Mendip Times
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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 12
FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
MAY 2022
IN THIS ISSUE: UKRAINE • YOUNG FARMERS • RUGBY • RIDING • WHAT’S ON • COMMUNITY • BUSINESS
Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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MENDIP TIMES
CONTENTS
26
Welcome
TOWNS and villages right across our area continue to raise funds for Ukraine, as the first refugees begin to arrive here. We have pictures from many local events. We also have photos of Easter shows – and bonnets – plus the first farm show of the year held by Wedmore young farmers. Our What’s On listings are packed with forthcoming events. John Reynolds, the ultra-marathon man, who has featured several times in our pages over the years, has decided to retire from long distance events. But not before running part of the Mendip Ring, while other Mendip Trail runners completed the whole circle – nearly 124 miles – non-stop for the first time. Elsewhere in sport we pay tribute to several of our local rugby teams who are finishing the season on a high. Both Somerset and Avon wildlife trusts have advice for us on how to make gardens – and much bigger spaces – more wildlife friendly. As usual we have many pages devoted to charities and local community groups and news of local Platinum Jubilee celebrations. With all of our regular contributors and features, welcome to the merry month of May. June 2022 deadline: Friday 13th May Published: Tuesday 24th May
Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Steve Gooding stevegooding@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk
Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV13 3XA. Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Emily Bell (left) and Megan Hatch, Wedmore YFC spring show. Photo by Annie Egginton. See p32.
Choc-ful of fun – Holcombe’s Easter trail
40
Having a splashing time – charity tractor run
86
Jumping for joy – the Mendip Minis are back
89
A ringing success – trail runners set a record Plus all our regular features Environment .............................6 Farming Nick Green................10 Food & Drink..........................14 Internet and Crossword ........28 Arts & Antiques .....................29 Business ..................................34 Charities ..................................44 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE ..49 Walking Sue Gearing...............50
Outdoors Les Davies MBE......52 Gardening Mary Payne MBE...54 Health & Family .....................64 Community .............................67 Caving Phil Hendy...................78 History.....................................80 Riding Jane Paterson ...............86 Sport ........................................88 What’s On ...............................94
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MENDIP TIMES
Toad and frog rescue
CAMELEY and Clutton Toad Patrols have had another successful year, rescuing 1,500 toads, 500 frogs and 45 newts. Margaret Finn, who organises the patrols with Michelle Pullen, said it was encouraging to have so many new volunteers, particularly children. The operation was helped by the installation of around 25 ladders into gullies to help toads climb out if they fall in. Mrs Finn said: “We will continue to install the ladders this year where we can. We can only do this because of the generosity of people who have given us money for our cause.” Anyone wanting to volunteer next year is asked to contact them. Details: Michelle cluttontoadpatrol@outlook.com Margaret, at cameleytoads2@gmail.com
Trailblazers wanted
THE Somerset Rail to Trail Project is looking for volunteers to help with its ambitious plans to transform the disused railways of Somerset into accessible, traffic-free trailways, tackling a range of issues from climate change to improved physical and mental wellbeing. They are looking for people who can listen, understand and negotiate both with landowners and local authorities to help further the feasibility of the project. It says having some experience of working either in or with local authorities will be helpful, though not essential. It says: “Everyone who works at the Somerset Rail to Trail Project is a volunteer and started out with no prior experience of trailways. As long as you are prepared to learn along the way, your proactivity and enthusiasm is 90% of what we need.” They are hoping to recruit people either living in or able to travel easily to the Mendip area between Lamyatt and Glastonbury and in South Somerset between Wincanton and Henstridge. They will provide full training and reimbursement of any travel costs.
Getting older people into cycling KATE Mattick, whose family run Manor Farm, Chilcompton, is launching Chat-eCycle, using a side-by-side electric tandem cycle that offers an environmentallyfriendly transport option, particularly for the elderly, within rural communities. The design of the tandem trike means two cyclists can chat while cycling along. The electric function makes hills and country lanes a breeze and means the riders have the power to exert themselves as much or as little as they want.
NEWS
Details: info@railtotrail.org
A physiotherapist by background, Kate developed Chat-e-Cycle as a master's project while studying for an MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation. Kate said: “I am passionate about seeing how far an accessible cycle ride could go in helping shape the future of healthy ageing and advocate for inclusion within our rural communities. I grew up in the countryside of Somerset, and although beautiful, I know it wasn't designed with older age in mind.”
Kate Mattick
She hopes the scheme will encourage communities to tackle social isolation and increase physical activity. She plans to launch the project in Chilcompton in August, using a simple booking and rental system.
Details: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/chat-e-cycle
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 5
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MENDIP TIMES
Increasing biodiversity at Shiplate Slait WE moved to Shiplate House Farm at Bleadon in the summer of 1987. We then “lambed down” the following February and proceeded with our choice of the Poll Dorset breed to build up our flock of sheep and register as an organic farm. We travelled to North Wales to purchase our wonderful tri-coloured sheepdog, Bess, who faithfully worked our flock. In 1988, we purchased our hill land Shiplate Slait, which is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We therefore decided to go into stewardship to help care for this special piece of land, with the support and advice of Avon Wildlife Trust and Tom Lane, English Nature. The plan was designed to carry out scrub management as well as to facilitate appropriate grazing with Shetland ponies. Shiplate Slait is calcareous limestone grassland meaning there is an array of wildflower species, including mouse-ear chickweed, purple orchid, dwarf sage, dropwort, fairy flax and lady’s bedstraw. One of our concerns were the turkey oaks and holm oaks as they are invasive species which needed to be removed with such methods as ring barking.
Avon Wildlife Trust has worked to scallop areas such as gorse, which in turn provide valuable habitat and maximise shelter for a variety of species. This rotational plan has encouraged the living seedbank to flourish especially in the spring and summer months. We have worked on the B-Lines Project with the support of the trust, in which the permanent wildflower-rich habitat links existing wildlife and pollinators to create a network of “biodiversity lines” across the landscape. We have also planted a traditional Somerset orchard with cider apples such as Slap me Girdle, Horay Morning, Somerset Redstreak, Varlington Mill and many more. We have therefore made the most of our apples with cider making, apple and raisin wine and of course the annual Wassail, Volunteers starting work on the wall
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Jane with the dry stone wall
where hats and beards are worn by all! We have so enjoyed welcoming the volunteers from Avon Wildlife Trust and have kept a log of all the comments from “your hill is awash with flowers and I look forward to working here again” and “great views from your hill and thank you so much for the homemade flapjack”. We have met an amazing array of people including volunteers carrying out fungi surveys, those that have visited year after year and one we affectionately named “the butterfly man” who came to identify and log the small blue, orange tipped, grizzled skipper, and marble white to name but a few. They all had to mention our Shetland ponies as one could open zips and be off with your lunch, so it was advised to hang all rucksacks in a tree! In 2018, we started to rebuild our Mendip dry stone wall, which we are still working on, and have completed 170m with the trust. Once completed our son, Tim, will be inserting a “time capsule” so that we can celebrate everyone who has been a part of the rebuild with pictures and comments as well as being inscribed with “Avon Wildlife Trust”. We have had sightings of adders on our hill and whilst I am still in search of their place of shelter, the dry stone wall will provide shelter for vertebrates and invertebrates to live. Without the trust’s support, advice and expertise, we would not have been able to secure the biodiversity of our SSSI grassland for generations to come. Jane Jay
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ENVIRONMENT
Yeo Valley Farms opens new access across the Mendips
A NEW multi-user access route, crossing the Mendip plateau, has now opened thanks to Yeo Valley Farms with the support of £11,912.50 funding by the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL). The multi-user route is open to walkers, equestrians, off-road cyclists and disabled mobility scooters. The new route which is 5.5km in length, provides a safe, offroad route linking Townsend Pool, Priddy to Charterhouse and Nordrach at Yeo Valley’s Ubley Warren Farm for the first time, improving access within the Mendip Hills AONB for local communities and visitors alike. Yeo Valley’s Tim Mead said: “From both Ubley Warren and Priddy there is good access across the Mendips; from Ubley Warren, Black Down and Velvet Bottom are easily reachable, and Priddy is on a network of paths to the south of the Mendips. “But there was a missing link between the two; this new path provides better access to key landmarks in the Mendips for walkers, campers and horse riders alike.” Rachel Thompson, from The Trails Trust and chairman of Priddy Parish Council, who had asked if this trail could be provided, said: “This new trail will be a fantastic asset for our community and for visitors. “It provides a safe missing link to multi-user rights of way and permissive paths at either end of the parish and will promote active and recreational travel between Priddy village, Charterhouse and Nordrach. The whole community is very grateful to Yeo Valley for this route.”
Pictured (l to r) Megan Godley and Patrick Hancock, Mendip AONB, Tom White and Tim Mead, Yeo Valley, and Rachel Thompson, chair Priddy Parish Council
The access route is flat with few inclines or steep sections making it suitable for users of different ages and abilities. It passes close to a number of historic features with far-reaching viewpoints across the plateau. As part of the project, 100 metres of dry-stone wall has been restored using traditional techniques, creating sustainable, durable walls with natural habitats for local wildlife. Gateways, signage and fencing have also been created to separate people from livestock.
School wins sustainable travel award
Oscar and Olivia on Scooter Day last year
CHEW Stoke Church School is in line for a gold national award – for the second year running – for promoting walking, cycling and sustainable travel, after winning a Gold Modeshift STARS award last year. The award is a national accreditation scheme that recognises schools that champion healthy and active ways to travel to and from school, as well as embedding those habits for pupils in later life. The school has now been named the South West and Midlands Stars Local Authority Primary School of the Year and Regional Primary School of the Year. Head teacher, Ben Hewett, said: “As winners of the regional award we will automatically be put forward for the national award later in the year, which will take place at the Houses of Parliament. Congratulations to the whole school School council members who took part in a virtual ceremony for the regional award community.” MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 7
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MENDIP TIMES
Community gardens are taking shape
FAMILIES gathered at the Broadway Community Gardens site in Frome for a clearance work party and Easter fun and games. Frome Town Council has submitted a request to Mendip District Council, who own the site off Broadway and Oakfield Road, to take over the one-acre site and allow the community to run it. The Broadway Community Gardens Association plans to run half of the as an allotment and educational area and the other as an orchard and informal woodland space
leaving parts untouched to encourage wildlife. The association was set up after Mendip included the site in a list of council-owned spaces to be considered for possible housing. People living nearby have
already installed raised beds for vegetables and herbs and planted trees and hedgerows and improved the public footpaths across the site. They say the site provides a vital link in a wildlife corridor through that part of Frome.
Having fun whittling wood
Everyone joined in the work party
Parts of a buried motorbike were discovered
Clearing some of the brambles and undergrowth to create a seating area
Local residents have taken the site to their hearts
For details, visit: www.broadwaycommunitygardens.com
PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
ENVIRONMENT
Students plant trees
STUDENTS from the Mendip School planted 200 trees at the new community space, Wilfswood in Evercreech, to mark the start of a partnership for a forest school and outdoor learning activities. The Mendip School, based on the Bath and West showground, is a special school and has over 140 students with a range of additional needs. The school says the project will help build confidence and awareness around environmental projects and broaden the opportunities for outdoor learning. Wilfswood is motivated by the Climate and Ecological Crisis and since it started in 2020 has planted well over 500 trees on former farmland.
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MENDIP TIMES
Farming the traditional way
IN dairy farming there is often reference to a spring flush of milk. This describes the increase in milk yield when cows are let out of their winter With NICK GREEN housing to graze the fields in spring. It is less prevalent now than in the past as farmers have refined the feed for their cows so there isn’t so much of a change when changing from winter rations to grazing. Before the advent of large supermarkets, milk was sold straight from the farm, through local shops or delivered to the consumers’ doorstep. This caused a problem when the spring flush came
along. The consumers didn’t need any extra milk when the cows produced more, so something had to be done to use it. Many farms used the surplus spring milk to make a small amount of cheese for the family and near neighbours. It was a good way of using up the surplus milk and once matured sufficiently provided wholesome food for the following 12 months. The next problem was what to do with the whey which is a by-product of cheese making. Many farms kept one or two sows. Again, just to supply the family and near neighbours with pork and bacon through the course of a year. If the breeding pattern was correct, the sow would have her piglets, suckle them for a couple of
months and then, when the whey was available this was mixed with cereals to make a ration for the weaned pigs to complement whatever else they were being fed. Traditionally, these “growers” were kept in the farm orchard and when any apples fell they were eaten by the roaming pigs. The pigs fertilised the grass with their manure. By autumn when the apples had been harvested the pigs were ready for slaughter and the cycle was complete. The cycle of cows, milk, cheese, whey, pigs, manure and crops used to be common on farms in the South West of England. There are very few following this cycle now but those that are left probably produce more than the hundreds that used to be all over our region.
Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.
Tincknell’s back at show
IT’S been three long years but Tincknell Country Store are back at the North Somerset Show, showcasing STIHL garden machinery. It says so much has changed in the past three years, with so many new STIHL garden tools having been released as well as the range of battery tools having exploded. So it will be great to be able to show customers the new products and offer help and advice to ensure the best fit between the gardening task and the right tool, be that battery, petrol or electric. Tincknell Country Store have been your local STIHL Approved Dealer for over 40 years, so the team are well placed to offer advice and answer questions and the show is the ideal opportunity for customers to handle the tools and benefit from their STIHL specialists’ experience, whilst also making the most of the exclusive show offers. The team would love to talk to you and as if you needed any encouragement there’ll be STIHL goodies being given away, so don’t hesitate to visit the stand for a chat. After many years of being in the same spot this year the stand is somewhere new, Stand AG9. As well as STIHL, Tincknell Country Store will be taking along a selection of their massive range of Farm & Country Toys, so if you’ve a little Carpet Farmer they’ll be in their element. Please note that due to staffing the show the Congresbury store will be closed on the day of the North Somerset Show, Monday, May 2nd, but the Wells store will be open as normal.
PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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FARMING
Various positions available. No previous experience required To apply or for more information please contact James 07740 179725 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 11
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MENDIP TIMES
FARMING
Young breeders day at Puxton Park
PUXTON Park and Holstein Young Breeders hosted a young farmers’ workshop during their annual dairy day event in memory of founder, Derek Mead. The purpose is to not only encourage the public to get involved in the world of dairy farming but to give young breeders the opportunity to dip their toes into the highly competitive showing world. Some 45 Holstein young breeders attended the area training day with the Lynchmead Herd at Puxton Court Farm, Puxton, by kind permission of D & A Mead & Co. Young members from five clubs attended the event – Cornwall, Devon, South West, South & Wiltshire and the West Midlands. The day concluded with a showmanship competition with champion handler Will Neale of Cornwall being presented the Derek Mead Trophy by Derek’s son, Alistair Mead. Alistair said: "We're so glad that we were able to welcome members of the public and young breeders to this event and we hope to encourage more people to get involved with their local farming and agricultural communities. “When dad and I opened Puxton Park, our dream was to open a place where children and their families could learn about dairy farming and the importance of British agriculture. Now in his memory, we celebrate these young farmers and their dedication and passion for dairy farming.”
Galhampton Shop & Country Store
Animal Feeds and Bedding Timber Supplies Tools | Hardware | Gardening Workwear | Logs and Gas Local Food | Home Essentials
Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 7.30am – 5.30pm | Sun 10am – 4pm 01963 440464
Family-run, rural country store on A359 between Castle Cary and Sparkford
Fir Tree Business Park, High Road, Galhampton, Somerset, BA22 7BH sales@galhamptoncountrystore.co.uk
PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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MENDIP TIMES
Recipes for a merry month
With KATY BEAUCHAMP
FOOD & DRINK
Nearly halfway through the year! I've made a hearty salad that will last in the fridge for several days (making it a good option for a quick lunch), some delicate goats cheese and caramelised onion tartlets that are delicious either hot or cold and finishing off with a rich, but tangy, crustless cheesecake.
GOATS CHEESE AND CARAMELISED ONION TARLETS
These tartlets are delicious hot or cold
METHOD Gently fry the onions in a little olive oil for 10mins. Add the water, sugar and soy sauce and cook for a further 10 mins until all the liquid is absorbed and you are left with a sticky sweet pan of onions. Cut a 12-inch circle of pastry into 12 tart bases. You can either press them into a buttered bun time or put them on a baking tray and press your thumb in to make a little indentation. Divide the onions between them and then crumble the goats cheese over. Top with half a cherry tomato and bake in an oven at 180°C for 12-15 mins.
INGREDIENTS
(makes 12) 1 x 175g pack of shortcrust pastry (or you can make your own) 2 thinly sliced medium onions 2 heaped tsp of brown sugar (any type) 50mls of water half tsp of soy sauce 100gm goats cheese (the crumbly sort) 6 cherry tomatoes PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
TAHINI AND MAPLE SYRUP DRESSED SALAD
BAKED CHEESECAKE
It's all about the dressing!
METHOD Put the chickpeas, lentils and sweetcorn into a bowl. Finely chop the cucumber and spring onions and add to the bowl along with the pine nuts and tomatoes. For the dressing, gently combine the ingredients and mix through the salad, it's a thick dressing so it coats the vegetables beautifully. It's great on its own but will make a tasty accompaniment for a variety of meats, fish (I’ve served mine with some grilled chicken).
The secret to success is in the dressing
An easy to make cheesecake METHOD Sprinkle the fruit into a baking dish or divide between your ramekins. Whisk all the other ingredients together and pour over the fruit and bake in an oven at 150°C for 50 mins or 35mins if using ramekins. Leave to cool completely before putting them in the fridge to get even colder. Serve this as it is, garnish with crushed biscuits if desired or make some meringues with the leftover egg whites.
INGREDIENTS
(makes six to eight portions) 1 can of drained chickpeas (240g) 1 pack of ready cooked Puy lentils 100g sweetcorn half a cucumber 4 spring onions 15 cherry tomatoes (quartered) 50g toasted pinenuts FOR THE DRESSING 60mls tahini 2tbs maple syrup juice of two lemons 2tbs olive oil salt and pepper
INGREDIENTS
(Makes one big dish or nineten ramekins) 300 grams of soft fruit (I used a bag of frozen mixed summer berries) 1 tin sweetened condensed milk 400gm cream cheese 2 x egg yolks juice of two lemons pinch of salt
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MENDIP TIMES
Hartley’s The Fully Licensed Café Bistro on the Mendips Open from Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 3.30pm Breakfast from 9am – all day except Sunday (until 11.15am) Lunch with an array of local and classical dishes Tea, Coffee, great drinks range, cakes and sandwiches Champagne Breakfast & luxury Afternoon Tea
Gone Fishin’ from May 20th
Yes folks! Every Friday from 5 – 7pm: Hartley’s Take-Away Fish & Chips
Fresh from the coast ̶ cod, haddock, scampi, spicy fish cakes, Hartley’s fishfinger sandwiches and calamari all served with hand cut chips, homemade tartare sauce, lemon and salad or peas.
Hartley’s Café Bistro, Rookery Farm, Binegar BA3 4UL • Tel: 01749 841718 info@hartleyskitchen.com
www.hartleyskitchen.com
Cosy bars and restaurant
Sunday lunches a speciality
Family and dog friendly
Light at the end of the polytunnel
IT’S certainly been a very hard couple of years, but things are getting better – there is definitely light at the end of the polytunnel with glorious fresh vegetables and salads now coming into season. Paul and Lynda Hartley, who have owned Hartley’s Kitchen at Rookery Farm in Binegar for more than 14 years, are dedicated to buying local ingredients. Their Sunday roasts are served with red cabbage poached in fresh orange juice, tender young broccoli, cauliflower florets spread with local Cheddar cheese sauce and potatoes roasted in garlic and fresh rosemary. Breakfast is also their great passion. The couple are on a mission to source the very best ingredients to make the very best breakfasts. Handmade pancakes, smoked salmon, eggs from just up the road, local sausages, mushrooms from Somerset, freshlybaked croissants and bagels – what more could you want? Don’t forget to check out their food at lunchtimes; there is a rumour they have handmade local faggots on the menu! Paul prides himself on his carefully-chosen and comprehensive wine list, Lynda cooks the very best steaks to perfection and they have a team who are as enthusiastic as they are.
A traditional family run country pub tucked away in a beautiful corner of the Chew Valley with a delightful garden and front patio Monday to Friday 4pm From 12noon Saturday and Sunday
Regil, Winford, Bristol BS40 8AY
01275 472388
www.thecrownregil.com info@thecrownregil.com
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WILD FOOD
Following hoof prints
AS a child growing up in the New Forest, I spent my summers running around the woods, heaths and forest lawns dodging the commoners’ New Forest ponies, pigs and cows. There was often a particular scent, apart from the pony poo, boggy soils, fungus and general waft of decomposing vegetation, an ephemeral aroma between the With ADRIAN “furze” that I can only describe as “coconutty”. BOOTS Now, across the Mendips we are bathed in the same aroma that always seem to take me back to those days of my youth. And the source of this incredible nasal caress – it’s only the humble gorse bush and its wonderful yellow flowers. The name “gorse” is believed to be Germanic from the word “gerste” and furze comes from the Old English “fyrs”. I prefer furze, it just sounds more fun. Historically gorse was used for wood fuel and more importantly as fodder for livestock, particularly when feed crops failed in the past. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a dense, spiny shrub up to 3m high. Immature ones have three narrow oval leaves later becoming spines. The flowers are a bright golden yellow, richly scented coconut or vanilla 15-20mm long in short dense clusters. The fruits are hairy flattened pods 15-20mm long and on hot summer days make an explosive cracking sound when they open. They can be found on heaths, rough grassland, cliffs and derelict land flowering March to November and all through mild winters. A recent study of gorse on marginal non-productive land in Scotland found that its flowers contain 17% protein, with the results indicating that there is enough gorse growing to meet the protein needs of the entire Scottish population! Not sure how happy they would be with this but it’s an interesting finding none the less. I have a feeling however the ponies of the New Forest knew this all along (granted a tad further south geographically), observing them rather tenderly nibbling at the flowers and deftly handling the spikey bits with soft mouths. As a forager, whether a person or a pony, it always pays to be on the lookout for food whenever it presents itself even if the bitter sweet flowers aren’t to everyone’s taste. After all you never know what or where your next meal is and unless we do some hard thinking and acting soon we may all end up having to do what the ponies knew all along and follow in their hoof prints. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.
FOOD & DRINK
GARDEN FOOD
Calendula so versatile
I’VE recently found a new use for this short-lived perennial, which is already flowering in my garden. I’ve often used the petals in salads before, but it turns out that you can also dry the petals and grind them up to use as a saffron-like spice. This is often With JAKE WHITSON combined with ground blue fenugreek seeds (a little known relative of normal fenugreek) and walnuts in Georgian cooking. While the colour is saffron-like, the flavour is much milder, floral, and, to my mind at least, more pleasant. Calendula officinalis is one of the easiest flowers to grow, and thrives in Britain. It tolerates most soils well as long as it has a sunny spot. There are all kinds of beautiful cultivars that can be grown and they tend to be perennial in milder spots. We sow them in the spring whenever we feel like we’ve a shortage of them – they flower throughout the summer and autumn, especially if deadheaded regularly, and they are great for bees and other insects. Kharcho is a famous Georgian beef stew made with walnuts, dried marigold petals and blue fenugreek powder (which you can buy online). It is unlike anything else I can think of and utterly delicious. My version is adapted from Olia Hercules’ fantastic book Kaukasis, and serves 4-6. To make it, firstly make a paste with 10g blue fenugreek powder, 5g coriander seeds, 15g dried calendula flowers, 1 red chilli, 10g salt and 2 garlic cloves – you can do this either in a mortar and pestle or a mini food processor. Put 1kg beef shin or other fatty stewing beef into a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer and gently cook for 1 1/2 hours. Finely chop one onion and sweat gently in a separate pan until soft in a little beef fat or butter. Add this to a food processor with 150g walnuts, the stalks from a small bunch of coriander, the salt/spice mixture you made earlier and blitz until smooth. Add this to a saucepan with 1 1/2 tablespoons of tomato puree and some beef fat skimmed from the simmering pot of beef. Sweat this mixture gently for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Now add this mixture to the beef. Add a couple of cloves of crushed garlic and simmer for a couple of minutes, before scattering over the coriander leaves (finely chopped) and serving, with rice or good bread. Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.
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Something new at historic inn THE team behind the Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faulkland are always looking to the future and their latest initiative comes in the shape of The Old Parlour café and bar. Offering teas and coffees as well as cakes, pastries, sandwiches and baguettes, the light and airy building has a fully-stocked bar. Also new at the historic inn is Chappers Chips and Grill, alongside The Old Parlour, serving breakfasts at weekends and fish and chips on Friday and Saturday evening – perfect for a takeaway. Campsite manager Prem’s Friday night curries and Saturday night stews are also available. Next to the bar in The Old Parlour is now home to a small shop, selling everyday essentials as well as sweets and ice creams and, with the campsite fully open, items such as tent pegs. Benj Millard
The Old Parlour
There is a great opportunity to visit The Old Parlour when Tucker’s – as it is known – hosts a cream tea party on Saturday, April 30th, to raise funds for the Bowel Movement charity, a cause close to the heart of one of the Tucker’s team, Dawn Chapman, Benj’s aunt. Dawn’s husband, Mark, and son, Dillon, run Chappers Chips and Grill. The Bowel Movement was set up last year in memory of Benjamin Millard, who died from bowel cancer in April 2019, aged just 33. Benj – as he was known – who was born in Frome, was young, fit and apparently healthy but had developed a 5cm tumour in his large bowel. By the time it was discovered, it had spread significantly and he was placed on palliative treatment but died a few weeks before what would have been his 34th birthday.
The tea party takes place from 1.30-3.30pm. For details about the Bowel Movement, visit: www.thebowelmovement.uk
The Old Parlour Café and Bar at Tucker’s Grave Inn now fully open 9am-5pm Fri-Sun
Serving fresh teas and coffees, cakes, sandwiches and baguettes, pasties and much more – as well as a fully-stocked bar
Now on site – Chappers Chips and Grill. Open for breakfasts 9-11am Fri-Sun. Offering freshly-cooked fish and chips Fri and Sat nights. Ideal for takeaways Open 2-11pm (Mon-urs), midday-11pm (Fri & Sat). midday-10pm (Sun) Open from midday every day from May 1st
Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF. T: 01225 962669 E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
And with a handy shop, selling essentials, ice creams, children’s toys and treats (for dogs as well)
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FOOD & DRINK
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 19
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A real village effort
Preparing to draw the raffle
Chew Valley welcomes Ukrainian refugees
A CAKE sale, coffee morning and raffle in Stoke St Michael Memorial Hall has raised hundreds of pounds for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukrainian appeal. A team of seven villagers got together to organise the event, which was supported by generous donations from local businesses. Several people made anonymous donations as well. Stoke St Michael is preparing to welcome one Ukrainian family whilst several more are expected to settle in nearby Oakhill.
SARAH Diacono and David Tonkin say they have been amazed at the response to their appeal to help Ukrainian refugees. Sarah now has more than 52 sponsors registered, 17 of whom have found refugee families to help and who are on their way through the system, with eight families already arrived. David has had around 50 registered helpers who are actively looking to support the sponsors in making the Ukrainian families experience in the Chew Valley a positive one. At a meeting in Compton Martin village hall they welcomed the sponsors and seven coordinators in the helpers’ network to share their thoughts and needs. The event was given extra meaning by a young Ukrainian woman who has recently been hosted in the area as she shared her experience in fleeing the Ukrainian war. They said: “If we ever needed to hear first-hand why the Valley is doing this, then this eloquent young woman gave us that.” Local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg attended the meeting and agreed to take some of the issues raised back to parliament. Anyone looking to sponsor a Ukrainian family can contact Sarah, while David is looking for recruits for the helpers’ network, specifically for fundraising, mental health or wellbeing support, local employment, and transport provision.
School raises funds for Ukraine PUPILS at Cameley Primary School have been busy raising money for Ukraine. Four Year 4 pupils held a cake sale which raised £169.
Naomi, Tia, Evie and Reyn PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Sarah 07769 725542 sjldiacono@gmail.com David 01275 332885 dafitonk1@gmail.com
Another £500 was raised by Year 6 pupils, who organised an art exhibition. Head teacher, Hannah Maggs, said: “The children also
served tea, coffee and cake, and the parents were able to purchase their child’s work, resulting in this amazing sum raised.”
Pictured (l to r) Emily, George. Grace and Beau
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WI centenary
SHIPHAM, Rowberrow and Star WI celebrated its 100th birthday at Shipham Village Hall. The cake was cut by their president, Audrey Birch (pictured left), and Theresa Hemms from the county federation. Sales of cake, coffee and a raffle raised £364 for Ukrainian charities.
Cakes for Ukraine
KATIE Chun organised a grand cake sale at The Hive Community Centre in Peasedown St John, which raised almost £1,000 for the Red Cross Ukraine appeal.
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Schools support Red Cross
CHILDREN at Shoscombe Church School and St Julian’s School, Wellow have raised almost £500 for the British Red Cross Ukraine appeal.
Donations flood in for appeal in Blagdon
VOLUNTEERS opened a room at Blagdon Club, asking for donations for Ukraine, and collected more than 100 boxes. Tiggy Grafton-Rowe and Warwick White are about to start loading a second load.
Flying the flag at St Andrew's, Blagdon
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 21
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MENDIP TIMES
Essential supplies head east
BUSINESSES, individuals and other organisations from Glastonbury and Wells joined forces to send a van full of essential supplies to join a Ukranian aid lorry heading to Poland. Members of the Avalon Club in Glastonbury alone raised more than £500 towards fuel costs. Donations of aid were received at Wells Town Hall, whilst Tincknells Stores offered the use of one of their storage containers and KNW provided a van to take the supplies to the depot in Staffordshire. Pupils
Maria Gregg (left) with a thank you list of supporters, Tincknells property manager Angie Cox and volunteer Chris Baker
at St Benedict’s School in Glastonbury created cards bearing goodwill messages. The relief effort was led by Maria Gregg with a small team of supporters as part of Wells Community Network. More than £1,500 in cash was also donated by the public. It has been given to the Rotary Club of Wells who will ensure it reaches rotary colleagues in Ukraine. Paul and Chris help to load the van
Crammed with supplies from Mendip
Concert for Ukraine
A TALENTED folk musician and an award-winning storyteller from Cumbria are guests of the Mendip Storytelling Circle at a special event on Thursday, May 26th, raising funds for the Red Cross Ukraine appeal. They are Taffy Thomas MBE, the First Storyteller Laureate, from Cumbria; and Mossy Christian, a rising folk musician, from Lincolnshire. The event will be held at Ston Easton village hall, the group’s usual venue for its monthly meetings. Support has already been pledged by Ston Easton Village Hall, Bishop Sutton Post Office, the village of Chewton Mendip, Lynda’s Loaf plus The Mendip Pantry. Tickets, £10, will be limited because of Covid restrictions, so booking essential. Taffy and Mossy
Details: Colin mendipstorycircle@gmail.com or 01275 332735 PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Chew Stoke
Pictured (l to r) WI members Jessica McInnes, Christine Boardman, Ann Holloman, Jackie Stow, Joan Williams, WI President Jan Osborne and Sheila Dobbs
CHEW Stoke WI held a coffee morning, table top sale and raffle, raising £2,065 for Ukrainian refugees. WI president, Jan Osborne, said: “A big thank you to everyone who came and supported our fundraising coffee morning. It was a huge success.”
Pictured (l to r) Penny Savil, John Bone, Harry Savil, Peter Garbutt and Maggie Bone
East Harptree
A BEAUTIFUL spring morning in March brought families of all ages to the pavilion and playing field in East Harptree to raise funds for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Cake and gift stalls were popular and refreshments were enjoyed in the sunshine. The event raised £1400 to be shared between the two groups.
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
From Pensford to Ukraine
Pictured (l to r) Arthur David employee Kay Evans, Jack Cooke, Katie Smart Cooke, Mitch Kingman, Becca Fricker, Jenna Lewis and Beth Evens, marketing manager at Arthur David
IT was a nervous, anxious and excited group of young people who set off from the Rising Sun in Pensford to deliver two vans of aid to the Ukrainian border. It was a journey that took them five days driving through France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland to the Ukraine border in vans borrowed from Arthur David, of Bishop Sutton. The Rising Sun had become a centre for goods being donated for Ukraine and the pub also raised more than £4,000 with an auction and other donations. Landlady Becca Fricker and the owner of the Miners coffee shop, Jenna Lewis, made the journey along with Jack Cooke, Katie Smart Cooke, and Mitchell Kingman. The donations have been sent to a school in Lviv. Becca said: “The head master at this prosperous, successful school in Ukraine has gone from someone living a normal life, in a job he loves, to coordinating a refugee base and helping to look after 80 women and children. “We can't thank everyone who made this possible enough, your generosity of donations made this happen.” Jenna said: “Never did I think I would be driving just less than 3,000k miles over to the Ukrainian border with four great people after a random conversation in the local pub. “I have never done anything like this before and the whole thing became very real when I drove away with a van full of humanitarian aid from all my lovely family and friends to start the hours of driving.” Details: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bristol%20for %20ukraine
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 23
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Welcome to Oakhill
A UKRAINIAN mother and her son have arrived in Oakhill from wartorn Ukraine and say they have fallen in love with the area already. Maryna Zapolska and Vlad, aged 12, are amongst the first refugees to arrive in Somerset; families in Oakhill alone have applied for 30 visas under the Homes for Welcome to our village. Pictured back Ukraine scheme. (l:r) are Tristan, Jack and Charlies. Mother and son are Front (l:r) Vicki, Maryna and Vlad staying with Tristan and Vicki Bridges and their family and were given a big welcome when they took part in the village’s Easter trail. Maryna was a freelance English and French language tutor in the family’s hometown of Dnipro and had intended to stay until a shell exploded close to where they lived. Maryna has already applied for a job as an interpreter and the search is on to find a school for Vlad to attend. Maryna said: “This is a very beautiful place and we are very grateful to everyone for their welcome. I want to find work because I cannot sit still on my hands all day.” Vicki and a group of Oakhill residents have launched a gofundme page to cover long-term costs, such as bus passes and therapeutic activities. Vicki said: “We had decided we had the space at home to offer a single parent somewhere to live and Maryna and I came into contact with each other almost by chance.”
Maryna and Vlad have already begun exploring the area and Maryna is looking for work
To support Vicki and the Oakhill residents, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/oakhill-supports-ukraine
PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Concert for Ukraine
SOMERSET Choral Society, a choir of 40 singers based in Cheddar, is presenting its spring concert in St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells on Saturday, May 21st, 7.30pm Cheddar Singers when the programme will be “The Rutter Requiem” and “Stanford – Songs of the Fleet”. This performance will be dedicated to the people of Ukraine with a retiring collection in aid of the Ukraine humanitarian appeal. The soloist in the “Rutter Requiem” will be soprano Maria Danishvar who is a professional classical singer living in Bath. The soloist for “Songs of the Fleet” will be baritone Matthew Tilley, who has been a regular performer with Welsh National Opera. The concert will feature the Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra based in Bristol and will be conducted by Somerset Choral Society’s musical director Daniel Cushing. Details: www.somersetchoralsociety.com
Riding school reaches out
DIVOKY Riding School at Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, has launched a fundraising campaign to offer riding courses to Ukrainian children and young adults as part of efforts to help them settle in the Mendip area. Pat Bishop and Martin Lawrence run a charity, South West Riding Community Interest Company, which was set up to help fund lessons for disabled or disadvantaged riders across the south west of England. Pat said: “We were contacted by a family who are hosting a Ukrainian child about riding and they told me of other families who will have children in the area. “As a coach I have done so much training over the last few years in mental health awareness with the British Horse Society that we thought we might put it to good use and invite these children to spend time with the horses here. “We have all seen the awful pictures on the news of what these people have been going through and we felt that this was something that we could offer that would really make a difference to children who will be settling into a new community with a different culture. “Horses break down all these barriers and can really make a connection with people no matter what language skills they have.” For details, email Pat at pat.divoky@gmail.com or call 01749 880233
(Photography courtesy of Louis Smith)
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MENDIP TIMES
From the Mendips to Suffolk Heights
Clive in one of the auction rings at Frome Livestock Market
FATHER Clive Fairclough, the rector of the Mells Group of Parishes, is heading east for his latest ministry – although not as far east as he once served. Fr. Clive, 68, will take his last evensong service in Great Elm church on Sunday, May 29th before heading to East Anglia to take up a part-time role in the benefice of Suffolk Heights, so-called because it includes the county’s highest point. A dairy farmer’s son, Fr. Clive served for 20 years as a British army officer. Before coming to Mells in 2017, he was chaplain to the British Ambassador in Moscow. He says his background in farming has given him a close affinity with the industry and he is chaplain to Frome Livestock Market where he has also been involved in the pioneering walkin Health Hub and foot clinic for farm workers and their families as well as the Farming Community Network Fr. Clive says one of his proudest moments was helping to Holding the Harvest Trail torch which travelled around organise an award-winning Great Somerset Harvest Trail involving the five parishes in the Mells group as well as the wider Bath and Wells Diocese and Somerset Young Farmers as part of the National British Food Fortnight campaign in 2019. He said: “I’ve always seen my role as a spiritual journey in its widest sense. I have, for example, enormous respect for American Indians and their sense of spirituality. “I’m always keen to push the boundaries and will continue to do so, even though I will be in a part-time position. “The sense of community here on Mendip is fantastic and I will always have fond memories of my time here.”
Dog walkers can help nature recover
NEWS
THE Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a great place for dogs and their owners but the AONB unit is asking them to remember that they share the outdoors with others. The unit has produced a handy guide with the help of their Volunteer Rangers to make sure dog owners don’t give their dog a bad reputation. Volunteer Rangers have been out across the AONB over the Easter holidays to hand out the guide and free biodegradable dog-poo bags. The guide links dog owners to a leaflet on the AONB website that contains further handy hints. It says people have the right to explore the footpaths and bridleways as well as areas of “Access Land” providing that they act responsibly and keep their dogs under control at all times. Many of the places people walk their dogs are nature reserves managed for wildflowers by grazing with sheep, cattle or ponies. Ewes are particularly vulnerable at this time of year with tragic consequences of sheep worrying Shepherd Andy Wear incidents. Vets and graziers have seen a rise in the numbers of attacks, the results of which may often lead to lambs being lost and sheep being killed and injured. Andy Wear, chair of the Mendip Hills AONB, said: “Grazing sheep on the nature reserves across the Mendip Hills is vital to helping nature recover. I graze Dolebury Warren for the Avon Wildlife Trust but my sheep have been attacked or chased on numerous occasions with veterinary treatment needed at least once every grazing season. We’re creatures of habit and find those habits hard to break. But if we're serious about helping nature to recover from the dire situation it's in we all need to make small changes to our habits. Keeping dogs on a lead during spring when you're visiting nature reserves can be an important step in helping nature recover.” Dog owners can help nature recover in other ways. Spring time is when some birds nest on the ground, they can easily be disturbed by dogs. The Mendip Hills are also home to many adders that will bask in the spring time, so by keeping dogs under close control these rare species can help to recover. You can find the Responsible Dog Ownership leaflet at mendiphillsaonb.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 25
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EVENTS
Chocolate trail was a winner – bar none
FAMILIES enjoyed a chocolate-themed trail around Holcombe, meeting a selection of characters including Willy Wonka. They had to identify different makes of chocolate from the clues on a trail leaflet before reaching the village hall. The event was organised by the community group Holcombe Hive.
Willy Wonka prepares to greet families in Holcombe Village Hall
A roaring success: Becky and Elaine. Answer: Lion Bar
Full of dairy goodness. Zoe and Edie with Dairy Milk
Not-so-scary: Elaine
The Oompa Loompas next to their chocolate fountain made from several tins of drinking chocolate
The Oompa Loompas (Frank and Bob) with Chloe and Wylie. Answer: Roses
For details of future events, find Holcombe Hive on Facebook
PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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INTERNET
Choose to receive some calls when your Android phone is on silent
FOR the most part, putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or Silent mode is very useful overnight and when at meetings etc. But getting emergency calls or calls from a close family member might be important on occasions. You can choose to get emergency calls or calls from your Favourite contacts if you wish. Or choose if someone rings you twice, then your phone will ring. Just bear in mind that it could ring at an inopportune moment! Android Assuming you have your contacts added, you need to ‘Star’ those contacts. 1. Go to the ‘Contacts’ app 2. Go to the ‘Contacts’ section 3. Select the contact(s) that you want to allow to ring even when your phone is on silent. 4. Tap the ‘Star’ in the top right-hand corner Now you now need to edit your Do Not Disturb settings 1. Open the ‘Settings’ on your phone 2. Select ‘Set Do Not Disturb rules’ 3. Select ‘Priority only allows’ 4. In the ‘Call’ section select ‘From starred contacts only’ 5. If you want messages from those contacts to also reach you, in the ‘Messages’ section, select ‘From starred contacts only’ Now when you go to bed at night, you need to make sure you enable ‘Do not disturb – Priority Mode’. 1. Swipe down twice from the top of the phone 2. Located the ‘Do not disturb’ icon and click the text below it to open the ‘Do not disturb’ settings 3. If ‘Do Not Disturb is off’, toggle the little button on the top right-hand corner 4. Select ‘Priority Only’ 5. Select ‘Done’ It’s a good idea to test the system, so put it on Do Not Disturb, then get someone who isn’t starred to ring to make sure it says silent. Then test that a family member can ring. In the next issue, Lynne will provide tips on receiving calls on an Apple phone with ‘on silent’ selected.
Submitted for I.T. for the Terrified by Lynne Duckett This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. I.T. for the Terrified it4ttcvh@gmail.com Although we have now ceased our one to one tuition, a number of us will continue with this column under the heading "I.T. for the Terrified" to keep the name alive for the time being PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 Attire for a special occasion (8) 5 A group of dancers or singers performing together (6) 9 Church in Wells that lost the top of its spire during the storm ‘Eunice’ in February (2,6) 10 A downhill ski race on a winding course (6) 12 Chief, principal or roguish (4) 13 A person of little importance (5-5) 15 Structure facilitating sheltered traverse or maybe card game in a tent (7,6) 19 Very small quantity, a value approaching zero (13) 23 A pregnant woman (6-2-2) 25 A large, domed semi-circular recess typically at a church's eastern end (4) 28 Concordat, settlement, or pact (6) 29 Link from St Pancras to Brussels (8) 30 Make a noise like a donkey (3,3) 31 A guess that is unlikely to be correct (4,4)
DOWN 1 & 6 Down Composer of “A Somerset Rhapsody” (6,5) 2 Mexican race before the Spanish Conquest (5) 3 Turn a floor over, remove a pound and get the opposite (4) 4 Whole system and structure of a language (7) 7 An example to others, a paragon (4,5) 8 What day will be celebrated on 11th May (8) 11 Good boy made happy (4) 14 Divisible by two! (4) 15 A French coffee maker (9) 16 The first lady (3) 17 A synonym of verse is a homophone of hoar frost (4) 18 An unequal sporting contest (8) 20 An informal goodbye (2-2) 21 Church in Culbone, Porlock said to be the smallest parish church in England (7) 22 Be sorry about, feel remorse for (6) 24 Supplement spear carrier (5) 26 Piece of fabric used in a repair (5) 27 Decoration sounds like a horse working inside (4) By greendandelion
Clues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 94
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MENDIP TIMES
A notable royal exception JUBILEE biscuit tins, God Save the Queen tea towels Union Jack coffee mugs. From teapots to toilet roll holders, just about every significant regal event from Queen Victoria’s Coronation in 1838 onwards has been greeted with an avalanche of mass-produced tat that would shame any jumble sale. The old saying that if a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well, seems to have bypassed the makers of royal memorabilia down the decades and for once justifiably, their wares are normally worth next to nothing. Even pieces made for the Coronation of Edward VIII, who famously abdicated before it could to place, sell for just a few pounds at best. There is however, one noble exception. In 1936 Wedgwood, the famous Staffordshire firm of potters, decided to
mark the coronation that would never happen by issuing a souvenir mug which, in artistic terms, would be equal to the historic event. The artist they commissioned to design it was a surprising choice for the 200year-old firm. Eric Ravilious (1903-42) was one of the foremost English modern artists to emerge between the wars. He was young and full of fresh ideas. In an all too brief career, he produced an extraordinary amount of work; murals, watercolours, wood engravings, and designs for glass and pottery. The coronation mug was a showcase for Ravilious’ talent. It featured a lion and unicorn in shaded silhouette surrounded by colourful fireworks and ‘E R’ worked in a bold typeface. The mug was an instant success (even Mrs Simpson bought one) but
ARTS & ANTIQUES
was hastily withdrawn as soon as the abdication was announced. Undaunted, Ravilious simply re-worked the design for George VI’s Coronation the following year. On the outbreak of the Second World War he became an Official War Artist and lost his life in the service of his country at the age of only 39. Today his work is rightly celebrated and original mugs fetch upwards of £600 at auction. All in all, a far more tasteful way of commemorating a royal milestone and not a Union Jack in sight.
Clevedon Salerooms’ next specialist sale (for which further entries are invited) will be held on June 9th. For details of this and other sales, together with information about valuation days at the saleroom and other locations, please visit the website www.clevedonsalerooms.com
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 29
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Back together for Easter
Pictured (l to r) David Wall, Jane Crozier, Trina Pope, Jan West, Pam Williams, John Chivers, David Turner and Jake Jefferies
MEMBERS of Compton Dando Art Group made up for the cancellation of their Christmas lunch by holding one for Easter at the Compton Inn. Group leader, Sonia Priest, said: “It made such a pleasant change to be able to meet up socially after such a long break because of the Covid situation.” The group meets weekly and will celebrate its 17th anniversary in July. New members are welcome.
SOUGHT BY LOCAL COLLECTOR STAMP COLLECTIONS, ALBUMS AND POSTAL HISTORY
Art group welcomes new members
Blagdon Art Group
BLAGDON Art Group says it would like to share its love of painting by inviting others to join the group, which meets every Thursday in St Andrew’s Church, one group in the morning group and another in the afternoon. One of the founder members, Margaret Avery, said: “No previous experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. Come and join this friendly group and re-discover your hidden talent, or find a new one.” One member, Belinda May, said: “It’s very therapeutic and we all support each other, as well as enjoying a coffee and a chat.” The group enjoys occasional trips, and recently visited the Eden Project as well as a few galleries. It supports the church through sales, including a percentage each year from the Chew Valley Arts trail. Jeff Martin
PLEASE CONTACT IAN APPLIN HOME (after 7pm): 01275 331821 • MOBILE: 07768 093576 EMAIL: ipakeeper@gmail.com
Details: Margaret 07725 056051 PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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ARTS & ANTIQUES
Mendip Auction Rooms supporting Ukraine THE team at Killens will be staging an Auction of Promises on Thursday 26 May at 7pm in support of those refugees who have travelled to Somerset to flee the war and the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Details of promises and items to sell can be emailed to the auction rooms at enquiries@mendip auctionrooms.co.uk. Tom Killen stated "Many people have felt so helpless in watching the events unfold in Ukraine and the terrible suffering endured by the Ukrainian people. We want to show our support and are delighted to be staging this auction in support of these two worthy causes. We hope that individuals and businesses will get behind this auction by entering and buying promises and items." During May, three other sales will be staged with a large entry of silver and jewellery included in the sale of Fine Art and
Antiques on Saturday 14th May. On 10th and 24th May, sales of Interiors and Collectables will be held. Looking beyond May, June also promises to be busy with a large private collection of model trains and toys being included in the Antiques sale on 16th June including scratch built kits, also an ‘O’ gauge steam tank. Further entries are invited. Are you looking to sell items? Valuations can be undertaken on a drop in basis at the auction rooms between 10am and 3pm each weekday and Killens have professional valuers and experts on hand to advise. Alternatively, valuers are able to conduct free home visits.
Contact the team at Killens on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 31
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EVENTS
Wedmore Young Farmers spring show
Judging underway
Champion Liam Hector, aged 14
Admiring the pigs PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
The harvest home team organised the barbecue
The event was well supported
Page 33 May.qxp_Layout 1 21/04/2022 15:39 Page 1
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Business section.qxp_Layout 1 21/04/2022 16:12 Page 34
MENDIP TIMES
P & C Logs
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PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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BUSINESS
Significant divorce reforms
THE Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020), represents the biggest shake-up in divorce law for more than half a century. It ends completely the need for separating couples to apportion blame for the breakdown of their marriage, helping them to instead focus on key practical decisions involving children or their finances and look to the future. Previously, one spouse was forced to make accusations about the other’s conduct, such as ‘unreasonable behaviour’ or adultery, or face years of separation before a divorce could be granted. This was regardless of whether a couple had made a mutual decision to separate. The changes mean that a spouse, or a couple jointly, can now apply for divorce by stating their marriage has broken down irretrievably. It removes unnecessary finger-pointing and acrimony at a time where emotions are already running high, and spares children from witnessing their parents mudslinging. Importantly, it stops one partner from vindictively contesting a divorce and locking their spouse into an unhappy marriage. In some cases, domestic abusers can use their ability to challenge the process to further harm their victims or to trap them in the relationship. The reforms
will put an end to this behaviour. The Act also introduces a new minimum timeframe of 20 weeks between the start of proceedings and when individuals may apply for a conditional order of divorce. This will offer time to reflect, and potentially turn back, or where reconciliation is not possible to agree important arrangements for the future – such as those involving children, finance and property. Specifically, the measures from the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act that came into force on 6 April 2022 include: • Replacing the current requirement to evidence either a conduct or separation ‘fact’ with the provision of a statement of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (for the first time, couples can opt to make this a joint statement). • Removing the possibility of disputing the decision to divorce, as a statement will be conclusive evidence that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, except on limited technical grounds. • Introducing a new minimum period of 20 weeks from the start of proceedings to a conditional order of divorce being made, allowing greater opportunity for couples to agree practical arrangements for the future
where reconciliation is not possible and divorce is inevitable. • Simplifying the language of divorce to make it more understandable. This includes replacing the terms ‘decree nisi’, ‘decree absolute’ and ‘petitioner’, with ‘conditional order’, ‘final order’ and ‘applicant’. This legislation is a step in the right direction but there remains the issue over how to improve procedure for the post divorce division of the family assets to try to reduce the level of conflict and improve outcomes to the benefit of both parents and children. It is hoped that the Government will look into this in the near future. EDWARD LYONS
Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients.
l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168
Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506
Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 35
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MENDIP TIMES
Travel agent named one of the best in Britain
GLOBAL Independent Travel, in Clevedon, earned a place in the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2022, an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette. TTG group editor Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its seventh year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last 12 months. “Travel agents have come through the most challenging two years in the industry’s history, but by offering expert advice and support to customers throughout the pandemic, our Top 50 winners have all won new clients and are looking ahead to a bright future.” Global Independent Travel was visited by TTG to conduct a thorough assessment of customer service, expertise, innovation, and commitment to creating a great place to work and operating more sustainably. Managing director, Lisa Weakley, said: “We’re a small Independent travel agent who work so hard. So winning this award was an amazing achievement for us and was so unexpected. And at such a tough time during the Covid
The team (l to r) Laura, Lisa, Sheila, Laura P and Helen
crisis. Top 50 felt like a real light at the end of the tunnel.” The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham with almost 450 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier partners in attendance, with entertainment from Brit Award-winning singer Will Young.
Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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BUSINESS
Find Somerset Workwear at the North Somerset Show THE team at Somerset Workwear say they are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their trade stand at the North Somerset Show at Wraxall on Monday, May 2nd. On display will be leading brands of
Ultra-light boots from the Leon Boots Company
workwear and safety footwear from Portwest, Fort, TuffStuff, Orn and Titan. Designed for trades whether construction, service or agriculture, you will find the product fit for the job. On display will be a selection of work trousers and shorts, coveralls, coats and jackets, hi-vis clothing and examples of their quality polo shirts and t-shirts. Amongst the range of safety footwear visitors will be able to see the amazing wellington boots from the Leon Boots Company. Why amazing? A wellie boot range that is so light that you need to see it to believe it! Run by Mark and Caira Day, Somerset Workwear is based just off First Avenue on the Westfield Industrial Estate. It is an extension of the wellestablished specialist electronic assembly consumables and tools company Somerset Solders which
Look out for their distinctive trade stand
moved from Chilcompton to Westfield in 2018. Mark said: “We welcome any enquiries for our workwear range and are happy to discuss any customising your workwear requires using our inhouse embroidery service. And if you are unable to visit us at the show, then do please visit our trade counter on the Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock!”
In-house embroidery service
TROUSERS, JOGGERS & SHORTS, POLO SHIRTS, T-SHIRTS, HOODIES & FLEECES, HI-VIS JACKETS, TROUSERS & WAISTCOATS, SAFETY BOOTS & WELLINGTONS, COVERALLS IN HI-VIS AND FLAME RETARDANT.
ORDER ONLINE OR VISIT US TODAY Visit our trade counter
UNIT 11, WESTFIELD IND. ESTATE, WESTFIELD, RADSTOCK, SOMERSET BA3 4BS – FOR THE TRADE COUNTER MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 37
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MENDIP TIMES
Town Deal deadline approaching
Mark Adler looks at two of the 12 projects which are in line for a share of the £23.6m Glastonbury Town Deal A SECOND open day event will be held in Glastonbury on Saturday, May 7th to offer the local community a chance to find out about the 12 projects which stand to benefit from the Town Deal funding. The event will be held at St John’s Church in Glastonbury. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to visit to learn about the exciting opportunities and benefits that the funding could bring for the town. It follows a successful open day at the
town hall in late February, which attracted more than 350 people. Feedback is now being used by the project teams as they continue to develop the business cases required by the government. The business cases must be submitted by the end of June, with an announcement expected in the autumn. Glastonbury is one of 101 towns in the UK to receive investment as part of the government’s Towns Fund scheme. It received the highest award in the South West and one of the highest per capita in England.
The open day runs from 10.30am until 2.30pm. For details: glastonburytowndeal.co.uk
Leisure centre plans
THE buildings at Tor Sports and Leisure Centre are set to receive £2million as part of a refurbishment and new-build scheme being proposed by the town board and owners Mendip District Council. They hope to create a community sports and leisure hub, attracting more groups and organisations to the centre. Work could begin next year. One of those groups is Edge Acrobatics which launched last June and now has more than 100 members from four years old upwards. They have to meet in various venues in the area due to a lack of space. It is also hoped that the regeneration of the site will generate further funds to enhance the sports pitches, including Glastonbury Cricket Club.
Preparing the wicket for the new cricket season, beginning in May
Tor Sports and Leisure Centre could benefit from a £2million investment PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Gracie (bottom) and Doria, two members of Edge Acrobatics
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A look inside the Life Factory
FEATURE
The community woodworking area on the ground floor of the C Building
Coach Lydia Cracknell with Doria
VISITORS to Beckery Fete had a chance to see inside the proposed Life Factory. Plans are in place to refurbish the iconic C Building to create a community business and learning space, including “zones” for creative industries, skills development and media.
The sign says it all
Marcus Haigh practices in the nets with coach Dave Beale
Fabric of life – there are plans for workshops where clothes can be recycled, repaired and made MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 39
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MENDIP TIMES
Road run returns
EVENTS
A GOOD Friday tractor run starting and ending at the Railway Inn at Meare has raised more than £1,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Organised by Ivan Sparks, the run saw just over 100 tractors take part in the 22-mile trip across the Somerset moors. It was the first run of its kind after a two-year break due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A group from Street ahead of the start of the run
Ancient and modern on the roads around Meare
Enjoying the Easter sunshine
Organiser Ivan Sparks rings the bell to summon drivers and passengers to their vehicles
Give us a wave!
Rob Gillard, from Evercreech, with passengers
Keira Sparks selling raffle tickets with Harvey Pearce (left) and Lee Moss PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Mendip riches – protecting our grasslands with grants for landowners
JUST 1% of the UK’s land area is speciesrich grassland. The Mendip Hills bucks the curve here, with our south-facing slopes in particular supporting wonderful examples of species-rich limestone grasslands, and the AONB Unit has grants available to help landowners protect them and create more. The stretch of limestone grasslands along the southern slopes of the hills is the largest area of this type in the UK and supports good populations of many pollinating insects due to the abundance of wildflowers in the warmer months. Pollinators supported by the nectar-rich grasslands on the hills, will spill out into the arable farms of the Plateau, and are crucial for the soft-fruit growers along the strawberry belt. It's not just limestone grasslands the AONB is important for; due to the unique geology of the area, and the lead content of the soils, the Mendip Hills is one of the few places in the UK where you can find acidloving plants sitting happily next to their alkaline counterparts. Including meadows – also rare at a national level – the Mendip Hills AONB has a spectacular diversity of wildflowers in a relatively small space. Grasslands are an ancient habitat that formed after the last Ice Age, and were then sculpted and expanded by early human activity. Shepherding and haymaking are a vital part of our landscape and cultural heritage. But many grasslands have been lost, primarily due to fertilisation or overgrazing, interfering with the delicate species balance. And as more and more grasslands were lost, the surviving patches became too far apart for seeds or animals to spread between them. Farmers and landowners can help strengthen our grasslands. If there is already good grassland on your holding, keeping it that way with managed grazing regimes and native breeds that can still maintain bulk on rough ground, plus avoiding any chemical inputs is a hugely valuable project – protecting the biodiversity, protecting the carbon sequestration of the soils, and protecting the beauty of the area. If you would like to increase the speciesrichness of your holding to tie in with the surrounding landscape, or provide an oasis,
MENDIP HILLS AONB
Celebrating 50 years of caring together
there are ways to reduce the rigour of dominant grasses to allow native wildflowers to thrive – this can include changes to grazing patterns and taking hay cuts, and may involve increasing the number of local wildflower seeds in the soil, for example through green-haying. And you don’t need to convert your entire field. Field margins and banks can provide essential corridors for species to move about in the landscape. Wildflower strips will increase the number of pollinators on your land, and also increase the number of predators like birds and beetles to control pest species. Wildflowers will often find a way, if given an opportunity and some time, and require fewer financial investments than improved grasslands. The preservation and enhancement of our beautiful grasslands is a type of public good, for which the government is committed to paying farmers and landowners for under the upcoming environmental land management schemes. Currently, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is open for applications, and would love to support projects that enhance and connect the species-rich grasslands of the Mendip Hills AONB.
Fifty years ago, the Mendip Hills was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From its distinctive characteristics, tranquil plateau and extraordinary views to the rich history, diverse wildlife, and abundance of outdoor and underground playgrounds, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a treasured landscape to millions. In 2022, through a series of events, activities, and special moments we are celebrating what makes our treasured land so precious. Go to www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk to find out more.
Megan Godley Farming Engagement Officer Farming in Protected Landscapes Mendip Hills AONB Charterhouse Centre, BS40 7XR Office telephone: 01761 462338 Email: megan@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 41
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Making gardens wildlife friendly
SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched a unique new open garden scheme for garden lovers and wildlife enthusiasts across the county. Wilder Open Gardens will give amateur gardeners and anyone with even slightly green fingers the chance to share some of the special things they are doing for nature. From balcony and patio gardens to large private estates and everything in between, anyone with a love of wildlife is encouraged to get involved. The aim of the scheme is to inspire others to make their outdoor spaces more friendly for wildlife, no matter what size, in order to combat the huge decline in nature across the county – and to raise funds for Somerset Wildlife Trust at the same time. Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Community Fundraiser, Kate Wilson, said: “Nature is in huge decline and climate change is exacerbating the rate at which this is happening. Literally every space for nature counts, large or small, so our gardens have a really important role to play in terms of reversing that decline and putting nature back into our gardens – and into our lives.” l Somerset Wildlife Trust will be hosting a special online event on May 4th, 7-9pm, to explain how local communities can take action for nature’s recovery by taking note of and recording the wildlife that’s right on their doorsteps. Details: Community Wildlife Mapping in Somerset | Somerset Wildlife Trust. The trust has created a special Wilder Open Gardens pack. Details: somersetwildlife.org/wilder-open-gardens
PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
NEWS
On the road – for 50 years!
A BATH & North East Somerset highways engineer says he’s not hanging up his hard hat or hi-vis jacket just yet despite clocking up 50 years working on the area’s roads. Allan Sperring, who started work for the council on April 17th, 1972 aged just 17, is celebrating half a century of public service based at the council’s Allan Sperring Clutton Road depot. The grandfather of eight left school in 1970 when he was 15 and began his first job collecting milk churns from local farms, but the work ended when milk tankers were introduced. He had to look for another job and there were two options that appealed to him – one was driving big tractors for the Forestry Commission and the other was working for the highways team at Somerset Council at Clutton. Allan said: “I was really keen on tractors so went to see the man about working for the Forestry Commission, but the guy didn’t turn up. Instead I went to see Mr Bailey at the Clutton depot. Mr Bailey asked me, ‘How did you get here?’ I said I cycled from Harptree to Clutton and Mr Bailey said, ‘you’re fit enough – start Monday!’”
New High Sheriff
EACH spring sees 55 new High Sheriffs appointed by the Queen to spend a year encouraging and supporting both the rule of law and the work of charities in their county. When Thomas Sheppard was appointed in Somerset in 2021 it was to an empty Wells Cathedral due to Covid. But this year, Jennifer Duke who lives on Exmoor, was able to Jennifer Duke and Thomas celebrate becoming High Sheppard Sheriff to a full house. Jennifer is now the 961st High Sheriff of Somerset, and expects a very busy time ahead. She will be pursuing her personal support of young people across Somerset as well as playing an integral part in the county’s celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Thomas spent his year seeking out and thanking those who had made particular contributions to the county. He said: “It was a happy revelation to see so much community spirit alive in Somerset.”
(Photograph courtesy of Mark Pickthall)
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MENDIP TIMES
Their 21 challenges are underway
A WALK from their home near Vobster to the Royal United Hospital in Bath at the start of April heralded the start of 21 challenges in 21 months for Nige and Su Crutchley to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer. The couple are raising money in memory of their son Ben who died in February 2012 from an inoperable brain tumour just weeks short of his tenth birthday. Other challenges they are facing are Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, along with sections of long-distance footpaths. Their final challenge will be next year’s Mells 10K, which they set up. The 2023 race will be the last to be held. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, October 8th.
The walkers pass through the grounds of Babington House to St Margaret’s Church where Ben is buried in the churchyard
Su, Nige and John at the RUH
Walking through the tunnels at Midford
Nige and Su (centre) with (l:r) Katia, son Luke, John and Kat
Find details about Nige and Su’s 21 Challenges for Ben on Facebook. For details about Young Lives vs Cancer, visit: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Charity celebrates 30 years
FREEWHEELERS EVS is holding an evening of music and fun in The Bishop’s Palace Gardens, Wells on Saturday, May 21st to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The evening will be compered by the charity’s patron and BBC Points West TV presenter, Alex Lovell, and will feature the Bristol Concert Wind Band and local rock band Drifftwood. Freewheelers EVS, the “Blood Bike” charity is run entirely by
volunteers and provides a free out-of-hours courier service for the NHS. It is funded entirely by public donations and sponsorship. It transports blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patient notes, X-rays, breast milk, and other medical supplies. It also delivers blood products to two local air ambulance bases every night of the year. Tickets cost £15 and can be purchased online at www.bishopspalace.org.uk
Details: www.freewheelers.org.uk
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Rotary donation to SWALLOW
Charity fundraiser
CHARITIES
Mencap partygoers
Members of the Cam Valley Rotary present the cheque to SWALLOW
MEMBERS of Cam Valley Rotary Club have donated £500 to the Midsomer Norton-based charity SWALLOW which supports teenagers and adults with learning difficulties. Nicky Tew, fundraising and finance manager for SWALLOW said: “We are so grateful to the members of the Cam Valley Rotary Club for this donation, it will make a huge difference and the money will be put to very good use supporting our members to live independent and fulfilling lives.” For details about SWALLOW, visit: www.swallowcharity.org email nickyt@swallowcharity.org or ring 01761 414034
Helping the homeless
IONA White talked about her work with the homeless at a recent meeting of Shepton Mallet Tangent. She runs the charity Help for Homeless which works in Yeovil, Bath, Taunton and Bristol. Volunteers collect and distribute clothes, bedding, food and toiletries to homeless people on the streets. They also support those who have been lucky enough to get off the streets by providing furniture and other essentials. Donations of unwanted clothes, shoes, bedding, tents or furniture are welcome. Details: Iona 07850 586019 www.helpforhomeless.net
AFTER a two-year break, Keynsham Mencap were delighted to welcome back supporters to their dinner and auction at the Apex Hotel in Bath, their biggest fundraising event of the year. The start of the pandemic meant it stopped running clubs in the usual way. Thanks to the determination of staff and volunteers, they took their services online and virtual, spent more time outside and made visits to families at their homes. The auction raised in excess of £5,000 on the night which way exceeded expectations. Fundraising manager, Amanda Leonard, said: “It felt great to finally be able to hold an actual physical event. We are very grateful to our supporters who continue to keep funds coming in for us. “This amazing total will make sure we keep doing what we do best: Providing social opportunities for adults and children with learning disabilities and autism.”
Buddies wanted
HEADWAY Somerset, which supports people with brain injury, is looking for volunteers to join its Making Headway Buddies scheme. The buddies provide befriending to adults recovering from a brain injury caused by accident or illness. This could be: • One to one (remotely or face to face) • In one of their rehab centres • A social meeting in a café. Volunteers can also be involved in fundraising, promoting Headway Somerset generally and through social media. They provide training, continuing support and expenses will be paid.
Details: www.headwaysomerset.org.uk or contact Tricia tricia@headwaysomerset.org.uk • 07927 664128 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 45
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MENDIP TIMES
Dance teachers put their heads together for charity
Helena (left) and Melanie
DANCE teachers put their heads together for charity Two local dance teachers, Melanie Wittmaack and Helena Softley, joined forces and donned silly hats to collect for Brain Tumour
Research on “Wear a Hat Day” in March. They danced, sang, wore hats and shook collection buckets in Midsomer Norton High Street and managed to collect nearly £200 for the charity. Melanie, who runs Move Dance Fitness, wore a different hat every day in March to raise awareness and money for the charity, and has so far collected £925.36. Helena, who is also a professional musician, had a brain tumour removed nearly three years ago, so it’s a cause that is very dear to her heart. Only one percent of national research spend is allocated to brain tumour research and the charity receives no income from the government. Yet it’s the biggest cancer killer in children and adults under 40, with only 12% of people who have a brain tumour surviving beyond five years of diagnosis. Details: www.braintumourresearch.org www.movedancefitness.co.uk www.helenasoftley.com or Facebook
Mendip Challenge is back
WESTON Hospicecare’s popular Mendip Challenge will take place on Sunday, June 12th and will feature a 30, 20, 10 and a five-mile route for supporters to tackle. The routes follow the West Mendip Way on the Mendip Hills between Wells and Weston. In 2019, the event raised £85,000 for the hospice with 1,200 people taking on the challenge. This will be the event’s 31st year. Events and Challenges manager, Jane Murch, said: “We’re delighted to announce our most popular event, The Mendip Challenge, is back! “We can’t wait to see you all take to the countryside and take on the challenge to fundraise to support your hospice.” “This year our walkers will enjoy the use of a chip timer to accurately record their times.”
Mud larks
GREAT Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAC) took part in the Mud Master challenge at Puxton Park, organised by The Lions Club of Weston-super-Mare. It was so warm that special mud marshalls were appointed to water the mud holes. The Lions have supported the air ambulance for nearly a decade.
Charity donation
CLAVERHAM Ladies Guild presented a cheque for £500 to Bristol charity One25 at their annual meeting. Their donation was doubled by “The Big Give” group which match funded donations to charities supporting women for International Women’s Day. One25 reaches out to some of the most marginalised and traumatised women in Bristol, many of whom are homeless. Fundraiser, Abby Dudley, pictured receiving the cheque from guild chairperson Jean Watson, said the £1,000 will be spent on running One25’s night outreach van, which provides a refuge for women on the streets. Details: www.one25.org.uk
Participants for the five and ten-mile route will start and finish at Weston Cricket Club to ensure social distancing can take place on the coaches for the 20 and 30 mile route. Supporters will receive a medal, a reusable water bottle and a route guide.
Details: www.westonhospicecare.org.uk
PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
CHARITIES
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“We’ve been advertising in the Mendip Times for over a decade, and whilst our advertising elsewhere has wavered over this time the Mendip Times has remained a constant and an important way for us to communicate with both our existing customers as well as reach new. As a distribution outlet we know how popular it is, customers asking for it both before it’s been delivered and after it has run out. It’s unique in how in most homes it hangs around and gets picked up again and again”. TINCKNELL COUNTRY STORES
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MENDIP TIMES
The rainforests of the Mendips
ON the Atlantic side of Britain and all across the island of Ireland, the Gulf Stream brings warm waters from the Caribbean which helps maintain a steady temperate climate, warming things up in the winter and cooling in the summer. Back in the distant past, when the wildwood covered most of Britain and Ireland, this high humidity and steady temperature gave rise to temperate rainforest stretching from the Highlands of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall and continuing south across France and the Iberian Peninsula. Similar forests still exist, albeit in semi depleted forms, in the USA from Alaska to California and New York State to Virginia. In Britain there are just a few small fragments of these rainforests left, most of which are in western Scotland, Wales, Devon and Cornwall with the odd exception in Somerset, including a tiny, precious fragment close to Frome at Valis Vale. The definition of a rainforest is a forest whose humidity is such that it can support epiphytes, plants which grow on other plants. The trees at Valis Vale have thick coatings of dark green moss around the trunk and grey-green, beardlike lichen pendulously drip
abundance with the aptly named pendulous sedge and its long drooping seed heads. Lianas or woody vines, rooted in the soil snake along the soil and up the trees like something Tarzan would swing in on. Walk further into the woods and you come to the sprawling ruin of Fussells ironworks. Back in the days when this was still accessible, you would see trees sprouting up from the inside of buildings, the remains of fireplaces hanging without a purpose in upstairs rooms with all evidence of a ceiling above or floor below gone. On large oak beams suspended six feet in the air ferns sprout as if on fallen deadwood. Once you begin to look for these rainforest signifiers, the polypody fern, the lichen, the vines, you’ll begin to notice them everywhere. Heading out of Frome, close to Nunney you’ll find them covering the older trees close to the abandoned Asham Quarry. You’ll find them further east, along with Amazonian like lichen hanging from the trees all over the woods near Ebbor Gorge. In Wells they grow up on Milton Hill, just north of the Blue School. It's tantalising to think that great swathes of Somerset, the bits above water at least, may have been part of one great primordial rainforest. These small fragments are very precious for wildlife and can support countless rare fungi along with over 200 different species of lichens, mosses and liverworts. So next time you are out for a walk in Mendip, look up, you may walking through a rare example of English rainforest.
Dave Hamilton
from the trees. Dave Hamilton is an author and forager living in the Mendip region. He runs foraging courses in Frome and Bath. His Here, the main rainforest signifier, featherlike polypody ferns latest book, “Where the Wild Things Grow, The Foragers Guide to the Landscape”, is published by Hodder and Stoughton. are everywhere, sprouting from Find the branches. Beneath them on or @davewildish on Instagram. him at davehamilton.co.uk the forest floor signs of ancient wet woodlands are in PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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The wren and the magic of the dawn chorus
MAY sees the climax of the bird song season and, of course, it’s the breeding season for many species. There’s nothing quite like waking at 3am on an early May morning (downing as many coffees as you can in ten minutes) before venturing out into the darkness. Early, pre-sunrise May mornings By CHRIS can be very chilly, so wrap up warm. It may SPERRING also be wet, but that’s ok: did you know wet MBE mornings are likely to have louder bird dawn choruses than dry, cold ones? The simple reason is that cold, frosty mornings will send some birds back into winter mode, so the priority becomes feeding rather than advertising their presence. But on rainy, wet, yet windless, mornings the loudest birds will be thrushes and blackbirds stimulated to sing like it’s a celebration because, of course, the worms are coming to the surface of freshly-wetted soil. It is still dark, but by 4am you can see beginnings of daylight appearing along the north-east horizon; it starts as a sliver of light that begins to rise higher in the sky almost like someone’s turning the page of a giant book that slowly begins to reveal the next adventure. Which bird will sing first? When I’m leading dawn chorus walks it’s the obvious question asked by most people but it depends on a few factors, number one of which is where are you in the first place? So, for example, if you are on the Somerset Levels surrounded by reed beds, then you may find cuckoo or bittern are the first birds you hear, but in your suburban garden then the robin is more likely to be the first to sing. As the light in the sky increases pre-sunrise it sounds like all the birds are waking and it feels as though someone’s got hold of the bird song volume control and is very gently turning it up. In wooded environments, blackbirds and song thrush can be heard trying to out-compete each for volume and many other bird species are now joining in as the sky reddens. There’s some warmth creeping into the surrounding air as the sun finally rises, you feel the warmth on your face as the rest of you shivers in the
Sunrise and the dawn chorus is underway
WILDLIFE
The wren – one of the smallest, but loudest of birds
chill that was night. The loudest and most varied of bird species now singing is coming from the woodland edge or the scrub layer and from dense hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble a new wave starts. So many birds occupy the scrub layer; linnets, chaffinch and greenfinch all begin their songs as the whole soundscape of birds becomes even louder. Blue tit and the chiming great tit join in, a woodpecker can be heard drumming on a tree; yes, he’s singing as well. The bird dawn chorus has now become a confusing wall of sound, like an orchestra reaching the climax of its epic piece. But there’s one individual instrument, one bird that when it sings will make this wall of sound come tumbling down. Its colour is brown, it lives in the brown foliage of thick scrub, it’s probably, in your woodland or garden the smallest bird on the block (in the absence of goldcrest), yet its song is loud and piercing with a fast volley of notes delivered at a high pitch. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the perfect of bird songsters, the one that demands to be noticed… the wren! I shall be leading an evening and dawn chorus walk for Forestry England on April 29th and 30th. Please visit fb://event/?id=666306224698370 for details. I’m leading a bird song walk (not a dawn chorus, so starting at 10am) at the Community Farm in Chew Magna. For bookings go to https://www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/events/late-spring-seasonalwalk8 Lastly, the monthly wildlife walk at Hawk and Owl Trust’s Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve will be on Friday, May 6th starting at 10am. For details and booking visit www.hawkandowl.org.uk and don’t forget our Somerset live Barn Owl webcam is live with the female now having laid six eggs; these are due to hatch at the beginning of May. Farmers and landowners: I’m currently doing land advisory visits in the Mendip area. If you’d like me to visit, please let me know.
If you wish to contact me it’s Chris.Sperring@btinternet.com call 07799 413918, or message me via my Facebook Walks and Talks page @ChrisSperringwildlife
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 49
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A magnificent hill fort with stunning views
FROM a hidden away, cottage pub at Churchill, this short circle is an ideal morning or afternoon walk in the heart of Mendip, going along the northern edge of Dolebury Hill Fort, to the Lookout viewpoint and gently ascending to the top. The views are stupendous, the air is magnificent, and so is the bird song. You may be lucky to still see plenty of
bluebells and wild flowers in the woods. Take time to stop and enjoy. End the walk by refreshing yourself at the pub. There is quite a lot of uphill walking with some short steeper sections but nothing too difficult. After rain there may be mud in places. There are some stiles, but mainly kissing gates. PARK: On the edge of Churchill at the Crown Inn. The landlady is happy for you to park in the car park if you plan to have refreshment there. Otherwise, please find somewhere nearby to park on the lane. The Crown Inn can be accessed at the Churchill traffic lights at the A38/A368 junction. Turn towards Weston and shortly go left at the Nelson Arms and find the Crown further up the lane on the left. START: Take the lane (Skinners Lane) at the side of the pub.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
1. MAIN ROAD At the A38 cross, with care, and take the narrow footpath immediately opposite through a metal kissing gate. This leads into a field. Head across with the woodland of Dolebury Hill Fort on your
right. Reach a rather unique low iron ladder stile set in lead in stone.
2. WOODLAND Take the footpath going right which climbs and then levels out. At the path end, cross wooden rails and come to a footpath marker. Bend left walking along just inside the wood. Further on, follow the path as it drops down and continue to the end through a kissing gate by houses. Go up across right to a kissing gate with a Dolebury Warren sign. Turn up right on the track which soon bends and flattens out. You will notice considerable clearance work along here, including felling of ash dieback trees. The track rises. After several minutes at a bend, pass a dramatic dead beech (can you spot his foxy face?) and the path continues to rise. 3. THREE WAY FORK At a three-way junction of tracks take the centre fork which rises. The track levels out. Eventually pass a stone wall at right angles on the right and continue for several more minutes.
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4. THE LOOKOUT Reach on the right a low wall which encompasses what is known as The Lookout – a “platform” surrounded by a wall here in the woodland of Dolebury Warren. This was part of the former estate of nearby Mendip Lodge, now in ruins. Guests to the lodge had a choice of walks and grottos on the estate including this Lookout, where from this raised open area they could relax and admire the view. To enter, go up right and immediately left up small steps into the area where there is a bench. There are great views across Wrington Vale to Clevedon and across to Wales. Follow the path through the Lookout coming up to the flat “platform” area where trees now grow and go out the other side rejoining the track. Continue on this all the way to a gate onto a broad crossing track, known as Stony Lane. 5. STONY LANE Turn right uphill, the track gets less stony after a while. Ignore the first gate and path on the right into Dolebury Warren. Start to go under large beautiful beeches. Take the next gate on the right joining a bridleway.
6. OPEN LAND Head up straight across the open land. On reaching a gate on the far side, turn right and immediately left climbing up the wide grass swathe. Maintain direction across here, staying over to the right. Eventually
WALKING
3.25 miles. About 2-2.5 hours walking. OS Explorer Map Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hill West, grid ref: 446 594, postcode BS25 5PP
reach a crossing track with a wood ahead. Turn right and follow this as it bends left, outside the wood. Carry on up, passing several hollows – the remains of former lead mining. Go through a big wooden gate. There is now just one more uphill to reach the outer east bank of the hill fort. Get some good views ahead on the left across to Crook Peak.
7. HILL FORT Enter the fort. This is a great place to stop and admire the views. Dolebury Warren hill fort (also known as Dolebury Camp) covers 224 acres, owned by the National Trust, and managed by the Avon Wildlife Trust. It became a hill fort during the Iron Age and was occupied into the Roman period. The extensive fort covers 9.1 hectares (22 acres) with single or double defensive ramparts around it. It provides an ideal habitat for an unusually wide range of plants, attracting a variety of insects, including several species of butterfly. Up ahead you can see the stony remains of the former Warreners’ hut. In the medieval or post-medieval period, the hillfort was used as a rabbit warren to breed rabbits for their meat and fur. The warrener was in charge of the warren – his hut here dates back only to the mid-19th century. The warren here was a good
CORRECTION The Tucking Mill referred to in last month’s walk is near Monkton Combe and not the one near Compton Dando. Thanks to all who pointed this out. SUE
secure place enclosed by the fort ramparts thus helping to prevent the rabbits escaping. Long mounds of earth were built to provide a home for the rabbits. Take the path which continues on to the left and below the old hut and stay with it as it bends and then continues down the centre of the hill fort between scrub and bushes. Don’t stray over to the left.
8. WEST GATE Join a stony path going out the west gate of the fort. It winds downhill, through a gate into the hamlet of Dolebury Bottom 9. DOLEBURY Continue to the main A38. Go left onto the pavement and then immediately cross to the footpath opposite. Again, take great care on this busy road. Go up the path leading to a crossing track at the top – the old Bristol Road. Turn right and follow it down to the Crown.
The Crown at Churchill. 01934 852994 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 51
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MENDIP TIMES
West Countryman’s diary
WOULD someone be so good as to slow the world down a little, I would like to get off! Where is the time going? There was the time in my childhood years when time couldn’t past fast enough to arrive at the next school holiday or exciting day out. Now my thinking has changed and With LES DAVIES MBE whereas there are times when I like the clock to move forward, there are increasing moments of wanting to hold it back. I am brought back to reality after the daily conversations with my daughter Elizabeth, working as a teacher in Shanghai, China. They have been locked down for a month now and still face an extended period of isolation. Unable to go out, they now rely on food and water deliveries to keep them going. She definitely wants the clock to move forward! Here comes the month of May, with the beginning of spring and a promise of summer to come. My front lawn, if I can call it as such, has an ever-expanding population of primroses that I am pleased to encourage. Even the forget-me-nots are flowering along the ragged border of plants I have been given or rescued from various places. Any thoughts of a formal layout have long been abandoned and I cut the grass around the primrose clumps, with an idea of sowing yellow rattle to control its growth. My vegetable patch must however retain its conformity. Straight lines and weed-free in pursuit of the countryman’s ideal, although it’s sometimes a struggle to keep up with the weeding! The countryside is still a hazardous place, even within this green and pleasant land. Thank you Terry Gifford from Glastonbury, who sent me an email describing his encounters with an adder during one of his Mendip trips in the 1980s. Exactly as described in my last column, he had sat down on an anthill (Emmet tump) and (dapped) put his hand on an adder. The resulting bite put him in hospital where he experienced low blood pressure, but quickly recovered from the ordeal. Another hazard will be faced as the roe deer begin to calve in May. Again we, the human and our dogs. can cause problems. This time it will be the young fawn at risk through our actions. After giving birth the doe will hide the fawn while she grazes. The youngster’s only protection is its camouflage and lack of scent, laying perfectly still and silent is the only way to avoid detection. Often it’s the chance discovery by the dog that can cause the problem. Often convinced that the animal has been abandoned or orphaned, people will pick it up or touch it. This will guarantee the youngster is abandoned by the mother. It is a very harsh world out there and we can make things worse. It’s also the time of the year when I get a little more optimistic about the weather than I should. There are many May mottoes relating to the folly of discarding warm clothing too soon. A late May frost can also damage the apple crop and the story of St Dunstan’s Frost through the Vale of Avalon is not just history and myth to be told by old men around the fire PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
OUTDOORS
side, (or in Mendip Times). This story of Dunstan, the first Abbot of Glastonbury, relates the pact he made with the Devil to wipe out the apple blossom and in doing so destroy the cider crop. Dunstan would then profit from the malting barley he was growing for beer. The pact made, the Devil in an uncommon act of honesty, duly delivered a frost in May to destroy the apple blossom. Quite what Dunstan’s part of the bargain was has never been explained. He was after all forever crossing swords with “Old Nick”, so it may well have been an agreement to leave him alone for a while. A late air frost will still occasionally roll down through the Vale of Avalon in mid-May and knock out the apple blossom… as I said it’s not all history myth and legend! May is also the start of our agricultural shows, where the very best of farming and countryside life is displayed. This year the North Somerset Agricultural Society is holding its show on May 2nd at Wraxall near Nailsea. The Royal Bath and West Show at Shepton Mallet takes place from Thursday, June 2nd through to Saturday, June 4th. Come and visit the Environmental Youth Awards stand in the Dulverton pavilion in the woodland and countryside section to see how young people are becoming involved in climate change and conservation. Now a tale of commitment and raw aggression! A male blackbird in my back garden has obviously been overcome by the avian equivalent of testosterone and in pursuit of protecting his nesting area has been taking on anything that comes within his territory. Mild-mannered wood pigeons with that “the lights are on but nobody is at home” look on their faces have been buzzed whilst feeding on the ivy berries. Likewise some magpies have been warned off with the same approach. He is very determined, but so far has made no attempt at having a go at me. Finally, news of a new walks book for you! This time it’s in the Quantock Hills AONB and the third in a series of Seriously NOT Boring family walk books. The Seriously NOT Boring Quantock Country Walks Book is written by Sue Gearing and myself, with illustrations by Neil Ross. It’s published by the Quantock Hills AONB with 12 short circular walks and fun activities designed to be enjoyed by younger members of the family. Dedicated to Chris Edwards the retiring AONB manager, who gave 33 years to this area, it should be out by the end of April. Contact the Quantock Hills AONB for further information. This month’s picture shows Tom, Mia, Kate, Sam, Harry and Scamp the dog who have featured in other editions on Mendip, the Tamar Trails and now Quantock Country… Happy days!
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The good, the bad and the ugly – potato relatives WE take for granted many of the vegetables and fruit we eat without a thought about how they are related. The potato family With MARY (Solanaceae) is full of PAYNE MBE contrasts. It encompasses many of our edibles, but also many very poisonous plants and plants that we grow in our gardens for ornamental purposes and some we wish were not there – weeds, so you need to know the good, from the bad and the ugly. The strong resemblance of the flowers between potato and tomato is a giveaway that they are related. Indeed, one can graft a tomato onto a potato plant for a “double crop”. The floral characteristics of many of the family follow the same classic shape of a tube enclosing the stamens and stigma, surrounded by five petals. The flowers can be pollinated by insects, including bees, but are often pollinated by a breeze knocking the plants and causing the pollen to drop. You can help this along in your greenhouse by flicking the open flower trusses, a fun alternative is to use an electric toothbrush held gently on the stem. This “electronic bee” was used in commercial greenhouses long before the invention of the electric toothbrush! Sweet peppers, chillis, and aubergines all have similar flowers, and can all be raised at home, but require warmer conditions than tomatoes, so are best confined to a greenhouse or polytunnel. Lesser known edible relatives include the Cape Gooseberry, or Inca berries heralding from Peru. In recent years this has become a popular “decoration” in restaurants when dipped in chocolate after exposing the orange berry from its papery bract. They are easy to grow in a greenhouse, making big productive plants for late summer harvesting. The Goji berry or wolfberry, given superfood status a few years ago, comes from Asia, but is hardy in the UK. Best described as a lax climber it needs plenty of space and support but is not a particularly attractive plant. We have a small number of weeds that PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
are potato relatives, and here accurate identification is crucial. Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) is not a common garden weed, but black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is, and both have black fruits. The latter is an annual with small white classic shaped flowers, whereas the deadly nightshade has a tubular shaped flower. Common in hedgerows is the red berried woody nightshade. The Shoo Fly Plant (Nicandra physaloides), although not a true native, often pops up in gardens probably from bird seed. It has attractive white centred blue flowers, followed by seeds in papery cases similar to the Cape gooseberry, but do not eat this one. It is often confused with the Thorn Apple (Datura stramomium), an occasional annual weed in gardens or roadsides. The fruit resembles the prickly outer casing of a horse chestnut but take care all parts of this plant are extremely poisonous. Henbane, or stinking nightshade is naturalised in Britain, and also poisonous. It is fair to say that although some members of this diverse family contain potent alkaloids and are poisonous, many have invaluable pharmaceutical properties. Nicotine occurs perhaps surprisingly in tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines and peppers but at considerably reduced levels to that in tobacco. Capsaicin, derived from chilli peppers is now being used as a deterrent to mammals. Birds do not taste it, so it can be sprayed onto plants to deter grazers such as deer or rabbits. It is also a good plan to dust bulbs heavily with hot chilli powder prior to planting in the autumn, to deter badgers, mice and squirrels from digging them up for lunch. On a brighter side, many members of this family are highly ornamental and are summer staples in our gardens. Petunias, for sunny positions, can offer vibrant colour and scent, and have in recent years, evolved into floriferous Surfinias for hanging baskets and a small flowered trailing plant, now referred to as Calibrachoa. Nicotianas, the ornamental relative of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), are
renowned for their evening fragrance attracting night flying moths as pollinators. The purple flowered potato bush (Solanum crispum ‘Glasnevin’) makes a colourful, but rather rampant wall shrub for a sunny spot, while the white flowered potato vine (S. laxa) will make short work of four metres, given a good summer. For sheer drama the Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia), a tender woody shrub, will add excitement to any spot when hung with ten-inch, evening scented, creamy trumpets. Rumour has it that if you fall asleep under this plant you will not wake up, intoxicated by the fragrance. I have not tried it! A safer bet would be to plant Cestrum parqui by your favourite evening G&T spot to enjoy the exquisite perfume of its clusters of creamy yellow tubular flowers, but be prepared to share your space with night flying moths! Highly ornamental, but a real thug is the Chinese Lantern, grown for its bright orange papery “lanterns”. To dry these for winter decoration, cut off the leaves and they will keep for ages. Inside is a red berry looking remarkably like a Cape Gooseberry, but please do not eat this one. Only plant this where you have space to spare. It spreads by underground stems at quite a pace. You have been warned! One member of the potato family is steeped in folklore. The Mandrake is full of hallucinogenic alkaloids and its twisted roots are said to resemble the human form. It is reputed to shriek out if dug up and kill all who hear it! It was a popular ingredient in witches’ brews and potions and gets mentioned several times in Harry Potter books.
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MAY GARDEN TIPS
• Time to plant up your hanging baskets and containers. • Give some of your border perennials the “Chelsea Chop”. If you cut some of them back by about half now it will delay flowering but extend the display longer in your garden. • Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon. Put them in a shady spot, keep well watered but bring them back inside if frost is likely. Keep a close eye on them and they will be toughened up ready to plant after about a week. • Be ready to cover tender plants with horticultural fleece if frosts are forecast. Check the forecast every day this month. • Order slug nematodes and rid your plants of this pest the natural and safe way. • Stake border perennial varieties that are tall growing and that tend to flop over. Either use pea sticks (tree and shrub prunings are good) or use purpose-made support systems. • Plant out Cannas and Cosmos (chocolate plant), Dahlias and Begonias. • Trim foliage off early flowering perennials to encourage fresh new leaves. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) responds particularly well. • Hostas divide well this month. Lift clumps and split them up making certain that each shoot has plenty of root attached. • Wait until spring flowering bulb leaves die back naturally before removing them.
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GARDENING
Plant sale will boost funds for In Bloom team
Pictured (l to r) Lin Paul, Diane Turner, Pam Jeffery, Jenny Cleeves, and Philippa Butland
MEMBERS of Temple Cloud in Bloom (TCIB) have turned their attention to the long border in the village car park. Meanwhile they are planning their annual plant sale at the Temple Inn on Saturday, May 28th. Details: tcibinfo@yahoo.com
Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you
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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 55
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MENDIP TIMES
NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH
Holland Farm, Bruton
Sunflowers
THE village of Ubley will be overflowing with sunflowers come autumn, after children at the local primary school each received a gift of sunflower seeds from the village’s new Eco Hub. Former teacher at the school, Jean Luckett, distributed the seeds and is one of the organisers of the Eco Hub. Another member, Camila Ruz, said: “We will be having a sunflower-based display in our churches in September with artwork and posters created by the children, with some education about creating pollinator-friendly gardens.”
THE house and garden were created from a derelict farmyard 15 years ago. The garden now boasts a number of areas, divided by hornbeam and yew hedging. Some are tranquil, with a simple water feature or trees. Others burst with a variety of planting. Address: South Brewham, Bruton BA10 0JZ. Contact: Nickie Gething. Opening dates and time: Sunday, May 29th and Thursday, July 7th, 2-5pm. Admission: £8, children free. Booking: Cash on the gate or through NGS website.
Mathlin Cottage, School Road, Wrington A typical Somerset cottage garden. Open: Sunday, May 22nd and Wednesday, May 25th, 25.30pm. Admission: £5, children free. Enjoy the tea/coffee and home-made cakes! Watcombe, 92 Church Road, Winscombe, BS25 1BP.
To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://www.ngs.org.uk
PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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GARDENING
Shepton’s secret gardens
Weston Garden Machinery Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists
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One of the gardens which will be open to visitors
OWNERS of some of Shepton Mallet’s more unusual and hidden gardens will be throwing open their gates to welcome visitors on Sunday, June 12th. A total of 19 gardens – ranging from a sunflower maze, raised vegetable beds and a wellbeing garden created by the children of St Paul’s Junior School to an allotment plot growing vegetables, fruit, and wildflowers to attract pollinators – will make up a trail around the town. Other gardens would include one created during the pandemic by novices on a budget, a Georgian-style front garden and a special tranquil garden created by volunteers with the mental health charity MIND. The event will raise funds for the Shepton Snowdrops project to buy more bulbs to plan around the town in the autumn. The gardens will be open from 1-5pm. Tickets costing £6 will admit holders to all 19 gardens; children go free. Coffee, tea and homemade cakes will be available at some venues. A map will be sent to visitors once tickets have been booked.
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Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects. It’s not only friendly, professional service that sets us apart, we can’t be beaten on price and ensure our prices beat those of builders’ merchants and garden centres.
Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 57
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MENDIP TIMES
Wildflowers enhance Queen’s Green Canopy
Hi ho, hi ho . . . society members prepare to set to work
MEMBERS of Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society have planted wildflowers and snowdrops around new trees in Collett Park which are part of the town’s contribution to the Queen’s Green Canopy platinum jubilee campaign. The wildflower plants came from the members’ own gardens, whilst the snowdrops were amongst those left over from the recent Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival.
NORTON GREEN
GARDENING
Banwell spring show
BANWELL Gardening Club held another successful spring show, with 24 adults and 16 children showing their entries of spring flowers, baking, crafts and plants. Judges on the day were Steve Harptree, Celia Wilson and Carl Gedye, who had some very difficult decisions due to the high standard of exhibits. The next gardening club meeting will be on Thursday, April 28th, 7.30pm, with Rob Handy on “Forest Garden Part 2 – Growing Unusual Perennial Edibles”. Everyone is welcome and the visitors’ fee is £2 per person.
Daffodil champion
GARDEN CENTRE
Champion Chris Yates
FABULOUS SELECTION OF SUMMER FLOWERING BEDDING, PATIO & HANGING BASKET PLANTS READY NOW! VEGETABLE PLANTS
including Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Courgettes, Chilli Peppers & many more! SHRUBS, ROSES, ALPINES, HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS & CLEMATIS & CLIMBING PLANTS GREAT CHOICE OF THOMPSON & MORGAN, UNWINS & COUNTRY VALUE FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEEDS Compost, Gro-bags, Topsoil, Farmyard Manure, Decorative Bark, Gravels, Grits, Sand & Slate
ORNAMENTAL POTS, TROUGHS & PLANTERS
WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sundays PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
WESSEX Daffodil Group’s annual show held at Henton Village Hall saw a brilliant display of nearly 300 blooms grown in difficult conditions. Champion, Chris Yates, from Bicknoller in the Quantocks, last won about 20 years ago when the show was held in Weston-superMare.
Admiring the blooms
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EVENTS
Tractor drivers splash the cash for charity
WELLS and Glastonbury Young Farmers Club certainly made bow waves with their latest fundraising venture – a tractor run in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the club itself. Organisers Megan Frost and Tyrone Paul raised £1,133 from the day, which began and ended at Melsbury Farm at Polsham and took the 60 drivers plus passengers on a route passing villages such as Theale and Godney. It included a spectacular drive through the ford near Wookey.
The last of the tractor convoy
Making a splash at Wookey
All smiles from Keith Lintern after making it through the ford
Tyrone and Megan brief the drivers
Trailer passengers get a soaking
A stroll amongst the vehicles before the start MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 59
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MENDIP TIMES
Residents get planting
A field maple for Pensford
RESIDENTS from Scott’s Close, Holcombe are pictured planting a crab apple tree to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The tree was donated by Paul and Frances Gillard who live in the close.
Priddy and Westbury
PRIDDY and Westbury-sub-Mendip will be lighting their jubilee beacon at Deer Leap on Thursday, June at 9.45pm, with Soul Dough pizza, bar and music from 8pm. On the Saturday, Priddy will be having a family day on the village green, with pizza and bar, children’s tent and live music from 12.30 until late afternoon. There will be a village lunch on Sunday, June 5th, with Priddy Singers and the Mangled Wurzels. Ticket information for the lunch will be available on the Priddy website and from Priddy Friendly Society.
Living the good life
Craig Stevens (left) from the Good Life Projects with one of the families who visited the farm near Downside
FAMILIES took part in a tree and hedge planting session at the Good Life Projects CIC farm on the edge of Shepton Mallet as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy jubilee celebrations. PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Pictured (l to r) Mike Daniels, Dean Jones and Steve Filer
A TREE has been planted in Pensford in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee in June. Publow with Pensford Parish Council has planted the field maple on Pensford’s village green.
Jubilee beacon
TICKETS are now on sale for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations being organised by volunteers in Compton Bishop and Cross. A beacon will also be lit on nearby Crook Peak. The main nine-hour event is being held in a paddock at Cross End, Webbington Road, Cross, and fundraising has been underway for several months. The big celebration on Saturday, June 4th starts with the loyal toast proposed by Somerset Deputy Lieutenant, Brigadier Tom Lang, who lives nearby, after which there will be a picnic and children’s games and entertainment. A hog roast will be followed by a ceilidh band and later in the evening, there will be a session featuring the local six-piece village band, the Cross Bishops. A bar will be open throughout in a marquee.
Details: 01934 732956. Tickets: £12 adult, children U-5 free
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Four days of fun
THE Charltons will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style, holding five fun-filled events over the four-day weekend with the security of a 100ft marquee to ensure that the weather does not beat them. The action begins on Thursday, June 2nd at 2 pm with a Coronation Launch Party with cream teas, Pimms and Prosecco accompanied by a series of shows from the local community, including the school, church and local minstrels. The evening will include music and song plus the lighting of their own commemorative beacon. Friday has two events planned, their traditional Village Day with a barn dance in the evening. Saturday will see their Platinum Jubilee MegaBash with seven bands playing from early afternoon until midnight. On Sunday, they will round off events with a Party in the Park.
Details: http://www.charltonscommunity.org/platinumjubilee-
Teas return in time for big weekend Enjoying their tea
PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Flower festival in church
THE Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival will be held in St Andrew’s Church, Compton Dundon from June 2nd5th, 10am-5pm. Brookside School students are creating artwork to hang on the choir stalls. Plants and produce will be for sale, with refreshments available. The festival will end with a Songs of Praise service on the Sunday, 6.30pm. Other Jubilee events include a bonfire, picnic tea and a dance on the Saturday.
Details: Angie Castle 01458 272371 email ricjercas@gmail.com
Villages join forces to celebrate
THE countdown to Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Holcombe and Coleford continues and the plans are almost complete, say organisers. Holcombe sees events beginning on Wednesday, June 1st with a quiz night in the village hall, starting at 7.30pm. A series of afternoon rambles around both villages, as well as Kilmersdon take place on Thursday, June 2nd followed by live music, refreshments and the lighting of a beacon on Holcombe playing field. There will be a “big breakfast” in Holcombe Village Hall on Saturday June 4th with an afternoon of family-friendly activities on Sunday, June 5th on the playing field, followed by Evensong in Holcombe Old Church. Coleford is also running a full programme of events which includes live music on Friday, June 3rd and the screening of the Epson Derby the following day in the Royal British Legion. There will be live music at the King’s Head in Coleford on Sunday, June 5th. Simon Brand, chairman of Holcombe Parish Council, said: “All the activities across both villages are open to everyone so please come and support your villages and make these events memorable. All we need now is good weather and your support!”
ST Mary's Church in Compton Dando will resume its Sunday afternoon teas on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, June 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2.30-5pm. One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “There will be an exhibition accompanied by floral displays and the children of Compton Dando will have on show their own drawings and flowers celebrating the occasion.” The teas will continue to run every Sunday from Sunday, June 12th through until August bank holiday Monday, with the profits going to St Mary’s Church funds. MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 61
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MENDIP TIMES
Green fingers
Pictured (l to r) Jenny Harris, Alison Ewings, Julia Young, Nita Wendover, Meriel James, Liz Mc Dowell and Pat Smith
MEMBERS of Bishop Sutton and Stowey WI decorated Bishop Sutton’s Millennium Garden with Easter chicks and green knitted hearts, symbols of the need to tackle climate change. They also planted a tree for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with the help of parish councillors, Liz Kingston and Heather Clewett.
Leigh Street, Leigh-on-Mendip, Radstock BA3 5QQ W: http://bellinnleighonmendip.com/ E: bellinnleighonmendip@gmail.com • T: 01373 812316 PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Pub at the heart of village celebrations
Raising a glass to the jubilee: Emma and John Hitchins
THE Bell Inn at Leigh-on-Mendip will play a focal part in the village’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Emma and John Hitchins, who took over the pub in September 2020, are planning two days of live music alongside a beer and gin festival in the garden. Bands lined up for Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th range from the Terry Hill Big Band to Parfanon and Sladest. It’s little surprise that the couple were keen to get involved in the celebrations. They strive constantly to make the inn the heart of village life, with events including regular “Meet Your Neighbour” evenings, live music and friendly inter-pub games competitions. They created a new children’s play area in time for Easter and the skittle alley is available for functions ranging from birthday parties to club meetings. Emma said: “We’ve enjoyed some fantastic support from not just the village, but further afield; our customers are simply the best. “John and me are always open to ideas; we want people to feel the pub is theirs. Some of the guest ales for the weekend have been recommended by some of our knowlegdeable customers and we’ll be having some guest ciders as well.”
The spoof sign above the entrance to the inn
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Bible gifts to village school
Some of the Year 3 pupils with staff and representatives of Churches Together
CHURCHES Together in Shepton Mallet and the Shepton Community Bookshop have presented a set of 30 bibles to Oakhill Primary School to be used by Year 3 children in RE lessons.
Try e-biking for free
A SCHEME is underway in the Mendip District Council area to offer people e-bike taster events. The sessions are taking place across the district thanks to funding from the Mendip Tourism Grant, which aimed to support organisations with projects that enhanced Mendip as a tourist destination. Successful sessions have already taken place at The Old Showfield in Frome and on A taster session in Frome the Cathedral Green in Wells. On Sunday, May 8th, a session will be held at the Park Road entrance to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet and on Saturday, May 28th at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. Frome-based business, The Open Road Experience, which offers independent and guided tours on e-bikes and tandems, received a £5,700 grant to deliver the taster sessions and to purchase an additional electric bike and trailer. Julie Reader-Sullivan, head of Planning and Growth Services at Mendip District Council, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting such a great initiative – it’s an accessible opportunity for residents to explore the area, try something new and feel good about choosing an eco-friendly experience.” To book a place, visit: theopenroadexperience.co.uk, or take a chance by turning up on the day
Queen’s award for Southern Co-op
NEWS
SOUTHERN Coop, which has stores throughout the area, has been recognised with one of the most prestigious awards for UK businesses – the Queen's Award for Enterprise. Southern Co-op is one of only 31 organisations nationally to be recognised with the award under Mark Smith and Gemma Lacey the category Sustainable Development. The Queen personally approves the winners for the award. Organisers of the award stated: "It has been an exceptionally hard few years for businesses and this achievement is testament to the resilience you and your staff have shown through these unprecedented times. "Southern Co-op is awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development because it can clearly demonstrate that is delivering on its original purpose to put purpose before profit." Mark Smith, Southern Co-op's chief executive, said: "We are honoured to have been awarded this significant and wellrespected title. We are committed to being a responsible and sustainable business, playing our part in creating a fairer society and sustainable world. “Our colleagues work hard to realise this goal across every aspect of our business and this award recognises not only the progress we've made but the high standards to which they work. "In our entry, we explained that Southern Co-op was originally set up nearly 150 years ago in response to the societal challenges of that time – exploitation, inequality and poverty. "Many of these challenges sadly still exist today, alongside environmental challenges like climate change, declining natural resources and threatened wildlife/habitats. We all need to continue working together to tackle these issues and truly make a difference to our futures." Southern Co-op operates convenience food stores, coffee shops, funeral services, and crematoria/natural burial grounds in more than 300 locations across the south of England. Details: www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/our-plan/
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Drunk in power
FOR a Private Eye journalist, Partygate is the gift that keeps on giving. The Metropolitan Police are dragging the drama out as long as they can, with just a couple of the 12 allegedly “non-essential” lockdown gatherings in Whitehall processed so far. What stands out most is not just that the Prime Minister and By Dr PHIL HAMMOND Chancellor both broke the law (and have chosen not to resign), nor that Boris Johnson likely has more breakages to pay for and seemingly lied to Parliament. It is that when the Met finally conclude their investigations, hundreds of apparently intelligent Whitehall employees will also receive Fixed Penalty Notices. Were they simply playing follow the leader, was there guidance (published or otherwise) to state that work-place socialising was legal or did they just not believe the laws they had made would be applied to them? The law so many have broken was deceptively simple. All faceto-face work meetings during lockdown had to be “essential for work purposes.” For Johnson to get off the hook over lying to Parliament, he has to argue that he believes work-place birthday celebrations, Christmas quizzes, wine-time Fridays, multiple leaving dos, impromptu late-night discos and pre-planned bring-abottle garden gatherings were “essential” to the proper functioning of his government. The common denominator in all of these gatherings was alcohol. Whitehall employees have high rates of alcoholdependence, driven by the belief of some that alcohol is indeed essential to the art of politics, to forge alliances, cope with stress and lubricate the decision-making processes. It also explains why politicians make such dreadful laws. As journalist Isabel Hardman observes in her book Why We Get The Wrong MPs: “Alcohol laps around Westminster every day from lunchtime until the close of play. Once the restaurants have emptied of their guests, the Commons reception rooms start to fill up with MPs attending a launch for one thing or another – and with more glasses of wine. Even if MPs aren’t drinking until obvious drunkenness, most of them are able to put a fair bit away.” For too many in Whitehall, alcohol is self-medication. In 2012, Commons doctor Ira Madan told a staff meeting that she was concerned about the proportion of MPs she had seen with alcoholrelated problems. An Alcohol Concern survey of 150 MPs in 2013 found that 26 per cent felt there was too much drinking in Parliament. The sudden and lasting nature of the pandemic lead to unprecedented stress and uncertainty, with harmful drinking up across the country and almost certainly in Whitehall. And when you’re dependent on alcohol, and alcohol is widely available in the work-place, you tend not to draw distinctions
between whether the gathering you are part of is primarily for “work” or “social” purposes. Photos will doubtless emerge depicting lockdown in Whitehall as one big “taking the piss” pissup. Who could possibly defend this? Step forward MP Michael Fabricant, who tried to argue that he knew of doctors and nurses who also drank together at work at the end of a long lockdown shift, to cope with the enormous stress they were under. If the pandemic had happened 40 years ago, he might have been telling the truth. When I trained, you could go to the doctors’ mess or medical school bar when you were on duty, or be on call from a local pub – and it was not unusual for the anaesthetist or surgeon to be called in for an emergency whiffing of alcohol. It was seen as a legitimate way to cope with the long hours and stress of the job. In his autobiography Fragile Lives, the heart surgeon Steven Westaby recounts being called in from the pub to assist in the emergency repair of an aortic tear. His main concern was not that he had been drinking, but that they he would have to leave the operating table for a pee. So he put a “sheath catheter” on himself, fed the tube into his surgical boot, cut and squelched away. This culture of “doctors are a breed apart” and “normal rules don’t apply” took a hammering when – in 1996 – the BMA declared that 13,000 UK doctors might be addicted to alcohol or drugs. If each made – say – 2,000 vital clinical decisions a year, that was 26 million decisions made each year by addicted doctors. After a fatal accident inquiry at which it was alleged a consultant surgeon operated under the influence of alcohol, there were calls to breathalyse surgeons, alongside airline pilots and train drivers. The days of drinking alcohol socially on NHS premises vanished, as in other safety-critical professions and industries except politics – where drinking while working is not only tolerated but also encouraged. It’s time to sober up.
Dr Phil is at the Wedmore Festival on May 7th, the Hen and Chicken Bedminster on July 21st, Widcombe Social Club, Bath July 22nd and the Edinburgh Fringe August 13-27th.
PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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B&NES Village Agents scheme expands
THE concept of Village Agents is simple – people in rural areas should have equal access to information, advice and services to those living in the busier towns and cities. In theory, the internet should have levelled many of those inconsistencies, but organisers say the reality is very different and with more services moving online, the gaps are going in the wrong direction. Village Agents meet people face to face, have confidential conversations and together consider suggestions and solutions. The West of England Rural Network’s Village Agent service is now 12 years old and from January they have been funded to spread beyond the Chew, Cam and Somer Valleys. Project manager, Denise Perrin, said: “I remember people telling me in 2010 that country people just got on with life, they managed somehow and never expected anyone else to solve a problem or step up to help them. Then we explained that they were as entitled as anyone else and had already paid for services they were not receiving. “That usually got them thinking, but it still took a while to reassure people and gain their trust enough to ask for help and accept support.” Like turning a supertanker, she says it took time and many hundreds of people have benefitted: “The last 12 years has been a journey of constantly pushing to expand into other areas and at last it is happening.” Two years of new funding has been granted by the council and very soon, all rural areas of Bath and North East Somerset will have a Village Agent to call upon. One of the new recruits to the team is Kate Stobie who is relishing her new job. She said: “My role is to enable people to find solutions to issues they may have, be they financial, housing, health, or social isolation, by actively referring or signposting them to existing services and also by spotting gaps in service provision.” Her area of focus is Peasedown St John, Camerton, Dunkerton and Shoscombe and she has started by meeting with community leaders and organisations to forge meaningful links and referral pathways. Kate added: “I have been overwhelmed at the positive response I have received and am looking forward to working throughout the Peasedown area to assist clients in improving their quality of life and maintaining their independence.” You will be able to meet Kate and other members of the Village Agent Team at a public event on Friday, June 24th at The Hive Community Centre in the centre of Peasedown St John. Alongside them will be some of the professionals with whom they work: Age UK, Sirona Telecare, the Stroke Association, the Carers’ Centre, Curo Independent Living, the Centre for Sustainable Energy’s advisors, B&NES Library Services and many more. The event features a driving awareness and confidence
HEALTH & FAMILY
New Village Agent Kate Stobie
boosting seminar called Route 60+. Delivered by the driving experts of Somerset Road Safety, it’s a chance to gain tips and reassurance for car drivers over 60 years old. Doors open at 10am for browsing with the seminar at 11.15am. This is a free event so go along and enjoy meeting life changing people.
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HEALTH & FAMILY
COURT HOUSE
AWARD WINNING CARE HOME
e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.
You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered. Rated by the CQC as good in all areas
e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Bonnets and a treasure hunt
Frome Selwood Rotary goes global
The Easter bonnet parade
FAMILIES enjoyed an Easter Trail around the Rec in Oakhill as part of fundraising efforts for the village hall.
A rather shy Penny (wearing bunny ears) with Amy, Laurie and Rory on their way round the trail
Lockdown shop thrives
BRENT Knoll Community Shop, launched as an “emergency shop” within ten days of the first Covid lockdown, has celebrated its second birthday and growing success. Opened on April 18th, 2020, the shop’s volunteers gathered to toast their birthday and share the event with customers. After toasting the date outside the shop, the volunteers helped serve hot cross buns, cakes, and drinks to the many customers and visitors who crowded into the parish hall for the occasion.
COMMUNITY
ROTARY clubs in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset banded together last year to support the people of Nepal who were suffering badly from Covid-19. They raised more than £9,700 which helped the Guy Parkinson with goods bound for Rotary Club of Ukraine Dhulikhel in Nepal buy food and medical supplies for the community. Earlier this year Frome Selwood Rotary also donated £1,600 to finance an “Empowering Women” project to set up a small “pickle” making and bottling business which will enable a group of Nepalese women to become financially self-sufficient. Through this, Frome Selwood Rotary has entered into a club partnership agreement with the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel. Guy Parkinson, Frome Selwood Rotary’s president, said: “Rotary is an international organisation that offers help to communities both local, national and international. “We are a band of like-minded people who are committed to doing good through service and funding. This is one small step to show how communities around the world can help each other.” Frome Selwood, alongside other Rotary clubs in the area, has also been involved in sending funds, medical supplies and other donated goods to Ukraine. Details: Guy Parkinson 07712185798 fromeselwood@btinternet.com www.fromeselwoodrotary.org.uk
More volunteers are joining the team, which has enabled them to extend the shop’s opening hours. Already open
seven days a week, the aim is to recruit sufficient volunteers to expand opening hours on every day. MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 67
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MENDIP TIMES
Litter pick is pure gold
Sam Booth and Joseph Morris
YOUNG villagers Sam Booth and Joseph Morris joined Croscombe’s annual litter pick as part of their volunteering efforts to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The pair, who collected rubbish from nearby Ham Woods, are also regular volunteers at the Carymoor Environmental Centre, near Castle Cary. Croscombe residents were also joined by the McGuire family, from Shepton Mallet, for the litter pick.
Help for the hungry
A NEW Food Resilience grant fund is being provided to help Somerset communities that support or directly work to make sure everyone has food. Any community group, charity, organisation, and agency in Somerset can apply for a maximum of £2,000. The deadline for applications has been extended to May 31st - or when the fund runs out. The grant is funded by Somerset County Council and provided by Smart Communities Ltd. Organisers say that during the Covid-19 pandemic, communities in Somerset came together to help support individuals, families, homeless people and anyone isolated to make sure that everyone in need had access to food. Now those groups are being offered additional funding to help continue to tackle those needs and continue the “wonderful” work undertaken over the last two years. Gail McCarthy from Smart Communities said: “We want the grant to provide support to groups and organisations helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. It is first come, first served though, so we strongly recommend getting your application back to us as soon as you can.”
Details: https://smartcommunities.online/new-foodresilience-grant-fund/
Order in court
Martyn Russell with club president Jacky Emm
Litter pickers gather outside the village’s George Inn
A TALK about the role of a magistrate captivated members of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel at their monthly meeting at Emborough’s Old Down Inn. Martyn Russell, the husband of a club member, explained the magistracy’s history, from being set up by Edward III more than 660 years ago, to present times. Some of the rubbish they collected PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
For details about the club, contact secretary Elaine Muir on 07543 973666
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Legion branch centenary
A CHURCH service and tree planting ceremony marked the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Radstock branch of the Royal British Legion. Now amalgamated with the Midsomer Norton branch, the service saw the parading of the West of England mayor Dan Norris plants the rowan tree watched by county Radstock standard in chairman Major Robert McDonald and St Nicholas Church, Midsomer Norton and Radstock RBL where it has hung for branch chairman Martin Feeney nearly 30 years. After the service, a rowan tree was planted next to the Radstock War Memorial in the Miners’ Garden. The tree was planted by West of England Mayor Dan Norris watched by guests and Legion members including the Somerset Royal British Legion County Chairman, Major Robert McDonald.
Legion member Kirk Williams carries the old Radstock standard to the altar during the service
Hearing aid
PAULTON’S library now has a hearing loop, thanks to local councillor, Liz Hardman, who funded it from her Ward Councillors Empowerment Fund. She’s pictured with Rose Cull, Carolyn Dewhurst and Joyce Kanaa.
COMMUNITY
Men’s Shed gift to school
Pictured (l to r) Lucy Stott, PTA, Josie Miel, student teacher and Zoe Durber, early years practitioner, John Goulding, Bob Killey, Alfred Bowden, Graham Ives and Ian Beeho of Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed and pupils
STOKE St. Michael Nursery & Primary School has taken delivery of two multi-coloured buddy benches for their school playgrounds, made by members of Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed. The benches give children who may be feeling anxious or upset a friendly place to talk or be comforted. They have been made with materials donated by Charlton’s Timber Store and Protek Woodstain. The Men’s Shed was established in 2018 and is based at Farrington’s in Farrington Gurney, thanks to support from owners Andy and Tish Jeffery. School head, Mel Vincent, said: “They are going to be particularly useful in helping our children adjust to full-time classes again after the upheavals of the pandemic and are also a cheerful addition to our playground.” As well as buddy and book benches for local schools, Men’s Shed members are busy on other projects, including bird and bat boxes for conservation sites, hedgehog boxes, garden planters, welly boot benches and small wooden gifts that help to raise funds for hospitals. Men’s Shed is open to men and women. New members welcome.
Details: Steve Swift, chairman, 07775735789 or email: stephenkhswift@gmail.com
Fundraising walk returns A FUNDRAISING 26-mile walk in aid of Stoke St. Michael and Croscombe schools is to return this September – with the option of shorter and virtual walks. Called 40 For the Federation, participants each pay £40 and are encouraged to seek sponsorship on top. Last year’s event was in aid of the schools, but organisers have now teamed up with MIND in Somerset to support them also. The walk takes place on September 24th. As well as the 26mile route, a 14-mile and virtual option is also available.
For details, visit www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/ fundraise/40forthefederation
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A new orchard for Croscombe
Croscombe has a new orchard of a variety of fruit trees
VILLAGERS in Croscombe have planted a community orchard on land next to the village cemetery. The land sits above the village and offers beautiful views over the Croscombe valley. Residents paid for the trees, with some dedicating them to the memory of loved ones.
A wheelie good afternoon: (l:r) Andrew (pushing), Rowan (in barrow), Coral, Sarah (sitting) and Candy
Out of the shadows
PENSFORD Evergreen Club has been getting back to normal after the Covid restrictions put paid to their weekly meetings. Their latest evening had entertainment from Adrian Jay's Shadows Tribute band, when everyone welcomed Adrian’s return after his spell in hospital last year. May’s programme will include appearances from singer Mike Nash, Lynn on her keyboard, and the ever popular Westfield Ladies Choir. The club has been going for well over 60 years and welcomes anyone over the age of 50 living in Pensford and surrounding areas. They meet every Thursday from 7–9pm in Pensford Memorial Hall. The entrance fee is £2, which includes tea and biscuits.
Details: Janet Smith 01761 490584
PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Welcome club to close
MEMBERS of Holcombe Welcome Club met for the last time to share lunch and happy memories 46 years after the club was started by late member Kate Attwood and some friends. It grew from strength to strength with over 50 members at one time all enjoying meals, music, outings, competitions and quizzes. But with the present Linda Smith cutting the cake committee retiring and no-one prepared to carry on, the club is to close. The lunch was made possible through a donation of money by Marilyn Burrows on the closure of Coleford Club “to be used for something special”. Pictured (l to r) Eileen Smith, Pam The farewell lunch Kerslake, Ruth Evans and Cath Selway arranged by the committee was followed by a lovely cake made and cut by member Linda Smith. Everyone enjoyed a slice with a cup of tea and there was a free raffle where everyone was a winner. The Rev Clarissa Cridland said grace before the meal and mentioned the numerous activities that could be enjoyed in the area. The money left over was returned to Marilyn Burrows to be donated to the Ukraine War Appeal.
Handbag swansong
THE last Rotary handbag stall outside Waitrose in Nailsea raised £435 in a mere four hours of trading. Rotarian Roger Smith said he would like to thank all those who have helped him with the stall over the years; the people supplying him with thousands of bags and the ever-generous residents of North Somerset who have bought from the stall.
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COMMUNITY
A Covid party with a difference Photos by Mark Adler
AFTER seeing just over 90,000 patients in 18 months, volunteers and vaccinators have said farewell to the Shape Covid vaccination centre in Shepton Mallet with a garden party in nearby Collett Park to mark its closure. The team of 200 saw some of the volunteers working nearly 90 shifts, welcoming people as they arrived at the car park, on reception and helping to
Prof. Michael Harris (left), Debbie Rigby and Dr Amelia Randle and Emma Flynn (centre) with some of the Shape team
administer doses. Centre leaders Emma Flynn, Dr Amelia Randle and Professor Michael Harris praised the community effort
Dr Amelia Randle wearing some upcycled jab jewellery
Emma Flynn saying thank you to the team
Maria Bicheno administers a jab to a patient at one of the final sessions at Shape
involved in running the facility which drew support from groups such as rotary clubs, retired medics and nursing staff.
Jab jewellery made by Debbie Rigby was presented to everyone
Tania Cook administers a jab to a patient at one of the final sessions at Shape Volunteer vaccinators were each presented with a medal for their efforts
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Mosaic project nears halfway stage
Honouring 50 years as a rotary club member
Club treasurer Mary Ellis and president Alan Sanderson present the cheque to Ruth Ames White at the Wells in Mosaic studio
AN ambitious project to illustrate life in Wells in a giant mosaic has received a donation from the city’s Lions Club. The cheque, for £200, will go towards artist Ruth Ames White’s depiction of the Moat Boat Race organised by the club on the Bishop’s Palace moat. Work on the mosaic is reaching the halfway stage. When complete in about two years’ time, the six-metre diameter walkable map of the city will be installed next to the Bishop’s Barn. Ruth said: “Some of my own family have participated in Wells Moat Race over the years. The event always has a real sense of fun and evoked a community atmosphere; it has a worthy place in the mosaic.” Mary Ellis, treasurer of Wells Lions, said: “We are so pleased to give further support to this wonderful project and sponsoring the quatrefoil that will depict the Wells Moat Boat Race, a community project that we are particularly committed to, is very special.” There will be an opportunity to see Ruth’s progress on the project at an open studio and garden fundraising event on Sunday, May 15th, from 2-5pm. For details, visit: www.facebook.com/wellsinmosaic or email contact@wellsinmosaic.org
Grants available
SOMERSET Community Foundation has grants up to £2,500 available for smaller charities, community groups, sports clubs and social enterprises based in the county. It is encouraging groups that run on less than £100,000 a year to apply now for funding from The Somerset Fund. The grants can be used to pay for essential running costs, like rent, utilities, insurance, or staff time – sometimes known as core costs. The money can also be used for the costs of delivering a project or service in or for your community. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 3rd, 5pm.
Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/somersetfund
PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
(L:r): club president-elect Ken Salter, David Dodgson and Clive Morris, secretary
ROTARIAN David Dodgson’s half-century of membership of the organisation has been recognised with the presentation of a framed certificate signed by Nicki Scott, leader of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. David, a member of the Rotary Club of Weston-super-Mare, also received a letter from Shekhar Mehta, president of Rotary International, congratulating him on 50 years of service and emphasising the importance of “Service Above Self” in projects big and small that have potential to transform people, communities and even nations. David, a well-known Westonian and local businessman, joined Rotary on March 8th 1972 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. The presentation was made by club president-elect Ken Salter.
Rotary’s new recruit
President John Palmer (right) and Graham Osborn
THE Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has welcomed a new member, Graham Osborn, who previously taught English in Indonesia and Thailand for special business purposes. He is currently working on software development for systems integration in the health service. The club welcomes new members.
Details: chelwoodbridge.rotary@gmail.com
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COMMUNITY
Centenary celebrations for Owen
WELLWISHERS turned out in force to help Nunney’s oldest resident celebrate his 100th birthday. Owen Hillier MBE, who has spent a large part of his life fundraising and helping the community, had a queue of visitors at his home including two granddaughters who came over from Australia. During the first lockdown, Owen raised more than £20,000 for Dorothy House Hospice by walking 100 Enjoying his day: Owen Hillier metres a day to support their Stepping Up appeal. Over the years, Owen and his family have raised more than £90,000 for the charity. Owen is a WW2 veteran who was a member of the Air Force Service police for Bomber Command in Kilmington. He later went on to work for Mendip District Council and, until recently, was an active community volunteer. Over the years he has supported many local groups including the Friends of Frome Hospital and Frome Youth Club and Nunney church. In recognition of his decades of dedication, Owen was a awarded an MBE for his services to the community.
New president
Pictured (l to r) Andrew Davies, Robin Weelen and Peter Davey
SHEPTON Mallet 41 Club past president, Robin Weelen welcomed Peter Davey as the new club president at the AGM at the Manor House, Ditcheat. Andrew Davies was then voted in as vice president This will be busy year for Peter and 41 Club members as they prepare to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary. Peters’ chosen charity is the Children’s Hospice South West at Wraxall.
Wellwishers raise a glass to Owen
Owen and his wife Peggy with daughters Christine Steward and Susan Edwards
Gifts for young carers
AXBRIDGE District Rotary and Burnhamon-Sea Rotary say they would like to say a huge thank you to all the people and traders who Pictured (l to r) Sam Bateman, Axbridge Rotary, donated Easter Alli Waller, youth support worker, Jenny Eaton, Eggs for young Burnham Rotary, Chris Ashton, president Burnham Rotary, Paul Bateman, chairman carers. These carers Axbridge Rotary are an unseen army of children looking after members of their family who have health issues, while still going to school and trying to have a normal life. In total 909 eggs were distributed. Details: Lesley Watts 07828 153390 Sam Bateman 07976 782581
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WI members strike a pose
Emma (front left) with Strawberry Line members
PROFESSIONAL dance teacher Emma Hill put members of the Strawberry Line WI through their paces with a Madonnathemed evening at Cranmore Memorial Hall. New members welcome.
Let’s dance! Members learn one of Madonna’s dances
Find Strawberry Line WI on Facebook
Easter bonnets
River Chew causes concern
The monthly meeting was packed
THE River Chew, which flows 17 miles from its source in Chewton Mendip to Chew Valley Lake and then joins Bristol’s Avon at Keynsham, is in poor ecological health and has deteriorated badly over the last 20 years. This was revealed by Amy Wade, who is the River Chew Community Engagement Officer for Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) to a packed coffee morning in Compton Dando. She said there are now 62% less fish in Pensford than there were in 2016–2019. A recent report showed problems caused by sediment and pollution. Amy said local people could get involved in helping to improve habitats. They also work with landowners to manage the land and river and monitor the river for wildlife and water quality. Their riverfly monitoring scheme tests water quality by checking what creatures are in the water. They are running training courses this summer to expand their network of volunteers. One will take place in Pensford on June 22nd. Amy Wade
Pictured (l to r) Rhoda Davidson. Jenny Penny, Janet Smith, Yvonne Phillips, 1st prize Sheila Gwilliam, 2nd prize Jenny Davis, Barbara Avery and Maureen Ford
PENSFORD Evergreen Club held an Easter Bonnet competition, which was won by Sheila Gwilliam. Judging the competition was entertainer Mike Nash, who later entertained the group with songs from greats such as Matt Monroe. PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Details: jess@bristolavonriverstrust.org
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COMMUNITY
Easter party
JULIE Docherty, who runs the Age UK Day Centre in Midsomer Norton, organised an Easter celebration with bonnets, hot cross buns and games. The charity has day centres in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, which provide fun, friendship and activities, as well as a two-course hot lunch and tea and coffee throughout the day. They also provide transport to and from the venue.
Pam Brown
Bag a bargain
Jen Smith
Joyce Young
Lorraine Batley
Mary Clements
Details: 01225 466135 • reception@ageukbanes.co.uk
CASTLE Cary group, Saturday Stitch, is thriving again after the closures caused by lockdown, and is preparing for its first ever coffee morning on May 28th at the Market House. The group is a friendly creative collective of people who want to work with fabric and yarn in many creative ways including machine and hand sewing, knitting, crochet etc. Meeting twice a month, sharing skills and resources, the group welcomes people of all abilities with the goal of having a creative time and, of course, a good chat. Once a year the group also holds its very popular Stash Buster, which is a chance to swap, sell or give away the surplus or unused items that crafters somehow seem to accumulate in their workrooms. This year the Stash Buster will be held at the coffee morning, so newcomers are welcome to join them for more information about the group and to bag a bargain too. Details: Sally Yeoman 07929 097374 sallyyeoman@btinternet.com
Mums’ Easter fundraiser
FARMBOROUGH mums got together to raise much-needed funds for extra-curricular activities for their pre-school. The morning raised £259.25! The event was held at Farmborough villager hall over the school holidays, which enabled some of the older children to help the littler ones on the art and craft table. Organiser, Tonya Fray, said: “The money raised will be used for activities such as yoga sessions to aid gross and fine motor skills, as well as going towards running our forest school sessions” MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 75
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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CAVING
Caves just north of Mendip
CAVES occur along the whole length and breadth of the Mendip Hills, from Brean Down to Frome, and Burrington to Wookey Hole. Yet the enthusiast can find underground features of interest not far to the north. There are plenty of caves and mines which can be explored between Mendip and Bristol, and With PHILIP HENDY some are, on occasion, opened for non-caving visitors to enjoy. The most famous of these is probably Redcliffe Caves, chambers and passages dug out of the soft sandstone at Redcliffe Wharf. The sand was used in nearby glassworks, but being close to the River Avon, the tunnels were useful for storing cargo. They also held French and Dutch prisoners of war, although there is no proof that they were ever associated with the slave trade. Covering at least an acre, no-one knows the full extent of these artificial workings, which on occasion are used by film and television companies as a cheaper and more realistic alternative to building a cave set on a stage. Nearby, a small cave excavated at the back of the Quaker Burial Ground, was occupied by a hermit in the 14th century. Guided tours give a full insight into the history of the caves. More than 20 natural caves and springs can be found in the limestone of the Avon Gorge and its associated valleys. Most of them are accessible only to cavers with some skill in rock climbing, but Ghyston or Giant’s Cave can be entered by descending steps under the Clifton Observatory on Durdham Down. In 1937 William West built the observatory and the camera obscura and he also constructed the steps leading down to the cave. The chamber was originally reached via a perilous path down the cliff face. The natural cave is short, but a platform allows fine views of the Gorge. It may also once have been a hermitage and possibly as a secret place of worship by Catholics clinging to their religion after the Reformation. The hot mineral water of Hotwells were famed in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cure for consumption (TB) and led to development at Clifton, with hotels, taverns and an assembly room and a Pump Room. At one time, the area rivalled Bath as the place to see and be seen by other fashionable people, but gradually, with river widening and doubts being cast on the purity of the water and its medicinal efficacy, popularity waned. The Colonnade can still be seen on the Portway and nearby is the lower entrance to the Clifton Rocks Railway. Like the railway at Lynmouth/Lynton, it was a funicular, but ran through a tunnel, constructed in 1893 as a convenient way of taking people from fashionable Clifton to the Hotwells. It closed in 1934, but was later requisitioned as an emergency broadcasting centre for the BBC during WW2 and also as an air
Ghyston Cave overlooked by the Clifton Suspension Bridge
raid shelter. Pen Park Hole lies in a grassy area in the middle of an urban area in North Bristol. It consists of a vast chamber with some side passages. There is no natural connection with the surface, and it was discovered by lead miners in the 16th century (traces of surface workings for lead can still be seen on nearby Durdham Down). The cave was formed many millions of years ago by hydrothermal activity – hot water rising from below. This was the same water that gave rise to the Hotwells. An intriguing feature of Pen Park Hole is the lake in the main chamber. The water is deep, but is known to fluctuate by as much as 27 metres. Little, if any, lead ore was found, and the cave was lost, then rediscovered and capped again, in view of its proximity to the residential area. Cavers have now renegotiated access, but to all others, the entrance shaft remains firmly closed. Moving south, high on the north side of Brockley Combe is Yorkhouse Cave, a rift which has been artificially widened, and may have been home to a hermit in the 18th century. Wealthy landowners would instal these recluses as part of their Romantic vision, although many hermits were probably disillusioned men and women who for various reasons opted out of the conventional world. Yorkhouse Cave would have made a comfortable dwelling, as beyond the narrow entrance lay a roomy rectangular chamber. There was even a natural chimney, and a small anteroom. Other cliffs in the area contain small caves and rifts, and there is some evidence of mining. The stone quarries on the north slope of Dundry Hill, some of which were underground, like those east of Bath, have now largely been filled and lost, but the redding pits around Winford are still open, on occasion, to cavers. Redding was a deep red form of iron ochre and was much in demand, possibly from Roman times. The ochre was originally extracted from surface pits, but later the miners went underground, leaving extensive workings which have not yet all been rediscovered. Apart from being smelted to make metallic iron, the mineral was valued in the paint and linoleum industries of Bristol and elsewhere. Details of the opening times for the Clifton Observatory and Redcliffe Caves can be found on their websites.
Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
(Photograph by Phil Hendy)
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Electric vehicle charge points for Mendip car parks
MOTORING
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MENDIP District Council, alongside partners EB Charging, has announced that 43 electric vehicle charging points will be installed in 13 council-owned car parks this spring and summer. The 43 charge points will be located in Frome, Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Shepton Mallet. Mendip secured 75% of the funding for the project from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, while the remaining investment is being funded and delivered by EV infrastructure specialists, EB Charging.
UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs
ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement MOT TESTING STATION
COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE
QUALITY USED CARS Your peace of mind is our priority
CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY. TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 79
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Town’s tribute to “women of influence”
A PROGRAMME of events celebrating famous Frome women has been announced by Frome Heritage Museum. Celebrated Women of Frome is a series of events and activities being run in conjunction with an exhibition of the same name and which take place between May and July. Both the exhibition and events focus on more than a dozen women who had a close association with Frome and their lives range from the late 17th century to the present day. Those being “celebrated” include internationally-known poets, the town’s only female MP, a best-selling novelist, and a pioneering photographer whose images shocked the world. Exhibition curator David Lassman said: “Each woman chosen made a significant contribution to her chosen field, either at a local, national, or even international level. “The exhibition will hopefully whet visitors’ appetite for this incredible group of women, and then events elsewhere in the town will allow a deeper connection into their amazing lives.” For details, visit: https://frome-heritage-museum.org/
Community call to help protect local heritage
Candidates such as this fingerpost will be considered for inclusion in the list
SOMERSET residents are being invited to nominate what they believe to be valuable heritage in their community as part of a new project being delivered by the South West Heritage Trust. The Local Heritage List helps to protect buildings, sites and structures that local people regard as important, from medieval cottages to unusual postboxes. Somerset and Exmoor National Park were chosen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as one of 22 national pilots for a Local Heritage List Project. The Local Heritage List is different from the national statutory list. It focuses on buildings, sites and structures that local people regard as important. Local listing will stop locally significant sites from being overlooked and will offer some increased protections through the planning system. Mary Andrews, Local Heritage List Project Manager, said: “Anyone can have a say in deciding what’s valuable to their community by nominating a site. Nominations might feature rare materials or historical connections and could be anything from a factory to a front doorstep or a postbox and historic landscape. “Places where important events took place, or where minority identities are celebrated, are also promising candidates. The key thing is that the site matters to the life and culture of the local community.” There are several ways to make a nomination, including through the Know Your Place website, or by post or email. A free online event is taking place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday, April 27th where people can find out more. To make a nomination or book onto the event visit: swheritage.org.uk/local-heritage-list
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(Photograph courtesy of Garry Dawson)
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The man who grew rich from paper bags! A NEW film has been produced about Edgar Bowden, the paper bag king, who lived at Chota Castle, Chew Magna after WW2. His story is so interesting that a book was written about his life and it was the book that inspired Peter Brownlee of Chew Valley Films to make this film. Peter said: “I read how Edgar grew up in relative poverty in Easton in Bristol. His father was a hard man who despised Edgar as he was a listless and frail boy. His father told him that all he would be good for was selling newspapers on the street corner. “But at the age of nine, after a major operation to remove a large growth that was pressing on his brain, Edgar began to blossom. With his father’s words ringing in his ears he proved that he had a talent for making money.” He hit on the idea of using paper bags to sell sweets which were in those days sold loose or wrapped in newspaper. As a teenager Edgar slowly built his paper bag business by cycling to supply sweet shops all over Bristol. Over the years Edgar started many other businesses and eventually was wealthy enough to buy Chota Castle. The film follows not only Edgar’s business career but his involvement in the Methodist church. One of the things that attracted Peter to
HISTORY
Chota Castle around 1950
Family group 1950s
the project was that Edgar was also a keen amateur film maker. Peter said: “He wasn’t the best cameraman in the world as he tended to take very short shots and pan too fast, but he captured wonderful footage of village people at garden parties and fundraising Chota Castle today
events at Chota Castle and I was able to include this in the film.” There will be a preview of “Chota Castle and The Paper Bag King” on Chew Valley Films on YouTube from the end of April and the full film will be available from May 13th.
Edgar Bowden MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 81
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Dan’s the man when it comes to keepie-uppie CONSIDERING that Dan Magness has worked with some of the biggest names in sport it comes as something of a surprise that the 38-year-old is at his most content when working with school children: “I obviously get a buzz when I appear at Wembley or alongside Lionel Messi but it’s not as satisfying as going into schools and having the opportunity to help shape a young person’s life.” That may well be in part because of his own experience of school. Written off by his teachers after he declared he wanted to be a footballer, Dan has proved them wrong: “It was not a great experience to be told you weren’t good enough at such a young age, perseverance has been my watchword ever since.” That perseverance was further tested when he was released by Wimbledon FC aged just 16: “It was a blow, but it didn’t come as the greatest shock in the world. I was, and still am, great with a football but basically – I couldn’t run fast enough!” It was then that Dan decided to become a football freestyler, a decision that changed his life. In 2010 he broke his own world record when he extended the record of keeping a ball in the air by two hours to 26 hours. He now holds a series of Guinness records
Dan Magness with BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox
NEWS
and his work has seen him perform from Australia to a packed Wembley Stadium ahead of last year’s Euro Championship final between England and Italy: “Performing at Wembley in that atmosphere was something very, very special. Certainly something I’ll never forget.” As memorable as that July day last summer was, it’s more likely that you’ll find Dan working with schools and charities throughout the UK. He is due to perform at a number of locations throughout our region in the coming weeks: “I really enjoy coming to work in the more rural areas. I’ve lived in Derbyshire for a number of years and far too often see the challenges faced by those living in rural communities.” Dan sees himself no different to a musician, artist or actor going into a school to showcase their talents: “Once you’ve been able to engage with your audience it becomes a lot easier to teach them life skills and therefore begin to raise their positivity. Working in small groups makes the experience a lot more meaningful and beneficial.”
Find out more about Dan and his appearances on his Facebook page. For bookings: Adam Shearer 07967 124844
The train now arriving . . .
THERE has been a new arrival at Midsomer Norton South railway station – a two-car Diesel Multiple Unit. Privately-owned, the DMU came from the Avon Valley Railway near Bristol. Although it did not operate on the Somerset and Dorset line, the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, which runs the line, says it is a welcome addition to its fleet with its open driver’s cab offering front seat passengers bird’s eye views of its journey along the track.
The complete DMU went into action in April MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 83
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Celebrating 50 years of the Mendip AONB Planting at Charterhouse
FIFTY trees have been planted to celebrate 50 years of the Mendip Hills as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Mendip Hills AONB Unit has joined forces with local people, parishes, and landowners to plant the trees across the 198 km² protected area, thanks to funding from Network Rail and support from The Tree Council. A range of native species have been planted at suitable locations across the area. Locally grown English oak trees have been planted in Bleadon, Churchill, and East Harptree by local schools and environment groups. Common beech and rowan – known as mountain ash – are two species that have been situated on the exposed top of the Mendip plateau, as well as sites managed by The Mendip Society and Mendip Activity Centre. A field maple has also been planted in Sandford with the parish council and in several other locations along hedgerows. In addition, a Scots pine has been planted near Shipham, with sweet chestnut trees chosen for community open spaces in Priddy, Cheddar, and at Burrington Primary School. Some of the 50 trees have also been planted with farmers along public rights of way, on wildlife trust nature reserves and at Bristol Water’s Chew Valley Lake visitor centre. Several trees have been planted on National Trust sites and in Cheddar Gorge. PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
NEWS
Planting at Westbury-sub-Mendip
Small-leaved lime and hornbeam have also been planted around Wells, at Ebbor Gorge and in Westbury-sub-Mendip, where the local tree group is working with landowners to create a new hedgerow and public route along the old Strawberry Line railway. The Mendips are badly affected by ash dieback – a disease wiping out many ash trees across the UK, which in turn is affecting biodiversity and the character of the landscape. As well as marking the 50th, the project aims to replace some of these dying specimen ash trees and contribute locally to the fight against the climate and nature crises. Tim Haselden, project development officer for the Mendip Hills AONB Unit, said: “We’re excited to have planted 50 specimen trees with the local community, our partners, and The Tree Council to mark each of the 50 years. “We’ve planted at wonderful locations, many of which are publicly accessible. Planting along the old Strawberry Line felt particularly apt due to the project funding coming from Network Rail. We are keen to promote the importance of planting the right trees in the right places, and hope that we can leave a positive legacy for the landscape for the next 50 years and more.” The planting took place between January and March and information on each of the 50 trees will be available on the Mendip Hills AONB website and social media (#50Trees).
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EVENTS
Beckery Fete
VISITORS packed Morlands Enterprise Park in Glastonbury for the Beckery Fete, a showcase of the creative and unusual. The fete took place between the Red Brick Building and the Zig Zag Building, with crafts, music and stalls.
Sunday afternoon at Beckery Fete
Preparing pizzas for a wood-fired oven
Live music in the community garden
Artist Jon Minshull at work in the Zig Zag Building on a commission for a new business in town
Taurus Eagle Blue Cloud was offering readings
Performers Morgan Pandolfino and Steve Duross. Morgan is holding a jar of live leeches which she hopes to use in healing therapies MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 85
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Spotlight on Riding for the Disabled
HAVING had to stop activities for almost two years under lockdown during the pandemic, the Burcott Riding Centre near Wells has once again reopened its gates to the Riding for the Disabled (RDA). It’s been such a long wait for the very keen members who thrive on being able to With JANE enjoy an activity which gets them outside PATERSON in the fresh air. The interaction with horses and ponies is so therapeutic on many levels such as building confidence, encouraging communication skills, using more muscles than most activities, and improving balance. During term time on Tuesdays, volunteers assemble at Burcott in impressive numbers to enable children and young adults to ride and have instruction in all aspects of horse and pony welfare. The pupils are able to be as involved as their disability allows and according to their levels of confidence, which may be low at first but which gradually increases with their experience. No one has to do anything they are not comfortable with, but gentle and subtle encouragement to push boundaries works wonders, resulting in absolute delight from the young riders who blossom after each session, all smiles and rosy cheeks and with a sense of achievement evident to see. All the volunteers who make the sessions possible undergo thorough training, as well as having to have DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) checks and some Safeguarding training before they are permitted to help. These are definitely the unsung heroes who underpin the whole operation and make it possible for the youngsters to have so much fun. They give up hours of their time not only on the practical side, but also hold regular meetings to ensure they are
Great balance and concentration skills, Wilf!
complying with all the regulations which can put so many people off in these days of mounting Health & Safety rules and regulations. The RDA is a well-established charity which will benefit this year from being the chosen charity of the Badminton Horse Trials to be held from May 4-7th at the home of the Duke of Beaufort. Not only will the money raised be welcomed but also the raising of awareness of what the charity does for so many people. There will be a display from local riders during the event, so please support this if you go, it’s such an inspiration to see what the riders achieve and what hurdles they overcome to make it enjoyable. By the way, a word of warning…for the first time ever there are no ticket sales on the gate this year, it’s advance tickets only, purchased online via the Badminton website. Also only the highlights will be shown on the Sunday on
The Mendip Minis are out again!
Once again the Mounted Games season is upon us and the Mendip Farmers Pony club team has taken part in the first competition held this year by the Wylye Valley branch, at the wonderful venue kindly provided by Angela Yeoman near Frome. Not quite the champions this time, the Mendip team came in second out of seven very competitive teams. With two new members of the team this time, Edward and Eloise Dredge aged six and four respectively, the seasoned Izzy, Charlotte and William joined in to put up a good fight, and are already practising to see if they can get their first place back in the next competition to be held in August. Hats off to the parents who train them despite not necessarily having ever participated in mounted games themselves. It takes hours of patience and innovative ideas to design the courses and help the children to perfect the techniques in order to Mendip Farmers mounted games team get the final results.
PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Aintree winner
LASTLY, Angus Cheleda has had his first prestigious win at Aintree, during the recent National Hunt Racing festival which included the Grand National. It was an exciting few days, made all the more special by the huge crowds being present this year. Riding Hacker des Places, trained by Champion trainer Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat, Angus stormed to victory in the Park Place Ponies Handicap Hurdle for Conditional jockeys and Angus Cheleda after his win Amateur riders, giving himself a cherished memory for life. Judging by the photo I would say he was very pleased! Well done Angus.
We all know it can be a bit of a challenge to get back in the saddle if you’ve not ridden for a while – but we have the answers! H Ride and coffee mornings H Adult group lessons H Quiet Hacks
We also welcome younger riders
H Children’s half-day holiday clubs during school holidays. Horse care and riding: £45 for 2½ hours H Full days available in the summer holidays. £90 per day (10am-3.30pm) H Now taking bookings
Call or email us for more details
Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk • Email: info@divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037
MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 87
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Return to riding!
t
An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip
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television, so if you want to see the individual phases of the event, it will be necessary to purchase a TV subscription. The donations and monies received by the RDA via gifts and legacies are such that at the moment there are no big worries for the Burcott group, but with spiralling costs with insurance and hiring the ponies, it is an ever increasing cost. The participants pay a minimal amount for each session so that it should be as accessible as possible to any disabled child who is considered able enough to learn some new skills whilst having fun. An amazing charity which does so much good. To round off the Easter Term sessions, an obstacle course was laid out with chickens in nests, Easter bunnies sitting on top of poles, and of course the good old egg and spoon as a balance and coordination challenge. When Oakley did his round on the lovely Dancer, his mount for the lesson, his main challenge was to keep the pony away from the straw in the nest, which he thought might do for a quick snack on the way round!
RIDING
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Underground, overground . . . cycling free
CYCLING does not always have to be about how far or how fast you can go. Sometimes it’s nice just to enjoy a scenic CYCLING and pleasant route at a with EDMUND more leisurely pace LODITE accompanied by family or friends. Anyone who first rode a bike never did so with the intention of winning the Tour de France or to become an Olympic champion. We did it for the independence and freedom to explore unfamiliar places, or simply to get around. There are times when its best to ditch the Strava stats and trip computer to enjoy a bike ride – just for the ride. One of my favourite examples of this is the Two Tunnels circuit around Bath. The family-friendly circular route is mostly traffic-free making use of canal towpaths, disused railway tracks and quiet country lanes. Along the easy going 13-mile circular path you will pass through the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel, cycle over a viaduct, glimpse views of a castle, reach an aqueduct and ride through the centre of historic Bath. That is quite a lot to pack into a bike ride – so it is best taken at a leisurely pace. Paths and turnings are marked using the blue and red signposts for the National Cycle Network (route no’s 244, 24 and 4). Even so, it is worth taking a copy of the route on your smartphone or printing a paper copy to navigate through the centre
Route map PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
of Bath. The route can be enjoyed in both directions, with each offering a different perspective. There are plenty of access points along the circuit, some of which connect to other routes on the National Cycle Network. The Bristol and Bath railway path allows traffic-free access from the west of Bath while the Colliers Way provides a peaceful link to Radstock and Frome in the south. Starting from Bath, on an anti-clockwise circuit, the route makes use of the river Avon footpath before heading through parkland along the former Somerset and Dorset railway line to the iconic Two Tunnels. The line from Bath was used for freight, local passenger traffic and weekend holiday trips to Bournemouth. It closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching axe to rail services despite protests from local communities. If there is a positive legacy from that decision, it is that where trains once huffed and puffed through smoke-filled tunnels, cyclists and walkers now have a traffic-free route. The first tunnel (the Devonshire) is around 400m long and is preparation for the much longer tunnel that follows shortly afterwards. At an impressive 1672m long the Combe Down Tunnel is the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel and provides a flat route compared to the hilly terrain above ground. Riding through this underground
thoroughfare is a striking sensory experience heightened by an audio-visual installation. The tunnel curves at both ends, so there is no daylight inside. Instead, lights cast soft pools of illumination onto the smooth road surface and the sooty brick and limestone walls (cycle lights are still recommended so that others can see you). Progressing through the tunnel you can feel the temperature noticeably dropping. Marker points on the path indicating how far you are from each end of the tunnel are the only measure of your progress. Halfway along, you’ll be surprised by soft violin strings playing from motion activated speakers set into recesses on the wall. Gradually the daylight creeps back into view and the warm air provides a welcome treat as you leave the tunnel. Almost immediately, the path makes a transition from underground to overground as it crosses the impressive Tucking Mill Viaduct. Midford Castle built in the shape of the ace of clubs sits perched on the hillside above and after a short section on quiet lanes the path reaches Dundas Aqueduct, an architectural gem from the 18th century. From here the route follows canal towpaths all the way back to the centre of historic Bath – and if you’re lucky you might get a glimpse of a heron along the way! This ride can be as long or short as you wish it to be with many places to stop and eat and have a drink. It has been described by The Independent as “one of the most scenically varied and sightseeing-rich couple of hours of cycling anywhere in Britain”. That is a bold claim indeed – but to be honest I’ve not seen any better.
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Runners complete a Mendip first
John Reynolds who said this was his last event
SPORT
ON April 1st, the Mendip Trail Runners embarked on their biggest adventure yet. At 7am on a crisp, cold morning, the hardy bunch set off from Beacon Batch, the highest point of the Mendips to attempt an FKT (Fastest Known Time) on The Mendip Ring. The loop had never been completed in a non-stop effort by a runner before and with an army of volunteers, crew and supporters, they began their journey. Also joining them was local ultra-running legend and head coach of Westfield TT, John Reynolds, who, following a double hip replacement two years ago, not only wanted to jump on board to support by crewing the entire attempt, along with wife Jo, but also ran a modest 44 miles. This would be John’s final ultra-run and it was a proud moment when he retired from this, his final run, delighted to be a part of the journey, when he helped so many of the Mendip Trail Runners to running success over the last ten years. At 8pm on Saturday, April 2nd, Ian Rodd and Steven Probert became the first to complete a non-stop loop of the Mendip Ring, which was a little further in mileage than first thought. They ran an impressive 123.43 miles, with 10,892ft elevation gain, in an equally impressive 38 hours and five minutes. Massive congratulations to all seven of The Mendip Trail Runners who were able to complete part of the loop, from ten to 90 miles and to Westfield TT runners who joined various sections, supporting the team and completing new distances of their own. Also a huge thank you to Jo and John Reynolds for their support over the weekend and to all the volunteers who were out to cheer us on. Natalie Platten
Cross country finalist
AFTER coming second in B&NE’s cross country run last October, Chew Stoke Year 5 pupil, Rory Price, was able to go forward to the Avon area finals. He came seventh in the Year 5 race, the top runner from B&NES, against teams from South Goucestershire, North Somerset and Bristol. His whole family were there to cheer him on together with deputy head and class teacher, Vickie Hennessy.
Rory with teacher Vickie Hennessy
Rory (right) with sister Evie and brother Samrun MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 89
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MENDIP TIMES
New Cheddar pump track
Amazing achievements for Winscombe girls
(Photo courtesy of Adam Clutterbuck Photography)
Scrum time in the semi-final
THE new pump track in Cheddar has been officially opened, providing the community with a fantastic facility for riders of all ages. The track is suitable for bikes, scooters and skateboards and riders use their arms and legs to pump and gain momentum to carry them around the circuit. The track is located adjacent to Cheddar Skate Park on Sharpham Road, designed and built by Velosolutions UK. The vision of charity, Ride Mendips, the scheme was made a reality due to a number of donations – spearheaded by Hanson UK, which operates Batts Combe quarry in the village and donated all the aggregates and asphalt for the project. Hundreds of riders and supporters of all ages took part in the launch event, which included open sessions and a timed lap competition, and concluded with an evening celebration which saw local resident and pump track enthusiast Jack Bessant, bassist/songwriter with rock band Reef, play with his band the Cheddar Experiment. Grant Garge of Ride Mendips said: “It has taken three years for the project to come to fruition so it’s awesome to see the pump track dream become reality. The launch event was a massive success and we’ve had amazing feedback from children, parents and expert riders about the quality and versatility of the track. It has already become a well-loved facility in the village. “We are very grateful to all the people involved in the two Cheddar Extravanganza events that helped us to raise over £7,000 as well as all of the other supporters. “By providing all the stone and asphalt, Hanson saved us almost £50,000, while British Cycling awarded us £35,000 as part of the Places to Ride fund, National Grid £20,000 from their community projects fund, Hinkley Point C £10,000 from the HPC community fund, Sedgemoor District Council £2,500, Petruth Paddocks £1,500 and The Mendip Rotary Club £500. “We are also excited to start running the New Cheddar Shredderz bike club, as part of the Ride Mendips charity, which will provide free coaching sessions for young people on the track.” Simon Parkes, Hanson UK unit manager, added: “The turnout for the launch event was testament to the support this fantastic project has from the local community, and we are delighted to be able to be a part of its success. I am sure that it is a facility that will be enjoyed by riders of all ages for years to come.” PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
WINSCOMBE Rugby Club’s U-15s girls’ side can call themselves one of the top four teams in the country after reaching the semi-finals of the National Cup. Having won away at Havant and Kingsbridge, the Winscombe Warriors team travelled to Surrey to face Old Reigatians, losing in the last minute to an intercepted try. Director of Girls’ Rugby, Gareth Waterfield said: “We are hugely proud of our girls’ section here at Winscombe Rugby Club. All three age groups are flourishing with over 120 girls playing every week; our U-13s squad is the future of the club and just looks amazing, the U-18s became South West champions and the U-15s really flew the flag at a national level this season.” Next season, Winscombe will expand the girls’ section to four age groups with the formation of an U-12s category. Gareth added: “The ethos of the club is very much ‘friendship through rugby’, we play friendlies, development festivals as well as competitive cup rugby, so it’s very much rugby for everyone at all levels, particularly those that are new to the game.” Details: Gareth at gareth.waterfield1980@hotmail.com
Andy’s Scillies gig
THE World Pilot Gig Championships will be taking place off the Isles of Scilly after a break of two years – and Andy Littler from Pensford will be there. He has passed the selections to row for Bristol Gig Club as a “super vet” over 50 years old. He will be 72 a week after the races, which run from April 29th-May 1st. He said: “I’m looking forward Andy, pictured right to it. The championships are the peak of the pilot gig rowing season. There will be about 130 boats lined up at the start of the first men's and women's open races.”
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SPORT
Team gets new kit
CHEW Valley Rugby Club’s U-14s unveiled their new playing kit with a healthy win over Kingwood RFC. The boys would like to thank their sponsors: Hudson Plumbing and Heating Services, JB Pearce Scrap Metal Dealers, WECS Consulting Ltd and W.D Bowrey Motor Services. Boys in Year 9 are welcome to go along to Lobbingtons on a Wednesday night at 6.30pm and join their friendly bunch for training. Matches are on a Sunday morning.
Chew U-14s
Details: Simon 07805 475373
Promotion for Chew Valley 2nds? CHEW Valley Second XV, captained by flanker James Stone, are likely to play their rugby in Tribute Somerset Premier next season having finished second to Old Reds IIs at the end of the current campaign. Next year they hope to be playing the First XVs of local rivals Wells, Avon, Yatton, Imperial, Oldfield Old Boys, St Bernadettes, Bristol Harlequins and Tor. The league is expected to confirm the promotion shortly. The team is coached by head coach, Steve Worrall, and his colleagues Lee Smith, Dean Brooker and Wales and Bristol Bears outside half, Callum Sheedy. Club president, Andrew Tanner, said: “This promotion is a measure of the quality of rugby on offer at Chew Valley and a testament to the value of a thriving junior section.” Chew Valley’s First XV won Somerset
Pictured at the end of an 8-38 win against Bath based Old Sulians First XV, front row (l to r) Ross Harding, Alex Britton, Harry Stride, Sam Ryan, Will Waddington, Will Broderick, Alex Bryant, James Ryan, Olly Broderick; back row (l to r) coach and team manager, Lee Smith, Sol Thompson, Sam Wedlake, Reece Carter, James Stone (captain), Alex Hodson, Jack Wedlake, Jake Rogers, Fergus Lodge, Ryan (Reg) Parfitt, Steve Bartlett, Alistair Russell and Silas Cox
Premier in the 2012/13 season and have been rising through the ranks ever since. In their first full season since promotion, they have lead South West Division –
Twickenham memories revived
A SPECIAL lunch was held at Wells Rugby Club before the 1st XV’s last game of the season to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their victorious Senior Cup final trip to Twickenham. The day also saw the retirement of six Wells players and one from the their opposition on the day, Bristol Imperial RFC. l Wells juniors coach Rob Crew is looking for new players to relaunch the club’s under16s side next season. For details, visit: www.wellsrfc.co.uk
Tribute South West 1 West for most of this season. The final position rested on the weekend’s final matches as Mendip Times went to press.
Seems like only yesterday – nearly all the Wells side which won at Twickenham were reunited MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022 • PAGE 91
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Students bring beats to the streets
Charlotte, a former music student, who deputised for another performer
Louis, Joe and Jude playing outside the Cheese & Grain
MUSIC students from Frome College took to the streets of the town for the return of the hugely-popular Frome Busks event. Taking place across eight locations around the town centre, the performers attracted large crowds of passers-by. The event was supported by Frome Town Council. The young musicians took turns to play for up to 15 minutes at each location –
some bustling like Boyle Cross and others quieter such as next to the Valentine Lamp at the top of Catherine Hill. They raised £550 towards extra curriculum music performances and productions. Head of Music at Frome College, Josh Hampson, said: “The performers and tech team did brilliantly and raised a whopping £550 over the course of three hours. It was great to see the performers enjoy
themselves and the town centre come alive with their creativity.” Frome Town Council’s Community Projects Officer, Vivienne Whitaker, said: “The sun wasn’t the only thing that shone, the quality of the performers was outstanding and there was an excellent mix of well-known songs and original songs. The town was buzzing, and we can’t wait to support next year’s event.”
Hush Wing in King Street
Emily, on Stony Street
Classical guitar from Ollie in the Westway Precinct PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
Millie, Phoebe, Bella and Lainey head for their next venue
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New director
JOSHUA Newport has taken over at Winscombe Community Singers from Rachel Mason who had been the musical director for five years. Joshua is known for musical theatre; he directs and plays in shows around the South West. He has recently moved from South Gloucestershire to live in North Somerset.
MUSIC & THEATRE
Kramer Durcan duo
Details: www.yms.org.uk
THE final concert of Yatton Music Society’s spring season will include music played by American violinist Miriam Kramer, accompanied on either the piano or organ by Nicholas Durcan. The concert at St Mary’s, Yatton on May 21st will include popular music from the classical composers and Gershwin. The concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets price £10, half price for students over 16, children free.
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Show honours its patron in Jubilee year WE received a fantastic response to our competition to win tickets and membership packages to this year’s Royal Bath & West Show. The winners are: Mrs B. Chapman from Midsomer Norton and Janet Lukins from Mark. Congratulations! The answer was the cattle classes.
WHAT’S ON
THE Royal Bath & West Show returns in June after a two-year absence and organisers are planning additional features to celebrate the platinum jubilee of its patron, HM The Queen. Taking place from Thursday, June 2nd to Saturday, June 4th, there will be a display to link in with the Queen’s Green Canopy, whilst floral artists can show their skills in themed classes including “Tea at the Palace” and “Jewel in the Crown”. There will be a “Jubilee Award” in the cattle section and a “Platinum Jubilee Grand Prix” for horses, as well as jubilee mugs for all competitors in the Pony Club Games. Over in the produce area, The Queen on her visit to the Royal Bath & West Show in 1985 jubilee-themed classes are planned in both the Orchards and Cider and Bees and Honey sections. Around the showground will be images of the Queen visiting the show, which she has done three times: in 1948 whilst she was still Princess Elizabeth; in 1966 with Prince Phillip and finally in 1985. Numerous other attractions for all the family include The Paul Hannam Stunt Show, Pawsability Dog Agility Display, Lakeside Farm and the debut of The Great British Kitchen, alongside such regular favourites as the sheep show, heavy horses, vintage vehicles and the Bath & West Railway. Tickets are on sale now at www.bathandwest.com/tickets
Comedy comes to Wells
A HOST of top names will be appearing at Wells Comedy Festival, described as Somerset’s “weekend-long comedy jamboree” with more than 40 shows at various venues in the city. Those appearing include Harry Hill, Phil Wang, Al Murray The Pub Landlord, Shaparak Khorsandi, Isy Suttie, Mark Watson, Mike Mark Watson Wozniak, Lou Sanders, Stuart Goldsmith, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Esther Manito and Jessica Fostekew. It will take place over the weekend May 27-29th and tickets are selling quickly. Details: www.wellscomfest.com
MAY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Glad-rags 5. Chorus 9. St. Thomas 10. Slalom 12. Arch 13. Small-timer 15. Covered bridge 19. Infinitesimal 23. Mother-to-be 25. Apse 28. Treaty 29. Eurostar 30. Heehaw 31. Long shot. DOWN: 1. Gustav Holst 2. Aztec 3. Roof 4. Grammar 7. Role model 8. Somerset 11. Glad 14. Even 15. Cafetiere 16. Eve 17. Rime 18. Mismatch 20. Ta-ta 21. St. Beuno 22. Regret 24. Extra 26. Patch 27. Gong PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2022
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Morris dancers wanted for Beltane and beyond
THE Greenmen and Glastonbury Border Morris are calling on members of the public to take part in a special community event in Glastonbury on Sunday, May 1st. Beltane Celebrations return in earnest after two years of smaller events due to lockdowns. This year will be special, with plans to bring together the Four Perpetual Flames of Glastonbury in the spirit of solidarity and unity, throughout the town and across the whole world. Druids, Bards and a plethora of performers look forward to welcoming the public. Daniel de la Bedoyere, of one group of performers, Glastonbury Border Morris, said; “We love performing every year at Beltane and this year will be exceptional. As always, we welcome new members, both dancers and musicians. Any ability and no experience necessary!” l Glastonbury Border Morris practice on Wednesdays at 7pm at St Edmund’s Community Hall, Chinnock Road Glastonbury. For details visit: www.glastonburymorris.co.uk or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/glastonburymorris
Folk festival line-up highlights
PLANS are progressing well for this year’s Priddy Folk Festival, taking place from Friday, July 8th until Sunday, July 10th. Set around picturesque Priddy village green, the main, ticketed programme boasts more than 20 bands. Headliners include Jiggy from Ireland, Manran, from Scotland, and De Temps Antan, from Canada, as well as many others representing established and emerging strands of the folk tradition. Alongside the main festival run the Fringe, children’s and dance festivals which are all free to attend, with an exciting programme being developed for each one. There will be a wide variety of craft stalls and demonstrations, along with an interesting mix of other traders (including clothing, and musical instruments) together with a great selection of food and drink outlets. Priddy Primary School PTA’s renowned Green Cow marquee will also be back serving a range of tasty dishes throughout the weekend to raise funds for the school. The festival is a “not for profit” organisation run by volunteers, and this year it is hoping to raise £20,000 for local community causes, including providing music bursaries for the Blue School in Wells. There are still some stewarding opportunities available: in return for two four-hour shifts, volunteers will receive a free weekend ticket (together with camping if required), a warm welcome and a great time! l Weekend tickets are still available (with or without camping) but are expected to sell out soon. For details, visit: www.priddyfolk.org
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T H E M E N D I P T I M E S W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
FOR
WHAT’S ON
M AY 2022
As Covid cases remain high we advise that you check for any infection precautions that organisers request, and that indoor events will still take place. We’re happy to list entries for community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Commercial entries £25. Please send entries as a single paragraph of less than 25 words.
Until June 5th Somerset Portraits & Voices exhibition, Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury. Details: www.srlm.org.uk Thursday April 28th Banwell Gardening Club, Rob Handy “Growing unusual perennial edibles” 7.30pm, village hall. Visitors welcome, £2. Saturday April 30th Cheddar Vale Lions Spring Fair, village hall. Details: information@cheddarvalelions.org.uk Concert piano and organ 12noon All Saints’ Church Weston-s-Mare. £10 on door, incl lunch. Charlton Mackerell walking jumble sale 10am2pm. Details: enquiries@projectcharlton.org RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch 75th Anniversary Lunch 12.15pm Wells Golf Club BA5 3DS. Tel: 01458 224057. Organ Recital 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10: www.yms.org.uk Weston Walking Group walks, 7-9 miles every Wed and Sat within one hour drive of Weston. Details: www.westonwalkinggroup.co.uk Charity Tea Party for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, 1.30-3.30pm Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland. www.thebowelmovement.uk. See p18. Saturday April 30th to Monday May 2nd Cheddar Arts Festival Sunday May 1st Painting spring blooms at Sheppy’s cider farm: www.chandosartistssociety.uk Monday May 2nd North Somerset Show, Wraxall. Shipham & District Gardening Club Plant Sale on the village green 1pm-4pm. Monday May 2nd-Saturday 7th Wells Little Theatre presents Big Fish. Details: www.wellslittletheatre.com Tuesday May 3rd Perdita Robinson, talk by Karin Fernald for the Arts Society Mendip 11am Croscombe village hall, also via Zoom. Guests welcome, £6, email: tasmendip.comm@gmail.com Wednesday May 4th The Arts Society Sedgemoor, Jane Tapley talk on Jane Austen, 2pm, 37 Club, TA7 8AD. Visitors £8. Details: www://theartssocietysedgemoor.org.uk Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers “Driving Miss Daisy”, talk by Clare Filer, 2pm -3.30 Backwell WI Hall. Thursday May 5th Cheddar Valley u3a AGM, 2pm Cheddar Community Pavilion, Sharpham Rd, followed by a talk: 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Friday May 6th Trio Paradis concert 2.30pm St Giles Church, Leigh on Mendip. Free entry, donations welcome. Refreshments. All proceeds to the Friends of Leigh Church. www.trioparadis.com Friday May 6th to May 14th Wedmore Arts Festival: www.wedmoreartsfestival.co.uk Saturday May 7th Chilcompton Gardening Club Plant Sale, 1011.30am village hall BA3 4EX. Glastonbury Town Deal open event 10.30am2.30pm, St John’s Church: www.glastonburytowndeal.co.uk Frome Climate Film Festival. See p98. Sunday May 8th Cook’s Field walk, Mendip Hills Area Group, SWT. Meet 10am car park Deer Leap, Grid Ref ST518 492. Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/events Taunton Military Wives Choir Concert, 5.30pm St
John's, Glastonbury. Admission free, donations welcome. Monday May 9th Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10, St James Church Centre Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary. Details 01934 742853. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Wednesday May 11th Kilmersdon Gardeners talk “Family friendly wildlife gardening” with Colin Higgins, 7.30pm Village Hall BA3 5TD. All welcome, visitors £3. www.kilmersdongardeners.org Somerset Day events throughout the county: www.somersetday.com Mendip Storytelling Circle, 7.30-9.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. An evening of folk tales and more... £5 donation. Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com Saturday May 14th Kilmersdon Gardeners Plant Sale 10.30am-12.30. Village Hall BA3 5TD. Plant Sale, 2pm St Peter`s Church, Camerton. Homemade cream teas. All welcome free admission. Details: 01761 470249. Churchill Music, The Illyria Trio 7.30pm St. John’s Church, BS25 5QW. Tickets: 01934 852589 or at the door. Plants & Cakes sale, 10am-1pm Chapel Allerton churchyard, raising funds for the church and Somerset Wildlife Trust. Details: 01934 710188. Congresbury Gardening Club Plant Sale & coffee morning, 10am-12 Methodist Hall. Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. RNLI Winscombe Plant & Garden Jumble Sale, Studley’s Forecourt opp. Co-op, 10am-12. Details: meejlfh@gmail.com or 01934 842304. Bristol Military Wives Choir 7.30pm St Mary's Church, Timsbury BA2 0LG. Tickets £10 U12 £7 from 01761 479506 or 472448. Brent Knoll bazaar & farmers’ market, parish hall 10am-12noon. Details: 01278 760308. Sunday May 15th Wessex Stationary Engine Club Tuckers Grave Crank up from 10am. Free entry, donations please for cancer research and Dorothy House. Details Eric: 01225 754374. Fosseway Gardening Club Plant Sale, Harvester Yard, Ditcheat BA4 6RB. 10.30am-12.30. Details: 07772 008594. Monday May 16th Chew Valley u3a AGM 10.30am Ubley Parish Hall. All members welcome. “Barn Owls” talk by Gary Kingman for Timsbury Natural History Group 7.30pm Conygre Hall. Visitors welcome, £3. Wednesday May 18th Henton & District Gardening Club, 7.30pm Village Hall with James Cross, Head Gardener at The Bishops Palace Wells. All welcome. Details: hentongardenclub.weebly.com or Facebook. Thursday May 19th Mendip Society, Bedminster coalfield walk, visiting the sites of old collieries. Members free, £2 visitors, restricted to 12. Details: 07745 834513 or richardfrost608@gmail.com Cheddar Valley u3a Coffee Morning 10am Cheddar village hall. Friday May 20th Toddler Explorers: play and active learning sessions for parents/carers and children aged one to three. Somerset Rural Life Museum Glastonbury. £5.
Booking essential. Details: www.srlm.org.uk Friday May 20th and Saturday May 21st “Chew Valley Song” a comedic take on the fight to save Moreton, the village that is now beneath the lake. Also May 27th/28th. Tickets: Eventbrite Saturday May 21st Blagdon Village Fete, 1pm, Blagdon Court BS40 7RN. Everyone welcome but please leave your dogs at home. Somerset Choral Society Concert 7.30pm – St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells. Details: www.somersetchoralsociety.com Freewheelers EVS, Blood Bikes, 30th anniversary evening at the Bishop’s Palace Wells. See p44. Claverham Market 10am-12pm village hall. Butcher, veg, preserves, crafts etc. 01934 830553. Entertainment Extravaganza, 7.30pm Wells Town Hall. A variety of acts, raising funds for Ukraine. Bar, raffle. Glass of fizz included in ticket, £10 from Wells Town Hall, tina.blackwill@live.co.uk or 07450 367805. Kramer Durcan Duo violin, piano/organ, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church Yatton, Tickets £10, details: www.yms.org.uk Street CVDS Plant Sale 8am-12 Old Library Gardens, BA16 0HA. Details: www.streetcdvs.org.uk Cynefin Trio clarinet, cello, piano, 3pm-4, All Saints’ church, WSM, BS23 2NL. Free, with retiring collection. The Brue Boys, 7.30pm St John’s, Glastonbury. Tickets £8: www.stjohn’s-glastonbury.uk>upcoming-events Monday May 23rd Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10, St James Church Centre Winscombe BS25 1AQ. No experience necessary. Details 01934 742853. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome. Tuesday May 24th Chilcompton Gardening Club, talk by Susannah Applegate on growing vines in the Polden Hills – with an opportunity to buy some. 7.30pm Chilcompton village hall. Wednesday May 25th Harptrees History Society Guided tour of the Royal Mint, Llantrisant, at 12.30pm. Own transport there. £10pp paid in advance before Wed May 18th please. Priority given to members: email info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107. Thursday May 26th Mendip Storytelling Circle, Ston Easton evening of tales and tunes to raise funds for Ukraine. See p22. Friday May 27th to Sunday May 29th Wells Comedy Festival – details: www.wellscomfest.com. See p94. Saturday May 28th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc. Congresbury Folk Music Night 8pm War Memorial Hall. Castle Cary Saturday Stitch Coffee Morning 10am-12, Market House. Meet us and bag a bargain! Details: 07929 097374 or sallyyeoman@btinternet.com Glastonbury Abbey Open Day, see p95. Thursday June 2nd to Saturday June 4th Bath and West Show, see p99. Thursday June 2nd to Sunday June 5th Holcombe Platinum Jubilee events – see p61.
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WHAT’S ON
Free film festival will help the planet THE Climates, the first Frome International Climate Film Festival, is coming to the town hall on Saturday, May 7th. Free tickets are available now for the film screenings, the awards ceremony and the free workshops being run throughout the day. The Climates will also contain a series of talks from the film makers, and a whole host of hour-long workshops, a session for budding nature experts on how to use a wildlife camera and map your efforts, and advice on how to make an engaging film using only your mobile phone. Film entries for the festival will be screened online from Monday, May 2nd before the town hall event.
All tickets are free but booking is essential. For details, visit: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/the-climates
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ALHAMPTON ASHCOTT AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BADGWORTH BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BASON BRIDGE BAWDRIP BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BROCKLEY BRUTON BURCOTT BURNHAM-ON-SEA BURRINGTON BURTLE BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CATCOTT CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON CHILTON POLDEN CHURCHILL CLAVERHAM
CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO COMPTON DUNDON COMPTON MARTIN CONGRESBURY COSSINGTON COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DRAYCOTT DUNBALL DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EAST HUNTSPILL EASTON EDINGTON EDITHMEAD EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FLAX BOURTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HIGHBRIDGE
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HEWISH HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON KNOWLE LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LOCKING LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTH WOOTTON NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY OAKHILL PAULTON PAWLETT PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY PURITON PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL
= catchment area
RICKFORD RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANDERWICK STANTON DREW STANTON WICK STOKE ST MICHAEL STONE ALLERTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET
TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TICKENHAM TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WATCHFIELD WEARE WEDMORE WELLOW WELLS
WEST HARPTREE WESTHAY WESTONZOYLAND WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WEST HUNTSPILL WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WITHAM FRIARY WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WOOLAVINGTON WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON
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