Issue 12 - Volume 20 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

Welcome

ITwas in May, 20 years ago, that the first copy of Mendip Times was launched at the Royal Bath and West Show.

At the time, most local newspapers were in steep decline and people said it was madness.

But we thought there might be an appetite for a quality magazine which celebrated local life, getting away from the usual diet of crime and politics, and which was produced by local people who knew and loved the area.

Most importantly it would not be ruled by anonymous bosses in London whose main concern was profit, the downfall of much of the local press.

The reaction was amazing. People said they couldn’t believe the magazine was free and such good quality. We’ve seen steady growth since then.

There are a lot of people to thank: Our contributors, past and present, who have never missed a deadline; our advertisers, who even supported us through Covid; our readers whose feedback is so encouraging.

Thanks also for all the goodwill messages sent to our colleague Mark Adler, who is now recovering at home after heart surgery.

June 2025 deadline: Friday 16th May

Published: Tuesday 27th May

Editorial:

Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk

Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk

Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk

Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk

What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk

Publisher: Mendip Times Limited

Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG

Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone: 01761 463888 or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk

Design and origination by:

Steve Henderson

Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ

Have van will travel –Bob’s fourth trip to Ukraine 7

compete in Wedmore

Young gardeners –taking pride in Paulton

Front cover: Meare tractor run. Photograph by Pete Nash, Somerset Agri pics. See page 79.

Fernie heads for retirementNew High Sheriff

FERNIE, probably one of the area’s most famous dogs, is going into retirement. Back in 2015 Mendip Times reported how he had been trained to help with reading lessons at Winford C. of E. Primary School.

This led to appearances for Fernie on BBC Radio Bristol, BBC Points West TV, a number of national newspapers, Radio New Zealand, CBS news in America and an appearance on This Morning with Ruth and Rylan! He was also featured in a documentary in 2018 called “Dogs with Extraordinary jobs”.

School head, Nik Gardner, who owns Fernie, said: “Despite becoming more senior, his desire to come to school has not waned, he is just less keen to take part in activities and training sessions.

“As a result, it is now time for Fernie to hang up his school coat and officially retire from duties and he will enjoy a well-earned rest at home when he finishes at Easter.”

Nik himself is moving on after 12 years at the school.

JANETMontgomery has been appointed High Sheriff of Somerset for 2025/26, following a declaration ceremony at Wells Cathedral, taking over from Robert Buckley.

She said: “I am honoured to take on the role of High Sheriff for Somerset and join the distinguished list of those who have served before me.

“During my term, I am committed to supporting the judiciary, law enforcement, and voluntary and charitable organisations in Somerset, with a particular focus on supporting young people through mentoring and development initiatives.”

Bob’s fourth journey to Ukraine

WRINGTONVale Rotarian, Bob Preedy, has driven a van packed to the roof with medical equipment, a generator and kit galore requested by the Ukrainians 1,400 miles to Lviv as part of a convoy organised by Pickups for Peace.

Bob, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and his co-driver Clive Nunn, were met with a hero’s welcome and immense gratitude.

The van, donated by Thatchers, was immediately driven a further 450 miles to the front line.

The photograph shows (l to r) co-driver Clive Nunn; Sasha from the Airborne Systems Command, who travelled 850 km overnight to take charge of the vehicle; Bob, proudly holding a commemorative plaque presented by Sasha; Sasha’s friend, an army officer working in recruitment; and Boris Bodnar, head of logistics for Rotary in Ukraine.

Details: Angie Biggs 07790 400718

Youth forum’s first year

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust’s youth forum is celebrating its first anniversary and has seen 30 young people, aged 1224, helping to make a difference for nature, wildlife and the climate.

The forum, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been encouraging young people to take action for nature in a way that works for their communities, choosing how to spend their own budget and deciding which activities and experiences they would like to take part in.

As well learning practical conservation skills, they have taken part in creative workshops and have been involved in campaigning and advocacy.

Siân Bentley, Wilder Youth Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “Young people face a lot of barriers in the wildlife conservation sector.

“This project exists to remove those barriers and empower young people to connect with nature in a way that works

for them. I’m so lucky to work in a team with these incredible young people and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in a year.”

Throughout the past year, the forum has taken part in activities that have included: surveying and spotting wildlife with experts in the field, attending workshops, writing articles for local publications, codesigning their own T-shirt and logo and

New town space

MILKStreet Green in Frome, an open space close to Vallis First School and The Griffin, has had a makeover, thanks to members of Trinity Community Group, Milk Street residents, pupils at Vallis School and residents of the Trinity area.

Working with Frome Town Council’s ranger team, tree officer Helen Viner and the council’s communities team, the site now includes flower beds, benches and imaginative play structures.

It was the setting for one of four sessions creating banners

hand-printing the T-shirts, and helping to develop a brand-new youth strategy for Somerset Wildlife Trust.

A notable highlight was attending the Restore Nature Now protest in London, which was the biggest demonstration in British history to demand action for nature.

The forum is currently welcoming new members.

celebrating “community superheroes” as part of Frome Kindness Festival.

Adam Baylis of Trinity Community Group said: “Trinity is an exciting and historic part of Frome, with a vibrant and diverse community.

“But one thing that Trinity has always lacked is a central community space. That's all changed now thanks to the work by FTC and so many local volunteers. Everyone says it looks amazing!”

Children from Vallis First School

New group

Monday, May 5th

The event is free for all. There will be children’s outdoor games and face painting, stalls selling local produce, live music, pizza, local cider, and much more!

They’ll also be providing information on solar energy, recycling, green gardening and the Fixy Van will be there to collect electronic donations for charity.

The group says: “When it comes to a problem as big as the climate crisis, it’s easy to feel as though you can’t do anything.

“So Axevale Climate Action was formed to help join locals together at a grassroots level, bringing together members from Axbridge, Badgworth, Cross, Compton Bishop, Stone Allerton, and Weare.

“We aim to create a welcoming and friendly environment in which to discuss environmental concerns, raise awareness, advocate for sustainable practices, and influence policy change.”

Supporting bats

ASpart of the regeneration of the Baily’s Buildings in Glastonbury, a team of volunteers have planted trees that will create a natural dark corridor for the resident bats.

The Grade II listed buildings, which fell into disrepair after the factories ceased operations in the 1980s, have since become home to wildlife including nine different species of bat and a variety of nesting birds.

Action on climate change

FROME Town Council has partnered with Somerset Wildlife Trust for Act to Adapt, the first in a series of events that will culminate later in the year with the launch of a Climate Adaptation Plan for the town.

A meeting on Tuesday, May 13th, 7-9pm, in Frome Town Hall will discuss how climate change is affecting our lives and what we should do to ensure we can keep thriving in the face of a changing world.

Frome’s Act to Adapt project follows similar collaborations in Glastonbury and The Poldens and like those projects, is funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).

Details: https://bit.ly/act-to-adapt-may25 https://www.somersetwildlife.org/act-to-adapt

Planting trees

PRIDEin Paulton volunteers have been planting apple trees donated by the Thatchers Community Orchard Project.

They have sited their trees near the junior school, where children helped with the planting.

Biodiversity project

AVONWildlife Trust has acquired a 44-hectare former dairy farm on the North Somerset Levels and Moors near Worle.

Thanks to support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the trust is taking on one of its largest projects to date, with a vision to turn Ebdon Farm into a haven for biodiversity.

The project has been supported with development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to allow the project to progress its plans to apply for a full grant of £4.25million at a later date.

AXEVALE Climate Action is putting on their very first Axevale Greening Festival on

at the Ad Astra Cider Barn, in Stone Allerton near Axbridge.

Not all caterpillars love cabbages

ONLY those of the large white and small white devour cabbages. These caterpillars are very familiar and recognisable. With so many caterpillars demolishing my cabbage plants I wondered why they did not make a ready-made feast for birds? I found an explanation.

The caterpillars extract mustard from the cabbages which makes them unpalatable to birds. They also exude a mustardy smell which added to their bold colouring warns off predators.

It is worth remembering that not all caterpillars love cabbage and without caterpillars there would be no butterflies. I have never heard anybody complain about butterflies in their garden. Just the opposite. We try to add plants filled with nectar and pollen to encourage butterflies and other pollinators.

Four of our most common and loved butterflies lay their eggs on nettles because that is the ONLY food that their fussy caterpillars will eat. But nettles are another bane of the gardener’s life so perhaps a compromise must be reached.

The four butterflies are the comma, peacock, red admiral and the small tortoiseshell. Adults are not nearly so particular and will take nectar from a variety of flowers.

The butterfly has four stages in its life cycle – egg, larva, pupa or chrysalis and adult. It is the larval stage that causes most damage for they spend their whole life eating day and night and growing. As they grow their skins split open to allow the larva to grow.

This happens four or five times – each stage called an instar. Next the larva will pupate into a chrysalis hanging on a thread from a wall, twig or fence. Inside the chrysalis huge changes take place to reveal an adult butterfly. This may take two to four weeks depending on temperature.

Being unaffected by their sting, nettles are a good choice for caterpillars, as they offer protection from harsh weather and from predators such as deer and cattle that are keen to avoid the sting. The butterfly will have laid her many, many eggs in batches on the underside of the leaves in sunny areas towards the edge and top of the nettle bed.

The eggs and larvae are present on nettles between April and June with adults emerging between May and October so best not to cut down the nettles. Often as they grow the masses of larvae

surround themselves in silk webbing to ensure that some survive.

The first larvae hatch after one to three weeks eating day and night moving to new plants and making new webs. After about nine days the larvae have outgrown their skin and it is shed. This is repeated four or five times leaving a trail of webs, droppings and shed skins.

After the last stage (instars) larvae separate and search for a pupation site. Pupation takes two to four weeks and then miraculously the adult emerges.

Nettles are growing well now so decisions need to be made. It’s no use assigning them to a shady spot in an out of the way place. They need sunshine to produce plenty of young growth for the caterpillars to enjoy! If there is no such place hopefully there will be plenty growing wild nearby.

Stinging nettles need nutrient-rich soil and should be cut back in late June or July to stimulate new shoots to grow, providing more food for caterpillars. Check there are no caterpillars on the stems as you remove them though. As you can see the life of butterflies is full of danger at every stage. No wonder so many eggs need to be laid but at least we can do a little to help.

DIANA REDFERN

Red Admiral

Caterpillars in a web

Peacock

Celebrating new life

With NICK GREEN

FARMERSare privileged in seeing new life on a regular basis. Cattle farmers usually see their calves born one at a time, sheep farmers see their lambs born two at a time, pigs have litters of ten or more twice a year and chickens hatch out of however many eggs that either fit under a broody hen or in an incubator. However tough a farmer might be, there is always a smile when a new life begins.

New life isn’t just about animals. Seed sown in a prepared seed bed brings a smile to the arable farmer’s face when green shoots start appearing in neat lines up and down a field. I don’t think any farmer takes new life for granted and is proud to share it whenever possible.

There are various initiatives that allow non-farmers to share in the delight. LEAF run the A Farmer programme on Facebook where farmers are connected with schools via Skype or other similar platforms to give school children virtual access to the farm. If they happen to be online when something is being born, they can share that experience from miles away.

FarmLink www.farmlink.org.uk host dozens of schools each year at Lower Stock Farm near Wrington. The farm has

hundreds of cows calving there each spring so the chance of visiting pupils seeing a birth first hand is quite common. For a child to be able to see a calf being born in real life is a fantastic experience and something they will never forget.

Sidcot school saw the birth of a dairy heifer calf. They named the calf Sid and no doubt will be asking for updates from time to time.

Because sheep only breed at certain times of the year whole flocks generally give birth within six weeks. Knowing the start and finish dates and the concentration of sheep giving birth some sheep farmers have started “sheep tourism”. They open their farm gates and invite the general public onto the farm to see baby lambs popping into the world.

Open Farm Sunday in June is another great initiative. There’s no guarantee of seeing something being born but visitors will see things growing. Whether that is livestock, arable crops, fruit or vegetables things will be growing. It’s all part of new life.

You don’t need to go to an organised event to see come of these things. A walk on the Mendips might give you the opportunity to see foals on Black Down and April born lambs all over the place.

And don’t forget new life in the hedgerows and trees. Adult birds will be spending every daylight hour feeding their young. New life is all around us. We just need to know where to look.

Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.

Thanks to Beryl

MENDIP Ploughing Society held its AGM on Monday, March 31st, when the outgoing president, Beryl Appleyard, was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the chairman, Stuart Tibbs.

Farmer Pat Keen was voted as the new president for the next three-year term. He farms at Washingpool Farm, Chilcote, with his son Steve, and two grandsons Ben and Nigel. Pat was

brought up in Dinder and is one of the longest serving Mendip Ploughing Society members.

This year’s match will be held at Franklyns Farm, Chewton Mendip, by kind permission of Lionel and Stewart Clothier and Julian Clothier, at Emborough on September 24th.

The world of alpacas

DID you know alpacas come in 22 natural colours from black to white and there are two breed types of alpaca, Huacaya and Suri?

Huacaya are more common and grow fibre which needs to be shorn each year, rather like sheep. The Suri alpaca accounts for about 8% of the overall alpaca population in the UK and grow a more dreadlock style of fibre which can be left unshorn for two years.

At Winsaula Alpacas we breed the rarer Suri breed of Alpacas as we believe they have a more graceful and majestic presence and they are rumoured to be more intelligent than their Huayaca counterparts, but don’t tell anyone I said that!

Ten years ago, we moved from the city of Bristol to Badgworth, a tiny village at the foot of the Mendip Hills with stunning views of Crook Peak.

The new home came with empty paddocks so we explored what animals we could easily farm to keep the grass down. I remembered meeting the Suri alpacas when I trekked the Inca Trail ten years prior, so found a breeder and bought our first five Suri alpacas and Winsaula Alpacas was born!

Surprisingly in 2017 an exceptionally rare classic grey boy Winsaula Joker was born on the farm and of course we thought we

should take him to an Alpaca show (think of Crufts for Alpacas) and so we took him along to the British Alpaca Society National Show where he won Reserve Champion Classic grey.

He went on to win Supreme Champion at Bath & West show, Devon County and Yorkshire Alpaca shows, the only Grey Suri to ever win 3x Supreme Champions in addition to his 18 championships and so we were addicted to breeding and competitions.

Fast forward eight years and we have just returned from the 2025 British Alpaca Society National Show, where we were delighted to win “Champion Medium Breeder” amongst 69 of the very best alpaca herds in the UK.

We were also pleased to win Champion Black Female, Champion Black Male, Champion Grey Female, Reserve Champion Brown Male and our Cryptic Grey Boy won Best Multi.

Our black stud boys, imported from New Zealand to improve our genetics, excelled themselves with Thistledown Oscuro winning Champion Sire’s Progeny and Thistledown Belluno taking second place. With eight first place rosettes out of a team of 11 and our Champion Black Female almost winning Supreme in a nail-biting finish, we were very happy with our results.

Details: 01934 732324

The Mendip Mindbender

DOWN

1. St Andrew not around to see stone circles here (7,4)

7. Accolade for beer (7)

8. One with a singular point of view (7)

10. Biting insect found in the Scottish Highlands (5)

11. Champagne popped quietly replaced by whisky in place offering large bite (4,5)

12. Readable (7)

14. Perfumed (7)

15. Court of King Arthur (7)

18. Embarrassed by Benny near Bristol Airport (7)

20. Account deficit (9)

21. Expansion beginning to end for cathedral (5)

22. Precipitation (7)

23. Drank at counter from this (7)

24. Alderney Gus and Guernsey lad both somehow arrive at same place in Somerset (6,5)

This month’s solution can be found on page 86 ACROSS

1. Dish gin out for party (7)

2. Sounding as positive being blue (5)

3. European claret mixed up in something sticky (7)

4. Dodgy US uncle has heart (7)

5. Put forward (9)

6. Fashioned, put before iron (7)

7. Place of worship above fog on the A37 (6,5)

9. Disgraced – candles said to be desecrated (11)

13. Heavy machinery (9)

16. Encounter (7)

17. Circus act (7)

18. Turns (7)

19. Of bad reputation (3,4)

21. Overheard to roam like a fish maybe? (5)

By Fairlight Cryptic Clues are in italics

Skylarks on Mendip –a closer look

THEskylark is a familiar sight on the Mendip Hills. Unfortunately, this charming bird is facing severe challenges, with its UK breeding population having declined by over 50% in the last 25 years.

Skylarks are typically found in grasslands, fields, and moorlands. Their diet varies with the seasons; in summer, they primarily consume insects, while in other seasons, they feed on cereal grains, weed seeds, and shoots.

Nesting begins in early April, with the female building the nest, often accompanied by the male. These nests are usually located in shallow natural hollows on the ground, sheltered by tufts of grass or other vegetation.

As the surrounding vegetation grows, the nests become increasingly well-concealed. Constructed from grass stems and moss, and occasionally incorporating hair, these nests are typically found in vegetation 10-40cm tall.

The first clutch of eggs is usually laid in mid-May. Skylarks can lay up to four broods a year, though two or three are more common. Clutch sizes range from three to six eggs, the young leave the nest after around two weeks and continue to be fed by their parents.

Male skylarks are known for their distinctive song, which

they use to defend their territory. If a threat is detected, the male will sing, otherwise, there may be prolonged periods of silence before the song resumes.

The skylark's presence on the Mendip Hills is a reminder of the delicate balance in our ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these beautiful birds.

Farmers and landowners can help by ensuring grass isn’t cut at this time and wide margins are left. We can all help by keeping our dogs on leads in nature reserves during the nesting season.

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Another win for Olive Nichols

THEMendip Farmers’ point-to-point was held at Ston Easton, courtesy of the Killen family, with six races followed by three pony races.

There was victory again for Olive Nicholls, riding Switch Hitter, following her win on the same horse at Blackmore and Sparkford.

Pony race competitors

There was a chance to meet the hounds

Diana Tincknell presenting the trophy for the Tincknell restricted race to owners James and Ferelith Drummond (left), jockey Tom O'Brien and trainer Ed Doggrell

Crowds around the parade ring

Delilah, aged five

There were three pony races because of so many entries

Some young racegoers

Hunt supporters club members ran the bar

This trailer made a good vantage point

Will Biddick winning on Far Out West in the RM Penny race

Olive Nicholls on her way to victory in the Killens ladies' open race

Busy bees in Wrington Easter bonnets

THEWrington community lantern parade took place in March, having been postponed at Christmas because of the weather.

The event was led by Jo Sinclair, Amy Shiner, and Hazel Nixon and this year’s theme was pollinators.

The parade was launched with inspiring words from Susie Powell, who likened the event to an industrious beehive.

EASTERBonnets at Shepton Mallet Infants school, they paraded to the church for a Easter service at St Peter & St Paul’s Church.

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

A simple snack, delicious chicken and a strawberry special Test your taste buds!

HOT HONEY HALLOUMI

“BACON” FRIES

I say bacon – but this recipe actually uses bacon-flavoured crispy snacks . . . to make approximately 20 chips.

METHOD

Brush the halloumi with the chilli flavoured honey, then roll in the crushed bacon snacks.

Fry gently until golden and crispy – or bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 180.

Serve with salad. It’s good with avocado and a drizzle of more hot honey.

CREAMY CHICKEN TRAY

METHOD

Roast potatoes until golden and crispy. While the potatoes are roasting fry the onion, garlic and chicken thighs in a large pan until the chicken has taken on some colour, then add the chicken stock and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the cream cheese, peas and tomato puree, transfer to a large baking tray and add the potatoes.

Making sure the chicken is skin side up, sprinkle on the cheese and bake for 20 mins at 180.

You could make this the day before and bake it the next day.

INGREDIENTS

Halloumi –250g block cut into thick chips (see pic)

100ml readymade “Hot Honey”

– or mix any runny honey with chilli sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice, to taste.

40g bacon snacks, crushed

STRAWBERRY CAKE

This is a beautifully moist, fresh strawberry cake . . .

METHOD

Sprinkle 10g of the sugar into a 20cm cake tin. Cut the strawberries in half and lay them cut side down on the sugar. Make the sponge mixture in the usual way by beating the butter with the rest of the sugar, adding the eggs then folding in the flour.

Then gently fold the jam into the cake mixture before spooning it evenly over the strawberries. This is the step that makes this cake so heavenly fruity and moist!

Bake at 180 for 20mins. Turn out and serve with cream. You could garnish with fresh mint.

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 5)

10 chicken thighs – skin left on.

600g cubed potatoes

1 large red pepper

1 large, chopped onion

400ml chicken stock

200g cream cheese

2 tbs tomato puree

175g frozen peas

50g grated cheese

INGREDIENTS

15 large strawberries

100g strawberry jam

60g caster sugar

150g butter

2 eggs

150g self-raising flour

Mint to garnish – optional

WILD FOOD

Whatever the weather

THISyear, we have been enjoying a period of very dry weather through the end of March and into the middle of April, with little or no rain, hot and sunny during the day but cold at night. It is interesting to see how this unusual seasonal weather has affected plants in the garden, along the lanes, in the fields and woods but in particular the wild food species of greens and flowers I always look forward to welcoming in the spring.

Whilst I appreciate local conditions vary, where I live there is much less available –even the grass in the garden has refused to grow due to the lack of rain. The benefit to me of course is that I have not had to do any mowing.

However, all is not lost as there is an edible plant that is out in abundance: Wild garlic. It seems that shade-loving plants have access to a little more moisture and protection from the drying sun and breeze.

For now, wild garlic would be my pick (!) of the best wild foods in May. Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is a member of the onion family of plants, growing up to 50cm. The leaves are broad and spearlike, a rich dark green in colour from early March to July.

The small, white flowers atop a green stem are starlike, arranged in rounded umbels and appear April to June. It’s found in shaded woods and hedgerows. I take a simple delight in moving through the local woods or along shady hedgerows to be greeted first by the strong aroma of garlic, then to see the lush dark green leaves and the pure white flowers of one of, if not the very best, wild food plants of spring.

I am not going to list all the health benefits of this plant, bore you with another wild garlic pesto recipe or some complicated dish that requires too many ingredient/steps/time to make.

Instead, I’m going to encourage you to get out in the very first instance and marvel at this plant in its natural setting and enjoy the small moment of freedom for mind and body it permits.

Whether you eat any or not, getting out there really is the most healthy thing to do, whatever the weather.

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist and expert forager running wild food forays, events and activities. Please visit: www.hedgerowcottage.co.uk for more information or email him at: hello@hedgerowcottage.co.uk

GARDEN FOOD

Mind the gap

OFTENthis period is called the Hungry Gap. New plantings are mostly not ready to harvest, except for leaves. It’s a good time to rejuvenate on feasts of spinach, lettuce, and cabbage leaves.

Turnips are brilliant at bridging the gap, especially the Hakurei type, bred in Japan. As well as growing very fast, they have superb flavour and can fill you up nicely! They are now close to flowering stage, so harvest them soon. And you can re-sow in August, for harvests in autumn.

Advantages of doing less

No dig is great for weed control, but you still need to weed! Don’t let weed plants flower and multiply. This becomes important now as they grow suddenly so fastcatch them small. Plus no dig helps soil to cope with excess rain, thanks to there being no interruption in the lines of water’s capillary flow downward.

That breakage happens after digging and rotovating. For the same reason in dry weather, no dig results in free movement of ground water upwards. And near the surface, compost is like a sponge holding moisture.

More sowings

It's a top time to sow Brussels sprouts, because they need the whole summer to grow decent sized plants which can give you a worthwhile harvest. Likewise cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli. Whereas kale is good to sow at any time until July.

If not already in the ground, plant potatoes, and sow carrots, parsnips, lettuce, salad onions, radish, leeks, broad beans and peas. For the last three in the list, asap.

Plant out, no rush

The first half of May is about raising plants that need warmth to thrive. That includes French and runner beans, which I do not sow before 10th May even in the greenhouse. Later plantings catch up.

Using covers

I am so grateful for fleece covers and the warmth plus wind protection they afford. Much of my garden has been under fleece covers through April. Now things change weather-wise, we hope, and you can remove fleece soon. This reduces the risk of plants overheating, especially in dry weather when roots may be short of moisture.

For carrots and brassicas, I replace fleece with mesh, against root flies. And for a while longer, keep onions meshed against leaf miner.

Charles Dowding has made no dig popular with millions of readers and viewers. Currently he grows vegetables in Somerset. He has written 14 books and gives talks plus courses at home and abroad.

With ADRIAN BOOTS

With CHARLES DOWDING

07711 893964 • www.chewvalley-animalpark.co.uk www.parkviewrestaurant.co.uk Chew Hill, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8SB Come and discover our range of exotic animals and learn some amazing facts along the way Private parties and events can be catered for

T: 01225 962669

E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

Howerd’s

Sevier Road, Loxton, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2XE OPEN WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 9.30amto3pm Monday Bank Holidays in May Open

Private

Cyclists, Walkers & Dogs welcome

Serving Breakfast, Ice Creams, Cakes, Lunches

LET’S WELCOME IN SPRING WITH A FEAST OF FUN AT THE TUCKER’S GRAVE INN

Sat 26th D state 8.30pm

Sun 27th Car Show 10am – 5pm

Fri 2nd May The agonist Band 8.30pm

Sat 3rd May The Last Broadcast 8.30pm

Sun 4th May Ben Nicholls 2.30pm

Sat 10th May Fluke 8.30pm

Sat 17th May 92 Vine 8.30pm

Fri 23rd May Dr Fraggle 8.30pm

Sat 24th May Open Road 8.30pm

Sun 25th May Mike Besseling 2.30pm

Sat 31st May The Jamestown Brothers 8.30pm

Parlour/Café:

Baguettes, locally produced pasties and sausage rolls available Friday 8am to Sunday 5pm

Breakfasts Saturday and Sunday 8.15-11.30am Friday/Saturday evenings 6-9pm – Fish and chips, gourmet burgers, freshly made pizzas and more. Look out for the specials

The family who saved their village pub!

GEOFF and Tina Hancock stepped in to buy the White Hart in Cross in 2012 when the company that owned it went bankrupt and proposed turning it into two semi-detached houses with two bungalows in the car park.

Now with son Joel as manager they are running the pub and Joel has opened Cross Brewery at the back of the 300-yearold building and is currently brewing five different ales.

Judge Jeffries held one of his bloody assizes at the pub. The family’s associations with brewing also go back a long way.

A Hancock founded Hancocks Brewery in Wiveliscombe, which later became one of the biggest brewers in the South West and was also prominent in Wales.

Cross also had a brewery at Brewery Farm, famous for its brown ale. Joel is producing Wavering Brown, named after the hill behind the pub.

Geoff and Tina were both teachers in Cheddar and Wells before they moved to Bahrain, where Geoff was director of education.

It was during a return visit to Cross that they heard of a campaign to save the pub and decided to buy it, putting tenants in charge.

Geoff said: “When Joel became a brewer, it all fell into place so we decided to run it. There’s a huge amount of love for the place and the support we have had is amazing.”

The family used to live in Blackford and got to know and love the pub during frequent visits to the Mendips.

Joel, who has run pubs and clubs for most of

his career, said: “I’m glad I’ve got them out of retirement. We are determined to make this the thriving heart of the community, we love the village and the people here.

“About 90 percent of pubs locally are managed and are really restaurants. We do food as well as lots of local ales but essentially want to be a place where people can come and chat. We want to show that a traditional pub can work.”

The White Hart is open Monday and Tuesday from 4pm; Wednesday to Saturday from 11am; Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 12noon.

Food is served Wednesday to Saturday 123pm and 5 to 8pm; Sundays 12-3pm.

Last miner

THE Somerset Miners Welfare Trust have installed one of their metal miner silhouettes at Shoscombe’s village hall and recreation ground.

The trust has been working hard to remind communities of their mining heritage, through the silhouettes and the recording of stories of those who lived and worked in the coalfield.

John Collins, the only remaining miner in Shoscombe, joined Mo Duery, Selwyn Rees and Bryn Hawkins, with the chairman of Shoscombe Parish Council, Ian Cannock and members of Shoscombe’s community and the village hall management committee.

School’s national award

CHEWStoke Church School has been crowned the Modeshift Stars National Primary School of the Year for 2024/25.

The announcement was made at the Team Modeshift National Stars Summit in London, where pupils and staff shared their commitment to sustainable travel.

Four members of the school's PE Council, along with deputy head Vicki Hennessy and head teacher Ben Hewett, attended the summit, showcasing their innovative projects to MPs and other schools.

Morris wedding

Their presentation highlighted initiatives driven by the children themselves, such as leading assemblies and organising events like Walk to School Day.

The school's dedication to ecofriendly travel, in partnership with Modeshift Stars since

2019, has seen them develop a comprehensive yearly plan encouraging greener commutes, which involves pupils, staff, governors, the PTA and parents.

Mr Hewett said: “Beyond our own school we also support other schools and collaborate with the parish council on local improvements like road safety signs.”

Despite the challenges of being a rural school, they've focussed on educating children about safe active travel, implementing a car-free zone and securing new bike storage through parent and business support.

Pupils (l to r) Annie, Lola, Freddie and Alfie with deputy head Vicki Hennessy and MP Simon Lightwood

The school's new bike shed has now been opened

John Collins

CAMValley Morris man Martin Torbett and Naomi Deutsch from Wells were married at Wells Town hall, cheered on by the rest of the team.

Floral cakes

CHEWValley Flower Club hosted national demonstrator Julia Harrison who produced beautiful arrangements and treated members to her extensive knowledge of flowers and foliage.

At a practice meeting entitled “A Floral Cake” you would have been forgiven for thinking you had walked into a patisserie!

Timeless craftsmanship

CARTIERis one of the most prestigious brands in the world, known for its timeless, innovative designs, and precision craftsmanship. The brand has a rich history that dates back over a century, shaping the evolution of jewellery and wristwatches.

During the early 20th century Louis Cartier, grandson of the founder, designed a wristwatch for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian aviator. Santos-Dumont needed a timepiece that he could easily check while flying. This led to the creation of the Cartier Santos, which in turn would lead to Cartier becoming a leading name in the watch world.

The conclusion of WWI ushered in the iconic ‘Tank’ watch, which went into production in 1919. The Tank was revolutionary at the time with its rectangular case with clean, geometric lines, breaking away from the traditional round watch design. It quickly became a symbol of elegance and sophistication, worn by celebrities, politicians, and royalty, including Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Jeff Goldblum.

The 1970s gave rise to quartz technology, and rather than resisting the technology, like many Swiss watchmakers did at the time, Cartier adapted by launching the Must de Cartier during this decade.

Over 100 years since the launch of the Santos, Cartier continued to introduce new models to its watch family, with the Ballon Bleu de Cartier and Calibre de

Cartier being introduced in the early 2000s.

Here at Clevedon Salerooms, we have many Cartier watches featured in our Specialist Sales, and due to their timeless elegance, they always prove popular with bidders. Recent results include a gentleman's Santos Galbee, selling for £1,400, a lady's yellow metal (18K) Tank Francaise ref. 2835, which sold for £4,000, and a Calibre De Divers Watch, ref. 3729, selling for £2000.

Entries for watches are now open for our 5th June Specialist Sale

With HENRY MICHALLAT

Bowlish Infants’ School Easter bonnets

Club’s anniversary

MENDIPVale Carnival Club celebrated its 60th year with a fantastic night at Glastonbury Football club.

Dave Churches was the guest speaker and some longstanding members were given awards for their service to the club. It all finished off with a disco.

A club spokesman said: “Thanks to Lauren Clarke who organised the whole event and also thanks to Sam and her team at Glastonbury Football club for the lovely food and looking after us the whole evening.”

Battle of Sedgmoor

SOMERSET Archives and Local Studies is holding a new archives workshop entitled Searching for the Stories of the Monmouth Rebellion, part of a series of events connected to the “After Sedgemoor” exhibition which is running until July 6th, at The Museum of Somerset in Taunton.

It is on Friday, June 13th, 10am. If you can’t make the workshop there is a talk about the aftermath of the Monmouth Rebellion with cocurator Tom Mayberry at Taunton Castle, the setting of the Bloody Assizes.

This is on Wednesday, July 2nd, 7.30pm.

Progress at coal canal

IT’Sbeen a busy time at the Somersetshire Coal Canal near Paulton, where a working party made good progress on the abutment walls of the terminus bridge.

They had 23 volunteers turn up, all very enthusiastic and raring to go, including several new volunteers. Local businesses also gave good support.

They made such good progress on the walls that they are now considering another one-off session to get it over the finish line.

Meanwhile Bryn Hawkins, chair of the Somerset Miners Trust, has handed over one of its metal miners near the loading point on the coal canal.

And a new bench made by Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed, has been installed at the dry dock near Paulton thanks to local councillor, Liz Hardman.

History display

VILLAGERSin Bishop Sutton and Stowey are collecting items for a local history display in the village’s Holy Trinity Church, as part of a spring fair to be held there.

Anyone with suitable material is asked to get in touch. Other attractions at the event include a diverse range of stalls featuring plants, bunting, bric-a-brac, cakes and refreshments.

The fair is on Saturday, May 10th, 10am-3pm. Holy Trinity Church, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton (next to the school), BS39 5XD.

Details: Jim 01275 332402 Colin 01275 332735 • email

Metal miner

New bench

Progress on the abutment walls

The hanging judge

National finalist

MENDIPBasecamp, a family adventure campsite set in the heart of the Mendip Hills at Churchill, has been named a national finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, in the coveted category of Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year.

It is one of just three finalists in its category, selected from over 1,800 initial entries submitted through 21 local competitions across the country.

Founded in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendip Basecamp was created to offer families a safe, outdoor place to reconnect during uncertain times. Five years on, it has grown into one of the South West’s most popular family holiday destinations.

It says: “Basecamp is off-grid, dog-friendly and campfires are encouraged, with the surrounding Mendip Hills bursting with nature and Mendip magic.”

As part of the wider Mendip Adventure group, Basecamp gives guests the chance to disconnect from technology and plug into over 20 adventurous activities from rock climbing to archery, caving to paddleboarding, skiing to tobogganing –all led by passionate, qualified instructors.

Managing director, David Eddins, said: “Being named a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards is a huge honour and a proud moment for our whole team. Mendip Basecamp started as a bold idea during lockdown - to give people a place to feel free, to reconnect with each other and with nature.

“We’ve grown it into something really special. Our mission is simple but powerful: to inspire everyone, everywhere to make time for adventure. This recognition tells us we’re doing just thatand we’re only getting started.”

The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Tuesday, June 4th.

Details: www.mendipbasecamp.com

Watch

THE proposed reforms to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) system by the current government raise several potential risks and challenges for landowners, particularly regarding compensation, property rights, and financial security. Below is a summary of the key concerns:

1. Loss of ‘Hope Value’ Compensation: Under the current system, landowners are compensated not only for the current market value of their land but also for its ‘hope value’, which represents the potential future value if planning permission were granted. The reform would eliminate this additional compensation, resulting in landowners receiving payment solely based on the existing use value. As a result, landowners could incur substantial financial losses, particularly those who have invested in land with future development potential.

2. Increased Risk of Under-Valuation: Local authorities may underestimate the true value of the land, and with limited legal recourse, landowners may face difficulties in challenging unfair valuations. This could disproportionately affect small landowners or farmers who lack the resources to pursue protracted legal battles.

3. Reduced Negotiating Power: The reforms intend to streamline the CPO process and alleviate obstacles for local authorities, potentially leading to expedited and more assertive land seizures. As a result, landowners may encounter diminished opportunities to negotiate fair compensation or propose

alternative solutions.

4. Impact on Rural and Agricultural

Landowners: The proposed powers to enable Natural England to acquire farmland for environmental conservation projects could displace farmers and disrupt rural communities. Farmers may be compelled to vacate their land with inadequate compensation to relocate or reestablish their business elsewhere. Who will be most affected?

• Small-scale farmers may lose agricultural land with limited compensation.

• Developers and investors may suffer losses in speculative land value.

• Homeowners in regeneration areas could face forced displacement with undervalued compensation.

• Landowners in conservation zones could be at risk of compulsory acquisition for nature reserves. If the government’s reforms are passed, landowners may need to seek legal advice early and engage with local planning authorities proactively to protect their interests.

A local authority can make a CPO for the following purposes:

• Regeneration projects (e.g., housing, infrastructure, or transport schemes)

• Environmental improvement or conservation

• Providing social housing

• Infrastructure development (e.g. roads or utilities)

• Public health and safety improvements

The local authority must demonstrate that the CPO is: (a) In the public interest, (b) Necessary to achieve the intended

project, (c) Proportionate and fair, and (d) There are no viable alternatives. Additionally, the local authority must show that the CPO is a justifiable interference with the right to peaceful enjoyment of property under the Human Rights Act 1998.

Once a CPO is issued, affected landowners and occupiers are notified and given the legal right to object.

Grounds for objection may include: (a) The CPO is not in the public interest, (b) The authority has not followed the correct legal process, (c) The compensation offered is inadequate.

Should an objection be raised, a public inquiry will be convened before an independent Planning Inspector.

EDWARD LYONS

Long Distance Walker becomes short story writer

Readers of Mendip Times will have seen pictures taken by Peter Gatenby on his walks across the Mendips, or even of his long-distance walks to the furthest points on the British Mainland; both to the cardinal points E, W, S & N, and then inter-cardinal points SW, SE, NE & NW. The front of his house has three blue plaques reciting his achievements.

On Saturday 21st June 2025 at Double-Gate Farm Tea Room, Godney at 11:00am he will launch his third short story, St Columba’s Seat and a Touch of Serendipity While being a love story, it uses the background of a village on the Great Glen Way walked by Peter on his way to Easter Head on Dunnet, being furthest north. Key to the story is this picture as it wins the prize for our hero James.

Earlier titles “Married by Lunchtime” and “La Nuit a Therouanne” will be on sale.

From

After

l We have grown to become Somerset’s most popular local magazine

l We are looking for someone who can help us extend that legacy

l If you love Mendip as we do and have suitable qualifications get in touch

l We can promise only long hours and modest rewards l

Walking to support mental health

THEsecond Mendip Mental Health Hike will take place on Sunday, May 25th, covering 30 miles from Uphill to Wookey Hole along the West Mendip Way.

The walk raises money and awareness for Heads Up Somerset, a mental health charity based in Wells. Last year the walk raised £17,408 through sponsorship and donations as well as a raffle and auction held at the after-party, held at the Wookey Hole Inn.

The party was attended by 200 people and 50 people took part in the walk, some doing the whole 30 miles and some just doing a stage or two. This year they are hoping for even more participants and even bigger prizes.

There will be three different paced walking groups this year, each with its own group leader to ensure that all participants remain together for the entirety of the walk.

There will be staggered starting times for all the groups, with all groups meeting at the final checkpoint in Priddy to walk the final stage together.

The Wookey Hole Inn have agreed to hold the after party again this year, so walkers can all arrive together and celebrate their achievement.

Details: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_ T1cfISotKNhTKacyojwoaWwPkIHI-gasqsaXbDtCts/edit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Mendip-Mental-HealthHike

New chief executive

QUARTETCommunity Foundation has given more than £5million in grants in the last year to more than 1,000 organisations, including those in North Somerset and B&NES. The average grant was £5,157.

Anna Smith, who joined as chief executive in January, said: “We know that even a relatively small amount of funding can make a big difference.”

She was previously CEO at a number of charities across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including One25, Bristol Drugs Project and Advance in London.

Quartet’s philanthropy director, Ronnie Brown, has announced his departure after 31 years with the charity.

Cyclists support air ambulance

FOUR school friends will spend three days of the first May bank holiday cycling more than 200km from Cornwall to their school at Sparkford, raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Hambo Kane, Ed Hyland, Freddie Storey and Louis Plunkett, all aged either ten or 11, arrived home from school one day and told their respective parents that they intended to cycle from Glynn Barton Cottages (where Freddie is originally from) near Cardinham in Cornwall to Hazlegrove School in Sparkford.

The first day of the ride will be the hardest with a fair chunk of the ride’s 10,000ft of climbing being over Bodmin moor and then up and over Dartmoor.

Dads are being dragged along on the ride and mums and siblings are very kindly providing back-up and support crew services throughout.

Freddie ran the Cornwall Coast Path last year for charity and will be running the Dorset and Somerset Coast paths this summer term and holidays.

Details: https://www.justgiving.com/ team/theballisticbikers?utm_medium=TE&utm_source =CL@freddiescharitablechallenges

Lunchtime in Frome

FROME’S pop-up social dining experience, Lunch Bunch, is back until the end of May as part of the weekly Wednesday market outside the library, 11am-2pm.

The town council says it’s a free, pop-up social dining space aimed at bringing people together, reclaiming public spaces and making lunchtime a little more joyful.

Some of last year's walkers

Walk the base

DORSETand Somerset Air Ambulance’s 5K Twilight Shift returns for its fourth year to Henstridge Airfield on July 5th, when participants can run, jog or walk around the charity’s operational base to raise funds.

The entrance fee is adults £15, U-16s £10.

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/twilightce.org.uk

Freemasons’ gift

SWALLOW’s Work Skills Horticultural Scheme enables people with learning disabilities to gain gardening skills suitable for employment. They can then progress onto the Gardening in the Community project.

Last year the charity, based at Westfield, had a waiting list for the gardening service, showing the importance of, and the demand for the project.

This year it is already scheduling for current clients and is hoping to expand the service to those on the waiting list.

Connaught Freemasons in Midsomer Norton have donated £500 to enable the expansion of the service.

Details: Secretary3573@btinternet.com www.swallowcharity.org

Wildlife appeal

SECRETWorld wildlife charity has launched a £20,000 appeal, saying spring should be a time of new beginnings, but for many wild animals, it’s a time of crisis and hardship.

It says as the countryside awakens, countless new-born creatures find themselves in desperate situations - fox cubs orphaned when their den is disturbed, tiny leverets (baby hares) separated from their mothers and badger cubs left alone and vulnerable, struggling to survive.

It says: “Our wildlife care staff and veterinary team work tirelessly to feed, nurture, and rehabilitate these vulnerable creatures.”

Details: https://www.secretworld.org/

Nailsea charity walks

THE Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs, organised by Rotary Nailsea and Backwell, will return on Sunday, June 15th.

There are three routes, all clearly marked, a 5k “stroll” plus 10k and 20k routes based at the Scotch Horn Centre in Nailsea where all routes start and finish.

If June 15th is not convenient, you can do your walk or run at any time until the end of July and maps etc will be provided.

Since 2011 the walks have raised more than £250,000 and Rotary is challenging the local community to put out another record number of participants to raise another record amount of money.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/nailseawalks or contact Bob Keightley CharityWalks@rotarynailsea.org

Lions support hospice

RADSTOCK & Midsomer Norton Lions arranged a Race Night with the help of the Westfield Sports and Social club which raised £1,000 for the Dorothy House Hospice.

South West Lions also raised £700 for Dorothy House from a Christmas collection at Tesco in Keynsham. The two clubs went over to Dorothy House to present the cheques at their Winsley headquarters.

Details: www.rmnlions.org.uk

Windrose enters a new era

THREEwomen have taken over the helm of Windrose Rural Media Trust, a charity working across Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire on educational, archival and creative projects in local communities.

Since it was founded in 1984, Windrose has saved and amassed a large film archive dating back to 1905 and has made many films on rural topics and created a huge range of mediabased projects.

Now, after more than 40 years, director and founder Trevor Bailey is taking retirement. This coincides with a decision by the charity’s filmmaker James Harrison to step back after an association going back to the late 1980s.

Both will still be involved in Windrose’s work as trustees. The day-to-day running of the charity now passes in a voluntary capacity to Dorset-based journalist and writer Margery Hookings, who has worked for Windrose on a freelance basis for 20 years.

She said: “If it hadn’t been for Windrose and its predecessor, Trilith, much of this wonderful archive film of how life used to be in our communities would be lost.”

Windrose is a small charity with no core funding and works on a project-by-project basis, which relies on successful funding applications.

As co-ordinator, Margery will work alongside Somerset singer and songwriter Amanda Boyd, who combines arts and heritage to create new projects, including natural history, environmental conservation and education.

They are joined by Bristol-based visual artist, filmmaker and producer Simone Einfalt, who works collaboratively across various media.

Trevor Bailey said: “In many ways our work of the last 40 years has been a mission. So many rural projects created. So many country people involved. And it will continue.”

Details: https://windroseruralmedia.org/

WEDMOREFriends of Weston Hospicecare held a fashion show which raised £2026. It will be used to purchase a cuddle mattress for the in-patient unit. Watch out for further events.

Details: Shirley Wederell 01934 712089

Hospice colour run is back

ST MARGARET’SColour Run returns for another unforgettable day at Taunton Racecourse on Saturday, May 17th and this year they are pulling out all the stops to celebrate their 45th anniversary.

Hundreds of runners will be aiming to raise £45,000 for the hospice as they dash around a 4km course filled with a rainbow of powdered paint and colourful foam.

They will also welcome back the Bubble Toddle for its second year, allowing children aged 18 months to five years to dash, skip, or toddle through a rush of bubbles.

The Family Fun Day Village is returning too, packed with stalls, inflatables, games, and plenty of delicious food and drink, the perfect place to keep the party going after the run.

Tickets for the Colour Run are £20 for adults and £15 for children. Entry to the Bubble Toddle is just £5.

Details: st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/colourrun

Rock of ages

STARTINGoff as members of Cheddar Valley U3A, the Vintage Cheddar Rock Band is now in demand.

They perform free of charge, raising money for charities including the RNLI, RSPCA, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and several local charities.

They are pictured at a recent gig in Draycott Memorial Hall.

Margery Hookings

Midnight walk

DOROTHYHouse Hospice Care’s Midnight Walk returns for another year on Saturday, July 5th.

It’s open to anyone aged 12+ and starts at the Bath Pavilion from 9pm. This year’s theme is again all about pyjamas,

The hospice is asking each walker to aim to raise a minimum of £50, which could fund two hours of overnight care by hospice at home carers.

Entry for the Midnight Walk is £22.

Details: https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/getinvolved/events/midnight-walk/

Charity cyclists

SWALLOW, the charity that supports local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities has been running a cycling project during the last year, supporting members to take part in accessible cycling.

The culmination of the project was a sponsored cycle ride which has raised more than £1,000 for the charity. Over 30 people took part, including SWALLOW charity members.

Details: https://www.swallowcharity.org

Woodland refuge

WINDSORHill wood refuge is holding an open afternoon on Sunday, May 11th. The woodland community on the edge of Shepton Mallet supports people who are struggling with various life issues such as addiction and poor mental health.

Everyone takes part in the tasks of woodland management, care of animals, growing their own vegetables and cooking for each other.

The open afternoon from 2pm is a chance to look around and find out more about the charity, with guided tours around the site at 2.30, 3pm and 3.30pm.

There will be the chance to look at their new Woodland Studio which is available to hire for groups and activities from the beginning of May. Homemade produce and freshly laid eggs will be for sale and cakes and refreshments for a donation.

Parking is at Rock Farm (BA4 4JE) just up the lane, and then a short walk to Windsor Hill Wood –parking stewards will direct you.

They are also looking for a resident volunteer assistant warden.

Details: www.windsorhillwood.co.uk

Only one way down

Taking on the tower

SHEPTON Mallet-based children’s charity SOS Africa is once again offering people with a head for heights a unique chance to abseil 160 feet from the top of Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead. Entries are now open for teams and individuals to take part in sponsored charity abseil which will take place on the weekends of 27th/28th September and 4th/5th October. Courtesy of the National Trust Stourhead, SOS Africa’s King Alfred’s Tower Charity Abseil is the charity’s highest to date and a unique opportunity for the general public to abseil this iconic historical venue.

The first SOS abseil from the top of the tower took place in 2023, during which 270 fundraisers raised £41,000 for the charity.

For details, email matt@sosafrica.com or visit: www.sosafrica.com/alfreds-tower-abseil

Inverdale a star

A SELL-OUT audience of about 120 attended a dinner with legendary sports presenter John Inverdale in support of service veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.

The evening at The Star Inn, Winscombe started with an exceptional display of military music and precision marching from the Band and Bugles of Somerset Army Cadet Force, where the salute was taken by Brigadier Neville Holmes, The Rifles County Colonel for Somerset.

Organiser, Alan Cooper, who is pictured with John Inverdale, said: “It was terrific that the evening proved to be so popular and everyone looked as though they were enjoying the entertainment and the delicious two-course dinner provided by the Star Inn.”

The evening raised about £4,000 for the charity. www.combatstress.org.uk

Dog show is back

THEpopular dog show will return to this year’s Peasedown Party in the Park, run by local animal rescue charity, Funding Animal Futures.

Charity director, Sally Campbell, said: “We had a lot of entries and enthusiastic dog owners at previous shows and this year should be no different.”

Classes will start at 3pm on June 14th with

The Best in Show competition following soon after in front of the main stage.

The charity seeks to secure the future of abandoned and unwanted animals through independent fundraising events throughout the year and making donations to rescue organisations.

Party in the Park starts at 11.30am on June 14th on Beacon Field in Peasedown.

Details: fundinganimalfutures2020@outlook.com www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

Giving deprived children a break

AVALON Camps have recruited 38 Young Leaders aged 17 and 18 as volunteers, caring 24/7 for deserving youngsters from selected Bristol schools as they enjoy a holiday in the countryside at Mark.

The majority of them are using the residential experience to fulfil requirements of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award requirement and come from schools and colleges across Somerset.

Cath Clark, Duke of Edinburgh Operations Officer for Somerset said: “Often one of the issues with young people completing their Gold Award can be finding an affordable residential.

“Avalon Camps provides a fantastic opportunity for these young people to complete their residential at no cost and get well fed to boot.”

George Osborne, trustee of Avalon Camps, said: “The care and commitment of these young people who volunteer never fails to amaze me. Without them the camp wouldn’t be able to carry on its great work.”

The cost of running the annual camp this year for 64 young children, aged eight and nine, mainly from the Withywood and Hartcliffe areas of Bristol, will be about £18,000 – all of which

Last year’s young leaders

goes towards ensuring the children have fun, learn new things and are taken care of in a safe and caring environment.

All of the camp leaders, young people and adults, trustees and nearly 200 volunteers give their time for free. It says any donations or offers of help would be gratefully received.

Details: https://avaloncamps.org.uk

Explore your future at Strode College

STRODECollege in Street, is opening its doors to everyone for its summer Open Evening on Thursday, June 12th, 5.30-8pm. Whether you’re a school leaver, unsure about your next steps for September 2025, looking to retrain, or just curious about what’s on offer – this is your chance to explore.

Recognised as one of the top performing colleges in the country for student progress, Strode offers an impressive range of A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and adult learning opportunities.

You’ll be able to tour the campus, meet friendly and knowledgeable staff and chat with current students to get a feel for college life.

There’s still time to apply, and for adult learners, the brandnew Adult Skills Prospectus will be available. Tutors will be on hand to discuss how adult courses can support your career or personal goals. Advice on travel, bursaries and applications will also be available.

Come along and discover how Strode College can help you with your next steps.

Details: www.strode-college.ac.uk 01458 844400

Author’s

visit

WEAREAcademy CofE First School, part of the Wessex Learning Trust, hosted a special visit from local author SarahLou Evans, whose book series has captivated the imaginations of readers young and old.

The author’s series follows a class of Year 4 students as they narrate a week in their lives, each chapter offering a different character's perspective.

A centre of excellence

MILLFIELDand Millfield Prep School for ages 2-18 are leading co-educational boarding and day schools, located in 400 acres. Millfield has been named Co-Educational Independent School of the Year 2024-25 and Best Sports School for the 11th time in 12 years.

The schools’ size enables them to offer a diverse range of academic subjects, sports, creative arts and activities, supported by outstanding facilities including science centres, music halls, a theatre, art gallery, equestrian centres, golf and cricket centres and an Olympic sized swimming pool. Through small class sizes, excellent teachers and sports coaches and individual tailoring, their aim is to ensure that every child can discover

their brilliance.

Millfield Prep offers full and flexi boarding from age 7+, while Millfield offers full boarding from age 13+. Full boarders enjoy weekends filled with trips and activities. Millfield is home to 995 boarders from 75 different countries whilst Millfield Prep cares for 135 boarders from 27 nations, who share all aspects of school life.

Everyone lives by the school values: Be Kind, Be Authentic, Be Disruptors, Be Curious and Be Brilliant. Outstanding pastoral care is at the heart of everything.

Millfield’s alumni include Formula One driver Lando Norris, Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist swimmer James Guy, silver medallist Helen Glover, England Rugby player Chris Robshaw and singer-songwriter Ella Eyre.

Visit Millfield and Millfield Prep School at their next Open Day on Saturday 10 May or 4 October 2025, book online at: www.millfieldschool.com/opendays

Shipham’s VE Day shows

SHIPHAMPlayers’ next production is something everyone can get involved in. They are staging shows on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st in Shipham Village Hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day.

They promise the evenings will be full of nostalgia, some pathos and jollity, taking the audience on a journey from the start of WW2 to VE day. They are delighted that the Shipham Collective, Shipham’s very own orchestra, and the history society will be involved in these great evenings.

To get into the wartime spirit, the hall will be decorated, with its own pub and tables will be laid out in street party style. They are asking everyone to wear period dress and prizes will be presented for the best costumes.

The evenings will also include a commemoration meal in keeping with the era! If you have stories, information, or items you would like to share, particularly from life in Shipham and the local area in WW2, they are asking people to contact them by Wednesday, April 30th. Tickets costing £20 will go on sale on Saturday, April 26th.

Details: info@shiphamplayers.org.uk www.shiphamplayers.org.uk

Gypsy trio

THE Jubovski Gypsy Trio will be playing at St Mary’s in Yatton on May 17th. The trio’s piano, violin and double bass music includes the exciting gypsy violin music of Transylvania, Macedonian and Bosnian wedding music, Greek lute melodies and Jewish street melodies.

The trio have performed both classical and gypsy music together for many years and have created this unique ensemble to share with audiences their passion for the music of the Eastern European gypsies.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets £12, children free.

Details: www.yms.org.uk

From Sidcot to Broadway

A GROUPof drama students from Sidcot School had a once-in-a-lifetime experience travelling to New York. They explored theatres and galleries and performed an excerpt from their recent school production of Alice in Wonderland to an audience of students and staff at the Mary McDowell Friends School in Brooklyn.

From the buzz of Broadway and bright lights of Times Square to the rich artistry of The Met and the vibrant culture of Brooklyn, students enjoyed five days of incredible experiences and inspiration.

A real highlight of the trip was the opportunity for students to watch the dress rehearsal performance of Operation Mincemeat , a West End production that will soon launch on Broadway.

Students experienced the full red carpet treatment, having their pictures taken with the cast and experiencing the backstage magic of a Broadway show.

Why change matters

A CAST of over 100 performed Change Matters at St Paul's School in Shepton Mallet, presented by Make the Sunshine CIC, which runs theatre projects in the town.

It brought to life the lives of pioneering women from Shepton Mallet Louie Hatfield, Annie Hyatt, Jean Garraway and protesters throughout history, including the Suffragettes, Just Stop Oil, Banksy and lots more.

Amulet open day

THEAmulet in Shepton Mallet held an open day, which attracted hundreds of people, as campaigners attempt to reopen it as a multi-purpose community venue.

Originally built in 1975 as The Centre, the building was a gift to the town from the Showering family. It operated as a popular theatre and community centre for many years but has been in private ownership and largely out of public use since 2011.

Now a number of residents and community groups have come together with a bid to return the building to full community use.

Choir’s trophy win

MENDIP Male Voice Choir is celebrating after winning a trophy at the adult choral day of the Mid-Somerset Festival held in Bath.

The Mendip Men entered the Show Song and Male Voice Choirs classes, held at St. Swithin’s Church. They won the Arthur Trowbridge Cup for the Male Voice class.

Choir chairman, Richard Luscombe, said: “It will help to set us up for our summer season of concerts which begin in May.”

The choir meets on Mondays in term time at St Mary’s School in Timsbury.

Details: PR@mendipmen.co.uk 07941 782956

Musical Frome

and friends

FROMEtown centre became a live music venue for Frome Busks 2025, an annual event showcasing the talents of young musicians from Frome College and Selwood Academy. Eight amplified and acoustic stages “popped up” around the town with performers rotating around them between 11am and 2pm. Donations will go towards opportunities for more young people to access music lessons and activities throughout the year.

Tabby

Lula

Music for a May evening

BRUTON Choral Society’s summer concert, the last of the choral year, will be on Sunday, May 11th, 7.30pm, in the Queen Elizabeth Music School at King’s.

This is always a very sociable event with drinks being served in the interval – al fresco if possible.

Barbara Jenkinson has chosen some

really lovely music for Music for a May Evening, including Tallis “If ye love me”, Bruckner “Locus Iste”, “Linden Lea” by Vaughan Williams and a beautiful piece by Canadian choral composer Eleanor Daley.

There will also be French and Italian pieces and some barbershop in the second half. Soloists will be Angela Ashworth

Details: www.brutonchoralsociety.org.uk

Singers’ 20th anniversary

THEAxbridge Singers Community Choir will be holding a celebratory concert to mark their 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 17th, 7pm.

Starting in 2005 as a small gathering in a living room, the choir has grown in strength over two decades, moving first to Compton House and eventually to St John the Baptist Church in Axbridge Square.

Over that time, many members of the local community have sung with them and enjoyed the music, friendship and many other benefits that communal singing can bring. They sing unaccompanied in four-part harmony, with a broad

Rotary concert

(soprano), Geoff Allan (tenor) and Malcolm Parr (baritone).

Clare Sydenham and Ashley Marshfield will be playing some piano duets and there will also be readings on a summery theme.

Tickets £10, £12 on the day, children free, to include a glass of wine, from Bruton Convenience Store, 01749 813161.

range of different styles of song and are sure the concert will provide something for all tastes!

Entry is free with a collection for Weston Hospicecare, bar available.

Details: www.axbridgesingers.org.uk

CHELWOODBridge Rotary Club is holding another charity choir concert in Keynsham to raise money for Great Western Air Ambulance and other Rotary charities.

It will feature the Mendip Male Voice Choir and Chew Valley choir Vox in Frox on Saturday, May 24th at St John's Church, Keynsham, doors open 7pm.

Refreshments will be available before the concert and during the interval.

Details: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk

Clash of the choirs

NINE choirs from local schools and communities gathered at St Mary's Wedmore for the eighth annual fun-filled Clash of the Choirs.

A full house saw the infamous Clapometer gave its verdict –they were all marvellous!

Georgian music in an ancient church

EMBOROUGH

Church is hosting a performance of West Gallery Music and readings on Saturday, May 10th at 3pm. The building is in the care of the Churches

Conservation Trust as it is no longer in regular use and this is a rare chance to hear it full of music.

The tiny church has medieval origins but underwent extensive renovation in Georgian times and the choir, Called to be Saints, from Nailsea, will be showcasing music from that era, both sacred and secular.

This type of music is known as “West Gallery” these days, as the choirs of the era were housed in the west gallery of the church.

This was a time when parish churches did not have organs, so the choir will be accompanied by a small band of stringed and wind instruments.

The same musicians played for the village dances, so a few folk tunes will be included. Thomas Hardy portrayed such a group in his novel “Under the Greenwood Tree.”

The singers are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and say they are delighted to be returning to Emborough, which was the setting for what was probably their first ever public performance.

Entrance is free, with a retiring collection to be shared between the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Churches Conservation Trust.

Details: 01761 241588

THEOsiligi Maasai warriors troupe visited Glastonbury for a week and the Glastonbury Green Men were among those to greet them.

World premiere

GLASTONBURYBrass performed the “brass band world premiere” of a Scottish piece of music at their recent concert at St. Benedict’s Church, Glastonbury.

The piano melody “Annandale”, composed by Phamie Gow, was arranged for brass band by the band’s own bass trombone player, Philip Bushnell.

“Annandale” was Gow’s first commission as a composer, aged 16, for a short film about the Millenniumcin 1996. It has since been chosen for various classical music compilations and has made it into the Classical British music charts on Classic FM.

Philip said: “With such a beautiful and flowing melody, and such emotive harmony, there’s no wonder I was drawn to it. Phamie’s music is just stunning and I wanted to bring her art and culture to our corner of the world.”

Philip has spent his life surrounded by music after starting to play trombone at the age of six. Whilst keeping music a hobby, he branched out to composition and arrangements back in 2014.

You can next see Glastonbury Brass as part of the VE Day 80 celebrations in Glastonbury and you can hear Phamie Gow’s “Annandale” on her album “Moments of Time”.

Details: glastonburybrass@gmail.com https://phamiegow.com/

Singers’ 20th anniversary

THEAxbridge Singers Community Choir will be holding a celebratory concert to mark their 20th anniversary on Saturday, May 17th, 7pm.

Starting in 2005 as a small gathering in a living room, the choir has grown in strength over two decades, moving first to Compton House and eventually to St John the Baptist Church in Axbridge Square.

Over that time, many members of the local community have sung with them and enjoyed the music, friendship and many other benefits that communal singing can bring.

Wrington concert

CANTIAMOSingers return to All Saints’ Church in Wrington for a concert on May 10th, 7.30pm, featuring two beautiful pieces of music, the Fauré Requiem and the relatively unknown Requiem by the 18th century Venetian composer, Antonio Lotti. They will be accompanied by organ and string ensemble. The concert is free to attend, with a retiring collection for the church.

Cantiamo Singers are a 16-voice auditioned choir based at Wrington with members from across Somerset. They sing music from a wide repertoire spanning many centuries and aim for the highest possible standard.

Society’s centenary

NAILSEAChoral Society will celebrate its centenary at a concert in Clifton Cathedral on Saturday, May 17th performing Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius. They will be accompanied by Bristol Symphony Orchestra and supported by internationally renowned soloists Mark Le Brocq, Rebecca Afonwy-Jones and Edmund Danon.

Tickets are £20, U18 £5.

Details: www.nailseachoral.org.uk

They sing unaccompanied in four-part harmony, with a broad range of different styles of song and are sure the concert will

Details: www.axbridgesingers.org.uk

provide something for all tastes! Entry is free with a collection for Weston Hospicecare, bar available.

Time to fly the nest

By CHRIS SPERRING

MOST species of birds will be in the middle of their nesting seasons. This is a vital time when the results for the year will either lead to a steady growth in the bird population or failure will mean their continued decline. For our owl species, we see a staggered approach to the breeding season. Tawny Owls begin nesting the earliest of the three species. Although still our commonest owl, they are in decline.

Nesting in holes in trees or indeed nest boxes provided, it begins nesting during February and should have laid its eggs in mid to late March. The young hatch by the end of April or first weeks of May, but some earlier layers may have owlets at what is called the branching stage.

This is where the owlets can literally jump out of the nest yet are still probably four weeks away from proper flying.

During this stage they will strengthen up by jumping and climbing amongst the branches of the trees.

Sadly, they will occasionally drop down to the ground because of a miss-step or being laden down with water from a heavy spring shower. The owlet can climb back up a tree and I have even seen three-week-old owlets do this and that’s a week prior to the normal branching stage.

People may come across these owlets on the ground and providing they are close to a tree they are perfectly safe and certainly not abandoned. So many of them end up in captivity because of the well-intentioned people that find them.

The message is simple and that is, in the majority of cases, please leave the owlet alone, unless it is obvious it’s in real trouble.

It goes without saying that the same is true for most birds. They will have a period of leaving the nest when they aren’t quite ready for strong flight, they just need time to adjust.

Little owls are now very rare across our area and we are

conducting projects using nest boxes in an attempt to help them recover. The warning for this decline came from the farming community, with many landowners contacting me about the absence of our smallest owl species.

It is the second owl species to begin nesting, again in holes in trees or nest boxes and even in old buildings. I would like to hear from anyone who still has little owls in their area, as next autumn we will target new nesting boxes there.

Barn owls should be the last of our owls to begin nesting, though of course some pairs will nest earlier if the food supply is high. However, this year it does feel like most of our barn owls are later starting.

Every year during early to mid-summer I visit a lot of farms that have barn owls and I monitor the progress of these nests. If you are a landowner with barn owls, please do get in touch on the number below and I will add your land or farm into the monitoring area.

You can also catch up with our webcam Barn Owls which has a live broadcast 24/7 from the Somerset Levels. At the time of writing the pair of barn owls still haven’t begun laying and this is more than a month later than last year.

Have a superb May.

Tawny Owlet

Little Owlet

Barn Owlets

On foot to the forest of the future

THISgentle spring circle from Compton Dando takes us through the fields of Wick Farm just beginning to be transformed into a huge forest, then on through a pretty hamlet, along the edge of a beautiful lake. There are good views across country and no steep hills or stiles. What’s more it is a dog friendly outing. The Compton Inn is a great place to refresh yourself before or afterwards.

PARK: On the road in Compton Dando near the village hall and the Compton Inn. The village is south of Keynsham.

With Sue Gearing

START: A compton was originally a “valley enclosure”. In 1297 the name Dando was added after Godfrey or Geofrey de Anno.

Facing the low long village hall, take the footpath at the side on the right over a footbridge. Notice what could be a walled old dog pound on the right. Head up the drive following the stream and then continue through a kissing gate (KG) into a field.

1. FIELDS

Go straight on up the right side, climbing gently. Follow the edge which bends left and after another KG continue on in the same direction as before (don’t turn left) down the full length of the narrowing field with woodland down right. Cross a footbridge at the end and go up through a brake of trees and through a KG into a field. Follow the left edge all the way round to reach a footbridge on the left. It connects to a field. Once over, turn right and here you start to see some of the enormous amount of new hedging that has been planted. This is the start of the Lower Chew Forest.

This forest which started last year will be the South West’s largest new woodland in a generation. Over the next few years, the 422-acre site here at Wick Farm Dando will be transformed with 100,000 trees and shrubs, new wetland habitats, miles of hedgerow, and species-rich grassland. When put together with adjoining woodland, it will be bigger than

the Downs (Clifton and Durdham) and Leigh Woods in Bristol, and 12 times the size of Royal Victoria Park in Bath. This immense woodland project is of major significance for climate action and nature recovery in the region and to reduce local flooding. The aim is also to provide an accessible and inclusive place for people to volunteer, learn, and stay.

Follow the edge. Cross a wooden plank bridge, go through a KG and cross the field (slightly left). A gate leads into another field where you follow the right hedge then over a footbridge and cross this next field. Ahead are corrugated iron barns. Go through a KG to the left of the barns, and the main buildings of Wick Farm, left.

3. WICK FARM

Cross the drive. After a KG, take the path which goes left. Go through one KG and turn left to another KG. After this, in the field, turn right uphill. At the top a metal KG leads to a track into the hamlet of Hunstrete.

4. HUNSTRETE

We are now going to visit the attractive lakes. Turn left through Hunstrete for a few minutes, ignoring paths right and left. Reach a welcoming seat by a postbox now housing a defibrillator. Continue a few more minutes and reach a footpath right (opposite Barn Well) and a large metal gate (rather austere!) giving access to a path alongside the main lake.

5. LAKE

This lake is one of two, constructed here in the 1990s and used for angling – with carp and tench to catch. There are great crested grebes breeding here and also a large population of common toads and a number of different bat species, as well as rare orchids.

Keep straight on, cross a bridge ahead over a spillway, and soon see the second lake on the left. Our path continues on, parallel with the anglers’ lakeside path. Go through some woodland all the way down to another large metal gate (don’t miss the hole on the right to reach the latch).

Immediately turn right and right again through a KG and start to head back, paralleling the path you were just on. There may well be some wet and muddy patches along here. On reaching a Private gate, turn left. Just past a pond, go through a Bristol Gate on the right. The path leads on, through a KG, and then further on through another gate. Then take the drive straight on to the road, where you were earlier.

Turn left, soon passing Hunstrete Cottage, opposite the footpath where you came up from Wick Farm. Carry on a little longer on the lane, starting to drop down.

6. FOOTPATH

Not long past the speed limit sign and a power pole, find a footpath on the right, up steps. Enter a field and follow the left hedge, before bearing away slightly to a visible KG. You get good views again over Wick Farm with more new hedging. Head straight across the field and on across another field to the far right corner where you reach the start of Wick Farm drive and the lane. Notice the very old stones capping the gate posts.

7. LANE

Turn right on the lane for a few minutes. Ignore the first footpath left and continue on to a huge oak and the Compton Dando millennium stone. You want the marked footpath on the left and then cross the field through a KG.

8. CRICKET GROUND

Take the right-hand path entering the area of the local cricket club ground, around which quite a lot of tree planting has taken place. There is a very picturesque pond

4.8 miles, about 2.5 hours walking time • OS Explorer 155, Bristol & Bath, Keynham & Marshfield, grid ref: 645 644, postcode BS39 4JZ. What 3words slices.code.translated.

over right. Head for the far right corner and join a track going on and then a drive leading to the lane. Turn right and follow the lane as it rises.

9.

HILL TOP

Reach hilltop with an appropriately named cottage and then drop down slightly and find a footpath left. Turn right down the field, where again tree and orchard planting has taken place. Go on into another field and see ahead Compton Dando church. Again, there is more planting here. Head for the far side and the wooden kissing

gate ahead – not the metal one on the left. Cross a footbridge and shortly another and come onto a lane with an old mill house, now converted, on the left.

9. VILLAGE

Turn up right and reach the road in Compton Dando village. It’s left now to go back to the pub, the Compton, and the start of what I hope has been a varied, interesting and peaceful country walk.

West Countryman’s diary

THEmonth of May is upon us and we are nearly halfway through the year. For me May has always been busy, with six of my family, including me, having been born this month. That aside, it’s also a time of agricultural shows with the North Somerset Agricultural Society and the Royal Bath and West. I shall be at both. Firstly, as the commentator on the countryside arena at Wraxall’s North Somerset Show and then on the Woodland and Countryside section of the Royal Bath and West.

It is with sadness that I report the demise of the Environmental Youth Award scheme at the Royal Bath and West. Everything has a “sell by” date on it and that includes us. This scheme found it hard to recover from the Covid crisis, as did much else, so I have put in for a “posting” to the Woodland and Countryside section within the Dulverton Pavilion. Please come and say “hello” at either event if you have time.

May 2025 is also another anniversary, that of the end of war in Europe 80 years ago. There are still a few about who were born during and towards the end of that war. I and many others who are now termed “Boomers” came along at the end of it, but I do have some recollections of post-war Britain and the post-war British countryside.

There can be no doubt that two World Wars changed this nation. Firstly, the break-up of empire and the formation of the Commonwealth was masterminded by the late Queen Elizabeth. In today’s uncertain world this could well prove to be an anchor for all those who are still a part of it.

Secondly it cost this nation a lot of money in both progressing the war and in re-building ourselves and Europe afterwards. A huge financial cost was created to America under a “Lease-Lend Scheme”. This embraced everything from guns and tanks through to aircraft and food. Yes, even tins of baked beans and sausages were included. This was not finally paid off until the late 20th century by the then Labour government.

So, what was the countryside like after this monumental upheaval? The freedom of access as we know it today didn’t exist back then. Much land had been restricted for military training and operational needs. The rest had been turned over to extensive agriculture in the need to supply food. Once again farmers were being expected to provide for a nation under pressure.

Their importance had been forgotten in the inter-war years with an agricultural depression adding more problems. A post-war government vowed never to forget them again!

A new act of parliament, the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was put in place during 1949 by a post-war Labour government to address the need to have a land fit for heroes to return to. It was being recognised that access to the natural environment had a real effect on the wellbeing of people.

It’s interesting to remember how such access. when denied, can

have a detrimental effect on people’s health and wellbeing, as was experienced during the Covid crisis.

My memories of a late 1950s countryside were one of food production. Walkers as such were rarely seen and if you did see them they were normally your neighbours out for a Sunday afternoon walk. Working the land was slowly changing from horse power to brake horse power, as the tractor began to take over from the horse.

Carts were adapted with draw bars instead of shafts, but the village carpenter still made wooden trailers. With a surfeit of chemicals used in explosive production, artificial fertiliser began to increase in use and also with it chemical pest and disease control. Wild flowers in consequence started to disappear from our meadows and silage was becoming the crop to replace hay.

Hedgerows were removed in order to make the fields bigger and easier to work as tractors started to get larger in the 1960s. I have a photo taken just after the war of a Lincolnshire contractor who is ploughing with a Sherman tank. The turret and body has been cut off and there he sits with the collar on his old army greatcoat turned up against the cold and his cap at the “jaunty” angle.

His dog sits proudly on the track running gear beside him as the camera shutter clicked and the world moved on. Try “chasing” it on Google under “Farm Collector, M4 Sherman retires from Battle”. It’s iconic.

Today's world is different and we must learn the lessons of the past. Back in the day we all needed feeding and farming yet again stepped up to the job. Remember, our past is for reference, not for residence. I hope that we can learn from that 80 years on.

My picture this week is from that period in time. It is of the Tickenham Home Guard, who would have been a part of our defence had the Nazi invasion taken place. They were poked fun at, unkindly I feel, for being “Dad’s Army”.

My grandfather sits crossed-legged on the left of the front row.... Sobering isn’t it that they are all dead, but their memory lives on!

Thank you to Mendip Times reader Alan Davis who wrote to me to say that my poem from last month’s issue, “What life is this if full of care” was written by W.H Davies and not W.G Davies. Thanks Alan for making contact.

Finally, I hear the news that Mark Adler’s health is improving. So good to know you’re on the mend Mark. We all miss you flying around with a camera at the summer events.

Don’t forget you can always email me on: Les.davies@westcountryman.co.uk

With LES DAVIES MBE

My desert island plants

WHEN I am designing planting schemes, clients inevitably ask for a “garden for all seasons”. So, I have chosen the plants that I depend on for each month. Ideally, each plant should offer more than one season of interest, but if they have another particular asset, such as growing in dry shade then they are so valuable. I am assuming that my desert island would have a temperate climate, with sun by day, and gentle rain at night, and there are plenty of plants to forage for food. I think I stand a good chance of knowing whether or not they are edible.

January – is such a long dark month that I am awarding myself two plants. After the seasonal festivities, when holly and Christmas trees have taken centre stage, it is a joy to see the first snowdrops peeking through, so I hope there might be some already naturalised on the island.

As the snowdrops fade Christmas roses (Helleborus hybridus) start to flower. Both these plants will grow in shady areas created by the tree canopy of a wood. Make sure to cut the old leaves off the hellebores in December or early January to prevent disease transfer.

February – Narcissus ‘Snipe’ – this dwarf daffodil has a paleyellow trumpet that fades, and white, swept-back petals. This variety is reminiscent of our native daffodil Narcissus lobularis, but is much easier to establish. Wordsworth’s “host of golden daffodils” could have been the Tenby daffodil (N. pseudonarcissus subsp. obvallaris), which is pure golden yellow. March – Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ offers three seasons of interest. Palest single pink flowers in March, stunning autumnal foliage tints, and attractive “zig-zag” twigs in the winter months. Growing to about two metres, and a rounded shape, it is perfect for most gardens.

April – Sophora ‘Sun King’ – this is at its best trained on a warm south facing wall. Small pinnate shiny evergreen leaves set off the large clusters of bright yellow bells to perfection. It would make a good host for a later flowering clematis such as ‘Arabella’.

May– Tulips offer an amazing array of shapes, heights and colours, but if I could only have one variety it would be ‘Ballerina’. The elegant, pointed petals are orange with a shaded stripe of pink, and it is scented. I would need an annual delivery of bulbs to ensure a good show.

June – We are spoilt for choice in June – many would probably choose an English rose, but I fear my desert island may have very clean air, in which case black spot fungal disease would be a problem. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – 2013 was the centenary of the Chelsea Flower Show and this was one of ten plants awarded “Plant of the Year”. The white eyed blue flowers keep coming from early summer until well into autumn, but she does need plenty of space.

July – There might be some exotic butterflies and moths on the island, so a Buddleja bush is sure to attract them. To have them at

a height where I can appreciate both the butterflies and the scent, I would choose the newer shorter types, such as the ‘Buzz Series’, but would spend time dead heading to prevent them seeding around the island as they did on “bombsites” after the war.

August– Ivy leaved cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) – This hardy cyclamen with ivy shaped leaves is a plant I use so often; every garden should have several. Flowering from late July to November, in shades of white through to pale to deeper pink, they are ideal in shady spots where other plants struggle. They will even grow under evergreen trees. After flowering, the attractive mottled foliage emerges, carpets the ground and lasts over winter until May.

September – Hydrangea serrata ‘Tiara’ – The big mophead and lacecap hydrangeas have a long season of interest, but this one extends it at both ends, with tinted spring and autumn foliage on a less blousy plant, with lacecap style flowers on a compact plant. It is usually pink but can be encouraged to turn blue by treating with aluminium sulphate (Hydrangea Colourant).

October – So many of the traditional Michaelmas Daisies suffer from mildew disease if we get a dry spell, so try Aster ‘Litte Carlow’. This variety is much better, with masses of blue flowers.

November – Chrysanthemum ‘Hillside Apricot’ – This was given to me by Keith Wiley of Wildside Garden, assuring me that I ought to have it, and it is worthy of every garden for flowering in November, when all else has “gone to bed”. Large single apricot flowers provide plenty of food for bees on sunny autumn days. It is an excellent cut flower for the house, does not need staking and is hardy and easy to propagate. One cannot ask more from a plant.

December – Not much is in bloom in December, but the garden need not look bare. A wealth of deciduous shrubs have attractive coloured winter stems and Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’ is one of the best. The current season’s stems are shaded from yellow at the base to orange at the tips. Cut it hard back in late spring to encourage strong new stems. The leaves also colour well before falling.

If I could only take one plant, it would be Cyclamen hederifolium and for one luxury I would take my treasured stainless steel trowel, now over 60 years old.

Please could I have an island with wonderful soil – instead of the “Complete works of Shakespeare”.

With MARY PAYNE MBE

Cyclamen hederifolium

• Time to plant up your hanging baskets and containers.

• Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon

• Wait until spring flowering bulb leaves die back naturally before removing them.

• Plant out dahlias and begonia plants but protect from late frosts.

• Start feeding greenhouse tomatoes with a high potash feed as soon as you can see the first visible tiny fruit. Vibrate flowers regularly to improve fruit set.

• Sow sweet corn directly into well cultivated soil outside. Sow or plant out in blocks, not long rows, as it is better wind pollinated that way.

• Sow courgettes, marrows, ridge cucumbers and melons in individual pots. When germinated, plant the melons under glass or polythene as they will need all the heat you can give them. All like lots of organic matter so plant them with lots of compost.

• Sow turnips, swedes, cauliflowers, leeks and other late winter vegetables now.

• Plant out basil but this herb is best grown in a very sheltered spot in pots. It may even pay to grow them in between your greenhouse tomatoes.

• Earth up early potatoes and keep a watch out for late frosts –cover with horticultural fleece if frost is likely.

Pond

specialists

For the design, build and maintenance of ponds and water features

07956 010680 kate@elements-aquatics.co.uk www.facebook.com/elementsaquatics www.elements-aquatics.co.uk

Stoberry Garden NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH –MAY

WITH breathtaking views over the City of Wells and the Vale of Avalon, this five acre family garden is planted sympathetically within its landscape, providing a stunning combination of vistas accented with wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture and walled garden.

Address: Stoberry Park, Wells BA5 3LD. Contact: Frances & Tim Young 01749 672906 stay@stoberrypark.co.uk www.stoberryparkgarden.co.uk

Opening dates and time: For NGS: Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st, 10.30-4pm.

Contact them for other opening times.

Admission: £6, children free. Cashless payment available.

Milton Lodge

Sunday May 11th

4 Reservoir Lane, Wells BA5 2QZ. Entry £5, children free, cash only.

East Lambrook

Saturday May 17th, 10-5pm, adults £7, children free. South Petherton, TA13 5HH.

Watcombe

Sunday May 18th

Winscombe BS25 1BP, £5, children free.

Little Bucklers

Saturday May 31st and Sunday June 1st

Brockley BS48 3AZ 1pm-5pm Saturday 1pm-5.30pm Sunday. Entry £5.

Other Gardens Open for the NGS

To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Garden Visitors Handbook, or the Somerset County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://ngs.org.uk/

Cary goes for gold

CASTLECary won one gold and two silver gilt medals in Britain in Bloom in 2023. They are now working on their entry for 2025 and say they want three gold medals this time!

The award is not just about flowers, but covers sustainability, the environment and the community.

They have an ever-growing working group, including the primary school, garden association, Eat Cary, moat garden, U3A groups, the allotment association, The Newt and Higher Farm. They started work in July 2024 and get judged this July. They say: “We are overall bringing the community together through creativity, gardening and fun.”

Details: penny@castlecary.net

Frome plant sale

FROME Selwood Horticultural Society along with Frome in Bloom are hosting their annual Plant Sale at Selwood Academy on Saturday, May 24th from 9.30am.

Along with tables full of annuals, perennials and vegetables there will be plenty of home-made produce with cakes and jams galore, garden books and bric and bac – cash only.

Frome is well served for gardening interest groups and this annual event is a showcase for two of the oldest and most established, the Frome Selwood Horticultural Society which was founded in 1966 and the Frome in Bloom, founded in 1977.

Details: jane.norris9@gmail.com • 0777 6208531

Spring show

perfume of

the

THEheady

spring welcomed

many visitors who attended Congresbury Gardening Club’s Spring Show. Daffodils, polyanthus and other flowers covered the tables, with a mouth-watering display of cakes and cookies.

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New plans at Middlecombe

ESTABLISHED in 1988 by Nigel and Isy North, they have given up plans to sell and are planning an exciting new chapter for the nursery.

With the unstinting support of daughter Becci as general manager, and a loyal, dedicated team, they are now investing in its future.

As part of these plans, they have turned their 1960s greenhouse into a “garden shop” where you’ll also find CUPPA coffee shop, with an extended outside seating area opening soon.

This will adjoin a major addition in the form of Middlecombe’s “Arts and Artisans Courtyard”, where a variety of local artists and artisans will create and sell their work.

Business is also blooming for Forget-Me-Not Florist, another newly-added string to the Middlecombe bow.

Gardens support hospice

ST MARGARET’S Hospice Care has announced the return of its much-loved Glorious Gardens campaign for 2025 – a celebration of community, nature, and the generosity that helps support local hospice care.

This year marks the hospice’s 45th year so they’ll be opening over 45 beautiful gardens across Somerset and Dorset until the end of summer.

Ranging from charming cottage gardens to wildlife-rich estates, each garden offers something unique – and every visit helps them raise vital funds for patients and families across the region.

They are again being supported by their returning sponsor Greenslade Taylor Hunt. St Margaret’s hopes to raise £27,000 from this year’s campaign which could pay for 360 community nurse visits to patients receiving hospice care in the comfort of their own home.

with such diverse topics of interest and has such amazing coverage of small and larger local events –that would otherwise go un-heralded! It’s a total joy, from the excellent pictures capturing a great moment and snapshot of humanity to the encouraging features bringing hope in the restorative efforts of communities and nature’s own recovery. It puts our local free paper to shame in terms of the showcasing of community events and people’s fundraising or community-spirited efforts.

Sarah Crosse

Mendip Times – The local monthly magazine

Health MOTs –the pros and cons Plop the Raindrop

By DrPHIL HAMMOND

HOWdo you fancy a health MOT? The idea has been around for decades and many companies offer their employees private check-ups and screening to keep them healthy (and in work, of course). Now health secretary Wes Streeting has upped the rhetoric by offering “game-changing” health MOTs on the NHS. But what game are we playing?

The British game is generally to eat, drink and sit as much as we want and hope the NHS will bail us out when our health – or lack of it – catches up with us. We like to think of ourselves as free to pleasure ourselves in any which way we choose, but the trouble is the state can’t afford to pick up the pieces anymore.

Hence, the government is gambling on technology to give us all personalised advice based on genes, lifestyle and demographic group by using AI technology – and hoping we take that advice.

Streeting has apparently been inspired by Japan and probably a few private healthcare donors to come up with a way of not just diagnosing diseases earlier and treating them faster, but predicting and preventing illnesses to which we have a personal susceptibility.

In Japan, the life expectancy is top of the world (84), and is usually attributed to a diet high in fish and vegetables, and plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy body weight.

When Japanese citizens turn 60, they are asked to attend a health assessment at a community health centre and prescribed activities to encourage active ageing. These include visits to social centres which bring elderly people and infants together, and activities such as

tai chi, mahjong, origami and karaoke. In some parts of the UK, we have tried something similar, such as door knocking schemes where community health workers are sent to carry out checks on the health and wellbeing of whole streets at a time.

Would you welcome that or would you be wary of uninvited strangers asking you about your vegetable intake? Then there’s the question of whether you want your genes or blood results or scans to be regularly analysed to predict what diseases you might get in future, or whether that would just worry you to death.

Japan has very little obesity and long life expectancy because they eat well from an early age and stick to it. This is well described in Johan Hari’s book Magic Pill. By law, every Japanese school has to employ a qualified nutritionist who designs the school meals, in line with strict rules stipulating that they must be fresh, healthy and cooked from scratch on the premises.

They oversee the cooking of the school meals. They use these meals to educate the children about nutrition. Then they educate the parents on the same topic. And finally, they provide support and counselling to any kids who are undereating or overeating. All the kids eat the same meal and packed lunches are forbidden. No processed or frozen food ever goes into any of the meals. That’s how the Japanese do it, but we are not Japanese and we like tasty, sugary, salty, off the shelf foods washed down with copious amounts of alcohol.

I’m not sure Wes Streeting can do much about that, but it’ll be interesting to see him try. Will he tell us we have to take as much personal responsibility for our health for us to thrive and the NHS to survive? That would be bitter medicine for the British to swallow but it’s probably what we need.

Dr Phil’s columns on the Trial of Lucy Letby are all available at https://www.private-eye.co.uk/special-reports/lucy-letby

I LOVEthe spring and the way that new life just bursts into the world – bluebells, lambs, butterflies, frog spawn and so much more.

It’s hard to imagine that none of this would be possible without tiny water droplets like me. Virtually all life depends on water. Most of your body is made up of it.

I could be swirling around inside you right now, but I’m actually writing this from inside the international space station.

There was a big fuss recently about two astronauts who got trapped up here for nine months. I’d hitched a ride with another spaceman before that and have been quietly watching the world go by ever since.

In fact, I see it go by 16 times every day, it travels so fast, so goodness knows how many miles I have travelled.

The Earth looks like a jewel from up here, the poles like fluffy white blankets, the mountains like wrinkles on an elephant and the oceans blue as ink.

But it’s a different story at night when the view is dominated by artificial light from all the cities you human beans have built. It’s really shocking.

To think that when I first arrived a few billion years ago there was no life at all, just a mad stew of chemicals and elements cooked by volcanoes.

I’ve no idea why water came to be so important, apart from the fact there is so much of it. You can really see that when you look at the seas from up here.

It’s quite humbling to think that life on Earth relies on me and all of my watery friends and to see how life on Earth has adapted over time. Mammoths are still one of my all-time favourites. I didn’t rate coldblooded dinosaurs.

Unfortunately, it looks like I’m going to miss your spring – unless I can hitch a lift with one of the new crew members. Enjoy it!

MENDIP GRANDAD

Ask Dr. Hannah

A history of healing in Bath

BATH Medical Museum and Bath University’s Institute of Augmented Human Robotics are linking up for an event at Bath Central Library on May 1st, from 10.30am. Visitors will be treated to an exhibition featuring Bath’s famous physicians, early healing practices and Georgian medical breakthroughs.

Free cancer tests

In the afternoon members of the Institute for Human Robotics will be demonstrating the contribution of robotics to the human body.

The museum itself at The Hetling Pump Room (opposite The Hot Bath) is open every Saturday afternoon, 12-4pm.

Details: www.bathmedicalmuseum.org

A FREE prostate cancer testing event will be held at Croscombe village hall on Saturday, May 10th, hosted by the Somerset Prostate Support Association.

Every year 40,000 men are diagnosed with the disease and 10,000 die from it. Early diagnosis can be crucial to treatment.

Appointments take 10-15 minutes and must be booked online and in advance. Any donations will go towards funding future testing events.

Yeo Valley Lions Club, in conjunction with Somerset Prostate Support Association (SPSA), held a free testing event in Yatton which was limited to 150 men.

They said: “From this example there seems to be a pent-up demand for such an event, so it's almost inevitable we'll hold another.”

Details: https://mypsatests.org.uk/events Peter Hopwood peterhopwood46@gmail.com

Celebration of Life Celebrant Cheryl Hudson

A celebration of life ceremony is a different way to celebrate the life, personality and individuality of a loved one. It is less formal than a traditional funeral. It can be held after a cremation or burial, as a standalone ceremony and even at a later date after a direct cremation. With a celebration of life ceremony there is more freedom, time and space rather than having to adhere to the constraints and timings of a traditional funeral.

The focus is on celebrating the unique life of a loved one and a great way to honour them whilst recognising the deep sadness of saying goodbye. It’s more personalised and creative, remembering the positive aspects. It’s an opportunity for

people to come together and share tributes, memories, stories, readings, also music and other activities that reflect your loved one’s interests and personality.

The ceremony can be held wherever you choose, wherever feels right, a special place of memories meaningful to your loved one. It could be a social club, village hall, local pub, theatre or you may choose to be outside on a beach, in your garden, in a wood or a park. You can choose a day, time and venue that suits.

Having a loved one die is a very emotional time in many people’s lives but I will be there to support and guide through this difficult journey. As a celebration of life Celebrant, I will help you plan and arrange a loved one’s ceremony every step of the way. I will work closely with family or close friends to write a personalised ceremony and I will lead the ceremony on the day.

Each person is individual and unique as will be their ceremony. It would be a privilege to lead in the celebration of life for your loved one.

If you would like to contact me to discuss your needs please ring or email

Mobile: 07789 004296 email: cherylhudson8@gmail.com

Group’s anniversary

SINGto Remember, which provides singing/support sessions for those living with dementia and their companions, is ten years old.

The volunteer-led group, which is under the umbrella of Age UK Banes, meets every two weeks at Writhlington.

It says: “We are a warm friendly group where everyone can have a rewarding afternoon singing and with some fun and laughter thrown in for good measure.

“The social value of singing together is well documented as is its value as a memory aid whether you are three or 93!”

The co-leaders of the sessions were trained by a “Singing for the Brain” specialist and were formerly sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Society.

They are supported by a team of volunteers who provide refreshments and conversation as well as singing support. This enables those accompanied by family members to talk with other companions and share experiences but also enjoy the singing too.

Details: Age UK Banes 01225 466135 • reception@ageukbanes.co.uk

Dementia conference

REGISTRATIONS have opened for a regional dementia awareness conference being held in Peasedown St John on Tuesday, May 20th, organised by the Peasedown Community Trust and sponsored by law firm Stone King.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, a tasty lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field of dementia research and awareness.

The chairwoman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Karen Walker, said: “Since 2019, more than 300 residents have attended one of the Peasedown Community Trust’s dementia awareness workshops.

“They have been instrumental in raising the profile of the work we’re doing in the village – which will be showcased at this special regional conference in May.”

Details: peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com

COURT HOUSE

Pointing the way

Two of those involved with the project Mike Ford and Cllr Ingrid Wilms

NEMPNETT

Thrubwell parish councillors have had a busy couple of months refurbishing the historical fingerposts around the village. With the help of grants from B&NES council and The Mendip Society, they primed their paint brushes and got to work.

Photo competition

NEMPNETTThrubwell is organising a photography competition as part of its village fete due to be held on August 3rd.

The theme will be the flora and fauna of Nempnett Thrubwell, with categories for U-16s and over 16s in digital and non-digital formats.

Details: Jim Everett 07767244312 jamesteach_55@yahoo.co.uk

Cake sale

THEParochial Church Council of St Andrew’s in Chew Stoke held a cake sale to raise money for Chew Stoke Church School's Thrive Room, which provides support for children who need extra emotional and social support.

In addition to the cake sale, the school held a non-uniform day, where children made donations and wore their own clothes. The two events raised nearly £400.

Pictured (l to r) Sue Cook, Cynthia Troup, the Rev Fran Smettem, Hazel Wedlake and Sue Lewis.

Get ahead –get a hat!

SANDFORDWI held a Posh Hats evening as part of its centenary celebrations. President, Malorie Newbold, giving a history of the WI, said when it first started, ladies always wore a hat to their meetings.

So everyone wore a hat and the results were some amazing styles and creations! The evening started with a glass of fizz to celebrate the centenary.

Meetings are held at Sandford Village Hall on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm. New members are very welcome.

Widows’ group

NORTHSomerset Masonic Widows’ Association provides a foundation for new friendships at a time when a friendly face is welcome.

They meet on the last Tuesday of every month at the Masonic Hall in either Nailsea or Yatton, with coffee at 10am followed by a speaker and an optional lunch.

If you live in the North Somerset area and your husband was a Freemason it suggests you contact them.

Details: Jacqui 07732 455454 email nsmwidows@gmail.com

Pensford playtime

NEWplayground equipment has been installed at Pensford Primary School. The Pensford, Publow and the Stantons community trust and Chelwood Community Fund each gave £4,539 and the PTA also raised £2,500.

Children from the school are pictured with Carolyn from Chelwood Community Fund and Eilish McNickle from the PPSCT 100 Club.

Details: www.ppsct.org.uk

Author’s visit

CHILDREN’Sauthor and illustrator, Jim Smith, known for creating the Barry Loser and Future Ratboy series of books, visited Peasedown St John Primary School and held a masterclass with children on how to create and design a graphic novel.

Community award

NOMINATIONShave opened for Peasedown St John’s community award that honours and recognises the village’s local unsung heroes.

The winner will be announced at the village’s Party in the Park Festival on Saturday, June 14th.

Details: peasedowncommunitytrust@gmail.com

Restoration projects

BANWELLChurch held a special morning service to dedicate two significant restorations. The church clock has had an extensive overhaul and now benefits from an automatic winding system, ensuring its timekeeping remains precise and reliable and its outside dial was regilded.

This was done in the memory of Michael Hebden, bellringer, chorister, musician, and churchman, a well-known figure within the community. The clock work was carried out by Timsbury Clocks.

Also dedicated at the same service were two stained glass windows installed in the church south porch, commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and King Charles’s Coronation. These windows were crafted by Wells Glass. The porch has also been restored and fitted with a new handrail. Both of these projects were funded by the Kathleen Jones family charity.

New window

Clock dial

Clock mechanism

VE Day in Long Ashton

LONG Ashton’s VE Day celebrations on May 8th will start at 6pm at Peel Park, Long Ashton, when the church choir will be performing well known wartime songs. The Bristol close harmony group “The Polka Dot Peaches” will perform.

There will be hot food and a licensed bar will be available. A prize will be awarded to the gent in the best demob suit and the best Vera Lynn impersonation.

At 9.30pm the beacons and lamp lights of peace are being lit.

Details: Dave Addis 07801 816612 or david@addis.me.uk

VE Day in Winscombe

WINSCOMBEis planning a week of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day, starting from May 3rd.

As well as flags in the High Street and a week-long exhibition, there will be a parade on VE Day, May 8th, and lighting of the beacon.

Details: alisonparmj@aol.com

VE Day in Frome

THEFrome branch of the Royal British Legion is encouraging support for various events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day on May 8th and August 15th.

It’s calling on people to support its appeal for Bunting Galore running from May 4th until August to bind the two events together.

It says: “Make and mend, any shape, any size, with any material, in red, white and blue, either put on binding or not, but please deliver to the reception of the Frome Town Hall.”

The flags will go out on May 3rd, starting a week of events, leading up to the lighting of the beacon on May 8th at 9.30pm.

The group is planning a three-day event in November about the history of Frome in WW2.

Details: Jane Norris 07776 208531

Men’s shed supports schools

MSN Men’s Shed have been very busy recently making 16 hedgehog boxes which have been distributed to schools within the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership.

The schools have placed them in their nature or forest areas, with pupils guided and encouraged by the teaching staff to learn more about hedgehogs and local wildlife.

The materials and paint for the hedgehog boxes were provided by Wickes and Protek. MSN Men’s Shed was first formed and established in 2018 and is located at Farrington’s.

Membership has grown from an initial four men to well over 30 members. Due to capacity and insurance issues, they are currently having to operate a waiting list for prospective new members and have ten hopefuls on the list!

Recently they have also made three welly boot stands for Hemington Primary School who wrote: “The MSN Men’s Shed is a fantastic local organisation that brings people together to work on projects that benefit the community, and we are thrilled to have had their support.”

Details: 45rjordan@gmail.com

Easter decorations

A GROUPof old friends from Chilcompton have got together once again to decorate the bridge over the stream in The Street, Chilcompton.

Once known as the Knit & Natter group, they now meet up on regular lunch dates instead and under the inspiration of Pat Ardron decorate the bridge to commemorate certain events during the year.

These colourful, spring-like decorations have welcomed in the Easter holidays.

Pictured (l to r) Kevin Ross, Jane Norris, Alan Campbell and David Lassman

Bells are back

THEbells are back in the church at Compton Dundon. They went away last November to Bridport to be refurbished and tuned.

When they arrived it was discovered that one of the bells was cracked and therefore had to be sent off to Newmarket for welding.

The largest of the seven bells is being retired to act as a tolling bell and two recycled bells have been included to make the ring up to six. The bells were blessed and anointed on April 3rd and now await being lifted up into the tower.

Ale and hearty

MENDIPMorris hosted a Morris Ale in March, the first since 2017 when it was a male-only side. Now a flourishing mixed side, the Ale was a chance to invite other Morris sides to an evening of music and dance, and 80 people joined the fun.

Each guest side was invited to perform a show dance and other entertainment, all adding to the overall flair and atmosphere.

The Mendip Morris display dance was inspired by a past member who made a bequest of funds to the side and in his memory a dance and accompanying music called Len’s Bequest was devised by two of their members.

The side said: “It was an incredibly heartwarming evening being amongst so many friends and we look forward to more Mendip Morris Ales in the future.

“In the meantime, the summer programme is finalised so visit the website or Facebook pages to see where you can find us dancing out over the coming months.”

Details: www.mendipmorris.org.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MendipMorris/

A warm welcome

A COMMUNITYwinter warm space scheme, set up at Bishop Sutton Village Hall last December, has been a huge success, closing its doors at the end of March.

Derek Maltby, who is chair of Bishop Sutton village hall, said: “We began our first session on 10th December. We also ran it on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve! It was funded by a £3,000 grant donated by the National Grid.

“The average number attending has been 16 each week. We have been grateful to receive donations from Arthur David for various foods and the Red Lion who have made lovely spicy home-made soup for those attending.

“We have three people dealing with the buying, preparing and serving the food each week. They are Bishop Sutton villagers, Geraldine Manning (who is also the village hall cleaner), Carol Wiltshire and Dave Shepherd.”

One of the regular guests, Lisa Pascoe from Harptree, who has also been helping, said: “Being part of the community who come along, serving them tea and coffee, chatting and playing dominoes has been so enjoyable.

“I enjoy the friendship and camaraderie, the fun, the laugher and the drive by those who play dominos to win the game!”

Church teas

SUNDAY teas will resume at St Mary's Church in Compton Dando from Sunday, May 25th, 2.30-5pm and will continue until Sunday, August 25th, plus bank holidays.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “We look forward to welcoming old friends and new back to enjoy our tea and homemade cakes in our beautiful village church."

Cheddar joins repair café revolution

IN a bid to reduce waste, save money, and build community, Cheddar Repair

Cafés are being held on the second Saturday of the month.

Residents are encouraged to bring broken household items — from toasters and lamps to bicycles and clothing — for free repairs done by skilled volunteers. Suzanne Green, coordinator of the event, said: “Too often, we throw things away that could easily be fixed,

“This café empowers people to repair rather than replace — it’s better for the planet and for our wallets.”

Visitors will find repair stations for electronics, small appliances, clothing/textiles, and whenever possible, bicycles. There's no charge for repairs, but donations are welcome to support future events.

For details, visit their Facebook page, email repaircafechedvalley@gmail.com or telephone: 07751346348

Posies for mum

SOMEmums in Chew Stoke got beautiful posies on Mothers’ Day made by children at the village school, who enjoyed a special after-school activity

Cemetery tours

FROMEtown mayor, Andrew Jones, took part in the tour of Frome Dissenters Cemetery, the first of the season.

The tour was well attended and was led by secretary to the cemetery trustees, James Parsons. Jim's thorough and detailed knowledge of the cemetery and many of its illustrious occupants, was shared with all and much appreciated.

The day happened to coincide with the anniversary of the death in 1918 of Private Percy Coward, Machine Gun Corps, who is in one of the cemetery’s war graves. The mayor laid a wreath in his honour.

People attending the tour gave a total of £105 in donations. Future cemetery tours will happen on the second Saturday of each month from May to September at 11am.

at the church hall.

The event was organised by the church curate the Rev Fran Smetton and members of the parochial church council.

Pupils from the school choir also sang at St Andrew’s Church in Chew Stoke at the Mothering Sunday service.

Georgie

Lola Jemimah and Hattie

A repair café underway

Lido has new friends

A NEW volunteer group has been formed to help improve Shepton Lido, a hidden gem tucked away down Shaftgate Avenue in Shepton Mallet for more than 100 years.

These days it is a heated outdoor swimming pool with a children’s pool and splash area. It is open to the local community throughout the summer months both for fun and for serious swimming.

The Friends of Shepton Mallet Lido are a small group of volunteers working with the pool staff to improve the facilities and increase awareness of this asset to the town.

They say: “We have both short and long-term plans to help the lido thrive over the coming years. We would love to forge links with local community groups and companies who may have ideas and suggestions of ways to help us.

“The lido is there for all of us to enjoy –maybe you, your club or society or company could play a part in its future.”

The lido opens on Saturday, May 3rd. In addition to already established events such as moonlight swims and end of season dog swims, this season they hope to offer some new activities, both water-based and poolside, as well as some fundraising antics!

Scouts’ honour –50 years of adventure

BACKin 1975 a team of teenagers drawn from scout troops in North Somerset took on the British Army’s Ten Tors Challenge –a gruelling endurance test on Dartmoor over two days and one night.

Little did they know that they were trailblazers for 50 years of fun and adventure for young people from an area, including Portishead, Clevedon, Pill, Crockerne, Nailsea, Burrington, Wrington and Banwell.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of our local scouts taking on the Ten Tors Challenge. The Gordano and Axe Scout Districts will be holding a celebration event at 1st Clevedon Scout Hall from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, June 8th. Anyone who took on the challenge is invited, plus the leaders and volunteers who help make it happen.

The Ten Tors Challenge is for teams of six young people (aged from 14–19) to complete an unsupervised long-distance hiking challenge of 35, 45 or 55 miles on Dartmoor. They work independently, using

map and compass to navigate their way across Dartmoor’s challenging terrain. They wade through bogs, ford rivers and climb tors while carrying on their backs everything they need for the two-day event.

l If you were involved with Ten Tors with either the Gordano or Axe Scout District in the last 50 years they would love you to join them in Clevedon. For details, find the scouts on Facebook.

Details: Contact Friends of Shepton Mallet Lido via Lido reception: Shepton-sales@fusion-lifestyle.com

Death of Colin Irving

COLIN Irving, one of the world’s most distinguished instrument makers, died on Sunday, March 23rd at Dorothy House Hospice, aged 80.

For over 50 years, he made a name for himself as a master craftsman, creating more than 200 fine instruments, including violins, violas, and cellos at his home in Stanton Drew.

They have been played by leading musicians all over the world, including Yehudi Menuhin. Back in 2011 Mendip Times reported how the London Festival Orchestra held a concert in his honour, something unheard of for an instrument maker, titled “England’s very own Stradivari”.

Colin also had a lifelong love of sailing and was often found at Chew Valley Sailing Club. He remained dedicated to his daily yoga practice and was also an active member of a druid group, embracing his deep connection to nature and spirituality.

He leaves his wife Christine and two children.

VE Day in Street

THEVE Day anniversary in Street will start at 9am with the raising of the VE Day flag outside the parish rooms followed by the official proclamation to be read at the Library Gardens.

The gardens will also host the lighting of the Lamp of Peace at 9.30pm and the reading of a commemorative tribute.

VE Day 80th anniversary

THE80th anniversary of VE Day will see communities across the country come together to commemorate the occasion on May 8th.

Mendip Times will reflect events across the area in our June magazine. But with so much happening we need your help.

We would be happy to receive photos and details from you if you can get them to us by Friday, May 16th. Have a good day!

VE Day –Cheddar Valley

THE Cheddar Valley Festival of Remembrance will be held in St Mary’s Church, Wedmore, on Wednesday, May 7th at 7pm, attended by Somerset’s Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff.

It promises to be an evening of stirring music, powerful storytelling, and heartfelt remembrance to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe.

It will feature the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band and Cheddar Male Choir.

There will also be a poignant Drumhead service.

Tickets are £12 (plus £1.17 booking fee) with profits going to Wedmore Festival charities and the Royal British Legion.

Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wedmoreartsfestival

Singers support centre

WINSCOMBECommunity Singers have handed over a cheque from their Christmas concert to support WiNspace, the village’s new community centre.

It should become their new home and performance space by the autumn. Simon Page, chair, and Scott Smart, treasurer, from the singers are pictured with Mark Payne, chair of trustees and Mike Turner, project lead, from Winscombe Community Association.

Details: https://winspace.org.uk/

WORKto resurface 125,000 square miles of highway across Bath and North East Somerset has begun. The council says 27 schemes will be completed this financial year.

It will be spending almost £10million on highway maintenance, £760,000 more than last year and £1.1million more than in 202324.

Almost £5.1million will be spent resurfacing highways, with the remaining money going towards improvements to highway structures, street lighting, drainage and pedestrian footways.

The programme should be completed by October, before colder and wetter weather makes resurfacing works more difficult. Works will be carried out by council contractor VolkerHighways.

Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “As always, we will do what we can to minimise disruption when doing the work, nearby residents will be contacted directly before any works take place.”

https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/find-planned-street-works

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This is how we go the extra mile

PROPERTYmarkets go in cycles. We have seen times when buyers are jostling to snap up houses as quickly as they can sign a contract. Then there are periods, such as we are now experiencing, when people are being more cautious and taking their time before making a decision on a property.

To be honest, I think it’s more exciting as an estate agent, to be working in a market that’s not so easy. It makes me work even harder and inspires me and my team to provide the best possible service to our clients. The facts continue to tell the story of our success, that we are selling more properties than any other agent in this area - they do say that the cream always rises to the top!

That success doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of a lot of hard work, as we follow our three word mantra of “Dedication, Imagination and Delivery.” Last month I talked about

how we employ our imagination, but this time I want to say something about what I mean by “Dedication.”

When we are selling a property, of course we think carefully about how to present it and take photographs that show it to its best. But we go much further than that – what we call the extra mile. We will delve into every detail of the property and probably know every nook and cranny as well as the owners.

That means when we are conducting viewings with potential buyers, we are able to answer every question they come up with and help them understand the lifestyle they could enjoy if they made the purchase.

Similarly, we get to know the people who are looking to buy a home. We also go the extra mile with them, not just relying on a tick box questionnaire about what they are looking for but talking to them at length to properly

understand their needs. What are the things they definitely can’t do without, what would they describe as the “nice to have” and what compromises are they prepared to make?

That’s how we create the powerful combination of detailed knowledge of the properties we are selling and the requirements of would-be buyers so that we can make matches which suit the interests of all parties.

There have even been occasions when I have shown properties to people which have not possessed something they had told me was essential. But because I had taken the time and trouble to really understand what they wanted to achieve, I was able to show them a home which they fell in love with, even though they might not have thought it was for them at first sight. Come and experience our Dedication and we’ll get you moving.

JOANNA TILEY

Greencrest Storage, Hewish, CaSSOA Gold Standard Caravan Storage Site Guide Price £1,200,000

Land off B3134 Burrington Road leading to Velvet Bottom. 21.78 acres of Agricultural Pasture Parkland.

Plot 3 at Broad Brent. Full planning Permission for a 3-bedroom residential dwelling Guide Price £125,000

Stanton Drew tractor run

THE Easter tractor run from Stanton Drew raised £850 for Amy’s Gift, the charity set up in memory of Amy Millard to support young people in the Chew Valley.

Amy, from Knowle Hill, near Chew Magna, died in October 2023, aged 38.

Wildlife jumpers

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust’s Abseil for Wildlife Team saw 14 fundraisers brave a 130ft vertical drop at Uphill Quarry. Together they raised £2,000.31.

The trust has more exciting events ahead this summer, from a hike up Snowdon for Sunrise, a 10k, 25k or 50k hike along the stunning Exmoor Coastline, as well as a flat and friendly cycle (plus options with more hills!) and much more.

Easter tradition

DOZENS of tractors took part in what is now a permanent feature of the vintage vehicle calendar.

The Good Friday run starting and finishing at the Railway Inn at Meare, near Glastonbury, raised £1,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The inn is also the venue for the annual Rev Up static vintage vehicle event, again raising funds for the DSAA. This year’s event takes place on September 6th and 7th.

Going

down

Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/challenge-yourself

Safely on the ground

(Photography courtesy of Pete Nash, Somerset Agri Pics)

Cave explorer and historian Rob ‘Tav’ Taviner has been involved in a number of Mendip cave discoveries and is the author of Somerset Underground and co-editor of Mendip Underground.

The great springs of Mendip

RAIN falling on the Mendip plateau percolates underground to reappear as spring water further down the hill. As a reliable supply of clean water, springs were very important to our ancestors, and over time, entire towns and villages grew up around them. This is reflected in the names of many of the region’s most important settlements, including Bath and Wells.

The largest of the Mendip springs rises near the foot of Cheddar Gorge. In fact, it comprises two interconnected major risings, known as the First and Second Feeders, plus a gaggle of smaller springs, which resurge into the upper lake from artificial arches buried beneath the road. Together they form the source of the Cheddar Yeo, which merges with the River Axe close to Crook Peak en route to the sea at Uphill. In between the two main feeders lies the large cave entrance of Saye’s Hole, which served as a tea room in days gone by. This terminates in a lake, giving access to a short section of underground river. This is not passable, but in 1985, daring cave divers pushed through a very narrow flooded section of Gough’s Cave to discover a spacious underwater tunnel carrying the entire combined flow.

Over the next few years, divers steadily pursued the underground Yeo upstream, discovering two large dry sections, until the cave finally terminated in an impassable underwater pile of boulders.

represents the longest of any trace on Mendip.

The next largest rising is Wookey Hole, which is the source of the River Axe. The cave, of course, is very famous, and over the course of several decades, cave divers have followed the underground river for a considerable distance upstream until it terminates in another underwater boulder choke at the extreme depth of 90m, the deepest depth ever recorded by cave divers in the UK. Unlike Gough’s Cave, Wookey Hole has been known for centuries, and during mediaeval times a deep pool of water in the vicinity of Chamber 4 became a famous ‘holie hole’, no doubt mimicking an ever earlier form of worship when the local Romano-British tribe buried their dead in a nearby mud bank.

The water originates mainly from the Charterhouse area, and dye tracing has proven a connection with several of Mendip’s major cave systems, including Charterhouse Cave, G.B. Cave, Longwood Swallet, Manor Farm Swallet, Tyning’s Barrows Swallet and Upper Flood Swallet. Intriguingly, water also originates from points much further afield, including the area around Red Quar, where the very important caves of Attborough Swallet and Wigmore Swallet are located. The furthest proven test is from Adams Grove Swallet, near Chewton Mendip, which, at 11.5km,

The water originates from Priddy and is associated with several large Mendip caves, notably Swildon’s Hole. The large cave systems of St Cuthbert’s Swallet and Eastwater Cavern also feed into here, as well as a host of smaller caves. The hydrological connection between Priddy and Wookey Hole has long been known, as shown by a famous lawsuit (Hodgkinson v. Ennor, 1863), brought by Wookey Hole Paper Mill against the St Cuthbert’s Lead Works, which resulted in an injunction being placed on the smelting works operator, restraining them from polluting the stream which flows through St Cuthbert’s Swallet. This early piece of environmental legislation may still be enforceable today.

Cheddar and Wookey Hole are two of the largest risings in the whole of the UK, and they are each at least double the size of Mendip’s third largest spring. However, what St Andrew’s Well lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in beauty and history, because without it, there simply would have been no great cathedral at Wells, which was sited here purely to take advantage of the springs rising in its shadow.

The well actually consists of four powerful springs which rise from an irregularly shaped pond in the garden of

Rob Taviner

the Bishop’s Palace. There is also a fifth major spring nearby, known as Scotland Spring, and several satellite springs located beneath the lawn and allotments to the north.

Unlike Cheddar and Wookey Hole, there is no accessible cave associated with the rising itself, although tracing from its known feeders appears at all springs in equal quantities, which proves that the water must be derived from a single subterranean tunnel. This unexplored conduit drains a wide area to the north and east of the city, and its most important associated cave system is undoubtedly Thrupe Lane Swallet, near Croscombe, which is famous for its enormous vertical shaft.

Oddly enough, Mendip’s most important rising may not actually be on Mendip at all. Nobody knows for sure where the water which feeds the world-famous hot springs at Bath originates from, but one of the most widely accepted theories is the ‘Mendips Model’, where some of the water falling on the eastern half of the plateau may work its way deep down into the earth, following a great syncline which extends underneath the Radstock Coalfield before rising to the surface via fractures beneath Bath. It may be impossible to prove conclusively, but it certainly can’t be ruled out.

St Andrew's Well

Wedmore in climate action spotlight

THE Community Council for Somerset hosted its inaugural Decarb Somerset Community Showcase in Wedmore, bringing together local groups, sustainability advocates, and industry experts to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can amplify the impact of climate action.

The event focused on exploring innovative strategies for reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable living through united community-driven initiatives.

This landmark event, marking a key achievement in the CCS Decarb Somerset project, attracted representatives from Somerset Council, The National Lottery, Somerset Association of Local Councils and other community groups.

Participants engaged in site tours, interactive discussions, and a thought-provoking panel Q&A session.

The event began with a welcome address from Sonya Bedford MBE, from Green Wedmore, who opened the proceedings at Wedmore Village Farm. In her speech, Sonya emphasised the crucial role of community-driven sustainability initiatives in reducing carbon footprints and fostering long-term environmental change.

Wedmore has been at the forefront of these and attendees had

the opportunity to visit several key local sustainability projects, including the Wedmore Sports Ground & Tennis Club and Wedmore Village Hall.

The community council said: “These site visits provided valuable insights into the practical steps being taken at the community level to lower energy consumption and minimize environmental impact.”

The day concluded with a dynamic Q&A session featuring a panel of energy experts.

Since its launch in April 2024, the CCS Decarb Somerset project has partnered with over 80 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups, guiding them in evaluating and reducing their energy consumption.

CEO Val Bishop said: "This event truly illustrates the power of communities coming together to take charge of their environmental future. Perhaps most notably, the project has identified up to 150 tonnes of carbon savings through the recommended actions.

“By showcasing these impactful projects, we aim to inspire more local groups to embrace sustainable practices and work toward reducing their carbon footprint."

Details: https://ccslovesomerset.org/decarb-somerset/

The Q and A session

Sonya Bedford opening the event

The village farm

Sports ground and tennis club

Support for Blood Bikes

MEMBERS of Shepton Mallet Tangent met Andrew Wiley of Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes at Kilver Court to present him with a cheque for £750.

Chairman Louise Bosworth chose this as her charity for the year. The Free Wheelers are a charity that is based in Yeovil who run a courier service for the NHS entirely free of charge. They save the NHS thousands of pounds a year, in 2024 covering 141,838 miles and making 2,653 deliveries. YFW are the oldest group in the country and fast approaching their 50th anniversary.

Tangent say they have been delighted to support them and thank everyone who may have contributed to the total by buying their books from the community book shop in Tesco and supporting their other fundraising events.

New cygnets

THEREhave been new arrivals at the Bishop's Palace in Wells. The tradition of swans on the moat is thought to go back to the 1850s when it is thought that a bishop’s daughter first taught the swans to ring a bell at the gatehouse for food.

The current pair of mute swans, Grace and Gabriel, arrived in May 2019.

St George’s dancers

SOMERSETMorris celebrated St George’s Day at the George and Dragon in Pensford waving flags as they danced.

Sign up to ride

DORSETand Somerset Air Ambulance’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge returns on Saturday, May 10th and will mark the charity’s 25th anniversary.

The event offers two route options: A 55-mile route from Watchet Harbour in Somerset to West Bay in Dorset, and a shorter family-friendly 11-mile route from The Royal Oak in Drimpton to West Bay.

Cyclists can take part as individuals or in teams and are encouraged to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship.

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk

The season is underway

BADMINTON Grassroots Championships are less than a month away and I have made it to some events. Moreton was my first event of the season, and I was anxious about how it would go. Mostly because you spend a significant part of your winter training to get better and this is a test of that training and how the horse is feeling.

5*eventer Alex Bragg had schooled my horse during the week during a lesson which was brilliant for me to watch and see what needed working on. She did a lovely test, clear showjumping and then a very boisterous cross country where she was wild and very pleased to be back out again.

We picked up a 7th which would have been even better without some time faults on cross country. Next, we headed to Oxstalls for the 1.05m where we had a disappointing dressage, clear showjumping and clear cross country to squeak into a 10th place.

Then we went to Ascott-under-Wychwood in Oxfordshire where the ground was hard which was no fault of anyone’s with the lack of rain. The organisers had done their best. I walked the cross country and it was a lovely first timers’ course and there was nothing to be gained on an experienced horse at the level.

We made the choice just to do the dressage and showjumping and after a decent test, clear showjumping we were lying in 2nd place. I had made my plan and it’s always the horse first and the sport second for me and walked away happy that two phases had gone to plan, and I had no regrets.

We have bigger plans this year and if anything had happened such as concussion injuries I would have been devastated. This week I move up a level to Novice. Some people might think that is stupid before a large championship, but I have other plans for

the season and need some more qualifications for them. My season is not all about Badminton and though it’s a bit special, it’s just another event.

In the meantime, Robbie has been my fun horse and we went to the Cirencester fun ride. It is 12 miles around the beautiful Cirencester Park. It also has optional jumps. It’s a brilliant ride and I went with a couple of friends where we had some lovely canters, jumped all the jumps and finished off with a bacon roll and chocolate brownie. It doesn’t really get any better for me on a Sunday!

They run around three of these fun rides a year round the parkland and I would recommend it. It’s about 20 minutes from the M5 and worth the journey. This year they also ran a carriage driving route. They offer 5, 10 and 12 miles for ridden horses and a separate carriage driving route.

I love a good fun ride especially with optional jumps and find them a great way to give young horses a bit of experience in groups and learn that jumping natural fences is fun.

One of my absolute favourite fun rides is the Badminton fun ride which is normally in September and goes round the Badminton estate with an amazing canter up the avenue where they used to hold the roads and tracks for the Badminton Horse Trials before roads and tracks was dropped.

With LUCY COUNSELL

Lucy Counsell is a lifelong equestrian with a passion for eventing. She set up the riding club, Equestrian Training South West, served on Area 12 Riding Club committee and has her UKCC2 qualification to coach riding

Robbie at Cirencester

Oxstalls 1.05

WHAT an unprecedented spring! I saw that Taunton racecourse cancelled one of its day’s racing due to a lack of rain. We had 2mm of rain in March and 4mm in April. Last year it had not stopped raining and events were being cancelled. Though racecourses will water, Taunton said its own reservoirs had not been replenished and so they could not water the course to the level it would require.

In National Hunt racing most trainers want good to soft in terms of going and this has not been the case for two months now. The issue with watering is that you can water the track overnight to good to soft, but it will then dry out and be inconsistent during the day.

Nothing is worse for horses than inconsistent going. It causes the most injuries whether that’s to leisure horses or performance horses.

A dry spring is a blessing for me, no more mucking out is bliss as all the horses are out 24/7. We are not getting the grass growth we quite need but with rain predicted we should see a large boom in grass.

Though for the ridden horse grass is great, for our miniShetland, it’s a bit of a nightmare. We must carefully manage her weight. We have special Shetland proof paddocks where there is minimal grass and she is supplemented by hay.

Duchess is an accomplished escape artist and everything is done to high security prison standard to prevent limbo, going through or over. We are lucky to have special Shetland paddocks which are next to the sport horses so she can still have company while being kept on her minimalist diet. Duchess also takes a long time to shed her huge coat and gets sun stroke if we are not careful as she is such a dumpling designed for the Hebrides, living in wind and rain. It’s around this time of year she gets a full clip and is much happier for it.

Her coat has around five layers and kills my clipper blades, but we have a much happier pony after. I know some people use muzzles, and we have in the past, but she hates it and it’s often bad for their teeth, so we have the restricted grazing approach instead.

Two years ago, we were less proactive with her weight and I think we were a whisker away from a laminitis episode. We also do not want her to develop Equine Metabolic Syndrome, which is like human type 2 diabetes, nor for her to be in severe pain from laminitis so careful management is key.

Competing together

HORSEriding is both a sport and an art –and a democratic one! The horse is the primary athlete; the rider, the secondary. Men and women compete equally at all levels.

Riders bring unique strengths, but success isn’t based on gender –it’s about temperament, fitness, and the horse-rider match. I work with over 20 horses and see how different combinations perform. Some pairings just “click,” and when they don’t, we switch them.

That’s the beauty of a riding school –so many equines to try. It’s heartbreaking to see someone struggling with a horse they bought that doesn’t suit them.

It’s not about love or expense –some combinations simply don’t work. Your horse might be better at dressage when you dream of showjumping; you may then be faced with the heartbreaking decision to part with a much-loved horse.

Even worse when the rider is a child who might have outgrown a beloved pony and needs to make the move up to horses. Coming back to riding school for a while can be a good stepping stone whilst the search goes on for the right horse to take the rider further.

PAT LAWRENCE

Duchess Potato –now summer ready

The thrill of the downhill ride

THEREare plenty of books that have been written about cycling up well known hills. They typically include information about the hill’s gradient, its steepest sections, height gain, distance and descriptions of the physical and emotional effort required. I’ve done it myself in previous editions of this magazine where I have written about some of the best hill climbs in Mendip. For noncyclists it’s a bizarre idea – why anyone would want to, or even “enjoy” cycling up a steep hill. The answer isn’t that straightforward.

Some riders have the natural physique that makes it easier for them, striking the right balance between height, weight, and power to be a good hill climber. It can also be the challenge, asking the question can you conquer this? And for most of us that’s motivation enough.

Others take the challenge further. Not only do they want to succeed – they also have to win. The popularity of cycling apps like Strava allow cyclists to compare their times against others on a leaderboard.

There are plenty of cyclists (including some local ones) who seek to own the fastest ascent of any and every climb. For them, it’s a badge of honour to become the “king” or “queen” of a mountain, a phrase lifted from the classic cycling races of old and now used on even the most modest hills.

Personally, I have always been attracted to how cycling in hills and mountains displays the landscape in new, panoramic ways. Reaching a summit or through a high mountain pass delivers views that repay all the sweat and mental determination needed to get there. There is also the very welcome and

enjoyable reward of a descent after reaching the summit. Unusually, this is something that is rarely written about despite the fact that experiencing a highspeed descent on a bike is truly exhilarating.

I would rate myself as a better descender than a climber. When I’ve been cycling in the mountains of Europe, I usually get dropped on the ascent but then gain back some time on the descent. Unfortunately for me, the equation doesn’t balance out as the time gained on a descent doesn’t come anywhere near to the time lost going up!

It’s said that descending quickly is a

science of which there are many unbreachable rules. The laws of physics, and the ability to remain within them, will ultimately determine if you remain upright or not!

But while it’s true that the application of descending is a skill (something that can be learnt and practised) the ability to descend very quickly is deemed to be more of an instinctive art.

For example, you can read books and watch videos on how to descend quickly and safely. But what really makes the difference for a fast descent is the cognitive element – having great

anticipation, the ability to read the road ahead and choose the optimal line through corners.

It’s calculated risk-taking. While not reckless, better descenders are willing to take calculated risks, when necessary, based on their assessment of the situation and their skill level.

Staying relaxed is a key element for getting downhill safely. Tension in the body can affect bike control and steering and potentially lead to “the wobble” where the bike begins to move aggressively from side to side, seemingly for no reason.

I’ve seen this happen to a friend when we were on a fast descent in the Brecon Beacons. It’s very weird and looks like a wheel is loose. It won’t stop immediately and needs a bit of patience. Clamping the knees firmly against the top tube will reduce the rate and intensity of the wobble by minimising wind turbulence and providing some counter-pressure against the bike.

Safety is paramount and you should never feel uncomfortable on a descent.

To finish, here are a few descents across Mendip that are worth riding. They are not the fastest or more technical, but they are enjoyable. The drop from Bristol Airport down through Brockley Combe can be as fast as you want to make it.

With gentle turns there isn’t much braking and the views are great. The descent at Gare Hill, between Bruton and Frome is a wide, quiet lane and with some pedalling will make you feel like a top cyclist.

From the top of the Mendip Hills, there is a lovely descent down Torhole Bottom into Chewton Mendip, the turns are gentle, and you can build up a good pace while admiring the scenery. And to finish, grab a feel of an alpine descent at Belmont Hill, from Failand. Let me know what you think.

CYCLING with EDMUND LODITE

ACROSS:1. Stanton Drew 7. Tribute 8. Cyclops 10. Midge 11. Chew Magna 12. Legible 14. Scented 15. Camelot 18. Redhill 20. Overdraft 21. Wells 22. Drizzle 23. Tankard 24. Gurney Slade. DOWN:1. Shindig 2. Azure 3. Treacle 4. Nucleus 5. Recommend 6. Wrought 7. Temple Cloud 9. Scandalised 13. Bulldozer 16. Meeting 17. Trapeze 18. Rotates 19. Ill fame 21. Wanda

Welton runners

WELTONChurch runners gained second place in the 2025 National Church runner virtual parkrun mobmatch. Points are awarded for how many runners take part in any parkrun anywhere in the country.

Welton Church runners meet every Saturday morning at 9am in the Midsomer Norton town park. Everyone is welcome including walkers.

On the first Saturday of the month there is a free timed 5k run with a free café afterwards where everyone can chat and share their experiences of the morning’s event.

Details: Facebook (Midsomer Norton Town Park 5k)

Judo championships

RADSTOCK'SFull Fat Grappling judo club entered eight of their judokas into the British Schools Judo Championships in Sheffield. The annual event invites all higher graded children from the UK and Ireland to fight and represent their school.

The club entered students from Writhlington Secondary, Norton Hill and St Nicholas Primary. The club took their record medal hall, with five medals in total.

Daisy-Mo Hucker, year six student in the years 6 and 7 group, took bronze in a group of 16, only narrowly missing out against the gold medallist in the first round after winning the bout up until the final moments.

Three wins on the bounce then won St Nicholas their first medal. Amelia Ford from St Nicholas came 9th, winning her first bout at this level.

Callum Gifford won Writhlington a bronze in an equally busy group, winning three fights in style and his first medal at this level.

Norton Hill Secondary pulled in their record medal hall, with a Gold coming from Hannah Hucker, winning four fights, the year 8 student became British Schools champ in the year 8 and 9 category.

William Adams from year 11 also won three tough fights

Players welcome

BACKWELL Skittles Team are looking to recruit new players for the upcoming season, which starts in September. Due to the sad loss of two players earlier this year and due to work commitments, they have an opening for new players to join them.

They meet every Tuesday, with their home alley being at Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club. They play across various locations, including Clevedon and Claverham. They have a varied age range of players and would welcome enquires from both men and women.

Details: Team captain Andy 07853 225661

A new era

AFTERa lengthy time away from the boxing scene building a new team, Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club is back.

Head coach, Sean Jenkins, said: “So for the last 18 months we’ve been working hard on building a new team of prospects for 2025.” He has six lads, aged 13-26 years who are already winning fights.

with jaw dropping ippons to take bronze as did year 10's, Lucas Russell.

Full Fat Grappling said it would like to thank Writhlington School for their support, covering their student entry fee for both Callum and his brother and supplying them with adequate training support and recognition.

Full Fat and parents from Full Fat funded all the other students. They are now looking for sponsorship to fund these future athletes.

Details: Matthew Hucker 07877 816749

Soccer success

PUPILSof Pensford Primary School are over the moon after both their girls and boys’ teams won this year’s annual football competition for Chew Valley primary schools, which was held at Chew Valley School.

The Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge has sponsored this competition by providing the cups and medals for a number of years.

Rotarian, Ken Biggs, said: “Thanks to Charlotte Foley who organised the event and to the Year 9 students from Chew Valley School for their excellent work refereeing all the games.

“Congratulations to all the primary school pupils who enthusiastically took part. It was a great event and reflects superbly on their enthusiasm and skills.”

England selection –aged 81!

PETER Madelaine, aged 81 (pictured above right), who lives near Heath House, Wedmore, has been selected for the England Masters team, to run against Wales, in the Swansea Half Marathon on June 8th.

He gained selection by achieving a time of 2:18:10, in the Fleet, Hampshire, half marathon on March 16th, beating the qualification time of 2:20:00, while finishing in the first three of his over-80 age group.

Out of the 3,000 entrants at Fleet, some 250 younger people finished behind him. In the short term, Peter will be contesting the AJ Bell Great Bristol Half Marathon on May 11th, in a bid to qualify for further England representation next year.

Peter, a member of Bridgwater and District Road and Trail Runners (BADRATS), is to be seen running, daily, in the lanes surrounding Wedmore, covering 40-50 total miles each week, including weekend long runs up to 25 miles.

He has previously completed the Virtual London Marathon, on local roads, in October 2021. The flip side of England team selection, obviously a huge honour, is that he must pay his own team kit and the expenses of attending the event, totalling about £500, from a modest pension.

Skate jam

FROMESkatepark Project, a community group raising funds for a new skatepark in Frome, is holding a Family Fun Day and Skate Jam on Saturday, May 10th, 10am-4pm at the current skate park in the Mary Baily field, adjacent to Victoria Park. It’s also an opportunity for people to share thoughts and ideas for the future of the skatepark and a potential new location within the field.

Rugby champions

MIDSOMERNorton RFC celebrated being crowned champions of Counties 2 Tribute Somerset 2024/25 by beating Oldfield Old Boys RFC 71-10.

The team went on to win the Somerset Vase, beating Clevedon RFC 47-14. Captain, Joey Button, is pictured with Steve Mead, the chairman of Somerset RFC.

Club’s inspirational day

DEBORAHGriffin, the first female president of the RFU, was a guest at Chew Valley Rugby Club’s end of season lunch, where Christian Lang was also a speaker. He is chairman of the Star charity, Support, Transform and Achieve through Rugby, which has grown phenomenally across the country since being launched by Chew Valley in response to the Covid lockdown.

It is currently supporting 974 young people. Deborah, a former England player talked about her future plans for the RFU in one of her first official engagements.

Chairman, Shane Cameron, said: “Trailblazer Deborah Griffin OBE – what

an inspiration! Deborah and Christian gave inspiring talks on both the RFU and where Deborah feels she can make a difference, with Christian updating us on the amazing success stories coming from the Star Scheme.”

Ladies’ team manager, Eloise Brown, said: "Listening to Deborah's experience in the rugby world was incredible. Learning that she was the main campaigner in creating the first Women’s World Cup in 1991 is a testament to her passion for the game. An inspiring woman who loves rugby!”

The club’s First 15 capped an inspiring day by beating Royal Wootton Bassett 43-

19 to hopefully avoid relegation. They went on to win the Somerset Cup, beating Burnham-on-Sea 45-38.

Deborah with some of the Chew Valley girls who served at lunch

Deborah with club chairman Shane Cameron (left) and club president Dave Young

Deborah Griffin with Star chairman Christian Lang

Bath and West Show

THIS year’s Royal Bath and West Show is well and truly on the horizon and again promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s events calendar.

Taking place from May 29th to May 31st, the show promises to showcase the best in the agricultural world as well as offering three days of family entertainment.

The main ring will come alive with a packed programme including top class show jumping, scurry racing, and pony club games.

And Paul Hannam’s Quad Bike Stunt Show will be joined by stunt rider Shaun Saturley, to wow the audience with jumps made from just about anything they can get their hands on.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse range of British, Continental, and rare breeds attending the show – all vying for a spot in the main ring’s Grand Parade.

For the food lovers, the Great British Kitchen is hosting live demonstrations, with not only return visits from celebrity chefs, Andy Clarke and Lisa Cadd, but this year joined by George Egg –snack hacker, cook and comedian showcasing delicious dishes.

Head of shows, Jess Chiplen, said: “The South West is bursting with quality produce, so we want to show it off.

“Visitors can also look forward to the usual selection of show gardens, featuring early summer blooms, a wide range of stalls, celebrity guests, and crafts galore.”

There will be live music all day on the main lawn or the Pilton tent.

Details: www.bathandwest.com/tickets

Anniversary exhibition

WHITCHURCHLocal History Society is holding a 50th anniversary exhibition, featuring pictures, old maps, documents, artefacts, and more.

It’s on Saturday, May 17th, 2-5pm in the URC, 24 Bristol Road, BS14 0PQ, free entry and refreshments.

Details: 01275 830869

Venue wanted

SWISS-based trio, Taradiddle, will be in the West Country in late August and September and are looking for a venue to play on August 27th or 29th.

The trio are Stephen Ferron (vocals, guitar, bass), Monika Brändli (vocals) and Franz Andres Morrissey (vocals, guitar, mandolins, concertina).

They said: “We would be happy to play a small venue or a house concert, fees are negotiable but ‘passing around a hat’ is a welcome option.”

Steeley Span’s legendary bass player, Rick Kemp, said: “Taradiddle present a perfect balance of international, traditional and contemporary songs with intelligent, skilful ease and a blend of voices made in heaven. Taradiddle are a delight!”

Details: https://taradiddle.ch/ or YouTube

Priddy Folk Festival

THISyear’s Priddy Folk Festival will take place from July 11th13th and plans are well advanced for a fabulous weekend jampacked with music and dance.

Headliners include Eabhal, The Drystones, Kate Griffin and Matchume Zango, Siobhan Miller Band, Merry Hell, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Jali Bakary Konteh with Sarah Deere Jones, Rooftop Assembly, Perkelt and many more.

As well as the ticketed programme, there is range of free events over the weekend. This includes the dance festival with Border and Cotswold Morris, rapper, clog and step sides as well as Cornish & Hungarian groups.

The ever-popular Fringe showcases up and coming talent from Somerset and beyond whilst a full programme of events to entertain younger visitors takes place on the Saturday and Sunday, including crafts, singing and performance.

Other events include poetry, art, archaeology and wildlife walks, ceilidhs and workshops.

THEseason is now in full swing at the Somerset & Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton. Volunteers have been making the most of the better weather to progress various projects around the railway.

The next big event is the Spring Gala on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26th. This will see the DMU and the diesel shunters all in action, running a half-hourly service throughout the day.

Trains will run from the Down Platform, returning to the Up Platform. This means that between services there will be train movements in the station to add to the interest. As always, the buffet, shop, Emporium and museum will be open.

Before the gala, the railway is open on Sunday, May 4th when the DMU is scheduled to be running, and also on Sunday May 25th, when the diesel shunter will be hauling the Mark 1 coaches.

Tickets for all events allow travel on as many trains as you like (subject to space) and prices have been held at 2024 prices. With a two-mile round trip, the railway is a great way to spend a day in an historic setting.

(Photo courtesy of Focus on Photography)

New Garden and Country Fair at The Bishop’s Palace

WHETHER you’re a passionate gardener, a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, the new Garden and Country Fair at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will offer something for everyone this May.

Set within the Palace’s 14-acre RHS partner gardens, the new one-day fair will be a celebration of all things garden and country for all the family. Watch traditional crafts; sample a selection of local and specialist food and drink or have a go at the “bake off” baking competition.

There’ll be craft and plant stalls, circus performers and a speakers tent plus animal lovers will enjoy the petting farm and even get a chance to take part in the dog show!

Live music will round off what will be a day of celebrating all things garden and country in the heart of the medieval city of Wells.

Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Bishop’s Palace, said: “This is a new event for the palace and will be a day full of events, entertainment and country themed activities for all the family.

“We have a busy schedule planned this year which I know will prove to be very popular with locals and visitors alike.”

The Garden and Country Fair is on Saturday, May 10th,

9.30-7pm, with last entry at 6pm.

Before that 17th century soldiers from the Wardour Garrison re-enactment group will set up camp at the palace on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th.

North Somerset Show

THE163rd North Somerset Show will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th on the showground at Wraxall.

The gates open at 8.30am and parking is free. As well as livestock, there’s a countryside arena, show jumping and a full programme of events in the main ring.

It promises: “The very best of livestock and horses showcased with rural events, crafts and food!”

The judging of livestock starts at 8.30am and the grand parade is at 3pm, The show also has more than 260 trade stands. We’ll be there outside the food hall so pop by and say hello.

Show society to mark VE Day

Mark Bagwell (far left) is the 2025/26 president. Mark is the operations director for Charlie Bigham’s

THE Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society has unveiled its plans to mark VE Day with a free evening of events at its showground on the edge of Shepton Mallet.

The event will be held on Thursday, May 8th with a ceremonial lighting of a beacon, a vintage vehicle display and a competition to find the best 1940s outfit along with refreshments and live music. The evening – beginning at 7pm is suitable for all ages and there will be free parking on-site.

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the second annual Somerset Horse Show, also organised by the show society,

The society says: “The aim of this event is to encourage equine enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to come along and enjoy competing in a fun and safe environment. The show features a huge range of classes for both in-hand and ridden horses and ponies.”

T HE M ENDIP T IMES

Commercial entries cost £25. We’re happy to offer entries for non-profit community group meetings and charity fundraisers free of charge. If you feel that your entry fits our criteria for free publicity please state why – and send a succinct single paragraph, in a format that can be copied and pasted to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk

Thursday May 1st

Chew Valley Death Café meets 12-1.30pm Community Library Bishop Sutton, first Thurs every month. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Details: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com

Wells Scottish Dancers the Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Every Thurs 6.30–8.30pm. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or email: ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thursday, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Paulton Folk Night 8.30pm Red Lion. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Sing2breathe for breathlessness – for breathing control and posture 2.15-3.30pm most Thurs (not May 15th), Priory Health Centre outpatients, Wells. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Friday May 2nd

Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall. Soup, bread, cheese, biscuits, tea/coffee £5.50.

Radstock Folk Dance Club, every Friday (except 23rd) 8-10pm St Peter’s Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential, £3 incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

Friday May 2nd and Sat May 3rd

Parkinson’s N W Somerset Support Group, 10.30-1pm, Portishead Football Club, BS20 6QG. Free fun-filled morning of walking football for anyone affected by Parkinson’s – no experience needed. Support by qualified personnel. Refreshments.

Saturday May 3rd

Marston Music: Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Karen Wimhurst (clarinet) 7.30pm Marston Church, Frome. Details: www.marstonmusic.co.uk Chilcompton Gardening Club plant sale 10am11.30 village hall. Details: Facebook. Congresbury Gardening Club plant sale & coffee morning 10am-12 Congresbury Methodist Hall. Entry £1.50.

Temple Cloud in Bloom plant sale 10am-12 Temple Inn car park. Details: beccyangell@btinternet.com

Hutton Horticultural Society plant sale 10am3pm Hutton Village Hall, nr Weston-s-Mare BS24 9SN.

Saturday May 3rd until Monday 5th

Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival, tenth anniversary walking trail with 30 local artists and crafts people in 13 venues, 10am-4.30pm. Details: www.cheddarartists.com

Monday May 5th

North Somerset Show, Wraxall. Details: www.nsss.org.uk

Shipham & District Garden Club plant sale from 2pm Shipham village green. Axevale Greening Festival: find out about local actions for biodiversity and climate change, with fun family activities, from 12 to 6pm. Free entry, bring cash for stalls. Ad Astra Cider Barn, Stone Allerton, BS26 2NG.

Cheddar Valley Singers, Mondays 7pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details:

cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com or Facebook.

Tuesday May 6th

Arts Society Mendip: “Island sanctuary: refugee artists in Britain from the Huguenots to the present day” with Monica Bohm-Duchen, 11am Croscombe Village Hall and Zoom. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk

Weston u3a meet for coffee every Tuesday, 10am, Friends Meeting House, 6 High St. BS23 1JF. All welcome!

Yatton Local History Society talk by Elaine Cook on Keynsham Abbey, 7.30pm Yatton Methodist Church BS49 4DW. Details: yattonlocalhistorysoc@gmail.com

Joyful Voices: fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com

Wednesday May 7th

Clevedon Gardener’s Club 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 7.30pm Kenn Rd Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon BS21 6LH. clevedongardeners.chessck.co.uk

Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers fish and chip lunch 2-3.30pm WI Hall, Backwell. Sing2breathe for breathlessness – learn techniques for breathing control and improved posture. 1.45 to 3pm most Weds (not May 14) Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Thursday May 8th

VE Day Celebrations – everywhere! Please send your photos etc to: news@mendiptimes.co.uk Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thurs, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

RAFA-MSB VE 80 Celebration Lunch 12:15pm Wells Golf Club, with 1940s style lunch, Churchill’s VE Day speech, music from 1945, members’ memories. Details: rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458-224057. Chew Valley Garden Society talk by Matthew Symonds ‘Gardening in small spaces’ 8pm Stanton Drew village hall.

Friday May 9th and Sat May 10th “Chewdo” – comedy murder mystery with Bishop Sutton Theatre Company. Details: www.suttontheatre.com/

Saturday May 10th

Brent Knoll Bazaar, farmers’ market & parish café, 10am-12 Parish Hall, TA9 4EH.

Wells & District Wildlife Group: Photo Ramble with wildlife photographer Victoria Hillman 10am-12 at the Combe, Wells. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062

Parkinson’s NW Somerset Support Group talk: Gardening the World (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) 10.30-12.15 St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea, BS48 2LP.

Witham Friary plant sale, 11am-4pm, in aid of village hall and Women’s Institute.

Cantiamo Singers Concert: Requiem, 7.30pm All Saints’ Church Wrington. Collection for church.

Bishop Sutton Spring Fair & history display 10am-3pm Holy Trinity Church, for church repairs. Stalls & refreshments (tables £10) Details: Jim 01275 332402.

Chew Magna Society duck race and school fete, Streamside from 12noon. Details: chewmagnasocietyteam@gmail.com

Mozart by Candlelight from The Bristol Ensemble 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

West Gallery music with singers ‘Called to be Saints’ 3pm Emborough Church BA3 4SG. Free, with retiring collection. Details: 01761 241588. “Breathe” part gig, puppet theatre, film, 2pm3.30 Caryford Community Hall. Tickets £5. Details: www.caryfordhall.co.uk

Uphill Village Market 9.30-12.30, Victory Hall, Westfield Rd, BS23 4UH. Details: Leigh 01934 628373.

Banwell WI tabletop sale, village hall, 10am1pm. Tables £10. Details: president.banwellwi@gmail.com

RNLI Winscombe plant & garden sale 10am Community Centre, BS25 1HP. Drinks & hot dogs, entry free. Details: mary.wallace@hotmail.co.uk

Saturday May 10th and Sunday 11th Somerset Day celebrations across the county. Details: www.somersetday.com

Sunday May 11th

Bruton Choral Society “Music for a May evening” Queen Elizabeth Music Room, King’s. Tickets £10, (£12 on door) to incl glass of wine, from Bruton Convenience Store, 01749 813161. Children free. Details: www.brutonchoralsociety.org.uk

Mendip Consort of Recorders “Spanish Tapas –music and readings from Spain” 3pm St Peter & St Paul Church, Bleadon. Refreshments during the interval. Donations.

Monday May 12th

Mendip Folk Dance Club, 8-10pm St James’s Church Winscombe BS25 1BA. All welcome, 2nd, 4th & 5th Mondays. £3 incl refreshments. Details: Pat 01934 742853.

Farmborough Floral Art Group demo by Nick Grounds ‘Floral Frolics’ 1.30 for 2pm Conygre Hall Timsbury, Charity sales table. Visitors welcome, tickets £25. See Facebook/Instagram. Norton Radstock u3a talk on “The history of the Natural Theatre Company” by Alex Burden 1.454pm, Somer Centre, M Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome. Details www.norradu3asite.uk

Nailsea & District Local History Society talk by Jane Hill “Mysterious North Somerset” 7.45pm, Nailsea School, BS48 2HN. Visitors welcome £3. Details: 01275 463479 or www.ndlhs.org.uk

Priddy Folk Session 8.30pm Queen Victoria. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Tuesday May 13th

Frome Selwood Horticultural Society talk: “Bougainvillea the British Way” by Charlie Clarke 7.30pm Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LD. Details: 0777 620 8531 jane.norris9@gmail.com

Shipham Rowberrow & Star History Society talk: Tony Painter “The history & magic of place names”, 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall, BS25 1SG. Guests welcome £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784.

Timsbury Gardening Club talk by Gill Hazel “Classic, rare and unusual bulbs” 7.30pm Conygre Hall, BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome £2. Details: Details: Secretary timsburygc@gmail.com

Clutton History Society: talk by Jim Pimpernell: “Avon Wharf, Bitton – the Dramway” 7.30pm village hall, Venus Lane, BS39 5SP. All welcome.

S O N G UIDEFOR M AY 2025

Visitors £5 incl tea/coffee. Details: 07341 266986 or chris.border@live.co.uk

Talk & walk, led by Nathan Orr, Nature Recovery Ranger. Meet 10am Mendip Lodge Activity Centre, Sandford to visit nearby quarry, then lunch in the centre cafe – buy or bring your own. Slope up to the quarry is steep. Details: nathan@mendiphills-nl.org.uk

Wednesday May 14th

Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm St Thomas’s Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month. Details: wellsfdc.co.uk

Mendip Storytelling Circle, 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. £5. Details: mendipstory@gmail.com 01275 332735.

Cameo (come and meet everyone) talk: “Ageing well: how to get help with energy and other matters in Congresbury & North Somerset” 7.30pm Congresbury Methodist Hall, £2 incl refreshment.

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

Bereavement Help Point, Shepton Mallet: a supportive space where you can meet others who may be experiencing similar feelings. All welcome. Free drop-in, 10-11.45am, Shepton Brasserie, 64 High St. Details: 0345 0310 555 or dorothyhouse.co.uk

Kilmersdon Gardeners Club talk by Gill Hazell “Growing and showing Sweet Peas” 7.30pm Kilmersdon village hall BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3 inc refreshments.

Details www.kilmersdongardeners.org

Blagdon Local History Society Mike Harvey:

“The story of the Mendip WW2 defences” 7.30pm Court Lodge BS40 7TQ. Details: www.blagdonlhs.com

Thursday May 15th

Wrington Gardening Club talk ‘Fuchsias’ by Derek Dexter, 7:30pm Wrington Memorial Hall BS40 5QL.

Mendip Morris dancing outside the Plough, Congresbury at 8pm.

Friday May 16th

Save the Children lunch 12.30pm, Shipham village hall. Soup, bread, cheese, biscuits, tea/coffee £5.50.

North Somerset Quilters talk by Joy Harber “An Obsession with Log Cabin” 7.30pm Backwell WI Hall, BS48 3QW Visitors welcome £7. Details Karen 01275 463119.

“The complete works of Jane Austin, abridged” 8pm Chew Stoke Village Hall. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Saturday May 17th

Whitchurch Local History Society 50th Anniversary Exhibition: pictures, maps, artefacts etc. 2pm-5pm URC, 24 Bristol Road, BS14 0PQ. Free entry and refreshments. Details 01275 830869.

Nailsea Choral Society’s Centenary Concert: “Dream of Gerontius” at Clifton Cathedral with Bristol Symphony Orchestra and soloists. Details: www.bristolbeacon.org

Mendip Morris dancing at Wedmore Arts Festival, 11am in the Borough.

Kilmersdon Gardeners plant sale 10.30am-12 Kilmersdon village hall BA3 5TD. Free entry, refreshments, raffle.

Jubovski Gypsy Trio concert, 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £12, children free. Details: www.yms.org.uk

Blagdon Fete, Blagdon Court, 1-4pm, adults £1,

U-16s free. Details: blagdonvillagefete@gmail.com

Axbridge Singers 20th anniversary concert, 7pm St John the Baptist, Axbridge. Collection for Weston Hospicecare. Bar. Details: www.axbridgesingers.org.uk

Sat May 17th and Sun May 18th

Cheddar Vale Lions Country Music Festival, Petruth Paddocks. Details: cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Sunday May 18th

Weare & District Scouts plant fair 9am-1pm Badgworth Old School, BS26 2QW. Fundraising for the scouts to go to Kandersteg. Open Garden at Simbriss Farm, Ashwick, Oakhill BA3 5BA. 1pm-5, Adults £4 children free. Dogs on leads welcome. Craft and book stall, raffle, refreshments. For Dorothy House Hospice. Details: 07444 943700.

Trio Alumni Concert & cream tea, 3pm St Lawrence Church, Rode. For the roof fund. Adults £12.50, U18s £6.25 from Geoff.banwell@hotmail.co.uk or Rode Post Office.

Monday May 19th

Winscombe District u3a talk by Steve Egginton, owner and co-founder of The Mendip Times, 2 for 2.30pm Community Centre, BS25 1JA. Visitors welcome, £2.50. AGM to follow.

Wedmore & Axbridge Community Health Fund AGM 9.30am at Axbridge Surgery. All welcome. Details: Shirley Wederell 01934 712089 wederellsa@btinternet.com

Norton Radstock u3a Coffee morning 10am-12, Somer Centre, M Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome. Details www.norradu3asite.uk

Chew Valley u3a AGM followed by a Q&A session and Quiz, 10 for 10.30am Ubley Parish Hall.

Tuesday May 20th

Arts Society Mid Somerset talk ‘Art behind bars: the role of the arts in breaking the cycle of crime, prison and re-offending’ 11am Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. Coffee from 10.15. Visitors £8.

RAFA-MSB visit to Ad Astra Cider Farm 10.45am-2.15pm, incl. talk “From Military to Cider Maker” with orchard tour, cider tasting, Ploughmans’ lunch. Stone Allerton, BS26 2NG. Details:rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.

Wrington Local History Society: talk by Alan Grey “Ochre Mining in the Mendips & North Somerset”, 7.30 for 8pm Wrington URC Chapel, Roper’s Lane, BS40 5NF. Visitors welcome, £2.50 to incl tea/coffee. Details: osmansteve@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday May 21st

Mendip Gardening Club talk by “Higgy”: Ponds and water features for wildlife, 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall. BA3 4DA Visitors welcome £5. Details: 01761 453654.

“The hidden industries of Backwell” talk by Roy Ackrill, 2.15pm, Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Priority entry to members, visitors £4. Details: www.facebook.com/ groups/friendsofthemuseumwsm/ Henton & District Gardening Club talk by Christina Angelucci ‘Breeding dahlias’, plants/tubers for sale. 7 for 7.30pm, Henton village hall, Nr Wells. Visitors very welcome, £5. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com

Thursday May 22nd

Mendip Morris dancing outside the Golden Lion, Wrington at 8pm.

Saturday May 24th

Frome Plant sale, Selwood Academy, 9.3011.30am, cash only.

Castle Cary Saturday Stitch Group Coffee Morning; meet us and dip into our stash of bargain fabric, wool and other craft items! 10am12 Market House BA7 7AH. Details 07929 097374.

Wedmore Village Farm Kids’ Festival, 10am4.30pm. Details: www.wedmorevillagefarm.co.uk

Mark Harrison with Charles Benfield 7.30pm9.30 Caryford Community Hall. Tickets £12 from www.caryfordhall.co.uk

Mendip Male Voice Choir & Vox in Frox Concert, for Chelwood Rotary charities, 7.30pm St John’s Church, Keynsham. Refreshments. Details: rob@chelwoodbridgerotary.com

Sunday May 25th

Compton Dando Church Teas 2.30-5pm, St Mary’s.

Tuesday May 27th

Chilcompton Gardening Club “Climbing Plants and their Care” John Tucker. Details on Facebook. Wells & District Wildlife Group: Booming Bitterns and more . . . 7pm-9pm RSPB reserve, Ham Wall. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or phone 07415 350062.

North Somerset Masonic Widows’ Association meeting from 10am at the Masonic Hall, Yatton BS49 4DW. Talk “Edwardian Occasions” by Yvonne Bell, then lunch. Details, Jacqui 07732 455454 or nsmwidows@gmail.com.

Wednesday May 28th

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room. All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

Bereavement Help Point, Shepton Mallet: a supportive space where you can meet others who may be experiencing similar feelings. All welcome. Free drop-in, 10-11.45am, Shepton Brasserie, 64 High St. Details: 0345 0310 555 or dorothyhouse.co.uk

Wells Folk Night 8pm City Arms. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Thursday May 29th

Cheddar Valley u3a AGM 1.30pm Community Pavilion, Sharpham Rd, Cheddar.

Thursday May 29th to Saturday 31st

Royal Bath & West Show. Details: www.bathandwest.com

Friday May 30th

Mendip Consort of Recorders “Spanish Tapasmusic and readings from Spain” 1.05pm Wells Cathedral. Free with usual entry cost to the Cathedral.

Mendip Morris will be dancing at various times at the Bath & West Show. See the programme for full details.

Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall. Soup, bread, cheese, biscuits, tea/coffee £5.50.

Kate Dimbleby with Keith Warmington & Claire Lindley 7.30pm, Chew Magna Old School Room. Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

Camelot Area u3a talk by Stephen Powles, ‘Countryside Detective’ 2.30pm, Caryford Hall, BA7 7JJ. Visitors welcome, £2 incl refreshments. Details www.camelot-area.u3asite.uk

Saturday May 31st

Somerset Choral Society “Five Centuries of Shakespeare song” St Mary’s Church, Wedmore. Adults £15, U18s £7 from somersetchoral.co.uk or 07397 806319.

Wedmore in festival mood

WEDMOREFestival starts on Saturday, May 10th with events running all week until Sunday, May 18th.

A packed programme includes an incredible variety of performances, many of them world class, such as comedian Marcus Brigstocke, filmmaker Phil Dalton and author Dr Amy Jeffs.

There’s the chance to enjoy music, art and comedy and learn about gardening, nature and history or delight in afternoon tea, tapas and lunch, wine tasting and acts day and night.

the

There will be dancing in the streets, thrillers from the stage and screen and a whole variety of acts in Wedmore’s wonderful venues including song and rip-roaring fun on the ocean wave with the Old Time Sailors.

All proceeds go back to support the village and grassroots talent.

Step into the spirit of the 1940s

THE Dig For Victory Show returns to the North Somerset Showground at Wraxall on June 14th and 15th.

It’s a festival where history isn’t just remembered, it’s relived. Set against the rolling countryside just outside Bristol, this beloved family weekend is a living, breathing tribute to Britain’s wartime home front.

Organisers say: “Just imagine –the distant hum of vintage engines drifts through the summer air. Laughter rings out from the fairground as swing music crackles from an old gramophone.

“Children march behind dashing re-enactors in authentic uniform, waving their ration books and wide-eyed with wonder.

“The scent of baking scones and bacon baps mingles with the faint smell of engine oil and paraffin. It's not just an event –it’s like stepping through a portal in time.”

The festival will feature

UK’s official No 1 tribute band, Abba Revival golf pro Liam Harper and Mendip Times’ gardening guru Mary Payne.

Abba tribute band

Details: Wedmorefestival.co.uk

Old Time Sailors

* expenses paid

Join our team and make a difference in your community like . . .

S U E TR E V O R S I MO N

People across Somerset need your help to attend essential medical appointments. With no transport of their own, and some having treatments relating to cancer or cardiology, a volunteer driver with a friendly face is exactly what they need.

Our drivers also support adults and children in Somerset with journeys relating to social care

Want to help? Find out more about the role and apply here: www.volunteering.somerset.gov.uk/drive

Alternatively, email gemma.ruffle@somerset.gov.uk or call 07855 285464 to make a difference in your community.