Mendip Times
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VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
AUGUST 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: MARATHON MAN • SUMMER FOOD & DRINK • PRIDDY WALK • RIDING • MUSIC & THEATRE • WHAT’S ON Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
Welcome
IT’S probably a question many a Mendip parent dreads: “Can I have a pony?” Jane Paterson gives us her advice in our Riding section this month. With Glastonbury and Priddy festivals behind us – we have pictures from both – the season of summer fetes and festivals is in full swing. We have pictures from many other local events and preview more in another very busy What’s On section. Chewton Mendip has its own lockdown memorial – we meet the woman who made it – while the village’s WI has celebrated its centenary two years late because of Covid. We hear about concerns in Long Ashton over the loss of green belt land and talk to ultra-marathon man John Reynolds about his new book. Kate Grynova has been busy with a new job and will continue the diary of her escape from Ukraine next month, while Dr Phil Hammond offers more advice to our politicians. Katy Beauchamp offers some delicious summer treats while Sue Gearing takes us on a walk around Priddy. With all of our regular features and contributors, there’s rarely a dull day on Mendip.
CONTENTS
16
Another weekend – another band!
28
Lockdown images – a village’s memorial
72
Let’s dance – fun on a summer’s day
87
September 2022 deadline: Friday 12th August Published: Tuesday 23rd August
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Steve Gooding stevegooding@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk
Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV13 3XA. 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: John Reynolds and Westfield TT. Photo by Mark Adler. See page 89.
Party sevens – a feast of rugby in Frome Plus all our regular features Environment .............................6 Farming Nick Green................10 Internet and Crossword ........14 Food & Drink..........................18 Arts & Antiques .....................28 Business ..................................34 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE ..49 Walking Sue Gearing...............50 Outdoors Les Davies MBE......52
Gardening Mary Payne MBE...54 Caving Phil Hendy...................61 Health & Family .....................62 Community .............................66 Property...................................73 Charities ..................................76 Riding Jane Paterson ...............84 Sport ........................................86 What’s On ...............................92
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 3
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MENDIP TIMES
Jubilee gates
Hutton gates
NEW church gates have been installed at St Mary’s Church in Hutton, funded by the parish council to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and replace the original gates built in 1953 to commemorate the Coronation. The original plaque sits alongside the new plaque to mark the occasion. The photograph shows council chairman, Cllr Peter Dutton (centre) along with David Hart parish handyman (left) and Daniel Leach, carpenter, both of whom were responsible for building the gates.
Runners support Mendip fund
THE Mendip Hills Fund has received £2,433 from the organisers of the Butcombe Trail Ultramarathon. This year's event took place on April 23rd with runners completing the 50 or 56 mile route that links the Butcombe pubs across the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guy Landon was the winner of the 50 mile route completing it in 7:48:12 and Gareth Williams was the winner of the 56 mile route in 9:22:00. The Mendip Hills Fund awards grants to local projects that benefit the environment or communities of the area. So far it has awarded over £40,000 to a range of projects. Antony Clark, race director from the Town and Country Harriers who organised the ultramarathon, is pictured presenting the cheque to Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB at the Butcombe pub The Swan Inn, Rowberrow.
NEWS
Rescuers’ Jubilee medals
VOLUNTEERS from Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue (ASSAR) have received medals to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw. In total 27 volunteers with ASSAR received medals. Typically they get asked by the police to help search in highrisk situations, where there is a threat to life, involving missing and vulnerable people in rural areas and on steep or difficult ground. They also help rescue people, and sometimes animals, from cliffs such as Cheddar and Avon gorges. Four current, or previous, team members received long service awards for 40 years in Mountain Rescue from Avon and Somerset Police Deputy Chief Constable Nikki Watson. Chris Thring, chairman of ASSAR, said: “It's a real honour to be recognised in this way for our role helping the local communities we live in. “Much of the work we do goes unrecognised for patient confidentiality reasons; sometimes we're finding and recovering people who have committed suicide. We're all volunteers who drop what we're doing, any time of the day or night, when the call-out comes. “So, for all the individuals involved, whether receiving their Platinum Jubilee medal or long service award, and in one case both, this is a very special, and probably unique moment.” The ceremony was held at the Yeo Valley Organic Garden in Blagdon.
Nigel Taylor
HUNDREDS of people attended a service of thanksgiving for Nigel Taylor at St Laurence’s Church in Priddy. With the top field full of cars, The Green became an overflow car park. The service was conducted by the Rev Alex Holmes. It was followed by refreshments at the Hunter’s Lodge Inn. In a message Nigel had written: “Raise not your glasses to me, but to each other in love and friendship. Now smile! Thank you, friend.” MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
There’s a buzz about wildlife in Frome
WITH more than 1,200 observations logged across Frome, the Community Wildlife Mapping Project has got off to a flying start. To build on this buzz, Frome Town Council are holding a series of free, family-friendly summer activities to learn more about local wildlife and how important and enjoyable supporting biodiversity can be. First up is the Big Butterfly Count and Wildlife Mapping event on Monday, August 2nd at Rodden Meadow. Wildlife officer Jo Morris will suggest some easy ways to help pollinating insects and how people can submit their final readings to 2022’s Big Butterfly Count. Come Dine with Bee, on Thursday, August 18th, is a pollinator-themed picnic on the Old Showfield. People are being invited to gather for a lunch with a twist – only comprising of foods that exist only because of pollinating insects. The final events are pondlife investigations at Welshmill where people can learn about pond-dipping whilst learning about the amphibians and insects lurking in the water. They take place on Monday, August 22nd and Thursday, August 25th. Mayor Sara Butler said: “After so many brilliant submissions from community members to our brilliant wildlife count, we wanted to give something back. “These wonderful sessions in combination will give people in Frome the chance to learn more about our insect life, as well as develop new skills in pond dipping and making green spaces wildlife-friendly. And as always, keep contributing to the wildlife mapping project where you can!” For details about the mapping project, visit: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wild-about-frome and to book places on the events, visit: https://buytickets.at/frometowncouncil/725098
Volunteers needed
PRICKLES Hedgehog Rescue of Cheddar is looking for volunteers. The charity is now caring for more than 50 hedgehogs. It is looking for adult volunteers who have spare time for either cleaning out the hedgehogs from 9am-12noon or feeding the hedgehogs from 4-5pm. Full training will be given and you will be part of a team that is overseen by their friendly duty managers. Details: 07806 744772
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Churchyard volunteers
VOLUNTEER working parties have been busy clearing parts of St Andrew’s churchyard in Blagdon, while encouraging wildlife there. One of the organisers, Penny Crawfurd, said: “The churchyard had been allowed to grow wild and now the aim is to tidy it but allow certain areas to become meadows to encourage the growth of wildlife.” Pictured (l to r) Charles Crawfurd. Ann and Mike Merrick, Peter Bentley, Lynsey Hatherall, Marissa George, Ray Trueman, Renée Bolton, Penny Crawfurd and Margaret Speirs.
Spread the word
CHEW Valley Plants Trees is having a busy summer spreading the word about its ambition to double tree cover in the Chew Valley by 2030. They gave away saplings at Compton Dando fete, while children had their faces painted, and will be at Valley Fest on Sunday, August 7th, Chew Stoke Harvest Home on September 10th and the Mendip Ploughing Match on September 28th. They say to let them know if you would like them at an event.
Details: chewvalleyplantstrees@gmail.com
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ENVIRONMENT
School’s river workshop
CHILDREN at Chew Stoke church school have enjoyed special workshops studying river health with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART). Pupils in Badger Class found features of their local waterways using OS maps, and talked about positives and negatives for river health. Head teacher, Ben Hewett, said: “They then spent some time identifying species in Chew Stoke Brook, making river
sketches and producing a variety of water craft (some more successful than others) using natural materials.” Chew Stoke has been given a Platinum Modeshift Stars award – higher than the Gold it received previously – for encouraging sustainable travel to school. Having been named best school in BANES and the South West, it now goes forward to the national finals to be held at the House of Commons.
Bringing wild flowers back to Wrington WRINGTON residents are celebrating the creation of flowering road verges in the village, after forming a Rewilding Wrington team late last year. The aim is to create new habitats to enable wildlife to flourish as well as helping to address climate change. There has been a decline of 41% of UK species which is why an Ecological Emergency has been declared. The team identified ten local road verges which had become rather sterile grass areas. Working with the Highways and Natural Environment teams within North Somerset Council, specific plans for each of the areas were developed. This took account of highway safety issues like visibility splays. The vegetation in each verge area was analysed and the different techniques developed depended on what the team saw. This ranged from stripping off the turf and topsoil on the more fertile verges, through scarifying other areas, to, in some instances, leaving the natural vegetation to grow. This involved North Somerset Council altering their verge mowing regimes to simply mow the site margins to keep them looking tidy and do an end of season close cut. A village-wide consultation exercise was held in February this year to establish whether such a scheme would be supported by residents. A massive 91% of the 219 survey forms returned were supportive of the plans. The survey also identified 40 volunteers who were willing to do some of Preparing one of the physical work. the sites Funds were raised from a
Blooming lovely!
village Just Giving campaign, support from the parish council and sponsorship of individual sites by local businesses. February saw a start on site, cutting back overgrown hedges and preparing the ground. Local seed and native perennial plug plants were then sown/planted and the local volunteers then tackled ongoing watering through the very dry spring as we encouraged germination. A website was set up bit.ly/rewildingwrington which explained what was happening over the months keeping residents informed. June saw many of the sites come into bloom attracting butterflies, moths and other insects. Many residents have now followed suit and left parts of their lawns unmowed. Once the flowers go over and go to seed, the team will be cutting down the vegetation to encourage the seed to drop to the ground. They’ll then cut the grass really low and sow yellow rattle seed – which is best done in the autumn. This should further discourage the grass from swamping the flowering plants. TONY HARDEN MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 7
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MENDIP TIMES
Boost to nature-friendly recreation project THE Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Service has secured £20,000 of funding from the National Grid Community Grant Programme to continue their long-term programme to develop a more sustainable approach to recreation on the Mendip Hills. The Connecting on Mendip project will draw on the information gathered over the last year to help better connect local people and visitors with the landscape and nature. The project will work with volunteers, visitors, local people, and land managers to improve accessibility at key
Battle to save green belt land
RESIDENTS in Long Ashton and surrounding area have initiated a “Save Your Greenbelt” campaign in response to the proposed development of the Woodspring Golf Club land for housing by developers Taylor Wimpey. There are further proposals for development of land to the North of Long Ashton, known as the Northern Triangle, as the proposed site for a US health care company for a head office campus for 1000 employees. The objective of our campaign is to raise awareness of the proposed developments and the potential impact that they will have on the green belt, the wildlife corridor that stretches from the Avon Gorge, Ashton Court to the Mendips and ultimately the loss of precious green space to urban sprawl. North Somerset Council (NSC) are supportive of these plans, as they now form part of their preferred options consultation. However we believe that the council are only responding to over-ambitious housing development targets set by the government and fear that if they refuse to comply, control will be taken away and transferred direct to the developers, which is what happened in Yatton. The responsibility for housing now falls within the government department for levelling up and communities, previously headed up by Michael Gove and NSC and our local MP Dr Liam Fox are in direct consultation with them on this matter. Green belt was put in place to offer the highest form of protection from development. It also provides a host of other benefits including health and wellbeing for people (mental and physical), aesthetic separation between urban and rural, species rich habitats for wildlife and fauna and just on back of COP, slowing and reducing the effects of climate change. NSC themselves declared a climate emergency in direct response to climate change. Green belt land plays a key role in slowing down the process and the green belt land identified for development has been assessed by NSC as being of the highest rating in the country, as it contains ancient woodland, it has an AONB link to Avon Gorge and it provides Bristol and local PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
ENVIRONMENT
visitor hotspots and routes in the AONB. This will include installing gates and resurfacing paths. They will also improve the information available to visitors both online and on the ground, to provide better opportunities for people to better connect with nature. It is hoped that improving physical connections and access to the countryside, as well as improving people’s emotional connection to nature, will encourage recreation that is more in tune with the natural environment. Part of the site looking towards Dundry
people with easy accessibility to the countryside for their benefit and wellbeing. In addition to the impact on the green belt these proposed developments will increase pollution, see over-saturation of roads, significant increased usage and damage to footpaths, increased welfare risk to farm animals, increased poor accessibility to South Bristol and put additional pressure on local services. We are asking NSC to delay any implementation of the local plan as during the recent Queen’s speech the LURB (Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill) was introduced, within which planning has now been included with the current Planning Bill abandoned. Michael Gove did head the department and talked encouragingly of the need to adopt a different approach, one that is likely to contain stronger influence from local communities, a revision downwards of the housing demand numbers and a strengthening of the traditional conservative policy of preserving the green belt; we are hopeful that his successor will be of the same opinion. Will Jones Save Your Green Belt Long Ashton
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MENDIP TIMES
How the weather affects farming
DIFFERENT farming systems around the country don’t happen by chance. They are generally decided by topography and “normal” weather conditions. There is almost a straight line down the middle of the country with the west being grass based with grazing livestock and the east, arable With NICK GREEN and vegetable production with pigs and poultry. Whilst I acknowledge this is a generalisation, having travelled from Cornwall via Exmoor up to Cheshire, across to Norfolk and back to Somerset in the last month it is generally true. In the middle of June, grassland in the South West was lush and grazing cattle and sheep predominated. Further north and a week later, there were still cattle and sheep but the grass was noticeably shorter. Across to East Anglia, wallowing pigs were the only animals to be seen outside and irrigators were spraying water everywhere you looked. If it hadn’t been for the irrigation, the east of the country would have been burnt brown while the west would have still been bathed in a sea of green. There are exceptions and west Cornwall and west Wales are prime ones. Early potatoes and cauliflowers are the crops of choice for farmers who benefit from the Gulf Stream and plenty of rain. Back closer to home and you can expect to see combine
FARMING
harvesters cutting spring barley, wheat and oats this month. This marks the end of the annual cycle and before we know it, everything starts again. Crop rotations are confirmed, seed choices made and the fields cultivated ready for the seeds to be sown. The only thing the farmers can’t control is the weather. No doubt, for the next month arable farmers will be wishing for dry weather. On the other hand, the livestock farmers will be wishing for rain to keep the grass growing.
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
Health hubs for farmers
FARMERS and agricultural workers who visit livestock markets in Somerset are now able to access health and emotional wellbeing support while they buy and sell their livestock. It follows the launch of two new health hubs, operated by a team of NHS nurses with support from many different farming and community-based charities and local businesses. The new hubs at Frome Livestock Market and Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auction have been set up following the success of the Derek Mead Health Room – the first health hub of this type that opened in 2018 at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre in Bridgwater. Along with general health checks, farmers can get specialist advice from NHS professionals about lifestyle, as well as any concerns about their emotional wellbeing and mental health. Jane Fitzgerald, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s manager responsible for the health hubs, said: “Feedback from the first hub – the Derek Mead Health Room in Bridgwater – shows that having nurses and volunteers who understand farming PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
The Frome team
communities really helps farmers to connect and engage with health services where they may not otherwise have thought about doing so.”
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Care farming supported in the Mendip Hills
FARMING changes so many lives. It provides us with the nutritious food we eat, can help to provide clean water to drink, mitigate against climate change, and care for the natural world around us. But farming can also provide us with a source of mental, physical, and social benefits. This is “care farming”. The Mendip Hills AONB Service have been thrilled to offer support through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme to The Community Farm, based in Chew Magna. The Community Farm has grown since 2011, providing local produce boxes and reinvesting profits in volunteering sessions, wellbeing courses, and community events at the farm. The funding provided by the grant has gone towards a series of events, realising the benefits of care farming for communities in need, and removing the barriers which prevent some people from getting out into farms and the countryside. We have also provided funding for six events for the local community – providing an experience of countryside traditions, farming skills, and immersing people in the link between food and farming. Feedback from The Community Farm’s care farming partners and participants has been overwhelmingly positive around the impact time spent on the farm has had on their wellbeing – one participant left us this lovely
MENDIP HILLS AONB
quote: “I feel like I belong here and leave a piece of me every time I leave the farm.” As of 2016, there were approximately 250 official care farms in the UK. These farms are registered with health and social care professionals and educational commissioners to offer a referral service, where those in need can benefit from hands-on experiences of agricultural practices to improve their physical and mental health, social skills, or education and employability. It can be difficult to know where to start when setting up your land for care farming. The Mendip Hills AONB Service’s farming engagement officer Megan, and Somerset Wildlife Trust’s and Somerset AONBs’ Nature Connections project manager, Kristen, are working together to gauge interest among landowners with a view to providing advice, workshops, and contacts to help landowners who are interested in providing or supporting care farming on their land to get set up. If you are a landowner and think this is something you might be interested in, or just want to find out more information, get in touch with us today (mendip@mendiphillsoanb.org.uk). For information outside the AONB, Social Farms and Gardens have a detailed website, and Farmers Weekly ran an extensive story on Care Farming back in 2019. Outside of care farming, the Somerset Nature Connections project aims to support local communities and individuals experiencing symptoms of mental ill health to access natural spaces and physical activities to support their wellbeing. This project was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund, Somerset County Council, South Somerset District Council, and The Discovery Community Fund – and the three AONBs in Somerset are working in partnership with Somerset Wildlife Trust.
To book a space on one of these programmes, head to the Mendip Hills AONB’s webpage to find out more (mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/news/somerset-nature-connections)
What do you love about the Mendip Hills AONB?
Fifty years ago, the Mendip Hills was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). During this anniversary year, we are celebrating what makes our treasured land so precious, and the communities that help give this countryside its character. 'For 50 years I have admired the view from the Mendip Hills, an ever changing view as the seasons and life changes. One will never tire of the view of Somerset and beyond as seen from the Mendip Hills.' Councillor Liz Scott, Axbridge
Megan Godley Farming Engagement Officer Farming in Protected Landscapes Mendip Hills AONB Charterhouse Centre, BS40 7XR Office telephone: 01761 462338 Email: megan@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 11
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MENDIP TIMES
Show is going to be a scorcher – whatever the weather
THE countdown to this year’s Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show is truly underway as work to get the showfield ready to welcome thousands of visitors reaches a new intensity. The show – the only one-day agricultural show in the South West which is free for pedestrians to enter – takes place on Sunday, August 21st. Last year, the site at Cannard’s Grave on the edge of Shepton Mallet hosted its first show since the pandemic; since then preparations have continued behind-the-scenes to make it an even better experience for visitors, exhibitors and trade stand holders. On the site itself, work is underway to build a permanent main ring and countryside ring. The day is all about celebrating the countryside with livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, main ring entertainment, equine and dog shows, cheese and cider competitions, live music and, of course, food and drink with plenty of space for families to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Visitors may also spot TV homes guru Sarah Beeny, who will be judging the Fancy Dress Pig and Sheep classes. There are several other reasons to be raising a glass: both Shepton Vets and Stables Equine Practice will be marking special anniversaries at the show. Shepton Vets is this year celebrating its centenary with a
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Show society president Paddy Gordon, senior director of Shepton Vets, with a copy of a book marking the practice’s centenary
number of events. Founded in 1922 by Tom Patterson, the practice has evolved from the days of Tom conducting his rounds on a motorbike and sidecar into a successful farm and small animal practice with a second branch in Wells. This year’s show president is Paddy Gordon, senior director of
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Shepton Vets founder Tom Patterson
the practice. Paddy said: “I am delighted to be president of the Mid-Somerset Show in this special year when Shepton Vets are celebrating 100 years of veterinary work serving clients and animals in the Mendip area and beyond. “We can be found next to the show ring on the day to discuss how today’s practice is now offering health advice, training and cutting-edge treatments, including keyhole surgery in pets and cattle, from its two premises in Shepton and Wells.” Stables Equine Practice is celebrating its 25th anniversary and
MID-SOMERSET SHOW will be the equine vets at the Mid-Somerset Show for the first time. Nicko Robertson founded SEP in Oakhill before the practice firstly relocated to the Royal Bath & West Showground, then to Burcott, on the edge of Wells, with state-of-the-art facilities, working closely with Langford Vets and the University of Bristol. Nicko said: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in such a traditional show that is the very heart of the Somerset community. Having grown up attending the show from a boy it feels great to be putting something back in. It’s great to have been invited to be a part of it as the on-site equine vet. “In this Jubilee year, the Stables Equine Practice is having its own celebration and our presence at the show will allow us to share this with our clients and friends alike.”
Last year’s show was the first to be held on its new permanent site
Nicko Robertson, who founded SEP, is one of the main vets at the Mendip Farmers Point-Point
Work underway to build the new show rings MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 13
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INTERNET
Google Lens
GOOGLE has an excellent search facility, called Google Lens. You might have to download the app, but it should work if you just go to www.google.co.uk Google has had a microphone on its search options for a while, which I think we have covered before, but is well worth checking out – just tap on the microphone (you might have to give permission to continue) and then ask it whatever you want – e.g. What is 5€ in pounds (which is £4.23 at time of writing). But Google Lens is a relatively new addition, which I find works quite well. Same as everything, it is not perfect, but then what is? Tap on the camera icon on the right of the search options (you might have to give permission to access your camera) and it will focus on whatever you are pointing at (my screen in this case!), and put white corners round the bit it thinks you want to capture. You can move these corners to focus on exactly what you want and then if you press the shutter button (the one with the magnifying glass on it), it will take a shot and straightaway start to search. Interestingly, because I took a photo of part of a picture, it didn’t search for grapes, it searched for paintings of grapes! I find it works well with a lot of things, and will often identify plants really well. There are other options apart from Search, such as Translate. For some languages, you simply point your camera at the words and it will change into English before your eyes on the screen. Enjoy, as they say!
Submitted for I.T. for the Terrified by Lynne Duckett. Although we have stopped our one-to-one tuition, we will continue with this column to keep the name alive. This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. I.T. for the Terrified – it4ttcvh@gmail.com PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Modern day resident of what was Rhodesia (10) 6 Large slender waterbird with long legs, neck and a longcurved bill. (4) 9 Very large – after a giant by “Rabelais” (10) 10 . . . and others? (2,2) 12 Some job at hand? We'll soon see (4,3,5) 15 A group of four (7) 16 This day’s child is full of grace (7) 17 Film directors who influence their films so much that they rank as their authors (7) 19 Minehead was once known as ??????? of Exmoor (7) 20 Door openers designed to fit many locks (8,4) 23 Cadence or intonation (4) 24 Regime using the restriction of carbohydrates to lose weight (6,4) 25 Describing lively and active older people (4) 26 Amazon's TV supply deserves this description (5,5)
DOWN 1 Goes with zigs (4) 2 The longest village in Somerset (4) 3 South African lily with blue and white flowers (12) 4 Harbour town 9 miles east of 19 across and at the mouth of the Washford River (7) 5 Opposed to, unfavourable to, or in contact with (7) 7 Butane, Calor or propane (7,3) 8 Using a description or title of one’s own (4-6) 11 An herbaceous plant that typically has small white and yellow flowers (5,7) 13 The name Romans used for the first part of 12 across (5,5) 14 Part of a cruet or a dungeon used to imprison sailors (4,6) 18 An American term for a gun (7) 19 Adherents of this religion wear turbans and are mainly found in the Punjab (7) 21 Capital of Ukraine (4) 22 The sun is the closest one to earth (4) By greendandelion
Clues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 86
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MENDIP TIMES
Crowds flock to fete
AFTER a three year absence, villagers flocked to Congresbury fete in the church paddock, where local groups and activities had set up a variety of stalls, with home cooked food, a barbecue, and games. The summer flower show, organised by Congresbury Gardening Club, attracted gardeners from around the area, who filled the marquee with a feast of colour and perfume. Veteran Jenny Edwards beat the men with her superb roses, gaining three trophies, and was the Congresbury resident
EVENTS
with the most points in the rose classes. Bill Maggs retained his reputation as an outstanding sweet pea grower, winning two cups, with other cups being awarded to local ladies, Sue Dury (flower arranging), Angela Osmand (pot plants) and Jane Hares (fruit and vegetables). It was definitely ladies’ day, as Natalie Nunn produced the best art exhibit, Lisa Scott took the winning photograph, and Julie Gosling gained the most points in the domestic classes.
Jenny Edwards receiving her trophy from gardening president Ann Gunner
The flower marquee was busy
The Rev. Matt Thomson manning Love Congresbury stall
Chloe Chetland won three trophies
The Harness Goat Society proved popular
Michael Eavis, who opened the fete, pictured with two of the organisers, Bridget Squance (left) and Lucy Hart
Chewton Mendip fete
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Fun on the slide Erica and Joshua
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FOOD & DRINK
A holiday in the Med . . . on your plate!
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
I hope everyone is having a good summer; who needs to go abroad when our weather has been so good so far? Why not enjoy some European dishes from the comfort of your own home or garden? You’ll really feel you are on the Mediterranean! The salad conjures up vines and olive groves, the chicken is spiced with smoked paprika and the palmiers are classic French “cookies”.
GREEK SALAD
METHOD Combine all the salad ingredients in a pretty serving bowl, whisk dressing ingredients together and mix through the salad! Easy as that!
Flavours of Greece in this tradional-style salad
TUSCAN CHICKEN
METHOD Sprinkle the paprika onto the chicken and gently fry the slices in a little olive oil for about three mins each side. Remove from the pan, add the onions and cook for five mins, then stir in the garlic and add the cream. When hot, stir in the cheese and lemon juice. Reduce heat to a gentle bubble, return the chicken and juices and cook for 6/7 mins until the meat is cooked through. Put into a serving dish and garnish with lemon and lots of pepper. Serve with some crusty bread!
FRENCH ALMOND PALMIERS
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(Serves four) 1/2 diced cucumber 8 halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 thinly sliced red onion 1/2 chopped green pepper (although I prefer yellow) 15 halved olives (preferably Kalamata) 100g crumbled feta FOR THE DRESSING 60mls olive oil 15mls red wine vinegar Heaped tsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste
INGREDIENTS
Smoked paprika brings the chicken to life
Unroll your puff pastry and roll out the marzipan to the same size. It doesn’t matter if the marzipan tears (which mine did in the hot weather) you can patch it up; it won’t show when cooked! Lay the marzipan on the pastry and, starting with one long end, roll them both up to the middle and then do the same with the other side so they meet. Cut the large sausage shape into slices and lay them flat on a very well-greased cooking sheet leaving plenty of room in between for expansion. Bake at 160°C for 20 mins until crisp and golden. Decorate with sifted icing sugar and flaked almonds. I only baked 12 and kept the rest of the sausage in the fridge over the next week, cutting and baking them for breakfast! METHOD
INGREDIENTS
(Serves four) 400g sliced chicken breast 3 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 small diced onion Heaped tsp of garlic (fresh or granules) Juice of half a lemon (cut the other half into wedges to serve) 200g grated Parmesan 200ml double cream Black pepper
INGREDIENTS
(Makes 24) 1 pack ready-rolled puff pastry 375g of ready-to-roll marzipan Flaked almonds Icing sugar to roll out marzipan and for dusting the palmiers
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MENDIP TIMES
eat:Festivals – the hottest ticket this summer is free! THE success of eat:Festivals in the past ten years has seen the community interest company grow from a small idea in Burnham-on-Sea to a food and drink festival organiser stretching further afield than the Somerset county boundaries. Today, eat:Festivals – run by Bev and Sarah MilnerSimonds – hosts outdoor festivals in locations ranging from Devon to South Gloucestershire. And all festivals are free to attend. At each festival, visitors will discover more than 50 local food and drink producers, street food, entertainment and lots of seating. They are a great opportunity to meet up with friends and family – without anyone having to put on an apron! Producers at the festivals range from farmers’ markets regulars to start-ups who are passionate about the food and drink they create and are eager to share their stories. Above all, eat:Festivals offer a great opportunity to get to the root of where your food comes from. Festivals coming up in August and September include Portishead, Yeovil and the Polden Hills.
eat:CastleCary attracted big crowds back in April
For details, visit: www.eatfestivals.org
PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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WILD FOOD
White fungi party
RECENTLY we held a rather large party for my wife’s birthday. Her birthday is actually in January but it’s rather difficult to hold an outdoor “White Beach” themed event on the Mendips when the wind is blowing the rain up your nostrils. So it was mandated that the “do” was to be held in With ADRIAN July. BOOTS Of course this meant much preparation with the help of friends: marquees and tents had to be erected, a white beach constructed with a palm tree backdrop using sustainably sourced sand and a pop-up swimming pool constructed out of massive hay bales (nudged into position with my car, everyone wanted a go at this for some reason). Not forgetting all the grass mowing, some nettle strimming and hedge trimming to get everything looking just right. All good parties attract gate crashers and this one was no different. They started off as barely registered white specs in the recently shorn nettle patch yet soon made their presence known over the course of the birthday weekend becoming much larger and louder. It seems these uninvited fungal guests did not want to be left out and decided to join in the fun. Giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) can grow up to 30cm in diameter although sometimes much larger. Pure white when immature it’s covered in soft leather-like skin, which can be a creamy white when older. The flesh is white and spongy. There is no stem but the base wrinkles to a point (like the base of a child’s balloon) where it connects to the mycelial network in the soil. Spherical in shape, it appears occasionally during the summer and autumn in grassland, pastures and roadside verges. Sadly, whilst these puffballs couldn’t drink the cool drinks, partake in the fabulous food, play the fun games, jump in the pool or dance on the white beach to the music, it seems they were quite content to have a “White Fungi” party on their own. Don’t feel too sorry for these gate crashers, they weren’t totally left out after all. I invited them to join us for breakfast instead . . . 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.
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FOOD
New potatoes
WE’RE eating a lot of new potatoes from the garden at the moment, while we wait for our main crop of Carolus to ripen. We are digging Pentland Javelin as I write this, a first early which produces heavy crops of short, oval tubers that have a pure white flesh of excellent With JAKE WHITSON flavour. We also like to grow Pink Fir Apple and Ratte types. We generally get these in mid-March or early April, and mound up as they grow in the beginning, especially if there is a risk of frost. I usually boil new potatoes whole in salty water. The salt doesn’t really penetrate the flesh if they are left whole but rather leaves a salty residue on the skin which I quite enjoy. I usually then toss them in a little butter, ground black pepper, and a big handful of sorrel leaves and other herbs such as fennel, dill or parsley if I have them. Served with a piece of fish they’re a joy, otherwise even a piece of crumbly cheese can turn them into a simple lunch. A slightly more elaborate approach is to use the Huacatay sauce I described in June and serve them cold with cold soft boiled eggs and either artichoke hearts or asparagus. To make it, cook your potatoes, eggs and artichokes a few hours ahead of time, then drain and allow to cool to room temperature. You will need to plunge the soft boiled eggs in cold water to stop them cooking and the asparagus too if you are using it. Chill everything except the potatoes - I prefer the texture of them at room temperature, as chilling seems to do something strange to the starch. Arrange all your ingredients on a plate and spoon a generous amount of the sauce in the middle - I love all the interplay between the subtle, cold and sweet summery vegetables, creamy egg yolk and fragrant, sour sauce, a perfect dish for the warm weather we’ve been having recently! Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 21
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Family-friendly fun!
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THIS summer Farrington’s Farm is going all-out to provide affordable family-friendly fun! There’s plenty on offer throughout the holidays to make a day of it. New for 2022, the farm park has been upgraded with new trail equipment to suit all ages, grass sledges to race down the hill, straw pool to dive in, animals to visit and the Slip & Slide running every day – all FREE ENTRY. Head into the air conditioned Playbarn if you need to cool down! When tummies rumble, The Snack Shack has a varied graband-go food and drink offering to help keep you going. The café is open with a homemade seasonal menu, and picnic food is available from the farm shop and deli. Events at Farrington’s this summer: Kids Fest, plus pickyour-own sunflowers and dahlias! Follow us on social media @farringtonsfarm for regular updates or visit farringtons.co.uk for more information.
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Erin’s a winner The Tuckers Cider Festival is almost here
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26TH TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 28TH
WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club’s Young Chef competition was won by Erin from Churchill School, with judges Carol Baker and Jan Murray saying the youngsters were clearly focused, all produced excellent meals and loved the experience. Young Chef Winner, Erin from Churchill School
Hello to Mother Tuckers Open from midday every day Old Parlour Café & Bar open Fri to Sun
Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.
T: 01225 962669
Featuring some of the West Country’s finest cider makers, alongside our regular 12-plus traditional ciders – including our own Mother Tuckers! Also Mallets on draught and Thatchers in bottles Live music and a wide variety of food all weekend
E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
THE famous and historic Tuckers Grave Inn at Faulkland has launched its very own cider – with the name being chosen by one of its customers. Mother Tuckers – a dry, still cider around 5% alcohol – is now on sale, but will make its official debut at the inn’s Bank Holiday Weekend cider festival. Tuckers already boasts around a dozen still ciders – mostly from Somerset – as well as Mallets on draught and Thatchers in bottles. They’ll be joined by a wide range of others for the weekend which will also boast live music and a range of food including campsite manager Prem’s famous curry. Meanwhile, work is nearing completion on a new campsite shower and toilet block, whilst artist Rich Blaker, from Leighon-Mendip is busy painting a mural on three sides of the music barn.
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Rich’s goes from strength to strength
FOR owner of Rich’s Cider, Jan Scott, completion of the newlook farm shop is the latest chapter in a family business that has remained on the same site in Watchfield near Highbridge, for nearly 70 years. She said: “I still live in the same house here that I was born in and every time we add something it just adds to the sense of family pride.” It was her parents Gordon and Betty Rich who purchased the site in the early 1950s and started producing cider to supply local cider houses. Whilst cider production is still very much at the heart of everything that Rich’s do, there is now so much more to the business. Jan said: “We opened the restaurant 15 years ago and that has proved to be incredibly popular, so much so that we added a large extension 18 months ago.” The success of the restaurant sowed the seeds for completely refurbishing the farm shop. Jan explains: “We had always stocked cheese and chutney alongside the cider but little else. “Diners in the restaurant would consistently ask us where we got our produce from. It felt a natural progression to have a shop that stocked that produce.” The project to design and fit out the new farm shop was placed in the capable hands of Jan’s 22-year-old daughter
FOOD & DRINK
Molly who is the general manager of both the shop and restaurant. Molly said: “Myself and mum visited a lot of farm shops. We took inspiration from what they did well and also learned from what we perceived as their mistakes.” One thing that they committed to from the outset was showcasing other local food producers with prominence given in the shop to a map of the region that pinpoints exactly how close they all are to Rich’s. Molly said: “We had a wonderful opening night when all our suppliers joined us at the launch. Everyone was so supportive.” Rich’s truly is a family orientated business. In addition to Molly’s involvement, the head cider maker is Jan’s son George. Under his leadership their cider has won numerous prestigious awards in recent times. Jan knows that there is one person who would be very pleased with their progress: “Not long before we lost Dad he asked me to ensure that the business continued in family hands. “He would be immensely proud of his grandchildren and all the staff here at Rich’s. He used to say to me, nobody does cheese and cider like we do in Somerset.”
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 23
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FOOD & DRINK
White Hart looks to the future WHEN Gina Pike and Mike Devaney took over the White Hart at Cross in April 2019 little did they realise what lay ahead for them. Gina said: “This was the only pub that Mike and I would have ever taken on. The decision was purely an emotional one as it’s a place that had given me so many memories down the years.” Just like all of us, their lives changed dramatically less than a year into their tenure at The White Hart. With Covid came the real prospect that their dream of running the pub was going to end before it had barely started. As Mike describes it: “We had worked so hard in those early months to establish both ourselves and the pub’s reputation. We had just about managed it when everything was brought to a shuddering halt. It was devastating.” Despite the setback Gina and Mike set about preparing themselves for the time when they would be able to re-open. One of the biggest challenges was to try and create some usable outdoor space.
Mike said: “We had land at the back of the pub which was completely overrun and inaccessible. It took a considerable amount of planning and even more physical effort to get the area how we wanted it to look.” The result of all their hard work is stunning with plenty of table space and an outside bar, complemented by a spacious grassed area that allows the younger visitors to play whilst mums and dads can relax and enjoy their visit as well. The pub is a 17th century building with plenty of history. It’s referred to in records from the time of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 when Judge Jefferies came to the West Country and held the so called Bloody Assize Courts in the district. Legend has it that The White Hart is haunted by one of his victims. Mike said: “Over the years there have been various TV Crews with paranormal experts trying to determine whether or not there is anything to that story. I remain sceptical but I’m prepared to be proved wrong!”
WIN A FREE MEAL FOR TWO
To win a free meal for two with a bottle of wine at The White Hart simply answer the following question: Judge Jefferies, the judge who held the Bloody Assize Courts in 1685, was also known as: A) The Kindly Judge B) The Justice Judge C) The Hanging Judge
The
WHITE
Please send your answer via email to advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk or alternatively send your answer on a postcard to: Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG. Closing date August 12th. The editor’s decision is final.
HART Est. 1690
“Putting the heart back into The Hart”
On Sunday, August 14th from noon, we are hosting a summer fun day which includes live music and a barbecue, a chance for customers to come and enjoy our new garden, as well as attracting newcomers who haven’t visited The White Hart before.
We like to think we offer one of the warmest welcomes you are likely to find anywhere in the region. Come and join us for a day of fun for young and old.
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Serving fresh, homemade food at lunchtime – 12pm until 2.30pm Opening hours: Wednesday, ursday, Friday. Saturday 12-11pm Sunday 12-7pm
e White Hart | Old Coach Road Cross | Somerset BS26 2EE 01934 733108 www.whitehartcross.co.uk
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Priddy’s friendly folk festival
Photography by Mark Adler
KNOWN far and wide for its friendly atmosphere, Priddy Folk Festival returned from the pandemic in style. With artists coming from the UK, Europe and even Canada, the three days offered an extraordinary range of music in venues ranging from the main Swildon’s Marquee to the Fringe Tent, the Queen Victoria Inn, Priddy Church and the village hall. Brian Rees, part of the team which books the acts, said: “Priddy has built up such a good reputation in the folk scene that artists recommend us to each other.”
Young customers at Lush Crepes on the village green
Scottish band Manran after their Sunday afternoon headline slot in Swildon’s Marquee
Helen and Chris, from Cornwall, soak up the Friday evening atmosphere on the village green
Copper Viper: Duncan Menzies, Dana Immanuel and Robin Joel Sangster
Fun on the inflatable slide run by Cobra Carnival Club PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Perkelt were joined by Copper Viper’s Duncan Menzies (second from right)
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PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2022
Bella takes a break on her Off-Cutz stall in the Market Square
Enigma border morris, from South Somerset
Enjoying the atmosphere during the Manran set
A session in the Queen Victoria Inn
Two Wells Blue School students who were part of Priddy Rising
Hannah Moore, the caller with the Bristol Ceilidh Quartet
Liz Turley, Lynne Levey, John Turley and Teresa Seall raising money for Children’s Hospice South West
Johnny Francis and Cathy Judge in the Fringe Tent MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 27
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MENDIP TIMES
Anniversary lunch
Village’s lockdown legacy
CoMpToN Dando art Group celebrated their 17th anniversary with a ploughman’s lunch at the Compton inn. The group meets each week in the village hall and many of its original members still attend. Leader of the group, sonia priest said: “although Covid was difficult and the group could not meet, we are all now enjoying such gatherings again with workshops and demos given by Mary shaw, a local artist who comes along once a month.”
Kelly shows off the quilt with the help of neighbour Alfie Lott
This impressive wall hanging will be a permanent reminder of lockdown 2020 in Chewton Mendip. While people were trapped at home, Kelly harris walked around the village delivering squares of material, inviting people to make up their own designs. Nearly 50 people responded and Kelly has now finished the marathon task of stitching all the squares together. she hopes to put it on display at venues around the village and perhaps further afield.
Prize winner
RebeCCa Warwick won first prize with this pastel at Nunney and District Flower show, which dates back to 1884. Cash prizes were awarded for the winner of the numerous categories along with over 30 trophies. PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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Perfect marriage of art, craft and design
WheN i tell people i work in antiques the question i’m invariably asked is “What do you collect?” and the answer is absolutely With CHRIS YEO nothing. although i’ve lived and breathed antiques since childhood the idea of amassing a collection of any one thing or group of things has never held any appeal. With one exception, that is. about 20 years ago, on a saturday morning mooch around an antiques market, i came across something that stopped me in my tracks. it was a glass vase from the 1950s, a sleek number in rich shades of blue and turquoise. it was love at first sight and, of course, i
bought it. about a month later i bought another piece of glass, shortly followed by another and another – you get the picture. For the next few years, i hoovered up every piece of studio glass i could find. it was a labour of love and an obsession which bordered on an addiction. put a piece of studio glass in front of me and i would find it near impossible to “just say no”. i won’t be too hard on my younger self. There is, after all, something undeniably seductive about mid-century art glass: a perfect marriage of art, craft and design. Following on from its 1950s heyday, studio glass is once again riding the crest of a wave of popularity. Richly
ARTS & ANTIQUES
coloured and beautifully made, fine quality glass introduces just the right note of luxury, colour and sophistication into any interior. if you’ve never thought of having glass on display, think again: the allure of light playing on coloured glass can be just as compelling as a strikingly painted canvas. That said, some people remain a little nervous about living with glass: “it’ll get knocked over and smashed!” Truth is, most glass is more robust than you think and, so long as you’re not flinging it against the wall, it’s no less durable than pottery. When it comes to display, less is always more, give each piece space to breathe. You’ll find your art glass a source of inspiration as well as beauty.
Chris Yeo is a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Please visit the website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 29
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A bumper first year under leadership of Lee Young
WhaT a first year the new team at Dore & Rees in Frome has enjoyed with the introduction of specialist auctions and online bidding under new leadership. Lee Young, Faces well known from Antiques Roadshow at Managing a charity valuation day during Frome Festival Director and head of asian art, said: “it has exceeded all our expectations. Much of our success is down to the introduction of specialist auctions offering high quality lots across multiple online bidding platforms. “our growing team of experts bring high-grade knowledge and experience to our clients, so building a sound footing of friendly advice coupled with competitive commercial terms. all wrapped up in fresh visual presentation through our website and social media channels enabling Dore & Rees to reach a global market.” There have been many highlights; to name a few – a Rare huanghuali six post bed topped the auction results table for asian art, selling for £182,000 in November 2021; a 1923 RollsRoyce silver-Ghost piccadilly Roadster hit a high note in the Classic Car auction of 18 June, selling for £255,000 and an archaeological-Revival Gold and Micro-mosaic Theatrical Mask brooch by Castellani topped the bill selling for £80,600 in the Jewellery, Watches and objects of Vertu auction on 6 July. it’s worth noting that a UK record price for a 1965 sunbeam Tiger prototype (aF203) roadster was also achieved in the June 18th Classic Car auction, selling for £79,520. The team is now looking forward to an exciting programme of auctions in the months ahead, including: August 24th: select interiors including furniture, pictures, ceramics and more. inviting entries until august 4th. head of sale: Guy Tayler September 21st: Curious and Collectable including automobilia. inviting entries until end august. head of sale: Marc allum October 8th: Classic Cars. inviting entries until mid-september. head of sale: Nick Wells November 7th: Fine asian art. inviting entries until end september. head of sale: Lee Young December 6th: Fine Jewellery. inviting entries until end october. head of sale: susan Rumfit If you are interested in selling items at auction, or just finding out the value of your items, contact the team at enquiries@doreandrees.com (01373 462257)
PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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Famous furniture names proving popular MoDeRN Design, interiors & Collectables sales are regularly held at Killen’s Mendip auction Rooms and are proving extremely popular. Well-known furniture names going under the hammer include ercol, G-plan, Ladderax and more, with an appetite amongst buyers also for modern design ceramics, glass, lighting and decorative items. The auction is held bi-monthly, every third Tuesday, with consignments arriving every week. our experts are available inhouse Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm for valuations and advice – no appointment necessary. They are also happy to visit customers at home for larger collections. The next sale will be held on august 23rd. in addition to Modern Design, Killens Mendip auction Rooms also
ARTS & ANTIQUES
holds regular successful auctions of fine art, militaria, silver, jewellery and sporting items as well as collectables. our experts look forward to welcoming you.
Please contact us via email: enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk or telephone: 01749 840770 for further information on consigning or buying or visit our website www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 31
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MENDIP TIMES
Centenary celebrations – two years late! MEMBERS of Chewton Mendip WI finally sat down to a celebration tea to mark 100 years since it was launched. Covid meant the original party had to be postponed for a further year, but 30 past and present members were able to gather at the Charlton House Hotel in Shepton Mallet. The WI first started in the UK in 1915 and four years later Chewton Mendip WI was formed by Lady Waldegrave. Like all WIs it helps provide friendships and support to people and organisations in the local community. One of the branch’s recent projects was to donate more than 700 heart-shaped cushions for the oncology units in Bristol and Bath.
Past joint presidents Jennie Goode (left) and Carol Curtis (right) were presented with flowers as a thank you for their work by Liz Rugman (second left) and Kath Brandon-Salmon, the current president
New signs
SHEPTON Mallet has new wayfinding signs as part of the town council's plans for investment in the area. Council chair, Matt Harrison, (pictured) said: “The new wayfinding signs are part of our continuing efforts to showcase the many aspects of the town, its industrial heritage, cultural vibrancy, and community-focused economy, which make Shepton Mallet so special.” PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
NEWS
Chewton Mendip WI members were joined at the celebration by officers from the county federation
Raising a glass to 100 years of Chewton Mendip WI
Community fridge scheme seeks volunteers
SHEPTON Mallet’s community fridge is due to be installed in mid-August and organisers are seeking more volunteers to join them. The shed to house the fridge is currently being built by Shepton’s Men’s Shed and will be installed by the side of the Haskins retail centre. Volunteers will help with food collections – from Tesco across the road from Haskins – checking the shed, The shed under construction opening and closing. One of the organisers said: “It’s a really exciting addition to Shepton Mallet’s community spirit and we are very grateful for the generous donations by contributors and the space from Haskins.” The fridge will be available as soon as the shed is installed. It will be opened formally on Saturday, To volunteer to help, scan September 10th at midday. the QR code
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MENDIP TIMES
Pet shop’s award in first year of trading
JUST a year after opening, PetHub in Chew Magna has been named Pet Shop of the Year in the Bristol area by SME News, a national website supporting small businesses. Debbie Neal, owner of the shop at Harford Square, said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved in a short space of time.”
PET SHOP | GROOMER SELF DOGWASH | FREE PARKING Open: Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm Sunday 10am – 3pm • Closed Monday www.chewvalleypethub.co.uk Email: info@chewvalleypethub.co.uk Tel: 01275 627265 chew valley pethub chewvalleypethub Glebe House, Harford Square, Chew Magna BS40 8RA
Somerset Day winners are a grand group
TO celebrate Somerset Day, held in May, the organisers teamed up with Somerset County Council to offer three worthy Somerset-based businesses the chance to win a £1,000 grant each. The two businesses each winning £1,000 were Yellow Door Cottage, Stogursey and Rocket and Bird in Taunton. Sharing the third £1,000 grant were Lesser Litter in Taunton and Langport Vintage Market.
P & C Logs
Bespoke garden buildings in traditional or contemporary style HOME OFFICE • STUDIO SPACE LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION • ADDITIONAL LIVING SPACE Please call or email for a no-obligation discussion of your requirements
www.avocetpoducts.co.uk/banwell/ email info@avocetproducts.co.uk Tel 01934 824092 PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Call Phil on 07734 098323, or Colleen on 07785 250033 or on Evenings 01934 741941 Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).
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Cohabitation agreements and property interests
WHERE two people cohabit in a property owned by just one of them does the nonowning partner acquire an interest in the property as a result of contributing towards the outgoings of the property for instance the mortgage? There have been a number of cases where unmarried partners have fallen out and an issue has arisen as to whether the partner who is not the legal owner of the property can claim an interest in it as a result of contributions they have made. These can include contributions to the mortgage. Essentially, the courts have to decide whether there was an implied agreement by which in return for making, for example, contributions to the mortgage, the partner of the owner would acquire an interest in the property. There have been court decisions that in cases where a purchase has been financed partly in the form of cash and partly by mortgage the shares in which the individuals had provided the purchase money was calculated based on their
common intention at the date of purchase (which can be implied from their conduct). So if one partner, say, contributed £40,000 by way of a cash contribution to the purchase of the property and the balance of the purchase price was raised by way of a joint mortgage (say £60,000) which was paid by the other partner a court could decide that the intentions of the partners was that property should be owned by them in shared proportion to their contributions. The way to avoid these issues is to have a “cohabitation agreement” setting out precisely what the individuals concerned intended. The agreement should say that your partner has your permission to live in the property without paying rent but not having a tenancy and that in return he will make whatever contributions to the mortgage you agree. You can go into much more detail as to exactly who will pay for what. It is sensible instruct a solicitor to draft a cohabitation agreement. The solicitor
BUSINESS
cannot act for both you and your partner – your partner would have to be advised of his rights to take independent legal advice.
EDWARD LYONS
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases l Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence claims OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168
Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 35
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MENDIP TIMES
Security with style – and energy-efficient also DIAMONDBRITE Home Improvements are in the business of helping others secure their homes with a range of designs, materials and glazing options for
Diamondbrite Home Improvements Unit 5, Three Winds Business Park Downside, Shepton Mallet BA4 4FH 01761 417170 www.diamondbrite4u.co.uk email: enquiries@diamondbrite4u.co.uk Call for a free no-obligation quote
quality made-to-measure windows, doors and conservatories. Their windows are A/A+ with doors holding the secured by design official police security initiative licences. All offer excellent performance and energy efficiency which can save money on heating bills while at the same time providing maximum security. Based in Shepton Mallet and covering the Bristol, Bath, Somerset and surrounding villages, they have over 25 years’ experience in the home improvements industry.
Oriental Rugs of Bath
FOR quality handmade rugs and kilims, visit their extensive showroom at 1, Westway Farm, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS39 5XP, 01275 319950. MattWill Ltd trading as Oriental Rugs of Bath. orientalrugsofbath.com
ECATCHER MOL
NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk
GUNS WANTED FOR CASH
Any condition. SOS to all air rifles and pistols, any make or model. We collect in any area. Top prices paid in cash
07970 742471 ALSO GUNS SOLD
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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There may be trouble ahead . . .
WITH summer well underway, you would think we could relax a little and enjoy the warm days, the lighter evenings and the lovely free summer fruits we benefit from in this part of the world. Well, we should try to do that anyway, but not far away lurk some dark clouds threatening our situation in business especially. It’s so important now not to allow worries to swamp us. It’s equally important not to allow ourselves to hide away and pretend they don’t exist. Now above all, we should take note of the Scouts’ motto to “Be Prepared”. It’s always the case that in difficult economic times, the first types of business to suffer are those which are non-essential. We are all going to be trying to look after the pennies to cope with soaring fuel and food costs and to prepare for those adding up even more during the cold months. It is important now to look at where in the food chain your business lies. If you can, now is the time to budget carefully. Make a business plan for the next 12 months and stick to it. Those of you with fixed fee arrangements with your accountants and business advisors will be able to book a meeting without cost; even if that isn’t the case, such a meeting would be helpful. It’s going to be important to cut your suit according to your cloth, and having someone with experience to discuss the pros and cons with can be immensely helpful. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Be loud and proud about it, and make sure you are able to understand the answers fully. It’s easy for an expert to relapse into “techno-speak”, because it’s virtually second nature to them, but that’s not the case for most of us, and we need to ensure that we know what acronyms mean when they use them and what the various different aspects of compliance are, so that we can plan within the law and the requirements of HMRC. It’s not just about paying our dues though, it’s also about saving what we don’t need to pay. This is where paying for a good
BUSINESS
financial professional can keep you safe (provided you follow their advice) and reduce your payments to HMRC. Without such advice, you may be paying for things you could actually claim against tax. This is also a very good time to rethink your payment terms. I have known good businesses struggle and even go under because they have large customers who impose their own, ridiculously long payment times. Sometimes these small businesses have had to wait up to 90 days and more for payment. Remember, simply because they are a large customer, it doesn’t mean they are a good customer. Good customers pay in a timely fashion and don’t require chasing for payment. This takes time and energy and adds to the cost of the goods or services you are selling. It’s far better to nurture a number of smaller customers who are reliable and easy to work with than to put too many eggs in one huge but very unreliable basket! In memory of the staunch supporter of the local community, the late Christopher Bond, and to support the continuing work of the Wells Community Network’s business arm, we will continue to offer an extended free meeting with any new or concerned business owners in the area. If you feel you want a meeting without any obligations, don’t hesitate to contact us. We feel this is one way we can give back to the community that has supported us for nearly 30 years now and to take a leaf out of the books of people like Christopher and all the other brilliant people who give so much to this area. Perhaps there are plenty of fruits to enjoy after all – just not all of them are edible! Take care …
JANE BOWE PROBUSINESS
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 37
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MENDIP TIMES
A walk through Pensford’s history By Ros Anstey
A LOCAL heritage trails booklet, produced by Pensford Local History Group, came in handy for a walk around Pensford by Whitchurch Local History Group. On a perfect summer’s evening members from Whitchurch enjoyed an interesting walk around Pensford, led by two members of the Pensford history group – Hilary Cox and Lyndsay Cooper. After a brief introduction to the village, touching on its industrial history and its division in two parishes, the group split into two parties. Lyndsay took her party around the Publow half of Pensford, highlighting the history of the High Street and the “New Road” which is now the 200-year-old A37, the Lock Up and the many buildings that were once shops and business. Hilary took her party around the Stanton Drew half of the village, showing them the medieval Bridge House and Church Street Bridge, talking about the history of mining in Pensford with the Miners Welfare Institute, and of education with the Primary School. The two parties swapped “tour guides” so they could enjoy both walks and talks, gathering in St Thomas a Becket churchyard for questions at the end.
Floodwater in Church Street
On The Green
Dispersed with all the facts and figures, tales and anecdotes that contribute to Pensford history was the impact the Great Flood of 1968 had on the village, destroying cottages and the “new” bridge of the A37, all recorded with the flood marker plaques on the walls of surviving buildings. Geoff Gardiner, WLHG secretary, said afterwards: “Thank you so much for the history walk around Pensford. Members and guests enjoyed it and found it very interesting. The walks booklets are excellent – good quality and very informative.” Lyndsay and Hilary based their walking talk around the three heritage trails booklets: Pensford Village, Pensford to Stanton Drew and Stanton Wick, and Pensford to Woollard.
Bridge washed away
Copies of these booklets are available in Pensford’s post office and the Miners’ Coffee Shop.
Heritage leaflets
Details: https://www.publow-with-pensford-pc.gov.uk/parish-walks/
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Blagdon finds day A fond farewell
BLAGDON Local History Society’s gardens finds day showed off some interesting objects, including Roman pottery, clay pipes and this Iron Age millstone grit quern, which was found by Peter Longden on Felton Common. Expert Marek Lewcun explained the history of their clay pipe collection while detectorist Colin Rankin showed some of his finds including coins and buttons.
FRIENDS of Pensford Tower met to say farewell to Ed McGregor, the local community officer for the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), who is leaving after ten years for a new job with English Heritage. Tower Friends leader, Jane Flower, said: “We appreciated his joining us on several occasions over the years, and wish him all the best in his new role.” Ed said: “It was so lovely to see the friends and associated neighbours, and touching to receive such a fond farewell. Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to those who attended.” The trust will be recruiting for his replacement but in the meantime CCT members can contact lead community officer Patrick Joel with any urgent enquiries at pjoel@thecct.org.uk
Details: mareklewcun@yahoo.co.uk
Bryan’s tales of Tunley – and beyond
IF Sir Paul McCartney can take to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury aged 80, then – at 84 – Bryan Moore can certainly put pen to paper to write his memoirs. Born and bred in Tunley and living in the same house for nearly all his life, Bryan had intended the book to serve as an introduction to the village for villagers, but it is far more than that. Woven through the pages is the sometimes quirky story of the 110-year-old Tunley Football Club in which Bryan has been involved since the age of 12, only recently standing down as groundsman. Readers of the lamented Sunday Independent newspaper – and listeners to Radio West (forerunner of GWR) – may well remember his football reports. In fact, John Collings, the former editor-in-chief of the newspaper, has written the foreword to Bryan’s book, noting “his faultless memory” and “a desire for a good yarn, well-recounted”. As well as life in Tunley – including
HISTORY
tales of his family and the area’s mining community – Bryan, a former lorry driver, writes about his National Service days fighting in the Malayan Emergency as well as his love of ocean cruises, especially on Cunard ships.
Bryan with pet cat Missy and an early draft of his book. The front cover photo is of him in Malaya
The book, titled One Hundred Years Along the Tunley Road – a Story That’s Never been Told, is currently with the printers. Bryan said: “It’s a mixture of events down through the years, the story of my life and the club’s centenary in 2012.”
The book is due to be published this autumn. For details call Bryan on 01761 470259
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 39
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MENDIP TIMES
Dear Mendip Times, Thank you for not censoring the content of Dr Phil's column in your magazine. We always look forward to his interesting, informative and compassionate insights, particularly about our besieged NHS and the pandemic. We must all be “political” in order to engage with everyday life and it is simplistic to suggest otherwise. It seems to us that Dr Hammond's interest is in pointing out where our health service is failing and we cannot pretend that government isn't responsible for this. Dr Hammond never fails to speak the truth as he sees it and, rather than being censured for this should be thanked. Rupert and Kate Bullock, Wedmore Dear Mendip Times, Bravo for Dr Phil Hammond! In July’s Mendip Times Tim and Bridget Gracey complained about the good doctor’s “politics” in his excellent columns. But don’t they realise that (like it or not) politics dominates the way we all live our lives, especially the politics of healthcare? Take the Covid pandemic as an example. The government’s political urge to save money meant that the seriousness of the disease was initially hugely underestimated for weeks with the Prime Minister missing FIVE crucial COBRA meetings. As the “hive immunity” model failed and panic finally set
READER’S OPINION in, the continuing instinct for economy returned infectious patients into vulnerable care homes, resulting in countless extra deaths. And have we already forgotten that Mr Johnson was even quoted as saying “let the bodies pile high”? Eventually, as we know, a desperate Downing Street spewed out PPE contracts worth billions of pounds to its wealthy donors and party friends, many for unusable or substandard products and others leading to fraud. The politics of healthcare also affects us closer to home too. I know of a local medical practice where the GPs already work an average of 70 hours per week. On one single day, the duty doctor there dealt with an astonishing 290 individual patient issues. Similarly, as nearby housing developments have swollen its patient roll, its application for more funds has been refused, likewise for mandatory all-day Saturday surgeries. It’s no secret that the Conservative credo has always been to favour private enterprise rather than public bodies like the NHS. And many believe that starving the service of the resources it needs will pave the way for the political hivingoff of the most profitable sectors. That’s precisely why we need brave, experienced, people like Dr Hammond to speak truth to power, because the vast majority of partisan MPs and the right wing media do not. So keep up the good work Dr Phil… Ian Pitch Winscombe
Dear Mendip Times, I thought that Phil Hammond’s explanatory, well-considered and objective response to the protest by Tim and Bridget Gracey was masterful. His monthly column remains a credit to your excellent magazine. If balance is required – and not all Dr Hammond’s columns are political by any means – then I’m sure one of our local MPs (Messrs Heappey, Warburton, Fox, Rees-Mogg, Penrose) would be delighted to take up any offer of writing their own monthly column in order to put their own point of view, Kind regards, Steve Ward Bishop Sutton Dear Mendip Times, Congratulations to the Wedmore Harvest Home team who worked so hard to set up the Wedmore Street Fair and did a splendid job in spite of the awful weather. Thank you to all those who came in spite of the rain to support the event and to those who visited the Weston Hospicecare stand and supported us. We raised £324 and the “Name the Teddy” was won by Grace Lloyd. Saturday, November 5th, will be our next big drop at Wedmore First School. Watch this publication for further information. Shirley Wederell Wedmore
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MENDIP TIMES
First entrants for young film maker competition
THE cameras were rolling when Peter Brownlee of Chew Valley Films visited Chew Valley School to hear what they thought about the Young Film Makers Competition he is organising with Mendip Times. And the idea got the thumbs up both from pupils and teachers. Head teacher Gareth Beynon said when he heard about it he was “over the moon”. He said: “I thought it was absolutely brilliant that young people can display their talent. It’s a real opportunity to showcase some of the work that they are doing.” Ewan Sanderson, head of media, said he had seen a big difference in new pupils in recent years. He said: “I really notice how visually literate the pupils are when they arrive with me and that’s increasing all the
time. This is an opportunity for them to show that creativity.” All the pupils Peter spoke to had taken video with their phones and some had already done some editing. Harry had made a short horror film with his sister and Shaneylee said he planned to make a Western as his family kept horses. Gareth said he feels film making provides a wonderful experience for
EDUCATION
young people: “Starting from the planning to having the vision to seeing where they want to go, but most importantly the fact that they come together as a team and put something together that they can be really proud of is I think absolutely fabulous.” The competition is open to all U-16s in the Mendip Times distribution area. The films must be no longer than five minutes but can be on any subject or in any style. The competition is sponsored by Killens Estate agents and other local businesses with a top prize of £200. They will be judged by a panel of film-making professionals. The closing date is September 10th so you’ve got all summer to make your masterpiece. Peter said: “I’m looking forward to a few horror films and at least one Western!”
For more information and the competition rules please contact chewvalleyfilms@gmail.com
Young Film Makers Competition GREAT PRIZES! VARIOUS CATEGORIES FREE TO ENTER • U16s
Who will win this inaugural competition? Shortlisted entries will be broadcast by Chew Valley Films with details in Mendip Times Sponsored by:
Further details from Peter Brownlee Email: chewvalleyfilms@gmail.com • 07816 030906 YouTube: Chew Valley Films • Instagram: @chew_valley_films Facebook: @chew_valley_films PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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MENDIP TIMES
EDUCATION
Here at Healthy Happy Kidz, we’re ready to support you with your Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. We can help by delivering an amazing experience, adding value and reducing your costs to operate the programme across most of the UK.
We have identified that “School Partnerships” are the key to increasing the number of spaces available at each of our venues, our team are experienced in building relationships with key stake holders within schools. As well as looking for new school partnerships we are keen to hear from anyone who: l Has worked in education. Either teaching or administration l Can add extra value to children’s lives l Would like to launch a career working with children l Is available to work during the Summer Holidays
Putting children’s health and happiness to the forefront PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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MENDIP TIMES
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Timbersource – let’s talk about your project NO shop front, no sales counter – just welcoming smiles greet visitors at reception at Timbersource wood merchants in Waterlip, near Shepton Mallet. The company is probably as far removed as imaginable from the average timber merchant and that is all for a very good reason. Timbersource are simply passionate about wood and believe that every project is as unique and individual as the person entering reception, whether architect, professional builder or DIY jobber. From signing in at reception, customers are taken to the huge warehouse to view the stocks of timber and it is there that the discussions begin in a completely informal way. At the far end is the company’s mill where bespoke machining is carried out. Chris Law, its sales and marketing manager, said: “Our philosophy is to be welcoming to everyone whether they are seeking a single piece of timber for a specific hobby project or building a house. “We want people to feel in complete control of the spec and price and we are here to discuss all the options and possible alternatives available.” With its high-quality and user-friendly online presence, Timbersource delivers across the country, and abroad if required, and there is no minimum order. Timbersource employs more than 20 people, many of whom are keen woodworkers in their own right. Timbersource has also developed strong relationships with local
User-friendly – customers can enjoy a dedicated service at Timbersource
schools, colleges and universities – and Shepton Men’s Shed – to offer free offcuts for projects such as architectural students’ models or for woodworking classes; wood that would otherwise go to waste. Chris added: “We’re here to connect people with other likeminded individuals and to make sure customers leave with exactly what they required and so much the better if we can help our local communities also.”
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 47
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MENDIP TIMES
EVENTS
Wedmore Street Fair
Highbridge and Burnham band
Wedmore Scout Group
The human fruit machine (l to r) Tanya Graham, David and Fi Eccles
The Green Wedmore stand with Ukrainian refugees Ivanka and Veronika with Kate Bullock and Steve Mewes
Fete fundraiser was fun
THE annual village fete in Alhampton, near Ditcheat, raised money for the Friends of Ditcheat School, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Gilbert, a turkey vulture usually found in North and Central America, on the stand run by Pitcombe Rock Falconry PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
The Rev Jayne Buckles, associate priest in the Fosse Trinity Benefice, enjoys a cuddle with one of Repxotics’ friendly creatures
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Kestrels and little owls offer a glimmer of hope
MY annual barn owl monitoring around the county continues with visits to many farmers and landowners, By CHRIS checking sites for SPERRING owlets and generally MBE catching up conversation-wise with some very interesting folk. Interesting too, that 20 years ago, for example, it would have been a regular occurrence to not just be looking at barn owls but kestrels also. The kestrel should be a familiar bird to us, indeed those of us of an age will remember fondly counting kestrels hovering over roadside verges as our parents drove us around. It used to be a quite serious game to try to spot more kestrels than your friends; sadly the kestrel has declined rapidly over the last 20 years, with a whole generation of people growing up
not having observed this species with the ease with which we did. It was around the late 1980s that farmers who were environmentallyaware began ringing the alarm bells about another species disappearing from the countryside. The little owl is thought to have been introduced by Victorian gardeners to stop bullfinches eating the blossom off their prized trees. I often wonder how true that is, as this owl doesn’t target bullfinch so would never make an effective pest controller. The little owl is our smallest and only non-native owl. It is interesting that both kestrel and little owl can have quite similar diets, taking quite a lot of insect material and they will both catch voles, shrews and mice and, occasionally, small birds too. In the case of the owl, it’s always been closely linked to orchards, but that’s probably more to do with the variety of insect prey it can catch, with Are numbers of little owls increasing once again?
WILDLIFE
the addition perhaps of some desirable old trees with rotten holes for nesting. Both species, though, are adapted to be in more open habitats as opposed to woodland; old traditional English parklands are very much to their liking, as are our smaller patchworks of fields surrounded by mature hedgerows, but again that is more about the variety and potential abundance of food. I’m constantly reminding myself of my own advice, and that is: “Nature isn’t all about doom and gloom, it’s too easy to talk about this species and that declining, will we talk about the positives so loudly?” So, here we go folks, grip on to something tight. Whilst carrying out my annual barn owl monitoring, I’m now once again recording little owls and, on some farms, this is after an absence of some 20 years. Also, the number of kestrels I have found nesting on these farms has been rising over the last five years and this year I’ve been recording an increase in nests and some large broods containing five young falcons. I could mention other species I’ve noticed which are easier to observe due to their increased number, for example yellowhammer, but space is too tight. This is such good news and we must keep this going. Nature recovery, for real. Once again thank you to the farmers and landowners for all your help. The Hawk and Owl Trust Somerset Barn Owls webcam is still live. Visit https://hawkandowltrust.org/web-camlive/barn-owl-cam-live-somerset *The next free Hawk and Owl Trust wildlife walk on the Shapwick Moor nature reserve will be on August 12th. Visit www.hawkandowltrust.org.uk for details. In addition, and due to popular demand, I’m planning some wildlife walks on and around Mendip, these will start in September. Please contact me for details.
If you wish to contact me it’s Chris.Sperring@btinternet.com call 07799 413918, or message me via my Facebook Walks and Talks page @ChrisSperringwildlife
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 49
T o o o
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Back to nature – a walk through Priddy’s history
THE old mining area around Priddy has been rewilded by nature in all its glory and is now a beautiful and important wildlife habitat with many flower species in the meadows as well as animals, reptiles and insects. From Priddy, the highest Mendip village, we climb gently up to North Hill through humpy ground and then go back in time past two sets of ancient burial barrows. Walking is on narrow paths, tracks and quiet lanes with good views. This is an ideal, short, summer circle when paths
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
will be drier and you can enjoy the high open land without being too cold. Expect long grass at this time of year. There are a number of stiles.
PARK: Priddy village green in the heart of the village. Park near the now empty old New Inn.
START: Walk across or round the left side of the green with its famous hurdle stack. This is purely symbolic these days, but originally these sheep hurdles were used during the annual Priddy Sheep Fair, which is believed to have come up to Priddy from Wells around 1348 at a time of plague. Alas, the fair is a thing of the past. Turn right along the top of the green past Manor Farm – a mecca for cavers. This area is honeycombed with caves and one of these, accessed from near here, is Swildons. Turn left and cross onto the high pavement. After a few minutes, bear up right on a Tarmac track taking you up to the higher green. 1. SCHOOL Continue up to the village hall and primary school. Over left is the church which we visit at the end. At the end cross a stone slab stile into a field and
head downhill, probably through a temporary fence and then on down the bank. Go to the corner to a wooden stile and the remains of an old stone stile. Once over, go straight up the field and reach a very large stepped stone stile. Maintain direction in the next field following the left wall. Up on the hill left you can see some of the ancient barrows. Go through a gate at the end and continue on a path which goes up a bank and then across the field, bearing right, to a ladder stile. Once over, keep on to a small campsite and out onto Eastwater Lane. 2. LANE Turn right a very short way passing Eastwater Farm and then go left through a Bristol Gate. Now bear right down the field towards a green shed. To the left of this cross a stone stile and continue across the field and a stone stile onto the road. Turn left. After a few minutes go left on a drive to Underbarrow Farm, at the side of Rose Cottage. Soon look for the footpath arrow which diverts you left off the drive and past buildings of The Belfry, a cavers’ centre. Note the skeleton on the wall! Turn right through the garden and cross back onto the drive. Go straight over to a footpath.
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3. ST CUTHBERTS This is taking us through the uneven ground caused by former lead mining here at St Cuthbert’s Minery which was the largest and last lead smelting works to close on Mendip. It shut in 1910 because it was causing water contamination down in Wookey Hole where the paper mill relied on a ready supply of very clean – not polluted – water. You can see some of the slag piles over on the right. Keep left along the narrow path, over a rickety plank bridge, following a leat on the right, until you reach a pretty area with a small pool under beech trees. You can make a very short detour here, straight on and then right to Fair Lady Well, one of very few ponds on Mendip. To continue, immediately turn left following the left wall and begin to go uphill. The path is uneven and can be overgrown with grass in high summer.
WALKING
4 miles, about 2-2.5 hours walking. Explorer 141, Cheddar Gorge and Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 525509 postcode BA5 3BB
4. NORTH HILL Reach a stile at the top taking you onto North Hill. Maintain direction passing a Bristol Water reservoir. On your left are the Bronze Age Priddy Nine Barrows. Curiously there are only seven visible barrows now. Just opposite a gate ‘Private Land’ bear right across the field to a stile. And now head straight on to the second set of ancient burial mounds, the Ashen Hill Barrows.
5. ASHEN HILL BARROWS Go through between the barrows and turn left paralleling them. The paths in high summer may not be very clear along here. Continue on, dropping down, bearing
slightly left. In the boundary below is a hedge of trees. Aim to the right end of these and find a gate onto Nine Barrows Lane.
6. NINE BARROWS LANE Turn left on the lane (ignore the track at the side) for well over half a mile, passing on the way the rather overgrown Priddy Pool on the right. After a gentle climb, come onto the flat and opposite Chapel House, turn left on a stony drive and keep on through a field to come into the grassy, natural churchyard.
7. CHURCH St Lawrence church dates back to the 13th century. The tower is a nesting site for jackdaws. Pass the church on your left and go on to a gate on the other side to the right of the church path (don’t go through the gate at the end of the path as it goes through the school grounds). Turn right and retrace your steps to the Upper Green and down. Then turn left along the raised pavement and keep the main Priddy green on your right. Return to the start. The popular Queen Victoria country pub, open daily, is a few minutes away along the right fork at the end of the green. The Queen Vic Telephone: 01749 676385
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 51
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West Countryman’s diary
I AM aware of the unstoppable march of time as I sit down to write my column for the Mendip Times edition due out at the end of July. This time I am writing early due to a trip that will take me outside my comfort zone. I am off to join up with the University of Georgia, (UGA) USA in Cambridge, as With LES DAVIES MBE their UK landscape guide for the first time in two years. Those who can remember some of my past editions concerning times away with UGA may remember I used to meet them on Mendip before a trip of some ten days to the Pennines, Peak District, the Lakes and finally Scotland. This time I will be joining the group in Cambridge and then moving to the Lakes. With a change in focus, the trip will be looking at the sustainable tourism use of our countryside from England through to the Highlands of Scotland. I’m hoping I can take a few examples of the work being done here by our own AONB team in managing the issues related to visitor pressure. One thing is certain and that is such pressure is not going to diminish. Hiding or running away from the problem is not going to solve it, so I hope I can get an insight into other places and how they approach the issues. Am I contributing to the problem with the walk books that Sue Gearing and I write, or do we help to ease it through information and education? Perhaps I can find some of the answers elsewhere. One thing for sure is that I will be writing about the West Countryman experience when I get back. From a trip that will take me to the Highlands and islands of Scotland, to a recent wander down memory lane for three old men who went back home to re-connect with the land that raised them. It was not unlike an episode of that famous television series, Last of the Summer Wine, where a group of older men regress in an attempt to capture their youth. We three went back, but for a different reason. Bob McEwenSmith, Len Tavener and myself went back to the fields and woods of what was Hales Farm as the last survivors from four generations that had been connected to it. Ties to the land are an emotional thing, probably only experienced by people who have worked it. I have said it before and make no apologies for repeating it, we do not own the land; the land owns us! Sitting on my desk are two very unremarkable pieces of rock. One has Upper Breach written on it and the other Left Hand Steep Ground. Two of the old field names that would have dated back to the 15th century. The basic shape of those familiar fields still remain, although a boundary hedge or two has changed. What has scarred the valley is the under grounding of the new Hinkley power line. This is not the only undergrounding power supply that runs through this land. Back in the late 1960s a large gas pipeline was buried deep beneath the surface. Perhaps the only recompense for the new power line has been the removal of a line of steel pylons.
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OUTDOORS
There still remains one line which I remember being erected in the late 1950s. On a wet misty day the lines would sizzle around the huge glass insulators that hung from the arms of these pylons. The soil through this valley is very deep. It’s fertile land which grew some amazing crops, but the sides are somewhat “boney”. Oolitic limestone would indicate shallow water activity many millions of years back. It’s not difficult to imagine the sea erosion and the deposits of soil washed down from the surrounding area creating such a landscape as the water receded. The woodland is on the slopes, ancient woodland used during the days when the original Hales Farm, then known as Tickenham House was owned by the Smyth Family. The Prince of Wales, later King George V, was entertained to a day’s shooting on this land back in the early 1900s. The woodland was always the magical place of my childhood, even scary at times. Abbots Horn also known to us as the Little Wood was in my mind when I read Kenneth Graham’s classic children’s book, Wind in the Willows. It was the Wild Wood with all its twisting pathways and gnarled trees navigated in terror by the hapless mole during his foray well outside of his comfort zone. The other larger wood, known as Moggs Wood was thinned in the 1980s after the farm was sold. Our trip into this wood held memories of childhood walks and teenage shooting trips. The pathways of our joint memories had faded but we could still find the way through. Massive sweet chestnut trees I remember were even bigger now, but the bird life seemed less. As Bob remarked after pointing to a tree he once fell out of: “Everything seemed so much larger when you were a child.” So often memories can be shattered by the confrontation of today’s reality. For us I don’t think it was that bad...Yes, things had changed, ponds had been filled in, fence lines erected and new hedges had been planted, but in general the land remained recognisable even after all these years. A new farm holding has been built in a field known as Lucerne by the new land owner. The old Hales Farm has gone, the buildings now converted into luxury housing with stunning rural views. Perhaps this would be a trip too far back down Memory Lane and one where my memories would be well and truly shattered. I think I will leave that one for now at least. So here they are – Compo, Clegg and Foggy… I shall leave it to you to decide which one is which!
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MENDIP TIMES
Back in fashion – choosing hydrangeas
JUST like stiletto heels and miniskirts, everything goes out of fashion and, given time, comes back around again and hydrangeas are definitely the “in” plant for your garden at the moment and deservedly so. Very few flowering shrubs can offer the length of flowering season of the hydrangea. With MARY They are native to the Americas, China, PAYNE MBE Japan, and Korea. Wild populations often have very few showy heads, but breeding and selection have improved this. Their name is derived from the Greek meaning ”water vessel” referring to the cup-like fruits, although these are rarely noticed, but also giving a useful indication of their desire for damp conditions. Other unlikely members of the hydrangea family are philadelphus and deutzia. Well known, are the so called mophead and lace cap forms of the large leaved hydrangeas (H. macrophylla). The classic flower consists of sterile outer petal look-alikes, known as tepals, and inner less showy fertile flowers. The lace-cap forms have fewer tepals forming a flat-topped flower head, while the mopheads make ball shaped heads of many tepals. They are ideal for light to moderate shady, moisture retentive positions. Flower colour varies between white, blue, or pink. White varieties are always white, although they may develop a tinge as they age. Blue varieties require an acidic soil where the lack of calcium allows the free uptake of aluminium, the essential element to give the colour. On alkaline soils the aluminium is locked up. In containers it is easy to convert a pink variety to blue by adding hydrangea colourant, containing aluminium sulphate, although some varieties will not change. This group are very prone to late spring frost damage, as occurred in many places in our area this year. The books say “leave the previous year’s flower heads on to protect the buds below which are this year’s flowers”, but sadly they did not read the book, and the heads blew off, leaving the lower buds exposed with devastating effect. Pruning of this group consists of thinning out old wood from the base of the plant. Any attempt to reduce the height will result in a lack of flowers for a season. Smaller in all parts are the H. serrata Group with lace-cap style flowers. A valuable group for smaller gardens, offering attractively tinted spring and autumnal foliage. These follow the same pink/blue colour rules as the large leaved group above, and the same pruning regime. They also seem better able to bounce back after a spring frost and flower on lower side shoots. This trait is also the attraction of the Chelsea Plant of the Year 2018 Hydrangea Runaway Bride ‘Snow White’. The leaf is very similar to the Serrata Group too. For those in frost prone areas the H. paniculata Group are much more reliable. These flower on current season’s growth PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
and are hard pruned in spring, in a similar fashion to the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). In late summer large cone shaped heads of white or pink flowers develop. The white ones usually develop pink tints as they age. Many variations exist, but for my money ‘Phantom’ is the best with huge flower heads. In ‘Great Star’ the tepals are more pointed as its name suggests. ‘Pink Diamond’ is also a good choice. Hydrangea arborescens also flowers on current season’s growth and is epitomised by the variety ‘Annabelle’ which can be cut nearly to the ground each spring once established, and produces football-sized white heads that develop from attractive green buds. ‘Annabelle’s heads can be too heavy for her stems, so a stronger form ‘Strong Annabelle’ has been selected. Lighter pruning result is smaller flower heads, but more of them. Take your pick! The oak-leaved hydrangea (H. quercifolia) is very tolerant of shade producing lax, conical heads of white flowers backed by attractive foliage which may well colour in the autumn, given a bit of sunshine. Little or no pruning is required. The “big boys” of the hydrangea family are the H. aspera types. Rough, hairy leaves on three-metre shrubs bedecked in spectacular fashion, with lace cap type flower heads in July and August. For slightly smaller spaces choose the H. aspera Villosa Group. What can I plant on a north facing wall in shade? A common request and the answer is invariably the climbing hydrangea (H. annomala subsp. petiolaris). This showy self-clinging climber flowers in late spring. It is painfully slow to get off the starting block after planting, but once it has decided to grow – stand back – it can reach 40 feet! A more modest option would be ‘Miranda’ with yellow-green, or ‘Silver Lining’ with white-green variegated foliage. Variegated forms are always less vigorous than their green counterparts. Very closely related and sometimes included in this genus is Schizophragma hydrangeoides var. concolor ‘Moonlight’ with large white lace cap heads and silvery blue-green foliage. A spectacular sight for later flowering, with an equal mouthful of a name, is the evergreen Pileostegia viburnoides. Hydrangeas are thankfully very easy to propagate from cuttings taken at this time of year. Select a non-flowering shoot 4-6” long and cut it just below a leaf joint and remove the basal leaves. Remaining large leaves can simply be cut in half. Insert the cuttings around the edge of a pot of well-drained compost, water and then cover with a plastic bag. Keep out of all sun and do not remove the bag until there are roots visible through the base of the pot. Leave until next spring before separating into individual pots and grow on ready to plant the following autumn. Hydrangeas have not enjoyed the recent hot weather, so try to give them an occasional thorough drink. They will reward you with a stunning display for years to come.
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GARDENING
AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
• Reliable hardy annuals and biennials can still be sown. Californian poppies are so easy and should be sown directly into a well-prepared seed bed in full sun where they are to flower. • Plant snowdrop bulbs just as soon as you can. They can be difficult to get going but by planting really early they establish much more readily. The longer they are out of the ground the more dormant they become and difficult to re-awaken. • Autumn flowering crocus should be planted as soon as possible, as they will flower this October. They flower before the leaves appear earning them the common name “Naked Ladies”. • Cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and other brassicas get a multitude of pests at this time of year. Regular sprays of Garlic Barrier keeps them all away without making your vegetables taste like garlic! • Prune fruit trees that have fruits containing stones rather than pips now. Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines are best pruned during the summer when they are less likely to get infected with the incurable Silver Leaf disease. • Keep picking runner beans and courgettes regularly. If you don’t they will stop growing more. Both can be used to make excellent chutney or can be given to neighbours and friends.
We’ve got it covered Mendip Times Distribution Points
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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 ASHCOTT AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BADGWORTH BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BASON BRIDGE BAWDRIP BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BROCKLEY BRUTON BURCOTT BURNHAM-ON-SEA BURRINGTON BURTLE BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CATCOTT CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON CHILTON POLDEN CHURCHILL CLAVERHAM
CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO COMPTON DUNDON COMPTON MARTIN CONGRESBURY COSSINGTON COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DRAYCOTT DUNBALL DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EAST HUNTSPILL EASTON EDINGTON EDITHMEAD EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FLAX BOURTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HIGHBRIDGE
HEWISH HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON KNOWLE LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LOCKING LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTH WOOTTON NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY OAKHILL PAULTON PAWLETT PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY PURITON PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL
= catchment area
RICKFORD RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANDERWICK STANTON DREW STANTON WICK STOKE ST MICHAEL STONE ALLERTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET
TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TICKENHAM TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WATCHFIELD WEARE WEDMORE WELLOW WELLS
WEST HARPTREE WESTHAY WESTONZOYLAND WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WEST HUNTSPILL WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WOOLAVINGTON WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
Gardener’s gift
LYN Bacon has belonged to Congresbury Gardening Club for 40 years, was a hard working committee member for 30 years and was chairman for three years, but is now taking a break. At a wine and roses evening in her and husband Adrian's garden, president Ann Gunner (left) presented Lyn with a framed watercolour of agapanthus, painted by local artist, Brenda Wright.
NORTON GREEN GARDEN CENTRE
FANTASTIC SELECTION OF HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL PLANTS AVAILABLE NOW – will brighten up the garden border and attract wildlife to the garden all summer long! SHRUBS, ROSES, ALPINES, HERBS, FERNS, ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, CLEMATIS AND CLIMBING PLANTS
EXTENDED RANGE OF SYLVAGROW PEAT-FREE COMPOST NOW AVAILABLE! GREAT CHOICE OF GLAZED, TERRACOTTA AND FIBRE-CLAY POTS, TROUGHS AND PLANTERS COMPOST, TOPSOIL, MULCH, SOIL IMPROVER, FARMYARD MANURE, DECORATIVE BARK, GRAVELS, GRITS, SAND & SLATE
WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sundays PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH
Stoberry Garden
WITH breathtaking views over the City of Wells and the Vale of Avalon, this six-acre family garden, planted sympathetically within its landscape, provides a stunning combination of vistas. These are accented with wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture, walled garden, sunken garden, gazebo, potager, lime walk, with borders planted to give colour and interest in every season. The garden has interesting sculpture artistically integrated into various areas as part of the creative design and complementing many of the outdoor seating areas. Recent additions to the garden include: wild flower circles, a spring and summer flower meadow walk, a “luxury” bug hotel, and a fernery. Frances and Tim Young started gardening at Stoberry in 1997. Address: Stoberry Park, Wells BA5 3LD. Contact: Frances & Tim Young 01749 672906 stay@stoberry-park.co.uk www.stoberryhouse.co.uk Opening dates and time: Monday August 22nd and Sunday September 4th, 12-5.30pm. Admission: £5, children free, via the NGS website or cash on the gate.
The Downs Preparatory School
Address: Charlton Drive, Wraxall, BS48 1PF. Opening dates and time: Friday, August 5th and Saturday August 6th, 10am-4pm.
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: https://www.ngs.org.uk
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GARDENING
Your summer garden checklist from Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar
ESTABLISHED in 1864, Hillier has more than 155 years of horticultural knowledge and at hillier.co.uk you can find a wide variety of inspirational and accessible tips. Below is the summer garden checklist for a taste of the seasonal advice and tips available on our website and in our centre: l Deadhead faded flowers to encourage a second flush of flowers l Deadhead roses to encourage repeat flowering l Feed roses with special rose feed to encourage a stronger, healthier flower l Add supports to herbaceous plantings l Install a water butt to collect and recycle rainwater l Regularly water your plants if the weather is hot and dry l Keep weeds at bay with a ‘little and often’ approach l Ventilate greenhouses l Regularly mow the lawn
l Apply a high-nitrogen lawn feed l Continue to feed birds with high protein food, like sunflower seeds l Ensure clean, frequent water is available for birds Visit us at Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar, where our fantastic team are on hand to answer any of your questions and will help at any opportunity with their wide range of knowledge. Visitors can find a fantastic range of quality plants, many grown by Hillier at our nurseries; garden items and beautiful homeware along with expert plant advice and a friendly welcome at our Mulberry & Thyme restaurant.
Find us at Hillier Garden Centre Cheddar, Draycott Road, Cheddar, BS27 3RU
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 57
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Timberwork Buildings – celebrating 50 years in business
SITUATED in the idyllic village of Cross just a couple of miles from Axbridge, Timberwork Buildings celebrate 50 years of providing timber buildings throughout the region this year. Owner Andy Hutchings has much to feel positive about: “Every day presents a challenge here, but it’s a challenge I relish and look forward to.” The challenge Andy and his team faced at the beginning of the year was to finally build the new workshop that was desperately needed. The construction took just ten days and was completed in January. He said: “The new workshop was so important to the development of the business. It now means that nearly everything that is ordered by the customer can be made here.” Andy has also increased the workforce to ten full-time workers. Timberwork Buildings pride themselves on the quality of the product they produce. Whether it’s a bespoke item or a ready-constructed building, nothing leaves the site without meeting a series of quality control tests. Despite the expansion, they remain committed to delivering outstanding customer service and the same small company approach that has served them well
over the last 50 years. The last two years has been a very busy period for the business, with the pandemic meaning people are investing in their homes like never before. Andy said: “Like every business owner in March 2020, I was concerned for what the immediate future held for us. However, it quickly became apparent that people wanted to enhance their existing living space. Unable to travel, customers’ want to make the most of what they had around them.” Timberwork Buildings offer a wide range of sheds, summer houses and other timberwork buildings. To find out more you can visit them in person at their site in Cross or visit the website www.Timberworkbuildings.co.uk
Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you
Celebrating 50 years of trading We specialise in the manufacture of quality standard and bespoke garden buildings to suit your individual needs including:WORKSHOPS/GARAGES GARDEN SHEDS
Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs
SHELTERS & STABLES PLAYHOUSES
We also manufacture: Chicken Houses • Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores
YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE •SOMERSET BS26 2EA Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com
PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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GARDENING
Mendip Times reduces travel costs
Meadow lifts the spirits
This stunning wildflower meadow sown on farmland at Chelynch, near Shepton Mallet, has been catching the eyes of passers-by
100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS
Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE
Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Sun 10am-4pm) Serving breakfasts until 11.30am; lunch 12-2.30pm; afternoon teas Tel: 01749 841155
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINNURSERIES.CO.UK
ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES –
PERFECT PAVE
Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects. It’s not only friendly, professional service that sets us apart, we can’t be beaten on price and ensure our prices beat those of builders’ merchants and garden centres.
Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 59
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MENDIP TIMES
EVENTS
Cameley school fete
Fete’s special guests
Hayley Hornby having her nails painted by Amelie, as Evie helps customers pick out a nail varnish colour of their choices
Jack and Jess Evans with their children Margo, Elsie and Ronnie after they had opened the fete
NEWLY married couple Jack and Jess Evans opened Compton Dando’s village fete, after their wedding at St Mary’s Church next door. Around £4,160 was raised and will be split between the Compton Dando Community Association, the village hall and the church. One of the organisers, Barend ter Haar, said: “Thank you all who contributed to this year's fete as volunteers, participants, helpers, visitors, donors, supporters, and in so many ways.”
Laura Smith and Claire Pleece managing the Tombola Teddies
Donna Coles and Sophie, aged four
Sara Cox (left) and Katie Curtain keep visitors supplied with food PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
The barbecue (l to r) Ben Wall, Julian Ralley, Craig Longega, Craig Parker and Ian Collingsstall
Joe won first prize in the duck race
Lorna Howarth being presented with two rosettes for best jam and best chutney by William, aged eight
The search for further Mendip caves
CAVERS are often asked how many caves have yet to be discovered. Of course, we do not know. But our knowledge of Mendip and its With PHILIP HENDY geology gives us a fair idea of where we might find a new cave. The standard model gives us a stream sinking underground somewhere high on the hill and the water emerging lower down. Water-tracing experiments have proved most of the connections between sink and resurgence. Possibly the first was the legal case of Hodgkinson of Wookey Hole Paper Mill versus Nicholas Ennor of St. Cuthbert’s Lead Works in 1863, when it was proved that pollution of the mill’s water was caused by discharges from the lead works via St. Cuthbert’s Swallet. Cheddar Risings are fed by swallets on the south slope of Black Down, such as Manor Farm Swallet, Charterhouse Cave, G.B. Cave and Longwood Swallet. Although Swildon’s Hole was originally thought to flow to Cheddar, based on the westerly direction of the upper passages, it was later proved that this, and the other Priddy swallets feed Wookey Hole. The longest water trace to Wookey comes from Wigmore Swallet at Red Quar. The water flows around the north side of North Hill, so was not captured by the Wookey drainage, as would have been expected. The Burrington swallets have been tested to Langford and Rickford Risings; some swallets feed both. On eastern Mendip, St. Dunstan’s Well and Ashwick Grove Risings are major resurgences, fed by swallets along the north side of Beacon Hill. Many of the swallets and the major resurgences are known caves, which have been, and are being, explored, with attempts to extend them. The dream would be to effect a passable route between them and a lot of effort has been put into trying to do just that. Apart from extending known caves,
cavers are on the look-out for anywhere on the surface that might lead to a route into the unknown central section of these stream passages. So far, no through trip is possible, although there are several good leads, all of which will require long-term digging. An obvious starting point might be a depression, which could indicate either an abandoned sinkhole, or a collapsed cavern, with the subsidence gradually working its way to the surface. A good example of the former is Templeton Pot, while nearby the Cowshed Dig appears to be a collapsed rift in conglomerate. A few years ago, digging in Reservoir Hole in Cheddar Gorge, led to the discovery of the vast Frozen Deep. At the bottom of this chamber, diggers found an active stream which is probably part of the main drainage or Master Cave between Black Down and Cheddar. Sadly, divers have found it to be too tight to explore, either up or downstream. From time to time we examine the excellent geological maps produced by the British Geological Survey. Rock types and fault lines are shown, which can help in identifying likely digging spots, but apart from sparse data from mines, quarries and boreholes, the shown geology mainly relates to what is on the surface and we know that the rock strata largely dip towards the sides of the Hill and that faults are rarely vertical. So these maps must be interpreted very carefully. So what other methods are available to the digger seeking to join up these known caves? We are all familiar with the use of “geofizz” as used by Time Team and other TV archaeologists. Various types of ground-penetrating energy have been used to try to locate caves, but with varying success. In 1938 Prof. Leo Palmer claimed to have located a large chamber near the Great Chamber in Lamb Leer, but attempts to dig into it have proved fruitless. A more recent survey with modern equipment located Great Chamber, but not Palmer’s Chamber. We have used groundpenetrating radio for many years, mainly
CAVING
Radiolocation at Wigmore Swallet
for communication with the underground during rescues. It can also allow us to plot the course of caves on the surface. A few years ago we did this above Wigmore Hole at Red Quar and as a result diggers were able to locate and dig into the further reaches of the cave from a surface depression. This allowed non-divers to bypass the sumps and reach the end of the cave. We can, of course, hope for a winning throw of the dice from Lady Luck. Tractors have been known to cause the surface to collapse above a previously unknown void. Templeton Pot was found in this way, as was Star Shaft, a Cornish mineshaft. Quarrying can reveal caves, but they are, by the nature of their location, usually doomed to destruction. We are fortunate that most of the caves in Fairy Cave Quarry have been preserved. Apart from being beautifully decorated, they form a mid-section of the drainage between Beacon Hill and St. Dunstan’s Well. Mendip mining ceased many years ago, but this activity sometimes broke into caves. Lamb Leer Cavern is the most famous example of this, but mining led to the discovery of Banwell Bone and Stalactite Caves, while ochre miners discovered caves on Axbridge Hill. Dowsers claim to have located caves and there is some justifying evidence although with little in the way of end results. Just occasionally, nature helps us, as heavy rain or snowfall can cause the sudden opening of a hitherto unsuspected cave opening. Although we do not know how many Mendip caves have yet to be found, the search for them, and the elusive through routes from sink to resurgence seem as remote as ever. We will never find every last cave on Mendip, but we are certainly having a lot of fun trying.
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 61
(Photograph by Phil Hendy)
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MENDIP TIMES
The forgotten manifesto
POLITICAL history is littered with the forgotten manifestoes of failed candidates. Rummaging through my memory box to prepare for the Edinburgh Fringe, I came across my manifesto for the 2019 general election (you know, the one where I said I’d stand against Jacob Rees Mogg, was sacked By Dr PHIL HAMMOND by the BBC and then couldn’t persuade the opposition to unite around a single candidate so I gave up and lost my job for no reason.) Anyway, the North East Somerset constituency may well be chopped up and farmed out elsewhere in the next election and I’m hoping the opposition will have learned how to collaborate without my help. However, they are welcome to my manifesto, which wouldn’t have prevented the pandemic but we might have coped better with it…
DR PHIL’S MANIFESTO
HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR ALL MUST BE OUR PARAMOUNT POLITICAL CONSIDERATION 1. We must try to live under an umbrella of Intelligent Kindness. For all our proposed actions think a. Is it intelligent? b. Is it kind? 2. Tax Pride. We should be proud to pay for a decent society. Use Wealth Tax for individuals and corporations to fund Education, Sure Start and Social Care (the bookends of life). 3. Use the Cancer Drugs Fund to fund decent End of Life Care for all. 4. The best we can hope for is a decent life and a decent death. #BeWellDoWellDieWell 5. Our Health is Our Fitness for Purpose/Bounce-Back Ability/Collective Compassion.
6. We must try to replenish our Seed and our Soil. Health is determined by environment, social conditions and relationships far more than drugs and doctors. Rekindle our communities. Think Planet. How can we fairly sustain eight billion large primates with appetites and egos to feed, and effluents to dispose of?
Be Well – #CLANGERS4ALL Each day I will try to . . . CONNECT – like myself and reach out to others LEARN – keep my curiosity and interests alive be ACTIVE – do activities I enjoy that move my mind and body NOTICE – be still and relish the beauty around me GIVE BACK – widen my circle of compassion to those most in need EAT WELL – grow, prepare and enjoy food that is both nutritious and delicious RELAX – wind down and relive the high points of each day SLEEP – get around eight hours sleep each night … and not feel guilty if I don’t succeed. Do Well – Does your soil support #CLANGERS4ALL? The central ethical dilemma in life is the responsible and compassionate use of power.
I Will Try To... Use my power kindly and responsibly, and stand up to those who don’t: Proudly pay for public services and protect my planet Help those less fortunate with their daily CLANGERS Rekindle my home, community and workplace, and make them CLANGERS-friendly Think critically and demand evidence Work in a spirit of constructive collaboration Pleasure myself in a safe and sustainable way Choose kindness over cruelty Not beat myself up when I err or fail, but own it and learn from it Die Well – No-one Gets Out of Here Alive Shit happens, but we can adjust the level. A decent death is a great success. I will listen to people when they’re dying (they tell the best stories) I will talk about how much medical intervention I want near to death and I will talk about where I want to die I reserve the right to change my mind I reserve the right to have the really good end of life drugs I will hold anyone’s hand when they’re dying
Dr Phil is doing two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe – August 13th and 27th and bringing them to Ubley on October 22nd (tickets via Valley Arts). PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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HEALTH & FAMILY
COURT HOUSE
AWARD WINNING CARE HOME
e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.
You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered. Rated by the CQC as good in all areas
e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 63
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MENDIP TIMES
Regain The Brain
Tim Richens is an articulate brain injury guest speaker that can inform, educate and entertain about living with a brain injury. Whether you are:
l Someone suffering from brain injury l A family member of a brain injury victim l A colleague l A healthcare worker l A Legal professional dealing with brain injury victims l GP Practice
All can benefit from hearing Tim’s story. To arrange Tim to present at your event, training day or conference please email tim.richens@icloud.com
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
HEALTH & FAMILY
Regain the Brain
TIM Richens describes himself as “just a dad and husband” until February 2013 when his life was changed forever. A horrendous car accident left him fighting for his life and subsequently living with a brain injury. More than nine years later recovery is on-going and will probably continue for the rest of his life. Remarkably though, if you meet Tim you have no idea of the trauma he has suffered. He said: “That’s great, but it can also be a hindrance as it means that people sometimes struggle to understand what is going on inside my head. It’s easy when people see you with a cast on your leg, it’s self-evident what the issue is. I’m one of the lucky ones. For the large part I’ve recovered from my injuries and lead a full and active life. However there are occasions when my injury still dictates my mood and demeanour.” It’s those occasions that prompted Tim to embark on a series of talks to share his experience of living with a brain injury, providing an insight and better understanding to others. Tim’s inaugural talk was at The Almshouse in Axbridge and gave a fascinating insight in to life living with a brain injury. Among the people in attendance were healthcare experts from Axbridge Surgery. Details: www.regainthebrain.co.uk or his Facebook page Tim Richens
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All the world’s their playground
Lucy, from Lori Hopkins Puppetry, tells the story about Laika the Space Dog
FAMILIES enjoyed a free theatre and circus festival in Shepton Mallet, organised by Make The Sunshine CIC. Called All the World’s Our Playground, events were held in the town centre, the library, Art Bank Café and St Paul’s School.
Celebration of photography is a big success
NEWS
ORGANISERS of Photo|Frome photography festival say that they are both humbled and excited by the hugely positive public response to the inaugural event. Over the course of threeand-a-half Festival directors (l:r) Joao Diniz Sanches (secretary), Martin weeks, there Bax, David Chedgy and Mick Yates (chair) were 6,000 visitors to the exhibitions, talks, workshops and portfolio reviews, twice the number forecast, and people came from across the UK to attend. There were solo shows from world-class photographers and four group events. A total of 75 photographers exhibited in seven venues, two of which had not held exhibitions before. Plans are already underway for a festival next year.
Time to enter moat races
CITY of Wells Lions Club has opened entries for the 2022 Moat Races. The club is also appealing for volunteers to come forward to help on the day, Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th. It says joining a race will be on a first come, first served basis, so the quicker entry forms can be completed and submitted the better. The maximum team size is six and the minimum age for competitors is 13 on the day of the race. To enter a team email cityofwellslions@gmail.com or visit: www.lions105sw.org.uk/cityofwells/
Festival time in Hutton
THE parish of Hutton in North Somerset will be holding its annual festival week from Wednesday, August 31st to Sunday, September 4th. Events start on the Wednesday with the “Taste of Somerset”, which showcases some of the local food, drink, craft, local charities and musical talents in the area. The show will take place in the show marquee at St Mary’s Field, Hutton, starting at 11am. The marquee will then host various other events. On Thursday there will be a charity “horse racing” night, with the annual horticultural show on Saturday followed by a quiz night. St Mary’s Church, Hutton will conduct a “songs of praise service” in the marquee on Sunday from 10am. The week ends with the Annual Proms Concert on Sunday evening with Weston Brass and local solo singers. The Fashion Police on the catwalk
Details: clerk@huttonsomerset.org.uk 01934 813871
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Harriet at the helm
Club member Liz Weelen (left) with new president Harriet Farquhar
AFTER a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the Inner Wheel Club of Shepton Mallet has a new president, Harriet Farquhar. Harriet has planned a fun-packed year in office including a talk from a winner of Masterchef
and a visit to a local cheese factory. The club is very involved with supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Monthly Music to Connect music and singing sessions supported by local musicians, especially Shepton Mallet Ukulele Group, are to restart at the Salvation Army Hall from Friday, August 19th. For details contact Janet on: janetza.IW20@gmail.com
Norton’s big day out
The town show included cookery classes for men only
MIDSOMER Norton Fayre and Town Show attracted hundreds of visitors for an afternoon of free entertainment. The event – organised by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and sponsored by the town council – was spread across the Town Park, inside and outside the Somer Centre and was complete with skatejam and live music. The produce and craft show was held in its own marquee.
The skate jam showcased boarders’ skills PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Walking through history
Last year’s festival was based in Shipham
MENDIP Ramblers will be hosting their usual annual free threeday walking festival at the village hall in Stratton-on-the Fosse this August bank holiday. They chose the village for its long and fascinating history from Roman times to Downside Abbey and the legacy of the Somerset coalfields. Each day, on Saturday, 27th, Sunday, August 28th and Monday, August 29th, the group will offer a range of walks for all abilities. Elaine Dadley, from Mendip Ramblers, said: “Mendip Ramblers always try to offer a wide range of walking, but this is especially the case at the festival. There are long, leg-stretching walks each day, but also shorter and easier walks on offer. Our afternoon family walks each day are short and slow – leisure walking for all ages!” All the walks are free and no pre-booking is necessary. For details, visit: www.mendipramblers.co.uk
Value for money
VOLUNTEERS manning Brent knoll’s Community Shop have been helping pupils of the village’s primary school. The children were given £1 to spend, as part of a plan to teach them about money management. The community shop’s head of stocking, Lucy White, said: “We’ll make sure that we’re well stocked with low-priced items, including fruit.” Meanwhile, the shop has secured a further £7,500 grant funding. The second grant was made possible by the shop’s achievement in increasing sales. David Sturgess, secretary of the shop, said: “These are exciting developments, ahead of our second annual members’ meeting for more than 140 shareholders.” That meeting will be held at the Brent Knoll Parish Hall on Wednesday, July 27th at 7pm.
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Rotary awards
Imogen Turner receiving her award from Dot Cretney, with Guy and Malcolm Westgate. The award is in the name of Dot’s late husband Eric
FROME Selwood Rotary’s presidential handover evening was marked by two of the club’s prestigious Rotary awards – Frome Young Citizen Award and Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). Held at the Tool & Gauge, outgoing president Guy Parkinson presented the young citizen trophy and £200 to Imogen Turner whilst RYLA candidate Aaron Browning gave a presentation on his Rotary sponsored outward-bound course. These presentations were followed by long-serving member, Malcolm Westgate, being presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award. The evening concluded with the annual presidential handover, where Guy Parkinson handed over the chain of office to Geoff Cardnell. Geoff and his wife Clare have been Frome residents for 34 years and have both committed to voluntary work over that time. Working in social housing for much of his career, Geoff said that he gets a real buzz from seeing how voluntary work can help both individuals and the community. The club says with a variety of membership types on offer there is something in Rotary for everyone so why not go to one of their meetings to see what it’s all about? Details: Guy Parkinson 01373 832322 email fromeselwood@btinternet.com
New Winscombe show
THE new Winscombe Village Show will take place on Saturday, September 10th, 1.30-4pm, at the Community Centre in Sandford Road. This is the relaunch of the former much loved Michaelmas Fair. The show will once again feature classes in horticulture, baking, photography and crafts, open to all Winscombe and Sandford parishioners. There will also be the usual games and competitions, raffle, stalls and attractions for all the family. Go along and join the fun!
Boules anyone?
COMMUNITY
DIANA Cooper, match co-ordinator for the Westfield Petanque Club, challenged Connaught Lodge to a game of boules. Her husband Tony, lodge secretary, put out an appeal for lodge members to form a team. Westfield went on to win by a very small margin. In appreciation of Westfield hosting the evening, the lodge gave a £200 donation to their chosen charity, Cancer Research UK.
Pride in Paulton
THE seven-strong Pride in Paulton team – combined age 460 – have been looking after Paulton for the last ten years. They are currently planting around Hill Court, planting troughs at the entrances to the village and are looking after the 87 stunning hanging baskets around Paulton. They meet every week to water, weed, litter pick and anything else that they feel needs doing to keep the village looking loved and cared for.
Uphill show
UPHILL’S annual Village Show will be held in Uphill’s Victory Hall on July 29th and 30th, with displays of vegetables, cakes, crafts and more. Village Society chair, Stewart Castle, said: "It is great to be back again, as we have for the last 75 years and to be putting on a show in the village for all to enter and visit." Details: www.uphillvillage.org.uk Stewart Castle 01934 415581www.fromeselwoodrotary.org.uk
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Anniversary celebration
SHEPTON Mallet 41 Club president Peter Davey was surprised at their recent meeting when Shepton Mallet Tangent president Jilly Jenkin, accompanied by Peter’s wife Nicky, interrupted proceedings to present Peter with a new ribbon for his ceremonial regalia. The club is in its 40th year and the current ribbon is becoming full of previous president’s nameplates. More celebrations are expected next year for the club’s 41st anniversary.
Church teas are popular
Club welcomes refugees
Dylan, Will, Tymofii, Keon and Matvii
PEASEDOWN St John’s popular SJ’s After School Club has welcomed some new members from Ukraine. Tymofii and Matvii recently moved to the village with their mother Alona, after being welcomed in the UK as refugees. The club, run by St John’s Church, has been supporting the family as they settle into the community. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday after school at St John’s Church in Church Road, the After School Club is for all primaryschool aged children. It includes crafts, outdoor play, reading, group work and storytelling. Alona said: “We are very happy to be in the UK. People are amazing here. They help us everywhere! “We'd like to say a huge thank you to the after-school club and all the teachers there. It's a wonderful place to spend time for my boys.”
New president
Pictured (l to r) Sarah Wilson, Joy Webb and Fiona Gregg-Smith with the floral display
SUNDAY summer afternoon teas at St Mary’s Church in Compton Dando will continue until the Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th. They began again during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with a small exhibition and flower display, raising more than £350 for the church. One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “We look forward to welcoming old friends and new back to enjoy our tea and homemade cakes in our beautiful village church. “All are welcome, including your four legged friends.” PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary Club has a new president, Martin Palmer (left), who is pictured with outgoing president, John Palmer – no relation. Martin served for 35 years in the RAF Engineering Branch and after retiring with the rank of Air Commodore in 1994, became CEO of a small engineering company in the Midlands which was eventually sold to Devonport Dockyard in 2001. He served as a director at Devonport, before retiring in 2008 to Chewton Keynsham. He is happily married to his wife, Gillie, with four children and seven grandchildren.
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Making a splash
Bella, Frank and Nina
PUPILS at Chew Stoke Church School enjoyed a visit from local firefighters, who are based in Chew Magna. They learnt about the different types of emergency they attend, the equipment they use to protect themselves and others, the importance of smoke alarms, what number to call in an emergency and how to “stop, drop and roll”. They also had a chance to sit in the fire truck, listen to the sirens, and have a go at targeting some cones using the hoses, which was their favourite bit!
COMMUNITY
Rain doesn’t stop play
Peter Barkwill, chief executive of the village’s Wainwright Quarry, cuts the ribbon to open the fete
STOKE St. Michael Primary School PTA held their annual summer fair, and despite the rain, many families and people from the village came to support the event and enjoy the games and activities on offer. The PTA’s next major fundraiser is the 40 for the Federation walk on Saturday, September 25th.
Banwell WI
BANWELL WI, which meets every second Thursday of the month, will be holding an afternoon tea on August 10th, 2pm to raise funds for Breast Cancer awareness. They have also started collecting food items each month for their local food bank.
Surprise party
PENSFORD has a new Neighbourhood Watch coordinator after Chris James, who has been coordinator for 15 years, decided to retire. He is being replaced by Dom Lowe. A surprise presentation evening in the village hall saw villagers thanking him for all he has done over the years. Dom said: “He has served on parish council, been chairman of the hall committee and written the Neighbourhood plan. He was also involved in the writing of the walks booklets.” Chris said: “My role as coordinator would not have been possible without your support - and the support of all contacts over the years. “Neighbourhood Watch is a team of people whose role is to try and make their community a safer place, for making residents feel more secure and to give advice to residents on how to make things safer.” Details: neighbourhoodwatch@publow-with-pensfordpc.gov.uk
Having fun on the vintage tractor display
For details, visit: www.croscombestokefederation.co.uk
Scarecrows are back
CHEDDAR Flower Show committee held the inaugural scarecrow trail in Cheddar last year because the flower show was not held for two years due to Covid restrictions. The trail was so successful, it is returning this year. It will be held from Saturday, August 6th to Saturday, August 20th with the flower show itself being held in the village hall on August 20th, 2pm. Scarecrow trail maps are free, with printed copies available from Cheddar Library, Katie Boo, Woodbury Insurance, Time Out, Hansford's Deli and Maunders. They also have flower show schedules. For pdf trail maps contact the Cheddar Flower Show Facebook page or email cheddar.flowershow@yahoo.com
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Time called on Big Breakfast
CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary Club’s annual Big Breakfast has been held for the last time after 16 years during which it served about 1,600 breakfasts, raising £15,000 for local good causes. Over the last 11 years the event has also been supported by the local Classic and Historic Car Club who have used the breakfast as a starting point for their rallies. Rob Taylor from the club said: “What started off as quite a small fundraiser has grown over the years and our members, we think, have run a very slick event enjoyed by all those that supported us. “However, without the car club support it would not have
Some of the cars
been viable, and a joint decision was made between them and ourselves to make this the last Big Breakfast. “We are a bit sad that it has come to an end but as we are all getting older it is probably the right time to finish. We would like to thank all those that have supported us over the years”.
Doug Nash signing in another breakfast guest, Glenda Tidcombe
Details: chelwoodbridgerotary.com
Rotarians are in the swim
WESTON Rotary has received a donation from some Dutch visitors towards the cost of bringing the town’s Marine Lake back into full use. The visitors were from Weston’s twinned Rotary Club of Delft Koningsveld who were given a tour of the bathing and boating lake which was dredged and reopened in June under North Somerset Council’s Great Lake Project. Weston Rotary is helping to revive the seafront attraction by sponsoring a webcam with a live feed between Marine Lake and the town’s railway station. This will share the most up-to-date information with visitors arriving by train. Rotary-sponsored signage will also direct people to the Knightstone area.
Members of Weston and Delft Koningsveld rotary clubs with Mudlark, Marian Barber (centre front)
The Mudlarks – a band of swimmers who use the lake – have been fundraising for many years and will eventually become responsible for taking over the day-to-day running of the project. They invited swimmers to join the Polar Bear
Challenge, swimming in open water at least twice a month between October and March. Weston Rotary’s own Mudlark, Marian Barber, joined the challenge. Marian was on hand to explain progress at the lake to the club’s Dutch guests.
Anyone interested in joining Weston Rotary should contact Stewart Evans on 07776 216304
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Arts festival ends on a high
COMMUNITY
SOMERTON’s annual arts festival ended on a high note with the day-long Somerstock music festival. The community event featured headline bands including the Electric Light Orchestra tribute band Explosive Light Orchestra and The Hoosiers on two stages, with the music lasting 12 hours. But there was also an opportunity for charities such as the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and St Margaret’s Hospice to raise both funds and their profile. The weekend ended with a community fun day.
Kelly (left) and Maria, from St Margaret’s Hospice
The festival attracted a wide range of music fans from the time the gates opened
Looking in from the other side of the security fence
Weston-super-Mare’s Alex Lipinski with his band
From Berlin to Bristol – pop and art garage band Shoun Shoun
Boules in Winscombe
AFTER a two-year Covid break, the Boules Tournament on the Millennium Green, Winscombe, went ahead on July 3rd as planned, with 16 teams from the two villages. Friendly competition brought out the best in the players with some excellent matches. The final between French Connection and Don’t Drop the Boules was unusual in that both teams comprised three generations of the same family - grandson, father and grandfather! This year’s worthy winners were French Connection, regular finalists in the tournament, who won for the first time and took home the coveted Monsieur Claude Trophy.
Pictured (l to r) Winners Stephane Boiron, son Luke and father David MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 71
(Photograph courtesy of Marcus Newey)
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Leigh on Mendip Summer Fair
Paula Layland, Claire Cockle and Clare Jewitt on the Friends of Leigh School tea and cake stall
Maypole dancing by pupils from the village school
East Harptree
Penny Cross (left) and Carrie Urry on the tombola stall
One of the children's races
The Decades were one of three bands to perform
Tiger, a seven-month-old Bichon Frisé, cools down with an ice-cream PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
EVENTS
The auction of promises was popular
The primary school's ukelele band
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PROPERTY
Great to be out and about this summer
FROM the moment I set up my business I was determined it should play a full part in the community, not just providing a first class service for all our clients, but making a contribution to the life of the Chew Valley. So I am delighted to announce that over the next few months we will be sponsoring four significant events. It all starts off with the Clutton Flower Show, but the list also includes the Stanton Drew Flower Show, the Chew Stoke Harvest Home as well as the Young Film Makers Competition, run by Chew Valley Films (see page 42). It will be brilliant to be out and about at these events seeing a lot of old friends, meeting new ones and generally enjoying the best of the summer spirit. There’s nothing like face to face social contact, something we sadly missed during the pandemic. So please come up to say hello when you see our stand. We will be delighted to
meet you and have a good chat. I am passionate about supporting the local community because you have all been so wonderful in supporting me and helping make our business such a success, so much so that we are taking on another full time member of staff to help handle the workload. We continue to see strong demand for homes in our lovely Valley and properties are in short supply, though I am pleased to say a good number of those going onto the market are coming to us. It’s nice to see that people recognise our pledge to provide Dedication, Imagination and Delivery and they can have confidence we will do the best with their most valuable asset, safe in the knowledge we are regularly achieving record breaking prices. There is no secret to how we continue to produce those results. We take the greatest care when it comes to marketing, with unrivalled photography, a careful eye for
Joanna Tiley
detail when presenting a property, and above all an experienced appreciation of price. We also have a long list of potential buyers right across the market, who are ready to move when the right property comes along. So if you are even considering selling your home please get in touch and we can help you to achieve the best price and find your next property. Here’s to a great summer and looking forward to seeing you at the shows.
IMAGINATION | DEDICATION | DELIVERY
If you are thinking about Buying or Selling, now or in the future, please speak to one of our friendly team
01275 333311 • info@joannatiley.com www.joannatiley.com 4B Fairseat, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke, BS40 8XF MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 73
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MENDIP TIMES
The Nipper – a super-versatile electric UTV AC1 Customs specialise in custom van conversions and will transform your dream van/vehicle into reality so you’re ready for any adventure. With highly skilled and experienced mechanics and engineers, you can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands. They love to build innovative designs to fulfil all your requirements, no customisation is off limits. AC1 have partnered with Electric Wheels to become their South West branch providing the area with a new breed of utility vehicles. The all-electric UTVs have zero emissions and zero compromise with a range of up to 75 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 40mph. Not only reducing carbon emissions but also reducing your fuel costs with the vehicles simply charged from a regular power supply and costing as little as £1 per charge. They offer a variety of vehicles
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how can you resist these fun yet practical machines? Tried and tested on hundreds of sites and events across the country, you won’t be disappointed by their ability. Hire one today, fall in love and buy one in a month!
Demos and stock available from their Bridgwater site. Details: bridgwater@electric-wheels.co.uk 01173704243
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
MOTORING
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Talking newspaper
Patron Bill Bailey with some of the volunteers
THE Keynsham & District Talking Newspaper service is free to people who are unable to read newsprint and is keen to have more users. Local news and listeners come from around the region, including Compton Martin, Cheddar, Keynsham, Bristol, Bath and surrounding villages; the service is open to anyone based anywhere in the UK. One of the sources is Mendip Times. Started in 1983, the KTN service is a free weekly audio magazine on memory stick, sent through the post weekly via yellow wallets using the Royal Mail’s Articles for the Blind scheme which gives free 1st class delivery to items for blind or visually impaired people. If listeners do not have the means to play memory sticks, they can supply an easy-to-use box to play them on. Details: www.ktn.org
Walkers wanted
BATH-based Mentoring Plus, which supports over 250 local young people each year with mentoring programmes and activities, is appealing for support for its fundraising Bath Marches on September 3rd. They are a fantastic day out suitable for all the family; you can choose from a 15-mile, nine-mile or four-mile walk. Routes are all marked out and there are stops and snacks along the way. Fundraising manager Jenny Perez said: “We are still very much feeling the impact of the pandemic and are still experiencing a huge demand for our services. Funds raised will enable us to keep providing support to young people in need through our mentoring programmes.” Details: community@mentoringplus.net https://mentoringplus.net/events/bath-marches
PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Beach Walk returns
WESTON Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk is returning on Saturday, September 24th, when hundreds of ladies will gather on Weston seafront to walk either 5km or 10km along the beach for the hospice. It will start and finish from the Grand Pier, who are the event’s main sponsor. Event manager, Jane Murch, said: “It promises to be a wonderful event and we cannot wait to see all our amazing ladies there on the night.” Registrations are now open via the hospice’s website and will close a week before the event. Early bird prices cost £15 for adults and £12.50 for children. Prices will rise to £18.50 for adults and £15 for children at the end of July. Details: https://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk /event/moonlight-beach-walk/
End of life care
BATH Hospital’s charity, RUHX, has secured more than £100k in funding from The Liz and Jack Daniel Foundation for the Compassionate Companions Service at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath, which supports patients in their last days of life. The service was originally set up in 2019 as a joint partnership between RUHX, RUH’s palliative care team and Dorothy House Hospice Care, where volunteers offer support, compassionate listening, comfort and companionship for hospital patients in the last days or hours of their lives. Helen Meehan, lead nurse, Palliative Care and End of Life Team said: “The Compassionate Companions Service is making an exceptional difference to patient care. “Sometimes it is the little things, the small acts of kindness, the holding of a hand, the words of comfort, and being present that give so much support to those nearing end of life and to their loved ones. “It also gives families the chance for some respite during what is an emotionally and physically exhausting time.” Milo Popperwell, trustee for The Liz and Jack Daniel Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to fully fund such an important project in our first year as a trust. I know that both Liz and Jack would be so pleased to be a part of something so special.”
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AN avid Somerset boater and poet has landed the role of the first ever official Poet Laureate to the Avon Navigation Trust, the river guardian and statutory navigational authority for the mighty Warwickshire, Worcestershire and
Gloucestershire River Avon. Alison Bergqvist, from Wells, was inspired to put pen to paper by her time spent travelling the waterway between Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire and Stratford-upon-Avon – home to that other Bard of Avon. And now a collection of her poems lauding the waterway has been published and will be used to raise money for the trust, which is also a charity. Alison had planned just to share her musing with friends and family and admits that the news that her audience will swell immensely was a life changer. The retired literacy and dyslexia support worker inherited a love of poetry and wildlife from her late father John. The book costs £4. She said: “It is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. I thought pootling up and down the Avon would be boring, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I love every minute, there’s inspiration everywhere and the poetry gushes out.” Details: www.avonnavigationtrust.org
Supporting young people
THE North Somerset Schools Physical Education Association (NSSPEA) has chosen The JHF Youth Charity as the beneficiary of their massively popular Schools Dance Festival. A cheque for £1,330.35 was handed to JHF Trustee Kim Hazeldine by players taking part in the North Somerset Primary School girls Cup and Plate finals. The Jack Hazeldine Foundation is a youth mentoring charity founded in 2012 to support young people in North Somerset and Bristol.
Theatre trips
THE charity theatre trips organised by Chris Cox in support of the British Red Cross in Langport are now taking bookings from September until next June. He’s booked a range of top shows at the Bristol Hippodrome. Coaches start in Curry Rivel picking up in Langport and Somerton then en-route using the A35 or A37 to the theatre. Details: www.charitytheatretrips.com
Protecting donkeys
JANET Parsons is pictured meeting Princess Alexandra at a lunch at St James’s Palace to thank supporters of the charity Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land. Princess Alexandra is patron of the charity, which was set up in 2000 to help the thousands of donkeys facing Janet Parsons meets Princess Alexandra overwork and cruelty in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Today the sanctuary in Israel is providing life-long care to hundreds of unwanted and abused donkeys of all ages. Meanwhile, Janet is holding another of her popular traditional garden parties in aid of the charity, at her home and garden in Stowey on Sunday, July 31st, 2-5pm, Hollowtree House, Folly Lane, Stowey, BS39 4DW. All are welcome.
(Photograph courtesy of Theodor Wood)
River poet
CHARITIES
Light for a life
DOROTHY House Hospice at Winsley has launched its Firefly Appeal, following the success of last year’s inaugural event. The beautiful outdoor light display in woodland at the hospice celebrates the life of somebody special, while raising essential funds. The opening celebrations will be during the early evenings of September 22nd and 24th at 7pm. Details: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk 01225 721 480
Time for walkies
BATH Cats and Dogs Home is inviting local people, walkers and animal lovers to sign up for their annual Wag Walk fundraising challenge on Sunday, September 4th. The event is open to all keen walkers with or without a dog to bring. There is a choice of a two-mile flat route staying close to the home or a five-mile route along the National Trust Bath Skyline with more challenging terrain. Details: https://bit.ly/WagWalk22
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MENDIP TIMES
Supporting the homeless
BILLYCHIP cofounders, Jon Hope, and his daughter, Megan, were named finalists in the Entrepreneur for Good Award category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The pair were selected out of over 5,300 entrants - the most the awards has ever had. BillyChip was created to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a 20-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol, who was Jon's son and Megan's brother. BillyChip is a social enterprise platform which allows people to purchase a token from participating food and drink outlets which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. Jon, from Bishop Sutton, said: "Last year was a real milestone for BillyChip, and we set new records in terms of grants received, new volunteers signing up and outlets coming on board to operate the scheme. “Being recognised for what we do and how we do it is amazing and Meg and I are very proud to be finalists in these incredible awards which champion our work and help us share BillyChip's purpose and mission."
Marathon men
Lifeboat awards
RNLI lifeboat volunteers in Westonsuper-Mare have been awarded Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and long service medals. The Queen’s medals were presented to 25 boat and shore crew volunteers who have completed more than five years’ service with the RNLI, some
Chris Payne receiving his medal from Holly Giles, whose late father, Paul, volunteered for the RNLI in Weston. Holly is now the youngest volunteer in the RNLI shop at Marine Lake.
Bryan Kemp
A FUNDRAISING evening at Draycott Memorial Hall raised £1,300 for the Hounds for Heroes charity which provides assistance dogs for disabled military and emergency service personnel. Ian Maclachlan and Chris Hewett from Cheddar gave a dramatic account of their epic 250km Marathon des Sables ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert in October 2021 to a packed audience. Ian, a local postman, suffered terrible blisters in temperatures of up to 56C and Chris, an NHS paramedic, found he couldn't swallow in reaction to the tremendous heat. However, they both completed what is generally accepted as one of the toughest races on the planet. They have now raised over £10,000 for Hounds for Heroes. PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Crew and volunteers
having served upward of 30 years. Two additional medals were presented at the event. One to Bryan Kemp, for his 40 years of volunteering, the other to mark 30 years of volunteering service for Chris Payne, who has held almost every post on station.
The photograph shows Draycott Memorial Hall Chairman, Martyn Warne, together with event organisers Rob Elliott and Chris Fulton, presenting the cheque to Ian and Chris.
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Ladies fundraising lunch
Lunch is served in the marquee
MIDSOMER Norton resident Rosemary Blatchford welcomed the return of Ladies who Lunch to a marquee in her garden. Absent from the calendar for two years due to the pandemic, the lunch raised £3,650 for the breast care unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital. It was the eighth year that Rosemary had organised and catered for the event which was attended by 111 people, and included a large raffle.
Dementia charity’s appeal
CEO Melissa Hillier with some of the clinical team
LOCAL charity RICE, the Research Institute for the Care of Older People, has launched its Delivering Healthy Ageing – President’s Appeal to fund a dementia research programme and support its clinical and research capability into new
areas of age-related illnesses. Its research focuses on improving three areas of health for older people: Thinking Clearly, Moving Well and Staying Strong. Its aim is to fight for a cure for dementia and the appeal will help fund research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease and the decline of bone and muscle health which impacts greatly on the wellbeing of older people and their families. Based at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, RICE is an internationally recognised research institute, treatment centre and memory clinic for Bath and North East Somerset, which has so far cared for over 12,000 local people with memory problems and supported their families. Lady Pratchett, patron of RICE and Sir Terry Pratchett’s wife, said: “My family and I know from personal experience that the care and support provided by the charity is exceptional. The dedicated and experienced staff at RICE help families to deal with the life changing news of living with dementia as well as carrying out vital research.” President, Professor Roy Jones, said: “I am delighted to be leading this appeal in my new role as president and to hand over the reins of RICE to a talented team whom I know will take the Research Institute and Memory Clinic from strength to strength.” Details: www.rice.org.uk
Big Avon paddle
CHARITIES
PADDLE boarders, kayakers and canoeists are coming together again to raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The Big Avon Paddle takes place on September 17th with participants taking to the water from 10am at The Boathouse, Newbridge, Bath. Dorothy House launched the event last year with huge support from Channel Kayaks and The Boathouse pub. Participants paddled a collective 763 miles on the day and raised over £12,000 for local hospice and end of life palliative care both in the community and at Winsley. Any form of “paddle powered” craft is welcome to take part. Entry is managed by Dorothy House via their website. The entry fee is £20 and all entrants will receive a free event T-shirt as well as refreshments along the route on the day. Details: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/getinvolved/events/the-big-avon-paddle-2022/
Aid for Ukraine
CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary’s Water Survival Box charity based at Westfield Industrial Estate, Midsomer Norton has sent five separate consignments of aid to Ukraine for families affected by the Trustee Hugo Pike with boxes destined ongoing conflict there. for Ukraine In March they sent two pallets, one containing some 9,000 toothbrushes and one containing 450 tubes of toothpaste. These were items specifically requested by the coordinating group – the Pallet Network. In April they sent three pallets, one again containing 9000 toothbrushes and one containing 450 tubes of toothpaste; one with 660 solar lamps. These were requested items sent with other medical equipment as part of a Rotary initiative from Somerset. In June they sent three pallets of multi-packs comprising 150 Family Water Filters (each capable of providing safe drinking water for a family of five for up to five years) – paid for by Rotary in Switzerland and safely delivered to Rotary in Lviv. It also sent 200 standard Water Survival Boxes were sent to Kyiv for distribution by the club’s partner NGO – International Medical Corps, probably in Odesa. Finally in July they sent 600 Family Water Filters and 20 Community Filters, each capable of meeting the daily water needs of 400–500 people. These are now en-route to Lviv via the Slovak Republic. Details: www.watersurvivalbox.org
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The many faces of Glastonbury
Photography by Mark Adler
The headline says it all as Michael Eavis picks up a copy of the onsite newspaper The Glastonbury Free Press
Artist Alce Harfield, who lives near Cranmore, on her market stall Amazing skills on show in the circus big top
Jacket and Jills – the popular baked potato stall run by Kilmersdon CofE primary school PTA Wolf Alice singer Ellie Rowsell
The Rev Chris North, of Stoke St Michael, leads Saturday morning communion in the healing fields. The Church Tent saw several baptisms and a wedding blessing
The Glamour and Grooming Bar, run by Inez Findlay and her team from Wells PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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Sir Paul McCartney
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2022
Festival regulars Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs open the Avalon Stage
Time for a shower ahead of the day’s fun
These campsite stewards were raising money for a small Shepton Mallet charity
Circus and Theatre walkabout performer Stephen Abelt, from South Somerset
Swedish folk duo and sisters First Aid Kit
British rapper and record produer AJ Tracey Alison Krauss and Robert Plant on the Pyramid Stage
Continued overleaf MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 81
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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2022
Grian Chatten from Irish postpunk band Fontaines DC
Wells Cathedral student Hetta Falzon in the Avalon Café
Taking a break from on-call duties: one of the team from the Evercreech-based Festival Medical Services in front of the Pryamid Stage Putting the “hat” into Thatchers
Chris Difford on The Acoustic Stage
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DJ Pat Sumner, who lives in Pilton
Globe Carnival Club stewards on duty at the backstage entrance to Theatre and Circus She said “yes”! Paul proposed to girlfriend Saffron on the opening day of the festival
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EVENTS
Oakhill Village Festival Victoria Smith, aged eight, of Nettlebridge with the Bob Foster Trophy for best decorated cake. Bob’s widow, Sam, came down from the Midlands to be at the event to present the prize
Elizabetta (left) and Chloe
Mendip Brass reflected in one of the instruments in the music marquee
Welly whanging had a competitive edge to it
Martin Dimery – he says he hopes to enjoy next year’s festival as a visitor
Sculptor Ian Marlow welcomed visitors to his studio and gallery in Buckland Dinham during the festival
Festival director retires
MARTIN Dimery has stood down as director of the Frome Festival after 14 years of organising the town-wide ten-day celebration of the arts.
This year’s community-based festival was the 21st to be held. Martin will be succeeded by Adam Laughton, Creative Producer at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon. MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022 • PAGE 83
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A guide to having a pony
HOW many of us have heard our children’s pleas: “If I can have a pony I promise I’ll be really good, I’ll do all my homework on time, With JANE keep my room tidy, PATERSON and not answer back EVER.” Which apart from driving us mad, does prove that they actually do listen occasionally … so what happens next? Well, for fortunate children who are brought up in riding families, maybe live on farms or have smallholdings, riding and owning ponies is almost a rite of passage. It’s something almost everyone does, but for families who have a different lifestyle it is a bit more tricky. It’s certainly an advantage if one parent at least has some knowledge, if only to
realise the implications and sense of commitment needed before launching in seriously. Like everything these days, it’s far more difficult for children and young people to get out and enjoy themselves, take risks, push themselves, compete, and make life full of fun. Apart from the expense, there are regulations, permits, licences and all sorts of bureaucratic hoops to jump through before so many activities can take place. Aeons ago who had ever heard of risk assessment or horse passports? And certainly the feared words Health and Safety were not banded around like they are today. It was accepted that of course people had to be sensible, careful, and respectful around horses, machinery, and all that goes with it, but there were and always will be accidents in sport just as there are accidents in life itself.
SOME of the Mendip Farmers Pony Club members took part in a Tetrathlon in July, hosted by the Beaufort branch. There were mixed fortunes for some, minidisasters for others, but huge success for Isabella Penfold, aged ten, who won her class and was awarded a special prize for Best Ride. In a mixed team, she also achieved a
team First, so special congratulations to Izzy and her pony Eclipse who have been working together for a couple of years now and have gone from strength to strength. Charlotte Smith, aged 11, also had amazing results at West Wilts One Day Event, coming first in her class, qualifying for the Championships on her own Pebbles. They stormed round the cross country in an exciting ride. Not so long ago Charlotte would probably not have had the courage to go out and do it, but determination and hard work have paid off and rewarded Charlotte with this great achievement. The summer holidays are here and Pony Club Camps will be taking place shortly. This is a chance for the children and ponies to combine work with confidence building, learn to blend together in teams, and generally improve their skills. The Mounted Games Competitions will be held towards the end of the month too, so everyone will be
Izzy Parsons
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Bluebell
Maybe it has been the increase in litigation, with the need to apportion blame for accidents, which has made people far more reluctant to dive in. One of the reasons why many riding schools have closed has been that all the rules and regulations have prevented them from operating anymore.
busy and kept out of trouble…or will they? We shall see! Happy holidays everybody and good luck and thanks to all the Instructors and organisers, not to mention the mums and dads who make it all possible.
Charlotte Smith
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The paperwork has hit them like a deluge and there are not enough hours in the day for all that, let alone anywhere to put the computers. Gone are the days when children could spend all day at the riding school helping out, mucking out and having a wonderful time just being involved and getting dirty in return for an amazing ride through the woods or even a lesson or two, because some councils have deemed that there is a danger of children being exploited if they are allowed to enjoy themselves in this way. Seriously? But, you don’t have to leap out and buy a pony straight off. Loaning or sharing are ways forward which can be economical options. Good ponies get passed round, because when they are outgrown by one, two or three children in a family, no-one can bear to part with them, but the last thing ponies need is to
RIDING become field ornaments with no work. For a first pony, the saying goes that the child’s and pony’s ages combined should be at least 21 until, the child is about 17. As well as that, if you can get one with three legs and half dead (I speak metaphorically of course!) then you are in with a chance. Children then are able to mess about with their long suffering mount, crawl around the legs, slide off the back of their tail down the rump and so on, generally getting to know how to groom, fuss, and love the pony to their heart’s content. It’s all part of it. We have loaned many ponies over the years before taking the plunge and investing in the purchase of one, or more, it’s surprising how collectable they become. Sometimes the owners prefer to keep them where they are and you take the child to them, or if you can rent some
An unlikely dressage pair
A HORSERIDER from Divoky Riding School near Shepton Mallet has completed his first dressage competition – aged in his 70s. Phil Miller and Nobby – described as a “chunky eight-year-old cob with feet like dinner plates” – clearly make a good team. They came third in their section of the British Dressage Elementary test and are now setting their sights on the Preliminaries. Phil said: “I began riding in my early 40’s. I was taking my daughter – then nine – to lessons and got bored watching so I learned to ride myself and I’ve ridden ever since. It was the best ‘stress-buster’ I ever found. “Most of the time I just hacked out with friends from a yard in Surrey where I used to live. Having ridden the yard’s horses for some years, I acquired a rescued ex-racehorse who was to become my friend and companion for 12 years. Sadly, he couldn’t manage dressage as he had an injury to his fetlock from racing, but we had many happy hours hacking out or participating in the occasional charity ride or gymkhana.” Phil moved to Somerset and found Divoky on the internet. He added: “I decided it was time to improve my riding. Nobby was my chosen companion. It wasn’t easy at first, my riding position was, to say the least, not up to scratch and Nobby is not tolerant with people who don’t, in his opinion, ride properly. I’m sure my teachers, Pat and Holly may have thought me mad when I suggested we might learn dressage together, but we’ve stuck at it and we’re making good progress.”
land together with anything which could be turned into a stable, you can offer your loan pony a home. If you are offered land, there are various things to be aware of such as the possible presence of poisonous plants and you need good fencing, fresh water supply and no barbed wire etc. lying around, or other dangers lurking. You can look at the adverts on Pony Club and other websites, but word of mouth is the best option and someone will always know of a decent pony that might be becoming available soon. Something will turn up if you are patient. Some of the loan ponies we have had… Millie putting up with a bath in the garden and Bluebell, an absolute star who is still going strong at well over 20, with yet another family Rummy, who put up with aliens sharing the ride.
An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip
Summer Holiday Courses
H Half days and full days | 7 days a week all summer H 10am-12.30pm & 1-3.30pm H All ages from 5-16yrs | All abilities H Half day £45 | full day £90 H Booking essential
Summer for the Mini’s
H Half hour lead rein lessons for under-5s at 4pm most weekdays H Children must be able to be fitted with a safety helmet to ride H Booking essential
Call or email us for more details
Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk • Email: info@divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037
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BMX goes big at the Bath and West YOU would be right in assuming that music and cycling are not a natural pairing. There are only even a handful of songs linked to cycling – the best-known being “Bicycle Race” by Queen or “Tour de France” by Kraftwerk. Other than that, the only tenuous CYCLING connection is to think of songs that have a with EDMUND cycling reference in them like road, track, or LODITE mountain (try it, there is a lot!) So, at first sight it might seem odd that a music festival would take place at the same time as a cycling competition. But that’s what happened when the NASS festival returned to the Bath & West showground combining three days of headlining music acts with the UK’s biggest celebration of BMX freestyle riding (and skateboarding). BMX freestyle cycling has a uniquely distinctive character compared to other cycling disciplines. For many, one of the main attractions is its alternative culture and lifestyle and by being unconventional, without too many rules. This year there were three freestyle events at the festival. The inside of the main arena had been turned into a giant BMX course for the “Park” and “Street” competitions. “Park” has an emphasis on large jumps and was included for the first time in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Street” makes use of features found in urban and public spaces where tricks are performed on kerbs, handrails, stairs, ledges, banks, and other obstacles. After the last time I wrote about BMX riding in the Mendip Times someone said to me “what’s the point there are no BMX riders around here”. But there are – you just need to know where to look. You’ll find BMX Park riders at skateparks. There aren’t that many skateparks across Mendip but that’s down to how rural it is. So it’s worth giving some recognition to Ride Mendip who after three years of hard work opened the new Cheddar pump track earlier this year. BMX street riders will be found making use of the architecture to be found in towns and cities. There was a time when authorities would try and restrict BMX riders and skateboarders in public spaces. Nowadays, I sense there is more acceptance to share public space and recognise the skill and mastery required to perform tricks. Not too far from the main music stage at the festival, a series of half-pipes were in place for the BMX mini ramp where riders perform tricks in mid-air. In all disciplines, points are awarded for the technical difficulty
The mini-ramp
and execution of a trick, or combination of tricks. Creativity and style are also rewarded and final results are based on the highest score from two timed rides. Higher scores can be gained from more rotations and the increased complexity of tricks but there is a downside from being too ambitious. A fall will disrupt the flow of the ride and lead to a low score. So, it’s better to make the first ride a clear one with enough content to score well and use the second ride to be riskier if needed. The sport also comes with its own unique terminology for tricks where one or two words are used to define a complex series of movements e.g. Flare: a backflip and 180-degree rotation in the same motion. BMX freestyle cycling originated in the USA. The earliest photographic evidence is from the 1970s where riders used makeshift vertical ramps. From there, riders started to make use of the urban landscape and it wasn’t long before BMX riders also began using skateboarding parks. In the UK, BMX took off in the early 1980s when it became the "must have" bicycle for children and teenagers. The explosion in demand was triggered by the iconic use of a BMX bike in Steven Spielberg’s classic movie ET. It was therefore not surprising that it would implode with similar speed, when the children who rode the bikes left school and went to work. Nowadays, BMX bikes belong to the freestylers and racers. Back at the festival, GB’s Declan Brooks Olympic BMX freestyle bronze medal winner (Tokyo 2020) showed off his skill on the Ramp and the Park. Charlotte Worthington GB’s BMX freestyle gold medal winner also turned up just to enjoy and spectate. Where BMX cyclists riding along rails or steps outside an office building were once chased off by security guards, they now win gold!
AUGUST CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Zimbabwean 6. Ibis 9. Gargantuan 10. Et al 12. Bath and Wells 15. Quartet 16. Tuesday 17. Auteurs 19. Seagate 20. Skeleton keys 23. Lilt 24. Atkins diet 25. Spry 26. Prime mover DOWN: 1. Zags 2. Mark 3. Agapanthuses 4. Watchet 5. Against 7. Bottled gas 8. Self-styled 11. Sweet Alyssum 13. Aquae Sulis 14. Salt cellar 18. Shooter 19. Sikhism 21. Kiev 22. Star PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
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Rugby shows its fun side at 7s tournament Organiser Mike Rutt (third from right)
SPORT
Frome RFC
MORE than 50 teams took part in the annual Frome 7s tournament, one of the biggest in the South West, after a two-year Covid lay-off. From the ultra-competitive men’s and women’s open competitions to a “super social” men’s run-about, the emphasis over the weekend was about having fun. Many of the 56 sides came from all over the UK and even further afield. There was some local success with the Friji 7s
(containing some familiar faces from Frome RFC) winning the Social Bowl. The Shredded Ducks were crowned champions. Organiser Mike Rutt said: “It was great to see how excited everyone was about the return of the 7s festival and having not been able to hold it over the last two years due to Covid restrictions it was great to see it return bigger and better than ever.”
Bath Spa Spartans 2 (in blue) in action in the ladies social
Friji 7s (in white)
Izzy’s big European chance
A TEENAGE motocross rider from Frome is off to Belgium in August to compete for Team GB in the second round of the IMBA European Ladies Championship. Izzy Neale, a member of the Rikki Priest MX Academy Raceteam, will join seven other riders in the competition on August 7th. The 17-year-old Frome College student is now appealing for support to finance the trip where she will ride in the 250cc class. A keen sportswoman, Izzy was inspired to take up motocross by her dad who competed when he was younger and attending the Weston-super-Mare beach races. She got her first 50cc bike aged seven and hasn’t looked back since. Izzy has been supported by Nicola and Nick from X Rutted Media and Ben Smith, from Smiths-Engine-Services who helps maintain and service her bike.
Izzy with coach Rikki Priest at last year’s UK girls nationals
For details and to support Izzy, find Izzy22MX on Facebook
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Brother and sister represent GB
A BROTHER and sister from Shipham have been selected to represent GB in the Europeans this year in their respective sports. Previously we have featured Jens Hullah’s success at rowing. Now his sister, Maja, has been selected for her riding. Their younger brother, Joachim, trains and plays for Bristol Bears U-18s academy. Jens trained from the age of 14 to 18 at Bath University on the GB Development Squad and Minerva Rowing Club in Bath. Jens He was scouted by the GB rowing programme and went on to represent GB in the U18s in France. He then moved to London after his Alevels and rowed professionally for Molsey Rowing Club where he was a winner at Henley in 2019. He won again at Henley this year rowing for Oxford Brookes. He has now been selected to row for GB at the U23s Europeans in Belgium at the end of August. Maja, aged 20, has worked and trained with local event rider, Dani Evans, in Pensford, since leaving Churchill Academy after A-levels. After a series of trials and competitions around the UK this year she has been selected to represent GB for the Young Riders at the Europeans on her own horse, Articus, which she has produced up through the eventing levels. The Europeans are being held at Hartpury University, in Gloucestershire.
Maja PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2022
Terrace named in memory of “Porge”
Club chairman, Shane Cameron (left) with members of Porge's family
CHEW Valley RFC has named a new terrace at its ground in memory of Georgia “Porge” Bryant, a former Valley Cats player, who died from leukaemia in 2018, despite a huge fundraising appeal for experimental treatment. Club chairman, Shane Cameron, said it was a wonderful space which would be a lasting memorial to Porge for many years to come. Porge’s mother, Jane, said they had decided the rugby club should benefit from the appeal adding: “She would be over the moon with this terrace.”
Rotary golf day
MEMBERS and friends of the Rotary Club of Mendip are celebrating the success of the recent charity golf day at Wedmore which raised £2,900 for the Alzheimer’s Charity. A total of 19 teams took part in the day, starting with coffee and bacon rolls, followed by a “shotgun” start across all 18 holes simultaneously. The winning team Taunton Boys (pictured) achieved 90 points, and two local teams from Worle Glass took second and fourth places. Rotary president, Jim Skinner, said: “We had a wonderful, happy day, and our thanks go to the Isle of Wedmore Golf Club who made it possible, together with all our sponsors. “The Rotary Club of Mendip has been fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society during the past year and the golf day proceeds will enable us to donate £4,000 to this worthy cause. “Mendip Rotary is always looking for volunteers from the local community to support its work. We have a great deal of fun, carry out worthwhile projects locally, and make new friends.” Details: MendipRotaryEnquiries@gmail.com
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SPORT
Shepton gymnasts in national finals THREE members of Shepton Mallet Gymnastic Club have been selected to represent their club and the South West at the National and Regional Team Finals in September in Sheffield. The club’s efforts at the regional championships at the beginning of July started with Alfie McCulloch completing his runs with a new personal best. Teammate Nathaniel Halls competed at Regional Level 3 with three clean runs. Nathanial took home a
silver medal and has gained a place in the final. Next on the track were the girls. Teammates Calla Scott and Lily Hoddinott both had outstanding performances which secured them both a finals place. Calla was awarded a well-deserved silver medal at Regional Level 2. Lily Hoddinott was on top form tumbling her way to being crowned South West champion. The club trains at Shepton Mallet Prison
Back (l:r): Florence White, Millie Rood, Nathaniel Halls, Calla Scott and Lily Hoddinott. Front: Alfie McCulloch
but still doesn’t have a competition-standard track to use. The club is about to launch a £13,000 fundraising drive towards one.
For details, visit: www.sheptonmalletgymnasticsclub.co.uk
“Inspirational” runner goes the extra mile
ULTRAMARATHON charity runner John Reynolds has put pen to paper to document his remarkable achievements since he was struck down in 2004 aged 42 with a severe thyroid condition that left him with seizures and barely able to walk. From setting himself the challenge to walk to the end of his garden in Westfield – it took him more than an hour to cover the 60 metres – John realised that the key to his physical and mental wellbeing was to walk a little further each day before deciding to enter the Midsomer Norton Half Marathon. John’s book – Angel on my Shoulder – tells how his running not only seemingly kept the seizures at bay but he could raise money at the same time for Children’s Hospice South West. Distances increased as John took on more and more challenges and the book ends in 2012 with him setting a Guinness World Record distance of running 426 miles in just under seven days and carrying the Olympic torch. A lot more has happened in the last decade – including the formation of the 800-strong Westfield TT running group – and
John (front centre) with wife Jo (front right) at some Westfield TT runners
John at a book signing session at Midsomer Norton Town Fayre
John is now writing a sequel. John said: “Many people have told me I’m an inspiration to them, including some young runners, because of my determination. You have to find the good out of the bad.” l Angel on my Shoulder is published by Bristol Books and £1 from each sale goes to CHSW. For details, visit: www.bristolbooks.org or find the book on Amazon.
Warming-up around Westhill playing field in Westfield before a Tuesday evening run
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(Photo courtesy of Mark Le Galle)
Pageant preparations
MORE than 300 residents of Axbridge are now in rehearsals every week for the town’s pageant being staged from August 27th-29th. Phil Saunders, chairman of the pageant, said: “There’s a real buzz in the town as the pageant approaches – ticket sales are good, rehearsals are well attended and the feedback we are getting is really positive. “And with the evening music events from Friday to Monday there is a festival feel to the weekend.” Details: https://axbridgepageant.com
Big band is busy
The band at Barton St David carnival
SHEPTON Mallet Big Band is having a busy summer. It was established more than 30 years ago, when what started as a local saxophone jazz quartet specialising in music from the 30s, 40s and 50s, grew into a big band. The band today is a vibrant group of players of all ages and backgrounds, living or working in the mid-Somerset area. Their repertoire includes music from the golden big band era of the 1940s, including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Louis, Ella and Sinatra and also contemporary funk and soul style music such as pieces by Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Imelda May. Following on from a super busy jubilee period, playing in Holcombe, Wells, Shepton Mallet and the Bath and West show, the band recently played at Barton St David’s Carnival and Shepton Mallet church fete. Details: Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/smbb.SheptonMalletBigBand Info.sheptonbigband@yahoo.com
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Panto with naughty bits!
TICKETS for Somerset’s only touring adult panto have gone on sale as the group behind it say they are about to bring a new slant to the county’s pantomime scene. The Glastonbury And Street Pottymouth Squad (GASPS) says its adult pantomimes will push the boundaries and be one step beyond the smutty humour of the beloved Carry On movies with all the naughty bits left in. The newly-launched group will tour its adult production of Sinders at seven Somerset venues, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) to secure the future of amateur musical theatre in mid-Somerset. The idea to launch the new group came from members of GSMCS who realised that the possibility of staging a family panto in Street or Glastonbury was looking less likely, while also recognising they needed to think outside the box to raise funds for their annual musicals. The pantos will be performed between January 19th and 28th and the show is packed with lots of familiar local faces both on and off stage, with decades of stage experience under their belts, including its director, theatre stalwart Brian Epps from Street, who has been treading the boards for 60 years. Laura Vernoum, who is producing GASPS’ first adult panto and will perform as one of “the girls”, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing panto to Somerset – but not a panto like most have come to expect. This will have the smut, rudeness and cheekiness that you simply can’t perform in a family show.” Tickets cost £15 and include a welcome drink. Details: www.gspottymouth.co.uk Facebook and Instagram: @GSPottyMouth
Jazz in the paddock
AFTER three years’ absence due to Covid, The Friends of St James' Church, Winscombe were happy to welcome back Rich Ritchie and his 16-piece Big R Band for an evening of traditional jazz and swing from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. In spite of the rain earlier in the day more than 100 people came with their chairs and picnics to enjoy a glorious evening of music and some could not resist the urge to dance. This annual event, which started in 2014, has become increasingly popular attracting support from a wide area.
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New singers welcome
DID you sing in a music-reading choir at school or in the past and would like to try singing again? Trinity Singers based around Churchill are welcoming new members. They meet on Tuesday evenings “to delight in making music, have fun and enjoy the company of like-minded people”. Their aim is the making of high-quality music for their own pleasure and that of their audiences in their three or so concerts a year. They perform a varied repertoire incorporating both sacred and secular music from Tallis to Bernstein, madrigals to Abba and the Beatles. Concerts and other events are principally in the area local to Churchill and extending to Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare. Tenors and basses would be especially welcome. Details: Bob Shapland 07769 813489 www.trinitysingers.co.uk
Outdoor theatre
THE award winning Quantum Theatre Group will be returning to Timsbury with The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter on Saturday, August 20th supporting St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury. It will be held in the grounds of Parish’s House, Timsbury BA2 0ND, so take your own picnic, chairs and rugs. Light refreshments will be available. Gates will be open from 3pm for a 4pm start, with free car parking. Details: quantumtheatre.co.uk 08454 505157
New members welcome
MUSIC & THEATRE
First class act
TIMOTHY Dean, Brent Knoll’s singing postman, will perform his Songs of Somerset showcase at Burnhamon-Sea’s Princess Theatre in aid of the Somerset Crisis Fund which helps village agents support people in need. This one-night event will be staged at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 21st. Tickets are priced at just £13 and can be booked
online via The Princess website. David Sturgess, the promoter of the event, said: “Timothy Dean has been a well known folk singer on the Somerset scene for some years. “What is less well known is that he has spent those years in researching the county’s many stories, myths, and legends – spanning prehistoric ‘Cheddar Man’, Jesus, pirates, murders, and mysteries.” Timothy was the unanimous choice to do the official opening of Brent Knoll’s new community shop. It was also in Brent Knoll that he recently premiered his Songs of Somerset programme to a sell-out audience. It was the success of this event that led to the plan for this programme to be presented to a wider audience at The Princess Theatre.
Shanty festival returns BRUTON Choral Society will resume rehearsals in September and are keen to recruit new members with some choral experience. They are a well-established and friendly group with a wideranging and eclectic repertoire including Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart, Schubert and Fauré as well as Rutter, Scott Joplin, George Shearing, spirituals, jazz and arrangements from musicals. They have an exciting programme of events coming up: in 2023 they are celebrating their 30th anniversary with two concerts planned for March and May and then a Christmas concert to round off the year. They rehearse in Bruton on Wednesday evenings. Details: www.brutonchoralsociety.org.uk Barbara 01749 812708
THE Steepholmers shanty band are promising an even bigger and better music festival in Weston-super-Mare this summer, with more than 55 bands playing across the town from Friday, August 5th to Sunday, August 7th. Last year £5,000 was donated to Weston RNLI and Weston Lions Club and this year they’re hoping to raise even more for these charities. The festival is now a major event in the South West music calendar, with bands from all over the UK and beyond set to appear. And admission to all venues will be free of charge, except for standard entry to the Grand Pier. The bands are performing for free in support of the charities and there will be many collection points at venues across the town for those who would like to donate. Details: info@wsmshantyfest.com https://www.wsmshantyfest.com/
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Festival’s 30th anniversary
ACTOR and author Sheila Hancock kicks off Wells Festival of Literature's 30th anniversary celebrations this autumn as star guest at the opening event in Cedars Hall on October 14th. Funny and feisty at 89, she writes a vivid portrait of old age, launches a tirade against the injustices she perceives in the modern world, and yet finds that there are always reasons for joy. From 60s television comedy The Rag Trade, right up to her recent adventures with Gyles Brandreth on TV's Great Canal Journeys, Sheila's career spans more than seven decades and has gained her a host of honours and awards. The festival, which runs from October 14th-22nd, will also include many other well-known writers covering literary genres from fiction to current affairs, from science to history, from arts to poetry. Booking for festival events opened on July 25th. Details: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk 01749 834483, 9.30am-12noon.
Festival spirit at museum
FAMILIES pining for the Glastonbury Festival – and those who could not get there – can enjoy a flavour of its magical atmosphere at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury with a summer of imagination and celebration ahead for visitors. Visitors are being invited to join the party with a celebration of festivals and fetes. Glastonbury returned after a two-year absence and the museum is marking the event with a display of photos. “Music, Mud, Mayhem: Photographing Glastonbury Festival” brings together images from 20 years of the iconic festival. They have been captured by Somerset-based photographer Jason Bryant who has chosen his personal favourites for the exhibition. For families there will be festival vibes with themed activities taking place throughout the holiday. Young artists will find plenty of ways to express themselves with a variety of arts and crafts on offer. These include making festival flags and friendship bracelets, flower power crafts and making a musical instrument. For the movers and groovers there is juggling, hula hooping and a bubble bonanza. There will also be donkey rides. For details visit: www.swheritage.org.uk/events
Glastonbury Festival band to headline Night at the Abbey
THIS August bank holiday is set to be a packed weekend at Glastonbury Abbey. On Friday, August 26th, its award-winning Night at the Abbey returns with a fantastic line-up across three stages, headlined by Bristol-based Cut Capers, which has added the abbey to its summer tour and comes hot on the heels of its performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The event runs from 4.30pm until 10pm. The following day, the Terrible Tudors move in for the next stop of their Horrible Histories’ national tour, a chance to get a warts-and-all history lesson with all the nasty bits left in. There are two performances at 3pm and 6pm. Both events offer discounts for children, members and for advanced tickets bought online. Tickets for some shows will also be available on the door, but at full price. The bank holiday weekend concludes on Sunday and Monday with free re-enactments of the Monmouth Rebellion from the Taunton Garrison, featuring cannon demonstrations, weapon displays and a chance to look around a living history campsite. For details and for advance tickets, visit: www.glastonburyabbey.com
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Visit Midsomer Norton South Railway Station and enjoy rides along a section of the original Somerset & Dorset Railway behind one of our historic engines.
Summer fun at heritage railway
AUGUST and September are shaping up to be especially busy months at the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage line at Midsomer Norton, culminating in a special appearance by a guest locomotive to mark a moment in history. With the summer holidays in full swing, the trust which runs the line – on part of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway – is operating its diesel unit on Mondays and Fridays, its unique Wickham Trolley on Wednesdays and a steam loco on Sundays. September will see the 60th anniversary of the last running of the Saturday Manchester-Bournemouth
Pines Express. To celebrate, the station will be running a gala on September 2nd-4th and on September 16th and 17th, there’ll be a visit by LMS Ivatt Tank 2-6-2T 41312.
Our DMU runs on Mondays and Fridays For a full list of all events, details and booking visit: www.sdjr.co.uk
Our Wickham trolley operates on Wednesdays Steam train rides on Fridays A guest engine will join us in September
Silver Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2EY Tel: 01761 411221 Email: general@sdjr.co.uk
In September we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the last “Pines Express” with a gala early in the month followed by a special guest engine appearance on September 17th & 18th
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A bit of anarchy in Shepton
THE Shepton Mallet Monthly Independent Sunday market is gathering momentum with their Summer Sizzler event on Sunday, July 31st promising to be a wonderful family day of fun and laughter, with a traditional Punch and Judy and balloon modelling for the kids, live music from local bands and fantastic artisans, crafters, bakers and makers bringing their unique products to the town centre. Then, on Sunday, August 28th, there will be a day of anarchy where visitors are being encouraged to enter a Steampunkthemed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best outfit. There will be a local DJ in residence all day delivering tunes in keeping with the theme but mindful of all ages and tastes. With the usual offering of various stalls, street food and more, It is sure to be a day to entertain all. The markets are open from 10am – 3pm and there will also be shops and cafes open in town too. Jude Jackson, a spokesperson for organisers, The Shepton Experience, said: “The Sunday Market always has a great atmosphere and brings people together. ” For details, visit the market’s Facebook/Instagram page: @thesheptonexperience, website: www.thesheptonexperience.co.uk or email: info@thesheptonexperience.co.uk
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What a show!
CLUTTON Flower Show and village day will be held for the 84th time on Saturday August 13th, with over 700 exhibits of flowers, vegetables, cookery, crafts, children’s classes and much more. There will be more than 50 stalls, food, drink, live music, classic cars, tractors and motorbikes, a dog show, Clutton’s Strongest Person competition and a new attraction, Historia Normannis, a medieval reenactment group, whose village opens at 12noon.
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All things vintage at heritage railway EAST Somerset Railway’s ever-popular nostalgia weekend The Way We Were returns at the end of August with entertainment – and train rides – for all the family. For serious WW2 enthusiasts or just the curious, many wartime re-enactment groups will be in attendance representing organisations such as the Home Guard and ARP wardens. There will also be a 1940s police station, many military groups and vintage vehicles. Live music will add to the atmosphere over the August Bank Holiday weekend with the Grey Dogs Jazz Band playing on both the Saturday and Sunday and Ruby Jazz on Bank Holiday Monday. The compere for the weekend will once again be the mischievous entertainer Dickie Lines, who will be serenading
visitors on the platform with his humourous songs and banter. For younger visitors there will be Punch and Judy shows each day, a number of traditional outdoor games and a craft area where would-be evacuees can make their own evacuee “label” and gas mask container.
Wartime “evacuees”
For details and to book, visit: www.eastsomersetrailway.com, email info@eastsomersetrailway.com or call 01749 880417
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T H E M E N D I P T I M E S W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
FOR
WHAT’S ON
A U G U S T 2022
Covid-19 cases remain very high and some events may have to be cancelled. Please check with organisers.
Friday July 29th and Saturday 30th Uphill Horticultural Society Village Show Victory Hall, 2.30-6.30pm Friday, 10.30am-5pm Sat. Details: www.uphillvillage.org.uk or 01934 415581. See page 67. Friday July 29th to Sunday 31st Jubilee flower festival, Holy Trinity Church, Norton Malreward, with Chew Valley Flower Club. Organ recital 7.30pm Friday, church open Sat and Sun. Plant sale, refreshments. Details: 01275 832144 or 07765 774511. Weston Lions Real Ale Festival. Details: www.westonlionsrealalefestival.co.uk Saturday July 30th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Weston Walking Group, 7-9 miles every Wed and Sat within one hour drive of Weston. Details: www.westonwalking group.co.uk Somerset Chamber Choir concert, Mozart Mass in C minor, 7pm, Wells Cathedral. Details: www.somersetchamberchoir.org HorseWorld’s 70th anniversary open day, adults £5, children free. Details: www.horseworld.org.uk/events/open-day Sunday July 31st Chew Valley Classic car & bike meet at Chew Stoke Rugby Club – CANCELLED. Donkey charity fundraising afternoon, tea, cakes, stalls, music. See page 77. Monday August 1st Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Wednesday August 3rd Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers North Somerset Birds of Prey talk, 2-3.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Friday August 5th Trio Paradis, “Songs of travel” 2.30pm St Giles church Leigh-on-Mendip. Free entry, refreshments on sale. Friday August 5th to Sunday August 7th Shanty Festival Weston-s-Mare. Details: www.wsmshantyfest.com. See page 69. Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk Saturday 6th August to Sat August 20th Cheddar Scarecrow Trail details and pdf maps, Cheddar Flower Show Facebook page or email cheddar.flowershow@yahoo.com Printed trail maps in some village shops. See page 69. Saturday August 6th “Peter Pan” open air theatre Manor Farm, Corsley BA12 7QE. Picnics from 5pm, show starts 6.30pm. Details: www.theelizabethanevening.com Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza. Details: www.glastonburyabbey.com Bristol Fuchsia & Geranium Society Show 124pm St Lukes Church Hall, Brislington BS4 4LS. Coleford Music Day. Bands from 2pm at Royal British Legion Hall. Free. Details on Facebook: @ColefordCRG Sunday August 6th and Sunday 7th Children’s World Family Festival Paddington Farm Trust, Wick nr. Glastonbury. 11am-5pm. Performance, music, workshops. Tickets £5, U-5s free: www.childrensworld.org Sunday August 7th Nempnett Thrubwell village fete, 2pm.
Tuesday August 9th and Tuesday 16th Gleaning community art project workshop 10am-12 Collett Park bandstand Shepton Mallet. Free. Details: www.gillsakakini.com Wednesday August 10th Mendip Storytelling Circle, an evening of folk tales and more. . . 7.30-9.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, Green St BA3 4DA. £5. Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com Kilmersdon Gardeners talk by Carrie Pakenham "the cultivation and growing of unusual herbs" 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3 incl tea/coffee. www.kilmersdongardeners.org Friday August 12th Community Café, East Somerset Railway 10.3012, come along for a natter & wander around! £2pp for hot drink and cake – please book: Di contact.bistrocatering@gmail.com Wildlife walk at Shapwick, see: www.hawkandowltrust.org.uk Friday August 12th to Sunday 14th Banwell Local History Weekend: exhibition, film show & tours of the Bone Cave. Details: www.banwellarchaeology.co.uk Saturday August 13th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Brent Knoll bazaar & farmers’ market 10am12, parish hall. Details: 01278 760308. Clutton’s 84th Flower Show and Village Day, including GQT with Mary Payne. Details: lisa.weeks1@tiscali.co.uk See page 96. Steepholmers Concert 3pm-4, All Saints’ church, WSM, BS23 2NL. Free, retiring collection, refreshments. Details: 07932 699188 or judeforth@outlook.com Wells & Mendip Museum free family activities day, drop-in 10am-3.30pm. Workshop for ages 8+. Other activities for younger kids. Details: www.wellsmuseum.org.uk Monday August 15th Chew Valley U3A monthly meeting, Ubley Parish Hall, 10am Rachel Branston on "Singing for Health". Visitors welcome. Thursday August 18th Gleaning community art project workshop 24pm St Peter & St Paul church, Shepton Mallet. Free. Details & to book: www.gillsakakini.com Friday August 19th to Sunday August 21st Flower Festival St Cuthbert’s Church Wells. Frid & Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 12-4.30pm. Free entry, refreshments, donations for Heads Up and the church. Details: 07579 006258 or 07966 654307. Saturday August 20th Timsbury Gardening Club Annual Show 2pm4.30, Conygre Hall. Entry £1. Details Keith 07975 754956. Bleadon Village Market 9.30-12, Coronation Halls BS24 0PG. 30+ stalls every 3rd Sat. Details: 01934 812370. Cheddar Flower Show 2pm village hall. Schedules from cheddar.flowershow@yahoo.com or see Facebook. See page 69. 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' at Parish's House, Timsbury BA2 0ND. Gates open 3pm for picnics, 4pm start. Booking: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk or 08454 505157. See page 91. Claverham Village market, BS49 4NF. Every third Sat, 10–12. Produce,books, crafts, teas/coffee.
Details debbiepope5@icloud.com Wedmore Harvest Home. Details: www.wedmoreharvesthome.co.uk Carymoor Environmental Trust open day 10am-2pm. Dimmer Lane, Castle Cary, BA7 7NR. Details: www.carymoor.org.uk or Facebook. Sunday August 21st Mid Somerset Agricultural show. Details: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk. See page 12. Monday August 22nd Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Tuesday August 23rd Winscombe Folk Club 7.30-10.30pm, upstairs Winscombe club BS25 1HD. All acoustic performers welcome. £2. Details: 07551 197685 winscombefolkclub@gmail.com Gleaning community art project workshop 10am-12 Market Cross, Shepton Mallet. Free. Details & to book: www.gillsakakini.com Thursday August 25th Wells & Mendip Museum free family activities day, drop-in 10am-3.30pm. Workshop for ages 8+. Other activities for younger kids. Details: www.wellsmuseum.org.uk Saturday August 27th High Littleton & Hallatrow Village Day from 12noon, City of Bath Brass Band, dog show and agility, stalls, car boot, teas. Barn dance with Pipley from 4.30-6pm. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Meet the Sikhs 12-4pm Cathedral Green, Wells. Free. Organised by Wells Rotary & KhalsaAid. Sikh storytelling, chapatti workshop, Rotary projects, music by Eternal Taal, food, turbans and more. Saturday August 27th to Monday August 29th Axbridge Pageant. Details: www.axbridgepageant.com. See page 90. “The way we were”: East Somerset Railway’s nostalgia weekend. See page 96. Mendip Ramblers Walking Festival: a variety of free led walks from Stratton-on-the-Fosse village hall. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk. See page 66. Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th City of Wells Lions Club Moat Race, Bishop’s Palace. See page 65. Wednesday August 31st to Sunday September 4th Hutton Festival “Taste of Somerset” showcase, horticultural show, proms and other events. Details: clerk@huttonsomerset.org.uk 01934 813871. See page 65. Friday September 2nd Trio Paradis, pieces for piano and strings, 2.30pm St Giles church Leigh on Mendip. Free entry, refreshments on sale. Saturday September 3rd Theale Show, from 2.30pm, homemade produce and craft stalls, kids activities and the Chris Jagger Band. Details: www.thealeflowershow.com Sunday September 4th Wag Walk for Bath Dogs and Cats Home. See page 77. North Somerset Ploughing, hedging, crafts, produce. Claverham Court Farm. Details www.nsas.org.uk
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Cheese show is back to full strength THIS year’s Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, on Saturday, September 10th, promises to be bigger and better than ever with the return of some old favourites and plenty of new attractions for all the family. The shopping and rural craft marquee and the food hall marquee are both back at the West Woodlands showground, giving
Fun with food and science with Stefan Gates
back more space to the world-famous cheese competitions in the pavilion which includes the popular celebrity kitchen where multi award-winning chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli will be showcasing his skills. Also cooking up some treats will be a chef from the Cookery School in Bath. The Horseshoe Stage is the setting for family-friendly entertainment throughout the day with live music and appearances by children’s television presenter Stefan Gates, known as the Gastronaut, with his adventures in food and science. Arena attractions include the heavy horse parade and the Shetland Performance Display Team, celebrating its tenth anniversary. Entries are now open in all classes, including livestock which has received a boost this year with the generous support
Italian chef Aldo Zilli will be appearing at the show
of the Richard Oatley Federation. Set up in memory of Rode farmer Richard Oatley, the trustees were keen to see the classes back to full strength post-Covid and are allowing the show society to increase the prize money on offer; Richard’s family will be special guests of the society on the day. This year’s show president is former Somerton and Frome MP David Heath, who said: “It is a huge honour and great responsibility to play a part in keeping up a tradition spanning over 160 years.” l Advance saver tickets are now on sale until Friday, September 9th and Berry’s Coaches will again be running a shuttle bus service from Frome town centre.
For details, visit: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk or find them on Facebook
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