Mendip Times
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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 12
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Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
MAY 2016
IN THIS ISSUE: SHOW PREVIEWS • FOCUS ON WEDDINGS • HISTORY • CAVING • WILDLIFE • WHAT’S ON Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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CONTENTS
Welcome
IN sport this month we cover motocross, cycling, sailing, rugby, soccer, riding and the opening of a new trim trail in Street, while Sue Gearing takes us on a walk around Burcott, showing what an active lot we are on Mendip. We have picture specials from Mendip Farmers’ point-to-point, the West Country Game Fair and Mells Daffodil Festival and preview various events and shows that are coming up. One of these, the Pylle Pageant, celebrating the opening and closure of the railway through the village, promises to be a very colourful affair, while the revamped Royal Bath and West Show looks like being something special. We meet a film-maker with one big objective – to help save the planet – and return to see the progress made by Motivation, a charity that supplies wheelchairs to the third world. We also hear how picturesque St. Margaret’s Church in Babington has been restored. June MacFarlane makes a cake fit for the Queen’s birthday and we’ve further news on Betty, the hen that’s turned into a cockerel. We’ve ten pages devoted to charities and community news, as well as dozens of free what’s on listings. With all of our usual features and contributors, plus a weddings guide, welcome to another slice of Mendip life. June 2016 deadline: Friday, 13th May 2016. Published: Tuesday, 24th May 2016. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888 or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Remi the spaniel at the West of England Game Fair. See page 108. Photograph by Mark Adler.
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Leading the way – 40 years of rambling
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Mells Belles – dancers add sunshine to Daffodil Day
Stepping back in time – pageant plans in Pylle
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106
Not hanging around – motocross thrills at Asham
Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Arts & Antiques ...........................20 Food & Drink...............................30 Internet and Crossword..............38 Business ........................................40 Music.............................................45 Charities .......................................50 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing....................58
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......62 Education......................................72 Caving Phil Hendy........................80 Property........................................83 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............86 Homes and Interiors....................92 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ....99 Sport............................................102 What’s On...................................110 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 3
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C L E A N I N G • R E S TO R AT I O N • VA L U AT I O N
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A mountain of a table
NEWS
Boom, booming marvellous
Derek Fowlds (left) admires the new raised beds
CHRIS and Lynne Vowles had to call for help when asked to move the table in their hallway – it took about a dozen people to shift it. But this is no ordinary table – it’s a single slice of an enormous oak tree, with bark edging, which sits on a frame of tree trunks. It’s been a fixture at their home, Freemans Farm, on the Barrow Court Estate, since the tree was cut down on the nearby Tyntesfield Estate in Victorian times. There’s a similar table in the hunting lodge at Tyntesfield itself. Chris, whose family have had the arable farm since 1923, said: “It had never been moved, how could you?” But when a producer asked to film at their Queen Anne farmhouse, the table had to go. Chris and Lynne, who have raised three children at the farm, also had to move out to a caravan for six weeks. Chris said: “It’s survived alright under a tarpaulin in the garden and is now safely back in place. But I don’t think we’ll be moving it again.” Details of the film are currently a secret, but it should be in cinemas next year. Part of the removal team
ACTOR and television presenter Derek Fowlds – of Basil Brush, Heartbeat and Yes, Minister fame – was the guest of honour at the unveiling of new raised flower and herb beds at Dorothy House Hospice Care’s garden in Winsley. The beds are the gift of the Dorothy House allotment group – a green-fingered bunch of patients, carers and relatives led by volunteer Gerry Ford. The herb bed is part of the “Plot to Plate” project and the herbs produced will be used in meals made for patients at the hospice, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. G More private gardens than ever will be open this summer in aid of the hospice.
Prize winners
THESE are the winners of Banwell Gardening Club's spring show. Club president, John Bawden, said it had been another successful year.
Business donation
MEMBERS of the Riverside Business Club in Cheddar have presented a cheque for £400 to Weston Hospicecare. Landlord Huw Davies is pictured with the charity's director of fundraising Alison Sopp.
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Stepping back in time
Mrs Womble leads the way
The Ramblers gather at the Bishop’s Barn for the start of the 40th anniversary walk
MEMBERS of Mendip Ramblers turned back the clock to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the group’s formation by recreating their first-ever walk. They set off from the Bishop’s Barn in Wells to walk to Croscombe and Dinder before returning to the city – unlike the first event, when it rained and the paths were muddy – the celebration took place in bright sunshine and dry conditions underfoot. Amongst the walkers was Rose Docherty, whose husband Jim was one of the founders of the Mendip group. Rose also went on the first walk as well and said: “The group began at a time when the Ramblers Association was trying to raise its profile. Jim went to the inaugural meeting of the Mendip group and it started from there.”
Setting off across Palace Fields for Dinder
New face at trust reserves
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has appointed its first visitor management officer. Olivia Dullaghan will be out and about this spring and summer across its nature reserves in the Avalon Marshes and Cheddar area, helping visitors with any questions they might have. Olivia will mainly be on site at weekends and other busy times. She will also be running a programme of activities at a number of reserves for individuals and families. Martin Stanley, one of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s trustees, has funded the role.
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Shirley Edwards and her granddaughter Chloe (left) with other volunteers
RESIDENTS of Stanton Drew came together to tidy the village in time for the Queen’s 90th birthday. Organiser Shirley Edwards is known as Mrs Womble because of her efforts to keep the village and its public footpaths litter-free.
Something for nothing
WEDMORE’S 16th Freecycle Day was another roaring success. The weather was fine, the car park full and everyone was happily giving away all their unwanted stuff. As the years go by there seems no lack of things in Wedmore’s attics and sheds that finds its way to their annual Freecycle Day. Some people turned up and gave away there things so quickly they drove off again in ten minutes. Organiser, Steve Mewes, said: “Hopefully this event helps instil in the community not only the need to re-use things but also not to throw something away just because you feel it is broken beyond repair or now unwanted. “Re-using or freecycling is much much kinder on the environment than simply throwing things away. And the beauty of this event is that is so simple to arrange and run. So I hope other villages have a go.”
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Man with a mission – to help save the planet
ENVIRONMENT
By Steve Egginton
WILDLIFE cameraman and producer Richard Brock is about to launch a collection of 50 films from around the world showing nature’s “Winners and Losers” in their fight against climate change and other environmental challenges. “It shows how to turn losers into winners,” he says. For 15 years he’s risked the wrath of governments and big corporations to make films showing how man’s activities are harming nature and he’s updated these for the new series. He’s used his BBC pension to make them – he was formerly Sir David Attenborough’s producer on landmark series like Life on Earth and The Living Planet. Richard said: “We’ve been celebrating nature by bringing its wonders to the TV screen all over the world. Now that world is changing, faster and faster, and nature needs help. “Films can do that, at a local level, be it with decision-makers in the government or in the village.” From the impact of flower farms in
Kenya to the battle to save the world’s rarest wild bird, a parrot, the films span the globe. But it isn’t all bad news. Locally he’s filmed one of Britain’s rarest mammals, water voles, in Cheddar Gorge, which have been saved by the eradication of mink. Across Europe he says wolves have now returned to 26 countries from Portugal to Russia. He said: “When we filmed in Sweden there was only one female wolf left. A man shot her so her pups starved. Wolves have recovered in Sweden but are now heading towards Stockholm, which has alarmed farmers worried about losing their livestock and valuable hunting dogs. “What the government is doing is providing farmers with fencing and special guard dogs so a certain number of wolves can be tolerated. We can live alongside nature.” He’s recently been filming the decline of a beautiful seabird, the fulmar, in Cornwall, caused by plastics getting into
Details: www.brockinitiative.org
the food chain. He said: “A blob of toothpaste may contain thousands of microbeads, which are used to improve the texture of toothpaste and cosmetics. What goes down our loo can ultimately affect life in the ocean and around the world.” Richard, from Chew Magna, is currently editing the films with Gareth Trezise from Clutton and has already had an approach from the USA to distribute them on their educational network. There will be short trailers on YouTube, with the films available online or as DVDs. Richard said: “With every film there’s an intention to show how you can turn a loser into a winner. We also want to inspire younger people to think about making films like this. With modern technology anyone can make them. “The more there are and the more we embarrass the authorities and major corporations the more chance we have of beating the ‘big boys’. This is my contribution to the living planet and its precarious future.”
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 7
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Photo contest celebrates hedges
ENTRIES have opened for a biennial competition which celebrates the hedgerows and landscapes of Somerset. Organised by the Somerset Hedge Group, which campaigns for the preservation of hedgerows, the competition has been held since An entry in the 2014 competition: Autumn landscape on 2008. The Somerset Mendip by Sandra Howe Hedge Group was formed in 1997 to co-ordinate the efforts of individuals and organisations who are concerned about hedgerows in the old county area of Somerset. With sponsorship from CPRE, the Blackdown Hills and Mendip Hills AONBs and Marshall Agroecology Ltd, the competition is separated into two classes: Open and Junior (under 15). The competition is open to amateur photographers with a maximum of three entries per person. Digital images only. The closing date for entries is Saturday, October 1st. Winners will receive their prizes at a presentation evening in November.
M E N D I P
W E A T H E R
S C E N E
For an entry form and competition rules, visit: www.somersethedgegroup.org.uk
May the joy of the month be with you
I HAVE written about the joys of May in the past, but there is so much you can say about the month, from a weather with DAVID point of view at MAINE least. The April showers came right on cue and we had all felt the impact of Storm Katie a few days earlier to a degree, but by the time we get to May a subtle change is taking place. We are still in spring, of course, but it is the last of such months, meteorogically speaking. The sun is higher in the sky now so, although we can still get cold nights, usually by breakfast time it is warming up nicely (as I'm sure Mary Payne will agree, any young, tender plants will still need protecting overnight, of course), but you can usually remove the covers later to give
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them the benefit of warm sunshine. The change to which I refer comes from the fact the Arctic is warming up quickly by this time in the year (don’t forget there are longer hours of sunshine up there than down here, by now), so the temperature contrast between the polar regions and the subtropics is less than in the winter months, meaning Atlantic depressions are not so deep with winds generally lighter. A delightful month as I have said, so enjoy. Two Bank Holidays as well!
Stormy encounter: Wells RFC and Clevedon RFC battle it out at the height of Storm Katie
ENVIRONMENT
Help save Somerset’s birds
SOMERSET Ornithological Society are asking the public to help investigate the abundance and distribution of two wellknown but declining birds seen throughout Somerset – the kingfisher and little owl. Following on from findings of its Somerset Bird Atlas of breeding and wintering birds 2007–12, the survey aims to build a detailed picture from target and casual observational records into possible causes for decline, including climatic effects, habitat degradation and food resource depletion across the county. Members of the public are encouraged to submit records through the Somerset Ornithological Society website http://somersetbirding.org.uk/surveys or by simply emailing casual sightings to: sos.surveys@somersetbirding.org.uk Recording forms can also be collected at a range of participating nature reserves across the county and submitted either online or within hides and visitor centres. Whilst out and about the society is also keen to receive records of other Somerset species of conservation concern, including yellowhammer, spotted flycatcher, cuckoo and wood warbler. Society committee member, Simon Breeze, said: “We are very fortunate in Somerset to host a wonderful range of bird life throughout our varied countryside. However sadly some species are faring better than others. “In an attempt to understand a fraction of some of these declines we have chosen to focus a survey on two species that are fairly straight-forward to identify and are accessible across the county, allowing a wide ranging contribution from general birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, school children and members of the public.” The society shall be working in partnership with a range of wildlife organisations across the county including the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the National Trust and aims to hold a number of events to promote the survey throughout the spring and summer. It is hoped that information gained of species abundance and habitat change will allow the society to work in partnership with wildlife organisations and landowners to promote suitable habitat management and improvements to allow these birds to thrive long into the future.
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Going Dutch – and farming for youngsters
MY husband and I were lucky enough to have a week in Holland a couple of weeks ago. Typically, as farmers are wont to do, we studied the farms from the coach window and gleaned some interesting facts from the guides. The majority of Holland is flat, crissWith MARY crossed by water channels (we call them JAMES MBE rhynes), with willow trees growing alongside. The farms appear as if they were zoned. Farmhouses and buildings are very close together endeavouring to give some shelter from the wind and snow with the land being in convenient blocks of varying acreages. No winding lanes to negotiate, no hedges to maintain but they do have to keep their channels clear themselves. There are a few working windmills left but they are grinding corn rather than pumping water. Modern engines have taken over pumping water back to the main channels. According to one guide if the pumps ceased it would not take long before 40% of the country would be flooded. The Dutch are exceptional engineers – no wonder they were called on when the Somerset Levels flooded a couple of years ago. Back at home we found the government’s booklet discussing staying in the EU on our doorstep. I was disappointed to see no mention of agriculture. We need the truth from these MPs and we need it soon. Farming is on its knees at the moment with every sector suffering apart from organic. I look forward
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to a meeting with our MP here in North Somerset. On a brighter note the Field to Food education day at the Royal Bath and West Showground was a great success (see page ??). Some 1,000 children from local schools were able to see cows being milked, sheep being shorn, sows and pigs, ewes and lambs, beef cattle, a life-like model of a Friesian cow to milk supplied by Farmlink, along with demonstrations of butchery, spinning and weaving, plus some huge machinery. There were many poignant moments as the children asked questions. One little girl cried when she saw a sheep being shorn but was reassured when it was explained that it was not cruel. A sheep gets hot in the spring with its big coat on so it has to come off. A big thank you to all the stewards – you will be needed again, there is to be another education day next year. Meanwhile I was due to be with the Chew Moos family for at least one day between April 21st – 24th, as they took two Guernsey cows into the heart of Bristol. More about that next month. Also my husband and I steward the Guernsey classes at North Somerset Show and we will be stewarding at the Royal Bath and West Show June 1st – 4th. Don’t forget to buy your tickets online where they are cheaper right up to the day before the show opens. Come and see the new set up at the show and you may even bump into Michael Eavis who is president this year.
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Chairman looks forward to North Somerset Show
GEORGE Atwell is looking forward to his first show as chairman of the North Somerset Agricultural Society, having taken over the three-year role from Ed Simmons last November. The North Somerset Show on the society’s site at Wraxall on May 2nd promises to be a great family day out, as well as being a showcase for local farming, food and handicrafts. The society has invested in a new building, which will host its first sheep shearing competition, which has attracted competitors from across the South West and Wales. Heavy horses will be in harness for the first time at the show and Somerset Farmers’ Markets will have their own display area. Tractor pulling, tug o’ war, show jumping, the food hall and other regular attractions will all be on offer and there’s a very healthy number of livestock entries. George said: “The new building is quite an investment for a one-day show, but I think we have to have new attractions to keep it new and fresh. We are expecting big numbers again, so it’s great to see such support from the public, given some of the problems that farming has.” His own family, based at Claverham Court Farm, Lower Claverham, gave up dairy in 2000 and now have 800 breeding ewes and 350 cattle. George lives close to his parents John and Betty with his wife Rachel and daughter Ellen, who is four in July. He is also in partnership with his cousin William running Grove Farm nearby. He went to school in Claverham and Backwell, before going to Brymore, at Cannington at the age of 13 and has spent his life in farming, recently diversifying to open the Bristol View Glamping site at Dundry. He said: “Being society chairman is not something I ever thought I would be doing. It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to take over.” Last month we ran a competition to offer three pairs of family tickets to this year's show. For competition winners, see page 114.
Show sponsors thanked
LADY Caroline Waldegrave, the new president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, attended her first official engagement when she met current and potential sponsors of this year’s MidSomerset Show. Lady Caroline and her husband, Lord William Waldegrave, were the guests of honour at the social event, held at the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Stoke St. Michael. This year’s show takes place on Sunday, August 21st.
Young farmers put on a good show
FARMING
WEDMORE YFC’s 82nd annual show was as busy as ever, showcasing the broad range of skills of the club’s members. As well as livestock there were competitions for handicrafts, art, photography, cooking, floristry – and more. The main prize-winners were: The ER Nicholl’s Cup presented to the most helpful member during 2015-2016 Fay Nicholls The Doris Burrough’s Cup presented to the most enthusiastic senior participant in club and area Fay Nicholls The Doris Burrough’s Cup presented to the most enthusiastic junior participant in club and area Hannah Lukins Handicraft Cup (Junior) Hannah Lukins Handicraft Cup (Senior) Claire Willcox Best All-Round Member (Junior) Archie Hill Best All-Round Member (Senior) Claire Willcox Overall – Best All-Round Member 2016 Archie Hill
Guests and show organisers at the sponsors’ evening
Anyone interested in becoming a Mid-Someret Show sponsor should contact: secretary@midsomersetshow.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 11
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operatives are fully (NPTC) qualified. They work to the highest standards and are insured for all activities (with liability insurance of £5m). Their work takes them all over the South West of England involving tree and arboriculture services, landscape maintenance, installation and repairs of fencing to supplying logs and firewood. Dan, who is NPTC qualified, lives and works in the rural farming
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Dan Berry, Holm Farm, Rectory Way, Lympsham, W-s-M BS24 0EN. Tel 01934 751063 or 07827 328874 PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Agricultural engineers call it a day UPHILL and Son Ltd has closed, ending seven generations of service to Mendip’s agricultural community. In a letter to its 1,100 customers and suppliers, the company, based at Nedge, near Chewton Mendip announced the transfer of its JCB franchise and most of its 15 staff to Smart Agri in Cheddar. Some of the staff had been with Uphills The old forge around 1938
since leaving school. In the letter Rob Uphill (pictured with his wife Jane) said: “This has obviously been a difficult decision to make, but due to the current challenging economic climate and as we have no natural succession to pass the business onto, we feel that this is the right time for us to move on and pursue other interests.” He’s traced the family back to 1760, as blacksmiths and farriers. Rob, who ran the business with his wife Jane, said: “The old forge is still next door. Grandfather started making machinery before the war and started selling tractors, Fordsons and Allis Chalmers, in the 1930s.” Rob took over the business from his father, Royston, in 1987, and continued the company’s tradition of supporting the local community and local shows. He said: “There were once 28 farms in Chewton Mendip and now there are two. We had a reputation that if you brought anything to us, we could fix it. Times have changed and you can’t live on sentiment.”
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FARMING
Blagdon Show around 1960
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 13
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Tradition with a twist – that’s The Royal Bath and West Show A NEW layout, new features and new attractions – this year’s Royal Bath and West Show promises to surprise, educate and entertain regular visitors and first-timers alike. But beneath the 21st Century twist, the Royal Bath and West is still firmly based on its traditions of celebrating agriculture and the countryside. Organisers of this year’s show – from Wednesday, June 1st to Saturday, June 4th – are, in fact, calling it a Great British festival of agriculture, entertainment and food and drink. A new food Society president Michael Eavis with society and drink area chief executive Rupert Cox
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will feature a giant marquee capable of seating 250 people with live entertainment sourced by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, the current president of the Royal Bath and West of England Society. The live entertainment will continue into the early evening with organisers hoping that families will make the most of their day at the show. Alongside, the British Cheese Awards and the British Cider Championships will showcase some of the UK’s finest producers. Some of the UK’s finest livestock will also be on show, which will host the prestigious Texel sheep competition, and there will be an additional grand parade of livestock on the Saturday. Alan Lyons, Head of Shows, said: “We decided to take the show by the scruff of its neck. We want people to enjoy a longer day at the show.” Michael Eavis, who attended his first Bath and West Show in Exeter in 1946 – it was only in the 1960s that the society made Shepton Mallet its permanent home – said: “I guess I am most excited by the live music – but that’s because I am a bit selfcentred!” The new-look show comes at a time when the showground itself is undergoing change, with £500,000 being spent on the infrastructure and a new school being built to the north east of the showground. Due to open in September, it will cater for 150 children with special educational needs. Last month we ran a competition to offer five pairs of tickets to this year's show. For competition winners, see page 114.
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2016
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 15
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Think pink and help charity
IT could be described as a farming version of synchronised swimming, but one of the attractions in the Main Ring at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show will certainly entertain spectators. Show staff Josie Weller (left) and Rachel Experts Hann with one of the pink bales will show off their driving skills with a demonstration of baling techniques set to music. The bales will be covered in bright pink wrapping to promote the charity Breast Cancer Now with volunteers collecting cash from the audience Organisers hope Bale it in Pink will also highlight one of the lesser-appreciated farming skills.
Wishing every success to the Royal Bath & West Show 2016
Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Nicko Robertson on duty in the parade ring at this year’s Mendip Farmers’ Point-to-Point meeting
THE summer months are busy ones for horse vets, not least The Stables Equine Practice, who are as usual, the official horse vets for the Royal Bath and West Show. The practice, which is now based in its purpose-built clinic just outside Wells, in Wookey, was temporarily based on the showground for nine years. Partner Nicko Robertson said: “I took on the role of equine vet for the show before the practice actually moved onto the site. “Being asked was a great honour as the show has always featured highly in local life and I have happy memories: as children, we would always spend the Whitsun half-term at the Bath and West.” Since the clinic opened, many horses now travel to the vets for a greater range of investigations and treatments but the practice still has state-of-the-art mobile equipment for use "on the road” including at the show, if required. The Bath and West show is just one of the duties undertaken by vets from the practice, in addition to their core work. Tim Randle will be heading to Badminton, Bramham, Burghley and Blenheim and will be the Chief Vet in Rio at the Olympic Games in August. Other duties include Bath and Chepstow races, local point-to-point meetings, British eventing and Pony Club events.
Supporting British farmers
Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts
Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI)
An honour to help
FOOD manufacture and butcher Jon Thorner’s Ltd will be using English free-range chicken in all varieties of their own made chicken pies, which includes the recent Bronze British Pie Award winner Chicken & Pesto. The chicken will be supplied by Castlemead, a poultry farm based in Radstock. The company uses British chicken as a minimum standard throughout their production and wholesale business, but an opportunity arose to work with a local free range poultry producer for the filling of their pies. It says the move has been made to continue their support for British farming and quality produce with provenance for consumers. Jon Thorner’s already use accredited West Country beef and award-winning pork from Packington Free Range, which they use to supply wholesale and retail contracts across the South West of England, as well as high-end online retailer Ocado.
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2016
ELECTRIC MOTORS Let Somer 2000 Ltd sort all your electric motor problems. We can repair a wide range of electric motors and we can supply a range of new motors if required. We also stock a range of bearings and capacitors for direct sale.
ELECTRIC MOTOR REWINDS We specialise in rewinds of both single and three phase electric motors, with our in-house staff offering quality rewinds at comple ve rates.. Transformer Design and Manufacturing Electric Motor Supply and Repairs Electrical Contrac ng Intruder and Fire Alarm Systems
Unit 26, Midsomer Enterprise Park, Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 2BB. Tel: 01761 412727 E-mail: bob@somer2000.co.uk • www.somer2000.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 17
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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2016
Old Mill sponsor food village
OLD Mill say they are delighted to be sponsoring the outside food stand area in the new food village at the Royal Bath and West show this year. They say the food village is a really exciting development and focuses on one of the great strengths of our region. “It is particularly fitting for Old Mill to sponsor as earlier this year we set up our new Food and Drink team with seven specialist accountants focusing on the needs of our existing food clients and looking to talk to more,” a spokesman said. Old Mill will again have their marquee overlooking the main ring and clients, businesses and private individuals are welcome to talk to their advisers throughout the show.
Windyridge Cheese debut
CHEESE “alchemists” Windyridge will be unveiling their latest innovative flavour fusions at the Bath and West Show. The West Country-based master blenders are celebrating the taste of summer with three new product launches which are set to excite palates this alfresco season. Melvin Glynn, managing director, said: “We are an awardwinning family run business and have been very hands on bringing these products to market so we are excited to see first-hand what response they get from visitors to the show, as this is the first time the public will be able to try them.” See advertisement P115.
PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Artists aim to inspire
CRAFTSPEOPLE showed off their talents with a series of demonstrations in Wells which aimed to inspire people to take up a new challenge. Members of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen transformed their gallery off Broad Street into a hive of activity. A similar event was held at the Black Swan Arts Centre in Frome; both events coincided with a BBC Arts initiative called Get Creative. Letter cutter David Brown at work in the newly-opened extension to the Somerset Guild gallery in Wells
Sue Burne, chairman of the Guild of Glass Engravers, working on an ocean-themed piece. Sue, of Chilton Polden, originally took up engraving as a hobby. A large example of her work can be seen on the balcony screen in the church at Charlton Adam
Kat e R att ray mosaics (silver award 2014)
Sue Bur ne glass engraving (finalist 2016)
During the month of May in the Guild Gallery in Wells, we will be hosting a mosaic workshop run by K at e Ra t t ray and a demonstration of glass engraving by Su e B ur n e. K ATE A ND S UE HAV E BO TH B EE N I NV O LV E D IN THE NATI O NAL CRA FT & D E SI G N AWA RD S AND THE IR WOR K WI LL BE O N D IS PL AY I N THE GA L LE RY.
23A Bro ad St re et, Wells BA 5 2DJ 01749 671112 www.s o mers etg uild . co .u k PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Kate Rattray, who lives near Wells, at work on a new mosaic. Kate is among a number of artists working on a series of mosaics which will be shown later in the year in Athens, Mykonos and London as part of an Anglo-Greek project: www.mosaic-odysseys.weebly.com
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Mendip hails success at its new salerooms MENDIP Auction Rooms’ first sale at its new salerooms was a great success, with fantastic attendance in the room and over 300 online bidders. The new additional car parking together with The Lookout Café provided bidders with a comfortable spot to relax with a coffee and delicious slice of cake while waiting for their lots. Silver and jewellery sold very well in a competitive market, and a good collection of full and half sovereigns also sold to advantage. However, the stars of the auction were two early 20th century carved ivory netsuke; with four telephone lines booked it eventually sold to an online buyer for a hammer price of £3,200, well above its £40 to £60 estimate. A selection of other oriental lots had a very good day also, including a 20th century carved hardstone figure of a scholar selling for £1,100 and a collection of Japanese Kobe toys. A set of five Kandya stools sold for £460 exceeding its £80 to £120 estimate by quite a margin, proving that the mid20th century market is still going strong. Other furniture selling well in a difficult market were a 19th century Boulle serpentine fronted pier cabinet selling for £280, a Victorian mahogany bookcase selling for £260 and a constant favourite at the moment, a leather wing-back armchair selling for £320 with much competitive bidding. The selection of lots for the May Antiques and Collectables
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
on May 7th is already interesting and varied, including a baby grand piano and a late 19th century Satsuma style Japanese earthenware vase, amongst other items. Entries are being sought for future sales and the valuers conduct valuation days every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or will be content to undertake a free home visit.
The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or log onto www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 21
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Cathedral exhibition
SUSANNAH Garland is a local artist and sculptor. Her watercolours are well known both here and in France. Her prints and greetings cards of Wells are sold locally and she has also painted for National Trust properties throughout Somerset and Dorset, the work being available in their shops. Susannah has exhibited in London, East Sussex, Somerset, Dorset and France and her sculptures have been shown in Bristol. She spent three years in France and during that time staged five exhibitions, with her work being sold in tourist offices, hotels, and shops. She returns each year. She is holding an exhibition in the south cloister of Wells Cathedral from Saturday May 7th until Saturday May 14th, and will include paintings of Wells and of the cathedral. The hours are 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11pm until 5pm on Sunday. Details: susannah.garland@gmail.com
Susannah Garland Artist and Sculptor
WANTED – VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE
New work on display
CHURCH House Designs is one of six venues in Congresbury opening their garden as part of an NGS Open Gardens event on Sunday June 12th, 10.30am- 4.30pm. The gallery will be open during this event and will feature an exhibition of bronze sculptures by Philip Hearsey. Philip’s sculptures are domestic in scale and intended for the home or office. Each piece is individually cast and finished with its own unique pattern. Church House is also very pleased to be showing new flower paintings by Richard Suckling, which he has specially created for the exhibition. For the first time the gallery are introducing work by local wildlife photographer Rupert Dean who specialises in exotic images from his travels across the world. Garden pots by John Huggins will be on display and can be purchased on the day and for the duration of the exhibition. The exhibition continues until July 2nd, Wednesday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Details: 01934 833660
MENDIP VALLEY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES We BUY and SELL antiques and collectables
Susannah is available to undertake commissions • Houses • Pets • Portraits
Website: www.susannahgarland.co.uk Email: susannah.garland@gmail.com Tel: 01458 850385
HARDY, ALLCOCKS ETC. Also BRASS & WOOD REELS EARLY LURES & BAITS, RODS ANGLING BOOKS TAXIDERMY CASED & MOUNTED FISH
01934 625810
Due to overwhelming support and demand we are looking to extend the shop to provide a wider range of choice. Monday Closed • All other days 10.30am til 4pm New Manor Farm Shop, Widcombe BS40 6HW Contact: sparkes.contracting@yahoo.co.uk 01761 221001 • 07966 387252 • Please visit our website: mendipvalleyantiquesandcollectables.co.uk
Church House Designs NGS Open Garden and Exhibition
Sunday 12th June 10.30am-4.30pm Bronze Sculptures by Philip Hearsey • Paintings by Richard Suckling • Garden Pots by John Huggins Photography by Rupert Dean • Exhibition continues until 2nd July
Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm Saturday 10am-2pm (or by appointment) Broad Street, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5DG • Telephone 01934 833660 www.churchhousedesigns.co.uk PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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A busy year for Tamlyns THE team at Tamlyns’ Auction Rooms, based in Bridgwater, are being kept busy with this year’s full calendar of sales. Their latest Book and Map sale, held on March 17th, saw some fantastic prices, one of which being for a John Speed map of the County of Somersetshire. Speed is known as England’s most famous map maker, whose works even to this day are highly sought after. Offered for auction at Tamlyns having been consigned during a specialist book and map valuation day, the map sold above the top estimate after strong competition for £220. Two books by William Gilpin, an 18th century author who travelled during the summer holidays during the late 1660s and 1670s committing his thoughts and sketches to notebook, sold for £100. The two books focused on Gilpin’s Observations on the Western Parts of England and on Remarks on Forest Scenery and other Woodland views with views illustrated by the New Forest in Hampshire.
In the children’s section, a two-volume set of Louisa Alcott’s Little Women, published in 1869, a later impression of the first edition, sold for £250 after strong bidding online. Also in the children’s section, a mixed set of children’s books consigned by a local vendor, sold above expectation for £750. A large quantity of railway books, consigned by a railway enthusiast, generated huge interest both online and in the saleroom. Tamlyns’ latest Monthly Mixed Antiques auction on April 6th proved equally successful. The monthly auctions took on a new format at the beginning of 2016 and have proved very popular. Prices achieved in the furniture section included a late 18th century/early 19th century oak dresser £300; an oak kneehole desk £230; and a Rococo-style wall mirror £220. In the jewellery and silver section, a collection of gold including a 9ct signet ring realised £200 and a pair of gadrooned silver salts £130. Keeping the team busy, May will also
Contact the auctioneers on 01278 445251.
ARTS AND ANTIQUES
see a visit from BBC’s Flog it! Their valuation day will be held at Crowcombe Court on Thursday May 12th, with items being sold by Tamlyns on Wednesday June 1st. The cameras always bring an extra buzz to the saleroom, so the team expect a good crowd. The date for accepting entries – via Tamlyns – to be consigned to that auction will be on Friday May 20th. Entries are now being invited for their next monthly and specialist sales. Specialists are available at the Bridgwater saleroom to give free valuations every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and house visits for large collections can be arranged.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 23
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High street goes retro
GLASTONBURY High Street will once again host the Great Glastonbury Brocante Fair on Sunday, June 12th. Before then, on Sunday, May 8th, organisers will stage a similar event in the Market Square in Wells.
Spring exhibition
Details: 07950 106943
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
THE Cam Valley Arts Trail group will be holding its spring exhibition and sale, from 11am until 5pm, on Saturday April 30th at Conygre Hall in Timsbury.
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
King of Sweden takes the reins at Clevedon Salesrooms CLEVEDON Salerooms next Quarterly Specialist Sale on June 2nd will have a regal air as it includes this fine continental silver model of King Gustavus Adolphus II of Sweden. Gustavus ascended to the throne at just 17, yet in a short space of time earned the moniker The Lion of the North. He reigned from 1611-1632 and this figure from the late 19th century commemorates his achievements. The figure stands 41cm high and weighs 87oz and will be estimated at £6,000 – £8,000. If you have items you may be thinking of selling why not attend the free valuation days on May 3rd and 4th for free no obligation verbal sale estimates.
Contact the auctioneers on 01278 445251.
Consigned for the June Sale . . . Walter Dendy Sadler – Oil on Canvas
Estimate £750–£1,000 Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS
Kangxi Porcelain jar and cover
Estimate £400–£600
3 & 4 May
9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary Ample free parking 1980 gold proof coin set
Estimate £1,200 – £1,800
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
Quarterly Specialist Sale Thursday 2nd June at 10.30am Closing date for entries 4th May
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Sale Thursday 12th May at 10am MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 25
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Cock-a-doodle who? Betty (right) with her brother and the hens she used to look like
Memories of a nurse
NEWS
John Brunsdon with the display of his mother’s diaries at the opening of the exhibition
MEET Betty the cockerel, until recently a diminutive egglaying hen, similar in size to the two hens pictured with her. Now Betty is as big as cockerel George, lurking in the background, and crows just as loudly. Their owner Betty Bullus, aged 84, from Holwell, near Frome wrote about Betty’s apparent sex change in our letters page last month. She took in the four chickens from a neighbour who was moving. Her daughter, Sharon, who looks after the hens at her home in nearby Kilmington, said: “We’ve had livestock all our life and never seen anything like this. Other people in the village who keep hens have been round to see her and can’t get over it. “She’s so big that one suggested we call her Miranda, after that tall comedian Miranda Hart.” Sharon and her four brothers were brought up in Nunney, where her father, Robin, ran the old sawmills. After being ostracised for a while by the others, Betty has now been allowed back into the chicken coop, but no longer lays eggs. Sharon said: “She keeps clear of George though, who likes to show he’s the boss.” Experts say Betty’s condition is rare, but not unknown, and can be caused by hormonal changes, triggered by an ovarian cyst or other problem. Although Betty looks and sounds like a cockerel, she is still essentially a hen. Sharon and her mum Betty
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
(Photograph courtesy of Fergus Burnett Photography)
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RETIRED Glastonbury veterinary surgeon John Brunsdon was one of the special guests at the opening in Croydon in South London of a new exhibition dedicated to the First World War in 1916. John’s mother, nee Grace Pulvertaft, was a local woman and became a nurse in the Red Cross’s Voluntary Aid Detachment. Last year John published a version of her diaries from the war years when she tended wounded servicemen in hospitals in Croydon and Brighton. The book came to the attention of the curators of the exhibition which is dedicated to the lives of 246 former pupils and five members of staff at Croydon’s Whitgift School who were killed in action in the war; 66 of them in 1916. John was amazed when two members of Whitgift staff travelled to his home to collect the original version of the diaries, which are now part of the exhibition. John said: “The opening of the exhibition was marked by a very moving concert of music from the era. It was a very great honour to be invited and to see my mother’s diaries being exhibited.” Reminiscences of a V.A.D. – the diary of Grace Pulvertaft – is edited and published by John Brunsdon and printed by Acanthus Press 2014. It is available on Amazon and in Dickett’s and Gothic Image bookshops in Glastonbury. The exhibition – “Remembering 1916 Life on the Western Front” – is open until August 31st.
I couldn’t possibly comment. . . A TALK by former Whitehall worker Glyn Carpenter about his career in the Civil Service as a personal assistant to many of its senior mandarins was one of the highlights of an interclub Inner Wheel Club of Frome lunch. Around 60 District 1200 chairman Carol Price, members of clubs Frome president Yvonne Covill and guest from Somerset, speaker Glyn Carpenter Wiltshire and Dorset attended the gathering at Beckington Village Hall, where Glyn, from the Woodlanders Music Hall group, gave his talk. District chairman Carol Price was guest of honour.
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Mells Daffodil Festival ’16
Mells Nursery Group
Village streets were crowded
Batheaston Morris
Town criers prepare for their competition
Alan Hibbard from Trowbridge on his 1947 Villiers milk float PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Fun on the swingboats
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Ian Higgs (far left) owned the Talbot Garage in Mells for many years before moving to Devon. He now runs fairground “challenges” such as this tricky bicycle which Georgie tries to ride
Belly dancer Raheesha leads The Desert Divas The legendary Wurzels headlined the live music
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EVENTS
Festival chairman Daisy Steel and ITV news presenter Charlene White with town criers and their consorts at the official opening of the festival Isabelle with mum Jess in the children’s activity area
Frome Town Archers ran have-a-go sessions (www.frometownarchers.co.uk) James Passey from The Super Rich
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Happy Birthday Ma’am – a cake fit for a queen THE celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday are spreading over April, May and June, having started with her actual birthday on Thursday, April 21st, continuing with a 90-minute-long extravaganza in May and culminating on Friday June 10th with a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s With JUNE Cathedral. Quite a marathon for Her MACFARLANE Majesty. I’ve been looking into recipes with a royal connection and there are remarkably few; there’s Coronation Chicken, of
A CHOCOLATE CAKE FOR A QUEEN 100g good quality milk chocolate A little unsalted butter, to grease 225g self-raising flour 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 25g cocoa powder 125ml sunflower oil 125g dark soft brown sugar 2 medium eggs
INGREDIENTS
For the ganache decoration and filling 150g good quality dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids) 50ml milk 125mI double cream 2-3 tbsp raspberry jam o decorate raspberries 25g dark chocolate, finely chopped
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
course, and that’s about it. Queen Victoria had a sponge cake and several soups named after her, not to mention sole, eggs, salad, a garnish, several sauces, a cherry spice cake and a bombe. Royal chefs mention Queen Elizabeth’s love of locally produced food, venison from the royal estates and salmon from the rivers, all simply served. Apparently, she hates fussy food. But the one thing they all agree on is her love of anything with chocolate, particularly cake. So, if you would like to feel a real part of the celebrations, make a great chocolate cake!
This is a delicious cake, very rich and chocolatey, and easy to make as it uses sunflower oil. METHOD Break up the milk chocolate and melt in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Set aside. Preheat oven to 180ºC. Grease and line two 20cm tins with baking paper. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa powder into a roomy bowl and make a well in the middle. Stir the oil, 75ml water and the sugar into the melted chocolate, then whisk in the eggs. Pour half the mixture into
the well and fold in, then mix in the remaining chocolate mixture. Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and bake in the middle of the oven for 20-25 mins until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Break up the dark chocolate and melt as before. Stir in the milk. Cool a little. Whip the cream until floppy and add to the chocolate mixture. Sandwich the cake together with the jam. Spread the ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate the cake with the raspberries and chopped chocolate.
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Whatʼs new from Myrtle Farm
FOOD & DRINK
We have a new website!
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
The Thatchers Charitable Foundation
THE Thatchers Charitable Foundation, which has made its first donation to All Saints Church in Sandford, was set up in 2015 by the Thatcher family. Its aim is to help and support community and charitable activities, in particular in the parishes of Sandford, Winscombe and adjoining villages. Its first donation Fundraisers and parishioners receive the Foundation’s first matches fundraising donation already carried out by members of the local community to help keep All Saints Church open. “The Church is at the heart of the Sandford community and is central to many local groups and organisations who would lose their meeting place if it was to close. Keeping the Church means a lot to so many people in the village, so we’re delighted to be able to contribute to its survival,” says Anne Thatcher, Trustee of the Thatchers Charitable Foundation.
Countdown to Glastonbury
THERE’S still time to enter our competition to win tickets to this year’s Glastonbury Festival. A free prize draw, you just need to answer a multiple choice question which appears on our website www.thatcherscider.co.uk/glastonbury to be in with a chance. The promotion closes on 23rd May 2016 and is open to over 18s only. You can also find details on our limited design edition Thatchers Gold 8 and 10x440ml can packs, together with the 500ml Thatchers Gold bottle. We’re delighted to be the Official Cider of Glastonbury Festival. This year
Pop along to www.thatcherscider.co.uk to take a look.
May 11th is Somerset Day
HERE at Myrtle Farm we’re really pleased to be supporting Somerset Day and spreading the word about this wonderful county we all live in. Come along to the Railway Inn in Sandford for 6.30pm on the 11th May and celebrate with some traditional entertainment from the Mendip Morris Men, together with a special cider and cheese tasting.
Michael Eavis and Martin Thatcher at Myrtle Farm
Thatchers Gold and Thatchers Haze will be available at bars across Worthy Farm; we’ll also be hosting four specially created Craft Cider Bars which will serve a range of our traditional oak aged ciders.
Cheers from us all!
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 31
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Youngsters feast their eyes on farming
ALMOST 1,000 primary schoolchildren met farmers, producers and livestock at the first Field to Food event at the Royal Bath and West showground. The youngsters were able to get up close to everything from ewes and lambs, cattle and calves and pigs and piglets to some of the latest farming machinery with volunteers on hand to explain the producer-to-consumer relationship. The day was inspired by one of the core charitable remits of the Royal Bath and West of England Society to educate
Children from Upton Noble primary school in front of a giant combine harvester
the public about agriculture. One of the volunteers on duty to guide the children round and talk about farming said: “If every child goes away
having learnt just one thing about the connection between farming and the food that they eat, then the day will have been a success.”
Crowding around one of the day’s milking demonstrations
Croscombe pupils ponder a talk about egg production
Ditcheat school pupils learnt about beekeeping from some of the volunteers who run the Bee and Honey section at the Bath and West Show PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Bridgwater College staff set children from Keinton Mandeville the task of identifying vegetables Sheepshearing demonstrations left youngsters enthralled
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Home-made success
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THE quality of food and service at Bread and Beyond in Chewton Mendip is earning it a reputation far beyond the village. Alice Taylor has been expanding the business gradually in the last three years, adding gifts and paintings by local artists to the goods sold in the shop. But it’s her home cooking that’s drawing the crowds. She’s up at 4am every morning baking a variety of breads and cakes, with Chelsea Buns popular on a Thursday. Her home-made pies, beef stews, lasagne and other lunches, which are also available as a takeaway, are becoming legendary and cost £6. She offers a “proper” afternoon tea on embroidered table cloths with a range of “dainty” sandwiches and cakes (£14.50) and has gift vouchers if you want to treat someone. She has cream teas at £4.50 and has now introduced her savoury Mendip Lunch with cheese scones, cheese, chutney and apple (£5.50). She also offers vegetarian options and salads – complete with her home-made bread.
FOOD & DRINK
Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS
Organic free trade coffee • Lunches Home-made tarts, pies, cakes and bread Local milk, cheeses and eggs Cards, prints and paintings by local artists. Gift range including products from Mendip Lavender, Milly Green and Robert Fuller Galleries Dogs welcome
Open: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm • Saturday 7.30am-4pm Lunches served 11.30am–2pm
Bread & Beyond
High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ
01761 240820 email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 33
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Fairtrade church
ALL Saints’ Church in Publow has agreed to work towards becoming a Fairtrade church. Its latest monthly market raised £282 for church funds. Local councillor, Liz Richardson, popped in for some home baking with help from Gillian Wookey and Janet Smith. The next market will be on Saturday May 7th in Pensford church rooms. Details: Judith Hillman 01761 490324, Janet Smith 01761 490584 or Gillian Wookey 01761 490336
Farewell to pub stalwarts
ME OF FEATHERS U L P
DUCK RACE SATURDAY 2nd JULY
Starting at 5pm. There is face painting, ice cream stall, bbq, pig roast, 3 bars open, Supersonic Band playing and Best dressed duck competition. We will be having a decorating duck stall all throughout the day on Saturday for anyone who would like to decorate their duck before hand. All monies raised from the duck racing, plastic duck competition and car park goes to Burrington primary school, Blagdon Pre school and Blagdon scouts and cubs.
ONE of the area’s best-known pub landlords, Philippe Giorgetti and his wife Judith, have retired from the trade after 45 years, selling the Golden Lion in Wrington to Wickwar Brewery, based in South Gloucestershire. They ran the pub for 15 years and had the Bridge Inn at Yatton and the George in Backwell before that. Phil is a commander of the British Institute of Innkeeping. The couple took a full part in village life, joining the drama group and choir, and turned the drink-only pub into a village centre used by all ages. Judith said: “We really have loved it here, it’s like a big family.” They have left a lasting legacy – a six-foot tall carved lion found in a barn in Devon. They are retiring to East Brent where Phil plans to spend more time playing golf and Judith gardening.
Best dressed Plastic Duck competition – see website for entry details
MAY DATES Wells Each Wed 9am—2.30pm
All other markets 9am-1pm unless otherwise marked*
SUN 1st SFM @ Frome Independent BANK HOLIDAY MON 2nd SFM @ The North Somerset Show SAT 7th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SAT 14th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 21st Crewkerne FRI 27th Burnham-on-Sea SAT 28th Glastonbury & Yeovil (9am-2pm)*
Visit www.theplumeoffeathers.com PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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GARDEN FOOD
The last slice
With JAKE WHITSON
THOSE who follow my column regularly may remember my recipe for faggots, around the end of 2014, which I made with the heart and liver (and various other bits!) of the first pair of pigs I ever kept and killed. Well, over a year has wheeled by since then and I am only now just cracking the last piece of those two pigs – an air-dried
ham. Like a good cheese, air-dried hams have to be aged just the right amount – too young, at around three months, they are too soft, difficult to slice thinly and have not yet developed the fullest possible flavour – though they are still delicious and truly delightful cooked either sliced (like bacon) or boiled and served with piccalilli and mash. In our damp air, airdried hams take a long time to dry out too much, though some time around their second anniversary they start to get a little too dry and chewy. This ham is around 15 months old and is just perfect – easy to slice, with a soft delicate texture and wonderful rich, developed flavour, every bit as complex as a good cheese or wine. Such a ham almost seems a shame to cook, though no doubt (after I have enjoyed a fair amount sliced thinly, preferably with some grapes, figs, or even sliced apples or pears) I will start frying the drier pieces to add to pasta, or with onions and garlic for refried beans, or along with the first of this year's peas and broad beans. As I progress through the ham I throw the pieces of skin into a bag in the freezer and eventually I will add these to stocks and stews to which they will add richness and a slight thickness from the gelatin in the skin. The hock I will undoubtedly stew, first with a pease pudding to be served alongside, then later I will blitz the two together for a pea and ham soup. Then, at last, the last of my pigs will be gone – and I may have to think of starting again. Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire, and runs the business jakeswildfungi.co.uk, making specialist mycorrhiza products for tree planting.
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Horses for gorses
THERE is nothing quite like a walk in the country, except maybe a walk in the country that involves a pub, but let’s not get too carried away with that. Think of a walk on a lovely sunny day with the sounds and smells of nature wafting on a light breeze. With ADRIAN As a child growing up in the New Forest BOOTS I spent my summers running around the woods, heaths and forest lawns where there was often a particular scent (apart from the pony poo, boggy soils, fungus and decomposing vegetation), an ephemeral aroma between the “furze” that I can only describe as “coconutty”. Now, walking across the Mendips I’m bathed in the same aromatics that always seems to bring me back to those days of my youth. And the source of this incredible nasal caress – it’s only the humble gorse bush. The name “gorse” is believed to be Germanic from the word “gerste” yet furze comes from the Old English “fyrs” so maybe both have a similar origin. I prefer furze, it just sounds more fun. Historically gorse was used for wood fuel, making an ideal kindling as well as fodder for livestock. Gorse or furze (Ulex europaeus) is a dense, spiny shrub up to 3m high. Immature ones have three narrow oval leaves later becoming spines. The flowers are a bright golden yellow, richly scented coconut or vanilla 15-20mm long in short dense clusters. The fruits are hairy flattened pods 15-20mm long and on hot summer days make an explosive cracking sound when they open. They can be found on heaths, rough grassland, cliffs and derelict land flowering March to November and all through mild winters. Gorse flowers can be added to white rum or brandy for an unusual cocktail or if you have the time made into honey sweetened wine. I just tend to inhale, then ingest them. It comes from watching New Forest ponies (before anyone writes in I know ponies aren’t horses, but horse does rhyme with gorse) rather tenderly nibbling at the flowers. But hey, as a forager, whether a person or a pony, it always pays to be on the look-out for food whenever it presents itself even if furze flowers aren’t to everyone’s taste. After all you never know where your next meal may be coming from. Well maybe from the pub washed down with a glass of gorse flower wine… Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 35
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THE DARLINGTON
FOOD & DRINK
Aldwick’s loyalty to the North Somerset Show
ALDWICK Court Farm & Vineyard say they are proud to carry on the family tradition of supporting the North Somerset Show. “From the time we married in 1957”, said Mary Watts, “my late husband Dennis and I were active members of the North Somerset Show Society. Back then the show was held at Ashton Court. I used to do the floral arrangements in the mansion for the president’s lunch. “Dennis was elected chairman in 1988 and served until his death in 1991. The society then invited me to act as president in 1996. And our children have upheld our commitment. My late son Chris was involved in event security. This year my daughter Sandy is a show sponsor.” Mary’s daughter, Sandy Luck, who now manages the farm said: “Our sparkling wine Jubilate will be served as the April 30th preshow dinner aperitif. Jubilate means ‘be joyful’. What better way to toast the success of the 2016 North Somerset Show!’ Aldwick wines will be available to taste and to purchase in the food hall.
Community café celebrates
at Redhill
Now open eveRy day from 11am Come and relax with a drink in our newly reopened garden Great choice of local Ales and Ciders and a fine selection of wines Food served 12 til 3 and 6 til 9 Monday to Saturday and 12 til 5 Sunday Please book to avoid disappointment Dogs welcome in Bar and Garden areas
01934 862247 www.thedarlingtonatredhill.co.uk
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Two years young: some of the team at the Swallow Community Café
A COMMUNITY and training café in Radstock has celebrated its second anniversary with plans to expand its work helping adults with learning difficulties become more confident and independent. The Swallow Community Café, based next door to St Nicholas Church, offers trainees valuable work experience as well as providing an affordable venue for local people. It specialises in wholesome, healthy and affordable food, using produce such as salad leaves and herbs from its own garden. Swallow is a user-led charity, set up in 1993 to help people with learning disabilities lead the lives they wish. The café grew out of its work in providing supported housing, education and training as well as a range of social activities. The café – there are 18 trainees – is currently open from Wednesdays to Fridays, but the team hope to open on Tuesdays as well to accommodate the waiting list of wouldbe trainees.
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Thatchers at work
Chris and Matthew at work on the roof
The cottage is a landmark in Nunney
ONE of the most iconic – and most photographed – houses in Nunney has been given a new thatched roof. The cottage, which sits next to the bridge in the centre of the village, is thought to have last been rethatched around 30 years ago. Jack Bolton, of Castle Cary, Chris Black, from Sparkford, and Matthew Pickford, of Shaftesbury, from MP Thatching, carried out the work.
Say it quietly as police book in at library
NEWS
(l:r) Carol James, library supervisor, Sue Sheppard, Somerset’s Library Services Manager, Steve Troake, enquiry office supervisor and Neighbourhood Sergeant Rachel Clark
Quarry expansion plans
PROPOSALS to expand a Mendip quarry are being opposed by a group of residents angry at the scale of the development and lack of consultation. John Wainwright and Co has applied to create two new quarry waste tips and expand a third at the Moons Hill complex in Stoke St. Michael. Critics claim the scheme would lead to a 46% increase in the quarry’s footprint – 106 acres of fields, or the equivalent of 59 football pitches will be lost forever. The waste would be formed into huge mounds up to a height of 35 metres above existing field levels and will take up to 11 years to complete. Parish councils in Doulting and Cranmore have also voiced their opposition to the proposals which will be determined by Somerset County Council, possibly as early as June. Mendip District Council, without consultation with local residents says it has no objections, subject to the County Council being satisfied that the proposals would not have an adverse impact on key measures such as landscape, ecology and noise. However, disappointed residents believe they have not engaged with the communities affected before stating this position. Nick Haskins, who lives in Three Ashes on the edge of the proposed expansion, said: “It’s not just the scale of the proposals, but the way the application has been dealt with. We only found out a few days before the planning application was submitted and subsequently we have found out that an even wider group of people affected by the massive impact of these proposals have also been kept in the dark. It would seem that the planning process is broken.”
POLICE in Frome are lending an ear to visitors to the town’s library after opening an enquiry office on the ground floor. Uniformed members of police staff will offer the same range of services that were delivered at Frome’s former police station, which was sold after closing more than a year ago. The pioneering “co-location” could be replicated across Somerset as Avon and Somerset police seek to limit costs whilst still maintaining a presence in town centres. A police post in the Market Place staffed by volunteers will in future be open to the public only when the town centre is at its busiest. Neighbourhood Sergeant Rachel Clark said: “Frome Neighbourhood Police Post has been in place since 2011 and has provided an invaluable resource for visitors and the community alike. This resource has only been made possible thanks to the dedication of the volunteers who man it. “Myself, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the individuals who have used the police post are grateful for their efforts. “With the volunteers’ support, the role of the police post will be adapted to focus its service on days of particular demand when the town centre is busiest, such as Sunday market days and carnival day. “Despite the change in use, the post itself will remain and will still be used as a primary base for our neighbourhood team during the course of their daily patrols providing high visibility presence in the town centre.” Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member with a responsibility for libraries, said: “The police will be a welcome addition to the range of services already successfully operating from the library, including Somerset County Council’s Registration Services, Mendip District Council’s Access Point and Frome Town Council’s Information Centre. This latest development continues to place the library at the heart of the community and we are very pleased to be able to help the police maintain a town centre facility for local residents.”
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 37
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INTERNET
Be a BBC weather watcher
IF you want to become part of the BBC weather watching team and possibly get your photo on the screen, then go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ This will take you to the weather home page, which is usually set at London, so you can change it to show your particular area – just click/tap on Find a Forecast and type the first bit of your postcode – e.g. TA9 – and click/tap the magnifying glass next to it. You should now see your current day’s weather hour by hour. If you want future weather, just click/tap on the appropriate day. Scroll down for more information, including a video you can watch. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you will see the BBC Weather Watcher dept, so click/tap on that. Scroll down that page a bit, and you will see the Login/Register button, so (assuming it’s your first time but if you already have a BBC ID, you can go straight to Login), click on the Register bit. Type in email, password etc, then you will need to set up a User name – one that is seen online, but they don’t want surnames and you need to bear it in mind it may be seen on the TV, so think about what you want, and then put in the area you are in – e.g. Cheddar, Somerset – not your house name! You get a Welcome screen (I’ve blocked my name out), so click/tap on create a report and type your report – you can put as much or as little as you want. First, check your area is correct, then check the date and time is correct, then click/tap on the symbol you want to use e.g. Light Cloud. If you want, you can stick with that, but if you know the temperature, click on the bar to mark the current degrees. To upload a picture, click on Add a photo and follow the steps. Assuming it’s a JPEG, which is what almost all cameras use, it should go through fine. You can add a note if you wish, but that won’t be seen by other watchers. There is a More button, and you can then add the actual rainfall in mm per hour if you have a rain gauge etc. When you are ready, click/tap Post this report, and off it will go! You will get confirmation that Your Report has been created and you can click on the Share button to share with Facebook, Twitter etc. Submitted by IT for the Terrified: The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 • www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts 2 hours and costs £10. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows Vista/W7/W8/W10: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. We also run a Computer Drop in session 1.30-3.30 Thursday afternoons. Call in for a quick word of advice/help/info. Or if you can spare two hours a week have skills on any level that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.
PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Old dogs learning new tricks – with rodents ? (6,7) 9 Placed myself a certain skywards direction to fit the bill (7,2) 10 It might take a fakir over an hour to find the ballet (5) 11 Strength around volcano in SE Asia (7) 12 A rag in a river tumbling for a fall (7) 13 Point lugholes – like Mr Spock ? Getting close (5) 15 Umpire in the matter of outhouse became reinvigorated (9) 17 Writer Mr Wheatley found castle opposite St Mawes (9) 19 007's boss wrapped up in poetry – to keep le medecin away daily? (5) 20 Set of condiments hide politician from non-PC young lady (7) 22 Festivity attracted most courtly gentleman (7) 24 American hesitations lead to exploiters (5) 25 Follow second shower with volume of water – now that's a thought! (9) 26 Roy dreamt tank originated in north Shropshire (6,7)
DOWN 2 Compile a secure rental element (5) 3 Queen is involved with bloodstock (7) 4 Early radio to remove wrinkles – handy appliance (5,4) 5 To leave portion of northern diocese in turmoil (5) 6 Away from his desk, Dale is found in Cumbria (7) 7 Martha set to move to London (9) 8 I've dialled ten combinations to see this film (4,3,3,3) 9 Like "Now, Voyager" or "The Way to the Stars"? (6,7) 14 A man sued a speaker going on far too long (2,7) 16 Welsh location for marine conservationist? (9) 18 Former model whistleblower (7) 19 In short, legal responsibility covering the period before Easter is mushy but nutritious (7) 21 Story about second-rate diagram (5) 23 Male technique for finding core (5)
Answers on page 113
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Hudson s Supplies and Service Heating, Plumbing
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Tel: 0117 940 0074 • Fax: 0117 964 4666 Email: info@bristoldrains.com At Bristol Drains, you can be assured of first-class work carried out by our own experienced and professional engineers. Whether you have a blocked drain at your home or office or if you require a buried drain traced/detected – CALL US NOW – no job too small.
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Support for business
A VERY successful Mendip business support day was organised jointly by Enterprise Mendip and the newly relaunched Glastonbury and Street Chamber of Commerce. Around 15 business professionals were available throughout the event to answer questions covering a range of topics including bookkeeping, finance, business growth, marketing, social media, ecommerce, web design, PR, networking and the support and benefits on offer to chamber members.
A Professional Company serving the South West
Details: Judith Baker, chamber secretary Jbaker1@strode-college.ac.uk or on 07969 591133.
PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Burglar Alarms 0 Fire Alarms 0 CCTV Systems 0 Insurance approved 0 Installation, maintenance, repairs and upgrades 0 Central Station Monitoring 0 Local engineers Tel: 01275 331914 sales@chewvalleyalarm.co.uk www.chewvalleyalarm.co.uk
Relax knowing your property is protected
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BUSINESS
Campsite wins double award
PETRUTH Paddocks, a family-run campsite in Cheddar, has won two top accreditations at the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards. The site, run by Jules and Sandra Sayer and their son Steve and daughter Kelly, was named Family Business of the Year, as well as winning the award for Best Customer Service. It had previously been named by outdoor accommodation specialist, Pitchup.com, as its top-selling campsite in the UK for the second year running. Jules said: “We are over the moon, it endorses everything we believe in and strive to achieve.” The site offers what it calls “free-range camping”, in tents and tipis, in a live-and-let-live place where there are refreshingly few rules, kids can be kids, campfires are encouraged, music and bad
Holiday planner
GREAT news! Plan ahead for Easter 2017 and you can have an 18-day holiday and only use nine days leave. Booking from Good Friday, April 14th to Monday, May 1st gives you three bank holiday days and three complete weekends. How about a trip to Nepal, India or Sri Lanka for trekking, wildlife, photography, culture, cycling and lots more? For this year Nep In Sri Travel are offering a 13-day trip including all hotels, 12 breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners while staying at Ranthambohore, with nine jeep safaris in Ranthambhore National Park and one visit to Ranthambhore Fort, sightseeing in Delhi, the Taj Mahal at Agra and a whole day in the world famous Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. With guides and transport included, the price based on two people travelling together is £2,995 per person, starting and finishing in Delhi. They have trips available until the end of June, starting again in October 2016, with dates of travel to suit you. Details: www.nepinsri-travel.co.uk or call 07909 411450.
Sponsor Malcolm Pyne (left) with Jules and Sandra Sayer (right) with son Steve and daughter Kelly
singing are not a problem and people feel free to wander round making new friends. Jules said: “People simply love our relaxed, friendly and welcoming approach. We’ve created an environment that takes them back to their childhood and allows their children to experience the freedom and adventure so crucial to childhood which is sadly missing from most children’s lives today.” They opened the site on the edge of Cheddar in 2003, with the Strawberry Line giving campers an easy route into the village, as well as access to the Mendip Hills. They had 12,000 visitors last year, who contributed an estimated £800,000 to the local economy. With bookings already 44 percent higher for this year they expect to pass the million pound mark, which can only be good news for local businesses.
ECATCHER MOL
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Tigress and 4-month-old cub – Ranthambore National Park – June 2014
Calling all photography, wildlife, bird-watching, walking, cycling, golfing, honeymoon and travel enthusiasts. Are you looking for a “ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME” holiday to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Bhutan? ALL ITINERARIES ARE TAILOR-MADE AND PRICED to suit your own personal requirements.
Please look at: www.nepinsri-travel.co.uk Call us on: 07909 411 450 • email: info@nepinsri-travel.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 41
Photo by Ignyte Limited Radstock
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M e n d i p Ti m e s h a s a vac ancy f or a Crossword Compiler
Can you take on the challenge of the Mendip Mindbender? Contact: steve@mendiptimes.co.uk or call 01761 463888
TOOL SHARPENING SERVICE WHILE–U–WAIT @ BATH, TROWBRIDGE, STREET, TAUNTON, CADBURY, WELLINGTON, EXETER. For full details and prices contact: www.cuttingedgecraft.co.uk franksynekartisan@gmail.com
Tel: 07562 717620
Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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BUSINESS
I s so la r st i ll a w o r t h w h il e i n v e st m e n t ?
THE simple answer is yes. There are vital wins available to business, simply by investing in solar installations. Brabantia, a well-known manufacturer of kitchen and homeware products, offers a tremendous example. Their Solarsense roof-mounted PV system was installed to help reduce high energy bills at their manufacturing site. The system has outperformed predictions and the total net benefit projected for the business is in excess of £1.5 million over 20 years. Plus, of course, solar power is providing peace of mind on mitigating National Grid blackouts or future energy price hikes. National Sustainability Centre Solarsense are pleased to announce the launch of their Zero Carbon Hub and Training Centre as part of the official opening of the National Sustainability Centre. The centre is due to open next month – June 2016 – and as well as providing an engaging environment for members of the public, architects and consultants to see how easy it is to incorporate renewable energy, the building will also feature tours, product demonstrations and a space for seminars and workshops on renewable technologies and energy efficiency. Sustainable Solutions Solar PV, solar thermal, solar optimisation & smart monitoring, heat pumps, battery storage, electric vehicle charging & car ports.
Free, no obligation quote Contact Solarsense today to book a tour or simply see what your business could save by switching to sustainable solutions.
T: 01275 461 800 • E: info@solarsense-uk.com • W: www.solarsense-uk.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 43
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Thatchers star at Glastonbury THATCHERS will be the official cider at Glastonbury Festival for the next five years. The announcement was made during a visit by Michael Eavis to Thatchers in Sandford, where
he’s pictured with John and Martin Thatcher. He said: “Our festival goers from all over the world are treated to a taste of the West Country during June, with many fantastic local companies sharing in the atmosphere. Having a great Somerset cider served across Worthy Farm is a real part of the experience.” Martin Thatcher said: “We’re a local family, proud to be making a local product. The response that we have had to our presence at Worthy Farm has been unbelievable, so we are absolutely delighted to be signing a new agreement with Michael and Emily.” This year’s festival runs from June 22nd – 26th.
No Clangers as SOUP dragons make their choice
MEMBERS of a youth club were the first winners of a new community funding project in Wells. Known as the Wells SOUP, members of the public came together to vote for their favourite scheme after a series of presentations over a lunch of soup and bread. Each candidate had four minutes to pitch their cause to the meeting before facing questions from the audience in a Dragon’s Den-style format. Four organisations based in the city were shortlisted by Justin Sargent, from Somerset Community Foundation. Connect youth club were named the winners, collecting more than £300 from the proceeds of the event; the amount was matched by SCF. The event was organised by a group including Wells Independents, Wells Food Festival and Sustsainable Wells.
NEWS
A big green box at Green Ore . . . but what’s it for?
The first of the lowloaders arrives at Green Ore
DRIVERS on Mendip were confronted by the sight of two giant green “boxes” being transported along the roads from Bristol to Priddy. The lowloaders brought traffic to a standstill as they reached Green Ore, where they were forced to travel on the wrong side of the road to navigate the traffic lights at the junction. There was further disruption when the first of the wide vehicles turned off for Priddy and came to a halt at Priddy Road Farm where it was due to unload its cargo. A wooden fence had to be hastily dismantled before the lorry could travel the final few yards and be unloaded by a 200-tonne crane. The vehicles were carrying sections of a bio-mass boiler which will use wood pellets to provide heating to a new sheltered housing complex for people with learning difficulties being constructed by Bradbury House Developments. The boiler had been custom-built by a company in Carl Bradbury has been in Beverley in Yorkshire for charge of the development at Bioheat, based in Gillingham, Priddy Road Farm; it will which specialises in largeprovide self-contained accommodation for 30 service scale, carbon-neutral fuel systems. users A powerful crane was needed to lower the sections into place
Clare Chettoe (Lawrence Centre), Don Hart (Vineyard Storehouse), Liz Hand (Wells Contemporary Art), Paddy O’Hagan (event chairman), Justin Sargent (Somerset Community Foundation) and Judy Illingsworth, Connor Holland and Addison Bird (Connect Youth Club) PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Band reaches national final
MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Silver Band have achieved another milestone in the band’s history by qualifying for the Third Section finals of the National Brass Band championships of Great Britain. With 18 bands competing in the third section, the band’s rendition of the test piece A Cambrian Suite, by composer Michael Ball, earned positive comments from the two adjudicators and third place at the West of England Brass Band regional qualifier held at the Riviera Centre in Torquay. Qualification for the national finals will see the band competing against other third section bands from across Great Britain at Cheltenham in September. Having achieved a credible fifth place at the third section regional qualifier in 2015, the Musical Director, Joanne Sykes and the band members were overjoyed with this year’s result. Since winning the fourth section regional qualifier in 2012, the band has been making excellent progress under the baton of their current musical director and with contest results improving year-on-year, this year’s success is a testament to the hard work
MUSIC
that Joanne has put in with the band. Looking forward, the band has a strong commitment to training and developing up-and-coming brass players and it was encouraging to see two members of the training band making their contesting debuts with the senior band line-up at Torquay. The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band is a local, friendly and ambitious band and would welcome established brass players or anyone wishing to learn a brass instrument.
Details: the band practices on Tuesday and Friday nights at the Trinity Church Hall in Radstock starting at 7.30pm.
Singing for pleasure
THE U3A Ladies Singing for Pleasure group meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 2.15pm in the Methodist Church room (almost) opposite the police station in Cheddar. They are always happy to welcome new members, who do not have to be able to read music and there are no scary auditions. The only criteria for membership is to belong to Cheddar U3A, which costs £12 per year (and gives access to all the other groups/activities available as well as the choir) and £1 donation each session to cover costs of hall hire, purchase of music etc. Their repertoire covers everything from Mozart's Ave Verum (sung in Latin) to Abba melodies (not sung in Swedish!), with classics, show songs and gospel included, so very much something for everyone and all members have the opportunity
Let’s dance!
OVER 400 children from Banwell, Blagdon, Burrington, Churchill, Hutton, Sandford, Congresbury, Winscombe and Wrington Primary schools took part in Dance Their Socks Off for two nights at Weston Playhouse. The dance extravaganza was inspired by fairy tales –
The choir, with Barbara Herring, centre front, and accompanist, Ron Laborde, far right.
to suggest their own particular favourites. They sing for about one and half hours, then conclude with a cup of tea, biscuit and a lot of happy chat! They are led by Barbara Herring, who is well known in Cheddar and the surrounding area for her tireless good work in the community. old and new, and gave the primary schools a great pool of ideas to work with. Vicki Rees, dance teacher at Churchill Academy, spent months with the individual classes choreographing and planning the dances ready for their big night.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 45
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Tea cups and pink daisies
PINK Daisies Vintage Tea Parties arrange bespoke vintage tea parties for all occasions. They provide everything required from teapots to napkin rings for those impromptu gatherings at home or in a summer garden. Whether it’s a special birthday or wedding reception at a venue – Pink Daisies will let you be the “hostess with the mostest” without having to lift a finger! Based between Bristol and Bath, Pink Daisies will organise a local vintage tea party that is cute, kitsch and comfortable, perfect for weddings on a budget, intimate weddings and green couples. Call them on 07 918 128 637 to discuss your requirements.
PINK DAISIES VINTAGE PARTIES
BESPOKE, VINTAGE PARTIES DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR WWWPINKDAISIESVINTAGE@WIX.COM PINKDAISIESVINTAGE@YAHOO.COM
07918 128637
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
The room with a view
THE Swan Hotel enjoys one of the very best locations in the beautiful city of Wells. Located directly opposite the stunning West Front of Wells Cathedral, one of the hotel’s al fresco seating areas adjoins the Cathedral Green. The hotel also has a secluded courtyard garden which wedding parties can use. Civil wedding ceremonies are held in their Garden Room. This light and airy room accommodates up to 90 guests for a ceremony. The room opens out on to a secluded courtyard garden. It can quickly be turned around to become a fantastic wedding breakfast venue for up to 40 guests. Larger wedding receptions are held in the Oak Room (which adjoins the Garden Room). The Oak Room has its own reception and bar area and seats up to 90 guests. Evening functions for up to 140 guests can be catered for by hiring both the Oak and Garden rooms. Major refurbishment works to the Oak Room were completed in March. The hotel’s Cathedral Suite was voted Most Impressive Guest Room in the global Best Western Fan Awards. Just a short stroll from the hotel is Wells Cathedral and The Bishop’s Palace. Both provide fantastic backdrops for photos.
Details: To view their wedding facilities call 01749 836300.
(Photos courtesy of Eric Purchase Photography)
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Taking the stress out of hiring
FOCUS ON WEDDINGS
Chew Valley Hire
LUXURY MOBILE TOILETS 01761 221105 E: info@chewvalleyhire.co.uk • W: www.chewvalleyhire.co.uk
We give personal help and advice, deliver and collect on schedule and pay immaculate attention to detail. We provide a wide range of luxury and standard mobile toilets and showers for special events including:
• Weddings • Corporate Events • Trackway • Fashion Shows • Film Shoots QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT
• High Peaked Roofs • Clear Roofs and Window Walls so ‘Conservatory Ends or Entrances’ can be created. Also Flame Towers.
CHEW Valley hire is a family-run business which has now been operating for 20 years. A large percentage of their business comes from returning customers and marquee companies, which is testimony to their high standard of customer service and quality of product The toilet and shower units are all constructed to a very high specification at their business premises, using locally sourced materials – and staff! In more recent years they have started supplying Trackway for construction sites and those wet days, for walkways and driveways for weddings It says its aim is for everybody to have a fantastic event with the minimum of stress.
• Furniture • Starlight Lining • Dance floors • Lighting • Fridge trailer hire
Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366 Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk
Wellsway has history and flexibility
EVERY couple planning their wedding day will know that a reception venue is really important. It says so much about them as hosts because they are inviting their guests to join them in celebrating their special occasion. This bygone Somerset cider house and wayside inn could be the perfect venue for your wedding. The Wellsway is a comfortable and well-appointed Somerset countryside venue available for exclusive hire. It fits the bill, whatever your budget, and because The Wellsway is flexible your day will be totally bespoke using your choice of suppliers. The Wellsway seats 120 guests for formal dining and 200 guests informally. There is a well-stocked and staffed licenced pay bar and a grade 5 registered kitchen for your chosen caterer to use. Details: Contact Jo Avery, dedicated events manager, to assist you with every aspect of your celebration.
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Topline Catering has been providing successful and professional catering solutions for weddings in the Bristol and Bath area since 1986. With an extensive range of menus from finger and fork buffets to banquets and barbecues, there is something for everyone. • Friendly and expert advice • Flexibility • Fabulous food • Excellent service • Over 30 years experience
Make it special
ELEGANT surroundings, attention to detail and a dedicated team – just three of many reasons why Bowlish House at Shepton Mallet offers the perfect location for a wedding. The day is made even more special by the fact that the hotel is licensed for wedding ceremonies, has a beautiful garden which can accommodate a marquee and boasts a chef who will create an innovative and delicious wedding breakfast or formal evening affair. Bowlish House itself is a stunning Grade II listed Georgian house with easy access to Bath, Wells and the surrounding countryside. Every room oozes restrained style, adding to the relaxed, country house atmosphere putting the happy couple, their family and friends at ease. Len Muircroft, who runs Bowlish House with Martin Gibson and a team dedicated to making wedding preparations – and, of course, the day itself – as enjoyable and memorable as possible, said: "We are here to help, from the initial inquiry to the first meeting – we believe from the outset in getting the details right – to the day itself, it's about making a very special day even more special."
Dedicated to making your day even more special . . . for you, your family and friends We are licensed to hold your wedding ceremony in either our drawing or banquet rooms. Our team is available to assist with any and all of the details, from flowers to photographers. We can provide a marquee in our beautiful garden for larger groups, if required. From a gourmet wedding breakfast to a formal evening function, our chef will be available to prepare a delicious and innovative dining experience.
Email: reception@bowlishhouse.com or info@bowlishhouse.com www.bowlishhouse.com The Bowlish House, Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5JB PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
(All wedding photography courtesy of Bristol-based Dan Thomas: www.dannyt.co.uk)
Weddings at Bowlish House
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Relax and enjoy your day
TOPLINE Catering have vast experience in catering for all types of events in all sorts of venues and their friendly and relaxed approach to organising a memorable occasion helps reduce the stress and strain that can spoil the excitement of planning your dream wedding. From the initial enquiry, menu planning, sourcing great local ingredients, service on the day – everything is discussed, arranged and carried out in a slick and professional manner with pleasant and helpful staff ensuring that the event runs smoothly and all guests are properly looked after. Don't just stick to the traditional – Topline Catering have imaginative barbecue, big pan and sharing platter menus as well as the usual hot meal and fork buffet menus. For fabulous freshly prepared food and top class, no nonsense service get in touch with Topline Catering on 01275 333308 or mail@toplinecatering.co.uk and then sit back, relax and enjoy your day!
FOCUS ON WEDDINGS
Don’t forget your honeymoon! LINGERIE and bra fitting specialist Sherrie-jane Jackson has a simple message for brides-to-be: underwear is not just about your wedding day! True, essential underneath the most important dress a woman is ever likely to wear is the most special lingerie and Sherriejane, who runs Orchid Lingerie in Langport, works closely with bridal boutiques around the country. They recommend that women get fitted with Sherrie-jane before finding their wedding dress to ensure brides are in the right shape from the outset. But Sherrie-jane also welcomes visits from brides-to-be who have already selected their dress; they can take it with them although Sherrie-jane can also work from photos. Orchid Lingerie is based in what Sherrie-jane describes as her Corsetry Chalet, purpose-built in the garden of her home and offering privacy and luxury. Appointments are free and Sherriejane has a wide range of mostly British-made items in stock. Sherrie-jane is also available to advise on the all-important honeymoon wear from those extra special items to swimwear. Sherrie-jane said: “The sort of underwear a woman will wear beneath her wedding dress is usually specific to its design and they may want something very different for the honeymoon.” Underwear for all occasions is Sherrie-jane’s passion. The former beautician and fashion shop owner said: “I am passionate about the service I offer and making sure that ladies are well fitted. After all, we wouldn’t wear the wrong-sized shoes, would we?”
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Carnival time for charity
Maria del Carmen Moon Park with Samba dancers at the launch
THIS year’s annual Midnight Walk in aid of St Peter’s Hospice is set to be more fun and colourful than ever before with a brand new carnival theme for 2016. It will return to Bristol on Saturday July 9th when hundreds of women from across Bristol and the South West will take to the streets for a five-mile or ten-mile night-time walk around the city. This year, in a nod to the Rio Olympics, organisers have planned a carnival themed event, which will feature local Samba and Afro-Brazilian dancers and participants will be encouraged to dress in carnival attire with feathers and bright colours. Taking in all the sights of Bristol including the SS Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Harbourside, the seventh annual Midnight Walk aims to raise in excess of £100,000 for the hospice and will kick off at 10.30pm from Ashton Gate Stadium.
Lifeboatman’s honour
RICHARD Spindler, a longserving lifeboat volunteer based at Weston-superMare lifeboat station, has been presented with the MBE awarded in the New Year Honours. Richard, a volunteer of 50 years, has been recognised for his contribution to saving lives at sea. He was awarded his MBE by Prince William, who, spotting his RNLI tie, began a conversation about Search and Rescue saying how he loved the RNLI. Charlotte Conroy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Weston said: “Richard (Spin) is my deputy and my right hand man. We run one of the most successful lifeboat stations in the UK and it would not work without Spin. I am delighted he has received this honour, it is very well deserved.” Spin said: “It was a truly amazing experience. You see these places and people on television but it was wonderful to see them in real life. I still believe my award was because of the marvellous team at Weston RNLI who I have worked with over 50 years.”
Bags of money
Details: http://midnightwalk.stpetershospice.org.uk
Aid for Syria
THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has managed to get 300 of its water survival boxes into the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo, where the main water sources, boreholes, are contaminated. The consignment was driven from Turkey into Syria and then on to Aleppo city, where the charity Hand in Hand for Syria distributed them to the most vulnerable families. PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
THE latest sale of handbags run by the Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell raised £329 for local good causes in just four hours on a bitterly cold morning. The handbag stall is rapidly becoming a feature of Nailsea shopping and the next one will be in three months’ time at the Farmers’ Market. The club’s latest bookstall raised £557. The next book sale will be in May. New stock is always welcome. Details: David on 01275 463714 before mid-April.
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CHARITIES
Bev says goodbye after 20 years A MUCH-loved nurse from East Harptree has retired after spending 20 years caring for patients for Weston Hospicecare. During his time with the organisation, Bev Cruse has seen it grow from small beginnings into a charity that looks after hundreds of patients either at home or at its headquarters at Jackson-Barstow House in Uphill. The 71-year-old community nurse, who lives with his wife Jenny at Smithams Hill, East Harptree, ended his career looking after around 50 patients in Cheddar, Axbridge, Wedmore, Burnham, Highbridge, Brent Knoll and East Brent. He said: “I have seen some huge changes over the years. There has been a massive expansion in the services Hospicecare offers and the demand for those services is increasing all the time. We are now looking after more than 300 patients in the community alone.” Bev, who has been married to Jenny for 48 years, began his nursing career at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, in 1963. He has fulfilled countless roles, from looking after open heart surgery patients to working in urology, general surgery and accident departments. He was also a night nursing officer at the former Ham Green Hospital and spent ten years as surgical manager at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. When he joined Weston Hospicecare 20 years ago the charity was based at Branton House in Montpelier, Weston. Bev said: “When I joined there was no in-patient service, it was more about day care. Now we offer an amazing range of services to our patients and their loved ones, whether they are at home or being cared for at the hospice. “One of our most exciting initiatives, which has been running for about three years, sees specially trained volunteers visiting patients in their homes to offer extra support.
Surgeons saved my life
SOFTWARE engineer Steve Ridley and his wife Fiona, from Long Ashton, are raising money for Heart Research UK after pioneering surgery saved his life. Without warning the main artery from his heart ruptured and he was in emergency surgery for five hours. Seven weeks later he was back at work. On the day Steve became ill, his wife Fiona, had just completed her first ride with a local bike club, a 100km round trip from Bristol to Chepstow and back again, whilst Steve had played his usual round of golf. They had also been on a 40km ride with friends on New Year’s Day, feeling fit and healthy and looking forward to celebrating their 50th birthdays. Fiona said: “Mr Alan Bryan and his crack cardiac team at Bristol Heart Institute
“We call them community companions and, although they aren’t medically trained, with resources getting tighter all the time their work is proving more and more valuable. It’s hugely beneficial to patients to have regular visits.” Although Bev has spent the last 20 years looking after patients with a range of life-limiting illnesses, he says it has always been easy to remain positive: “I have been so lucky to work for such a fantastic organisation. “All our nurses are well qualified, we all understand our patients’ symptoms and how we can help them. It’s easy to be positive when you know you have the skills to help people. We focus on keeping our patients as fit, well and independent as we can for as long as possible.” Bev’s colleagues held a tea party to celebrate his retirement and he is now planning to spend lots of time with Jenny, and grandchildren Libby, aged four, and two-year-old Jake. He has a keen interest in antiques, intends joining a fine arts club and a long list of holidays has also been drawn up. He’s also kept busy with their garden, which they open for the NGS scheme, and a smallholding opposite their home, which is looked after by their son James.
saved Steve’s life that night. Since then he’s made an amazing recovery.” Now the couple are to raise money by riding their bikes through the Outer Hebrides – raising funds for Heart Research UK’s next masterclass in aortic arch surgery so that more specialists
around the country are able to treat this rare condition. Heart Research UK has already funded two aortic dissection masterclasses in the last two years, where cardiac surgeons can learn specialist knowledge and skills. The next masterclass will cost £25,000.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/aorticdissectionHRUK/?fref=ts
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Raising a glass for charity
BIG-HEARTED customers from the Red Lion in Bishop Sutton have donated £1,000 to Macmillan Cancer Relief, raised with a coffee morning and raffle. Landlord, Duncan Ferguson, said: “Bar manager Lucy Davis managed to get some great prizes from local businesses and everyone was more than happy to support such a great charity that has touched many of our lives. This year we hope to raise more money for them.” He is pictured with the charity’s local fundraising manager, Kaeti Morrison.
Rotary’s Easter party
WESTON Rotary Club’s annual Easter party for the elderly and disabled was a great success. The party has been held for over 16 years and everyone tucked into home-made sandwiches and delicious cakes and the Queen was properly toasted with a glass of sherry. The party was started by a welcome from Weston Rotary president, Gordon Fozzard, and Weston’s mayor Councillor Raymond Armstrong, with Councillor Roz Willis (pictured) enthusiastically encouraged the dancing. Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or secretary Bernard Land 07970 184301.
Caring for the carers
Concert for charity
(l:r) Alan Gledhill (Pipers Inn), Stephanie Patterson (Friends of Somerset Young Carers), Kim Rushman and Karen Ruddle (ProCook) and club president Paul Lambert Some of the cast of the variety show
A CONCERT organised by the Equality Team at Somervale School in Midsomer Norton has raised more than £1,000 for Cancer Research UK. Students and staff took part in the variety show which was organised after a Year 11 student was diagnosed with cancer, but is now recovering and trying to raise the profile of cancer research. PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
THE Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street has presented a cheque for £1,030 to the Friends of Somerset Young Carers. The money was made up of £100 from a collecting tin on the bar at the Piper’s Inn at Ashcott, the club’s own wishing well in Clark’s Village raised £250 and £680 came from the Pro-Cook shop in the village. A club spokesman said: “We are very grateful to them for their efforts on our behalf and they were warmly thanked by the president and the club.”
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CHARITIES
Music night for hospice
(Photo courtesy of John Newport)
Ending the threat of polio
Ben Carpenter entertains at the fundraising event
A NIGHT of Country and Western music, with a disco and line dancing in Paulton has raised £900 for Dorothy House Hospice. The event was the second to be organised by Norman Carpenter, of Midsomer Norton, in memory of his late wife Edith, who received care from the hospice team at Winsley. Around 135 people enjoyed the night at Paulton Rovers Football Ground.
ROTARY’S plans for a mass polio immunisation day for children in India had to be abandoned because of unrest over caste rights in the Northern Indian state of Haryana, which saw protesters setting fire to police vehicles, public buildings and buses. Tony Quinn, a past president and member of the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge, was among Rotarians who had hoped that millions of children would be immunised that weekend. On his return he told a recent meeting: “We learnt a lot from our experiences. We learnt that polio will be only the second human disease ever eradicated, after smallpox, and no child anywhere in the world will have to suffer from a disease which has no cure, but is completely preventable. “The infrastructure created by the polio programme – from the vast surveillance and laboratory networks, to the hundreds of thousands of local health workers – are already being used to address other health challenges and diseases.”
Shadows return
THE Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge raised £1,245 for Friends of Young Carers in Bath and North East Somerset with a music night with Tribute to the Shadows. Club president, Anne Parker, is pictured with band members John Newcombe (left) and Adrian Jay.
Spring fair for hospice
Norman presents a cheque for £900 to community fundraiser Steph Cox at the Dorothy House Hospice at Winsley
BLAGDON’S Weston Hospice support group raised £450 at its spring fair. Organiser Tina Smith said: "There was a good crowd from the village who stayed for coffee and a chat so it was a good community get together and the fact that Weston Hospice gained from it was a good bonus, so our thanks to all those who supported the event.”
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Flying start to charity appeal
A COMMEMORATIVE dinner at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford marked the retirement of the Royal Navy’s iconic Sea King helicopter and raised over £1,000 for Action for Children and the South West Children’s Hospice. Affectionately known as “junglies” from their deployments to Borneo, the funds were raised by over 200 serving and former senior rates who worked on the Mk4 Sea King from 707, 848, 845 and 846 squadrons. The evening was an emotional occasion for Chief Petty Officer Steve Pointon whose Tikka’s Travels sailing adventure around the UK was featured in last month’s Mendip Times. It inspired the choice of Action for Children as one of the dinner’s beneficiary charities. Steve, from Cheddar, said: “It was a wonderful night and, as sad
as I am to say goodbye to the magnificent Sea King, I am proud to be a member of such a fine group of men and women who worked with her. It was great to catch up with some great friends, share our stories and help in some way to improve the lives of some of our country’s most disadvantaged children and families. “I’m delighted and so grateful Action for Children was chosen as one of the night’s charities as I’m so passionate about their work and helping children like my adopted son, Harry, who has had a difficult starts in life. To raise over £500 from such an enjoyable and emotional evening was the icing on the cake.” Steve’s attention now turns to his round-the-UK voyage on Tikka starting in June and the other Tikka fundraising challenges, which have already raised over £4,500 for Action for Children.
Details: search Tikka’s Travels on Facebook and to donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search Tikka’s Travels.
Geoff’s charity record
LONDON marathon runner Geoff Wessell, a senior commander with Avon and Somerset Police in Somerset, had broken records before taking a single step in this year’s event on April 24th. In his first London marathon last year he surprised himself by raising £6,342 for the MS Trust, double what he had hoped for. Before this year’s marathon he had already raised more than £10,000, partly through a charity evening at Yeo Valley’s HQ in Blagdon. His wife, Jo, a nurse, has been living with MS for a decade.
PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Janet prepares for skydive
A MEMBER of Shepton Mallet Inner Wheel has taken on the challenge of a skydive to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Janet Fulford hopes to raise at least £400 from the tandem event, which is due to take place at Netheravon Airfield on Sunday, May 8th. The Shepton Mallet club is part of of District 20 which covers all of Somerset and parts of Wiltshire and Dorset. Alzheimer’s Society is district chairman Carol Price’s charity for the year. Janet said: “I decided to take part in this challenge for Janet is due to take to the skies Alzheimer’s Society because, of all the illnesses you can in May contract, Alzheimer’s is probably one to fear the most. It will be a tough challenge but it’s great to know that I will be raising funds to help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. “For some mad reason I thought I would do something to challenge me. I have never done anything like this before. I am a ‘feet firmly on the ground’ sort of person and this is well out of my comfort zone.” To support Janet, visit: www.justgiving.com/Janet-Fulford
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When I grow up – a charity’s dream A CHARITY based in Brockley is marking its 25th anniversary with a new appeal to help disabled children in Uganda grow up, stay healthy – and dream big. It has been ten years since Mendip Times last visited Motivation – a local charity providing wheelchairs and services for disabled people in some of the world’s poorest countries. In the years since then, the organisation has grown significantly, reaching over 20,000 disabled people every year from their headquarters – a Mendip stone schoolhouse in Brockley. While Motivation has grown as a charity, their mission remains very much the same – they want to see disabled people in the developing world leading happy, healthy and independent lives. The charity’s new appeal – When I Grow Up – aims to raise £100,000 towards their work supporting some of the most marginalised people in Uganda: disabled children and their families. Every pound donated will be doubled by the UK government as part of the UK Aid Match scheme. Having visited Uganda on several occasions, it’s a project that Motivation’s Bristol-based co-founder, David Constantine, feels passionately about: “Most of us will have heard a child say ‘when I grow up’. In fact, we have probably all said those four words as children, and had some big ambitions!
David Constantine
“But lots of disabled children in the developing world don’t get the chance to grow up. Many die before they reach five years old from what should be easily preventable health complications, such as pressure sores, and bladder or bowel infections. We can change this.” Uganda is one of Motivation’s focus countries and here, alongside health complications, negative attitudes and misinformation in some communities can result in disability bringing shame and disgrace. The consequence is that many disabled children and their families live on the fringes of society, in extreme poverty with little chance of breaking free. Motivation believes that every child deserves the best start in life. That’s why they are asking Mendip residents to donate to the appeal. Doubled donations from the UK government will be used to
CHARITIES
Tapiwa in Uganda
support a project working with over 400 disabled children and their families in the Kampala and Kasese regions of the country. Here, training courses for parents will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to keep their children healthy and fight for their right to be included. Parents can also attend workshops in activities such as soap-making, pigrearing and basket weaving to help them increase household income so that they can support their families. A key part of the project, and a newer area of work for Motivation, will be teaming disabled children up with inspiring “peer trainers”, who will teach basic wheelchair skills and techniques for staying healthy so that children can be more independent. Eight-year-old Tapiwa is one of the children to have benefitted from this kind of support. She has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair prescribed and fitted to her by a Motivation-trained wheelchair service. At peer training she was shown how to push her wheelchair by herself and how to transfer safely into her school chair, so that she could be included in lessons. Tapiwa’s classmates used to be scared to play with her in case they “caught” her disability, but now that she and her mother have the information they need to dispel negative beliefs, Tapiwa is making friends. Encouraged and supported, Tapiwa is now determined to be independent and has high hopes for the future: “I want to work hard in school and be a bank manager!”
Details: www.motivation.org.uk/whenigrowup or call 01275 464012. Every pound donated up until August 3rd will be doubled by the UK government.
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WILDLIFE
Living side-by-side – farmers and barn owls
WITH the arrival of May comes a new breeding season for the barn owl. This is the time of year when farmers start to contact me By CHRIS about whether they SPERRING are seeing the white MBE owl or not. The breeding times for this owl do change, as I have mentioned before. They can begin egg laying as early as the end of February, as in 2011, or as late as August after the cold spring of 2013. They are the only British owl that seems to do this; when they do they are responding to food levels and, of course, their main small mammal prey item is the field vole. The vole, in building up its numbers, is responding to the growth rate of grass and, to conclude this, the grass is responding to the weather conditions. If everything fits into place, then this is the month everything starts happening. Last year saw a real boost in breeding barn owls in the west Mendip area and
A barn owl diving on its prey
Barn owlets: will this year be as good for breeding as 2015?
many farmers that had owls were leaving an edge of long grass when the first silage cut took place. Indeed one farmer, upon me telling him his barn owl nest box had five owlets, was due to cut the grass the next day but held off for a week to give the owls a good start and still left edges of long grass when he finally cut the fields. The female barn owl incubates the eggs and each egg laid takes around a month to hatch, during this time the male will be hunting for food for the female and himself, the more prey items he takes to her then the more eggs she lays; this is where the conditions within the environment control the number of offspring produced, so it’s a numbers game.
The more owlets produced will lead to more barn owls available to breed in the next season, so the whole population rises; the opposite is true if only a few owlets are produced, and in some cases they don’t even produce enough to even replace the parents, which means the population decreases, and sometimes at a fast rate. After hatching the owlets take around eight weeks before they start to fly, they are then trained to hunt by the adults. In years where food supply is high the owlets will be removed from the adults territory quite quickly, this is because the female has come back into egg production and she will be ready to lay a second clutch of eggs. These second clutches are not rare and when they happen its again a good sign that the overall population will be boosted. With barn owl conservation, as with the conservation of all our wildlife, it is true to say that every little helps. Farmers and landowners leaving edges of long grass to fields know full well that the barn owl response to such action is very quick indeed; the knock-on effect on other wildlife is also apparent with butterflies, seed and insect feeding birds benefiting as well. Pressure of land use is obvious, however a basic respect of what our farmers are doing will help. We need to understand that the farmers are producing in most cases food for us to eat; farmers often talk about prices being too low, I often wonder if these low prices for food, milk etc. mean that the whole of the farm has to be utilised in terms of production? If you are a farmer or land owner and over the month of May you are seeing barn owl hunting in the early evening please do let me know 07799413918 or email me chris.sperring@btinterent.com
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust. Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com. Please visit www.swp.hawkandowl.org for more information
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 57
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Enjoy views of Mendip and the Levels on this Burcott walk
THIS is a rural, very relaxing, sunny circle close to Wells walking in the peaceful, timeless undulating countryside between the Mendip Hills ridge and the Somerset Levels from the hamlet of Burcott. The views for most of the way are glorious – either across to the Levels and Glastonbury Tor, back to Wells Cathedral and later across to the Mendip Hills. Pass old Somerset farms, getting a feel of this ancient land with remains of early fortifications, burial mounds and the site of a former battle. Walking is a mixture of quiet lanes and field footpaths and tracks and there is one steepish hill of about ten
minutes. Visit a small wildlife reserve. Near the end follow the River Axe. There are a lot of stiles but all of them seem to have ways round or under for dogs. This is a beautiful round which probably breaks new ground for you. Thanks to the Mendip Ramblers for their excellent work on stiles and way-marking. The Burcott Inn where we park is a great place to have refreshment before or after. PARK: In the car park of the Burcott Inn, in Burcott, about two miles west of Wells on the B3139, Wells-Wedmore road where they have kindly said you can park. Please ring the pub just to say that your car will be there. If for any reason you can’t park there, please park up in Wookey and walk down to the pub. START: From the Inn, turn left along the pavement for two or three minutes. Then take the first lane right. Note the Wookey carved stone sign with two milk churns dedicated to dairy farmers in the area. Follow the lane past the entrance to Burcott Manor all the way to a T-junction, getting good views, as you drop down, across to Hay Hill. 1. T-JUNCTION Turn left and after a couple of minutes, take the first right by a triangle of grass with a tree.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
2. TRACK After a few more minutes, pass a farm right and then as you reach a house with an octagonal stone shelter in the garden,
turn right on the public footpath track over a stile. You are about 15 mins from the start. Continue on over two more stiles passing a horse exercise field and go through a gate. Bear left and cross another stile and head up to reach the woodland edge above and follow this along to the right with Hay Hill up on your left and Ben Knowle Hill right. Look back to see Wells Cathedral. Keep on along the top of fields to a stile at the end.
3. HILL EDGE This brings you to the edge of Hay Hill. Go up a little but stay in the same direction bearing slightly left across to a very visible stile in the fence ahead. Follow the arrow across the field bearing a little left aiming for a grassy recess on the far side. Here is a stile/footbridge set back. Once over, continue along the field edge to cross another marked stile by a gate. Now go round the field edge crossing another stile on the way. Reach the corner and a stile by a gate onto a lane by a junction. 4. LANE Go straight ahead. To the left, but there is nothing to see, is the site of an earthwork known as Battlebury. The site is elliptical, about nine feet high, and probably used for burials. It is surrounded by what may be the actual site of an unknown or "lost" ancient battlefield of flat land, near the three hills of Ben Knowle, Hay Hill and Callow/Hembury Hills. Reach a T-junction by Pine Tree Farm and go left in Castle Lane. Up right is Hembury Hill, taken from the old English
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OS Explorer Map 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 521 456 • 5.6 miles, about 3 hours walking
meaning “the hill on the border”. As you continue, you can see ahead at about five to the hour the mound of Fenny Castle Hill. This was the site of a motte and bailey castle characteristic of the 11th to 13th centuries. Digging in the castle area unearthed a wall which defended the summit, as well as iron rings, an iron implement and pottery. And later in the 19th century the remains of 20 skeletons were removed. There is a local tradition that the mound was associated with King Alfred. Pass the remains of a 14th century wayside cross on the right. Reach a long stone barn on the left.
5. FOOTPATH Take the footpath opposite this which goes up the field on to Hembury Hill. Head for near the top left corner. Cross two stiles in the corner and go up right. This is the steepest section of the walk, with great views across the Levels and Glastonbury Tor over left. The path meanders a little and is not always that clear, but just keep heading up. Reach the top.
6. HILLTOP Head across, and go over two stiles and head on. Find a rather hidden opening in the hedge and maintain direction in the next field, now looking north to the Mendip ridge. Go through a large gate to a lane. Turn left along the lane for a few minutes, going round a right bend. Come up on to the level and reach a track left between hedges. This goes along, drops and then bends right and left and reaches Yarley Fields Nature Reserve.
7. NATURE RESERVE This sunny reserve with great views is in the care of Somerset Wildlife Trust and has an information board about wild flowers. Opposite the entrance to the reserve, go over a stile and up a field edge, climbing a little more – this time onto Yarley Hill. Cross two stiles in the corner – still heading towards the Mendips. After a few yards, change direction and cross two stiles on the right. Go straight across looking down on Yarley village. Maintain direction, crossing a stile and join a track between trees. A gate leads you out past a house and into Yarley.
8. YARLEY Turn left on the lane downhill and bend left continuing down to the main road. Cross to a small lane opposite and immediately turn right, parallel with the road. Stay with this as it bends left and continue all the way towards a ford on the River Axe.
9. FORD Take the footpath and footbridge at the side of the ford. Once over, reach two public footpaths on the right. Take the right one through a Bristol gate. Go between fences and soon find a footpath on the right. This heads across and goes over the Axe. Then turn left. It’s a pretty section along here, close by the river. Continue through fields by the river towards Wookey. At the end go through onto a concrete path. Turn left and then bend right. Come out into a residential road and head along it. Reach a junction with a road through the village. 10. WOOKEY Turn right. Pass Court Farm drive, and then go left through a kissing gate and on through an open area, parallel to the farm drive. The river is on your right. Reach a lane/drive where you turn right and soon reach the main road. Go left along the pavement back to the welcoming Burcott Inn. The Burcott Inn, Burcott, tel: 01749 673874. Closed on Mondays, you can still park. Ring or call in to let them know you are parking.
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West Countryman’s Diary
APRIL into May and where oh where is the year going? By now everything has greened up and flowers will be spilling from the hedgerow and grassy bank. When I come to look at it, this must have been one of the longest growing seasons. Daffodils and primroses have been in With LES continuous bloom since January and they DAVIES MBE are still going. Spring! Isn't this the very best bit of the year? Lighter evenings and hopefully warmer days, with a promise of better ones to come. For me the pruning has finished and I have been very grateful for the colder weather that held everything back. Most of my work comes in seasonal rushes and nothing can really be spread across the year. I've got grafting that needs to be done in April, whilst the sap is rising in the trees; mowing that will need to be started before the grass in the orchards gets away too much. There's the Environmental Youth Award entries to be judged before the Royal Bath and West Show at the beginning of June. Next comes bracken crushing in July and August, when the growth has reached its full extent and I can prevent all that nutrient from going back into the root system by splitting the stems. The schools will be coming out on their farm visits as the days get warmer, then I have another group of students from the University of Georgia USA. Just enough time to get a week’s holiday at the end of August in Pembrokeshire before the Mendip Ploughing Society’s annual match on Wednesday September 28th near Green Ore. When all is said and done I don't have a bad job. In fact I often say it's not like a real job! Last time I was talking about “Hissing Syd” and the need to take care of adders when you are out and about with the dog. During May the roe deer will be calving and hiding their youngsters whilst they go off to feed. The only protection afforded to these small and vulnerable calves is the ability to lie quite still. They give off no scent and hope that by the combination of these two factors they will go unnoticed. Once again an inquisitive dog can cause problems and anyone picking up the small creature in the belief that it has been abandoned will seal its fate. Any unusual smell detected by the mother will lead to the offspring being abandoned. The rest of the wildlife population will also be busy bringing up a new generation, equally as vulnerable in a new and very hostile world. Life will be tough enough without us contributing. Having got excited about spring, May can still “spring” a few surprises. Cold frosts can still play havoc with the apple blossom, and a “Dunstan” frost can still roll down through the Vale of Avalon. This is an air frost, so called after the story of St Dunstan and his pact with the Devil that saw the cider crop destroyed with a frost on the blossom. This done, St Dunstan was able to profit from barley that he was growing for beer. An unlikely tale, but interesting none the less. Tales such as this abound and, within every legend, myth and story there will be a grain of fact that the passage of time has forgotten or ignored. So the Merry Month of May is upon us. The origins of the name are a little uncertain, but some have said it's derived from Maia the mother of the Roman god Mercury. In olden England
OUTDOORS Grandfather and the Monro Tiller
the first day of this month was greeted by the people who went out at dawn to welcome the advent of spring. From this grew the maypole and the May queen, with much feasting and merriment as would befit the raucous god Bacchus and his feast of Beltane. The last maypole to be erected in London was taken down in 1717, but the tradition still continues in some places. We should not lose these traditions; such things as this have shaped our social history and a way of life that is admired and sought-after by many. Life on the land gets busy from here on in. First cut silage will soon begin and it seems to get earlier and earlier each year. I can remember Brussel sprout plants going into the fields at the end of May on Hales Farm. The plants were raised in the large walled garden having been “drilled” in using a very old (even then) Planet seed drill. This was pushed up the row with the precious seed being dispensed from a metal hopper. All very low-tech but it worked well and with the minimum of breakdowns. Planting was as equally low-tech, being done with a trowel and string line across the field. Measurements were very simple, not a Sat Nav to be seen. The distance between plants was determined by the boot, that being two boots between the plants and rows. Other measurements of between a boot and a boot and a half were also employed on other crops. I still use this system in my garden today; it works well and is easy to use. Clearing any soil build-up on the trowel was achieved by banging it against the up-turned toe of the boot. Yes, I still use that as well and the dull “clang” it makes takes be back across the years. Don’t forget the agricultural shows. This year’s North Somerset is May 2nd (May Day and my birthday) with the Bath and West starting on Wednesday June 1st. Before that is the Priddy Friendly Society celebrations on the village green, Monday May 30th. Have a wonderful month and get out and about as much as you can. Finally, this month’s picture is from my archive of Hales Farm pictures. Here my grandfather Charlie Tavener pauses, pipe in mouth and grinning, to have his picture taken with the “Monro Tiller”. He’s on his way to the walled garden.
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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A p r i l s h o w e rs b ri ng f o r th M a y f l o w e r s – a n d we e d s ! THE gardens have really stepped up a gear and everything is growing fast – even the weeds. So it is important to try to keep up with the plants and not let the garden get away from you. If you can achieve this in May, you stand a chance of keeping in control for the rest of the summer. With MARY It is a very busy time of year, so here are PAYNE MBE some of the jobs to keep you on track for a successful summer season. It is important to give bulb foliage a chance to grow and develop the bulb for next year so leave the foliage on for eight weeks after the flowers have faded. You can then cut off the leaves even if they are still green. This is a great help if you have bulbs growing in grass and wish to return the area to lawn. A feed of a high potash fertiliser applied as the flowers fade will help. Congested clumps can be lifted and divided now, while you can still see where they are. Make sure clematis have something to hang on to, as the new stems snap easily, and protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails. All tender vegetable and bedding plants should be hardened off before planting. Stand them outside the greenhouse by day for a few days and then leave out by night in a sheltered place for another few days. Bedding plants purchased out of greenhouses or polythene tunnels should be treated in a similar way. Remember that newlyplanted bedding plants will attract slugs and snails, drawn by the scent of damaged roots or foliage. Tender perennials such as cannas, dahlias and salvias also need to be hardened off prior to planting in late May/early June. Sweet peas should be growing strongly by now and will benefit by removing the tendrils. This prevents the tendrils grabbing flower buds and crushing them. It also makes it easier to tie in to the supports. The new growth of climbing and rambling roses will need to be tied in to their supports. Keep a keen eye out for blackspot disease developing. Remove affected leaves and spray with a systemic fungicide in the evening after the bees have gone to bed. Hanging baskets can be planted up in May and then stood on a flower pot or hung in a greenhouse to get established before hanging in their permanent site in early June. It is a good idea to add a water retaining gel to the compost for baskets to ease the burden of watering. Early flowering clematis, such as C. montana, C. armandii and C. cirrhosa, can be thinned out immediately after flowering by removing the shoots that have flowered and training in the new growths which will flower next spring. Lawns are growing rapidly, so the height of cut can be reduced. If you have not already done it, neatening up the lawn edge with a half-moon will make all the difference. Try not to take off too much, or the lawn will get smaller and the borders bigger over the years. Those of you with a mowing strip (see picture) will not suffer from this problem and a quick slice along the line where the mowing strip meets the grass will suffice. May is a very busy month in the vegetable garden. Brassicas and leeks grown under glass can be planted out. Direct sown beetroot and parsnips may need thinning. Protect rows of carrots from the dreaded carrot fly with fleece or enviromesh, anchored PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
down well on the sides and ends. Potatoes can be earthed up and the tops of broad beans pinched out to avoid the ravages of black fly. Runner beans and French beans are best planted in early May as they dislike being chilled. This goes for courgettes and pumpkins too. In the greenhouse ensure that the vents are opened daily and leave the door open by day if the weather is fine. Damping down the floor will help to increase the humidity and reduce the risk of a red spider mite infestation, as they prefer dry conditions. It may be necessary to shade a greenhouse in very hot weather. A simple curtain of fleece can be used very effectively and this can be removed in dull conditions allowing good light access. Painting the exterior glass is the alternative, but it is vital to remove the shading in the autumn. Tomatoes can be planted under glass once the first flower on the first truss is open. For outdoor tomatoes, it is better to wait until early June when the night temperatures are warmer. Rather than plant in grow bags in the traditional manner you will get better results from cutting the grow bag in half and standing each half up as a flower pot. Make some drainage holes about an inch up from the bottom, thus creating a reservoir of water at the base. Adequate watering is essential for tomatoes to prevent “blossom end rot”. The base of the fruits appear sunken and black. This is not a disease or pest. It is caused by the inability of the plant to move calcium to the fruits when required, inevitably due to erratic watering. If you have got through all these jobs, then you deserve a G & T while you peruse the Yellow Book and decide which local gardens you would like to visit that open to raise funds for the worthy charities supported by the National Gardens Scheme, if only to see if they are as up to date with the jobs as you are! On Sunday May 8th the Yeo Valley Organic Garden at Holt Farm, Blagdon will be open from 2-5pm with teas.
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M AY G A R D E N T I P S
GARDENING
G Plant out Dahlias and Begonias but protect from late frosts and plant up your hanging baskets and containers. Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon. G Some houseplants can be moved outside for summer this month. Put them in a shady spot until they get used to the brighter light outside and make sure they get watered regularly. G Citrus plants will benefit from being outside from now until late August. Once acclimatised they will relish the sunshine! Some orchids, such as Cymbidium, are happier outside than in. G Give some of your border perennials the ‘Chelsea Chop’. If you cut some of them back by about half now it will delay flowering but extend the display longer in your garden. G Start feeding greenhouse tomatoes with a high potash feed, as soon as you can see the first visible tiny fruit. Vibrate flowers regularly to improve fruit set. G Earth up early potatoes and keep a watch out for late frosts, cover with horticultural fleece if frost is likely. G Tie in soft new shoots of trained fruit trees and canes. Hoe off raspberry canes that appear between the rows. Check gooseberries for sawfly larvae. G Sow courgettes, marrows, ridge cucumbers and melons in individual pots. G Sow borage, nasturtium and other edible flowers for use in salads. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
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Craft fair boost for forest school
(l:r) Stall holder Jade Moss, organiser Vanessa Lancaster, Sharon Clarke from Browne’s Garden Centre and Sharon Haigh, another stallholder
PROCEEDS from raffles held during this year’s artisan fairs at Browne’s Garden Centre near Wells will go towards plans by Pilton Pre-School to create their own forest school. Last year’s fairs, organised by Vanessa Lancaster, raised around £500 for research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Norton Green Farm Garden Centre and Nursery WELCOMES YOU THIS SPRING
• Veg., plants, herbs, fruit trees & soft fruit • Conifers, roses, shrubs & trees • Summer corms & tubers, begonia, dahlia, gladioli etc. • 2016 seed collections by Unwins, Fothergills, Johnsons, Marshalls & Country Value etc. • Grass seed; fresh cut turf available to order (weekly deliveries) • Good selection of pots & containers inc. special offers • Compost, mulches & bark inc. multi-buy special offers • Wild bird food & feeders • HTA National Garden gift vouchers Also available: • Gravel & grits, paving & walling • Fencing, posts & trellis etc. • Turf available weekly to order LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10.30am-4.30pm
Wells Road, Chilcompton, Nr. Bath Tel: 01761 232137 E. nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH
Yeo Valley organic gardens
THE 6.5 acre gardens at Holt Farm have contemporary planting with amazing views to the Mendips and Blagdon Lake. It is one of only a handful of gardens to have the Soil Association’s Organic Certification. The flowering perennial meadow with the blossom in the tea crab avenue is a real highlight of spring. Also check out their hornbeam hedge which has been laid by Colin Clutterbuck -national hedge-laying champion – and enjoy seeing some of the thousands of bulbs which they planted last autumn. You can also enjoy the garden café for tea and cake. NGS opening details: Sunday May 8th 2pm – 5pm. The gardens are open May 5th to September 30th, Thursdays and Fridays from 11am – 5pm, with a Yeopen Day on October 2nd. Admission: £5, children free. Details: Mr and Mrs Tim Mead, Blagdon BS40 7SQ, 01761 461650, gardens@holtfarmsgroup.co.uk www.theyeovalleyorganicgarden.co.uk
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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GARDENING
A l e g e n d i n s c u l p t u re A STEEL sculpture celebrating a local legend has been unveiled in gardens of the Bishop's Palace in Wells. Artist Fiona Campbell was commissioned to honour Bishop Jocelyn, who is credited with slaying a dragon which was terrorising villagers and livestock in nearby Dinder. The sculpture was funded by Ann McGregor, one of the volunteer gardeners at the palace; sadly, Ann passed away before the work could be completed. Fiona has still to make the dragon. The legend lives on: every 50 years, a celebration of the event is held in Dinder. It is said that if the tradition is forgotten or not carried out by a lefthanded churchman, then the dragon will return. The celebration was last held in 2001. A mosaic depicting the story can be seen on the path next to the moat. Meanwhile, Fiona, of Cranmore, and
fellow artist Nick Weaver have been commissioned by multi gold-award winning landscape designer Sarah Eberle to create two of the focal pieces for her RHS Chelsea Flower Show Artisan Garden this year. Created for Viking Cruises, the garden is inspired by Cambodia’s floating gardens and traditional fishing
techniques in the Mekong River region. Fiona has been creating a large canopy inspired by traditional fishing nets and silk weaving. Nick has been making a “floating” lounger styled on a traditional fishing boat. The Chelsea Flower Show takes place from Tuesday, May 24th until Saturday, May 28th. The statue was a gift from Ann McGregor
(Photograph courtesy of Johnny Martin)
Nick, Fiona and Sarah with the boat/lounger under construction.
Bishop Ruth of Taunton with Fiona. The bishop cut a ribbon to unveil the sculpture
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
Opening 8.00am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri. 8.00am – 12.00pm Sat
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A tradition in stone THE craft of stonemasonry has existed since people could make and use tools – it’s one of the earliest trades in our civilisation’s history, says stone letter cutter Andrew James. Some of the most acclaimed stone constructions include Stonehenge, The Taj Mahal, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and, of course, there’s also the Egyptian Pyramids, the Acropolis in Greece and – not least – our very own Wells Cathedral. But it’s not just building in stone – dating back to prehistoric times, the oldest known works of representational art are sculpted in stone with the ancient practice of carving letters into stone being as old as writing itself. Today, some of the most eminent monuments and memorials
include lettering carved into stone – there is something quite magical about seeing words and thoughts so enduringly and literally “set in stone”. As well as world famous examples such as the Rosetta Stone – and even the Ten Commandments – there are plenty of every-day examples of stone carved lettering too, from traditional headstones to historical village boundary signs and waymarkers. The 20th Century has seen some of the most radical changes in the way stone is but traditionalists argue that the delicate lettering cutting process is one best served in the same way that stone has been worked for thousands of years – by hand with a simple mallet and chisel. So as the sun comes out and we venture into our gardens again, perhaps now is the time to commission a little bit of history of our own. The advent of (hopefully!) better weather often sees us investing some extra TLC into our outdoor spaces and what better way to celebrate the entrance to your own little castle than with a brand new house sign made of stone? Hand-carved in the good old-fashioned way, of course. Visit www.carvedstoneletters.co.uk
PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 67
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Bringing history back to life
A spoof flyer that used to hang in the Portman Arms, Pylle – now a private house – was the inspiration behind the Pylle Pageant, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday May 22nd. Words: Stephen Tudsbery-Turner Pictures: Greg Tresize
THE flyer, approximately A5 in size, purported to announce the celebrations attending the arrival of the railway in Pylle on Saturday February 3rd 1862. It turned out the poster was probably nothing more than a decorative item dreamt up by an amateur historian in the days when the Portman Arms was a functioning pub. But further research made it clear that the spoof was based on a genuine flyer dating from 1854, which announced the opening of the Somerset Central Railway Company’s extension line to Wells. And once the idea of a pageant to celebrate the opening of the railway had taken off, there was no stopping it, particularly when it was realised that 2016 was in fact the anniversary of the line’s closure in 1966 – thanks to Dr Beeching. Now over 100 performers are about to take on the roles of villagers and guests who were around in 1862 and who could have attended a celebration to mark the arrival of the railway, if such a celebration had taken place. Lord Portman, according to the flyer, led the villagers in a The local beekeeper his wife procession in February 1862. and friend Four humble villagers
Lord and Lady Portman, the rector and Sir William Miles MP
He will be there again in May 2016 in his capacity as Lord Lieutenant of the county and lord of the manor. With him will be George Warry, chairman of the Somerset Central, the company responsible for the building of the branch line that linked Burnham-on-Sea to Cole where it met the Dorset Central line heading north from Templecombe. Others present will be the Rev. William Gale, rector of Pylle, and a host of villagers including tenant farmers such as John Cary of Pylle House and William Higgins of Stockwood Farm, which stood on the site of what is now Jon Thorner’s Farm Shop. Then there will be Mrs Sidonia Allen, a velvet weaver, Mrs Mary Allen, the school mistress – whose school room was in her own home – Thomas Baty, the village baker and part-time Local gentry at the church door
Details: Railway exhibitions and film from 12noon in Pylle Church. A brass band will lead the PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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HISTORY
Pylle Villagers outside the local church
Methodist minister, William Biggin, the village butcher, Peter March, a stone cutter who probably worked on the railway, and Elizabeth March, a laundress. The Somerset Central and the Dorset Central shared the same secretary and it was no surprise when the two companies joined forces and in September 1862 the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Company came into existence. The rest, as they say, is history.
d the pageant from 2pm. Programmes £3. Further info at www.pylle.org or call 01749 830538 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 69
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Craftsmen restore chapel of love
By Mark Adler
IT is known as the “Church of the Stars” where the wellknown and the wealthy from all over the UK tie the knot. But tiny St. Margaret’s Church at Babington, near Frome, is very much part of the local community and has been for more than 250 years. For the past year, the church – in the grounds of Babington House – was shrouded in scaffolding as craftsmen carried out extensive repairs and redecorations. Cast iron “clamps” which held the stonework together had corroded, causing pieces to crack and fall. The cost of the works has been put at £120,000 with further work needed, probably early next year. Most of the work was undertaken and overseen by specialist contractors Strachey Conservation, of Godney. The church is run by a charitable trust, set up after the building was legally made redundant by the Church of England. Ownership was transferred by way of a 999-year lease from the Diocese of Bath and Wells to the St. Margaret’s, Babington, Charitable Trust, a body created to preserve the building. The setting up of the trust was due mainly to the efforts of John Jennings, who owned Babington House at the time; his son Piers is a trustee. Babington House is now part of the Soho House group and in 1998 the trust gained a licence from the Bishop of Bath and Wells to hold Church of England weddings in the church. Since then weddings have been held on a regular basis, mostly working with the venue. However, anyone able to meet certain criteria can marry there. St Margaret’s is a Grade One Listed Building and is recognised nationally as being one of the most perfect surviving small Georgian churches in the country. The box pews are a rare survivor and are original. The large George II Coat of Arms on the rood is thought to be unique.
Len Morris, trustee, secretary and treasurer to the trust, said: “About 40 weddings and blessing ceremonies take place at the church each year, mostly on a Thursday, but occasionally on a Monday. This means that almost all
A piece of lead from the original roof, bearing the date 1748
Specialist restoration painter Kevin Amatt, from Martock, at work
Len Morris (left) and the Hon. Andrew Jolliffe (son of Lord Hylton of Ammerdown) and chairman of the trustees, outside the church when work was still underway
The church is open to the public during daylight hours. Anyone wishing to hire the church or arrange a wedding, b
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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HISTORY
Guests celebrate outside the church after the wedding Layla Maan and Shaun McAllister, the first couple to marry there after work was completed
Saturdays are currently free. “In addition to weddings and blessings, the church is also used for christenings (again, you do not necessarily have to be local), and also funerals and memorial services (burials are allowed in existing grave plots in the cemetery even though it is legally a Closed Churchyard). “There have also been carol concerts, Remembrance Day services, music events and flower arranging classes held in the church as, in addition to being used as a church, it is also classed as a building for cultural and community purposes.”
The original box pews inside the church
Love is all around
The Rev. Clarissa Cridland, Associate Priest for the Coleford with Holcombe benefice, conducted Layla and Shaun’s wedding
The happy couple: Layla and Shaun
The public are welcome to visit St. Margaret’s during daylight hours
ng, blessing service or any other event should contact Jane Morris on 01380 813752 or email MorrisL123@live.com
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Join the learning journey at Bath College BATH College know that learning is a life-long journey, which is why they work hard to provide a wide range of courses catering for people from all walks of life. Adults of all ages and abilities study at Bath College, to improve their job prospects, to start on a new career path, or simply to enjoy learning as a leisure activity. The valuable role colleges play in providing adult education is recognised by the Festival of Learning, a national celebration of life-long learning taking place in May and June. With the festival in mind, Bath is taking the opportunity to highlight the many different ways you can get involved in college life at their city centre campus and their Somer Valley Campus in Radstock. Designed to cover a wealth of hobbies, interests and specialities, their Love2learn adult leisure courses are perfect if you enjoy learning and are looking to develop new skills. This year, they already have 1,500 people enrolled as parttime students on a variety of courses, from floristry, photography and cooking to hair and beauty, decorating and stonemasonry. They offer a range of courses for people looking to gain professional qualifications or study for an apprentice in accountancy, childcare, marketing, management and teaching. Students studying creative subjects benefit from access to specialist equipment provided by Bath College’s Art and Design department, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Love2learn Co-ordinator Anna Dawson said: “The Art and Design studios are really fantastic and well equipped for courses like printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and fashion.
Debbie Harrison
Ann Hines
“People enjoy trying something new and it’s a social activity. People start learning a language, and quite often they come back because they enjoy the group conversation. I know that the Italian classes go out for dinner and our History of Art group have been meeting too. “Some people have been coming to our Love2learn courses for years. Our tutors are passionate about their subjects and this benefits the learner, they pass on their enthusiasm and knowledge to their students.” Their Access to Higher Education and Adult Community Learning departments are also an important part of learning at Bath College. If your dream is to study at university, an Access to High Education Course can help you achieve your ambition and get you the right qualifications to secure a university place. Most students study at college for three days, choosing to specialise in health and social care, education, science, the humanities or social science. Bath College’s Adult Community Learning courses are open to adults over 19 and take place in public venues across Bath and North East Somerset. Students can take part in practical hands-on activities, such as art workshops and animal care lessons, as well as sessions put together to get them ready for employment. Anna Wheeler, Community Engagement Officer at Bath College, said: “Adult Community Learning is designed to help people of different ages and backgrounds gain new skills and boost confidence. “Many of our learners have not been in an educational setting for a long time or found school difficult. “Our courses are often run with other community partners and will give people the chance to meet others, develop existing skills or gain new ones to improve their wellbeing, find work, or better support their family. “The most important thing for us is supporting all of our learners to move forward – whether it is giving people the ability to cook a meal, boosting their maths and English skills or improving employment prospects. “We listen to our partners and potential learners to put on courses which they feel are needed in venues they find easy to access.”
Details: www.bathcollege.ac.uk or call 01225 312191 ext 720, for more information.
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
EDUCATION
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EDUCATION
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Pictured (l tor) Mendip Rotary Young Writers Ellen Knight and Niah Vall, with English teachers Gina d’Auria and Natasha Ashurst, and Rotarian Maggie Steel
TWO students from the Cheddar Valley were presented with a trophy and book token by the Rotary Club of Mendip for their entries in Rotary’s national writing competition. Ten-year-old Ellen Knight from Hugh Sexey C of E Middle School won the junior category while the intermediate section was won by 13-year-old Niah Vall, from Kings of Wessex Academy. Both entries will now go forward to the Rotary District Competition. Rotarian Maggie Steel, who organised the competition said: “The standard of all the entries was very high, but the maturity shown by these two young people in their creative writing is quite amazing.”
Emma’s ambition
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
EMMA Treharne, a year 12 student and head girl designate at The Kings of Wessex Academy, in Cheddar, has taken part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award scheme, spending a week at the Dartmoor Training Centre near Princetown. Emma’s week included hiking, an overnight camp in pouring rain, rock-climbing and abseiling, and a number of teambuilding exercises and lectures. Her ambition after A-levels is to go to medical school and train as a doctor.
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Green fingers
New chief executive
Shipham Pre-School children and their scarecrows
CHILDREN from Shipham pre-school presented two scarecrows to a local hotel for its new vegetable patch. The children have been learning about fresh produce and how to grow vegetables.
Roxy is saved
THE iconic Roxy Cinema in Axbridge has been saved after a fundraising campaign raised over £5,000. Juliet Maclay, chair of the volunteers who run it, said: “We’ll now be able to secure the Roxy’s future for the community and invest in expending the current facilities – in particular adding theatre lighting to be able to offer a more diverse programme beyond cinema.” Jane Birch, from the Community Council for Somerset, which supported the campaign, said: “Giving this kind of support is what CCS is here for, along with offering many other types of advice, support, projects and services.”
Katherine Armstrong (left) and Keeley Rudd
THE Community Council for Somerset has appointed Keeley Rudd as its new chief executive. She takes over from Katherine Armstrong, who has decided not to return after maternity leave. Keeley, who became acting CEO in January, joined CCS in 2010. Over the last 12 months CCS has helped local community projects to secure £815,969 of funding with a 100% success rate for funding applications. Their Somerset Village Agents have supported almost 1,000 people in the last 12 months and CCS projects and services are expanding to continue to meet the needs of Somerset’s communities and individuals.
Some like it hot
Pauline’s special concert
PAULINE Spanswick is holding an evening of song with the Jenny Peplow singers on Saturday May 14th raising money for Children’s Hospice South West in its 25th anniversary year. In 2012 her late husband David’s stamp and coin collection were to be auctioned in aid of the hospice, but there was a breakin at the Wells auction house and the coins were stolen. Pauline said: “I have always wanted to make this up to CHSW in my husband’s memory. My younger daughter, youngest grandson and I did complete a walk in the grounds of Prior Park, Bath and raised a little money in May 2012 but this year being their 25th anniversary I wanted to do more.” Details: Pauline Spanswick, 01373 812690, 2, Rope Walk, Coleford BA3 5HJ or e-mail fundraisingevent@mail.com cost £8 adult, £4 under 16.
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Gwen Barnard and De Barnes (joint chairmen of the club's Community Services Committee) and President Yvonne present Humphrey Barnes, Chairman of the Frome Memorial Theatre Trust, with the cheque
AN appeal to replace the boiler system at the Memorial Theatre in Frome has been boosted by a £900 donation from the town's Inner Wheel Club, which meets monthly in the Assembly Rooms, part of the complex.
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Rosemary gives her time for charity
Rosemary Squires is still in fine voice
LEGENDARY singer Rosemary Squires was the guest of honour at a special inter-club gathering of Inner Wheel members in Midsomer Norton. Rosemary, who was born in Bristol, spoke about her career which has spanned eight decades. Continuing to tour until just a few years ago, Rosemary is now a popular speaker at charity events, donating her fees to her local hospice in Salisbury,
where she lives, or to other good causes. Around 80 Inner Wheel members from clubs across the area attended the event at the Somer Centre, organised by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock club. Rosemary, who became a household name after recording the iconic jingle to the Fairy Liquid television advertisement, said: “I still have the voice, but touring became a bit too much so these days I am happy to give talks and raise money for charity.” G Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel is hosting a jazz night and fish and chip supper on Saturday, May 7th in aid of Coeliac UK. Tickets – £20 – are available from 01761 435852 or 01761 416811.
COMMUNITY
Café supports community
THE Community Café in Stanton Drew, which is held monthly in the village church, has given its first donation to the community, a £200 cheque to Stanton Drew and Pensford pre-school group to upgrade their garden area. Anne Bennett, who helps run the cafe, said: “The community café has been going a little under two years, and in that time has grown in popularity, and diversity.” Local people sell produce and there’s also a children’s craft table. Following the market the village’s community choir meets for rehearsal. It’s donated profits previously to the church and has also invested in its own equipment. Lynne Willmott, who runs the pre-school, said: “We are really grateful to the community cafe for their kind donation. This will go towards a revamp of our garden area, which we plan to tackle in the spring, hopefully involving pre-school parents and children through a working party.”
Church retirement
Rosemary (centre) with Inner Wheel District 20 chairman Carol Price (left) and Jacky Emm, president of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel
Around 80 Inner Wheel members gathered at the Somer Centre
READER Noreen Busby has retired after serving the three churches in Publow, Chelwood and Compton Dando for nearly 20 years. She also helped out at Clutton and Stowey and plans to continue as an occasional chaplain at Wells Cathedral. She’s pictured with church wardens Andrew Hillman, Don Weston and Janet Smith (left) and church warden Ann Sherborne and the Rev. Hugh Talbott (right).
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Thatchers aids local church
Grants available
THE Thatchers Charitable Foundation has presented a cheque for £20,000 to All Saints Church in Sandford to help it remain open, matching the fundraising already carried out by members of the local community. It’s the first donation from the foundation, which was set up last year by the Thatcher family to help and support community and charitable activities, in particular in the parishes of Sandford, Winscombe and adjoining villages. Anne Thatcher said: "The Thatcher family has been a part of the Sandford community for four generations and the church is at the very heart of the village. “It's clear from the passionate effort that villagers have put into raising funds to pay for the repairs and upkeep of the church building that they don't want to lose it. As well as Sunday worship, it's home to several local groups and organisations who would have to find alternative accommodations.” She’s pictured with trustee, Philip Smith, and the Rev Lydia Avery.
SOMERSET Community Foundation’s latest grant round is now open and the grants team are accepting applications from local groups and charities until the closing date on Monday June 13th. The foundation, based in Shepton Mallet, awards grants from funds donated by local companies, individuals and trusts and they are awarded for most types of community activity or projects. SCF has identified four priority areas to support projects that: support vulnerable, isolated and lonely older people and their carers; support communities affected by rural disadvantage; improve life opportunities for disadvantaged children, young people and their families; support people who are living with, or recovering from, mental ill-health. It will also consider other projects which will make a significant difference to disadvantaged people and the communities they live in. Projects funded in the last grant round included therapeutic gardening for people suffering from mental ill-health, day trips for lonely and isolated elderly people and funding to allow a youth club to continue its good work. The average grant awarded by SCF is £1,200 and the grants committee is unlikely to award more than £5,000.
Details: info@thatcherscider.co.uk
Bev’s award
CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to Bev Davies, who has recently stepped down as a guider in Cheddar and Axbridge, for her outstanding service to the community. Immediate past district governor Alan Good made the presentation at the Lions’ 44th annual charter dinner. He’s pictured with Bev and Cheddar Vale Lions president, Janet Clark. The Lions’ annual duck race will take place in Cheddar Gorge on Monday May 30th, starting at 2pm, raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Details: Call the grants team 01749 344949 or go to www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/foundation-grants
Lions on the prowl
CHEDDAR Library users may have thought it an April Fools’ prank when an enormous lion prowled around the bookshelves on Friday April 1st, but the children knew better! Brian-the-Lion was there for the ever popular Story Time with the Lions organised by Cheddar Vale Lions Club. The children can’t wait for Brian and the Lions to return during the summer holidays – clearly a roaring success!
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Club celebrates 60 years
THERE have been special celebrations at Farmborough Memorial Hall where the Goodwill Club has reached its 60th birthday. The club was formed in 1956 in the Farmborough Parish Hall, when just tea and biscuits and a chat were the order of the day. Mrs Tyler was a founder member with Molly Davis taking over in 1981. Soon it started organising holidays with fancy dress competitions. One trip to Great Yarmouth turned into an unexpected school reunion for 17 members as they realised they had been school friends at Timsbury Secondary School in the 1940s. For its 60th the committee put on a great buffet with entertainment provided by the popular Bennie Vee. Longest
COMMUNITY serving members Eileen Jenkins and Annette Gregory cut the cake provided by Maceys. The club for retired people is very active meeting on the second and fourth Thursday in the month, when entertainment is provided with the customary cup of tea and cakes. Recently 30 members enjoyed five days at the Templestowe Hotel, Torquay where they enjoyed a back to the 40s themed week with great entertainment and trips out. There are various trips and events planned this year, ending with the eagerly awaited Christmas party. New members are always welcome: just turn up at any of the meetings on the second or fourth Thursday of the month, apart from August, at the Farmborough Memorial Hall.
Christmas 1989
Newquay 1990
Playbus on the road
A recent outing
Celebrating 25 years
THE Big Blue Playbus has been entertaining children in Camerton, Radstock, Pensford and Paulton during the Easter break. Nearly 150 children enjoyed a wide range of activities. Mel Clarke, pictured with some of the children, said the charity was grateful for funding from the Big Lottery. The Playbus is now providing for families with pre-school children and babies and will be back for older children in the summer.
Details: www.thecommunitybus.org.uk or call 01761 419557
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Mendip’s caves, combes and gorges
THE Mendip Hills is essentially an upland area flanked to the north and south by steep slopes. The most important rock is carboniferous limestone which is permeable, allowing water to pass through it via cracks and fissures which can in time form caves. With PHILIP Caves are essentially voids in the rock HENDY which can be accessed and explored by man. Underlying the limestone is old red sandstone, now referred to as the Portishead Series, which is impermeable. Earth movements over geological time have folded these rocks and weathering and erosion has exposed the sandstone at the highest points on the hills, notably on Blackdown, North Hill, Pen Hill and Beacon Hill. Since the sandstone is impermeable, rain falling on these high points cannot make its way underground. Instead, it forms streams and flows down the slope until it reaches the limestone. Fissures in the rock absorb this water and it flows down until it emerges once more into the daylight from springs and risings at the bottom of the hill. Limestone is largely composed of the remains of millions of tiny fossilised sea creatures; the fossils are mainly calcium carbonate, which is acted on by acids to form soluble calcium bicarbonate. Since rain is weakly acidic, due to carbon dioxide dissolved in it from the air, and is augmented by organic acids from decaying vegetable material in the soil, over thousands of years water passing through the rock can dissolve the limestone to form caves. The places where streams sink underground are called
(Photography by Phil Hendy)
The Narrows, Ebbor Gorge
Cheddar Gorge
swallets, or slockers on Eastern Mendip, and villages surrounding the lower slopes of the hills are usually centred on the springs, which used to be a pure and reliable source of water. This situation depends on a temperate climate, but in the past it became much colder on Mendip, as we endured at least seven periods of extreme cold over the last 800,000 years. These are the glacial episodes, when much of North America and Europe was covered with ice. Between the glaciations, the climate in Britain was much as it is today, maybe even warmer, but when the ice crept south, it covered much of the land. There is much evidence of the land being covered by glaciers in the north of the country, but the ice cover during the last few glaciations probably only came as far south as the Midlands. The Mendips seem to have been an area of tundra and permafrost. A lot of water was frozen into the soil, but there was no covering of ice as such. Of course, with no liquid water, cave development would have ceased. As the climate warmed and the ice melted, the now-liquid water transported clay and rocks, which blocked the caves. Having nowhere else to go, the water flowed on and down the sides of the hill, carving out steep valleys and in some cases gorges. The steep-sided valleys are known as combes, the best-known of course being at Burrington. The main combe is now dry, but it has two inlets, the West and East Twin Brook Valleys, where streams from Blackdown seep into the limestone, eventually sinking entirely at Flange Swallet and East Twin Swallet respectively. There are several other combes, at East Harptree and Lamb Bottom, Compton Martin, Dinder and elsewhere. Some still have active streams in the lower reaches. Gorges are characterised by having narrow clefts between sheer walls and cliffs. The most famous is Cheddar Gorge, although there is a short
(Photograph by Alison Moody)
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section of gorge at Ebbor, though most of the valley is more like a combe. It used to be thought that Cheddar Gorge was in fact an unroofed cave, though that theory has long been discredited. There are “nick points”, where the gorge floor suddenly changes its level and angle. These can be related to the various glacial periods, showing how the water released from the frozen state at the end of each cold period gushed down the gorge, making it deeper and creating new terraces. There is no evidence that the cliffs were once the walls of a cave, but in many cases, deepening of the gorge has cut through and exposed much older caves. Pride Evans’ Hole in Cheddar Gorge is an obvious example, as are Sidcot Swallet and Aveline’s Hole at Burrington. The combes and gorges were vital lines of communication, connecting the Mendip plateau with the Somerset Levels and the wide vale to the north. First used by migrating herds, they were important to early man, because they were convenient places to herd and hunt animals, as well as for travelling between the top and bottom of the hill. Later, they would have been pack horse trails, but today, apart from Cheddar Gorge and Burrington, modern transport, aided by contemporary roadbuilding techniques, prefers to use more gentle gradients. The rocks outcropping on the steep sides of these combes and gorges were also exploited by quarrymen, who were spared the effort of removing overburden before they could start to extract the stone. Old quarries can be seen in Cheddar Gorge and in its inlet valley, Black Rock, as well as in Burrington Combe. Sometimes prospecting miners found mineral deposits in these rocks, as is evident at Compton Martin where red ochre was worked, and in Harptree Combe, with its calamine (zinc) mines. Except for the busy thoroughfares of Burrington and Cheddar, most of these steep-sided valleys are today quiet havens, traversed only by footpaths, where walkers can stroll to enjoy nature at its most peaceful. Now and again, some trace of past occupation or industry will be seen, but the scars have healed. These places help to make Mendip special; long may they last.
CAVING
Aveline’s Hole, Burrington
East Twin Swallet, Burrington
Calamine mine, Harptree Combe
roducing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves. MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 81
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Motorcycles on Mendip Last year’s run leaving Wells
MOTORING
For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes
Bailey approved body shop and workshop
MOTORCYCLES and scooters from down the ages will take to the roads around Mendip on Sunday, June 5th for the annual Tortoise and Hare event organised by enthusiasts from Wells. Three separate routes for machines of different ages and power will all begin at 10am from the Market Square. The event is organised by the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club. It is being sponsored by Dickies and a donation from the proceeds will go to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. For details, visit: www.wellsmotorcycleclub.weebly.com
UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES MG ROVER & LAND ROVER SPECIALIST
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Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement
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ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE QUALITY USED CARS BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE Your peace of mind is our priority
CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY BS40 6PG Telephone: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–1pm
Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk
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Mendip “portfolio” hits market A UNIQUE opportunity has arisen through Killens to purchase two character cottages, paddocks and woodland set on the rolling Mendip landscape. Situated near Emborough, the two cottages enjoy lovely views over open countryside. The larger cottage is very well presented and is light and spacious. It provides four bedrooms, three reception rooms and two bathrooms. Whilst requiring some updating, the smaller cottage oozes with charm and provides two bedrooms, two reception rooms and a bathroom. The real delight is the expanse of land that is included, extending to some eight acres. There are attractive and enclosed gardens where you can sit and enjoy the peacefulness and far-reaching views as well as paddocks ideal for the keeping of livestock or horses. The current owners have created a very special new woodland with a mixture of broadleaf and coniferous trees with
delightful walks, glades and a wealth of flora and fauna. The properties would suit those wanting two properties for dual
PROPERTY
occupation, holiday cottages or simply a rural retreat and are also situated close to Chewton Mendip with its strong community and good range of facilities.
The properties are being offered for sale by private treaty with a guide of £950,000. For further details, contact the Wells office of Killens on 01749 671172.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 83
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Wrington agents celebrating a very good year! JOHN Webb Estate Agents and Wrington Vale Lettings are celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of their new office on the Burnett Trading Estate in the village. John has been operating in the area for more than 20 years, while the lettings business was established some seven years ago and is run by his wife Vanessa and partner Karen Morgan. John said they have had a very good year with house sales picking up and the lettings business as busy as ever. They have expanded their area to cover the whole of North Somerset, and as Karen lives in Portishead, Wrington Vale Lettings are looking to let and manage property here as well as the surrounding towns and villages. John said: “Because we are relatively small we get to know all of our vendors and customers, who only have to deal with the three partners. We do know our stuff and can offer a more personal service than bigger agencies. “The fact that we operate in such a wonderful area also means there are more and more people looking to locate here.” They are keen to have more properties, particularly for letting, with demand more than out-stripping supply. Karen said: “All kinds of properties are needed for a growing list of prospective tenants. We are interested in hearing from landlords who may not be happy with their current agent or new landlords wanting guidance. We don’t charge VAT on lettings so our fees are very competitive.” John is also busy organising their annual ‘Natalie’s Charities Golf Day’ at Mendip Spring Golf Club, which has raised £80,000
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
John and Vanessa Webb at the Natalie’s Charities golf day
over the last nine years for Weston Hospicecare and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. It will be held on Friday August 26th and if you would like to enter a team or donate a raffle prize, please get in touch. If you are thinking of selling or letting your home and would like advice on marketing your property, contact John Webb Estate Agents and Wrington Vale Lettings and be confident that they will offer you a first class service whatever you decide to do.
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Land at £17,000 per acre
DAVID James & Partners at Wrington held their first auction of 2016 in March with some 14 lots of land and property up for sale. Land from Chew Magna, Temple Cloud, Chelwood, Dundry and down to Wedmore all sold well and prices without exception achieved above their guides – the average price per acre was £17,000 with some notable lots at Chew Magna and Temple Cloud pushing the average way over expectation! Lots are now being collected for the May auction at Mendip Springs Golf Club on May 10th and these already include eight acres at Lower Failand, barn with planning permission for two dwellings at Congresbury, investment land at Tickenham, buildings and land at Hillview, Axbridge and the old pumping Station at Portishead amongst various acreage throughout the area.
Details: contact John Williams at David James & Partners 01934 864300.
PROPERTY
In search of the Good Life
SPRING is certainly in the air and with the long, summer days approaching many of us will be yearning for the “good life”. Keeping a few animals on a smallholding or cultivating crops on the land or polytunnel is very appealing and Cottage Farm at Banwell has just come onto the market for the first time in 18 years with David James and Partners in Wrington. The property can certainly offer all the facilities for budding smallholders and horticulturalists. This detached cottage has huge potential with adjoining outbuildings ripe for development (subject to planning) as either additional domestic accommodation or holiday let potential. Along with the detached cottage and outbuildings is a modern agricultural building and polytunnel, 7.18 acres of good pasture with natural hedgerow and post and rail boundaries with caravan club listing for five vans. The cottage stands well back from the road with long driveway and hardstanding and has lovely views towards the Mendips and Yeo Valley. Another property which lies much closer to the city of Bristol is Sunnyside – a detached three-bedroom bungalow with orchard and paddock of 2.5 acres. Again situated up a long drive from the A369, it has an elevated location commanding views to the Bristol Channel and beyond. The property does hold an agricultural occupancy clause and is being offered prior to auction at a guide price of £400,000.
SEE US AT THE NORTH SOMERSET SHOW, STAND NO. AG26, NEAR THE MEMBERS TENT
WINFORD, CHEW VALLEY
EASTON IN GORDANO, NORTH SOMERSET
TWO COTTAGES ON EDGE OF VILLAGE WITH 4 ACRES. Two semi detached stone cottages with 4 acre paddock adjoining. In all; five bedrooms, two reception, two bathrooms, outbuilding and garden. Parking to one side and vehicular access to side into field. EPC: F. Ref: 25046. For sale by auction (unless sold prior) July 2016 PRICE GUIDE £665,000
DETACHED BUNGALOW WITH 2.5 ACRES On the outskirts of the village and close to the City of Bristol, a detached 1970’s bungalow with 2.5 acres (AOC applies), elevated location with far reaching views. Three bedrooms, modern kitchen and bathroom, long drive, garage, gardens, orchard and paddock. EPC: F. Ref: 23625. For sale by auction (unless sold prior) July 2016 PRICE GUIDE £400,000
DETACHED COTTAGE SMALL HOLDING WITH 7.18 ACRES. Cottage with substantial adjoining stone and tile outbuildings, agricultural building, polytunnel and caravan club listing for 5, set in over 7 acres of good pasture with lovely views over the surrounding countryside in good catchment for holiday business if required. EPC: E. Ref: 25040 PRICE GUIDE £725,000
CONTEMPORARY HOUSE IN MATURE SETTING A contemporary detached family home offering all the ecological benefits of a new build in a south facing mature and secluded setting with large garden and a wooded dell, close to the village centre; Oak floors, German Kitchen, superb bathrooms in a light and airy atmosphere of: Four bedrooms, two reception rooms, open plan living with large windows and rural aspect. EPC: C. Ref: 25011 PRICE GUIDE £635,000
BANWELL, NORTH SOMERSET
SHIPHAM, SOMERSET
Wrington Tel: 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 85
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Slowing down the rust
By Dr PHIL HAMMOND
SORRY to start on such a cheerful note, but we’re all going to die. Usually, it’s heart disease, stroke or cancer that sees us off but the trick is to try to stop dying before our time. When the NHS was founded in 1948, half of us died before the age of 65. Now many of us make it to 80 and one in three people born today will live to 100. Clearly, we’re doing something right but to understand what, we need to go back two billion
years. Back then, there was the worst outbreak of pollution earth has ever known. Bacteria learnt how to use sunlight to convert water into food. This chemical process produced an extremely toxic gas as a byproduct, which was intensely corrosive and destroyed most living things as it was released into the atmosphere. Over tens of millions of years the levels of this poison built and built, from virtually nothing to almost 21 percent of the entire atmosphere. That gas is oxygen, formed as bacteria split water and combined hydrogen with carbon to form simple sugars for food. The bacteria had no use for the oxygen, so they just let it go. Plants evolved from these bacteria and release oxygen into the atmosphere by photosynthesis. For animals, oxygen is essential for life, but it’s still very toxic. It reacts hungrily with proteins and enzymes, stopping them from working. It burns and destroys. If the levels of oxygen in our atmosphere rose much above current levels, we’d all die very young. The reason this doesn’t happen is because other bacteria developed an even smarter chemical trick. They learnt how to convert oxygen, the great poison, into energy. Animals have inherited that evolutionary trick from them. But it’s a Faustian pact. Oxygen keeps us alive, but it also destroys living tissue. The damage oxygen does to cells is the main reason why we age and our arteries clog up. It slowly rusts us to death. And the less care we take of ourselves, the quicker we rust. When we use oxygen to produce energy, this process generates a group of particularly vicious chemicals called free radicals. Once generated these free radicals surge around your body. They damage arteries, which leads first to the formation of fatty deposits, then narrowing of the arteries, then heart attacks and strokes. It’s that initial damage that starts everything else; if it wasn’t for free radicals it wouldn’t really matter what your cholesterol levels are, normal fat does not get deposited in healthy arteries. These oxidants also get into your cells and damage your DNA. If your body fails to repair this DNA damage then the cell may become abnormal and may turn into a cancer. Smoking increases the level of circulating oxidants and that’s one way it causes heart disease and cancer. We have in-built natural antioxidants in the form of enzymes which help suppress the build-up of free radicals and there is some evidence that people who naturally have high levels of antioxidants live longer and have less disease. Your best chance of slowing down the rust and reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke is a healthy diet, an active life, a sensible amount of booze and no cigarettes. Happiness, optimism and a calm and gentle disposition also help. Keep your waist circumference (measured at the level of your belly button) at half your height or less. And don’t let your blood pressure get too high. Above all, try to avoid continuous stress. Building rest, relaxation and recovery into your daily routine is the best way of slowing down the rust. Dr Phil is up at the Edinburgh Fringe www.edfringe.com
PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
A feline takeover
SOMETHING smells…and this smell is all too familiar. I find myself on hands and knees looking under the side-board, tables and cupboards. Together, Mendip Dad and I move the sofa and the Welsh dresser; all to no avail. To begin with we are not sure which room the smell emanates from but after a day working from home, with the smell right under my nose, I am in no doubt – its source is in the diningroom. “It absolutely stinks,” declares middle child. “I was nearly sick when I came down for breakfast this morning.” I couldn’t agree more. The dining table is abandoned and we eat our evening meal on our laps in the sitting room. The trouble is the cats have taken over. The surrounding fields are their hunting ground and as the weather warms up they take full advantage of everything life has to offer. They bring their rich pickings into the house, dead or alive, and the live ones run away and hide. Sometimes we rescue them and sometimes we cannot find them. “These cats have the worst mother and son relationship ever,” observes middle-child as mother-cat hisses and then swipes at her son as he walks nonchalantly by. She cannot understand why he is still living at home. Mother-cat will sit on my lap and purr but her son uses the place like a hotel. He ignores the staff and finding an open bedroom door stretches out comfortably on the bed. Unfortunately, room service is not offered but the son of a stray can live without a five-star service, as long as the set meal times are adhered to in the dining area. He likes the laundry service on offer and if all the bedroom doors are shut he will find a clean pile of clothes to decorate with muddy paws. He is hero-worshipped by youngest son who can forgive all his misdemeanours. Worryingly, eldest child decides the cats are her best friends, as she abandons her social life for the sake of her A-levels. Mother-cat has taken to annoying Mendip Dad by sitting in his chair and on his laptop. Every night she plays hide and seek with him. If she wins then Mendip Dad wakes at 4am to scratching outside our bedroom door. When he tries to escape and enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby bluebell woods she follows him all the way around, like a faithful dog but one that miaows. “This is really unrelaxing,” he says between gritted teeth. I am back down on my hands and knees, I contort my neck and using the torch on my mobile phone and an angle-poised mirror, I look behind an immovable piece of furniture. The cats look on with pity. There, wedged in a corner, is the dead mouse. MENDIP MUM
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HEALTH & FAMILY
Worried about dementia?
DEMENTIA has a huge impact on people, their friends and family. The dementia support and research charity, Alzheimer’s Society, which provides services in the Bath and North East Somerset Council area, wants to reassure people that there is information, advice and support that can help keep people connected. Chris Atkinson, from the charity, tackles some of the most commonly asked questions: I don’t have Alzheimer’s, I have dementia, can you still help me? Yes, we are here for anyone affected by dementia, not just Alzheimer’s. We do everything we can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people who matter most. I’m worried about my family member/friend’s memory but I don’t know how to talk to them about it? Talking about dementia can be frightening, but seeking help early offers the best chance of getting the right support, advice and treatment. This is where our Dementia Support Service can help. Our staff can give you help and advice about how to broach the subject and what to do next. Do I have to stop driving because of my dementia? Someone who is diagnosed with dementia may be able to continue driving for some time. However, they must fulfill certain legal requirements. As the person's dementia progresses, they will reach a point where they can no longer drive safely and must stop driving. Many people find this very difficult to accept. At Alzheimer’s Society we can give you the information you need. Can I still do the things I enjoy doing? At Alzheimer's Society, we believe passionately that life doesn't end when dementia begins. We speak to many people who are supported to continue doing the things they enjoy, and some have taken up new hobbies following a diagnosis of dementia. We want to see communities coming together to support people to lead more fulfilling lives and continue to take part in the activities that they have always enjoyed and help them find the confidence to try new ones. G Alzheimer’s Society run a number of local services including dementia support, home support, day support, Singing for the Brain and befriending. The Alzheimer’s Society website also has an online peer-to-peer forum Talking Point. Please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for more details or call our local office on 01225 396678 or email bath@alzheimers.org.uk
Enjoying life?
SPRING is here and it is the season of hope but if you dread getting out of bed in the mornings after a dreadful night’s sleep and life seems difficult, hypnotherapy can help, says expert Miranda Robarts-Arnold. She adds: “Hypnotherapy is relaxing, safe and can help you to make changes in your life that have seemed beyond reach. Perhaps you want to sleep better or drink less alcohol. “Maybe you would like to lose weight or just generally get your life in order. Hypnotherapy can help. It could be that you are anxious all the time and would just like a break from the worry.” She offers an initial consultation where she will explain what hypnotherapy is and how she can help you to get to where you want to be.
DO YOU WANT A FRESH START IN 2016? STRESSED? OVERWEIGHT? DRINKING TOO MUCH? AWAKE AT 4AM?
HYPNOTHERAPY CAN HELP! Initial consultation and relaxation CD
£30
MIRANDA ROBARTS-ARNOLD BA (Hons) HPD DHP SFBT (HYP) MNCH (Req) AfSFH CNHC CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST and PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Come and have a talk to see how I can help you get back on track, call 07717 170 865 to book an initial consultation or visit www.mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk or email info@mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk Clinics held at: Wells Chiropractic & Osteopathy Centre BA5 1XJ Chew Medical Centre BS40 8UE MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 87
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Acupuncture may help
HAVING spent a busy career in the North West as a consultant anaesthetist and pain specialist, Dr Georgina Jefferies has been practising as a medical acupuncturist at Chew Medical Practice since 2013. She said: “My specialty when I was an anaesthetist was complex orthopaedics, so my primary interest has always been the relief of pain, particularly from musculoskeletal problems. “However, having completed further courses on women’s health and palliative care, I have successfully treated patients for menopausal symptoms and infertility and have also helped patients to manage the side-effects of cancer treatments.”
COME WHAT MAY LOVE FINDS A WAY!
Tenth birthday celebration
THE Cutting Room at Westbury-sub-Mendip is celebrating its tenth anniversary and continues to expand. It was based in one small room, with two chairs, when Amanda Bateman took it over in 2006. She studied at Strode and Weston Colleges before working in salons in Glastonbury and Cheddar. She has an advanced women’s hair cutting qualification and is about to complete a business degree with the Open University. The salon has expanded every year since, taking over more of the building in 2010. Amanda, a mother of four, is looking to take on another stylist to work alongside Barbara Clarke, who has been with her since 2008. Amanda said: “We have a very loyal customer base, stretching from Wells to Cheddar and surrounding villages. We cater for all ages and regularly attend L'Oreal training so we can offer up to date colouring techniques and permanent hair straightening, join us on Facebook to find out more." She specialises in L'Oreal products and INOA ammonia-free hair colouring. A local woman, her husband, Daniel, runs West Hill Garden services.
Putting feet first Foot care undertaken in the comfort of your own home + weekly surgery every Wednesday at Body & Soul, Blagdon. Appointments can be booked here on 01761 462078 or by calling Fred on the number below. • Nail Trimming • Hard Skin Reduction • Corn Removal • Verruca Treatment • Ingrowing Toenails • Fungal Infections • Diabetic Foot Care and Advice
PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
AS a foot health practitioner Fred Oviatt is on a voluntary register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. The AVR scheme was set up by the government to improve standards and safety for the benefit of the public. Accreditation demonstrates his commitment to high professional standards, to enhancing safety and delivering a better service. He said: “As life expectancy increases, many more elderly people find themselves needing help with their foot care. Painful feet can lead to a reluctance to mobilise in the elderly, which can cause added medical problems and isolation if they feel that they cannot venture out. “Foot health is not just the realm of the elderly, the explosion of road running has led to a huge increase in the development and demand for the services of foot health practitioners.”
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Making the right choice
DID you know that as an NHS patient you can choose when and where you receive treatment? Did you know that Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre is part of that choice? You can make your choice with your GP via the NHS e-Referral Service. What is the NHS e-Referral Service? It allows you to choose not only the hospital or clinic you go to, but also when. Your GP should offer you a choice of options including Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre. What else do I need to know? The NHS e-Referral Service will also give you the ability to: plan and manage the first appointment; choose appointments that fit your schedule; and change or cancel your appointments easily over the phone or on the internet. What if I’m not connected to the Internet, or I want to think about where and when I receive my treatment? You do not have to make the decision
there and then – you can go away and book your treatment from home and your GP will give you a password to use. You can do this by visiting www.ebs.ncrs.nhs.uk or if you do not have access to the internet, by calling 0345 6088888. How long will I wait? At Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre your first appointment will be
HEALTH & FAMILY
about two weeks from when you book, with a further six to nine weeks or so from your first appointment until your treatment. Your GP should discuss with you the options that are available for treating your medical condition and provided it is for a procedure we carry out, Shepton Mallet NHS Treatment Centre should be part of that choice.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 89
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Staying fit and healthy
MOST of us think about exercise to keep fit and improve our “core” through developing muscle strength and improving tone. But the reality is that people over 30 need to exercise regularly just to retain the muscle they have! The fact is that after the age of 30 muscle mass drops by up to 8% a year if left unchecked. So retaining and gaining muscle in middle age is really important if we are to lead a healthy life into old age. And the good news is that if you have more muscle, you burn more calories as muscle has a higher metabolic rate than fat. Adding just two to 4lbs of muscle to your body can burn an extra 100 calories a day at rest – that’s 3,000 calories a month before exercise! Balance have some great ways to help build muscle with combinations to suit all fitness levels, so go along and give them a try.
PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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HEALTH & FAMILY
Single and looking for a social life . . . then join SPA
An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events
We’ve got it covered
For more informa on go to www.singleprofessionalassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Jackie – 01458 840958
Mendip Times Distribution Points
Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres. ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 91
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Kingfisher – 30 years and going strong YOU could buy petrol for £1.79 a gallon. Remember gallons? You could post a first class letter for 18p. The average house price in London was £55,000. That was 1986, the year John Fisher launched Kingfisher Windows and Conservatories. Now, 30 years on, it will probably bring a few tears to his eyes when the company he started welcomes him as guest of honour to its open day on July 17th. John’s daughter Angie, who is now the company’s MD, has been there from the start. She said: “Dad always wanted Kingfisher to be a family firm and reflect family values in the way it conducted itself. The fact that we have steadily grown the business, despite stiff competition, would suggest he got it right from the start.” Kingfisher open days have always been a bit special. Over those 30 years many customers have become friends and open days have featured highly on “events not to be missed” in quite a number of social calendars. This year promises to top the lot and planning is well underway to make it a day to remember. Director Peter Hicks has been full of ideas for months. He said: “I simply want people, be they eight or 80, to enjoy themselves. There’ll be quizzes, prizes, music, games for the kids and, of course, the traditional Kingfisher spread of delicious food and drink.” The event will be held at the Kingfisher showroom site at East Brent, where there’s easy car parking, delightful gardens
PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
HOMES & INTERIORS
and loads of comfortable seating, both inside and out. There’s plenty going on at Kingfisher right now and the mood is optimistic. Financial director Michelle McQuarrie however continues to keep the company level headed. She said: “Our growth can be maintained only if we remain competitive on pricing and offer a service that genuinely reflects the way we care about our customers. We are planning to open a shop in Wells shortly and this will benefit a number of our customers in the area. Negotiations are in the final stages, so look out for announcements.”
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JACKSONS
Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .
What a difference a deck makes . . .
THAT might be a rather cheesy pun, but the sentiment is quite sincere – hopefully it will get your attention, you may read on, then I can tell you a little about the difference a deck can make to you? With the heady promise of long hot summer days, our thoughts readily turn to making the most of our outside space. I don’t think I’m alone in wanting to get projects sorted, so I can get the hard work out of the way and then be outside relaxing and enjoying the better weather. This is exactly what spurred me on to get a decking project underway last March. I had an area at home leading out to the back garden from two sets of French windows. It was rather depressing and dingy, especially as this was what you saw from the house and the first thing that you saw when stepping outside. Not a great first impression! My plan was to consolidate the two areas adjacent to the doors, cover over some old concrete, take out old decking tiles and remove a rockery. By covering it with an L-shaped deck, there would be room for a small bistro style table set – this part of the garden gets morning sun, so it will be lovely for weekend
breakfasts. There would also be room for a storage box, planters for fruit trees and decorative planting. All in all, a much better use of space. We managed to get this completed well before Easter, which was great because it meant other weekends could be spent doing the nice stuff like sourcing plants, pots and prettying up other parts of the garden. This was a fairly simple use of deck, but there’s so much more that it can do. The example below shows how it can make sloping ground useable – as you can see there was quite a drop from the back of this house to the grass, which previously had some concrete steps down to the lawn. The decked area is now level with the house, enabling the occupants to enjoy a large raised deck perfect for dining and relaxing. It must be said that when committing to a project like this you would want the materials to last, so it’s well worth investing in Jacksons deck boards, which like all their timber products are guaranteed for 25 years. If you go to your dedicated web page www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal. There are links to info on decking to help you find out more. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk
WIN £300 OF JACKSONS VOUCHERS
To enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win £300 of Jacksons vouchers simply log on to your dedicated page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 30.6.16. To enter go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal
For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre. MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2106 • PAGE 93
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Telephone: 01761 417654 Facsimile: 01761 417207 email: office@techniglaze.co.uk www.techniglaze.co.uk
Page 94
Unit D, 1st Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 4BS
Offering the complete service for 30 years
ALUMINIUM DOORS, WINDOWS, CURTAIN WALL, ATRIUMS PVCU WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES
BI-FOLDING DOORS • SUN ROOMS • HERITAGE PRODUCTS
PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Timber that can “outlast plastic”
Page 95
DAVID Bush Joinery say they are excited to be able to offer customers a premium timber that will out-perform plastic or aluminium and is especially suited for all external joinery and cladding – Accoya. It says this timber has been developed to last in excess of 50 years and is therefore extremely suited to any joinery that is exposed to different weather conditions or moisture. Dave told us: “We have been using Accoya for some time now and have been very impressed with its outstanding qualities. Also, the paint system we use does not require re-coating for a minimum of eight years. “We are currently involved in the restoration of a former National Trust property on the south coast of England, which Winston Churchill once stayed in. “The house directly overlooks the English Channel and Accoya has been perfect for all of the windows and external doors, thus allowing us to provide this customer with an outstanding product which can withstand the coastal sea air and prevailing weather conditions on the south coast. “Of course, it is also very important to us that we can provide our many local customers with the same high quality product and we have done this recently on a variety of projects and we have more local projects where we will be using this timber.”
HOMES & INTERIORS
Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental
• • • • • •
Satellite Installations Aerial Systems TV wall mounting Custom Installations Networking Signal Solutions
01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 95
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01761 439300 • www.staircase-manufacturing.co.uk
RH
Windows THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC
HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk
Specialising in Oak staircases Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery
The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342
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HOMES & INTERIORS
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 97
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HOMES & INTERIORS
• High Security • Thermal Efficient • Alternative to Timber • Traditional Hardware Ideal for Conservation Areas
PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Horsepower – re-tracing the steps of our ancestors
AH, here we are then! Early summer – gentle sunshine, lighter evenings and drying ground. Let’s forget the wet dark days of winter and venture out into the Mendip landscape to enjoy longer rides. In the lull between winter sheep and summer cattle grazing, a morning canter up the hill near my house to listen to With RACHEL the skylarks is wonderful. Twisting and THOMPSON turning down the old tramways and narrow MBE paths on the rough mine land improves agility whilst avoiding migrating toads heading for the ponds. Gruffy ground – uneven hummocky land created during mining operations (lead, iron, zinc and ochre have all been mined on Mendip) – is great for wildlife watching on horseback. We often see hares, deer and buzzards around the old lead workings at Charterhouse – an area especially important when Romans started serious mining in about AD49. During four centuries of occupation the Romans built wide, paved military roads permitting fast travel by horse messengers who could achieve 20mph by galloping in relays. Pack horses and ox carts moved at a slower pace transporting Mendip lead and other goods over Blackdown to Uphill or via Green Ore along what is now the B3135 towards the English Channel. Many motorists assume that roads were built for them but, for
The message to other road users is clear
RIDING
Marie (left) and Ann setting out on a ride around the lanes near Doulting
thousands of years, goods, services and people were transported along the highways and byways of Mendip by horses. Riders today re-trace the steps of our ancestors and their horses along roads, tracks, bridleways and paths. Every road through the landscape, whether surfaced or unsurfaced, has a fascinating history. The planting of a lone Scots Pine signified the way forward, a favoured inn or a resting place for drovers driving livestock long distances. A deliberate dog leg in the road provided temporary shelter for man and beast during wet weather. We still enjoy the view from ridgeway routes – the driest routes in winter. Deep, dark, high banked lanes have been carved into the landscape through the tramp of feet and wheels over centuries of use. Eighteenth Century turnpike trusts, such as the Wells Trust, built the A39 and A371 main roads to enable fast travel by coach and horses. Nowadays horse riders, cyclists and motor vehicles have to share our roads. The British Horse Society says that new statistics reveal an increasing threat on Britain’s roads for horse riders. The charity has recently launched a new campaign which urges drivers to slow down to 15mph when meeting a horse and rider on the road. In the five years since the launch of its horse accidents website, more than 2,000 reports of road incidents involving horses have been reported to the charity. Of these, 36 caused rider deaths, and 181 resulted in a horse dying from their injuries or being put to sleep. An horrific 75% of accidents happened because the vehicle passed the horse without allowing enough space. The BHS also encourages horse riders to wear hi-viz gear at all times on the road. Even in bright sunlight it can be hard for a driver to see a horse.
See www.bhs.org.uk for more details of the campaign. Riders can also find details of road safety training days.
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 99
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M e n d i p p o i n t -t o -p o i n t t a k e s s o me b e a ti n g DRY conditions and quality entries offered some exhilarating racing at this year’s Mendip Farmers Point to Point meeting at Ston Easton.
The field sets off in the opening race, the Ford Fuels Confined Hunts Race
oe Brimble, from Clutton (left) and Tom Biggs, of Tunley enjoying the day
Shirley Warner (left) and Helena Crowley, two of the team from Riding for the Disabled who were selling racecards
Crowds around the parade ring PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Emma Watson (right) shouts for joy as she crosses the finish line on Delphi Mountain, which she also trained, ahead of Buck’s Bond, ridden by Will Biddick A circuit to go
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Young winners in the pony races: (l:r) Megan Bevan (12), Alicia Kempainnen (14) and Olive Nicholls (ten)
Diana Tincknell with her children (left) after the presentation to winning owner Bill Dupont and jockey Simon Sheppard, who rode Thereyasee to victory in the Tincknell Restricted Steeplechase
POINT-TO-POINT
Jockey Naomi Sims (left) won the Uphill and Son Ladies Open on Triangular. She is pictured with owner Ciara Fry (with daughter Ruby) and Celia Drewett, representing Uphills
Members of Mendip Farmers Hunt who accompanied the pony races
Crowds gather around the paddock
Bridget and Michael Gooden enjoy the racing from the back of their Land Rover whilst Billy the dog lazes on the dashboard inside
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Tennis players say “we don’t want a heatwave”
STATE-of-the-art new tennis courts are due to open in Frome in May but with one proviso – they may have to be closed temporarily if the weather gets too hot! In summer weather, the freshly-laid surfaces are liable to become soft and sticky in their first season as the oils settle. The courts on the Mary Baily Playing Field are due to be completed in May with an official opening earmarked for Saturday, May 28th with free tennis and coaching and a minitournament. Frome Selwood Tennis Club and Frome Town Council undertook the project after successfully applying for nearly £100,000 of funding from Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association. John Price, tennis club chairman, said: “In the event of warm weather the courts may need to be temporarily closed at times. “We realise that this is probably going to be both disappointing and frustrating, but during the first year of any new court the surface can become a bit soft and sticky as the oils settle. ‘Softening’ can occur during the first summer of use – and on days where the temperature exceeds 25°C for a significant period. “And it’s important that we look out for this so we can ensure the courts are given time to fully settle; that way they should last the full ten to 12 years we’re expecting, after which we’re planning to resurface them again.” The courts will cost £5 per court per hour to hire and can be booked online at www.frometennis.net or in person by calling in to the library. In conjunction with the tennis club, the council has also organised for the courts to be open for free at times during June, July and August. Throughout these months, all three courts on Mary Baily will be available for people to play for free between 4pm and 6pm on Fridays and between 3pm and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Encouraging kids
PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
FROME marathon man, Jim PlunkettCole, recently visited Pensford Primary School, where he impressed pupils with a talk about his achievements, including running 1,000 10K runs in 1,000 days. Jim, who wants to encourage children to exercise, is pictured with Loris (left) and Theo.
Canter around Wincanton
One of the riders in the 2014 canter
HORSE and pony riders are being invited to enjoy a canter around Wincanton Racecourse in May to help raise money for the armed forces charity Combat Stress. The event was first held in 2014 and is part of the buildup to the second Families and Armed Forces Raceday to be held at Wincanton on Sunday, October 23rd. The canter, on Sunday, May 15th, is aimed at riders who would like to ride around a racecourse, but never had the opportunity to do so. The event is not a race (galloping and racing are forbidden) but organisers promise a thrilling experience. The cost is £20 per round (£15 for 16 year olds and under). To register and for further details, contact: Catherine Johnston on 01747 852693 or email: wincantonracecoursecanter@hotmail.com
Radstock wins respect
Sue Merrill, director of Toolstation Western League Football, presents Luke Ingram of Radstock Town FC with the Respect Award for March
(Photograph courtesy of John Newport)
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SPORT
Tour of the Mendips
THE Junior Tour of the Mendips saw 80 of the best under-18 male cyclists from across the country competing in a two-day stage road race across the Mendip Hills. The event, part of British Cycling’s Junior National Series, was organised by Bristol Cycling Development Squad, and CYCLING featured a challenging route. As it turned with EDMUND out, some unseasonal weather added an LODITE unexpected layer of difficulty for the riders, perhaps costing some of them the race. Stage one took riders on a 105km course starting with a major climb up Burrington Combe before completing seven high-paced laps over rolling roads across the top of the Mendip Hills. The early laps saw a number of riders break clear in the rain and build up a lead of 90 seconds to the main bunch, despite the harsh conditions. As the cold wind brought the temperature close to freezing, it became an unexpectedly tough day, and a number of riders were eventually forced to stop due to hypothermia. At the front, the bitter cold took the energy out of the lead group, and they were eventually caught by the chasing bunch of riders. Once together the attacks started and a small group of riders broke free, led by Owen Line (Pro Vision SJ Academy) who went on to win the stage in a sprint finish of 11 riders. “This was my best race ever,” Line explained. “As we were coming into the finish I knew I had it, because I still had the legs.” By the following day the weather had improved, and stage two took riders on a 78km route over three major climbs. This was going to be a day where the hill climbs would determine the final result. The riders managed to stay together until the course levelled out, after the demanding climb up Burrington Combe. Then a group of five riders made a move to
Owen Line and Ryan Coulton at the end of stage one
gain a lead of over two minutes on the main bunch. With 50km still to go to the finish, they had to work together well and were still clear as they reached the gruelling climb up Rhodyate Hill, in Blagdon. This is where the main bunch began to stretch out with riders struggling on the steep ascent. On the approach to the final climb at Harptree Hill a group of 13 riders gave chase but couldn’t bridge the gap completely, leaving a trio of riders to battle it out. The stage winner was Adam Hartley (VCUK PH-MAS) but Ryan Coulton (Pro Vision SJ Academy) was happy with second as he knew he had enough time to be the overall winner of the Tour of the Mendips. He said: “I didn’t expect to keep the gap as it’s a tough course. When we got up the steep second climb we lost two guys so were down to a group of three. But we were still working hard and had a good gap so I stuck at it. With 10km to go I had a good minute so was getting pretty confident. We were all drilling it. When I hit the last climb I was pretty confident.” Hartley said: “The plan originally was to try to get away on the second to last climb. Coulton said he would let me have the win if I helped stay away. It’s my biggest win yet, and a good start to the season.” This was a great cycling event, highlighting the best of emerging British talent and the Mendip region. Many thanks must go to the local volunteers who made it all happen.
Edmund Lodite has been a life-long cyclist who took up road bikes after competing in triathlons.
Learn to sail
LOCAL residents are being invited to go along to Cheddar Reservoir, learn to sail and gain a recognised RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing qualification with Bristol Corinthian Yacht club. The course will be taught by the club’s team of qualified instructors in the club boats. To start with an instructor will accompany the trainees in the boat, but as they progress during the course they will be able to go out in pairs, without an instructor. Instructor Alan Galloway said: “So many people walk around the reservoir and comment to members about how they’d like to start sailing, or may have sailed years ago, but would like to get back into it. “This course is the ideal place to start. The £300 fee includes club membership, so once the course is complete, trainees can hire the club boats that they’ve learnt in and practise their skills.” The six-day course starts on May 14th and also runs on May 15th, 21st and 28th and June 5th and 12th.
Alice Allen and Andy Massey
Details: Marion Dixon adulttraining@bcyc.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016 • PAGE 103
(Background photograph by Jill Towman)
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Trim trail opened
A £7,000 TRIM trail has been opened around the sports ground at Strode College in Street. The new facility, which is open to the public, is a joint venture between Somerset County Council, sports charity TS5C, Strode College and Crispin School. The quarter-mile trail has been designed to provide a full body work out. Councillor and TS5C chairman, Alan Gloak, was joined by Jessica Hudson and Charlie Cook – young athletes being supported by the charity – at the official opening, which coincided with Sport Relief Day. Funding for the trail came largely from the council and the charity. Alan said: “A key objective for both funds is to promote healthier lifestyles through community-led initiatives. This Trim Trail ticks all the boxes: it is not just for
The official opening of the trail
students and members of the sports club, but can also be used by local residents. It’s a great way to encourage young people to keep fit and, as such, we have had lots of support from the local doctor surgeries. We really hope that it is going to be a well-used public facility.” James Staniforth, Strode College principal, added: “The trim trail is a fantastic addition to our excellent sports
Alan Gloak gets a little help from TSC5 athletes Jessica and Charlie with Strode College principal James Staniforth (left), sport development manager Michael Dear (kneeling) and Toby Payne, Strode College Sports Maker (right)
facilities. Now that the sun is starting to shine, I’m looking forward to seeing this new equipment used by Strode students for their studies and their sports activities, as well as by pupils from Crispin School and the local community. I would like to thank Somerset County Council and the charity TS5C for supporting Strode College by providing funding for the Trim Trail.”
Staff and students took part in a mile-long run using the new trail to raise funds for Sport Relief
TS5C relies completely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals. For details, email info@ts5c.org or visit www.ts5c.org
East meets west MEMBERS of Butleigh Rugby Club will be heading to the Far East in July for a series of matches in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. It will be a far cry from the club’s first tour to Brighton in 1979, when players and supporters slept overnight in tents. A contingent of around 50 will be taking part in the trip, from July 14th to July 24th.
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Sevens festival to end on a high
THIS year’s K7s charity rugby festival at Castle Cary RFC will be the last, organisers have announced. The annual weekend of men’s and women’s matches has raised thousands of pounds for MacMillan Cancer Support over the years. The competition was started in 2010 in memory of Castle Cary player Kay Brooker, who lost her battle with cancer the previous year. As well as playing for Cary and Rossyln Park, Kay was a member of the world famous Moody Cows Barbarians-style sevens team and worked for England Women’s Rugby. This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, June 11th and Sunday, June 12th with teams gathering from across the country at Cary. Club secretary Viv Armson said: “Most of the players who were contemporaries of Kay have hung up their boots and we feel the tournament has reached a natural conclusion. “It’s going to be a fantastic final weekend and we’re determined to party in style on and off the pitch and raise yet more money for MacMillan.”
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Club youngsters lead the way
Back row (l:r) Jess Hyde, Tom Hyde and Henry Gibson with (front) George and Arthur Hyde and Alfie Dackombe, who joined the club after attending last year's open day
YOUNG players at Witham Friary Cricket Club, near Frome, are playing their own part in trying to attact new members of their own age. Following the success of a similar initiative last year, the club is hosting an open day on Sunday, May 1st to welcome potential players of all ages and abilities. Alex Streets and Sam Pritchard designed their own posters which they distributed in Witham Friary and surrounding villages as part of the club's recruitment drive. Youngsters play alongside adults in club games - where the emphasis is on friendly competition - but hope one day to form their own junior side. Club captain Henry Gibson said: "We have some young players here who are coming on superbly; that's partly due to the fact that they are playing against older cricketers." Tom Hyde, whose sons George and Arthur are keen members of the club, said: "The ethos of the club is to offer a community facility for the village and people in the surrounding area to enjoy the game." That ethos is borne out by the quality of the teas, organised by the families of players, with several touring sides requesting repeat fixture. But, alongside the social and community benefits, the club is also determined to offer high quality coaching; Doug Small, from Warminster, is an ECB-qualified coach and several young Net practice: Arthur players are in the frame faces a delivery from for higher levels of George cricket. For details of the event on Sunday, May 1st, visit: www.withamfriary.cc
125 years of memories
SPORT
Back row (l to r) Dom Eatherden, first team manager, Martyn Sage, organiser of the exhibition, Terry Thatcher, Ken Thompson and Tony Russell, three members of the Somerset Junior Cup winning side of 1960; front row Jimmy Hailston and Ross Padfield, members of the present first team.
PLAYERS and supporters of Timsbury Athletic Football Club – both past and present – came together at the Conygre Hall in the village to revel in nostalgia at an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary. The event put together in his usual meticulous fashion by secretary and treasurer Martyn Sage traced the history of the club from the earliest days when the club was known as the Ramblers to the present day. Past players and officials came from as far afield as France to see the exhibition and there was a constant stream of visitors throughout the 12 hours of its opening. Martyn’s dad Denis was the oldest player to attend having made his debut shortly after the Second World War. Members of the Somerset Junior Cup team of 1960 were present and Paulton Rovers manager Tony Ricketts, who had begun his coaching career by helping with the Timsbury youth side in the 1980s, also came along. Dom Eatherden, the present first team manager said: “It was a fabulous day for the club celebrating 125 years of our history. It was great to see players of so many generations coming along and we had tremendous support from the local community. “We are so grateful to Martyn Sage for all the hard work he put in bringing the whole event together.” Malcolm Tucker
The current first team
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L e i g h t o n b u z z i n g w i t h m o t o c ro s s Photography by Mark Adler
SOME of Britain’s leading sidecar motocross riders gathered near Frome for the opening round of the 2016 Maxxis British Sidecarcross championship. Defending champions, Stuart Brown (driver) and passenger Josh Chamberlain, were hoping to continue where they left off in 2015 when they were only beaten once in the 16 race series and even then they only dropped to second place. Tracks as far afield as Cumbria, Kent and Suffolk as well as at Asham Woods at Leighton, are hosting this year’s fixtures. The meeting at Leighton, also saw races in the British Veterans Championship and the British Evo Series. Brett Wilkinson and Steve Kirwin are hot on the heels of champions Stuart Brown and Josh Chamberlain (No1)
Mud flies as sidecarcross competitors take the first bend
Luke Brine, from Shepton Mallet
Liam Brown, from Radstock (far left)
PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
Steve Locke (left), from Somerton, goes head-to-head with Wayne Tame
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Cheddar tame The Cats
Valley Cats (green and white) and Cheddar ladies
THE Valley Cats, who recently came out of retirement, have had mixed fortunes in their first couple of games. The Chew Valley team won their first game 22-0 against Aretians from Patchway but lost to Cheddar away 5-12. Cheddar opened the scoring with a try
Youngsters show their skills
under the posts for their inside centre Amy Dowd, converted by outside half Charlotte Hynam, who went on to score a second try. Andy Tanner from the Chew Valley rugby club said: “A first away fixture for the Valley Cats, cheered on by the Chew Valley travelling support including ten
SPORT
Sarah Blythe airborne
of the Cats former incarnation, saw a fiercely contested battle with a few interpretations of the laws of the game not previously seen.” Sarah Blyth was outstanding for The Cats, jumping at two, winning both her own ball and disrupting the opposition’s throw.
THE county-wide Somerset mini under-7 rugby tournament was held at Chew Valley Rugby Club, featuring 25 teams from 11 clubs across the county. On a breezy but dry day, the atmosphere was alive with excited children, who enjoyed playing in great spirits, as well as enjoying hot dogs and cake. The bar was also busy! Organisers say children, parents and coaches made and cemented friendships and rivalries that will continue for years to come. There was a great deal of talent on display – the future of rugby certainly looks strong in Somerset.
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G a m e Fa i r h a s 2 0 - 2 0 v i s i o n By Mark Adler
THE West of England Game Fair celebrated its 20th anniversary with a weekend to remember at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. Supported by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the flagship event creates a platform for countryside traditions to be displayed as well as discussed and offered visitors many hands-on opportunities as well as demonstrations. Gundogs arrive in the main arena for a grand parade
Two-year-old Remi, owned by Millie Dyer and her family from the Chew Valley, is put through her paces on the scurry
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Almost every visitor brought their dog with them Gerald Harris, from the Clevedon Wildfowling Association
Chef Ben Bowyer, from Willo Game, at work in the cookery theatre
Shotgun coaching with the BASC
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World flycasting champion Hywel Morgan gave demonstrations throughout the weekend
WEST OF ENGLAND GAME FAIR 2016 Malcolm Rainbow, a member of the British Stickmakers Guild, at work
A red-legged buzzard in the falconry area
Ham Street Hens, of Baltonsborough, brought along ducklings and chicks for youngsters to meet
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Avalon Marshes – landscape, heritage and wildlife NATURE enthusiasts will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway with a special screening of a film in June. The line ran through the heart of what is now the Avalon Marshes, a landscape project involving some leading conservation groups. Part of the evocative film by the late Sir John Betjeman will be shown on Saturday, June 4th at the Strode Theatre in Street as part of a weekend of events celebrating the area's landscape, heritage and wildlife. The event is being hosted by local naturalist, author and TV producer Stephen Moss. Stephen was the first producer of the BBC’s highly acclaimed Spring Watch and will come with some of his wonderful footage. Stepping back in time, Dr Richard Brunning will bring the Avalon Marshes’ ancient history alive at the event. Richard works for the South West Heritage Trust and is an expert in the field of wetland archaeology and has played a key role in the Landscape Partnership scheme. The event is organised by the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. To find out more go to the events page at www.avalonmarshes.org - tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from Strode Theatre at www.strodetheatre.org.uk
New arrivals
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PUXTON Park is celebrating the birth of four meerkats. The adventure park near Weston-super-Mare unveiled its Puxton Meerkat Manor last summer and meerkat mother Mali welcomed her first two babies last August.
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WHAT’S ON
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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.
Running until – Saturday May 7th Bristol Hippodrome Mamma Mia, evenings at 7.30pm, matinees on Wed & Sat at 2.30pm, tickets from £15. * Thursday April 28th West Mendip Walkers mod circular walk of 6m from Shipham Village Hall, 1pm, park at village hall. Details: 01934 743088 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Irish Set Dancing, Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PE. 8-10pm, £3. Ffi: Paul Harper 01458 210051. Saturday April 30th – Monday May 2nd Batik & Quilting Exhibition, 10am-4pm, St Nicholas’ Church, Brockley BS48 3AX. In aid of the church water project. Refreshments, free entry. Enquiries: Connie 01275 462179. Cheddar Arts Festival, various venues, 10am – 4pm. Details: www.cheddarartists.com Monday May 9th – Saturday 14th Bristol Hippodrome, Derren Brown, tickets from £40, at 7.30pm. Details: http://derrenbrown.co.uk Saturday April 30th Trinity Singers eighth annual plant and cake sale, St. Mary’s Church, Langford, 10am-12.30pm, £1 children free. Antiques, plants, books and jewellery. Details: 01934 844106 susannah_read@hotmail.com or www.trinitysingers.co.uk Craft Fair at Camerton Hall in aid of Children’s Hospice SW, 10am-1pm. A variety of craft stalls, refreshments, plants & homemade cakes. Somerset Wildlife Trust plant sale & open garden at Rookery House, The Causeway, Mark (on B3139), 10.30am-1pm, entry £2, inc coffee. Cake sale & children’s activities. Parking in field opposite. Mendip Society walk, Chew Magna & Stanton Drew. Meet 2pm at Pelican public car park, Chew Magna (BS40 8SL) for a 5 mile walk to Stanton Drew (via Knowle Hill) to see Stone Circles and return. Details Bob: 01934 820575. Monday May 2nd – Bank Holiday North Somerset Show, Wraxall. See page 11. Mayday Fete at Claverham Village Hall from 12noon. Displays, dog show, bouncy castle, teas & BBQ. Entry free, all welcome. Wednesday May 4th North Somerset Decorative & Fine Arts Society, Gauguin’s Women, Juliet Heslewood. 7pm, 37 Club, near Puriton, TA7 8AD, guests £8. Thursday May 5th Cheddar Valley U3A. AGM followed by 'Solo Walk in Africa' a talk by Mr Fran Sandham at Draycott Memorial Hall 2.15pm, entry £2, visitors welcome. West Mendip Walkers – Mod circular walk 9m from Wellow. OS Map Ex142 Grid: ST739583. Start 10.30am. Car park below Peasedown Rd. Contact Jenny Nicholas 01934 853639, 07803 722878 or jennymr7@aol.com Street & Glastonbury U3A agm followed by a talk by Ian Caskie on the SS Great Britain Trust, Glastonbury Town Hall, 10am, members free, visitors £1. PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2016
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Friday May 6th An evening with Falklands Veteran Simon Weston at Queen’s College, Taunton, in support of local charity Go Commando. Tickets: bookings.queenscollege.org.uk or 01823 340880.Details: deb@gocommando.org.uk Redhill Club Open Mic Night, from 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, free to join in, bring your voice, your instruments, all welcome, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Saturday May 7th ‘May Fair on the Green’, Winscombe Old Station Millennium Green, BS25 1AQ. Community fair, maypole, magician, Avon Owls, many stalls & attractions. Admission free, all welcome. Axbridge Farmers’ Market, 9am-1pm. “Spring is in the Air” Felting Workshop, 10am1pm at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. £20 includes tools and materials (or £10 if you bring your own). Tickets: 01749 988111 or the Palace shop. ‘Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare’ & Rutter’s Requiem, 7.30pm at All Saints’ Church, Weston-s-Mare. £10,children & students £5, on the door. Mendip Society an easy 6m walk in the Poldens. Meet 2pm, Hawk & Owl Trust carpark, Station Rd between Westhay & Shapwick,TA7 9NW. Small car park so please car share. Details: Roger 0117 9620541. Chew Magna Duck Race organised by the Chew Magna Society and school fete, 1pm. Sunday May 8th ‘A Royal Celebration’ concert with Corsley Festival Choir at St. Margaret’s Church, Corsley. BA12 7QE. Adults £12.50, children £5.00 from 01373 836866. Wine Bar from 7pm. Monday May 9th – Saturday 14th Bristol Hippodrome, Derren Brown, tickets from £40, at 7.30pm. * Tuesday May 10th Mendip DFAS Music at the Court of Louis XIV with Jeanne Dolmetsch, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, 11am, guests welcome. Details: www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435. Clevedon Art Club features a range of art materials – Speed Dating Style! 7.30pm, Clevedon School Sixth Form Centre. Wednesday May 11th Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, “Know and grow vegetables” by John Addison, 7.30pm, United Reformed Church, Nailsea. Members £2, visitors £3. Details: 01275 855563 or 01275 855342. Wells Civic Society, Wells Fire Brigade with Roger and Paul Pickford, Wells & Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. “A Garland of Edwardian Gardens” – a talk by Yvonne Bell for Kilmersdon Gardeners, 7.30pm, Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome, £2. Thursday May 12th West Mendip Walkers – Mod circular walk 6m OS Map Ex141 Grid: ST437481. Start 1pm from Cheddar Road, Wedmore free carpark off B3151. Contact ken@kenmasters265.plus.com or 01749 670349. Wednesday May 13th Banwell Society of Archaeology Anniversary
W h a t ’ s
night: supper & games, 7.30pm Banwell Village Hall. Saturday May 14th An Evening of Song in aid of Children’s Hospice SW 25th anniversary. The Jenny Peplow Singers, Chilcompton Village Hall, 7.15pm. Tickets £8, U16s £4, include refreshments, from Pauline Spanswick, 01373 812690 or fundraisingevent@mail.com Fosseway Gardening Club Plant Sale, Ditcheat Jubilee Hall, 12noon, refreshments available. Details: 01749 344219. Kilmersdon Gardeners’ Plant Sale, 10am-1pm Kilmersdon Village Hall BA3 5TD. Come early for the best bargains! ‘Five centuries of European Choral Music’ – Collegium Singers at All Saints Church, Weston-smare. Pre-concert talk at 7pm. Tickets £12 adults (£10 friend) Students £6. U12s free. Somerset Plant Heritage Late Spring Plant Fair, Castacrete Centre (next to Cadbury Garden Centre) Congresbury BS49 5AA. Free admission, Specialist nurseries, nearby refreshments. Contact 01275 462700. Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market & Café, 10am-12noon in Brent Knoll Parish Hall. FREE Admission. Contact Details 01278 760308. Mendip Society a moderate 5m walk through Fairy Cave Quarry & Harridge Wood. Meet 2pm in playing field car park, Frog Lane, Stoke St. Michael, BA3 5JL. Details: Terry 01749 840752. Bat Walk, Silver Street Nature Reserve, Midsomer Norton. 8.45pm. Led by Jenny Ross. Organised by the Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve (if raining May 21st). Winscombe & District RNLI Plant & Garden Jumble Sale, Winscombe Community Centre, Sandford Road. 10am-12 noon. A selection of greenhouse, vegetable, bedding and larger plants, gardening books, tools and assorted items plus raffle, hot dogs, tea and coffee. All donations of items for sale gratefully accepted; collection can be arranged. Contact 01934 842304 or e-mail meejlfh@gmail.com – all proceeds to RNLI Weston-Super-Mare Lifeboat House Appeal. Somerset Singers Spring Concert. “A Sea Symphony” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. 7pm, Wells Cathedral. Conductor & Musical Director Jonathan Vaughan with the Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra and soloists Ruth Holton (soprano), and Robert Rice (baritone). Also includes the “Hebrides Overture” by Felix Mendelssohn. Tickets £22 (Nave Front), £15 (Nave Rear) and £10 (Side Aisles) available in advance from Wells Tourist Information Centre and tel 01934 842353. Tickets not sold in advance available on the door. Ffi: www.somersetsingers.co.uk Sunday May 15th Bristol Hippodrome, Tell Me On a Sunday, starring Jodie Prenger, 7.30pm, tickets from £27.40. * Nearly New Sale on behalf of Meningitis Trust, Ubley Village Hall, BS40 6PN. 2pm-3.30pm. Good quality baby & children’s clothes, equipment & toys. Refreshments. Contact Rachael 01761 221980. The History of the RNLI Talk & Film with Alan Tyson. Swan Hotel, Wedmore, 6.30pm. Tickets £15 to include a glass of wine and supper. Tickets from Wedmore Paper Shop or Burnham-on-Sea
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RNLI Shop. Proceeds towards a replacement D Class inflatable lifeboat for Burnham-on-Sea. Monday May 16th – Thursday May 19th Bristol Hippodrome, Bill Bailey Limboland, 8pm, tickets from £28.90. * Tuesday May 17th NADFAS lecture Matisse on the Cote d'Azur, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, parking. £6. Details: 01963 350527. Midsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild, “Tony’s War”, the story of a nurse in WW2, by Jane Clark, 2pm St. John's Church Hall, BA3 2HX. Refreshments. Visitors welcome, free for two meetings. Street and Glastonbury U3A art exhibition, Glastonbury Town Hall, 10am to 3.30pm, entrance free. Pauline Kidner from Secret World Wildlife Rescue talk for Street and Glastonbury U3A, 2pm at Walton village hall, members free, visitors £1. Wednesday May 18th Somerset Vernacular Buildings Group John McCann: Buildings of Earth, Past and Present 7.30pm £3, Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, TA116PQ. All Welcome. Thursday May 19th Cheddar Valley U3A. Meet & Greet Coffee Morning, Cheddar Village Hall 10.30am to 12 noon, visitors welcome. Details: 01934 744241 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk West Mendip Walkers – Mod linear walk 10.8m from Samford Brett to West Bagborough. OS Map ExOL9 Grid: SS090401. Start 10am. Contact Tony Strange on 01934 733783, 07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com to discuss transport arrangements. Redhill Club classic car and motorcycle evening, barbecue and bar, 7pm – 10pm, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Friday May 20th St Mary’s Church, Timsbury’s annual “Gardener’s Question Time’ at 7.30pm with a panel of local experts led by Martin Chalkley. Entry free. Garden stall, raffle & collection in aid of church funds. Plant sale in aid of the Cheshire Home. Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd Bristol Hippodrome, Sleeping Beauty, English National Ballet, tickets from £12.90. * Saturday May 21st Abba Inferno – an Abba tribute concert in aid of Dorothy House Hospice and the RUH Forever Friends appeal, organised by Radstock & Midsomer Norton Lions at Paulton Rovers Football club. Tickets £12. Details: 01761 451221 or colinm@rmnlions.org.uk The Oakfield Choir Spring concert featuring ‘A German Requiem’ by Johannes Brahms, 7.30pm, Christ Church, Frome. Cheese & Wine at Cloford Manor Barn, Nr. Frome, 6.30pm-9pm In aid of the Postlebury Group of Churches. Tickets £8 from 01373 474721 or 01373 836322. Mendip Society Special Interest Walk. Meet 2pm at Crown Inn, Crown Hill, Winford, BS40 8AY, for an easy walk to Regilbury Park Farm to see a working modern farm, including milking. Hosted by Nick Baker of Lye Farms. Details: Richard 01275 472797. Cheddar Challenge darts, golf, clay shoot, barbecue and kids’ entertainer 12noon Southcroft
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Farm, Cross Lane, Axbridge with evening pig roast, live band, disco and the chance to challenge world darts champions Trina Gulliver and Scottie Dog Mitchell. Details: www.cheddarchallenge.co.uk Batcombe Shoot Clay Day, Tower Guns just outside Brewham. For more details email mike@leefitzgerald.co.uk Sunday May 22nd The Green Gardeners get-together at a member’s garden for a plant sale and teas. New members welcome: www.greengardeners.org.uk or Helen: 01458 273753. Pylle Pageant – details see page 64. Monday May 23rd Bristol Hippodrome, Menopause: The Musical, with Linda Nolan, Cheryl Fergison and Rebecca Wheatley, 7.30pm, tickets £27.90. * Wednesday May 25th – Saturday May 28th Bristol Hippodrome Horrible Histories Live on Stage, Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders, tickets from £12.75. * Wednesday May 25th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support “Some Enchanted Evening” with Terry Merrett-Smith. Backwell WI Hall, 1.30pm. Details: 01275 462107. Saturday May 28th Mendip (Recorder) Consort lunchtime recital at Wells Cathedral, 1pm. No charge apart from entry fee to the cathedral. Taize’ & Teas – sung prayers from Taize', 4pm at St Michael’s Church, Tower Hill, Stoke St. Michael, BA3 5GT. Come along and sing or just listen. No charge but donations to the church are gratefully received. Details: Janet 01749 840409. Mendip Society a moderate 4-5-mile walk along the river at Banwell. Meet 2pm in car park opp school (BS29 6DB). Possible opportunity to see inside St Andrew's church and go up into the tower. Details: Pauline 01934 820745. Monday May 30th Horrington Fair, Wells Cricket Club, South Horrington, Wells.12-4pm. Stalls and activities for all ages. Live music. Gundog display at 2pm. Free entry. Ffi: mandnadams@yahoo.com or karen@ksarenstreet.com Monday May 30th – Saturday June 11th Bristol Hippodrome, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, starring Duncan James, tickets from £12.50. * Monday May 30th – Bank Holiday Kilmersdon Village Day 11am-4.30pm Jack and Jill Dash, dog show, car boot, entertainment, stalls, refreshments galore. A day out for all the family. Details: 07771275136. Horrington Fair, 12-4pm at Wells Cricket Club, South Horrington. Activities for all ages including fancy dress parade, gun dogs, BBQ & live music. Details: Karen@karenstreet.com
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Cheddar Vale Lions’ Duck Race, Cheddar Gorge, 2pm, raising funds for Children’s Hospice SW in their 25th anniversary year. Minibeast Muddy Monday – join the hunt for the minibeasts hiding underfoot at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Wednesday June 1st – Saturday June 4th Royal Bath and West Show – details see page 12. Friday June 3rd Family Fun Day at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Make spinning spiders, dangly dragonflies and beautiful bugs. There will also be garden games and dressing up to keep little ones entertained. Redhill Club open mic night, hosted by Jerry Blythe, all welcome, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619. Saturday June 4th Mendip (Recorder) Consort lunchtime recital at Sherborne Abbey, 1pm. No charge apart from entry fee to the abbey. Mendip Society walk at Draycott. Meet 2pm, St.Peter’s Church, School Lane, BS27 3SD, for a moderate 5m with a steep climb to limestone grassland flowers. Details: Gill 01934 742508. Tuesday June 7th Street & Glastonbury U3A Coach trip to Mapperton House & gardens, Beaminster, Dorset. £36 pp – to book or for further information contact Andrew Boatswain 01458 832195. Details: www.u3asites.org.uk/street-glastonbury Wednesday June 8th Wells Civic Society tour of the Old Deanery Gardens, Wells with Sarah Hare. Saturday June 11th – Sunday June 12th The Dig for Victory Show, a fabulous 1940s family festival at the North Somerset Showground, Wraxall, will include a Spitfire and Hurricane flypast. Adults £10, family of four £25. Discounts online at www.digforvictoryshow.com or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kafdSbVm3IU Saturday June 11th Go Wild in Wells! 10am- 4pm at Mendip & Wells Museum. Wildlife & conservation organisations including RSPB, The Woodland Trust, AONB, Somerset Wildlife Trust WATCH group and beekeepers. FREE entry. Refreshments. Saturday June 18th Leigh on Mendip Fair, from 12 noon. Clowns, fun dog show, quarry tours and much more. Recreation Field, BA3 5QP. Enquiries 01373 812460. BRISTOL HIPPODROME Further information and booking at www.atgtickets.com/bristol or 0844 871 3012. Bkg fees apply and all calls 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR MAY Across: 1 Silver surfers, 9 Measure up, 10 Kirov, 11 Vietnam, 12 Niagara, 13 Nears, 15 Refreshed, 17 Pendennis, 19 Pomme, 20 Crumpet, 22 Galahad, 24 Users, 25 Brainwave, 26 Market Drayton. Down: 2 Lease, 3 Equines, 4 Steam iron, 5 Ripon, 6 Eskdale, 7 Streatham, 8 Live and let die, 9 Moving picture, 14 Ad nauseam, 16 Fishguard, 18 Exposer, 19 Polenta, 21 Table, 23 Heart.
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WHAT’S ON
LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNERS
LAST month we offered five pairs of adult tickets to the Royal Bath and West Show. The first correct answers drawn were from Jessica Wharton, Chewton Mendip; Martina Hall, Castle Cary; Mr M. Wardell, Coleford; Sally Moon, Frome and Harvey Williams, Clutton. We also offered three family tickets to the North Somerset Show. The first correct answers drawn were from Mrs J. Robertson, Writhlington; Mr C. Hussey, Banwell; Mr V. Loader, Webbington.
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD
Starts Friday 6th May Thursday 12th May Starts Friday 13th May Wednesday 18th May Starts Friday 20th May
NOW SHOWING: Robinson Crusoe (PG) 3D/2D Florence Foster Jenkins (PG) Eye In The Sky (15)
A View From The Bridge (12A) 7pm NT Angry Birds 3D/2D Frankenstein (12A) 7.15pm ROH A Hologram For The King (12A)
G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
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@ THE ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW
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