Issue 6 - Volume 12 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

NOVEMBER 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: CHEDDAR & CHEW VALLEY • RIDING • ARTS & ANTIQUES • FARMING • CARNIVALS • WHAT’S ON Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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CONTENTS

Welcome

WE celebrate the Mendip landscape this month, with a whole series of features showing what a wonderful natural playground this is.

Sue Gearing takes us on a walk around Cheddar Gorge, while Phil Hendy explores more of Mendip’s caves.

Edmund Lodite takes us along some of Mendip’s mountain bike trails, while Adrian Boots goes foraging for mushrooms.

We also hear how Somerset Wildlife Trust is trying to preserve some of Mendip’s wonderful wildflower meadows, with the support of the Mendip AONB unit.

Les Davies urges us all to take the time to enjoy it – and we have a special offer on a new book of walks which he has produced with Sue Gearing.

There’s so much to do. We have pictures from the Dairy Show, Mendip Ploughing Match, the Priddy implement sale and the first of the carnivals – with a guide to the carnival season to come.

We meet some of the forgotten heroes of the war – the land girls – and we put the spotlight on Cheddar and the Chew Valley to see how businesses there are preparing for the festive season.

We have all of our usual features and contributors and don’t forget you can now access back copies from our website, with links from stories and features on our editorial pages and links to all of our advertisers’ websites.

December 2016 deadline: Friday, 11th November 2016.

Published: Tuesday, 22nd November 2016.

Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:

01761 463888

or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates.

Front cover: Unveiling a new sculpture at Wincanton Racecourse.

Photo by Mark Adler. See page 104.

12

44

The countess and the champion – smiles all round at the Dairy Show

Wartime on Mendip – the land girls’ memories

80

107

It’s carnival time – lighting up November nights

Not the rush for tickets – the race for Glasto glory

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................14 Internet and Crossword..............28 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business ........................................38 Charities .......................................46 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......62 Caving Phil Hendy........................74 Property........................................76 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............82 Community...................................88 Homes and Interiors....................92 Music...........................................101 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ..104 Sport............................................106 What’s On...................................110 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 3

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C L E A N I N G • R E S TO R AT I O N • VA L U AT I O N

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The Red Baron and me

John was presented with a limited edition print of a painting commissioned by the school to mark the centenary of the dogfight. The painting is by renowned aviation artist Alex Hamilton

FIRST World War diaries written by the mother of Glastonbury councillor John Brunsdon have led to him being present when another piece of history was made.

John was invited to a commemorative dinner to mark the 100th anniversary of the infamous wartime ace The Red Baron claiming his first victims in the air.

Relatives of Baron Manfred von Richtofen and the two British airmen he killed also attended the dinner at Whitgift School in Croydon, South London. The pilot, Second Lieutenant Lionel Morris, aged 19, was a former pupil.

Morries and observer, Captain Tom Rees, were shot down over Northern France on September 17th, 1916.

John has loaned the diaries of his mother, Grace Pulvertaft, to Whitgift as part of a major exhibition honouring the 251 former students and teachers who died in the conflict. The exhibition has proved so popular – so far visited by more than 20,000 people – that it will remain open until April next year.

Grace, who grew up near the school, volunteered to become a nurse to injured servicemen with the Red Cross’s Voluntary Aid Detachment and worked in hospitals in both Croydon and Brighton. John published her diaries – Reminscences of a VAD – in 2014.

John said: “I was very thrilled and honoured to be invited to the dinner and it was extraordinary that descendants of the baron and his victims should be there.

“I think the success of the exhibition lies in the fact that it does not glorify the war but helps people of all ages to improve their understanding of the conflict.”

Every name tells a story

NEWS

William with the revised book by Radstock war memorial

AS a child, William Blanning had always been fascinated by the names inscribed on the war memorial in his home village of High Littleton.

In later years, that fascination led him to start researching the lives of men from the immediate area who were killed in the First World War. After High Littleton, Hallatrow and Paulton, William extended his research to other north east Somerset communities and an idea for a book was born.

In the Company of Heroes was intended to be published in 2000, but the date came and went as William’s research continued and the first edition finally appeared in 2006. Now William, who lives in Frome, has published an updated version, commemorating the 450 men known to have been killed in the war. Stories include that of Kenneth Moore, a 16-year-old who was a telegrapher on board a destroyed sunk in the Battle of Jutland, or the Lewin brothers who all lost their lives William has tried to write an obituary about each serviceman – the book runs to 520 pages – but he says the research will never end as new information is forever coming to light.

William said: “It’s a book which will never really come to an end; if I don’t finish it, then someone else will.

“There are some names recorded which I cannot trace.”

In the Company of Heroes, priced £25, is published by Fosseway Press in Radstock and is available from their offices or from Radstock Museum.

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AONB supports Mendip’s meadows

WHILST the colourful wildflower meadows of the summer have been cut for hay and disappeared from view for another year, there is still good news for these amazing grasslands.

Somerset Wildlife Trust says it is delighted to have received £2,500 to support their part in the Save Our Magnificent Meadows project, pledged by the Mendip Hills AONB unit.

Save Our Magnificent Meadows is the UK's largest partnership project transforming the fortunes of our vanishing wildflower meadows, grasslands and wildlife. Led by the charity Plantlife, the partnership is made up of 11 organisations, including Somerset Wildlife Trust and is primarily funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

However, other sources of funding are needed to secure the lottery support, which is why the trust says money from the Mendip Hills AONB Unit is so vital.

Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB unit manager, said: “The steep southfacing slopes of flower-rich limestone grasslands are one of the special qualities of Mendip. The Somerset Wildlife Trust play a very important part in creating the special look and feel of the area by looking after the grasslands.”

Pippa Rayner, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s community engagement officer, said: “We are so pleased to have this support from the AONB unit.

Nationally, we have lost over 97% of our wildflower grasslands since the 1940s, so we are very lucky in the Mendip Hills to still have many areas of this precious habitat to enjoy.

“Through the project we are able to work both on our nature reserves and with farmers, communities and other landowners to conserve the species-rich grasslands that remain, as well as restoring wildflowers to areas that can help to link these up.

“We also create opportunities for everyone to experience the colours, sounds and sheer joy of standing in a meadow full of wildflowers and wildlife. We could not do this without the support of funders such as the Mendip Hills AONB unit.”

Details: www.magnificentmeadows.org.uk or go to www.somersetwildlife.org

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ENVIRONMENT

Artists capture the changing Hornet alert on Mendip face of rural Somerset

THREE well-known Somerset artists have been commissioned to create work for the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury to celebrate its re-opening next year.

The museum is currently undergoing a £2.4 million redevelopment. When it re-opens, it will tell the story of Somerset’s rich rural and social history.

Painter Kate Lynch, her husband and fellow painter James, and James Lynch – one of the artists photographer Pauline commissioned by the museum Rook are working on pieces reflecting the way rural life has changed. Kate’s latest project, ‘Herd & Harvest,’ will be the first temporary art exhibition at the museum when it re-opens. The collection is the result of two years visiting old Somerset farms and shadowing herdsmen, sheep and pig farmers, apple growers, cheesemakers, cider makers, growers of willow and wheat and more.

Kate will also be working with local school children to create a collaborative painting which will go on permanent display at the museum.

James has been commissioned to create a new painting for the museum. This will be an impressive ten-foot wide panorama as seen from the top of the Mendip Hills, featuring many of Somerset’s distinctive landscape features – the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor, the Quantocks, Exmoor and the coastline.

Pauline is documenting contemporary rural life in the county. The colour photographs will be used throughout the new galleries to illustrate the many ways life in rural communities has changed and developed.

The museum redevelopment project has been supported by Viridor Credits Environmental Company, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Somerset County Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum and other generous funders.

A date of spring 2017 has One of James’s pieces: Half moon and distant cumular over Glastonbury Tor (egg been set for the tempera on gessoa coated panel) re-opening.

V velutina fondatrice (Asian hornet)

BRISTOL Zoo is urging people to be vigilant following a recent sighting of the non-native invasive Asian hornet north of the Mendip Hills.

It’s only the second time that the hornet has been recorded in the UK. It is a highly effective predator of insects which can cause significant losses of honey bees and other beneficial species. The first sighting was recorded in Tetbury earlier last month and a nest was located and destroyed.

Conservationists at Bristol Zoo, who have been raising awareness of the threat of the hornets coming into the UK for several years, are asking people to report any sightings immediately.

Neil Green, Avon Invasive Weeds Project Officer at Bristol Zoo, said: “The invasive species team at Bristol Zoo are all too aware of the threat that these insects pose in the UK – they could devastate honey bee colonies. The hornets seem to be to the north and south of us so it’s vital the community are extra vigilant.”

A surveillance zone has been set up around the Mendip Hills and the village of Tetbury and local control centres are in place to co-ordinate responses. Bee inspectors have also been deployed to use infrared cameras and traps to locate any nests.

Bee inspectors in Somerset are being supported by nest disposal experts who will use an approved pesticide to destroy any hornets and remove any nests.

The Asian hornet queens are up to 3cm in length, and her workers up to 2.5cm. They are entirely dark brown or black with a velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band and pose no greater risk to human health than a bee. They are more likely to be spotted in the daytime as, unlike the European hornet, they cease activity at dusk.

The zoo asks that any sightings of an Asian hornet are reported immediately. Members of the public are asked to take a picture and email it with details of the sighting location, as well as their contact details, to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk ● See Chris Sperring’s Wildlife page 57.

Details: www.nonnativespecies.org

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 7

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Let’s get planting

Some of the volunteers on the Rock Flock roundabout

THE famous Rock Flock sheep in Shepton Mallet have some new companions – 30,000 of them to be precise!

Volunteers have planted masses of snowdrop bulbs on the roundabout at Cannards Grave as part of preparations for a festival next February in honour of the Shepton Mallet “snowdrop king” James Allen who was passionate about the plants and who developed two leading varieties in the 19th Century.

Members of Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society want the town to be awash with snowdrops and are encouraging traders, businesses and residents to plant their own displays.

The roundabout is maintained by local company Framptons who brought in a team from the Landscape Group to oversee the planting. Amongst the volunteers was Silwia Sarota, who was named Framptons employee of the month.

Simon Edwards, from the society, said: “This is a longterm project – it will take several years before the snowdrops are at their best.

“But we know there are some gardens in the area with well-established displays and we would be delighted if the owners would take part in the festival as we would like to arrange guided walks as part of the festival.”

Gardening expert Angela Morley, one of the people behind the project, said: “Snowdrops perform best when they are planted ‘in the green’ in spring after they have flowered, but planting bulbs now should give us a good display when the festival happens.”

The hard work will pay off in years to come

For details, visit www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk or find the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Project on Facebook

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ENVIRONMENT

Award for butterfly project

(l:r): Mark Green, manager for South Somerset and Wessex Water’s senior Ecologist Mark Doughty

WORK on a nature reserve near Somerton to support one of the largest populations of the large blue butterfly in Europe has received a prestigious award.

Green Down reserve is managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust which was presented with a £500 Wessex Watermark Award.

The award will help the trust continue its programme of monitoring, researching and management advice on the East Polden hills which the large blue has colonised since their successful re-introduction in 1992.

The butterfly has a unique and specialist lifecycle and is dependent on a particular red ant – Myrmica sabuleti – which exists only on short grass to maintain optimum temperature in its brood chamber.

Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Reserves Manager for South Somerset, Mark Green, said: “Somerset Wildlife Trust is delighted that Wessex Water are contributing £500 towards the cost of specialist survey and advisory work on its reserves this summer.

“Following the extinction of the large blue butterfly in the UK in 1979, a partnership of scientists, conservationists, local council and private land owners, supported by commercial companies and government agencies, have worked together to re-establish self-sustaining populations of large blues in the East Polden hills in Somerset and the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire.

“Despite this achievement, the partnership has found it increasing difficult to find funding to continue and develop the project in recent years.”

The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Now in its 23rd year, it has supported more than 900 environmental initiatives.

Organised by The Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its president, David Bellamy.

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The importance of our dairy industry

THE Dairy Show at the Royal Bath and West showground was a great event and the lovely Countess of Wessex was snapped eating Chew Moos ice-cream which was a great boost for them, especially as the countess loved it.

Meanwhile a report commissioned by the With MARY South West NFU and produced by the Rural JAMES MBE Business School at Duchy College declares that dairy farming is at the heart of the region’s economy, worth £3.3billion annually and supporting 13,600 jobs both directly and through the wider supply chain.

As well as the 8,139 people directly employed in dairy farming there are an estimated 5,380 working for local processing businesses, including well-known names like Quickes cheddar, Lye Cross (Alvis Bros), Dairy Crest and Trewithen Dairy and in the allied trades such as animal feed, equipment suppliers and veterinary surgeons.

The milk is used to make 99,170 tonnes of cheese, worth in the region of £628m and 37,365 tonnes of butter, worth about £198m. Retail sales of liquid milk are worth £710m.

The report illustrates how important dairy farmers are to the region especially if you take into account the value added to dairy products after they leave the region.

BUT the number of dairy farmers has fallen by just over half over the last 14 years, from 5,157 in 2002 to 2,885 in 2016. The number of dairy cattle has also steadily declined in recent years

from 465,775 in 2005 to 423,205 in 2013. This figure is less than the UK overall, indicating that farmers are increasing herd sizes in response to market conditions.

If you live and work in the countryside there is no shortage of things to do. Just look at the Mendip area where there are plenty of examples of how the rural and farming community pulls together. Take the young farmers clubs who not only organise a rally, but classes to learn different skills and plenty of social events.

There are agricultural shows, ploughing matches, harvest suppers and the WI which offers so much from meetings to events. All of these organisations need volunteers as I mentioned last month, but that is the fun of it and drawing people together. One need never be alone in the countryside.

A great example of how people come together is a funeral or a celebration of a person’s life. Take for instance the hundreds of people at the funerals of the late Frank Wear last year and recently the late Stuart Ford, both of whom were farmers and stalwarts of the Wrington and Burrington Hedging Society.

Finally this month, a word about Farmlink – a classroom in the countryside. You have read about it on this page before but let me update you or refer you to the website for more detail.

Farmlink provides fun and learning through an informative “hands on” approach to education in a countryside setting.

Annually over 30,000 children have enhanced the learning embedded in core subjects and in a number of foundation subjects of the national curriculum at all four key stages. The partners are Brackenburn, Bridgwater College, Lye Cross Farm, Packington and Yeo Valley.

There are already one or two businesses who donate £150 to sponsor a school visit. If your business would like to donate please contact our chief executive, Tim Jessica Ravenhill-White, from Umberleigh Ledbury 0845 in Devon, with one of the family’s prizewinning Whitenhill Jerseys 6342464.

Details: www.farmlink.org.uk

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Photos courtesy of Anthony Mosley Photographer

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FARMING

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Countess gives dairy farmers a reason to smile

Words and pictures by Mark Adler

CONCERNS over the impact of Brexit along with milk prices were top of the agenda at this year’s Dairy Show at the Royal Bath and West showground.

The show is the main opportunity for farmers to meet hundreds of buyers, producers and dealers along with industry experts but it is also a time to catch up with neighbours and friends and to see some of the UK’s finest dairy cattle on show.

The Countess of Wessex, vice-patron of the Royal Bath and West of England Society, was the guest of honour at the oneday event and happily chatted to farmers and their families along with trade stand holders.

And the Countess brought smiles to the faces of many, although the biggest smiles of the day belonged to Richard Thomas and his family, from South Wales, who took the supreme champion award with their Holstein cow Moorshard Dude Paradise ET. ● Dairy farming is a “vital cog” at the heart of the region’s economy, worth £3.3bn annually and supporting just over 13,600 jobs both directly and through the wider supply chain, according to a new study commissioned by the South West NFU. The report, produced by the Rural Business School at Duchy College and published on the eve of the show, highlights the importance of the sector to many other industries.

Clare Miles, of Witham Friary, was named best young stockperson in a competition sponsored by Shepton Vets PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Countess in the cattle lines: HRH meets a farmer with a friendly point to make

Lora Fryers, from Lancashire, was named the dairy industry vet of the future. She is pictured receiving her award from the countess along with (l:r) Richard Greasley, from sponsor For Farmers, runners-up Eloise Quince and Rob Hall and competition organiser Peter Clarke, a retired Somerset vet

You’re a diamond: the countess presents Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, with a special award for taking part in projects to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Mrs Maw took part in a series of treks across Somerset

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Dairy industry vet of the future Lora Fryers

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DAIRY SHOW 2016

Judging for the supreme champion award

Just champion: Richard Thomas (far right) with children Iwan and Nia and their surpreme champion Holstein

Here’s looking at moo… a member of the Moorshard Brown Swiss herd from Dunwear, near Bridgwater

(Right): Waiting their turn: Nick Millard, president of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, Michael Oakes, NFU Dairy Board chairman, and David Handley, chairman of Farmers for Action listen as (left) Mike Houghton, from Anderson Consult, addresses farmers at Speakers Corner

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 13

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Hygge – Mendip style

NOVEMBER has many things going for it – bonfires, the local carnivals – but to my mind the main event is that the clocks will have gone back.

Now we can take a deep breath, turn up the heating and get cosy until spring.

Hygge is an un-translateable Danish word pronounced hue-gah meaning the Scandinavian With JUNE quality of places, people and togetherness. Candles, MACFARLANE comfy clothes, good company and warmth. You can have hygge in the summer, but there’s no doubt it is mainly associated with the colder months and the dark nights. Mendip nights in fact!

A good bet is a one-bowl dish like soup or casserole, fresh home-made brownies, a box set and some mates. No shop talk and no politics. Just sink into the moment, relax, enjoy.

CHOCOLATE COCOA BROWNIES (makes nine large squares)

In Scandinavia they are very fond of cinnamon buns; I think 140g unsalted butter chocolate brownies are even 250g sugar better, and I am adding 65g unsweetened cocoa cinnamon to them for a Scandi powder touch. For the chewiest, 1/4 tsp salt fudgiest brownie use cocoa 1/2 tsp vanilla extract powder, the best you can find.

2 large eggs, beaten METHOD 65g plain flour Pre-heat oven to 160°C. Line 1 tsp cinnamon an 8” square cake tin with baking parchment. Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set over a pan of barely simmering water, stir occasionally until butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Add vanilla. Add eggs a little at a time, beating well each time. Add flour and cinnamon and beat well. Tip into tin and bake for about 40 mins until skewer comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

INGREDIENTS

Steak casserole with red wine and orange

CHICKEN SOUP WITH BUTTER BEANS AND TARRAGON

Chicken soup is good for the soul; this one is thickened with butter beans and flavoured with tarragon: a curl-up-on-thesofa sort of dish for a night in.

METHOD Melt the butter in a saucepan and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the onions over a low heat until soft. Add the beans and stock. Simmer gently for 40 minutes until beans are very soft. In a small pot combine chicken and herbs, and a ladleful of stock. Heat through.

Blitz remaining stock mixture until creamy.

Check seasoning. Ladle soup over chicken in deep bowls.

STEAK CASSEROLE WITH RED WINE AND ORANGE

This is a luxury dish in a bowl. It can cook gently until you are ready to eat it.

Minimum fuss, maximum taste.

METHOD Sweat first three vegetables in olive oil until soft. Add meat and brown; add flour and cook through. Add stock and wine and allow to bubble. Add orange rind and squash. Transfer to covered casserole and cook in oven at 150°C for one hour. Taste and season. Cook for a further hour until meat is very soft and liquid has reduced.

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

INGREDIENTS

(for two) 2 onions, peeled and chopped 30g butter olive oil 1 400g can butter beans, drained 500ml chicken stock 300g leftover chicken meat, shredded 6 sprigs parsley, chopped 6 sprigs tarragon, chopped

INGREDIENTS

(for two) 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, 2” lengths 1 rib celery, chopped olive oil 500g rump steak, large cubes 1 tbsp flour 500ml beef stock 200ml red wine 6 sprigs thyme, tied 6” piece orange rind ½ butternut squash, cubed salt, pepper

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What’s new from Myrtle Farm A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Serving up something special

WITH Christmas fast approaching, it’s that time of year when we think about celebrating and planning what we’re going to serve up to friends and family over the festive period.

Thatchers produces a range of fine ciders that will grace any party, from the much loved Thatchers Gold, the round and warming Thatchers Vintage, light and refreshing Katy, or the new cloudy Thatchers Haze.

They are all available in our Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm – keep a look out for festive gifts in the run up to Christmas and New Year, including gift baskets and vouchers.

Shaken not stirred

Why not try something a little different this Christmas and New Year – a celebratory cider cocktail perhaps?

This Apple Martini should, of course, be shaken, not stirred – simply mix 2 measures of Thatchers Gold with 1 measure good quality vodka and 1 measure good quality apple juice. Serve over ice in a classic martini glass and garnish with some finely sliced red apple and cucumber.

Or pop open a bottle of Thatchers Family Reserve for something a little special.

Thatchers Cider is embracing a rediscovered century old family recipe to craft its new Family Reserve – an 11% sparkling apple wine, that uses only the first gently pressed juice of the Katy apple.

Cheers from us all!

FOOD & DRINK

Porter’s Perfection is our apple of the month for November

THE Porter’s Perfection apple is one of the bittersharp apples we use in our cidermaking here at Myrtle Farm. It’s one of the varieties that ripens later in the year, harvesting during November.

Porter’s Perfection has a beautiful dark red skin, is one of the carefully chosen apples that we grow here at Thatchers, and is also one of the 458 varieties in our Exhibition Orchard.

Porter’s Perfection was first grown in the 19th century in Somerset by a Mr Porter!

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November

ONCE again, The Railway will be celebrating Bonfire Night this year with a free firework display in Sandford. The display will start at 7pm, on Saturday 5th November, weather permitting.

As well as the regular menu which will be available in the restaurant and bar, The Railway will also be serving hotdogs, burgers and pizza from the oven on the terrace.

We look forward to seeing you there for a safe, and fun, evening for all the family.

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 15

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Christmas at Farrington’s

Christmas Preview Evening Wednesday 16th November 3pm–8.30pm Sample home-made goodies and festive food and drink.

Meet local producers, browse Christmas gifts, decorations and toys in the Shopping Village.

AT the heart of every Christmas celebration is fabulous food and at Farrington’s you’ll find the freshest, most tempting seasonal produce!

Join them for their Christmas preview evening on Wednesday November 16th, 3pm – 8. 30pm. It's a wonderful time to sample lots of home-made Christmas goodies, meet local food and drink producers and find that perfect gift.

Outside, the charming shopping village will be full of festive cheer too! With its “mini Christmas market” feel, plenty of free parking and carols from Paulton Concert band, experience the magic of Farrington’s this Christmas.

Eat, drink, shop and be merry!

Details: www.farringtons.co.uk

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

Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS

01275 333042 New menu and excellent specials board served Monday – Saturday 12.00–2.30pm and 5.30–8.30pm Selection of delicious roasts on Sunday, served from 12.00–4.00pm Please see our website www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk to view our menus

Taking bookings for Christmas parties

Warming winter lunches • Organic free trade coffee Cream Teas • Afternoon Tea (booking only) Home-made tarts, pies, cakes and bread Local milk, cheeses and eggs Cards, prints and paintings by local artists.

Gift range including products from Mendip Lavender, Milly Green and Robert Fuller Galleries Dogs and Cyclists very welcome Open: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm • Saturday 7.30am-4pm Lunches served 11.30am–2pm

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

High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ

• 2 COURSES £16 • 3 COURSES £20 Please book to avoid disappointment Smaller portions and prices for pensioners available

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm. Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Bread & Beyond 01761 240820

email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com

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Food festival best so far, say organisers

FOOD & DRINK

THOUSANDS of food lovers packed Wells for the city’s annual food and drink festival celebrations.

Visitors could graze their way around the world, from Somerset cider and cheese to Japanese sushi to German-style sausages and Soviet Bloc retro cooking.

Demonstrations and talks also attracted the crowds.

Crowds pack the stalls along the Bishop’s Palace moat – with swans and ducks vying for attention

TJ Welch, a sixth-form catering student at Wells Blue School, at work in the cookery marquee

Having a mallow time: exotic flavours and colours on offer on the Wells Marshmallow Company stall

Preparing fresh cheesy bread: Lynda, from Lynda’s Loaf at work

Frank collects donations for the Beetlecrushers clog dance group, who entertained visitors during the afternoon

Kim, from Wells Country Market, was offering beetroot and chocolate cake to visitors

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 17

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Sweet Cumin Indian Cookery School Christmas Gi Vouchers available to the value of your choice ❖ Courses to suit all ages and abili!es ❖ Enjoy learning in a small class size ❖ Take home the food you cook, a goody pack with recipe and spices ❖ Half day courses £85.00 and Full day courses £165.00 per person. ❖ Discover the secrets of blending and using spices with confidence ❖ Bini conducts public talks, demonstra!ons and private catering

The Barn, Clapton, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4EB

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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GARDEN FOOD

Raspberries

THE autumn raspberries are still coming thick and fast as I write this in midOctober, and in the mild winters we have more and more of they can easily carry on into December.

Given that they start in August, they are an extraordinarily prolific crop and With JAKE something everyone should have in their WHITSON garden, along with the ordinary summer raspberries, and if you have the room, Japanese Wineberries (Rubus phoenicolasius) which crop, very neatly, in between the two.

As I've noted before, they are one of the few plants which crop well in shade – this makes them an excellent crop for the shadier corners of your garden where little else will grow (at least little else which is edible).

I usually have little trouble keeping up with the raspberries just by eating them fresh – crushed with a little sugar on porridge, or ice cream – very often recently I have been also eating them with a chia seed pudding, either in the morning or as a light dessert.

This is a little like tapioca pudding in texture but easier to make and, to my mind, much nicer. These little seeds swell up with a soft gel when immersed in water – I usually fill a cup one third full with chia seeds, then fill to the top with milk.

Then I stir the seeds and milk for the first couple of minutes to stop them clumping, before leaving for around half an hour to swell. This will make a thick, tapioca like pudding, which crushed raw raspberries and sugar goes with exceptionally well – if it's dessert, I'll often also add a little vanilla. to the milk, and a little cream on top at the end.

Delicious.

Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Playing (puff) ball!

Recently I took a family and friends’ group out for a birthday wild food foray. We set out from the pub and had a lovely afternoon walking around the Mendips discovering different edible treats. Amongst other things we tried nettles, rosehips, hawthorn berries, wood sorrel and common sorrel but With ADRIAN unfortunately no mushrooms.

BOOTS It seems this is partly due to the very dry conditions we have experienced this summer and autumn. When we found some blackthorn with attendant sloes, we even had a nip of my six-year-old sloe gin to raise the spirits! Disappointingly still no mushrooms though.

As we were walking up a track alongside the edge of some coniferous woods we found a veritable hoard of common puffballs – hooray! Finally an edible mushroom that is behaving itself, putting in an appearance and, dare I say it, playing (puff) ball!

Without further ado, I brought out my camping stove, fired up the gas and soon the woods filled with the aroma of frying mushrooms.

Common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) has a rounded head with the stem narrowing abruptly covered in creamy white/ brown conical spines. As it matures the spines fall off leaving a browning papery skin, the top ruptures creating a pore through which the spores “puff”. This is helped along by rain drops hitting the mushroom, being knocked by animals or passing 12-year-olds.

If the flesh starts to turn yellow, brown or black then it is beginning the sporing process and is not good to eat. Ensure that the flesh is perfectly white. The common puffball is two to five cm wide, three to eight cm tall and can be found on soil, decayed wood, and leaf litter in deciduous and coniferous woods. Late summer and throughout the autumn into winter is the best time to find them and they are, ah, very common.

Now in previous years when it has been damp/wet/sodden the puffballs have absorbed a good deal of this moisture and I have to say the flavour and texture are affected somewhat. It’s almost as if you are steaming, not frying them. Thankfully the dry weather has worked in our favour with the puffball flesh remaining firm without being a tasteless mass.

Very lightly cooking them with only a small dash of extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with sea salt and cracked black pepper, turning until a light golden colour was achieved gave us a rich flavour which to everyone’s surprise was really rather good. A Sunday afternoon doesn’t get much better than this.

Delightfully, one of the children in the group decided to rename it the “butt cheek mushroom”, I can’t for the life of me see why (a bit spiky) but it did make us all laugh. Twelve-year-olds eh...

We returned to the pub happy, pleased with our finds and with a new-found appreciation of the common puffball!

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.

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Holy Cow wins converts

CONVERTED from an old stable block, The Holy Cow combines contemporary and fresh interior design with the historic surroundings of 17th century farm buildings.

The award-winning café is all about home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients, all beautifully presented and changed every two weeks to adapt to local and seasonal availability.

Salads are the Holy Cow’s speciality, freshly prepared in the farmhouse kitchen every day, and this winter the cafe is now also offering a delicious hot dish of the week alongside their other staples such as The Holy Cow Burger.

These can be enjoyed with a range of award-winning local alcoholic and soft drinks.

Breakfast and lunch menus are available on weekdays and the new opening times for Saturday breakfast are 9am until 2pm.

“The pancakes and French toast are amazing, with the crispiest bacon I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Best breakfast menu in the area. All served by smiling faces in a lovely café,” according to one Facebook review.

There are many foot and cycle paths in the countryside surrounding The Holy Cow. What could be better than enjoying the comfortable and cosy atmosphere with great food and drinks after a winter walk?

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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Four good reasons to visit Hartley’s Kitchen

FOOD & DRINK

HARTLEY’S KITCHEN

THERE’S always something good going on at Hartley’s Kitchen at Rookery Farm, near Binegar and the coming weeks are no exception! ● Huge fun is guaranteed with their pumpkin carving competition: Saturday, October 29th from 8am to 11am. Prizes for the best creations. Witches and wizards welcome! ● “A day without wine is like a day without sunshine”, so Hartley’s will celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day on Thursday, November 17th. Seriously not to be missed – book now. Cool glasses of Beaujolais with a fab French menu. ● Plan your Christmas at Hartley’s Kitchen – virtually everything is made by their team of passionate chefs. From breakfast by a log fire to lunch of beef carpaccio, wild boar casserole, three bird roast with vodka cranberry sauce and warm mince pies with brandy butter all washed down with fine wine. ● This year the Rookery Farm Christmas Fair is on Saturday, December 3rd. Enjoy mulled wine at Hartleys, Santa Paws(!) at Paws & Claws, Christmas trees for sale (in aid of local good causes), craft demonstrations and health therapies. Come and join in the fun!

WE ARE NOW 4* RATED ★★★★

December 2016 at the Natterjack Inn Christmas 3 Course Menu available from 1 t o 24 December – £25.00 2 Course Lunchtime only Menu – £19.00 Booking & Pre-Ordering are required SUNDAY LUNCH OPENING 12.00 – 5.00PM CHRISTMAS EVE 11.30am to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11pm Food served 12noon to 2.30 and 6.30pm to 9pm (Normal Menu) CHRISTMAS DAY Christmas 4 Course Lunch Arrive at 12noon for lunch at 1pm – 4 Course Menu £60.00 Booking & pre-ordering are required for t his menu along with a deposit of £20 per person Closed on Boxing Day Tuesday 27t h to Friday 30th Dec – Normal opening times New Year’s Eve – Normal lunchtime routine

New Year’s Eve In-house Party

with a la car te menu – call for detail s. Deposit required.

New Year’s Day Normal Lunchtime Hours & Menu – Closed In The Evening

It’s the season to be jolly at Hartleys: Beaujolais Nouveau and the Festive Season!

Come and celebrate the birthday of Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine and bringing in the new harvest on Beaujolais Nouveau Day – THURSDAY 17th NOVEMBER. The wine arrives at 8am!

Oh! La! La!

Great French Breakfasts with fine coffee & a glass of wine!

Lunch of French Onion Soup, Pork Terrine, Prawns in garlic, Steak au Poivre, Moules et Frites, Coquille St Jacques, Coq au Vin, Crème Brûlée, Tart Tatin – and Georges Duboeuf ’s excellent new gamay grape Beaujolais Nouveau!

The Festive Season Christmas Celebration

Just picture hoar frost on the hedges, carol singers, then a roaring log fire, beautifully be-decked Christmas tree and boughs of fir and holly adorning Hartleys Kitchen. Isn’t that the perfect picture in which to celebrate the best of the run up to Christmas?

Hot mulled wine, pancetta wrapped scallops, duck, rabbit terrine, three bird roast, wild boar casserole, venison & juniper burger, tamarind glazed pork belly – and if that’s not got your festive juices flowing then I’ll be Santa Claus!

Our Christmas Menu is available from December 1st to Christmas Eve.

Hartleys Café Bistro, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL Just a few miles from Wells and Shepton Mallet (on the B3135)

Telephone 01749 841718 e-mail info@hartleyskitchen.com

Christmas at

Festive Parties and Private Dining Available from 1st -24th December Lunch & Dinner £29.99 for 4 Courses

CHRISTMAS DAY £75 for our fantastic Christmas Day Banquet

Please call 01275 472292 for more information

natterjack

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 21

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs Using local wood

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

For Forevent eventand andparty partycatering catering Contact ContactGill Gilland andRob Rob 07443 07443465425 465425

N O V E M B E R D AT E S W e l l s E a c h W e d 9 a m – 2. 3 O p m A l l o t h e r m a r k e t s 9 a m - 1 p m un l e s s o t h e r w i s e m a r ke d *

SAT 5th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 6th SFM @ Frome Independent SAT 12th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 19th Crewkerne FRI 25th Burnham-on-Sea SAT 26th Glastonbury (9am-2pm)*

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s Traditional little country pub.

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us.

Note 80% menu is Gluten-free.

Booking highly recommended.

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FOOD & DRINK

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 23

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Warm welcome at the Woodborough

THE Woodborough Inn in Winscombe is gearing up for Christmas, with the promise of some excellent beers, wines, food – and good company.

It now has a regular guest ale, currently Bath Ales’ Forest Hare, a delightful autumn tipple, alongside a range of other beers and ciders.

It also boasts a comprehensive wine list to complement the broad choice of food on offer, which includes a new buffet menu and the chance to enjoy lunch on Sundays all day from 12noon to 8.30pm.

It also boasts a wide selection of gins.

Its Christmas

THE

menu is now available, offering two courses and coffee for £19 or three courses and coffee for £24, with a choice of four starters, like pork and Calvados pate, five mains, including turkey, beef brisket, stuffed bream or butternut squash, barley and spinach pie, and five desserts.

If you are looking for a party venue, the skittle alley is available to hire, with buffet available, and there are seven ensuite bedrooms to stay in, with online booking available.

With a cosy log burner and the promise of mulled wine, the recently restored Woodborough Inn can promise you a warm welcome this Christmas.

WOODBOROUGH INN Modernised and redecorated Comfortable new bar with log burner

01934 844167 • contact@woodborough-inn.co.uk Sandford Road, Winscombe, Somerset bS25 1HD PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

• A real village pub – all welcome • Open all day, every day • Freshly prepared food • Extensive menu and daily specials • Local ales • Freshly-ground coffee • A stones throw from The Strawberry Line • Outside sea!ng area www.woodborough-inn.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

A kitchen garden – medieval style A KITCHEN garden in the style once seen hundreds of years ago at Glastonbury Abbey is to be recreated as part of an education scheme open to all.

The garden will be created from an area which is currently overgrown and will be next to the current herb garden on the edge of the orchard. The project has secured funding from Somerset Skills and Learning.

Centuries ago the abbey would have grown its own produce for use within the Abbot’s Kitchen which catered for the abbot and his high-status guests such as the Royal family of the time as well as to feed the monks and employees.

Learning assistant Luke Loader said: “At Glastonbury some of the gardening may have been carried out by monks but we do know that it was common for gardeners to be employed. In 1333 we have some information from documents in which the then head gardener Thomas of Keynsham described that there were at least two gardens as well as an orchard and vineyard.

“Parts of both gardens were grazed by

Brother Dunstan, aka Mark Hutchinson, living history presenter at Glastonbury Abbey in the herb garden

horses but pot-vegetables including onions, leeks, beans and garlic as well as plants used for dye such as madder and bed straw were present. This information points to gardening on a local industrial scale requiring a dedicated staff to manage production.

“We hope to have the garden created and growing crops by next summer and we plan to use the garden and its produce

to help schools and all our visitors learn about seasonality of produce and how people grew what they ate. We will also use some of the produce in the Abbot’s Kitchen.” ● The courses begin in November. To register interest call Marcelle Bacchus, the abbey’s project manager, on 01458 832267. Courses are free for adults aged 19+ with a £10 refundable deposit.

Lunchtime Set Menu Two Courses for £12

Monday to Thursday 12-2.30

Starters

(v) Soup of The Day (See Specials Boa rds) Devilled Whitebait with a Runner Bea n, Mango and Chilli Salsa Ham Hock Rillette, Mustard Mayonn aise, Pickles & Toasted brioche

Mains

Due to popular demand we are pleased to announce that we are now open all day for food, Wednesday to Saturday We look forward to seeing you!

The Plough Inn, High Street, Wrington, North Somerset, BS40 5QA Tel : 01934 862871 www.theploughatwrington.co.uk

Pork, Butcombe & Red Onion Sausage s, Mash Potato & Red Onion Marmal ade Gravy Pearl Barley Risotto, Roasted Buttern ut Squash, Goats Cheese & Spiced Parsnip Cris ps Goan Fish Curry, Fragrant Rice, Hom emade Puri Bread & Herb Salad

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding, with Toffee Sauce, Banana Crisp and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Chocolate and Orange Marquise, Salt ed Caramel and Bourbon Crumb Three Scoops of Ice Cream or Sorbet Clotted Cream, Vanilla Bean, Coffee Mocha, Salted Caramel, Funky Banana, Chocolate & Strawbe rries and Cream MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 25

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Ben Reynolds, of East Harptree, was named best young ploughman, winning the Jim Stevens Perpetual Cup

Alex Bown hedging

John Wedmore from Gurney Slade dry stone walling

Roger Triggol (left) and son Andrew, from Tickenham, with their 1919 Titan

Starting them young – John Rea, son Richard, and his children Henry, aged three, and Alfie, 11 months, from Norton St. Philip

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Ploughing can be a dog's life

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MENDIP PLOUGHING MATCH 2016

The Sparkes' team had four steam ploughs working

Judging the cereals

Members of the lunch team

Page 27

Gary Holloway, of Backwell, reclaimed the champion ploughman trophy he last held in 2014

Waiting for the day’s results to be announced

Visitors from Chew Stoke C of E primary school

Ploughing pals Sam and Poppet

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 27

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INTERNET

Statistics

I THOUGHT a look at the number of world wide web users might be interesting this month. If you go to http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/ you will see a live, constantly updated record of people using the internet. Which is interesting for two reasons – one is that there are more than 3,474 million users at the time of writing, and secondly that the number increases by about 10 per second! By the time you read this, it will be a lot more!

Internet The number of worldwide internet users is 3174m, Western Europe is 326.1m, in China it’s 483.18m and the US is 201.78m Emails There are around 2.5 billion email users around the world. In 2019, it is projected to be 2.9 billion email users worldwide.

The number of email accounts were calculated to number around 4.4 billion in 2015 (up from 2.9 billion in 2010 and 3.3 billion in 2012).

The estimated number of email users worldwide (in 2015) is 2.6 billion, and the amount of emails sent per day to be around 205 billion. Which means almost 2.4 million emails are sent every second and some 74 trillion emails are sent per year.

Texts 4.2 billion+ people text worldwide.

Over 560 billion texts are sent every month worldwide. 18.7 billion texts are sent worldwide every day. Text alternatives WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger combine for 60 billion messages sent every day.

The average person in the UK sent 170 text messages per month in 2014.

More than 86% of people in the UK use text messaging on a weekly basis.

Approximately 140 billion text messages were sent in the UK during 2014.

Messaging WhatsApp announced it had attracted a total of one billion active users last month making it the world's most popular messaging app.

The average monthly smartphone data traffic in the UK during 2015 was 1.2 GB – an increase from the average of 849MB per month in 2014.

So, with that number of users and all that data flying around, Microsoft is not likely to make an unsolicited phone call to some individual user saying there is something wrong with their computer!

Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk • itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skillsharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you for £10 per hour. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you can spare two hours a week have skills on any level that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1/5 Airborne vet who found somewhere longed for (4,3,7) 9 Leeds turn out for final score (3,6) 10 Announce the winning card – if it suits! (5) 11 So queer I even feel strange myself (5) 12 Disallow offer to one who serves drinks (9) 13 Moved leg once in Scotland (7) 15 Fruit said to be over ripe – two at a time (4,3) 17 Little water gone, so make delivery (4,3) 20 Make statement about point and final blow – issue invitation (3,4) 22 USA oil in a state of flux (9) 23 Ship’s officers change sides (5) 24 Long for change and take a slice (5) 25 Wind not so wet it generates hot air (4,5) 26 Senior detective's been exploited and made redundant (7) 27 One doesn’t make a summer – I'll drink to that! (7)

DOWN 1 Too rich – even for the birds! (9) 2 At finish favourite lost his head – give your approval (7) 3 Soothe me with a tune like that (5) 4 It leaves life assurance outfit to become placid (7) 5 Painter at races found rhythmic chat a nasty catch (3-4) 6 I think the pen looks good (2,3,4) 7 Leap forward – as you’re obliged (5,2) 8 How I personally deal with rain as a driver (5) 14 Disgruntled openers make sign to St Peter (5,4) 16 Notts team have argument in Sussex (6,3) 18 Modify revue so it works for Francois (7) 19 Apartment has somewhere to sleep – suit lorry-driver?

(7) 20 Assistants to be wary of when buying books online?

(7) 21 Invigilator has no gain – just invective (7) 22 Tied up and drink spiked (5) 23 Princess became dear to Jason (5)

Answers on page 113

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Family photography firm has it framed CROWDS came and celebratory drinks flowed – they wanted to see the transformation of the Armandine Gallery at the top of Sadler Street in Wells by D. H. James, the family-run photo and framing shop at the other end of the road.

Wells mayor Alison Gibson was amongst the guests and town crier Len Sweales recited a humorous poem he wrote specially for the reopening.

Chris Goodwin, of D. H. James, said: “It was a great day. The Armandine was full.

“People were pleased to hear that all its previous services are still available while the framing range has expanded and we now supply art materials too.

“As one long-standing local family business we are proud to take charge of the Armandine, another long-standing local family business.

“We also wish Carol Davis and Stephen Paul, the previous owners, all the best in their semi-retirement.”

Carol and Stephen had been framing pictures in the city for 25 years – first at

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Wells mayor Alison Gibson and town crier Len Sweales join members of the D. H. James family at the reopening of the Armandine Gallery

the Sadler Street Gallery, then Armandine.

Now aged 67, they are launching new careers.

Chris, who owns D. H. James with his brother Nick James, added: “We are very excited about taking over Armandine Gallery.

“Stephen and Carol have run the gallery very successfully over the years providing

a great level of service to their customers.

Now they have decided to move on it makes perfect sense for D. H. James to build upon their ever expanding custom picture-framing.”

Carol and Stephen see a bright future for the Armandine. Stephen said: “The gallery is in very good hands with D. H. James.”

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

WHAT a fast and furious day, Killens experienced at their sale on October 15th at the Mendip Auction Rooms!

Some 500 lots went under the hammer and, in addition to a strong attendance of buyers in the room, some 350 online bidders viewed the sale and registered to bid with keen interest from across the world, possibly buoyed by the fall in the pound.

The demand for silver and jewellery showed no sign of weakening with a charm bracelet readily achieving £1,100, a three-stone diamond ring £920 and a bracelet of eight half sovereigns £900.

There was a good entry of watches with an Omega Speedmaster wristwatch selling for £800 and a silver verge alarm pocket watch £410. A special valuation day for silver items and jewellery will be held on November 11th at the auction rooms between 10am and 5pm.

Over recent months, the market for furniture has strengthened although still well behind levels of many years ago. A 19th

century oak full tester four poster bed with Jacobean style panels sold to an internet buyer for £1,000 with an Ercol elm and beech kneehole desk selling for a phenomenal £1,000 as well.

Amongst the collectables, a good Victorian Kilburn’s Stereoscope and tinted daguerreotype achieved £600 and a set of Robert Harrop Thunderbirds boxed figures met fierce bidding achieving £600. A taxidermy perch that was caught in the River Avon in 1911 made £350.

On October 25th, an excellent entry for the Victorian and Later Effects sale went under the hammer, with a diverse range of items on offer with excellent opportunities for those seeking to furnish a house.

Entries are now being invited for forthcoming sales with the next sale being of Antiques and Collectables on November 12th.

Valuation days are every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm or members of the valuation team are happy to conduct a home visit free of charge.

Quality Ercol in demand!

The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 31

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Draycott Art Fair

Oil Painting by John Whittall

www.somersetguild.co.uk PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

BUILDING on the success of last year’s Draycott Art Fair, this exciting event will be staged again on Sunday November 20th, 10am – 6pm.

The fair is organised to give the public a chance to meet the artists taking part all under one roof. Draycott Memorial Hall provides the perfect venue for an event of this type and it is the only event of this type in Somerset.

The artists taking part are all keen to discuss their work with enthusiastic visitors and many will be demonstrating their skills.

Work will of course be for sale.

Last year there was a really enjoyable atmosphere in the room from start to finish.

Attendance at the fair was far greater than expected and judging from the feedback received, should be Wood Turning by George Foweraker even greater this year. Robin Gray, the event’s director, says that response from artists has been encouraging with many well-known artists from areas outside Somerset having booked a space.

Among those taking part are John Whittall who has work in the National Portrait Gallery, Graham Cox the well-known demonstrator of pastel painting, Jamie Boots whose work is on show at the Nature in Art Gallery, and Gerry Francis whose ceramic wildlife sculptures are always well received.

Also represented are many well-loved local artists and craftspeople. Delicious refreshments will be on sale all day and there will be interludes of music and poetry in the side studio.

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Say cheese in Clevedon!

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CLEVEDON Salerooms’ forthcoming Quarterly Specialist Sale includes this George Tinworth menu holder, title ’Photography’.

Tinworth designed a number of mice-themed menu holders for Doulton Lambeth in the late 19th century and this example, standing just 9.5cm tall comes with an estimate of £800 £1,200.

If you do not know what gift to buy the partner who has everything for Christmas, why not take a gamble on this vintage Jennings chrome cased ‘Governor’ onearm bandit

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

estimated at £400 - £600.

The sale will also include a fine collection of jewellery and watches and the sale catalogue will be on line from Saturday November 5th.

For more information, contact the salerooms on 01934 830111.

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 21 22 23 November

9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery 17th November

Sale starts at 10am On view day before 10am – 7.30pm.

Sale day from 9am

Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789

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

Henry Moore, Oil on canvas, ‘On the Thames’ £3,000 - £4,000

Regulator by Robert Roskell of Liverpool £4,000 - £6,000

German Jugendstil, silver tea set £1,000 - £1,500

Quarterly Specialist Sale

Thursday 17th November at 10.30am Viewing Days Tuesday 15th November 2pm – 5.30pm and Wed 16th November 10am – 7.30pm MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 33

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New gallery opens

ERICA Sharpe has announced a new venture opening on Saturday November 12th – The Wild Edge Gallery, situated next door to her jewellery showroom, at 9 Borough Mall, Wedmore.

The gallery will showcase work from artists inspired by the wilderness, nature and our natural environment. Painters Jim Starr and Erica herself will be featured, together with sculptors April Young and Ian Marlow.

Several photographers will also be exhibiting a selection of their stunning photographs.

The gallery will be hosting special exhibitions throughout the year and showcasing an exciting and varied range of artists.

Details: www.wildedgegallery.co.uk

MENDIP VALLEY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES We BUY and SELL antiques and collectables

Due to overwhelming support and demand we are looking to extend the shop to provide a wider range of choice.

Monday Closed • All other days 10.30am til 4pm New Manor Farm Shop, Widcombe BS40 6HW Contact: sparkes.contracting@yahoo.co.uk 01761 221001 • 07966 387252 • Please visit our website: mendipvalleyantiquesandcollectables.co.uk

PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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Make friends with the Black Swan Arts Centre

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

A SPECIAL exhibition opening in November will be the finale to months of celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of the Black Swan arts centre in Frome.

The events have been a resounding success, helping the organisation – a charity – to raise muchTwo Deer by Chris Lee needed funds and increase its profile. They have ranged from a 1,000 postcards exhibition and a “hidden swans” trail around the town to leading roles in Frome Festival and Somerset Open Studios.

This year's main winter exhibition “30 Years, 30 Artists” opens to the public on Saturday, November 26th and will be a fitting end to Black Swan’s anniversary year. The exhibition closes on Christmas Eve. Featuring past and present studio holders, it will feature disciplines including ceramics, jewellery, painting, pottery and printmaking and will provide an insight into the progression of the careers of artists based at the studios over the years, including Annette Gabbedey, Kate Cooke, Christina Oswin and Mel Day. The exhibition will be the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts.

Black Swan will be launching its Friends of BSA programme at the exhibition preview on Friday, November 25th. Membership packages will make great Christmas gifts for art lovers and all those who want to support the Black Swan.

Amanda Sheridan, chair of the centre trustees, said: “Over the past 30 years the Black Swan arts centre has worked with hundreds of people; talented artists and makers; trustees past and present have seen it through some pretty shaky times helped by dedicated staff; but most importantly we have been sustained by our fantastic volunteers without whom the Swan would quite simply sink. After all these years of dedication, we deserve to see the Centre go on for another 30 years.”

Black Swan is looking for a coordinator to oversee the friends initiative. This is a volunteer position, with free friends membership for three years and a position on the board of trustees. For further details, visit the website – www.theblackswan.co.uk – or call 01373 473980.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 35

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EVENTS

Axbridge Blackberry Carnival Trina’s Tots Disney entry

The Retro riders

Axbridge Cricket Club The Three Graces

Cadets blast off

THE annual Axbridge Blackberry Carnival had a rocket put under it thanks to the staff, cadets and parents of the local sea cadet unit.

Following the theme of "Travel through Time", the members of TS Goatland worked together to produce the trailermounted rocket.

Water pistols were on hand on the day to ensure the watching crowds didn't overheat. Their efforts paid off as they finished as the overall carnival winners.

The unit has only been open for three years but now has six permanent members of volunteer staff, 21 senior cadets and six juniors.

PO Adrian Peck, the T/OIC said: "The cadets have spent a long time doing water-borne activities over the

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Princess Kitty Booth, Queen Tilly Wornell and Princess Eloise Samways

summer, but it has been great to get involved with something completely different. We wanted to do well, but to clean up during our first year, just shows how much enthusiasm, drive

and effort everyone put in.

“The unit is very active in the Axbridge community and to see so many people cheering us on in the town square was brilliant. I am genuinely over the moon!"

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Miles More Mendip for Christmas

Your chance to get a great new book of circular walks of discovery on the Mendip Hills for Christmas at a special rate.

Written by Mendip Times’ writers, Sue Gearing and Les Davies Miles More Mendip Is a book of ten circular walks within the Mendip Hills. They are walks with a difference that show you new and hidden places on Mendip and help unlock the mysteries of the landscape.

Spiral bound, beautifully designed in full colour with photos and maps. 77 pages.

Price for Mendip Times readers is £8.99 (a discount on the normal retail price of £9.99) plus a flat fee p & p of £2.50.

ORDER FORM

Complete the coupon and send with cheque (payable to Sue Gearing) to: MT book offer, Sue Gearing, 33 Garstons Close, Wrington, Bristol BS40 5QT. Name: ............................................................

Address:.........................................................

Postcode: .......................................................

Tel no: ............................................................

I wish to order . . . . copies of Miles More Mendip at £9.99 each plus flat fee of £2.50 p & p.

Any queries, contact Sue: gearings@btinternet.com

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MENDIP TIMES

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Mendip product featured on Countryfile

Pictured (l to r) John Burton, Richard Geleit, Adam Henson and Barry Smith

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

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

Tel 01761 451787

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LECATCHER MO

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

THE Brackenburn story captured the imagination of Adam Henson and the Countryfile team who spent the day filming on Mendip, at Puxton Park and in Burrington in September.

Mendip Times’ own Les Davies, ex Senior Warden of the Mendips, landed a starring role, as did locals John Burton, Richard Geleit and Barry Smith who have taken this remarkable idea from the

drawing board onto the production line.

This innovative West County based company takes bracken, a suffocating “nuisance” plant and turns it into an ecofriendly, biomass fuel ideal for log burners and open fires.

The briquetted bracken (Brackettes) burn hotter and longer than oak and the residue is high in potash – a natural fertilizer.

Most importantly they are not cutting down any trees in order to keep the home fires burning.

The BBC Countryfile Brackenburn episode is due to be broadcast nationwide on Sunday October 30th to over seven million viewers.

For those of you who miss this fascinating story you’ll find it on the company’s website.

Details: www.brackenburn.co.uk

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

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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

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Outstanding award for local travel agent owner LOCAL travel agency boss Miles Morgan has received yet another award in London to complete an amazing year of awards for the company, who are celebrating their 10th birthday this year.

The award was for his outstanding contribution to the travel industry over his 30-year career. The award is bestowed annually to one recipient for a lifetime of success and achievement within the travel sector.

Miles started as a junior in a travel agency in Devon before joining Bristolbased firm, Bakers Dolphin, where latterly he was sales and marketing manager. From there his career took him on to running sales and marketing for the UK's largest travel company, Thomson.

Whilst there he was appointed to the main board of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents), helping the wider travel industry.

In 2006, he founded Miles Morgan Travel, his own travel agency chain, which has enjoyed ten years of continued growth and success. This was recognised earlier this year when the company was

awarded the Best Travel Agent in the South West and South Wales 2016 at the Travel Weekly awards.

Miles said of the award: "I was totally amazed to receive the award, the list of previous winners is a who's who of our industry and to be on that list is a real honour. The whole year for our company has been tremendous with not only another successful year for the business but a wealth of awards as well and this one certainly takes pride of place above them all.

"Our company’s success has a lot to do with the grounding I have had within the travel industry. I have done almost every job from the bottom up and that really helps in understanding what we need to do to be successful. At the top of the list is recruiting great people and we are blessed with an amazing team of committed stars that serve our customers every day, I am a very proud boss."

Manager of the local Wells shop, Margaret Moulton, said: “We are so pleased for Miles – his passion for the travel industry and for Miles Morgan

BUSINESS

Travel is obvious to us all and to get this award is so richly deserved.

“To be crowned the best Travel Agent in the South West and Wales was tremendous for us all and this now just tops off a fabulous year for the company.”

The company now has 14 shops in the South West and South Wales.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 39

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BUSINESS

Understanding a deed of severance and how it affects your estate THE way in which ownership of property is approached could have long-term consequences in later life.

Ownership of property – joint tenants Many couples own their main home jointly.

The property would normally be owned by them as Joint Tenants i.e. they both own 100% of the property. If one joint owner then died, the surviving owner would continue to own 100% of the property in their sole name (if they were the only other joint owner). This is because the property passes automatically under the survivorship rules and not under the deceased owner’s Will (or intestacy if no Will).

Ownership of Property – Joint Tenants in Common Two (or more) people can also own property as Joint Tenants in Common. Usually each party owns a 50% share (or such other agreed percentage at the time of purchase).

Because the property is not owned 100% by either party a grant of probate of the Will (or Grant of Letters of administration if no Will) would have to be obtained to transfer the deceased’s share of the property. The transfer would be in accordance with the terms of their Will (or in accordance with the intestacy rules, if no Will exists). The grant would ensure the deceased’s share of the

Anna O’Hara, Head of Probate and Trusts Department

property passes in accordance with their wishes.

When should a joint tenancy ownership be changed?

It may appear to be simpler for the share in the house to pass automatically to the other joint owner or owners on death.

However, there are circumstances where it could be more advantageous for both tax purposes and in the event of care fee assessment by local authorities, to create a Deed of Severance to alter the ownership of the property.

Case 1 – care fee contributions If the survivor of a couple cannot cope on their own after the death of their partner, they may eventually need residential care.

When the local authority assesses the cash and assets of the individual, they will also take into consideration any share of a house owned (or part owned) by them.

This could result in the sale of the family home, so that all proceeds (apart from a fairly low sum) could then be used up in care costs.

Solution If a spouse or other joint owner left their 50% share (or other share) of the property in a Trust, this could allow the surviving partner to continue to live in the property until they require care. That share of the property in the Trust could not be taken towards care fees (although any potential income from the share could be taken into account). The deceased owner’s share of the property would be ring-fenced and protected for the next set of beneficiaries.

However, if the property is owned as joint tenants this would not be an option.

Case 2 – second marriages In the event of a second marriage spouses often wish to look after each other, but ultimately wish their own bloodline to inherit.

Edward Lyons, Head of Property Litigation Department

Solution The share of the first spouse’s property could be protected in a Trust in their Will, so that a surviving spouse or partner can either remain in the property until their death. In the event the surviving partner needs nursing care the property could either pass to the next set of beneficiaries at that time or the proceeds invested to provide an income for the survivor, depending on the terms of the Will.

Joint tenants’ property ownership – a warning If you wished to protect your share of your property after your death, but you own your property as Joint Tenants, a Deed of Severance would be required. To fully protect your share in the property you should also consider changing your Will to protect it within a trust. We are happy to discuss your requirements and carry out a free review of your will to ensure it fits your wishes and current circumstances.

Please therefore contact Barbara Calcutt at Lyons Solicitors on 01179 419532 or barbaracalcutt@lyonslaw.co.uk

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. ● Administration of ● Inheritance disputes ● Negligence claims Trusts ● Living Wills ● Mediation ● Property – sales and ● Powers of Attorney ● Family and Divorce law purchases ● Contractual disputes ● Co-habitation disputes Chew Magna 01275 332168

OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 41

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

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BUSINESS

FIZZ N’FROCKS EVENING

We are having a Fizz & Frocks Evening on Friday, November 4th, 6-9pm. These are great fun evenings designed for you to preview our festive season’s gowns, party frocks and gifts, while enjoying a 15% discount on any purchase during the evening.

Bring some friends or come on your own and enjoy a glass or two of Prosecco in stylish and fun surroundings – you never know what you just might find and you can be sure of a very warm welcome! £2.50 entrance fee redeemable on first purchase.

No need to book – simply pop along!

1 The Stables, The George Hotel, Church Street, Wedmore BS28 4AB Tel: 01934 707576.

Email: cathy@sumptuousdesignerwear.co.uk www.sumptuousdesignerwear.co.uk

Mendip Times ONLINE

Free access to all of our recent magazines from our website Free links to all of our advertisers’ websites Free links from our features and editorial pages More information – more enjoyment No annoying pop-ups – Mendip Times pure and simple A new service for readers and advertisers

www.mendiptimes.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMER 2016 • PAGE 43

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Forgotten heroes of the war

RURAL Hidden Heroes was set up by Village Agents based in the Chew Valley and North Somerset to encourage people with past military connections to step forwards. Nearly 150 people have done just that and have already enjoyed invitation-only events and memorypacked tea parties.

This project is about conversations and those have led to sharing stories of home life in the 1940s and war-time service around the globe. Two local ladies are very proud of the service they both gave during the World War 2.

PAM’S STORY Pam Veats now lives in Blagdon but in her late teens she was looking forward to completing her school education with a view to going on to university to study archaeology. At the outbreak of war everything changed.

Her Mother filled their house in Surrey with billeted servicemen and her father joined the Home Guard. On reaching 17, Pam chose to sign up for the omen’s Land Army and moved from being the only child at home to a 1,000-acre farm in Esher where she joined 40 other girls from many different backgrounds.

She said she loved making new friends: “There were some very posh girls who had never even done washing up before and the Cockney girls kept us in stitches with their stories.”

They were given bicycles to get around but they had no handbrakes and several of them went over the handlebars as they tried to remember to pedal backwards to slow down. Pam, just 5’ 1” tall became a carter and was put in charge of two mighty shire horses which at 16 hands towered above.

She remembers: “During all that time I never had any toenails because they kept

The medal

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

stepping on my feet which became very painful.”

Although the farm was away from most of the heavy Blitz, Pam had to load up the waggons each week with vital fresh produce for Borough Market on the south side of the Thames at Southwark. Leaving the farm at 3 o’clock in the morning, she drove her trusty shire horses through the air raids and remembers the noise of the bombs and dog fights overhead: “There were buzz bombs falling all around me at times but we just got on with it like everyone else at that time.”

The wage was just £1.50 a week and half a pound of extra cheese ration even when harvest times meant starting at 5am and work hard through to nightfall. Pam’s memories of her life as a Land Girl are willingly shared now that she is 92 and living close to her family in Blagdon. She is a true Rural Hidden Hero.

Pam Veats with a photo showing her (right) with a friend

to be end up a trainee milker. My family thought this was hilarious.”

After months of basic training the girls were despatched in twos and threes to their host farms. Ruth was sent on her own to Butcombe Farm, Blagdon where she joined a team of local farm hands much to the suspicion of their families. The dairy farm kept her busy for the next four and half years during which time she turned her hand to many different tasks and fell in love with the countryside around her.

Ruth worked hard and was allowed half a day a week off and one whole week a year for holiday. She says: “Other services had one week off every three months and it was recognised that the Land Girls worked very long hours with little reward. It was a fight to get the minimum wage of that time.”

At the close of the war the Women’s Land Army did not get the recognition and gratitude of the nation that was deserved.

Land Girls were not eligible for resettlement grants offered to civil defence workers and, refused money for civilian clothing, they returned home in their uniforms.

Ruth was one of many who campaigned

RUTH’S STORY Ruth Weaver, nee Statham, returned to her home in Manchester from a holiday in the Lake District to listen to the broadcast of the declaration of war. Her school was immediately evacuated but she didn’t go with them. December of 1940 saw the Blitz of Manchester.

When girls reached 17 and a half they had to register for National Service and if they didn’t volunteer for a particular service, they were sent to the munitions factory or into services that would be posted abroad. With her brother in the army she decided to join the Women’s Land Army and hoped to stay close to home.

But just before Christmas, 1942, she ended up in Steanbow Hostel in Pilton. She says: “I saw the posters which had ‘Join the Land Army for a Happy and Healthy Life – Choose the Job You Want’. I distinctly remember adding No Milking on my form where it asked for preferences and I was dismayed Pam Veats (centre) with other Land Army girls

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Ruth Weaver with her Land Army medal

for more recognition but it wasn’t until Remembrance Day 2000 that Land Girls were invited to join the march past at the Cenotaph.

Ruth was proud to be there: “It was indeed a moving experience, there were 200 of us in rows of six abreast. The response from the crowd was

Page 45

overwhelming. None of us were as agile as we used to be, or as glamourous, but we had made it.”

Ruth stayed on in Blagdon after the war and in January 2008 was the proud recipient of the newly-awarded Women’s Land Army and Timber Corp medal. If you were also a Land Girl and have yet to claim your medal, please do contact the Rural Hidden Heroes team who will help you with that process.

Funded by an Armed Forces Covenant Grant, Rural Hidden Heroes places a local focus on supporting ex-servicemen and women and their families to access new sources of help. One-to-one support is given by the Village Agents to those who have asked for practical and financial advice.

Anyone who has served just 24 hours military service is entitled to apply for small grants that make a big difference.

Royal British Legion Admiral Nurses have been visiting couples living with dementia to help cope with medical and other questions.

Other military charities are providing companionship and emotional support for

RURAL HIDDEN HEROES

Ruth Weaver during the war

bereavement and post traumatic stress.

Please do contact the Rural Hidden Heroes team if you would like to share your story or receive support from one of the Village Agents in B&NES or North Somerset.

DENISE PERRIN

Details: 01275 333701 or email villageagents@wern.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 45

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Coffee and cakes for Macmillan Cancer Support

Music and merriment was the order of the day at Hartley’s Bistro at Rookery Farm, raising £702 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Paul Hartley (centre) is pictured with staff Billie, Sally and Bonnie and Dot, Tanya and John from Wells City Band

Sarah Malik (front) had a very personal reason for organising a fundraising day for Macmillan Cancer Support. Sarah, who runs Jacarandas coffee shop in Midsomer Norton, was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year and has received invaluable support from the charity during her treatment. The event – which included a raffle – raised £2,170. Sixth formers at Norton Hill School raised £200 of that alone. Sarah is pictured with colleagues Laura, Trudi and Karen

Peggy Moore (seated) enjoys a coffee and a slice of homemade cake at the Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning at Tincknells Country Store in Wells. Staff are keen supporters of the event, organised by Sam Moody (left) who is pictured with colleague Kevin English

Trees for charity at Rookery

BUSINESSES at Rookery Farm, near Binegar, are joining forces for a Christmas charity event to raise money for local youngsters.

Proceeds from a sale of Christmas trees, cards, gifts and other items will go towards three appeals: Eady’s Journey, William and Lewis Need New Wheels and Help Jessica Walk.

The event will take place between midday and 2pm on Saturday, December 3rd.

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

A cake baking competition and raffle at the Old Down Inn at Emborough have helped to raise hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The competition winner was Tina Sharpe, of Chilcompton, who was treated for a brain tumour six years ago.

Tina is pictured in the back row (far right) with her Macmillan colour-themed Victoria sponge

Run for charity

THE Leonard Cheshire Disability charity has places in the Bath half marathon on March 12th next year and is looking for people to take part and raise funds for Greenhill House, Timsbury.

Details: Jasmine Monk 020 3242 0365 jasmine.monk@leonardcheshire.org

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In memory of Ben

A NEW sensory room and teenagers’ chill-out room have been opened at Bath’s Royal United Hospital after a fundraising campaign

by Mendip-based charity Time is Precious.

The charity was set up by husband and wife Neil and Nicky Halford, of Coleford, in memory Former Olympic athlete Jason Gardener of their son Ben, who sadly passed away from cuts the ribbon to open the new sensory room cancer in 2010.

Charity patrons, athlete Jason Gardener and actor Will Throp, were amongst the guests at a party to celebrate the opening of the new facilities.

Emily Graham, Head of Children’s Therapies, RUH said: “We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Time is Precious, especially to its trustees Neil and Nicky Halford. We are incredibly grateful for their amazing fundraising which has provided such brilliant resources to enhance children’s visits to our department.

“The Sensory Room will help children with complex needs, such as physical, communication and visual impairments. The equipment is state-of-the art and we are delighted that we are able to offer this facility to our patients. The Teenage Chill Out Room is lovely and bright and hopefully it will help them feel comfortable during their visit here.”

Nicky said: “We are delighted to have funded such wonderful new facilities for children and their families, as we know it will help immensely. We know that family and friends like to visit young patients, but sometimes visits can be cut short because it is difficult keeping brothers and sisters entertained. We want to be able to make visiting time a happy occasion for everyone so they can enjoy playing games, reading, chatting and just being a family.”

The charity is taking part in a number of fundraising events in the coming weeks including a baby sale at Prattens in Midsomer Norton on Sunday, November 13th and collecting at Shepton Mallet Carnival on Wednesday, November 16th and Glastonbury Carnival on Saturday, November 19th.

Prattens will also hold a Time is Precious has provided the funds Christmas Fayre for the charity on Sunday, for the new equipment in the sensory December 4th. room For details, contact Nicky at contactus@timeisprecious.org or visit the website: www.timeisprecious.org

CHARITIES

Golf tip from Rotarians

Victorious – The Handy Chaps

A CHARITY golf day organised by the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street has raised £3,400 for Mendip-based Time is Precious and other local good causes.

A total of 26 teams took part in the competition at Wheathill Golf Club, won by The Handy Chaps, with the Rotary Club of Taunton winning the district rotary prize.

A spokesman for the Glastonbury and Street club said: “The club would like to thank Wheathill Golf club for hosting the event once again and looking after us very well and all the sponsors of the event who have been thanked individually.”

Can you match the marines?

THE charity Go Commando is offering the chance to join over 300 Royal Marines on a 5K or 10K speed march from 40 Commando’s home at Norton Manor Camp to Taunton town centre on Wednesday November 16th.

The Royal Marines of 40 Commando will be returning from a major overseas deployment and this will be their welcome home event. Go Commando says it’s delighted that the commanding officer has offered a limited number of places for those “civvies” who wish to test their strength and endurance alongside the Royal Marines, whilst raising money for an excellent local cause.

The money raised from this event will go towards Go Commando’s “360 project” to build a brand new nursery and family community centre at Norton Fitzwarren. This stunning new community facility will provide much-needed nursery places as well as a family centre for everyone in Taunton, not just those military families.

So if you think you have what it takes to join the Royal Marines on their speed march, why not sign up now to book your place? The number of places available is limited and entries close on October 31st.

Details: www.gocommando.org.uk alan@gocommando.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 47

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Charity fair a success

Blagdon’s big breakfast

Pictured (l to r) John and Tricia Murphy with Ken and Sarah Parsons, enjoying a cup of tea after breakfast.

The Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group with Tessa Munt

THE Mid Somerset Oxfam Group’s third One World Fair at Wells Town Hall was a resounding success, with about 30 charities and other organisations taking part.

Organisers say the object is to make the world a better place with each of those taking part having their own stall or stalls, some selling, some campaigning, others raising awareness of their particular cause. There was also music and entertainment, talks, refreshments and freshly-cooked lunches.

The Axbridge Singers outside Wells Town Hall

One of several Oxfam stalls

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

BLAGDON'S annual big breakfast for Weston Hospicecare was again a big success, raising £ 520 for the hospice. Held in Blagdon Village Club the fundraising team served up a variety of breakfasts, from a full English to continental, satisfying everyone with their choice of breakfast.

The fund-raising team now look forward to their next event, their annual Christmas fair, which will be held at the club on Saturday November 12th, from 10am until 12noon.

Attractions will include various stalls selling hospice Christmas cards, cakes and produce, crafts and gifts, with tombola, raffle, children's lucky dip and more.

Naomi and John Lyons cooking breakfast

Support in a shoebox

STUDENTS at Somervale School in Midsomer Norton have filled 66 shoeboxes with essential everyday items for a charity working in the Philippines.

Mercy in Action asked for the boxes to contain two tins of meat or fish, soap bars, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, paper and pens The shoeboxes will be delivered in Beth Hockley, a former time for Christmas geography teacher at Somervale, introduced the Shoebox Appeal to students during assemblies and the E-Team in Year 11 were responsible for collecting the shoeboxes from each tutor group.

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CHARITIES

The start of the run from the village playing fields

Turning 10K into more than 300K!

THIS year’s Mells 10K, walk, run or cycle event has helped organisers raise more than £300,000 for the CLIC Sargent children’s cancer charity. Nige and Su Crutchley began fundraising after the death from cancer of their beloved son Ben. The event in Mells – featuring a course running through the private Mells Estate – is “non-competitive” but many of the 100 people who took part took it seriously enough. Some of those taking part included colleagues from Nige’s office in Manchester, who travelled to Mells for the weekend.

Nige and Su, of Mells, have set a target of raising a minimum of £1million for CLIC Sargent after Ben – known as Benny Boy – passed away in February 2012.

Nige and Su (in pink) with Ally Richardson (left) and Sally Enright, CLIC nurses at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, who cared for the family during Ben’s illness

Fun on the run on the way past Mells School

Every little helps: donations have topped the £300,000 mark

Next year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 14th. Organisers would especially like to hear from walking groups who might be interested in taking part. For details, visit: www.mells10k.com

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 49

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Fashion show for canine charity

Ravi returns

CHARITIES

Ravi with children during his visit to Priddy

Retired head teacher Ian Caskie (pictured with Heather) gave a talk to club members about the SS Great Britain. He gives the donations for his talks about the ship’s history towards its upkeep

TICKETS are on sale for the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel Charter Night, which will feature a High Street fashion show.

The event takes place on Tuesday, November 15th at The Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton. Proceeds will go to Canine Partners, the assistance dog charity chosen by club president Heather Langridge for her year in office.

Tickets cost £7 (including a glass of wine) and are on sale via 01761 416811.

Fighting prostate cancer

SPACES are already filling up for the 2017 Great Weston Ride and, if the feedback from this year's participants is anything to go by, riders are in for yet another cracking West Country day out next year.

The event has grown in popularity every year to date and the early signs are that it looks set for a record entry for the eighth year in a row.

The spectacular city-to-coast route starts in Bristol and then takes riders through some stunning countryside and picturesque Somerset villages as it weaves its way through the Mendips and across the Somerset Levels to its final destination on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare, and the next outing has been confirmed for Sunday July 16th.

Event Organiser Darren McKimm explains: "The GWR has plenty to offer for experienced cyclists and, while we're by no means complacent about it, we take the view that, to a large extent, they know how to look after themselves and what their needs are prior to setting off.

“So we focus a bit more on people who might need just a little more help and encouragement to take the challenge in the first place, and we try to make sure that they know that they will be well looked-after at all times during the event.”

And, while there is no obligation, the ride also serves as a great fundraising opportunity – around £240,000 has been raised for charity to date and Prostate Cancer UK is the event's official charity partner.

Details: www.greatwestonride.com

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

PUPILS from schools in Priddy and Westbury-sub-Mendip have presented a cheque for £100 to Ravi Singh, the chief executive officer of the international aid organisation Khalsa Aid. Khalsa Aid – based on the Sikh principle of selfless service – works primarily in war and disaster zones but volunteers came to Somerset to help victims of the major floods. Volunteers are currently working in Haiti and Iraq.

Ravi became friends with Rosie Thorner, the head teacher of the federated schools, after helping her family during the floods and has visited on previous occasions.

The money was raised by the children through church collections.

Walking to remember

MORE than 300 people took part in the St Peter’s Hospice Walk to Remember and thanks to a clever idea from local woman, Wendy Evans, many more loved ones were remembered during the event.

Wendy, who is the shop manager at the Long Ashton St Peter’s Hospice shop, took part in the event herself along with 15-month old dog Zach, and enlisted the help of customers at the shop to raise additional sponsorship.

Offering the chance for customers to sign the name of a loved one they wished to remember on t-shirts in exchange for a donation, Wendy managed to raise an extra £1,200 for the local charity.

The St Peter’s Hospice Walk to Remember is an annual event which takes place at Blaise Castle Estate, in Bristol.

Wendy with Zach

Details: www.stpetershospice.org

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Cheddar’s tree of light

CHRISTMAS is often a time of reflection, and members of Cheddar Vale Lions Club are inviting you to remember loved ones by sponsoring their Tree of Light. The project, which is in its fourth year enables you to sponsor a light on the tree.

The idea started in Tavistock in Devon 15 years ago and that tree has raised in excess of £80,000.

All the money raised by the Cheddar tree will go back into the Cheddar Valley community. The tree will be situated at The Bath Arms and will be lit on Thursday, December 1st, at 6.30pm, when a short dedication service with Christmas carols will take place.

The minimum donation asked is £5 and you can sponsor a light in memory of a loved one by completing a form on the Lions’ website or in outlets throughout the area.

Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

Cheddar gets ready for Christmas

CHRISTMAS will start in Cheddar on Friday December 2nd, with Cheddar Festive Night, when Cliff Street and the Gorge are closed to traffic for a night of seasonal sales and fun.

Many pubs, shops and restaurants will be offering mulled wine and mince pies, while stalls will pop up alongside the roadside and in Cliff Street car park.

Hundreds of people will also enjoy choirs, bands, hog roasts and other entertainment, making it the village’s most memorable night of the year.

It starts with a traditional carol service in St. Andrew’s Church at 5.30pm, after which a rocket is traditionally launched from the church tower at 6pm.

Cheddar Festive Night is organised by Cheddar Parish Council and Cheddar Chamber of Commerce.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 51

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Cheddar’s beauty specialist

CHERYL opened Childs Cheryl Beauty in the summer of 2015 having most recently worked as a senior therapist in a Wells salon.

Cheryl specialises in the multi-award winning CACI anti-ageing system including the new CACI Eye-Revive treatments. CACI features a range of therapies for younger people, from lip to acne treatments as well as helping to slow the advancing years.

Cheryl also offers organic waxing and hand, feet and eye treatments, as well as a range of facials utilising Katherine Daniels, the fastest growing skin-care system in the UK today.

Clients spending £70 on Katherine Daniels products with Cheryl can receive a free Katherine Daniels lip colour enhancing balm worth £20, this great new product is also available to purchase and is an ideal Christmas gift.

Situated on the edge of Cheddar and only 15 minutes from Wells, Cheryl Childs Beauty is home-based though totally independent from the house with the added convenience of ease of parking.

Cheryl always features a range of special offers including introductory discounts and also gift vouchers that can be for particular treatments or a specified value and make perfect Christmas presents.

Something for everyone

FACTORY Bargains was opened in Cheddar at the end of March by Steve Brown, who spent most of his early years in Draycott, before moving on to London and Manchester where he worked for several major retailers.

After getting married three years ago, he and his wife Clare decided to move back to the area to be nearer family. They now have a two-year-old son, Archie.

Lanes of Cheddar had recently closed and Steve decided to take the plunge, take on the premises, and set up in business on his own.

He said: “We stock a whole range of goods at competitive prices, so people don’t have to travel to bigger towns to look for clothing or furniture or everyday items like batteries or cleaning and other household products.”

They also offer free delivery of furniture within a 20-mile radius. They are currently stocking fireworks and will shortly put out their Christmas stock. They will be open on Festive Night so why not pop in to see them?

Bringing a little bit of everything for everyone

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

Time to browse

LYNNE Hebborn has been running Time Out in Bath Street, Cheddar for more than seven years and caters for all haberdashery needs as well as stocking crafts and gifts.

She has Gutermann and DMC threads, Anchor yarns, zips, dyes, a wide range of wool and accessories, material, fabrics and buttons, plus jewellery-making supplies.

Haberdashery Wool & buttons Jewellery making Crafts & gifts Paints & glues

Warm welcome at Cheddar library

The Cottage, Bath Street, Cheddar BS27 3AA 01934 744886 Info@timeoutcheddar.co.uk www.timeoutcheddar.co.uk

CHEDDAR library is starting Toddler Story Time sessions on the first Friday of each month, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, with a “wear your wellies day” on November 4th. The sessions are free and there’s no need to book.

They are also holding two taster sessions of “Feel Better with a Book” which is a read-aloud group aimed at lifting people’s spirits. The first takes place on Monday October 31st, the second on Friday November 11th, both from 2pm until 3.30pm, and all are welcome.

Details: chelib@somerset.gov.uk 0300 123 224

New village partnership

THE launch of the Cheddar Community Partnership Community Interest Company (CIC) has been driven by the My Cheddar community group and the Cheddar Patient Group and is being established with representatives of Cheddar Parish Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council and other influential local businesses and groups The object of the partnership is to attract grants and sustainable financing to resource the areas of economic development, community and environment and health and wellbeing; so that people who live, work and study in Cheddar have a better chance in life, form a stronger community with an enhanced rural environment, are healthier and more active.

With the support of Lottery funding a great deal of work has already been done analysing historical Cheddar data.

This will be combined with the results of three surveys to be held this autumn to form a picture of the Cheddar community: what is good and what is lacking, where resources are deficient and where action is needed, so that applications for external funding can be supported by factual, detailed and robust evidence.

This work is supportive of and not in competition with the Cheddar Neighbourhood Plan Consultation currently being held.

In the next few weeks villagers will receive a household survey – not just another survey, but their chance to influence where money is spent that will deliver a major change in the level of investment in the Cheddar parish.

Chairman, Simon Childs, said: “This is your opportunity to provide your input into this process, to let us know what you and your family feel about the community that you live in and for your opinions to count. You will be able to post the survey back to us or complete it online. Let’s make a real difference together.”

Opening times: Mon – Fri 9am-8pm • Saturday 8am-3pm Sunday 10am-3pm

Join us on Festive Night for a mince pie and some Christmas spirit

RADFORD’S TILE SHOWROOM

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

01934 744814

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

www.radfordstiles.co.uk

I offer professional support for owner-managed businesses and small companies, including • Business planning and advice • Management and year-end accounts • Budgets and forecasts • Tax returns and tax planning • Payroll and VAT • Company secretarial services For a free initial consultation contact Helen Bardle at

7 Cliff Street, Cheddar, BS27 3PT Tel 01934 744333 or 07974 343335 Email helen@helenbardle.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 53

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Cycle store celebrates • Clothing and Accessories • Cycle to Work Schemes • Quality New Bikes • Spares & Repairs • Cycle Hire • Lots of Christmas gift ideas in stock • Follow us on facebook for our latest news and offers

CHEDDAR Cycle Store is celebrating a year since it expanded, more than doubling its space on the Valley Line industrial estate in Cheddar.

It meant it could increase the range of bikes on offer, including electric bikes, as well as adding to its range of clothing and accessories.

The growing number of cyclists on Mendip shows just how popular cycling has become and Cheddar Cycle Store’s expansion reflects this.

Owner Paul Baker was a builder before he decided to turn his hobby into a business. He’s been cycling for 53 years and was a professional for a time.

Now it’s very much a family business, including wife Pauline and daughter, Sarah, in the office. They also have two technicians, Paul Smyth and Tom Hann, working alongside Phil.

Light up a life for hospice

ON Cheddar Festive Night from 6pm, Cheddar & District Funeral Directors in Redcliffe Street will be inviting people to dedicate a lantern in memory of a loved one who will be missed this Christmas, whilst at the same time raising funds for Weston Hospicecare.

Call into the office beforehand to collect a label to personalise your own message, or complete one on the night. Staff from both the hospice and the funeral Directors will be on hand to help should you need some assistance.

The lanterns will be “lit” for the evening festive display and messages will then be placed on a Christmas tree in the office window.

New business in Cheddar

THIS year will be the first Festive Night for Louise and Jules from Proud to Browse in Saxon Place, who invite you to go along and enjoy the music and ambience of their little treasure trove.

Take your time to browse, enjoy some local snacks and a mulled wine/cider or two! Their shop is cosy, warm and inviting – full of real and interesting bits, bobs, antiques and furniture – you never know what you might find in there.

If you love something, snap it up. Their pieces are unique and rarely come around again. They will be open for late night shopping every Thursday in December until 9pm – treats will no doubt be liquid ones. They also offer a sensitive and reliable house clearance and removal service. On Festive Night the Fabulous Grammy Brothers will make a guest appearance with their vinyl revival disco outside the shop.

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Details: www.proudtobrowse.co.uk or find them on Facebook

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Family business expands

FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

BOUQUET Florist in Redcliffe Street, Cheddar has expanded in the last year with Carol and Claire Wilcox now being joined by Carol’s sister, Julie and her

daughter, Lindsey.

Carol said: “We’ve had a really busy first year and have added to the team, but we are still very much a family business.”

They provide a whole range of flower services and gifts and will have a stall in their car park on Festive Night, offering Christmas flowers and gifts.

They will be running wreath-making workshops in the run-up to Christmas on November 30th, December 6th and December 12th.

Keep out the hackers

MARTIN Kay has been providing web site services to the businesses of Cheddar and the surrounding area since 2001 and for the past five years these have almost exclusively been sites built on the popular WordPress.org platform.

WordPress is a system that allows web site owners to maintain the web site content themselves via a browser login screen. Unfortunately, a side-effect of this “loginability” is that hackers have developed tools to enable them to break into unsecured WordPress sites for nefarious purposes – usually to distribute malware.

However there are also lots of good guys out there developing security tools and Martin now uses these to offer a managed service for looking after these sites, keeping hackers out, doing backups and applying the regular software updates.

If you have a “self hosted” WordPress site and are not sure if your security is up to scratch, get in touch with Martin via kaywebs.co.uk for a no-obligation appraisal of your situation.

Christmas games

THIS is traditionally the time of year when thoughts turn to the festive season and how to entertain visiting family and friends. Board games are seeing a resurgence in popularity and the old favourites of Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit are being overtaken in the popularity stakes by more modern publications such as Ticket to Ride, Catan, Qwirkle and many others.

Some of the top sellers this year at All Good Meeple, Cheddar’s internet board and card game store, have been Mysterium, Skull, and Timeline. There are lots of new games arriving all the time.

Details: Customers can click and collect their games from Cheddar (or take advantage of the free P&P – and a discount code) at allgoodmeeple.co.uk/mt

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 55

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FOCUS ON CHEDDAR

A successful first year

Open: Tuesday – Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm • Closed Monday e Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3NA 01934 742521 • email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

COBBS of Cheddar will be welcoming customers until about 7pm on Festive Night and taking orders for Christmas.

Adrian and Estelle Cobb are celebrating a successful first year, with a loyal following of local customers. Estelle said: “We’ve also had the benefit of the tourists here in the summer.”

Sunday opening has proved to be very popular and that’s something they plan to continue. They are now taking Christmas orders and their Christmas club is open.

You can expect a full range of festive fayre on the butchery and delicatessen counters, while they also have fresh fish every day, fruit, vegetables, local bread and cheese.

Cobbs of Cheddar has really helped revitalise the old village centre.

HIRE

CHEDDAR NURSERY For Christ mas t re e s a n d w re a t hs

PUT SOME FIREWORKS IN YOUR LOVE LIFE THIS NOVEMBER!

Plant & Tools Hire & Sales • HIRE • SALES • REPAIR

Huge stocks of Tools & Equipment Sharpham Road, Cheddar BS27 3DR 01934 742135

Cheddar Motors Ltd. Full garage services MOTs and servicing Repairs and diagnostics Cars • Vans Motorcycles • Scooters Motorcycle MOTs Wheel alignment Tweentown, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3JE Tel 01934 742955 Email: cheddarmotors@gmail.com PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

• • • • • • •

Compactors • Drills • Cultivators Angle Grinders • Breakers Hedge Trimmers • Saws Ladders • Rotavators • Hoists Tile Cutters • Scarifiers Scaffold Towers • Chain Saws Carpet Cleaners

Open Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00 • Sat 8:00-12:00

Long or Day Hire Delivery & Collection Service Trade & DIY

01934 743543 www.cheddarhire.co.uk Wideatts Road, Cheddar BS27 3AP

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WILDLIFE

The European hornet – our gentle giant WITH news of the arrival of Asian hornets to the Mendip area, I thought it would be timely to remind ourselves that we have our own

By CHRIS native hornet which is, SPERRING I'm pleased to say, a MBE recovering species.

European hornet workers have a body length of around 23mm, whilst the queen can measure up to 35mm. They have predominantly yellow faces and body parts, but appear orange as they fly by, and they have deep orange-coloured legs. The other noticeable thing about encountering a European hornet is the noise as they fly – sounding something like a mini-helicopter.

The Asian hornet is smaller, measuring between 17mm and 32mm, and much darker in colour than our native variety, having a predominantly black abdomen except for the last segment which is a dull yellow. It has a dark orange face and yellow legs, hence its alternative name, “yellow-legged hornet”.

There is bound to be confusion between the two species, but in essence the reason there is so much concern about the Asian hornet is its destructive influence on our native bees. Of course, our native hornets, and indeed wasps, will prey upon bees but, as with all species which have evolved side-by-side, there is a finely balanced arms race between predator and prey.

The problem with a new predator like

Gentle giants – European hornets

the Asian hornet is that our bees are not adapted to cope with its attack behaviour and they cannot adapt quickly enough, leaving them very much at its mercy.

Sadly, our native hornet is already being misidentified as its non-native cousin and being destroyed, sometimes even as a precaution, just in case it is the Asian variety. This is a real shame because the European hornet is only just recovering and starting to spread again after many years of persecution.

I nickname the European hornet the “gentle giant”, as it simply doesn't want any trouble. It does have a potent sting if it needs to defend itself or its nest, but you would really have to go out of your way to threaten them or make them aggressive.

I have studied these hornets for many

A European hornet feeding on ivy flowers

years, indeed this year I filmed a colony at the nest, even placing a small camera inside the nest itself, and they never bothered me. I certainly wouldn't do the same thing with the common wasp. I have never been stung by a hornet, but have lost count of the times I've been stung by wasps, and even bees.

European hornets are very beneficial and, like wasps, fill an important niche in their ecosystem as efficient predators, often hunting insects described as pests to arable farmers, and as pollinators.

This has been recognised in Germany where they are afforded full protection; as far as I'm aware they are the first EU country to go to such lengths to protect the European hornet. It was in response to the fact that these insects were wrongly blamed for being aggressive and that myths were created demonising them – the consequences being that hornet nests were being destroyed en-masse which led to a real decline taking place.

The public is being asked to be vigilant about the new, non-native, Asian hornet, but I would ask that if you think you have seen this invasive species, report it rather than destroy it if you have any doubt as to whether it could in fact be the European variety. It would be a shame for people to go around whacking these valuable native animals by mistake. Most importantly if you do find an Asian hornet nest then please report it so that the experts can dispose of it.

I would love to receive any pictures (via email) of hornets in the local area and would be very happy to help with identification.

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

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 57

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A wonderful autumn walk in Cheddar Gorge

THIS autumn walk along the south edge of Cheddar Gorge enjoys the changing colours of foliage and crimson of berried bushes and gives spectacular views. With fewer people

this is a choice time of year for a gorge ramble. Go to the Lookout Tower, and up if you wish, which extends your viewing even further and gives an option of a quick detour down into Cheddar village, before following the West Mendip Way back up. Expect to see feral goats and hear and see buzzards, peregrine falcons, kestrels and ravens. Go through two limestone grassland nature reserves and then follow the Mendip Ring to bring you back near to the start. It’s not long but is quite challenging with a steep, rocky start which has to be repeated downhill at the end. Walking is on good paths in the main. Take a walking pole or good stick and wear stout boots to cope with uneven surfaces. There are only three stiles and these are ok for dogs.

PARK: Up Cheddar Gorge on the B3135 at Black Rock Gate, which has parking lay-bys on either side.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

START: From the main Black Rock Gate layby on the east side of the road, cross and take the West Mendip Way steeply uphill going up the rocky path in woodland for 7-8 minutes. Take care after wet weather as the stones can be slippery. Go through a gate and continue straight on. Very soon ignore the West Mendip Way towards Draycott (left).

1. GORGE EDGE Go through a gate ahead and soon come out onto the side of the Gorge with stupendous views over the Gorge and the Levels. This spectacular gorge was formed by torrents of water, from the melting glaciers at the end of each Ice Age, cutting through the limestone rock. Keep on following the Gorge edge through land owned by Longleat Estate – there are choices of paths – depending how near the edge you wish to go! The Gorge is over 440ft deep and this south side has a near vertical cliff side.

Just maintain direction enjoying more and more views and dropping down. Ignore side paths. A feature of the gorge is the feral goats introduced

by Longleat Estate as part of a programme to encourage the biodiversity of the area; the goats were intended to replace the sheep that grazed in the gorge until the 1970s.

2. LOOK-OUT TOWER If you are feeling energetic climb the 48 steps to the top of the Lookout Tower with landing stages on the way.

It's well worth the climb! When you get to the top you look down into the steep-sided valley of Cheddar Gorge that cleaves into the beautiful Mendip Hills. To the south you’ll see the flat lush water meadows of the Somerset

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Levels. The windswept hilltop plateau to the north, 900 feet above sea-level, which runs for 22 miles east to west and three to five miles north to south.

The original tower was in wood and built by eccentric Roland Pavey, who called it his Mystic Tower.

Just before you reach the tower take a small footpath on the left which drops down through trees. Reach Tarmac.

Turn right a yard or two and then left up the West Mendip Way track.

3. CHEDDAR But for a five minute detour you may wish to drop down into Cheddar village. For this, turn right when you reached Tarmac and a few yards on with an ornamental gates ahead, turn right on a small path and then left down to the lane below. Turn right into the village with several coffee spots and other refreshment available.

4. WEST MENDIP WAY To continue, take the West Mendip Way which is good underfoot and rises gently. Go through a kissing gate and on. Ignore side paths. After a while, with woodland on your right, and open land left, come to a fork of tracks. Keep straight ahead with woodland still on your right, still climbing. Go through a gate ahead with a stile at the side and into Bubwith Acres Nature Reserve in the care of Somerset Wildlife Trust.

WALKING

4 miles, about 2.5 hours walking.

OS Explorer 141 Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 482545

5. NATURE RESERVE Just keep on for a few yards and then bear right on a grassy path through an open area with some bushes and bracken. You have now left the West Mendip Way. There’s another gate ahead and continue on a pleasant grassy ridge. Carry on all the way up to another Bubwith Acres sign and a stile.

After crossing, bear right through bracken and then up. Over right on the higher land by rocks is the ruin of a limekiln. Continue on up to the top to a marked gate.

Then head across, keeping to the left of a rusty iron hut and pond to the far

side. Here is a kissing gate. Maintain direction through the next field. Go through two gates and pass a Middledown Nature Reserve sign.

Follow a small path through bracken, bushes and gorse and this leads to a Bristol Gate (a combination of a large and a pedestrian gate). Go ahead on the grass track (not right) and reach a junction of tracks Turn left and go up to a gate marked with the Mendip Ring sign.

6. MENDIP RING Established by Mendip Rambers this is a 117-mile trail in nine legs using public footpaths and other rights of way to follow as closely as possible the boundary of Mendip district. This stony track takes you up and then bends right.

There are good views right and down below is Cliff Road which runs down through Cheddar Gorge. Follow Mendip Ring for over half a mile to a gate ahead.

7. GATE Once through, turn right on a grassy path, where the Mendip Ring joins the West Mendip Way. Reach a signpost where you were earlier. Turn right and retrace your steps down through woodland on the steep rocky path back to Black Rock Gate.

Mendip Times is pleased to offer you the chance to get a great new book of circular walks on the Mendip Hills for Christmas, written by Sue Gearing and Les Davies, at a special rate. See page 37.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 59

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

I MISSED the swallows leaving this year.

It feels almost like not saying goodbye to a friend before they leave to go home.

Perhaps, as in most cases, my mind was busy elsewhere and I simply forgot.

They always used to gather on the electricity wire that ran across the yard in With LES Hales Farm. I could not miss them then DAVIES MBE because of the excited twitter they always made during that wait to gather everyone together.

The youngsters from that year must have known that something big was about to happen, but maybe they didn’t grasp the enormity of the task they faced. What of the older birds who had made this journey before? Would they enter it again with trepidation or eager anticipation?

In truth I cannot tell, nor I doubt could anyone else, but the fact is they do it every year, that journey of thousands of miles to a warmer climate and then they will come back again next year to the sites they have nested in for generations.

Some will not return, some will not survive the journey and some may be too weak to even try. When the swallows leave it’s a sad day!

There are some brighter moments with the onset of autumn.

The hedgerow is full of colour and the trees are starting to change into their autumn wardrobe as they pull back every bit of nutrient from what will soon be the redundant appendage of a leaf. It’s time for autumn walks and Sunday afternoons in front of the fire. Time to reflect and time to plan.

I quite enjoy this time of year as it leads me gently into winter, which I know is coming and which I know will be cold, wet and dark. A good autumn is the buffer between the long summer day and the short darker days of winter. There is however a lot to be done before the clocks change at the end of October.

Life in the countryside is busy. It’s a race against the daylight clock to gather as much in the way of winter stores as you can. At the time of writing this, much of the maize cut for silage has been brought in during dry weather. What a bonus when the crop can be harvested without too much damage to the ground and too much mud being brought out onto the roads.

The apple crop is coming into the apple mills by the trailer load for cider making and I have lifted the last of the main crop potatoes in the garden. I missed out (again) on the elderberries for wine making this year. Just like the swallows, by the time I had thought about it they were gone.

The wildlife is also busy in the race against the daylight clock, with food stores to be prepared, winter accommodation to be sorted out and it’s time to put on a little “hibernation” weight in preparation for the leaner times ahead. As the poem

by W. H. Davies so graphically puts it: “What time to see in woods we pass where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.”

Having watched a squirrel do just that it amazes me how they can ever find them again and in truth most of them aren’t found.

This however does not stop the frenzied activity, as said squirrel rushes back and forth digging small holes and burying the nuts.

The whole job is finished off by patting the soil with the front feet in a very determined and precise manner.

As well as being a season of harvest, autumn is a time of field preparation for winter-sown crops. With that comes the ploughing match. The North Somerset Agricultural Society were blessed with good weather this year as was the Mendip Ploughing Society. This, the 158th year and the 147th match of the Mendip Ploughing Society did not start with great promise! The Monday before the match is always the markout day when everyone turns up to help with the preparation.

This year it also decided to rain and turn the whole site into a slippery mess.

Tuesday however was better and by the time the day of the match came on Wednesday things were drying up nicely. The marquee was up and the army of ladies worked flat out all day supplying sandwiches to the 96 ploughmen on the field together with the hedge layers and drystone wallers. That’s without lunch for all the stewards, judges and members of the public.

You have to have a connection with the land to understand just why so many people turn up in a field to watch ploughs at work, examine roots and fodder crops, as well as casting a critical eye over the hedge laying and drystone walling. Many more non-farming people are discovering this countryside day out that has a special atmosphere all of its own.

There is a desire amongst many people to return to simple pleasures, and the kind comments that I received from many there that day tend to back this up. There are lots more pictures of the day in this month’s issue of Mendip Times for those who missed the match this year and for those who made it.

There has been some comment lately in the news about many people not taking time to relax. It’s true! Life is full of rush and tear, a frantic treadmill of meetings, appointments and engagements that swallow time. Time therefore to quote a little more of W. H. Davies: What life is this if full of care We have no time to stand and stare No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep and cows.

It’s not the first time you will have seen me quote lines from this poem and I doubt it will be the last.

My picture this month is of a rainbow over the Yeo Valley.

I've taken them before but this one was a joy to behold. Such a sight lifts the spirit and gladdens the heart. To use a line from a 1960s song: “The sun always shines down in my rainbow valley.” I can’t remember who it was but let me know if you do.

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

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Autumnal fireworks

COLD nights and sunny days at this time of year are the essential ingredients for autumnal foliage fireworks before the leaves fall, giving us the opportunity for a good shuffle as Christmas looms nearer.

So what should we plant to ensure our gardens go out in a blaze of glory?

With MARY

By November, even the stalwart late PAYNE MBE summer flowers, such as Japanese anemone, sedums, and aconitums are starting to feel their age, so anything that is just starting to flower can make a great impact.

Chrysanthemums do not have to be the huge doubleflowered types so popular with the enthusiasts. There are many more subtle and hardier types often grouped under the name Koreans.

Some of the best single-flowered varieties such as Clara Curtis (pink), Nantderry Sunshine (yellow), Mary Stoker (apricot/yellow) and Marion (burnt orange) can be relied upon to survive. Ruby Mound (red) and Anastasia (pink) have double flowers.

Asters are also coming to the end of their season but Aster ericoides f. prostratea Snow Flurry will hug the ground or drape over a wall and erupt into thousands of tiny white daisies in late October and November. While the weather lasts the hardy autumn cyclamen (C. hederifolium) will still be in flower. All these late blooming plants provide valuable pollen and nectar for the bees.

If plants flower in November it is pretty important that they can attract what few pollinating insects are still flying around so a powerful scent is an advantage. The useful evergreen Elaeagnus x ebbingei bears small, insignificant flowers which emit such a strong fragrance that it is bound to attract attention. Mahonia x media Charity is just starting to bloom, but its scent is not as strong as the lily of the valley perfume of the later flowering M. Japonica.

The flowers of Miscanthus grasses will be attractive all winter, but for seasonal foliage effects choose the variety Ghana or China, along with several varieties of the N. American prairie switch grasses such as Panicum virgatum Shenandoah.

While the late flowers are good for the bees, plants with berries are good for the birds. Cotoneasters, pyracanthas and crab apples are obvious choices, but try something a bit different such as a spindle bush (Euonymus europaeus Red Cascade for its pink fruits and autumnal foliage tints.

Callicarpa Profusion has tiny purple flowers followed by clusters of small but vibrant violet berries and purple autumn leaves or the absurd blue pods that hang in bunches on Decaisnea fargesii which has the alarming common name of dead men’s fingers, although the pods are actually edible.

It is the foliage tints that add value to any garden at this time of year. Trees such as Liquidambar styraciflua Lane Roberts can be relied upon to colour well and are one of the last to lose their leaves. The Japanese maples now have so many variants it is difficult to choose but Acer palmatum Osakzuki can be relied upon to turn a brilliant red while A.p.

Seiryu turns yellow and orange.

Amelanchier (Snowy Mespilus) colours well but tends to drop its leaves early. Many of you may have noticed the PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Acer palmatum

outstanding coloured tree, as you passed Chew Valley Trees recently. This is Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze, a large tree noted for its autumnal show.

Many birches give good yellow colour. Betula ermanii has attractive creamy coloured peeling bark and clear yellow tints, but has the unfortunate habit of dropping its leaves quite early. Ironwoods (Parrotia) are noted for their fiery foliage but the standard P. persica is a very wide spreading shrub so is not suitable for many gardens.

P. persica Vanessa is an upright form named after Vanessa a genus of butterflies (including our own Red Admiral), because of the multiple colours in butterflies and in the foliage of this useful small tree. One of my favourite small trees has so much to offer. Crataegus persimmilis Prunifolia offers white flowers in early summer followed by red fruits that persist on the tree and the foliage turns shades of red, orange and yellow before falling. It sounds perfect but we all have our drawbacks – it has enormous thorns!

Shrubs can also offer fabulous colour. The best pink comes from Euonymus alatus, the Winged Spindle and is well worth a place in any garden. Even Hydrangea serrata forms, H. quercifolia (oak leaved) and H. Preziosa will give striking autumnal tints, and are so useful for shadier parts of the garden.

The traditional rhododendrons are evergreen and so only offer spring flowers; however the deciduous hybrid rhododendrons (often referred to as azaleas) bring both spring flowers and vivid autumnal tints and can easily be grown in a container as they require an acidic soil. Also requiring acid conditions are the now popular “super fruit” blueberries. The foliage turns brilliant fiery shades before falling.

Herbaceous perennials are not often associated with good foliage tints but some are worthy of inclusion here. Aruncus Horatio may be a new plant to many, but is well worth seeking out for its ferny foliage, creamy summer flowers followed by autumn tints and persistent seed heads. What more can one ask from a plant?

Another probably unfamiliar plant for autumn is Amsonia hubrichtii. Small blue/grey star shaped flowers appear in summer before the abundance of narrow foliage turns butter yellow in autumn. You either love or hate bergenias (elephant’s ears) but either way the foliage, of those with the most intense pink flowers, turn to reds or purples as winter sets in so making a valuable evergreen edge to any border.

Enjoy every day of autumn in the garden while the colours last.

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NOVEMBER GARDEN TIPS

GARDENING

● Move plants in pots together so that they protect one another in cold weather. ● Protect tender alpine plants from the cold and wet. ● If you haven’t done it already, trim the dead flower heads off summer and autumn flowering heathers. ● Fork over borders and work into the soil a slow release feed. ● Check potted bulbs that you are going to force into flower early. Pot up Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) bulbs. ● The winter flowering Cyclamen corm will be arriving from growers this month. ● Check fruit trees for signs of canker. Cut off infected shoots if small but for larger important branches it will be necessary to brush away the dead loose cankered tissue, tidy it up with a sharp knife and then paint the wound with special canker paint. ● Apply Winter Wash to fruit trees and bushes now to control any insect pests that are over wintering in cracks and crevices ● Complete autumn digging in the veg patch, leave the ground rough and let the frost and rain break it up. ● Control mice and rats that seek shelter in your outbuildings as the weather gets colder. ● Erect a net over your pond to prevent falling leaves from trees and shrubs getting into the water and increasing the nutrient levels when they breakdown. They may also deprive the fish of oxygen as they decompose.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

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

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 63

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Palace gardens featured on Gardener’s World

James Cross, head gardener (left), Bishop Peter (centre), and presenter Alan Power

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PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMOBER 2016

THE Bishop’s Palace Gardens were featured on the BBC Gardener’s World programme, with head gardener James Cross being shadowed by presenter Alan Power for a day, in order to discover what his daily gardening schedule involves!

Visitor numbers were immediately boosted by the programme with the palace reporting a large increase in visitors over the following weekend, along with an uplift of over 500% in website traffic volume immediately following the broadcast.

The episode can be seen on iPlayer until November 7th.

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GARDENING

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Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

• • • • • •

Creating a new arts centre

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

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

Chew Valley drama sixth formers with Bath Spa University students

PLANS for a Chew Valley Performing Arts Centre are gathering momentum, with three hugely popular fringe events held recently at Chew Valley School and Yeo Valley’s HQ at Blagdon, and a fundraising ceilidh being held at the Community Farm, Chew Magna on Saturday November 26th.

Valley Arts, the charity behind the project, wants to create a home for the arts in the area, based at Chew Valley School, itself a specialist performing arts school. They hope to raise enough funds for a formal feasibility study to start by this time next year.

The intention is to build a multi-purpose 250-seater auditorium, rehearsal rooms, dance studio, exhibition space and a café bar. It is hoped the study will persuade the Arts Council and other organisations to give their support. It has the backing of patrons Michael Eavis, Glastonbury Festival, Sarah Mead, Yeo Valley, and local GP, broadcaster and Mendip Times columnist, Phil Hammond, five trustees and over 400 members and supporters.

One of the trustees behind the project, Geraldine Hill-Male, from Regil, who teaches drama and education at Bath Spa University, said: “It started from the recognition that the school hall is inadequate for the quality of performances they achieve and that there isn’t a venue in this area that can take 250 people.

“The plan is that this will be a shared resource to benefit both the wider Valley community and the school, and will also be able to host other events and touring shows.”

Tickets for the Packhouse Ceilidh at the Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna on Saturday November 26th, 7.30pm are now on sale. Tickets from Eventbrite.co.uk. – search ‘Packhouse Ceilidh’.

Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk

FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Long-established family firm R.O. DANDO & SONS LTD are one of the longestestablished family businesses in the Chew Valley and can trace their trading back over 100 years. They carry out a large variety of building works from listed building renovation to new-build housing and have won several building awards over the years. The company always tries to keep up with the latest regulations and technology and endeavours to give clients as much help as possible to fulfil their expectations. The company is owned by the Dando brothers who have combined experience of 80 years in the building industry. Their father employed four operatives. They now employ 30 including several family members who they hope will take the business in to the future.

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Spelling Bs

FOCUS ON CHEW VALLEY

CHILDREN in Buzzard Class at Chew Magna Primary School proudly showing off their new dictionaries presented by Chelwood Bridge rotarian and school governor, Ken Biggs. Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club is presenting 200 dictionaries to children in ten primary schools in local communities.

How acupuncture can help

ACUPUNCTURE is no longer thought of as an alternative treatment by conventional doctors (of which I am one) but as a complementary treatment. It is recommended by NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) for a number of conditions, as a first or second-line treatment.

As a consultant anaesthetist and pain specialist for nearly 20 years, I have a broad experience of managing pain. As a medical acupuncturist, most of my patients have a muscular or joint issue, migraines or other types of pain.

I also deal with women's health, including menstrual difficulties, menopausal problems and pregnancy-related health issues.

Patients are seen at the Chew Medical Practice.

Details: 01761462269 or email gjacupuncture@gmail.com

Anyone for squash?

CHEW Valley Squash Club, based at Chew Valley Leisure Centre in Chew Stoke, is a small, friendly club that offers a variety of competitions and events for players of all abilities and they are always looking for new members.

Their Winter A team is gearing up for the new season in Division 2 of the Avon and Bristol & District (BAD) Squash mixed autumn league and they hope to field a second team for the mixed spring league in the New Year.

They have turn-up-and-play club nights on Mondays that

are open to all (£3 per person, from 7pm).

RH

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

HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 67

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AVALON Osteopathic Clinic has just celebrated its first anniversary of opening. The clinic was set up by husband and wife team, Stefan and Jane Zurakowski.

Stefan provides classical osteopathy for all the family, from birth onwards. Avalon has grown to become a community general practice, including patients who are farmers, builders, runners, horse-riders, office workers, as well as full-time mums.

Classical osteopaths treat the body holistically at every appointment and believe longer-lasting results are achieved because of this. If you just want to find out whether osteopathy can help you, Stefan offers a free 15 minute consultation.

Brock and Houlford Optometrists and Opticians

Eye Examinations, Sportvision, School Vision Assessments Spectacles, Contact Lenses, Family Eyecare.

33 High Street, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8PR Appointments 01275 332882 www.brockandhoulford.co.uk

Orchard House Chew Stoke

Comfortable self-catering and bed & breakfast accommodation

Ann Hollomon

01275 333143

orchardhse@ukgateway.net www.orchardhouse-chewstoke.co.uk PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

School expands

BISHOP Sutton Primary School in the Chew Valley has started the new term with major improvements to its facilities, including a new teaching block with five classrooms, cloakrooms and toilets, a new and refurbished reception/entrance area, new food technology room and improvements to the school hall.

The new block was opened by the chairman of B&NES, Cllr Alan Hale, who is pictured being shown around the school along with Colin and Sue Emmett, by Will and Holly.

Head of the school, Dieter Cook, said: “The project was needed to address pupil growth in the area by adding two extra classrooms and to replace three temporary poor Chairman of the Council, Cllr Alan Hale, being shown around the school along with condition Colin and Sue Emmett, by Will and Holly. classrooms.”

High Class Family Butcher

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High Street, Chew Magna Tel: 01275 332417

Order Now for Christmas

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Art on show

Organiser Sandy Bell (left), Sue Martini and Sheila Steel

Wanda Sowry and her amazing wooden automata

CHEW VALLEY ARTS TRAIL

Natasha Clutterbuck

Painted stones by Natasha Alexander

Sally Wetherall, Litton

Kevin Hemmings with scenes from East Harptree and Priddy

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 69

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Scarecrow alert

Country market moves – downstairs

Coffee at the market

MORE than 100 scarecrows “invaded” the Chew Valley raising funds for A Sibling’s Wish, a charity founded by the family of Harvey Hext, from Winford, who died last year. It aims to help youngsters come to terms with the death of a brother or sister.

CHEW Valley Country Market previously known as the WI market, has been held in Chew Magna for some 37years. The market recently moved downstairs to the Lower Old School Room to enable easier access for customers and producers and is held most Fridays from 10am-11am.

It continues to provide a convivial atmosphere to buy fresh local produce and innovative crafts, whilst meeting with friends to enjoy cakes and coffee. Vegetables have generally been harvested that morning, bread, scones and sausage rolls baked on the day.

The Country Market ethos is that all products must be locally produced of local origin where possible and must be hand-made. Goods range from locally renowned cheese scones, sausage rolls, cakes, savouries, pies and preserves to locally smoked meat and fish, eggs, fruit and fruit juice in season, fresh flowers and a variety of plants.

Crafts range from exquisite pressed-flower cards, colourful patchwork and children`s clothes and knitted teddy bears, unique gemstone jewellery, photographic art, cards of local village views and a variety of Christmas cards.

The market will be staging a special Christmas Bonanza on Friday December 9th, when extra Christmas fayre will be available and orders can be taken for last-minute really fresh vegetables and mince pies to collect on Friday December 23rd.

The Country Market will also have a stall at Ubley Craft Fair on Saturday November 12th at Ubley Village Hall, selling a range of baking including Christmas puddings and cakes.

Bear necessities

Details: www.facebook.com/harveyscarecrow

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Details: Christmas orders can be taken now on 01179 642091 or contact peter.whitehead2@btinternet.com new producers should contact market manager, Tamsin Free 01761 221674.

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Chew Valley property review – Brexit boom or bust?

IT has been 12 months since my last review of the Chew Valley and Mendip property market and what a year it has been. There is one question on everyone’s lips when I meet them, and the answer everyone wants to know is how will Brexit affect the housing market?

Certain sections of the media will have you believe that we will return to the dark ages; other “informed” analysts are saying times will be hard but at least we will have oddly shaped fruit and veg again whilst there are a collective who think that everything will be fine and we will be better for it.

The honest answer is no one actually knows for definite what will happen to the economy and to the country. If we look at events post-referendum, the Prime Minister stood down, thankfully though we didn’t have a long and drawn-out election campaign for Mr. Cameron’s successor, with Mrs May being named as the new PM after only a few days.

I feel as though this helped to steady the ship and bring some calm to a situation that could have spiralled out of control.

Another important event in recent months has been the Bank of England cutting the base rate to 0.25% an unprecedented low. In 2007 the base rate was 5.5%, which at that time was perceived to be low! Now we all remember what happened the following year, a global economic downtown and subsequent

recessions. The housing market survived a global financial crisis and came back stronger.

I am confident it can survive what some perceive to be a national crisis and continue to grow for the good of the country.

As a region the Mendip and Chew Valley areas are very popular, with good schooling of all grades, excellent access to all three of the region’s cities and beyond and of course beautiful scenery on our doorstep. This all helps to create a popular and desirable area in which to live and because of this I believe the property market within our area will remain strong in both the short and long-term.

Since the referendum, prices have remained firm with sales being readily achieved as there has been a distinct lack of properties on the market.

With three offices across the region, Killens are well placed to deal with your property needs, whether you are looking to sell/buy, let or rent we can guide you through the process and give honest and impartial advice.

We also have an extensive commercial and agricultural department, headed up by senior partner Tom Killen, and this sector has seen continued growth throughout 2016 and with the recruitment of more personnel this will continue into 2017.

MATTHEW BINGHAM

To discuss your property requirements, please contact your local Killens office or alternatively contact us via our website www.Killens.org.uk761462269 or email gjacupuncture@gmail.com

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 71

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A classic pub in Chew Magna

THE Queens Arms is a classic English country pub, hidden away around the back of Chew Magna, behind the church.

It’s the place the locals choose, alongside those who look for good quality food, with a team of highlyqualified chefs, and a wide selection of beers, ciders, wines – and good company.

There’s an extensive country garden in which to enjoy your pint. They also have a skittle alley and function room suite which are available for private functions.

Four skittle teams use the alley.

Sally and Andrew Valentine are celebrating their first anniversary, since they restored the pub and say they have something for everyone to enjoy at Chew Magna’s secret watering hole!

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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County council support ends for bus routes

EMERGENCY funding support for three former Webberbus routes – including the 67 service between Wookey Hole, Wells and Burnham-on-Sea – is unlikely to be extended beyond the end of the year.

Somerset County Council stepped in to maintain the services – the two other routes are in Bridgwater – after the key operator ceased trading at the end of May. No new operators have come forward and the council says it has no choice but to end the subsidies.

In the coming weeks transport officers will be contacting bus operators and parish councils to see if there are opportunities for community-supported, no or low-cost alternatives that the council can encourage and support to fill some of the gaps.

The council continues to fund the Slinky service and financially support demand responsive community transport schemes by covering half the cost of fares for journeys made using concessionary bus passes.

New project will help map Radstock’s past

HISTORIC maps of Radstock and other areas of Bath and North East Somerset are now freely available online for the first time, thanks to the Know Your Place West of England project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project’s website (www.kypwest.org.uk) displays modern and historic maps side by side, along with archive images and links, so users can explore their neighbourhood and see how it has transformed over time.

Four historic basemap layers of Bath and North East Somerset have been added to the resource, allowing users to explore some of the most famous landmarks from the district’s heritage in great detail, from the elegant World Heritage city of Bath, to the coal mines of Radstock.

The website also features historic maps supplied by the British Library and National Library Scotland, and will soon include Historic Environment Record data from Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Users can upload and share their own information about the area, helping to build a rich and diverse community map of local heritage for everyone, from school children to family historians, from planners to enthusiasts of community heritage.

The collaborative project is led by South Gloucestershire Council, working with key partners including Bath and North East Somerset Council, which runs Bath Record Office.

Local museums are identifying items from their collections to appear in an upcoming touring exhibition, which will visit Bath Central Library and Radstock Museum – helping celebrate the district’s rich heritage.

Other areas now mapped include Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Gloucestershire. Over the coming months, the Know Your Place West of England project will extend to include the neighbouring areas of North Somerset and Somerset.

NEWS

Clevedon community trail

A SEAFRONT trail has been launched in Clevedon as part of the Heritage Lottery funded restoration of the famous Marine Lake.

MARLENS – Marine Lake Enthusiasts – have produced the leaflet as part of the communitywide initiatives supporting the

The new leaflet

project.

It says visitors will learn about the families who made Clevedon the town it is today, its unique seafront buildings and promenades.

Leaflets are available from all visitor outlets in the town and via the Marlens website: www.marlens.org.uk

Farmer guilty of animal cruelty

A FARMER from Chew Stoke has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

Edgar John Keedwell, 70, of Breach Hill Farm, Chew Stoke, was convicted of 13 offences following a two day trial at North Somerset Magistrates Court.

The conviction follows an investigation by Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service with the support of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Keedwell was found to have caused unnecessary suffering to 19 sheep under his care which he kept in fields at Rains Batch, near Charterhouse, Somerset last winter.

The court heard that Keedwell had failed to seek veterinary advice for his animals who suffered variously from lesions, infections and lameness. One sheep was found to have an abscess.

Sentencing will take place on Tuesday, November 8th at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court.

Sheducation begins at home

SECURITY advice for sheds and other outbuildings will be on offer at an event in Pensford being run by Avon and Somerset police.

Neighbourhood PC Martyn Bragg will be demonstrating a range of security measures to suit most pockets at Pensford Memorial Hall in Publow Lane from 11am on Saturday, November 5th. Also on display with be the police's special “mobile shed” offering people the chance to find out which padlocks have stood up to testing by experts and much more.

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Surprise, surprise – cavers attracted to Tankards!

MANY readers, driving along the road from Hillgrove to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn, will have noticed a caravan in a field, next to a farm trailer and With PHILIP tripod. This is the site HENDY of Tankard Shaft, a dig being undertaken by members of the Wessex Cave Club in a mineshaft.

There is a shallow depression nearby and somewhere underneath it lies Tankard Hole, which was dug in the 1950s, mainly by members of the Bristol Exploration Club and by the Wessex. It is hoped that Tankard Shaft may eventually connect with Tankard Hole.

Back in 1947 permission was given to dig in a depression, eight metres deep, near the roadside. This early attempt was soon abandoned, until the Wessex re-started the dig in 1955.

This was in the heyday of caving songs, written by cavers and sung at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn, although if the words became too risqué the landlord, Ben Dors, would mutter about “they words” and a more innocuous ditty would be sung.

Tankard Hole, despite its relatively short length, and even shorter life, is one of only two caves on Mendip to have two songs written about it, the other being the more famous and popular Swildon’s Hole. One of the Wessex diggers, Bob Lawder, penned the Tankard Hole song, which starts: Years ago a dig was started by some members of the Other Club, in a shakehole by the roadside, not so far from the Hunters’ pub.

With the occasional draught of cider the diggers had soon piled quite a heap, to the envy of the weegees and the puzzlement of the sheep The Other Club was the name given to the Bristol Exploration Club and the Wessex Cave Club by the respective other organisation; weegees are novice cavers, and the sheep are of the woolly variety, although Depression being filled in 1962

a subtle reference to the Shepton (Sheepton) Mallet Caving Club, who also dug there, cannot be discounted.

All three clubs were involved at various times with the excavation and a small chamber was soon entered, with a route forced through boulders for six metres. As exploration continued, the dig rapidly became notorious for its instability, and the second song, Boulder have a Crunch was written.

The verses referenced different boulders, each of which presented a new hazard. For example: “We came to a boulder painted brown, the sign on it was upside down. We came to a boulder painted pink, the sign on it said, ‘Safe – I think!’.” The main line of the chorus was “Boulder, have a crunch on me”.

They were a fatalistic lot in the 50s!

The cave trended east and the descent, mainly through boulders, was steep. Near the entrance five small chambers were found, one above the other and separated by boulders. Confidence was not inspired by the names given to various features: Rotted Rope Pitch, The Guillotine, and Horror Chamber.

As enthusiasm waned, the Wessex team was joined in 1956 by Bristol Exploration Club diggers, who had recently abandoned their dig at Fairman’s Folly, and were looking for a new challenge. The existing part of the cave kept collapsing and in hauling out some boulders, which incidentally removed two squeezes, a rock slipped, temporarily pinning one digger against the wall, and blocking the way on.

Once removed, the way into Horror Chamber at the lowest part of the cave was found. Roger Stenner of the BEC began to dig at the bottom of this, but it was so unstable that this was soon abandoned.

Stenner and others surveyed the cave, but the instinct for self-preservation led to the waning of interest.

The entrance collapsed and soon the farmer began to fill the depression with rubbish and quarry rubble. With the addition

CAVING

of topsoil, the field was levelled, and the precise location of the entrance lost.

A chance meeting between the present farmer, Tim Payne, and some Wessex members in the pub late last year led to an invitation to look at a mineshaft close to where Tankard Hole was located. More out of courtesy than in the expectation of finding anything interesting, the diggers went to examine the site, to find that it was a tenmetre shaft, with collapse debris at the bottom. The ginging, or stone lining of the shaft, had largely collapsed and the rest was unstable, so an exploratory dig was undertaken by dangling from a rope, to avoid touching the walls.

The appearance of a small hole, along what appeared to be natural cave wall, and down which stones rattled for some distance, was encouraging, and it was decided to stabilise the shaft preparatory to some serious digging. This was in late 2015, and

by February this year digging and exploration continued, headed by Sarah Payne (no relation to Tim) and Duncan Simey.

A series of passages, running north-east and in a narrow vertical plane have been entered. Spurred on by a substantial draught, digging has continued, so that currently the cave is more than 85 metres long, and more than 30 metres deep. Most of the cave is natural, but there is evidence of modification by miners, with stacks of “deads” and decayed stemples.

So far it has proved impossible to date the mine, which ends in a descending draughting rift heading north. Although parts of the cave are unstable, it appears to be nowhere near as dangerous as Tankard Hole.

It is to be hoped that Tankard Shaft may eventually connect with the earlier cave, but with typical Mendip stubbornness the passages are so far refusing to head in the right direction. Further digging will take place after some essential stabilisation.

Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

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(Tankard’s Shaft background photograph by Phil Hendy)

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Priddy implement sale

EVENTS

Auctioneer Tom Killen in action

Priddy farmer Bill Small chats over a garden gate – one of the items on sale

Cock-a-hoop: Ryan and Jessica with their new acquisitions

Rollercoaster entertainment for youngsters was provided by Priddy Pre-school

Sebastian tries out a vintage tractor

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Lodestone Property – not the 9-5ers A QUESTION: what do you get if you cross a television executive with a physicist?

The answer – surprisingly – is an estate agency with a distinctly fresh and modern view of how buying, selling, renting and letting property should be handled.

Meet friends Sue Macey and Cathy Morris-Adams, who have launched Lodestone Property, covering the Mendip area and south Somerset. Their aim is to provide a proactive, energetic and personal approach, where local knowledge is paramount.

Lodestone’s focus isn’t a High Street office. Sue and Cathy realised early on in the venture that the days of agents sitting behind a desk waiting for the office door to open are disappearing in the wake of advancing technology and increasing use of social media. Instead, Lodestone uses technology such as VOIP to keep all the members of the team in the loop and although they plan to have a base in Bruton next year (where they will be

selling a very stylish development of contemporary houses), they will still be out and about engaging with the local community True, Lodestone has a dedicated office in Baltonsborough for meeting clients but their approach is more hands-on. They have also rapidly gained a reputation for the sympathetic way in which they deal with people wanting to be more discreet about their property sales – the “quiet” properties may not appear on the Lodestone website, but the team may have just what a potential purchaser is seeking.

Sue and Cathy and their families have been friends for many years. Sue was commuting to London for her work as a television executive whilst Cathy, who once worked at Hinkley Point, has worked for various estate agents in the area.

Sue said: “I have lived in the area for 20 years and my children were brought up here, so I have a very good local

A friendly approach: Sue (left) and Cathy offer a new approach to the property market

knowledge about things such as schools and local services which people moving to the area want to know about.

“I can also bore people with intricate details about train timetables – but that can be important!”

Cathy added: “We pride ourselves on having a team of mature viewing staff with good local knowledge. And we have a very qualified and experienced Lettings Manager in Jill Brunning providing a dedicated Lettings service.

“We appreciate that people lead busy lives so we’re always on the end of our mobiles to deal with any queries – the team at Lodestone are definitely not 95ers.”

To find out more, visit: www.lodestoneproperty.co.uk or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Pilton

£850,000

One of the most attractive houses in the very popular village of Pilton. Set in approx.1.5 acres this fascinating house with a very attractive exterior and stunning interior is tucked away down a private lane in the heart of the village, but with a secluded situation. Built circa 1820 with additional accommodation converted from an attached barn in the last 10 years. Views over open countryside. Flexible accommodation. Full of character. Large partly walled private and beautiful garden with paddocks and orchard. 4 reception rooms plus basement. 5 bedrooms, two with lounge areas. Stone outbuilding. EPC – E

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Leigh upon Mendip £1,150,000/£825,000 A spacious detached 6 bedroom farmhouse full of period features with nearly 2000sqft of stone outbuildings, plus a 3 bedroom cottage and approx 5 acres of land in a pretty village on the Mendip Hills. One of the principal houses in the village, Manor Farm dates from 1698 and has in recent years had a detached stone building converted into a 3 bedroom cottage (the property is available for £825,000 without cottage) plus there is the potential to convert the stone outbuildings into further accommodation plus further land available by negotiation.

Glastonbury

£775,000

A very spacious striking house set in a peaceful location with good sized attractive and private gardens with a detached self-contained annexe.

Tucked away at the foot of the Tor. Stunning and very spacious sitting room with large glazed areas overlooking garden and fields. Large kitchen/dining room with beautiful views. Spacious second reception room with fireplace. Light filled Master bedroom with en suite shower room. 4 further good sized double bedrooms and family bathroom. Selfcontained detached open plan annexe with shower room † gardens on several levels, including swimming pool terrace and orchard. Parking for several cars, plus carport. EPC - D.

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PROPERTY

Two castles and a windmill!

FOLLOWING two successful auctions in July and September, David James & Partners (DJ&P) will be holding their final auction of the year on Tuesday November 22nd. It may be the last of the year, but it could turn out to be the best for those seeking plots of land and investment opportunities.

The plots are spread across the region and close to local landmarks – Blaise Castle, Walton Castle and Ashton Windmill!

Moorgrove Park, near Blaise Hamlet, is a very rare find – a building plot with planning for an architect-designed individual house, together with parkland amounting to some five acres, just four miles from Clifton village and within easy reach of motorway junctions. The land is being sold as a whole or in three lots.

Lucki We is another rarity – a bungalow which has been demolished to create a building plot in .25 of an acre on the

Coloured art impression of Little Ashton

wooded slopes of Castle Hill near Waltonin-Gordano, Clevedon. This sylvan setting commands views to the south towards Clevedon Court. The boundaries have been well defined with post and rail fencing and the old stone wall bordering the drive is still intact. Planning has been granted for a four-bedroom single storey dwelling with large garden. To be sold in one lot with a price guide of ……….

Down in Somerset in the hamlet of Ashton, close to Wedmore, is Little Ashton a single storey cottage with planning for extension and standing in park-like

grounds of over an acre with an additional wild flower meadow and paddock. For many years Little Ashton has been used as an annex to Ashton House. A new long drive with beautiful park-like gardens either side will lead to the cottage and its ‘secret’ garden. Along with the dwelling is a studio, former stable block used as a workshop and Dutch barn. A guide price of £300,000 for the whole is being asked.

Also being sold on November 22nd will be a 1.5 acre paddock with planning for stables at Cheddar and 2.66 acres with field shelter in Regil, Chew Valley.

For more information on any of these lots, or to discuss your own property or land for sale contact David James & Partners (DJ&P) at Wrington 01934 864300.

Guide Price £635,000

Somerset Wedmore HANDSOME GRADE II FARMHOUSE WITH PERIOD FEATURES AND COMFORTABLE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION A detached village house with tasteful interior of three recep)on rooms around a central hall, modern kitchen with Aga & pantry, drawing room, family room with inglenook and dining room. Four double bedrooms on first floor, 2 bathrooms, bedroom 5, shower room and study on second floor. Drive with turning circle, a*rac)ve open fronted barn and garage, gardens on each side amoun)ng to .4 acre. Ref: 24812/3

Guide Price £650,000

Banwell Wolvershill DETACHED COTTAGE SMALL HOLDING WITH 7.18 ACRES Co*age with substan)al adjoining stone and )le outbuildings, agricultural building, polytunnel and caravan club lis)ng for 5, set in over 7 acres of good pasture with lovely views over the surrounding countryside in good catchment for holiday business if required. EPC: E. Ref: 25040

LAND

Chew Valley, Chew Magna Guide Price £20,000

Guide Price £280,000

North Somerset Banwell DETACHED 3 BEDROOM BUNGALOW WITH VIEWS Detached bungalow with planning for extension. Exis)ng: three bedrooms, si+ng room, kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom. Good size garden backing onto woodland and extensive views from elevated posi)on. Driveway and garage. EPC: D. Ref: 25047

Guide Price £495,000

East Mendips Stoke St. Michael STUNNING LOCATION WITH LONG PRIVATE DRIVE & 9 ACRES! Located on the edge of this east Mendip village in a secluded valley se+ng; a large agricultural building with planning to convert to some 2300 sq of accommoda)on. Long private drive, walled yard and some 9 acres of pasture, all beside a listed ruin da)ng back to the 1600’s. EPC: exempt. Ref: 25131

GARDEN LAND

A Strip of land located behind the High Street and accessed from The Chalks. Perfect garden or allotment poten)al in centre of the village. Ref: 24782. For sale by private treaty.

Chew Valley, Regil Guide Price £50,000

STABLES WITH LAND

2.66 acres of land with stables in quiet valley se+ng. Ref: 25126. For sale by auc)on 22nd November 2016.

Guide Price £350,000

Chew Valley Hinton Blewett IMMACULATE AND WELL EXTENDED SEMI DETACHED HOUSE A 4 bedroom house with superb accommoda)on, recently extended and refi*ed with quality and sleek design. Live in kitchen, living and dining room, si+ng room with woodburner, u)lity, shower and cloakroom. 4 bedrooms, en suite and dressing room to master, family bathroom. Good size gardens and open views to front. Parking. EPC: C. Ref: 25259

Wrington 01934 864300

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Love rekindled

IT’S quite a surprise when you visit someone to talk about their conservatory and you’re told that you’re going to hear a love story.

Intrigued, I settled back in one of Sue French’s quite exceptionally comfortable armchairs and she took me back to 1997 when it all began.

She said: “My husband Paul and I and our three boys were living in East Huntspill. The boys were at school at Sexey’s, I was working at King’s of Wessex and Paul’s business ran from Burnham. We needed a home that was closer to the action and would reduce my daily taxi run.”

The place they eventually chose was in Berrow; a Georgian style house built in what was part of the rectory gardens. It was the start of the love affair. It was spacious and relaxing with plenty of room to take care of the ever growing parking requirements (the boys were soon behind their various wheels).

Sue said: “We were told that the house had ‘road appeal’ and it certainly had that, but it offered a whole lot more besides. It had to accommodate the needs of five busy people and it did.”

Sadly in 2014, Sue’s mother became ill and the view was that she would need to move in and be cared for. The view was also taken that they would have to sell and buy somewhere bigger.

Reluctantly the house was put on the market.

Sue recalls: “Perhaps it was providence but the market was in the doldrums. At the same time my mother’s health improved and after six months we took the house off the market.”

In a way the whole “shall we, shan’t we move” episode had put

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

something of a dampener on the family’s enthusiasm for their home. The love affair needed rekindling. Paul decided that the sash windows, that required pretty much annual maintenance, should be replaced. He and Sue contacted a number of local firms and decided Kingfisher were way ahead of the competition.

“What sets Kingfisher apart is their knowledge and the way they run their business, they never put you under pressure and will always give you honest and helpful advice,” Sue said.

So impressed were Sue and Paul with Kingfisher that they both just knew they were the right people to install the conservatory they’d so frequently discussed. Paul said: “Kingfisher could not have been more helpful. They gave us all the time we needed and when it came to installation, the fitters were polite, punctual and reassuringly skilled at their job.”

“The conservatory is wonderful,” concludes Sue, “it has allowed me to ‘open up’ our kitchen, has created a beautiful and relaxing living area and, best of all, it has given me the chance to fall in love with my home all over again,” TONY THURLING

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New recruit

PROPERTY

COOPER and Tanner say they are delighted to announce the appointment of Jake Smith to the Glastonbury Agricultural and Commercial Department. On leaving the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Jake qualified as member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and subsequently became a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Jake provides advice to clients on a wide range of property matters, including valuation advice, planning, Basic Payment Scheme applications, tenancy matters as well as agricultural and commercial property agency. Having joined from another local firm he also brings a wealth of local knowledge and strives to provide sound honest advice in acting for all parties.

Jake said: “I am excited by the opportunity to join Cooper and Tanner who are well regarded as the leading firm in the area and I hope to continue to develop on the excellent services currently provided by the firm.”

Whether you are an existing or new client seeking advice on any agricultural or commercial property matters Jake can be contacted at the Glastonbury office 01458 834288 or by email: jake.smith@cooperandtanner.co.uk.

Housing demand picks up

HOME buyer demand is beginning to pick up across the UK for the first time since February, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with 8% more chartered surveyors reporting an increase in buyer enquiries.

Although the national data shows a significant turnaround in new buyer enquiries compared to June, (when a net balance of 34% of respondents reported a drop), in relative terms the pick-up was modest.

Moreover, it says the latest results in the South West also show only 8% more surveyors reported an increase over the month, indicative of a more stable trend as opposed to a solid recovery.

Nevertheless, average stock levels on estate agents books remain close to historic lows across the region.

The shortage in housing supply alongside the increase in buyer demand is expected to push up regional prices somewhat in the near-term and by rather more in the longer term. The net balance shows prices increased during September in the South West, with 24% more chartered surveyors reporting an rise in prices than a fall (up from +20% in August).

RICS says over the next three months, house prices are predicted to continue to rise in the region, with 19% more respondents expecting to see an increase.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 79

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Carnival is child’s play THE Carnivals In Somerset Promotion Project has launched a new animated section on its schools DVD to encourage more youngsters to learn about – and become involved in – the annual extravaganza.

CISPP takes its media exhibition van into schools and nurseries to tell children about the unique heritage of the county’s carnivals. It also has a varied programme of activities including interactive films on different aspects of carnival, performing carnival arts, and taking in big boxes of carnival costumes for the children to dress up in.

The animation has been produced by Moving Art TV in partnership with CISPP, formed in 2009. Chairman of CISPP, Dr Andrew Tallon, said: “This film animation has been produced especially to engage with a very young audience to hopefully stimulate an early interest in getting involved in the tradition, as a walking masquerader, as part of a walking group in carnival or as part of a juvenile carnival club.” ● The CISPP mobile media van can be booked through www.cispp.org.uk by emailing sue@cispp.org.uk or by phoning 01963 440472.

Alex and Hollie, from Stardust Majorettes, at Frome Carnival

Hot Rock CC’s entry Tobor on its way through Frome

Poppy Hobson, aged two and a half, took first prize in her class at Castle Cary

Carnival dates

Saturday, November 5th: Bridgwater (7pm); Mon, Nov, 7th: Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea (7.30pm); Fri, Nov 11th: Weston-super-Mare (7.15pm); Sat, Nov 12th: North Petherton (7pm); Mon, Nov 14th: Midsomer Norton (7.30pm) (not on a circuit); Weds, Nov 16th: Shepton Mallet (7.30pm); Fri, Nov 18th: Wells (7pm); Sat, Nov 19th: Glastonbury (7pm). For routes and further details, visit: www.somersetcarnivals.co.uk

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Castle Cary carnival royalty: Theo and Kaila were led round town by Rainbow Rosie, driven by Fi Bird, of Shepton Mallet

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SOMERSET CARNIVAL 2016 A fire eater at Frome Carnival

Waiting for the start: members of Castle Cary Beavers and Scouts at the town’s children’s carnival

Frome Carnival Queen Aleesha White

An ocean of colour scene: one of the walking entries at Castle Cary Carnival

Castle Cary Rugby Club youngsters with their Dennis the Menace theme

Kipling Carnival Club’s award-winning entry Shout

Ebony Dearsley with her winning entry Cat in the Hat with a Grandad!

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How long have I got?

“DON’T ever tell a patient how long he or she has left to live. You will rarely succeed.” This advice was drummed into me

By Dr PHIL by a wise consultant HAMMOND over 30 years ago and it would appear from a recent analysis of 12,000 prognoses that we still haven’t mastered the art of predicting when death will occur.

I was taught to offer a “catch all” range of possibilities: “It could be weeks or months – but I did once have a patient with a cancer like yours who lived for over a year.” That covered cautious realism and hopeful optimism, without falling into the trap of deadly soothsayer.

It’s not surprising that doctors and nurses err on the side of optimism – without hope, life is pretty rotten. And it may also be that the demands of transparency put pressure on staff to “name the date” when old-fashioned obfuscation might be wiser.

When I trained, patients often weren’t given their diagnosis and rarely did anyone mention the word cancer.

People had a warty growth down below, or a spot of inflammation in the liver.

Beneficent paternalism ruled, and doctors decided what information was in the patients’ best interests and what it would be kinder to keep hidden.

Only one consultant – from Yorkshire – spoke openly about cancer and in a very explicit way. He told one patient: “You know what your problem is, don’t you? You’ve got cancer and you’re going to die.” Another was told: “You’ve got so much cancer it’s metastasised to the bloke in the next bed.”

Such behaviour would likely lead to a misconduct charge today and it may be that the public and press scrutiny of doctors has made us not just kinder and more hopeful, but also wary of upsetting a patient or relative for fear of complaints. Perversely, this may be making us less truthful in this age of candour. Plenty of our patients are fat, but it’s a brave doctor who tells a patient directly.

What we can say for certain is that we are all going to die sometime. If we don’t take our own lives (men under 50 beware), we’re likely to die of heart disease, cancer or a stroke. But the human spirit can be as unpredictable as any illness, and all doctors have stories of patients who didn’t live up to, or outlived, their prognosis.

What matters more is that our deaths are gentle, whenever they come, and at a place of our choosing if possible. To do that requires difficult questions and tricky answers, some of which will be proved wrong. But like most things in life, death is often smoother with a bit of thought, talk and planning.

Dr Phil Hammond’s Health Revolution tour is coming to Bristol and Bath.

Details www.drphilhammond.com PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Plop the Raindrop

I’m Plop the Raindrop.

If the sun’s shining you probably won’t see me.

Unless you go out early and the grass is wet.

Then it’s too wet to play outside.

But it didn’t rain last night.

So how does the grass get wet?

It’s because of me and my friends.

We can live in the sky and the air.

But when it gets cold we drop to the ground.

It’s called dew and makes everything wet.

It’s caused by something called condensation.

But when it gets warm we disappear.

That’s when we fly back to the clouds.

The grass gets dry.

That’s called evaporation.

They’re big words: condensation and evaporation.

Can you say them? Can you spell them?

In winter we change again.

We can be snowflakes falling from the sky.

Or an icicle stuck to your roof.

We freeze and go to sleep.

You can make snowballs and throw us.

Or slide across the surface of a pond – just make sure the ice is thick enough.

If it’s cold outside, breathe in deeply.

Then blow as hard as you can.

You can make smoke like a dragon.

Or a steam train when they were around.

Ask grandad or granny if they can remember them.

That’s us waking up. Rain turned to steam.

Looking for another adventure.

MENDIP GRANDAD

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Don’t stay home alone

THE Singles Professional Association (SPA) is a social organisation that covers much of the South West. It is not only one of the oldest social groups in our area but amongst the most active. With an annual subscription of just £30 they believe it provides great value for money.

It exists to enable single people, mostly aged over 40, to socialise in a comfortable environment and to participate in a wide variety of events – they are not a dating group.

The benefits include making new friendships, opportunities to go away in groups for weekends and holidays instead of alone, with new and interesting places to visit and enjoy with others.

They are holding an open evening on November 8th at their Wells and Mendip branch at Tramways Social Club, West Street, Wells, starting at 8pm.

Details: Jackie 01458 840958 or Anne 01934 743139.

Expert care under one roof

A TEAM of therapists with a variety of skills have joined Sue Boothroyd at her Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice at Rookery Farm near Binegar.

It had been Sue’s ambition to expand the range of services available at her treatment centre since she first moved Sue (left) with Jeanne outside there. Sue herself offers soothing warm the centre wax treatments that can help arthritis and skin conditions as well as treating complaints such as corns and callus. She specialises in verruca needling, fungal nail infections, ingrowing toenails and medical nail reconstruction.

She said: “I have now found the ideal people to join me here. Our skills and experience all complement each other. I want this to be a centre of excellence for wellbeing.”

First to join Sue was Jeanne Burnett, a chartered physiotherapist, who offers a range of acupuncture services. Jeanne’s background is in providing acupuncture in oncology and palliative care environments, although early on in her career she worked with Lancashire County Cricket Club’s sports injuries department. Jeanne will also be offering what is known as whole body vibration therapy for people with long-term conditions and wellbeing, using Hypervibe equipment.

Fiona Lindsay is a professionally trained therapist, who has been massaging clients for more than 15 years. She specialises in people who have age-related aches and pains, occupational injuries or general wear and tear. Her massages are also excellent for relaxation and stress relief. Sue’s clients get a professional massage, at an affordable price, focusing on the areas of the body which need therapeutic treatment.

Sue said: “It’s as much about prevention as cure. People visit me regularly and say they really feel the benefit.”

Finally, Simon Crutchley has been a chiropodist/podiatrist for 12 years. He specialises in biomechanics and gait analysis and works as an NHS musculoskeletal podiatrist. His expertise helps many people who have lower limb pain, including people who enjoy sport.

During an appointment, Simon conducts a comprehensive lower limb musculoskeletal assessment looking at joint structure, soft tissue range and function, gait analysis and footwear appraisal. Treatment includes rehabilitation, gait retraining, and where appropriate he uses foot orthoses/insoles to help improve walking/running gait patterns.

OPEN EVENING

HEALTH & FAMILY

TUESDAY 8th Nov 20I6 From 8pm

Single and looking for a social Iife? Then join S.P.A. (Single Professional’s Assocation). An enthusiastic and friendly group of people over 40 years old who enjoy organised events.

Come and meet us at: TRAMWAYS SOCIAL CLUB West St,Wells BA5 2HN (Free car park next to club)

For more information contact: Jackie 01458 840958 • Anne 01934 743139

Massage – Swedish, Remedial, Shiatsu, Hot Stones and Lava Shell, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Hypnotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Emmett Therapy, Reiki Facials, Manicures, Pedicures, CND Shellac, Waxing, Eye Enhancement, Semi-Permanent Make-Up, Microdermabrasion

An exciting range of new therapies now available SUE BOOTHROYD, Podiatrist.

Gentle treatments for healthy, happy feet.

BSc (Hons), DPodM, HCPC reg.

SIMON CRUTCHLEY, Podiatrist and Chiropodist.

Lower limb rehab, gait analysis & orthotics.

JEANNE BURNETT, physiotherapy, acupuncture and Hypervibe therapy.

MScAc, MCSP, HCPCreg.

FIONA LINDSAY, Massage Therapist. A professional massage at an affordable price.

MA(Ed), ICHT, FHT, RBFP.

BSc (Hons), HCPC reg.

Unit 11, Rookery Farm, Binegar, near Wells, BA3 4UL

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HEALTH & FAMILY

For all your hair and beauty needs

SENSE is an established highly professional Somerset salon offering a wide range of hair, skincare & beauty services. We are conveniently posi(oned on the A39 Glastonbury Road between Wells and Glastonbury. We open six full days per week with extended evening opening hours on Wednesdays & Thursdays. A free car park is available immediately adjacent to the salon, with easy level access.

We strive to offer you an experience that is personal to you and your chosen budget.

Under the directorship of Becky Smart, a true industry expert and L’Oreal colour specialist, our experienced team of hair professionals, each with their own specialist skills, offer you individual style, design and hair care.

Becky has gained extensive knowledge throughout her career in both salons and wider industry fields. Becky joined SENSE from her London base at the renowned L’Oreal Professional Headquarters in Hammersmith. As a L’Oreal Colour Specialist, Becky has obtained the highest accredited qualifica-on available in the art of hair colouring combined with extensive knowledge in hair & scalp health and an understanding of the science and chemistry of hair.

Each member of our hair team has an excep-onal grounding in understanding the tools and techniques to reflect your lifestyle in your hairstyle! Cu.ng hair is a true ar-stry, each and every appointment commences with a full consulta-on.

Together we will consider your face shape, complexion, hair texture and maintenance requirements.

Combining classic colour techniques with contemporary couture colour applica-on skills we offer the highest quality service

tailored to your lifestyle requirements.

The SENSE Hair Team is synonymous with the art of beau-ful blow-dry and couture styling. O en referred to as’ The Chelsea Blow Dry ‘(think Kate Middleton!), Many of our clients demand excep-onal blow dry services, that last, look classic and beau-ful , but also enable them to be in and out of the salon quickly.

We can combine treatments from our grooming services available, such as a Manicure, with your hair appointment to enable you to make more of your -me with us. Our team will do their upmost to tailor your appointment -me to meet your specific requirements.

Our experienced professional Elemis and Dermalogica skincare therapists offer superior spa-quality face and body treatments, complimented by an extensive menu of grooming services.

SENSE has an environment where we understand your skin and where its care is exclusive to you. We can offer you prescrip-ve targeted treatments to address your skin concerns or offer you an environment to purely relax into one of our Elemis body or massage treatments – res-ng the mind and re-invigora-ng your whole body!

SENSE Therapists offer you a range of grooming services and treatments to support you, your skin and your body in achieving a totally groomed appearance.

From offering you one of our ever popular Signature Manicure or Pedicure treatments, cocooned in the relaxing environment of our dedicated room, to the extensive choice of hair removal applica-ons, including the op-on of hard wax treatments.

We con-nually review our treatment offer to reflect the treatments or services in popular demand by our clients.

SENSE Hair Skin Body – a relaxing des-na-on that will meet all your hair, skincare and grooming requirements in one convenient loca-on.

Please do call us or visit the Q R 51 , Wells, BA salon to book an appointment, d R ry u b 1 n 2 Glasto 749 6701 or to obtain further informa-on Phone: 01 nnect.com and advice. o tc b @ sb h Love Email sense w.sensehsb.co.uk ww The Team@ SENSE!

EXCLUSIVE TO MENDIP TIMES READERS 20% DISCOUNT ON YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT with us – quote MTNOV16 when booking your appointment - You will also be entered in to an exclusive prize draw to WIN a pamper treatment of your choice.

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Carnival royalty for Wells

City has designs on community mosaic

NEWS

Members of the Wells in Mosaic team walk the historic streets: Clare Blackmore, Steve Wilson, Ruth Ames-White, Chris Winter and Ian Ames-White Ella (seated with trophy) and Rosie are joined by carnival committee chairman Martin Coppell, president Maurice Day, secretary Nancy Dodd and Wells mayor Alison Gibson at the crowning ceremony

WELLS Carnival has a new queen for 2016 – Ella Winter, who raised an impressive £1,142 in sponsorship to claim the title.

Ella will be joined in the carnival queen coach by Rosie Ham as her princess for this year’s procession, which takes place on Friday, November 18th.

Organisers of the carnival queen contest failed to find any entrants last year and hope the fact that Ella and Rosie took part with so much enthusiasm will encourage other youngsters between seven years old and 15 to enter next year.

Martha Grist, who was crowned carnival queen in 2014, led last year’s procession through the city. ● See our carnival feature on page 80.

Ella (centre) with 2014 queen Martha Grist (left) and 2016 princess Rosie

COMMUNITY groups in Wells are working with a local artist on a huge piece of public art to celebrate the city.

They are planning to install a six-metre diameter mosaic which will capture the historic streets and buildings of the city together with key events and people of the past. As well as being a visitor attraction in its own right it will also help visitors to navigate around Wells and delve into its history.

Wells Civic Society and Wells Lions have been working with mosaic artist Ruth Ames-White and her husband Ian to kick start the project. In the long-term they will be looking at ways to set up funding in perpetuity to cover maintenance costs.

The project is likely to take two–three years to complete but Ruth said: "I'm really excited about the positive progress being made and thoroughly enjoying the research and design to which we are hugely indebted to our fantastic team of experts. It will also be great to work with schools and community groups as we move forward."

Award is blooming marvellous

MIDSOMER Norton has won gold in the South West in Bloom competition, collecting the Preece Cup for the best overall entry in the town category.

The town was also recognised for its work to transform the River Somer, sharing the award for an outstanding environmental initiative with a project in The River Somer in Marlborough. Judges were Midsomer Norton impressed by the team’s work with local children to raise awareness of the amount of wildlife in the river.

Glastonbury competed in the same category as Midsomer Norton and was awarded silver gilt.

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Farmborough aims for community shop

FARMBOROUGH held a Big Family Apple Day, which raised over £100 towards a Farmborough Community Shop.

The juicing process mesmerised children and adults alike and everyone got involved in the process, from throwing the apples into the large red mincer, to watching the apple press squeeze the pulp to make the delicious juice.

Since 2012, a small but growing group of volunteers have been working to bring a shop back to Farmborough following the closure of the previous Farmborough Stores, which was sold off along with the local bakery and adjacent businesses to make way for housing.

An agreement and lease with both the Farmborough Parish Council and the Farmborough Memorial Hall Committee was gained earlier this year to erect a purpose-built community shop on a strip of land behind the village hall.

This has allowed for the submission of a full planning application for the shop, with a decision due from Bath and North East Somerset Council.

To date, local fundraising has raised over £36,000 towards the community-funding target of £50,000, which has come from events, generous donations and membership through the purchase of shares.

If planning permission is granted, the Farmborough Community Shop is timetabled to open in 2017, staffed by a paid full-time manager and volunteers from the community.

Details: 01761 470690 or email info@farmboroughshop.co.uk

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Dementia-friendly Frome

David Warburton (centre) with Sean McCabe and DorothyAnne from Frome’s Dementia Action Alliance

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to make Frome a dementiafriendly town.

Members of the Dementia Awareness Alliance met local MP David Warburton to discuss ways in which businesses and shops in the town can increase their understanding of the needs of those living with dementia.

The aims of the DAA include enabling people living with dementia to remain independent and retain choice and control over their lives in a dignified manner; to raise awareness of dementia by creating “dementia friends” among local shop owners and their staff, schools, community groups and local church groups, and to help reduce the stigma around dementia and listen to the needs of local people living with this challenging condition.

David said: “There are many incredibly simple but hugely effective ways in which local shops and businesses can help minimize the difficulties faced by dementia-sufferers. For example, simply changing the colour of a doormat or enhancing signage in shops makes a big difference to the dayto-day lives of those living with dementia.”

For details about Frome Dementia Action Alliance contact Sean McCabe on fromedaa@gmail.com

Boxes for Romania

MEMBERS of the Inner Wheel Club of Frome have been filling shoe boxes with gifts to be sent to children in Romania.

Anyone else who Kate Lewis, district chairman and a member of wants to the Frome club, is pictured with other members contribute to the scheme is being asked to deliver boxes to St John’s Church in Frome which sends them via the Trussel Trust.

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Beanstalk found in SOUP

THE Beanstalk charity that helps children with reading difficulties won the Wells SOUP community grant scheme event in October.

Beanstalk volunteers work with schools across the Wells area; the local branch of the nationwide charity was launched earlier this year.

Wells SOUP offers local organisations the chance to state their claim to grants by making presentations to members of the local community over lunch. Beanstalk was granted £265. Its presenter, Sheila Flanagan, said: “We are very grateful to Wells Independents who organise the SOUP events for giving the charity the opportunity to take part and thank you to all who voted for us.”

The other causes which took part were Project Linus, which provides quilts and knitted blankets to babies and children in need, the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, who want to provide training courses in Wells, and community radio station GFM which is improving the strength of its signal. They each receive £89. The £5 entrance money on the door was matchfunded by local businesses Greenslade Taylor Hunt, Probusiness and D H James.

Remembering loved ones

THIS year's annual Candles of Remembrance service will be held at Keynsham Methodist Church, Victoria Centre, High Street, on Saturday November 12th, starting at 3pm.

This is an opportunity to remember babies and children who have died, whatever their age or circumstances, whether your loss was recent, or sometime ago. The service includes poems, music, prayers, songs, and a roll-call of the children's names.

After the service refreshments are served in the hall. Everyone is welcome – children, parents, grandparents, family and friends.

Details: Jeff Sawyer 0117 9754071 or email jeffsawyer@blueyonder.co.uk

New lifeboat for Burnham

(Photos courtesy of Mike Lang)

A NEW lifeboat called Burnham Reach has been launched after a year of fundraising by RNLI volunteers and people in the town. The D Class inflatable craft joins the 7.5m Atlantic 75 named Staines Whitfield at the town’s lifeboat station.

Phil Counsell, from the RNLI, said: “There is an old and very appropriate concept; if it’s not broke, don’t fix it! The D Class lifeboat is the workhorse of the RNLI, and Burnham Reach is brand spanking new, with up-to-date equipment.”

The boat takes to the waters off Burnham

COMMUNITY

No puzzle that jigsaw brings village together

Richard (left) and Mike in front of the 16-feet long puzzle

A COMMUNITY “jigsaw” has been hailed as a huge success after it took centre stage at an art exhibition showcasing the talents of people living in Leigh on Mendip.

Villagers were asked to decorate individual pieces of the jigsaw in whatever way they thought suitable – noone was allowed to see any other piece until the murallike work was unveiled at the show.

Artists Richard Blaker and Mike Bloxham, who designed the jigsaw, said they were delighted by the results. They counted at least 40 different materials used in the work, ranging from paint to dog hair and lentils!

Richard said: “Although I’ve lived in Leigh for quite some time, people were coming to my door who I’d never met before; it’s really brought people together.”

As well as looking at ways to make smaller versions of the jigsaw to sell – the original may go on permanent display in the village’s Memorial Hall – Richard and Mike may now approach other communities to help them create their own pieces of work.

Lily and Amy help to complete the mural

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The greening of Wedmore

SIR Vince Cable was one of the special guests lining up to talk community energy, energy storage and saving, as part of Green Wedmore’s tenth anniversary celebrations.

The team joined forces with Wedmore Community Power Co-Op which runs the nearby non-profit 1MW solar paddocks to ask local people what they would like to do next.

The local green team wanted to find out if Wedmore wants to produce more renewable energy and how, whether Wedmore wants to investigate energy storage systems and whether people want to reduce their energy usage and how to engage with people to make this happen.

Green Wedmore chair, Steve Mewes, said: “The debate has been over for many years now. 97% of scientists agree that man-made climate change is a real and present threat. Countries around the world have endorsed the Paris Climate Summit which is now being actioned.

Everyone can make a difference and the easiest way is to think about how much electricity or heating you use and how you can cut back.”

Some possible next steps discussed on the night were engaging with local schools, switching to LED street lights, using biofuel from local nature reserves, “greening” key local buildings such as the village hall and smart meter schemes so people are more aware of the energy they are using.

Details: Steve Mewes on stevemewes415@gmail.com

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Community award

Lynne Easton receiving her award from Jim Farmer.

THE Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club Community Award is intended to recognise those who give their time freely, selflessly and in so doing make outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of their communities and the people within them. This year proved no exception.

Eight nominations were received this year from parishes within the Chew Valley, any of whom would have proved worthy winners in any other year.

However organisers say one nomination, from Chew Magna Parish Council, stood above the

others, that of Lynne Easton.

Rotary president, Jim Farmer, said: “Thanks to Lynne’s energy and organisational skills, Chew Magna now has a formally adopted Emergency Flood Plan. To achieve this Lynne had to liaise with the parish council, the local Chew Valley Flood Forum, B&NES and the Environment Agency when organising a flood resilience practice day.

“It was a huge task! In addition Lynne dedicates much time to the refurbishment of the King George V playing field in Chew Magna, working with Magna Minors and the infant school parents to get the best play equipment possible for the children.”

Play bus ready for action

A SHINY, new blue playbus, based in Radstock, has been in action at Westfield near Radstock, Pensford and Paulton. The latest bus was converted thanks to the Community Bus charity fund matching Lottery money. Play together sessions are for families with babies up to preschool aged children.

Sessions are held from 10am until 12 noon on Thursdays at Pensford Memorial Hall car park, at Paulton Village Hall on a Tuesday afternoon 1 – 3pm (term time only) and at Westfield Recreational Ground on Tuesdays from 9.30am until 11.30am.

They are also held at High Littleton on Mondays from 10am until 12noon and Timsbury also on Mondays, from 1 – 3pm, as well as Batheaston on Wednesdays from 10am until 12 noon.

On the bus the children have fun playing in the sand, dressing up, story-telling, arts and crafts and lots more. Play sessions are funded by the Lottery for the next two years.

Details: contact the Community Bus on 01761 419557.

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Betty moves down under

THEY say that moving home is one of the most stressful things that a person can do. Any normal person that is!

Clearly this is not the case for former Taunton and Somerset Samaritans director, Betty Carter, who at the ripe old age of 95 has decided to call it a day manning the phones, as she is emigrating to Brisbane, Australia to be with her son Nick and his family.

Loved by everyone, and known for her formidable energy and enthusiasm, Betty has been one of the driving forces at Samaritans since joining the organisation in 1980.

As friends and colleagues gathered to wish her well, they took the opportunity to have a look back at some of Betty’s key milestones.

Current director, Liz Flower, said: “Betty has been such an incredible example to so many people. Despite her advancing years she has always embraced the many changes we have undergone, constantly adapting to our modern way of life.

“As we approach 50 years of supporting vulnerable people in this area, as our branch historian Betty has left us with a fine record of the many things we have achieved, many of which would not have happened without her.”

In summing up her own time as a Samaritan, Betty said: “I have gained far more from being a Samaritan than I have ever given.”

Church roof progress

Pews have been cleared and stacked in the side

WORK has begun to restore the roof of All Saints Church in Nunney after a fundraising campaign by the local community.

Contractor C&L Pearce, of Frome, are working on the interior nave ceiling of the church and installing dormer windows to allow

natural light in at high level.

The church is closed until next Easter but the churchyard is open throughout the project and the west porch is open for visitors to observe progress of the work and to leave a donation – the fundraising continues.

Plans are now beginning for a service of dedication followed by a gala concert.

A view of the roofspace

COMMUNITY

Bikers aid air ambulance

WELLS Classic Motorcycle Club has donated £4,000 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance from its Tortoise and Hare run.

Marshalls and helpers joined members after the club’s annual meeting, when a presentation was made to Colin Thomas and Anita Townsend from the air ambulance.

To date the total amount donated by the club from the six events has reached £11.650. This popular event regularly attracts over 150 entrants plus marshals from various parts of the country to come and ride in some of our outstanding countryside. The event caters for motorcycles and scooters of all ages. The date for next year’s event is Sunday June 4th.

Details: www.wellsclassicmotorcycleclub.co.uk

Ladies who lunch

Pictured (left to right) are Gina Hyde, Carolyn Banfield, Jane James, Janet Bamford, Wendy Cosh, Ann Budd and Janet Ogilvie.

PENSFORD Ladies’ Group was wound up after 50 years, when there was no-one willing to take on the role of officers.

But that hasn’t stopped some of them meeting up.

Former joint chair, Ann Budd, said at the time: “It has been agreed that we will no longer be the official Pensford Ladies’ Group but a group of friends who will informally meet once a month at a local hostelry at lunchtime for a noggin and natter.”

Since then various former members have met up monthly and they are looking for more to join them.

Details: Janet on 07704 135008 to find out more.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 91

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HOMES & INTERIORS

The staircase experts

01761 439300 • www.staircase-manufacturing.co.uk

Specialising in Oak staircases Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery

The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

STAIRCASE Manufacturing is a long-established business specialising in the production of quality staircases and staircase furniture. With over 80 years of experience within the manufacture of bespoke staircases, it combines the best traditions of craftsmanship with up-to-date production techniques to produce the highest finish possible.

They can also provide their own joinery services, creating stairs in hard or softwood, standard or bespoke designs and using matching timbers to your doors, architraves and skirting which gives a truly bespoke and quality appearance to your whole house. The staircase is manufactured and “dry” assembled in their workshop, ensuring that the staircase fits before it is delivered to your home minimising any disruption.

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Transports of delight

WHETHER on two wheels or four – and some had three, some had more – the annual Somerset’s Festival of Transport offered something for every enthusiast of historic vehicles.

Precision-scale models of traction engines rubbed shoulders with commercial lorries, beautifully-restored cars and even the odd bicycle or four as part of Wincanton Racecourse stepped back in time for the weekend of nostalgia, organised by Tony and Tina Carter, of Bruton.

It’s a family affair: Hannah Bastable in the driving seat of a 4” scale Garrett agricultural loco, watched by grandad John (left) and father Martin. The family are from Charlton Musgrove, near Wincanton

Peter Sage, from the Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club, with his 1968 230 auto Mercedes Benz. The car enjoyed a career in the diplomatic service overseas before Peter bought it in 2002 Organisers Tony and Tina Carter during the commercial vehicle cavalcade in the main arena

The Smith family, of Sparkford, relax on their exhibit of agricultural bygones Big cats and moggies – but robins were also welcome

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Roger Warwick, a member of the South Wilts Agricultural Preservation Society, was demonstrating a 1930s TeLes dag-saw, used in forests to cut timber to a manageable size

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MOTORING

Highways contract deal

A NEW contract for highways maintenance in Somerset will be awarded to Skanska Construction UK Ltd, following a decision made by Somerset County Council’s cabinet.

The contract will initially run from next April until the end of March 2024, with the option to extend for a further three years based on performance.

The decision follows an extensive procurement process which was carried out jointly with Devon and Plymouth Councils.

The total combined value of the contract is limited to £1.2bn over 10 years between the three authorities. For Somerset, the exact spend each year will vary depending on how much work is ordered and carried out. ● A new online map has been launched by Somerset County Council to allow

people to easily report potholes and other issues on Somerset’s roads. “Report It” allows users to report any highways issues across all 4,206 miles of Somerset’s highways – from potholes and blocked drains to overgrown hedges or traffic light faults. Visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk and click “Drive” and then “Report road problems”.

For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting

SHIPHAM MOTOR GROUP

Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 97

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THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT

A GLASTONBURY HOLY THORN TREE Crataegus Monogyna Biflora – It’s The Real Thing!!!

Available from Malcolm Slocombe Four Seasons 16 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DU Telephone No: 01458 832061 Now available in Patio size

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Christmas Fair

Sunday 4th December 11am – 4pm FREE ENTRY The Wellsway, Harptree Hill, West Harptree BS40 6EJ 01761 221382 enquiries@thewellsway.co.uk

A holy thorn for Christmas

LEGEND has it that following the crucifixion of Christ, his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, arrived in Glastonbury with his 12 companions. Having climbed Wearyall Hill, whose name is said to derive from his proclaiming “we are weary all” he planted his staff in the ground whilst he rested.

The following morning the staff had taken root and is said to have grown into the miraculous thorn tree.

Despite having been cut down on various occasions, the latest incident in 2010 by unknown vandals, the trees have survived due to the ingenuity of local people keeping cuttings and most recently with help from Kew Gardens.

As old Glastonians used to say: “A Holy Thorn Tree in the garden brings luck and good fortune to the household.”

This time of year is the best time of year to plant Glastonbury thorn trees. Supplied by specialist licensed nurseries, Four Seasons, on Glastonbury High Street, currently have a limited stock of young trees available.

Jewellery talent on show

IN the outskirts of Chew Magna can be heard the massed tapping of hammers as Chris Pate, designer-maker and owner of Touchmark Studios, and her Guild of Jewellers, beaver away.

Their work will be going on show in November at The Pelican in Chew Magna, offering Christmas gifts to suit all tastes and pockets.

Touchmark Studios began in 2004 as Chris wanted to offer a friendly, supportive place in which to learn the art of jewellery making. The guild evolved a few years later in 2012 when Chris realised she was nurturing a lot of talent under her roof.

She said: “People who I’d trained had morphed into fantastic jewellers and were creating work which just needed to be out there. I knew how difficult that could be on your own so I came up with the idea of forming a collective of jewellers, under the umbrella of Touchmark Studios and Touchmark Guild of Jewellers was born.”

They began by taking part in local arts trails and exhibitions and within 18 months were selling as a collective in a high street shop in Cabot’s Circus in Bristol.

The show, on Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th, will also celebrate the launch of the guild’s website: www.tmkguild.co.uk

FLY A GLIDER! THE IDEAL GIFT!

Mendip Gliding Club is located near Cheddar and offers a variety of Glider Flying packages including Trial Lesson Vouchers (from £35), or regular membership and “Fixed Price To Solo” options. Club is open all year on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Suitable for aged 12 upwards – no upper limit! Fly with BGA-rated instructors in dual control gliders.

For further information, please visit our website at:

www.mendipgliding.co.uk or contact Penny Broad 01275 340827 (Marketing) PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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New era for Mells festive market

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CHRISTMAS IDEAS 2016

THE historic tithe barn in Mells will once again host a Christmas craft market with new organisers at the helm.

It was at last year’s market that Tina Seviour met Helen Lawson and, on hearing from organiser Rebecca Larsen that it would be her last, the two decided to organise their own event, to be held on Saturday, November 12th. Helen said: “Christmas at the Barn has been such a wonderful festive event in Mells for the past few years that we just couldn’t imagine the run-up to Christmas without it! After a long chat over a cup of tea we decided to take the plunge and organise an event ourselves, and I’m so pleased we did.

“We’ve both been stallholders at lots of markets over the years and have met some fabulous crafters and makers. We’re so excited by the group of artisans who will be at the barn on the 12th November, who have all been very carefully selected for the brilliant quality of their work.”

Now called Christmas in the Country, the market– which is free to enter – will feature more than 20 stalls offering a festive shopping experience which will highlight the wealth of talented makers in the area and offer visitors a unique chance to choose from a beautiful selection of items ranging from leather handbags and striking jewellery to local lavender products and gifts for the home.

The community-run Mells Café will be providing food and drink on the day, including mulled wine and mince pies.

MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016 • PAGE 99

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NEWS

Museum makes its own history

Hilary Daniel is the last surviving member of the team which launched the museum. In a speech to guests he paid tribute to fellow founder Eunice Overend, who passed away at the end of September aged 95. He said Eunice, best known for her work with badger protection, was the “inspiration” for the museum

VOLUNTEERS have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of Frome Museum with the launch of a book chronicling its history.

The book by David Robinson – one of the museum curators – was unveiled at a party to mark the anniversary.

The museum began life on Church Steps in the town, before moving to Wine Street in 1973 and finally to its present site on North Parade.

The listed building was originally constructed for the Frome Literary and Scientific Institution.

Museum chair Emma Robinson said the attraction was more popular than ever with visitor numbers increasing. The museum season ends in mid-November.

Emma Robinson prepares to cut the 50th anniversary cake watched

by David Robinson (left) and Tony Maslen, who collaborated with David in the preparation of the book

The book “Frome Preserved – a Museum’s History” costs £15.

Keeping memories alive

THE Second World War memories of a nurse who served during the conflict in North Africa have been published by her daughter, Jane Clark, from Holcombe.

Joy Barber, who was born in Kent but spent most of her life in Somerset, followed her first husband Tony Case to Africa in 1942. She had met Tony in hospital in England where he was recovering from a broken leg due to a motorbike accident.

They were married in Algiers Jane with copies of her book and also served in Italy.

Joy came back to England in May 1943 but Tony stayed in Italy and took part in the liberation of Rome in June 1944. Tony remained in Italy after the war and joined the Special Boat Service. He later died in Italy and his grave lies in the war cemetery at Bari. Years later Joy met her second husband, Jane’s father. She lived in Shapwick and later West Pennard.

Jane felt her mum’s diaries and letters from Tony should be read by a wider audience and has published them as Sister Sunshine, a Wartime Romance. Jane said: “It is really important to keep these stories and memories alive.”

Sister Sunshine, a Wartime Romance is available on Amazon.

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Strawberry Line diversion

THE Shute Shelve Tunnel on the Strawberry Line, near Winscombe, is likely to be closed for six months, while Bristol Water lay a new pipeline through it and there will be a diversion through Slader’s Leigh, the wildlife reserve run by the Mendip Society.

Because of this, the society abandoned its usual scything weekend and its president, Les Davies, stepped in with his trusty yellow tractor for haymaking. Slader’s Leigh will be closed completely until about December 6th, when it will become the official diversion route.

Les is pictured with (l to r) Richard Frost, chairman, Denise Poole and David Tranter.

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Ringers in demand

AFTER a break for summer holidays, the Tabor Ringers are back in action and received a fantastic welcome when they recently played at Pine Lea Day Care Centre in Midsomer Norton.

Under the leadership of Angie Poole the bells and chimes played well-known tunes which the audience sang along to with gusto. They not only sang but when the Can Can was played arms and legs were being twirled around and flung in the air The community singing led by Lynda Lye also brought a practical demonstration when The Music Man was sung, with make-believe pianos, trombones, drums etc being played. The Lambeth Walk was well remembered as were the other songs.

Humorous recitations/anecdotes, which brought forth laughter and amusement, were recounted by Dianne Carter and all in all a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. The Tabor Ringers have been booked again to return at the end of November.

This is the start of a very busy season. Bookings for the remainder of the year include Keynsham Day Centre, Manor Farm Care Home at Radstock, Whitehaven Care Home Midsomer Norton, a concert at Kilmersdon, The Laurels Care Home Timsbury, culminating in taking part in the Carol Service at their own church, Tabor Independent Methodist in Timsbury.

Details: Mrs Brimble 01761 470891.

Choir’s busy Christmas

MEMBERS of Mendip Male Voice Choir are now back rehearsing their winter/Christmas songs for a busy November and December of concerts starting with a charity night at Chilcompton Church on Saturday November 26th.

The money raised is going to the Carers Centre and the night before they will be singing at the Bath Christmas Market.

On Friday December 9th it's into Bath for a concert at St Michael’s Church, then it's the choir’s big night at St John’s Church, Midsomer Norton, on Saturday December 17th for the annual Christmas concert.

If there are men out there who are interested in joining the choir go along any Monday night to rehearsals at St Mary's School Timsbury at 7.15pm.

Details: www.mendipmen.co.uk

Conductor bows out

MUSIC

THE Somerset Singers Christmas concert on Saturday December 10th will be the final concert conducted by Jonathan Vaughn.

The singers gave their first performance in 1987 and now present two concerts every year usually in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells. But to reach larger audiences for major works such as “The Dream of Gerontius” they use Wells Cathedral.

They are busy rehearsing at Sidcot Quaker Hall every Wednesday evening ready for their next concert which will be in St Cuthbert's Church, Wells at 7.30pm, by kind permission of the rector and churchwardens.

The programme is the “Requiem Mass” by Amadeus Mozart and the “Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War)” by Franz Joseph Haydn.

Jonathan Vaughn is assistant organist at Wells Cathedral where he plays the organ for services, trains the cathedral choristers and directs them for many of the services; he also records organ recitals for the Regent Records label.

He was appointed musical director of the Somerset Singers in 2009 and during his tenure has trained and conducted the singers in performances of Bach “St John Passion”, the Verdi “Requiem”, Elgar’s “Dream of Gerontius”, Haydn “The Creation”, Faure’s “Requiem”, Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio”, Handel’s “Messiah” and “Judas Maccabaeus”, and most recently the VaughanWilliams “Sea Symphony”.

For his last concert with Somerset Singers he has chosen the Lochrian Ensemble (leader Catherine Black) as the orchestra and soloists – Mary Walker (soprano), Daniel Brown (alto), Richard Rowntree (tenor), Craig Bissex (bass).

Tickets, £12, are available in advance from Wells Tourist Information Centre, 01934 843727, or £14 on the door.

Details: www.somersetsingers.co.uk

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Cathedral trust appeal

Lady Taverner with Hugh Latta, head boy chorister, and Orla Donoghue, head girl chorister

A FUNDRAISING campaign to enable children to sing with the Wells Cathedral Choir has been boosted by a donation of more than £30,000.

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust has pledged that no musically-talented child should miss out on the opportunity for financial reasons.

At a special evensong in the cathedral, the trust was presented with a cheque for £37,500 by the Friends of Cathedral Music charity.

WCCT – whose patron is Sophie, Countess of Wessex – says it needs to raise £20m. The trust was originally set up to provide funding for girl choristers when a girls’ choir was set up in 1995. In 2011 it broadened its purpose to fund all choristers. Each day, 18 boys and 18 girls sing in their own choirs with the men – the 12-strong Vicars Choral.

At a reception after the evensong the choir launched its latest CD – Missa Wellensis – which includes music by the late composer Sir John Tavener, some of which was sung during the service. Sir John’s widow, Lady Maryanna Tavener, was amongst the guests.

Cathedral precentor Canon Nicholas Jepson-Biddle (left) with FCM’s national secretary Roger Bishton, Hugh Latta, head boy chorister, and Orla Donoghue, head girl chorister

For details about WCCT, visit: www.wcct.co.uk

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Choir celebrates 40 years

One from the scrapbook

CONGRESBURY Singers will begin celebrating 40 years of singing in the village this year at their autumn concert. The first part of the concert will be extracts from the beautiful Samson oratorio composed by Handel in February 1743.

They will be supported by soloists Elizabeth Glen and Simon Perkins, both of whom have sung with them before.

The second part of the concert will feature Michael Hurd’s Swinging Samson, an enormously fun pop cantata. Expect to have to contribute during this. These should provide a fitting backdrop to their anniversary celebrations.

The Congresbury Theatre and Arts Group dissolved in 1976, leading to the formation of two separate groups – Congresbury Singers and Congresbury Drama Group. The formative meeting of Congresbury Singers was held on September 7th, 1976.

At the first AGM, Mike Lewis was elected chairman and David Gillions was the musical director. Another elected committee member was Peter Hull, who is still a choir member today. Other original group members, who are still members today, are Maureen Lewington and Margaret Lewis.

The anniversary concert will take place in St Andrew's Church on Saturday November 12th at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8, including a finger buffet afterwards in the Old School Rooms. They can be obtained in advance from Congresbury Post Office, Paul on 01275 878740, or other choir members and will be available on the door.

Modern day

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MUSIC

Cam and join us!

(Photo courtesy of Jason Bryant)

Good morning sunshine – Cam Morris on Glastonbury Tor on May Day

AUTUMN is the time of year when many Morris sides – so familiar from their dancing at pubs and events around Mendip – “hibernate”, usually until Boxing Day celebrations which mark the mid-way point between last summer and the next.

But now is the ideal time for anyone with an interest to join a side and Cam Valley Morris Men say they would welcome new members, especially anyone who may have been involved in Morris in the past.

Cam Morris at Glastonbury Festival – they hope to be dancing there again next year

John Weallans, from Cam Valley Morris, said: “It‘s a great source of camaraderie, fun and friendship and for those with no experience it can be assured that from joining Cam Valley, straight from the outset, you will be a member of the side.”

Cam Valley Morris Men was formed in 1981 by dancers who had already gained experience with other dance sides. Their aim was to dance Cotswold Morris in its traditional form for the enjoyment of both themselves and the

public. Cam Valley kit is based on that of traditional Cotswold teams from whom their dances are collected. The green of their crossed “baldrics and rosettes” represent the valley and the blue the waters of the Cam. John promised newcomers: “By the beginning of next summer you will have been fully kitted out, capable of performing many dances and enjoying the slightly ribald and bawdy humour of the other members.”

Practice sessions are held at the Hunters Lodge in Priddy on most Tuesday evenings starting at 8.30pm.

For details visit: www.camvalleymorris.org.uk

Society’s new work

CELEBRATING its 40th year, Chew Valley Choral Society will be performing a particularly rich collection of choral works on Saturday, November 26th at St John’s Keynsham.

The most prominent work is Mozart’s Requiem, composed a year before the composer’s death. Other pieces in the programme are Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus and Laudate Dominum and a performance of Everyone Sang, a piece David Bednall

which the society commissioned from its then director Ian Coleman on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

Most exciting of all is a new work specially commissioned by the Society from its musical director David Bednall.

He has chosen Dryden’s A Song for St Cecilia’s day 1687, a poem in honour of the patron saint of music.

The concert will be directed by David Bednall with soloists Naomi MacLeod-

Jones (soprano), Emily Huish (alto), Iain MacLeod-Jones (tenor) and William Drakett (bass) with the Seren Ensemble and David Whitehead (organ).

Tickets (£12, students and children £6) can be obtained from the parish office, 1 The Park, Keynsham (01179 863354), members of the choir, on the door, or by telephoning 01275 333014.

Wine will be available during the interval.

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Turning dreams into reality?

Ever fancied joining the likes of celebrities such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Jeremy Kyle in owning a share in a top-class racehorse trained by tentimes champion trainer Paul Nicholls? It’s certainly not cheap, but the thrills might just outweigh the bills. Mark Adler meets the man behind the new Ditcheat Thoroughbreds syndicate.

IAN Fogg can lean over the garden wall of his home in Ditcheat and pat the horses – should he wish to – as they make their way to the gallops.

So it was little surprise that the successful businessman should become enchanted by the sport and a drink in the village pub – The Manor House Inn – with trainer Paul Nicholls and Manor Farm Stables landlord Paul Barber led to him buying a half-share in a racehorse called

Ian Fogg (centre) with head lad Clifford Baker (left) and Paul Nicholls

Join Together.

Other horses followed, including Vicente which won last season’s Scottish Grand National in Fogg’s own colours – and sealed another champion trainer title for Nicholls.

Now Ian has launched his own jump racing syndicate called Ditcheat Thoroughbreds with the aim of making the sport accessible to more people.

The cost of belonging to the syndicate

Warming down after a morning’s exercise: Coillte Lass with Team Ditcheat member Beth Mayger

PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

ranges between £6,450 and £15,950 for the season, with no additional bills, and each horse will have a maximum of 20 owners.

Ninety per cent of all monies will be redistributed to shareholders twice a year and 95 per cent of net proceeds realised on the sale of the horse distributed to shareholders at the end of the syndicate, which will run for two years.

Ian said: "Sharing the cost of ownership has to be the way forward and the bonus is that we have the champion trainer on our side as he has made a habit of turning dreams into reality.

“It makes perfect sense. You get the chance to own shares in several horses with like-minded people, which adds to the fun. There might be cheaper ways into ownership but you would have a hard task to find better horses on offer for syndicate ownership.”

A team of eight horses has been assembled that are already in training at Manor Farm, with a ninth coming along soon. Ian said: "They are all young and have potential with different strengths."

The syndicate certainly got off to a flying start so far this season with two wins out of two starts: Marracudja and Coillte Lass both winning well.

Ian added: “Owning horses has given me tremendous enjoyment. By setting up Ditcheat Thoroughbreds I am hoping that we can provide the same sort of entertainment for lots of others who maybe cannot afford to own one outright.

"Most hobbies are expensive including racing so splitting the cost is surely the best

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RIDING

The Ditcheat Thoroughbreds string on the gallops

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Ian and Paul in the yard with Marracudja

way for people to get involved.”

Nicholls said he was delighted to have the syndicate on board: “I’m not saying that we have potential winners of the Gold Cup or the King George – although that would be great – but they all have potential to have successful careers and could make a decent return if they are sold… and they’re all part of our plans to win the title again.”

Winning ways at Wincanton

THE opening fixture of the new season at Wincanton Racecourse saw victories for three other horses from the Manor Farm Stable.

Cliffs of Dover, Present Man and Rouge Devils – the latter part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson – enjoyed taking their places in the winner’s enclosure.

A stunning new sculpture called The Last Fence by Bruton artist Clare Tupman was unveiled on the opening day by BBC radio and television sports presenter John Inverdale. The stainless steel piece stands around three metres high – similar to the height of a 16.2 hands thoroughbred when jumping.

Wincanton will host 18 meetings this season, including six premier racedays as well as the hugely-popular Boxing Day fixture.

Connections of Present Man receiving the Harry Dufosee Challenge Cup

Present Man – ridden by Jack Sherwood – on his way to victory in the Harry Dufosee Challenge Cup Handicap Steeplechase

The Last Fence by Clare Tupman

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What the deuce

MEMBERS of Wells Tennis Club competed against themselves for the annual President versus Chair Shield for mixed doubles partnerships, with the president’s team winning 130 games to 92.

President Tasha Smith said: “Everyone enjoyed a fine afternoon of friendly tennis. Thank you to everyone who came along, including a few spectatators.”

Club chair Dan Cooke and president Tasha Smith with the shield

A total of 20 members competed in the “tournament”

Thompsons on top

THE Thompson family did well at Timsbury Cricket Club’s annual presentation night with father Jerry winning an award for the fastest 50 and son Sol being named second team player of the year and best junior.

Mark Sage, who was third top scorer in the Senior Division of

Fastest 50 winner Jerry Thompson (left) with Club Chairman Austin Sage

Winner of best performance by a Junior and 2nd team player of the Year Sol Thompson with Club captain Steve Clothier

PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

the Bristol and District League, was voted first team player of the Year.

Captain Steve Clothier said that the re-structuring of the leagues meant that Timsbury had in effect been promoted and a joint fourth place was a fantastic team effort.

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SPORT

Worthy causes benefit from festival run

AROUND 700 people took to the tracks around the site of the Glastonbury Festival for the fourth annual Festival Run. Last year’s event raised £9,000 for Children’s Hospice South West and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and organisers were confident of beating that amount this year – proceeds from entry fees will go to the air ambulance charity again and also the Alzheimer’s Society.

Many entrants in the 2k, 5k and 10k runs around Worthy Farm were also raising money for their own chosen charities.

Super Marios: Sidney and Stanley Williamson took part in the 2k run to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West Toby Watson was the first boy home in the 2k run; Bali Chapman was the first girl

The mass start for the 5k and 10k runs

Rainbow run – the mountain of hand painted oil drums used as bins around the site provided a colourful backdrop for runners as they neared the finish

Tom Dukes, from Wells City Harriers, leads the way in the 10k run, which he won

The festival spirit is with Sarah Woodward as she passes the pyramid stage

Gretel and Paul Hughes, from Frome, are regular festival goers but this was their first attempt at the 5k run around the site

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Legend lights up rugby club

Derek (centre) with club officials

BRITISH Lions legend Derek Quinnell was the guest of honour at the official switching-on of new floodlights at Castle Cary Rugby Club.

In 1971, the giant Welsh forward helped the Lions to their only victory to date in New Zealand. Derek, now 67, first played for Llanelli in 1967 and was called up to the Lions squad before he had made his first appearance for Wales.

Club members raised the £35,000 for the project with local support and Derek was full of praise for the club’s links with the community. Local businessman Nicky Barber, a longstanding supporter of CCRFC, switched on the lights.

Marathon is popular event

SIMON Whittle and Judith Chubb-White are planning their third Rok the Stones trail marathon and three-leg relay to take place on Saturday February 4th. The event has proved so popular that both races sold out within 24 hours of entries opening and a waiting list is now operating.

The event consists of a mixture of solo and relay runners following a demanding three-loop route around the beautiful Chew Valley, with some wonderful views, taking in the parishes of Stanton Drew, Publow with Pensford, Compton Dando, Norton Malreward, Stowey-Sutton and Chew Magna.

Each loop starts and finishes at Stanton Drew village hall which is the administrative/refreshments centre.

Judith and Simon donate the surplus funds raised by the marathon to the Pensford, Publow and Stantons Community Trust (PPSCT) which makes grants to assist with local community projects. They presented £1,308.37 to the trust from this year’s event.

The success of the run is reliant upon the large number of volunteers who give their time to ensure the safety of the runners along the route. Next year’s event will be no exception. If you are able to offer some time to act as a race marshal on 4th February 2017 and wish to be part of the friendly support team they ask you to contact Phil Townshend on 01761 490958 or email phil@philtownshend.co.uk Details: www.tensheds.co.uk or www.ppsct.org.uk

Another “legend” – senior English referee Tony Spreadbury – took charge of the first match under lights: a game between Castle Cary and a Barbarians side

Another award for Jo

Derek entertaining guests at the party to celebrate the switching on of the lights

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

Paralympian Jo Frith, who won Gold at Rio, receives a rare ancient Glastonbury town seal from the Mayor of Glastonbury, Jon Cousins at her civic reception.

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Along the trails

MOUNTAIN bike riding (MTB) is a sociable form of cycling and a great way to get off the roads. What better place to do it than on CYCLING the Mendip Hills with EDMUND which has a variety of LODITE trails to suit all abilities. As an all-year-round sport, seasonal change in the weather has a big impact on the condition of the trails.

At this time of year you would normally expect sticky mud and slippery limestone so the recent run of good weather, through autumn, has been a bit of a bonus for MTB riders.

The best tracks and bridleways are to be found at the west of the Mendip Hills and range in difficulty and terrain. Wide flat trails are suitable for novices and families but the more proficient riders are challenged by hard climbs and technical style trails.

Beacon Batch and Black Down feature some demanding trails with steep and narrow descents, jumps and bumps.

Rowberrow Warren, Crook Peak and Wavering Down also offer a variety of trails. All of these can be linked with country lanes and bridleways to create longer routes.

MTB riders have different motivations for their sport. Many enjoy the challenges of varied terrain including technical descents while some enjoy just being off the road. Others find it a more sociable experience where they can ride in groups and stop frequently to regroup and perhaps change route.

Whilst many of the established cycling clubs focus on road bikes there are one or two dedicated MTB clubs in the west Mendip area, which are quite popular.

They ride regularly all year round, even at night.

For those considering taking up the

SPORT

sport and buying a mountain bike, the advice from regular riders is to aim for quality, but within reason. It’s better to have a good bike with a few quality components rather than a bike that tries to deliver everything at a lower standard. A good quality second-hand bike can quite often be better value than a low spec brand new bike at the same price.

There are many ways to enjoy the Mendip AONB, whether that is by foot, horse or bike. For those who enjoy cycling, a mountain bike is a great way to explore everything that the Mendips has to offer.

THE Cases Somerset Rebels speedway side won the League Cup for the second time in their relatively short history with a stunning twolegged victory over rivals Glasgow.

Having won 48-42 away, the Rebels ran out 103-77 winners after the return leg at home at the Oaktree Arena, near Highbridge.

Team manager Garry May said: “The boys have really worked hard for this and they deserve great credit in bringing the League Cup back to Somerset.” ● The Rebels were due to face either Glasgow (again) or Sheffield in the championship grand final as Mendip Times went to press.

The victorious Rebels team

(Photography courtesy of Colin Burnett)

Rebels ride to victory as Glasgow kiss goodbye to their hopes

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Carols at Wells Cathedral

WELLS Cathedral’s carol service is one of the great occasions of the cathedral’s year.

This year the cathedral will be hosting two carol services, both of which take place from 6pm-7.30pm, on Tuesday December 22nd and Wednesday December 23rd. The service is a real celebration of Christmas with traditional readings and congregational carols. Please arrive in good time to take your seat!

And for younger family members, the cathedral’s two crib services on December 24th are a wonderful opportunity for children, who are invited to dress as a shepherd, or an angel or a king, to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

LIVE MUSIC FROM 9pm EVERY FRIDAY! 28th October: Train To Skaville 4th November: AFK 11th November: May Contain Rock

18th November: Stoned-F 25th November: Call The Shots 2nd December: Ray Jones Band

PLUS: 29th October: HALLOWEEN PARTY

Firewalk challenge hots up

TOBY Eliot, the mayor of Frome will be amongst people taking part in a sponsored firewalk in the town in November to raise funds for charity.

The event at Frome College, on Saturday, November 12th, is being Toby Eliot, the mayor of Frome organised by SOS Africa and will raise funds for its work overseas as well as local organisations.

Toby, who is also raising funds for local charity Fair Frome, said: “The firewalk will be something entirely new for me and I don’t mind admitting I’m a little apprehensive. However, I hope that, as well as creating an unusual spectacle in Frome (and possibly some singed feet), we’ll raise the profile of these two locally run charities and the important work they do both in the town and in some of the most poverty stricken parts of the world.”

He will be joined by Somerton and Frome MP David Warburton, who has taken part in a previous firewalk. He said: “It’s a privilege to once again help Frome-based SOS Africa raise vital funds for deprived African schoolchildren, and although I’ve conquered this particular firewalking feat before, that doesn’t make it any less daunting!” ● The event takes place between 6-9pm. The deadline for entering is Monday, October 31st. For details, visit: http://www.sosafrica.com/frome-firewalk-charityfundraiser.htm, email: info@sosafrica.com, call: 01749 344197 or call into their shop in Cheap Street in Frome.

Lectures at the palace

THE Bishop’s Palace, in Wells, will be hosting its first lecture series with three talks by local expert historians on the history of The Palace and its environs.

The series opens with former county historian Dr Robert Dunning on Monday November 14th with a lecture on the origins of the palace and its first resident Bishop, Jocelin Trotman.

The second lecture on Wednesday, November 16th, 3pm will be by Dr Tim Hopkinson Ball on Christianity in Wells up to the Reformation.

The third lecture by Dr Stuart Milby and Dr Cheryl Green on Thursday November 17th, 3pm will be on recent archaeological discoveries at the Bishop’s Palace and the episcopal moated manor house at Court Farm, Wookey.

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Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Fair grows in popularity

It’s panto time!

WELLS Brocante Fair returns on Sunday December 11th, this time with a Christmas theme. Yet again you can expect a wonderful selection of vintage and retro, crafts and unique gift ideas, vintage fashion, vinyl records, retro style and crafty creations plus tons of festive delights in the artisan food zone.

The fair has expanded into Moat Walk around the stunning Bishop’s Palace with yet more stalls stuffed with delightful knick-knacks, handmade crafts and ethnic imports. Organisers are expecting bumper crowds so get there early.

COLEFORD Theatre Group are in final rehearsals for this year's production of one of the best-loved family pantomime’s of all time, Cinderella.

Alison McCausland stars as Cinderella, the beautiful daughter of Baron Henry Hardup, played to befuddled perfection by Bill Grant.

Cinderella, written by Stuart Ardern and Bob Heather and directed by Jean Power, will be staged at the Coleford Royal British Legion Hall from Wednesday November 23rd to Saturday November 26th at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday November 26th at 2.30pm.

Yeo Valley Open Day

Details: http://colefordctg.wixsite.com/colefordtheatregroup.

Yeo Valley's open day was as busy as ever

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 28th October Starts Friday 4th November Starts Friday 11th November Starts Friday 18th November

NOVEMBER EVENT CINEMA

NOW SHOWING: Doctor Strange (12A) 3D/2D I, Daniel Blake (15) The Light Between Oceans (12A)

Arrival (12A), Queen Of Katwe (PG) Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them 3D/2D The Accountant (15) Wednesday 16th November Alan Bennett’s Diaries Live Wednesday 23rd November Cinderella

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Tuesday October 25th – Saturday November 26th Bristol Hippodrome, Billy Elliot, evenings 7.30pm, matinees Thursday and Saturday, 2.30pm, tickets from £22.* Wednesday October 26th Nailsea and Backwell Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, Legal Issues for the Elderly, 1.30 for 2pm.

Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday 27th October West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 5.5mi/8.8kms from Blaise Castle, OS Map Ex155 ST559786, start 1pm, park free car park at Blaise Castle. Details: Jenny Nicholas Tel: 07803 722878 or jennymr7@aol.com Saturday October 29th Magenta, Cheddar Village Hall, organised by Cheddar Tennis Club, £10 inc supper. Details: 07718 368627 07970 525826.

Craft Fair, Camerton Community Hall, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, crafts, home-made cakes, refreshments, 10am-1pm, adults 50p.

Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk at Paulton and Farrington Gurney, meet at 2pm in Paulton High Street car park (BS39 7NW) ST 652 567. Details: Kathy 01761 479110.

Taize’ & Teas, Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, come along to sing Taize’ chants with us or just relax and enjoy the wonderful acoustics in our church. This is a free event but donations to the Church are always welcome. Tea, Coffee and biscuits available after the service. Details: Janet 01749 840409.

Old Tyme Music Hall, Draycott Memorial Hall, in aid of Hope for Tomorrow, Somerset’s mobile chemotherapy unit, 7.30pm, £10 inc buffet. Details: Margaret Thomas 01934 742057, Rose James 01934 742180, Cheddar Tool Hire, 01934 743543.

Tuesday November 1st Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Douglas Skeggs, Prague – City of the Winter Queen Bath and West bar and restaurant, B & W showground, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Wednesday November 2nd Norton/Radstock Ramblers, Mendip Ring, Alford, Lovington, Wheathill, a 7.5 mile walk over farmland, meet 10am Alford Church area, Alford, near Castle Cary BA7 7PN. Details: Tessa 01761 470453 or 07811 008567.

Thursday November 3rd West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10.6mi/17kms from Holford Green, OS Map Ex140 ST157412, 10am, park next to green. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Rodney Stoke and Draycott WI open meeting: A talk by Michael Eavis on Glastonbury Festival, Draycott Memorial Hall. Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start.

Tea and cake by the WI. Bar open all evening. Tickets £5, available from Draycott Stores or contact Nettie Wills on 01934 744108.

Friday November 4th Redhill Club Open Mic Night, 8pm -11pm, Jerry Blythe will be hosting an evening with a mix of live music by local acoustic singer-songwriters. Details: Jerry 07900 587646 or 01934 862619.

Friday November 4th – Sunday November 6th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Christmas craft fair, 10am – 4pm.

Friday November 4th – Wednesday November 16th Art Exhibition at The Old Town Quarry, South Road, WSM BS23 2LU, 10.30am-4.30pm, with preview evening on November 5th, 5-7pm, works by local PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2016

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artists Maggie Keeshan and Jenny Sowden to include prints, paintings and other works, available for purchase. Free entry and refreshments available.

Details: 01934 628050.

Saturday November 5th and Sunday November 6th Cam Valley Arts Trail. Details: www.camvalleyartstrail.co.uk Saturday November 5th and Sunday November 6th Mendip Christmas Fair, Aldwick Court Farm, raising funds for the Children's Hospice South West and the Guild of Friends of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, 10am. Details: www.mendipchristmasfair.org Saturday November 5th Mendip Society moderate five-mile walk at Dolebury and surrounding woodland, meet 1.30pm in Peartree Industrial Estate, Bath Rd, Langford (BS40 5DJ) ST 462 595. Details: Gill 01934 742508.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Frome in the Great War, 2.30pm, Assembly Rooms. Frome.

Ston Easton Village Craft Fayre. Ston Easton Village Hall 10am-2pm. Handmade craft stalls and refreshments. Proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the village church.

Shepton Mallet Charity Bonfire and Fireworks display at West Shepton Playing Fields. Organised by the Rotary Club of Shepton Mallet. Bonfire lighting at 7pm. Tickets in advance from Shepton Mallet Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, High Street, Shepton Mallet or Christopher Young Opticians, also High Street. Prices: adult £4 child £2 (in advance).

Community Engagement Day in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice, 10am – 5pm at Hammonds, Haskins Retail Centre, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5SB, fun and activities for all the family.

Sunday November 6th Norton/Radstock Ramblers, a circular walk through countryside around Coleford, a 6.5mile walk, meet 10am at Coleford British Legion, BA3 5RU. Details: Ken 01373 812865.

Tuesday November 8th Clevedon Art Club, Paul Newman on collaboration between artists and writers, 7.30pm, Clevedon School sixth form centre, non-members £3. The members’ annual art exhibition is on at the centre until October 30th.

Wells Railway Fraternity meeting at Wells Town Hall, 7.30pm. Illustrated talk by David Maidment “With High-viz and a Bowler Hat”. Visitors £4.

Wednesday November 9th Nailsea and District Horticultural Society agm and Tyntesfield Trees with Chris Watts, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, 7.30pm, members £2, visitors £3.

Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Kilmersdon Gardeners monthly meeting, 7.30pm, Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD, a talk by Chris Birchall Bulb Hunting in the Western Cape. Nonmembers very welcome (£2).

Thursday November 10th Tack Sale in aid of Burcott RDA Group, Compton Dundon Village Hall, TA11 6PQ, doors open at 7pm, £6 table, entry £1, children 50p, refreshments available. Details: Julie 07867 662685.

West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk 5.5mi/8.9kms from B3134 lay-by near Charterhouse, OS Map Ex141 ST515558, start 12.30pm, park in layby (limited space). Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Wells Cathedral Vicars Choral Commemoration Concert, a candlelit concert featuring some of the finest cathedral music for men’s voices, and arrangements of popular songs, performed by the highly acclaimed Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral

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Choir, 8pm – 9.30pm, tickets, £15. Details: Wells Cathedral Shop Box Office (01749 672773) www.wellscathedral.org.uk Friday November 11th The Friends of Axbridge Church’s popular shopping event, Axbridge Town Hall, 7pm, lots of stalls so come and buy your Christmas presents, admission £1, children free.

Frome Firewalk Fundraiser, in aid of SOS Africa children’s education charity, Frome College, 6pm, pay £15 to sign up and pledge to raise £100. Details: 01749 344192 or email info@sosafrica.com Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th Mells Art Show in aid of the Mells Defibrillator Appeal “ART FOR THE HEART”. The Manor Stables, Selwood Street, Mells. 10am-5.30pm both days. Ffi: Rob Shreeve mellsartshow@gmail.com Phone: 01373 812499 Touchmark Guild Christmas Crafts Show. 10-5 each day. The Barn, The Pelican Inn, 10 South Parade, Chew Magna BS40 8SL. T: 01275 331041 www.tmkguild.co.uk Saturday November 12th Trinity Singers, St Mary's Church, Yatton present Cantate Domino, a varied programme of English and Italian Baroque music, 7.30pm, with Bristol Brass Consort and Claire Alsop, organist at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, adults £10, accompanied under-18s free. Details www.trinitysingers.co.uk or contact Susannah Read 01934 844106.

Mendip Society moderate four to five-mile walk around Winscombe with some hills, meet at 1.30pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD ST 421 576. Details: Mary 01934 843789.

Congresbury Singers 40th anniversary concert, St Andrew's Church, Congresbury, 7.30pm, tickets £8, including a finger buffet afterwards in the Old School Rooms. Details: tickets from Congresbury Post Office, Paul 01275 878740, other choir members, or on the door.

Christmas in the Country, festive market at historic tythe barn, Selwood Street, Mells, with donations to Mells Community Shop and Dorothy House Hospice, 10.30am-5.30pm.

Charity Quiz, St James’ Hall, Winscombe for Mercy Ships, raffle, prizes and a light bite in the interval, please bring your own wine, beer, etc., and glasses, teams of six, doors open from 7pm for prompt 7.30 pm start, tickets £5 per person. Details: Wrington Vale Inner Wheel 01934 744505.

Fairtrade Fair & Fashion Show, Shipham Village Hall, New Road, Shipham, BS25 1SG, 10am – 3.30pm, fashion Show @ 11.15am, Willow Workshop @ 2pm, variety of different stalls, refreshments including lunches available, all proceeds to the Shelter Boxes charity.

Monthly Bazaar, Brent Knoll.

Annual Candles of Remembrance Service, at Keynsham Methodist Church, Victoria Centre, High Street, 3pm, remembering babies and children who have died. Details: Jeff Sawyer 0117 9754071 or email jeffsawyer@blueyonder.co.uk Plant Heritage Somerset, meeting at Edington Village Hall, TA7 9HA at 1.30 p.m. Members’ Plant Sale at 2.30pm. Talk by award winning author Bill Laws “Fifty Plants that Changed the course of History”. Visitors £4. Enquiries 01278 451631 Sunday November 13th Nearly New Sale, Ubley Village Hall, BS40 6PN, 2pm – 3.30pm, good quality baby and children’s clothes, equipment and toys, refreshments available, in aid of Meningitis Now. Details: Rachael 01761 221980.

Norton/Radstock Ramblers, a seven-mile walk from Radstock to several coal mining areas, meet 10am Church Street Car Park, Radstock, BA3 3PR. Details: Tessa 01761 470453 or 07811008567.

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Wells Cathedral Remembrance Sunday Requiem, following the Cathedral Choir’s world premiere performance of Gary Davison’s Requiem, the work is performed once again, within a devotional service, interspersed with War Poetry, 3pm-4pm, admission free, retiring collection in aid of the Poppy Appeal and Wells Cathedral Music. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Tuesday November 15th Inessential Necessities of the 18th century NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350 132.

Wednesday November 16th Norton/Radstock Ramblers, Great Breach Wood, Windmill Hill Monument, to Butleigh, a seven-mile walk, meet 10am Combe Hill Wood, National Trust Car Park in Kings Wood Area Great Breach Wood, BA6 8TP. Details: Tessa 01761 470453 or 07811008567.

Thursday November 17th West Mendip Walkers easy to moderate circular walk 8.0mi/12.9kms from Bawdrip Church, OS Map Ex140 ST342396, start 10am, park near church.

Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Saturday November 19th Christmas Craft Fayre at Priddy Village Hall, Priddy, North Somerset, BA5 3BE, proceeds in aid of the hall, 10.30am – 4.30pm, includes a raffle and lunchtime soup and afternoon tea are available.

Mendip Society walk, Blagdon, Ubley and Rhodyate Hill, meet 1.30pm in Blagdon Village Car Park, Station Road (BS40 7TA), a walk of 5 to 6 miles with great views and a hill! Details: Richard 01275 852786.

Music for the autumn, Brent Knoll, modelled loosely on a Victorian drawing-room evening, with wine bar, refreshments and raffle, 7.30pm, tickets £7.

Details: Pauline Chadwick 01934 760317 or from the village shop.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Dr Tony Phillips, The Fovant Badges, their origins in WWI and their restoration and maintenance, 2.30pm, Assembly Rooms.

Spectra Musica concert, St. Michael and All Angels, Somerton, under musical director Peter Leech and featuring pianist Anita D’Attellis, 7.30pm, tickets £10 from 01963 350160 or 01458 270096 or on the door.

Details: www.spectramusica.co.uk Sunday November 20th Draycott Art Fair, Draycott Memorial Hall, 10am – 6pm, national and local artists and crafts people, music and poetry. Details: Robin Gray 07986 287961.

Redhill Village Hall & Club Classic Car breakfast gathering, 9am – 12noon, full English breakfasts served in the hall, all welcome BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619.

Monday November 21st Timsbury Nats, Chris Sperring of the Hawk and Owl Trust, “Animals of the past that can influence the future” his latest project, see October’s Mendip Times (Page 57) Conygre Hall, 7.30pm.

Tuesday November 22nd Amba Charity Fashion Show in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice at Sense HSB in Coxley, BA5 1RQ, doors open at 6.30pm, tickets £15 (to include welcome drink and finger food) available from Amba Fashion, Wells (01749 677676) and Sense HSB, Coxley (01749 670121).

Saturday November 26th Taize’ & Teas at Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, please come along and join us in singing Taize’ chants for Advent or just enjoy listening and relaxing in our wonderful church, free event but donations to the church are always welcome. Details: Janet 01749 840409.

Chew Valley Choral Society 40th anniversary concert, Mozart Requiem, St John the Baptist

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Church, Keynsham, 7.30pm, tickets £12, students and children £6, from the parish office, 1 The Park, Keynsham, 01179 863354, members of the choir or telephone 01275 333014.

Cats Protection Christmas Fair in Wells Town Hall, 9.30am-2.30pm, refreshments available, admission free but donations welcome – particularly cat food.

Details: 01749 880545.

Mendip Society walk around Chilcompton, meet 1.30pm in the lay-by on the B3139 to the east of Chilcompton near Norton Green Nursery (BA3 4RR), a five-mile walk with no major hills. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Thursday November 24th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6.25mi/10.00kms from Upper Weare Church, OS Map Ex141 ST414527, start 12.30pm, park near church.

Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Saturday, November 26th Shepton Mallet Lantern Festival workshop. Paul Street Community Centre, Paul Street, Shepton Mallet.

30 Years, 30 Artists (26 November – 24 December).

Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge St, Frome BA11 1BB. 10am–4pm, Mon-Sat & Sun Dec 4th. Admission free.

Ffi: 01373 473980 or www.blackswan.org.uk Finale to Black Swan’s 30th anniversary year, the exhibition features past and present studio holders.

Wells Cathedral Advent Carol Service, 5pm – 6.30pm, all welcome for this beautiful and thoughtprovoking start to the Christmas season. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Sunday November 27th Redhill Village Hall & Club Christmas Fair, 12noon – 4pm, stalls £10. Details: Hazel Davies 01275 474973 ASAP. Monday November 28th – Saturday December 3rd Bristol Hippodrome, Million Dollar Quartet, starring Jason Donovan, evenings, 7.30pm, matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm, tickets from £14.90.* Monday November 28th Green Gardeners welcome Anne Hassed for a demonstration of winter floral decorations, parish rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm, seasonal refreshments, visitors welcome (£2).

Wednesday November 30th Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, 1.30 for 2pm, "Cinderella", with Tim Lewis and Sheila Furneaux. Details: 01275 462107. There will be no meeting in December.

Friday December 2nd Cheddar Festive Night – details page 51.

Redhill Club Open Mic Night (BS40 5SG), hosted

by Jerry Blythe, 8pm, join us and unwind with an evening of live music from acoustic singersongwriters at their very best. Details: Jerry on 07900 587646 for more information.

Saturday December 3rd Churchill Music, Epiphoni Consort, a festive candlelit concert with seasonal refreshments in the interval, 7.30pm – 10pm, St. John's Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5QW, tickets Champions of Churchill Music! £12, Non Champions £16, under 18s £4. Please send an SAE to Ursula Dornton, Dove

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Cottage, Upper Langford, Somerset BS40 5DH. Mendip Society walk, an Advent amble, Wells and Dinder, meet 1.30pm at the east end of Ash Lane, Wells (BA5 2LW), a five-mile walk on the East Mendip Way to Dinder, via the Cathedral & Palace and Iron Age fort. Details: Brian 01749 672457.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Jerry Clifford, the Somerset and Dorset Railway, 2.30pm, Assembly Rooms. Frome.

The VIDA Guitar Quartet celebrate their appointment as Jackdaws Artists in Residence with this fundraising concert in the Jackdaws studio, 6.30pm, repertoire will include Vaughan-Williams, Warlock, Bach, Brahms and Rossini arranged for four guitars, tickets £12 in advance, £15 on the door, call 01373 812383 or email music@jackdaws.org Charity Christmas Fair at Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA3 4UL. 12noon-2pm. Cakes, crafts, gifts, cards, quality second-hand toys for sale. Santa “Paws” will be visiting with gifts for pets and there will be discounts and special offers available from on-site businesses. Christmas trees on sale All proceeds to three fundraising appeals for local children: Eady’s Journey, William and Lewis Need New Wheels and Help Jessica Walk.

Sunday, December 4th Guided walk: the geology of Beacon Hill. Roy Vranch, a Beacon Hill Society member who is a keen amateur geologist, will explain features in the wood and how they were formed. Meet 11am at the main gate (wear suitable clothing). All welcome. Please contact the Society to say you’d like to attend: info@beaconhillsociety.org.uk or bo_walsh@yahoo.co.uk (secretary) Shipham Christmas Market. 11am-4pm at the village hall, New Road, BS25 1SG. Ffi: Mel Edmonds 01934 843177 or mel@mediafly.co.uk Tuesday December 6th Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Sue Jackson, The Huguenot Silk Weavers of Spitalfields – From Riches to Rags, Bath & West bar & restaurant, B & W showground, Shepton Mallet, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Wednesday December 7th Norton/Radstock Ramblers, Walton Hill to Windmill Hill & Compton Dundon, a six-mile walk, meet 10am Walton Hill car park, BA16 9RD. Details: Tessa 01761 470453 or 07811008567.

St Margaret’s Hospice Christmas Fair, Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RB, 10am – 3pm, free admission, a wide selection of stalls for your Christmas shopping, refreshments and a raffle.

Friday December 9th Village Voices Community Choir and Friends Christmas Concert, St Mary Magdalene Church, Chewton Mendip. 7.15 for 7.30pm start, in aid of church building projects, festive refreshments available. Details: Jacky 01761 241700 or Jim on 01761 241493 for tickets, £7.50 or buy on the door.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME Further information and booking at www.atgtickets.com/bristol or 0844 871 3012. Bkg fees apply and all calls 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR OCTOBER Across: 1/5 Over the rainbow, 9 End result, 10 Trump, 11 Eerie, 12 Bartender, 13 Glencoe, 15 Pair off, 17 Drop off, 20 Ask over, 22 Louisiana, 23 Mates, 24 Carve, 25 Blow drier, 26 Disused, 27 Swallow.

Down: 1 Overegged, 2 Endorse, 3 Theme, 4 Equable, 5 Rat-trap, 6 In the pink, 7 Bound to, 8 Wiper, 14 Cross keys, 16 Forest Row, 18 Oeuvres, 19 Flatbed, 20 Amazons, 21 Vitriol, 22 Laced, 23 Medea.

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Concorde carols

WHAT’S ON

JOIN the HMS Heron Volunteer Band for the hugely popular annual Christmas Concerts under Concorde at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. The concert features several classics and some festive numbers for the occasion.

By popular demand the event will be split over two evenings on Thursday December 1st and Friday December 2nd, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 each and include a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available during the mid-session interval.

on

Details: www.fleetairarm.com

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