area which is gradually being won back from the dense bracken that occupied the site when I moved in. They leave the trees alone and manage to find some warmth and shelter amongst them. I am happy that they “staycation” and provide a bit of vegetation management for me in return. When they’ve had enough, they will no doubt return to the Gorge as they did last time. The early spring flowers make such a difference and lift my spirits with a promise of things to come. I am always looking for the first celandines to appear on the grassy bank or in the hedge bottom. I have long since disregarded the primrose as the herald of spring! This is not for any ill feeling against this little plant, for indeed I have nothing but admiration for how it can appear in January long before anything else is even thinking about waking up. Surely there can be no finer sight than a grassy bank filled with these lovely yellow flowers? As a small boy I would wake early on Mother’s Day to go into the fields to pick a small bunch of primroses for her room. The bird and animal kingdom is also stirring into action ready for a new generation of both domesticated and wildlife
creatures. I have seen the males of several species “strutting their stuff” in a bid to gain dominance and get noticed. What I thought was feathered roadkill flapping about on the Tarmac turned out to be two crows having a set to. The timely arrival of my Land Rover soon sent them flying away. Cock pheasants on the other hand seem to show no fear of anything. Seemingly imbued with such high levels of testosterone as to completely short circuit what small amount of brain they possess, they feel as if they can take on anything and anybody who poses a threat to their dominance. Perhaps they are the bird world equivalent to the Viking “berserkers” who stoked themselves up on alcohol and hallucinogenic fungi to become invincible in battle. I have heard scary tales of cock birds attacking almost anything, cars included! Can you remember having a pint in the beer garden, or lunch in a pub? Talking and laughing with friends whilst the hubbub of other people’s conversation carried on around you? The only social distancing practised was in our own personal space and there were some you were happy to share that with and some you weren’t! It would seem there is hope on the horizon as we start to get our Covid-19 exit strategy into place and the hospitality industry tries to get going again in what we hope is the near future. Sue Gearing and I will be working with Butcombe brewery and the Mendip Hills AONB to bring the Butcombe Trail up to date. This 47-mile circular route was devised by Sue in April 2007 and links six of the brewery’s Mendip pubs: the Ring O’ Bells at Hinton Blewett, the Queen Victoria, Priddy, the Lamb, Axbridge, the Queen’s Arms, Bleadon, the Swan, Rowberrow and the Ring O’ Bells at Compton Martin. As you can imagine, a lot will have changed during the past 14 years. There will also be two shorter circular walks around each pub for those who like something less strenuous! The AONB team will sign the whole 47 miles of the route with new waymarks. Also don’t forget that if you didn't manage to get a copy of our new book Mendipity it’s again available as a special offer through this month’s Mendip Times. This month’s photo is of an experimental nesting box that I am trialling in Foxwood. All very low-tech, it is the bottom of an old rubber boot cut off at the ankle. I have inserted a short piece of 40mm water pipe to reinforce the entrance hole and used a heavy duty glue to seal it. Being heavy rubber, nothing is going to be able to break through this armour plating or reach inside... I’m waiting for the glue to dry here!
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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April showers bring forth – weeds!
IT would be great if the couple of spells of cold weather we have experienced this winter killed the weeds instead of some of our plants. Plants heralding from Mediterranean regions, such as rosemary, lavender, sun roses and sage have not enjoyed having cold wet “feet” this winter, With MARY but the weeds have thrived. PAYNE MBE April is an ideal time to wage war on weeds to prevent them being a problem all season. There are basically two groups of weeds. Annual weeds germinate, grow, flower, and set seed in one season. Classic examples, common in many a garden, are groundsel, chickweed, speedwell, goosegrass (cleavers), hairy bitter cress and annual meadow grass. The golden rule for these is not to let them release their seeds, or they will plague you for several years. Hence the old wives saying: “One year’s seed gives seven years weeds”. Some annual weeds try to creep up on us when we are otherwise engaged. Goosegrass (cleavers) germinates in the autumn and overwinters as seedlings, so they get away to a flying start before the leaves of surrounding plants appear. Speedwell germinates in late winter so once more is ahead of the game. Control of annual weeds is relatively simple and that much loved tool of the past, the hoe, is perfect for the job. Choose a warmish day and sever the young weeds from their roots with a sharp Dutch or push hoe. The weed tops can be left to decay in situ if not too unsightly and the roots cannot survive without their leaves. This is ideal for vegetable areas where plants are usually in rows. To prevent further germination of weed seeds a mulch of a couple of sheets of newspaper held down with grass clippings between the rows is ideal. The newspaper and grass clipping biodegrade adding to the organic matter in the soil. For ornamental borders a 2-3” (5-7.5cm) layer of wood chip mulch looks more attractive and serves the same purpose of excluding light from the soil, thus preventing germination. Ideally, fresh wood chippings should be stacked for a couple of months, but I have used them without problems. They look less attractive than a browner woodland mulch, but soon tone down. It is important to avoid mixing any form of wood-based mulch into the soil, as it may lead to a nitrogen deficiency. As a surface mulch, it is quite safe and will last about three years, by which time the plants will have developed to cover the soil and serve the same purpose, or a top-up layer can be applied. Try to avoid putting the mulch in contact with plant stems. Perennial weeds, on the other hand, are much more problematical, and it is vital to clear ground of perennial weeds prior to permanent new plantings. An old practice, now being revived in suitable locations, is to get in some pigs. They will grub around and destroy the roots of most persistent perennials. Hand digging of some weeds such as docks, nettles and dandelions can be done if the area is modest. Covering the surface with well–anchored down black plastic for an entire growing season may work for similar weeds, but for those with persistent spreading underground rhizomes such as bindweed, ground elder, couch grass and marestail it is rarely successful, as they grow to the edge of the plastic. PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Cotoneaster swamped by weeds
I know it is controversial, but a single timely application of a glyphosate-based herbicide allows for a faster replanting of the area, which is often a necessity in many circumstances. When I say timely, it is crucial to apply this translocated herbicide at the appropriate time for the weeds in question. Wait until the weed has its maximum foliage area, usually around late June/July. This avoids using excessive amounts, or repeated applications. Other less contentious herbicides available to amateurs are based on acetic acid (vinegar), or pelargonic acid (from geraniums). Acetic acid can be effective on seedling weeds, especially if used on a warm sunny day when it simply scorches them. Those based on pelargonic acid will also scorch the tops of dandelions, for example, if applied in warm conditions, but is less effective at killing the roots and although the manufacturer claims it can kill marestail I am mightily sceptical! Following successful eradication of persistent perennial weeds replanting can be done promptly. On one occasion I cleared beds riddled with ground elder, bindweed and couch grass with a spray of glyphosate in late June, replanted the beds in late September and they were in full bloom the following summer. Once the land is clean and replanted then a 2-3” (5-7.5cm) of woodland/woodchip mulch should be applied immediately to prevent weed seed germination. If this is not done promptly the result can be seen in the picture. For weeds in amongst your plants a different tactic is required. Cut the top and bottom off a two-litre plastic bottle or alternatively cut the bottom off a plastic flowerpot, to create a tube. Put the tube over the offending weed pulling it inside the tube if necessary. Then spray down inside the tube using either glyphosate or the pelargonic acid-based herbicide. The tube acts as a shield to prevent spray drifting onto adjacent desirable plants. If you can really get on top of your weeds in April, you stand a fighting chance of keeping them at bay for the rest of the summer leaving you time to enjoy your garden. Visits to National Garden Scheme open gardens are possible by booking a slot on www.ngs.org Rose Cottage in East Harptree will be open on Sunday, April 11th although teas/cakes cannot be served and there will be no brass band.
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APRIL GARDEN TIPS
• Remove the bubble polythene double glazing from your greenhouse, clean the glass and check that the ventilators work. Get ready to apply a coat of Coolglass to the outside to keep the temperature under control. • Prune side shoots on grape vines back to five leaves on nonfruiting laterals and two buds beyond flower clusters. • If you have raised your own plants and your greenhouse is unheated, keep the plants on a bright windowsill indoors for a few more days. • Sweet corn can be sown in cell trays inside but delay planting out until next month. • Marrows, courgettes, pumpkins and squashes can be sown in individual pots towards the end of the month. These will need protection if sown outside. Peat pots are very good for this. • Plant basil in pots or in the borders between your tomatoes. It always does better inside. • Feed citrus plants with a higher nitrogen liquid feed. • Consider buying a cold frame to ease the strain on space in your greenhouse at this time of the year. It is ideal for hardening plants off prior to planting them outside. • Plant out half hardy varieties of bedding plants such as antirrhinum, ten week stocks, Sweet Williams, pansies and violas. • Plant out sweet peas and provide support for them to climb. • Plant out tender bedding plants in only the most sheltered spots in your garden. If your garden stays cold at this time of year then it is better to resist the temptation and wait a week or two longer.
GARDENING
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 47
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MENDIP TIMES
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PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Weston Garden Machinery
GARDENING
Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists
Now stocking the Atco range of mowers Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS
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Treework
Grass cutting & maintenance MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 49
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MENDIP TIMES
Springtime in Sandford
THIS stunning display of Scilla and snowdrops has been wowing passers-by in Greenhill Road in Sandford. The owner said she’s pleased the sight spreads a little joy and happiness in such difficult times and hoped we would do the same by publishing this photo. We are happy to oblige!
Right Price DIY for gardeners
SPRINGTIME is here and Right Price DIY at Downside, Shepton Mallet, offers an extensive range of gardening supplies. The family-run business sells vegetable seeds, composts, gardening tools and feeds along with hardware items such as canes, play pit sands, slabs, edging, decking and fencing products. Right Price DIY also offers a delivery service, so there’s no need to worry about how to get your fence panels home. For people planning a staycation, Right Price DIY sells a range of caravan, trailer and camping equipment amongst its 12,500-item stock line.
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07757 696610 Contact Our Amy: greenwaysgmoffice@gmail.com Whole of the South West of England covered! PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH
Yeo Valley Organic Garden
One of only a handful of ornamental gardens that is Soil Association accredited, 6½ acres of contemporary planting, quirky sculptures, bulbs in their thousands, purple palace, glorious meadow and posh vegetable patch. Great views, green ideas. Opening details: Sunday, April 18th 11am-5pm. Admission: £6, children £2. Address and postcode: Holt Farm, Blagdon, BS40 7SQ.
Rose Cottage, East Harptree
Nestling into the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills, this hillside cottage garden has panoramic views over the Chew Valley. In April this acre of garden is filled with colour and the scent of spring bulbs and blossom. There are many seating areas divided by mixed hedges and a wildlife area and pond in a corner of the car park field opposite. Opening details: Sunday April 11th 2pm-5pm Admission: £5, children free. Address and postcode: Smithams Hill, East Harptree, BS40 6BY. Between April and June may also open by prior arrangement with the owners, Bev and Jenny Cruse, for groups of up to 30. Please arrange at least two weeks in advance: £5.50/adult. email: bandjcruse@gmail.com
Watcombe, Winscombe
Mature three-quarter acre mature Edwardian garden with colour-themed, informally planted herbaceous borders, pergola with varied wisteria, two formal ponds and growing collection of clematis. Many unusual trees and shrubs. Small vegetable plot. Opening details: Sunday, April 25th 2-5pm and/or Sunday May 16th. To be confirmed – check NGS website. Admission: £4, children free. Address: 92 Church Road, Winscombe, BS25 1BP. BOOKING VISITS All garden visits must be pre-booked through the NGS website to ensure adequate social distancing 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: https://www.ngs.org.uk
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GARDENING
Growing, sharing and caring – Frank and the beanstalks HOW to grow a runner bean might appear an unusual single subject for a gardening book, but Frank Shellard believes it could sow the seeds – literally – of a social media phenomenon. Frank, of Wellow, was inspired to write the book whilst recovering from a stroke during the first lockdown and completed the slim volume in just ten days. He says the idea behind Let’s All Grow a Runner Bean is to: “Bring a bit of fun back into our lives and reconnect adults, families and children alike to the land, help everybody understand a little more about where and how our food is grown and have the thrill of growing one’s own food. “Share all the fun on our social media site, but above all have the pleasure, achievement and therapeutic values of growing one’s own food.” Aged 62, Frank’s early years were spent working on a traditional farm “where milk really tasted like milk” before, as with so many others, intensive farming methods took over. Frank later took over the running of the farm and gradually restored it to its traditional, more natural habitat. Lockdown interrupted plans for a longer book about his life, including running a trekking centre. Frank’s currently selling mare’s milk for human consumption – he says human stomachs can process it more easily – but the runner bean book, beautifully designed and illustrated by Heidi Nowak – is intended to be the first of a series – Let’s All Cook a Runner Bean, Let’s All Grow a
Tomato and Let’s All Grow a Tree – and Frank wants readers to share their experiences on social media. Proceeds from sales will be split between the Frank in the garden of his home in Wellow Forever Friends Appeal for the Bath RUH acute stroke unit, NHS Charities Together and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Frank said: “The beauty of growing a runner bean is that anyone can do it, anywhere. This book is not just aimed at people in rural areas and those who have gardens. You can grow beans in pots – or any container – or a window box.” He’s planning to give away copies to schools in the area and has even sent copies to education secretary Gavin Williamson to try to get his support nationally. Frank added: “It’s all about having something in common and sharing our experiences and it should be fun, fun, fun! And they’re delicious to eat!”
Let’s All Grow a Runner Bean is available from www. letsallgrowarunnerbean.co.uk
Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 51
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MENDIP TIMES
Axbridge Silver Jubilee 1977
Snow on Mendip
A journey into the past: old film from OLD movie footage of Mendip is now available on DVD through Windrose Rural Media Trust, a registered charity which specialises in preserving old film. High Above and Down Below – Mendip’s Film Pioneers features the Queen’s silver jubilee in Axbridge, village life in Compton Martin, the snows of 1963 and 1978, Winscombe, Cheddar, Wells, Yatton and other communities. The DVD is part of A Century of Sights and Sounds, a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local sources to preserve Windrose’s massive film, video and audio archive and bring much more of it to the public. This has included digitisation, research by students and volunteers, live shows, online access and the use of old films and music with people affected by Alzheimer’s. Windrose director Trevor Bailey said: “Our archive has accumulated more than 36 years of work in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. It includes old films of local life dating from the 1910s to the 1980s, saved with the help of the community, and a mass of video and audio recordings from our own media projects in rural communities. “It had reached the point where even we could not quite remember what we had. The project has brought a lot of wonderful material to light and we are now able to release our first DVD of archive films for Somerset.” Windrose, a registered charity based in Bourton, near Wincanton, already has 20 DVDs and CDs available which cover many different subjects and places across the three counties. Trevor said: “We have always wanted to produce some
Floods in Yatton
Siobhan Godwin
Dave Salmon
Francis Rabbitts
Robert Bird
Wells Strawberry Line
Winscombe Fire Brigade
PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Details: tbailey352@btinternet.com w
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HISTORY
from Mendip now available on DVD
Army training in Clevedon
Andrew Sealey and Clive Dennis
especially for Somerset. This DVD is the first of two and concentrates on Mendip and surroundings. We have set out to tell the story behind the old films included in the DVD by drawing on the memories and knowledge of local people. “Covid-19 has held us up badly but at last we can give Somerset a special present as the spring begins to brighten up the world.” James Harrison oversaw technical work to bring the old films back to life and was also behind the camera when Windrose filmed present day. He said: “There have been plenty of frustrations along the way but we have now brought back to life so many films. Each one is a bit of a discovery and sometimes there is a real gem. “It has also been very good to get out of the studio and film with people who can tell us what these images are all about.” The new Somerset DVD begins with a trip to the Curzon Cinema in Clevedon. Local historian Jane Lilly introduces a 1915 film of the town and its people made at the behest of Victor Cox, the first proprietor of the Curzon. Bernie Brown plays the cinema organ, just as it used to be. In Compton Martin, Dave Salmon, who has lived in the village all his life, is filmed at his grandfather’s pub. Robert Bird’s father made films around Winscombe in the 1930s and 40s. His record of the wartime fire brigade contrasts strikingly with the experience of Sean Heighton of the modern Fire and Rescue Service. The snows of 1963 and 1978 were captured on film, as was the Cheddar flood of 1968. Farmers Clive Dennis and Andrew Sealey remember how their farms survived and John Rowlands of the Environment Agency draws the contrast between conditions then and the computerised warning systems of today. Siobhan Godwin, who runs Wells Walking Tours, introduces 1930s films of Wells and reflects on a city that is both changeless and changed. Axbridge had its own professional film maker. The late Nick Barrington, hotelier, caver and cameraman, is remembered by his friends, Jan and Francis Rabbitts through his films of caving under Mendip and Axbridge’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977.
et.com www.windroseruralmedia.org
Compton Martin Carnival
Wells Market Place, 1930s
Winscombe bakery
Ring O’ Bells, Compton Martin
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 53
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MENDIP TIMES
A nation both divided and united
By Dr PHIL HAMMOND
BRITAIN, as ever, is divided. The rich and mobile want to move on quickly from the pandemic, have already booked two summer holidays (one abroad and one in the UK, just in case) and are chuffed to bits they invested in vaccine companies. Many are breaking the rules already. They aren’t remotely interested in a public inquiry, just grateful for the vaccines in more
ways than one. Then there are those struggling to move on from the pandemic, either because of grief or long-term medical or economic harm and they want answers and acknowledgement in an inquiry, so we don’t repeat the same mistakes again. My guess is the government will try to kick the 125,000 Covid deaths into the long grass. The people appear more united over nurses’ pay. The government believes that it is better to employ more nurses on lower pay than to give existing nurses a decent pay rise. Nurses are grateful to have a job in these difficult times, but our most experienced staff have less in their pockets to spend since the Conservatives came to power. In 2010/11, the top of the band 5 pay scale for nurses was £27,534, and in 2019/20 it had risen to £30,112. After adjusting for inflation, this represents a nine percent real-terms fall. Johnson chose to exploit photos of shattered nurses with mask-pocked faces for the “Can you look them in the eyes and tell them you’re doing all you can to stop the spread of Covid-19?” poster campaign. So he can’t complain if the nursing unions counter with: “Can you look them in the eyes and tell them they’re not worth more than a 1% pay rise?” With around 35,000 NHS nursing vacancies, the government is banking on nursing applications going up regardless, both out of inspiration and desperation as alternative jobs disappear. However, the key problem in the NHS is staff retention. Many staff go into the job with the best intentions but leave when they are so over-stretched they cannot provide the safe, high quality, compassionate care they envisaged when training. And they are at constant risk of suspension and litigation for mistakes made while working in such an unsafe system. Then there is the Covid risk. A slightly larger pay rise would not change this; but given the levels of exhaustion, post-traumatic stress and long-Covid symptoms staff are suffering, it would at least have acknowledged how valued and vital their work is. I predict another government U-turn and I, for one, would be happy to pay a bit more tax for nurses. dr phil is author of Staying alive, Medicine Balls and Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?
PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Plop the Raindrop
APRIL is usually a very busy month for us. April showers form a sort of escalator up into the sky; we can get dropped in a cloudburst one minute and then the sun comes out and sucks us back up into the clouds the next! You know how it feels when you climb up a slide then keep slipping back before you can reach the top? The difference is that you can end up breathless with sore knees, while for us water droplets it’s pretty effortless. We’re not in control of where we go or what we do, so we literally “go with the flow”. But it can be a bit frustrating! Imagine landing on the soft centre of a dandelion, hoping for a snooze, only to get evaporated again and again and again. Those fluffy white clouds might look idyllic to you, but when we get stuck in them it’s like being bashed around in a spin dryer – I can tell you that because I’ve been in a few of those as well. Still, April showers really are a sign of spring, when the days get longer and everything is in a race to grow – apart from me, that is. I don’t want to get to be a muddy! It’s all a bit of a miracle really how everything works. I’ve been around for millions of years and have seen seas turn into forests which can then turn into deserts which can then turn back into seas again! All thanks to water, or the lack of it. A trickling stream, tinkling like bells, can turn into a raging torrent, with the power to eat away mountains. I’m generally a very docile droplet, but my mates and I do enjoy a good roaring flood occasionally. Floods are becoming more common in some parts of the world, probably because the climate is changing again. Years ago, only volcanoes or meteorites got blamed for climate change – and for the extinction of dinosaurs, which I’m sure you know about. For all I know, I could be racing through your village tomorrow, like a foaming demon chasing uprooted trees down the street. But I’d rather not. Give me a dandelion any time. Without water, life on Earth could not exist. But I expect you definitely know that. Why don’t you put an acorn or a pea in a pot of soil and give it an occasional drink of water and see what happens? Your peas will be ready to eat in a few weeks. An acorn will grow into an oak tree that can live for hundreds of years and support a huge variety of life, as well as making oxygen, which you animals have to breathe. Apparently I’m partly made up of oxygen, but the only gas I’ve ever been aware of is when I fart. What do you think makes the bubbles in Coca Cola? I’m only joking. Probably. Enjoy spring! Mendip Grandad
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Countdown to market return WEDNESDAY, April 14th is the day Rod Major has pencilled in his diary to return to Wells Market with his Wells Funeral Services information stall. A familiar sight amongst the other, more traditional traders, Rod has been absent since the New Year due to lockdown restrictions. He can’t wait to return to meeting and greeting shoppers, offering general advice on funeral services or guidance on his range of funeral plans. Rod established Wells Funeral Services in 2016 and has always believed in being more proactive than “sitting in an office waiting for the phone to ring” by establishing face-toface relationships with local families. It’s an attitude which has also instilled new energy into the City of Wells Lions Club where he took over as president last year. Rod – who describes his market chats as “banter” – said: “I’m a funeral director who is prepared to listen to you and do exactly what you want. The foundation of the business is all about what you, the customer, wants.”
Step this way – the Foot Faerie’s hi-tech approach
PODIATRIST Sue Boothroyd is using some technical wizardry to help patients with foot, leg and knee problems caused by bad alignment. Known as the Foot Faerie for her gentle methods, Sue Bespoke orthotics could be the is now able to take images answer to a patient’s pain of people’s feet with a special scanner, if they require custom-made orthotics – special shoe or heel inserts – to help to correct and support the way they walk. Until recently, Sue used Plaster of Paris or special foam boxes to create casts of patients’ feet to be sent away to a specialist orthotic laboratory. Now new orthotics are just an email away as the scanning software creates and sends a “virtual” cast, which speeds up the process. Sue is based at Rookery Farm at Binegar – the clinic has been open throughout the pandemic as it is classed as a medical service – and says she has seen a noticeable increase in new patients coming to her for help as a result of lockdown – people are walking more. She said: “Some people will need only preprepared orthotics, just a tweak or adjustment to the way they move and I offer exercise therapies alongside. So I try to go down that route first of all, but some people will need bespoke orthotics.” Sue added: “Our feet are designed to move on soft, undulating surfaces such as grass, but humans have created a very hard, flat environment.” Orthotics is just one aspect of Sue’s work at Rookery Farm where she is joined by clinical assistant and receptionist Lisa Trott. The practice offers a range of treatments, including nail surgery for ingrowing toenails or severe fungal infections, as well as general podiatry treatments.
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
Chris runs to support hospice
CHRIS Dando and his staff made headlines nationally when they decided to move in to protect their elderly residents at Court House retirement home in Cheddar during the first lockdown last year and ended up staying 84 days. Just after Christmas, Chris and some other members of his team moved in again as infection rates in the community were very high and they were desperately waiting for residents and staff to get their first vaccinations. Chris decided to use his time by raising funds for Weston Hospicecare, whose fundraising has been hit by shops being closed and the cancellation of major events. He’s been running around the garden for three miles on alternate days (that is 70 laps of their garden) and on the other days he’s been cycling ten miles on his bike
Chris Dando
trainer in his bedroom. He said: “I decided to run the first 20 days for each of my residents individually and the 21st day for residents that are no longer with us. “I want to continue my runs and rides for 84 days to mark the amount of days that we stayed on site last year. I still have a long way to go.” He said it has also helped his physical and mental health, while being away from his wife Alison and daughters, Chloë, aged 23, and Edith, aged five. He said: “I did return home on Valentine’s Day after another six weeks of living in Court House away from them. I now spend some time at home and some time living at Court House, but as residents and staff have both had their first vaccination we do feel in a safer situation now.”
Christopher dando is fundraising for Weston Hospicecare (justgiving.com) or http://bit.ly/38x5Ker
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e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Mental health support
AN alliance of Somerset voluntary organisations, the NHS and social care has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of the way they are working together to give people the support they need at the right time. The alliance – called Open Mental Health – has made the final of the widely acclaimed Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value awards in the category of “public and preventative health service redesign initiative”. Open Mental Health provides support to help people live a full life by enabling access to specialist mental health services, housing support, debt and employment advice, volunteering opportunities, community activities and exercise. People with experience of using services have been at the heart of the design, development and delivery of Open Mental Health from the very beginning. Jane Yeandle, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s service director for mental health and learning disabilities, said: “This really is a massive achievement. Some examples of the success of Open Mental Health are the implementation of a 24/7 support line; development of community crisis alternatives; and the launch of a small grants fund which has enabled many community and grass roots projects to develop and thrive. “The support line alone is taking about 3,000 calls every month.” details: Mindline 01823 276892, 24/7 or email support@openmentalhealth.org.uk
HEALTH & FAMILY
Orriss and Low Optometrists Corner House Winscombe BS25 1AQ 01934 843713 www.orrissandlow.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 57
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MENDIP TIMES
NEWS
Wells on camera – again!
WELLS Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral Green were amongst the locations chosen by the makers of a new television drama called Becoming Elizabeth. It follows filming in recent years in the city of everything from Hot Fuzz and Another Mother’s Son to Poldark. The new drama tells the story of the early life of Elizabeth I and stars Alicia von Rittberg as Elizabeth Tudor. London-based Forge Productions visited the city on two occasions. Bristol’s Bottle Yard studios have also been used. The eight-episode series will be broadcast on American premium cable and satellite company Starz.
Horses make their way to Cathedral Green
Work underway to transform Cathedral Green back in time
A safety boat used by Bristol-based company Location Safety doubles up to spread dry ice over the scene on the moat
Preparations for a scene to be shot on the palace moat
Props in Cathedral Green
Bishop of Bath and Wells to retire early
THE Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Revd Peter Hancock, is to take early retirement on medical grounds as he continues his recovery from treatment for leukaemia. Bishop Peter, 65, has been receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia since last August. In a letter to the diocese, he wrote that while he had been hoping to return to work before long, his hospital consultant has said he will need to spend many months recovering and will initially be unable to lead services in public, use public transport or go into indoor public spaces. Bishop Peter has been bishop of the diocese for seven years, since 2014. He said: “So after much prayer and reflection, I believe this means that I need to take early retirement on medical grounds. “After seven years as Bishop of Bath and Wells I could not be more grateful for all the opportunities that I have had to serve the diocese and during this time I have met so many inspiring, faithful, creative, and courageous people and visited so many wonderful places. “I don’t yet know what lies ahead, but I am sure the Lord will PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
continue to lead and guide me and provide opportunities for ministry and service in the future. I remain hopeful and confident in his future for me.” The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “I would like to thank Peter for more than 40 years of dedicated ministry in the church. Anyone who has worked with him or spent time with him will know the deep authenticity of his personal faith and pastoral concern. I have got to know Peter well during his nearly four years as lead safeguarding bishop, where his commitment to changing the culture and shining a light in dark places was an inspiration to us all.” A farewell service for Bishop Peter is being planned for Pentecost, Saturday, May 22nd. The diocese says that due to the restrictions likely to be still in place, details for this service are still be worked out and will be circulated in due course. The Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, will continue to lead the diocese as the process of appointing a new Bishop of Bath and Wells begins.
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 59
D dd fS t h
RESIDENTS, businesses and community organisations are being asked for their views on establishing a community-led electric car club for South Somerset. An online survey is being promoted by South Somerset District Council in partnership with Co Cars car club, a social enterprise. The council and Co Cars say a club would locate vehicles across the district, bookable from as little as half an hour for one all-inclusive price, giving members access to electric cars without having to own one. l The survey is open until Friday, April 30th at: https://bit.ly/SSomerset
(Ph t
Electric car club survey
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MOTORING
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Wanstrow’s tribute to Captain Tom
David Humphrey ringing one of the church’s six bells. The ringing chamber is on the ground floor and the doors were open
VILLAgErS in Wanstrow gathered outside St Mary’s Church to pay their respects to Captain Sir Tom Moore as a single bell tolled 100 times on the day of his funeral, a ceremony repeated in many other communities large and small across the country. Paying their respects at St Mary’s Church
Lockdown video
A group of churches have a produced a new documentary film about what life’s been like during the past 12 months. St John’s Church in peasedown St John, St Julian’s Church in Wellow and the parish of St James’ the Less Foxcote with St Julian’s Shoscombe, usually gather together for a celebratory service every March to highlight some of the events of the last year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, church leaders decided to do things a little differently with the production of a new documentary. The revd Matthew Street, who is the leader of the three Anglican parishes, known collectively as the St J’s group, said: “All of our churches have seen a lot of positive things happen this past year that we would like to celebrate.” Details: www.stjsgroup.church
PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Abseil for Covid heroes
(Photo courtesy of Jason Bryant)
MENDIP TIMES
The Very Rev Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells Cathedreal, completing the abseil in 2019
A HugELY popular charity abseil from the north west tower of Wells Cathedral is to return in September in a fundraising tribute to keyworkers. Entries are now open for the event, which will raise money for an NHS charity, the Shepton Mallet-based charity SoS Africa and the cathedral itself. The 124ft freefall abseil challenge will return on the weekends of September 25th and 26th and october 2nd and 3rd. During the last abseil in 2019, 350 brave fundraisers raised an incredible £60,000. This year, abseilers will descend dressed as their favourite “Covid Heroes.” Matt Crowcombe, founder of the SoS Africa charity, which is organising the abseil, said: “The past 12 months have been hugely challenging for us all! Many of us have had to stay at home in isolation, away from friends and family whilst others have worked tirelessly on the front line to keep us all safe and well. “We hope that this event will give everyone something to look forward to and the opportunity to support three causes close to many of our hearts: education, heritage and healthcare.” Each abseiler is required to pay a £20 deposit to cover instructor’s fees and, between now and their allocated abseil slot, raise £100 per person for SoS Africa, Wells Cathedral and the ruH Forever Friends Covid-19 Appeal. To enter as an individual or team, visit: https://www.sosafrica.com/wellscathedralcharityabseil or email Matt: matt@sosafrica.com
Club’s NHS thank you cards
THE Inner Wheel Club of Frome has sent “thank you” cards to local NHS workers in recognition of their work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sue ruddick, club president, said the gesture was part of the Inner Wheel’s celebrations of International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8th. The cards were sent as part of a national campaign to show members’ gratitude for the hard work performed by health workers during such difficult times.
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MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS
10,000 and rising – inside a vaccination centre Words and pictures by Mark Adler
HEM patel looked slightly bemused by all the attention he received when he arrived for his Covid-19 vaccination at the Shape Mendip offices in Shepton Mallet. Hem, of Norton St philip, was about to become the 10,000th person to receive his jab at the centre. Normally a hive of council-related business, the ground floor reception, meeting rooms and offices have been converted into vaccination “stations” staffed by medics, assistants and even “lay” vaccinators. Some of the vaccinators were retired gps or people giving up their spare time to help. A small army of smiling, cheery volunteers was on hand to meet and greet arrivals and take them through the process after which they sat beneath an outside covered walkway for 15 minutes in case of suffering any side-effects. Emma Fynn, project manager for the Mendip primary Care Network, was full of praise for the volunteers. Emma said: “reaching 10,000 vaccinations is a massive tribute to all their efforts.” Dr Amelia randle, from the park Medical Centre opposite the Shape offices, who is clinical lead for the vaccination site, praised Mendip District Council staff for their help, with many working as volunteers also. By the beginning of March 200,000 vaccinations had been Lay vaccinator Andrew Shean at work. His usual job is as a design and technology technician at King’s School in Bruton
Hem receives his first Pfizer vaccine dose from Hayley Rossiter, a midwifery sister
given to people in the highest priority groups. Alison Wootton, joint senior responsible officer for the Somerset Covid vaccination programme, said: “We are so proud of everyone who has supported the vaccination programme roll out in Somerset. Vaccination teams are continuing to work round the clock to offer tens of thousands of vaccines every week, in line with vaccine deliveries.”
Hem with (left) Emma Fynn and (right) Dr Amelia Randle with a birthday cake made by Maria Keirl
A landmark figure at Shape Mendip MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 61
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MENDIP TIMES
Family pressures caused by the pandemic
Relationships are under strain as never before in the pandemic, as more couples break up and the divorce rate soars. Being in each other’s company more than usual, socially isolated from family and friends, having to home school and worrying about job security and getting into debt, all take their toll on even the strongest couples. So, if there were strains in relationships before the lockdowns started, it is not surprising that Covid is causing more breakdowns now. Ian Byworth of Citizens Advice Mendip has this advice.
IF you are in this situation and you and your partner have decided that things are no longer working as you would like, you need to start considering your next steps. It can be a really painful experience for all concerned but you need to be clear about your rights and obligations, especially if children are involved. Where will your children live and how often will the other parent be able to see them? Where will you live and how will you divide up your existing property between you? How will you pay the bills when you’re living on your own? Here are some of the key next steps: 1. Separation: if you and your partner can agree on a separation, you don’t need to go to court. It’s cheaper and quicker to do it yourselves. Write down your agreed arrangements and then it’s a good idea to talk it through with a solicitor. You can find one on the Law Society website. 2. If you can’t agree with your ex-partner: you can try to reach an agreement using a mediator – someone who can help you sort any differences you have about money, property or children. The process starts with a “mediation information and assessment meeting” (MIAM) where you’ll
find out what mediation is and how it can help you. To find a local mediator search for “Family Mediation Council” in your browser. You may be able to get help with mediation fees if you are on a low income. 3. Children: if possible, it’s best to keep arrangements about children informal by finding a workable solution between you or with the help of a mediator. You both have a responsibility for the cost of looking after your children when you separate and the parent who moves out may have to pay maintenance to the partner looking after the children 4. Deciding what to do about your home: normally you need to decide who stays and who moves out; whether you both move out and end the tenancy or decide to sell the family home; whether one of you buys the other out or you carry on living separate lives under the same roof. It all depends on what you can afford and whether you have children. 5. Managing the money: you need to agree how to split up any money you have jointly in bank or building society accounts, savings accounts or investments. Similarly with any shared debts, such as a loan or credit card.
Ian Byworth
6. Who to notify: if you pay Council Tax, you need to tell the local council – you may pay less living on your own. If you get benefits as part of a couple, you should tell the office that deals with your claim as soon as you’ve separated as there’s a 30day deadline for most benefits. Also if you get tax credits you should tell HMrC within 30 days. You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice in Mendip. Following government advice, our offices are currently closed for face-to-face sessions, but please visit our website www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email us. Alternatively, you can contact our free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm).
Citizens Advice Mendip is an independent charity which receives no government funding. If you would like to donate and help to continue their work locally, please visit their website to use the donate button or to email them
Money spinner supporting his school
JACk Walsh, who is ten next month, raised over £500 for his school in pensford by running a live DJ session on Facebook. He said: “I thought that everyone would be a little bit down in lockdown and I also wanted to raise money for the school because I think they have really been under pressure in these trying times. I also really love doing my DJing because I am very passionate about it and it makes me, and I’m sure everyone else, happy.” Head teacher Warrick Barton said: “We are delighted that Jack has shown such initiative in his decision to fundraise for the school in this way, using his own passion and ambition to benefit his Jack Walsh “DJ JBW”, at his fellow pupils. The money raised will be supporting us in a much-needed update to our IT decks equipment.” Details: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mrsr-runs-and-runs
PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
Poetry for the pandemic
A LoCkDoWN idea to combine poetry with images in a series of films on Facebook has dominated the past year in the life of professional performer Liv Torc. And the films have proved to be such an important record of people’s everyday lives over the past 12 months, that Liv has received funding from various arts organisations to create a permanent archive and a touring show, once restrictions are lifted. There are plans for a book also. Liv, who lives in Frome, based the work on the Japanese style of poetry called haiku – three lines only of five, seven and five syllables – and invited people to submit them to her. She then put a call out for photographs, all taken within a specific time, so that each film was historically accurate. The response was overwhelming with Liv receiving hundreds of submissions each week from all over the uk and abroad and then the process of matching images and words began, taking up
The project enabled contributors to express their feelings
MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS
Liv Torc – her Haiflu Project has inspired thousands of followers
(Photo courtesy of Susan Thurgood)
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most of her weekends. Liv’s husband, richard Marks, provided the soundtrack to the films, called the Haiflu project. There were three series in all, ending in the middle of March. Liv, a spoken word artist, writer, producer and arts project manager, said: “It was a social history project as much as an arts project. It was about telling the story of this time. I put something out on Facebook asking people how they were feeling and asking them to share in the form of a haiku. “I just had so many responses and reading them all I realised there is something special here. They were telling the story I felt I couldn’t tell as an individual. The shock, how to process it and write about it. So then I decided to ask for photographs.” people’s poems and images reflected everything from the initial shock at lockdown, Black Lives Matter and the Dominic Cummings lockdown row to the easing of restrictions, winter and the start of the vaccination programme. Liv added: “It ticks the wellbeing box, it ticks the artistic and the social history boxes, it ticks the participatory box.”
For details, find Haiflu on Facebook or visit: www.livtorc.co.uk
Pandemic record
CHEW Stoke will have a permanent record of the pandemic with a book of local memories due to be published this autumn. Alison Hoddell started work on it during the first lockdown last year after a previous project to record villagers’ wartime memories to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. She said: “After its completion I had time on my hands and my husband suggested that I could use some of it to record the experiences of residents during the lockdown, asking people how they were affected and how they spent their time, the impact on their jobs and frustrations, as well as any unexpected joys and compensations. “I suspected that once the pandemic and lockdown were over memories would fade and people wouldn’t really remember what life was like.” The book is a fascinating collection of stories, experiences, poems, photos of the village during lockdown, lockdown cartoons and even drawings accompanying memories from local schoolchildren at the primary and secondary schools. It is based on records of interviews and contributions from more than 70 people living in Chew Stoke as well as people who work regularly in the village such as the B&NES recycling men, a postman, a teacher, a carer, gardener and a supermarket
Pictured (l to r) Jeff Dowson, Alison Hoddell and Andrew Troup
delivery driver. Local people contributed photos, including a photo of a cow and calf taken in April shortly after the vet did an emergency section. All profits will go to St Andrew’s church tower fund.
Details: Jeff Dowson at jeffd017@btinternet.com or Andrew Troup andrewtroup@hotmail.co.uk
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(Photography by Phil Hendy)
Wright’s Piece and other Mendip discoveries
MANY of the old Mendip mining areas have been levelled over the years and Wright’s Piece, to the east of Cheddar Crossroads on the B3134 between the Castle of Comfort and Burrington Combe, is no exception. The land is now occupied by Fernhill Farm to the north of the lane With PHILIP leading to Compton Martin, and Whitestown HENDY Farm to the south. There is a group of round barrows known as the Wright’s Piece Barrows and several others in the vicinity. These of course predate the mining activity by at least a millennium. The area abounded in pits and gruffs until after the last war, but most have now been filled to facilitate modern farming methods. To my knowledge, there were no mine shafts, just pits and trenches, but there was a depression, just to the east of the crossroads, which seemed to swallow any amount of rubbish thrown into it. Until the 1970s no caves were known on the land either. Then in 1974, a subsidence in a field was noted on Whitestown Farm, and the farm collie, Rocket, fell down the shaft. It was assumed to be a mine, but when Colin Williams, the farmer’s son, went down to rescue the dog, he found himself in a natural chamber. The family were friendly with cavers and members of the Wessex Cave Club and Bristol Exploration Club assisted in making the entrance secure and in exploring and surveying the cave, which was named Rocket Drop. We stabilised the top of the rift and installed three metres of concrete pipe in the muddy depression above, finally fitting a gate with integral bar for attaching a ladder. A climb of ten metres led to the top of the collapse debris of mud and stone, while the rest of the chamber was littered with boulders which had fallen from the roof. There were a few small stalactites and patches of flowstone. The First Chamber is eight metres long and four wide, with a blind six metre shaft at one end. The chamber slopes down over a boulder floor to a five metre rift, which can be descended using a handline, which is useful Rocket Drop. Piping the entrance
CAVING
St. Luke’s Pot
on the return. The Second Chamber is roomy, with a mass of short straws on the roof. After a crawl, a tight drop leads to the Third Chamber. Digging forced a phreatic tube for a few metres, but there tended to be a build-up of carbon dioxide. The return to the Second Chamber was strenuous as it was, and the levels of CO2 deterred the diggers from continuing. Rocket Drop is 75 metres long and 38 metres deep. Some 20 years later, with the land being farmed by the Rich family, members of the Wessex investigated another depression on the land, finding it had been used to dispose of stones picked off the field after ploughing. Digging started in mid-October, close to St. Luke’s Summer (October 18th) so the dig was called St. Luke’s Pot. Progress was slow, until a mechanical digger exposed a mudfilled gap in the bedrock. Again, the dig was stabilised with concrete pipes, and gated. Over the next few years, a depth of 50 metres was achieved and St. Luke’s Pot was measured at 80 metres long. It is basically a vertical cave, with some well-decorated chambers. The formations are quite vulnerable, so the farmer has now closed the cave to preserve it. The site hut has been cleared and now only a short section of concrete pipe protrudes from the depression. Nine years later, in 1993, a small Wessex team started a dig in another field, which they named Crook’s Hole. It was not the first time that a potential cave had been exposed by a tractor wheel sinking into it. In this case, the farmer involved was a Mr. Crook. An impressive sheer-legs was erected over the dig; this could be lowered when the dig was not being worked, to obscure the site from prying eyes. A narrow shaft was filled with mud and stones, but after a depth of 20 metres was achieved, the dig was abandoned and closed. Although natural, Crook’s Hole may have been originally opened by miners, as at a considerable depth, a rotten piece of wood was discovered. Cavers’ interest in Wright’s Piece has waned and owing to the fact that the land disturbed by miners has largely been restored, it is unlikely that more caves or shaft mines will be discovered. But as long as farmers drive tractors across the land, there is always the possibility of one sinking into and discovering another site, anywhere on Mendip.
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
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Trust’s plea on dieback
As tree felling activity by somerset Wildlife Trust and many conservation partners gathers pace and is more visible to the public, the topic of ash dieback has become a more regular topic of conversation. The reality of the brutal disease ravaging our woodlands is hitting home and generating a range of responses; horror, sadness, concern, fear – and sometimes confusion as to why we are carrying out work at a time that we might otherwise not be doing so. Ash dieback is of serious concern for public safety across our reserves – and across the whole county. Public safety is, and has to be, our primary concern. Infected ash trees behave in a totally unpredictable way, so there is a real and present possibility of a fatal accident. It is impossible for the trust to remove all affected trees on our nature reserves. This would mean in some places felling 90% of a protected woodland site. And whilst it is deeply unfortunate that we have to fell trees for example during bird nesting season, and we understand that it is distressing for many members of the public to see trees cut down when we are in a time of ecological and climate crisis, the action we take now is absolutely necessary in order to keep the public and visitors safe. At a certain point locals and visitors also need also take responsibility for their personal safety. It is imperative that members of the public do not deviate from legal access public footpaths and rights of way that do remain available – both now and in the future at affected sites and locations. It is absolutely essential that people follow all signage on reserves, follow safety instructions, signs, diversions and barriers on all of our reserves and to adhere to all warnings – they are not given without due cause. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org
Surprise Easter eggs
As we approach Easter, one student at the Wessex Learning Trust decided to “hatch” a plan to spread some kindness around her village. While home learning in March, Ruby, who attends Hugh sexey Middle school, decided to leave some “Kindness Eggs” in various locations around her home in Wedmore. she ordered 12 hollow plastic eggs and printed out a message to go inside each of them, saying: “You have encountered a kindness egg. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to complete the random act of kindness on the other side of this piece of paper, then re-hide this egg for someone else to find”. The next day there were only two left so she ordered 24 more.
COMMUNITY
Dog owners under fire
BONNIE and Herbie Wilding, aged nine and five, picked up a shocking number of dog poo bags from the footpath, riverside and hedgerows next to the river near their home in Wild Things Farm in Pensford. Their mum, sally Reynolds, said: “The thing I don’t understand is why do people care enough to bag their dog’s poo, but not care enough to dispose of it in a bin? It’s baffling. “By leaving both faeces and plastic all over the place, irresponsible dog owners are impacting not only the beauty and health of our environment, but also putting children, livestock and wildlife at risk of harm. “We took care to ensure the children were safe, using gloves, litter pickers, bags and a wheelbarrow to avoid any contact with the dripping liquid poo coming out of bramble-ripped, rain-soaked bags. “They enjoyed being outside and making a difference to their environment. But children shouldn’t have to take responsibility for negligent dog owners.”
Legion seeks village members
THE Midsomer Norton and Radstock branch of the Royal British Legion is appealing for new members to join them from surrounding villages. The area it covers has expanded to include settlements such as Dunkerton and Hallatrow in the north to stratton-on-theFosse in the south and from ston Easton in the west to Wellow in the east, and includes such villages as Chilcompton, Peasedown st John, Paulton, Clapton and Farrington Gurney. Branch president Geoff Wilson said: “This leaves us with a major logistical problem – too much territory and not enough troops. We desperately need help and assistance from members and non-members in the area if we are to give the district the support it deserves. Currently, we are not able to show our presence in these outlying areas and consequently we are unable to give our full support. Our plan for the future is to have representatives in these areas on our branch committee and to work together to help serving individuals, veterans and their families.” Contact Geoff on geoffwilson.msntrbl@gmail.com
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Appeal beats target
sOMERsET Community Foundation’s surviving Winter appeal has raised a record-breaking £160,000 to help older and vulnerable people, thanks to the generosity of local donors giving some or all of their winter fuel allowance. The appeal aims to support more than 700 people this year, helping to keep them warm, safe and well, while they are isolated at home. since surviving Winter first launched in somerset in 2010, the appeal has raised £950,000 in total. sCF’s development director, Laura Blake, said: “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received for this year’s surviving Winter appeal – particularly as so many older people have been going through challenging times in light of the coronavirus restrictions in the last year.” TelePA, based in Wells, supported the appeal for a second year by providing a free answering service to donors. Details: Community Council for Somerset 01823 331222 or visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter
New village website
PAuLTON has a new community website, set up by susan Burnett, which aims to provide information on what is going on in the village. There is up-to-date news on topics such as Covid19 and the vaccination programme and a residents’ directory offering information about clubs, societies and groups, volunteering opportunities, support groups, and information about local services, such as schools, the surgery and Paulton library. It replaces the previous YourPaulton website and may in time replace the Yourpaulton Facebook page which susan helped to produce. she said items on a busy Facebook page do not last whereas information on the community website will stay there, visible for longer. PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
“Tiny Forest” proposal for park in Frome
PEOPLE in Frome are being invited to have their say about a wildlife proposal for Egford Park which includes a small woodland area. The Friends of Egford Park and Frome Town Council have worked together to create a draft plan based on suggestions from the local community for the park. The plan incorporates native hedgerow and wildflowers to support biodiversity, pathways for walking and cycling, benches and a wooden shelter, football goals and basketball nets for recreation and play as well as a Tiny Forest. Tiny Forests – an Earthwatch initiative – can help fight climate change and support local wildlife in urban areas while creating positive experiences, as people of all ages can get involved, learn and help to create a vibrant woodland to enjoy for years to come. Town councillor sara Butler said: “This idea is in its early stages, but FTC is keen to try new approaches to fighting climate change and supporting biodiversity, and we hope to learn a lot from seeing how it develops.” The council has secured funding to work with Earthwatch to create a Tiny Forest at Egford Park for residents to enjoy and reconnect with nature. The funding means the project can happen in addition to rewilding, seed sowing and other community-led tree planting projects. An online meeting to discuss the proposals will be held on Wednesday, March 31st. To view the plans and sign up, visit: http://bit.ly/tinyforestplan whilst experts from Earthwatch will be leading a presentation and Q&A session via Zoom on Tuesday, 20th April at 7pm. Visit: http://bit.ly/egfordlanetinyforest
Kate’s a community champion
A WOMAN who helped to set up a community larder in Midsomer Norton has been recognised with a national award. Kate Turner launched the 24/7 larder – stocking free food and toiletries for anyone in need – next to the town’s Methodist Church at the end of February, supported by the minister, the Rev. steven Robinson. Kate also runs a Facebook group for Midsomer Norton called Free and Eco, which aims Katy with her award outside Midsomer Norton Methodist to re-use items otherwise Church destined for landfill. she was nominated for a Census 2021 community hero award and was one of 22 in England and Wales to be chosen by a panel of judges. The figure was chosen as this year sees the 22nd census in England and Wales. Mat Callaghan, of Yeovil, was the only other recipient of an award in the West of England.
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Sisters helping to feed the hungry
TWO sisters from Wells have set up a service to supply food to people in need and have been amazed at the response. Trina and sasha Kenniston set up a local page on Facebook to help those individuals, couples, families old and young who are struggling to buy food. They also offer pet food and Sasha (left) and Trina toiletries. Donations have come from as far as shepton Mallet and they have made deliveries as far as Evercreech and Glastonbury. They say they have found that a lot of people are too ashamed to go to foodbanks or don’t want to leave their homes to ask for help. Trina said: “With Christmas and New Year over I realised that my larder was stacked full of food surplus to requirement, all in date which I no longer needed. “I decided to place a post on Facebook advertising I had started a Free Food page where people in similar circumstances could offer any surplus food/tins and fresh food that were close to the use-by date to someone who could be in need of a little extra. “Before long I was being inundated with messages and calls from local people with their surplus, so the Facebook Free Page was launched with the help of my sister, sasha. As myself and my sister are both single parents with children, we know personally what it is like to have to struggle to make ends meet. “We were also too proud to ask for help so understand how people feel when they’re struggling to put food on the table. The overall response from the community and surrounding towns and villages has been overwhelming with food parcels flying out the door as fast as we can box them up. “The Facebook page has reached far and wide with messages and requests for food parcels from all over the uK and from Nigeria, usA, Australia and New Zealand. since demand has increased so fast we now have drop-off points in Wells and shepton Mallet and have also increased the area covered. “We are now reaching out to the non-Facebook community to offer struggling singles, couples or families of any age whether it’s a friend, neighbour or relative that are in need of a food parcel to contact us in the strictest confidence on the below telephone numbers. “Please don’t feel ashamed to ask for help.” Details: Trina 07388 921332 or Sasha 07920 474062
Chew Valley TV
COMMUNITY
THE Chew Valley now has its own TV channel on YouTube, Chew Valley Films, the brainchild of Pete Brownlee, a film editor who’s worked on BBC series like Blue Planet 2 and Inside the Factory. Pete has lived in Chew Magna for over 35 years and has made a number of films about the village. He is keen to receive films from a wider area. He said: “During lockdown I spent much more time talking to local people and walking over the fields and I fell back in love with this place and many wonderful people who live here. “The channel allows people to see the films I’ve already made plus I have asked other film-makers if I could include their work as well. “We already have beautiful aerial sequences over villages including Chew Magna, stanton Drew and Compton Dando, a wonderful colour film of Chew Magna in 1938, and a film celebrating the opening of Chew Valley Lake.” He commissioned local poet steve Day to write a poem marking his departure from Chew Magna after 34 years, making a film to capture it. He has also started work on a series of short films called Chew Valley People which will feature interesting characters with local stories to tell, with bigger projects including a film about Chota Castle, a large house between Chew Magna and Chew stoke which has an interesting past. Details: chewvalleyfilms.com or go to YouTube
Celebrating Somerset
ORGANIsERs of somerset Day on May 11th are asking people throughout the county to Fly the Flag for somerset and, hopefully, celebrate the easing of restrictions. They have prepared a somerset Day pack, with templates for the distinctive yellow and red somerset flags and bunting. Lucy Housley, one of the organisers, said: “This is going to be an opportunity to celebrate – spring will be with us and we will be once again able to meet with friends and family outdoors, so let’s really have a massive splash of colour across somerset and make somerset Day a day to remember.” Details: www.somersetday.com
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Brownies world tour
Blankets appreciated
FOuR Blagdon brownies joined brownies, guides and rainbows across the south West as they enjoyed a virtual celebration of World Thinking Day. They used Zoom to visit the five World Association of Girl Guides and Girl scouts World Centres in switzerland, India, Africa, Mexico and London. The visits involved making swiss pancakes and learning Bollywood dancing before they finished the day by building a virtual campfire and making s’mores (toasted marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate biscuits) – their favourite. Leader, Chris Burton, said: “After the closing ceremony we were exhausted but everyone had an amazing time and learnt so much.”
HEATHER Curtis, from Hallatrow, who is a member of the Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge, has been busy during lockdown. Despite fracturing her wrist and having it in plaster, she still managed to crotchet four blankets and gave them to residents at Cholwell House nursing home in Temple Cloud. Manageress, Fiona Trezise, told her: “The residents love the rugs and they are so appreciated in this inclement weather! They particularly like the vibrant colours and they are wonderfully cosy. Thank you so much for thinking of us. “I have attached a photo of Dee Harris, a lovely lady, very impaired with advanced dementia. Her daughter Tracy Jones is one of our well-being advocates and kindly gave consent. “It would be very easy to send a picture of an individual who has just started their experience of living with dementia, but I think this image shows the importance of your contribution and the reality of this cruel disease.”
THE Hive Community Centre in Peasedown st John has got the green light. From the beginning of March a group of local residents, drawn from the churches and community, has taken on the management of the former Youth Hub in Bath Road near the school. Bath and North East somerset Council was no longer able to resource the youth work or the building, but now The Hive will be a place for people of all ages to use and should be buzzing with activity once Covid restrictions are over. Already the centre is being used two days a week by the community library, run by the Peasedown Community Trust. sWALLOW, a somer Valley based organisation working with adults with learning difficulties, is going to be running a community cafe with a takeaway menu already available. They have also been producing food for some local families. Open access youth work – a priority for both Bath and North East somerset Council and the group taking on the building – is going to start soon. The three churches of Peasedown, with support from charitable trusts and the parish council, have appointed a youth worker.
Because of lockdown it’s been impossible to organise activities for young people so far but the youth work team are ready, trained and raring to start running youth work as soon as possible after Easter. In February the village lost its Post Office when John Barker retired but things are looking positive for a replacement to be run from The Hive. A decision is expected soon. Joy Fraser, chair of The Hive management group, said: “It is great that we have now got agreement to take on the building and once the coronavirus restrictions are eased, we know the building will be a real blessing to our community and full of activity.” The building has a sports hall, large enough for a badminton court, an outside floodlit sports court, an art room, one large and three small meeting rooms, a fully equipped catering kitchen and a large social space from which the cafe will operate. All of these spaces will be available for hire by local groups and individuals.
World travellers – Seren, Heidi, Libby, Annabelle and Holly
The Hive starts buzzing in Peasedown
Details: info@thehivepsj.org
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COMMUNITY
Window displays inspired by books
THE pupils of Croscombe and stoke st Michael Federation schools prepared for World Book Day by creating wonderful window displays at home. The displays featured their favourite book characters and were designed and created by the children to celebrate and share the joy of reading. Teacher Jacqui Foord, who came up with the idea, said:
Snow Foal, a book by Susanna Bailey
Celebrating books
“Ingenious, quirky and enchanting, these vivid displays brightened up an evening stroll for families all week. A very big thank you goes to The Art society for kindly funding this project so that each and every pupil has received materials and had the opportunity to join in and be crafty at home! Well done children! Thank you. Keep reading!”
The classic written by Arthur Ransome
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
LOCAL schools belonging to the Wessex Learning Trust found some ingenious ways to celebrate World Book Day despite Covid restrictions. At Axbridge First school, children were invited to take part in an Extreme Reading Challenge, photographing themselves reading in the most unusual locations possible. This included in a tree, on a shelf, and up a slide. At Lympsham, critical workers’ children came into school dressed as their favourite characters and joined their classmates on a fancy dress Zoom call. And there was a very special guest at Cheddar First school as Peppa Pig came to visit.
Lympsham fancy dress
Cheddar First School
Axbridge reading challenge
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An exciting outdoor activity area for all – aged 0-100! The fundraising team: (l:r) Jody Allen, Dawn Richards, Nina Gronw-Lewis, Andrea De Berker and Dee Powell
IN January 2019, when Project Charltons was first created by five women around a kitchen table, Covid-19 had never been heard of! Now, over two years later, we are all looking forward to brighter and happier days when we expect the results of Project Charltons’ hard work to be warmly welcomed by this small rural community of Charlton Mackrell, Charlton Adam and West Charlton, near somerton. The week beginning Monday, March 8th saw schools returning and the added bonus in the villages of the opening of a new area of exciting play equipment! The congo climbing frame, a wooden
structure of beams at varying levels and angles with ropes in between to add to the mix was the first piece to be completed. It was busy with climbers screeching and giggling with delight until dusk! They were playing tag, hanging upside down or balancing precariously but most certainly all loving being challenged by it and creating games within it whilst socialising with friends and making new ones. I asked one young lad if he had been here all day? “Yes,” he replied, “we love coming to the park now there is something to do . . !” Also included in this new development is a basket swing and tango swing, an
Hanging around on the new congo climbing frame
agility trail, a discus roundabout and climbing frame with slide for the younger members of the community. But it’s not just the children that have benefitted from the work of Project Charltons. The seven-acre field has now been furnished with ten new picnic tables. Two of them are wheelchair accessible, one has a chess board top and another a road map for children to take their cars and tractors on their own journeys. It is so uplifting to see this very much needed facility in our small village where children have been very limited in the play equipment available to them. This will be of such benefit to not just the physical and social needs of our children and young people but also a much-needed boost for their mental health and wellbeing, providing creative and challenging outdoor play. To complete this first Phase of development Project Charltons raised £64,500; a considerable sum considering the hurdles faced whilst fundraising in the past twelve months! The second phase will include a mound with slide and scramble net, some wooden wigwams, a zipwire, a basketball hoop and a multi goal. Looking a little further ahead, Project Charltons are planning an adult “trim trail” and a sensory seating area. so, fundraising continues with a vengeance, with table-top sales, boot sales and some lively all-singing, all-dancing events once we can get inside. By Nina Gronw-Lewis, Project Charlton chair
If you would like to help or donate to Project Charltons email: info@projectcharlton.org
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New school library
Hugh, Poppy, Thea, Adam and Lexi
CHILDREN and staff at Cameley Primary school raised £1,097 towards their new school library by holding a sponsored readin, which meant doing 250 hours of reading in a week. Prizes were presented on World Book Day.
Ashton, Mia, Isla, Delyth and Adam
COMMUNITY
New war memorial
sTANTON Drew Parish Council has commissioned a special artwork from local artist Natasha Clutterbuck to help raise funds for a new war memorial in the village. Natasha, nationally well known for her beautiful illustrations of vegetables, has created a piece of artwork, the stanton Poppies, which will be auctioned in May, together with 25 smaller signed prints. The new war memorial will feature three standing stones in front of a new wall, with the central larger stone engraved with the names of parishioners who lost their lives in the two world wars. The council has raised over £10,000 for the project so far with donations still coming in. Parish councillor, Nigel Pushman, said: “We are amazed at the generosity of parishioner donations and grants from a number of local trusts in helping us get so far, so soon, with our fundraising. “We are also lucky that so many parishioners have, and will, be giving their time and/or skills for free to get this project to completion. This genuinely is a “community” project and it was wonderful that Natasha offered to support it with her wonderful artwork.” Natasha said: “True to my style of art I have used a foundation of natural raw materials including somerset willow charcoal, stanton Drew mud and oak dye created from the tree that stood in the stone Circle up until a few years ago. I hope it will bring some joy.”
The current memorial
Elliot
Details: http://stantondrewpc.co.uk https://www.natashaclutterbuck.co.uk
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MENDIP TIMES
Family firm has it covered SOUTH West Upholstery has grown from a part-time business repairing and recovering bus and coach seating to one of the region’s premier commercial and residential upholstery companies. The business was founded in his garden shed by John Ball, who was joined by son Andy and grandson Ryan, working in the evenings and at weekends. In 1999,
An amazing two-tone design for a client who wanted something a “little different”
they built a proper workshop and, a short time later, Ryan left college to concentrate full-time on the business. Soon after, his father and grandfather left their full-time jobs also and South West Upholstery begins its success story, dealing with clients from across the UK. After leasing several premises, South West Upholstery brought its shop and workshop to North Street in Bedminster, from where it has continued to thrive, now employing more than a dozen staff. Quality and service are at the heart of the company’s ethos, from replacing “saggy” sofa cushions to gym, office and pub/restaurant upholstery and work on boats, cars and caravans. The company’s regularly updated blog is the go-to place for help and ideas. Recent domestic projects have included the recovering of a 150-year-old rocking chair – a client’s family heirloom – and a pair of classically clean and simple Danish leather chairs. Commercial work has taken them to Winterbourne Cricket Club, Krispy Kreme in Bristol’s Cabot Circus and – to
HOMES & INTERIORS
SW Upholstery managing director Ryan Ball
the family’s delight and privilege – working with the Aero Collections Trust to re-upholster the cockpit of Concorde, housed at Filton! The testament from Mike Hall, from the exhibit team, says it all: “I would like to thank SW Upholstery and Andy and Alan on behalf of BACT and the FD Team for their excellent work installing the AeroBristol Concorde Museum flight deck upholstery. Looks really great and adds all we had hoped for and more.”
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MENDIP TIMES
New face of local retail
We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points
WITH the retail sector going through a tough time it is perhaps surprising to see new businesses starting up or expanding. But with large firms downsizing or retreating online there are great opportunities for small independents offering something different. Pretty Sitting has just launched a new curtains and soft furnishing service and opened another showroom in Cheddar. The team has been joined by Molly Humphrey, a textile design graduate with two years’ experience with an interiors studio in Cornwall, who is bringing her design skills and customer service experience back home to Somerset. She said: “I’m really excited to be opening our new showroom on April 12th and introduce customers to our range of stylish curtain poles and accessories; selection of fabric books from leading UK producers and suppliers; ethical homewares; wallpapers; environmentally friendly paints and handmade soft furnishings. “Best of all is the opportunity to work with customers to create beautiful bespoke interiors.”
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Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres. ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BADGWORTH BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BATCOMBE BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON CHURCHILL
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HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY NYLAND OAKHILL PAULTON PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL RICKFORD
RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANTON DREW STANTON WICK STOKE ST MICHAEL STON EASTON STONE ALLERTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET
TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WEARE WEDMORE WELLOW WELLS WEST HARPTREE
WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Giving furniture a new lease of life
ReLOveD by Jo at The Cabin at Farrington’s Farm Shop is a studio with a difference. It’s full of interesting, ecochic furniture sourced in the UK, France and Belgium. each piece is carefully restyled and painted making it unique. Here you'll find plenty of inspiration and a friendly welcome. When restrictions allow, it’s the ideal place to take part in an upcycling workshop. You can learn how to restyle your own furniture using Annabell Duke and Fusion Mineral Paints and products. The owner, Jo Harrison, is a professional upcycler and furniture stylist who moved to this area from Northumberland the day before the first lockdown last year. She said: “I enjoy transforming the use of a piece of furniture and creating something unusual, a talking point for anyone who sees it. equally, it gives me so much pleasure to take a tired piece and paint it in a style that is classic and timeless. “As well as having a passion for furniture I’m qualified in interior design which has been a passion of mine for years, so choosing colours for furniture and pulling designs and accessories together is a pleasure for me.” She’s been operating a click and collect service during lockdown and workshops via Zoom, but is looking forward to reopening on April 12th.
Fast & Reliable WINDOW INSTALLATION
Boasting a stunning range of aluminium and uPVC window designs and hardware, we’re confident that we have a highly energy efficient and tempting style to suit your South West home or client.
FACTORY & SHOWROOM IN CLEVEDON
We understand how important it is to homeowners and businesses alike, to actually see the quality of products up close. So, why not drop into the Seal-Lite showroom? Come in and see the products for yourself!
Showroom currently closed to the public MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 75
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MENDIP TIMES
Pay up and look ahead with enthusiasm
IS your riding, driving, pony club and charitable organisation membership up to date? What is a little money to you means a lot to all the hard-working volunteers who run our equestrian groups and societies, organising all the activities that we all enjoy throughout the season and looking after our With RACHEL bridleways and byways. THOMPSON Not paid up? Well please pay up now and MBE offer to volunteer too; they need your help as never before. I spoke to local equestrian organisation representatives to see what they have missed and what they are looking forward to; Mike Edwards, at Blackdown Mendip Riding Club (www.blackdownmendiprc.co.uk), said: “We were so sad to cancel events as a consequence of Covid; however to encourage and enthuse our members we are already booking facility time for flatwork and cross-country lessons in April and May and planning Autumn Camp at the end of October, plus thinking about rides and fun events so renew your membership now so you don’t miss out!” Julie Garbutt at The British Horse Society (www.bhs.org.uk) has missed seeing all of you at events. Her tent stands ready to welcome you back for a chat and to show you all the amazing work that the BHS does for all equestrians everywhere on road safety, equine welfare, saving bridleways, approving riding centres and much more. Helena Crowley, for Burcott Riding for the Disabled Association (www.burcottrda.co.uk), said: “A whole year of weekly lessons held every Tuesday at Burcott Riding Centre had to be abandoned. Riders have missed the fun of exciting pancake races and Easter fun rides and Father Christmas missed giving the riders their presents. “All the riders and volunteers are so looking forward to starting the sessions again. Riding is great therapy for the children as is their interaction with volunteers, but it is very difficult trying to socially distance while helping a child on a pony.” Do you have a spare pony? During lockdown all the smaller
A new box of rosettes awaits Mendip Farmers Pony Club members
RIDING
Burcott RDA is looking forward to restarting weekly sessions
ponies have been retired so when the RDA returns the smaller children will desperately need loan ponies. Helena added: “We would be very grateful for any help to enable us to start sessions again including renewing paperwork and fundraising. Burcott RDA is 30 years old – we want to be able to carry on offering therapeutic riding lessons for many more years.” Ginnie Jones, of Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association (www.mbba.org.uk), said: “MBBA has continued to work with contractors looking after your riding routes by improving surfaces, installing and changing gates and clearing vegetation in the 69 parishes of Mendip. But we really miss seeing all our MBBA members! “Nothing will give us greater pleasure than to see your happy faces at our much hoped for Lamyatt ride in September. We managed to squeeze this in last year on a super sunny day and with everyone keeping to Covid rules, it was a huge success. Riders were so delighted to be out and about and we know that this year will be no different. “In the autumn we should also be able to offer everyone a couple of indoor events to enjoy. A lively race night plus our popular quiz are on the cards plus projects and events laid on for you.” Jo Rossiter, of the East Mendip Riding Club (www.eastmendiprc.com), says that the club has a limited membership, but they do have places available; do have a look at the website where upcoming events and news will be posted. Ruth Dadswell and Clea Frost, at Mendip Farmers Pony Club (www.branches.pcuk.org/mendip), said: “We are looking forward to our Easter Day Camp, two days of training and fun at Mendip Plains Equestrian Centre, giving the members after a very long break the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge and more importantly have lots of fun! One of our first training events since New Year.”
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MENDIP TIMES
Coasting along to Brean Down
WE are an island nation surrounded by 11,000 miles of coastline. None of us are further than 70 miles from the sea, yet most of our cycling CYCLING takes place inland. with EDMUND LODITE Coastally flavoured Brean Down towards the fortress rides tend to begin or end at the water e.g. Great Weston Ride, or include a brief pass free path past the marina before entering a nature reserve. through a seaside town. It’s rare that we get to ride on the The crossing of the River Axe and its unusual bird screens shoreline or along cliff tops. marked the midway point of the route. These were built across One nearby route is along Brean Down Way connecting the the sluice to protect wading birds (particularly the redshank) Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare to the disused military fort at from any disturbance caused by passing walkers or cyclists. the end of Brean Down. The eight-mile path was opened in July Cleverly designed, they also work as bird hides for watching 2017 and now provides a link for walkers and cyclists between wildlife. these two seaside locations. When the path reached the road running along Brean I decided Along the path there is a marina, nature reserves and to go for the beach route by cutting through the dunes ahead of spectacular views along the top of Brean Down. Along the me. Again, the firm smooth sand near the high-water mark gave sections in Weston-super-Mare and Brean there is also an option me a comfortable ride across the spectacular open expanse of the to follow the cycle route by using the beach (tides permitting). bay. When I cycled it, I chose to use the beach on the outward Brean Down became more imposing as I got closer. After journey. Starting from the Grand Pier I used the firmer smoother leaving the beach at the National Trust café and shop I could see sand near the high-water mark which gave me a comfortable ride. the steep steps for walkers ahead. To the right the Old Military This was slower than using the promenade but filled me with a Road for cyclists looked shorter and less steep but still proved terrific sense of freedom. challenging. At Uphill I left the beach onto an access road (by a pill box) to The effort of getting to the top was worth it for the panoramic follow the signs marked Route 33 of the National Cycle Network. views out to Weston-super-Mare, across Bleadon Levels and the The Old Church of St Nicholas dating from around 1080 is a sun glinting the sand and sea at Brean beach. prominent landmark here. At Uphill Wharf, I followed the traffic From here the Old Military Road took me along the ridge with splendid views across the Bristol Channel. The stony road was a sharp contrast to the smooth sand of the beach that I had experienced beforehand. At the end of the peninsula a gentle descent guided me down to the fort and the end of the Brean Down Way. After exploring the old buildings and learning a little about its history, I turned back to return to Weston-super-Mare. Rather than cycling on the sand I used the beach road along Brean. From the charming village of Uphill I used the wide pedestrian cycleway to take me back to Weston-super-Mare before cycling along the promenade to the Grand Pier. It was a wonderful bike ride, starting from a man-made pier and finishing at the end of a natural pier. Mile-for-mile the Brean Down Way packs a lot in – mooring boats, birds, beaches, a promenade, cliffs, an old church, a disused fort and best of all the coast and the sea. Enjoy! Please note and adhere to any Covid restrictions that are in place if you are thinking of cycling this route.
APRIL CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Drink driving 9. Degrade 10. Drainer 11. Ace 12. Untried 13. Ruined 15. Eel 16. Salty 18. Teeny 19. Stoic 21. Other 23. Vat 25. Applet 26. Titanic 27. Via 28. Cuticle 29. Lattice 30. Writhlington. DOWN: 1. Digital computer 2. Italics 3. Knead 4. Rode 5. Viaduct 6. Non-intervention 7. Adduce 8. Priddy 14. Fysh 17. Lion 19. Stance 20. Crewcut 22. Rat-a-tat 24. Ticket 26. Talon 27. Veil PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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SPORT
New season is almost here
players with Covid-secure measures in place. Bowls England says the sport is a naturally socially-distanced, noncontact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country.
City of Wells BC was founded in 1914 and moved to its present green, next to the Bishop’s Barn in Wells Recreation Ground, the following year. Its season runs from mid-April to mid-September. (Photography courtesy of Chris Challis)
WORK is well underway to prepare the rinks at the City of Wells Bowls Club for the start of the new season in April. Under the guidance of Bowls England, the club will welcome
The Bishop’s Barn overlooks the green
Tony Rossiter at work
For details, visit: https://www.hugofox.com/community/city-of-wells-bowls-club-13010/home
Pensford gets active
PENSFORD School teacher, Naomi Rawlinson, and pupils from the school have raised £4,734 towards a much-needed upgrade to the school’s computing equipment, including a £1,000 donation from the Pensford 10k committee. Back in February Naomi, who has been a teacher at Pensford for a number of years, started fundraising by running the distance of four marathons in four weeks, with around ten to 20 children joining in during half term by walking or running very long distances. Naomi said: “I wanted to raise funds for the school as it’s been difficult during the pandemic. I only aimed to raise £100 pounds at the start so raising over £4,500 with the children’s efforts too was mind-blowing and so exciting - it will be used to buy much needed IT equipment and books.”
Pensford pupil Poppy, who walked two marathons in ten days
Harry and Molly on their run
Eddie stopping to catch his breath
Naomi ran whatever the weather
Crowdfunding to raise money for the Pensford Primary School PTA on JustGiving
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021 • PAGE 79
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MENDIP TIMES
Show society unveils new country festival THE organisers of the Royal Bath & West Show have announced plans for a country festival to be held on the August bank holiday weekend. The three-day celebration, from Friday, August 27th to Sunday, August 29th, will replace the traditional show usually held at the end of May for this year only. It promises a newly created layout, an exciting festival feel and brand-new areas – the perfect way to end the summer holidays with all of the family! As always, the main ring at the Royal Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet, will be offering fast paced entertainment, including the Pony Club games, showing, jumping and The Paul Hannam Stunt Show. A new Lakeside Farm feature will offer plenty of fun and interactive farming activities for children and will be located next to the Bath & West Lake. Conveniently, this is just a stone’s throw from Orchards and Cider, offering the chance to refresh with a cool pint of local cider, or apple juice for the little ones! The Showering Pavilion will be the home of the festival’s Food Hall, filled to the brim with delicious West Country food and drink. The Great British Kitchen will finally be making its debut, with high profile chefs cooking up a storm each day. With plenty of picnic benches dotted across the festival, it will be too easy to grab a deliciously local lunch and relax in the
sun. The open-air showground will also allow visitors to enjoy their day in a Covid-19 secure environment. Alan Lyons, Head of Shows at the Bath & West of England Society, said:“We are really excited to be introducing a brandnew event to the showground for 2021. After what has been an extremely difficult year for the society, we are really pleased to be back doing what we do best and can’t wait to welcome visitors to the Bath & West Country Festival in August!”
Thrills and spills with the Paul Hannam Stunt Show
Tickets are on sale now at £15 per adult, which includes two free children. Visit www.bathandwest.com/tickets
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
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Easter at the Bishop’s Palace
WHAT’S ON
IF you’re looking for a day out with a difference, then don’t miss The Bishop’s Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day on Sunday, April 11th, 10am-4pm. The displays are aimed at all ages of visitor and will illustrate how these birds would have been used in medieval times and why. The 14 acres of gardens will also be open, with the Family Easter Trail available, and the Bishop’s Table Café open for takeaways, serving a range of drinks, snacks, lunches and hot food. The palace has teamed up with Yoga with Ellie to hold a sixweek yoga course on Mondays. See the palace website for details. It’s also preparing to stage the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the team is asking members of the public to share their stories online at www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow The series will be filmed on a closed set with an invited audience only to ensure the safety of guests, production and the wider public. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a recording session where they will share their items with a Roadshow expert. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk
Village Easter trail event
FAMILIES are being encouraged to sign up in advance for an Easter Bunny-themed trail around Ashwick and Oakhill on Saturday, April 3rd. Running from 10am-midday, the trail starts and finishes at the village hall in the Rec in Oakhill and maps are on sale now. Refreshments will be available at a pop-up café at the Rec and there will be a prize for every child. The event has been organised by the Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall Committee and will raise funds for further improvements to the community facility. The trail itself will be available Huxley Gilchrist, aged two, helps to lay the until Saturday, April 10th. trail Maps are available from: aandovillagehall@gmail.com
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MENDIP TIMES
Over the moon
THE organisers of the Wells Theatre Festival have announced that this year’s event will go ahead but will move to October and be scaled-down. A community production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will take place in Wells Cathedral in front of a visiting art exhibition – the Museum of the Moon. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. As usual the production will be professionally directed and entirely cast by members of the local community. Ros Johnson, the festival’s artistic director, said: “Our community actors and volunteers have kept positive and motivated in this incredibly challenging time by keeping in touch on Zoom and we are raring to get started on rehearsals for the Dream. We are thrilled and excited to be performing for the first time inside the cathedral in front of this extraordinary artwork.” It is hoped that on Saturday, July 10th, a taster performance event around the themes and characters of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will take place in the market place to mark the weekend the festival should have taken place.
Matches to return
ORGANISERS hope to see the return of local ploughing matches this autumn, together with hedging and dry stone walling competitions on the same day. The popular events were all cancelled last year. North Somerset Agricultural Society’s match will be on Sunday, September 5th at Stepstones Farm, Wrington. The society is planning a series of fortnightly markets on the show site at Wraxall starting on June 26th and an autumn festival there on September 18th. The Mendip Ploughing Match will be on Wednesday, September 29th at Stanton Wick Farm, courtesy of H. Curtis and Sons. Several of our local hedge-layers are expected to compete at the national championships due to be held at Rotherfield in Hampshire on October 23rd.
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2021
WHAT’S ON
Literature festival planning ahead SPEAKERS for this October’s Wells Festival of Literature are being lined up and judges have been selected for the four competitions, which open for entries on Thursday, April 1st. The competitions – which run until the end of June – are open both to poets and writers of prose. There are four categories: open poetry, which will be judged by Owen Sheers, short story (Sally Bayley), book for children (Joanna Nadin) and the young poets by Phoebe Stuckes. Organisers say the prize money once again this year is extremely generous. First prize in the open poetry category is £1,000.
Sally Bayley will judge the book for children category
Owen Sheers – judging the open poetry competition
The festival itself is also becoming increasingly international, with the organisers yet again planning a hybrid nine days of live events, streamed events and live-streamed events! Last year’s pandemic-affected festival proved how versatile and flexible it can be. Somerset schools and colleges reap the benefits with the festival continuing to support a huge range of educational projects, many of them especially tailored to classrooms in lockdown and the challenges of home-schooling and virtual lessons.
The festival will run from October 15th – 23rd. For details, visit: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
Wonderland in Holcombe
THE organisers of a hugely popular spooky Halloween horror trail around Holcombe are planning an Easter Saturday event, based on Alice in Wonderland characters. Wanderland in Holcombe is aimed at all the family and is a walking trail around the village. The event, on Saturday, April 3rd from 2pm, is to raise funds for the village and will be Covid-compliant with booked times for people to join the trail from several entrances. l Slots must be booked in advance at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/holcombe-hive
The pandemic cannot stop us
TALES have been told around the fire place since language began, through wars, famine and pestilence, so why stop now? Mendip Storytelling Circle carry on the tradition of oral storytelling, from memory, even if that has to be via the medium of Zoom at this time. Listeners and tellers are welcome to join in this monthly feast for 90 minutes of grown-up stories be they legend, myth or folk tale. One visitor said “I've told my children stories but no one has ever told me a story – I've enjoyed this so much. Thank you.” Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com or text 07510 69904
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