26 minute read
Community
Play area plan
tHe team managing the new Hive Community Centre in Peasedown st John are hoping to create the village’s first indoor play zone for children.
Jill souter, who is co-ordinating the project, said: “this last year has been so difficult for families. We would love to give them something really exciting to look forward to that is right on their doorstep and open to everyone, whatever their ability,” the play area, which is set to cost around £12,000, has secured grants from Quartet Community Foundation, Curo, the parish council and local councillor Karen Walker’s empowerment fund. the centre is appealing for support to raise the rest.
Details: www.thehivepsj.org
Improving services
tHeDiscovery Community Fund has launched a consultation across somerset to shape its future support for people with learning disabilities and autism. organisations as diverse as People First, the somerset Wildlife trust and the Calvert trust are amongst a wide range of organisations and groups that have successfully bid for funding ranging from £500 to £50,000 through the fund in the past. ruth Hobbs, director of somerset’s Parent Carer Forum, which is conducting the consultation, said: “Hearing from individuals with learning disabilities and/or autistic people that live in somerset is essential if we want to design services that support their needs.
“things have changed a lot over the last year and it's important to understand this. We want to see as many people as possible get involved so the way the Discovery Community Fund is used is shaped by them.”
Helen orford, managing director of Discovery, a social enterprise, said: “under our contract with somerset County Council, half of any surplus we make is reinvested back into the county via the Community Fund.
“In that way, Discovery aims to make life better for everyone with a learning disability or autism across somerset.”
President’s award to John
Time for tea
JoHn lyde, a retired lieutenant colonel, has been presented with an award for his many years of service to the shepton Mallet branch of the royal british legion. brigadier tony Dalby-Walsh, president of the
John with the president’s award branch, announced at its annual meeting last september that John, of shepton Mallet, should be honoured with the president’s award for his work. but due to Covid, it was only in June that branch chairman andy ransom was able to present John with the award.
In his time as a member, John has had many roles and is currently the branch’s assistant treasurer.
Pictured (l to r) Lion president, Keith Cook, and Lions Jan Clark, Marion Adcock and Lyn Wood with Tom Anderson and Marcus Chaplin outside the Wyvern Coffee Co shop
directly to fund the club’s projects. CHeDDarVale lions Club now have their own lions’ breakfast tea after linking up with local company Wyvern Coffee Co in Cheddar Gorge. they say the beautiful Ceylon has a malty and sweet finish with notes of slightly burnt caramel. all profit from the tea will go
Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk
Rotary donations
Weston rotary has announced two donations to causes supporting people in the town who are affected by loneliness or mental health issues: £6,000 to Weston samaritans and £2,000 to the Holly Hedge animal sanctuary’s combatting loneliness project. norma Johnston, outgoing president, said: “rotary members have dug deep to help local charities at the front line of providing services for the wellbeing of people in the town.”
Guild is back
Glastonburytor townswomen’s Guild is looking forward to its first meeting since the start of the pandemic on thursday, september 9th at 2.30pm in Glastonbury town Hall. the first meeting will be a welcome back, with tea, cake and a “good natter” and to discuss future plans. new members are welcome.
Greening their golf course
FLORA team (l to r) Pat Roscow, Elaine Davidson, Jennifer Wring, Jane Ball and Sue Forshaw
last year four like-minded ladies from Farrington Golf Club got together with the aim of increasing wildlife on the golf course. they had been inspired by the native wildflower seeds sown under the tee box on the 12th hole by head green-keeper andy Grabham and his team. the resulting amazing, colourful bank of wildflowers attracted the eyes of all golfers and hundreds of bees, butterflies and birds. since then the team Flora (Farrington ladies organising rewilding activities) has been hugely supported by ladies from the club offering to fundraise, plant and sow.
In July the Flora team, Pat roscow, elaine Davidson, Jane ball and sue Forshaw planned a fundraising day at the club, with ladies wearing appropriate flowery golf attire to play a pairs competition, which raised £600, adding to the £1,000 they had already raised. one of the team, elaine Davidson, said: “the aim now is for us to start planting bulbs and saplings, supporting the greenkeepers during early autumn and to continue sowing at appropriate times of the year. Many thanks go to all the ladies for their support.”
Gardeners and crafters share sale success
a yarD sale held jointly in Ditcheat by the saturday stitch Club and Fosseway Gardening Club at Ditcheat has raised almost £500 to be shared between them.
Jill swindale, from the gardening club, said: “Many thanks to all who generously supported us and made the event a success.”
Cary community larder is here for all
Open for business – the community larder is up-and-running Chaplin outside the Wyvern Coffee Co shop
a neW community larder has opened in Castle Cary with the message that it is “available for everyone”.
Castle Cary town Council in collaboration with Churches together and Cary Cares – with the support of local businesses – is running the venture at Millbrook Hub. It is being run by a team of volunteers who say the larder is a twoway process: people are welcome to donate surplus foodstuffs or essentials and take home anything they might need. shops are donating goods that are close to their sell-by date. the local eat Cary growing group is donating fresh salad produce and vegetables and the larder has the backing of the town’s Co-op store and also Morrisons supermarket in Wincanton. the larder will also act as the distribution outlet for the town’s food box scheme with people being encouraged to collect and make up their own food boxes rather than them being delivered. l the larder is open on tuesdays and thursdays from 8.3010.30am and 3-5pm and on saturdays 10am-midday.
Mark Hutton and Philippa Biddlecombe – two of the volunteers
Admiring the many plants on sale at Ditcheat
Banwell WI resumes
banWell WI managed to arrange a get-together at village pub, the brewers arms, and enjoyed cakes made by Jane’s Deli and a good natter.
With the easing of Covid restrictions, they are looking forward to more events in the near future.
Welly walkers
CHIlDren at st Julian’s school in Wellow have taken part in a sponsored welly walk, raising £800 for school funds. the whole school took part in the walk, with Pta members and staff acting as marshals.
Mendip School’s new sensory room
Pictured (l to r) Rhiannon Gogh, governor, parent and St James Place, Kirsty Campbell, SCF, and Emily Massey, CEO of The Partnership Trust
a neWsensory room has been unveiled at the Mendip school, on the bath and West showground, thanks to the generosity of the st James’s Place Charitable Foundation and somerset Community Foundation.
Donations totalling over £15,000 enabled a room to be transformed into a stimulating and exciting sensory space.
Head teacher, natalie Hanna, said: “this amazing new resource will encourage the development of motor and communications skills, movement, engagement, relaxation, regulation and play. It adds another amazing resource for us to personalise the education for all our young people with special needs.” the school caters for children from four to 19 with a diagnosis of
George enjoying the autistic new room spectrum disorders and speech, language and communication needs. the room will be well used in school time and with holiday play schemes, afterschool clubs and for local support groups. the school continues to seek support for other fundraising projects.
Trustees wanted Hands-on hobby
soMersetCommunity Foundation is looking for up to three week enjoys VIP visits people to join their board of trustees. successful candidates support sCF’s grant-making programmes and helping to grow their philanthropic services.
Chief executive, Justin sargent, said: “by setting the strategic direction of the foundation and supporting our work, our board of trustees has an essential role in the success of the foundation.
“Given the breadth of the causes we support and the diversity of donors we work with, it is also a very rewarding way to contribute to the wellbeing of local communities across somerset, not least as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic.”
Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/about-us/vacancies
Funding for small groups
soMerset Community Foundation has grants up to £2,500 available for core costs for smaller charities, community groups, sports clubs and social enterprises based in the county.
It manages the somerset Fund which supports groups that run on less than £100,000 per year. It receives support from business donors and the county council.
Kelly Hall, development manager at sCF said: “examples of things the fund will support include village halls or community centres, community shops, cafés or foodbanks, sports clubs or playing fields, or community events, groups and activities.” shepton Mallet ukulele Group received a grant for £682 for equipment for their community performances. Chairman, ray smith, said: “We’re delighted that now the coronavirus restrictions are starting to lift we’re getting booked up again.
“It’s well known that people with dementia respond positively to music, and I think it’s really important to help people in need in your community, especially the elderly, if you can; it’s a simple thing to be able to enhance their lives.” applications to the fund can be made through sCF’s website and the deadline to apply is 5pm, Friday, august 13th. larger grants from other funds are also available from sCF.
Ray Smith The High Sheriff with pupils at Bruton Primary School
tHe High sheriff of somerset visited bruton Primary school and upton noble Primary school as part of a hobby week in which pupils met members of the community from many walks of life. thomas sheppard and his wife Michelle visited the schools – which make up the east somerset Federation – to thank all the staff for their work over lockdown, to see the improvements and upgrades made across both school sites and to rededicate and officially open the dedicated outdoor learning areas at both locations. the children Enjoying a visit from some calves enjoyed a whole week of visitors who spoke to them and delivered workshops about their hobbies and jobs. among them were football coaches, journalists, martial arts specialists, farmers and their animals, doctors, artists, dog groomers, chefs, olympic torch bearers, museum curators and cheesemakers. l bruton Primary school would like to say a huge thank you to all in their community who gave up their time to visit and deliver such interesting and enjoyable workshops across the schools.
Pupils say thank you
Willow class pupils (l to r) Roly, Ruby, Harper and Olivia
PuPIlsat Cameley Primary school have been hard at work thinking of ways to thank everyone who has helped them during their school year. their cards and posters were on display at a special thank you Day held at the school.
Wildlife haven
Pictured (l to r) Rosie Boyce, Diana Coles, Hugh Currell, Gerald Coles, Ann Leech, Norman Crocker and Christie Peacock
ubley Churchyard working party has started up again and has met monthly over the past three months. organiser, nigel Crocker, said: “It is so good to get some work done after a period of inaction.” they meet on the third saturday of each month so their next meeting will be on august 21st. they hope to create a haven for wildlife and erect bird and bat boxes.
Fair is back
WInsCoMbe Community association say they are very excited to announce the return of their revamped Michaelmas Fair, Covid19 and weather allowing. the not the Michaelmas Fair, on saturday, september 11th, 11am-4pm, will be a slightly simpler occasion than usual, without competitions/entries/classes for produce, artwork etc. but new additions include a bring-your-own picnic, delicious cream teas, plus games and several new stalls. there will be a bar and bbQ and entry will be free. organisers are appealing for help and donations.
Details: Jackie 07811 292909
Ducks return
CHeDDar Vale lions’ duck race is back, but later this year, on august bank Holiday Monday, if Covid rules allow. the last race was in May 2019. tickets should be on sale from the beginning of august and details of how to obtain them will be released on their website. the lions hope to be out and about in the Gorge on the saturday and sunday of the august bank Holiday weekend to sell tickets.
Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk
Axbridge Rotary’s new chairman
rIC Canham has handed over as chairman of axbridge rotary to Paul bateman. ric helped set up the group three years ago. the pandemic made it a difficult start, but the club is now hoping to move on to bigger and better things. one project, working with the Men’s shed, is to plant an orchard and sensory garden next to the strawberry line.
Welcome to our world
artIsts, craftspeople, performers and musicians opened the doors of their studio and workshop spaces in parts of Glastonbury’s former Morlands factory site to showcase their efforts to turn the buildings into vibrant community spaces. the beckery Island open Day saw hundreds of visitors explore the iconic ZigZag building and the soon to be restored C building which will be converted into a community arts space, recording studio and craft workshops with the help of the Glastonbury town Deal fund from the government.
Rohan Black and Jade Allcock, who live next to the ZigZag Building
Inside the ZigZag Building Po, the “wonder tap dancer” entertaining visitors
Morgan poses in a “speaking in symbols” installation by resident artist Jess, recreating tableau scenes from times gone by
PHotoGraPHer John Fleming used the open day to launch his new book of photos celebrating life in the theatre and Circus Fields at the Glastonbury Festival. since 1991 John, of Glastonbury, has spent his festivals capturing the spirit of the areas which were the idea of the late arabella Churchill, who founded the Pilton Pop Festival –
One of the captions John has written
now the Glastonbury Festival – with Michael eavis.
Proceeds from sales of the book – called “bella’s Fields” –will go to the Children’s World charity, founded by arabella. l the book is on sale at the red brick building and other outlets in the town.
Churchyard tea School visit
Carol Davis and Jenny Gully James
VIsItorsonce again poured into Pensford Churchyard for the tower Friends’ latest tea and cakes event, which raised £215 towards the restoration of st thomas à becket Church’s clock face and safety rails on the tower roof.
Instead of the monthly tea and cakes, the next event will be a charity Garden Gig on august 22nd in the Hollies Garden in Pensford, home of tony and Guilly Jones.
Details: 01761 490456
Lottery award
tHe Hive Community Centre in Peasedown st John has been awarded £3,500 by the national lottery towards its children’s play area. the centre is also home to the village’s post office, community library and swallow Café.
www.thehivepsj.org
U3A great Cheddar safari
CHeDDarValley u3a members recently enjoyed some fun, walking the winding lanes and footpaths around the village searching for exotic and previously unnoticed creatures.
Members working in small groups, took part during two afternoons, following fiendishly tricky clues to discover many (inanimate) animals. Who knew for instance that a hippo and elephants reside in Cheddar? unravelling the mysterious clue of “the fire station with no siren, but a hooter” revealed a large owl model perched atop the tower at the rear of the fire station – not an easy spot! these non-competitive afternoons entertained around 50 members, all thoroughly enjoying the sunshine and being able to meet up again outdoors, after the long restrictions. a spokesman said: “We live locally, laugh a lot and learn all the time – completely in keeping with the u3a ethos of live, laugh and learn and we’d love you to join us and enrich your life.”
Membership is currently free. CHIlDren from shoscombe Church school had a special trip to bristol Harbour to visit the Matthew, before walking down to see the ss Great britain.
Happy Birthday St. John’s!
st JoHn’sPrimary school, Midsomer norton, has been celebrating its 300th anniversary with a series of celebrations. the school was founded in 1721 after money was left in the will of ann Harris to educate the poorest 40 pupils in the parish. today the school is attended by over 430 pupils who are enormously proud of the school’s long history. the 300th year festivities began on st John’s Day, thursday, June 24th, when the school held assemblies where the children learnt more about the history of the school. they took part in a treasure hunt to find key features on the site from commemorative plaques, bricked up doorways, historic fireplaces and the school bell, which was tolled for all to hear.
In the afternoon they held a picnic on the field in class bubbles and enjoyed cakes, donated by the Pta, and party games. earlier in the month, alun Williams, Ceo of Midsomer norton schools Partnership, headteacher Danielle West-Gaul and pupils from year 3 officially opened a new outdoor classroom. later this year the school will be installing a stained-glass window in the school hall which is being designed by edgar Phillips. Former pupils and local residents can make a donation to go towards the installation.
Garden party
aFterholding meetings and church services through Zoom during the pandemic, parishioners at st Michael’s Church in burnett, near Compton Dando, decided to have a social gathering in the gardens of Whitson lodge, the home of rosemary and David turner. the morning was a success with everyone saying they would like to do it again.
Lodge supports NHS
MeMbersof Connaught lodge in Midsomer norton celebrated the national nHs Day on Monday, July 5th by observing the two minutes silence at 11am and then clapping outside the Masonic Hall in the evening.
During the evening the lodge made four donations of £1,000 to charities that work in conjunction with the nHs by providing vital support services, and a further £1,000 to the nHs Charities together.
Jerry Hake from the Freewheelers blood bikes received the donation from charity steward Colin lunt; secretary tony Cooper passed the cheque to Ken Hutton of the Dorset & somerset air ambulance.
Connaught’s Worshipful Master brian Parry presented the £1,000 cheque to richard lewis who was representing the Great Western air ambulance. this was followed by Chris James, communications officer, presenting the donation to emily Mitchard of the Children’s Hospice south West. representing the nHs, emergency care assistant Hayley biggins received a £1,000 cheque on behalf of the nHs Charities together from her husband, Connaught member sean biggins. teddies for loving Care were given to sean for use by the south Western ambulance service nHs Foundation trust. all the recipients were given a teddy as a personal gift from the lodge.
Rotary awards
Outgoing president Tony Quinn (left) presenting the Paul Harris Fellowship award to Spike Parker Incoming president John Palmer (left) and Tony Quinn
MeMbersof the rotary Club of Chelwood bridge met to witness the traditional handover of the leadership of the club from tony Quinn to John Palmer. the outgoing president made several awards: the President's Cup for overall commitment to club aims, rob taylor; the Fellowship Cup, John Palmer, for the outstanding programme which kept members entertained and engaged throughout the year; the Visitors' Cup, Mike Hedges for the significant number of Zoom calls he had taken part in.
Mr. Quinn said: “I was also extremely pleased to present a Paul Harris Fellowship award to spike Parker for his excellent contributions in the background over the year and also for the outstanding commitment he has given to Wizzybug, the bath based charity.
“Colin robinson was awarded a second Paul Harris Fellowship award for the huge amount of work he has put into developing our outstanding website and social media presence.”
Playgroup’s art show
CluttonPlaygroup threw open its doors for people to see their children’s art – and raised £86.45 selling strawberry teas. leader, Jenny bush, said: “they had so much fun making it and we hope you had as much fun looking at it.”
Gifts from Uganda
CHeWstoke Church school’s owl class received a very exciting parcel from their partner school in uganda containing some beautiful hand-made hats, hand-carved gorillas and hand-made personalised mats for the head teacher, ben Hewett and re subject lead, Carole Hope. the school has been partnered with Christian life Pre and Primary school since september 2020 and despite the difficulties of the last academic year has managed to communicate with the school on a regular weekly basis, exchanging letters, videos, e-mails, cards and presents.
In particular the children have really enjoyed learning about the endangered gorillas of the Mgahinga national Park, which is home to 40% of the world’s gorilla population and which is very close to their partner school in uganda.
Carole Hope said: “the children really enjoy having a partner school in uganda and have learnt a great deal about life both in africa and around the world from our Connecting Classrooms work with the british Council.
“It is so important that we extend their learning outside of the Chew Valley and regularly discuss global issues with all ages, to prepare them for life in the 21st century.”
Rotary centenary
Weston rotary has announced George Horsfield as its new president in its 100th anniversary year. George said: “I am honoured to be elected as the 100th president of Weston rotary and look forward to tackling the year ahead with energy and enthusiasm. “the club has great community and fundraising projects all planned and ready to go but, more than anything, we want to celebrate the achievements of the amazing Weston rotary members over the last 100 years.”
George Horsfield Pounds for Pines
Time for tea
Pictured (l to r) Ciaran and Kitty Scurr, Maddy Dunn and Trevor Scurr
tHe rain held off until 4pm at the first of the popular summer sunday teas, which have resumed at st Mary’s Church in Compton Dando, in the churchyard rather than inside.
It raised £126 for church funds, including sales of lorna Howarth's jams and chutneys. teas will be held in the church every sunday from 3-5pm throughout august.
The tea team (l to r) Trish Vowles, Harriette Dottridge and Jan Gough
Mural trail is an inspiration for pupils
Glastonbury’s ever-expanding mural trail has led to the transformation of a play area at one of the town’s schools.
Children in year 5 at st benedict’s have been working with professional artists Mark noble and Julie lovelock – who is also a parent/governor at the school – to decorate a bike shelter and drab concrete walls with their own street art. the school grounds already boast other street art by parents and local artists but arts Council funding has allowed Mark to work directly with the youngsters. they went on a tour of some of the murals and met artist Frank Harwood who was working on his latest mural – adam and eve – just around the corner from the school.
Mark, who is autistic, is a firm believer in the value of art to wellbeing in both youngsters and adults. He said: “I have been teaching them some of the techniques of painting, but have left their work to their imaginations.”
Meanwhile, an updated version of a free mural trail map has been published along with the launch of an interactive website. launched in 2019 with 28 murals, the Glastonbury Mural trail has seen amazing growth in the past months, now featuring over 50 murals dotted throughout the town. the website, designed by local web designer Matt Witt using funds from Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, was created by local artist and founder of the Glastonbury Mural trail, Kim von Coels.
Maps are available from the Glastonbury Information Centre at st. Dunstan’s House, the rogues Gallery at 8a High street or Heart of the tribe at 74 High street.
Artist Frank Harwood in front of Adam and Eve in St Benedict’s Close. The mural was completed too late for inclusion in the hard copy of the map
The launch of the new trail map. Pictured (l:r) are: Jill Barker, from Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, mural trail curator Kim von Coels and Glastonbury mayor Jon Cousins Some of the Year 5 pupils with artists Julie Lovelock and Mark Noble
Jacob’s Ladder is full of street art Pupils at work in the play area
Busy time for Inner Wheel Club
Heather (centre) with Dorothy House manager Nick Greeves and deputy manager Gemma Hand
tHe Midsomer norton Dorothy House shop has received a donation from volunteer Heather langridge as part of her time in office as president of the Inner Wheel Club of Midsomer norton and radstock. the shop was one of three charities supported by Heather and the club. Heather is succeeded as president by Jackie emm, who has promised “fun and friendship”. l Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the old Down Inn at emborough. new members are always welcome. For details contact secretary elaine Muir on 07543 973666.
Heather was presented with a pot plant and garden voucher by retiring members Betty Jones (right) and Betty Pratten on behalf of the club
Funding available
MenDIPDistrict Council has extended the deadline for applications for both its Communities Fund and its Climate and ecological emergency Fund, to september 30th. the one-month extension follows feedback from community groups who argued the government’s delay in lifting national Covid restrictions gave them less time to submit their projects.
Handover held in president’s garden
Sue (left) with Kate
outGoInG president of the Inner Wheel Club of Frome, sue ruddick, hosted a tea party in the garden of her home when she handed over the chain of office to incoming president Kate lewis. sue had held the position for two years due to Covid-19, a year longer than usual.
Coffee break
Pictured (l to r) Steve Rendell, Barend ter Haar, the Rev Denise Calverley, Arwen Calverley, Richard Davis and Elizabeth Penny
CoMPtonDando’s monthly coffee mornings have resumed with free tea, coffee and cake from the village’s community association. next month’s event will be held on tuesday, august 10th, 10.30am-12 noon at Compton Dando village hall.
Teddies for sale
Jenny Davis (left) admiring Heather Maggs' teddies
CoMPtonDando’s weekly sunday teas now have knitted teddy bears for sale, as well as lorna Howarth's jams and preserves.
Farmer’s wife, Heather Maggs, has been knitting teddies for tragedy for quite a while, but because of the pandemic has not been able to send them abroad. she’s now selling them in aid of the village’s st Mary’s Church.
Couple re-elected
robInand elizabeth Weelen have been re-elected as both president of shepton Mallet 41 Club and chairman of shepton Mallet ladies tangent Club at a joint meeting in the garden at their home.
Due to Covid restrictions last year, all the clubs’ officials were invited to stand again.
Pandemic diary
Jeff Dowson, Alison Hoddell and Andrew Troup with copies of the book
CHeWstoke has a written record of life during the pandemic, thanks to contributions from scores of people in the village.
a year like no other –Glimpses of life in Chew stoke During the 2020 Pandemic is a fascinating collection of stories, experiences, poems, photos, cartoons and drawings accompanying memories from children at local primary and secondary schools. the book is now available, priced £10, with money going to parishes in the Chew Valley. It is a remarkable achievement by all involved, including the curators/editors alison and stephen Hoddell. the book is dedicated to the memory of all the villagers of Chew stoke who died during 2020.
Details: andrewtroup@hotmail.co.uk
Showtime in Cheddar
Morethan 35 scarecrows and many delightful gardens will be seen on the Flower and scarecrow trail in Cheddar from august 14th-28th.
Chris sims, chairman of Cheddar Flower show committee, said: "It promises to be a lovely way to celebrate summer and our gardens this year, in place of our traditional indoor flower show.” there will also be a virtual showcase during august when the show’s Facebook page will be opened up so that people can post photos of anything they have made or grown.
