Mendip Times
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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3
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FREE
Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas
AUGUST 2018
IN THIS ISSUE: SHOW PREVIEWS • WELLS WALK • EVENTS • MENDIP’S CAVE RESCUERS • SPORT • WHAT’S ON Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news
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Welcome
PHIL Hendy reports this month on the work of Mendip Cave Rescue, which was formed more than 80 years ago. Five members of the team were involved in the amazing rescue of the young footballers from caves in Thailand. Their work isn’t always so dramatic – some of its members were on first aid duty at Priddy Folk Festival, one of the many events we feature this month. We also preview the Mid-Somerset and Frome Cheese shows, as well as food festivals in Wells and Cheddar. Axbridge is about to get its own version of the Bayeux Tapestry. The Axbridge Tapestries, depicting the town’s history, have been made by some of the seamstresses who work on costumes for the ten-yearly Axbridge Pageant. We talk to “Farmer Nick” Baker, who is retiring after introducing thousands of children to the countryside, and a Winscombe man who is a World Cup hero. Rachel Thompson offers advice on caring for your horse in hot weather, while Adrian Boots goes on a wild pea hunt. We round off our Great Flood series with pictures from commemorative events in Pensford and Woollard. With all of our regular contributors and features – and a packed What’s On section – summer on Mendip is in full swing! September 2018 deadline: Friday, 17th August 2018. Published: Tuesday, 28th August 2018. Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:
01761 463888
or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates. Front cover: Romeo and Juliet at Wells Theatre Festival. Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 104.
CONTENTS
48
Long arm of the law – deterring kids from crime
58
The Great Flood – villages rally to remember
78
Any colour but black – but don’t try this at home
111
In the pink – Norton Mavericks are champions Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Food & Drink ...............................18 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Internet and Crossword ..............34 Education ......................................36 Business.........................................38 Charities........................................50 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......61 Walking Sue Gearing ....................62
Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........64 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......66 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............74 Community ...................................78 Caving Phil Hendy ........................92 Homes and Interiors ....................96 Music & Theatre ........................104 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...106 Sport ............................................109 What’s On ...................................114 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 3
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Tel: 0800 097 8611
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WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE
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Diocese celebrates Zambia link
HUNDREDS of people gathered in Wells Cathedral to celebrate 40 years of friendship between the Anglican Church in Zambia and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Bishop Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells, welcomed Archbishop and Primate of Central Africa, Albert Chama, Bishop William Mchombo of Central Diocese, Bishop Robert Mumbi of Luapula Diocese and Bishop Derek Kumukwamba of Central Diocese plus a group of Zambian young adults, in Somerset as part of an exchange visit arranged by the diocese. Artists taking part in the Wells International Festival for Young Musicians performed at the service and as guests exited the Cathedral, the band of the Royal Artillery played on Cathedral Green. The band then led guests via Wells market place to the “after-party” at the Bishop's Palace. Bishop Peter Hancock said: “The link we are celebrating was forged on friendship. Visiting Zambia has been transformative for all those who have been able to make the trip over the years. I've was overwhelmed by the generosity, joy, love and friendship I experienced during my visit in April. It is something I will never, ever forget."
Helen has a way with the fairies
Spreading a little fairy dust – Helen with the brownies at the start of the trail
MEMBERS of the 2nd Shepton Mallet Brownie group took to the streets to discover the secrets of its unique Fairy Trail – a series of illustrations of the mythical creatures hidden around the town. They were led by Shepton Mallet’s own “fairy godmother”, town councillor Helen Reader. The trail aims to encourage visitors and residents alike to learn more about Shepton Mallet. For details, visit: www.sheptonmalletfairytrail.co.uk or call into the town’s tourist information centre.
NEWS
Bishop William, Bishop Peter and Archbishop Albert leaving Wells Cathedral
W I t e a m s u p w i t h w i l d l i f e t r us t
THE Somerset Federation of the WI and Somerset Wildlife Trust held a combined event during the Climate Coalition’s Speak Up Week, to highlight the impact of climate change. They displayed bunting across two of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s reserves at Westhay Moor on the Levels and Cook’s Field in the Mendip Hills. This was no ordinary bunting however – it was made by Somerset WI members as part of the Climate Coalition’s Green Hearts Campaign. Some 4,000 WI members in Somerset produced 185.5m of bunting – the equivalent to the length of two football pitches. Steve Mewes, policy and campaigns manager at the trust, said: “Somerset’s Levels and Moors are particularly vulnerable to climate change, as was painfully shown in the 2013/14 floods. “And, even areas on higher ground will be affected, like at the Trust’s Cook’s Field reserve, as winters become warmer hibernation of much-loved Somerset species such as the dormouse and hedgehog will be disrupted. “This very special bunting reminds us quite poignantly of how much people value nature in Somerset and how engaged they are in championing its protection.”
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A space for all
By Mark Adler
VOLUNTEERS are busy completing work to turn former farmland in the heart of Castle Cary into a “green lung” for the whole community. The 4.5-acre site called Fairfield – probably best known to visitors to the town for the annual amusement fair held during Castle Cary Carnival – was bought by the town council and neighbouring Ansford Parish Council for £75,000 in 2014 to protect it from development. A fundraising campaign has allowed the Fairfield Development and Management Committee to install a pump park for cyclists, a fitness trail, footpaths and a sensory garden with access for wheelchairs. Still in the pipeline is an adventure area for younger children – designed by the son of one of the volunteers. Austin Birch, aged nine, stood up at a public meeting to discuss the project to call for the children’s facilities to be included. Austin said: “I’m going to be really excited when they build it. I went back after the meeting and made a drawing of how it should be. Not everyone has a bike so I wanted there to be something for them also.” Austin’s father, Justin, who is also vice-chair of Castle Cary Town Council, said: “He felt very strongly that younger people should be catered for.” Fairfield offers a muchWork on Fairfield should be needed community space in the middle of housing complete by September 1st in time for
Youngsters enjoy the pump park – it has attracted cyclists from a wide area
The fitness trail overlooks part of a new housing development PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Work in progress on the sensory garden. Austin Birch (centre) with volunteers Chris Edwards, Oliver Morison, Austin’s dad Justin and Bob Gilbey
an official opening party. The project team was led by Penny Steiner. The project comes as hundreds of new homes are being built on land next to the green space. Chris Edwards, another volunteer, said: “We are hoping that Fairfield will become the centre of a ‘greenway’ connecting the train station to the town centre.”
Not every child has a bike, says Austin, who also enjoys the pump park
Men at work – local residents will be invited to plant up the area
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ENVIRONMENT
Beware of Asian hornets
SOMERSET Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) raised awareness of the threat to pollinators from Asian hornets by addressing the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee. SBKA chairman Anne Pike spoke to MPs as part of the first Evidence Week run by campaigning charity Sense about Science which seeks to promote evidence-based policy making. She said: “Asian hornets pose a very real threat to honeybees in the UK and I am delighted that we were given this opportunity to highlight how our approach is guided by the latest scientific research.” Speaking in response Mary Greagh, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, pledged her support: “Part of what I want the committee to be looking at is how we watch out for Asian hornets, that invasive species which is coming into our country and potentially wiping out populations of bees.” The yellow-legged Vespa Velutina is colonising parts of Europe, killing honeybees and other insects. Although instances of Asian hornets in the UK have only been recorded on a few occasions in the last two years, beekeepers and environmentalists fear numbers will inevitably increase. Anne Pike Anne Pike said: “As a result
Asian hornet on ivy in Brittany
we have developed links with Exeter University, who are conducting research in Europe where the Asian hornet has become widespread. Based on their findings, we have chosen to take a ‘recognition and reporting’ approach.” Sightings reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat trigger the deployment of bee inspectors who track the hornets back to their nests and destroy them. Asian hornets are most active between April and November (peaking in August/September). Somerset Beekeepers has published an identification guide on their website along with how to report sightings.
Details: www.somersetbeekeepers.org.uk
Free water bid to cut plastic
A SCHEME that encourages cafes, shops and public buildings to offer free water refills is coming to Somerset in the hope it will cut plastic waste. Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has agreed with the organisers of the national Refill scheme to act as a hub for the county. Nationally the scheme has 10,000 Refill stations already and backing from Water UK. A SWP spokesman said: “We aim to work with local businesses and organisations, from the county, district and parish councils to green groups and litter pickers, to make this a success. “By offering free water, Refill will cut back on single-use plastic bottles, save money and cut waste, and help to discourage littering on Somerset beaches and in its beautiful countryside.” Among the first Somerset locations to sign up as a Refill station was Somerset County Council, which is offering free refills to anyone who visits its main reception at County Hall in Taunton. Details: www.refill.org.uk or contact SWP at recycle@somersetwaste.gov.uk
Crackdown on litter louts
Cllr Bob Goodman and enforcement officer Enrique Roman warning: “We are watching you.”
LAZY people who drop litter, fly-tip or dump their household rubbish by public bins in Bath and North East Somerset will face tough new fines when caught. From now on anyone caught dropping litter, including cigarette ends, will be handed a £150 fixed penalty notice. And anyone caught fly-tipping in the area, or disposing of bags of household or business rubbish next to public bins, will be issued with a fixed penalty fine up to £400 or, on summary conviction, a fine of up to £50,000. Stickers and posters advising people about the hefty new fines are going onto council bins.
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ENVIRONMENT
Clues to the life of a warrener
VOLUNTEERS from Backwell Environmental Trust have been working to reveal the secrets of a ruined warrener’s cottage dating back 700 years. With the help of veteran archaeologist Vince Russett, BET has been carefully removing the soil from around the outer wall of the cottage remains. This year marks the 700th anniversary of the construction of the rabbit warren and warrener's cottage on Backwell Hill. Sir Richard de Rodney was granted the right to free warren by King Edward II on June 10th, 1318. References from a survey of the Manor of Backwell in 1709 record that the warren at that time covered an area of three furlongs by one-and-a-half furlongs (600 x 300 metres) and would have had the potential to produce many thousands of rabbits per year. BET says the warren appears to have been in continual use until 1812 when the introduction of the Enclosure Act divided the area of the warren into agricultural fields and the warren
was almost certainly abandoned, although the cottage was still lived in until at least 1843. The excavations have turned up a large amount of pottery and animal bones including oyster shells and boar tusks. The outer porch of the cottage also has an intact flagstone floor which continues into the cottage itself which the trust is hoping to excavate next year. BET was founded in 2004 to protect and preserve the countryside around Backwell. It presently owns and manages two nature reserves covering almost 22 acres.
Visitors to the site during a BET open day
Excavation work underway
What is thought to be a wild boar tusk and two clay marbles, from the late 1800s
For details about BET, visit: www.backwellenvironmenttrust.org
Amazing moths
THE 5 Villages Youth Group in Compton Dando saw some interesting moths when they went over to Elm Farm in Burnett, home of farmer John Paget and his wife Phillipa, for their last meeting of the summer. The group is open to all children living in the villages of Compton Dando, Burnett, Elephant Hawk Moth Chewton Keynsham, Woollard and Queen Charlton and meets usually on the first Friday of most months. On getting to the farm the children were treated to a surprise with some moths which Philippa had trapped the night before.
Details: 01761 490903
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Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330
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We hope that Mendip Times readers enjoyed following England’s progress in the World Cup as much as we did. It almost made up for the fact that, in the absence of Andy Murray, British interest in Wimbledon came to an end at a very early stage. Just a reminder that, as in previous years, we shall be at the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show in Shepton Mallet on Sunday, August 19th. The showground is off Cannards Grave Road and within walking distance from the residential areas of Shepton Mallet. Entry is free for pedestrians, although there is a parking charge. It is a great day out for all the family. The gates open at 8.00am. Hopefully, the lovely sunny weather will continue until then. We shall be in our usual position in the "Shepton in Business" tent next to the main ring. Please do drop in on us if you are there. As you may know, we are in the process of moving to our new premises in Castle Cary and you can find out more about that by Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888
Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400
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The weather is causing farmers problems I CAN’T help mentioning the weather to start with. We have certainly had an unusual weather pattern this year. Firstly it was very wet which stunted grass and cereal crops delaying the making of hay and silage and now we have extremely dry weather which is lovely but a problem for farmers. With MARY The lack of rain over the last four weeks JAMES MBE has caused grass to dry up and consequently dairy cows, for instance, are being fed winter feed already to keep up production. Let us hope we get some rain soon to encourage grass growth again. Cows in hot weather need more energy and eat more than they usually do. A cow will drink 45 litres per day which rises to 100 litres in hot weather so there is a strain on all supplies and animal health. That said the seasons always compensate themselves so look out for a wet August – just when the children are on holiday! I have mentioned Farmlink often and the wonderful work it does working with teachers and schools to educate children about farming. One of our best loved farmer/teachers is Nick Baker of Lower Stock Farm, Langford. In the last ten years Farmer Nick has visited hundreds of schools and talked to thousands of children on the farm and in the schools about farming, gardening and wildlife. He is retiring and we thank Nick most sincerely for the wonderful impact he has had on so many children and especially so on
Nick Baker retires
FOR 20 years “Farmer Nick” has been welcoming children to a Classroom in the Countryside at Lower Stock Farm in Lower Langford. Now approaching 71, farmer Nick Baker is going to retire. He’s worked for Alvis Bros for 42 years, first in the cheese dairy and then rearing young stock, and was asked by John Alvis in 1998 to start an education programme on the farm. Nick said: “We’d always welcomed children here to see the animals with our own children, so I said I would give it a go. Nick Green and I worked out a curriculum and contacted a school in a deprived area of Weston, where some of the children had never been to the seaside. “The children came and absolutely loved it and the school has been coming ever since.” He’d seen 58 pupils from the school earlier in the day. From those early days, when about 1,000 children visited the farm each year, the charity Farmlink grew. It welcomed 44,000 children last year, has links with 140 schools, and also holds classes at Yeo Valley, in Blagdon, Cannington College, Bridgwater and Packington Free Range in Staffordshire. Nick is one of seven people now delivering the service, which is virtually free to schools. He said: “The children come for the day for curriculum-based lessons on a variety of subjects. It might be about light and dark, habitats, map reading, it’s not all food based, though some children are surprised about where eggs come from and can’t believe crisps are made from potatoes. “There’s always the chance to ride on the tractor and trailer or to go pond dipping – though for the first time ever the other day
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disadvantaged ones. Recently I was invited to Wandsyke Primary school in Whitchurch where they dedicated their assembly saying thank you and good bye to Farmer Nick who had been working with them for many years. There were songs, cards, presents and a garden display of the children’s work all based on farming and the environment especially for Farmer Nick. It was lovely and quite emotional. All credit to the teachers and staff at Wansdyke Primary. I hope if you have recently come to live in the Mendip area you will have noticed that most villages have events, coffee mornings, WI, village halls etc, all relying on volunteers to keep everything ticking over. Villages need plenty of support, perhaps you could help? It is very rewarding. Lots of hard work but fun and friendships are the advantage. From a farming point of view we put on events that need volunteers. The ploughing matches are coming up and here are great examples of everyone working together. North Somerset Ploughing Match is on September 9th at Grove Farm, Claverham. A committee organises the ploughing match and another committee, mostly ladies, organises the craft show and refreshments. The craft show is open to everyone so if you would like to enter please phone Jo Havers for a schedule 08456 342464. There is a vintage tractor ploughing Match on September 16th at Chew Stoke and the Mendip Ploughing Match is on September 26th at Shooters Bottom Farm, Emborough.
the teacher objected saying it was too dangerous. I did take another group tree-felling for the day – and they loved it.” Nick has worked for three generations of the Alvis family and said the support of John Alvis has been crucial. He said: “I think the future is in good hands. We’ve got good, enthusiastic people running it with strong back-up from very supportive trustees and it really works so well. I’m sure they will manage without me.” He said he’s plenty of work to do in the garden – where the children will still be welcome – and has commitments to choirs in Bristol and Somerset. He’s also looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Carol – and may take up walking football!
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New test available
FARMING
LANGFORD Vets Farm Animal Practice is offering an exciting new service starting this summer. Following the purchase of the latest equipment, it can now perform breeding soundness examinations on bulls and rams. The test, which includes a clinical examination and an assessment of semen, helps farmers identify problems with their rams or bulls. There are significant benefits to the farmer from this type of examination. If no calves are being produced it is relatively easy to assess that the bull is infertile; however it is increasingly difficult to assess sub-fertility without an examination. Furthermore, dairy farmers spend lots of time and money on routine reproductive work to maximise the cows’ fertility but if the bull is sub-fertile this will always be a limiting factor. Tighter calving indices will also be of financial benefit to the farmer for both beef and diary, especially those doing block calving. Finally, fertility may reduce with age and having year-onyear monitoring will allow this to be seen before it impacts on the herd fertility too much. Langford Vets Farm Animal Practice operations coordinator, Rosie Bloor, believes the new service will be very successful. She said: “We hope the breeding soundness examination will be of great benefit to our current clients and attract new ones.”
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THE Mid-Somerset Show is introducing early bird car parking tickets for this year’s show. Visitors to the show on Sunday, August 19th now have the opportunity to purchase car parking tickets in advance for £11, saving money on the gate. Car parking on the day will be £13 per car. The income from the car park helps fund the show, from the livestock competitions to the South West Cheese Awards, ensuring it remains a valuefor-money day out for the whole family. ● Visit: https://www.bradsons.co.uk/ for tickets or call 01749 813899. Parking costs also apply to blue badge holders.
See us at the show
WEST Hill Garden Services are conveniently located between Wells and Cheddar and offer a range of services from regular planned garden maintenance to landscape construction. Their number one goal is to ensure that all of their work is carried out to a high standard and that their customers are nothing short of 100% satisfied. Their team of professional, friendly and reliable tradesmen are ready to serve you with expertise in all aspects of garden services that are available for both domestic and commercial clients who are seeking a top quality friendly service at a competitive price. Their stand number is U113.
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MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2018
Get a moo-ve on – the Mid-Somerset Show is almost here A JERSEY cow called Char – voted the “sexiest” cow in Britain – will be amongst the attractions at the MidSomerset Agricultural Show on Sunday, August 19th. Farmers were asked to nominate a cow they thought was the dreamboat of their herd in a social media competition run by a feed company and Char, from Devon, came out tops. Char even made an appearance on national television as a result. Owner Charlotte Cunningham will be bringing Char to the show at Shepton Mallet to meet her admirers; surely one of the most unusual attractions at the event for years! Meanwhile, organisers are busy making final preparations for the one-day event, which is free to enter for pedestrians. Trade stand space in the main field and the cheese marquee is now sold out. Rural crafts will be celebrated this year with a special area dedicated to everything from hedge laying to dry stone walling whilst in the heritage tent there will be a special display about the suffragette movement. Show secretary Christine Barham said: “The show is shaping up to be one of the best for years. The demand for trade stand space has been exceptional and there really will be something for every visitor to enjoy, from some of the best livestock and equestrian displays to vintage vehicles, live music, food and drink galore, our popular dog show and more.”
Char, the doe-eyed Jersey, who will be making a special appearance at the show
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Transform your conservatory
HAS your conservatory been unbearable to use during the recent hot weather? They are usually constructed to add extra living space to a home. However, a lot of people find that from mid-November through until about mid-March, their conservatory is just too cold to pleasantly sit in without spending a small fortune on heating it and then from mid-June through until about the end of September, that same space is unbearably hot during the day. So what’s the answer? In 2010 the planning laws were relaxed and in the majority of cases, you can now fit a solid roof to your conservatory without planning permission. This means better insulation, keeping the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and a room that you can use all year round. Green Space Ltd is a family-run company, who specialise in transforming conservatories. Their roof panels are lightweight and offer eight times better insulation than a polycarbonate roof. With U-values of 0.29, they will keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round. What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off-site, so installation generally takes less than a day and they always aim to ensure that your roof conversion is as non-disruptive as possible. They are the sole supplier of this system in the South. Their system is compatible with most conservatories, old and new – plus it comes with a ten-year guarantee. Details: www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk
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MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2018
Are you looking for support with childcare costs? Getting help with your childcare costs is easier than you might think. The Childcare Choices website brings together all the government childcare offers in one place, including two new schemes for working parents: Tax-free childcare and up to 30 hours a week funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds – www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Families in Somerset are already benefitting from these offers. If you are a working parent and you have a child that is three years old by 31 August you can apply now for up to 30 hours a week funded childcare to use from September 2018. If you are successful you will receive an eligibility code to take to your early years provider. If you already have a 30 hours childcare place you must reconfirm you are still eligible every three months. It is easy to do just check the secure messages in your childcare service account. Go to gov.uk/childcareaccount
You can find out more information at www.somerset.gov.uk/eye30 The Early Years Team will be at the Mid-Somerset Show. Come and visit us in the Haskins field and find out more about childcare funding; working in early years and have fun trying out some children’s activities! MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 15
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Dental care and your pet
THE importance of dental care for your pet is easy to overlook for several reasons: it may be difficult to look in the mouth with noncompliant pets; the mouth area can be camouflaged by fur; appetite is not lost until dental disease is well advanced and animals are extremely good at disguising pain and discomfort In small breed dogs dental disease may occur within a year. In certain large breeds such as greyhounds the progression may also be rapid. Dental disease includes gingivitis (red, swollen gums), heavy calculus, missing teeth, bad breath and infection. Other organ systems in the body may also be detrimentally affected.
Come and see us at the Mid-Somerset Show – Stand No. H192
www.bbqfirepits.co.uk 01934 734662 PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
MID-SOMERSET SHOW 2018 However signs could be quite subtle – cats can suffer from a deterioration in the enamel leaving the tooth pulp painfully exposed. The visible signs could be just a pinpoint depression on the tooth that can only be found by probing or with X-rays Fractured teeth will cause pain if the pulp is exposed and can lead to abscess formation. It is important to avoid toys and bones that are harder than teeth to prevent this. A fractured tooth will need extraction or root canal therapy under general anaesthesia. Avoid balls and toys with rough surfaces which can wear the teeth and do not throw frisbees for your dog to catch, as the sudden sideways force when they catch them can damage the blood supply to the tooth. Regular dental home care can remove plaque before it mineralises to form calculus, helping to prevent dental disease. There are many options available to help with this. Midsomer Veterinary Surgery provides dental demonstrations and guidance from the practice nurses. Should your pet need professional dental treatment we have full dental treatment facilities for tooth cleaning, surgical extractions and dental X-rays. Sarah Blackbourne RVN
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EVENTS
Carnival time
The parade gets underway
HUNDREDS of people lined the High Street for Yatton schools’ annual carnival parade, followed by a fete in the school grounds.
Spot the Unicorn
The High Street was packed
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C e l e b r a t i n g s u m me r fo o d o n M e n d i p FOOD festivals are everywhere and this summer has given us long outdoor days, mostly searching for shade. We need fresh colourful food to eat slowly. Find a tree or an umbrella to sit under and take With JUNE your time to enjoy some summer MACFARLANE time food. Make the most of the salad crops and the fresh fruit. And ices! It has taken me four years to replace my ice cream machine, but I’m so glad I did it this year!
OVEN-BAKED HAKE WITH TOMATOES, CAPERS AND OLIVES
Cornish hake deserves wider recognition
LEMON VERBENA ICE
Elegance in a dish – lemon verbena ice
300ml milk This is a wonderfully elegant iced 300ml whipping cream dessert. Lemon verbena is a green shrub Handful lemon verbena with beautiful lemon scented leaves. It leaves, rinsed grows apace in gardens and the dried 300g sugar leaves make great tea too. A few dried lemon METHOD verbena leaves Put the milk, cream and leaves into a saucepan and scald, but do not boil. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Cover. Set aside to infuse until cool. Remove leaves. Chill for an hour. Churn in ice cream machine, crumbling in dried leaves near the end. Freeze until needed. Goes well with raspberries.
INGREDIENTS
BAKED PEPPERS WITH TOMATO, OLIVES, FETA AND PESTO 2 large red peppers, halved, seeds removed 350g cherry tomatoes, halved Handful black olives 200g feta, crumbled 2tbsp pesto
INGREDIENTS
We have great Cornish hake and we should eat it before the Spanish snaffle the lot because it is excellent.
METHOD Preheat oven to (For four) 180°C. Fry the 1 400g tin chopped onion gently in tomatoes olive oil until 250g passata soft. Add the 2 tbsp capers, rinsed tomatoes and 2 tbsp black olives passata and 4 x 150g hake fillets reduce a little. 2 tsp smoked paprika Add capers and Olive oil, seasoning olives and stir. Taste and season. Place fish on top, splash with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika. Cover pan with lid and bake for about 15 mins until fish is cooked through. Serve hot.
A starter for four or a main course for two. Serve hot, warm or even cold.
METHOD Preheat oven to 180°C. Put the peppers, cut side up, into a baking tin. Put everything else into a bowl and toss together to coat. Pile into the peppers and pour over a little olive oil. Bake for about 25 mins until cooked through and soft. Allow to sit for a few minutes before serving.
INGREDIENTS
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The Med on Mendip with these baked peppers
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What’s new from
Myrtle Farm
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FOOD & DRINK
A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford
Balloons over the Mendips
IT’S that time of year when we sit back and wonder at the sight of hot air balloons gliding gracefully over the Mendips. The Thatchers balloon is once again being expertly piloted by Nigel Appleton of First Flight, and he’ll be flying at this year’s Bristol International Balloon Fiesta over the weekend of 9-11 August. It’s Europe’s largest gathering of hot air balloons and we’ll be there meeting cider-lovers old and new, serving our ciders throughout the weekend. Nigel is one of the UK’s most experienced pilots, flying commercially since 1990. He told us, “People love the balloon experience. At First Flight we make it as special as we can, it’s great to see people happy. We always have some Thatchers Family Reserve in the basket, which we crack open on landing to celebrate with some bubbles.”
Happy Birthday to the Railway Inn
The Thatchers hot air balloon can carry 3-4 people – flights are available through First Flight at: info@firstflight.co.uk
A taste of the west!
HERE at Myrtle Farm we’re all about the apples. And we’re delighted to announce that two of our speciality single variety Cider Barn ciders, Dabinett and Redstreak, have both been given the thumbs up by judges at The Taste of the West awards, receiving a Gold Medal each. Both these delicious ciders that feature traditional West Country cider apples, are available in our cider shop at Myrtle Farm.
Summer cocktail inspiration
EVERYONE is invited to The Railway Inn’s 3rd Birthday celebrations on Saturday 28th July! We’ll have live music, and entertainment for the kids. The pizza oven will be in full swing on the terrace. We look forward to enjoying the day with you!
IF you’re looking for some summer drinks inspiration, try our recipe for a Katy Mojito. Simply take: 30ml white rum, 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice, 20ml simple syrup, 12 mint leaves and a bottle of Thatchers Katy cider. Smack the mint to release the aroma and add to a tall glass; add the rum, lime juice and syrup over crushed ice, and top with Thatchers Katy. Sit back and enjoy.
Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm
www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 2018 • PAGE 19 MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER
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More to explore at the Wells Food Festival GET your taste buds at the ready: the free, family-friendly Wells Food Festival is returning for the sixth year running. More than 15,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a foodie day out on Sunday, October 14th and this year’s programme of events and activities is once again a recipe for a great day out. Organiser Jon Abbott said: “As always, the festival is a celebration of Somerset’s fantastic food. And this year we have included some exciting new areas to explore.” More than 150 producers and street food sellers will be in the artisan market, showcasing the extensive range of fine food and produce that comes from the region. Visitors can expect to taste their way around the world with everything from chai to mead, Moroccan nut butter to traditional Somerset cheddar, from stalls stretching from the Market Place, the Town Hall, into the grounds of The Bishop’s Palace, along the Moat, into the Recreation Ground and the Bishop’s Barn. A high-profile debate will be taking place in the Town Hall, addressing the topic: “It’s Time We Talked About Local Food”. Meanwhile, there’s a journey of food discovery in the informative and interactive Charlie Bigham’s Discovery Zone, alongside an orchard area complete with an apple press. For the first time, The Royal Bath and West of England Society will have a farmyard area at the festival, promising to bring the
Wells Food Festival organisers, Jon Abbott and Charlotte Steele
countryside to the city. Visitors can also roll up their sleeves and join in an attempt at a Guinness Book of Records for making the largest recorded dish of sauerkraut. Katie Venner and Jo Webster, who are passionate about the importance of gut health, are looking for more than 300 volunteers to prepare the sauerkraut in advance. Jo and Katie also want to show people how easy it is to make sauerkraut and how eating small amounts of fermented foods can support a healthy gut.
The festival runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm. For details visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk or visit www.sauerkrautathon.com to find out how to get involved in the Guiness Book of Records attempt
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GARDEN FOOD
Chillis for Christmas?
AS I write this in mid-July, I've been picking the first green chillies from our greenhouse for a couple of weeks – I think the earliest I've ever managed. Partly it's because of the hot weather but it's also the choice of With JAKE variety – the earliest for me have WHITSON been the Basque chilli and Nigel's Outdoors – both from the Real Seed Catalogue. As the trickle of chillies becomes a tide, I'll need a couple of tricks up my sleeve to preserve them and when it comes to chillies, there's no shortage of options. Most of all, I like to make various vinegar-based chilli sauces, much like Tabasco or Encona sauces. These usually start by roasting and peeling the chillies, then finely chopping the flesh and mixing with vinegar and salt. These keep very well in jars in the fridge or larder all winter long. Another method is drying – the Basque chilli I'm growing seems very similar to Piment d'Espelette, which is a very popular, richly flavoured dried and ground chilli powder from the Basque region of France. Mexico also has a rich variety of dried chillies – dried ripe Poblanos become the famous Ancho chillies when dried, and jalapenos which have turned red, and are then dried over smoke, become the currently very trendy (and delicious) Chipotle chilli. Something I'd like to try this year is simply finely chopping and freezing chillies in tupperwares – the idea being to chip out chunks in the winter to get that fresh chilli flavour on curries and the like. If Thai curries are your thing, then the fresh curry pastes that form the basis of them freeze extremely well and also help preserve the fresh herbs of the summer. If you also have a glut of chillies, bear in mind that chilli sauces can make great Christmas presents! Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
WILD FOOD
Protein-packed peas
REGULAR readers will already know that I like to look for wild food whilst out on my mountain bike and when I’m on holiday. Well now I have combined the two. On a visit to the south of France, I hired a bike to explore the local VTT trails and see a bit of the countryside from a different With ADRIAN angle than the car window and keep an eye BOOTS out for any interesting wild morsels. It was warm, I mean very warm, to the point where any activity was restricted to the morning, spot of lunch, then relax in the shade with a book somewhere for the afternoon. That hot. No mad dogs and lily-white foragers out in the midday sun! Whilst out on the bike I began to notice along the chemin rurals, a tangled plant with lovely flowers. I saw these many times before something in the back part of my brain piped up and nudged me to slow the bike and have a closer look – it might be food after all? Yes, it was food and lots of it too. It was the wild pea! Wild pea (Pisum sativum) is an annual plant up to 1.5 metres, creeping with tendrils spreading over other vegetation. Pea flowers can be white or pink and have three main petals and green sepals. The peas are spherical fruit encased in an elongated pod containing several peas, usually green or yellow/green in colour. The range of the wild pea is limited to the Mediterranean basin and the Near East and was one of, if not the earliest, crops grown. Historically cultivated peas were used for medieval dishes such as pea soup and “pease porridge”. In more recent years dried, frozen or tinned peas are more popular and convenient. However, eating fresh green peas on their own is considered a much more recent activity. So back to the foraging by bike. I began to look further afield and can confirm that the pea is widely abundant, so began the process of wild pea-ing. No this is not the wild swimming version of an outside WC, but the act of searching out and collecting wild peas. As to how I ate them, well rather than some complicated dish I simply followed our Neolithic ancestors’ method and snacked on fresh green peas as I travelled the countryside by bike. It was a great boost in the heat of the day and far better than any energy bar. Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills. MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 21
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Country shopping at its best North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment
TEA ROOMS
Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Function room available for hire
Tasty Cheddar strawberries and our own cream!
Enjoy a good Sunday roast
Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday
Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172
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COME AND ENJOY OUR FRESH BARBEQUE MEATS
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A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D
1976 revisited?
THE most critical stage in grapevine phenological development occurs at flowering. Vagaries of “cool climate” viticulture aside, Aldwick normally faces three intractable challenges. First of all, our seven grape varieties successively flower over a two to three With week period. Secondly, rain during ELIZABETH bloom causes poor fruit cluster LAVER development: coulure (shatter of berries), millerandage (small, seedless “shot” berries), plus ingress of fungal disease spores. Thirdly, flowering invariably coincides with the Wimbledon monsoon. Mirabile dictu? May’s warmth and early summer heatwave pushed flowering to completion before the first tennis ball was fired across Centre Court. Four weeks of drought foster healthy, verdant vines to the detriment of parched gardens and lawns. Who knows what now lies in store? Summer 1976 culminated in severe late August thunderstorms and flooding. Summer 2018 marks change. The new re-brand “Aldwick Estate” proved an adept abridgement of “Aldwick Court Farm & Vineyard”. Much missed Eve Sinclair left late June. Fortunately Sam Hill, who came in February to help Saturdays with garden tasks, signed on for two full weekdays once he’d finished GCSE’s. He’s been a real asset: keen to acquire new skills, willing to graft at any task, switched-on, dependable. Alas, Sam aspires to train as a tree surgeon – not a vineyard manager.
FOOD & DRINK
Cheddar festival
THE inaugural Cheddar Food and Drink Festival took place in September 2017 and saw more than 20 food and drink stalls providing a fantastic range of local produce and supplementing Cheddar’s already excellent range of pubs, restaurants, shops and cafés. This year it will feature around 40 stalls offering a wide range of fine local produce. Entertainment will be provided by the superb Sam Evans and Andy Slade, both members of the band Verdisa, with an open mic session featuring a number of budding local artists during the afternoon.
Elizabeth Laver is Vineyard Manager For wine & vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk
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Wedmore Street Fair
The Rotary Club of Mendip were selling donuts
Debbie Hills and Pat Ilsley from the Somerset Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
The Borough was packed
The Tuesday Club
Clare Wills, Katie Comerford and Carol Connell from Wedmore First School
Marilyn Rowntree, Pat Tutton and Kim Robinson from Wells Country Market PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
The human fruit machine Claire Gelder, Helen Mewes and Gill Litherland
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EVENTS
Doulting Village Fete
Caitlin (left) and Georgia on a stall selling eco-friendly items, including bags painted by pupils from the village’s St Aldhelm’s School
Students from the Chapel Dance Studio in Shepton Mallet ahead of their emotional performance of Lest We Forget, a WWI tribute choreographed by teacher Emma Hill
Year 6 pupil Tatiana with a poster she designed to promote the fete
Youngsters enjoy a cuddly toy tombola
Farmer’s daughter Phoebe Corp tries her hand at “milking” a cow as Paul Vagg, who ran the stall, times her effort
Hayden, Noah and Stefan on the Year 6 goodie stall
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Honouring Lord Trenchard
NEWS
Unveiling of Taunton Trenchard memorial
THE Royal Air Forces Association Mid-Somerset Branch has continued its celebration of the RAF’s centenary, handing over the Trenchard “Token” to the Salisbury branch. A permanent memorial to Lord Trenchard, the Taunton-born founder of the RAF, was unveiled in Taunton on June 14th. The town’s northern inner distributor road was also formally named Trenchard Way as part of the national RAF100 celebrations.
School scoops two Tessas!
BROOKSIDE Academy in Street has won two awards at the 2018 Times Education Supplement School Awards. The awards, celebrating their tenth year, recognise outstanding contributions made by education teams and individuals to help students around the country to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. Brookside, Somerset’s largest primary school with 600 children, won the awards for Community and Collaboration and for Alternative Provision. The Community and Collaboration Award recognises that the schoolprovides extra services for families with disabled children and new training and employment opportunities for the local area, and it has opened up its facilities to host community events. The Alternative Provision Award recognises its 30-place specialist provision that offers education and year-round “wraparound” and shortbreak care for children with complex and profound learning needs within the heart of the school. Headteacher, Brian Walton, said: “To win these awards our community has needed to be courageous and
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(l:r) Al Murray, awards host; Bryony Gale, emotional literacy support assistant and holiday activities leader; Dani Durston, specialist provision class teacher; Brian Walton, headteacher; Rebekah Lloyd, outdoor play and extended schools leader and Amanda Spielman, Ofsted chief inspector
outward looking. We have needed to be greater in spirit at a time in education where the expectations are higher and budgets are tight. “Therefore, I am so proud of the community that is Brookside
Academy. I cannot thank enough all those who have supported us and risen above what is expected to ensure that a quality, inclusive education is our primary purpose. These awards are your awards.”
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Man’s best friends – just one of the treasures consigned PIECES from an extensive local deceased estate will be coming through the Cooper and Tanner sale rooms over the next few months. Entered into the 25th July Antiques and Collectables sale from this estate is a stunning Victorian gilt over mantle mirror with an estimate of £600 – £800; another piece that really grabs your attention is an oil on canvas of two deerhounds and at nearly 9ft wide it’s easy to understand why! A lovely depiction of man’s best friend with an estimate of £2,000 – £3,000 it’s sure to generate interest; so look out for more interesting and unusual pieces coming up in the near future. As ever, there will be a good selection of silver and jewellery in the sale, along with furniture, pictures and collectables. A colourful single-owner collection of mid20th century glass, including excellent examples of Murano and Holmegaard, is also included in the sale. If you feel that you have any items that would be suitable for sale please contact the sale room; we are now accepting entries for our specialist Antiques and
An oil on canvas of two deerhounds
free home visits are available on request. The sale room team are always happy to help so please do not hesitate to contact them.
Collectables Sale on 5th September and continue to do so until 22nd August. Every Thursday and Friday free valuations are held at the salerooms and
SALE ROOMS UPCOMING LOTS IN OUR JULY SALE
A Mappin and Webb diamond set cocktail watch, estimate £150-250
A large Kosta Boda glass bowl with swirl green/blue/white design, estimate £200-220
A large decorative Victorian carved gilt wood over mantel mirror, estimate £600-800
A large Victorian gong mounted in Gothic oak frame, estimate £400-500
A Cenedese Murano aquarium vase, estimate £100-150
Free specialist jewellery valuations available by appointment, please contact the office to book Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
A five stone graduated opal ring, estimate £100-150
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ARTS AND ANTIQUES
Historic painting fetches record price at Clevedon CLEVEDON Salerooms’ recent specialist sale included this Arthur Wilde Parsons (1854-1931) watercolour of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Bristol in 1574. Painted in 1917, this type of historical genre picture was often intended for municipal buildings and this work measuring 47cm x 59cm was a preparatory watercolour for a large oil painting presented to Bristol Art Gallery. Arthur Wilde Parsons was a prolific artist and the auction databases for the artist show that watercolours of a similar scale
can often be secured for the low to mid hundreds of pounds. The estimate for this painting reflected this precedence, but on sale day two bidders ignored precedent and provided onlookers with the perfect example of the auction process doing what it does best. The gavel fell with the winning bidder parting with £4,700 for the work, establishing what is believed to be a new auction record for the artist in watercolour, in addition to a delighted vendor in the Chew Valley. If you have items that you may be thinking of selling why not contact Clevedon Salerooms for a free no-obligation valuation?
Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding
ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE SEPTEMBER SPECIALIST SALE (Closing date 8th August) Jamini Roy (Indian) Gouache – Head of Christ Sold to a Delhi internet bidder for
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers
FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS Mon 6th & Tues 7th August 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the Salerooms No appointment necessary
Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Auctions 2nd & 16th August Sales start at 10.30am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm
Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789
The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com
Italian micro mosaic panel depicting St Peters Square, Rome, 3.5cm x 4.25cm. Sold to a New York internet bidder for
£2,350
£3,100
Free Jewellery, Watch, Silver & Gold Valuation Day at the Salerooms Wednesday 8th August 10am – 4pm Diamond Clip brooch
Sold for £6,200 On the above date our experienced Valuers will be offering free no-obligation verbal estimates on all items of jewellery, watches, silver and gold at the Salerooms with the 6th September specialist Sale in mind. No appointment necessary. For further information contact Toby Pinn MRICS on 01934 830111. MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 31
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Mendip – not just an auction house AUCTIONS at the Mendip Auction Rooms are continuing apace during the summer with sales scheduled every two weeks providing a great opportunity for those seeking to buy and sell. Established in 2012, the auction rooms have gone from strength to strength and are now highly regarded as an auction house of regional importance with excellent facilities. Headed by Nicky Houston, a qualified valuer with extensive experience of working in national and respected auction houses, the valuation team have expertise in valuing all forms of antiques, collectables and household items.Supported by a team of experts, those visiting the auction rooms can have confidence that they are receiving the best valuation advice. The Mendip Auction Rooms is firmly embedded in the local community being part of the well-respected Killens operation and Killens pride themselves in providing a “one stop” service in valuing and selling homes and chattels as well as arranging removals and house clearances, that you can trust. Losing loved ones is difficult not just in terms of emotion and grief but often leads to pressures in handling the affairs that inevitably arise. Killens are very conscious of the distress that can arise from marketing property, clearing homes and selling chattels and are there to take the strain and to assist in a considerate and sympathetic manner. Tom Killen said: “Personally I know the difficulties that arise from the loss of a relative and we are on hand to assist
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in managing the affairs that can arise. We recently acted for the children of parents who had recently passed away within a relatively short period. The children did not know in which direction to turn. “They were advised to consult with us and soon realised we could sort everything for them. At our first meeting, they were literally tears of relief and we disposed of the property and chattels in a sympathetic yet advantageous manner.” So why should you use the Mendip Auction Rooms to sell your items in preference to others? Well, the team are recognised as friendly and professional with great marketing including online auctions. The rooms are located just off the A37 and collection and delivery couldn’t be easier. Do visit the attractive auction rooms and chat through your requirements or contact the auction rooms to arrange a free home visit.
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Bespoke cover for your high value possessions
ARTS & ANTIQUES
HIGOS Insurance Services have a dedicated team who understand the individual needs of your lifestyle, home and possessions. Higos offer a personal service with experienced staff and tailor-made insurance policies which are designed to match the value of your possessions. Are you at risk of being underinsured? Underinsurance means an insurance coverage which is inadequate and does not cover the true value of your possessions. If you are underinsured and make a claim, you could face a significant financial loss as your insurance will not be enough to cover the cost of an identical replacement. Underinsurance can easily creep up on you. Consider this example from a leading insurer, a Gents Mont Blanc watch – last valued in 2003 at £3,129, was stolen. The insurer paid that sum to the client; however the watch had actually increased in value and a replacement cost £10,695. Precious metal (such as platinum, gold and silver) and diamond prices can change drastically over short periods of time.
Underinsurance can easily be avoided by following these three tips: Get an up-to-date valuation Higos recommends valuations take place once every five years. Valuations ensure the coverage specified on your insurance policy is correct and appropriate for your needs.
Make sure the valuation contains detailed information It is extremely important to have a professional valuation. A valuation that states “A Solitaire diamond ring: £20,000” is ineffective. There are no indications of carat weight or grading, details of the mount, whether the ring is antique or modern, or made by a particular designer. This level of information is vital when seeking a replacement stone or piece.
A professional valuation should be fully descriptive with accurate details of the gemstones and materials used, a clear colour photograph, and an accurate replacement value. The valuation should also include clear details of your name and address to prove ownership of the item as an insurer will not except a valuation without this identification.
Make sure your home insurance policy matches your needs Higos have access to a number of products from leading insurers, enabling them to make sure your needs are catered for and your possessions properly protected. High Net Worth home insurance products cater for art, antiques and jewellery collections, offering a personal service and full support in the event of any claims.
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 33
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INTERNET
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Turn it off and turn it on!
THE mantra for any sudden problem, is to Turn It Off and Turn It On Again. The basic principle applies to wifi on phone or tablet, printers, Sky boxes, phones, etc. If you don’t want to be disturbed at night, you can turn all sounds off. Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb then go to Add more, enter a name for the rule, and then pick the days and start and end times you want to sleep in peace. But if you also use your phone as an alarm clock, be sure the "Alarm can override end time" is switched on. On some phones, you need to swipe down from the top of your screen with two fingers. Under Do Not Disturb or your current option, tap the Down arrow. Turn on Do Not Disturb. Tap Alarms only. Choose how long you want this setting to last. Tap Done. You'll see Alarms only. You can use your phone to remind you of something using the voice command to set a reminder for myself. All you need do is open the voice command (OK Google or Hey Siri) and say: "Remind me to switch on the oven at 6pm today." At the appointed time, the phone will alert you that it's time to start cooking. Or you can set it for a location, rather than a time. Google knows many public locations, and you can label other places such as home and work using Google Maps. On most phones, when typing, a double-tap will add a full stop and a space. If you find your phone is eating battery, you can do a simple step to increase its life. Go to Settings > Display and reduce the brightness – taking it down 50% can make an enormous difference. Save your photos To automatically save your Google Photo images, log into your Google account. Then, go to Settings > Backup. On this screen, make sure Back up to Google Drive is on and is set to use your account. Then, go to Photos & videos. You can also back your photos up over your cellular network, but it’s best to keep with wifi. You can also back up photos from other applications by using the Device Folders options. For example, by choosing the WhatsApp Image folder and SaveMMS, it'll automatically save any photos sent over WhatsApp or texting.
Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF PLEASE NOTE – WE ARE CLOSED FOR OUR SUMMER BREAK UNTIL OCTOBER. 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project. Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us. We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you would like to share basic skills with others, please get in touch.
PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 8 It matures in Wookey Hole (6) 9 Cone contents (3,5) 10 Impressive in appearance (8) 11 Easy to control (6) 12 Burston Strike School leader, born in East Pennard (6) 13 Home to a museum with a coalmine winding wheel at the front (8) 14 What balloons get when inflated (6,3,6) 18 Fish in it at Congresbury (5,3) 21 Round-up assistant (6) 23 Heavenly body (6) 24 Jamaican resort with a friendship link to Cheddar (4,4) 25 Excessively embellished (8) 26 One of the B vitamins (6)
DOWN 1 Iranian Revolution leader (8) 2 Turned down (6) 3 Tyro (8) 4 Nursery rhyme thought by some to have originated in Holcombe (4,1,4,1,5) 5 Driven in a group (6) 6 Store label (5,3) 7 Pungent cooking herb (6) 15 Gone right 'ere in a spot near Wells (5,3) 16 Court stroke (8) 17 Like most sitcoms (8) 19 Smitten (2,4) 20 Village near Cadbury Hill (6) 22 Immature (6)
Answers on page 121
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EVENTS
Top of the Gorge
THE inaugural Top of the Gorge Festival, organised by the National Trust, was a great showcase for what Mendip outdoors has to offer. Running and cycling were held alongside archery and Frisbee golf, with other activities in Cheddar Gorge and at Axbridge reservoir, with music, expert speakers and a range of food and drink. The trust is already planning next year’s event.
Limbering up before a race
Axe throwing was one of the activities
Butcombe Village Fete Flower grower Toria Britten who won Gold at Chelsea
The Frukes from Frome Time for tea
The cake stall was popular
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Bath College offers a wide range of courses
BATH College provides vocational and academic courses in a wide range of subjects and they can help you to find a suitable course to make sure you have the knowledge and skills for your chosen career. As the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath, they also offer excellent opportunities for young people to earn and learn on the job. Their city centre campus gives students the opportunity to be in the middle of Bath’s vibrant atmosphere, which is easily accessible from Bristol, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. Courses available include art and design, photography, business, hospitality and catering, hairdressing, complementary therapy, health and social care, IT, media, music and sport. At their Somer Valley Campus, based in the picturesque
Somerset countryside, students study arboriculture, animal care, veterinary nursing and motor vehicle maintenance. In addition, their Somer Construction Centre caters for 500 students and apprentices studying bricklaying, construction, carpentry and stonemasonry, as well as plumbing, electrical installation and refrigeration. They are creating a centre of excellence for the West of England, helping learners to gain the practical and theoretical skills they need to secure and sustain employment in the construction industry. Whether you’re interested in 16-18 provision, apprenticeships, higher education and degree level courses or part-time Love2Learn leisure courses, Bath College can help you take the next step.
Details: www.bathcollege.ac.uk or contact their student advice centre on 01225 312191.
PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
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Fairfield has a family feel FAIRFIELD is a small school where everyone knows everyone and they strive to create a family atmosphere in which everyone feels valued and appreciated. At the heart of everything they do is the strength of the relationship between child, family and school. Their philosophy is based on one over-arching question: what is in the best interests of their children? They plan a stimulating and vibrant, creative curriculum to encourage their children to develop a lifelong love of learning. At Fairfield, children are fortunate to enjoy the benefit of being taught by an outstanding team of teachers who put their children at their ease, nurture and encourage them and develop their selfbelief. They specialise in the field of primary education for children aged 2-11; they have an excellent reputation within the North Somerset and Bristol areas,
sending their children at age 11, with many of them in receipt of scholarship awards, to all of the Bristol independent senior schools and to the local maintained sector senior schools. Their nursery classes are an integral part of their school and provide a significant number of their intake for
EDUCATION
Reception class. Their Upper Nursery children benefit from access to all of the facilities on the school site and they also receive specialist music and sport teaching. They have limited vacancies throughout the school for September 2018.
For further information, or to book an individual tour of the school, contact: secretary@fairfieldschool.org.uk or call 01275 462743 or visit their website www.fairfield.school
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BUSINESS
Radstock Co-op launches 150-year anniversary celebrations RADSTOCK Co-op kicked off the start of its 150th anniversary celebrations with results for the last year showing an increase in sales by over ten percent to a whopping £42.4m. Some of this growth came from the opening of three new stores during the year. However, like-for-like sales also showed a healthy increase of 4.1% on the previous year. Whilst the society is celebrating its anniversary and reflecting on its past, which was born out of its mining heritage, it says there is still much to be excited about in the future. It has announced the acquisition of another convenience store in Haywood Village, Weston-super-Mare, which is planned to open late summer, which will be the 20th store within the retail estate. The society is also about to go out to consultation on proposals for the redevelopment of the Radco site, in Radstock which has played a pivotal role in the society’s history. To capture the story of the society and its service to local communities, a book was commissioned from a professional author telling its history from the very first meeting which was the birth of the Radstock Co-operative Society and its intent to support the local community through the co-operative model. A book launch and signing event was held at the Radstock Museum in May which was attended by local dignitaries, many of the society’s key business partners and associates, directors and contributors to the book. The Radstock Museum has also put on an exhibition illustrating the Co-op’s history in pictures, artefacts and documentary evidence. The exhibition runs until August. All of the society’s
stores are participating in local themed events; all representing a decade in the period from 1868 to 2018. From Suffragettes to Rock ’n Roll, each store has been putting on a display to capture the essence of their chosen theme. There was also a grand 150-year celebration evening held at the Bath Pavilion to recognise the society’s achievements over the years, to pay tribute to individual colleagues and teams who had excelled in their roles and delivered great performance, and to raise money for charities and good causes. Guest of honour was the chair of Bath and North East Somerset, Councillor Karen Walker and guests from East of England Co-op and Central England Co-op. Don Morris, chief executive, gave an overview of the society’s achievements over the last year and thanked colleagues for their commitment and hard work which had produced another strong year’s performance. He also thanked sponsors of the event, including many of the society’s suppliers and business partners, who had also donated towards the raffle prizes and awards. The evening culminated in an Oscar-style award ceremony, with the award winners walking the red carpet to be presented with their trophy and prize. Thanks to the generosity of the society’s sponsors, who donated some exceptionally high-value raffle prizes, over £1,300 was raised for good causes. A spokesman said: “The society is proud of its mining heritage and humble roots and pays tribute to the foresight of the founding members who recognised how working together co-operatively reaps benefits for all.”
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Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels
A tale of endurance
SPENDING 20-plus years in marketing in the corporate world is unusual for a stonemason. Having helped his builderfather in his teens, Mark Hamlin questioned the relentless pressure and interminable meetings whilst working for several multi-nationals. Where was the job satisfaction and lasting work-legacy? He said: “I was enduring work when in fact I wanted to produce work which endures.” Now he’s a stonemason with a growing number of happy clients. He took the plunge: gone the white collar and company car; his laptop became a trowel; all-day meetings became all-day fresh air. Mark said: “'I have just one standard and I treat every project as if it is my very own. My job satisfaction simply derives from what I create which pleases clients.” Mark's work and client testimonials can be found on https://markhamlin.co.uk
• DOMESTIC •
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PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
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Water company digs a hole for itself SOMETIME last year, I wrote about a letter by Mr Bowe which achieved top billing on the readers’ page in the Taxation Magazine (his breakfast reading of choice) which began “Am I alone in being incensed …” This phrase has become something of a saying chez nous and just this week it was in use again in, I feel, highly appropriate circumstances. You may recall that I have written about the quality of service we smaller businesses need to maintain to keep our customers happy; and this is why an advert, in the form of an email, was enough to “stiffen the sinews” and “summon up the blood”. It was a message from a water company which promised to help us all to save money on our water bills, and gave us three handy tips in order to do so. Handy tips my elbow! The suggestion was that one could read one’s own meter. If said meter was in a hole in the ground, one could reach down with a mobile phone and take a picture of the dial to see the numbers easily. If the hole was found to be full of water, one could empty it with a bicycle pump!? Thirdly, if the face of the dial was dirty, one should take a
BUSINESS
damp sponge, attach it to a sturdy stick and wipe the face of the dial clean to make it legible (with the phone camera, of course). For some reason, I feel back in the realms of Blue Peter! It doesn’t take a genius, however, to work out that none of these actions will save a consumer a single penny on their water bill. They will, however, save the water companies money because they won’t have to send out anyone to read our meters. I wonder (idly, of course) what would happen if we smaller firms tried that sort of approach? If we offer a comprehensive service, then that’s exactly what it should be. We exist because we save our clients time, effort and worry in an already over-busy and over-wrought world. I remember calling the water company that served my mother’s home after they had insisted that she read her own meter which was several feet down a hole in the driveway. She was 80 at the time. After an extended “discussion” with a very nice chap on the switchboard, he apologised on behalf of the company and assured me that it would be taken care of. I thanked him and said laughingly that I expected he might decide to change jobs and move to the electricity company now. “Oh no madam,” he said in a solemn voice, “Because with my luck, I’d get you there as well!” Rude! Stay well and happy in August, and do, please, avoid holes in the ground… Jane Bowe Probusiness
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New tool hire company opens in the Chew Valley WHETHER you are in the construction business or just enjoy your DIY at home, the chances are that you might need tools you don't already have. If you choose to buy, you'll not only have to face a hefty cost but will then need to store and maintain equipment you may only use once in a blue moon. Hiring is often the better option and now an independent tool and plant hire business, providing professional plant hire services to industrial, construction, civil engineering, gardening and horticulture contractors, local trade and DIY markets has opened in the heart of the Chew Valley. Located in Winford Business Park behind Winford Ford Garage, Tool Hire Ltd guarantee to beat all other quotes on their extensive range of equipment for hire, and offer a free delivery and collection service. Hiring means you can have access to a wide range of equipment ensuring you have exactly the right tool of the job - not make do with the wrong size or type just because it is all you have. Tool Hire Ltd offer the latest, most advanced and up-to-date equipment and the knowledgeable team of staff are always on hand to advise you on how to get the best results. They also hire out trailers and horse boxes. A full range of equipment available can be viewed on www.toolhireltd.co.uk From drills to cherry-pickers, carpet cleaners to excavators, you'll find exactly what you want, available on short or long-term hire.
A company spokesman said: “Until now there has been no tool hire company in the Chew Valley, so we are delighted to be filling this gap in the market. Our emphasis will be on providing local companies and individuals with the best possible service at the best possible price. “We also have a shop area fully stocked with tools to buy, should you decide to purchase any equipment. Give us a ring on (01275) 332693 or 07530 183435, or call in to see us at Winford Business Park and we'll be happy to help and advise you."
toolhireltd.co.uk • 01275 332693 Winford Business Park, Chew Road, Winford BS40 8HJ PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
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Cycling in India
AS the Tour de France has just finished - why not set yourself a challenge for one of Nepinsri’s cycling itineraries in India? They have several routes to choose from and all trips are fully vehicle supported, so if you need a rest you can jump in to your transport at any time! With a tour leader who loves cycling, you are sure to have a great time – with sightseeing, culture, wildlife, 24-gear bike hire and accommodation all included. They also offer cycling tours in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
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BUSINESS CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY
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For a genuine plumbing, heating or drain enquiry, a 24 hour call-out service is available 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us for a highly competitive quotation at fixed hourly rates.
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Tel: 0117 902 5820 • Fax: 0117 964 4666 Email: info@hudsonplumbing.co.uk Hudson Plumbing & Heating Services is a well-established local business located in the Bristol area. With over 20 years experience, we have built up an enviable reputation for quality workmanship, high levels of customer care, reliability and value for money.
Tel: 0117 940 0074 • Fax: 0117 964 4666 Email: info@bristoldrains.com At Bristol Drains, you can be assured of first-class work carried out by our own experienced and professional engineers. Whether you have a blocked drain at your home or office or if you require a buried drain traced/detected – CALL US NOW – no job too small.
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MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 43
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The Axbridge Tapestry – town’s history on show 2010 found there was a gap in their lives afterwards and formed a sewing group. Five years later these 14 vibrant wall hangings are the result. The rich history of Axbridge is shown in all its colourful glory. To view the wall hangings, visit Axbridge & District
Museum, in King John's Hunting Lodge from August 3rd. Entrance is £2.50, and you can use the same ticket all season. National Trust members and under-16s visit free of charge. It’s open daily 1pm to 4pm.
AD200 Romans
AD870 Saxons
AD943 St. Dunstan
AD1210 King John
AD1599 Elizabethan Charter
AD1644 Queen Henrietta Maria
AD1685 Monmouth Rebellion
AD1750 Lady Day Fair
AD1791 Hannah More
AD1805 Bull Baiting
AD1869 Coming of the Railway
World War I & II
AD2010 Finale
Some of the sewers
The group’s logo
Details: Axbridge Sewing Group, Barbara Wells, email: alan.wells9@btopenworld.com
PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Pictures courtesy of Alan Wells
AXBRIDGE now boasts its own version of the Bayeux Tapestry! Every ten years 400 people are involved in a huge pageant depicting the town’s history. The seamstresses who made the magnificent costumes for the last one in
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HISTORY
A love story with a difference
MORE copies are to be printed of a book telling the remarkable story of a German couple’s experiences during and after the Second World War and their later life in Street. Writer John Coles, a former mayor of Glastonbury, has almost sold out of the first print run of his book telling the story of Walter and Hildegard Schnitzer in their own words. He describes the telling of their story as “long overdue”. Walter was a Stuka dive bomber pilot who surrendered to the British army in 1944 and was sent to work as a prisoner of war at the farm in Dorset where John’s family lived and worked. Walter was repatriated to Germany in 1948 but returned to work for John’s father once more, this time in Street where he met Hildegard who had fought fires caused by Allied bombing raids as a teenager. She came to England after the war ended because conditions were so bad in post-war Germany. The couple married in 1951 and Hildegard worked at Millfield School for many years. Walter passed away in 2015, aged 91, but his widow survives him. John said: “Walter was one of the kindest of men you could ever wish to meet; he had a heart of gold. He hated Hitler, but had no choice but to fight.
Walter in uniform
Walter and Hildegard were a familiar sight in Street
“The couple were very well known in Street and very well liked.” ● Walter and Hildegard: The Incredible Story of Two Survivors is available from Dicketts in Glastonbury High Street, News at Ten in Magdalene Street and from John himself on: 01458 833045.
John at home with a recording of a video he made of Walter and Hildegard
Walking through history THREE new heritage walks have been created by Pensford Local History Group, starting from Pensford and taking in Pensford village, Stanton Drew and Woollard Each walk is different and offers residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the local countryside and learn more about the history of the area. The project has been supported by The Pensford, Publow and the Stantons Community Trust, who donated £1,000 towards the printing costs. Chairman, Andrew Hillman, said: “This is a fabulous project
in which the members of the history group have invested considerable time for the wider benefit of our communities.” The walks were launched at Pensford’s Great Flood commemoration event. The booklets are available from Pensford Post Office, The Miners Coffee Shop, The Rising Sun, The George and Dragon, the Travellers Rest and The Hollies B&B as well as other outlets.
Andrew Hillman second left) is pictured presenting the cheque to (l to r) Therese Tyson, Hilary Cox, Lyndsay Cooper, Chris James and Sue Osborne
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 45
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Congresbury Village Fete
Admiring the flowers
Kirsty (nearest camera) and Ophelia were among those taking part in a static 24-hour bike ride in aid of the village youth club
Congresbury Community Pre-School were in charge of drinks at the "officers' mess"
Preparing for the dog show
The team from Love Congresbury and Apple Shed theatre company
Congresbury Community Transport unveiled Bluey V, their fifth vehicle since they started in 2000 PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Cadbury Saxophone Band in action
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EVENTS
Wrington Village Fete
Members of the Yeo Valley Explorer Scouts man the gate Darryl Brown gets a henna tattoo from Sophie
Mel prepares to soak her husband Tom Henry in the stocks to mark their 12th wedding anniversary
Wrington Country Market members did a good trade in strawberries
Matilda and Florence enjoy candy floss
Can you name the flowers? One of the challenges
Photography courtesy of Bob Bowen
Bea concentrates hard on the wire game
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 47
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School prison project expands
A pioneering scheme is underway in schools to deter young people from becoming involved in criminal activity, thanks to the idea of a PCSO based in Frome. Mark Adler reports. THE giggling ended as soon as the handcuffs snapped shut – a group of teenagers were about to discover what life was really like in the criminal justice system. Facing a variety of imaginary, but realistic charges from making a hoax bomb threat to carrying a knife in school, the 14-year-olds were transported – literally – from college to prison. In the space of one hour, the Frome College students were arrested, fingerprinted, had mouth swabs taken and sent in a police van to Shepton Mallet prison for what was, at times, a harsh learning experience. PCSO Gary Maule, part of the Frome Neighbourhood Team, devised the experience to offer young people the opportunity to discover the consequences of breaking the law. A pilot scheme last year with younger children had worked well and now other schools are looking to take part. Avon and Somerset Police is the only force so far in which Gary’s scheme is operating, but he hopes it could be
Hollie is arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage as PCSO Gary Maule looks on
replicated elsewhere. He said: “The project was conceived to enable students to form a better understanding of what it feels like to be arrested and to spend time in prison, but to conduct it in a safe and nurturing environment. “I conduct lots of intervention work in schools and had noticed that for many young people just talking them through what would happen if they committed a crime was not enough. Some young people need to experience situations to enable them to process information and this was why the Prison Experience was conceived. It’s easy to explain to young people what would happen if someone breaks the law, but not that easy for some young people to understand what
Students had their fingerprints taken (in real life, a more modern method is used) before… PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
that would feel like.” The day is conducted through role play, with Gary’s colleague, Frome PC Tori Ward, acting as the arresting officer. If the handcuffs were all-tooreal, the welcome when the students, from the college’s Aspire unit, arrived at Shepton Mallet, was even harsher. Retired prison officer Graham Miller – he began his career in the tough environment of Wandsworth Prison in London, ending it at Shepton Mallet when it closed – did not hold back when he processed the young people before locking them in the cells in A Wing. The students were given 30 minutes to complete a test before being set to “work” sorting out nuts and bolts. The
. . . DNA samples were taken. All samples are later destroyed
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aim was to emphasise how mundane and uncomfortable prison life can be. Shepton prison is currently home to Jailhouse Tours, which offers visitors a chance to explore the infamous buildings and Graham is one of the tour guides. Gary added: “The Prison Experience is NOT a punishment and should not be seen as such. This is an educational experience that hopefully each student will gain further knowledge to help them make the right choices as they progress through life.”
Carl is questioned about a hoax bomb call by PCSO Gary Maule and PC Tori Ward
Carl is “processed” in the prison
Prison officer Graham Miller did not hold back with his language or the facts about life inside: “In prison, your only friend is a prison officer.”
Katie is charged with possessing a knife in school
FOCUS ON YOUTH
The prisoners are taken to their cells in A Wing
Hollie and Cameron share a cell
Aidan is led away by PC Tori Ward after being charged with making threats to kill
The prisoners arrive at Shepton Mallet
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 49
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Council boss gets on his bike
A great start to the summer
Claire Schneider from Hummingbirds Music with toddle waddle children
MENDIP District Council chief executive, Stuart Brown, will be taking on the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey 100 on Sunday, July 29th together with his son Ben to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and Mendip YMCA. The ride starts in the Queen Olympic Park and follows a 100mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside. Last year the pair completed the 46-mile ride in London, but this year they wanted to up the challenge by taking on the 100mile route and hope to raise over £600 for the charities. Stuart said: “I am currently training hard for the challenge of the RideLondon – Surrey event next month and am delighted to be able to support the Alzheimer Society by raising sponsorship. “The Alzheimer Society’s mission is to transform the landscape of dementia forever, they strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice. “I also plan to support Mendip YMCA as staff at Mendip District Council have chosen this local charity as our charity of the year. “We are only too aware of the work that they do to support young people by providing a range of services with an emphasis on housing and homelessness. Much of their work cuts across so many of our service areas at the council. Their work is vital in supporting young people to grow in confidence and develop to reach their full potential.”
FROME-based counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) has raised more than £13,000 in a month. The money raised will fund around 300 counselling sessions for people in Somerset, B&NES and Wiltshire who are affected by cancer or a life threatening condition. The month began with a Guinness world record attempt, which saw 678 people aged 16 to 73 row 500m each on a single rowing machine over 24 hours. Organiser Rachel Clark said: “We were blown away by the community spirit and support we had for this challenge – and we smashed the world record.” The charity also held two events aimed at pre-schoolers, raising over £800 in total. Hummingbirds Music leader Claire Schneider entertained more than 40 children at a “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” event. The children joined in a music session and bear hunt in the park and took home a furry friend donated by Build-a-Bear. This was followed by a “toddle waddle” arranged to coincide with Small Charities Week. Children and their grown-ups took part in a sponsored toddle around Victoria Park and enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting and a book and cake sale. Then Frome Netball Club ran a junior netball tournament and family fun day at Oakfield Academy. Overall the event raised just under £1,000, half of which will go to We Hear You. Redrow homes, a long-standing corporate sponsor of We Hear You, topped off a fantastic month with a £3,000 donation to the charity raised through a variety of fundraising activities by its staff.
Details: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartbrown2018 www.mendip.gov.uk/stuartridelondon www.alzheimers.org.uk www.mendipymca.org.uk
Collectors wanted
THIS year’s Langport & District Red Cross Week collection raised £2,246, £121 more than last year. Organisers offered special thanks to Tesco, Langport and Williams, Somerton, where their bucket collections raised £789. They are appealing for more house-to-house collectors across the area. Details: Chris Cox 01458 273085 or e-mail cox.cj@btinternet.com
PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Team Clark present the rowathon cheque to WHY’s Gemma Wilkes
Details: fundraising@wehearyou.org.uk 01373455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk
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Ramble supports hospice
(Photo courtesy of David Hirst)
Rose and Jane
JANE Bowden, a friend of Children’s Hospice South West, has launched the Rainbow Ramble, which is being organised by the Friends of Coleford and Holcombe Churches to raise funds for the hospice at Charlton Farm, Wraxall. After speaking about the work of the hospice, she was the first to take up the Ramble Challenge, pictured receiving her sponsorship form from Rosemary Clark. The ramble and family picnic on Wednesday, August 29th, will have a choice of two guided walks, one of two miles and another of approximately four miles, or a self-guided family treasure hunt. Ramblers and treasure seekers alike, with or without dogs and accompanied children, will be assembling at Holcombe Village Hall at 10am to register their chosen ramble option, with walks starting at 10.30. Details: Rosemary Clark 01761 233256 or Gay Curtis 01761 232140
Get creative this summer
RADSTOCK-based charity, Creativity Works, is having a Creative Wellbeing Challenge this summer. It says daily creative activities add some sparkle into your life. Complete the challenge and you could win a prize! Their free online challenge, exploring how engagement in the arts can improve health and wellbeing, starts on Monday, July 30th and runs for five weeks via social media. It says: “One in six adults experience a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression and during the summer this can be an extra challenging time for some people, especially those with young children. “By using the five ways to wellbeing creatively – Connect, Be active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give – evidence shows that mental and general wellbeing overall improves. The challenge focuses on one of these ‘ways’ each week and offers a range of different ideas and creative exercises to try out.” Sign up via their website and each day of the challenge respond to the theme of the week. Details: #CreativeSummer18 #ArtsHealthWellbeing http://www.creativityworks.org.uk/get-involved/summerwellbeing-challenge/
CHARITIES
Garden party for Freewheelers
Chris and Sherrie-jane present a cheque to Paul Marshall, from Freewheelers
A GARDEN party in Radstock hosted by Chris James and his partner Sherrie-jane has raised £350 for the Freewheelers Blood Bikes charity. The event was attended by more than 60 guests who were a mix of freemasons from Chris’s and other local lodges, members of his Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club and other rotarians from Sherrie-jane’s Langport and Somerton club, along with family and friends. Guests enjoyed a traditional English cream tea, which was served by several of the Bath unit of the Avon and Somerset Police cadets – Chris is one of the unit leaders – and were entertained by the New Academic Feetwarmers trad-jazz band. Freewheelers volunteer riders deliver urgently-needed blood and other medical supplies between medical centres, or to a patient in their home, as well as daily deliveries of blood products to air ambulance bases. The money raised from the party is sufficient to cover the costs of a blood bike for a whole shift.
Guests enjoy the garden party at Chris’s home in Radstock
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 51
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Time for coffee
Pictured (l to r) Liz Balmforth, Alan Morris, Cynthia Castle, Bridget Gracie, Bettina Kohn and Sue Daniels and front row Jackie Morris, Joan Barnes and Ann Morris
THE annual coffee morning held in Liz Balmforth's house and garden in Bishop Sutton raised £403.50 for Arthritis Research UK. The charity’s community relationships manager, Adrian Williams, said: “The Chew Valley branch of Arthritis Research UK is one of our most enthusiastic and passionate fundraising groups. “Over many years they have raised tens of thousands of pounds to help us bring hope to people living with the daily limits of arthritis.”
Any old ties?
ANNIE Sherborne of Chelwood, has been helping the poor in the Philippines by collecting ties – more than 1,000 of them. They are made into cushions and bags and sold to raise funds. Linda Quinn of the Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge is pictured thanking Annie at a recent meeting. PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Mendip movers
AGE UK Somerset are offering Mature Movers sessions for older adults across Mendip thanks to Somerset Community Foundation and the Field House Trust. The sessions are full of movements that promote flexibility, stamina, co-ordination, strength and are great fun. They say the simple to follow movements are good for helping to keep people active and healthy but also with a focus on getting people together socially. The sessions are led by a qualified instructor. They cost £4 on a pay as you go basis with no upfront payment or commitment needed. There is no need to book either, just turn up and you’ll be made to feel welcome. These classes are held in Shepton Mallet, Coleford, Nunney, Beckington and Evercreech. They also hold similar classes in Frome, Axbridge, Cheddar and Wells. Further classes called Stay Strong Stay Steady will be coming soon to Shepton Mallet and Wells. Sponsored by Somerset County Council, they are designed for those who are worried about falling and perhaps suffer from osteoporosis or Parkinsons. Contact the charity for a referral form. Details: 01823 345626 or email ageingwell@ageuksomerset.org.uk
Charity wins award
THE charity, Families for Children, has been awarded a Charity Governance award, one of seven charities chosen from more than 20 across the country. The adoption service, which covers Somerset and the South West, also received a grant for £5,000. Chief executive, Caroline Davis, said: “We are thrilled because governance is such an important area of Caroline Davis and trustee Roger Lake our work and something we have developed over the years. “We have worked hard to ensure diversity in skills of our board and are delighted to have been recognised for this.” The judges praised the charity’s Atrium Adoption Support Service, saying: “Families for Children has pioneered a new approach to holistic, long-term post-adoption support for families and children with proven results. “The impact of this will be lifelong and transformational for the next generation.” The agency has been awarded “Outstanding” following a recent OFSTED inspection. This is the third consecutive time it has achieved the award since 2010. It places children with adoptive families in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
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CHARITIES
B o ul e s -e y e! C ha r i ty c o nt es t i s a h i t THE annual Wells Charity Boules Tournament brought out players and spectators in their hundreds to enjoy the sun and some not-too-serious competition. Organised by the rotary clubs of Wells and Avalon, the day raises funds for The Nepal Trust. Since 2000, the event has raised more than £85,000 for the trust.
Members of Westfield Petanque Club
The day is always something of a pun-fest
A total of 48 teams took part
The Accountaboules
Ladies lunch for breast care unit
A LADIES-only lunch in Midsomer Norton has raised £2,400 for the breast cancer care unit at Bath’s Royal
United Hospital. More than 90 women enjoyed Pimms and a large buffet lunch at the
Guests enjoy the gardens at Rosemary’s home in Midsomer Norton
home of organiser Rosemary Blatchford. It was the fifth year that Rosemary had hosted the event.
The lunch raised £2,400 for the breast unit at the RUH MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 53
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Hundreds celebrate charity’s anniversary
CHARITY Send a Cow welcomed over 350 guests to a special thanksgiving service at Wells Cathedral to celebrate its 30th anniversary. It was founded in 1988 by West Country dairy farmers who literally flew their dairy cows to Uganda. The charity has gone on to touch the lives of over two million people across Africa. On the evening of June 28th, guests enjoyed entertainment from a drumming and singing group from Uganda. Donned in traditional dress, the group performed on the Cathedral Green before leading an incredible procession into the church followed by the founding farmers of the organisation, volunteers and staff who have supported the charity over the years. Special guests included Patrick Sambaga, country director of Uganda, and Andre Nsengiyumva, country director of Burundi, who flew to the UK for the event. Both addressed the congregation with moving speeches about the work of Send a Cow in
The procession in the cathedral PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
their respective countries. Andre said: “In 1988, the UK farmers sending their cows was an act of faith and love. Now, 30 years on, we are launching new projects in Burundi with that same faith and love.’’ Other distinguished guests included the lord lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, the High Sheriff of Somerset, Denis Burn, and celebrity gardener Toby Buckland who is a patron of the charity. The Right Reverend Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells, delivered an act of recommissioning while Bishop Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton, spoke passionately about her recent visit to Zambia where she met communities working with the charity. Paul Stuart, chief executive of Send a Cow, based in Newton St Loe, said: “It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic occasion for Send a Cow. To see Wells Cathedral filled with hundreds of our most
committed supporters, all rejoicing and celebrating to the sounds of African drumming is something I will never forget. “Every person who has donated, fundraised, volunteered or simply spread the word about our work is an important part of Send a Cow’s journey and one of the reasons we are still going strong today. I cannot thank them enough.’’ Established in 1988, Send a Cow was the brainchild of a small group of dairy farmers from the West Country. Faced with strict EU milk quotas which were forcing them to throw away milk and slaughter healthy livestock, the farmers decided to send some of their cows to Uganda to help families struggling after the country’s civil war. The charity now works in six countries across Africa and has worked with over two million people to grow their own food, earn and income and lift themselves out of poverty.
Founding farmers reflect on old photos
Details: www.sendacow.org
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Supporting mental charities
MUSIC for the Mind was launched in style, with a black tie dinner and musical extravaganza at the Swan Hotel in Wells, raising several thousand pounds for local Mind and mental health charities. It served as a curtain-raiser for the Music for the Mind charity concert on Saturday, September 15th at Cedars Hall in Wells. The evening culminated in an energetic performance by soloists from the Bath based Vocal Works Gospel Choir. The full ensemble of over 50 singers will perform pop and R&B at the charity concert with guest singers.
A bald decision
CHARITIES
Details: https://uk.patronbase.com/_WellsEvents/Productions/22H/ Performances or call 01749 834483.
High Sheriff’s awards
THE High Sheriff of Somerset, Denis Burn, has made a number of awards to local individuals and organisations. One of them was to Key4Life, which he described as “a remarkable charity based near Glastonbury but with a national impact that is growing each year”. Their mission is to reduce youth reoffending through the delivery of an innovative rehabilitation programme to those in prison and those at risk of going to prison. Their reputation has grown and they have been asked to bring their programme to prisons in London and beyond. Mr Burn said: “Key4Life was successfully nominated by my predecessor for a National Crimebeat Award and with great pride I can present to the founder and chief executive, Eva Hamilton, this award ‘for their outstanding contribution to helping reduce crime and creating a safer community’.”
Currying support for the Gurkhas and their families
Gurkha piper Cpl Nirmal Thape, who has 22 years’ experience in the Royal Gurkha Rifles, with event organisers Haydn Davies, branch chairman Brig. Bruce Jackman and fellow Gurkha officer Major General Ray Pett. Haydn is a partner at the yard with his wife Margaret
A CHARITY lunch has been held near Wells in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Organised by the Western branch of the charity, guests enjoyed a typical Nepalese curry in the surroundings of the Wells Reclamation yard. The trust – which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year – raises millions of pounds each year to support Gurkha veterans, their dependents and their communities, principally in Nepal.
Jessica before . . .
JESSICA Thomson from Axbridge said goodbye to her lengthy locks in memory of her grandmother, Theresa, on the tenth anniversary of her death from cancer. Jessica said she decided to raise money for charity having been around young people affected by the disease and losing their hair in their teenage years. Her hair was plaited and the plait carefully removed by Amanda Bateman at The Cutting Room hair salon, in Westbury-sub-Mendip. It’s been given to The Little Princess Trust who will use it for wigs for young people. She then had her remaining locks completely shaved off with all money raised going to Cancer Research UK.
. . . and after
Details: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessicathomson99 There are also donation pots at The Cutting Room in Westbury and the Co-op and the Almshouse in Axbridge. MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 55
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Remembering the Great Flood Words and pictures by Ros Anstey
Communities across the area came together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Great Flood of July 11th, 1968, which Mendip Times has been featuring over the last few months. Here is a flavour of some of the events and exhibitions which took place. Glenda Tidcombe (nee Penney) meeting John Watts again for the first time since the flood
Pensford resident Philip Prowse, who remembers being upstairs in the Rising Sun, watching the water rise on the night of the flood
Royal Engineers Dave Yeo, Malcolm Robinson, Rhys Griffiths and John Tomlinson, representing the Royal Engineers, who helped Pensford during the floods
Pensford resident Pat Batten with the commemorative plaque which has been put on the church rooms PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Some of the Salvation Army band, represent the part the Salvation Army played in helping the people of Pensford after they had lost everything in the flood (l to r) Inez Smith, Bethney Mitchell, bandmaster Anthony Smith and Bob Jarvis
Scarlet, Alwen and the Rev Denise Calverley serving refreshments at the event
Pictured (l to r) farmer Wilson Sherborne, Robert Bailey and Beth Perry, who had help set up the photo exhibition
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THE GREAT FLOOD Ex by A
Hilary Cox and Paul Holmes with copies of the three heritage walks, produced by Pensford History Group to commemorate the Great Flood
Former dairy farmer Jack Carpenter (left) and Geoff Hunt looking at some of the displays of photos and memorabilia
Michelle Head, Beryl Wallace and the Rev Sue Stevens, who were serving tea and cakes
Ruth Coleman and Sue Bearder with one of the displays in Pensford
Keynsham memorial
A MEMORIAL unveiled in Keynsham Memorial Park includes the ancient County Bridge Stone, which was washed away in the flood. Keynsham and Saltford History Society members Brian Vowles (left) from Compton Dando and society chairman Richard Dyson are pictured with the stone and memorial plaque.
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Burrington Village Fete The book stall was popular
Dancers from the village school
Pictured (l to r) Ella Wilson, Georgia Bryant and Millie Wilson on the coconut shy
Liz Green, Katharine Gray and Beth Keyte on the bric-a-brac stall
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Rickford Duck Race Helping the ducks along
Decorating the ducks
The scene outside The Plume of Feathers
Leading the duck chase
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Norton has talent
EVENTS
STREET art, music, crafts and more were on display during the Midsomer Arts Festival. The festival, organised by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust and curated by local teacher Martin Plant, culminated in a day of events centred on the Hollies Garden.
The Chumley Warner Brothers, also known as Bridget and Martin Plumley
One of the children’s workshops underway
Jo Eddleston, from Cam Valley Arts Group, decorates the Hollies garden
Two of the Planet Puppets creations
GUTS on stage
Some of the youngsters from Norton Hill School who staged scenes from the theatre version of Blood Brothers
One of the striking images of street art created on large boards
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Archbishop visits The Rock
THE Archbishop of Central Africa, the Most Rev Albert Chama, paid a visit to the Rock of Ages in Burrington Combe, during a visit to the UK to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the link between the diocese of Bath and Wells and Zambia. He’s pictured with Janet Gent, wife of the Rev David Gent, the new rector of the parish. Janet was part of a local group that recently visited Zambia. Burrington has also had long-standing support for St Francis Hospital, Katete, Zambia.
Cycle power in Frome
Frome Museum brought along their penny farthing as part of the event
NEWS
A CHARITY which campaigns for improved walking and cycle routes in and around Frome brought pedal power to the town’s July Frome Independent market. Frome’s Missing Links laid on a range of cycling-themed activities for visitors from blending smoothies on the Smoothie Bike, creating a work of art using a pedal-powered paint spinner or dressing up and posing as a Tour de France cyclist. There was also a bike jumble
sale, demonstrations and displays. Frome’s Missing Links are currently raising funds to secure the next section of the Colliers Way route and the market day event raised nearly £1,200.
Wells flushed with pride
WELLS City Council has officially opened a Changing Places facility at Wells Town Hall, part of a national campaign for new public toilet facilities for people with acute physical and learning disabilities. It has been installed by and will be managed by Wells City Council; £6,000 was donated by Mendip District Council and £1,000 by Mammoth Screen, which uses the town hall in the popular Poldark BBC television series. Last year Mendip District Council opened the first Changing Places facility in Frome with the support of Frome Town Council, the local community and campaigners. Details: www.wells.gov.uk www.changing-places.org
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The race for the yellow jersey is on
Volunteers from Frome’s Missing Links campaign on the smoothie stall
For details and to donate visit: https://fromesmissinglinks.org.uk/donate/
Tri
A COM Norton school Nor the ce about Mem bench 2016. Somer 1988 w The
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WILDLIFE
The great spotted woodpecker – one in 240
THERE are thought to be 240 different species worldwide in the woodpecker family, which includes the sapsuckers and wryneck; in the UK we have three: the green, the very rare lesser-spotted, and the great spotted. The great spotted woodpecker is a By CHRIS woodland bird, but often comes to parks SPERRING and gardens to feed. It is easily recognised MBE with its striking pied plumage and red patches. Both sexes have the red patch on the belly, however the male also has a small red patch on the back of his head and juveniles have a large red cap. They are widespread, occurring almost anywhere there are sufficient mature trees. They eat a very wide variety of food including nuts, seeds and insects, but will also eat eggs and chicks of other birds when they can. They will drill into tree trunks to access nests and find man-made wooden nest boxes particularly easy pickings. You can help protect the chicks in your garden nest box by adding a metal front plate as this is the most likely place they will try to drill, but I have seen boxes where woodpeckers have drilled in through the roof and even through the base. They have an amazing tongue which can be used to spear insects deep within crevices. It can extend 40mm beyond the end of the beak, and when not in use it coils it up at the back of its skull. Whilst recording a programme for BBC Radio 4 I watched a great spotted woodpecker drilling lines of holes in a smallleafed lime tree; indeed so straight were the holes that if I’d had done it I would have needed a ruler.
Woodpeckers can be attracted easily to gardens with peanuts, fat balls and water
The amazing lifestyle of the great spotted woodpecker
After completing one line the woodpecker would move down the trunk and do the same thing again. The time of year was high summer so I deduced that this behaviour was to encourage the flow of sap which is quite sugary and the woodpeckers seemingly can’t resist it. As early as February these woodpeckers will start drumming using their long, hardened beak to hammer on tree trunks. This drumming is a form of communication, as this species has no song, and it has a specially adapted head and beak structure to prevent damage to the brain whilst drumming or drilling. They test the acoustics and choose the best trees for their hammering to get the message out to others that this territory is taken. The nest tree chosen by each pair can be live or dead and the hole is excavated by both male and female. Normally between four and six white eggs are laid followed by a short incubation of around 12 days and which is carried out by both parents. The young are fed and reared again by both adults and fledge at around 24 days of age. Normally only one brood is produced per year, the start of nesting is very much influenced by weather and, as with many species this year, they have been much later than normal due to the severe cold spell at the end of last winter. Great spotted woodpeckers are a great bird to watch out for, as they will eagerly come to peanut feeders in gardens and parks. Watch how they use their amazing adaptations to walk around trees, with a zygodactyl arrangement of toes (two toes that face forward and two that face backwards) along with specially adapted stiff tail feathers and longer tail bone which provide extra support. Great spotted woodpeckers are thought to have increased in number and really do benefit from allowing fallen branches and trees to rot down naturally. They also benefit from any tree planting scheme or increase in woodland cover and, lastly, they are helped by people feeding birds in their gardens. The best things to attract woodpeckers are hanging feeders with peanuts, fat balls or blocks and water to drink.
Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com
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Wonderful views on this walk from Wells
HERE is a beautiful, varied wander which weaves together Wells, Wookey Hole, and Ebbor Gorge. This five-mile circle from Wells uses the West Mendip Way and then the Monarch’s Way. It takes you over Arthur’s Point viewpoint, through Wookey Hole (refreshment available here) and then tackles a challenging section of about 25-30 minutes climbing up through beautiful Ebbor Gorge. Stop at an amazing cliff edge viewing area. Soon, along the top, enjoy flat walking with great vistas before gently descending
through fields and woods. It is an ideal dog walk. It’s easy walking apart from the strenuous climb in the gorge, but you can take your time and enjoy it. Try and choose a clear day to get the most of the views. PARK: In Ash Lane near where the West Mendip Way crosses it, having come up from Wells. Ash Lane is on the Northern edge of Wells and runs west from the A39 Bristol to Wells Road. Park about halfway along not far from Milton Lane and Fir Tree Close.
START: Find the West Mendip Way which crosses Ash Lane and follow it up between houses. Cross another residential road. You may notice a small stone square on the path marked with a ‘B’ – a mystery to me. Any clues? Come up into the open. As you continue, on the left behind the hedge, is the old Underwood Quarry. Pass a memorial to Ella Gould, a founder member of the Mendip Ramblers, and then turn left still on the Tarmac. Fork right on a rougher path by a waymark post, under trees, still on the WMW. 1. LIMEKILNS Pass three limekilns. Notice the different stone of the centre one which was built using some of the stone from the old quarry behind, Split Rock. Ignore a track right. Just continue ahead coming alongside a field and getting a good view down to Brent Knoll.
With Sue Gearing PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
2. ARTHUR’S POINT Turn up through woods and climb steadily up to an open area, bearing left. This is
known as Arthur’s Point where Arthur was said to have sat when he contemplated how to kill the wicked witch of Wookey! Carry on along the hill and then drop down and enter a field. Here is a great view ahead of Glastonbury Tor. Closer at hand is the brick chimney of St Cuthbert’s Paper Mill, Haybridge. Stay over to the right side of the field as you descend and then go down a rocky ridge. A gate in the bottom corner leads onto a path. Turn right and enter a field. Stay along the top edge, gradually dropping to a gate in the corner. 3. WOOKEY HOLE Turn right onto the lane on the edge of Wookey Hole. Notice the carving opposite. Pass the Wookey Hole Club and then Wookey Hole Inn. Alongside the lane is the River Axe which rises in the caves here at Wookey hole. Continue through to the very popular and varied Wookey Resort complex. It all began with the large network of underground caverns, which in the 1920s were turned into a tourist attraction. On the right is the old paper mill, now a hub of the resort, with the caves behind. On the left is a great place to buy ice cream and also the Wookey Hole Hotel and restaurant. Pass a quaint old sign about charabancs, and follow the lane out of the village for a few minutes. At the Wookey Hole sign, take the West Mendip Way track to the right through a metal gate. This leads you into the National Nature Reserve of Ebbor Gorge, a magnificent natural limestone area managed by Natural England.
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WALKING
4. EBBOR GORGE It is worth reading the information board as you enter. The wooded gorge consists of a steep-sided ravine cut into 350-millionyear-old carboniferous limestone by meltwater in the Pleistocene era. Various caves within the gorge were inhabited by Neolithic people. Human and animal bones have been recovered from several of the caves. Cave exploration – particularly underwater – continues and new caves are being discovered. Go deeper into the wooded gorge and at the next signpost, turn up the steps on the right. This is a beautiful but challenging climb which will take about 25 minutes. Take it at your own pace. Notice the wickerwork badger on the right.
L
5. VIEWPOINT At the next track junction, make a very short detour left to the gorge’s superb viewpoint on a rocky edge. This is a magnificent sunny spot. Return to the junction and continue on along the WMW, with a little more of a climb ahead.
6. FIELDS Leave the reserve and carry on up the next field to the next boundary and an unusual Mendip “mish-mash” stile. Stay in the field turning right with the field boundary on your left. Head along the hill enjoying views as you go. Cross another stile and on over another ahead. Ignore the stile left with the sign “Smile on you crazy diamond” in memory of someone called Chip. Continue ahead and after crossing another stile, bear right diagonally across and down the field heading in the direction of a large farm in the valley – Model Farm. Cross a stile by a Bristol Gate (this is a
OS Explorer 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 564 463. (approx postcode BA5 2LR). 5 miles. About 3 hours walking.
gate with pedestrian access built into it, and designed originally by footpath wardens in Bristol). Follow a path under trees. Go through another Bristol Gate and on down through woodland. Another gate takes you into a field. Follow the right edge getting a good views of Arthur’s Seat and Glastonbury Tor.
7. TYNINGS LANE Carry on down to Tynings Lane. Go left a
few yards, and hidden in the hedge on the right cross a stile into a campsite. Head diagonally down left. We have now joined the Monarch’s Way, the 615-mile longdistance footpath that follows closely the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. It runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Brighton. Go through and follow the right side of the field with a wood on the right. Go through a kissing gate and over stepping stones and up the field. Over left is Model Farm. 8. MODEL FARM Model farms date back to the agricultural revolution of the late 17th and early 18th centuries and the interest in improved farming techniques and design of farmsteads. It was probably in the Victorian era that the name “model farm” was actually coined. After another Bristol Gate, turn left passing the farm and walk on to the top right corner by the wood. Go through a kissing gate and along a path and come out by the junction by the Ella Gould memorial where you were earlier. Retrace your steps and at the bend you can for a change take the lane, Milton Lane, instead which takes you down to Ash Lane or continue down the West Mendip Way.
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OUTDOORS
West Countryman’s diary
“SCORCHIO!” This is probably the most descriptive word that I can find in connection with the current heatwave. Although I doubt it features in the With LES English dictionary, DAVIES MBE this word was made famous by that iconic television satire programme The Fast Show back in the 1990s and more recently by BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood. So, is our English language not constantly changing? Perhaps it is already in the dictionary, so if someone could enlighten me, I would be most grateful! Hot it certainly is at the time of writing this month’s column. As to when this weather will break is as yet unknown to me. Way back in 1976 it stayed until September and when it started raining, it didn’t know when to stop. The second cut of silage is now in the clamps, at least most of it is, and as to a third cut, we shall have to wait and see. We never really appreciate our farming industry until times get hard and our food supplies may become affected. After all it’s only around 1.4% of our population that are feeding us. Wild fires are a very serious threat to the countryside at the moment, as has been seen on some of the North Moors. It only takes a carelessly discarded barbecue, a cigarette thrown down or even a piece of broken glass magnifying the sun’s rays to start a fire. Once it takes hold it is difficult to put out. The last time Black Down caught light in 1977, it took every fire pump in what was then the county of Avon to bring it under control. This is without doubt the weather for shorts and T-shirt. Even I, whose legs look like two pieces of string with knots in the middle, have been wearing shorts. Caution then in regards to that unwanted hitchhiker, the tick. Course grass and bracken will be its favourite haunt, so cover up when walking in these areas. Check your clothes frequently and brush off any of these spider-looking creatures. At the end of the day do your full body check in the shower and don’t forget to check the dog as well. Should you have any concerns, there is plenty of info on the internet. If you have been bitten by a tick and are worried it’s
best to consult your doctor. “Care” is the watchword for us all, but let’s get out there and enjoy this weather whilst it lasts! I have recently been outside the County of Somerset and in fact well beyond the North of Bristol. Not quite in line with the voyages of John Cabot, Sir Walter Raleigh or Charles Darwin, but an epic journey none-the-less. Once again I shall be accompanying the University of Georgia, USA students on their UK study tour as the landscape guide and so I wanted to add to my knowledge of the Peak District and the Lakes. Last year I took my Land Rover but this time it was my VW Transporter van. There were a few “ghosts” to be laid to rest here, as the last time me and the VW went that way we came back courtesy of the AA Relay due to a blown head gasket. For those of you who are VW fans, this is a 1988 T25 Transporter that was converted by Devon, a well-known specialist in this field, to a day van. It boasts a 2.1 petrol engine, now converted from petrol injection to a Webber carburettor, an automatic gearbox, power steering and electric mirrors! For those of you who are not VW fans, I will have bored you enough by now and so will stop any further descriptions. I am so glad I do not live in “Commuter Land”. The drive up to the Peak District was long, slow and very hot due to traffic congestion, road works and many other blights upon our civilisation. My arrival at Monsal Head just outside Bakewell was a great relief. The farm campsite was quiet and the pub was only just down the road. I had been here last year and sought some recuperation, rehydration and relaxation within the Stable Bar. The views from this site are amazing and as much as Mendip means to me, this “blows my socks off”. The old railway line runs below and is now a multi-use trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. One of my walks is along this route and some of you may well remember my description of it last year. There is a line from a poem by John Ruskin, a 19th century poet and critic of the railway viaduct in 1863, on the wall of the viaduct: “You think it a great triumph to make the sun draw brown landscapes for you!” He openly criticised the builders of this railway for ruining the beauty of the area.
That same beauty was one of the great attractions of this line and drew many people to travel on it. Looking at it today I think it enhances the area, but none of us really like change and we should never sit in judgement on people out of their time. My next move was across to the Lake District where every campsite seemed to be full. Thankfully I found another farm site near the delightful Loughrigg Tarn, a lake below the fell of the same name. It was basic, two toilets and a cold water tap in the yard, but it suited me well. I had my gas burner, camp bed and storage all set up in the van… I was in my element. With all the hot weather everyone was enjoying the cool waters of the tarn with a varying array of inflatable beds, boats and anything else that would float. A veritable beach away from the coast! I reconnoitred my routes around, onto and off the fell. If Monsal Head could “blow my socks off” this place was taking my boots and sundry other of items of clothing with it as well. Everywhere there were people enjoying the landscape and the views. I spoke to lots of people who were only too ready to stop and chat. Runners who leapt past me on the steep and stony tracks, still had enough breath and courtesy to say hello. I took an amble into Bimbleside, or should that be a “bimble” into Ambleside, to look around at the massive amount of tourism this area brings in and hoped that the very popular parts of our country, such as this, could maintain the pressure being placed upon them from every direction. Finally, this month’s picture is from the top of Loughrigg Fell looking north towards Grasmere. What isn’t there to love about this country?
You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk
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Oh dear, what can the matter be!
NEARLY three months of hot, dry weather has taken its toll on our gardens. Plants will have been stressed, even when they appear to have recovered, and some may succumb to a variety of fungal infections that are present in the soil. The commonest of these are With MARY Phytophthera and Verticillium wilt. Both of PAYNE MBE these fungi may cause similar symptoms of yellowing leaves and wilted foliage. It is thought that Phytophthera was the cause of the demise of virtually all the golden-leaved Robinia ‘Frisia’ in the West Country, indeed in much of the UK. This followed a series of very wet winters which stressed this species, which prefers drier conditions. This fungus can affect many different plants. Verticillium wilt also often follows periods of drought and is not to be confused with natural wilting of foliage in dry periods. This fungus causes the plumbing system in plants to get blocked, thus restricting water uptake. Some plants are more susceptible to this than others, with acers and Cotinus (smoke bush) regularly showing die-back symptoms. There is no chemical cure for this disease. Cut back dead branches to good wood and ensure that the plant is not stressed by watering if necessary and then mulching around the base. Eventually the plant will probably succumb and must be removed and replaced by a non-susceptible species (there is a comprehensive list on the RHS website). Conifers appear to be unaffected by this problem. Another problem that reared its head this spring was blossom wilt affecting apples, pears and cherries particularly, including their ornamental forms. The tips of the shoots wilt and turn brown and die back. The problem here is another fungus that is closely related to and virtually indistinguishable from another common problem in apples, pears and plums. This is brown rot, which affects the fruit causing concentric rings of creamy spores to develop on a brown rotten area. To reduce the problem, collect and burn or “green bin” the affected fruit. Do not compost them. If any fruits are left on the tree at the end of the season they should be removed as they will mummify and will be the source of infection for the following year. The affected shoots should be pruned out and burned or binned as soon as possible. That’s enough of the bad news so let’s look forward to next year and spring bulbs blooming. Just before the garden centres start putting up their Christmas displays (sorry to remind you!) we have the spring bulbs on sale to tempt us, so now is the time to plan your spring display and order bulbs. My Dutch grower advises me that the quality of this year’s bulbs will again be poor due to the dry weather. This may manifest itself as slightly smaller flowers because the dry weather will have affected the bulb’s ability to develop properly. Both tulips and narcissus (botanically all daffodils are Narcissus) and many other bulbs are able to cope with being harvested, surface dried and stored before being planted as they have a papery covering to the bulbs which helps prevent desiccation. So-called “naked” bulbs, such as fritillaries, have no such PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Tulip 'Princess Irene’
coating and so are very vulnerable to drying out. These should be planted immediately upon arrival preferably before midSeptember. Snowdrops are another bulb that needs to be planted very early and hates being dried out. The small bulbs also desiccate very easily especially when hanging in bags in garden centres. In such cases you may experience very poor results. I strongly recommend that you do not buy dry snowdrop bulbs but wait and divide growing clumps immediately they have flowered just before the foliage dies off, so getting a clump from a friend is by far the best way to grow snowdrops. Narcissus should be planted as soon as possible after purchase and can be used in both pots and borders as well as for naturalising in grass. Our native daffodil or Lent Lily (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) has a golden yellow trumpet and creamy white perianth and is often slow to establish. The Tenby daffodil is all yellow and easier to naturalise. For that natural look try instead W.P. Milner or some of Cyclamineus Group such as February Gold or Jack Snipe. Tulip planting is best delayed until November or even December. I have even found some bulbs that I forgot and planted them in in mid-January and they flowered perfectly. You may have noticed that tulip bulbs do not always flower well the next year. It is for this reason that they are best purchased every year to guarantee a good show. This sounds extravagant, but each bulb has cost you about the same as a single summer bedding plant and we are quite happy to replace these each year. Probably the most reliable variety for repeat flowering is the traditional red ‘Apeldoorn’. There are so many tulip varieties to choose from, but it is worth checking at which time you would like them to flower. I have a theory that we enjoy the wait for something to come into bloom. Once it is over we lose interest. Take care also to choose varieties that are not too tall such that they get blown over. Some can be as much as 70cm high with sumptuous huge flowers that get blown to pieces. Why not try creating a “bulb lasagne”. Put a layer of multipurpose compost in the pot followed by a layer of daffodils bulbs, add more compost and then a layer of tulips followed by more compost and a layer of crocus. Top off the pot with compost and a few pansy plants. As each layer finishes it looks best if the stems and foliage are cut off close to the compost otherwise a rather leafy muddle develops. Enough of the doom and gloom, next year will be great.
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AUGUST GARDEN TIPS
Reliable hardy annuals and biennials can still be sown. Californian poppies are so easy and should be sown directly into a well-prepared seed bed in full sun where they are to flower. Keep the show going in your pots and baskets by increasing feeds and regularly removing fading flowers (don’t let them set seeds!) Prune climbing and rambling roses now, and Wisteria (if not done last month). Autumn flowering crocus should be planted as soon as possible, as they will flower this October. They flower before the leaves appear earning them the common name “Naked Ladies”. Cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and other brassicas get a multitude of pests at this time of year. We have found that regular sprays of Garlic Barrier keeps them all away without making your vegetables taste like garlic! Prune fruit trees that have fruits containing stones rather than pips now. Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines are best pruned during the summer when they are less likely to get infected with the incurable Silver Leaf disease. Let the grass on your lawn grow longer. This is not an excuse to mothball the mower until next spring but it is a good ploy to help it get through dry periods better without having to use as much water to keep it looking green. Raise the mower blades to about two inches and cut the lawn less often. Courtesy Cleeve Nursery
GARDENING
Felicity and Alan step down at Cleeve Nursery TWO of the West Country’s best-known gardening experts, Alan and Felicity Down, are retiring after running Cleeve Nursery for 35 years. The new owners are Michelle Hirons and Paul Murgatroyd. Alan and Felicity can rightly claim to have been forerunners of Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock. They were broadcasting gardening advice with Trevor Fry on Radio West – later GWR – back in the 80s before presenting HTV’s Garden Calendar for six years, with producer Maggie Lomas. Alan now writes a weekly column in the Western Daily Press. Alan’s first job was with John Dunster at Woodview Nurseries, in Congresbury, growing year-long chrysanthemums. He was
working as assistant production director with Hilliers in Winchester, where he met Felicity, who helped manage the flower shop, when they decided to look for their own place. They are looking forward to retirement.
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MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 67
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F o u rt h f es t i v a l i s a fl o w e ri n g s uc ce s s A RECORD number of visitors enjoyed the fourth annual English Country Garden Festival in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. Talks, demonstrations and visits by some gardening celebrities over the three days of the event offered something to inspire any enthusiast. Palace spokeswoman Merryn Kidd said: “We had record visitor numbers, including our busiest-ever day in terms of visitor numbers in the history of the palace on the Saturday.”
The Crafty Gardeners – Michelle Wake (left) and Louise Bastow (right) – look on as Jane Cummings prepares a corsage. Jo Thompson, one of the UK’s leading garden designers, visited on the opening day of the festival
Head gardener James Cross (left) prepares to welcome visitors to the festival with Mark Hellewell, from Stihl, one of the main sponsors, and Matt Shellard, from Tincknells
Woodcarver Steven Stokes, whose studio is at Bodden, near Shepton Mallet PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Peter Hancock
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GARDENING
Gardens success
A BEAUTIFUL weekend of hot sunny weather saw over 830 visitors to Wedmore’s Hidden Gardens to see the ten gardens on show. The weekend raised nearly £10,000 for St Mary’s Church. A hundred or so people helped to make it a spectacular success, serving lunches and teas, baking cakes and scones, as well as the gardeners who worked hard all year to make their gardens “show ready”.
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Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 69
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Stanton Drew Flower Show
Mollie, aged four, who came third in the class for a vegetable or fruit animal
Pictured (l to r) Beattie Jones, Raynor Nixon, Di Farmer and Caleb looking at the scarecrows
Patios Artificial Grass Decking Fencing General Garden Maintenance 0117 332 0079 / 07889 686668 info@uniquedesignabdbuildsw.co.uk PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
The Twerzels who provided music for the afternoon
Fiona Lewis and Carole Reed who were selling soft toys and knitted items
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Mendip Gazebos
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MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 71
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Compton Martin Fete
Competitors in the bean-bag competition
Competitors in the egg-catching competition
East Harptree Village Fete
Teas were provided by villagers
Tombola was popular
Members of the school choir
The final of the snail races PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Face painting was popular
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EVENTS
Croscombe Fun Day
Hugo, the resident male Norfolk bronze turkey at Parsonage Farm, was one of the stars of the show
Fun on an inflatable for these youngsters
Donna and Gina Symes on their stall selling homemade cakes. Gina said: “It took us two days to make all these!”
Compton Dando Village Fete
Waiting to climb the church tower ( l to r) Back row – Brodie, Laura and Kelly; front row – Elise, Amber and Alex with baby Belle
Liz Gould (left) and Eve Harris, from the Prickles hedgehog rescue group based in Cheddar Miranda Krestovnikoff with MC for the afternoon, Jonathon Foyle
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 73
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State of the NHS
THE UK will forever be remembered as one of the first countries to introduce universal healthcare and one of the last to fund it adequately. Over its 70 years, we have consistently By Dr PHIL put less into healthcare than HAMMOND our European neighbours, despite being the fourth or fifth richest nation in the world. If we’d matched the percentage of our GDP that Germany has put into health just since 2000, we’d have put an extra £260 billion into the NHS. Think how fabulous the service could be with that level of investment? In 2008, we found the money to bail the banks out to the tune of £850 billion, but we – and our political masters – won’t pay the tax to properly fund our public services. All Western countries have three categories of patients. Those with so much money they can buy any healthcare they need or want in cash; those with enough money to take out private insurance in case state healthcare lets them down (or they want to jump the queue); and those who choose – or have no choice – to be entirely reliant on state healthcare. So what do you do if you can’t afford private treatment, but you’re stuck at the end of the NHS waiting list (currently over four million) or you can’t get the cancer treatment you need because the NHS can’t afford it? Lottie Bryant master-minded the wonderful local campaign to raise funds for the leukaemia drug Inotuzomab for her sister Porge, so she could enter a trial for more cutting-edge treatment. Lottie discovered data from JustGiving which shows that 2,348 such appeals were set up by cancer patients or their loved ones in 2018, a seven-fold rise on the number for 2015. Over £4.5m was raised by these appeals in 2016 compared with £530,000 in 2015. She asks: “Why are UK citizens being left in a position where the best available drugs, as advised by NHS consultants, are not available to us on the NHS when they are widely available in Europe?” The answer, simply, is that if we have stateprovided public services but we consistently vote for a low tax economy, we will never have enough funding for universal care. Instead of thinking of tax as something the government grabs off us, we should think of it as the badge of honour for living in a humane society that cares not just for others much worse off than us, but for us when our time comes (as it surely will). Dr Phil is on tour with Happy Birthday NHS? Dates at www.drphilhammond.com
PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Plop the Raindrop
THE weather’s gone a bit mad - it’s not usually so hot in the Mendips. Normally I try to spend my summer in a swimming pool in Spain or somewhere, but this year I’ve been blown all over the place. Where have you been on your holidays? I spent a really nice time in the moat at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells until it got so hot that I was sucked up into the sky. I think I may have told you that’s called evaporation. That’s when we water droplets become something called water vapour and float up into the clouds. Well, I went so high I was on the other side of the world, over Australia, within a few hours. It was supposed to be their winter, but it still felt hot, which meant I was stuck in the sky, watching kangaroos going boing, boing, boing. You might think that’s really exciting, spinning around the earth, with a great view of everything below. It’s a bit like looking out of the window of the aeroplane when you go on holiday. But I arrived on earth a few million odd years ago and I’ve seen it all before. Lots and lots of times. It can be a bit frustrating when you’re whisked off into the air and can’t choose where you’re going. In the early days on earth you couldn’t see anything for ash and dust. I spent most of my life as really hot water vapour (that’s called steam when you see the kettle boiling) whizzing around volcanoes and being hurled into the sky all the time. Many years later some very strange little fish started to appear in the seas, then odd looking creatures on the land and I was sometimes swallowed by some of them. You can see a lot of them inside museums. They’re called fossils. But I am totally indestructible and always managed to escape before I got into trouble. Very slowly, little by little, the animals got bigger and bigger, until the dinosaurs evolved. I remember hitching a lift on a pterodactyl once as he buzzed round the head of a tyrannosaurus rex, just to annoy him. Then the pterodactyl got just a bit too close – and you can imagine what happened. I was inside the tyrannosaurus rex for ages before I managed to escape in a massive pooh…. Then, a very long time later, some apes gradually learnt how to walk on their hind legs and very slowly evolved into human beans. I think that’s what they are called. Compared to the earth - or to me - human beans haven’t been around very long at all really, but they act as if they own the place. First they began to cut down the forests, driving out a lot of other animals, then they started to dig down into the ground and take all the riches that the earth has to offer. Sometimes I’ve had to live in drainpipes, sewers and toilets because of human beans and the seas are now full of plastic bits. Sometimes the skies are as full of dust as when the volcanoes filled the air. We water droplets don’t like that so from time to time we take our revenge. Sometimes we refuse to fall out of the clouds as rain. That causes a drought and the crops might not grow very well. Sometimes we all pour out of the sky at once. That can cause massive floods in towns and villages. Billions of us together can rise up from the sea in very powerful waves, called tsunamis, which can wash away everything in our way. It’s not something we do very often, but after the summer we’ve just had being thrown all over the place, you never know what the weather will do next. The weather is one thing that human beans can never control - hopefully. But I sometimes wonder whether human beans have done something that could be causing such weird weather? Mendip Grandad
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HEALTH & FAMILY
A family home from home
COURT House, in Cheddar has been a family business for 32 years and is now being managed by Christopher and James Dando who continue with the same ethos and values that have always been in place. The vision was to create somewhere with a homely atmosphere that was different from other care homes and everyone that visits agrees that this is still the case. Residents are able to bring all of their own furniture, staff don’t wear uniforms and Court House is furnished with lovely furniture that fits in with the surroundings. There are three different areas to Court Celebrating the royal wedding House, all with a different feel. The main a nurse call system. Georgian house has a grand entrance hall Well-trained staff are on hand to help and drawing room. The purpose-built with all aspects of personal care if courtyard is built in a Mediterranean required. There are activities arranged such as a style, these rooms have their own kitchenette. The peaceful cottage has bags pianist that plays regularly, themed suppers, flexercise and afternoon teas. of character. Residents are by no means expected to All of the rooms are en-suite and have join in – they have the choice which is telephone and television points as well as
also the case with all aspects of their daily living. The superb location of Court House means that residents have wonderful views over the Mendip Hills and are also able to enjoy its village location meaning that they can continue to be part of the local community which the staff actively encourage.
COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset. You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word
The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 75
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Childcare award for Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey’s toddler/family group which meets every Tuesday morning.
GLASTONBURY Abbey has become the first local landmark to receive a “Positive About Breastfeeding” award from Somerset County Council. The council’s programme is a quality mark awarded to public places who welcome breastfeeding families. Janet Bell, director of Glastonbury Abbey, said: “We work hard to provide a good experience for all visitors including families, and we were really pleased to have been put forward by a family for this award. “We run a toddler group every Tuesday morning during the summer months and also special quiet tours for those who have autism or who have relatives with the condition as well as a range of other activities.” Somerset aims to increase the number of women who breastfeed, and support those who already do to feed for a longer length of time. Latest figures show only half of all Somerset mums are still breastfeeding their baby six to eight weeks after birth. Councillor Christine Lawrence, chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I am delighted that such a public commitment to supporting breastfeeding mums has been made. We know the importance of breastfeeding in promoting good health for both mum and for baby.” For details visit: www.glastonburyabbey.com
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membership? Are you seeing out the final days of your agreement? SJ Boxing & Fitness based at Norton Radstock ABC could be your new fitness fix. At SJ Boxing and Fitness Sean Jenkins offers the high intensity of boxing training without the contact. From 8am, Monday to Friday, he runs various sessions throughout the day or should you prefer the more personal touch before joining the group sessions, he offers one-to-one sessions for just £15 an hour where the focus is on you.
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HEALTH & FAMILY
Generation games unite school kids with care home residents
PRIMARY school children and care home residents are bridging the generation gap by playing games, doing arts and crafts and learning about one another’s lives. Inspired by the TV show, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, Year 1 pupils from Sandford Primary School have been visiting residents at The Russets dementia care home in the village. The visits were started by teaching assistant, Tracey Shears, after watching the hit Channel 4 show when it was broadcast last autumn. Tracey said: “The residents really look forward to the visits and as soon as they see the children arrive their faces light up. “Some of the children don’t have grandparents or great-grandparents and the residents might not have grandchildren, so they are both getting to experience something that they might have missed out on.” The Russets is a 73-bed dementia care
home run by Bristol-based charity, the St Monica Trust. It was their Cote Lane retirement village where the awardwinning television programme was filmed by CPL Productions in April and May of last year. Mary, Austin, Daisy, Safia, Joseph and Liam visit The Russets every Friday afternoon and activities usually include a mixture of games and arts and crafts. The children also have the opportunity
to learn from the residents and enjoy hearing about their lives The Russets Care Home manager, Helen Perkins said: “The response to the show was incredible and people from all over the country have been inspired to set up similar schemes at care homes, volunteer for vital services that help older people or just pop in on an older person who might live near them for a cup of tea and a chat.”
Details: 0800 952 0300 or email carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 77
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A C A R n i v a l a t m o s ph e re TWO, identical De Lorean sports cars from 1981 and a 1912 Buick 35 were amongst the stars of the show at CARnival at Downside school and abbey. The event even offered children the chance to decorate a car with powder paint – not to be tried at home. More than 120 cars, vans and motorcycles were on show in the immaculate grounds. Ages ranged from the 1912 Buick to 2017 Ariel Nomad.
Don’t try this at home! Dougie, aged four, gets to work on a paint job. The scrap car was donated by Pylle Motor Spares
Two of a kind. Phil and Lindsey Burningham (left) and son Stanley, of Yeovil, are pictured with fellow De Lorean owner Mark Simpson, of Westbury-sub-Mendip. Mark has owned his car for 16 years, the Burningham’s just 16 months
Lis Cater, of Frome, arrives in her 1939 Bentley Tourer with friend Peter Roberts
Arriving in style in this Rolls Royce
The mascot on the bumper of Robbie the Rover – a car dating from 1947
PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Part of the engine compartment of a 1934 Armstrong Siddeley Tourer. The lubrication “system” is operated by a hand pump on the dashboard A tethered hot air balloon owned by Simon Harntell rises above the display of vehicles
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COMMUNITY
A celebration of friendship By Mark Adler
THE annual Romulus and Remus Italian Festival took place at a new venue this year, but the traditions of friendship and celebration remained just as strong. And not even a sudden gust of wind which caused a catering gazebo to almost fly into the air could disrupt lunch – a case of “we won’t make a lasagne out of a crisis”. This year’s party – which raises money for charity – was held at Palace Farm in Wells, home to Mike Phelps and his family. They welcomed the son of a former Italian prisoner-of-war who worked for the family when they farmed in Wiltshire. Domenico Ponsillo was a POW from 1941 until 1946, when he was repatriated to Italy, but wrote to the family asking if he could come back. He went on to buy his own farm at Godney. Domenico’s son, Raffael, and his family now farm at Burtle.
Sarah Chant is a regular visitor to the festival
Julie Bollini (far right) helps Italian families in the area with issues ranging from repatriation to pensions and probate. Her guests for the day were from the Catholic Association of Italian Workers (l:r) Guiseppe Chiappetta, Carlo Ciccorello and Giovani D’Angelo
Sylvia Phelps (second left) with Raffael, Gino and Jane Ponsillo. Sylvia is holding two rings, fashioned out of scrap metal, which were presented to her family by two other POWS who worked for them
People rush to prevent the gazebo from flying away in the wind… … but lunch is served on time
Lucilla Iocca, aged five
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 79
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Village church plans for the future
THERE are ambitious plans to repair and update St Laurence Church in East Harptree, so that it can be used more by the village school and local community. Project Newton, named after the impressive tomb of Sir John Newton (and his 20 children) in the church entrance, hopes to see the installation of a kitchen, toilets, a new floor and improved access. The first steps will involve repairs to the church tower and the removal of gloss paint from the chancel walls, which is thought to cover medieval and Victorian paintings, and improved access to the churchyard. East Harptree Church An application is due to go to the Heritage Lottery Fund in August to found with the coins, and the pewter help with funding for the project, pot they were found in, which belongs which eventually might cost to the church. Apart from the tomb in its entrance, £1.2million. The church is already working with the church, which dates from the 12th Bristol Museum to set up an exhibition century, also has impressive stained area, which would include details of glass by Karl Parsons, which was the Harptree Hoard of 1500 Roman installed as a war memorial in 1919 to silver coins dug up nearby in 1887. the eight men from the village who died in WWI. Most are in private hands, but Bristol Church warden, Guy Stobart, who is Museum has some, plus a silver ingot
Karl Parsons window
PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
leading the project, said: “In 2014 we started having conversations with the village school, which is struggling for space, about using the church more. “Our ambition is to provide the village with a sound and useable community space, as well as a learning resource. Who knows, we might even entice some of the tourists over from Bath to learn a bit more about Roman history.”
Sir John Newton's tomb
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Lions in action
CHEDDAR Vale Lions were overwhelmed by the response for prostate cancer tests offered with the Somerset Prostate Support Association. At the end of the session, 171 completed tests were sent off to the laboratory and the men will receive their personal results once they have been processed. A spokesman said: “Surely, this shows just how much this service is needed and that there should be a screening programme for men, as there is for women on breast screening. “Until there is, Lions clubs will continue their community service events to ensure that some men will, at least, get this opportunity.” Cheddar Vale Lions Club may also consider repeating this event, once they have raised enough funds to cover it.
Honour for Neil
WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club surprised member, Neil Day, at a recent meeting when he was awarded a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary’s highest honour. Despite being the extremely busy operations director at Thatchers Cider, Neil still finds time to organise and promote numerous fundraising activities which have resulted in many thousands of pounds being donated to numerous local, national and international causes. Neil was presented with his certificate by club president John Murphy.
Grants available
COMMUNITY
THE final deadline for local community groups who work with young people to apply for a special grant from Somerset Community Foundation is Friday, August 10th. Grants of £1,000-£5,000, available from the #iwill Fund, managed by the foundation, aim to encourage youth social action among young people, aged between ten and 20 years, and up to 25 for disabled young people. Social action – such as volunteering, fundraising and campaigning – can develop the skills and knowledge of young people, boosting access to further education, higher education and employment. Projects can last up to one year or be one-off events, and repeat funding is a possibility for those who were awarded a grant last year. The most recent local groups to receive #iwill funding are Radio Ninesprings, £5,000 to provide broadcast media training to young volunteers in Yeovil; RAISE South West CIC, £4,850 to develop life skills and volunteering among young people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds across the county; Purple Elephant Productions CIC, £4,390 to develop volunteering roles for young people in Frome; Rubbish Art Project, £4,113 to help young people in Shepton Mallet explore environmental issues; Elim Connect Centre, £3,337 to promote youth volunteering in Wells; and Lower Lakes CIO, £1,750 for an intergenerational social action project in Chilton Trinity. The #iwill Fund, created with funding from the UK Government and the Big Lottery Fund, is part of the national #iwill campaign, coordinated by the charity Step Up To Serve, and aims to get six out of ten young people involved in social action by 2020. Details: 01749 344949 email: info@somersetcf.org.uk or go to www.somersetcf.org.uk/iwill
Association expands
A NEW, larger team of community volunteers has been appointed to run Peasedown’s growing residents’ association. Set up in August 2013, the association celebrates its fifth birthday this year and aims to continue its grassroots community work in providing activities for local people that help prevent isolation and loneliness. Chairwoman, Joy Gosz, said: “We’ve got a lot to be proud of at the association. Thanks to the support of B&NES Council and Curo we’ve raised almost £5,000 over five years for children’s work, seasonal parties, events for the elderly, our new community garden project, the refurbishment of St John’s community room, and our weekly job search drop-in sessions.” The association is now working with B&NES Council to open a new community library and Wansdyke Play Association to set up a new social enterprise which will support pre-school activities in Peasedown. It holds weekly coffee and job search drop-ins every Wednesday (during term-time) from 1pm-3pm and a popular big breakfast on the last Friday of every month (during termtime). All events are held at St John’s Community Room. Details: psjresidentassoc@yahoo.co.uk or visit their Facebook page
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Village celebrates new BMX track THE official opening of the recently completed BMX Pump Track at Highbury Playing Fields, Coleford has been carried out by the newly-appointed chairman of Somerset County Council, Councillor Nigel Taylor. Parents and children turned out to see him open the muchneeded facility and unveil a plaque showing the name of the donors that have helped to make it happen. The project was managed by Coleford Parish Council who identified that the village needed a community facility to engage active members of the parish. Consultation was completed and the BMX Pump Track was the solution, allowing scooters, skateboards and bicycles to be used. Councillor Tony Gurd took the lead in sourcing materials from local quarries and project managing the build while Councillor Andy Conn sought grant funding to help cover the cost. To kick things off, he completed a sponsored sky dive which raised over £1,000. A BBQ with live music, Christmas raffle, sponsored bike ride and generous donations from members of the parish and local businesses all added to the pot. Grants secured from Sport England, Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner's Community Action fund and the Somerset
Community Foundation meant that the track could become reality. Since the track has been completed volunteers led by Councillor Conn and his wife Veryan have planted a wildflower meadow mix on the banks around the track, which once established will not only be striking when flowering but will provide a habitat for wildlife and bees.
Supporting local churches
THIS September hundreds of people across Somerset will be walking, peddling or riding their horses to support the annual Ride+Stride fundraising event run by local charity, the Somerset Churches Trust. They are hoping you will join them on Saturday, September 8th to get out in the wonderful sunshine to explore our beautiful countryside, make new friends and help support the work of the charity to protect our churches, chapels and places of worship. The trust is a non-denominational charity which gives grants to churches and chapels across the county of Somerset. They provide help with repairs to the main fabric of the building, but
also improvement works such as better access, kitchens and other facilities that will keep the building at the heart of the community. Since the trust was founded in 1996 (then called the Friends of Somerset Churches and Chapels), they have given away over £700,000 to over 400 churches and chapels across the county – £36,500 to 15 churches in the last financial year. The Ride+Stride event provides a significant part of the trust’s income through sponsorship. Last year over 116 churches opened their doors to walkers and riders of all abilities and ages. Over £21,500 was raised, a significant increase on the previous year. Their largest event is the the East
Mendip Churches Trail which incorporates 12 churches around Frome, Mells, Stoke St Michael and the Cranmore area. This will be held on September 15th rather than 8th so that it does not clash with the Frome Cheese Show. Contact them if you would like to run your own event or want to know more about organised events.
Details: www.somersetchurchestrust.org, or contact Michael Auton, Ride+Stride Co-ordinator on michaelautonconsultancy@gmail.com or 07862 253514.
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Golfers support bikers
FROME Lions have presented a cheque for £5,000 to the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service more commonly known as "Blood Bikers". The charity provides a free out-ofhours courier service to hospitals in the South West, transporting blood, organs and other vital samples between hospitals, laboratories and the air ambulance. The money was raised at the Frome Lions Club annual charity golf day held at Orchardleigh in May.
Reid Spiers is the new club president again
Reid returns as rotary president
REID Speirs has become 2018-19 president on the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock, ten years after he first took on the role. He said: “I am honoured to lead our club once again. In the coming year I look forward to giving particular focus to community activities and it is my intention to work with other organisations to give increased support to engaging with young people in our community and to assisting in projects supporting the elderly and disabled.” For details about the club, visit: www.rotarynr.org.uk
A visit to the poppy production line
THE organiser of the Wells Poppy Appeal took 35 members of the city’s Royal British Legion branch and Wells Arthritis Care on a trip to London to visit the legion’s poppy factory at Richmond. After a brief talk and film about the history of the poppy and the factory, the group went on a tour where they were able to make their own poppy. Derek Cooper said: “From a poppy appeal organiser’s point of view it was lovely to see the veterans at work and to see where all my orders I will be placing soon for 2018 were made.” This year’s appeal in Wells runs from Saturday, October 27th – the day of the annual Poppy Concert in the Town Hall – The visit to the RBL poppy factory in Richmond to Sunday, November 11th. Meanwhile, two members of the branch Collett will represent the Wells branch between August 5th–9th and will be one will join thousands of others on a and the local community at the event, as of the largest in the charity’s history. pilgrimage to Ypres in August as part of standard bearer and wreath layer. GP90 will mark 90 years since the the First World War commemorations. The Royal British Legion event, known original Royal British Legion Pilgrimage Tim Bickerdike and Aaron Cooperas Great Pilgrimage 90, takes place in 1928.
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Fun and engaging
Village treasures its green
Jackie (left) hands over the chain of office to Sue
SUE Hopkins, the incoming president of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel has pledged to make the organisation “fun and engaging”. The former operations director for Leonard Cheshire Homes succeeds Jackie Emm, who oversaw a year of events ranging from the club’s 60th anniversary celebrations to a charity fashion show and other fundraising events. ● The club meets at the Old Down Inn, Emborough. For details contact Sue on 07944 298036 or Elaine on 07543 973666.
Holcombe races
MEMBERS of the Welcome Club in Holcombe enjoyed an afternoon at the races – without leaving the village hall. Richard Brimble organised a race game on a big screen, with the ladies elegantly dressed and wearing spectacular hats or fascinators
and the men in their smart suits. The winner after three races was Olive Milverton who accumulated the highest winnings and received a small prize. The best dressed lady and gentleman were Patricia MacDonald and John Ashley, with Christine Watts second and Janet Searle third. Strawberries and cream with shortbread biscuits was then enjoyed by everyone. The club meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2.30pm and all are welcome.
PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
A WHOLE day has been set aside on July 29th to celebrate the anniversary of one of Peasedown St John’s most beloved community meeting places and housing estates. The Green, located between Frederick and Albert Avenues, has been used as a popular recreational and social space since the late 1940s. Local councillor, Karen Walker, came up with the idea to mark the 70th anniversary of the estates with a celebration of “love and laughter”. Karen, who grew up in Frederick Avenue, said: “Since the late 1940s, children of all ages and local families have used this space for recreational use, outside events, social activities, community carol services and so much more. “For so many of us The Green is a part of our childhood. Generations of families have played here with thousands of people, over a near 70-year span, having fond memories of summer fun days on The Green.” Along with her ward colleague, Cllr Sarah Bevan, she has teamed up with the Wansdyke Play Association (WPA) and the village Residents’ Association to put on this special celebratory event. It will include traditional fete games, music, hot food and drink, skittles, a sand pit, bouncy castle, and the unveiling of an anniversary plaque by Karen and Sarah, who will be joined by local historian Dick Graham. Cllr Bevan said: “Thanks to Dick for accepting our invitation to attend the event. His many books about Peasedown’s history and vast knowledge about the community makes him a local treasure!”
Bus grant
THE Big Blue Community Bus has been given a grant of £300 for new equipment from the Peasedown Party in the Park grant fund. The bus has been supporting children and families since 1991, providing a safe and stimulating play environment for young children and a friendly meeting place for adults to share ideas and concerns. It visits Peasedown once a week, as well as other places in Bath and North East Somerset.
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Community at its heart MORE than 300 people visited St John’s Church in Glastonbury to give their views about plans to restore the historic building in the heart of the town and open it up to more community use. The open day came as the team behind the project, called Securing the Future, began putting the finishing touches to their bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Viridor Credits – the feedback from visitors will play a key role in their submissions. The HLF gave the church an initial grant to prepare the groundwork for the £900,000 scheme – St John’s is looking for more than £450,000 from the lottery body with the remainder coming from donations and their own fundraising efforts. Renovating the floor of the main body of the church, removing the central aisles of Victorian pews to make the church more accessible for other events, installing glass doors to the west front porch and improving facilities are at the heart of the scheme.
COMMUNITY
Some of the members of the bid team: (l:r) St John’s vicar, the Rev. David MacGeogh, architect Richard Codd, Ruth Gofton and John McVerry from Clevedon-based consultants Heritage and Community, and project manager Larry Schenck
These visitors from Oman were delighted by the welcome they received – the tea and cakes were especially popular
St John’s is a focal part of the community in Glastonbury – inside and out
St John’s welcomes visitors all-year round
For details, visit: www.st-johns-glastonbury.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 85
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A shed load of enthusiasm THE launch of Shepton Mallet Men’s Shed has been so successful that plans are underway already to expand the project. With more than 20 paid-up members visiting the Tuesday morning sessions on a regular basis, the project is now thinking of running on other days – and there is talk of a women’s shed scheme as well as a repair café. Shepton Mallet Men’s Shed is based on the Charlton Brewery Trading Estate on the edge of town. It costs £15 per year to join and £3.50 per session and
Reg, aged 89, is a former builder who is always happy to offer advice
Drivers wanted
Some of the regular members on a typical Tuesday morning
now boasts a workshop area, gallery and other facilities. Anyone of any age is welcome to attend and join in the activities; work at present is concentrating on completing workbenches around the sides of the unit, but there have already been discussions with several community organisations in the town – including the allotment society, Rubbish Art Project and the tourist information centre – about projects which members could undertake. Men’s Shed chairman Graham Cooper said: “Some people have come along simply because they have head about us; others might have been referred to us by their GP. They reason they come here could simply be for a change of scenery and to have a chat.” Landlords Somerset Care and Repair have donated a number of hand and power tools, but the Men’s Shed would welcome others. They are also on the
For details, visit: www.sheptonshed.org.uk
VOLUNTEER drivers are needed for the local minibus services in Churchill and Langford and Wrington, which have both been operating since about 1975. The Churchill and Langford Society covers Burrington, Churchill, Shipham, Banwell, Winscombe and Sandford. The Wrington Society covers Wrington, Redhill, Butcombe and Burrington. Membership of the societies is free and the passengers make a small donation towards the trip, which might be for shopping or a day out. A number of drivers have either recently retired or will do so shortly, so new recruits are needed. Some work just a day a month – others more often and full training and support is given.
lookout for donations of sheet materials such as plywood or chipboard as well as fixtures such as screws and nails. Around a dozen stackable plastic seats would also be welcome! To date, the project has received £12,000 in grants, mostly to cover rent and other costs and organisers would welcome people playing the Shape Mendip Lottery to nominate them as their good cause to receive a share of the proceeds.
Derek (left) and Mike at work
One of the Churchill and Langford minibuses in action
Details: Churchill and Langford, Malcolm Letts 01934 852314. Wrington, Adrian Hopkins adrianjhopkins@btinternet.com
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COMMUNITY
Top award
Project funding available
Osprey Outdoors in action
AS his parting gesture as president of Rotary Nailsea and Backwell, Chris Bales (right) presented a Paul Harris award, Rotary’s greatest honour, to Chris Perry to mark his outstanding contribution, as committee chair, former club president and many other roles. Chris has handed over the presidency to Rotarian John Hall. Details: Graham Hunt 07970771845 or grahamjeanhunt@gmail.com
A classic breakfast
DO you have a project that will benefit the environment or community of the Mendip Hills that needs funding? The Mendip Hills Fund will be open for applications between September and October. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects in the Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and through East Mendip to Frome. Grants will be awarded to support community and voluntary group projects that conserve and enhance the landscape; increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the area; support social and economic initiatives including enhancing community facilities or support for start-up of social enterprises, e.g. local food initiatives. Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB manager said: “We've helped some brilliant projects recently like the Mendip Society's Tania's Wood that can now be used for forest schools, Osprey Outdoors that help long-term unemployed people through conservation work, the Blagdon Orchard Group’s new book and the school's environment club in East Harptree." The fund was set up with the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership, and income is generated through visitor-giving schemes from local tourism businesses in the area and donations for Mendip Hills’ wildlife badges. Details: Somerset Community Foundation www.somersetcf.org.uk call Jim Hardcastle 01761 462338 or SCF programmes manager Jocelyn Blacker 01749 344949.
Jim Farmer serving coffee to (l to r) Jackie Morris, Anne and John Stephens, John and Rosemary Langdon and John Morris.
Waiting to serve up breakfast (l to r) Mike Hedges, Ken Biggs, Robert and Mary Taylor, and Diane Farmer
NOW in its ninth year, Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club's annual Big Breakfast was another great success drawing in the crowds to the flower show marquee as well as drivers and passengers of more than 40 classic cars.
Visit to parliament
PUPILS from Clutton Primary School recently enjoyed an “amazing” day at the Houses of Parliament, with teacher Lucy Cowgill and head teacher Elizabeth Ennew, meeting local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
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Canal trip for support group Village celebrates community shop
Relaxing below deck before tea is served
MEMBERS of the Paulton and Bath Stroke Support Group enjoyed an afternoon on the water on a canal boat trip. Organised by Ruth Lee, the party enjoyed a cream tea on board the Barbara McLellan as it cruised from Bradford-onAvon to Trowbridge. The support group meets every Thursday afternoon at Paulton Hospital for an informal get-together, but more volunteers are needed urgently to help it expand the services it can offer. For details, contact Ruth Lee on 07763 980230 or visit www.bathstrokegroup.btck.co.uk
Plans for Frome’s new orchard
PEOPLE in Frome are being asked for their views about plans to create a new community orchard in the town. The project was chosen by the town in a People’s Budget vote earlier this year and Frome Town Council is now encouraging residents to take a look at the plans and share their thoughts. The orchard will be sited on part of Frome Showfield and will be planted on Apple Day, 21st October. The initial plan includes apples, pears and plums, but also herbs and an olive grove, wild flower planting to attract insects, bee and bug houses, bird feeders and hedgehog houses and welcoming areas for people to meet and chat. Town mayor, Richard Ackroyd (pictured) said: “We have a plan with what we think Frome might want but we want to hear from you. Let us know what sort of trees and fruit you want there or if you’d like areas for children to play for example. We’d also like to hear your name suggestions!” Views can be emailed to info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or sent via social media by August 4th. For details, visit: http://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/orchard-planconsultation/
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COMMUNITY
Farmborough Community Shop Committee and volunteers, with Sally Davis (Memorial Hall Chair and Ward Councillor), Martin Carter (Parish Council Chairman), and Preb. Jan Knott (All Saints Church)
FARMBOROUGH community shop welcomed over 200 members of the local community to its official opening on one of the summer’s hottest days on Sunday, July 15th. Visitors were greeted with a free glass of bubbly pink cider on arrival, before gathering for the ceremony. Mark Swabey, chairman of the shop’s management committee, gave some background to the project, and also thanked the committee, volunteers, funders and investors, and the residents now making use of the shop. A dedication was also made to Val Hart, one of the four original founding members of the committee who passed away in 2013; a bench plaque commemorates her involvement. Following the ceremony, many visitors took the opportunity to browse the shop, some for the first time, including the shop’s ambassador, actor Anthony Head, who enjoyed sampling the produce on offer as well as giving the coffee shop his seal of approval. The afternoon continued with live music from the Bath Spa Silver Band. Mark Swabey, said: “We look forward to the shop supporting the community, as the community supports the shop, so that everyone enjoys shopping here, the social interactions, and the satisfaction of making our village work as a vibrant community.”
One of the eldest and some of the youngest residents officially open the shop
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New town “threat to the Mendips” Lovers of the Mendip Hills and Mendip Vale be aware – for you are about to be witness to the creation of a brand-new town the size of Wells (but wholly devoid of the delights of that city) immediately next to the villages of Churchill, Langford and Congresbury and beside the Mendip Hills. For sure it will be an eyesore and by its very size will create enormous traffic congestion, pollution and noise in the villages of North Somerset close to the Mendip Hills. You may have lived in a village in this part of Somerset or Bath and North East Somerset all your life. You may have been born here or recently chosen to move here to the tranquillity of the countryside. Now your council is attempting to change your chosen way of life by turning our villages into congested dormitory towns. In addition to a new dormitory town the council is proposing to create a major highway running from the M5 motorway (J21A Weston-Super-Mare) swinging across the Mendip Vale immediately behind Churchill and then linking into the A38 road on the way to the airport. This will only serve to divert goods vehicles from the M5 onto the A38 near the foot of the Mendip Hills and so the Mendip villages from Churchill traffic lights through to Upper Langford, Burrington, Rickford, Blagdon, Ubley, Compton Martin, West Harptree and Bishop Sutton will have to endure the rumble and fumes of endless pantechnicons as they slowly trundle southward below the Mendips on their way to Bath and the surrounding area. Just imagine the thousands of vehicles having to snake their way through the narrow streets of Blagdon. Some 2,800 houses, one imagines, of depressingly box-like design will dramatically disfigure the Mendip landscape and diminish the way of life of those who live nearby and love this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of North Somerset’s most valuable assets. This development is described seductively as “Mendip Spring Garden Village” although that is not a description which would come to mind for a massive housing development the size of a town requiring a major public highway to service it and without the amenities normally enjoyed by a village. The new town numbers are in addition to the 260 new houses (including affordable housing) already planned for Churchill and Langford which currently is a parish of 880 houses. So the prospect is of a population increase between 6,000 and 8,000 in and around Churchill and Langford but with hardly any significant employment for people. They are bound to have to get in their cars and commute to work not least because there is no adequate public transport and nothing in the council’s plans to suggest that it will come about. There is no significant housing need in the area or indeed further afield in Weston-super-Mare – the real need is in Bristol. In Weston there are plenty of planning permissions for housing development which have been granted but not taken up (presumably because they will not be able to sell) together with many vacant commercial sites which hardly suggests a local housing need that is employment led. But that is not how North Somerset Council would have you believe it. It optimistically claims that Weston-super-Mare will be an expanding centre for employment and everything will change for the better! Most unlikely.
READER’S OPINION
Coastal towns by their very nature just have half a hinterland which severely limits their potential and Weston-super-Mare is no exception – employment in the town has hardly risen despite the presence of a strong railway and road link to the north and south of it. The reality is that Weston-super-Mare lies in the vast economic shadow of Bristol and will continue to do so. Bristol has many unfilled job vacancies but presently a shortage of housing. That could be remedied by building on brown field sites and by developing far more three and four-storey accommodation. The plan is for the dormitory town to have “affordable” housing but, in this area, the demand is such that the price of housing is most unlikely to be affordable. So those who can afford houses in this new town are far more likely to flock to Bristol where there is high value and better paid employment and so they will drive up and down the well-worn A38 and A370 roads which are already too busy and will just become ever more gridlocked with yet more commuters. It is puzzling why the council is so determined not to allow house building near Bristol where jobs are deliverable. It is green belt but at the moment the green belt is strangling Bristol and rather than allowing urban sprawl beside Bristol we are going to have urban sprawl across the countryside. The council might be wise to consider permitting housing development in Ashton Vale within the new South Bristol Link Road which would only involve using two percent of existing (poor quality) green belt land. It would avoid unnecessary commuting to work and reduce any harm to the environment. Use could be made of the new Metrobus and local railway and bus infrastructure and save the massive investment of hundreds of millions of pounds in a new unwanted major road from Weston-super-Mare. Anticipating the likely antipathy of local residents about their plans the council have been very reluctant to engage in any meaningful consultation. Local councillors, excluded from the all-powerful executive which controls planning policy, have real concerns about what is going on but appear too intimidated to say what they think. A substantial enquiry by planning inspectors into the scheme is due to take place in the forthcoming months. The inspectors have already raised some awkward preliminary questions which the council appear to be having some difficulty in answering for it has asked for more time to consider its position. Local MPs are aware of the threat of a new town but the local electorate would do well to keep them on their toes lest they think the problem will go away without their having to put their heads above the parapet. Anyone who cares for the Mendips and the Mendip Vale should be hugely concerned at this monumentally flawed and ill-conceived plan. There will continue to be well argued and committed opposition to this unsound development and nobody least of all the council should regard the present proposals as a done deal. There is a local campaign group called “CALRAG” Churchill and Langford Residents Action Group whose website (www.churchilldevelppment.com) can provide you with more information. The Mendip Bystander
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 89
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Road safety and fun as Moto Fest returns
THE second free Somerset Moto Fest will take place in September, organised by Somerset County Council’s road safety team and aimed at everyone with a passion for motors whether four-wheeled or two. It will be hosted by the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton on Saturday, September 15th and Sunday, September 16th and will feature a host of motor-based activities for all the family, as well as priceless information about staying safe on the road, including details of all the training that’s available. There will be a chance for a demonstration ride in vehicles being provided by local dealerships. Last year’s inaugural event attracted around 2,000 visitors. Once again, the emergency services will be on hand with demonstrations and advice. Other activities include: • Motorcycle slow riding skills • Hone skills at parallel or bay parking • Take an assessed ride or drive accompanied by an advanced rider or driver • Children’s play area • Food and drinks available at the Swordfish Restaurant Visitors will also receive a 50% discount on ticket prices to the world-famous Fleet Air Arm museum. Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Somerset Moto Fest is a great event with something for all the family to enjoy and you could also come back with information that could help save your life.” The event is also aimed at cyclists and there will also be advice on horse and rider safety from the British Horse Society, which is running a campaign called “Dead? Or Dead Slow!” to make other road users aware of what they should do when they encounter horses. The campaign is backed by Avon and Somerset Police’s mounted section.
For details, visit: http://somersetroadsafety.org/ page/somerset-moto-fest/240/
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MOTORING
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After Thailand – a guide to Mendip’s cave rescue team
EVER since sporting caving became popular, cavers have taken it on themselves to rescue their fellows in difficulty underground. Only cavers know their way around the caves and so they are best qualified to help their fellows in adversity. All call-outs are made through the police, With PHILIP who will attend the incident. Other HENDY emergency services can be called on as required, though they usually turn up anyway. Mendip Cave Rescue was formed more than 80 years ago, originally as the Mendip Rescue Organisation. The name was changed a few years ago to emphasise its role on and under Mendip. Each caving region has its own organisation, co-ordinated by the British Cave Rescue Council. There are 14 affiliated bodies, all dedicated to rescuing people in difficulty from caves and old mines, with the specialist knowledge required in each area. Equipment and techniques have been modified and improved over the years, giving us collapsible stretchers which can be taken underground in pieces and the “Little Dragon” which delivers warm air into the lungs in cases of hypothermia. Ropes and other hauling tackle have also been improved, allowing rescuers to use less effort when pulling someone up a pitch, and with greater control and safety. One of the most significant changes has been in the field of underground communication. In the early days, a caver would be designated as “runner”, to convey messages between the location of the incident and the surface. Rescues from deep underground, which inevitably took longer to effect, needed field telephones and the accompanying wire. The wire had to be laid down the cave by experienced men and it usually got in everyone’s way, and often broke. The breakthrough occurred in the 1980s, when a Welsh caver, despite being told that radio waves would not penetrate far underground, invented the Ogofone, which did just that. I remember the demonstration at Cheddar, when those of us sitting at the top of the cliffs could clearly hear messages transmitted from the Boulder Chamber in Gough’s Cave. A version tuned to Mendip caves was quickly constructed, and called the Molephone – call-sign “Hunter” (what else?). The Heyphone followed; this worked well, though required long straight aerials to be laid out on the surface and in the cave – which was more difficult. The latest Rescue kit gizmo at our disposal is the Cavelink, which allows typed messages to be transmitted, doing away with “Chinese Whispers” which plagued
CAVING
Nigel receiving his certificate
earlier communications, and giving hard copy. Information can also be transmitted via a Smartphone to, say, a doctor. Fortunately, rescues, particularly on Mendip, are uncommon these days. Previously, many rescues were caused by cold, wet cavers queuing for ages at the bottom of the Forty Foot Pot in Swildon’s Hole, waiting their turn to ascend. This obstacle was washed away in the 1968 Flood. Only a few caves are prone to flooding and we know which ones to avoid in stormy weather, and advise visitors to do the same – there are plenty of other caves under the hill to be explored. Of course, an accidental trip or fall can cause injury to the unwary and the Lobster Pot in Sidcot Swallet at Burrington occasionally lives up to its name. The constricted Birthday Squeeze in Swildon’s Hole also acts as a deterrent to bulky cavers going too far into the system, where the hazards increase with depth. The team of 17 wardens in Mendip Cave Rescue are trained in the various aspects of cave rescue and undertake regular refresher sessions or learn new techniques when they are available. In the event of a rescue, in theory any active caver can be called on to help, and the response usually exceeds the requirement, even though their role will usually consist of pitch hauling or stretcher carrying, or on occasion running an underground canteen. There will be a surface controller and other wardens direct operations underground. Everyone works together, and petty interclub rivalries are put aside. Mendip Cave Rescue also has a social side. Apart from attending trade and other exhibitions relating to caving, there is also the occasional get-together. One such was held at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn on June 9th, to honour one of the wardens, Nigel Taylor. Nigel is probably better known as a member of Mendip District Council and is now chairman of Somerset County Council, but for the last 43 years has been a valued member of the Cave Rescue. His years of experience with Avon and Somerset Police have been invaluable in liaising with the other emergency services, although fortunately no rescue has required his other skill, as an explosives expert. Nigel decided that it was time to call it a day, partly in view of his other commitments. Chairman, Martin Grass, made a short speech in Nigel’s honour, and read a similar letter from the chairman of the Cave Rescue Council, before presenting him with a framed certificate. Around 60 wardens and chairmen, past and present, came to wish Nigel well for the future – some even came over from West Wales. Hosts Roger and Jackie Dors laid on a sumptuous buffet and the beer flowed freely. No doubt Nigel’s successor will soon be appointed, and Mendip Cave Rescue will continue to be well prepared to answer the call to action when it comes. In the meantime – Cave Safe!
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 92 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
(Photograph by Phil Hendy)
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David Evans – a tribute
NEWS
Tribute to town’s “Mr Chips”
Betty, family and guests at the unveiling of the bench
David Evans: 1946-2018
A SERVICE of thanksgiving has been held for David Evans JP, who passed away at the end of June, aged 72. David was involved in many aspects of community life in the Midsomer Norton area until he suffered a serious stroke six years ago. A former chief executive of the Midsomer Norton and District Chamber of Commerce, David had also been chairman of governors of Midsomer Norton Primary School – he oversaw the building of a much-needed extension to the buildings – as well as being a governor at the then Norton Radstock College. He also served as a magistrate in Bath. Alongside those duties, he was president-elect of the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton when he fell ill and had been a rugby referee assessor; David and wife Jenny’s son Daffyd played for Midsomer Norton RFC and David and Jenny were never far from the touchline. Rugby was a lifelong passion, along with his Catholic faith. David began his career as a teacher before becoming a highly-respected union negotiator across the country, firstly with the National Union of Teachers and then with the Banking, Insurance and Finance Union (now UNIFI); it was in that role that he met Jenny. Jenny said: “David’s passion was always to be involved in the local community and to help people to develop and recognise its resources and potential and for it to be inclusive. He wanted to build a network and develop mutual support.” The thanksgiving service was held at St Benedict’s RC church a short walk from the family’s home in Stratton-onthe-Fosse. ● Donations are being collected for the RUH’s Forever Friends Appeal and Therapies Matter. David’s physiotherapist Pete Bishop-Ponte and colleague Wyn Lloyd – both based at the RUH – dedicated their success in completing the arduous 444-mile long Yukon River Quest in Canada to David.
A COMMEMORATIVE bench to honour one of Midsomer Norton’s best-loved teachers has been unveiled just yards from the school where he worked for many years. Norman Voake was known as the town’s own “Mr Chips” after the central character made famous in the film Goodbye, Mr Chips, about life in an English school. Members of the Midsomer Norton Society raised £800 for the bench and plaque commemorating Norman, who passed away in 2016. It sits in the St Chad’s Well memorial garden next door to Somervale School, where he worked from 1959 until retirement in 1988 when he devoted his time to researching local history. The bench was unveiled by his widow, Betty, who was joined by family, friends and well-wishers for the short service.
From a dance to a diamond
NORTH Londoners Maureen and David Gunnell have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a party for friends and family in Chilcompton, where they now live. The Queen sent the couple a card congratulating them on the milestone as part of her own Maureen and David with the card from the diamond Queen wedding celebrations and it took pride of place at the party in the community hall at Greenways, the village’s sheltered housing complex. Maureen, 81, and David, 82, met at a dance at Enfield. After marrying, the couple moved to South Africa for more than 30 years where they ran a general store before moving back to England.
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EVENTS
Norton’s day in the sun
THE annual Midsomer Norton Town Fair and M-Fest music event brought hundreds of people onto the streets of the town for a day of celebration.
Legendary Bristol-based reggae singer Troy Ellis abandoned the stage to mix with the crowds in the High Street
Ciara (bass) and drummer Katya, from Bath-based band The Shuks: www.facebook.com/theshuksuk Dancing in the streets to Troy Ellis and his band
The Eade family stroll through the town park
One of the classic cars on show heads for home. The display was organised by the Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club, whose main show takes place at Camerton on Sunday, August 12th with more than 600 vehicles expected. See: www.nrcvcvehicleclub.co.uk Alfie and Tilly admire the displays of Lego models entered in one of the craft classes
Trying her hand at tennis on an inflatable court run by Writhlington Sports Centre PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Town mayor Paul Myers with the winners of the various handicraft and produce classes
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NEWS
A new war memorial for Street
FIFTEEN years after the idea was first suggested, a new war memorial has been unveiled in Street to honour the fallen of the two world wars. Guests gathered in the community garden next to the village’s United Reformed Church for the service, which included the reading of the names of all the dead service personnel. The memorial replaces the original one in Merriman Park which, despite renovation in 2009, had deteriorated beyond repair. Designed by sculptor John Candler, a member of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen, the new monument features a two-metre high Portland Stone obelisk with a scattering of poppies in varying shades of red. A memorial plaque bearing the names of the fallen stands at the back of the garden. The project was a joint venture between the council, the Shadrach Trust and the church.
The Last Post sounds at the start of the ceremony
Guests after the unveiling. They included Rear Admiral Brian Perowne, deputy lieutenant of Somerset
Group Captain Dick Whittingham, president of the Mid-Somerset branch of the Royal Air Force Association, pays his respects after laying a wreath at the new memorial
Inspired by Stoker Body
SCULPTOR Jeff Body has created a unique poppy plaque to commemorate the end of the First World War which will raise funds for two local branches of the Royal British Legion. Jeff, of Shepton Mallet – he created the Shepton Sheep sculptures – was inspired by the stories told by his grandfather Arthur Body, a Royal Navy stoker who served in both world wars. At the end of the First World War, Stoker Body was presented with a silver tankard by villagers in Compton Martin, where he lived, in recognition of his service. The tankard is actually inscribed 1914-1919. Jeff has presented coloured plaques to the Coleford and Shepton Mallet branches of the British Legion. The Shepton Mallet plaque will hang on a wall in The Club, where the 100strong legion meets. ● Plain copies are on sale at Shepton Mallet’s tourist
Nina Swift, chairman of Street Parish Council, removes the Union Flag to reveal the new monument
Jeff presents the poppy plaque to Major General Ray Pett, president of the Shepton Mallet branch of the RBL
information centre, costing £20. From each sale, £5 will go to the legion branch and £5 to the TIC.
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Kitchen specialist’s new showroom
WALROW Kitchens invite you to visit their new “small-but-perfectly-formed” factory showroom on the Walrow estate in Highbridge (Unit 2, TA9 4AR) to see a wide range of the kitchens and worktops on offer. They manufacture kitchens and solid surface worktops to your bespoke design, so that you get “top of the range” quality products at a reasonable price. They're proud of their feedback and reputation and have a wealth of experience in design and manufacture in the South West. If you're thinking of investing in a new kitchen, as well as visiting the large chain showrooms, why not take the opportunity to compare? They say the quality of their product is unbeatable, even by the very expensive “bespoke” showrooms’ standards. They are able to adapt their designs by working with a range of suppliers so that you get something individual which perfectly fits your needs and all the
awkward spaces in your home. They know that a new kitchen is a major investment and want you to enjoy a personalised service from start to finish, from people who are genuinely interested in your project. They promise no call centres, no sales pressure, just honest independent advice and help from a knowledgeable, local, family-run business. And all at a direct factory price! Like you, they prefer to buy local.
They source their materials locally wherever possible; for example wood products from Gloucester, and wireworks from Bath and Bristol. Buying local means that your hardearned pounds are pumped back into the local economy – local taxes, local jobs and local purchases. So call in to see them. They are open every weekday and on Saturday mornings (check their website or Google listing for times).
Details: walrowkitchens.co.uk • somersetworktops.co.uk
PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 97
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HOMES & INTERIORS
MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018 • PAGE 99
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HOMES & INTERIORS
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Priddy parties in the sun
Sunday afternoon in the Queen Victoria Inn
Mayme, of Glastonbury, cools down. The festival banned single-use plastic water bottles and instead set up standpipes
Anxo Lorenzo with his band – they brought the festival to a close
Northern Company combine folk with bluegrass, classical and jazz
Priddy Rising – former pupils of the village school
A packed Swildons marquee
Mendip Folk Choir
PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Leanne Thorose, from Midnight Skyracer, an allfemale bluegrass band
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PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2018 Tommie BlackRoff, of Tyer
Priddy School choir c m d
Stepan Honc, of Euro folk band Perkelt – by far the fastest-playing band at Priddy!
Members of Bristol Rag Morris staged a mummers play about Brunel
ZZ Birmingham in the Sessions tent
Dancing was fun
Jake Slocombe, of Bristol – he can often be seen busking in Wells
Anytime is ice cream time – especially on Sunday morning
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All the world’s a stage . . .
… AND nowhere was that truer than in Wells where ten venues staged events in the city’s first theatre festival. Most spectacular of all was the West Front of Wells Cathedral, the setting for a community production of Romeo and Juliet. The aim of the Wells Theatre Festival was to offer a programme of high quality professional theatre alongside community involvement, whilst also encouraging young people to participate in theatre practice alongside professionals, through both workshops and performance. The festival patrons are Dame Judi
The cast of Romeo and Juliet prepare to go on stage on the opening night of the play
Dench, Sir Richard Eyre and film and television director, James Cellan Jones. Venues included Cedars Hall, Wells
The play begins with the star-crossed lovers taking to the stage as the drama unfolded beneath them
Beth Millward, as Juliet and Julian Laws, as Romeo. Julian is from Blagdon and Beth from Shepton Mallet. They were chosen after auditions earlier this year PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
and Mendip Museum, The Little Theatre and the Wells Almshouses Chapel alongside the cathedral.
Romeo and Juliet was staged on a simple set in front of the cathedral
Wells Theatre Festival patron, James Cellan Jones is surrounded by the guests, members of the cast of Romeo and Juliet, festival organisers and hosts David Morgan-Hewitt and Paul Dickinson at the festival launch party at The Rib
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MUSIC & THEATRE
Singing for charities THE Jenny Peplow Singers know and fully appreciate the benefits of singing. Several of the choir voluntarily organise and lead the local Singing for the Brain Group, based fortnightly at Writhlington Village Hall. These fun and relaxed sessions are for people with dementia and their carers. A Roomful of Songs concert was held by the supportive choir at the Wesley Hall, Paulton, when over £900 was donated by the appreciative audience, to be shared between the Singing for the Brain Group and the Alzheimer’s Society. There was something for everyone, including strawberries and home-made cakes, with a wide ranging programme
and an opportunity for the audience to use their own voices. The choir was rewarded with a standing ovation and the audience left with the strains of an
Festival promises family fun
VALLEY Fest is a small family-friendly festival with a big heart, set within the stunning Somerset countryside with a beautiful backdrop of Chew Valley Lake. It all takes place on a working organic farm, which is why sustainability, the provenance of food and caring for the land are key aspects of the festival. As well as enjoying a weekend packed full of great music (highlights this year include St Paul and the Broken Bones, Rae Morris and My Baby), kids and adults alike can do everything from meet the farm animals, to picking vegetables, learning skills like fermenting and taking part in cookery workshops. It also offers a pocket of joy away from the outside world for the weekend, and that involves a lot of nonsense and silliness. Things like hobbyhorse gymkhana, Junior Jungle, Mr Potato Head sculptures, eating challenges like fluffy bunnies, and a big dose of fancy dress, mean the valley is filled with laughter for the weekend. Sharing food together is also a big part of the ethos, with a fancy dress banquet on Friday night, a giant Midnight Feast on the Saturday and a Sunday Picnic involving Michelin-starred
Drama in Godney
Aerosmith encore ringing in their ears! Over £20,000 has been raised by the choir for charities in the last six years.
chefs like Josh Eggleton – the food is incredible and to enjoy it overlooking the lake is a real joy – and it’s all organic of course! So Valley Fest, from August 3rd to 5th is a place where kids can run wild, and adults can kick back and have a great time too.
Details: https://valleyfest.co.uk/about/
GODNEY Amateur Dramatic Society presented their second murder mystery evening: The Great British Bump-Off by Lesley Gunn at Godney village hall. The evening consisted of a short play during which one of the cast was “murdered”, followed by an opportunity for the audience to question the remaining characters on various aspects of what they had seen and heard – while they enjoyed a meal. Details: www.gadssomerset.org.uk
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In the summer time when the weather is fine
EARLY morning on the Mendips, the sun rising through the mist, Tam on a long lead, me in my walking boots, ambling home With RACHEL companionably from THOMPSON Burrington to Priddy. MBE This time of day there’s so much to see, the barn owl hunting silently over Charterhouse Minery, hares racing down the lane by Kingdown, a small group of roe deer alert to our passing, the buzzard on his pole, the flies haven’t appeared yet; it’s a bewitching and perhaps the only time to be out. How are you and your horse coping with the summer heat? Every season demands a unique equine management plan. Tam has suffered from intermittent lameness. May rain and June sun have combined to send the grass sugar soaring. Sam, the vet, diagnosed mild laminitis and advised less grass, a little weight loss and daily gentle exercise. A horse on a diet is easier to manage at home in Priddy. Trickle feeders need a supply of
Mark Payne on his stallion Cartajano
PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
Anna Stewart and Caballero
small amounts of food, otherwise ulcers can be a problem. Colic, especially exacerbated by the hot conditions, is another concern. I am reduced to feeding tiny amounts of fodder at a time, strip grazing the grass (rapidly burning off in the heat) for night time turn out and cutting down nettles which Tam loves to eat when dry. Colic and laminitis are the common equine ailments, often linked to obesity or short-term excessive intake of lush grass. Horses are foragers and will relish many other plants besides grass including moss, dandelions, cleavers (goose grass), heather, trefoil, hawthorn, brambles and blackberries and blueberries. It’s important to know the difference between the cow parsley loved by equines and the similar-looking hemlock (water dropwort) the most poisonous plant in Britain. Other nasties to look out for in the paddock are ragwort, foxglove and deadly nightshade and, in the hedgerow and garden, lupins, yew, privet and rhododendron. Sycamore tree seeds and seedlings may contain a deadly toxin that leads to atypical myopathy causing muscle cells to die. Some plants remain poisonous when dried in hay – this includes ragwort and lupins. My horse Holly suffered liver damage and almost
died from equisetum poisoning due to horse tails present in dried fodder. Vets have had an increase in calls connected to the hot weather and heat stroke. The message is to provide shade, turn out at night if possible, provide fresh clean water and slow down the work. It’s always important to know what’s normal for horses in your care in terms of temperature, heart and respiratory rate. The vets are there to advise if you are worried so get in contact straight away for help. There’s still lots of summer fun to be had. Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association produced a thrilling evening of riding displays at its recent fundraising event held at Kingfisher Equestrian, at Lovington, kindly lent for the evening by Libby Streatfield. First the Connegar GB Icelandic Horse team displayed the breed’s five unique and versatile gaits. After the interval, as a taster for next year’s Western Riding Display event, LT Equine Solution’s current reigning champion exhibited her barrel racing talents enthusiastically supported by the audience. The evening concluded with a parade of Spanish Iberian horses in full costume including a horse from the film War Horse. Considerable funds were raised for MBBA’s work in restoring Mendip’s riding network.
For details about the MBBA, visit: www.mbba.org.uk
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Therapy on horseback By Mark Adler
REMOTE farmland off a narrow lane near Kilmersdon is home to a form of equine therapy which is showing remarkable achievements with children with complex and special needs. Move the Mind is based on an American method called Horse Boy which was developed to help children with autism. Its principle is that the movement of riding a horse releases the happiness and communication hormone oxytocin, whilst helping to switch off the danger triggers to the brain which can cause a child to shut down emotionally or go into meltdown. Move the Mind – a community interest company – was founded by Nicole Gillard, who has combined her love of horses with her career working with children with special needs. The remoteness of the 14-acre site is key to the success of the project, said Nicole: “I
Nicole (centre) with her core team
Often, a practitioner will share the saddle to support a child, but this was an open day!
spent a long time looking for somewhere virtually silent and without any sensory triggers.” There is now a long list of families waiting to join. Although the emphasis is on one-to-one sessions, families are welcome to visit. Nicole and her team of volunteers also work with several educational establishments for children with special needs. Nicole said: “We are very neurofocussed. We don’t want to imitate the RDA which does such wonderful work with children with more physical disabilities.” Move the Mind received a £10,000 Lottery grant to build some shelters in the field, where children are also able to enjoy hands-on sessions with other animals including pigs and mini goats. Nicole is now launching an online fundraising campaign to extend the facilities. Providing electricity to the field
RIDING
Milo, aged seven, enjoys his first experience of riding a horse
will cost an estimated £10,000 and top of the wish-list is a purpose-built arena, costing around £28,000. Move the Mind is open all year, but the field presents a challenge in wet and muddy weather.
The Horse Boy theory is that the correct balance releases oxytocin
Move the Mind is based near Kilmersdon
For details, visit: www.movethemind.net • To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/z3b32g-please-help-us&rcid=r01153198038729-282822713a384a6f&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w
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Millie makes her mark
A 14-YEAR-OLD member of the Weston and Banwell Harriers has qualified for two prestigious national competitions. As Mendip Times was being published, Millie Vowles, from Weston-super-Mare, was due to compete at the Royal International Horse Show at Millie and Highmead Take A Hickstead and she will also Chance – known as Ruby take part in the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in October. Millie has a new partnership this season riding Highmead Take A Chance, owned by Ian and Suzanne Burns, of Brent Knoll, and produced by Team Quiney, in the 143cms Show Hunter Pony Section. Suzanne said: “Millie has been a member of the Weston and Banwell Harriers for a few years and very rarely misses a day with them but she is new to showing. I saw how enthusiastic she was with regards to riding her own pony and I offered her the ride on ‘Ruby’ as the pony is known at home. It was Millie's dream to one day compete at the Horse of the Year Show.”
Hundreds flock to charity open day
Meeting the horses
EQUINE rescue charity, HorseWorld opened its gates to the public so that supporters could see behind the scenes and meet the rescued horses. The stable yard was bustling as people came to look around HorseWorld’s rehabilitation and training facilities in Whitchurch, Bristol. HorseWorld’s equine yard manager, Sarah Hollister, said: “The farm is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis as the horses that arrive here are often poorly or need a lot of specialist care. “Many of them display defensive and sometimes dangerous behaviour when they have recently been rescued. You never know
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PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
RIDING
what they have been through and many don’t trust humans at all so on a normal day, the yard would not be accessible to the public. “However, on an open day, we bring the horses that will cope with the hustle and bustle closer to the yard and we move the horses that wouldn’t cope to the far side of the farm. It’s a lot of work to prepare but worth it to be able to show people the work we do as a rescue charity and helps to raise donations towards our rescue work. “Some of the horses are at a stage in their rehabilitation which means they are now ready to be rehomed on our loan scheme so it’s great to be able to show them to people who may be looking for a horse to rehome.” The horses on display included the three shire horses rescued last November as part of a big rescue involving 19 Shire horses and six welfare charities. Their next open days are on Saturday, August 11th and Saturday, October 20th. Details: www.horseworld.org.uk/events
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Tour of Britain heads our way
THE news that the Tour of Britain is returning to the West Country will be a great chance to see one of the country’s premier cycling races CYCLING for men. The tour with EDMUND takes place over eight LODITE consecutive days, across the UK, and attracts the best professional race teams and world tour teams. Since its rebranding in 2004 the tour continues to attract more and more spectators and is now a major event in world cycling. The third stage of the tour will start in Bristol on Tuesday, September 4th on a relatively short 128km sharp, out-and-back leg into the Mendip Hills. Passing through or near many of the villages and small towns across North Mendip it promises to be a thrilling spectacle. There are lots of good vantage points along the route but the climb up Cheddar Gorge with its iconic landscape will probably be the most popular place. Whether you’re into cycling or not it’s well worth taking the time to watch the tour pass by. Of course it closely follows the culmination of the biggest tour of them all, the Tour de France. There is something about the grand tours in France, Italy and Spain that sparks the passion of those countries; and not just in cyclists. A few years ago I and two cycling friends were fortunate to watch a stage finish at Tours in the Loire Valley. It’s a big occasion – if the Tour de France passes
Frome Gel station, Dutch Corner
through your village or town it is regarded as an honour and celebrated accordingly. We had to get there very early and spent hours waiting for the riders. In the meantime, a long convoy of cars and trucks “the publicity caravan” preceded them handing out freebies and providing great entertainment. It was a great carnival atmosphere celebrated by locals and cyclists alike. When the riders arrived it was a sprint finish to the line – and over in a flash of the camera. As we were leaving, we somehow managed to find ourselves inside the cordoned-off area where the team buses were. Turning a corner we came across Chris Froome, warming down on his turbotrainer, and that was the icing on the cake for the day. He was happy to exchange a few words with those around and when he was ready he got into the back of the team car. Then, there was an amusing sight as one of the technicians spent a few minutes struggling to get the bike into the boot. It was interesting to see that sometimes Team Sky have exactly the same problem that we all
Flying the flag for Rickford
THE 2018 Great Weston Ride provided the perfect opportunity for Rickford Cycle Club to show their colours at a local event. The route passed through Rickford on the A368 at the 17-mile point where the riders were able to take advantage of a fast downhill section of the course from Blagdon. All three riders Jo Wessell, Matt Hartley and Rich Searle finished the 57-mile route at the sea front in Weston-superMare having ridden the rolling terrain from the start in Long Ashton through Barrow Gurney, Winford, Chew Stoke, Blagdon, Burrington Combe, Priddy, Draycott, Wedmore, Mark, Burnham and eventually the finish line near the Grand Pier.
do – how is the bike meant to fit in here! During that same trip we cycled what many consider to be the most famous mountain climb in cycling. Alpe d’Huez with its 21 hairpin bends is not the hardest, longest or steepest but the one that all cyclists want to climb. Rich in history and drama it’s been a regular feature of the Tour de France and this year is no different. Each bend is numbered and marked with a plaque naming a rider who has won a stage at the top. This becomes more than a history lesson; it acts as a carrot to push you further. Counting down the bends the views down into the valley improve all the time, switching from left to right and back. At the final turn the ramp up into the ski resort leaves you breathless but soon you are there. The best mountain and hill climbs all have a unique character but it doesn’t have to be Alpe d’Huez. There is Cheddar Gorge, the narrow climb up the Wrangle or the best named hill in the country; The Struggle in the Lake District. All of them have a story to unfold. Jo, Matt and Rich
Their group achievement in a very large field of riders is all the more creditable because of the very warm conditions on the day.
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I have a world cup winners medal, says Jon A PLAYER with Somerset Gryphons Hockey Club, based in Clevedon, is part of a world cup-winning team. Jon Marshall, aged 65, has returned victorious from the Grand Masters Hockey World Cup in Barcelona where he represented England in the over-65s competition. England came top of their pool group and progressed via the quarter finals and semis to the final against Australia. England ran out 4-1 winners to
Jon with his winner’s medal and the world cup
A force for good
MEMBERS of Midsomer Norton Rugby Club were amongst those taking part in a nationwide campaign to build stronger links with their local community. They spent the weekend painting and decorating their clubhouse, along with other maintenance ahead of the new season. The project is called NatWest RugbyForce and is aimed at grassroots rugby clubs. ● Norton has announced the date of its autumn Former Players Day. It will be held on Saturday, October 6th when the home side is due to entertain Wells in the Tribute Western Counties North league.
Triple winner
become the world champions. Jon, of Winscombe, is one of only two west country players in the England over65 squad; the other is David Ward from Corsham Hockey Club. As a veteran, Jon plays for the Somerset Gryphons HC second team, but represents Somerset over60s and the West over-65s, as well as England. Despite playing in the world cup and
representing his country, Jon received no support and had to pay for travel and accommodation himself. He even had to rent the kit he played in from England Hockey! He said: “It is an honour to be selected and to play for your country at any age and I am lucky enough to be able to afford the costs, but some support and recognition would be welcome.”
May the force be with you – some of the volunteers take a break at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club
RUFUS Thomas from Chew Magna is the South West TriStar 3 (U14) champion. With only one event remaining, he secured his position with a win in the Bowood Triathlon. He swam well in the open water lake 400m swim, went quickly to the front on the cycle and then pulled out a good lead on the run to win. He now qualifies for the national Youth Triathlon Championships (Interregional championships) at Mallory Park in September and will be first onto the start pontoon as South West are the highest rated region based on past performances. Bowood was his third win in the 2018 South West series. PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
The over-65s squad celebrates
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Club suppporters get on their bikes
SPORT
Mavericks are champions
The riders prepare to set off on their tour of East Mendip before an evening of music and entertainment
CYCLISTS braved the heat of one of the hottest days of the year to ride almost 30 miles across East Mendip to raise money for Chilcompton Sports Club. The ride has become an annual fundraiser for the club, which boasts several junior and adult football and cricket teams.
Age is no handicap
GEOFF Weeks, aged 94, produced a stunning round when the seniors section of Fosseway Golf Club held its annual open day and his Stableford points total of 41 saw him collect the top prize in the 19-28 handicap section, which was just two less than the day’s best score. Playing on his home course Weeks, the only nonagenarian in the field, has not played much golf over the last year but he again demonstrated that the accuracy that has been a trademark of his game over the years remains a potent weapon. The overall winner and Fosseway’s best player was Jack Curtis who amassed an excellent 43 points.
MIDSOMER Mavericks, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s women’s cricket team, brought the winners’ trophy back to Withies Lane after being crowned the county’s first ever women’s softball champions at Weston-super-Mare. Before this win, the Mavericks had enjoyed a great season, remaining unbeaten in their normal season fixtures – and their unbeaten record was maintained as they saw off the other top teams from across the county to secure the title. Norton proved too strong for Staplegrove, Brislington and Claverham to set up a clash with Taunton Deane in the final where the Mavericks were once again victorious. Mavericks’ coach Tom Webb said: “It’s great to see all of the members of the team affecting each game and all contributing to our success. The commitment to training and the willingness to progress as individuals and as a team on the field sets a fantastic example to the rest of the club. I’m sure that this will continue for the rest of this season and beyond.” The progress made by the Mavericks since their first practice sessions in 2017 has been tremendous and has helped establish the women’s team as one of the most enthusiastic and active parts of the club. Club chairman, Graeme King, said: “The whole club are delighted at the success of the Mavericks who have shown what hard work and determination can achieve.” Skipper Jennie Webb said that the conduct of the players on and off the field has been outstanding all season: “This was shown by the amount of support we received when the Mavericks reached the final. “Many of the teams that we had already played stayed and supported us and showered us in champagne when we won! Once again, we would like to thank everyone for their support and Balance, the countryside gym, for its continued sponsorship.” Although the league fixtures are now completed, there is still plenty more women’s cricket to be played at Midsomer Norton in 2018. Training will continue on Thursday evenings and additional fixtures (home and away) will be arranged. At the end of the summer, the team will return to the indoor league which they competed in over 2017/2018. Details: Jennie angerlina1999@sky.com
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Game, set and match
(l:r); Steve Grist, Mike Cresswell, Will Bowden, Charlie Bruce, June Warby, Emily Hart (front), Alastair Gregory (club coach) and Thomas Hart
SEDGEMOOR District Council chairman, Councillor Mike Cresswell, attended an open day at Lympsham Tennis Club to celebrate the completion of new court facilities. The council provided a grant of £26,168 which helped towards the cost of new LED lights, resurfacing the courts and replacing the perimeter fence.
Cricket champions
FAIRFIELD Middle School, in Cheddar, Year 8 boys’ cricket team are county champions! They then competed in the regional competition where they came second in their pool. This ranks them within the top 10 schools in the South West. The girls’ netball and cricket teams have also had a successful summer.
Gorge champions
THE first ever rock-based school sports day took place on June 22nd in Cheddar Gorge. Four local primary schools competed to be the Gorge Champions, with Banwell Primary School winning. Children from Blagdon, Axbridge, Sidcot and Banwell had to complete a caving and climbing challenge, team building games in caves and a rock-based quiz. Each school was judged on their teamwork, leadership and communication; the three qualities needed for successful adventures. The Gorge Championship was organised by the Mendip Hills AONB unit to ensure local children can try rock-sports which the Mendip Hills are famous for, all free of charge. The event was organised in conjunction with the National Trust's Top of the Gorge adventure festival. Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB Unit, said: “One of the special qualities of the Mendip Hills is the visible geology, this has led to the area being a really important
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G y m n a s t i n n a t i o na l f i n a l
Uther Salter has made his club very proud
SHEPTON Mallet gymnast Uther Salter has finished a creditable fifth in the national finals of a prestigious competition for tumbling. The 17-year-old, who has been with Shepton Mallet Gymnastics Club since the age of five and is part of the South West tumbling squad, competed in the individual event in Nottingham as part of British Gymnastics Tumbling Development Programme. Clare Tanner, from the club, said: “Uther was in an extremely hard and experienced group of tumblers from all over the Great Britain. We are extremely proud of him.” The club is currently searching for its own base – tumblers must travel to Bristol to train.
caving and climbing destination. “We wanted to make sure local children try these sports as early as possible so they can carry on the rock sport tradition of the area. Plus, some children don't like the traditional sports in school so it's great to see them discovering different activities.”
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SPORT
Boxing is a generation game in Radstock
SOME of the earliest members of the original Radstock Amateur Boxing Club attended Norton Radstock ABC’s presentation night. Eric Coles, a founder of the club in the 1940s, Alan Gould, Mike Brown and its most decorated boxer, Royston Fuller, were amongst the guests at Paulton Rovers FC. On hand also to give out trophies were present day professional boxers Ryan Wheeler, fresh from winning the International Challenge Belt, and Commonwealth Super Bantamweight champion Ash Lane. The boxers’ boxer of the year award went to Lydia Williams with Cameron Walker winning the coaches’ boxer of the year title. Coach Sean Jenkins said: “Bearing in mind Lydia has only been training for about seven months it's fantastic to see that, not only have us coaches seen her potential, but her fellow gym mates can see it too, so I’m really
Different generations of fighters gathered at Paulton Rovers for the Norton Radstock ABC awards night
pleased for her." Other winners included: most improved male – Harley Wyatt and Jake Moon; most improved female – Hannah Rutt; best male – Cameron Walker; best female – Lydia Williams; club person of the year – Ryan Dimery-Seek; special achievement – Max Francis; Nick
Football tournament scores all round
SWALLOW, the Midsomer Norton-based charity supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, got into World Cup fever with a six-a-side football tournament. Three teams from SWALLOW, made up of both staff and members, took on teams from TSB’s Midsomer Norton branch and Sun Chemicals at Purnell Sports and Social Club. SWALLOW FC team manager, Sam Newbold, said: “We might not have had the goal scoring ability of Harry Kane, but we know how to have fun and ensure that everyone has a chance to get involved.” The tournament was won by TSB. Paul, a SWALLOW member, said: “It’s been a really great day, I enjoyed meeting new people and playing against new teams.” SWALLOW is a user-led organization which provides supported housing, education and training as well as a range of social activities. It was started in 1993.
The players in the six-a-side tournament
For details about SWALLOW contact Nicky Tew on nickyt@swallowcharity.org or call 01761 414034 or visit: www.swallowcharity.org
Blackwell Award for heart and courage – Cain Rogers. Fellow coach Jeff White said: "To see the elation on all our winners’ faces makes it all worthwhile. I’m so glad we had a huge turnout, in the four years we've been going as a club this was by far the best awards night we've had.”
League bucks the trend
OFFICIALS running the Mid-Somerset Football League say they are leading the way in attracting new teams when other leagues are seeing numbers reducing. The league – covering four divisions of grassroots football – have gained another seven side for the 2018/19 season. At the same time, clubs enjoyed success in various competitions, ranging from Frome Collegians winning the Somerset Junior Cup, Premier League and Dimmock Green KO Cup to Evercreech winning the Second Division, Moorland Cup and Tony Baxter Shield. But league chairman Bryn Hawkins, speaking at the league’s AGM, warned that abuse of referees was still an issue. The committee elected for the coming season comprises: president Bryan Wells, chairman Bryn Hawkins, vice chairman Ryan Grubb, secretary Karen Clark, treasurer/registration secretary Gary Smart, fixture secretary Rob Beale, referees appointment secretary Rob Watkins with general committee members Yvonne Dix, Kate Maul and Nick Doble.
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Charity beer festival
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THE Wessex Beer Festival will celebrate its 12th anniversary at the end of August with two days of real ales, ciders, music and fun. The festival takes place on Friday, August 31st and Saturday, September 1st at Chilcompton Sports Ground and will have a distinct Cornish flavour with 24 of the beers coming from 15 different breweries in the county. The beers include Poldark, Lobster Tail and Beheaded – the strongest real ale on offer. The real ales will be joined by 33 ciders and perries, from the traditional to the unusual – chilli and ginger cider, anyone? Live music in the evenings will include sets by Vox Terrae, Call the Shots, The Publicans, Harlem Rhythm Cats and Up Your Brass. Organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, the festival last year raised more than £6,000 for charities at home and abroad. The club says there are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities available – individual barrels can be sponsored for £100. ● Tickets prices are being held this year at £8 for advanced tickets sales and £10 on the door. They are available from Geoffrey Smith estate agency in Midsomer Norton, Phil Day Traditional Family Butcher in Radstock, Chilcompton Sports Ground and online at: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk
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On the right track for 50 years
A SOCIETY in Wells dedicated to everything connected with railways is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the annual Railwells exhibition in August. Wells Railway Fraternity will have a stand dedicated to its own history at the two-day event it hosts in Wells Town Hall. Last year saw the 40th anniversary of Railwells, which features scale-model layouts, displays and trade stands. One of the highlights of this year’s show, on Saturday, August 11th and Sunday, August 12th, will be the last public display of Tim Venter’s layout of Clutton. The layout is set in 1952 on the Bristol and North Somerset Railway. Included in this year’s exhibition is a layout depicting a WWI trench railway, by Callum Willcox, commemorating the battle of Amiens which began on August 8th, 1918. Also on show will be a T-scale layout – the locos are so small there is no room for motors inside them, yet they move! Part of Tim Venton’s Clutton layout
For details, visit: www.railwells.com
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The West Country Quilt and Textile Show
WHAT’S ON
THE 2018 West Country Quilt and Textile Show will be held for the fourth consecutive year at the University of the West of England Exhibition Centre, Filton Road, Bristol, BS34 8QZ on Thursday August 30th, Friday August 31st and Saturday September 1st, 10am-4.30pm daily. This spacious venue is situated on the northwest side of Bristol four miles from M5, J16 and one mile from M4/M32, J19 and has generous on-site car parking. It is also close to Bristol Parkway Rail Station from which the organiser has arranged a regular shuttle bus. The show features: traders selling sewing machines, fabrics, quilting accessories, craft accessories, threads, haberdashery, embroidery and quilt kits; galleries displaying modern, contemporary and traditional quilts, embroidery, braiding, tapestry weaving, contemporary textiles, display of traditional costumes and embroideries from South West China. Talks, workshops and demonstrations will include lace making, fusing fabric, embroidery, ecodying, crochet, rag rugs and other quilting and needlework techniques. And there will be a stop and play stand for children hosted by Quilters Guild Region 5. Competitions – £5 entry for competition quilts, categories are bed and cot quilts, large, small and miniature wall hangings and art quilts; a free to enter competition for cushions made using any needlework technique. For a full list of traders, galleries and exhibitors, demonstrations and workshops and competition entry forms, see the website. Tickets are £12 on the door, £2 off advance purchase. Quote offer code QTM when ordering. Details: www.westcountryquiltshow.co.uk 0117 9071000
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Learn something new this autumn
THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be hosting a wide range of heritage skills workshops and arts classes from September. Designed to appeal to beginners, enthusiasts and anyone wanting to discover a new talent or just have fun trying, the classes will encompass a variety of different Letter carving disciplines. Courses and workshops will include: letter carving, stone carving, candle making, botanical watercolours, soap making, oil painting, lino printing, surface embroidery, singing and Christmas wreath making! Courses range from half-day classes to longer courses where you can develop skills in more depth. Details: 01749 988111 ext. 200, or email info@bishopspalace.org.uk • www.bishopspalace.org.uk
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A gem of a day out – that’s the Cheese Show! GLORIOUS food, drink, entertainment and, of course plenty of cheese, awaits visitors to this year’s Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show on Saturday, September 8th at the West Woodlands Showground on the edge of town. It is set to be a feast for all the senses with a huge food hall, fantastic arena attractions, shopping galore, music stage and astounding cheese pavilion filled with more than 1,500 entries for this year’s prestigious Global Cheese Awards – it’s quite incredible to see!
The scene at the Horse Shoe music and food hub last year – expect an eclectic mix of both throughout the day in 2018
WHAT’S ON
The day offers an opportunity to enjoy all the trimmings of a traditional country show with rural competitions in everything from vegetable growing and crochet to livestock showing and show jumping. Visitors can discover what goes on down at the farm with the big machinery demonstrations, the hilarious Sheep Show and the Discovery Zone where you’ll find Tractor Ted, chicks hatching and the Animal Nursey with lots of furry friends ready Stand and deliver – CBeebies star to meet you! Gem will be one of the stars of the Making a very special show guest appearance on the stage this year will be the fantastic Gemma Hunt from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle so a message to all young pirates: “Get ready with your “yo-ho-ho’s” and head over to meet her!
For full details event details and to buy discounted advance tickets, visit: www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk
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Reaching the heights
FEEDBACK from visitors to Wells Cathedral who have taken the new High Parts Tour is already proving to be extremely positive. Comments from TripAdvisor have included: “If you’re reading this go online and book the high parts tour… it’s a fascinating 90 min tour of the upper areas of the cathedral … you won’t be disappointed!” Being able to see the masons’ marks scratched into the walls and onto the floor of the Tracing Room has been particularly popular with visitors as well as seeing the mechanical workings of the famous Wells Cathedral clock. Tours run regularly throughout the week and places can be pre-booked on the cathedral’s website. Visitors will need to ensure they are fit and well enough to take part. Children have to be a minimum of ten years old. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk/visit
Harriet’s silk road journey
Harriet in The Barn at West Compton, near Pilton
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ORIENTAL carpets and fabrics expert Harriet Sandys has written about her experiences as a young woman travelling alone around Pakistan’s North West Frontier. From meeting silk weavers in Afghanistan to dodging snipers in Bosnia as part of her later work with UNESCO, Harriet says she decided to write the book Beyond that Last Blue Mountain partly to inspire young women of today that they can strike out on their own. Harriet, who lives at West Compton near Pilton, will be opening the doors of the barn at her home over the August Bank Holiday weekend for one of her occasional sales of decorative items from Central Asia and India. Copies of her book will be on sale. In her 20s, Harriet travelled on her own to Pakistan to investigate the plight of Afghan refugees; it was to be a turning point in her life. She said: “It’s not so much a travel book, more a spiritual journey and it’s not aimed specifically at women, although I do hope it might act as an inspiration.” ● l Harriet will be talking about her book – published by Medina Publishing – at the Wells Festival of Literature on Thursday, October 25th in Quilters Hall, part of the Wells Cathedral School’s music department, off Cathedral Green. The talk commences at 2pm and tickets are limited. Lunch is at 12.30pm and tickets are £10 (talk only)/£17.50 (with lunch) available from: admin@wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
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NOW SHOWING Starts Friday 27th July From Friday 2nd August
From Friday 10th August
Starts Friday 17th August
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WHAT’S ON
Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (PG) Incredibles 2 (PG) Mission Impossible 6 (12A) 3D/2D Hotel Transylvania 3 (U) 3D/2D Ant-Man & The Wasp (12A) 3D/2D The Meg (12A) 3D/2D Christopher Robin (tbc) Teen Titans Go To The Movies (PG) • The Festival (tbc)
● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195
Harriet Sandys Decorative items from Central Asia and India Afghan and Persian oriental carpets and kilims Indian cotton kaftans and nightwear Carved wood furniture from the North-West Frontier Silver and semi-precious stone jewellery from Rajasthan August Bank Holiday – 2pm-5pm Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August 2018
e Barn at e Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB Tel 01749 890 582 For directions go to www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk
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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.
Thursday July 26th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 7m from Tickenham. Ex154 ST471716. Start 1.30pm Jackman’s Fishing Lakes, Jackman’s Bridge BS21 6SG. Details: Vi: 07711662993 or vihowley@me.com Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m Avalon Marshes Walk: Westhay to Panborough: ST456437. Start 10am Westhay Reserve car park BA5 1PT. Details: Brian: 01749 672457 / 07476 797446. Britten Youth String Orchestra Bishop’s Palace, Wells, 12noon. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Saturday July 28th and Sunday July 29th North Somerset Tractor Club steam-up vintage rally, North Somerset Showground. Details: 07769 977198 or 01278 671784. Saturday July 28th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm, War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, DVDs, CDs & talking books. Sunday July 29th Bishop’s Palace, Lord Chamberlain’s Men, The Tempest outdoor theatre and picnic. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Tower Open & Cream Teas, 2pm-4.30pm St Cuthbert's Church, Wells. £5 /£2.50. Numbers limited, please book. Details: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk Peasedown St John, 70 Years of Love & Laughter celebrating The Green, Frederick and Albert Avenues, 11am–3pm. All welcome! Details: Karen Walker 07968 401447 Sarah Bevan 07792 379850. Monday July 30th Wessex Stationary Engine Club, "Titanic & W T Stead, the first investigative journalist” Mr Peter Lamb, the Old Down Inn, Emborough BS3 4SA. All welcome, free entry. Details 01225 754374. Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm, all welcome. Wednesday August 1st – Saturday August 11th Somer Inspirations Exhibition, over 20 artists, Wells & Mendip Museum, 10am-5pm except Sunday. Free entry. Wednesday August 1st Wells Cathedral family workshop “Leather Scraps Make & Take” in the Education Room. Sessions: 10.30am-12 or 2pm-3.30pm. No need to book, just turn up and have fun! www.wellscathedral.org.uk Thursday August 2nd to Saturday August 4th Frome Memorial Theatre FMTC present “Seussical The Musical” 7pm (& 2pm on Saturday) Tickets £12/£11/£9 from 01373 462795. Details: www.fmt.website Thursday August 2nd “An Officer and a Gentleman” Charity theatre trips to Bristol Hippodrome support Langport Red Cross Centre. Details: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or 01458 273085. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11.9m across Dartmoor. ExOL28 SX676812. Start 10am, carpark below Warren Inn. Details: Tony Strange 01934733783/ 07415517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com PAGE 120 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2018
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Children’s activity morning. Meet the Victorians at the Seaside. Somerset Coalfield Live at Radstock Museum. 10am-midday. Entry £2.50 per child to include a free ice-cream. One adult per child FREE – additional adults £2.50. Ffi: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk Friday August 3rd to Sunday August 5th ValleyFest, Community Farm, Chew Valley Lake, three days of music, food and fun! Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk Saturday August 4th and Sunday August 5th Draycott & Rodney Stoke celebrate the end of WWI, with walks, barbecue, cream teas, organised by Supporters of St Peter’s Church. Details: Tricia Lumley 07886733840. Saturday August 4th Mendip Ramblers moderate 7.5m Penleigh, Imber Range path, Frogmore. Start 10.30am Westbury Station car park BA13 4HP. Map ST861519. Details: Mike 01373 472101/07711 090656. Finds Day at Frome Museum. Bring coins, medals, fossils, archaeological finds and other paraphernalia to be identified and recorded. 11am3pm. Entry free. Refreshments. 1 North Parade Frome, BA11 3AT. Ffi: 01373 454611, Facebook or www.fromemuseum.org.uk Castle Cary Gardening Association annual show. 2pm, Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Ansford, BA7 7JJ. Teas and homemade cake. Sunday August 5th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Mendip Ring Circular. Start 10am car park to the right of Farrington Gurney village hall, BS39 6TY. Map ST631556. Details: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023. Cream Teas in Timsbury, served every Sunday from 3-5pm in aid of church funds, St Mary’s Church, BA2 0LG. All very welcome. Cream Teas served every Sunday from 2-5pm at St Mary’s Church Compton Dando. Nempnett Thrubwell Summer Fete, traditional family fun, stalls, cream teas and lots more, Berryfield House, BS40 8YJ. St Cuthbert's Church, Wells. Cream teas and listen to the wonderful sound of a 'Tudor' organ. 2pm–4.30pm. Details: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk “Midsummer Mayhem” Family Fun Day at the Bishop’s Palace Wells, 10.30am-4pm, included with standard admission price. Bouncy castle, dressing up, crafts & activities. Picnics welcome! Monday August 6th Mendip Ramblers leisurely 3m cup of tea walk Shepton Mallet. Start 1.30pm Shepton Mallet, Station Road, near cenotaph. Details: Mary D 01749 342285/07951 467453. Tuesday August 7th Taize’ chants & prayers 7.45pm Ammerdown Centre, Radstock BA3 5SW. Please join us for Taize’ prayers first Tuesday in the month. Details: 01761 433709 or Janet: 07376 573093. Wednesday August 8th Kilmersdon Gardeners, talk by Alan Eason, Gardens & parks of Paris. 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. Details: 01761 233325. Visitors welcome £2. Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, Baytree Road BS22 8HG. 7.30 pm. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752.
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Mendip Society Walk from Holford, a moderate 6 to 7 miles, meet 10.30am in the car park past the Combe House Hotel, Holford TA5 1RZ. Bring a packed lunch. Please book with Clive before the walk. Details: Clive 01275 848052. Thursday August 9th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Waterlip, Cranmore Tower. Start 10am East Somerset Railway car park BA4 4QL, ST668431. £1 donation agreed for parking and use of toilets. Details: Tony P 01749 342285/ 07752 689629. West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 5.5m from Wedmore. Ex141 ST437481. Start 1.30pm, village car park. Details: Jill Ollis: 01934713068/07709767907 or jill.m.ollis@gmail.com Saturday August 11th to Saturday August 18th Timsbury Art Group and Jesmarie Painters Exhibition of original paintings at Wells Cathedral, South Cloister, 10-5pm daily. Details: 01761 470951. Saturday August 11th Draycott & Rodney Stoke Village Show, Draycott Memorial Hall, 2pm. Refreshments, raffle, trophies, sale of produce. Clutton Flower Show over 50 stalls, children's entertainer, music, classic cars & tractors, horse jumping, dog shows. 1pm, Rudges Field. Mendip Society Walk from Wellow. A moderate 6 miles via White Ox Mead and Upper Twinhoe. Meet 2pm Station Road car park, BA2 8QB. Details: Beryl 01761412045. Introduction to Charcoal Burning, 10am-2pm at Tania’s Wood, The Mendip Society reserve, Ubley. Members £8, non-members £10. Booking essential: judith.tranter1@btinternet.com or 01275874284. Mark Harvest home, thanksgiving service, procession, lunch, sports and evening dance. Details: Mike Peters 01278 641633. Sunday August 12th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m walk Bratton Wood, Selworthy Beacon, Bossington. Start 10am Selworthy overflow car park TA24 8TR. Map SS920467. Details: Janet 01458 835238/07706 181609. Cranmore Village Fair Midday onwards. Punch & Judy, children's races, street stalls/car boots, live music, bar, BBQ, dog show, skittles and more. To book a stall or car boot: 01749 880512. St Cuthbert's Church, Wells cream teas and opportunity to hear the story of some unique medieval painted statues, 2pm–4.30pm. Details: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk The Importance of Being Ernest: the Pantaloons energetic and musical take on Wilde’s wit. Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Classic car show, organised by Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club. Camerton Village Hall, Meadgate, Camerton BA2 0NL. 10am-4pm. More than 600 vehicles expected. Admission free. Ffi: www.nrcvcvehicleclub.co.uk Tuesday August 14th Bap & Doughnut Lunch, 12–2pm Cheddar Football Club, Bowdens Park, Draycott Rd, BS27 3RL. All proceeds for Weston Hospicecare. Thursday August 16th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk from Glastonbury. Start 10am Bretenoux Rd (near Chalice Way) BA6 8DZ, ST505381. Details:
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Francoise 01458 831823. West Mendip Walkers strenuous circular walk 14m from Chepstow. ExOL14 ST528945. Start 9.30am. Park school/leisure centre. Details: Andy Paterson 01934741690 or aepat@btinternet.com Redhill Club Classic Car & Motorcycle Gathering 7pm -10pm, in the Recreation Field, BS40 5SG, All welcome, BBQ. Tel: 01934 862619. Friday August 17th and Saturday August 18th Mendip Society Dry stone walling training sessions with Tina Bath, 9.30am-4pm, Chancellor’s farm, Priddy. Both days advisable. Max 8 so booking essential: 01275 874284 or judith.tranter1@btinternet.com Friday August 17th Wedmore Harvest Home, church service, procession, harvest lunch, children’s tea, evening entertainment. Saturday August 18th to Monday August 27th Open Art Exhibition, Science Atrium, Clevedon School, BS21 6AH. 10.30am-6pm daily 2pm-6pm Sunday. Admission £1. www.clevedonartclub.co.uk Saturday August 18th Mendip Society Walk from Worth. A moderate 5 miles with views over the Levels. Meet 2pm on Castle Lane, Worth BA5 1NL. Details: Terry 01749 679128. Green Gardeners tour of Carymoor Environmental Centre. Meet 2pm. Non-members please contact Helen first: 01458 273753. Cost £8. Barrow Gurney Flower Show, Village Hall, 2.45pm. Admission free. Teas and tombola. Contact: Kath 07561 260195. Regil Flower & Produce Show, 2.30pm at the village hall. Entries to Rickyard Cottage by August 16th. Claverham Village Market variety of fresh food, books, plants, crafts, teas, coffees, 10am-12noon, village hall Bishops Road. Details: 01934 838017. StokeFest music festival in Stoke St Michael. Music from 2-10.30pm. Marquee, bar, BBQ or BYO picnic. Dog show in the afternoon, children's entertainer and drumming workshop. Ffi: Alun Stewart alunstewart69@hotmail.com or 07889 093179. Sunday August 19th Mendip Ramblers moderately hilly 10.5m walk Wessex Ridgeway over Lewesdon Hill. Start 10am Pilsdon Pen car park on B3164 between Broadwindsor and Marshwood DT6 5NX, ST414009. Details: Laurence 01373 452294/ 07568 584994. St Cuthbert's Church, Wells. Cream teas and opportunity to hear the story of some unique medieval painted statues. 2pm–4.30pm. Contact: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk Rare Plant Fair, Bishop’s Palace Wells 10am5pm. Tickets £5 include entrance to the palace and gardens. Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show. See page 12. Wednesday August 22nd Wells Cathedral – Follow a glass trail and have a go at glass painting. Sessions 10.30am-12 or 2–3.30pm, £5 per family (2 children, additional children £1). No need to book, just turn up and have fun! Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Thursday August 23rd West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6m from Langport. Ex129 ST415266. Start 1.30pm.
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Town square carpark. Details: Andrew Smallbone 07581 568805 or andrewsmallbone@hotmail.com “Treasure Island” Boxtree Theatre at the Bishop’s Palace Wells, 6.30pm. Bring a picnic or book a BBQ ticket: Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Saturday August 25th to Monday August 27th Mendip Ramblers Walking Festival – several free walks each day, ranging from three to 12 miles. All start from Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat, BA4 6RB. Park at nearby Barber’s Cheese Farm. Full details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Medieval Weekend at the Bishop’s Palace Wells, 10am-6pm daily. Activities and demonstrations by Bowlore Medieval. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111. Saturday August 25th Frome Memorial Theatre present “Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story” 7.30pm Tickets £21.50 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Axbridge Rumble In The Jumble, the community event where residents set out their stalls and jumble hunters take to the streets in search of bargains, raising funds for the Axbridge Pageant, 10am-2pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/Rumble-in-the-JumbleAxbridge-291839127944110/ Sunday August 26th Oxfam quiz, 7.30pm start, the Britannia Inn, Wells. Teams of up to six, £2.50 per team member. To book, phone Terry: 01749 672342. Tower Open St Cuthbert's Church, Wells 2pm–4.30pm. £5 /£2.50. Cream Teas. Numbers limited, please book: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk Coleford Village Day and Dog Show. Highbury Playing Fields, Coleford. Church service in the marquee at 11.30am. Event opens midday. Fun for all the family. Ffi: www.colefordrevivalgroup.org Chilcompton Fringe Festival, Chilcompton Sports Ground, BA3 4EY. 1-11pm. A celebration of music, literature and performing arts. Bars, food and street stalls. Children’s entertainment. Entry: £3 adults (pre-5.30pm), £7.50 after/£1 children 1116/under-11s free. Ffi: www.chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk Monday August 27th Whitchurch Village Fete, Barbarians ground, off Norton Lane, plus other bank holiday weekend events. Details: Ashton Broad 01275 832148. Baltonsborough Village Show. Baltonsborough Playing Field, from midday. Flower, vegetable and handicraft show, music, farm display, stalls, dog show etc. Ffi: www.baltonsboroughshow.com Wells Moat Boat Races. Organised jointly by Wells Lions Club and Wells Air Cadets. Races from 1pm-4pm. Stalls in the Recreation Ground. Admission free. Donations to charity welcome. Wednesday August 29th Rainbow Ramble Sponsored walk & treasure hunt for Children’s Hospice SW. Dogs on leads & children welcome! 10.30am Holcombe Village
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Hall, organised by St Andrew’s & Holy Trinity, Coleford. Details: Lazydays44@googlemail.com Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support tea party at Backwell W.I. Hall, 2pm to support the Macular Society Research Appeal. Details: Sheila 01275 462107. Wednesday August 29th to Sunday September 2nd Hutton Events Week. Show Marquee, St Mary’s Field, BS24 9QR. Wednesday: Taste of Somerset; Saturday: Horticultural Show. Evening events: Charity Quiz, 60s night, Proms evening. Details & ticket bookings: Parish Council office 01934 813871 or www.huttonsomerset.org.uk Thursday August 30th to Saturday September 1st The West Country Quilt & Textile Show, UWE Exhibition Centre, Filton Road, Bristol, BS34 8QZ, 10am-4.30pm, Advance tickets, £10, £12 on door. Details: 0117 9071000 www.westcountryquiltshow.co.uk Thursday August 30th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10.5m from Clutton. Ex142 ST623589. Start 10am church carpark. Details: Claris Brown: 07811 242061 or claris51@yahoo.co.uk Saturday September 1st Frome Memorial Theatre presents “The Roy Orbison Story 30 Year Special” 7.30pm Tickets £21.50 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Farmborough Flower Show, Memorial Hall, 2.30pm, £1, children free. Details: flowershow@farmborough.org.uk 01761 471759. Evercreech Annual Show, from 1.30pm, sports field Weston town, fantastic family day, many attractions, competitions, refreshments , marquee open 2.30pm, adults £2 children free. Details: 01749 831304. Sunday September 2nd Frome Memorial Theatre presents "The Little Mix Experience" 4pm. Tickets £15 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Mendip Ring Circular: East Harptree Woods, West Harptree, Litton. Start 10am East Harptree woods car park BS40 6DA, ST558741. Details: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023. Redhill Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 1pm–4pm. Stalls, cakes, raffle. Free entry, all welcome. Bristol Aquarists Society annual open show Hengrove Community Centre, Bristol BS14 9NX, a chance to see the best goldfish in the country! Auction of stock 12.30, show opens 2.30pm, admission free. Details: www.bristolaquarists.org.uk Wednesday September 5th Mendip Society Walk from Wellow. A hard 7 miles with hills via Shoscombe and the Wellow Brook. Bring a packed lunch. Meet 11am in the Station Road car park, Wellow BA2 8QB. Details: Martin 01249 720809 Continued overleaf
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Thursday September 6th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Sutton Mallet, Stawell. Start 10am in no through road near Ring O Bells, Moorlinch TA7 9BT, ST398366. Details: Dave D 01963 07816 844345. Friday September 7th Midnight Beach Walk – women walking together and raising funds for Weston Hospicecare. Register and details: www.midnightbeachwalk.org.uk Redhill Club Open Mic Night 8pm–11pm. Hosted by Jerry Blythe. Enjoy the mix of local professionals as well as open mic slots. For more info call Jerry on 07900 587646. Saturday September 8th Mendip Society Walk from Weare. A moderate 5.75 miles with good views. Meet 2pm at the Church, Sparrow Hill Way, Weare BS26 2LE. Details: Roger & Lyn 07971 245956. Cheddar Food and Drink Festival, various locations, 10am4pm. Bill Smarme & the Bizness, a unique comedic take on a farrago of musical genres 7pm Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. £12
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(£10 in advance). Bar, parking. Details: website or John 07746 605523. Cheddar Vale Lions afternoon tea, a chance to hear about their work, Hannah More Cottage, North Street, Cheddar, 2pm–4pm. Details: wwwcheddarvalelionseorg 0845 8337402. Frome Cheese Show – see page 117. Chew Stoke Harvest Home, from 12.30. Details: www.chewstokeharvesthome.org.u k Castle Cary is hosting Bill Smarme and the Bizness, 7pm Caryford Hall, £12 (£10 in advance), bar, free parking. Details: website or John 07746 605523. Congresbury Gardening Club. Talk by Sally Gregson "Hydrangeas and Friends". Congresbury Methodist Hall, 7.30pm. New members/visitors welcome. Ffi: www.congresburygardening.org.uk Sunday September 9th North Somerset Ploughing Match, Grove Farm, Claverham. Details: Jo Havers 08456 342464
@MendipRocks
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WHAT’S ON
Exploring Mendip’s geology
THE Mendip Rocks! Festival was launched in Burrington Combe on Saturday, July 7th and hundreds of people visited to find out more. The festival will be spread out over the summer and early autumn this year, bringing to life the story of the fascinating rocks that have created the Mendip Hills. A wide range of fun and inspiring events will be provided by the festival team from the Mendip Hills AONB, Somerset Earth Science Centre and The Mendip Society. Adel Avery, festival co-ordinator, said: “The Mendip’s have a unique and very special landscape and this will be a great chance to get out and see some of Mendip’s best kept geological secrets, with many events being held at sites that are not usually open to the public. “There is something for everyone from family fun days, fossil hunts, geo discovery walks, tours in working and disused quarries and caves, geo lectures, stone carving and art workshops.” Most events are free unless otherwise stated. A donation of £3/adult, £1/child is welcome towards the Mendip Rocks! project.
Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events/ https://www.facebook.com/MendipRocks/ Adel Avery 01749 840156 (leave a message) adel@earthsciencecentre.org.uk
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