The Somerset Leveller - Issue 165

Wolfie drums his way to Glasto prize

AFIVE-yearold from Langport scooped a top prize and a celebrity endorsement after his first performance at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

Wolfgang Jones wowed the crowd – and judges including Arlo Parks drummer and musical director, James Fernandez, during a drumming contest in the Kidzfield on the Saturday of the event.

The youngster, known as Wolfie, was among dozens of participants in a drum-off, which saw each given 30 seconds to showcase their drumming prowess in a bid to impress James and the other judges in a bid to win a

Roland drum kit.

And after a tense judging period, Wolfie was named as the winner, with James praising his natural rhythm and timing, as well as his obvious enjoyment of giving the kit a good bashing – and his “really cool” sunglasses.

Asked about his win Wolfie said: “Everyone has been so kind, it’s good that everyone gets to have a go.”

James told the young people who took part they could all be proud of their performances.

“You can now all say you have played Glastonbury,” he said. “And you were all brilliant.”

Editorial

Sales Director

Publisher

Fatal A371 crash

A 32-YEAR-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash on the A371 in Wincanton.

The incident happened at around 5.20am on Wednesday, June 26, and involved a Citroen van and a Volvo lorry.

The arrested man was the driver of the van.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said:

“A 27-year-old man, a Dutch national, sadly died following the collision. His family have been notified and our thoughts are with them.

“The victim was one of three passengers in the van. The other two, both men in their thirties, were also taken to hospital. One has since been discharged while the other is being treated for serious injuries which are not believed to be lifethreatening.

“The lorry driver was shocked but unhurt.

“We’re continuing to appeal for witnesses, particularly anyone with relevant dashcam/doorbell footage.”

If you can help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224165117.

Frome assault

A 27-YEAR-OLD man suffered serious facial injuries which required surgery after being assaulted in Frome.

The incident happened in Trinity Street at around 8pm on Friday, June 14.

A man has since been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.

Contact police on 101, reference 5224154147.

Pair jailed after murder of Dominic Wilson in Weston

TWO men will serve a minimum of 26 years in jail after being found guilty of murdering Dominic Wilson in Westonsuper-Mare last year.

Andrew Dymock, 33, of Queens Avenue, Portishead, and 37-year-old Robert White, of no fixed address, attacked the 43-year-old at a flat in Upper Church Road in the early hours of November 27 last year.

On June 28, the pair were found guilty of the murder, and sentenced at Bristol Crown Court July 4 at the same court.

Following the life sentences Dominic’s family, who have asked for privacy, said: "After what has been an extremely difficult nine months for our family, we would like to express our relief at the outcome of the trial.

"We are grateful that the jury were able to reach the right decision and that they found both males guilty of attacking and then murdering Dominic in a place where he should have been able to feel safe.

"Nothing will bring Dominic back to his mum, his three children and his family.

"We have been torn apart by the events of that morning, but this result at least gives us some sense of justice and a sense of relief that these two men will be held accountable for their actions.

"Rest in heavenly peace Dominic."

Dymock and White had stolen the keys to the flat in a robbery earlier that night which they carried out with Kerry Miles, 39, and Zachery Stone, 26, both of Dickenson Road, also in Weston-super-Mare.

Dymock and White then used the keys to access the flat where Dominic was staying and where they robbed him.

During the 74 seconds they were in the flat, they also fatally stabbed Dominic.

All four were charged with – and pleaded guilty to – robbery, while Dymock and White were also charged with murder.

Mrs Justice Yip sentenced Dymock and White to life in prison with a minimum term of 26 years. They were also sentenced to five years and nine months and 10 years for the two robberies.

Stone was sentenced to a three-year custodial sentence and Miles four years in prison.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dewfall said: "These sentences reflect the seriousness of their offending which shockingly led to Dominic losing his life.

"My thoughts remain with Dominic’s family as they continue to process the awful events of 27 November and I am pleased that justice has been served.

"This was a violent and utterly senseless attack. It’s been a challenging investigation and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their efforts."

Andrew Dymock, left, and Robert White, will serve a minimum of 26 years behind bars

Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

Dominic Wilson died in November last year

Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Wincanton tribute to fallen air crew

THE 80th anniversary of the crash of the famous Old Faithful American Flying Fortress bomber – which exploded over Snag Farm in Wincanton in 1944 – was marked in a special ceremony on June 23.

Wincanton residents and members of the town council held the event on Sunday, June 23, at the Memorial Hall which included a minute's silence, wreath laying and reading of the names of the men who died, as well as the placing of crosses.

This was followed by a parade to the memorial at Bayford Hill.

The

ceremony included a parade throughPictures:WincantonGraham Hiscock of Camelot Photographic

In attendance were LTC Chris Distifeno and Patricia Distifeno of the US Army Defence Attache, the Army Air Corps and Royal British Legion, as well as Col Lucy Giles CBE, Col Colin Thomas from the British Army, the Watts Family, Rev Andy Barton CF, Wincanton Silver Band, Wincanton Fire Cadets, and Wincanton youth groups who took part in the parade.

The aircraft, believed to be named after the famous song by Gene Autry, had

taken part in a bombing raid in Toulouse when it took the full force of enemy flak, resulting in the loss of one engine.

The crew seemed to head off to neutral Spain just a few miles away, however, they faced a dilemma as if they went to Spain the aircraft would be impounded and the crew detained for the duration of the war.

Both American and British aircraft were being lost in great numbers and pressure was put on crews to bring back the aircraft wherever possible.

The pilot, 2nd Lt Peter Mikonis, appeared to have then swing the aircraft around and flew the badly-damaged plane 900 miles, to England.

The crew almost made it back safely but witnesses say the aircraft was flying very low and seemingly attempted to land at airfields near the Dorset coast, but for some reason they couldn’t, so they then chose RAF Zeals in Wiltshire as an emergency landing place – not realising Zeals was the other side of high ground.

Local eyewitnesses say the plane was heading for a populated part of the town when the crew tried to bank the aircraft right.

They said the aircraft was full of holes and almost falling apart.

In banking right, the aircraft exploded over Snag Farm in Wincanton and all nine crew members were killed.

Being

Paul Gold Independent Financial Adviser

Tories all-but wiped out in Somerset as Davey's Lib Dems storm the county

THE Conservative Party was almost wiped out in Somerset as Labour swept to power in a landslide election victory.

Before the July 4 vote, Tories held seats in Taunton Deane (now Taunton & Wellington), Wells (now Wells & Mendip Hills), Bridgwater & West Somerset (now Bridgwater), Weston-SuperMare and Yeovil.

But as results were announced in the early hours of the following morning, it became clear they had lost all but one of those constituencies.

In Taunton & Wellington, Lib Dem Gideon Amos defeated former environment minister Rebecca Pow, securing a majority of some 12,000.

Wells and Mendip Hills will welcome back Tessa Munt – a former MP for the area, while Weston will no longer be represented by Conservative John Penrose, after he lost his seat to Labour’s Dan Aldridge.

Yeovil saw Conservative Marcus Fysh ousted, with a big win for Liberal Democrat, Adam Dance.

In the new Frome & East Somerset constituency, Liberal Democrat Anna Sabine came out on top, while Sarah Dyke retained her place in the House of Commons, representing the new Glastonbury & Somerton seat.

Tiverton & Minehead, another new seat, saw Liberal Democrat Rachel Gilmour emerge victorious, with long-serving former Bridgwater and West Somerset MP, Ian LiddellGrainger, beaten into second place for the Conservatives. The solitary piece of good news for the Conservatives came in Bridgwater, where Ashley Fox secured the new seat, with a 1,300-vote win

SECURE SELF STORAGE

over Labour’s Leigh Redman. The results came as the results in Somerset were mirrored across the country, with Labour securing a landslide victory – gaining 211 seats at the time of writing, for a total of 412 –followed by the Conservatives on 121 (a drop of 251).

Ed Davey’s eye-catching campaign has resulted in the Liberal Democrats gaining a whopping 63 seats, giving them a total of 71, while the SNP collapsed to just nine seats.

Reform UK, which split the Conservative vote across the UK, will have five MPs –including Nigel Farage in Clacton – while the Green Party will have four, including Bristol Central.

Rachel Gilmour, left, and Gideon Amos after winning seats in Parliament

Somerset election results

Bridgwater

Ashley Fox, right – Conservatives: 12,281

Leigh Redman – Labour: 10,932

William Fagg – Reform UK: 8,913

Claire Sully – Liberal Democrats: 5,781

Charles Graham – Green Party: 1,720

Pele Barnes – Independent: 334

Gregory Tanner – Workers Party of Britain: 168

Frome & East Somerset

Anna Sabine, right – Liberal Democrats: 16,580

Lucy Trimnell – Conservatives: 11,165

David Swain – Reform UK: 6,441

Robin Moss – Labour: 6,416

Martin Dimery – Green Party: 5,083

Shaun Hughes – Independent: 737

Gavin Heathcote – Independent: 294

Glastonbury & Somerton

Sarah Dyke, right – Liberal Democrats: 20,364

Faye Purbrick – Conservatives: 13,753

Tom Carter – Reform UK: 7,678

Hal Hooberman – Labour: 3,111

Jon Cousins – Green Party: 2,736

Taunton & Wellington

Gideon Amos – Liberal Democrats: 24,331

Rebecca Pow – Conservatives: 12,392

Charles Hansard – Reform UK: 8,053

Brenda Weston – Labour: 3,552

Ryan Trower – Green Party: 1,832

Rochelle Russell – Communist Party: 134

Tiverton & Minehead

Rachel Gilmour – Liberal Democrats,

pictured right: 18,326

Ian Liddell-Grainger – Conservatives: 14,819

Fred Keen – Reform UK: 7,787

Jonathan Barter – Labour: 4,325

Laura Buchanan – Green Party: 2,234

Wells & Mendip Hills

Tessa Munt, right – Liberal Democrats: 23,622

Meg Powell-Chandler – Conservatives: 12,501

Helen Hims – Reform UK: 6,611

Joe Joseph – Labour: 3,527

Peter Welsh – Green Party: 2,068

Abi McGuire – Independent: 1,849

Craig Clarke – Independent: 190

Weston-Super-Mare

Dan Aldridge, right – Labour: 16,310

John Penrose – Conservatives: 11,901

Richard Pearse – Reform UK: 7,735

Patrick Keating – Liberal Democrats: 3,756

Thomas Daw – Green Party: 2,688

Yeovil

Adam Dance, right – Liberal Democrats: 23,765

Marcus Fysh – Conservatives: 11,497

Laura Bailhache – Reform UK: 7,677

Rebecca Montacute – Labour: 3,002

Serena Wootton – Green Party: 2,403

Steve Ashton – Independent: 608

Comment: Page 57

Finalist in the 2023

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists

World Première

An opera in four seasons Composer: Paul Carr

Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00

Marking 100 years since the composer’s death… Giacomo Puccini 22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00

The Golden Anniversary Friday 26 July at 19:00

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum Box Office: dorsetopera.com 07570 366 186

Checks on safety at county water slide attraction made famous by Ed Davey

CHECKS have been carried out at a water slide attraction near Frome that shot to national prominence after a visit from Liberal Democrats' leader Ed Davey during the general election campaign after a boy was airlifted to hospital.

The youngster, who is understood to have since recovered, was reportedly injured at Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide, at Beckington, on June 16, when his mother claimed his leg was ‘caught in a water suction pump’.

Now, Somerset Council has visited the site to check the inlet to a water recirculation pipe in the pool was securely covered.

Officials have now confirmed the company has reviewed its risk assessment for the attraction.

A council spokesperson said: "Following an incident involving a child’s leg accidentally slipping onto a narrow water recirculation pipe (8cm diameter) at

Ultimate Slip 'n' Slide, Beckington, and prior to its weekend re-opening on Saturday, June 22, Somerset Council checked that the inlet was securely covered.

"The water is very shallow and the remote pump, whose suction is only just

detectable by hand, was turned off very quickly by a supervisor at the time of the incident. The risk assessment for the attraction has been reviewed by the business, with increased emphasis on slide user instructions not to climb back into the slide or end pool after sliding."

GOING TO UNIVERSITY? GETTING MARRIED?

The Annie Tite Trustees may be able to help you with a modest grant. The Annie Tite Fund was set up in 1933 by Charles Tite in memory of his wife, Annie, who died at the early age of 24.

The terms of the will provided monies for helping young people, who were born in the parishes of Langport or Huish Episcopi , for higher education purposes or for “marriage portions” to help with setting up home.

If you think you might be eligible for consideration by the Trustees, please send a written letter of application by 1 September 2024 with a copy of your birth certificate to:

The Honorary Secretary

7 Bishops Drive, Huish Episcopi, Langport TA10 9HW or email: janeredfearn@hotmail.com

Dog attack defence gun sells for £450!

HOLTS spring auction cycle has completed and the summer auctions are almost here.

The last auctions proved to be another resounding success, raising just on £2 million, selling 90% of the live auction on the hammer.

One of many locally-consigned guns that stood out was a ‘Velodog’ Pocket Revolver, circa 1880.

The weapon was designed in France, supposedly for cyclists to defend against dog attacks, and sold for £450 against an estimate of £250-£350.

Another fantastic result was a Westley Richards .410 shotgun, that sold for a very satisfying hammer price of £2,600, against an estimate of £800-£1,200.

One of the stars of the show was

ADVERTISING FEATURE

a rare Charles Lancaster 20-Bore Four Barrelled Shot Gun, circa 1885, which generated some intense bidding, eventually selling for £17,000.

HOLTS are now accepting consignments for their next auction, with valuation days throughout the region.

The next one takes place at the NFU Sedgemoor on Tuesday, August 20.

n For a full list of venues please see the HOLTS website.

To book an appointment or discuss a valuation or home visit, contact David Thurgood on 01297 306123 or email westcountry@ holtsauctioneers.com.

Expert Probate Advice

At HK Law, we ensure proper administration of estates. Protecting your interests and giving Executors peace of mind.

Probate & Intestacy Estate Valuation Estate Administration Probate Litigation Inheritance Tax Advice

Landmark Somerset cottage gardens attraction facing an uncertain future amid sale

SUMMER is a fabulous time to visit the famous cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor - created by the celebrated plantswoman Margery Fish in the 1950s and 60s - and made famous through her seven books.

Her first book, written in 1956, We

Made A Garden, is the story of how she and husband Walter turned a derelict chicken farm into an iconic cottage garden. It was republished in June for the umpteenth time.

Current owner Mike Werkmeister and his late wife Gail took on the custodianship in 2008, the third family to do so since sold by Fish’s nephew who inherited the property.

Now, 16 years on, Mike is looking to retire, and the property is on the market once again through Savills.

“Finding a likeminded buyer in these difficult times is not proving easy so the future looks very uncertain for the

A visit to the iconic garden of gardening legend Margery Fish is always a

garden,” said Mike.

“This may be the last opportunity to visit in summer.”

The garden has changed little since Margery Fish’s day and is loved by many for its cottage garden abundance and ability to inspire visitors with planting ideas for their own plot.

Many favourite cottage garden plants can be bought in the excellent Margery Fish Plant Nursery and delicious cakes can be enjoyed in the Malthouse Café.

The garden, nursery and café - in Silver Street, East Lambrook, near South Petherton, are open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10am and 5pm.

Call 01460 240328 or visit www. eastlambrook.com for details.

hats & fascinators,

How David Neal Dental can help you access a dentist when you need one

Expert dentistry

We all know how agonising and debilitating toothache can be: whether caused by impacted wisdom teeth, an abscess or infection, it can negatively impact everything from our ability to eat and sleep to being able to concentrate.

Worryingly, it’s become even harder to access dental treatment post-pandemic as, according to the British Dental Association, more than 14.5 million appointments were missed because of Covid 19.

In the South West, it can take an average of up to 30 weeks to see an NHS dentist for an extraction or wisdom tooth removal, and the average treatment waiting time is an astonishing 30 to 56 weeks.

Spending up to a year in pain – or if you’re on a waiting list, even longer –could also increase your risk of infection.

Going private, however, can significantly speed up the time it takes to get treated.

In fact, at David Neal Dental Langport, you’ll usually be seen within a week of booking an appointment, and sooner if you’re in severe pain or have an

ADVERTISING FEATURE

by DR LILIANA RUZZENE

Dr Liliana

Ruzzene is David Neal Dental

Langport’s specialist oral surgeon and is registered in the Oral Surgery Specialist List with the General Dental Council.

Dr Ruzzene deals with all aspects of oral surgery including wisdom tooth removal and dental implant placement

infection.

What’s more, you don’t need to be referred by a dentist, you can refer yourself.

Compassion and innovation

David Neal Dental acquired Bow Dental in Langport when the owner retired after serving the surrounding community for over 30 years.

David Neal Dental has completely modernised and upgraded the whole practice.

They are committed to providing state-of-the-art dentistry with a patientcentred, compassionate approach.

David Neal Dental Langport provides easy-to-access emergency appointments, routine check-ups with comprehensive care, dentures and dental implants – all under one roof.

Every patient receives a complimentary dental digital scan that accurately maps their mouth and teeth.

This advanced technique has many uses, both as a record and for future treatment.

As a centre of oral surgical excellence, David Neal Dental Langport offers not only dental implants but Teeth in a Day, an advanced treatment requiring just a single surgical appointment in which single, multiple or full sets of missing teeth can be replaced on one day.

For more information about the services offered at David Neal Dental Langport, or to book an appointment, visit davidnealdental.co.uk/Langport or call 01458 253888.

Fury over quarry plan approval

ACONTROVERSIAL

plan to re-open Westdown quarry near Frome has been approved.

The site, next door to the ancient Asham Wood in the Mendips – a site of special scientific interest and a special area of conservation – has laid dormant since the late 1980s and contains an estimated 160 million tonnes of Mendip limestone reserves.

Three years ago Hanson UK, now Heidelberg Materials Group, submitted plans to re-open the quarry, but there has been concern over the potential effect the expansion could have on the environment in an area that already contains Whatley quarry and Torr Works quarry – one of the largest in Europe.

Green Party councillors in the area, as well as members of the anti-quarry campaigners

SHEWQ (Stop Hanson Expansion at Westdown Quarry), have been fighting the plans for three years on the grounds the scheme would have a detrimental impact on the environment.

Heidelberg

Materials initially planned to dump waste from the quarry on the regenerated forest next to the last remaining section of the ancient Asham Wood, but this was withdrawn.

The Somerset Wildlife Trust objected to the application in the strongest possible terms, expressing concern about the revised plans for wildlife mitigation on a range of issues, including the absence of a proposal for the rare

lesser horseshoe bat nursery and great crested newt ponds. SHEWQ members have expressed their disappointment about the decision, which came after a meeting of councillors on Thursday, June 6.

Indra Francesco, from the campaign, said: “We are devastated. A beautiful place and irreplaceable ecology is about to vanish off the face of the earth as a result of this decision.

“It’s a sad day for

democracy.”

Chris Townsend added: “The current planning system is heavily weighted in favour of industrial activity, via a set of outdated legal perimeters.

“Only the applicant can appeal a decision, the community can’t. In the event of an appeal, the council still has to pay significant costs, regardless of whether they win.

“In Somerset Council’s current funding crisis, maintaining democracy can come at what some representatives regard as an unacceptable financial risk.”

Former teacher, Simon Pugh-Jones, said: “Despite (this) loss, the campaign is really proud of the work we’ve done together. The legal research we commissioned resulted in the saving of Asham Void, itself a remarkable symbol of resilience.”

Frome councillor Martin Dimery (Green Party) was

allowed to speak at the meeting of Somerset Council’s Strategic Planning Committee as a representative for the area.

He announced his annoyance that an original decision to let the East Somerset Planning Board consider the application first was reversed by the Somerset Council.

He said: “Quarries cause air born pollution; the dust endangers health and biological diversity.

“The addition of more lorries both on the narrow lanes and trunk roads will have a significant environmental and safety impact.

“This contradicts the net-zero policies of Somerset Council.”

Cllr Michael Dunk, the Green Party’s committee member, said he had “never known an application where so much of the detail has been deferred”.

He added: “Heidelberg has 40 years’ worth of stone left in Whatley Quarry. Why do they need to re-open Westdown?”

Cllr Shane Collins, the Frome East representative, said: “Too many councillors on this committee are from outside of the area, with little idea of how this application will impact the local community.

“It blows a major hole in the Lib Dems’ Somerset climate emergency targets. ”

Heidelberg said the recommencement of mineral working at Westdown would result in the creation of 56 full-time jobs, made up of 40 staff and 16 contractors.

They predict a further 34

indirect jobs will be supported, relating to the purchasing of a variety of goods and services, including specialist engineering assistance for plant maintenance and contractors for services such as fencing, provision of mobile plant and more.

The Westdown Farm site and left, protesting the re-opening at Nunney Castle

Volunteer medics saved Glastonbury Festival goer's life after heart attack

AGLASTONBURY

Festival goer who suffered a heart attack on site has thanked the medical volunteers for “saving my life”.

Chris Harbour was at Worthy Farm in Pilton on Monday, June 24, as staff geared up to welcome 200,000 people to the site.

At some point that day, he suffered a heart attack.

Luckily for Chris, volunteer doctors and medics from the Festival Medical Services (FMS) team were on hand to help.

Writing to FMS this week, Chris said: “Your swift response and expertise significantly minimized the potential damage to my heart.

“The ECG (Echocardiogram) you

administered provided a clear reading of my heart function, confirming that I was indeed having a heart attack.

“The professionalism of your team was evident to all who witnessed it.

“Your thorough pre-op procedures, including inserting a cannula, administering Aspirin, and

providing Glyceryl, ensured that the outside ambulance only needed to monitor me en route to Taunton Musgrove Park Hospital.”

He said after a few days in hospital, he was even able to return to Glastonbury.

“I was able to return to the festival, taking extra precautions by walking

slowly, drinking only tea, and eating well,” he added.

“Once again, thank you for saving my life.”

FMS said they would not comment further due to confidentiality, but called the note “truly moving”, adding, “our team really is the best”.

FMS is a charity that provides medical services at festivals across the UK, most famously at Glastonbury.

Based in Somerton, the group first attended Glastonbury in 1979, with more than 1,500 volunteers now providing medical expertise at events.

This year, before the festival, former Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw scaled the Glastonbury Tor to raise money and awareness of FMS’ efforts.

Pride flying high

GLASTONBURY Pride is returning to the town again this year - featuring a brunch event, entertainment at the Market Cross and an afternoon picnic.

Organisers say for the first time, the intersex-inclusive pride flag will fly from the town hall to commemorate the celebration and recognise the intersex community.

A spokesperson said: “Glastonbury Pride will celebrate unity through diversity – a day of visibility, queer spirituality and community solidarity with Glastonbury LGBTQI+ people, families, friends and allies.

“Glastonbury Pride 2024 will be the first [event] with the intersex-inclusive pride flag flying from the town hall."

The intersex flag which will be flown from the town hall to mark Glastonbury Pride on July 28.

The event will feature a morning brunch, entertainment at the Market Cross until 2pm and then in St Ben’s Church, a fundraising raffle for local LGBTQI+ charities with prizes from local businesses, a blessing from the Priest of Antinous, Pride Services in St Ben’s and Glastonbury URC, an afternoon picnic, and contemplative spaces around the town and the Quakers, Street.

“At 1pm, we will march from the Market Cross around the town, bearing the intersex-inclusive flag, led by the Unity Candle. Any volunteers for march stewards are very welcome,” the spokesperson added.

TWO Somerset care homes threatened with closure earlier this year have officially re-opened after a firm stepped in to save them.

Sunnymeade Care Home, in Chard, and Critchill Court Care Home in Frome have been taken on by Agincare after previous management firm Somerset Care launched a consultation over their closure.

The firm said rising costs and the “chronic underfunding” of the adult social care sector had prompted the move.

However, in April, Agincare announced it would incorporate the care homes into their existing network of 29 care and nursing facilities.

And at the end of June, the team at each home invited residents, family and friends, and representatives from the communities to a special opening event that included a drinks reception, live entertainment, a buffet lunch and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In Frome, Mayor Andy Jones was among those who turned out to see the relaunched home, a purpose-

built facility providing care and support for 46 residents, including specialist support for those living with dementia.

Agincare founder and chair, Derek Luckhurst, thanked

guests for attending.

"It’s been six weeks since Agincare took on the responsibility of running this wonderful home," he said.

"It is great that Mayor Andy Jones has made time to come and honour us by cutting the ribbon and open this new era of running this wonderful care home under the name of Agincare."

Cllr Jones cut the ribbon alongside residents and said: "On behalf of the town, I must say how much this home is valued by our local people.

"The threat of closure caused a huge public outcry so I am pleased that Agincare has stepped in to look after the facility for the future."

Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard benefits from a central location just a short walk from the High Street and other amenities in town.

The home supports 50 residents, with accommodation comprising five ground-floor spaces each with its own lounge and dining room.

Deputy mayor of Chard, Andy Kenton, said he was “delighted” to open Sunnymeade to the large crowd.

"It was really something for Agincare to step in and take over Sunnymeade at such short notice, if they hadn’t, then we’d have lost all the brilliant staff," he said.

"For the people of Chard and their families it is so important that local residents have somewhere they can stay but also for relatives to have somewhere easy to visit."

Langport cyclists rely on pedal power to tackle gruelling 205-mile challenge

NINE members of Langport Cycle Club recently took part in a gruelling 205-mile trip from Kent to Weston-super-Mare which pushed them to their physical and mental limits.

The intrepid cyclists were taking part in this years Chase the Sun – South, an annual event that saw more than 800 participants start the journey from coast to coast, across some glorious southern English countryside.

A spokesperson for the group club said: “The nine-strong team were kept going all the way by an amazing support crew of five, who provided food and drink

stops all along the route.

“Nearly all of the support crew had either ridden or supported riders for Chase the Sun in previous events, and their knowledge and encouragement was invaluable.”

The weather conditions were good as the riders lined up at 4.30am on the beachfront in Kent, all feeling excited and nervous in equal measures.

At 4.40am, the event organisers provided a last safety briefing before sending groups of riders off in waves.

The LCC riders set out across the flats of Kent, over the Kingsferry Bridge and

headed to the Cathedral city of Rochester.

A light drizzle greeted the riders as they entered southeast London, and the day’s first puncture was dealt with swiftly somewhere near Bromley.

At the 50-mile mark in Crystal Palace, the true enormity of the ride really started to hit home. By then, the riders had been going for four hours and had only covered 25% of the ride.

Undetermined, the riders soon reached Kingston upon Thames, and even a crow flying out of a roadside hedge into the face of one LCC rider didn’t put the group off their

Rstride.

The urban sprawl of greater London soon gave way to the more open roads of Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire as the riders wound their way around tree-lined country lanes mainly free of heavy traffic.

“A much needed stop just over halfway meant the riders would refuel and fill up their water bottles, as well as apply sun cream as the sun made a welcome appearance," the spokesperson said.

“Spirits were still high, as all nine riders had managed to stay together and the amazing support crew were doing an excellent job at keeping LCC

OB and Sara Ellis run their small pottery studio/gallery from their home in High Ham, near Langport, Somerset.

Their work includes wheel-thrown kitchenware and statement pieces with hand-built gifts, fired to stoneware and glazed with homemade wood ash glazes.

Ellis Pottery is always open on the first Saturday of the month and by arrangement at other times, but during July, August and September, their home gallery will be open more often.

When passing through High Ham, it is 200 yards from the village gGreen. Go by the primary school and down Stout Road to their garden gate on the right.

If their sign is out, go through the garden and round into their gallery. Please phone to check if you are making a special journey, on 01458 251714 or 07512 745594.

on the road.

“However, it was clear that legs were getting tired, and over eight hours in the saddle was definitely taking its toll on the riders’ rear ends.

“By 135 miles, all but one of the nine riders had now cycled further than they had ever cycled before, and were therefore very much in unknown territory both physically and mentally.

“Geographically however, the gently rolling roads of Wiltshire and the Vale of Pewsey were a highlight of the ride, although by this stage the headwind had gathered pace and provided the riders with an additional challenge.”

At around 165 miles, the riders were looking up to the Mendips, as they began the 800ft ascent that would take them across the highest point of the day near Priddy, before mercifully dropping them down a beautifully sun-lit Cheddar Gorge.

It was during this ascent that the team suffered their second (and final) puncture of the day, but it took a couple of the riders around 20 mins to fix.

By the time the last two riders were back on the road, the rest of the group had travelled on.

As the back-markers rode as hard as they could to chase down the other riders, their eyes began playing tricks on them as they desperately scoured the riders in the distance for the familiar

purple and orange of the LCC club jerseys.

The spokesperson added: “The descent down Cheddar Gorge felt euphoric, and gave a real sense of ‘nearly home’ to the riders, who know this area of Somerset well.

“There was lots of support and cheers from bystanders and locals, as well as from riders that had been forced to drop out but showed their continued support for the riders.

“Finally with only a mile or two to spare, the group were mostly reunited and as they crossed the finish line on The Grand Pier, they were greeted by a few familiar faces as other members of Langport Cycle Club had travelled to the finish to cheer the riders home, and hand them a much deserved glass of fizz to celebrate their enormous achievement.

“In the end, all nine LCC riders reached the end before sunset before downing a beer or two whilst trying to take in the events of the last 17 hours!

“The Langport Cycle Club is dedicated to all forms of cycling, but our main focus is on social club rides.

“New members are always welcome, and we operate a ‘try before you buy’ policy, so you can join us for a ride or two before you commit to the club. eBikes, tandems, recumbents etc. Are all welcome.”

Visit langportcycleclub. com for more details.

Helping you hold on to the flowers that hold so many memories

FLOWER Preservation Workshop is a small family run flower preservation company based in Somerton, founded by Rachael Ruddle in 1989, leading the way in flower preservation in the UK and worldwide.

Preserving your flowers after your event allows you to keep a tangible piece of your memories alive, whether these flowers are from your wedding bouquet, a memorial tribute, an anniversary, or just a special flower or set of flowers you hold dear. It transforms the fleeting beauty of fresh flowers into a lasting keepsake you can treasure for years to come.

One of the most compelling reasons to preserve your flowers is the sentimental value each flower holds.

Your flowers reflect your memories from your wedding day; A reflection of the vows you made to one another.

Your flowers reflect the person who you have sadly had to say goodbye too; A person’s memories you will miss dearly.

Your flowers reflect the milestone you have achieved; something you have been dreaming of.

Your flowers reflect a special celebration; one you wish to always remember.

By preserving your flowers, the Flower Preservation Workshop can create a lasting reminder of those joyous moments, a piece of your history that you can look back on with fondness and the return of happy memories.

The Flower Preservation Workshop are celebrating 18 years at their studio in Somerton and welcome you to join them at one of their open days on Sunday 14th July or Sunday 11th August 2024 5-7pm.

Come and see what memories can be created with your blooms. No need to book, just turn up!

The studio is open by appointment only outside of this event. To book please call Rachael on 07825 653308.

Shows off amid comedy fest cash crisis

HEADLINE shows at the Somerset Comedy Festival are among dozens to have been cancelled amid a funding crisis for the event.

Due to run between July 3 and 28, organisers have confirmed 29 of the planned 38 shows had been called off –including headline performances by Seann Walsh, Mark Watson, Simon Brodkin and Emmanuel Sonubi.

However, organiser Trish Caller said a number of smaller shows would still go ahead, and she was “still planning” for a festival in 2025.

“The Somerset Comedy Festival has been a dream of mine for so long,” she said. “But the reality is these are tough times for people and tickets for some of our bigger events just haven’t sold. I have no option but to cancel them.

“I don’t think the timing of the general election has helped. People are just feeling nervous about everything right now.

“But I have no intention of giving up and I’m already

planning for next year.”

Venues in Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston super Mare and Bridgwater were set to host events as part of the festival, with those who have bought tickets set to get full refunds.

For a full list of the shows cancelled – and how to get refunds – log on to www. somersetcomedyfestival. co.uk.

Shows still going ahead include performances at the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Taunton Minster, The Castle Hotel and CICCIC in Taunton – with Trish urging people to support the festival.

“I often find that people say they intend to buy tickets for an event but they haven’t got round to it yet,” she said.

“I would plead with those people – buy the tickets now and we can make sure parts of

the festival can be saved.”

And ahead of the 2025 event, she said important lessons had been learnt.

“I will be working hard to get sponsors on board for next year, not just financial support but people who can, for instance, help us with marketing and promotion,” she added.

“I know we can make a success of this – I know the people of Somerset love comedy.

“There were many things that conspired against us this year. Next year will be different.”

Shows by Simon Brodkin and Seann Walsh have been called off, said organiser Trish Caller, below

PROUD MEMBERS OF TRUST A TRADER

If spray foam is fitted to your property it can mean that it may be unmortgageable, meaning when you come to sell your property the new owners may not be able to secure a mortgage due to the spray foam installed between your afters. If you have spray foam fitted in your roof, if left it can cause rafters and timbers to rot. The spray foam in your roof can be removed by our professional roofing team, rafters will be sanded down and wood filled and treated. Spray foam will be removed from your

PLEASE CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

Dear homeowner, my name is Carl Morris and I am the sole owner of Worksmart Roofing & Building Ltd. My team and I are professional roofing contractors. I am a great believer in prevention is better than cure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables, we always allow up to 15 broken or slipped tiles. What this offer ensures is an overall roof clean and minor repairs, all gutters and downpipes will be cleaned once the job is finished.This service is from as little as £295 and will 100% prevent you from having large roof repairs or roof replacment.

Murder probe

TWO men remain in police custody as police investigations into the death of a man in Yeovil continue.

Quick news... Homeless man jailed after breaching begging ban

Officers were called to flats in Raglan Terrace at about 7pm on Sunday, June 23. Sadly, a man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men in their 50s were arrested on suspicion of murder and both remain in police custody.

A third man, also in his 50s, and a woman in her 40s were later arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have since been released under investigation.

“We’d like to hear from anyone with information who has not yet spoken with officers.”

Call 101 and give reference 5224162697.

AHOMELESS man has been jailed after breaching an order which banned him from begging in Bridgwater town centre.

Kyle Pople, pictured, of no fixed address, was sentenced to eight months behind bars after he was found guilty of breaching his injunction between April 26 and May 11 this year.

Taunton Magistrates Court heard how the 36-year-old breached terms banning him from aggressively begging, using and leaving drug paraphernalia outside shop doors and was found under the influence of drink and drugs in a state of undress.

All incidents happened in Bridgwater town centre, the court was told.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Co-Ordinator at Avon & Somerset Police, Lily Crowther-Luke, said: “Pople had been offered support repeatedly, including help in being housed, however he continued to offend and commit offences.

“Civil injunctions are designed to prevent anti-social behaviour through positive requirements and by deterring specific behaviour.

“In this case, Pople has disregarded and ignored this injunction and has persisted

with his offending.”

Along with his eight-month prison term, Pople was handed a two-year extension to his civil injunction at the sentencing hearing on Friday, June 7.

This will prohibit him from doing the following:

Engage or threaten to engage with a member of the public in a manner capable of causing nuisance, annoyance, alarm or harassment.

Sit on the ground or loiter without good reasons in areas of pedestrian footfalls, in doorways, shop fronts or residential areas.

Approach people to ask for money or financial help unless they are an employee of a recognised agency which provides these services.

Remain on any retail premises when asked to leave.

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL

For high-value properties and contents, including valuables, fine art and collections, choose NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance.

To discuss your high-value home insurance, contact Sarah-Jane Trask, Partner at NFU Mutual Sedgemoor on 01278 663216, Bridgwater_agency@nfumutual.co.uk or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.

Help on how to eat better to see better

AGROUP of Somerset pensioners have been hearing how they can eat their way to better eye health.

That was one of the key messages from a presentation given to the Brympton Golden Oldies by three Consultant Ophthalmologists from Yeovil Hospital.

The coffee morning talk by Sudeshna Patra focused particularly on diabetes and macular degeneration and how an individual can eat certain foods to avoid deterioration in eye health.

Brinda Shah talked about glaucoma and Paritosh Shah discussed cataracts and how they can be treated.

Yeovil Hospital is a centre of excellence for eye care, having opened a new state-of-the-art ophthalmology centre last year.

Cataract surgery and other eye treatments are offered at the hospital, both on the NHS and through the Kingston Wing, which serves private patients.

Patients pay for procedures and aftercare on the Kingston Wing, but any money raised goes straight back into the

hospital, which means every patient treated supports the wider local health economy.

Hannah Pitman, head of private patient services at Yeovil Hospital, said: “It offers patients an option – particularly those who may have to wait for their treatment. We work with all health insurance companies, or patients can self-fund.

“We offer fixed price packages for all procedures, so patients can be reassured that costs won’t escalate. As a hospital we are very proud of the treatment we offer all patients here.

“And when it comes to private cataract surgery, besides shorter waiting times, patients can choose from a variety of lenses to suit their individual needs and

reduce dependence on glasses.”

More than 60 Brympton pensioners who attended the coffee morning said the trio of consultants delivered important messages.

One of the organisers, Robert Brookes, 82, said: "They covered an impressive array of topics, from specific eye conditions to the impact of diet on eye health. The wealth of information shared was received with keen interest.”

Bill Higgins, 81, from Yeovil, added: “I found the talk very interesting and now I know what to look out for when it comes to early signs of cataracts and where to seek help if needed. I’d like to thank the team for visiting us at the Golden Oldies and for giving us their time.”

Consultant Paritosh Shah said: “New diagnostic only appointments at the hospital often limit face-to-face interaction with patients. So it was an absolute pleasure to see familiar faces and chat in person.”

The Kingston Ward can be contacted on 01935 384234 or online via www. kingstonwing.co.uk.

• Buying advice, setup and installation

I’m Phil Hudson, your local tech expert and trouble-shooter. I’ll come to you and sort things out, at a time that suits you. Or you can drop off your machine at my workshop for quick, efficient care and maintenance.

Hotel, farm shop and services plan off A303 at West Camel

A60-BED hotel, farm shop, restaurant and electric vehicle charging station are at the heart of plans for new services on the A303.

The plan, for land off the A303 at Sparkford Road, West Camel, has been submitted to Somerset Council by Grass Roots Planning on behalf of Hopkins Estates Ltd.

If approved, the scheme would see the new services constructed on “what remains of three fields” north of the busy route, which is currently being dualled as part of a multi million-pound project.

The application says the intention is to create a services similar to a popular eco-friendly development off the M5 at Gloucester, “with a focus on celebrating the local environment, landscape and produce within”.

It would include an ‘energy station’, with an electric vehicle charging hub, a farm shop, restaurant, hotel/lodge accommodation – with 60 bedrooms over two storeys –HGV parking and accommodation of 50 spaces with an amenity block, and a solar field generating “enough energy to more than cover the proposed energy station and

further promote the green credential opportunities of the scheme”.

Access would come from a new T-junction off the Steart Hill link, created during the dualling work, the application said.

There would be a net gain in biodiversity through the development, the plan claims, with “green corridors” around the site helping create “an attractive and green environment to encourage users to take advantage of the outside spaces”.

However, the proposal has provoked mixed reactions from residents.

Joy Whittington, who runs The Bakery, across the A303 from the site, said the new services would add to a “severe loss of trade” the business has experienced during the dualling work.

“We have just suffered a severe loss of trade for the past three years while road works have been in progress and business has just started to improve as the temporary signage has been put up, only for

us to discover … a planning application for a farm shop etc right opposite us which will take all our trade,” she said.

“My staff are very worried about this, as their livelihood depends on the Bakery, which is a family business.

“I must therefore strongly object to this application.”

Geoff Lavender, of West Camel Road in Queen Camel, also objected.

“A great shame that another area of outstanding beauty is to be chewed up on the back of a road expansion,” he said.

“Not even a sign of anything environmentally useful, like a windmill.”

Meanwhile, Donna Edwards, of Rimpton, backed the plans.

She said: “The current two services, at Podimore and Sparkford, are overstretched. Not enough parking, only one electric chasrging point at McDonald’s, and very little HGV overnight parking.

“I fully support this application. It will bring employment to the area and create a much-needed services suitable for the heavy traffic of the A303 and the modern traveller.”

For more details on the application, and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search for reference 24/00841/ FUL.

Somerset farmer found £15 millionworth of drugs in feed delivery...

A999 CALL from a farmer who was shocked to find 189kg of drugs worth £15 million in his feed delivery led to the conviction of two men.

The farmer made the shock discovery in a delivery in April 2022 to a farm near Bridgwater.

It prompted an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) which led to Varun Bhardwaj, 39, and Anand Tripathi, 61, being found guilty of importing cocaine, cannabis and cigarettes into the UK hidden in shipments of perishable goods after a 71-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court which finished in December last year.

The pair imported class A and B drugs with a street value of £28.9 million and were jailed for 19 and 15 years.

However, bosses at SWROCU and the CPS appealed the sentences on the grounds they were unduly lenient.

Now, after a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London on June 20, longer prison terms have been handed down to both men.

Bhardwaj’s sentence was increased from 19 to 23 years and Tripathi’s from 15 to 20 years.

Their conviction came after the shipping container received by the Somerset farmer was found to contain 189 kilos of cocaine with a street value of

more than £15m.

The container had been shipped from Columbia to London Gateway Port.

Tatab Ltd, a customs clearing agent based in Hounslow, was inextricably linked to the importation and transport of this illegal shipment.

Anand Tripathi was the director and company secretary of Tatab – a company that facilitates the import and export of goods.

Varun Bhardwaj, who tried to distance himself from Tatab saying he had limited involvement with the company, was found to be the operations manager and reported to Tripathi.

Bhardwaj also owned and drove a Range Rover with the personalised registration plate TA07 TAB (TATAB).

Tatab was just one of a number of companies created or run by Tripathi and Bhardwaj to try to conceal their illegal activities.

Police said the pair played a game of smoke and mirrors – setting up bogus businesses and using pseudonyms in order to cover their tracks and distance themselves from the illegal imports.

In November 2022, they were arrested.

At the same time, the UK Border Force was holding another container at the Port of Felixstowe linked to the men.

This time the shipment contained oranges from South Africa and on

inspection 49 kilos of cocaine were discovered and seized with a street value of almost £4m.

The investigation, which was supported by the Metropolitan Police, UK Border Force, HMRC and the NCA, then linked the pair with a further two shipments dating back to September 2021 and January 2022 where cocaine and cannabis were hidden inside containers of yams.

In addition to the drugs, between February and October 2022 Tripathi and Bhardwaj imported three shipments of cigarettes – a total of 18,680,000 cigarettes – in containers of Bombay mix, coir fibre and biscuits, with the two men evading the £9.7m excise and customs duty.

DCI Adam Smith, from SWROCU, said: “We are pleased that the appeal was successful and that the discounts applied to their original sentences were reviewed.

“Both men were importing huge amounts of drugs that would have been destined for onward sale by organised criminals across the country. Working with key law enforcement partners and the CPS, we were able to evidence the true nature of their importation business and the scale they were operating at.

“The new sentences handed down to both men now truly reflect that.”

All after a shock discovery by a Somerset farmer…

Varun Bhardwaj and Anand Tripathi have seen their sentences increased

Picture: SWROCU

Headliners represent a fork in the road for festival...

“IT all changes when you have children”.

The comments were usually accompanied by a roll of the eyes and a puffing out of the cheeks.

“Just you wait,” they’d say. “It’ll all be different then.”

As someone who has been a festival goer for more than two decades, expecting a first child with a wife who had also enjoyed drinking and listening to music in various fields across the UK, these remarks usually came as we discussed which gatherings we were attending that summer.

They were right, of course. It does indeed ‘all change when you have children’.

But change is the operative word –‘change’, not ‘stop’ – as so many no doubt expected.

Festivals are still among the highlights of our year – Glastonbury in particular.

So it matters to us – and now, to our children too, them having been in attendance at Worthy Farm since they were babies. It never ceases to amaze some folks when our eldest, who is nine, tells them she’s been to Glastonbury five or six times.

But it really is a way of life, a pilgrimage, a treasured time.

Yes, things have changed. And not only for us.

‘QUEUE here to complain the festival is not as good as it used to be.’

So read the sign in a far-flung corner of Worthy Farm. I saw it a few times, and it never failed to raise a smile.

The refrain is heard so much from, shall we say, veteran festival goers.

Now, I dare say I might qualify for such a tag in some quarters, though it’s not something I ever strive to portray, or think gives me more knowledge or right to attend than anyone else.

For it is not only me that’s changed, has had to change – festivals have too.

Glastonbury, for five days, becomes one of the most densely populated places on Earth. It is enormous. With that comes some responsibility; to the land, the people, the performers. But also to the history and heritage of the event.

Over the years it has evolved, as have we all – sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse – but without change there is no progress.

Right now, the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts is at a crossroads.

The direction it takes from here will be, for this reluctant ‘veteran’ and the event itself, huge. And this direction is perhaps most symbolised by the choice of headliners…

THERE’S no avoiding the fact this year’s line-up was not what many expected.

For now, let’s focus on headliners of the Pyramid, that behemoth of stages and quite literally the focal point for those on site – and millions around the world.

At the Glastonbury crossroads, the first turn is for Dua Lipa.

She is currently an icon of the pop world and was worth a punt as a Fridaynight headliner, in my opinion.

Did it pay off? For me, yes – just.

Glastonbury is about embracing new things, new genres, sounds and styles, and the 28-year-old certainly put on an impressive show.

The one niggling reservation I have – and it applies to all the 2024 Pyramid stage headliners – is who that show is for? For the performance came over far, far better on television than in the field.

At Worthy, unless you were front and centre, you hardly saw her. The stage design, lighting, everything, seemed almost designed for television rather than the tens of thousands in that field.

It looked great on TV, when watching back, but what I was watching seemed detached from my experience being there, which was good, but somehow separate from us in the field.

Which is perhaps exactly what she and her team wanted. There aren’t many streams or downloads to be secured for Dua Lipa from your average Glastonbury goer, rocking on aching feet after walking for miles in at times searing Somerset heat, I’d argue.

But it was fun, upbeat and slick. And a young British/Albanian songwriter on one of, if not the, biggest stage in the world? It’s a win.

We all went home to our tents, or off into the wider Glastonbury world, satisfied that night.

On to Saturday, and Coldplay. Ah, Coldplay. A legend of those fields, no doubt about it, but a fifth time? Really?

I have to wonder if a headlining slot at Glastonbury is part of the marketing schedule for new Coldplay albums, as it now feels like a launch party, a PR event, when they play.

What gimmick will it be this time? Which celebrities will be in the crowd? Who will they bring out on stage with them?

Believe me, I adore Michael J Fox (I got many a rollocking from my mother as I tried desperately to cling to the back of her VW Polo on my skateboard as a youngster, The Power of Love blasting through my Walkman headphones), but his appearance feels like part of a checklist somehow.

It may be harsh, and you cannot doubt the good intentions of Chris Martin and his merry men, but it all feels a little synthetic – too well produced.

Celebrity in crowd? Check. Colourful backdrop and fireworks? Check. Bring out an unexpected guest? Check. Successful launch for new material? Absolutely. Call me cynical, but it does have that feel.

I am a fan of Coldplay at Glastonbury, they ‘get it’, and they never disappoint. But it just doesn’t feel fresh anymore, it feels like a bucket-list exercise for the bucket-list festival goer.

Again, perhaps that is exactly what it is intended to be. Coldplay are almost as obligatory as a selfie in front of the Pyramid stage.

To Sunday, and SZA.

This is where things get a bit sticky.

When first perusing the line-up, being of a certain age and heritage, I was unaware of any of her music. But that’s fine, I am not a devoted follower of the latest trends, artists and genres, as I once was, so I simply deduced she must be a big name I was unaware of. And she is.

Her voice is absolutely outstanding, and her music – even though it’s really not my thing – is clearly genuine, real, and has a mass appeal.

Yet streams do not a Glastonbury headliner make.

There’s an unquantifiable something about a really successful Pyramid headliner. And for SZA, this year, it just wasn’t there.

Much has been made of the size of the crowd at her set, and there may be something to that, which is of course completely beyond her control. But this slot is a tough one to fill – for the booker as much as the artist. It needs the right act. The closing Pyramid set should be a feelgood farewell; a mass, uplifting event, to send us all on our way back to the real world with a spring in our step and hearts full of joy. Someone like, I dunno, Coldplay?

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, this was not that.

News: Glastonbury 2024 Review

ground etc.

AS we approach those crossroads, the three forks in the road – Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA – almost perfectly represent the choices facing our beloved festival.

There’s no doubting the weight of influence the TV cameras, the social media generation and the worldwide media have on what is, at its core, a huge concert in a field.

Glastonbury has become an industry in its own right, a commodity – and a hugely marketable one.

Booking headliners that satisfy the pull of each fork in that road must be a nightmare and mistakes will inevitably be made. But there’s no doubt those factors have to be a consideration when booking acts.

Case in point – Seventeen. I had never heard of them, but again, that means nothing. But judging by the size of their crowd on the Pyramid, nor had a lot of other festival goers.

So why were they there?

K-pop is a huge genre – huge – and the UK has so far not caught up with the craze. Around the world, Seventeen enjoy a popularity comparable to the likes of Take That in their pomp.

But in the Somerset fields? Not so much. But around the world, via the BBC live stream, it will have brought Glastonbury to an entirely new audience.

Us devotees might not care, but the TV execs and perhaps those at the top of the Glastonbury management pyramid, do. On that KPI, job done.

What it shows is that artistic merit and a worthy (sorry) back catalogue now have to compete with whether the performer will justify BBC investment (which must be huge to cover the legion of staff on site), as well as appeasing the Tik Tok generation, the Twitterati, while paying homage to the heritage of the event – and all those paying more than £300 to be there.

It is no longer good enough to be good enough.

Glastonbury now feels like it has extra criteria for headliners; will they improve the ‘brand’ and will the casual BBC viewer tune n to see them?

All three headliners looked amazing on the TV. All three are very, very talented. But so are many, many others. Their problem? They’re not cool. They don’t chime with BBC expectations. They wouldn’t garner the same headlines. They don’t break new

Discussing headliners last week, Emily Eavis revealed a lot when she told PA: “I think the line-up reflects what’s happening in the music world at the moment – there aren’t a lot of new rock acts to choose from if I’m honest.”

There are. But they are, perhaps, not quite marketable enough for ‘brand Glastonbury’ which, for better or worse, is clearly part of the consideration now.

I’m not bemoaning that, progress can only come through change. But that aside, when did the headliner –particularly for a Sunday night, for example – have to be “new”? Some of the best Glastonbury sets have come from acts definitely not, “new”; The Who in 2007, Elton John in 2023, David Bowie in 2000, Levellers in 1994 and yes, Coldplay’s numerous shows.

That said, if an algorithm existed to pick Glastonbury headliners for 2024, what we got would probably have been close to what it selected.

They all looked great, they are all big stars and are hugely marketable.

I’m reminded of comments made by footballer Roy Keane when, bemoaning the state of the game in the multi-billion pound premier league era, he branded a chunk of the supporters at the ground the ‘prawn sandwich brigade’.

The game had changed, he said, and some of the effects were not necessarily for the better. The new football formula was undoubtedly right for Sky TV and millions of fans around the world. But in the ground, the experience was – perhaps – compromised. The demographic changed.

Part of the beauty of Glastonbury is that it has never had a formula. Many of the truly great performances have been a surprise – they did not come with pre-planned costume changes and camera angles mapped to the n-th degree to ensure maximum viewing pleasure.

Glastonbury, like those of us who love it, has changed. And rightly so. But sometimes, making those changes can fall flat. Progress is an evolutionary process. No one can deny Glastonbury is a phenomenal achievement and a hugely successful event that provides a backdrop for hundreds of thousands of lifechanging moments and memories.

Getting it right every time is an impossible ask. And there are now numerous forks in the road to negotiate when picking the flagship performers, making it even harder. It represents a huge and difficult choice for the direction of Glastonbury in 2025 – and beyond.

Open-air cinema coming to Clarks Village

A NEW purpose-built, open-air cinema is coming to Clarks Village in Street this August.

The cinema will debut at the premium Somerset shopping outlet on August 6, running throughout the summer holidays, to August 18, with capacity for 300 guests.

Up to three films a day will be screened at the Summer Cinema, which can be found on the Alfred Gillet Trust lawn overlooking the outlet’s restaurant terrace, where the popular festive ice rink was held for Christmas.

Chris Davis, centre director at Clarks Village, said: “We are incredibly excited to announce the arrival of our Summer Cinema this August.

“This spectacular addition is completely new for Clarks Village and brings a different and more experiential dimension to our offering for guests.”

Film titles, timings and ticket details will be announced soon.

To find out more, visit the Clarks Village website at clarksvillage.co.uk.

Appeal after man, 87, charged with Bath murder

AN 87-year-old man has been charged with the murder of an elderly woman in Bath.

William Arthur Haxworth, of Upper Lansdown Mews, Bath, appeared before magistrates in the city on June 20, charged with the murder of 85-year-old Delia Haxworth.

He is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court today (June 21).

The charge came after Delia was found in need of urgent medical treatment at a property in Upper Lansdown Mews on June 18.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of ambulance crew, she was pronounced dead at the scene,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said.

“Her next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially-trained family liaison officers,” they added.

Detective Inspector Mark

Newbury is leading enquiries by officers from the Major Crime Investigation Team.

He said: “Our thoughts are very much with Delia’s family as they begin to come to terms with this tragedy.

“Although a man has been charged we are still in the early stages of our investigation. I hope that anyone with information will come forward to help us find the answers for the family.”

Detectives are still keen to hear from anyone who saw or has footage of an older man with a rucksack walking from Upper Lansdown Mews to Bennett Street, or of a man climbing scaffolding in Bennett Street, the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and give the reference Operation Network.

Suspected XL bullies seized in village

FOUR dogs – believed to be XL bullies – were seized from an address in Somerset.

The incident, on June 22, unfolded at an address in Winscombe, after police said there were “reports of an incident … involving suspected XL bully dogs”.

Officers – including dog handlers – descended on the scene and seized four dogs.

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson later confirmed one of the dogs was identified as an American bulldog and returned to the owners, with investigations into the breed of the other three continuing.

They said the large police presence at the address was due to police being required to “have two dog handlers and one van per dog”.

“We are not investigating anyone else or any other crimes in relation to our attendance,” they said. “Reports of potentially dangerous dogs in the community are increasing.

“These are not simply limited to XL bully breeds, any breed of dog can be

dangerous, or considered dangerously out of control. No matter how big or small it might be.

“These investigations are complex, emotive, and difficult for everyone involved.

“Many of our officers are dog owners and love animals, none of us wants to have to seize a dog from a family, we know and understand how big an impact this has. But unfortunately, we do have to sometimes.

“To avoid such a requirement, we are

Qualified Chartered Accountants providing a personal, professional service in accountancy and taxation matters for over 60 years... Find out how we can help.

As an Authorised Firm we are also able to provide Non-Contentious

pleading with all dog owners, no matter what dog you own – big or small – old or young – to take responsibility for your four-legged family members.

“It is not okay to let your dog off the lead if it is going to run over to someone else or their dogs, it is not okay if your dog is aggressive or untrained to leave it loose in the community.

“You must do all you can to avoid conflict and tension with the people that you live alongside. Get the right equipment, see a trainer, and make it safe.

“We take no pleasure in seizing dogs. So please do all you can to avoid an incident in the first place.”

Officers were in Winscombe over the weekend to answer questions and concerns in the area, they said, after a “challenging, emotive and likely traumatic” incident.

“We are also working closely with the owner in question,” they added. “We want to thank all the community for their help and support.”

• Giclée prints on paper & canvas up to 60” wide

• Specialists in Fine Art Photography

• Websites and online galleries

• Plan copying and printing

• Photocopying, Business Cards, Flyers ... Open Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Email: printing@bluecedart.co.uk

We regularly host exhibitions by up and coming artists, join our mailing list to be kept informed of future events www.bluecedarprintworks.co.uk

See the work of over 130 local artists at: www.bluecedaronline.co.uk

Foraging and pond dipping at eco event

AFORAGING walk at Rodden Nature Reserve, pond dipping and discussions surrounding the impacts of fast fashion were just some of the 37 events that took place at this year’s Great Big Green Week in Frome.

Great Big Green Week takes place across the UK and serves as a platform for towns like Frome to celebrate green spaces and highlight the action the town is taking to tackle climate change.

Events on offer included a big textile reuse session at the town hall with Everyone Needs Pockets.

Guests Tamara Cincik, from Fashion Roundtable, the all-party parliamentary lobby group/Bath Spa University and Katherine SymondsMoore, an independent sustainability consultant, spoke about the need for urgent action and the

challenge of ethical fashion and clothes production.

Sue Palmer, one of the organisers, said: “It was a fascinating morning with the national and international picture of the impact of fast fashion brought into the room.”

Katie Marshall, of local Community Interest Company (CIC) Science Boost, held a pond dip and allotment explore on June 9, inviting young people and families to explore life in Welshmill pond and the adjoining allotments. Further sessions are planned during the forthcoming Frome Festival.

Feedback from attendees included: “Niamh loved finding out about the ‘bum breathers’ and you made her feel very proud of finding a newt.”

Another said: “We are so lucky to have such valuable experiences on offer in Frome,

they spark both a love for nature and science.”

Caroline Thornycroft helped host the only event to run every day of Great Big Green Week, ‘Living Churchyards’ at Christ Church.

“Christ Church was filled with wildflowers during Great Big Green Week, from posies on windowsills to daisies on the gates, gathered in many gardens and allotments," she said.

“The Wild Bunch display, featuring hedgehogs, was very much enjoyed by visitors from all walks of life throughout the week, and by

congregations on both Sundays.”

On Saturday, June 15, the Donate IT tech amnesty collected 64 laptops, 81 phones, 34 tablets and 13 PCs, the equivalent of half a ton of unwanted tech saved from landfill.

Rounding up a busy calendar of events, a screening of My Garden of a Thousand Bees from CIC Meadow in my Garden took place on June 16.

The film follows nature filmmaker Martin Dohrn as he sets out to record all the bee species in his tiny urban garden in Bristol.

The film was followed by a discussion and a further session is planned for the autumn to make bee-friendly structures for gardens in Frome.

Next year’s Great Big Green Week will take place in June 2025.

Thursday 26th September 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Come

To

The Langport Saturday Markets

Local Food - 3rd August and the first Saturday of every month until Dec

Vintage - 10th August and the second Saturday of every month until Dec

Artisans (New) - 17th August and the third Saturday of every month until Dec

The other view on Langport/Huish...

Indeed Sean Dromgoole (The Somerset Leveller, April 12, 2024) paints an attractive picture for forming one council to represent both Huish Episcopi and Langport.

This has been the aspiration of Langport town for many years, the main object being to gain full control of our finances.

In the recent Huish Episcopi Langport Plan (HELP) survey the question posed was, “Should Langport Town Council and Huish Episcopi Parish Council work together to explore the advantages and disadvantages of forming a single council to serve both communities?”.

From Huish Episcopi’s 358 replies, 80% did say yes and the no/don’t knows recorded 20%.

However, this 80% figure represents just 10.6% for this proposal from our population and this is for only exploring the proposal.

To date, no list has been issued supporting the advantages or disadvantages of the two councils joining up.

In fact there are no advantages that I’m aware of for the residents of Huish Episcopi to even wish to be combined. Quite the reverse.

The parish of Huish Episcopi is wrapped around Langport, which means that the population of Langport remains about 1,000 because there is nowhere left for the town to develop.

Pretty well 100% of the 505 new houses under the 2006/2028 Local Plan have had to be built in our village, bringing our population up to about 2,700.

VIEW FROM LANGPORT

by JOHN WOOD

Huish Episcopi Parish Councillor

years ago.

Huish Episcopi Parish Council is currently made up of a majority of councillors who favour Langport, including past and current members of Langport Town Council, which has resulted in a decision being made at the very first Joint Council Committee meeting to drop any further time, money or effort on working towards a dedicated larger village/community hall despite the question in the HELP survey resulting in a combined 49.1% saying yes that they wanted one.

This is a clear indication that there are many within both communities that really do believe the need for one; albeit, as

would be.

For all those living in Huish Episcopi, although your postal address is definitely Langport, that does not mean that you live in Langport.

Do you believe Langport Town Council would do anything for Huish Episcopi? Well if they did, in my experience, it would be the first time in 22 years.

Also to state that a single council will be cheaper is again a nonsense.

All your Huish Episcopi Councillors serve unpaid. It could even be stated they serve at their own cost.

I have served on Huish Episcopi Parish Council for the last 22 years, during which time this question has been raised numerous times, voted on and defeated.

above, this could also be argued as only representing about 6.2% of our combined population.

To this day I remain to be unconvinced of any advantages for the Huish Episcopi parishioners in forming a single council.

We have worked together for years but the benefits have always been for Langport.

Your village hall could have been built years ago but for the noncooperation of Langport Town Council.

For the record, you should be made aware that very large amounts of your money are already voted on by Huish Episcopi Parish Council every year to go to Langport Town Council in support of their various facilities.

This has resulted in a number of significant s106 contributions being made by developers for improvements to local facilities. These are currently up for grabs.

From this s106 money, £47,000 is earmarked towards a new village hall to replace St Mary’s Hall, which was sold to the school by our church diocese many

No doubt the next move by both the existing Langport and Huish Episcopi Councillors will be to vote to spend this £47,000 in Langport, more than likely on the Town Hall, to make it into some form of a replacement community centre although this is totally unsuitable for so many reasons.

To claim that Huish Episcopi is taking over Langport but that it will still remain a village is clearly a nonsense.

On joining up, it definitely would become a town, whatever its final name

Read your council’s minutes - you will be surprised just how much.

It will soon be your time to vote. Do your research and be fully aware of just what you are being asked to vote for.

You might then even conclude: It’s now time for Huish Episcopi’s residents, the council tax payers, to take back control of their council before it’s too late!

Check out huishepiscopi.org.uk where the boundaries are clearly defined, to see if this proposal could adversely affect you.

Lorry driver jailed after crashing into overhead sign on the M5 in Somerset

ATIPPER truck driver who crashed into an overhead motorway gantry after failing to lower the bed after making a delivery, has been convicted of dangerous driving.

The incident, on March 2 last year, led to the M5 being closed for about 14 hours due to concerns the gantry could collapse after the collision, pictured.

Anthony Baker denied the charge but was convicted by a jury after a two-day trial at Bristol Crown Court.

The 48-year-old got behind the wheel of the 32-tonne lorry at a quarry in Flax Bourton and drove to a construction site at Cribbs Causeway.

He deposited the load at the site before setting off again.

The court was shown CCTV and dashcam clips of the lorry being driven along Highwood Lane and the M5 south before the collision – with the tipper truck bed raised.

Calls from members of the public began to be received at around 8.20am

after the incident, and minutes later the lorry struck an overhead gantry on the southbound carriageway.

The truck bed was detached from the rest of the lorry and one of the matrix signs fell onto the motorway. Nobody was injured.

The M5 had to be shut in both directions for almost 14 hours to ensure the structure, which spanned both carriageways, was made safe, police said.

The motorway was then shut again the following weekend to allow the gantry to be fully removed.

Baker, of Garnett Place, Downend, Bristol, told officers he did not usually

check the lorry bed had lowered after making a delivery but in hindsight stated he should have.

He did not see any other motorists signal to him to pull over and he was unaware of any mechanical malfunction that would have caused the issue, he added.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced on Friday, August 2, at the same court.

PC Ian Hudson, of the roads policing unit, said: “The consequences of this collision could have been catastrophic had the matrix sign hit a vehicle travelling at 70mph or the gantry collapsed onto a live motorway.

“Anthony Baker’s failure to perform even a basic check that the lorry bed had been lowered is inexplicable and put other road users in danger.

“Road safety is something everyone needs to have at the forefront of their minds when they get behind the wheel of any vehicle.”

Business, legal & finance

Who's liable? Exploring nightclub owner responsibilities amid security incidents

Recent shocking footage circulating on social media depicts an apparent assault on a member of the public at a local nightclub, resulting in a serious head injury for the victim.

This incident sheds light on a sadly all-too-common occurrence not only in Somerset but in nightlife establishments nationwide.

Yet, what often goes overlooked is the responsibility held by nightclub owners in such situations.

Under the legal principle known as Vicarious Liability, nightclub owners bear responsibility for the actions of their staff and contractors.

The security team at nightclubs must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), a government body established in accordance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to enhance standards and public protection in the private security sector. Door supervisors, commonly referred to as bouncers, are only permitted to work legally if they hold an SIA license, which necessitates passing identity and criminal record checks and obtaining a recognised door supervisor qualification.

These regulations were introduced in the hope of preventing incidents like the recent one locally and addressing ongoing issues in nightlife venues across the UK. The training received includes specific instruction on safeguarding the public from harm, managing situations, and de-escalating conflicts—all with the overarching goal of maintaining peace.

Vicarious liability arises when one party is held accountable for the actions

by ADRIAN FAWDEN Head of Personal Injury, Pardoes Solicitors

of a third party. A notable instance of this is nightclub owners' liability for the conduct of their security teams.

If a contractual or similar relationship exists, and the wrongful conduct is linked to actions authorised by that relationship—such as maintaining peace and managing security at the nightclub— then the owner can be held liable for injuries resulting from wrongful actions like assault or battery.

This implies that if someone sustains an injury due to assault on or near nightclub premises by a member of the security team, a claim should be pursued against the nightclub owner, who ideally carries insurance coverage for such incidents.

Victims may also consider seeking compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, although this process operates under specific conditions and may involve limitations on damages.

A key strategy for preventing future incidents like the recent one is to hold nightclub owners accountable. This approach would underscore the importance of their security team's behaviour and training, compelling both owners and insurers to prioritise these aspects.

Increasingly, victims are opting to pursue damages—including personal injury and associated losses—directly

Bradfords returns to Yeovil Town FC

YEOVIL Town FC has welcomed back its iconic main sponsor for the upcoming season.

Bradfords have been long-term supporters of Yeovil Town, having served as the main sponsor during a successful period in the 2000s as the Glovers rose from Non-League Football to EFL League One. Keith Weston, CEO of Yeovil Town,

against nightclub owners based on vicarious liability. Court precedents have firmly established that this liability rests with nightclub proprietors.

The responsibilities of premises owners are often overlooked in the aftermath of such tragic incidents. However, if we aim to prevent similar occurrences in the future, we must acknowledge and address these responsibilities.

By promoting awareness of vicarious liability and ensuring stringent adherence to licensing and training requirements for security personnel, we can contribute to a safer nightlife environment for patrons and communities.

If you require legal assistance regarding a personal injury, feel free to contact me, Adrian Fawden, Head of Personal Injury on 01823 446204 for a no obligation consultation. All the initial advice we offer you is free, and your enquiry will be treated in the strictest confidence.

For more information, you can visit our website www.pardoes.co.uk, email us at enquiries@pardoes.co.uk or call 0800 862 0442.

expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Bradfords as our main sponsor for the 2024/25 season.

“Their long-standing support is invaluable to our club’s success, and we look forward to this renewed collaboration, creating memorable experiences for our fans and achieving great things together."

Vive la France at Clarks Village!

FASHION giant French Connection has opened a new store at Clarks Village in Street.

While FC has long had a shop at the Somerset shopping outlet, the menswear and womenswear retailer has relocated to a new 860 sq ft store in the Apple Court mall.

A spokesperson said: “Showcasing contemporary clothing, accessories and homeware, guests at the new brand will find exclusive-to-outlet collections and discount outlet prices throughout the year.

“With a commitment to quality and style, French Connection aims to provide customers with versatile and timeless pieces that reflect their individuality.

“The store will open in mid-season sale, offering up to 50% off.”

French Connection is the latest brand to launch at Clarks Village this year, joining the Rituals beauty brand and Moss menswear, alongside a new café-concept store for Lindt, Samsonite, Murmur outlet and a refitted Cadbury shop. The outlet is also welcoming two new restaurants this summer, starting

with Slim Chickens, which opened on June 21 and Wagamama, launching on Monday, July 22.

Chris Davis, Clarks Village centre director, said: “French Connection is a well-known global brand that enhances our fashion collection here at Clarks Village and its modern, sleek store is a welcome addition to the outlet.

“Guests will be blown away this summer by our line-up of new brands and refitted stores.

"Clarks Village just keeps on getting better.”

Events

A giant whale and high-wire antics

SHEPTON Mallet is gearing up to become a playground this weekend - complete with a giant whale and high wires.

The town will host the All the World’s Our Playground Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14.

Organisers of the event – now in its fifth year – are promising “something for everyone” at the event, with attractions ranging from a 50m life-sized sperm whale (with theatre shows inside), to pop-up swing dance workshops and walkabout scenes from the movies.

Programmed entirely by young people, the festival features 26 artists and 21 performances across Shepton Mallet town centre, Collett Park, and at venues including The Art Bank, Shepton Mallet Library and St Paul’s Junior School.

Louise Lappin-Cook, director of organiser Make the Sunshine, said: “We are hugely excited about this year’s festival, which is set to be our biggest yet. We have some truly incredible local acts and performances and international artists coming to Shepton.

“Across this programme we have worked in partnership with seven schools and their youth programming panels –it’s been amazing to see how young people have made their decisions.

“We have such an exciting line-up this year with over 26 different artists joining us over the weekend and 21 different shows. And thanks to support from The Arts Council and Shepton Mallet Town

A 50m-long sperm whale will go on display in Shepton Mallet this weekend

Council, most of the events are free and all tickets are £3 or under.

“We want to make sure theatre and performance is accessible to all.”

One performer who is causing ripples of excitement is Matt Pang, who returns to the festival with his incredible new show Those in Glass Houses – a comedic international touring show from this amazing inventor-performer and his partner, which includes swinging bricks, comedic catapults and orchestrated glass-shattering chaos in Market Place.

Collective ContaKt will also showcase some incredible acrobatics in their live show, Foley. The company has its roots in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK and specialise in high-level acrobatics and live music.

There will also be a theatre show

created entirely out of soap suds by a window-cleaning theatre-making duo Crow’s Nest, celebrated author Kristina Stephenson (of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and The Museum of Marvellous Things fame) will run an immersive prop-tastic storytelling session, and aKa Dance Theatre will wow audiences with their magical moving shed.

Sunday sees Maypole dancing and incredible Bristol theatre-making team Cardboard Adventures come to Shepton Mallet with their show Boxville – where everything is made out of cardboard.

As well as a range of national and international theatre companies the festival will also feature workshops and performances from schools and community groups across the town.

Visit www.makethesunshine.co.uk.

Popular Sherborne Open Art Exhibition returns

THE popular Sherborne Open Art Exhibition returns this month, running from July 20 to 28.

It is held at the Digby Hall, in Hound Street, between 10am and 5pm each day (except for Sunday, July 28, when it closes at 1pm and admission is free.

This exciting event has been running since 1931, re-establishing itself postpandemic with a more modern, fresh, inclusive approach.

Focused on people, inclusivity and the erosion of barriers to the enjoyment of

art, it is open to all artists, professional and amateur, and yet continues to showcase a very high quality of submissions.

A particular effort is made to encourage new entrants. The judges are an independent panel, briefed to create a diverse and representative display.

Last year, 400 works were exhibited from 250 artists and about the same is expected this year. Footfall was a record 2,500 visitors.

The exhibition is again organised under the umbrella of Sherborne Arts, a band of

much-appreciated volunteers consisting of artists, art lovers and supporters who freely give their time and have fun doing so.

If you would like to be involved in any capacity, large or small, email sherborneartexhibition@ gmail.com.

The Open could also not take place without the support of its sponsors.

The main sponsor is Patson Hill Farm Sporting Club (which provides shooting days using fibre wad cartridges and clays).

In addition, Castle Gardens

Garden Centre, Charterhouse Auctioneers, Old Barn Framing Gallery and Mogers Drewett continue from previous years and The Trouvaille Gallery joins to award the acrylic/mixed media prize.

Prizes for artists exceed £1,200 and as something new, Patson Hill Farm will present a 'Sponsor's Prize', chosen by themselves.

This is one of the area's largest and most interesting exhibitions, featuring a wide range of original and affordable art.

Don't miss it.

CHARITY BOOT SALE 2024

Charity No. 235579

OPEN EVERY SUNDAY

Commences 7th April 2024

SELLER’S FREE PRIZE DRAW

Sellers

Gates Open 7.30am: Cars £5

Large vans £10

Merchant/Commercial Vans £15

Trailers - additional £5

Buyers

Strictly no trading or access to stalls prior to 8.30am

Car Entries £1

Pedestrians 50p WE ARE DOG FRIENDLY OFF A37/A303 ROUNDABOUT

Mobile: 07967 280754

Facebook: Ilchester Charity Car boot @ilchestercharitycarboot

Website: www.ilchester.org.uk

Classified Ads

One ad per contact number. Please limit to 15 words or less. Our FREE ADS cover items up to the value of £50.

adverts@somersetleveller.co.uk

Youngsters design willow monsters for trail which is open until September

THE new Willow Sculpture Trail at Coates Willow Visitor Centre is due to begin on July 22, just in time for the long summer holiday.

This year, the theme is Monsters, and all the sculptures have been designed by children ranging in age from three to 11.

We ran a competition to design a monster and had just over 100 entries.

Matthew Godfrey and Jack Turner, our talented willow sculptors, chose the 12 winning drawings and transformed the drawings into 12 willow monsters.

The winners have all been sent special unlimited entry passes so they can visit their monster whenever they want to.

The overall winning monster will be given to the winner when the Trail ends, on Saturday, September 7.

To take part in the Monster Willow Trail, it is £3 per participant. Just come along to the Willow Shop to get your map and activity sheet. Don’t forget to pop back to the Willow Shop for your prize.

Don’t be afraid, all the monsters are friendly, there are no scary ones. The scary sculptures come out for Halloween...

Featherbed Homecare Agency is celebrating 38 years in business

FOUNDED by Sally Carpenter in 1986 as Featherbed Nanny Agency, the company changed direction after the recession in the 90s from nannies to carers.

Now, still under the ownership of Sally, Featherbed Homecare and its sister company Featherbed Care provides only live-in care services to people who wish to stay in their own homes with a private live-in carer.

The company has purposely stayed small throughout the years, enabling everyone to know each other well and be able to provide the very best care and support.

Sally says: "All we want to do is provide an excellent and affordable service where people can stay secure and happy in their own homes for

ADVERTISING FEATURE

as long as they wish.

"Finding the right carer is the most important factor and we are so fortunate to have many excellent carers who have been with the agency for a long time.

"Our fully trained and experienced carers help people with all sorts of illnesses, such as MS, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, strokes, and cancer."

One service that is close to Sally’s heart is palliative care and being able to support someone at the end of their life knowing that they are in the secure and familiar surroundings of their own home.

We are like one big family, which is how we will continue. Unlike other agencies, many of whom do

not visit their clients or support their carers. We have close regular contact with all our clients and carers.

Sally recalls the early days when the nanny agency provided companions to the elderly.

"We had a wonderful team of local older ladies who lived with clients as companion carers but that all changed when the Care Act came in," she said.

"At that time there weren’t that many agencies providing live-in care but suddenly once the Act came in there seemed to be an explosion of men in suits opening care agencies.

"We will continue to do everything possible to provide our clients an excellent, friendly, and affordable service."

Sister company Featherbed Care is registered with CQC and rated as good.

Dining Sets | Homeware | Mobility

An independent family run business located in Bridgwater somerset. We offer free local delivery and won't be beaten on price! Our staff have extensive knowledge and are more than happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

UK Removals

All houses great and small! A worry-free service from planning, packing to

Storage

European Removals

Our friendly team will help guide you through the process from beginning to end.

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

Country House Moves

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.

Private Chapel of Rest *

24 Hour Personal & Caring Service *

Home Visiting Service * Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9QT

Telephone: 01458 210627 or 01458 860157

Email: mfranksandsons@gmail.com

Website: www.mfranksandsons.co.uk

Sutton Upholsterers are a family run business which has been established since 1978. We operate from modern well equipped offices and workshops in Langport.

Reupholstery & Repair

- Traditional & Modern Curtains Made to Measure

Curtain Poles & Tracks

Loose Covers

Venetian & Roman Blinds

Replacement Sofa Cushions

DIY Supplies & Foam Cut to Size

With more than thirty years of experience, Suttons are happy to advise on all upholstery & soft furnishings - from re-covering a much loved sofa to making loose covers, cushions and curtains.

We have a wide range of contemporary and traditional fabrics to choose from, to suit all styles and budgets.

-Tree surgery -Surveying -Planting -Hedge maintenance -Woodland and vegetation management

Email: info@arbortech org uk

Tel: 07946179722

Web: www arbortech org uk

30

YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Brendon Hill Stoves, Leigh Barton Farm, Roadwater, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0QN. Tel. 01984 640238

Email. info@brendonhillstoves.com www.brendonhillstoves.com or find us on Facebook

Summer has finally arrived and Lizzie Price

shading solutions

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SUMMER has finally arrived and at Lizzie Price Shading Solutions we can enhance your outdoor living areas with glass or polycarbonate roofed Verandas as well as folding arm motorised or manual awnings.

They offer shaded areas on patios or to shade the sun’s rays from your home, substantially reducing solar gain.

External roller blinds provide protection from the sun’s rays and are one of the most effective way of reducing solar gain into your home, ideal on large windows and doors.

Our huge range of internal blinds to provide shade, privacy, and blackout to your rooms.

We offer a complete professional service from our home visit to installation of your new blinds, plantation shutters, awnings, verandas and so much more.

Visit our website for more details by scanning the QR code or www.lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk. For site survey and no obligation quotation contact us on enquiries@ lizziepriceshadingsolutions.co.uk or phone 07879 992000.

A new day has dawned - in Lib Dem yellow

ANEWday has dawned, has it not?

On July 5, in Somerset, it had indeed, and it was a Liberal Democrat yellow.

The words of Tony Blair after the 1997 Labour landslide which brought him to power could have been spoken once again in the early hours of Friday - and perhaps nowhere would it have been more fitting than in Somerset.

For while the polls all pointed to a big win for the red side of politics, here, it was a question of whether tactical voting and a longing to return to normality would result in voters backing the Liberal Democrats - previously a powerhouse in these parts.

And so it proved.

One by one, as the seats fell, the Conservative heartlands of Somerset turned into a wasteland of heartbreak.

Marcus Fysh? Gone. John Penrose? Gone. Ian Liddell-Grainger? Gone.

Rebecca Pow? Gone.

The only chink of light for the Tories came in Bridgwater, where Ashley Fox was elected.

At one Somerset count, I overheard a Liberal Democrat apologise to a Labour rival for

the party running a candidate in Bridgwater, splitting the vote and returning the Conservative MP.

I won't mention those involved, but the exchange encapsulated a theme of this election - the desire to rid the Tories from government.

So strong was it, that rival parties were apologising when they failed - even if in defeat - to secure the outcome.

Opposition parties - and voters - united in the common goal of removing you from power is a devastating electoral force.

Somerset may seem a million miles from the beating heart of government in Westminster, but the impact of controversies - pollution in our rivers, the cost-of-living crisis and the acite funding issues for local authorities - is just as strong here as anywhere else.

Our quiet countryside may not shout so loudly as MPs in the Commons chanber, but at the ballot box, voters act with a vehemence not out of place in a boxing ring.

And it was clear the referee would have stopped this electoral contest by the time the sun rose on July 5; the Conservatives beaten to a

Sky Diary with Paul Adamson

MOON PHASES

Full Moon July 21 / Last Qtr July 28 New Moon August 4 / First Qtr August 12

PLANETS

Venus reappears as an evening star in the west at sunset setting around 9pm and at this time Saturn rises in east, Mars and Jupiter the then appear just after midnight.

CONSTELLATION

Look out for the summer triangle which are the first stars to appear as darkness falls the three stars being the brightest in the constellations of Lyra, Cygnus and Altair. The triangle is an asterism or

pulp, just managing to stay on their feet, but languishing on the ropes.

It would have been the fair thing to do.

Throughout the night, as the results rolled in, it was often described as a 'difficult night' for the party in power for 14 years.

That doesn't even scratch the surface.

The day after, Mr Fyshwho lost a majority of more than 12.000 in Yeovil - said the party was "dead".

A tally of just 121 MPs means it is certainly on life support, a period of sustained intensive care needed to bring it back to any sort of health.

For the victors, it was the end of a very long road to Parliament.

Gideon Amos, in Taunton, has been dedicated to his pursuit of Parliament for years.

No one can doubt his commitment to the cause of the county town and nearneighbour, Wellington.

In Wells, Tessa Munt's name recognition meant she was a simple alternative for voters at the ballot box after the decision of former representative, James Heappey, to stand down.

And in Yeovil, rising star

unrelated group of star and the phrase was first coined by the late great Sir Patrick Moore who presented The Sky at Night television program for over 55 years.

CELESTIAL EVENTS

The Moon sets at 11pm on the evening of August 12, making way for a what should be a good display of the annual Perseid meteor shower which is usually one of the best of the year.

Adam Dance ran a strong campaign highlighting his county roots and dedication to the town.

Sarah Munt, in Glastonbury & Somerton, has been a loud voice for the county since winning a by-election last summer.

And a calamatous Conservative campaign did not help. Forced on to the back foot, there were no prime ministerial visits. Rishi Sunak did not turn up in Taunton for a pint with Ms Pow, or a sup in Somerton with Faye Purbrick.

But truth be told, this was a change election.

A pendulum must always swing both ways - and 14 years is a long time for a party to be in power.

The lies of Boris Johnson, the economic incompetence of Liz Truss - not to mention betting scandals, D-Day disgraces and more during the campaign itself - simply added to feeling of inevitability of the change when it came.

Now, it is up to our new rota of representatives to show us why they deserved our votes.

We will be on their case, showing how they are serving Somerset - or not - until the sun sets on this parliament.

Meet on the last Wednesday of the month, except December, in Othery. Contact somersetlevelsstargazers@ hotmail.com for details.

Man handed suspended sentence after handling stolen farm equipment

A27-year-old man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after handling of stolen rural equipment.

Charlie Hughes, of Fosse Way, Ilchester, was sentenced to nine months - suspended for 18 months - when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at North Somerset Courthouse, on June 21.

The court previously heard how Hughes, pictured, was arrested along with two others on August 25, 2021, after officers from the Rural Crime, neighbourhood, intelligence, roads policing and patrol teams attended Fosse Way during enquiries into a stolen trailer.

A full investigation was

launched and machinery and trailers were recovered during the operation, with officers later establishing one of the tractors and two trailers were stolen.

Months later, another trailer was found at the same location which was also

confirmed to be stolen.

Hughes pleaded guilty to four counts of handling stolen goods.

As well as his suspended sentence, Hughes was also ordered to complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity, participate in a 29-day

programme, carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, and pay a £187 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Katie Maun, from Avon & Somerset Police's Rural Crime Team, said: "This conviction is testament to the collaborative working between several teams, with a joint aim of protecting our rural communities.

"This outcome would not have been possible without the fantastic support of the officer in the case, DC Fran Rolli.

"Although the sentence was a suspended custodial term, we firmly believe this conviction sends out the message that we take rural crime seriously and will work hard to bring offenders to justice."

Somerset Steam and Country Show returns for 2024 with best of farming

THE Somerset Steam and Country Show will run this year on July 20 and 21 on the Cook Family Farm in Low Ham, near Langport.

Running the show on farm land really helps you to be able to look back and imagine exactly how farming was done through the ages.

The show is run completely by volunteers so this is a really friendly day out not some commercial festival, starting with the heavy horses on the move around the site, then seeing the many vintage steam engines that worked the land and hauled huge pieces of engineering all over our country during the industrial revolution.

Then you will see 100 years of tractors, with one of the largest displays of vintage vehicles in the country.

Then, grab a selfie with the car you remember from the past, take a ride around the off-road course, let the children play in the free children’s area while grabbing some food from a local trader, or a pint of cider made from

apples grown on the very land you are stood on.

We have a brilliant display this year from the Rockets children’s motorcycle display team who will be preforming twice a day with fire and jumping will be a great spectacle.

Also, back for 2024 will be the high-octane fun of tractor pulling all

weekend. 2024 will also see us having one of the largest public displays of steam ploughing in the country, with five different types of ploughing engine cultivating and ploughing.

So come along and see us, discount advance tickets are available online and kids go free so is an excellent value day out.

Feeling the effects of making hay while the sun shines...

GRAHAM and Joe have been very busy with hay recently. As the saying goes, "make hay while the sun shines", and that is certainly what has been happening.

Luckily, there was a period of five days or so with no rain, so there was mad frantic rushing about to get the grass cut, turned every day, baled and then hauled back to the barn.

There is a problem if the grass hasn’t dried out enough and is still quite green. The bales are usually very heavy and there is a good chance of them catching fire when they are stacked in the barn. This is called baling the sunshine in and is something that you try and avoid at all costs!

Luckily, the sun arrived at the right time and this wasn’t a problem.

We still make small bale hay for our sheep, which consists of a lot of "hands on" when it comes to shifting the bales and luckily a couple of Joe’s friends helped with the muscle power. Graham is still recovering several days later!

Our swallows are back this year to their usual nest site in the woodshed. We usually get a little concerned as the shed

OVER THE FARM GATE

by HELEN WALKER

has a tin roof and if the weather is particularly hot then there is a risk of them baking.

However, this year there has only been one day of concern when the roof has had to be hosed down to cool it. The youngsters haven’t quite fully fledged but the braver ones are sitting on the beams inside the shed, so it probably won’t be long.

I get slightly annoyed with farm shops that are nowhere near a farm and generally buy in all of the produce that they are selling rather than growing or rearing any of it themselves.

They may argue that they sell local produce, but then surely then they are just a shop that sells locally produced food, where does the farm bit come into it?

Nobody tramps through their shop in their wellies, parks tractors/trailers in the car park, and says "after you have served this lady can you come and see to this lamb/pig/hen" or whatever.

In all of these shops that I have visited there is never a clod of earth or a wisp of hay to be seen and Graham gets really embarrassed when I ask the sparkling clean lady behind the counter which of the produce on show comes from her farm.

There is apparently a planning application for a service station incorporating a farm shop (to include butchery & bakery) and restaurant/café and a hotel at West Camel, alongside the A303.

This would be right opposite the A303 Bakery which has been there since 1912. The present owner of the Bakery, Joy, has supplied our farm shop with bread for the last 10 years and very good bread it is too. She has run the bakery since 1989.

I do hope that the business can survive.

Perhaps it is progress and maybe if you say you are building a farm shop (albeit without a farm), it somehow sounds more rural and wholesome and you are more likely to obtain planning permission? Or perhaps on their 12.5 hectares they will be farming something besides solar panels.

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

1 Explain source of poetry in competition (5,2)

5 Parking behind river in settlement (4)

9 In theory how one might describe print journalist’s work? (2,5)

10 Jog in an unclad state around front of ground (5)

11 Shot outer case (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

12 Part of car needing to be dismantled with day gone (6)

Down

2 Some Scandinavians in hearing make a mistake (5)

3 A friend in place lying injured in a shocking way (11)

4 Loosen a French dance (6)

6 Like proper pasta lad with teen cooked (2,5)

7 Sly look in summit, it’s said (4)

8 Be formed by Conservative regarding society? It’s crazy (7)

14 Mercenary type nearly performed (6)

16 Division of pupils? It has little currency (6)

18 Gun repaired by fighter in this country backed for martial art (4,2)

19 A second group proving an advantage (5)

22 Flower is planted in period of light (5)

23 Fellow with trouble on river is a loser (7)

24 Partly predictable verdict always (4)

25 Hold spellbound husband in rental after renovation (7)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

10 Harm in sight being reviewed is horrifying

13 English politician with rank is less substantial (7)

15 By the sound of it, regret adolescent comedian’s act (7)

17 Miss at home round cake (6)

20 Sources of steam and usually nudity appear here? (5)

21 Advantage in shelf left out (4)

Keyhole neutering for dogs: Woof's it all about?

Keyhole neutering for dogs: Woofs it all about? By

Emily Munday DVM MRCVS, Owner of Hamstone Vets, Crewkerne.

Keyhole or laparoscopic neutering has in recent years become more common in small animal

Veterinary

practice.

A laparoscopic bitch spay is a less invasive ‘keyhole’ procedure for neutering female dogs.

What is Laparoscopic neutering?

This type of surgery is often called a ‘keyhole’ approach because the procedure is performed through very small incisions approximately 5-10mm in size, that’s the size of a hazelnut!

A camera is attached to specialist equipment and passed into the abdomen through these holes in the body wall.

The camera is used to visualise the internal organs on the TV monitor.

The surgeon then can perform the surgery with the instruments and remove the ovaries safely (ovariectomy).

by EMILY MUNDAY DVM MRCVS Vet and owner of Hamstone Vets, Crewkerne

What are the benefits of a Laparoscopic spay?

• Smaller surgical wounds2x 5-10mm wounds on the body wall

• Procedure is quicker (in experienced hands) resulting in a shorter anaesthetic

• It allows for better visualisation of the ovaries.

• Less postoperative pain

• Significantly shorter recovery period (2-3days)

• Less risk of postoperative complications

Traditional bitch spay

A traditional bitch spay surgery requires a larger single wound through the abdominal wall.

These can be more painful and can have a higher risk for potential post operative complications.

The ovaries are attached to the body wall and this technique involves pulling the ovaries away from the wall so that the surgeon

can ties off the vessels before removing them.

When tension and tearing of these attachments occur this can cause more discomfort and lengthen the recovery time.

Why do we recommend neutering female dogs?

As veterinary surgeons we advise owners to neuter their female dogs if they do not plan on breeding the bitch.

This is for population control and to reduce unwanted attention from male dogs.

It stops the risk of any ovarian or uterine cancers and

greatly reduced the chances of developing certain types of mammary cancers.

A pyometra is a common condition that can be fatal.

It is an infection that develops in the uterus and causes the organ to be filled with bacteria and pus.

Emergency surgery is almost always required to treat this condition and neutering can reduce this risk.

We offer laparoscopic neutering at Hamstone Vets to our clients pets and also accept referrals for this procedure.

If you have any questions or would like more information about neutering we would advise for you to contact your registered vet practice.

St Giles animals looking for forever homes

Ashton

Amazing Ashton has come to us as a stray and is now in search of his wonderful, forever loving home, he is estimated to be between 2 and 3 years of age and weighs around 35kg.

Ashton is a lovely bubbly character and has settled well in the kennel environment. He thoroughly enjoys having some time out of the kennel and going for a walk.

When Ashton first arrived, he did show us that he seemed to not enjoy the company of others dogs that much but we have since then worked on his socialisation and he is making improvements.

Ashton would love to be in his forever home with someone who can continue his on going training and socialisation and can give him the loving home he deserves.

Breed: Bulldog (American)

Sex: Male

Age: 3 yrs 2 months Colour: Ginger White

Size: Medium Can live with dogs: Positive

Can live with cats: Unknown Can live with children: Unknown Good home alone: Seperation Anxiety

Lulu

Hooch is a lovely ex-Romanian Rescue in search of his forever home. He’s a nervous boy to begin with but has settled in well and making progress day by day. Unfortunately, we are unsure of his cross breed but he weighs around 35kg.

Hooch is a looking for a home with confident and experienced owners who can continue his on going training.

Breed: SBT X Collie

Age: 4

Sex: Male

Colour: Black and White

Former Yeovil MP quits 'dead' Conservative Party

AMID the fallout from a disastrous night for the Conservatives in Somerset, one former MP has revealed he has quit the party.

Marcus Fysh was the MP for Yeovil from 2015 but was ousted at the general election on July 4, with Liberal Democrat Adam Dance winning with a majority of more than 12,000.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, the day after the poll, Mr Fysh said: "I hereby resign from (the) Conservatives.

"It's dead. No chance of ever being electable again with its current nonConservative Parliamentary composition.

"Move on. Let's do something else."

In responses to those replying to his remarks, Mr Fysh said he was not joining Reform UK, but that the Tories now

needed to be "irreproachably centre and centre-right, sensible small-c conservative appealing to the whole country".

Prior to Thursday's election, Mr Fysh had a comfortable majority in Yeovil, of more than 16,000.

But that was wiped out by the electorate, on a night that saw the Lib Dems take a number of seats in the south west - including Taunton & Wellington, Wells and Mendip Hills in Somerset.

Only Bridgwater stayed wth the Conservatives, with Ashley Fox becoming MP for the new seat.

Nationally, the Conservatives lost 251 seats for a total of 121.

Sarah calls for emergency budget over NHS and social care

NEWLY elected

Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton Sarah Dyke has called for an emergency Health and Care Budget, to support local health services on the brink.

The Liberal Democrats put fixing the NHS and care at the heart of their election campaign, including calls for more GPs, NHS dentists and staffed hospital beds.

The party is now calling for an emergency Health and Care Budget within the next four weeks, to provide urgent investment for local NHS and social care services.

Somerset has lost 54 fully qualified GPs since 2016 and only 37% of adults in the county were seen by a dentist in 2023, compared to 56% in 2017.

Last week, six Liberal Democrats were elected to represent Somerset in the House of Commons, turning swathes of the county orange.

The Conservatives, who held four Somerset seats before the General Election, ended the night with just one, in Bridgwater. Sarah, inset, held the

previous Somerton and Frome seat before the boundary changes came into place. Ms Dyke secured her new seat in Glastonbury and Somerton with 42% of the vote share.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of the positive campaign that the Liberal Democrats have run in Glastonbury and Somerton, delivering the change that our area was desperately crying out for.

“Whether you voted for me or not, I will work tirelessly for you, to give Glastonbury

and Somerton the fair deal that we all deserve.

“That is why I am calling for an emergency Health and Care Budget to fix our NHS, which has been brought to its knees by years of Conservative Party neglect.

“We have listened to the concerns that countless people have put to us on the doorstep, from the crisis facing our local health services to the filthy sewage being pumped into our rivers, to spiralling mortgages and rents, and I promise to be your local champion and take these issues right to the heart of Parliament.”

Adam vows to be the MP Yeovil deserves after election win

NEW Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he will look to rebuild the confidence the local community has in their elected parliamentary representative.

The area has seen a change in MP for the first time since 2015, with the previous Conservative MP Marcus Fysh losing his seat to Liberal Democrat Adam Dance convincingly, as Mr Dance won with a majority of more than 12,000 votes.

Mr Fysh promptly resigned from the

Conservatives.

Mr Dance said he is hoping to be the the MP “that people deserve”, but said that the road will not be easy and that tough challenges lie ahead if he wants to make significant changes

Mr Dance said: “I am looking forward to working with all my Liberal Democrat colleagues here in Somerset, as well as our neighbours in Dorset and Devon, to bring real change into our area, to properly fund our health service, attract investment, and to reverse the

environmental damage caused by years of Conservative neglect.

“It is a privilege to be representing this constituency where I grew up, and to follow in the footsteps of Paddy and David.

“I plan to be an agent for change at Westminster and aim to rebuild the confidence of this community in their MP.”

The new MP was the first to cast his vote last Thursday (July 4) at his polling station in South Petherton.

The great magnesium mystery

by COBBS WHOLEFOODS

Having been in the health trade for more years than I care to remember, I have come to realise the range of supplements now available can be more than a tad confusing at the best of times!

It used to be a one-size-fits-all philosophy.

Thankfully, things have moved on and we are much better educated in such matters.

One very important and perhaps most confusing supplement, is magnesium, a mineral very much needed and if taken appropriately, will address many every day conditions.

The trouble is there are many forms of said supplement that can leave one scratching ones head in deliberation.

So, I have chosen the most effective and popular forms to help unravel the mystery of magnesium.

Citrate

Bound with citric acid, this is a very easy absorbed form of magnesium, effective at treating long-term constipation sufferers, as well as reducing the uncomfortable stomach spasms of IBS sufferers..Also effective as a nerve soother.

Oxide

A combination of magnesium and oxygen used to relieve indigestion, over acidity and heartburn.

Also, trials reveal it may be effective at reducing migraine attacks.

Mag chloride and phosphate

Effectively treats Magnesium deficiency. Very effective at easing

muscle cramps over strained muscles and easily absorbed

Lactate

Bound with lactic acid, this makes it easier to digest and is quickly absorbed, making it ideal for those who are magnesium deficient.

Sulphate

This combines magnesium, sulphur and oxygen and is better known to us as Epsom salts. Use in the bath to boost absorption and relax the mind. Very soothing for body and soul, especially after exercise or an arduous bout of gardening!

to make up any shortfall or to treat a specific issue.

If you don't use a bath, make a footbath using a cupful of salts to warm water and soak your feet for a good 10 minutes to get the soothing benefits. You will absorb plenty of magnesium through the soles of your feet too!

Glycine

My favourite! Fantastic to help treat insomnia. Very easily absorbed. Reduces stress, muscle tension and anxiety. It also has antiflammatory benefits, reducing mild heart disease and reducing the onset of type two diabetes.

There are more forms of magnesium but I think this is enough to give us all an idea of the vast benefits we can achieve by selecting the right supplement for our needs.

Ideally, the average adult needs 400mg daily, including food sources. A supplement of 200mg daily will usually be sufficient in supplement form

Bearing in mind magnesium is responsible for more than 300 metabolic reactions, such as blood pressure, heart muscle contraction, energy production, nerve signals and muscle contraction, it is no wonder many of us are seeking a supplement.

Our most common request is a remedy for leg cramps at night!

Magnesium phosphate is our best remedy and works very quickly to resume relaxed muscles and much needed sleep.

Dietary wise, the following are naturally high in the mineral:

Dried apricots

Figs

Avocado

Almonds

Cashews

Peanuts

Sunflower seeds

Oars

Wholegrain And dark chocolate!

Frome care home residents enjoy their own mini Glastonbury Festival

FROME Nursing Home was decked out like a mini festival this week to bring a taste of Glastonbury Festival to its residents.

Residents at the facility were determined not to feel left out as the event took place nearby, hosting an event with live music, mime acts, and decorations for locals, residents and their families to enjoy.

A spokesperson for the nursing home said: “Who needs muddy fields when you can have just as much fun in your own town.

“One fabulous highlight of the event was the mime performance by Cassie, Frome’s Home Administrator.

“Her performance, paired with the classic mime attire of a white face and red scarf, only added to the fun and high-spirits of the day.

“Music obviously was a big part of the day, with resident John Whittle jamming on the guitar and the care home’s team showing off their musical talents.

“Everyone got into the festival spirit with fun outfits, and the place was decked out with colourful bunting, balloons, and cool art installations.”

“It really looked and felt like the real Glastonbury,” said home manager Becky.

“The community spirit was so uplifting, bringing us all together that felt amazing.”

Residents spent time with their loved ones, relaxing, and enjoying the festivities, including a BBQ lunch.

A spokesperson added: “One especially touching moment was when a family member gave a thumbs-up while surrounded by friends and family,

perfectly capturing the happiness and togetherness the event was all about.

“The Glastonbury event was a huge hit, bringing laughter and a real sense of community to everyone involved.

“It showed how social events can help build stronger connections among the family members, proving that you’re never too old to enjoy a good festival.”

To find out more about Frome Nursing Home, log on to the website at fromenursinghome.com.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FROM MAY EDITION: 163

5

Crossword

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FROM PAGES XX_XX

Motoring with David Young

New Suzuki Swift offers a simple choice

Underrated is probably the wrong word. Sometimes a really good product sneaks under the radar for the simple reason that most people just forgot it.

This particular one has already been on sale for a couple of months, yet it probably hasn’t occurred to you that it could be the ideal choice for your next car, which would be a shame, because the new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is a brilliant little car.

Suzuki revealed the new Swift range back in October 2023 and its stylish design, spacious cabin, ample luggage space, and hatchback practicality is already proving desirable. Believe it or not, the Suzuki Swift is pushing 40 years old now. It began life as the Cultus/ SA310 and was Suzuki’s first model to outgrow the Japanese ‘Kei’ class.

The Cultus was first unveiled at the 25th Tokyo Motor Show back in 1983, going head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota Starlet and Nissan Micra.

By the time it launched in the UK in 1985, Suzuki had decided Swift was a much better choice of name for the

European market. And unlike the other two aforementioned models, the Suzuki Swift is still with us four decades later.

Now, we’re into the fourth-generation of the Suzuki Swift, and the new hybrid version has been on sale since April.

With the same updated design and enhanced specification as the rest of the new range, the Swift Hybrid also adds better performance, lower emissions, and improved fuel economy to the list of very good reasons to choose one.

The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid boasts a slightly more muscular appearance than before. Blacked out pillars create the illusion of a floating roof as well as matching nicely with the new piano black grille. Revised LED headlamps and L-shaped running lights complete the updated front end. The rear has also been tweaked and now features a wider bumper design, integrated hatch spoiler, and boot side spoilers. The rear lights mirror the design of the headlamps and boast a three-dimensional appearance.

The interior features a new highquality dual-tone design with centre controls angled towards the driver and a

prominent nine-inch infotainment display fitted as standard. The heated front seats are also standard and boast a new design with reshaped cushioning between the shoulder and side bolsters creating a more sculpted look.

The new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is available in two generously equipped trim-levels – Motion and Ultra.

Standard equipment in the Motion grade includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, navigation system, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone connection, and keyless entry and start. Safety and driver aids also include a Driver Monitoring System, Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, and enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition.

Step up to the Ultra grade and you add upgraded 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, rear passenger heater outlet, and electric folding door mirrors.

The new Swift is also available in

eight metallic colours with a further four dual tone colour schemes. The Dual-tone finish is an optional extra and features a Black Pearl or Grey metallic roof depending on the chosen body colour.

Power comes from an all-new and highly efficient three-cylinder petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection. The engine has been specially developed for the new Swift and offers enhanced fuel economy, improved torque, and even lower CO2 emissions than before.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine works in conjunction with a 12v mild hybrid system to generate a total power output of around 82bhp. That level of power is never going to make the Suzuki Swift a fast car, but because it’s small and lightweight getting to 60mph is likely to feel quicker than the reported 12 seconds.

The Swift has always been a car that relies on handling and agility to put a

smile on your face and it doesn’t need to be massively powerful to achieve that goal. The Swift’s hybrid system also helps achieve CO2 emissions figures from just 99g/km and fuel consumption of up to 64mpg so it ticks all of the economy boxes too.

In terms of the model range, choosing your new Suzuki Swift Hybrid is simple and painless.

You’ve got the aforementioned trim-levels, Motion and Ultra, and each one is fitted with the same 1.2-litre

hybrid system so that choice is already made for you. The only decision you face is which of the two trim-levels you would like, and whether you prefer a five-speed manual or the CVT automatic transmission. The only minor complication is if you opt for the Ultra trim with the manual gearbox, because then you’ll also have to decide if you want to fit Suzuki’s Allgrip 4WD system. With on-the-road prices starting from a little over £18,500, the Suzuki Swift is great value for money as well as being a fantastic little car.

Even if you opt for the top-of-therange Ultra with 4WD, and then tick every single box in the options list you still won’t be able to push the price much beyond £24k. The price also includes a seven-year warranty, not that you’re likely to need it given Suzuki’s wellearned reputation for reliability.

Somerset town makes list of most desirable seaside property hotspots

ASOMERSET town has been named in a list of the five most indemand seaside property hotspots.

Property website

Rightmove has detailed the seaside towns seeing the most contacts for estate agents in recent weeks, with Weston super Mare among them.

“This week well and truly marked the arrival of the summer weather we’ve been waiting for, with many parts of the UK finding themselves in an official heatwave,” a Rightmove spokesperson said.

“So, when the mercury rises, our attention always turns to what it might be like to live close to the sea, where a cool-off paddle is merely a pebble’s-throw away.”

The site listed the top-five locations, as well as the increase in property prices since 2019.

Here is the full list of the most in-demand seaside property locations – and what the site said about them:

1. Bournemouth, Dorset

“Bournemouth is the most in-demand coastal location with buyers at the moment. Along with seven miles of glorious sandy beaches, this south-coast holiday hotspot has 2,000 acres of green space, and the Jurassic Coast on the doorstep.”

Average asking price 2024: £360,298

Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +22%

2. Brighton, East Sussex

“Mixing an urban buzz with the nautical vibes of its world-famous beach, Brighton is the second most in-demand seaside location. Around Kemptown, you can find lovely white, stucco houses, many of which have been converted into flats, while The Lanes area has sweet little cottages on its narrow streets.”

of period houses in Blackpool, as well as large, modern homes.”

Average asking price: £147,331

Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +24%

5. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset

“Weston-Super-Mare has a sandy beach overlooking the

Average asking price: £473,391

Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +11%

3. Poole, Dorset

“Poole is home to the world’s second-largest natural harbour, and the ideal spot for buyers who love being on the water. Its “millionaires’ row” is Sandbanks – a narrow, sandy estuary with blingy Californian-style mansions.”

Average asking price: £463,367

Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +21%

4. Blackpool, Lancashire

“The sparkly jewel of the north west, Blackpool is famous for its fabulous six-mile stretch of lights and illuminations, which have been attracting visitors since 1879, as well as its exhilarating Pleasure Beach theme park. You’ll find streets

Bristol Channel, a postcardworthy seafront, and some exceptional quality Victorian houses built from creamy Bath stone. Find yourself in nearby Bristol within 20 minutes if travelling by train.”

Average asking price: £281,170

Average asking price increase (2019 vs 2024): +27%