Mendip Times
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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 4
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Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
SEPTEMBER 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: FOOD & DRINK • EDUCATION • SPORT • EXTRAVAGANZA • WHAT’S ON • PLOUGHING PREVIEWS Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
Welcome
IT’S harvest time which means that this month we look forward to some of the food festivals and ploughing matches that are coming up in our area. We’ve also been out enjoying some beautiful flower shows and other events in our towns and villages – we have pictures from many – and we had a great time at the Mid-Somerset Show, probably the biggest ever, and met hundreds of readers. We also have a picture special from the Glastonbury Extravaganza. The fun doesn’t stop here – our What’s On diary for September is one of the busiest ever, with harvest homes and carnivals to look forward to. In October we will be at the National Hedging Championship at Chew Valley Lake – we have details this month. We preview Somerset Art Weeks and look ahead to the 50th anniversary of the closure of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway. We also take a look at a village mosaic which is about to be unveiled in Blagdon. Chris Sperring writes about the humming-bird hawk-moth and we hear how cranes have bred in Somerset for the first time in 400 years. We also meet the horse that likes a pint of cider. Cheers and welcome to autumn on Mendip. October 2015 deadline: Friday, 18th September 2015. Published: Tuesday, 29th September 2015. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888 or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Frome fliers at Asham motocross – see page 93. Photograph by Mark Adler.
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Brothers in farms – MidSomerset show in pictures
43
Time to remember – Chilcompton’s VJ Day tribute
91
Mine’s a pint – Tinker’s secret to a long life
93
Flying high – motocross thrills on Mendip
Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Arts & Antiques ...........................16 Business ........................................22 Food & Drink...............................28 Internet and Crossword..............40 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......49 Walking Sue Gearing....................50 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........52 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......54
Health Dr Phil Hammond.............70 Community...................................74 Charities .......................................76 Caving Phil Hendy........................81 Music.............................................82 Motoring .......................................83 Homes and Interiors....................84 Riding............................................90 Sport..............................................92 What’s On ....................................95 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
The last of “the few”
Lieutenant Colonel R W G “Nick” Nicholls, president of the Glider Pilot Regiment Association (far left), with other veterans at the Double Hills memorial
THIS year’s Double Hills memorial service at Paulton will honour the last surviving glider pilots from the Second World War. Some veterans are expected to attend the service which marks the day a glider taking troops to the Arnhem Landings crashed on the edge of the village, killing all 23 people on board. They were the first fatalities of Operation Market Garden. This year’s service will take place on Sunday, September 6th when veterans, serving personnel and villagers will gather at Paulton Recreation Field before marching to the permanent memorial. Weather permitting, the service will begin at 2.30pm with a flypast of military aircraft.
Putting soul into Rotary
NEWS
From Sandford to Holland
The Sandford and Banwell layout
MODEL railway enthusiasts filled Wells Town Hall for the annual Railwells exhibition. This year’s event attracted members of the 3mm Society which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Amongst the stars of the weekend – organised by Wells Railway Fraternity – were a layout based on Sandford and Banwell station on the Strawberry Line and a layout from Nul, in Holland, created by Guillaume Veenhuis. The Sandford and Banwell layout was brought from Kent by Pete and Jeff Day. The buildings and quarry line were accurate but the tracks were doubled to create a more interesting display of trains. Extraordinary detail in this layout from Holland
Ian Hobbs with Inner Wheel president Jacky Emm
FROM running a successful business to being lead singer of a seven-piece soul band – Ian Hobbs had plenty to talk about as the guest speaker at a meeting of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel. Ian, president of the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock, said his ambition for his year in office is to make a difference by getting everyone involved while having fun along the way. Ian runs Ian Hobbs Technical Services and sings in his spare time with the Honkytonks. His chosen charities for the coming year are the Teenage Cancer Trust, Bath Alzheimer’s Society and Crohn’s Disease Research. In the longer term, he also hopes to join with other Rotary clubs in setting up an educational school in Zambia.
Alan Garner, chairman of the Broad Gauge Society MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
Have your say on Mendip’s future
RESIDENTS throughout Mendip are being given the chance to influence how their local community grows and develops through a series of public consultation events. They will form a key part of Mendip District Council’s Local Plan Part Two, which will examine in detail where development will go in Mendip’s towns and villages. It will consider individual sites for housing, employment and community facilities, while reviewing which open spaces should be protected and whether any other policies are needed, for example, around space standards for new homes or helping people wishing to build their own homes. Part One of the Local Plan was adopted last year. That document set out the overall minimum numbers of additional housing and employment needed in the district and the broad locations where it could go, including identifying some large development sites. Beginning on September 16th, Mendip will be running a series of public consultation events to get feedback from local people about how they would like to see their local area develop. The drop-in sessions will take place throughout the district and be staffed by officers from the council’s planning team, who will be on hand to answer questions. Local people who attend the sessions will be able to see and comment on maps with proposed sites for development. All maps and documents will be available on the council’s website in advance of the events – www.mendip.gov.uk/localplanpart2 The information will also be available in hard copy at the council’s Shepton Mallet offices and customer access points. Ian Bowen, Principal Planning Policy Officer, said: “The Local Plan is one of the council’s most important documents and will guide development across the district for many years to come. “It will identify sites that are suitable for development, for housing, employment and community facilities, while also clarifying which areas should be protected from development. “It’s vital that we get as much feedback as possible, so I hope that local people will take the opportunity to attend their local public consultation event and let us have their comments.” Cllr Nigel Woollcombe-Adams, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The Local Plan is a document which affects everyone living in the district and forms a major part of the council’s drive to increase employment and high-quality housing in Mendip. “This is an important opportunity for local people who want to shape how their local community will develop in years to come, so I hope that residents will attend their local public consultation session to have their say.” Details: For more information or advice on the Local Plan Part Two, contact Mendip’s Planning Policy Team on planningpolicy@mendip.gov.uk or 0300 303 8588.
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Walkers welcome
CHEDDAR has become the first village in the Mendip area – and only the fifth community in Somerset – to be awarded the “Walkers Are Welcome” accreditation. Cheddar Walking Group, which has been working on the application since February, has welcomed the announcement by the Walkers Are Welcome UK network. There are more than 100 places in the UK that have become members of the Walkers Are Welcome scheme since it started in 2007. The organisation is a non-profit making Community Interest Company set up to encourage towns and villages to be “welcoming to walkers”. Cheddar Walking Group is planning an official launch of the scheme in September and has been approached by Mendip Ramblers about holding its annual walking festival in Cheddar next year. Group chairman, Huw Robson said: “We thought we had a good case as we had the backing of Sedgemoor District Council, Cheddar Parish Council, Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the community but we still had to keep our fingers crossed that we met the other criteria. “Gaining the accreditation is a huge boost for us and I would like to thank everyone who has worked hard to help us reach this stage but now the work really begins as we put together a selection of guided walks and a programme of events.” Among the things the group has to do to demonstrate its longterm commitment to the scheme are survey the footpaths around the village and surrounding area, report any problems, establish new walks and improve facilities for walkers. For more information, email: contact@cheddarwalking,co.uk or visit www.cheddarwalking.org.uk
Clean up our beaches
THE UK’s leading marine charity, the Marine Conservation Society, is looking for volunteers for the Great British Beach Clean from September 18th – 21st. Plastic bottles and carrier bags, nappies, balloons, and tiny plastic pieces can be found on almost every beach in the UK – either washed up, blown there or dropped. The society says our beaches have never been so filthy, and most of the litter found can be traced back to us – the general public. It says there was a 6.4% rise in beach litter between 2013 and 2014 with wet wipes having the biggest increase at almost 50%. Details: http://www.mcsuk.org/greatbritishbeachclean or telephone 01989 566017.
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Wild cranes breed in Somerset
WILDLIFE conservationists are celebrating after young wild cranes took to the air in the West Country for the first time in four centuries. They have bred successfully on the Somerset Levels and at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. The young cranes’ existence has been kept secret since they hatched in May
in order to protect the families from being disturbed. Now the young cranes can fly they are less vulnerable to their natural predators and are likely to travel away from the nests with their parents. It’s a significant step for the Great Crane Project, which has been reintroducing cranes to the West Country since 2009. This is the first
ENVIRONMENT
time that cranes from the project have successfully reared chicks. This year has seen around a dozen pairs of the young reintroduced birds take up territories across the South West with eight of these going on to make breeding attempts – two of which have now ended in successfully fledged young. Damon Bridge, Great Crane Project manager said: “We’re all absolutely delighted – success for us has always been about seeing young raised in the wild take flight. To have young on the wing at in Somerset and at Slimbridge so early on is really fantastic and bodes well for the birds very quickly establishing themselves more widely in the south and west.” Farmers Ron and Trish Coombes, who have been watching the parents raise their youngsters on the Somerset Levels over the last few months said: "It has been very exciting to watch the pair of cranes successfully hatch and rear the chicks. “We knew the pair were favouring one particular site but were quite astonished when they appeared with two little chicks. The adult cranes are, quite rightly, very proud parents and have worked hard to protect their young. It has been a privilege to witness their achievement and we feel sure that the commitment of our team in managing predation on the farm has contributed enormously to their survival." The Great Crane Project is a partnership between the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, RSPB and Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, with major funding from Viridor Credits Environmental Company. The aim is to restore healthy populations of wild cranes throughout the UK, so that people can once again experience these beautiful birds. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 7
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MENDIP TIMES
ENVIRONMENT
Fun day preview for Mendip Rocks!
M E N D I P
W E A T H E R
S C E N E
IT was called Wild Westbury and almost 100 people, including many families with children, attended a very successful pre-event for this year’s Mendip Rocks! festival. The event was held at Westbury Quarry at Westbury-sub-Mendip, not usually open to the public and included a guided walk by quarry manager Nigel Taylor. Peter Hardy, author of “The Geology of Somerset”, provided a specialist geological history of the disused quarry and local fossil finds. Following the tour, visitors were also shown Peter’s collection of rocks and fossils found at local Mendip quarries. Adel Avery, Mendip Rocks! Festival co-ordinator, provided the family
Autumn, or not?
with DAVID MAINE
activities, including bug hunting in the wildflower meadows and searching for fossils in the rock face of the quarry. Indoor fun included casting clay fossils and making fossil tiles and clay bugs. Children also enjoyed carved woodblock fossil rubbings, dinosaur puzzles and making butterfly finger puppets. Mendip Rocks! is running throughout October, with a launch event “Let’s Rock” at Somerset Earth Science
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Centre, Moon’s Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, on Saturday, October 3rd, from 11am–3pm. The day features family hands-on activities by the festival team, including a tour of Moon’s Hill Quarry. A full programme of festival events is available at www.somersetwildlife.org/rocks or contact Adel Avery at: adel@nettlebridge.com G See page 98 for more details about the festival In the pink – fans at the Glastonbury Extravaganza enjoy some welcome shade from the late afternoon sun
WRITING for the September issue of Mendip Times has always been a little surreal because, deadlines being what they are, I am still in the middle of high
summer! There was a glorious weekend for the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, one of the best for several years, and the sun shone on the Mid-Somerset Show. I went out to try to see the Perseids meteor shower. This occurs each year about the 12th to the 14th of August when the earth passes through the tail of an old comet. There were supposed to be about 100 meteors (or shooting stars) each hour, more than one a minute at the peak time but unfortunately I didn't see anything. This was mainly due to a veil of thin high cloud which was advancing from the south, ahead of a weather front which ultimately produced 17.5mm of rain (about 3/4 of an inch) on the 14th. So the September issue of the
Dinosaur fun at Westbury Quarry
magazine will be published when we are on the cusp of autumn! The meteorological autumn begins on September 1st, but the popular view is that autumn does not really start until the equinox which occurs around the 21st of the month. The mean daily maximum temperature early in the month is still around 19˚C, and the sea surface temperatures, at 16˚ or 17˚C, are just about at their highest of the year. Many people without school commitments or who are retired tend to take a holiday in September
(yours truly included), when the weather, either at home or abroad, is not too different from the summer. It can even be an advantage if going down to the Mediterranean, when you still have the warmth without the fierce heat of mid-summer. All in all, I don’t think we really need to worry too much about the onset of autumn just yet, but it may be a bit different when it’s time to write for the next issue. The ploughing season is nearly upon us and farmers have been harvesting crops – a sign the seasons are turning.
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MENDIP TIMES
How can we shape the future of farming?
With MARY JAMES MBE
NO doubt readers will have seen all the publicity via press, radio and TV on the drastic reduction in milk prices and the action being taken to highlight the situation which may just be
working. As I write there is a glimmer of hope with Morrisons offering consumers a choice of a premium and standard price for milk. I sincerely hope the other supermarkets will join in. Thank you to all consumers who are buying the premium grade and supporting farmers. Times are not good in the farming world. It is not just the milk price that’s affected; it is lamb, pork, beef, cereals and across the board in fact. All farmers are suffering but it is very hard for the small farmer even if they have diversified. Many well-known names have been offering advice. I particularly liked Prince Charles’s comments made when he attended the graduation ceremony at the Royal Agricultural University. He said: “When we talk about agriculture and food production we are talking about a complex and interrelated system and it is simply not possible to single out just one objective, such as maximising production, without also ensuring the system which
delivers those increased yields meets society’s other needs. “These must surely include the maintenance of public health, the safeguarding of rural employment and smallholder farming, the protection of the environment and vital natural ecosystems.” Quite so. Farms will inevitably get larger and more small farms will go out of business with the systems we have at the moment. Who cares? I do wonder about politicians, most of whom do not have a clue how farming operates. Farming is not like industry; it is complex. It is not nine to five and it is at the mercy of the weather, whilst the dairy industry also has TB to contend with. In other words it is darned hard work. A shame then that Owen Patterson MP, who was a good Minister of Agriculture, has been side-lined. DEFRA (Department of Food and Rural Affairs) is weak and some of them need to get their act together and get their wellingtons on. If only government, farmers and landowners would get together to form a 25-year plan to serve the wider interest of the nation, a plan that could not be tampered with by changes of government. On a different note may I appeal to those tractor drivers who seem to delight in holding up traffic to pull in occasionally and let the motorists pass – they are our
Excellence in the face of a crisis
THE finest dairy cattle from across the South West, the Midlands, Wales and further afield will be on show at this year’s Dairy Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground. Despite the gloom surrounding the industry, this year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever, with increased interest from companies booking trade stands – some 300 will be there – and a similar number of cattle competing for the prestigious interbreed dairy championship. Head of show Alan Lyons said: “Dairy farming is in dire straits at the moment, with milk prices on the floor amid global oversupply. Farmers will clearly be keen to discuss milk prices with processors at the show, and the Speakers Corner offers an ideal platform for public debate on how to take the industry forward. “However, they will also be examining PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
customers! I was held in a long queue the other day and I felt like punching the culprit on the nose but it would not have been a good idea – I am only 5ft! Readers will remember that I write about Taste of the West from time to time. This is the regional food group with over 1,000 members, some of whom operate in our area. TOW has unveiled plans to expand its activities including commercial sales and account management operation and foodie campaigns to key domestic and global markets. The plan, which is seeking investors to help fund the expansion, is to provide a collaborative marketing campaign on two levels. Firstly for producers based in the West Country, the investment will provide much-need resources to fund a commercial sales and account management who can drive sales of food and drink from the region into regional, national and international markets. Secondly, the plan aims to deliver key marketing campaigns promoting the region as a foodie destination to key tourist markets as part of an overall visitor experience. Here is some forward thinking and I wish it every success. There are still some agricultural shows left to visit in September. Frome on September 12th and the Dairy Show on the Royal Bath and West Showground is on October 7th.
how to improve efficiencies to survive and thrive in the future. With exhibitors ranging from nutritionists and dairy vets to parlour manufacturers and business consultants, visitors will have Last year’s supreme champion was Jersey cow, everything they need to improve Jubilee Excitation Ceres 2, owned by Anthea their business under one roof.” The show, on Wednesday, October Dawe, who farms near Swindon speaker at the Dairy Industry Dinner. 7th, will also welcome the English Guernsey Cattle Society’s National Show, Taking place after the showmanship and which will feature top Guernsey breeders calf classes, the dinner culminates with the annual Dairy Industry Award and from across the country. Breed administrator Caroline Cox said: “We are Dairy Vet of the Future, which recognises the nation’s most promising veterinary delighted to bring our National Show to students. the much respected Dairy Show. We can G Schedules for the competition classes hope to see around 100 cattle, with are now available online. Entries close on exhibitors coming from across the Monday, September 21st. Advance saver country to compete for some of the tickets for the show can be purchased society’s most prestigious awards.” On the eve of the show, NFU president from www.bathandwest.com or via the ticket hotline: 01749 822222. Meurig Raymond will be the keynote
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Season is underway at Southfield Sporting
THE team at Southfield Sporting at Whatley, near Frome, are looking forward to serving customers new and old during the coming shooting season. This will be Southfield’s third season and the shop is going from strength-tostrength. New for 2015 in the clothing department is a range from the innovative brand, Ridgeline. This brand first came to the UK in 2007 from New Zealand and has since gained a reputation for offering UK The Ridgeline Torrent outdoors enthusiasts exceptional value Euro II Jacket for money country clothing, that does exactly what it says on the tag. The new Torrent Euro II Jacket (RRP £99.99) has been developed as a true field jacket for field sports enthusiasts who want a no-fuss jacket that performs and would be perfect for the beaters’ line or stalking deer. If you are planning on spending time in the countryside this autumn and winter, make sure to make a visit to Southfield Sporting. Southfield’s gun room is well stocked with both new and secondhand shotguns and rifles from the major manufacturers. Don’t forget to bring in any guns for a pre-season service or repair to ensure a successful season! A large selection of game cartridges are held in stock from RC, Hull Cartridge and Gamebore.
FARMING
North Somerset Ploughing Match with Crafts & Produce Show Saturday 12th September Cribbs Farm, Lye Hole From 10.00am Entry and parking free
Rural Crafts, Trade Stands Food & Licensed Bar – All Day Entries close 5th September – see www.nsas.org.uk for details Tel: 08456 342464 tim@nsas.org.uk A great day out for all the family – all welcome!
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 11
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MENDIP TIMES
MENDIP PLOUGHING MATCH
COME AND ENJOY A FANTASTIC DAY IN THE COUNTRY ON LAND at STANTON WICK FARM, WICK, NR. PENSFORD on WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2015 Commencing 10am • To watch Modern and Vintage Tractor and Heavy Horse Ploughing competitions • Hedge Laying and Dry Stone Walling Competitions • Farm Produce Show including Heaviest Pumpkin and Tallest Sunflower • Exhibition of Steam Traction Ploughing • Trade Stands • Refreshments and Licensed Bar • Free Car Parking.
Further details, schedules and entry forms from the Hon. Secretary Jim King Mob: 07810 413664 email: jimking@btinternet.com
FARMING
All welcome at Mendip Ploughing Match
THE 146th competitions of the Mendip Ploughing Society will be held on land at Stanton Wick Farm, Stanton Wick, near Pensford by kind permission of H. Curtis & Sons on Wednesday September 30th. The site adjoins the A368 between Bishops Sutton and Chelwood and is easily accessible and there is no charge for parking. This is a wonderful social day out in the country, where you can watch country skills such as the different forms of ploughing from modern multi-furrow to vintage tractors and ploughs, some over 65 years old, not forgetting the horsedrawn ploughs, bringing back memories of farming in the past and how it use to be before the last war. Also, there will be an exhibition of steam traction ploughing put on by the society’s president, Alan Sparkes, whose pair of magnificent steam engines will show how it was done in the grand days of steam. Fans of Countryfile will remember the match being featured in the autumn special last year at Priddy Hill Farm. The society can only survive with the support of its sponsors and is extremely grateful to Yeo Valley Farms, Shepton Mallet Cider Mill and also to the many other local firms who support it. The society encourages school parties to go and enjoy the day and there will be a people carrier to take children and adults around the site at regular intervals.
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37th National Hedge Laying Championship
Will be held at Stoke Hill, Chew Valley Lake (on the B3114) October 24th 2015 By kind permission of Bristol Water PLC
Organised by the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society Founded in 1832
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All smiles at show’s day in the sun AN estimated 20,000 visitors packed the Showground at Shepton Mallet for the annual Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show. Organisers opened neighbouring fields to provide additional car parking as families began arriving early for a day of entertainment and a chance to see top-quality livestock.
Pat Keen, who farms at Chilcote, was presented with a long-service award by the show. Pat (second left) is pictured with show chairman Ian Harvey, show president Bob Cork and former president Roger Eddy
Victoria Ives, from East Compton, won the Harvey Perpetual Trophy for the best example of essay writing on a show-connected theme of The Show Must Go On. Victoria, 16, is pictured with Jenny Harvey
Action in the main show ring PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
The crowds were huge
Flower power among the display of classic cars
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MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2015
Chef and cheesemaker Sean Wilson during a cookery demonstration in the food hall
Carla Masters with an Oxford Sandy Black piglet owned by steward Susan Tanner, who runs Mendip Plum Pudding Pigs near Wells
A supermarket trolley decorated by the Knit and Chat group in Shepton Mallet, was auctioned for charity during the pre-show party Action from the final of the J Haskins Cup in the main arena
Cheesemaker and cheese tent steward Lloyd Green with the champion cheese, a cheddar made by Keen’s of Wincanton
The ever-popular Mangled Wurzels played two sets on the Upper Showfield stage
Matt Clifton, who won best in show in the poultry tent with judge Philippe Wilson MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 15
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Amazing space – 45 years of the Dove Studios AN arts and crafts centre established in a rural idyll near Butleigh will celebrate its 45th anniversary at the end of September with a special exhibition and celebration. The Dove was founded by two former London artists and art educationalists, Pauline Watson and Tony Horrocks, to celebrate excellence in the arts and to promote art education in the wider community. Amazing Space is the name given to the exhibition which will include specially commissioned work by local artists and a print exhibition by Dove students. Thanks to a well-preserved and documented archive, an illustrated book highlighting the history of The Dove will be published in time for the show and then the archive will be donated to Taunton’s Somerset Heritage Centre. Dove resident artist Bronwen Bradshaw, who makes etchings, video, books and music, said: “I’m thrilled to be organising this exciting exhibition celebrating 45 years of creativity at The Dove. I’ve been living here and involved with The Dove since 1976. When I decided to commemorate what has and continues to be achieved here for over four decades, I had no idea the tremendous support it would generate. “It’s a completely collaborative venture as so many Dove Arts artists and students past and present want to participate. Everyone is pitching in and helping. It’s a great community affair which is the basis of what has always been the Dove.” Supported by the Arts Council and Somerset Art Works, the exhibition
Bronwen Bradshaw in her studio at The Dove PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Some of the artists who will be taking part in Amazing Space are pictured standing in front of a shed at The Dove painted by abstract artist Pennie Elfick An indigo print workshop creating a giant “book” reflecting life at The Dove
officially opens during the Somerset Arts Weeks Festival from October 3rd-18th. Bron will be joined by three visual artists – Pennie Elfick, Michael Fairfax and Fiona Hingston – who have been commissioned to make site-specific installations at and inspired by The Dove. Emerging artist Jenny Newbury will also produce a specially commissioned work inspired by the archive. Mike Dodd, Tony Martin, Diana Milstein and Sandie Roche will exhibit their work and mentor emerging artists as well. There will be a sculpture garden, prints and a Mini Print and Book Exhibition by Dove students. A weekend of artist-run workshops will take place on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th along with a number of concerts, walks and talks. G Do you have any memories of The Dove? Anyone who attended a Saturday Morning Children’s Workshop in the 1970s, participated in workshops and courses or were part of the music scene at
The Dove, is encouraged to contact Bron at: bronbradshaw@yahoo.com or join the conversation on social media: www.dovearts.facebook.com
Michael Fairfax, a public space sculptor, artist and designer, at work on a sound sculpture which will feature in Amazing Space
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Prime Minister’s watch goes under the hammer KILLENS will be holding their next Country House Sale at the Mendip Auction Rooms on Saturday September 12th starting at 10am. A carefully selected entry of approximately 500 lots has been entered epitomising the style of the English country house. Amongst the items is a gold pocket watch that once belonged to the Earl of Rosebery who succeeded William Gladstone as Prime Minister in the late 19th century. The watch was given to the current owner’s great grandfather, Arthur Williams, who was employed as head stud groom on the occasion of Lord Rosebery’s horse winning both the Derby and the St Leger. Arthur rode to Leighton Buzzard railway station to receive a message of the horse’s success on the railway telegraph and on returning to the Mentmore Towers Estate to inform the Prime Minister, Lord Rosebery was so pleased that he gave Arthur his watch. Also being offered is a charming Berlin 19th century plaque with an estimate of £6,000 – £8,000 together with other items including jewellery, silver, collectables, furniture, rugs and pictures.
At their antiques sale on August 15th, 500 lots went under the hammer and a similar number of lots were offered at the Victorian and Later Effects auction on August 25th. Entries are being sought for future sales including the September Victorian and Later Effects sale which will be held on September 22nd and the next antiques sale due to be staged on October 10th. The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or log on to www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk. Nicky Houston and Gareth Wasp undertake valuation days every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am – 5pm or are content to undertake a free home visit.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 17
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Print sale of work by “friend and well-loved local artist”
PRINTS of paintings by the late award-winning artist David Fisher are to go on sale at Swan Artworks at Paulton in September. David’s widow, Brenda, is staging the sale of some of his best-known works. Some of the prints are signed. Tony Osborne, from Swan Artworks, said: “As he was a good friend as well as such a well-loved artist locally, we were more than happy to hold a sale for her.” David, who lived in Midsomer Norton, was perhaps best-known for his uncannily accurate paintings of local railway scenes. They include “Let Battle Commence” –portraying the former level crossing in Radstock next to what is now the museum – and Wait for Us, which shows a young David Fisher and his family hurrying to catch a train at Midsomer Norton South station. Anyone unable to get to the sale at Swan Artworks – which runs from Monday, September 21st until Saturday, September 26th – will be able to see Brenda during the Cam Valley Art Trail in November. Brenda will be at Paulton Methodist Church on Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th where she’ll be selling any prints remaining.
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Lights, camera, action at Clevedon Salerooms
Somerset art on show
MARC Burridge and Toby Pinn flank the BBC Celebrity Antiques Road Trip team of BBC valuers Philip Serrell and James Braxton with celebrity guests Miranda Krestovnikoff from Countryfile and The One Show and Dr. Maggie AderinPocock from The Sky at Night. The recently held auction featured amongst the 600 lots about a dozen items purchased by the two teams on a buying trip in South Wales a few days earlier. The program will be aired later this year and the success of the day meant it probably won’t be very long until the BBC are back at Clevedon!
MORE than 350 artists from all over Somerset will be welcoming visitors to community halls, galleries, artists’ studios, farm buildings and a range of unusual venues for this year’s Somerset Art Weeks Festival. With over 100 locations across the county this year’s festival theme is Momentum, with interpretations ranging from walks through the landscape to illustrations of the creation of the universe. Somerset is often referred to as the county you drive through to get somewhere else, so Somerset Art Weeks aims to highlight aspects of the county which people may not otherwise notice. Festival organiser, Zoe Li, said: “The Festival is a great way to explore the county. You can take a tour around some of the lanes and discover new places where there is some fantastic art on display. “We’re so lucky to have such talent in Somerset and there’s such a range of people taking part, from newly emerging artists to internationally recognised talent.” The artists’ work will include painting, glass, willow weaving, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, film and sound sculpture. The festival runs from October 3rd – October 18th.
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 7, 8, 9 & 21, 22, 23 September 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary
Bristol Delft Charger
£800 - £1,200
19th Century English School oil on canvas
19th Century Chinese vase
£1,000 - £1,500
£1,500 - £2,500 Coalbrookdale cast iron garden seat
£500 - £800
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
Quarterly Specialist Sale Thursday 3rd September, At 10.30am VIEWING: Tues 1st September 2pm – 5.30pm & Wed 2nd September 10am – 7.30pm
Fully Illustrated catalogue online now MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 19
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A chance to join Tony
AN eye for detail, a sharp brain and a passion for arts and antiques – Tony Hopkins is looking for all that and more in his search for a business partner at Pylle Emporium and Gallery, near Shepton Mallet. Trading since 2009, Pylle Emporium and Gallery is firmly established as one of Take a seat: Tony Hopkins is the premier antiques centres looking for someone to join him in Somerset. Now Tony wants who can sell this restored to find someone to help him Coalbrookdale bench and develop the business and develop Pylle Emporium and explore new projects. Gallery That could range from selling antiques directly to promoting the centre via social media. Tony has also started a new venture, turning an unused section of the emporium into a secure document storage area which he believes has potential for further development. Tony said: “Ideally I’d like to find someone with two or three years’ experience in the antiques and arts trade and who wants to take the next step by investing in this business. But I’m open to any ideas and discussions.” G For an initial chat, call Tony on 07946 107674 or call into the centre.
A decade in Wedmore
ERICA Sharpe celebrates 10 years in the lovely village of Wedmore this month. During this time she has created beautiful collections and commissions, many of them inspired by local people and the amazing landscapes and wildlife surrounding them. Her distinctive Wedmore Ring has been exhibited in London and she has become one of the few jewellers in the world to have certification from The Fairtrade Foundation, as well as collecting awards and accolades for her craftsmanship and ethical jewellery. To commemorate this anniversary, you can join Erica and her staff for an open day at 8, Borough Mall on Saturday, September 26th, 10am-3pm. A stunning new Fairtrade gold necklace will be on show for the first time, along with jewellery and watercolours. Enter their raffle on the day for your chance to win a beautiful Swan Bead necklace, or treat yourself with 10% off stock purchases. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Somerset Wildlife Trust. They hope to see you there!
Art club celebrates ten years
MEMBERS of Compton Dando Art Group celebrated their tenth anniversary with a special lunch at the village pub. Club organiser, Sonia Priest, said: “During the past ten years, many friendships have been formed and, as well as painting, members have enjoyed meeting socially.” Members enjoy teaching sessions in the village hall with local artist Mary Shaw visiting once a month and also hold monthly open art demonstrations, which are always very popular with visitors. The group is now looking forward to an exhibition in October when paintings will be for sale and cream teas will be served during the afternoon. Proceeds from this event will be for Dorothy House. Details: Sonia Priest 01761 490551
ANTIQUES • ART • STORAGE NOTICE
I am looking for an active business partner to develop the business and maximise the use of space. Someone interested in the beautiful world of Antiques & Art, with some experience in the trade: • With computer and social media skills • Be practical and with business ability • Be able to develop the FILE STORAGE side of the company Established in 2009, Pylle Emporium and Gallery has survived the recession and I am now looking to shape the business.
Please contact Tony Hopkins: 07946 107674 or 01749 838783
Pylle Emporium, Stockwood Business Park, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6TA PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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New design icons – from the 20th century!
TAMLYNS Auction Rooms say they are thrilled to announce a new and exciting 20th Century design sale to be held on November 24th at their saleroom in Bridgwater. Chris Marks, Tamlyns’ in-house specialist in 20th century design, has inspired this fresh and unique venture. Currently, the international demand for
Habitat 1970s glass lamp
20th century items, ranging from lighting to ceramics and furniture, has never been greater. However, presently there are no regular specialist midcentury sales within the South West of England. The call for high quality 20th century design globally is significant – you might have noticed the increasing popularity of ‘retro’ and ‘vintage’ items. However, Chris believes many people are unaware of the worth of items they might currently own and have little knowledge of their intrinsic value. He said: “Many people will probably have an item lying around their home dating from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. It might be a picture hanging on the wall, a light in the lounge, or a vase on the windowsill. “People typically believe these items to be of no value today. But think again! There is a good chance a vase you purchased in the 1960s is worth far more than your prized Staffordshire Spaniel!"
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Midwinter toadstools tea plate
If you feel you might have an item suitable for this new cutting-edge sale, focusing on 20th century design, contact the Tamlyns’ saleroom on 01278 445251. Entries are currently being taken for the first design sale on November 24th. Chris is particularly keen to include items from the Arts and Crafts period, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. If in doubt, don’t chuck it – AUCTION IT!
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 21
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North Somerset showcase
THE fifth Made in North Somerset festival is a three-week celebration of food, drink, art and craft events across North Somerset and acts as a showcase for the rich variety of talent across the area. The festival is co-ordinated by North Somerset Council and supported by some of the area’s major producers, including Thatchers, Yeo Valley and Lye Cross Farm. It runs from Saturday, September 12th until Sunday, October 4th. Details: www.innorthsomerset.co.uk/madein
ECATCHER MOL
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966
Based in Axbridge and covering surrounding Somerset villages and towns CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE
mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
Expert computer support
ICTRamsden was founded on three key principles: Helping people at home, supporting schools and enabling businesses. Ian Ramsden is a fully qualified computing teacher with over 13 years of classroom experience and over 30 years of working with computers. You can always be certain of a professional, friendly and tailor-made service. For home users, he builds, repairs, advises and trains. For schools, he delivers excellent teaching, INSET and support with the new computing curriculum. For small businesses, he provides website design and support. He is also happy to consult on VBA within Excel. As a local firm, ICTRamsden is proud to be currently working on a project with the University of Bath and Bath Rugby. It has also worked with other local firms on web creation projects and has been tutoring sixth formers for their A Level qualifications.
Savour the West Country
TASTEFUL Tours, a familyrun business, grew out of a shared appreciation for the rich heritage and natural beauty of
Tasteful Tours ‘Savour the West Country’
Tasteful Tours offers bespoke tours visiting artisan food and craft producers, cottage gardens and historical sites by minibus. We wish to share not only the abundance of natural beauty but also the rich heritage and legends of the region while indulging in unique food experiences along the way. Saturday 12th September Leave Wells at 9.30am, return at 4.15pm ITINERARY Somerset Craft Centre, Willow & Wetlands Visitor Centre, East Lambrook Manor Gardens and Burrowhill Cider Brandy Company Saturday 26th September Leave Wells at 9.30am, return at 4pm ITINERARY Burcott Mill, Glastonbury Farmers Market & Magdalene Almshouses. Wilkins' Cider Farm, Tor Cider & Wine and Wookey Goat Farm More tours to follow.
To book these tours, please visit www.tastefultours.co.uk www.facebook.com/TastefulToursWestCountry
PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
the West Country, and is now offering tours of local food and craft producers and sites of historical interest. Lorraine Sloan from Chilcompton has been in the tourism industry for 17 years, while her brother-in-law, Jerry Hale, a farmer in Somerset for 30 years, has experience of various types of farming and first-hand knowledge of a range of farming enterprises. Initially they are offering bespoke food and craft experiences around the Wells and Glastonbury area. As they grow Tasteful tours will add further tours covering Taunton, Frome, Bath and Bristol.
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Photo by Ignyte Limited Radstock
BUSINESS
Stockists of: Great Plains • Masai Oui • Brax Bessie jeans Adini • Cream Mes Soeurs Et Moi • Isay Co-ordinating accessories
15, The Borough Mall, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB
01934 710479
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 23
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Promoting Somerset
Quality new and refurbished Laptops and Tablets, at Somerset prices!
Fresh, Silk & Dried Flower Specialists
The Square, Axbridge BS26 2AP
07467 144423
www.thesecretgarden-florist.co.uk
thesecretgarden-florist@hotmail.com
01749 347668 • info@greenmancomputers.com
FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural event in 2014, which resulted in an additional 1,600 bed nights in the city of Wells and mid-Somerset, the organisers have teamed up again to promote the county to major UK in-bound tour operators. This year’s Expo will take place at the Best Western Plus Swan hotel on October 17th, from 1pm – 4pm. Representatives from Somerset attractions are being invited to promote their services by taking a stand and over 40 tour operators are expected to attend. The hotel’s general manager and brainchild behind the event, Mark Tobin, said: “Last year we attracted tour operators who arranged tour parties from America, China, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Poland and Russia. “I am confident our forthcoming event will promote Wells and our fantastic county to another global audience.” The event is supported by Visit Somerset. Details: mark@swanhotelwells.co.uk
Church boosts broadband hopes
A NEW partnership between the Diocese of Bath and Wells and local internet provider Wild West Net aims to see church towers used as a fixed wireless point so that rural areas can have access to superfast broadband. The diocese has been working on the initiative for two years. Two pilot schemes are now in the planning stages, including one on the Somerset Levels. The news follows the announcement that the roll-out of government-funded superfast broadband has reached more than three million homes and businesses. The government scheme is co-ordinated locally by Connecting Devon & Somerset (CDS). Its target is to reach 90% of premises by the end of 2016. But Richard Tulloch, from the diocese, said: “Whilst the progress made so far by CDS is commendable, what of the remaining 10%? They are likely to be those in the most rural areas. Our churches exist to serve everyone in the local community and be at the very heart of community life. There is no better way to demonstrate this than using our towers – typically the tallest buildings in rural areas – to complement the roll-out of superfast broadband in our county.”
CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY
Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley
Tel 01761 451787
www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
D.R. CARPETS
Carpets Vinyls Wood Flooring Safety flooring specialist Natural flooring Bespoke rugs Mix and match designer range Domestic and commercial supplied and fitted
Showroom 1, Evercreech Junction, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6NA Like us on T: 01749 831578 www.dr-carpets.co.uk
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Higos celebrates its quarter century ON September 1st Higos Insurance Services celebrates its 25th anniversary. It was established in Glastonbury in 1990 by Ian Gosden, who remains as Managing Director of the company. Whilst trading as a financial adviser, Ian found his clients regularly asked him about general insurance products and in response to their enquiries he established his first agencies with some of the nation's largest insurers. Other financial advisors, seeing the benefit of providing general insurance products direct to their clients, asked to use Ian’s insurance agencies on a shared commission basis. The success of this concept resulted in Higos employing its first full-time staff member in June 1991, nine
months after the company was established. Higos now has agencies in place with approximately 10,000 financial advisors, accountants and solicitors, who refer their clients to Higos for insurance advice. In November 1995, the company moved to new premises in Wells to house its growing workforce and in 2001 a second site in Somerton was opened to accommodate new training, HR and IT facilities for the then 60-strong team. In 2006, Higos opened its first High Street branch in Glastonbury. Since then it has continued to increase its high street presence, acquiring additional insurance branches in 20 locations throughout the South and South West. Further growth is planned,
BUSINESS
with Higos’ largest acquisition so far joining the company in October 2015. It aims to have 40 sites by 2020. Now employing over 260 staff, Higos continues to grow through acquisition, direct business, the agent network and its underwriting facility, which allows other insurance brokers to access its specialist insurance facilities. The company says it’s proud to have received a number of insurance industry and regional accolades. In 2012 and 2008 it received the prestigious title of Independent Regional Broker of the Year at the Insurance Times Awards in London. At a regional level, Higos has received recognition at a number of events, including the Somerset Business
Awards and the Western Gazette Business Awards. In addition, a number of its staff have also received recognition throughout the industry at various awards ceremonies. Higos will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a party for staff at Haynes Motor Museum in October.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 25
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EVENTS
Busiest ever, say organisers
AN estimated 10,000 visitors packed the centre of Nunney for its annual street fayre and market. Organised by Nunney Community Association, the event attracted around 150 stallholders. Profits from the day go to local causes, ranging from a new BMX track to the upkeep of the playground and to fund other community activities. Jeremy Gaunt, the fayre secretary who is standing down after five years in the post, said: “We think this was the best turnout ever – well over 10,000 visitors. We had some rain, one incident with a van ignoring road closures and a few parking problems, but overall I think the event went very well.”
The castle moat was packed with visitors
A painting of Nunney takes centre stage in an exhibition on the wall of a cottage
Strolling past the many stalls
Frome Swing Band play in fron of the castle
Bathampton Morris perform in the middle of Nunney
Caroline Toll was demonstrating chair re-caning PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Vikkie, from Scales and Tales Reptiles, with her pet Red Tegu called Ed (named after singer Ed Sheeran)
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Low tech – maximum taste!
WHEN blackberries and apples were just fruit, a tweet was the sound of nature and face books were photo albums; didn’t you used to go blackberrying in September? First you picked all that you could reach, then you got choosy and only the biggest would do, then you got all scratched and gave With JUNE up. A metaphor for life I think. MACFARLANE There are around 400 different varieties of wild blackberry growing in the UK, so find the ones you like best. Make jam, or crumble, or freeze them, or try some of these ideas. With a bumper harvest this year it is definitely time to go blackberrying again!
BLACKBERRY & APPLE CHUTNEY
Blackberry and apple chutney
I find B&A jam a bit sweet and bland; this chutney has the kick of fresh ginger to give it bite. Great with cheese!
until apples and onions are tender and no watery juices remain. Add the blackberries and cook for a further ten minutes or so until the berries have METHOD softened but still hold their shape and Put everything except the blackberries in the juice starts to flow. Spoon into a heavy-based pan and cook gently until sterilised jars and cover. Keep for a sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and week before using and store in the simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, fridge after opening.
BLACKBERRY FLAN In France this is a clafoutis, the batter a perfect foil for the perfumed berries nestling in it. Serve with delicious thick cream!
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
Soft butter 250ml milk 150g granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 tbsp vanilla extract Big pinch salt 100g plain flour 300g blackberries icing sugar
Pre-heat oven to 170˚C. Lightly butter a baking dish. Blend together the milk, half the sugar, the eggs, vanilla, salt and flour until you have a frothy batter. Pour a thin layer into the baking dish and put in the oven for a few minutes until it sets. Remove from oven. Spread berries over the batter, sprinkle with the rest of the sugar, pour the rest of the batter over and bake for about 50 minutes until puffed and browned and a skewer comes out clean. Serve warm, sprinkled with icing sugar.
PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
INGREDIENTS
1 medium Bramley apple, peeled, cored and cut into small chunks 1 medium red onion, finely sliced 15g fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped big pinch crushed black peppercorns 75g soft brown sugar 50ml balsamic vinegar 150g blackberries
MEDALLIONS OF PORK WITH BLACKBERRIES AND WILD MUSHROOMS
You might find some mushrooms while you are out looking for blackberries (it is a good year for them too) or you can get them in the supermarket. Go for the interesting ones! I like girolles, which look beautiful and taste earthy and delicious.
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
6 medallions pork fillet 2 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced 100g wild mushrooms, sliced 150g blackberries 1 tsp thyme leaves juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper
Season the pork medallions and fry in 1tbsp olive oil until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm. In the same pan heat the other 1tbsp oil and fry the onions until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until soft. Add blackberries and cook until the juices start to flow. Add thyme leaves and lemon juice. Season to taste and serve with the pork.
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A celebration of art and food under one roof THIS year’s Somerset Food and Drink Fest will feature an added ingredient: a contemporary arts fair which will run alongside the showcase event at the Royal Bath and West Showground in October. Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis will open the Somerset Artfair, organised by Alce Halfield, of Dean near Shepton Mallet. Alce has been working alongside Graham and Tracy Walton of GWP Ltd. Events, which is organising the weekend. She said: “This is wonderful news for us, as we are really pleased to welcome Michael Eavis to the fair this year. Fairy Meadows by Carole Baker
Last year’s food and drink fest
“We have been working hard to make sure that this is a unique opportunity to view contemporary works of art shown and being sold by the artists and galleries from throughout the United Kingdom.” The festival will take place on Saturday, October 17th and Sunday, October 18th. The price of one tickets gives admission to both events. Visitors can view and buy the works of
FOOD & DRINK
art whilst enjoying a glass of wine, real ale or cider from some of the many trade stands, along with some exciting food. There will once again be live music and regular cookery demonstrations. For children there will be hands-on art, cooking, and face painting with an exhibition of paintings from local schools. The weekend will once again be raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 29
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Gert reasons to eat at Farrington’s this autumn!
Relax and enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast in our Udder Room café from £3.00. Or home-made cake and ground coffee from just £3.25. Visit our Fish & Chip Takeaway. Handcooked chips and battered cod from just £6.50. Fun and healthy snacks in our bright and air-conditioned Home-made children’s lunches from just £4.45.
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Make time for lunch at Hartleys
THERE is little better than a leisurely lunch, good company, great service and a menu to tickle the taste buds. Hartleys Kitchen in Binegar, only a few miles from either Shepton Mallet or Wells, offer local food, always seasonal, always fresh and cooked with passion. The menu changes every four-five weeks so even the most loyal customer doesn’t have the chance to get fed up with it! Starters cost from £5.50 for delicious homemade soup to £7 for a truly delightful prawn and smoked salmon mousse with beetroot and toasted soldiers. Cheese fans should try the goats cheese brûlée with balsamic jelly and flatbread dippers. Or how about fresh Spanish melon with Iberico ham? Taste buds tingling yet? Mains might include Gressingham duck leg with a salad of watermelon, pomegranate, mint and coriander with crispy herb croutons. Still on the summer salad theme is an Indian summer salad with warm tandoori chicken served with naan bread and cucumber raita. What would you expect? The owners, Paul and Lynda Hartley have spent three weeks in India learning new dishes. If it’s fish you want, try the homemade salmon and dill fishcakes or the tuna Bucatini: fine pasta, fresh seared tuna, capers and garlic bread. In all about a dozen great dishes to satisfy your excited taste buds. All washed down with local beers, ciders and fine wines. The puddings are just as good with an ever-changing mêlée of both exquisite and traditional desserts, local ice creams and gateaux. You’ll get a warm welcome in an informal, friendly, bright ambience, easy parking and a very satisfied tummy and it won’t break the bank!
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FOOD & DRINK
Whatʼs new from Myrtle Farm
A new book of walks with a cider theme!
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
Time stops – making our new TV commercial
OUR new TV commercial for Thatchers Gold has been filmed in and around Myrtle Farm in Sandford. Entitled “Time Stops”, the commercial describes the moment of excitement and anticipation at 12.30 each Friday, when our cidermakers taste their next vat of apple cider to decide if it’s as good as it should be, and ready to leave the farm. It’s a moment full of expectation, which ripples out into the local community. The film showcases our dedication to great taste and perfection, making cider taste the way it should, using locations such as our gigantic 150-year-old oak vats. Yvonne Flannery, Thatchers’ marketing director says: “The film opens on a picturesque sunlit Somerset landscape that we all know and love, taking the viewer on a journey around the local Myrtle Farm community, through the farm gates, towards the cider vats, just as the tasting begins. “The director’s aim was to capture the mood and intensity of the moment by filming what happens at the mill in ultra-slow-motion, so that life comes to a virtual standstill just as the weekly tasting starts. Simple everyday scenes shot in a beautiful way give the film charm, reflecting life here at Myrtle Farm.” If you’d like to see more about how the commercial was made, there’s a short film on our website –www.thatcherscider.co.uk/press-room.ashx
OUR good friends Sue Gearing and Les Davies have compiled ten family walks in Somerset with an appley theme that we have now published as a paperback book. Each chapter of the book is not only illustrated with photos describing what you see on the walk, they have also included some fun activities for the younger generation. The book will be available from our Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm in September.
Don’t forget
THE Thatchers Open Day takes place on Saturday, 12th September. It’s free entry, the gates are open from 11am – 3pm. This is your chance to see behind the scenes at Myrtle Farm, take a trailer ride around the orchards, talk to the cidermakers about how they make Somerset Cider – or simply relax and enjoy the cider and music! See you then.
Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862 MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 31
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New Italian restaurant promises top quality FOLLOWING a full refurbishment and restoration of the former Winterfield Inn site in Paulton, La Campagna aims to bring a rustic Italian charm to the village and surrounding areas. The combination of modern and classic dishes at La Campagna creates an abundant and diverse menu of authentic, Italian regional fare. From mixed antipasti plates brimming with Italian cured ham, field mushrooms and goats cheese bruschetta to mouthwatering risottos and pasta dishes, there is something to please every palate. An inspired selection of meat and fish mains, inventive, but authentic, traditionally baked pizzas, together with an exquisite array of desserts complete an exemplary core menu. The drinks list includes not only the best wines of the Campagna regions of Italy but also all your favourite local ciders, lagers and real ales on drought together with an exotic selection of cocktails The restaurant will seat up to 60
Opening mes
MONDAY – FRIDAY Breakfast 9am – 11am Lunch 12 noon – 3pm Dinner 5pm – 10pm SATURDAY 9am – 10.30pm SUNDAY 9am – 9pm
guests in the main restaurant and bar area as well as up to 24 people in the decking area wrapped in glass for warmth and giving lovely views of the beer garden and the world passing you by. Tasteful, brown leather upholstery, complemented by dark wood tables, a stunning feature fireplace next to a gorgeous wooden wall provide a warm and alluring ambiance. Diners can also go alfresco in style in La Campagna’s
LA
CAMPAGNA
BAR & RESTAURANT Salisbury Road, Paulton, Bristol BS39 7RJ
Open all day, seven days a week for breakfast, a quiet beer, a hearty bar snack, a full tra oria meal and anything in between.
large beer garden with a kids’ play area for the whole family to relax and enjoy. Chef, Luan Doku, started his career at 17 and since then has worked with Living Venture and various independent restaurants as head chef, including La Piazza, Thornbury, where he beat Jamie Oliver’s chefs to the PAPA’s award, awarded by the Italian Food Association.
PAPA Award-winning Chef Check availability and reserve a table, call: 01761 418443
info@la-campagna.co.uk
facebook.com/ lacampagnabarandrestaurant
La Campagna aims to bring a vibrant, warm and welcoming dining experience with a unique combina on of a tradi onal pub and an Italian Tra oria. All our food is cooked to order using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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GARDEN FOOD
The taste of summer
SWEETCORN, to me, is one of the quintessential tastes of summer. Fresh sweetcorn, straight off the plant, has a sweetness and creaminess not available in any other plant form that I can think of (apart from perhaps coconuts). I have had great success this year with With JAKE Special Swiss, which is a new open WHITSON pollinated variety, meaning that the seed can be kept from year to year (but only if you only grow one variety). It is the earliest cropper I've ever seen, yielding cobs at the end of July in the polytunnel and throughout August outside. Corn is a very hungry plant, so I always add plenty of rich compost to the beds before planting. I usually start some plants in early April inside for planting in the polytunnel in early May – for outdoor plants I start around the middle of May. I've also found that you can get a crop of broad beans, French beans or peas by planting them around the sweetcorn – the sweetcorn supports the legumes and when they are finished they release nitrogen into the soil that feeds the corn. I've been moving more and more towards no-till gardening and have found that corn responds especially well to this, as long as you mulch with rich compost or wellrotted manure. I hardly ever eat fresh sweetcorn in any way other than boiled, in very little water, for less than 60 seconds. Once that is done I slather them with plenty of butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper. It is important to pick the corn immediately before you want to eat it – get the water boiling first! This is because the sugars in the corn will immediately start turning to starch once the cob is severed from the plant. If you have some cobs which have gone slightly over and become starchy, cut the niblets from the corn, saute in butter with a little garlic and then coarsely puree in a liquidiser with some cream, salt and pepper for delicious creamed corn. Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire, and runs the business jakeswildfungi.co.uk, making specialist mycorrhiza products for tree planting.
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Food of the gods
HONEYSUCKLE is a familiar and muchloved wild flower of the English countryside, with a famously recognisable sweet and heady scent. It was known from the earliest times as woodbind due to its climbing behaviour although there are many other plants that now bear the same name. With ADRIAN Local Somerset names include the BOOTS whimsical ‘fairy trumpets’, the strange ‘goat’s leaf’ (maybe goats sought them out of the hedges and let’s face it they eat everything else so why not this?) and the apt ‘honey suck’, ‘lamps of scent’, ‘suckles’ and ‘sweet suckle’. The fact that there are so many local names indicates the significance, sheer fun and delight people had with these wild flowers. For many hundreds of years children (and big children!) have sucked the ‘honey’ from these convoluted flowers so it’s no surprise it gained the name literally from this act. This solution is actually nectar (mostly made up of sucrose, glucose and fructose) which is several times sweeter than sugar and was considered by ancient Greeks as the ‘food of the gods’. Lonicera periclymenum is a climbing (clockwise) perennial found in hedges, shrubs and trees up to 6m high. The leaves are in opposite pairs, oval, downy on short stalks. The flowers are in clusters of up to 12 per head, tubular shaped with two lips, three to five cm long. They appear in a variety of colours from cream, yellow, orangey-pink to deep powdery reds fading back to orange. The scent is sweet and strong. The fruits are a cluster of shiny red berries. So how to enjoy the nectar of the gods? Well simply pick a flower, from experience the fully open blooms are the ones to go for as it seems any closed flowers are also closed for business on the nectar front too. Remember only ever pick one or two from each plant, then move on to another. At the base of the trumpet shape of the flower is a green node. Nip this off with your teeth and you guessed it, suck. What you get is a short but intense burst of flowery sweetness which is utterly delightful. It really adds a fun and sweet treat to any summer walk in the countryside. Of course there is always a downside as the berries are considered poisonous. So just because you can sip the nectar from the flowers doesn’t mean you can eat any other part of the plant. Otherwise you could end up with a rather more sudden and personal introduction to the ‘gods’ than you might have wished for! Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his web site www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 33
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Third year for Wells Food Festival
DISCO soup, more than 100 traders, a pop-up tea party and fun and games for all the family: just some of the attractions on offer at this year’s Wells Food Festival in October. The one-day celebration of local produce takes place on Sunday, October 11th and organisers are Global flavours with local ingredients at the confident the Wells Food Festival attendance will top the estimated 7,000 visitors to last year’s event. The heartbeat of the festival, founded in 2013, will once again be the Artisan Market, showcasing a melting pot of diverse range of food and drinks. For some stallholders, this will be their third festival; for others this is their first time. The only condition is that local produce is the main ingredient of their business. As a result, visitors will be able to enjoy some of the best food in the world ranging from artisan cheese and honey through to sushi and Thai, all with Somerset at their heart. Wells Food Festival Director, Paddy O’Hagan, was one of the original founders whose aim was to increase awareness of the breadth of ingredients in Somerset as well as highlighting the beauty of Wells. He said: “It made sense to hold the festival here in Wells. There is already an established Farmers Market here, voted the best in the South West last year, so the festival really just builds on this and takes it to the next level. “We want to give visitors the opportunity to learn about Somerset’s produce from the producers themselves – their enthusiasm and passion is contagious.” The Artisan Market and Street Food stalls will be held in the Market Square, along the Bishops Moat and in the Recreation Ground; there will be a Pop Up Tea Party in the Town Hall; a Families Marquee in the Recreation Ground which will have activities to encourage even the youngest visitors to get involved with food. Disco Soup, a fun innovative music and food event, is to be held in the Bishops Barn. A team of volunteers will be making soup from otherwise wasted vegetables, with music to help the process along! Paddy added: “We are really excited about this year’s food festival: it’s a fun, friendly, family event and, importantly, it’s free. There are so many individuals and businesses involved behind the scenes on a voluntary basis, working hard to make it a success – it’s a community process right from the initial planning to the day itself.” For details visit: www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk
PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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FOOD & DRINK 2 Course Christmas Lunch
3 Course Christmas Menu
£12.95
£17.95
Served Mon–Fri lunchtimes only Please pre-book
Served Mon–Sat lunchtimes and evenings £5 pp non-refundable deposit Please pre-book (Alternatively, have Dinner with Robbie Williams, Rod or Take That Tributes•
Christmas Day Menu £55.50 (child £30.00) £10.00 pp non-refundable deposit Please pre-book 1pm sit down
Drum and Monkey Kenn Road, Clevedon, Somerset BS21 6TJ 01275 873433 info@drumandmonkeykenn.co.uk www.drumandmonkeykenn.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 35
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Re-opening on Saturday 5th September for a summer party # Live music from e Ian Parker Band and returning favourite, Ross Kirk # Magic from John Mullane # BBQ and games # Families and locals all welcome to see the new refurbished pub # Exciting new menus to come # New wines and beers
A warm welcome, and welcome back, from Tris, Caroline and the team Church Lane, East Harptree BS40 6BD • 01761 221429 www.thewaldegravearms.co.uk • email: Tristan@thewaldegravearms.net
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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EDWARD Clifton-Brown is passionate about trees, so West Bradley House near Glastonbury with its acres of apple orchards seemed an ideal home when he moved to Somerset. Apples – both dessert and cider – have been grown commercially at West Bradley for around 150 years but modern-day demands require modern-day techniques and time travellers from even 50 years ago would find the orchards look very different these days. West Bradley is now one of the most innovative orchards in Somerset as Edward and his team develop new ways to increase yields, whether by pioneering vineyard-style planting of cider apple trees or experimenting with new varieties. But there is a price to pay for progress and that has inevitably led to the grubbing up of some of the older trees – many strangled by mistletoe – as they reach the end of their productive life. During September, the public will have the chance to wander round the apple and pear orchards and pick their own fruit as West Bradley opens its doors for four weekends. The annual pick-your-own is especially popular with families, whether for an hour or a whole day – picnickers are welcome! Edward and the team will be on hand to answer any questions
FOOD & DRINK
Edward Clifton-Brown is masterminding the innovative orchard project at West Bradley
– and weigh people’s bags at the end of the day! There will also be a chance to see the 365 walnut trees – the biggest orchard of its kind in the South West if not the country. The harvest is currently sold to a company which produces pickled walnuts for the Christmas table. Edward, who grew up in Suffolk, once owned woodland near Bruton but now concentrates on West Bradley. He said: “Our aim is to make the orchards profitable, so we have to invest in the future. Trees we plant now won’t provide a commercial crop for perhaps three years so it is a long-term project.”
Artisan cider makers are welcome to contact Edward to discuss sourcing their apples from West Bradley. Telephone 01458 850227 or e-mail him at: ecb@wborchards.plus.com
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 37
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September 26/27th Winter Gardens Pavilion & Town Square, Weston-super-Mare Over 100 artisan food producers, gourmet street food, live music, kids activities, cookery demos and much much more. Tasty foodie fun for all! 10.00 – 5.30 • Admission FREE www.westonsuperfoodfestival.co.uk
S E P T E M B E R D AT E S S at 5 t h S u n 6t h
A x br i d ge a n d M i d s o m e r N o r t o n S F M @ Th e F r o m e I n d e p e n d e n t (10am-3pm)*
S at 1 2 t h S at 1 9t h F r i 2 5t h S at 2 6 t h
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
F r o m e Ch ee s e & G r a i n a nd K e ynsha m C r e wk e r n e B u r n h am - o n - Se a G l a s t o n b u r y an d Ye o v i l (9am-2pm)*
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Local food, local community
THE Glastonbury Harvest Show will celebrate its seventh anniversary in September, promoting the joys and benefits of homegrown produce. Taking place at Glastonbury Town Hall on Saturday, September 12th, the event will once again highlight the importance of local food and community with members of Glastonbury Country Market providing refreshments all day, stalls selling local produce and displaying information and a whole host of activities going on. The event is supported by Glastonbury Town Council, Glastonbury Gardeners’ Group, Feed Avalon, Mendip Community Credit Union, Incredible Edible Somerset, Oaklands and Sweetacre nurseries, Torganics and Somerset Community Food. The show will open to the public from 12.30pm with the ever-popular auction of produce at 3pm. As well as activities for children and the opportunity for visitors to talk to local food-related groups and organisations, members of Feed Avalon will be holding a Soil Surgery in the small hall.
THE RED LION VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT Sutton Hill Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UT
01275 333042
A la carte menu and excellent specials board, selection of delicious roasts on Sundays
Please see our website www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk to view our menus
Restaurant food at pub prices, in a warm and friendly environment, created by our award-winning chef Scott Lucas
PENSIONERS 25% OFF LUNCH MENUS
Please quote promotional code MTRL to claim your discount The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm. Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Food available on Sundays 12 noon – 6pm
FOOD & DRINK
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW!
Christmas AT THE LANGFORD INN AND RESTAURANT
Lunch £15.95 Evening £23.95 We are also offering two courses for £19.95 Prices start from £15.95 Accommodation from £59 per room
Tel: 01934 863 059 Email: langfordinn@aol.com www.langfordinn.com
Lower Langford BS40 5BL MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 39
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INTERNET
Low-tech
HERE at I.T. for the Terrified, we usually try to be at the cutting edge of technology. But this month we are just cutting! Usually, these articles are about hi-tech situations, but sometimes low-tech works quite well too, so thanks to the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33520367), I can bring you a rather neat homemade loudspeaker for your smartphone. You need a toilet roll inner tube and two paper cups. (Sticky-back plastic an optional extra). Carefully cut two holes in the sides of the two cups the same size as the toilet roll inner tube. Draw round the tube to make a template. Carefully cut a slot in the toilet roll inner tube the same size as the smartphone – as close to the correct size on both of these as you can. Put the inner tube into the cups with the slot facing upwards and the cups on their sides. Put the phone in the slot and you have a speaker. Or if you haven’t got a smartphone, perhaps you could just use the cups and a piece of string. For those not old enough to remember – tie the ends of the string in a hole in the bottom of the cups, and you have a speaker and receiver all in one! Does require two people and a very long piece of string though. Or if you have lots of toilet roll tubes, you could use them to neatly store your old cables – just wrap them up, pop them into the tube and stack them neatly away. Happy crafting. Submitted by IT for the Terrified : The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts 2 hours and costs £10. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows Vista/W7/W8: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. We are holding a 3-week eBay course starting 3rd Sept 10am and An Intro to Tablet computing workshop on 11th Sept 1.30 and an Intro to iPads workshop on 18th Sept 10am. Contact us for details. We also run a COMPUTER DROP IN session 1.30-3.30 Thursday afternoons. Call in for a quick word of advice/help/info. See our web site or contact us for further details. Or if you can spare two hours a week and have skills on any level with any type of computer that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.
PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1. Place in which you’ll find Iago more often than not (5) 4. Twelve months in civic centre follows experimental venue for complex organisation (9) 9. Ship disc lazybones! (7) 11. Must his overheating lead to strip? (7) 12. Runner has an inner coterie (4) 13. County returns show growth in oils (5) 14. Intuition, you see! (4) 17. Detectives facing flaky evidence resort to a grin (13) 19. Stop or keep going? (4,3,6) 21. And Latin is returned to origin (4) 22. Sidelines simplified home county reorganisation (5) 23. The morning after science swindle (4) 26. Getting into shape or am I finding I grow in the middle? (7) 27. I’ll go back after you neutralise growling and howling (7) 28. Early versions, e.g., nearest approximations (9) 29. Economy made unlikely expansion (5)
DOWN 1. Hidden in part, gets into trouble (9) 2. Search operation granted licence (7) 3. Fine performing or dark (4) 5. Botanist, off-grid, acquires degree in wetland/saltwater interface locally (10,3) 6. Me and mine engage at prime location (4) 7. Fine second half sees Messi dazzle formidable opposition (7) 8. Way through crop is illconsidered (5) 10. Galvanise clod with other life chance (4,2,3,4) 15. Settled situation in making fibre an essential part of diet (5) 16. Medic includes alternative close bid for benefactor (5) 18. Sweet man holds gathering a short distance from Bristol (4,5) 19. Anger follows first hundred jostling to prepare for hotter climate (3,4) 20. Hear host (7) 21. Mix oats to nurture mammal (5) 24. Spacemen emerge from within a satellite shell (4) 25. Berry produces drink with nothing removed (4)
Answers next month
Compiled by Felkov
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Tel: 0800 097 8611
www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
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Clutton Flower Show
Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club put on a fine display
EVENTS
Mendip Brass
Fairground rides were fun
Serving teas (l to r) Helen Bray, Annette Sparks, Gill Hazell, Elaine Hazell, Gail Nunn and Dawn Hillman
The flower show marquee was busy
Clutton History Society had a fascinating display of old tools PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Dog agility classes drew the crowds
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HISTORY
A fitting memorial
THESE are the moments when a Mendip village finally paid tribute to a soldier whose name was mysteriously left off its war memorial. Relatives of Captain William Hollwey attended a church service of remembrance in Chilcompton to honour the officer in the Royal Indian Army Service Corps who died in Burma in 1943. The service was followed by the rededication of the memorial, with standard bearers from several branches of the Royal British Legion, a bugler and piper.
Members of the Hollwey family at the memorial service
Piper Allan Withers
Shane Bridgman, Andy Fant and Darren Mackrell, members of the Home of the Brave living history group which re-enacts WWII allied forces
Time to remember before the memorial is re-dedicated
Wreaths surround Capt. William Hollwey’s name on the memorial MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 43
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Sisters’ carnival design
IZZY and Ellie Carter drew on all their artistic skills to win a competition to design the front cover of the programme for this year’s Frome Carnival. Judges decided their joint effort was the best of the many entries, winning the sisters £20. The pair have been spectators at Frome Carnival for a couple of years and were inspired by the costumes. This year, Ellie, 11, and Izzy, eight, will be walking the route as part of an entry by Frome Netball Club, who Ellie and the sisters’ mum, Tracy, play for. Frome Carnival takes place on Saturday, September 19th. The children’s procession begins at 2.30pm from Royal Victoria Park with the evening procession beginning at the Marston Trading Estate at 7.30pm. Before then, carnival organisers will be holding their fundraising duck race in Frome town centre on Sunday, September 5th. They will also be raising funds by stewarding at local events such as the Upton Noble Beer Festival in September. Frome is unique amongst carnivals in that proceeds are distributed by its own charity arm to needy individuals in the town and surrounding district. G Carnival organisers are appealing for people to help as programme sellers and collectors on the day. Anyone interested should contact June Barnes on: 01373 461625 or visit: www.fromecarnival.org.uk
Somerset coalfields reunion
FORMER employees of the Somerset Coalfield are invited to the annual reunion at Radstock Museum on Monday, September 7th. The reunion is organised by the volunteers of Radstock Museum and supported by the Somerset Miner’s Welfare Trust and the Radstock Co-operative Society. Welfare Trust President Micheal Eavis will be attending with Tony Charlton, and organisers are also anticipating reps from the South Wales union office. Doors will open at 11.45am and a light lunch will be served at noon. Limits on space mean the museum is unable to extend the invitation to family or friends. If help is needed to attend the reunion, or you have special dietary requirements, please contact the museum in advance on 01761 437722 to discuss the necessary arrangements. G The nest exhibition at the museum will be “Centenary of the Women’s Institute”, an exhibition celebrating the development, growth and influence (both locally and nationally) of the WI over the past 100 years. It runs from Tuesday, September 15th to Sunday, November 29th. Normal opening hours and admissions charges apply. Visit: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
They’re just wizard!
ASPIRING stage professionals Rosie Skuse and Hattie Rogers entertain youngsters as characters from The Wizard of Oz at the Playbarn at Farrington’s Farm Shop. Rosie and Hattie are both students at Bath College of Dance and have secured places on foundation performing arts courses in September. Both need to secure funding for their courses and Farrington’s gave them permission to raise money by appearing there.
Taylor is world champion
TAYLOR Hunt, from Westfield, Radstock is BMX racing world champion at the tender age of eight. He hasn’t looked back since getting his first bike at the age of five, competing at regional, national, European and world levels since then. The youngster took the crown in Zolder, Belgium with his mum Vicky, dad Darren and four-year-old brother
Jenson there in support. Mum Vicky said: "The day was long with racing starting at 8am and his final not running until 9pm. To reach the final, Taylor had to work his way through an eighth, quarter and semifinal before reaching the coveted world final, where he took the top spot." Taylor only started riding three years ago, but has been number one in the South West for the last two years. He also competes on the national circuit. Taylor, who goes to Westfield Primary School in Radstock, told his parents he was going to win. He said: "I can't wait to see my school friends to tell them all about it and show them my trophy." Taylor was fourth place at the worlds last year in Holland, but with an extra year's racing under his belt was too good for the opposition.
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Open day for charity
Transport of delight
NEWS
THE sun shone for Mo and Paul Matthews’ annual open day at their home in Winscombe which raised £1,400 for The Children's Society. There were various stalls, with coffee, lunches and teas being served. Pictured (left to right) are committee members Jane Fancott, Margot Sampson (chair), Sarah Gunn and Eileen Mayle with raffle prizes.
New hub for Midsomer Norton
OVER 55s in the Midsomer Norton area are set to benefit from a new weekly Hub from September. The Hub will run a variety of sessions ranging from gentle exercise to cookery and singing groups on Tuesdays at The Masonic Lodge on Redfield Road. Plans are also in place for social/discussion groups, short walks, gadget busters’ sessions and a book club. The new Hub will launch on Tuesday September 15th and will then run every Tuesday except the second Tuesday of the month. It is being run by local charity Age UK B&NES with support from the local community. Sessions will take place from 10am – 4pm. Some will be free, for others there will be a small charge. There will also be regular information and advice drop-in sessions at The Hub, where people will be able to find out more about a range of issues such as housing, care, claiming benefits and more. Janet Dabbs, chief executive of Age UK B&NES, said: “This is a very exciting project for Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area. We already run something similar in the Chew Valley that is proving very popular, particularly the gadget busters’ session which can help older people learn about making the most of their phones, tablets and computers, in order to keep in touch with family and friends. “The Midsomer Norton Hub is intended to be a social place where local people can come together, have some fun and maybe learn new things too. We’re very open to new ideas from local people about what it might offer in future too – so if there is demand for something, we will try to organise it. “We’ve had a great response from the local community and I’m sure it will be very successful.” Details: Ketyn on 01225 484510 or email active@ageukbanes.co.uk
THE big blue community playbus was a familiar sight over the school summer holidays, calling into Radstock, Paulton, Westfield and Pensford. The converted double decker provides an opportunity for parents and children to meet up and play in the villages and estates in Bath & North East Somerset and beyond. It is managed by a voluntary committee, who meet monthly. They employ three workers to keep the bus on the road and look after all the administration of it.
Bowls victory
PURNELL Bowls Club’s victorious team pictured after winning the Somerset County Wedmore Plate at Taunton’s Vivary Park against Taunton 77-72. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 45
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Drystones but no Joan as Ray rocks the abbey
The legend that is Ray Davies
Words and pictures by Mark Adler
PRIDDY folk duo The Drystones played to their biggest audience to date when they stepped onto the stage at the Glastonbury Extravaganza in place of Joan Armatrading, who was ill. Around 9,000 people packed the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey for the 19th extravaganza with many left disappointed when it was announced that the singer/songwriter would not be performing. But last-minute replacements The Drystones, Ford Collier and Alex Garden who played the Avalon Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, were available to open the evening and soon had people dancing in front of the stage. Earlier, Joan had apologised on her Facebook page. The night before she had played at Evesham having woken up with a cold. She wrote: “I did the show but unfortunately I will not be able to do the concert at the Abbey in Glastonbury today. I hate missing a show.” Headline act, the Kinks legend Ray Davies, had the crowd rocking as he rolled back the years, playing some of the band’s biggest hits as well as some of his more recent songs before the night closed with the traditional fireworks display.
Lazy summer afternoon and evening
Julianne Ford, of Burrington, was the winner of our competition to win a pair of tickets to the Extravaganza. Julianne (right) is pictured with her friend Katherine West PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
The Drystones
The Shires – Chrissie Rhodes and Ben Earle. Ben grew up in Wells
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GLASTONBURY EXTRAVAGANZA 2015 Around 9,000 people packed the grounds of the Abbey
Local companies and organisations hosted guests at marquee receptions. Ian Harvey, MD of Shepton Mallet-based Framptons, is pictured (centre) with Sam Simister, of Innocent Drinks and David Armstrong of Koko Dairy Free
Fireworks explode in the night sky over the Abbey
Peter Kennedy, Wells RFC’s director of rugby, relaxes before the start of the new season
Chloe, aged two and from Clevedon, dances to the Drystones
Party time for this group of friends who also meet up at the Glastonbury Festival MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 47
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Kyte makes her mark at rescue centre but can you give her a home?
Happy Landings says Kyte is a loving dog. They are prepared to let her go to a new home as a long term foster dog which would mean all her vet fees would be paid for life. For details, call 01749 860350
AN animal rescue centre near Shepton Mallet is appealing for a special new owner for a crossbreed dog called Kyte who is facing her third anniversary in kennels. Kyte is a much-loved Ridgeback x English Bull Terrier who was originally a stray and has always been a bit nervous, especially around men. Originally she was fostered by a member of staff at Happy Landings Animal Sanctuary at Pylle and then adopted by a family who loved her but her dislike of strangers became too much of an issue. Lyn Southway, from Happy Landings, said: “Kyte needs a quiet rural home, just her and her people, no children, no visitors and no small animals. She could possibly live with a male dog but it really does need an experienced dog owner to make sure the introduction goes smoothly. It is a big ask, but we know from facebook comments that they do exist. “People say that if they didn't already have a dog just like her or if they lived in a different location they would have her in a heartbeat, so we know they are out there, it's just finding that special person right at this moment.” Lyn added: “Up until recently she has been happy with the high level of input that the staff have given her but with the best will in the world kennels is a stressful environment especially for a dog that has known a home. “She doesn't deserve to be in kennels. She is a loving dog who just needs that extra special home.” Meanwhile, Happy Landings is preparing for its annual fun day and dog show which will be held on Sunday, September 13th from 11am-4pm at the centre just off the A37. Dog show entries will be taken on the day or visit: www.happylandings.org.uk for a schedule. PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Rector’s recovery
NEWS
A SEVERELY broken leg and a night in intensive care weren’t going to stop the Rev. Nicholas Maddock officiating at his daughter’s wedding. He even managed to stand for the first part of the ceremony. Yet a fortnight before, the rector from Wrington spent more than three hours in the operating theatre at Weston General Hospital, being treated for four breaks to his thigh, which also required a new hip to be fitted. His wife Ruth gave away their daughter Katherine, a teaching assistant at a prep school in London, at her marriage to Christopher Evans, who works in finance, at All Saints’ Church in Wrington. The church choir sang and the service included trumpeter Richard Whiting and organist Miles Quick, formerly an organist at Westminster Abbey. The rector, who is also in charge of churches at Redhill, Burrington and Butcombe, said: “I have total admiration for the staff at Weston Hospital. I wouldn’t have thought it possible that I could be standing on my own two feet at my daughter’s wedding just two weeks after the fall.”
Couple’s double honour
HUSBAND and wife, Anne and Spike Parker, have become presidents of Chelwood Bridge Inner Wheel and Chelwood Bridge Rotary respectively. Anne said: “I feel honoured but slightly apprehensive. I am very pleased that Spike is president of Rotary. At least we now have something in common besides the pets and the children!” Spike said: “I have two aims for the club - that we enjoy being members and we do some good.” His chosen charity is Wizzybug while Anne is supporting B&NES Friends of Young Carers.
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WILDLIFE
WHEN you first encounter a humming-bird hawkmoth you will be mesmerised by its beauty and by the amazing resemblance By CHRIS that it bears to an SPERRING actual humming-bird. MBE You will need to stare as it dances from flower-to-flower hoovering up nectar with its tongue, which is actually longer than its entire body. With wings moving at between 70 and 80 beats per second and a hovering motion as it feeds, this medium-sized moth acts exactly like a humming-bird too. As well as the shape and mannerisms mimicking a humming-bird the grey and black abdomen of the humming-bird hawk-moth also ends with what look like bird feathers. Further close inspection reveals the very large eyes placed at the side of the head, which are thought to be able to see vivid colours, as well as detect danger. It is interesting, though, that this moth will often allow a human observer to get quite close to them before moving, which allows for some close study and photography. Unlike most moths this is a day-flying species and, although the peak time to see them is August, there is still every chance of witnessing this little wildlife spectacle in your garden if it’s warm during September. It likes sunny days, but can fly at dusk or dawn and is even known to fly whilst it’s raining. This is a migratory moth, which uses its 45mm wingspan to travel long distances, and those seen in the UK early in the year are likely to have started their
journey in Southern Europe or North Africa. Those that move north very rarely survive our winters, however it is now suspected that some do, and it is thought that there is a resident population here all year round. Those of you seeing this moth in September may well be witnessing individuals that have hatched here earlier in the year. Two or more broods may be produced during the summer months with more broods being produced further south in the range. Those moths that emerge in late summer may try and over-winter and will choose dry, unheated locations such as in garden sheds, and it’s thought that an adult humming-bird hawk-moth can live up to seven or eight months. Resident populations can be found in Southern Europe, Asia and across to Japan, and migrant populations which spend the winter months in North Africa
Photography courtesy of Chris Sperring
T h e mo t h t h a t e a t s t o th e b e a t
move north during warmer months to areas as far north as Russia and Scandinavia. Found throughout the UK, but most common in the south, the humming-bird hawk-moth is attracted to nectar-rich flowers such as red valerian, honeysuckle and buddleia, and is particularly fond of plants with deep flower heads, which it can easily access with its long proboscis, and it helps it avoid too much competition with other nectar-feeding insects. They are known to have good memories and when they find suitable food plants will return to them day after day, often at the same time. Butterfly Conservation is currently running a survey of humming-bird hawkmoths, so if you do see this wonderful animal then please do submit your sightings via http://butterflyconservation.org/612/migrant-watch.html WE are holding several public walks and other events on and around Mendip in the coming months, the first of which is an Owl Prowl near Cheddar on Thursday September 24th. There is no charge, but donations for the Community Owls Project will be collected on the day. Numbers are limited, so booking is essential. Please email somersetbarnowls@gmail.com for more information and booking, or visit http://swp.hawkandowl.org/events/ for a full list of what’s on.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 49
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Discover Brean Down – Mendip’s western tip
THE “giant whale” of Brean Down in the care of the National Trust is the most westerly end of the Mendip Hills and is like a natural pier extending into the Severn estuary. It is a glorious place for an autumn circular walk on a clear day and full of surprises. Find remains of an Iron Age hillfort, and out on the end, sheltered under the hill, is the amazing Palmerston fort which was also used in the last war. Enjoy panoramic views for much of the walk. There are wild flowers nestling in the limestone grassland, as well as plenty of sea birds. It is an exhilarating and interesting short walk which starts very strenuously
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
with over 200 steps! After that it is gently sloping, then downhill, and flat before an easy descent. There are cafes at the start and toilets. It can be very windy and exposed out on the Down so go well prepared. It is a good walk for dogs as long as they are well controlled and not likely to plunge over the edge! Nearly three miles, about 2.5 hours walking; this allows time to look round the fort and elsewhere.
PARK: At the NT car park at the end of the Brean Down road (free for members, £3.40 a day non members) or a few yards on in the Bird Garden car park, £2 for four hours. It’s easy to access from J22 M5. Head for Burnham and then all the way up the coast road through Berrow and Brean to the end at Brean Down. Or from Brent Knoll and Lympsham you can cut across to the coast road. It can’t be reached straight from Uphill or Weston because the River Axe is in the way. I can remember years ago taking the ferry from Uphill across the Axe to Brean Down, cutting out that long journey by car down and then back up. But it closed in 1980. Now discussions are taking place to make a Brean Cross Link to get over the Axe at one of the sluices and make connections between Weston, Uphill, Brean Down and Brean quick and easy. At the moment, the Down looks close when you are in Weston and Uphill but in practice it is quite a trip to get round.
START: Head towards the Down and then begin the steep stepped climb up to the top. Take your time and enjoy the views as you go. The Down is 1.5 miles long.
1. THE DOWN Turn left and head out towards the end over the downland. You are following in the steps of man since the late Bronze Age when it was first occupied. Pass ancient field systems on the way although they are virtually impossible to see. Human occupation dates back to the Beaker culture of the late Bronze Age. There is also evidence of an Iron Age hill fort and prehistoric barrows, as well as a shrine dating from pre-Roman times which was re-established as a RomanoCeltic Temple in the mid-4th century. Several Roman finds including gold and silver coins and a ring were found at the site during quarrying. The cliffs on the northern and southern flanks of Brean Down have large quantities of fossils laid down in the marine deposits about 320–350 million years ago. The Down is now owned by the National Trust and is rich in wildlife, history and archaeology. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has also been scheduled as an ancient monument. 2. TRIG You climb very gently and eventually reach the trig point. The 360° views from here are superb – across to Weston-super-
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Mare to Sand Point, Clevedon and the M5; over the Bristol Channel to the Brecon Beacons, Newport and Cardiff and out towards Port Talbot; Flat Holm and Steep Holm in the foreground, before sweeping over to Exmoor, with Dunkery Beacon visible; then back to the Quantocks and Hinkley Point, Bridgwater Bay and the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor, Brent Knoll and Crook Peak. You can look across the Channel to Lavernock Point. In 1897, following wireless transmissions from Lavernock Point and Flat Holm, Guglielmo Marconi moved his equipment to Brean Down and set a new distance record of 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) for wireless transmission over open sea. Going back over a century there have been plans for a tidal barrage from Brean Down to Lavernock Point. Nothing has come of these so far although further proposals may be put forward. Continue on and start to drop down. You think you are about to go over the edge but then see the headland below and the spectacular sight of the Palmerston Fort. It was built in 1865 part of a chain of fort defences against possible French invasion, which in the event, never came. The fort was staffed by 50 officers and men of the Coast Brigade, Royal Artillery, but no shots were ever fired in action. The end of the fort's active service came at 5am on July 6th, 1900 when the No. 3 magazine which held three tons of gunpowder exploded after it was ignited by Gunner Haines. No-one knows why he did it, but it may have been an act of suicide. It was then used as a café, owned by the Hillman family from at least 1907 until sold in 1936 to the 'bird sanctuary
WALKING
OS Explorer 153, Weston-super-Mare & Bleadon Hill, grid ref: 296 585
people’. In the Second World War it again came into play as you will soon see.
3. FORT Cross the wide entrance ditch. Go into the fort and good labelling with excellent illustrations on many of the buildings helps to give a good idea of the activity here. On the outbreak of World War II, the fort was re-armed with two 6-inch (15centimetre) ex-naval guns, and machine gun posts were built on the Down. Birnbeck Pier was taken over by the Admiralty in 1941 for weapon development. It was commissioned as HMS Birnbeck and was used for work on secret weapons, storage and testing. The Dambusters’ famous "Bouncing Bomb" was tested at Brean Down Fort. Several other associated structures, including searchlight batteries for
illuminating seaborne targets, a command post and the garrison barracks were built outside the original Palmeston fort. You can still see the bases of much of this. The site was manned by 365 and 366 Coast Batteries RA of 571 Coast Regiment in 1942.
4. HARD TRACK Turn back and follow the main Tarmac/stone track. On your left was the site of a planned deep-water harbour. In the 1860s the aim was that this harbour would replace Bristol as a port for sailings to America and the export of minerals and agricultural produce from the Mendip Hills and the rest of Somerset. The foundation stones were laid, but the project was abandoned after a large storm destroyed them. As you proceed you can easily see the direction of the prevailing wind by the bent trees! There are abundant wild flowers – one of the rarest is the white rock rose. In spring the Down is carpeted with bluebells. If you want to return via the steps fork up right on the wide grass path, but if not continue on the hard track which then bends right and drops down gently to the track at the foot of the Down. Turn right back to the start. G You have a chance to do this walk with Les Davies, a familiar writer in Mendip Times, who came out on the circle with me and supplied much of the information. On Saturday, September 19th, at 10am, he is leading the walk for the Royal Geographic Society of which he is a member. Contact Les at les.davies@westcountryman.co.uk or call 07778 674985. All welcome. Meet at the NT car park at Brean Down. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 51
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s Diary
THERE is a definite chill in the evening air and a hint of early morning mist as the seasons start to change. Autumn is coming and the summer begins to slip away. As with every other year I am buoyed up by the thoughts of a sunny autumn, perhaps a bit of an 'Indian summer' that will reduce With LES those long dark winter days. In truth, DAVIES MBE whatever we get cannot be chosen, we will have to make the best of what comes our way. I have just come back from the very best job ever, having spent ten days with the students from the University of Georgia (USA). Their two-week study tour took in London, Cambridge and Bath before coming to Mendip. From here on I joined them to explain the landscape, geology and natural history from Mendip to the Pennines and Lakes, through to Hadrian’s Wall and on to Scotland’s Loch Ness. My first impression of the Pennines had not been great; now I was to see this landscape in a different light. This time the sun shone as I took the group up to Top Withens, the deserted farmhouse that was the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. A hard landscape yes, but one that had captivated me as I left this site a few weeks earlier. For the Bronte sisters this landscape gave them inspiration to write; I don’t think we have had any great authors from Mendip, but it wasn't long before I was to find a West Country connection in the Lakes and on the borders. Meanwhile my attitude towards this hard gritstone landscape has softened – it’s not Mendip but there is only one Mendip! In a previous article I think I described the Lake District as being like the Yeo Valley, but with attitude. The fells that surround Windermere and Ambleside are certainly impressive. One person who drew inspiration from this area was William Wordsworth, who lived there with his sister and wife. Here's the first Somerset connection. Wordsworth was a friend of Coleridge and both spent some time in this part of the world. On a seven-mile walk from Ambleside to Grasmere I was able to describe the creation of this landscape and even quote a little bit of Wordsworth from one of his most famous poems Daffodils. It was easy to see here how such a landscape could inspire poetry from contentment. Beatrix Potter was the same with her children’s story books and her legacy still lives on through Hill Top Farm, which was her home and is now a museum. The children’s classic Swallows and Amazons was also based on the lakes, which ensnared me with their beauty. I was not the only one who fell under its spell; every one of the American students was the same. Some even jumped into the lake for a swim one night! Staying in hostels can have its moments, as I found when I woke to hear muffled voices and knocks on the wall. Thinking it to be thin walls, I went to shower and came back to find the top bunk occupied by a leg protruding from beneath the duvet. Having wished the leg a hearty “Good morning” the attached body of a man shot bolt upright with a startled look on his face. It transpires he had got up in the middle of the night to use the toilet and stumbled back into the wrong room. Thank goodness he wasn't sleeping on the bottom bunk where he had come from. Moral of the story – always lock your door!
The next stop was Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall. A working farm up until the 1980s, it’s now a visitor centre managed by English Heritage. The remains of this fort, one of 16 along the wall, marked the boundaries of Roman civilisation in Britain for 300 years. Here was another Somerset connection – the 2nd Legion Augusta was one of the three Roman legions responsible for the construction of this wall and it was the 2nd who had taken what the Romans called the British lead and silver mines on Mendip at Charterhouse. I wasn't able to visit here previously and so I had to rely entirely on research. It proved successful as my walk and talk was joined by another small group who thought I was a tour guide! Now I was to venture further north than I had ever been before to Loch Ness and the ruined Castle Urquhart that stands upon its shore. Here is a natural lake that could hold all the fresh water lakes of England and Wales put together and at around 775 feet deep (230 metres) it contains a staggering 1.7 cubic miles (2.7 cubic kilometres) of water. As for the tales of a monster in the loch, well they live on; I am not about to destroy the myth with the hard reality of scientific research. Suffice to say that there is still a large amount of local tourism still based on it. When it comes to Castle Urquhart, this was another site where I had to rely on some previous knowledge of mediaeval fortification and a lot of reading. It seems to have been occupied by everyone and his dog during its time before the gatehouse was blown up in a fit of pique by loyalist troops to prevent it from being used by anyone else. The resident piper was great, he spent time talking to the students and played Yankee-doodle-dandy as they left. From here it was to Edinburgh and a train back to Bristol. I left behind a lot of people who had been astounded by this country’s history and natural beauty. I also left behind a lot of people who would never forget their time together and I'm pleased to say their time with me. For my part this was an experience that had taken me right out of my comfort zone. In preparation it had stretched me, but during the delivery I was rewarded beyond belief by their friendship and genuine appreciation. This was to include top reviews of my 'bangers and mash' with onion gravy that I cooked for 28 in Scotland. My mother's gravy recipe is now being used throughout the state of Georgia! Back to things a little more Mendip next time and don't forget to check out the September ploughing matches. The picture this time is of the students with “Mr Les” at the Rock of Ages in Burrington Combe; they were great fun to be with!
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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Trendy plants that don’t always stand the test of time PLANTS fall in and out of fashion as quickly as highheeled shoes and flared trousers. Usually there are one or two plants that With MARY appear at Chelsea PAYNE MBE Flower Show and become the “must have” for a few years. These are sadly often plants that are easy to raise and have in flower for Chelsea, but whose ability to live longterm in the average garden is often limited. Achilleas always wow the crowds, but fail to live up to expectations, with a few exceptions. Echinaceas must be one of the worst culprits, especially the dreamy yellow and orange shades that look so appealing planted in association with grasses. So what should the fashion conscious gardener be planting for next year that will survive the test of time? Geranium ‘Rozanne’ has been around for a few years now but really does what it says on the label. It was voted “Plant of the Century” by the great British public. It flowers all summer, covers a useful area of ground, and can be under-planted with spring bulbs when it dies down in the autumn. There are so many other hardy geranium around it is hard to choose which ones to grow, but one that has caught my eye this year is Geranium ‘Elka’. This Belgian introduction also flowers all summer with finely divided foliage and neon pink, with darker streaked petals fading to a white edge. Unlike ‘Rozanne’, ‘Elke’ can easily be divided, and may even stay evergreen all winter, but is then best cut back in spring. Hydrangeas are definitely back in fashion with a bewildering array of new varieties to confuse us. “Plant of the Year” at Chelsea in 2014 was Hydrangea macrophylla Miss Saori. This is a mophead type with the modern trend of its ability to flower on previous season’s wood, and also on new growth made in the current season. The double sterile florets are white with an attractive pink edging which darkens with age. I have not tried this variety yet, but its ability to flower on new and old wood makes it an attractive proposition. The ‘Endless Summer’ (mopheads) and ‘Flair and Favours’ (lacecap) series also offer this huge advantage. PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Rudbeckia 'Early Bird Gold'
Hydrangeas, in all their forms, give us colour from June to November and that has to be the hallmark of a good plant. Hydrangea paniculata and all its varieties also offer excellent value. The variety ‘Bombshell’ is new and more compact. The salad burnets (Sanguisorba) are certainly becoming trendy but will rarely make a splash at Chelsea as they flower too late. This trait endears them to me as they keep the garden in bloom through that difficult late summer period. Their foliage is most attractive and appears to have been edged with pinking shears. Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘Lilac Squirrel’ has blue green foliage, above which hang six-inch long pink fluffy ”catkins”. The foliage is a joy from its emergence in spring right through the summer. S. ‘Pink Brushes’ has upright pink fluffy flowers. All of these are related to our native salad burnet, Sanguisorba minor, that is also becoming trendy as the leaves can be eaten in salads. For those with smaller gardens, the ubiquitous butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) has undergone something of a revolution in recent years. Instead of the massive shrubs we are used to, we can now select from a range of shorter varieties. I have been growing ‘Buzz Magenta’ one of the “Buzz Series” bred for use as dwarf shrubs in the garden, or even as container plants. The flower spikes are full size and equally strongly scented and much frequented by butterflies. Other colours include lavender, ivory, blue and deep magenta. The same pruning principles apply as for the larger Buddleja davidii types. In late spring prune back the previous season’s growth to three or four
buds. Even smaller is Buddleja ‘Blue Chip’ but I have not yet put it to the test. Anemone ‘Wild Swan’ hit the trade by storm and was Chelsea “Plant of the Year” in 2011, but that award is based on one plant presented to the judges at the show in May. I will reserve judgement until mine has performed well over several seasons, but it does flower over a long period with white flowers and purple flashes on the back of the petals. For now, the traditional Japanese anemones will remain my favourites. The tall white ‘Honerine Jobert’ and the shorter deep pink ‘Hadspen Abundance’ come up trumps every year, although they can be slow to establish. My final selection must be Rudbeckia ‘Early Bird Gold’. This is a close relative of the more commonly grown R. ‘Goldsturm’, except it flowers earlier and goes on for longer. It was found in the USA and it appears that the natural genetic day length control that governs the flowering season of ‘Goldsturm’ has vanished leading to earlier flowering. I am sorry if you are one of the gardeners who dislikes yellow in your garden, but the strong gold petals surrounding a central black cone, on a sturdy undemanding plant, make this a superb choice for summer and autumn colour. The black cones even look good in winter. Planted in sun or partial shade they look great partnered with ornamental grasses. There is also a dwarf strain called ‘Little Gold Star’ that can even be grown in a container. I have tried to describe some of the excellent newer plants that do deserve a place in our gardens, be they trendy or not. If you like it – grow it, and above all, enjoy your garden.
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GARDENING
SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIPS
G Scarify your lawn to remove old dead grass. Use a spring tine rake and put the old dead grass and moss that you rake out onto the compost heap with some Garotta compost activator. Follow up with Westland Autumn Lawn Feed & Moss Killer. G Spike compacted areas of your lawn with a fork and brush in a turf dressing of pre-mixed compost. This particularly applies to well-used areas. For larger areas use a hollow tined aerator and then brush in fine grit or coarse sand. G This is the best month for establishing new lawns. Sow new seed or turf, both after careful soil preparation. Don’t skimp on this as it is the one chance to get it right! G Rejuvenate tired looking lawns by over-seeding with a mix of fresh seed and lawn dressing compost. This is what professional green-keepers regularly do. G Fast growing hedges such as leylandii may need trimming again and will look better for it throughout winter. Don’t leave this too late as that might result in brown patches. Give evergreen hedges a final trim. G This is the perfect time to plant a new hedge (or place an order for bare root plants for later). G Check roses regularly for black spot and rust fungal diseases. Remove and burn infected leaves and continue regular sprays of fungicide. G Make sure that any lavender plants not pruned earlier are done now. Cut off faded flowers with about 2-3 cm of leaf shoot. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
Everything for your autumn garden
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
THE 3.5 acre garden, created in the 1800s and restored in the 1960s by the Showering family, boasts undulating lawns, herbaceous borders, a lake, mill pond and a Chelsea Gold Medal winning rockery with waterfalls designed by George Whitelegg in 1963. All this takes advantage of the most stunning backdrop, the Grade II listed viaduct built for the historical Somerset and Dorset railway. The north side is dominated by a rock garden, a gushing recirculated stream flows from pool to pool over a variety of rocky outcrops and waterfalls into the lake. The planting is varied and thrives in fertile soil thanks to the care and attention to detail by the dedicated gardeners. The lake is an original mill-pond, legacy of days long gone when water power reigned supreme, and its mirrorlike surface reflects and blends the hues of flowers, foliage and sky, adding a dimension that only the magic of water can provide. The gardens at Kilver Court have a beauty and serenity which is quite unique and have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors. It is a garden for all seasons. Today, visitors to the gardens can also enjoy a visit to the Designer Outlet Emporium, Gift Shop and Harlequin Cafe that make up Kilver Court. NGS opening details: Monday September 14th, 10am-4pm. Adults £5, children £2.50. Details: Roger Saul 01749 340417 or email: info@kilvercourt.com website: www.kilvercourt.com OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk
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Nailsea show judged a great success
THIS year’s Nailsea and District Horticultural Society summer show was a great success with over 500 visitors. Exhibits in nearly 150 classes spilled out of the atrium of Nailsea School into a foyer and two classrooms. Judges were again impressed by the quality of entries.
Dave Smith and his winning 'monkey puzzle bowl'
Ray Churcher and his prize winning wines
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Chelwood show success
Committee stalwarts (left to right) Pat Weston, Jackie Young and Annie Sherborne
CHELWOOD villagers did their annual flower show proud as they filled the village hall with entries for classes ranging from flowers, vegetables and crafts to photography and children's entries. Over £500 was raised for the village hall and entries were up on last year from 312 to 363. Children's craft judge May Curtis
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Judges Mike Tucker and Lorraine Cook examining the entries
Blooming lovely
TOWNS and villages throughout the area have been busy preparing for the various South West in Bloom competitions. Cameley School’s gardening club are pictured with one of the judges Barry Cruse during his visit to the area. The results will be announced later this month. PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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Timsbury Flower Show
GARDENING
Iris Nicholls and her granddaughter Alice Collins on the society's country market stall There were a record number of floral art displays
Vegetable animals were fun
Show officials Rob Jamieson (left) and Keith Pursey
Ka Zue with produce from Timsbury Allotments Association
Martin Chalkley with plants from the gardening club at Timsbury's Leonard Cheshire home MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 59
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MENDIP TIMES W
NE
STANTON DREW, CHEW VALLEY
Detached period cottage for modernisation located in the centre of the village with country views and large garden, garage and parking. Three bedrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen and bathroom. EPC: F Ref: 24918 PRICE GUIDE £310,000
W
NE
EAST HARPTREE, CHEW VALLEY
Substantial detached house with about 1 acre of orchard and garden, agricultural outbuildings and self contained annexe. Spacious high ceilinged rooms of three principal reception rooms, four double bedrooms in the main house and two bedrooms in the annexe. Large level plot and country views. Epc: E Ref: 24935 PRICE GUIDE £750,000
Wrington Tel: 01934 864300
Property shortage drives prices up
HOUSE prices in the South West continue to be squeezed higher by growing demand and contracting supply, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. While 51% more chartered surveyors saw prices rise in July in the South West, supply to the market continued the decline with 24% more surveyors in the region reporting a drop in new instructions. Additionally, the shortage of housing inventory worsened further during July, with the average number of properties for sale per surveyor in the South West slipping to the lowest figure since February 2014. All areas of the UK are suffering supply issues and are projected to see sizeable house price gains over the next 12 months, with confidence most elevated in East Anglia and Northern Ireland. Near term expectations for prices also continue to reflect the imbalance between demand and supply with 32% of respondents expecting prices to continue to rise in the South West over the next three months. However, while prices are rising new buyer enquiries in the area are still positive with 10% of respondents reporting a rise in demand. Going forward, there is optimism regarding the prospects for activity in the region with 47% more chartered surveyors expecting sales to gain momentum over the next three months. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “A renewed acceleration in house price inflation allied to a fairly flat trend in sales activity highlights the very real challenges being presented by the housing market. More worrying still is the suspicion that the imbalance between supply and demand will lead to even stronger price gains over the next twelve months. “This is also visible in the firmer pattern in the buyer enquiries series which has now risen for four months in succession reflecting in part, a further modest easing in credit conditions. “This trend could be brought to a halt when base rates do eventually begin to rise but the dovish tone to the latest Bank of England Inflation Report suggests the first move will come a little later than previously thought likely and that subsequent increases will be very gradual indeed.’’
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
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New appointment at Killens
THE team at Killens have announced the appointment of Robert Banbury as a residential valuer at their Wells office. Working alongside Sally Killen, Robert will be active in gaining and handling property instructions across central Somerset. Once a stockbroker, more recently, Robert has gained valuable experience in estate agency and brings with him a personal and professional approach. Living on the Mendips, he also has extensive local knowledge. Tom Killen said: “We are delighted to welcome Robert and I am sure that he will readily settle into the team who are focussed on providing a comprehensive and proactive service, a team that clients can trust to do their best.” Robert said: “I'm very excited about the move to Killens and looking forward to working in such a professional and motivated team, with the added bonus of working alongside Sally Killen to help develop the Wells office as a leader in selling property in Wells and the surrounding area." Are you looking to sell this autumn? Robert and the team at Wells can be contacted on 01749 671172 or wells@killens.org.uk
PROPERTY
Demand for land stays strong
KILLENS recently staged their summer property and land auction and the results confirm the continued growth in Killens have launched Tanyard House at the market for Oakhill on to the market at a price of agricultural land. £950,000. Land values have strengthened considerably with land now being seen as a safe haven for investors as well as being in strong demand from farming businesses especially for the most productive and convenient land blocks. Attractive amenity land and equestrian blocks are also still in high demand with a shortage of such properties coming to the market. It was therefore not surprising for fierce bidding to be witnessed with 19.52 acres of pasture and woodland being fought over by two adjoining farmers and eventually achieving a price of £181,000 (£9,200 per acre). A block of 8.44 acres of permanent pasture at Winford also met with keen interest selling for £120,000 (£14,200 per acre) and a paddock of 1.29 acres at Hallatrow sold for £28,000 (£21,700 per acre). Have you considered selling your property by auction? Contact Jake Smith of the Auction Department at Killens for a free appraisal of your property on 01749 671172 or jake@killens.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 61
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Prior Park students rewarded for talent and hard work
PRIOR Park College A Level students are celebrating a 100% pass rate with the vast majority securing places at top universities. With 13.1% of all grades at highest A*, the college maintained the excellent level from 2014 against national trends. Furthermore, over three-quarters of all grades were at A*-B, with 92.5% at A*-C, again maintaining strength in the prestigious top-end grades. For students submitting for three or more A2 subjects, the average points per pupil was 334 – one of their best results ever set against a tough year nationally. Outstanding students included Michael Wilson with 3A* and 1A at A2 and Liam Delaney with 3A* at A2 with A at AS and A* in EPQ. A further seven students secured two passes at the highest A* grade. Outstanding departments included Mathematics where half of all candidates One of the college's top performers, secured A or A*, and Michael Wilson with headmaster, James almost one third of Murphy-O'Connor
PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Clara Tambe and Isabelle Knapton celebrate a sweep of A* and A grades
students secured A*. Further Mathematics enjoyed its most successful year with all students securing A or A* and two thirds securing top A*. Meanwhile, English Lit students achieved 40% A* with almost two thirds securing top A or A*, and one third of Classics students securing A*, with half securing A*/A, and four in five securing top A*- B. Headmaster, James Murphy-O’Connor, said: “With grades at the top end tightening in a national context, Prior Park students have secured grades most worthy of celebration and earned themselves places at first-choice universities against significant competition. Once again they have demonstrated diligence in their studies and they can be very proud of themselves, as we are of them.”
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A level joy for Chilton Cantelo School
Super facilities
LITTLE Owls Childcare Centre, situated on the edge of Wedmore, is a unique day nursery with superb facilities and forest school, offering outstanding education and childcare to children aged three months to five years old from 8am until 6pm every weekday, all year round. The small group sizes and structured approach means that every child receives individual care from the highly qualified and talented team. Little Owls has the added advantage of being sited in a stunning rural location on the Isle of Wedmore with views across to the Mendips. Award winning Children’s Day Nursery
Next Steps Childcare Centre
Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School
Louis Mustin, A Level Top Scorer
THIS year’s students carried on the school’s tradition of achieving strong results with a 93% overall pass rate, with 29% of all grades A*/A, outperforming the national rate of 25.9%, and 36% of grades A* to B. The school gained an increase of over 17% in the A*- B grades range from last year. Particular congratulations go to top-scoring Louis Mustin for achieving an A* in Further Maths and an A in Maths, Physics and Philosophy. Louis said: “I am going into my first choice, Manchester University, to study Physics and Philosophy. I am really happy!” Former A Level student, Mollie Richardson, is being retained as an employee at the school to coach sports and will complement the full and weekly boarding staff as a housemistress. Mollie said: “I am delighted with my PE results in particular! I got an A in my exam this year. I am keeping my options open and after the upcoming year I might decide to go into the army as an officer as I have gained enough UCAS points to be able to do this.” Verity White, headmistress, said: “Today’s results stand as proof that our students’ hard work has culminated in grades they can be proud of. Our small class sizes have proven yet again how well pupils do by studying their A Levels here.”
EDUCATION
An exclusive Children’s Day Nursery delivering exceptional care & education in an award winning environment Babyroom
Highly qualified team. Excellent secure rural location.
Funding available for 2-3-4 year olds
Gardening, Yoga, Music & Dance, Cookery
01749 346808
www.nextstepschildcare.com
Nursery
Preschool
Forest School
Ofsted 2015 - Staff support children's emotional well-being extremely well and have a very good knowledge of their individual needs, positively supporting children's learning with effective modelling and questioning
Funding now available for 2-3-4 year olds
The Royal Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet BA4 6QL
Wells Road Latcham Wedmore BS28 4SA
2015 Ofsted inspection rated our "Contribution of the Early Years Provision to the well-being of the children" as Outstanding
www.littleowlschildcare.com
01934 713527
Outstanding nursery
NEXT Steps is sited in 240 acres of beautiful countryside within the boundaries of the Royal Bath and West Showground. It is an award-winning day nursery offering age appropriate facilities in a safe and caring environment, including forest school, yoga, singing, music and dance, gardening and cooking sessions weekly. Their recent (2015) Ofsted inspection described the contribution of its early years provision to the wellbeing of the children as outstanding.
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Best ever results at Strode
Chewton Mendip
C of E Primary School
Open Morning Tuesday 6th October 9.30 —11.30am
A popular village primary school.We would love to show you our great school. If you are unable to attend on this date, please phone the school office to make an appointment for a different time.
Chewton Mendip VA Primary School Chewton Mendip BA3 4LL 01761 241465 https://slp5.somerset.org.uk/webs/chewtonmendip PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
THIS September hundreds of school leavers have embarked on new and exciting courses at Strode College in Street that will help shape their future and they can be confident that they will thrive and reach their full potential at Mendip and South Somerset’s only Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form (Ofsted, October 2014). The latest excellent set of results for A Levels and vocational courses are the best ever achieved at the college and clearly reinforce Ofsted’s recent judgement that Strode College provides `outstanding` sixth form education. Strode’s overall pass rate for A Levels this year is 99.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 98.1%, and the number of students at Strode who gained high grades of A* to B is 57% compared to 52.7% nationally, with 9.1% of students achieving A* grades compared to 8.2% nationally. Strode’s advanced level vocational results are also excellent, with a 99% pass rate and 53% high grades.
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Clifton High School students excel across the board CLIFTON High School students have been celebrating outstanding levels of success in their A level results with their parents, staff and governors. Clifton High has been building on its reputation for academic excellence. Last year more A* grades than ever were achieved and continuing in that same vein, this year, almost 50% of all grades were at A* or A and 80% of all grades were B or above. A* success has been realised across the diverse range of academic subjects on offer and 40% of students gained full UMS marks in at least one module of their chosen subjects. The school continues to be particularly strong in mathematics and the sciences, especially in the performances of young women. This year in mathematics and the sciences 83% of the grades at A* and A were gained by female students. Students at Clifton High also excelled in creative subjects with 80% of grades in art and textiles being at A* or A. In modern foreign languages 70% of students achieved grades of A* or A and in history 100% of the students achieved at least an A grade. Almost 70% of Clifton High students achieved A levels in two or more facilitating subjects. The majority of students will go on to study their preferred course at the
EDUCATION
university of their first choice. Dr Alison Neill, Head of School, said: “I am delighted with the successes that our students have achieved today. The hard work and dedication of our young men and women, combined with the first class education they have received at Clifton High, have ensured well deserved and truly excellent results. “While many of these young men and women joined us at Senior School a good number have been at Clifton High since Reception or the Junior School. We have watched them grow and develop, excel academically and become confident well-rounded individuals. It is with great pleasure that, today, we celebrate their successes with them and their parents and wish them well for the future.”
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St Brendan’s sixth form college continues to thrive ST BRENDAN’S is the only sixth form college in the Bristol-Bath area and its staff are specialists in teaching a diverse range of subjects to 16-18 year olds. With over 70 A-levels and BTECs to choose from, students are recognised as individuals with unique ambitions and are welcome to pick any combination of courses; each of the 1,750 students have bespoke timetables to suit their aspirations and interests! A large campus, housing state of the art facilities, all on one site, St Brendan’s is nestled just off the A4, in Brislington and provides an impressive range of opportunities to young adults who wish to gain a fulfilling and enriched education. This academic year is a time of exciting changes for the college. As the modern extension, home to ten new classrooms and second café, is officially open to students and further academic developments unfold, now is a fantastic time to join the thriving college. For sports enthusiasts, there are new
PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
rugby, football, netball, basketball and cricket academies; providing professional training sessions and matches, conditioning support, nutritional advice and sports therapy. For pupils interested in computing, a fourth Career Academy in ICT & Logistics will be joining the popular programmes in Business, Sport & Leisure and Performing Arts & Media. Offering Details: www.stbrn.ac.uk
guru lectures, workplace visits and internships, these are exceptional opportunities for aspiring young adults, in addition to their core studies. St Brendan’s invites you to visit the college during their Open Event on Saturday October 10th, to discover the many opportunities the college has to offer post-16 students.
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EDUCATION
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EDUCATION
Another year of fantastic results
BRIDGWATER College is once again celebrating the amazing A Level results their students have achieved, securing a fantastic pass rate of 99.4% compared to the national average of 98.1%. Nationally it has been identified there has been a decline in high grades, not in Bridgwater College’s case! Their top 20 students between them have achieved 42 A*-A grades. The College has also seen over 40% of their A Level and International Baccalaureate students achieve A*-B grades in their exams. Mike Robbins, Principal at Bridgwater College said: “We are delighted with our students’ results and are incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations must go to the students, their families who supported them and our staff who have worked extremely hard to ensure students have done so well.” Student achievements include: G Laura Hemmings, previously of Crispin School in Street, achieved two A*’s an A and a B and plans to read Biological
PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
A Level success: (l to r) Matt Williams, Hero Suffield, Megan Cave, Laura Trego, Hayley Holman and Georgia Brown
Studies at Exeter University G Zoe Gathercole, of Bridgwater Academy, achieved two A*’s and two A’s and is planning to study Software Engineering at the University of Southampton G Ruby Barrett, who previously studied at King Alfred’s School in Burnham, gained three A’s and is studying Geography at Exeter G Hayley Holman, previously of St Dunstan’s Community School in
Glastonbury, achieved two A’s and a C and is going to study Ballet Education at the Royal Academy of Dance. Students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) have also produced excellent grades this year, the average score being 31 out of 45, well in excess of the global average 29.9 points, with 61% achieving high grades, equivalent to A* to B at A level. The students are progressing to a range of universities, careers and gap years.
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EVENTS
Nempnett Thrubwell Village Fete
Berryfield House was a lovely setting
Arriving in style
Villagers contributed cakes and flowers
Dogs just want to have fun
Finn Marjoram, aged 13, left, and Richard Levett, pictured with Ann-Marie and Richard, were winners on the coconut shy
FROM rare breeds to crossbreeds: the third Family Fun Dog Show organised by Frome Young Farmers Club was open to all. Held in the grounds of Southfield House at Whatley by kind permission of Mrs Angela Yeoman and Southfield Sporting, the emphasis at the event was on having fun – for owners and animals alike. It once again raised funds for the club and for Guide Dogs.
William with Rusty, from Trudoxhill
Jess with Florence, a Hungarian Komondor, and Hugo, a miniature Schnauser, take a rest from competing
Charli, with her Romanian rescue dog called Nusha, won the best child handler class. They’re pictured with Harry Benney, from Frome YFC and judge Val Coles MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 69
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The male menopause, your questions answered
DOES the male menopause exist? No. So why does it get 3,250,000 hits on Google? Hits on Google are not proof of existence. Fairies get 40,700,000 hits but have you ever seen one at the bottom of your garden? I mean, really? So how do you explain my hot flushes, mood swings, loss of muscle mass, man boobs, pot belly, tiredness, lack By Dr PHIL of enthusiasm, increased sweating, poor concentration, HAMMOND memory loss and irritability? Testosterone deficiency that develops later in life, known as late onset hypogonadism, might account for some or all of the symptoms in a small proportion of men. However, the vast majority of men who get the symptoms in their mid-life have normal testosterone levels, and the symptoms are nothing to do with their hormones. It's true that testosterone levels fall as we get older, but at a slow steady rate, around 2% a year, from the age of 30 to 40. There is certainly not the sudden drop in hormones in all men as happens to women at the time of the menopause. So what is causing all my horrible symptoms? The commonest cause is a combination of lifestyle factors and psychological problems. It's both how we live our lives and how our brains react to the stresses in our lives. Stress, depression and anxiety can all cause fatigue, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and mood swings. If we cheat on our sleep, have a poor diet, don't take any exercise, stuff ourselves with alcohol, sugar, processed gunk and caffeine, smoke and are highly self-critical then it takes its toll. And if we have an unhappy relationship, loneliness or workplace bullying it can all come crashing down. Isn't there a pill you can give me to take it all away? If you feel really awful, there is generally a reason and you should see a doctor if you can’t see any improvement after a healthier lifestyle. Type II diabetes, an underactive thyroid, anaemia, sleep apnoea and any malfunction of the heart, kidneys and liver can all cause excessive tiredness. But most people are helped more by learning to manage their mood, stress levels and work life balance than by taking pills. And you won’t get testosterone replacement on the NHS unless your levels are genuinely low. And what if I do have low testosterone levels? You will probably be referred to an endocrinologist who can offer you treatment in the form of tablets, patches, gels, implants or injections. Those with a truly low testosterone are greatly helped by having replacement treatment. What is a normal testosterone level anyway? That's a good question. The normal range can be anything from 10.4 to 41.6 nmol per litre. It also varies over the course of the day, never mind a lifetime. So it's very hard to say what a normal level for you is and easy to be tricked into taking more when you don't need it. Probably only two in 100 middle-aged men have genuine testosterone deficiency. Dr Phil’s new book is Staying Alive – How to Get the Best from the NHS
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Summer’s end is near
I HAVE climbed to the top of a tall scaffold. It is several storeys high and I am in a queue. I am wearing a swimsuit in public and the sun is blazing hot. Once I reach the head of the queue I find myself staring into the mouth of a large, black, wet hole. Gingerly I climb in. Down and round I go, tense at first but then I decide I can enjoy The Twister if I just relax a little. Just as I relax water rushes up my nose and I am deposited into a shallow, chlorinated pool. “Isn’t it epic!” exclaims youngest son. It’s a statement rather than a question. Mendip Dad is waiting poolside with a camera, trying to capture each of us as we exit the tube. We have a favourite photo from last summer of Mendip Dad doing just that, legs akimbo with a shocked look upon his face. It sits alongside the one of me, cross-eyed as I try and focus on the wet slide before me. If the children are bored they can entertain themselves with a selection of unflattering photos of their parents embarrassing themselves at European waterparks. Then I notice that Mendip Dad is looking rather downcast. “I have a confession to make,” he says, “I broke your sunglasses.” Now this is not the worst crime in the world but we have joined Europe in the middle of its heatwave journey and within a few moments I am squinting. “You shouldn’t have hidden them under your towel,” he continues grumpily. However, soon we are laughing again as the children join in the frenzy which is the euro-beats water disco just beginning in the main pool. On our way home Mendip Dad stops the car in a small town ten minutes from the water-park so I can replace my sunglasses. All I can find are a mirrored pair which might have suited me 20 years ago. I return to the car sporting my new purchase and in doing so provide further entertainment for the family. Back at the apartment we resume our backgammon tournament. It’s my turn to play middle child but I am otherwise entertained translating a foreign leaflet so we can visit a cultural attraction. “Play now!” she demands, “or this goes on social media.” She is holding her phone and displayed on its screen is a photo of me in my mirrored sunglasses, looking ghastly. Vanity gets the better of me and within seconds the dice are thrown. Summer holidays do feel like the lunatics have taken over the asylum but as we head into September I feel unmotivated by the prospect of routines, school runs, packed lunches and activities. I would prefer the madness to continue a little longer. MENDIP MUM
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HEALTH & FAMILY
My feet aren’t killing me – I went to Feet1st4u!
AT Feet1st4u in Midsomer Norton, their aim is to help you “put your best foot forward”. The team treats a wide range of conditions including painful corns and callouses (hard skin), cracked heels, Athlete’s Foot and other skin problems, toenail deformities, heel pain, verrucas and diabetes complications … to mention but a few. Michelle Targett, who runs Feet1st4u on The Island, said: “If ‘my feet are killing me!’ is becoming a familiar phase, don’t despair, you don’t need to put up with painful feet and you may be surprised how comfortable we can make them feel. “Do remember that foot problems can be avoided and you don’t need to wait until your feet hurt before you contact us. Many adult foot ailments arise because no preventative or corrective action has been taken.” Michelle added: “We pride ourselves on providing a firstclass chiropody and reflexology service. Our clinic is open to people of all ages and we guarantee you a warm welcome and understanding practitioners. These are just two of the reasons why most of our new patients arrive at our clinic via recommendation from our existing patients.” For more information or advice visit www.feet1st4u.co.uk, call 01761 418220 or call in for a free 10 minute consultation.
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
Single and looking for a social life . . . then join SPA
An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events
For more informa on go to www.singleprofessionalassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Veronica – 01749 330455
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 71
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Retreat to the tranquility of the Somerset countryside to strengthen your core, improve your posture and prevent injuries. Due to increased demand, The Pilates Garage is very happy to announce the arrival of an additional STOTT Pilates Instructor who will be teaching at the Studio on Tuesdays from September. All other classes are detailed on the website wwwthepilatesgarage.co.uk The Pilates Garage is also excited to announce the launch of Lululemon Fitness apparel (the only stockist in the South West) from mid-June. Beautiful top quality .itness garments to make your class even more comfortable.
• • • •
Quali.ied STOTT Pilates Instructors Small group classes One-on-one sessions available Caters for all ages and .itness levels
Please contact Jackie Cunningham on 07511 568 985 or email her at Jackie.thepilatesgarage@gmail.com to book classes and information about Lululemon. The Pilates Garage, Stone Allerton, near Wedmore PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
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The friendly place to test your fitness
SUE Jackson is a personal trainer who owns and runs Balance in Timsbury. Balance is a personal training gym in lovely surroundings which offers 1-2-1 and small group training, as well as yoga and Pilates. There is plenty of parking, no queues of traffic to fight through to get there and state of the art equipment. Sue will help you get your fitness back on track, move it to the next level or just allow you to train in a less aggressive space. She will work you hard, but in a fun and friendly atmosphere. So, big or small, fit or unfit, this could be the place for you. Balance is having an OPEN DAY and they would love to see you there to take a look for yourself. Or if you can't make this, then why not check out the gym another time and see if Balance fits your lifestyle and fitness regime.
HEALTH & FAMILY
Singing aids sufferers of dementia
A NEW singing group for people living with dementia is being launched by the Alzheimer’s Society in Axbridge on September 8th.,Singing for the Brain is a programme developed by the society for people with memory problems. The programme promotes communication through singing which can help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation. Specially trained facilitators deliver a varied programme of vocal, rhythmic and gentle physical exercise and dance, along with songs from different eras and styles. Jill Lock, Support Service Manager for the Alzheimer's Society in Somerset, said: “Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music can sometimes still be recalled – if only for a short while. The sessions help people with dementia communicate, improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves. “There are 9,100 people living with dementia in Somerset and this will rise to 11,495 in 2021. But with the right support people can live well with the condition for a number of years.” The group will be held at Axbridge Town Hall, starting at 2.30pm on September 8th and then on alternate Tuesday afternoons. Details: Paul King or visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 73
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Village creates its own mosaic
THERE’S a buzz of creativity this summer in the village of Blagdon, where young and old, fit and frail are coming together to create an artwork that it’s hoped will stand on the village green for years to come, as an impressionistic portrait of this Mendip village in 2015. The Blagdon Mosaic is 2.5 metres by 1.2 metres. It will, when completed, be constructed from many thousands of tiny pieces of glass and stone, cut and shaped to create images of people and places, flora and fauna. The project was launched last autumn, with some kick-start funding from the Addicott Estate and Mendip Hills Fund. Those grants paid for the materials, but the artist, Wendy Phillips, has put in her expertise and nine months of hard work for no reward except bags of community enthusiasm. Initially, the mosaic makers used the community space in St Andrews Church, but now the work has been moved to what was the hairdressers’ shop on the High Street. It was the Greeks, as far as we know, who started using coloured stone to make decorative patterns. Then the Roman architects began to create pictorial representations on the flooring for their villas. Maybe there are undiscovered mosaic floors deep underground in the Roman settlement up at Charterhouse? And maybe, in centuries to come, the remnants of our great Blagdon mosaic will be dug up by archaeologists who’ll try to interpret these colourful visual clues as indicators of our way of life in 2015? More than 110 villagers have made a
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
The mosaic nearing completion
Part of the detail
creative contribution, it’s now nearing completion, and the grand opening will take place at 11.30am on Sunday, September 6th, when the huge artwork will be installed on Blagdon Mead. Tony Staveacre Some of the villagers at work
Wendy Phillips with Scarlett BuffyHitchins, aged four
WENDY Phillips studied mosaic at Richmond Community College and then worked with a range of deprived communities across central and outer London locations to develop community cultural projects, including arts-based activities. Since arriving in Blagdon four years ago, she has developed her technical expertise of mosaic, training in Ravenna, West Dean and Serbia. In 2013, she was invited to join 60 other artists in the making of a 100 square metre community mosaic – a fantasy garden – at the town hall of Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile. It’s hoped the legacy of the Blagdon Mosaic project will be to develop the studio in Blagdon High Street into an arts and crafts centre and a hub for social enterprise, bringing together local artists and volunteers in the Chew Valley and Mendip area.
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Stride out to help Somerset’s churches
SATURDAY, September 12th is Ride and Stride day, where thousands of people across England are sponsored to tour churches on foot, bicycle or even horseback. This year, those in Somerset who can't ride or stride can take part too – on special coach tours! Locally the event is co-ordinated by Somerset Churches Trust and there are five Ride and Stride routes to choose from in the county. Bishop Peter Hancock and his wife Jane will be getting on their bikes to take in sites on the Wells route. The Diocese of Bath and Wells is making sure those who are unable to ride or stride (or who prefer a more laid-back approach) don't miss out. It has organised two luxury coach tours from Weston-super-Mare on Thursday, September 10th and Saturday, September 12th. Chris Hawkings, who masterminds Ride and Stride locally, said: “We really appreciate the enthusiasm the diocese is showing for working with us and hope this venture goes well. We are blessed with some beautiful churches in Somerset and the addition of bus tours to our events will open them up to an even wider audience.” Tickets are £20 per person per trip and all profits from ticket sales will be donated to the trust. Coach passengers will also be encouraged to seek sponsorship, like the riders and striders, for each church visited.
Grand day out
COMMUNITY
Enjoying the hospitality at the organic gardens
A GROUP of 45 members of the Somerset Masters Lodge of Freemasons, their wives and partners enjoyed a day out at Yeo Valley Organic Gardens. Organised by Master Pat Morrisey and his wife Heather, the lodge visits a different location in the Somerset area each year. The group enjoyed a guided tour of the gardens before lunch. Pat said he would like to thank all of the staff for their kind hospitality.
Club prepares to celebrate
Details: Richard Tulloch on 01725 511486, or by email at richard.tulloch@bathwells.anglican.org
Time for tea
Patrick is handed the chain of office from outgoing president Jerry Lewis
AFTER enjoying a superb Christmas dinner last year courtesy of Clutton Social Club, the senior citizens of the village were invited by the club to an afternoon cream tea. Clutton social Club organiser, Linda Hanlon, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time meeting up and having a chat and we would like to thank everyone who helped by serving or making cakes etc.” One of the 42 guests, Mrs Lena Church, said: “We were welcomed with drinks from the bar, then came a variety of sandwiches, next an abundance of cake, and after that there was scones with jam and cream, followed by strawberries, and a glass of beer or wine. “It was a delicious tea served by the members of the social club.” The Christmas dinner date for Clutton seniors will be Saturday, December 5th.
ROTARIANS in Frome are preparing to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of their club. Frome Rotary Club was granted its charter by Rotary International in February 1926 and there are plans for a number of events to mark the occasion, including a gala dinner and a display in Frome Museum featuring photos of past and present club events and other information, documents as well as displaying items relating to the clubs local and international service projects. Since receiving its charter in 1926 Frome Rotary club has raised significant funds and supported a variety of community and youth projects. Patrick Cusworth, who took over as the Frome Rotary club president in July said: “Without doubt the highlight of my year as president will be the celebration of the 90th anniversary of our charter.” Anyone interested in the club can find out more at www.fromerotary.co.uk or visit them on Facebook
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 75
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Craft market boost
Artisan Market organiser Vanessa Lancaster (centre) with Jonathan Browne, from Browne’s Garden Centre (left) and Rob Millard, who runs Nature’s Finest at the centre. Rob donated a wooden storage chest/seat for the fundraising raffle
THE summer Artisan Market at Browne’s Garden Centre on the edge of Wells has raised £174 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The markets are held three times a year and help to raise money for various charities.
Charity’s new service
Providing comfort
THE North West Somerset branch of Parkinson’s UK holds three “comfort days” a year at the Scotch Horn Centre in Nailsea for sufferers and their carers. They are a leisurely, sociable day, offering one or more therapies to sufferers and the chance for carers to share their experiences and problems and to see that they are not alone. At the last comfort day Lisa Davidson from Waitrose, in Nailsea is pictured presenting a cheque for £670 to Parkinson’s acting branch chairman Maureen Mitchell. It was collected at the store during Parkinson’s Awareness Week in the spring. The North West Somerset branch meets at 10.30am on the second Saturday of each month at St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea for an informal coffee morning often with a speaker or other entertainment. All those with Parkinson’s, their carers, relatives and friends are welcome. Transport (including specialist vehicles for wheelchairs) can usually be arranged for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend. Details: Jill Gilbert 01275 855524
Boost for disabled sailors THE National Osteoporosis Society, based at Camerton, has set up a freephone number 0808 800 0035 for people with concerns, worries or questions about the bone condition. The charity’s helpline service receives over 13,000 enquiries each year. The new free number has been introduced to ensure that everyone calling in the UK has equal access to information and support from the charity’s specialist nurses following the national rise in call charges to 0845 numbers last month. Senior nurse and helpline manager Sarah Leyland said: “We have to ensure that those people who need to contact us for help and support are able to do so as conveniently and easily as possible. Our callers have asked for these improvements and we’re delighted to be able to deliver them.” The new freephone number is just one of a range of changes to the helpline service being trialled by the charity. The helpline already responds by letters, emails and via the website discussion forum but other improvements being rolled out include later telephone helpline opening hours until 7pm on Tuesdays to make sure that people who work during office hours have a chance to call and online live chat to provide instant responses to questions about osteoporosis. Details: www.nos.org.uk
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
THE Chew Valley Lake Association of Disabled Sailors (CLADS) received a donation of £720 at its summer barbecue in memory of Christine Heald, of Chew Stoke, whose late husband David sailed with CLADS for several years. Helen Bowen, Christine’s younger daughter, is pictured handing the donation to CLADS chairman, Steve Nash. CLADS has been in existence since 1991 and was started by two very enthusiastic sailors from the Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club. Still as active as ever, it meets every Saturday (April – October) and has a variety of sailing craft specially adapted for use by disabled sailors. CLADS will use the donation to buy new sails for three of their “Challenger” class trimarans.
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Prison event creates a stir
PEOPLE are being offered the chance to sentence a relative, friend or colleague to a stay in Shepton Mallet Prison – all in aid of charity. SOS Africa, which is based in the town, will be opening up the cells in October for the nominated people to spend a night doing porridge in the redundant complex. Working with property company City & Country, which plans to redevelop the jail, the charity has 200 places on offer at HMP Shepton Mallet, closed since 2013. Volunteers from the charity will act as prison officers for the event, which takes place on Saturday, October 10th and Saturday, October 17th. Those nominated will spend a night in one of the cells. In order to successfully nominate their inmate, each nominee must raise £240 before the event takes place. The proceeds will provide education for 16 children in Africa and enable SOS Africa to launch a new education programme in the Western Cape in January next year.
A night in the cells is on offer at Shepton Mallet Prison
For details visit www.sosafrica.com or contact its Shepton Mallet charity office on 01749 344197 or email: info@sosafrica.co
Moose barbecue
CHARITIES
Main organiser Terry Cornelius, Burnham-on-Sea lodge secretary and Legion 8 treasurer, ran the coconut shy
Photo courtesy of Mike Lang
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A SUMMER barbecue and games at the home in Hutton of Moose International Legion 8 president Trevor Savage has raised more than £400 for the organisation’s welfare activities. Legion 8 took over from the old district council. Membership is made up of Moose brothers from Burnham, Weston-super-mare, Winscombe and the Bristol area, with some from as far afield as Swindon.
Accountants get on their bikes
Mobile cancer support
CHEDDAR Male Choir is holding a concert in aid of Hope for Tomorrow, a national cancer charity dedicated to bringing cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes. The mobile chemotherapy units effectively reduce the long distances of travel and waiting times for treatment that patients often endure and also help them to avoid the stresses and strains of busy oncology centres. The choir will be singing at Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 24th to help raise funds for the charity. Tickets are available on the door or from any of the choir members.
OLD Mill have used pedal power to raise £7,916 for Yeovil charity School in a Bag. Thirteen staff from the West Country accountants and financial planners took part in the 300-mile Paris to Yeovil cycle ride to raise money for Yeovil based charity School in a Bag (SIAB). It delivers rucksacks filled with stationery, learning resources and eating utensils to poor, orphan, vulnerable and disaster affected children. The challenge was organised by David Rice based in the Yeovil office but staff from all the offices – Wells, Exeter, Melksham and Yeovil participated, with some riders literally taking up cycling to do the challenge. Starting under the Eiffel Tower, the ride took them four days. MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 77
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Golf aid for charity
President Gordon Fozzard presents the cheques at Weston Golf Club
WESTON Rotary Club held their 19th annual charity golf day at Weston Golf Club with 48 teams and raised over £10,000 for local charities. The winners were the Weston Electrical Services team captained by John Rogers with 96 points, just beating BWOC, captained by Steve Corrick, also with 96 points. Since 1997 the club’s charity golf day has raised over £170,000. The prize-giving was conducted by Weston club captain Scott Mckechnie and Weston Rotary president Gordon Fozzard. The president presented cheques of £1,200 each to Winter Warmth, a Weston based group providing meals seven evenings a week every winter, SSAFA Forces Help Weston, who provide lifelong support to all regular and reserve forces and their families, and Western Active Stroke group which seeks to help people with their physical and social rehabilitation following a stroke. Another £1,000 was presented to the local branch of Cancer Research. The balance will be donated to other mainly local charities as needs arise.
Co-op supports local charity
RADSTOCK Co-operative Society members have voted to make the charity Count Me In, based in Coleford, one of their charities of the year and presented it with a cheque for £1,100. Project leader, Jane Harwood, said: “Our music groups are for people who enjoy challenging, ambitious and fun approaches to music. We offer a cool place to meet up wth great support. “This generous donation has come at an exciting time for us, as we have just started a new project called AllStars, funded by the National Foundation for Youth Music. We’re delivering national priorities for live, inclusive music in our local area.” Count Me In also runs a club for younger adults with learning disabilities including those on the autistic spectrum which is named Heartbeats. The group uses the medium of music to encourage inclusiveness and to communicate through the combined efforts of their musical talents. Details: heart-beatsmusic.blogspot.co.uk
Sale sets record
THE Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell will be holding one of its popular bookstalls outside Waitrose on Saturday, September 26th and is looking for donations of paperback novels, jigsaws and DVDs. The last bookstall in July raised a record £626.90 for the recently formed Nailsea District Leg Club. Details: David 01275 463714
Great Somerset Walk
Winning Team – Weston Electrical Services, Captain John Rogers on left
Best of British
THE RAF Benevolent Fund is inviting people to host a Great British Sunday Lunch on September 13th to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and to raise funds for the charity. Various celebrities have promised their support. Details: www.rafbf.org.uk/gbsl
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
ST MARGARET’S Hospice Great Somerset Walk will take place on Sunday, October 4th celebrating its tenth year raising money for the hospice. It will be held in Ham Hill Country Park. A choice of two routes are on offer: a 5k “family friendly route” and a 15k course that is recommended for those who enjoy more of a challenge. Children under five are free; ticket prices range from £5-£25. Dogs are also welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. St. Margaret’s Hospice are asking the people of Somerset to make Time for Tea and put the kettle on to raise funds to support the work they do helping people facing life shortening illnesses and their families. With each home visit by a community nurse costing £126, they hope to raise enough funds to pay for 150 visits from people holding tea parties. Details: St Margaret’s Hospice on 0845 3459671 or go to www.somerset-hospice.org.uk
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Rotary’s Big Breakfast
Pictured (left to right) Tony Quinn, Marilyn Martin and Spike Parker on washing up duty
CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary Club's annual Big Breakfast was another big success, raising a £870 for local Rotary charities. It was held in the flower show marquee at Stanton Drew Village Hall playing field where around 120 breakfasts were served over a four-hour period. Customers included many villagers and 83 members of the local Classic and Historic Car Club who started their rally following the breakfast and were finishing in Iron Acton. The chefs this year were Rob Taylor and his son, Andrew, with the rest of the Taylor family helping out, as well as other Rotary and Inner Wheel members. Once again the egg-master, Ken Biggs, did a great job breaking very few of the 240 eggs served. Club president, Spike Parker, said: “Overall it was a very successful morning and a very big thank you to all involved in our Big Breakfast event.”
Pictured (left to right) Robert and Andrew Taylor, Hugo Pike and Ken Biggs preparing breakfast
Guests enjoying their breakfast
Winning the fight against polio
CHARITIES
MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Mendip heard recently that their long-standing commitment to Rotary International’s campaign to rid the world of polio had reached an important milestone. It is now one year since the last case of this crippling disease was diagnosed in Nigeria, until then the only polioendemic country in Africa. Rotary has been a leader in the fight to eradicate polio since 1985, when it launched the first global initiative to immunise the world's children against the disease, its flagship PolioPlus programme. The international organisation has since donated more than $1.4 billion to end polio. Experts caution that while the news from Nigeria marks a noteworthy milestone, the world cannot take its sights off polio. The next two years will be critical to ensuring Nigeria remains on-track and prevent a resurgence of the disease. Beyond Nigeria, only Pakistan and Afghanistan remain polio-endemic. According to experts, Pakistan will prove the biggest challenge to global eradication efforts, with the country accounting for nearly 90% of the world's cases in 2014. However, there has been recent progress in Pakistan, with the country reporting a nearly 70% reduction in cases in the first half of 2015, compared to the same time in 2014. Mendip Rotary’s spokesman, Scott McIntosh, said: “It is very gratifying to think that Rotary’s contributions over the past 30 years, including many thousands of pounds from the Mendip Club, are coming to fruition and transforming the health prospects of millions of people.”
Youngsters aid animal charity
LUCY Newman and Grace Chorley, both aged nine, from Burtle were presented with a special certificate of thanks from Secret World founder Pauline Kidner after raising £60
for the charity. Their initiatives included selling rosemary and tomato plants that they had grown themselves, hosting a music quiz and a ‘guess the number of sweets in the jar’ competition. Pauline said: “It’s so heart-warming when someone so young goes to such great lengths to help us.”
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Writhlington Flower Show
Victoria Johnston as Elsa (left) and Abi Lambert as Anna, characters from the Disney blockbuster film Frozen. The pair are from Scarlet Princess Parties of Farmborough
A proper village event
A LOCAL show for local people – that is the best way to describe the annual Compton Dundon and Littleton Village Day. The competition classes are restricted to residents but that has not affected the number of entries, around the same as in 2014. Caffy Chivers, from the village gardening club which organises the day, said: “Classes at most shows are open to anyone but here we decided they should be for people who live here.” The day ended with a barbecue and live music organised by the Dundon Cider Co-operative. Each year villagers donate apples to make a communal batch of cider which is drunk at local events. Winners: Maeve and Freddie Morgan both took first place in two of the photographic classes
Coco, a three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier x Chihuaha owned by Claire Beard of Westfield, poses amongst the flower arrangements
Show chairman Rob Langley and committee member Tina Lewis with the trophies celebrating the 126th Writhlington Flower Show
Amy Langley took first prize with this evocative floral arrangement which included a newspaper dated May 8th 1945, found in her grandfather’s memorabilia PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
EVENTS
Members of the village day committee
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CAVING
New cave opened at Wookey Hole
“STUNNING – absolutely stunning!” were the words used by Nigel Taylor to describe his first view of the 20th chamber in Wookey Hole Caves, With PHILIP recently opened to the HENDY public. The cavern is the largest found so far in the Wookey system and since its discovery in 1970 by legendary Welsh cave diver John Parker, it had only been visited by a relatively few cavers – all of whom, of necessity, had to be divers as well. The bold decision by the caves’ management to drive a tunnel through to this chamber was a gamble, which is sure to pay off, as on my visit in early August large groups of the public were queuing to view it. A small group of representatives from Mendip Times and other local media were shown into the new cave by director Daniel Medley and Nigel Taylor of Mendip Demrock, the company which blasted the new tunnel. Starting at the Ninth Chamber, itself only opened to the public in 1975, 85 metres of rock was blasted to enter the Twentieth. The statistics are impressive. Three tonnes of explosives and thousands of detonators were used to remove more than 1,000 tonnes of rock. Working in three-metre ‘pulls’, each blast produced about 40 tonnes of rock. With a team of 15 Cornish miners, used to working in hard rock, and a large group of labourers, who took the rubble to the surface using a mini-digger, conveyor belt and dumper truck, the whole operation only took four weeks, which contrasts with the five months taken by coal miners from Kilmersdon who blasted through to the Ninth Chamber in 1974. The cost was between £2 and £3 million. The obvious question is – how did they know in which direction to go? Initially, the cave divers’ survey was used, but it is notoriously difficult to survey underwater. This was proved when an opening appeared in the side of the tunnel, at the top of a narrow flooded rift. Divers confirmed that this was the Tenth Chamber – but the tunnel should have gone
nowhere near it! Later, divers took radiolocation kit into the 20th Chamber and a ‘fix’ on the hillside above enabled the direction of the tunnel to be altered, so that the final blast broke through exactly where it was wanted. Visitors entering the Ninth Chamber enter the tunnel to the new chamber on the left; it is reached by crossing a bridge over the sump pool, after putting on a miner’s helmet. The Tenth Chamber can be viewed through a window on the right and shortly beyond an unconformity is seen – where the Dolomitic Conglomerate in which the outer chambers are formed gives way to the Carboniferous Limestone, the usual rock in which caves are found. Shortly beyond this point the tunnel curves to the right and descends gently to steps down into the 20th Chamber. The size of the chamber is immediately apparent. It is 60 metres long, 15 metres wide and 22 metres high. A level walkway allows the visitor to see the new chamber from a few metres above a large static pool of water. This has been dived, but there is no way on, even though the water level fluctuates with the level of the subterranean River Axe. Although there are no calcite formations to be seen, about halfway along the chamber a large boulder has split, with the lower part almost resting on a rock below. This resembles a large shellfish and has been named the Clam. Beyond this, the sloping wall of the cave has been heavily fluted by water which has in the past found its way into the cave at roof level. It is a rare and impressive sight. Such fluting is rare, although it has been seen on the surface in limestone areas, notably in parts of Spain and China. It is almost
Wookey Twenty before the breakthrough
unheard of in caves. The fluting probably formed at the end of the last glacial period, around 10,000 years ago, because the volume of water required to form these deep grooves in the rock must have been considerable. The sides of the flutes have themselves been grooved by trickling water. Between the pool and the fluting, the floor of the cave is covered in fine sand, which came from wind-blown deposits on the surface, subsequently washed into the cave. At the far end of the chamber, a climb up the rock wall into darkness leads to a descent to a sump pool, Wookey 19, which is where divers first entered the cave. The sump continues to Wookey 21 and the chambers beyond, ending in deep water far beyond Wookey 25th; this is currently the limit of exploration. A climb on the left, at the point where the tunnel enters the 20th Chamber, leads up into more than 400 metres of passage with some squeezes and a roomy inclined rift. It ends in a boulder choke, which may lead to the large stream passages of Wookey 24 – or possibly to an ancient resurgence, somewhere in Ebbor Gorge. The drive to open the new section of Wookey Hole should certainly pay off, judging by the large number of visitors I met in the cave. Everyone is very enthusiastic; it is not very often that new caves or cave chambers are opened to the public and Wookey 20 has the size and features which will enthral and interest them. To quote Daniel, this cavern has ‘The Wow! Factor’ which will bring new trippers to Wookey Hole, as well as bringing back some past visitors. Join them – you will not be disappointed.
Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 81
(Photograph by Christine Grosart)
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MUSIC
Choir ends season on a high
Pictured (l to r) Lottie Ball, Michael Eavis, Alex Hann, Jamie Knights and Philip Evry
THE Mendip Male Voice Choir ended its summer season with a sell-out concert at the Methodist Church, Midsomer Norton, watched by two of the choir’s patrons Michael Eavis and Alex Hann. The choir’s usual soloist Hannah Drury was unable to attend as she was in a
production for Bath Opera, but one of her pupils Lottie Ball enthralled the audience with her singing. Jamie Knights the choir’s musical director congratulated accompanist Philip Evry who joined the choir in January. The choir is now taking a well-earned
rest and will be back in September to start rehearsing new songs for the winter programme. Men who can sing are welcome to attend rehearsals any Monday night at Timsbury’s St Mary's School.
NIGHT AT THE ABBEY – SEPTEMBER 11 The chance to sing Vivaldi’s Gloria The annual spectacle of light, music and colour in the abbey grounds; see the ruins as you’ve never seen them before. Featuring music from Charlie Miller & the Soul Agents, Strange Folk, Minor Works Unit, Steve Henderson and Emily Brooks. Advance tickets £4.50 adults, £3 concessions, £2 child and £12 family are on sale now
www.glastonburyabbey.com
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
THE Amadeus Singers are looking for more members to join them. They are an enthusiastic group of singers who meet on Wednesday evenings at St. Benedict's Church in Stratton-onthe-Fosse during term time. They welcome all singers regardless of ability. They sing a wide range of sacred and secular music at church services and concerts. Last Easter they joined with Downside School to sing Handel's Messiah in Downside Abbey. Plans for this coming term are to perform Vivaldi's Gloria together with some songs by Handel and some Folk Songs, including Linden Lea by Vaughan Williams. Their first rehearsal is on September 9th at 7.30pm.
In memory of Acker
A CHEQUE for £2,800 has been presented to Pensford Primary School by the Pensford Music Festival in memory of Acker Bilk, who lived in the village. It will pay for one year's music tuition to nurture the talents of future pupils. Simon King, representing the festival, presented a cheque to headmistress Lorna McIsaac. Acker Bilk was always a firm supporter of the festival. Simon said: “The music festival committee hope that perhaps one of today's schoolchildren would in their turn discover their own talent and follow in Acker's giant footsteps.” The village's parish council are also considering erecting a bench in Acker’s memory.
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Mods on the road The scooters prepare to leave Wells after a stop for lunch
MOTORING
For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes
Bailey approved body shop and workshop
BRISTOL Mod Scooter Club riders took to the roads around Mendip on their iconic Lambrettas and Vespas in memory of one of their members, Colin Birch from Wells, who passed away last year. It was the second ride of its kind and took the enthusiasts – some of them were original Mods in the 1960s – on a route which included Wells and Glastonbury.
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Windows, doors and conservatories in Winscombe GARRY and Pauline Carr decided to keep it local when they expanded their very successful family business into the retail sector in Winscombe after 40 years in the trade. Their new showroom provides existing and new customers with a local showroom offering a range of products manufactured at their Bristol base as well as a local trade counter. This supplies a huge range of uPVC windows, doors and conservatories and architectural aluminium to the commercial and domestic sectors across the South West. The shop is managed by their daughter, Karen, who said: “The warm welcome from customers and other traders in Winscombe has been most welcome. We have had a very positive first month which has exceeded our expectations. “It’s great for customers to be able to pop in for a friendly chat whether it’s to change a broken letter box or about installing a new conservatory! And to be able to offer our local trade customers a showroom too is very exciting!”
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Garry and Pauline are well known locally and are staunch supporters of Wrington Vale Rotary and Inner Wheel
and are looking forward to getting involved with local community events across the surrounding villages.
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HOMES & INTERIORS
MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 85
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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JACKSONS
Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .
Time to raise the bar on raised beds!
LAST year one of the prize draws featured on this page was to win a pair of our Jacksons raised beds. There’s a great feel-good factor letting people know they’ve won, the winners without fail always seem delighted to have won something. And sometimes they get in touch to say thanks again for the prize and to tell us about what they are going to do with the products they have won. In this case it was Mary Jones who emailed me to say how delighted she was with her pair of raised beds. “Thank you so much for my Win! The raised beds were delivered yesterday and we put them together in no time at all. They look so sturdy and strong, and they fit exactly in the spot we chose for them. We plan to dig a garden pond
Raised beds with a pergola and tensioned wires to support plants
and my husband was worried as to where we where going to put the soil, but we now have just the spot for it, in your raised beds. We retired three years ago and bought a bungalow with a garden which needed a lot of work, but which has good soil. I'm looking forward to planting up the beds when we have dug out the pond!” I asked Mary if she would send me some photos of her raised beds, once they were planted up and sure enough she did, as you can see from the lovely picture here. I think the
veg looks almost too good to eat and is very decorative. Thank you Mary! Has this inspired any of you to think about having a go at growing in your own raised beds? You might be interested in some of the benefits: Even with limited space in your garden or courtyard you can grow vegetables, herbs or flowers in a raised bed. Our kits come in various sizes to suit any space or corner. They are perfect if the soil in your garden isn’t suitable for certain plants, or the drainage is poor, you can fill the beds with the right type of soil to suit whatever you want to grow. Some plants only do well in deeper soil, so will thrive in a raised bed. Not having to bend down to ground level to garden is really helpful to those who find this difficult.
W I N A PA I R
Raised beds are not just useful for growing vegetables, here it’s used for ericaceous (lime hating/acid loving) plants – the ferns and a maple creating a decorative feature
One of Mary’s raised beds looking very decorative
OF
And finally a very big advantage of Jacksons beds over competitors is the Jakcure treatment and guarantee – we only use specific types of timber treated for ground contact, this means your raised bed is guaranteed for 25 years, so it won’t rot and disappoint you by needing to be replaced after a few years. Well if I’ve whetted your appetite you can find out more by going to your dedicated page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal where you can find a link to our raised bed pages on the website. For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre. louise@jacksonsfencing.co.uk
RAISED BED KITS
To enter the free prize draw to win a pair of Jacksons raised bed kits log on to your dedicated page, address below, and follow the easy instructions. The draw closes 31.10.15. go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015 • PAGE 87
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Where a fireplace really is a feature!
Ultra-modern: this double-faced wood burner is by Stûv
Est. 1977
Fireing your imagination for almost 40 years www.mendipfireplaces.co.uk Tel: 01749 344015 E-mail: sales@mendipfireplaces.co.uk PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
A WOOD burning stove is always a feature in any room, but the team at Mendip Fireplaces are taking it to an altogether higher level with some of the examples in their latest range. Some of the innovative and stylish designs now on offer are truly breathtaking, a world away from what many people think of as a stove. But that is not to say that tradition has no role to play, just that designers are giving wood burners a contemporary tweak. A fine example is the Bembridge stove by Charnwood, working in conjunction with Country Living magazine. Mendip Fireplaces is one of the first outlets to offer the stove. The Bembridge is a 5kW wood burning stove designed and made on the Isle of Wight for Country Living. Named after a famous town, close to Charnwood’s headquarters, The Bembridge gives a nod towards a traditional wood burner by engaging with the trend for the decorative yet still retains a modern, classic look. Susy Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Country Living Magazine spoke of the launch of the new stove: “I am delighted with this exciting new collaboration between Country Living and Charnwood. Both are well established British brands with a valuable heritage. “By combining our design skills, technical expertise and knowledge of the market we have produced The Bembridge, a wood burning stove that epitomises the Country Living look.” Jeremy White, from family-run Mendip Fireplaces, says the wood burner complements their shift towards more innovative designs. Jeremy said: “There will always be a place for traditional wood burners but we believe homeowners are looking increasingly for that something special and we want to be out in front and ahead of the game. The Bembridge really is hot news but so are many of our other stoves.” Jeremy added: “We are also seeing a massive increase in demand for gas-fired stoves. Virtually every wood burner available is also available in a gas-fired version.”
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Encouraging more women to ride
LOCAL ladies are being encouraged to give horse riding a go as part of a new campaign called This Girl Can Ride. The campaign includes the first national Give Horses a Go Day on September 13th, which will give people the chance to get closer to horses and try riding for free. The campaign, launched by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), is endorsed by Sport England under its popular This Girl Can campaign banner and Hill Farm Equestrian riding school at Burtle is one of those supporting it. It aims to get women aged 26+ to try something horsey. Whether it’s a simple visit to a participating riding school to meet some of the horses, or trying a riding lesson for the first time, the first annual Give Horses a Go day will give everyone
the chance to get closer to horses. Hill Farm is one of more than 50 approved riding schools taking part in the campaign, each of which is offering free sessions for beginners. You don’t need lots of expensive kit, just sensible trousers and a pair of boots or shoes with a small heel. Details: www.hoofride.co.uk
The sessions at Hill Farm Equestrian run through the day from 11.30am – 4pm and will include free rides, riding displays and a free barbecue. The first riders who get the bug and book a riding lesson as a result of the day will be able to take home a pair of riding jodhpurs for free.
Sunday, 13th September “Give Horses A Go” Open Day Itinerary 11.30 - Gates Open 12.00 - Horse & Pony Rides 12.30 - Western Riding Display 1.00 - Team Bragg 1.45 - Hill Farm Pony Club Team Games 2.15 - Horse & Pony Rides 2.45 - Drill Riding 3.00 - Dressage *Displays may not run to time and all are subject to change We are giving away a limited number of money-off vouchers on the day
Also we have some Riding Breeches to give away to the first lucky few. (Terms & conditions apply)
Other activities at Hill Farm
Horse Agility Training and Competition 19th September. Morning or Afternoon Sessions. £35 per person. Riding Lessons: Bring your own horse/pony or have lessons on one of our well-schooled horses & ponies. Clinics regularly available. New ‘Take Back the Reins’ Riding courses starting in September. Indoor & Outdoor Arena available to hire Training/Conference Room available to hire.
Contact: Haley 07891 555151 or Shelley 01278 723415 or Find us on Facebook Hill Farm Equestrian, Hill Farm, Burtle, Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 8NB www.hillfarmequestriancentre.co.uk or email: hillfarmequestrian@hotmail.co.uk
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LOCAL horse breeder and former Olympic gold medallist Bridget Parker from Little Keyford, Frome gained an elite premium with her young horse at the Catherston Futurity event in Hampshire. The filly foal, Cornish Princess, attained an elite premium of 9.04 in the eventing section, the highest mark awarded to a potential eventer. An elite premium indicates that the horse has the potential and outlook to perform at international level. Cornish Princess is the third generation of horses bred from the family of Bridget’s 1972 Olympic team gold horse, Cornish Gold. Her daughter, Katie is competing with Cornish Princess’ uncle and half-brother, Cornish Daybreak and Cornish Curtis.
(Photography courtesy of Kevin Sparrow)
Top marks for local breeder
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RIDING
Tinker: I am a model cider drinker VILLAGERS in Gurney Slade and Binegar are well used to seeing Tinker, a former police horse, standing contentedly outside his local pub. But strangers often look twice when owners Kelly and Lionel Wheeler hold out a bowl for him of his favourite drink – traditional cider. The 27-year-old veteran visits the Horse and Jockey most Sunday lunchtimes for a thirst quencher after a gentle ride from his field above the village. And now the cider drinker has found fame further afield – as a “model” in an advertisement which appeared on the back cover of July’s issue of Mendip Times. Kelly works for Carpets and Fabrics Direct and suggested they use Tinker for a photo shoot for the Dash and Albert rug company to enhance the rural atmosphere. Kelly is a former groom for the Metropolitan Police and adopted Tinker after he failed to make the grade as a police horse. She and Lionel, who works at the University of Bristol’s veterinary school at Langford, brought Tinker with them when they moved to Somerset from Surrey. Kelly said: “Tinker will drink only Thatcher’s Traditional; we’ve offered him other ciders but he hardly touches them.” Lionel added: “Everyone round here knows Tinker; he’s something of a local celebrity!”
Mine’s a pint: Lionel with Tinker at his stable. The flagon contains Thatcher’s Traditional
Kelly and Tinker in his field above Gurney Slade
Poser! Tinker looks the part in the advertisement
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Neil’s new role
NEIL Skinner from Clutton has become the secretary of the Somerset County Rugby Football Union at an exciting time for the sport as we approach the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Skinner, who has been secretary, treasurer and chairman at Bishop Sutton Cricket Club, takes over from Andy Shorney who is stepping down from the post after 13 years, though he will continue to represent the county on the Rugby Football Union. Des Chalmers, the Somerset RFU president, said: “We believe that Neil's background, which includes senior roles in customer services, change management and business consultancy plus his varied interests in sport, will be valuable to the county especially at a time when the interest in rugby will flourish due to the Rugby World Cup.” Skinner, whose interests outside of sport include gardening, reading and being an amateur historian, enjoys all sports and played cricket, rugby and football all at senior level from the age of 16 and is also a season ticket holder at Bristol Rugby. Former England and Leicester Tigers lock Louis Deacon, who was forced to retire from rugby due to injury, will be a guest coach at Wells Rugby Club on Tuesday, September 29th. Wells First XV open their second season in South West 1 West on Saturday, September 5th with an away trip to Avonmouth Old Boys.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE SAILING CLUB MEMBERSHIP Have you ever thought about learning to sail? Or perhaps returning to the sport? Are you new to the area and would like to know more? CVLSC welcomes all applications for membership. If you want to know more check out our website: www.chewvalleysailing.org.uk
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
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100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
Joining our club is just plain sailing
DEAD man’s shoes! I can’t even begin to count how many times I have heard that statement from friends and members of the general public when mention is made of joining the sailing club at Chew Stoke. In fact it was nearly 40 years ago that I joined Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club and, before I joined, it was also my perception. However I did apply and, low and behold there was no interview, no screening tests, no financial requirements, and most importantly, not necessary that I could sail or that I owned a dinghy. Within six weeks I was sailing on Chew Valley Lake. And guess what? Nothing has changed. Yes, membership places have been limited in the past due to our popularity but that was also because our landlords, Bristol Water, maintained a strict level on numbers. However, everybody who applied for membership went onto the waiting list at the time and we would ensure that all applicants got in. Things are a lot easier nowadays as the numbers limits have been increased and the general public have more sports and leisure pastimes available to choose from. What this means is that the club can almost certainly offer you a membership place in the club within around four to six weeks of applying. And you still don’t have to own a dinghy! We have several club dinghies to cater for all ranges of skill, from beginner to racer. In addition, the club is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association and is a recognised RYA Training Centre. Therefore you can apply to go on one of our various sailing courses. Brian Brooks
From Chew to Canada
STEVE Smith from Ubley has returned from representing Great Britain in the recent Laser Masters Sailing World Championships in Kingston on
Lake Ontario, Canada. He was among 260 athletes competing from 26 countries across the different classes in the event. Steve was competing with the 35-44 age category during the seven-day series, which included 12 races in varied and challenging conditions. He was delighted to finish in third place and as the leading British sailor in his class. He said: “It was a great adventure and a real privilege to race against international sailors from around the world. “The ‘Masters’ events tend to be a bit more relaxed than the Olympic level events, but the standard remains really high with ex-Olympians, professional coaches and-full time sailors competing. “I’m self-coached on Chew Valley Lake with a full-time job and a young family – so I’m really pleased with how it went.” Steve is a member of Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club and works for Bristol Water as their recreations and amenities manager.
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The thrill of the race
SPORT
Photos by Mark Adler
MOTOCROSS enthusiasts were treated to some spectacular racing when Frome and District Motor Cyle Club hosted the sixth round of the British Clubman Sidecar Cross Championship at Leighton. The meeting was held on land owned by Aggregate Industries and also included solo races, attracting riders from across the South West and the Midlands. The track had some new features added by club chairman Paul Loveridge, offering extra variety and challenges which Paul could confirm as he rode in the modern open class. Trophies were presented by Dillon Chapman, 12, of Frome, who earlier this year made the tough decision to have his left leg amputated because of a genetic condition and whose story was recently covered in a BBC television documentary. A spokeswoman for Frome and District MCC said: “The club would like to thank all the people that helped run the event and ensured the day ran smoothly.”
Rider Daniel Milland and passenger Joe Millard, from Frome, finished third
Ross Bowers and Dan Phelps, from Frome
Bikes emerge from the dust
Drivers and passengers take the first bend Nigel Marchant and Mark Rousell from Highworth, nr. Gloucester
Josh Broadway, from Frome, practices before the start of the Modern Open race MT ENDIP • JUNE 2015 • PAGE 93 ?? MENDIP IMES T • IMES SEPTEMBER
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SPORT
Exercise the body, exercise the mind
By Mark Adler
IT is pouring with rain and Jim Plunkett-Cole is sore and limping. Never mind that he has fallen off his bike on his way to meet me and is nursing cuts and grazes, just a few hours earlier he completed a run around all the Shaun the Sheep sculptures in Bristol. But aches and strains are all part of the routine for Jim who has taken the idea of doing a little exercise every day to a completely higher level. Not content with setting a target – and achieving it – of running at least ten kilometres every day for a year, Jim is now approaching his 1,000 consecutive 10k. On top of that, he is now swimming at least 750 metres a day and cycling a further 20k – fitting it all around a full-time desk job. An economist by profession, Jim believes with a passion that people are losing their “hunter-gatherer” instincts as they become more and more sedentary. He’s not advocating that everyone should copy his lifestyle, but should set themselves a target of doing at least some exercise every day, not just for the physical side but mentally as well. Jim, who lives near Vobster, set up a social media site for people to “join” him and to share their experiences. Jim said: Heading for the finish: Jim nears the end of this year’s Frome 10k race
Jim Plunkett-Cole at Vobster Quay Diving Centre near his home. Jim uses the quarry or Frome Swimming Pool each day
“What I have discovered from people’s posts goes against all the perceived theories about sport and exercise. People are improving their fitness just by doing a little every day. Over the months they build up their fitness gradually and that’s been proved by the faster times they’ve posted when they’ve then gone on to compete in events.” But there is another side to Jim’s triathlon regime, which is due to come to an end next February. He has Asperger’s Syndrome and believes his routine offers him coping techniques, especially when it comes to interacting with strangers. His pet dog Alfredo often accompanies him and offers a way to break the ice and make dreaded “small talk”. February is also significant because Jim’s target is to reach 1,170 days of running. The reason? The well-known book and film character Forrest Gump completed 1,169 days. Jim’s efforts so far have gained sponsorship from kit manufacturer HUUB and he is also hoping to attract interest from Jenson Button, a keen triathlete. Once next February comes, Jim says he will continue to do some exercise each day. He has a place in next year’s London Marathon which will provide some extra focus, running in aid of the Frome-based charity Positive Action on Cancer in memory of his late mother.
Mells beckons
BY coincidence, Jim’s 1,000th 10k coincides with the Mells Scenic Seven event on Sunday, September 27th. Organised by Jim’s club, Frome Running Club, the event starts and finishes in the village. For details, visit: www.fromerunningclub.org To follow Jim, visit: www.justgiving.com/Jim-Plunkett-Cole1 or via Facebook at 10kx1000 PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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Fifty years since the closure of the S&D TO its many fans, the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway epitomised a way of life. Wending its way between Bath and Bournemouth, with a branch line to Burnham-On-Sea, it passed through delightful countryside, busy small towns and quaint villages. Over bridges and viaducts, past fields and farms, eventually reaching the sea. To its friends, the S&D was, quite simply, the Serene and Delightful. To its enemies it was the Slow and Dirty. Then in March 1966 it was closed. The S&D, almost overnight, became the Scuppered and Dismantled. Actual closure day was Saturday March 5th, 1966, when the last of the skeleton service of trains ran. Sunday March 6th saw a series of railway enthusiast specials run to mark the closure. That was it. Gone. Over that weekend, the S&D ceased to be. That was 50 years ago. To commemorate the passing of this much-loved railway, March 2016 will see a series of events to mark the S&D closure’s 50th anniversary. Under the title of SDR50, Bristol based holiday firm Steam Train Tours Ltd, will be organising a five-day tour, taking in as many events as they can. These will start on Friday March 4th, with a talk in Brunel’s Engine Shed, Bristol Temple Meads, by noted local railway historian and prolific author Colin Maggs. This will be followed by a showing of the film The Somerset and Dorset Railway in association with local film company 1st Take Video of Yate. Saturday March 5th will cover The West Somerset Railway and The Somerset and Dorset Trust museum at Washford. The West Somerset’s Spring Gala, the following weekend of March 12th/13th will also have an S&D theme. Also on March 5th there will be a visit to the site of Highbridge SDJR station, now long gone, but nostalgic nonetheless. On Sunday March 6th the day will start at The Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, the only place on the S&D where it is still possible to ride in a train over the original trackbed. Then there will be visits to Shillingstone and to Midsomer Norton South, where station restoration projects are progressing apace. All of these locations are planning special events or open days to mark the 50-year anniversary. Monday March 7th will take in Radstock, Midford, and the Two Tunnels project south of Bath. The day out will end in the only place it could end, Bath Green Park station, for a cup of tea in the restored station buildings. That evening will see another film show in Brunel’s engine shed. On Tuesday March 8th there
WHAT’S ON
Somerset and Dorset Railway – Masbury Station
will be a tour of the industrial heritage of Bristol. It is hoped that railway enthusiasts from all over the country, will travel to Bristol to join up with this unique event. The Somerset and Dorset, long gone but still much loved, will live again. For those with a yearning for, and an appreciation of, the way we used to travel, this one-off weekend will be pure nostalgia.
Details: For more on the SDR50 commemoration event, contact Steam Train Tours Ltd by phone on 07527 184420, e-mail steam.train.tours@live.com or see their web site www.steamtraintours.co.uk
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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.
Saturday August 22nd – Monday August 31st Clevedon Art Club 59th open exhibition, Science Atrium, Clevedon School, 10.30am – 6pm, entry £1. Details: www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Wednesday August 26th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall from 2pm. Details: Sheila at 01275 462107. Thursday August 27th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 6m/9.6km from Oakhill Village Hall, 1.30pm, park village hall car park. Details: Roger Mead 01934 743088 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk All Saints’ Church Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2NL, is delighted to welcome back the worldfamous Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra from Cologne for a concert of music from the Baroque and Classical periods, 7.30pm. Tickets: JPB Music, The Coach House, 66a Clifton Road, 01934 628600 or on the door one hour prior to the concert (cash only). Saturday August 29th – Monday August 31st Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Bowlore Medieval weekend. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200. The 39th annual Whitchurch Village Fete threeday event; barn dance Saturday night; car boot sale Sunday morning; Bank Holiday Monday, the fete will be opened by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol at 1pm. There’s a great line-up of arena events and stalls as well as the flower/produce/arts and crafts marquee. Details: Ashton Broad on 01275 832148 or whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk British Lawn Mower Racing Association’s championships, Cross, in aid of the YMCA. Details: www.mendipmowing.co.uk Mendip Ramblers Bank Holiday walking festival, the Community Centre, Top Road, Charlton Adam, TA11 7BE. Details www.mendipfestivals.org.uk and click on Charltons on the left. Saturday August 29th and Sunday August 30th Clevedon Flower Show and Festival, Salthouse Fields, sea front, Sat 1.30pm- 6.30pm; Sun 10am – 5pm. Details: www.clevedonflowershow.co.uk Saturday August 29th Brent Knoll parish hall, local singer Jay Jerome, 7.30pm, tickets £8 from the village shop or Eddie Fuller on 01278 760308. Sunday August 30th Rodney Stoke Horse Show, companion dog show and teddy bear show in aid of Save the Children, 9.30am. Details: Amanda Holmes 01749 870467. Butterflies, Bugs and Beasties, free minibeast safari around Burrington Ham with the Discovering Black Down project. Details: Stuart Bardsley 01761 462338 sbardsley@somerset.gov.uk Coleford Village Day, organised by the Coleford Revival Group, Coleford playing field. Details: Chris Edgell 07707 759959. Bank Holiday Monday August 31st City of Wells Moat Race, stalls from 11am, first race 1.30pm – to participate & raise money for your charity contact Jane Miller 07708 468269. Tuesday September 1st Chew Valley Choral Society starts new season of rehearsals at 7.30pm in the Church Hall in Chew PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
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Stoke, singing Dvorak’s Requiem. New members welcome. Check the website www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk or call Helen Boyde 01275 333014. Thursday September 3rd West Mendip Walkers, leisurely circular walk from Shepton Mallet 5m/8km. Ex142 ST631431. Start 12.30p.m. Park in Industrial Estate behind Thatched Cottage pub on A361 Shepton to Frome road. Contact Roger Mead tel 01934 743088 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Cheddar Valley U3A, Benefits Brass and the Girtist Grandest Day – a talk by Philip Hoyland on the emblems and benefits of village friendly societies. Church House, Cheddar 2.15pm, entry £2, visitors welcome. Friday September 4th and Saturday September 5th Wessex Beer Festival, The Court Hotel, cider and music, organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley. Details: 01761 235835. Upton Noble Beer and Cider Festival. For details, visit: www.unfestival.co.uk Friday September 4th Yeo Valley Organic Garden Open Air Cinema Night, The Boat that Rocked, tasty food, frosted beverages and an evening of film & music – the perfect open air cinema night! Take a chair and a blanket, from 7pm, movie starts just after sunset, £13. Details: www.backyardcinema.org.uk Wrington Friendship Club, Cyril Routley will give a talk entitled ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’. The club meets every other Friday at Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street and welcomes new members over 50. Details: Fred Parsons (chairman) on (01934) 863562. Open Mic Night at Redhill Village Club, from 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, feel free to join in and meet other local musicians, all welcome, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG 01934 862619. Saturday September 5th Chilcompton Flower Show, 2.15pm, Chilcompton Village Hall, BA3 4EZ, free entry, refreshments available, plenty of free parking. Details: Janet Ford 01761 233301. Farmborough Flower Show, Farmborough Memorial Hall, 2.30pm, adults 50p, children 10p. Details: Mrs B. Wright 01761 471759. Axbridge Showcase, from 9am until late, starting with the farmers’ market with music well into the evening. Details: www.axbridgechanber.co.uk Dundry Drama Group present ‘Allo, Allo’ by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft, followed by songs and fun on a French theme, tickets £10, to include a light supper, proceeds to Dundry Church Roof Appeal, BYO and fancy dress encouraged! Tickets from any DADS member or phone 01179465552. Chew Stoke Harvest Home and Horse Show, 12:30 – 5pm, (Horse Show 9am), Ogborne Field, Chew Lane, £2.50 (£3 on gate) under 14s free. Various events and stalls. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.uk Mendip Society walk around Burrow Mump, meet 2pm in the car park at Burrow Mump on the A361 at Burrow Bridge (TA7 ORB). A walk of 5.5 miles from an iconic hilltop around Southlake Moor and along the River Parrett. Details: Pauline 01934 820745. Evercreech Show at Weston Town Sports Field BA46PD, 2pm-5pm, a traditional village show in a marquee, stalls, teas, bar, entertainments. Details and list of classes to enter at evercreechshowsociety.wordpress.com Winscombe Rugby Club host Happy’s Circus and
W h a t ’ s a fun-filled afternoon of other events, raising funds for the development of the club, gates open 12noon, show 2pm. Details: Sarah 07414805131. Merriman Park Village Fun Day, Street, from 12 noon. An afternoon of fun for all ages with stalls and stands. Live music from 6pm with hog roast and licensed bar. Sunday September 6th Redhill Village Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 12.30pm – 5pm, classic cars, stalls, bar, food, entry forms from Redhill Club, stalls £10. Details: Hazel 01275 474973. Binegar Village Day. Binegar Playing Field and Memorial Hall, Binegar, BA3 4TR. 2-5pm. Lots of stalls and activities to suit all. Come dressed as your favourite hero or princess to enter the fancy dress competition. Stratton-on-the-Fosse Family Fun Day.12-4pm at the Village Hall. Live music, beer tent, cream teas, craft stalls, pony rides, bouncy slide and plenty more traditional attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Call 0780 1721162 for further information. Tuesday September 8th Clevedon Art Club welcomes Elaine Cooper to St Mary’s Church Hall, 7.30pm, presenting the history and traditions of Japanese papermaking. Congresbury Over-60’s Club, the entertainer will be popular vocalist Chris Rainbow. The Club meets every other Tuesday at Congresbury War Memorial Hall from 2.30pm to 4pm and entertainment is provided at each meeting. Details: 01934 832004. Weston-super-Mare Archaeological and Natural History Society, recent archaeological research at Chedworth Roman Villa, a talk by Martin Papworth, archaeologist at the National Trust, 7pm, Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, W-sM, BS23 1XU, visitors very welcome £2.50. Details: www.wanhs.org Yeo Valley Demi Demo Day ½ day cookery experience, featuring gluten free recipes, Yeo Valley HQ, 9.30am–1.30pm, £45. Details: 01761 461425; or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Wednesday September 9th Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, the development of the Bristol Botanic Gardens, with Nicholas Wray, United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea, 7.30pm. Thursday September 10th West Mendip Walkers, leisurely circular walk across Puxton Moor 5m/8km. Ex154 ST437638. Start 12.30pm. Park at Bristol Road car park off A370 in Congresbury. Contact Jenny Nicholas 01934 853639/07803 722878 or jennymr7@aol.com Friday September 11th – Saturday September 12th Chew Valley Beer Festival. Details: www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk Richard Lennox in concert, Theatre-in-The Hut, off Milton Avenue, Weston-super-Mare BS23 2SW, Friday An Evening of Popular Classics, Saturday Music from The Films and Shows, both 7.30pm, £8 each concert. Details: Gill Rummings 01934 626349. Friday September 11th – Sunday September 13th Stogumber Festival, three days of superb classical music, folk and jazz concerts, plus over 15 hours of free performances. Details: www.satogumberfestival.com Friday September 11th Banwell Society of Archaeology, Elizabeth Rhodes on Etruscans and Romans, Banwell Village
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Hall, 7.30pm. Saturday September 12th and Sunday September 13th Scything and geocaching at Sladers Leigh, Mendip Society 50th anniversary event. Railway "Rev Up" Vintage Display Railway Inn, Ashcott Road, Meare, nr Glastonbury, BA6 9SX. 10am-4pm. Free entry (donations appreciated). 75/25 auction on Saturday (1pm), car boot sale on Sunday (10am - £3 per car). All proceeds to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Ffi: ivan.sparks@hotmail.co.uk or call: 07891 939055. Saturday September 12th Street Chrysanthemum Dahlia and Vegetable Society 67th annual show, 12 till 5.30pm, Crispin Hall, High Street, Street, Somerset. BA16 0EZ. Details: www.streetcdvs.org.uk or 01749 347060. Thatchers Open Day – see page 31. Frome Cheese Show. Details: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk Somerset Plant Heritage Group, autumn plant fair, 10am – 3.30 pm, Moor Plants, Ashcott TA7 9QT. Free admission, refreshments. Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market and Café, 10am-12 noon in Brent Knoll Parish Hall. FREE Admission. Contact Details 01278 760 308. Congresbury Book Sale, 9am to 1pm, War Memorial Hall. A wide selection of good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books will be available. Bishop’s Palace, Wells film and food night, the grounds of the Palace will be transformed as never before to offer film fans a totally unique night of entertainment. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or call 01749 988111 ext 200. Glastonbury Male Voice Choir and the Welsh male voice choir of Bois Goetre-Hen MVC, plus 22-year-old Glastonbury soloist Gabrielle Govier, 7.30pm, St John’s Church Glastonbury in aid of church funds, £7. Winscombe Michaelmas Fair & Show from 1.45pm in the community centre. North Somerset Ploughing Match. See page 12. Bristol Chamber Choir under their conductor Gordon Pullin will perform a concert of madrigals at All Saints’ church, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2NL, 12noon, tickets on the door, £7 including light lunch and a drink. Details: Jude Forth 01934 420697. Saturday September 12th – Sunday October 4th Made in North Somerset, a celebration of food, drink, art and craft across the area. Details: www.innorthsomerset.co.uk/madein Tuesday September 15th Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, Some Enchanted Evening, speaker Terry Merrett-Smith, 2pm, St John's Church Hall BA3 2HX. Details: Glen Hepworth 01761 413580. Thursday September 17th West Mendip Walkers, moderate circular walk from Timsbury church 8m/12.8km. Ex142 ST668586. Start 10am. Park near Timsbury church. Contact Margaret Donkin tel 07980 515777 or margkdonkin@aol.com Cheddar Valley U3A meet and greet coffee morning, Church House, Cheddar, 10.30am to 12 noon, visitors welcome. Details: 01934 744241 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk Redhill Classic Car and Motorcycle evening gathering, recreation field, 7pm – 10pm, free entry, BBQ & bar open, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.
S e p t e m b e r
Friday September 18th – Sunday September 20th Priston Festival, two free stages, great activities for the family, special events in the village hall and church, special venue for kids. Details: www.priston.org.uk/festival Fifteenth Wedmore Real Ale Festival, 60 real ales, ciders and wines. Details: www.wedmorerealale.com Friday September 18th The New Rope String Band, Compton Martin village hall. Details: Kate Newlyn knewlyn@hotmail.com Wrington Friendship Club, members will enjoy a session of bingo and there will be a fund-raising bring and buy sale. The club meets every other Friday at Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street and welcomes new members over 50. Details: Fred Parsons (chairman) 01934 863562. Saturday September 19th Axbridge traditional Blackberry Carnival. Blagdon Village Hall, Stony broke in No-Man’s Land – how the people of the West of England coped during WW1, including songs, readings & images, £5, 7.30pm, all profits to the British Red Cross. Details: 01761 462690 Frome Carnival. Children’s carnival 2.30pm. Evening procession 7.30pm. Visit www.fromecarnival.org.uk for details Sunday September 20th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Love Actually Wedding Fair, 11am – 3pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111 ext 200. Monday September 21st Timsbury Natural History Group, Terry Goodman on the history of the village, Conygre Hall, 7.30pm, members free, visitors £3. Tuesday September 22nd Congresbury Over-60’s Club, Tim Hooper will give a talk entitled ‘Television Tales’. The club meets every other Tuesday at Congresbury War Memorial Hall from 2.30pm to 4pm and entertainment is provided at each meeting. Details: 01934 832004. Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Horatio’s Garden fundraiser talk with Rose Prince on The New English Kitchen, 10.30-3.30pm, £75 inc lunch and tour of the garden. Details: www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/fundraising/fundraising -events/ Wednesday September 23rd Yeo Valley HQ canteen, an evening with Guy Watson, organic veggie supremo and founder of Riverford, 7.30pm, £35. Details: Call 01761 461425; or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Thursday September 24th West Mendip Walkers, moderate circular walk from Penselwood church 8.5m/13.6km. Ex142 ST755314. Start 10am. Park near Penselwood church. Contact Ken Masters 01749 670349 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Chew Valley Wildlife Group, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust: Steart Marshes with Alys Laver in Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm. Admission £2.50; season ticket available. Friday September 25th Yeo Valley HQ, an evening With Lord and Lady Fellowes, a great dinner with some great after dinner table talk, 7.30pm, £35. Details: Call 01761 461425; or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Saturday September 26th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Medieval Falconry a day of medieval living history with a difference! Included
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with admission, under-fives free. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk or phone 01749 988111 ext 200. The Friends of St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury present a concert by Antara, a wonderful flute and harp duo, 6.30pm, tickets £12 (£8 under 18) available at the door, North Cadbury Stores or Tel 01963 440683. Wine and nibbles in interval. In aid of St Michael’s Church. BA22 7DR. Congresbury Book Sale, 9am to 1pm, War Memorial Hall. A wide selection of good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books will be available. St. Bridget’s Church, Chelvey Harvest Lunch to celebrate the success of the church restoration appeal which raised £225,000. Traditional harvest meal, bar, Grey Dogs Jazz Band and harvest wreath competition, from 12noon. Details: Sue 01275 853879 or Tony 01275 853138. Wednesday September 30th Mendip Ploughing Match. Details see page 12. Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support Backwell W.I. Hall from 2pm. Details: Sheila at 01275 462107. Friday October 2nd Open Mic Night at Redhill Village Club, 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, feel free to join in and meet other local musicians, all welcome, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619. Saturday October 3rd Churchill Music presents Aquinas Piano Trio: Ruth Rogers, violin; Katherine Jenkinson, cello; Martin Cousin, piano, with works by Mendelssohn, Mozart & Brahms, 7.30pm – 9.45pm, St. John’s Church, Churchill. BS25 5QW. Tickets £14.50; Champions of Churchill Music! £10.50; under 18s £4 available from: Ursula Dornton 01934 852919, Jan Murray 01934 852245 or info@churchillmusic.org.uk Saturday October 3rd – Sunday October 18th Somerset Arts Weeks, 350 artists at 100 venues. Details: See page 19. Sunday October 4th Redhill Classic Car and Motorcycle breakfast gathering, on the recreation field, 9am – 12noon, full English breakfast, tea and coffee, bar open, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619. Friday October 9th Batcombe and District Royal British Legion annual lecture with Lt. Gen. Sir Robert Fry KCB, CBE, Batcombe village hall, 6pm, £10 inc a glass of wine. Details: Niall Warry at niall@warry.goplus.net or tel. 01749 838816. Saturday October 17th Regil Charity Coffee Morning at Regil Village Hall, BS40 8BD, stalls include, Phoenix cards, gardening items, cakes, glassware, jewellery, hot pasties, with raffle, tombola, 10am – 12midday, all profits to be shared between Bristol Oncology and Penny Brohn Centre. Details: Gwyn Riches 01275 472705/ Pat George 01275 472077. Tuesday October 20th Antique Antics, Friends of Axbridge Church invite you to an evening with Toby Pinn, Clevedon Salerooms, to have an item valued, tickets £10, numbers limited, or £6 just to enjoy the evening, bar available, 7pm Axbridge Church. Details: Penny Cooke 01934 733304.
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MENDIP TIMES
A palace first
THE Bishop’s Palace and The Far Flung Foodie Catering Company will host their first ever open air Film and Food Night on the tranquil lawns of The Bishop’s Palace in Wells on Saturday September 12th. The evening will begin with the chance to enjoy a cocktail or two, followed by an alfresco two-course supper, which is planned to complement the film, Casablanca, with traditional dishes which will enhance the enjoyment of the plot and action and transport diners to the exotic location of the film! There will be a full bar service and event goers are encouraged to take picnic blankets or low-backed camping chairs to sit on for the film viewing.
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 11th September
Tuesday 15th September Friday 18th September
Starts Friday 18th September
COMING UP:
Straight Outta Compton (15) Aida LIVE 7pm Battle of Britain At 75 LIVE 7.30pm Everest (12A) book now
Starts Friday Legend (tbc) 25th September
Starts Monday 12th October
Suffragette (12A)
G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015
Vintage ploughing
WHAT’S ON
MEMBERS of the North Somerset Vintage Tractor & Engine Club will hold their annual Vintage Ploughing Match on Sunday, September 20th near Flax Bourton. There will be vintage ploughing competitions and hedging competitions plus many more attractions. The match will be held at Birches Farm, Cambridge Batch by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Henry Butler. G Free trade stand space is available at the ploughing match for craftspeople, businesses and other organisations. Ring Sheila Chapman for further information: 01275 474649.
Gala evening
A GALA screening of Suffragette will be held at Wells Film Centre in October in aid of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Support charity. NICUS is a dedicated offshoot of the Blood Bikes organisation, based in Knowle in Bristol, and transports mother’s breast milk from donors for premature babies. The event has been organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Wells and will be held on Tuesday, October 13th. Tickets are £12.50 and are available from the cinema in Princes Road in Wells. NICUS also offers a transport service for mothers whose babies are being cared for in intensive care. For details about the charity, visit: www.nicussupport.co.uk
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STEAM TRAINS DAILY UNTIL OCTOBER 4th AND THEN ON SELECTED DATES TO NOVEMBER 1st SEPTEMBER 12th & 13th: SOMERSET CAMRA REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 19th: MEET & GREET DAY WITH THE MOSHI MONSTERS OCTOBER 1st & 4th: AUTUMN STEAM GALA OCTOBER 31st: MEET & GREET DAY WITH SCOOBY DOO PLUS “STEAM AND SCREAM”
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