Mendip Times
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VOLUME 12 ISSUE 11
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FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
APRIL 2017
• WIN TICKETS TO GLASTONBURY AND NORTH SOMERSET SHOW • FOCUS ON CHEDDAR • HEDGELAYING • RIDING • COMMUNITY • WHAT’S ON • MUSIC • ARTS & ANTIQUES Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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Welcome
SPRING is here and Mendip has sprung into action! We’ve pictures from the snowdrop festival in Shepton, hedging competitions, the Game Fair, pancake races, a steam weekend and the Blackford and Sparkford Vale point to point. There’s so much more to come. We preview the North Somerset and Royal Bath and West shows, the Festival of Film in Wells, numerous arts and music festivals, and have a bumper What’s On guide to events this Easter. We also offer you the chance to win tickets to Glastonbury with Thatchers. Our contributors reflect the season, with gardening tips, recipes and the urge to get outdoors – Sue Gearing suggests a walk around Curry Rivel, while Phil Hendy has been exploring Harptree Combe. We meet the vicar with a lifelong fascination for James Bond and a man who is still mourning the loss of his local pub – demolished in 1981. We have extended sections this month on riding, community, arts and antiques and music. We also have a special Focus on Cheddar this month, as well as all of our regular features and contributors. It’s time to enjoy spring on Mendip. May 2017 deadline: Thursday, 13th April 2017. Published: Tuesday, 25th April 2017. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Steam heritage in Midsomer Norton. Photo by Mark Adler. See page 30.
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CONTENTS
Mendip style – keeping tradition alive
Strike up the band – Shepton Mallet’s snowdrop celebrations
Leading the field – point-to-point action
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104
Frome rocks – students in Queen tribute Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............16 Food & Drink ...............................20 Business.........................................31 Arts & Antiques ...........................38 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing ....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......62
Charities........................................68 Property ........................................74 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............76 Community ...................................80 Homes and Interiors ....................86 Caving Phil Hendy ........................90 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE.....94 Sport ..............................................99 Music ...........................................104 What’s On...................................107 MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 3
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SPRING HALF PRICE SALE!
Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510
Happy Birthdays! So far, this year has been much busier than normal but in our spare time we have mostly been celebrating significant birthdays. In February, Dervla Nash joined the ranks of over 40s. We decided that we should help her celebrate and embarrass her as much as possible at the same time so, at the instigation of colleague and mischief maker in chief, Libby Rae, Dervla was presented with an outfit suitable for a lady of such advancing years which she was required to don immediately and wear for the rest of the day. To be on the safe side she was also given an inflatable zimmer frame. The photograph shows Dervla proudly modelling her new outfit! Then, at the beginning of March, Vicky Scorse, a Legal Executive based at our Cheddar Office celebrated her 30th birthday and was taken out for lunch by her colleagues. The photograph shows Vicky (on the right in the purple sunglasses) with colleague and fellow Legal Executive Natalie Barker (never one to miss out on a photo opportunity) celebrating the occasion. Whilst nobody enjoys getting older the alternative is even less attractive. The advancing years remind us that it is important to put our affairs in order by making suitable wills, lasting powers of attorney and taking other appropriate measures. Please contact any of our offices for advice on these subjects. Now the celebrations are over it’s back to work!
Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400
Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk
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NEWS
Animal charity has grand designs WORK is underway to build a state-ofthe-art kennels complex at the Happy Landings animal rescue centre near Shepton Mallet. But the charity still needs to raise funds to complete the project, which will replace buildings reaching the end of their useful life. Costing up to £700,000, the kennels at Pylle will feature underfloor heating and eco-friendly features to reduce costs. Architect Wiebke Rietz, from Alchemilla Architects, joined trustees and staff at a ground-breaking ceremony to signal the start of the project. Once completed the first phase will have space for 30 kennels for rescued dogs awaiting rehousing or for boarding purposes – much of the charity’s funding comes from boarding. There will also be four “isolation” kennels where newlyrescued dogs can be assessed. Future plans include further space for cats and other domestic animals. Happy Landings rehomes more than 300 domestic animals each year but also takes in farm animals such as pigs and goats. Lyn Southway, from the charity, said: “The project has been in our minds for several years and we have to get going because some of our buildings are
The ground-breaking ceremony at the Happy Landings site at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet
getting old. “The new kennels will be airy and well-lit, making them not just better for the dogs, but we will save on our fuel bills.” Happy Landings will be one of the
An image of how the new kennels will appear
charities to benefit from the second Festival of Dogs, taking place on Sunday, April 30th at Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. The event is free and will feature a dog show, agility classes and much more.
The kennels will be light and airy
For details about Happy Landings or to make a donation towards the building project, visit: www.happy-landings.org.uk
Chloe saves her father
FROME College has awarded Chloe Polkinghorne, from Year 10, a Principal’s Commendation for saving her father’s life. She administered CPR on her father, Peter, after he suffered a heart attack. She did this for a solid 20 minutes all alone, until a neighbour arrived and they took it in turns to continue the CPR in five-minute intervals each until the ambulance arrived. Paramedics said that the courageous action by Chloe successfully ensured that not only did her father recover from the heart attack, he also did not lose vital oxygen to the brain or suffer dangerous side effects. The college said: “Congratulations go to Chloe for her bravery, and our best wishes to her family.”
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Cleaning the countryside
Volunteers posing in front of Gary Pearce's tractor and trailer before they started on their litter picking.
Abbey pond work underway
ABOUT 20 volunteers supported the annual litter pick in Compton Dando and surrounding villages, piling on to tractors and trailers provided by Simon Kinnersley and Gary Pearce. Organiser, Sarah Wilson, said: “There was just one trailer load of rubbish this year – much less than usual and I think this is a result of so many villagers picking up rubbish day in day out – several people in the village regularly pick-up when out walking and this makes a huge difference. “A big thank you to B&NES, who were extremely helpful. They lent us hi-vis jackets, litter pickers, gloves and provided the 'golden' bags for rubbish.”
Flood barrier progress
A SITE has been proposed for a tidal barrier at Bridgwater which will be one of the key elements in a 20-year plan to protect Somerset from flooding. The Environment Agency and Sedgemoor District Council are working in partnership to deliver the barrier by 2024, with the work being overseen by the Somerset Rivers Authority. Following technical assessment and consideration of all points raised, a site between Express Park and Chilton Trinity village has been selected as the optimum site for the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier. It will protect an estimated 10,000 homes and 600 businesses. The favoured design for the barrier is a structure with two vertical lift gates. The next steps are to develop ideas for the appearance of the barrier and landscaping. These ideas will be
Rode bridge. The Somerset-Wiltshire border used to be in the middle of the river until boundary changes in 1937.
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A GRANT of more than £19,000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery has given the green light to a project to restore the popular pond at Glastonbury Abbey. The work – due to begin as Mendip Times was being published – will see the reopening of the pathway around the pond, the provision of new habitats to encourage wildlife and bridge and bank repairs. Janet Bell, abbey director, said: “This £25,000 project has been made possible by the Postcode Lottery Trust and by other generous donations from the Alan Evans Memorial Trust and individuals, including an anonymous donor who spotted our Crowdfunding appeal and gave more than £3,000. “We have just £700 to raise to hit our target and we are still welcoming donations. We are hopeful that this will be achieved.” ● The work is due to be completed by Friday, April 13th.
Tyler Gibson and Steve Troughton of contractors Land and Water working on the wall of the new flood relief bypass channel at Rode Bridge near Frome
put out to consultation for anyone to have their say in the late summer/early autumn. Meanwhile, the SRA has been funding work to reduce flood risk and protect a historic bridge in Rode near Frome. Rode Bridge, a Scheduled Ancient Monument built around 1777, is vulnerable to being damaged when the River Frome rises high during times of flood and water cannot smoothly pass through the bridge’s two main middle arches. The work is to improve flows through the bridge which will create more flood capacity, prevent flood waters backing up in the Frome’s flood plain. Rode Bridge was originally built as a toll bridge for the Black Dog Turnpike Trust, named after an inn where trustees used to meet in Black Dog Woods near Chapmansdale, to the east of Frome. Before the bridge was built, the river used to be crossed by an ancient ford – and even after the bridge was built, some people kept on using the ford to avoid paying the toll.
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ENVIRONMENT
Reserves fund relaunched
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust is appealing to wildlife fans to donate money to its 2017 Nature Reserves Fund. Launched in 2016, the fund was established to raise money to safeguard some of Somerset’s most iconic landscapes and precious wildlife, and has already helped achieve some enormous gains for wildlife across the county. Any gift given to the fund will go directly to wherever the need is greatest on Somerset Wildlife nature reserves,
Edford Meadows, near Oakhill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest
ensuring that they are kept in the best possible condition to support wildlife and the trust’s conservation goals. The reserves cost almost £2,000 per day to maintain. Tim Youngs, Director of Land Management, said: “In Somerset we are incredibly lucky to have some amazing habitats from internationally renowned wetlands, ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, and magnificent meadows, each requiring specific conservation
Liz Fishbourne, Reserves Manage for East Mendip
programmes in order for the unique biodiversity to not only survive, but thrive.” He added: “Having extra funds not only means that we can continue with our practical conservation work on our reserves, but helps us to be prepared for what the future may hold. We will be able to respond faster and provide on the ground solutions when we are faced with unforeseen challenges – such as Ash dieback.”
For more information on the fund and some examples of where monies raised will be spent, visit: www.somersetwildlife.org/reservesfund
Woodland spring-clean
Volunteers with some of the rubbish they collected in just one morning
A GROUP of volunteers who care for an historic woodland near Shepton Mallet have collected sackfuls of litter as part of a spring-clean. The clear-up at Beacon Hill Wood at Doulting came ahead of the annual influx of visitors to admire the bluebell displays. Members of the Beacon Hill Society carried out the work as part of the national Great British Spring Clean and
Joe Middleton (centre) met members of the Beacon Hill Society at the wood
took place before a visit to the wood by Joe Middleton, one of the regional managers of the Woodland Trust, which bought the wood from the Forestry Commission in 1995. Joe, based in Bristol, looks after reserves across Somerset, the former county of Avon and parts of Dorset. Management of Beacon Hill Wood and other issues were on the agenda for the
informal walkabout. The Woodland Trust has since published a proposed new management plan for the woods which is out for consultation. Amongst the issues it addresses are ways to manage the wood to improve bio-diversity whilst encouraging more people to learn about the landscape by improving access and signage.
The Beacon Hill Society welcomes new members. Its AGM will take place on Tuesday, April 25th. For details about the society’s work visit: www.beaconhillsociety.org.uk
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(Photos courtesy of Matt Sweeting)
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Go wild in Glastonbury
MORE than 100 breath-taking wildlife photographs will go on show in Glastonbury in April. The exhibition at the community-run Red Brick Building will be the only time the images can been seen in Somerset. The centre has joined forces with the British Wildlife Photography Awards and Somerset Wildlife Trust to showcase the best of the entries from the 2016 competition. Tim Knock, Arts and Event Manager, said: “This is the first major photography exhibition we’ve brought to the Red Brick Building and we’re the only venue in Somerset hosting it. It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to see some amazing images of British wildlife.” Somerset Wildlife Trust’s chief Elegant, by Stephanie Foote
executive, Simon Nash, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the RBB to share some of the country’s best wildlife photography. Somerset has an amazing diversity of wildlife and habitats, including nationally important wetland sites in the Avalon Marshes. We hope this exhibition will inspire more people to experience and care about Somerset’s
ENVIRONMENT
Hello ducky, by Paul Colley
wildlife and raise awareness of the trust’s role in protecting it.” ● The exhibition runs from Monday, April 3rd until Monday, May 1st. A donation of £3 is suggested for entry to the exhibition – 25% of all donations will go to support Somerset Wildlife Trust’s work and 75% will go to the Red Brick Building.
Catching the sun, by Penny Dixie
Festival explores local countryside PREPARATIONS are well under way for the 2017 Somer Valley Walking Festival to be held on the weekend of September 16th and 17th at venues in Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Peasedown and Paulton. The success of last year’s festival, supported by Radco and the Radstock and Westfield Big Lottery, will mean that this year it will take place over two days and at a greater number of
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locations. John Bull, who chairs the steeering committee said: “We hope everyone will find a walk they can enjoy this year and that many more people will be introduced to the wonderful countryside of the Somer Valley and its industrial heritage. “There will be walks ranging from two to 12 miles in length as well as a sketching walk and one based on the Details: 01225 835100.
new sport of geocaching. Last year’s popular family treasure hunt along the Greenway will be repeated and shorter walks will also set off from Paulton and Westfield, as well as some based on Radstock Museum.” A talk at the museum on the Somer Valley’s heritage of canals, railways and mines will launch the weekend. As last year the walks will all be free and led by experienced walk leaders.
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Who would be a farmer’s wife? THERE is a book entitled How to be the Perfect Farm Wife written by an Irish farmer’s wife. The lady has found exactly the right angles and I laughed most of the way through, having experienced it all. The author, Lorna Sixsmith, writes a blog, visit it at www.irishfarmerette.com With MARY So what does a farmer’s wife do? How JAMES MBE about this for a list – they are runners, collectors, managers, tractor drivers, cooks, nurses, bookkeepers, IT specialists, child minders, mediators, supporters, seamstresses, homemakers, cleaners, shoppers, teachers, probably mums, bakers and even candlestick makers! If you are a full-time farmer’s wife then the above list fits very well. If the wife is employed off the farm some of the above will still fit. As a guide to young ladies who may be about to marry a farmer, or would like to, here is a possible list of what a farmer may think a perfect wife should do. Cook hearty meals for him and anyone else who may drop in at lunchtime, or supper time. Bake cakes just like his mother did. Take food out to the field in busy times, like silage making, being careful not to get lost. Be able to kill, pluck and clean out birds for the table. Have a meal ready whatever time he gets in, whether he is 30 minutes early or two hours late. Be aware that whenever you
are all off to a wedding or a special night out something will always happen at the last minute to hold you up, such as the sheep or cows have got out of their field or a cow is having a bad calving. It’s a wonderful life if you don’t weaken! There will be hard times, when money is short and a piece of machinery has to be replaced in preference to a new bathroom, or holiday perhaps. The livestock must always come first, they have to be fed, watered and cared for, almost on a 24-hour basis. Bear in mind you cannot be expected to achieve all the above but don’t worry and keep smiling. Now to current farming matters. There is a huge increase in fly tipping. In a nearby village rubbish has been thrown over hedges in some quantity and the farmer has to clear it and bear the cost. On verges, if reported, the local council has to clear it. Evidently it is up to local councils and environment agency to catch, prevent and to enforce the law on fly-tippers. Catch them if you can so we can all help by reporting these tippers, especially if you can get a vehicle licence number. As for Brexit, there is a lot of talk, conferences and meetings and so forth but no clear picture emerges yet. There is so much at stake – the future of Great British Farming, something we can be proud of. We are the custodians of the countryside and we produce healthy, affordable food for the nation. Don’t forget North Somerset Show on May 1st at Wraxall.
Society goes down on the farm
MENDIP Society members had a great visit to Fernhill Farm, where Andy Wear gave them a brilliant demo of blade shearing. The society has a busy month in prospect, with their annual meeting on March 31st at Wells and Mendip Museum followed by talks in April by Astrid Domingo Molyneux, who cycled solo around the world, and from society president Les Davies on his family’s background in farming. Details: www.mendipsociety.co.uk
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FARMING
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ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information.
TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire.
PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers.
EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.
Now available: Lorry-mounted cherry picker 26m height/17.5m outreach 3-man (+ tools) basket
• FEED BIN REPAIRS • ROOFING • TREEWORK • LIGHTING • PEST CONTROL • BIRD SPIKES • INSPECTIONS
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 11
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North Somerset Show
PREPARATIONS for this year’s North Somerset Show on May Bank Holiday are now in full swing with funds raised this year going towards educating Bristol and North Somerset children on agricultural issues. The show, which is now in its 158th year, is the area’s showpiece on everything to do with agriculture and the countryside, held on its own showground just a few miles south of Bristol. Show secretary Tim Ledbury said: “Tickets have now gone on sale online and we are putting the finishing touches to the programme which will include all the old favourites plus some new and exciting things for people to see and do. “At the heart of the show will be the livestock, which this year will include the British Isles Shearing Competitions Association first competition of the season and we are expecting shearers from all over the country to compete. “There is a fantastic equestrian programme, including Royal International Horse Show events, heavy horses, hunters and cobs. We have cattle, pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas coming from all over the country.” Due to avian flu restrictions there will be no poultry classes at this year’s show but falconry displays are expected to go ahead. Money raised through entrance to the show will support a Countryside Day in July this year when 2,600 primary school
children, from North Somerset and Bristol will learn about agriculture, the journey their food takes from field to plate and rural crafts. Tim said: “Countryside Day is a bi-annual event which helps local children understand about their food and the agriculture of the area. It costs £25,000 to put on and is part of the charitable objectives of the show.” People who book in advance for the show online receive a discount and speedy entry so they don’t miss a moment of the show, which will also include a sumptuous array of food; exciting demonstrations of rural crafts and fun events, such as dog agility; axe wielding displays and bale stacking.
Details: www.nsas.org.uk or phone 01934 837287.
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Hollowmead Farm, Claverham, Somerset PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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Floating on air
NORTH SOMERSET SHOW
BRISTOL Balloons aim to give everyone a pleasant, enjoyable and safe flight in one of their balloons. They say ballooning is an adventure, a magic carpet ride, something not to be rushed. The flight will last for about one hour, the whole outing usually takes between three and four hours. Are you looking for that gift for friends, relatives or just as a treat for yourself sometime in the 2017 ballooning season? A flight voucher from Bristol Balloons is also the ideal present for the person who thought they had done everything! The average distance they travel is ten miles, affording you stunning views of the surrounding scenery. They also fly from Bath, Gloucester to Wells, Usk to Westonbirt. Chilled champagne or orange juice is served with their compliments and each passenger receives a commemorative flight certificate signed by the pilot. Vouchers for the 2017 Bristol Balloon Fiesta are also on sale.
WIN SHOW TICKETS
Mendip Times has teamed up with the organisers of the North Somerset Show to give you the chance to win one of six family tickets for the show on May 1st. Just answer this question: how many times has the show been held? Send your answer on a postcard to North Somerset Show Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG. Entries must be received by Friday April 14th. The first six correct entries drawn will win the tickets. The editor’s decision is final.
Summer barbecues
GET ready for alfresco dining in style this summer. At ebdonfiirewood.co.uk they have a range of beautiful, UKmade, steel fire pits. All are multifunctional, stylish and robust. Their fire pit BBQ pizza ovens and BBQ chimineas are designed to last as well as to maximise the gorgeous flavour of food cooked over coals. Enjoy the lighter evenings and the special experience of dining outdoors with friends. See them at the North Somerset Show on May 1st.
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 13
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Rural youth club recognised
A YOUTH club which serves young people living in the villages of Charlton Mackrell and Charlton Adam, near Somerton, has received an award in recognition for its safe practices and popular appeal to young people. A number of volunteers support The Charltons Youth Club and Somerset County Council’s “Safe and Welcoming” benchmark scheme recognises the club’s safe practice and appeal to young people. The club was required to build a portfolio containing witness statements, policies, health and safety practice and building safety details in order to obtain the award. Andrea de Berker, from The Charltons Youth Club, said: “What great news! Thanks to our youth worker Kayleigh Smith, her colleagues at the Community Youth Project and my fellow trustees of the Charltons Community Hall who have all contributed in some way to us meeting the Safe and Welcoming Benchmark at the Charltons Senior Youth Club." A Youth and Community Grant of £3,470 was also recently awarded to support the running of the club following their successful bid to Somerset County Council. The Charltons Youth Club is the 37th club in Somerset to achieve the award.
Speed cameras return
NEW speed cameras will be installed in Farmborough and Temple Cloud in response to concerns from local residents about speeding and road safety. The camera in Farmborough will be on the A39 next to the junction with The Street which leads to the village school. The camera in Temple Cloud will be installed on the A37 to replace one which was removed a number of years ago due to vandalism. And in the next financial year, a camera will be installed on the A362 in Writhlington and the existing camera on the A37 in Pensford brought back into use.
Rock solid new president
PETER Barkwill, the chief executive of Mendip quarrying company Wainwright, has been welcomed as the 2017/18 president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society. He succeeds Lady Waldegrave at the helm of the society, which organises the annual Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show and other rural events. Last year was “very successful,” said society chairman Ian Harvey, in his annual report, adding: “There was a financial surplus and another great show.” The show is held each August at Shepton Mallet and the society is currently in advanced negotiations to move to a new site close to its traditional home. ● The organisers of the Frome Cheese Show have announced that there will be no competitive cattle classes this year, due to costs and infrastructure limitations. The show’s cattle committee felt it could not hold a scaled-back event. In a statement, the Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show Society said: “Because of this the society has made the difficult decision to not hold a competitive cattle show this year, focusing instead on creating an interactive, educational area of the livestock village that will feature a cattle exhibition. “The Society is determined to maintain the future of the show and with the support of all visitors, exhibitors and others involved, continue to provide a day out to be enjoyed by everyone.” PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
City of culture bid
NEWS
John Turner, from Visit Somerset (left) and Mark Tobin, from Visit Wells in front of the cathedral
ARTS bodies, tourist groups and businesses have joined forces in a bid for Wells to be named the 2021 City of Culture. The city has joined ten rivals in aiming for the accolade to succeed Hull. A £3m grant from the Heritge Lottery Fund is on offer to the winning bid. Visit Somerset and Visit Wells are coordinating the bid which will focus on the city but will comprise partnerships across the city, with neighbouring towns and across the surrounding rural area. Local institutions and events, businesses, councils, festivals, artists and carnivals will all be working together to develop the programme for the bid. Somerset County Council has endorsed the bid after a presentation by Visit Somerset. John Turner, Chief Executive of Visit Somerset and strategic board member of the Wells City of Culture Bid, said: “Presenting to Somerset County Council it was very apparent that we all see the huge benefits of putting an official bid forward for Wells for the City of Culture in 2021.” He added: “Surrounding the city is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous towns such as Glastonbury where the foundations of European Christianity began, with its world-famous music festival. If that’s not enough, one of the finest gorges in Europe is close by at Cheddar and a spectacular cave network at Wookey Hole caves. Wells quite literally has it all and more!” Andrew Webb, who is chairing the Wells bid, said: “If nothing else is achieved, the bid has brought everyone together.” Wells – England’s smallest city – will be up against Perth, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Coventry, Hereford, Warrington, Portsmouth, Swansea and the smallest city in Britain, St Davids. Details bids must be submitted by the end of April, with a shortlist announced in July and the winning city named in December. Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: “UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth. “I am delighted to see so many bids from across the country, showing how many areas recognise the important role culture can play in the development and regeneration of communities.”
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Tel: 0800 097 8611
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WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
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INTERNET
Pitfalls
LAST month we looked at pitfalls when using the internet, so this month I though a reminder of email problems might help. Emails Hopefully, most of us are aware of the pitfalls of emailing. But a quick reminder; if you get an email which looks like it comes from your bank, building society or PayPal account asking you to click on a link and provide information such as account number and password, don’t do it! No reputable firm will ever ask for confidential information via email – emails are not secure. If you are concerned, then contact your bank direct – do not use the email, which will almost certainly not be from who it says it is. If you want to check, don’t single-click or tap, but right-click (or click and hold on a tablet) over the blue link and click or tap Copy and then paste it somewhere where you will see the actual address. The bit after the www. or the http:// bit will be the actual address; not necessarily what it says it is – e.g. if the link says click here to fix this issue when you copy and paste it you will see the actual address, such as www.someoneelse.com/microsoft. This means it’s not from Microsoft, but someone else! Same principle applies to phone calls – don’t give personal information over the phone and if someone rings saying they can fix your router or computer, don’t believe them! One quick way to check (which usually ends the phone call!) is to ask for their company name and their name and position. Subscribing to email Often when you go on a website, you have to register in order to use the site, so once they have your email, you then get bombarded with emails – once a day quite often. To stop those emails, scroll down to the bottom of the email and click the Unsubscribe link. This may take you to a website to confirm. However, do not subscribe from an unsolicited email – this will just confirm your email address and could make the matter worse. The better way to fix the problem is to put those messages into your Spam/Junk folder. Select the message, then click on the Spam/Junk icon. Some providers will then ask you if you want to Report it, so just click Report and it should then go in your Junk folder, along with any other emails from that same address. After 30 days it should be automatically deleted. Check the default of your Reply option – a lot of providers make Reply To All as the default, which could mean more information going to other members of the group than you intended. Some providers have their Settings/menu under an icon that looks like a cog and some have an icon that looks like three lines. Find the Reply settings and make sure it’s set how you like it. Contact us at I.T. for the Terrified: 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk • itfortheterrified@btconnect.com Using Cheddar Village Hall, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RF Appointments are essential and cost £20 for a two-hour session. NOW AVAILABLE: iPad workshop in Watchfield Village Hall. Thursday, 27th April. 10am-12. Limited to 5 customers. £10.00 for the two-hour session. Bring your own iPad. Watchfield Village Hall, Watchfield Corner, Highbridge TA9 4RD. (on the on the end of Mark Causeway on the B3139 – opposite Rich’s Cider Press). If you can spare two hours a week and have skills on any level (especially basics) that you would like to share with others, please get in touch. Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600
PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1/5/30 Ancient leader active with children carries precocious display of wisdom (3,4,2,5,9) 8 One digit error to find explanation (6,3) 10 Some chaps I'd let edge up to me (5) 11 Cure said to be for the foot (4) 13 My car emits irregular pattern (10) 15 Concerning the basics hesitation produces list (8) 16 Shortened it somewhat – it's what he does (5) 19 Woodland dwellers, especially around Christmas (5) 20 Dairy cat moved for support (8) 23 Caught sight of by arrangement – easily done (4,4,2) 24 In a daze mislaid tool (4) 26 Short month with alien in musical combo (5) 27 I left Egyptian city, she remained behind (9) 29 Moves fast around point to deliver ancient text (5) 30 See 1
DOWN 1 No longer edible sounds certain to be at sea (8) 2 Be enthusiastic about archaeology (3) 3 French masseur ought to receive payment (4) 4 Without deadline this is like the present (2,4) 5 See 21 6 After international body the German made point very briefly (11) 7 Land of teen rock movie I heard (6) 9 Boys term includes culinary treat (6) 12 Find fans hating a troubled country (11) 14 Best man's supporters hold motor cycle race between two points for their female counterparts (10) 17 Sort of whisky made in Ealing? (6) 18 Aged yews quiver to get a word in like this (8) 21/5 Reassured loyalty turns historical in Macbeth (3,3,10) 22 Flower and carpet also have these (6) 25 Release for cash – bowlers' objective (4) 28 Animal doesn't hide – untrue (3)
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EVENTS
Pancakes at the palace
GROWN-ups can have fun on Pancake Day just as well as youngsters! These were the scenes at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells when staff, trustees and volunteers were joined by colleagues from Wells Cathedral for an afternoon of races followed by tea and pancakes. Amongst the runners were the Bishop of Taunton, the Rt. Rev. Ruth Worsley, and the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev. John Davies. The bishop, the Rt. Rev. Peter Hancock, was still recovering from a leg injury sustained on a skiing holiday and was a spectator. The Palace Trustees team – led by chief executive Rosie Martin – were declared the winners.
Friendly rivalry – the teams after the relay race
Flip, flop and fly
And they’re off
Rosie Martin and the winning team
Jane Hancock, the wife of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, joins in the fun PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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FOOD & DRINK
All the colours of spring
TIME to put away the casseroles and the pies and all the brown food of winter because spring is here! The culinary colour palette changes. Not quite time yet for the strong hues of summer so we ease in gently with pastel shades of pink and yellow and fresh green. With JUNE In food terms that will be trout, lemons and MACFARLANE local asparagus. We celebrate the great religious feast that is Easter with the traditional lamb and round off the event with a creamy dessert.
TIMBALE OF TROUT AND ASPARAGUS The French word timbale, like the word thimble, comes from thabal, the Arabic word for drum. Make it with the freshest local asparagus you can find – anything else is a waste of time.
Ingredients (serves four) 1 medium rainbow trout, cleaned large bunch asparagus, trimmed 250g soft cheese 120ml dbl cream 1 tsp horseradish sauce lemon
INGREDIENTS
METHOD Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Rinse the trout, season and wrap in oiled tinfoil. Bake on a tray in the oven for about ten minutes until just cooked. Set aside to cool in the foil. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and poach the asparagus for about six minutes until you can pierce with a skewer. Drain and plunge into a bowl of iced water to preserve colour. Beat cheese to soften. Whip cream until just floppy and fold into cheese with horseradish. Remove fish from bones and flake. Fold gently into cream. Dry asparagus on kitchen paper. Reserve tips. Chop remaining asparagus and fold into cream. Adjust seasoning. Serve with reserved asparagus tips and a wedge of lemon.
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Burnt lemon creams
BURNT LEMON CREAMS
This is gorgeous! Who doesn’t love the crack of crème brûlée? And not only is this a lemon version, it’s also as easy as you like. METHOD Pre-heat oven to 100°C. Gently mix together eggs and caster sugar; add lemon zest and juice, then cream. Mix well without air bubbles. Add salt. Put into a jug and leave for a minute. Pour into INGREDIENTS ovenproof ramekins. Bake in Ingredients (for four) oven for about 45 mins until 4 large eggs there is still a slight wobble. 115g caster sugar Allow to cool completely. 2 lemons, zest and Chill for two hrs. Sprinkle 100ml juice with caster sugar and glaze 140ml dbl cream under grill, or use a tiny pinch salt blowtorch. Cool. Serve. caster sugar for glaze
HERBED RACK OF LAMB Lamb is traditional at Easter, but if a whole joint is a bit much for you, try a rack. Buy it “Frenched” with the bones sticking out. This method infuses the flavours of the herbs and spices into the meat for a fragrant dish with very little waste.
Ingredients (for two to three) 1 rack of lamb, French trimmed 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic Pinch cumin seeds. 2 anchovy fillets Small handful fresh oregano Small pinch dried thyme Small handful fresh mint 1 tsp chopped rosemary Salt, pepper
INGREDIENTS
METHOD Process everything except the lamb into a paste. Score the lamb and rub paste into top and sides. Refrigerate overnight in a freezer bag. Allow to come to room temperature before cooking. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. In a frying pan with a splash of oil seal the meat on all sides. Transfer to an oven tray and bake for about 15 mins until lamb is done to your liking. Rest for ten mins before serving.
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Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS
Warming lunches • Organic free trade coffee Cream Teas • Afternoon Tea (booking only) Home-made tarts, pies, cakes and bread • Local milk, cheeses and eggs Easter biscuits and simnel cake now available Lovely things for sale from Michel Design Works, Burleigh and Brixton Pottery, Crisp and Dene kitchen textiles. Products from Mendip Lavender and Lyonsleaf Skincare, Priddy.
Cyclists, walkers and dogs very welcome Open: Monday to Friday: 7am - 4.30pm Saturday: 7.30am - 3pm
Bread & Beyond
High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ
01761 240820 email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com SPEND £10 IN SHOP FOR A FREE CUP OF TEA OR COFFEE AND AN EASTER BISCUIT
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New from Bread and Beyond
BREAD and Beyond at Chewton Mendip now boasts far more than its excellent selection of home-made food and beverages. It has added to its range of crafts and other wares, with some top names, including Michel Design Works, with a range of toiletries, decoupage wooden trays and other gorgeous items, beautifully designed and packaged. It also has kitchen textiles from Crisp and Dene, which are both fresh and functional, but owner Alice Taylor is particularly pleased to have pottery from Burleigh, Burgess and Leigh. Based at Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent they have been making high-quality domestic earthenware for 150 years. Sadly it’s the last factory in the world using traditional methods of underglaze transfer printing to create unique and beautiful table and kitchenware. Each piece passes through at least 25 pairs of hands and Alice said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be a stockist of this highly collectable earthenware.” Until Easter she has a special offer – spend £10 in the shop or cafe and get a free cup of tea or coffee and a homemade Easter biscuit.
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A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D
A toast of Somerset
WITH English Wine Week 2017 declared for Saturday, May 27th to Sunday, June 4th, Aldwick is fired-up to raise the profile of Somerset wine. We team up with farming friends Yeo Valley on Wednesday, the 31st to offer an exclusive day-out for groups of 20 or more: A With morning tour of their famed organic gardens ELIZABETH with lunch at their Garden Café, followed by LAVER a guided walk through our vines and winetasting in the New Barn. From May 31st to June 3rd, visit us in the Food & Drink Marquee at the Royal & Bath West Show, Shepton Mallet. Why promote Somerset wine? Labouring in the field, tending our vines day after day, I often wonder if there’s local awareness of the illustrious history of wine-growing in Somerset. Earliest records date from Anglo-Saxon times in 956 AD; the Domesday Book lists five vineyards. Although current wine historians cite various causes of the demise of English wine production, Stephen Switzer wrote in his 1718 Ichnographia Rustica: “in several Parts of Somersetshire there are at this Time flourishing Vineyards.” Pilton Manor deserves special mention. In 1230, Michael of Amesbury, Abbot of Glastonbury, planted vines at his summer palace here. Nigel de Marsac Godden recreated this vineyard in 1966 on a commercial basis, expanding to eight hectares until it was grubbed up around 2001. Godden led the way with one of the first bottle-fermented sparkling wines, winning a 1978 English Wine of the Year medal. Pilton’s sweet wine “1992 Westholme Late Harvest” was awarded the 1994 Gore-Browne trophy. Godden’s cellar-master was Angelo Pizzi, cousin of opera singer Mario Lanzo. And it was here that Aldwick’s winemaker Steve Brooksbank began his long career. At his Bagborough winery, south of Shepton Mallet, Steve remains the unassuming, unsung hero of Somerset’s comparatively small, independently financed, family grape-growers: long-established Oatley and Wraxhall, as well as our fellow newcomers Sutton Ridge and Dunleavy. I’ll be wielding secateurs during English Wine Week, but with lifted spirits as visitors tour the vineyard on Sunday and Tuesday. How encouraging to see so many exploring the distinctive quality and tradition of Somerset wines. Elizabeth Laver is the Vineyard Manager at Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard. To learn more about Aldwick wine and vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk or call 01934 864404.
FOOD & DRINK Country shopping at its best
North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW
MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM
EASTER GIFTS AND FLOWERS HOT CROSS BUNS AND EASTER BISCUITS
Sarah Raven Seeds and Spring Plants
Enjoy a good Sunday roast
Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday
Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas
TEA ROOMS Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches
Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Farm Shop: 01761 220067 Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
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National winner
Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s traditional little country pub. enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us. note 80% menu is gluten-free. Booking highly recommended. in season: Trout • Pheasant • Venison gOOD fOOD, gOOD frienDS, gOOD TiMeS
www.queenadelaideblagdon.co.uk • 01761 463926
A P R I L D AT E S We l l s Ea c h Wed 9a m –2 . 3 O pm
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
A l l o th e r m a r ke t s 9 a m - 1 p m u n l e s s ot h e r w i s e m a r k e d *
SAT 1st Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 2nd SFM @ Frome Independent SAT 8th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 15th Crewkerne SAT 22nd Glastonbury* (9am-2pm) FRI 28th Burnham-on-Sea
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
Jon Thorner (left) receiving his award
PIE-MAKER Jon Thorner’s has continued its awards success with a Champion win at the National British Pie Awards. Their Steak & Kidney Pie was awarded the highest accolade in its category and named the Class Champion – beating hundreds of other contenders. Jon Thorner’s, which is based at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, also received a further 11 British Pie Award commendations. Founder and managing director Jon Thorner said: “I just can’t believe what a great year it has been already – I feel our pies have really made a place for themselves in the food sector, we’ve seen phenomenal growth in sales.”
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GARDEN FOOD
Leeks are so versatile
I DIDN'T used to like leeks very much, having had too many of them boiled to slightly sulphurous, otherwise tasteless slippery slivers in soups and stews when I was younger. I have a renewed appreciation of them in the last couple of years, however, and I grow them more With JAKE and more. WHITSON There are many varieties and it is nice to have a mix for a prolonged harvest – some are less cold hardy and need to be harvested in the autumn, whereas some stand all the way through into spring. These are the last of my leeks (shown here just before harvest in mid-March), and the more or less end just as the new ones should be planted – I prefer to grow them from seed rather than the little plugs you can buy at the market. Leeks need no introduction and good in all manner of dishes, but I prefer to cook them only for long enough for them to become silky and sweet and not grey and tired – this means ten minutes or so, not more. I recently had a delicious dish of grilled sea bream which was sat upon a mound of leeks sweated in butter with little chunks of chorizo and crayfish tails – absolutely delicious. Another dish we make at home is a leek tart. To make it you first split in half and wash your leeks under running water, from the bottom up. Leeks really trap grit and need careful washing – slowly whilst separating the layers – to ensure you get none in the finished dish. Then slice them thinly and sweat in a little butter and a splash of water until tender. Then line a tart tine with shortcrust pastry, pile in the leeks, and cover with a mixture of crème fraiche and eggs, (roughly equal parts), nutmeg, a little grated cheese, whisked together and seasoned with salt and blackblacklack pepper. Bake in an oven at around 180c for 30-40 minutes until set and turning golden golden on top. Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Candied obsession
THIS month’s wild food is a fascinating plant that is really common on the south slopes of the Mendips and other south-facing hills along the Bristol Channel. I kept seeing it mostly on roadsides and became strangely obsessed with discovering this plant’s range, spending a good few days With ADRIAN driving around mapping where this plant BOOTS lives – that’s an ecologist for you! It definitely likes open aspects to the coast and a salty sea breeze in its face (don’t we all). I now have a theory as to the relationship between introduced edible plant species and their distribution, or maybe it’s just down to the routes the salt and grit lorries take during the winter... Alexanders were introduced by the Romans from the Mediterranean region, more locally it has a particular association with the island of Steep Holm being cultivated by the monks that lived on the island. It has become completely naturalised and was noted as early as the 1600s and became popular in many 18th century kitchen gardens. It was historically known by the wonderful name of Parsley Alexandria; more colloquial names include Allsanders, the mouth-watering Wild Celery and the daunting Hell Root, presumably because it would be rather bad news to confuse this with another umbellifer such as the poisonous Hemlock (so please take care with your ID). Alexanders (Smyrnum olustratum) is a hairless biennial plant with dark green, shiny, toothed leaves in groups of three, on stalks. It has a strong but hollow stem which is furrowed and grows up to 1.2m in height. The flowers are a profusion of crowded yellow umbels, appearing April to June. There are a number of suggested ways to eat Alexanders but why not try candying them in the same way you would Angelica or citrus fruits? Warning this is not for the impatient or parsnip haters. Chop into one-inch lengths, gently boil the stems until tender, peel and discard the water. Pour 60ml of fresh water into a pan and add 100g of sugar then heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Pour syrup over the pieces and leave overnight. The next day strain off the syrup and heat the stems very gently to remove water, repeat at least another four times leaving to cool overnight until all the moisture is replaced by sugar. As I said, not for the impatient! Why not use the candied stems in the same way as the candied citrus peel in cakes, for example an Italian style panettone. The only issue for some is the slight flavour of parsnip one gets from the Alexanders. Oh well, no one said it was actually going to be a good combo... Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
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THE Prize Pig hog roast is a small, family-run business that prides itself on its flexibility to cater for all party sizes, ranging from 50 to 500 guests. The Prize Pig specialises in offering succulent hog roasts using the very top of the range, professional spit roasting equipment. The spectacle of the locally sourced pig being slowly roasted by their chefs and served in large, freshly baked bread rolls, along with crackling, stuffing and apple sauce is perfect for that special occasion. Salads and puddings are on offer with just a small sample shown on their website.
Brewery project for showground
An inside view of the proposed new brewery
A MENDIP-based brewery has surpassed its initial £1m crowd funding target towards its plans to build a landmark brewery at the Royal Bath and West Showground. The overfund will allow the Wild Beer Co., based near Evercreech, to achieve the expansion plans even sooner. It is proposing to a create a £10m “destination” brewery with bars and a restaurant on the showground. The original brewery site will also be maintained and developed into a barrel-aging centre. The Wild Beer Co. has so far produced more than 90 different styles of beer in their four-year history,
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FOOD & DRINK
Farm event is truly “hands on”
MORE than 800 primary schoolchildren from across Mendip took part in the second Field to Food education event at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Farmers, producers and vets joined forces to explain to the youngsters the processes behind the meals they enjoy each day. The one-day event was part of the remit of the Royal Bath and West of England Society’s to promote education – with added fun!
Lucy, a three-year-old working sheepdog owned by farmer James Small, is the centre of attention
Children from Evercreech school
The team from Denela’s bakery in Shepton Mallet explain breadmaking to youngsters from Cameley School
Pupils from All Hallows school at Cranmore
John Alvis with youngsters from West Pennard school trying out a cattle crusher which keeps animals safe and secure
West Pennard pupils meet a lamb
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East Harptree
Blagdon
PANCAKE DAY
Some of the boys in action
Mums taking part in their pancake race
Just before the start
Competitors in Blagdon
Winscombe
Chew Stoke
Pensford
Winners of the St. James' pancake races in Winscombe
The Rev Denise Calverley and one of her daughters Arwen preparing pancakes at Pensford Church Rooms
Janet Palmer and Denise Stirrup serving the salads to go with the pancakes at Chew Stoke Methodist Church pancake lunch
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Convent school reunion
Amanda (left) and Kay pore over some of the memorabilia collected over the years
ORGANISERS of an annual reunion of former pupils of a convent school in Shepton Mallet are hoping to hear from any exclassmates who may have lost touch to join their celebrations in May. Saviour Convent School opened in 1908 and closed in 1969. The buildings and grounds are now home to St Paul’s junior school. The first reunion was held in 1976 and around 40 former pupils are expected to attend this year’s event. The school welcomed fee-paying children aged between four and 18 and many were boarders even though their homes were on Mendip. Boys, as well as girls, attended. The school was one of the first to have kilts as part of the uniform for the girls, who were also expected to wear grey gloves in winter and white in summer. Amanda Le Quesne, a former head girl and one of the reunion organisers, said the nuns and other teaching staff had an enlightened approach with pupils going on trips abroad, including to France and the order’s – the Sisters of the Congregation of the Saviour and Blessed Virgin – mother convent. Amanda (nee Preece), of Meare, who left the school in 1967, added: “Arts, music and crafts formed a large part of the curriculum.” The school was proud of its facilities, especially the assembly hall/gym which was There will be a display of the memorabilia at the reunion, being held opened in 1967. Fellow at the Crossways Inn at North Wootton pupil Kay Trippick, of Emborough, another former head girl, said: “Mothers who came to into the hall in stiletto heels were asked to remove them to protect the floor!” The school song – it is still sung at the reunions – ends with the Latin phrase “Non sibi sed omnibus” which translates as “Not for yourselves, but for others”. Kay (nee Selway) added: “It left a big impression and also a sense of belonging which continues today.” Amanda added: “There may be some former pupils out there who don’t know about the reunion and we would be delighted to see them.” For more information about the reunion, contact Amanda on 01458 860491.
Lifeboat ceremony will have a Somerset flavour
NEWS
I name this lifeboat … Burnham Beach
CIDER will be poured over the bows of the new lifeboat at Burnham-on-Sea as part of the official naming ceremony in April. Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, will name the D-class boat Burnham Reach on Saturday, April 8th. This will be the third naming ceremony since the lifeboat station officially opened in 2004. The launch is due to take place at 4pm in front of invited guests. Members of the public are welcome to watch the ceremony on the beach from the sea wall.
“At home” with Martin Caroline Candy, who used to work at the Court Hotel, with Martin in what was the bar
TV property expert Martin Roberts threw open the doors of his own housing development in Chilcompton to visitors. Alongside his building team and partners, the presenter of BBC Homes Under the Hammer redesigned and renovated the former Court Hotel, creating five bespoke properties. Martin, who appeared on I’m a Celebrity … and who lives near Paulton, is currently filming a new series of the property programme. He said: “It has taken 18 months and a lot of hard work from a great team to achieve this. I really believe we have retained the character of the buildings.” Amongst the visitors was Caroline Candy, who worked at The Court Hotel. Caroline said: “I think it is amazing but walking through the doors brought back so many memories.” The properties are being marketed through Killens. Guide Prices from £325,000 to £875,000
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Trains in tandem
Two trains running – the diesel and the Sentinel in action
RAIL enthusiasts enjoyed a rare opportunity to travel behind two locomotives running together on the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust line at Midsomer Norton. Its resident Sentinel steam loco Joyce was in action alongside the charity’s Class 08 diesel-electric shunter during the second Somerset and Dorset Gala weekend. In the long-term the trust is extending the line towards Chilcompton and is working on plans to build an engine shed alongside the line, to be known as the Somervale Sidings. The next event at the railway will be over the Easter weekend.
Barrie Papworth at the controls of the Class 08. Barrie is chief mechanical engineer at the railway and enjoyed a 40-year career on the railways. You can read his thoughts on his website: www.railwayblogger.com Joyce in action
Enthusiasts pack the brake van for a ride behind Joyce
For details, visit: www.sdjr.co.uk
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All dogs great and small
Toby enjoys the attention from Michelle (left) and Sophie
OWNING ten dogs between them, opening a grooming business was a labour of love for Sophie James and Michelle Sullivan. The friends met on a dog grooming course at Cannington College and last October opened Mendip Grooming in Shepton Mallet. With 100 regular “clients” and many more being brought through the door of the parlour in Commercial Road on an occasional basis, the pair have never looked back. They offer their doggy visitors everything from a quick nail clipping to a full groom: two baths and conditioning, blow drying, line brushing, styling (show or pet trim), a nail trim, “pawdicure”, ear clean – and a splash of cologne! Michelle, who owns six dogs, along with horses and pigs, said: “We both live in the Wells area but thought Shepton Mallet would be a good location and these premises have been ideal.” Michelle and Sophie are preparing to study for further qualifications – they are both City and Guilds qualified – to expand the range of grooming services they can offer. And being dog lovers, the pair are also always ready to help any four-legged friends who might have fallen on hard times. They provide a free grooming service for rescue dogs waiting to be rehomed – as Sarah says: “We want them to be looking their best when potential new owners meet them” – and also offer a free health check and groom to dogs owned by homeless people. The owners get a cuppa and biscuits while they wait. ● Mendip Grooming will be at this year’s Festival of Dogs, a free family event in Collett Park on Sunday, April 30th.
Market on the map
BUSINESS
SHEPTON Mallet’s new Sunday market is firmly on the map for stallholders and visitors, say organisers. More than 60 traders took space for the first market of 2017, which attracted hundreds of shoppers. The markets will take place on the third Sunday of every month for the rest of the year before the initiative is reviewed. The market is the Shepton’s fairy godmother? brainchild of Helen Reader, Market founder Helen Reader an original stallholder who chooses from the Unusual Pork has since opened her own Pie and Quiche Company stall shop – the Fairy Godmother – in the town, who said: “The new Sunday market has really captured the imagination of people in Mendip and has helped breathe new life into Shepton Mallet town centre. “I’m confident the Sunday market can go from strength to strength and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make it such a success.” Shepton Mallet’s weekly Friday markets will continue as normal, with free car parking in Great Ostry as part of the support by Mendip District Council.
Mendip Grooming
www.MendipDogGrooming.co.uk
7 Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BU Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm Nail clipping, full grooming & dog supplies
Sophie and Michelle
Call us on 07510 112382 Email us at mendipdoggrooming@gmx.co.uk
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Bristol’s biggest cruise ship
TRAVEL operator Miles Morgan has welcomed the news that the Magellan will become the largest cruise ship ever to sail from the Port of Bristol next year. The 46,000 ton Magellan will cruise from August 2018 taking 1,250 passengers on six departures around Europe. The port of Bristol now has over 10,000 passengers departing annually after the first departures in 2014. The ship is almost double the size of previous ships to sail from the port and is half the length of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It has a host of facilities on-board to attract customers including a huge spa and large show lounge.
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Commenting on the news, Cruises from Bristol boss Miles Morgan said: "Having worked hard for three years to encourage more cruises to depart from Bristol this news is fantastic. "I know and have cruised on Magellan and am confident passengers will be delighted with what it has to offer. The six itineraries chosen are also exceptional." Magellan's first cruise at the end of August 2018 is a ten-night departure around the British Isles and this is followed by a 16-night departure to the Baltics and St Petersburg. There are further two-week cruises to
the Canaries, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords. Early bookers will benefit from a Buy One Get One Free offer from just £719 for six nights for the first person with the second person going free. Mr Morgan commented: "One of the most popular things about this ship is the price for single cabins, these are often very expensive but the Magellan has some excellent prices for single travellers." Cruises on board Magellan are now on sale and demand is expected to be high, with Mr Morgan predicting single cabins to be sold out within weeks.
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Lots of smoke, but no fire! ANYONE who knows me well will attest to the fact that technology and I have a dubious relationship. However, something happened this last week that gave me cause to respect it more than is usual. It was a chimney fire. No, I haven't lost the technological plot, stick with me here. This particular chimney fire was sited between our offices and our neighbours and black smoke was belching down the street for some time. The fire brigade was called and as the two properties' walls adjoin each other, the firefighters took great care to check on our side for signs of increased heat. All very exciting except for the firefighters and poor Andy, the office manager,
who stuck it out to the bitter end without complaint to ensure necessary access for the fire brigade and to close the offices – that's commitment for you. All very well so far, but where does the technology come in, I hear you say? Well, in times past, like many offices, we have had a server; a box which, in my layman's terms, holds all the information from all the computers in the building and to which everyone's work is sent or “backed up” each night. However, now, we send the day's work to a Cloud! Even though I am now fully aware that this isn't a white floaty thing high above with many numbers jumbled up within it, I occasionally still visualise all our data fluffily wafting
BUSINESS about above the Mendip Hills. What it is, however, is a secure place made up of those servers I described with a massive King Kong sized amount of capacity to hold our data confidentially and safely and to ensure that any damage or destruction closer to home doesn't affect it. It's really good to know that all our clients' data is safe and sound on, not one, but two sites far away, protected from all sorts of dangers. So, if your financial adviser tells you proudly that they are “on the Cloud”, you'll know that this means so much more than that they're having a really good day, which, incidentally, is what I wish you all. Jane Bowe Probusiness
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 33
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An holistic approach to bereavement
WELLS Funeral Services is earning an enviable reputation for its holistic approach to bereavement, with a rapidly expanding network of contacts, from will writers and probate experts to funeral directors and celebrants. The business is run by Rod Major, who specialises in offering funeral plans to meet all pockets, but who is finding that people approach him about all aspects of bereavement, whether that is contemplating their own death or that of a loved one. Rod can be found on Wednesdays on the Wells Funeral Services stall at Wells market, but he is also hoping to become a regular visitor to Shepton Mallet market on Fridays. Rod said: “People seem to feel comfortable about coming up to me for a chat because it’s informal. It can begin by being quite general and then you discover that something is worrying them or they have suddenly thought ‘I need to be doing something now’. “I am happy to try to answer all their questions, to point them in the right direction and help them through the process.” Rod works alongside funeral directors Ashley Edwards, of Highbridge, and Nicholas Maggs, based in Oakhill. He said: “A real synergy is developing between us.” Rod added: “One of the biggest reasons for credit card debt is the cost of a funeral for an unexpected or unplanned for death. My aim is to try to relieve some of that burden, whether it’s making plans for one’s own passing or that of a next-of-kin.”
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BUSINESS
Text cops to fight rural crime
A NEW version of a text messaging system being used by police to combat rural crime has been unveiled. The service launched in January and is aimed at encouraging rural communities and businesses to help by providing information and intelligence about suspected crime in their area. The Rural Crime Team assess the information provided. ● The new Rural Crime number is now 07492 888109 and will work in exactly the same way.
PCSO Yvonne Mears (left) and PC Katy Drabble (right), from Avon and Somerset Police’s rural crime team were joined at the West of England Game Fair by Claire Dinsdale, from their counterparts in Dorset, to offer advice to visitors
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MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 35
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NEWS
Lottie’s century
Welsh voices fill church
CONGRATULATIONS to Lottie Stevens, a resident at Stanton Drew Nursing Home, who celebrated her 100th birthday with a party for friends, staff and family, including her brother Farnham, aged 95. Lottie was born in March 1917 and lived at Utcombe Farm in Stanton Drew for most of her life, until she moved to Bromley Villas in Stanton Drew with her father and her other brother Raymond, before moving in to Stanton Court in 2012. Farnham, moved from Utcombe Farm to Green Ore, after he married, and farmed there until he retired. Lottie and Farnham are seated, with back row (left to right) Richard Stevens, Lottie's nephew, Kathi and Ione, Farnham's daughters.
Wells Lions president Ian Burt with Sally Dempsey and Bridget Harvey from Heads Up on his right and Masen and Jenny Naidoo of Bluebird Care on his left
Village gets a spring clean
THE appeal of traditional Welsh singing by the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir has raised £3,500 for Wells dementia charities after a sell-out concert at St Cuthbert’s church in the city. The concert was organised by the Wells Lions and sponsored by Bluebird Care Mendip. Lions club president Ian Burt said: “Tonight we have raised about £3,500 for local charities which support people living with the heart-breaking disease dementia that is affecting so many families today.” Most of the money will be shared between the Lawrence Centre and Heads Up, with a smaller amount going to the Wells Dementia Action Alliance, which runs the campaign to make Wells a Dementia Friendly City.
Festival of literature
Mum Rebecca reading a book with pupils Lucy and Megan.
IT was spring-cleaning time again at Stanton Drew and Stanton Wick as families, school children, teachers, dogs and other members of the community took part in the second annual Spring clean, organised by Shirley Edwards. It began last year when Shirley invited everyone to Clean for the Queen and clean up the village in time for the Queen's 90th birthday. Everyone enjoyed it so much that they decided to repeat the event. PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
PARENTS and family of pupils at Ubley Primary School, as well as villagers, joined the children in their celebration of reading and writing, at the school's annual Festival of Literature, which was being held in honour of World Book Day. Headmistress Victoria Reyes, said: “The children aren't dressing up as their favourite book characters this year as we like to alternate this with enjoying the books these characters come from, so we have invited children to bring in their favourite book to share with others.” Mum Rebecca is pictured reading a book with pupils Lucy and Megan.
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Top young scientists
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TWO Mendip students, George Rabin, aged 14, and Ed Thurlow, aged 15, have been awarded the GSK Young Scientist of the Year title at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition. Ed and George’s project investigated birds’ responses to colour in the hope of using the knowledge to help airplane engineers reduce the number of bird strikes. In their project, the students from Churchill Academy and Sixth Form painted a series of four feeders in different colours and filled them with food. They then introduced birds to the feeders and counted the number of bird visits and how much food the birds ate. Their investigation found that birds were more likely to feed from a feeder painted in blue. The Big Bang Competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work. Congratulating the winners, Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of Engineering UK which organises The Big Bang Competition said: “The winners have been rightly recognised as some of the brightest young talent in the country. Their innovative thinking and fresh ideas stood out to the judges.” Ed Thurlow, said: “We weren’t expecting this whatsoever and quite amazed that we’ve been named GSK Young Scientist of the Year. We’re delighted as it reflects the amount of effort we put into our project.”
EDUCATION
Churchill head, Chris Hildrew said: "This in an amazing achievement. The boys presented their project to the senior staff at Churchill recently and we were very impressed, not only by the quality of the science, but by the enthusiasm and skill that Ed and George showed in their presentation. “They are a real credit to Churchill Academy & Sixth Form and we can't wait to see what they do next!"
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Alce plans an art fair with flair
ARTIST Alce Harfield has a simple question to ask: why not be original? Originality is theme of her first Bath Art Fair, being held near Farleigh Hungerford in April. Alce, who lives at Dean, near Shepton Mallet, has gathered together a group of more than 40 contemporary artists from across the country who will be selling original works direct to the public. The fair takes place in a luxury marquee – professionally lit to display the artwork at its best – on Friday, April 7th until Sunday, April 9th in the grounds of Farleigh Farm Shop, just off the A36 between Norton St. Philip and Farleigh Hungerford. A private view takes place on Thursday, April 6th. Alce is best-known for her vivid acrylic canvases, which she describes as “colour to lift the soul” and subjects which range from the Glastonbury Festival to flowers and landscapes. A regular exhibitor at art fairs across the country and with stand-alone exhibitions including a recent show at the Bocabar in Glastonbury, award-winning Alce decided to build on her experiences to create Bath Art Fair. Alce said: “I’ve got a lot of art fair ‘buddies’from all
Alce on her stand at the Somerset Art Fair, which she helped to organise as part of the Somerset Food and Drink Festival in 2015
over the place and I’ve been able to bring them together in one place.” Visitors will be charged an admission fee but will pay the artists direct for any works they buy whilst listening to live music and soaking up the café-style atmosphere. There will also be a stand selling “pre-loved” high quality art in aid of Dorothy House Hospice. Alce said: “I chose to stage the Bath Art Fair in the grounds of Farleigh Farm Shop because it’s a very convenient location, easily accessible from Shepton Mallet, Frome, Bath and Wiltshire.”
For details, visit: www.bathartfair.co.uk
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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Antique tables popular at auction ON Saturday March 11th Killens had a busy auction with approximately 600 lots of antiques, fine art and collectable items on offer at the Mendip Auction Rooms in Binegar. A 1940s Jaeger-le-Coultre “Mystery” clock sold for £340, while a Longines ladies’ wrist watch which came with a gilt metal case sold for £450. There were also several tables which were sold at the antiques sale including a 19th century rosewood and mahogany crossbanded Pembroke table which sold for £600, while a mahogany Partner’s desk with leather inset top sold at half the Pembroke’s amount at £300. Furniture is regularly for sale at the auction rooms, partly due to the valuers offering house clearance services. The next auction to be held at the Mendip Auction Rooms will be on Saturday April 8th and will be Antiques, Fine Art &
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Collectables, while on Tuesday April 18th there will be a sale of Victorian & Latter Effects items. Looking further ahead Killens will be holding a Sporting Sale on Thursday May 25th, with entries invited. The team of valuers from Killens are able to provide free valuations of items every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the auction rooms, or are happy to undertake a home visit.
The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or by email at enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 39
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Record sales at Clevedon Salerooms
THE March Specialist Sale resulted in the firm’s highest ever sale total which, with buyer’s premium, totalled more than half a million pounds worth of fine art, antiques and jewellery sold in a single day. The sale total eclipsed the previous sale record set in 2006 that included a Regency Drum Table that sold for £235,000. The sale statistics from this March sale make interesting reading with over 38% of lots sold to internet bidders, who were following the sale live from around the globe. The sale total was further helped by the consignment of some rare and unusual items originating from Ston Easton Park. In addition to these items, a jacket belonging to King George VI sold to a bidder in Germany who parted with £7,150 whilst a fine Chippendale design chair consigned from a gentleman collector in Wells sold for
Mendip Hunt Meet at Ston Easton Park 1926
£11,400. Clevedon Salerooms do not rest on their laurels and have a busy April with two Antiques and Interiors Sales, six free valuation days, a jewellery and watch valuation day at the salerooms and a second one in Stoke Lodge,
Memories are made of this
A “SECRET” gig in Frome by the Foo Fighters to announce they were headlining the Glastonbury Festival has been made extraspecial for one fan by Swan Artworks. Cody Maule, 15, couldn’t get a ticket for the show at the Cheese and Grain but instead watched it – along with many thousands of others – being streamed live on the internet. But Cody knew someone who would be there and passed on the scratch plate from his own guitar in the hope that the band might autograph it. Now the scratch plate – signed by Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Pat Smear – along with other treasured memorabilia from the night has been framed by Tony and Carrie Osborne, who run Swan Arworks in Paulton.
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Bristol. With every lot in every sale now illustrated and sold with live internet bidding, perhaps now is a good time to think about a spring clean and head to Clevedon Salerooms to see what they can do for you.
Tony Osborne (left) with Cody and the Foo Fighters montage
They hand-finished the frame and float mounted the items to give a 3D effect. Carrie said: “It wasn’t one of the biggest challenges, but certainly one of the most enjoyable.” Cody said: “It is really cool.”
The Foo Fighters with Glastonbury Festival’s Michael Eavis and daughter Emily – the band will headline the festival on the Saturday night
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
Thank you
To all the Vendors in the March Specialist Sale who contributed to our largest sale total in the firm’s history Sold for £7,150
Sold for £3,550
Sold for £3,700
Sold for £5,100 Sold for £6,350
Sold for £5,100 Sold for £4,700
Sold for £9,150
Sold for £7,150 Sold for £11,400
Sold for £15,300
Sold for £5,100
Sold for £8,250
Sold for £16,100
Next Antique and Interior Sales: : 6th & 27th April at 10am Next Free Valuation Days at the Salerooms: 10th 11th 12th April – 9.30-1pm and 2pm-5pm
Free Jewellery & Watch Valuation Day at the Salerooms Tues 25th April 10am – 4pm
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
(Prices include buyer’s premium of 20% plus VAT)
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 41
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Easter inspiration
www.somersetguild.co.uk
INSPIRATION ... where does it come from? Somerset is a rural and beautiful county, so it is hardly surprising so many of the crafts people who are members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen cite the surroundings and exposure to nature as a major influence upon their work. If you take a visit to the gallery at Wells these influences can be both very obvious and a good A ceramic hare by Michelle deal more subtle. At the Hall “obvious” end there are beautiful carved, moulded, engraved figures of creatures great and small. But take a moment to muse on the forms, patterns and shapes in glass, wood, textiles and ceramics ... is that a suggestion of rock strata, reed bed or cloud that I see? I have not yet met a single member of the Guild who isn't passionate about the quality of what they do, the process by which they make their work and the inspiration which takes them to the choice of subject matter. And sometimes the inspiration itself can be a burden. The senses can be overwhelmed by being too open to suggestion, blunting the focus which is ultimately needed to home in on successfully producing the finished crafted object. At the guild the selected makers are encouraged to give of their best in what is placed in the gallery for sale. So, by the time that you come along to view the angst of blending together skill and inspiration has been a battle which has been fought and overcome! Enjoy! Chris Walters, member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen
Dragonflies and an otter
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SCULPTOR Ian Marlow has been inspired by wildlife for some of his latest pieces of work. The dragonfly (pictured) is the first of three similar pieces which the artist, from Buckland Dinham, near Frome, is making this year. Made in stainless steel and fibreglass, the works stand two metres tall. This one will be heading to Devon for an exhibition at Delamore House on the edge of Dartmoor. Commissions, both private and corporate, are an important part of Ian’s work and an otter sculpture was commissioned for a new housing development at Kings Square in Taunton. Ian said: “The subject was suggested by the architect because there are otters in the river nearby so it was good to be able to tie the sculpture in with the local area.” Ian also has his own sculpture garden where visitors can see and purchase or commission a work of their own. He added: “With numerous exhibitions lined up it is looking to be a busy year ahead.”
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Talented Timsbury
TIMSBURY recently experienced a day full of creativity as 40 eager participants took part in five workshops organised by Cam Valley Arts Trail Group at the Conygre Hall. Caroline Nowell, who attended the lino printing, said: “It was great, and lovely to spend a morning being creative and meeting new people.” Jo Burden, who joined the fused glass workshop, said: “It was fantastic, I can't wait to see my glass dragonfly emerge from the kiln. Thanks for a lovely morning, very enjoyable.” Cam Valley Arts Trail Group, which is made up of local artists and craftspeople, was formed in March 2013 to set up a new annual arts trail for the local area. The group's next event will be a spring exhibition and sale on Saturday April 15th, 11am-5pm at Conygre Hall. Group chair, Karen George, said: “This will be a great chance to come and see a large number of local artists all under one roof, and also be able to talk to the artists themselves about their work.”
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Crafts at Compton Dando
BY popular request, Harriette Dottridge decided to hold another craft day at Compton Dando Village Hall, where many came to try their hand at various crafts. Pictured (left to right) are Steph Butler, Jean, Jenny Comber and Alice Prescott enjoying various crafts.
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Erica Sharpe wins Fairtrade Gold award 2017
Wedmore jeweller, Erica Sharpe, has just won a gold award in the 2017 South West Fairtrade Business Awards held in Bristol Cathedral. Her recognition in the Single Product Retailer category, is reward for her commitment to using fairtrade gold and silver and for her continued involvement in bringing local and national awareness of the ethical sourcing of raw materials within her trade. A year ago, Erica made the decision to create all her commissions and new pieces exclusively in Fairtrade gold, (most of which is currently mined in Peru). This has led to an eight-fold increase in pieces she has created in the material in the last year compared to “eco” or recycled precious metals. The fairtrade system supports the miners, their communities, the environment and ensures an uncorrupted supply chain from mine to customer. Erica also offers a re-design service to re-cycle old jewellery into new pieces and is delighted to inform clients of options available to them regarding making a new creation. She continues to pioneer the ethical sourcing of gemstones, another area that she passionately feels needs to change within the jewellery trade.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 43
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Explore Cheddar’s caves and gorge this Easter
EXPLORE Britain’s biggest gorge, from the stunning stalactite caverns to the dramatic cliffs rising over 450ft. This world-famous site is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which reveals many fascinating stories of our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing. Cheddar Gorge and Caves is always a great day out for all the family. This year, get excited for a whole host of events, starting with The Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt. Set to run from April 1st to 23rd, the Hunt will feature several clusters of glow-
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in-the-dark coloured eggs that have been carefully placed at various out-of-reach places throughout the world famous Gough’s Cave. Spotting all of the bright and shiny eggs, and taking note of all the different colours, will prove to be a “hard-boiled” challenge for even the most observant of visitors, but kids and families who manage to “crack” the task and hand-in a completed form will be rewarded at the end of the trail with a suitably chocolatey treat. Book online and save 15% on Explorer Ticket.
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Arts showcase around Cheddar
CHEDDAR Arts Fringe Festival weekend features the work of 27 local artists and craftspeople in 14 open studios and venues around Cheddar from April 29th – May 1st. The exhibits include paintings, ceramics, sculptures, hand-made jewellery and much more. A walking trail around Cheddar village will lead to the venues where there is the opportunity to talk to the 27 artists taking part, see them at work and to purchase a range of gorgeous objects from paintings and ceramics to hand-made jewellery and fused glass, willow sculptures and much more. You can also take part in a willow sculpture workshop to create six Soay sheep in the Garden of Fragrance in the gorge. Local willow artist Sophie Courtiour wants onlookers to help create the sheep, which will then become a permanent feature in the gorge. The festival starts with a grand showcase event on Friday April 28th at Chestnut Farm studio, when it will be officially opened by Rick Buckler former drummer from the Jam. Here you will have a taster of the work on display at the various venues around the village. The event will also feature live music throughout the evening including music from locally based group Hoodoo Dub, and Daygan Robinson and Rosie Foy.
FOCUS ON CHEDDAR
Cheddar’s Aladdin’s cave
IN nine months, Proud to Browse, in Cheddar has earned a reputation for its eclectic mix of antiques and collectables. Louise and Jules offer a shop that’s warm, inviting and cosy – and you never what you might find there. They also offer a house removal and clearance service, if you need a van to hire.
Celebrating ten years
WITH summer just around the corner, new gorgeous spring summer lines have arrived at Katie-Boo in Cheddar and you won’t be disappointed. Bright bold colours and prints await you this season including coral and lipstick pink. Seasalt, Lazy Jacks and Lily and Me have produced a stunning array of skirts, dresses, trousers, tops and t-shirts for the season ahead. To finish off your outfit the new bags, purses and scarves are beautiful. Who would think you could get all of this from your independent, family run local clothing shop? Katie-Boo will celebrate ten years of trading with a charity fashion show on Thursday, May 18th, 7.30pm, at Cheddar village hall. Tickets are £5 each in advance from Katie-Boo, with all proceeds going to Bellas Trust and Cheddar Church roof fund. There will also be craft and beauty stalls to browse.
Ladies Fashion and Accessories Shop 2, Dorchester House Union Street, Cheddar Somerset BS27 3NB
01934 741899 email: karengraves747@yahoo.com
Details: Katie-Boo 01934 741899.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 45
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Happy first birthday
Page 46
FACTORY Bargains is about to celebrate the first anniversary of its opening at Saxon Place in Cheddar – and will do so in style. It plans to hold a fashion show on Wednesday April 19th to showcase its new range of spring and summer clothing, modelled by people from the shop and some local villagers. Back in October, its first fashion show attracted about 75 people. The shop supports the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Clothing isn’t all that’s new. The shop is expanding its range of gardening and camping equipment in time for the
new season, promising everything from garden furniture to seeds and compost, tents to air beds and a full range of other equipment. Steve Brown opened the shop after he and his wife Clare moved back to the area from Manchester. It stocks a huge range of goods at competitive prices. Steve said: “We’ve had a good solid year, listening to our customers, and building our range and stock to cater for what they need.”
Loads of new season stock now available in store across gardening, camping, electrical, furniture, pet and much much more. Lots of new season ex-High Street branded adult clothing at a fraction of the High Street price!
FREE DELIVERY ON ALL FURNITURE WITHIN A 25 MILE RADIUS.
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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Music awards
FOCUS ON CHEDDAR
Caring for your animals 24 hours a day seven days a week by our dedicated team of vets
Lions President Janet Clark with the six Gold Awards and one Silver Award winners.
CHEDDAR Vale Lions attended a concert by the Cheddar Music Club to present Young Leaders in Service Gold and Silver Awards to seven members of the Youth Brass Band and to hand over a cheque for £300 to the group for new equipment. In the past the Lions have bought musical instruments, including a trumpet and French horn, as well as some sound equipment. The band play at the Lions’ annual Tree of Light Dedication service.
Proprietor John Denbee FRICS
● We can provide compe vely priced parasite control tailored to your animals’ needs ● We have a loyalty scheme on our own-brand food for cats and dogs. Call for details. ● We have extended our consult hours in Cheddar. ● We also offer nurse clinics and puppy classes.
Please call us for details
CHEDDAR 01934 741292 Unit 1, Saxon Court, Cheddar
Branches also located in Blackford, Wells and Woolavington
www.axevalleyvets.co.uk
24hour emergency service
Opening times: Mon – Fri 9am-8pm • Saturday 8am-3pm Sunday 10am-3pm
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 47
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The Wishing Well Tea Rooms Morning Coffee Light Lunches Cream Teas Sandwiches Home-made Cakes
01934 742142
Cheddar supports cancer quiz
A CHARITY quiz night at the Bath Arms in Cheddar raised £600 for Prostate Cancer UK. It was organised by Heather Paton to support Pubaid, a bid to create the world’s biggest pub quiz. Heather’s father has been suffering with the condition for the last six years and she wanted to raise awareness of what is the most common cause of cancer in men. A hundred people supported the event. Heather is pictured (right) with helper Chloe Palmer.
Chamber’s Easter trail
CAFÉ GORGE CHEDDAR GORGE BS27 3QE 01934 741985
PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
CHEDDAR Chamber of Commerce is organising an Easter trail with a chance for kids to hunt for Easter baskets around local shops and businesses. Whoever finds the most, with a list of the correct contents, will win a family day ticket to Longleat, including the famous safari park and the house and gardens, courtesy of Cheddar Caves. Pick up a leaflet listing retailers taking part.
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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR
A bright new future for two Cheddar businesses FOUNDED in 1980, Forgecraft of Cheddar has been successfully run by Greg Anniuk and his wife Mary for the past 37 years. They recently made the decision to sell the business so they could retire and spend more time with their four grandchildren. The business caught the attention of Richard Hooper, the owner of another Cheddar business, The Electric Gate Company. With there being such synergy between the businesses and with Richard also
Greg Anniuk (left) and Richard Hooper
looking to move premises and acquire the freehold property available at Forgecraft the acquisition made perfect sense. Forgecraft is a specialist wrought ironwork fabricator with all work undertaken to order and based on either standard designs or entirely to customers’ specifications. The majority of their work consists of gates, railings, balustrades, staircases, disability ramps and fire escapes but the likes of wall panelling, ornamental arches, security grills and fire
baskets and canopies, etc. are also produced as well as miscellaneous other work including bespoke restoration work. Ultimately, the business will produce almost anything a customer requires. In fact, its motto is “If you can draw it, we can make it”. The Electric Gate Company was established in 1984 and specialises in the bespoke design, manufacture, and installation of automated gates. Catering for a large and varied range of clients all over the south of England, from private residential homeowners to large development companies, The Electric Company’s bespoke automated gates, barriers, and bollards are all handmade to order and equipped with the highest quality automation and entry systems. Since the acquisition was completed in December and the two businesses moved into the one premises in Cheddar Business Park, Greg is staying on for a while to ensure an efficient handover and operations continue to run smoothly. Richard is looking forward to the continued growth and expansion of both businesses in the future and Greg is looking forward to his well-deserved retirement.
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 49
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Perfect Easter gifts
FULLY qualified with over 25 years’ experience including Harrods and salons in Windsor and Paris, Cheryl opened Childs Cheryl Beauty in the summer of 2015. Cheryl specialises in the multi award-winning CACI antiageing system including the new CACI Eye-Revive treatments. CACI features a range of therapies for younger people, from lip to acne treatments as well as helping to slow the advancing years. Cheryl also offers organic waxing and hand, feet and eye treatments, as well as a range of facials utilising Katherine Daniels, the fastest growing skin-care system in the UK today. Clients spending £55 on Katherine Daniels products can receive a free Katherine Daniels Spring Clean facial worth £30. Situated on the edge of Cheddar and only 15 minutes from Wells, Cheryl Childs Beauty is home-based though totally independent from the house with the added convenience of ease of parking. Offering no obligation consultations, Cheryl treats a select few clients a day allowing time between appointments to ensure that clients are able to discuss their requirements and never feel hurried. Cheryl always features a range of special offers including introductory discounts and also gift vouchers that can be for particular treatments or a specified value and make a perfect Easter gift. Details: www.cherylchilds.co.uk
HIRE
Plant & Tools Hire & Sales
Tree Top Carvings Quality Crafts & Carvings
• HIRE • SALES • REPAIR
Huge stocks of Tools & Equipment • • • • • • •
Compactors • Drills • Cultivators Angle Grinders • Breakers Hedge Trimmers • Saws Ladders • Rotavators • Hoists Tile Cutters • Scarifiers Scaffold Towers • Chain Saws Carpet Cleaners
Open Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00 • Sat 8:00-12:00
Long or Day Hire Delivery & Collection Service Trade & DIY
01934 743543 www.cheddarhire.co.uk Wideatts Road, Cheddar BS27 3AP
PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
info@treetopcarvings.co.uk www.treetopcarvings.co.uk
Kevin Grinstead The Cliffs Cheddar BS27 3QE 07825 321813 01934 741989
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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR
Events at Cheddar library
CHEDDAR Library will be hosting a writing workshop as part of Chaff (Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival), led by local author Sue Purkiss. Have you ever thought you'd like to have a go at writing short stories – or even, in time, a novel? Well, here's your chance to make a start. It will be held on Saturday April 29th, 10.30am – 12.30pm. It's free, but you must book in advance. Email Sue at: suepurkiss@btinternet.com Cheddar Library is also proud to exhibit local art. Running until April 1st, there’s an exhibition of expressive portraits by local artist Jo Hudson. Other exhibitions planned are: April 3rd – 22nd, Annette Peterson Photo Exhibition “Dreams , Drives and Droves” photos of her daughter growing up with horses, discovering old back lanes and droves. April 24th – May 31st Art House Cheddar Students exhibition. Cheddar art teacher Katrina exhibits works from her adult and children pupils, including portraits, experimental and collage. Details: chelib@somerset.gov.uk
Story time
CHEDDAR Vale Lions will be holding a story time session at Cheddar Library on Friday April 7th, 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Entry is free, but please book at the library.
Consult the local experts for all of your insurance requirements Contact: Chris Tony or Paul on 01934 742550 For all your insurance needs Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3AA Tel: (01934) 742550 Fax: (01934) 744559 Email: quotes@woodburyinsurance.co.uk
PERFECT PAVE
Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects.
Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres
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Villagers respond to survey
THE Cheddar Community Partnership’s household survey got a positive response with nearly 600 responses and this was followed by a survey of those involved in running groups within the parish. Over the last couple of months the data has been analysed by independent experts and a report has been generated. The partnership has now formed the Cheddar Community Partnership CIC, community interest company. The partnership hopes to start work with individuals and groups to progress projects within the parish, where need exists according to the survey data, and will then start looking at applicable funding streams. John Pimblott, Cheddar Patient Group, Simon Childs, My Cheddar
CHEDDAR
● Extensive range of quality greetings cards ● Stationery and office supplies ● Foreign currency ● Photo booth and passport check and send service
TEL: 01934 741022
Haberdashery Wool & buttons Jewellery making Crafts & gifts Paints & glues The Cottage, Bath Street, Cheddar BS27 3AA 01934 744886 Info@timeoutcheddar.co.uk www.timeoutcheddar.co.uk
FOCUS ON CHEDDAR
New head for Cheddar
FROME College principal Gavin Ball is moving on after almost five years to become executive head of the Wessex Learning Trust in Cheddar. From September 1st he will take charge of Kings of Wessex, in Cheddar, one middle school and a number of first schools. He said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead Frome College and I am extremely aware how fortunate I have been to work with such talented, inspirational and committed teachers and middle and senior leaders, support staff and governors. “It has been a joy to steer and unlock the potential that the college has always had within it from the Ofsted in my first term in 2012 of ‘Inadequate’ moving it within 15 months to an Ofsted ‘Good’ in 2014.”
Kings Fitness & Leisure is a well established Leisure Centre that has been serving the community for over 20 years. We host a variety of ac vi es to suit all ages, abili es and personal needs, which include:
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm • Closed Monday e Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3NA 01934 742521 • email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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W.G’s blue day in Wells
Back row: Mendip District Council officer Jane Sharp, Wells Rotary Club’s Stewart Cursley, Clare Blackmore – who found the article in the Wells Journal archive – and Philip Welch from Wells Civic Society. Front: Wendy and Rex Body, Wells Civic Society chair Chris Winter and Councillor John North from the Wells Recreation Ground Trust
AN icon of English cricket has been honoured in Wells – even though the visit by W.G. Grace was not one of his finest at the crease. When the legend came to play on what is now Wells Recreation Ground in 1867 he was out for a mere three runs. A report of his visit was found recently in the archives of the Wells Journal and Wells Civic Society and the Rotary Club of Wells have installed a blue plaque marking the event as part of their ongoing efforts to create a heritage trail and record little-known facts about the city. It is the fourth plaque to be installed. Rex Body, president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, which W G helped to found, unveiled the plaque next to the recreation ground. Rex and his wife Wendy have been instrumental in setting up a cricket museum, at the County Ground in Bristol, which is due to open on Friday, April 21st.
Death of Barry Lane
HISTORY
Civil war in Shepton Mallet
Tony (pictured third from right) at the book launch at Shepton Mallet Tourist Information Centre
A TALK by retired teacher and history enthusiast Anthony Nott has led to the publication of a new book about Shepton Mallet’s role in the English Civil War. Anthony’s presentation to the Shepton Mallet Local History Group in 2015 was so enthralling that members invited him to expand his research into the subject to create the first new history book on the town to be published in many years. “For King or Parliament – Shepton Mallet in the Civil War 1642–1660” has been based on many years of research by Anthony, who taught English and history at Whitstone School in the town between The front cover of 1966 and 1991. Anthony, who now lives in the latest Cheddar, studied the period whilst a publication by the student at Bristol University. Shepton Mallet ● The book is available from Shepton History Group Mallet Tourist Information Centre for £4.99. Shepton Mallet History Society meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Salvation Army Hall in Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet. Visitors are welcome. For more information about meetings, call Chris Norman on 01749 342995
LOCAL historian and author, Barry Lane, has died, aged 72. Until last year he was the honorary curator of Wells and Mendip Museum. He was a founder of the Westbury Society in Westbury-sub-Mendip, where he lived with his wife, Sue, and an early member of CHERT The Charterhouse Environs Research Team. He held other important roles at county and regional level. He returned to his love of archaeology and history after serving as secretary-general of the Royal Photographic Society. St Lawrence’s Church in Westbury was packed for his memorial service. He followed his own research interests, publishing various articles. At his death he was writing about church dedications to St Lawrence across Somerset. He bought a Victorian cider press which features largely in village cider-making and wassailing traditions. He kept bees, helped local people do serious archaeology, led walks explaining local landscape history and collaborated with English Heritage on their 2016 book on Mendip. He was an enabler, kind and thoughtful with an incisive mind and ever-questioning spirit; extraordinarily generous, lacking vanity, unimpressed by status, he gave freely of his time to whoever came to him with enthusiasm and a desire to do and learn. He is survived by his wife, Sue Isherwood, daughters Thalia and Helena from his first marriage to Judith, step-daughter, Imogen, and four grandchildren.
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Hedging attracts new recruits
Beginners' runner-up Anna Keedwell
THE Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society’s 185th annual hedging competition attracted nearly 40 competitors, including several newcomers who are going through the society’s training programme. It was held at Freemans Farm, Barrow Gurney, by kind permission of Chris Vowles. The main winners were: champion, Colin Clutterbuck, Stanton Drew; open winner, Chris Cook, Cleeve; veteran, George Pidgeon, Yarcombe, East Devon; ladies, Tina Bath, Priddy; improvers, Dave Brackley, Stoke St. Michael; beginners, Neill Gilbert, Chew Magna. The winners
Judges Philip Avery (left) and Dennis Croker
Ladies' champion Tina Bath Some of the spectators
Will Gray of Nailsea in the Champions' class
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Hedging contest brings out the best
HEDGELAYING
Photos by Mark Adler
COMPETITORS in the annual hedgelaying championship organised by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society faced a stern challenge on land near Priddy. More than 20 hedgers – ranging from the almost complete novice to professionals along with a record number of spectators – gathered at Wigmore Farm for the contest. The land is owned by Waldegrave Estates and Lady Caroline Waldegrave – the society’s 2015/2016 president – presented the prizes. Relaunched seven years ago after an absence of many years, the competition organised by the society which stages the MidSomerset Agricultural Show in Shepton Mallet is now recognised officially by the National Hedgelaying Society which promotes the historic craft alongside conservation and management techniques. The length of hedge the competitors were given was described as “technical” with Mike Reed, from the Chew Valley, declared overall champion with Clive Bethell claiming the novice title.
Competitor Tina Bath (right) receives her certificate from Lady Caroline Waldegrave
Mike Reed with the champion’s trophy
Lady Waldegrave joins winners (l:r) Harry Dale, aged 17 and winner of the first class for under-25s, Clive Bethell and Mike Reed
Kate Walker (pictured right with father Mark) is studying photography at the University of Gloucestershire, specialising in rural and agricultural subjects. Kate is using a mixture of film and digital photography. One of the cameras held by Mark is a highlycoveted Hasselblad from the 1960s
Simon Dyke, who lives near Cranmore, competed in the novice class
Veteran hedgelayer Roger Parrish contemplates his next move
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EVENTS
Game fair has it all
FIELD sports enthusiasts flocked to the Royal Bath and West Showground for the annual West of England Game Fair. The 21st show featured demonstrations and have-a-go activities as well as a food hall, smallholders’ area and a huge range of stalls.
Pippy, a five-year-old working Labrador owned by David Wallcott, of Farmborough, show off her retrieval skills Tracey Mead knitting with alpaca wool in the smallholders’ area. Tracey, of Doulting, keeps a herd at Knapps Farm
Crowds gather round the indoor demonstration arena
Dogs and handlers wait to show off their skills in front of Martin Love and Martin Harris from M&M Gundog Training
Professional fisherman Hywel Morgan gave displays of casting and fly tying PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
Chef Richard Hunt had plenty of “rabbit” when it came to talking to the audience about making the best of game
Alana Spencer, who won The Apprentice 2016, on her Ridiculously Rich cake stall
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WILDLIFE
The little cave dweller
IN April the spring bird song really ramps up as migrants that have spent the winter in warmer climes now join our resident birds in the magnificent chorus. One of the smallest, yet loudest, of songsters is the wren. Measuring just 910cm in length, and weighing a minute 8By CHRIS 10g, the wren has a song which is SPERRING guaranteed to brighten the dullest morning. MBE It attacks each high-pitched note with such energy that it cuts through even the loudest dawn chorus. The song is a burst of notes, starting slowly and building to a fast finish. If you manage to observe a wren as it’s singing you will notice how it holds its tail fully erect during the delivery and, if a female is nearby, he will flutter his wings in a mesmerising courtship display. During April, wrens will be busy building or tending to their tiny, dome-shaped nests. Constructed from dried grass, moss and animal hair, these nests have a small entrance hole and also an exit in the side towards the top. Each pair will build several nests in bushes, cracks in walls or out-buildings, but just one will be chosen to be lined with moss and this will be where the 5-6 eggs will be laid from mid-April to mid-June. Each male wren can have three or more females within his territory and wards off other males with his phenomenally powerful song. It has been calculated that if the wren was the size of a chicken then its song would be ten times louder than that of a cockerel and with the dawn chorus now starting before 5am perhaps that’s something you don’t want to think about! It is estimated that there are around eight million wrens in the UK, making it our most common breeding bird. Whilst they are not a threatened species, their tiny size makes them vulnerable in prolonged cold weather, when their numbers can decrease rapidly. During cold snaps they forget any territorial squabbles and huddle together for warmth. A Mendip farmer once showed me a blue tit box with at least ten wrens packed inside on a snowy winter’s night. This is a bird very much adapted for operating at low to
ground level in woodlands, but can also be found in hedgerows and gardens in towns and cities. On Mendip they are particularly fond of the drystone walls. These walls are a magnet for the insects and spiders that wrens feed on, and the wren’s miniature size enables them to squeeze between the stones in search of prey. These walls also make ideal roosting and nesting spots as they are well insulated and protected, like miniature caves. Indeed, its Latin name is Troglodytes troglodytes, meaning “Cave Dweller”. As predominantly insect feeders, wrens at this time of year are frantically searching around gardens and farms for the invertebrates they need to build them up for the breeding season. If you have a garden pond look out for them dashing around the pond plants, particularly on colder days when the edge of the water may be warmer and attracting those early insects. During winter they will come to the bird table searching for seed material and love it if you put out meal worms. ● My Mendip birdsong walks have been very popular and we have just two left in April and May. Please contact me if you would like to join one of these walks, or indeed, any of my other events, including owl prowls and badger watches, throughout the year.
A wren will hold its tail fully erect whilst singing
Wrens are a common sight as they search for food
Mighty mouth: the male wren has a powerful song
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com
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So much to see on this South Somerset circle
THIS four-hour spring walk takes us out of the Mendip area down to South Somerset. It weaves together a very special heronry and RSPB Reserve, a column designed by Capability Brown, splendid views, Curry Rivel village, open fields and woods and an ancient candlelit church. There are two hills and some descents but nothing too arduous. Agile dogs may be able to cope with the stiles. Mid-circle is a great cafe and pub in Curry Rivel village. Come in spring to see
herons and maybe little egrets nesting from the brand new hide. The wood is home to the largest colony of breeding grey herons in the South West. In spring, also, the wood has a fine display of primroses and bluebells.
PARK: At Swell Wood, RSPB reserve and heronry, 11 miles east of Taunton. It is accessed from the A378 Langport – Curry Rivel road, about 1.5 miles west of Curry Rivel. There is parking also in a lay-by nearby on the main road. PARK: From the reserve. You can explore the reserve or enjoy the wonderful new heronry hide, which was due to open midMarch, before or after our walk. For the circle, from the car park, turn left on the Scarp Trail. Follow this as far as the lane and turn left on the lane down towards Curry Moor.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
1. FARM At Underhill Farm, take the track (unmarked) on the far side of the farmhouse. It leads past farm buildings. Stay left and continue on the grassy track. See the Burton Pynsent Memorial Monument ahead, also known as the Cider Monument. Go through into a field and continue through several fields with a hedge left and the hill and woods right – there were no footpath arrows. Pass a gate left leading to a track. Just keep on and go to the right of a derelict barn where a
footpath arrow directs you on and over a stile. Go round the left edge of the field and keep heading towards the monument. Pass to the right of the remains of an old red brick farm, where you cross a stile ahead under an old pear tree. Go ahead through a gate opening a few yards from the corner and maintain direction across the next field. Go through a gate and pass the back of Burton Dairy Farm. Cross a track and keep on along the footpath diversion over a stile. Continue across another field. Over left stretches West Sedgemoor and the ridge with the villages of North Curry and Stoke St Gregory. 2. CROSSING FOOTPATH Go through a hedgeline on to a crossing footpath. Turn right along the hedge, climbing. A stile in the corner leads into woodland. Once through, cross a stile out to more open land with trees. Continue to climb. Cross a stile and then climb more steeply to the monument on Troy Hill. 3. MONUMENT At a height of 140ft, the monument, clad in Portland Stone, was commissioned by William Pitt, designed by Capability Brown, as a monument to Sir William Pynsent. He was grateful to Pitt for opposing a ten shilling tax on cider, the 1763 Cider Bill, which would have affected his business, so he left him his entire estate.
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With your back to the monument and the hill edge, go ahead bearing left on a footpath, not straight ahead. Go through a kissing gate and round the left edge of the field and through another gate in the second corner onto a lane.
4. LANE Turn right. Just before houses, go left on a marked stony track alongside a fence. A kissing gate at the end leads into a field. Keep straight on and at the end of the field is a choice of paths. Go straight on. After a kissing gate, cross a track and a stone stile opposite. Maintain direction. At the field end go through a galvanised gate and along a Tarmac path past houses on the edge of Curry Rivel. At a road, turn right and reach a junction in the old part of the village. 5. CURRY RIVEL Over left is the pretty green, manor farmhouse, thatched cottages and interesting 13th century church. St. Andrew’s was included in Simon Jenkins’s England's Thousand Best Churches. Turn right down Church St, pass the school, and reach the charming and well-restored
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WALKING
OS Explorer, 128 Taunton & Blackdown Hills, grid ref: 360 239 7 miles, about 4 hours walking
Firehouse pub. Next to it is Living Pretty Café. At the corner turn left along the main village road. Take the first road right by a garage and follow it for about 0.4 miles. Reach Stoney Lane. 6. FOOTPATH Just past this, turn right on the footpath through a large iron gate. It leads into a field. Maintain direction along the left edge. In the corner come onto a lane and turn left. Keep on for several minutes, ignoring a turn left. Take a public footpath to Moortown on the right. This gives you good open views south across to Isle Brewer and Isle Abbotts. Continue through fields until you reach another lane – Moortown Lane. 7. MOORTOWN LANE Follow this left for nearly half a mile,
dropping down, and opposite a turn left, go right on a stony track, Burton Mead Drove.
8. DROVE After several minutes the track becomes rougher. Ignore a footpath left and continue on between hedges. Come to a large gate ahead and a junction of stony tracks. Take the one right heading towards the hill. Reach a lane and follow this into the hamlet of Higher Swell. 9. HIGHER SWELL At Swell Court Farm see the sign right to the ancient church. This delightful small 12th century church is still used and well cared for. It has leaning walls and is lit by candles. Note the splendidly carved Jacobean pulpit. Follow the lane uphill to the main road at the top. Cross, go right a few yards and then left over a stile onto the RSPB’s Scarp Trail. 10. SCARP TRAIL Go down steps and then follow it along the wooded escarpment edge (no need to take the loop). After nearly 0.5 miles reach the wooden steps that drop down to the lane. Cross and retrace your earlier steps back to the car park. The Firehouse, Curry Rivel, 01458 887447 Living Pretty Tea Shop, 01458 253357 NB The walk could be started in Curry Rivel. There is a public car park behind Sandpits Heating/Living Pretty.
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s Diary
YES..! Looking at my diary, I see that British Summer Time begins on Sunday March 26th. How long have I waited for this, and how many others feel the same! I am looking forward to the longer evenings and days filled with sunshine. Maybe I am expecting a little too much With LES with that last wish, but if I rub on the DAVIES MBE magic lamp hard enough maybe, just maybe, the Genie will be able to grant that wish. The origin of this daylight saving initiative is credited to William Willett. He was born in 1856 at Farnham in Surrey, which incidentally, is where my great rural hero William Cobbett was born. Willett entered the family building firm and spent most of his life living at Chislehurst in Kent. It is whilst riding his horse at Petts Wood, close to his home, early in the morning that it is said he noticed that most of the house blinds were still down. It was here that the idea of daylight saving occurred to him. Although daylight saving was rather satirically proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, as encouraging people to “get up earlier”, it did promote some renewed interest in a similar idea that had been practised in Roman Times. Modern daylight saving however is said to have been the brainchild of a New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson. The man who finally got it all moving was our very own William Willett, who in 1907 published a pamphlet entitled The Waste of Daylight. Within this pamphlet was a proposal that clocks should be moved forward by 80 minutes through four 20-minute increments in April, and put back by the same system in September. He reasoned this: a saving of some £2.5million in lighting costs, together with greater daylight leisure time. Despite the use of his own money in promoting this idea in 1909, nothing came of it until May 21st, 1916 when the clocks went forward one hour thanks to the Defence of the Realm Act. This was brought about by the need to conserve coal stocks and increase wartime production. Germany, by the way, had already adopted a similar system of daylight saving. Unfortunately William Willett never got see the fruits of all his campaigning as he died of influenza in 1915. The introduction of daylight saving hours was adopted by several other countries after the war and was made permanent by an Act of Parliament in 1925. There is a sundial in Petts Wood, close to William Willett’s home of Chislehurst, that is set for British Summer Time. It must be the only sundial to be set as such, and a great memorial to the man who gave us that time of the year we all look forward to throughout the winter months. With spring in the air it’s all “kicking off” in the countryside. Birds are starting to build their nests, and as always the blackbird is amongst the first to start. I’ve seen the crows and rooks carrying their solitary sticks to build high in the tree tops. The jackdaws prefer something a little more under cover such as a hole in a tree, a chimney pot or a bird box designed for another species of large bird such as an owl. If any of you have been to Smitham’s Chimney, the last lead smelting chimney within the Mendip Hills, you will have
noticed a large pile of sticks inside which, I have little doubt, were placed there by jackdaws trying to nest in the top of the chimney! I wonder how long it took before they realised this approach just wasn't going to work. I was watching a wood pigeon pulling sticks from my hedgerow the other day. Having pulled a whole load out onto the path, it then walked back and inspected them. Finally with nothing that seemed to suit its needs, it flew off leaving the tangled mess behind. Whilst this was going on two male pigeons were entangled in an argument on the roof of my shed. Both standing sideways to one another they would shuffle along the ridge, one would then “bat” the other around the head with his wing. The shuffling would then start in the opposite direction, where the offending bird was himself given a good slapping in a similar manner. This dance carried on until one of them had had enough and flew away. The victor would then “strut his stuff” on the hard-won high ground of the shed roof, where no doubt any number of admiring females could see he was the he was indeed the man to know! My winter pruning is now coming to an end. Many of the trees are now coming into bud and a whole new season comes into play. I’ve seen plenty of lambs in the fields and the celandines displaying their golden crown in the bottom of the hedgerow and amongst the grass. Wild garlic now abounds in the woodland and the bluebells are pushing up their early green leaves. It won’t be long before the colour returns to hedge, wood, field and I hope roadside verge. I recently paid a visit to Burrington Ham, where the continued scrub and bracken clearance has left the way clear for what I hope is going to be a mat of blue come the end of May. I have to say just how pleased I am to see the clearance work continuing on Ham, and indeed on Blackdown. It is making such a difference in opening the area once again to heathland and those species who rely on a more open habitat. I hope that I can hear the nightjar this year, it’s been a while since I have. Cutting the bracken for fuel is certainly paying dividends, both through the sales and the landscape enhancement it creates. Remember Easter is on April 16th this year. I normally start apple tree grafting on or around April 16th, which is also my mother’s birthday… Happy Birthday Mum! This month’s photo is courtesy of Judith Tranter, and shows the Burrington ponies amongst the bluebells on the Ham, taken a few years back now.
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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A p r il s h o w e rs b ri ng f o r th M a y f lo w e r s
With MARY PAYNE MBE
APRIL is a very busy month in the garden. Trees are coming into leaf, plants are emerging from the soil and pests are getting ready to attack! So it is the month to keep up with all this
activity. Lawn mowing is underway and towards the end of the month the height of cut can be reduced. The lawn will benefit from a high nitrogen weed, feed and moss product. Once the moss has gone black it can be raked out. Well-used paths and goal mouths can be spiked to improve aeration and reduce compaction. A garden fork can be used for small areas, but it is a bit tedious. New lawns can be sown or patchy lawns can be over-seeded to thicken them up. Dwarf ryegrass lawn mixes are ideal and much easier to manage than fine grass mixes. Snowdrops did us proud this year. I have never seen them better, so now is the ideal time to lift and divide dense clumps, and spread them around. Plant three to five bulbs in each new hole and space the groups about six inches (150mm) apart for best effect. Daffodils should be dead-headed to encourage the bulbs to increase. Primroses can also be divided as soon as they have finished flowering, cutting the leaves back by half to reduce water loss. There is still time to lift and divide perennials such as asters, phlox and geraniums. Keep the outer pieces of the clump and discard the central woody piece. Established perennials can be staked at this stage while it is easy to get into the borders. Avoid using bamboo canes for this job as they are so dangerous and cause many eye casualties every year. Use a cane topper, such as a cork or tin foil on the top if you are tempted to use them. It is important to check tree ties, as the trunks expand rapidly with the spring flush of growth. Do not prune birch or walnut at this time of year because they are prone to “bleed”. Vines are the same, and should be pruned while totally dormant in early winter. Early flowering deciduous shrubs, such as flowering currant and forsythia can be pruned as soon as they finish flowering. Simply remove some of the older growth from the base of the shrub to allow new PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
growth to mature and develop flowers for next year. Winter jasmine can also be pruned. It flowers on the previous season’s growth, so cut back all the shoots that flowered, to about one inch (25mm) from where they started. This treatment prevents this plant creating what I call a “bird’s nest” of growth that is not easy to manage. Lavenders can be trimmed back, removing about half of the previous season’s growth. This will keep them looking better for longer. It is fair to say that lavender does not thrive in the damp West Country climate and may need to be replaced at regular intervals, especially if your soil is on the heavy side. It is not too late to prune coloured stemmed willows and dogwoods and then feed them to encourage strong new shoots for next winter. Weed seeds are germinating at full speed, so hoeing them off on a dry day will help keep them at bay. Perennial weeds, such as ground elder and bindweed are appearing, but it is better to delay spraying until they have a good foliage cover so that they absorb the maximum amount of glyphosate herbicide to be effective. Clumps of native Lords and Ladies arum are a real nuisance and repeated applications of glyphosate will be required to control them. They have plenty of foliage now so do not delay spraying. Digging them up is a futile exercise as they go down very deep and seem to spread faster. Shrubs growing in containers for some time that cannot be potted into large pots can be rejuvenated by scraping off the top couple of inches of compost and replacing with fresh to which has been added some slow release fertiliser granules. An alternative is to remove the plant from the
pot and saw off the bottom couple of inches of compost. Add fresh and replace the plant. This works well for box balls in containers. Worry about box disease is restricting the planting of this useful and undemanding shrub. However, help is at hand in the form of a newly-introduced fungicide that is effective against this troublesome disease. It is available in garden centres as Fungus Fighter Plus. Look out for the bright red lily beetles which will attack snake’s head fritillaries before turning their attention to your lilies. A satisfying squash with the fingers should suffice, but if required, a spray with Provado Ultimate Bug Killer will do the job. Greenfly will also be stepping up their reproduction so keep a keen eye open for them if the blue tits cannot eat them fast enough. Carrot fly will be emerging, so try to sow your carrot seed very thinly to avoid the need to thin. The damaged seedlings emit a smell that attracts the fly. Another trick is after thinning earth up your carrot seedlings slightly so the carrot fly cannot get to the shoulders of the carrots to lay her eggs. Covering the emerging seedlings with horticultural fleece also works well and the entire crop can be grown under the fleece. Finally, if you are up to date with all these jobs, then peaches grown under glass or outdoors flower very early, so will benefit from some pollination help. Traditionally a rabbit’s scut (tail) was used, but a soft paint brush will suffice in the absence of a rabbit. Dust each flower to transfer the pollen and repeat at regular intervals whilst they are blooming. If you can keep on top of the jobs in April you stand a fighting chance of success for the rest of the year.
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GARDENING
APRIL GARDEN TIPS
● Plant out half hardy varieties of bedding plants such as Antirrhinum, Ten Week Stocks, Sweet Williams, pansies and violas, also tender bedding plants but only in the most sheltered spots in your garden, as well as frosttender shrubs such as lavender, sage, rosemary, Santolina, Osteospermum and Hebes. ● Plant out sweet peas and provide support for them to climb. ● Pinch out the shoot tips of straggly bedding and basket plants to encourage side shoots to grow. ● Prune winter flowering jasmine and shrubby honeysuckle now, to encourage new growth and give them time to initiate new flower buds for next year. ● Tie in tender shoots of clematis as they grow. ● Remove dead flower heads from bulbs, feed with a tomato liquid feed to build up the bulbs strength for next year. ● Lift and split daffodils to replant. Try to avoid damaging the roots as much as you can. ● Plant basil in pots or in the borders between your tomatoes. It always does better inside. ● If cats are coming into your garden to use your newly tilled soil as a toilet, try a sonic pest control system to keep them out. ● Protect flowers on peaches, nectarines and apricots from frost. Use a soft brush to hand pollinate blooms and increase chances of a good crop. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
Nursery opening times: 9-6 Mon-Sat and 10-5 Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Garden guru
ELIZA Gray has been running her well-respected garden design company for more than ten years, since she qualified with a distinction in her Garden Design Diploma in 2006. Since then, she has designed many gardens, large and small, across Bristol, Bath and the Mendips. Eliza said: "I always like to make sure that I have listened carefully to my clients before I start designing their garden. With a clear idea of what my client wants, I then go on to draw up a detailed plan for them, outlining materials, plants and construction details. It is important that my design meets their brief." Aside from layout and planting plans, Eliza also carries out a more concise consultation, where she will come and visit you in your home, coming up with ideas and producing a report. Across April and May, Eliza is offering a special price of £100 for a consultation, when you mention the Mendip Times. Details: www.elizagraygardens.co.uk
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Purveyors of the finest hardy perennials, shrubs, trees, climbers, exotics and specimens
Wrington Road, Congresbury BS49 5AN Tel: 01934 876337 www.middlecombenursery.co.uk
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ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH
Rose Cottage
THE beautiful spring colour of narcissi, primroses and hellebores, together with magnolia blossom will greet visitors to Rose Cottage in April. Nestling into the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills, the 1 acre hillside cottage garden has panoramic views over the Chew Valley. The garden is bordered by a stream and established mixed hedges which encourages wildlife into the garden. There is also a wildlife area and pond in the corner of the car park field opposite the cottage. There are plenty of seating areas, including a large arbour and new extended gravel garden, to enjoy the views and teas as well as the music of Congresbury Brass Band. Featured in regional press/radio. Address: Smithams Hill, East Harptree, Bristol BS40 6BY. Facilities: Home-made teas in aid of St Laurence Church, Dogs Allowed, Plants For Sale, Coaches. Disabled Information: Limited wheelchair access, hillside setting. NGS opening details: Sunday 9 April, from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Admission: £4.50, child free. Period of Opening by Arrangement: throughout April, homemade teas.. Admission: £5.00 with accompanied children free. Contact Information: Bev and Jenny Cruse, Telephone: 01761 221627, Email: banjcruse@gmail.com Directions: 5m N of Wells, 15m S of Bristol. From B3114 turn into High Street in E.H. Turn L at Clock Tower and immediate R into Middle Street. Continue up the hill for 1 mile. From B3134 take E.H. road opposite The Castle of Comfort. Continue for 1½ miles. Car parking in field opposite cottage. Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres. Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk
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Need help with your lawn – call in the experts
GARDENING
TRADITIONALLY Easter is the time when our thoughts turn to the garden and our lawns in particular. But is your lawn looking as green, healthy and weed free as it should? If the grass is lacklustre, perhaps with unsightly bare patches or clumps of weeds or moss, then the chances are
your lawns needs some TLC. But if the idea of going to the DIY store buying preparations and spending precious time over Easter putting down feed and weed products on your lawn does not appeal, then help is at hand. GreenThumb Somerset North East, Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare are lawn care experts who will keep your lawn looking healthy and green for less that it would cost you to do the job yourself. GreenThumb’s value for money lawn treatments start at just £15 for a small garden and you can spread the cost over
the year with direct debit. They can also help your lawn stay greener during hot summer and give your grass the best chance of avoiding moss in the winter. David and Claire Sargent have a team of eight fully-trained and licensed lawn operatives who are supported in the office by office manager Wendy and office administrator Mary with over 60 years of customer service experience between them. Please do not hesitate to give them a call to discuss any aspect of their service. They look forward to hearing from you!
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Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you
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THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com
Society pays tribute
HONEYMEAD Garden Society is a group of keen gardeners who work the land on Honeymead Lane between Barton St. David and Baltonsborough, growing delicious fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers. The society is sincerely grateful to Peter Simons who donated the land to the society in 2009. Thanks to his generosity and vision for the site, the society has managed to create over 50 allotments for local people to enjoy.
Regular lawn mowing plus lawn mowing for any small or large areas. Hotels, Pubs, Residential/Nursing Homes, Private Homes. etc.
Countax C60
A mid-range garden tractor, highly capable for most applications. The new C60 garden tractor is the ‘stalwart’ of the Countax range. It is ideal for customers with a large garden who don’t want to compromise the quality of finish for the convenience of a ride-on lawnmower. Fitted with a 107cm (42") XRD cutter deck, the C60 can operate in conjunction with the Powered Grass Collector or as a rough cutter. To tackle dense grass, brambles or nettles, configure the C60 with a 92cm (36") High Grass Mulching deck.
Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS
Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk
PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
In November the society pledged a thank you to Peter and his wife Nanette and invited them along for the unveiling of a fantastic bench for all to enjoy (see photograph). Sadly in recent weeks both Peter and Nanette have passed away. But Honeymead Garden Society and all the budding horticulturalists who will grow there in the future will be eternally grateful for Peter's generosity. They say they would also like to thank all the local organisations who have helped them fund their projects. Honeymead aims to create plots for as many local people to enjoy as possible and will soon be embarking on creating plots for less physically-abled gardeners by raising plots using reclaimed railway sleepers. Details: to enquire about the availability of plots call the Honeymead secretary on 01458 850734.
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GARDENING
Fencing that “lasts years”
OVER the past ten years, Colourfence has altered the way in which gardens can be fenced and it is now available locally. They can supply a fence that’s professionally installed, will stay in place in all weathers, and requires no more maintenance than the occasional hose down with water to keep it looking as good as new. Great news for homeowners, who have perhaps become tired of the costly, time-consuming upkeep involved in timber fencing. Colourfence is a new long-lasting and low-maintenance fencing solution which comes with a 25-year guarantee and the built-in strength to withstand harsh climates including wind gusts of up to 130 miles per hour. They are made of a strong Colorbond steel, with a special anticorrosion layer that won’t scratch or rust, topped with a special coating, primer and a finish coat in four colours.
Matching railings and gates are also available, which are guaranteed not to rust or flake for 10 years. Endorsed by Anna Ryder-Richardson, designer and television presenter, Colourfence is an attractive alternative backdrop to a garden all year round and can also provide privacy and the peace of mind that comes with having a secure boundary to your property. All surveys and installations are handled by their local team covering Chew Valley, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea and South Bristol and they promise an honest and friendly evaluation of your fences and a no-obligation, no-strings quote of an all-in price which includes installation. Combined with the cost and guarantees, they say that Colourfence is much better value than timber in the long term, as timber fences need annual upkeep and painting, and they will age, spoil and need replacing within a matter of years.
S
afe secure and very, very strong with a Colourfence you really can put an end to your fencing problems. Tried, tested and trusted across the UK, Colourfence is guaranteed† to last. Unlike wooden fences once installed you don’t need to worry about costly, time consuming maintenance. You need not paint it, you won’t ever patch it, and it will stand fi rm in the worst of the weather. Your fence looks after itself so you can look after (and enjoy) your garden. Installed by highly trained specialists, once your Colourfence is up, it really stays up offer you a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment of your garden. Visit www.colourfencesouthbristol.co.uk in for more information or simply call number below to arrange a FREE no obligation site visit.
For a free, no obligation site visit, please call Mohammad Hussain
Tel: 0117 214 1201 www.colourfencesouthbristol.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 67
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Get involved call to charities as lottery launched VOLUNTARY and community groups working in the Mendip District Council area are being urged to sign up to a new lottery scheme. The Shape Mendip Lottery gives players the chance to scoop a £25,000 jackpot prize while also helping community organisations. Groups which register for the lottery receive a share of the proceeds from each draw. Proceeds go into a general “good cause” fund, but players can support specific causes listed on the lottery’s website. The lottery was launched by businessman Roger Saul at Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet. Many of the groups which have already signed up to the lottery attended – including Shepton Mallet United Charities, Baltonsborough Parish Council and Frome’s Active and In Touch – as Roger warned that the economic uncertainty caused by currency fluctuations were hitting charities the hardest. The lottery was established by Mendip District Council. It is one of the first local authorities in the country to run a lottery and the first in the South West. The Shape Mendip Lottery is now live. It is an online lottery and draws will take place every Saturday. For each £1 ticket bought, 60% of the ticket price goes to support community groups throughout the district, though there will also be an option for players to support a specific
Spelling out the benefits: (l:r) Sue Adams of the Volunteer Network; council chairman Jeannette Marsh; Roger Saul; Philip Ham and Mendip deputy chief executive Donna Nolan.
organisation, and 20% goes to prizes. No money will go to the council. Councillor Philip Ham, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Transformation, said: “The Shape Mendip Lottery is a new and exciting way for people to help raise funds for local community and voluntary groups and the vital work they do within Mendip.”
The first draw was due to take place on Saturday, March 25th. For details, visit: www.shapemendiplottery.co.uk
Pimp that bra!
ALMOST £1,000 was raised for breast cancer research by a group of walkers who donned highly decorated bras for the occasion. The Moon Walk took place around Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet, and was organised by Neil and Helen Edwards. The couple have registered to take part in The Inca Trail Peru challenge in June. In addition to the cost of the trip, they have pledged to raise a minimum of £1,200 for Walk the Walk, a grant-making charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for vital breast cancer causes. Helen is a member of the Strawberry Line WI, which meets in Cranmore. She said: “Being hopeless at making cakes, one of our WI came up with the idea of running our own local sponsored walk… and so hence ‘Pimp My Bra’ Sponsored Walk was born. “Although not a marathon in length, it was a night challenge through wet and muddy conditions.” A marvellous night for a moon walk
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Walkers prepare to leave the Strode Arms
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Walk the streets for charity
WOMEN across the South West are being encouraged to dig out the leg warmers and don the head bands for this year’s bumper St Peter’s Hospice Midnight Walk. With an all-new 80s theme, the eighth annual fundraiser is set to be more fun and colourful than ever before and organisers are expecting it to be the biggest yet. The event will be held in Bristol on Saturday July 8th when hundreds of women will take to the streets for a five-mile or ten-mile night time walk around the city, starting from Ashton Gate at 10.30pm. Organisers hope it will raise more than £100,000 for the charity. St Peter’s Hospice events fundraiser Louisa James said: “This year we’re going big and we’re not just talking about hair! Our Midnight Walk has grown year on year and now hundreds of women take part and have a great night out while raising money for the hospice.” Earlybird registration for the Midnight Walk is available now for £17.50 per person. Standard registration will be £20. Those who register will receive an events pack, including a t-shirt. Details: http://midnightwalk.stpetershospice.org.uk
Charity extends its work
THE cancer counselling charity, We Hear You, is now able to offer four counselling sessions a week on Fridays at the Town Hall in Midsomer Norton. This work forms part of a BIG Lottery grant the charity has secured. Cath Wilkins, clinical manager said: “We Hear You continues to see an unprecedented rise in referrals to its free service and we are therefore delighted to be able to offer further sessions in Midsomer Norton to help us meet demand and allow us to support more people.” The charity’s director, Melissa Hillier, said: “Launching a new service and working with communities to support people who have been affected by cancer is extremely important to us. One in two people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives and the work of our charity has never been so vital to so many.” We Hear You works across Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire and last year offered over 4,000 counselling sessions from eight locations, supporting more than 370 people. The charity receives no government funding and relies on donations and support from the communities it works in. Details: 01373 455255 or info@wehearyou.org.uk www.wehearyou.org.uk
CHARITIES
Local hospice opens registration for fundraising challenges
WESTON Hospicecare has opened its 2017 calendar of events, which offer participants an opportunity to have fun whilst raising much-needed funds for the hospice. The three main events include: the Mendip Challenge, June 4th; the brand new Bubble Rush on August 5th; and the Midnight Beach Walk on September 30th. Event fundraiser, Kelsey Dehaney, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing back the Mendip Challenge for the 28th year, as it’s been such a huge success. We’re also bringing back the Midnight Beach Walk, which will take place on the beach in Weston-super-Mare, and we’re introducing the exciting new Bubble Rush event, which will take place in APEX Park in Burnham-on-Sea.” Mendip Challenge participants can choose from a ten, 20 or 30-mile hike across the Mendip Hills in aid of the hospice. The Bubble Rush is geared toward families, so participants can run, walk or toddle through a sea of bubbles on the 5K course. The Midnight Beach Walk is a women’s only event that offers participants the opportunity to walk in celebration or remembrance of loved ones. Kelsey said: “We’re so happy with how successful our 2016 events were, and we wanted to make sure the events we offer in 2017 are even better. We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s something for everyone. “Our services and care cover such a wide area, so we wanted to make sure that our events do, too. We’re delighted to introduce a new event in Burnham-on-Sea, and we hope everyone will find some way to help support the hospice through these brilliant events.” ● Paul Winspear has taken over as the new CEO of Weston Hospicecare. After graduating in 1989 with a degree in geophysics from the University of Southampton, he went on to move up the corporate ladder, eventually holding roles such as managing director and chief operating officer. Although the move to Weston Hospicecare represents a career change, he says he’s looking forward to leading the hospice in his new role, which he described as both interesting and rewarding. Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk
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Sleepers raise thousands
LOCAL people, staff and volunteers have helped to mark YMCA Mendip’s 125th year by raising homelessness awareness and sleeping rough during their Sleep Easy event. The event took place at Frome Youth and Community Centre and raised over £5,500, with donations still coming in. The money will be used to support YMCA Mendip’s services for young people locally. Although the charity is part of the international YMCA movement, it is an independent autonomous charity, working with young people and communities in Mendip. Karen Collins YMCA senior fundraiser, said: “We’re thrilled with the success of Sleep Easy 2017 and I’d like to thank everyone who took part and
spent the night out with us. I would also like to extend my thanks to La Strada in Frome and their food suppliers for providing us with a very welcome breakfast and to Safestore for supplying cardboard boxes.” Karen Deverell, chief executive said: Details: www.mendipymca.org.uk
Sporting stars support care home RESIDENTS and staff at Leonard Cheshire’s Greenhill House care home in Timsbury plan to break down barriers to sport by throwing a spectacular, masquerade ball at the Assembly Rooms in Bath, with celebrities like gold medal-winning athlete Jason Gardener on the guest list. They hope to raise £30,000 to fund more sporting facilities for disabled people. Service manager, Lindsey Swarbrick said: “We offer people the chance to try out new things according to their personal interests. Sport is fun and enhances life. By being physically and socially active at whatever level, health and wellbeing is improved.” Greenhill House resident Jane Harding (pictured) said: “I’m a player in the Greenhill House Boccia A team, practising at the home and at Bath University. I’m very much looking forward to the event, I like to see new places and meet people.” John Burrows, who also lives at Greenhill House said: “As a Bathonian, I love rugby. Bath has done well in Europe this year. We are looking forward to some adapted rugby sessions at Greenhill House.” To reach its fundraising target, Greenhill House is recruiting guest speakers for its masquerade ball and will also offer fine dining and an auction. It’s got sporting celebrity friends on board to attend the event too, which will be held on Saturday September 23rd.
“We are already working on our next Sleep Easy event and we would ask that anyone who is interested in raising money to help fund our work with young people, to sign up as friends of YMCA Mendip or make a donation online via our website”.
Jason Gardener MBE is one of the special guests, along with multi-medal winning paralympians Ben Rushgrove and Nigel Murray MBE. Jason said: “It has always been important to me to support local charities. The commitment and care that Greenhill House provides is so inspiring, making such a positive impact to those that need care.” For sports fans, there will be plenty of sport-related auction prizes available too, such as a Porsche driving experience at Silverstone, a signed Nigel Murray shirt from Rio, a professional golf lesson with Jonathan Lawrence PGA professional and prizes from the University of Bath including a bobsleigh experience for 10 people. Local schools and parents will also be interested to hear young football teams (aged up to 14 years old) can enter a competition to play football at a premier league team’s ground for a day. Outside of the sporting world, there is also a RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight VIP day for four plus a Spitfire flight over Biggin Hill, including the chance to control the aircraft. The residents at Greenhill House are looking forward to welcoming their musical friends along to the gala as well, including an Andrews Sisters tribute singers and 24-piece 1940s swing band. The event is part of Leonard Cheshire Disability’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since the birth of its founder, war hero and global humanitarian Leonard Cheshire. Tickets for Greenhill House’s Centenary Masquerade Ball are on sale now, at £95 a person. Seating will be in tables of ten (masks are not compulsory!).
Details: greenhillevents@leonardcheshire.org or call 01761 479902. Any businesses interested in sponsoring the event should contact Ann at ann.birtwistle@leonardcheshire.org, 01761 479900.
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North Somerset Samaritans need you
THE Samaritans of Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset need more volunteers to take an increasing number of calls to the charity from people who are experiencing feelings of despair or distress. Following the launch of a Samaritans freephone number – 116 123 – the charity has seen a massive increase in the volume of calls received. New volunteers will ensure the charity can continue to offer its valuable listening service for those struggling to cope. Informal recruitment information mornings are now being held on the second Saturday of each month in Westonsuper-Mare, giving potential new volunteers from the area all they need to know about being part of the charity either as a listener or a support volunteer – helping with fundraising, finance, publicity and other tasks. Deputy recruitment director Gill said: “You don’t need to be an expert to be a good listener you just need to accept how other people feel and be there for them in their hour of need. We provide full training and support for this vital role and those who join us find it incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.” ● The next information mornings take place at the Samaritans Centre, 137a High Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1HN, from 10am-midday. The next events take place on Saturday, April 8th and Saturday, May 13th. For more information contact Gill on 07507 990599, email samaritansrecruitmentwsm@yahoo.com or visit Samaritans.org and fill in an on-line form.
Under starter’s orders
THE Great Somerset Colour Run, in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice, will be held at Wincanton Racecourse on Sunday, May 21st. The racecourse will explode with colourful powder paint, while hundreds of participants run, walk, skip or hop the 5k route, with an army of volunteers taking aim and throwing brightly coloured paint, making the kilometres race by. Last year 1,400 people took part, raising over £60,000, which paid for a whole week of community care across Somerset. Richard Wallace, events manager at St. Margaret’s Hospice, said “We were once again blown away with the amount of people who took part in last year’s colour run. The amount raised was truly amazing and it was such a wonderful day. This year we’ve moved the run to Wincanton Racecourse and we hope the new location will appeal to even more people.” Tickets start from £10 for children and £15 for adults. Details: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk
Blooming lovely
CHARITIES
FROME rotarians and students from Critchill School admire the results of their hard work when they planted thousands of purple crocus bulbs around the town. The flowers are a symbol of Rotary International’s work to eradicate polio from around the world.
Marathon run for dementia
KEEN runner Melissa Aspinall will be making her debut in this year’s London Marathon as part of a campaign to raise awareness in the Wells area about dementia. It’s third time luck for the Wells City Harrier after two failed attempts to enter the world-famous event. Melissa is hoping to raise £2,000 for the campaign to make Wells a Dementia Friendly City and for the Fletcher House care home in Glastonbury Road, Wells, where she is deputy manager. She said: “Raising awareness of dementia is something that I feel passionate about. There are an increasing number of people living with dementia and a growing demand for their care.” The campaign is being run by a group of Melissa in training for the London volunteers called the Wells Marathonsupport the charity Dementia Action Alliance. Melissa is hoping to complete the marathon, on Sunday, April 23rd, in four hours – quicker if the weather is cool. To contribute go online to justgiving.com and search for Melissa Aspinall or leave a donation at Fletcher House.
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Based in Nunney – changing lives in Africa
A CHARITY based in Nunney, which gives family planning advice to women in Kenya, is now hoping to spread its work to Uganda. Robin Witt has been a regular visitor to Kenya since he was a teenager, entranced by its wildlife and wild places, and met his wife Pippa there. But he says every visit was tinged with a sense of sadness as the wildlife was losing more and more of its habitat. In 2000 he set up a charity called the Rift Valley Tree Trust to encourage tree planting to provide firewood, helping wildlife by taking a bit of pressure off the indigenous forest. Some of the first schools to plant started harvesting timber in 2015 and so far over £32,000 has been generated, a very useful income to those rural schools. But he says that over time he kept meeting women who were having more children than they wanted. When he first went to Kenya in 1976 the population was around 14 million; today it is 47 million and on its present course heading for 100 million by 2050. He said: “It was very obvious that people were being trapped in poverty by having more children than they could afford to bring up.” So in 2012 the charity changed its name to CHASE Africa (Community Health and Sustainable Environment) and now works with five partners in Kenya taking mobile clinics to rural areas which offer primary health care and family planning. Robin said: “We have proved that there is an enormous unmet demand for family planning with on average around 140 women turning up on each day we run a clinic for family planning and around 700 for primary healthcare issues.
“One of the most interesting statistics is that girls who only go to primary school have on average 5.4 kids whilst those managing to attend secondary school have 2.9. “But secondary school in Kenya costs about £390 per year, well beyond the means of many parents as an average wage in a rural area is around £1.50 a day. So getting girls educated is key in bringing down fertility levels, a noted aim of the Kenyan government.” He said the clinics allow women to choose how many kids they would like to have, giving families the chance to escape poverty, the women the chance to work and hopefully giving more girls the chance to go to secondary school. He runs the charity with Henry Pomeroy, who spent many years working for the charity Send a Cow. Robin said: “Through our clinics, CHASE Africa offers a variety of family planning methods but most of the women we encounter choose to have a three-year contraceptive implant. It costs about £7 to supply one woman with an implant and this can totally transform the lives of the whole family giving them a chance to escape poverty.”
Details: www.chaseafrica.org.uk
Hot wax works wonders
IT was a case of hair today and gone 20 minutes later at a fundraising event in Cranmore. More than 20 male volunteers took part in a leg wax session, each raising a minimum of £50 in sponsorship. The money will help to fund an ongoing assessment programme for six-year-old Eady Body, who lives in the village and suffers from a neurological disorder. The waxing session was organised by family friend Victoria Marcangelo-Lyons, an holistic therapist from Wells.
Eady’s mum Charly offers some reassurance to family friend Casper, who raised £170
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
Eady’s father Matt puts on a brave face as Victoria applies the wax
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Summer fashion at St. Peter’s Hospice ST PETER’S Hospice has launched its all-new Summerwear fashion campaign and the on-trend style finds are set to give other high street retailers a run for
their money, thanks to the slashed prices. All 50 of the charity’s stores are stocking the latest spring/summer 2017
CHARITIES trends from florals and frills to metallics and denim and savvy shoppers can get hold of some of their favourite brands at up to half the original price.
Details: www.stpetershospice.org.uk
Prepare to walk the line
THE Strawberry Lion 50:50 challenge is returning this year on Sunday May 7th, helping to raise money for the charity, Meningitis Now. The annual walking event is once again being organised and supported by the Yeo Valley Lions Club, who are encouraging local clubs and groups to take part in the walk, as they will get to keep 50 percent of the money they raise. Club president, Kevin Moore, said: “The 50:50 challenge is about helping local groups and our chosen charity Meningitis Now.” Walkers will be given the option of choosing from a five, six and a half, 13, or 20-mile route, so the whole family can get involved.
Three walks will start and finish at Yatton Railway Station car park where walkers will be registered and given water and other treats, while the fourth walk is a one way route from Winscombe Millennium Green to Yatton Station. Carrie Bater, community fundraiser for Meningitis Now, said: “We really are thrilled that the Yeo Valley Lions Club has chosen us as their partner charity for this event. “The event will not only help to raise money for Meningitis Now, but also raise awareness of the potentially life threatening disease.” There is an entry fee of £5 per person (children under 11 are free) or £10 per team.
Details: www.yeovalleylions.org.uk www.meningitisnow.org
Inspired by Hannah – new award for young riders
JUDGES will announce the 2017 winner of the Pony Club’s Hannah Francis Award for Talent, Courage and Inspiration at an event in April. The award was created to honour Hannah, a member of Wylye Valley PC, for the bravery she showed throughout her battle with cancer, during which time she founded the Willberry Wonder Pony charity to raise money for bone cancer research and to grant equine wishes to seriously ill people. Hannah, of Hemington, died in August last year aged 18. The award is presented annually to an inspirational and talented
Pony Club member who has overcome adversity or carried out an act to help others. Pony Club Area Representative Louly Thornycroft said: “The Hannah Francis Award for Talent, Courage and Inspiration is a fitting tribute to her, and just one of many ways Hannah’s legacy will be remembered by those within The Pony Club. Hannah’s courage was utterly amazing. She showed bravery and focus in setting up the Willberry Wonder Pony charity for the benefit of others, despite facing her own enormous, unimaginable challenges.”
The winner will be announced at the Dengie Winter Championships in April. Miles Toulson-Clarke, District Commissioner of the Wylye Valley branch and a trustee of Hannah’s charity, which has raised more than £500,000 in the past year, said: “Hannah was a quite extraordinary person. Not only was she an exceptionally talented and dedicated rider, she was an equally skilled coach and had started to teach a number of our members. She showed the same aptitude at conveying her knowledge to others as she demonstrated when in the saddle.”
To find out more about Willberry Wonder Pony, visit: www.willberrywonderpony.org
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 73
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Help for rented home seekers
THE UK’s most vulnerable tenants are being pushed out of the private rental market in the South West, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. New figures show that around one third of respondents believe that access to private rented properties had fallen among people on housing benefits. Recent caps to housing benefits were cited by 29% cent of respondents across the UK as a key reason why those on lower incomes were being pushed out of the rental market. Those on lower incomes are set to face further financial difficulties with rents expected to increase in excess of 4.2% in the next five years. By way of contrast, house prices are projected to increase by around 3.3% over the same period in the region. However, RICS says the government may be able to provide assistance, as respondents to the survey in the South West suggested that more than half of the region’s private landlords would be prepared to rent their properties to homeless people or those on housing benefits if the government introduced some form of state-endorsed deposit guarantor scheme. The survey also showed that across the country the shortage of available properties to rent is continuing to grow, with tenant demand consistently exceeding the number of new instructions coming to market over the past four years in the South West. As part of their A Home For Cathy campaign – aimed at tackling UK homelessness – RICS is joining forces with Crisis to call on the government to do more to support vulnerable tenants through the introduction of help to rent measures.
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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The healing powers of the arts
CAN writing about your illnesses help to heal you? The poet P J Kavanagh once said: "If you can articulate pain, you're not overborne by it. That's poetry's healing power." One study randomly allocated patients with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis to be in one of two groups. In the first group, they were asked to write about the most stressful experience they had ever had for three separate 20-minute By Dr PHIL periods over a few days and to drop their completed essays HAMMOND into a sealed box. In the second (control) group, patients were asked to repeat the exercise, but this time just write about their plans for the day. So the only difference between the groups was that one was writing about extreme stress and how they felt about it and the other was writing a mundane daily timetable. Four months later, 40% of the patients in the "get it off your chest" group showed significant improvements in the severity of their illnesses. By contrast 20% of the control group improved, probably because of the extra attention they got from being involved in a clinical trial. So how does writing about the stress in your life help you to cope with it? Other studies in healthy volunteers have found that writing tasks improve the way you function on three levels. Physiologically, there are favourable changes in your skin conductance, immune system and cortisol levels. Psychologically, your "wellbeing, social functioning and adjustment to new situations" improves. And behaviourally, work performance goes up and time off sick is reduced. The arts have crucial role to play in sickness and in health. Stories are metaphors for our lives and help to give ourselves, and our communities, pleasure, passion, purpose and meaning. We all have to learn how to be kind to our minds, even when life is tough, and a great book, film, poem, sculpture or painting is often far more help than any drug. The Chew Valley already has a wonderful arts trail, and I’m proud to be a patron of Valley Arts, which is raising funds for a brand new performing arts centre to bring local and professional performers together with the enthusiastic local audiences of the Chew Valley. I’ve been an NHS doctor and comedian for 30 years and I think I’ve probably done more for people’s health making them laugh and think, than I have from dishing out pills. I’m doing a fundraising show on May 6th with some fine local musicians at Ubley Village Hall. Please support us, come and have a laugh and meet some passionate people promoting arts in the valley. It might even improve your health. Dr Phil Hammond is touring the UK in 2017 with Dr Phil's Health Revolution. Details www.drphilhammond.com Details at www.valleyartscentre.co.uk
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
Plop the Raindrop
EVERY day for you is different. You might go to school, cubs or swimming, but I might just be stuck in that swimming pool all day. It might sound nice but there are disadvantages – that’s one of the longest words I know. But there might also be compensations – another big word for me! In the swimming pool a water droplet feels warm and safe – but there can be problems. Let me give you a couple of examples. One of my friends got stuck in someone’s swimsuit. When she got home, she put it in a washing machine. My friend was spun around until she was dizzy, then got hung out to dry on a clothes line. She was a bit disorientated – another big word. But she was rescued by a butterfly, which landed on the clothes line. Once free of that swimming thingy, she could start to think about where fate might take her in future. Whatever fate is. She evaporated into the open air. She was free. Another friend wasn’t so lucky. He had spent ages in the same swimming pool and was quite happy being there. He was a bit of a fat, lazy slob to be honest. He managed to avoid the swimmers in the pool, but one day they put in a vacuum cleaner to clean it out and he got sucked in. He was probably asleep. He wasn’t very happy I can tell you. The stuff in the cleaner was all tipped down the drain, so that’s where he went. Fate isn’t always kind. He was washed into a stream that ran into a river that ran into the sea. Waiting there was a fish that gulped him down. The fish was later swallowed by a seal. The seal was eaten by a shark. Goodness knows where my friend is now. You need to be careful around swimming pools. Someone said they once found a crocodile in one – in Africa, I think, not in England. My mum and dad retired to Spain, hoping for a quiet retirement, chillaxing in a swimming pool, like a lot of people do. But they soon found it was too hot and got bored. They longed for home but couldn’t remember where that was. The last I heard they were paddling down the River Yeo. By the way I’m still looking for a mammoth. Someone thought they saw one in Glastonbury, but people think they see all kinds of strange things down there. MENDIP GRANDAD
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To the manor born
GROOMING and therapy specialist Emilia Iandolo believes she has found the most idyllic of settings to establish her first wellbeing centre. Mowhay offers a high quality holistic experience in the grounds of the 17th Century Manor Farm at Chilcompton. With its tranquil views over the picturesque church of St John the Baptist, Mowhay Emilia at Mowhay: her motto is “unwind and offers a comprehensive list of refresh” luxurious grooming and therapeutic treatments for body and soul. In Mowhay, Italian-born Emilia has realised her vision to establish her own unique and bespoke holistic experience after more than a decade honing her skills in luxury establishments including Babington House. With therapists Louise Dunsmore and Sophie Rush alongside, Emilia is, however, also aware of the modern-day pressures facing clients. She said: “Despite our idyllic setting we keep city hours to ensure clients can have treatments in keeping with their busy schedules. “Incorporating massage techniques from around the world, Mowhay has sourced the very best in natural products and talented staff to make sure you leave us feeling refreshed, revitalised and wanting to return.”
A quieter mind
EVERYBODY needs to talk through their worries sometimes. It is really important to have access to an impartial, caring person who wants them to succeed. Ian Ramsden specialises in helping children and young adults with the unique pressures that are on them today, including friendship issues and exam stresses. With over 15 years of teaching and youth work experience, he says he is uniquely able to identify with the types of pressures and stress they may be experiencing. He also help adults who are unhappy or feel they have lost their direction. He said: “My experience and qualifications in counselling and life coaching enable me to listen, understand and help you feel better able to deal with what life has in store.”
Rooms with a view
CLARE Hall Nursing Home at Ston Easton is set in the rolling countryside with immaculately kept lawned gardens with most of the rooms benefitting from panoramic views. Their highly-trained staff are able to cater to the needs of their residents providing everything from respite care, high dependency and palliative care, residential and nursing care. Any dietary requirements can be easily catered to by their chefs, who only produce food from locally sourced suppliers and their own grown vegetables. The other facilities, services and support programme they offer include 24-hour nursing care, GP retained services, chiropodist visits, hairdressing salon, mobile optical and dental service, full activities programme.
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Clare Hall Nursing Home, Ston Easton, Radstock, Somerset BA3 4DE Fax: 01761 241 727 Email: manager@clarehallnursinghome.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 77
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PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
HEALTH & FAMILY
Staying independent
BRUNELCARE is a renowned provider of high quality housing, care and support for older people in the South West with expertise in caring for people living with dementia. For over 75 years they have been at the forefront of developing ways for people to stay as independent as possible and for offering support to families. Established in 1941, Brunelcare has undergone many transformations over the years to become the organisation that it is today. Its principles however, remain the same: to help people make the most of their lives and enjoy living and working in great communities. Brunelcare are the provider of choice for four local authorities and they are growing and have a variety of jobs available leading to great career opportunities across their organisation. Details: www.brunelcare.org.uk 01275 879547.
A festival for all ages is heading to Sandford
ST MONICA Trust’s Sandford Station retirement home will open its doors this May Bank Holiday to provide a day of fun for people of all ages. Mayfest will be held on Monday May 1st. It will feature chocolate tasting, archery, a visual arts exhibition, samba and music workshops, face painting, boules, as well as a bowling competition, performances from the Bristol Old Vic Company, the Original Spinners and the Churchill Academy Chamber Choir, plus loads of food and drinks stalls selling delicious locally sourced produce. To close the MayFest celebration, there will be an intergenerational Samba procession across the site. MayFest aims to connect Sandford Station residents with people of all ages from the local community and is being organised by regional arts organisation, Wyldwood Arts. Creative producer, Rachel Adams said: “MayFest is a celebration of all the resident-led activities and intergenerational work that is taking place at Sandford Station and across the St Monica Trust. “The day is open to all members of the local community, plus St Monica Trust residents, their families and friends. We hope to get as many people involved as we can and encourage the wider community to engage with residents whilst taking advantage of all the wonderful facilities on offer here.”
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Shepton’s snowdrop celebrations
SPRINGTIME arrived early in Shepton Mallet when the town hosted its first snowdrop festival. A weekend of celebrations were held in honour of the iconic flower and for James Allen, the amateur horticulturist from the town who became known in Victorian times as the Snowdrop King. James Allen was the first person to develop new varieties from wild strains – a tradition that continues today with keen collectors, known as galanthophiles, paying premium prices for new or rare examples. The success of the first festival – organised by the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society – means it is likely to become an annual event. Community groups including Shepton Mallet WI and Pilton Artists joined local businesses in the festival. Members of the town’s Knit and Chat group knitted green and white scarves worn by organisers and which also appeared on the iconic sheep sculptures at Cannard’s Grave, Wells MP James Heappey, who joined in the celebrations, praised the society and the Shepton Mallet community for supporting the festival, saying it was a tribute to James Allen and his legacy. That legacy included the planting of thousands of snowdrop bulbs around the town by the horticultural society and volunteers.
The Big Noise Street Band leads a procession from Highfield House – James Allen’s home – to the town’s cemetery where he is buried PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
The launch of the first snowdrop festival: Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, is surrounded by members of the Bath Snowdrop gymnastic team and festival organisers
Hugo tries his hand at a snowdrop linocut in the pop-up festival shop
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Inspired by snowdrops
A POETRY competition held as part of the festival attracted dozens of entries from all over the country. Here is the winning entry by Felicity Powell from Sheffield. Galanthamine*
Winter now, and the world slips away Behind a white drawn curtain. Strange. There was so much I wanted to say.
Melody and Tyler had their faces painted with snowdrops by Naomi, a local artist
Business such as the One Craft Gallery – run by a co-operative of artists including Chris Rice (pictured) – joined in the celebrations.
The gates I used to amble every day Have frozen shut. I am certain That the paths beyond them slip away
To nowhere, their destinations frayed By snowdrifts. My lips are hurting From unfinished greetings – so much to say, And then the wind snatches away the name, The crucial name! I am blurting Huge silences and the world slips away
Between the cracks in my hands when– “It’s OK, Dad. We’re here.” A gentle voice diverting The blizzard. There is so much to say When snowdrops pearl the ground on lightening days And mark the paths with bright parades of skirting. There is clarity now the winter’s slipping away. Strange. There is still so much I want to say. * An alkaloid found in the snowdrop flower, currently approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. James Heappey, MP for Wells, joined in the procession to the cemetery where he planted a snowdrop at James Allen’s memorial. The snowdrop was a Merlin, one of the hybrids developed by the Snowdrop King
The procession arrives at James Allen’s memorial
Sweet mystery: Jane Foster, of Timsbury, visited the festival to see if anyone could identify this snowdrop, which came from a garden in Wiltshire. It left experts baffled MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 81
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Axbridge honours residents
TWO residents of Axbridge, nominated by the town council, have received community awards from the High Sheriff of Somerset, Edward Bayntun-Coward at a special service held in St John the Baptist Church in the town. Retired local farmer Jim Lukins was granted the freedom of the town for his services as a town councillor, a member of the Axbridge Town Trust and as a trustee of the Axbridge Parochial Charities. Jim is also an active member of the Somerset Drainage Boards Committee. Wendy Mace received her award for her commitment and enthusiasm to many organisations in the community. She moved to the town with husband Robin after she retired from a career in teaching and soon became involved with the town’s young amateur dramatic group ACT. She has also been a keen supporter of the Blackberry Carnival and a custodian of St John’s Hunting Lodge.
Wendy Mace
Jim Lukins
Hall revamp is a big hit
Young writers win
ABI Thorne and Daniel Hopkins are pictured being presented with their certificates after winning the Rotary Club of Frome’s creative writing competition. Abi will go through to the organisation’s regional final later in the year.
Say cheese to Inner Wheel
PAULINE Alvis (right, pictured with president Heather Langridge), of Lye Cross Farm, was the guest speaker at a meeting of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel. She spoke about the family’s cheese making traditions and there was a chance to sample some of their products.
DRUMMING rather than a fanfare heralded the official unveiling of the refurbished village hall in Croscombe. Fundraising by the hall committee and grants from Viridor Credits, the Foyle Foundation and Glastonbury Festivals has led to the creation of a stand-alone meeting room, a larger kitchen and a disabled toilet.
James Heappey MP prepares to cut the ribbon to the new Foyle Room, watched by hall committee chairman Nick Fowler and Viridor Credit’s chairman Peter Renshaw Lending a hand: Mendip All Drummers are joined by James Heappey MP, hall committee chairman Nick Fowler, Michael Eavis, Peter Renshaw (chairman of Viridor Credits) and a couple of youngsters keen to have a go
The new facilities were opened by Wells MP James Heappey during a celebratory afternoon attended by many of the groups which use the hall. More fundraising will be taking place to extend the bar area and create more storage space.
For details about the hall’s availability, visit: www.croscombevillagehall.org.uk
PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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The priest with the golden tongue Father Clive Fairclough doesn’t so much have a licence to thrill as a licence to “hatch, match and despatch”. But one thing is certain: the priest who recently arrived in Mells has a fascinating background and more than enough stories with which to entertain his new parishioners. Mark Adler met the James Bond fan who really has come from Russia with Love.
FATHER Clive is quite laid-back about the visit to his home by secret service agents: “I knew they’d been in there whilst we were out. I think it was just their way of showing what they were capable of doing,” he said. That was in Moscow, where the priest enjoyed two years between 2014 and 2016 in one of the most unusual, threepronged roles, in the Church of England – it could be said he was on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special service – as priest-in-residence at St. Andrew's, as the Archbishop's official representative to the patriarch and as chaplain to the British ambassador. The position came with a diplomatic passport – the only Anglican post in the world with such a status – “which had its benefits”, said Fr. Clive, who joined the ministry after a career in the Army followed by a stint in the charity fundraising sector. As a lifelong fan of all things James Bond – his car registration is 0007 REV – he was tempted to fear that every Russian was a spy or double agent … a classic Bond “femme fatale”. He wears a limited edition 007 50th anniversary watch and a model of an Aston Martin sits on the shelves in his office beside theological works: “the closest I’ll ever get to
COMMUNITY
The name is Clive: Father Clive in his office at The Rectory in Mells. The icon in the background was a gift when he left Moscow
owning a real Aston Martin.” Fr. Clive said: “I was always a great fan of Ian Fleming’s books right from Dr. No – Bond is about being a force for good, looking for signs of hope.” Fr. Clive, who grew up near Trowbridge, originally wanted to become a farmer; instead he joined the Royal Artillery as a 19-year-old and served two tours in Northern Ireland as well as being part of the NATO forces in Germany. He rose to the rank of major – the irony of being someone with, if not a golden gun, then at least an armoury behind him prepared to defend the West from any Soviet threat is not lost on him. He said: “I was part of a peacekeeping force – that remains NATO’s role – and, from the West’s point of view, Russia was a threat. I was trained to see it that way. “After moving to Moscow and meeting and making friends with ordinary Russians, I began to see things from their point of view. They are incredibly patriotic, proud and passionate. Once you make friends with a Russian, you are their friend for life.” Russian art – especially opera and ballet – opened Fr. Clive’s eyes to their deep sense of culture and offered a
glimpse of Russian soul. One of the most moving sights was the march of the Immortal Regiment on the May Day celebrations of the Great Patriotic War. It comprised 30,000 people each carrying a banner with a picture of a relative lost in WW2 walking along the huge street into Red Square. Now priest-in-charge of the Mells group of parishes, Fr. Clive’s main church is once again St. Andrew’s and he says he has been equally inspired by the area’s strong sense of community. He said: “I am a country boy and this is a rural community facing many challenges.” He is especially keen to forge links between local schools and the farming community and is a strong supporter of the Farming Community Network which offers a helpline and support to people facing a crisis, such as in the floods of 2015 – a Quantum of Solace, perhaps. Fr Clive added: “At Sandhurst I was taught to be a leader and that to serve is to lead and that is my role here. I want to raise the profile of the church throughout the community. It is about pastoral care and loving your neighbour.”
You can follow Fr. Clive on Twitter @clivetherev or visit: www.achurchnearyou.com/mells-st-andrew/ The Farming Community Network can be found at: www.fcn.org.uk or call the helpline on 03000 111999
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COMMUNITY
“Ringers” reunion
REGULARS of a now-demolished pub are being urged to attend a reunion in August to remember its heydays. The Ring O’ Bells in Oxford Street in Burnham-on-Sea was declared unsafe after the extensive floods of 1981 when the town’s sea wall was destroyed. At its height, the pub was home to its own football team and was a focal point of the town’s music scene. Organiser David Holmes said: “It's a chance to meet up with friends who used to drink there and relive happy memories. I’ve had the idea for years and kept putting it off until I went to a 60th birthday party at the end of last year and was reminded that ‘a certain person was going to organise a reunion’. That was it. I said right, it will happen next year!” The pub was popular with drinkers from all over Somerset and landlords of the time, Ian and Carol Robertson will be attending.
Familiar faces? The Ring O’ Bells football team
The pub was below road level and sometimes flooded in heavy rain. Mike Lang, another local helping to promote the event, remembered: “My dad, returning home after a family drink with grandad, making jokes about paddling out of the pub whilst carrying his shoes and socks.” ● The reunion will take place on Saturday, August 5th at the BASC
A photo of the pub posted on the reunion Facebook page by Dave Brooks
Car scheme seeks more drivers A COMMUNITY car scheme based in Frome is appealing for more volunteer drivers to sign up. Frome Community Cars, launched by the town council, is also keen to hear from anyone with a wheelchair accessible car. The scheme is aimed at helping people in the community, who struggle to access public transport in the town, get to medical appointments and social engagements. To date, more than 50
passengers have registered and are starting to use the service Drivers are paid 45 pence per mile. Cara Naden, Frome Town Council’s resilience officer said: “It is not onerous, some of the volunteer drivers can spare an hour or two a week, others are retired and can help out more, so any spare time you can offer will be gratefully received.” Richard Fry, who helped start the scheme, added: “The majority of
headquarters in Stoddens Road. Tickets – £10 – may be reserved through a Ringers Reunion Facebook Page. Any money left over will go to a local charity. Organisers are also keen to hear of any memories and see memorabilia. These can be added to the Ringers Reunion Facebook page, or emailed to Mike Lang at: mike.lang@btinternet.com
Reunion organiser David Holmes
journeys are within the Frome BA11 area, however if the established services such as the Slinky Bus or Mendip Community Transport are unable to take a booking, then we can offer to help.” Drivers must have a valid driving licence with no more than six points. A form is provided for drivers to submit to their insurers to enable them to be covered for volunteer driving and the scheme provides public liability insurance.
For details about the scheme, visit: http://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/community-cars/ or call co-ordinator Mike Lane on 07596 591391.
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(Photos courtesy of Mike Lang)
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MOTORING
For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes
Tour entries open
THE Mendip Vintage and Classic Tour will take place on Sunday, May 14th, starting in Hewish and ending in Wells. Organised by the Classic and Historic Motor Club and sponsored by Debbie Fortune estate agents, the tour has become one of the most popular events in the west country’s motoring calendar, attracting a wide range of vintage and classic vehicles. It will be helping to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and is open to 160 pre-1997 vehicles. Entries are now open. Now in its 23rd year, it will start at Puxton Park, near Weston-Super-Mare, and follow a scenic route of 85 miles across the Mendip Hills for a lunch stop before reaching Wells Cathedral. For details, visit: www.candhmotorclub.co.uk/index.php/5 to download an entry form or contact entry secretary John Blackburn at: blackers57@btinternet.com or telephone 01934 713769.
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Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment
Concours returns
DOWNSIDE Abbey at Stratton-on-the-Fosse is to play host to a Concours d'Elegance, on Sunday, April 30th. The gathering of vintage, classic and interesting vehicles is now in its fourth year, with more than100 cars on display. For details, visit: www.downside.co.uk If you have a vehicle that you would like to register for the event, contact Sarah Kerr – skerr@downside.co.uk – or call 01761 235194.
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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 85
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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RH
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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ONE of the more unspoilt areas of Mendip is the steepsided valley of Harptree Combe, which runs up the hill south-west from East With PHILIP Harptree, through HENDY Garrow Bottom to Lamb Bottom at Gibbets Brow. A small stream flows down from Garrowpipe Spring and the valley floor is marshy, with no defined footpath. The name is possibly derived from hartreg, meaning grey hollow, although Domesday Book records the village as Harpetreu, meaning military road by the wood. The Normans who held the area after the conquest took the name de Harptre and later de Gournay. It was they who built Richmont Castle high on a spur between the main combe and a tributary and in 1138 it was defended by Sir William de Harptre for the Empress Maud against King Stephen. After the siege of Bristol, Stephen moved against the castle, which was almost impregnable. However, treachery allowed the castle to be overrun, although it was left intact. Demolition took place around 1540 in the reign of Henry VIII, when Sir John Newton, to whose family the region had passed, quarried stone from the now-derelict fortifications to build himself a new home at Eastwood Manor, to the east of the village. Today, the remains of a circular building, possible the keep or donjon, can just about be recognised. There are two features of the combe of interest to cavers – water and zinc. The visitor cannot fail to miss the large cast iron pipe which is carried on massive masonry pillars across the valley floor. This is part of Bristol Water Works solution to the ever-increasing demand in Bristol for water in the mid 1800s. The system of tunnels and pipes, including the aqueduct, forms the Line of Works, constructed between 1846 and 1853. Capturing water from Mendip springs, particularly the headwaters of the River Chew, between 4 and 5.5 million gallons (18,000 – 24,300 cubic metres) of water is delivered every day to the Barrow Gurney reservoirs, where
(Photography by Phil Hendy)
Water and calamine
Aqueduct
Mine passage
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing severa
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it is purified and enters the Bristol water supply. Much of the line can be traced from the white ventilation pipes dotted across the field towards Chewton Mendip, although a leat in the floor of the valley conducts the Garrowpipe water into the main system. The other feature is the remnants of an 18th century zinc mining industry. Over the years, much of the parish was dug for various ores, in particular lead, ochre and zinc. Most of the lead mining was done at Lamb Bottom, where miners broke into the large chambers of Lamb Leer Cave around 1674. There was also extensive activity on Smitham Hill, where a pond, the remains of a chimney, and some ruined cooling tunnels, are all that remain of a mid1800s industry re-smelting old lead slag, to recover the metal not accessible to the earlier miners. High on the hill, the rock is limestone, but in Harptree Combe, it is Dolomitic Conglomerate of Triassic age. This is a re-cemented breccia of limestone and sandstone. It was once in demand for building, and also for stone gateposts – several still survive in field gateways. Cracks in the rock became filled with other minerals. Pockets of dog-tooth spar,
Mine passage
a form of calcite, are common, and yellow ochre, a form of iron oxide formerly much valued as a paint pigment, is also found. What attracted the miners however, was calamine. Lapis calaminaris or calamine, is a pinkish mineral, zinc carbonate. It is still used in calamine lotion, which is naturally pink, but in the 18th to 19th centuries it was smelted to produce metallic zinc, Calamine mine which was then mixed with copper to form the alloy brass. There were thriving brass mills in Bristol and along the Avon Valley and, although most of the Mendip zinc was supplied by the far more extensive calamine deposits at Shipham, East Harptree was also a contributor. For example, records show that in 1797, the parish of East Harptree produced 70 tons of lead, 31 tons of ochre – and 254 tons of calamine. The mines are mainly located in the flanks of the combe, and form
CAVING
fairly short rifts and tunnels. Many have been lost to natural causes, slumping and slippages of earth and rocks from above. The remainder are now bat roosts, and shelter moths and other insects during the winter months. The large blackish-brown cave spider is also common. The system of ditches which formed part of Richmont Castle’s defences were also worked over and the grassy area to the south of the castle is riddled with pits and trenches. It is fairly clear that the ore deposits in and around the combe were not extensive and although the mines were still active in the 1830s, by 1869 they were in terminal decline. This was the case for the other Mendip mines as well. Cheaper ores were available from overseas and protective import duties were removed. The lodes close to the surface were practically worked out and the deeper mines were difficult to drain. There is evidence of a Cornish pump being installed at Star Shaft near Shipham, but this is rare, possibly unique on Mendip. Also, smelting plants in South Wales were proving to be more cost-effective than the Bristol brass mills. They had abundant coal on the doorstep and ores from across the world could as easily be delivered there as at Bristol. This went for Cornish copper as well, although even that industry was in decline. Today, Harptree Combe is a peaceful haven for walkers, with plenty of historical interest as well as the sights and sounds of nature.
everal caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.
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Novice “national” a big success By Mark Adler
JOCKEY Emma Watson claimed the spoils in the first running of the Novice Riders’ National at the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale point-to-point races. Emma, from East Devon, fought off a challenge from hot favourite Join Together – part-owned by Ditcheat Thoroughbreds founder Ian Fogg and trained by Rose Loxton – to take the first prize riding Le Clo De La Londe. A big crowd enjoyed the six race card followed by two pony races at Charlton Horethorne, near Wincanton, although racing was delayed as spectators struggled to reach the car parks in muddy conditions.
Will Biddick one again claimed the Dufosee Trophy for the leading rider on the day – for the seventh year in succession
Professional commentator and broadcaster Nick Child returned home from his racing work at the Singapore Turf Club for the meeting and for the Cheltenham Festival
The presentation after the first race Stewards at the finish post
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Hunt members selling racecards
Neck and neck
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Emma Watson on her way to victory in the novice national
EVENTS
The ladies open race was closely-fought
Owner/trainer/rider Alexandra Bell, from the Avon Vale Hunt, won the Hopkins Concrete Ladies’ open race on Irish horse Ni Sin E Mo Ainm
Huntsman Mark Doggrell with nephew Oliver
Racing’s future: champion trainer Paul Nicholls was delighted to present prizes to the riders in the pony races The Open Maiden Race
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Blazing saddles Kiwi style
HAVE you ever travelled to New Zealand? These days it’s such a top bucket list trip for local folk that no apology is needed for swapping Mendip for Kiwi adventures this month. So popular in fact that the end of the shooting season seemed to fire the gun for With RACHEL take-off at the airport. Our journey around THOMPSON this beautiful country criss-crossed the paths MBE of fellow shoot brethren, Vince on his 40 farmers’ farm coach tour (imagine those conversations!) and pig farmer friends the Padfields, on tour with their friends (two riotous evenings ensued). And somehow, just to make me feel at home, I ended up on a quad bike early one morning moving sheep. New Zealand is a country that clearly honours equines. Celebratory tales of the equestrian contribution to the founding of New Zealand abound. In Te Wairoa the volcano buried village I learnt that missionary, Reverend Spencer, established his ministry among the Tuhourangi people by roaming miles on his old flea-bitten grey cavalry horse “Major”, spending rainsodden nights slumbering curled up around the butt of a large umbrella. In Cambridge, home to the Waikato horse industry, life-like statues and pavement tile pictures commemorate great racing legends, whilst shop posters promise five dollar lessons for “pony mad” under-fives. That’s it – start them young! Zib, spotted out riding with his daughter Charlotte in Houmaitawhiti obviously agrees. Best not try this at home! Obviously, riding was a must so Mr Wicks delivered me to Carol Armstrong’s Waterfall Equestrian establishment, Wanaka. Persuading a small grey pony fiercely guarding the gate to let us in we found some 30 assorted equines eating and loafing in the shade of huge willow trees. Finding my allocated equine, JJ, tied to a fence I climbed aboard and accompanied by Sophie and India, we wound our
New Zealand is a perfect equestrian holiday destination, says Rachel
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Zib and Charlotte in Houmaitawhiti
way through sweet-smelling pine and eucalyptus trees and along vineyard tracks, the song of cicadas loud overhead. The sun blazed down despite the recent snow fall on the mountain tops and a soft breeze blew up from the impossibly blue lake before us. Both the girls are 18 and I learnt that India (on ex-racing thoroughbred Charlie) works at the centre full-time and has lived in New Zealand all her life. Sophie (on ex-racing thoroughbred Hope) emigrated at the age of nine, her mum came from Liverpool and dad from Somerset, but she can’t remember where. “Tell me about JJ,” I asked. JJ is famous! A standard bred race horse of indeterminate age they told me that he was once a racing trotter. Trotting or harness racing is a popular sport in both New Zealand and Australia, with the New Zealand Trotting Cup being the richest and most important event. Following race retirement, JJ went on to an exciting new career in the Crusader rugby team horse pre-match show. Horsemen and horses are dressed up like medieval knights and race twice around the pitch, swords raised, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Both the girls want to travel, dreaming of extending their equestrian knowledge world-wide. I urged them to access the UK equestrian magazines to find jobs. Here in the shadow of the great Mount Aspire they can aspire too? New Zealand has so much to offer equestrians. Bright fluorescent signs on roads where riders are expected, bridleways and tracks through stunning countryside and beaches. It has to be number one on the equestrian bucket list – check out the internet for New Zealand horse riding holidays. Expect quiet roads, beautiful horses, fabulous food, great accommodation and the nicest of people. ● Talking of starting young, thank you to Frances Draper and Judith Massey for their memories of Bertie Veal (Mendip Times March 2017 East Horrington – who was Bertie?). Bertie lived in the cottage behind the phone box. He encouraged the girls to ride his cart pony kept at the yard which was his smallholding – and they remember running to avoid being bitten by the pony!
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Eyes down for a full stable!
RIDING
Supporting disabled riders
WELLOW Trekking Centre took part in the nationwide Disabled Access Day and welcomed disabled visitors to explore their facilities and discover what they have to offer. Wellow Riding for the Disabled group has been running for many years and the centre also has the RDA Accessibility Mark so can also take on disabled riders or children and adults who just want to brush and pet a pony. The RDA, Pony Club, Young Equestrian and centre staff all pulled together to make it a successful day. Details: 01225 834376.
From the horse’s mouth
Bingo caller Graham Edgell with (l:r) riding club secretary Jo Rossiter, committee member Claire Knight and club chairman Sam Moody
MEMBERS of the East Mendip Riding Club have raised almost £900 for the family of a young girl with a rare condition by organising a bingo night and raffle in Coleford. Dozens of players packed the hall of the Royal British Legion club in the village for the fun event which attracted support from local businesses including Tincknells, Old Mill accountants, Wookey Hole Caves and Tesco. The money raised will help the family of Eady Body, aged six, of Cranmore, who suffers from a neurological condition. Club secretary Jo Rossiter, who organised the night, is planning further fundraising events of her own to help Eady’s parents Charly and Matt Body.
CHARLOTTE White is a keen horsewoman having competed in British eventing up to intermediate level. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2008 with a First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Equine Sports Science. Charlotte’s thesis “investigating the thickness of cheek teeth subocclusal secondary dentine in horses of different ages” received runnerup in the Eqvalan Equine Thesis of the Year and was published in the Equine Veterinary Journal. This fuelled her interest to become an equine dentist and led to her attending the Academy of Equine Dentistry, Idaho where she certified. She has since passed the UK exam to become BEVA/BVDA approved and is a full member of the BAEDT. Sponsored by Dearsons Equine she regularly demonstrates their dentistry equipment and attends conferences with them.
Charlotte White
BSc (Hons) Certified Equine Dental Technician
• BEVA/BVDA Approved • Full member of the BAEDT • IAED Certified • Certified through the Academy of Equine Dentistry, ID. • Fully insured professional service
The team from Old Mill accountants get ready for a night of number crunching
A professional equine dentistry service providing full dental equilibration to enhance your horses’ performance and nutritional efficiency. Based in Somerset covering the whole of the South West
charlotte@equidentist.co.uk • tel: 07795 141 845
For details about the club, visit: www.eastmendiprc.com
MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 95
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For Sam’s a jolly good fellow
SHEPTON Mallet-born rider Samantha York has achieved one of the highest honours in the eventing world – being made a Fellow of the Britsish Horse Society. Sam, whose parents Kay and Martin live at Cannard’s Grave, is an international event rider and accredited coach and has represented Great Britain at the British Riding Club European Championships. She is now based in Newark, Notts. at the Oakring Stud. The Fellowship of the British Horse Society is rated as one of the highest coaching accreditations in the world. Since its launch in 1949, only 77 people have been awarded fellowship status. Sam’s achievement was even announced during the recent Blackmore and Sparkford Vale point-point meeting.
Beware the pitfalls of diversification
IN these uncertain times, it is inevitable that many rural businesses will need to diversify to secure their futures and supplement their incomes whilst grant funding dwindles. But take care to ensure you discuss your plans with your accountant before you proceed! That’s the advice from Jo Murray, who runs Free Range accountancy and business services in Shepton Mallet, and who has a special interest in equestrian concerns. Jo said: “It is incredibly important that you understand the taxation consequences of any additional sources of income and how they will affect your current trading income streams. For example, offering camping to make use of an empty field might seem like an easy way to increase summer cash flow, however be careful you don’t get caught out if you are already VAT registered, as the supply is highly likely to be standard
We're passionate about the equestrian community and with a wealth of experience in small and medium sized businesses we are able to provide not just the professional services you would expect from an accountancy firm but also the understanding of the needs and challenges faced within your industry. Our services include: • Bookkeeping • Management accounts • Payroll and P11d’s • VAT • Liaison with HMRC • Cash flows, budgets and forecasts • Statutory accounts • Sole trade/partnership financial statements • Company Secretarial tasks • Corporation tax • Self assessment/partnership tax returns Telephone 01749 345 895 / 01749 344 111 Email info@freerangebusiness.co.uk @freerangejo The Old Mill, Harvest Court, Park Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5BS.
PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
rated. Another example would be providing storage, which is also now a standard rated supply. “If some of the goods or services you supply or intend to supply are exempt from VAT, this can affect how much VAT you can reclaim on your purchases. So, a farmer who has always been able to reclaim most (if not all) input VAT would need to prepare ‘partial exemption’ calculations should he/she decide to offer DIY livery in the future as this is an exempt supply. Any livery that includes services over and above DIY is almost certainly going to be standard rated, for example riding, clipping or grooming. “Attempting to retrospectively un-pick trading from additional income streams is a headache for business owners and accountants alike, so make sure you do your research before you make any drastic changes to avoid any unpleasant tax liabilities in the future!”
Set for expansion
THE Mane Event Saddlery at Pylle, Shepton Mallet run by Debbie Allen was in danger of closing last month due to some sad personal issues for Debbie. But a deal has been done to merge the business with another family firm in North Devon. Director of DP Agri Ltd, Rob Doran said: “We are delighted to be working with Debbie and Jo at the Mane Event. We are going to branch out a little into the wider rural community. It’s imperative that smaller family businesses survive and whilst we have to compete with the multinationals we are sure rural people will always support the smaller businesses that are willing to go the extra mile.” Whilst the fine print is still wet on the paper The Mane Event will become The Mane Event Saddlery and Country Store, carrying more feed and consumables as well as its range of top class equine products. Also a range of smallholding and agricultural products will be in stock as will wellies and garden implements – even plants will be available in the spring. A free delivery service is currently being arranged for local liveries and people who can’t make it to the store, and they intend to extend their horse trailer rental service to Shepton Mallet in the very near future. Rob said: “The business park full of local businesses is a bustling place to be and attracts a lot of families so expanding our range to include pets, wild birds, gardening and countryside products can only be a step in the right direction. “Our policy as a business is if it can be done it will be done and we know Debbie and her team think along the very same lines so we are confident the future is rosy for The Mane Event and we look forward to working closely with them.”
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RIDING
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RIDING
Art and education and the races
Coole Cody, ridden by Harry Cobden, on his way to victory in the Bathwick Tyres Poole maiden hurdle race. The horse is owned by Wayne Clifford, boss of Bathwick Tyres
WINCANTON Racecourse became a classroom for the day when primary school children paid a visit thanks to an educational charity. Racing to School is supported by the racing industry and encourages children to learn through the experience of a day at the races as well as visits to trainers’ yards. The latest youngsters to visit Wincanton were from Westwoodwith-Iford primary school, Bradford-on-Avon, who enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Bathwick Tyres Raceday. Westwood-with-Iford children – dressed in jockeys’ silks – watch the horses as they near the finish line
Dawson City clears the last fence to win the Bathwick Tyres Taunton handicap steeple chase
Toby and Heather Heal, of Redlynch, and Graham Gingell, of North Brewham, at the races
For information about the charity, visit: www.bhest.co.uk
Capturing their majesty
RACECOURSE artist-in-residence Martin Alford, of Shepton Mallet, sketches horses in the parade ring. Some of his work hangs in the Winning Connections suite. Also pictured is his painting of Vicente, owned by Ian Fogg of Ditcheat Thoroughbreds, which won last year’s Scottish Grand National.
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A tour along the Strawberry Line
SPORT
THE enticingly named Strawberry Line is a unique ten-mile cycle path linking the Levels at Yatton to the Mendip Hills at Cheddar. Being almost completely trafficfree it’s perfect for cycling with children and for those who want a peaceful and interesting bike ride. CYCLING The path follows part of the Cheddar with EDMUND Valley railway built in 1869. It became an LODITE important line for passengers and freight and gets its name from the delicious cargo it carried from the strawberry fields on the slopes of the Mendips, near Cheddar. The line was busy for nearly a century until it was closed in 1965. Volunteers began converting the line for walking and cycling in 1983. Today it forms a ten-mile corridor passing through varied countryside, orchards, picturesque villages and places of interest. There are three roads that need to be crossed and each has a safely positioned crossing point for cyclists and walkers. The line starts from Yatton railway station, at the aptly named Strawberry Line Café, heading out across the flat wildlife-rich Somerset Levels. Around Sandford the line runs through apple orchards supporting a long tradition of cider-making by Thatchers. Local cider can be sampled at their farm shop in the village. Not to be missed is Sandford station which has been lovingly restored to its original Victorian state, and now houses a heritage centre complete with train and carriage by the platform. It is open at weekends. At Winscombe, the old station has been turned into a village green with intact platform and original Great Western Railway seats and railings – perfect for a picnic stop. Heading towards the Mendips, the line enters a deep wooded cutting before reaching the eerie Shute Shelve Tunnel. Although the 165 metre railway tunnel has lighting along the floor it is quite dim in places, so cycle lights are recommended. At the time of writing, Bristol Water were planning some pipe-laying work in the tunnel. Work is due to start after the Easter holidays and a diversion around the tunnel will be in place for a few months. The good news is that they will also improve the lighting and path surface through the tunnel. At Axbridge the route passes through the medieval square and its picturesque buildings. After a short section of road there is a scenic path close to the reservoir before reaching Cheddar. The industrial park at the end of the cycleway occupies the space of the former station yard, with visible remains of the station buildings. From here it is a short distance into the village and the iconic Cheddar Gorge. Although there are no more strawberries along the line there is enough on offer to make this route a very enjoyable one to ride, particularly as we head towards better weather.
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Wells trumped as president visits
Peter Baines at Wells as Wells Angels took on another Somerset combination team
By Mark Adler
THE president of the Rugby Football Union spent a Saturday afternoon watching Wells in action, but the first XV failed to come up trumps. Taking a break from Six Nations action, Peter Baines – a solicitor from Hertfordshire who was educated at Wells Cathedral School – looked on as Wells lost to rival Tribute Western Counties North side Old Bristolians. Earlier, the Wells girls XV Wells Angels – augmented by players from Somerton RFC – lost to another Somerset combination side but won praise for their hard work and determination. Members of Somerset County RFU and the Somerset Rugby Referees Society were among the guests at a prematch lunch where Peter presented the club with a commemorative plaque. The main match was one of the first
where radio links between the referee and coaches from both sides were in use as part of a trial to help promote understanding about some of the on-field decisions. Referees in Somerset are amongst the first in the country to experiment with the equipment at that level of rugby. The society is also working with new
Wells Angels put on a strong display in front of a sizeable crowd
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video technology to analyse scrums, lineouts and other key areas as it works to develop refereeing skills. Barry Malpass, from the society, said: “The links have been very well received by coaches and the video technology enables us to go through key moments of a game with an individual referee or during meetings as a group.”
Peter (centre) with Wells RFC officials, members of Somerset RFU and the Somerset Referee’s Society.
Old Bristolians coach Richard Berry (left) with Barry Malpass from the referees society and some of the receivers being trialled
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Rangers hero visits Wells
Kevin Newton, owner of the Swan Hotel, Wells players Nik Healy and Luca Hiscox, Alex McLeish and Ewan Davidson
SCOTTISH football legend Alex McLeish put speculation about taking over at Rangers behind him to watch youngsters from Wells City Football Club going through their paces. The Scottish legend – on and off the pitch – was the guest of honour at a fundraising dinner for the Wells club at the Swan Hotel. He had arrived a little late at a training session for the under-18s at Wells Blue School saying only that he had been at “an appointment earlier” amid rumours that he had been interviewed for the Ibrox job, which later went to Portuguese Pedro Caixinha. McLeish spent more than four years at Ibrox and also managed Scotland. Other McLeish wearing a Wells City FC jacket jobs have included spells at Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Ewan Davidson, one of the organisers of the fundraiser, said: “We were thrilled to welcome him to Wells.”
SPORT
Mendip Golf Club open day
MENDIP Golf Club is extending a warm invitation to all aspiring, intermediate and experienced golfers to try the course and facilities at an open day on Monday May 1st. Mendip is a downland course with extensive views over seven counties and is one of Somerset’s finest. Great conditions are experienced all the year round. There will be a free coaching session with a PGA teaching professional, an opportunity to play nine holes with a member and use the practice facilities. Equipment will be provided for those without clubs of their own. A special membership opportunity will be available on the day and the opportunity to enter into a free draw to win a two-month trial membership for May and June. You can also take advantage of refreshments available from the club’s renowned caterers, Tee Time Catering. Mendip Golf Club is situated off the A37 at Gurney Slade, four miles north of Shepton Mallet. Details: www.mendipgolfclub.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Twitter
● A warm welcome is extended to all beginners and existing golfers of any age to come and sample the course and facilities at this friendly Members’ Club. ● Equipment provided if needed. ● Free sessions with the Qualified PGA Pro. ● Play 9 holes with a member on one of Somerset’s finest courses with stunning views. ● Excellent clubhouse catering available.
★ SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER ON THE DAY – NO JOINING FEE ★
Alex McLeish with the under-18s and coaches on the astroturf at Wells Blue School
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Pick up a racket and play
A TENNIS open day is taking place at Chilcompton Sports Ground in April to encourage local people to get involved in the sport, whatever their age or standard. The event, on Saturday, April 8th from 12-4pm, is entirely free. Rackets and balls will be provided and a qualified LTA coach will be on hand to offer tips and advice. Meanwhile, Wells Tennis Club will be holding its annual open day on Saturday, April 22nd. All five courts and two mini courts will be packed with free tennis-related activities from 9.30am until 2pm.
Qualified tennis coach Simon Brand will be leading the free sessions at Chilcompton
Harry’s a champion boxer
FROME College student, Harry Glover, has won the Western Counties Championship for the second year running. He started boxing at the age of nine to keep fit for his part as goalkeeper for Frome Collegians Football Team. By the age of ten, it was recognised that Harry, now 14, was good at boxing and was moved up to the 14 years and over group at Frome ABC. Harry had his first skills bout boxing for Frome as their youngest ever competitor, where he won the Sean Allen Memorial Award for the best boxing performance of the night. Harry moved to Trowbridge ABC, where in his first year, he won three out of four competitive bouts. During his second year with Trowbridge, he became Western Counties Champion and also won the gold medal in the Bristol Box Cup. The competition included clubs from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and Harry beat previously undefeated boxers in the semi-finals and the final. He was named Most Dedicated Boxer of the Year at the end of season awards night. In his third year, Harry boxed in Europe’s biggest competition with over 1,000 entries, the Monkstown International Boxing Cup, where he won the silver medal, and finished the season as Trowbridge ABC Junior Boxer of the Year. Now in his fourth year of competitive boxing, Harry was called up in January to box for Wales v Guernsey, with only two days’ notice. He flew alone for the first time to meet the Welsh squad, who he had never met before, and after only three hours from landing in Guernsey, Harry was in the ring and won his match. In February, Harry won the Western Counties Championship, boxing at 48kgs, and was due to go on to compete in the quarter final of the England Championships in Gosport. He trains twice a day, six days a week. PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
Up for the cup – Norton’s date at The Rec
Norton on their way to a 5-63 league defeat at home to promotion hopefuls Clevedon (in blue and yellow)
MIDSOMER Norton Rugby Club will face Chippenham in the final of the Bath Combination Cup in April. The first XV beat Bath University 29-19 to book a return to the Recreation Ground in Bath where they have enjoyed success in previous finals. The victory was a welcome relief from their form in the Tribute South West 1 West league – relegation was confirmed after a defeat to Chard. ● The final will be held on Wednesday, April 19th ahead of the club’s annual reunion lunch on Saturday, April 22nd. For details about the club, visit: www.midsomernortonrfc.co.uk
Promotion in their sights – Clevedon on the attack
Anyone for bowls?
LOCAL bowls clubs are gearing up for the new season by holding open days to attract new members. They say bowls is a great social game for all, regardless of age, sex or physical ability, and the clubs also offer a good social side. Winscombe has open days on Sunday April 30th and Sunday May 28th, 10am-5pm, when all are invited to try the game, with tea and coffee. Get details from their coaches Paul 01934 822240, Sheila 01934 824600 or Robin 0127 5874850 or from their website www.winscombebowlsclub.co.uk Chew Stoke Bowling Club will have an open day on Saturday May 6th, 10.30am-6pm, with raffles, stalls and cream teas, as well as a chance to try your hand at bowls. Just take flat shoes – the clubs will provide other equipment. For details contact Martyn Edmonds 01275 474729 or info@chewstokebowlingclub.co.uk
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Rebels ready for new challenge By Mark Adler
SPEEDWAY fans will see some of the country’s leading riders compete in Somerset when the season begins. The Somerset Rebels will take their place amongst the sport’s elite after joining the premiership for the first time in their history. The 2017 squad members were introduced formally to fans at the side’s pre-season practice session at the Oaktree Arena near Highbridge. Their first premiership match is away to King’s Lynn on Wednesday, April 5th before hosting Leicester on Friday, April 7th in the Knock Out Challenge. Their first home premiership match is against Poole on Friday, April 14th. And the riders and management were united to dispel fears that they might struggle against more established opposition. The Rebels won a string of trophies last season which encouraged them to take their place at the top table. Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock said: “2017 will see a new chapter started in the history of the club with Somerset competing in the top flight of British Speedway for the very first time, and it has created a new buzz about the Oaktree Arena, and I, for one, cannot wait for the season to get underway!”
Revving up: preparing one of the bikes for practice
The Rebels riders and team management
Team manager Garry May said: “We maybe needed another challenge. Give us another year and maybe we can sort this league out!” Rider Patrick Hougaard said:
“Everyone in the speedway world thinks this track is really good. If we can win our home matches, then we have a good chance of doing well in this league.”
Rebels captain Josh Grajczone (left) and number one rider Rohan Tungate take to the track
Charles Wright in action
For details visit: www.somersetrebels.co
Rebels captain Josh Grajczone MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 103
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Students’ showcase
FROME College brought the house down with their production of We Will Rock You! – combining the music of rock legends Queen and the comedy of Ben Elton. The students had worked hard for the past five months mastering the classic Queen songs led by musical director and head of expressive arts, Andi Nicholls, and complex choreography by Amy Maughan of Tri.Art Dance Academy. The show, directed by Claudia Pepler of the Merlin Theatre, attracted sell-out audiences. Alongside an incredibly talented cast, the backstage team was run by a team of Frome College students smoothly running the show.
Concert success
CHURCHILL Academy took part in two very successful concerts alongside Bristol Cathedral Choir School, Trinity Singers and BBCS Choral Society in a collaboration featuring Bach and Bernstein. Paul Harrison, from Churchill Academy, who led much of the choral work, said: “Providing opportunities like this for our students is something we strive for and I’m confident that all involved in these concerts will have benefited and grown from the experience. “We are privileged to be in a position to attract such wonderful partners for events such as these and we thank everyone that was involved.” The concerts were held at Bristol Cathedral and All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare.
Thirty years of song
CHAMBER choir Bath Camerata will be celebrating its 30th Good Friday concert in Wells Cathedral in April. Since 1987 then choir’s free performances have raised more than £40,000 for the Wells Cathedral Music Fund. This year’s concert, led by conductor Benjamin Goodson, will include Herbert Howell’s Requiem. Also featured are Schönberg’s virtuosic masterpiece Friede auf Erden (Peace on Earth), Henry Purcell’s funeral sentence Hear my Prayer O Lord, four beautiful motets by the French composer Maurice Duruflé, and music by Brahms and Nystedt. ● The concert takes place on Friday, April 14th and is supported by the Hillman Partnership. Doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 7.30pm. The concert is free of charge and there will be a retiring collection for Wells Cathedral Music.
(Photos courtesy of Chris Bailey Photography)
Music charity is a winner
FOR the second year running, Jackdaws Music Education Trust has won a prestigious Music Teacher Award for Excellence for Best Classical Music Education Initiative, this year for their large scale education project “The Year of . . .”. Jackdaws, based near Frome, retains the award, which is sponsored by Classic FM, having won the same prize in 2016 for their innovative project, OperaPLUS.
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Details: www.jackdaws.org.uk
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MUSIC
Yatton Festival of Music
YATTON Music Society celebrate their 36th annual festival of music with three concerts given by talented local musicians and singers. The festival concludes the society’s spring season and is an opportunity for local music groups and choirs to entertain an appreciative audience in the lovely ambience of St Mary’s Church, Yatton. On Saturday May 6th the West Mendip Orchestra will play the ever-popular Finlandia by Sibelius, followed by Sibelius’s violin concerto in which the soloist will be the brilliant prizewinning 16-year-old violinist Cristina Dimitrova who is currently studying at Wells Cathedral School. The concert will end with a performance of Saint-Saens Symphony No 3, the Organ Symphony, which will provide a rousing end to the evening. The West Mendip Orchestra was founded as the Winscombe Orchestra in 1974 and now has a full complement of mainly amateur musicians to play some of the most demanding orchestral music. The orchestra’s professional conductor is Philip Draisey, a young Bath-based musician who is quickly making a name for himself both as a conductor and as a counter tenor. On Wednesday May 10th David James will be presenting an evening with the Cadbury Saxophone Band and friends. Included in the programme will be an appearance by The Somertones, an award-winning male vocal group who will present a selection of popular songs and spirituals, also vocalist Jo Thorn with a mix of classic and show songs, and of course The Cadbury Saxophone Band who will play a selection of classical and popular arrangements. Cadbury Sax Band
The Somertones
On Saturday May 13th the Congresbury Singers will perform both sacred and secular items, as well as pieces by Handel. They are a mixed choir of around 45 directed by Gordon Pullin and accompanied by Liz Chappell. All concerts will be held in St Mary’s Church, Yatton, 7.30pm except the orchestra which will start at 7.45pm. Ticket prices to include all three festival concerts are £18 (£15 YMS members) and can be bought on the door or from the church office. Tickets for individual concerts are also available.
Congresbury Singers West Mendip Orchestra
Details: David Ford 01934 830255 or david.ford@yms.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017 • PAGE 105
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Band’s success
MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Silver Band were awarded third place in the third section regional qualifier at Torquay earning the band a place at the national finals of the Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at Cheltenham in September for the second year in succession. It’s a massive achievement for the band and shows how much the band has progressed. Through consistent contest performances spanning three years, the band has also earned promotion to the second section for the first time in the band’s history.
Kids dance their socks off
TEN schools performed at Weston Playhouse in Churchill Academy & Sixth Form’s primary cluster schools event – Dance Their Socks Off. Over 400 children from Banwell, Blagdon, Burrington, Churchill, Hutton, Locking, Sandford, St Andrew’s Congresbury, Winscombe and Wrington Primary schools took part, performing 19 dances, with over 1,100 seeing the shows. Months of hard work, choreographing, planning and rehearsals ensured that all were ready for their big night – a testament to the calibre of performance that Vicki Rees, dance teacher at Churchill Academy and her team do. This is one of several activities involving the local cluster schools where the academy provides support in the performing arts. Head teacher, Chris Hildrew, said: “It's so much more than an opportunity for primary children to have a go at dancing on a big stage – the level of performance and creativity was exceptionally high and I found the show by turns exciting, fun and moving. Our own students were a credit to the academy, delivering polished routines with real conviction.”
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Panto time
MUSIC
Aladdin ( Ruth Knight) and Widow Twankey ( Chris Kingdon) with the Empress (Nick Baker) and Wishee Washee ( Martin Richards) in the background.
CHEW Stoke Am Dram's panto Aladdin drew children from far and near to its doors, as well as their parents.
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Make a splash on Lake Day
WHAT’S ON
A DAY of celebrations to mark the anniversary of the opening of Clevedon Marine Lake in 1929 will be held in April. Lake Day, on Saturday, April 8th will be a water-themed event for all the family with boats for hire, canoeing, sailing and gig rowing among the features. The event – from 10am to 3pm – is being held to raise funds for Marlens, the charity that manages the lakemand continue its development. The first Lake Day was held last year to celebrate the completion of a £850,000 renovation scheme.
The second Lake Day will be held on Saturday, April 8th
Fun and games at The Bell
GAME for a laugh? The Bell Hotel in Shepton Mallet already enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality of its live music and entertainment on offer. Now landlord Micky Taft and his team at the family-run freehouse are hoping to encourage enthusiasts of traditional pub games to add to the fun atmosphere. The Bell is keen to welcome darts, skittles, shove ha’penny and pool teams who want to make the pub their home venue, with a warm welcome guaranteed. Micky said: “The Bell’s reputation is second-to-none for our live music and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights. But we are also proud of the fact that we are a traditional pub and pub games play an important part in the community round here.” ● To find out more pop into the Bell Hotel or call 01749 345393.
LIVE MUSIC FROM 9pm EVERY FRIDAY! Mar 31st: Syndicate Well-crafted rock for any occasion Apr 7th: Snake Eyes “Awesome!” “You guys played a blinder!”
Apr 14th: Zeton Spore Didgeridoo psychotrance night Apr 21st: Growler “Fantastic in every way” Apr 28th: Stoned-F “Amazing” rock and pop covers fronted by Laura
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New tours programme at cathedral
A NEW programme of pre-bookable fixed-date tours is now being offered at Wells Cathedral, with a team of expert guides, giving visitors a real insight into cathedral treasures, including its stained glass, embroideries, gothic architecture, stone carvings and unique chained library. And for those visitors with less time on their hands the cathedral’s free weekly Window and Embroidery walks run until October, taking place on most Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11.10am and 11.40am respectively.
Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit
Festival goes organic
VALLEY Fest is returning for the fourth year to its beautiful location in the Chew Valley, from August 4th-6th and this year organisers are committing to all food stalls being 100% organic. Food, music and good times feature in abundance at Valley Fest, and while delicious local produce has always been a key element of the festival, this year they are upping the game by only inviting traders who offer organic food. And in order for everyone to enjoy this without making their wallets sad, stallholders are being offered hugely discounted space so they can pass on these savings to festival goers. Luke Hasell, who runs the festival on his farm, said: “It’s important to us that organic food is not elitist. As a farmer I care deeply about the land and the provenance of food – and that’s what organic is – we want everyone to enjoy the best food along with the best music.” Festival-goers can expect the usual knees-up with an eclectic mix of barnstorming music, blistering DJ sets in the Yard, plus some gentler acoustic sets offering a more laidback vibe. There are plenty of treats to keep kids happy as well, from honing their DJ skills, to arts and craft workshops, junior discos, a carnival parade and the space to run free. They can even get to know the farm animals and the farming way of life in the Hogsnorts Farming Academy. The Community Farm, which is where Valley Fest is held, is a community-owned social enterprise, growing and selling organic food through a box delivery service. There are various ticket options for the weekend. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk
Sandford station opens for new season
SANDFORD Station Railway Heritage Centre reopens on Saturday April 1st and will then open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am – 4pm, until the end of October. It’s a rare opportunity to visit an original Bristol and Exeter/GWR station of 1869, one of the only remaining of its type to be open to the public. Visitors can see the former platform, the main, fine stone building and adjacent block house, complete with barge boards, roof and ridge tiles all of which have been transformed into a bright new authentic experience of the great railway era. There’s a fine collection of railway heritage items and interpretation boards tell its story. You can also climb aboard a 1948 Sentinel shunting engine, have a ‘cuppa’ in waggons alongside the platform or step inside a 1950s carriage. You’ll think you’re in Harry Potter land! There’s access from the Strawberry Line path at Sandford (NCN route 26) and it’s close to Thatchers Railway Inn and Cider Farm. Admission is free but donations are appreciated and refreshments are available.
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Details: www.sandfordstation.co.uk 01934 843868.
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Double celebration at film festival
Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright with film centre founder Derek Cooper and his daughter Sally
THERE will be two reasons for special celebrations at this year’s Festival of Film in Wells. Taking place from Thursday, April 26th until Sunday, April 30th, the festival will mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of Wells Film Centre and the tenth anniversary of Hot Fuzz – the comedy which, probably more than any other film – put Wells on the big screen map. Two special screenings of Hot Fuzz have sold out already, but the organisers say there is lots more on offer to tempt cinemagoers, from afternoon tea matinees to charity screenings and a live broadcast of Julius Caesar from Stratford-upon-Avon. There will also be Hot Fuzz walks, question-andanswer sessions by film industry experts and other events for all the family. Sally Cooper, proprietor of the family-run Wells Film Centre, said: “We are excited to bring you such a variety of products this year, and we hope you will find something new and interesting to enjoy over the five days which are planned to showcase exactly what we do.”
WHAT’S ON
Uptonogood on cider UPTON Noble is gearing up for its second cider launch over the Easter weekend. More than 20 villagers gathered in the apple harvest from the area last October following the success of their first Uptonogood Cider in 2016. The harvest was pressed by Millwhite’s Cider, producing 1,400 litres, and the cider is being sold by the case. Profits will go to village causes. Kav Javvi, landlord of The Three Horseshoes Inn at Batcombe, which is sponsoring the launch, said: “We are the closest pub to the village and we’re all about community, buying local and being the hub.” The cider venture is an offshoot of the village’s annual beer festival, being held in September. Organiser
Dan Hurring said: “Kav has been a fantastic supporter of our village events.” ● Anyone wanting to buy a case of Uptonogood Cider will get one bottle free. Cases cost £27.50. Details from John White, email: sales@millwhites.co.uk, or Dan Hurring, email: dan@danhurring.com
For tickets and full festival details, visit: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 31st March Starts Friday 7th April Starts Friday 21st April
EVENT CINEMA FOR APRIL
NOW SHOWING: Smurfs: Lost Village (U) 3D/2D Boss Baby (U) 3D/2D
The Lost City Of Z (15) • Power Rangers (cert tbc) Peppa Pig My First Cinema Experience (U)
Rules Don't Apply (12A) • Table 19 (12A) Tues 11th Jewels Royal Ballet 7.15 Wed 19th Coppelia Ballet 7pm Wed 26th Julius Caesar RSC 7pm
● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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So much to see at Wookey Hole
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LEADING Somerset tourist attraction Wookey Hole Caves has extended its Easter offering to fit in with varying school holiday dates in 2017. The Easter holiday is traditionally planned over a two-week period at the attraction, but this year Easter fun will be available from Saturday April 1st until Sunday April 23rd to ensure all families can enjoy the special activities. The Wookey Hole Easter Egg Hunt is back this year and will see hundreds of children turn detective to scavenge for chocolatey goodies, with over 100,000 chocolate eggs being handed out to children who complete the Easter Trail. The attraction is also launching a brand new movie Happy Family which will be shown at the 4D cinema experience which will take visitors on an epic adventure and transport them to a new dimension. There’s an explosive mix of history, mystery and fun to discover at Wookey Hole Caves with 20 indoor and outdoor attractions including the Victorian Penny Arcade, Pirate Island Adventure Golf, Wizard’s Play Castle and more. The Witch of Wookey Hole will be meeting and greeting families along with and her friend the Easter Bunny. To top all this off, families will experience the world-famous ancient caves, including tunnels and caverns opened up only last year after three tonnes of explosives and thousands of detonators were used to blast through 1,000 tonnes of rock.
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An exceptional experience
CELEBRATE the very best of Great British agriculture, entertainment, food and drink at the Royal Bath and West Show 2017! Taking place at the Bath and West Showground from Wednesday, May 31st to Saturday, June 3rd, England’s royal fourday show offers visitors an array of attractions from world class livestock competitions each day to live music and the very best of British produce. High quality competition runs through every section of the show including The British Cheese Awards, British Cider Championships, show jumping and international sheep shearing. This year’s show sees the debut of a number of new livestock classes and a new £120,000 equine area in which more than 1,000 horses will compete. The main ring plays host to a UK agricultural show exclusive: the Diggerland JCB stunt team will thrill visitors with their high octane, daredevil performances. The show is an incredibly diverse event, with something on offer for everyone, says Head of Shows, Alan Lyons: “There is the real hustle and bustle of the mornings when livestock are being primed ready for a day of showing, alongside the nail-biting competitions, followed by more relaxed and casual evenings, full of street food, music and overnight camping.” Add to that 600-plus exhibitors offering an unrivalled shopping experience with the likes of Jaguar, Volvo, Joules and Loakes Footwear offering their latest products, the show will be an exceptional experience! ● Two Children go FREE with advance adult tickets. Visit: www.bathandwest.com
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WHAT’S ON
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M e n d i p
Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.
Tuesday March 28th Bishop’s Palace, Wells needle felting workshop, 10am-3pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Wednesday March 29th Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support OrCam Technologies will be demonstrating their low vision aids at Backwell W.I. Hall, Station Road, Backwell, BS48 3QW from 1.30pm, all are welcome; there are no commitments! Details: Sheila 01275 462107. Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Wells Cathedral School String Ensemble, 1pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Thursday March 30th West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk from North Curry 9.5mi/15.2km, start 10am, park Queen’s Square. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783 07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday March 31st Mendip Society AGM Wells and Mendip Museum, 7pm, speaker Prof. Danielle Schreve of Royal Holloway University of London, leader of the current cave dig in Ebbor Gorge which promises to be the most complete fossil record in Britain. Details: 01275 874284, non-members welcome. Saturday April 1st Spectra Musica, St. Luke and St. Teresa’s Church, Wincanton All Fools’ Day concert, with musical director Peter Leech, covering a huge range of musical genres, tickets £12, starting 7.30pm. Details: 01963 350160 tickets@spectramusica.co.uk or on the door. Mendip Society Walk around Banwell, meet 2pm in free car park opposite school, a moderate five-mile walk to Banwell Hill and through Christon Wood with great views, plans are for St Andrew’s Church to be open and provide refreshments, and weather permitting the tower may also be open. Details: Pauline 01934 820745. Spring Fair at the Memorial Hall, Leigh on Mendip BA3 5QH, 11am-4pm for Friends of Leigh Church, craft stalls, tombola, lunches and refreshments. Details: Caroline Harris 01373 812889 caroline@dove5.plus.com Concert by Martin Harley and Sam Lewis, Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, 7.30pm for 8pm, £10 in aid of the village hall. Details: Alan Riley 01458 447223 alan@croxley.freeserve.co.uk Wells Cathedral Oratorio Society concert, Wells Cathedral, Belshazzar’s Feast, Walton, with Neal Davies, bass-baritone, and the Southern Sinfonia, Matthew Owens, conductor, 7pm, tickets £10-£25. Details: 01749 672773. Congresbury Singers perform the hugely popular Faure’s Requiem and Cantique to Jean Racine, 7.30pm, St. Andrew’s Church, Congresbury, light refreshments, tickets £8 from village post office or on the door. Nailsea Spring Show, Nailsea School, 12.30 – 5pm, a fantastic display of spring flowers, cookery, photography and handicrafts, with special classes for children, entertainment from Filton Concert Brass Band, refreshments, schedules from Nailsea Library and PS Travel, entry £2, children under 16 free. Sunday April 2nd Vintage Sort-Out, organised by the Sedgemoor Vintage Club, ROF 37 Club between Puriton and Woolavington, TA7 8AD. Details: Paul Baker 07785 765826. PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • APRIL 2017
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Monday April 3rd Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Nature Ninjas a days of family nature sessions in the gardens. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Wednesday April 4th Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Exeter Cathedral: A portrait in Decorative Gothic, talk by Mark Cottle, Royal Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435. Thursday April 6th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 8.2mi/13.3km from Dundry Down, OS Map Ex155 ST556669, start 10am, park in car park on Dundry Down. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Friday April 7th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday, Easter Baskets and Bonnets. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Castle Cary Choir spring concert, in aid of Christian Aid, 7.30pm, Castle Cary Methodist Church, North Street, £8, £10 on the door from Market House information point, Bailey Hill Books or from David Osborne. Details: www.castlecarychoir.org 01963 351275. Open Mic Night, Redhill Village Club, hosted by Jerry Blythe, 8pm. Details: 07900 587646. Cheddar Vale Lions story time session at Cheddar Library, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, entry is free, but please book at the library. Saturday April 8th Mendip Society walk on the Severn Coastal Path, meet 2pm by St Mary’s Church, Castle Road, Clevedon (BS21 7BY), park in Bay Road or nearby, moderate five-mile walk along the South West Coast Path before returning through woodlands and nature reserve. (Not suitable for vertigo sufferers). Details: Roger 01225 872777. Samaritans volunteer information morning, at Samaritans Centre, 137a High St, Weston-super-Mare. BS23 1HN. 10am-12 noon. Details from Gill 07507 990599. Email: samaritansrecruitmentwsm@yahoo.com. Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books. Sunday April 9th Wessex Daffodil Show, stunning examples of this favourite springtime flower fill Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD, free entrance to public, 2pm- 3.30pm, following judging. Raffle and refreshments available. St. Benedict’s Church, Glastonbury, spring afternoon concert, featuring Glastonbury Voices, St Mary's Singers, Lizzie Parsons (solo) and others, 3pm-5pm, free, refreshments available, with a retiring collection for our Grand Bechstein Piano Restoration Fund. Redhill Village Club Classic Breakfast, 9-11am, all classic vehicle enthusiasts are welcome to park up for a chat and meet like-minded people, held on the recreation field (BS40 5SG). Details: 01934 862619. Shipham Village Hall, Angel Heart Theatre (Puppets) presents ‘Malinas Dream’, 4pm, tickets £5, fundraising for Shipham Schools. Details: Tess 07919 243540 or iamtessa@hotmail.co.uk. Tuesday April 11th Congresbury Singers perform Stainer’s Crucifixion, All Saint’ Church, Long Ashton, 8pm. Clevedon Art Club Trevor Waugh “First Impressions – painting portraits in oils”, Clevedon School Sixth Form Centre, 7.30pm, £3 non-members. Details:
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www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Congresbury Over-60’s Club, Cyril Routley will give a talk entitled ‘I Only Count the Sunny Hours’ Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Wednesday April 12th – Wednesday April 19th Broadlands Academy Phoenix Keynsham Youth Theatre present their Easter Show. Details: www.phoenix-kyt.co.uk Wednesday April 12th Wells Civic Society, speaker James Heappey MP, Wells and Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. Thursday April 13th Mendip Society talk Cycling Full Circle, with roundthe-world cyclist Astrid Molyneux, St. James Church Hall, Winscombe, 2pm, visitors welcome, £3.50, members £2. Details: Richard Frost 01275 472797. West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk 4.5mi/7km from Wedmore, OS Map Ex141 ST437482, start 1.30pm, park Wedmore free car park. Details: Jill Ollis 01934 713068/07709 767907 or jill.m.ollis@gmail.com Friday April 14th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Medieval Falconry on the palace lawn; also family fun day, Bouncing Bunnies and Easter Chicks, 10.30am-3pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Friday April 14th and Saturday April 15th 1st Churchill Rainbow Guides cake sale, Murphys Fish Bar, Churchill Traffic Lights, 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 7.30pm each day. Saturday April 15th – Monday April 17th Harriet Sandys Easter Open Days, decorative items from Central Asia and India, new stock of Afghan and Persian Oriental carpets, rugs, runners and kilims, bedspreads, cushions, table lamps, tribal jewellery, indigo jackets and cotton kaftans for summer. Blooming Hill Plants there Saturday afternoon only, The Barn at the Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB, 2pm-5pm. Details: 01749 890582 www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk Saturday April 15th Mendip Society walk around Winscombe, meet 2pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD), ST 421 576, moderate about five miles through Sandford Woods hopefully to see some bluebells. Details: Mary 01934 843789. Claverham village market, village hall, 10am – noon, meats, veg. fish, Fairtrade products, cakes, cards, knitted items, jewellery, jams, pickles, bric-abrac, tea/coffee and much more, extra car parking opposite hall. Details: Jean 01934 838017. Monday, April 17th Mells Daffodil Festival. Official opening 11am with Marc Allum, from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Food and drink, street stalls, live music and entertainment for all the family. Entrance £3 (£1 children under-16). Free parking and free bus transport from Frome and Radstock. Ffi: www.mellsdaffodilfestival.co.uk Tuesday April 18th Midsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild, St John's Church Hall BA3 2HX, 2pm a talk Roman Army in Somerset, with archaeologist John Smith. Details; 01761 413528. Wednesday April 19th Henton and District Gardening Club, Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD, 7.30pm, a talk by Yvonne Bell, “Grandma’s Garden; The Edwardian Garden”, visitors welcome to this friendly club. Mendip Gardening Club, Water in the Garden, with Alan Eason, 7.30pm at Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. Thursday April 20th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 9.8mi/15.7km from Mincing Valley Lake, OS Map
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Ex114 SX941940, start 10am, park south end Valley Park (off Calthorpe Road). Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Mendip Society talk To Follow the Plough, with president Les Davies, the story of a North Somerset farming family, St. James’ church hall, Winscombe, 7.30pm. Details: Judith Tranter 01275 874284. Saturday April 22nd St Mary’s Church, Timsbury, Giant Jumble Sale, Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury, Bath BA2 0JQ, 10am to 12noon, all the usual stalls plus refreshments and a raffle, entry 30p and proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the church. Mendip Society walk around Chew Magna, meet 2pm in the car park behind The Pelly, South Parade, Chew Magna (BS40 8SL) ST576 632, easy four-mile walk with pleasant river views. Details: Richard & Denise 01275 472797. All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare, Waves of Harmony, four-part ladies’ choir with songs from the shows, 12noon-1pm, £8 inc light lunch and glass of wine. Model Railway Show featuring TRIX and HORNBY, layouts and sales also other makes, Eden Grove Methodist Church Hall, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PQ, 10am-4pm, adults £3, under 16s £1, under 12s free. Details: Dave 01934 838229. Supporters of St Peters Church (SOSP) jumble sale, 2pm, at the Strawberry Special Inn, Draycott. Taize’ and teas, Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along and enjoy singing Taize’ chants with us in our church or just relax and listen, no charge but a donation to the church is always welcome, teas, coffee and biscuits available afterwards. Details: Janet 01749 840409. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books. Jumble sale, Brent Knoll parish hall, 10.30am, entry 20p, organised by the hall committee, guides, brownies and rainbows. Details: Sandra 01278 760451. Monday April 24th Timsbury Natural History Group, 7.30pm, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, speaker to be confirmed, £3. Details: Martin Hunt, secretary 01761 433234. Green Gardeners welcome Musgrave Willow for a demonstration of willow weaving and workshop, 7.30pm in the parish rooms, Somerton, refreshments available, and visitors (£2) very welcome. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall. Tuesday April 25th – Saturday April 29th Broadlands Academy, Keynsham Light Opera Group (KLOG) present Dolly Parton’s Smash Hit Musical Comedy ‘9 to 5’ The Musical, tickets £10, £8, £5. Details: Box Office 07580 259757, email klogs@hotmail.co.uk or book online at www.klogs.co.uk Tuesday April 25th NADFAS lecture Art of the Magical Cave Churches of Cappadocia, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 10.30, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350 132. Congresbury Over-60’s Club, Chris Cudlipp will give a talk entitled ‘Colour in the Garden’, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004. Wednesday April 26th Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, Terry Merritt-Smith will present "It's Almost Like Being in Love", 1.30pm. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107.
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Thursday April 27th Sandford Station Railway Heritage Centre agm and talk Steaming Along the Strawberry Line and historic stations of Wells with film maker Andrew Linham, 7.30pm, Community Centre, Winscombe, free entry, all welcome. Friday April 28th Fashion Show at Clare Hall Nursing Home, Ston Easton. Organised by M&Co Wells branch. Starts 7pm. Tickets £10 inc. buffet. Ffi: M&Co, Wells or Clare Hall: 01761 241626. Saturday April 29th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Aardman Studio workshops, make a Morph, supporting Wells Film Festival, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm, tickets £7.50, children must be accompanied by a paying adult, from the palace shop or Wells Film Centre. All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare, From Vienna to Rome, choral music by Mozart, Constanzi and Bolis, performed by Harmonia Sacra and conducted by Peter Leech, 7.30pm, tickets on the door £12, concessions £10. Mendip Society walk, Compton Dando to Chelwood, 2pm, meet at Compton Dando Village Hall (BS39 4JZ) ST 647 647, please park considerately on the adjoining road, a moderate walk of about five miles to Chelwood, returning via Lords Wood hopefully to see some bluebells. Details: Roger 01225 872777. Trinity Singers 9th Annual Plant & Cake Sale, St Mary’s, Langford 10am - 12.30pm, St Mary's Church, Langford (next to Budgens petrol station), £1 admission including tea/coffee and biscuit, children free, stalls include books, cakes and of course plants. Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk Sunday, April 30th Festival of Dogs. Collett Park, Shepton Mallet. 10.30am-4.30pm. A free event for all the family in aid of Happy Landings animal rescue centre and the Forever Hounds Trust. Agility rings, fun dogs show, talks and stalls. Wednesday May 3rd Mendip Society special interest visit to Downside Abbey, meet 9.50am at the visitor centre, Abbey Road, Stratton-on-the-Fosse BA3 4RH, limited parking, £16pp inc buffet lunch, followed by 4/5-mile walk of the area, 1.10pm from village hall car park. Details: Kathy 01761 479110. Thursday May 4th Bristol Male Voice Choir will host a joint concert with Melbourne Welsh Male Choir in St Bonaventure's Church, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8HP, 7.30pm, tickets £10 on the door or from 0117 942 43788. Friday May 5th Redhill Village Club open mic night hosted by Jerry Blythe, unwind with an evening of live music, acoustic singer-songwriters at their very best, 8pm. Details: 07900 587646. Saturday May 6th May Fair on the Green, Winscombe Old Millennium Green, community fair, maypole dancing, magician, Avon Owls, stalls, attractions, free, all welcome, gates open 1.45pm.
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Mendip Society walk Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve, meet at 2pm at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay (BA6 9TT) ST 425 414, easy 4/5-mile walk which includes the Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve. Details: Roger 0117 962 0541. All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare Mendip Recorder Consort directed by Joyce Rudall, ‘Our favourites from the last 10 years’, tickets £8 on the door, to include a free light lunch and glass of wine, 12noon-1pm. Plant sale and open garden. In aid of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Rookery House, The Causeway, Mark TA9 4QH. 10.30am-1pm. Plants, cakes, exhibitions and activities for children. Easy parking. £2 inc. tea or coffee. Sunday May 7th Meningitis Now, Nearly New Sale, Ubley Village Hall, The Street, Ubley, BS40 6PN, 2pm-3.30pm to include good quality baby and children's clothes, equipment and toys, refreshments available. Details: Kate 01761 221444 or Sarah 01761 220063. Tuesday May 9th Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society the Historical use of Wallpapers in the British Interior, 1685 until Today, talk by Mrs Diana Lloyd, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W show ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN at 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435. Wednesday May 10th Wells Civic Society Singing Stones – Dr Julia Wood, City Archivist, and Jerry Sampson, author and buildings archaeologist share their knowledge and passion for the iconic buildings of Wells, Wells and Mendip Museum 7.30pm. Thursday May 11th Friends of St. John’s Keynsham relaunched to raise funds to help with the continued maintenance of our 750 year old building, wine, cheese with historical presentations and displays. Saturday May 13th Concert Rowberrow Church, music and readings with Old Somerset Russets Village Band, tickets £5 including tea and cake to support the village church. Details: 01934 844683. Wednesday May 17th NADFAS lecture An Open Window to the Sea – Matisse on the Cote d'Azure, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350132. Henton and District Gardening Club, Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD, 7.30pm, The Development of the Bishop’s Palace Garden 2014 to 2017, James Cross will talk on this popular visitors’ venue, visitors welcome, raffle and refreshments available. Thursday, May 18th Summer Serenade charity concert, organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Wells. Featuring The Smithy Singers, Flute Allsorts and students of the South West Music school. 7.30pm, Wells and Mendip Museum. In aid of The Lawrence Centre and Life Education Wessex. Tickets £10. Ffi: 01761 233982
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR JANUARY Across: 1/5/30 Old head on young shoulders, 8 Figure out, 10 Sidle, 11 Heal, 13 Asymmetric, 15 Register, 16 Edits, 19 Babes, 20 Caryatid, 23 Laid eyes on, 24 Adze, 26 Octet, 27 Alexandra, 29 Runes. Down: 1 Offshore, 2 Dig, 3 Euro, 4 No time, 6 Understated, 7 Greece, 9 Oyster, 12 Afghanistan, 14 Usherettes, 17 Galore, 18 Edgeways, 21/5 All our yesterdays, 22 Petals, 25 Bail, 28 Doe.
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Easter at Haynes
WHAT’S ON
THE Haynes International Motor Museum is always a great place for the whole family to visit and this Easter there’s even more to do! For the youngsters between April 1st and the 17th they are offering an Easter Bunny Trail around the whole museum with a tasty Easter treat at the end. Also from the 14th to the 17th April there is the now famous Motorland Easter Egg Hunt with Bentley the Bunny, which runs in the morning and afternoon. Both of these activities are offered at no extra cost over the normal admissions price. South West Karting at Haynes have the go-kart circuit set up for all over Easter and mums and dads can watch or have a go too. With more than 15 other stunning exhibitions, delicious meals and snacks available from Café 750 it really is the must-do trip this Easter. Details: www.himm.co.uk
Palace wins top award
IT’S official – The Bishop’s Palace in Wells is one of the country’s top attractions. It’s been awarded a Gold accolade by VisitEngland, the official tourist board for England. Rosie Martin, chief executive at the palace said: “I am thrilled to accept this accolade on behalf of all the team here at the palace. It really is a testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers and it also reflects strongly on the developments we have made in ensuring that our visitors are at the heart of all that we do.” Other attractions to receive a Gold accolade included Blenheim Palace, Highgrove, The Tower of London, the Emirates Stadium and the Roman Baths in Bath.
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