Issue 5 - Volume 12 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

OCTOBER 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: LOCAL SHOWS • BUSINESS • COMMUNITY • FOOD & DRINK • ARTS & ANTIQUES • SPORT • RIDING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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CONTENTS

Welcome

WHAT a month it has been – we’ve seen Mendip at its best with literally dozens of shows, fetes and festivals, with the carnival season yet to come.

We’ve picture specials from the MidSomerset and Frome Cheese shows, the North Somerset ploughing match and a huge variety of other events from around the area.

We now get ready for the Cam Valley and Chew Valley arts trails, Wells Festival of Literature and the Mendip Ploughing Match, which will feature in the next issue.

We join former miners at Radstock Museum, where they held their 28th annual reunion, and meet the youngsters of the Wylye Valley Pony Club as they prepare for the Horse of the Year Show.

We hear how round-Britain sailor Steve Pointon has set himself a new challenge, having already raised £20,000 for charity. Once again we have several pages devoted to charities and voluntary groups.

We also mark the end of summer with cricket on the green – Priddy Green that is!

With all of our regular contributors and features, welcome to autumn on Mendip, and don’t forget you can now see back issues and get further information on features and advertisers through links on our new website.

November 2016 deadline: Friday, 14th October 2016.

Published: Tuesday, 25th October 2016.

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: Jack makes his debut for Priddy Cricket Club.

Photo by Mark Adler. See page 82.

12

Furrowed brows – ploughing contests in full swing

32

We are the champions – Frome Cheese Show in pictures

88

Village green cricket – Priddy style

82

Miners’ memories – museum hosts annual reunion

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................18 Internet and Crossword..............31 Business ........................................34 Arts & Antiques ...........................44 Charities .......................................50 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......62 Property........................................70 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............78 Community...................................82 Caving Phil Hendy........................85 Music.............................................94 Homes and Interiors....................96 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ..100 Sport............................................104 What’s On...................................110 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 3

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HANDMADE ARTISAN RUGS T H AT M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E

at Bookbarn International, Wells Road, Hallatrow, Bristol BS39 6EX 01761 451 764 • katya@orientalrugsofbath.com www.orientalrugsofbath.com

C L E A N I N G • R E S TO R AT I O N • VA L U AT I O N

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Autumn walks can help your health

NEWS

O n t h e b u s es

Climbing out of Blagdon with Allan at the wheel The Park Medical Practice in Shepton Mallet is the start and finish point for a gentle park and town walk for people who are new to walking or just returning

HEALTH and wellbeing workers have joined forces to create a series of free walks to encourage people to regain their fitness.

Volunteers lead the regular walks which take place in and around Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Frome. The length of walks ranges from around 30-60 minutes to more than 90.

They are organised by Zing Somerset, a group of health trainers, active lifestyle managers and children and family workers across the county.

Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park provides a perfect opportunity to get out and about

For details of individual walks for the remainder of the year, visit: www.zingsomerset.co.uk

THE Abus has become a familiar sight across the Mendips over the years and former driver Allan Macfarlane will be remembered by many passengers.

Now he’s written a book – Abus – The First 25 Years – about the company. It describes how it started from small beginnings, with a single bus running from Keynsham to Bristol, to today’s fleet of 23 buses. He was a driver for 17 years.

Details: Allan Macfarlane, 18 Downs Cote View, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3TU email allanmacf@hotmail.co.uk

New bus service

MENDIP Community Transport, which provides transport for individuals and groups who cannot use conventional buses, has announced the start of a new service. It will run twice daily from Westcombe calling at Batcombe, Weston Town, Wanstrow, Trudoxhill and Witham Friary ending in Frome.

The not-for-profit company has been working with parish councils since the withdrawal from the area of service 601.

Operations manager, Mike Forbes, said: “I am delighted that this project, which has been supported by the government’s Community Transport Minibus Fund, has come to fruition.

“I am hopeful that other town and parish councils in the Mendip and Sedgemoor area will be encouraged to become involved in similar projects where MCT will be only too pleased to help.”

Village “in pieces” over artists’ plans TWO artists are planning to carve up the village of Leigh-on-Mendip as part of a project to create a community jigsaw.

Mike Bloxham and Richard Blaker, who live in Leigh, are sketching a 16-feet long by four-feet high mural of the village which will be divided into 100 jigsaw pieces and given to volunteers to decorate in any way they like.

The pieces will then be reassembled and put on show during the village’s art and craft exhibition on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th.

Richard, who painted the mural on the side of Cox’s Mill in Cheddar, said: “Each jigsaw piece will be given out to a

willing villager and can be filled in as they desire. They will know roughly what goes between the lines, bit of tree, bit of pub wall etc. but they have free rein to do what they like.

They could stick on shapes cut from a magazine or stick on bits of coloured material, they could paint it, stick on leaves, anything. As long as the lines are filled in reasonably

Details: 01749 880613

accurately it will join onto the neighbouring piece.

“No one will know what the neighbouring pieces will look like until the puzzle is put together. We are hoping the overall effect will be a textured, randomly created abstract of the village.”

Organisers plan to commission smaller versions of the jigsaw which then go on sale to the public.

One of the jigsaw pieces before it is decorated

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40 years young – Timsbury natural history group

BACK in 1976, John and Lynne Eley (then residents in Timsbury) put forward the idea for a Timsbury Natural History Group. Thanks to their enthusiasm, on September 29th that year the first meeting took place in The Conygre Hall. Rod Bruce, the group’s present chairman, looks back on some of the group’s highlights.

AT the first meeting, Bob Bell from the Bristol Museum gave a talk on British reptiles and amphibians.

The follow-up meeting on October 27th heard Graham Moysey, of the Forestry Commision, speaking about forestry and wildlife.

Further early meetings showed BBC and RSPB films. Now, as then, as a group we aim to provide an evening’s entertainment by providing speakers to broaden our knowledge in a mostly illustrated, informative way on topics of interest to natural history lovers without being dictatorial or boring. We aim to keep members, not shy them away.

We have had speakers on topics as diverse as birds, trees, flowers, animals, amphibians, butterflies and moths, forestry and farm husbandry, from lands as far as Australia, the Arctic, North and South America Asia and many countries in Europe.

Whilst we have indoor meetings for nine months of the year, avoiding the holiday months of June, July and August, we do have field trips throughout the year.

I have been able to locate the Eleys and am delighted to say that they are looking forward to attending our 40th birthday

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A field trip to Swell

celebrations on Monday, October 17th with The Conygre Hall still being the venue.

At the celebration in October we are pleased to announce that Mike Dilger, the BBC naturalist presenter, will be our guest speaker and he will be showing some natural history DVD extracts in “An Evening with Mike Dilger”.

Personally I have been a member of the group for some 20 years but currently I am still a novice as I’m only beginning my fourth year as chairman but I must state that I could not do so without my committee, especially Martin Hunt who, whilst not being a founder member, is a long-standing one and has been our secretary for in excess of 30 years.

On the Somerset Levels

Besides producing the monthly newsletter and securing speakers he organises our field trips where he is a fount of knowledge.

The field trips mostly occur on the Saturday following the monthly indoor meeting. Our latest soiree was to Martin Down Nature Reserve near Salisbury where the wild flower meadows were in full bloom and were appreciated by butterflies and day-flying moths to such an extent that the number of species seen unusually exceeded that of birds.

Forthcoming field excursions will be to Ham Wall RSPB reserve and we will be trying out a location, new to our group, at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve near Ringwood. Here we will hope to see plenty of waterfowl and, from their website, we stand a good chance of seeing a kingfisher (one of my favourites).

Amongst the other sites we regularly visit are, of course, Slimbridge for obvious reasons and the Heronry at Swell. We also recently had a very enjoyable visit to Stock Hill Woods and Priddy Pool area where we had several good sightings of the nightjars.

Visitors are welcome to attend An Evening with Mike Dilger. The meeting begins at 7.30pm. The fee is £3 and there will be coffee and birthday cake. For further information please ring Martin Hunt on 01761 433234.

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Picnic time – but no teddy bears in sight

Frome Street Bandits swap the pavements for footpaths to entertain the partygoers

A CONSERVATION group which cares for an ancient woodland high on Mendip has held a picnic party beneath the boughs of the trees to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The Beacon Hill Society was formed to protect Beacon Wood, near Shepton Mallet, when it was put up for sale by the Forestry Commission. Mendip District Council provided a grant which enabled the Woodland Trust to take over the 42 acres of woodland.

A section of the Fosse Way runs through the woodland which is famous for its archaeology and its annual display of bluebells.

A spokesman for the society said: “Everyone who attended had a great time and it was a great success, hopefully we can do it again in another ten or 20 years!”

Youngsters enjoy a picnic beneath the trees

To join the society or for more information, visit: www.beaconhillsociety.org.uk

ENVIRONMENT

Clevedon’s beautiful river

MANY of us seem to take quite a lot for granted, often having busy lives and inadequate time to think about anything else because of preoccupation with health, home, family and work.

We here in Clevedon are fortunate to have a river running through our town, but how Land Yeo at Nailsea many truly realise just what that small watercourse does for us? Of course this cannot happen without help from organisations such as the Environment Agency, local councils and the townspeople themselves.

Apart from these there is a volunteer group called The Land Yeo Friends that not only attempt to keep the river free of rubbish but also watches closely in order to alert the relevant authorities if blockages, low flow rates or unacceptable levels throw it out of kilter.

In the last 14 years the friends have saved the town from a variety of problems by keeping a “weather eye” on the progress of the river as it meanders from its source to join the sea at the pill.

In this time of unpredictable weather events, flooding has become a very real hazard here and it is therefore important to ensure that the Land Yeo exercises one of its primary functions, removing surface water from the town. In order to do this it is imperative that debris, and weed is removed and the many culverts and trash screens are kept clear.

A river can also add to the aesthetics of a town, even become a tourist attraction, so long as it is kept clean and tidy.

It is also important to keep a check on the quality of the water too because an imbalance in some of the constituents can lead to eutrophication and stagnation which will soon take its toll on the river’s wildlife by causing weed overgrowth and eventual death of insects, fish, birds and mammals.

The wildlife in our river has improved greatly in the last ten years supporting many fish varieties such as rudd, roach and carp, even the occasional brown trout and voracious pike.

Wildfowl, waders and bird life in general has improved too with swans and kingfishers making more of an appearance, along with mallards, moorhens and coots. Occasionally little egrets can be seen, along with vagrant cormorants that prefer river fishing to the sea.

Up to now no water-voles have been spotted in the river, although they are in the area, and otters have been recorded in various parts of the Land Yeo for many years.

David Robinson Land Yeo Friends MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 7

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(Photo courtesy of Jenny Spiller, Elworthy Cottage Plants)

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In honour of Shepton’s snowdrop “king”

Snowdrop Merlin

PLANS are underway for a flower festival with a difference in Shepton Mallet in tribute to a local amateur horticulturalist with a passion for snowdrops.

Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society wants to celebrate the work of James Allen with a town-wide celebration of the ever-popular plant.

Allen, who lived from 1832-1906, created more than 100 new varieties of snowdrop in his garden at Highfield House and possessed the largest collection of the plants in England at the time. In the late 19th century snowdrop breeding became extremely fashionable and Allen led the way. In 1891 he was invited to address the inaugural Snowdrop Conference of the Royal Horticultural Society. In his time he was known as The Snowdrop King.

Allen’s own collection was fatally damaged by disease and flies, but his obsession formed the basis of the many hybrids now available to collectors. Two very special varieties bred by him still exist – Merlin and Magnet.

The society wants to establish an annual snowdrop festival in his memory; the first will take place in February next year.

Thousands of bulbs will be planted all over the town with displays in local shops, an art exhibition and snowdrop walks.

Another aim of the project is to restore the obelisk which previously stood on the Allen family grave in Shepton Mallet Cemetery. The stump of the memorial is still visible but the obelisk itself lies broken nearby.

An awareness day will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at Tesco in Shepton Mallet. Snowdrop bulbs will be on sale with advice available to encourage people to plant their own displays.

The remains of the Allen family memorial

For details visit: www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk

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ENVIRONMENT

We have plans for you

COMMUNITIES in Frome, Rode and Walton are at the forefront of preparing neighbourhood plans which could influence the future of everything from housing to allotment provision.

Frome residents will become the first in the Mendip District Council area to go to the polls to have their say on the town’s Rode postmaster David Walsh with the plan. Voters on village’s plan. A copy can be viewed at the Thursday, October post office in the High Street during opening 20th will be asked: hours “Do you want Mendip District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Frome to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

The plan was prepared by Frome Town Council in consultation with residents and community organisations in the town and includes policies on housing, design and a number of area-specific policies for sites in Frome.

If more than 50% of voters approve the proposed plan it will become part of the development plan used in decision making and future planning for Frome.

In Rode, the parish council has submitted its plan to Mendip, which marks the final stage of public consultation.

The parish council has already consulted widely on the plan with residents, businesses and a range of interest groups during its production. Comments on the proposals can be submitted until Friday, October 14th.

Meanwhile, work Public transport has begun on remains an issue in Walton’s own Rode, with many version. Consultation people commuting each day – which also ends on October 14 – is being held on the area the plan will cover. Mendip says views on the content of the plan are not being encouraged, as these will be gathered in consultation exercises organised by the parish council during production of the plan.

For details, visit: www.mendip.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning

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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

Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330

Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510

If you happened to notice any BGW employees wandering around the city of Wells looking slightly bemused recently, you’ll be relieved to hear that they were more than likely taking part in our firm’s “crime solving” treasure hunt.

We were tasked with finding clues to identify the guilty suspect and locate the loot, and you’ll be surprised to hear that one of our directors was the culprit! Just when you think you know someone, eh?

Our annual gathering signalled the end of a busy summer at BGW. We had wondered whether the rise in Stamp Duty Land Tax rates in April followed by the referendum vote would lead to fewer house sales and purchases, particularly in relation to second homes, but there’s no sign of a slow down at our offices.

Since rental properties continue to be a popular investment, it is worth noting that since October 2015 landlords granting new tenancies have additional responsibilities and must take additional steps which, if not met, could lead to difficulties ending a tenancy or could even give rise to a compensation claim.

A property is a valuable investment and landlords should ensure the legal formalities are met in order to protect their asset. We offer advice to both landlords and tenants regarding their duties and responsibilities, prepare tenancy agreements and can advise if problems have already arisen.

If you would like help with a landlord and tenant query please call any of our offices.

Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888

Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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Following the plough

SEPTEMBER this year saw some great events across the area. I attended several, but there were two farming events which I particularly enjoyed.

September 4th was the North Somerset Show’s ploughing match held at Moorledge Farm, Chew Magna. The With MARY weather was dry (fortunately) and a large JAMES MBE crowd attended. The handicrafts were staged within the farm buildings, with trade stands and refreshments as well.

It takes a lot of work to get the farm buildings ready. These events take a huge amount of planning and preparation and rely heavily on volunteers. There is always plenty of room for more volunteers – you don’t have to be a farmer.

So if you feel inclined next spring when the North Somerset Agricultural Show takes place (first bank holiday in May) or the ploughing match in September do get in touch with the secretary, Tim Ledbury on 0845 6342464. This applies to all of the shows in our area.

As for ploughing, many people were intrigued as to what the ploughmen were actually doing. So here goes with an explanation. Some 67 ploughmen, from across the South West had entered. A big acreage is needed and in this case Mr and Mrs Glyn James and H Curtis and Sons made their land available so many thanks to them.

Each ploughman is allocated a plot of land which, with his tractor or horse and plough, he/she has a set time to plough, from 10am until 3.30pm. The aim is for the furrows to be straight, completely turned to a smooth shape with no grass or weed showing. They should match in size and shape so if the plot is slightly uneven then he/she will be hopping on and off the tractor to adjust the plough, sometimes every few yards.

On September 7th and 8th members of the Wessex Guernsey Breeders Association visited the two Guernsey

Vintage rally

herds that are left in our area. After visiting Thatchers in the morning of the first day they proceeded to Dundry to visit the Graylands Herd of C.J. Parfitt and Son. The hills of Dundry left one or two gasping, but the view from the top is fantastic, despite the roar of jets on their way to Bristol Airport. Guernseys are a beautiful quiet breed. The Graylands cows have had considerable success in the show ring over the years but their claim to fame at the moment is their beautiful rich milk which is made into Chew Moos icecream. The visitors enjoyed some wonderful samples plus a welcome cup of tea.

The next morning it was on to Compton Martin to visit the Durbin family’s farm. Here the herd is over 400 strong, the largest Guernsey herd in the country. It was a beautiful day, lush green fields, luxuriant hedges, wonderful trees and lovely brown and white cows glowing in the sun on this farm at the foot of the Mendips.

But all is not well on dairy farms at the moment. It is really, really tough when your herd is shut down with TB and the milk price is so low that you can hardly cover a month’s expenses. How much longer can this go on? The processors need to be returning price increases to farmers as quickly as possible.

So now it’s harvest supper time. Do turn out to support your local event, with great British food and good company.

THE National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club’s North Somerset group held its 44th vintage rally, steam-up and ploughing match at Birches Farm, Flax Bourton, together with a tractor run around local villages.

Bob Bell from Redhill took along his steam roller

Steve and Marian Mitchell from East Dundry lead the way on the run around local villages PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Lining up for the ‘off’

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All creatures great and small – Cathy’s 50 years

FARMING

COLLEAGUES past and present gathered for a special lunch to mark the retirement of Cathy Snook after 50 years’ service as one of the lynchpins of Shepton Mallet Veterinary Centre.

Cathy with Paddy Gordon (left) and Cathy joined the Roger Eddy practice of Stafford and Pepper in April 1966 having recently left the convent school in the town. Her role then was as trainee assistant receptionist as well as assistant animal nurse. As the practice (then Stafford and Eddy) grew in the 1970s, Cathy was appointed as office supervisor of the farm animal department which was administered separately from the companion animal side.

The lunch was held at Holbrook House at Wincanton, where retired partner Roger Eddy said Cathy had been a dependable, diligent and loyal member of staff during his time in the practice.

Paddy Gordon, senior director, added: “Cathy has been everpresent throughout everything from staff changes to disease outbreaks, taking it all in her stride. We thank her for all her hard work over the past 50 years and wish her a long and happy retirement.”

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A very successful show

THE 173rd North Somerset Ploughing and Hedging Match and 29th Craft and Produce Show took place at Moorledge Farm in Chew Magna. There was strong competition across the board but the Champion of Champions was awarded to Colin Clutterbuck of Stanton Drew for his excellent work at hedge laying.

Champion ploughman was Mr J. Lander of Cirencester; Billy Smith of Backwell again swept the field with his exhibits of roots while Chris Wyatt also of Backwell was awarded the cup for champion grain exhibits.

Pat Myers stood down as secretary of the craft and produce show after 12 years at the helm; she will continue to be involved in the show every year and the society said it would like to express their gratitude to her for all of her hard work over the years.

Other winners were: preserves and cooking, Sarah Gell, Upper Langford; handicrafts, Felicity James, Chew Magna; flowers and floral Art, Toria Britten, Nempnett; fruit and vegetables, Nick Baker, Wrington; junior section, Joseph Tibbs, Stanton Drew.

The barbecue PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Tractors dotted the skyline above Stanton Drew

Ploughing partners

Total concentration

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NORTH SOMERSET PLOUGHING

Horses and tractors took part

The ladies who did lunch

Judging the produce

Stanton Drew WI ran the cake stall

It was a great family day out

There was produce as well as crafts and ploughing

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 13

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The Mid-Somerset Show in pictures

The ever-popular Mangledwurzels on stage Little and large in the steam-up

Cider maker Bob Chaplin (right), of Chelynch near Shepton Mallet, won the Bob Cork Perpetual Trophy for cider with his medium Copse House Cider. He is pictured with Bob and the Hon. Lucy Nelson, who was deputising for show president Lady Caroline Waldegrave

Young visitors Lucy and Emily, from Martock

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Team Scott: driver Lucy Scott and passenger Corinne Stokes in action in the main arena. Scurry driving was held for the first time at the show

Judges and stewards before the cheese judging competition

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John Sparkes, who lives near Bridgwater, makes light work of the wet conditions

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THE MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2016

Simon has his face painted at Polly’s Fab Faces in the Shepton Mallet in Business marquee. Polly was asking for donations for charity in return

David Brewer, 82, who received a long service award for his connection with the show stretching back 50 years. David, who lives on Exmoor, has been an exhibitor and judge.

Holly Lakin, aged 13, from Shepton Mallet with one of the family's Shetland sheep

Tess Townend, on Ted, Lily Clothier, on Gilbert and Vicky Heal, on The Cob, competed in the inter-hunt relay

The write stuff: Maria Walton, 14, won the show society’s annual essay writing competition. She is pictured with mum Tracy and dad Graham

The cider making history of Shepton Mallet was celebrated in a collection of old photos in the Heritage Tent. Adrian Weeks joined Showerings in 1967 and worked as a driver at the cider mill for 27 years. He is pictured alongside a photo of him and his lorry taken in the early 1970s

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 15

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WW1 project is “exemplary” says heritage boss

Nell, aged nine, watches as Rozalia, ten, writes in the visitor’s book. Rozalia, who is Polish, wrote in her native language “Wystawa jest piękne” – “Exhibition is beautiful”

THE head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the South West was amongst the guests at the opening of an exhibition about the impact of World War One on the village of Mells.

Home of Our Delight tells the story of the men who lost their lives in the conflict, ranging from Edward Horner, the heir to the Mells estate, to the

working men from the local community.

Among the guests at the opening was Raymond Asquith, Edward Horner’s grandson, and the current Earl of Oxford and Asquith.

A history trail in and around Mells opened at the same time as the exhibition, at the Rook Lane Arts Centre in Frome.

The Heritage Lottery Fund gave the project £48,000. Stephen Boyce, chairman of the fund in the South West, said: “This project displays social, personal, political and cultural value and is an exemplary example.”

Martin Bax, the project chairman, said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Raymond and Clare Asquith for not only allowing access to the family records but also for their generosity in time and knowledge. Also to John d’Arcy, archivist for the Horner/Asquith papers for his invaluable help in the preparation of this project.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday, October 22nd. Leaflets for the Home of Our Delight Trail are available at the arts centre and at Mells Village Shop.

(Back): Raymond and Clare Asquith and Martin Bax. Front (l:r): Stephen Boyce, chairman of the HLF in the south west, project coordinator Jo Plimmer, John d’Arcy, Mells Estate archivist, and project curator Sue Bucklow. They are standing in front of a reproduction of the list of men who died in WWI on Mells war memorial

Mendip Rocks! blasts off for another year

Raymond, Earl of Oxford and Asquith, addresses guests at the opening of the exhibition, which takes its name from part of the inscription on the village war memorial

THE annual Mendip Rocks! geology festival is underway after a launch event at Frome Museum.

Field trips, escorted tours of working quarries and some practical projects are amongst the highlights of the festival, which runs until the end of October.

Mendip Rocks! is organised by the Somerset Earth Science Centre in partnership with the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with support from Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Frome Museum and Wells & Mendip Museum.

Toby Elliott, the mayor of Frome, helps launch this year’s Mendip Rocks! at Frome Museum with the help of youngsters and a quarry explosive denotator

For details, visit: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/aonb-events or find it on facebook and twitter.

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

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When on Mendip . . .

With JUNE MACFARLANE

DO like the French do. October is the month for picking grapes and tidying up the garden. Grape pickers in Bordeaux get well fed and the guinea fowl recipe is a typical dish, with seasonal figs and shallots; there will be a grape harvest in Mendip too – an ideal time to try it out!

Celeriac is a knobbly vegetable, in season now. You can serve it as a side dish or make the most of its wonderful flavour by showcasing it as a starter with

blue cheese.

Tidying up the garden means pruning the lemon verbena back hard for the winter. Dry the leaves for a tisane but, before you do, try this heavenly panna cotta, the sweetness cut beautifully with hedgerow blackberries.

Ingredients (for two) 1 medium celeriac 1 lemon olive oil salt, black pepper handful of fresh cobnuts 100g blue cheese salad leaves honey & mustard dressing

INGREDIENTS

CELERIAC AND BLUE CHEESE WITH COBNUTS

METHOD Preheat oven to 160°C. Line a baking dish generously with baking paper. Squeeze lemon into a bowl of cold water. Peel celeriac, slice into wedges, dropping into acidulated water as you go (to preserve colour). Shake off water and put in baking dish. Splash with olive oil and seasoning. Wrap paper over to make a parcel. Bake in oven about 30 mins until tender. Set aside to cool a little.

Chop the cobnuts. Arrange the celeriac, blue cheese, cobnuts and salad leaves on a plate and pour dressing over.

BAGGED GUINEA FOWL WITH FIGS AND SHALLOTS (for four) Seasoning 200g sea salt 15g black peppercorns 10 juniper berries 3 star anise small piece cinnamon stick 4 dried bay leaves 25g butter, softened 50ml water 50ml white wine sprig thyme bay leaf 1 guinea fowl 50g butter 4 figs 2 banana shallots, chopped 200ml medium cider

INGREDIENTS

The pheasant season starts on October 1st, so this dish would work well with pheasant instead of the guinea fowl. Try using a roasting bag – it keeps the bird lovely and moist!

METHOD Pre-heat oven to 75°C. Whizz first six ingredients to a coarse powder. Pat guinea fowl dry and cover with butter. Sprinkle two tbsp seasoning over (save the rest). Pop into roasting bag, add liquids and herbs, secure and pierce bag, place bag in roasting tray (or cover bird very tightly with foil in tray) and cook for 3.5 hours. Remove from oven and allow to rest.

Quarter figs and caramelize gently in butter in a pan.

Remove and keep warm. In same pan cook shallots until transparent. Add cider and reduce by half. Taste for seasoning. Plate guinea fowl and figs and pour sauce over.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Celeriac and blue cheese with cobnuts

LEMON VERBENA PANNA COTTA WITH BLACKBERRIES Lemon verbena gives a wonderfully delicate lemon flavor to this dish. Serve with any fruit, but blackberries at this time of year are the best as they complement it beautifully.

Ingredients (for four) 500ml double cream 50g sugar big handful lemon verbena leaves, crushed 2 tsp powdered gelatin 3 tbsp cold water 300g blackberries, washed 2 tbsp sugar

INGREDIENTS

METHOD Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Add lemon verbena leaves; allow to steep for 30 mins.

Lightly oil dessert moulds with flavourless oil. In medium bowl steep gelatin in cold water for 10 mins. Rewarm cream mixture and pour over gelatin through sieve to remove leaves. Stir until everything is completely dissolved. Divide between moulds and refrigerate at least two hours.

Cook blackberries slowly with sugar and a splash of water until just softened. Cool.

Un-mould panna cotta (dip briefly in hot water), or leave in dishes, and serve with blackberries.

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What’s new from Myrtle Farm A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

A picture of harvest

WITH our farm team out in the orchards bringing in the apples throughout September and October, it’s the time of year all of us at Myrtle Farm look forward to the most.

Having seen them grow and ripen on the trees throughout the summer, now the distinctive aroma of apples fills the air as they are gathered from the orchards and brought to the farm for pressing. Our photographer Neil Phillips has been out in the orchards to create this beautiful selection of images.

Reasons to be festive at The Railway Inn

IF you’re thinking about where to celebrate the Festive Season this year, we’re delighted to present our Christmas and New Year menus at www.railwayinn.com Our special Christmas menu will be available from 1st to 24th December 2016. Our chefs pride themselves on sourcing the very best local and regional ingredients to bring you a delicious and memorable meal – including crackers, party poppers and chocolates.

There’s a three and two course option, and the younger generation can dine for half price.

On New Year’s Eve there’ll be a welcome glass of Thatchers Family Reserve sparkling apple wine, and alongside the eight course celebratory meal there’ll be entertainment provided by The Brightsides. We’d be delighted to recommend your wine or cider flight too.

We look forward to helping you celebrate this Festive period at the Railway Inn. PS – don’t forget throughout the winter months The Railway Inn will also be serving our very special Thatchers Mulled Cider.

Please visit our website, or call James, Leigh, Dan and the team to book your table on 01934 611518.

FOOD & DRINK

Our love of apples now crafted into Orchard Cut Gin

IF you have been into our shop at Myrtle Farm recently, or indeed into the Railway Inn, you might already have spotted our Orchard Cut Gin. Crafted with cider from our Katy apples, the gin is distilled by the award winning English Spirit Distillery, using a selection of botanicals, as well as fresh apple for characteristic flavour. Citrusy and refreshing, with floral and apple notes, botanicals include juniper, local Somerset lavender, coriander, macadamia nut, buttercup, Seville orange, lemon and lime to work alongside the apple flavours.

Martin Thatcher says, “By using our own Katy apples, this fantastic gin is very much at home in our family. With people looking for individuality and character in their gin just as they do in their cider, this new offer once again demonstrates the brilliance and versatility of apples.”

Cheers from us all!

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 19

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Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS

Dedicated to cheese

Show for 40 years’ service to the industry.

Organic free trade coffee • Lunches • Cream Teas Afternoon Tea (booking only) Home-made tarts, pies, cakes and bread Local milk, cheeses and eggs Cards, prints and paintings by local artists.

Gift range including products from Mendip Lavender, Milly Green and Robert Fuller Galleries Dogs and Cyclists very welcome Open: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm • Saturday 7.30am-4pm Lunches served 11.30am–2pm

CHEESE grader and judge Richard Green (right) receives a long service award from Gareth McCabe from the MidSomerset Agricultural

Timsbury Food Festival

Bread & Beyond

High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ

01761 240820 email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com

THE RED LION

The first Timsbury Food Festival was a huge success with the Conygre Hall packed with stalls and people and more stalls and demonstrations outside.

VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT Sutton Hill Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UT

01275 333042

New menu and excellent specials board served Monday – Saturday 12.00–2.30pm and 5.30–8.30pm Selection of delicious roasts on Sunday, served from 12.00–4.00pm Please see our website www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk to view our menus

• 2 COURSES £16 • 3 COURSES £20

Please book to avoid disappointment Smaller portions and prices for pensioners available

Taking bookings for Christmas parties

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.

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Christmas Preview Evening Wednesday 16th November 3pm–8.30pm Sample home-made goodies and festive food and drink.

Meet local producers, browse Christmas gifts, decorations and toys in the Shopping Village.

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FOOD & DRINK

C el e b r a t i ng s u c ce s s – o v e r c o f f e e BEANS and Machines is celebrating its fifth anniversary and has expanded into a second unit at the Old Mills industrial estate at Paulton.

Owners Rob Norman and Jane Dunford have seen an encouraging growth in the business since starting out on their own.

Rob, a former service manager with the Costa Coffee chain, said: “We started from a blank page without a single customer by first buying some machines to refurbish, with my colleague Kiefer Lambourne, who has been with us since the start.

“Jane arrived soon after – we’d previously worked together for several years – and now I look after the engineering side and she’s in charge of sales with Caroline Holbrook who works in the office.”

These days you can’t help but see Beans and Machines signs outside coffee shops, pubs and restaurants right across the area. Most of their customers are within a 50-mile radius.

As well as renting and selling new and

The new workshop (l to r) Caroline, Kiefer, Rob and Jane

refurbished machines – mainly Italian made by Astoria – they supply a wide range of coffees, including their own bespoke blend, as well as teas, chocolate, biscuits and other products, many locally sourced, organic and Fair Trade.

Rob said: “My initial intention was just to supply just the machines, but it quickly became clear that customers wanted a whole package, with us

supplying coffee and so on as well.”

Jane said: “We’ve outgrown the original premises. We just don’t have room for all the products that we supply every week, so we’ve moved the workshop to a second unit on the site.”

To celebrate their anniversary they are offering free rental for a month on new contracts signed before the end of October.

Celebrating five years in business and the opening of our new workshop!

First month’s rental FREE on new contracts in October

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 21

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Pubs get a new lease of life SIX years ago Jason Read took over The Plough in Wrington and he and his team have made it one of the most popular pub and food destinations in the area.

Now he’s working a similar magic at The Masons Arms in Frome, which had been closed for nine months before he started work on a wholesale refurbishment, involving a lot of reclaimed timber and Cotswold brickwork.

The pub reopened in April and has already become a firm favourite with customers. Like The Plough, it prides itself on modern country cooking, with bistro classics, an extensive range of snacks, artisan cheeses and modern salads.

Veera Autioniemi, who spent five years at The Plough, has moved to Frome to oversee the kitchen. She specialises in Buxton Butchers steaks, fresh fish and local game in season.

On Mondays they offer fish and chips at £9.95, including a drink; Wednesday is steak night – two rumps with salad and wine for £29.95.

Thursday is ladies’ night – two main courses for the price of one, with Prosecco cocktails and live acoustic music. Both pubs are famous for their Sunday lunches.

Jason stresses both are “proper pubs” specialising in quality food, like The Rattlebone Inn, his first business at Sherston in the Cotswolds, with a range of real ales and ciders, continental lagers and

more than 30 wines, supplied at The Masons Arms by the Somerset Wine Company and Wines of Frome.

He said: “We’ve now refurbished both The Plough and The Masons Arms to give our customers the chance to enjoy both quality food and drink in beautiful surroundings. It’s great to see they enjoy it.”

The Masons Arms is open all day and The Plough is currently extending its hours to stay open all day from Wednesday to Sunday.

Details: The Masons Arms, Marston Gate, Frome BA11 4DJ 01373 461400 www.themasonsfrome.co.uk

Afternoon Menu Served 2.30pm-6pm Wednesday to Saturday LIGHT BITES

Due to popular demand we are pleased to announce that we will be opening all day for food, Wednesday to Saturday from October 5th 10% off our afternoon menu (2.30-6pm) throughout October

We look forward to seeing you!

The Plough Inn, High Street, Wrington, North Somerset, BS40 5QA Tel : 01934 862871 www.theploughatwrington.co.uk PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Creamy Smoked Haddock with Spinach, Local Cheddar and Poached Egg ..............................£6.25/£12.50 Pulled Pork Bap Served with Coleslaw and Pickles..............................£4.50 Plough Inn Ploughmans One Choice............................................£7.95 Two Choices ..........................................£8.95 Three Choices ........................................£9.95 With Harvester and Sourdough Breads, Pickles, Salad and a Choice of Ham, Mature Cheddar, Brie, Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Pork Pie or Roast Beef (c) Home Cooked Ham, two free range Eggs and Chips with Salad ..........£8.95

Steak, Onion and Garlic Mayonnaise ....£8.95 (v) Roasted Vegetable and Goats Cheese....................................................£7.75

FOR TWO TO SHARE (v) A Selection of Breads, Olives, Houmous and Homemade Pesto ...........£6.95 (v) Baked Camembert Fondue, Studded with Garlic and Herbs with Pickles and Bread.........................£13.25 Mixed Charcuterie Board with Crusty Bread, Pesto, Olives and Houmous .....£13.25 Seafood Board, Bloody Mary Sauce, Capers, Dill, Toasted Rye bread and Foccacia.........................................£13.50

LARGER MEALS OPEN SANDWICHES All Served on Toasted Sourdough Charcuterie – Garlic Mayo, Cured Meats, Sun Blush Tomatoes, Olives and Salad.....................................£5.50 Smoked Salmon – with Herbs, Crème Fraiche, Capers, Red Onion and Salad ..£5.50 Roasted Chicken Breast, Coronation Sauce, Almonds, Apple and Apricots and Salad................................................£5.25

CIABATTAS Served with Hand Cut Chips and Salad Garnish Chicken Dijonaise....................£7.95

Linguine Pasta, Steamed Mussels, Lemon and Garlic Butter, Char-Grilled Tiger Prawns and a herb Salad.............£10.95 (V) Asian Cashew Quinoa Salad, Purple Cabbage, Carrot, Spring Onion, Chilli and Coriander, with a Thai and avocado dressing with toasted Cashews .............£10.95 Pork and Leek Sausages, Buttered Mash Potato and Red Onion Marmalade Gravy....................................................£11.50 Homemade Beef Burger, with Coleslaw, Hand Cut Chips ..................£10.95 Add Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Bacon and Onion Marmalade 80p, or Pulled Pork £1

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GARDEN FOOD

Know your nasturtiums

ORIGINALLY from South America, this is a popular, easy to grow and decorative plant which is already found in many British gardens, though it is underused as a food.

All parts are edible and I often add the young leaves and crunchy new running With JAKE stems to salads. They are sweet and WHITSON peppery, like watercress, though I find that the pepperiness varies throughout the year from mild to almost overwhelming – a quick taste governs how much of it I put in!

My favourite parts though are the flowers, which come in such a wonderful array of colours and are particularly sweet.

They adorn almost all of the salads I make when they are in season, as they are borne in such abundance and are so delicious and decorative – indeed sometimes I make salads with little else.

Nasturtiums are so similar in flavour to watercress that I have found myself making more and more straight swaps – nasturtium soup for example, made with the leaves and served with a scattering of the raw flowers and some cream, is delicious.

I also recently made a nasturtium sauce to serve with fish, by wilting down large fistfuls of the shredded leaves and flowers into some hot hollandaise – alternatively you could make a simple cream sauce by sweating a little garlic and onion in butter, adding cream or crème fraiche and warming through with chopped nasturtium leaves.

The very young, unopened flower buds are also delicious, and are a little like capers in texture – they are great pickled, either in brine or vinegar, and scattered over home-made pizza.

Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Fiery taste of pepper

I HATE to say it but summer has ended, the leaves are turning and the fruit and nuts have ripened on the trees. But let’s not give up on summer just yet – why don’t we raise a glass in a hopeful toast for an Indian summer!

But what shall we have to drink? How about something with mint perhaps, so let’s With ADRIAN look at mint in a bit more depth before we BOOTS quench our thirsts.

Of the three main mints – water mint, spear mint and peppermint – the latter is a hybrid of the first two and can often be found growing side-by-side with its parents.

First recorded wild in the 17th century in Hertfordshire, it was later described by botanist John Ray as having “the fiery taste of pepper” when it actually doesn’t, but that’s what happens when you let eccentrics loose on the natural world. But the name stuck.

Of course peppermint has a strong mint flavour which makes it perfect for long drinks. Interestingly, it gained such popularity that there was soon not enough in the wild to meet demand, cultivation began in earnest and it was exported from England all over the world. We are still doing it today.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita), is a perennial plant growing up to 90cm.

The flowers are lilac in colour about four to six mm long consisting of four lobes in whorls around the stem, creating a flower spike. The oval and toothed leaves are dark green set in opposite pairs on stalks. As a hybrid peppermint reproduces by spreading its rhizomes, not by seeding. The ideal time to catch them flowering is late summer but the leaves can hang on into October.

Old Somerset names for various mints include lilac flower, clearly referring to the light purple/lilac colour of the flowers, and my favourite local name of horse mint. One supposes this name came about because horses would come in from the fields with minty fresh breath. However, I can say hand-on-heart that this is not my experience.

We have copious amounts of mint growing in the paddock but the horses don’t touch it and the old pony could really do with some I can tell you.

Less horsing around, what about that drink? It’s very simple, collect a handful of peppermint (or any mint) leaves, remove the stalks and give them a wash. Put half the leaves in a glass with a table-spoon of blackcurrants (or cordial) and a few ice cubes and give it a good muddle.

For a boozy option add a shot of vodka, then top up with lemonade, add in the rest of the leaves and a few more ice cubes for good measure. Leave for a minute to allow the mint oils to do their job and there you have it, a wonderfully cool and refreshing drink for that Indian summer we all live in hope for!

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 23

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Kitty Banks DELI - CAFE - GIFTS

Loyal customers

• Open seven days a week • Freshly made salads and lunches daily • Homemade cakes • First floor gifts and additional seating • Takeaway available

15 Market Place, Wells BA5 2RF • Tel: 01749 670220

OCTOBER DATES Wells Each Wed 9am—2.3Opm

All ot her markets 9am-1pm unless ot herwise m arked*

SAT 1st Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 2nd SFM @ Frome Independent SAT 8th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 15th Crewkerne SAT 22nd Glastonbury (9am-2pm)* FRI 28th Burnham-on-Sea

Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s Traditional little country pub.

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us.

Note 80% menu is Gluten-free.

Booking highly recommended.

KITTY Banks Cafe, Deli and Gifts, in the Market Place, Wells has rewarded the winners of its loyalty card scheme draw.

Owner, Julie Lloyd, is pictured presenting Dennis Fallowes and Florence Miller with made-to-order hampers from the Kitty Banks Deli.

Julie said: "Our ongoing loyalty card draw is our way of saying thank you to all our customers who have helped make our first year such a great success. We invite everyone to join us on Friday, September 30th for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

“Come along any time between 9am till noon and share your favourite cuppa with a slice of cake to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. There will be spot prizes and draws throughout the morning."

Festival offers food for thought

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

A NEW campaign to promote healthy eating will be launched at the Wells Food Festival in October.

Wells Food Network has been set up to promote locally sourced, healthy, sustainable and affordable food for everyone in the city and surrounding areas.

Bread making on the Lynda’s Loaf WFN will be hosting a stall debate about the links between healthy soil, food and people in the Food for Thought marquee on the Recreation Ground.

More than 150 stalls will be featured in the artisan market section of the day-long festival on Sunday, October 9th which will also include a family marquee in the Bishop’s Barn with activities for youngsters organised by the team at Noah’s Ark in Wells.

The Town Hall will host a number of tastings and demonstrations including home cured meet, new English wines and cider tasting.

Entries are open before 10am on the day of the festival for a photographic competition and exhibition in the Town Hall entitled Eat the Landscape. Pauline Rook, an Associate of The Royal Photographic Society, will be on the judging panel. For all the information visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW!

Christmas at

Festive Parties and Private Dining Available from 1st -24th December Lunch & Dinner £29.99 for 4 Courses

CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Christmas AT THE LANGFORD INN AND RESTAURANT

Lunch £15.95 Evening £22.95 Accommodation from £79.00

£75 for our fantastic Christmas Day Banquet

Please call 01275 472292 for more information

Tel: 01934 863 059 Email: langfordinn@aol.com www.langfordinn.co.uk

Lower Langford BS40 5BL MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 25

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Country shopping at its best

North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW

MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH US!

Time to think about Christmas and our home-produced meat

Enjoy a good Sunday roast

Emma Bridgewater China & other Christmas gifts

Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday

Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas

TEA ROOMS Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches

FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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FOOD & DRINK

Bradleys Juice – So Refreshingly Somerset ONE of the many pleasures of visiting a farmers’ market is the chance to meet and chat with the producers themselves.

Discovering more about what they are selling – and why – can be just as enjoyable as sampling the produce itself.

Meeting Miles Bradley at Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market was no exception. Miles runs Bradley’s Juice Company from the family farm near Hewish. Miles began selling apple juice at the Midsomer Norton and Axbridge markets six years ago and has never looked back.

As well as the iconic apple juice – it comes in several varieties – Bradley’s offers a wide range of award-winning natural juice drinks such as elderflower and also ginger beer. There is also a very popular bottled cider called Bradders! The company is always experimenting with new recipes - Miles can often be found trying out his latest idea in the kitchen.

Today, Bradley’s can be found in delicatessens, farm shops, inns, restaurants and hotels across the country and Miles is currently chairman of Somerset Farmers’ Markets. Recent accolades include Great Taste Awards and Bath Food Awards.

South African-born, Miles was a qualified accountant and ran his own computer company before moving from London to Somerset where Bradley’s Juice Company was born.

Production takes place in a purpose-built barn nestling between the house and apple orchards and Miles is never content to stand still.

Miles is supported by wife Liz – she can usually be found running the Bradley’s stall at Axbridge, whilst he is at Midsomer Norton – and a dedicated team of local people committed to hand picking and selecting the freshest fruit with NO artificial sweeteners, colourings or flavours.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 27

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HARTLEY’S KITCHEN

Celebrate . . . the colours and fruits of the seasons at Hartleys

C is for Crispy bacon for breakfast C is for honey roast Carrots for Sunday lunch C is for a truly exciting Culinary experience C is for long slow cook French sausage Cassoulet C is for corn fed Chicken dishes C is for a glass of Carmenère for lunch C is for a great range of local Ciders C is for Customer care C is for Closed on Monday, open every other day C is for our large Car park

AND – C is for our stunning CHRISTMAS menu, which is now available on www.hartleyskitchen.com Hartleys Café Bistro, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL Just a few miles from Wells and Shepton Mallet (on the B3135) Telephone 01749 841718 e-mail info@hartleyskitchen.com

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Hartley’s – putting the “heart” into good food

FASHION manifests itself in a rainbow of colours and ways. As with the autumn and its hedgerow smells and glorious orange and brown colours, so comes the Hartleys Café Bistro menu, always chasing the seasons.

Their menu for October abounds with the flavours of Cornish sardines in garlic butter served on pickled samphire or hot smoked duck served with autumn raspberries and balsamic dressing. There is nothing wrong with a little repro and the hand made scotch eggs with smokey tomato chutney are seriously not to be ignored.

Then on to the main course of salt beef, pickled cabbage, Swiss cheese and proper potato salad. Or, how about a watercress salad with quails eggs, goats cheese and handmade parsnip crisps?

Placating the quest for retro delights is a full mixed grill of steak, chop, gammon, black pudding, roasted tomato fresh from the greenhouse and fluffy, crispy Maris Piper chips.

And then, of course, is Sunday lunch, a performance celebrating the finest roast beef (with homemade horseradish), or local lamb, perhaps sage and onion-stuffed chicken, all with garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes and autumn vegetables fresh from the garden.

Hartleys café Bistro is on the B3135 at Binegar, BA3 4UL. Don’t trust to luck, book a table on 01749 841718.

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Get ready to party at The Holcombe Inn

THE festive season at The Holcombe Inn is always guaranteed to be a lively affair and this year promises to be better than ever.

One again, proprietor Jules Berry has lined up two memorable evenings of live music for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The multi-talented Lewis Creaven Band will be performing their high-energy rock, blues and funk on Christmas Eve with the ever-popular singer, songwriter and entertainer Guy Johnson helping partygoers see in the New Year.

Christmas Eve is a “supper in a basket” affair; tickets cost £15; the theme for New Year’s Eve is Dickie Bows and Diamonds and features a three-course dinner with a glass of champagne at midnight. Tickets cost £55.

Of course, family and office parties feature in the run-up to Christmas. But whatever the occasion, there’s no compromise on the quality of the food and the imaginative menus on offer.

This year, Jules has two delicioussounding party and a la carte menus. For

those who like tradition, turkey will, of course, be on offer – but with a modern, a la carte twist: Turkey Saltimbocca is served with sautéed potatoes, cavolo nero, parsley and garlic and a red wine jus.

Christmas Day is more traditional, but for those preferring fish there’s roast fillet of salmon – served with truffle oil mash,

FOOD & DRINK salmon and crab roulade, brown shrimps and saffron – whilst the vegetarian choice is pan fried ricotta and spinach rotolo with butternut squash puree, pine nuts and wilted greens.

Five delicious courses for a Christmas Day lunch to remember will cost £75 per person.

“We’re so proud of Cameron!”

MEET Cameron Buttery – another success story at the award-winning Holcombe Inn – pictured harvesting home-grown vegetables from the prolific kitchen gardens.

Jules said: “Cameron started working with us as a pot washer about 18 months ago at 16 years old.

“He showed so much enthusiasm with the food, chefs and general kitchen life that we decided to put him through an apprenticeship to become a chef. He is doing so brilliantly well, showing such talent and dedication. We are very proud of him.”

Cameron, of Coleford, attends Bath College one day a week and is taught and assessed in the inn’s kitchens on a full-time basis.

Celebrate The Festive Season at The Holcombe Inn A choice of menus at Christmas Christmas party menu: .95 2 courses £21/3 courses £26 nu: me te Car la A Christmas s £34.95 2 courses £29.95/3 course Christmas Day menu: 5 courses £75 Table decorations & Christmas Crackers included

Our festive dishes includ

e:

Open all day, every day.

Food served all day: 12-9pm Fri, Sat, Sun Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm and 6-9pm.

Starters Twice Baked Gruyère souf flé with chestnuts & leeks, rocket salad & red wine Game Crepinette, celeriac puree, caramelised apple & meat juices Mains Roast Sirloin of beef, mushroo m persillade, potato fondant, roast carrots & leeks, red wine Turkey Saltimbocca with saut & port jus éed potatoes, cavolo nero, parsley & garl ic & red wine jus Desserts Figgy Pudding, roast figs & brandy custard Nutella cheesecake, coffee syrup & Praline

Stratton Road, Holcombe, Bath BA3 5EB T 01761 232478 E bookings@holcombeinn.co.uk W www.holcombeinn.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 29

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FOOD & DRINK

Privileged to have them – proud to use them

CHEF Richard Page is in no doubt that some of the UK’s very best produce originates in the South West – and being in Shepton Mallet offers him the ideal opportunity to showcase the region’s finest.

Richard runs Shepton Brasserie in the High Street and is determined it should be a focal point for the whole community, whether it’s meeting friends over a coffee or for an evening of fine dining.

Shepton Brasserie is in part of Haskin’s Retail Centre – which means there’s plenty of free customer parking. The motto of Richard and his team is “Supporting and serving local, quality produce” whether that’s artisan cheese or heritage tomatoes, fish fresh from day boats or local ciders.

Richard took over the brasserie from well-known chef Adam Fellows after working for him as head chef, first in Wells and then Shepton Mallet. A Londoner by birth, he has worked in many of the country’s finest kitchens alongside Michelin-starred chefs.

Richard said: “I don’t want Shepton Mallet to be seen to be a poor relation around here, but to thrive and be recognised. We want to be part of a success story.”

He describes his food as “modern British” but also down-toearth but with no compromising on the quality. So whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner or a drink with nibbles – Richard has started offering an early evening tapas menu on Thursdays,

Richard Page in the kitchen at the Shepton Brasserie

Fridays and Saturdays when cocktails are also served – the Shepton Brasserie offers something for everyone.

He is also determined that the Shepton Brasserie should be a community asset: “I want this to be a venue for the whole community. We have enough space for people to hold meetings and gatherings at any time of the day.”

SHEPTON

BRASSERIE AND CAFE BAR

Supporting and serving local, quality produce

Book now for Christmas parties (min 6 people) available from Dec 1st

MENU

Celeriac and Black Truffle Soup Smoked Salmon w/ Pickled Dill Cucumber, Honey & Mustard Dressing Ham Hock Terrine w/ Piccalilli, Sour Dough —o0o— Traditional Turkey with all the Trimmings w/ Confit Potatoes, Market Vegetables Sea Bass Fillet w/ Saffron Fennel,Veloute Quinoa w/ Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Cranberries —o0o— Christmas Pudding w/ Brandy Custard Chocolate & Hazelnut Mousse Selection of Artisan Cheeses w/ Fig Chutney Two courses – £17.50 • three courses – £21.50

Open daily serving food from 9.30-3.30 (10.30 on Sunday) Morning Coffee Breakfast Lunch Afternoon tea Traditional Sunday lunches Dinner menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7pm Cocktails and tapas menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5.30pm

64 High Street (part of Haskin's), Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5AX (free car parking) Tel: 01749 343 579 • www.sheptonbrasserie.co.uk • sheptonbrasserie@yahoo.co.uk

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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INTERNET

Copy/paste with a tablet THESE first instructions relate to an iPad, but most tablets operate in a similar way.

There is often a time when copying from one place and pasting into another saves a lot of typing. One example is to copy a web address and paste it into an email, but basic text first.

Press and hold on the text you want to copy. The word you have pressed on will light up with a blue highlight. You will see two little blue dots in the top left and bottom right corner of the highlight, so if you want more words, you can press and hold on one of the dots and drag across. This is a little tricky sometimes, but zooming in can help (use two fingers and stretch out at an angle to zoom in).

Tap on copy (depending where you are, you won’t always see Cut – you can’t cut something out of an internet page, for example). Now move to where you want this bit of copied text to appear – body of an email etc. Press and hold on the spot you want. You may see a little “bubble” appear as you are pressing, but when you let go you should see a paste option – tap on that, and your text will appear.

For a web address, the technique is basically the same.

Find the web page you want – press and hold on the web address itself . (You might get a Select All option – in which case be sure to tap that and then) tap copy. Now move to where you want it to appear, press and hold and tap Paste.

And the principle remains the same with a link – tap and press and copy.

To copy and paste on a PC or Mac, it’s what my granny used to call the same only different! If using a mouse, just click and hold and drag to select, then get over the selected text and right-click on it and click Copy. Move > right-click > Paste. If using a Mac, use a two-finger-click and click Copy, move, two-finger-click and Paste This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

Submitted by IT for the Terrified : NOW AT: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF • 01934 741751 (There was – and possibly still is – a long period when BT was unable to active our phone line, so if you tried to ring and got no reply, please try again!) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project.

Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you for £10 per hour. 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: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones.

Or if you can spare two hours a week have skills on any level that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1/9 Somehow get any author to be carefree (5,2,5) 4 I put a grand on a bright spark – it’s in the bag to keep the smoke fresh (5,4) 9 See 1 10 I'm afraid your name is a blank to me in this state (7) 11 Close object of a dangerous kind (4,5) 12 Speed boats? (5) 13 This bound to be the answer – certainly (2,5) 15 Place sword in queen’s safe keeping (7) 17 Take dinner with the engineers – they produce some fine poultry (7) 20 Not constrained about motorbike races, but worried (7) 22 Beginner won’t beg to hit the bull (5) 23 Strongly criticise complaint so given Sunday special (5,4) 25 Goggle at her tanned skin (7) 26 Considerable weight carrying relative in Somerset (7) 27 Too quiet – so stopped running (9) 28 Suitable attire . . . for fishing in Scotland ? (5)

DOWN 1 Wishes to consolidate annual income? (9) 2 He'd run a roundabout way to be undetected (7) 3 Given to a US general . . .

(5) 4 Moggie had a large amount of this herb (7) 5 Put over a slow gag? Will Fyffe reckoned it was his (7) 6 Circle enclosure to prevent things spreading (4,5) 7 There's a certain rawness about the feedback (7) 8 Sudden actions may involve legislation (5) 14 Brought up . . . to become a space traveller? (9) 16 Such a defender I saw in a different light (9) 18 Insect follows Quaker and a flag (7) 19 Bits fall off tributaries in ancient Italy (7) 20 Left ant to remove the bumps (7) 21 Letters scattered under the table (7) 22 Related . . . according to the judge? (2-3) 24 Junction to corrode – yet have confidence ! (5)

Answers on page 113 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 31

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A considered opinion during the cheese judging More than 1,000 different cheeses were entered into this year’s show Titan the robot ignored the mud to wow the crowds

Just champion: one of the winning cattle poses during the grand display of livestock Toby and Rebecca Moore with a champion Southdown ram. They are members of the Helyer family, of Langford, who won a number of prizes for their sheep

(l:r): Steward Jill Westgate, from the Rotary Club of Frome Selwood, committee member Sally Young and judge Sarah Hubbard, a cheese expert from Abbotsgate Foods PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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FROME CHEESE SHOW 2016

Gemma d'Ovidio in action

Gloria and Lola from Frome

Frome Town Youth Band

Colour on a grey day: mother and daughter Ann Deegan and Naomi Barr

The lamb national is underway – and with runners’ names such as Ed Shearing and Mint Sauce, the competition was never meant to be serious

Ian Chant, of Writhlington, took home a string of prizes, including first place for this vegetable display

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 33

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Sock it to me

IF you’re thinking of replacing those trusty walking boots or simply want to treat yourself to a new pair, then pop into Country Innovation in Broad Street, Congresbury from October 10th – 24th when they will be hosting a footwear fortnight.

There will be experts on hand to offer fitting and advice and there will be some fantastic offers to choose from! In particular the new range of Italian Grisport boots and shoes are of extremely high quality and are at highly competitive prices, with full leather boots from £75. There’s also free socks worth £15 for every full-priced pair purchased!

Outdoor Clothing, Footwear and Accessories

FOOTWEAR FORTNIGHT 10th–24th October • Fantastic offers on walking boots and shoes • FREE SOCKS with every pair bought • Expert fitting and advice Broad Street • Congresbury (opposite Ship & Castle)

A Professional Company serving the South West

01934 877333 www.countryinnovation.co.uk

ECATCHER MOL

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 mendipmolecatcher.co.uk PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Burglar Alarms 0 Fire Alarms 0 CCTV Systems 0 Insurance approved 0 Installation, maintenance, repairs and upgrades 0 Central Station Monitoring 0 Local engineers Tel: 01275 331914 sales@chewvalleyalarm.co.uk www.chewvalleyalarm.co.uk

Relax knowing your property is protected

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

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Scammers cloud the issue

AS far as “interesting facts about accounting” are concerned, well, the sky's the limit! Believe it or not, we are now launching into a period when cloud accounting (see what I did there?) is taking centre stage.

From now on, more and more companies will be hearing about this and turning to systems where the software is securely stored on the internet, rather than on individual computers.

I was a bit concerned at first about the security of this, but I have looked into it carefully and I am content that each area of the “cloud” is firmly barricaded off from the next.

Jolly things like bank reconciliations will be able to be done quickly and effectively as figures can be checked, anomalies spotted quickly and questions such as “Where should I enter this?” answered as rapidly as a short, sharp summer shower.

If I have left you as confused as when I started and I have been known to do that – especially with road directions – then I am happy to be able to tell you that you can attend a seminar about cloud accounting and the different types currently available at the remarkably useful Work in Wells week, which started on September 26th. All details of this are on the Mendip Hub website. I thoroughly recommend checking out all the events on offer, especially where you might be considering investing some hard-earned cash in a new initiative.

Now, having exhausted all my somewhat tortured cloud-related phrases, I shall sign off with a warning – yet again, unfortunately – about email scams. Scammers are simply becoming cleverer and we have to keep our wits about us to protect ourselves from them.

BUSINESS Hackers are able to use details about us from sites they have found their way into to send very convincing emails apparently from banks, building societies, HMRC and even suppliers, telling you they have new bank details, and would you please amend your records so that you pay directly into their new accounts.

Only, guess what? Got it in one! There are no new bank accounts and you would have just paid your money into a scammer's bank account. If in doubt, please, please contact the company concerned directly by telephone or using snail mail if necessary. It can be a dodgy old world out there. Take care!

Jane Bowe, Probusiness

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 35

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Mendip Times ONLINE

Free access to all of our recent magazines from our website Free links to all of our advertisers’ websites Free links from our features and editorial pages More information – more enjoyment No annoying pop-ups – Mendip Times pure and simple A new service for readers and advertisers

www.mendiptimes.co.uk PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Richard Hayes of TR Hayes talks modern furniture IF you are not familiar with TR Hayes they are Bath’s oldest, and largest, furniture store. The store has been in Bath since 1915, starting in Widcombe, then moving to its current location at the top of Walcot Street.

The store has expanded greatly over the years and now occupies 50,000 square feet spread over seven floors. The most recent development is their Contemporary Furniture Showroom (pictured) opposite the main store which showcases stylish, modern furniture.

Although they stock both traditional and contemporary furniture, currently there is a real trend towards a modern, simpler look which doesn’t compromise on comfort. The Carrera from Michael Tyler is a good example of the best in modern sofas – a sleek contemporary design with sumptuous back cushions creates a simple unfussy look, but it is also wonderfully comfortable.

Richard Hayes says one of the most comfortable chairs he has ever sat in is Fama’s Lenny Chair. This is a fabulous swivel chair that is available in a range of

fabrics or leathers. It has a striking curvaceous design with plump cushions which make it wonderfully relaxing.

Smart, well designed storage is also popular as we all try to de-clutter our homes. Skano have recently created their Trevik range that is a real breath of fresh air, with endlessly flexible options.

BUSINESS

Choose from many finishes, and add vibrant coloured accents to create a real statement piece.

If you want to go and see these ranges for yourself they have a free customer car park to the side of the main store and offer free local delivery within a 50-mile radius of Bath.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 37

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QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

• High Peaked Roofs • Clear Roofs and Window Walls so ‘Conservatory Ends or Entrances’ can be created. Also Flame Towers.

• Furniture • Starlight Lining • Dance floors • Lighting • Fridge trailer hire

Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366 Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

P & C Logs C al l P h i l o n 0 7 7 3 4 0 9 8 3 2 3 , o r C o l l ee n o n 0 7 7 8 5 2 5 0 0 3 3 o r on E v en i n g s 0 1 7 6 1 2 2 1 5 4 3

Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).

TOPSOIL AND STONE SUPPLIES Dry high quality screened or unscreened Topsoil. Recycled aggregates and quarry stone supplies, road planings and building stone.

DEMOLITION AND STRIP OUT All types of demolition works. From small household to main contractor projects, including rail, schools and city centre redevelopments. Complete range of specialist equipment and services available.

ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information.

TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire.

PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers.

EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Somerset residents get ultra-connected

Page 39

Residents across the Chew Valley are now receiving some of the fastest internet speeds in the country thanks to new broadband provider TrueSpeed.

The arrival of the long-awaited ultrafast broadband service in the Chew Valley is due to the work and substantial investment of TrueSpeed, based at Newton St Loe, near Bath.

In May 2015 it purchased sub-ducting along the route of Hibernia Networks’ transatlantic fibre cable which was intended to improve internet speeds between New York and London's many financial trade hubs.

TrueSpeed is already actively connecting many residents across the Chew Valley, with the villages of Priston and Newton St Loe already live and Stanton Drew and Compton Dando next to receive speeds never previously made available to those living in rural communities.

Having now secured a deal with Western Power to use power poles for connectivity, alongside a range of innovative methods, they are in the unique position of being able to provide fibre directly into people's homes through minimal disruption, meaning guaranteed speeds of 100Mbs both up and down.

The impact on families and home-workers in those villages already connected means a real transformation to their

BUSINESS

TrueSpeed team Kevin Rudman and Alex Chikani at the Compton Dando Flower Show

productivity, family harmony and a feeling that the internet is just another utility, one that they no longer have to think about, and one which is robust for the future, however technology advances.

Priston resident Owain Jones said: “Our village uses the internet in different ways socially quite a lot. It’s a fundamentally important part of Priston's connectivity. For all sorts of reasons, connectivity is only going to get more and more important. Now thanks to TrueSpeed we've now got some of the fastest broadband in the country.”

TrueSpeed is a demand-led business, meaning that they can build into villages/communities that register enough interest to take the service. They will shortly be promoting Q & As in village halls across Somerset.

Details: To prioritise your community to receive ultrafast, register at www.truespeed.com or contact ultrafast@truespeed.com 01225 300370.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 39

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Moat races – the future is secure

ORGANISERS of the ever-popular Wells Moat Boat Races have announced that next year’s event will go ahead after warning that it was at risk unless more volunteers came forward.

The races are jointly organised by the City of Wells Lions Club and City of Wells Air Cadets but both organisations have seen a drop in membership. However, an appeal for more support proved successful and the Swan Hotel, which sponsored this year’s event, has confirmed its backing for 2017. This year’s races generated almost £10,000 for local charities.

Ian Burt, president of the lions club, said: “I am delighted to say that the shadow hanging over the event’s future has been lifted.

The races will be back in 2017.”

Thousands of spectators watched this year’s event, which featured 13 races. Once again the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Hancock, took to the water in the Archbishop’s Cup race, won by Swan Lake. Each team had to include at least one member of the clergy or lay ministry.

G The first meeting of the new organising committee will be held on Wednesday, November 16th. All are welcome. For details, call Ian on 01458 210926 or email millerburt@btinternet.com.

Winners of the junior fancy dress competition

The Swan Lake team crosses the finish line in first place in the opening race

The Bishop of Bath and Wells (back right) takes to the water with the Queen of the Moat team

Which one’s George?

Shiver me timbers . . .

Thomas the Tank Engine leads the field in the Air Cadets Shield for youth group

For information about the cadets, contact Les Tanner on oc.1955@aircadets.org

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Baltonsborough shows its true colours

EVENTS

A RAINBOW run for youngsters and their parents was one of the highlights of this year’s Baltonsborough Village Show.

Hundreds of visitors packed the playing fields for the annual showcase, helping to raise thousands of pounds for local good causes.

Mike Burroughs won the award for the best dressed scarecrow with this World War One flying ace. Harry Burroughs took second place for a German rival

India, aged six, was on holiday from Lincolnshire with her family and pets Bisto and Banjo – Bernese Mountain Dogs – which they entered into the dog show

Fi and Steve Everitt ran the village’s own cocktail bar

John Diment from Glastonbury-based “swamp folk” band John D Revelator MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 41

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Valley Fest 2016

Doreen Doreen headlined the first night

Fun in the sun

Zumba – in wellies

Craig and Amy Derrick and their son Reggie

The Chew Valley Swing Band

Local choir Vox in Frox on the main stage

Fun on the swingboats

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Good weather in Whitchurch . . .

AFTER two years of rain, Whitchurch Village Fete organisers had their wish for good weather granted this August Bank Holiday and members of the local community poured in to enjoy numerous stalls and entertainment. All proceeds from the weekend’s events go to local charities and organisations.

Presenting trophies in the flower tent

. . . but Axbridge Showcase rained off

Page 39

EVENTS

The Shaolin Wushu team

Whitchurch Village Fete Snow Queen Demi with fete princesses, Lucy and Phoebe

AXBRIDGE Town Hall became a refuge as heavy rain ruined the town’s big day for only the second time in 16 years. It was so wet even the Sea Cadets called off their parade! This year’s theme was the Sixties.

Some of the organisers stepped back into the Sixties

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 43

(Photographs courtesy of Roger Davie Webster)

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Profitable day for Antiques Road Trip AT their sale on September 10th at the Mendip Auction Rooms, Killens saw 450 lots go under the hammer with a very good attendance of buyers and strong internet bidding.

Once again, there was an excellent selection of silver and jewellery with competitive bidding for the items on offer. A diamond line bracelet met fierce bidding achieving a price of £1,100 whilst a 15 carat gold bracelet with various charms also making £1,100.

There was an interesting entry of

Observing the sale

watches and with an A.J.W. Benson 9carat gold Half Hunter pocket watch with hinged Dennison case dated Birmingham 1931 and Swiss movement realising £820. A 9-carat gold Rolex Hunter pocket watch, also with Dennison case and Swiss movement made £500.

Furniture saw continued firmer interest with an Ercol elm dining table making £460, a 19th century mahogany Sheraton style sideboard £380, an Edwardian oval occasional table £320 and a 20th century stained carved oak hall bench £290.

Collectable items tend to meet with strong demand at Mendip and amongst the various items sold, a large copper cheese vat realised £420, an interesting album of 19th century stamps met with strong bidding realising £270 and a rare pair of Irish cast iron horse tethering posts £260.

James Braxton and Raj Bisram of the Antiques Road Trip were in attendance

with their aim to make the most profit on the five items that they each entered.

It is rare to make a profit but at the Mendip Auction Rooms every item sold at a profit! The programme and result will be screened in due course.

On September 20th, an excellent entry of almost 700 lots entered for the Victorian and later effects sale went under the hammer with a diverse range of items on offer with excellent opportunities for those seeking to furnish a house.

Entries are now being invited for forthcoming sales with the next sale being of antiques and collectables on October 15th.

Details: The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauction rooms.co.uk

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Rare serpent ewer charms bidders CLEVEDON Salerooms’ September Quarterly Specialist Sale was a great success and included this rare Zsolnay pottery serpent ewer standing 29cm high.

Four Hungarian bidders, all from Budapest, spotted the ewer on the internet and booked telephone lines to

compete for this rare piece of Hungary’s heritage. Determined to win, even the crack across its base failed to deter the winning bidder parting with £11,750 to tame the creature.

Clevedon Salerooms are back on the TV in the new BBC1 series called Street

Auction hosted by Paul Martin. They feature in six episodes, all of which will be aired at 11am on weekday mornings between September 26th and October 7th.

Clevedon Salerooms have a long history with the Beeb having hosted episodes of Flog-it almost every year since the programme’s inception.

September Specialist Sale highlights

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

£2,350

£8,650

3 4 5 & 17 18 19 October 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary Ample free parking

Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com

£11,500

£6,200

£5,550

Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch

Valuation Day

At the Salerooms Tuesday 11th October 10am – 4pm

Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Sales Thursdays 13th & 27th October at 10am MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 45

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Behind the scenes with Ian

SCULPTING in stainless steel is hard work and timeconsuming, especially when your work is in demand, but renowned artist Ian Marlow regards it as fun as well hard work.

Ian loves a challenge and problem-solving which often becomes part of the job. He said: “Deciding you want to make something in a particular way or medium is one thing, but then working out how to achieve that is where the fun begins. It is also the part that the clients never see, but there is a satisfaction in knowing all the effort that has gone into making something that looks so simple. And job satisfaction is a major part of an artist’s life!”

Ian, of Buckland Dinham, near Frome, is one of the many artists taking part in Somerset Open Studios. He said: “I always say this is not so much a job as a lifestyle. There is no switching off at 5.30. The brain is always ticking over with new ideas and that is always exciting and enjoyable.

“There is also an element of fun when you have to splash around in clients’ ponds or just making a water feature for display in my own garden. Both of these have happened recently where I had to install a large sculptural fountain of two flying swans which necessitated climbing into the pond itself to install the feature. A much smaller fountain is one of the water features on show during Open Studios.”

Ian is exhibiting with Somerset artist Hilary Farthing who paints in egg tempera and mixed media. His studio and sculpture garden will be open every day (11am-6pm) of the Somerset Open Studios, which runs until Sunday, October 2nd.

Arts trail goes from strength to strength

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

THIS will be the 14th year that the Arts Trail has been held in the Chew Valley, providing both a showcase for artists and crafts people and a great day out for the thousands of people who enjoy travelling around the 23 venues.

A decorated stone by new exhibitor Organiser, Sandy Natasha Alexander Bell, is particularly pleased that new artists are continuing to join the regulars: “We are seeing a steady stream of fresh faces, including some young people who are keen to exhibit their work.

“It’s great to see them joining the established artists and gaining experience and confidence from showing the public what they can do.

“Above all we are aiming to make this a fun weekend for both participants and visitors, with a chance to talk to the artists, browse or buy original works produced by local people.”

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In a glass of their own

One of the stunning pieces of stained glass currently on show at the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen

VISITORS to the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen in Wells have a rare chance to see work by one of the country’s leading independent stained glass conservation studios.

Holy Well Glass, based in Wells, specialises in the conservation, restoration and design of stained glass. The team carries out works to many of the great cathedrals, churches and country houses in the UK and beyond.

The pieces on show during Somerset Open Studios – which runs until Sunday, October 2nd – are on a much smaller scale but nonetheless remain impressive statements of the skill involved.

Set up by Steve Clare in 1995, Holy Well Glass is a family company, with Steve’s son Jack working full time alongside ten others.

Recent major projects include works at Winchester Cathedral, Worcester Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Gloucester Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral. The company undertook the conservation of Wells Cathedral’s famous Jesse Tree window between 2010 and 2014.

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

A treat not to be missed

THE Cam Valley Arts Trail is a fantastic free community event which takes place in venues across the Cam Valley in the villages of Camerton, Clutton, Farrington Gurney, High Littleton, Paulton, Temple Cloud and Tunley.

Individual artists showcase and sell their original, handcrafted work in painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, felt, glass, pastel, silver, wood, batik and more. They also host a number of free “taster” art workshops and demonstrations as part of the trail for the community to enjoy.

It's a great opportunity to try something new, talk to different artists about their work and pick up a few early Christmas presents. Doors open from 11am - 5pm on both days.

There will be parking and refreshments available. Remember your chequebook or cash since most artists cannot take credit card payments.

Details: www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk

WANTED – VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE

HARDY, ALLCOCKS ETC. Also BRASS & WOOD REELS EARLY LURES & BAITS, RODS ANGLING BOOKS TAXIDERMY CASED & MOUNTED FISH

01934 625810

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 47

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Oak, Pine and Country Furniture Vintage Fashion, Vinyl and Interiors

Old Priory Mill, West St, Wells, BA5 2HG. Tel: 01749 671454 & Market St. Courtyard, Wells BA5 2DS www.wellstradingpost.co.uk • email:tanithtradingpost@gmail.com PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Charity in the frame at Swan Artworks

A CHARITY draw with the top prize of a stunning framed and mounted print of a field of poppies is on offer to visitors to Swan Artworks in Paulton.

Owners Carrie and Tony Osborne have chosen locally-based Wilberry Wonder Pony as their charity for this Christmas. The Tony and Carrie with the framed print – first charity was set prize in their Christmas charity draw up in memory of keen equestrian competitor Hannah Francis, who passed away earlier this year after a battle against bone cancer.

Each draw ticket costs £1, but customers who take advantage of Swan Artworks’s Early Bird Christmas pre-ordering offer throughout October will receive a free ticket with each order.

The first prize is worth £160. Second prize will be £100 of framing vouchers; third prize will be £50 worth of framing vouchers. The draw will be made on December 20th.

Carrie said: “We hadn’t done a charity draw for a while because we’d been so busy with the move from Midsomer Norton to our new premises here on the Old Mills Industrial Estate.”

The charity aims to support vital research into osteosarcoma and to grant equine-related wishes to seriously ill people and their families.

Carrie added: “We think Wilberry Wonder Pony is a fantastic charity and we were very moved by Hannah and her brave fight against illness.”

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Wells Trading Post is cool for cats

Smudge stands guards over a Sex Pistols LP

NEVER mind His Master’s Voice – Wells Trading Post is becoming the cat’s whiskers for a growing number of collectors of vinyl records.

But scratched discs are not allowed unless you want to try your hand with Smudge, a visiting cat who’s become something of a celebrity for his notoriously bad-tempered attitude towards unwary customers.

Robin and Tanith Tothill, who runs Wells Trading Post at the Old Priory Mill in West Street, have been forced to put up signs warning visitors that Smudge has something of a reputation for his needle-sharp welcome for music fans who try to get too close.

Sales of vinyl records have soared in recent months, said Tanith: “They’re not just popular with younger people, but those of an age who Cave(c)at emptor – visitors are given remember fondly pause for thought vinyl from the first time around and see a 45 or LP and say: ‘I had that and must have it again’.

Smudge began roaming the premises around six months ago and is a popular sight as he prowls around the Aladdin’s Cave of collectibles.

Tanith added: “He’s a very handsome cat – from a distance – and we love having him around. Perhaps it’s the music which attracts him as he’s certainly hanging out a lot more lately – and we’ve not seen a mouse for months!”

Music has always played a big part in the lives of Tanith and Robin; he’s a successful musician, currently working on a new album with local band Nick Parker and the False Alarms, and the couple recently sold a first pressing of the Sex Pistols’ classic Never Mind The B******* – complete with original poster – for £180.

Sales of vinyl at Wells Trading Post are on a 50/50 commission basis. Tanith added: “We are desperate to see more vinyl to cope with demand. Everyone seems to like the arrangement – as long as the only scratch they might get is from Smudge.”

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

The Nomad’s Tent in Nunney!

ROCKFIELD House in Nunney has not had many occupants over its 200-year life. Built by Thomas Pinch of Bath, and briefly the rectory, it was home to the notable Pre-Raphaelite artist and sculptor Robert Bateman in the first decades of the 20th century.

Since 1960 it’s been the home of the Pomeroy family, first Major and Mrs Robert Pomeroy, and more recently Henry and Caroline Pomeroy and their children.

Now it’s also home to two local charities making a big impact on poverty and the environment in Africa and beyond. CHASE Africa (www.chaseafrica.org.uk) provides healthcare, family planning and tree planting in rural Kenya and Uganda.

Climate Stewards (www.climatestewards.org) supports community forestry and cook-stove projects in Ghana, Kenya and Mexico, funded though offsetting carbon emissions from flights and other activities.

From Friday October 14th to Sunday October 23rd, the Pomeroys will be hosting an exhibition and sale of rugs, textiles, furniture, jewellery and artefacts made by nomadic peoples of Central and Western Asia, from Turkey to India. With prices to suit every pocket, this is a wonderful opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas presents while helping two worthy causes.

This unique collection of ethically-traded goods has been assembled by Edinburgh-based Nomads Tent, which puts on touring shows around the UK throughout the year. The exhibition will be open daily from 10am–5pm, with coffee, tea, cakes and light lunches available for a small charge.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 49

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Mendip Christmas Fair

THE Mendip Christmas Fair is being held, once again, at Aldwick Court Farm, in the beautiful North Somerset countryside only three minutes south-east of the A38 between Redhill and Wrington. As well as several stalls new to the fair, being held on November 5th and 6th, 10am-3.30pm, this year sees the return by popular demand of some old favourites amongst the total of 40 stalls.

Last year the fair made a record-breaking £13,500, shared equally between the Guild of Friends of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the Children’s Hospice South West, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Model looks

ANYONE looking to stay snug this winter will be pleased to hear that Bristol and North Somerset’s St. Peter’s Hospice charity shops are stocking the season’s latest trends at a fraction of high street prices.

Paul Chivers, the charity’s head of retail, said: “Once again we have a fantastic selection of autumn and winterwear available and our launch of this collection coincides perfectly with the opening of our 50th store.

“What’s great about our annual summerwear and winterwear campaigns is that they are modelled by staff, volunteers and our fantastic local supporters, which really reflects what a community focussed organisation we are.”

Details: www.stpetershospice.org.uk

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Martin’s charity challenge

A WINSCOMBE man whose wife died from cancer is taking on a double challenge to raise money for the charity that helped her.

Martin Hollow, aged 69, will take part in the Great North Run, the world’s leading half marathon. Then five days later he will be cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Martin lost his wife Margaret, aged 65, to ovarian cancer in March 2015. From 2006, when the diagnosis was first made, they had the support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Initially Margaret was given 18 months to live.

Martin said: “Margaret was supported by Macmillan throughout her nine-year battle and her Macmillan nurse was only a phone call away with advice or just a chat. She attended all of Margaret's consultations and helped her to make the right choices regarding which treatment was best for her.

“Margaret will be my inspiration on the day. At all times she maintained an incredibly positive attitude and met every day head on. This attitude not only accounted for her extended life but inspired almost everybody who knew her. In 2010 whilst undergoing chemo she completed the Great North Run with a sign on her ‘Undergoing chemo please pass’.”

Martin hopes to raise £1,500 from the two events.

Locally over the years Macmillan has funded the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support service at Weston General, over 20 Macmillan professionals including acute oncology service and dietetics service, a Macmillan GP, Weston Macmillan CAB benefits advice service and a physical activity programme.

Macmillan fundraising manager, Kaeti Morrison, said: “We are so very grateful to Martin for taking on this challenge once again in memory of his wife Margaret.

“I hope that he inspires more people to join Team Macmillan because it is only with the support of our local community that we are able to continue funding our vital services.

“With more people being diagnosed with cancer the need for our services is only going to grow. We want to make sure no one has to face it alone but we can’t do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us.”

Details: Kaeti 07801 307063 or email kmorrison@macmillan.org.uk You can sponsor Martin https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Hollow1 for the Great North Run or https://www.justgiving.com/The-3Cycleteers for the cycle challenge.

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Ale and party – ten years of beer and cider

William and Lewis are the wheel deal

CHARITIES

Some of the team running the huge bar

A CHOICE of 27 real ales and 33 ciders gave drinkers plenty to choose from at the tenth Wessex Beer Festival.

Held for the first time at Chilcompton Sports Club, the festival focussed mainly on artisan west country brewers with cider coming from a wider area.

Festival goers enjoyed their pints to a background of live music from local bands including the Honky Tonks, the Harlem Rhythm Cats, Roll the Dice and Up Your Brass.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, the festival each year raises thousands of pounds for charity.

Up Your Brass before their set on the opening night of the festival

Roll the Dice – Steve Abbott on bass, Rowan Kinder on guitar and John Suter on drums – get the live music underway

The family relax at home in Shepton Mallet

FAMILY and friends of two young brothers who suffer from a life-limiting genetic condition have launched an appeal to buy a specialist bike to help them enjoy more time outside.

William and Lewis Copp, aged seven and six, have an undiagnosed condition which means they are unable to walk, stand or even feed themselves. Both love being outdoors – especially when it’s windy – as well as lights and music and Lewis, especially, enjoys water.

Parents Zoe and Gareth, of Shepton Mallet, have found potential suppliers of a bike with a platform on the front which accommodates a wheelchair. It would mean that the family could go out together more often.

The family have a “bucket list” of things they would like to do and places they would like to visit. Recently, members of Tor Rugby Club helped them tick one off the list – to climb Glastonbury Tor. Players pushed and carried the boys’ wheelchairs up and down the Tor where necessary.

Zoe said: “We just can’t thank Tor enough for their support. Nothing was too much trouble and they have also offered to fundraise for us.

“Also on our list is to be able to take the boys out to ride on a bike – it would make them smile. Just one bike would make such a massive difference.”

William and Lewis both attend Three Ways Special School in Bath. Gareth, who gave up his job with the 3 Solutions building company in Shepton Mallet to become the boy’s full-time carer, said: “The school is brilliant and the boys come home feeling very relaxed.”

The family also enjoy respite breaks at Little Bridge House in Devon, run by Children’s Hospice South West.

The family has set a target of £5,000 to buy one of the specialist bikes and a number of fundraising events have been held so far. Proceeds from a bar and other events at the Shepton in Business marquee at the Mid-Somerset Show also boosted the fund.

To find out more, find The Copps on Facebook or visit: www.gofundme.com

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 51

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We need more trees

CHEW Valley Forest Twinning is looking for people who love trees! They say: “We need more trees in the Chew Valley and the area around – in fact the world needs more trees to replace the great forests which once grew on the earth.

“Trees everywhere soak up carbon dioxide and give us oxygen – they are not only beautiful, but they help combat global warming. So planting more trees helps look after us, our children and our grandchildren – and others all over the world!”

They already have children planting acorns – later they will plant out their very own oak trees, and the trees will grow, as the children themselves grow up.

Chew Valley Forest Twinning is working with a charity started in Chew Valley called The Converging World – they are making connections with a community in Tamil Nadu, in India, where 90% of their forests have been cut down and where many people live in great poverty.

They twin tree planting here with donations to plant more trees in Tamil Nadu – £1 for one tree.

If you can plant – or allow others to plant – more trees in the corners of fields, in gardens, or anywhere else possible, they hope to hear from you.

People who plant trees and make a donation, will receive a framed or laminated certificate. Certificates can record the donor’s name, and someone, say a grandchild, in whose name trees have been planted.

They are hoping for support from parish councils, Women’s Institutes, schools, farmers, Brownies, Guides, Cub Scouts and Scouts, and other children’s and adults’ groups of all kinds.

Details: chewvalleyforesttwinning@gmail.com

Hospice seeks more volunteers

WESTON Hospicecare has launched a campaign to recruit more volunteers for the hospice. At present it has nearly 750 volunteers helping in a variety of areas.

However, as more volunteers either retire or move into paid employment, the hospice needs to recruit more to fill those spots.

Volunteer and training administrator Sue Phillips said: “Our volunteers are vital to the success of the hospice and we urgently need more help in areas such as PAT testing, our eBay shop, our retail shops, and our drivers and driver’s mates programme, where volunteers collect and deliver donations made to the hospice.

“At the moment, we are running a Give a Shop a Shift campaign, so we’re encouraging people to sign up for a trial shift to see what volunteering for the hospice is all about. We know that volunteering helps both the hospice and our volunteers, who can use the experiences to enhance their CVs, meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference in their community.”

Weston Hospicecare is also supporting Hospice Care Week, October 3rd – 9th, which aims to open up conversations about what hospice care actually is. It’s been organised by Hospice UK and will involve hospices throughout the country.

Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk www.hospiceyk.org To find out more about volunteering pop into your local shop or call 01934 423 975.

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

St. Monica’s expansion

Pictured (l to r) President of the St Monica Trust, Charles Griffiths, the High Sheriff of Bristol, Helen Wilde, the High Sheriff of Somerset, Edward Bayntun-Coward, and St Monica Trust’s chief executive, David Williams.

THE high sheriffs of Somerset and Bristol rode into Keynsham for a topping out ceremony at a £60 million retirement community, the Chocolate Quarter, the redevelopment of the former Cadbury’s factory by Bristolbased charity, the St Monica Trust.

Due to open in summer 2017, it will be home to 136 stylish apartments and a 93-bed care home, as well as office space, retail outlets and leisure facilities for the local community, including a 50-seat cinema, swimming pool, dance studio and pizza restaurant with a wood-fired oven. The trust operates a similar village in Sandford and others in Bristol.

Details:www.thechocolatequarter.org.uk

Drivers wanted

MENDIP Community Transport, the not for profit company that provides community transport services in the Mendip and Sedgemoor District Council areas, is actively seeking new volunteers for its hospital car service.

The charity, which won the Queen’s Award for voluntary service in 2011, is finding that demand from patients seeking transport for out of the area hospital appointments is outstripping the availability of volunteers. For the current year it estimates the service will make over 10,000 journeys. The service has become a lifeline to those patients who are frail and elderly and cannot use conventional transport The charity covers the volunteer’s insurance whilst working with patients and reimburse the driver’s costs with a competitive mileage rate.

Details: Mike Curtis or Mike Forbes 01749 880613 www.mendipcommunitytransport.co.uk

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CHARITIES

Charity challenge

Siobhan’s busy month

CONGRESBURY Beavers and Cubs faced a sporting challenge to raise money for Holly Hedge Animal Rescue at Barrow Gurney, with four different events held on the village’s Millennium Green. Organised by friends Leo and Euan, it’s expected to raise about £200.

IT has been an exciting few weeks for Siobhan Coles of Pensford, who suffers with cystic fibrosis. It began a few weeks ago with a garden party, held by Inner Wheel, to raise money for the charity, which we reported on last month.

The next event was the Cystic Fibrosis Charity Ball, held by Aimee-Louise Lane, Angela Lane and Adam Lane, which raised a massive total of £9,795.

Siobhan said: “It was incredible and the people who came out to support the event were so kind and caring towards CF. That night I also did a talk explaining CF to raise awareness and grow understanding of the condition.

“If someone had told me that I would do that in front of around 100 people I would not have believed them. I have struggled with confidence for years and doing something like that has overwhelmed me. I never thought I'd be able to do it, especially when it’s a topic that is so close to my heart that it can be hard to talk about.

"Thank you to everyone who supported me and encouraged me, spoke to me afterwards to congratulate me and give such kind words. Thank you too Aimee, Adam and Angela for allowing me the opportunity. It meant so much!”

The following week Siobhan received two of the CF collection boxes from her local shop and post office in Pensford, with the contents amounting to a total of £51.

She said: “This is just incredible and the shop owners are such great supporters.”

This follows an amount collected from the post office earlier in the year, which was sent to the trust. Finally, Siobhan heard from Emma Black at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, inviting her to visit the CF Trust headquarters.

She said: “I was over the moon and it's something that I have been dying to do, to see how the charity works and constantly supports Cystic Fibrosis in researching the newest research and cutting edge medicine to make the lives of CF sufferers much better and easier!”

Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening disease that affects more than 10,000 people in the UK and more than 2.5 million carry the faulty gene with a 25% chance that someone may be born with it.

Sailor’s new challenge

STEVE Pointon, from Cheddar, has raised about £20,000 after sailing around the coast of Britain in his 28-foot yacht Tikka, double his original target.

Steve and his wife Kaz adopted their son Harry at the age of six and wanted to be able to help other children in need so they decided to raise money for Action for Children who support disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK. The Pointons’ caving friend, 65-year-old teacher Martin Torbett, supported the fundraising effort by cycling 4,600 miles around the coast on his 25-year-old Dawes bicycle named Diana, meeting up with the boat from time to time.

Steve said: “It was difficult at times with some of the world’s most challenging tides and unpredictable UK weather to contend with in a small boat. I changed crews each week so planning and timings were always at the forefront of my mind.

“Some of the crew that joined were competent sailors, my wife Kaz, son Harry and good friend Danny Burnett joined me for much of the trip and round-the-world yachtswoman Jeanne Socrates joined us for the final week.”

Now he’s looking for a new challenge: “There are many inland counties that we have not covered. So Tikka’s Travels 2017 will begin on January 1st. It is early days yet but we have plans to continue adventures including cycling, climbing, kayaking, walking all the counties of the UK that we have not yet visited.”

Details: search Tikka’s Travels on Facebook; to donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search Tikka’s Travels

Details: www.cff.org

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Backwell Village Show

Theale Flower Show

The scouts had a stall Show Princess Zoe, Queen Sophia and Princess Suzanna

Admiring the exhibits

Geoff Wells chairman of the village allotments association PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Jackie Scriven with her prize winning floral entry

Rowan and Alfie Carter get among the vegetable entries

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EVENTS

Ston Easton gets active

Members of the organising committee

STON Easton staged its second family fun day, which included a dog show, as well as sheep racing, bale rolling and

A bale-out

Champion Gretel and owner Jen Fear

various stalls and refreshments.

It was in aid of the Ston Easton Get Active Sports Court Project, which aims

Pets on parade

to turn the old tennis court on the village hall grounds into a multi-use sports court with a small play area.

A bit of rain didn’t stop bale rolling in Priddy – they postponed the event until the next day when the skies opened.

It raised money for the village school.

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Charcoal burners at work THE Mendip Society held its first public event in Tania’s Wood, Ubley exactly a year after taking it over.

Together with The Geocaching Association of Great Britain, members set about coppicing hazel trees.

The wood was officially handed into the society’s care by the family of Glyn England, who was president of the society in the 1990s. He had wanted as many people as possible to enjoy it as he had, but at the same time he knew it had to be managed to be self-supporting and sustainable.

The society plans for it to be just that and this first work party tackled the small grove of hazel trees which were just ripe for coppicing; any pieces which were of the right size and thickness would be used in the following months for hedge laying.

There is also a very large amount of brash generated when coppicing, which is usually just burnt up on a bonfire, but instead, this time we had on site a portable charcoal burning kiln.

Volunteers and visitors were shown how to stack and fire a kiln – and could take away a sample bag of the resulting useful crop of charcoal from the previous burn.

Other volunteers created a stile access into the wood or learnt how to scythe, making paths clear of nettles and brambles.

Alongside the practical work members of GAGB went on the hunt for three caches newly hidden somewhere in the wood, adding to their logged finds in the rapidly growing International sport of geocaching.

Judith Tranter

Geocachers volunteer for coppicing PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Making charcoal

Richard Ellis tackles the hazel stool

Collecting staves

Details: www.mendipsociety.org.uk

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WILDLIFE

No time to be “boared”

I HAVE been doing what seems now to be a lecture tour with the title of “When Beavers Roamed The Marshes”: the talk itself is centred on

By CHRIS animals of the past, SPERRING what they teach us MBE about the landscapes of the past and how they can help us in the future.

Obviously our current landscape is somewhat different now than when bear, wolf and beaver roamed Somerset and I’m certainly not advocating taking groups of people bear watching in the Mendip area anytime soon.

However, one of the animals I talk about is back and increasing in numbers,

Wild boar piglets

Friend or foe? Wild boar numbers are increasing

although I don’t know of any that have been spotted on Mendip? I will be corrected on that, let me know if you've seen any.

Wild boar roamed the area prior to the 13th century, but by this time they are noted as becoming rare probably due to over-hunting and eventually became extinct. By the 17th century there had been several attempts by nobles and kings to bring boar back to Britain; after initial success all the attempts failed with overhunting once again making the boar extinct. But now in 2016, they’re back!

Interestingly, they have not been brought back via the old hunting interests, but most likely are escaped animals from wildlife parks and boar farms; I’m told boar meat is much sought-after and quite expensive, so a growth in boar farms is obvious.

All the domestic pigs we know and love today are descendants from wild boar but the boar itself appears much smaller and in some cases more agile. The height of a boar to its shoulder is around 110cm for a male and its length is around 180cm, weighing in at between 100-175kg.

They are an omnivore, eating anything from plant material through to meat, but by far the easiest way to tell you have boar is their rooting habitat whereby they literally turn the ground over. In a woodland situation this might at first be seen as a bad thing for the woodland flora, in fact that’s not the case. Botanists in France studying woodland flora where boars live, and also where they are absent, have found that the boar woodland is far richer in its diversity of flora.

Of course, the density of boars will be

critical and indeed the wild boar I have watched in Sweden are known to be prey items for the wolf and lynx, indeed piglets will be preyed upon by our old friend the fox.

So, numbers of wild boar in the UK are now on the increase and the population is spreading and, although as far as I’m aware Mendip has had no sightings as yet, they have been spotted on the Somerset Levels and also to the north where there is a large population in the Forest of Dean, so it’s only a matter of time.

My own, personal opinion is that the boar could be welcomed back as it has in other areas of the UK and with the recent release of the document “State of Nature Report”, which is a most depressing read, outlining the alarming decline of wildlife in the UK, then maybe some of these species of the past like the boar and indeed beaver hold the key to the success of some of those species in the future.

Just the mention of these two animals brings visions of keystone species, species that engineer their surroundings and that benefit so many other species besides. But let’s not forget that the boar will breed, and are breeding, and at present they have no large carnivore to regulate their own numbers or change their behaviour patterns.

This is where we, the conservationists, will have to accept in the future and, much as we do with deer already, that the only wolf available in the UK at present is the human hunter.

As I said, another known predator of the wild boar is the lynx, but that is an article for another time.

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust. Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com. Please visit www.swp.hawkandowl.org for more information

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 57

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Along the North Somerset coast

HERE is a superb autumn walk of contrasts taking in the coast path between Portishead and Clevedon, open downland, wildlife reserves, and woodland. Try and choose a clear dry day to enjoy the Severn Estuary to the full and take your binoculars! Drop down to the coast path

which you enjoy for over a mile, going past rocky bays and getting good views to Wales. There’s a gentle climb off the coast and then ascend into woodland and cross open Walton Down, one of several wildlife areas en-route cared for by Avon Wildlife Trust. The circle goes down to the Gordano Valley and has a brief flirt with Weston Moor before coming to Weston-in-Gordano and a pub. The steepest climb of the walk takes you out of the valley and back to the start. There are very few stiles en-route. Some paths may be a little slippery so a stick could help.

PARK: The Ship Inn, courtesy of Vic Long the landlord – a mine of local information. The inn – a large modernlooking building with great views – is along Down Road which is the coast road between Clevedon and Portishead. The pub is above Redcliffe Bay very close to Portishead with widespread estuary views. The well-kept pub has a large car park and would welcome your custom before or after the walk.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

START: Turn right from the pub onto Down Road with the estuary down right.

Cross Chalcombe Rise, pass a bus stop and letter box and here turn right down a new, pleasant Tarmac path which wends its way down past a children’s play area, and then on down. Pass alongside the huge grassed-over depot storing aviation grade Kerosene.

1. COAST PATH Reach the coast path and turn left. Follow this undulating path for over a mile passing above Charlcombe, Walton and Pigeon House Bays and going by a development of coastal homes. You should be able to see the castellated tower of the signal station ahead by Pigeon House Bay. Ignore side paths. Pass a board warning of strong currents, keep on and after a few more minutes go up a railed path and as you come out into the open again, cross a stile on the left into a field.

2. FIELD Go straight up the field, full of wild flowers in season, and get great views.

Go ahead through a gate and reach the road.

3. ROAD Turn right downhill for about four minutes. Keep to the verge or pavement where there is one and try and be on the side of the road with good visibility.

There will be some traffic. Pass Clevedon golf course on your right. Just before a bend by the 30 mph sign, go left up the footpath into woodland. Climb up and go through a kissing gate by a Walton Common sign.

4. WALTON COMMON Climb up through the woods and shortly fork up left on a clear path, still climbing and bend round. Stay on this main path.

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WALKING

At another fork, go right on the flat on the edge of open land with a good view down over the Gordano Valley. Rise again still with open land left and trees right. Go on between trees and eventually come out to the open land of Walton Down and head straight on.

This area was full of butterflies and wild marjoram when I came. Paths join from the right and left but just keep on.

At a fork, bear left towards woodland, and probably logs, is not far away.

Don’t carry on down the full length of the down. Join a wider dirt track in the woods. Stay with this for about a third of a mile, leaving Walton Common by the sign, and passing an area of pine trees.

5. T-JUNCTION Reach a T-junction with a large dirt track still in woods. Turn right. Keep straight on, ignoring side paths, and start to drop down towards the Gordano Valley. You can hear the M5 traffic.

6. TAGGARTS WOOD Go into Taggarts Wood through a gate, pass the Weston Moor sign and enter a field. Go left along the top. This is a beautiful, sunny wildlife area in the safe hands of Avon Wildlife Trust. The path goes into woodland, where you turn right staying on the main path, and still going east. Then the path turns right (south) and heads down towards the road in the Gordano Valley.

OS Explorer 154, Bristol West & Portishead, grid ref: 439 751.

5 miles, about 3 hours walking.

7. GORDANO VALLEY Cross the road with care and take the permissive footpath opposite onto Weston Moor. The path goes straight on and soon reaches a crossing track (marked). Go left into an orchard and bear diagonally right down to the bottom far corner and out onto a track. Turn left and follow the path as it turns back up. Turn right on a slightly raised path – the line of the old Clevedon to Portishead Railway. St Peter

& St Paul’s church is over left. A gate brings you onto a Tarmac lane/drive. Turn left and continue up past the church to the main road in the village.

8. WESTON-IN-GORDANO Turn right to the White Hart, a very popular village pub. Opposite the pub go up Hill Road opposite. This is the start of quite a challenging climb out of the valley. Reach a beautiful thatched cottage and continue on up the stony track. Soon, at a bend, go straight up a small footpath into trees climbing quite steeply. Continue to climb – don’t go right. Then bear up left and go through an area of open grassland. Continue to a T-junction with a track and turn right. Start to level out.

Come alongside a house and go on up the track to Valley Road.

9. VALLEY ROAD Cross onto the pavement and maintain direction towards the coast. Reach Down Road and turn left back to the Ship.

The Ship Inn, 01275 848400.

PLEASE NOTE that children under 16 can only eat in the ‘conservatory’ not inside the pub and the landlord does not accept payment by cards.

Open daily.

The White Hart, Weston-in-Gordano, 01275 818702. Open daily.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 59

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

OCTOBER, and the nights begin to close in. Where did summer go, or was I at lunch when it happened? When the sun did shine it was With LES glorious and many DAVIES MBE winter evenings will be spent looking back on those sun-filled days.

I have found that my memory is kind to me and blots out the bad bits to leave me with the good stuff.

I hope that you all managed to get at least a week away from work. Back in my childhood days there was no holiday as such. Days out were the holiday for a lot of people and when I look back now, I realise what an expedition the day out really was.

For me it wasn’t a problem, I was just swept along by the tide of organisation that was the annual day trip to Westonsuper-Mare.

Organising this trip would need careful planning and preparation. These days I will often get up and go if the weather is right and I'm in the right mood. That’s because I don’t have to think about transport – the VW camper sits on the Tarmac ready to move at a moment’s notice.

If it’s a packed lunch, that won’t take long or something can be bought on the way. I have chairs, a table and all the other paraphernalia needed already stowed on board. Back then it wasn’t so simple, it was a major undertaking in both the deployment and recovery stage of a day out.

The date for our Weston trip needed to be set when there seemed to be a spell of settled weather, preferably sunny. Food would need to be thought about, although in the latter years of this annual expedition, dinner at a department store was all part of the day.

My grandfather would normally be unable to come with us because of some job or another that required his attention on the farm, a situation which I think suited him well. He would however be expected to provide his own dinner, which always seemed to involve frying onions as I remember.

Exactly what he had with these onions, however, I cannot recall. Those remaining

would be my grandmother, my mother, my youngest uncle and me. My Uncle Leon would come in my early days as he was – and still is – eight years older than me.

Once breakfast was over, out came the dreaded travel sickness pill, crushed up and administered in a liberal amount of home-made jam. After all I would be on the bus and then the train, with the risk assessment showing severe consequences from motion sickness. Once suitably dressed for the occasion, the trek began.

Everything needed had to be carried in shopping bags, so essential kit such as bucket and spade would often be purchased at the destination and be hauled home again at the end. The walk from Hales Farm to the bus stop at Stone Edge Batch is well over a mile. At the bus stop we would wait for a Bristol Omnibus Company green double decker bus to take us to the Triangle Clock in Clevedon.

This it did, accompanied by the crash of gears and the constant stop-go of picking up and putting down along the way. From there it was a short walk to what was then Clevedon Station and is now a shopping complex. Tickets duly purchased, the wait would begin in a somewhat dark and cold waiting room that contained heavy wooden furniture and a clock that “clunked” rather than “ticked”.

The little saddle tank locomotive would eventually arrive pulling a few carriages and we would start the journey to Yatton Station. It rocked, it rolled, it clattered and chugged along a route that is now long gone. I can still recognise bits of the old line today and remember the insides of the carriages, somewhat like the Harry Potter Hogwart’s Express. Yatton Station was where the main line train would take us to Weston and the seafront!

This is where things became very exciting! Dinner would be a mixed grill in the café of a department store, a meal that I would never have been able to have ordinarily. Next the purchase of the bucket and spade and then there was the Grand Pier to explore.

It was a long walk to the end, where the penny arcade held a host of machines that played out gruesome scenes for the eager voyeur, or the crane in a glass case would grab a gift, only to drop the thing before it could be delivered down the chute. Then there was the “crack” of rifle

fire from the shooting gallery, where a pottery figurine or large cuddly toy could be won. For a small boy however this was one amusement too far, the shooting gallery would have to wait for later years.

Now down to the beach where deck chairs would be hired and a jug of tea purchased from a small wooden shed on the sands. As always the tea would get sand in it despite the best efforts to keep it out. The rest of the day would be sandcastles and tea. All too soon it would be time to pack up and start the weary journey home. There was never as much excitement in this part of the day, it was long and tiring.

Back in Clevedon there always seemed to be a problem getting on the bus at the Triangle. This meant a walk to Six Ways, where the bus started its journey and there was a much better chance of getting a seat. After the bus dropped us off at Stone Edge Batch, it was the walk back home and the end of another annual day out to Weston. Finally, tired and weary I would tumble into bed at the end of this longest of long childhood summer days.

Gosh how our expectations of life have changed. Now it’s a foreign holiday for a couple of weeks for some and a week in Pembroke for me. The basics of the day out still remain though, excitement on the way out and weariness on the way back.

This month’s picture is a much older one of me off on a day out to Minehead.

Re-living the past, this time along the West Somerset Railway with daughter Lizzie, who took the picture. The “day out” still has its magic.

You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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L ig ht u p t he s pr i ng g a r de n w i th b u lb s ONE of the joys of the spring garden is the succession of bulbs that emerge in the cold dark days after Christmas and onwards. It never fails to amaze me that from drylooking bulbs planted in the autumn emerge colourful blooms in a multitude of colours and shapes.

With MARY We are easily tempted by the colourful PAYNE MBE pictures on the bulb packet in garden centres, but what should we be looking for? The earlier you can buy your bulbs and store them in a cool dark place, the better.

The bulbs should be firm and as large as possible for the species. The heavier the packet the better, as the bulbs will be less dehydrated and possibly larger and better bulbs. Bigger bulbs give bigger flowers!

Most bulbs and tubers should be planted as soon as possible after purchase. Tulips are the exception and planting should be delayed until November. The less time they are in our wet, often poorly drained winter soils, the happier they will be. I prefer to replace my tulip bulbs every year to ensure a really good display. An alternative is to remove last season’s bulbs, while you can still find them, and replant in a row across a veg. plot where they can recover and can be used as cut flowers in future years.

Tulips come in a multitude of shapes, colours, sizes and flowering seasons, so your choice is a matter of personal preference. If you are mixing tulips of different colours in pots or borders, then it is important to select those that flower at the same time and are of approximately the same height. When planting in pots it is well worth planting the bulbs in layers in order to get a good number of flowers to give a spectacular show. For windy sites select shorter growing types.

Badgers are rather partial to tulip bulbs and will pull pots over and devour the contents. To try to solve this problem it may be helpful to dust the bulbs with hot chili powder prior to planting and then at least Mr. Brock may only eat one bulb! A dusting of chili powder on the top of the pot may also help. Chili, as powder or as a spray, is increasingly being used to deter mammalian pests. Birds do not feel the effects but mammals do.

Daffodils and narcissus can be left undisturbed for several years. Try to plant about six-eight inches (15 – 20 cms) deep, so that summer flowering plants can be planted over the top of the bulbs. I like to plant between groups of herbaceous perennials, such as hardy geraniums or ladies mantle. The bulbs come up and flower before the perennials have emerged and as the bulbs are dying down the foliage of the perennials swallow up the dying foliage of the bulbs.

It also makes it less easy for the narcissus fly to gain access to the bulbs. This pest is on the increase and is often the cause of bulb groups failing to flower. The adult fly crawls down the neck of the bulbs, where the foliage has been removed, and lays her eggs. The emerging larvae eat the inside of the bulb, including the next year’s developing flower bud. The daughter bulbs, either side of the main bulb, produce leaves but are not yet large enough to flower. If you suspect this problem, dig up a bulb and cut it open to reveal the maggot/s.

Daffodils and narcissus also come in various shapes, sizes and flowering seasons, so by careful selection blooms can be had from Christmas until May. The earliest to flower outdoors is ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’, with a pure golden traditional PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Tulip 'Hatsuzakura'

daffodil shaped flower. The last to perform, usually in May, is the so-called ‘Pheasant’s Eye’ with pure white petals and a red eye.

The Cyclamineus Group is excellent and all have the sweptback petals of their parent. February Gold, Jetfire and Jack Snipe are good examples from this group. They are nine12inches (25-30cm) in height making them ideal for pots and borders.

Anemone blanda comes in white, blue or pink, and once established will spread by self-seeding. It is ideal for deciduous woodland sites, or even under deciduous shrubs in a border. A yellow flowered witch-hazel under-planted with a carpet of blue anemone is a charming sight in spring. The tubers are small, hard knobbly lumps that do not look as if they would ever grow, but soaking them in water for just a couple of hours before planting will start them on their way immediately.

Crocus tomasinianus is ideal for naturalising in grass. It flowers early so the grass can be mown once the foliage has started to go yellow. A mixture of pale purple flowered C. tomasinianus and the darker purple flowered C.t. ‘Whitwell Purple’ adds interest and for mass display should be planted at about 200 bulbs per metre square. If that sounds a lot of hard work, then for large areas machines are available that will lift the turf spread the bulbs and replace the turf.

The moral of this story is that bulbs do not have to be planted the right way up, they will sort themselves out. Planting larger quantities of bulbs can be tedious but can be speeded up using a heavy duty earth auger attached to a battery powered hand drill.

For rough grassy areas, try camassias. The blue flowered forms, such as Camassia leichtlinii Caerulea Group, can be allowed to naturalize under deciduous trees or in open grassland. They flower in May and grow to two to three feet (60-90cms) thus standing well above grass in spring.

Bulbs, corms and tubers will handsomely repay the effort of planting in the autumn, giving a succession of flowers in spring, and the promise of another year in our gardens.

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GARDENING

OCTOBER GARDEN TIPS

G Plant wallflowers and winter flowering pansies out to provide a great display and fantastic scent in spring.

G Plant any sort of tree, shrub, climber, perennial, conifer, rockery plant and heather this month, as long as they are hardy.

G Plant spring flowering bulbs as soon as you can. Tulips can be left until next month but the sooner you get the others planted, the better will be the show in spring.

G Sow sweet peas for the best and earliest blooms G Sow Douce Provence peas, Aquadulce broad beans now G Reduce the height of bush roses by trimming them back, plant new roses.

G Pick maincrop varieties of apples and pears. Remove any ‘mummified’ fruits from apples and plum trees.

Plant all new fruit trees, bushes and canes G Step up the bird feeding this month, a variety of feeds will bring a variety of birds to your garden.

G Install a shelter for toads, hedgehog and bat boxes.

Both these will encourage these very useful and interesting mammals to frequent your garden.

G Install a birdbath. Birds need to maintain their feathers as much in winter as summer.

G If your soil is “heavy” and has a high percentage of clay, digging in lots of organic matter will help.

G Tidy up hedges and renovate those that have got out of shape.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

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Tidy the garden this autumn with Husqvarna battery-powered hedgetrimmers and petrol leaf blowers then relax in front of a Charnwood or Aga woodburning stone Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 63

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Entries up

ONCE again 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 crafts. Over £668 was raised for the village hall and entries were up on last year from 363 to 406.

Pictured (l to r) are show committee stalwarts Pat Joyner, Jackie Young, Stephen Meale and Annie Sherborne.

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Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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GARDENING Norton Green Farm Garden Centre and Nursery AUTUMN AND WINTER PLANTING AUTUMN BEDDING: Pansies, Panolas, Violas, Sweet Williams, Bellis, Wallflowers, etc.

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS: Daffodils, Narcissus, Tulips, Crocus, Snowdrops, etc.

AUTUMN PLANTING VEGETABLES: Onion sets, Shallots & Garlic POTS & CONTAINERS: New stock of glazed & terracotta pots, including half-price offers COMPOSTS & SUNDRIES: Bulb fibre, Manures, Mulches, etc.

Tools, Fertilisers, Chemicals, Pots, Trays, Label, etc. Calor Gas, Logs & Kindling. Gift Vouchers etc.

LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10.30am-4.30pm

Felton Flower Show had a fine display of blooms and vegetables

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA • TEL: 01749 841014 • FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

COME AND SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF HOUSE PLANTS, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS AND CLIMBERS

Lots of Autumn/Winter flowering plants and Spring Bulbs.

Plus our full range of Perennials,Shrubs and Trees.

VISIT OUR MASBURYS CAFÉ – 01749 84115 Full menu of home cooked food available, 7 days a week Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Tea • Now serving Roast lunches every Sunday. Only £8.50 for 1 course or £10.00 for 2

See our website for more details: rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 65

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We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points

Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres.

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PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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GARDENING

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

A new champion

The trophy winners with club president John Bawden (right)

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BANWELL Gardening Club’s horticultural show was hotly contested, as ever, but show stalwarts Barry Taylor, Steve Parkinson and Tony Yarde had to take a back seat this time as Hilary Bibb got most points in show and youngster William Ford had the largest pumpkin.

Club president John Bawden with William Ford and his winning pumpkin

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 67

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Wartime glider tragedy remembered

Words and pictures by Mark Adler

A WORLD War Two evacuee returned to Paulton for the first time in 72 years to join a memorial service for the victims of a glider crash who were on their way to join the Battle of Arnhem.

Bob McGuinn and his two brothers were brought to Somerset from the East End of London. He was seven years old at the time of the crash, on September 17th, 1944.

Memorial organiser Peter Yeates The two pilots of the (left) with Major General Christopher Tickell, reviewing glider and the 21 sappers of officer for this year’s memorial the Royal Engineers were killed outright when the glider plunged into Double Hills field. The glider was being towed from Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire when the crash happened; the cause has never been confirmed.

Bob’s elder brother, Bert, witnessed the crash and Bob saw some of the aftermath. Bob spent seven years in Somerset, working for a time at Purnells. He now lives in Essex. Bob said: “The crash was something we never really spoke about and we never really knew what had happened.”

He added: “We had a difficult time when we first came here.

No-one wanted to take on three brothers from the same family until a lady from Timsbury said she would have us for a short time because we had nowhere else to go.”

Hundreds of serving and former service personnel joined residents of Paulton and the surrounding area for the 37th annual service, which also saw the first appearance of a sculpture dedicated to wartime evacuees such as the McGuinns. The sculpture was created by former sapper Roy

Bob McGuinn (right) with Roy Cleeves, who made the sculpture of the evacuees

Cleeves, who built the Double Hills Memorial.

Next year’s service is due to be held on Sunday, September 3rd, the 78th anniversary of the declaration of World War Two. Local vicar, the Rev. Guy Edwards, gave a powerful address

Bob and his family with Roy

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Programme sales help towards the costs of staging the annual service

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Laying a wreath at the foot of the memorial

Page 69

Lt. Colonel “Nick” Nicholls, president of the Glider Pilots Regiment Association pays his respects

HISTORY

These veterans came from South Wales for the service

Cameron Webber, aged nine, recites the Double Hills Poem

A piper leads dignitaries arriving in historic military vehicles

The Double Hills memorial

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 69

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Prices on the rebound

CONFIDENCE is starting to recover following the immediate reaction to the EU Referendum, as the UK residential market experienced a slight upturn in August, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The survey shows a pick-up in confidence, following the significant drop in activity and price expectations in the wake of the EU vote. At the national level, it says both prices and sales are expected to rise over both the three and 12-month period as activity in the market stabilises, which will reinforce more stability in the South West residential housing market.

During August, 12% more respondents nationally reported an increase in prices (up from +5% in July). Although this reverses a run of five consecutive surveys in which the net balance has decelerated (from a high of 50% in February), it says this is still the second weakest reading over the past 18 months.

In the South West it says the price net balance showed a positive reading of 18%, a reassuring figure in stark contrast to London which remained in negative territory for a sixth consecutive month, with 30% more respondents noting a fall in prices over the period, as opposed to a rise.

Looking ahead, RICS says price expectations in the region have risen, with a net balance of 20% of respondents projecting prices to rise over the next three months. Nationally price expectations moved into positive territory for the first time since April with 10% more respondents now anticipating an increase over the period.

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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PROPERTY

HEART OF SOMERSET

CONGRESBURY, NORTH SOMERSET

MAJOR EQUESTRIAN ESTABLISHMENT FIRST TIME ON MARKET DUE TO RETIREMENT A mature and superbly equipped equestrian establishment generating high income, located in a village with easy communications to motorway network. Well presented 10 yr old four bedroom detached house, stable yard for 22 horses, American barn stabling for 15. Outdoor manege, indoor arena, secure ancillary rooms, meeting and training areas, hot showers for horses. Parking and lorry areas. BHS and BEF affiliations.

In all 29.3 acres (more land available). EPC: E. Ref: 24219.

GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

DETACHED SMALL HOLDING WITH MODERN BUNGALOW, EXTENSIVE OUTBUILDINGS AND 12 ACRES A four bedroom detached bungalow, extensive agricultural buildings and yard with 12 acres (more land available if required). A modern residence with over 2000 sq ft of accommodation, private drive to house and separate goods entrance to yard and buildings. South facing location with extensive views, paddock beside house and 9.77 acres of pasture.

Located in rural no through lane on edge of the village.

EPC: D. Ref: 23285 GUIDE PRICE £625,000

WICK ST. LAWRENCE NORTH SOMERSET

THE GLEBE WRINGTON

STOKE ST. MICHAEL NEAR BATH

REDHILL NEAR WRINGTON

A semi detached grade II farmhouse with lots of features and 3.28 paddock (more available).

Beams, inglenook, flagstones.

Lovely dining room and sitting room, kitchen (needs modernisation), three bedrooms on first floor and bathroom. Attached two storey stone barn (608 sq ft) with pp for conversion. Garden with southerly aspect and lovely views. EPC: exempt. Ref: 23473/5

An exclusive development of only four Mews styles house located in the heart of the village. The accommodation comprises a large hallway and landing, three double bedrooms, master en-suite, sitting room, fully fitted kitchen with French doors leading to the gardens, utility room, cloakroom and family bathroom, solid oak floors and carpeted first floor.

Generous plot with large garden and parking for 2 cars. EPC: A Ref: 24751 GUIDE PRICE £415,000

Stunning location with long private drive and 9 acres! Located on the edge of this east Mendip village in a secluded valley setting; a large agricultural building with planning to convert to some 2300 sq ft of accommodation. Long private drive, walled yard and some 9 acres of pasture, all beside a listed ruin dating back to the 1600’s. EPC: exempt. Ref: 25131

Semi Detached Cottage With Large Garden And Double Garage. An Edwardian cottage with .25 acre of south facing garden located in traffic free environment down long drive. Two reception rooms, 2 bedrooms (bathroom occupies third bedroom), kitchen, two porches.

Flagstone floors, open fire range, ledge and brace doors. Rural location with views. EPC: F. Ref: 25039.

GUIDE PRICE £465,000

GUIDE PRICE £495,000

GUIDE PRICE £349,950

Wrington 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 71

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PROPERTY

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 72

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Major road closure for “innovative” repairs

THE A39 Causeway between Glastonbury and Street will be closed for a week in October for major engineering works.

Somerset County Council says innovative techniques will be used to repair the main road which is showing signs of structural failure.

A resin injection system will be used to improve the strength of the road while keeping excavations to a minimum. The county says the process will keep costs down and is better for the environment by reducing the need to transport and dispose of materials.

Councillor David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We’ll be working 24/7 to complete this essential work as quickly as possible, but fully appreciate there will be an impact on the travelling public.”

Work has been deliberately timed to take place when roads are quietest, during the autumn half term from Saturday, October 22nd to Sunday, October 30th.

Meanwhile, the A371 near Castle Cary reopened on time following the completion of a major scheme to replace some of Somerset’s oldest traffic lights. The county council has upgraded the shuttle junction of Ansford Hill and Cumnock Road with Ansford Road. The outdated junction had equipment dating back to the 1980s.

G Signed diversions during the A39 closure between Glastonbury and Street will be in place for both light vehicles and HGVs. For details, visit: http://wp.me/p3F24A-1Mv

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 73

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Stratton-on-the-Fosse Village Day

In the pink: (l:r) “tea ladies” Sue Padfield, Rachel Broadway, Sarah Cole and Barb Jones Tony and Pat, performers from the Bluebird Acoustic Café, which meets in the village hall.

For details, visit: www.bluebirdacousticcafe.co.uk

Downside School Pipe Band opened the proceedings

Top dogs: Oscar (left) pipped rival Moo for the scruffiest dog prize.

Sarah (far left), dog show judge from Incredipaws, with Oscar’s owners Rose and daughter Brook and Moo’s owner Danielle and Sarah’s fellow judge Stef

Ready for a smashing time in Stratton – old crockery has its uses

Villagers in Stratton have launched their own community car lift scheme called Happy to Help to try to alleviate problems caused by a lack of public transport. Parish councillor Cath Downs (left), who’s championed the idea, is pictured with scheme chairman Sarah Crawshaw PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Chew Stoke Harvest Home

EVENTS

Winscombe Michaelmas Fair

Rose with her winning garden flowers

Selection of animals made from vegetables

Jasmine, aged seven, and Bryony, aged five, with prize-winning exhibits

The WI cake stall team (l to r) Vicky Stinchcombe, Tracey Tylee, Di Roberts and Sue Lynch

The team running the horse and cart rides (l to r) Tracey Hodgeson, Millie Matthews, Katie Hedges and Daisy the horse, with Cass the German Shepherd joining in

Coconut shy winners

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 75

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Winford Crafts and Produce Show

Sisters Sophie and Millie, with their prize-winning bird house

Joe Herring with his prize-winning fuchsias Prize-winners Sheila PembertonCummings (left) and Ann Morris

Committee members writing out prizewinning tickets (l to r) Jacky Morris, Philippa Herring, Ann Morris and Sheila Pemberton

Community spirit . . . well, beer and cider mostly VILLAGERS in Upton Noble joined forces once more to stage their second beer and cider festival, raising funds for local causes.

Based around the village hall, the two-day festival offered more than 20 real ales, ten ciders and a selection of wine along with live music and entertainment for children.

Some of the organisers raise a glass to this year’s festival

Suzannah, who lives in the village, was one of the volunteers selling drinks tokens

DJ Jerome Hill teaches Edward some scratching skills PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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EVENTS

Beckington Party in the Field

Dixieland Jazz opened the day-long party, which raised funds for local charities and causes

Ava, aged eight, tries on a hat made by milliner Marie-Louise decorated with replica cheese

Hettie gets a little help from Niall, of Active Trowridge, to knock elder brother Oscar off this game A knockout game – the hoopla stall attracted players of all generations

Some of the Frukes, a ukulele band from Frome

Beckington School pupils staged a gymnastic display celebrating the Rio Olympics

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 77

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Five things I wish I’d known before becoming a doctor 1. FOR 90% of symptoms you’re better off with a dog than a doctor.

90% of symptoms get better in time and over half of

By Dr PHIL them are HAMMOND medically unexplained. Unless you’ve got a “red flag” symptom of something really serious, you may be better off with a dog than a doctor.

Dogs are always happy to see you.

Dogs give you unconditional love.

Dogs don't mind if you get their name wrong. Dogs don't mind if you're drunk.

Dogs don’t mind if you don’t take your tablets. Dogs are delighted if you forget to wash. They particularly love it when you bring a sample. Dogs look you in the eye – and they keep looking at you until you take them out for a walk. And you can wrestle on the carpet with a dog without getting arrested. When did you have that much fun with a doctor?

2. When doing a home visit, don’t assume the dog that follows you in belongs to that house. Also, don’t kneel down by the sofa to examine a patient without looking. You’ll nearly always kneel on a wet patch, either left by the patient or the dog that isn’t his.

3. Politicians lie. Indeed we all lie, it’s just that politicians do it for a living. They say the NHS is not for sale and then sell it off little by little, or “there will be no top-down reorganisation of the NHS” (a fib so large you can see it from space). Or

how about “I love the NHS but it has to change”. The only change that would make the NHS loved by politicians is if it was taken off the balance sheet completely.

4. The NHS is really rather good overall. It’s certainly had its scandals and I’ve exposed a few of them as a journalist, but overall – and for the percentage of our GDP we put in – it compares very well to other systems.

No health service can afford or deliver the highest quality care to all its patients at all times. But if we keep beating it up all the time, we won’t appreciate what we’ve got until it’s gone. You can’t have a first class NHS with third class funding.

5. Healthcare doesn’t run like a business. One reason the NHS is in such financial trouble now is the banking crisis, another is that we’ve been trying to run it like a business for the last 30 years when it doesn’t behave like one. In the NHS, the more successful you are, the more likely you are to go bankrupt.

Thanks to the success of the NHS, as well as improvements in public health and wealth, we’re all living a lot longer on lots of medications with diseases that would previously have killed us. So the more successful the NHS is, the more its customers are costing it and the more it goes into the red.

Which is why so many hospitals are having to restrict and ration their services now and your GP looks so knackered. In the end, we get what we pay for and we put far less into healthcare than most other countries.

So either we pay more or we get less.

Dr Phil’s Health Revolution is going on tour. Details at www.drphilhammond.com PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Plop the Raindrop

Do you know someone who has a cat?

Do you know where they go exploring?

Last night I had a ride on a cat’s back.

We went for miles.

Sometimes I had to hang on very tight.

Drops of water like me can be very slippery.

Cats use their long whiskers to find tiny gaps in the dark.

We squeezed under fences. We went through hedges.

Once we went into a neighbour’s house and drank some milk.

Underneath leaves we saw caterpillars.

In a compost heap we saw a hedgehog.

With his long claws, the cat climbed trees.

An owl hooted at us and we ran.

A dog barked and we hid.

We chased mice, but didn’t catch any.

We scared some birds and they flew away.

Cats like to go hunting.

They must have special eyes to see in the dark.

In the street we found some chips left on the pavement.

The cat tried to eat some but they were disgusting.

He thought about crossing the road.

But there was too much traffic.

He didn’t want to get run over.

You have to be careful of roads.

He found a pond to have a drink.

The fish thought he was a monster.

Then he heard a loud barking sound.

It was a fox. He was also out hunting.

Do you know that cats are scared of foxes?

We ran as fast as we could back home.

He curled up in a ball to sleep on the settee.

No-one knows about his night of adventures.

Except you and me. It was epic.

What adventure will we have next?

MENDIP GRANDAD

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Staying fit in middle age

HEALTH & FAMILY

MOST people think about exercise to stay fit, improve their core strength and to tone. However, what most overlook is that after the age of 30 – yes 30 – muscle mass drops by up to 8% a year if left unchecked.

So retaining, as well as gaining muscle in middle age is important if you are going to lead a healthy life into old age.

Balance are trainers in Postural Analysis and Corrective Exercise (P.A.C.E) which builds awareness of mobility and muscle range. The corrective exercises prescribed will improve the balance of the whole body. At Balance they provide fun, small group classes and personal training.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A LIBRAN TO LOVE BEING IN LOVE THIS OCTOBER! Caroline Crowther is a truly local personal introduction agency helping you meet someone new in your area. We offer a long term personal service until you find your perfect match.

For a professional and personal service call 01934 744788

Brand new Younique Presenter Kit RRP: £175.00

Yours for just

£69!

Also introducing the new unisex Younique Royalty skincare range!

Visit me at the Winchester Farm Car Boot Sale, Cheddar every Sunday!

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 79

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CAN’T SLEEP? AWAKE AT 4am?

ANXIOUS? DEPRESSED? NOT COPING?

HYPNOTHERAPY CAN HELP! MIRANDA ROBARTS-ARNOLD BA (Hons) HPD DHP SFBT (HYP) MNCH (Req) AfSFH CNHC CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST and PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Initial consultation and relaxation CD

Come and have a talk to see how I can help you get back on track, call 07717 170 865 to book an initial consultation or visit www.mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk or email: info@mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk

Clinics held at: Wells Chiropractic & Osteopathy Centre BA5 1XJ Chew Medical Centre BS40 8UE PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

£30

HEALTH & FAMILY

A helping hand

AUTUMN is on its way and with the soft light and misty mornings it is a beautiful time of year here in the Mendips.

However, if you are starting to see your days at 4am and dreading getting out of bed after a fitful and disturbed night’s sleep and life seems difficult, hypnotherapy can help.

Hypnotherapy is relaxing, safe and can help you to make changes in your life that have seemed beyond reach. Perhaps you want to sleep better or drink less alcohol. Maybe you would like to lose weight or just generally get your life in order. Hypnotherapy can help. It could be that you are anxious all the time and would just like a break from the worry.

Miranda Robarts-Arnold offers an initial consultation where she will explain what hypnotherapy is and how she can help you to get to where you want to be. She holds clinics in Chew Stoke and Wells.

Meeting someone special

MAKING the first step to making friends or finding that special someone can seem so daunting. Just Somerset Introductions, part of Just Introductions Group, are there to hold your hand along the

journey.

They say they are a unique service unlike anything you've experienced before, bringing people together across Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Been burnt with online dating? Worried people aren't who they say they are? Or sick of playing games? Just Introductions say they can eliminate all those usual concerns. They visit each member in their own home, build a personal profile, organise weekly events, from bowling to pub lunches, and country walks.

You also have your own dedicated consultant who will be there to help and advise.

Annual membership starts from £350.

Massage – Swedish, Remedial, Shiatsu, Hot Stones and Lava Shell, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Emmett Therapy, Reiki Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, CND Shellac, Waxing, Eye Enhancement, Semi-Permanent Make-Up, Microdermabrasion

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These men went to mow . . .

THEY were cutting it fine when Priddy Cricket Club hosted its annual charity match on the famous green against a team of caving enthusiasts.

A boundary line in the grass was still being cut with a lawnmower and players had arrived before the bats and stumps, which led to a slightly delayed start to the match which followed a barbecue.

This year’s battle between the batters and bowlers was raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

A large crowd enjoyed the game which also attracted the attention of passers-by, including a couple on holiday from New Zealand.

The toss: caving captain Trevor Hughes and Priddy’s Mike Brown

Priddy Cricket Club players prepare for the contest

The cavers side

The cavers take an early Priddy wicket

Tom, a keen cricketer, turned out for the cavers PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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COMMUNITY

Rotary presents dictionaries to pupils

A great day out to Exmouth for goodwill club members

Teas prove popular

FARMBOROUGH Goodwill Club enjoyed a great day out in Exmouth via a coffee stop at Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum.

The packed coach was dropped off at the marina at Exmouth with enough time for a bite to eat before a very enjoyable trip down the river with a cream tea.

The group’s next outing is the short trip to Shepton Mallet where they will first visit a garden centre, then on to have a fish and chip lunch, ending with a bit of retail therapy at Clarks Village.

The club meets at the Memorial Hall, Farmborough every second and fourth Tuesday in the month, with entertainment, a cup of tea and cake. New members are always welcome “to see how the older generations enjoy themselves”.

Chelwood Rotary Club member, Jerry Coles, who is the Chairman of Community and Vocational committee, is pictured presenting Dictionaries for Life at morning assembly at High Littleton C of E Primary School.

The Dictionary 4 Life project is a free standing project working in association with the Rotary Club of Battersea, Brixton and Clapham , Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and Usborne Publishing Ltd. THE opening of Compton Dando's village church for afternoon teas during the summer proved popular, raising over £1,900 for the church. There was an added attraction this year of a different theme for every week, as well as the home-made cakes and endless tea. Jill Elliott is pictured at one of the events.

A SOUP-er event

FOUR community-based organisations will pitch for a share of hundreds of pounds in the third Wells SOUP awards event on Saturday, October 1st.

The four are Project Linus which provides quilts and knitted blankets to babies and children in need, the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen who want to provide training courses in Wells, community radio station GFM which is improving the strength of its signal and Beanstalk which helps children who have fallen behind with their reading.

Organisers, Wells Independents - a non-party political group working to support the local community - says all are welcome at the lunchtime event at Seager Hall in Union Street in Wells. Visitors vote on who should receive the money.

G Wells SOUP runs from 1-2pm and includes a light lunch and live music

by Cathy Judge.

Waiting to board the boat

Toddlers’ success

PENSFORD Toddlers Group needed to raise around £500 to keep their group running and decided to hold a one-mile sponsored Tots’ Toddle in Lords Wood, which they would end with a picnic.

Group leader, Lisbeth Tayerson, said: “We are a local volunteer-run toddler group.

It's a place for mums, nans and carers to come and let their children play in a safe and fun environment while being able to relax and meet people in the community.

“We rely on fundraising and donations and decided to do this sponsored toddle to help us to keep our toddler group going.

“I am very pleased to say that Pensford Toddler Group have raised over £600 to keep the group going and to hopefully get some new equipment, which is fantastic.”

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 83

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NEWS

Our fayre lady

AN afternoon of fun and music celebrated the 20th anniversary of muchloved Wells resident Nancy Dodd being made a freeman of the city.

Live music – including a grand Last Night of the Proms finale by Wells City Band – attracted a big crowd to the Market Place for the Freeman of the City Fayre.

The city stalwart was the first female freeman of Wells and is the only one to have always lived there. Nancy, aged 91, has had a lifelong involvement with Wells Carnival and is also well-known in the city for her involvement with Arthritis Care Wells.

The afternoon of events raised money for MacMillan Cancer Support and Arthritis Care and was supported by local businesses including Wells Film Centre and Mendip Slides along with Mark Tobin from the Swan Hotel and businessman Mike Phelps.

Nancy receives a congratulatory kiss from Veronica Stacey

Nancy with Mark Tobin and other fundraisers from MacMillan Cancer Support

Working together to save lives

Play time

(l:r) Rotarian Keith Jenkin, rotary club president Jon Fear, legion club steward Wendy Murden and legion club chairman Martin Lukins

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street have joined forces with the Royal British Legion in Street to install a heart defibrillator outside their club in Farm Road. A similar unit may be installed in Glastonbury in the future.

The rotary club’s next major event is a charity concert by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines at the McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater, at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 1st. Tickets are available from the box office on 01278 556677.

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

THE newly refurbished play area in Chew Magna has been officially opened by local councillor Liz Richardson (left).

She’s pictured with special guest Joyce Trendle, who carried the flag for the Girl Guides at the original opening in 1938, and Sheila Walker, the village's local historian who had photos of the various stages of the field’s history.

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Foreign cavers drop in on Mendip

EACH year in September, British cavers meet at one of the major caving regions for Hidden Earth, our annual conference. Last year, With PHILIP this took place on HENDY Mendip, centred around Churchill Academy.

We are always pleased to welcome foreign cavers, but this year, we hosted more than ever, as the fifth European Caving Congress, EuroSpeleo2016, took place in the Yorkshire Dales in midAugust.

With cheap and easy foreign travel, many cavers are now able to take short caving breaks to various European countries, and have forged links with several local cavers. We were pleased to be able to welcome some of them on our home turf and show them some of our own caves.

Before the main event, Mendip cavers organised their own pre-conference events, which were based at the headquarters of the Wessex Cave Club at Priddy. The week started with a barbecue, giving delegates a chance to settle in and meet local cavers.

The Mendip organiser, Chris Binding, welcomed everybody and gave a rundown of the week’s events and how our guests could access them. Visits were arranged, with suitably qualified leaders, or cavers who knew the caves intimately, to the most iconic and well-decorated local caves.

At Priddy, Swildon’s Hole, Eastwater Cavern and St. Cuthbert’s Swallet were

Chris Binding at the welcoming barbecue

John Hill (left) and delegates at Templeton

explored, while at Charterhouse, G.B. Cave, Charterhouse Cave and Upper Flood Swallet were on offer. At Cheddar, delegates were able to descend Reservoir Hole, and explore The Frozen Deep, Britain’s largest cave chamber by area, second only in volume to the Main Chamber of Gaping Gill in Yorkshire.

A trip was also arranged in Gough’s Cave and also to Wookey Hole to explore beyond the showcave limit of the newlyopened Chamber Twenty. Where necessary, all pitches had been pre-rigged, to save time and allow visitors to enjoy the systems, without having to carry in tackle.

Our foreign guests were also able to sample the delights of some of our cave digs, usually notorious on Mendip for their constriction and muddy squalor. A small party visited Templeton, reckoned to be the most mechanised dig in the country; they descended to view progress towards blasting an access tunnel to aid

CAVING

spoil removal from the lower reaches of the dig.

Many Mendip caves are considered to be collectors’ items, as they are often muddier and more constricted than caves in other regions. The digs are generally even worse. As recompense, these trips were followed by a Digfest evening at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn, reckoned (by Mendip cavers at least) to be the centre of the caving universe.

At this, Alan Gray gave a short talk on the Redcliffe Caves at Bristol, which was a precursor to a visit there the following day.

For those who were unable or unwilling to keep up the underground pace, or who wished to see more of the area, the opportunity was given to visit Wells Cathedral, and also Wells and District Museum, where there is a modern section dedicated to all aspects of Mendip caving, including cave diving, digging and archaeology.

Some delegates were able to look at Glastonbury Abbey, while thirsty cavers enjoyed a brewery tour. It was a hectic but successful week, which wound down with another barbecue, before the main event in Yorkshire. Here, delegates were able to attend various lectures describing British caves, particularly those ‘up North’, and they could also explore some of the caves in the Dales.

The high spot, of course, was the 110metre descent by winch through a waterfall to enter the spectacular Main Chamber of Gaping Gill. It all went very well, despite some rain, and the event was enjoyed by everyone, guests and locals alike.

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 • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 85

(Photographs by Phil Hendy)

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Village’s 20th anniversary

High Littleton FC

The cake stall was popular

HIGH Littleton and Hallatrow Village Day’s 20th anniversary was celebrated in style with a parade of various village organisations at the start of the show.

The event, which was well supported, was held at the Recreation Ground, which is a focal point of the village.

The show had a Victorian theme

Finalists in the prettiest puppies competition The organising committee

High Littleton Primary School PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Bath Spa Band entertained the crowds

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EVENTS

Coleford’s day out

THE combined Village Day and Flower and Craft Show in Coleford has been hailed a success despite poor weather.

Members of the Coleford Revival Group organised the village day which again featured live music, stalls, a dog show and classic car displays, whilst the flower and craft show marquee showed off the best of local talent.

Just some of the home baking entries

Slice of cake anyone – (l:r) Nicola Reynolds, Sue Hill, Maria Dawn and Emma Coles were amongst the volunteers running the fundraising café

Spindrift on stage in the main marquee

Memories of The Italian Job – some of the classic cars on show on the playing field

Shane Bridle and BB, his working cocker spaniel – winners of the best six legs competition!

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 87

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HISTORY

Mineworkers gather at museum

RADSTOCK Museum welcomed around 50 former employees of the Somerset coal mines for their 28th annual reunion.

The lunch was organised by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust with the support of Radstock Co-operative Society. Trust president Michael Eavis was amongst the guests.

G The museum is to undergo a rebranding exercise – with a new name – by the time it reopens for the 2017 season.

John Harrison, who worked at both Writhlington and Kilmersdon mines, signs the record book as Bryn Hawkins, one of the reunion organisers, looks on

Catching up with former colleagues over lunch

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Former mineworkers arrive at Radstock Museum

Trust president Michael Eavis shares a joke with chairman Francis Hillier

Volunteers who served lunch receive bouquets from trust president Michael Eavis

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Jo’s golden dream comes true

Jo (seated fourth from right in the front row) with fellow GB Paralympians

GLASTONBURY-based ParalympicsGB archer Jo Frith has won gold in her first appearance at a Paralympic Games.

Jo joined forces with John Walker to win the mixed team W1 archery gold in Rio just hours after losing out in the women’s individual final to teammate Jess Stretton. Jo took silver in a podium 1-2-3 for GB.

Jo, 55, who has multiple sclerosis, only started competing internationally in 2014 having taken up archery parttime to fill in time between swimming practice. Jo was once a familiar sight at Glastonbury Country Market where she ran a stall each Tuesday before sport took over full-time.

She said: “I was exhausted after my individual event but I managed to

John and Jo with their medals after taking gold

Jo and John in action in Rio

Black Down project comes to an end

Identifying which hazel nuts have been nibbled by dormice with Nichola Penn, AONB volunteers officer

grab a 30-minute nap before we started practicing again. ”It’s been amazing, everyone’s come out and shot to the very best of their ability and it’s shown that Great Britain are the best in the world when it comes to the W1 category. John and I have shot together for a very long time and this is the final title in our collection.”

DISCOVERING Black Down, a three-year AONB project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has come to an end with a celebration at Burrington Ham. Its aim was to raise awareness of the importance of Black Down and the Burrington Commons.

During a family fun afternoon visitors were invited to tackle the orienteering course and on the way round take part in different activities, including identifying whether fallen hazel nuts had been nibbled by dormice or the commoner mice or squirrels.

Also on offer was flower printing and guided walks around the Ham led by Stuart Bardsley, the Black Down project officer.

(Photography courtesy of onEdition)

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Start of the orienteering course

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Schools link across the Chew Valley A NEW charitable trust has been founded to link the primary and secondary schools of the Chew Valley.

The Chew Valley Cluster Education Trust (CVCET) represents the collaboration of the primary schools of Bishop Sutton, Cameley, Chew Magna, Chew Stoke, East Harptree, Pensford, Stanton Drew, Ubley and Chew Valley Secondary School.

This is a local response to an increasing expectation from government policy and Ofsted for greater collaboration between schools. There is an increasing trend across the country for establishing multi-academy trusts.

St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 4BD ‘Growing Together Through Christ’

Where every day is an OPEN DAY

Please call 01761 418594 to make an appointment We are a smaller than average school and pride ourselves on our caring approach and our ability to meet every child’s needs, helping them develop and ensure they reach their full potential, whilst growing in the love of Christ. We welcome children of all faiths. We also offer wrap-around care as well as an independent on-site Nursery Come and see for yourselves what the St Benedict’s experience can do for your child.

Frome College welcomes you to our

Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 3 November 2016

Talks by the Principal will take place at 5.30pm and 6.15pm in the Merlin Theatre

This ambi(ous and forward-looking College can offer you: Ì A high quality Sixth Form educa(on Ì 1 in 3 grades awarded at A Level were A*-A Ì Widest range of courses of any Sixth Form in the area Ì Dedicated professional support and guidance for all students for UCAS and voca(onal Higher Educa(on routes Ì Strong track record of students progressing to Oxbridge and Russell Group universi(es Ì Bespoke guidance package for Oxbridge, medicine and veterinary progression routes Ì ‘Gi ed and Talented’ support programme in conjunc(on with the University of Bath Ì Many extracurricular opportuni(es within all A Level subjects Ì Comprehensive programme of student leadership and par(cipa(on schemes Ì Excellent student work ethic, high standards and strong academic success Ì Purpose built Sixth Form Centre set on a beau(ful campus

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

CVCET says it offers a slightly different vision which enables academies to work collaboratively with local authority maintained schools in a looser model of cooperation and joint venture.

At a colourful launch party, representatives of the schools and the local authority gathered in Chew Valley School’s sixth form centre.

Chew Valley’s new head, Gareth Beynon, gave the welcome and Dieter Cook, head of Bishop Sutton and Stanton Drew Primary Schools, explained how CVCET had come into being and the benefits it would bring for all its partner schools.

College gets top marks

FROME College Sixth Form open evening begins at 5.30pm on Thursday November 3rd, with a presentation by the principal and senior leadership team in their campus Merlin Theatre. The presentation will be repeated at 6.15pm and guides will provide tours where there will be displays of work, subject information leaflets and refreshments.

Their committed team of staff will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the largest range of courses on offer in the area.

Following the best ever exam results in the history of the college with their A-level results in the top 25% in the UK, many subjects performed remarkably well: biology, chemistry, mathematics, religious education, hospitality, drama, health and social care are in the top 10% of schools in the country - Frome College is firmly on track to becoming an outstanding school.

Their sixth form has seen the most students progressing to university than ever before. Four students have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge universities and a third of students have places at Russell Group universities. Nearly a third of A-level grades awarded were A*-A grades, significantly above the national average. In addition, 57.4% of grades awarded were A*-B, marking another outstanding year.

Frome College is a school which supports students’ aspirations to go to some of the world's best universities.

The college prides itself on the careers support and participation opportunities on offer to work alongside academic subjects, providing a broad and balanced curriculum to equip students with essential life skills for their next steps.

This is a fantastic opportunity to visit their highly successful and vibrant college and they look forward to seeing you all.

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EDUCATION

E x ci t i n g t i m e s a h e a d f o r n e w s t u d en t s j o i n i n g S t ro d e

OVER 1,000 new students joined Strode College in Street last month to study A Levels and vocational qualifications. These young people can be confident that they will benefit from the highest quality teaching and support and go on to enjoy successful futures.

Strode is Mendip, South Somerset and Sedgemoor’s only Ofsted “Outstanding” sixth form. It provides outstanding teaching and support that leads to outstanding student progress and achievements (Ofsted, October 2014).

Strode is the best and most consistent sixth form in South Somerset for student progress – students gain significantly higher grades than expected based on their GCSE results.

They are also 12% more likely to get a university place – including top universities – than the national average this year.

Strode College provides sixth form

education for 16-18 year olds with specialist teachers, support and facilities. The college delivers a wide choice of A Levels; excellent vocational qualifications, valued by universities and employers; and apprenticeships, where young people can earn and learn

at the same time.

Pupils who are in the final years of school and thinking about what to do next can find out more about college life and courses by visiting the Strode College open evening, Tuesday October 18th, 6.00pm-8.30pm.

Details: To find out more and to register online visit: www.strode-college.ac.uk call 01458 844400 or simply turn up on the night.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 91

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Smiling through the rain

ORGANISERS of the annual Writhlington Flower Show were determined to carry on regardless of the wet weather on their big day.

Months of preparation and fundraising had gone into organising the 127th show, which was opened by Alan Hale, chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Ivor and Joy Chant selling raffle tickets

Councillor Alan Hale is welcomed to the show by a rather damp chairman Rob Langley

This floral arrangement by Amy Langley was awarded a diploma Members of Mendip Brass Band. The band was forced to take shelter from the rain in a marquee

Sweet treats: Caron, Karen and Danni ran their own stall PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Independent judges awarded Ian Chant, one of the organisers of the show, a diploma for this tray of vegetables

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EVENTS

Wedmore Harvest Home

Winning float, The Little Rascals

Lunch is served

Cheers, here’s to another successful event

The carving team

(Photographs courtesy of Tony Bolton)

Carnival royalty, Prince Louis, Queen Beau, Princess Alice and King Tom

Drinks are served – Kerry, Finn and Courtney

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 93

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Get in the swing

MENDIP Swing – a 17piece community big band based in North Somerset – is on the lookout for saxophonists, trumpeters and trombonists who are keen to join and experience playing in a classic big band set-up.

The band was started in 2006 to give local musicians the opportunity chance to play and develop their skills. It is fortunate to have the expert guidance of Bristol jazz Musicians wanted: Mendip Swing trumpet legend Andy Band Hague. The band meets weekly throughout the year for rehearsals in Langford and each November enjoys a weekend big band/jazz course led by Andy.

This year’s course will be held in Torquay.

On November 11th Mendip Swing is playing a joint concert with Wrington-based Joyful Spirit Gospel Choir at Christchurch in Clifton. The evening will support local charity Vine Counselling.

Musicians interested in joining the band or attending the weekend course in Torquay should contact leader Richard Fairs on 07710 626704, email enquiries@mendipswing.org.uk or visit the band’s website: www.mendipswing.org.uk

Sing and have fun

GLASTONBURY Male Voice Choir is looking for new members who enjoy singing and having fun.

The choir is almost 40-strong and is looking to boost its sound with some new voices. Members rehearse each

Young musicians wanted

THE Jackdaws music charity has started a new season of Jack's Music Club and is looking for young musicians who want to play in groups and ensembles.

They will get the chance to earn their Arts Award, organised

by Trinity College, London with a nationally recognised qualification at five levels.

Joshua Bishop, who runs the club, said: “Jack’s is a great opportunity for teenagers to make music without being limited by things like genre or ability to read music.

“Adding the possibility of earning an Arts Award for the first time will make this a very exciting year at the club. I’m really looking forward to it – we’ve got loads of activities planned.”

There are no entry or age requirements for bronze or silver Arts Awards, and no time limit to complete the qualifications. It costs £2 per session, with drinks and snacks provided, with additional fees to enter for the optional Arts Awards.

If you’re aged between 12 and 18 years old, they invite you to get involved in Jack’s after-school sessions for a chance to meet other teenagers with a passion for music.

Jackdaws is based at Great Elm, near Frome and has been operating as a small music charity for 23 years.

Details: www.jackdaws.org.uk/jacks

Tuesday in Glastonbury Town Hall at 7.45pm.

The choir regularly performs around the area and its Christmas and summer concerts are popular sell-out events.

The choir helps to raise funds for

Glastonbury Male Voice Choir

various charities and also links with other choirs from around the UK. Next year it will be joining with three other choirs for a massed event in Wells Cathedral in October.

For more information visit glastonburymalevoicechoir.co.uk or its Facebook page or call 01749 890469 for more details.

PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

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Charity rocks

15:02

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Steve Harley

NEARLY 1,000 people supported Music in the Meadow, the first music festival put on to raise funds for the charity Secret World Wildlife Rescue.

Five local Somerset bands entertained the crowd throughout the afternoon before making way for the effervescent and energetic rocker Toyah and legendary artist Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel.

Secret World’s recently appointed chief executive, David Foulds, said: “We owe a lot to the great support we had from our merry band of volunteers who marshalled the event extremely well. I am delighted that so many people had a great time, got to hear some fantastic bands and help support the work of Secret World.”

Priston Festival

MUSIC

Isobel Holly from Bath on the main stage

Toyah

(Photos courtesy of Dave Gould)

Cafe society at the back of the village hall

The audience enjoyed some autumn sunshine

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 95

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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JACKSONS

Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .

Make an entrance

GATES are there for a very good reason – simply put, a gate helps to keep the baddies out, and keep the goodies safely in. With the darker evenings on the way, you might be considering tightening up your security, whether that’s in a rural or urban setting.

Wherever your property is, one of the first things will be to look at your perimeter, normally that’s the fencing.

Fencing style and height need consideration and will mainly be dictated by your location and situation. This is a meaty subject and there are masses of choices on our website, so if you are starting from scratch or replacing fencing, you can gain valuable advice and info right there. We even have a handy fence calculator app to help you work out everything you need for your project.

That’s all good, but I’m sure it won’t have escaped you that somewhere in your scheme you are going to need a gate, after all a fence is marvellous and useful thing, but pretty inconvenient without a gate. Whether it’s to allow you to put out the wheelie bins, let you in and out, keep your dog, children safely in the enclosure, a gate is an absolute necessity.

You may not even be in the market for a new fence, if this is so, please ignore the last few paragraphs. However as a fence anorak, can I at least make a suggestion?

Please make sure your gate, or gates are in a good state of repair. It is vital. I have mentioned in these pages before how illogical it is to have the perimeter of your property fenced to keep unwanted visitors out, but then to leave the gate unlocked. We are often told that thieves are opportunists, always on the lookout, they may try a few gates – if your gate stays shut, then they will

one of the beautiful small garden gates we made especially for the Feel Good Front Gardens at the RHS Hampton Court show this summer

move on to the next one, it’s as simple as that. Of course, if your gate is a bit rickety, then no amount of locking is really going to stop someone coming through, which is another good reason to make sure that it is a good sturdy gate and not a pushover!

So let’s hear it for gates, they can save you a lot of grief, and if by chance you need a new one, we have a special offer running until the end of October – half price delivery on all gates in our Good Fencing Guide range. And like all our timber products they have the 25 year Jakcure guarantee too. Full details and T&Cs can be found on your dedicated web page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

WIN A JACKSONS LOG STORE

To enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win a Jacksons Log Store, just log on to your dedicated page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter.

The draw closes 30.11.16. To enter go to: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal

Above top: Jacksons entrance gates. Most of Jacksons garden panels have a matching gate like the stylish Venetian shown above.

For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 0800 096 6151 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 97

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 99

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A step up the ladder to glory

WE have enjoyed some lovely days out in the last few months, but my favourite was absolutely the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show at the end of August.

Whatever the weather, this one-day show always delivers a wonderfully friendly Mendip ambience. Show secretary Christine With RACHEL Barham explained that the aim is “for THOMPSON friendly encouragement so that competitors MBE can have fun whilst taking the classes seriously – a small enough show to start but to feel comfortable with the help of friendly stewards – we want especially to encourage young handlers”.

The show layout is great for watching the horse action in the ring. First on, the ridden hunters trotted and cantered, the carriage drivers provided elegance and class, the scurry drivers provided thrills and excitement, the sun shone on the heavy horses whilst competing hunt members – cheered on in the inter hunt relay by scores of supporters – were filmed by Sky TV for its “My Wonderful Life” series.

Later, watching the winning stock parade, many animals led by young people, I wondered at the passion, energy and commitment that propelled all the competitors out of bed at some silly o’clock in the dark and wet to prepare themselves and their animals to participate and compete. Thank you to you all, for without you there would be no show.

The show coincided with the last day of the Olympics. I have no doubt that many equestrians like me hid behind the sofa cushions hardly daring to breathe during the last of the individual show jumping rounds and then wept along with Nick Skelton when that gold medal was placed at last around his neck.

Diz and Christine in the MidSomerset Agricultural Society office

Hearing that Nick needed a step ladder to mount his horse led me to thinking about the step ladder to success – just supposing your child dreams of Olympic show jumping glory? Mulling this over in the show office with Christine Barham and show jumping secretary Diz Errington, I learn that the (British Show Jumping Association) path to glory leads from British Novice, Discovery, Newcomers, Foxhunter through to Grade C, B and A. The days when local children could beg or borrow a shaggy pony, hack miles to the local gymkhana to try their hand at a spot of clear round jumping, are sadly mostly gone. Shows such as the Mid-Somerset now provide those essential first rungs on the ladder that reaches up to the Olympic Games, showcasing and nurturing local talent.

Club has big plans for the coming year MEMBERS and friends have celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of the East Mendip Riding Club with a party at the Bell Inn at Leigh-on-Mendip.

Club chairman Sam Moody said: “As chairman of EMRC it has been a brilliant first year and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the committee which I'd personally like to thank.”

The club has lots of events planned for the coming year such as flatwork and jump clinics – including the 2ft club, for young horses or those lacking in confidence.

Sam (front) and club committee members at the first birthday party in Leigh-onMendip

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

For details, visit: www.eastmendiprc.com

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Wylye set their sights on HOYS

RIDING Teamwork will be key to the clubs chances at HOYS

MEMBERS of the Wylye Valley Pony Club are in training for their appearance at this year’s prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

A six-strong team will compete in the Pony Club Mounted Games – two years after they last qualified for the competition for the Prince Philip Cup. The team, aged 13-15, is coming off the back of victory at the Royal Welsh Show and second place at the Royal Bath and West Show.

Together with five other teams, Wylye qualified from 250 clubs across the country. They will compete during the show, which takes place from Wednesday, October 5th to Sunday, October 9th at the NEC in Birmingham.

Training is intense as the riders are put through their paces at an indoor riding arena near Frome Up for the cup: the Wylye team with the Royal Welsh trophy and sashes (l:r): Lydia Collingwood, Brigitte Boher, Charlotte Limond, Jake Hartley, Mia Marshall and Harry Willis

HOYS star of the future? A young Wylye member at Frome Cheese Show. Pony clubs are open to children from three years of age

Wylye Valley PC members are currently fundraising towards the cost of taking part in the competition. Anyone wishing to contribute in any way should contact senior trainer Maria Gibson on 07831 343080 or email mariajoannagibson@btinternet.com

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RIDING

Memories of Rio

EQUINE vet Tim Randle, a partner at Stables Equine Practice at Wookey, was a key member of the equestrian support team at this year’s Olympics. Here he describes some of his experiences.

“The equestrian competitions in Rio this summer came to a fabulous climax with an amazing individual gold medal for Nick Skelton and his great horse Big Star, both horse and rider having overcome significant injuries during their careers to triumph at the

Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts

# Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset # Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic # 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone # A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI) Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

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Olympics.

From my own veterinary perspective we had a great games too.

The complex logistics of flying 250 horses into and then back out of Rio worked smoothly and without incident. The Deodoro venue itself performed very well and silenced the doubters who had feared that it may not be completed on time.

Even the weather played its part to ensure that the competitions played out well and temperatures helpfully dipped to give relatively cool conditions for the big cross country day whilst spectators (and vets!) were accustomed to being bathed in sunshine whilst watching many of the stadium events over the three weeks. All-in-all the Rio Olympics was a tremendous experience for me as a vet.

That said, it's strange the things that you can miss about home... and after four weeks away from Stables Equine Practice, it's good to be back!”

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Enchanting a new generation

NEWS

PUPILS from Upton Noble Church of England Primary School celebrated what would have been writer Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday with a day of sweet and potion making and reading their favourite extracts from his work.

Head teacher Mark Solomon said: “Our school has been awash with Willy Wonkas, Umpa Lumpas, Fantastic Mr Foxes and the occasional Peach. Roald Dahl was a wonderful author who continues to inspire generations of children.”

Pensford schoolchildren Chloe, Jess, Millie and Charlie on their way to school dressed as characters from the Roald Dahl books

Hands up if you like Roald Dahl – we do, say children at Upton Noble School

Pupils at Cameley School dressed appropriately for Roald Dahl day

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Social sixes success

MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club welcomed players of all levels of ability to its annual Social Sixes competition.

Eight teams from the town and surrounding area battled it out in the five-overs-a-side event, which was eventually won by a team from Midsomer Norton Hockey Club. They beat reigning champions Snake Eyes. The day helped to raise funds for the club.

Players and supporters gather outside the clubhouse Peter Crook, from the Midsomer Norton Hockey Club ‘A’ team batters the bowling attack

Midsomer Norton Hockey Club ‘A’ team The bails fly as Michael Howley, from MNC Garages, attacks the bowling

Sporting tribute to John

A SPECIAL Twenty20 cricket match took place between Leigh-on-Mendip Cricket Club and Coleford Athletic Football Club in honour of the late John Webb, a stalwart of both clubs for many years.

The game, where a memorial bench was unveiled, was attended by John's wife, Mary. James Webb, John's son, captained the Coleford team and was named man of the match for his 58 as Coleford tried in vain to catch Leigh’s total of 103 all out, reaching 98 for eight.

An annual match will now take place between the two teams to commemorate John. Leigh Crafter, from the cricket club, said: “John was a great character who devoted a huge amount of his life to our cricket club and Coleford Athletic Football Club.”

PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Leigh-on-Mendip and Coleford players gather by the bench which has pride of place in front of the cricket club pavilion

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The rugby family

CURRENT and former players, coaches and parents at Wells Rugby Club pulled out all the stops to offer dozens of youngsters the chance to try their hands at the sport at a family fun day.

The event was part of the club’s ambition to generate more home-grown talent with the hope that, one day, many of the juniors will progress to play at a senior level.

SPORT

Stars of the future? Junior players pose for the cameras

Some of the under-10s – the lightweight tackle bags are designed for youngsters

Milan Pastwa gets to grips with a tackle machine as former Wells and Somerset player Paul Chamberlain and his son Jason look on

Learning basic techniques

Target practice? Throwing a wet sponge might help to improve their passing skills

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 105

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Nice weather for swans!

THE heavens opened for Butleigh Rugby Club’s annual Magnificent Sevens tournament but that didn’t deter players and supporters from enjoying the day.

Teams competed for the Steve Gillam Trophy, named in memory of the tournament founder who passed away several years ago. His mother, Jane, was there to present the trophy to winning side The Swans, players with connections to Swanage and Wareham RFC. The club has a been a strong supporter of the tournament for many years.

Butleigh shared the spoils with the Beijing Devils in the Bowl Final, in a four-all draw. The tournament, held at Butleigh’s self-styled Field of Dreams ground at Kingweston, raises money for local good causes.

Swans on the rampage against Dorset rivals Blandford

Harry O’Neill charges over for Butleigh in their final PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Steve Gillam’s mother, Jane, holds the memorial trophy and is flanked by club president Tony Berkeley, club captain Ashley Maunder and tournament organiser James Catley-Day. Ashley is one of the country’s longest continuous captains. Now non-playing, he first captained the side in 1976

The victorious Swans squad

“Snapper” takes a relaxed approach when he steps in to referee the final

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Britain’s best head West

BRITISH cycling’s premier road race event, the Tour of Britain, came to the West Country and gave cycling fans the opportunity to see CYCLING some of the world’s with EDMUND best riders in action.

LODITE Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and Owain Doull fresh from their success for Great Britain at the Rio Olympics took part in this year’s tour, with stage five finishing in Bath.

In a dramatic finish, Jack Bauer put in an all action display to win the stage on the Royal Avenue in Bath as the peloton caught the breakaway group at the line.

The victory, his first individual win since breaking his leg 14-months ago at the Tour de France, came at the end of a hard 195kilometre stage from Aberdare, Wales.

Bauer had broken away in a five rider group as the race headed across South Wales. The quintet built a lead of over five minutes as the race headed through Gloucestershire, before beginning to be whittled down by the chasing peloton.

At the finish, a cycling village kept the thousands of spectators entertained with live pictures from the race. Children from primary schools across Bath and North East Somerset also took part in activities throughout the day, and over 150 of them had the opportunity to compete in cycle races along Royal Avenue.

As the break group raced through the outskirts of Bath the gap had been steadily diminished to just a handful of seconds.

Taking the penultimate left-hand corner Bauer went clear, but immediately eased

as he sensed the gradient steepen. After following the wheel of fellow breakaway rider Javier Moreno through the final right hander Bauer opened his sprint to take the win as the charging peloton caught the escapee’s moments too late.

"It was a tough day out there. We had a great group, a really motivated group and really balanced which is quite unusual for a breakaway in that everyone really commits,” said the Cannondale Drapac rider after the stage.

"I really appreciate what I have and I've tried to make a real go of it this year but this really caps off a difficult season for

The finish in Bath

Sir Bradley Wiggins

me and I think many people had written me off thinking I just couldn't ride my bike any more or perform to the same level. But a year on I'm back and I'm able to win a race and I'm really grateful for that.”

For many of the spectators and school children this had been their first chance to see world class cyclists in action. The head teacher of Cameley School, Hannah Maggs, said: “All of the children had an amazing day with lots of fun activities and events on offer. The cycling was phenomenal and we were so impressed with the speed and furious racing of the riders!”

I asked Bauer what message he had for the school children who watched the finish. The Kiwi replied: “You can do whatever you want to do in life; you’ve got to make it happen. I came from the middle of nowhere in rural New Zealand; it’s a far cry from what I’m up to today.”

And after a slight pause quipped: “I would also say … stay in school. Don’t watch too many bike races!”

As the riders gradually departed in their team buses, one distinctive figure remained surrounded by fans. Sir Bradley Wiggins had confirmed that this Tour of Britain would be his last road race. For the many fans this was their opportunity to wish him well and celebrate the achievements of a sporting legend.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 107

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Komeza – the golden law of rugby

By Mark Adler

THE word translates roughly as “play on” and it is pretty useful when your knowledge of the Rwandan language is sketchy and you’re trying to teach youngsters the basics of the game – and they’ve never even seen a rugby ball.

But for Somerset referee Duncan Fisken, a trip to Rwanda to join a charity encouraging people to take up the game, was unforgettable, in any language.

Rugby is playing an increasing role in the ongoing reconciliation process in the now peaceful, stable country.

Duncan, from Frome, is a member of the Somerset Referee’s Society and paid for his own trip to Rwanda as part of the Friends of Rwandan Rugby scheme. As well as teaching youngsters the basics of the game, Duncan also ran coaching sessions for aspiring referees.

The members of the charity saw youngsters progress from having absolutely no knowledge of rugby to competing in a tag tournament within the space of just a week or so.

Soccer is the main sport in Rwanda and Duncan and the team were forced to make improvised rugby goalposts by lashing poles to the uprights of the football versions. There is one established rugby club in Rwanda – but the Thousand Hills club in the capital Kigali doesn’t have a clubhouse and most games are played on concrete-hard surfaces baked by drought.

Despite the tough conditions, Duncan said he saw huge potential for the future of the game in Rwanda. There are full time rugby development coaches in place

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

Duncan – in his Somerset referee shirt – with the two captains at a 7s match in Huey

and the Rwandan national side – called the Silverbacks – has competed in the Kowloon 10s tournament in Hong Kong that runs alongside the world-recognised 7s competition. He said: “There was real talent on display; some of the older players are very athletic and, whilst I can’t see schools playing 15-a-side at this stage, they could become a very good force in sevens.”

Schooling is free in Rwanda but parents must pay for uniforms – basic – and books, so many cannot afford to send their children to classes. Duncan and the other charity members held coaching sessions at a charity project run by an English woman, which provides schooling

for some of the deprived youngsters.

Duncan and the team took out rugby balls, training bibs, shirts – donated by clubs across England and Wales – tag belts and a bag full of referee’s whistles.

Most importantly, they took sets of teeshirts to give to the youngsters. “For many of the children, they couldn’t believe they could keep the teeshirts – these are kids who maybe own just one shirt and pair of shorts,” said Duncan.

He added: “Despite the poverty and lack of facilities, my abiding memory is of smiling faces. People are genuinely happy.”

It was, Duncan said, a life-changing trip and he plans to return next year, possibly

Friends of Rwandan Rugby – their work is a force for good

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SPORT

with his son who is a keen rugby player.

He is also part of a team which is exploring the idea of sending teams from four schools – probably independent schools – from across the UK to take part in a sevens tournament in 2018. One of those schools might be Prior Park College in Bath, where Duncan coaches and where his friend, the former Bristol rugby player and coach Paul Hull, is Director of Rugby.

Duncan added: “Refereeing a game of rugby is the same all over the world; it’s all about communication and about letting the game flow. The whistle is a last resort and ‘Komeza’ certainly came in useful!”

The educational charity visited by Duncan in Kigali is called the Kinamba Community Project. Based in Lancashire, but known in Rwanda as the Meg Project, it costs £20 a month to sponsor a child to attend primary school. For details, visit: www.kinambaproject.org.uk

Duncan with some of the youngsters: most had never before touched a rugby ball

(Photos courtesy of Amanda Brook)

Playing conditions were unusual

For details about the Friends of Rwandan Rugby, visit: www.friendsofrwandanrugby.com

Purnell are champions

THE men of Purnell Bowls Club have had the greatest season in the club’s history winning Somerset County Premier Two, Somerset County East Two and the Central Division of the Mid-Somerset Bowls League.

And to cap it all Mike Pratt, John Mathews and Steve Amor represented the club in the National Triples competition at Leamington Spa. If you would like to try out this great game call Don 01761 471019 to arrange free coaching with all equipment supplied.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016 • PAGE 109

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TUESDAY 8th Nov 20I6 From 8pm

Single and looking for a social Iife? Then join S.P.A. (Single Professional’s Assocation). An enthusiastic and friendly group of people over 40 years old who enjoy organised events.

Come and meet us at: TRAMWAYS SOCIAL CLUB West St,Wells BA5 2HN (Free car park next to club)

For more information contact: Jackie 01458 840958 • Anne 01934 743139

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 29th September

NOW SHOWING:

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children 3D/2D • Deepwater Horizon (12A)

Starts Wednesday The Girl On The Train (15) 5th October Starts Friday 14th October

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Inferno (12A) Tuesday 4th Oct Sleeping Beauty Wednesday 12th Oct King Lear Sunday 16th Oct Miss Saigon (15)

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

It’s life on the levels Jim . . .

THE waterways of the Somerset Levels have been transformed into scenes of a black comedy horror by film makers inspired by the location.

Lurking beneath the tranquil-looking rhynes is Michael and Chantelle something quite sinister as Tim Webber discovers. On the death of his father, Tim returns to his childhood village in Somerset to find something is disturbing the idyllic peace of the residents.

Shot over five weeks in Somerset and using many locals as extras, the makers of The Hatching say it does for the Levels what Jaws did for surfers and An American Werewolf in London did for the capital at night.

Director Michael Anderson – he also wrote the screenplay – and producer Chantelle De Cavalho visited Wells Film Centre for a question and answer session. Michael was inspired to base the film on the Somerset Levels after filming a serious documentary – Life on the Levels – for Channel 4 there several years ago. He said: “My brother lives in Somerset, so I know the area well and the location seemed ideal.”

Chantelle added: “We had great support from people in the area and even used the butcher’s shop in Westonzoyland for some of the gorier scenes!”

Look what we found…

The Hatching (15) is a Sabre Films production now on release. See https://www.facebook.com/hatchingthemovie/

Raceday for service personnel and their families

THE second Combat Stress Families and Armed Forces Raceday will be held at Wincanton Racecourse in October.

Visitors who attended the first meeting in 2014 helped to raise just over £50,000 for Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity. The charity says it is now supporting more than 5,900 veterans and their families, a greater number than at any time in its almost 100-year-long history.

Serving personnel, veterans and their families are being encouraged to attend the meeting, on Sunday, October 23rd.

Organisers began fundraising in May when horse owners had the opportunity to canter around the course. Jo Hepburn, chairman of Wincanton Racecourse said: “Wincanton Racecourse is delighted to be able to support, for the second time, this fantastic charity. After the hugely successful event in 2014 there are high expectations of what could be achievable this year It promises to be an excellent day.”

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Wells festival of literature

WHAT’S ON

RENOWNED for appealing to a wide range of tastes, this year’s Wells Festival of Literature exceeds its own high standards.

Once again it is offering a programme – this year there are 34 events – that caters for all tastes, providing information and entertainment for everyone, but with some new innovations such as Write Up! Speak Up! This event is specially designed to showcase local talent and will take place at 7pm on Sunday, October 16th, compered by performance poet Liv Torc.

This year’s festival takes place from Friday, October 14th to Saturday, October 22nd. A highly-prestigious event for Wells 2016 will be Professor Laurie Maguire exploring “Death, Commemoration and Memory” in Hamlet.At the other end of the spectrum, the festival offers a real treat for children (of all ages). Lauren Child will talk about her latest books including Charlie and Lola: One Thing and the sixth and final book in her Ruby Redfort series – Blink and You Die – about super-cool, code-cracking teen Ruby. Lauren will show how she writes and illustrates and where her inspiration comes from. It’s a must for the whole family.

Other highlights include Vince Cable, Deborah Moggach, Richard Coles, Matthew Parris, Prue Leith, Colin Thubron and many more, although some events are already sold out.

Telephone bookings can be made on 0300 2010211 (Wed–Sat, 10am–midday).

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words.

We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below.

Commercial entries cost £25.

Monday September 26th – Saturday October 1st Bristol Hippodrome, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Georgia May Foote, evenings 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm, tickets from £19.40.* Wednesday September 28th Mendip Ploughing Match, Green Ore Farm.

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Dial a Ride AGM, 2pm at The Hollies Council Chamber, High Street, Midsomer Norton, B&NES BA3 2DP. Details: 01225 477000.

Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, 1.30 for 2pm, speaker from Oakhouse Foods. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday September 29th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11.2mi/18kms from Nether Stowey, OS Map Ex140 ST194396, 10.30am, park roadside opposite fire station. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Somerset Wildlife Trust, illustrated talk on Eve Tigwell’s visit to the amazing Galapagos Islands recording the wildlife including Blue Footed Boobies and Darwins Finches, 7.30pm, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Frome BA11 1EU, adults £2.50, children and students £1. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/events.html Friday September 30th Winscombe Traders Macmillan Coffee Morning, 10am – 12noon, drop in for a coffee and a cake. All funds in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cheddar Michaelmas Folk Fair, Cheddar Village Hall, Church House, BS27 3RF, 7pm for 7.30, a unique mini festival, featuring traditional music and story-telling, as performed by entertainers from Somerset including The Barley Rye Folk Choir, The Mendip Story Telling Circle, and the Wedge of Cheese, tickets £7 include supper. Details: Judy 01934 744082.

Saturday October 1st Churchill Music, Nicholas McCarthy: OneHanded pianist, “only one handed pianist in the world”, St. John's Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5QW, 7.30pm – 9.30pm (approx.), Champions of Churchill Music! £12, non-champions £16, under 18s £4. Details: 01934 852919 or e-mail info@churchillmusic.org.uk Mendip Society easy walk of four to five miles on Felton Common, meet at 2pm at St Katherine’s Church, West Lane, Felton (BS40 9UP) ST 523 655, go up the drive by the carving of an angel near the cattle grid. Details: Richard 01275 472797.

Somerset Plant Heritage Autumn Day, Edington Village Hall TA7 9HA, off A39, 11am “Euphorbias” by Timothy Walker, 12.15pm bring PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2016

T i m e s

and share lunch, 2.30pm workshop on “Botanics without tears!”, members free, guests £6 (half day £4). Details: 01278 451631.

Sunday October 2nd Cary Handmade Market, 10am – 3pm at Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. Frome Young Farmers’ charity tractor run from Frome showground, West Woodlands, 11am, £10 entry inc refreshments. Details: Will Salvidge 07760 168037.

Tuesday October 4th – Saturday October 8th Bristol Hippodrome, Fiddler on the Roof, evenings 7.30pm, matinees Wednesday and Saturday, 2.30pm, tickets from £11.90.* Thursday October 6th Cheddar Valley U3A talk “The Silk Road and the Spice Route” by Roy Fisher, Cheddar Village Hall 2.15pm. Details: 01934 744241 or search online for Cheddar U3A. Bipolar UK Support Group monthly meeting open to anyone affected by bipolar, including family, friends and carers, refreshments, free, East Room, Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm-9.30pm.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 10mi/16kms from Winford Church, OS Map Ex154 ST543651, start 10am, roadside parking near church. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.comils: Friday October 7th Redhill Club Open Mic Night, 8pm -11pm, Jerry Blythe will be hosting an evening with a mix of live music by local acoustic singersongwriters. Details: Jerry 07900 587646, 01934 862619.

Saturday October 8th and Sunday October 9th Chew Valley Arts Trail – see page 46.

Leigh-on-Mendip art and craft exhibition, Memorial Hall, BA3 5QQ, free entry, 11am-4pm, exhibits for sale, craft demonstrations, refreshments. Details: vickigt@hotmail.co.uk Saturday October 8th Mells 10K. Walk, run or cycle through the Mells Estate in memory of Ben Crutchley. Raising money for CLIC Sargent. Starts 10am from Mells Recreation Ground. Ffi: www.mells10k.com All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare, evening concert by the North Somerset Community Brass ensemble, a range of classical and popular brass music with something to please everyone, tickets £10 on the door, 7.30pm.

Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk on Banwell Hill and Christon Wood, meet at 2pm in car park opposite the school on A371 (BS29 6DB) ST 398 592. Details: Pauline 01934 820745.

Somerset Vernacular Buildings Research Group, Great English Barns, two lectures by Ken Bonham, 2 – 4.30pm, Compton Dundon village hall, TA11 6PQ, £5. Details: 01458 442212/224150.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am – 1pm, War Memorial Hall, a wide selection of good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books will be available.

W h a t ’ s

Sunday October 9th Wells Food Festival – see page 24.

Banwell Society of Archaeology, 16th century kitchen maid, with Kay Wych, Banwell Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome.

Bristol Hippodrome, That’ll Be the Day, 7.30pm, tickets from £24.* Tuesday, October 11th Wells Railway Fraternity meeting, Wells Town Hall 7.30pm. Illustrated talk by Roy Kethro: “40 Years of HSTs on the G.W. main Line”. Visitors £4. Ffi: Andrew Tucker Hon. Speakers’ Secretary, Wells Railway Fraternity: 01749 830695 Tuesday October 11th – Saturday October 15th Bristol Hippodrome, Welsh National Opera, The Merchant of Venice, Tues 7pm, Macbeth, Wed 7.15pm, Kiss Me Kate Thu/Fri/Sat, 7.30pm, tickets from £12.90.

Wednesday October 12th Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, gardening quiz, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, 7.30pm, £2 members, £3 visitors.

Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Kilmersdon Gardeners ‘Topiary and Ornamental Hedges’ a talk by Andrew Tolman at our regular monthly meeting, 7.30, Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD, non-members very welcome, £2.

Thursday 13th October West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 6.5mi/10.4kms from Cranmore Steam Railway, OS Map Ex142 ST668430, start 1pm, park at railway. Details: Roger Mead 01934 743088/07724 800882 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Friday October 14th Black Tie Charity Ball, Wessex Hotel, Street, in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice, two-course dinner, 7.30pm, £25 per person, featuring Harlem Rhythm Cats. Details: 01935 709485.

Friday October 14th – Saturday October 22nd Wells Festival of Literature – see page 111.

Saturday October 15th Winscombe Community Association Big Book Sale and Freecycle Event, 9am-12.30pm at the Community Centre, Sandford Road , Winscombe, refreshments available. Details: 01934 843986.

Quiz time at the Church Hall, Winscombe, BS25 1BA, organised by Christian Aid Committee, 7.30pm, teams of up to six or individuals welcome, £5, inc light supper, bar and raffle.

Details: Janet Corry 01934 842657.

Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk around Butleigh, near Street, meet 2pm in the public carpark at Combe Hill Wood, Reynalds Way (BA6 8TP) ST 503 331, the woods are above Compton Dundon on the road from Marshall’s Elm to Charlton Mackrell. Details: Roger 01225 872777.

Tuesday October 18th NADFAS illustrated lecture, Archeological Adventures in Albania, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11.30am, free parking, £6.

Details: 01963 350132.

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Tuesday October 18th – Saturday October 22nd Bristol Hippodrome, English National Ballet, 7.30pm, Thursday matinee, 2pm, Saturday matinee, 2.30pm, tickets from £13.90.* Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, 2pm at St John's Parish Church Hall BA3 4HX, 'Wedding Belles and Clangers', speaker Geoff Malham.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club, the Reflections Singers will provide the entertainment. The club meets every fourth Tuesday at Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30pm – 4pm and entertainment is provided at each meeting. Details: 01934 832004.

Thursday October 20th Cheddar Valley U3A coffee morning, Cheddar Village Hall 10.30am to 12noon. Details: 01934 744241 or search online for Cheddar U3A. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 7.0mi/11.3kms from South Horrington, OS Map Ex141 ST573463, start 1pm, park roadside.

Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or k.masters265@btinternet.com Inner Wheel of Wells presents a charity performance by Musicians South West of Women of World War, a unique production featuring piano, strings and readings in aid of the New Horizon Mother and Baby Unit, Southmead.

Wells & Mendip Museum 7.30pm. Tickets £1.

Ffi: 01761 233982.

Saturday October 22nd Mendip Society Special Interest Walk – Coal Mines & Railways of Radstock and Kilmersdon, this is part of the Mendip Rocks! Festival, meet 10.30am outside Radstock Museum, Waterloo Road (BA3 3EP) ST 690 551 for a five-mile walk. Details: Roger 01179 620541.

Fungus Foray Walk, back by popular demand, Michael Jordan returns to lead a fungus foray, giving hints on identification and the dangers of misidentification, adults £5, children £1, location will be provided on booking with Mick Ridgard.

Details: mridgard@sky.com 01373 463875 www.somersetwildlife.org/events.html Congresbury Book Sale, 9am – 1pm, War Memorial Hall, a wide selection of good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books will be available.

Tuesday October 25th – Saturday November 26th Bristol Hippodrome, Billy Elliot, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Thurs & Sat at 2.30pm, tickets from £22.* Tuesday October 25th Mendip Society special interest walk – visit to a cider farm, 10.30am at free car park on Cheddar Road, Wedmore (BS28 4ED) for a moderate fivemile walk to Roger Wilkins’ Cider Farm at Mudgley, book by October 22nd latest for a £4 ploughman’s lunch with cider. Details: Brian 01749 672457.

Wednesday October 26th Nailsea and Backwell Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, Legal Issues for the Elderly, 1.30 for 2pm. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

O c t o b e r

Thursday 27th October West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 5.5mi/8.8kms from Blaise Castle, OS Map Ex155 ST559786, start 1pm, park free car park at Blaise Castle. Details: Jenny Nicholas Tel: 07803 722878 or jennymr7@aol.com Saturday October 29th Magenta, Cheddar Village Hall, organised by Cheddar Tennis Club, £10 inc supper. Details: 07718 368627 07970 525826.

Craft Fair, Camerton Community Hall, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, crafts, homemade cakes, refreshments, 10am-1pm, adults 50p.

Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk at Paulton and Farrington Gurney, meet at 2pm in Paulton High Street car park (BS39 7NW) ST 652 567. Details: Kathy 01761 479110.

Taize’ & Teas, Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along to sing Taize’ chants with us or just relax and enjoy the wonderful acoustics in our church. This is a free event but donations to the Church are always welcome. Tea, Coffee and biscuits available after the service. Details: Janet 01749 840409.

Old Tyme Music Hall, Draycott Memorial Hall, in aid of Hope for Tomorrow, Somerset’s mobile chemotherapy unit, 7.30pm, £10 inc buffet.

Details: Margaret Thomas 01934 742057, Rose James 01934 742180, Cheddar Tool Hire 01934 743543.

Friday November 4th Redhill Club Open Mic Night, 8pm -11pm, Jerry Blythe will be hosting an evening with a mix of live music by local acoustic singersongwriters. Details: Jerry 07900 587646 01934 862619.

Friday November 4th – Sunday November 6th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Christmas craft fair, 10am – 4pm – see page 114.

Saturday November 5th and Sunday November 6th Mendip Christmas Fair, Aldwick Court Farm, raising funds for the Children's Hospice South West and the Guild of Friends of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, 10am. Details: www.mendipchristmasfair.org Saturday November 5th Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk at Dolebury and surrounding woodland, meet 1.30pm in Peartree Industrial Estate, Bath Rd, Langford (BS40 5DJ) ST 462 595. Details: Gill 01934 742508.

Saturday November 5th and Sunday November 6th Cam Valley Arts Trail – see page 47.

Friday, November 11th Frome Firewalk Fundraiser. In aid of SOS

WHAT’S ON

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Africa children’s education charity. Frome College, 6pm. Pay £15 to sign up and pledge to raise min.£100. Ffi: SOS Africa: 01749 344192 or email info@sosafrica.com Saturday November 12th Trinity Singers, St Mary’s Church, Yatton present Cantate Domino, a varied programme of English and Italian Baroque music, 7.30pm, with Bristol Brass Consort and Claire Alsop, organist at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, adults £10, accompanied under-18s free. Details www.trinitysingers.co.uk or contact Susannah Read 01934 844106.

Mendip Society moderate four to five-mile walk around Winscombe with some hills, meet at 1.30pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD) ST 421 576. Details: Mary 01934 843789.

Charity Quiz, St James’ Hall, Winscombe for Mercy Ships, raffle, prizes and a light bite in the interval, please bring your own wine, beer, etc., and glasses, teams of six, doors open from 7pm for prompt 7.30 pm start, tickets £5 per person.

Details: Wrington Vale Inner Wheel 01934 744505.

Christmas in the Country, festive market at the historic Tithe Barn, Selwood St, Mells, BA11 3PN, eclectic selection of gifts on sale produced by local artists and crafts people, refreshments by Mells Café, a donation from proceeds will be made to Mells Community Shop and Dorothy House Hospice, 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Sunday November 13th Banwell Society of Archaeology, local churches with John Crockford-Hawley, Banwell Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome.

Tuesday November 15th Inessential Necessities of the 18th century NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6.

Details: 01963 350 132.

Sunday November 20th Redhill Village Hall & Club Classic Car breakfast gathering, 9am – 12noon, full English breakfasts served in the hall, all welcome BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619.

Sunday November 27th Redhill Village Hall & Club Christmas Fair, 12noon – 4pm, stalls £10. Details: Hazel Davies 01275 474973 ASAP. BRISTOL HIPPODROME Further information and booking at www.atgtickets.com/bristol or 0844 871 3012. Bkg fees apply and all calls 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR OCTOBER Across: 1/9 Young at heart, 4 Cigar case, 10 Amnesia, 11 Near thing, 12 Fleet, 13 No doubt, 15 Windsor, 17 Supreme, 20 Fretted, 22 Inner, 23 Roast beef, 25 Leather, 26 Taunton, 27 Withdrawn, 28 Tweed.

Down: 1 Yearnings, 2 Unheard, 3 Grant, 4 Catmint, 5 Glasgow, 6 Ring fence, 7 Answers, 8 Enact, 14 Unearthed, 16 Redefined, 18 Pennant, 19 Etruria, 20 Flatten, 21 Trestle, 22 In-law, 24 Trust.

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WHAT’S ON

Christmas craft markets

THIS November the Bishop’s Palace in Wells will help you to get your Christmas shopping started in style with their inspirational Christmas Artisan Craft Markets from November 4th-6th, 10am-4pm. With a range of over 30 stalls of local, hand-made crafts and products to browse, your Christmas gifts could be top of the tree this year!

The markets will also offer a range of drop-in workshops, live demonstrations and opportunities to try your hand at something new with a variety of crafts people and artists.

Seasonal food and drink will be available and musical performances will also take place in the chapel.

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