Issue 6 - Volume 14 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 6

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

NOVEMBER 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: CARNIVAL TIME • REMEMBERING WWI • EVENTS • SPOTLIGHT ON CHEDDAR & CHEW VALLEY • FARMING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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Welcome

THE Mendip Ploughing Match was a highlight of autumn, with huge crowds and more than 100 ploughmen enjoying a beautiful sunny day on top of Mendip.

We have pictures from that, the Dairy Show and from the first of the local carnivals, Axbridge, Frome and Castle Cary, with a guide to the big carnivals to come.

Across the area preparations are being made to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI – we have details of many of the events being planned.

Rachel Thompson reflects on the millions of horses lost in the conflict.

We also meet a remarkable survivor of the Japanese in WW2, who is Britain’s oldest working doctor at 106 – a local man has just published his biography.

In sport Wrington FC held a reunion of players who won the league back in 1968/9 and Midsomer Norton RFC have won their league and re-accreditation by the Rugby Football Union.

We’ve the first of our festive guides and special features on Cheddar and the Chew Valley, where the Pearce family in Chew Magna celebrate the centenary of their traditional butchers shop by welcoming the fourth generation to join the family business.

With all of our regular contributors and features, our thanks to our advertisers for supporting another record-breaking issue.

December 2018 deadline: Friday, 9th November 2018.

Published: Tuesday, 20th November 2018.

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: Raheesha at Castle Cary Carnival.

Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 88.

CONTENTS

8

See you in February – Snowdrop Festival planting

12

Snooze and moos – taking time out at the Dairy Show

113

Come and join us – riding group appeals for help

121

Warming up in Mells – getting ready for charity run Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............16 Food & Drink ...............................18 Business.........................................26 Arts & Antiques ...........................34 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......65 Walking Sue Gearing ....................66 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........68 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......70

Caving Phil Hendy ........................77 Charities........................................80 Property ........................................91 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............92 Community ...................................96 Homes and Interiors ..................104 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...112 Sport ............................................116 Music & Theatre ........................122 What’s On...................................125 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 3

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Tel: 0800 097 8611

www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk

WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE

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Rural locations for civic services

Civic leaders and guests outside St Lawrence’s Church in Priddy. The service was led by the Rev. Paula Hollingsworth

COUNCIL leaders and dignitaries in Somerset have been gathering in churches across the county for a series of civic services.

The idea to take the civic service across the county – and especially to rural churches – was the idea of Somerset County Council chairman Nigel Taylor.

The first service was held in Taunton, followed by Priddy; the third was due to be held in Muchelney as Mendip Times went to press.

County council chairman Nigel Taylor at the start of the service in Priddy

Miners Welfare Trust chairman retires

Francis Hillier at Radstock Museum

FRANCIS Hillier has announced he is to stand down from the role of chairman of the Somerset District Miners Welfare Trust after 25 years because of ill health.

His decision comes just two months after the 30th anniversary reunion of former mineworkers at Radstock Museum. Bill Morris, who has been trust secretary for 19 years, has also retired for health reasons.

One of Francis’s last duties as chairman will be to lay the miners’ wreath at the 100th anniversary of WW1 on Remembrance Sunday at Midsomer Norton.

NEWS

Legion branch at risk?

THE Frome branch of the Royal British Legion is in “very real danger” of closing unless new members come forward to join the committee.

Some of the key members wish to stand down and chairman Jane Norris has issued an appeal for help.

Its plans to mark the centenary of the end of WWI are unaffected, but the branch’s AGM on Thursday, November 22nd will be crucial to its future.

Jane said: “The very real danger is Frome branch of the RBL is now very likely to close unless something is done about it.

“Perhaps you have recently been discharged from the services and you would like to help others, bear in mind anyone of us could need help someday? However, no pre-military service is needed, just a desire to do something good, and feel good in so doing.” ● The AGM takes place at the Chester House Social Club, Christchurch Street West, Frome BA11 1EQ at 7.30pm.

For more information, contact Jane on 07776 208531.

Anniversary dinner for rail enthusiasts

WELLS Railway Fraternity marked the end of its 50th anniversary celebrations with a dinner at the Swan Hotel in Wells for 59 members and guests.

Celia Wride, the mayor of Wells, presented a cheque for £1,500 to David Maidment, chairman of the fraternity’s chosen charity, The Railway Children. The money was David Maidment receives a raised from donations for coffee at cheque from the mayor of meetings and a stall at the annual Wells, Celia Wride model railway exhibition Railwells, organised by the society.

Members and guests at the dinner

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T h e re i s s u c h a t h i n g a s a ( w a s t e ) f re e l u n c h !

KILMERSDON Primary School has come top of the league table in Carymoor Environmental Trust’s Waste Free Lunch competition.

Kilmersdon came first out of more than 100 schools that visited Carymoor’s nature reserve during the 2017-18 academic year because they managed to create no landfill waste from their packed lunches and had the smallest amount of compostable and recyclable waste too.

Neil Gemmell, community ranger at Carymoor, said: "The Carymoor team went to Kilmersdon Primary on 3rd July as part of our Schools Against Waste programme and ran an assembly and workshops with the children to raise awareness about recycling.

Apparently this really got them focused on the issue and with parents very much on side the pupils were well prepared for taking part in the Waste Free Lunch challenge during their visit to Carymoor two weeks later."

Four other schools also managed to create no landfill waste from their packed lunches while visiting Carymoor during the last academic year: Ash Primary, Wellington Prep School, Neroche Primary and Archbishop Wake Primary.

Neil added: “The Waste Free Lunch competition is a great way to highlight choices that can make a difference to reduce everyday waste. By using a reusable box for sandwiches instead of clingfilm or a reusable water bottle instead of a single-use one you can really make a difference each week, month and year.

“We know some schools have changed their policy to make packed lunches they provide on school trips more waste free as a result of taking part in the competition so it’s great to see it have a lasting impact."

Mya-Rose tipped for award

MYA-Rose Craig, aged 16, from Compton Martin has been shortlisted for a national award in the UK Awards for Biological Recording and Information Sharing.

These national annual awards started in 2015, and have been developed by the National Biodiversity Network, the National Forum for Biological Recording and the Biological Records Centre.

Their intention is to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made to biological recording by adults and young people, which is helping to improve our understanding of the UK’s wildlife.

Mya-Rose said: “I started bird ringing when I was nine years old as I was really interested and excited about seeing birds in the hand. After I started bird ringing, then doing nest recording surveys and bioblitzes, I realised the importance of recording wildlife for scientific purposes so that we could monitor population levels, nesting patterns and migration habits.”

Mya-Rose has been dubbed The Birdgirl having spotted more than 4,000 different birds.

The winners of the 2018 awards will be given their prizes at a special ceremony on Wednesday, November 21st during the National Biodiversity Network's annual conference in Nottingham.

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Neil visits Kilmersdon Primary School to present the Waste Free Lunch trophy during National Recycling Week.

Carymoor, an environmental education and nature conservation charity based next to the landfill site at Dimmer, near Castle Cary, is working with the Somerset Waste Partnership to run Schools Against Waste. The programme offers Somerset primary schools a free half-day visit from the Carymoor team to give pupils the chance to learn how our actions impact the environment and how they can help by reducing all kinds of waste and recycling more.

Schools Against Waste started in February 2018 and in its first year it is set to reach more than 15,000 pupils in Somerset in more than 100 schools. Carymoor hopes to visit every school in Somerset by March 2021 to share the Schools Against Waste message.

Mosaic of Wells about to take shape

Mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White at work on the team’s information stall at Wells Market

WORK is due to start on a six-metre diameter mosaic circle representing the history of Wells as a walkable “map” of the city.

The community-based project has been two years in the planning and will have a permanent home next to the Bishop’s Barn on the Recreation Ground. The mosaic will also feature other artistic and informative

features.

Members of the Wells in Mosaic team were at one of the Wednesday markets in Wells to promote the project – they are still seeking financial support.

A spokesperson said: “After two years spent on planning and design, we are now ready to start. It will take up to three years to complete and install with 750,000 tiles to be cut and placed.

It is very much a Wells project, so we are hoping that all the funds needed can be raised locally.”

For details or to support the project, visit: www.facebook.com/wellsinmosaic or www.wellsinmosaic.org

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Cutting fuel bills

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BATH & West Community Energy Fund is inviting applications from local organisations that want to shrink their carbon footprint or address the real issues of fuel poverty and climate change.

The grant pot, around £30,000 this year, comes from Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) as part of the work it does in supporting the communities in which it operates.

Award-winning company BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy projects and has since become the largest community-owned energy company in England.

As a Community Benefit Society it

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ENVIRONMENT

gives its surplus profits to the BWCE Fund, which has asked Quartet Community Foundation to administer the fund’s grant programme.

BWCE has awarded over £145,000 in grants with money going to community groups and a variety of local environmental organisations. The 2018/19 programme opened on September 10th and runs until November 5th. Applications are sought for grants of up to £5,000.

Last year ten projects received over £27,000 in funding to lower carbon emissions and address fuel poverty.

These included Bath Carnival who received £4,790 to help them achieve

their aim of becoming the greenest carnival in Britain; Wellow Village Shop Association who received £625 to replace old and outdated fridges and freezers and Camerton Community Hall who received £2,500 to improve the hall’s insulation.

Quartet chief executive, Sue Turner, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BWCE Fund. This grants programme has the double benefit of supporting projects which reduce carbon emissions and those that tackle fuel poverty. It also often cuts groups’ fuel bills, helping them to carry on running their vital services well into the future.”

Details: www.bwce.coop/communityfund/ or go to https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/bath-west-community-energy-2/

Action urged over pollution

Grazing to return?

Grazing – like this on Burrington Coombe – could return to Felton Common

ENVIRONMENTALIST Tony House is urging landowners to take more care after a large number of fish were killed by pollution in the River Frome.

He says the Frome otter surveying team found some 20 to 30 good-size fish, mostly chubb up to 4lbs, dead in the Vernal area off Whatcombe Road in Frome.

He said this is the fourth such incident in this area in the last couple of years, with other fish found dead in Nunney Castle moat and in the Egford Brook.

The stretch of the River Frome from Blackbridge to the Vernal had only recently been restocked.

He said: “Could we the volunteers who spend a lot of our free time and money trying to keep our river fit for this and future generations plus the surprising amount of wildlife in this area – be it less each year – please urge landowners or even those that just rent land for a horse or two to be especially careful not to pollute the water course in ditch or main river.

“As things are going there will be nothing left.”

TWO public meetings are to be held in November to discuss plans to re-introduce livestock grazing on Felton Common.

The common is registered as a Local Nature Reserve meaning that Winford Parish Council, who own and manage the common, must care for the natural features which make the place special.

Over the last 15 years the council has been working with Natural England through a Countryside Stewardship scheme to maintain and develop the common’s special features. It says the overall aim of the work is to reintroduce grazing which would go a long way to save the traditional unimproved grassland habitat and maintain and increase biodiversity.

To enable animals to be kept safely on the common, the council says it will be necessary to make sure it is secure for grazing animals.

Cattle and sheep grazing on Felton Common were a familiar sight until 2008: part of the long tradition of common land usage stretching back hundreds of years. The Foot-and-Mouth epidemic put an end to grazing on the common, and since then the valuable grassland has been under threat from increasing growth of bracken and scrub, which needs costly and invasive mechanical cutting every year. ● The Felton Common Grazing Project Consultation drop-ins will be held at Felton Village Hall on Thursday, November 15th from 7-9pm and on Saturday, November 17th from 11am-midday.

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Time to get planting

SNOWDROP enthusiasts are out and about planting thousands of bulbs ahead of the 2019 Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival.

The third annual festival will be held on Saturday, February 16th and Sunday, February 17th and celebrates the town’s links with pioneering Victorian plantsman James Allen, known as the Snowdrop King.

The festival has been selected as one of three good causes for the November and December Bags of Help funding scheme in the town’s Tesco store.

The 2019 festival will again feature a procession and parade and there will also be a special snowdrop-themed service in SS Peter and Paul Church on the Sunday morning.

The 2019 festival launch at the Cider House at Showerings

(l:r): Gretal Marsh, Chrisi Kennedy and Royston Cox, from the festival, selling bulbs to shoppers at Tesco. They were joined by Deborah Towner, the store’s community champion

Relaxing after a mammoth planting session – some of the team who planted around 20,000 bulbs over one weekend

For details, visit: www.sheptonsnowdropfestival.org.uk

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Community spirit at Tower View

ENVIRONMENT

A COMMUNITY litter pick has given Tower View play park in Frome a new lease of life as 20 volunteers collected nine bags of rubbish to leave the area looking clean and welcoming for everyone.

After seeing many The litter pick underway at Tower View local people already picking up the odd bit of litter as they passed the area the Friends of the Mount, Marston and Keyford, with support from Frome Town Council, decided to build on this and organised an official litter pick opposite the Key Centre and Christ Church School.

Councillor Pippa Goldfinger said: “People pulling together and doing something as simple as a litter pick can help neighbours get to know each other and build connections as well as creating a welcoming and positive green space for everyone to enjoy. This really shows the amazing community spirit of the area.”

Parents and pupils from the school also joined in to help support the clean-up. Jessica Slater, parent governor of Christ Church school, said: “It was really great to have the involvement of the pupils and families from Christ Church First School come and join in the litter pick. All the children enjoyed getting involved, and it fosters such an important nurturing approach towards our local community.”

Looking ahead, the Friends and Frome Town Council will be working together to help look after and improve the play area at Tower View. Both the play area and the green recently came into FTC ownership, having previously been managed by Mendip District Council.

Anyone who would like to arrange a community litter pick in their area of Frome or wanting to borrow litter picking equipment should call 01373 465757 or email info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk

Volunteer walk leaders thanked

VOLUNTEER walk leaders from across Somerset were invited to a celebration to recognise their dedication to leading health walks across the county.

More than 50 walk leaders from South Somerset, Mendip, Sedgemoor and Taunton health walk schemes attended the Thank You event, held in Langport, which involved celebrating the success of the walk leaders, the progression of the health walk schemes and of course, involved a health walk where feedback from their own health walks was obtained.

All health walk leaders have taken part in free training courses and have gone on to lead many health walks in their local area, encouraging people to get more active, explore the outdoors and meet new people. Although rewarding, becoming a health walk leader requires a big commitment to make sure routes are properly recced and risk assessed, walks are well promoted and new walkers are welcomed.

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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

This month we are revisiting a familiar theme which is the preparation of Wills.

We speak to so many people who tell us that they really must make a Will and will be in touch after they have moved house, retired, completed the charity bungee jump that they are organising etc. etc . . . the list is endless.

Many people don’t make a Will because they believe that they have many years left before they need to think about it. Hopefully, that will be true and, in most cases, it is, but none of us ever really knows how much longer we have.

One shocking statistic is that 73% of 16-54-year-olds don’t have a Will.

Apparently, men are more reluctant to make Wills than women. That is even more worrying because on average men die younger than women and are more likely to have accidents at work and elsewhere.

The intestacy rules (which apply if you die without making a Will) may not always achieve the desired result and could fuel dispute or even litigation within the family.

Failing to amend a Will which is out of date can be worse than having no Will at all.

Wills are relatively inexpensive so there is no excuse for not taking action.

People can be even more reluctant to make Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

Even the healthiest of us know that eventually we will die and have a vague intention to make a Will “one day” but a surprising number of people seem to think that they are immune from age related memory loss, suffering a stroke, having an accident and so on and that they will never need an LPA or, even if they do, they will do it when the time comes. If the time does come then it is usually too late to do anything. The consequences of someone losing capacity without having an LPA in place can be very stressful for other family members.

If any readers think that they may need to make or change their Will or make an LPA please contact any of our branches.

Castle Cary: e Old Exchange, Church Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EJ. Tel: 01963 350888

Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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Dairy Show was a great success

IT was a fantastic day on October 3rd at the Dairy Show on the Bath and West Showground. In fact the show is the largest in the UK and this year attracted visitors from Denmark, Belgium, France, N. Ireland and the USA. There were hundreds of trade stands (98% With MARY returning next year) and seminars that were JAMES MBE well attended for a change, forged I expect by the reality that big changes are coming in the farming world very soon.

From the competing breeds a lovely Jersey cow was the interbreed champion.

I never thought I would see a book written entirely about milk.

But there is one, called “Milk – a 10,000 year Food Fracas” by Mark Kurlansky. At first I wondered how on earth the author could write 343 pages about milk but he covers issues across the world and across the ages.

Although I haven’t read it all yet, the opening comments set the scene: “But milk is a food with a history – it has been argued about for at least the last ten thousand years. It is the most argued-over food in human history, which is why it was the first food to find its way into a modern scientific laboratory and why it is the most regulated of all foods.”

A good Christmas present perhaps.

I have also read there is currently a spike in cattle-related farm deaths. Cattle should always be treated with respect; they are

unpredictable and as my father always said “never turn your back on a bull”.

I have found beef cattle to be the most difficult; they may only see a human perhaps once a day especially in the summer but the dairy cow is easier as she sees the stockman twice a day every day and any tricky tendencies are well observed.

Unfortunately it is not just cattle that can be the cause of farm deaths. Farms have huge tractors and machinery and everyone must think “safety”. It is so easy to cut corners when one is so busy but safety must come first. No children in the yard unless under supervision is an obvious rule.

When I was learning to drive my father drummed into me – “never forget you are driving a vehicle that can kill”. My parents had quite a few good sayings serious and funny which I have never forgotten, much to the amusement of my grandchildren!

On a serious note the internet has plenty of sites giving advice on farm safety such as the Health and Safety Executive, the National Farmers Union as well as Farm and Health Safety at GOV.UK. As to the weather we did get some rain in the area and although a second cut of grass was achieved, the costs of the long hot summer will not be forgotten.

On the subject of grazing I see there is a group who want to return Felton Common, next to Bristol Airport, to its original purpose for grazing cattle. If you have a view on this do attend one of the drop-in meetings in Felton Village Hall on November 15th 7pm-9pm or November 17th 11am–12 noon. All welcome.

You don’t have to be a farmer

Members of Wells and Glastonbury YFC present the cheque to one of the air ambulance critical care paramedics who visited the club to talk about the charity’s work

Your main Kubota dealer for Somerset and South Gloucester Main Road A370, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6SE

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WELLS and Glastonbury Young Farmers Club has presented a cheque for £1,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance through a carnival collection float last year and other events such as a treasure hunt.

The club is keen to welcome new members – and young people don’t have to be a farmer to join! The club meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 8pm at the Apple Tree Inn, West Pennard. They welcome anyone from ten years old to 26 years old.

For details, contact the Somerset YFC offices on 01278 691711

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Has robot – will travel!

Will’s new business

FARMING

WILL Keel, the operations manager at Alvis Contracting, is leaving to further his own business, WJ Keel Rural, and has invested in a Robocut machine, which operates remotely, cutting grass, scrub and brambles.

He’s already been in demand locally carrying out work on the Wills Estate, Yeo Valley and further afield to places such as South Wales, Gloucestershire and South Somerset.

The advantage of the machine is that it can tackle steep slopes that are too dangerous for tractors and it’s far safer and more efficient than strimming by hand.

Will said: “Someone asked why I didn’t put a seat on the back! The whole point is that it takes away the risk to anyone tackling this kind of terrain.”

Will, aged 35, was born on the family farm in Burrington where he went to school before going on to Sidcot and then the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester.

He’s worked for various local agricultural businesses, his current job role has consisted of managing a team of up to 25-30 people.

Married, with two young children, he said: “After 15 years of full-time employment, I’ve reached a point where I decided it was time to set up on my own. I’ve invested fairly heavily to do this and plan to do other agricultural/rural work and hope to get more involved in the family farm alongside the Robocut.

“A lot of people have already been in touch with me which is really positive. The great thing is that the Robocut will allow me to be more flexible with my working hours and see more of the family. This might even mean I can find time to resume playing at Chew Valley Rugby Club!”

Will is offering free quotations.

Details: 07779 467760 willkeel@hotmail.co.uk

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Jersey cow is cream of the crop A JERSEY cow called Tregibby Panama Tequila was crowned inter-breed champion at the 2018 Dairy Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground.

Bred and owned by A. H. Wilson and Son, of Cardigan, the senior cow had earlier been named breed champion. The Wilson family also took the reserve interbreed title with a Dairy Shorthorn called Cotonhall Absolute Joy. Inter-breed honourable mention went to the Holstein champion, Moorshard Pepper Marie, from R.K and S.G Miller and Sons, Bridgwater. They had also exhibited other champion breed cattle in the Brown Swiss class and won the best pair of animals class.

Julia Banwell, representing sponsors Old Mill, presents the award for the best pair of animals as judge Blaise Tomlinson look on

Hefyn Wilson celebrates as his Jersey cow is named supreme champion …

. . . and is presented with the award by joint show presidents the Earl and Countess Bathurst

Farmer and Muller Milk Group chairman David Herdman (second left), from Cambridgeshire, was the 2018 Dairy Industry Award winner. He is pictured with Richard Clothier, from sponsors Wyke Farms, and the Earl and Countess Bathurst PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Waiting to be judged

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FARMING

A difficult year for farmers

Hannah Garrett (left) and German-born Aruna Abicht with a pair of Guernsey cattle which took second place in their class. The cattle are owned by the Sales family of Midsomer Norton. They are pictured with Andrew Payling, from the British Guernsey Cattle Society

Nervous faces as cattle are led into the arena

Dear Mendip Times, It’s been a difficult year for many in farming. From January to August this year, farming charity R.A.B.I – the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution – received 582 new referrals. That’s 582 individuals and families contacting us for the first time, seeking help.

Overall, we’ve given out £1.52m this year, including more than £318k to working families*. Each request for assistance is different, so we tailor the support we give.

We help people like council tenant farmer Tom, who lost 400 sheep last winter due to the bad weather. His income was down £30k on the previous year and he was struggling to pay household bills. We sent him a cheque for £3k to help with domestic debts so he and his family could get back on their feet.

The work we do makes a difference, but we can’t do it on our own. That’s why we’re holding Welly Week from Saturday, October 27th to Sunday, November 4th to raise awareness of us and what we do.

We’d like you and your friends/colleagues to wear your wellies to work, post your photos on social media and tell people all about it using the #wellyweek2018 We’ll also be giving a pairs of Grubs boots away each day in an online competition.

If you can make a donation, it would be greatly appreciated. Go to www.rabi.org.uk/donate to find out how. Every donation, no matter how small, enables us to continue supporting farming people in financial hardship.

We hope you’ll stand up for British farmers this October by getting behind our Welly Week campaign.

Thank you.

Paul Burrows R.A.B.I Chief Executive

* Unaudited figure, covering period January 1-September 24, 2018

Frome young farmers’ ploughing match: a correction

The Jersey championship underway; the judge came from Kentucky

IN last month’s Mendip Times we unfortunately ran this photo with the wrong name on the caption. It should have read Daniel Brake receiving his prize from Caroline Jerram. We apologise for the error.

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NEWS

A pilgrimage on two wheels

A GROUP of friends including the rector of St Hugh’s Church in Witham Friary have cycled from the village to Lincoln Cathedral to follow in the footsteps of the saint.

After a short service in the village’s church, the cyclists began their 275-mile pilgrimage from the nearby site of his monastery to Lincoln, stopping at Gloucester and Leicester en-route.

The Rev. Anthony Dickson said: “Our cycling pilgrimage to Lincoln was a great success, and by the end the journey took four of us on about 275 miles of mostly quiet country lanes and bridle paths. Picking our way through the city centres of Gloucester and Leicester was a bit challenging, but Sustrans has done an incredible job of creating a network of largely trafficfree cycle routes; the route through the Vale of Evesham being a particular highlight.”

The cyclists were greeted at Lincoln by the dean of the cathedral before the duty chaplain led them in prayer, midday Eucharist and a tour.

Hugh of Lincoln, and also known as Hugh of Avalon was a

(l:r) Christine Wilson, the dean of Lincoln Cathedral, Margaret Pritchard, George Pritchard, Mike Gorman, Marcus Powell, the Rev. Anthony Dickson and Christine Dickson

Conor cooks up a storm

(l:r) George Pritchard, Marcus Powell, Mike Gorman and the Rev. Anthony Dickson outside St Hugh’s church in Witham Friary

French noble, Benedictine and Carthusian monk. In 1179 St Hugh was made prior of Witham Charterhouse, the first Carthusian house in England. He died in 1200.

Catholics mark St Hugh’s feast day on November 16th.

November 17th is the feast day for Anglicans.

Setting off for Lincoln

SHEPTON Mallet student Conor Boakes has been named the junior South West Junior Chef of the Year in a competition backed by some of the industry’s biggest names.

The Whitstone Scbool pupil, aged 13, beat five rivals to the title. Conor cooked roast venison loin with a faggot, Pommes Anna, celeriac purée and a blackberry sauce.

Judges for the day were Michael Caines MBE, Liam Finnegan, Neil Haydock, Darrin Hosegrove, Michael Nizzerro and Chris Tanner. Ashburton Cookery School hosted the final.

Each of the finalists was mentored by a county judge to help them to prepare for the final; Conor’s was Liam Finnegan, head chef at The Castle Hotel in Taunton.

A competition spokesperson said: “Our six young finalists, aged 13-15, left our judges in no doubt that the future of the industry is in very safe hands! The cooking skills on display from all six finalists were truly impressive, belying their years and demonstrating the dedication and ambition of these budding chefs.”

Conor with his award

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Conor relaxes in Shepton Mallet

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Church House Designs

Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm • Saturday 10am-1pm (or by appointment) Broad Street, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5DG Telephone 01934 833660 www.churchhousedesigns.co.uk

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INTERNET

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Take control of your keyboard THERE are a load of shortcuts you can use for PC’s, laptops etc – both Windows and Mac. The main difference between the two operating systems is that it’s Ctrl (Control) for Windows and cmd (command) for Mac. Phones, iPads and tablets all have their own shortcuts – such as double-tap the space bar on a phone for a full stop. For a comma press and hold the 123 button and then without lifting your finger, slide your finger over to the comma and then let go.

On an iPad, hold and drag down on the top row of letters to get the numbers (you’ll see them in grey above the letter) – e.g. for a 6, drag down the Y button.

On android phone – to put it on silence, press your power and volume-up buttons together. You’ll get a short vibration to confirm.

But back to keyboards – to operate the shortcuts below, hold down the Ctrl or cmd button and press the shortcut at the same time, but only briefly. So if you hold down Ctrl or cmd and press S at the same time, it will save your current work.

Ctrl/cmd + S = Save Ctrl/cmd + Z = Undo Ctrl/cmd + Y = Redo Ctrl/cmd + A = Select All Ctrl/cmd + C = Copy Ctrl/cmd + X = Cut Ctrl/cmd + V = Paste Ctrl/cmd + R = Refresh web page Ctrl/cmd + F = Find on this page (e.g. if you are looking for something specific on a web page or document, it will search the whole page, not just the bit you are looking at. Type the word you want to find and press Enter. Every time you press Enter it will go to the next example. If there is one!

Ctrl/cmd + P = Print Ctrl/cmd + N = New (depends on where you are at the time – new document in Word or new Tab on the internet) Ctrl/cmd + + = Zoom in on a web page (that Ctrl or cmd plus a +) Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) 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 Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer.

For more in depth information, please contact us.

We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. 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.

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 8 Mells family which produced a Prime Minister (7) 9 Floral arrangements (7) 10 Green beryls (8) 11 Bright spot in the week or month (3,3) 12 Throws out (7) 13 Harry Potter and Oliver Twist (7) 14 Stadium receipts (4) 17 Glasto founder (5) 19 Where Timbuktu is (4) 23 Corpulence (7) 24 --- Home, annual Chew Stoke fair (7) 25 Buckland ---, village near Kingsdown Camp (6) 26 Volcanic glass (8) 27 Athleticism (7) 28 Take this to become a nun (3,4)

DOWN 1 Purchase container (5,3) 2 Murtry ---, which was never filled with water (8) 3 Fund (7) 4 Zimbabwe, formerly (8) 5 Makes ready (8) 6 Originating in Shepton Mallet, the first alcoholic drink to be advertised on TV (8) 7 Blast fragments (8) 15 King John's Hunting Lodge is in its town square (8) 16 Area of Frome (8) 17 Approximate cost prediction (8) 18 Restricts (8) 20 --- Hole, the earliest known cemetery in Great Britain (8) 21 With focus (8) 22 Sports shoe (7)

THE GEORGE INN Croscombe

A great place to relax Win a £10 voucher off a meal at The George Inn with our prize crossword. The George Inn, between Wells and Shepton Mallet, is renowned for real ale, great food, cosy rooms and a warm welcome.

Correct entries are placed in a hat. The winner is the first name drawn. Please send entries with your name and address to: Crossword Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries to be received by Thursday, November 8th.

T&Cs apply. Solution next month.

Last month’s solution and winner on page 127

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Oh, those November nights

With JUNE MACFARLANE

NOVEMBER brings fallen leaves and bonfires and the start of full-on hunkering down.

Pots bubbling, new seasonal tastes, and suddenly I feel the irresistible urge to make a sticky sponge pudding.

TOULOUSE SAUSAGES AND SQUASH

Turn up the heating from the inside with this pud

MAPLE SYRUP STEAMED SPONGE PUDDING

Autumn makes me think of maple syrup and I suddenly had a hankering for a real steamed pud. Nobody does them better than us, and if you plan a lengthy walk among the fallen leaves this is what you need. Central heating.

INGREDIENTS

(For six) 6 tbsp maple syrup Juice of ¼ lemon 150g softened butter 150g soft light brown sugar Pinch of salt 2 eggs, beaten 150g self-raising flour milk

METHOD Butter a 1 ltr pudding bowl. Put syrup and lemon juice in the bottom. Set aside. Beat butter, sugar and salt together until fluffy.

Gradually beat in eggs. Fold in flour and enough milk to give a soft dropping consistency. Pour into bowl. Cover with baking parchment and foil, making a pleat for the pudding to rise. Trim excess and tie with string. Steam in a saucepan with the lid on for 2 hrs, topping up water if necessary. Turn out and serve immediately. With custard!

MUSSELS AND CANNELLINI BEANS IN CIDER Bangers are perfect for a cold November – and not just for fireworks night

INGREDIENTS

(For four) 400g good sausages 800g squash, cut into wedges Handful of sage leaves Olive oil

Here’s a great dish for autumn. Use your favourite best bangers; I think Toulouse sausages, meaty and garlicky, work brilliantly.

METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Pile the sausages and the squash wedges into an ovenproof dish. Splash over olive oil and toss with your hands to coat. Scatter sage leaves and seasoning over the top. Roast for 1 hr until sausages are browned and squash is soft and golden.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

A big bowl of fresh mussels, all blue-black shells and orange meat, is a great meal. The beans and the cider make it special.

METHOD In a big pan, soften the leek in olive oil. Add garlic and cook for 1 min. Increase heat, add cider and bubble for 1 min. Add stock, mussels, beans and parsley. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer, shaking occasionally, for 6-7 mins until all mussels are open. Remove from heat and discard any

INGREDIENTS

(For four) 2 tbsp olive oil 1 leek, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 kg mussels, cleaned and scrubbed 250ml dry cider 250ml vegetable stock 400g tin cannellini beans in water, drained 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

unopened mussels. Taste liquid and season. Garnish with parsley.

Mussel power – the addition of beans and cider makes a special dish

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What’s new from

Myrtle Farm

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FOOD & DRINK

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Skills for the future

PROVIDING young people with skills for the future is a passion for us at Thatchers.

Our Young Talent programme has now welcomed to Myrtle Farm our 2018 group of apprentices and graduates, and they’re all now embarking on training and hands-on work experience to equip them for their careers ahead.

In its first year, the Young Talent programme has already been recognised by the national food and grocery industry for the positive impact it is making. At the recent IGD Awards Thatchers was presented with the Award for Employability, with the judges saying, “It’s great to see that the young talent pipeline is already building as a result, and that Thatchers work closely with other businesses in the region to share best practice.”

We’ve been working closely with local schools, colleges and universities throughout the Young Talent programme.

And as part of Weston College’s “200 in 100” apprenticeship campaign – which exceeded its targets of creating 200 apprenticeship vacancies in just 100 days – we hosted a business breakfast here at Myrtle Farm, bringing together the employers that pledged their support and now have apprentices working in their business.

Martin Thatcher spoke at the event of his experience in a family business, the importance of bringing in new skills and nurturing talent. The audience were then treated to some business tips and life advice from Lord Digby Jones, Chairman of Thatchers.

Pop into our cider shop for your Christmas gifts

Hot air balloon ad scoops award

IF you’re planning some early Christmas shopping, don’t forget to pop into our Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm. We’ll have special Christmas gift baskets and gift boxes with your choice of any three of our 500ml bottled ciders.

Our Family Reserve Sparkling Apple Wine, and our Orchard Cut Gin, are also available to help your festivities take on a special Somerset feel!

OUR hot air balloon ad, which was filmed locally in Somerset, has been awarded two top prizes at this year’s Beer and Cider Marketing Awards. We were thrilled to win the Best Advertising Campaign category, as well as “Best Cider Marketing of the Year.”

It has been a great month, Thatchers also being named Family Business of the Year in the 2018 Business Leader Awards.

Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA

2018 • PAGE 19 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2017

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

01275 333042 New menu and excellent specials board served Tuesday – 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

Small and sweet for Autumn Fixed-price lunch menu 12pm until 2pm Tuesday to Friday, £10.00 for two courses

DELICIOUS DECEMBER Christmas Party-style lunches available with all the festive trimmings – call us for details!

“ f f I c s

The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community Opening hours: Closed Monday day time and open at 5 for drinks only • Tuesday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm.

Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

t m i u d f l

P a l w p t

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GARDEN FOOD

Aji lemon drop

THIS Peruvian chilli has done particularly well for me this year, with the four plants I have covered in hundreds and hundreds of chillies.

Unlike most chillies and peppers, this belongs to a different species, Capsicum Baccatum, which are only With JAKE semi-domesticated, and includes many WHITSON chillies known as Aji (pronounced “Ahee”) in their native Peru.

Somewhat like coriander, it seem to divide people on its flavour, with reactions all the way from a strong lemon flavour, to tasting of hand soap. I must admit, the first time I tried it I was definitely in the second category – I finely chopped two of them, seeds and all, and added them to my salsa.

Not only were they quite startlingly hot, but the flavour of soap was so strong I actually thought there might have been some dishwashing liquid in the bowl I used!

Since then I have read up on it online, and the consensus seems to be that soapy flavours are caused by stress to the plants, especially with the yellow kinds of Aji, and that plants in the summer are more likely to have this flavour.

It does seem that now the weather is cooling, this flavour is disappearing. That being said, I think you really have to use your imagination to think they taste of lemons – they definitely have a strong flavour, but it is to my mind a flavour unique to this kind of chilli, and not strongly lemony one.

I love them in sauces – they are an integral part of the Peruvian green sauce I described back in June, and also another Peruvian classic known as Aji de Gallina. This latter looks to be something of a labour of love – chicken with a sophisticated sauce of nuts, cheese, lemon drop peppers, spices, olives and bread.

I plan to make it over the next few weeks and get back to you next month with the results!

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

Twigs and berries

WE have had a period of interesting weather.

Some have enjoyed the long, dry summer, others have been praying for rain. Gardeners have seen their lawns turn brown and farmers have been concerned that they wouldn’t get another silage cut for their animals’ winter feed.

One look at the reservoirs shows that even for With ADRIAN this time of year, water levels are still quite low.

BOOTS We had some wetter weather after this dry spell and along with the slight drop in temperatures finally a flush of fungal activity. Environmental stress plays a key role in fungi appearing or not as the case may be.

There are a number of known factors (and probably a few unknown ones too!) for example availability of food, temperature (above and below ground), moisture levels, disturbance etc. When under stress fungi can fruit in an attempt to reproduce – which is when we see those wonderful edible mushrooms.

Of course, some appear at other times of the year but like apples ripening on a tree, the autumn is the best time to find them.

There are few more disappointing things (well there are many actually but we daren’t stray too far off topic) than going mushroom hunting only to find they have decided to remain hidden until the time is right. We can only take an educated guess at what that time might be and then they just do whatever they want anyway.

So I was surprised and delighted to find at the side of a path under a silver birch tree someone’s discarded lunchtime orange? No, not an orange but an Orange Birch Bolete!

Orange Birch Bolete (Leccinum versipelle) has a rounded cap, 815cm wide that’s dull orange in colour and has a felt-like surface texture. The stem is up to 10cm tall by 2-5cm wide, slightly swollen at the base with a grey/white colour which is covered in small black scales.

The tubes (rather than gills) are a yellowish grey. The flesh can change colour when cut! As the name suggests it grows in association with birch, not oranges, is quite common and found late in summer through the autumn.

I have already written about the Brown Birch Bolete, which to be fair don’t taste that great, but the Orange Birch Bolete is marginally better and seems to have a firmer texture. Neither are in the same flavour department as the Cep which I found literally inches away (see pic).

So next time you are looking for some tasty fungal treats give consideration to the likelihood of finding something, anything in fact.

Forget the middle of a heat wave, hurricane or biblical flood but wait for a day or two after such events then go looking for mushroomy treasures.

Or you might just come home with some very sorry looking twigs and berries.

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 • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 21

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Grate expectations for world record at food festival IT was a case of Ready, Steady, Chop when dozens of volunteers gathered in a marquee at the Wells Food Festival to try to set a world record for the largest amount of sauerkraut to be produced in one go.

Katie Venner and Jo Webster, who are passionate about the importance of gut health, brought the team together to produce the cabbage-based dish. The results will be left to ferment until Friday, October 26th, the date of the final weigh-in.

More than 150 producers and street food sellers took part in the festival.

Volunteers are given their instructions before getting to work on chopping the vegetables for the sauerkraut

Kim, Veronica and Margaret on the Wells Country Market stall in the Recreation Ground

The team from Lievito Bakery, based at Lovington

Cabbage patch game – Alfie juggles with some veg as Tom looks on

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

To find out if the attempt was successful, visit: www.sauerkrautathon.com

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Prince of Waterloo Winford

FOOD & DRINK

WINFORD Country pub • Kitchen Accommodation • Function Room

CHRISTMAS CARVERY Special Xmas carvery for parties of 20 or more lunchtime or evening throughout December before Christmas Eve. Booking essential.

CARVERY SUNDAYS THE Prince of Waterloo at Winford is offering an early Christmas present – it will put on a special Christmas carvery for groups of 20 or more, lunchtime or evening, on any date in December before Christmas Eve, if pre-booked.

The pub is famous for its home-cooked locally-sourced food, especially its Sunday carvery with a choice of four meats and ten vegetables, and its super-delicious fresh fish and chips, with fresh, thick flaky haddock, which can be ordered as a takeaway Monday-Friday 5pm-7pm.

And it’s a free house so offers a great range of premium drinks, ales, wines and soft drinks and has a happy hour twice weekly, Wednesday and Saturday, 5pm-7pm, with selected pints and house wine at £2.80.

Winford is in the heart of the Chew Valley, a short drive away from Chew Valley Lake and only a five-minute drive from Bristol International Airport, just off the A38, and only 15 minutes from the centre of Bristol.

The pub is a splendid 16th century village pub and restaurant, which retains much of its original character, whilst offering the warmth and comfort of a contemporary meeting place.

They also offer a great quality, traditional buffet for inhouse events and in addition there are bedrooms and a function room available, with an outside play area for children.

The pub is well placed for visitors looking to explore the area or using Bristol International Airport and has some excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.

One customer wrote: “Stopped here, after missing our flight due to very heavy traffic. The staff and manager were so helpful, with sorting out my phone, to getting our new boarding passes printed.

“The fish and chips we had were excellent. The accommodation, was first class and the kitchen had everything you needed for a late night drink, and breakfast (which was 3.30am for us).

“We would certainly stop here again, only maybe this time, because we wanted to rather than because we had to.”

It’s equally popular with locals who enjoy the quizzes and other events that it puts on. There’s a Halloween party on Saturday, October 27th, with fancy dress and karaoke and its annual firework display is on Monday, November 5th with Punch and Judy at 5pm, barbecue food from 5.20pm and the fireworks display itself at 7.30pm.

Carvery 12-3pm, all home-made, choice of four meats and ten vegetables

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN Party night October 27th from 9pm.

Party games and prizes for best costumes

CELEBRATE BONFIRE NIGHT Monday, November 5th Annual firework display with Punch and Judy show at 5pm, barbecue from 5.20pm, display at 7.30pm

Monday–Wednesday 5–7pm, Early Bird Specials – 2 main meals for only £12

Follow us on Facebook to see up-and-coming events and offers

The Prince of Waterloo 1 High Street, Winford, Bristol BS40 8AR Tel: 01275 474930 www.princeofwaterloo.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 23

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Ponchos and passion at Frome Carnival HIGH winds and heavy rain forced some entries in this year’s Frome Carnival to abandon their efforts to take part but others – and the crowds – donned their ponchos and carried their umbrellas to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Kipling Carnival Club, based in Shaftesbury, wowed the spectators with their feature entry A Fisherman Tale in the evening procession.

The weather was even wetter for the afternoon children’s carnival, but dozens of youngsters took part – some turning out for the evening parade as well. The processions raise thousands of pounds for local charities each year, with the evening event part of the Wessex Grand Prix circuit.

Kipling CC’s entry . . .

A member of the Coleford-based Stardust Majorettes

Members of the Frome platoon of the Army cadets joined some of the cast from a local theatre company. The cadets would welcome new members: www.armycadets.com/somersetacf

Carnival ambassadors prepare to lead the afternoon procession

. . . and two of the road crew who helped make it happen PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Frome Town Band prepare for the evening procession

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FROME CARNIVAL 2018

Pepperbox Nursery with Old Macdonald Had a Farm

One of the young masqueraders

Ophelia Head with Fly to the Moon; the four-year-old wants to be an astronaut

Rydan Chalk Millington took first place in the under-fours class with his WW2 soldier

Frome town crier Mike Bishop with Angie, his wife and consort

Oakfield Academy won the schools class with Aladdin

A member of the Ringwood Pipe and Drum Band MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 25

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Photographic studio completes the picture in Wells A NEW photographic studio has opened in Wells to complement the services offered by the D.H. James camera shop and the Armandine art and picture framing gallery.

Studio Birdy is based above the familyrun D.H. James in Sadler Street and just a short walk from the Armandine gallery run by them as well.

The studio is run by well-known Chris Goodwin and Nick James, from D.H. James and freelance photographer Marc Le Galle, and offers a relaxed, flexible and convenient space with state-of-the-art lighting and camera equipment making it ideal for everything from family portraits to corporate images and product shoots.

Marc is a creative wedding, commercial and portrait photographer who lives in Chapel Allerton. His wedding portfolio includes assignments at luxury venues including Coombe Lodge at Blagdon and Orchardleigh House, near Frome. Marc is also a lecturer in photography at Bath Spa University and has a background in graphic design.

Marc said: “Studio Birdy is not just a

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

‘sit and smile’ studio; we are aiming for something very different, relaxed and informal.”

Sessions can take up to two hours with Marc taking time to get to know the client and what they are seeking. The review meeting – when Marc and Chris will go over the images with the client – is just as relaxed.

Marc at work in Studio Birdy

D.H. James will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019 and Chris said the time was right to open Studio Birdy: “Marc and I had met previously and discussed the idea and decided to open here when the space became available.

“Between us, we can offer the complete service, from initial shoot, to print and framing – all in one street!”

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BUSINESS

Marriage or a civil partnership?

IT has recently been announced that all couples in England and Wales will be able to choose to have a civil partnership rather than get married. It will address the "imbalance" that allows same-sex couples to choose, but not mixed-sex couples. The proposed change comes after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a mixed sex couple who wanted to be allowed to have a civil partnership.The court said that the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

What are civil partnerships?

They were created in 2004 to give same-sex couples, who at the time couldn't marry, similar legal and financial protection to a marriage. They weren't available to mixed-sex couples.

In 2013 the law was changed to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales. Since then, same-sex couples have been able to choose between marriage or civil partnerships.

However the opposite didn't become true because mixed-sex couples didn't get the right to a civil partnership. That was the inconsistency which has now been identified by the Supreme Court ruling.

A civil partnership is formed by

signing a document.There is no requirement for a ceremony to take place or to exchange vows (unlike for a marriage) but you can do so if you wish.

Why do mixed-sex couples want this right?

There are a range of reasons people give for not wanting to get married.

High on the list was the feeling among some that marriage as an institution doesn't reflect their equal relationship because of its roots in traditional gender roles.

What protections do you get from a civil partnership?

Beyond the issues of principle, there are many practical reasons for why some unmarried couples might now want to enter into a civil partnership.

Many of the 3.3 million co-habiting couples in the UK mistakenly think they possess similar rights and protections to those enjoyed by married couples – but they don't.

It can cause enormous distress when co-habiting partners find out (often on separation from or the death of their partner) that they have far fewer inheritance, property and pension rights than they had thought. Becoming civil

partners means couples will get these benefits without having to get married.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision we are told a change in the law will happen as swiftly as possible.

There are now moves afoot for the law to be developed to allow civil partnerships to be extended to include siblings as well. The advantage of such a change is that it could remove the worry of siblings living under the same roof that they would otherwise lose their family home when the other dies because they would not be able to afford the inheritance tax.

Edward Lyons

Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. ● Family & Divorce Law ● Co-habitation disputes ● Inheritance disputes ● Wills and Living Wills ● Powers of Attorney ● Administration of Trusts ● Property – sales and purchases Chew Magna 01275 332168

OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 27

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M e n d i p Ti m e s reduces tr a v e l cost s

Jackets Fleeces ● Walking Boots ● Bags ● Hats, Gloves ● Travel Clothing ● ●

No. 1 Broad Street Congresbury BS49 5DG 01934 877333 www.countryinnovation.com

P & C Logs C a ll 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 or on E v en i n g s 0 1 9 3 4 7 4 1 9 4 1

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).

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

LECATCHER MO

Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

RUBBISH CLEARANCE SERVICE

Licensed Waste Carrier Single items to whole houses, garages and gardens cleared For a free no obligation quote, please call

John: 01761 410424 or mobile 07919 584737

REMEMBER, REMEMBER LOVE THIS NOVEMBER!

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BUSINESS

Winner of 'Best Luxury Chauffeur Service Bristol' SME South West Enterprise Awards

Top quality transporta on services in Somerset and Bristol Bristol Execu ve Travel provides corporate travel, airport and train transfers, meet and greet for students, wedding hire and private vehicles for spor ng events Luxury travel now available in Somerset and Bristol

01934 261 598 info@bristolexecu vetravel.co.uk

FREE

Ox tape measure with every hire while stocks last

toolhireltd.co.uk • 01275 332693 Winford Business Park, Chew Road, Winford BS40 8HJ MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 29

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TrueSpeed rolls out across Somerset

BUSINESS

CONNECTING some of Somerset’s poorest served and hardest to reach areas, TrueSpeed’s brand-new full fibre network is transforming residents’ lives by allowing them to use the internet how they want, when they want.

They say they are proud to be unlike any other broadband provider in the service they provide and their community-focused ethos that’s at the forefront of everything they do.

Improving the lives of thousands of residents and business owners by removing the frustrations poor broadband inflicts on daily life, TrueSpeed is providing a truly reliable online solution for the South West.

Reaping the benefits of some of the fastest broadband speeds in the UK, residents are experiencing broadband they never thought possible. With TrueSpeed’s ultrafast broadband everyday life becomes easier as buffering, drop-outs and arguments about who is using the internet during peak times disappear.

After getting connected to TrueSpeed and experiencing the benefits of having full fibre broadband directly to her property, Wendy explains just how much everyday life has changed: “The internet is fantastic – my coffee consumption (and rate of swearing) have dropped by 1000%! Downloading large files and updating iPhones/iPads etc is now stress-free. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate TrueSpeed’s efforts to get Badgworth the most brilliant service that is genuinely transforming our lives.”

TrueSpeed is independently owned so doesn't use taxpayers’ money when rolling out their network, they simply require 30% of a community to sign-up to start the building process.

Their brand-new infrastructure is being rolled out to more areas than ever before so truly reliable, 200Mb/s broadband could be with you sooner than you think.

Simply call their Keynsham-based team on 01225 300 370 to sign up and be part of the 30% for your community, or to discover more about the benefits of TrueSpeed visit www.truespeed.com to register your interest.

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Pets welcome at new practice in Wells

The veterinary team at the open day

BUSINESS

WELLS Vets – a brand new, purpose-built small animal practice – has opened in the city.

Part of Shepton Veterinary Group, Wells Vets at Cathedral Park, caters for the needs of clients in Wells and surrounding villages. There will be one vet in residence to start with, supported by the clinical expertise of the small animal team at Shepton Vets.

The new practice is fully equipped for providing first opinion veterinary services with an operating theatre, x-ray, dental and ultrasound facilities. More serious emergencies, animals needing hospitalisation and all out of hours calls will be cared for at the main practice in Shepton Mallet.

Celia Wride, the mayor of Wells, cut the ribbon to officially open the practice at a family open day.

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Village history revived at funeral

A FUNERAL bier left rotting until it was restored by inmates at the former Shepton Mallet prison in 2005 has been used for the first time when villagers in Evercreech turned out in large numbers to pay their respects to former postmaster Geoff Lawson.

Geoff was on the parish council and helped to finance the restoration work on the bier which is more than 100 years old. Formerly kept inside the church, it had been sitting in the Old The restored bier outside Vicarage in the village but is Evercreech parish church currently being looked after

by Jeff’s widow Cherry and her family.

Jeff was postmaster in the village from 1977 until 1996; the office was housed in the family home close to the church.

Cherry said: “I felt he would be delighted to know that he was the first to use the bier.” ● Cherry, Charlie and Jenny would like to thank all the people who kindly attended Geoff's funeral on Friday, October 12th in Evercreech.

From little acorns . . .

NEWS

Michael McGarvie, president of the society, prepares to cut the anniversary cake with a ceremonial sword, watched by (l:r) Hilary Daniel, Liz O’Sullivan, Julian Hight and society chairman Julian Watson

MEMBERS of the Frome Society for Local Study celebrated the organisation’s 60th anniversary with a lunch at the very same venue where it first met.

They gathered in the hall of Frome’s Selwood School – now Selwood Academy – for the event which included a display of memorabilia.

Hilary Daniel, one of the founder members, gave a talk about the early days of the society, which now boasts around 450 members. The guest speaker was Frome-based author and naturalist Julian Hight, an environmental campaigner and writer who supports the Woodland Trust.

Julian spoke about the history of the ancient Selwood Forest and has donated an oak sapling from the woodland to the school which bears its name.

The bier was originally made by renowned carriage builder Goodfellow of Wincanton. The brass plaque on the rear incorrectly spells it “beir” Geoff Lawson, village postmaster from 1977 until 1996

Writer and campaigner Julian Hight with the Selwood Forest sapling

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 33

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Cam Valley showcase THE Cam Valley Arts Trail, a free community event, will feature over 40 artists at 13 venues this year in the villages of Clutton, High Littleton, Paulton, Temple Cloud, Timsbury and Tunley on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th.

The artists will be showcasing and selling their

original, handcrafted work in painting, printing, textiles, ceramics, felt, glass, pastel, silver, wood, Batik and more.

There will also be free “taster” art workshops, including gilding and macro photography, plus demonstrations, for the community to enjoy.

It's a great opportunity to try something new, talk with different artists about their work, and buy some original pieces as Christmas presents.

Children will also enjoy the special storytelling session at Temple Cloud on Saturday by the Mendip Storytelling Circle.

Fairground memories

THIS painting of Charlie Heal’s Fair in Midsomer Norton in 1958 might stir a few memories!

Artist Roger Jones said: “Because of the lack of old photographs, this picture proved to be one of the most difficult I have ever painted.

“Most of it is based on my memories! But various kind people helped me with the research, including Radstock Museum and Dave Langley who knows more about fairs than anyone else I know.”

He remembers the big wheel was always outside of Welches at the end of the river; the dodgems were outside Parsons’ paper shop in The Island along with Noah’s Ark that poked out past Stocks (the butcher) on the corner where the bus stop is today.

The side shows were placed in the High Street all along the side of the river and up past Casswells and on into Church Square, where he vaguely remembers seeing The Wall of Death.

Due to years of pressure from local traders who were losing money while the fair was in town, the council finally gave in and the last fair in the town was on April 23rd, 1960.

Details: 01761 411842 – 0754 9057523

PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

They shall not grow old CLEVEDON Salerooms’ quarterly specialist sale on November 22nd has an eclectic range of antique furniture, fine art, collectors’ items and as always, preChristmas, an emphasis on fine jewellery, silver and watches.

A seemingly innocuous lot, amongst the hundreds of items on offer, is a WWI brass shell case that emerged from a carrier bag during one of the salerooms’ popular free valuation days.

At a glance it appears to be a plain shell casing, identical to millions of others fired during the war. Closer inspection reveals four lines of text engraved below the regimental crest of the Royal Field Artillery.

The text reads: “The case of the last shell fired by C/149 Brigade Royal Field Artillery, from near Avelghem on the Lys, Belgium 10th November 1918.”

Beneath this are the names of eight soldiers, their signatures and rank engraved into the case.

Auctioneer, Toby Pinn, only recently

returned from his second visit to Flanders Fields, suggests that the poignancy of this particular artefact is that the engraved names are those of soldiers who survived.

He said: “In creating this artefact from the last shell fired as their gun fell silent the day before the Armistice was signed, these brave soldiers bear witness to their own deliverance and pay tribute to all those who came before them who sacrificed everything.”

The shell case is estimated at £100 – £150.

The fully illustrated online catalogue will Details: www.clevedon-salerooms.com

World War One engraved shell case – The last shell fired by C/149 Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 10th November 1918.

be available 100 years to the day after this shell was fired, on November 10th.

Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 26th & 27th November

9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Thursday 1st November

Sale starts at 10.30am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm

Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789

The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com

Blue John chalice Estimate £1,500 – £2,500

Dewar’s Whisky enamel sign Estimate £200 – £300

Omega ‘Drivers’ Chronostop Estimate £600 – £800

Quarterly Specialist Sale Thursday 22nd November at 10.30am

Viewing Days: 20th November – 2pm – 5.30pm and 21st November – 10am – 6.30pm – Sale Day from 9am On line catalogue available 10th November MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 35

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Phenomenal interest for a wee dram!

THE recent autumn Sporting, Fine Wines and Spirits sale held at the Mendip Auction Rooms generated a phenomenal level of interest from across the UK and Europe. A personal collection of whisky from a local seller led to plenty of enquiries prior to the sale and very strong internet bidding at the sale.

All whisky sold to advantage with a 1973 bottle of Longrow selling for £2,600, a 1972 bottle of 18-year-old Macallan £1,700 and a 1975 bottle of 20year-old Brora £900. Others selling well included a 1972 Brora £850, a 1960 25year-old Glendronach £750, a Macallan Cask £650, a 1982 Linlithgow Cask £620 and a 12-year-old Clynelish £600.

In total, almost 300 bottles went under the hammer averaging over £100 per bottle.

In addition to the whiskies offered, there was a good selection of ports, brandies and wines that also sold well.

Six bottles of Fonseca Vintage Port 1985, bottled in 1987, sold for £320, two bottles

of Martell Cognac and a bottle of Prunier’s fine Cognac £160 and a collection of Pussers rum bottles and stoppers £200.

There was a good selection of sporting items on offer as well with a good range of paintings and prints of racing scenes selling well with an oil on canvas by D.M. Dent selling for £180. A mid-19th century English cavalry percussion pistol, England patent sold for £160.

Killens were delighted to support Sports Aid at this sale with lots entered by local sporting establishments to be sold in aid of the cause which supports young sportsmen and sportswomen in pursuing their sporting careers. Items sold well with a morning on the gallops given by local racehorse trainer, Paul Nicholls, selling for £150.

The next sale of Sporting Items, Fine Wines and Spirits will be held in the New Year and entries are invited.

Dropping items off for auction couldn’t be easier and the auction rooms are open

every weekday morning between 10am and 1pm for valuations and deliveries.

Alternatively, the valuers can visit you at home free of charge. The team can also arrange collections and house clearances providing confidence that items are sold to advantage.

To contact the auction rooms, telephone 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

The ivory ban – what does it mean to you?

IN April 2018 the government announced they would introduce a ban on the sale of all ivory objects and items containing ivory with only a few exceptions being made.

This ban will cover all ivory objects from all ages with exceptions being made for pre-1947 objects that contain less than 10% by volume. Items that are at least 100 years old and deemed the rarest and most important items of their type, alongside a specific exemption for portrait miniatures that are at least 100 years old. Also musical instruments with an ivory content of less than 20% which were made prior to 1975.

So, what’s the current law? The current law states that ivory must be “worked” (carved) and pre-1947 in date, unworked ivory cannot be sold regardless of age i.e. an ivory tusk. The ban is set to come into force in April 2019, meaning that the millions of ivory items currently in existence will have no commercial value and cannot be sold or traded, unless under special conditions.

A recent example of this is the 18th century Thomas Chippendale piece of furniture offered at Christie’s, London in July of this year. The original piece had 20 interior pigeon holes each inlaid with an ivory alphabet. The U.S. seller

The commode at the centre of the ivory debate

replaced them with a man made “ivorine”, to comply with U.S. laws in order for the item to be easily transported to London.

The commode carried an auction estimate of £3-5 million and failed to sell. This had been changed from its original state and therefore potential buyers would have taken this into account when deciding to bid on this item, many of the antique trade went on to describe this example as pure, unnecessary vandalism.

Gareth Wasp

If you would like any advice on your ivory items then Gareth Wasp, our valuer and auctioneer, would be happy to be inspect items in person and appointments can be made via the saleroom office on 01373 852419.

SALE ROOMS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE TO BOOK FREE HOME VALUATIONS

A five stone diamond ring, stamped '18ct' A Georgian silver cream jug, London 1810 A 20th century oil on canvas of a still life of flowers

A group of five medals: WWII 1939-45 star Burma Star, DM, WM & Elizabeth II Africa medal with Kenya clasp; the Africa medal named to H W P Gallop Glostos all mounted

A 19th century carriage French carriage clock

A single French walnut armchair, upholstered in a red satin

Free specialist antiques valuations available by appointment, please contact the office on 01373 852419 to book Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 37

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Coffee for heroes

VILLAGERS in Cranmore and the surrounding area are organising a WWI-themed coffee morning to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 3rd in Cranmore Memorial Hall. A display of WWI memorabilia will be on display.

Cranmore Community Group, the hall committee, church and St Aldhem’s School in nearby Doulting have joined together to mark the centenary of the end of the conflict by installing six soldier silhouettes around the area. ● The coffee morning takes place from 10am-1pm. Raffle prizes would be welcome. For details, email Ann Crowcombe at a.crowcombe@yahoo.com or call 01749 880512.

Compton Dando

COMPTON Dando will be bringing their community together to remember all those who fought during WWI, especially the three villagers who died during the war, Ben Harding, Henry Harvey and Fred Light.

The village has been fortunate to be awarded three WWI silhouettes of soldiers from the There But Not There campaign under the auspices of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Making a poppy cascade

These silhouettes will be placed in the village as reminders of the three soldiers who died.

There will be an excellent exhibition which will be open for three days from Friday, November 9th to Sunday, November 11th, 11.30am3.30pm in St Mary’s Church.

This will cover the lives of all the villagers who served, a poppy cascade within the church, contributions from the youth of the village, information about the years directly after the war and its effect on society, posters about how the poppy became a symbol of remembrance and what other countries do to remember their war dead.

There will be a church service at 10am on the Sunday, followed by the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial. The church bell ringers will also be Ringing for Peace for an hour at 2pm on Sunday. Teas and cakes will be available on all three days. The village also hopes to be able to join the national Beacons of Light at 7pm on the 11th, which will be followed by a supper for villagers with music in the village hall.

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Wells Cathedral

WELLS Cathedral will be commemorating the centenary of the end of WWI with a rich range of exhibitions, events and services during October and November.

The 100 Days of Prayer for Peace initiative continues until November 11th; chaplains will say prayers with a WWI theme at the medieval clock in the cathedral’s north transept, where the Paschal candle also stands lit.

From Monday, October 29th to Friday, November 16th a knitted poppies display will cascade down the cathedral’s chapter house steps to the war memorial in the north transept. All poppies will have been knitted or crocheted by local volunteers and the display is also part of a city-wide trail taking place at the time.

WW1 themed artwork by local schools will also feature in the niches of the chapter house.

A giant Poppy Garden of Remembrance will also be open daily on the south east lawn outside the cathedral’s west front from Sunday, October 28th to Sunday, November 11th. Wooden crosses will be available from all poppy points, including the cathedral shops; messages can be written on them and planted in a giant poppy.

Poppy petal prayer stations will be available in St Martin’s Chapel inside the cathedral from Monday, October 29th to Sunday, November 11th. Messages can be written on a poppy petal and all poppies will be released from the West End Gallery during the November 11th Remembrance Sunday Rutter Requiem service at 3pm.

The No News of Fred exhibition returns to the cathedral’s south cloister from Friday, November 2nd – Friday, November 16th.

This poignant exhibition features the story of Fred, a member of the Somerset Light Infantry Regiment who was lost in action.

Dignitaries and civic leaders from across the county will be present at a county gathering at the cathedral on November 6th which will mark the contribution of Somerset to the national and allied effort during the Great War and will feature readings, poems and music (sacred and secular) of the time.

As part of a national initiative on November 11th a lone piper will play at 6am on Cathedral Green with “prayer for peace” read by the Dean of Wells. Services throughout the day will mark the occasion including an act of remembrance at 11am as part of the cathedral eucharist and the Remembrance Sunday Rutter Requiem service (3-4pm); a devotional service interspersed with war poetry.

All are welcome.

On Monday, November 12th the cathedral will be hosting a conference exploring conflict and resolution. Open to the public, this offers an opportunity to discuss these important issues.

This rich programme of activity at the cathedral reflects the importance of this cultural landmark and complements many other activities also taking place in the city of Wells.

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WORLD WAR I

Supporting the Red Cross

Banwell THE Hotwells Howlers are performing their show Stony Broke in No-Man's Land for the final time to commemorate the centenary of the armistice which brought the carnage of WW1 to an end.

It will be held at the Old Down Inn, Emborough on Friday, November 9th at 8pm. The group has already raised thousands of pounds for the British Red Cross over the past four years through performing this show at venues throughout the region.

Poppies a-plenty in Shepton Mallet

AS part of the centenary celebrations to recognise the ending of the 1914-1918 Great War, the Banwell Bellringers have created this display which can be seen placed under the memorial with the 18 names of those lost in St Andrew’s Church Banwell.

Poppies and crosses

Knitters gather for one of their weekly sessions in Shepton Mallet

MEMBERS of Shepton Mallet’s Knit and Chat group have broken the 1,600 barrier in their crafty efforts to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

They were challenged to knit 1,018 poppies to go on sale in the town’s Tesco store but exceeded the target with several weeks to go. Originally, they thought a suggested target of 2,018 would be beyond them.

The poppies will be sold in return for donations at the store on Friday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 3rd.

The Knit and Chat group has raised more than £15,000 for charity since they began in November 2006.

MIRANDA Young, from Wells Cathedral, and Derek Cooper, from the Royal British Legion, in the Chapel of St Martin, dedicated to the WWI fallen. Derek is helping to co-ordinate the city-wide commemorations. For details about WWI events in the city, visit: www.wells.gov.uk

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 39

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Paying respect in Frome

(l:r) Jane Norris, from Frome RBL, Dr Jim Clipson and Chalkie White, from the Frome branch of RAFA in the town’s memorial theatre

FROME Memorial Theatre is to host a short service every weekday morning from Thursday, November 1st until Friday, November 9th to remember the 224 men listed on the town war memorial.

The town’s branches of the Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association and Royal Naval Association, have worked together on the project.

Each day at 11am, volunteers will read out around ten names from the memorial in chronological order of their deaths. Crosses will be added to a special garden of remembrance and visitors will be invited to add their own thoughts to a number of blank crosses. The first service will

Long Ashton

LONG Ashton will be holding various events to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI, with a remembrance concert on November 9th at All Saints Church, and the Drumhead ceremony, service and village beacon lighting in Peel Park on the evening of Remembrance Day,

November 11th.

This will involve Nailsea Air Cadets and a Guard of Honour of Royal Marines.

A book has also been produced, detailing the information available on the 350 men and women who served in the war and details of the 67 who did not come home.

The book is being distributed to schools that serve the village, the Royal British Legion, churches, library and other local community organisations, as well as being on general sale.

Details: David Addis thebattlesover@longashton.plus.com

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

also be marked with the arrival of a giant glass and steel poppy, known as the Poppy of Honour, which will tour Somerset.

Photographs of the men have also been gathered into albums after a remarkable research project by naval historian Dr Jim Clipson, who cycled across Britain, France and Belgium to visit as many of the graves as possible; three graves were inaccessible in Iraq, another is in Durban in South Africa; the most northerly grave was in the Curragh in Northern Ireland – the men who died in the Battle of Jutland are recorded on war memorial in the south of England.

Jim said: “Strictly the most northerly is Ivor Edwards of the Royal Marine Light Infantry who went down with HMS Hampshire in June 1916 along with Lord Kitchener – his official commemoration is in Portsmouth but he is remembered with his shipmates on the Hampshire Memorial on the Orkneys.”

Remembrance Day in Frome will see a parade being led by a lone piper, music from local choirs and a display of “There but not There” statues. Life sized metal silhouettes will also appear around the town, depicting a soldier, sailor, airman, commonwealth representative, nurse and suffragette.

There have also been WWI-related exhibitions and performances in schools and other venues and the theatre will display fields of knitted poppies from the start of Poppy Fortnight on Saturday, October 27th.

Chew Stoke

ANDREW Troup and Alison Hoddell the churchwardens of St Andrew’s, Chew Stoke and Hugo King, for St Mary's Nempnett Thrubwell, are producing a booklet for the centenary of the end of WWI, detailing the background of all those named on their war memorials.

A joint service will be held at St Andrew’s at 10.30am on Sunday, November 11th with a display of individual stories from the booklet.

There will be a concert with performances by three choirs, including one from Chew Stoke Church School, and readings of poetry and some of the individual stories at St Andrew’s at 4pm that afternoon.

Wilfred James Hasell Born: 1891, Chew Stoke.

Service: Private, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. Died: 25th March 1917, age 26

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A story in its own right

RESIDENTS of Stoke St Michael have launched a project to document the lives of the people behind the village’s War Memorial Hall, built to honour those who were killed in WWI. They have documents and minutes dating from March 1919 when the concept of the hall was first proposed and also a copy of the 1911 Census, but want to find out more about the people behind the idea.

It took the parish a further four years to raise the funds required to build the hall and when the hall opened in June 1923 the committee were slightly in the red but delighted to get the job done. The village’s actual war memorial – listing the 17 men who were killed in the conflict – hangs on a wall inside.

Teresa Taylor-Wolff, hall committee chairman, said: “I have a copy of the 1911 Census for the village, but it just lists the road.

I want people to look at their deeds and tell me who lived in their house; we aim to put up a large map in the hall dated 1919 and want to list who lived where to ensure we remember those who built the hall and those who returned from the Some of the documents recording the war.” early meetings about the hall plans Teresa added: “Many events were organised to raise the funds as grants were not an option in those days, so the community pulled together. The village is putting together a fouryear plan which will see them through to June 2023 so that they can celebrate the hall’s 100th birthday in style.”

The documents will be on show when poppies knitted by people in the village go on sale on Saturday, October 27th and at an afternoon village tea in the hall on Saturday, November 10th.

Wreath to return to Radstock

Teresa Taylor-Wolff (far left) with villagers Margaret Burley and Annie Hobbs (standing) and (seated) Susan Steer and Karen Pearce

Stoke St Michael Memorial Hall – the weather vane also pays tribute to the fallen

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

FOR the third year running, a massive wreath of knitted poppies will hang from the miner’s wheel in Radstock.

The poppies were made by members of the Radstock Knitters who are also hard at work making poppy chains for the plinth and surrounding area.

The group hopes to install the wreath on Saturday, November 10th.

Last year’s unveiling. Fire crews from Radstock helped to install the wreath MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 41

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Axbridge Blackberry Carnival

The Independent Women of Axbridge

The Greatest Showman by Just Friends (overall winners)

Bugsy Malone by Axbridge Guides

Walk Like an Egyptian by Cheddar Guides

Dennis Bratt provided commentary

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Wellington Majorettes

Over the Rainbow by Axbridge Brownies

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EVENTS

There were civic leaders from throughout the area

Maid of honour Sarah Stott

Some of the 120 walking entries

Waiting for the big parade

The weather wasn't the best

Walking entries

Watching the parade

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 43

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Cheddar Festive Night

butChers * fishmonGers * deliCatessen

7

Members of STARR performing at the Riverside

December

Christmas orders now being taken Gift hampers and vouchers open: tuesday – saturday 7am-6pm sunday 10am-4pm • Closed monday

CHRISTMAS will start in Cheddar on Friday, December 7th, with Cheddar Festive night, when the road from the market cross up through Cheddar Gorge is closed to accommodate stalls, bands and entertainment.

The festivities start at 5.30pm with a service in St. Andrew’s Church, after which a rocket is fired from the church tower.

The event attracts hundreds of people – including Father Christmas!

PERFECT PAVE

e Cross, union street, Cheddar, somerset bs27 3na 01934 742521 • email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

Perfect Pave has extended the range of its block paving and other landscaping projects, which it supplies to both trade and public. It has an extensive range of Indian sandstone in smooth and natural varieties and new ranges of porcelain slabs in numerous colours and textures.

It also has a new line of dry stack walling. Contact James for details. e company has built an enviable reputation over the last 17 years and now has contracts all over the South West.

Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Cheddar Tree of Light

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

CHRISTMAS is often a time of reflection and members of Cheddar Vale Lions Club are inviting you to remember loved ones by sponsoring a light on their Tree of Light.

The project, which is in its sixth year, will again be at Cheddar Garden Centre. A list of all those to be remembered will be placed in front of the tree.

Cheddar Lions will send the sponsor a handwritten card with the name of the person who is being remembered. They will be invited to go along to the official lighting up ceremony which will take place on Saturday, December 1st.

There will be a dedication ceremony, music, carols and mulled wine, all commencing at 4.30pm. All money raised will go into the Cheddar Valley community supporting local projects and those in need.

The minimum donation asked is £5 and this will sponsor a light in memory of a loved-one.

Details: Forms are available at www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk at Cheddar Garden Centre, at various outlets throughout the valley, or by telephone 0845 833 7402.

How WWI affected Cheddar

A TOMMY, one of the Royal British Legion’s official ways to mark the centenary of the ending of WWI, has appeared in Cheddar Gorge.

Placed in the Gorge by resident Gill Scard, the Tommy is currently at Cheddar Crazy Golf, surrounded by poppies and with the names of the Cheddar soldiers who died hanging from the branches.

He will be moved to the village’s King's Theatre during the week of Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th, when Cheddar Arts performs Back from the Front, a play conceived by Gill, which she wrote with Mark Carey.

It’s a sequel to Letters from the Front, performed at the Kings Theatre under the umbrella of Cheddar Arts in 2014.

The new play reflects the last months of WWI, illustrated through drama, song and comedy, and its influence on Cheddar from 1918 to the present day.

Extensive research has revealed more remarkable stories of local people, both those who fought and died and those who survived.

Details: www.kowessex.co.uk/cheddarArts

Cheddar Motors Ltd. Full garage services

MOTs and servicing Repairs and diagnostics Cars • Vans Motorcycle MOTs Wheel alignment

Tweentown, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3JE Tel 01934 742955 Email: cheddarmotors@gmail.com

CHEDDAR

● Extensive range of quality greetings cards ● Stationery and office supplies ● Foreign currency ● Photo booth and passport check and send service

TEL: 01934 741022

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 45

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Festive Night rolls

Redcliffe Court, 3 Redcliffe Street, Cheddar, Somerset. email: cheddardistrictfunerals@outlook.com www.cheddardistrictfunerals.co.uk

RADFORD’S

CHEDDAR NURSERY

TILE SHOWROOM

OPEN TO RETAIL & TRADE Exclusive ranges available in: Ceramic Tiles • Porcelain • Mosaics • Slate • Natural Stone Stockists of: Adhesives • Tools • Grouts Professional design and advice service available We offer a comprehensive fixing service

HANSFORD’S Deli in Tweentown will be open on Festive Night selling hot pork rolls and home-made soup to warm you up. Call in and see them.

They will have lots of Christmas goodies including bespoke Christmas hampers.

Christmas orders can be placed at the deli or at their butcher’s shop in Shipham.

Their staff will be on hand to discuss your order with you.

Sally, Nick and staff say they would like to thank their customers for their continued support and wish them a very happy Christmas.

For Christmas t r ee s an d w r ea t h s

01934 744814

Free Parking. Open Mon–Fri 7.30am–5pm; Sat 8.30am–1pm Mendip House, Unit 7, Valley Line Industrial Estate, Wedmore Road, Cheddar BS27 3EE (Next to Travis Perkins)

www.radfordstiles.co.uk

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Sharpham Road, Cheddar BS27 3DR 01934 742135

Come and enjoy Coffee and Homemade Cake this November at Lattetude Coffee Shop

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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

The Kings of Wessex Academy – A Centre of Excellence THE Kings of Wessex Academy has a large and vibrant Sixth Form and is a popular place to study located in the village of Cheddar at the foot of the beautiful Mendip Hills in the Cheddar Valley.

Learning is stimulating, nurturing and fun and students can choose to study from a broad range of courses at

A Level and BTEC Level 2 and 3. There is something for everyone! Many students go onto university, including Oxbridge and Kings is the lead school for an HE+ initiative working with the University of Cambridge.

Kings is proud of its traditional values; yet is forward-thinking and dynamic and enjoys a reputation as a

centre of excellence. The Sixth Form was judged to be Outstanding in the last Ofsted inspection (March 2015) and fantastic facilities make Kings a happy place to study. Students can sign-up to the Sports Academy and benefit from unlimited access to Kings Fitness and Leisure.

Exciting enrichment activities enliven learning and the Senior Student Team organise the annual Charities Week. A must!

A Year 12 Work Experience placement, career talks, mock interviews and Higher Education programme all prepare students for their next steps. The Extended Project Qualification provides opportunity to project manage a topic of interest and gain extra UCAS points with one-toone staff supervision.

Welfare is a top priority and students are encouraged, motivated and supported. Focus Days, Driving Conference, drugs awareness talks all boost life skills.

Believe and Succeed!

At Kings, we care and love the whole child so you grow into confident and resilient adults

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 47

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More players wanted

CHEDDAR Valley Women's Rugby Team and Boot Camp is seeking new players of all shapes, sizes and abilities, saying beginners are especially welcome and it's not as scary as you think!

You will you not only meet a fantastic, friendly team, you can also enjoy a spectacular social life, play games or simply train.

There is a Tuesday boot camp, with no rugby playing obligation, so go along to Churchill Rec from 7pm for fun and fitness.

With new coaches and management, the team is looking stronger than ever. Rugby training is currently held on Mondays from 6.45pm, also at Churchill Rec, Ladymead Lane. Drop in and give it a try, and make friends for life!

Details: Facebook or text/call Matt on 07704186253 or Lina 07917726576

What a bouquet means!

B – is for BABY! Owner Claire welcomed baby Jasper to the family team in September. He is doing well and already watching his mummy and granny at work.

O – is for OCCASION! No matter how big or small, Bouquet Florist can create the perfect floral display.

U – is for UNIQUE! Every bride and groom wants their special day to be unique. Visit www.bouquetweddings.co.uk to view their portfolio and prices.

Q – is for QUALITY! With fresh flowers arriving at the shop every other day, quality is something the team take very seriously.

U – is for UPSTAIRS! The shop is located upstairs above the funeral directors on the corner of Cliff Street and Redcliffe Street in Cheddar.

E – is for EDUCATION! Bouquet Flower School opens this Christmas at new premises in Cheddar. The school will offer classes throughout the year with a variety of themes.

Consult the local experts for all of your insurance requirements Contact: Chris Tony or Paul on 01934 742550 For all your insurance needs Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3AA Tel: (01934) 742550 Fax: (01934) 744559 Email: quotes@woodburyinsurance.co.uk PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

T – is for THANK YOU! The team would like to thank all their valued and loyal customers of 2018 and welcome new customers to the shop in 2019!

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Court House – a home from home

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

COURT House has been a family business for 32 years and is now being managed by Christopher and James Dando, who continue with the same ethos and values that have always been in place.

The vision was to create somewhere with a homely atmosphere that was different from other care homes and everyone that visits agrees that this is still the case.

Residents are able to bring all of their own furniture, staff don’t wear uniforms and Court House is furnished with lovely furniture that fits in with the surroundings.

There are three different areas to Court House, all with a different feel. The main Georgian House has a grand entrance hall and drawing room. The purpose-built Courtyard is built in a Mediterranean style and the peaceful cottage has bags of character.

All of the rooms are en-suite and have telephone and television points as well as a nurse call system. Well-trained staff are on hand to help with all aspects of personal care if required.

There are varioius activities arranged, which residents are by no means expected to join in, they have the choice which is also the case with all aspects of their daily living.

The superb location of Court House means that residents have wonderful views over the Mendip Hills and are also able to enjoy its village location.

COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word

The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 49

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SUTTON CHIROPRACTIC

Pain specialists

SUTTON Chiropractic’s chiropractors have 20 years’ experience in getting people out of pain and keeping them well. They want their patients to be living the fullest life they can and not letting that little niggle, or big twinge get in the way.

As chiropractors they are specialised in the health of the spine and how this affects the body as a whole. They look at their patients as a whole, to maximise their healing potential – in short, to get people better faster and keep them well for longer. Genuine wellbeing rather than a quick fix that don’t last.

They have male and female chiropractors so people have the choice of the practitioner they feel most comfortable with. Both of them have extensive experience in treating everyone from young children to centenarians!

They believe in the benefit of working with other healthcare professionals to look after their patients thoroughly, which is why they are in partnership with GP surgeries. They are based in the Axbridge GP Surgery, the Mendip Vale GP Surgery in Langford and at Christchurch Medical Centre, Bristol.

Chiropractic is safe, gentle and effective at treating: back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder/elbow/wrist and knee problems and so much more.

Details: 01934 235535 to arrange your £20 consultation usually £42! www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk

Protecting pets from fireworks

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

THE festive season is fast approaching! And with it comes all sorts of fun and excitement; Christmas decorations, presents, festive cheer and ringing in the new year with a firework display maybe?

Axe Valley know fireworks are fun but also that a lot of our four-legged family members may not share our enthusiasm, or even find them completely traumatic. They are regularly asked by concerned mums and dads about how to make the fireworks season less stressful for their fur babies and there is a lot that can be done at home to help.

For the coming season, making your pet feel warm, cosy and safe at home can help manage stress. Creating a comforting space for them to find sanctuary in is very important; somewhere nice and dark, covered and out of the way with as little noise from outside as possible, while using sounds from the TV or radio to mask scary noises.

Medically, they can provide calming pheromones and natural stress relieving tablets for dogs and cats. For severely affected dogs there is a prescription only medicine available.

Go and talk to them at any of their branches for more detailed behaviour advice or medical options to keep your pet safe and stress-free so we can all enjoy the celebrations together.

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Mendip Rotary’s young chef

SEVEN yearten students from Kings of Wessex Academy took part in the recent annual Young Chef cooking competition George Talbot event organiser Rotarian organised by Patrick Simpson and Mendip president the Rotary Club elect Ian Maynard of Mendip.

Their challenge was to devise, prepare and cook a twocourse meal to restaurant standard in two and a half hours.

The first prize of a set of chef’s “whites” and a day’s kitchen work experience at a local pub went to 15-year old George Talbot. He prepared Spanish chicken, chorizo and squid pælla with guacamole dip and homemade tortilla chips, followed by cinnamon and sugar dusted churros with chocolate dipping sauce.

Rotarian Patrick Simpson, the event organiser, said: “The overall standard of the dishes was among the highest we have ever seen, and the judges had great difficulty in making their final selection. Rotary would like to thank Arabella Beacham, head of food technology at Kings for her help in staging this competition.”

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

Cheddar international

PUPILS at Fairlands Middle School, in Cheddar have been celebrating International Languages Week, with each year group representing a different continent.

Santa at Cheddar Gorge

THIS winter, discover a secret that has been hidden deep underground. Father Christmas is coming to town! He’s stopping off to ensure everything is up to scratch and wants to meet all of you to make sure you have a perfect Christmas.

Enter Gough’s Cave and experience the joy and magic of Christmas at Cheddar. Have a merry old time as you sing songs, listen to a festive fairytale and receive a special gift from Father Christmas himself.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 51

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Christmas in Mells

THE doors of the Tithe Barn in historic Mells village, near Frome open again for the wonderful winter market that is “Christmas in the Country”.

For the weekend of November 17th and 18th, the barn will have 20 carefully selected stands of local makers and producers where you’ll find an excellent array of presents for all budgets and inspiration for Christmas preparations. New stalls join the selection this year, with much to tempt everyone.

Fairies and festive foods, silver and hand-made soaps, from pixies to pottery, mirrors and mosaics, candles to cast iron – and so very much more for you to choose for your Yuletide gatherings.

Mells Community “Pop-up” Café will be on duty both days in the barn with food and refreshments, mince pies and mulled wine with funds raised going towards this popular village asset. New this year they will have Mells Community Choir to entertain with carols and festive songs while you browse.

“Christmas in the Country” opens on Saturday 17th from 10am until 5pm and from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 18th.

Village parking is available.

Get ready for Christmas

Professionally cleaned ovens using a biooven cleaner and van-mounted dip tank Environmentally friendly No fumes, no caustic, no mess!

Pet and people friendly Book early to avoid disappointment

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Brook Bank welcomes beginners and experienced shooters to enjoy our extensive facilities

Beginners Clay Shooting Package (variety of targets) from £32pp Lessons available on Driven birds/clays by appointment Hull game cartridges for sale Open for practice 4 days a week Gunsmith on site – snack bar

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 53

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Doug drops in

MEMBERS of the Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge welcomed Doug Nash, this year's president of Chelwood Rotary Club, as guest speaker at their meeting at Cameley Lodge.

Doug has spent most of his life travelling the world as a fully-qualified scuba diving instructor. He’s pictured with Inner Wheel president Marjorie Robinson.

High Class Family Butcher

Quality you can trust

Traditional service Meat and produce from local farms Order Now for Christmas

High Street, Chew Magna Tel: 01275 332417

Orchard House Chew Stoke

Comfortable self-catering and bed & breakfast accommodation

Ann Hollomon

01275 333143

orchardhse@ukgateway.net www.orchardhouse-chewstoke.co.uk PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Fourth generation

MARK Pearce has become the fourth generation of his family at W.J. Pearce & Sons, Chew Magna’s traditional butchers, 100 years after the business was founded by his great grandfather, Clifford Henry Pearce.

He is working alongside his father Cliff, who took over from his father Jack with his brother Alan, who has now retired.

Mark, aged 36, has helped out in the shop since he was a youngster and worked in schools and as an illustrator before deciding to join the business full-time.

With the loss of its banks and relocation of the doctors’ surgery to Chew Stoke, Chew Magna has seen a fall in the number of people going to the village.

But W.J. Pearce and Sons, the only butchers in the area still with its own abattoir, has retained its traditional customers. As well as quality meat from local farms, it has a range of local produce, bread, milk and trout from Chew Valley Lake.

Mark said the future lies in getting younger people to use a traditional butchers’ shop.

He said: “They are used to going into supermarkets and picking up pre-packaged meat and may feel a bit daunted about going into a butchers and knowing what to ask for when they see everything displayed on the counter.

“We are here to give advice and have started labelling our meat more clearly. I don’t see any reason why we can’t keep going, though we need to change with the times, which means we now have a Facebook page for example.

“But the commitment to quality meat from farmers we have known for generations won’t change.”

He and his father work alongside long-time employees Brian Bell and Allan Dors.

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Pub supports air ambulance

REGULARS of the Druids Arms at Stanton Drew have turned the popular pub game Shut the Box into a charity fundraiser by fining players whose dice bounce out, raising £540 for the Great Western Air Ambulance.

Organiser Adam Borge is pictured (left) holding the cheque with Ian Cantoni from the charity.

FOCUS ON CHEW VALLEY

Hundreds mourn Chew rugby girl

Around 500 people attended the funeral of Georgia “Porge” Bryant, who lost her battle against leukaemia on Saturday, September 22nd.

After other treatments had failed, her sister Lottie organised an appeal which raised £160,000 for experimental treatment. But after seven weeks it was clear this had failed. Georgia, aged 28, died at home in Bishop’s Sutton surrounded by family and friends.

The service was conducted by Graham Sage above the calm waters of Chew Valley Lake with a eulogy from history teacher Robert Boardman, the sisters’ favourite teacher at Chew Valley School.

Georgia helped relaunch Chew Valley Cats ladies rugby team and back in 2016 raised £60,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of her good friend and teammate Abbie Dougherty, who died of cancer.

Now Lottie and her family are setting up a fund in Porge’s memory to help other families in the Chew Valley who face a similar situation.

RH

Windows FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC

HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 55

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High fashion in Chew Stoke

JODIE Brown has launched the Valley Emporium, specialising in pre-loved designer and vintage clothes, accessories, and homewares, with a launch party attended by over 40 people at Fairseat Workshops in Chew Stoke.

She’s combined her experience of fashion and marketing to launch her own business. She trained with Harvey Nichols and Amanda Wakeley and was previously editor of the fashion magazine Tres Chic.

Before launching the Emporium she was marketing director of Truespeed, where her partner, Matt Bush is director of engineering. They have a son Dewi, aged 11, and live in Stowey.

Jodie said: “It’s been very much welcomed in the valley and means women don’t have to go into Bristol or Bath to find top quality clothes – they can pop in locally for a coffee and a rummage and pick up some high-end items for a snip of the price.

“It also means they can get some money back for things they no longer use and contribute to a recycling system that is more sustainable and great for the community. Both Matt and I are really passionate about building the economy locally through our businesses and I now have more time at home with Dewi.”

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Christmas presents

BRENDA Stone of Pensford, who has three serving members in the forces, has been raising money for the troops ever since her family members went in, but is now making a concerted effort with Christmas presents.

She has been raising money for Operation Christmas Box, which makes sure that all unaccompanied Brenda Stone (right )and her friend June service personnel Willcock who are away at Christmas, receive a box full of goodies, as a gift from the nation, anywhere in the world.

She said: “A lot of service people come from broken homes and so don't get presents at Christmas. Christmas brings it home to them, so if they can get one of these parcels, even though only 20 little things in them, it still shows that they are thought of.”

Charles Wookey, of Pensford, who is an Operation Christmas Box director and trustee, said: “The tradition of sending Christmas boxes to our troops originated in 1914 when Princess Mary, the daughter of King George V, came up with the idea to provide everyone wearing the King’s uniform and serving overseas on Christmas Day with a ‘gift from the nation’.

“The tradition was revived in 2004 and because it was so well received by the recipients, the charity uk4u Thanks! was formed in 2005.”

Brenda and her friends and family have raised £812.70 this year with more to come, selling items at events including a car boot sale, All Saints’ Church Saturday morning market, the recent Pensford Fair and coming up on December 1st the All Saints’ Church Christmas market to be held in Publow.

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FOCUS ON CHEW VALLEY

Chew Valley Arts Trail

Members of Chew Magna Art Group

Joanne Stephenson and Hazel Hillman, Chewton Mendip

Cathi Hemming, Blagdon

Ele Grafton, Litton

Julie Dean, Regil

Fred Gordon, East Harptree

Toby West, Chew Stoke

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 57

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Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

• • • • • •

Satellite Installations Aerial Systems TV wall mounting Custom Installations Networking Signal Solutions

01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm

Santa on the run

THE second Chew Valley Santa Scramble and Mini Santa Scramble will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at Chew Valley School.

The 1k mini scramble is at 10am while the main 5k scramble is at 11am across fields and lanes, starting and finishing at the school.

The event raises funds for Churchill-based charity Mend the Gap for its work in East Africa.

Details: chewvalleysantascramble.co.uk

Scarecrow Trail

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Scarecrows at Regil, part of the Winford Scarecrow Trail

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Chew Magna Christmas Fair

1

Crowds around the Triangle at last year’s Fair

December

THE Chew Magna Society and Chew Magna Primary School are holding this event on Saturday, December 1st, 3pm6.30pm.

It will include a brass band, choirs, Christmas gift shopping, mulled wine, the turning on of the village lights and a whole

FOCUS ON CHEW VALLEY

Lindsay’s memory lives on

LINDSAY Game's Just Giving fund is set to top £20,000 with a barn dance with supporting act at Chew Stoke Church Hall on Saturday, December 1st, 7.30pm Lindsay died on June 21st, 2017, 30 years after first being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Those who knew her saw the defiance, strength, zeal and sheer determination she used every day to live her life to the full, which gave inspiration and encouragement to others facing a similar predicament.

At the time of her death, Lindsay had raised £8,500 for the Forever Friends appeal at Bath RUH. Her widower Nigel set up The Lindsay Game Forever Fund at the RUH and to date this now stands in excess of £19,200.The collection at the service to celebrate Lindsay's life realised over £1,500 alone. Since then, there have been coffee mornings, Men of Chew Christmas tours, Last Chance Hotel performances by Chew Stoke Am Drams, raising £2,000, and more.

The next big event will be The Lindsay’s Forever Friends Pink Ceilidh Band Night on December 1st, when everyone is expected to wear something pink. Entrance is by ticket only.

lot more.

New this year will be an artisan food gift hall in the Baptist Chapel, featuring local foods for Christmas day. Last year the event attracted over 700 people.

Arts festival

VALLEY Arts is bringing its third annual Performing Arts Festival to venues around the Chew Valley this autumn.

Valley Arts is part of Chew Valley Living Spit – Giants of Science Performing Arts, a local charity with a vision to build a new performing arts space in the heart of the valley, for the benefit of the whole community.

The festival includes various events appealing to all ages. See What’s On for details.

Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk

he Cast of Chew Stoke Am Dram – Last Chance Hotel

Artist's impression of the new cancer treatment centre at the RUH

Details: Nigel 01275 333894 nigel@geniprinting.co.uk or go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lindsay-game MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 59

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Festival defies the weather

STEAM engines, commercial vehicles, tractors, cars and more were all on show at the eighth Somerset’s Festival of Transport.

The two-day event was held on the Frome Showground at West Woodlands and went ahead despite heavy rain on the Saturday.

Jen Christie (centre) arrives in the main ring on a Wheel Horse Raider 10 sit-on lawnmower, dating from the early 1960s. Jen and husband Andie, a fellow exhibitor, are from Stoke St Michael

Back to the future: glass milk bottles are once again popular. This Villiers-mounted milk float dates from 1947

Some of the vintage tractors on display

Frances and Dale Gillingham, on their McLaren 4” scale steam engine

Wendy Walker (left) and Leah Carter in the 1940s We’ll Meet Again tea room

Convoy: Andy Plummer with his American-built Kenworth T300, complete with “Rubber Duck” bonnet mascot

A Mann’s steam wagon makes its way around the showground

Next year’s festival is due to take place on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29th.

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EVENTS

Priddy Craft and Fun Day

Preparing for the hobby-horse races

Braving the whizzy dipper

Fergie the pony was popular Nathan, Logan and Anna in the craft and produce marquee

Watching the fun and enjoying the sun

One of the adult hobby-horse entrants

Start of one of the races MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 61

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Bath College supports campaign to increase college funding

BATH College, together with many other further education colleges across England, fully supported the #loveourcolleges campaign during Colleges Week 2018.

Colleges Week, which took place from Monday, October 15th to Friday, October 19th and is part of the “Love Our Colleges” campaign, is an opportunity to highlight the brilliant work that goes on nationally and locally at Bath College and the brilliant staff that make it all possible.

Colleges Week is their opportunity to call on government for better investment in colleges and fair pay for college staff.

Bath College is a vital part of the Bath & North East Somerset area, supporting over 11,000 students to learn, train and develop confidence and employability skills. They believe further education colleges are an essential part of England’s education system.

They say colleges and college staff transform lives – they help people make the most of their talents and ambitions and drive social mobility; they help businesses improve productivity and drive economic growth; they are rooted in and committed to their communities and drive tolerance and well-being.

They say they are an essential part of England’s education system – educating and training 2.2 million people every year.

Over the last decade, colleges have had to deal with an average 30% funding cut, whilst costs have increased dramatically. This has resulted in a drastic drop in learning opportunities for adults, fewer hours of teaching and support for young people, and teacher pay at less than 80% of schools and support staff seeing no increase in pay for several years.

It says this situation is not sustainable and ultimately impacts upon students, businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Whether it’s through top-class technical education, basic skills or lifelong learning, colleges like Bath College help people of all ages and backgrounds to make the most of their talents and ambitions. Mostly rooted in local communities, colleges are crucial in driving social mobility and providing the skills to boost local and regional economies.

However, there is currently a reduction in education funding once a student turns 16 – whether they are in a school sixth form or a college. “Love Our Colleges” is calling on the government to increase 16-19 funding by five percent a year for five years.

It is also asking the Department for Education to provide exceptional funding, ring-fenced for teacher pay.

Laurel Penrose, principal at Bath College, said: “Our young people are being short-changed compared with their counterparts in other countries and compared with previous generations.

“The hours of teaching and support, the choice they have and the enrichment they are offered have all reduced as funding cuts have bitten. This cannot continue if we are to secure the future of our nation.”

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Frome College Sixth Form open evening

THE Sixth Form at Frome College is thriving; with a combination of great facilities, high quality teaching and a wide range of vocational and academic courses, they can help you shape a vision of your future and get you there.

The Sixth Form open evening is a chance to look around their facilities, meet some of their current students and ask their staff about the courses on offer.

After another summer of record-breaking exam results, they want you to experience the buzz of being part of their Sixth Form, and understand why Frome College has a growing reputation as a centre of academic and creative excellence.

They are a truly comprehensive Sixth Form, and in 2019 they are looking to build on their recent success and broaden their range of courses to include Level 3 courses in criminology, fashion and food.

Chinese visitors

EDUCATION

FROME College welcomed a group of Chinese students and their teachers from the Beijing Experimental Language School for three days this summer.

Villages get a new preschool

COMMUNITY members from Priddy, Easton and Westbury-SubMendip have pooled their resources and skills to build a new preschool with a difference.

Saplings is a setting which values the outdoors as another classroom, while retaining the best aspects of a traditional preschool experience.

The idea behind Saplings came Access to the outdoors about when changes at the is key to a child’s wellFederation of Priddy & St being, say Saplings Lawrence’s schools meant that a permanent preschool space opened up, as the Westbury-SubMendip school site is now dedicated to Early Years and Key Stage One, with the older children based at the Priddy school site. Priddy preschool and Alphabet preschools worked together to develop the space, which opened in October to offer full time, term time care for two–four-year-olds.

Jenny Rogers, the preschool leader and a qualified teacher with a background in Forest School, said: “All the evidence shows that young children learn better with child-led, playbased activities. Access to nature and outdoor play has been shown to improve children’s self-esteem, their language development and their enthusiasm for learning, so our focus means that Saplings is not only great fun for them, but really effective!”

Emma Giffard’s three-year old daughter goes to Saplings, and she said they are already seeing the benefits. She said: “She loves going to preschool – they’ve got a lovely permanent set-up with the classroom, where they can play, draw and build indoors, and they do lots of exploring outside too so it’s a very dynamic experience. It’s really helping my daughter develop, and she’s making some lovely friendships.

She’s going to be really well set up for school next year.” ● Saplings is holding an open day on Wednesday, November 14th from 10am-midday, in partnership with the Federation of Priddy & St Lawrence’s. They can be contacted on 07549 050455 or on email at saplingspreschoolmendips@gmail.com

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 63

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In praise of small groups

RECENTLY we took a call from a small group organised

by Richard Jones and Matt Gilson, which is forging ahead with plans to create and manage a nature reserve on a section of the wellknown Strawberry Line walkway.

The longer-term aim is to open up the five-mile stretch of former railway line as a traffic-free path between Wells and Shepton Mallet. This could eventually become part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, and has been identified for protection as a "Safeguarded Corridor for Sustainable Travel" in the Mendip Local Plan.

The first section of the path from Wells is already open to the public starting at the (A39/A371 roundabout) following the former railway cutting to Dulcote village. It was recently extensively cleared by dedicated volunteers of the Strawberry Line East group, who won £12,000 in a public vote from Tesco's Bags of Help scheme.

They have spent a couple of years clearing the trees, scrub and obstacles which had narrowed the passable track to almost nothing, before extensively landscaping the area surrounding the path at the Dulcote end.

They planted over 300 trees and shrubs to create a manageable wildlife oasis; of course, open land like this can’t be left to its own devices – it has to be managed.

They had heard about the method we use to manage our Slader’s Leigh meadow and wanted to know if they could use the same method, i.e. scything. We went to see, advise and of course took scythes “for a try”. Great fun!

This made us take a fresh look at the marvellous long-term plan to create The Somerset Circle. Based on the old Cheddar Valley Railway path, it will link up whole stretches around the county to create a traffic-free corridor that includes The Colliers Way, The Twin Tunnels, The Bristol/Bath path, The Strawberry Line, and the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Light Railway (WC&P).

When you see it on the map, it all makes sense! Just have a look at www.thestrawberryline.org.uk and see for yourself what

Strawberry Line entrance at Dulcote

THE MENDIP SOCIETY

Part of a wall painting at Cameley

it all entails. Like us you might be pleased to see just how many smaller sections are up and running and be inspired to make a visit to one near you.

But it also made us realise just how long and how hard so many small groups of volunteers have had to work to achieve what they have. And looking at recent issues of the Mendip Times we saw that on a great many pages there are items about small groups of volunteers, or sometimes a local branch of a big national organisation, or even an individual, working on a project, an event, a problem to be overcome, a solution to help other people in their own locality.

Volunteers in Pitcombe clear the River Pitt before the winter every year to prevent the flooding they know may happen; the “Brue Crew” tackle the dreaded Himalayan Balsam, on the river through Bruton to make it more attractive to look at and for the wildlife.

Julian Back of Leigh-on-Mendip cycled from Lands End to John O’ Groats to raise money to restore the ring of bells in his local church. We sometimes wonder is this characteristic of forming groups, committees, or even going solo whenever something “must be done” peculiarly British?

Why don’t we just say “oh, leave it to them, they will do it” (whoever “they” are)? No, we do it; we fundraise, make and bake, we run and cycle, hold events, demolish and rebuild – then celebrate it all.

In September we went to a harvest festival service in the tiny church of St. James in Cameley, sitting in crudely hewn timber pews which are thought to be 600 years old. Around us were mediaeval wall paintings that once covered the entire internal walls with brilliant colours and vivid imagery.

Such history, depicted on the faded, decaying plasterwork of this ancient little church. But sadly, the paintings are in a desperate condition, the plaster having come away from the supporting wall and urgent specialist work must be done to save them.

We met The Friends of Cameley Church who are going to do their best to do so. We will be leading a walk in the area to visit the church and will do what we can to assist the friends.

Sometimes we are seen as just a walking group and organisers of talks, but we are so much more than that. Our close association with the AONB, CPRE and others, brings us into direct active partnership with those groups whose activities are going to help us all in “Minding Mendip”, one of our society’s core values.

Because this precious area cannot do it on its own; the best part is that getting involved is easier than you think.

Details: www.themendipsociety.org.uk or ring 01275 874284/472797

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WILDLIFE

T h e w i l d li f e v a lu e o f i v y BY popular demand, I’ve been asked to write about the full wildlife value of ivy; to give the subject matter proper credit would take a book

By CHRIS rather than an article, SPERRING but I will give it go.

MBE It’s at this time of year that ivy comes into flower, starting in September and finishing in November (weather dependent).

Ivy flower is one of the last chances for some species to feed before either dying or shutting down for the winter. But, firstly, let’s trash the myth that ivy kills trees; it doesn’t. The two plants effectively live together, and even ivy on old buildings is now thought to act to help in its preservation by keeping the stone work at a more constant temperature during extremes.

Some say it takes an ivy plant to be around seven years old before it produces flower and even now, on the warmer, sunny side of the flowers, you should find an impressive diversity of insects that will be attracted to its rich nectar.

One particular species of bee, that was only first described in 1993, is absolutely reliant on ivy flower; indeed, its whole life is geared to emerging during September and ending in November. The aptly named ivy bee is in fact a small mining bee, rather wasp-looking on its abdomen with the classic bee thorax and head.

Ivy bees burrow into soft soil or sand

The ivy bee was only first described as such in 1993

and create what at first looks like a social complex, however these are solitary bees, the females upon emerging or returning to these burrows will be literally jumped on by the smaller males desperate to mate with them.

This bee species is an amazing success story as it has spread so fast from where it

A European hornet

was first discovered in Switzerland, to now being found even here in Somerset and in seemingly good numbers. So next time you come across some ivy flower try to see if you can see them.

If you’re a bee keeper you won’t need to be told about the value of ivy flower for honeybees who will also be attracted to ivy, so when weather conditions are warm and sunny during September October and sometimes into November, honeybees can probably make up the most insects present.

This, of course, then makes ivy flower so important as the summer flowers fade and die, making it virtually the only source of

A hoverfly – ivy’s dense foliage can be a lifesaver for insects

food before these bees shut down for winter.

Two well-known insect predators will find the attraction of ivy flower irresistible.

Both wasp and hornet will be found feeding on the nectar, indeed I was observing most recently a European hornet clearly hunting other insects with a quick, hawk-like dash of speed into the ivy, but it seemed to pull itself up quick and change tack completely only to begin taking nectar right next to a hoverfly – probably the one it was originally chasing.

Once the ivy flower is finished the dark brown to black berries are formed, these will last all winter and become a vital food source for birds and mammals, who in turn help to spread the plant.

Indeed, a whole host of bird species including blackbirds, thrushes, finches, pigeons and overwintering blackcaps will feed on the berries. And, very importantly, during the coldest, longest nights of winter the thick dense foliage of ivy can be a lifesaver for birds and insects seeking shelter or lying dormant as the ivy forms a micro-climate.

During the spring and summer, ivy again shows its huge wildlife value for hiding birds’ nests. Species such as robins, wrens and many others will use it for protecting their nests. Also in the spring and summer, caterpillars of certain butterfly and moth species will feed on the leaves.

Sometimes ivy has to be cut or managed but, before you do, think about the huge benefit that ivy (its flower, berries and leaves) bring to massive diversity of wildlife.

Let me know what you’ve seen on ivy flowers this autumn.

I’m leading an owl walk in aid of the Hawk and Owl Trust on the evening of Friday, December 7th on Mendip. If anyone wishes to come to this event please ring me 07799 413918 for more details. Space is limited.

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 65

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A stunning circle around the slopes of Black Down

THIS is one of my favourite Mendip Hills walks in the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Starting from Burrington Combe, it is a great combination of woodland, history, views, high open land, an ancient hill fort, a shady combe, with a great pub en-route. There are hills but nothing too arduous. It is a great dog circle too.

There is refreshment also at the

Burrington Inn just near the start. My thanks to John and Naomi Lyons of Blagdon for their input into this enjoyable circle.

PARK: Near the bottom of Burrington Combe on the B3134 that leads up from the A368 Churchill to Blagdon road. Park in the car park planted with trees just before the Burrington Inn. It used to be the car park for the former garden centre and bicycle shop.

START: This area of the combe will be the subject of great renovation in the coming years to turn it into a multi-use Mendip centre. Cross to the slip road opposite – Link Lane. Climb for a few minutes.

1. WOODLAND Take the first marked path on the right, by a good viewpoint over Wrington Vale, which soon leads up into Mendip Lodge Wood. Continue in the wood along a clear track on the level which offers good views between the trees over Wrington Vale.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

2. RUIN Reach the ruin of Mendip Lodge on the left after about half a mile. This decaying shell is all that is left of the magnificent 18th century show home of Dr Thomas Whalley where he entertained lavishly. It was built in Italian style and had magnificent terraced grounds. Sadly Dr Whalley

squandered all his money and failed to sell the lodge so it fell into steady decline.

Just past the ruin, bear up left on a track leaving the main signed footpath.

You are walking above the site of the old stables. Look carefully for a signed footpath going off right under laurels and joins a crossing stony track. Go over this and through a gate. Keep straight on walking on the level through the woodland. Begin to drop down and then fork left by an area of large yews and come through a stone wall to what is known as the Lookout.

3. LOOKOUT It was the famed viewpoint for Mendip Lodge visitors. Woodland Trust volunteers have been building walls and helping to restore it. Go back through the wall and turn up the side.

This narrow path climbs up to a main track where you turn right.

4. GATE Follow this along to an open area with a grassy triangle and turn sharp left through a marked gate. Go diagonally up across this field all the way through a gate and on in woodland. Reach an open sward on your right. Head quite steeply up this and continue on.

5. HILLFORT Eventually reach the eastern outer banks of Dolebury Hillfort – an Iron Age hillfort looking out over the

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WALKING L

6 miles, about 3 hours walking. • OS Explorer 141 Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 477 590

Somerset Levels to Wales. Keep straight on a few yards to a mound and the scant remains of the Warrener’s House. He was responsible for encouraging rabbits to burrow and breed within the hillfort area to provide food. Continue down across the centre of the hillfort and reach the western side opening. Go up left onto the bank and along the small path to the south west corner.

6. STEPS Here drop down and find the start of a

steep stepped path. At the foot, cross a stile into a dirt parking area. Turn left, cross a stile and follow the wide track – often muddy. After about 300 yards pass a rusty corrugated shed, right, and about a minute later, turn right over a small stream onto a footpath which climbs quite steeply to the lane.

7. LANE Turn left and soon pass St Michael’s and All Angels church Rowberrow. A special feature is its six bells cast in 1752 by the famous bell-founder,

Thomas Bilbie. Continue along the lane to the Swan in Rowberrow hamlet.

8. PUB Turn left at the side in School Lane.

Follow it along and downhill to a new house alongside the stream. The track here at the foot is known as the Slaggers Path – a daily route taken by miners in the 19th century to work at the Charterhouse mineries. Turn left through a barrier into Rowberrow Warren and head uphill. This was once heathland and planted as a forest after the last war.

At a junction go straight on. A path joins from the left. Further along, bear down left on the main track, not straight on. At the foot, ignore the first path and go on a few more steps to a second, parallel, stony track and turn right. This is the track that runs along the foot of Dolebury Hillfort. Follow this all the way along and up to a track junction.

9. JUNCTION Go more or less straight ahead. The track rises and then continues on.

Continue, with Black Down rising on the right and woodland left. Go through a barrier. Left is the black hut of Bristol University Speliological Society (caving club). Eventually come back to the Link where you were earlier and retrace your steps down to the start.

The Burrington Inn, 01761 462227 The Swan, Rowberrow, 01934 852371

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 67

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

NOVEMBER is knocking on the door and winter approaches – how merry am I! In truth I don't mind the winter, but I’m always glad when the spring With LES comes. It would be DAVIES MBE very boring for me if the weather was the same all year round.

I like the changes and value those last summer days. What days they have been, sun-soaked and balmy, when you can still get around in shirt sleeves. When you can still feel a little of the sun on your face after a day outside and there is still enough time to get home in daylight.

Such a day as this was the 149th annual ploughing match of the Mendip Ploughing Society held on September 29th near Emborough, courtesy of Messrs Lionel, Stuart and Julian Clothier. You will see some good coverage of the event within this copy of Mendip Times, but I would just like to add a little extra in praise of such a long-standing Mendip tradition.

The work of the committee is incredible!

Marking out the site is always done on the Monday before the match and unlike many other organisations who have problems mustering enough help to prepare events, the Mendip Ploughing Society committee will turn out en-masse. Everyone knows what needs to be done and how to make it happen.

The marquee is erected prior to the day so there is shelter and a place in the dry if needs-be for lunch. Final arrangements are made, stewards and marshals allocated and the depth of ploughing, together with the height and width of hedge and wall confirmed. It is a well-oiled machine that requires only a light hand on the tiller to steer it.

On the day there were 108 ploughs on the field together with two horse teams, two steam ploughing sets, 15 hedge layers and three dry stone wallers. Add the roots and grain competition, then stir in several hundreds of visitors, who together with judges and stewards consumed around 250 lunches.

Next add sandwiches and tea delivered to the headland, hedge and wall of every competitor and you have a feat of logistics that is second to none. It also has to be said that the success of these match days hinges on the gargantuan efforts of Maggie

Hasell and her team of dedicated ladies who provide every bit of the catering.

The guest speaker at the post-match dinner this year was none other than Steve Egginton himself, from Mendip Times.

What a history this man has and an interesting story to tell! Next year will be the 150th match and my last year as chairman.

We plan to make it another grand day out on Mendip, so come and join us in the last week of September 2019. I will make sure you have plenty of advance notice of where and when!

The Virginia creeper in my garden has now turned bright red, adding a splash of colour to the greens and browns, as plants and trees start shutting down at the end of the year. I am still hopeful for some good autumn colours before the onset of “real” winter.

My saw bench has been put to good use recently processing the fire wood that will warm my house on the winter evenings.

The sound of such a bench at work “whooshes” me back in time to my childhood days at Hales Farm. The circular saw there was a mighty cast iron affair with no such things as a guard over the blade.

It was driven by a flat belt pulley off the tractor, no Power Take Off (PTO) shaft involved here. The wood that had been stacked up from hedge laying the previous winter was cut up and left in a huge pile for everyone to draw on. That saw would ring as it worked, such a lovely sound from something so frightening!

My saw has so many guards and covers that I would really have to work hard to get my fingers anywhere near the blade.

That pleases me no end.

Any winter walks will now have to be a little shorter as the nights close in, so don't forget to put your clocks back at the end of October. This year has been so dry that I have only had to use my waterproof clothing a handful of times. It’s all too easy to forget re-proofing before the kit is going to be needed in earnest.

Boots will need to be looked at too, not only for splits and wear but also the grip on the soles. They are after all the only contact between you and the ground and the only thing that stops the rest of your body crashing into it through a fall!

After years of shunning a walking stick I am in my latter years finding them to be

quite useful. Not only does it help prop me up on slopes and banks, it also allows me to beat down the undergrowth on some overgrown parts of a path. It’s also good for pointing, gesticulating and being a “bloody old bugger” all round.

One hundred years ago WWI came to an end on November 11th, 1918. After four years of bloody conflict the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The war that was meant to end all wars was over and the world would be at peace, or so everyone hoped and prayed.

It was not to be and even today, we as an island nation ask our young men and women to defend our freedom, our sovereignty and our way of life from those who would wish to cause us harm. Not only should we remember those who died that we might live our lives free from oppression in two world wars, but also in the many conflicts between and after.

In a future Britain out of the European Union, there may be tough times ahead, but we must always remember it will be nothing compared to that which others have given and endured before us.

Finally, this month’s photo is of a Commonwealth War Grave at the church in Westbury-sub-Mendip. This is the grave of 108118 Pte W. J. Millard of the Machine Gun Corps, the forerunner of the Tank Corps. He died on November 7th, 1918 at 31 years of age. It was just four days before the war ended.

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

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YEO VALLEY

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D o y o u n e ed a qu ic k f ix ?

With MARY PAYNE MBE

IS there a part of your garden that needs a bit of summer colour next year? Perhaps you are holding a wedding in your garden, or a special birthday, or even opening your garden for charity in

2019.

If so, using an annual meadow is an excellent way of adding colour cheaply for the entire summer season to an area that needs a “quick fix”.

An “annual meadow” is the term used for sowing an area with a mixture of fastgrowing colourful plants, without the addition of grasses. This technique was used to great effect on the London Olympic Park in 2012. Huge areas were sown with a mixture of seeds that started flowering approximately six weeks after sowing and continued well into the autumn.

This particular mix, called Sundance, was devised by the team from the University of Sheffield who were responsible for all the landscape planting for the Olympic Park, led by Professors Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough. The mix used is now marketed, along with several other super mixes, by Pictorial Meadows Ltd. There are many annual mixes available at garden centres, but the key with the Pictorial Meadows blends is their ability to flower for a prolonged period. These are generally not native flowers, but a selection of easy to grow annual plants that can be sown direct into the soil in spring.

Plants from all around the world are included with some from Mexico, S. Africa, S. Europe and Australia as well as some of our native cornfield annuals, poppies, corn cockle and cornflower.

You may well have admired similar annual mixes used by local authority parks departments where they are a cheaper alternative to colourful bedding schemes.

Being annuals (any plant that completes its natural life cycle in one growing season) some have the ability to grow fast and flower quickly, often following seasonal rains, for example, Star of the Veld, while others in the mix have been selected to develop more slowly e.g.

Tickseed (Coreopsis) and flower later thus giving the mixture a long display. In some blends the colours change through the PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Pixie Mix

season as different species develop.

I have used these mixes many times in clients’ gardens and they are always admired, and they even performed well in this summer’s heat. Perhaps this is not surprising, as some of the species used herald from warmer climes.

So how do you go about it? Assuming your area is in sun for most of the day, and not in the shade of trees or buildings, then it is suitable. Your main aim is to prepare the soil as if you are going to sow grass seed, removing all perennial weeds. There is no need to apply any fertiliser or manure. Indeed, this would encourage soft floppy growth.

Weed seedlings will emerge in early spring and can be either sprayed off using a glyphosate-based herbicide prior to sowing, or the Sheffield team are investigating the use of vinegar to kill purely weed seedlings, where a glyphosate weed killer is not appropriate. Readers may recall that Bristol City Council trialled the use of vinegar against pavement weeds.

Vinegar can be effective against tiny weed seedlings, but will not kill the underground parts of more established plants, so is not effective on persistent perennials, such as dandelions. A little experimentation may be required but please take the usual precautions for garden chemicals as vinegar is acetic acid, even if you do put it on your chips.

After your weed seedlings have died, do not disturb the soil or you will bring another lot of weed seeds to the surface.

An alternative is to cover the area to be sown with an inch of sharp sand. This prevents light getting to the weed seeds

below, so they cannot germinate. Your decorative seed mix is then sown onto the surface of the sand.

Measure the area to be sown as only three grams of seed mix is required per square metre of bed. This tiny amount of seed is difficult to spread over an area, so bulk it out with some dry sand or potting compost thoroughly mixing it in. It is safest to halve the seed mix and sow each half in a different direction to ensure an even spread. Do not be tempted to sow more than the required amount.

The seed can be sown in early to midApril and could start to flower as soon as early June. After sowing, firm the seed using a light roller or your feet to ensure the seed is in contact with the soil, or sand if you have used it. It is vital that the area is not allowed to dry out during germination. Seedlings will be evident in as little as ten days from sowing, others may take a little longer.

Providing you have sown the seeds evenly over the area and calculated the amount of seed required correctly there is no need to thin the seedlings, but do remove any obvious weeds as they appear.

Perhaps this sounds a lot of work, but rest assured it is well worth getting the preparation done well.

Now sit back and enjoy watching the flowers develop. At the end of the season the area can be cleared. Do not be tempted to think that enough seed will have been shed from this year’s plants to give you another season of flowers. One species may be more successful, and the mix could be unbalanced and patchy. Start again and try a different mix.

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NOVEMBER GARDEN TIPS

Move plants in pots together so that they protect one another in cold weather.

Protect tender alpine plants from the cold and wet.

If you haven’t done it already, trim the dead flower heads off summer and autumn flowering heathers.

Fork over borders and work into the soil a slow release feed.

Plant tulip bulbs (if not done already). Urgently plant any other bulbs.

Check potted bulbs that you are going to force into flower early. Pot up Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs.

The winter flowering Cyclamen corm will be arriving from growers this month.

Check fruit trees for signs of canker.

Apply Winter Wash to fruit trees and bushes now to control any insect pests that are over- wintering in cracks and crevices.

Complete autumn digging in the veg patch, leave the ground rough and let the frost and rain break it up.

Plant new hedges this month.

Disconnect your hosepipe from the outside tap, store it and lag the tap to protect it from frost.

Control mice and rats that seek shelter in your outbuildings as the weather gets colder.

Erect a net over your pond to prevent falling leaves from trees and shrubs getting into the water and increasing the nutrient levels when they breakdown.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

GARDENING

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MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 71

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Gardens yield bumper crop for hospice

GARDENERS across Somerset who opened their gardens, allotments and farms this summer for St. Margaret’s Hospice raised The thank you reception £16,600.

The charity hosted a celebration event at Brympton House, near Yeovil, to thank them for their support for the hospice. Each garden owner and volunteer received a thank you certificate, presented by Marisa Lovell-Fox, head of fundraising at St. Margaret’s Hospice.

She said: “We are humbled by the generosity of the garden owners in the Somerset and Sherborne community, who have so kindly allowed people to share their beautiful gardens, and enjoy tea and cake, while raising essential funds needed to keep our services free and accessible to local people. We have been overwhelmed by the donations received this season, which show an increase of £7,000 from the previous year.” ● The charity is keen to hear from anyone who would like to take part in the 2019 season either to open their garden, allotment, orchard or farm, or to offer help as a garden volunteer. For details, contact Susan Bickle, Open Gardens and Fundraising Volunteer Coordinator, for more information on 01935 709182 or 07736 886145 or by email on susan.bickle@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk

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PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

TEMPLE Cloud in Bloom have been awarded Gold and also best in the Pennant village category in the South West in Bloom competition.

One of the judges, Lesley Jelleyman, said: “As soon as you drive into the village evidence of the blooms can be seen. The passion and dedication from the team shone through at every project from baskets, tubs, herbaceous and shrub borders and the use of bunting.”

Other Gold awards went to Bath, Portishead, Yeovil, Keynsham and Glastonbury, with Silver Gilt medals awarded to Radstock and Weston-super-Mare.

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Autumn glory as winemakers reap bumper harvest

GARDENING PARKRAY ASPECT 5

The Aspect Range features a large window so you can view the beauty of the flames in your stove. Combining looks, controlability and a very high efficiency, the Aspect 5 is the perfect addition to any home. This stove is also DEFRA approved and with a heat output of 4.9kW, no air brick is required

OWNER Brian Shirley walks in the six-acre Wraxall Vineyard near Shepton Mallet after one of the best harvests in years.

The dry, hot summer and warm autumn has been a big factor.

The vineyard is run by Brian and Jacky Brayton who produce white and rose wines.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

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

Mendip Rural Services Ltd. Visit our showroom for:

Lawnmowers & garden machinery Sales, spares, service & repairs Tool sharpening Chainsaw chains made & resharpened Personal protection equipment Logs and kindling for sale (can be delivered)

Christmas Trees A great selection available from Saturday, December 1st

01749 840848•07491 665290 E-mail: mendipruralservices@outlook.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Unit 8, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA4 3UL. Tel: 01749 840848 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 73

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149th Mendip Ploughing Match Words and pictures

by Steve Egginton

GLORIOUS sunshine and near-perfect conditions attracted a huge crowd and more than 100 ploughmen to this year’s event held at the Clothiers’ Franklyns Farm at Chewton Mendip.

Ploughing conditions were good

There were 108 ploughs in action

Champion of champions Paul Studley from Honiton

Hitching a ride on the steam plough (l to r) Ben Ladd, Andrew Melrose and Tom Phillips, aged three Horse power and wind power

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One of the four steam ploughs

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EVENTS

Children from Chew Stoke school

The ladies preparing lunch

Tucking in

Mike Brockway from Coleford and friend Sue Maule on his rare Fordson Super Major

Children from Croscombe enjoyed their day out

Chris Chivers from Midsomer Norton hedgelaying

Keith Lintern in action

High cut champion Michael Holloway, from Backwell receiving his trophy from society president Rob Uphill

Dry stone wallers Adrian Slade, Sam Wedmore and Bill Selway

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Frome celebrates bi-centenary of J. W. Singer & Sons ROOK Lane Arts Trust in Frome has secured significant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, allowing work to start this autumn on Casting the World: The Story of J.W. Singer & Sons of Frome.

The project will take place next year and mark the bicentenary of the birth of John Webb Singer in 1819, founder of J.W. Singer & Sons Art Metal Works, which at its height employed as many as 700 people in the town and cast statues and sculptures which can be found across the country and around the world.

The project will have access to the Singers’ archive of glass

HISTORY

plate negatives held by Frome Museum, which show the craftsmen and apprentices involved in the highly skilled casting work that attracted the most famous sculptors of the day to choose Singers in Frome to cast their work.

These include many of our most iconic public statues, war memorials and civic works, from Boudica on the Thames Embankment in London, the friezes at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to the figure of Justice that crowns the Old Bailey.

The people of Frome would give these immense statues a send-off by cheering them on their way through Frome town centre as they were pulled by horse and cart from the Singers’ works at Waterloo to the railway station.

Chair of trustees Martin Bax said: “As an organisation Rook Lane Arts are immensely proud to have been successful with our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is an extremely important community project which we hope will bring greater recognition to the legacy of J.W. Singer & Sons, as well as flagging up the incredible archive of glass plate negatives housed at Frome Museum.”

The Casting the World project will include exhibitions at Rook Lane Chapel and Frome Museum, as well as activities and community celebration events throughout 2019, particularly during the Frome Festival, whose theme will be the bicentenary of the birth of John Webb Singer.

It will also be accompanied by an education programme devised with Frome Learning Partnership and a publication supported by the Frome Society for Local Study.

Details: projects@rooklanearts.org.uk

Society celebrates 60 years

FIVE villagers interested in their local history and keen to take part in archaeology met on a June evening in 1958. With due ceremony they elected each other to the necessary formal positions and from that modest beginning Banwell Society of Archaeology quickly mushroomed.

Excavations at Banwell Camp, Winthill and other sites were published alongside local history research in successive editions of the society’s journal Search.

Celebrations this year included a dinner at Banwell Castle, with the two surviving founder members leading the entertainment. At the following monthly meeting founder member and president Derek Crocker, secretary, then chairman until recent years was honoured for his unique 60 years of uninterrupted service by being presented with a specially commissioned wall plate.

Latest in the series of society journals to go on sale in Banwell is the plentifully illustrated 50-page 60th anniversary issue of Search, which includes highlights of achievements over the years and a lively variety of local interest articles.

A long-established registered charity, the society has added “Local History” to its title and hosts wide-ranging exhibitions, indoor and outdoor events.

Members are looking forward to tackling new challenges of research and outdoor activities now that housing development

Pictured (l to r) chairman Keith Utteridge, founder member/president Derek Crocker, secretary Maggie McCarthy, founder member Ian Tabrett

comes close to archaeological sites around the village and are watching for a chance to bring the society full-circle by again participating in excavations.

Details: www.banwellarchaeology.co.uk

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C a v e r s g a t h er o n M e n d i p HIDDEN Earth is the annual cavers’ conference, organised by the British Caving Association and the British Cave Research Association. Each With PHILIP year it is held in a HENDY different caving area and it was due to take place this September in Staffordshire.

However, a suitable venue could not be found and the meeting was due to be cancelled, until the extraordinary events in Thailand this summer.

Everyone was thrilled and amazed by the incredible rescue of 12 young Thai footballers and their coach from the flooded cave of Tham Luang. The conference organisers reckoned that an event had to be held at which the real story, told by the British rescuers themselves, could be told.

Luckily, Churchill Academy, the venue for last year’s meeting, was available and so Hidden Earth 2018 was able to be held in mid-September.

The back story of the Tham Luang rescue was told by the lead cave diver, Rick Stanton, to a packed house and received a standing ovation. This was undoubtedly the high point of a very successful conference and will form the subject of a more detailed piece in a later edition of Mendip Times.

Hidden Earth is always well attended, as it gives an opportunity for British cavers from all regions to get together over a pint or two and catch up on what has been going on in the past 12 months.

Attendance was particularly high this year due to interest in the rescue.

However, there was a full programme of talks and lectures catering for all aspects of caving. The meeting was opened by Professor John Gunn, who introduced a humorous film produced by well-known Dudley Caving Club member Keith Atkins.

The Mendip Roundup, a talk by Mark Helmore describing recent local discoveries, was popular. The most significant find has been at Vurley Swallet, above Cheddar Gorge, where a team has dug down through unstable boulders, now held in place with scaffolding, to reach a chamber, La La Land.

The trade hall

Below this, a horizontal phreatic passage was found, leading to four closely-linked pitches of 11, 20, eight and ten metres.

The cave is now 150 metres deep, but digging has been suspended until the winter due to high levels of carbon dioxide.

Hallowe’en Rift near Wookey Hole has been dug for the last 36 years. Initially it was headed towards Wookey 22, but this dig was abandoned and cavers headed upstream, excavating a network of constricted horizontal passages. Recently, a 20-metre deep rift was discovered, which is aligned with a similar rift in Wookey 24.

There are a lot of damaged calcite formations, originally thought to be the result of an earthquake, but now considered to be due to frost damage in the Pleistocene period. Further research, involving other caves, is required.

There were several sessions aimed at increasing interest and awareness of the need for more scientific research in caves.

Dr. Andrew Farrant of the British Geological Survey discussed caves developed in chalk, not a rock usually associated with this type of feature.

Andrew is a local man, having been educated at Wells Blue School. He drew on examples of caves and mines in southeast England and Normandy. Dr Pete Glanvil, a retired doctor from Chard, described caves in the limestone of the Jurassic Coast from Sidmouth to Purbeck.

The most significant is the Blacknor Hole – Sandy Cave system on the Isle of Portland.

The significance of so-called “witch marks” in some Mendip caves known to be open in historical times was explained

by Linda Wilson of the University of Bristol Speleological Society.

CAVING

Long Hole at Cheddar, Wookey Hole and Goatchurch Cavern all have interlinked ‘V’s and similar marks, sometimes inverted to resemble ‘M’s, have been found in post-medieval buildings all over the country and on the continent.

They are believed to have been engraved as a protection against witches or other evil.

Worldwide caving also attracted participants, with talks about Meghalaya in India, and caves in China, Thailand, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, as well as Austria, Spain and Greece closer to home.

Phil Rowsell encouraged cavers to apply to the Ghar Parau Foundation for funding to help finance expeditions to these areas.

The fund was set up after an early expedition to explore this huge Iranian cave in 1972.

The guest speaker at the Saturday night dinner was the internationally acclaimed cave film maker Sid Perou and a further programme of talks and lectures took place on Sunday.

Throughout the conference, the academy sports hall became the trade and exhibition centre, where delegates could buy equipment ranging from karabiners and tackle bags to the latest hi-tech caving lights. Books, jewellery and various forms of art were on sale and people could test the newest rope climbing kit. The pool was available for anyone wanting to talk to cave divers and have a go at diving for themselves.

Thanks were given to the highly experienced team of organisers, who ensured that everything ran without a hitch. This conference will be hard to follow, but we look forward to the next one, wherever it will be held.

Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

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(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

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READER’S OPINION

North Somerset Council “set to cause traffic chaos”

WELL done to Terry Wilson (Langford), Jan Murray (Churchill) and Cara Stubbs (Clifton) MT October in taking North Somerset Council to task for its ill thought through proposals for 2,800 houses on land just north of the Mendip AONB. They were all correct to take to task the deputy leader of the council who called the original criticism of the proposed development "irresponsible" and reference to the likely resultant traffic chaos "utter hogwash" (Cllr Ap Rees – MT Sept).

If 2,800 houses were to be constructed at Churchill there would be a large majority of occupiers who would travel to Bristol for work and leisure/shopping purposes. The evidence from West of England Partnership and university research shows that over 90% of the major employers within commuting distance are located in Bristol.

Bristol is also where the larger and more

varied theatres, shops, hospitals, restaurants and other facilities are located. You need only to look at where morning and evening traffic queues exist at the moment to understand where people want to travel to.

A new town at Churchill or new businesses in Weston could generate some local employment but it would be insignificant when judged against the requirements of the 4,000+ or so working age residents who could afford to live in the new town.

Cllr Ap Rees however says "it's not all about commuting to Bristol"; as a retired Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers I say you are wrong. The impact of commuting to Bristol would be the single biggest direct and continual problem caused by the development with more cars and dramatically more congestion.

Even with a Langford bypass one would still be left with even bigger traffic queues

at the Congresbury, airport and Backwell traffic lights plus those traffic lights on the edge of the city: total traffic chaos. For Cllr Ap Rees to deny this is surprising in the extreme.

If we do need to meet the housing demand figures central government requires, the answer is that development should take place where there is existing public transport infrastructure to take people out of cars.

This would be "sustainable development" as recommended by government planning policy. That means putting the houses somewhere near the Weston to Bristol railway line or at Ashton Vale by the new metro bus. Locating 2,800 houses at Churchill would create traffic chaos.

What the new development might look like RECENT correspondence and articles in the Mendip Times have highlighted unprecedented opposition to North Somerset Council’s proposed so called “Garden Village” (New Town) of 2,800 houses to be located in the Mendip Vale alongside Churchill and Langford.

This proposal forms part of the Joint Spatial Plan of four authorities: North Somerset Council, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucester and Bristol which is currently going through the process of review and formal examination by planning inspectors. The examination hearings are programmed to begin in May 2019.

This is a very, very poor proposal and fails on pretty much every count:

Photography courtesy of Barton Willmore

The current view

How it might look

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

environment, landscape, ecology, location distant from source of jobs, traffic, transport, flooding, destruction of rural communities, and not least its proximity to the Mendip Hills AONB. The latter point is a concern not just of the residents of the Mendip Vale and surrounding villages whose communities will be blighted by this monstrous development but of every resident of this region who values the beauty and tranquillity of the Mendip Hills, not to mention the thousands of visitors who come to the area annually.

The particular attraction of the area is its surrounding diverse rural landscape which reflects the core tranquillity and emphasises the setting

Tony Harden Wrington

of the Mendip Hills themselves. This seems a point utterly lost on North Somerset Council.

The images below provide some idea of the light pollution which will result from the proposed development.

Doubtless, the deputy leader of North Somerset Council, Councillor Ap Rees, will dismiss this letter as ”hogwash” or “scaremongering”, phraseology he has applied to previous letters of objection.

But such flim-flam would be a poor response of a senior local politician to honest and appropriate efforts to highlight genuine concerns and objections to the proposed new town.

Simon Hegarty Churchill

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Art winners announced

THE winners of this year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) international visual arts competition and selling exhibition was announced at a glittering reception held in The Bishop’s Palace.

WAC Chair, Paddy O’Hagan, welcomed the visitors to a celebration of the event, which has gone from thoughts around the kitchen table six years ago to an internationally renowned competition that received almost 1,400 entires from 26 different countries in 2018.

“WAC is playing its part in promoting and presenting contemporary art in a way that is easily accessible. There are actually seven venues across Wells that are celebrating visual arts throughout October so I think we’ve been able to show categorically that you don’t need to visit a big metropolitan city to see great art.”

Five prizes were presented, totalling an impressive value of £20,000. Local artists Candace Bahouth, from Pilton, and Toni Davey, from Frome, were amongst the winners. They were selected for the DAC Beachcroft Space Prize and will be exhibiting in Bristol early next year. Toni was also selected to take part in a joint exhibition with three other winning artists at the JGM Gallery next to the Royal College of Art in London in 2019.

Wells art gallery, Andelli Art, also provided one of the prizes: the Next Generation Art Prize, awarded to an artist under the age of 30 years. This was presented to South Korean, Minyoung

(left to right) a selection of WAC prize winners with chair, Paddy O’Hagan, including Judith Jones, Minyoung Choi, Candace Bahouth, Toni Davey and Lara Cobden.

(Photograph courtesy of Ann Cook Photography)

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Choi. The prize includes a two week solo exhibition at the gallery.

The RK Harrison Award of £1,000 was awarded to artist Ian Bruce for his moving hand painted animation called Double Portrait, which portrays the ill-fated relationship between Wells resident, Geraldine Peacock CBE and Bob Gannicott.

One prize has yet to be awarded: the ChubbBullied People’s Prize, selected by visitors to the exhibition. WAC finishes on Sunday 21st October so there is still an opportunity to see the winning pieces, and to cast a vote for your favourite work of art in the exhibition.

Visit www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk for further information on WAC and the online Art Map showcasing the seven art exhibitions held in Wells this month.

Lisa’s poignant legacy FROME resident Lisa Wells has cowritten a book with acclaimed children’s author Michelle Robinson, aimed at young children who are facing the loss of a parent.

Lisa was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer last December, aged just 32, five weeks after giving birth to her second child, Saffia. She has worked tirelessly since then, founding the Lisa’s Army movement to raise money for her daughters’ future and local charities and to raise awareness.

All fees for the writing and illustration of the book have been waived and royalties from book sales will be split between Lisa’s chosen charities We Hear You and Mummy’s Star. All other costs have been met by a crowdfunding campaign which raised more than £6,400 in a matter of days.

Michelle Robinson is author of children’s books including How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth and Goodnight Spaceman and is a personal friend of Lisa’s.

She said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on Only One Of Me with Lisa. Her determination to spend her time positively makes her a wonderful person to know. The book embodies her love and warmth. The whole team behind it have worked so hard. It’s brilliant to know that it’s already bringing a little comfort to families across the world during incredibly tough times.”

Lisa said: “It’s been an absolute whirlwind, from initial idea to having them here, I feel so proud. I’ve had a few messages from people who are actually going through the same saying how much they would really love the book and how they feel it would help their children.

“That’s what it’s for, it’s to help people.

If they haven’t got the words, maybe those words we’ve written can help them.”

Local counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) became involved with the book in August after seeing excerpts from the text on social media and were chosen as one of the charity partners for the book.

WHY’s specialist children’s counsellors worked with Michelle and Lisa on later drafts of the text, along with clinical psychologist Dr Konrad Jacobs.

Fundraising and communications manager, Gemma Wilkes, said: “This book is a beautiful part of the legacy she will leave for her family and a gentle and sensitive introduction to the subject for other families in a similar situation. We’re delighted to have been asked to contribute and can’t wait to toast the team’s achievement at the launch party.”

Details: www.graffeg.com www.lisasarmy.co.uk http://www.mummysstar.org/

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Uniforms for Unicef

Children at St. Lawrence’s, Westbury-sub-Mendip

CHILDREN at the Federation of Priddy and St Lawrence’s schools have said goodbye to their old school uniform, which is being donated to help children in the developing world.

Both the schools in Priddy and Westbury-sub-Mendip have adopted a single new uniform as children from each village are now learning together, with the primary school in Westbury hosting pre-school and key stage one and Priddy dedicated to key stage two.

The collection was arranged through the Clarks Shoeshare programme, which normally collects second-hand shoes and which has raised over £1 million for the Unicef education fund since it was set up in 2008.

Formerly, St Lawrence’s had a green uniform and Priddy had blue – the school ran a consultation with the children last term, with the winning votes going to claret red with a tree logo.

Headteacher, Rosie Thorner, said: “Donating to Unicef gives the children an opportunity to learn about the world, about the very different circumstances people in other countries face. We want to widen the children’s horizons while making a positive contribution.”

Children are now based at either Priddy or St Lawrence’s, Westbury depending on their year group, but there are still regular whole-school activities planned, with a free minibus running between the sites so parents can pick up and drop off at the school of their choice.

The school will be holding an open day on Wednesday, November 14th.

Walking in the rain

Sharon Stallard (front, left) and friends prepare to set off on the walk

A GROUP of friends from the Faulkland area braved stormy weather for a charity walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The walk, starting and finishing at the Tucker’s Grave Inn, was organised by Sharon Stallard and raised £325.

RNLI concert success

The Royal Marine band with Corp of Drums

(Photo courtesy of John Tyson, Weston RNLI)

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THE Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare was packed for a concert by the Royal Marines Band organised by the Weston RNLI fundraisers who are collecting money towards their base.

Dr George Papworth, president of the fundraisers said: “This rousing and profitable event gave all who attended a memorable and enjoyable afternoon while helping in our quest to raise money for the new lifeboat station.”

Theatre record Children at Priddy

Details: 01749 870437

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CHRIS Cox from Langport will notch up his 250th charity theatre trip on Thursday, November 8th to see the Jersey Boys at Bristol Hippodrome, with two other trips to the theatre planned in the same month.

All the money raised goes to the Red Cross centre in Langport.

Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or 01458 273085.

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Have a ball – with Michael Eavis

AGE UK Somerset is offering a special prize at its 70th Birthday Ball – a chance to win a private tour around the Glastonbury Festival site with Michael Eavis in his Land Rover!

It will be one of the prizes on offer at the event being held at Rookery Manor, East Brent, on Saturday, November 10th, 7pm-1am.

It says it wants to raise money to help reach more local older people in need and provide vital help to enable them to enjoy later life.

A spokesman said: “Nearly 400 volunteers play a vital role within the charity helping to provide this support, but with cuts to services, isolation due to lack of transport in rural areas, and an ageing population, services which are already very popular are going to be more and more in demand.

“Age UK Somerset is an independent charity which has to raise all its own funds. Buying tickets to the ball is a way to support the charity, and help them to meet this growing need, while also having a good time.”

Tickets cost £45 or £320 for a table of eight.

Details: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/getinvolved/age-uk-somerset-birthday-ball-november-102018/ by email tickets@ageuksomerset.org.uk or calling 01823 345627

Leader’s support

Dashing Santas

CHARITIES

Claire, Rowan, Kaden and Chloe dressed and ready for last year’s Santa Dash

LOCAL counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) are holding their second 5k Santa Dash on Sunday, December 9th at the Old Showfield in Frome.

The event is supported by Frome Running Club and Frome Cricket Club, with all proceeds going towards WHY’s free professional counselling service for anyone affected or bereaved by a life threatening condition.

Gemma Wilkes, fundraising and communications manager at WHY said: “Our first Santa Dash was fantastic, despite truly awful weather, and we’re looking forward to doing it all again. Everyone who pre-registers will receive a Santa suit including a hat and beard to run in, which guarantees the festive spirit if not the sprint speed!”

Details: Registration is via Eventbrite.co.uk and costs £10 per adult, £5 per child, £25 per family. Email info@wehearyou.org.uk or call 01373455255

Fashion show sell-out

Fashion show models with Help the Child chairman Louise Allen (third from right)

THE chairwomen of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cllr Karen Walker, hosted a special event at the Guildhall, Bath which raised £300 for MacMillan Cancer Support.

A SELL-out fashion show in Wedmore Village Hall has raised more than £3,500 for Somerset-based charity Help the Child.

The event was hosted by Lime Boutique and showcased their new season outfits. Help the Child was founded in 1987 and raises funds to provide specialist equipment to children with disabilities.

For details, visit: www.helpthechild.org

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Spelling out their thanks in Frome

ORGANISATIONS which have benefitted from a charity shop in Frome’s Westway Precinct have said thank you to organisers Frome Rotary Club and the centre’s owners.

The shop ran for two years and, in that time, raised more than £100,000 for local good causes.

Golf day supports good causes

Rotary President John Hall presenting the cheque to Jane for the SCBU

Gone, but not forgotten – the scene outside the Rotary shop in Frome. Pictured (l:r) Ray Marks (5th Frome Scout Group), Rotarian Terry Bushell, Lois Bushell (St John’s Church), Lenha Grimes (Frome Children’s Festival), Sue Paxton (The Pod), Pam Brewster (Inner Wheel and GIFT), Kally Dunn (Trinity Church), Bill Greaves-Lord and Paul Cooper (both Active and In Touch) and Rotarians Dot Cretney and Kim Barter. Kneeling (front) is Hilary Reed (Guide Dogs for the Blind)

Rotary supports tsunami victims

MEMBERS of Rotary, Nailsea and Backwell carried out a collection in Crown Glass Place in Nailsea to raise funds towards alleviating the devastation wrought by the tsunami in Indonesia.

Rotary President, John Hall, organised the collection at short notice and Rotarians worked in pairs in dreadful weather and managed to collect £615.82.

The club had already allocated £590 from their charity funds for the purchase of a Shelter Box and John confirmed the purchase of a second box with funds left over to be put towards a third.

Shelterbox is an international disaster relief charity that provides temporary shelter and life-saving supplies to displaced families.

ROTARY, Nailsea and Backwell held a charity golf day at Mendip Spring Golf Club, involving 32 teams, raising a total of £6,000 for local charities and good causes.

Each year a large proportion goes to the special care baby unit at the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Jane Tucker’s premature son, Jack, passed away 24 days after birth in 2003 prompting Jane and her friend, Sarah Tyson, to start fundraising in Jack’s memory.

Some 30 pieces of essential specialist equipment have since been purchased with Rotary help, each bearing a plaque in memory of Jack. So far, just short of £200,000 has been raised in total.

This year, £4,300 will go towards the purchase of a baby warmer, a very flexible piece of equipment with many uses to help babies requiring special care in the days immediately after birth.

An additional £1,200 went to Child Assist, a Rotary, Nailsea and Backwell initiative set up to help local disadvantaged young people.

Bag levy lifts air ambulance

Details: www.shelterbox.org

Big drop for hospice

WESTON HospiceCare is planning a Big Drop event on November 24th at Wedmore First School.

People can take any item for donation to the hospice for sale in their shops or on e-bay through the “HUB”.

It takes place 10am-12.30pm.

Details: Shirley Wederell 01934 712089 email wederellsa@btinternet.com

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GREAT Western Air Ambulance is the latest charity to receive a donation from Radstock Co-operative Society thanks to funds raised from the carrier bag charging levy, which requires retailers to charge 5p for all single-use plastic carrier bags and to donate the sales-proceeds to good causes.

Jonathan Rich, director of the society is pictured presenting a cheque to Dr Jules Blackham one of the service’s critical care doctors.

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Wet, but worth it

CHARITIES

Recovery project launched

The winners and organisers at the end of the presentation ceremony

THE winners of the 2018 Wells Moat Boat Races were presented with their awards at a ceremony at the Swan Hotel in Wells.

The races were organised by Wells Lions Club and the City of Wells Air Cadets and raised around £5,000 for good causes. Cheques were also presented on the night.

All in a good cause. The recipients included Ame McKenna (front) who suffers from cystic fibrosis and who received £500 towards the cost of a special vest to help with her breathing

The new support service was launched at SWEDA’s AGM. Guests included Lucy Nelson, deputy lieutenant of Somerset

A CHARITY working with people in Somerset affected by an eating disorder has launched a new service to support those who are in recovery.

Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association – based in Shepton Mallet – is working with NHS Somerset Partnership to provide the new service. It aims to support people who are in active recovery to set and achieve small goals such as supported eating, clothes shopping, attend leisure activities or just to meet for a coffee and chat and to help build their confidence and selfesteem.

Clients will be matched to a trained supporter who will meet with them on a weekly basis to help them partake in activities that they may find difficult to do by themselves. Nerissa Shaw, lead counsellor at SWEDA, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this new service to bring a practical and supportive option to our range of client services.”

Dominic Hiles, principal clinical psychologist (Somerset Partnership Eating Disorders Service for Adults), added: "This is an exciting development to support those in active recovery from an eating disorder.”

For details, contact SWEDA on 01749 343344, email support@swedauk.org or visit www.swedauk.org

Accountants fund dementia memory group FINANCIAL experts Old Mill have agreed to support Frome-based dementia charity support group Songs for the Memory for a year. Songs for the Memory is a community singing group for those directly and indirectly affected by dementia but lost its funding last year.

Janet Knowles, whose husband Bob suffers from dementia, is one of the group organisers and also a client of Old Mill.

She said: “Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK, and 81,000 of those live in the South West. And while there is no cure for dementia, studies have shown that familiar music and lyrics can really help, both to ‘unlock' nostalgic memories and give sufferers a sense of social inclusiveness.”

Kevin Whitmarsh presents the group with a cheque

The singing group was launched three years ago by the Alzheimer’s Society but ended its funding in September 2017.

Volunteers decided to carry on, change the group’s name and try to fund it independently.

Kevin Whitmarsh, commercial director

at Old Mill and Janet and Bob’s financial planner, said: "As a community-based business, we interact with the lives of many people so it is very difficult to know where to start to help as we simply cannot do enough.”

For details about Songs for the Memory, visit their Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/songsforthememoryfrome/

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Coffee, cancer and Castle Cary

THE home town of the Macmillan Cancer Support founder pulled out all the stops for its contribution to the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of the charity.

Douglas Macmillan grew up in Castle Cary and returned to spend his final years in the town having been inspired to fundraise research into the disease after the death of his father.

One of the people who attended the coffee morning at the town’s Market House sat on the Castle Cary fundraising committee in the 1960s alongside Macmillan. Retired teacher Pat Harrison had moved from Yorkshire to Castle Cary to join the staff at Ansford School.

Cary’s event – which featured a number of stalls – raised £894.

Macmillan died in 1965; a plaque is sited on the wall of the house in the town where he spent his last years.

Lucy, Emily and Rebecca were amongst the volunteers who ran the coffee and cake stall

Meet the Chain Gang – a group of cyclists who visit Cary each year from Weston-super-Mare to support the coffee morning

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Pat Harrison (seated, front) with branch chair Janet Loe (back left) and committee member Cas Sandy

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Frome

FAMILY and friends hosted a day-long event at a house in Frome in aid of the charity with a cake sale, clothes stall, raffle and charity shave. It was organised by Helen Peaty and Karen Symes, who’ve been running the fundraiser for the past six years, raising more than £1,700 in the process.

Glastonbury

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNINGS

Faulkland

A coffee afternoon in Faulkland was hosted by Suzy Furber, who runs the Suzanne Elizabeth hair and beauty salon in the village.

Residents and clients were amongst the guests raising £670

In memory of Louise

Andrew, Georgie and Les with friends and supporters at St Thomas’s

Staff at Cooper and Tanner’s Glastonbury branch are joined by client Lesley Christensen (second from right) at their coffee morning; earlier they enjoyed a visit by the town’s mayor.

Wells

A coffee morning at Wells City Football Club raised £650. It was organised by Sonia Higgins (front right) as a thank you for the care her friend Esther Spacey received; Esther is recovering from breast cancer

LAST September, Louise Bale decided to host a Macmillan coffee morning – unaware that just a short while later she would be diagnosed with the disease and died at the beginning of February this year aged 38.

In her memory, family and friends held not one, but two events to raise funds for the charity. Her parents, Georgie and Les, and brother Andrew held a coffee morning at St Thomas’s Church in Wells, whilst family friend Kathy MacGeogh hosted a similar event at St John’s Church in Glastonbury. The Wells event alone raised £328.

Kathy MacGeogh (far right) in St John’s with Lucie Foley, Bev Wyatt and Joan Lewsey

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 85

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Historic tour

For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting

Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

MIKE and Sandy McLennan from Rickford won second in show with their 1954 Austin A40 Somerset Coupé, at the Cotswold Classic Run. The couple have been members of the club for about three years.

Around 100 classic cars took part in the tour through the rolling hills, sweeping meadows, historic villages and stately homes in the Cotswolds, ending up at Grittleton House near Chippenham, where club members enjoyed lunch, followed by the prize giving.

UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs

ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS

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ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE

QUALITY USED CARS Your peace of mind is our priority

CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

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Top tips for your motor insurance from Higos MOTOR insurance is a legal requirement; however the levels of protection you receive can differ significantly from policy to policy. As with home insurance, many insurers have “dumbed down” the motor insurance cover they now offer.

A policy which is Comprehensive in name may prove to actually be anything but, should you need to make a claim.

You can reduce costs by avoiding the most common motor insurance traps and, more importantly, by having the right cover. Below are three top tips for areas to consider when purchasing your next motor insurance policy.

Check your cover Policies differ and cheap is not necessarily better! The small print of your car insurance policy is where the “cheap” often comes from. You may be surprised to learn that Comprehensive insurance is often cheaper than Third Party, Fire & Theft!

Your priority should be the best value - not cheapest - policy.

Does the insurer offer a courtesy car if your car needs repairs?

Is breakdown cover included? Is there a dedicated claims team you can speak to should you need to make a claim?

TIP: Make sure the policy you choose suits your needs and matches your personal circumstances.

Don’t ignore the excess

MOTORING

The excess is the part of a policy you pay yourself in the event of a claim. A cheap policy often means a significantly larger compulsory excess is hidden in the small print. A very high excess can mean much lower premiums, but can defeat the purpose of having insurance.

The compulsory excess is set by the insurer and the voluntary is set by the policyholder. Did you know that the voluntary excess is in addition to the compulsory excess, so if you have a £200 compulsory and £100 voluntary, your excess is actually £300?

TIP: Always check the policy excess, especially if a motor policy seems cheap. There is a happy medium you can strike when setting your excess. Seek advice.

Taking your car abroad?

Many of us take our car to Europe but not all insurers include European cover. Often the cheap quotes have many aspects of cover stripped out. EU cover is one area that many insurers delete and if you need it, it then it becomes very expensive.

TIP: Remember to check your policy has EU cover if you need it. Don’t just buy on price.

Higos Insurance Services is delighted to offer a range of motor insurance policies from leading insurers such as Ageas, Axa, Allianz and LV.

To discuss your motor insurance and to obtain a competitive quotation, call them on 01278 453 345. One of their expert advisers will help provide the motor insurance policy that matches your exact requirements.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 87

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C a r n iv a l t i m e i n C a r y

Storm Carnival Club’s entry Travellin’ Circus in the juvenile class

One of the young walking entries

The cast of Just George’s Superheroes?

Muppets CC returned to the circuit with a cart for the first time in three years with Rock

Carnival dates

THE dates for this year’s Somerset County Guy Fawkes carnivals are: Bridgwater (Sat, Nov 3rd); Burnham-on-Sea (Mon, Nov 5th); Weston-super-Mare (Fri, Nov 9th); North Petherton (Sat, Nov 10th), Shepton Mallet (Weds, Nov 14th); Wells (Fri, Nov 16th); Glastonbury (Sat, Nov 17th). Midsomer Norton’s carnival takes place on Monday, November 12th.

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Part of Ansford Academy’s walking entry; the school entered carnival for the first time last year

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Trolls, by the Mini-Revellers club from Shaftesbury

Page 89

CASTLE CARY CARNIVAL 2018

Some of the official street vendors. Carnival is trying to deter street peddlers The procession makes its way past the Market House

Votes for Women, by Magnum CC, won the award for best tableau on vehicle

A close-up of Kipling CC’s entry A Fisherman’s Tale

he band from RNAS Yeovilton

Everything’s coming up roses: Raheesha Majma from the Desert Divas

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 89

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PROFILE

Portrait of a remarkable man

PAUL Watkins, a veterinary surgeon from Sandford, has written a biography of Dr Bill Frankland, an extraordinary survivor of WW2 and at the age of 106 undoubtedly the oldest doctor in Britain – he was still seeing patients until a year ago.

It has been said that Bill Frankland’s life is worthy of a Steven Spielberg film. If so, Paul Watkins has helped to prepare the script for it.

His biography, From Hell Island to Hay Fever, came after he met Dr Frankland while watching tennis at Wimbledon in 2014.

A keen military historian, he and Dr Frankland had been invited by the Not Forgotten Association, Britain’s oldest military charity, founded in 1919.

Paul said: “I thought we needed to write his biography while there was still time.”

He started his research with Dr Frankland in 2016; the book has recently been published with a foreword by Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Bill Frankland qualified as a doctor in 1938, ten years before the NHS was founded. He joined up two days before the outbreak of WW2 and was later taken prisoner by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore. He said that had it not been for the toss of a coin he would have been murdered by the Japanese.

After the war he worked for Sir Alexander Fleming on the development of antibiotics, realised the importance of measuring the pollen count, particularly in relation to hay fever, and later treated Saddam Hussein.

Paul Watkins said: “In total he’s faced death seven times during his lifetime. He’s absolutely brilliant, a little frail physically now but says it helps to keep his brain going all the time. It’s rather remarkable to write a biography while the subject is still alive and can correct it if necessary.”

In her foreword the Countess of Wessex writes: “I am proud to be patron of the JAVA FEPOW Club, who support our remaining Far Eastern Prisoner of War Veterans, wives and widows, of which Dr Bill Frankland is currently the oldest surviving member at 106 years of age.”

Dr Frankland was born on March 19th, 1912.

Dr Bill Frankland during the war years

Paul Watkins had a practice in Yatton but now specialises in small animal locum work, which takes him all over the world.

His previous biography was on Godfrey Place, the last serving naval officer to hold the VC for commanding one of the minisubs which blew up the German battleship Turpitz. His next project will be about a Belgian doctor, with the pseudonym Patrick O’Leary, who organised the PAT escape lines in France in WW2.

Bill Frankland and a carer at last year's Royal British Legion celebration

Paul Watkins with the sleeve of the book, published on October 16th

From Hell Island to Hay Fever is published by Brown Dog Books of Bath, ISBN 78545 265 9 and is available from Amazon.

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Selling your property in a tough market DESPITE all the negativity in the press regarding the effects on the housing market of a “disorderly” Brexit, the effects of changes in stamp duty regulations and concerns about interest rates it is still possible to sell property.

In a more challenging market the selection of the right estate agent becomes even more important, which means the appointment of an agent who will sell and not just “list” your property.

The management of the post-sales process, the vetting of your buyers and understanding the legal process through to completion will help alleviate stress at this time. It needs an agent who understands LD

SO

Langford, N. Somerset • Guide Price £800,000 (in excess)

Handsome, detached, stone built, former parsonage in desirable village loca,on ideally placed to commute to Bristol and other business centres. Boas,ng over 3800 sq. . of superbly appointed accommoda,on including: three recep,on rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Set in 0.6 acres of beau,fully landscaped gardens.

EPC: D. Ref: 25603

Easton In Gordano, Bristol • Guide Price £765,000

A spacious semi detached family co-age with long private drive, large garden, paddock, stables and double garage standing in about 1.05 acres. Three recep,on rooms, three bedrooms, bathroom and shower room plenty of scope for extension (subject to pp). EPC: F. Ref: 25592/1.

not only the sale process but one who can assist with your purchase and liaise with the other agents involved, be they estate agents, surveyors, solicitors or mortgage advisors.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) states the average time taken to complete a property sale has lengthened to 19 weeks, the longest duration since it began collecting data. The more experienced agent will come to the fore.

David James & Partners relish this challenge. They use all of the modern marketing techniques combined with their years of estate agency experience and dogged determination to achieve a positive outcome for their clients.

They have a record of success agreeing sales throughout the Chew Valley, Mendips and North Somerset, all with the intention of having their sellers moved at the best possible price in the most time effective manner.

They have a team of experienced people to value, view and sell your property or land, by private treaty or auction. They can

West Harptree, Chew Valley • Guide Price £395,000

LD

PROPERTY

SO

advise on design and build, planning permission and tax planning.

They are ready to meet 2019, the year of Brexit, and guide you to the best possible property solution.

Contact Sharon Everett or Colin Pearce on 01934 864300, who will make sure you speak to the right person for your property enquiry.

LD

SO

Bleadon Hill, North Somerset • Guide Price £525,000

A semi detached four bedroom stone co-age with interes,ng reverse interior over two floors: 22 si.ng room with lovely views, dining room with views, kitchen with appliances, cloaks/laundry. Four bedrooms on ground floor and contemporary bathroom. Oak car port, lovely gardens adjoining countryside and with far reaching views. EPC: F. Ref: 25593

A brand new house with amazing space and views!! Some 2266 sq of interior accom over two floors with grey double glazed windows and doors, large rooms, underfloor hea,ng, fully fi-ed kitchen and u,lity. Master with en suite, guest bedroom with with en suite, two further double bedrooms. Garage and parking and lawned garden to rear. MUST BE VIEWED. EPC: B Ref: 25597

Compton Mar,n, Chew Valley • Guide Price £350,00

Banwell • Guide Price £90,000

A prime building plot in village loca,on in .40 acre and with planning permission for a four bedroom detached bungalow of 2540 sq .

Mature garden loca,on with long drive approach standing well back from the road in the centre of the village. Ref: 25570.

AUCTION 27TH NOVEMBER For sale by auc,on a building plot with full planning consent for the construc,on of a detached two bedroom, co-age style house. Close to village facili,es and with direct access from East Street. North Somerset planning reference: 18/p/3217/ful. Ref 25596

Contact the Wrington Office: 01934 864307 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 91

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Follow your dreams

AS a doctor and aspiring politician, it’s perhaps not surprising that I would choose “health for all” as the over-arching message of my campaign. I want everyone, from Jeremy Corbyn to Jacob Rees-Mogg, to be healthier and happier.

It would also help if they could grow up,

By Dr PHIL collaborate and tackle the complex issues HAMMOND facing us using compassion, intellectual rigour and scientific method, rather than retreat into the ideological darkness of pre-Enlightenment tribal hatred, but perhaps that’s asking too much.

I love living in the UK (I chose it over Australia) and I cherish our freedom. Indeed, my favourite definition of health is “our freedom to live a life that we have reason to value”.

This freedom can be reined in by the shackles of illness, poverty and emotional distress, but I have been privileged to meet many people with disabilities who live life to the full.

Miles Hinton-Barber describes himself as “a very ordinary man who happens to be blind”. He is also a pilot, polar explorer, desert explorer, scuba diver, extreme marathon runner, grand prix driver, sky diver, white-water rafter, bob-sleigher and shark cager.

Miles speaks with such authenticity and warmth, you can’t fail to be moved: “There are two quotes that have meant a lot in my life.

One is a Danish proverb that says that ‘Life does not consist in holding a good hand of cards, but in playing a poor hand well’.

“I wasted years of my life when I heard that I was going to become blind; I thought I couldn’t live my dreams, I couldn’t have any big goals in life. Now I realise that, if we just play the hand of cards we have been given, it is enough for us to do anything we want with our lives. Play your hand of cards as well as you can.

“The other is a quote from Lawrence of Arabia, one of my great heroes. In his book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom he says ‘All men dream dreams, but not all men dream equally, for there are those who dream at night in the empty recesses of their minds, and they awake in the morning to find that, behold, it was just a dream. But there are other men and women who are dangerous dreamers. For these are men and women who dream in the daytime with their eyes open, that they might fulfil their dreams’.

“So don’t be a daydreamer, be a dangerous dreamer. The only limits in our lives are those we accept ourselves.”

No-one ever said on his or her death bed “I wish I’d spent more time watching angry Brexit arguments on a 56” screen.”

Get dreaming, get outside, get experimenting, break free, learn to fail, love and laugh together, and you may discover the joys of health.

More #health4all tips can be found at www.drphilhammond.com

PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Plop the Raindrop

I EXPECT you like dressing up – and so do we water droplets. This is our favourite time of the year when the cold can turn us into a million glistening crystals.

Look out of your window on a frosty morning and you will see we have painted the whole world white. Look down the blades of grass or twigs on a tree in the sun and we look like tiny sparkling diamonds.

This morning I sat in the mist over Chew Valley Lake.

This happens when the air is cold and the water is warm.

The trees shone like autumn gold poking out of the mist. As the air got warmer, we did our usual vanishing trick, disappearing into the clouds.

If it carries on getting colder, we might soon turn into snow. Another chance for us to dress up! If anything, a snowflake is even more beautiful, but it’s hard to tell that when we are all packed together. We might look serene and beautiful on the surface, but it’s very dark and miserable being stuck at the bottom of a snow drift.

Do you remember the snow earlier this year? I landed on a sheep on top of Mendip and managed to snuggle down in her deep woolly coat.

Then she shook herself and I was plonked on the side of the hill, with lovely views down towards Glastonbury Tor. I can remember the Tor before the church tower was built and even before people had been invented – but that’s another story.

I’m minding my own business, considering the vastness of space, when a small boy scrunches me and some of my friends into a snowball and hurls me at one of his friends.

We whacked him right on the nose and he started bleating like a demented sheep. Then some of the adults got involved and the whole thing degenerated into a fullscale snowball fight.

The antics of humans never cease to amaze me. I’m pretty sure they were happier when they lived in caves and just popped out to pick a few nuts and berries instead of driving to a supermarket.

I bounced off the boy’s bloody nose and landed in the hood of his jacket. My friend Leaf happened to be in there and we had a good old chat about all the adventures we had had since we last met.

Leaf said he’d spent most of the previous winter in a compost heap, which was warm but a bit smelly.

By now I had melted into a large damp patch in the hood. When the boy pulled it onto his head he complained I was wet and cold and started bleating again.

His parents told him to stop being so silly and marched him off home, which is when my current problems started.

His mum put all of his clothes in a drying machine and that’s where I’m stuck now, spinning around like a mad planet with no chance of escape.

Whatever next?

Mendip Grandad

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Changes at Wedmore Dental Practice

HEALTH & FAMILY HEALTH & FAMILY

Wedmore Dental Practice T: 01934 713013 W: www.wedmoredental.co.uk E: reception@wedmoredental.co.uk Coronation House, e Borough, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EG

THE practice is pleased to tell you that we have a new dentist, Jennifer Morecroft, joining the team from early December 2018. Jennifer will be taking over as Practice Director and Lead Dentist.

Jennifer graduated from Bristol Dental Hospital in 2007 and has worked in general practice and in hospital, gaining experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, restorative and paediatric dentistry. She also is a trainer for foundation dentists and has a special interest in minor oral surgery. She lives locally with her husband and young family.

Jennifer is looking forward to continuing to deliver the high level of clinical dental care and services we offer at Wedmore Dental Practice. She will be working Tuesday to Friday Peter will be continuing to work two days a week as an Associate Dentist and will be working Mondays and Wednesdays.

During these changes Tim Coates will be leaving the practice. His last day will be Wednesday 21st November 2018; we all wish Tim well for the future.

Your continued care is our first priority and we will ensure that it is provided with minimal disruption. If you have an appointment booked, please attend as normal; you do not need to do anything.

This is an exciting time for the practice, and a privilege to have a passionate dentist to join the team. Our new and existing team members will continue to deliver excellent standards of clinical care and customer service.

The practice is open daily with early and late evening availability. New patients very welcome, please call 01934 713013, pop in for a new patient pack or visit our website www.wedmoredental.co.uk

New Patients Very Welcome Please phone or call in for an information pack

JENNIFER MORECROFT BDS (U.Bris) MFGDP

PETER SEDGWICK BDS (U.Bris) DPDS (U.Bris)

SALLY CANTWELL Hygienist RDH JANE FELLOWS Hygienist RDH Preventative, Conventional & Advanced Cosmetic Treatments

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 93

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Anniversary ball marks 25 years SWALLOW, the Midsomer Norton-based charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, held a ball to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The celebration, at the Swan Hotel in Wells, was attended by more than 100 people including SWALLOW members, friends and family and staff and trustees. It was made possible with a grant from the Westfield and Radstock Big Local and was the highlight of SWALLOW’s

Aimee Sparks and Dan Bates

PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

anniversary year.

A spokesperson for SWALLOW said: “Our members don’t often get the chance to have such a special evening, many have been planning what to wear for weeks.” ● For details about SWALLOW – including how to support the charity by running in the Bath Half Marathon in 2019 – contact Nicky Tew on nickyt@swallowcharity.org call 01761 414034 or visit: www.swallowcharity.org

Zoe Taylor (left) with SWALLOW chief executive Bev Craney

Chris and Norman Atkins

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Spread some warmth this winter

HEALTH & FAMILY

SOMERSET Community Foundation has launched this year’s Surviving Winter campaign, which encourages people to join the growing number of contributors who donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help local people living in fuel poverty.

This year any online donations to the campaign made during the week-long Big Give Christmas Challenge – midday Tuesday, November 27th to midday Tuesday, December 4th – will be doubled!

Last year over 500 older people living in fuel poverty in Somerset were helped to keep warm and better connected through the winter months, thanks to pensioners and other local donors who gave to Surviving Winter.

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter o call 01749 344949.

Words of comfort

THE Spoken Word Café, which meets monthly at Yatton Library, is about to celebrate its first anniversary.

Organiser, Heidi Hollis, said: “It provides nourishment for the soul, especially for people not in full-time employment, who don’t have the usual social connections that a job brings.”

She invites attendees to take something to read – a poem, song lyric, or excerpt from a book, even a diary entry – anything that evokes strong feelings. The readings are shared over light-hearted discussion and light refreshments.

One attendee said: “I need an outside influence to motivate me to even leave the house sometimes, and the Spoken Word Cafe has given me something to look forward to.”

Future sessions are at Yatton Library, 10.30am-12pm on November 20th, December 4th and January 15th. A suggested donation of £4 goes to cover expenses.

Details: spokenwordcoach@gmail.com or join the Facebook page by searching Spoken Word Cafe – North Somerset

Single and looking for a social life? Then come and join us at S.P.A. Single Social Group Wells & Mendip branch We are an energetic and enthusiastic group of single people who enjoy organised events including a weekly social night in Wells, meals out, skittles, walks, parties, NT visits, dancing, weekend breaks and holidays. We are a friendly group and extend a warm welcome to new members.

Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals Theas’ Footcare, Mobile Foot Clinic

38 Palmers Road Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9PB

Mobile: 07849 033 055 Email: thea-m-1@hotmail.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 95

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Festival supports foodbank

The dream team

Pictured Karen Walker (second left) and Joy Fraser (right) awarding the cheque to Barbara Bailey, Paul Woodland and Maureen Byrne from the foodbank

MEMBERS of the Happy Companions Club in Clevedon enjoyed a day trip to Puxton Park and visited the seaside at Weston. The club which arranges regular social activities for older people living independently received £200 from Clevedon Lions Annual Dream Scheme earlier in the year which enabled them to have three days out.

Funds have also been spent on music and quiz books, so that the members can participate in indoor activities during the winter months.

Clevedon Lions spokesman, Peter Marlow, said: “The Lions Dream Scheme has helped many local clubs over the last three years with £16,000 allocated during that time to help about 30 projects.

“We can only thank the generosity of local people donating money on our Santa Float and at our supermarket Christmas collections each year to make someone's dream come true. Applications for the 2018 Dream Scheme Fund will open on January 1st, after Santa returns to Lapland!”

THE Somer Valley Foodbank, which has fed over 6,000 people since it was launched in 2013, has been presented with a £400 cheque by the organisers of Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park festival.

Volunteers from the foodbank spent a day at the summer event offering their services with gate marshalling and other duties.

Foodbank chairman, Paul Woodland, said: “We have a foodbank distribution centre open at the Methodist Church in Peasedown St John every Friday. We meet people who really need help and come to us with a range of emotional and other wellbeing problems.

“Despite only being able to provide three days of emergency food, we try to signpost them to other agencies that might be able to help.”

The foodbank’s operational costs are much more than people would think, with over £6,000 a year needed to pay the rent at the project’s warehouse where non-perishable foods are stored.

Party in the Park treasurer, Joy Fraser, said: “It’s not always easy to find property that can be used for free these days, and even a social welfare project like the Somer Valley Foodbank will have bills to pay.

“It’s because of this that the Party in the Park Team wanted to honour the valuable work of the project with a £400 donation and are certain it will be put to good use.”

Details: www.somervalley.foodbank.org.uk www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

Details: Happy Companions Club Heather Read email heatherjread@sky.com

Tales of Georgian Bath

New members welcome

THE Wessex Stationary Engine Club is keen to attract new members interested in preserving British engineering of the past.

They meet on the last Monday of each month at the Old Down Inn at Emborough at 8pm and hold a number of rallies and social events, raising money for charity.

Chairman Eric Gay said: “This is not just a club for the male side of the family, we welcome ladies as well. In fact one lady member won the award for the best engine exhibit at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.”

They are also keen to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation.

Details: 01225 754374

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Judy Ray-Bliss with club president Sue Hopkins

SPEAKER Judy RayBliss captivated a recent Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel meeting with fascinating anecdotes on life and social habits

in 18th Century Bath.

Hair-raising tales of fleas and bugs peppered her talk on “The Season” that started with the arrival of Queen Anne who had been advised by her doctors to winter in Bath and to take the waters. It was in the city that master of ceremonies Beau Nash ruled the upper-class scene for 50 years.

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Guides make progress

YEARS of fundraising are beginning to pay dividends in refurbishing Girlguiding’s Norton Radstock West district headquarters in Rock Road, Midsomer Norton.

Events have included sponsored swims, bingo nights, cake sales, quizzes and beetle drives to name a few. They have also been applying for grants and say they are very thankful to everyone who has and continues to support them.

Over the summer holidays the kitchen area was refurbished, with some units which are now accessible to their smallest members, the Rainbows.

Their latest fundraiser was a jumble sale on September 29th which raised nearly £200. The money will be put towards having the toilet area refurbished.

Anyone wishing to volunteer with Girlguiding or for their daughters to join can register their interest on the Girlguiding website.

Pictured are members of each unit who meet at the hall with district commissioner, Lucy Book.

COMMUNITY

Dinner supports cadets

THE annual Trafalgar Dinner in Axbridge will be held on October 27th in Axbridge Town Hall to support the Axbridge and Cheddar Valley Sea Cadets.

The event is held every October to commemorate the great naval battle in which Admiral Lord Nelson defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain in 1805.

Organisers follow the great traditions of the Royal Navy and promise a most enjoyable evening. Their guest speaker is Captain Mike Knott CBE Royal Navy. Tickets are available from the shops in Axbridge Square or from organiser Baz Hamblin, 07979 994126. They cost £26 and the dress code is black tie or service dress equivalent.

All funds raised are used to support Axbridge and Cheddar Valley Sea Cadets, Training Ship Goathland, one of the most active units in the Somerset and Dorset District.

Auction supports hospice

THE 26th annual Harvest Thanksgiving service, conducted by the Rev Clive Fairclough, market chaplain, and organised by the Inner Wheel of Frome was held at Standerwick Market.

Renee Cole, president of Frome Inner Wheel and Rotarian Hilary Daniel read the lessons and Rotarian Kim Hyde played the piano.

The service was followed by an auction, conducted by Rotarian Dennis Barnard, of gifts and produce and raised over £800 for Children’s Hospice South West. President Renee Cole welcomed Emily Mitchard of the charity who told of the work and support extended to families by the hospice.

Helping communities solve their own problems

LOCAL communities are developing new, innovative ways to address local needs and support disadvantaged people, according to Quartet Community Foundation.

The details are revealed in its “Vital Signs 2018” annual social needs research which covers North Somerset, B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

With growing social needs coupled with shrinking statutory funding, Quartet and the philanthropists they work with have adopted a key role in supporting the complex network of organisations providing services and projects for people across the region.

Chief Executive Sue Turner said: “In our 2016 Vital Signs study we reported that, without positive action, the gap would continue to grow between those

for whom society works and people already at a disadvantage.

“This year’s report shows that there are still significant local needs with longterm health problems, lack of qualifications and social isolation preventing people from having a fair chance of a good life.

“The good news is local community hubs are increasingly leading the response to these needs and we have taken positive action by building up new funds which we’re using to help communities realise people’s ambitions and take control of their futures.”

Quartet has built up a £400,000 fund to help Bristol community hubs work out how to develop and thrive with reduced public sector support, giving them the ability to investigate their ideas – from

community energy projects to community nurseries and community housing.

The charity will soon launch a campaign for new funding for Bath & North East Somerset community hubs too. One of the areas it highlights is the Bournville Estate, Weston-super-Mare.

It says unemployment amongst 18-24 year olds is nine percent 9% – that’s three times the rate for England; 26% of 16-64 year olds are living with a limiting long-term illness – that’s double the national average; 15% of working-age residents are claiming Universal Credit due to having low or no income.

Quartet has awarded £76,500 to support youth projects in the area. On average it distributes £3million in grants annually.

Details: www.quartetcf.org.uk 0117 989 7700

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Meet Shepton’s dementia friends

Tracy Aarons, deputy chief executive of MDC (front left), and Sister Anne Martin, SMDAA chair (front right) at the launch of the group at Shape Mendip

MORE people have become dementia friends in Shepton Mallet as part of a campaign to make the town a dementiafriendly community.

The formal launch of the Shepton Mallet Dementia Action Alliance included a session to create 20 friends to take the total so far to more than 80. The evening included displays by a number of organisations that support those living with dementia including the Alzheimer’s Society, Carers’ Voice, Health Connections, Inner Wheel, Rethink Reconnect, Specialist Music Therapist Julie Britton, Swan Advocacy and Zing together with representatives from Mendip District Council, NHS CCG Somerset and Shepton Mallet Town Council.

Plans are now underway to set up a memory café in the town, along with carers’ support and Music for the Brain groups. SMDAA is also appealing for volunteers to join them as collectors on Wednesday, November 14th at Shepton Mallet Carnival.

The dementia-friendly training scheme is primarily aimed at staff, especially customer-facing staff, who undertake dementia friends awareness, and organisations who make their premises dementia-friendly.

For details or to volunteer, email: sheptondaa@btinternet.com or call 01479 840681 or 07970 665036

Light shines on Paulton

THE cross on Paulton Methodist Church is shining once again after a superb afternoon tea and dedication service, led by the Rev Martin Slocombe.

For 52 years, it had been a landmark for miles around, until the electrics failed last year. A replica is now in place thanks to tremendous support for the fundraising effort.

It was lit by Pauline Smailes, granddaughter of Charles Ashman, who had it erected in memory of his wife, Ethel.

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

Schools seek governors

Kayleigh Methven

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to address a shortage of school governors across Somerset.

Over half of all the church schools in the county – 98 of 182 schools – are seeking people to serve as governors to work as part of the team responsible for the running of the schools.

The Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells has launched a campaign #beagovernor using social media for school governors to say why they became a governor and what they get out of it.

Young professional, Kayleigh Methven, aged 29, who is a governor at St Cuthbert’s CofE Junior School in Wells and St Benedict’s CofE Junior School in Glastonbury, said: “Being a governor has been a great way to get experience and develop my skills. Through the role I’ve also become more a part of my local community. I’ve made connections I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Suzanne McDonald, assistant director in the education team at the diocese said: “We want to ensure all of our schools have the right number of governors with a full complement of skills and expertise.

“We’re looking for people from all walks of life to bring their different skills to the role and develop more along the way.

“You don’t need to have a connection with children attending the school and you don’t need to go to church. You do need to be sympathetic to the Christian values held by the school, which the diocese can support through training.”

Details: www.bathandwells.org.uk/be-a-governor

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COMMUNITY

A celebration of diversity

SOMERSET Multicultural Association celebrated Black History Month with an afternoon of family-themed entertainment at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury.

Guest of honour at the event was Cleo Lake, the Lord Mayor of Bristol and only the 11th woman to ever bear the title. The mayor, who has Jamaican, African and Scottish ancestry, told the audience that she felt optimistic about the future: “There is so much we don’t know. There is so much which has been hidden from us.

“Black History Month tries to teach us all more about our collective past and to see those crossing points in our history.

There is a long and contested history that we are slowly coming to terms with.”

The event – aimed at the whole community to learn about black history and culture – was supported by the Positive People Programme the Big Lottery and Somerset Diverse Communities.

Providing a Christmas lunch Musician David 9 Lucas opened the afternoon

PEASEDOWN St John Residents’ Association has launched a £1,000 fundraising appeal to help combat loneliness among the elderly.

Part of the project will involve cooking a hot Christmas meal during December for lonely, older and vulnerable people in the village.

One of the organisers, Cllr Karen Walker, said: “If we can secure this funding, up to 100 people will be fed during December at a variety of events. Otherwise many could lose out due to having no family living nearby.

“Whether it’s a financial contribution or a donation of goods, we’d love to hear from you if you’d like to offer your support.”

Details: psjresidentassoc@yahoo.co.uk

Event organiser Eden Simpson (centre) with Cleo Lake, the Lord Mayor of Bristol (left) and Denise Abbot, the mayor of Glastonbury

A steel pan music workshop underway

Festival fundraiser

EXPERIENCED public relations manager, arts director and creative producer, Juliet Webb, has been appointed as the new fundraising manager for Party in the Park founders Karen Walker Peasedown St (left) and Joy Fraser (right) welcome John’s Party in Juliet to the festival team the Park festival.

Juliet, who lives in the village, is experienced in bid writing and fundraising for creative arts. Co-director of creative arts company, Liberty Rocks Productions, she specialises in marketing and production for creative practitioners.

Juliet, who takes over from Mike Auton, who raised £25,000 in seven years as fundraising manager, said: “I’m very proud and excited to be able to give back to the community that has embraced me and my family.”

Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

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Rosie with cider

Photos by Mark Adler

THE hamlet of Stoney Stratton, near Evercreech, staged its annual Apple Day event in barns and orchards at Home Farm, welcoming residents and visitors alike.

Rosie the dog with (l:r) Roy and Elaine Williams and her owners Margaret and Joe Cox as they relax in the orchards with their drinks

Preparing to process the last apples of the day

Apple Day host Lesley Beazer with Mitch the collie

Honi-May and Ralph collecting apples in the orchards at Home Farm …

… and returning to the barn for the apples to be pressed

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Farmborough apple day

Families helped by throwing their apples into the mincer, prior to pressing

(Photos courtesy of Sam Ross)

FARMBOROUGH’S Big Family Apple Day saw the village’s community shop alive with visitors on a pleasant warm and sunny afternoon.

Families were drawn to the event not just from Farmborough and surrounding villages, but also from Shepton Mallet, Wellow, and Oakhill, and they arrived with trugs, buckets and even wheelbarrows of apples and pears.

After the pressing, everyone looked forward to tasting their juice, or turning it into cider/perry with instructions from Tim and Jackie of the Tiny Welly Boot Cidery, who loaned their apple press for the day.

The event was a great success and not only raised over £200 in support of Farmborough Community Shop, but also introduced lots of people to the delights of the shop, which opened in June.

Buckets of apples awaiting pressing

Men’s shed expands

SHEPTON Mallet’s Men’s Shed has celebrated its first anniversary by opening a second activity session.

It now opens on Thursday afternoons to supplement the original Tuesday morning meetings.

The aim of men’s sheds is to provide activity, interest and company for men of all ages over 18 and to encourage the learning of new skills and the sharing of old ones in a relaxed and friendly setting. Shepton members can bring along their own pet projects or join with others in making items to sell at the Shepton Mallet Sunday Market – including made-to-order trellis, bird boxes and tables, hedgehog hotels and decorative wheelbarrows.

Based next to the Somerset Care and Repair centre on the Charlton Trading Estate, the shed now boasts a wood-turning

COMMUNITY

A day of good advice

Barbara and Anthony Perry, of Wells (pictured third and fourth left) visited the event on behalf of a neighbour. They are pictured with Sharon Hale, from Spark, Natalia Wills, from Mendip District Council, Kerry Wills, also from Spark and Cheryl Stevens and Di Wiseman, from Health Connections Mendip

AN information day in Shepton Mallet for older people offered advice on everything from safety in the home to healthy eating ideas.

The free event, at Mendip District Council, was organised

by Health Connections Mendip, the council and Spark Somerset and was open to older people, their friends and family.

Some of the information on hand for visitors

Men’s Shed members on their stall at Shepton’s Sunday market

lathe. It is also exploring opportunities to include 3D laser-printing and concrete moulding, and will consider any creative activity that members want to try.

For details, contact Graham Cooper (chair) on 07966 361796 or coopergd@hotmail.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 101

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Light in the night

A festival about death

Last year’s lantern procession in Frome

A LANTERN parade will return to the streets of Frome in November thanks to funding from the town council’s People’s Budget and Awards for All. Light the Night will coincide with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights on Friday, November 30th.

Artists Aliss Vaas and Mel Day will be running free workshops in schools and community venues to create a collection of LED-lit lanterns. At each session, people learn how to make three-dimensional forms in willow, tissue paper and glue; working together to explore ideas and create spectacular lanterns.

The workshops will take place in The Welshmill Hub and other local venues.

Meanwhile, workshops will begin in December ahead of Shepton Mallet’s Lantern Festival. The workshops will be held at the Paul Street Community Centre. The parade will be held on Saturday, December 22nd.

For details of the workshops, visit www.fromelanterns.co.uk or www.sheptonlanternfestival.org.uk

Memories of the Great Flood

WELSH soprano Charlotte Church will headline a unique new festival in Glastonbury in November – exploring death and dying.

The free festival will take place at St John’s Church from Friday, November 2nd to Sunday, November 4th to coincide with the traditional time of the year for remembering the dead and reflecting on death.

On the Saturday night Charlotte will sing in a concert of Gorecki Sorrowful Songs conducted by Somerset-based conductor Charles Hazlewood with the British Paraorchestra and friends.

A “passage of remembrance” designed to offer people quiet time to cherish loved ones who have died (including pets) has been designed and will be open for all three days. The church will be lit by international light artist Bruce Munro and sound installations will create a special atmosphere.

Organiser Henrietta Lang said: “In other cultures, remembering the dead is a normal part of life. In this country, sadly, most of us are scared of the end of life.

“But not understanding what is going to happen to every one of us, and all the people we love, just makes the experience harder when that time comes.

“Our hope is to offer a gentle and beautiful non-religious experience that will be helpful and uplifting for everyone whatever their age or stage of life.”

The Rev David MacGeoch, vicar of Glastonbury, said: “With supplementary performances by Maya Love and choir on Friday evening and DJ Celine DiJon whose set will open Saturday, an unusual and inspiring weekend is planned.”

For details, visit: www.deathfestglastonbury2018.com or email henrietta.lang@gmail.com

THE 50th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1968, which Mendip Times featured in the summer, is being

recorded in a new booklet We Remember It Well with stories and memories of people in Pensford, Publow and Woollard.

Beautifully produced, with pictures from 1968 as well as today, it links over 30 stories with poems and letters from local people.

It will be available to buy, price £5, in

November and will be launched at the Pensford Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 17th, 11am, in Pensford Memorial Hall, BS39 4HW. It will then be available at Pensford Post Office and The Miners’ Coffee Shop and will be promoted further at the Christmas market at All Saints in Publow, on Saturday, December 1st.

Details: Julie 01761 490884 email julie.baber@yahoo.co.uk PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Record festival

COMMUNITY

Coach moves with the times

WEDMORE’S 18th real ale festival was the most successful yet raising £18,150 for local good causes, meaning £186,221 has been raised since it started. Recipients this year were: IOW Remembers WW1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £300.00 Friends of St Mary’s Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £350.00 Wedmore in Bloom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £450.00 Wedmore Tuesday Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £500.00 Brainwave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,000.00 Children’s Hospice South West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,000.00 Somewhere House Somerset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,000.00 Blackford Village Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,000.00 Wedmore Scout Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £1,050.00 Wedmore and Axbridge Community Health Fund. . . . £1,500.00 Wedmore Playing Fields Management Committee . . £10,000.00

Colour, fun and a run in Stoke St Michael

SINCE there is no longer any interest in having a Carnival Queen competition in Shepton Mallet, organisers of the town’s carnival have converted the coach into a collecting vehicle.

Committee members John Davis and Barrie Baker took on the task of converting it with a little help from other committee members. It will be finished in time for its first outing at Shepton Mallet Carnival on Wednesday, November 14th.

It costs about £17,000 to put on the carnival each year, raised mainly through sponsorship and fund raising activities by the committee.

This year they are also taking donations via the CarniApp, which has been developed by i2i infinity and is used for members of the public to vote for their favourite entry.

Details: http://www.sheptonmalletcarnival.org.uk

Nominate your policing “heroes”

A competitor in the Up, Down and Round Again event passes one of the scarecrows

A COLOUR run for children and a challenge to all to complete as many laps of a 1.4k circuit as possible in one hour have taken place in Stoke St Michael.

Called Up, Down and Round Again, the 1.4k race – featuring one of the village’s steep hills – attracted 55 people with Paul Bishop completing nine laps.

The races were followed by a scarecrow trail around the village. The day was organised by the Stoke St Michael Community Event Group in partnership with Stoke St Michael school PTA. Cadets from Writhlington School were on hand to help.

NOMINATIONS have opened for the public to choose their policing heroes in the annual Be Proud Awards.

The awards recognise and reward those hard working police men and women who go above and beyond every day to make the communities of Avon and Somerset a safer place.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Chief Constable Andy Marsh launched the awards saying every person who works or volunteers within the constabulary plays a role in helping to ensure to be safe and feel safe.

The awards cover the following categories: Neighbourhood Officer of the Year, Response Officer of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Police Staff Member of the Year, Police Support Volunteer of the Year, Special Constable of the Year, Specialist Operations Award and Policing Team of the Year. ● The nomination form is available on the Be Proud Awards website https://www.beproudawards.com/ The closing date is January 27th. Hardcopy nomination forms are also available in police stations, local community buildings and on request: call 01278 646188. The awards ceremony takes place in June.

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Celebrate with Kingfisher

NO matter how many or how few Christmases we’ve seen, for almost all of us it’s a very special and joyful time. The build-up can be a bit exhausting, the children can get a bit over-excited and the bank balance can take a bit of a knock – but that’s Christmas, so let’s make merry.

That’s certainly what all the folk at Kingfisher are going to do and their Winter Warmer on Wednesday, November 14th will set the tone for a Christmas to remember for all ages.

It’s taking place at the Kingfisher showroom at Mill Batch Farm, East Brent, starting at 3pm and running through to 8pm. Parking is free, easy and stress free.

And you’re warmly invited!

Winter Warmer will be huge fun, but its real purpose is to support two charities that are close to all our hearts – Macmillan Nurses and Children’s Hospice South West. Last year Kingfisher was able to donate over £1,000 to these charities. This year they hope to double it.

So here’s the plan. As soon as you arrive you’ll be made to feel special. There’s mulled cider courtesy of Thatchers and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee. There’ll be hot mince pies and an indulgence of wonderful home-made cakes.

You’ll soon be in festive mood and enjoying browsing around the various stands, which will include the charities selling their Christmas cards.

We’ve lined up some very special live music from Magenta and whilst all this is going on (and you’ve spoilt yourself with another mince pie) the children can join in the colouring competition (lots of prizes) and we’ll be inviting you to buy a raffle ticket or two. Again, lots of very worthwhile prizes.

Kingfisher’s showroom is at Mill Batch Farm at East Brent.

That’s on the A38 just south of Rook’s Bridge, on the left as you cross over the motorway bridge. If you’re coming on the M5 motorway leave at Jct 22 and head north on the A38 towards Bristol. Go past the garden centre on your right and at the next roundabout take the outside lane (A38). We’re about a quarter mile on the right.

Tony Thurling

Details: www.the kingfisherfamily.com

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 105

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Winscombe welcomes kitchen experts idesign

IF you have passed through Winscombe in the last few weeks you will have no doubt noticed exciting changes on Woodborough Road, as idesign interiors open their new showroom, bringing their unique style of high quality, bespoke kitchens to the heart of the Mendips.

Originally based in Weston-super-Mare, idesign interiors are a well-established and highly respected kitchen design company, who have been creating beautiful kitchens and other interior living spaces throughout the South West for the last eight years.

The company provides a complete project management service from initial concept to final completion. An idesign kitchen is meticulously designed in close consultation with customers to meet their individual needs and reflects their personal style and is installed by highly skilled specialists personally overseen by the company.

Best of all, because idesign is proudly independent, not tied to one manufacturer, all of their kitchens are unique, and the company can supply the best products, materials and finishes to suit your budget and vision, whether reassuringly traditional or cutting-edge contemporary.

The company was set up by expert designer Louise Mitchell and master craftsman Adam Wood in 2010, combining over 25 years of experience – two people with a passion for interiors and a vision that they wanted to share with the West Country.

They believe that every home is as unique and as individual

D ESIGNED

as the people who live in it and their work reflects this in every detail.

Louise said: “The customer, and customer satisfaction, is the key to everything. We start with your wishes and needs, and enable you to realise your dreams. It’s a very personal process. It has to be. And the fact that so many of our happy customers still keep in touch with us is proof of how successful the idesign approach is.”

So, the next time you pass through Winscombe, why don’t you call in and see what all the fuss is about? Or join Adam and Louise between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, November 3rd to share a glass of bubbly and help them celebrate the next step for this exciting, local, independent company.

WITH CONSIDERATION , INSTALLED WITH CARE

36, Woodborough Road, Winscombe, Somerset BS25 1AG www.idesigninteriors.co.uk • 01934 844144 PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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Emergency call-out in Wedmore The scene in Wedmore

MOST of Jason Beasley’s work is pre-planned, but he was called into action when storms brought down a tree onto a car in Wedmore.

Jason, who runs Jason Beasley Access, had been helping to install a chimney liner in Castle Cary when local tree surgeon Jon Wheway – from Special Branch – phoned to say the tree had come down in The Borough.

Just two days later, Jason was summoned to help with a wind-damaged chimney and also to clear another tree which had also fallen onto a car.

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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Typically, when you change your oil fired boiler you’d be expected to save up to 20% on your heating bill.

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The STAARS7 boiler system defeats well known money wasting heating problems for example, 2mm of soot can reduce your boiler’s fuel efficiency by up to 8% and cost you more to run it.

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Back then they were fitting the KIDD boiler which was built to last 30 years and was the most cost effective central heating boiler in the world.

They’ve been saving their customers huge amounts of oil and gas ever since.

Recently, this ethos of money saving and robustness turned a new corner with the introduction of their new STAARS7 boiler system. Put simply, the STAARS7 Boiler System is their unique collection of new technologies and system design that work together to save money and energy in a robust, built-to-last installation.

If you’re looking for a new boiler, their STAARS7 will save you up to 30% MORE oil/gas than an ordinary condensing boiler system.

If you’re afraid to change and are hanging on with your old faithful boiler, many of their customers wonder why they didn’t change it sooner after having a new one fitted by Standen’s.

Most of their boilers also come complete with a ten-year parts and labour warranty (not that you’ll need it) – STAARS7 irons out all the fuel-wasting little problems that can hamper ordinary installations. Their condensate pipes even work in sub-zero temperatures.

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T: 01761 433857 M: 07720 887318 E: geoff@bathfurnituremakers.co.uk Unit 5, Wansdyke Workshops, Wellow Lane, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8HD PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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Stairway project was heaven sent

HOMES & INTERIORS

A COMMISSION to refurbish an old staircase at a manor house in Wiltshire offered Geoff Collard the ideal chance to showcase his creative and conservation skills.

The staircase came originally from another grand house, but Geoff felt there were several areas which could be improved to enhance its new surroundings such as removing the dark brown shellac and reducing the number of panels.

Geoff, based near Peasedown St John, said: “Getting off the

New acorns being carved from original newels

The restored panels in place

old shellac from the handrail and spindles was simple once they were removed and back at the workshop; plenty of meths, wire wool and brass brushes did the trick. I also turned new acorns out of the old newel cappings as the originals were so big.”

The client had bought a complete paneled room from a gentlemen’s club in London for elsewhere in the house and had several carved panels left over which Geoff carefully brought back to life and incorporated into the back panel.

He added: “I completely started from scratch with the paneling and had each panel fit perfectly with the stair angles. I also suggested having a fire extinguisher set into the end panel instead of sitting on the carpet.”

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 111

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Remembering our war horses

“In grateful and in reverent memory of the Empire’s horses … who fell in the Great War (1914-1918). Most obediently and often most painfully they died.” (Memorial at the church of St Jude, London)

MENDIP Ploughing match 2018: two horse teams faithfully ploughing the earth under a benign autumn sun. Rare breed Suffolk Punch horses Merlin and Isaac, the Shire horse JD and the Percheron Marcel.

Time to pause, turn back the clock and With RACHEL to consider the massive debt that we owe THOMPSON to the horse as we celebrate the 100th MBE anniversary of the end of WWI. Imagine this Mendip spot over 100 years ago. A horse team ploughing, turning the red brown earth into furrows, their shadows long in the autumn sun. Peaceful silence except for the occasional call of the ploughman, the shrieks of the following gulls, the cry of a buzzard high above in the deep blue sky. Then, army men appearing at the gate, from the War Office, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, requisitioning the plough horses, the hunters, the children’s ponies, emptying the Mendip countryside of the finest, most useful and most beloved of horses. A long-ago Merlin and Isaac, JD and Marcel. My horse, your horse – imagine.

Horses and mules born and bred on the farm herded into horse-drawn, high-sided stock trailers. Hundreds of horses – strangers to each other, corralled at Masbury station – where now we buy plants; imagine the noise, the confusion, the fear. Horses herded on to steam trains arriving at the docks, winched onto ships, sent across the sea to France.

From Mendip farms to the horror of the front. Mendip

Suffolk Punches Merlin and Isaac at the Mendip Ploughing Match

Rachel’s great-uncle Clive Willett on his war horse Betty in France

horses pulling supply wagons, pulling guns, riding horses and hunters now cavalry horses carrying army officers through the mud, through gun fire, shell blasts, through hell.

Then dying from disease, from shocking, horrific wounds.

It’s absolutely impossible to imagine the sheer fear, terror and pain. Yet these horses so obediently gave up their lives in a human conflict.

Eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in WWI – more than a million from Britain.

Near Tynings, at Charterhouse, there is a 100-acre field where mules were tied awaiting transportation to the front. Another field, by Tynings Farm, by the bridleway to Blackdown where I ride so often, held horses, donkeys and mules, returned from the front, some in truly a shocking state.

How should we remember them, those horses who gave their all? On Sunday, November 11th, horse owners look into your horse’s eyes, car drivers, cyclists and walkers pause to think as you pass a horse ridden on the road or out in the countryside and thank him from the bottom of your heart.

Their ancestors, peaceful animals of the farm and the countryside, our companions, our work animals and our friends suffered and died horrifically for our freedom, a cause they could not have understood or comprehended – remember them with love, honour and respect.

Go to the amazing website Yprespeacemonument.com (see World War I horses).

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Show supports RUH appeal

THE first Weare Horse Show was held at Badgworth Arena, by kind permission of the Vosper family. It was organised by Carol Quantrill to raise money for the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH, Bath, in memory of her very dear friend Lindsey Hillyer.

Carol was helped on the day by friends and family of Lindsey’s and with the sun shining down on them they knew Lindsey was keeping a close eye on them all!

The support for the show was amazing, with 34 classes and four championships – all sponsored. The morning saw a

Supreme champion Eliza Cross and her mum with Simone and Alex Bragg

RIDING fantastic show of in-hand competitors with the afternoon for the ridden classes, with some great fancy dress in the middle of the day.

A surprise judge was then brought in at the end of the day for the supreme championship, with thanks to Alex and Simone Bragg for judging.

Carol said she would like to thank all the judges, sponsors, competitors and helpers and is hoping to be able to donate in the region of £2,000 to the Forever Friends Appeal.

Reserve supreme champion Millie Vowles and Highmead Take a Chance

Riding group seeks a home

SOMERSET Carriage-Driving for the Disabled Group is hunting for a new permanent home to ensure their survival. A long-term supporter of the group has offered to buy a permanent home, so the group is eager to find a four to seven acre site within the area of Wells, Wedmore, Street, and Shepton Mallet. With more than 30 volunteers, and the same number of disabled clients, the group has had to move home four times in the past seven years.

The group’s chair, Caroline Saunders, said: “This group was founded by a couple who provided a base at their home for many years – enabling us to expand our operations to the point of having four ponies. When that couple moved home, we also had to move.

“Since then, we have had to move four times, and reduce our operations to just one pony to deliver our twice-weekly services to a constantly growing need for what we provide.”

One of the group’s volunteers recognised the problem and offered to buy a permanent home for the group. Caroline said: “Right now, we are eager to find a site of four to seven acres, where we could erect stables, storage for our carriages, and provide an arena and parking to deliver our services to disabled people.” ● The sessions are currently held at Binegar, near Gurney

Winner of the fancy dress Thomas Mellor and Jack Sparrow

Meryl Stephenson, who is in her 90s, enjoys a ride out behind Millie

Slade. The RDA would welcome more volunteers and would also like the loan of a 14 hands+ pony and owner to meet demand for rides. There is currently a waiting list.

Details: www.somersetlevelsrda.org email treasurer, Caroline Sturgess c-sturgess@lineone.net

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RIDING

Bridleways supporters in the saddle MORE than 90 horseriders – and some cyclists – enjoyed the annual Greenscombe Ride around the Evercreech and Batcombe areas in aid of Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association.

Riders enjoyed the choice of three distances, raising funds for the ongoing work by the association to improve access to the countryside.

(l:r) Clare, Tallulah and Phoebe reach the end of their ride

A wave from Claire

For details about the association’s work and events, visit: www.mbba.org.uk

Campaign aims to curb tethering

HORSE welfare charity, HorseWorld has launched a campaign to end the cruel practice of tethering a horse for long periods of time.

The charity, based at Whitchurch, estimates that as many as 3,500 horses are tethered across the UK at any one time, often on grass verges next to busy roads where they pose a danger to themselves, motorists and members of the public.

HorseWorld’s managing director, Mark Owen, said: “Some owners are able to leave their animals tied up long-term on the sides of roads, on wasteland or even busy roundabouts in miserable conditions without any fear of repercussion simply because the laws relating to tethering are too vague and open to interpretation.

“These horses can be seen out in all weather conditions with no shade or shelter. If tethered to or near a tree, the horse can become entangled and injure itself. If tethered in open ground, it has no way of avoiding the heat from the sun, wind, rain or flies.”

The charity launched its campaign called Break the Chain at the Horse of the Year Show.

Its aim is to change the law so it restricts the legal amount of time a horse, pony or donkey can be tethered to, at most, 24-hours.

The campaign would also see a complete ban on tethering animals in unsafe locations.

Details: www.BreakTheChain.org.uk www.horseworld.org.uk

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Mendip Times

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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 FREE! service for readers and advertisers

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How BMX conquered the West BMX racing is one of the most energetic and youngest of cycling disciplines.

Its principle is simple: eight riders compete on a track CYCLING filled with jumps, with EDMUND tight bends and LODITE obstacles. The fastest qualifiers get the best spots on the final starting gate and often the fastest rider to reach the first bend will cross the finishing line in front.

Due to the exciting, explosive and nonstop action, together with the compact nature of the tracks, BMX is one of the most spectator friendly forms of cycle sport.

With clubs and tracks nearby at Burnham-on-Sea, Bristol, and Bath the sport is more accessible than you might think. And for those new to the sport they offer taster and coaching sessions for riders of all ages and abilities.

The club at Burnham-on-Sea has a history of producing top-class riders with Liam Phillips previously winning world titles and representing Great Britain at the Olympics. The success story continues with Burnham-based rider Curtis Manaton recently winning this year’s UK National BMX Series and the BMX British Championship.

This is quite an achievement considering that a number of the elite riders in the country are based in the North West with access to the Olympic track and facilities in Manchester.

The origins of BMX can be traced back to the 1960s when it was seen as a cheap and easy alternative to motocross. Young cyclists in California modified their own bicycles to create light and versatile bikes to race on dirt tracks. By the middle of Curtis Manaton

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BMX British Championships

the 1970s BMX racing had become an organised sport and bicycle companies were designing bikes specifically for BMX competitions.

Then in 1982, there was one pivotal moment that propelled BMX bikes (and racing) across the globe – Steven Spielberg released the iconic movie: “E.T. the Extraterrestrial”. Near the end of the film there is a three-and-a-half minute iconic chase scene where Elliott and his teenage friends are pursued on BMX bikes. With amazing stunts and jumps they avoid capture – and E.T. does get to go “home”.

But it wouldn’t have worked so well without the eight BMX stunt riders who filled in the parts. How they got to play their part is a lesser known bit of trivia about one of Hollywood’s great movies.

When Robert Cardoza delivered the bikes to the film set Spielberg told him what kind of stunts he had in mind for the film's chase scene. Cardoza was a BMX rider and told him that there was no way the actors could pull off the tricks and showed Spielberg some of his own BMX tricks.

That landed him the first stunt rider position in the film. He then directed the producer to a local BMX track, where

they found several more skilled riders to serve as doubles.

Following the film’s release, BMX bike sales soared and it became the “must have” bike to ride for several years. But not being best suited for everyday transport, recreational riders began to switch to mountain bikes and BMX reverted back to its freestyle and racing roots.

Nowadays the BMX racing bike is a small, simple and strong piece of equipment with a single gear and usually just a rear brake and high handle bars to give racers an upright position. The track is usually around 350 metres long featuring a large starting ramp and gates, banked corners and a variety of jumps and rhythm sections.

The race itself is a high energy sprint normally lasting under a minute but with all the heats in quick succession it is an exciting non-stop day for riders and spectators alike.

The inclusion of BMX racing into the Olympic Games from 2008 reflects its growing popularity and appeal. For younger age groups BMX racing is an entry level way of getting into competitive cycling – even Sir Chris Hoy started out with a BMX bike!

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Relay over the hills

Page 117

(Photography courtesy of Chris Challis)

THIS year’s Uphill to Wells team relay race following the new West Mendip Way was attended by nearly 30 teams comprising well over 100 runners.

The race started at the beach at Uphill with changeovers at Loxton, Shipham, Cheddar and Priddy and finishing on the Cathedral Green in Wells. This annual event is backed by the Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers and is currently raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. The winning team this year were Team DDD from Clevedon AC who crossed the finish line in 3hrs 50mins, closely followed by last year’s winners and current course record holders, Team SAS/Slim and Shady.

The ladies prize went to Team LOL, from Wells, Somer and Frome Tri in a fantastic time of 4hrs 29mins. The new open whole route team winners were Team HDW from Minehead Running Club, who ran the whole 29 miles as a team of four together.

MH4 would like to thank Morrisons Supermarket for providing the water plus the Penscot Inn at Shipham for allowing us to use their car park and the Edelweiss Café Restaurant in Cheddar for the fabulous coffee, paninis and chips while we gate-crashed their corner for the leg three to four change-over.

Usual thanks to all the Team at MH4 – you know who you are.

See you all again next year.

By Mike Brown

The winners – Team DDD

SPORT

Runners at the finish

Pat was a winner – but she didn’t know it

SHEPTON Mallet runner Pat Challis completed the Loch Ness Marathon – but had no idea she had won her category.

Pat, aged 70, ran the marathon with other members of the Westfield TT group and received an email two days later informing her that she had won the Female 70 category.

Pat last ran a Pat Challis marathon in 2006 after receiving treatment for cancer and raised more than £6,000 for the breast cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital. She was persuaded to attempt another marathon

by Westfield TT founder, the endurance runner John Reynolds.

In a reply to the organisers, Pat said: “I decided this time to run for me, as I have had to go through all the cancer treatment again within the last couple of years.

“Running has helped me stay positive, and I have so many supportive running friends plus my lovely family. I really enjoyed this marathon, so well organised and friendly. Thank you very much; I am really chuffed with my result.”

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(Photography courtesy of Mike Lang)

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Frome Town set up academy

FROME Town have joined the Southern League Football Academy (SLFA) – the brand new education and football academy of the Evo-Stik South league.

It will create an education and football academy side for 16-18 year olds to play in the SLFA with opportunities to play in the FA Youth Cup from September 2019.

The club is now on the look-out for talented and committed young footballers who are eager to take their first steps to a career in the semi-professional game and more importantly study to earn educational qualifications. The Frome Town Academy is a full-time course which is an alternative to college where students will study for a BTEC in sport which will be delivered by a tutor in the mornings before a UEFA qualified football coach will train the students in the afternoons.

Chairman, Jeremy Alderman said: “We have tried to set up this programme before on a number of occasions with various companies and for clubs at this level it is very difficult with time, staff resources, cost and expertise. I feel confident this time by becoming a founding member of the SLFA and their management structure that at last we will have the support to set up a new programme which we have been wanting for such a long time.”

There are a maximum of 22 places available for the Frome Town Academy with the first trial to be held on Wednesday, October 31st, 10.30am-12pm. There will be others in December, February, April and May 2019.

Boules club for Chilcompton?

Details: www.theslfa.co.uk

Young athletes rewarded

Cameron’s close match

Cameron (left) and Jake

NORTON Radstock Amateur Boxing Club’s Cameron Walker just missed out on a place in a regional final after losing on points to Jake Ricardo, from Weston Warriors ABC. The pair fought for a place in the Western Counties Final of the Development Championships. The judges decided that Ricardo had done enough to take a very close split decision that could have gone either way.

Cameron said: “I’m happy with my performance. I did everything my coach asked of me and I left all my efforts in the ring. It was a close bout. I enjoyed it and I’m taking away all the positives from it to my next bout."

Coach Sean Jenkins added: "For Cameron to be drawn against a kid of Jake's experience and perform the way he did makes me very proud. It’s gutting for him not to get the result but if he takes away the positives from the bout instead of dwelling on it then Cameron will do very, very well for himself and the club.”

MEMBERS of the Benevolent Masonic Lodge, which meets in Wells, have presented a cheque for £600 to the Somerset sports charity, TS5C. TS5C supports young athletes in Somerset to reach a standard of excellence which will help them secure inclusion in a national squad or ultimately Team GB. TS5C provides grants to help with training and ancillary costs as well as supporting a series of wheelchair basketball teams across the county.

(l:r): John Law, lodge charity steward, Alan Gloak, TS5C chairman, Brodie Williams , a top British ranked swimmer backed

by TS5C and lodge master Nigel Dovell

For details about the work of TS5C or Somerset Freemasons, visit: www.ts5c.org or www.somersetfreemasons.org

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Wrington FC reunion

SPORT

WRINGTON FC had a night to remember when former player, Ralph Mellett, decided to organise a reunion.

Ralph, who was born in Wrington and now lives in Yeovil, played for Wrington from 1962 to 1974. As many of the players he played alongside are now in their 80s, he thought it might be a good idea to try and get together as many of those he played with in both the first X1 and the second X1.

It was also 50 years since the second X1 won the Weston-super-Mare and District Division 3 title, which he helped to win.

Former players came from far and wide. He said: “Tim Bush coming over from Spain and Roger Gallop coming over from Crete to be with us truly put the icing on the cake. It was so good to see so many old friends. Roger and I were best friends and have not seen each other since we were in our midtwenties (a long time ago).”

Ralph started playing for the village when he was just 13 years old.

Young cricketer selected for England U19s

KASEY Aldridge from the Chew Valley has signed two cricket contracts in the last month, firstly with Somerset Academy and then with the England U19s cricket squad.

The fast bowler now stands at 6ft 4” and has played for Glastonbury and Brislington as well as for his school. He has also represented the county from the age of ten and during the last two years he has been part of the Potential Somerset Player Program.

Kasey attended Ubley School from the age of four and moved onto Millfield School at the age of seven.

He had a set-back in the spring of 2017 with a spinal stress fracture but with a lot of hard work and help from Somerset and Millfield School he remodelled his bowling action which has paid dividends.

This summer he represented the South West at the ECB Super 4’s at Loughborough where they played Kasey with Steve Snell, Academy Director, Somerset County Cricket Club against three other regions.

Kasey will be spending December at a February next year. excited by the challenges and training camp in India with the ECB Kasey said: “I’m working very hard at opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward Young Lions in preparation for a test trying to develop my game into a to the winter training and next summer’s series in Bangladesh during January and genuine all-rounder and am really season.”

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Timsbury promoted

Fine day for finals

The mixed doubles finalists

Sol Thompson (left) winner of four awards with second team captain Ben Hosford

IT has been a momentous season for Timsbury Cricket Club with both the first and second teams gaining promotion but also a sad one following the recent death of club president John Newth and that of club stalwart Colin Weaver earlier in the year. A minute’s applause was observed in their memory.

Ben Hosford in his second year as second team captain celebrated promotion for the second year in a row and the team will now play in the Bristol and District League Division 7.

Teenager Sol Thompson was voted player of the year and his household will have to find plenty of room for all his trophies as he was also voted Young Clubman of the Year, the Outstanding Teenager and the Best performance by a young player.

The prestigious Club Person of the Year award went to Ben Hosford with Dan Hill’s 20 ball 50 against BAC winning him the fastest fifty cup.

Purnell take cup but charity is the winner

PURNELL Bowls Club triumphed in an annual end-of-season floodlit tournament which raises money for charity.

Purnell were joined by Paulton, Prattens, Norwest and a combined team from Frome Park and Frome Selwood for the competition which has been running for 11 years.

In that time, the clubs have raised more than £30,000 for charity.

This year’s tournament raised £1,400 for the Children’s Hospital Bristol.

It was played at Purnell’s green and the hosts came out on top in the final against Frome. A spokesman said: “It’s not all about winning; the bowlers love the friendship and the relaxed atmosphere at the end of a long season.”

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WELLS Tennis Club hosted its finals day after members battled it out through a series of knock-out rounds.

The weather cleared for a fine afternoon of tennis, organised by committee member Vicky Flicker. Vicky said: “The scores show that we enjoyed some very competitive matches with a high standard of tennis throughout. Thanks to all the members who put themselves forward to compete and support the finals day.” ● RESULTS: Ladies singles: Caroline Moule beat Ginny Smith 6-1 2-6 6-4 Ladies doubles: Caroline Moule and Wendy Edwards beat Marie Bruckshaw and Julia Nest 1-6 6-4 7-6 Men's singles: Kevin Durney beat Dave Mills 6-0 6-3 Men's doubles: postponed Mixed doubles: Marie Bruckshaw and Jonathan Parsons beat Caroline Moule and Seth Cunningham 7-5 6-1 Senior mixed doubles: Binkie Heather and Martyn Holliday beat Cathy Cudmore and Mike Lintern 6-2 6-2

The senior mixed doubles finalists

Purnell captain Colin Toogood receives the Mike Bowell Cup from committee members Trevor Francis and Bryn Hawkins

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Club flying high

MIDSOMER Norton RFC celebrated their re-accreditation by the Rugby Football Union by cementing their place at the top of their league.

Norton hosted rivals Wells in the South West 1 West match and came out 28-7 winners, making it six wins out of six as Mendip Times went to press.

Wells win a lineout in Norton’s territory.

The visitors piled on the pressure in the first half only to trail 21-7 at half-time

In memory of Ben

Norton (in red and white) on the attack

Somerset RFU chairman Steve Mead visited Norton to present the accreditation. Steve (centre) is pictured with club chairman Neil Denning (left) and club president Nigel Rowles

THEY walked, they ran, some cycled – more than 90 people took part in the fifth Mells 10k in aid of the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent and in memory of youngster Ben Crutchley.

The event is organised by his parents Nige and Su, who ran the event alongside friends and supporters around the village.

This year’s 10k raised more than £5,000 for the Bristolbased charity bringing the total to more than £50,000.

Nige Crutchley (left) with his friend and work colleague Marcus Campbell, who travelled from Dubai for the event Walkers line up before the start of their 10k

Runners set off from Mells Playing Field

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Violin star comes home

MILLIE Ashton can expect a warm homecoming when she plays at Yatton Music Society’s violin concert in St. Mary’s Church on November 24th – her grandparents used to run the Melhuish newsagents in the village.

She’s one of two outstanding musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama playing at the concert.

Millie was leader of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain culminating with a performance at the BBC Proms and recordings with Chandos Records.

While at the Guildhall she has freelanced with prestigious orchestras at many events including appearing on the X Factor with Paloma Faith and Matt Terry, Britain’s Got Talent with Alfie Boe and the Global Awards with Andrea Bocelli.

Her accompanist will be the talented award-winning pianist Jenny Clarke on well-known pieces by Brahms, Gershwin, Kreisler, Massenet, Paganini, Elgar and Monti.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, ticket prices £8 YMS members, £10 non-members including complimentary refreshments.

Details: www.yms.org.uk or contact David Ford 01934 830255 or e-mail david.ford@yms.org.uk

RAF celebration concert THE Mid-Somerset Branch of RAFA (Royal Air Forces Association) and the 1955 (City of Wells) RAF Air Cadet Squadron have announced the date of their annual concert and that tickets are now available.

The concert will take place on the evening of Wednesday, December 12th in the purpose-built concert hall at Millfield School, with seating for over 300 people. Organisers of this annual event are looking forward to high attendance this year as the country celebrates 100 years of the RAF with events nationally and locally. The concert is performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force and this year will be extra special as in addition to following the RAF100 theme, the concert will

Singing for Heroes

The choir during their concert in Frome

THE impressive medieval architecture of St John’s Church in Frome added to the wonderful atmosphere for a recent performance by the Jenny Peplow Singers to raise funds for Help for Heroes.

Since the choir was formed in 2011, the choir has performed all over the south west and raised £21,000 for charity. The Frome concert raised more than £700 for Help for Heroes.

Singing in three- and four-part harmonies, the choir’s diverse repertoire includes songs by Aerosmith, Carly Simon and Christina Perri, as well as music from shows including The Greatest Showman. ● The choir’s next fundraising concert in on Saturday, December 1st at 2.30pm in the chapel of St Joseph’s Home in Bristol. They will also be performing at Treefest in St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol on Saturday, December 8th.

For details, find them on Facebook or visit: www.jennypeplowsingers.com

celebrate the special linkage to the composer Rutland Boughton who was the band master of the RAF (Central) Band at its inception in 1918 and who founded and directed the original Glastonbury Festivals from 1914 to 1927. The concert will feature a specially commissioned arrangement by Thomas Hewitt Jones (2003 BBC Young Composer of the Year) of Boughton’s March of the British – truly a world-first!

With the traditional mix of military, film and classical music combined with some fun festive favourites, there will be something for everyone and this is seen by many as one of their traditional Christmas events.

The concert raises vital funds for RAFA and for local air cadet squadrons

in Wells, Shepton Mallet and Glastonbury to support some of the many activities undertaken by the young people who are members.

In addition, there is a collection at the end of the concert and in this special year for the RAF, the selected charity is the RAF 100 Appeal which is organised by the RAF and the four main RAF charities to support the RAF family and create a lasting legacy for the next 100 years.

Dick Whittingham, chair of the concert committee said: “This is a firm favourite in our calendar each year and with its special associations this year, we’re looking forward to welcoming both newcomers and regulars to enjoy the band and the venue as the RAF celebrates 100 years.”

Tickets are £16 each and available from Millfield Enterprises Office (01458 444320), Glastonbury Tourist Information Office (01458 832954) or online via https://raf-central-band.eventbrite.co.uk

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Thank you concert in Shepton Mallet

MUSIC & THEATRE

Mozart Players in Wells

The church choir was at the heart of the celebrations

A CHARITY which runs two complexes of alms houses in Shepton Mallet arranged a free concert to say thank you for the support it has achieved in raising more than £400,000 for a refurbishment project. Shepton Mallet United Charities has spent the past five years updating the properties in the town.

Guests at the concert included Ted Allen, deputy lieutenant of Somerset, former high sheriff Edward Bayntun-Coward, Wells MP James Heappey and Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, along with local councillors and community group representatives.

The evening at SS Peter and Paul Church raised £1,455 which will go towards the charity’s Founder’s Appeal to mark the 400th anniversary of the alms houses in 2027.

Folk band Hiraeth

Festival seeks support

THE organisers of the Wells Theatre Festival are looking for local volunteers with the skills and expertise needed to stage another successful festival in 2019.

Following its inaugural year, festival founders Ros and Neil Johnson are looking for a production assistant, fundraiser and sponsorship manager, stage manager and social media executive.

Ros said: “We managed to pull off an amazing festival with a very small team of professionals who volunteered their skills and expertise. It was hard work but I believe the success of the festival was largely due to the fact that we such a tight-knit team working closely together.

“This year we need more support in these four important roles. We all do this for free but the rewards are immense and

Jonathan Rose

THE London Mozart Players will perform at Wells Cathedral for the first time on November 10th, when Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society commemorates the end of WWI with the cantata For an Unknown Soldier by Jonathan Dove and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem.

Also performing in this special concert are the choristers of Wells Cathedral Choir, tenor Thomas Elwin and bass Henry Waddington. The conductor is Matthew Owens.

Dove’s piece was commissioned by the Portsmouth Grammar School to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the war and the school gave the first performance in 2014 with the London Mozart Players.

Dove said: "Facing the enormity of the First World War, I thought it wise not to attempt to say too much. I wanted to tell the story of just one man, an unknown soldier, as vividly as possible."

The composer, who will attend the performance, studied firsthand accounts of warfare then turned to the poetry of the time as concentrated text for his piece.

The concert is on Saturday, November 10th, 7pm.

Details: www.wcos.org.uk or contact Wells Cathedral Shop 01749 672773 email shop@wellscathedral.uk.net

Wells Theatre Festival team, Alex Holdaway, Louise Merrifield, Ros Johnson, Anna Dixon, Neil Johnson and Lin Dickens

our volunteer team get the chance to work with some of the most inspiring people in the business.”

Details: https://do-it.org/organisations/wells-theatre-festival

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A memorable concert

Pictured (l to r) Sarah Minns, Florence Lunnon and Richard Black

ST PAUL’S Church in Easton held a very successful autumn concert, featuring soprano Sarah Minns, who hails from the village, and Florence Lunnon, a new young talented singer, performing solo for the first time without her school’s involvement.

They were accompanied by Richard Black, an accomplished pianist who has worked for opera companies great and small in the UK. Both Sarah and Richard have performed for the BBC on numerous occasions. After rapturous applause from the audience, it was delightful to hear Sarah and Florence join to sing the Flower Duet by Delibes as an encore.

MUSIC & THEATRE

Soloist’s special night

THE Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band held their autumn concert at St Thomas’s Church in Wells after a very busy summer season.

Musical Director, Joanne Sykes, conducted a varied programme, centred around the theme of Reflect and Celebrate to commemorate not only the centenary year of the end of WWI but also of the formation of the Royal Air Force.

It was a special night for guest soloist Stephen Sykes, who less than two years ago was critically ill with late stage Hodgkins Lymphoma and barely able to lift his trombone let alone play it.

A rallying cry was put out to the world wide brass band community and vital funds were raised to pay for the special treatment needed to save his life. The concert was his first public performance since his illness struck and it did not disappoint.

The band will perform in St Thomas’s Church again on Saturday, December 8th, with their own take on popular seasonal favourites.

Details: msnrsb.org.uk

All set for another sell-out

TRAVELLING Wilburys tribute band The Unravelling Wilburys are to return to Wells after a sell-out concert last year. City of Wells Lions are again organising the concert at St Thomas Church on Friday, November 30th with proceeds going to the Royal British Legion. Lions president Paul Clegg said: "I believe we were the first to stage a concert in the recently-refurbished St Thomas Church and the venue was perfect.

"I was surprised that so many people didn’t pick up on the band name until I mentioned who the members were. Everyone recognises their classic songs.”

Tickets are available from Lions members, Just Ales, St Thomas Church, Just Ales, Wells Golf Club and online via www.cityofwellslions.org and Eventbrite (booking fee applies).

Choir’s annual concert

Cheddar Male Choir’s annual concert will be held on Saturday, November 3rd with soloist Francesca Bowkett at the Sidcot Meeting House, Oakridge Lane, Winscombe BS25 1PD. Practices are held on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Draycott Memorial Hall and new members are always welcome.

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Christmas at the Bishop’s Palace FOLLOWING the success of last year’s inaugural Christmas event at The Bishop’s Palace, in Wells, this December the palace will once again be celebrating the joy and magic of the season with a wonderful fortnight of festivities.

The historic rooms of the palace buildings will each be decorated in a different theme, with a roaring fire in a medieval setting and hand-made Victorian style decorations.

Many of the decorations will be sourced from the palace gardens, using seasonal greenery and foliage to enhance the natural aspect of the embellishments.

The stunning medieval fireplace in the entrance hall will greet visitors and there will be a range of different Christmas trees to be found around the palace, kindly supplied by Mendip Christmas Trees.

The interior of the palace will be illuminated and a family trail will take visitors on a path through the palace and gardens, leading to a traditional nativity scene at the end.

Each weekend from December 8th/9th Father Christmas will take up residence in

the Long Gallery, along with his wife Mother Christmas!

In addition, there will be Christmas carols in the chapel from a range of different local musicians, and Wells Theatre Company will return with A Christmas Carol with more actors, musicians and carol singers bringing the timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way, with costumed storytelling by the fire.

Mulled wine, mince pies and children’s

WHAT’S ON

drinks will be on sale and there will be special family Christmas craft sessions at intervals throughout the weekends, including the chance to make some beautiful Christmas decorations.

On the first weekend of the event, December 7th-9th, the “Deck the Halls” winter flower festival will be staged by the NAFAS South West Area, with hands-on floristry sessions, festival floral displays and the chance to see some truly amazing arrangements in this wonderful setting.

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Shipham

SHIPHAM Christmas Market at the village hall, will feature local artisans and craftspeople, who'll be selling everything from handmade chutney to tasty fudge, unique jewellery to foodie gifts, and hand-picked wine to gorgeous homewares.

All money raised goes to Shipham First School and PreSchool.

Reindeer Parade returns

PREPARATIONS are underway for the 12th Wells Rotary Reindeer Parade, taking place on Sunday, December 9th.

The day will be opened at 10.50am by the mayor of Wells and the president of Christmas is coming – and so is the Wells Rotary Club. The Wells Reindeer Parade procession itself will begin at midday. Before and after the parade there will be music by bands and choirs plus rides and other entertainment in Wells Market Square. Last year’s parade raised £2,500 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

A beast of a fundraiser

Starts Friday 2nd November Starts Friday 9th November

Starts Friday 16th November

Starts Friday 23rd November EVENT CINEMA FOR NOVEMBER

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD NOW SHOWING: Nutcracker and the Four Realms 3D/2D The Grinch 3D/2D • Peterloo (12A) Fantastic Beast 2 3D/2D Robin Hood (12A) • Nativity Rocks La Bayadere 13th 7.15pm Troilus & Cressida 14th 7pm

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

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MENDIP charity Youth With A Future is holding a fundraising film premiere in Wells in November – and wants the audience to go along dressed as film characters.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, will be screened at Wells Film Centre on Saturday, November 17th.

YWAF is encouraging people to go along dressed as their favourite Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts character (optional, of course) and there will be a prize for the best costume.

YWAF helps to support young people aged 16-25 living in the Mendip area who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and primarily works alongside Mendip YMCA. It can provide a moving-in grant of up to £80 for each young person moving into rooms in the YMCA-supported housing schemes or their own flats to buy essentials such as cooking equipment, bedding and crockery. These items are their own to take with them when they move into more permanent accommodation later on.

YWAF also supports young people who have had a difficult start in life with grants to support their education, training and employment opportunities. ● Tickets are £12.50 and include a glass of wine or a soft drink. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. To reserve a ticket, like the YWAF Somerset Facebook page and private message them, email them through their website www.ywaf.org.uk or buy tickets at Wells Film Centre.

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Sea dragons in Street

THE Alfred Gillett Trust are hosting a free pop-up exhibition of fossilised ichthyosaurs found in Street during half-term, October 29th to November 3rd, with a selection of “roarsome” kids activities taking place throughout the week.

Known as “sea dragons”, ichthyosaurs were dolphin-like marine reptiles which swam in the warm seas which covered Somerset around 200 million years ago. Street is known internationally for the quality and quantity of the fossils found in the local Blue Lias rock.

The fossils were found in local quarries in the 19th century by Alfred Gillett, a cousin of the founders of Clarks the shoemakers. First displayed in Glastonbury Town Hall in 1880, the fossils were soon moved into a purpose-built geological museum in Crispin Hall in Street, which was opened in 1887.

The fossils were taken off public display in 1978 when they were moved into storage for conservation. Now the trust is opening up the collection to give locals and visitors another chance to come face-to-face with the famed sea dragons.

The exhibition is open to the public throughout half-term from 10am to 5pm at The Grange. Entrance is free, but donations towards the care and future display of the fossils would be gratefully received.

WHAT’S ON

Glastonbury museum wins awards

THE successful redevelopment of Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury has been recognised with two awards.

The museum re-opened in June 2017 following extensive redevelopment led by the South West Heritage Trust. The project included the conservation and adaptation of the buildings, the creation of a new community learning space and the redisplay of the galleries to tell the story of Somerset’s rich rural past.

Now SRLM has received the William Stanstell Historic Building Award from Somerset Building Preservation Trust.

The award praised the “excellent use of materials and workmanship” and added that “the new spaces and the new buildings are beautifully designed and detailed to enhance the setting of the 14th century barn.”

Earlier in the year, the museum received a regional award for Best Educational Building from the Local Authority Building Control. The museum will go forward to the national LABC awards in November.

Building work was undertaken by Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd and the architect was Robert Battersby of Architecton Ltd. For more information about visiting the Museum visit: www.srlm.org.uk

Details: www.alfredgilletttrust.org or call 01458 444060

OCTOBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION AND WINNER

ACROSS: 1 Maes, 4 Love affair, 9 Zodiac, 10 Literacy, 11 Norton Malreward, 12 Time Team, 15 Tare, 18 RSPB, 19 Oklahoma, 21 Impressionistic, 25 Troubles, 26 Onside, 27 Carhampton, 28 Ears.

DOWN: 2 Apologies, 3 Skirt, 4 Licensed, 5 Villa, 6 Actors, 7 Firewitch, 8 Incur, 13 Emborough, 14 Moo, 16 Remainder, 17 Clandown, 20 Asylum, 22 Maria, 23 Inset, 24 Susie.

The first name to be drawn out of the hat was: Ms Imogen Crees, of Glastonbury, who wins a £10 voucher for The George at Croscombe.

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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.

Until Saturday November 24th Black Swan Arts Open Exhibition. The Open is an annual competition that welcomes entries of original works from established practitioners and emerging artists of all professions and disciplines: www.blackswanarts.org.uk Thursday October 25th Chew Valley Wildlife Group: Forest Gardening. Talk

by Rob Handy covering permaculture, perennial veg & self-sufficiency, 7.45pm, Chew Magna Old School Room. £2.50. Wildlife group also seeking support for a jumble sale in January: Claire 01761 463294.

Bodies of Water: talks, demonstration, sound installations & film by Helen Ottaway & Melanie Thompson. Silk Mill Gallery, Merchant's Barton, Saxonvale, Frome, BA11 1PT. 7.30 pm. Admission £7.

St. Peter’s Church, Draycott, Malcolm Archer plays the first concert on the newly refurbished organ, 7.30pm, free admission, retiring collection.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Ham, Harridge Wood. Start 10am Stoke St Michael car park Frog Lane BA3 5LJ. ST661471 Contact: Jane 01761 232715.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 7m from Nunney. Ex142 ST735457. Start 1.30pm Quarry CP. Contact Cheryl: 07818 462949 or cheryl.evans100@btinternet.com Friday October 26th and Sunday October 27th History & Heritage on The Levels, 11am-5pm Othery Village Hall, TA7 0QU. Entry Free.

Contributions to this exhibition from several local history societies. Fri 7pm talk by Janet Few, “Witchcraft in the 17th Century”. www.otheryvillagehall.org.uk Saturday October 27th “Dastardly Dragon” trail opens for half-term at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Collect the trail clues at the shop to explore the palace and gardens.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, dvds, cds. talking books.

Mendip Society Walk from East Harptree. A moderate 5 miles. Meet 2pm car park East Harptree Woods on Smithams Hill BS40 6DA. Details: Clive 01275 848052 Old Tyme Music Hall, Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. In aid of "Hope For Tomorrow" Chemotherapy Unit Bus. Tickets £8 from R James 01934 742180 or M Thomas 01934 742057.

Family Halloween Disco, organised by Coleford Revival Group. Kids disco 6-8pm; Adults 8pmmidnight. Adults £4, children £2 from Nicola, 07841 198372 or Philip 0777 338907.

Wells SOUP. Enjoy lunch as four local charities tell you what they do and are each given a cheque. 1pm Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street/ Portway, Wells. Details: 07715 770454.

Organ Recital, Nicholas Tall alumnus Wells Cathedral School, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10 or £8 YMS members. www.yms.org.uk Trinity Singers “1918: Endings & Beginnings” music

by Elgar, Parry, Debussy, Stravinsky & Bernstein, 7.30pm, All Saints' Church, Wrington. Adults £10, accompanied U18s free: www.trinitysingers.co.uk Also on the door.

Halloween Howler! 3-6pm, Wedmore Village Hall.Tickets £4/child in advance from The Paper Shop. £5 on door. Adults free. Music, games, entertainment, food. Prize for best costume.

Sunday October 28th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Mendip Ring Circular: Burrington Combe, The Wrangle. Start PAGE 128 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018

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10am Burrington Combe top car park BS40 7TZ, ST489581. Contact: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023.

Burnham & Highbridge Band, Princess Theatre, Burnham, 7pm, with a selection of favourite pieces.

Tickets £7 (£6) from: 01278 784464. Details: www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk Monday October 29th Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening, St James Church Hall Winscombe, BS25 1AQ. 8pm-10pm £3pp.

Details: Pat 01934 742853.

“Make-it Monday” craft dragon-themed masks & tails, 10.30am-3pm, the Undercroft, Bishop’s Palace, Wells.

Monday October 29th to Saturday November 3rd “Sea Dragons of Street” Exhibition – a free halfterm special hosted by the Alfred Gillett Trust. Fossils of ichthyosaurs, dolphin-like reptiles that were found in local quarries in the 19th century. 10am to 5pm at The Grange, Farm Rd, Street NA16 0BQ. Details 01458 444060 or www.alfredgilletttrust.org Wednesday Oct 31st Harptrees History Society: three talks by members of the Society's Research Group. 7.30pm West Harptree Hall BS40 6EB members £1 visitors £3.

Details 01761 221758 or 221941.

Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting, 1.30pm, Backwell WI Hall. Talk by Gina MerrettSmith. Details Sheila: 01275 462107.

Thursday November 1st Winscombe & Sandford Remembers 'A Soldier in World War 1' a talk by David Cuthbert. 7pm All Saints Church, Sandford BS25 5NY. Details: William Du Croz 07960 697874.

Congresbury Gardening Club: How to increase mental agility through gardening by Steve Taylor 7.30pm Methodist Hall High Street. Visitors welcome.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Hadspen, Cole, Ansford. Start 10am Castle Cary free public car park nr fire station BA7 7EA, ST639322. Contact: Roger 07803 791414.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk10m from Mere. Ex143. ST814324. Start 10am. Park Salisbury Street CP. Contact Ken Masters 01749 670349/ 07784 941439 or kenmasters265@gmail.com Thursday November 1st and Friday November 2nd Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Showstoppers 2018" 7.30pm at The Assembly Rooms. Tickets £9.50 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Friday November 2nd “Nature Ninjas” create autumnal themed art & crafts in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. 11am3pm.

Redhill Club Open Mic Night, 8pm-11pm, hosted

by Jerry Blythe. Details: Jerry 07900 587646 for more information.

Saturday November 3rd Mendip Society Walk from Monkton Combe. A moderate 4½ miles to the Dundas Aqueduct, then along the Kennet & Avon to Limpley Stoke. Meet 11am Canal & River Trust CP, Brassknocker Basin BA2 7JD. Contact: Roger 01225 872777.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents "High Jinx Magic & Illusion Show" 2pm. Tickets £12.50, £10.50, £10 from 01373 46275. www.fmt.website Frome FSLS & Civic Society, town clerk Paul Wynne on the challenges facing Frome Town Council in 2018, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Jumble Sale 2pm Winscombe Community Centre, to support the local branch of Samaritans. If you have items for the sale please contact Mike 07393 613544, or bring from 10am.

WSM Sea Angling Club Beach Fishing competition 12.30 to 4pm. Proceeds to RNLI. Prizes £250/150/100 and prize table. Entry £12, juniors £6. Sign in Tropicana from10.30. Info: Vicky Izzard 07472 080290.

Coffee Morning for the Great Western Air

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Ambulance, 10-12noon, Methodist Hall, Congresbury.

Hosted by Congresbury Bowling Club.

Cheddar Male Voice Choir and soloist Francesca Bowkett, with songs from the musicals, spirituals etc.

7.30pm Sidcot Meeting House, BS25 1PD. Tickets £8 from Deane’s of Cheddar, choir members or on the door. Supporting local charities.

Shepton Mallet Rotary Club Fireworks display, West Shepton Playing Fields. Bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Advance tickets £4 adults; £2 ages 5-16 from Tesco, Haskins Retail Centre & TIC. On the night: £5 adults, 5-16s £3. Bar, food, coffee, candy floss.

Frome Fireworks display. Hosted by the three rotary clubs in Frome. Free. Old Showfield, behind Frome Medical Practice. Refreshments from 6.30pm.

Fireworks 7.30pm, accompanied by music.

Kingston Seymour Country Market 10am-12, Village Hall. Garden veg, quality meats, cards, cakes, plants, books, dvds, jigsaws, hand-made jewellery.

Details: 01934 830553.

Saturday November 3rd and Sunday November 4th Cam Valley Arts Trail, 11am-5pm. See page 34. www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk Mendip Christmas Fair. Over 40 stalls. Sat:10-5, Sun:10-3.30pm at the Aldwick Estate between Redhill & Wrington. Free parking. U16s free. www.mendipchristmasfair.org Monday November 5th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm. Non-members welcome.

Tuesday November 6th ‘Treasures of the Royal Collection’, talk by Oliver Everett, Librarian to the Royal Library Windsor, 11am Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN. www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome.

Contact 01934 862435.

Taizé: make time for an evening of chant & prayer 7.45pm Ammerdown Centre, Radstock BA3 5SW. No need to book, just turn up. Details 01761 433709 or Janet: 07376573093.

Thursday November 8th Mendip Society Talk: “Everest the Hard Way” by John Driskell, based on his book “Everest the Old Way” ie before trekking! 2.30pm, Wells & Mendip Museum BA5 2UE. Members £2, visitors welcome, £3.50. No need to book. Details: 01275 472797.

Winscombe & Sandford Remembers 'Stories from the Residents', St James's Church Hall, Winscombe BS25 1BA. Details: William Du Croz 07960 697874.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.8m walk East Pennard, Pylle. Start 10am Ditcheat, on the road nr the church and Harvester Yard BA4 6RB, ST625363.

Contact: Roger 07803 791414.

Charity Theatre trip 250 to "Jersey Boys", Bristol Hippodrome. Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or 01458 273085.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6m from Hinton Blewitt Ex141 ST594569. Start 12.30pm. Park opp. Ring O’Bells. Contact Hilary Stirling 07709 024033 or peter.stirling@me.com Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal: Congresbury War Memorial Hall will be open from 6-8pm for anyone who wishes to purchase RBL memorabilia before the close of the appeal on November 10th.

Friday November 9th “Stony Broke in No-Man’s Land” folk music, readings, images remembering WW1 and the lives of local people. The Hotwells Howlers, 8pm Old Down Inn, Emborough BA3 4SA. Entry free. Collection for the Red Cross: www.thehotwellshowlers.com Valley Arts: In the Company of Giants, BAFTA award-winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan.

7.30pm Chew Valley School, BS40 8QB. Tickets: £12 www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Christmas Market; unusual gifts, 11am –2.30 Beckington Memorial Hall. Teas, soup & cheese.

Support for St George’s Church.

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Saturday November 10th Mendip Society Walk from Meare. An easy 4 miles around Meare past the Abbot’s Fish House. Meet 1pm car park, Muddy Lane, BA6 9SL. Details: Terry 01749 679128.

The Remi Harris Trio play finest gypsy jazz and more, Cossington Village Hall TA6 7JN. Seats £10: Roger Collett 01278 451187. Supporting Bridgwater League of Friends.

Families for Children Trust Information Session for potential adopters. Adoption agency especially for older children, sibling groups & children with disabilities, rated outstanding by Ofsted. 10pm-12, Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster TA19 9PT. Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society & London Mozart Players present a WWI commemoration concert with new work by Jonathan Dove, For an Unknown Soldier, and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. 7pm. Tickets: www.wcos.org.uk or 01749 672773.

Cheddar Vale Lions Christmas Fair, 10am-2pm Cheddar village hall. Free entrance, numerous stalls, refreshments, children’s games – and Father Christmas! Please call 0845 833 7402 if you wish to hire a stall.

Redhill Club Quiz Night Teams (max 6) or individuals. £1pp. 8pm start. Cash prize for highest score. Refreshments during break. BS40 5SG. Tel: 01934 862619.

Congresbury Singers present “Everyone Sang”, 7.30pm The Old School Rooms. Tickets £8, inc. refreshments from Post Office. Retiring collection for Royal British Legion.

Valley Arts: Monkey Trousers Theatre – interactive storytelling adventures with two shows – Mr Gotalot’s shop for ages 1-5 & Dice Tails for 4-11yrs. 10am & 11.30am Old School Room, Chew Magna BS40 8SH. www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Cantiamo Acapella accompanied by flute and piano: “Music of Mystery, Meditation & Majesty”. A concert of music from 16th century to the present. 7.30pm, All Saints Church, Wrington. Tickets £10 from 01934 861294. In aid of the organ restoration.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds.

Ubley Craft & Gift Fair 10am-4pm Ubley Parish Hall, BS40 6PN. Many craft & gift stalls, teas, cakes and light lunches. To book a stall contact Sarah Isom 07714 040008 ubleyhallevent@gmail.com Willberry’s Christmas Fair 10.30-3.30pm Standerwick Suite, Frome, BA11 2QB. Santa’s Grotto, stalls, kid’s corner, refreshments. Adults £2, 516s £1. www.willberrywonderpony.org Redhill Club Quiz Night, 8pm start. Details: 01934 862619.

Timsbury Hub Preview morning 10am–12, YMCA Building, North Road, Timsbury. Come and see our Hub and B&NES Library. Details: hub@timsbury.org.uk Sunday November 11th Mendip Ramblers moderate 9.5m Mendip Ring Circular: Rodney Stoke, Lodge Hill, Knowled Bridge.

Start 10am Westbury sub Mendip, Station Rd BA5 1ES, ST500484. Contact: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023.

Meningitis Now Nearly New Sale: good quality baby & children's clothes, equipment & toys, 23.30pm Ubley Village Hall, BS40 6PN. Refreshments available. Details: Kate 01761 221444.

Monday November 12th “Living with Water – Histories of Flooding in Somerset” a talk by Dr Steve Poole for Nailsea & District Local History Society, 7.45pm, Nailsea School. Single evening £2. www.ndlhs.org.uk Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10pm St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. £3pp. Details Pat 01934 742853.

Tuesday November 13th Clevedon Art Club presents “Textiles in pastel” Sophie Ploeg. 7.30pm Clevedon School 6th Form

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Centre Valley Road BS21 6AH. Non-members £3.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club ‘Television Tales’, talk

by Tim Hooper, 2.30-4pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday November 14th Kilmersdon Gardeners, talk by Mark Bullen “Fungi in Fact & Fiction” 7.30pm Village Hall, BA3 5TD. Details: 01761 233325. Visitors welcome, £2.

Wells Civic Society “The smells of Wells, waterways past, present and future” Sarah Villiers & Plastic Free Wells, with Tom Ronan. Wells & Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk “No Petticoats Here" folk singer Louise Jordan telling the stories of women in WW1, 8pm St James’ Hall, Winscombe. Tickets £12 from James Barratini: winscombe.folk@gmail.com or 07703 538861.

Proceeds to RNLI & RBL. Nailsea Horticultural Society AGM, followed by wine & cheese social evening, 7.30pm. Nailsea United Reformed Church Hall.

Thursday November 15th Mendip Ramblers mod 6.5m Tour of the Tor. Start 10am Bretenoux Rd (nr Chalice Way) BA6 8DZ, ST505381. Contact: Margaret P 01761 232042/07910 873853.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10m from Hestercombe. Ex140. ST240288. Start 10am.

Park @ Hestercombe. Contact Vi Howley 07711 662 993 or vihowley@me.com Friday November 16th RNLI Chew Valley’s Curry Lunch, Ubley Parish Hall. 12 for 12.30. Tickets £15, book early: Keith Williams 01275 332221 or keithjoanwill@gmail.com Valley Arts: Dragonbird Theatre Get Ready to Play!

Interactive theatre for children aged 0-5. Watch a short performance then step into the story and help create its magical world! 10am & 11.15am Bishop Sutton Village Hall, BS39 5XJ. £5 from www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Valley Arts: Living Spit – Giants of Science – comedy Scien-triffic! 8pm Ubley Parish Hall, BS40 6PN. Tickets £13/£10 – website above.

Wedmore Charity Quiz 7pm village hall. Teams of 4 invited to raise funds for local Samaritans. Booking essential. Tickets £15pp, include food, from 01934 713392, davidwdcole@gmail.com or Wedmore Village Stores. Licensed bar.

West Mendip Orchestra concert, 7.45pm Churchill Academy, Mozart Magic Flute Overture, Paganini Violin Concerto, Beethoven 6th Symphony, tickets £10.

Saturday November 17th Mendip Society Walk from Cheddar Reservoir. A hard 4 to 5 miles with hills. Meet 1.30pm car park Cheddar Reservoir, Axbridge BS26 2DL. Details: Mary 01934 84378.

Christmas Fayre, 2-4pm Bucklegrove Holiday Park, Rodney Stoke. Supporting St Leonards Church.

The Redhill-billies Charity Evening at Redhill Club, BS40 5SG. 8pm. All money raised will go towards much needed improvements to the children's play area. Tel: 01934 862619.

Valley Arts: Tessa Bide – Strange New Space Family show for ages 4-11. What’s it like to be an outsider?

Physical theatre & puppetry with original music.11am & 2pm Chew Valley School drama studio, BS40 8QB. Tickets £8 / £6 www.valleyartscentre.co.uk Frome FSLS & Frome Civic Society, Colin Thomas – Slaughter No Remedy, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm.

Details: www.fsls.org.uk Christmas Craft Fair, 2-5pm Binegar Village Hall, BA3 4TR. Binegar & Gurney Slade community group, in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Details: 07982 867302 or www.facebook.com/bagsgroup2018 Carnival Bazaar with various stalls, United Reformed Church, High Street, Street, proceeds for church funds, 11am-2pm.

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Draycott Festive Craft Fair 10am to 2pm, Draycott Memorial Hall. Crafts & gift stalls. Refreshments & parking. Contact Claire: 07790 075327.

Monday November 19th “A Birding Journey through Spain” talk by Len Clark for Timsbury Natural History Group, 7.30pm at The Conygre Hall, Timsbury. Non-members welcome, £3.

Art & Craft Exhibition, sale, raffle, coffee, festive treats 10.30–12.30pm Wookey Hole Community Hall, BA5 1BB (bottom School Hill) in aid of Community Hall Funds.

Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm. Non-members welcome.

Tuesday November 20th Spoken Word Café Yatton Library, 10.30am -12.

Come to hear poems, share your favourite book.

Suggested donation £4; all welcome, disabled access.

Bats in Blagdon by Daniel Hargreaves. 7.30 -9.30pm Cheddar Catholic Church Hall, Cheddar, BS27 3HU. Wheelchair accessible, assistance dogs welcome.

Adults £2.50 at the door. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org Mary Yule, Form and Fortune: Fifty Years of British Sculpture. The Arts Society lecture, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ, 1100, free parking £6.

Detail: 01963 350132.

‘Junk & 30th birthday capers’ with DJ/ Collector Stewart Sheppard. Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild 2pm St John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Wednesday November 21st Charity Theatre trip to "Benidorm” – the cast of the TV series at Bristol Hippodrome. Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or 01458 273085.

Tuesday 20th November Spoken Word Café, Yatton Library, 10.30am -12.

Come to hear poems, share your favourite book.

Suggested donation £4; all welcome, disabled access.

Thursday November 22nd Mendip Society Talk ‘Amphibians & other inhabitants of Mendip Dew Ponds’ by John Dickson 7.30pm St. James’s Church Hall, Winscombe.

Members £2, Visitors welcome, £3.50. No need to book. Details: 01275 472797.

Mendip Ramblers mod 6.5m walk West Harptree & Compton Martin. Start 10am Herriotts Bridge BS40 6HW, ST571581. Contact: Gus 01749 840349/07840 926769.

West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk 6.5m from Nunney. Ex142 ST735457. Start 12.30pm Quarry CP. Contact Margaret Donkin 01373 462203/ 07543 696675 or margkdonkin@aol.com Fulmar – the flying dustbin, a talk by film maker & conservationist Richard Brock for Chew Valley Wildlife group on the effects of plastic. 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, Admission £2.50.

Friday November 23rd An evening with Tiggi Trethowen – Antiques Road Show and 25 years in film & TV. 7pm, St Peter’s Church Draycott. No charge; collection on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind & St Peter’s church.

Saturday November 24th Mendip Society Walk from Backwell. A mod 5.5 miles with good views. Meet 1.30pm Backwell Church, Church Lane BS48 3JJ. Details: Richard 01275 852786.

Christmas “Words & Music” 7.30pm Victoria Methodist Church, Weston BS23 1XY. £5 including mince pie & coffee after concert. Donations to Children’s Hospice South West. Details Tony: 01934 813530.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents "That'll Be the Day Christmas Show" 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Valley Arts: Wassail Theatre – Commotion in the Ocean – family show for ages 7+ exploring plastic pollution and how to make a difference. 11am Winford Primary School, BS40 8AD. Tickets: £8 / £6 www.valleyartscentre.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2018 • PAGE 129

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Seize the Day, with supporting band, 7.30pm Priddy Village Hall, BA5 3BE. Licensed Bar & food. Tickets £10 from 07585 308350, wrag456@gmail.com or on the door. Organised by Wells Refugee Action Group in aid of safepassage.org.uk: creating safe legal routes to sanctuary for young & vulnerable refugees.

Christmas Gifts & More 10am- 3pm St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury, BA2 0LG. Gifts, decorations, wreath making, jewellery, bric-a-brac. Heavenly coffee, soup-er lunch, afternoon tea.

Violin Recital, Millie Ashton accompanied by Jenny Clarke, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10 or £8 YMS members, details: www.yms.org.uk Nunney Makes Christmas Craft Market, 11am5pm, Nunney Village Hall. Quality handmade gifts, festive food, drink & music.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds.

Shipham Christmas Market, 3pm-7pm at the village hall, featuring local artisans and craftspeople, £1 for adults, free for children, all money raised goes to Shipham First School and Pre-School.

Saturday November 24th to Saturday December 1st An Exhibition of interesting work by a talented group, 10 – 4pm daily. Gordano Textile Artists at Gallery 65, High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AB. www.gordanotextileartists.co.uk Sunday November 25th Redhill Christmas Fair, 1pm-4pm, Redhill Club, BS40 5SG. Around 30 stalls of festive gifts for all. To book a stall contact 01934 862619 or Hazel: 01275 474973.

Mendip Ramblers mod 11m walk Croscombe, South Horrington, Pen Hill. Start 10am Wells, Ash Lane, where West Mendip Way crosses BA5 2LT,

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ST544463. Contact: Gus 01749 840349/07840 926769.

Redhill Hall/Club Christmas Fair, 1pm – 4pm, stalls, gifts, money raised will go towards the much needed improvements to the children's play area.

Details: 01934 862619.

Monday 26th November The Green Gardeners: a demonstration of willow weaving with Elaine Marks 7.30pm, Parish Rooms, Somerton. Refreshments. Visitors very welcome: £3.

Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10pm St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. £3pp. Details Pat 01934 742853.

Tuesday November 27th Birding in the Land of the Summer People. James Packer, Rarities Committee of Somerset Ornithological Society 7.30-9pm, Wells Museum BA5 2UE. Wheelchair accessible, assistance dogs welcome. Members £3, non-members £3.50 at the door. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org Wednesday November 28th An Evening with Margaret Drabble. Dame Margaret in conversation with Somerset Wildlife Trust’s President Stephen Moss, 7.30-10pm, Strode Theatre, Street BA16 0AB. Wheelchair accessible, assistance dogs welcome. £18.50. Booking essential: 01458 442846 or www.strodetheatre.org.uk Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, "Audio Technology" 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. There will be no meeting in December.

Harptrees History Society talk by Jim Ross 'France 1918; the British Victory' 7.30pm West Harptree Hall; BS40 6EB. Details 01761 221758 or 221941.

Thursday November 29th Charity Theatre trip to Swan Lake – English

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National Ballet, Bristol Hippodrome. Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or 01458 273085.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10.5m from Butleigh. Ex141 ST522337. Start 10am. Park on road nr post office. Contact Andrew Smallbone: 07581 568805 or andrewsmallbone@hotmail.com Westfield Christmas Lights switch on. 6.30pm at the living Christmas Tree, Elm Tree Avenue. Meet Santa and join in the carols with Westfield Primary School and Westfield Voices. Ffi: www.facebook.com/westfieldparishcouncil Light Up A Life Service for St Margaret’s Hospice, United Reformed Church, High Street, Street, 6pm.

Friday November 30th Faustus, Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, 8pm, doors open 7.30pm, £10. Details: Kay 01458 448694 or kaywilliamson46@hotmail.com Clevedon Lions Club Annual Christmas Tree of Light switched on at the Baptist Church, Queens Square, Clevedon, 11am. All are invited to place a star with the name of someone to remember: every Friday, Sat & Sun in December, 10am-12. Minimum donation £5.

Saturday December 1st St Andrews Blagdon Christmas Fair, 10.30 to 12.30 Blagdon village club. Entry £1.50 incl a drink and mince pie. All the usual attractions, including a visit from Father Christmas.

Churchill Music: The Story of Gilbert & Sullivan plus canapés. 7.30-10pm St. John the Baptist Church, BS25 5QW. Tickets: £12 Churchill Music Champions; £16 Non-Champions, U18’s £4 from www.churchillmusic.org.uk 01934 852589 or info@churchillmusic.org.uk Chew Magna Christmas Fair – see page 54.

Abbey shortlisted for national honours

THE shortlist for the prestigious National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2018 has been announced and the team at Glastonbury Abbey are in two of the categories.

The 15th annual convention and awards dinner will be held in the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms in Bath on Wednesday, November 21st. The abbey is on the shortlist for best new event and public relations campaign.

Susan Tanner, NOEA’s chief executive, said: “This year saw an increase in detailed entries, many deserving to be a finalist.

Consequently, our judges had a hard job to decide on the three or four shortlisted in each category today.”

Alistair Turner, head judge and managing director of Eight PR & Marketing, said: “The quality of entry was exceptional and the introduction of Best New Event produced some amazing applications. The strength of entries was excellent and seeing some events come back shows commitment to the awards.

“It is a huge achievement for those shortlisted today and we look forward to seeing who is named as winners in November.”

Joining Alistair on the judging panel were Andy McNicholl.

City Events Manager for Liverpool Council, and Sally Piggott, Head of Festivals, UK for Eventbrite.

NOEA is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association fights the events industry’s corner with campaigns ranging from tackling police costs to calling for a ban on Chinese lanterns due to the danger to life, livestock and land.

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