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Welcome
THElong-running excavation in Gully Cave at Ebbor Gorge has revealed some of its best-preserved animal remains so far. Professor Danielle Schreve has dated some back 50,000 years.
Coincidentally, our new caving experts show us how finds in Mendip caves shaped our view of history.
Looking to the future, we meet a man who is determined to provide a new haven for animals –by digging out his own nature reserve on the Somerset Levels.
Harvest Homes are underway – we have pictures from them and many more events across Mendip, including the MidSomerset Show.
We look ahead to Frome Cheese Show, Somerset Art Weeks, Wells Food Festival and local ploughing matches.
We have tributes to Keith Hasell, former chairman of Mendip Ploughing Society and to two of the area’s oldest WW2 veterans, who both died aged 101.
Sue Gearing’s walk this month takes us to Middle Hope on the Bristol Channel.
With all of our regular contributors and features, we hope you enjoy another busy issue of Mendip Times
October 2024 deadline: Friday 13th September
Published: Tuesday 24th September
Editorial:
Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk
Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk
Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk
Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk
What’s On listings:
Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk
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
Family-run, rural country store on A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford
Fir Tree Business Park, High Road, Galhampton, Somerset, BA22 7BH sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk
Bells restored
THEsix bells from Nempnett Thrubwell church have been removed for refurbishment while the bell frame is replaced.
Five of the bells were originally cast by the renowned Thomas Bilbie in neighbouring Chew Stoke in 1743. Two hundred years ago they were re-hung from a new bell frame which has deteriorated over the years.
The work is costing £65,000 and generous support has been received from the Diocesan Association of Change Ringers and the Garfield Weston Foundation charity.
The remaining funds have been raised by local donations and fundraising efforts such as the village fete. There is still a shortfall of about £5,000.
Farewell to WW2 veterans
THE Royal Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset branch has lost its last two WW2 veterans, both aged 101. Frank Smith and Richard Froom died in July.
Frank joined the RAF in December 1941 as a wireless operator and became an expert in Morse code, including taking down messages in Japanese. In 1943 he was posted to India but had such an adverse reaction to the climate in Bombay that he was posted home in 1944.
He spent the rest of his service in the UK aside from a short posting to Celle in Germany when he experienced the horrors of the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp until demobilisation in 1946 in the rank of Leading Aircraftman.
Post war Frank’s wartime skills gained him employment with Cable & Wireless and then the Post Office until his retirement. He lived in Glastonbury and his funeral took place at Glastonbury Cemetery chapel, attended by his daughter Edwina, many friends and neighbours and also MSB branch members.
Time stands still
WORKhas begun on the restoration of the Victorian clock high on the east face of St Thomas a Becket Church tower in Pensford.
The painted wooden lozenge frame is badly decayed and loosely secured by rusting iron cramps. The face dial, hands and Roman numerals are barely readable and need re-gilding. The date 1893 also appears but is very faint.
Fundraising has gone on for a while and enough has been raised to finally get the work done by Coffin Clocks from Keynsham.
a Catalina flying boat to Madras via Gibraltar and the Middle East. On return to the UK he was posted to RAF Chivenor and flew with 14 Squadron Wellington Mk XIV in Coastal Command until the end of the war.
Richard was something of a poet and it was this last period that inspired his emotive poem “The Cinderella Service”.
Wireless
Operator/Air Gunner
Richard Froom joined the RAF in 1943 and after initial training was posted to Oban, Scotland in June 1944 to No. 302 Ferry Training Unit.
In July he was part of the crew delivering
Richard left the RAF as a Flight Sergeant and returned to London when he worked for London Transport until his retirement to Norfolk and then to Somerset.
Richard married Florence Turner on June 14th, 1944, the day before he was posted to Oban. They were married for 78 years but sadly Florence died shortly after Richard’s 100th birthday.
Richard lived in Wells and his funeral was held at Mendip Crematorium and was attended by his two daughters Hilary and Marilyn and their husbands, his younger brother, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, long term friends and neighbours, MSB branch members and two current members from 14 Squadron at RAF Waddington.
Richard Froom
Frank Smith
One of the six
The clock face removed
Monitoring the River Chew
INrecent years the River Chew has suffered considerable ecological stress. This has not only been due to the discharge of sewage by water companies, but also low river levels and flow, high water temperatures, low oxygen levels, run-off of phosphates and nitrates from agriculture, silting, and the accumulation of other toxic chemical and pesticides from the general population.
All this has had a detrimental effect on the plant, fish and invertebrate life in the river Chew. The Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is a charity concerned with improving the aquatic environment in the whole of the Bristol Avon river catchment, but they have identified the river Chew as one of their priority areas.
However, it’s only by having volunteers on the ground that they can really see what is going on and so relay information to the Environment Agency and other interested parties.
For seven years now I have enjoyed being a Riverfly monitor on the river Chew between Publow and Pensford. This involves a monthly survey of eight different invertebrate groups (taxa) in the river. These have been shown to give a good indication of the river’s health.
Each survey takes a couple of hours and is sampled at a specific small section of the river. It involves getting into the river in a pair of waders and kicking the riverbed just above a specially designed net for a total of three minutes.
After rinsing the sample, it goes into a shallow white, waterfilled tray where the real business begins! I then have to separate out the eight different taxa into separate containers and count their numbers.
The taxa include freshwater shrimp, and seven insect larval groups including mayflies, caddis flies, stoneflies, olives and others. This bit is not easy, takes quite a bit of practice, and reminds me of A-level biology fieldwork at school.
Not only though do each of these groups look different, they also move in the tray in different ways, and now I initially identify the invertebrate by its movement before
checking its close features.
Having analysed the whole sample, each taxa is given a score from 0-4 depending on the numbers found. All the invertebrates are then returned, alive, to the river. The individual taxa and total scores are then reported online to BART and the national Riverfly partnership.
Each site is also allocated a threshold score, and scores below the threshold trigger an alert which, if verified, will go to the Environment Agency for further investigation. My data have also been used as evidence to increase the summer compensation flow down the Chew from Chew Valley lake.
The good news is that the floods over last winter and the higher flows this summer seem to have vastly improved things and both the recent river fly scores and direct observation show a distinct improvement this summer.
BART supervise the training of Riverfly monitors locally and are always very keen to get more volunteers throughout the Avon catchment area. They also have a number of less arduous citizen science projects.
l This year’s Blitz showed that 69% of samples had high nutrient loads (Phosphate + Nitrate combined), while just 3.5% recorded low nutrient levels at that given time. Last year’s event showed 88% of samples confirmed high nutrient loads, with only one out of 290 samples showing low nutrient concentrations.
Charlie
Tricks Chew Valley Nature Recovery Network
Details: https://cvnrn.org/volunteer/ The Riverfly Partnership (riverflies.org)
New tree nursery
METROMayor and MP Dan Norris joined neighbours and local volunteers to celebrate the opening of a new community tree nursery at Great Avon Wood near Pensford.
The new nursery is part of Great Avon Wood, a groundbreaking 100-acre woodland project, jointly owned by charities Avon Needs Trees and Forest of Avon Trust.
So far 21,000 native trees have been planted, supplied by the Woodland Trust, with the help of over 1,000 local volunteers.
The new tree nursery means the charity will now be able to raise their own saplings to help supply trees for Great Avon Wood, as well as their newest project, Lower Chew Forest,
which will be home to 100,000 trees.
Chew Valley Plants Trees are coordinating the care and watering of the new Pensford nursery.
Details: volunteer@avonneedstrees.org.uk
It’s time to prepare for winter
AUTUMNand then winter are approaching and for wildlife there is now an instinct to prepare for harder times ahead when food and shelter may be scarce and the weather inclement.
Autumn is all about survival, getting through to spring and a chance to breed. It’s time to feed up, rest, avoid danger and conserve energy. Quite a task.
Each species has a different strategy for survival. Humans are included though now food both in and out of season is readily available on supermarket shelves and warmth as central heating is available for many.
Even so there may be a drive to save and store often by freezing summer fruits and vegetables. When I was a child, many years ago, the Kilner jar was a popular way to conserve preserves, pickles, chutneys, eggs and onions.
First on the market in 1842, they became very popular during the war years, then they suffered a decline but apparently are staging a real comeback as a sustainable method of storage. Apples were routinely stored in attics and sheds and were often gratefully received by mice.
There are many ways to survive harsher times and here are some. As usual I am just touching the surface hopefully to whet appetites for finding out more.
l Continue as an adult in a safe hiding place. Butterflies such as the comma, red admiral, peacock, brimstone and small tortoiseshell do this. Other invertebrates may find safety in wood piles, crevices in walls, holes in plant stems, leaf litter and in the soil.
l Survive as an egg as do crickets and grasshoppers or in various larval stages including caterpillars. This is common in the butterfly species.
l Migrate to warmer climes such as the painted lady butterfly plus several bird species such as swallows, swifts and house martins. Some moths and hoverflies also migrate.
l Store caches of food such as nuts and berries. Jays, squirrels and nuthatches are adept at this.
l Plants also save seed usually wrapped in an edible fruit so that it may be dispersed to a new location by various creatures and then germinate in the spring.
l Hibernate. Only three British mammals hibernate fully –bats, hedgehogs and dormice. They may occasionally awake to excrete, change their home or have a snack.
l Put on extra weight early in the autumn to help get through hard times.
l Dormancy or diapause where bodily functions partially shut down.
l Grow a thicker coat like badgers and foxes or change diet. Foxes change from fruit and insects to small mammals in winter.
l Moult to produce a completely new set of feathers that insulate the body efficiently and repel moisture. How can we help survival rates? We should certainly resist being too tidy in the autumn and
leave cutting back and clearing garden plots until the spring. If you find this impossible leave some places undisturbed with plenty of hiding places so that overwintering creatures can find safety from predators, inclement weather and most of all disturbance. All moving means energy loss.
It’s important to be consistent when feeding birds from feeders since they may become reliant on that energy source especially during very cold weather. Small birds must find and eat between one quarter and one third of their body weight every single day. Fail to do this and they will die. Up to 85% of the day may be spent searching for food.
Tips
If a hibernating butterfly wakes up in your house relocate it to a cooler place such as a shed or garage. Put in an open box to keep it calm.
Provide places in which stores of food can be kept over winter. Below the base of an unused beehive acting as a store for cherry stones later eaten by wood mice.
Try to cut back hedges once all the berries and nuts have been eaten to help birds and late butterflies.
Best not to cut back all in one go and certainly not annually for native shrubs only produce flowers and therefore seeds, fruit and nuts every SECOND year. Maybe cut a third of the vegetation each time leaving mature growth for shelter.
Remember to leave the undergrowth at the foot of the hedges intact. This is an ideal spot for hibernating and generally hiding for reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
Autumn is a good time to plant shrubs and trees. Evergreen shrubs such as privet, holly and conifers give shelter. Ivy is a real winner. having everything including a bad reputation!
Here are its virtues:
l Evergreen so providing shelter for a variety of creatures such as butterflies like the brimstone and other over wintering insects.
l Grows in the shade where few other plants grow.
l Provides shelter for small birds such as wrens when deciduous trees are bare.
l Flowers very late in the year –November/December and therefore provides pollen and nectar for pollinating insects especially honey bees and late flying butterflies. Honey bees store some pollen in their hive as a source of protein for their young in the spring.
l Berries provide winter food for blackbirds, thrushes and even fieldfares and redwings. The berries that are black ripen when most other fruits have been eaten.
l Flower buds provide food for the Holly Blue butterfly. Remember that ivy only flowers on older growth not on the young. Many blame ivy for helping to pull down trees especially when it makes the tree become top heavy. Others are reluctant to allow it to grow on sheds and walls because the roots can be very clingy.
DIANA REDFERN
One man’s gift to nature
UNIVERSITYof Bristol environmental chemistry research professor Richard Evershed has created lakes and ponds to make his own 25-acre wetland reserve on the Somerset Levels.
In just two and a half years, the abandoned peat workings have become home to a huge variety of plants, animals and insects.
He said: “Basically, I’ve just allowed nature to do its own thing and the results are truly breathtaking. We have a range of birds breeding here already. An osprey visited a couple of weeks ago, but my dream is to see bitterns at the lake.”
Establishing the reserve involved local contractor Dave Gardener digging tens of thousands of tons of clay from the base of the ex-peat workings to build up the banks and make islands.
In early 2023 Richard had begun letting
in water to fill the new lake and was applying to the Environment Agency to stock native fish when the whole area flooded.
He said: “That solved two problems. The 150,000 cubic metre lake filled in a few days and the influx of fish means I have millions of fry in the lake this year.”
He’s working with David Bunt of the Sustainable Eel Group in the hope of adding an eel pass to an adjacent ditch to establish the lake as a sanctuary for this critically endangered species.
Richard, who lives in Chew Magna with his wife, Gosia, has had a long and distinguished academic career, which saw him elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to environmental science.
One area of research involved dating animal fat on shards of archaeological
Trust appeals for funds
pottery, including some recovered from the Levels’ Sweet Track. He’s also radiocarbon dated the peat from his site which showed formation of Somerset peat began nearly 7000 years ago!
Richard, now semi-retired, said: “I’ve always been a nature obsessive and it’s a dream-fulfilled to be helping nature regenerate the site to become such a beautiful place.”
SOMERSETWildlife Trust has launched an appeal to help transform Honeygar, an intensively managed dairy farm on the Somerset Levels, into its first “wilded” site.
The 81-hectare farm, which it bought for £3.6million, is located between the trust’s Westhay Moor, Westhay Heath, and Catcott nature reserves on the Avalon Marshes.
Since buying the site, exciting species have been recorded, including the otter, short-eared owl, and night heron.
It says the £70,000 appeal, which will be match-funded by a donor, will include further critical site surveys, collecting valuable data on soil quality, water quality, improvements in biodiversity, and determining the presence of protected species.
Rebecca Walford, Head of Fundraising at the trust said: “Honeygar is one of the most exciting projects Somerset Wildlife Trust has ever undertaken — and the work is far from done.”
THErecent computer upgrade hiccup which seemed to stop the world turning reminded me of a power cut we experienced whilst travelling in Canada in 2003 studying farming and the food chain. The area affected in Canada and across the border into America was about the size of Europe. Anything which required electricity and didn’t have a back-up generator didn’t work.
No traffic lights. No road lights. No lights in hotels. No lifts in hotels. All the shops closed because the tills didn’t work. Petrol stations shut because they couldn’t pump the fuel. All flights were grounded. It seemed that literally everything except hospitals stopped functioning.
Ontario was very dark and very quiet that night. That was the immediate effect. The electricity was off for about 29 hours in the cities and up to four days in rural areas. One of the secondary effects was the complete collapse of the refrigerated and frozen food chains.
Anything which required refrigeration or freezing was swept off
supermarket shelves into skips for disposal. Anything in transit had to be dumped and going back to the start of the process I witnessed 9,300 pig carcases in one abattoir being sawn up and put into skips for disposal.
After the initial power outage there was no meat, no dairy products, no fish, no fruit and veg and so it goes on. It took weeks to get things back to normal. The recent computer glitch and our Canadian experience made me realise how fragile our food supply chains are.
If someone wanted to sabotage the UK, they could do it easily if they interrupted our food chains. Fresh fruit and veg can be picked on one day and be in the shop the next. Milk goes from farm to dairy to supermarket in no time at all.
The meat supply chain is so slick that there is a constant flow of product leaving farms, going through the abattoirs and being delivered to store on a daily basis. Interrupt the supply chain by a couple of days and there would be a lot of empty shelves very quickly and they would take some time to refill.
Thankfully we still have full shelves in and around Mendip and hope that will remain the case. It is food for thought though.
Cross Farm. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
MENDIP PLOUGHING MATCH
154th meeting to be held on Wednesday 25th September 2024 on land at Green Ore Farm, Green Ore, Nr Wells, BA5 3EP
• Ploughing • Hedgelaying • Dry Stonewalling and Farm Produce Competitions • Trade Stands Bar, Lunches and other refreshments
Further information available from the secretary: Judith Ogborne –Email: judith.mps@btinternet.com Mobile: 07783 709619
Mendip ploughing match
PREPARATIONSare well underway for the annual Mendip Ploughing Match being held on Wednesday, September 25th at Green Ore Farm, Green Ore, BA5 3EP, by kind permission of Pennys Group Recycling and G. Bown.
This Mendip event is extremely popular with local farmers and the public, as a local meeting point for seeing old friends, making new and watching the agricultural skills of ploughing, hedge laying and dry-stone walling.
There are also competitions for farmers to take along farm produce entries of grain, roots and forage and novelty classes for the heaviest pumpkin and biggest sunflower, which are open to everyone.
Their wonderful ladies committee will be providing refreshments and there is a bar selling beers, ciders, wine or spirits.
Competitions start at 10am and finish at 3pm with awards being presented between 4pm and 5pm. Admission is free and there is no car parking charge.
With NICK GREEN
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye
Conference announced
LANDALIVE,a new South West food and farming conference, will be held this November to explore how regenerative farming and other naturefriendly methods can improve farm businesses and produce healthier food, whilst looking after the environment.
The new conference will be held at the Bath and West Showground on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November featuring experts in regenerative farming and sustainable food production.
Lucy Stockton, Mendip Hills Farming Engagement Officer and LandAlive Board member, said: “Through food we are intrinsically linked with nature but food production can also lead to environmental destruction.
“Regen farming means that we can eat better whilst looking after the land where our food comes from.”
www.landalive.co.uk
Death of Keith Hasell
TRIBUTES have been paid to farmer, Keith Hasell, from Model Farm, Norton Hawkfield on the slopes of Dundry, who has died, aged 77, from cancer.
He took over the 400-acre farm from his father Denis in 1985, running beef and arable at various times.
As a young member of Chew Valley Young Farmers, he met his wife
Margaret at a YFC barbecue in Nailsea.
He was a previous chairman and life member of the Mendip Ploughing Society and chairman of Winford Stock Society. He enjoyed shooting at Chewton, Lord’s Wood and Chilcote. He was also active on various village organisations.
One tribute read at his funeral at Holy Trinity Church, Norton Malreward, said: “Keith was a larger-than-life character, loved a bit of banter with everyone he met, was a gentle country man and a brilliant farmer.
“He had a wonderful sense of humour and will be greatly missed by all.”
He leaves his wife, Margaret, sons James and Daniel, and four grandchildren.
Show had “something for everyone”
THE 172nd Mid-Somerset Show at Shepton Mallet enjoyed large crowds, one of the biggest entries of livestock for many years and plenty of other attractions for all the family.
Keeping it in the family: The Middlebrook herd owned by the Hamlett family from Street
Mid-Somerset branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (l to r) Dick Whittingham, president, Carolyn Gidding, welfare officer, Roger Cowie, speaker coordinator and Paul Ashmore, chairman
A wave
Alex Meadows on stage
Annie Bell (left) with Welshie and Millie Carson, with Blue, competed in the fancy dress sheep class
to the crowd during the tractor parade
These miniature Shetland ponies proved a match for much larger animals in the Mid-Somerset Scurry Driving championships
Some
Keiran Cambridge, aged six, was awarded the Finn Christenssen award for best young handler
John Birrible (left) from Saputo Dairy in Davidstow, with the cup for the champion cheese, presented by show president Richard Clothier, from Wyke Farm Cheese
entrants to the dog show
Cidermaker Oliver Dowding (left), from Shepton Montague, near Bruton, won the supreme cider championship with his medium still entry. He is pictured with cider championship chief steward Bob Chaplin
Show volunteer Andrew Look (right), who lives near Ditcheat, was honoured for his years of service helping during the build-up of the show
Heavy horses in the parade ring
The livestock enter the main ring for the grand parade
The Mendip Mindbender
DOWN
1 Alls wet develops into Mendip stream (7)
5 Performer (7)
9 Poisonous substance (5)
10 Being talkative isn’t cheap when a substitution is made (9)
11 Woke hooley diverts into cave system (6,4)
12 Perfection lacking final ending for proposal (4)
14 If Lennon is John, who’s the drummer? (5,2,5)
18 Adventurer travelling the Underground (12)
21 Long pain (4)
22 Least tacit surprisingly comes down from ceiling (10)
25 Milestone made out of this? (9)
26 Come together (5)
27 Deceives (7)
28 No cap for missing bowler (7)
1 Handwriting similarly creeps back to front (6)
2 A rock that can be weighed (6)
3 More commonly known as a lime (6,4)
4 Some things to chew on following wisdom (5)
5 Dire (9)
6 Water container (4)
7 Hole in the Mendips (8)
8 American riser gives a lift (8)
13 A passing shot in tennis (5,5)
15 Relative individuals (9)
16 Attacked when departed (8)
17 Sauce (8)
19 Split (6)
20 Comes clean in wetland area (6)
23 Bloodsucker (5)
24 Deployed (4)
By Fairlight Cryptic Clues are in italics
Counting the visitors to Mendip
THE Mendip Hills National Landscape has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers, with a 27% rise since 2019. This upward trend is not uniform across all sites; four locations have seen recordbreaking numbers, surpassing even the peaks during the Covid-19 restrictions, while others have maintained a steady flow of visitors.
Each year volunteers and staff count people at the same location, on the same day and for the same fourhour period. The data collected since 2019 also included the types of visitors, confirming that the majority of people at 13 out of 14 sites explore the area on foot with dog walkers, cyclists, and horse riders in descending order. Weather patterns have been taken into account as a
variable affecting these numbers.
This ongoing study provides valuable insights into the evolving patterns of visitation in the Mendip Hills, reflecting the public's growing interest in outdoor activities and the natural environment.
The findings from this study, along with the data from visitor counters which are placed on various paths and record all year round, are crucial for the future management and conservation efforts of the National Landscape, ensuring that it can be enjoyed sustainably for years to come.
This longitudinal research is instrumental in understanding the dynamics of visitors and will help shape the strategies to accommodate the increasing interest while
preserving the landscape's integrity. A full report with all the statistics will be available on the Mendip Hills National Landscape website soon.
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
Seasons of mist . . .
My first two
recipe suggestions are more a springboard for your imagination than courses in themselves, but I hope they inspire some ideas for late summer dining as the nights start drawing in –and we have everything crossed for an Indian summer!
VEGETABLE FLATBREADS
These can be used as an accompaniment to soups, stews, in place of a muffin for Eggs Benedict, or even use as a pizza base!
METHOD
Combine all the ingredients into a bowl. I used a spoon and then my hands. On the bottom of a non-stick baking tray, make a thin layer of the mixture, cover and bake at 160ºC for 30 mins. Uncover and bake for a further 10 mins at 180ºC. Cut into slices and serve as you wish.
FLAVOURED BUTTERS
WELL, this couldn’t have been easier and more atisfying to make!! I had loads of leftover cream from a catering function, so I turned it into butter and flavoured it with herbs, garlic and – love it or hate it – Marmite! It lasts for weeks in the fridge or you can freeze it.
METHOD
Pour cream into a glass bowl or mixer with whisk attachment. I used an electric whisk. Fill another bowl with cold iced water. Whisk the cream until it becomes thick, whisk more until it separates and keep going until solid and stop. Strain the whey (this can be used in baking). Put the solids into the water and squeeze together, rinsing more whey off as you go. I then put the butter into a bowl and mixed in my choice of extras. The butter will soften, which you’ll need especially to mix in the Marmite. When it’s all combined put it back into the ice water to firm up again, then press it into a mould (I used a small square dish lined with greaseproof paper) and treat like any other butter. These butters are lovely stirred into pasta, to enrich soups and stews, or in
Use these tasty flatbreads anyway you fancy
INGREDIENTS
(Makes 12 little slices)
150g grated potato
120g grated courgette
100g sliced onions
175g chopped tomatoes
50g grated mature cheddar
20g chopped parsley
Lots of salt and pepper
BANANA (Coffee Cake)
I’ve put coffee in brackets, because I added loads to this recipe but when it was cooked, I couldn’t taste the flavour. However, I’m keeping it in as it must have enhanced the taste.
l Confession time: I only had one slice, as the dog stole the rest as it was cooling down.
METHOD
Mash the bananas into the mixing bowl, then add the rest of the wet ingredients (you can use an electric whisk). Fold in the flour and walnuts and spoon into a greased loaf tin. Bake at 180˚C for approx 25 minutes. Leave to cool or give straight to a naughty Dalmatian!
INGREDIENTS
1 pint double cream
Flavouring ideas
Salt and pepper (definitely!
Tbs pesto
Tbs Marmite
Minced garlic
Chopped fresh herbs
Lemon zest
Curry paste
INGREDIENTS
3 x ripe bananas
2 eggs
3tsp instant coffee dissolved in a tbs boiling water
230g sweetened condensed milk (I used the leftover milk from last month’s recipe)
200g self-raising flour
60g broken walnuts (optional)
baked salmon with a lemon, pink peppercorn and garlic butter sauce.
Salmon with a lemon, pink peppercorn and garlic butter sauce
Tucker’s 10Km –just think of the reward at the finish!
ENTRIES are now open for a new 10km charity race in October which will start and finish at the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkand.
The Mother Tucker’s 10km is being organised by a team from the Somer Athletics Club and will raise money for the Bowel Movement, one of the inn’s fundraising
Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.
T: 01225 962669
E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk
W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk
favourites and will take place on Sunday, October 6th.
Around 200 runners will set off at 10am and head through the lanes to Wellow, before heading up towards Stony Littleton Long Barrow and up through Littleton Woods before reaching the main main road back to the inn.
One of the event team, Barry Woods, said: “Inspired by Tuckers Grave’s own charitable efforts, Somer has chosen to support cancer charity, The Bowel Movement. With support from local landowners, Tuckers Grave, The Wellow Way team, and local councils, they’re aiming to make Mother Tuckers a fixture on the local running and social calendar.”
LET’S WELCOME IN AUTUMN WITH A FEAST OF FUN AT TUCKER’S GRAVE INN
Sat, Aug 31st The Easy Riders: 8.30pm
Sat, Sept 7th Rubix Cube: 8.30pm
Sun, Sept 8th Tuckers Classic Car Show: 10am to 5pm Sun, Sept 8th John Parry: 2pm
Fri, Sept 13th The Last Broadcast: 8.30pm
Sat, Sept 14th Abba Tribute Night (Tickets only – Sold Out)
Sat, Sept 21st Cider–soaked shindig with The Skimmity Hitchers (Tickets £10)
Sun, Sept 22nd Swan Transport charity event plus open choir from 3pm in the barn
Sat, Sept 28th Nota 8.30pm
Sun, Sept 29th Charity Cake sale for Cancer Research
Skimmity Hitchers
Parlour/Café: Baguettes, locally produced pasties and sausage rolls available Friday 8am to Sunday 5pm Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday 8.15-11.30am Friday/Saturday evenings 6-9pm – Fish and chips, gourmet burgers, freshly made pizzas and more. Look out for the specials
Sport page 90
Time to get in training: Jo Merrick (far left) and Barry Woods (far right) with Dale (back), daughter Robyn and Debs, from Tucker’s
WILD FOOD
Whatever the weather
I THINK everyone can agree it has been a funny summer. Funny weather-wise that is, nothing to do with elbows or humour. The weather often gets a mention as it is important to keep in mind when one is searching for the foliage, flowers, fruit and fungi the forager relies on. This month’s article combines the weather with the indoors, inside a BBC Radio Bristol studio to be exact.
Radio presenter Steve Yabsley contacted me about my new book Wild Food and Mushroom Foraging and enquired if I would be interested in being interviewed. I agreed, so on a good weather day trekked off into Bristol.
If you are interested, the interview may still be on BBC Sounds 21/7/2024, time stamp 1:22. For the interview, I took along a number of wild foods for Steve to try: wild mint, wild strawberry, Slippery Jack mushrooms, pineapple weed and summer truffle – all collected locally.
The interview was a success and I was taken with Steve’s genuine interest in the wild foods, he is after all a keen naturalist. We covered the when, where and what of wild foods and other topics besides. However, there was one issue we had no time to touch upon: the climate and weather.
I appreciate that discussing (or rather moaning about) the weather has always been a British pastime but these mini heatwaves, monsoon-like conditions, high winds and sudden drops in temperature are a challenge and might soon become the new norm.
We have to adapt and make sure one is wearing the right clothing for the conditions. As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices. Saying that, I’m sure I am not the only one who can’t quite seem to get the clothing right this summer. jacket on, jacket off . . .
All of the wild foods mentioned above will still be available in September and some even beyond. If warmer conditions do become common, extended growing seasons might become the norm for some wild foods. We shall have to wait and see. Ultimately, we have to accept what Nature gives, whatever the weather. I will leave you with an image of one of the edibles I took into the interview, no prizes (unless you find some) for guessing which it is!
Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist and expert forager running wild food forays, events and activities. Please visit: www.hedgerowcottage.co.uk for more information or email him at: hello@hedgerowcottage.co.uk
GARDEN FOOD
Vegetable growing
With CHARLES DOWDING
ALTHOUGHday length is reducing fast, there is still a good level of warmth. This makes it easy to sow and plant again, after the last of any harvests. Aim to keep all beds full of plants, which converts sunlight to soil carbon and makes use of growing conditions that are better than in most of the spring.
No dig is a time-saving method for succession plantings and sowings, because there is so little bed preparation. You need only to twist out any main stems of finished plantings, remove any weeds, lightly rake the surface level, then replant.
I use a two-foot long wooden dibber to make holes for plug plants and the same tool to draw drills in surface compost, for sowing seeds.
Tomatoes
Encourage ripening of tomatoes by reducing watering. For example, after mid-September, I give no more water to tomatoes growing in soil. For tomato plants in containers, water about 50% of what you might otherwise. And keep removing sideshoots.
More sowing
Even this late in the year, you can make a few more sowings. Salad plants to winter outside want sowing in the first week and include lambs lettuce/corn salad, land cress and claytonia, also called winter purslane.
Before and around mid-September, sow salad plants to overwinter under cover which means polytunnel or greenhouse. Sow any of the salads rocket, endive, chervil, coriander, lettuce, oriental leaves, salad onions, kale and spinach.
These plants are all frost hardy and can be sown or planted outside. However, the amount of new growth in winter months is small, so there's a lot of maintenance for little reward. Also slugs do more damage to plants outside, compared to stronger plants under cover, where you can also keep the soil surface drier than outside, by watering say once a week.
Cover crops
Now and until about October 10th, in any empty spaces, we can sow cover crops, also called green manure. Weed first, then scatter seeds and spread a little compost on top.
For no dig I recommend white mustard Synapis alba. It's fastgrowing and even if you sow it in early October, there can be a thick sward of green by early December.
Next, in any winter frost of -4°C/25°F or lower, this mustard is killed. The residue is a thin cover of pale stems on top of the soil which is extra protection and food for soil organisms through winter.
Charles Dowding has made no dig popular with millions of readers and viewers. Currently he grows vegetables in Somerset. He has written 14 books and gives talks plus courses at home and abroad.
With ADRIAN BOOTS
More to discover than ever
WELLS Food Festival is back, providing a day of free foodie adventures for the whole family on Sunday, October, 13th from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The popular festival provides the chance to taste and buy some of the region’s finest food and drink from almost 200 traders in the Artisan Market. For the first time in the festival’s 12-year history, it will also extend down the High Street which will be closed to traffic for the day, showcasing some 20 new traders.
Jon Abbott, festival director, said: “Utilising the High Street seemed the obvious next step. Not only can we spread out a little more, but we have also been able to accept some enthusiastic new traders who have been patiently waiting to get involved with the festival.”
With support from headline sponsor, Charlie Bigham’s, there are lots of areas for visitors to enjoy. The Food for Thought marquee returns to shed some light on how communities can tackle the challenges of food-related social issues, whilst the Celebration of English Wine marquee provides the opportunity to chat to individual vineyards.
For the younger visitors, the Children’s Zone is supported by local primary school PTAs, along with activities organised by
Cathedral School, Millfield and 5th/7th
Fun Kitchen will be helping children to make Apple Cinnamon Swirls in four free cookery sessions whilst the popular, interactive Children’s Trail will once again provide a fun way to see the festival.
This year also sees the first Wells Food Festival Photography Competition sponsored by Wells Cathedral School. The competition is on the theme of Apples and Fruit and is open to ages nine to 18, divided into three categories. The deadline for entries is September 29th. Photos should be emailed to photocompetition@wells-cathedral-school.com along with name, age and photo caption.
Wells
Wells Scout Group.
Stalls alongside the Bishop’s Palace Moat
New look for Sexeys Arms
THESE are striking new additions to the Sexeys Arms at Blackford – murals painted by local artist Robin Seymour, who has been in demand since 2008. There are more in the toilets!
They are not the only changes to this picture-postcard pub, which dates from the 1600s. Since it was bought by a local businessman, he has invested more than £100,000 on refurbishment.
The beamed bar, with its inglenook fireplace, is as timeless as ever. But the smaller bar next door is now a coffee area doing“proper coffee”. There’s a new kitchen on the ground floor and there will be new letting rooms upstairs.
Outside there’s ten-times more seating and a separate area for camper vans to stay. The old school room at the back of the pub will be turned into a holiday let.
The floor of the skittle alley has been redone and there’s new lighting for the darts board. Seven different teams use the pub.
Under manager, Josh Bateson, this is very much a real pub that does good food, reasonably priced, with a new menu about to be launched. Weekend breakfasts will be coming soon.
It’s forged strong links with local suppliers, including some of Somerset’s famous cider makers and brewers, as well as stocking 1936 Swiss lager and a wide range of other drinks.
The changes have gone down well with customers, with new faces appearing every day.
The Alhampton Inn –a community success story
WITH a history dating back 350 years, customers of the Alhampton Inn, in a quiet hamlet near Castle Cary, were bereft when it closed suddenly at Halloween in 2022.
A small group of villagers got together with a plan. They created a Community Benefit Society, sold shares (there are now 130 shareholders), bought a 15-year lease and recruited a highlyexperienced general manager in Simon Donnelly. In just nine months, with the support of a huge team of 70 volunteers who hammered, sawed, sanded, scrubbed, cleaned, painted, upgraded and gardened, the Alhampton Inn then threw open its doors once again on August Bank Holiday weekend just one year ago.
The inn, in the heart of Alhampton, is family and dog-friendly with open fires in the winter, several large outdoor areas for the summer and plenty of parking. Currently, they serve drinks and have regular pop-up food events, using local, sustainable suppliers.
Just a few months after reopening, the Alhampton Inn was named the winner of the Prince of Wales Award of Honour with a presentation made during the Royal Bath & West Show, a fitting tribute to all the
community’s hard work.
The team at the Alhampton Inn organise regular pub events such as quizzes. As well as being family-friendly, it also welcomes parties (large groups by appointment). As Mendip Times went to press, there were plans for a first anniversary Bank Holiday weekend party, including a dog show.
As a member of the benefit society said: “The Alhampton Inn is once again the beating heart of the community. A pub run by the community, for the community and serving the community.
“Thank you to all who run, volunteer, serve and patronise the pub. It is truly a community effort.”
The Alhampton Inn
l Open Tuesdays–Sundays, weekdays 4–10pm, Saturdays 12noon–10pm, Sundays 12noon–6pm
l Pop-up food vendors Tuesdays and Fridays and Sunday lunch (plated Sunday Lunches coming in September) l Two bars with seating upstairs and stretch tent alongside the garden bar plus patio and decked area l Easy access and family-friendly l Dogs welcome l Special events coming up in September (dates tbc): Wine Tasting, Call My Bluff
Receiving the Prince of Wales of Honour at the 2024 Royal Bath & West Show
The sign says it all
Nempnett Thrubwell village fete
A classic way to spend a Sunday morning
DOZENS of classic and retro cars took part in an informal gathering on Leigh-on-Mendip Playing Field.
The Sunday morning event was organised by a group of villagers - including the owners of several historic cars – in the absence of a village show.
Ann Millers and Jane Oosthuizen
Brigitte Marzal with grandchildren Arthur (left) and Rafe
Tombola was popular
Stockwood Concert Band
Sharon (left) and Paul Collis, from Leigh-on-Mendip, in their 1920s Sunbeams
Rachel and Mark Tims, from Midsomer Norton, in their Nissan Figaro
Tribute to “popular” villager
RESIDENTS of Leigh-on-Mendip have unveiled a bench in memory of popular resident Roland “Mervyn” Treasure.
They raised more than £600 for the engraved seat, which sits in the garden of the Bell Inn, Mervyn’s “local”, through a quiz, raffle and other events.
Mervyn, born in 1928, died in February this year. The retired plasterer was born and grew up in nearby Holcombe but moved to Leigh some 30 years ago. When he was no longer able to walk from his home in Park Hayes to the pub, his family bought him a powered wheelchair so he could visit the pub each day for a pint and a chat.
Bell landlord, John Hitchins, said: “Everyone knew Mervyn and he was a very popular resident. We’re very proud to have the memorial bench here.”
Adapting to climate change
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has announced the launch of a new “Climate Adaptation Plan” for Glastonbury, the first in a new series of toolkits to help communities across Somerset prepare for and adapt to the UK’s changing climate.
It looks at the future effects of climate change, which may include extreme weather events such as flooding, heatwaves, and drought.
Since October 2023, the charity has been working with Glastonbury Town Council, with funding from the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), to complete the plan with collaboration from local residents, business owners, and other organisations.
The final plan identifies four key themes: planting more trees and plants; adapting to flooding; installing green walls and roofs; engaging with local planning
Natalie Barnett, Climate Adaptation Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “Due to its long coast and large areas of
low-lying land, Somerset is unfortunately one of the UK’s most climate-vulnerable areas and it’s facing risks including sea-level rise, river flooding, and drought.
“Working with communities across Somerset through the Act to Adapt process has allowed us to explain what these risks might actually mean for people and businesses, and how their day-to-day lives might be affected.
“Climate change stirs deep emotions, but we can’t shy away from this crucial conversation. Facing the reality of extreme weather and its impacts on our communities is essential. By normalising discussions about climate concerns, climate adaptation and encouraging action, we’re taking a vital step forward.”
The Act to Adapt process is also currently being rolled out in Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge, Minehead, The Polden Hills, Wells and Martock.
Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/act-to-adapt
Roland’s family at the unveiling of the bench
Roland “Mervyn” Treasure in his favourite seat in the Bell
Bell landlord John Hitchins with Roland’s daughter Maria Pitt
Art for ash dieback
SOMERSETartist, Lotte Scott, is completing work on Ash Viewing, a new temporary sculptural installation on the Mendip Hills.
Commissioned by the Mendip Hills National Landscape team in partnership with Somerset Art Works, Ash Viewing has received funding from Creative Mendip and the Henry Moore Foundation.
The project began with Lotte making lime from Mendip stone, creating a limewash that will be used to cover an entire ash tree felled due to ash dieback disease. The tree will be installed in a stone barn at Deer Leap, creating a poignant artwork highlighting issues of environmental change and degradation.
Lotte Scott said: “This is my first public art commission, a dream opportunity allowing me to work on a larger scale, out in the remarkable landscape of Mendip.”
It will be exhibited to the public during Somerset Art Weeks at the end of September. On the final week of the festival, the limewashed ash will be removed from the barn and turned into charcoal at a public event.
SOMERSET Art Weeks, where artists across the whole of Somerset exhibit their work in a series of free exhibitions, is returning for 2024 with the theme of Landscape: Flux and Flow.
This year, it is a festival year, meaning that artists have banded together to create group shows and installations in a series of exciting venues throughout the county.
At the Zig Zag Building in Glastonbury, a group of ten artists are exhibiting as a group project called As Old As the Hills. The artists have created large-scale mixed media installations and hangings, with incongruous juxtapositions, magical translucent layers, and dramatic light and shadow, with accompanying events happening during the festival.
In Castle Cary, there are three shows within walking distance: a letterpress exhibition at Bailey’s Books, paintings and illustrations at Silk House by Judy Hall, Ann Fagan, and Sally Smith, and an eclectic mix of sculptures, paintings, and prints from a group of artists called the Market House Collective on Market Street.
At Kingfisher Common between Wookey and Wells, artist Nicky Cornwell is displaying delicate sculptural pieces in ‘Close encounters’, a show making objects and drawings that reflect a search for fellowship and intimacy with a field in Somerset.
Dove Studios, near Butleigh, is hosting a group of artists exhibiting a range of work from botanical prints, naturally-glazed stoneware, and darkroom photography from artists Bronwen Bradshaw, Mike Dodd, and Myfanwy Morris as well as performance and poetry from language artist Camilla Nelson.
For full details, visit: www.somersetartworks.org.uk
Quince by Will Vaughn
In praise of wool
AS part of this year’s Somerset Art Weeks Festival, Somerset Rural Life Museum will be celebrating one of the county’s most sustainable natural products.
”Spinning a Yarn” is a partnership project with Somerset Art Works to tell the story of wool in Somerset. Through art installations, an exhibition, workshops, talks and family activities visitors can discover more about the history and uses of this versatile material.
In the museum’s 14th century Abbey Barn visitors will encounter a dramatic new installation by Nicola Turner. The striking artwork, created using hand-crafted woollen tendrils, will encompass the eight-metre height of the historic barn. A film by Trevor Pitt will also be playing in the barn. ‘Somerset Yarning’ captures the personal stories of sheep farmers and artists who work with their fleeces. Opening at daybreak in the Mendips and closing at dusk in the Quantocks, the film weaves a poetic journey that follows how the fleeces from Fernhill Farm are carded, spun, felted and woven by artists from across the county.
In the Mapstone Gallery contemporary makers will display works made with wool. These include kimonos and handbags by couture-felt artist Liz Clay and wall hangings by hand-loom weavers Jade Ogden, who uses regenerative wool from the Mendips, and naturally dyed and recycled wool pieces by Penny Wheeler. There will also be pieces by Gladys Paulus, whose work straddles the worlds of fine arts, traditional crafts and ritual.
There are workshops taking place offering a chance to learn hand-weaving, needle felting and natural dying. Two talks are taking place. Jen Hunter, from Fernhill Farm, will be talking about regenerative farming and textile artist Liz Clay will talk about her work creating hand-felted fabrics for haute couture. As part of Somerset Art Weeks’ family-friendly weekends weaver Jade Ogden will be running accessible weaving activities.
“Spinning a Yarn” opens at the museum on September 14th and runs until November 30th. The Nicola Turner and Trevor Pitt commissions in the Abbey Barn will close on November 2nd.
ART EXHIBITION
VIOLET GRAHAM, WITH HER TWIN SISTER CYNTHIA, RETIRED TO CONGRESBURY AFTER A LIFE AS MEDICAL MISSIONARIES IN AFRICA. THEY WERE BOTH ARTISTS, VIOLET IN WATERCOLOUR AND CYNTHIA IN OILS. THEIR PAINTINGS WERE PURCHASED BY MANY RESIDENTS IN THE AREA
VIOLET'S PAINTING OF CONGRESBURY REFECTORY WENT ALL OVER THE WORLD, AS IT WAS PRINTED AS NOTELETS
THE FRIENDS OF ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, WHO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHURCH REPAIRS, ARE ORGANISING AN ART EXHIBITION OF VIOLET GRAHAM’S WORK
WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 7/8, 10am–5pm
ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH, CONGRESBURY FREE ENTRY, DONATIONS WELCOME
From comic heroes to space heroes
THE hot weather at the end of July brought some scorching results for our second Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale.
Yet again, the watch section of the sale performed very well with some great results including an 18ct white gold gentleman’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust on leather strap selling at £5,800 before buyer’s premium.
In June, we had a bumper Antique, Collectable and Interiors Sale with more than 600 lots of furniture, paintings, jewellery, silver and many other items. A single-owner collection of framed Dan Dare artwork by the artist Frank Hampson attracted interest from around the world with lots going to France and Italy as well as within the UK. On the same day as our Antiques Sale, we held a NASA and Space Race Sale which included various signed
photographs and first day covers, artwork by astronauts and other related items.
One of the most interesting lots was a colour photograph of the first US space walk by Ed White on June 3rd, 1965, taken by Gemini commander Jim McDivitt, during the Gemini 4 mission, signed in black ink by Ed White and Jim McDivitt, selling before buyer’s premium for £950. Ed’s walk lasted 23 minutes and when ordered back to the capsule White said: “It’s the saddest moment of my life.”
One of the Dan Dare lots, which sold for £1,500 + buyer’s premium
decorated throughout with blossoms, prunus and cartouche’s depicting precious objects, estimated at £250-350.
Our September sale will see a fantastic array of coins offered for sale as discussed last time. There will also be jewellery, silver, furniture, paintings and collectables. Some lots to look out for are a pair of 19th century blue and white Chinese vases and covers,
In September we will also be visiting all of our Cooper and Tanner offices for our next Jewellery, Silver and Watches Sale in November. If you would like to book an appointment or further information, please contact us on the details below.
Racing to a new home
THERE’Sa distinctly sporting flavour to Clevedon Salerooms’ upcoming Autumn Fine Arts sale. Amongst a richly eclectic mix of the rare, unusual and the decorative is a group of paintings which capture the Victorians’ love of dogs, specifically, that most sleek and speedy of our faithful friends, the greyhound.
We might think of the greyhound as having a rather working-class image, but the world of the dog track is a far cry from the esteem in which the breed was formerly held.
In the 19th century the greyhound was a prized possession amongst country gentlemen. Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, thought so much of his greyhound, Eos, that he commissioned renowned animal artist Sir Edward Landseer to paint a picture of her.
James Armstrong (British, 19th century) oil on canvas "Paris, Gallant Foe and Ptarmegan" 64cm x 79.5cm, estmate £1,500-2,500. To be featured in our Autumn Fine Art sale on September 12th
Other owners were also keen to capture their prize hounds on canvas, the paintings not only being appreciated for their artistic quality but also as valuable records of the finest specimens of the time.
The sale includes four such paintings, each of a single dog or groups of dogs, with the noteworthy feature that all were commissioned by the same Victorian landowner. With estimates between £500-700 and £1,500-2,500 they should soon be racing away to a new home.
Clevedon Salerooms’ Autumn Fine Art sale will be held on Thursday, September 12th, starting at 10,30am. Please visit the website for full details
With CHRIS YEO
PAIR OF MASSIVE CHINESE IMPERIAL PORCELAIN YELLOW-GROUND VASES
Guangxu six character mark in iron red and of the period 1875-1908
ESTIMATE: £8,000 - £12,000
FINE ASIAN ART
MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER
10.30am
NOW INVITING ENTRIES
Contact Lee Young, Head of Asian Art lee.young@doreandrees.com
Plenty of variety this autumn for sellers and buyers alike
1952 Alfa-Romeo 1900 C Sprint Coupe, estimate: £60,000-£70,000
PEOPLE looking to realise value in the items in their collection through offering them for sale by auction will find plenty of opportunities in the Dore & Rees autumn schedule.
And for buyers looking to add to their collection, there will be plenty of opportunity to source a unique item.
Dore & Rees has been appointed auction partner for this year’s popular Castle Combe Autumn Classic at the Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham. Collectors’ road and competition cars are rolling up to be part of this exciting event which expects to welcome more than 10,000 people.
A 1952 Alfa-Romeo 1900 C sprint coupe with coachwork by Touring of Milan is already consigned at an estimate of £60,000£70,000 and a 1978 Fiat 131 Abarth Stradale kitted out to Group 4/Rallye de Portugal specification will be offered at £75,000£85,000. Keep an eye on doreandrees.com for more information and come and join us on 21 September for the auction.
Looking forward to November, specialist auctions headline the schedule. The Fine Asian auctions are going from strength to strength with the top level auction of the year coming up on November 11th. Contact Lee Young to discuss selling your Asian ceramics and works of art at auction. Alongside the massive Chinese Imperial porcelain vases featured in this month’s advertisement, the Collection of the Second Earl of Bantry, including high quality Chinese porcelains, will be offered as well as the Martin Laing Collection of fine Chinese furniture.
Fine Jewellery and Watches, lead by Susan Rumfitt, and Fine Silver, led by Duncan Campbell, will be held on November 27th. Offering these categories of auction together on the same date is a winning combination, along with meeting the demand for Christmas gifting.
The exciting programme of auctions follows below here. Contact the team on 01373 462257 or by email enquiries@doreandrees.com to arrange an appointment to discuss selling your items at auction.
UPCOMING AUCTIONS
30 August: Interiors Summer Special 21 September: Castle Combe Autumn Classic – Classic Cars • 16 October: Select Interiors 11 November: Fine Asian Art • 27 November: Fine Silver 27 November: Fine Jewellery and Watches Visit www.doreandrees.com for more details
Take a break from the office and get playful!
THEfirst of a series of free “Lunch Bunch” sessions begins in Frome in September, offering people a chance to escape their workplace or home for a while and relax with others.
The two-hour sessions offer an opportunity to spend time chatting, playing board games and enjoying time outside. It’s free to take part; bring your own lunch or just drop by for a few minutes to see what it’s all about. Crosswords, jigsaws and board games are available, along with light refreshments.
The first session takes place on Wednesday, September 4th, from 12-2pm, outside Frome Library. The trial is funded and supported by Frome-based company Terrestrial, who produce and commission arts and community projects across the south-west, and Frome Town Council.
Facilitator Jessica Francombe said: “The point of the Lunch Bunch sessions is connection: sometimes our lives don't provide as many opportunities to strike up a conversation or get to know new people as we might like, especially if you work from home, or don't have family living nearby.”
International award winners
THE allwomen team at Lyonsleaf –The Republic of Natural Skincare –has received outstanding results at the 13th annual Free From
Skincare Awards, including medal places for all six products entered and overall Best Brand 2024.
The Europe-wide awards were founded to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are “free from” either artificial ingredients, animal-based ingredients, fragrances, food allergens or perhaps other ingredients associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.
Owner, Vicky Lyons, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this year's results. We love working with the Free From Skincare Awards and are proud to support them every year.
“Their support towards small businesses is phenomenal and we are honoured by the number of awards Lyonsleaf products have achieved this year. Best Brand – wow!”
Jennifer Morecroft - GDC
Practice Principal – B.D.S (U.BRIST) MFGDP
Alison Chapman - GDC
Practice Associate – BDS MFDS PG Cert Endo
Nikolai Stankiewicz - GDC
Practice Associate – BDSc FDS MFGDP DPDS
MSc
Sally Cantwell - GDC
Dental Hygienist – EDH
Jane Fellows - GDC
Dental Hygienist – EDHThe
Wedmore Dental Practice @ home
Do you, or any family and friends struggle to leave the house due to immobility, frailty, or other conditions?
Wedmore Dental Practice will soon be offering dental visits in the comfort of your own home. We will be able to offer basic dental treatment, emergency care, as well as routine check-ups and cleaning. The service will be available on a weekly basis from November 2024. Please contact our reception team to register your interest and to find out more information.
Wedmore Dental Practice
Sharing our passion for health
Email: appointments@wedmoredental.co.uk
Telephone: 01934 713013
Established in 2011 and now based at The Cheese Yard in West Horrington, Lyonsleaf have supported the Free From Skincare Awards since 2014 when they entered the “Problem Skin” category with their first product ever made – Calendula Cream.
They first won a coveted gold medal in 2014 and since then have amassed an incredible 43 medals, including Best Brand in 2021, 2022 and 2024, nine golds, 15 silvers and 19 bronze.
Lyonsleaf is women-owned, employing local mums from the area and operating around the school term to accommodate parenting, business and making a change for good in the cosmetic industry.
A review of planning issues
IT is foreseeable that with the advent of a Labour government seemingly committed to increasing the housing stock there could well be changes in planning law leading to even more housing development around villages and towns. So often planning applications put the applicants at odds with neighbouring house owners who are understandably concerned that development could adversely affect them and lead to a diminution in the enjoyment of their property.
Under UK planning law, individuals can object to planning applications on several grounds, but the weight given to each ground can vary. Here is a breakdown of the typical objections relating to privacy, view and light:
Loss of privacy
Objections based on loss of privacy are valid and are often given significant consideration. If a proposed development would lead to overlooking into your home or garden this can be a strong ground for objection. Planning authorities take into account issues of overlooking and the resulting loss of privacy when considering applications.
Loss of light
Objections based on loss of light, often
referred to as "right to light" are also taken seriously. If a development would significantly reduce the natural light available to your property, this can be legitimate grounds for objection. The planning authority may consider the impact on light levels and whether the development complies with the relevant guidelines and standards for daylight and sunlight.
Loss of a view:
Generally, loss of a view is not considered a valid ground for objection under UK planning law. The planning system does not protect private views and objections based solely on the loss of a scenic view are unlikely to be upheld. However, there might be exceptions if the view is of particular public interest or involves heritage sites or landscapes protected by planning policies.
When objecting to a planning application, it is important to provide clear, specific and evidence-based reasons for your concerns. It can also be beneficial to reference relevant local planning policies and guidelines that support your objection.
Once an application for planning permission has been granted local residents cannot directly appeal to the
Planning Inspectorate against the decision. The only route of challenge is by way of judicial review which is a legal process allowing individuals to challenge the lawfulness of a decision made by a public body including a planning authority.
A judicial review can be sought if it is believed that the planning authority acted unlawfully, irrationally or with procedural impropriety. Such a process is invariably risky and expensive. It is used on occasions by groups who have common grounds of objection and who are able to raise sufficient funds to pursue the case.
EDWARD LYONS
What happens if I don’t have a Will?
I LOOK forward to the family getaway every year. Whether it be camping on Exmoor, or sunning ourselves abroad, this precious time spent with family is much-needed. However, I would never travel without insurance.
The thought of being stuck somewhere unable to get home or for something to happen and disrupt our plans. Knowing that the insurance is in place gives security and peace of mind. So why then would we travel without making a Will?
Whilst making a Will is by no means exciting, the peace of mind it can provide you with, regarding your wishes being listened to, cannot be quantified in terms of monetary value. A Will prevents a lot of stress and heartache for the people left behind.
You can make the decisions regarding the distribution of your estate, who you trust to put your wishes into practice and if you have young children, who you would want to act as their guardians, ensuring as little disruption as possible during a difficult time.
Richardson’s Wills was founded by Nicola Richardson in 2013. Nicola is a full member of the Society of Will Writers and an affiliate member of STEP adhering to their strict code of conduct. Specialising in Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney she provides a professional, affordable service.
Nicola and her team’s friendly and uncomplicated approach make a sometimes difficult subject easy to understand. Richardson’s Wills provide a quality service where the client comes first. Our fee for preparing LPAs is currently £199 plus VAT per document. The registration fee charged by the Office of the Public Guardian is £82 per document; reductions in the registration fee can be applied for in certain circumstances.
Contact us on 01934 441410 • www.richardsonswills.co.uk or email hello@richardsonswills co uk for more information
School awards
TWOawards have been presented to pupils at Chew Stoke Church School in a leaving ceremony. The prestigious Hilary Padfield award was awarded to Year 5 pupil, Paige, for demonstrating the school’s Christian values to the highest standard.
Evie received the Crossman Cup for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship.
Dancing friends
DANCE 4 Parkinson’s Wells are a unique group established and run by individuals living with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions such as MS.
It came into being after one of the members, Sue Isherwood, a retired arts administrator, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and called Pavilion Dance, the South West dance agency, to see if there were any local Dance for Parkinson’s groups.
There were only two in the whole region, both over an hour’s drive away. However, she attended the class in Bristol run by Fresh Arts and The Original Spinners and was so impressed that she decided to set up something closer to home in Wells.
She gathered two friends together and they set up a constituted group, located a suitable venue and recruited an experienced dance and heath practitioner, Lerato Stanley-Dunn.
This year they were offered the opportunity to make a film as part of a national project, Live Well and Dance with Parkinson’s, run by People Dancing, the Foundation for Community Dance.
The film Dancing the Way – Finding Flow was created in collaboration with Somerset Film, Lerato Stanley-Dunn and Richard Tomlinson. It tells the story of their journey as a group and how much they love to be creative.
Details: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx_Vk4xxYPU
Charity challenge
DORSETand Somerset Air Ambulance has announced the return of its 100 Miles in October challenge!
Now in its second year, it says: “Whether you prefer to walk, run, cycle, swim or hop your way through October, the 100 Miles Challenge is for everyone!”
Last year it raised nearly £22,000.
Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/100miles
Fossil Lady of Lyme
WELLS Rotary Club is to host a fundraising one-woman play in September about the pioneering geologist Mary Anning, known as the Fossil Lady of Lyme.
Mary was one of the early geologists – who faced hostility and rivalry from her male counterparts 200 years ago – in their search to establish more about the earth’s history. Mary discovered the first complete fossil of a prehistoric reptile in Great Britain – at the age of 12. Throughout her life, she continued to make ground-breaking and spectacular discoveries.
Alison Neil, who wrote the play, will perform it at St Cuthbert’s Church in Wells on Saturday, September 7th at 9.30pm in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Tickets are £15 a head and can be purchased in person from The Crown at Wells, Brownes Garden Centre and the Westbury-sub–Mendip Community shop or online via the club’s website: http://www.wells.rotary1200.org
Play day
THE North Somerset Play Forum charity celebrated National Play Day by putting on a FREE Family Fun Day in Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare on Thursday, August 1st.
Hundreds of children and their families enjoyed a whole host of activities and entertainment.
Time for walkies
DOROTHY House’s second annual Paws in the Park dog walk challenge is being held on Sunday, October 6th. It will involve a 5km walk in the beautiful grounds of the hospice and in the scenic village of Winsley, as well as fun entertainment and stalls.
A BOOKof writings by the late Graham Watts has been published to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
He grew up at Wellesley Farm, Launcherley, before moving to nearby North Wootton and enjoyed writing short stories about his childhood memories, which he published anonymously in his local village newsletter, under the name A Passer By He often expressed his wish to one day compile these stories into a book for others to enjoy. His family have worked to fulfil his wish, with old photographs and artwork drawn by his granddaughter Molly Butler.
The book, Somerset Tales of a Passer By, captures the essence of those cherished days and brings to life the beauty of the region through tales of early mornings in the fields, family traditions, and the changing seasons.
It serves not only as a tribute to his life but also as a piece of local history, preserving the unique character of Somerset’s past.
A recent charity fundraiser in his memory raised over £5000 to support the air ambulance service and RUH critical care unit.
The book is available from Browne’s Garden Centre, Wells, The Bird at Westhay, The Crossways Hotel, North Wootton, and The Walled Gardens of Cannington.
The Walled Gardens will be open on September 25th and 29th with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the air ambulance.
Beach walk
WESTON Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk returns on September 14th, when hundreds of supporters are expected to illuminate Weston’s seafront in light and laughter, choosing from either the 10km or 5km route.
The night will be packed full of fun with group warm-ups, sparkler-station, entertainment, light-up merchandise and a celebratory glass of fizz on arrival back at the pier.
Volunteers wanted
PRICKLESHedgehog Rescue in Cheddar is appealing for volunteers to help with the morning clean-out or afternoon feed.
Details: 07806 744772
Tools for Africa
CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary Club had a great response to its request for old tools, which could be refurbished, before being sent to Tanzania.
It had chosen the Tools For SelfReliance Cymru charity as one of its
International projects. It aims to improve the lives of African artisans and families by providing them with quality refurbished recycled tools and training.
Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club member, Hugo Pike, said: “It involved three collecting dates – two at the Farrington Gurney Village Hall and one at the Chew Valley Rugby Club.
“The response was tremendous and produced two dozen sewing machines and countless tools formerly used by gardeners, carpenters, mechanics etc.”
Delivering the tools (l to r) Hugo Pike, Trevor James and Thomas from Hamburg
Skydive for grandad
Tara with her grandad and mum Angie
TARA Sims has raised more than £1,200 with a tandem skydive in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Tara, the manager at TPS’s Escape Bathroom Showroom in Shepton Mallet, was inspired by her grandad Bill’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She said witnessing the impact the condition has had on her grandad, nan, and family, she was determined to make a difference.
She said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my family, friends, and colleagues. Their support has helped me raise a fantastic amount for the Alzheimer’s Society – every penny donated will make a real difference to people living with dementia.
“The skydive was an incredible experience, and I enjoyed every moment of it – I would definitely do it again.”
OPENING the curtains one morning on a holiday to Scotland proved to be a lightbulb moment for Andy Goff.
The 60-year-old, from Chelynch, near Shepton Mallet, looked out on Ben Nevis and knew that, one day, he wanted to climb to the summit.
On September 12th, Andy and his friend, Val Moulder, will tackle the challenge to raise money for the Mendip branch of Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson’s nationally to support his sister-inlaw, Sandy Frankenburg, who is suffering from the disease.
Andy has the support of his employers and other sponsors for the challenge. He said: “It will take four hours to ascend and two hours to come back down – that’s the theory anyway.
“Sarah, my wife and Sandy’s sister has been such fantastic support in all this. I’m getting nervous the closer we get to the day, but also very excited.”
The Mendip branch of Parkinson’s meets at the Bovemoor Sheltered Community Room, Strode Road, Street on the second Wednesday of each month.
To support Andy, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/goffgoeswildupbennevis
Andy Goff
Andy’s sister-in-law, Sandy (left) with Andy’s wife Sarah
This Moggy is an amazing fundraiser
A SURPRISE lockdown gift from her husband, Richard, has inspired Rosemary Tucker to raise thousands of pounds towards repairs at her local church.
Rosemary, of Burtle, was presented with a D-reg Morris Minor, identical to her first-ever car, and decided to organise a classic car run, attracting dozens of drivers each year, supported by the Friends of Burtle Church.
Known as the Pip ‘n’ Jay Classique – as St Peter and St James Church is known affectionately – Rosemary chooses a different route each year, covering around 60 miles of Somerset countryside. This year, the tour arrived for lunch at Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall, after travelling from Burtle, through Wedmore, Cheddar Gorge and Priddy, then heading towards Evercreech.
Rosemary said: “Richard hid the Morris in a barn as a birthday surprise. After he presented it to me, we learnt
Solace in nature
SINCEits launch in May this year, the Dorothy House Interactive Nature Trail has welcomed hundreds of trail walkers and incorporates the stunning light installation, Firefly Woods, created by internationally renowned artist, Bruce Munro.
It has just been featured by Sky News Kids as part of their FYI News programme. Recorded at the hospice grounds in Winsley, the film explores the experience of 15-year-old Lucy whose dad died at the inpatient unit in February 2023. It looks at the role that the hospice played in caring for the whole family. The interview with 15-year-old presenter, Tom, also discusses the importance of destigmatising death and grief for young people and how nature can play an important role in helping to make death a part of life.
From impressive yellow ant eco-engineers to UK fireflies,
that the church was in need of urgent repairs, so I had the idea of organising a fundraising rally. It’s since proved very popular with owners.”
The day raised £18,000.
Richard and Rosemary Tucker with the Moggy which inspired the annual fundraiser
Oakhill, here were come: a Triumph Herald
The drivers enjoy lunch on the playing field
An iconic Chevrolet
Bechstein bats and cucumber-scented grasses, the hospice says there is much to wonder at whilst enjoying the stunning views across the Wiltshire valley.
Tom and Lucy
COLINEmmett, of 3inabar, who organise live music events, is putting on a folk music and song concert in aid of The Great Western Air Ambulance charity.
He’s drawn together a number of well-known local folk performers to put on a fundraising concert on Saturday, October 12th at Ston Easton Village Hall.
This two-hour evening will include acoustic folk music, singing, a little clog dancing and maybe a tale or two.
Tea/coffee and cake will be available in the interval. There’s no bar but everyone is welcome to take alcohol for their own consumption. Tickets are £15.
Details: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-noqkkle 3inabar@gmail.com or phone Colin 01275 332735
WINDSOR Hill Wood Refuge on the edge of Shepton Mallet is planning a fundraising stargazing evening on Saturday, October 5th.
It will feature a talk by the Space Detective and a look at the stars through Wells & Mendip Astronomers’ group’s telescopes. You can also listen to the night-time wildlife in their woodland.
There’s a choice of a family session from 6.30-8pm or an adults session from 8-9.30pm. Suggested donations are adults £20 and children U-16, £10 each, family ticket, two adults and three children, £50. The price includes jacket potato supper and a hot drink.
Details: Sue 07504 758263
Marines plan charity challenge
FORMER Royal Marine, Nick Goldsmith, is hoping to raise £20,000 with a Coast to Coast sponsored walk, which would provide 120 more places on his Woodland Warrior programme next year.
Currently there are 400 people on the programme from the armed forces and blue light services, at various stages in their recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.
After leaving the forces suffering chronic PTSD himself, Nick and his wife Louise set up the community interest company, now based in woodland at Pensford and West Harptree and a smallholding at Winford.
“Nature saved my life. Nature stopped me from switching myself off.”
These are the opening lines from Nick’s book Rewild Your Mind which has now gone on sale as a paperback internationally.
Nick Goldsmith
The programme’s success in rehabilitating people through activities in the outdoors was recently featured on BBC’s Countryfile programme. Nick is also in demand as a speaker, recently at the NEC, various festivals and at the Munich International School.
While bushcraft activities are continuing in the woods, the smallholding is gaining in importance, with hens, goats, beekeeping and horticulture.
Nick said: “The polytunnel is
a good example of team building. We raised money to buy it but to save on costs a team of our own beneficiaries helped build it with us. So, they built it, then sowed the seeds. Now they can take the produce away. Hopefully some of those taking part will go on to work in rural services.”
They are also involving the local community in events like an apple juicing day and have had tremendous support from local contractors including Johnny Alvis of Lye Cross Farm, TJ Pearce, Alide Hire, Gartell and Sons, Stone Supplies Ltd and Breedon Quarry.
Nick said: “Generally it’s been a tough time for charities, but we are an extremely resilient, small and agile CIC and have been able to collaborate with local businesses and other organisations. Give it another year and the smallholding will be really buzzing.”
Nick and colleague Karl Hodder, also a former marine, will take on the 315km Coast to Coast walk from the Lake District to North Yorkshire early next year.
Nick (left) with Keith Creagh from Gartell. Local companies made this new hard standing area
What the Romans left for us!
THEWestbury Society Archaeological Group are getting exciting finds at a former Roman farmhouse near Westburysub-Mendip.
The group was started 20 years ago by the late Barry Lane, former honorary curator of Wells and Mendip Museum. Some of the finds will be shown in a new Romano-British exhibition there.
The group, with about 20 regular diggers, meets weekly, rain or shine, and
has excavated a variety of sites around the village. Then in 2020, during a dry spell, a local farmer saw unusual lines in one of his fields.
Surveys revealed a winged corridor house, a typical layout for RomanoBritish farmhouses and small villas, dating from around 250-370AD.
Digging has uncovered thousands of pieces of pottery, coins, animal bones and one of the best-preserved millstones from that period.
One of the organisers, Andrew
Buchanan, said: “One theory is that this site was supplying food for the miners up at the Charterhouse lead mines.”
A “pig” of lead was previously found not far away, as well as evidence of metal working and a hoard of Roman coins. It’s thought the building gradually collapsed following the end of Roman rule. Subsequently most of the building stone was removed, perhaps by the Bishop of Bath and Wells to build the wall to his deer park nearby and other buildings like the Bishop’s Palace.
Emily Burtenshaw with a ladies' hairpin
View across the site
David Etheridge, archaeology lecturer at Strode College, who has introduced students to the site
Nicky Amos with some of the pottery finds
Lead archaeologist Pete Missingham and former Langford vet, Sue Shaw, with some of the finds on the day
Cave reveals more secrets
THEGully Cave at Ebbor Gorge continues to reveal a rich range of finds, dating back at least 50,000 years.
Professor Danielle Schreve first started excavating in 2006 when a hole was spotted in a scree slope.
Since then she has returned almost every summer with students and volunteers, who have moved 300 tons of material to reveal Gully Cave. They are finding more animal remains the deeper they dig.
These include hyena, reindeer, brown bears, bison, arctic foxes, wild cat and the remains of many others.
She said: “This is the most important site of its kind in Britain and one of the most important in Western Europe.
“It is a unique record of how animals adapted to changes in climate, including ice ages, so it is uniquely relevant to the climate changes we see now.”
She has been appointed to a new role at the University of Bristol. Members of the Mendip Society and the Westbury Society are pictured during a visit to the cave.
Students Mollie Mills and Beth Verge labelling finds in the cave
Digging outside the cave entrance
Professor Schreve (left) with some of the visitors
Inspecting the finds
Professor Schreve with a bison forelimb
Church project wins funding
THEChurch of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stowey has won National Lottery Heritage funding of £249,500 for its Stowey Revived project.
The project aims to celebrate the heritage of the Grade 2 listed building while building closer relationships with different communities in the surrounding area, including local residents and school children.
The church tower and renowned chancel murals by Henry Strachey require extensive restoration and conservation work. The church also has a rare set of James I royal arms, which survived the English Civil War.
The project involves constructing a hospitality building, providing kitchenette and accessible toilet, improving their ability to host activities.
They will be organising a wide variety of activities, including opportunities to visit behind the scenes during conservation work and meet skilled conservators, as well as concerts, coffee mornings, schools’ programmes and bioblitzes,
Church warden, Jill Nicol, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. This award, with other funds we are continuing to raise, allows the work to begin in August 2024.
“We are grateful to all our supporters including the NLHF, The Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, ChurchCare (with financial support from the Pilgrim Trust and the Radcliffe Trust), Sabina Sutherland Trust, Idlewild Trust, St Andrew’s Conservation Trust, Somerset Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust, Chelwood Community Fund and Stowey Sutton Parish Council.
“We are already planning a variety of activities and events in addition to our regular services, as well as sharing our history and heritage with those who visit or live in the village.”
Let the bells ring out
ONE of the surprise and standout successes of last year’s Frome Festival has been given a permanent home online.
RING OUT celebrated the history and legacy of the area’s bellfounding and bell-ringing tradition.
Devised by Martin Bax, of Rook Lane Arts Trust, and Helen Ottaway, of Artmusic, it tells the story of the project as well as providing links to local, national and international bellringing organisations.
RING OUT aimed to shine a light on bell-founding and bell-ringing in the Frome area and spread knowledge and enthusiasm about bells. It was a central aim of the project to promote the historic bell-founding activities of the Cockey family, more usually associated locally with the iconic Frome gas lamps. More than 50 church towers in the South West included Cockey bells in their rings.
Bell-themed events took place in parks, halls, streets, factories and bell towers in Frome and surrounding villages. The project attracted funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Town Council. Many organisations and individuals in and around Frome contributed to making the project a huge success.
The project’s legacy includes the recruitment of new bellringers, the growth of local knowledge about bell-ringing and bell-founding in Frome, a new bell-ringing method; a RING OUT mobile phone ring tone and a new handbell group, The Postlebury Handbell Ringers, led by RING OUT’s bell coordinator Mary Hooper.
The virtual Frome Carillon and the popular tours of Matthew Higby’s Bell Engineering Works may be repeated in the future. And St John’s Church bells, of which several were cast by Cockey’s of Frome, and which have been silent for a number of years, may ring out again soon.
For details, visit: https://www.rooklanearts.org.uk/ringout/
Frome’s history of bell-founding and ringing lives on online
The year of bramble and bindweed
IT has been widely reported that the numbers of our butterflies, bees and many other insects are much lower this year and one of the reasons given is the erratic and disturbed weather conditions we are experiencing. This may well be, but these same conditions have greatly suited the vegetation of our nature reserve Tania’s wood, at Ubley.
In spring and early summer, we managed to keep the accesses and pathways clear enough to allow the Forest School from Blagdon Primary to use it for their weekly sessions safely – but by full summer we had to admit that every which way, nook and cranny, hedge and ditch, had got away from us, taken over by the prolific vegetation growth.
We decided it was an unfair battle for our volunteers to wage with their hand secateurs and loppers, so we booked a training day, held in our own wood, for four of them willing to use a brushcutter to even things up a bit. All of them gained a “safety certificate of competence”, which will help us also with our new venture described below.
But it’s not only in wooded areas like our reserve that the vegetation is so invasive.
Have you noticed on every pathway, pavement, along every road in every garden with bushes and plants, that from every hedge and field there sprouts thick waving tendrils of – the common bramble, spiked all over with sharp thorns, angling not only at knee height but shoulder and head height too?
And that same hedge and all the plants in it is covered in a wound-up confusion of white “Granny-pop-out of beds”, showing how healthy the invasion of bindweed is over everything? Pretty but daunting.
But it’s not been all work, we have had some great visits to enjoy this summer, one being our annual venture up to Gully Cave in Ebbor Gorge where Professor Danielle Schreve and her student palaeontologists have continued with their long-running summer dig.
For some of the diggers it is their introduction to the wonders of the cave, but Danielle tells us she thinks this has been their best ever year (in nearly 20 digging years) for exciting finds; elsewhere in this month’s Mendip Times you will find much more about Gully Cave and this summer’s dig.
The society is embarking on a “first” of their own next month. Over the years we have run charcoal making days in Tania’s wood using the large amounts of brash created during our hedge laying training days – and there is always a lot of brash. This process however does release much carbon into the atmosphere, which is not good for the health of the planet. There is now a different way of making use of our brash which doesn’t release carbon into the air in the form of smoke, but locks it into the soil instead –Bio-Char.
oxygen in a process called “pyrolysis”. As the organic materials burn – wood, forestry and agricultural waste – very few fumes are released and a stable form of carbon is left, which can be put into the soil as a soil improver – and it stays there.
One website www.carbongold.com/whatis-biochar states: Biochar is made by the heating of organic biomass – not necessarily wood – in a high-temperature, low-oxygen environment via a pyrolysis process. The high temperatures destroy any pathogens that may harm plants. The lack of oxygen means that no harmful gases are emitted while the biomass burns.
A charcoal-looking substance, it is burnt in a kiln with very little
We will be holding a bio-char making day on Saturday, September 14th in Tania’s wood reserve at Ubley, with a maximum of eight places only. It will be a working day not just observing the process, so please have suitable clothing/shoes for a wood environment. We do have spare work gloves available.
Society members are free, non-members are welcome at £10 for the day. You will be able to take home a bag of the bio-char compost material to enrich your garden/window boxes or allotment etc. For more information or to book a place please ring 01275 874284 or e-mail judith.tranter@btinternet.com The information will also be on our website: www.themendipsociety.org.uk
Here you will also find information about forthcoming walks and our next group visit which will be to Thatchers Cider at Myrtle Farm at Sandford on October 2nd.
Another new kid on the block?
By CHRIS SPERRING MBE
WITH beavers now being observed or detected in the Mendip Times area, along with the very occasional boar, and not forgetting the white-tailed eagle cruising its way north from its Isle of Wight release site (and additionally the prospect of the Welsh release of these eagles in the near future), I was just pondering whether there was anything I’ve missed?
Oh yes, there’s also wild polecat, which seems to have spread quite naturally from its decades of restriction to an area around Ross-on-Wye, to now being another new, or should I say, returning addition to the area?
Anything else? Yes, there is one more, and this is breaking news: the new mammal on the block, so to speak, is a member of the weasel family, meaning it's related to stoat, badger and otter to name but three, has a length of around 70cm and that does include the tail. Its general appearance is that of dark brown fur across most of its body, which can become denser and lighter during the winter.
The big giveaway, though, is that if you see it face-on, it has a gorgeous white or cream coloured throat patch which continues down through its chest area. Another big giveaway is that, if it's running away from you, you can’t mistake that it has a thick, bushy tail which it uses as an aid during its more arboreal activity.
I’m sure without reading the next bit, some of you will already know that I’m talking about the very elusive pine marten.
Many people have contacted me in the past ten years with what seems wonderful descriptions of what I would have thought was pine marten; indeed, six years ago, I reported seeing one dead and this was definitely a pine marten, on the hard shoulder of the M5 northbound between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. Now, though we have actual pictures and even video footage of pine marten in at least two different locations, and where there’s one or two, then surely there must be more?
Pine martens are predators, but can, like badgers, be omnivorous; indeed, as we move towards autumn, they will begin foraging on more fruit and nuts. They can also eat fungi and insects. Small mammals from voles, mice and rats will be taken, but one reason there’s been so much interest in them is their ability to chase down squirrels.
For us, that means grey squirrel. Grey squirrel is an introduced species from North American, whereas the pine marten is a native species; indeed, pine marten probably met its demise in our area because of woodland clearances and, of course, the many Vermin Acts that have been passed since the 1500s, that removed so many predators.
Let’s ask the burning question: where did these pine martens come from? Anything I write now is purely speculative. It's been suggested that they may have been released very locally. Of
course, this is possible, but read on and you will see why my thoughts are that they maybe originate from further afield.
There was an organised release of 35 pine martens with the last animals being let go in 2021; this was in the Forest of Dean. Also, there’s the population of pine marten which was rediscovered in the New Forest, pine marten in the New Forest has been talked about for many years.
If we then consider that the male pine marten can have a territory potentially of 15-20km, then I would not rule out these local sightings being from either the growing New Forest or the released Forest of Dean population. There is one now famous male pine marten in Yorkshire that had travelled an amazing 96km.
Pine martens are very elusive mammals and they move around a lot. Your chances of seeing them are limited, but you never know; you might be the lucky one walking the woodland path at the same time as the marten crosses the path in front of you; so never forget your camera.
l Happy watching and let me know if you see any.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com
An elusive pine marten, caught on CCTV
Beach and downland on this estuary walk
A WONDERFULlate summer circle along the Severn estuary in the gloriously quiet and often bracing National Trust land of Middle Hope between Weston-superMare and Clevedon, sometimes described as Weston’s “hidden gem”. Go right out to Sand Point if you wish, although the going is not easy. But everyone then heads along the grassland of Middle Hope, visiting a beach and having wonderful views across to Wales and to Steep Holm and Flat Holm. Go to the ancient Woodspring Priory. After a short stretch on a quiet lane and tracks, come into Sand Bay and head along the beach back to the start. There is a steep climb after starting the walk, but the rest is gently up and down, depending on where you explore along the way.
PARK: In Sand Bay, north of Westonsuper-Mare and Kewstoke. There is a
With Sue Gearing
choice: On the front in the middle of Sand Bay at the bus terminus car park with toilets, £3 all day. Or at NT Sand Point car park at the north end of Beach Road in Sand Bay. Free for NT members, and up to £5 (for the day).
START: From the bus terminus car park, cross the road onto the beach and turn right along the beach and then through rushes and grasses. At the very end at the end of the low wall, go up a step and over. Turn left to the steps.
1. STEPS
Go steeply up steps and on up through a gate to the open downland.
2. TRIG
Reach a trig point. You can smell the sea air and start to enjoy great views. Turn left if you want to go out to Sand Point and back. You need to take care on the way.
Or, for the main route: From the trig turn right and follow the wide grass track along this high downland with the estuary on your left.
You can see across Sand Bay to the old pier of Birnbeck Island sticking out. You can also see across the Severn Estuary to Wales. The two islands in view are Flat Holm and Steep Holm.
Carry on until you go through a gate and come onto the open grassland.
If you keep an eye out you may see a sparrow hawk or an owl hunting along the ridge and lots of rabbits darting in and out of the bushes. Over on the right is a wall
built by French prisoners over 150 years ago.
Already ahead you can see the beaches. Keep straight along in the middle and after several minutes bear left on a smaller path which takes you down and along to the main Middle Hope beach.
3. BEACH
Make sure you keep off the mud if the tide is out. The other beaches further on are much harder to access.
Fossil hunters have been coming to Middle Hope and its beaches for centuries. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its volcanic rocks. The volcanic ash preserved the fossils. You can see different species of corals, brachiopods, crinoids stems, worms, algae and other very early life forms. But just take photos if you spot anything.
From the beach, carry on and then climb gradually up the bank. Continue until you reach a wall ahead with a high ladder and a gate. After going through the gate in the wall follow the stony track but soon take a track which bears up left and continues on. You get much better views up here. The path gradually drops back down. Stay on this grassy track which is still paralleling the main track on the right and the wall.
4. CROSS TRACK
Reach a crossing Tarmac track and now bear over to the right and cross the track close to the gate on the right. Maintain your direction and head on, soon coming alongside a fence on the right. Pass the Priory which is a field away on the right.
Come alongside a hedge and keep on, passing a section of wall on the left. Ahead you can see the coastline stretching up to Clevedon. Follow the fence until arriving at a short hedge in front of you. Here turn right through a gate and cross the field.
5. FIELD
It’s on now in the next field along the edge noticing the beautiful shivering white poplar trees. A kissing gate takes you to a path which crosses a sluice and comes into the edge of a parking area. Turn right on the stony access track alongside a rhine. Go between two posts and pass a farm over right. Reach a lane and turn right if you wish to visit Woodspring Priory. (If not, just follow the instructions from 7. LANE.) At the end of a fence to Coronation Cottages go right and through a metal gate. Head across the field towards the Priory.
6. PRIORY
Cross a flat bridge and carry on to the buildings. Go through a gate and reach an information board about this ancient Priory.
The oldest building is the one on the left – the original infirmary for the monks. Woodspring Priory was founded in 1210 perhaps as a gesture by William de Courtenay, grandson of Reginald FitzUrse who with other West Countrymen murdered Thomas Becket. It was an Augustinian house of the rare Victorine rule and had St Thomas the Martyr as a patron saint. The priory was a small one but, as elsewhere in Somerset, flourished in the 15th century when the tower and nave of the church, the infirmary and a great barn were built in beautiful golden stone. The north aisle was unfinished when the priory was suppressed in 1536. The church, most unusually, was turned into a house, now a holiday home run by the Landmark Trust.
The only part of this complex that is open to the public is the Museum (open most Mondays and Fridays between 10.30 -6.30). But there are special open days for the Priory this month. See details at end.
After visiting the Priory turn round and make your way back to the lane
7. LANE
Head along for several minutes and at the top of a rise, turn right on the marked bridleway, over a low barrier. Continue
OS Explorer map Weston-super-Mare and Bleadon Hill, grid ref:330 659. Postcode BS22 9UD. what3words: sushi.storeroom.hogs. 4.6 miles, or add another 0.8 miles if you venture out to Sand Point and back. About 2.75 hours walking, plus another 30 minutes. But allow plenty of extra time for exploring or picnicking
along to the end and another barrier. Go over a crossing track and through the kissing gate opposite. Then bear left across to the far left corner. In the next field, turn left through a pedestrian gate and join the fenced path past horse paddocks. Bend left and then cross a gated footbridge. Ahead join another track and turn right. Continue on the path which has become grassy. Ignore side turns. The route goes between more paddocks.
8. SIGNPOST
Bend right to a signpost and a bench and turn left to Sand Bay, 0.5 km distant. Cross another gated footbridge and head across the field gradually bearing over left coming alongside a hedge. Turn left through a gate, before reaching the corner. Here cross the third gated footbridge and go on through a dark wood. Reach more paddocks and turn
right. Then a concrete track at the farm continues on.
9. FARM
Go past the farm and maintain direction following the lane out to the road at Sand Bay.
10. SAND BAY
If parked at the bus terminus car park, turn left for a few minutes. On the way is popular Sand Bay Tea Rooms (see end of walk for phone no). For the NT car park cross to the beach and turn right. Follow the directions for those parked at the bus terminus. You may also like to visit the tea rooms.
Sand Bay Tea Room. For opening times and menu ring 01934 625591
WOODSPRING PRIORY MUSEUM
This room houses a collection of artefacts illustrating the history of this ancient site. Open most Mondays and Fridays (except Bank Holidays), 10.30am-3.30pm. Please contact the Booking Office on 01628 825925 before your visit, to confirm that the museum is open.
OPEN DAYS
A rare chance to see inside. There are two free Open Days in the main Priory run by the Landmark Trust on either Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th September 2024, 10am –4pm. It is open in association with Heritage Open Days. Book your free ticket for one of the days at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/woodspring-priory-by-the-sea-publicopen-days-tickets-851604982427?aff=oddtdtcreator Booking enquiries team 01628 825925.
West Countryman’s diary
THEnights are starting to close in and the mornings are a little darker. Summer, for what it was, is now slipping away but I live in the hope of a good autumn to make up for things. My veg patch is doing me proud this year, perhaps the best for a long time, but my apple crop is down. As always with crops, there are good times and bad.
Perhaps it was due to a poor pollination period and no bees close at hand to take advantage of any “window” in the weather. As my dear old mother would have said, “It is what it is”.
Windows in the weather were few and far between on this year’s University of Georgia (UGA) tour from the States. You will all know that I’m not the most seasoned of travellers and will become a little concerned when I can no longer see Glastonbury Tor or the Mendip ridge.
Taking the advice of a friend, “Les, put your big boy pants on and get through it”, I joined the group in Cambridge and experienced the hustle and bustle of one of the great centres of British education.
People watching is a great occupation and I had plenty of opportunity here as I re-fuelled on pizza and a beer with a streetside view. What were the stories behind those people, why were they here and what were their hopes and aspirations in life?
Perhaps they were thinking that about others surrounding them, but I doubt it. They seemed to walk in a bubble, either as individuals or small groups.
My arrival in the lakes with the students was heralded by the usual showers of rain. Trapped by the surrounding fells, the weather just keeps bouncing off the steep ridges and deep valleys that were completed by glacial action at the end of the last Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago.
Back then there wasn’t an issue with tourism. What human life that existed was solely interested in survival. Deep lakes were formed as the ice melt became trapped in bowls of impervious volcanic rock deep in the geological layers.
There can be no doubt that it’s a stunning landscape and has been the inspiration for many people in the past. Wordsworth and Beatrice Potter have both left their mark here and films such as Swallows and Amazons maximised on the romantic waterside panoramas.
These students were as always so polite and friendly. Perhaps it’s their culture from the southern states and genuine interest in British culture that makes them so appealing to me. For some this will have been the first time they have been so far from home.
Comradeship is an important part of their learning and I emphasise this at every opportunity. The schedule is demanding, with essays, study projects and walks whilst they are here. I am non-stop with them as the field guide, for a solid 14 days, but they give so much back!
I am now 50 years older than these “kiddos” and don’t run up hills any more. It’s me at the back these days and there were times
when I found it demanding, but I was there with them and they loved it.
Scotland was impressive and I have come to enjoy the Highlands. A trip to the Isle of Skye was an example of how the treadmill of tourism can take over and the loss of culture, affordable housing and even a language can suffer as a result.
For an island of 1,656 square kilometres it has a population of 12,000 and a visitor influx of between 650–750,000. I think we would be well-advised to take in some lessons of over-tourism and its effect these students had come to see.
Fort William has changed in my view over the last couple of trips. I feel easier with it than when I went down with Covid there 2022. I have been able to see a little more of if each time I’ve been back.
This time there was a visit to the Caledonian Canal and “Neptune’s Staircase” the longest set of lock gates in Britain. With gates that weigh around 22 tons each they were designed to take the 32-gun frigates of the Royal Navy in the early 1800s and it’s still an impressive structure today.
The dark history of Glen Coe and the enmity that still exists between Campbells and MacDonalds from the infamous massacre, still underlies today’s world. Some things it seems cannot be forgotten.
Modern use of these Highlands depends on tourism of one sort or another. Winter sports such as skiing are the lifeblood of the Cairngorms, with its National Park, the largest in the UK, trying to keep the balance of economy and environmental values.
I finally left the group to fly back from Edinburgh on July 23rd. When I got back home, I walked back into my “Telephone Box” world and looked out through its tiny windows at the world outside. Yes, I had been outside for a while, but was now so pleased to be back home.
I want to end this column with a tribute to Keith Hasell, a farmer from Norton Hawkfield, who died on July 6th. Keith was an active member of the Mendip Ploughing Society. He was a previous chairman of the society, a ploughing judge and always there on match day delivering sandwiches and tea to every competing ploughman, hedger and waller on the field.
A larger-than-life man in every way, he was always ready for a laugh and a joke, but not afraid to tell you what he thought about something. This year’s ploughing match will be all the emptier without him, but he will be remembered with great affection by those of us who knew him. (See Farming, page 11).
Finally, this month’s photo was taken on the way up to Helvellyn Ridge in the Lake District. The picturesque view doesn’t show the rain and mist that was about to follow, or the steep ascent that caused me so much pain and from which this picture was taken.
With LES DAVIES MBE
A sticky weed, but it does have its uses
LOVED by children for its ability to stick to clothing but hated by gardeners, Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, Mutton Chops, Sticky Jacks, Sweet Hearts, Common Bedstraw, and Robin Run Over the Hedge are just some of the common names given to one of our commonest garden weeds and native hedgerow plants.
Galium aparine, to give it its botanical name, is a member of the Bedstraw Family (Rubiaceae), a diverse group, with a cosmopolitan distribution, of some 580 different genera that also encompasses some seemingly unlikely relatives such as Gardenia, the beautifully scented, but hard to keep alive, house plant!
And coffee (Coffea arabica), the source of our morning beverage. From the bark of the S. American tropical Cinchona tree we get the anti-malaria drug quinine, also used in tonic water, but a much lower dosage.
The roots of Rose Madder (Rubia tinctoria), as its name suggests, give us a powerful red dye. It was cultivated in the Netherlands and Europe and used to dye the fabric for the red coats of military uniforms. Madder is still cultivated as a source of a medicinal dye.
Also native to the UK is Asperula odorata, Sweet Woodruff, a diminutive spreading perennial with starry white flowers, growing in woodlands. The foliage contains coumarin, which gives off the smell of hay as it wilts.
done before the plant develops its characteristic rough, hooked surface to its stems and leaves, which give it its “sticky” properties beloved by children.
Geese are apparently fond of eating it, hence one of its common names, goosegrass. Being in the same plant family as coffee, the seeds can be dried, roasted and used as a low caffeine substitute for coffee and a tea can be made from the dried leaves.
The flowers of its close relative, Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum), were
You may be impressed by all the qualities of this plant and its relatives, but it is still a real menace in gardens. By this time of year, it has grown, flowered, set seed and has died leaving a tangle of brown sticky stems and a myriad of seeds.
Understanding a little about its life cycle will help with its control. It is only an annual plant, completing its entire life cycle within 12 months, so the good news is that it has no menacing spreading underground roots like bindweed or ground elder, so in theory should be easier to control. Its success lies in its ability to germinate in the autumn, so it is ahead of its rivals that wait until the spring. The seeds are spread by us, stuck to clothing, and by animals and birds. Watch out for the young seedlings in late autumn/winter, which are easy to spot, as soon as the characteristic whorls of sticky leaves appear from the seed leaves. As with so many weeds it is important not to let it seed, so rigorous removal early in the year will help. After cleaning up the garden in the autumn, areas that have been infested with it can be covered with a two-inch layer of wood chip mulch. This will prevent light getting to the seeds and thus help prevent germination.
used to curdle milk in cheese making –indeed the botanical name Galium implies milk.
I have used the roots of this plant to dye wool a delicate pink shade. The perennial bedstraws are a common sight in our hedgerows, flowering in August, with tiny yellow or white flowers.
If your garden is infested with this weed, you might like to try eating it. The leaves and stems can be cooked as a green vegetable, although this is best
If you are beginning to think this weed is not so bad after all. Then it also has quite a number of medicinal properties to offer. Folk lore benefits include poultices and washes made from it were traditionally used to treat a variety of skin ailments due to its antiinflammatory properties, including light wounds and burns. As a pulp, it has been used to relieve venomous bites and stings. The rough nature of the stems and leaves can cause skin rashes.
Do not put the cleavers debris with seeds in your compost heap, as you will simply spread it around the garden, put it out in your green bin, as the commercial composting techniques stand more chance of higher temperatures killing the seeds.
Vigilance is the key to control, as is the case with so many weeds. As with all plants, do not attempt eating it or using it medicinally, unless you are sure of the identity of the plant.
On the bright side Cleavers, Sticky Willy, Goosegrass, or whatever name you prefer, is a valuable wildlife plant, acting as host for a wide variety of moths and butterflies, including the spectacular hummingbird hawk moth.
With MARY PAYNE MBE
S E P T E M B E R G A R D E N T I P S
• Plant shady borders and areas under large shrubs with small flowered crocus, scilla, anemone blanda, snowdrops and bluebells (don’t plant Spanish bluebells as they may hybridise with our own native bluebells).
• Try growing a few bulbs, other than the proverbial hyacinths, in pots for the house. It is much easier than you might imagine! Dwarf irises aren’t often grown but are very easy if they have good drainage. There are masses of dwarf tulips and daffodils to try!
• Remember to use bulb fibre rather than potting compost if the pots you use have no drainage holes. Make certain that the bulbs have made plenty of roots and that you can feel the flower bud in the shoot protruding out of the bulb before you bring them into warmth.
• Pot up prepared hyacinths to get them in flower for Christmas. Get them potted this month unless you are happy to have them in flower in January.
• Gladioli corms of the non-hardy type (the majority) should be lifted, dried off and stored in a frost-free place. The small corms that form around the base are probably best discarded as they can take several years to reach flowering size.
• Dead flowers, and a little bit of the stem below, should be trimmed off lavenders now. If they have become straggly a harder pruning should be delayed until late spring.
Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Sun 10am-4pm) Serving breakfasts until 11.30am; lunch 12-2.30pm; afternoon teas Tel: 01749 841155
A powerful addition
The splitter can chop large timber into more handleable sizes
THIS portable log splitter is the latest addition to the range of machinery available to the team at Mendip Rural Services.
Connected to a Bobcat, the splitter can be used in hard-to-reach locations where large fallen timber needs to be split into a more manageable size. MRS owner Aaron Coleman bought the coneshaped hydraulic kit to use originally in his yard at Haydon to help to prepare his own timber for sale, but soon realised its potential.
Aaron said: “With the amount of fallen timber around –especially ash – some landowners might need a bit of help.”
Aaron and the equipment are available to hire within an approximate 10-mile radius of Haydon and it complements the range of services he can offer throughout the year.
Mendip Rural Services Ltd.
NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH –SEPTEMBER
Coleford House
Coleford House, Underhill, Lower Coleford, BA3 5LU. (Opp. the Kings Head). The River Mells flows through this picturesque garden.
Open: Sunday September 8th, 10.30am to 4pm.
Adults £6, children free. Home-made teas.
Batcombe House
Batcombe House, Gold Hill (in the centre of Batcombe) BA4 6HF. Plantswoman’s and designer’s garden.
Open: Sunday, September 8th, 2pm to 6pm.
Adults £7.50, children free. Home-made teas.
Details: www.mazzullorusselllandscapedesign.com
10, Flingers Lane
Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, nr Wells BA5 3EH
Our services include:
• Lawnmower & garden machinery sales & servicing
• Fencing & drainage • Paddock maintenance
• Logs & kindling • Christmas trees will be available
• Introducing our portable log splitter – ideal for dealing with fallen timber with machine and operator hire
• BOOK YOUR GARDEN MACHINERY WINTER SERVICE NOW
yseultogilvie@hotmail.com
This is a secluded third of an acre secret walled garden hidden behind the High Street in Wincanton on a no through road. Wincanton, BA9 9LE. Contact: Yseult Ogilvie, 07736 609789
Opening dates and time: Sunday 14th and Sunday 15th
September, 10am-4pm.
Adults £5, children free. Cashless payment available.
Period of Opening by Arrangement: from January 2nd for groups of five to 30.
Yews Farm
Theatrical planting in large south facing walled garden, plants selected for height, form, leaf and texture.
Address: East Street, Martock TA12 6NF.
Contact: Louise & Fergus Dowding
www.instagram.com/dowdinglouise/
Open: Sunday 8th September, 1.30-5pm.
Admission: £8, children free. Please pay using cash only.
Other Gardens Open for the NGS
To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Garden Visitors Handbook, or the Somerset County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://ngs.org.uk/
Flower pot people
THEsculpture trail, organised by Temple Cloud in Bloom (TCIB), has been a huge success with lots of sightseers enjoying the artistic variation of sculptures made from recycled plant pots in the village.
It was created as a novel way of helping to celebrate the group’s tenth anniversary and was judged by Mary Payne.
One member, Beccy Angell, said: “Families, children and adults alike have enjoyed coming together to design and create the sculptures. It was great to see families and grandparents with their grandchildren walking around the trail during the holidays.” Funds raised will be going towards Temple Cloud in Bloom and Cameley Primary Church school.
Clara the scarecrow, who kept passersby entertained on the A37, with (l to r) Beccy Angell, Doris Gentle, Mary Payne and Anne Thomason
Winning sculpture created by Vicky Hurle, Remey, aged eight and Isabella, six, both pupils of Cameley Primary Church School
Short gardening courses
IF this summer was just too challenging for your garden, now is the time to plan for improvements in the coming year. Gardening tutor Christine Pritchard is running a number of short courses to suit enthusiastic gardeners.
You can learn, step by step, how to redesign your whole garden or if you are already happy with your layout you can focus on putting plants together effectively in your existing borders.
For more about specific styles of garden Christine offers oneday courses on “cottage gardens”, “naturalistic planting” and many other distinctive garden types.
If you are new to gardening but love trees, shrubs and flowers then the seasonal “making the best of your garden in spring/summer/autumn” will be just right for you.
There are two completely new one-day courses starting in the March: improving and planting shady borders and encouraging biodiversity in a small garden.
The courses take place at Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre, just off The Downs in Bristol. They are available on Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturdays during the daytime. You don’t need to be a knowledgeable gardener or be fluent in Latin to enjoy these informal courses.
NORTON GREEN
GARDEN CENTRE
FANTASTIC CHOICE OF SHRUBS & HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS AVAILABLE NOW TO PROVIDE AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF LATE SUMMER COLOUR & ADD INTEREST TO THE GARDEN THROUGHOUT AUTUMN & WINTER –VERY ATTRACTIVE TO WILDLIFE TOO!
SPRING FLOWERING BULBS AVAILABLE FROM MID-AUGUST ONWARDS FOR AUTUMN PLANTING!
NOW IN STOCK!
THOMPSON & MORGAN 2025 FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEED COLLECTION INCLUDING NEW RANGE OF WILDFLOWERS & SWEET PEAS
SPRING/WINTER FLOWERING PANSIES, VIOLAS, WALLFLOWERS & SWEET WILLIAMS AVAILABLE NOW!
Poppy, on Birdy as the Queen of Hearts . . . whilst Woody, the pony, shown by Kaen, thinks he’s an equine John Deere tractor
Going for gold: cyclist Luke Swash, showjumper Haydn Swash and shooter Harvey Sims
1st Wedmore Scouts and Beavers won two prizes for organising both a walking entry and a float
The carnival royalty
Barrow Gurney Flower Show
Clutton Flower Show
The tea team (l to r) Anne McDermott, Millie Turner, James Hazell, his dad Dave and Melanie Matthews
Liv Thomas, aged 12, with her first prize winning Lego model
Alan Grant from Hinton Blewett with his 1924 Bullnose Morris
Arlo, aged 10 and Jimmy, 12, cake and sweet competitions
Time for cake
Admiring the blooms
What’s happened to general practice?Plop the Raindrop
By DrPHIL HAMMOND
I’VE been up at the Edinburgh Fringe, sharing a stage with Professor Dame Clare Gerada, only the second woman in history to be both chair and president of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Unsurprisingly, she’s a staunch defender of GPs and produces an apple on stage to show what a GP is paid to look after each patient for an entire year (30p a day).
“An apple a day is what the doctor gets paid.” Not the greatest gag on the fringe, although we’ve had sell-out shows and 5* reviews.
General practice used to be the jewel in the crown of the NHS. You had a family doctor or practice nurse you knew, who you could get to see, and who understood you, your life and your medical conditions.
Continuity of care is the most critical tool of a GP’s trade and can increase your chance of staying alive by 25%, particularly if you have chronic illnesses. But in many areas of the UK it can be hard to see any GP, let alone the same one.
Medicine has become vastly more complex as we all live longer with diseases that would previously have killed us. Patients who would have required the care of five or six different specialists in the past now see the GP.
It is not unusual for a patient to have heart disease, diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease, all to be managed in a ludicrous 10-15 minute appointment. The work is even more complicated because of polypharmacy. Many patients are on more than five different medicines, often interacting with each other and giving unpleasant side effects.
On average, a person will see a GP seven times a year and list sizes have increased from 1600 when Labour was last in to nearly 3000. GPs are doing more, carrying a greater degree of risk, than ever before.
Given this extra work, you would expect the workforce to have grown. Instead, the opposite has happened. Hospital specialists comprise 75% of the medical workforce and the number of fully qualified GPs has consistently fallen over the last decade, with nearly 2000 fewer in December 2023 than in December 2016.
The staffing discrepancy extends to nursing staff. Between May 2013 and May 2023, the number of hospital-based nurses grew by 32%, while the number of community-based district nurses fell by 24% over the same period.
Despite fewer GPs and nurses, an estimated 30 million appointments were made in general practice in June 2023 – a significant increase from the 25 million in June 2019. And there is also a drastic shortage of health visitors, so essential to decent preventative medicine, particularly for the most deprived families.
Worldwide evidence from the last 70 years shows that the more GPs per head of the population, the better the health outcomes and lower absolute mortality as they iron out inequalities at a lower cost. Decades of research and dozens of reports from multiple organisations repeatedly show that high-quality primary care improves health outcomes through more effective diagnosis, monitoring, management, and treatment of conditions, reducing the need for more costly care.
GPs are the bedrock of NHS care and, if they do take industrial action, patients will be harmed. But not nearly as much as have already been harmed by us not investing in general practice and other community services (dentists, social care, social workers, youth workers, sure start programmes etc) over the last 14 years.
It's hardly the fault of the incoming Labour government, but it will have to fix it. Transferring 4% more of the existing NHS budget into the community would be a good start. And it would pay for itself by keeping people out of expensive hospitals, where £5 billion a year is wasted in emergency departments on unnecessary testing and scans.
YOUneed to be careful about sleeping inside flowers. It probably doesn’t apply to you, but it can be a nightmare for tiny water droplets like me.
My problem is that I’d crawled up to sleep inside a beautiful yellow evening primrose, its petals curled around me like a blanket, protecting me from the sun.
That’s important if I don’t want to get sucked back into the sky when it’s hot and passing clouds would welcome me back. You probably know all about evaporation. There was a problem. While most things sleep at night, the evening primrose wakes up just as the sun is going down.
That brings all kinds of moths, bugs and other nighttime visitors, attracted by the wonderful scent that they give off.
You can imagine the shock when I was suddenly confronted by a great big hairy moth. Inevitably I got fixed to its abdomen and off we went on another night-time adventure.
While flying I got thinking. How does the evening primrose know when night is coming? How do they all know to open their petals at the same time? How do moths know where to find them?
Another question. Why do daisies and water lilies know when to close at night? I don’t know the answer.
But I know they are a much better bet if I want a good night’s sleep.
MENDIP GRANDAD
Free prostate cancer tests
GLASTONBURYTown Hall will host a day of free cancer tests for men aged 40 and over, as part of an awareness campaign launched by a group of men treated at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital Beacon Centre in 2003.
Somerset Prostate Support Association are hosting the event on Sunday, October 6th, in conjunction with the town council, The Brue Boys Choir and Glastonbury and Street Lions Club.
Appointments take 10-15 minutes and must be booked in advance. All tests are confidential and are carried out by qualified medical practitioners.
The event is free, but donations will help fund future testing events. Another is planned for Midsomer Norton on Saturday, October 26th.
The group also gives free presentations to raise awareness of prostate cancer to groups, companies, clubs or organisations. The emphasis is on identifying symptoms and the importance of early detection of prostate problems.
Every year in the UK 40,000 men are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and around 10,000 die from the disease. Early diagnosis can be crucial to successful treatment.
Dr Hannah Pepper (GDC no: 76037) is one of the most highly qualified dentists in the South West, with many years of experience in hospital surgery and in private practice. She runs a dental practice in Wells which takes referrals for gum (periodontal) disease treatment.
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease. In the early stages it is known as gingivitis. The gums can look red and swollen, and may bleed when brushed. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis where the inflammation is deeper and has affected the bone around the teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can result in pain, infection and even tooth loss.
How can I tell if I have gum disease?
Early signs of gum disease are:
• Inflamed gums: Look for gums that are red, swollen, or puffy. Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
• Bleeding gums: Do your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss? This is a common sign of gum disease.
• Bad breath (halitosis): Persistent bad breath can be caused by bacteria build-up in your mouth.
• Gum tenderness: Your gums might feel sore or tender to the touch. Later signs of gum disease:
• Receding gums: If your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth root, this could be a sign of gum disease.
• Loose teeth: In severe cases, gum disease can loosen the teeth, making them feel wobbly.
• Changes in your bite or gaps between teeth: As gum disease progresses, it can affect the way your teeth fit together. If you experience any of these signs, it's essential to see your dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease is essential to prevent it from progressing and leading to tooth loss.
Not everyone experiences all symptoms. Some people might have gum disease without noticing any significant signs in the early stages. Regular dental check-ups are important for early detection. Early intervention is key! If you're concerned about your gum health, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist. They can perform a comprehensive examination to diagnose gum disease and recommend the most suitable steps to take next.
What causes gum disease?
The culprit behind gum disease is plaque, a sticky film teeming with bacteria that forms on your teeth. If you don't remove plaque regularly through brushing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which is like superglue for plaque. Plaque and tartar create a breeding ground for bacteria that release toxins, triggering an inflammatory response in your gums. There are individual factors that mean some people are more likely to be prone to gum disease, including a genetic predisposition, diabetes, smoking, stress and hormonal changes.
Why is it important to know if you have gum disease?
Knowing you have gum disease early on will help you to save your teeth. It is also important to keep your gums healthy, as gum disease can be
associated with other diseases. There is strong evidence that treatment of gum disease can help diabetics manage their sugar control better, and sometimes gum disease is the first sign of diabetes. It is also thought to be associated with other diseases such as heart disease, strokes and dementia.
Is gum disease treatable?
Yes it is treatable.
The most important way of treating and/or preventing gum disease is spending some time cleaning your teeth using an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes twice every day. We recommend a regular check-up with your dentist, and regular hygiene visits. This helps with diagnosis, plaque removal and oral hygiene instruction. In more advanced disease it is necessary to see a specialist dentist.
How is gum disease treated?
The most important treatment is home-care through maintaining good oral hygiene. This is vital for the long-term success of treatment and preventing gum disease from recurring. Your dentist and hygienist can help you with this.
Your dentist or hygienist will perform a professional cleaning, removing plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth, above and below the gum line. In more advanced disease, this takes more than one visit and involves numbing the gum. This type of cleaning goes beyond what you can achieve at home with regular brushing.
In severe cases where deep pockets persist or bone loss has occurred, gum surgery might be necessary.
It is crucial to reduce any risk factors such as smoking and to improve blood sugar levels in diabetes, as this will mean improvements in gum health and make any treatment more likely to be successful.
In summary:
Gum disease is common, and is due to the accumulation of bacteria on teeth. If advanced it can result in tooth loss. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and this not only helps your teeth but can have general health benefits too.
Pensford wedding
PENSFORD was recently the scene of what some were saying was the wedding of the year as Dave Mateer tied the knot with Stevie-Rose Pattimore at All Saints Church in Publow.
The church was packed and hundreds lined the route home to cheer them back as a married couple. After the service they were taken by tractor, driven by Dom Lowe, slowly up Parsonage Lane to gather their thoughts and then returning down Pensford Hill with ribbons waving and tin cans rattling behind.
One spectator said: “Cars and lorries all honked and it was a marvellous sight to behold.”
They then alighted at the bride's favourite pub, the George & Dragon, where the reception was held. The sun shone all day and evening and wedding guests didn't get home until the early hours.
Stevie-Rose, who is fourth generation of Pensford family the Pattimores, was given away by her dad Simon Pattimore. Her husband, Dave Mateer, is a fifth generation Pensfordian. Another spectator said: “It was a proper local wedding, and the biggest and best of the year.”
Season ends
ST HUGH’S Church at Charterhouse, which has been open to visitors every Sunday during the summer, shuts its doors for the winter during September.
The church will be hosting a harvest service on Sunday, September 29th, at 11am. There will be a light lunch served afterwards.
Any donations given for the harvest which are not perishable will be donated to the Food Bank in Weston-super-Mare, which is also supported by St. Andrew’s Church in Blagdon.
Craft days return
COMPTONDando’s popular craft workshops will return monthly from October until February in the village hall.
Organiser, Harriette Dottridge, said: “The point of the day is to have a chance to do your chosen craft or watch and try what others are doing.”
When she retired, she found that she had more time and saw that some older people felt isolated. As well as crafts, people can have a hot, homemade meal.
Any money raised gets ploughed back into the next craft day or is given to the local Community Trust.
They will be held on Saturday, October, 26th, Tuesday, November 19th,, Saturday, January 11th and Tuesday, February 11th, 10am-4pm.
Pictured (l to r) Sarah Arthur, Caroline and Marie Coombs and Pauline Parnell
Can you teach Tai Chi?
CHEDDAR u3a held a summer garden party to round off last year’s season – and is busy preparing for the next one. There’s a waiting list of members for a new Tai Chi beginners’ group – if they can find an instructor.
Details: www.u3asites.org.uk/cheddar-valley/home
Robin at the helm
RETIRED solicitor Robin Weelen has taken over as president of the Rotary Club of Shepton Mallet, which meets at Mendip Golf Club.
Robin (far left) is pictured with (l to r) past president Michael Flack and future presidents Keith Hazeldine and Keith Jenkin.
Grants available
THEtrustees of the Richard Jones Foundation will be meeting in October to consider applications for grants.
The trust was founded in 1692 to provide financial assistance to young people under the age of 30 in education or training from Chew Magna, Stanton Drew, Newton St Loe, Stanton Prior or Stowey Sutton (Bishop Sutton).
Grants are also made to organisations within these villages whose purpose can be considered educational. The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, October 7th.
Details: alwriter@yahoo.com
Community shop’s success
BRENT Knoll’s community shop, which opened in the first Covid lockdown, has continued to record growth and success.
The fourth annual members’ meeting heard that their “emergency” shop, run entirely by volunteers, now has more than 160 shareholders, more than 30 volunteers and continues to trade at a profit for the community.
After launching operations at the closed village shop, they have been trading from a Portakabin in the village car park. They are now gearing up to move into a new purpose-built shell, constructed by Brent Knoll Parish Council as part of a redevelopment of the village’s public toilets.
Shareholders were told that the shop team has already lodged £26,000 with the council towards the costs of providing everything needed to convert that shell into a fully equipped shop.
The shop has secured more than £20,000 in grants in the past three years towards the purchase of fridges, freezers, CCTV, air-conditioning and a new till system.
They have also been able to ring-fence trading profits and income from share sales and special events towards the total cost of the new shop fit-out.
That leaves a funding gap of £14,000 to provide everything recommended by the shopfitters to make the most of the new building and to maximise the chance of restoring Post Office services to Brent Knoll.
Chairman, David Yates, urged all members to buy more shares and to persuade others to do so. He said he hoped the new shop will be open for business by the end of the year.
Comfort quilt
THREE members of Chew Stoke WI have made a quilt for Project Linus, which donates quilts as a comfort to children in distress. It was made by (l to r) Pat Peel, Jessica McInnes and Jenny Chipendall.
Visit boost for mosaic project
Pictured (l to r): Ted Allen, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Ruth Ames White, mosaic artist and Mohammed Saddi, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset at the
THE Wells in Mosaic team was delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset to creator Ruth Ames White’s Studio for a guided tour.
Vice Lord Lieutenant, Ted Allen, had already visited the project and was so impressed by its complexity, size and ambition that he persuaded the lord lieutenant to see it himself.
The mosaic, when complete, will tell the history of the cityin 32 gothic windows and quatrefoils surrounding a walkable map of the central streets and iconic buildings.
Fundraising is still ongoing. For details, visit: www.wellsinmosaic.org or email:contact@wellsinmosaic.org
tea
BANWELL WI vice president, Alison Willins, hosted a Breast Cancer Now afternoon tea in her garden which raised £113. For their next meeting on September 12th they have a special guest, Kasae Fraser, who was a finalist on last year's Masterchef.
Details: vivienne.baileyhcs@gmail.com
A stitch in time
A GROUP of quilt makers came together in Somerset to create a large Climate and Nature quilt to share ideas for how people can help with the climate crisis.
The quilt was completed after around 500 hours of work. Each of the 22 quilters contributed one or more square panels which were then stitched together to form the quilt.
Most of the squares carry a suggestion for simple actions that people can take to reduce their climate impact or to help to reverse the loss of biodiversity in their local environment.
The quilt is now available to lend to local organisations who wish to borrow it to display at community events, schools and galleries.
Details: Kate climateandnaturequilt@yahoo.com
Defibs fitted
TWO defibrillators and protective cases have been installed in the villages of Chantry and Whatley, near Frome.
The devices were funded by Tarmac’s Halecombe Quarry and installed by Heidelberg Materials’ Whately quarry team.
Andrew Bramston, chair of Whatley and Chantry parish council said: “The community can now reduce response time and improve the chances of survival for someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.”
The crafty ladies
The quilt
Wells in Mosaic project studio
Rock of Ages
THE annual Rock of Ages service in Burrington Combe was well supported by local churches celebrating the hymn written by the Rev Augustus Toplady as he was sheltering from a storm in 1762.
The Rev David Gent officiated and the preacher was Bishop Alistair Redfern former Bishop of Derby. The Mendip Brass Band played with enthusiasm and the retiring collection for St Francis Hospital Katete in Zambia raised £354.
Successful visit
SHEPTON Mallet has welcomed visitors from its French twin town of Oissel-sur-Seine, near Rouen.
The Town Twinning Association had arranged a programme for the weekend, which included visits to Burcott Mill, lunch in Wookey and the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.
The town council hosted an official reception in the Somerset Council chamber when a gift was presented to the council by the delegation leader.
On Sunday lunch was taken at Holm restaurant in South Petherton before a visit to Montacute House near Yeovil. Then it was a return to Shepton Mallet for an evening buffet at the home of one of the host families.
Exchanges have taken place since 1991 and although some of the participants have changed chair Michael Kennett said that the friendships and commitments have endured.
Details: 01749 342170
New bus services
TWO new fixed route bus services are about to start in the Chew Valley, managed by the Chew Valley CIC Sustainable Transport Partnership and operated by The Big Lemon.
WESTlocal X91 Chew Valley Sprint will offer three return journeys, Monday to Friday, calling at Ubley, Compton Martin, West Harptree, East Harptree, Bishop Sutton, Chew Stoke, Chew Magna, Imperial Park, Parson Street Train Station, Bedminster Parade, Temple Meads, Haymarket and Bristol Centre.
The WESTlocal 99 Chew Valley Cat will connect to a large number of villages, medical centres, leisure and shopping destinations and to frequent services on the A37 to Bristol, Bath, Wells, Glastonbury Street and Yeovil.
On Friday and Saturday evening a shuttle will run between Pensford and a large number of villages to allow connections to late buses on the A37.
Details: chew.valley.sprint@gmail.com
Town cleaners
AFTER litter-picking in Axbridge for years, local resident Barry Walsh and helpers are now keeping local traffic islands looking clean and tidy. He’s pictured with Sally Batt.
One resident said: “How lucky is Axbridge to have you both. Well done on making a beautiful place even more so.”
Jackie Head from Chew Valley CIC with Tom Druitt and Jason Freeman from The Big Lemon
Unsung heroines
FOLLOWINGon from the success of Unsung Women in Somerset, local author Helen Pugh has now written a junior edition of the book, aiming to bring amazing women to the attention of children and their grownups.
Both versions of the book detail the lives of real-life and legendary women who inhabited Somerset from preRoman to modern times. The women often went uncelebrated, unrecognised and unrewarded.
The books are a blend of short stories and non-fiction sections. Helen was inspired to explore the history of the county and shed light on its women, who have often been sidelined by historical accounts.
Growing up in Chilcompton and attending secondary school in Bath, Helen studied languages at Bristol University, lived abroad for over eight years, then returned to Somerset in 2018. After four years in Shepton Mallet, she and her family now live in Midsomer Norton
Children and parents can enjoy spotting their village or town in the A–Z index, which outlines every Somerset place name mentioned in the book. There are over 120 in total!
Details: https://books2read.com/unsung-junior
Greener Wells
WELLSEcoWeek+, a vibrant celebration of sustainability and eco-friendly living, will be held from October 11th-20th.
It’s organised by the Wells Environment Network, which brings together passionate individuals and organisations from around Wells who are dedicated to nurturing the natural world. Since their inception three years ago, they’ve been a melting pot of ideas and action, striving for a greener tomorrow. The event will have ten days bursting with activities like workshops, inspiring talks, community clean-ups, and more. It says it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a greener Wells.
Details: wenvironment.org.uk
Spinning to success
POPPY Garton and her family are celebrating the success of the Wells Spinathon, which raised in excess of the £12,000 required towards the specialist mobility equipment Poppy needs for her university start in September.
On Saturday, July 20th at the Kingdom Training Gym on the Keward Estate, tens of spinners came to participate and help Poppy raise the remaining funds.
Poppy, unable to spin herself due to her physical limitations, manned the cake stall whilst family, friends and dedicated spinners completed the mammoth 12-hour marathon.
Whilst the planned evening BBQ was rained off, the supplies were still sold as meat hampers in a weekend online auction.
Poppy and her Mum, Lisa, as well as co-organisers Rachel Rostron and Donna Hand, had also put in an appearance at the Wells Saturday market, to raise awareness of the event the week before and collect valuable donations.
Poppy said: “I’m astonished at the response and I’m so please I will be going to Bath Spa University later this year with the equipment I need to keep me fit and healthy, despite my difficulties.”
The mayor of Wells, Cllr Jasmine Browne, took part
Helen Pugh
Poppy, Lisa and Rachel
Bugs and grubs invade Shepton Mallet
A UNIQUE wildlife eco-arts trail encouraging people to explore the countryside in and around Shepton Mallet and celebrate 60 years of the Somerset Wildlife Trust took place at the end of July and early August.
Organised by a group of artists based in and around the town under the banner of Flock, the artists worked with local families from as far afield as Cranmore, Doulting and the town itself to create everything from butterflies to earwigs, snails, a glow worm and grasshopper from found and recycled materials which the creators placed on their homes for people to tick off a list and enjoy.
Business and organisations ranging from the crew at Shepton Mallet Fire Station, Haskins and Shepton Community Bookshop also joined in the fun.
The Rev. Gill Sakakini, the lead artist, said: “Not only do we want to highlight the fact that many of these species, but we can all do more, householders, farmers and landowers to create more wildlife corridoors in and around the town.”
l Many of the creations will be kept by the makers and organisers, but others will be disposed of appropriately.
Alix Murray next to a shrill carder bee, also on Tadley Acres
Four of the team in front of an Emperor Dragonfly in Connock Square on Tadley Acres
Recycled beer caps make up this rose charter beetle in Abbot Lane
Turner Leforte, aged six, with a glow worm he made with mum Anita
The Antediluvian Caves
Rob Taviner
In the second of our new series on Mendip’s extraordinary caving heritage, we meet explorer and caving historian Rob Taviner, author of Somerset Underground and coeditor of Mendip Underground. Tav has been involved in a number of cave discoveries across the entire range of the hills.
ACCORDING to early Christian doctrine, the Antediluvian Period, or preflood era as it it sometimes known, occupied the period between the fall of Adam and Eve and the great flood described in the Book of Genesis.
The Irish bishop, James Ussher, narrowed this down to a very precise 1,656 years, which is the time span between 4004 BC, the year that Adam and Eve were apparently made homeless, and 2348 BC, which our erstwhile bishop assigned to the flood event itself, a date which he seems to have plucked out of thin air.
This was the view endorsed by Martin Luther, and even the great scientist Sir Issac Newton seemed happy to accept the biblical version of events, although others, including his great rival, Robert Hooke, expressed misgivings. The term antediluvian was actually coined by another of their contemporaries, Sir Thomas Browne, and is of interest to us because it quickly found its way into scientific lexicography, especially with regard to the nascent study of geology. As with all theoretical studies, this new science quickly attracted both supporters and naysayers, all keen to either prove or disprove the theories of the day.
What, you may ask, does this have to do with Mendip caving? Well, one of the most obvious targets for the geologists attention was the great flood itself and there was no shortage of candidates prepared to seek out the scientific evidence required to prove it. Caves were prime targets for their endeavours, as they contained pristine deposits that had not been disturbed by centuries of weathering or human activity.
Many of the antediluvians were men of the cloth, and one of the greatest exponents was Alexander Catcott, who, in 1757, visited several caves at both Hutton and Loxton in which William Glisson’s ochre miners had unearthed bones. The bones which Catcott examined were indeed embedded in pristine deposits, and in many cases came from exotic animals such as elephants, rhinoceros, hyaena, bears and
lions that were known only to exist in much warmer climes and certainly did not inhabit these shores. Like other similarly like-minded individuals, Catcott reasoned that the only way the remains of these creatures could have found their way into Somerset caves was through a catastrophic world wide flood event, which to his mind was proof positive of the biblical catastrophe. In 1761, he published his findings in his A Treatise on the Deluge. Catcott’s evidence appeared incontrovertible and, as it seemed to satisfy the requirements of both the church and the scientific establishment, quickly became accepted theory.
This state of affairs lasted until well into the 19th century. Despite mounting fossil evidence that the world had been in existence for far longer than Ussher’s timeline, scientists still felt unable to shake off their deep-seated attachment to the deluge, so in 1814, Thomas Chalmers came up with “Gap Theory”, in an attempt to explain away the discrepancies. This conveniently stretched the period of creation from days into aeons, and was joyfully seized upon by William Buckland, who as Vice President of the Geological Society of London, and Professor of Mineralogy and Geology in the University of Oxford, had been struggling to reconcile his scientific findings with his religious beliefs. Buckland interpreted the biblical word “beginning” as meaning an undefined, but lengthy period of time between the origin of the earth and the creation of humans. This allowed for multiple catastrophic events, thus enabling him to reconcile his own underground observations of multiple extinctions with the biblical flood, which he associated with a single thin top layer of mud. These observations appeared in his great scientific work Reliquiæ Diluvianæ, which became an instant best seller.
Buckland’s theories held a particular fascination for William Beard, a Banwell resident who had begun searching for a lost cave which had been discovered by
(Photograph by Mark Burkey)
miners on Banwell Hill. During the course of these investigations, he discovered the Banwell Bone Cave, which was literally full to the brim with ancient bones. Many were removed but others he stacked neatly around the walls of the cave, where they remain to this day. The lord of the manor and owner of the new cave, Bishop Law, was greatly enthused by these discoveries, and placed a sign by the entrance exhorting visitors to: “Behold the traces of a deluged world.”
This, perhaps, was the last hurrah for the Antediluvians. Soon it became widely accepted that the exotic creatures discovered inside these caves must actually date from a period when they had roamed the Mendip Hills, alive and well. We now know that they date from the Pleistocene, when climatic conditions were markedly different to those of today, and that none of them arrived here by dint of a biblical flood, although some may have been washed into the caves
during local landslide or flood events. Others may have been dragged inside by early humans or by hyaenas, but most probably simply fell through holes in the ceilings of caves and perished when they were unable to get out. None of this however should detract from the work
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The Banwell Bone Stack
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I must get this off my chest!
ANYONEwho knows me realises that I am one of those people who doesn’t get worked up when any little thing goes wrong. I have been around the world of estate agencies for more years than I care to remember and it’s no exaggeration to say I have seen it all. So, most of the time I come across an issue and just shrug it off. But now and again, something happens which makes me so cross that I can’t ignore it and that’s the time I get out my soap box. And this is one of those times. So strap yourself in!
I am proud to be part of a profession which has a simple ethical responsibility –to work in the best interest of our clients, the vendors, the people looking to sell their properties, almost certainly the most valuable asset they own. They come to an agent having made one of the most important decisions of their lives, which is to move their home. They know it may not be an easy process and will be prepared for a certain degree of
stress. That’s why it is so important that a truly professional agent gets involved to ensure the exercise is as painless and short as possible.
The best way to guarantee that doesn’t happen is to over value a property and I have to say that I have recently been shocked at some of the prices being asked for homes in this area, which are way beyond a joke.
Those properties will not sell, they will gradually be reduced in price and may be left in limbo for months. People will look and wonder why properties are hanging around for so long and start reconsidering their desire to move here.
My team have enormous experience and a deep understanding of local market conditions so we can be confident that we are providing our vendors with the best and most trusted advice. You only need to look at our record of selling houses to see that claim stands up to scrutiny.
But there are tools which any agent can
use to get their pricing in the right ballpark and I don’t understand why so many get it so wrong so often. There’s no point in providing a totally unrealistic valuation just to get an instruction.
Even if a prospective buyer puts in an offer it’s unlikely a mortgage provider would go along with an over-inflated valuation, so there’s the prospect of a downward spiral of regular price reductions before an eventual sale.
It’s in everyone’s interests, agents and vendors alike, to take a realistic approach to price and then we can all get everyone moving much quicker.
JOANNA TILEY
I'll take this opportunity to thank you for giving us the Mendip Times every month. Through news and information and wonderful photos it does so much to foster community both in the individual towns and villages and helps us all to appreciate the riches of the Mendips: the people and the land.
Stewart Castle Mendip Times –The local monthly magazine
A day of fun at Nunney Community Fair
LIVE music, street entertainment, craft stalls and much more offered visitors plenty of entertainment at the Nunney Community Fair.
Sheila’s blooming fine legacy
Claverham beer festival
YEO Valley Lions held their 21st annual beer festival at Claverham Village Hall, raising £4,000 for local good causes.
The weekend started with a sponsors’ reception hosted by club president Roger Gibbins and after opening to the public musical entertainment from local band Rum Kicks.
As well as a barbecue on the Saturday afternoon, there was an old-fashioned Punch and Judy man, who kept everyone in stitches.
There was a selection of 25 beers to sample, as well as nine ciders, a premium gin bar along with wine and lager.
Since the first one in 2003, the only year missed was due to Covid, the festival has raised £120,000.
Organised for the second year by a new-look committee, crowds gathered around Nunney Castle moat to enjoy the live music or to stroll through the historic lanes.
AN impressive-as-ever display of flowers, vegetables and crafts was a fitting tribute to Sheila Perry who has retired after more than 50 years’ service to the Coleford Flower and Craft Show.
Trestle tables in the Royal British Legion Hall in the village were laden with produce for the 124th show. Sheila was secretary for eight years but has decided the time has come to hand over, with Sarah-Jane Franklin taking her place.
Marcel (left) and Chris, members of the band Courting Ghosts, performed as a duo to close the fair Compere Sam Malone
Dressmaker Sally O’Regan, from East Huntspill
Sheila (centre) with committee members
Villager Dave Button with one of several prize-winning entries
Ducks away!
Mendip by the sea
UPHILL’S family fun weekend included the popular duck race which raised a record £2,000 for Children’s Hospice South West. Village society chair, Stewart Castle, is pictured releasing the 1,300 ducks into Uphill Great Rhyne.
Blackford Harvest Home
MENDIP Morris enjoyed a day at the Sidmouth Folk Festival, dancing on the Esplanade. Cathy Judge and John Francis also made an appearance.
MP Tessa Munt (right) with guest speaker Gemma Willcox
Charity ride
Classic Motorcycle Club’s 13th annual “Tortoise and Hare” event held over a weekend in July attracted 125 motorcycles of all ages and raised funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and EVS Freewheelers (The Blood Bikes).
The Mayor of Wells, Cllr Jasmine Browne, waved them off assisted by town crier, Len Sweales.
Building on David’s legacy
A NEW museum, built inside a restored railway carriage, has opened at the East Somerset Railway, celebrating the work of wildlife artist and heritage line founder David Shepherd. Members of David’s family were present at the opening, which marked the line’s 50th anniversary. The exhibition, called “The Man Who Loved Giants” includes a display of the work of The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, set up in 1984 to end wildlife crime and protect endangered species in Africa and Asia. The carriage, transformed into a 1970s living room with displays of David’s prints, fascinating artefacts, photos and anecdotes is completed by an audio soundtrack in David’s own words.
David’s son-in-law, Jeremy Hobson, was also present to sign copies of his new biography David Shepherd The Artist and his Railways. ESR Trustee and Exhibitions Curator, Elaine Lavender, created the exhibition. Elaine said: “It has been a real honour to produce this exhibition dedicated to our founder, David Shepherd, and so appropriate that it is in the 50th anniversary year of his opening the railway to the public as a heritage site. I believe the exhibition will open people's eyes to the amazing talent of the man, his importance to railway heritage and his huge legacy to wildlife conservation. I think it will also surprise many visitors when they see the range of his artwork on display and learn of his amazing achievements. He was not just ‘the man who painted elephants.’”
l The East Somerset Railway is open at weekends, Wednesdays and Thursdays until the end of October and entrance to ‘The Man Who Loved Giants’ is included in the price of a Day Rover ticket. Copies of Jeremy’s book are available at the station and online.
David Shepherd’s eldest daughter, Matilda, with husband, Jeremy, and David’s great-grandson Henry, aged four
Jeremy on the footplate of the line’s resident Large Prairie 4110
Elaine Lavender, who came up with the idea of the museum, with ESR chairman Derek Sharp
Henry cuts the ribbon to open the museum
Folk song pioneers
TWOmembers of local folk group, The Hotwells Howlers, sadly died during the lockdown period, not from Covid but from the dreadful disease, pancreatic cancer.
Over the past two years the group has been performing and raising money for the charity, Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Two years ago, the group wrote and performed a show, The Hammond Brothers of Priston, which was featured at the Priston Festival.
The show tells, in song, music, words and images, the fascinating story of brothers, Henry and Robert Hammond from Priston.
They travelled hundreds of miles on their bicycles, in all weathers, at the beginning of the 20th century collecting more than 900 folk songs from old singers in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Band member, Dave Byrne, said: “In my view it is sad that two local men who did so much for our national heritage, are so unknown in the area where they were born.”
The show will be performed again to raise money for the pancreatic charity on Saturday, September 21st at the Conygre Hall, Timsbury BA2 0JQ, 7.30pm, admission £5.
Handbell ringers get a full set
Band’s big night
THEStanton Drew handbell ringers, who perform around the Chew Valley raising money for Cancer research, recently acquired an eighth bell from the world-famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry, funded by the Pensford, Publow and the Stantons Community Trust.
The trust provided nearly £900 so that the ringers could acquire a G18* bell to complete their set. The “full peal” had its first public performance at All Saints’ Church in Publow.
The evening raised £200 for Cancer Research and £175 for church funds.
The amateur band took a well-earned rest for the rest of August but are busy booking gigs from September onwards.
They are pictured with musical director, Clare Sydenham and manager Tony Scragg.
Pictured (l to r) Mary Payne, Gill Lewis, Jill Tovey, Liz Tout, Sue Curtis, Catherine Davis and Ann Kilbride
SHEPTON Mallet Big Band opened the Glastonbury Extravaganza, ahead of the Hothouse Flowers and Keane.
In memory of Fi
WINSCOMBECommunity Singers put on a concert to raise funds for local charity, Fees Fund, which was set up in 2016 following the death of Fiona Braidwood, aged 17, in a car crash. The charity provides funding for children and young people to take part in extracurricular activities.
The photo shows Fi’s mother, Vicki Caldwell and choir members Joshua Newport and Simon Page. Fi is buried in Banwell churchyard.
Details: www.feesfund.org
Cathedral songsters
TWOchoirs from Chew Stoke Church School ended the school year by singing in the nave of Wells Cathedral.
Headmaster, Ben Hewett, said: “No other schools were involved. It was just our two school choirs, Mini Melodies and Jubilee.”
One parent said: “What a treat everyone who visited the cathedral had today. The choirs sounded superb! The final song ‘You Raise Me Up’ was certainly an emotional one in such stunning surroundings.”
Choir support church
MENDIPMale Voice Choir will hold a special concert with Mousehole Male Voice Choir on Saturday, September 14th at All Saints Church, Weston, Bath.
This will be the first public performance at the re-opened All Saints Church after a major refurbishment project and profits will go towards this.
Mousehole Male Voice Choir were formed in 1909 and have performed for television and royalty and will be in the area for a tour, also singing in Bristol the night before.
The Mendip Male Voice Choir started in 1919 as the Timsbury Male Voice Choir and sang with Mousehole in Penzance in 2019 during their last pre-pandemic tour.
Both choirs will sing separate sets with some joint numbers allowing the audience to hear over 100 voices from choirs with 220 years of experience.
Mendip will shortly announce their Christmas programme and rehearsals restart on Monday, September 2nd, 7.30pm at St Mary’s School Timsbury BA2 0JR. New members are always welcome.
PRISTONMusic Festival will take place from Friday, September 13th to Sunday September 15th on five stages around the village green, village hall and pub.
As well as music, there will be food stalls, five music workshops and stories and eco-arts activities for kids hosted by Matt Stoodley and Ecowild.
It starts on Friday at 7.30pm and closes on Sunday at 6.30pm. Entry is free, with £8 for parking.
SUMMERTIMEmeans camping, holidays, and lazy days, with or without horses. It’s lovely not having to clock watch or do the school run for a few weeks and we can all make hay while the sun shines. Summer has eventually appeared after a long wait, but high winds and quick drying ground have also produced their usual challenges, so there’s always something to moan about!
Stockland Lovell equestrian centre near Bridgwater is a great venue for camps and will soon be hosting an adult group from the Blackdown Mendip Riding Club who will be joined by members from the Brent Knoll Riding Club for a joint residential camp at the end of September.
Both clubs are part of Area 12 of the British Riding Clubs organisation which is affiliated to the British Horse Society. Area 12 stretches roughly from North and South Devon to North Somerset and east to Wincanton and beyond.
Within the area, 19 affiliated clubs offer training, competition and a whole host of equine activities and workshops to well over 1,500 members on weekdays and at weekends, during daytime and the evenings, all at very reasonable cost.
Pip Page is training officer for the Blacktown Mendip, as well being the camps organiser, fielding all the entries, requests, lessons, activities, and liaising with the venues. The Blackdown Mendip and Brent Knoll clubs have had a spring camp at Pontispool and a late summer one at Stockland Lovell, both excellent venues.
Pip organises all this alongside running a large dairy herd and milking several days a week at the family farm in Edingworth. Both equestrian venues are usually in great demand, unsurprisingly, because the facilities are first class, from the accommodation blocks to the cross country courses, arenas, and beautiful scenery.
Members can opt to do just hacking or go the whole hog and have lessons in all the disciplines. It is also possible to go as a non-rider and just soak up the atmosphere without fear of falling off. Stockland Lovell has a choice of scenic off-road hacks with or without open cantering spaces, or walks if you don’t feel like doing anything formal.
One great advantage of belonging to a riding club is that it is there just to be enjoyed. Many of the activities including lessons are purely for you to improve your riding but in a very nonjudgmental way, with no competitive element to make you nervous or apprehensive. It’s all at your own pace.
Group lessons enable you to take part with friends, thus keeping the cost down and making them more fun. It’s a bit like Pony Club for adults, and you meet people and enjoy like-minded company.
That said, all riding clubs also have a junior section for U-18s and both juniors and seniors can compete through the levels if
they want to, without affiliating to British Eventing, Showjumping or Dressage. Let’s face it, not everyone aspires to become an Olympian.
For the majority, just getting out and doing it all is more than enough, and most people have to have a day job to make it all possible. Having fun in a relaxed way is the name of the game, without too much pressure.
Mendip Farmers Pony Club residential camp in July at Stockland Lovell was a great success. Members were bathed in sunshine for the duration of their stay, and all 36 participants had a wonderful time, with excellent food thanks to Karen (one of the mums who is a superb cook), and despite chattering voices being heard at 2.30am the first night, everyone was bright and breezy, up doing chores in the mornings without protest.
Competition day brought thrills and spills, cups, trophies and rosettes, and everyone went home tired and happy. Younger members have just had their day camps at Mendip Plains, and they too have had good weather and lots of fun, which is what it’s all about.
Hound exercising has begun on the Mendips, a wonderful way to introduce young horses to hounds as well as training them to behave in company and get them used to standing as well as being forward going. Our Alfie, who is now four, enjoyed his first time out early one morning recently, with his eyes out on stalks once the hounds appeared.
Methinks next time he goes he will know what’s going on and be very excited… and a bit lively! All good training though, in a group and hopefully learning some manners. The young hounds having their first season out also have to learn how to blend in and obey commands, just as the horses have to learn to get used to a new way of going.
Don’t forget the Mendip Farmers Pony Club Open Horse Show on September 1st. All details are online, (just type in the show name) and remember an online entry for at least one class in advance is a must, entries closing on August 29th. Cash only on the day for further entries.
Classes include all the old favourites, as well as showjumping, showing, gymkhana games and a Chase me Charlie/Puissance. That’s a lot to pack into one day, so it’s an early start at 9.30am for the showjumping. I’ll hopefully see some of you there. Have fun and good luck to all.
With JANE PATERSON
Let's all get wet!
Is there a crisis in our sport?
Patricia Lawrence, who runs Divoky Riding School at Downhead, believes
for a re-set in the professional equestrian world.
THERE has been a lot of bad press around all types of horse sports lately much of it justified.
As someone who has dedicated themselves to training people to look after horses as well as riding purely as a way of encouraging better horse welfare, I find this really sad.
My concern is the way professional riders make their living. How can a rider afford to work in their sport if they are not paid to ride, they are therefore forced to find ways other than actually riding to fund themselves. This pushes talented riders into other parts of the industry such as training other riders and selling horses when ideally being a rider should be a selffunding activity.
I am not sure how the sport can achieve a way for riding to be a profession that pays a good wage but, as a matter of urgency, it needs looking into. Riding coaches are not “failed riders”. Riding coaches are professionally trained, dedicated teachers. Being a qualified coach requires a whole different skillset to being a rider.
So many riders will take an expensive lesson with a successful rider who, in most cases, will have no coaching qualifications at all and really not be able to replicate their own success in their pupil because that is not what they are trained to do.
Carl Hester is a rare exception. As a fellow of the British Horse Society, not only is he an excellent rider but a trained
Carl Hester
coach having taken his BHS qualifications. Sadly, few other riders have followed this path. I do hope the British Equestrian Federation and the other organisations involved in our horse sports can come up with a solution.
Perhaps in showjumping and dressage you should need to gain a licence to train horses, as in racing, and riders paid like jockeys are with bonuses paid when horses win major events and a percentage of the sale price coming to them to reflect their input. You already need a licence to train riders on horses that are not their own; yet horse owners can train with anyone which again opens a can of worms with untrained people coaching.
Whatever happens a solution needs to be found as quickly as possible that works for horses and people alike.
l The views expressed are my personal opinions and may not align with those of other equestrians.
From pier to pier
AFTER many years of planning and preparation the longawaited cycling and walking path between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon has finally opened! The evocatively named Pier to Pier Way is a new 13-mile cycle route connecting Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier and Clevedon Pier. The link allows commuters, leisure users and tourists to travel along quiet roads and country lanes connected by traffic free sections, rather than use the busy A370.
But getting to this point hasn’t been easy. The final “missing link” in the complex Pier to Pier project was to cross the Yeo and Oldbridge rivers. To do this, a new one-mile traffic-free section following the track bed of the former Weston, Clevedon and Portishead railway was built and bridges placed above sluice gates on each river.
Obtaining the necessary legal permissions and completing the works took a lot of time. But thankfully through the persistent efforts of everyone involved the Pier to Pier Way opened in July this year.
The route is well marked by blue “Pier to Pier Route 33” direction signs – making it an easy one to follow. The sign by the Grand Pier is due to be installed soon and
those at Clevedon seafront are pending changes to public realm priorities. The QR code on this page links through to detailed directions and a map.
I cycled along the route in both directions and enjoyed each as much as the other. The return journey can be varied in a few places by taking a detour at marked route spurs, which eventually re-join the Pier to Pier Way.
The route is varied and interesting. Clevedon Pier is Britain’s only Grade One listed pier and was described by Sir John Betjeman as “the most beautiful pier in England”. It’s an iconic place to start (or end) a bike ride.
Following the seafront from there, the route passes close to the Marine Lake and then turns through quiet roads to the small but pretty harbour at Clevedon. This leads onto one and a half miles of upgraded path along the coastal sea defences with spectacular views across the Severn Estuary.
On high spring tides, it’s possible that the sea defences path could be flooded, so the alternative road option will need to be followed – both options are fully signposted.
The route then heads inland along narrow quiet lanes into open countryside with adjacent rhynes (drainage ditches). Passing small orchards this section is so calm and tranquil, that you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a bygone era, where the only mode of transport was by horse, bicycle or foot.
Nearly halfway along the route is a lovely café “The Owl in the Oak” which is extremely popular with walkers and cyclists (check opening times).
From here it’s a short distance to the river crossings above the sluice gates at Tutshill. To avoid any disturbance to bird life in the area there is wooden screening, with a few observation windows.
After the village of Kewstoke, there is a
gentle uphill section along the former “Toll Road” which has expansive views over the Bristol Channel. If cycling the route in the opposite direction the views out to Sand Bay are even more spectacular.
Towards the top of the Toll Road there are good views of Birnbeck Pier which is being renovated and will once again become home to the RNLI. It is also worth pausing at Prince Consort Gardens for the clear views across to Wales, before a gentle descent into Weston-super-Mare, to the Marine Lake.
Cycling is allowed, with care, along the promenade to reach The Grand Pier –marking one end of the Pier to Pier Way. This is a lovely cycle route, which has been well worth waiting for. Most of the cyclists I saw and talked to were recreational users. For them the big attraction, besides the stunning scenery, was being able to cycle away from cars and traffic.
In the first week of opening there were over 4,000 journeys across the “missing link” river crossing. The conclusion is simple – if you put the cycling infrastructure in place it will get used. That’s active travel planning at work and to encourage recreational cycling we need lots more of it.
ACROSS: 1. Swallet 5. Artiste 9. Ricin 10. Expansive 11. Wookey Hole 12. Idea 14. Starr is Ringo 18. Speleologist 21. Ache 22. Stalactite 25. Limestone 26. Unite 27. Deludes 28. Hatless. DOWN:1. Scrawl 2. Anchor 3. Linden tree 4. Teeth 5. Apalling 6. Tank 7. Swildons 8. Elevator 13. Cross court 15. Relations 16. Assailed 17. Bechamel
24. Used
Runners’ target
STREET Striders running club are fundraising for a new clubhouse next to the Victoria Club in Street.
Their first event will be a 48-hour Runathon on October 4th from 12pm when at least one member of the club will be running at all hours of the day and night.
They have never had a clubhouse and usually run from car parks. Now with 120 members, the club keeps growing.
As well as raising funds for the clubhouse, they are promoting the mental health benefits of running.
SOUTH Wansdyke Archery Club has been busy shooting around the region and at their home field of St Mary’s, Writhlington. The highlight of the season to date was a fantastic silver medal for Andrea Whittle at the Somerset County Championships held at Dunster.
Andrea was shooting in the recurve category. The “Hereford” round consisted of 80, 60 and 50 yard shooting. Simon Whittle came a commendable fourth place in the men’s recurve category, shooting a “York”.
Earlier in the year, Janet Ross won the ladies’ recurve gold medal at the Black & Gold Archers spring tournament. At the same meeting Clair Crook took the gold medal in the ladies’ compound category, in early June a gold at the Bowmen of Minchinhampton 43rd annual tournament and in July, a silver medal at the Supermarine Bowmen WA 1440 competition.
Also, in May, Clive Jarrett won a bronze medal in the recurve category at the Burnham Company of Archers May open tournament. At home the club’s monthly handicap continues to be very competitive. The table for the handicap cup is finely balanced at the halfway point with 12 archers currently scoring points.
Since April eight Archery GB progression awards have been presented to members of the club as they develop and improve their skills.
June and July saw their first summer beginner’s course, held at their indoor range at Pratton’s Sports and Social Club, with seven budding archers graduating under the supervision of their Archery GB trained coaches.
If you are interested in archery, the club will have a presence at the Writhlington Fun Day on September 1st. Pop into St Mary’s School and say hello and shoot a few arrows.
Their next beginner’s course commencing starts on September 14th for six weeks. Details: Facebook
Andrea Whittle
Archery Beginners
Swim club expands
NORTONRadstock Swimming Club is enjoying life at its new home at Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse. Since moving in June, the club has seen its membership grow in numbers, including welcoming back some returning members.
The club has twice increased the amount of pool time it uses since the move to enable all of its members to access the sessions they want.
The committee have managed to reduce the swim fees now that the financial pressures on the club have been significantly reduced.
A majority of NRSC swimmers like to train in a club environment for personal fitness, mental health or social benefits and do not compete for the club at swim meets.
However, NRSC does provide the opportunity to attend meets for those that want to and they are seeing a record number of members signing up; many of whom are winning medals for their efforts.
Last year, they had several swimmers qualify for the Somerset County Championships, with members also qualifying for regional and national championships.
The club recommend swimmers to have achieved Level 7 of the Swim England Learn to Swim programme, but will offer trials to those on Level 6.
NRSC is where the dream began for 2012 London Olympian Stacey Bromley (nee Tadd). In 2013 Stacey accepted life membership of the club and continues to inspire members through stroke/skills master classes held throughout the year to enhance the club programme.
Details: www.nrsc.org.uk
Running club celebrates its young athletes
Somer AC’s young award winners
RADSTOCK-based Somer Athletics Club has celebrated the achievements of its Youth and Junior athletes over the last 12 months at a presentation event at Downside School at Stratton-on-the-Fosse.
Predominantly awards for running, the past year has seen an increasing focus on field athletics, reflected in several of the nominees and winners. Youth Athletes of the Year were George Shattock and Leila Probert, whilst the Junior Athletes of the Year were Amber Cozens and Freddie Maule. Many other achievements, such as Coaches Awards, Most Improved or Best Newcomer, were also recognised.
Downside School was the venue for the awards evening
Stacey Bromley
Volunteers keep railway history alive
VISITORS travelled from far and wide to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Midsomer Norton South Railway Station on the Somerset & Dorset line.
Volunteers who run the heritage line organised a full day of rides, live music and other attractions. People came from Edinburgh, East Anglia, the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight as well as from closer to home.
The line – there are long-term ambitions to extend it further towards Chilcompton – is run by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust. SDJR chairman, Matt Cornborough, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special.”
Services are currently offered using the line’s diesel multiple unit and its diesel shunter, but visitors can also enjoy rides on the quirky Wickham Trolley and in the brake van. Steam services are expected to return in the autumn in time for Halloween and the line’s Santa Specials in December.
Meanwhile, on the same day, more than 75 railway heritage fans enjoyed a walk along stretches of the S&D Bath line extension which was celebrating the 150th anniversary of its opening on the same day. The walk was led by former Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust chairman Mike Beale, helped by Railway Paths trustee Caroline Levett.
Volunteers – helped by Sustrans – have been making sections of the former trackbed more accessible. There are long-term aspirations to connect the Shepton Mallet section to the Strawberry Line route to the west and possibly towards Chilcompton and the SDJR heritage line.
Buffet open 10.30 to 15.30 every Sunday in the season
Wickham rides every Wednesday until end of September
Diesel Multiple Unit rides Sept 1st and 29th. Brake van rides Sept 15th
Forthcoming highlights –all with steam:
* Halloween October 27th
* Santa specials throughout December
For details and to book: www.sdjr.co.uk
The line relies on enthusiastic volunteers, from driving the trains to running the shop, museum and buffet car
SDJR volunteers gather in front of Midsomer Norton station ahead of the opening of the 150th celebrations
The 150th anniversary guided walk reaches the Waterloo Road Viaduct above Shepton Mallet, currently not open on a regular basis to the public
Crafters’ paradise
THEStitching4 All & Craft4Crafters
Show returns to the Bath & West Showground from Thursday, September 19th to Saturday, 21st.
It’s the perfect place to stock up on hard-to-find supplies! Navigate a world brimming with creativity, from paper crafts and quilt displays to embroidery, felt art, dressmaking, fashion.
Discover a comprehensive collection of yarns, beads, threads, sewing machines, patterns, and haberdashery and so much more.
Or experience “Make & Takes” workshops, talks and live demos, all in one exciting place, transforming your crafting dreams into creative masterpieces.
It's the perfect outing for anyone who loves to create and make things. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting the show website or at the show.
New festival
THERE’Sa brand-new event coming to Glastonbury’s Red Brick Building this September, FleeceFest, a day-time mini festival, is free and open to all.
It’s been created by local young people and there will be plenty to keep visitors entertained and amused, ranging from live music to craft activities and great local food.
FleeceFest is happening on Saturday, September 14th, 11am4pm in the beautiful Community Garden at the Red Brick Building.
As part of the project, a group of young volunteers have designed and planned an impressive mural – this will be painted collaboratively on the day, guided by well-known local mural artist Jon Minshull.
Music will include the premiere of some new songs written in response to stories told by workers at the former Morlands and Baily’s sheepskin factories.
FleeceFest is part of a national project called New Wave which aims to encourage younger people to take part in heritage-linked activities. There are numerous events – talks, open days, tours and special openings – around Somerset and these are all listed on www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Details: www.redbrickbuilding.co.uk
Always innovating –the Frome Cheese Show is here
FROM a range of free events for kids – and many aimed at older visitors also – there will be plenty for families to enjoy at this year’s Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, on Saturday, September 14th.
The one-day show, at the West Woodlands Showground on the edge of Frome, offers top-quality livestock over which the enthusiasts and farmers can cast an expert eye, whilst the simply curious can chat to handlers and breeders in the judging rings before admiring the spectacular grand parade in the main arena.
The same is true for the world-class cheese on show for which the show, founded in 1861, takes its name. Organisers, the Frome & District Agricultural Society have drawn up a timetable which includes main arena sensation Jonathan Marshall, a professional falconer and horse trainer with his Free Spirits live experience, Shepton Mallet-based Wurzels tribute band The Mangled Wurzels, on the Music Stage and the brilliant Fun Kitchen in the Food and Cheese Pavilion, a very much hands-on cookery experience for youngsters.
The Rockets, a junior motorbike display team, will be taking to the Village Green, whilst there will be an expanded Vintage Machinery area, thanks to support from the Richard Oatley Foundation.
The judging of the Global Cheese Awards itself is a private event taking place on the Thursday prior to the show but the winning entries will be on display on show day, which will also see the hugely-popular cheese auction when the pavilion will also host dozens of food stands.
For details, visit: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk
Free fun . . . the show offers something for every visitor
Women lead the way
WOMENare the hot tickets for this year's Wells Festival of Literature, leading the way in sales as soon as bookings opened in August.
Front runners are TV's Queen of Countdown Susie Dent and human rights lawyer Shami Chakrabarti, both appearing at the opening night on Friday, October 18th.
The following day humorous poet Pam Ayres is popular for the Saturday afternoon slot, as is novelist Cecile Pin, the Book Club speaker on Sunday afternoon. Radical feminist and human rights solicitor Harriet Wistrich is also up there among the favourites.
Her book Sister In Law delves into some of her hard-won cases in the fight for justice for women, concluding that the law is not fit for purpose for half the population.
Wistrich will be in conversation with former judge Baroness Hale, the first woman Justice of the Supreme Court.
Popular among the male authors are classical music broadcaster Petroc Trelawney delving into the past of his native Cornwall, and Frome stonemason Andrew Ziminski with a guide to churches of the British Isles.
Expanded walking festival
A FAMILYnature walk, music workshop and an evening bat walk all feature in this year’s Somer Valley Walking Festival, which runs from Friday, September 6th to Sunday, September 8th.
The festival is hosted by Somer Valley Rediscovered in collaboration with the Somer Valley Ramblers and offers walkers a weekend of exploration, learning and community spirit.
Activity walks include forest bathing which focuses on mindfulness and forging a deep connection with nature and foraging led by local experts Steve England, Luke Newman and Leah Apostolou who provide tips on how to identify edible plants and berries.
On Sunday, September 8th the ramblers will guide a series of walks allowing walkers to experience nature, heritage, and wonderful scenic views. All the walks start from the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton.
Also on Sunday, there will be a creative well-being photography walk from The Active Way. This year several new audio trails will be launched to encourage people to undertake self-guided walks around the area.
Details: www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk
Shami Chakrabarti
Transport festival is back!
TICKETS are selling quickly for the 2024 Somerset’s Festival of Transport, which once again takes place at the West Woodlands Showground on the edge of Frome.
Established by Tony and Tina Carter in 2012, the festival has grown into a two-day celebration of vehicles, machinery and other powered equipment down the years. Steam, tractors, military vehicles, classic cars and motorbikes all feature, along
The wall of death at last year’s show
Chew Valley festival
THEChew Valley Beer Festival will again take place in Ubley Parish Hall on Friday, 27th and Saturday, September 28th, raising funds for the hall and the wider Ubley community. It offers a wide range of drinks and fabulous food provided by the Ubley PTA. They also offer free entry to those people who are “designated drivers” alongside free soft drinks at each session.
On Friday evening, DJ Chris from Wells, will play background music; on Saturday lunchtime, just beer, food and good company; on Saturday evening, Wrington band Sleeping Dogs.
Tickets are advanced sale only via https://chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk/
with craft stalls, models and live entertainment. Last year’s festival also featured a traditional wall of death!
This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th, with Magpie Auctions holding its extremely popular sale of implements, machinery, bygones, tools, implements and more from 10am on the Saturday.
CHEW VALLEY BEER FESTIVAL
T HE M ENDIP T IMES W
We’re happy to list entries for non-profit community group meetings and charity fundraisers free of charge. Commercial listings are £25. Please send your entries as a succinct single paragraph, in a format that can be copied and pasted (not as a pdf) to: annie@mendiptimes.co.uk
Until Saturday September 7th
Out of Time: underground Mendip exhibition, Wells & Mendip Museum. Details: www.wellsmuseum.org.uk
Wednesday August 28th
Hutton: Taste of Somerset, 11am-5pm Show Marquee, St Mary’s Field. Entry free. Thursday August 29th
West Mendip Walkers easy 10m circular walk starting 9.30am from The Furlong, Axbridge, BS26 2JH. W3W: uniforms.blacken.campfires. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Thursday August 29th to Sat August 31st
Shepton Mallet u3a show “Essence of Summer” at Create8, nr the Market Place. Details: www.sheptonmalletu3a.org.uk
Saturday August 31st
Farmborough Flower Show, 2.30pm Memorial Hall, BA2 0AH. Details 07866 193 911. Stanton Drew Flower Show 1.30pm. Evening barn dance.
Timsbury Village Market 9.30-11.30am Conygre field BA2 0JQ. Details on Facebook or www.growtimsbury.org.uk
Wrington Show 2.30 to 4.30pm at the Memorial Hall. Details: wringtonshow@gmail.com
Hutton Horticultural Society Show, St Mary’s Field, 2pm. Details: Terry 07989 855339.
Sunday September 1st
Oxfam Quiz Night, Wells: 7 for 7.30pm St Thomas's church hall. Teams of up to six, £5pp. No bar so please BYO. Raffle prizes welcome! To book: 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com
Hutton: Annual Proms, with Weston Brass, 7.30pm Show Marquee, St Mary’s Field, £8. Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle ride: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/wedmore40-30/
Monday September 2nd
RAFA branch meeting: talk by Sister Anne Martin “RAF Brats” at 11am. Optional lunch, Wells Golf Club, BA5 3DS. Email: Lunchrafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.
Congresbury Memorial Hall Club: Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.
Tuesday September 3rd
Congresbury Singers new term starts 7.30pm War Memorial Hall. All welcome – no audition required.
The Arts Society Mendip: “David Hockney: The Old Master of the modern world” with Douglas Skeggs. 11am Croscombe Village Hall and by Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk Folk Duo Issy & David Emeney, start the Crook Peak Music Festival, 6 to 7pm St. John the Baptist, Biddisham BS26 2RH. Complimentary drink on arrival. Retiring collection. Details: debratanderson16@gmail.com or 01934 732537. Wednesday September 4th
Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers visit to Cadbury Garden Centre. Booking essential. Pensford Ploughman’s Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room. All welcome! Details: Jane 07780 677253.
Clevedon Gardener’s Club talk by Claire Hart,
“Plants for Problem areas”. Club meets 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7.30pm Kenn Rd Methodist Church Hall, BS21 6LH. Details: clevedongardeners.chessck.co.uk
Thursday September 5th
Shepton Mallet u3a speaker meeting, 1012noon, the Salvation Army Hall, Shepton Mallet, Lifting the Lid - the perils of family history research! Non-members £3 to cover refreshments. Annual membership £14.
Chew Valley Death Café 12 to 1.30pm Community Library, Bishop Sutton, first Thurs monthly. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Details: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com
Irish Set Dancing 8pm-10 every Thurs, Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PF. £3 incl refreshments. Fun, friendly, no need to book. Details: 01458 210051 paulrharper@btopenworld.com
Cheddar Valley u3a talk: ‘Being Blind’ with Tina and Ella. 2pm Cheddar village hall. BS27 3RB. Draycott Art Club meets 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thursday, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com
Congresbury Gardening Club, talk by Rob Handy about living “off-grid”, 7 for 7.30pm Methodist Hall. Please allow time to pay membership fees. New members & visitors welcome. Details: www.congresburygardeningclub.com
Claverham Ladies’ Guild talk on the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens by Anne Brake, 2pm village hall BS49 4GG. Visitors welcome, £3. Details: 01934 838017.
Wells Scottish Dancers every Thurs 6.30pm Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or email ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com
West Mendip Walkers moderate 10m circular walk, 9.30am from Hemyock Village Hall, EX15 3QW. W3W: push.condensed.curvy. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Jazz Jam – join local musicians for a jam, all abilities welcome, 8pm Bear & Swan, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk ‘60s night with Union Gap 7.30pm Strode Theatre. Tickets: £20 from: www.strodetheatre.org.uk or 01458 442846. Friday September 6th
The 3Cs Harvest Home. Crickham, Cocklake & Clewer. Details: CCC.the3Cs@gmail.com Wedmore’s “Pop-up Proms” 7pm St Mary’s Church, with full proms anthems and flags! Friday September 6th-8th
Somer Valley Walking Festival, various walks and activities. Details: www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk
Saturday September 7th
Best of Baroque, an evening of organ music, 7pm, St Bridget’s Church, Chelvey, with award-winning organist Andrew Kirk. Free admission, donations. Details: www.stbridgetschurchchelvey.co.uk Nunney and District Flower Show and Village Fete. 2-5pm. Nunney Village Hall. Free to enter. Details: Facebook
The Mendip Society walk: Wrington Hill woods. Approx 3m with moderate ascent. Meet 10am
Mother Hen Café, Broad St. BS40 5LE. Nonmembers £2, no need to book. Details: Richard 07745 834513.
Street: Merriman Park Fun Day, 1pm onwards. Chew Stoke Harvest Home. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk
Chilcompton Flower Show. Details on Facebook: Chilcompton Gardeners.
Banwell Gardening Club Horticultural Show 2.30pm village hall. Details: www.banwellgardeningclub.org.uk
Midsomer Norton: Coffee Morning 10-12
Methodist Hall, for Guide dogs for the Blind and Wednesday afternoon group.
Theale Flower Show, opened by BBC Radio Somerset’s Claire Carter, 2.30pm.
Taste of Brent Knoll, 12noon Parish Hall. Buffet & hot drink. Tickets £10 from Community shop, Margaret 01278 760691 or mjbsmith87@gmail.com
Frome Museum Heritage Open Day. Behind the scenes tours and talk by retired Town Crier, Mike Bishop. Free. Call 01373 454611 to book.
Chew Stoke Harvest Home in field opp. rugby club. Hoedown ceilidh 7.30pm. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk/ Evercreech Village Show. Midday onwards. Flowers and produce show, competitions, children’s activities, entertainment. Details: www.evercrechshowsociety.uk
Saturday Sept 7th and Sun Sept 8th
Pilton Show, 2-5pm playing field BA4 4BR. Barn Dance on Sat. PUGS Ukulele Group 3pm Sunday. Details ww.piltonflowershow.org.uk
Monday September 9th
Nailsea & District Local History Society: “Lighthouses of the Bristol Channel” with John Page. 7.45pm Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors welcome £3. Details: 01275 463479.
Wincanton Choral Society begin rehearsals at King Arthurs School at 7.15pm with Vivaldi, Rutter, Bach. Details: Sally 01749 860457. Norton Radstock u3a talk “Swimming through history” by Sally Helvey, about Cleveland Pools, 2-4pm Somer Centre, M Norton, BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome, first meeting free. Details: www.norrad.u3asite.uk
Tuesday September 10th
Parkinson’s NW Somerset Singalong Group 2.30-4pm St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea. Singing is good for voice loss due to Parkinson's and there's no skill required! Details: Chris 01275 855524.
Crook Peak Music festival: Organ Recital 6pm St. Congar’s, Badgworth BS26 2QP. Complimentary drink on arrival. Retiring collection. Details: debratanderson16@gmail.com or 01934 732537.
Clutton History Society talk by Andrew Hillman about Lord’s Wood, 7.30pm in the village hall, Venus Lane, BS39 5SP. All welcome. Visitors £5 incl tea/coffee. Details: 07341 266986 or chris.border@live.co.uk
Timsbury Gardening Club talk by Derek Dexter “Fuchsias” 7.30pm Conygre Hall, BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome £2. Details: Secretary timsburygc@gmail.com
N G UIDEFOR S EPTEMBER 2024
Chew Valley Choral Society: rehearsals start for the next concert with pieces by Mozart, SaintSaëns & Chilcott. 7.30pm Bishop Sutton village hall. Details: www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk
Shipham Rowberrow & Star History Society AGM then talk by John Page: “Time & the clockmakers of Axbridge”, 7.30 pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. Guests welcome £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784.
Wednesday September 11th
Mendip Storytelling Circle: stories for a grownup audience, 7.30 to 9.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. Details: www.mendipstorycircle.com
Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Sam Ross “Saving seeds for local biodiversity” 7.30pm village hall, BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3. www.kilmersdongardeners.org
Chew Valley Gardening Club: “Gardens of Japan” by Nicholas Wray 8pm Stanton Drew Village Hall.
West Mendip Walkers moderate 9m circular walk, 9.30am from The Bath Arms, Horningsham, BA12 7LY. W3W: column.attention.populate Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Wells Gardening Club talk “Why create botanic gardens?” by Anne Brake 7.30pm Town Hall. Details: www.wellsgarden.club
Friday September 13th to Sun Sept 15th
Priston Music Festival, village hall and green, BA2 9EE. Parking £8. Details: www.priston.org.uk/festival
Wedmore Real Ale Festival. Details: www.wedmorerealale.co.uk
Saturday September 14th
Ubley: Bio-char making day 10am Tania’s wood. Mendip Society members free, non-members £10, incl. bio-char to take home. To book: 01275 874284 or Judith.tranter1@btinternet.com
Mendip Society walk, Blackdown: “Somerset vs Hitler” a moderate, mainly level 3m over 3 hours. Some rough ground, led by Mike Harvey. Meet 2pm Charterhouse Centre car park, BS40 7XR. Non-members £2, booking essential. Details: 07811 478748 or themendipsociety.photos@gmail.com
Mendip Male Voice choir with Mousehole MVC, 7pm All Saints church, Weston, Bath, BA1 4ER. Details: www.mendipmen.co.uk
Street Chrysanthemum, Dahlia & Vegetable Society Show 1pm-4.30 Victoria Club, BA16 0HB. Free entry, refreshments. Details: www.streetcdvs.org.uk
Green Open Homes: Pensford, Belluton & Norton Malreward. Join local residents for a day of exploring their energy-efficient homes. Details greenopenhomesbanes.org
East Harptree Flower & Craft Show 2.30-5pm playing field. Theme “Make. Do. Mend” To enter contact: ehflowerandcraftshow@gmail.com
Weston Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk: 10km or 5km from the Grand Pier along W-s-M beach. Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/events
Winscombe “Not the village show” fun for all in aid of new build, 12-4pm Community Centre BS25 1JA.
Wedmore Guides Jumble sale, 9-12 village hall,
BS28 4EQ. To donate jumble call Sue 01934 713278 or Elaine 01934 713650.
Congresbury Book Sale: 9am- 1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws etc Saturday September 14th and Sunday 15th
Chew Valley Nature Photography Festival. Details: www.chewvalleynpf.wordpress.com/ Sunday September 15th
Poetry & music inspired by nature: Recital and homemade tea, 3pm United Reformed Church, Street BA16 0ER. Free, donations to URC and Friends of the Earth. Details: sherbornequakers@gmail.com
Battle of Britain Service, 11am St John's Church, Glastonbury, BA6 9DR. Service and wreath laying ceremony. All welcome. Details: rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057. Monday September 16th
Timsbury Nats talk by Andy Daw, “Bulgaria”, 7.30pm Conygre Hall BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome £3. Accompanied U16s free. Annual membership due.
Chew Valley U3A talk by Alex Leger “Behind the scenes on Blue Peter” 10.30am Ubley Village Hall. Visitors welcome.
Winscombe District U3A talk by Jo Edwards: “Hannah More, writer & philanthropist” 2.30pm Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1HP. £2.50. Visitors welcome.
Tuesday September 17th
Wrington Local History Society talk by Steve Egginton on his years as a journalist and how he and colleague Mark Adler founded the Mendip Times. 7.30 for 8pm Wrington URC Chapel, Roper’s Lane, BS40 5NF. Visitors welcome £2.50. Details: osmansteve@yahoo.co.uk
Chew Valley Choral Society free ‘Taster Session’ all welcome, 7.30pm Bishop Sutton village hall, BS39 5XQ. Details: www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk/taster-session Open Mic Night, all welcome. 7.45pm The Pony, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk Bristol Brass Consort for Crook Peak Music Festival, 6pm St. Gregory's, Weare BS26 2LE. Complimentary drink on arrival. Retiring collection. Details: debratanderson16@gmail.com or 01934 732537.
Wednesday September 18th
Pensford Ploughman’s Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.
West Mendip Walkers moderate 11m circular walk, 10am from Haytor National Park Visitor Centre, TQ13 9XT. W3W: skews.ruling.wiping Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Friends of Weston Museum AGM and talk by John Crockford-Hawley, Mayor of W-s-M, about ‘Weston at War’, 2.30pm Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Visitors £4. Details: David 01934 876670 or www.westonmuseum.org/event/friends-of-themuseum-talk-weston-at-war/
Henton & District Gardening club: Arthur Cole, “The Newt past, present and future” 7.30pm Henton Village Hall. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com
Cheddar Valley u3a: lunch at Rich’s Cider Restaurant, Highbridge. To book: francesyf99@outlook.com
Thursday September 19th
Cheddar Valley u3a coffee morning, 10am-11.30 Cheddar village hall, BS27 3R. All welcome. Shipham & District Gardening Club: “Bulbs, corms & tubers” by George Hargreaves, 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall BS25 1SG. West Mendip Walkers moderate 9.25m circular walk, 9.30am from Holne church, TQ13 7SL. W3W: kingdom.mystified.sediment. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Yatton & District Horticultural Society. Sissinghurst Behind the Scenes, by Neil Ross. 8pm Hangstones Pavilion, Yatton BS49 4HS. www.yattonhorticulturalsociety.co.uk
Friday September 20th
Save the Children lunch 12.30 pm Shipham village hall £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese, biscuits, tea/coffee. Do come and join us. North Somerset Quilters, speaker Dawn Cameron-Dick “One Woman Quilt Show” 7.30pm Backwell WI Hall, Station Rd, BS48 3QW. Visitors welcome £7. Details Karen 01275 463119. Saturday September 21st
Bleadon Village Market: 30+ stalls, 9.30-12 Coronation Halls, BS24 0PG. Details: 01934 812370. Green Open Homes: Peasedown St John. Details greenopenhomesbanes.org
The Hotwells Howlers tell the story of the Hammond brothers, folk song collectors of Priston. 7.30pm Conygre Hall, Timsbury. £5. All proceeds to Pancreatic Cancer UK. Details: davidwbyrneuk@yahoo.com or 01761 419224. Claverham Market: 10am-12 Village Hall. Butcher, veg, crafts etc. Details 01934 830553. “The Old Pier” magical family theatre for ages 5+. 2.30pm, Old School Room, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk
“Before Fame” – or what not to do when you discover one of the world’s greatest pop duos in a village hall!. 8pm Old School Room, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk
Saturday September 21st and Sun Sept 22nd
Uphill Scarecrow Festival: around 100 scarecrows! Refreshments at local churches. Details: Stewart 01934 415581.
Sunday September 22nd
Julian House Circuit of Bath Walk. Details: www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk
Monday September 23rd
Congresbury Memorial Hall Club: Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.
Tuesday September 24th
Chilcompton Garden Club “Behind the scenes at Sissinghurst” by Neil Ross 7.30pm Village Hall, BA3 4EX. All welcome.
Winscombe Folk Club all welcome, 7.30 for 8pm, £2. Upstairs at Winscombe Club, 7 Sandford Rd BS25 1HD. See FaceBook. Continued overleaf
Parkinson’s NW Somerset Singalong Group
2.30-4pm St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea. Details: Chris 01275 855524.
Wells & District Wildlife Group talk: “The great Somerset eel recovery project” 7.30pm Wells Museum. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062.
Crook Peak Music Festival: 16th century “Musicke in the Ayre” 6pm St. Mary the Virgin, Christon BS26 2XX. Complimentary drink on arrival. Retiring collection. Details: debratanderson16@gmail.com or 01934 732537.
Wednesday September 25th
Mendip Ploughing Match, Green Ore. Details: www.mendipploughingsociety.co.uk
Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.
Harptrees History Society: Prof Ronald Hutton
“The personal rule of Charles 1” Visitors £3. Book from 11th Sept: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org subject line "Sept 2024"
Thursday September 26th
West Mendip Walkers moderate 8.8m circular walk 9.30am from Priddy village hall, BA5 3BE. W3W: foiled. scornful. calm Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Friday September 27th
Inner Wheel of Mendip Charity Quiz for Guide Dogs, Easton village hall with Ploughman's Supper. Tickets £10 from 07979 347002.
Whitchurch Local History Society ‘The art of the magician’ with Tony Griffith. 7.30pm in the URC, 24 Bristol Rd, BS14 0PQ. Visitors welcome £4. Details 01275 830869.
MacMillan Coffee Morning, 10am-12 Masonic Hall, Redfield Rd, M Norton, BA3 2JN. Disabled access from rear car park. Details: Chris 07768 778169.
Friday Sept 27th and Sat Sept 28th
Chew Valley Beer Festival. Details: www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk
Saturday September 28th
Piano Concert 7.30pm St Mary’s, Yatton. Details: www.yms.org.uk
“Chew Valley Big Sing” 10am-5pm Chew Valley School. £15. Details & tickets via Facebook or www.voxinfrox.co.uk
Wedmore Big Drop & Jigsaw sale for Weston hospicecare 9.30am-12.30 village Hall. Please deliver jigsaws to Tonkin House, Church St. Bring other items on the day. Details: 01934 712089. Timsbury Village Market 9.30-11.30am Conygre field BA2 0JQ. Details on Facebook or www.growtimsbury.org.uk
Congresbury Book Sale: 9am –1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws etc. Street Repair Café 10am-12 Street Quaker Meeting House, BA16 0EB. Bring domestic items for repair by volunteers. Coffee & cake. Details: Facebook or streetrepaircafe@gmail.com
Banwell Coffee Morning & cake sale 10am-12
Bowling club. For Rotary Shoebox Appeal. Discover your Community in Street 10.30am to 2pm, Crispin Hall and touring around.
Sunday September 29th
North Somerset Ploughing match, Langford BS40 5DE. Details: www.nsas.org.uk
“Kathakali” traditional Indian theatre 7pm, Croscombe village hall, nr Wells. Tickets £5 to £14 from: www.takeart.org
Church of the Holy Saviour, Puxton. Churches Conservation Trust. Traditional Harvest Service, 3pm. All welcome.
Monday September 30th
Norton Radstock u3a Coffee Morning 10am-12 Somer Centre, M Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome, first meeting free. Details: norrad.u3asite.uk
Tuesday October 1st
Mendip Rocks! Radstock Coal & Railway Walk with Richard Frost of The Mendip Society, 2pm4.30pm, £5. Book: www.mendiphillsnl.org.uk/events
Yatton Local History Society talk by Roy Ackrill on Backwell Station, 7.30pm Yatton Methodist Church BS49 4DW. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com
The Arts Society Mendip: “Pots and frocks – the world of Grayson Perry” with Ian Swankie.11am Croscombe Village Hall and by Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk
Get creative
YOUNG creatives in Somerset are being invited to submit their ideas for a new sound commission and short film.
The charity Somerset Film, with the support of Arts Council England, is offering the opportunity for an artist under the age of 20 to receive a fee and access to materials and support to help them
create a new piece of sound art.
The successful artists will receive £300 cash fee with a further £200 available towards paying for materials, performers or to access software. The work created will also be exhibited publicly at The Engine Room in Bridgwater.
The charity is also commissioning a young filmmaker to make a short film thanks to support from BFI Film Academy South West and Watershed, Bristol.
Those under 25 are invited to pitch their idea to be made into a short film. The film should be a short narrative fiction piece ie comedy or drama (not documentary) which has a maximum runtime of five minutes.
