Issue 1 - Volume 21 - Mendip Times

Welcome

WE celebrate several anniversaries this month – dominated by VE Day 80 events, with pictures from around the area.

Tincknells are marking their 100 years in business, while the Strawberry Line Café in Yatton started 15 years ago.

Celebrating ten years are both the Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival and Valley Arts in the Chew Valley. Mendip Times celebrates 20 years with this issue.

It was good to meet so many people at the North Somerset Show – we have pictures from there and from Wedmore Young Farmers’ spring show, as well as many other events.

The dry weather is causing concern –Mary Payne looks at how to cope in the garden, while Chris Sperring assesses the effect on birds. Nick Green says it isn’t just the weather that’s causing concern for farmers.

We’ve an extended Riding section this month, including a report from Lucy Counsell from Badminton. In sport stand by for “floppers” in the Mendip table skittles league!

With all of our regular contributors and features, welcome to summer on Mendip!

July 2025 deadline: Friday 13th June

Published: Tuesday 24th June

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

Steve Henderson

Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ

Mendip memories

THISyear marks 60 years of the Mendip Society –and they are looking for people to share their memories.

Originally named The Mendip Preservation Society, it was officially founded on May 15th, 1965.

The society is inviting current and past members (or their descendants) to share memories of time spent with the society, on or near Mendip, over the last 60 years, for eventual publication as a permanent record of the organisation and its members.

It says recollections of walks, talks, events and any of their wide range of activities, in written form, better still, with photographs - all are welcome. They want to ensure that as many people as possible get immortalised in print as a part of Mendip history.

Details: photos@themendipsociety.org.uk

Young talent

THEBluebird Cafe and Bar in Wedmore has staged its inaugural Young Performer Emerging Talent Competition. Contestants from music departments across six schools

and colleges in Somerset performed in three heats on the Bluebird stage in front of a panel of expert judges.

The winners were Millicent Morgan-Holloway and Leo Stott of Richard Huish College. The runners-up were Heidi Ashton of Wells Cathedral School and Quin Wade and Michael Amendola from Strode College.

Since opening its doors in 2023, Bluebird Café and Bar has quickly become a cornerstone of the Wedmore community and donated more than £10,000 to local community groups and organisations last year.

British Empire Medals awarded in Somerset

ANGELA Clark, of Wedmore, Elizabeth Toll, of Frome and Dave Addis from Long Ashton, were amongst six people from Somerset to be presented with British Empire Medals at a ceremony held at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, also presented individual medals for their work in their communities to Douglas Allen, from Chard, Roy Gibson from Bath and John Hardy from Taunton.

Mr Saddiq told them: “Many congratulations to you all. The hundreds of hours you have volunteered for your local communities shows just how much you deserve to receive these medals. Thank you to all of you for your time and commitment.”

The BEM is awarded on behalf of the monarch for “hands on” service to the local community over a period of time.

Angela received her award for services to Mental Health and to sufferers of substance misuse and trauma. She has set up numerous support groups including a residential rehabilitation unit in Burnham-on-Sea for those with serious addictions. Angela is also the founder of the Somewhere House Somerset. The charity supports 70 people a week and delivers educational talks to 2,000 children a year in local schools and colleges.

Elizabeth received her award for services to unpaid carers. She has been a volunteer with Carers UK for over two decades, raising awareness of caring and helping thousands of unpaid carers to get support in Somerset. Elizabeth drew on her own experiences as a carer to spread the message, setting up the East Somerset Branch of Carers UK. When that closed in 2014, she decided, age 82, to take on the role as a local Ambassador Volunteer. Now in her 90s,

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she is still engaging with GPs and other heath professionals to raise awareness.

Dave received his award for services to Long Ashton in North Somerset. He has lived in the village for over 45 years and has been involved in helping all aspects of village life. He has been responsible for running the local poppy appeal, creating an outdoor memorial to those who lost their lives in WW1 and been in charge of beacon lighting –the most recent for King Charles’ coronation. He has also opened a large workshop in his garden dedicated to repairing damaged items for homes, the church, listed buildings and charities.

(L to

Dave Addis, Angela Clarke, Douglas Adam, Roy Gibson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, Elizabeth Toll and John Hardy

Farm grants renewed for another year

THEFarming in Protected Landscapes grants programme has been renewed for the Mendip Hills area for another year.

It supports farmers and land managers to develop projects that enhance the Mendip Hills National Landscape and leave a positive legacy for the future.

For the last four years, programmes across the UK have been delivering impressive outcomes under the main themes – nature, climate, people and place.

Defra has renewed Mendip’s funding for the fifth year, with a total allocation of £358,300 to spend on nature-friendly farming.

Since 2021 over £1million has been spent on projects, including 11.5km of new or restored hedgerows, 37 new or restored ponds and 6,475 trees planted. A decision panel made up of local farming, wildlife and access specialists meets regularly to ensure that projects produce the right outcomes and provide value for money.

Lucy Stockton, Farming Engagement Officer said: “We know that wildlife habitats need to be connected to each other in order for biodiversity to thrive and we can already see some amazing connections happening across the Mendip Hills.

“This year we are keen to join up the gaps, especially on the grasslands of the southern slopes and along the new National Nature Reserve.”

Details: lucy@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk or jemima@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Gardens that support wildlife

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched its “Wilder Open Gardens” initiative urging people to share their ideas for promoting wildlife and nature in gardens, allotments and other open spaces.

It says there are an estimated 124,500 gardens across Somerset, and other outdoor areas, which can all act as vital spaces for nature in their own right.

It says: “Collectively, they can have an even bigger impact, forming ‘stepping stone’ habitats that enable wildlife to travel from green space to green space.”

Adam Murray, Director of Action for Nature at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “We need to reach more people with this message and encourage everyone to start making those small, simple changes that can add up to have an absolutely enormous impact - whether that’s by planting more pollinator-friendly flowers, adding a pond to your garden,

Rewilding charity recruits expert

HEAL Rewilding, based at Witham Friary, near Frome has welcomed Professor Alastair Driver as a specialist advisor.

He is one of the UK’s leading experts in rewilding and nature-friendly farming. He recently left Rewilding Britain after serving eight years as director, having previously been national Head of Conservation for 15 years at the Environment Agency.

He said: "I’ve been hugely impressed by Heal’s energy, ambition and inclusive approach to rewilding, particularly with younger people. The charity is demonstrating how nature recovery can be done at scale, while remaining accessible and engaging for local communities.

“I’m keen to support their work because Heal is showing people that rewilding isn’t just for remote landscapes – it can happen close to where people live and work, making it a movement for everyone."

Heal launched in 2020 as the UK’s first dedicated rewilding landowner, with a vision to create new places for nature across England. Its first site, Heal Somerset, is a 460-acre former intensive dairy farm.

Details: www.healsomerset.org.uk

reducing light pollution, adding a hedgehog hole to your fence, or making your own bug hotel!”

Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/wilder-open-gardens

Cottage garden

Free advice

FROME Town Council are encouraging residents to take advantage of the free energy advice available at Frome Medical Practice to help lower energy bills and create more comfortable, efficient homes.

Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month from 12pm to 4pm, these relaxed drop-in sessions are a chance to talk one-to-one with a trained Energy Advice Champion. The advice is free, impartial, and tailored to you.

The Healthy Homes team also offers free home visits. The volunteers, trained by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, can help with fitting simple energy-saving items –like radiator panels and draught excluders –and offer hands-on advice.

The project is also on the lookout for more volunteers.

Details: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/healthy-homes

Photo competition

Last year's winner

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust’s annual photography competition has opened for entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels.

This year, nature lovers are being asked to capture the wild side of Somerset in one of three categories: close-up/macro wildlife, people and portraits, and a special youth category.

Last year’s competition, which celebrated Somerset Wildlife Trust’s 60th anniversary, attracted over 200 entries. Entries close on Monday, September 1st.

Details: www.somersetwildlife.org/photo-competition

New extension to Strawberry Line path

WORKhas started on a new joint project between Kings Academy in Cheddar and the Strawberry Line Society.

Plans have been agreed for a new off-road link that will run from the Cheddar Leisure Centre in Station Road, around the perimeter of the Kings Academy playing field and over a new bridge across the Cheddar Yeo.

The route will connect to the existing stretch of the Strawberry Line south of Cheddar and enable direct access for people living south of the Yeo to Kings Academy, Cheddar Leisure Centre, Sharpham Road sports ground, the new Bloors Estate and Axbridge and Cheddar Reservoir.

The joint project aims to involve the school community – pupils, parents and staff – in both the initial construction phase and the ongoing management of the path.

The academy intends to build further activities for pupils around work on the path which will provide opportunities for artwork, environmental studies and practical construction tasks.

Of particular interest is expected to be the assembly of the bridge that is supplied in kit form and needs to be put together on site, probably in the early autumn.

The Strawberry Line is a long-held scheme to create a traffic-free path for walkers and cyclists from Great Western Road, Clevedon to Whitstone Road, Shepton Mallet, passing through Yatton, Axbridge, Cheddar and Wells along the way.

Its purpose is to make a safe and attractive route where the public can travel without fear of traffic for a wide range of journeys – to school, work, shops, friends and for leisure.

The society says the path will promote biodiversity and support conservation within the wider Mendip landscape.

Details: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk

Introducing water to the garden

“A WILDLIFE garden without a pond is like a theatre without a stage.” I re-read what was probably the first book on wildlife gardening for much of this information. It is called How to make a Wildlife Garden by Chris Baines, first published in 1985 but updated by him in 2000. It is still in print so worth looking at.

A more modern comprehensive study is Pond Life in the Collins Nature guides. A pond is the single best way of boosting biodiversity in the smallest possible area. Insects arrive in no time. A healthy environment for mini-beasts means a healthy environment for all other creatures including us.

Ponds are ideal no matter what the size but the bigger you can afford/manage or fit in the better. A Belfast sink or even a washing up bowl will suffice. Ponds are enjoyable places to watch wildlife especially for children. Everybody loves pond dipping.

Pictured is a tub pond amongst herbs in my garden. It contains a couple of native plants and has a pebble area on one side. It is well used.

Building a “real” pond is an expert’s domain. Many websites are available to help eg: allpondsolutions.co.uk but here are few points to bear in mind:

• Fish and wildlife do not go together. Fish are omnivores.

• Shallow water is best for wildlife with a gently shelving edge. At the centre the water needs to be at least 60 centimetres (2 feet) deep to protect wildlife from frozen water.

• The site should ideally be in a natural hollow, sheltered, light and sunny avoiding over-hanging trees.

• If possible, create a marshy or boggy area at the shallow end.

• Plant four plant types: Oxygenating plants such as hornwort, emergents from the water which provide shelter and shade eg water lilies (small), marginal plants at the edges eg marsh marigold and bog and marsh plants eg. loosestrife.

• Fill with rainwater preferably. Tap water is OK but it is quite nutrient rich which may encourage algae.

• Where possible use native plants such as starwort. Some

non-native plants can be invasive especially Canadian pondweed and Azolla (fairy fern).

• The best time to tidy ponds is in the autumn when newts and other amphibians have left for other hideaways.

Ponds were common in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as watering places for farm animals but are now under increasing threat. Gardeners can help the common good enormously just by providing water.

Many natural or even man-made ponds (dew ponds) have been silted up, ploughed over or generally destroyed because of urban expansion, land drainage, road building and intensive farming practices.

Many of those left have become hostile environments because of chemical pollution from run-off or windblown chemical sprays or just plain neglect. All ponds need some management.

Conservation groups are now beginning to work together to reverse this sad trend by restoring old ponds and siting new ones. There are many opportunities to support such schemes by offering voluntary work!

An example is the Mendip Hills Project that aims to restore pond clusters especially to provide a network of water for great crested newts but general biodiversity will increase too. A new dew pond on Mendip is pictured.

Mendip has been an AONB and is now designated a National Landscape. Various groups are working together to help such as local authorities, farmers, Natural England, parish councils, various specific interest groups and the Mendip Society, many working from the Charterhouse Centre.

Now’s the time to start volunteering with children to learn new skills while at the same time supporting the environment!

A tub pond

The threats facing farming

IT seems farmers are currently under pressure from all sides. In the West we’ve had a good spring with warm weather and until recently moisture in the ground to make the crops grow. However, friends in the east have been irrigating their potato, onion and carrot crops for the last two months due to drought conditions.

Weather aside, the current government changed Inheritance Tax Rules that will have a significant impact on the industry and now we have a trade deal done with America which has the potential to impact on British agriculture.

The main issue is the gates being opened to American beef and poultry. On the face of it, the potential import of an initial 13,000 tonnes of American beef doesn’t seem a big deal in the overall scheme of things.

But the way the majority of American beef is reared does cause concern. Some 80% of beef animals produced in America are treated with growth hormones to make them grow faster and make the meat cheaper. This beef won’t be allowed into the UK but there is always a risk of confusion and some slipping into the country.

About 98% of beef cattle raised in the UK are grazed on

pasture. This provides a slower grown animal which as well as being good for the environment produces great quality meat. In the United States, cattle are raised in huge feedlots. These are industrial cattle feeding stations with tens of thousands of cattle on each site.

One, in particular, produces more than twice the total amount of beef consumed in the UK every year. There are many others equally as large providing for the American consumer. If we are to allow this cheap food into the UK those in power need to realise it needs to be produced to the same standards as we have imposed on us in the UK.

The same goes for American chicken. Many chickens are washed with chlorine as part of the butchering process. This is to clean the carcase and avoid infecting the consumer with things such as salmonella and campylobacter. Many UK supermarkets have said they won’t sell hormone treated beef or chlorinated chicken even if it is allowed into the UK so that helps.

What we can’t afford to let happen is the government of the day to say free trade is the way to go, allow hormone treated beef and chlorinated chicken into the country and the consumer leads the race to the bottom of the market buying cheap meat.

One way of making sure this doesn’t happen is for everyone to commit to buying British. Local butchers are a great place to start and if you shop in the supermarket look for the Red Tractor logo on everything you buy.

With everyone’s help, British farmers have a chance to resist American imports, survive, thrive and safeguard our Mendip landscape.

Yeo Valley walks

A BRAND-NEWwalking book, the Yeover Mendip Walks Book , will be launched on June 4th by Les Davies and Sue Gearing in partnership with Yeo Valley Organic.

The book details walks that take you over the real Yeo Valley, with 12 trails of varying distance and difficulty, with start points ranging from Yeo Valley Organic Headquarters, The New Inn at Blagdon and Compton Martin.

This is Les and Sue’s latest addition to an expanding collection of walk books resulting from a longstanding partnership.

The book will be available to purchase from Yeo Valley Organic Headquarters, the Yeo Organic Garden and The New Inn, for £9.99.

With NICK GREEN

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.

Wedmore Young Farmers 91st show

(Photography courtesy of Maddie Rowsell)

The Mendip Mindbender

Cheese Feast in popular Somerset Attraction (7,5)

Set in motion (9)

Sounding surprised following honour for State (5) 11 Three times (6) 12 Stream it carelessly and receive abuse (8) 13 Inuit bears no ends of inane looks (6) 15 Hold back cats and dogs after break (8)

Crater (8)

Polish city (6) 21 Brief description for Sis’s pony gone astray (8)

Dislikes being surrounded by Arab horses (6)

Group of eight (5) 27 An Englishman in Scotland (9)

Peace of mind (12)

1 & 8 Down Firm member not back before short drink in village (7,6)

2 Mendip gorge (5)

3 Tasty (9)

4 Impetuous (4)

5 Invested into the Priesthood (8)

6 Apparition (5)

7 Covid cover-up? (8)

8 See 1 Down

14 & 16 Down Hellbent trumpet NW roughly near to 1 & 8 Down! (8,9)

16 See 14 Down

17 Bean creator (8)

18 Clergyman – when following 1 Down arrives at a different village (6)

20 They saw mixed varieties of birds near here (7)

22 The sound of tiny feet, shedding tears first gets to father (5)

24 Striped African mammal (5)

25 Brother of Jacob (4)

By Fairlight Cryptic Clues are in italics

More adventure on Mendip

THEMendip Hills offer a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. The annual Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend 7-8 June is a highlight for many who want to make the most of this tough landscape that is always ready for more adventure.

Held every June, this festival celebrates the natural beauty and diverse terrain of the Mendip Hills. Participants can engage in a variety of activities, from trail running and mountain biking to hiking and road cycling.

The festival isn't just about physical challenges; it also offers opportunities for relaxation and learning. Rangers will host fireside chats, where visitors can learn about local conservation efforts and the importance of preserving the natural landscape. Along with mini-trails for mini-rangers to go exploring.

For those looking to unwind, there are evening activities such as virtual reality nature tours and guest speaker sessions. Families are well catered for, with events like the “Hell Raiser” fundraising challenge to improve Hell's Steps on the Cheddar Gorge loop, which includes fun physical challenges for both children and adults, food

stalls, and the chance to camp under the stars, making it a perfect weekend getaway.

Whether you're an avid adventurer or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors, the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend offers something for everyone. It's a celebration of nature, community, and the spirit of adventure that defines the Mendip Hills.

To book your adventure search Top of the Gorge 2025

Sun shines on show MENDIP TIMES

THE 165th North Somerset Show was blessed with dry weather and some sunshine after two rather soggy years and welcomed thousands of visitors.

They were treated to prize-winning livestock, rural crafts, thrilling displays and delicious local produce.

Mendip dry stone wallers Malcolm Parsons, Nigel Moore and Dave Tucker

One of the teams of heavy horses

Lucy Gould with the inter-breed champion

Judging

Wedmore YFC tug o' war team

Show champion, shire Woodhouse 24 carat with owner Danny Roberts and former show president Andrew Hillman

Flying high Squibb Freestyle

Old to new machinery parade

Felton Eccles A in action

The Mangled Wurzels

A young reader

North Somerset Strongman competition

Blacksmiths' competition

The heavy horse display

Steam's up

Medieval fayre

THEGlastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre is now one of the largest and most celebrated medieval festivals in the region, featuring about 200 reenactors. It featured jousting tournaments, lively camps and performances by jesters, musicians, and storytellers.

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

June –bursting out all over

As I write, we are all – well, most of us – enjoying the mini-heatwave. How long it will last is pretty much guesswork. These recipes are a taste of sunshine at any time of the year but seem just right for the moment.

COURGETTE AND FETA PARCELS

My Albanian hairdresser gave me this recipe for a pastry she uses often and I had Elspeth Perkins, who is gaining cooking skills to complete her Duke of Edinburgh award, make the finished dish.

METHOD

Mix the pastry ingredients to form a dough and set aside. Gently fry the filling ingredients for 10 mins and leave to cool. Divide the dough into eightballs and roll each piece into a thin circle, divide the filling and spoon onto one half of each piece. Fold over and seal edges with a drop of water. Fry each one for a couple of minutes each side, serve with salad for a light lunch.

INGREDIENTS

(makes approximately eight)

150g plain flour

50ml olive oil

Tsp salt

100 ml warm water FOR THE FILLING

175g grated courgette

75 chopped onion

75g fresh chopped tomatoes

20gram pine nuts

I crushed garlic clove

1tsp ground coriander

1tsp mixed herbs

30g crumbled feta

BBQ PORK AND NEW POTATOES

Time to get the BBQ going

I know the ingredients list is long but this is well worth it!

METHOD

Combine the pork and rub spices in to a bowl and leave for as long as you can (minimum 20 mins). Fry very gently and slowly in a tiny amount of oil. After 20 mins add the potatoes and tip in the sauce, cook gently until sauce reduces and thickens. Serve with crusty bread and salad.

RASPBERRY SHORTCAKE

A perfect combination to tea in the sunshine METHOD

Mix the shortbread ingredients together to form a stiff dough. Press half of it into a 15cm square baking dish. Bake for 15 mins at 175˚C and leave to cool.

In a bowl mix all the filling ingredients together and pour over the cooled shortbread base. Pick pieces off the remaining half of the shortbread dough and dot over the top and bake for 35 mins at 160˚C. Leave to cool before cutting it into required size.

INGREDIENTS

500g pork belly cut into 1cm strips

For the rub

3tsps garlic granules

2tsps Chinese 5 spice

1tsp paprika

2tsp onion granules

Salt and pepper

700g cooked new potatoes

FOR THE SAUCE

(shake together in an empty jam jar)

3tsps garlic

3tsp ginger

2 tsps siracha or sweet chilli sauce

3tbls honey

2tbs soy sauce

1 tbs vinegar

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 10 little squares)

For the shortbread

320g pl flour

225g butter

120g sugar

For the filling

230g raspberries

3tbs cornflour

150g sugar

60g raspberry jam

Juice of one lemon

Elspeth Perkins prepares her dish

Part of the story

LIKE many people, I love a good story. Stories tell our history, of why things are the way they are, and hopefully we can learn lessons from the past and not make the same mistakes in the future. Hopefully. When thinking about writing this 20th anniversary issue article, I wanted it to be something special.

I have been contributing wild food and foraging stories to the Mendip Times for nearly 18 years, so for fun I decided to briefly look back on the experience of writing them.

The first thing to note is how the style and quality of writing has changed. I realised whilst I take wild food and foraging seriously, finding my voice in the words and communicating the enjoyment and enthusiasm for my specialty was important. I hope I have achieved that.

Initially my long-suffering wife had to reality check and edit everything; latterly the MT team had to endure both seriously late and ridiculously early submissions and more than once I totally forgot and submitted copy whilst on holiday (shh, don’t tell them!). Then there were the email issues – I changed my address and forgot to mention it . . . I once asked Steve Egginton (Mendip Times Director) what I should do if I run out of wild foods to write about. He replied “start again”. Well, given that most wild foods grow again every year this seemed like sage (!) advice.

Whilst I may have written about certain wild foods a number of times, their importance culturally, ecologically and historically cannot be overstated and bears repeating. Plus, looking back on old words in the light of new understanding is only a good thing.

My June article of 2008 on Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a case in point. The usual background with its long history of medicinal and culinary uses, ecology, habit and form were duly covered. Its medical use has since been cast into some doubt, a good illustration of how new research can add to our knowledge over time.

Writing these stories has given me great joy and I hope you have enjoyed reading those words too. I also hope you will join me in thanking Steve, Mark, Annie and the whole team past and present for giving us the Mendip Times, telling our communities’ stories and bringing us that bit closer together over the past 20 years. Thank you for letting me be part of the story.

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

Space to grow

SUMMER’Shere, and everything is planted up. Yet there are so many new sowings to find space for. Always one is looking ahead for opportunities to replant and enjoy harvests later in the year. One way that space opens up is through plants finishing their harvest season.

Lettuce is a top example. During June the March and April plantings will mature and finish. So unless you start more plants in early summer, salad supplies run low. My outer leaf picking-method helps, by prolonging plant life.

Until early July, we are still picking leaves from the plantings of March, which have been super productive. Then they rise to flower and finish.

For midsummer harvests, I find that sowing lettuce by 1st June works well, to ensure continuous harvests through summer. Then make one more sowing in the middle of July, to see you through autumn with regular picking.

Another simple way of finding space in the garden is to redefine companion plants. They are any which allow their neighbours to have sufficient light and moisture for steady and healthy growth. This allows many options.

Companionship is also about spacing plants as closely as possible, either through multi-sowing, or intersowing and interplanting. It’s about having close neighbours that allow growth. You don’t need long lists of plants that like or dislike other plants.

Interplant and intersow means starting new transplants/seeds in between existing and larger plants, which soon will finish and be cleared, allowing the new plants space to grow.

An example in June is if you have a bed of carrots, harvest a few around solstice time, enough that you can transplant Brussels sprouts or kale. Then keep harvesting more carrots as the brassicas continue to grow.

My viewers on YouTube often tell me about the complicated advice they see elsewhere about feeding and fertilising. I do none of that because it's simpler and quicker with the inch or so of compost spread during winter, combined with no dig.

The biological network is undisturbed, soil is strong and can find links to plant roots so they find the food needed. Only if you grow in containers, this does not apply because of the limited root run.

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

Comfrey

Garlic harvest

Community + Hub

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

Charity night at Tucker’s

Boogie in the Barn

THE Tucker’s Grave Inn at Faukland has been praised after hosting a charity concert and buffet in aid of local teenagers and adults with learning difficulties.

Members and supporters of the SWALLOW charity were among the 140-plus people to enjoy Boogie in the Barn, a seven-piece band from Bath, who played a selection of well-known-songs.

The event was supported by the National Lottery and raised over £1,000 for SWALLOW. There was also a fantastic buffet feast provided by Tuckers Grave.

Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF.

T: 01225 962669

E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk

Bev Craney, Chief Executive of SWALLOW said: “It was a wonderful event, with a brilliantly vibrant atmosphere, the Boogie in the Barn band played some toe tapping tunes.

“People danced from the beginning of the night until the very end and the food and venue were great. Thank you to everyone involved.”

CELEBRATE THE START OF SUMMER AT TUCKER’S

Sat May 31st The Jamestown Brothers 8.30pm

Fri June 6th D State 8.30pm

Sat June 7th Turnette Doone 8.30pm

Sat June 14th Old Farts Somerset Tractor & 4 x 4 charity event 9.30am

Sat June 14th Karport Collective 8.30pm

Fri June 20th – Sunday 23rd – Tuckers Big Balloon Bask

Fri June 20th Be Like Will 8.30pm

Sat June 21st Paper Jam 8.30pm

Sat June 28th The Groove Jacks 8.30pm

NEW FOR THE SUMMER

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 board!

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SUNDAY FROM 2PMIN THE PARLOUR/GARDEN (weather permitting) Venue Hire • Camping • Holiday Cottage

Food available Sunday afternoon from 1pm

Hartley’s Café Bistro –a haven on the Mendips!

WHAT a wonderful place to be – on the Mendips in the summer and even better a visit to Hartleys Café Bistro.

Established for more than 16 years at Rookery Farm, Binegar, Hartleys have a great reputation for amazing breakfasts with weekend special dishes chosen from around the world such as kedgeree, king scallops, devilled kidneys, breakfast kebabs, nasi goreng even Piperade Basquaise from the Basque country in Spain.

Lunch has the same clever focus on using local meat, vegetables and salads. The smoked salmon and prawn or smoked chicken Caesar are a work of perfection. Their menu encompasses fresh fish, steak au poivre, home made pies and soups and such an amazing array of desserts.

Hinge all this with great coffee, a very good wine list, local ciders and beers and you’ll think you are in heaven.

Hartley’s Café Bistro

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Great Breakfast – choices, drinks & juices

Lunch – locally sourced produce, fully licensed

Afternoon Tea – with jam & scones, finger sandwiches Amazing Sunday Lunch – four roasts & much more

Open Wednesday –Sunday 9am –4pm

Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL

info@hartleyskitchen.com 01749 841718 • www.hartleyscafebistrot.co.uk

Enjoy adventures in food this July

THE Somerset Food Trail Festival – a countywide celebration of the best sustainably produced food and drink –returns this summer from July 18th-27th!

The ten-day festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s most exciting “adventures in food”, from electric bike cheese safaris to pop-up feasts and foraging walks.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is an “open farm” and farm-to-fork showcase that puts the spotlight on Somerset's leading nature-friendly farmers and producers and the chefs and retailers who support them.

It celebrates sustainable producers of all sizes, from farms to allotments, artesan food and drink producers to community growing groups, offering good value days out for all the family –and, of course, plenty of delicious food.

talks, tastings and farm tours (many of them free) as well as the famous 30-Mile Feast Challenge in which 90% of the food provided is sourced locally.

Around 40 venues organised 30-Mile

There is a huge variety of food-focused events for every age and budget, including

Feasts for the last festival and this year there's talk of a One-Mile Feast and even a 30-Yard Feast!

Kate Hughes, a regenerative farmer on

Exmoor and the new chair of the Sustainable Food Somerset charity that organises the festival, said: “The festival is a crucial opportunity for farmers and local food and drink businesses to showcase the fantastic work they do to deliver sustainable, quality produce to the people they care most about – the consumers on their doorstep,

“Supporting local suppliers boosts local economies, reduces food miles, improves health outcomes and bolsters food resilience – while having fun at the same time.”

The full line-up of activities will go live on June 15th on www.somersetfoodtrail.org. Events fill up quickly so sign up to the newsletter and follow them on Instagram (@thesomersetfoodtrail) and Facebook (@somersetfoodtrail) to be the first in the know.

Warriors are very civil as they take over the palace

A CIVIL War weekend with the Wardour Garrison was held at the Bishop's Palace in Wells.

Arts hub wins funding

EAST Harptree’s newly-founded Arts Hub says it’s delighted to announce it was successful in its applications for funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants and East Harptree Parish Council.

It says this means it can continue its work over the next two years and develop its vision for bringing arts to local people.

It has two new artists in residence, Amy Hutchings and Emma Powell. The project supports two artists in the form of a free studio space for a year, and at the same time facilitates engagement between them and the local community.

To kick off the artists’ time, the Arts Hub hosted a brunch in East Harptree Theatre, with an open studio, cakes, bacon butties, tea, coffee and family friendly art and craft activities.

The event was bustling, with a turnout of more than 80 people of all ages and visitors got stuck into activities coordinated by the new artists.

This year The Arts Hub has a really exciting schedule of art outreach projects, from social prescribing workshops partnering with Harptree Surgery, to art workshops with local primary schools, and a new project of workshops for new mothers.

The Arts Hub will also be part of the Big Arts Weekend at East Harptree Theatre, returning again after the success of last year’s weekend of art and workshops from November 7th-9th.

(Photos courtesy of Meg Lovell)

Artist inspired by the streets of Bristol

IT has been said that the artist Barrington Tabb (1934-2022) was to Bristol what L.S. Lowry was to Salford. His was a unique artistic talent, a Member of the Royal West of England Academy (RWA), whose instantly recognisable paintings of Bristol, his beloved home city, could be found in the private collections of David Bowie, the Marquess of Bath, and many others.

Born into a working-class family, Tabb lived his whole life in and around the Bristol area. A chance meeting with a French artist who was painting a view of Christmas Steps when Tabb then 13 was enough to convince the young boy that art was where his future lay.

But the realities of life intervened and he went on to become an engineering inspector in a bus factory, his artistic ambitions taking a back seat. He began painting in his spare time developing his distinctive style largely without formal training, allowing his creative voice to flourish freely over the years.

In Tabb’s hands, thickly encrusted strokes of oil paint capture scenes of everyday life in Bristol’s streets, railway sidings, pubs and parks. Strongly influenced by French Post-Impressionism and Primitivism, Tabb’s portrayal of Bristol’s urban landscape is more

than mere topography, each scene is imbued with emotional depth and a powerful sense of place; less about how the city looks than how it feels.

Barrington Tabb remains a significant part of the city’s artistic heritage. His legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, reflecting a true mastery of capturing the spirit of place through his unique, self-taught vision.

With HENRY MICHALLAT

Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival

HUNDREDSof people took the arts trail around Cheddar for the tenth anniversary Cheddar Arts Fringe Festival, which raised £1,400 for charity.

There were impressive displays of arts and crafts at 13 different venues, representing the work of more than 30 artists and crafts people, as well as various workshops.

The trail supported various charities –Sightsavers, Medicins sans Frontieres, Cheddar Youth Trust, Cheddar Food Bank and Cheddar-based charity The Space.

There was a wide range of arts and crafts

Ella Phillips –ceramics Tim Large –photography

Sara Parsons (left) Adam Clutterbuck and Jude Painter

Mim Archer –ceramics

Tehmina Bowen-Roberts –needle-felted sculpture

Val Naden –collage and mixed media

Bristol’s new Lord Mayor Body art

HENRY Michallat, a valuer and auctioneer at Clevedon Salerooms, is the new Lord Mayor of Bristol. His Consort is Joshua Lickley.

Henry was born in 1998 and raised in north Bristol. His greatgrandfather, François Michallat, came to the United Kingdom in 1908 and later settled in Bristol during the 1920s.

His grandfather, a proud Bristolian, ran an antiques business from the heart of Clifton and, in 1979, purchased the iconic Clifton Observatory, which Henry’s father restored until retiring in 2015.

Henry said: “It is a privilege to handle historic artefacts, many of which have a direct connection to Bristol's past.

“Among the most memorable items I have encountered are a pair of ceramic plates rescued from the former Mansion House on Queen Square during the Bristol Riots of 1831, and paintings by some of our city's most celebrated artists.”

Exquisite prints show in Paulton

RESIDENT artist and picture framer Carrie Osborne at Swan Artworks in Paulton, will be displaying her linocut art for the month of June at their studio workshop at Old Mills Trading Estate.

Carrie's work is inspired by nature, mythology and archaeology, often featuring birds and trees with a leaning towards symbolism. The prints are all painstakingly hand carved and printed using a beautiful antique bookpress. l Visitors welcome to drop in to see the artwork or for your bespoke picture framing queries between 9.30am –3.30pm Monday to Friday or by appointment on Saturdays.

Carrie Osborne at work

The Beltane Gaelic May Day festival was held in Glastonbury, marking the beginning of summer.

S TOKE S T . M ICHAEL

Sally’s story

SALLY Stamp made this tribute outside the houses that her great grandparents built for their family in Stoke St Michael. This is her story:

“During the war my grandparents took in two evacuees Ronny and Johnny Horsecroft from Dagenham. They thought they were getting a girl but got two boys.

“My grandfather was in the home guard as was great uncle Reg who lived in the end house. He and great aunt Beattie housed Albert Horsecroft and their sister stayed with Pam Swain in the village.

“Aunty Betty was a land girl, uncle Gerald in the army and aunty Peggy in the Wrens. My mother sadly died this year just short of her 91st birthday. She was still in contact with the evacuees until their recent passing. I am now in contact with Pam.

“I made this small tribute outside the family house for VE Day.”

C HEDDAR

The gates of St Andrew’s Church, Cheddar were decorated by Pam Bell and friends.

W RINGTON

Y ATTON

PRIDE in Paulton members Gail Garlick and Jane Haley made these five Bollard People to represent service personnel.

Val Curtis, Jo Young and Ruth Batchelor from Paulton’s Knit and Natter group created five post box toppers, while Paul and Haley Shackleton made a large V filled with red poppies on the War Memorial.

Elaine Emery and Helen Kerr on the bar

Shepton Mallet Big Band

Village quiz

The knitting ladies of Chilcompton decorated the bridge over the stream to celebrate VE day

P AULTON

R ADSTOCK S ANDFORD

P RISTON

C OLEFORD

Pupils admire WW2 memorabilia loaned by villager Martin Smith, a collector

BISHOP Henderson Primary school hosted an afternoon tea party for some of the village’s elder residents, with pupils singing and reciting poetry.

Enjoying scones and tea in the playground

Woodpecker Class

W ANSTROW

Villagers enjoy the gettogether on the

Pam Dawes, aged 99 and the oldest resident of Wanstrow, is pictured (seated) with Roy Pate and Janet Bramble, the longestliving villagers. Pam, originally from Dorset, worked as a welder during the War, in Earls Court

Militaria collector Ian Cary-King, of Briatol, with Dr Angela Dent

village green

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

New shop in Winscombe

FRIENDS, Kayleigh Kennedy and Hannah Tzalas, have opened K & T Pet Supplies in Winscombe. Both live in the village and have children at local schools. Both also share a love of animals.

They said: “The village doesn’t have anything like it, so we saw an opportunity to do this.” They stock a wide range of wellknown brands and products.

New appointment

NFUMutual North Somerset and Chew Valley Agency has announced the appointment of Niamh Burge as the new High Net Worth Account Executive for the agency.

It says this move reinforces NFU Mutual’s commitment to offering exceptional, face-to-face service for clients, with Niamh bringing a deep local community understanding to the role.

Niamh said: “I’ve grown up here, I live here, and I care deeply about this community. That local knowledge means I can spot the little details that matter when it comes to protecting your home, your belongings, and your lifestyle.”

Who

a woman nowadays?

THEUK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers has significantly impacted the interpretation of the Equality Act 2010, particularly concerning singlesex spaces and services. The Court unanimously determined that the terms “woman” and “sex” within the Act refer exclusively to biological sex, not gender identity or legal gender recognition certificates (GRCs).

Implications for Women Preferring Female-Only Spaces

This ruling affirms the legal basis for maintaining female-only spaces—such as toilets, bathrooms, changing rooms, and shelters—exclusively for biological women. Service providers and institutions can lawfully restrict access to these spaces to biological females if such measures are a “proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim,” such as ensuring privacy, dignity, or safety.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued interim guidance indicating that trans women, being biologically male, should not use women's facilities in workplaces or public services, and vice versa for trans men. However, the EHRC also emphasizes the necessity of providing appropriate facilities for trans individuals to prevent discrimination.

Impact on Female-Only Sports Teams

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, several UK sports organisations have revised their policies:

• The Football Association (FA) has banned transgender women from participating in women’s football at all levels, effective June 1, 2025.

• England Netball and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have implemented similar bans, citing the need to preserve fairness and safety in women’s sports.

These policy changes align with the Court’s clarification that “woman” refers to biological females under the Equality Act, allowing sports bodies to lawfully exclude trans women from female-only competitions.

Legal Recourse for

Women

Women who feel their rights are infringed upon due to the inclusion of trans women in female-only spaces or teams may have legal avenues for redress. Under the Equality Act, they could argue that such inclusion constitutes indirect discrimination against biological women, particularly if it compromises privacy, dignity, or safety. Legal experts suggest that institutions must demonstrate that any inclusive policies are a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim to defend against such claims.

Summary

The Supreme Court’s ruling has reinforced the legal foundation for female-only spaces and services, emphasizing biological sex as the determining factor under the Equality Act. While this provides clarity for institutions and service providers, it also necessitates careful consideration to ensure that the rights of all individuals, including trans people, are respected and that appropriate accommodations are made to prevent discrimination.

EDWARD LYONS

Gall iford Tr y and No rth So mers et Counc il wi ll be ho st ing a ‘M eet The Con tra cto r’ ev ent from 4:30pm t o 7:30pm on Wednes day 18 June at B anw ell Village Hall

The drop-in event will be an oppor tunity spea k to G alliford Tr y a nd lear n m ore a bo ut the bypass and its c onstruc tion. We look for ward to se eing yo u there.

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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.

Variety adds up to a successful career for Annie

RURALsurveyor Annie Haxforth has just gained her surveying qualifications and earned the right to put MRICS after her name.

She joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt in August 2022 and is based at the Redhill office where she undertakes a range of professional work, predominantly comprising Red Book valuations and planning applications together with grant and agency work.

It has been a busy time on the studying front for Annie, who passed her CAAV exam last autumn enabling her to put FAAV after her name.

She joined GTH after graduating with a Masters in Rural Estate Management from the Royal Agricultural University.

Aid for Africa

Kay, a farmer in Rwanda

THE charity, Ripple Effect, is offering the chance to learn more about its work in rural Africa at an event at Weare Church Room, Axbridge on Thurday, June 5th, 10.3012.30pm. It’s offering coffee, cake and conversation, with the chance to meet volunteers and staff.

Ripple Effect works with the poorest and most vulnerable communities in rural Africa who face extreme poverty and hunger and the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.

Details: rippleeffect.org/cake

New nursing role

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance has introduced a new role to strengthen support for critically ill and injured children and their families. Jo Petheram is Lead Nurse for Children’s Care.

With 12% of ambulance patients being children, it says this innovative appointment champions the needs of young patients and aims to improve the scope and quality of their care.

Jo said: “This role allows me to focus purely on supporting the children and families cared for by our service and fill in any gaps about their care.”

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk

Summer adventures

THE Youth Adventure Trust, based in Somerset and Wiltshire, has launched a new campaign, Unlocking Adventure, which aims to fund 10,000 hours of outdoor adventure for vulnerable young people this summer.

It says it uses nature and challenge as powerful tools to boost confidence, build resilience, and support mental well-being and that every £4.63 unlocks one hour of supervised outdoor experience.

Chief executive, Mark Davey, said: “If you have ever spent time outdoors - walking, camping, doing activities - then you will know how powerful it can be.

“Every hour spent outside, funded through Unlocking Adventures, will give a young person the chance to realise they can achieve more than they think they can.

“Many of the young people who come to us are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or challenging home lives. They need support, positive role models and a chance to discover their own potential.”

The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity working with vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16 years old from Somerset and Wiltshire, with all programmes provided free of charge to those who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations.

Details: www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk/unlockingadventure/

Theatre tickets

CHARITY Theatre Trips, which support the Red Cross, are now booking for shows in July at the Bristol Hippodrome.

Their latest ticket reservations are for The Bristol Light Opera Company amateur premiere of ‘Les Miserables’ and the new highly highly-praised production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.

In October the Welsh National Opera are in Bristol for the opera ‘Tosca’.

Details: www.charitytheatretrips.com

Charity cyclists

MOREthan 200 cyclists took to the roads for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s annual Coast to Coast cycle challenge, part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities took part, choosing either the 55-mile route from Watchet to West Bay in Dorset, or a shorter 11-mile ride from Drimpton to West Bay.

Supporting young people

BASED in the heart of the Cheddar Valley, The Space is a local mental health charity supporting the wellbeing of children, young people and their families through early intervention and creative therapies.

Over the years, they have grown into a vibrant, community-rooted organisation. Their services now include: Counselling, art and play therapy – delivered by qualified professionals in safe, welcoming spaces; a weekly youth club, attended by 40–50 young people each week; a thriving community garden and allotment.

Soon they will be working with Coffee at the Hub in Cheddar to extend their reach even further into the heart of the community.

They say: “Our focus is on early support, reducing the stigma around mental health and helping children and young people build stronger minds for brighter futures. We also offer space for parents and carers who may need support themselves or in supporting their young people.

“We couldn’t do this without our incredible volunteers, supporters, and local partnerships. Whether you're greenfingered, good with a paintbrush, or just have time to listen –there’s a place for you at The Space.”

They are currently looking for a self-employed therapist.

Details: www.thespacesomerset.org.uk

Party time

CHEDDARVale Lions Club held a tea party for senior citizens at Shipham village hall, providing transport for those who needed it.

They said: “What an amazing day enjoyed, not only by the participants who left with smiling faces, but very rewarding for our members and helpers.”

The club’s new memory café has proved successful and they plan to hold one every month.

Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

It’s in the bag

MARTINNelson from Nailsea was one of 18 cyclists who covered 300 gruelling miles in three days over the Bank Holiday. Their sponsored ride, known as “The Tour de Balls”, was in aid of local charity “It’s in the Bag”, raising awareness about testicular cancer.

The riders said it had been hard work, but immense fun. They started in Westwood Ho!, North Devon and ended in Frampton Cotterell, taking in much of Mendip along the way.

A highly-appreciated tea stop for the riders and support team was arranged at New Manor Farm café near Bishop Sutton. There to welcome them were Mendip Times writers, Sue Gearing and Les Davies.

Sue’s son-in-law, Mike Jacobs, and daughter-in law, Katie Gearing, were part of the cycling pack. The charity is celebrating its tenth birthday.

Details: www.itsinthebag.org.uk

The start

Charity appeal

HOMELESScharity Julian House has launched an appeal to secure future life-saving projects in the face of surging costs.

The Bath-based charity operates more than 40 different projects, accommodation sites and social enterprises across the South West.

It says funding uncertainty and the increase in employers’ contributions to National Insurance are putting the charity’s services under pressure.

Helen Bedser, chief executive, said: “Rough sleeping is only the most visible sign of a problem in our society. The signs of someone’s struggle may not always be obvious.

“Hidden homelessness, addiction, trauma or abuse is just as devastating for those experiencing it – and harder to tackle.”

Despite the rising number of people in need of support, Julian House is warning that its future funding is at risk while the government considers its long-term spending plans.

Details: https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/

Café’s runaway success

THE Strawberry Line Café, based in the old station building at Yatton Station, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and has grown from a staff of six to 28!

It acts as a training centre for young people with disabilities and additional needs from across the North Somerset area.

They prepare a wide range of food, popular with commuters, local people and visiting groups, using local suppliers. The café has recently moved into outside catering.

For the last five years it has also run a very successful cycle hire project using the old Strawberry Line from Yatton to Cheddar.

The wide range of bikes and tricycles are suitable for cyclists of all abilities and their qualified mechanics can give training and carry out repairs.

It provides one-to-one sessions for youngsters from schools and residential homes and others with health issues. Some groups travel from Bristol by train. Some holidaymakers make the return trip cycling from Cheddar!

The project is overseen by Sally Wilcock, who has worked with people with learning disabilities, and Virginia Loader, who has a background in catering and care work.

They said: “It’s great to see how our young staff develop their skills.”

International effort

WATERSurvival Box UK members were among 200 runners who took part in the 2025 Run4Water event in Lucerne, Switzerland to raise funds for Water Survival Boxes to be sent to families displaced in future disasters.

The event was organised by the (Rotary) E Club of Central Switzerland in partnership with the Swiss Water Survival Box charity. During the past nine years the Swiss charity has funded half of some 5530 Water Survival Boxes sent to 56 disasters in 42 different countries.

In early April three members of the Swiss WSB charity visited the UK Water-Survival Box depot at Midsomer Norton to meet trustees and pack a number of boxes ready for the next disaster.

They have also been working to build links with the local community. On August 24th they will be holding their third Vintage Rally and Family Fun Day, with vintage buses collecting people from local residential homes.

The café is open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-4pm. Bikes are available seven days a week 10am4pm.

Details: www.strawberrylinecafe.co.uk

The combined Swiss and UK teams

Volunteer Mark Griffiths, Virginia Loader and Laura Hancock who is on vocational placement

The history of local point-to-point races

Ourrecent coverage of point-to-point at Ston Easton prompted local historian Bob Powell, from Chewton Mendip, to search through his collection of old postcards. He’s been researching the history of the races.

POINT-to-point has been held around Chewton Mendip since the early 19th century. Local horse racing probably started with two local farmers boasting how fast their steed was in the local ale house.

And then a challenge was thrown down who had the faster horse. As there was no proper race track, they would race from village to village. The most prominent point in each village would have been the church tower. Point-to-point is where we get the name steeple chase.

In 1852 the first date of racing at Chewton was confirmed by a report of the local fox hunt running across Chewton race course during a race!

Racing at Chewton took place on the north side of the downs and later moved to land on the south side. The downs would have given the crowds shelter in the month of April. If the weather was fine many spectators would sit on Chew Down and get a grandstand view of the racing.

As the races were held close to Chewton village the old Waldegrave Arms inn that stood in the centre of the village would be the place that the punters would end the day to celebrate or drown their sorrows depending on their luck on the day.

Each year a charabanc would bring about 20 plus large policemen from Bristol to keep law and order. They would march up Coles Lane to the race field with truncheons held high. But when the racing finished they would join the

rest of the crowd in the pub for a drink!

I remember Ken Church, the village postman, telling me his father, a local handyman, would have glass cut ready to replace windows in the old inn the next day.

By 1932 the race course moved to Nedge Hill on the Wells Road and became a much more organised affair. A lot of people would arrive by car or the Bristol/Wells bus service. There would be dozens of motor bikes and pedal cycles left in the hedgerows by the race course.

In the 1950s cars had to pay to enter the 10s, £1 or £2 enclosure. If the weather was very wet the field entrance became a quagmire and the local tractor drivers did a good trade pulling the cars out.

The car drivers would be sat in their cars waving £1 notes out of the window to get pulled out first. The Chewton Mendip policeman, PC Casey, would be on duty to control the traffic entering and leaving the field.

In later years the event moved to land near the Castle of Comfort Inn on the Mendips for about three years before moving to its present site on the A37 at Ston Easton.

Back in the 1950s some of the race winners received not only a silver cup but also 20 gold sovereigns, worth £1.10s then, now £10,000-£12,000!

The point-to-point event being held at Ston Easton each year is only about a mile distant from the race course held at Chew Down in the early 1800s. The old name that stood for 150 years, the famous Chewton Races, is now lost in time!

Chewton Mendip High Street in 1900. The old Waldegrave Arms on the left was demolished in 1935

College holds a night of celebration

STRODE College celebrated the outstanding achievements of its 2024 student cohort with an inspiring awards evening at Strode Theatre.

John Revill, Principal and Chief Executive, commended the students for their determination and growth.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of a new accolade, The Eavis Award for Young Local Talent, which aims to nurture the next generation of musical talent in Somerset.

Details: www.strode-college.ac.uk

A new era for sixth form at Downside

IN December 2024, Bishop Bosco MacDonald officially opened Downside School’s new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre – a transformative space designed to enrich both academic and personal development and since then the centre has gone from strength to strength!

Flooded with natural light and overlooking serene gardens, the centre offers an inspiring environment where pupils can study, relax and connect. With dedicated areas for independent work, socialising, and even a full-size snooker table, it strikes the perfect balance between focus and community.

The design encourages a growing sense of independence, a key part of Sixth Form life at Downside.

A highlight of the project is its bespoke furniture, crafted by Home of Huckleberry, a design company founded by a Downside alumni Matt Podesta. Once a pupil learning carpentry at the school, he has now returned to shape the centre’s aesthetic with elegant, functional pieces that honour Downside’s heritage while meeting modern needs.

The centre also reflects a deeper evolution in Sixth Form life. As pupils transition into young adulthood, the teacher-pupil relationship becomes more collaborative. Lessons are increasingly discussion-based, with pupil voices playing a vital role.

With this maturity comes greater responsibility – pupils are expected to manage their time effectively, take ownership of their learning and seek opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

Ultimately, the new Sixth Form Centre is more than a building; it’s a symbol of Downside’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, independent individuals. It provides the space, tools, and environment for pupils to thrive – today, and as part of a lifelong community.

Stainsby’s Shaft –Mendip’s deepest mine

Rob Taviner

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.

VISITORS walking from the Blackmoor Reserve car park at Charterhouse towards the causeway road will have noticed a large, fenced mineshaft situated beside the footpath.

Named after the company’s manager and treasurer, Peter Stainsby, this was the deepest of four shafts sunk by the Mendip Hills Mining Company in the 1840s in search of lead and silver they believed existed beneath the “old man’s” workings. Dating mainly to the 17th century, these rarely exceeded 30m in depth.

Stainsby’s main shaft was sunk using Cornish mining techniques, with platforms and winching equipment installed at stages to aid progress. Research by local caver and historian Chris Richards discovered that the Cornishmen drove two horizontal levels, the first of which was at 33m (108 ft), where large stones of lead were discovered.

Optimistic reports were published to encourage investors and, most excitingly for modern cave explorers, it was stated that a “cavern” had also been entered. Later reports stated that Stainsby’s Shaft reached an impressive 108m (355 ft) with a second level being driven horizontally at 69m (226 ft). This level apparently broke into a continuation of the cavern previously entered.

Sadly, for the Cornishmen, results were not as productive as had been hoped. The mineral vein, at depth, did not contain any significant lead content, and, for all its early promise, the deep mining venture ultimately failed. However, all was not lost for the company, as it was quickly realised that the huge piles of mining waste left behind by earlier miners still contained quite a high percentage of lead, which, using more modern techniques, could be extracted at a profit.

Large volumes of water were required to wash the valuable material from the spoil, so wooden troughs, known as “launders”, were built to carry water across from the adjacent Longwood valley. Traces of this re-smelting operation can still be seen in places. Once used, the water was allowed to flow away into old shafts and natural swallets.

Unfortunately, the water, which was heavily contaminated with lead and arsenic, reappeared in Cheddar just a few hours later, and negative effects were soon noticed down at the fishponds and along the course of the Cheddar Yeo. Fish and livestock perished, and in 1848 an angry mob marched up the hill with firearms and smashed the launders to pieces.

A court case followed, but as no individuals could be identified, the Hundred of Winterstoke was successfully sued instead. The company did subsequently take preventative action and spent considerable sums to stop the water from flowing down the valley. Stainsby’s became the preferred drainage option, and tonnes of material were eventually washed away into the shaft using water supplied by reservoirs built to the north of the modern reserve car park.

Even then, all was not well with the company. Costs had risen, and when the company failed to pay a promised dividend, it emerged that Peter Stainsby had kept it for himself. It later transpired that he had been embezzling money from all of the different mining companies with which he had been involved! This was the beginning of the end for the Mendip Hills Mining Company, and although another company took over operations, by the 1870s, work at Charterhouse had ceased.

Although the potential for caves to extend from Charterhouse all the way down to Cheddar had long been considered a possibility, by the 1950s only a handful of mines and small natural caves had been explored. All that remained of Stainsby’s Shaft was a slight depression in the ground, no different from the many other hollows in the area. However, in 1958, cavers noticed a possible swallet at the foot of a bank beneath this depression and drawn by tales of miners having entered ‘huge caverns’, members of the Mendip Caving Group began digging.

They soon found evidence of an ancient streamway, but when the swallet became too difficult to pursue, their attention switched to the depression above, which they hoped might provide a viable bypass. In the decade that followed, a large square

mineshaft around 12m deep was reopened, which contained plenty of evidence of mining activity and led to a passage which broke into a smaller shaft which was considered older. However, despite these efforts, significant discoveries remained elusive.

That all changed following the Great Flood of 1968 when the huge volume of rushing water revealed several new cave entrances, which had been buried beneath tipped mining spoil. These new swallets encouraged a spurt of activity, and a number of new caves were subsequently explored, culminating in the discovery in 2006 of Upper Flood Swallet, a 4 km long system containing magnificent formations.

With attention understandably focused elsewhere, Stainsby’s Shaft lay largely forgotten, and visits by cavers became rare. However, further research into the activities of the Mendip Hills Mining Company published by Dr William Stanton and Arthur Clarke in 1984, coupled with the knowledge that the shaft must lie close to passages in Upper Flood Swallet, rekindled enthusiasm, and attempts have been made to establish a connection. Explorations have reached the 33m level where the miners stated that the first ‘cavern’ had been entered, and it seems highly likely that the lost caverns must form an as-yet-undiscovered part of the Upper Flood cave system, where staining on some of the formations shows evidence of mining activity.

Next time you walk past the fenced-off mineshaft, just take a moment to consider how different the area is now compared to the industrial wasteland of a century and a half ago and cast your mind to the hidden wonders under the ground, still to be discovered!

Stainsby’s Shaft

MEET Harley, the West Highland Terrier, who is officially “top dog” at the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet.

Harley, aged ten, can regularly be seen patrolling the platform at the heritage line, greeting visitors. The rescued pooch is a worthy and much-loved successor to the line’s former dog, Barney, who passed away last year.

Death of Tom Vowles

TOM Vowles, one of Mendip’s best-known characters, has died from head injuries after a fall while on holiday with his wife Jo in Cornwall. He would have been 60 in August.

Tom was a musician, cider maker, builder, hedger –and Tai Chi instructor. Last year he and Jo realised their dream by opening Hedgers Cider Barn on his family farm at Redhill.

Jo plans to continue the business with the support of their eight children and Tom’s mother Maureen. The barn will reopen on June 5th and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held there at a future date.

Jo asked to thank everybody for their kindness and support.

Cyclists’ donation

FROMECommunity Bike Project has donated £8,500 to Frome's Missing Links project which aims to provide trafficfree routes around the town.

Ruth Knagg, FML trustee said “We thought that they would only be able to cover their own operating costs for a good few years before they would be in a position to donate profits.

“It's utterly marvellous, because we have an ongoing need to raise funds to complete remaining missing sections of off-road cycle paths which will make both riding and walking around Frome much safer and more fun. Thank you so much to everyone involved at FCBP.”

Guard John Cross waves off another train

Harley with owner Elaine

Fireman Callum Hopkins (left) and driver Graham Watton on the footplate of loco 4555

Nature’s winners and losers

By CHRIS SPERRING

BYJune we have reached the halfway point in the year. The bird nesting season is still in full swing for some species. For others it's one brood only then time to moult damaged feathers and move into autumnal mode. One bird that follows this pattern is the long-tailed tit. It is normally an early nester, making its superb dome nest in thick scrub layers.

The nest construction is done using mostly lichen, spider egg cocoons, feathers and moss; indeed it's estimated that over 6,000 individual pieces can make up one long-tailed tit’s nest.

The inside is lined with a thick feathery layer of down. After all this effort, unless the parents can construct the nest in a protective site such as thick bramble or gorse, it is very susceptible to predation. Indeed, it is said that overall there is only a 17% chance of success in substandard sites.

Pairs which fail because of nest destruction can try again, but they can also just stop nesting for that season. However there is third duty they could perform and it has been noted how a failed pair can help a neighbour with rearing their chicks, so cooperation can be practiced between rival pairs.

As early as late March and not normally later than the end of April, six to eight eggs can be laid, with the female incubating for around 18 days until they hatch. The young stay in the nest for a period of 15 days until they fledge.

Once they have left the nest they then follow the parents through the trees or scrub with what seems a confused volley of sound as they continually communicate a mixture of reassurance and alarm calls. So, by the time you read this article, long-tailed tits should have finished the nesting season and will form either family or extended family

Long-tailed Tit

feeding groups.

But, as I said, not all birds have finished nesting and indeed some haven’t even started.

This time last year I was writing about the lack of insects that was affecting the productivity of birds and, if you recall, it was doom and gloom off the Richter scale. However, I can report that this year things are different.

In my garden for example both great tits and blue tits have got their offspring to fledging, whereas last year both failed. The numbers of young fledging are still lower than old records, which indicates there is still an insect problem, however anything is better than last year.

The two pairs of robins are both on their second broods having been successful with their first and, as with tits, they are smaller average broods, yet an enormous increase on last year.

Both wrens and dunnocks have also fledged first broods, but the big losers this year are the blackbirds, with (at the time of writing) the continued warm dry period the ground has become too hard for them to forage for worms easily.

The result is that one pair of blackbirds has just failed with their second attempt at nesting, having already failed with the first. As I always remind people with every weather scenario, there are winners and losers. Indeed, if the weather for dry loving species is with us, can the weather for ducks be that far away?

I’m still available for walks and talks, go to my walks and talks. See my Facebook details below. Just leave me a message and I will get back to you.

Autumn and winter owl walks are very popular, dates for these will begin going live very soon.

Have a great June.

Dunnock

High and mighty –a walk to the top of Mendip

THISis a challenging and very scenic walk ideal for summer when paths should be dry and the weather could hopefully give you a chance to revel in the spectacular views here in the heart of Mendip. It combines several well-known tracks and some lesser ones which link Black Down and Burrington Ham. There is a good deal of uphill work at the start until you reach the highest point on Mendip, Beacon Batch. You may be joined by some of the wild ponies up there. Remember that weather can change quickly up on Mendip so go well equipped and have good boots as many paths are stony underfoot. There is just one stile.

PARK: Park in the car park with trees which is near the bottom of Burrington Combe on the B3134 road, close to Bad Ass bike centre.

START: Cross the main Combe road, B3134 and go up Link Lane, starting the climb.

1. FOOTPATH

Pass cottages and reach a public footpath on the right and take this going along flat with views over Wrington Vale and beyond. It drops slightly and soon turns up left quite steeply. Level out and continue along the edge of the hill in the wood, largely full of laurel, for quite a while. One or two trees have fallen over this winter but were negotiable when I came. Eventually the laurel finishes and it’s not long before the track opens out and you see the very limited remaining ruins of Mendip Lodge on the left.

2. MENDIP LODGE

They are the remnants of an 18th century Italianate country house built by the Rev Dr. Thomas Sedgwick Whalley. It was a summer retreat for his family and where he entertained many of the rich and famous of the day. The lodge was known for its grand design, a state bedroom, mile-long terraces, an enormous veranda and extensive gardens. But all did not end well for the Reverend and he lost his wealth and the house, which was eventually demolished in the 1950s.

Then go on a few paces and turn up left. Shortly, keep your eyes open for a footpath on the right which takes you down to a lower track. Follow this up left and stay on this ignoring any side paths. Our route is still uphill. Just follow the track enjoying the beautiful trees around and eventually continue on the level. When the track divides, go left and immediately turn right on a track heading up Black Down.

3. BLACK DOWN

As you ascend you have on your right the edge of the large Rowberrow forest. Our destination is the trig point on Black Down which is basically up and left. So, after a few minutes, fork off left on a smaller path. At a wide crossing track turn left, levelling out for a bit. Notice an area of new tree planting on the right.

You may see wild Exmoor ponies or a herd of large Devon Red Cattle somewhere up here.

4. GATE

Reach a crossing small stream and stones and go up through a gate onto another area of the hill. Turn right and follow the main track going up. Stop occasionally to enjoy the views and listen to the skylarks. At a fork on the track, leave the main one and bear up left, still climbing. It was here in April that I heard my first cuckoo of 2025 calling from the woodland as well as skylarks above.

With Sue Gearing

5. BROAD TRACK

Eventually, at a broad crossing track go left. There is a smaller track running parallel to the main one. Take either. Soon you may see the trig point in the distance. Stay on the track passing remains of rows of tumps.

These mounds were created in WW2 and lit by beacons as a decoy to give the idea to enemy planes that this was Bristol and also to prevent enemy aircraft from landing. This was one part of an elaborate decoy strategy, designed from January 1940 onwards, to protect urban areas from aerial bombardment.

6. TRIG

Arrive at the highest point on Mendip, Beacon Batch and the trig point at 325m. After enjoying the view and having a bit of a break, continue straight on down on a stony path (not left or right). Go through a gate leading off the hill and continue on the track. After several minutes come to a slightly more open area on the left and a stile leading into a field.

7. FIELD

Head across bearing left towards a pole on the fence line and then follow the path along the fence. Join a stony track and as you go pass a number of platforms and structures which are all part of the longestablished gun club which operates here. Pass two benches. Go through a Bristol Gate and on through another gate before passing the gun club building on the left.

8. MAIN ROAD

Carry on until you pass Middle Ellick farmhouse and reach the main road near the top of Burrington Combe. Cross with care to join the lane opposite, Ellick Road. Before long turn left down Newfields. At the side of the first house on the right, go through a gate onto a path joining the Mendip Ring.

This is a long distance path of 117 miles, in nine legs, using public footpaths and other rights of way to follow as closely as possible the boundary of the Somerset local government district of Mendip and was devised by the Mendip Ramblers. Go on into a field and head across to the far right corner. Come onto Luvers Lane.

OS Explorer 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, ref: 477 589. SatNav BS40 7AT. 6.4 miles, about 3-4 hours walking.

Follow it to the left until reaching a Bristol Gate into a field. Then simply maintain direction along the hedgeline of fields until you come to a gate taking you onto Burrington Ham, a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

This is part of the largest area of common land in the Mendip Hills Special Landscape area (formerly the AONB). As well as specialised limestone grassland and wild flowers, the Ham features dramatic rocky outcrops with 360 degree views of Blagdon Lake, Black Down and the Bristol Channel.

9. THE HAM

Go more or less straight on following a broad grassy swathe. Go over a crossing track and just maintain direction. You get good views right over the valley and my home village of Wrington sheltering under the hill. The path eventually bends left and drops downhill. At the foot, ahead of you is an outcrop of rocks known as Ham Rocks. If you decide to scramble up there you will get amazing views of the valley below including Blagdon Lake and much further afield.

To continue, go to the right of the rocks and immediately take the path left down the side. It bends left below the rocks. Carry on ignoring side paths until you

reach a sign ahead marking the edge of Burrington Camp.

10. CAMP

This is an Iron Age hill fort and before the 20th century was commonly known as Burrington. It was sometimes thought to be a Roman camp and was also associated with the Druids but more recently there is indecision about what the purpose of the camp/fort was – maybe a refuge, a settlement or a secure shelter for livestock. Turn right at the camp and stay on the path until you come into trees and reach a silver birch – the start of a silver birch avenue – an unusual site on Mendip. This is thought to have been planted by a former Mendip Hills Warden, Tom Elkin. The avenue is quite long, uneven under foot, and leads down to a main crossing track.

11. TRACK

It is left now, following the track all the way down to a gate onto a lane/track. Turn left and continue on this, past houses, ignoring a right turn. Eventually come to the road in Burrington Combe and your car park on the left. You may, near the end, spot a small path up the bank on the left which leads directly to the parking area.

MENDIP TIMES OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

I GETthe feeling this year seems to be going by faster than ever. Here comes the sixth month and with it the longest day on June 21st. That very British of discussion topics, the weather, has provided us with some pleasant days recently.

This year’s North Somerset Agricultural Show on May 5th didn’t however measure up to many people’s expectations in terms of the weather. Yes, it was dry and that in itself was a reason for celebration, but there were many people who having turned up in shorts and thin shirts, probably wished they hadn’t.

It was somewhat chilly, but none of this detracted from the enjoyment of the day. Next comes the Bath and West Show, where 20 years ago the first copies of Mendip Times were launched. I still have that first edition in full colour but no gloss. How far they have come since then in promoting the good things about life around the Mendip Hills.

The countryside is a delicate place at the moment with the new generations of wildlife establishing themselves in a new and unpredictable world. The roe deer are at risk as the new-born calves are hidden by their mothers whilst she forages for food.

These youngsters’ only defence is to stay motionless in the cover into which they have been placed. They also have no scent to give them away. Many wellmeaning people may think they have been abandoned and genuinely try and intervene to save the youngster. Any such activity will however lead to the mother abandoning her youngster.

Just as inquisitive dogs can be at risk from adders, so can they cause the young deer to be deserted by disturbing them and leaving their own scent.

Everything is on a heightened level of awareness and whilst looking up from my computer, I have seen through the window

a blackbird pitch into a wood pigeon sat on the wall. No doubt the aggressive blackbird felt the pigeon was getting too close to its nesting area and decided to see it off.

I felt a little sorry for the pigeon, who sitting there with a look that said “the lights are all on but no one is at home” suddenly got “bumped”. The bird I’ve found amongst the most aggressive in defending territory is the little owl.

Old orchards are one of their favourite habitats. The holes in the trees make an ideal nesting site and places in which to hold up. I have been dive bombed on several occasions by irate birds and the look on their face, with their staring eyes, is enough to scare the devil himself!

I talked in last month’s edition of a postwar countryside and how things have changed since then. I still have concerns that we are losing a lot of our countryside to development. The county of Somerset is no longer the rural idyll it once was.

When I visit the Peak District I find that’s far more rural than the West Country. I know that change is inevitable and that someone who owns a new home in the countryside can become dedicated to the cause that theirs should be the last development that is built.

The planners’ fingers are reaching out for more and more each year. What is it I say? “Our past is for our reference and not our residence”. Sometimes it’s hard to stop doing that.

I managed to escape to my wood recently and found the tranquillity I needed. Yes, even I who always maintains that Bank Holidays and weekends are for people with real jobs, find the need to run away and hide on occasions.

The reason for my visit was purely a practical one with the need to replace my ageing and fragile bean sticks. The nest boxes I had put up a year ago were all in use, even my old boot was being used. Such things encourage me to do more and to look at other ways I can improve things.

The feeling of complete and utter peace flows over me when I stand in that wood.

The dappled light coming through the trees, the silence and the calming sense of wellbeing make me realise just how lucky I am. It’s one of the things that our countryside is good at, calming us down in a stressful world.

It’s not just adults who suffer, but the youngsters as well. My granddaughters are suffering from anxiety as they go through the school testing programmes. They are not alone as thousands upon thousands of youngsters go through this hell our adult society has created. Even more of a reason for a return to the slower tranquillity of the countryside.

A big part of the day out has always been the picnic. In recent years it has become the BBQ that’s taken over as the perfect part of the perfect day. As ever there will be those who will leave not only their litter behind, but also the hot coals of the BBQ.

The grass and vegetation can be “tinder dry” and the fire risk high at this time of the year. Please leave the BBQ at home where its use in the garden or on the patio is less of a risk.

This year is also the 60th anniversary of the Mendip Society. If there are any past members, or family of past members who have memories or photos please contact the society –you will see a link in this edition.

Finally this month’s photo is about tranquillity. A young girl sits under the attentive gaze of a cat. That young girl was my mother aged seven or eight years old and sitting barefoot on the grass in the yard at Hales Farm, Tickenham just before the outbreak of war.

Oddly enough there is a black cat that will come over to be made a fuss of in Tickenham churchyard where my mother’s ashes are laid to rest!

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

With LES DAVIES MBE

Blagdon Church and Village fete

Blagdon WI members Moira Betteridge, Tabitha Bird and Judith Swetman, president

The group representing Blagdon Rainbows

Human fruit machine (l to r) Neil Hatherall, Jeremy Bennett and Andrew Bennett

The ladies' turn (l to r) Julie Chamberlain, Kes Joyce and Bev Allen

Myra Emery (left) and Sara Mead on the plants stall

Curtis Casburn hooking a duck

Alan Boyle and Brian Barton raffling off another of Susie Barton’s fabulous homemade cakes

Water, water, water!

FOLLOWINGa record dry spring we must be aware that water is our most precious resource, so we need to use it with care, and only when necessary, in the garden. Knowing when, how and how much water to use is one of the key skills for successful gardening and water conservation. Water is absorbed by the root hairs at the tip of white roots. These are virtually invisible to the naked eye and are so easily damaged, especially when pricking out seedlings, or transplanting bare rooted vegetables. It is worth knowing which plants are more drought tolerant than others, so watering can be focused on those that really need it. Plants with succulent leaves, e.g. sedums, rarely need water as so much is stored in their leaves.

Silver leaved plants are covered in hairs that trap air giving the silvery appearance, and trap moisture. Leathery leaves, as in most evergreens, have a waxy surface that reduces their transpiration rate.

Mediterranean native species often have reduced leaves needing less water e.g. Cytisus (broom), Genista, gorse, lavender, rosemary. Dahlias, daylilies, cannas, begonias and bearded iris all have rhizomes or tubers which can store water, as do bulbous plants.

Growing plants in pots is very labour intensive unless an automatic watering system can be set up, but there are some tips to make it easier. Terracotta pots are porous so can lose moisture through the sides.

To overcome this for summer planted pots cut the bottom off a flexible plastic carrier bag and use it to line just the sides of the pot, leaving the drainage hole free. Fill the pot and plant up as usual, then trim off the excess plastic.

Mulching the surface with gravel or a fine bark will also reduce surface evaporation but make it less easy to see when water is required. Standing pots in saucers for the summer months will catch water that has drained through and

can then be absorbed.

This is especially useful for hostas because it helps reduce slug damage, as slugs will not cross the water reservoir. Many currently available peat free potting composts are poor at water retention, so adding a water retaining gel may help.

When sowing seeds in pots or trays it is best to soak the trays from below by standing in ¼” of water. When the surface looks damp, drain and sow your seeds with a light covering of horticultural vermiculite. Once germinated this method of watering also helps against damping off disease.

When sowing direct in the soil outdoors, take out the seed drill, and then water it before sowing the seeds and covering. This ensures that the seeds are in contact with the moist soil.

Before transplanting any young plants, ensure that they are thoroughly moist, and keep watering until they are established. If the weather is sunny (as it has been recently) covering them with fleece for a couple of days will help them to recover from transplant shock.

Larger plants in pots can be dunked in a bucket of water until the bubbles stop. This ensures that they are thoroughly wet prior to planting, and it is vital to keep the old root ball moist until they are well established.

For spring planted trees and shrubs this is likely to be for the rest of the summer. So, make sure you can get water to them easily. It is for this reason that it is preferable to plant into warm moist soil in the autumn.

Different vegetables need water at distinct stages of their development and an understanding of this helps growers conserve water by only applying it at the critical stage for each crop.

Leafy crops, such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach and root crops e.g. carrot and parsnip need a constant supply of moisture. Beetroot is an exception to this as they are one of the least demanding vegetables to grow, provided they are kept moist during the germination phase.

Potatoes need it when the developing tubers are the size of marbles. Runner beans need it most from flowering time onwards, while French beans are much

more drought tolerant.

To overcome this difference our plant breeders have hybridised the two, resulting in a runner bean that looks and tastes like a runner bean, but has the improved water tolerance of a French bean. The varieties to look out for are ‘Moonlight’, ‘Firestorm’ and ‘Snowstorm’. This is NOT done by genetic modification.

Cauliflowers are the hardest to grow, as they are prone to produce premature curds if they are at all stressed during their production. Ideally, raise them in pots or modules, and keep them watered.

I cannot over-emphasise the value of mulching to conserve moisture, both in the ornamental garden, and in a vegetable plot. The clippings from untreated grass mowings can be used effectively between rows of vegetables. Ideally, water thoroughly before mulching.

Watering is best done in the evening, so the plants can absorb it before the heat of the next day. Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Water butts are valuable, but sadly when water is most needed, they are often empty.

If using a hosepipe, then use a “gun” to easily control the water, without wasting it between pots. Sprinklers are ideal for establishing newly laid turf or seeded areas, but are less effective for ornamental borders where a seep hose, made from recycled tyres, is a better alternative when it can be disguised by the surface mulch.

Keen observation will enable you to tell when a plant is stressed from lack of water, even before the leaves wilt visibly. A slight greyish change in colour may be observed. Some plants, especially grasses and bamboos, roll their leaves to trap moisture, and thus reduce water loss.

Finally, always let a water stressed plant recover, before applying liquid feed or fertiliser.

With MARY PAYNE MBE

J

• Put up hanging baskets for colour and scent all summer.

• Winter flowering pansies and spring flowering wallflowers should be replaced with summer flowering bedding plants now.

• Lift and divide clumps of primroses and polyanthus. Heel them in a shady place for summer and they can be replanted in your borders again in autumn.

• Continue planting out summer flowering bedding plants. Long flowering traditionals like pelargoniums, busy lizzies, petunias and begonias are hard to beat!

• Pick sweet peas regularly so that they are not allowed to set seed.

• Check your roses regularly for greenfly, black spot and mildew. Remove dead flower heads from roses regularly.

• Magnolias can be pruned this month.

• Box hedging and topiary are best trimmed this month. Mix the clippings with lawn mowings to improve the compost you make. Check hedges for nests before trimming them. If there are nests there, delay until fledglings have flown.

• Grow plants with simple, single flowers to encourage insects. Not only are they interesting but they also are food for many other forms of wildlife.

• Don’t rush to tidy up wildflowers after they have finished flowering. Let them spread their seed before you do.

Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Sun 10am-4pm) SERVING BREAKFASTSMon-Fri 9-11.15am; Sat 9-11am; Sun 10-11am; LUNCH12-2.30pm; AFTERNOON TEAS Tel: 01749 841155

Hidden Wedmore

ONCEagain Wedmore will be opening ten Hidden Gardens to delight visitors on the weekend of June 21st and 22nd, 10.30am-5pm, with coffees, lunches and cream teas on sale in various gardens.

There are small, large, newly created or well-established gardens to see and all are delightful and different.

Tickets are £10 each, children free, available in advance from Hector’s Farm Shop or, on the day, from St Mary’s Church and at each garden.

Details: www.theisleofwedmore.net

NGS GARDENS OF THE MONTH –JUNE

Frome Gardens (group)

THESE are five contrasting and exciting secret town gardens with unusual and interesting styles of design and planting complementing each other.

Four are returning gardens: Highclere, a large garden, created by the owner’s parents; 9, Catherston Close where the unexpected awaits the visitor; 61, Nunney Road, a well-cared for garden, has been redesigned from 2020 by a new owner; 1, Tucker Close, a small walled town garden of unusual design planted by the owners with wildlife in mind.

New for 2025 is The Retreat, a large garden with mature trees, a pond, grasses and rockeries, and a small allotment with wild woodland area, including bees.

Address: Frome BA11 4HR.

Contact: Dave & Prue Moon, 9, Catherston Close. Highclere, Mrs Sally Gregory; 61, Nunney Road, Mrs Caroline Toll; The Retreat, Dinah Bardgett; 1, Tucker Close, Bev Revie & Tim Cutting.

Opening dates and time: Sunday, June 15th, 12-5pm. Combined admission: £8, children free. Cash payment for admission & refreshments (card payments taken at 9 Catherston Close).

Standerwick Court

A HIDDENgem near the Somerset/Wilts border, with farreaching views over the White Horse and Cley Hill, this stunning Queen Anne House is nestled in 76 acres of parkland.

Address: Standerwick, Frome, BA11 2PP.

Contact: Mr Guy Monson & Lady Rose Monson

Opening date and time: Saturday, June 21st, 11-4pm. Admission: £7.50, children free. Cashless payment available.

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/

Group visits

Jenny Cruse (centre) with guests

AFTERopening their garden for 15 years on one Sunday a year with cream teas and a brass band raising money for the NGS, Jenny and Bev Cruse decided to scale back and invite groups by appointment.

These ranged from two people to 30 visiting Rose Cottage in East Harptree, raising £325 for the NGS, while teas and plant sales raised £220 for the village church, St Laurence.

GARDEN CENTRE

READY NOW! FANTASTIC SELECTION OF SUMMER FLOWERING BEDDING, HANGING BASKET & PATIO PLANTS –LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM!

AVAILABLE NOW!

VEGETABLE PLANTS, ROSES, SHRUBS, HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, HERBS, HARDY FERNS, ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, HOUSE PLANTS, CLEMATIS & CLIMBING PLANTS

COMPOST, GRO-BAGS, TOPSOIL, HORSE & FARMYARD MANURE, SOIL IMPROVER, AQUATIC SOIL, DECORATIVE BARK, COMPOSTED BARK, GRAVELS, GRITS & SANDS

MELCOURT SYLVAGROW

100% PEAT-FREE COMPOST AVAILABLE NOW!

PLASTIC, GLAZED & TERRACOTTA POTS, TROUGHS & PLANTERS

WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137

Open Mon–Sat 9am to 4pm • Closed Sundays

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

A night to remember

CHEDDARMale Choir is planning a spectacular joint concert with Marazion Apollo Male Choir on Friday, June 13th at St Andrew’s Church in Cheddar.

The programme will feature hits from the musicals, pop classics, stirring spirituals, and timeless male voice repertoire.

They say: “With the combined energy of two accomplished choirs, this promises to be a truly memorable night filled with powerful harmonies and musical magic.”

Door open at 7pm, tickets £10, bar and raffle available.

Details: contactcheddarmalechoir@gmail.com

Shakespeare on the farm

THEstage is set for Wedmore Theatre’s stunning production of everyone’s favourite Shakespeare comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

The talented cast of 22 even includes an appearance by Will Shakespeare himself – in the guise of the lead singer of wellknown local band Loose Covers who are providing all the live songs and incidental music onstage during the show, including fairies’ dances.

The performance will take place on a new purpose-built stage at Wedmore Village Farm and all profits from the show will go to support the important work of the farm.

There will be two performances on Saturday, June 21st at 2.30 and 7pm.

Spanish season

MENDIPConsort of Recorders grew from a few local players wanting to play in a larger group in about 2006.

Some members have studied to a high level at music college and some are music teachers. Joyce Rudall (who is a violinist as well as a recorder player and conductor) took over the baton from Pam Smith in 2007.

Since then they have performed in Exeter Cathedral, Bath Abbey, churches and stately homes around Somerset plus annual concerts in Wells Cathedral. Sometimes they have played with other groups or choirs.

They play the full range of recorders – sopranino, descant, treble, tenor, bass, great bass and contrabass and often play arrangements of choral music which conveniently suit the different sized recorders playing in four or more parts.

This year the theme of their concerts is Spanish music – the piece by T.L. de Victoria – O Magnum Mysterium is especially beautiful.

They invite you to join them on Sunday, June 29th, 3pm in St Andrew’s Church Cheddar BS27 3BS. Entry is free – there will be a retiring collection with proceeds to the church fabric fund.

Film award

SOMERSET Film has launched its fourth Short Film Commission for Young Somerset Filmmakers, for those under 25.

Ideas for a short film – not documentary – need to be submitted by July 14th for the chance to get cash and access to equipment and expertise to make a film.

Details: www.somersetfilm.com/bfi

Afternoon concert

TRINITYSingers, based in Churchill, will present an afternoon concert featuring two celebrated works by the French composer Gabriel Fauré on Sunday, June 8th at St Andrew’s Church, Congresbury.

The Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine are among the best-loved works of late Romantic choral repertoire.

The concert, which starts at 3.30pm is conducted by Andrew Tyrrell, with organist Claire Alsop. Tickets cost £8.

C HEDDAR V ALLEY

W EST H ARPTREE

RBL standard bearers on parade

Time for tea

The Corps of Drums of the Royal Navy Volunteer Band of HMS Heron lead a concert at St Mary's Wedmore

B ISHOP S UTTON

C HEW M AGNA

(Photograph courtesy of Hal Lomax)

M IDSOMER N ORTON

Veterans including RN veteran, John Oakey, aged 100, right

P ENSFORD

Pensford Evergreens

S TREET

W EST H ARPTREE

B ISHOP S UTTON

W INSCOMBE

VE Day shows

SHIPHAM Players are staging shows on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st in Shipham village hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

They are asking everyone to wear period dress and prizes will be awarded for the best costume, with tables laid out in street party style.

A question of sex

By DrPHIL HAMMOND

ASa medical student, I was taught that it was the presence of a Y chromosome that makes you biologically male; you carry it to your grave and anything you later do to your mind or body can’t change that. People with Klinefelter Syndrome are genetically XXY but were told the Y trumped the two X’s making them biologically male.

I met one patient with a rare condition called androgen insensitivity syndrome and gonadal dysgenesis who – despite being XY – looked like a woman. When I asked which toilet he should use, I was told “the one he feels safest in”.

The same applied to men who chose to identify or transition medically and surgically to women, with varying degrees of success. They were also told to use the toilet they felt safest in.

Forty years ago, no-one considered how women felt when the very small number of people who looked male but identified as female chose to use the female toilets. But now it has become a matter of such huge concern that you are considered at fault if you don’t have a public view on the matter, even if that view gets you shot down in flames or ruins your career. There is no research evidence I can find that trans-inclusive toilets are less safe for

Swinton

women. Indeed, if men wanted to harm women in women’s toilets, they are far more likely to just barge in and do it than go through all the trauma of gender reassignment surgery.

Men harming women is a far bigger societal problem, worthy of far greater debate, than what sex and toilet we assign to a man who desperately wants to be a woman. On the list of things that cause harm to women, trans assaults in or out of toilets are lower down than, say, male doctors, MPs or police officers assaulting women.

Assaults on trans people using the toilets their chromosomes dictate they should use are far more common than trans people assaulting others (although there is unpleasant aggression on both sides of the debate).

Clearly many women have had horrible experiences with men and want womenonly safe spaces but as there is no toiletdoor test for a Y chromosome, and the UK has yet to introduce sex-specific identity cards, it is very hard to see how this could be policed.

As a doctor, I have met trans women who have used women’s toilets without issue for decades. It's hard to imagine them switching now. In my view, the toxicity of the debate is the greatest risk to health, followed by treatments with an uncertain evidence base.

People can be as gender fluid or gender uncertain as they like, for as long as they like, but before they consent to lifechanging and irreversible surgery or hormone treatment, they should be fully appraised of the pros, cons and unknowns. And if the unknowns and cons are significant, such treatment should only be available on the NHS as part of a proper trial.

I have met people whose lives have been transformed by gender reassignment, people whose lives have been ruined by it and people who are desperate for help but can’t get it because the waiting lists are so long. The science is uncertain and the resources are

limited, but the hate never helps.

After the Supreme Court’s ruling on biological sex, Sir Keir Starmer no longer believes trans women are women, despite saying as recently as 2022: “A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view – that is actually the law.”

Many younger doctors I speak to, both male and female, don’t agree with Starmer or the Supreme Court. Their view is that trans women are women and denying them that legal recognition will make life harder for all trans people. They argue, why make the lives of a small minority of people who already suffer a lot, suffer even more?

If enough currently practising doctors feel this way, trans people will always have establishment advocates whatever the law says. Whatever side of the fence you sit on, or even if you straddle the fence bewildered and uncertain, the trick is to be kind, particularly to others least like yourself.

As the actor Tilda Swinton, who often gets called “sir” by lift attendants when not wearing make-up, puts it: “I’m not a great believer in identity. I don’t think we should feel all the pressure and pain to identify as one thing or another, with a menu attached.

“Life is way too interesting for that and we are morphing all the time . . . so why not just enjoy all the different landscapes?”

That’s fine, but in most parts of the world, you still have to choose a sexlabelled toilet or changing area. And until we build individual toilet and changing cubicles for everyone, the debate will rage on . . .

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

Tilda

Ask Dr. Hannah

Volunteer drivers wanted

SOMERSET County Council and NHS Somerset are appealing for volunteer drivers. Alan has been a volunteer driver for two years and is retired from the Met police.

He explained why he volunteers: “Keeping busy, feeling like I’m doing something useful. You meet lots of different types of people and I enjoy talking to them and making a positive difference to their day. It’s also really nice driving round different areas of Somerset and beyond.”

Volunteer drivers help people get to medical appointments or those relating to social care. They can claim expenses for their journeys once a month at 45p or 50p a mile.

Alan said if necessary he will help passengers put on their coats and get into the car. He said: “If they are chatty we’ll talk about the weather, TV programmes, that kind of thing until we get to the destination where I help them out of the car and walk with them to the reception area.

“I’ll either wait or I’ll go off somewhere else, it depends how long the appointment is. If I’m going to come back for them, they have my number to ring in case they are early.

“I take passengers all over Somerset and also outside of Somerset, so sometimes I will have lots of shorter trips and

sometimes just one or two longer journeys.

“I always ring the passengers the day before to introduce myself, get any directions I may need and if the appointment has been cancelled this is a good opportunity for them to let us know.”

COURT HOUSE

Mums on the march

WORLDMaternal Mental Health day saw eight walks along the Strawberry Line, stretching from Clevedon as far as Frome, co-hosted by local practitioners who work with mums as part of the Marching for Mothers campaign. It was organised by Kate Cooper, from Winscombe, who runs the White Flamingo, which supports young mums after childbirth. She also runs a group in Shipham called the Bored Mums Club.

Frome

Clevedon

Shepton Mallet

MENDIP TIMES MOTORING

Historic cars shine in the sun

AROUND 160 vehicles took part in the 29th annual Mendip Rally, organised by the Classic and Historic Car Club, ending with a spectacular display on Wells Cathedral Green, The event, which raised money for the Marie Curie charity, attracted large crowds of spectators to the finish line.

Steven and Jo Seward, in WW2 outfits. Steven was wearing his grandfather’s RAF Bomber Command uniform, given to him on release from a German POW camp

The Mayor of Wells, Louis Agabani, was driven in a Rolls Royce. He is pictured with mayoress Mary-Ellen Nowell

Arriving on Wells Cathedral Green

Stewart, of Frome, dusts off his 1934 Armstrong Siddeley after the trip

Peace and love: Shane and Terry Fenton with their 1971 Hillman Imp – powered by a BMW motorbike engine – with two likeminded souls

Anniversary gift

A FITTING70 guests assembled at the Crossways, North Wootton to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Inner Wheel Club of Shepton Mallet.

Guests included members, family friends, Rotarians and some guests from Thailand who were on a Rotary exchange.

The speaker was Helen McCann who spoke about guide dogs and her journey since losing her sight. Helen is president of IWC Mendip Club.

The club presented her with £500 for Guide Dogs, the proceeds of a sponsored walk held last September.

Details: www.innerwheel.co.uk/district-20 www.facebook.com/iwdistrict20

Five year anniversary

BRENT Knoll Community Shop is celebrating five years since it opened during the Covid lockdown and is waiting to hear if it has won the Prince of Wales Award for community ventures.

Run and operated entirely by volunteers, the shop has been able to trade at a profit from day one. Since moving into a new shop building, sales have further increased by 18%.

They now have more than 160 shareholding members and more than 40 volunteers, including five teenagers.

David Sturgess, one of the shop’s founders and now secretary of their community benefit society, said: “This has been a challenging but wonderful journey.

“We hit the ‘go’ button when we undertook a public consultation survey and found strong support for the idea of a community shop.

“Since then, we have built a wonderful team of shareholders and volunteers, who have made our shop the community hub for our village.

“There is no doubt that a conventional commercial shop could not survive, but being entirely run and operated by amazing volunteers, we have proved how a community can fill the gap.”

Tower tours

Philippa Wood being welcomed, with Val and Garry Atterton in the background

THEFriends of Pensford Tower recently welcomed Philippa Wood, the new local community officer for the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), to a special meeting in Pensford’s Old Schoolroom.

Philippa said: “The tower and churchyard are clearly a central place in the village and it was lovely to see how many children and adults were using the site.”

The trust is having a campaign, Celebrate Your CCT Churches, from June 6th-22nd, and the Tower Friends will be supporting this with a tea party on Sunday, June 15th, from 2pm onwards, with tours of the tower, £10.

Details: https://www.ticketsource.co. uk/whatson?q=St%20Thomas%20a% 20Becket

WI skittles match

BISHOP Sutton and Stowey WI enjoyed a friendly skittles match against Blagdon WI at the Stoke Inn and is now planning another event. The Twerzels return to Bishop Sutton on June 6th for another fundraiser, this time supporting Bishop Sutton Primary School PTA.

Details: 07737 255701

Bells restored

THE bells are now up in the tower of St Andrew’s Church, Compton Dundon after restoration and a band of ringers rang a quarter peal which lasted 42 mins which was thought to be the first in the tower.

Hauling the bells and the new bell-frame up into the tower was a test of endurance using hand wound hoists!

It’s thought it may well be over 100 years since the bells have been rung full circle. The dedication is on June 8th, 10.30am.

Parish relief

FOLLOWINGSomerset Council’s decision to close all public toilets, Cheddar Parish Council has announced a legal transfer of Daghole toilets in Cheddar Gorge has now been completed.

It says a full refurbishment and modernisation project will now be undertaken which will provide Cheddar tourists and the local community with clean, modern toilet facilities once again.

The Cliff Street toilets are also in the process of being transferred to the parish council via a lease.

Town’s market plans

STREETParish Council has taken over the management of the weekly Street Market, held every Thursday.

The transition forms part of Somerset Council's asset and service devolution process, which aims to empower local communities and improve the delivery of public services.

The council says it will conduct a formal review of the service after six months, with the intention of developing a long-term market strategy to guide future growth.

Council chair, Bryan Knickerbocker, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance a market that is part of our High Street’s identity and ensure it thrives for many years to come.”

Concert raises funds for cancer unit

A CONCERT by the Mendip Swing Big Band at Camerton Community Hall has raised almost £1,000 for the cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

Teresa Hawkins, who underwent seven week’s treatment at the unit, is pictured presenting a cheque for £950 to Dr Emma de Winton, from the RUH, with Mike Taylor, from the hall committee.

Strode College students with the council's chair and market mascot, Bruno

Lions busy

CITY of Wells Lions celebrated their 50th Charter year, with a dinner with friends old and new, at the Burcott Inn. Lions district governor Kevin Moore presented president Mary Ellis with a certificate of celebration, recognising 50 years of community work.

The Lions also took part in Wells City litter pick and held a successful rock and roll gig in St Thomas’s church, which raised more than £400 for local charities.

Call for help

Signal box special

MENDIP Inner Wheel took over the unusual venue of the signal box in Burnham-on-Sea to hold a sale of books and jigsaws.

The box, which is owned by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, is now used as a pop-up shop and a total of £121 was raised for the Water Survival Box charity.

AXBRIDGEDistrict Rotary Club answered a request for help from a mum in Wolvershill who needed a specialist food processor for her disabled son. They asked King Alfred Lodge in Weston-super-Mare for their support and in just three days the two groups raised the £2,250 needed.

Cheque presentation

Two members, Margaret Gelder (seated) and Irene Mackintosh, International Coordinator, outside the signal box

Mum Toni with son Ollie, aged eight

Bluebell woods

COMPTON Dando’s annual bluebell walk was well supported by villagers as they ambled through the local bluebell woods.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “After a shaky start with the weather the sun came out and we enjoyed a lovely stroll through the bluebell woods.

“Children and dogs came along too and after the walk we returned to St Mary’s Church for delicious homemade tea and cake. Many villagers who did not wish to walk joined the tea party to make a happy afternoon.”

The church now looks forward to welcoming visitors to their weekly Sunday teas which will run until August 25th, including both bank holidays, 2.30-5pm.

Details: Jenny 01761 490727

Frank takes office

Frank Grech

FRANK Grech has taken over as new president of Shepton Mallet 41 Club, succeeding Michael Flack.

Michael has had a very successful year as president and the club has been able to donate more than £1,200 to local charities, including Children’s Hospice South West and The Friends of RUH Bath.

l The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at various venues in the area, the next meeting on 6th June will be at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells to play croquet.

Plant sale

MEMBERS of Stanton Drew WI held a plant sale which was sold out in two hours. Pictured (l to r) Angela Baldwin, Jenny Wall and Pat Jones.

Bookish in Winscombe

CHURCHRoad Book Group in Winscombe is just one of six groups from across the country chosen to shadow the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction.

The 12 women met virtually during the pandemic in a WhatsApp support group, and discovered they wanted to talk about books. They meet once a month in their homes.

Each of this year’s six shortlisted books explore the need for personal freedom and human connection, illustrating the ways in which autonomy, love, and friendship can act as a salve to life’s challenges.

The book they have been asked to read is Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. They will meet the judges in early June to chat about the shortlisted titles before the winner is announced on June 12th.

Some of them hope to attend the Women’s Prize Live event in London.

Details: https://womensprize.com

Somerset Day

Glastonbury Tor

COMMUNITIESacross Somerset and far beyond came together in spectacular fashion to mark the 10th anniversary of Somerset Day, with a record-breaking weekend of events that showcased the county.

Big flagship celebrations were part of a wider programme of over 40 different events across the county, including school flagraisings, historical tours, craft markets, parades and community picnics.

Nigel Muers-Raby, CEO of Passion for Somerset CIC, said: “This weekend has been a phenomenal success and a true testament to the passion and pride that people across Somerset have for our beautiful county.

“To mark our 10th anniversary with such a vibrant programme of events has been deeply moving and we’re already excited about building something even bigger for next year.”

Brain of Nempnett

THE third annual “Brain of Nempnett” quiz saw the village hall packed, with three points separating the top three teams. It raised £280 for Prostate Cancer UK and the Motor Neurone Association.

Popular café

STANTONDrew’s Community Café was set up in the village church of St Mary the Virgin 11 years ago this month.

It’s held on the second Saturday of each month and attracts up to 100 visitors, raising money for small projects in the parish.

Organiser, Anne Bennett, said: “Many of the original helpers still contribute, with several new visitors joining in to help out.”

The Cheddar Gorge team

Bronze medallists

Pictured (l to r) Colin Bennett, Phil Townshend, Liz Richardson, Anne Bennett and Cynthia Miller

PUXTON villagers held a plant and cake sale at Holy Saviour’s Church in Puxton, which raised £250 for the Churches Conservation Trust.

sale

ENTRIES INVITED

Announcement Winchester Farm Machinery Autumn Auction. Entry form on website

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

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

Investment land NR Wedmore Golf Club

Come and have a chat when you see us out and about

I AMreally excited that we have reached the start of the events season and all my team are very much looking forward to being involved in a wide range of village activities. We are always happy to support events and good causes so please let us know if you think we could help with something you are involved in.

The Chew Valley is looking its glorious best and it’s no wonder that buyers are still looking for properties so they can share our lifestyle. They want to experience what it’s like to live in the countryside, but they are also hoping for a vibrant social scene, which our events provide.

The lively timetable of events, starts with the 10k and then goes on through the

summer with flower shows, fetes, beer festivals and art shows in Clutton, Stanton Drew, Compton Martin and Chew Stoke among many others. They provide key landmarks in the Valley’s calendar and do so much to make this such a special and attractive place.

All my team will be at many of those events to soak up the atmosphere and demonstrate that we are fully immersed in the local scene. That’s how we can provide an unrivalled service for our clients, based on a deep and detailed knowledge of every nook and cranny of the Chew Valley.

Don’t worry that you’ll be faced with a hard sell when you come to our stand. Nothing could be further from

the truth. We’re there for a good old natter, to share a drink, get to know one another and give you a chance to put a name to a face. That means if you did, at some point, choose to entrust us with selling your most valuable asset then you’ll know just who you are dealing with.

It will be an opportunity for the most casual of chats, rather than making a formal business appointment. Who knows, it might come in useful even if you are only vaguely thinking about possibly moving house in the future. We will all be happy to give you advice on the process, provide information and answer any questions you may have, so that you can be confident you understand the issues involved.

But above all, we’re there to have a great time, enjoying the range of entertainment put on by armies of volunteers, who do so much to keep going the traditions of village life. It will be great to be out and about, seeing everyone enjoying themselves and being grateful for living in such a wonderful place. I can’t wait!

JOANNA TILEY

Tincknells celebrate their 100th year –this is their history

THETincknells’ story began in 1925 when Robert Tincknell founded the company in Wells to serve the needs of the local farming community with general blacksmith and ironmongery products. In 1934, his son Frank Tincknell joined as a partner, before moving to Glastonbury Road in 1935 where the Country Store remains to this day.

Becoming R Tincknell & Son Ltd in 1948, together they steadily grew the business, expanding into fuel and heating services, Today, under the leadership of Phillip Tincknell as chairman and Diana and Robert Tincknell as directors, both now fourth generation, the company continues to thrive, combining a century of expertise with modern innovation.

Agricultural engineering became its core business in the early days of farm mechanisation before then expanding into fuel distribution in 1953, with its sister company Tincknell Fuels supplying fuel to homes and agriculture and also industry and transport as well.

Tincknells have grown from a trusted blacksmith and farm machinery business into a multi-service company offering fuel, heating and electrical services and even offering selfstorage solutions across the South West.

Its two Country Stores have evolved to provide the general public with a vast selection of products along with expert sales and service and the transition from farm machinery has been a catalyst for construction and property development, realising sites such as Cathedral Park in Wells.

As the world evolves, so does Tincknells – embracing innovation and expanding into renewables and sustainable energy to meet the needs of both our customers and the planet. Tincknells are committed to delivering cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, including solar power and HVO renewable fuel, helping homes and businesses transition to a more sustainable future.

Our goal is to balance progress with responsibility, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining the exceptional customer service and expertise that have defined us for a century.

At our core, we remain a family-run business with deep local roots. Supporting the communities we serve is fundamental to who we are. We actively work with local organisations, particularly in the farming and rural sectors, providing sponsorship, funding, and hands-on support to initiatives that make a real difference.

Whether it’s supplying fuel to agricultural businesses, helping local charities, or investing in projects that enhance the countryside, we are dedicated to giving back to the people and places that have supported us for generations. Through quality, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability, Tincknells is proud to serve as a trusted partner – powering homes, businesses, and communities for today and the future.

Award winners –looking to the future

TINCKNELLFuels’ Gillingham depot has been named UKIFDA Depot of the Year, a national award recognising excellence in the fuel distribution industry. It says the win reflects the hard work and dedication of the team at Gillingham, who have consistently delivered high standards of service and reliability.

The company also acknowledged the vital role of its customers, thanking them for their continued support in helping to make this achievement possible.

As part of its commitment to a more sustainable future, Tincknell Fuels has added solar panel installation to its growing list of green energy solutions. This new offering joins an

established range that includes air source heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers, supporting homes and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.

With renewable energy becoming an increasing priority, the company says it is committed to helping customers make the switch to cleaner, more efficient technologies – all while continuing to provide long-term care and dependable support for traditional heating needs, including oil and gas.

What a brilliant Badminton

WHATa week it has been. I can finally say I have done Badminton both riding there and staying there for the week. I am writing this a week later and I am still suffering from postBadminton blues. I have always wanted to stay the full week at Badminton to experience the whole event but living only an hour away it just seemed easier to drive. Plus, you can then dress appropriately for the weather.

We arrived late on the Tuesday due to my horse Insey preferring as much time in the field as possible. This meant we spent the whole of Tuesday flat out with organising, trying to walk the course and plaiting the horse. We managed to finally have a BBQ about 8pm.

I was fortunate that my wonderful coach Jo May came up on Tuesday to walk the course with me giving me all her years of insight and having competed at 5* level very successfully. Without Jo’s insight I know I would not have been so well prepared.

On my initial course walk the course seemed very technical and had a lot of intensity which could cause a silly mistake. I have ridden at 2* level in the past which is a whole level higher than the 100 championships and it felt like the track was a fair 1m in height but at 2* complexity. I did not get much sleep overnight!

Wednesday soon arrived, as did the crowds. I think it was one of the busiest Wednesdays I have seen at Badminton. Grassroots day is a very big feature now. I

walked the cross country again at 6am, got dressed and prepared the horse for my 8.45am dressage.

Jo May warmed me up and it was wonderful being able to have someone help you and make sure you arrived ready to do your test in your best frame of mind. The test went OK with a few bobbles.

One dressage judge had me on 74% and the other on 65% which is a big disparity. I finally ended up on a 30 exactly which was 70% and had me in 16th.

For the showjumping warm-up, Insey was absolutely wild. Just full of it. I had made a lot of mistakes when preparing for Bicton with her fitness and was determined not to make the same mistakes again so had her seriously fit.

For the showjumping, I never thought I would say this, but the track was a little small. We tapped a few poles going round and this is where it gets complicated. I actually had a pole in the showjumping, and it was marked as clear. There are two judges and a commentator who watch. I just left it and carried on.

The showjumping was 15 minutes late, I was towards the end of the day and had to get changed and make my way to cross country to be on time.

Onto cross country, well it was the ride of my life. Insey was the incredible horse I knew she was and showed everyone else how brilliant she was. To ride round Badminton on a horse I had produced myself from a two-year-old was a thrill. Both Geri, her owner and breeder, and I were beyond thrilled.

Eventually I finished 8th. I had not watched footage and mentally was preparing for cross country, plus I was right at the end of the day and sorting out the most important bit – the horse.

There are things going on in the background to remedy this result so it is correct, which I cannot discuss but I have highlighted the error to the officials. What I do not expect is for people I have known a long time to send me horrible messages and expect that I have not done anything

about the result.

There are several issues with the way results are done and I have been on the receiving end of being given faults in the past when I had not accumulated them. The judge’s decision is final, and you need the time to present clear footage on the day. Anyway, we will see what the outcome is. It is in the hands of the governing body.

The BE90 was won by Somerset local rider Emily Proud on her horse HSF Lobo Royale. You often see Emily out and about competing at local venues such as Mendip Plains.

Thursday saw the start of Badminton 5* with one of the best fields we had seen for years. At the end of the day Tom McEwen was leading on JL Dublin who he had won Olympic Gold on last year with a score of 22.4.

On Friday, the big guns of Oliver Townend on Cooley Rosalent took over that lead with a 21.1 with Gemma Stevens in 3rd on Jalapeno and Ros Canter on previous winner Lordships Graffalo in 4th. It was British domination!

Alex Bragg, who lives in Bridgwater, was riding first timer Ardeo Premier, owned by Debbie and Neill Nuttall who also live locally.

Saturday loomed and at 11.30am it was all systems go with Hampshire based rider Kirsty Chabert as first one on course. It was a sell-out day at Badminton on the Saturday and I heard they had sold 160,000 tickets.

The trade stands were heaving and there was a buzz around the place. Eric Winter, the course designer had set a masterful course, and the ground was amazing showing the work which had gone in by the Badminton team.

It was a brilliant day of competition with the time being appropriately hard to get. Ros Canter was the round of the day and made it look easy. Oliver Townend retained

With LUCY COUNSELL

Winner Ros Canter on Walter

Insey at the Badminton lake

his place at the end of cross country at the top of the leaderboard and Gemma Stevens on Chilli Knight and Austin O’Connor on Colorado Blue rose through the placings due to their rounds inside the time.

Alex Bragg came home clear with some time on ‘Eddie’ which was great to see. Problems were dotted around the course and just one rider fell off in the Badminton Lake.

The showjumping was very exciting with scores all being close. The bogey fence was proving to be fence number one. Ros said it was far away from the entrance and horses were just not being sharp at it. Poor Gemma Stevens had a nightmare with five fences down which saw her drop from 3rd to 15th.

Ros Canter jumped a brilliant clear which put all the pressure on Oliver Townend who could not afford a fence down. Sadly, for Oliver fence 10 fell meaning Ros Canter won on the amazing Walter.

Ros was the first winner of Badminton to regain her title when not competing there last year. Local rider Alex Bragg finished in 16th with just a pole showjumping. A great top 20 finish for him.

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

H Half days and full days | 6 days a week all summer H 10am-12.30pm & 1-3.30pm H All ages from 5-16yrs | All abilities H Half day £52 | full day £104

Summer for the Minis

H Half hour lead rein lessons for under-5s daily H Children must be able to be fitted with a safety helmet to ride H Booking essential

all know it can be a bit of a challenge to get back in the saddle if you’ve not ridden for a while – but we have the answers!

Nunney Horse Trials –a family-friendly event

NUNNEY International Horse Trials returns in June, promising three exhilarating days of worldclass eventing at Southfield House, near Frome.

Firmly established on the British eventing calendar, Nunney attracts top international riders including Olympic medal winners alongside grassroots talent, with nearly 600 horse and rider combinations expected to compete.

The event – running from June 16th to 19th –also prides itself on its family-friendly approach and is set in glorious Mendip countryside.

Organiser Bridget Parker OBE, Olympic gold medallist (Munich 1972), said: “We’re so looking forward to Nunney this year. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the Somerset countryside, watch topclass competition and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Helen West returns as the course designer this year, saying: “It’s great to be back designing the course at Nunney with all tracks a fair test at their respective level making use of the deceptively undulating terrain and are suitable for those stepping up to the level, whilst also having enough to jump for those more established at the level in question, making Nunney ideally

Enjoy close-up action at the event

positioned in the calendar to satisfy a multitude of needs.”

Held with the kind permission of Mrs Angela Yeoman, the event will also feature Friday: Under 18, Under 21 and Pony Trial classes, offering young riders, the next generation of Olympians a platform to shine.

Spectators can enjoy the thrill of cross country in scenic parkland, the accuracy of showjumping in the main arena and the precision of dressage behind the house with a bustling range of exclusive trade stands and local food outlets. Families, picnickers and dogs (on leads) are all welcome.

Home turf success

THEsun shone on another successful race day organised by Wylye Valley Pony Club at Wincanton Racecourse. Entry numbers were high from clubs across wide area and races ranged from the more experienced open races to Shetland racing. Pony club race days are growing in popularity and offer the younger riders an opportunity to experience “real life” racing. Many professional jockeys began their love for the sport at these days.

Throughout the year points can be earned at each pony club race day. Currently, Wylye Valley PC are winning the points league with Archie Bryce sitting in top spot and Gracie in 9th for the 138 ponies across the country.

Wylye had many top 6 placings at Wincanton: l 138 Open Race Archie Bryce & Tickle me Pink: 2nd plus best turned out

l 148 Novice Race Abigail Mehsen & Coco Chanel; 3rd l 138 Novice Gracie Hammond & Cloigen Ryan: 4th

Archie Bryce on board Tickle Me Pink

The race against time –Chew Valley’s weekly ritual

ASthe days lengthen and the evenings grow balmy, a familiar sight returns to the roads surrounding Chew Valley Lake – the determined figures of cyclists, each locked in their own private battle against the ticking clock. For years, the weekly time trials, expertly organised by Bristol South Cycling Club (BSCC), have been a cornerstone of the local cycling scene, a ritual that blends sporting endeavour with a deep sense of history and personal challenge.

The 8.3-mile anti-clockwise circuit, a loop that gracefully weaves through the picturesque villages of Chew Stoke, West Harptree, and Bishop Sutton, provides the perfect arena for this "race of truth."

Unlike mass-start events where tactics and drafting play crucial roles, the time trial strips competition back to its purest form: one rider, one bike, against the relentless march of seconds. Riders depart at one-minute intervals, transforming the quiet country lanes into a stage for individual feats of endurance and speed.

This format, as the history books reveal, has roots stretching back to the late 19th century. When cycle racing on public roads faced legal challenges, innovative cyclists devised a clandestine way to compete. Riding at intervals, dressed in inconspicuous black, and navigating courses known only by code, they raced against the clock in secret, transforming ordinary rides into covert competitions.

While the secrecy has long since faded – replaced by brightly coloured Lycra and openly declared start times –

the fundamental principle remains – the rider with the fastest time reigns supreme. Even the practice of riders calling out their numbers at the finish line echoes these early, less formal beginnings.

The Chew Valley events embody this blend of tradition and modern participation. Welcoming riders from across Mendip, as well as the universities of Bristol and Bath, and even offering day memberships for nonclub riders, the time trials foster a broad and inclusive cycling community.

You might spot seasoned veterans on sleek, aerodynamic machines alongside enthusiastic newcomers on more traditional road bikes, even the

occasional tandem adding a touch of quirky charm.

To level the playing field within the BSCC ranks, a dynamic handicap system is employed. Based on past performances, riders are assigned time adjustments, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has a genuine shot at earning points and competing for the overall club championship.

This system not only rewards improvement but also injects an element of unpredictability into the weekly results.

While the spectacle of a time trial might differ from the dynamic rush of a peloton, there's a unique intensity to observing each rider's focused effort as they power past. The unwavering posture, the rhythmic cadence, the sheer effort etched on their faces offer a glimpse into the internal contest, a battle against one’s own limits.

The gains for novices often come quickly through dedicated practice and refining their technique. However, when evenly matched riders take to the course, the marginal advantages offered by aerodynamic equipment, like tri bars can indeed make a crucial difference –a lesson famously highlighted by Greg LeMond's dramatic Tour de France victory in 1989.

But beyond the competitive element and the allure of speed, there's a deeply personal aspect to these weekly encounters with the clock. The initial moments are a brutal test of lung capacity and mental fortitude. The internal monologue – How far to go? How hard am I trying? Is this sustainable? – becomes a constant companion. It's a psychological battle as much as a physical one, a quest to find that elusive "maybe" where effort and endurance meet perfectly.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the Chew Valley time trials lies in its multifaceted nature. It's a chance to connect with cycling history, to be part of a welcoming community, and, most importantly, to push your own boundaries in the purest form of competitive cycling.

Week after week, the riders return, drawn by the daunting start and the exhilarating finish, ready once again to face their own personal race of truth around the tranquil waters of Chew Valley Lake.

CYCLING with EDMUND

ACROSS:1. Cheddar Gorge 9. Mobilised 10. Omaha 11. Thrice 12. Mistreat 13. Nanook 15. Restrain 18. Bombsite 19. Krakow 21. Synopsis 23. Abhors 26. Octet 27. Sassenach 28. Tranquillity. DOWN:1&8D. Compton Martin 2. Ebbor 3. Delicious 4. Rash 5. Ordained 6. Ghost 7. Facemask 8. See 1 Down 14&16D. Nempnett Thrubwell 17. Atkinson 18. Bishop 20. Westhay 22. Pater 24. Okapi 25. Esau

Captain’s day

WRINGTONBowling Club kicked off their season with a well-attended day of competition and camaraderie in the sun, consisting of a complicated round-robin friendly game for members, a few cakes and cuppas, and growing excitement for the season ahead.

Founded in 2000, Wrington Bowling club has an all-weather surface which allows year-round play, but with the summer come both friendly and league matches against lawn-based clubs in the region, under the auspices of The Somerset Bowls Association, and greater participation from members keen to enjoy the better weather.

The club says bowls provides gentle exercise and a sense of community for those lucky enough to be members and new members are always welcome at a reduced rate, with coaching provided.

You don’t need any knowledge of bowls or even to know anyone else at the club – just turn up and have a go!

Rugby finalists

WINSCOMBE Ladies’ head coach Gavin Hancock was overcome with pride despite his side's defeat to Buckingham Swans in the Papa Johns Women's Junior Cup final at th Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Hancock’s charges fell to a late 33-27 reversal after Buckingham’s Carys Coletta dotted down at the death to ignite celebrations for her at the home of English rugby.

He said: “I said to our ladies before the game that I felt the least pressure I've ever had entering a game because to play at the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham is something we will have for the rest of our lives.

“So the result wasn’t important. We knew Buckingham Swans were going to be good and we always knew it was going to be hard so to push a team like that as close as we did makes me so proud.”

l For a round-up of all the Papa Johns Community Cup Final action and to watch the games back follow @RFU on X or search for #PapaJohnsCommunityCup

Village school in two big finals

A TEAMof year 5/6 pupils from Chew Stoke Church School came close to winning the B&NES Tag Rugby Tournament at Odd Down in Bath.

They won all of their pool matches, which meant they qualified for the cup, and then went on to win their quarter final. They narrowly lost their semi-final match after a nail-biting time as the match went into extra time.

Head, Ben Hewett, said: "We are incredibly proud of the team, how hard they have trained leading up to the competition and then working so hard to put that training into action today.”

The school’s year 5/6 basketball team took part in the Bristol Flyers grand final after winning the Bristol Sport Foundation tournament earlier this year. They came second overall after winning four games, drawing one and losing one.

Archers aim for medals

The medallists

Floppers at the ready!

A CRACKteam of local Scouts proved they have the skill – and the nerve – to compete with the best archers in the country at the 18th annual National Scout Archery Championships, held in Hertfordshire.

Representatives from Scout groups in Keynsham, Saltford, Clutton, High Littleton, Bath and Radstock tackled three demanding disciplines over the two day shoot: Target, Field and Clout.

After a year of intensive training with the Avon Scout Archery Unit – and guidance from Archery GB qualified coaches – the 18 strong contingent (Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders) brought home a haul of nine medals for Avon.

They were won by Charlie Trantham (2), Martin Hutchings, Joseph Bailey, Matt Bonney, Rob Morgan, Colin Gibbs, Martin Hutchings and Jeannette Barnett.

Unit leader, Martin Hutchings, said: “Our archers worked incredibly hard all year. Seeing every age group pick up prizes on the national stage is just fantastic.”

The championships drew over 370 competitors from across the UK.

Bowled

LionHarts

MENDIPTable Skittles League celebrated another fantastic season recently at Redhill Club.

The Bellenders from Banwell won the league by the smallest margin possible – triumphing only by the total of individual legs won over the season, just above the LionHarts from Redhill.

In fact, both teams only suffered one defeat all season – when playing away to each other!

The LionHarts triumphed in the League Cup, however, beating the Crown Jewels from West Harptree in an incredibly close final, after having previously knocked out the Bellenders for bragging rights.

In the Individual Knock-Out Competition, multiple past winner Ken Croker came back from a sabbatical since Covid to clinch the title once again with some very consistent scoring over Bellnders’ Captain Andy Evans.

Meanwhile, in the all-LionHarts Pairs Knock-Out Competition Final, Dave Banwell and Steve Miles managed to find better form on the day to beat their experienced team mates Mick Parsons and Alan Dibble to the title.

New members and new teams are always very welcome!

www.mendiptableskittles.co.uk

(Photo courtesy of Avon Scout Archery Unit)

BellEnders

YATTONBowling Club held an open day which was attended by residents of nearby Cadbury Hall, who said they thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Sand Cider Festival –The legend continues . . .

NESTLEDin the rolling orchard of Ashgrove Farm, with sweeping views of Tealham Moor and the distant rise of Glastonbury Tor, a Somerset tradition continues to grow – quite literally – from the roots up.

Now in its 12th year, the Sand Cider Festival returns on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August 2025, promising a weekend of live music, family fun, food, and activities in support of the Wedmore Scouts.

Described as “Somerset’s Other Festival,” Sand Cider offers something increasingly rare: an intimate, family-friendly gathering that blends top-tier live entertainment with community warmth. Think Glastonbury... but with shorter queues, real cider, and your neighbours in the crowd.

The 2025 musical line-up is nothing short of eclectic. Jack Bessant (of Reef fame) brings rock credentials to the orchard stage, joined by the soulful sounds of Betsy Beard, the quirky energy of The Funky Monkey Bubble Club, local legends Snake in the Footspa, the ever-rousing The Reformers and more!

Back by popular demand, a retro DJ set will keep the vibes going into the evening. But it’s not just about the music.

The festival is packed with activities for all ages – from karaoke and cooking demos to wellness sessions and family games. Popup food vendors will serve a wide array of local delights and the bar will be brimming with Somerset favourites, including the

festival’s very own legendary cider, Old Jollop.

And should the clouds gather – fear not! A large marquee ensures the show goes on, rain or shine.

Whether you’re a long-time festival goer or a curious first-timer, Sand Cider Festival is a spirited celebration of Somerset’s creativity, community and cider-making soul. Come for the music, stay for the memories – and raise a glass to a local legend that just keeps growing.

With last year’s event selling out organisers are offering pre-sale tickets only this year with limited availability. To avoid missing out, head to www.oldjollop.com and secure your place among the apples.

Welcome to Catcott

THECatcott Open Garden event will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, 12.30-6pm, raising funds for village activities.

In addition to more than 12 open gardens, there will be entertainment, plant sales, cream teas and a host of other activities.

Tickets are adults £10, children free. The start point is the village hall TA7 9HA.

Details: opengardens@catcottvillage.co.uk www.catcottvillage.co.uk

Health conference

BATHand North East

Somerset’s second annual regional dementia awareness conference was held in Peasedown St John at St John’s Church.

Organised by the Peasedown Community Trust and sponsored by law firm Stone King, the conference featured keynote speakers, information stalls, networking, a tasty lunch and an opportunity to meet charity leaders and experts working in the field.

Update –ticket price and Booking Fee

Thank you so much for your wonderful support. We can now say due to that support we are extending the £5 ticket offer into 2025. (not inc. Event Cinema)

Please note from 1st February our booking fee will be £1.50 per transaction. We are sure you will agree this is reasonable to be able to secure your seat. Many cinemas in the area charge £2 or more per ticket. Your continued support of our Concession Shop and Bar is so vitally important as we don't have to give Film Distributors 60% of those sales as we do for Film Hire.

Living history at the Bishop’s Palace

STEP into the past this summer at History Live!, a brand new event at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells.

Taking place on the 14th and 15th June, this immersive weekend will be packed with excitement for families, history lovers and curious minds of all ages.

Across two full days, the palace grounds will be alive with the sights, sounds and stories of the past. From the Iron Age to WW2, living history groups will bring different eras to life with combat displays, camp set-ups, hands-on demonstrations and fascinating talks.

Highlights include:

• Explore real living history camps

• Watch thrilling battle re-enactments and skills demos

• Hear stories from the people who lived it

History groups include The Ancient Wessex Network, Draca Beordor Vikings and Roman Ingenuity from Classroom Adventures.

The action will unfold throughout the palace site – including the South Lawn,

Croquet Lawn and the beautiful Well Pools area. Both days will follow the same packed programme, so you won’t miss a thing.

Draca Beordor will take the palace by storm

Tribute bands take centre stage at Redstock!

REDSTOCK25, a family friendly oneday music festival, takes place on the recreation field next to the village hall, in Redhill on Saturday, June 21st.

Following the success of last year’s event which saw about 1000 festival goers enjoy a fabulous day, Redstock25 has a great line-up of music with five live bands and a DJ.

Magic Queen are headlining, the most energetic and dynamic Queen tribute act in the UK and the one and only performing all the songs in the original key!

The festival also features Take That tribute band, Rule the World, and Absolute Oasis.

Local bands include The Chelvey Batch, who regularly play the Fleece and Firkin in Bristol and rock band Superposition. DJ Supermac will have a vinyl only set in the beer tent. As well as music, there will be a range of food and drink, trader stalls, other entertainment and access to the kids’ zone included in the ticket price.

Details: www.redstock.live

Update from Tessa

Hello everyone. I’m delighted to share with you some of the work I undertake as the Wells and Mendip Hills MP. I’ve had another busy month! In Parliament, I supported my colleague Richard Foord MP who introduced his Bill to ensure MPs have a vote on the content of any UK/US trade deal before it takes effect – crucial to protect our farmers and allied industries. I asked the Secretary of State for Energy Security to improve energy efficiency for older homes and those in conservation areas, especially in relation to permitting double and tripleglazed windows, which impacts many residents across the Mendips. Answering, Ed Milliband said he’s “constantly on the look-out for small measures and large in the planning system that can obstruct sensible energy efficient measures . . .” So, I’ve offered suggestions to improve the Government’s new planning legislation.

I sit on the Justice Committee, which scrutinises the Justice Ministry, its decisions, spending and related public bodies. I look forward to updating you in the next edition.

Locally, I’ve delighted in travelling across Somerset, meeting some fantastic volunteers making a real difference in our communities – from transforming the old Strawberry Line into a stunning greenway, to marking the 5th birthday of Brent Knoll Community Shop.

As your MP, it is my privilege to listen to you, your family’s and neighbours’ concerns and campaign for change where it’s needed. If I can assist, please do not hesitate to contact me, or come to chat at one of my ‘surgeries’, which are:

Friday 6th June – 08:00 to 09:00 at The Mendip Pantry, Chewton Mendip

Friday 6th June – 18:00 to 19:00 at Pub Night, Ashcott Village Hall

Saturday 7th June – 08:30 to 10:00 at Coffee #1, Wells

Saturday 7th June – 13:00 to 14:00 at The Lamb Inn, Axbridge

Saturday 14th June – 14:30 to 15:30 at The Hive Café, Shepton Mallet

Saturday 14th June – 11:00 to 12:00 at The Coffee Bank, Winscombe

Saturday 21st June – 18:00 to 19:00 at The Railway Inn, Sandford

No appointment is necessary – it’s first come, first served. If you can’t come to meet me, I’ll come to see you. Thank you.

Tessa

You can get hold of me in several ways:

Call: 01934 440639 (answerphone out of office hours)

Email: tessa.munt.mp@parliament.uk

Website: www.wamhlibdems.uk/tessa/meet-tessa

Text: 07714 599669

Post: Tessa Munt Freepost (you won’t need a stamp!)

MENDIP Storytelling Circle will hold a summer picnic with stories at St James’ Church, Cameley on Saturday, June 14th, 2-4pm.

It will be part of the Churches Conservation Trust’s Open Churches Week. There will be guided tours of the church, pointing out interesting historical features, particularly its medieval wall paintings.

There is currently an appeal to raise £35,000 to prevent their further deterioration.

Details: Colin Emmett 01275 332735 mendipstorycircle@gmail.com Martin Horler 0777 3044285 martin@martinhorler.co.uk

Radstock Fayre

Church Street, Radstock BA3 3QQ, 11am-4pm.

RADSTOCK

Fayre, a free outdoor arts event with a family friendly atmosphere, returns on Sunday, June 1st at St Nicholas Church Field,

Following last year's hugely successful fayre, there will be plenty of theatre shows and live music, as well as have-a-go creative workshops and stalls from local organisations.

Youth Connect is running a silent disco and you can have a go on an e-bike or learn a trick on a skateboard in the basketball court. The Radstock Co-operative sponsored community stage will also be showcasing the very best of local talent.

Radstock resident and creative producer of the event, Mark Bishop, said: “It's going to be bigger than ever this year. We have some lovely theatre shows and loads for young people to do.”

Buffet open 10.30am to 15.30pm every Sunday

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

Wednesday May 28th

Pensford 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 to 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: Music and readings from Spain, 1.05pm Wells Cathedral. Only cost is entry to Cathedral. Mendip Morris will be dancing at various times at the Bath & West Show. See programme for 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.

Sat May 31st and Sun June 1st

Stoke St Michael, Church of St Michael and All Angels: display of wedding outfits and hopefully church registers from the Somerset archive back to 1645. Details: ssmchurchevents25@gmail.com

Sunday June 1st

St Mary’s Church Compton Dando Sunday teas, 2.30 to 5pm every Sunday until September. Chew Valley 10k starts 9.30am with road closures locally and on the A368. Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk

Radstock Fayre, St Nicholas Church field BA3 3QQ. Free family friendly outdoor arts event, 11am-4pm. Details: mark@naturaltheatre.co.uk

Monday June 2nd

Cheddar Valley Singers, Mondays 7pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Facebook or cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com

Tuesday June 3rd

Arts Society Mendip: Lamorna Colony Pioneers with David Tovey, 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 WsM BS23 1JF. All welcome!

Joyful Voices: fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com

Wednesday June 4th

Street Parish Council’s annual Community Awards & Investiture 7pm Strode Theatre. Details: acce@street-pc.gov.uk

Clevedon Gardeners’ Club 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 7.30pm Kenn Rd Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon BS21 6LH. Details: clevedongardeners.chessck.co.uk

Sing2breathe for breathlessness – learn techniques for breathing control and posture, 1.45 to 3pm most Weds (not June 11) Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884. Thursday June 5th

Chew Valley Death Café meets 12-1.30pm Community Library, Bishop Sutton, first Thursday every month. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Please contact: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com

Cheddar Valley u3a talk: “Protect the ones you love” 2pm Cheddar village hall, BS27 3RF. Wells Scottish Dancers the Blue School Dance Studio BA5 2NR. Every Thurs 6.30–8.30pm. Beginners welcome. Tel 01934 740065 or ann.wellsdancers@gmail.com

Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thurs. 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 June 12th) Priory Health Centre outpatients, Wells. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Claverham Ladies’ Guild talk about Crohn’s and Colitis UK, 2pm-4pm village hall BS49 4GG, £4 entry. Details: 01934 838017. Somerset Morris practice every Thurs 8pm10pm, Marksbury Village Hall BA2 9HP. New (female) dancers and musicians of both sexes very welcome. Details: somersetmorris@hotmail.com or 07968 229628. Friday June 6th

Radstock Folk Dance Club, every Friday 810pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential, £3 incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

The Twerzels 7.30pm Bishop Sutton Village Hall. Tickets £10, incl supper, from 07737 255701.

Saturday June 7th

Uphill Village Market 9.30 -12.30, Victory Hall, Westfield Rd, BS23 4UH. Details: Leigh 01934 628373.

Litton Village Fete 11am-2pm with family games, stalls, lunches & bar. Tickets required for evening street party from 7.30pm. Live music and BBQ, details: James 01761 241285. Wells & Mendip Museum Garden Open Day 10am-2pm. Free entry, plants and cakes for sale. Cathedral Green.

Mendip Men in concert with Cowbridge Male Voice Choir Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Weston-s-Mare. Details: www.mendipmen.co.uk Congresbury Tabletop Sale 9am-3pm War

Memorial Hall. Contact Irving 01934 832004 to book a table. Many good quality and new items.

Sunday June 8th

Trinity Singers with two works by Fauré, 3.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Congresbury. Tickets £8. Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk

Oxfam Quiz Night 7 for 7.30pm start, St Thomas’ church hall, Wells. Teams of up to six, £5pp. No bar so BYO. Raffle prizes welcome! To book, call 01749 672342 or email terryricketts1948@gmail.com

Clevedon & District Model Boat Club sail at Clevedon Marine Lake, 10am second Sun monthly. All very welcome to come and join us to sail and chat! See: www.clevedonanddistrictmodelboatclub.co.uk

Cesarz Tabor duo with classical music for violin and guitar, 4pm All Saints’ Church Castle Cary. Tickets £12 from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Market House and via church website, £15 on the door. Refreshments.

Monday June 9th

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 Cath Brown ‘A flower Prescription’ 7 for 7.30pm, Conygre Hall Timsbury. Charity sales table. Visitors welcome £6. See Facebook/Instagram. Priddy Folk Session 8.30pm Queen Victoria. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com Norton Radstock u3a talk: “The story of Beekeeping” by Dr Nicholas Milton 1.30–4pm, Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome. Details www.norradu3asite.uk

Tuesday June 10th

Shipham Rowberrow & Star History Society talk: Sara Kew on “The early days of Shipham” 7.30pm Shipham village hall, BS25 1SG. Guests welcome £4. Details: Jan 01934 260784. Frome Selwood Horticultural Society talk by Sally Morgan “Climate change garden” 7.30pm, Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LD. Details: 0777 620 8531 or jane.norris9@gmail.com

Clutton History Society: talk by David Cheesley: “Remember the Sixties” 7.30pm village hall, Venus Lane, BS39 5SP. All welcome. Visitors £5 incl tea/coffee. Details: 07341 266986 or chris.border@live.co.uk

Wednesday June 11th

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

Bereavement Help Point, Shepton Mallet: an informal, 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

Blagdon Local History Society 7.30pm Court Lodge BS40 7TQ. Changes in Farming with Mary Mead. Details: www.blagdonlhs.com

Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers Free Cream Tea/ Plant Sale – everyone welcome. Celebrating National Carers Week. 2pm-3.30pm WI Hall, Backwell.

Kilmersdon Gardeners Club talk by Clare Hart

O N G UIDEFOR J UNE 2025

“Chelsea or bust” 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. Visitors welcome £3 inc refreshments. Details www.kilmersdongardeners.org

Mendip Storytelling Circle, story evening 730pm Ston Easton Village Hall, BA3 4DA. £5 entry. Details: mendipstorycircle@gmail.com 01275 332735.

Thursday June 12th

Chew Valley Garden Society talk by Nick Morgan ‘Making the most of your greenhouse’ 8pm Stanton Drew village hall. Visitors welcome. Details: 01275 333456.

Chilcompton Gardening Club visit to Somerset Lavender, Faulkland. Details on Facebook.

Friday June 13th

Save the Children lunch 12.30pm Shipham village hall. Soup, bread and cheese, biscuits, tea/coffee £5.50. Last before summer break. Cheddar Male Choir in concert with Marazion Apollo Male Choir, 7pm St Andrew’s Church, BS27 3RF. Tickets £10.

Mid-Somerset Flower Club open night, 6.30pm for 7.15pm, Evercreech village hall. National Demonstrator Carol Gardiner “Put your garden on a pedestal”. Tickets £15 to incl. wine and nibbles. Details: 0787 6080127.

Sat June 14th and Sun June 15th

Dig for Victory Show North Somerset Showground, Wraxall. Details: www.digforvictoryshow.com

Saturday June 14th

Brent Knoll Village Fete

Butleigh Fete – stalls, cream teas, games, entertainment and vintage cars. 2 to 4.30pm

Butleigh Church Green BA6 8SA. All welcome! Mendip Story-telling Circle Summer Picnic 2pm – 4pm. St James Churchyard, Cameley. BS39 5AH. Church tours of Medieval wall paintings + stories. Details: martin@martinhorley.co.uk 07773 044285.

Parkinson’s NW Somerset Support Group meeting, talk by Caroline Craig, Parkinson’s UK local adviser. Join us! 10.30-12.15, St Francis Church, Nailsea.

Wincanton Choral Society Summer Soiree

7.30pm King Arthur's School. Details & tickets: www.wincantonchoralsociety.co.uk or on the door. Wells charity dog show: for breast cancer now & medical detection dogs. 11-4pm Wellesley Lane. Ten classes, entry £2:50. Stalls, entertainment.

Sunday June 15th

Nailsea Charity Walks and Runs, organised by Rotary Nailsea and Backwell. Details: www.tinyurl.com/nailseawalks

Pensford Tea party & Church Tower open from 2pm. Tours of St Thomas a Becket Church Tower, £10, can be booked on www.ticketsource.co.uk

Monday June 16th

Winscombe District u3a talk by William Evans

“How we gave the Druids a makeover” 2 for 2.30pm Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1JA. Visitors welcome, £2.50.

Tuesday June 17th

Arts Society Mid Somerset talk ‘Bonampak Murals: the Sistine Chapel of the Americas’, 11am, Caryford Hall Castle Cary BA7 7JJ. Coffee from 10.15. Visitors £8.

Wells & District Wildlife Group: Coronation Meadow 7pm-9pm ramble around a working farm with a mix of lime-rich, neutral and acidic areas with a wide range of species. Details: www.wdwg.org.uk or 07415 350062.

Wednesday June18th

Weston Museum celebrates 50 years at

Burlington Street: talks on the origins of the museum and its former site, film of the move and refurbishment, 2.15 for 2.30pm Weston Museum, BS23 1PR. Visitors £4. Details: www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemuseumws m/

Thursday June 19th

Somersetshire Coal Canal Society AGM –7:30pm Paulton Village Hall, BS39 7LW. Details: www.coalcanal.com/events/

Saturday June 21st

Congresbury Summer Fete & Flower Show, St Andrews Church paddock. Details: www.congresburygardeningclub.com

Mendip Men “Songs from stage and screen” Holy Trinity Church, Paulton. For the church organ. “Redstock” Redhill’s own music Festival, at the village hall nr Bristol airport. Five live bands and a DJ. Details: www.redstock.live

Wedmore Theatre with A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2.30pm and 7.30pm the Community Farm. Details: www.wedmoretheatre.com

Sat June 21st and Sun June 22nd

Wedmore Hidden Gardens, ten to view with coffee, lunches and cream teas, 10.30-5pm. £10, children free. Details: www.theisleofwedmore.net

Sunday June 22nd

Catcott Village Open Gardens plus a host of attractions around the village, 12.30-6pm. £10, children free. Details: opengardens@catcottvillage.co.uk 01278 589307 or www.catcottvillage.co.uk

Chelwood: Lady Farm Garden open, with cream teas and live music, 2pm-5pm, BS39 4NN. Adult entry £10. Details: Jane 01761 470863. Chilcompton Village Garden Trail, 11am to 5pm. See Facebook Chilcompton Gardeners Club.

Tuesday June 24th

North Somerset Masonic Widows’ Association 10am in Yatton. Talk “The Brontes” by Sandy Bateman, then lunch. Details: 07732 455454 or nsmwidows@gmail.com

Chilcompton Gardening Club: “Making the most of your greenhouse” by Nick Morgan. 7.30pm village hall, BA3 4EX. Visitors welcome. Winscombe Folk & Acoustic Club 7.30 for 8pm in the Room Upstairs, Winscombe Club, BS25 1HD. Open mic for music, song, poetry £2. All welcome.

Wednesday June 25th

Bereavement Help Point, Shepton Mallet: an informal, 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

Frome Society: Derek Niemann tells the true story of bird-watching by British prisoners of war, 7 for 7.30pm, Frome Cricket Club BA11 2AH. Free (charity donation).

Saturday June 28th

Congresbury Singers “Music inspired by Folksong” 7.30pm War Memorial Hall. £12 from the PO, Re-Store Congresbury or on the door. Chew Magna Summer Serenade by Henleaze Choral Society, 4pm St Andrews Church. For Penny Brohn Cancer Care. Strawberries, cream and Prosecco served from 3pm.Tickets £10 from the PO, on the door or www.henleazecs.org.uk

Sunday June 29th

Mendip Consort of Recorders concert, 3pm St

Andrew’s Church, Cheddar. Free, collection for the church.

St Mary’s Church Compton Dando Summer teas, 2.30 to 5pm every Sunday until September. Churchill Music Jazz in the Garden 12.30 to 3.30pm Bramble Cottage, Dinghurst Rd, BS25 5PJ. Tickets from Ticketsource, holly@churchillmusic.org.uk or 07442 672805.

Monday June 30th

Cheddar Valley Singers, Mondays 7pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com or Facebook. Norton Radstock u3a Coffee morning 10am-12 Somer Centre, M Norton, BA3 2UH. Visitors welcome. Details www.norradu3asite.uk

Tuesday July 1st

Weston u3a meet for coffee every Tuesday, 10am Friends Meeting House, 6 High St WsM BS23 1JF. All welcome!

Joyful Voices: fill your afternoon with song! Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com

Wednesday July 2nd

Clevedon Gardener’s Club 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 7.30pm Kenn Rd Methodist Church Hall, Clevedon BS21 6LH. Details: clevedongardeners.chessck.co.uk

Sing2breathe for breathlessness –learn techniques for breathing control and improved posture. 1.45 to 3pm every Weds. Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884. Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers Yvonne Bell, “Serendipity" (Junk/Antiques, 2pm3.30 pm WI Hall, Backwell.

“An evening with Dr Adam” of Weston Hospicecare, who with his wife, an A&E doctor, rowed around Britain and across the Atlantic and swam in both the Artic and Antarctic. For charity. 6.30pm Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club, BS28 4BS. Tickets £10 incl supper from the Paper Shop Wedmore or Shirley 01934 712089.

Thursday July 3rd

Chew Valley Death Café meets 12-1.30pm Community Library Bishop Sutton, first Thursday every month. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Please contact: 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

Paulton Folk Night 8.30pm Red Lion. Music, song and good company! Free. All welcome. Details: richardlm397@gmail.com

Draycott Art Club sessions 10am-1pm & 2-4pm every Thursday except school holidays, Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. All welcome. Details: draycottartclub.mendip@gmail.com

Sing2breathe for breathlessness –for breathing control and posture 2.15-3.30pm every Thursday until August, Priory Health Centre outpatients, Wells. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Claverham Ladies' Guild talk “Goats of the Gorge”, 2pm-4pm Village Hall BS49 4GG. £4 entry. Details: 01934 838017

Friday July 4th

Radstock Folk Dance Club, every Friday 810pm St Peter’s Church Hall, Westfield. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3 incl refreshments. heather.m.leverton@gmail.com

Valley Arts celebrates ten years with Hidden Voices

VALLEYArts has launched its 2025 community project, Hidden Voices, a brandnew play written and performed by local residents aged seven to 75 years. Taking place in the enchanting landscape of the Community Farm in Chew Magna, it says this immersive production promises a vibrant showcase of local talent.

Audiences will be taken on a magical journey through the farm, encountering extraordinary characters and stories along the way. Expect high drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, heartfelt singing, lively dance and captivating live music.

Celebrating a decade of creativity and connection, Hidden Voices is a truly unique community-inspired event and not to be missed!

Summer sparkles with Valley Arts’ Midsummer Magic

This summer, Valley Arts invites audiences to celebrate the season in style with its eagerly awaited Midsummer Magic programme, a vibrant series of performances set against the stunning backdrop of Yeo Valley Organic Garden.

Audiences can look forward to high-flying circus artistry in Obscure Desires by Many Hands Circus, on Tuesday, June 10th, weaving together spectacular acrobatics and original live music to explore the landscape of human longing.

Then on Friday, June 20th, a riotous open-air rendition of Much Ado About Nothing by the HandleBards, this playful twist on Shakespeare’s classic offers a night full of sharp wit, romance and lively adventure.

July sees the ever-popular Opera in a Box returning with their colourful spin on The Magic Flute on Friday 11th. Set against a backdrop of mystery and enchantment, Mozart’s timeless fairy-tale will be the perfect show for anyone who's ever wanted to dip a toe into the world of opera.

Regular monthly music nights continue to celebrate the wealth of local talent, with Jazz Jam at the Pelican in Chew Magna on Tuesday, June 10th. This night is an open invitation for singers and instrumentalists (and even tap dancers!) to take to the stage. The supportive house trio will be on hand to accompany performers for a relaxed evening of spontaneous music-making.

Valley Arts Open Mic Music Night at The Pony, Chew Magna is the perfect chance to catch a mix of musical styles in a relaxed, welcoming setting. From folk to funk, solo acts to small groups –every month brings something fresh. Support your local music scene and enjoy a great night out in the Chew Valley!

Details: www.valley-arts.co.uk

* 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.