Issue 6 - Volume 20 - Mendip Times

Welcome

THE weather’s been awful, though the Mendip Ploughing Match managed to ignore the rain – and there were heartfelt thanks to Jim King, who has stepped down after 57 years as secretary.

The weather is affecting farmers –Nick Green reports on the closure of dairy farms which are struggling to bring in a flooded maize crop.

On a brighter note, it’s carnival time! We have photos this month from Axbridge, Frome and Castle Cary, with a preview of the Guy Fawkes series to come.

We hear about villagers in Barrow Gurney who are trying to save their village pub and meet a 16-year-old hoping to win her second world dance medal.

An important new link has been added to the Strawberry Line path near Shepton Mallet. We have the first of our festive features with a Focus on Chew Valley –and a special report on the Witham Friary conker championships.

We welcome our new riding expert, Lucy Counsell, and thank all of our regular contributors for their support. You will see that some of them have books being published before Christmas!

December 2024 deadline:

Friday 15th November

Published: Tuesday 26th November

Editorial:

Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk

Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk

Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk

Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk

What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk

Publisher: Mendip Times Limited

Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG

Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone: 01761 463888 or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk

Design and origination

Galhampton Shop &

Country Store

Animal Feeds and Bedding

Timber Supplies

Tools | Hardware | Gardening

Workwear | Logs and Gas

Local Food | Home Essentials

Open 7 days a week

Mon-Sat 7.30am – 5.30pm | Sun 10am – 4pm sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk • 01963 440464

Family-run, rural country store on A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford

Fir Tree Business Park, High Road, Galhampton, Somerset, BA22 7BH

And introducing our neighbours:

Come and visit our café for breakfast, lunch, sandwiches . . . or tea, coffee and cake. Open seven days a week for takeaways or dine in.

Tel: 01963 401230

Sophisticated, elegant, opulent. Weddings, funerals, events or custom flowers for any occasion. Email: sales@juliamoorefloraldesigns.co.uk

Tel: 07538 072279

World heritage bid

GLASTONBURYTown Council is investigating whether the town might qualify for UNESCO World Heritage status.

It’s embarking on a series of public consultation exercises that will take place over the next two years.

It says Glastonbury has always been a centre of pilgrimage and the council has decided to pursue a status equal to that of the UK World Heritage Sites of Canterbury, Durham, and Fountains Abbey.

Cllr Jon Cousins, chair of the Glastonbury World Heritage Status Committee, said: “I am delighted that our council is prepared to take this positive step on behalf of all the residents of Glastonbury.

“It is vital that we have strong community support for this initiative over the next few years, so all local people and stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment and be consulted on the emerging proposals concerning World Heritage status.”

The council has appointed consultants to explore routes leading to greater recognition, both nationally and internationally, for the town’s cultural heritage.

Special status awarded to cemetery and chapel

VOLUNTEERS who care for the former Mendip Hospital cemetery on the edge of Wells have welcomed the announcement that it has been recognised for its special historic interest.

Built for the Somerset and Bath County Asylum in 1878, the cemetery has been designated a Grade II registered park and garden by Historic England, and the mortuary chapel has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

Mendip Hospital is one of just four Victorian asylums in south-west England to have its own cemetery, only two of which also include a mortuary chapel. Opened in 1874, the last interment took place in 1962.

Clare Blackmore, vice-chair of the Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery, said: "It is wonderful that this unique, beautiful historic three-acre site with its mortuary chapel has been recognised by Historic England.

“The site is the last resting place of nearly 3,000 souls from the Somerset and Bath County Pauper Asylum/ Wells Mental Hospital/Mendip Hospital who, after tragic and troubled lives, now rest in peace in this wonderful place and Historic England will help us to ensure we can preserve the past, present and future with the respect they and their cemetery deserve.”

Centenary celebrations in Frome

Lady Dodd (second left) with (l to r) trust president Humphrey Barnes, patron Sarah-Jane Bungay and Richard Lines

ANNE, Lady Dodd, the widow of showbusiness legend Sir Ken Dodd, was the guest of honour at a ceremony to mark the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone to what is now Frome Memorial Theatre.

The theatre was built as a memorial hall by volunteers as a tribute to those who died in the First World War. The original foundation stone was laid by the Marquess of Bath. Lady Dodd said: “I was delighted and honoured to be asked to unveil the plaque commemorating the centenary of the Memorial Theatre at which Ken and I enjoyed performing on several occasions.”

l An exhibition highlighting the museum’s history is on show at Frome Museum until November 11th.

Chew Valley Hoard

AN unprecedented hoard of coins – known as the Chew Valley Hoard – from the time of the Norman Conquest, has been acquired for the nation by the South West Heritage Trust.

It consists of 2,584 silver pennies from the period c. 106668, likely buried for safekeeping in the turmoil of the Conquest. The hoard has been valued at £4.3 million making it the highest value treasure find ever.

The hoard was discovered in 2019 by seven finders while metal detecting in the Chew Valley area. They reported the find via the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, which records archaeological finds made by the public and also handles the local reporting of Treasure finds.

From November 26th, coins from the hoard will go on display at the British Museum. They will later be displayed at museums across the UK, including in Bath, before finding a permanent home at the Museum of Somerset.

The Chew Valley Hoard comprises 2,584 silver coins and was probably buried in 1067/8. The earliest coins date to 1066 and the latest to around 1068.

The chapel has been granted Grade II status

Help build the path to Frome!

FROME’SMissing Links, a local charity run by volunteers that aims to create new, safe, off-road paths to connect Frome with surrounding areas, is looking for help to finish a 1.3km section of path near Great Elm.

The charity has just launched a crowdfunder to raise £20,000, which will unlock more funding from a generous private donor and Sustrans (the sustainable travel organisation) amounting to £100,000 in total.

All money raised will go towards putting a long-lasting Tarmac surface on Phase 2 of the “missing link”, which runs from Great Elm to Hapsford.

Thousands of hours of volunteer labour have been spent seeking permissions, clearing the route, in some places pulling out the old rails from the unused railtrack, putting down the base layers and planting and maintaining verges to protect it as an important wildlife corridor.

At present, it is a rough stony surface, not accessible to all. The charity received an initial generous pledge in the spring to match public donations to take the final step to lay Tarmac, as long as the work could be completed within 12 months. Now, with more funding pledged from Sustrans too, it says this feels very achievable.

The surface will allow all users to enjoy the path, as well as ensuring it remains usable throughout the year.

Richard Ackroyd, chair of Frome’s Missing Links said: “Please help – all donations, no matter how small, will help us to reach our target – and we simply can’t do it without public support.”

The appeal was launched at a sell-out talk by journalist, podcaster and author, Laura Laker, about her new book Potholes and Pavements at Frome Town Hall.

She said: “The Frome to Radstock link is now even more tantalisingly close to completion. I urge you to support Frome’s Missing Links campaign to see it happen.”

Surfacing Phase 2 – a Community crowdfunding project in Frome by Frome’s Missing Links (crowdfunder.co.uk) Frome’s Missing Links –(fromesmissinglinks.org.uk)

Funds open for community and environmental grants

THEMendip Hills Fund is open for applications until December 2nd for grants of up to £2,000 to support community and voluntary groups.

They will need to: Help their local wildlife; get their community involved in a project; support social and economic initiatives like improving community facilities; or support the start-up of social enterprises, e.g. local food initiatives.

The grants are available for projects in the Mendip Hills National Landscape area, through east Mendip to Frome. Last year the fund was able to award £12,450 to nine different projects.

Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills National Landscape Manager said: “It’s more important than ever to help nature across the Mendip Hills but funds can also be awarded for projects that help people in the area as well.

“Recently the fund helped scout groups, two art projects and gave opportunities for isolated people to help with conservation work, so a little bit of money can really help create strong community networks.

“The fund has really loyal contributors and we thank them for

their continued support. Recent contributions have been strong and we are able to open the fund in a good position.”

The fund is supported by “visitor-giving” schemes with local campsites, outdoor activity centres and event organisers making a donation in collaboration with Somerset Community Foundation.

To apply: Mendip Hills Fund –Somerset Community Foundation (somersetcf.org.uk)

New path at Great Elm

Treasures of nature

ENTRIES are now open for the 2025 Shepton Snowdrop Festival photography and poetry competitions, ahead of February’s celebrations of the plant.

The theme is Treasures of Nature and festival organisers are hoping to see an even stronger local and global response than ever to their call for entries. In 2024 both competitions saw yet another great number of photography and poetry submissions from all over the world, from Bangladesh to Belgium, from China to Croatia, from Ukraine to the United Arab Emirates, and from Serbia to Shepton Mallet; poems were entered from 43 countries worldwide and photographs from 28.

The annual festival celebrates the life and

Staff from British Solar Renewables joined festival organisers to plant 5,000 bulbs in the town’s Collett Park, bringing the total planted since the festival launched to around 500,000

work of James Allen, the first person to breed snowdrops from the wild, who was born just outside Shepton Mallet in 1830 and lived all his life in the town. The 2005 festival runs from February 20th to 22nd.

The competitions are open to all ages, from children through to adults. Each competition has three age categories: 18 and over, 12-17 –£100; and age 11 and under. Closing dates for the competitions are Monday, January 6th for poetry and Monday, January 20th for photography.

For details, visit: https://www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk/competitions/

A difficult year for swifts

SWIFTSare sociable birds, living in colonies. A group, flying together, is known as a “screaming party” and it was once one of the most familiar summer sights and sounds around our villages, earning themselves a precious place in our hearts.

Sometimes they will seemingly coalesce, flying low in a tight ball like a Red Arrows formation, screaming together as they cut through the air.

How many people noticed swifts in our skies this year? Spring, when they were migrating to us late April, early May, was beset with cold, adverse winds and at times torrential rain, causing them difficulties and delays making headway out of Africa. Many did make it, however.

Then tough conditions prevailed until, in July, nearing the end of their stay in our country, the weather improved and the insect population increased. Some young swifts died and some eggs didn’t hatch.

With later breeding and less insects around, some took longer to mature and some adults were observed looking for insects longer each day, many over our lakes. Despite this many young fledged.

Bristol swift expert, Mark Glanville, recorded 20 successful fledgings this year (it was 33 in 2023). Amazingly he caught on camera an adult swift that stayed behind after the others had left as the last youngster in its nest had not yet fledged.

On August 16th it flew in, with a bulging crop of insects (a bolus) for the youngster. Looking around the nest though, it was empty. Its offspring had just fledged and was already winging its way towards Africa. The adult ate the insects instead and left the nest for the last time that day.

There were successes: Swifts on a number of occasions flew low around a local box near Chew Valley Lake, looking very much as if they might be prospecting for nest sites next year. This bodes well for the future.

Owners had their swift calls going manually for part of each day during the season (late April to end July) and when they became aware of increased swift activity nearby muted their swift call system. This has worked well for many trying to attract them for the first time.

It is more difficult for birds to locate possible nest boxes without swift call systems; however, this can happen, especially when a colony is beginning to discover a new site.

Swifts rely almost entirely on our homes to nest. Unfortunately these days people seal their houses up, denying them access to the little cracks and crannies they naturally breed in. Many people in Britain, however, are helping establish new colonies to bring them hopefully, in time, off the list of endangered species.

Swifts are free spirits travelling huge distances, they are wild and cannot be tamed. There is no guarantee that they will accept our nesting options. If occasionally we forget to play swift calls, no matter, we can approach this goal with a light heart and a “what will be will be” attitude, happy in the thought that we are doing what we can to help a creature that has for centuries been our close summer companion.

Success brings jubilation, and when we don’t succeed there is always another year for nesting boxes to come to life. Hopefully for man and beast next year’s weather will be more clement!

ANNE-MARIE MORRIS

Last year’s winner in the age 12-17 category: ‘Group flight’ by Maksymilian Paczkowsk, Poland

Seeds and growing them

THEREis something so exciting about sowing seeds and then waiting with anticipation and, yes, wonder, until the first tiny green shoots push their way through the soil. After a long life I still feel the same way – to think that a plant has flowered and produced its own seed to ensure a new generation.

Some seeds such as poppies are so tiny but they, like all seeds, contain a miniature plant (embryo) together with nutrients to feed the embryo before roots begin their work. Surrounding the whole seed is a protective case.

It is even more rewarding to collect seed from your own plants including vegetables and wildflowers. This article looks at seed saving, though not berries or nuts I’m afraid.

There are advantages to saving your own seed. Certainly, it is cheaper and not just the packet cost but also it is more environmentally friendly – saving travel costs, pollution and growing plants in heated greenhouses.

Seed swapping with friends can increase your range of plants too and be fun. My local market has a seed and plant swap table.

It is best to collect seeds in the morning on a dry and possibly sunny day. Seeds are ready a month or two after flowering when they are beginning to turn brown and the seed cases are beginning to crack open.

Leave some to self-seed or as food for wildlife whilst others may look attractive in winter frost or even as indoor Christmas decorations. Teasels and phlomis are examples.

Always collect seeds in a paper bag. Either cut off separate seeds or whole stalks and shake them into the bag to loosen the seeds. Don’t forget to label the bags with variety, date and where collected.

It is very important to dry the seeds thoroughly so tip them into saucers, or similar containers on a windowsill, greenhouse or other suitable place. It may take a week or so to dry the seeds.

this is hard with tiny seeds like foxglove. Once in envelopes store the seeds in a cool, dark and dry place in an airtight container until ready to sow which may be in autumn or spring depending on the variety and some experimentation.

Google is helpful on this. Some annuals such as cornflowers and marigolds can be sown early to get a head start but keep them frost free. Ammi visnaga likes to be sown early too.

The variety of seeds available commercially is relatively small now since they must all be tested and licensed with a passport so just the most popular plants are sold. Thus, older varieties are no longer available. Garden Organic based at Ryton near Coventry keeps a Heritage Seed Library (gardenorganic.org.uk).

You may become a member and then will be sent a list of “old” varieties available or you may send in examples of your own to protect our seed diversity for the future.

When the seeds are dry store them in paper envelopes such as old wage packets. It is possible to buy envelopes especially for storing seed or an ordinary envelope will do. Do not forget LABELS.

Try to ensure that any chaff is removed though

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure back-up facility for the world's crop diversity on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic. The underground British seed bank is the Millennium Seed Bank in Sussex containing over 2.4 billion seeds.

Recently I have been collecting wildflower seeds to plant them into a border. They are so loved by pollinators and attractive too. Examples are evening primrose (attracts smell moths at night), nettle leaved bell flower, corncockle, ragged robin, knapweed and scarlet pimpernel.

Herbs also grow well from home seed. Their strong aroma may deter predators from vegetables. Examples are fennel, oregano, thyme and sage but any plant is worth a try to see if you can persuade it to grow from seed. You may feel very satisfied at your “skills”.

DIANA REDFERN

Evening primrose

Work in progress

Dairy farms under threat

I LOVEharvest festivals, harvest suppers, harvest services and everything associated with them. I suppose it’s my way of celebrating the past year’s work and what we have achieved. This year wasn’t the best of harvests but at least we had something in the grain store. This year, I had the pleasure of attending the Farmers Club harvest service in their parish church of St Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square, London.

It doesn’t matter whether the service is in the village church, school hall or the likes of St Martin in the Fields, the hymns are the same, produce is offered in celebration, the address is similar and it makes me reflect on what has been achieved.

The difference this year was I went on a train to get there rather than “drive down the road”. That was the celebration of what was in store, the more pressing concern on my return was the maize in the field still to be harvested. We had one of the wettest Septembers on record and October has followed suit.

For those of us who grow maize expecting to harvest it in these two months it has been a headache. It's easy to think ona dry October day when the sun is shining, we should be out in the fields cutting it. But, and it’s a big but, one day of rain and it takes multiple dry days for the ground to dry sufficiently for forage harvesters and tractors and trailers to drive on it without damaging the soil structure and causing soil erosion.

It seems that rather than a one in ten-year occurrence this is becoming an annual event. It is making many maize growing farmers consider their options and give up growing maize. That’s the easy part of the decision.

The more taxing question is what do you replace such a good and relatively cheap source of energy with? There isn’t an easy answer. As with any business, economics plays a significant part in any decision and maize and milk production is no different.

I have written before that the majority of milk producers are price takers rather than price makers. Those dairy farmers have little influence on what price they are paid for their milk which makes a decision like giving up maize all the more difficult if their cost of production is likely to increase.

The ongoing financial challenge and climate change has led to two local dairy farmers deciding to pack up. They have been milking cows for decades and it will be a shame to see the last cows leave the farm but I don’t blame them. Until those selling our milk realise the real value of such a wholesome food this will keep happening all around the country.

With NICK GREEN

Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.

Flooded maize fields

Conference looks at the future of farming

THEspeaker line-up for LandAlive, being held at the Bath and West Showground on November 22nd and 23rd includes many of regenerative farming’s leading practitioners and pioneers.

The event will be showcasing the latest practice, innovations, services and support to help farmers future-proof their businesses and transition towards more environmentally sustainable and potentially more profitable ways of farming in line with new government subsidies.

Graham Harvey, LandAlive programme director, said: “We’ve got the best of regenerative farming expertise in one place with content tailored to the particular needs and interests of farmers in the South West.

“We’ll be looking at the nuts and bolts of regenerative farming practice, but also covering what’s new in soil science, technology, changing supply chain dynamics and, of course, the shifting subsidy landscape.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for farmers to get up-to-speed on the huge changes going on in farming. Paying attention to soil quality, rebuilding biodiversity and reducing dependence on chemical inputs is very much in the mainstream now.

“Given the bottom-line cost of inputs, and rising consumer

demand for healthy, ‘planet-friendly’ food, it’s simply good business sense to look at more nature-based solutions.”

With dairy and cattle for beef accounting for over 40% of total output from farming in the South West, regenerative approaches to pasture management will be a key focus for the event, drawing on evidence that grazing animals play an essential role in restoring soil fertility and biodiversity.

A related theme of the conference will be how to “weatherproof” farms, with farm advisor Niels Corfield leading a session on this with “Grassfed farmer” Silas Hedley-Lawrence. Corfield said: “Poor soil and pasture health is bringing systemic weaknesses to grazing operations. Our session will give farmers a better understanding of the causes of these issues and offer solutions that draw on first-hand experience as well as the latest soil and plant science.”

With plenty of delicious local food and drink, and lots of opportunities to socialise in between talks, organisers promise a “melting pot of ideas” and a valuable opportunity for peer-topeer learning: a vital opportunity for farmers to get up-to-speed on the significant changes going on in farming over the next few years.

The Mendip Mindbender

1 Famous rock music venue in Mendip Gorge – see 15 Across (10,5)

9 Arrange toe in gate (9)

10 Avoids runners (5)

11 Cream of Bristol perhaps? (6)

12 Birthplace of the Patron Saint of Animals (6)

15 Hymn by the Rev. Augustus Montague Toplady – see 1 Across (4,2,4)

17 Ornamental case for sewing equipment (4)

19 What a Lion might do (4)

20 Landmark between Jcts 21 & 22 of M5 (5,5)

22 Ministers of Religion (6)

23 Motor on but not going places (6)

28 Togetherness (5)

29 Lover deep in trouble gets to rebuild (9)

30 Type of fat or oil (15)

1 Relies on artist no end (5)

2 Scoundrel (5)

3 On the inside (8)

4 Popular type of rock not recognised by Geologist (4)

5 Supervising (10)

6 Golfing assistant (6)

7 Coffee (9)

8 Simple (4)

13 Scottish mountain range (10)

14 Medication for village on the Avon (4)

15 The Eternal City (4)

16 War leader gets place in Somerset (9)

18 Daredevil without a parachute (8)

21 Goodbye (3,3)

24 Small landmass surrounded by water (5)

25 Opened wide (5)

26 Preacher’s podium losing IT connection is a work of fiction (4)

27 Modify (4)

This month’s solution can be found on page 88

By Fairlight Cryptic Clues are in italics

Walls for wildlife

THEMendip Hills boast over 400km of dry stone walls and every week our dedicated volunteer wallers rebuild and patch them. These walls serve as wildlife corridors, providing habitats for bryophytes, lichens, and rare plants like stonecrop and maidenhair spleenwort.

The walls also support different plant assemblages at their bases and are crucial for the adder, which uses them for travel, feeding, and hibernation.

Recent efforts at Cook’s Field, a Somerset Wildlife Trust site, where we have been helping, have focused on minimising the impact of wall rebuilding on wildlife. These changes have led to the return of plants and invertebrates and the discovery of adders at the site.

The southern face of the dry stone wall had slumped over the years. This had created a limestone and earthen bank which, in places, rose to cover over a third or more of the wall. This free draining, sunny bank was full of specialist plants, like wild thyme. It was also a really special place for ants and other invertebrates.

After a particularly long wet spell the impact to the ground by the rebuilding of the wall was high. A change in the process

was required. The changes we implemented were: only dismantling the wall to the level of the bank or just below and not removing the stone on the southern face.

Any stone that was extracted went to the northern side for storage until put back and foundation stones were not moved or exposed. It’s also standard practice for all stone with lichen on to be faced to the outside, moss is replaced, animal tunnels are installed to allow animals like badgers to pass through without the need to climb and disturb the top of the wall and voids are installed within the foundations for hibernation spaces.

The work of wallers is essential for conserving the Mendip Hills’ unique landscape and wildlife. Small changes in walling practices can significantly help these lifelines for wildlife.

Mendip Ploughing Match says thanks to Jim King

MENDIP Ploughing Society’s 154th annual competition was held at Green Ore Farm, despite the threat of heavy rain.

Chairman, Stuart Tibbs, made a presentation to Jim King, who has stepped down as secretary after 57 years. He has been made a vice-president.

A tribute in the show catalogue said: “On behalf of Mendip Ploughing Society committee, the ploughmen, hedgers, stone wallers and those connected to the ploughing society, we thank Jim for all he has done and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.” Judging the maize . .

the best way to judge forage

Peter Brock (left) from Tickenham was ploughing champion, while hedging winner, Paul Gulliford, from Backwell was named champion of champions

View across the site

Jim King (left) has stepped down after 57 years as secretary, handing over to Judith Ogborne. Chairman, Stuart Tibbs, made a presentation

The lunch team

These children enjoyed their day out

Mudlarks –some didn't mind the rain

Time for lunch

It was a wet end to the day

Start of the hedging, Alex Bown from Binegar

Caroline Taylor from Shepton Mallet

Nearly there

Axbridge Blackberry Carnival

Carnival royalty (l to r): Chair, Somerset Council, Mike Best, High sheriff, Rob Beckley, Axbridge mayor, Graham Page, Crewkerne mayor Alice Samuels, carnival queen Cora Parsons in red and princesses Rosie Julius and Rosie Polden

Start of the parade

Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, the Pagett family, from Axbridge, with Shaniya Laing far right

Glastonbury Dragon Drummers

Mrs B’s Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Strawberry Line (l to r): George Tyte, Wendy Kirk, Jean Pickering, Anne Langford, Fran Panter –and her dog Charlie

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

Warming flavours for chillier times

The clocks have gone back and carnival season is upon us, so here are some ideas for some economical dishes that will definitely warm you up on darker afternoons and evenings.

CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

These “steaks” work either as a side or as a veggie main course

These make a great side dish for a roast dinner, or I used them as a main for my vegetarian friend.

METHOD

Keeping the root intact, cut the cauliflower into one cm thick steaks and place on a baking tray. There will be loose bits of cauliflower that aren’t held together by the root but just push them together on the tray to the same size of the cut ones. Brush with oil and season and bake in the oven until tender, at 170˚C for 20 minutes. Divide the chutney and spread onto each one and then top with the grated cheese. Cook at 180˚C for a further 15 mins and serve.

INGREDIENTS

(Makes six)

One large cauliflower

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Jar of caramelised onion chutney

(or caramelise your own)

200g Gruyère cheese (grated)

SAUSAGE AND MUSHROOM COBBLER

In America they serve something called biscuits and gravy . . . which, to you and me, is scones served with white sausage gravy. Anyway, I’ve made a delicious British version!

METHOD

Put all the ingredients for the sausages into a baking tray and give a good mix, cover with foil and bake at 180˚C for 20 mins. Meanwhile make the scones. Cut into big rounds. Take the sausages out of the oven and then give the “gravy” a good mix. Return the sausages around the edges so they have a chance to brown.

Place as many scones as will fit in the middle (you can freeze any that don’t fit). Bake uncovered for a further 10 to 12 mins and serve each dish topped with a fried egg.

INGREDIENTS

(Serves three to four)

100g chopped onion

250g sliced onions

Six of your favourite sausages

Can of mushroom soup

Half the same can of milk mixed with one tsp cornflour

Plenty of salt and pepper

(For the cheese scones)

200g self-raising flour

100g butter

50g grated strong cheese

One tsp mixed herbs

Salt and pepper

100ml milk to bind

APPLE PUFFS

No-fuss apple puffs

I started out trying to make apple rings, but it was too fiddly for me, so I changed tack – and I thought they looked better!

METHOD

Cut apples into one cm thick circles and remove the core in each. Lay out your pastry and spread the curd (or your choice of filling) all over. Cut through pastry lengthways into eight strips. Wind each strip round the apples jam side down. Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle over the sugar. Bake at 180˚C for 12-15 mins until puffed and golden. If you like, decorate each with nuts. Ideal with a cup of tea!

INGREDIENTS

(Makes eight rings)

2 large apples cut into 1cm slices 1 packet puff pastry

Lemon curd (or jam or peanut butter etc.)

Caster sugar for sprinkling

Pick of the crop

FAMILIES took advantage of breaks in the wet October weather to enjoy time picking pumpkins and enjoying pumpkin-related fun on farmland at Godney.

It was the second year that Michael and Jenny Churches, of Godney Farm, had organised the event, planting thousands of pumpkins of all shapes and varieties. The couple also run the Glastonbury Wedding and Events venue next to the farm.

Leftover pumpkins went to Clarks Village in Street.

NEW BOOK OUT NOW!

Have you ever wanted to forage for wild food and edible mushrooms? Have you ever wanted to find food for free? Do you want to connect with Nature, her seasons and experience something new?

Adrian Boots, Landscape Ecologist and Wild Food Expert guides you through the When, Where and What of foraging and how to easily and safely identify the Four F’s: Foliage, Flowers, Fruit and Fungi. How to safely pick and prepare foraged edibles, health and safety, legalities, conservation, recipe ideas and much more are covered to make your experience as fun as possible.

Packed with essential knowledge, this inspirational book is your doorway into the wonderful World of Wild Food & Mushroom foraging.

Ivy, Isabelle and Reggie who live nearby

Three generations together: Logan with his family

Which ones shall we choose?

WILD FOOD

Colourful palette

With ADRIAN BOOTS

IFyou were to ask me “what is one of my favourite things about autumn?” I would have to say that it is the change in colour. As the temperature drops, the evenings draw in and the leaves of trees begin their slow turn from green to yellow and orange, then red and finally to brown, it is the riotous contrast of colour that engages me most. And the mushrooms. Colour is a major factor in finding and identifying edible fungi too, so what are we looking for?

The place to start looking is on the large scale: we need a landscape with woods and trees so habitats such as woodland, heathland, scrubland and common land will do it.

Then within those habitats we need to look for the presence of birch trees wearing a bright autumnal dress of small yellow leaves. Then as we narrow our search down further we study the ground around the base of the birch tree – and if you are lucky you may find an orange cap cheerily peering back up at you.

Orange birch bolete (Leccinum versipelle) has a rounded cap 8 to 15cm with a dull orange surface overhanging the edge. The stem 10 to 20cm tall by 2 to 5cm wide is quite long, slightly swollen at the base with a dirty grey-white colour but importantly is covered in small almost woolly dark brown to black scales.

It almost looks like a covering of soot. The tubes (not gills) are a dull grey with a hint of yellow. The flesh when cut is whitish at first but then dulls to grey. It’s common and found from late summer through autumn.

Whilst looking for the orange cap of the orange birch bolete, don’t ignore its edible cousin the rather less colourful brown birch bolete. It too is found under birch and looks superficially similar but, you guessed it, has a brown cap. Pick both when they are young so that they are at their firmest.

Be aware of the poisonous red-capped fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) which also has an affinity for birch trees adding yet more to this colourful seasonal palette. For me there is no better way to enjoy autumn.

Avoid poisonous plants and fungi or those causing allergic reactions. Make sure you are 100% sure of your identification before eating any plant or fungi; avoid busy roadsides, dog walking areas, or places where chemicals may have been used. It is illegal to uproot or destroy any wild plant without landowner’s permission, but you can pick small quantities of leaves, nuts, fruit and fungi on public rights of way.

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist and expert forager running wild food forays, events and activities. Please visit: www.hedgerowcottage.co.uk for more information or email him at: hello@hedgerowcottage.co.uk

GARDEN FOOD

Broad beans

IThappens every year, but I still find it amazing how fast we lose light and warmth in autumn. New growth is minimal, but there are two vegetables you can still sow, if not already. Broad beans need to go in before November 13th, because on the 15th there is a full moon.

Sowings made on the day of full moon, generally prosper less, whereas two days before full moon usually gives very strong growth comparatively.

Last year I sowed broad beans on October 27th, because full moon was on 29th. They were some of the best I've ever grown, helped also by the favourable winter and spring conditions.

There is no guarantee that they survive winter, especially if it's really cold, yet for the cost of a few seeds and a bit of effort now, you could enjoy a wonderful early harvest in June.

Two ways to sow are into dibbed holes after clearing vegetables such as cabbage and beetroot. Or in module trays which can be as little as 3-4 cm wide, to transplant after two to three weeks. That ensures good germination and you can keep a mousetrap close to the module tray, at this critical phase when they are so popular with rodents. Space in rows across a bed, 35cm between rows and 15cm between each seed or plant. After sowing or before planting, it's good to spread 2-3cm new compost.

Garlic is still good to pop in the ground, if you have not already. Space at 10-15cm apart and spread new compost after planting the cloves.

November is good for harvesting beetroot and carrots to store. Beetroot are the easier because they do not suffer many pests. If you can grow them large, they will store for longer, in boxes with the soil left on. There's no need to pack them in sand, and it’s not true that large roots are woody.

Carrots on the other hand suffer the root fly. I’m finding that even when they have been covered with mesh, to exclude the flies, there is damage to the carrots. Pests generally have been prevalent this year.

Charles Dowding has made no dig popular with millions of readers and viewers. Currently he grows vegetables in Somerset. He has written 14 books and gives talks plus courses at home and abroad.

With CHARLES DOWDING

Turkeys like never before

DID you know that in the heart of the Chew Valley there is a small family farm which is producing turkeys and chickens unlike anywhere else?

At the centre of many Christmas traditions lies a succulent roast, and there's no better choice than the meats produced by Nempnett Pastures, who pride themselves on producing meat through systems that are inspired by nature.

Their turkeys live completely outside with mobile Gobbledegos (well that’s what they call them anyway), designed to mimic how a turkey would naturally roost in a tree in the wild.

These mobile perches get moved around the farm to fresh pasture, allowing the birds to live truly outdoors, yes even at night! They use livestock guardian dogs to ward off night predators.

Raising the birds in this way, produces a bird that has unlimited amounts of exercise, fresh air, and sunlight whilst foraging on diverse pastures, all resulting in probably the best turkey you’ve ever eaten.

Their chicken are raised in similar ways but with mobile “Chicken tractors”, moved to fresh pasture every day and living entirely outside 24/7. These chicken boast a beautiful golden

colour from the copious amounts of grass they forage on and produce a flavour that many say is what chicken used to taste like!

For smaller gatherings, Nempnett Pastures offers a delightful turkey alternative: pasture raised cockerels! These birds are packed with flavour and perfect for a festive feast without the extra.

This Christmas, make a conscious choice. By choosing Nempnett Pastures, you're not just savouring a delicious meal that’s guaranteed to impress your guests but you’re also supporting a local farm committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Guard dog, Bear

Proudly traditional

Alyssa and Stephen Curry arrive on their 1897 Daimler Wagonette

DAWN and Mike Corp and their team are busy preparing for their 16th Christmas celebrations at the historic Waggon and Horses freehouse at Doulting Beacon, near Shepton Mallet.

Their traditional two or three course Christmas menu is available from December 1st to December 21st with a special OAP two-course meal offer on Monday, December 9th. That will mean a temporary halt to their £7 lunchtime specials on a Monday, which will return in January.

The Waggon and Horses – a coaching inn dating from the 17th Century – is a popular venue for clubs and societies, including regular Friday night bike meetings, but also recently hosted a rally organised by the South West branch of the Veteran Car Club.

Almost 20 cars – including a 1897 Daimler Wagonette –stopped for lunch during a tour of Somerset. Some of the cars can be seen on the annual London to Brighton veteran car run on Sunday, November 3rd. The inn will also host a classic car run on Wednesday, November 20th.

Dawn said: “We’re very proud of what we have achieved here at the Waggon and Horses over the years; we appeal to a wide crosssection of customers who enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional country inn.”

Horses

The Waggon & Horses FOOD &

A freehouse at the heart of Mendip

Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal with all the trimming at this welcoming inn at Doulting Beacon

Our Christmas menu is available from December 1st – 21st (Please note we close after lunch on December 22nd and reopen at 6pm on December 27th) Two course meal: £25; three course meal: £30. Booking essential.

OAP Christmas lunch Monday, December 9th Two courses (inc. tea or coffee and a mince pie) £22.50pp

The veteran cars parked outside the Waggon and

OPEN:

Noon-11pm (Mon-Sat) • Noon-10pm (Sun)

Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.

T: 01225 962669

E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

ANY

TIME IS PARTY TIME AT TUCKER’S –AND NOVEMBER IS NO EXCEPTION!

Sat, Nov 2nd: D State

Sat, Nov 9th: Liquor and Poker

Sat, Nov 16th: Driftwood

Sat, Nov 23rd: The Tracks Band

Sun, Nov 24th: The Bowel Movement Christmas Fair. 1.30pm-5pm

Sat, Nov 30th: Fluke – Live and Loud

All music is free entry. Bands on stage at 8.30pm

Parlour/Café: Baguettes, locally produced pasties and sausage rolls available Friday 8am to Sunday 5pm

Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday 8.15-11.30am Friday/Saturday evenings 6-9pm – Fish and chips, gourmet burgers, freshly made pizzas and more. Look out for the specials board!

Sunday lunch is served –in style

FREELANCE chef and kitchen manager

Ross Derby is cooking up a storm with his Sunday lunches being served at the Alhampton Inn, between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary.

Ross has been mentored by Michelin starred chefs, amongst others, and loves to

add a twist to traditional British fare. Lunches are served between midday and 4pm and booking is highly advisable.

Ross has a decade of experience under his apron with several local establishments and says he loves the “vibe” of the Ally, as it is known locally. He is also the owner of food truck “Off the Wagon,” serving smashed burgers and dirty fries.

His Sunday lunch menu – Ross loves to use high welfare, high quality, seasonal local ingredients – is just the latest development at the Alhampton Inn, which is community-owned.

Lunch dishes change regularly. A recent offering included mains such as roast beef, roast pork, roast chicken wrapped around stuffing, nut roast and pan fried hake –served with all the usual trimmings diners would expect, with a tempting range of desserts.

AS Mendip Times went to press, the Alhampton Inn was due to sponsor a race at the Keagan Kirkby Memorial Race Day at Wincanton Racecourse. Keagan worked at the Paul Nicholls racing yard near the inn and was a familiar face to many. Keagan died after a fall at a point-topoint meeting in Kent in February.

In collaboration with Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund, Wincanton was hosting the special charity race day in his honour. As well as sponsoring The Alhampton Inn Junior Hurdle, the pub was also holding several fundraising events.

The Alhampton Inn

l Pop-up food vendors Tuesdays and Fridays l Sunday roast by our chef-in-residence l Two bars, seating in both and upstairs l Stretch tent alongside a garden bar l Patio and decked area l Easy access, family and dog friendly, huge car park l Regular seasonal events including quiz night, folk night, two book clubs, live music, Wine my Bluff l Please check our socials for details and how to book.

Ross in the kitchen at the Ally

The

TOBYPinn’s Home Contents Valuation Report is frequently requested for the purposes of calculating inheritance tax but can also be tailored for other valuation purposes including insurance, matrimonial & family division and capital gains tax.

His valuations for IHT purposes are prepared in accordance with S.160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. HMRC recommend using a qualified valuer for this purpose. His starting point is the HMRC IHT 407 form used to file the return of household and personal goods, including jewellery, antiques, collections and motor vehicles.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a RICS chartered arts & antiques surveyor, Toby has refined the format of the valuation report, designed with the input of experienced probate practitioners, creating a report that tags each item with a corresponding image, description and value, eliminating confusion between similar items and allowing executors to keep track of all items during the estate administration.

Toby also offers a range of services to assist with the next steps including distribution to beneficiaries, sale at auction and final clearing of a property.

New arts space in Shepton

A CHARITY has been granted use of an empty office building owned by Somerset Council to turn into Shepton Mallet’s first dedicated artist studio facility.

Interim Spaces, who first approached the council in 2023 to use the former Registry Office for Births, Deaths and Marriages, has transformed the property into a creative hub which is now home to 15 artists from as far afield as Frome and Bristol. Dan Simon, Director of Interim Spaces, said: “We are truly delighted to boost the local artist scene in Shepton Mallet with these new studios, where artists can work together, innovate, and grow.”

Reassuringly expensive

I REALLYhate to remind you but Christmas is just around the corner. If you’re scrambling around for inspiration as to what to buy the significant other in your life (or possibly a Christmas gift for yourself), might a suggest a vintage wristwatch? Rolex is a name with which we are all familiar and the “go to” brand for anyone looking for an instant hit of glamour around their wrist. What other watch has been worn by astronauts, athletes, explorers and icons of the big screen?

Whether you are captivated by the robust charm of the Submariner, feeling tempted by the Datejust, or you’re more of an Explorer fan, each Rolex watch tells a story.

The 1950s through the ’70s are

considered by many collectors to be the original golden age of Rolex watchmaking, with designs every bit as emblematic of the jet age as the Concorde itself. It was during this period that classics like the Rolex Submariner (released 1953), Rolex GMTMaster (1954), Rolex Explorer (1963) and Rolex Daytona (1963) were all introduced to the market.

Beyond their undeniable beauty, Rolex watches are renowned for their durability and reliability, boasting an ability to retain, and often appreciate in, value over time.

Over the years a host of famous people have worn them. Rolex fans past and present include James Bond (Sean Connery sported a Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger) to our own King. In 2017 a rare Rolex watch that was owned by the late film star Paul Newman sold for almost £13.5m, making it the most expensive watch ever auctioned.

Fortunately, vintage Rolex can easily be

Rolex –Gentleman’s Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chronometer stainless steel bracelet watch ref. 16220. To be included in Clevedon Salerooms' Winter Fine Art sale, Thursday December 5th

found at auction for prices which won’t break the bank. Clevedon Salerooms recently sold a gentleman's Yacht-Master bracelet watch for a reassuringly expensive £3,800.

With CHRIS YEO

FINE

ASIAN ART

MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER

10.30am

VIEWING IN LONDON AT ASIA HOUSE, W1G 7LP

Sunday 3 – Tuesday 5 November

See doreandrees.com/asian-art for details

VIEWING IN FROME AT DORE & REES

Friday 8 – Sunday 10 November 10:00am – 4:00pm

Contact Lee Young, Head of Asian Art lee.young@doreandrees.com

www.doreandrees.com enquiries@doreandrees.com

01373 462 257

Dore & Rees

Auction Salerooms Vicarage Street

Frome BA11 1PU

Variety abounds at Dore & Rees’s November auctions

Charles II chased tazza, London 1664, estimate £2,000-£3,000

DORE & Rees host auctions of Fine Asian Art; Fine Jewellery, Georgian Costume and Watches and Fine Silver at their salerooms in Frome in November.

The flagship auction of Fine Asian Art will be held on Monday, November 11th featuring prime examples of silver, ceramics, bronzes, furniture, textiles and works of art. There are many prized pieces including an extremely rare lacquer “lotus” brush washer with carved wood stand made in the Qianlong period (1736-1795) and offered at an estimate of £500-£1,000. It comes from the Somerset collection of the late Anthony McGreevy and was purchased from renowned antiques dealer Edward A. Nowell & Sons in Wells.

Rolling forward, the Fine Silver and Objets de Vertu auction kicks off at 10.30am on Wednesday November 27th. An early Charles II chased tazza, made in London in 1664, displays a collared bear, a lion and a stag within flowers on its border and is offered at £2,000-£3,000. From the same period comes a rare carved amber heart inscribed with the Cypher of Charles II around an image of the Boscobel Oak and on the other side, the initials MG with a cross above the date 1672. The heart is a symbol of loyalty to the Stuart dynasty and was probably made to commemorate Charles II's institution of his Declaration of Indulgence. This legislation was intended to exempt Catholics and non-conformists from the penal code which had restricted them since the reformation.

Fine Jewellery, Georgian Costume and Watches auction follows on at 2pm on the same day, featuring many interesting pieces including a mid-Victorian archaeological revival micromosaic bracelet offered at £2,000-£3,000. A private collection of Georgian costume dresses featuring fine embroidered decoration augments the auction.

We look forward to our December auctions – Collectors Cars and Automobilia on Wednesday, December 4th and Select Interiors on Friday, December 6th. Contact the team on 01373 462257 or by email enquiries@doreandrees.com to arrange a free appointment to have your items appraised and valued.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

11 November: Fine Asian Art • 27 November: Fine Silver and Objets de Vertu • 27 November: Fine Jewellery, Georgian Costume and Watches

4 December: Collector’s Cars and Automobilia • 6 December: Select Interiors • 23 February: Auction at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show Take a look at www.doreandrees.com for more details

Specialist sale “is our best yet”

THE November 13th Specialist Jewellery, Silver and Watches Sale at the Cooper and Tanner Salerooms at Standerwick, near Frome, promises to be their best yet. The sale is full of absolutely beautiful and unusual pieces. With more than 400 lots to choose from you will be hard pushed to find something that doesn’t catch your eye. From modern design to period Georgian mourning jewellery there is a huge range of styles included.

Highlights of the sale include a Victorian crescent shaped brooch set with rubies, sapphires, pearls and diamonds, with an estimate of £600800; a Boodles diamond set “Raindance” ring, estimated at £6,0008,000; and an Audemars Piguet gentleman's Royal Oak limited edition Nick Faldo automatic wristwatch, with an estimate of £16,000-18,000.

Viewing for the sale is on Monday,

Audemars Piguet gentleman's Royal Oak limited edition Nick Faldo automatic wristwatch, estimate £16,000-18,000

November 11th from 10am to 4pm and Tuesday, November 12th from10am to 5pm (please note that no viewing is available in the day of the sale, and ID is required to view and bid in the sale. The sale begins at 10am at our Standerwick office, bidding is available in person, online and by proxy.

Cooper & Tanner’s next Antique, Collectable and Interiors Sale is no less exciting with a wonderful collection of mid-20th century furniture, a Limoges Pablo Picasso plate and a Steinway model B grand piano.

l If you would like any items valued, be that an individual item, a collection, probate or house clearance; or further information about any sale please do get in touch with the team – 01373 852419, salerooms@cooperandtanner.co.uk. Please note fees apply for probate valuations.

Impending changes to Landlord and Tenant law

IN recent years, landlord and tenant law in the UK has been under significant scrutiny, leading to proposed reforms aimed at creating a more equitable balance between landlords and tenants. Several key changes are likely to be introduced in Parliament soon, reflecting a broader commitment to improving housing conditions, enhancing tenant rights, and addressing issues within the rental market.

One of the most significant proposed changes is the abolition of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, often referred to as "no-fault" evictions. This measure would mean landlords can no longer terminate assured shorthold tenancies without providing a specific reason. Advocates argue this change will offer tenants greater security, allowing them to establish longerterm homes without the fear of sudden eviction.

Legislation is expected to introduce minimum standards for rental properties. This would mandate that all rental accommodations meet specific safety and health criteria, covering aspects such as heating, ventilation, and structural integrity. The aim is to ensure that all tenants have access to safe and decent housing, addressing longstanding concerns about substandard rental properties.

There is a growing call for rent control measures to be implemented in order to stabilize the rental market and protect tenants from excessive rent increases. Proposed regulations might include limiting annual rent increases to a fixed

percentage or linking them to inflation rates. This change is aimed at preventing sudden and steep rent hikes that can lead to homelessness and financial strain for tenants.

Proposals are also on the table to enhance tenant rights in various aspects of the rental process. This could include more robust protections against retaliatory evictions, whereby landlords evict tenants in response to complaints about property conditions. Additionally, tenants may gain more rights concerning the ability to make minor alterations to their homes, fostering a sense of ownership and stability.

The government is looking to streamline the rental process by introducing a more transparent system for both landlords and tenants. This might involve the creation of a national database for landlords to register properties and for tenants to verify their rental history. Such measures would promote accountability and assist in combating rogue landlords who exploit the system.

Recognising that landlords also face challenges, the proposed reforms include support mechanisms for responsible landlords. This could involve financial assistance for improvements to rental properties, incentives for compliance with new regulations and access to resources that help them manage their tenancies more effectively.

These proposed changes reflect a significant shift towards prioritising tenant welfare in the UK’s rental market. The

focus on abolishing no-fault evictions, ensuring minimum property standards, implementing rent control, enhancing tenant rights, streamlining the rental process, and providing support for landlords suggests a comprehensive approach to reform.

From a landlord’s perspective if these reforms come about it will be ever more important to ensure that prospective tenants are carefully vetted in order to reduce the risk of breaches of the tenancy agreement for if things go awry the combination of increased security of tenure and the current substantial delays in the court process could result in many months going by before possession of the property concerned is recovered.

EDWARD LYONS

“Follow The Plough”

By Les Davies MBE FRGS

The Westcountryman

An ideal Christmas present from the writer of Mendip Times West Countryman’s Diary

“This is the story of how my life, thinking and work has been shaped by other people and the landscape I grew up in.”

Over 50 pages long and with archive photos, this is a story of life that many may identify with. It would make the ideal “stocking filler” and at the Mendip Times readers discount price of £6.00 plus postage and packing, it’s a generous reduction from the normal price of £6.99.

MENDIP TIMES READERS’ OFFER

Follow the Plough

By Les Davies only £6 plus p&p

Please send cheques payable to ‘Westcountryman’, 4 Springfield Terrace, Street, BA16 0PA. Or pay by BACS.

Details: Lesley C Davies T/A Westcountryman Nat West Bank

A/c No: 47638834

Sort Code: 60-21-01

Please use the reference “Book Offer”

Celebrating the countryside and its people

AN idea for a book first formed around five years ago will be realised in November when Mendip Times contributor Les Davies launches his first book.

Follow the Plough is a 50-page collection of “reflections” on his life and times in Somerset. He will launch the book on the evening of Friday, November 1st at the Alfred Gillett Trust’s base the Grange, next to Clarks Village in Street. Les is master of ceremonies at the annual wassail in the orchard at the Grange.

Les, known as Westcountryman, said: “The book is really a few thoughts on life and about the people I have met along the way.”

The event will also see the screening of a work-in-progress video installation about the UK and its seasonal rituals created by filmmaker Boris Thompson-Roylance, a film in which Les also appears. The Land Remains is a multidisciplinary, place-based art project which will be premiered next year.

The event is a rare opportunity to visit the Grange before it closes for refurbishment in preparation for the completion of the Shoemakers Museum which is due to open in summer next year.

All are welcome at the launch. Access to the Grange is next to the pedestrian archway into Clarks Village via Car Park 2 off the A39 Westway.

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

Les (left) and Boris in the Grange orchard, discussing the plans for the launch

Leaky waterproofs? Somerset Workwear have the answers

SOMERSET Workwear, of Westfield, stock a range of top-quality waterproof coats, jackets, trousers and bib n’ brace from TuffStuff and Fort that provide the rain and wind protection you need.

Garment features include welded seams that maximise waterproofness and breathable fabrics that allow heat and sweat to escape. Fabrics range from lightweight materials to heavier coats for those really challenging conditions whether you need them for work or leisure.

Mark Day, from Somerset Workwear, said: “Well, what a summer we have had here in Somerset and generally across the country. Could it really get much wetter, we ask ourselves? Now that winter has crept up on us, this is a good time to check out our range of waterproof clothing.

“At our trade store on the Westfield Industrial Estate you can see the quality

for yourself. We have convenient changing room facilities enabling you to try on our waterproofs or any of our large range of workwear and safety footwear.

Our experienced, friendly team are here to help you chose the right workwear, and we also have a first-class in-house embroidery and vinyl printing service.”

Founders Mark and Caira Day in the Somerset Workwear showroom on the Westfield Trading Estate

Are

ready to discover the darker side of Mendip?

THEMendip Hills National Landscape is a place steeped in the legends of Vikings, witches, kings and ancient civilisations. It is a landscape waiting to be explored, a landscape full of stories waiting to be discovered. This Halloween sees the launch of a book that will help you do just that.

The book, called Walking the Darker Side of Mendip contains a series of ten walks, each opening a window to the region’s dramatic scenery and storied past. The walks range in length from one to four miles and each walk is accompanied by a legend from the area’s past.

There is lots of practical information including thorough route descriptions, easy to follow instructions and maps for each path. As well as practical details such as parking locations and postcodes.

Kelly Davies, Sustainable Recreation

Officer for the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team, said: “I have loved helping to produce this book, I’ve discovered so many fascinating stories that have been handed down across the centuries.

“Legends of Vikings and beasts, stories

of ghosts and battles from a time when the Mendip Hills was very different than it is today. I have also really enjoyed the walks, discovering new areas and new versions of well-known walks.

“We hope that Walking the Darker Side of Mendip will help share these stories, keeping the legends alive and helping people see the Mendip Hills National Landscape through new eyes.”

The book was produced by Mendip Hills National Landscape Team, in collaboration with Les Davies MBE and Sue Gearing. All profits from sales of the book go to The Mendip Hills Fund which supports projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills.

It will be available to buy from October 31st for £9.99 (plus postage and packing) from the Mendip Hills National Landscape online shop and local retailers.

Strode College has so much to offer

STRODE College in Street invites prospective students to its open evening on Tuesday November 19th.

The event, from 5.30-8pm, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the campus, engage with staff, and discover the diverse range of courses it has to offer, including A Levels, T Levels, Professional and Technical Courses, Apprenticeships, Adult Courses, and Higher Education. Attendees will experience the vibrant college community and gather essential information about enrichment activities, finance, and travel options.

And, on December 5th, the College Experience Day allows students to dive deeper into college life with hands on taster sessions in their areas of interest. Participants can attend three sessions, two in the morning and one in the afternoon, accompanied by a complimentary lunch. As this day is considered an educational trip, students can be excused from their regular school hours.

Both events are perfect for anyone contemplating their next steps in education. Early registration is recommended to secure a spot.

Discover what Strode College has to offer music students

The college offers plenty of choice for students

Children get lessons in dementia

DURINGthe last school year Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club funded a dementia awareness project linking pupils at Stanton Drew Primary School with residents at Stanton Court Care and Nursing home.

It was part of the “Archie Project”, which is run by a Somerset based charity, Reminiscence Learning, and aims at creating a higher level of awareness of

the disease as well as breaking down barriers between the younger generations and those living with dementia.

This is achieved by using the story of a scarecrow, Archie, who develops dementia and the impact it has on his life and those around him.

Head teacher at the time, Dieter Cook, said: “Thank you Rotary for funding the project; it’s been a fantastic journey for

children and school.”

Rotary member, Adrian Miller, said: “It has been a truly successful and inspirational project where both parties have gained a huge amount.”

One nine-year-old said: “I’m interested to learn about dementia and it was fun to dress up as scarecrows once when we visited. The residents tell us stories about their lives and what it used to be like.”

Market may close

THECountry Market in Chew Magna is holding what may be its last Christmas Special on Friday, December 13th in the Lower Old School Rooms, Chew Magna, 9.30-11am.

It is a not-for-profit co-operative market selling local homemade baking, vegetables, cured meats and smoked salmon, organic vegetables, cards and crafts.

This may be the last opportunity to buy Christmas cakes, puddings and mince pies from the market if they are unable to find a new treasurer for 2025. The market would cease trading on December 20th.

Those pictured (l to r) are Hazel Wedlake (market manager) Jenny Cruse, Liz Botham, Tamsin Free, Tania Beagley Brown and Gill Lewis.

Details: Any offers of help as treasurer hazelwedlake@gmail.com

Pupils and residents

The Archie book

AFTER three years in Chew Magna, Pethub is opening a second site, with new Groom Rooms opening at Fairseat workshops in Chew Stoke.

Owner, Debbie Neal, said they didn’t have enough space to cope with demand. The shop in Chew Magna will continue to have a wide range of pet supplies, a self dog-wash – and free parking, a bonus in Chew Magna! The Groom Rooms will concentrate on dog grooming.

She said: “We are very excited. These last three years have gone so well thanks to our customers. We are looking forward to this new venture.”

The Red Lion

THE Red Lion, Bishop Sutton sits in the beautiful Chew Valley and is a short walk to the lake. This lovely, 200-year-old pub offers great, locally sourced food at reasonable prices and a great selection of drinks.

Food is served Tuesday-Saturday, 12-2pm, then 5-8pm; Sunday roasts are served from 12-3pm. Please book in advance on 01275 333042.

The Red Lion is a friendly pub and welcomes all, including dogs.

THE RED LION

VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT

Sutton Hill Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UT 01275 333042

Pethub expands Orchard House

Food opening times

Tues-Sat 12-2pm and 5-8pm Sunday 12-3pm Sunday roasts

Bar opening times Monday 4pm-close Tuesday-Sunday 12noon-close

Open: Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday 10am-3pm • Closed Monday

www.chewvalleypethub.co.uk

Email: info@chewvalleypethub.co.uk

Tel: 01275 627265 chew valley pethub chewvalleypethub

Moira, Denise,

CHEW MAGNA

Glebe House, Harford Square, Chew Magna BS40 8RA

Unit 2D, Fairseat Workshops, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF

The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community

Dancing queen

GRACE Daley, aged 16, was a dance world champion at the age of 13 and hopes to repeat that success next year at the world championships in Florida, USA.

She’s been selected for four teams – two doing hip-hop, one lyrical and the other

jazz. It will be her third appearance on the world stage, after winning numerous national championships at home.

Grace, from Bishop Sutton, started dancing at the age of four at the Angels Dance Academy in Bristol, where she trains three or four times every week. She’s in the sixth form at Chew Valley School, studying psychology, PE and dance.

She’s looking for sponsorship to help fund next April’s trip, with support from mum, Emma, and dad, Matt. She has a sister, Ivy, and brother, Louie.

She said: “We have to find most of the money ourselves. You have to make so many sacrifices competing at this level, but I just love doing it and I’ve made so many lifelong friends.”

She’s working as a waitress at the village pub, The Red Lion, to help raise money.

Grace in action

Grace with her family after winning in 2022

Animal Park gears up for Christmas

WHENGary Hunt bought a field overlooking the Chew Valley so his two children could keep some pets, he had no idea it would grow to become one of the area’s most popular venues.

Starting with a few goats, alpacas and wallabies, Chew Valley Animal Park now has 450 animals of various shapes and sizes, with the chance to get up close to meet many of them.

It’s no wonder it proved so popular with parents and grandparents looking for somewhere to take the children.

Then during lockdown, he decided to expand the small café he’d built, adding a bar and restaurant, capable of catering for up to 300 people.

It’s proved to be very popular, offering everything from snacks to two ten-ounce rib-eye steaks for £25, two pizzas for £20 and Sunday lunches.

Christmas afternoon teas and other events are likely to be popular again this

year and party bookings are filling up fast.

Just 11 years after buying the eight-acre field, the site now employs 43 people and attracts visitors from across the country and from abroad.

Gary said: “It started with a few pets

and I just got carried away.”

It’s easy to see why he was attracted to buying the field. It has wonderful views across to Chew Valley Lake in the south and up to Dundry in the north, with lots of outside seating to enjoy them.

Lunch: (Tuesday – Saturday) 11pm – 4pm

Lunch (Sunday) 12pm -4.30pm

Evening: (Thursday & Friday) 5.30-8.30pm

Bar

Scarecrows

New forest

HARVEY'S Scarecrow

Trail saw 40 scarecrows around the Chew Valley, with the theme of Sporting Legends.

Each was supporting The Harvey Hext Trust, named after the nineyear-old boy who lived in the Chew Valley and lost his life in 2015 to neuroblastoma.

Money raised will go towards Harvey Holdall Bags and Memory Boxes.

Some of the volunteers

Spring planting

Art exhibition

OVER 1,000 volunteers, led by pioneering woodland creation charity, Avon Needs Trees, are set to begin planting the first of 100,000 native trees and shrubs on the new 422-acre Lower Chew Forest between Bristol and Bath.

It’s launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £100,000 to complete the funding of the multi-million pound project. The forest will be the equivalent of 265 football pitches.

Pet service

JANETParsons, from Stowey, held a pets’ service in her stable yard to celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi, conducted by Father Michael Healy.

Christmas in Chew Magna

CHEW Magna’s Christmas Fair on December 7th promises to be bigger and better than ever with activities around the Triangle, Old School Room, the church and church rooms. Crafts, food and mulled wine will be available from various stalls and Father Christmas will have his grotto in St Andrew’s Church.

A school choir will start proceedings at 2.15pm, with more music being provided by Congresbury Brass Band. The event is being organised by the Chew Magna Society and village school PTA. Expect a celebrity guest or two to switch on the Christmas lights.

PUPILS from Chew Magna Primary School have helped plant around 1,000 crocus bulbs around the village to help early pollinators.

Harry Kane

EASTHarptree’s Big Arts Weekend saw eight village artists and six from nearby exhibiting in the village theatre and arts hub.

Support wildlife-friendly farming

ASthe days shorten and temperatures drop, we have joined the crops in slowing down and have begun the process of reflecting on this year at our organic, community-led farm, just south of Bristol.

It has been a disappointing harvest for most crops this year, with winter squash the latest casualties. The plants struggled to cope during the unusually cold spring, made worse by an onslaught from the slugs who enjoyed the endless wet weather.

Across the country, England is heading for one of its worst harvests on record, largely due to the weather, and this is cause for alarm. Conventional farming systems are contributing to their own downfall, a major cause of climate change which is making farming ever harder.

This year’s weather hasn’t only affected our food supply, but our wildlife too. There have been nationwide declines reported in both bee and butterfly numbers this year, and our farm is no different.

Whilst years of hard work have made our margins and hedgerows a haven for wildlife and we have seen bee numbers grow year after year, this year numbers fell off a cliff.

The August count found less than half the bees that we had last year. Four of the 18 butterfly species who visited the farm last year, haven’t been seen since. These numbers reflect a worrying trend. A report from WWF suggests that global wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 73% in 50 years, with farming a major cause.

The Community Farm was not set up to complain about the mainstream farming system and its impact on wildlife or the climate. We are here to show that a better way of doing things is possible!

So even though our wildlife and our crops are being impacted by factors beyond our fields, we will not stop growing organically and tending to our wildlife. If you share our belief that food should be good for our health, our community, local wildlife and the climate, get involved!

Shop with us and support wildlife-friendly farming with a home delivery of organic food. Or join more than 1,500 people who come to the farm each year for volunteering, events and courses to learn and contribute to a better food and farming system.

By Chew Valley Community Farm

CHEWValley Community Transport scheme urgently needs more volunteer drivers to help local people get to health-related appointments such as physio, dentists and opticians as well as GPs and hospitals.

The drivers use their own car to take people directly from their home to the appointment and back. Drivers are supported by a team of six volunteer coordinators. Passengers are asked to reimburse mileage costs. They also need another volunteer coordinator, to replace one of their team who has recently moved.

More amazing events!

VALLEY Arts Fringe Festival is in full swing until the end of November and has brought an eclectic mix of performances and events to The Chew Valley so far. The first events were a resounding success, with sell-out shows and packed audiences bringing an incredible energy to performances!

Valley Arts promises to offer something for everyone and there are plenty of shows left to see and lots of free workshops available.

Soap Soup Theatre brings their hilarious and heartwarming adventure Minny Stynker to Chew Magna Baptist Hall on Saturday, November 9th; Ubley Village Hall is in for a memorable visit from The Zoo That Comes to You on Sunday, November 17th; Baby Boppers’ pre-school music session on Wednesday, November 20th in Chew Magna Baptist Chapel promises lots of sparkle with a magic themed session from Rock the Tots.

Fans of the late, great Victoria Wood are in for a treat with Looking for Me Friend, a musical tribute from Paulus, The Cabaret Geek in Chew Stoke Village Hall on Saturday, November 9th.

Join the legendary folk singer John Kirkpatrick in Chew Magna Baptist Chapel on Sunday, November 10th as he takes audiences on a poignant and powerful journey through the music of World War I & II with "Tunes from the Trenches."

For music lovers, the festival brings the toe-tapping, highenergy sounds of Old Baby Mackerel to The Old School Rooms in Chew Magna on Friday, November 15th.

Theatre buffs will enjoy Mohand and Peter, a powerful show that beautifully explores friendship in Bishop Sutton Village Hall on Saturday, November 16th.

Get ready to jump in and join the fun at the Fringe Festival with a thrilling variety of hands-on workshops for all ages and tastes.

Valley Arts Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of the arts, providing top tier entertainment right to the heart of The Chew Valley. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following them on social media.

Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Old Baby Mackerel

Dancing with wines with Mike Gough of the Wine Rooms, Chew Magna

MANYthousands of years ago, something wonderful happened. Somebody, somewhere (probably in the Med) dropped a few bunches of wild grapes into a bucket and forgot about them.

Nature did its thing and tiny microscopic yeast microbes started to eat the natural sugars in the grapes, belching away CO2 and thus fermenting grape juice into the alcoholic nectar we generically refer to as wine.

What a marvellous thing, a global phenomenon, an opportunity for any country, province or region in the world, (above certain lines of latitude) to create their own very best versions of fermented grape juice.

Whilst the global consumption of wine is flat lining, the UK is on the up, consuming something near 2 billion bottles a year (twice as much per capita as the US) – keeping our reputation for “socialising” ahead of our more moderate neighbours.

But, like everything else available to us, the sale of wines is heavily marketed; dark arts, pricing power, wine myths and no shortage of wine snobbery suck us all into reaching for the top shelf to get the nod of approval from the wine merchant.

So, how can we find the balance, drink really good wine at a good price? Wine that can reasonably be judged as showing quality attributes, wine that is a very good representation of a grape, a wine region or even ingenuity in the wine-making process?

Can it be true that drinking better quality wine enhances the experience? Does the glug morph into a cultured sip? I certainly think so. Could we take more time to savour the wine, using our nose, our eyes and our taste buds to appreciate the wine’s aromas and its flavours?

Where does the wine come from, and what can we expect from that region? What grape varieties are used and what are the typical characteristics? How does the soil, the weather and the winemaking process influence the wine? Is it a good example? Is it good value for money?

Wouldn’t it be great to explore new wines and tune up our wine senses so that we can seek out the best wines for ourselves?

I am a wine enthusiast with a long-standing passion for finding good quality wines at a good price, great examples of what wine can be within a price point and even better wines where the potential tasting experience outweighs the immediate cost implication.

Drinking memorable wines will very often be synonymous with creating wonderful memories and wonderful memories feed our souls with happy fuel for the future . . .

We hope to see you at The Wine Rooms . . . there is definitely a bottle with your name on it (we just need to find it)!

Register on our website for Christmas offers and events.

Heart of the Chew Valley

NESTLEDin the picturesque village of Chew Magna, The Queens is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of tradition, comfort, and warm hospitality. Whether you're a local looking for a relaxed afternoon or a visitor exploring the Chew Valley, The Queens offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere for all.

With a rich history and a modern twist, it features a range of beautifully designed rooms, delicious seasonal

menus, and a selection of handpicked local beverages. Guests can enjoy everything from hearty Sunday roasts to light, fresh dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

As we head into the festive season, The Queens will be the ideal place to gather with loved ones, enjoy festive events, and celebrate in style. Make sure to stop by and experience the best of what Chew Valley has to offer this winter.

THIS month we wanted to talk about one facet of The Mendip Society which is very important to us, but which may not be generally known about – and that is the help we can give to local projects which fit in with our ethos, aims and aspirations.

The society is primarily a group of people who love the Mendip Hills and wish to protect, conserve and enhance them to the benefit of all who live and work in their environs and those who visit us here. Our Small Grants Scheme was started 30 or so years ago with funds accumulated in a “Heritage Fund” built up with legacies kindly left to us by several members.

Our programme of events and activities is generally concerned with the unique landscape; its farms and the farmers, the hilltops and the valleys with their lakes, the forests and grasslands, and so, of course, also with the necessary conservation, rural and local skills to keep them healthy and productive – and available, where possible, to all.

And equally important is the effect of that environment on the wellbeing of everyone, coupled with the obligation of passing on that love and respect for our countryside to the next generation who are the guardians of it.

So The Mendip Society and its members have been working together with different groups and organisations, all around the area with the aim of seeing if we can support them in their events and programmes and by giving them a Small Grant Award enable them to expand their activities, carry out necessary repairs to meeting places and local buildings, purchase necessary equipment to run efficiently, or to learn new skills so they can take part in protecting our landscapes in the future.

Tina Bath, chair of The Mendip Society, has recently been working with Ubley Youth Club who wanted to expand their activities to learn more about the countryside around their village. She organised an owl prowl and wildlife walk with local expert and Blagdon Lake warden, Nigel Milbourne, which enthralled the youngsters (luckily, the owls rose to the occasion !).

They also went on a bat walk around their own village led by Amanda Boyd, a member of the local bat recording group, who, a

few years ago was the recipient of a Small Grant from us for a professional bat detector which she uses to introduce many others to the world of bat recording.

The enthusiasm of the youngsters for the outdoor activities encouraged the club leader to put in an application for a Small Grant for equipment for the winter programme and also to offer the help of the club members in our nature reserve nearby in Tania’s Wood.

This is where we will be holding training days for beginners in hedging skills in the early months of 2025 as part of our programme to maintain a good source of volunteers who have mastered these countryside skills.

At the other end of the process, we regularly sponsor the several local area ploughing and hedging societies, with a grant towards the cost of the scheduling and running the matches in hedging and dry stone walling. Our own members regularly take part in these competitions having learnt their skills with us.

Other recent projects which have received our Small Grant towards their large or small, short or long term projects include the

restoration of the stone work and the historic clock on the tower of their village church by the “Friends of Thomas a Becket, Pensford” (this featured in Mendip Times last month); CrossAxbridge Safe Path Campaign, the Winscombe & Sandford Green Trust and the Westbury Tree Nursery.

If you know of, or indeed are a member of, a Mendip local group of any sort that is in need of support please e-mail smallgrantsofficer@themendipsociety.org

The Small Grants leaflet, with all the information can be found and downloaded on our website at the bottom of page 2, called “About”.

JUDITH TRANTER

Owl prowl

An exciting month for wildlife

By CHRIS SPERRING

AS November begins and you get the chance to go out into garden or field around dusk or even later take some time to listen for the return of the winter thrushes; in particular, the redwing whose flight calls can be heard well into the night as flocks of them pass overhead.

With tree seeds now having fallen, and on milder days and evenings, look out for small mammals such as wood mice and grey squirrel, and birds such as jays who will all be either consuming, or burying the seed away from the parent tree, maybe in the open where the light may help the seed to turn into a new young tree. The power of the relationship between these animals and the trees and potential new woodlands cannot be understated.

Some of our summer visiting birds may well be with us still. On warm November days chiffchaffs may be heard or seen; over the last few decades, more of these olive-green warblers have stayed for the winter particularly in the more insect-rich areas such as the milder Somerset Levels.

Of course, what the winter will really bring with regards to the weather no-one can really predict; wildlife will adjust

accordingly, the birds close to where we live will be helped by garden bird feeders, and so will some uninvited guests.

On November 1st, the Hawk and Owl Trust will be launching its second year of the wintering long-eared owl surveys. Although we do have a dwindling population of breeding longeared owls, these birds are supplemented by owls from Europe. I have monitored these winter groups of long-eared's since the 1970s.

Individual groups of between four and six were regular and, exceptionally, ten to 19 in harsh conditions. But since the mid1990s these wintering groups have gradually declined. The survey asks people to look for roosting long-eared owls in bushes and small clumps of trees whilst enjoying their normal walks in the countryside. If you wish to take part, then there’s a simple form to complete with instructions at https://longearedowl.org/ - part of the HOT website where you will find information concerning birds of prey and other owls as well.

On another issue, I’m frequently amazed by the size of my mailbox following one of my articles in Mendip Times; it proves what a loyal readership there is, especially when I compare the feedback I get when I write for a national publication.

For example, the pine marten piece I wrote two months ago is still seemingly very popular, as I’m getting some interesting sightings of this native and re-establishing member of the weasel family. Please do keep the correspondence coming. l The book, Great Misconceptions: Rewilding Myths and Misunderstandings, will be out by the time the November issue of Mendip Times is published. I have written chapter eight. The book is published by Whittles Publishing. My walks and talks continue through the winter. If your group wishes to book me for a walk or evening talk, please contact me on 07799 413918.

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com

Look and listen out for the return of redwings

Long-eared owl – the Hawk and Owl Trust annual survey gets underway in November

Cheddar Gorge –a walk through myth and history

EXPLOREthe dramatic and aweinspiring edge of Cheddar Gorge and imagine the scene here where a “miracle” befell the young Saxon King Edmund and saved his life. On this very short walk, look out over the Somerset Levels (the Summer Lands) where the famous King Alfred, Edmund’s grandfather, hid from the Danes and was said to have burnt the cakes. You are walking in the footsteps of the ancients as Cheddar Gorge was one of the first places to be inhabited by humans.

It is a steady uphill climb for much of the first half on a rocky track with great

With Sue Gearing

views. Then it is downhill all the way back on a good path and track with great views south towards mystical Glastonbury Tor which presides over the ancient Levels. There is one stile.

PARK: In Cheddar up Lippiatt Lane in £5 a day parking run privately. As you begin to approach the Gorge itself from Cheddar village, cross a bridge and turn right opposite the Tourist Info and Ticket Office. Stay left and go up the narrow Lippiatt. The parking area is on the left with a box by the entrance for payment. Or find somewhere else to park and walk up the Lippiatt to the first turn left.

START: Turn right out of the car park and after a short way downhill turn up the first lane on the right, Lynch Lane. (If parking in Cheddar village, go up the Lippiatt and turn left in Lynch Lane). After a few yards turn steeply up left following the Gorge Walk. Go under two ancient yew trees and join a track by Pavey’s Tower, or sometimes known as the Lookout Tower.

1. PAVEY’S TOWER

Built by the eccentric entrepreneur, Rowland Pavey, it opened to the public in 1908 and was originally a wooden structure, called the White Tower. Later it was completely restored and was built of steel as you see today. Recent repairs

have ensured this local landmark with its 48 steps will continue to “wow” the visitors to the Gorge for many years to come. Pavey, a local mill owner, even opened nearby Jacob’s Ladder and fun park. Contrary to popular myth it was not constructed to watch out for invaders of the realm! However, the views from its 14-metre height are spectacular and you can view the windswept plateau on the Gorge’s north side, look far across the Levels and even see Exmoor.

Follow the track up and immediately pass the top of Jacob’s Ladder. The terrain is easier going now.

Jacob’s Ladder is another of Pavey’s creations with its 274 steps. The inspiration for its construction came from a passage in the Bible where Jacob is said to have dreamt of a stairway from earth to heaven where angels walked up and down between the two.

Go through a gate ahead and now take this stony track uphill. Pass a first rocky outcrop on the left and a few boulders, but continue a little further to Pulpit Rock a more significant outcrop.

2. PULPIT ROCK

This “pulpit” looking structure commands a prominent position on the edge of the cliffs. It’s easy to imagine some sort of mythical demonic creature crouched above and surveying the Gorge below.

You are on your way again, following the edge of this magnificent Gorge which will come into view before too long.

Can you feel the magical history of this landscape which was carved out of solid rock by the end of the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago? Deep frozen ground had thawed and then froze again in a series of Ice Ages and warm inter-glacial periods. The thaws produced a river that carved out what we see today, which is pretty impressive to say the least. It’s also where early humans lived in the caves and shelters in its sides. The remains of one such occupant who died around 10,000 years ago are still with us today. Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest near-complete human skeleton, was excavated in 1903. The remains are kept at London's Natural History Museum in the Human Evolution gallery.

On the way up you’ll pass a number of information boards to help set the scene of this very special place. You may well pass sure-footed grazing goats too that help to keep the vegetation under control. Take your time to stop and take in the views, which are incomparable, looking across to the north side of this deep gorge (400ft deep) and west down across Cheddar village to Axbridge reservoir and beyond. Somerset is laid out before you. Take any route you like up here but take care if you go close to the edge.

3. THE PINNACLES

Arrive at the Pinnacles, a very dramatic rock formation crowning the edge of the gorge.

This could well be the spot where the Young King Edmund and his horse were saved from plunging over the cliff into the gorge. Edmund had reluctantly given into jealous pressure to dismiss a favourite priest called Dunstan from his court. Dunstan was sent back to the abbey at Glastonbury and may have been waylaid, beaten and thrown into a cesspit by those jealous of his close relationship with the King. Edmund, who had a palace in Cheddar, probably where Kings of Wessex school is, was out hunting along the top of the gorge. Edmund’s hounds set off in pursuit of a deer, but the poor animal fell over the cliff edge to its death below, rapidly followed by the pack of hounds.

Distance: 3.62k (2.25 miles). About 1-1.5 hours walking • Map: OS Explorer 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West • Grid Ref: 464 534, Sat Nav: BS27 3QP.

took up the chase, but its reins broke so the young king had no way of stopping. He is said to have cried out in sorrow at the way he had treated Dunstan. At the very last moment the horse veered away from the sharp drop and the king’s life was saved! Taking this as a sign from God, Edmund went straight to Glastonbury and brought Dunstan back into his court. Dunstan was later to become a very powerful man behind the throne of several kings.

Then reach a wooden gate and stile. Once through, turn right and continue down the fence line and cross another stile.

3. TRACK DOWNHILL

Then continue in roughly the same direction along a grassy track between gorse. You are paralleling the right edge now – not close alongside. Around here you may see the grazing herd of longhorn cattle. The track becomes wider and continues to drop downhill with more and more views unfolding across the Somerset Levels and to Glastonbury Tor and Nyland Hill. Stay on this track until you reach a junction with a crossing track below. This is the West Mendip Way.

4. WEST MENDIP WAY

The West Mendip Way is now part of a 50-mile long distance path, the Mendip Way, from Uphill near Weston-superMare to Frome. It’s a great way to see the

very varied landscape of Mendip. Turn right and now simply follow this stony route for just over half a mile as it gently drops downhill, through a gate and all the way back to the Lippiatt. Return to where you parked. Hope you enjoyed this journey of discovery.

This walk, with additions, was written by me with Les Davies for the new book of walks from the Mendip Hills National Landscape team (formerly the AONB). They have adapted it and the other nine stories we produced and woven in many stories and legends to result in a fascinating book, The Darker Side of Mendip. It would make a great Christmas gift. See page 36

Edmund’s horse

What 3words: incursion.ambushed.cute

West Countryman’s diary

RAIN,rain and yet more rain. Will it ever end? As the summer months slide slowly under water, we head into autumn. It was an autumn that I had hoped would bring us a little sunshine, dry weather and changing colours. Some trees have started the preparations for winter, whilst others are hoping the cold weather doesn’t come too soon and catch them in full leaf.

From my window I see the Virginia creeper shedding its red leaves, whilst the apple tree remains defiant and still in full leaf. Occasionally the sun will appear, almost apologetically for not having been more prominent. As my dear old mother used to say “it is what it is” and the world will keep turning no doubt, (we hope).

So, the last days of summer it certainly was not, but the annual Mendip Ploughing Match went ahead at Green Ore on September 25th none the less. There were 101 ploughs, eight wallers and hedgelayers with 83 entries in the farm produce section.

Preparation day on Monday 23rd was nothing but rain. The weather improved a little on the day of the match, giving most competitors the chance to complete their ploughing before the rain made itself felt just after lunchtime. The Mendip match was fortunate that a hard trackway allowed entry and exit from the site.

Without this the story might well have been different. Several other societies were faced with the tough decision to go ahead or cancel and for most it was the latter.

After 57 years of being the Mendip Ploughing Society secretary, Jim King stood down at this year’s meeting. He has been succeeded by Judith Ogborne who was for several years the joint secretary with Jim. It’s worthy of note that during his time, Jim was the main driving force of the society, overseeing its expansion to the major event it is today, attracting competitors from all over the South West.

I always describe it as the “go-to” event on Mendip for countryside people. As always, the phase “You can run, but you can’t hide” applies here as Jim is remaining on the committee as a vice president. Tribal elders are very important with their experience and valuable knowledge.

So often I have seen it lost as people walk away. It is also pleasing to report that Judith received many emails and messages from competitors after the event congratulating her that the day went ahead.

The heavy rain has been causing problems with flooding and I’m seeing sights that I would normally associate with January across the moors and Levels. Here's hoping we don’t have a repeat of 2014, but the ground is very much at capacity with any more rain adding to a serious risk of flooding.

A lot of lessons were learnt in 2014. The thinking at the time was to get the water away as fast as possible. Then we found that wasn’t the answer and thoughts turned to slowing the flow. I have often thought that the innovative actions and thoughts of Mendip farmer and one time chairman of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, Edwin White, were not better recognised at the time of the 2014 problems.

He understood that the problem started higher up in the land and needed slowing before it got to the moors. There is no doubt that climate change is here and that more land is being built on with more hard surfacing catching more runoff. Perhaps we should take a closer look at the Dutch and their systems of wind pumps?

I was also very interested in a recent walk organised by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) looking at the flood defences along the Bristol Channel. It was led by an Environment Agency officer and really brought home the serious way in which all these issues are being taken.

The Steart Marsh project is part of the same thinking that absorbs the high tide rush at the mouth of the River Parrett. So, will we have a return to salt marsh and river deltas? Not on Mendip I hope!

Don’t forget to put the clocks back at the end of the month as we go into winter. It will soon be Christmas and the November issue of Mendip Times with be covering just that subject. So almost seamlessly I now lead into the launch of my new book called Follow the Plough

It’s being launched on November 1st. You will find a piece about it in this month’s edition with a readers’ discount offer in time for Christmas. It’s a story of life and opportunities that many may identify with.

Finally, this month’s photograph is taken from my archive. It’s of horse chestnuts, or conkers used by young boys (and older ones) in gladiatorial bouts during autumn. The winner was determined by smashing the opponent’s conker held on a bootlace.

I recently read of a competition where an entrant was cleared after being accused of using a conker made out of steel. Is nothing sacred?

Don’t forget you can always email me on: Les.davies@westcountryman.co.uk

With LES DAVIES MBE

Frome Street Carnival

CARNIVAL processions returned to the streets of Mendip towards the end of September and both Frome Street Carnival and earlier the same day, the children’s procession enjoyed a record entry. Proceeds from this year’s event – along with Castle Cary part of the Wessex Grand Prix Circuit – will be split between the carnival itself, Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy, FairFrome, Coleford Scout Hut and Frome Community Wardrobe.

The dates for the November Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnival processions are: 2/11: Bridgwater 4/11: Burnham-on-Sea

8/11: Weston-super-Mare 9/11: North Petherton 13/11: Shepton Mallet 15/11: Wells 16/11: Glastonbury

*11/11: Midsomer Norton Carnival (independent)

Carnival royalty

Some of the cast of Christmas Time, the Little Devils CC’s entry

Witham Friary FC were fundraising by selling programmes and souvenirs

Kipling CC’s Blocos de Carnival cart won several awards

Darren Bealing –Moonlight Masquerade, one of the single masqueradors

The best of berried treasure

ONCEthe leaves fall, we have limited attractions in the garden, other than attractive twigs and evergreens, grey, or golden foliage. So, attractive fruits or seed heads are a bonus, not only for us, but also for wildlife during the winter months. These plants are well worth including in your garden planting scheme. Some herbaceous perennials have attractive seed heads and can be left, rather than cutting them back, when their flowers have finished.

Many of the daisy family, especially rudbeckias and echinaceas lose their petals, leaving a central cone surrounded by a green ruff. Phlomis russelliana is a favourite of mine. The sturdy spikes, set with whorls of yellow flowers in summer, give way to crisp brown whorls of calyxes. These will stand all winter and look good combined with ornamental grasses and coloured stems for a more naturalistic style. Nearly all ornamental grasses offer a good vertical winter structure from their stems, while miscanthus seed heads change from thin buff strands to fluffy plumes, should the weather allow them to dry them out.

Ornamental fruits can add much needed colour to the garden at this time of year, especially those that are not instantly eaten by the birds, until the harsh weather comes. It is a good year for holly berries again, thanks to the fine spell for our pollinators to get “out and about” during flowering.

Remember that hollies need “two to tango” – a male plant and a female one and do not be fooled by their names. “Golden King” is a female and “Silver Queen” is male, so one of each are required for a good set of berries.

There are many red fruited plants, but my top choice for a round headed tree, ideal for a small to medium garden is Crataegus persimilis “Splendens” – a type of hawthorn that is easy to grow, and offers white flower in early summer, stunning autumn coloured foliage, and red

fruits that stay until Christmas. It is also known as the Cockspur Thorn because of its formidable spines.

Pink fruited plants are less common. Ideal as a small tree, is a variety of our native spindle Euonymus europaeus “Thornhayes”. This variety was selected for its prolific display of pink fruit that open to reveal bright orange seeds, with the bonus of good purple tinted autumnal foliage.

A Chinese rowan, or mountain ash, Sorbus hupehensis “Pink Pagoda” has clusters of pink fruits and bluish foliage that also colours well. This makes a change from our native red fruited type. The birds usually strip the fruits from our native species, before turning to their Chinese relatives.

For a shrub look out for Viburnum nudum “Pink Beauty” offering abundant clusters of pink fruits and autumnal tints but be sure to buy two as they will fruit better.

We are used to seeing the white berries on the snowberry in our hedgerows, but it can become a thug and is best avoided in a garden. Look for a small St John’s Wort (Hypericum “Miracle Blizz”), growing to one metre, with typical yellow flowers in summer followed by white fruits.

This and others in the Miracle Series are now becoming popular as an addition to florists’ bouquets, including “Miracle Blossom” with peachy coloured fruits.

Probably the most spectacular shrub in autumn is the Beauty Bush (Callicarpa x bodinieri “Profusion”) growing to three metres with inconspicuous pink flowers followed by clusters of small shiny violet fruits that are most visible after the shrub has lost its similar coloured autumnal tinted foliage. It is best to plant two of these for the most prolific fruits.

The Firethorns (Pyracantha) can be relied upon to fruit well in shades of red, orange, or yellow making an impenetrable barrier if required. They can be prone to a fungal disease, so I suggest you look for the Saphyr Series which show good resistance to the problem.

Shady positions are often difficult to fill in a garden, but one shrub that loves shade

is Skimmia. Its evergreen foliage sets off a good crop of incredibly long-lasting red berries, provided you have purchased a female form and have a male nearby to pollinate it. The best female is Skimmia japonica “Veitchii” and an ideal male companion would be either the red flower budded variety “Rubella” or S. confuse “Kew Green”. All of these offer strongly fragrant flowers in late spring.

A truly spectacular shrub with blue fruits is Decaisnea fargesii, also known bizarrely as Dead Man’s Fingers. Greenish pendulous flowers give way to bunches of fat broad bean sized pods. Their name suggest they might be poisonous, but they are not, and I am proof of that!

Blueberries require an acidic soil but can be grown in containers. You will need to net the plants to stop the birds feasting on your crop, but the vibrant autumn foliage is well worth waiting for. Impressive metallic blue fruits also appear on Symplocos paniculata, but this also needs an acidic soil and a planting partner for best fertilisation.

Black fruits seem less appealing, but our common ivy does a grand job of feeding the birds, as does common privet, but a lesser-known plant called the Jet Bead (Rhodotypos scandens) is useful for shade, bearing white flowers in mid-summer and pairs of shiny black seeds.

With this kaleidoscope of coloured fruits on offer for our gardens, autumn need never be dull once the leaves have fallen, and our wildlife will thank you too.

With MARY PAYNE MBE

Pyracantha 'Red Saphyr'

• Transplant evergreen shrubs. Dig them with a generous ball of soil to protect the roots and minimise disturbance. Mulch the roots and shield the tops from drying winds.

• Reduce the height of bush roses by trimming them back by a third to a half their height. This will reduce the likelihood of the roots being damaged if the tops rock around in the winter gales. Clear up and burn any diseased leaves.

• Plant any sort of tree, shrub, climber, perennial, conifer, rockery plant and heather this month, as long as they are hardy. This is the very best month for planting!

• Plant wallflowers out to provide a great display and fantastic scent in spring.

• Plant winter flowering pansies out now but look for those that are already in flower or have buds showing.

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

• Sow sweet peas for the best and earliest blooms next year! Sow them in extra deep pots or better still root trainers.

• Lift dahlia roots and store them in a frost-free place for winter.

• Clean shade material off greenhouses now. Wash the glass to get the maximum light into your plants.

• Pull up runner bean plants and put them on the compost heap.

Timberwork Buildings

Project’s new home

GLASTONBURY’S Growing Happiness allotment project has finally found not one, but two new homes, allowing the initiative to continue its vital work within the community.

For months, the project, known for feeding the homeless, providing mental health support, and teaching gardening skills to all ages, faced the risk of closure after receiving notice to leave its previous allotment.

With an urgent need to relocate by October, the community was rallying together in search of a solution. Glastonbury Town Council came to the rescue, offering two new allotment plots on the Lowerside site near Forsey’s Funeral Directors.

Then the United Reformed Church of Glastonbury offered the use of their garden, just two minutes from the project’s office.

Timsbury show

NORTHSomerset Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society held their annual “early” show for chrysanthemums and dahlias on September 14th in the Conygre Hall, Timsbury. This will be followed by the Chrysanthemum “late” show on Saturday, November 9th in the same venue 2-4.30pm. New members and show entries are welcome.

Northsomersetcdsociety@yahoo.com Facebook and Instagram

Gardening giants!

GEORGEOsborne from Gillingham and Terry Sleight of Langford are pictured with their produce and trophies at the Churchill Potato and Onion competition.

The competition now in its 21st year was originally run at the Blagdon Country Fayre. It continues to be run by Bill Maggs with competitors being given a seed potato and an onion in the spring, and the winner being the heaviest when weighed in September.

Hedgehog warning

PRICKLES Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar has advice before lighting bonfires. A bonfire looks like a perfect site for a hedgehog seeking a safe, warm place to nest or hibernate.

It says before lighting check the whole pile for wildlife hiding inside; gently lift each section with a pole or a broom; do not use a fork or spade which could cause harm.

Collect and delivered locally • Booking strongly recommended

INSTEAD of writing about farming for this magazine, as I used to, I am now on a project which I have a great interest in as my grandmother, Maud Patch, along with her husband Dick kept this pub from 1911–1970, see separate article. It is a long time since then and the

pub has had many tenants. It was especially hard for Andy Miller who had a hard time during Covid but he survived with a little help from his friends.

The Princes’s Motto, in Barrow Gurney, is currently owned by a pubco and has had an unsuccessful business model that was totally unsuited to a small rural pub.

It is currently closed and its status as an important community asset is at risk. I am pleased to be part of the steering group trying to save it.

A community benefit society has been formed to potentially purchase the Motto in order to then trade sustainably with a viable business plan. We need everyone’s

help to acquire the Prince’s Motto and reinvent it as a village hub not just a village pub.

Maud knew the village history and the villagers, she was welcoming and friendly. Villagers voted unanimously at a packed meeting to raise £345.000 to buy the pub.

Maud Cooksley Patch of the Ich Dien Barrow Gurney

MAUD Patch was an exceptional lady. She was landlady of the Ich Dien (Prince’s Motto) in Barrow Gurney from 1911 until she passed away in 1970. Her husband Richard (Dick) was the licensee but she was the worker and she was always peeved that she did not get her name on the door as licensee until Dick died in 1960.

She was born in 1889 at School Farm, Barrow Gurney as Maud Cooksley Russell. When School Farm was burnt down, she moved with the family to Hill House Farm, Dundry. There were ten children.

By the age of 14 she had left school and was working as barmaid and helper at the Black Lion, Whitchurch.

At 18 she married Dick Patch, son of

Charles Patch who was landlord of the Fox and Goose pub (on the A38). Maud would have loved to run the Fox and Goose, but someone had other ideas and Georges Brewery offered them the Ich Dien which was really just a beer house and a small one at that. But it did have a large garden and orchard.

The family began to arrive in 1911, my mother was the eldest. There were eventually seven of them but one unfortunately died. There is no doubt about the fact they were poor but they did have a garden, a pig-sty and a hen house, so there was plenty of home-grown vegetables, meat, eggs and milk from the dairy herd in Springhead Farm next door.

Then came WW1 and how difficult that must have been.

In WW2 son Charlie joined the army, but the pub had a significant rise in customers. Barrow Hospital was taken over by the Royal Navy as a rehabilitation centre.

Doctors, nurses, staff and visitors could easily walk down to the Ich Dien. Maud was delighted to welcome

them all especially well-known radio stars at the time such as Betty Driver and Jack Watson.

The Ich Dien built up a good trade with many customers coming out from Bristol enjoying a warm welcome from a landlady who kept everything spick and span. There was great excitement in 1969 when the Prince of Wales was invested. HTV filmed Maud outside the Ich Dien proposing a toast to HRH.

Dick passed away in 1960. He did all the gardening along with Charlie, but Maud kept going with the help of her daughters. Food on offer was only pickled eggs (home produced) and Smiths crisps.

Woe-betide teenagers who tried to drink under-age – she knew most of them. Ironically, in her whole life Maud never drank or smoked. Her final wish was to be “carried out of the Ich Dien in a box” which is exactly what happened in 1970. She is buried in the beautiful graveyard of Barrow Gurney church.

The pub was a village Hub even then. She would have been a great supporter of our efforts to try and regain some of her expertise.

Mary James, granddaughter

Mary James MBE

Will the drugs work? Plop the Raindrop

By DrPHIL HAMMOND

WILLthe new weight-loss “wonder drugs” get people back to work? The government hopes so, and Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy are being trialled to see if they can increase employment as well as reduce weight. There’s no such thing as a free drug and these jabs cost around £120 a month, but then the effects of obesity cost the NHS £11 billion a year (more than smoking).

The drugs may be behind the recent fall in America’s obesity rates but whether they’re a long-term solution, or if the weight and unemployment rebounds after treatment, is yet to be determined. As ever, more research is needed and not just funded by the companies that make the drugs.

So how do they work? Semaglutide, aka Wegovy, mimics a hormone that is released when we eat and tricks the brain into thinking we are full, so it dulls our appetite and we eat less. In a nutshell, changing the level of just a single hormone can radically change your relationship with food.

The good news is that it rebrands obesity as a hormone disorder rather than shouting at people for being lazy and fickle. Years ago, when food was sparce, a big appetite was crucial to give you the motivation to track down a mammoth to slay.

But now a big appetite combined with a sea of cheap, calorie dense food is a recipe for obesity, and one in four Brits are overweight.

Research shows that Wegovy can help people lose around 15% of their starting body weight before the benefits plateau, so would typically take someone weighing 20 stone down to 17 stone. This has clear medical benefits in terms of the reduction of risks like heart

attack, sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes. But whether it motivates you to get a job if you are unemployed is not yet proven.

Personally, it might be better in the long term to make sure everyone has access to affordable nutritious whole food in the right amounts, rather than rely forever on drugs to dig us out of the bad diet hole.

Indeed, it will take away any incentive to reign in the food industry and supermarkets to promote comfort foods that should only be an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. Plus, when the injections stop the appetite comes back and the weight can go back on if you haven’t combined the jabs with teaching people how to shop and cook more healthily.

Also, one in five children are obese or overweight by the time they start school, so we need to come up with a strategy that helps them. If I was health secretary, I’d put much more money on stopping people getting sick in the first place and making those responsible pay.

Here’s just a selection of my strategies:

1. Make the school run into an actual school run.

2. Only clean the teeth you want to keep.

3. To improve the nutritional content of food, the bosses of supermarkets and corporate food chains and restaurants can only eat a random selection of food sold in their establishments.

4. Chief executives of water companies who pump raw sewage into our rivers and oceans should be obliged to bathe in it. And then drink it.

5. Disposable vapes should be disposed of on the lawns of the bosses who make them.

6. Make gardening, cooking, singing, dancing, laughing, reading, painting and arsing around with dogs into official NHS therapies.

I KNOWyou human beans like to talk about the weather, but I’m getting a bit fed up with it to be honest.

It’s not something that would normally concern a tiny water droplet like me, but there’s a limit to the number of times I want to get thrown out of rain clouds or get blown against window panes.

You’ve probably noticed the really strange patterns of the weather. One day sunny and warm. The next cold, wet and windy.

It’s turning me into a yo-yo! Tumbling to the ground one instant and then being pulled back up into the clouds the next. I literally don’t know if I’m coming or going.

It’s not only confusing for me. As the weather patterns change, lots of my plant and animal friends are left wondering what to do.

If I’m a swift or a swallow, do I bother to fly north from Africa to where you live if it’s going to be too wet and cold to find any insects?

If I’m a plant or a tree, when is the best time to make flowers? They can adapt, but it takes them a long time.

And did you see there have been floods in the Sahara desert? I’ve been around a very long time too, but I’ve rarely seen that before.

Actually, I do remember a time before deserts existed… before anything really existed. Just a world of fire and water. A bit like now. A world of floods and wild storms, but on a much bigger scale.

The Earth has always been a place of contrasts, with the odd ice age thrown in. I could try and find a cosy glacier to sleep in – if they weren’t all melting.

Sorry to be so gloomy. I blame the weather. No matter how things change, our Earth always seems to cope.

MENDIP GRANDAD

Dr Phil with be performing “How to Pleasure Yourself Properly” in the Old School Room, Chew Magna on November 30th, tickets via The Wine Rooms next door.

Caring for carers

FRIENDSof Somerset Carers Network are a group of individuals who are either carers or professionals within the field of mental illness in its many forms whose aim is to raise funds to support unpaid carers who care for loved ones with mental health conditions. Their next fundraising event is a low-cost light lunch on Tuesday, November 12th, 11am-2pm at Coxley memorial hall.

Details: www.somersetcarers.org

Cancer tests

A PROSTATE cancer testing day organised by Mendip Rotary in Cheddar was attended by 244 men.

The club raised funds through a golf event and through sponsorship to offer local men the opportunity of a free blood test against what is the second biggest killer of men.

The entire process took less than five minutes, with tea, coffee and biscuits available for those who wished to meet and chat afterwards.

Rotary president, Tom Elson, said: “We are very pleased with numbers attending and the whole day has run very smoothly.

“Our hope is that all those attending get reassurance about their prostate health and those who may be subsequently advised to consult a GP for further investigation, benefit from early detection.”

The photo shows Mendip Rotarians and staff from Somerset Prostate Support Association at the testing day.

COURT HOUSE

Food, glorious food . . . and more

WELLS city centre came to a standstill as the city’s annual food festival attracted thousands of visitors eager to sample –and buy – artisan produce.

For the first time, part of the High Street was closed off to accommodate sellers and the public, with the area by the Bishop’s Palace and the Recreation Ground busier than ever.

Jon Abbott, festival director, said: “We were delighted with the success of this year’s festival. I think more people visited than ever which was fantastic for all our artisan producers, demonstrated by the ‘sold out’ notices that were appearing everywhere by the end of the day.

“Extending into the High Street proved to be a great success, for both the new traders who were able to attend and the almost 16,000 visitors to the festival.”

The winner of the best trade stand in the show was Ubleybased cheesemonger Homewood Park. Samuel Master, from Cooper & Tanner, who selected Homewood Cheese for the Best Cheese Stall Award before it was awarded the top prize, said that it was the “combination of the enthusiasm, the knowledge, passion and rich variety of cheese from one source that makes this the overall winner in a very competitive contest.”

The High Street was closed to traffic for the first time in the festival’s history to accommodate more stallholders

This family from Castle Cary found space by the bandstand to enjoy lunch

When the going gets hot . . . Tony cooks up a treat for visitors

Sam Evans has become a regular performer at the festival

Free samples proved popular, here on the Batch Farm stall

Café is thriving

CONGRESBURY’Sthriving community café is celebrating its fifth birthday. With support of Debbie Fortune estate agents, they continue to raise money to support village groups and activities as well as local and national charities. They are currently raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Year 6 children at St Andrew’s school were given £1,175 to help with the costs of this year’s camp; £1,000 was donated to the Great Western Air Ambulance charity and £500 to Congresbury Community Pre-school.

Ian Sheppard, for the café, said: “We could only do this due to our volunteers giving up their time, to either bake the delicious homemade cakes and scones or help run the sessions, some do both. We are looking for a few more volunteer to bake and run sessions.”

The café is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, 9-1pm. It also runs a Glut Market where villagers can donate surplus vegetables and plants which are available for a donation.

Details: communitycoffee@btinternet.com

Club’s gift to school

CHELWOODBridge Rotary Club presented illustrated dictionaries to Year 3 pupils at Church Stoke School. Rotary member, Ken Biggs, former Chew Valley Secondary School head, is pictured with pupils Evie, Henley, Ed and Frankie.

Tree of Light

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club will launch their annual Tree of Light at the beginning of November, giving members of the local community the chance to sponsor a light in memory of a loved one.

The project is in its 12th year and has been well supported. Donations can be made via their website by downloading a form or by request via email.

The dedication service and lighting ceremony will take place at the Bath Arms on Monday, December 9th from 4.30pm. The dedication will be live streamed and available online via Facebook.

The club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Our Lady Queen of Apostles Catholic Church meeting room, Tweentown, Cheddar, BS27 3HU.

Details: Secretary Sylvia Cook information@cheddarvalelions.org.uk www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Grants available

LOCALgroups will benefit from over £140,000 of funding awarded to charity groups to make communities safer. Grants of up to £10,000 have been awarded from the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund for projects across the area. The fund is managed by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) and Quartet Community Foundation.

Andy Ridgewell, programmes director at SCF said: “We look for applications for all sorts of projects, ranging from services for young people, events that build community, and awareness raising across groups likely to fall victims of crime.”

The fund is open for applications until Friday, November 8th.

Library birthday

PEASEDOWNSt John’s Community Library has celebrated its fifth birthday and now has about 200 users a month.

B&NES councillor, Karen Walker, (pictured) is the operations manager. She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. Particularly our loyal and dedicated team of volunteers who keep this valuable service running for the community.”

St Andrew's School

BISHOP Sutton village hall has had new solar panels worth £30k installed with a grant from WECA, the West of England Combined Authority.

Hall chairman, Derek Maltby, said it will significantly reduce their electric running costs and co2 output.

He said: "This was very positive news for various villages to emulate."

Solar roof Festival awards

YEOValley Lions Club held a presentation evening at Claverham Village Hall where they shared the proceeds from their beer festival in June between seven local organisations. They were Weston HospiceCare, Great Western Air Ambulance, 1st Congresbury Brownies, Spotlight Sparklers children’s choirs, based at Yatton Primary School, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Barton Camp near Winscombe and Blood Bikes, who received £500 each. The proceeds from the Strawberry Lion Walk in May were awarded to Yatton Girlguiding, who have supported this event from its inception and this year collected £2,200 in sponsorship. Of this amount, £500 was collected by one Guide, Bailey Carey, who is pictured receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Lion President, Roger Gibbins.

Lions in action

CITYof Wells Lions have had a busy time –they not only raise money for local charities but are happy to provide hands-on help as well!

Recent activities have included litter picking around Wells, stewarding at a Rotary led PSA testing event, stewarding during Wells ECO week, hosting the presentation eve for the winners of Wells Moat Boat Race, participated in Oxfam quiz and attended “Lady of Lyme” play, supporting Wells Rotary.

They also had an instructive, but fun session at Wells Golf Club!

Donations to good causes

MEMBERSof St John’s Church in Peasedown St John have given another £9,000 this year to local, national and international causes.

The congregation follows the biblical principle of giving away the first ten percent of its income each year in a bid to practice what it preaches. Over the last 13 years, the church has distributed £127,000 in charitable giving.

Church leader, the Rev Matthew Street, said: “The overseas projects we support often have a personal link for our church so we can receive regular feedback on how our donations are being spent.

“We are also extremely pleased to be supporting local initiatives such as the Timsbury-based charity Bibles for Children and Somer Valley Foodbank– an essential project that supports local people in food crisis.”

St Julian’s Church in Wellow, another of his churches, also gave £1,100 to good causes – with donations to the Young Carers Development Trust, Parkinson’s UK and Bibles for Children.

Art on a plate

VILLAGERS in Leigh-on-Mendip showed off their artistic and culinary skills at a weekend-long art café in the Memorial Hall.

All the arts and crafts – along with pastries, cakes and savouries – were made in the village.

Support for refugees

TRIGGER, which raises funds to support isolated asylum seekers housed in rural hotels in North Somerset, held a feasting event for refugees, asylum seekers and local residents.

It says hundreds of people seeking asylum have been placed in hotels across the area, where they are isolated with poor transport links.

It organises creative workshops to offer people a moment to step outside of their current situation, come together, and create. Some 700 people have attended so far.

It’s launched a campaign to continue funding its work.

Details: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/supporthumanity-hotel https://www.triggerstuff.co.uk/our-work/humanity-hotel

Ringing the changes

THE Friends of St John’s Church in Glastonbury have presented a new set of ropes to its bell ringers, thanks to a bequest from the late John R Brunsdon MBE, a former tower captain.

The Rev. Pamela Heazell blessed the new ropes and Martin Hartfield, chair of the friends and also a ringer, formally presented the ropes to the nine ringers present at the service.

St John’s has eight bells, but only five ringers who live in the town. Current tower captain Mike Palmer said they were keen to hear from anyone interested in joining them.

Meanwhile, the clock at St John’s in Midsomer Norton has been given a long outstanding overhaul. To avoid scaffolding, the work on the outside dial was carried out by abseiling from the top of the tower. The dial, numbers and hands were brushed down, painted with a primer followed by black gloss paint. The numerals, minute marks and hands were then re-gilded using double thick English gold leaf.

The clock workings, inside the tower, were stripped out and many years of accumulated grime was removed. The clock is to be fitted with a new winding system which will automatically regulate the timing and also adjust the clock when the hour has to be changed in spring and autumn. The cost of the work was funded by anonymous donations.

For details about bell ringing in Glastonbury, contact Mike on Glastonbury.StJohn@bath-wells.org

WI birthday

BANWELL WI celebrated its 83rd birthday with guest members from Winscombe, Hewish and Sandford. Pauline Britten and Vivienne Bailey are pictured cutting the cake.

Pictured (l to r): Chris, Edie and Jenny were among the villagers who ran the busy cafe

Artists in residence: (l to r) Kathy, Julia, Gill and Rich

The rope blessing and presentation at St John’s in Glastonbury

New kitchen

THEmanagement committee of Loxton & Christon village hall are pictured celebrating in their newly fitted kitchen, after being awarded £20,000 towards the project from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Café welcomes first guests

THEMorlands and Baily’s Heritage Café has opened at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury.

The project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, celebrates the experiences and memories of people who worked at Morlands or Baily’s, two large sheepskin processing and manufacturing companies in the Beckery area.

The café is a monthly opportunity for people to get together, socialise and reminisce about their time working there. It will continue to happen every last Friday of the month; future dates are November 29th, January 31st, February 28th, March 28th and April 25th.

Details: www.redbrickbuilding.co.uk

Tribute to The Few

THERoyal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch (RAFA-MSB) held its Battle of Britain Service at St John's Church, Glastonbury. The service commemorated the 84th anniversary of the battle. It was attended by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, the mayors of Glastonbury and Wells, other civic dignitaries, RAF air cadets from 1955 (City of Wells) and 1182 (Shepton Mallet) squadrons and members of the general public.

The Mayor of Glastonbury (right) was amongst the guests

Volunteers praised as new bridge is swung into place

A 15-METREbridge has been craned into place over a busy road on the edge of Shepton Mallet completing another missing link in Somerset’s Strawberry Line traffic-free route.

Once open to the public –expected to be in early November – the bridge over the B3136 between Shepton and Pilton replaces a railway bridge removed around 40 years ago.

Onlookers applauded as the bridge was gently lowered into place. Volunteers have been working over the past months to prepare the route between Ridge Road and Shepton’s Collett Park under the supervision of charity Greenways and Cycleroutes which is working to create a traffic-free active travel route from the Somerset coastline to the Mendips along the former railway line, known as the Strawberry Line.

Further works are underway to connect the bridge to new and existing paths, which together will create a safer route for residents in south Shepton to walk and cycle to the playing fields, scout hut, football club and towards Shepton Mallet Community Hospital.

The Strawberry Line volunteers together with volunteers from the neighbouring Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels project have provided key support and helped with clearance and construction through regular weekly volunteer sessions and at Greenways workcamps.

Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Digital on Somerset Council, which has been working in partnership with the other organisations on the Strawberry Line project, said: "A huge thank you to our community groups and volunteers for progressing work, your efforts have transformed the disused railway into a vibrant pathway for everyone to use. We have been honoured to support you in making the Strawberry Line a success.”

An official opening and ribbon cutting is planned for Friday, November 8th with a similar ceremony the same day at the newly established section of the route near Dulcote.

Bridging the gap: Richard Wilkins (left) and Ros Wyke, from Somerset Council with John Grimshaw and Caroline Levett from Greenways and Cycleroutes on the new bridge

Some of the volunteers who have been working to prepare for the bridge installation

The bridge forms a vital part of the Strawberry Line

The 15-metre-long bridge is lowered into place

Caroline and John were amongst the first to cross the bridge whilst it was still held in place by the crane

Morris dancers’ anniversary lunch

MOREthan 60 people from far and wide attended a 50th anniversary lunch held by Somerset Morris in Pensford village hall. There were 19 current dancers, as well as former

dancers and musicians. New members, both dancers and musicians, are always welcome as they head into the next 50 years!

Details: www.somersetmorris.org.uk

Cheers! Festival supports good causes

WEDMOREReal Ale Festival celebrated another successful year at its annual presentation evening, when volunteers, festival committee members and beneficiaries gathered to celebrate their

Honours for cadets

FIVE of Somerset’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets.

The cadets will assist Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, at official engagements throughout the year, proudly serving as ambassadors for the cadet forces.

They include Leading Cadet Jessie Frost from Glastonbury and Street Sea Cadets, whose “enthusiasm and eagerness shine through her active participation” and Cadet Sergeant Kara Campbell Meehan from Downside School Combined Cadet Force, noted for her confidence and eloquence in embracing challenges.

It is an honour awarded annually to those cadets who have excelled and shown remarkable leadership. Mr Saddiq said: “These are extraordinary young people who represent the best of

achievements and present cheques.

This year’s event raised £15,000, bringing the total over the 23 years the festival has been running to £279,820, all donated to local worthy causes.

This year’s beneficiaries are: Children’s Hospice South West, Wedmore Friends of Weston Hospice, Wedmore Men’s Shed, Somerset Prostate Support Association, Somewhere House Somerset, St Mary’s Church Wedmore, Isle of Wedmore Women’s Football Club, Strawberry Line Cycle Project, Wedmore Cricket Club (raffle donations), Warm in Wedmore, Allerton Cricket Club, Blackford Village Hall, Wedmore Village Farm, Wedmore Dance, Wedmore Scout Group and Wedmore in Bloom.

The cadets with the Lord-Lieutenant and Somerset’s High Sheriff Rob

the best. It will be a real pleasure working with them in the coming year.”

Beckley

Mendip Cave Rescue –an underground history

Martin Grass

Martin Grass is chair of both Mendip Cave Rescue and the Cave Diving Group of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

MENDIP Cave Rescue (MCR) was formed in 1935 and was originally called the Mendip Rescue Organisation (MRO).

The team was formed by Bertie Crook, a local doctor who was also a member of the local Mines Rescue Team, based in Pensford. Prior to WW2, Bertie recruited ten MRO wardens, many of whom were also doctors.

The war brought a halt to leisure activities in general but with peace, a new generation of young men and women arrived on the scene, looking for adventure below ground. By 1951, the numbers of people visiting caves had increased so much that Bertie decided that the team needed to be better organised, so he arranged a meeting between the local police and cavers to establish formal callout and organisational procedures.

With just a few minor changes, these are still in operation today. The police have overall responsibility for cave rescue and, as with all other rescue services, callouts are handled via 999.

In the early days, rescue equipment consisted of ex-War Department (WD) canvas stretchers, hemp ropes, splints, and battlefield wound dressings, transported underground in heavy “ammo” boxes.

Things are very different now and the team use ropes made specifically for caving, lightweight jackets that have electrically heated pads to keep the casualty warm, special spinal boards for those with possible spinal injuries, a

variety of drugs, and rock-moving and communication equipment.

Particularly big advances have been made in underground communication. In earlier days, the only method rescuers had of communicating with the surface was through the use of “runners,” who were cavers tasked with taking messages out to the surface as quickly as possible and then returning with the required item.

In a long or difficult cave, this process could take many hours. In the 1950s, underground telephones became available and wires would be reeled out through the cave from the surface attached to heavy WD field phones.

Today we have modern, portable, lowfrequency radios called Heyphones, which fit inside a small box. These enable direct communication between the site of the casualty and team members on the surface, who use maps of the caves to help pinpoint the location.

That’s why on a rescue you may see a couple of the team sitting in the middle of a field, far away from the cave entrance. Heyphones were developed specifically by cavers and we also have a text system that works on the same principle. This also allows messages to be stored for future reference and is particularly useful for recording the time, quantity, and type of medication given to a casualty, which can then be printed off and sent with them to the hospital.

Another big advance in cave rescue in recent years has been the introduction of the Casualty Care Certificate, recently renamed the Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT). This legally entitles mountain and cave rescuers, after training and passing both a written and two practical exams, to use certain controlled drugs on a casualty anywhere in the UK. Prior to this, only team doctors could carry their preferred medicines and drugs and this varied widely between different teams. Now a qualified RRMT can help on a rescue in other regions, above or below ground, knowing that everything in the medical store will be familiar to them.

The biggest difference in cave rescue to mountain rescue or any other emergency

The

Bob Cork using a Heyphone to communicate with a rescue team underground

service is time. Let’s assume for a moment an experienced caver breaks a leg at the end of Swildons Hole (Mendip’s longest cave at 9.2km) and some of his companions head out swiftly to call out MCR.

There are sumps (flooded passages) to dive through, crawls, and climbs. It will take a fit person around four hours to exit the cave and get to a phone. Once the 999 call is made, MCR will assemble those members that cave dive and have the RRMT training along with other team members to set up communications and prepare all the other equipment needed for a successful rescue.

By the time rescue arrives at the casualty, it will be around ten hours after the accident happened and another twelve before they exit the cave. At least 60 personnel would have been involved, above and below ground.

MCR’s motto is Cavers Rescue Cavers. We are a registered charity but receive no money from the government. The rescue team is staffed entirely by expert cavers, who volunteer their time to help other cavers, at no cost to the taxpayer.

In just 11 years’ time, the MCR will celebrate its 100th anniversary, which makes us the second oldest mountain or cave rescue team in the UK and the second oldest cave rescue team in the world!

Over the course of that century, literally hundreds of cavers have been successfully rescued from Mendip caves, and the team’s

skills have also been put to use elsewhere, including in Thailand in 2018, where MCR divers played a prominent part in saving the lives of 12 boys and their instructor.

Details of all our incidents can be found in A History of Mendip Cave Rescues & Incidents, compiled by Alan Gray and freely available in the Articles and Books section of the Mendip Cave Registry and Archive website (www.mcra.org.uk).

Time, of course, doesn’t stand still, and to that end we have just invested in two of the latest stretchers specially designed for cave rescue, at a cost of £5,000 each. As with all our equipment, this could not have been possible without the generous donations gifted to us by cavers and members of the general public.

Thank you to all, and safe caving!

We’ve got it covered

Mendip Times Distribution Points

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

CHURCHILL CLANDOWN CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO

BATCOMBE

BECKINGTON

BISHOP SUTTON

BLACKFORD

BLAGDON

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BRENT KNOLL

BRISTOL

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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BURNHAM-ON-SEA

BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH

CAMERTON

CASTLE CARY

CHARTERHOUSE

CHEDDAR

CHELYNCH

CHEW MAGNA

CHEW STOKE

CHEWTON MENDIP

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COMPTON DUNDON COMPTON MARTIN

CONGRESBURY COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DOULTING DRAYCOTT DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EASTON EAST PENNARD EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FROME

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LONG ASHTON

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LYDFORD ON FOSSE

LYMPSHAM

MARK

MARKSBURY

MASBURY

MELLS

MIDSOMER NORTON

NAILSEA

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NYLAND

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PAULTON

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PILTON

POLSHAM

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PYLLE

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STRATTON ON THE FOSSE

STREET

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TEMPLE CLOUD

TIMSBURY

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TYTHERINGTON

UBLEY

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WESTBURY SUB MENDIP

WHITCHURCH

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WITHAM FRIARY

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WOOKEY HOLE

WRINGTON

WRITHLINGTON

YATTON

= Mendip Times Distribution area

A practice rescue underway

Thank you visit

AIR crew and support staff from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance invited ten members of the Burnham-on-Sea Moose Lodge to a tour of their Henstridge Airfield headquarters as a thank you for raising £75,000 in recent years, including more than £3,000 in 2024.

Hospice support

THE Wedmore Friends of Weston Hospicecare raised £370 at their café and jigsaw sale as well as a huge amount from donations to their stalls.

Harvest gifts

CHEWStoke Church School’s harvest celebration at the village’s St Andrew's Church saw over 300 items of food donated by children and their families. It will be distributed by the Community of the Sisters’ Church in Bristol to families and homeless charities in the area. Oscar and Jacob are pictured with some of the food donations.

Air ambulance donation

TERRYFisher, from Timsbury, has made a substantial donation to the Great Western Air Ambulance charity.

He’s pictured with the charity’s supporter engagements manager, Hanna Chambers, at the charity’s newest charity shop, which opened in June in Keynsham.

Terry decided to donate to GWAAC after learning the charity does not receive regular government or NHS funding, and instead relies on the generosity of the community to raise over £4 million in yearly running costs.

He said: “Having watched many air ambulance call-outs on the television, some to rather inaccessible places and locations, and then learning the cost of getting the emergency crew off the ground and into the air (on average £2,200 per mission) I decided to make a donation so that they could continue their marvellous work.

“Many think it is part of the NHS service, and don’t realise it’s a charity, so this donation is a contribution of mine and my late wife Ann’s generosity.”

Details: www.gwaac.com

Memory walk

SALLYDaniels of Pensford raised just over £500 for the Alzheimer’s Society by supporting its Memory Walk in Bristol.

She said: “I am passionate about helping people affected by all types of dementia. For most of my working life I have cared for and supported people affected and their families by trying to assist them to have fulfilling and happy lives.”

Lodge members on their visit to the DASAA base

Halloween trail

DOROTHY House Hospice Care’s interactive nature trail has been transformed for Halloween. The trail offers the opportunity for everyone to connect with nature in the beautiful grounds of Winsley House.

Throughout the trail, visitors can access an augmented reality app, updated for Halloween fun, which opens up a world of spooky facts about the natural world.

Lifeboat ball

Some of the guests

THE RNLI Weston-super-Mare’s 200th anniversary Lifeboat Ball, at the Grand Pier in Weston, hosted almost 300 guests and raised about £3,500 for the charity.

The ball was organised by the local volunteer RNLI events team, headed by crew member, Rob Palfrey. It’s hoped that work on a new lifeboat station on Birnbeck Pier will start in 2027.

Epic run for brain tumour research

FOUR team mates from Wells Rugby Club ran from Plymouth to their home city in three days, raising around £4,000 in memory of their friend James “Pud” Pullen who died from a brain tumour.

Tom Palacio, Lewis and Jake Smith and Tom Corns ran from the Plymouth Brain Tumour Research Centre back to Wells, covering more than 40 miles a day.

Graham’s legacy

THEfamily of Graham Watts have presented Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a cheque for more than £4,000 thanks to sales of a compilation of his stories, Somerset Tales of a Passer By

The cheque was presented at an open gardens event held at the Walled Gardens of Cannington. Graham grew up at Wellesley Farm, Launcherley, before moving to nearby North Wootton.

He wrote short stories about life growing up in Somerset, which he published anonymously in his local village magazine under the pseudonym of A Passer By

He thought a good way to raise money for the charity would be by publishing his collection of stories. When he passed away in the summer of 2024, his family put them together as a book.

Graham‘s daughter Emma Butler, who compiled the book, thanked everyone attending the presentation for their support and to the volunteers from the air ambulance who kindly gave a brief overview of the service the charity provides .

Copies are still available to purchase. Outlets include Brownes Garden Centre, Wells, The Crossways Hotel, The Bird at Westhay and the Walled Gardens of Cannington.

Pictured (l to r) Steve Watts (Graham’s son), Emma Butler (Graham’s daughter), Trish Watts (Graham’s wife) and Alan a volunteer from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Book cover with Graham Watts

Creating change in Africa

Jackie in Rwanda

JACKIE Laws, a part-time farmer on the Mendips, is also an ambassador for Ripple Effect, a local charity which works with the poorest rural communities in East Africa. She recently went on a self-funded trip to Rwanda and Burundi to visit projects.

She said: “Life Is tough. It’s like living and farming on Glastonbury Tor except steeper. The unpredictable weather is a real challenge, but I was astounded by the progress made by the groups.

“Training given by the local African staff ensured that within months they were eating well, selling excess produce and developing small businesses. Again and again, I was told the most important gift we give is training and knowledge, because it lasts forever.

“Youth dominate the population of Africa and working the land doesn’t excite all so Ripple Effect also helps with obtaining apprenticeships. I met youngsters trained as mechanics, paravets, beekeepers who will remain in their communities. Best of all their enthusiasm and energy is infectious and they become trainers themselves, creating a ripple of change.

“Ripple Effect urgently needs funding to pay for the local staff who deliver the training. The charity’s Christmas catalogue allows people to buy ‘virtual gifts’ e.g. Climate Smart Seeds, Chirpy Chicken, Donkey Welfare. These donations connect children and adults to people whose lives are very different in Africa.”

Hospice abseil

ST MARGARET’S Hospice are promising an unforgettable festive adventure – a Santa Abseil down Cheddar Gorge on December 1st.

Last year, 50 brave Santas came together to conquer the gorge, raising an incredible £12,500 for the hospice. This year, they are aiming to beat that.

One of last year’s Santas, Phillippa, a long-time St Margaret’s receptionist, took on the challenge with her daughter, Lisa. Phillippa wasn’t fazed by being the oldest participant.

She said: “If I can do it, anyone can! It was such a supportive experience, and the feeling of raising over £1,000 for a local charity at Christmas was unforgettable.”

Details: St Margaret's Hospice | Santa Abseil (st-margarets-hospice.org.uk)

Freemasons support charity

THE head of Wells Freemasons Benevolent Lodge presented a cheque for £3,750 to the former head of the lodge’s nominated charity, Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

Current head of the lodge, Richard Hibberd, is pictured with Claire Sunshine from the charity and the lodge’s retiring charity steward, John Law during a meeting at the Wells and Mendip Museum.

During the last 18 years the lodge has made donations totalling over £100,000 to various charitable organisations.

Details: www.somersetfreemasons.org/benevolent-lodgeno-446/

Umuco youth group Burundi

Concert off to a flyer

A CONCERTin aid of the Great Western Air Ambulance, held at Ston Easton village hall, raised £763.58. Colin Emmett organised the event after hearing the service was facing a shortfall in funding due to a dramatic increase in the number of call-outs.

Local performers who volunteered, were the folk quartet “Windfall” (pictured), storytelling from Janet North, , traditional songs from Heather Ash and Richard Ellam, music hall by Bryony McGinty, Jake Thakery songs from Grahame Lacey and Martin Radford, plus a guest appearance of local character, Jimmy Riddle (Martin Horler).

Music in memory of Mike

A GENEROUSaudience at Paulton Rovers raised over £1,600 in memory of Mike Key who passed away in July.

It was a fantastic and uplifting evening of music from the groups Mike played with. In total, his memory page has raised £2,370 for The Trussell Trust, a charity that supports food banks.

The photo shows River (Mike's grandson) with Tabitha and Eliza from Paulton Ukelele Band, one of those Mike supported.

Fundraiser is more than just grand

The team prepare to serve visitors

A COFFEE and cake event at the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland has raised £1,250 for MacMillan Cancer Research.

Fundraiser Lyn Brodrick

A first for lodge at Midsomer Norton

CONNAUGHTFreemasons raised £210 at their first MacMillan Coffee Morning at their masonic hall in Midsomer Norton.

Oompah in Uphill!

VILLAGERSin Uphill gathered in their village hall for all the fun and excitement of a traditional Oktoberfest, with German sausage to eat and beer to wash it down.

Over 100 residents enjoyed the event with music provided by The Sherbavarian Stompers who travelled all the way from Dorset to appear.

Any profits from the evening go to the organisers, the Uphill Village Society, and will help with the cost of winter planting that will soon be appearing around the village.

Village Society chair, Leigh Morris, is pictured doing his drink balancing act!

Farmborough Family Apple Day

Some of the volunteers and visitors with freshly pressed juice

Jackie and Mark crushing apples and pears

The apple press

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Tincknell Fuels’ giveaway

TINCKNELLFuels are giving away 1,500 litres of heating oil to help people who have been affected by the winter fuel payments being cut. Their depots in Wells, Avonmouth and Gillingham will each contribute 500 litres of oil. They are asking for nominations through their social media sites and will announce the winners on November 14th.

See Facebook for details

It could be time to make a big decision

MOSTof us are creatures of habit, I know I am. We are comfortable with our daily routines in familiar surroundings, we don’t like change and there’s nothing wrong with that.

That sort of thinking probably extends to your home, which you may have lived in for many years. It might have been perfect when you were raising a growing family, but now the children have long flown the nest is it really still the ideal home it once was?

I know that’s a very difficult question to face because you will no doubt have a lot of emotion invested in your property. But although it may be a hard conversation, it could be literally life changing.

Downsizing can be a liberating experience, not only freeing up some money, but saving on running costs and sparing you the physical effort of maintaining a large garden that was getting a bit too much. A smaller property allows you to lock up and leave it and not have to

worry about the grass growing.

You might choose to move away, to be nearer to family, somewhere by the coast, further into the countryside or even abroad – the world is truly your oyster!

By far the hardest part of the process is sitting down and making the decision to move. Once you have made up your mind, give us a call and we will go straight into action with our unrivalled Dedicated personal service, top quality Imagination in marketing and the experience to ensure we Deliver the service you need.

We have potential buyers who are keen to share in our lifestyle. They are looking for family homes and they don’t need to be shiny and newly refurbished. In fact, many people are keen to have a chance to put their own stamp on a property and make it their own, probably just as you did all those years ago.

I know that a good number of people in the Valley are deliberating what to do with houses that are really too big for them and I

don’t underestimate how hard it will be to make the huge decision to sell a property that has been home for much of their lives. But I believe that life is for living and there are times when it’s right to make a big decision that can be a game changer. If that sounds like you, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with me and my team and we will do all we can to make the process as stress free as possible and enable you to enjoy what comes next.

JOANNA TILEY

For Sale Private Treaty

33acres at Bourton, Cross A38, Somerset

As a Whole or in 4 lots £75,000 to £400,000

THE LATE KEN FRY DISPERSAL MACHINERY AUCTION

Saturday 16 November 10am

Winchester Farm, Cheddar BS27 3RP

Genuine Tractors, Plant, Trailers, Livestock & Workshop equipment & Selection of Tools

Yard Scraper, Chain Harrows, Roller, Rice Trailer 14ft, Round Feeder x 2, Crush for Cattle, Pens and Hurdles, Power Washer, Post Wacker, Tractor Bucket, Pallet Forks, Ifor Williams Cattle Box, Bail Trailer (without wheels), David Brown Tractor 1964, 2006 Land Rover Defender

WANTED

Potential Development land Edge of village/Good bus route/No floods

Castle Cary Carnival

Cary Comedians ahead of their appearance in their hometown carnival. They kept smiling throughout, despite some issues with their generator

Countess Gytha Primary School, from nearby Queen Camel

Gordon and Sue Stockman with the Carnival in Somerset Promotion Project van. The project is celebrating its 15th year of spreading the carnival message

Storm George’s CC cart passes crowds lining the High Street

Marcus Schimmel was selling genuine German sausages in aid of carnival profits

Christmas Time in Cary –Little Devils Junior CC with their festive-themed entry

Smurfettes – Castle Cary Majorettes at the children’s carnival

Fountain flows once more

AN historic drinking fountain in Shepton Mallet’s Market Place has been restored to working order – complete with dog troughs.

First unveiled in 1868, the Grade II listed fountain was decommissioned some years ago but was brought back into use by Shepton Mallet Town Council with funding support from the Drinking Fountain Association.

Filling a reusable bottle at the official unveiling

Bristol Water installed a fresh water supply before restoration work was carried out by local historic preservation company Cliveden Construction.

that

Book launch

Bob’s mission to Ukraine

WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club member, Bob Preedy, has driven another vehicle to Ukraine to support the people there following his successful mission last year.

As part of the Pickups for Peace (P4P) initiative, Bob drove a Mercedes private ambulance to support the evacuation of casualties and homeless refugees.

The ambulance, donated by Rotarian Glyn Lawrence, chairman of FH Halliday and Son Ltd Portishead, was packed with essential equipment. Mobility and medical aids were contributed by local surgeries and the public donated wheelchairs and crutches. Rotary also donated three new generators.

Bob left Sandford, picked up his son Peter at Leatherhead and drove to Wrocław in Poland, via the Eurotunnel, which is about 1000 miles, in one hit.

The next day they drove the 360 miles to the Ukraine border, before joining a convoy which drove under escort the 55 miles to Lliv.

The vehicle was handed to a British charity that provides temporary roofing and food aid to the inhabitants of bombdamaged buildings. The vehicle is already in use at the front.

Bob said this mission exemplifies the Rotary spirit of “service before self.” He is determined to support the people of Ukraine and plans to embark on another mission soon.

If you have an old vehicle to donate please contact Pickups for Peace or Ivor Metherell 0777 17 12356.

PENSFORDLocal History Group has announced the launch of Places of Worship, a book four years in the making, which looks at the history of religious buildings past and present in Pensford, Publow and Woollard.

The launch will be on Tuesday, November 12th, 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church in Publow, entry £3, including refreshments.

There will be a presentation by Andrew Hillman, Paul Cooper, Garry Atterton and Peter Clouting, before the books go on sale.

Details: pensfordhistorygroup@gmail.com

Town crier Andy Neal announced

the fountain was back in action

Bob and Peter welcomed by the deputy mayor of Ovlast

Welcome to our new riding expert

HELLO, I am the lucky one who has been passed the baton from the wonderful Jane Paterson to write the column for the equestrian section. As a quick introduction, I am horse obsessed with a wide range of interests in the horse world with my big passion being eventing. I currently have one horse who is out competing at novice level and a younger five-year-old at 90cm who at some point I do need to sell.

I also have a two-year-old filly who I bred out of my eventing mare and is my first ever home-bred. Alongside this, I have a fulltime job, A YouTube channel I run with a friend (The Eventing Journey), a love of going to foreign horse events and a thirst for improving the way we do things with horses.

This is the time of year I begin to dread; I wonder if my waterproofs are up to the winter, start looking at horses getting hairy, watch mud increase and feel sad as the mornings and evenings get darker.

Winter is pretty much an endurance test to be undertaken for horse owners and the sunshine and long days of summer seem a distant memory. This year I have pushed the boat out and decided to upgrade my waterproof trousers from my 15-year-old ones to some fancy modern lightweight ones. I hope I am not disappointed as they were not cheap.

Later in this column I chat with farrier Dom Northmore and these are some simple things horse owners can do during winter to help their farrier:

1. Clean dry feet

2. Dry level area to shoe on 3. Well-lit especially once clocks change as need to be able to see well especially for foot shape and putting in nails.

4. Dry rugs – lots of owners have dry feet as seems obvious but forget about changing rugs which we then get wet and muddy from while shoeing.

Lucy

lifelong

5. Coffee/tea, a hot drink is a great help on cold, damp days. If you are going to throw in a bacon sandwich or cake as well, I would not say no!

I was lucky enough to go to the Olympics at Versailles to watch the eventing and I think it might have spoilt me for life. I have been to some amazing locations for events, but this topped it by far.

The Olympics is a slightly weird experience to regular events as the food is soulless, the shopping is for merchandise only and there was a lot of walking to get to the site. The competition and the cross country were magnificent and it was special to watch GB win gold. I was watching at home for the team showjumping competition and could barely watch at times with it being so close and nail-biting.

Scott Brash’s round to go clear was a masterclass of nerves of steel under such pressure. The teams of three where every score counts makes for compelling viewing. Elite sport at its best.

Local Wells vet, Tim Randle, is the British Showjumping team vet and it was great to catch glimpses of him on camera celebrating with that final round which secured gold.

We’ve had the news that Blenheim Palace will hold next year’s European Championships. Blenheim last held the event in 2005 which saw GB take gold and Zara Phillips become European Champion.

The event will run September18th-21st 2025 and we are lucky in the South West to be able to get to the event within a reasonable time. It should be an exciting competition and well worth making the trip to go and view.

Blenheim Palace normally has something for all the family and should be a bumper weekend of competition with the regular 4* long running alongside the Europeans. These events are not cheap to hold with the infrastructure and officials which are required.

This has been one of the reasons the decision about holding the Europeans has been made so late. Several sites provisionally bid on having the event but pulled out. It has become a real issue and puts the European Championships format into jeopardy as there needs to be a sustainable future for it.

with a passion for eventing. She set up the riding club, Equestrian Training South

Area 12 Riding Club committee and has her UKCC2 qualification to coach riding

With LUCY COUNSELL

Counsell is a

equestrian

West, served on

Lucy and Insey in action

Cross country course, Versailles

Professional of the month

ONE of the things I want to include in my monthly look at the local equestrian scene is professional of the month. This month it is farrier, Dom Northmore. We have some wonderful professionals in the area who I thought it would be interesting to spotlight.

Dom Northmore

What area do you cover? Clevedon to Taunton. How long have you been qualified? 12 years, I apprenticed with Paul Horner. Don’t ask Dom or Ryan Wadling about electric cables during their time as apprentices for Paul! What do you like about the job? Variety and the science in horses’ feet is always developing. Working with vets to solve problems and help horses is always interesting. What do you dislike about the job? How backwards the governing body for farriers is, muddy horses and late paying customers.

Polo? Dom shoes a lot of polo ponies and has them on his farm in the winter while they holiday. I asked him how different it was to regular leisure horses. They are big yards so lots of horses in one place which makes it easy for a farrier with no travel.

They are shod every 3-4 weeks and have just one stud in each hind foot. No studs in front feet. We use quite a lot of aluminium shoes. Weight is an element of this because if the horse needs something such as bar shoes which are heavy, we can do them in aluminium.

The ponies never really do roadwork once the season begins so they don’t get the wear. There is a lot of money in polo, so they spend the money to make sure the feet are correct as the horse needs to perform.

Thoughts about the industry? I think the industry is shrinking. There are very few qualified farriers taking on apprentices now. Apprentices are expensive and it’s a hard physical job which many are not prepared for. Apprentices cost around £20k a year which is a lot of extra horses to shoe to cover the cost.

As a sideline you do Blacksmith Days? These are days where you can learn to make a variety of things from coat hooks, sculptures and fishing knives. It’s learning how to forge metal over a fire.

Fun ride at festival site

THE iconic Glastonbury Festival site at Pilton played host to a fun ride to raise crucial funds for the Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association.

Riders enjoyed a scenic eight-mile route that meandered through the festival grounds, local farmland and picturesque country lanes.

Ginnie Jones, from the MBBA, said: “The success of the event was made possible by the generosity of local landowners, as well as the dedication of volunteer stewards and committee members. These volunteers worked tirelessly to clear the bridleways in advance and meticulously mark the route, ensuring that no rider lost their way.”

Pony rescued

A YOUNGpony painfully wounded in a stallion attack has made a remarkable recovery at World Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm in Somerset. It had been nursing two-yearold skewbald, Dakota, back to health since January, after his rescue early in the new year by The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and the RSPCA.

Jon Phipps, the World Horse Welfare field officer who attended Dakota’s rescue, said: “This case was a great example of how we work with other equine charities to achieve the best outcome for the horse, as Dakota’s injuries were some of the worst I’ve ever seen.”

Farrier Dom Northmore

Dakota during treatment

Finding the right gear MENDIP

IF you walk into a cycle store these days, it’s more than likely that besides a range of bikes to buy there will be shelves of accessories and plenty of cycle kit on display. It can be a daunting experience. For those who race and take cycling seriously any advance in design and technology has the potential to improve their performance so new kit can always be justified.

Sometimes, it is not even that. Fashion is used by designers and manufacturers to create demand for a product that does the same as the previous version, but just looks new i.e. it’s this year’s colours.

Spare a thought then for someone new to cycling or the recreational rider who simply enjoys cycling now and then. It’s more than likely they will already own some sportswear so why should they invest in cycling specific kit?

Just like finding the perfect gear ratio can make a bike ride easier, wearing the right “gear” can make all the difference to the riding experience.

For those who take their cycling seriously investing in superior quality kit can be a game changer. But for those starting out or who simply enjoy casual rides – where should they start, what are the benefits and is any of it worth it?

Let’s start with safety. A good cycle helmet and a decent set of cycle lights are the main (and probably only) forms of protection for a cyclist so it’s worth investing wisely in those. Besides being seen at night, more cyclists are now using a rear light during the day, particularly on fast roads, so that they can be seen much earlier by approaching traffic.

Comfort is the next benefit. There is no question that sitting on a thin wedge-shaped seat for a long time is going to be uncomfortable. The unique motion of pedalling is also going to create constant friction especially on long distances or over challenging terrain. So, there is a choice, either suffer the pain or invest in padded cycling shorts.

For some people, the idea of wearing tight lycra shorts may not be an appealing proposition – particularly for the first time. But once on a bike they will look completely normal and most importantly they will provide comfort.

Another major advantage from wearing cycling clothing is its ability to provide protection against the elements. Unlike cotton which soaks up moisture and sweat, cycling kit has moisture-wicking properties that stays dry and cool in the summer.

There is also the added layer of safety that comes with increased visibility from bright colours and reflective strips on the material.

Whether it’s rain, wind, intense sunshine or even snow, there is kit ready to protect against any of the outdoor elements. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. The big brands cost more and are superior in quality but there are much cheaper versions that can be just as good.

So, by now we’ve dealt with comfort and protection but does cycling kit make any difference to performance? The short answer is yes. Cycle kit that is tight against the body optimises aerodynamic flow and reduces wind resistance allowing a faster ride.

The greatest gain that can be achieved in performance is the use of clipless pedals. Here, the cycling shoe locks into a mechanism on the pedal holding it firmly in place. Most clipless pedals lock when stepped on firmly and unlock when the heel is twisted outward – a similar principal to skis.

Because the pedal and shoe are attached, power is gained from the upward stroke of pedalling motion as well as the downward movement. The resulting improvement in pedalling efficiency is significant regardless of rider ability.

However, what can deter some, is that you have to remember to unclip your shoe before stopping, otherwise you fall over. It’s the hardest bit of kit to master.

There is no doubt that at whatever level there is some benefit to be gained from investing in cycling kit. How much you want to pay depends on how seriously you take your cycling or if you want to develop it. What may seem like a luxury at first could turn into something you’ll wonder how you ever rode without.

And you may eventually find that you need a bit more wardrobe space for it all!

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

ACROSS: 1. Burrington Combe 9. Negotiate 10. Ducks 11. Sherry 12. Assisi 15. Rock of Ages 17. Etui 19. Maul 20. Brent Knoll 22. Clergy 23. Idling 28. Unity 29. Redevelop 30. Polyunsaturated. DOWN:1. Banks 2. Rogue 3. Interior 4. Glam 5. Overseeing 6. Caddie 7. Machiatto 8. Easy 13. Cairngorms 14. Pill 15. Rome 16. Churchill 18. Skydiver 21. See you 24. Islet 25. Gaped 26. Pulp 27. Edit

Cycling Kit –Old Style

Uphill to Wells relay a great success

MENDIPHills Hash House Harriers (MH4 ) held their 16th annual Uphill to Wells relay race on September 21st. There was a record 37 teams comprising some 170 runners entered this year, taking on the challenge of the 29-mile route.

The race starts on the beach at Uphill, Weston super Mare and follows the West Mendip Way, finishing on the Cathedral Green in Wells. The race can be run as a relay team of up to five runners, but a number of entrants ran the whole route as an ultra-marathon.

Teams came from around the region including Clevedon, Draycott, Chew Valley, Minehead, Burnham-onSea, Wells, Weston-superMare and Bath. There were also entrants from as far afield as Plymouth and Andover. Two runners had recently arrived from Shanghai. The winning relay team this year from Weston Athletics Club completed the race in 3 hours and 53 minutes.

Particular congratulations are due to local Mendip runners, Amy Boalch and Lester James, who set a new record of 4h 37m for running the whole route, beating the previous time by 13 minutes.

A team from Bristol also set a new record for the mixed team relay completing the route in 4h 2m.

The event raised about £2000 from entry fees and selling tea and cakes at the finish line. All the money raised is donated to charity. The chosen charities this year are Boys in Mind and two local charities: Heads Up and Mendip Community Transport.

Organisers would like to thank some local businesses for their kind donations for the prize giving: Pilton Cider, Seagers Farm Shop, Cheddar and Rugantino’s restaurant for supplying power to the tea and cake stall on Cathedral Green.

Next year’s race is planned for Saturday, September 20th.

Presentation night

TIMSBURYCricket Club’s presentation night was upbeat despite a difficult season when they had difficulty fielding three teams at times, although the first team finished fourth in their first year back in the first division of the Bristol and District League.

Freddie Hosford was named best young all-rounder and Dan Hill club person of the year.

Wells City Harriers team after the race

Harry Walker and Martin Stapleton complete the whole route running for the Mendip Hills Hash House Harriers

Elite runners start in the drizzle on Weston beach

Local runners Amy Boalch and Lester James receive their prize for fastest whole route runners

Club person of the year, Dan Hill, with club president, Malcolm Tucker

New event off to a flying start

AROUND 160 runners of all abilities tackled the first Mother Tucker’s 10k race organised by Somer Athletic Club.

Starting and finishing at the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland, the event attracted runners from a wide distance, including members of other running clubs.

First home in the mostly off-road race was Jamie Williamson, of Bedminster, in just over 36 minutes, with Olivia Elliott the first female to cross the line in 51 minutes.

The event – which will hopefully become an annual fixture – raised money for the Bowel Movement cancer charity, one of the inn’s chosen charities.

And they’re off …

An all-conkering performance

A FORMER winner of the annual conker championships in Witham Friary saw off the challenge of a five-year-old rival to reclaim the title.

Village resident Ollie Coombs beat Evie Goggins, of Evercreech, in the final watched by a large crowd of players and supporters. Held in the garden of the village pub, the Seymour Arms, the charity fundraising event attracted competitors from a wide area.

Jamie Williamson with Jo Millard, one of the charity founders, after crossing the finish line

Kathryn Hooper (left) and Lisa Earp

Daryl Emery was the first Somer AC runner home in third place with Oliver Aldred just seconds behind

These players came from Wincanton to take part . . .

Ollie and Evie with their trophies . . .

Preparing to hand out the goodie bags at the end of the race

A reviving pint was called for by these Frome AC runners

Olivia Elliott is presented with her trophy

Confident smiles before the start

Some of the race organising team. Planning began many months ago

. . . with another former winner, Steve Gornall, (in check shirt) winning his quarter final against “Rocket Ron” before losing to Evie

The competition was open to all ages – with some concessions for height

Youth brass band appear

LIONS Brass 4 Youth is North Somerset's County Youth Brass Band and provides the opportunity for young people aged 21 and under to improve, perform and have fun making music in a full youth brass band.

An entirely independent organisation, the band is a project of Lions Clubs 105 SW, which provides support from Lions Clubs throughout the South West of England. Additionally, it is a partner of the Music Education Partnership: North Somerset.

The young people of Lions Brass 4 Youth have established a strong reputation for the quality of their music. They have performed in a wide range of concert and contest venues throughout the county and beyond.

Their next concert is on Friday, November 15th at Christ Church, Nailsea, 7pm, tickets £7.50, U-18s free, on the door or from the church office, with a bar available.

Red Dress Day for dancers

MENDIP Dance Club, based in Chilcompton, has thrown open an invitation to join them in celebrating the 2025 Kate Bush Wuthering Heights Day when thousands of women – and some men –across the world wear red dresses and perform the dance moves in the performer’s iconic video.

Helena Eden, who is club tutor organiser and a singing and dance leader, will run a series of workshops to teach the routine culminating in an outdoor group “performance”.

The club, now in its 15th year, was set up by a group of enthusiasts to fill a gap in the dance opportunities locally for older woman. Since then, it has grown in membership and expertise. An essential part of the club is its inclusivity. All women over 50 are welcome, regardless of experience.

For details about the club and the workshops, email mendipdance@gmail.com or visit: www.mendipdance.wordpress.org

Society celebrates

WESTON-SuperMare Music Appreciation Society celebrated its 45th anniversary with a concert given by the tenor, Gregory Steward, followed by a cream tea for 35 members and invited guests. Their next meetings are on November 6th and December 4th.

Details: Simon 07971474968 https://www.thefrms.co.uk/affprogs/wsm_home.htm

Concert by local players

THEWest Mendip Orchestra with Joss Wort (piano) will perform at St Mary’s Church, Yatton, on November 30th.

They will be playing Beethoven’s 1st piano concerto. Joss is from Yatton and after attending Backwell School entered the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is now in his fourth and final year.

The WMO has been performing since 1974 and was originally known as the Winscombe orchestra. Their performances are highly regarded and for their concert at St Mary’s, the programme will also include orchestral music by Schubert and Reinecke.

Details: www.yms.org.uk

Short story winner

MENDIP Storytelling Circle has celebrated its 11th birthday with a short story competition, which was won by Lesley Hughes, with a riddle: What would make a happy man sad and a sad man happy?

Next month they meet on November 13th when Sharon Jacksties, author and storyteller, will launch her new book The History of the World in 100 Tales

Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com

Joss Wort

West Mendip Orchestra

Choirs come together to celebrate 80 years of singing

MIDSOMER Norton Methodist Church was alive to the sounds of more than 200 local choristers who were attending the first local Choirfest.

The choir Westfield Voices were looking for a way to celebrate coming into the 80th year of singing and sent out invites to local choirs to join them. They included Mendip Male Voice Choir, the Chilcompton based Sing Your Heart Out and the newly-formed Madeline Claire Youth Vocal Group. Also performing were the Jenny Peplow Singers, Cam Valley Choir and Men of Chew.

Admission was free of charge with a collection bucket for the Guide Dogs charity, raising more than £1,000.

Folk for RNLI

WINSCOMBEFolk Club joined with its sister club in Nailsea to create a special RNLI 200 concert. Both Clubs had challenged members to write special songs to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the formation of the institution.

Over 100 people packed 2nd Nailsea’s Scout HQ, with standing room only for later arrivals. Portishead’s RNLI fundraisers ran a stall and excluding their takings, £754 was raised on the day.

The Madeline Claire Youth Vocal Group

Mendip Male Voice Choir

Westfield Voice organised Choirfest

Get into the festive spirit at the Bishop’s Palace

THE popular Christmas Artisan Market returns to The Bishop’s Palace in Wells on November 2nd and 3rd November as the medieval rooms are filled with a variety of enticing stalls.

There’ll be plenty of gift inspiration, decorations, cards and live musical performances offering visitors the chance to purchase hand-made and unique gifts that could be perfect for those difficult-to-buy-for friends and family.

The market is open from 10am-4pm each day and reduced price day admission tickets also include access to the palace building and to the 14 acres of RHS partner gardens; a great deal compared to standard day ticket entrance. The Bishop’s Table café will be serving a seasonal menu with its picturesque views over the croquet lawn.

The event is a fundraising event in aid of The Bishop’s Palace which is

owned by the Church Commissioners and operated by The Palace Trust, a registered charity which manages the site as a heritage visitor attraction.

l Artisan Market tickets can be purchased in advance at www.bishopspalace.org.uk or on the door.

The Bishop’s Palace Artisan Market

All aboard railway’s Santa Specials

EXCITEMENT is mounting at Midsomer Norton South railway station as the team eagerly awaits the arrival of Santa on Sunday, December 1st.

Trains will run five times a day every weekend up to and including December 22nd. Each child will receive a wrapped present upon visiting Santa in his grotto, plus a goody bag. Adults will receive a mince pie and festive hot drink.

Tickets are available either online or at the shop; they are selling fast so don’t leave it too late to book. The first train on December 1st – at 9.30am – has been designated as a quiet train for the benefit of those who may have sensory challenges.

The heritage railway will be offering its ever-popular driver experience days between Christmas and New Year and tickets are available.

On New Year’s Day, the team will run their usual Mince Pie Special. Everyone will receive a free mince pie. This will be the last event of the season as the station will close so that the volunteers can work on maintaining the infrastructure of the site and rolling stock.

A spokesman for the railway said: “We would like to express our thanks to everyone who came along and supported our events throughout the year and give a very special vote of thanks to our wonderful volunteers who work tirelessly to run the events and keep everything in good order.”

Market with a message

THE Root Connections Christmas Market returns this year as a two-day event on Friday, November 29th (4-8pm) and on Saturday, November 30th (10am-2pm) at St John’s Church in Chilcompton.

Moe than 30 stalls are signed up already to sell gifts and locally sourced and made crafts, jewellery, produce and so much more. There’ll be carols courtesy of Chilcompton-based SYHO choir, festive refreshments and a raffle.

Root Connections is a community interest company, based at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, which works to end homelessness in the Mendip area, running a market garden and a hostel. All proceeds go back into supporting and improving the health and wellbeing of adults.

Meanwhile, Root Connections are once again delighted to offer their Bumper Christmas Veg Box for pre-order now, with delivery by Thursday, December 19th (Radstock, Peasedown St John and Bath) and Friday, December 20th (Midsomer Norton, Frome, Wells, Shepton and surround). Bursting with seasonal, homegrown veg for the whole family, the veg box features some additional treats to help make your festivities that little bit easier and even more flavoursome!

www.rootconnections.co.uk/shop/ bumoer-christmas-veg-box

Santa Specials throughout December, come along and enjoy the fun!

Driver Experience opportunities running between Christmas and New Year For details and to book: www.sdjr.co.uk

T HE M ENDIP T IMES

Commercial entries cost £25. We’re happy to offer entries for non-profit community group meetings and charity fundraisers free of charge. If you feel that your entry fits our criteria for free publicity please state why – and send a succinct single paragraph, in a format that can be copied and pasted to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Until November 16th

The History of Cinema in Frome: Frome Museum, 10-2pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Entry free. Donations very welcome.

Wednesday October 30th

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12-2pm, Old School Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253. Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. Harptrees History Society: ‘John Wesley’s New Room, Bristol’ by Dr Christine Jones. Visitors £3 Book: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org

Caryford Hall lecture, “What it takes” – life in the UN by Belinda Holdsworth. 7.30pm. Details: www.caryfordhall.co.uk/event/lecture-life-in-the-unbelinda-holdsworth/

Thursday October 31st

West Mendip Walkers moderate 10m circular walk, 9.30am from Maiden Bradley Memorial Hall BA12 7JG. Details www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thursday, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Friday November 1st

Save the Children lunch 12.30 pm Shipham village hall £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. Do come and join us.

Radstock Folk Dance club every Friday, 8-10pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3 incl refreshments. heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

Chew Valley Rugby Club fireworks, gates open 6pm, live band, bar, adults £9.50, U-16s £6, family of four £28.

Saturday November 2nd

Frome Society for Local Study: Andrew Pickering: Bruton in Selwood, 2.30pm Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5.

Old Baby Mackerel bluegrass 7.30pm Caryford Hall. Tickets: www.wegottickets.com/event/617392 Bridgerton theme music with Bristol Ensemble 7.30pm St. Andrew's Church, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Sunday November 3rd

Wedmore Big Tidy Up. Meet 10am, Borough House. Litter pickers and high viz provided. Details: 07967 660040.

Sunday November 3rd

Trinity Singers concert, 3.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Congresbury. £8, children free. Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk

Monday November 4th

Bath NATS talk “Wasps” with Steve Smailes, 7.30pm BRSLI, 16 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HN. Visitors welcome £3

Cheddar Valley Singers, Mondays 7pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com or Facebook. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club: Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

RAFA mid-Somerset branch Games Day, 11am Bell Inn, Bruton Rd, Evercreech BA4 6HY. Skittles, darts, pool, cards etc. No business! Order food etc on arrival. mailto:rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458-224057.

Tuesday November 5th

Joyful Voices: fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com The Arts Society Mendip: “The car in art and the car as art” with Julian Richards, 11am, Croscombe Village Hall and by Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk

Weston u3a meet for coffee every Tuesday, 10am Friends Meeting House, 6 High St WsM BS23 1JF. Come and make new friends!

Yatton Local History Society Part 2 of a talk by Anita Jays on Yatton Film Project, 7.30pm, Methodist Church BS49 4DW. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com

Wednesday November 6th

Sing2breathe for breathlessness. Learn techniques for breathing control 1.45 to 3pm every Wed, Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Easton Friendship Group afternoon tea 2.30pm Wells Golf Club. Details 01749 870763.

Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers: “Making Christmas foliage decorations” 2-3.30pm WI Hall, Backwell.

Clevedon Gardener’s Club meets 1st and 3rd

Wednesdays, 7.30pm Kenn Rd Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon BS21 6LH. Details: clevedongardeners.chessck.co.uk

Thursday November 7th

Paulton Folk Night 8.30pm Red Lion. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Cheddar u3a “Doorstep wildlife and beyond the garden gate” by 'Higgy' (Spring watch /Country File) 2pm Cheddar Village Hall, BS27 3RF. Chew Valley Death Café meets 12-1.30pm Community Library Bishop Sutton, first Thursday every month. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Please contact: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com

Irish Set Dancing 8pm-10 every Thurs, Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PF. £3 incl refreshments. No need to book. Details 01458 210051 paulrharper@btopenworld.com

Claverham Ladies’ Guild “Decorating a table” by Julie Hawkes 2pm village hall BS49 4GG. Charity sales table. Visitors welcome, £3. Details: 01934 838017.

Draycott Art Club meets 10am-1pm and 2pm-4 every Thurs except school hols Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Wells Scottish Dancers 6.30pm every Thurs, Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

Congresbury Gardening Club talk on Rewilding by Chris Sperring, 7-30 Methodist Hall. Visitors welcome. www.congresburygardeningclub.com

West Mendip Walkers moderate 9.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Tunley Recreation Ground (BA2 0DZ). Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Wells Gardening Club talk “Adventures in Yunnan” by Rosemary Legrand, 7.30pm Wells Town Hall. www.wellsgarden.club

Friday November 8th to Sat Nov 23rd

Frome Art Society Autumn Exhibition: 10am –4pm, The Round Tower, Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, BA11 1BB. Preview Thursday 7th November 6-8pm all welcome.

Friday 8th November

Keynsham AWT talk by Stephen Judd, “Lamplighter’s Marsh” 7.30pm Baptist Church, High St, BS31 1DS. Visitors welcome £4.50, incl drink.

Saturday November 9th

Congresbury Singers Concert “The Glory of Love” with guest soloists, 7.30 War Memorial Hall. Tickets £12 from PO, Re-Store Congresbury or on door.

Uphill Village Market 9.30 -12.30, Victory Hall, Westfield Rd, BS23 4UH. Details: Leigh 01934

628373.

Brent Knoll Bazaar, farmers’ market & parish café 10am-12 parish hall, TA9 4EH.

Chew Magna Barn Dance, 7.30pm Church Hall. Bar. Tickets £15 incl Ploughman’s, for the hall restoration fund, from the PO or 01275 332482. Minny Stynker: family theatre from Soap Soup Theatre Company, 2pm, Chew Magna Baptist Chapel. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

“Looking for me friend” cabaret based on the music of Victoria Wood, 7.30pm Chew Stoke Village Hall. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Sunday November 10th

Street Remembrance Day Parade 2.30pm from Farm Rd.

Monday November 11th

Priddy Folk Session 8.30pm Queen Victoria. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Nailsea & District Local History Society: “Rome’s Little Sister” by Tony and Faith Moulin, 7.45pm Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors welcome £3. Details: 01275 463479. Norton Radstock u3a talk “The poisoned umbrella murder of 1978” by Paul Barwick. 2-4pm Somer Centre M Norton BA3 2UH.Visitors welcome. Details www.norrad.u3asite.uk

Tuesday November 12th

Fosseway Gardening Club Christmas wreath making demo by Myra Cox, £5 inc refreshments 7.30pm Pylle Village Hall BA46SZ. Visitors welcome. Details: Barbara 07875240844.

Clutton History Society “The drivers for the development of Bristol’s industrial base in the 17th & 18th centuries” by Steve Grudgings, 7.30pm village hall, Venus Lane, BS39 5SP. Visitors welcome, £5 incl tea/coffee. Details: 07341 266986 or chris.border@live.co.uk

Timsbury Gardening Club talk Matthew Symonds “Gardening in small spaces” 7.30pm Conygre Hall, BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome £2. Details: timsburygc@gmail.com

Shipham, Rowberrow & Star History Society talk: “Our place in Space” by Jo Richardson, 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. Guests welcome £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784.

Pensford Local History Group launch their “Places of Worship” book. 7.30pm All Saints’ Church, Publow BS39 4HP. £3 incl refreshments. Details: pensfordhistorygroup@gmail.com

West of England Cricket Society talk by Graham Gooch, Widcombe Social Club, Bath BA2 6AA, 2pm, £5 inc tea, coffee, biscuits, bar available. Wednesday November 13th

“Historic building myth busting: uncovering folklore, history & archaeology” an illustrated talk by Dr James Wright, 7.30pm Chewton Mendip village hall. Tickets £5 for the hall and CAMP –Community Archaeology on the Mendip Plateau. Details: pipgreenore@yahoo.com

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm St Thomas's Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month. Details: wellsfdc.co.uk

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

Mendip Storytelling Circle: stories for a grown-up audience, 7.30pm Ston Easton village hall, BA3 4DA. Details: www.mendipstorycircle.com

Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Eileen and Jacky from “Re-wild Chew garden by garden” 7.30pm village hall, BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3. Free refreshments. www.kilmersdongardeners.org

Beginners Morris dancing, with Mendip Morris. 8pm -9.30 Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Details:

mendipmorris@gmail.com

Thursday November 14th

West Mendip Walkers moderate 10.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Bratton Cap, BA13 3ED. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Chew Valley Gardening Club: “Soil” by Richard Higgins, 8pm Stanton Drew Village Hall. Blagdon Local History Society, “Bedminster: coal, blood, sweat & tears” the story of one family by Garry Atterton 2.30pm Court Lodge BS407TQ. Visitors welcome £3. Details: blagdonlhs.com

Friday November 15th

Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. Chew Valley RNLI Curry Lunch 12.30 Ubley Parish Hall BS40 8PN. Booking essential, tickets £15 from rnlichewvalley@gmail.com or 01275 331074. Cash bar, raffle.

Brass4Youth concert 7pm Christ Church, Nailsea. £7.50, U-18 free, cash bar, tickets from church office or on door. Details: 01275 859210. www.christchurchnailsea.org.uk North Somerset Quilters. Sew sociable Christmas decorations – hand sewing with nibbles. 7.30pm Backwell WI Hall, Station Rd, BS48 3QW. Visitors welcome £7. Details Karen 01275 463119. Old Baby Mackerel bluegrass 7.30pm, Old School Room, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Saturday November 16th

Christmas Fair 10am-12.30 Binegar & Gurney Slade Memorial Hall BA3 4UR, for Dorothy House Hospice. Details: 07444 943700. Mohand and Peter – a glorious celebration of Sudan and friendship across cultures, 7.30pm, Bishop Sutton Village Hall. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk Bleadon Village Market: 30+ stalls, 9.30-12 Coronation Halls, BS24 0PG. Details: 01934 812370. The No. 1 Ladies Accordion Orchestra playing tunes from around the world, 7.30pm Priddy village hall. Tickets £10 from www.ticketlab.co.uk or on door. Accompanied U14s free.

Frome Society for Local Study: Marianne Cartwright-Hignett: The Story of Iford, 2.30pm, Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5. Claverham Market: 10am-12 Village Hall. Butcher, veg, crafts etc 01934 830553.

Inner Wheel of Mendip coffee morning in aid of Guide Dogs, 10am Wells Methodist Church, Southover. Raffle, details 07979 347002. RNLI Christmas Sale 10am-12 Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1HP. Cards, gifts, refreshments etc. Details meejlfh@gmail.com or 01934 842304.

Saturday November 16th and Sunday 17th

Mendip Christmas Fair, Aldwick Estate, Redhill, BS40 5AL, 10-5pm Sat, 10-4pm Sunday. Entry £5, homemade refreshments, all proceeds to charity. Details: www.mendipchristmasfair.org

Sunday November 17th

Pensford Christmas Fair 11am-3pm Memorial Hall. The Zoo That Comes To You, family theatre puppet show, 3pm Ubley Parish Hall. Details: www.valleyarts.co.uk

Monday November 18th

Chew Valley u3a talk by Martin Grass from Mendip Caving Rescue, including the Thailand rescue, 10am Ubley Parish Hall. Visitors welcome, £2.50. Winscombe & district U3A talk by Dr John Heather “Pier Health and the part it plays in local health care” 2pm Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1HP. Visitors welcome, £2.50.

Tuesday November 19th

Compton Dando Craft Day: bring your own work or learn something new, 10am to 4pm with soup for lunch in the village hall. Details and to book: 07791 832592 or email hdottridge@hotmail.com

Arts Society Mid Somerset ‘King and Collector: the art of Henry VIII’. 11am Caryford Hall, BA7 7JJ. Visitors welcome, £7.

Arts Society Mendip: a full day with three lectures on “The history of the modern orchestra” by Raymond Holden, Emeritus Professor at the Royal Academy of Music. Croscombe village hall, 10.30am to 3.30pm. This is not on Zoom. Visitors welcome, £30. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk

Wrington Local History Society: talk by Jill Rawlins “The History of Cook’s, Broad St” 8pm Wrington URC Chapel, Roper’s Lane, BS40 5NF. Visitors welcome, £2.50 incl tea/coffee. Details: osmansteve@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday November 20th

Baby Boppers with Rock the Tots, pre-school music with a magic theme, 11am, Chew Magna Baptist Chapel. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

RSPB Bath talk by Andre Farrar “Birds of moor & mountain”. 7.30pm St Andrew's Church, Hawthorn Grove, BA2 5QA Visitors welcome.

Henton & District Gardening Club: ‘Plants we love to hate’ by Steve Fry. 7.30pm Henton village hall. Visitors welcome, £5. Tea/coffee, plant sale. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com

Minima with “Nosferatu”: a symphony of horror 7.30pm Caryford Hall. Tickets: www.wegottickets.com/event/625255

Friends of Weston Museum talk by Roy Ackrill about roads and transport in and around Backwell since Roman times, from horses to EVs. 2.30pm Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Visitors £4. Details: www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemuseumwsm

Thursday November 21st

Yatton & District Horticultural Society talk “Garden & wildlife photography” by Colin Higgins. 8pm Hangstones Pavilion, BS49 4HS. www.yattonhorticulturalsociety.co.uk

Shipham & District Gardening Club: “Holly and Ivy” by Roy Cheek 7.30pm Shipham village hall BS25 1SG.

Cheddar u3a coffee morning & craft fayre 10am11.30 Cheddar village hall, BS27 3RF. West Mendip Walkers moderate 11.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Chew Magna (BS40 8SX). Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Saturday November 23rd

Congresbury Book Sale: 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, Jigsaws etc.

Tunley Craft Fair 10am-2pm Recreation Centre, BS2 0DZ. Details: 07724 917121 or veronica.gilbert@hotmail.co.uk

Mells: Jumble Sale for the Pavilion funds, 9.30-12 Mells Sports Pavilion, BA11 3PZ. Cash only please.

Sunday November 24th

The Bowel Movement Christmas Fair 1.30pm5pm Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland. Tables available, £10, contact Jo Millard 07849734307.

Monday November 25th

Congresbury Memorial Hall Club: Friendship evening with Bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

Norton Radstock u3a Coffee Morning 10am-12 Somer Centre M Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome. Details www.norrad.u3asite.uk

Tuesday November 26th

Chilcompton Garden Club: “A Victorian Christmas” by Katherine Kear, with a demo, mulled wine, mince pies. 7.30pm village hall, BA3 4EX. Visitors welcome.

Winscombe Folk Club all welcome, £2. 7.30 for 8pm upstairs at Winscombe Club, 7 Sandford Rd BS25 1HD. See FaceBook.

Wells & District Wildlife Group talk: the Heal rewilding project, Witham Friary, 7.30pm Wells Museum. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062.

Open Mic Night 7.15pm The Pony, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Wednesday November 27th

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School

Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253. Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Wells Folk Night 8pm City Arms. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Harptrees History Society: “Bristol’s lost City” Clive Burlton, on the site of an international trade fair in 1914. Visitors £3. Book from 13th Nov, email: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Subject line “November”.

Thursday November 28th

Chew Valley AWT: “Butterflies in words & pictures” Yealand Kalfayan & Jonathan Bradley with poetry, prose and a talk about photographing butterflies. 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, £2.50. Refreshments.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 7.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Wells Leisure Centre, BA5 2FB. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk

Friday November 29th

Whitchurch Local History Society ‘The History & music of Handbells’ with Gill Lewis and the Stanton Drew Handbell Ringers 7.30pm United Reformed Church 24 Bristol Rd, BS14 0PQ. Visitors welcome £4. Details 01275 830869.

Save the Children lunch 12.30 pm Shipham village hall £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. Congresbury Gardening Club AGM, members evening with American Supper, 7.30pm Old School Rooms.

Friday November 29th and Sat Nov 30th

Christmas Extravaganza, a brand new event in Paulton Memorial Park: skating rink, bar, music, stalls, Santa’s grotto. Details: admin@paultonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Root Connections Christmas Market. Fri 4-8pm, Sat 10am-2pm, St John’s Church Chilcompton. Friday November 29th to Sunday December 1st Westfield Christmas Tree Festival, St Peters Church: Frid 2pm-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-2.30, followed by a service.

Saturday November 30th

Bingo West Harptree, village hall bar open from 6pm. Eyes down 7pm. Details www.westharptreehall.com

Cheddar u3a dance: Vintage Cheddar Rock Band, 7pm village hall, BS27 3RF.

Pianist Joss Wort with West Mendip Orchestra 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £12, details: www.yms.org.uk

Wells Christmas Bazaar 9.30-3pm Town Hall: seasonal stalls, games, music, silent auction, lunch and drinks all day, by the Catholic parish of SS Joseph and Teresa.

Timsbury Village Market 9.30-11.30am Conygre field BA2 0JQ. Details on Facebook or www.growtimsbury.org.uk

Frome Society for Local Study: Julian Orbach “Unbuilt Bath, the city as it might have been” 2.30pm Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome, £5.

RNLI Winscombe Folk Concert by Scottish folk quartet “Wayward Jane”, 8pm St James’ Church Centre, BS25 1BA. Bar. Tickets £15 from winscombe.folk@gmail.com or 07703 538861.

Chew Valley Choral Society Concert 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church Chew Magna, 7.30 p.m. Tickets £15/£6 on door or www.chewvalleychoral.org.uk

The Awkward Guide to Friendship 7.30pm Old School Room, Chew Magna. Details: www.valleyarts.co.uk

Sunday December 1st

Churchill Music: Bones Apart: a family concert with passion and humour, 3pm-6pm St Mary's Church, Yatton BS49 4HH. Tickets: tickets@churchillmusic.org.uk or 07442 672805.

Christmas in Paulton

PAULTONParish Council is putting on a very special Christmas event, the likes of which Paulton has never seen before. The Christmas Extravaganza will be held in the Memorial Park, village hall and surrounding area.

It will be starting on Friday, November 29th, 5-10pm and continue on Saturday, 30th, 12-8pm, with a large skating rink, bar, a variety of market stalls, a music area, street food market and of course Santa’s Grotto. There will be performances from bell ringers, Paulton Concert Band, the church band and Paulton Amateur Dramatic Society (PADS) whose members will be treating the crowd to some traditional carol singing.

Details: admin@paultonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Lantern makers wanted

FROME’S Christmas Light Switch On is set to take place on Friday 22nd November and once again, Frome Town Council are inviting residents to join in the festivities from 5-7pm by making their own unique lantern for the parade. This year’s theme is Winter Woodland.

Details: www.discoverfrome.co.uk/christmas-in-frome