#LOVEWHEREYOULIVE THE
M I N E H E A D & E X MO O R
CH RO N I CLE
a free newspaper for the communities of minehead and exmoor
issue 3 january - february 2017
EXMOOR FOOD FEST CELEBRATES THE TASTE OF EXMOOR See page 5
page 2
N EWS
TH E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE
Welcome
to the third issue of the Minehead & Exmoor chronicle a free newspaper for the local community.
THE MINEHEAD & EXMOOR CHRONICLE Cover picture by Porcupine PR The Minehead & Emoor Chronicle is a free local newspaper published by and a wholly owned subsidiary of Phototouch UK VAT Reg No. 132 6393 23 The views expressed by contributors to the Minehead & Exmoor Chronicle are not necessarily the views of the editor but we do try to allow free speech.
To enquire about placing an advert, submitting an article of local interest or just to say Hi! email us at mineheadandexmoorchronicle@gmail.com
chronicle
noun. a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. synonyms: record, written account, history, annals, archive(s), register; log, diary, journal, calendar, chronology; narrative, description, story verb. record (a series of events) in a factual and detailed way. synonyms: record, put on record, write down, set down, document, register, report, enter; narrate, relate, recount, describe, tell about, retail “the events that followed have been chronicled by many of those who took part”
The first rubbish collection after Xmas seems to be a better sign that the festive period has come to an end than the traditional twelfth night celebration. With all the wrapping paper and Christmas leftovers now gone and the decorations packed away for another year we can start 2017 in earnest facing whatever it may hold. The mainstream medias gaze seems firmly focused on the new US president and love him or hate him his presidency will certainly be different from his predecessor and will nodoubt effect us all in some way. This edition has taken on a distinct foodie theme with news of the Exmoor Food Festival in February, this festival (the third), will tempt foodies to eat their way across Exmoor. There will be great deals at selected restaurants with markets and food related events during this time celebrating the best our region has to offer. Also on page 9 there is a brilliant article on sour dough bread by Sally Eveleigh of Toucan Whole foods. Although the weather over the festive period was been unseasonably mild, with almost record temperatures for Christmas and Boxing Days, we know from experience winter could still come knocking. This could bring with it an inevitable drop in temperatures. We would like to encourage our readers to check in on any elderly neighbours or folk less fortunate than themselves to make sure they are OK and to extend a little kindness to those who find the winter a lonely and cold time. We hope 2017 brings with it success, prosperity and good health to you all. We sincerely hope you enjoy reading this edition. The Editorial Team...
Star letter Once again our most dedicated correspondent takes up his pen to tackle a topical issue....
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Sir, Having read with growing disquiet of the eruption of bad feeling among residents of Minehead sea front over the unannounced installation of a ‘big wheel’ in front of their homes this last summer I find myself compelled to take up my pen again to offer a few observations. While I in no way defend the lamentable lack of consultation displayed by the local Non-Events Group prior to the monstrous erection’s arrival I should point out at it is a commonly-held principle of planning law that one does not purchase a view with a home. In other words, while those residents occupying seaward-facing apartments may have bought them largely or partly on the basis of the imposing prospect they offer of the Bristol Channel in all its magnificent moods they enjoy no de jure right to a perpetual, unimpeded outlook. In short, should someone decide to site – subject to the usual planning provisions, naturally – a herring-processing plant on the sea front to exploit the apparent revival of a local fishing industry which once generated considerable revenue for Minehead there would be little they could do about it. I would suggest, further, that if one chooses to live in such vulgar surroundings as the precincts of a holiday camp where there are regularly offered diversions such as darts championships and week-end ‘entertainments’ of a salaciously sexual nature one should not complain if a further example of vulgar seaside entertainment abruptly manifests itself in front of one’s drawing room window.
Should the local Non-Events Group, however, be contemplating re-introducing this hideous gyratory entertainment for the forthcoming summer season may I make a suggestion? Research has clearly shown that the pleasure commonly derived from riding on such devices stems from the sensations generated in the inner ear (wherein of course, reside the mechanisms of balance) by the circular motion. The ‘view’ obtained by being elevated to a relatively modest height provides but subsidiary enjoyment. My proposal, therefore, would be to install the wheel but to turn it through 90 degrees so that it revolved horizontally around a vertical axis rather than vice versa, as it did this year, thus greatly reducing its impingement on the outlook from the apartments. I am sure some method could be devised of strapping the patrons securely into their seats in order for this arrangement to succeed – to the mutual satisfaction, I trust, of all parties. As to the ‘view’, I suggest a far superior one to that provided by the big wheel may be obtained gratis by ascending on foot to the summit of North Hill whence, in the optimum meteorological conditions, the prospect extends from the Malverns to the Dorset Downs, such an excursion offering, in the process, a degree of vigorous exercise from which, in view of their astonishing corpulence, many of the wheel’s patrons last summer would benefit immeasurably. Yours faithfully J. Hogarth Trusspot
Stuart Lowen
Quality Butchers, Farm Shop & Home Brew Centre OUR BUTCHERS HAVE 130 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE ALL OUR MEAT & POULTRY IS SOURCED FROM THE WEST COUNTRY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BREW YOUR OWN BEER & WINE AT HOME WE CAN CATER FOR ANY OCCASION WITH OUR HOG ROAST & BUFFET SERVICE
Stuart Lowen Quality Butcher, Farm Shop & Home Brew Centre: 4b Hawksworth Road, Minehead Somerset TA24 5BZ Opening Hours: 8am - 5.30pm Mon - Fri / 8.30am - 5pm Sat E-mail: info@stuartlowen.co.uk | www.stuartlowen.co.uk | Tel: 01643 706034
THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE
N EWS
page 3
and now the
FISHING FORECAST
issued by James Wigglesworth at 04:00 on the 9th January 2017. Well cod fever has certainly grabbed everyone's attention here in the Bristol Channel. It hasn't been a particularly prolific season so far but we have seen some nice specimens none the less. The boats from Minehead have accounted for some lovely fish to over 30lb where as from the shore there have been plenty of codling in the 2-5lb showing on the right tides. If you fancy a crack at catching yourself a tasty little cod then arm yourself with a tub full of lugworm as they find these irresistible but if it's a lunker you desire then large squid or cuttle fish baits tend to find the bigger fish. You're likely to encounter a few whiting while out fishing at this time of year and the last few weeks have seen some incredible catches with fish up to 4lb 5oz being reported. This is an exceptional size for these winter visitors but fish of 2lb are a very real prospect. Try adding a small slither of fish to your work baits if you want to tempt this lovely eating fish. Over the weekend we saw a couple of whiting caught from the boats
with Lampreys attached to them... These parasites are certainly not welcomed by the fish they feed on but they are interesting creatures to study if you ever come across one. Another very welcome sight to local anglers at this time of year is the haddock. We tend to see a small amount of these every winter but this year there seems to be a slightly better stamp of fish around with one being reported at over 4lb caught from a private boat sailing from Watchet. Although I wouldn't recommend purposely going out and targeting this popular food fish there's a very real chance you might just find one on the end of your line while afloat. For up to date fishing reports you can check out the Minehead Sea Angling page on Facebook or alternatively you can pop down to the harbour and have a chat with Craig Butler who inhabits the Kiosk. Tight lines if you are venturing out in the coming weeks... Fish Hard!
Craig Butler with a nice shore caught cod.
James with some whiting
4lb 5oz haddock
The business end of a lamprey
page 4
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T HE M INEH EA D & EX MO OR C HRON ICLE
N EWS & FEAT U RE S
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page 5
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EXMOOR FOOD FEST CELEBRATES THE TASTE OF EXMOOR In February, the third Exmoor Food Fest will tempt foodies to eat their way across Exmoor when participating restaurants offer two courses for £10/ 3 courses for £15.00. There will also be markets and food related events during this time, celebrating the best our region has to offer. A special dinner will launch the 2017 festival at the Luttrell Arms in Dunster on 26 January: Six award winning chefs are going to join Head Chef Barrie Tucker to cook seven courses for some very lucky diners. The menu is still a secret, but will focus on local produce and seasonal fare. Exmoor is home to many outstanding local products such as Porlock Oysters and Exmoor Caviar. Diners at the Exmoor Food Fest launch will be able to taste Wicked Wolf Gin which is handcrafted by husband and wife team Pat Patel and Julie Heap on their property on Exmoor on the banks of the river Lyn. Nettlecombe based award winning Secret Orchard Cider and Madrigal Ales (brewed in Lynmouth) are two more outstanding local products which are available to sample at some of the Exmoor Markets which will take place in February. Photo by Louise May
The Exmoor Food Fest runs through the whole month of February. Originally the idea
of local chef Andrew Dixon, the event is now organised by Elke Winzer who is also behind Exmoor4all (an online platform for all things Exmoor, including an online shop) and the Exmoor Markets which take place regularly at Tesco’s Minehead and other locations around Exmoor. The Dunster Food Festival will be the grand finale on the Exmoor Food Fest on the last weekend in February. “The Exmoor Food Fest helps local businesses in the hospitality sector to show off their skills. The festival deal of 2 courses for £10 tempts many people into restaurants at a time of year when business tends to be slow,” explains Elke Winzer. For the first time, all participating restaurants will take part in the Taste of Exmoor Awards. Customers will be able to vote online for their best dining experience - the winners will be crowned at the Awards Ceremony at Butlins at the end of March. Tearooms and village shops are also encouraged to sign up for the Exmoor Food Fest. Information about all the restaurants signed up for the Exmoor Food Fest as well as tearooms and village shops is available on the website www.exmoorfoodfest.com.
page 6
CR EAT I V E FEAT U R E
T H E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE
Old Loft Studio
Bespoke Handmade Jewellery
Whether its jewellery made from beach glass collected from south west coast lines or fine handmade crystal beaded jewellery, Old Loft Studio is increasing in popularity for commissions and sales. As part of the local crafting scene in West Somerset, Caroline King has now established a reputation for beautiful bespoke jewellery with an eye for quality and fine detail, some of which has now won awards.
Beach glass jewellery is created using a style that embraces and enhances the years of wear and tear that Mother Nature has applied to the surface of the glass. At the other end of the spectrum, exquisite fine beaded jewellery embraces the high sparkle and wow factor that you would expect from using the finest Swarovski crystal or glass beads. If it’s a commission for bespoke wedding jewellery or a gift, you can be assured that every level
of care and attention is applied when creating each individual piece.
necklaces and other jewellery can also be undertaken.
Caroline follows her late mother into the world of fine bead crafts and now uses these skills on the beach glass jewellery. Caroline can often be found at various craft fairs and artisan markets across West Somerset and recently exhibited at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre in Taunton.
Old Loft Studio has a facebook page where many of her projects and commissions can be seen in working progress and complete. Caroline can also be contacted at oldloftstudio@gmail.com
Repairs such as restringing vintage pearl
THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE
CR EAT I V E FEAT U R E
page 7
page 8
T H E R EGA L
Regal listings Jan - Feb 2017
WHAT’S ON? AT THE REGAL THEATRE
New Year at The Regal Theatre promises a programme with plenty to choose from. From panto to film, classical and popular music, storytelling, children’s drama and an all-time popular musical, make sure you buy your tickets early for a great night out. Go to www.regaltheatre.co.uk to download the current brochure from the home page and book your tickets on-line. Friend us on Facebook to get the latest news and information or email us from the web-site to request monthly updates to our programme.
Friday December 30, 2016 – Saturday January 7, 2017 Minehead Panto People present THE PIED PIPER by Alan Frayn Tickets: Adult £10.00, Friends £9.50, ES40’s/ Students and Children £6.50, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £30.00 Set in the rat infested town of Hamelin, Pippen the Piper rids the town of a plague of rats but unfortunately all the town’s children are led away to the Magic Mountain as well. Are they lost forever? With evening and matinée performances on offer, look on-line for exact dates and start times. Tuesday January 17 at 7.30pm Regal Film Society - MAGGIE’S PLAN TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 Dir Rebecca Miller US 2016 98 mins. A young woman’s decides to take control of her own destiny when she falls in (and out of) love with a married man. Stars Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore.
T H E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE
TICKETS: Adults £18.00, Under 18s and Fulltime Students 18-21, £2.00 A twenty-four piece string ensemble plays Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Barber Dvorák. Tuesday January 31 at 7.30pm Regal Film Society PUBLIC FILM SCREENING - Title to be announced. TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 For up-to-date information visit the website www.regalfilmsociety.org Friday February 3 at 7.30pm Bookends present SIMON & GARFUNKEL: THROUGH THE YEARS TICKETS: Adults £16.00, Friends £15.50, ES40’s/Students £8.00. Concert featuring many classics such as ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’ and Bookends’ own beautiful rendition of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’
Thursday January 19 at 7.30pm STORYWELL with Alex Simson TICKETS: Adults £5.00, Friends £5.00, ES40’s/ Students £5.00. Alex Simson is a gifted storyteller who brings folk tales, myths and legends from around the world to her appreciative listeners of all ages. Performance in the Bar.
Sunday February 5 Doors open at 1.00pm. First performance 2.00pm West Group Young Farmers’ ANNUAL PERFORMING ARTS COMPETITION TICKETS: Adults £7.50 includes a programme. Under 13’s come in free! An afternoon full of entertainment from the Young Farmers Clubs in your local area competing against each other for their annual theatre performances.
Friday 27 January at 7.30pm Minehead And West Somerset Arts Society BSO STRINGS FROM THE BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Friday February 10 at 7.30pm BABY I NEED YOUR LOVIN’ TICKETS: Adults £15.00, Friends £14.50, ES40’s/Students £8.00.
Gents, Fed up with queuing for a haircut? Why not give us a call to book a time with us. No extra charge to make an appointment and we don’t get booked up weeks in advance. So why not give us a try!
A celebration of 1950s – 1974 Motown music The 4 piece band rich in musicality and overflowing with glorious vocal harmonies which performers like the Temptations, The Supremes and the Four Tops were noted for. Sunday February 12. Part 1 at 2.30pm. Part 2 at 3.30pm. The Fisherman’s Daughter I & II TICKETS: Adults £10.00, Friends £10.50, Children £5.00. Groups 10+ 10% off. An adventure-packed double bill for all the family with an unlikely hero, Harold, a onelegged seagull joker. All ages have found this play enthralling. Tuesday February 14 at 7.30pm Regal Film Society – Title to be announced TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 For up-to-date information visit the website www.regalfilmsociety.org Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 February at 7.30pm Extra matinee on Saturday 25 at 2.30pm Fusion Young Performers - OLIVER Tickets: Adults £9.50, Friends £9, ES40’s/ Students £5, Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £25. OPENING NIGHT OFFER – ALL TICKETS £5 Lionel Bart’s Oliver! brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale to life and takes audiences on an adventure through Victorian England. Tuesday February 28 at 7.30pm Regal Film Society – Title to be announced TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 For up-to-date information visit the website www.regalfilmsociety.org
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THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE
H EA LT H & W EL LBEI NG
page 9
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By Sally Eveleigh, Toucan Wholefoods I was thinking about digestion and the high proportion of the population who have some kind of digestive problem: acid reflux, bloating, constipation or abdominal pain. These symptoms affect at least 10% of the population. The reasons for this are many and varied, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people find sourdough bread much more digestible than ‘conventional’ bread.
means that the gluten (the protein in certain grains - wheat, rye, barley and oats) is fermented by the natural yeasts which in turn makes the flour much more digestible. Small village bakeries cropped up everywhere providing their communities with wholesome bread, often made with locally-grown and milled wheat.
I think I may know the reason but first I need By the 20th Century the writing was on to explain a little bit about what sourdough the wall for small village bakeries. This was because of the introduction of readyis and its probable history. made yeast, which meant a quicker risen Thousands of years ago, when man started bread with less of that lovely fermentation to move from ‘hunter gatherer’ to growing that made the loaf so tasty, nutritious and crops and farming domestic animals, they digestible. would crush grain and mix it with water to make a simple porridge, or bake it and make In 1961 the scientists in the Chorleywood a flat bread. It is thought that somewhere, Flour Milling and Bakery Research or maybe simultaneously in many places, Laboratories in Hertfordshire developed new highly-mechanised system, some of this raw mixture was left and a forgotten for a while and, when discovered, creating speedy mass production of bread. it was seen to be bubbling and expanding Instead of its taking 3 days, it took 3 1/2 (as it fermented). So, not wanting to waste hours from flour to plastic bread bag. Not it, they popped it in the oven and hey presto! only was the natural fermentation process a The aroma of freshly-baked bread was thing of the past, but an arsenal of additives experienced! This process was developed were included - extra yeast, extra gluten to and passed on. The chewy and slightly make the dough more elastic, emulsifiers sour taste was pleasing, and the technique to make a softer loaf, and preservatives to spread all over Europe and the Middle East. extend the shelf life. Very high gluten wheat Leaving the flour and water mixed together was developed, mainly grown in Canada,
which we imported. The old varieties of wheat, like spelt, which were lower in gluten, were left behind. This was a world away from the local artisan bread of the previous centuries. Our bread in Britain was described by the Technological Assessment Consumerism Centre in 1974 as ‘... now the most chemically treated bread in Europe’.
long, efficiently produced to feed a hugely growing population. The staff of life may have become our poison! If you’re interested in hearing more about sourdough and the benefits of fermented food, we are hosting a talk by Katie Venner from the Tracebridge Sourdough Bakery and Fermenteria, in The Toucan Café on Thursday 26th January from 7-9pm - tickets in advance from the Toucan Shop at £3 to include light refreshments. Everyone is welcome (though spaces are limited).
Modern bread may be responsible, in part, for the rise of digestive problems, gluten intolerance and coeliacs disease - made worse by our addiction to sugar. Toucan Wholefoods, 3 The Parade, Minehead Tel: 01643 706101 Thankfully there is now a resurgence of artisan bakeries producing genuine sourdough bread. Yes, it is more expensive, and for some people it may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s so worthwhile. Beware of supermarket sourdough bread though as, allegedly, the supermarkets tend to cheat by using yeast and adding a sourdough powder to give it a sour flavour. Unwrapped, in the bakery section, the ingredients don’t have to be listed and often include a range of enzymes which have been shown to irritate the bowel. Factory bread has been around for too
Sourdough starter
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F EAT U R E
T H E M I N EH EA D & EX MO OR C H RON ICLE
Snowdrop Valley Exmoor 2017
Saturday 28th January to Sunday 28th February A beautiful, secret valley in a hidden part of Exmoor where snowdrops bloom to provide a snow white carpet of flowers. It is open to the public only between the above dates by kind permission of The Badgworthy Land Company. A Park & Ride scheme operates in the middle two weeks – Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th February. The cost is £5 Adults; £3 concessions and £1 children aged 5 to 15. There is no charge for entering the valley. The first and last weeks are for walkers only – the valley is closed to traffic. There are a number of walks ranging from the short direct routes using bridleways and footpaths or a 2-3 hour walk for those wanting to take in more of the stunning scenery of Exmoor. Both walks direct to the valley are fairly easy and will take around 30 minutes, being about a mile long in each direction. Winter clothing and suitable sturdy walking footwear are essential as the walking routes take in bridleways and footpaths and can be very muddy. Walk 1 has a better surface underfoot (although can still be muddy). Leave the park and ride car
park via the exit onto the Exford Road, turn left, past the garage then go right to the auction field and follow the signs. Refreshments are provided at the Snowdrop Café, which is run by volunteers raising monies for local charities and is open from Saturday 4th to Sunday 19th February between 10.30am and 4.30pm (weather permitting). Local businesses also support the Valley: The Rest and be Thankful Inn was originally a staging post for travellers on their way between Dunster and Dulverton, and you will still find a warm welcome, good food and extremely comfortable accommodation awaiting you there today, almost 200 years later! They offer full lunch time menu, morning coffee and afternoon tea (01643 841222 www.restandbethankful. co.uk) Exmoor House (01643 841432 www.exmoorhotel. co.uk) with its pop-up Snowdrop Valley tearoom is open most days - you can enjoy delicious cakes or homemade teacake. At lunchtime there’s always homemade soup, and deluxe ploughman’s lunches with a good choice of
to the puzzle A WORD SEARCH PUZZLE BASED ON MINEHEAD STREET NAMES.
meat and cheese, served with their own pickles They can be deadly - Due to the bulb’s likeness and chutneys. Sandwiches are made using to its relative, the onion, it has been mistakenly eaten, poisoning the unfortunate nibbler. It’s a homemade bread. good defence against hungry deer grazing on For more information on Snowdrop Valley go to the flowers or squirrels digging up the bulbs, but www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm a nasty surprise for anyone confusing them for or contact the shallots. Perhaps because of this deadliness a Co-ordinator: Gemma Wesley 07507 797169 superstition has developed around snowdrops. Although very pretty, a single flower indicates email: snowdropvalley@googlemail.com, who can also help with disabled access and impending death and it should never be brought coach bookings. into the house There are 20 recognised species of snowdrop, the most recent to be found was Panjutin’s snowdrop. It was discovered in only five places They have a naturally occurring substance in in the Colchis area of Russia and Georgia. One them called galantamine, which is sold as a of the sites where they grow, in Sochi, was medication for Alzheimer’s disease under the destroyed during preparations for the 2014 name of Reminy. Winter Olympics in the Russian city Some things you may not know about snowdrops:
In 2011 a single bulb was sold on an internet They’re a natural thermometer - since the 1950s auction site for £350, breaking the previous Kew Gardens have been monitoring the growth record of £265. of snowdrops. In the mid-part of the 20th century they would generally appear in February, The flower, perhaps unsurprisingly given its but since the 1990’s they have been arriving status as one of the first signs of new spring life, increasingly quickly. These days they can be has come to symbolize hope and consolation as found as early as January, an indication of the well as purity. UK’s changing climate.
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THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE
FEAT U R E
SING OUT IN DUNSTER IN 2017 During 2017 the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster will be hosting a number of themed breaks in which singers can enjoy working together under expert leadership, rehearse and finally take part in a full performance of the work or works. The events can be enjoyed on a residential or nonresidential basis and so offer an opportunity for Exmoor and West Somerset singers to take part. The season begins between February 3rd and 5th when Ian Chesworth will lead the participants through the choral work “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff. Composed in the 1930’s the work is based on a collection of medieval poems dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Ian has worked closely with Gareth Malone on the BBC series “The Choir” and has also helped to establish workplace and recreational choirs throughout Britain, giving keen amateur singers a chance to enjoy widening their musical experiences. This includes the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic “Super Sing” series. Ian will return in the longer hours of daylight when between June 2nd and 4th he leads the “Summer Singing Weekend” which gives the singers a chance to explore a variety of repertoire both old and new and ranging from madrigals to more modern items. This
break concludes with a public performance of the repertoire on the afternoon of Sunday June 4th. For both of the above an ability to read music is required but Ian will be back for a second time to lead “Perfect Harmony” between June 30th and July 2nd when the programme is geared to those who perform by ear and with “head arrangements”. Copies of lyrics are supplied. The programme will include World Music, Gospel and Musical Theatre and there is no public performance. Advanced booking for the singing breaks is necessary and more details can be obtained by ringing the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster on 01643 821425.
VERY SLOWLY BUT SURELY GROW THE PORLOCK BAY OYSTERS It has been a year of total contrasts for our Porlock Bay oysters. On the plus side we secured all the funding we needed to set up a viable commercial business. This included the stunning total of £107,000 in loans from Porlock Bay residents and some other friends from further afield. We bought over half a million baby and partgrown oysters. We leased a nursery site on the River Avon at Bigbury where we have put most of the stock and we have another 500,000 baby oysters on order for delivery in the Spring, bringing our total stock to over an amazing one million. On the River Avon they are growing very quickly which is such good news for the future. Here in Porlock Bay they are extremely healthy, but are growing a lot slower. However their flavour is outstanding. This is why we haven’t had the stock available to sell in any quantity this year. We have been selling some to local restaurants and will have some more in the New Year. Throughout the winter months, the oysters will be fine, but the water is too cold for them to
grow. They will start growing again about April / May. Our future plans are to grow the oysters to nearly market size at Bigbury then transport them to Porlock Bay to finish growing and acquire our superb local flavour. So we will be starting volume sales in July 2017 and will be inceasing our customers from then onwards. There is a really healthy demand building up. In part this is due to the unbelievable national press and media coverage we have attracted. We had a 5 minute slot on ITV Countrywise with Ben Fogle and a full page article in the Weekend Telegraph colour supplement. BBC Escape to the Country have filmed us, another 5 minute slot, and that will be broadcast early next summer and repeated forever! All this publicity helps to achieve one of our objectives, namely, attracting more visitors to the area to boost the tourist trade. A huge thanks should go to David Salter and Mike Lynch. They are two of our unpaid volunteer directors who are running the oyster business. Roger Hall http://www.porlockbayoysters.co.uk/
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FEATURE
THE MINEHEAD & EXMO OR CHRONICLE
Archeology group - photo by Jill Walmsley U3A
Allotment group - photo by Bob Camp U3A
Photography group - photo by John Rock U3A
Art appreciation - photo by Hilary Fisk U3A
Local history - photo by Margaret Shaw U3A
Nature amblers - photo by Marg Grizzell U3A
Coffee morning - photo by John Batt U3A
of brains being overworked, but of hilarious laughter, as members clearly share a wicked sense of humour! Another fairly new addition is our Ukulele Group! Several of those who signed up for this had never before played a musical instrument, but in a matter of weeks they were playing recognisable tunes. This summer they took part in the ‘Watchet Summertime Busking Day’ and some members performed at the Watchet Music Festival ‘Uke Jam’.
‘Entertainment and leisure in Minehead’s past’. This work has been on display as the main part of the museum’s 2016 exhibition.
Minehead & District U3A has a lively and vibrant membership: so, what is this ‘U3A’? ‘U3A’ stands for University of the Third Age. It’s a nationwide organisation of local U3A groups that provide opportunities for people to explore a wide variety of learning, creative and leisure activities in a relaxed, friendly way. By ‘Third Age’, we mean that time of life when you’ve finished working or raising a family, so most of our members are retired or no longer working full time. We are certainly not a university in the traditional sense. At U3A members pursue their interests simply because they want to do so: there are no qualifications or awards – and certainly no exams! Instead, we join in an activity just for the fun of taking part or for the satisfaction of finding out more about a subject with the help of likeminded people. Knowledge is shared - we are all teachers and learners. Today across the UK there are over 1,000 U3As, with a total of almost 400,000 members, all very much aware that it’s never too late to learn, laugh
and live. Between them these U3As offer over 300 different subjects in fields as diverse as art, languages, bridge, music, history, life sciences, philosophy, computing, crafts, photography and walking. Started in 1998, Minehead & District U3A has well over 300 members from West Somerset. At present we have 35 individual groups, whose members explore and enjoy subjects as diverse as creative writing and chess, science and Scrabble, jazz, German and geology. Our two most popular groups are local history and archaeology, which are always well attended: clearly there’s considerable interest in finding out about our past. But the group situation is fluid, as members suggest ideas for new groups. One of the most recent, the Economic Issues Group has proved a resounding success. And – surprisingly, perhaps – the noises that people passing Townsend House hear when this group meets are not
Research featured prominently in this summer’s U3A National Conference. In recent years our own U3A has been actively engaged in research, with small groups of members choosing to follow a shared learning project (SLP). SLPs involve collaboration with a third party such as a museum, art gallery or library. Minehead U3A’s first SLP was on the history of the town’s old hospital, and the timeline summarising that research is now on permanent display in Minehead Museum. Following on from this success, another group of members embarked on an SLP on the theme
The museum’s 2017 exhibition will feature Maritime Minehead; some of our U3A members are already hard at work on research for this, our next SLP. On 22 March 2017 the completed Maritime Minehead projects will be showcased at our U3A’s Special Interest Day before going on display at the Museum for the summer season. To find out more, visit http://u3asites.org.uk/ minehead/home or come along to one of our monthly coffee mornings (open to non-members as well as members). We hold these on the fourth Wednesday of every month, except August and December, at the Methodist Church Hall, The Avenue, Minehead. There’s tea/coffee and chat from 10.15 to 10.45 am, after which we all settle down and listen for about an hour to one of our interesting invited speakers. If you’d like to join us, you can be assured of a warm welcome!
THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE
N EWS
Since joining Tesco in November last year I realise what a huge platform we have here. As a local (born and bred) I have found a new passion, and that is my community. I have joined a company that celebrates our local community. Having worked in Minehead most of my life, I have never made so many connections with local charities and organisations since working here. We have many in store national fundraisers, the ones that touch my heart are the fundraisers that affect my local people. The events that bring support back to West Somerset. We do not have massive amounts of money to spend, but what we do have are resources. To spend time out in the community getting our hands dirty and giving back. Wow! What a year it’s been! I am going to re-cap all we have achieved in 2016 with the help of our wonderful Tesco customers. We have succefully launched our bags for help scheme, the community food connection and free fruit for kids. We have dressed up to raise money for Diabetes UK, The British Heart Foundation, St Margaret’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY By Jazz Pugh - Services Manager at Tesco, Minehead
We have supported the following local projects: Putting the sand back on the beach. Healthy eating day and summer fair at Old Cleeve Primary School. RNLI collection. Pumpkins for the Minehead Eye Halloween party. Helping supply blankets and sleeping bags to the homeless who had there possessions vandalised. The launch of the Minehead pool Project. Drink driving awareness with Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Cubs and Scouts bag packing.
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Sea scouts trolley push. Local litter picking. Re vamping Seashells nursery garden at Minehead First School. The Queens 90th tea party for local residents. Running the race for life for Cancer research. Taking part in the Macmillan relay event and world record attempt. Supporting The Alcombe Food Cupboard each and every week. Holding a toy amnesty for Sure start and The Children’s Hospice South West. We also got chance to do lots of fun stuff in the store: Trade fair days meeting lots of local suppliers. The launch of the Exmoor market. We got to deliver Miles tea and finest bread to all our local shoppers. We handed out the free hessian I love Minehead bags. We held a fun day to raise money for Macmillan (£998.18 WOW!). We have also had Santa’s grotto, carol singers, flash mob, arts and crafts, face painting and the West Somerset college band. We launched the just giving tree. We set up a pop up shop for Christmas at Whyndam House. The Christmas market. We had Claries Kitchen in to do a pop up restaurant. So in reflection…… if this is what we can achieve by pulling together in less than a year, it makes 2017 look very exciting. I have never known this community to pull together as much as we are now. Exciting times ahead!! Join us on our Facebook page ‘Tesco Minehead Community Page’. Roll on 2017!!
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EXMO OR P ON Y N EWS
T H E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE
Exmoor Pony News Dawn Westcott
The Porlock Herd 100 running on Porlock Hill, by Maureen Harvey. A group of Exmoor farmers are working together to safeguard the endangered ponies of Exmoor. Throughout August this year, the Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group (MEPBG) organised the Heritage Exmoor Pony Festival, which celebrated the pedigree and purebred Exmoor ponies of Exmoor National Park. Events included moorland pony walks, cream teas, pony gathering, talks and photography and wild pony whispering workshops. It proved to be such a success that, for 2017, they are expanding the format to include other indigenous Exmoor animals - the Exmoor Horn and Devon Close Wool sheep, Red Devon cattle and the Red Deer, along with Exmoor ponies. The aim is to celebrate Exmoor’s ponies and promote better understanding of how the herds are safeguarded and maintained through traditional moorland farming. The ‘Heritage Exmoor Festival’ will run from May to November, to embrace the new born foals in spring, through to the autumn pony gatherings, when they are weaned and inspected. The 2017 Heritage Exmoor Festival Calendar of Events will include a range of activities in spring, summer and autumn, including shows, farm visits, open afternoons, stud visits, moorland
walks, talks, cream teas, specialist workshops (including wildlife photography, agricultural, equestrian, arts & crafts), social events and pony gatherings. The MEPBG has a new website at www.mepbg.co.uk which will promote the Heritage Exmoor Festival events, together with information about their Exmoor pony herds and the breed. The breed is on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Category Two Endangered list and there are a small number of quality moorbred Exmoor foals for sale at the moment. They’ve been gathered in from the moor, inspected and registered, and are now seeking good homes with people who can help to socialise and tame them. Exmoor ponies can make wonderful performance and companion ponies, when treated with kindness, patience and understanding. The MEPBG Breeders Directory can be found at www.mepbg. co.uk with contact details of herds and farmers. Nick and Dawn Westcott, from Luccombe, run the Moorland Exmoor Foal Project and Exmoor Pony Club, which assist the farmers in promoting the ponies and offering opportunities to some of the moorland foals. Their work is evolving to embrace older Exmoor ponies and extends to owners across the UK and overseas.
“We’ve decided to combine our work under one new heading of ‘The Exmoor Pony Project’ because it involves so much diversity in helping Exmoor ponies, giving talks and workshops, running other events, campaigning for welfare improvements, promotion and publicity and being part of wider initiatives like the DNA Whole Genome Project.” said Dawn Westcott. “We’ve resisted the idea of setting it up as a charity so far, because it’s not so much a ‘rescue’ as creating good opportunities for Exmoor ponies and promoting better understanding of the breed. However, the project is greatly assisted by sponsorship and donations from people who want to help.”
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More information on the Exmoor Pony Project can be found at www.wildponywhispering.co.uk.
The breed is on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Category Two Endangered list.
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