Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival is a welcome addition to the hugely successful Fake Festivals tour, the only touring tribute of its kind. Taking place on Saturday 24th May at Clarence Park, Weston beach front, early bird tickets are already on sale and flying out the door from the Fake Festival website, www.fakefestivals.co.uk. With a line up boasting the best tributes to BRIT Award Winners the Arctic Monkeys, U2 and Coldplay, as well as local support acts, this year’s festival will certainly have the tent rocking out. “Last year I ran my first Fake Festival at Keynsham, and it was a fabulous success, as well as great fun to do,” says Peter Marsh licence holder of Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival. “This year I have decided to add Clarence Park to the Fake Festivals tour, after much demand from the local region.” “The festival last year at Keynsham had such a great atmosphere, and it was really good to be able to give something back to the local community. We’re hoping they will embrace Weston-Super-Mare Fake Festival with the same enthusiasm, so we can return year on year as it becomes set in the local calendar.”
Advanced tickets from 25th April 2014:
Tickets on the door:
Adult (18+) £20.00 Young Person (10-17 yrs) £10.00 Family (2xAdult, 2 x Young Person) £50.00 Child (0-9 yrs) FREE
Adult (18+) £25.00 Young Person (10-17 yrs) £15.00 Family (2 x Adult, 2 x Young Person) £70.00 Child (0-9 yrs) FREE
For more information about Weston-super-Mare Fake Festival and The Big Fake Festival, please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk or telephone 0800 652 2852
Alison’s Buffets 54 Redcliffe Street Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3PF
Buffets for ALL occasions Weddings, Birthday Parties, Funerals, Corporate Events t: 01934 742958 email: Ali2Der@aol.com
A word from the Editor
This months front cover image shows Bluebell Glades, Wrington Hill
We all know that Somerset is a beautiful county, but I think that at this time of year, with the hawthorn in blossom and the fields lush and green, our county looks at its very best! The onset of Summer brings with it an exciting mix of events for us to join in with, as well as inspiring some of us to get round to those odd jobs around the house which we have put off throughout the winter months. The Somerset View is the ideal resource to find the right people to help with house repairs, sprucing-up the garden or a bit of personal pampering - don’t forget to tell our advertisers that you saw them in The Somerset View (and whilst they are doing the hard work for you, take a look through our What’s On pages and take yourselves off for a bit of fun and relaxation!) If you’re planning your own event, the marvellous people at C4 Events offer a one-stop solution for entertainment and Public Address Solutions. Remember to send your up-coming events to us and we’ll get them in the next edition. All contributions are gratefully received. Please, keep them coming!
© Aerial Circus Photography
At a glance – May
Steve Drew, Editor
The Somerset View Editor Steve Drew Advertising Patsie Fowler Studio/Production Dave Collingbourne Marketing & Promotions Ian Williams and a special thank you to: Somerset Council, Burnham Food Festival, RSPB and Strode College Photographic contributions: Rich Collar and Dave Collingbourne The Somerset View, Pony Publishing Ltd. Locking Farm Business Park, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 8PJ
To advertise in The Somerset View call
01934 820041
OR email: steve@ponypublishing.co.uk for a rate card and media pack. Printed by Flying Colours. www.westonandworleview.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error or negligence for any services provided by advertisers or for any content of this publication The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily represent those of Pony Publishing Ltd. or its associates. All material within the magazine, whether editorial or advertising, is copyright of Pony Publishing Ltd. and may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
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04 Strode College NEWS Student Awards for 2013-2014
05 can you take the heat?
Burnham’s Food Festival heats up!
06 WHAT’S ON!
A selection of May events and gigs
09 Hedgehog street
The RHS puts Hedgehog Street on the map
11 RSPB – Avalon bursting
Bitterns return to the levels
13 FIRST WORLD WAR workshops Help for those researching the period
15 FAKE FESTIVAL – MAY
Tribute Band fest is nearly here. Welcome to
Aerial Circus Photography
Call 0791 020 7073 www.aerialcircus.webs.com rich@aerialcircus.co.uk
The Somerset View May 2014
www.strode-college.ac.uk
Strode College Student Awards Celebrating Outstanding Progress and Performance Strode College in Street celebrated the outstanding progress and performance of twenty-nine students from across Somerset at an awards evening held in Strode Theatre at the end of April. The awards recognised the hard work and achievements of students who completed a wide range of courses at the college last year, including A Levels, vocational qualifications, higher education qualifications, apprenticeships and courses for adults. An audience of over 350 family, friends and staff heard how each student had worked hard to achieve their goals, showing great commitment to their studies, a tremendous work ethic and an admirable attitude to learning and life. James Staniforth, Principal of Strode College said: “Our awards evening is a fantastic opportunity to congratulate some of our most outstanding students for their achievements, and to catch up with them and hear what they are doing now. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate the high quality and commitment of our teachers who supported these students. “At Strode we are determined to help people achieve their potential, academically and personally, so that they can progress in their goals for further study and successful careers. We provide quality learning opportunities for so many people, mostly students aged 16 to 18, but we also teach courses for other ages, levels, abilities and interests. Tonight’s awards highlight the achievements of 29 of the 1500 students who enjoy learning with us each year – we value all of them and take great delight in their success.” In 2013, Strode College equalled its best ever results for advanced-level 16-18 education, significantly above national benchmarks.
Twenty-nine students were honoured at Strode College’s annual awards evening which celebrated their outstanding achievements and the diversity of education and learning opportunities available at the College.
The 2014 league tables show that Strode is the best school or college in Somerset for maximising students’ potential at A Level and the best college in Somerset for adding value for advanced vocational courses. Strode is in the top 6% of institutions nationally for maximising students’ potential by adding value at A Level and for BTEC vocational courses.
Strode College is currently accepting applications for the following courses which begin in September 2014: A Levels, vocational qualifications at level 2 and 3, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and higher level professional qualifications. The college’s new brochure with details of courses for adults starting in September 2014 will be published in May.
The Overall Student of the Year Award went to John O’Rourke. John, who lives in North Brewhan, Bruton, was formerly a pupil at King Arthur’s School. A Levels Studied: Chemistry A*, Math A*, Government & Politics A, Biology A and Extended Project A* John’s now at Cardiff University, studying Medicine. College switchboard 01458 844400 College Fax 01458 844411.
Strodecall College, Street, Somerset, 0AB. Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply 01934Church 820041Road, and we can discuss yourBA16 needs.
Hot Stuff! Since launching in December, the south-west heat of the UK Chilli Cook-Off Championships has attracted entries from businesses keen to prove that their chilli is the best in the world! The Burham-onSea Food and Drink festival, will play host to the official South West England Chilli Cook-off on 24 May 2014! Hugely popular in America, the Chilli Cook-off phenomenon is now well and truly established the UK. Entrants into the competition will have 4 hours to cook a gallon of Chilli con Carne from scratch, using nothing but uncooked ingredients. Each team’s Chilli will be judged by a panel of experts to determine the winner of the £200 cash prize. Festival attendees can also get involved by tasting each team’s Chilli and voting for their favourite! The competition is open to any team wanting to take part – but local businesses have embraced the opportunity to prove that their recipe is the best. Highbridge business, The Embroidery Shop, is entering a team. Owner, Andy Greigg, told us “I think my chilli is amazing and I am looking
There are now only limited places left for the competition to be held on 24th May. So if you have been considering entering a team, contact us without delay! www.westonandworleview.co.uk
forward to competing. I have planned a few extra practice cooks before the big day, but I am sure it will come out on top.” Local estate agent business, Saxons, is getting behind this competition as sponsor and have also entered a team. Director Graham Thompson told us “it makes sense to us to back such a popular local community event – the festival brings thousands of people into Burnham and we hope that they will all be chilli lovers in May! We are looking forward to supporting the winning team at the UK finals.” Festival organiser, Beverley Milner Simonds, said “the winner of the UK Final will win a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with flights and accommodation included, to represent the UK in the World Food Championships. The prize purse for the Chilli category is a whopping $25,000!” The chillis will all be sold for charity at the end of the competition, benefitting The Coastguards Association and Highbridge Foodbank.
You can enter your team today by visiting www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk Beverley & Sarah Milner Simonds www.burnhamonseafoodfestival.org Follow us on Twitter @bosfoodfest (imagery of 2013 contestants © www.ukchillicookoff.co.uk)
The Somerset View May 2014
What’s On – May 2014
Somerset Events 1st – 31st May
Welcome to our new events guide. Kindly contributed to by YOU. The listing covers up-coming Events in May and a snap-shot Somerset Gig Guide.
Theatre, Arts and Events Up-coming May 2014 events 10th May Bridgwater Soul Club
20th May FREE concert by US College Choir - Furman Singers
Wells Cathedral Cathedral Green,Wells Castle Club Somerset BA5 2UE Castle Street Free concert by American College Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3DD from South Carolina.The Furman Bridgwater Soul Club’s “Saturday Night Singers will perform a programme of Get Down and Boogie!” choral classics, spirituals, folk songs and Playing on the menu will be some great dance music; Soul/Reggae/Ska/ popular pieces Tel: 01306 741000 Funk/Disco/Break Beats Lounge... www.wellscathedral.org.uk/ 8.00pm - Midnight! Age: 18+ (01278) 431302 24th – 25th May West Somerset Railway
Somerset LIve! Music Festival Weekend The Oaktree Arena, Oaktree Park, Bristol Road, Edithmead, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA
10th May Ladies Day @ Minehead!
West Somerset Railway, Minehead Station,Warren Rd, Minehead TA24 5BG The day will feature consultations, treatments, sales stands, discounted train tickets and much more. Entry to the station at Minehead is free but treatments will be chargeable. Fashion display by Grace at No 5! Reflexology, Reiki, Manicure stands, Natural Energy healing, Afternoon Tea (pre-book only) For therapy treatments please call 01643 704996, for more information, please visit the website; www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Fantastic line-up of local musical talent Visit the website for full details
www.summersetlive.com Tickets from £15, purchase On-Line
Oaktree Arena 01278 782216
25th & 26th May 2014 International RC Air Show Fleet Air Arm Museum RNAS Yeovilton Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8HT Major international model air show will return to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.The international RC Air Show showcases the best radio controlled flying displays from around the world. Tel: 01935 840565 www.fleetairarm.com/
29th May South Somerset Creative Club Shakspeare Arts & Glass, Westover Trading Estate Langport TA10 9YU Last Thursday of every month 4:00pm – 6:00pm Creative Club is an informal networking group that meets to provide a place where the local, but dispersed community of professional creative people can come together to share interests, bounce ideas around and spark off one another. If you have any questions or would like to just inform us of your attendance,please email facilitator, Laura Cullen. Tel: 01458 252633 info@creativesomerset.com www.creativesomerset.com
31st May Levels’ Best Farmers & Craft Markets Montacute House Yeovil, Somerset TA15 6XP An award winning farmer’s and craft market showcasing the best from across the Somerset Levels. Between 30 to 40 stall holders every month in the beautiful setting of Montacute House, a National Trust property. Entry to the market and grounds of the house is free as is the car parking. Friendly, local and free. 10.00am – 2.00pm Tel: 07973378735 www.levelsbest.co.uk/
Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.
Local Gig Guide - May 2014 2nd May
21st May
Hawthorns Hotel 8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ 01458 831255
The Venue Club 42 South Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 1SL 07950 848697
Lazy Daze
www.lemonrock.com/lazydaze
3rd May
Six Machine
(part of the Burnham Beer Festival) The Ritz High St, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset 01280 645645
sixmachineband.wordpress.com
10th May
Gary French’s Rhythm Method
The Crown & Backpackers 4 Market Place, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9HD 01458 833353 www.glastonburybackpackers.com
17th May
Soulville Express
EMI Sports & Social Club 20 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 1TB 01749 672066 Contact: Sharon Turner www.emiclub.co.uk www.soulvilleexpress.co.uk
Pearl & The Diamond Geezers Unity Club Leigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HA 01458 446183 Contact: Estelle Sparks www.patdg.co.uk
The Stanleys
The Oaktree Arena Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HA 01278 782216 www.thestanleys.jimdo.com
Ross Kirk
www.rosskirkmusic.webs.com
24th May Powercut
The King William Inn, 19 Market Place, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9HL 01458 831473 www.powercutmusic.co.uk
The Relics
The Kelways Inn Somerton Road, Langport, Somerset TA10 9SJ 01458 252683 www.lemonrock.com/kelways
25th May The Back Door Man Blues Jam
Hawthorns Hotel 8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9JJ 01458 831255 www.hawthornshotel.com
31st May In Addition
Unity Club Leigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HA 01458 446183 Contact: Estelle Sparks www.lemonrock.com/ unityclubstreet
Kyotie
The Railway Inn High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 1AS 01278 784828 Contact: Jason www.Kyotie.com
Send us a list of your upcoming gigs to Steve@ponypublishing.co.uk Our thanks to www.Lemonrock.com and others for their contributions
www.westonandworleview.co.uk
The Somerset View May 2014
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show puts Hedgehog Street on the Map Hedgehog-friendly garden selected for international horticultural show 8th –13th July 2014 The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) are pleased to announce that their joint submission for a hedgehog-friendly garden has been selected as one of this year’s summer gardens at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The charities’ summer garden, called Hedgehog Street, aims to raise awareness of the plight of threatened hedgehogs and show how gardeners can help the species in their very own back yard. Created by award-winning garden designer Tracy Foster, the garden will feature various elements that are beneficial to our native hedgehogs.
Hedgehog populations in the UK have plummeted by over a third in the last ten years, and one of the factors contributing to this decline is tidy, fenced-in gardens. Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS explains:“The decline of hedgehogs can be attributed to a number of environmental factors, including neat and tidy gardens that are isolated from one another by fences or walls, preventing hedgehogs from finding shelter, food and mates. The average range for a hedgehog in an urban area covers about 500 gardens, so we need people to help these iconic creatures by joining up their gardens.” One of the simplest steps gardeners can take to help hedgehogs is to link gardens in their neighbourhood by teaming up with their neighbours to make a small hole in shared boundaries so that the creatures can roam freely. A hole that is 13cm2 in size at ground level will be big enough for a hedgehog to pass through. Jill Nelson, Chief Executive of PTES said:“The hedgehog is known as the ‘gardener’s friend’ and by creating a summer garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show we hope to prove to professional and amateur gardeners-alike that it is easy and inexpensive to create a hedgehogfriendly space, no matter what type of garden you have, whether modern and contemporary or wild and rustic.”
For more information about Hedgehog Street and how to help hedgehogs in your garden and neighbourhood, visit: www.hedgehogstreet.org www.ptes.org www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk www.tracyfostergardendesign.co.uk www.westonandworleview.co.uk
The Somerset View May 2014
50,000 South West
Seniors call for “Minister for the Ageing Society” The body representing over 50,000 older people in the South West, has called upon the main political parties to build into their election manifestos the creation of a new ministerial post to deal with the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly ageing society. The South West Seniors Network (SWSN) has also prioritized new laws to provide greater safeguarding from abuse for frail, older people and changes to the tax system which currently penalize those with modest pensions. “We will shortly be heading into the next election,” said Brian Warwick, Chair of the SWSN,“and at our AGM we asked our members for their priorities. Every political party is well aware of the power of the ‘grey vote’ – there are over 14.5 million people aged 60 and above in this country, most of whom vote, and we are looking to engage with the main parties on the policies that would win their support. “We want all the parties to make clear what their policies will be on current benefits available to older people – especially bus passes and winter fuel allowance. The gap between seniors on low incomes and the rest of the community is also widening, especially those below the tax threshold who received very little help in the recent budget.” The seniors in the region have also called for changes which would provide greater safeguarding for vulnerable adults living in care.“At the moment we have the nonsensical situation where someone living in care provided by the local authority has a greater level of protection and more human rights than those paying for their own care. How can that possibly be right?” demands Mr Warwick. For more information, visit the website www.seniorsnet.org.uk 10
Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.
RSPB & the Avalon Marshes Centre Avalon Marshes bursting at the Seams! With the chill of the early March morning doing its best to freeze fingers and toes, staff and volunteers from three of the Avalon Marshes conservation organisations (RSPB, Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust) took to the paths and tracks of the marshes an hour before dawn, ears alert for the sound of the booming bittern. They were not disappointed... The line of the graph still seems to be pointing to the skies, with last year’s peak count of 34 birds, rocketing to 41 birds confirmed with a query on a possible 3 more!
Bitterns in the reedbed ©John Crispin
This enigmatic bird has suffered a catastrophic decline over the last 150 years and is only now beginning to makes steps towards recovery, aided by the efforts of conservation organisations such as RSPB, NE and SWT. Carrying out this survey would not have been possible without the help of the 30 or so volunteers who turned out in the dark and the cold to take part in this important conservation work. They were duly rewarded with a slap-up fried breakfast cooked by staff!
Ray Summers, Warden RSPB Ham Wall
RSPB Up-coming May Events International Dawn Chorus Day
Swell Wood – £8 per person An early morning walk followed by breakfast at the Crown Inn. Sunday 4th May, 6.30am – 8.30am Booking essential contact 07774 620879.
Mr Boombastic Walk Ham Wall – £7.50 per person. Bitterns followed by breakfast at Meare Manor. Booking essential 01458 860449. Sundays 4th, 18th May, 6am – 9am
Bitterns in Hot Pursuit Ham Wall – FREE EVENT. Have a chat with our wardens on the 1st Viewing Platform and watch the bitterns. Thursdays throughout May, 10am – 3pm.
Avalon Marshes Open Day Avalon Marshes Centre, Family event. Booking essential contact: 01458 860120/834326 Sunday 25th May, 10am – 4pm
Froglets and Tadpoles Holiday Club Ham Wall, £3 per child. Learn all about nature’s babies. Booking essential: 01458 860494 Tuesday 27th May, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Froglets and Tadpoles Holiday Club Swell Wood, £2 per child. Dormice Day – learn more about these rare creatures. Booking essential: 01458 252820 Thursday 29th May, 2pm – 4pm
rspb.org.uk
Let’s give nature a home The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Together with our partners, we protect threatened birds and wildlife so our towns, coast and countryside will teem with life once again. We play a leading role in Birdlife International, a worldwide partnership of nature conservation organisations. The Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership (AMLP) The partnership is made up of English Heritage, Environment Agency, Hawk & Owl Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Somerset County Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust. The project is based at the Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Somerset, BA6 9TT - email: info@avalonmarshes.org Tel: 01458 860556. The Scheme runs from 2012 to the end of 2015.
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The Somerset View May 2014
11
COMPETITION TIME!
APRIL WOOKEY HOLE COMPETITION PRIZE WINNER:
Jan Nunns, Newquay APRIL HAYNES COMPETITION PRIZE WINNER:
Mr P Jeans, Henton, Wells WELL DONE to you both! to enter these competitions simply Email your answers, along with your contact details to:
win@ponypublishing.co.uk The winner will be contacted soon after that date. Alternatively send your answer, by post to: Competitions, Pony Publishing Ltd., Locking Farm Business Park, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 8PJ.
All entries must reach us by 20/05/14. * Terms & Conditions Apply (see website for details)
Workshops launched on how to research the
First World War
Are you researching an ancestor who served in the First World War? Do you want to know more about the contribution your community made to the war effort?
DYNAMIC PERSONS
WANTED! to sell advertising space in an increasingly popular publication. Commission-only sales EXCELLENT commission rates! To apply, CALL PATSIE on
01934 820041 for more details.
During May the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton is offering two workshops on how to research the First World War. If you want to find out more about the role your relatives played in the war, or about the effect the war had on your community, there are a number of resources available at the Heritage Centre to help you. Led by archivist Liz Grant, the workshop will show you how to use sources such as Somerset newspapers, school records, online resources and information from national institutions, to research topics such as First World War personnel, a Somerset community or the County Regiment. The workshop will guide you through the sources available, teach you how to interpret the information and show you how to share your research with others. There will also be a question and answer session. The workshops take place on Wednesday 7th May at 2.30 pm and Tuesday 13th May at 7.00 pm. They will last for an hour and a half and cost £5 per person, payable in advance. To book, call 01823 278805 or visit the Somerset Heritage Centre on Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF. David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Heritage Services, said:“The stories which emerge from First World War research are powerful reminders of what the war meant to Somerset. These workshops are an opportunity to get started on a fascinating journey into the past.” The workshops are part of the Somerset Remembers project; the county-wide project to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
For further information visit:
www.somersetremembers.wordpress.com www.westonandworleview.co.uk
The Somerset View May 2014
13
The Festival of Learning and Adult Learners’ Week, 2014 Somerset Libraries would like to hear from any learning providers across the county interested in running taster sessions in library spaces during the Festival of Learning in May and June which culminates in Adult Learners’ Week, 14th to 20th June. Perhaps you belong to a club or society that is seeking new members and could offer a demonstration, workshop or talk, raising the profile of your interests? Some of the typical sessions offered in the past have been creative writing, family history, various IT sessions, jewellery making and author talks, while the less typical offers reported from across the country have included a spinning workshop, make-up workshop, keeping chickens in your back garden, an evening of Edwardian entertainment, and pet first-aid and health.
So – if you’d like to offer to share skills with others or have an idea of a session that you’d like to see hosted by a library near you, please don’t hesitate to contact Wendy MillerWilliams at Frome Library, email wmiller-williams@somerset.gov.uk or call 0845 3459177
YOUR LOGO YOUR AD HERE from £26 a Month! (for a 12 month booking) 16th Page Advert in the Somerset View Contact details, lineage and logo/image space
CALL 01934 820041 14
Advertise with us and reach thousands of people across Somerset. Simply call 01934 820041 and we can discuss your needs.