Issue 3 - Volume 13 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

AUGUST 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER WHAT’S ON • MUSIC ON MENDIP • FOCUS ON CARE • FOOD & DRINK • ROYAL VISIT • CYCLING Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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Welcome

OUR What’s On section is packed this month, as we head into the summer holidays, with a huge selection of festivals and shows coming up.

We preview the Mid-Somerset Show, in Shepton Mallet, the South West Outdoor Festival, which is coming to the top of Cheddar Gorge, Valley Fest, which is held on an idyllic site overlooking Chew Valley Lake and the new Chilcompton Fringe Festival. We also preview Frome Cheese Show and offer you the chance to win tickets.

The last month was also busy with dozens of events – quite apart from Glastonbury and Priddy Folk Festivals – we have pictures from many, from boules to BMX cycling, as well as numerous fetes and flower shows.

More than 100 stewards volunteered to help at the Countryside Day, organised

by North Somerset Agricultural Society at Wraxall, which saw 2,500 youngsters being shown food production and traditional country skills – Mary James reports for us.

One of those skills, dry-stone walling, has been taken up by volunteers with the National Trust, who have celebrated a 30year effort to restore the wall from Crook Peak across Wavering Down.

As ever, our pages devoted to charities and the community show how strong the spirit of volunteering is in our area.

With all of our regular features and contributors, we wish you an enjoyable summer.

September 2017 deadline: Friday, 11th August 2017.

Published: Tuesday, 22nd August 2017.

Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@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 or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates.

Front cover: Volunteers finish a 30-year walling project.

Photograph by Steve Egginton. See page 6.

CONTENTS

Priddy special – folk festival in pictures

12

44

Countess calls in – school gets a royal visitor

99

Water music – pool celebrates 80 years

84

Team work – Emborough horse show riding high Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............14 Food & Drink ...............................18 Arts & Antiques ...........................30 Business.........................................36 Charities........................................46 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing ....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......64 Caving Phil Hendy ........................71 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............78 Community ...................................86 Property ........................................92 Homes and Interiors ....................94 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE.....98 Music ...........................................100 Sport ............................................102 What’s On...................................105 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 3

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C L E A N I N G • R E S TO R AT I O N • VA L U AT I O N

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Snowdrop legacy to care home

Stamp of approval

NEWS

Ted with his mum Briony (left) and head Emma Wilkes being interviewed by BBC Somerset Christina Kennedy (seated left) presents the framed poem to Tracy Woolfrey watched by residents, care worker Chelana Marshall and Deborah Turner, from Tesco in Shepton Mallet

ORGANISERS of the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival have presented a poignant gift to a residential home in the town which specialises in dementia care.

A poetry competition was held as part of the festival – run by the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society – and the winning entry was called Galantamine, after an alkaloid found in the snowdrop flower which is currently approved for use as a treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.

A framed copy of the poem, by Felicity Powell, of Sheffield, will hang on a wall in the lounge of St Cecilia’s, which is home to 16 residents. The lounge leads out onto what will be a sensory garden.

Tracy Woolfrey, manager of the care home, said: “We are about to start work on the garden and we will definitely be planting snowdrops in it, kindly provided by the Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society.”

Christina Kennedy, the organiser of the festival, said: “The connection between the snowdrop festival and St Cecilia’s came about because the festival received financial help from Tesco’s Bags of Help Scheme, and when St Cecilia’s applied to the same scheme for help with their sensory garden I was happy to help with their application.

“We thought it would be lovely to present a copy of the poem, with its Alzheimer’s connection, to the home. It is a beautiful piece of Tracy and Christina. Both work, moving and thought the snowdrop festival and the provoking, and Felicity Powell, the care home have received poet, was very pleased to hear that grants from Tesco’s Bags of it will be on show here.”

Help scheme The public will be invited to attend the opening of St Cecilia’s Sensory Garden later in the year. Next year’s Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival will take place on February 16th, 17th and 18th.

FROME Oakfield Academy pupil, Ted Lewis-Clark, aged 11, has won a competition to design the Royal Mail’s Christmas stamp.

He will receive a £1,000 prize and attend a ceremony with his parents hosted

by Prince Charles, who chose his winning design.

Ted said: "When our head teacher Miss Wilkes told me, I couldn't believe it – I only coloured it in because my mum made me!"

Emma Wilkes, head teacher, said: "We are all incredibly proud of Ted, and it is a great result for our head of art, Kate Stewart, who currently is on a school trip to China.”

Twinning visit to Wells

Guests arrive in the Market Square in Wells ahead of the formal welcoming ceremony

MEMBERS of the Twinning Association from Bad Durkheim in Germany have spent a weekend in Wells as guests of their counterparts in the city.

After a formal welcoming ceremony in Wells Town Hall, the mayor and mayoress John and Gail North hosted informal discussions about how twinning links can be developed further.

After lunch at the Courtyard Restaurant, a tour of the city took place before a hog roast at Wells Rugby Club, attended by more than 130 people.

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Restoring one of Mendip’s ancient walls

NATIONAL Trust staff and volunteer rangers have celebrated rebuilding a dry-stone wall from near Crook Peak across Wavering Down.

The wall marks an important Saxon boundary and the project was first started by former Mendip warden, Tina Bath, and various volunteers about 30 years ago. The NT team took on the final section in 2013.

They used stone from the remains of the old wall and some shipped from Black Rock Quarry above Cheddar Gorge.

The walling team has worked regularly on the hill, usually twice per week, and have now moved on to tackle a new project near Cheddar. Two to five volunteers worked at any one time and on average about three metres of new wall were built each month. New skills had to be learned to ensure that the wall courses were laid horizontally and that the top of the wall followed the contour of the ground at the same consistent height.

Dimensions are precise: height top of build, where header stones sit, 36ins; width at base 670mm; width at top 490mm.

The scrub and trees that had grown around the wall also had to be removed first.

Volunteers who helped rebuild the wall include Michael Staff and volunteer rangers celebrate

. . . After

Before . . .

Baxter, David Brown, Alastair Gillham, Brian Hornshaw, David Shaw, Trevor Morgan, Bernard Tarleton, Pete Chapman, Paul Harvey, Chris McFee and Bill Thompson. ● The rangers are working with the local farmer to ensure that his livestock are protected, following a number of sheep attacks.

Please keep your dogs on leads at all times – even your dog can cause harm by chasing/attacking livestock.

THE National Trust’s ranger team are looking for volunteers to help clear thistles and nettles from Glastonbury Tor. Area ranger Rebekah West said: “Nettles and thistles seek to take over the Tor every year and we have a tough time keeping them at bay – we need your help to look after this nationally important and sacred place.

“You can learn about its history, wildlife and find out a little bit more about supporting the National Trust. You can stay for an hour or join us all day. Every little bit of help will be welcomed and appreciated.”

The ranger team are asking for budding volunteers and families to join them at Glastonbury Tor on Saturday July 29th, 11am to 3pm.

Details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor or contact Rebekah on 01934 845102.

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Town park plans

VISITORS to Midsomer Norton Town Fayre were given the chance to have their say about plans to create a town park.

The town council completed the purchase of land behind the Somer Centre earlier this year and is now drawing up a masterplan. Its vision is to create a practical, affordable and inspirational space for everyone in the community. Work could begin later this year.

It says the key requirements are: ● The park should enhance the River Somer and conservation area ● It should provide an event space and attract visitors ● It should be a natural haven for wildlife ● It should provide a connection between communities and offer walking, cycling and other healthy exercise ● It should be a place for younger people to enjoy The council says the town has been waiting for 40 years to have a park, between Gullock Tyning and Five Arches. Paul Myers, mayor of Midsomer Norton and a cabinet member of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “The aim is to create a practical space for people of all ages to use, which respects the land’s existing wildlife, typography and views. This is a unique opportunity to create a park which will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Councillor Tim Warren, leader of B&NES, added: “Working alongside the town council, we aim to create a park that becomes a magnet for local people.

It’s a wonderful location close to the town centre, an ideal space for leisure and recreation and will be able to host

ENVIRONMENT

Councillor Tim Warren, leader of B&NES, visited the town council’s consultation stand during the town fayre to discuss the park proposals. Tim (left) is pictured with Paul Myers, mayor of Midsomer Norton

large events bringing the community together and attracting visitors.”

Meanwhile, the Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve are hoping the town council will take over as landlord of the awardwinning space, behind Midsomer Norton South Station. The friends have entered the reserve in the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood award scheme.

The town council’s vision statement at the entrance to the park

A blank canvas? The park should be able to stage community events and provide a haven for wildlife

Silver Street Nature Reserve. The wellhead was restored as a tribute to local miners MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 7

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Rare bird spotted

Glastonbury’s future

A ROADSHOW will be visiting seven locations in Glastonbury in August to offer residents the chance to comment on the proposed neighbourhood plan.

The team behind the project say they are keen to hear as many thoughts, concerns and ideas as possible.

Questions asked by the plan range from whether the town requires more housing or should more land be found for employment to whether a community orchard should be created and is there sufficient provision for recreational space?

The roadshow will visit the following locations: ● Saturday, August 12th: St John’s Church and St Edmund’s recreational area ● Tuesday, August 15th: Tor Leisure Field ● Saturday, August 19th: Cinnamon Lane Recreation Area and St Dunstan’s Park ● Saturday, August 26th: Paradise Road and Manor House Road The team says: “This opportunity is very exciting, as if completed successfully, will introduce policies local to Glastonbury.”

For full details, visit: www.glastonbury-community.org.uk

Medieval style

MIKE Axel-Berg was puzzled when he dug up some huge stone slabs while doing drainage work in a field at his home, West Town Farm, at Nempnett Thrubwell, overlooking Blagdon Lake.

Then he found a similar stone slab in an old medieval stile closer to the lake, where the former West Town Inn had stood.

Mike Axel-Berg (left) and Paul Gulliford

ENVIRONMENT

A GREAT Bustard, one of Britain’s rarest birds, has been spotted a short distance from the northern shore of Chew Valley Lake. It spent a day feeding and resting in a field at Hollowbrook before moving on.

The birds, which are the heaviest in Europe, were hunted to extinction in Britain in 1832, but are now on the point of reestablishing themselves. Since 2004, hundreds of chicks have been released on Salisbury Plain.

Celebrate Carymoor

CARYMOOR Environmental Trust will be celebrating its 21st anniversary with an open day at the centre, near Castle Cary, on Saturday, September 9th.

There will be a chance to explore the site – created out of former landfill – and have a go at a mix of crafts, trails and hands-on wildlife activities, with guided walks at 10am, midday and 2pm. Admission is free but spaces must be booked on one of the site tours by calling 01963 351350 or emailing rupert.farthing@carymoor.org.uk

He’s now copying the medieval design in a new dry-stone wall being built at the farm by walling and hedging expert, Paul Gulliford, from Backwell.

Mike said: “The path was from West Town to Butcombe and judging by the wear on the stones was obviously well-used. But it seems the old stones

were buried when new wooden stiles were put in.

“I don’t suppose a stile like this has been built in an awfully long time, but it’s great to see that Paul has the skill to do it.”

He has original documents for the farm, dating from 1929, showing the cost of building it was £435!

The original medieval stile PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Our Services Include: Commercial and Residential Property Wills and Probate Litigation and Personal Injury Criminal and Family Law Agricultural, Business and Commercial Employment Shepton Mallet: 57 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AQ. Tel: 01749 330330

Glastonbury: 11 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DL. Tel: 01458 832510

Apart from Vicky Scorse’s wedding (about which we will say more in the next edition), July has seen the retirement of one of our longest-serving members of staff, Kay Race. Kay’s connection with the firm began 31 years ago when she worked for Robin Weelen at the Castle Cary office. She then moved to Shepton Mallet where she has worked for Bill Bartlett for the past 24 years.

Kay is known for her encyclopaedic knowledge of the firm and its client base, which has proved invaluable over the years. She will be making the occasional return to provide holiday cover so we have not lost her expertise altogether.

We commemorated the event with a lunch for the firm and on the same occasion we celebrated a significant birthday for Charlotte Foley at the Glastonbury office, 20 years of good and loyal service from Sarah Millard at the Cheddar office and said goodbye to Assistant Solicitor, Lucy Ingram, who is moving on to pastures new. We wish them all well and are grateful to them for the service that they have given.

Next month we should be installed in our new premises at Kay Race (left) being presented with a bouquet Cheddar and will let you have an of flowers on her last day by colleagues Saffron update on that also.

Dymond (centre) and Heather Ricketts (right)

Castle Cary: Old Bank House, High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7AW. Tel: 01963 350888

Cheddar: Roley House, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3RA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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Showing children where food comes from

I AM pleased to say that the Countryside Day held at the North Somerset Agricultural Society’s showground at Wraxall on July 12th was a great success, with 2,500 children from schools around the area enjoying a fantastic day.

They could see working demonstrations of With MARY haymaking, cows being milked, butter being JAMES MBE made and many farm exhibits of cows, calves, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks plus environmental exhibits such as bees, owls, gun dogs to name just a few.

Over 100 volunteers, namely farmers, members and friends were involved. Sincere thanks to the sponsors. If you read the Western Daily Press you will see they have a new farming columnist on Saturdays. He was complaining about the socalled lack of teaching children where their food comes from.

He had better come to Somerset. North Somerset Show and the Royal Bath and West Show have had countryside days for a number of years and will continue to do so. There is also Farmlink, the group of five farms that provide farm visits in line with the core curriculum, which over 36,000 children visited in the last year. Plus, there are Open Farm Sundays in June all across the country and many individual farms are having open days.

The summer is slowly ebbing away, harvesting is in full swing and farmers are thinking well ahead to the type and varieties of crops they will plant for next year. The local

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ploughing matches signal the start of the next season. North Somerset Agricultural Society is holding its ploughing match on Sunday September 3rd at Box Bush Farm, Redhill, by kind permission of Alvis Bros.

If you know where Lye Cross Farm Shop is then the match will be held in the fields on the opposite side of the A38. No need for anyone to get lost this year.

As for crops, take a look at grass, one of the most versatile. If you are lucky enough to have a lawn or are in the process of making one, then the processes you use are mirrored by the farmer, on a much bigger scale of course. If you are preparing a new lawn you will need a weed-free level seed bed. The farmer will probably be ploughing the field, turning the soil over to bury old weeds and existing pasture. You and the farmer will then be aiming to achieve a firm and fine seed bed.

You will scatter your chosen seed which will likely be a specific lawn seed mixture. The farmer will be using a seed to achieve maximum production for grazing or cutting. He will be applying the seed with a grass seed drill. You will be rolling your lawn and so will the farmer, with a rather large roller as all grass seed needs a firm seed bed. Then it’s up to the weather!

You will be cutting your lawn to a short length on a regular basis. The farmer will be leaving the grass to grow to a suitable grazing height or longer for silage, haylage (in black plastic) or traditional hay. Then he/she will wait for the grass to grow again to feed his livestock. Grass is probably taken for granted in gardens but what a wonderful enduring food for livestock.

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FARMING

Countryside Day at Wraxall showground NORTH Somerset Agricultural Society hosted 2,500 children at this year’s Countryside Day, with 93 classes from schools throughout North Somerset, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.

More than 100 stewards gave up their time to show the children food production and other country skills.

Pauline and John Alvis demonstrate butter making

Children from Wraxall at the milking demonstration

Children from Wrington watch an old engine in action

Making corn dollies – children from Burrington

Pupils from Wrington

Where do eggs come from – children from Hutton

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Priddy fantastic – festival is a sell-out success

Laura, Harriet, Grace and Millie – all from Wells – on the village green

Paya Lehane, of the PerKelt trio: Celtic-medieval speed folk merchants

Fake Thackray: John Watterson pays tribute to Jake Thackray, one of the finest songwriters of the 20th Century

Five-string banjo player Leon Hunt confounds the idea that the instrument is confined to bluegrass music

A Morris mash-up: Wyvern Jubilee and Pigsty Morris in the Market Square

Talisk, winners of the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, had everyone in Swildons on their feet PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Singaround at the Queen Vic

Picnic on the green

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Dust in the Fringe tent

PRIDDY FOLK FESTIVAL 2017

Getting a kick out of it

Queuing outside Swildons for the afternoon session

Friday evening on the village green

Logan, aged seven and from Clevedon, gets to grip with the accordion Rock 'n roll baby

Thought for the day: Sonia, Maeghan and Jo on the Lush Crepes stand

Jan Mills (left) and Cathy Owen from Somerset Smallholders' Association

A drumming class

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INTERNET

Compressing photos in Word

THIS month we are taking a look at putting photos into a Word document without wasting too much space on your hard drive.

Most photos these days are on phones with a lot of storage space, and in order to get the best quality, the size of each photo is fairly big. But if you want a document with photos/examples etc to print, they will probably be quite small, but resizing them doesn’t affect the amount of space it will take up on your hard drive.

If you want to check out how much difference it makes, save your document with the uncompressed photos, then compress them as detailed below and do a File > Save As and save the duplicate and then check how much space they use – you may well be surprised! Compressing just one photo (as in this example) can reduce a file’s storage from 2.7MB to 395KB – saving you 2305 kilobytes of space or 2.3 megabytes. And that’s just one photo!

First you need photos in a Word document. It usually comes in quite large, so double-click it to get the toolbar/ribbon (depending on which version of Word you are using) and then click and hold on one of the corner dots (the green dot at the top of square is to let you spin it round), and move towards the middle of our photo – you will get an idea of the size as you go.

You can now change how it interacts with the text of your document – usually changing the Text Wrap to either square or tight works best. Click and hold on the middle of the photo to move it round, and the text should move out of the way.

Now, to compress it you need to be able to see the dots round it so if you can’t see those dots, just double-click the photo to get them back. On the newer versions of Word, you should see the Format Picture tab lit up, so click Compress to get the dialogue box you need. Generally, you just then need to click OK, but there are a few options to look at. If you have cropped bits of the photo then you can happily leave the Removed Cropped picture regions selected. There are also options for the best resolution for viewing on a screen or emailing. (this only applies to the photo in this document, doesn’t affect the original of course).

Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Now using Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF 01934 741751 (usually goes to answer phone) www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skill-sharing, community project.

Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer.

For more in depth information, please contact us.

We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones.

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CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

A test of your local knowledge of Mendip and surrounding areas

ACROSS 1 Home to the Fleet Air Arm Museum (9) 6 & 19A The River Somer runs the length of this town’s centre (8,6) 8 Village in the parish of Hemington featuring a Wesleyan Chapel (9) 9 Village nestling below the Blackdown Hills (5) 12 & 10D This lady is the current Lord Lieutenant of Somerset (5,3) 16 & 11D Village situated between Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare on the North Somerset Levels (8,7) 17 A hamlet in the civil parish of Beckington near Frome (5) 18 _______ Village Hall was built in 1911, with a gift of land and funds from Mr Henry Herbert Wills, the tobacco magnate (7) 19 See 6 across 20 & 5D Current member of parliament for Wells

DOWN 2 Liberal Democrat politician, a Member of Parliament for Wells from 2010–2015 (5,4) 3 Village on the A38 in the parish of Badgworth (7) 4 Village which was home to an orthopaedic hospital, built in 1930, closed in 1996 (7) 5 See 20 across 7 ____ Smith, Bath-born musician who found fame with Tears For Fears (4) 8 North Somerset village where you will find Bristol & Clifton Golf Club (7) 10 See 12 across 11 See 16 across 13 Sedgemoor district village, 6 miles south east of Weston-super-Mare (8) 14 Small village 2½ miles west of Shepton Mallet with the river Sheppey running alongside the main street (6) 15 Large North Somerset village adjoining Westonsuper-Mare (5)

Answers on page 113

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EVENTS

Rugby star opens fete

COMPTON Dando village fete raised just over £4,000 for the village's local charitable causes. The weather stayed fine and the fete was opened by Bath Rugby Club player Matt Banahan, who took his son Joey along.

Bob Bessell on a Geest 3hp warehouse buggie, which was on display with other classic vehicles

Compton Martin

Bath Rugby Club player Matt Banahan and his son Joey

Liz Stanbury who was organising games

Egg catching is now a tradition

Teas served by villagers (l to r) Suzie Sumpter, Kate Van Treen and Sue Davies

The tombola stall was busy

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Jessica, aged three (left) and Amber, aged six

Garden in a Tray competition

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NATIONAL TRUST

South West Outdoor Festival comes to Cheddar Gorge AN adventure festival celebrating trails, tales and ales is coming to the Mendips.

After a successful launch last year, the South West Outdoor Festival (SWOF), a weekend-long celebration of adventure pursuits and al fresco activities, is coming to a wild location above Cheddar Gorge this September.

The annual event – which welcomes weekend campers and day visitors, and visits a new location within the South West region each year – took place on Exmoor in 2016. This year the pop-up festival will happen in meadows above Black Rock, just east of Cheddar Village, offering a unique opportunity to camp on a site looking straight down the iconic gorge.

Organised by the National Trust, in partnership with Cotswold Outdoor and the Mendip Hills AONB, the festival features a range of challenges, including trail running and multisport races, and an exciting mountain-bike sportive.

There’ll also be a multitude of smallgroup adventures, with local guides taking people climbing and caving in the gorge and at Burrington Combe, paddling (kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding) on Cheddar Reservoir, and skiing and snowboarding at the Mendip Snowsport Centre in Churchill.

On-site activities include Frisbee golf, archery and even axe throwing.

All entertainment across the weekend is included for festival goers, who will also enjoy a wealth of free family-friendly

activities, including guided walks, wood carving and bush craft sessions, camp cooking, wild-food foraging excursions and guided star gazing experiences.

Speakers at this year’s festival include Sean Conway, the man who ran, rode and swam the length of Britain, adventurer and author Anna McNuff, extreme sleeper Phoebe Smith and local hero Matt Helliker, who grew up in the Mendips and has become an internationally renowned rock climber.

The festival will also see the live launch of a new book – In Dark Places,

by Man Booker long-listed author Wyl Menmuir – which was inspired by the Mendip’s labyrinthine caves.

Live music will take place across the three days, from bands including Bristolbased funk/ska/reggae seven-piece Crinkle Cuts. Cheddar Ales and Wilcox Cider will operate pop-up bars on site, and locally produced fine food will be on offer across the weekend.

Camping tickets are £25/£50/£125 for children/adults/families and day tickets are £3/£5/£10 per child/adult/family if bought in advance, or £6/£10/£25 on the door. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/SWOF for more.

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Midsummer Mendip

SUMMER produce reaches its height in August and the only problem is what to do with it all!

There’s a limit to the number of times you can eat courgettes, but still they keep coming. Here is a great way to serve them – even children will gobble them up. Chard is With JUNE a wonderful green vegetable that doesn’t MACFARLANE get seen enough here – in Europe it’s everywhere. And it’s going to be another great year for blackberries – there will be plenty in the hedgerows for us as well as the birds.

SALT & VINEGAR COURGETTES INGREDIENTS

(For two) 500g courgettes, wiped clean big pinch salt 3 tbsp cornflour sunflower oil 1 tbsp vinegar

Salt and vinegar courgettes

I grow yellow courgettes so I can see where they are, otherwise I get marrows. Pick your courgettes small and regularly.

Top and tail courgettes and cut into batons. Put into a colander, sprinkle salt over and leave for half an hour to draw out some of the moisture. Dry on kitchen paper. Put cornflour in a ziplock bag, add courgettes and shake to cover. Heat half an inch of oil in a medium pan to 180°C. Fry courgettes in batches until crisp. Drain on kitchen paper. Sprinkle with vinegar (I like elderflower vinegar) and serve hot. Watch in amazement as they get wolfed down!

METHOD

BLACKBERRY SPLITS

Chard, bacon & ricotta frittata

CHARD, BACON & RICOTTA FRITTATA INGREDIENTS

(For two) 150g streaky bacon 6-8 large chard leaves, washed and dried grated nutmeg seasoning 4 large eggs 3 tbsp fresh ricotta 1 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

METHOD Chop the bacon up and fry until the fat runs and the bacon is golden. Reserve. Separate the ribs from the chard leaves and slice into one cm lengths. Slice up the leaves. Fry the ribs in the bacon fat until transparent; add the leaves and cook down. Add a few gratings of nutmeg. Whisk the eggs, stir in the ricotta and season. Add the bacon to the mixture and pour over the ingredients in the pan, stirring to mix. Cook until the underside is golden then cook under the grill until the top is golden too. Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan. Serve hot, or warm, or cold – it’s very versatile!

People have been foraging for wild blackberries for at least 8,000 years, and we in Britain are at the forefront. Worldwide there are more than 2,000 varieties – you may notice the differences yourself, even locally. They also contain a mild analgesic – good for sore throats unless you are intolerant of aspirin.

METHOD Preheat oven to 190°C/fan 170°C. Put 12 paper cases into muffin tin. Mix together the yogurt, eggs and vanilla. Put dry ingredients in a bowl, mix and make a well in the centre. Add yogurt mix and melted butter and fold together quickly.

Spoon into cases and bake 18-20 mins until risen and spongy to touch. Cool briefly then lift out and allow to cool. To serve: slice tops off, add spoonful of clotted cream, jam and a couple of fresh blackberries. Replace lids and dust with icing sugar.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

This is a lovely egg dish finished under the grill.

Chard is an amazing vegetable, somewhere in the spinach category but better.

You cook the ribs separately from the leaves which gives two textures. The bacon here will encourage unwilling vegetable eaters.

Let the ricotta in the egg mixture remain a bit lumpy.

(Makes one dozen) 150ml plain yogurt 3 large eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 175g golden caster sugar 140g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 100g ground almonds pinch of salt 175g unsalted butter, melted blackberry jam or jelly clotted cream Fresh blackberries

INGREDIENTS

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FOOD & DRINK

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Come and join us on 16th September and see behind the scenes at Myrtle Farm

WOULD you like to take a tour of our orchards, or see behind the scenes of our new canning line?

If so, we’d love you to join us for our Open Day on Saturday 16th September. This is a free event with activities for the whole family. It’s an opportunity to talk to our cidermakers, taste our ciders, and have a great day out! For the younger generation there’ll be apple pressing, facepainting and lots of other fun activities.

We’ll be running a number of different tours, including the orchards on a trailer, our bottling and new canning lines, as well as our 150 year old oak vats.

If you’re feeling peckish, The Railway Inn will be open throughout the day with the pizza oven in full swing.

Please join us! Doors open at 11am through to 3pm. There will be plenty of free parking on arrival at Myrtle Farm – please follow the marshals’ directions.

Have you seen our new TV ad yet?

Happy 2nd Birthday

Summer tasting menu Keep a look out for it during August!

ON Wednesday 2nd August we’ll be hosting our Summer Menu Tasting Evening at The Railway Inn. Once again our Head Chef Matt Brooks has been busy creating an array of local, seasonal dishes for you to enjoy. For further details please visit www.therailwayinn.com

WE’RE celebrating The Railway Inn’s 2nd birthday on Saturday 29th July. There’ll be entertainment and music from local acts starting from 1pm, continuing throughout the day, as well as face painting and entertainment for the younger generation. Our pizza oven will be in full swing from 12pm.

No tickets required – free entry!

Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm

Thatchers on board HMS Somerset

Chris Milton with Commander Tim Berry of HMS Somerset

WE’VE teamed up with HMS Somerset to promote the beautiful county of Somerset and bring a few home comforts to everyone on board ship.

Chris Milton, our Off-Trade & Export Sales Director, presented a Thatchers branded “RAS” (replenish at sea) flag to Commander Tim Berry of HMS Somerset, while the ship was docked at Avonmouth recently.

Tim is Somerset-born, his grandfather was a farmer in Chard and even made his own cider. He is doing as much as he can as captain of the ship named after his county of birth to promote it and he especially loves Thatchers Cider!

Chris Milton says, “We have been absolutely delighted to team up with HMS Somerset and we hope that our relationship will flourish over coming months and years.

“We are proud to be on board HMS Somerset, and wish everyone safe travels.”

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 19

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Forks at the ready – food festival is back WELLS Food Festival, a celebration of Somerset’s rich culinary heritage, is back for the fifth year running in October.

From 3,000 visitors in 2012, numbers swelled to 15,000 last year, with 94% in an exit poll saying that they will be returning this year. With exciting plans for 2017, the organisers are hoping to entice even more visitors to Wells.

First time visitors to the festival – on Sunday, October 8th – will probably begin their culinary adventure in the Market Square, but there is plenty more on offer to tempt the taste buds with market stalls along the Bishop’s Palace Moat into the Recreation Ground, ending in the 15th century Bishop’s Barn.

More than 150 stalls will showcase the region’s finest produce. A key focus for 2017 is food education: from taste to waste. New to the festival is the Charlie Bigham’s Discovery Zone, taking centre stage in the Recreation Ground and packed to the rafters with interactive stands from innovative companies.

Charlie Bigham’s is currently building a new production campus at nearby Dulcote which will produce high-end ready-prepared meals.

There’s plenty to interest younger visitors as well with the Morrisons Children’s Zone housed in the Bishop’s Barn. This year’s theme is “Have Fun with Food” and all the senses will be used to ignite children’s imagination, from planting seeds through to composting.

Wells Cathedral will be taking part for the first time with three, ticketed talks taking place in the Vicars’ Hall (not usually open to the public) including cider tasting with local expert, Bob Chaplin, to celebrate the county’s cider making heritage. There will also be exclusive “taster tours” of Wells Cathedral which culminate in a tasting of medieval dishes laid out in the Vicars’ Hall.

Run by volunteers, Wells Food Festival is a Community Interest Company, a type

Cookery demonstrations last year, using the freshest of ingredients, will again play a big part in the festival

of limited company set up for the benefit of the local community. It was recently a 2017 Mendip Business Award finalist in recognition of the contributions made to the region.

A spokeswoman said: “Thanks go to all the festival’s sponsors whose generous support largely funds the event: in particular the two key sponsors Jon Thorner’s and Greenslade Taylor Hunt.”

The festival runs from 10.30am-4.30pm. Admission is free. For further information visit www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk

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A L D W I C K V I N E YA R D

FOOD & DRINK

Rewarding ends justify industrious means

TO say that this year has been marked by extraordinary and dramatic weather events begs the question “what next?”

First came late spring frosts in April (the vines at budburst soon rallied), then a five-day June heatwave (all grape varieties flowered simultaneously with With ominous implications for a compressed ELIZABETH harvest schedule), followed by a LAVER fortnight of 30+ mph winds.

It was a tough month completing a first pass through the vineyard raising foliage wires and tucking shoots. Rampant growth created unwieldy shoots with thigmotropic (touchsensitive) tendrils. These clung and tangled, resisting painstaking efforts to position them between foliage wires.

Gusting winds wrenched shoots free or snapped them over trellis wires. How knackering, exhausting – and disheartening!

Reward arrived on July 4th, just as Jack Inman and Caroline Smith secured the final 460 of 11,000 vines.

Robinsons issued a press release announcing their intent to offer Aldwick’s Jubilate Rose 2014 sparkling wine at their estate of pubs in the North West of England. Noel Reid, Wine Buyer for Robinsons Brewery in Stockport, describes our “incredibly fine 100% Pinot Noir” as “divine” and “sublime”.

I well recall what it took to grow those grapes three years ago and take heart.

Popularity of rosé fizz is on the rise, and its reputation as a “girly” or wedding wine challenged. According to Alice Lascelles “rosé is actually the most ‘masculine’ and gastronomic of champagne styles due to its red wine component.” Judge for yourself. Raise a glass of Jubilate Rose!

Great pub Lovely food every day Delicious Sunday roasts Tuesday night quiz nights Well-kept real ales Top wines Gorgeous gins En-suite letting rooms Come and visit this beautiful country pub (recently reopened under new management) and enjoy a pint or two in our lovely beer garden where there is ample parking and always a good time to be had! Friendly kids and dogs welcome!!

Elizabeth Laver is Vineyard Manager For wine & vineyard tours visit www.aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook as “Seven Stars Timsbury” or visit our website at www.sevenstarstimsbury.co.uk email: hello@sevenstarstimsbury.co.uk For all enquiries please call: 01761 471700 MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 21

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Meet the lounge wizards

TWO highly-experienced chefs are busy transforming The Club Lounge in Shepton Mallet into one of the “go to” places on Mendip.

Led by James Morrison, with good friend James Price alongside, the pair believe the secret to the growing popularity of The Club Lounge, on Paul Street, is a frequently-changing but not too extensive menu with the emphasis on classics, combined with elements of fine dining such as fillet of sea bass or smoked pork belly.

Many establishments pride themselves on locally-sourced products, but few chefs can be seen shopping on market day in Shepton Mallet or supporting a project for adults with learning difficulties who are growing a delicious range of salad leaves.

Thursday night at The Club Lounge is Steak Night – £20 for two rumps – and opening on Friday and Saturday evenings is proving a winner with diners looking for somewhere special to enjoy a meal out.

Sunday lunches are also proving to be a big hit, but The Club Lounge is also somewhere to visit for just a coffee or an extensive breakfast/brunch. There is also a tempting menu Ham hock terrine

James Price (left) and James Morrison outside The Club Lounge

of salads – try chicken and crispy smoked pork belly Caesar salad – and starters such as Somerset mussels in a cider and cream sauce.

James (Morrison) said: “We’re aiming to offer a seasonal menu that is reasonably priced. Rather than offer different menus at different times of the day, we have tried to create one, good menu that we can adapt according to the seasons.”

The Club Lounge is a flexible space, with a “chill-out” coffee area, flower-decorated dining tables and a long bench which is popular with large groups wanting somewhere informal to eat.

James added: “We want this to be a place that offers something for everyone; where the customer comes first rather than where the chef is just showing off. We believe Shepton Mallet has a lot to offer and can become a destination town in much the same way as Frome.”

A new dining experience has arrived in Shepton Mallet Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients prepared by people passionate about their food

Serving food Mon-Sat 9am-2pm, Thur-Sat evening 6-9.30pm, Sun 9am-3pm 2 Paul Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5SB. Tel: 01749 649247 PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

10% discount when you book a table in advan ce quoting MT/JM1

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GARDEN FOOD

In praise of courgettes

COURGETTES are one of those vegetables that, despite their Mediterranean provenance, seem just as happy in the wet and mild British climate as they are baking in the Mediterranean sun.

The species to which they belong With JAKE (Curcurbita pepo) is the same as other WHITSON summer squashes, as well as pumpkins and winter squashes – all have their roots in Mexico where they were domesticated 10,000 years ago.

However the courgette or zucchini that we know today was developed from other summer squashes in Italy in the late 1800s.

This year I am growing Ronde de Nice, and a very vigorous plant it is too, seeming to like it every bit as much in Chilcompton as it does in Nice. The foliage is mottled with a grey green colour, which I find quite attractive now that I'm sure it's not a fungal disease eating the leaves!

As the name suggests the fruit are round, with a striped appearance, and they have a good firm texture. I like them sliced and fried in olive oil, with a little thyme and sunflower seeds added a minute before the end, served with a wedge of lemon and some crusty bread.

I also love them in a simple ratatouille – gently sweated in olive oil with lots of sliced garlic and a little onion, then simmered briefly with some chopped fresh tomatoes, and peppers if you have them.

Something I've discovered recently is that I really rather prefer tomato sauces when they are only lightly cooked, for just a few minutes – even if I am using tinned tomatoes. They retain rather more of their fresh flavour and delicate sweetness instead of becoming heavy and ketchup-y.

Served with lots and lots of home-made pesto and steamed basmati rice, this is one of the most delicious and wholesome meals I know.

Jacob is a former chef turned food writer, smallholder and mycologist. He divides his time between the Mendips and his nine-acre forest garden project in Pembrokeshire. Details: www.chaosfungorum.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Mad dogs and English roses ...

With ADRIAN BOOTS

HAVING worked with farmers and land owners in Somerset and Dorset for many years, I became aware of the sheer variety of local names for common plants. For example, a local Somerset name for brambles is the whimsical sounding “brimbles”.

Of course they mean the same thing but it really did highlight to me the regional variation in common names for plants and

shrubs.

Dog rose (aka wild rose) is another case in point. Old Somerset country names include the unfortunate “canker” and “canker rose” (this could be to do with its invasive nature), the odd sounding “humack”, and the colloquial “roe-briar” and “yoe-brimble” (i.e. ewe bramble) – you can’t get more Somerset than that!

These names relate to deer and sheep – one can imagine a wily old ewe nibbling at rose flowers in the hedgerows.

In terms of its common name, dog rose garnered this canine moniker to distinguish it from and somehow denigrate it in comparison to cultivated roses. I can’t for the life of me think why. Granted they do not quite have the aroma or size and colour variation of the domesticated rose but they sure do add a cheery splash of colour to country lanes.

And the flowers have a delicate aroma and flavour all of their own cherished by us foragers The word “dog” may have originated from “dag” or thorn, but the name is also linked to the tale of a Roman soldier who was cured of hydrophobia after being bitten by a mad (presumably rabid) dog.

The dog or wild rose has a long history and is actually quite famous, although you may not have realised it, but it is actually the national flower of England!

Dog rose (Rosa Canina) is a tall shrub with long arching stems with hooked thorns along its length, sometimes reaching up to 3m in height. The leaves are serrated or toothed and are in opposite pairs except the very top leaf which is singular. The flowers are large with five petals, white to pink in colour. The best time to collect them is the end of July into August and they are a very common plant of woods, hedges and scrubby areas.

Now at this point I would normally say something trite along the lines of “and tastes good sprinkled on a summer fruit salad” which of course it does. But I think that this remarkable flower deserves some extra special treatment, so here is my recipe for a very quick and simple home-made rosewater summer drink.

Put two large handfuls of rose petals in a bowl, pour over two cups of hot (just off the boil) water. Add a few tablespoons of sugar and stir until dissolved. Cover and steep until the liquid is cool. Strain the liquid and squeeze the petals to get the remaining liquid and oils out. Finally refrigerate.

Why not make a long cool summer drink by adding to a dash of vodka or gin finished off with a few fresh petals?! I wonder if this is what the legionary did to “cure” his aversion to water. Or maybe he just gave it to the dog.

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 23

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Star on the rise

THE Star on the A38 at Winscombe has a new team in charge, who are busy introducing an expanded menu, entertainment and theme nights.

New owners, Mike and Kelly Beardshaw, found this was a winning formula during their very successful 16 years at the Drum and Monkey in Kenn, near Clevedon.

The new menus are already in place, including various pies with chips or mash on Mondays, at £13.95 for two, steak days on Wednesdays, at £20 for two and fish and chips on Fridays at £15 for two.

There’s a big choice, emphasising that The Star isn’t just a carvery, as it was, though that’s still available, starting at £6.95 with a choice of two meats. There’s also a range of vegetarian and children’s menus, as well as chef’s specials.

The entertainment kicks off on August 31st with a Robbie Williams

versus Gary Barlow tribute night, costing £25, including a two-course meal.

Mike says they are excited about the potential of The Star, which has a patio and big garden at the back.

He said: “We have the capacity to cater for weddings and other functions and a huge car park. I’m looking forward to barbecues this summer.”

But the emphasis isn’t just on food. The pub has a choice of real ales and ciders and the original building at the front, next to the road, has a pool table and dart board – Mike hopes to encourage teams to play.

He said: “We’ve shown in the past that you can put the pub at the centre of the community and that’s what we want to do here.”

NOT JUST A CARVERY! COMING SOON

STEAK NIGHTS

SPECIAL EXTRAS New Children’s Menu from £5.25

Live Music, tribute bands and much more

New Veggie Dishes All at £9.95

PIE &

FISHY FRIDAYS 2 x Cod, chips, peas & tartare sauce – £15

CHIPS/MASH Mondays are Pie & Mash/Chips Days. Your choice of TWO pies, chips or mash for just

£13.95

THE STAR AT STAR Find us on the A38 Bristol Road in Star at Winscombe 01934 844453 • Sat Nav details: BS25 1QE PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Champion pies

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JON Thorner’s found themselves in esteemed company at the recent Meat Management Awards. It was nominated a finalist in the Britain’s Best Meat Pie category.

The awards are a national industry event to reward the best of the best in the UK meat sector. The event culminated in a black tie ceremony in Birmingham.

Their new flavour Pulled Brisket & Horseradish wowed the tasting panel, amongst an outstanding number of entries from pie producers across the country, but they were just pipped for the top spot by Marks and Spencer.

Jon Thorner’s was also given a high commendation for their Spicy Cumberland Sausage & Red Onion Pie and said just being nominated a finalist amongst established national producers was a win in itself.

From humble beginnings in 1979 to now being a major player in the local food sector, the company said it is exciting for the products it produces to be recognised amongst the large multiples.

Jon Thorner’s supply hundreds of independent retailers across the South West of England and, more recently, nationally via Ocado – but each one of their pies is still individually filled and hand-crimped.

FOOD & DRINK

Time for a pit stop at a family-run business

THE Pit Stop mobile catering unit is situated on the A37 between Pensford and Whitchurch. It’s been a family-run business since May 2016 offering a wide range of freshly prepared food.

This includes a full English breakfast in a box for £5, Pit Stop secret recipe home-made pulled pork, hot and cold sandwiches, drinks, steak and cheese with fried onions, all the usual breakfast rolls and much, much more.

They are also available for hire for fetes, car boots, parties and events.

A U G U S T D AT E S Al l m a r k e t s 9 a m- 1 p m u n l e s s o t h e r w i s e m a r k ed *

SAT 5th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 6th SFM @ Frome Independent* (10am-3pm) SAT 12th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 19th Crewkerne FRI 25th Burnham-on-Sea SAT 26th Glastonbury* (9am-2pm)

PIT STOP MOBILE CATERING

Situated on A37 between Pensford and Whitchurch Full English breakfast in a box £5 and much, much more Open from 7am-2.30pm Monday to Saturday

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 25

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Cheddar food festival

CHEDDAR village is full of pubs, restaurants, shops and cafés all serving a fantastic range of local produce and the Cheddar Food and Drink Festival will supplement this by bringing in around 40 stalls offering a wide range of the finest produce anywhere in the South West, from strawberries to cider, sausages to cheese, English wines and finest ales.

It will take place on Saturday September 9th, 10am – 6pm, with live music, street entertainment and fun for the kids, as well as food and drink.

Come in and enjoy Blagdon’s traditional little country pub.

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us.

Note 80% menu is Gluten-free.

Booking highly recommended.

In season: Trout • Pheasant • Venison GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES

www.queenadelaideblagdon.co.uk • 01761 463926

High Street, Wrington, North Somerset, BS40 5QA Tel : 01934 862871 www.theploughatwrington.co.uk eat@theploughwrington.co.uk

Fancy Working In The Best Food Pub South of Bristol?

We are looking for chefs for a few roles to join our fantastic fun team, and work under an inspirational Head Chef All our food is freshly made on the premises from the best local produce Positions available: CHE DE PARTIE – £19,500 to £20K per annum COMMIS CHEF – £18,500 depending on experience Great Tips – £70 to £100 per week Live In or Live Out (there is a small Live In Charge) Mix of split and straight shifts

Interested? Please contact us with your CVs We look forward to hearing from you!

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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FOOD & DRINK

Country shopping at its best North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm

Wheelchair access, children welcome, free parking, coaches by appointment

TEA ROOMS

Hot & cold meals Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts Function room available for hire

Tasty Cheddar strawberries and our own cream!

Enjoy a good Sunday roast

COME AND ENJOY OUR FRESH BARBEQUE MEATS

Emma Bridgewater China & other gifts Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 27

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Taste of Timsbury

THE organisers of last year’s Taste of Timsbury, the award-winning festival of local food and drink, are looking forward to an even more successful event this year.

The festival will take place at Timsbury’s Conygre Hall on Saturday September 23rd from 10am to 3pm, entry is free.

This year’s event will have more than 30 stalls, both inside the hall and in a marquee pitched on the recreation field, and there will be a choice of street food available. All the stallholders are local to the area and will showcase a wide range of food and drink.

As they proved to be so popular last year, there will be several cookery demonstrations.

Last year’s Taste of Timsbury festival contributed towards Bath and North East Somerset winning the 2016 British Food Fortnight “Love British Food” national competition.

Details: www.tasteoftimsbury.co.uk, email tasteoftimsbury@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.

FOOD & DRINK

Curry in Coleford for Kenya

Professional chef Dagmar Hewell with (l:r) Ellie, Beth and Lesley

COLEFORD Royal British Legion hall was filled with the exotic smells of Asia when it hosted a charity curry night to raise funds to send three local health care workers on a trip to Kenya.

Beth Evans, Lesley Button and Ellie Brixey, from the Mendip Country Practice in the village, are off on a healthcare trip to Kenya next spring, in support of Camps International.

The organisation’s healthcare programme brings services to remote villages in Kenya where the residents would normally have to walk huge distances to access facilities. Volunteer nurses treat wounds and infections, offer opthalmic and dentistry services, as well as providing advice on sexual health. Volunteers take a huge amount of tooth brushes, glasses, shoes, clothes and lots of toys to give to the children they meet.

Tucking in: dishes included creamy Kashmiri chick curry, lamb rogan josh and sweet potato, chick pea and spinach masala – with all the usual side dishes

The practice will be holding a car boot sale and coffee morning on Saturday, September 23rd from 10am-2pm to support the trio. For details, visit: www.mendipcp.co.uk

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Tel: 0800 097 8611

www.johnhodge.co.uk | e-mail: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk

WESTON-SUPER-MARE | BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | YATTON | WEDMORE

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Drawing together

The Artist’s Gallery www.tag.uk.net

4 Borough Mews The Borough Yard Wedmore Somerset BS28 4EB info@tag.uk.net

Opening times: Wednesday 2pm–5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am–5pm

BLACK Swan Arts in Frome is hosting a prestigious touring show of artists’ sketchbooks over the summer.

The SKETCH 2017 competition and touring exhibition aims to promote the diversity and importance of drawing and the role of the sketchbook in contemporary creative practice.

The works on show in SKETCH 2017 have been selected from an international submission of more than 500 sketchbooks.

Meryl Ainslie, founder and director of Rabley Drawing Centre in Wiltshire who launched the SKETCH Open Sketchbook Drawing Prize in 2005, said: “The handling of a sketchbook takes us to the heart of the space inhabited by the artist.”

The exhibition runs until Sunday, September 3rd.

Show brings in the visitors

01934 713295

A leap of faith: Ian in his sculpture garden

AN open exhibition kept artist Ian Marlow busy as part of the Frome Festival.

His magical garden at Buckland Dinham was open to passersby for the only time this year. Ian said: “The exhibition was extremely successful in sales and commissions and lots of people came to enjoy the sculptures and the garden.”

Visitors are always welcome, but please arrange in advance: email ian@marlowsculpture.co.uk or call 01373 471711.

Art in the round

WELLS Civic Society is inviting artists of all or no talent and of all ages to take part in ART 360 on the Cathedral Green in the city in August.

The competition is aimed at encouraging people to take in the panoramic view around them and paint, draw or collage any of the wonderful views that meet the eye. Local artists Chris Green, Ruth Ames-White and Philippa Threllfall, the A2 Gallery, The Armandine Gallery and the Dean of Wells are all backing the project, taking place on Saturday, August 26th from 1-4pm.

The civic society will present an award to the winning creation and there will be a dedicated exhibition in the week after the event in the Cathedral.

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Entry forms are available on-line at www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk the A2 Gallery and The Armandine Gallery or on the day.

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

“Never give in, never, never, never”

WINSTON Churchill delivered these words during an address to Harrow School in 1941. Just over 75 years later at Clevedon Salerooms’ recent quarterly specialist sale, two bidders battled to secure a signed copy of Churchill’s 1946 book of speeches Arms and the Covenant and, it would appear, heeded his advice.

There can only be one victor at auction and it is always the under-bidder that sets the price the winning bidder has to pay.

On this occasion the under-bidder raised the white flag, but not before a valiant effort, pushing the victor to £3,950 in order to take their prize.

In the same sale a 17th century silver Apostle spoon with a Truro hall mark, dated to around the time of the English civil war, had fared well to survive to this day. Collectors appreciated its condition and £3,100 was required to secure ownership for the next phase in this spoon’s long history.

Clevedon Salerooms are currently accepting entries for their regular Antiques & Interiors Sales and also for their September 14th Quarterly Specialist Sale.

Every lot in every auction, illustrated and sold with live internet bidding

Our Free Valuation Days can be a rewarding experience . . .

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

Gem set brooch Sold for £1,360

31st July 1 2 & 14 15 16 August

Robert Phillips – Victorian Archaeological Revival earrings Sold for £5,200

9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery 10th & 24th August

Sales start at 10am On view day before 10am – 6.30pm

Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789

The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com

Victorian Ruby and Diamond brooch Sold for £1,980

14ct Schultz buckle strap watch Sold for £1,480

Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch

Valuation Day

At the Salerooms Tuesday 8th August 10am – 4pm MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 31

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Child’s pedal car driven to a high price AT their sale of Antiques and Collectables on July 8th, Killens saw an excellent entry of some 750 lots go under the hammer with a diverse entry of items but particularly strong entries of jewellery and collectables.

Amongst the collectables sold was a Tri-ang children’s pedal car dating from the 1950s and this generated exceptional interest from within the room, on the internet and telephone bids eventually selling for £460.

Coco de mur nuts always generate interest and a good example that had been converted into a box realised £300.

There was a good range of pictures and paintings on offer with two abstracts by the 20th century artist, John Copnall, selling for £1,200 and £880 respectively.

Other items selling to advantage included an 18th century gentleman’s

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

velvet and gold braided frock coat, £1,000, a 20th century Chinese robe, £480, a Lorenzo Quinn bronze, £400, a Japanese Satsuma rebellion sword, £340 and a Black Forest cuckoo clock, £300.

On July 18th, another large entry of almost 650 lots of Victorian and later effects went under the hammer on a warm day but there was an excellent attendance of buyers leading to the saleroom buzzing.

Entries are now being invited for forthcoming sales with the next sale being of Antiques and Collectables on August 12th. Valuation days are now taking place every day of the week from 10am to 5pm or members of the valuation team are happy to conduct a home visit free of charge.

The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauction rooms.co.uk

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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EVENTS

Congresbury Village Fete

Start of the fun run

Members of Congresbury evening WI

Fete prince and princess Shaun and Anna, aged 11

Children's crafts

Congresbury community pre-school

Congresbury gym club in action

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 33

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EVENTS

Wedmore Street Fair

Methodist church members, (l to r) Angeline Duckett, Ruth Tucker and Gwen Fisher Wedmore Bowls Club members (l to r) Viv Walker, Vic Matthews, Peter Duggan-Rees and Dave Nicholls

Mendip Rotary (l to r) Mike Gelder, Dennis Malpass, Margaret Gelder and Peter Wright

The Borough was packed with stalls and people

Ducks away!

Wedmore Tuesday Club

Wedmore Kings of Wessex students (l to r) Iona Neill, Ella DeLayen-Vian, Lilly Laing and Andrea Cleave were raising funds for an expedition to support the environmental charity Operation Wallacea PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Wedmore artist Anita Pegler

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• Clothing and Accessories • Cycle to Work Schemes • Quality New Bikes • Spares & Repairs • Cycle Hire • Follow us on facebook for our latest news and offers

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CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

Duvets & Bedspreads washed & dried Sheets and Duvet covers washed and pressed Professional efficient service Collection & delivery service in the Chew Valley

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PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Lights, camera, action!

SOMETIMES a new expertise creeps into your world in a quite unexpected way. In fact, if you aren't careful, you can blink and miss the opportunity to pick up and run with it and in this rapidly changing world, that isn't a great idea.

A couple of years ago, the redoubtable captain of our particular ship was faced with a new challenge. Could he help a film company set up an Enterprise Investment Scheme? This kind of work is a bit out of the norm and requires the honing of skills, the sharpening of the mind and the Reviewing (to quote Fagin) of the Situation.

Things all worked out well and the film was recently screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival with the company's name (and I may have mentioned this before) included in the credits at the end of the film. It starred some very well-known actors and was extremely well received!

Following on from the initial work, a recommendation was passed to another potential film maker and then to a third, each one with a slightly different twist, which added to said skills. Now, this has been interesting work for everyone involved and

naturally has added a newly growing expertise within the company.

This gave rise to me thinking about the future of our businesses in this area. No matter how we future proof at the moment, and many of us are endeavouring to do just that, there are bound to be elements of uncertainty involved as we move towards our separation from the EU and possibly (we don't yet know for sure) from the Single Market.

While this may not directly affect your business, it may affect your customers, so it really is worth being prepared.

Simply put, if you have the chance to broaden your experience and knowledge as well as to husband your cash and your savings in the next few years, do so. Grab every opportunity to develop new ideas which will add to the things your business has to offer – or your “Unique Selling Point” – and work to make your customer service second to none.

Building your business has never been so important, and I would love to see Mendip being a successful and strong region for SME's whatever the future throws at us.

Good luck!

Jane Bowe, Probusiness

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New heights for Toploader!

Jason gets to work to hang the promotional banner above the busy junction

BUSINESS

OWNING a multi-purpose range of aerial platforms meant one of Jason Beasley’s latest jobs caused little disruption to traffic in Shepton Mallet on a

busy market day.

Jason was hired to hang a banner across the main junction in Shepton Mallet town centre promoting a gig in Collett Park by Toploader on Saturday, September 16th.

Jason, who runs Jason Beasley Access based at Blackford, said: “Our smallest vehicle is our Land Rover-based platform and I knew it would be ideal for the job. We were able to park close to the junction and traffic could pass by very easily. It’s another example of how flexible we can be.”

Toploader will be supported by Nick Parker and the False Alarms at the autumn concert organised by the team behind the Collett Park Festival charity day. For details, visit: www.collettfestival.co.uk

• TREE SURGERY • GUTTER FASCIAS AND WINDOW CLEANING • CHIMNEY LINERS • SECURITY LIGHTING • ROOF REPAIRS

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 37

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Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels

Wedmore showcase

VICTORIA & Scarlet offer a complete range of blinds, curtains and upholstery services for homes and business. They say they were honoured to be invited to open their brand new shop in The Borough Yard in Wedmore in the spring, which means they can showcase their goods and services to the

Inspired Bespoke Design

01934 710687 www.victoriaandscarlet.co.uk sales.bosinteriors@gmail.com

Unit 2 The Borough Mews, The Borough Yard, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Mendip and surrounding communities.

Their family-run factory based in Burnham-on-Sea, has been manufacturing and supplying made-to-measure blinds and curtains for over 30 years and their dedicated team of craftspeople work hard to deliver consistently excellent goods and services.

Their experienced team can offer excellent advice and inspiration and tailor-make your soft furnishings to meet your expectations. They offer a comprehensive selection of fabrics; from classic William Morris and Sanderson designs through to contemporary prints and designer fabrics.

Unlike many shops they are happy to manufacture goods in fabric the customer supplies, so if you have fabric you want to use for something or have moved and want to re-use curtains you already own, then they are happy to help.

Their beautiful shop in Wedmore is open Monday – Saturday and they have many cushions, home-wares and gifts ready to buy alongside their made-to-measure services. Pop in or contact them for a free home consultation about your curtains, blinds or upholstery needs.

Mention Mendip Times and receive 10% off any made-tomeasure order too!

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BUSINESS

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

New business

VINCENT O’Dornihan and Jennifer Molton are the talents behind a new business, Plumtree Upholstery, with skills perfected over 60 years’ combined experience in the field.

They say: “We want you to be completely satisfied with our work. We will do our very best to see that your project, no matter how large or how small, will be completed on time, on budget, and to your complete satisfaction.”

They offer commercial and domestic reupholstering and antique restoration, free estimates and consultation and transport if needed to and from their workshop at Lays Farm Trading Estate, Unit 5, Charlton Road, Keynsham BS31 2SE.

Celebrating ten years

Reupholstering An que Restora on

Plumtree Upholstery is located in Lays Farm Trading Estate, Unit 5, Charlton Road, Keynsham BS31 2SE. Phone: 07393 200772 Email: info@plumtreeupholstery.com Web: www.plumtreeupholstery.com Follow us on Facebook – Plumtree Upholstery

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

RED Berry Recruitment Ltd is a multi-awardwinning recruitment agency that was established in 2007. They are celebrating ten years in business this year!

Red Berry has offices in Shepton Mallet, Yeovil and Bridgwater. This enables the effective supply of temporary and permanent staff to the commercial and industrial sectors across Somerset and into parts of Devon, Wiltshire, Dorset and Avon.

The addition of a newly-opened satellite office in Cardiff now provides specialist HR and marketing recruitment functions as well as expansion into the M5 corridor for “the Berries”.

Whether a business needs a temp for a week, high volume temps for large contracts, a confidential vacancy or a help with a specialist role, Red Berry Recruitment can help.

Red Berry is currently seeking candidates for a variety of roles across Somerset.

Details: www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk or like the Red Berry Facebook page.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 39

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BUSINESS

TrueSpeed wins £75million investment in the South West LOCAL broadband provider TrueSpeed has secured £75 million from Aviva Investors to build an ultrafast full fibre network to residents throughout the South West. It’s the largest investment ever made privately into communications for our communities.

TrueSpeed, based at Newton St Loe, Bath already serves a number of villages in the Chew Valley, including Priston, Woollard, Compton Dando, Burnett, and Newton St Loe, with Stanton Drew, Stanton Wick, Regil, Badgworth, Biddisham and the Allertons currently being built.

Following this they will be rolling it out through Pensford, Chew Magna, Chew Stoke, Bishop Sutton, Stowey and then on through East/West Harptee, Ubley and Compton Martin.

Now the new investment means TrueSpeed can accelerate its expansion to around 75,000 homes and businesses throughout the South West. It needs 30 percent of people in any given area to sign up to install the brand new network, independent from BT’s infrastructure.

Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva, the insurance and investment specialist. Senior director, Sean McLachan, said: “There is a clear and growing demand for this essential infrastructure across the country, in particular rural locations.

“The funding Aviva Investors is providing will allow TrueSpeed and its management team to accelerate its business plan and network expansion to provide world-class infrastructure to users who are currently underserved.”

TrueSpeed was set up two years ago, when it purchased sub-

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

ducting along the route of Hibernia Networks’ transatlantic fibre cable which was intended to improve internet speeds between New York and London's many financial trade hubs.

Having then secured a deal with Western Power to use power poles for connectivity, alongside a range of innovative methods, they are in the unique position of being able to provide fibre directly into people's homes with minimal disruption, meaning guaranteed speeds of 100Mbs both up and down through an ethernet connection and the ability to upgrade speeds at the touch of a button.

CEO, Evan Wienburg, said: “This is brilliant news for the residents and businesses in our region. This significant investment will enable TrueSpeed to roll out the full fibre network infrastructure and services the region has needed and will provide our customers with a high quality broadband and data capabilities for the first time.

“This brand new infrastructure will be capable of handling the speed requirements of our customers now and in the future at a competitive price and with a regional service focus. My whole team is very much looking forward to working with Aviva Investors and delivering some of the fastest and most reliable internet found anywhere in the world. Fast, Fair, Forever!”

The company are currently booking dates across the Chew Valley for Q&A sessions at each village hall in sequence, starting with East Harptree, Chew Magna, Bishop Sutton, Pensford, Chew Stoke, and their sales and marketing teams will be out in force over the coming weeks.

TrueSpeed rely on the support of communities to deliver their infrastructure and are committed to giving people a “True Choice” and a reliable service, fit for whatever the future of technology brings.

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FINALLY, BROADBAND CAN YOU BELIEVE IN.

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Paulton Party in the Park

Stardust Majorettes in action

Norton Radstock Classic Vehicle Club had a fine display

Paulton Rovers netball team

Paulton Concert Band

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Members of Farrington Gurney WI

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EVENTS

Banwell Carnival Olympics

Banwell WI members Banwell Action Club were in charge of the barbecue

Basketball – Banwell style

The ping-pong challenge Table skittles –- one of 16 games on offer

Splat the rat MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 43

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Countess charms children . . . and a few adults as well Photos by Mark Adler

THE Countess of Wessex has paid a private visit to Mendip, visiting a school for children with special needs and meeting a group of young horse riders who have completed a pioneering course.

HRH’s day began at the Mendip School, next to the Royal Bath and West showground at Shepton Mallet. She was visiting in her role as vice-patron of the Royal Bath and West of England Society.

The countess delighted children and staff alike as she toured the classrooms and chatted to youngsters and staff having lunch, before meeting the school council. The school opened in 2015 to meet demand for children from four through to 19 with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Speech Language and Communication Needs.

The countess also visited the school’s Greenfield Café, which is open to the public.

Later, HRH met the team at the Divoky Riding School at Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, where children from St Paul’s junior school have been amongst those taking part in the Mendip-based Back on Track charity programme.

Back on Track raises funds to offer equestrian-related therapy programmes to help young people with physical, mental and/or emotional issues and also those who may be in poverty. The courses aim to help young people with difficulties remain on stream at school and to encourage team building and confidence.

Since Back on Track (Somerset) was launched in 2007, it has raised more than £80,000, helping around 350 schoolchildren.

This year it has received grants from the National Lottery “Awards for All”, Somerset Community Foundation, Somerset Crimebeat, The Royal Bath and West dairy produce section, Yeo Valley, Tesco’s 5p a bag scheme, Chubb Bulleid solicitors and Sherborne Country Fair.

Making fruit kebabs. The countess joked: “That’s the great thing about cookery lessons; you get to eat while you’re making things.

The countess at the Mendip School

Pupils from St Paul’s junior school with their certificates after completing the Back on Track course

For details about Back on Track (Somerset), visit: ww

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Robert Drewett, chairman of the show society, presents the countess with a case of cider

Benjamin presented the countess with a posy

ROYAL VISIT

The school council gathers for a photograph

Class sizes are kept to a minimum to give pupils as much attention as they need

Sharing a joke with school principal Emily Massey (right)

Visiting one of the classes on a tour of the school

What’s for lunch, asks the countess

t: www.localgiving.org/charity/backontracksomerset/

The countess watched a demonstration of riding by the youngsters and chatted to Amy Carpenter, a member of the Divoky team

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 45

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Cycling for sports club . . .

Riders gather for the start of the tour Heading off on the 25-mile plus ride

FOOTBALLERS, cricketers, tennis players and armchair fans took to the roads around Mendip on bicycles to raise money for the charity which runs Chilcompton sports ground.

Chilcompton Sports manages and maintains the facilities at the Bennell Sports Ground.

The clubhouse has also started to host fundraising music nights.

For details, visit: www.chilcomptonsports.com

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

. . . cycling for Chris

FRIENDS and family took part in the sixth Chris Evans memorial cycle ride to raise money for the British Lung Foundation.

Chris, who died from pulmonary thrombosis, used to ride to the Red Cow at Brent Knoll for a drink. The rides have raised £1,800 for the charity so far.

The riders prepare to leave the Red Cow for the 25-mile journey

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Caravan is the wheel deal in charity competition THE Rotary Club of Mendip has launched a fundraising competition to win a £20,000 caravan.

Bailey Caravans has donated the caravan to the club to mark the company’s 70th anniversary.

The majority of the funds raised by the raffle are pledged to Macmillan Cancer Support, with the rest going to good causes in the Cheddar Valley.

Rotarian Phil Hunt said: “Baileys were keen we supported a cancer charity and as Macmillan had been so helpful to my own family they seemed the ideal beneficiary as we are not alone in appreciating the help of Macmillan nurses.”

Bailey of Bristol chief executive Nick Howard said: “It is the company’s 70th anniversary this year and so it seemed appropriate to celebrate by donating a caravan to be raffled for well-deserving charities and we are grateful to the Rotary Club of Mendip for organising the draw.”

Action fund helps YMCA Mendip

A GRANT from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset is to help YMCA Mendip fund sporting activities and youth work in the area.

YMCA Mendip is currently fundraising to bring the former youth and community centre in Vallis Road in Frome back into full use after taking over the lease of the building from Somerset County Council. It has been awarded £3,000 by the commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, as part of £41,000 in grants across the force area.

YMCA Mendip is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special service in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, October 21st.

Karen Collins (left) and Chiara Docherty, from YMCA Mendip, at the Frome Masons summer fete

CHARITIES

Nick Howard (right), chief executive of Bailey of Bristol, with club president Richard Tilley (left) accompanied by his wife Tanya, son Rupert and immediate past president Phil Hunt

● Tickets costing £5 will be sold at caravan shows and other events before the draw in October at the National Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC Birmingham. The winner will be

able to have the new 2018 model fitted out to meet their own requirements. For details, visit www.winacaravan.org or email: info@winacaravan.org or club members will also be selling tickets.

Eating disorder charity hits 25

IT started as a self-help support group by one family from Street, but now the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association is celebrating 25 years of working with people affected by an eating disorder.

SWEDA is the Maureen Davis (seated front) and Paula Bright with staff and only charity of its guests at the birthday party kind in Somerset providing a lifeline to people living with anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive or binge eating. SWEDA has helped hundreds of people and their families across the South West to seek help and begin their journey to recovery.

Founder Maureen Davis, who launched the group to help a relative living with an eating disorder, was the guest of honour at the anniversary celebrations at the charity’s offices in Shepton Mallet.

Chief Executive Paula Blight said: “It is so important for us as the only charity across Somerset helping to support those affected by an eating disorder, to be able to celebrate 25 years of working within the community.”

SWEDA is led by six staff and 14 volunteers and has expanded its mission to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that surrounds the condition. The SWEDA team works in partnership with local colleges to engage thousands of 18–25 year-olds and they also work specifically to destigmatise the condition amongst men and boys.

For details, visit www.swedauk.org or call 01749 343344.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 47

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Boules players have fun in the sun

A CAPACITY number of 48 teams enjoyed a battle of boules in the annual tournament in Wells organised by rotarians.

Members of the Wells and Avalon clubs have staged the event for the past 17 years as a fundraiser for the Nepal Trust. Over the years, more than £80,000 has been raised. This year’s event raised around £5,000.

The final was between two veteran teams of the tournament, Crème de la Crème and La Barrique with La Barrique the winners.

Organiser Adrian Lawrence said: “As ever, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all those who help the Boules run so smoothly each year. We’re grateful to Wells City Council for the use of the town hall and to Roger Penny for his drivers and lorries for the storage, drop off and collection of the grit that make the pistes on which teams play.”

Keep “palm” and carry on playing

The Market Square was transformed for the day as boules players took to the pistes

Summat’s Up prepare to take on the Inner Wheel Club of Mendip

Boulet de Bresse, a team from the Glastonbury area PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Some of the Mogers Drewett team with “mascot” Delsie

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Charity tea party Some of the guests

A VINTAGE-style cream tea party, donated by Abbey Tea Rooms, Glastonbury was held at Walton Village Hall, near Street by Cancer Research local collector Pat Harding.

She invited 100 guests to buy a ticket to enjoy the tea party and to listen to local swing band “Rhythm Cats”. An auction of a handbag given by Mulberry helped funds further plus a raffle was held with prizes given by local businesses including Clarks Village.

Local supermarkets donated other food and refreshments and a great time was had by all. The event raised £1,247 for Cancer Research.

Pictured (l to r) Cllr Jo Wooldridge, chair of Street Parish Council, Cllr. Val Appleby and tea party organiser Pat Harding

A marathon march

CHARITIES

Supporting mums at risk

A CHARITY auction organised by Janet Tibbs at Meadgate Farm Shop, in Camerton raised an amazing £4,805 for the Mother and Baby Trust at St. Michael’s Hospital in Bristol.

Now Janet is planning a marathon walk from Wells Cathedral to Westonsuper-Mare with farm shop owner Stephenie Baker, and friends Nicky Bevan, Debbie Knatchbull and Jenny Scott to raise more money.

They will set off on September 30th on a route that will take them from Wells up through Ebbor Gorge to Priddy, Draycott Sleights to Axbridge reservoir, over Crook Peak to the motorway, through Loxton, along to Uphill, then along the front to Weston pier, climbing 1,000ft at Ebbor and 900ft at Crook Peak.

Janet said: “We had a fantastic night at the auction with a bar almost drunk dry, music and good weather. We raised an amazing £4,805 which I am thrilled with. People were very generous in their donations and on the night spending lots of money on the auction, bar, food and raffle. Everyone said they had a good time and what a fantastic atmosphere we had.”

She’s raising money in memory of her sister, Charlotte Bevan, the tragic mother who was found in the Avon Gorge with her new-born daughter, Zaani, after walking out of St. Michael’s Hospital in December 2014.

The trust have told Janet they hope to spend the money on making a pregnancy mental health awareness film, so families and mothers are aware of the symptoms that can cause postnatal depression and other issues. It might also be used for some chair beds so fathers or family members can stay for those first crucial hours or days.

Janet lives in Meadgate and works with her husband Richard in his agricultural engineering business. They have two children, Jack, aged four, and Rachel, aged two.

She said: “I wanted to do something and not just lose them in vain, but wanted to do something positive for the hospital and the midwives doctors and nurses who work so hard.”

If you would like to support Janet and the team please see the link below to their fundraising page.

Walkers prepare to leave Brookside Academy

FAMILIES, staff and friends of Brookside Academy in Street tackled a 26-mile challenge to raise fund for the school and for Cancer Research UK. The Monumental Marathon March took walkers as far as Shapwick, with a shorter two-mile loop for youngsters. Sections were completed in teams as well as by individuals.

The auction in full flow

Details: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/mendipmarathon MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 49

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Accountants can be fun

SOUP back on the menu in October

CHARITIES

Old Mill staff and guests at the evening in Wells with Charlie Body, Eady’s mum pictured centre

ACCOUNTANTS turned into waiters at a ladies’ pamper and champagne evening in aid of charity in Wells.

Old Mill Accountants hosted the event at their offices after choosing Eady’s Journey as their charity of the Hand massages were amongst the year. treatments on offer

Rural specialist accountant Adam Sealy has another string to his bow

(l:r) John Slater, from Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery, Alan Gloak of TS5C, master of ceremonies Paddy O’Hagan, Claire Chettoe representing the Lawrence Centre and Helen McCann of Guide Dogs for the Blind

COMMUNITY groups and charities in the Wells area are being invited to take part in the next Dragon’s Den-style SOUP lunch in the city in October.

Members of the audience at each SOUP enjoy a £5 lunch before representatives of the four organisations selected make a brief “pitch” for their votes.

The Lawrence Centre, which supports elderly and vulnerable people from across Mendip, accumulated the most votes at the July lunch, earning them £325.

The three other charities collected £110 each for their causes: Friends of Mendip Hospital Cemetery, the local branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind and TS5C, which supports young sports people in Somerset to achieve their goals.

The event is run by Wells Independents. Ross Young, one of the organisers, said: “We are also hugely grateful to Chubb Bulleid solicitors who sponsored the event to the tune of £350.

“The next SOUP is on Saturday, October 14th at Seager Hall from 1-2pm and charities/projects can apply to present on the website www.wellsindependents.org/soup where you will find all the detail you need to know about the event.”

Harold has his eye on Inner Wheel cheque

HAROLD the giraffe, mascot of Life Education Wessex, was on hand to help the charity receive a cheque for £269 from the Inner Wheel Club of Wells.

Life Education Wessex works with children aged three13, parents and teachers to improve their health and to reduce the risk of drug misuse by young people. Harold is used as an aid when working with primary school children.

Carole Jenner-Timms (left), immediate past president of the Inner Wheel Club of Wells, presents a cheque to Helen Morrall of Life Education Wessex. The funds were raised from a Christmas collection and at a Summer Serenade concert held in May at Wells and Mendip Museum

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Wells praised for City of Culture bid

THE bid by Wells to be the UK City of Culture for 2021 has been praised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, although the city has not been included on the shortlist.

The Minister of Culture has proposed a meeting with the Wells team to discuss how the ideas in the initial bid can be advanced – and cultural activity boosted in smaller cities and towns.

Having led a consultation process to develop the initial bid, the next steps for the steering group will involve developing many of the exciting ideas and activities proposed for the city and its local area.

It has even been suggested that Wells might host a "Not the City of Culture" festival in 2021.

Andrew Webb, lead for the steering group, said: “Our bid process was never just seen as an end in itself, but a valuable way of bringing local people and organisations together to discuss what we want our towns to look like in the future. We are excited about what those next steps will be.

“The work and contributions to the bid process from countless people and organisations has been greatly appreciated – and ideas and feedback are still welcome from all members of the community as we work to implement ideas to make our community more exciting, stronger and more inclusive.”

Details: www.twitter.com/WellsCoC2021 and www.facebook.com/WellsCoC2021

Club’s grant award

SOMERSET Community Foundation has awarded its first Youth Social Action Fund (YSAF) grants to four Somerset community groups, Wells City Football Club, Ilminster Entertainment Society, Action Track in Taunton and The Taunton East Development Trust.

Wells City Football Club’s youth section is run entirely by volunteers and benefits over 250 young people in Wells and the surrounding areas. Funding has been granted to pay for eight young footballers to take a FA referee course.

David Hiscox, from the club, said: “The young trainee referees will learn the core values involved in refereeing, as well as keeping fit and active. The funding will also enable young footballers in the local area to earn referee fees with opportunities to referee local teams, as well as university and other adult teams.”

Details: 01749 344949 or email: info@somersetcf.org.uk

What will you be when you grow up?

NEWS

West of England mayor Tim Bowles (seated centre) with Westfield pupils and (l:r) David Trim, an aerospace engineer with Leonardo Helicopters, headteacher Simon Mills and Gillian Smith, Wessex Water’s education officer

WEST of England Mayor Tim Bowles has visited Westfield Primary School at Radstock to see how they are preparing youngsters for their adult working lives.

The school’s Fantastic Futures project has been developed by the school to raise the aspirations of its pupils and give them the best possible opportunities for the future.

During the week-long project, a number of professionals talked to the children about their work, with hands-on opportunities putting core learning such as literacy and maths into real-life contexts. Mangorolla ran a session called “I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here”, and there were also sessions with organisations including Wessex Water, Leonardo Helicopters, BT, Theatre Royal Bath, CFH and Bath College.

The mayor said: “This really is a fantastic initiative, and something that will make a tangible difference to the lives of these young people. I’m passionate that we take a positive message to the next generation about the great career opportunities that exist in the region.”

Simon Mills, head teacher, said: “Research has shown that primary school children often have fixed and narrow ideas about careers. Children start to rule career options in and out at an early age and girls hold stereotypical views about male and female careers by the age of seven.

“By introducing children to successful professionals working in different roles and industries, we aim to broaden their horizons, increase awareness of the opportunities open to them and boost their confidence.”

Play sessions

CHILDREN living in Peasedown St John can look forward to four play days this summer, thanks to the generosity of Peasedown Party in the Park and Peasedown St John Parish Council.

Wansdyke Play Association, which has been running children’s outside “Play Rangers” sessions for the past 15 years, has been awarded a grant of £1,000 from them.

Summer Play Sessions will be held on The Green, Beacon Field and the Recreation Ground.

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Rickford Duck Race

Fun in the sun

The race is on

There were big crowds

Decorating the ducks

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Teddies escape tower

IT was a great sight at Stowey recently when lots of brave teddy bears, with their owners’ consent, parachuted from the tower of Stowey church.

Churchwarden Jill Nicol, said: “Much fun and excitement was had by the mainly, young owners, who later collected Certificates of Bravery for their teddies.”

In addition to the daredevil activities of the teddy bears, there was an enjoyable treasure hunt around the church and churchyard, face painting, ice creams and, for the adults, Stowey Church provided free teas, coffees and cakes.

Mia with Fluffy her teddy

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Town fayre has it all

EVENTS

FROM live music and maypole dancing to a duck race and produce show, the annual Midsomer Norton Fayre celebrated all that is best about the town.

The day – which commemorates the town receiving a royal charter for a fair in 1248 – was organised by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust.

Jon Parry on the acoustic stage in the Hollies Garden

First prize for an orchid won by Paul Kelly is celebrated by his partner Hayley and her daughters Alison (left) and CJ

A helping hand for the “competitors” in the duck race along the River Somer Philip Blatchford demonstrates weaving in the town show marquee

Children from Welton Primary School taking part in the maypole festival

Ska on the street: The One Tones perform on the main stage as part of the day-long M-Fest

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A taste of prison

Police in Frome have been piloting a new initiative to deter young people from criminal behaviour – it includes being arrested and a stay in prison. Constables Damian Lambert and Matt Collins worked with PCSO Gary Maule who devised the scheme and trialled it at two schools. Here, Gary explains more.

THE day commenced at Oakfield Academy and Selwood Academy with the students being told that at 09.15am we would be entering into role play.

They were given a code word should they become anxious or upset (not needed).

Each student had an arrest sheet which contained the details of why they were being detained, then they were handcuffed and taken to our “processing” area where their finger prints were taken, their DNA was collected and their photos taken. The students were then loaded aboard our prisoner transport – a marked police crew bus – and taken to HMP Shepton Mallet, now closed.

Prison wardens Joel and Paul took possession of our prisoners and proceeded to “book them in” to the prison where they were asked what crimes they had committed and were told how long their prison sentence would be. The prisoners were then given their prison uniforms in the form of

Pc Matt Thomas (left) and PCSO Gary Maule who – along with Pc Damian Lambert – organised the prison experience for 10-13-year-olds PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

orange jumpsuits. They were then given a guided tour of the prison with explanations of prison life and the demands that they would have faced from wardens and prisoners alike; the reality started to sink in that prison life was far from “easy”.

Our prisoners asked lots questions and were surprised quite often by the answers that they received, reinforcing the fact that this was not a very pleasant place to spend your life. It was time for some cell time where they were split into two groups and placed in a cell where they had to solve puzzles to “escape”, this took around 30 minutes.

Prisoners are expected to work whilst serving time and it was also time for ours to make a visit to the prison workshop where they were put to work sorting a variety of nuts, bolts, screws and various hardware. They did this fairly quickly and were quite pleased with themselves until the prison warden pointed out that the nuts were all different sizes as were the bolts and the screws, so they had to start again... frustration started to kick in!

Lunch – a cheese sandwich, piece of fruit and bottle of water – was taken in the visiting room. Then it was time to visit the condemned prisoner’s cell where a prisoner would spend his last 24 hours before being hanged. We spoke about the process and what that must have been like to know that you were about to die. Our prisoners pointed out that this happened many, many years ago and that prisoners weren’t hanged today until our wardens explained that in some states in America they still had the death penalty where prisoners on death row were executed with a lethal injection. Our prisoners suddenly became very quiet!

The prison experience lasted for three hours before the prisoners were “released” back at school and all the personal evidence we had taken at the start of the day was given to them.

Nothing was retained by the police.

Arriving at Shepton Mallet prison

This was a very successful project where students could visualise firsthand what the process from “arrest” to “prison life” looked like in a safe and controlled environment. All the students reacted really well and gained some possibly life-changing experiences.

During the de-brief students told us that at times the experience was scary and intimidating but at the same time it was also fun; importantly they also told us that they NEVER wanted to go back.

Job done!

The experience was NOT a punishment and shouldn’t be seen as such. This was an educational experience designed to give students the knowledge they need to help them to make the right choices as they progress through life. ● Huge thanks to the Campbell Group and Jailhouse Tours for assisting us with the project and for their enthusiasm throughout. Thanks also to Frome Business Against Crime for funding the project and thanks to Oakfield Academy and Selwood Academy for agreeing to take part and, of course, to all our prisoners.

The prison remains an intimidating space

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New centre ready to open

STUDENT Luke Nutland has just a short time left working on Bath College’s new Construction Skills Centre as part of the site management team.

The new purpose-built facility, to be named the Somer Construction Centre, opens at the college’s Somer Valley Campus in September.

All construction trades will be taught under one roof, catering for 500 students and apprentices studying bricklaying, construction, carpentry and stonemasonry, as well as plumbing, electrical installation and refrigeration.

Luke, aged 20, is studying for a Level 3 construction diploma at Bath College, which prepares students for a career designing, building or managing construction projects.

Since January, he has also been working for Midas Group at the Somer Construction Centre, managing sub-contractor packages for the building’s masonry, cladding, lifts, dry lining and carpentry.

He said: “In the last four months, the building has progressed massively, once we had the steel frame up, things moved very fast. There can be between 40/50 people on the site every day, and studying on the diploma course has given me an understanding of their jobs.

“I’m taking what I’ve learnt in Luke Nutland

EDUCATION

the classroom and applying it on site. I’ve progressed faster than everyone expected, because I’m on a small team, so I’ve had to step up to the mark. Seeing myself developing in that sense is very rewarding.”

Prospective students for 2018 can see the new Somer Construction Centre at Bath College’s open day on Thursday September 28th. Places are still available for students who would like to be part of the first cohort learning a construction trade at the new centre in 2017.

Daisy Walsh, head of department for technology, said: “Students should grasp any opportunity offered to work in a construction environment.

“This will expose them to what the subject is about, and we can do the rest here at college. When you come to Bath College, you’ll be taught by people who are experts in their field, which will increase your knowledge and prepare you for your chosen career.

“Our Somer Construction Centre will be a fantastic place to learn, and after months of preparation and hard work, we’re looking forward to welcoming students in September.”

For more information visit www.bathcollege.ac.uk or call their Student Advice Centre on 01225 312191.

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Barton St. David Carnival

Daniel, Connor and Matthew, from Barton Bruers Explorer Scouts, on the human fruit machine attraction

Friends fundraiser

EVENTS

THE Friends of West Mendip Hospital at Glastonbury held their annual fundraising fete in the grounds of the unit.

Lin Hainsby, Angie Carter and Julie Field shelter from the showers

Which side are you on? The team running one of the bars

Health care assistant Audrey Harris and student nurse Kathy Jackson are joined by members of the Grey Dogs jazz band

Who else, but The Carpenters? Florence and George won the music heroes fancy dress competition

Mighty atom: three-year-old Charlie Grove, of Street, tries his hand

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WILDLIFE

Silly season

IN news terms I always refer to the month of August as the “silly season”. The press are searching for sensational stories to fill gaps during the political holiday and one “villain” inevitably resurfaces at this time every year … the savage seagull!

“Innocent” holiday makers being “brutally”

By CHRIS attacked as they try to consume their ice SPERRING cream or bag of sand-covered chips. There MBE are even calls for these animals to be culled! I mean, why should people have to put up with seagulls at the seaside?

The fact is that gulls are adaptable and intelligent birds which have learnt to exploit our messy and wasteful seaside habits. The boom in seaside holidays in this country probably coincided with the peak in water pollution, and therefore destruction of the gull’s natural food sources, which led these birds to seek other food.

They found bins and food waste around seaside resorts and gradually became unafraid and daring. Of course, some individuals will take food from people’s hands, but for the most part they will wait until it is discarded and clean up the leftovers, leaving nothing for the rats.

The most likely gull species to steal your ice cream is the herring gull. This is the archetypal seagull, with a wing span of up to 1.55m, light grey back and upper wings with white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots, and the bill is yellow with a red spot.

This red spot is significant as, when adults return to the nest, their hungry young will peck at the spot to encourage the adult to regurgitate food for them. Herring gulls can be found across the whole area but more so near the estuary and large bodies of water.

They will also occupy inland towns and farmland, especially if the grass is being cut or if ploughing is taking place.

Slightly smaller, but closely related to the herring gull is the lesser black-backed gull. With a wingspan up to 1.5m and dark grey upper parts, this gull can be distinguished by its yellow legs, as opposed to the herring gull’s which are pinkish.

The last, and largest, in this group of gulls is the greater blackbacked gull. Though similar in colour to the lesser black-backed, this species is significantly larger, with a wingspan of 1.7m. This species is never as regularly observed as the other two species, indeed it is at the top of the “gull apex” so to speak and can Who’s paying the bill? A herring gull

A lesser blackback gull

therefore be a predator of other gull’s nests, so is one of nature’s regulators.

Whilst most people take gulls for granted in their travels, it is interesting to note they are in fact in decline. Both the blackbacked gull species are listed as amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern list, having declined by more than 25%, and the herring gull is now red listed having declined by more than 50%.

All three gulls feed on a wide variety of food, from carrion to live food including birds, small mammals, fish, crabs, etc. On ploughed fields they search out worms and, when grass cutting is underway, will follow the tractor picking up small mammals such as voles and mice, and of course they love human scraps as well.

I will never forget presenting a BBC Radio 4 programme about Steep Holm Island, off the coast of Weston-super-Mare, and witnessing an adult gull returning to the island to feed its young with half a bag of chips!

Around coastal areas the herring and lesser black-back will become more habituated if people feed them, but generally all three species will keep out of the way of people and clean up when the coast is clear.

So, the sensational stories of gulls “attacking” people are usually blown out of proportion in order to fill gaps in the news, but there are rare occasions when gulls really do dive-bomb people in an aggressive way, and that is when they are protecting their nest or young.

Some gulls are now breeding closer to us and using high, flatroofed buildings as secure nesting sites. When chicks are ready to leave the nest and nearly ready to fly they can jump or fall from the buildings and scurry away to hide under a bush or car. This is when the parents are likely to chase any potential threats away from their precious offspring, and could be perceived as “attacking” people. ● We have several Owl Prowls coming up, places are limited booking is essential. Please contact me for more details.

A great blackback gull

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413 918 or chris.sperring@btinternet.com

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A beautiful walk between Chew Valley and Blagdon lakes

THIS is a very quiet, undulating and pastoral circle through the countryside between Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes – although you will only get glimpses of Chew Valley Lake near the end. High summer, when the meadows and fields have mainly been cut, is ideal. The circle is made up of three long distance paths – the Two Rivers Way, the Monarch’s Way and the Samaritan’s Way and the routes are reasonably well signed. The second half of the walk takes in the beautiful common on Breach Hill and ends by going past the ford, over the bridge on the River Chew and through pretty Chew

Stoke village. There are only two stiles so it is a good dog ramble too. Wear good footwear as some of the fields can be uneven.

PARK: In Chew Stoke village, up the No Through Road, Church Lane, by the church. Find somewhere safe and suitable. Chew Stoke is south west of Chew Magna on the B3114 road from West Harptree to Chew Magna.

START: St Andrew’s Church, some of it dating back to the 15th century, is worth a visit. The distinctive three-stage tower has six bells, three of which were made by the famous local Bilbie family, and a redundant bell at the back of the church serves as a memorial to the Bilbies. The family of bell founders and clockmakers lived and worked in Chew Stoke for more than 200 years, from the late 17th century and produced more than 1,350 church bells, which were hung in churches all over the West Country.

Continue to the end of Church Lane by Church Farm and keep straight on along the track, the Two Rivers Way. This 20mile route runs from Congresbury in North Somerset to Keynsham on the River Avon. Continue to the end with a gate ahead and a beautiful avenue of lime trees.

1. TRACK But we go right here up a grassy track with a good view over the church.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

2. FIELDS Turn left at the top through a Bristol Gate (with pedestrian access built into it).

Ignore a wooden kissing gate left. Just

keep straight on through a meadow, a little woodland, over a footbridge, and continue on the well marked TRW, through a rougher area and then another beautiful field. Cross two more fields. Up right is the edge of North Hill, with North Hill Farm in a commanding position.

Come to a gate and a choice of paths.

Take the left-hand route and go ahead up the field to the top right corner where you turn right along a fenced path.

3. BARNS Turn left, follow the track up past barns and continue all the way to a small lane.

Here you join the Monarch’s Way, a 615mile long-distance footpath in England that roughly follows the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after his defeat in the Battle of Worcester. It runs from Worcester via Bristol and Yeovil to Brighton.

Cross the lane and go straight on along a fenced path which leads over a footbridge and a stile. Continue on the path to cross another footbridge into a field. Follow the right-hand edge as you make for a farm up ahead. Go through a gate and straight on. Pass the farm on your left and keep on to drop down onto another lane.

4. FARM Turn left on the lane past Walnut Tree Farm, where camping and bunkhouse accommodation is provided. Just round the bend, go left (the Monarch’s Way is on a post on the left). Go ahead into the camping field and aim for the top left corner behind a curved roof camping cabin.

Go through and head straight across a

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fairly narrow field (don’t aim for the wider gap). Continue on through a third field and over a marked stile in the hedge ahead. Now turn right downhill following the hedge. Go through a wide opening into another field where you drop down the centre and cross a stile by a gate onto another of the network of quiet lanes in this area.

WALKING

5. LANE Your direction is straight on along the lane, crossing a small stream and past a farmhouse. On the bend ahead is a Bristol Gate into a field. There is a climb now up through two fields – in each field aim for near the top right corner. The right of way goes through both fields, but, depending on what state they are in, it may be preferable to go round the right edge (particularly in the second field). Come out onto another lane.

6. GRAVEL HILL Turn left along what is known as Gravel Hill. Ignore a track right and a little further on find the marked Monarch’s Way sign on a power pole on the right.

Cross the make-shift stile and go right along the top edge of the field and then down into the valley. At a footpath marker go right over a stream and immediately

OS Explorer 154, Bristol West & Portishead, grid ref: 556 619 (also a little of OS Explorer 142 Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West). 4.75 miles, about 3 hours walking

left along the hedge. Keep your eye open for a short path and a stile down on the left hidden in the hedge. It is marked as the Monarch’s Way still. Once over, turn left along the bottom of the field in a southerly direction. Go round the corner and shortly before the power lines cross a footbridge left. Turn right in the field and continue to a well-marked kissing gate.

Climb up through the woods, cross a footbridge and head across to a house.

Turn left on the drive/track and soon reach the road on Breach Hill.

7. COMMON Turn left through beautiful Breach Hill Common full of wild flowers including many orchids when I came. We have now joined the Samaritans Way, a longdistance path of 103 miles from Bristol to Lynton. Drop down off the hill, pass Breach Hill farm and shortly past this come to a stone obelisk.

8. OBELISK This 32-foot high obelisk dates back to the early to mid-19th century and said to have been built as a waterworks marker.

The column serves as an air vent from Bristol Water’s Line of Works – the original gravity-fed system taking water from the source of the River Chew to

Barrow tanks and then to Bristol. Start to get good views across Chew Valley Lake.

Continue on the quiet road and, opposite a bungalow, go left still on the Samaritans Way track. A kissing gate leads into a field. Keep straight staying in the field and, further on, go left under an ash tree following the marker post (broken when I came). Carry on in the same direction as before on the other side of the hedge. Maintain direction all the way to a wooden barn up ahead and leave through a large metal gate. Pass the barn and drop down looking down onto Chew Stoke and the church. Head for the bottom left corner and go through a kissing gate.

Aim across the next field to a gate onto the lane on the edge of Chew Stoke.

9. CHEW STOKE Turn right into the village, passing the church school. Reach a ford on the River Chew but continue on the lane to the stone bridge over the river and cross to go up historic The Street. Turn left on the lane at the end, and then soon, left again, up Church Lane to the start.

In Chew Stoke is the Stoke Inn and also the popular Chew Kitchen cafe/restaurant.

The Stoke Inn, 01275 332120 Chew Kitchen, 01275 332933

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

THE weather now is very much like it was in 1977 – although the memory may have dulled a little from 40 years ago – I remember the repeat performance of 1976. It was also the time of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and her visit to Bristol, where along with many other servicemen and women I With LES stood to await her arrival.

DAVIES MBE The grass was burnt brown on what was then the island in the city centre, 266 Battery of the Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery, (GVA) had two misfires on their royal salute and my daughter, Elizabeth, was born on August 4th, the same birthday as the late Queen Mother. Yes, I think that August 1977 was a good month!

There can be no hiding my feeling of elation and selfrighteousness at being out and about whilst the world still sleeps in the morning. I have made several early starts to get most of my mowing done before the day brings the heat and the horse flies. At 4.30 in the morning, the world is all mine.

The traffic lights turn green as I approach them, roundabouts are deserted and the road junctions clear. The air is cool and clear, the sun rises like a ball of fire and the mist hangs above the moor before the heat of the day can burn it off.

All this waxing lyrical was no doubt lost on the poor soul who had spent the night in his camper van at Deer Leap picnic site, when I arrived just after first light to cut the grass. In a fit of compassion I did start at the bottom of the site, but it was one of those days when, if I’m up, so should everyone else.

My grandfather would start about the same time in the summer when he was mowing with the horses. Again by the time the sun really got up it was far too hot for the animals to work and, yes, it was the horse flies that made life unbearable for everyone back then as well. His breakfast was taken to him in the field between two plates.

This was no slice of toast and glass of fruit juice breakfast but the full-on fried bread, egg and bacon. My mother tells me that she and my Uncle Dennis would often go as well to help him eat it! He was a generous man with his meal plate; I always remember there being an extra bit of well-done meat left on his dinner plate for me when I was a child.

I’ve had an amazing trip away to do my reconnaissance before the arrival of the students from Georgia University this year.

Having settled into a relatively comfortable routine, they changed the visits and the theme this time. My VW camper was somewhat sick (again) so it was down to me and the “Landy” to go and get the job done.

Whereas you can live in the VW, you have to live out of the Land Rover. That’s all well and good if the weather is kind, but difficult if not. I cleared out the back and altered my camp bed to fit into the 110, packing the essentials in around and under it. I have learnt to keep things simple, yet still be comfortable – anyone can be uncomfortable.

Simple food such as tinned bacon grill (food of the gods and a reminder of army rations) cheese, pasta, boil-in-the-bag rice together with tinned curry and my only concession to fresh food, eggs make up the menu. Fruit bars, cream crackers and a few cans of beer add that finishing touch of decadence!

The changes this year will include the Peak District and another

walk in the Lakes. For the former I paid a visit to Castleton, home to the Peak National Park Authority and a place I know having been there before during my time as Mendip warden. The ranger network made sure that I had the necessary re-introductions to help.

To approach the village I used a route down Winnat’s Pass, a collapsed limestone cavern which looks somewhat like Burrington Coombe on steroids. It’s the same limestone geology on Mendip as it is in Derbyshire. Next a visit to the impressive Ladybower Reservoir, as used by 617 Squadron RAF in preparation for their bombing raids on the German dams in 1943.

Talking to the volunteer rangers on site, I was told that the RAF will still low-fly over the dam as a tribute and with that a twinrotored Chinook helicopter roared overhead.

My first overnight stop was at a small farm campsite near Bakewell. Great place, I had it almost to myself. A visit to the pub gave me all the local information I needed for the walk the following day and as always this freely offered advice came with a quizzical look and the question: “You’re not from round here are you?”

No: “I have come up from Somerset as a missionary,” is always my reply! The recently opened Monsal Trail takes in the old railway line, including the tunnels that are well-lit by day and used by walkers and cyclists alike. I was only using a small part of it but it’s set within a stunning landscape and very rural.

This was a stark reminder that my beloved West Country is becoming more and more urbanised. But wherever you go farmers are farmers and up-cycling is ever present. I came across a new metal gate that had a self-closing mechanism made of some old cow chains, such as used to be used to tie up the milking cows and a lump of Reinforced Steel Joist (RSJ). It worked!

After another trip of around 125 miles through what seemed like the country’s main collection of road works and traffic lights, I reached the Lake District in the rain. A cold supper and into the sleeping bag ready for the walk over Loughrigg Fell the following morning. Again the landscape of the Lakes is breath-taking, no wonder it inspired such a poet as Wordsworth and the iconic writer of children's books, Beatrix Potter.

Loughrigg has height enough to take in the views, yet it is surrounded by the much higher peaks that remind me of the Misty Mountains from Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings. I followed the heavily used, stony and eroded descent towards Grasmere. This made me look for another way down, a fall here could end up with much more than a bruised pride.

Back home safe and with a 724-mile round trip, the “Landy” did everything I hope for and I had again stepped outside of my normal routine to explore somewhere different. Got to do this again, maybe even get a passport!

This month’s picture was taken from the summit of Loughrigg Fell, with Windermere in the background. It’s 10m higher than Black Down at 335m above sea level.

You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk

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YEO VALLEY

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Croscombe Fun Day

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Gabriel and Sophia battle it out on an inflatable

Railroaded were among the bands playing live

Croscombe residents are fundraising to carry out further improvements to the village hall. Pictured are Sheila Wilkins (left), the hall secretary and Lisa Western, treasurer Win a bear and help fight Multiple Sclerosis. Joanne White tries her hand at the hoopla as Sally Major (left) and Linda Bolton look on

Flower festival

Pictured (l to r) are Diane Clark, Christine MacMullen-Price, Pauline Heron, Jenny Harris and Liz Balmforth .

Tombola treats – raising money for the village school PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

MEMBERS of Chew Valley Flower Decoration Society celebrated their 50th anniversary by staging a flower festival weekend at Holy Trinity Church in Bishop Sutton, ending with a concert by Chew Valley's Vox in Frox choir.

The church looked amazing and the event raised £2,164.60 for the Children's Hospice South West and £1,163.65 for the church.

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EVENTS

Village hall anniversary

THE 20th anniversary of Farrington Gurney village hall was marked by a village celebration day organised by some of the original fundraising committee.

Local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg opened the event, which featured lots of local clubs, businesses and charities running their own stalls and activities, with a children's party in the afternoon. There were also four bands playing over the Friday and Saturday nights, which drew a great crowd.

Lucas and Theo from Farrington Football Club, who were running football games

MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, with three of his children, Anselm, Peter and Thomas, looking up the Mogg family in the village records, which were on display

A weekend of celebrations

VILLAGERS in Gurney Slade and Binegar lived up to the title of a successful bid for money from a Lottery Fund initiative called Let’s Celebrate with a weekend of activities.

It was built around the life and times of Private Henry Martin

A tug o’ war competition in progress

Pictured (l to r) John and Leonie Carver, Emily Kingdom, Hannah House, Alex Clark, Judy Stevenson and Justin Haywood from Luckington Carnival Club who were running a barbeque and refreshments stall as well as skittles The Harlem Rhythm Cats entertain

VC, their own local hero and a survivor of Rorke’s Drift in 1879. The weekend festivities included a cinema in the village hall cinema, an exhibition of Zulu war memorabilia along with talks and a family fun day with live music from local band the Harlem Rhythm Cats. Private Martin is buried in the churchyard in Binegar.

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Oh dear – what can the matter be!

EVERY year our lives, as gardeners, seem to be blighted by an ever-increasing range of pests and diseases. Many of these have undoubtedly arrived on our shores as a result of imported plants from Europe and further afield and one thing is for certain – the government is unlikely to request that With MARY they all be deported because of Brexit.

PAYNE MBE There are far too many to mention, but I will try to cover some of the ones that seem to be causing problems in our area.

Day lily (Hemerocallis) midge arrived in Britain in 1989 and has rapidly spread to all parts. This tiny fly lays its eggs in the developing flower buds in May and June from which hatch tiny larvae which cause the buds to distort.

Hand-picking and burning of affected buds will help, as might a spray of acetamiprid (e.g. Bug Clear Ultra) applied while the flowers are still in the small tight bud stage. DO NOT do this if you propose to eat the flowers.

Agapanthus gall midge is another tiny fly that can cause buds of agapanthus to become deformed, discoloured and fail to open. It was first noticed in the UK in 2014 but may have been present for several years. Control is as for the day lily midge and in both cases the larvae over-winter as pupae in the soil.

A pest that I fight every year is the capsid bug (see picture of damaged leaf). The creature itself is often unseen, but the damage is obvious later. This tiny green bug pokes its mouthparts into the soft growth at the tip of shoots. The tiny holes created then expand as the leaves and shoots grow to reveal ragged holes.

The damage is very common on salvias, buddlejas, dahlias, caryopteris and many others. Damage can be limited by spraying with any of the available insecticides in May, but NOT on flowers or when bees are flying.

Box blight has caused considerable problems over the past few years and many box hedges have been removed.

However, there are now effective fungicide sprays available.

Bayer Fungus Fighter Plus is one which contains a cocktail of chemicals and I have had excellent results when using it strictly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For those who do not wish to use a spray, replacing the hedge with an alternative is recommended. I have used Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety to a create low white variegated hedge, whilst the upright form of Euonymus japonica Green Pillar can be used to create a more formal shaped hedge. Ilex crenata is often recommended, but I have yet to see it used satisfactorily.

This year many folk had problems with aquilegias collapsing. The cause of this was likely to be a downy mildew and the plants should be removed and burnt on site preferably, although the composting temperatures of council green waste will kill the spores which can remain in the soil.

Downy mildews are often associated with damp conditions, although April was very dry in this area.

The whiteish mildew spores occur on the underside of the leaf and there are no chemical controls available to the amateur, unlike the common powdery mildews in which the spores appear on the surface of the leaf and can be helped by preventative fungicide sprays.

PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Vine weevil larvae continue to plague gardeners. The small C-shaped grubs nibble away at the roots whilst the adults merely nibble at the foliage of a wide range of plants causing minimal damage. Control of the larvae can be achieved by the timely application of a biological control. A microscopic eelworm is applied as a drench to the compost in August/September while the soil temperatures are still warm and the soil moist.

This treatment is available from garden centres or online, but it is important to remember that it is a living creature you are using, so following the storage conditions is vital.

Alternatively, a drench of Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer can be used, but only on containers of non-edible crops.

Fungus gnats, also known as sciarid flies, are a pest I often get asked about. Tiny black flies flitting above potted plants or trays of seedlings, both indoors or in a greenhouse. These flies are associated with damp composts and arise usually as a result of overwatering tendencies. The miniscule larvae rarely cause damage to established plants but can be a nuisance on seedlings. Simply ease off on the watering and the problem should go away.

At this time of the year the damage on horse chestnut from leaf-mining moth is obvious. This pest has spread rapidly since it was first identified as present in Britain in Wimbledon in 2002. Spraying is impractical on large trees, but clearing up and burning fallen leaves can be useful. Although the sight of a badly infected tree is alarming, research has shown that the growth pattern does not appear to be affected.

With all chemical controls, it is vital that the instructions are followed to the letter. DO NOT add extra concentrate thinking it will work better. DO NOT spray during the day or on open flowers. DO NOT use a sprayer that you have used for the application of herbicides. Observation is the gardener’s best attribute – the ability to spot a problem before it becomes a disaster and treat greenfly, for example, simply by squashing.

We have all benefited from plants from abroad, indeed our gardens would not be so rich in diversity were it not for the activities of the plant hunters, but with the plants come the problems, and climate change appears also to be bringing a few we could well do without.

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AUGUST GARDEN TIPS

GARDENING

● Let the grass on your lawn grow longer. This is not an excuse to mothball the mower until next spring but it is a good ploy to help it get through dry periods better without having to use as much water to keep it looking green. ● Plant hydrangeas, autumn flowering crocus and snowdrop bulbs. ● Take cuttings of border pinks, fuchsias, pelargoniums and other tender plants. Dead flowers, and a little bit of the stem below, should be trimmed off lavenders. ● Roses tend to succumb to attack from blackspot, mildew and rust at this time in summer and you must not let down your guard against these diseases. Prune Wisteria, climbing and rambling roses. ● Remove the leading shoot when your greenhouse tomatoes have set five trusses of fruit and check greenhouses for whitefly. ● Fill spaces in the veg patch by sowing quick maturing items such as turnips or, better still, varieties that will provide tasty winter salads like American land cress, corn salad, rocket and radicchio. These are not hard to grow and will provide tasty nutritious homegrown salads in the middle of winter! ● Prune fruit trees that have fruits containing stones rather than pips now. Plums, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines are best pruned during the summer when they are less likely to get infected with the incurable silver leaf disease.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

Show’s new venue

STREET Chrysanthemum Dahlia and Vegetable Society has a new venue for its 69th annual show, which will be held at The Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street, on Saturday, September 9th from 12noon until 5.30pm, with easy access and free parking.

The show has a wonderful display of flowers and vegetables from exhibitors from far and wide, from beginners through to exhibitors who compete at national levels, as well as children’s classes.

New classes this year include one for ugliest vegetable!

Details: www.streetcdvs.org.uk or phone 01749 347060

Battery-powered Hedge Trimmers

Long-reach Hedge Trimmers

Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 65

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The ultimate one-stop Garden Shop

Paving slabs, building materials, fencing, aggregates, DIY and hardware, water gardening and garden centre.

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COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Fernhill, Wellington

BUILT in 1957 on a piece of derelict scrubland which served as an ammunition dump during WW2, Fernhills’s two acres has many mature native and non-native trees.

These include a large Metasequoia-glyptostroboides, grown from the original batch of seeds sent from China in the late 40s, a Magnolia campbellii grown from seed 20 years ago and now a mature tree, several mature beeches and red oaks, and some fine specimen Thuja smaragd brought down from Kent in pots and now fine tall specimens.

The garden itself has matured in the 23 years the owners have been there and they have added a water and bog garden, an octagonal pergola and several new herbaceous borders and a large rose border stocked with modern English shrub roses.

At 500 feet, situated on a hill overlooking Taunton Deane, they obviously enjoy superb views over unspoilt countryside to the Blackdowns, the Quantocks and, on a clear day the Mendips.

NGS opening details: Sunday August 20th, 2pm-5pm, admission: £3.50, children free. Groups of 10+ are also welcome by arrangement until the end of August.

Contact Information: Peter & Audrey Bowler, 01823 672423, email: muldoni@hotmail.co.uk, Website: www.sampfordarundel.org.uk/fernhill/.

Address and Postcode: Whiteball, Wellington TA21 0LU

Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE

Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Delicious homemade meals.

Sunday Roasts, Outside catering, buffet lunches delivered, themed cuisine events.

Telephone 01749 841155 for further details.

BROWSE AROUND JAMES STORE See our website for more details www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres.

Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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Girls win awards

GARDENING

Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you

Pictured (l to r) Megan Nobbs, Samantha Wyatt and Zoe Marazzi with society chairman, Graham Nicholls

We specialise in the manufacture of quality standard and bespoke garden buildings to suit your individual needs including:-

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES GARDEN SHEDS SHELTERS & STABLES WITH Timsbury Horticultural Society’s summer show just a short time away on August 19th at Conygre Hall, the society has presented prizes to the three top schedule cover designs by pupils of St. Mary’s Primary School.

Runner-up awards went to Megan Nobbs and Zoe Marazzi with the top award going to Samantha Wyatt who had her design printed on the schedule cover.

This means that for the last four years all three best designs have been by girls. Is this because girls are more artistic, members wonder? Maybe the boys will come back better next year.

PLAYHOUSES Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs

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YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com

At the cutting edge

IS it time for a change of machine? Right now Mendip Mowers have some great offers available in their stock clearance, including up to 23% off Honda machines.

They don’t just supply petrol-driven lawnmowers either, you’ll find a full range of strimmers, brushcutters and lawn trimmers, tillers, ride-on mowers and lawn tractors, electric mowers, leaf blowers, cordless hedge trimmers and many other garden power tools.

They even offer part-exchange! Pop into their showroom to find out more, where you’ll also find Honda’s Versatool, the engine with seven attachments.

All aspects of tree work undertaken Tel: 07738 678874 Email: chris@tree-surgery-somerset.com MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 67

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Mendip Rural Services Ltd. Visit our showroom for:

Lawnmowers & garden machinery Sales, spares, service & repairs Tool sharpening Chainsaw chains made & resharpened Personal protection equipment

Our contractor services include: Equestrian, campsites & smallholdings Paddock care, fencing & drainage Digger & driver hire Logs & hay for sale Fully insured

01749 840848 07491 665290 E-mail: mendipruralservices@outlook.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Unit 8, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA4 3UL. Tel: 01749 840848

A cut above the rest

AARON Coleman can look back on the first year of opening his Mendip Rural Services showroom and workshop at Rookery Farm, Binegar, with Aaron in the Mendip Rural Services pride. showroom on one of the top-of-the-range He said: “I Al-Ko ride-on lawnmowers have tried different things and have expanded my range to meet customer demands. Every day has been a school day, but it’s been tremendously rewarding!”

Battery-powered equipment – from lawnmowers to chainsaws – is becoming increasingly popular but there will always be a place for petrol-driven machinery.

Amongst the latest models on show at Mendip Rural Services are a range of Al-Ko lawnmowers, Mitox multitools, John Deere equipment and even a DR pedestrian strimmer (no more carrying one by a strap)!

Aaron continues to service and repair all garden equipment, especially pedestrian lawnmowers and is preparing for an influx of leaf blowers, strimmers and chainsaws ahead of autumn and all the tidying-up work the season brings with it.

S

afe secure and very, very strong with a Colourfence you really can put an end to your fencing problems. Tried, tested and trusted across the UK, Colourfence is guaranteed† to last. Unlike wooden fences once installed you don’t need to worry about costly, time consuming maintenance.

You need not paint it, you won’t ever patch it, and it will stand fi rm in the worst of the weather. Your fence looks after itself so you can look after (and enjoy) your garden.

Installed by highly trained specialists, once your Colourfence is up, it really stays up offer you a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment of your garden. Visit www.colourfencesouthbristol.co.uk in for more information or simply call number below to arrange a FREE no obligation site visit.

Bristol South District Tel. 0117 214 1201 Clevedon, Tickenham, Portishead, Nailsea, Backwell, Long Ashton, Pill, Failand Tel. 01275 277211 Shepton Mallet, Wells Tel. 01749 321066 Weston Super Mare, Yatton, Congresbury, Cheddar, Axbridge Tel. 01934 235591 Temple Cloud, Blagdon Tel. 01761 202411 PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Garden party at Hampton Court THE RHS Summer Garden Party at Hampton Court Palace was an explosion of colour, fun, fireworks, floral exhibits, family activities and learning experiences, with the return of the butterfly dome and most importantly, the sun, although great for the visitors the heat-wave made it difficult for designers and contractors to build during the weeks prior to the show.

Some of the finest designers and talented contractors created stunning

GARDENING

gardens for us to enjoy, many of them working hard to get a message across to the public, be it political, environmental or a charity, but I tried to simply draw on the planting, materials and construction methods, considering what visitors could take home with them and try in their own gardens, of which there were many.

There were show gardens, conceptual gardens, gardens of the changing world, world gardens, flower and vegetable

boxes, not to mention the beautiful floral exhibits in the floral marquee all full with ideas and planting combinations. The RHS Watch this Space garden was the best in show for me. It was a fabulous show this year and If you are thinking of visiting one of the RHS Flower Shows next year this is the one to go to, book it into your diary now.

Lynn Riches, Horticolous Landscape & Garden Design

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75 Greenhill Road, Sandford, Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 5PA TEL: 01934 852151 • www.gabgardenmachinery.co.uk

Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects.

Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 69

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Butcombe Village Fete

EVENTS

Burrington Village Fete

Bottle tombola was popular

Cream teas served by (l tor) Jenny Ogborne, Liz Davis, Sheila Croker and Sally Gulliford Classic cars were on show Marion Pole (left) and Wendy Woodman on the plant stall

Start of the snail race

The plants and produce stall was busy PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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E x pl o d i ng o n e m y th a bo u t F o x e s H o l e !

FOR one of the smaller caves at Burrington, Foxes Hole, has quite a history, although part of it has proved to be false. It is well With PHILIP concealed behind HENDY bushes high on the north slope of the combe and is now gated, because it is a significant bat roost in winter.

In the not-so-distant past, the cave was used by youngsters as a sheltered campsite and drinking den – I once found the floor deeply covered with straw – which would tend to deter bats from camping there.

There are two entrances, a roughly triangular hole, and a much smaller chimney above. They lead directly into the main chamber, which has an uneven boulder-strewn floor, some ten metres long, five metres wide and just over two metres high.

There are some dry, dirty tufaceous stalagmite formations on the walls and roof. To the left is a short extension, but on the right a steep low creep leads down to the lower chamber. This is five metres wide and three metres high, descending ten metres to two narrow but deep pools.

In many ways it is an unremarkable cave, visited infrequently by cavers. It first gained a reputation shortly after the Monmouth Rebellion, when after the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1865 it was said that John Plumley, Lord of the Manor of Locking, took refuge there after backing the losing side in the fight.

His wife is supposed to have secretly come to the cave to bring him food. She was followed, so John was discovered.

One account says that John was so wellfed that he had to be starved until he could be brought out, which implies that in those days, only the small top entrance was open.

After his trial, the traitor was hanged near Locking Manor. It has since been shown that the participant in the rebellion was not John, but a William Plumley and, in fact, he was captured from his sick bed, later to die in Ilchester Gaol. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story!

Foxes Hole entrance chamber

The cave is sometimes called Plumley’s Den, which can cause confusion with another cave lower down the Combe, Plumley’s Hole. This cave lies opposite Rock of Ages and became notorious in 1874 when quarrymen opened a deep shaft in the rock.

Possibly seeking mineral wealth, one of the men, Joseph Plumley, was lowered down on two bell ropes found in the village, to explore. Unfortunately, when he was being hauled up, his head caught under an overhanging rock, and he was killed. The body was not retrieved until the next day, after which the shaft was permanently sealed.

Foxes Hole was one of the underground bases used by the Home Guard Auxiliary Units during the Second World War. These courageous men volunteered to hide underground if Britain was invaded and emerge behind enemy lines to kill and to sabotage to delay the advance.

Their supposed life expectancy would only have been a few days.

The cave was fitted with wooden bunks and shelves, and concrete steps were built in the passage to the lower chamber. In the 1960s, the remains of bunks were identifiable in the lower chamber, though the ravages of time and vandalism have now reduced them to a few pieces of rotten black timber.

Back in 1983, a few of us from the Wessex Cave Club thought that some boulders on the side of the entrance chamber might be worth digging out, to see if there might be another passage to be found. We never found the expected

CAVING

cave, but early on in the dig, we lifted some boulders to reveal some rotten hessian, wrapped around some ominous brown sticks covered with droplets of oily liquid.

We brought in a caver experienced with explosives, who confirmed that we had uncovered a cache of gelignite – and it was very unstable! Some phone calls rapidly followed, and the next morning we gathered at Rock of Ages to meet a rather nervous policeman and a group of gentlemen from Hereford, wearing anonymous military uniforms.

We took them to the cave, where they confirmed our fears, explaining that the beads of liquid were nitroglycerine. The explosives were carefully placed individually in trays of sawdust, then the policeman had the dubious honour of driving them up the track onto Black Down, while we followed at a very respectful distance.

On the hill, the army took over and destroyed the explosives with a secondary charge. It went off most satisfactorily, producing a fountain of debris and black smoke. It was supposed that the cache had been stored in the cave by criminals, who for whatever reason had never retrieved it.

We were very lucky that our digging activities had not set the lot off, as until the point of discovery, we had been moving rocks around with gay abandon.

Today, because of its location and lack of access, Foxes Hole has slipped back into obscurity – for which the bats no doubt are very grateful.

Details: www.wookey.co.uk/wildwookey. Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 71

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

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A festival to remember

Photography by Mark Adler

Actor and producer Bradley Cooper takes to the main stage ahead of Kris Kristofferson as part of a remake of A Star is Born. Amongst the film crew was focus-puller Dean Thompson (far right), from Wells

The Anti Poets entertain at the Back Garden Café

Stevie-Jean and Ryan try out thei r milking skills on the Somerset Rural Life Museum stand

Saturday morning, festival-style

at Sam: Bubbles on Thursday evening Silver Hayes

Sculptor and Rex the Mouse inventor Chris Kampf, from Martock PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

RSVP – a Bristol-based bhangra ban

d – had the crowds dancing around

the Bandstand

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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2017

Arabella’s legacy

Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders on the Other Stage An Avalon sunset

Yele and Feme – the Gorgeous Girls have the pyramid stage playing into their hands

Chris Jagger, from Wedmore, on the Avalon Stage

DI Chamberlain has her feet up – which is, in itself, highly unusual – but that doesn’t prevent her from being at the heart of the Green Room backstage operations in the Circus and Theatre field.

A minor injury means Di, of Street, must direct the 170-strong team from a makeshift desk next to the kitchen, laptop and mobile bleeping constantly, fielding a barrage of questions.

For more than 30 years, Di has been at the very core of the Children’s World involvement in the festival. The charity – founded in 1981 by the late Arabella Churchill and now run by her widower Haggis McCloud and daughter Jessica – has brought joy to thousands of youngsters with its inventive approach to learning and play.

Di began by serving burgers, chips and tea but is now in charge of a massive operation to keep performers, friends and guests fed and watered during the festival.

All the team – like so many working elsewhere at Glastonbury – give up their time for free in return for a donation to the charity from the festival organisers.

Di’s children and grandchildren are now part of the team.

Di said: “Arabella asked me if I fancied helping out and the rest is history; everyone here is now part of my big, happy, extended family and I think the world of them all.”

Di in the Green Room backstage at Theatre and Circus

For details about Children’s World and its work, visit: www.childrensworldcharity.org

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 73

MENDIP TIMES

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First Aid Kit – Swedish folk duo sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg

was Quiet reflection: a minute’s silence the er emb rem to e stag n held at the mai s edie trag nt rece of victims

Amongst the crowds in front of the

Pyramid Stage

The Jacksons on stage at West Holts

Ricky Wilson, from the Kaiser Chiefs, almost puts his foot in it Dave Grohl on stage with the Foo Fighters

Entertainment, Theatre and Circus Field-style PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

T

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GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL 2017

David Beckham looks down on the Pyramid Stage. Earlier, Becks had opened a new affordable housing scheme in Pilton supported by Michael Eavis Police horse riders Helen Walters (left) on Sedgemoor and Kerry Williams, on Jubilee

Making a noise for women

Liam Gallagher – Wall of Glass or just a stony stare

Michael Eavis took to the Park stage to join in a Sunday morning celebration of human rights

Trolling around the site

MEMBERS of the Avalonian Free State Choir had several surprise guests when they took to The Park stage to begin celebrations for their 25th anniversary.

The Glastonburybased choir were joined by festival founder Michael Eavis for a hymn on the Sunday morning. The choir were supporting Festival founder Michael Eavis joined the choir to sing How Great the White Ribbon Thou Art Alliance – a global campaign for safe births – as well as highlighting other human rights issues.

The choir then took part in a procession from the stage to the iconic Glastonbury sign above the site for more songs. The choir was originally founded in 1992 to sing traditional and contemporary English folk songs and carols, but by 2004 had widened both their repertoire and the range of venues at which they sing.

The choir perform on The Park stage, which was also celebrating its tenth anniversary

The choir will be performing at Glastonbury Abbey on Friday, September 8th (time tbc) and at Wells Little Theatre on Sunday, October 22nd at 3pm. For details, visit: www.avalonianfreestatechoir.org.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 75

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East Harptree

Tilly Joskey (left) and Jenny Cruse with home-made cakes

The guides were in charge of hot dogs

Musical entertainment came from "Into" the Shadows, John Newcombe (left) and Adrian Jay

Place your bets for the snail race

Waiting for candyfloss

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

East Harptree Primary School were in charge of teas

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A first for freemasons

FREEMASONS in Frome organised their first charity fete as part of Frome Festival and to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of the organisation.

Each lodge was challenged to host an event for the community and the masons in Frome decided to raise funds for an ambitious project by YMCA Mendip to bring the former youth and community centre in Vallis Road back into full use.

The YMCA has taken on the lease of the centre from Somerset County Council. Phase One of the project will cost £30,000 alone.

Frome Army Cadets acted as volunteer helpers on the day

The youngest members of Frome Flyers perform in the arena

EVENTS

Frome town crier Mike Bishop and consort, wife Angie, are joined

by Man of Arms Keith Montacute from the medieval living history group Sutton Household

Jolly Jack, Matthew of Sherborne and Akanet from Sutton Household medieval living history group

Creature comforts: the freemasons supply teddy bears to Frome’s Minor Injuries Unit be given to young patients. Pictured are health care assistants Lisa, Sue and Nikki with young helper Lucie

MENDIP TIMES • AIGUST 2017 • PAGE 77

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Purposeful sleep

WHAT’S the point of it all? If you believe in the second law of thermodynamics, you’ll realise there is no great purpose and there is no grand design. We’re all just slowly returning to room temperature.

But if you can put the science aside and invent a purpose in life, it does appear to help

By Dr PHIL you sleep as you get older.

HAMMOND Some 825 American adults with an average age of 79 who weren’t (yet) demented had their purpose in life measured with “a modified 10-item assessment tool” responding to statements like "I feel good when I think of what I've done in the past and what I hope to do in the future", and "some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them".

A five-point scale rated their responses from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Higher scores mean more purpose. Then sleep quality and symptoms of potential sleep disorders were assessed using a 32-step questionnaire derived from the Pittsburgh, Berlin and Mayo Sleep Questionnaires. And if that doesn’t send you to sleep, nothing will.

Higher levels of purpose in life were associated with better sleep quality, and a decreased risk of sleep apnoea and restless legs. This wasn’t a randomised controlled trial, so it wasn’t possible to prove cause and effect. It could just be that people with purpose have better overall health or wealth, and can afford a comfortable bed in a quiet neighbourhood.

Or it may be that they’ve discovered the real purpose of life – to love and be loved – and that is a perfect accompaniment to sleep.

The great benefit of a purpose in life is that it gives you a satisfied mind. Some of the best wisdom in life comes from country music, and my favourite country song is by Porter Wagoner.

How many times have you heard someone say "If I had his money, I could do things my way?"

But little they know that it's so hard to find One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind Sing it until you nod off . . .

Dr Phil Hammond is author of ‘Staying Alive – How to Get the Best from the NHS’ (Quercus, £14.99)

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Plop the Raindrop

I LIKE to hide in the mist, hanging like a wet scarf around the hillside. It’s a cosy get-together for us water droplets and a lot warmer than being stuck up in the clouds.

I bumped into my cousin Drip recently and we decided to have a game of football, using a bubble as the ball.

Soon there were loads of us playing and inevitably the bubble burst and blasted us higher into the air, where the cold had turned the cloud to specks of ice.

Look up sometimes at the white ribbons crossing the blue sky. That’s us having a snowball fight, although on the ground you might be enjoying the heat of summer.

Generally summer is too hot for me, unless I can hide in a paddling pool or at the bottom of a brook, because if I get too hot I evaporate and whizz back into the clouds.

Then goodness knows where I will end up.

A few weeks ago I was in New Zealand watching a lot of men grunting and playing a game called rugby, with a ball shaped like an egg. More recently I was stuck to a champagne glass at a game called cricket at Lord’s.

Yawn. How can any game last five days?

You people seem to spend a lot of time chasing balls of various shapes – football is probably the most boring to watch.

But it’s different the way we play it, with thousands or millions of us chasing every pass. Just look up and see the clouds swirling around, like a towel being flapped on a beach.

Obviously my favourite sport is swimming – or rather floating. We don’t have to thrash around with our arms or legs, we just lie on our backs and go with the flow. We have no choice about where we go.

And we don’t need to get dry afterwards, which is a real bonus.

I hope you enjoy your summer holidays, with sand, sun and ice-cream. You might spot me in a rock pool.

But don’t be upset by a bit of rain or sea mist – that’s just me and my friends enjoying ourselves.

And don’t forget to watch out for my fluffy, friendly mammoth. I heard there might be one in Priddy, but the people there are apparently prone to seeing magical monsters.

MENDIP GRANDAD

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HEALTH & FAMILY

New mobility showroom at Haskins retail centre LIFE and Mobility Solutions have become the latest company to move into the Haskins Retail Centre in Shepton Mallet.

Life and Mobility Solutions pride themselves on being a “real shop” with experts on hand to answer any questions and to offer customers a real hands-on experience of mobility equipment, from scooters to bath lifts and walking frames.

The Shepton Mallet showroom is the company’s third. Mark Cawthra and his family opened their first in Trudoxhill, near Frome, before expanding into Warminster.

Mark has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and believes the new centre at Haskins will help spread the word about the company to East Mendip, the Chew Valley and beyond.

Life and Mobility Solutions offers everything from adjustable beds to walking aids

From top-of-the-range to foldaway, the showroom in the Haskins Retail Centre has a wide variety of mobility scooters on show

All the showrooms feature mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, stairlifts, bath lifts, wheelchairs, walking frames and rollators and a whole host of other useful mobility equipment.

Mark said: “Haskins Retail Centre is family-run with a great tradition for service and is a real hub for shoppers in Shepton Mallet; it’s an ideal location for us, especially with such easy parking.”

Mark added: “You don’t have to be old to experience mobility issues and we hope we offer a relaxed and friendly environment in which everyone is welcome to come and talk to us.”

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 79

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Staff wanted

STANTON Court Nursing Home is one of four Country Court Care homes in Somerset. The nursing home provides permanent residential care, respite care, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 32 residents. Set in large gardens the beautiful 18th century manor house is in the village of Stanton Drew. Residents at the home are looking for caring and friendly care assistants to help look after them.

Details: Home manager Niki Chilcott 01275 332410 or go to their Facebook page: @countrycourtcarecareers or email recruitment@countrycourtcare.com

Single and looking for a social life . . . then join SPA

An enthusias%c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events For more informa%on go to www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk email: spasocialgroup@gmail.com Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Jackie – 01458 840958

Meeting new friends

SPA single social group is a social organisation that covers much of the South West, with six branches centred on Wells and Mendip, Bath, Exeter, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil.

With a current membership of around 350 and averaging ten organised events a week, such as walks, quizzes and parties, SPA is not only one of the oldest social groups in our area but amongst the most active.

But what sets SPA apart? They exist to enable single people, mostly aged over 40, to socialise in a comfortable environment and to participate in a wide variety of events – they are not a dating group.

Since it was founded in 1979 SPA has been organised solely by and for the benefit of its members. Organising events is an important responsibility for all members. As a result they have an energetic and enthusiastic group, which brings together a large, like-minded group of people, but with a wide range of interests.

Do you enjoy dancing or a gentle walk in the countryside? A trip to the theatre or a holiday abroad? Chances are that you will find something to interest you and that there is something going on that will suit.

What are the benefits? Making new friendships replaces loneliness, opportunities to go away in groups for weekends and holidays instead of alone, new and interesting places to visit and enjoy with others like their bi-monthly National Trust visits, being with people, not sitting home alone, meeting new friends who understand being single is not always easy, having fun, laughter, the chance to dress up for social events; all good for health and wellbeing.

Details: Contact Jackie 01458 840958 or Ann 01934 743139 go to www.spasinglesocialgroup.co.uk or visit their Facebook page

Get yourself an introduction

JUST Somerset Introductions is a personal, confidential introduction agency which brings people together.

If you’ve been put off by internet dating, this may feel a gentler way of meeting new people. It is run by Alison Bower, who visits people in their own homes and helps them with their own profile, as well as showing them possible matches. It is all done face to face rather than by anonymous computer matching.

Just Somerset Introductions is the local branch of the Just Introductions Group based in Dorset. It also has Hampshire and Wiltshire branches. They cover all ages from people in their 20s-90s.

Members get a regular newsletter and the chance to take part in activities, such as group dinners, walks, pub lunches, boat trips and theatre visits. As Alison says of joining: “It all starts with just a cup of coffee and then people go on to meet new friends and partners. We have seen engagements and marriages as a result of the Introductions way of meeting people.”

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Details: To arrange a home visit and consultation about your needs and wishes call Alison 07584 250285 or visit: justintroductionsgroup.co.uk

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HEALTH & FAMILY

COURT HOUSE A beautiful Georgian Retirement Home set in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word

The Manager – Chris Dando 01934 742131 chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 81

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A new space for health & wellbeing in Wells

Our professional prac%%oners offer a variety of treatments:

● Pelvic Health (Men & Women) ● Mummy MOT (Post Natal Package) ● Massage (Thai Yoga, Chi Nei Tsang, Sports, Therapeu%c) ● Pain Clinic (Emme& Technique) ● Kinesiology ● Nutri%on & Lifestyle Counselling ● Medita%on and Mindfulness Tui%on ● Acupuncture (see website for full details)

MILL LODGE, MILL STREET, WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 2AS TEL (FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES): 07787 506378 www.quantumlife.org.uk

CLARE HALL Nursing Home

Transform your life!

QUANTUM Life wellness and therapy centre in Wells will be offering the following workshops and classes in September: ● TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE! – a six-week course with transformational breathing exercises, law of attraction tools, guided visualisations and much more. ● NURTURE YOURSELF – an exploration of the feminine system and our need for self-care. A six-week course of guided meditations, and practices to re-establish balance and deepen nurturing in a woman’s daily life. ● INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS – an eight-week course to develop a daily practice, find your ideal technique, learn about the supporting scientific evidence and much more. ● BONDING BEFORE BIRTH – the rhythm and pitch of human voices are clearly perceptible in the womb. Make a commitment to provide yourself and your unborn baby with a healthy dose of relaxation techniques, guided meditations & stretching exercises. A six-week course for expectant parents. ● Weekly Transformational Breath and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) classes will also be available alongside our meditation classes.

Quantum Life founder Karina Wilson-Meijer said: “Detailed course content, dates and pricing will be available on our websites in August (www.quantumlife.org.uk and www.soulbreath.co.uk or call me on 07787 506378).”

Respite Care – we offer nursing and residential care throughout the year.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements or come in to view our lovely home and gardens

FUN DAY

Saturday 12th August (2:30pm - 4:30pm)

Spering Court Rescue Centre Roadshow Come and get close and personal with birds of prey BBQ • Cake Stall • Bric-a-Brac Plus much more Clare Hall Nursing Home, Ston Easton, Radstock, Somerset BA3 4DE Tel: 01761 241 626 Fax: 01761 241 727 www.clarehallnursinghome.co.uk Email: manager@clarehallnursinghome.co.uk PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

A relaxed and homely environment

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Home care support – and job opportunities

HEALTH & FAMILY

THERE are a growing number of people finding that they need extra care and support to enable them to continue living independently at home, or simply to provide a main carer with some much-needed respite.

Brunelcare is one of the largest providers of home care and support in this region. For over 20 years now, Brunelcare’s dedicated team based in the Somerset area have provided a variety of home care services. Their community services teams provide the tailored help you need, to stay living in your own home and live an independent and full life.

The types of things they can help with include personal care, assistance with medication, preparing meals, light domestic work, laundry, shopping and assistance with paperwork. They also provide a sitting service to allow carers to take a break.

This list is not exhaustive but does illustrate the type of support that typically they supply.

A commitment to providing the highest quality care is something Brunelcare take great pride in and this March their Somerset home care team represented the South West region as finalists at the Great British Care Awards.

They are expanding their home care, or community services, teams across the area, with a fantastic variety of permanent or part-time roles available.

Details: www.brunelcare.org.uk

Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice

Unit 11, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL Tel: 01749 372404 Web: www.footfaerie.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 83

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Track bash is on the way

Hi ho, hi ho . . . some of the volunteers helping to unload the track

TWO articulated lorry loads of reclaimed railway line arriving at Midsomer Norton South station has heralded the start of a final push to lay new track for the heritage line extension.

Volunteers are needed to join the permanent way team to help to lay the track in one week in August as work to extend the line towards Chilcompton continues.

The track came from part of the railway near Corsham and was delivered by specialist haulage firm Hams Transport, of Devizes.

The line and station are operated by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust. ● The track laying week is due to begin on Saturday, August 5th.

For information, contact Phil Jones on philhj66@icloud.com.

Work boots and HV clothing essential. The railway will be running a family fun day with a seaside theme on Sunday, August 13th.

NEWS

Making a splash in Street

Frome Street Bandits serenade swimmers

HUNDREDS of people enjoyed a day in the sun when the open air Greenbank swimming pool in Street celebrated its 80th anniversary.

As a registered charity Greenbank Pool continues to open each season thanks to a grant from Street Parish Council, a trust fund left by Alice Clark – who oversaw the building of the pool – and the thousands of visitors who visit the pool each year.

80 years young – the pool is as popular as ever

A section of rail being transferred onto the works unit

Geoff Akers is a retired Somerset and Dorset Railway loco fireman.

The 78-year-old began his railway career as a cleaner and porter at Green Park Station in Bath

For details, visit: www.sdjr.co.uk

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

(Photo2 courtesy of Laura Zaky)

Oskar Zaky on stage during the evening celebrations

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Safety protestors take to the roads

MOTORING

For servicing, repairs and sales of all makes of caravans and motorhomes

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

Getting their message across at Stockhill Wood

COMMUTERS on Mendip have been met by bannerwaving protestors demanding increased safety measures at an accident danger spot.

The campaigners say two recent fatal accidents at Stockhill Wood near Priddy are just the latest in 20 deaths at the junction of the B3136 and the B3134.

They have the support of several local politicians who joined them for the afternoon of action.

UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES MG ROVER & LAND ROVER SPECIALIST

Sales – Service – Parts – Repairs ALL MAKES SERVICING – VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, AIR CONDITIONING, MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS Collection/Loan Car by arrangement

MOT TESTING STATION COMPETITIVE PRICES ON TYRES, BATTERIES AND EXHAUSTS

ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE QUALITY USED CARS BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE Your peace of mind is our priority

CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY BS40 6PG Telephone: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

● Caravan Servicing ● Annual Habitation Checks ● Alu-Tech Bailey Approved Repairers ● Warranty Maintained ● Damp Repairs ● Accident Repairs ● Insurance Repairs ● Accessory Fitting

Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

BEFORE

AFTER

Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–12 noon Approved

Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 85

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Flying the flag for Italian friendship

THE red, white and green of the Italian national flag was everywhere to be seen at the annual Romulus and Remus festival near Wells.

The charity event was a complete sellout as families and friends gathered for the celebration of food, music and dancing.

Wells Community Responders, St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were amongst the organisations to benefit from the afternoon.

Sybil Ambrosini was celebrating her 90th birthday and was serenaded by guests

Make time for wine

Tony Guidi, one of the organisers with Finley, aged five months, the first grandson in 40 years to be born on wife Sandra’s side of the family

Somerset county councillor Tessa Munt presents cheques to the charities

John North, the mayor of Wells, joins in the dancing with wife Gail

Some of the organisers

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

Tim Pitman led the live music

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RNLI needs volunteers

BURNHAM-on-Sea’s lifeboat station and charity shop are appealing for more volunteers to join them.

Taking up a role as part of the shore crew could lead to operating the lifeboats or the launch tractor. Volunteers are also needed to join the fundraising team, both in the shop and at various events such as the colour run and street collections.

Fundraising chairman Lesley Hart said: “Every day of every year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. It’s a problem that we’re here to tackle. You don't have to like water to volunteer for the RNLI. We are keen to recruit new volunteers for the fundraising team as well as lifeboat crew.

“No matter what your role, volunteering with us offers you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community, to save lives and be part of the larger RNLI family.”

Volunteers are needed to keep the lifeboat station afloat

For details, call into the lifeboat station in Pier Street or the shop in the High Street.

New president

THE Inner Wheel Club of Chelwood Bridge has a new president, Heather Curtis, who is serving her second term, the first being when the club started eight years ago. Her chosen charity will be the RUH Forever Friends, following treatment at the RUH in Bath. She’s pictured (right) with outgoing president, Mary Smith.

COMMUNITY

Diamond celebrations looming for Inner Wheel Club Jacky (left) receives the chain of office from Heather

MEMBERS of the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel are making plans for their 60th anniversary year.

Jacky Emm has returned to the role of president for a second time to steer the club through its diamond celebrations, which will include a party at the Best Western Swan Hotel in Wells in October.

Jacky has decided to use her year in office to raise funds for small local charities and anticipates much fun and friendship along the way. She succeeds Heather Langridge, whose charities included Canine Partners and Dorothy House Hospice.

Garry hands over

FOLLOWING a very successful year as president of Wrington Vale Rotary Club, Garry Carr has now handed over the chain of office to new president John Murphy.

His theme for the year will be Rotary in Action with particular emphasis on working with local communities.

John was formerly the managing director of an American business equipment company in Germany before he retired a number of years ago. He is married to Tricia and lives in Blagdon.

Details: www.wringtonvalerotary.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 87

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Maintaining tradition

Gill takes the wheel

Pam (right) hands over the chain of office to Gill

Gerry (left) with new president Chris

CHRIS Page has succeeded Gerry Atkinson as president of the Rotary Club of Frome and has promised to maintain the club’s traditional values.

Chris said: “The rotary club’s ethos is built around a four-way test: is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and friendship and will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“The Frome club has been so successful in operating within these principles.”

Chris's charity for his year in office will be the Forever Friends Appeal at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

FROME Inner Wheel has a new president for the coming year with Gill Barnes succeeding Pam Brewster.

As well as raising money for charity, Pam’s year in office saw a “vast and

varied” social calendar.

Club spokeswoman Renèe Cole said: “We are now looking forward to another excellent year under Gill which is starting with a lunch in August and a coach outing to view a stately home, with much more to come.”

Centre is rocking

Rotarians look back on busy year

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street have raised almost £18,000 for good causes in the past year.

Outgoing president Jon Fear said his year in office had seen the club taking part in numerous events as well as organising “in-house” activities ranging from barbecues to Martyn Steer (left) has been installed as this a Burns Night dinner and skittles year’s club president, succeeding Jon Fear competition.

The club is now organising its annual charity golf day to be held at Wheathill Golf Club on Thursday, September 7th.

Children’s Hospice South West will be the main charity to benefit.

More sponsors and teams would be welcome at the golf day.

For details contact Peter Davey on 01749 890206.

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

THE new committee of Camerton Community Hall are pressing on with their plans to turn around its fortunes, after the threat of it closing a couple of months ago.

It now has refurbished dressing rooms and a new PA system is being installed in preparation for the Camerton Fete on Saturday July 29th, 12noon-5pm.

Recently local villager John Gould organised a rock and roll dance to help with funds for the centre.

Festival time

HUTTON is preparing for its annual festival, which raises money for local charities. It kicks off on Wednesday, August 30th with A Taste of Somerset in a marquee in St Mary's Fields, with 60 stalls showcasing local food, drink and crafts.

The following day there’s a charity quiz before the marquee hosts the village’s horticultural show on the Saturday. Saturday night is music night with The Fourmost, who were 1960s recording artists, and local group The Bula Bula Big Band.

After a church service in the marquee on Sunday, the festival finishes with a proms night on Sunday night, featuring Weston Brass.

Details: Steve Cope on 01934 813871

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A problem shared . . .

The Lord Lieutenant is welcomed to the meeting by Malcolm Williams, chairman of the board of trustees of Citizen Advice Mendip

CITIZENS Advice Mendip last year helped more than 5,000 people with more than 20,000 issues, its annual review meeting has been told.

Annie Maw, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, was guest of honour at the meeting at SHAPE Mendip in Shepton Mallet. The evening focused on volunteering and how volunteers are essential to all that Citizens Advice Mendip is able to achieve for the people it helps across the area.

Stuart Chadbourne, the organisation’s chief officer, said: “Our volunteers contributed 14,000 hours of their time to help deliver Citizens Advice services across the Mendips, advising people on a wide range of problems but mainly welfare benefits, debt and housing, helping to secure more than £5,000,000 in financial gains for our clients in the process.”

Mrs Maw said: “I am always amazed at the sheer scale of what we are able to achieve with volunteers in this country and in our own county of Somerset. Citizens Advice Mendip, in the way it uses volunteers in helping people find solutions to the problems they face is a fine example of just what can be done at a community level.”

David takes the chain of office

RETIRED funeral director David Underwood is the new president of Burnham-onSea Rotary Club.

He is pictured (right) receiving his chain of office for the coming year from outgoing president Mark Newbury. The club meets at the Burnham and Berrow Golf Club.

COMMUNITY

Rotary’s big breakfast

(l to r) Mike Hedges, Rob and Mary Taylor, Ken Biggs and Di Farmer preparing breakfasts

CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary Club's annual Big Breakfast was another big success, drawing in the crowds as well as drivers and passengers who went along in 37 classic cars.

It was held in the flower show marquee at Stanton Drew village hall playing field and customers included many villagers, as well as members of the local Classic and Historic Car Club, who started their annual rally following the breakfast and were finishing at Westonbirt House and gardens.

The chefs this year were Rob Taylor as well as other Rotary and Inner Wheel members.

The washing up team (l to r) Spike Parker, Phil Townshend and Graham Robinson

Marilyn Martin and Doug Nash waiting on (l to r) John Langdon, John and Anne Stevens, Simon Parker and Rosemary Langdon

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 89

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Stanton Drew Flower Show

Mary Payne showing a lettuce in a pot among the plants display

Liz Rudman proudly showing off her first prizewinning cake

(l to r) Claudia, Hannah and Ava chilling out at the flower show

George, aged seven, and Charlotte, aged five, admiring the flowers on display PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

(l to r) Jean Denis-Meira, Shirley Edwards and Cynthia Miller serving cups of tea

(Photography by Ros Anstey)

Carol Tucker with her photo of a tramp, which was awarded 2nd prize

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Chewton Mendip Fete

Somerset Dance Umbrella

Brodie O'Docherty, aged 14, made the WI's prize cake

EVENTS

Chewton Mendip folk dance group

Tombola was popular

Enjoying the sun

Unity Brass in action

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 91

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PROPERTY

Stock levels slip to a new low

We’ve got it covered

HOUSE price inflation slowed further in June, according to the latest South West survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. At the same time it says there is little encouragement for sales activity with new instructions declining and new buyer enquiries remaining flat across the region.

The June RICS Residential Market Survey included additional questions to gather further insight regarding the generally flat trend in activity being seen across the region.

Respondents cited domestic political uncertainty and Brexit as the biggest influences for subdued activity.

Looking at price inflation, in June, 24% of surveyors across the UK saw a rise rather than fall in prices at the headline level. This has slipped from a net balance of +39% in May. Moving to overall activity and transaction levels, respondents in the South West once again saw a rise in newly agreed sales in June, with 24% more respondents seeing a rise in sales over the month. Sales in the region are predicted to increase at a stable pace over the next three months.

The 12-month sales expectations indicator reading has continuously decreased since the beginning of the year with 49% of respondents expecting an increase in activity.

Significantly for future activity, it says new instructions remain flat across the South West with 14% more respondents seeing a fall in property coming on to the market. Against this backdrop, average stock levels have slipped to a new low.

Mendip Times Distribution Points

Mendip Times is available from over 900 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres.

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Chelwood based developers, Whitecroft Developments Limited will be providing 18 new homes in Dilly Meadows, West Haprtee. 3 and 4 bedroom homes are available from £449,000 to £699,000.

Award-winning developers Whitecroft, have a reputation for delivering character homes and paying close attention to detail.

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The new homes at Dilly Meadows are all unique, with features such as double height voids in halls, galleried views of kitchen spaces, large glazed doors providing strong visual connections to the countryside beyond. The design of the properties can described as ‘contemporary country’, there are traditional and contemporary elements to the external and internal design, clean lined contemporary design has been mixed successfully with traditional elements.

Green space is retained to the front of the development to provide a discreet enclave within the picturesque village of West Harptree, surrounded

by unspoilt Mendip countryside. New homes benefit from a 10 Year New Home LABC Warranty.

Phased completion of the development will see all homes complete by Autumn 2018 with various properties being completed and released for sell ahead of this date.

Homes will be available for reservation from plan.

For further information, please contact Estate Agents Gabriel Hirst on 01761 490092 or email carly@gabrielhirst.co.uk

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New name – same quality service

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THE West-End Windows shop in Winscombe now has a new retail trading name, Sterling Windows, with the main showroom on Milton Road, Weston-super-Mare.

While the retail shops will trade under the Sterling Windows name, the company’s manufacturing base at Bedminster, in Bristol will remain as West-End Windows Co Ltd. Both have a strong pedigree.

Garry and Pauline Carr expanded their very successful family business West-End Windows into the retail sector after over 40 years in the trade.

Sterling Windows was established in 1992 and the Weston shop is now managed by their daughter, Karen, who said: “It seemed sensible to keep the retail and manufacturing sides separate, but the quality of our products and the service we provide will not change.”

The company supplies a huge range of uPVC windows, doors and conservatories and architectural aluminium to the commercial and domestic sectors across the South West.

HOMES & INTERIORS 01761 439300 • www.staircase-manufacturing.co.uk

Specialising in Oak staircases Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery

The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 95

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Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

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01275 342656 www.seal-lite.co.uk Unit 1, Tweed Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6RR PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Kitchen specialists

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STREET Kitchens are a small specialist company offering a fast and personal service providing quality products and workmanship. As a family-run business built on reputation, they can provide an exclusive and affordable kitchen range, from traditional kitchens and accessories to kitchen cabinets, units and worktops.

They are based in Wells supplying and fitting a wide range of kitchens nationwide. Through their network of suppliers they can arrange for your kitchen to be designed to your exact requirements and then installed with a minimum of fuss and disruption.

All the kitchens featured on their website are constructed using quality rigid carcasses to provide stability and strength. To guarantee satisfaction Street Kitchens only use fully qualified installers.

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We offer a complete service from design to installa*on including electrics, plastering, carpentry and property refurbishment.

Street Kitchens, Unit 5 Keward Park, Glastonbury Road, Wells BA5 1QE.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 97

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And then there were none

QUESTION – what do a Greek island, a horse rider from Mendip and the House of Commons have in common?

Answer – debating the negative impact of motor vehicles on the safety of horses, donkeys and riders which may lead to local extinction, dereliction of place and With RACHEL consequent loss to history, the economy and THOMPSON the human spirit.

MBE Recently on holiday in Paxos – a beautiful and tranquil island situated in the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea – I heard the sad tale of the last Paxos donkeys.

For centuries, the animals toiled up the donkey steps carrying goods from the ports to the hill villages. They walked unsupervised along ancient stone walled lanes built just wide enough to accommodate their panniers, preventing them from turning around until reaching their destination where, reloaded with farm supplies, they returned to port.

In time, the road builders came (British), followed by traffic and tourists and the donkeys, now redundant, died off. Just two remained, one was killed on the road and his friend died of grief shortly after on the beach where he had sought solace from human companions.

Mendip, with its distinct character of hills and moors, often feels like an island but here too our heritage of horses and bridleways is threatened by aggressive incidents which are frightening to riders. One horse rider recently had this experience: “I had a rather nasty incident whilst riding yesterday where a vehicle came up right behind my horse's hind legs revving, trying to squeeze past me going into the blind bend! I was only seconds from pulling over and when I did they slammed on their brakes, beeping, screaming and

swearing at me. It's left me pretty rattled and rather upset, to say the least.”

The rider’s experience was reported to Avon and Somerset Police who told her that incidents with horse riders and cyclists is a big problem. Horse and rider safety was recently the subject of a House of Commons digital debate which reached a total of 119,288 Facebook accounts, with almost 1,500 contributors. This led to a full Commons debate watched by rider Debbie Smith who has campaigned tirelessly for the safety of horses and riders in west Cornwall. Members present noted that the: “2.7 million riders across the UK often find themselves as the forgotten demographic — an afterthought in the minds of drivers and unacceptably low down many politicians’ priority lists.

“It is for this reason that the British Horse Society launched the horse accidents website in November 2010. Since that launch, 2,510 reports of road incidents involving horses, including near misses and collisions, have been logged by the BHS. That is but the tip of the iceberg. Most significantly, since the launch 222 horses and 38 riders have been killed.

This problem is not in decline. In the past year there has been a 29% increase in the number of road incidents involving a horse reported to the British Horse Society.”

In Paxos the islanders have recognised the value of restoring their heritage of donkey trails to boost the value of walking to the island economy. Here on our island, frightening riders off the road will inevitably lead to horses becoming redundant as transport to and through the countryside. What follows is a downward spiral of abandonment and neglect of our rights of way heritage, the horses themselves and a significant loss to the Mendip economy and the death of our unique relationship with our equine friends. Do we really want that to happen?

Go to https://hansard.parliament.uk for the full debate and to http://www.bhs.org.uk/safety-and-accidents/dead slow for the BHS campaign news.

An equine “womp” with “Wocket Woy and the Pwoducer” ROAD safety was on the agenda of an otherwise very lighthearted event at Lovington, organised by Mendip Bridleways and Byways Association.

The stars of the show were Wockey Woy and the Pwoducer – two former jockeys with a new line in entertainment (Mattie Bachelor – Wocket Woy – can’t pronounce his “r”s, by the way).

Held at Kingfisher Farm Equestrian, the afternoon of fun included the Steamhorse Stunt Riders, a presentation from the Racehorse Sanctuary – recently relocated to North Brewham – and demonstrations by

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

local rider Fiona Skipper with horse Jumping Fox and Wylye Valley Pony Club.

A donation was also made to the Wilberry Wonder Pony charity. ● Don’t forget the MBBA Festival Ride, around the Glastonbury Festival site, takes place again this year. Riders have a unique opportunity to visit iconic landmarks such as the Pyramid Stage and the Standing Stones.

Michael Eavis and his neighbours are making 16 miles of tracks available for the event, on Sunday, September 24th.

For details, visit www.mbba.org.uk or call Ginnie Jones on 01749 831276.

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A show for all

EXPERTS and novices rubbed shoulders at this year’s Emborough Horse Show, acclaimed as one of the friendliest and enjoyable in the area.

Described as a mixed discipline show for all ages, organisers said the aim was for everyone to have an enjoyable time with their horse or pony.

Jessica Walton, of Dean, near Shepton Mallet, was showing Louie in the Best Turned Out class, sponsored by Tincknell’s Country Store

Emborough church offered a stunning backdrop to the day’s events

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RIDING

Veterinary surgeon Kathryn Penn was showing oneyear-old Quinta for the first time in the open In Hand class for one-, two- and three-year-olds.

Kathryn works for Stables Equine Practice, which sponsored the class

Lindsay, from Chilcompton, with daughters Esme (on Izzy) and Evie (on Beauty)

Dollar, being shown by Hayley Butcher, was taking part in its first-ever show. The horse was rescued from a market and now lives at Lime Kiln Stables near Blagdon

Crewkerne-based Sally Haines and daughter Summer – on Penny – won the Best Turned Out class

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A dream realised

Choir in tune for new season

The choir at this year’s Priddy Folk Festival

(l:r) Gaynor Price, Ann Smith, Christine Foster, Natasha Smith and Lorraine Gillick who took to the stage at Sadlers Wells Theatre

FIVE members of Mendip Dance Club realised their dream when they danced at Sadlers Wells Theatre in London.

They were taking part in the Elixir Festival of Lifelong Creativity, hosted by the resident Company of Elders and celebrating the older dancer (60-plus). All five are members of Bath University-based Yama Dance Company, one of 22 successful international applicants selected to perform.

Mendip Dance welcomes new dancers on a drop-in basis on Tuesday afternoons from 2-3.30pm at Chilcompton Village Hall. No experience is necessary and you don’t need to be over 60, although most are.

PRIDDY Choir is gearing up for its autumn season of rehearsals and performances and new singers are welcome.

Under the leadership of musical director Katrine Reimers, members also come from Westbury-sub-Mendip, Easton and the Harptrees ● Rehearsals – no experience is necessary – begin in September on Tuesday evenings in Priddy Village Hall. For details, contact Katrine on priddysingers@gmail.com or call 07984 160812.

Outdoor musical

For details, visit: www.mendipdance.wordpress.com or email mendipdance@gmail.com

Choir seeks new members

CHEDDAR Male Choir is heading to Burnham-on-Sea on a recruitment drive. It will be holding two open workshop evenings on Tuesday August 8th and 15th.

They will be at the community Centre (TA8 2ET) next door to the swimming pool, at 7.30pm.

A spokesman said: “Please come along and listen or join in just so you can see how much fun it is to sing in Cheddar Male Choir. Why not bring a friend or group of friends as well. We look forward to seeing you.”

Support for theatre group

THEATRE Orchard in North Somerset is looking to expand after winning long-term support from the Arts Council. The charity, now in its tenth year, has become North Somerset’s first ever National Portfolio Organisation.

There are 831 NPOs across the UK, selected by the Arts Council for their ability to bring new energy to the arts and cultural sector, while reaching PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

THE children of St Mary’s School in Writhlington performed four outdoor performances of The Jungle Book musical in their beautiful grounds, involving all Key Stage 2 children.

St Mary’s has a platinum award for outdoor play and learning and this was another opportunity to showcase their approach to learning outside.

more people in more places than ever before.

Core funding for four years will enable Theatre Orchard to build its capacity and reach, further growing arts opportunities in the region.

Fiona Matthews, executive producer of Theatre Orchard said: “We are over the moon – this is such good news for the arts in North Somerset. The

Details: www.thetheatreorchard.org.uk

sustainability that NPO status offers will enable Theatre Orchard to develop the existing performance offer at Clevedon’s Theatre Shop, Tropicana and a host of other places and spaces, as well as offering more support to North Somerset artists and direct engagement with communities.”

Somerset Art Weeks have been given a similar award.

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Folk with feeling

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Tony Osborne, from Peas in a Pub

MUSIC & THEATRE

MUSICIANS with wide-ranging styles brought an eclectic feel to the first Radford Folk Festival on farmland near Timsbury.

Held at Radford Mill Farm, artists included blues veteran Kevin Brown, Irish alt-folk act Driftwood Manor and powerful singer/songwriter Declan Miller, aged 19, from Glastonbury. Radford Mill Farm plays host to a blues festival on Saturday, August 12th.

Peas in a Pub – Tony Osborne (left) and Pat O’Brien – played some classics alongside self-penned folk and blues numbers

Radford Mill offered plenty of room for relaxation

Declan Miller has a unique style

musical School of Rock.

The school decided to work with Churchill Academy as part of a community project to help promote and keep the arts firmly in the primary school curriculum,

with two performances in mid-July.

The show is currently being performed in the West End, London and Broadway, New York. Sandford is now firmly on this impressive list!

New York, London – Sandford SANDFORD Primary School has been lucky enough to be one of the few primary schools in the UK to have ever been granted the performing rights and licence to perform Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s

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B e s t o f B MX f ree s t y l e THE BMX Freestyle World Championships were featured in the NASS action sports and music festival at the Royal Bath and West CYCLING Showground. The with EDMUND LODITE event organised by the International BMX Freestyle Federation attracted the best professional riders from around the world.

During a weekend of high octane sport and live music, thousands of fans enjoyed the individuality and creativity of alternative youth culture.

BMX freestyle cycling originated in the USA. The earliest photographic evidence is from the 1970s, where riders used makeshift vertical ramps. As freestyle started to make use of the urban landscape it wasn’t long before BMX riders also began using skateboarding parks.

From there, freestyle was transformed as new bike tricks were performed on flat streets. Over the years the sport has gradually developed and now has four competitive disciplines: Park, Vert, Dirt, and Flatland.

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The indoor Park course at this year’s event combined a mix of ramps and drops which were also used for the skateboarding championships. To the casual observer, the jumps and somersaults are impressive to watch but it is the combination with mid-air tricks that makes the world-class riders stand out.

The BMX Vert championship featured a 14ft half pipe, one of the tallest in Europe. Going from side to side the riders were judged on the tricks performed as they aired above the ramp.

A number of much smaller and safer ramps were available for the public to

try!

The outdoor Dirt course featured a series of compacted mounds which sent riders into the air to perform tricks. The addition of a step-up platform with a quarter-pipe also made this course inviting to the Park-style riders as well.

The Flat discipline has always been the most artistic in BMX freestyle. Unlike the other disciplines, the terrain is nothing but a smooth, flat surface.

Riding, spinning and balancing on the bike in unconventional ways is the aim, but this take’s immense practice.

As the commentator said: “These are the guys who spent hours six hours in a

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car park working on one trick before being chased away by the security guard.”

On the final day of the event, Argentina’s Jose Torres was named Park World Champion and Vince Byron from Australia retained his Vert World title.

Britain’s Jack Clark was named Dirt World Champion and Frenchman Matthias Dandois was again crowned Flatland World Champion.

Recently the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed to add BMX

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Freestyle Park to the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This has become a defining moment for the sport and opinion is divided. It seems that the IOC may be trying to make the Olympics “younger” and attempting to appeal to a more diverse audience, so that has to be a good thing.

But for many, one of the attractions of BMX freestyle has always been its alternative culture and lifestyle. It got where it is today by being unconventional, without too many rules.

SPORT

That has given the sport its unique edge where riders push the boundaries because they want to, without personal gain.

Moving towards the mainstream means becoming commercial, growing brands and increased popularity. That would mean more money in the sport, better facilities and riders getting paid properly.

For those involved that probably has to be a good thing but it’s a long way from those early years when the spirit and culture of BMX freestyle was first crafted.

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Motocross is back

The last one-day practice session at the end of April was well attended

Game, set and match

Club chair Dan Cooke (left) with coach Kevin Durney

FROME and District Motorcyle Club is to host its first two-day practice event for sidecars, quads, solos and youth solo riders.

The weekend – Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th – will take place at the track at Leighton on the A361.

Sessions begin at 9.30am each day and are run under AutoCycle Union regulations. The entry fee is £30 per day with an additional £15 per day if riders require a day licence (those with an ACU licence must take it with them).

One of the sidecar teams hone their technique

For details, call Natalie Froud on 07783 813104) or email her at: natalie.froud@blueyonder.co.uk

PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

SPORT

WELLS Tennis Club coach Kevin Durney has been named top performance coach of the year at the annual Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership Awards.

The SASP awards received 100 entries this year for awards across 14 categories to celebrate achievements and successes of volunteers, coaches, athletes and clubs from across the Somerset. Wells Tennis Club was also

shortlisted for Club of the Year.

Kevin, who was awarded Somerset coach of the year by the Lawn Tennis Association in 2016, said: “It was a nice surprise to be shortlisted and great to see success throughout sport in Somerset. It was a very inspiring evening listening to the stories of all those nominated and great coming away with an award at the end of it.”

Dan Cooke, the chair of the club, said: “Our small club is going from strength-to-strength thanks to the high quality coaching offered by Kevin. We’re delighted for our club and our coach to be recognised among the best in the county.”

The club is running summer holiday activities and coaching for children until August 18th. For details, visit: www.wellstc.co.uk

Ben’s success at Henley

BEN Trotman, from Winford, steered his way to success at this year's Henley Royal Regatta, a birthday treat for his mum Elaine, who was watching him from the banks of the River Thames.

Ben, aged 19, a former student of QEH and a member of City of Bristol Rowing Club for the last five years, was rowing and steering from the bow seat of a coxless four, which beat a crew from Sydney rowing club, Australia, in the first round of the Wyfold Challenge Cup. He’s pictured (right) with the white cap with (l to r) Josh Poat, Patrick Wright and George Verdon.

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WHAT’S ON

Celebrating all things country, farming and cheese since 1861

BE sure to put Frome Cheese Show on the calendar for Saturday, September 9th – it’s looking set to be yet another cracking day out for all the family!

Organisers have got lots of exciting new attractions at this year’s show at West Woodlands including a live music stage featuring (amongst others) West Country heroes The Wurzels.

Surrounding the stage will be a fantastic new street food area; it’ll be the perfect place for relaxing in the balmy September sun!

There’s also more family fun with the Garston Vets dog show, as well as “have a go” activities across the showground including circus skills, trials biking, laser clay shoot and butter

W I N F A M I LY T I C K E T S T O FROME CHEESE SHOW

MENDIP Times has teamed up with the organisers to offer three family passes (two adults and two children) to this year’s Frome Cheese Show. To win one of the passes, please answer the following question: In what year was the Frome Cheese Show established?

Please send your answers on a postcard to: Frome Cheese Show Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us by Tuesday, August 15th.

The first three correct entries chosen will each receive a pass.

The editor’s decision is final.

making. Be sure to visit the newly developed AgriVillage where you’ll find livestock showing, big machine displays, Tractor Ted, sheep Say cheese – the show is certain to bring a shearing and smile to the face of every visitor milking demonstrations, farmyard animals and much more.

That’s alongside the fantastic arena displays, rural showing classes, hundreds of trade stands, country and lakeside pursuit area, exceptional food and drink and, of course, an incredible amount of cheese as the show once again host the prestigious Global Cheese Awards. Judging of the cheese takes place on the Trade Day on Thursday, September 7th.

Whether you’re going with friends or family, to see livestock, music, horses, shops or copious quantities of cheese you’re bound to have a great day. Advance tickets are just £13 per adult and £5 for children aged 5-15 with under 5s admitted free. There is also a free bus service running from both Frome and Warminster town centres.

For full show details and tickets visit www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 105

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Falcons fly in

IF you’re a fan of falconry, then don’t miss the Bishop’s Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day on Saturday September 9th, 10am-4pm, when The Raptor Foundation will occupy the South Lawn with their beautiful birds for a day of fantastic flying displays along with entertaining historical facts about these wonderful creatures.

Suitable for all ages, the displays will show the ways in which these skilful birds would have been trained in medieval times and why.

If you’ve got little ones with you, don’t forget to visit the new Dragon’s Lair Play Area – the perfect place to give little legs a good spell of exercise – climb the dragon’s wings, explore the tree pods, crawl through the dragon’s belly or pump the water to spill the bucket and send the Dragon to sleep – the choice is yours!

All activities are included in standard admission.

Lighthouse causes shipwreck!

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THE Lighthouse is a 17th century country house set in 35 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Frome. They have been established now for ten years as a four-star guest house with ten bedrooms. Now they are moving into their next stage of evolution with some exciting developments both in the park and the main house.

The first development, which will be ready in the next few weeks, is a new playground themed as a shipwreck with Robinson Crusoe tree house, which is adjacent to their relaxing Japanese Garden and Cafe Nouveau. The playground is the first stage in the expansion of their family-friendly accommodation.

The second stage, due to be completed by April 2018, is to redevelop the existing main house into a further eight family bedrooms, which means they can accommodate more families wishing to visit the many attractions in and around the vibrant town of Frome, Longleat and the surrounding area.

Over the next few years they plan to develop more agility trails and nature walks through the park and woodland, plus boating on the lakes.

The Lighthouse will be celebrating the launch of the Shipwreck Adventure Playground with a family fun day on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28th, when there will also be a Circus Fantastic drop-in workshop, a pirate ship bouncy castle, interactive arts and craft, music and dancing for kids, welly throwing and apple bobbing, free for all the family to enjoy.

Do join them for an afternoon of fun. You are all invited!

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Calling all future archaeologists!

CHEDDAR Gorge and Caves are taking part in the annual Festival of Archaeology, which is organised by the British Council of Archaeology with thousands of events taking part across the UK. They’ve got lots of special activities planned to help everyone get inspired and involved with all things archaeological. A brand new trail will see you venturing through the mysterious depths of Gough’s Cave trying to identify one of its ancient inhabitants.

Younger visitors will love getting hands-on making their very own clay thumb pots and cave drawings. You can even have a go digging through their sand trays to see what you can find.

Make sure you take a look around their Museum of Prehistory. You’ll find lots of information and objects found in the Cheddar area that help to tell the story of how our ancestors

lived tens of thousands of years ago.

There’s also plenty of information about the world-famous Cheddar Man who was discovered in Gough’s Cave in 1996; one of the oldest Mesolithic skeletons ever found. You can even

WHAT’S ON

dress up and feel like you’ve really travelled back in time.

So what are you waiting for? Join in the fun and learn all about our prehistoric ancestors from now until September 3rd!

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A vintage weekend of tractors and ploughs and more

PREPARATIONS are underway for the annual steam up, vintage rally and ploughing match organised by the North Somerset Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration at Birches Farm, Cambridge Batch, Flax Bourton, is a tractor pulling competition when these hugely powerful beasts will be pushed to their limits.

The weekend kicks off on the evening of Friday, September 15th with a demonstration of tractor pulling by young farmers followed by live entertainment in the marquee. New this year for the Saturday will be an auction in the morning followed by a vintage tractor run – which may also include some classic cars.

The vintage ploughing match and hedge laying competition will be held, as usual, on the Sunday. Throughout the weekend, many forms of transport will be on display including vintage tractors, steam engines, classic cars, motorbikes and military vehicles, with lots of entertainment to keep the whole family entertained across the weekend. ● There is still time to enter an exhibit in the display or to have a stand. Charity stalls are welcome. For entry forms or more information call Robert Jenkins on 07769 977198 or 01278 671784.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 28th July

NOW SHOWING: Beguiled (15) • Baby Driver (15)

Starts Wednesday The Emoji Movie (U) 3D/2D • Valerian And 2nd August A City Of A Thousand Planets (12A) 3D/2D Starts Friday 11th August Starts Friday 18th August

EVENT CINEMA FOR AUGUST

Captain Underpants (U) • The Nut Job 2 (U) Dark Tower • The Hitman’s Bodyguard (15) Special Coffee Mornings for the summer Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturday mornings at 10.30am (£5.20).

Look out for Alone In Berlin (12A), Wilson (15), The Last Word (15), The House (15)

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

A feast of food and music!

THE spellbinding ArgentinianSwedish singersongwriter José González has been added to the line-up for this year’s Valley Fest, being held on the Community Farm above Chew Valley Lake from August 4th-6th.

Valley Fest is José’s first UK date this year, and one of only two UK dates, so it will be a unique opportunity to see him perform. He joins an already stellar line-up for this year’s festival, which has an eclectic mix of acts.

This year Valley Fest announced that the food on offer at the festival will be organic, making it the only organic festival in the UK. Alongside the organic food stalls, people can also delight in enjoying food together with the Midnight Feast and Sunday Picnic gatherings – the recipe is simple; just buy a perfectly packaged box of scrumptious treats and sit down to enjoy it with hundreds of other people.

The festival is also the perfect place for kids to run wild as well as the “adults” and there will be all sorts on offer for them.

Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

Midsummer mirthers – a festival mystery

Shake the Tree will be one of the headline bands at the Chilcompton Fringe Festival.

IT is no laughing matter. Organisers of the first Chilcompton Fringe Festival have attracted a wealth of musical and literary talent but are missing one thing – they can’t find any up-andcoming comedians wanting to showcase their skills.

With 20 bands confirmed and five hours of book and poetry readings and workshops already on the programme, the festival – at Chilcompton Sports Ground on Sunday, August 27th – is looking set to meet organisers’ aims to offer a cultural event for the whole community which will grow in subsequent years. In all, there will be some 30 hours of stage time across three marquees.

The idea for the fringe festival came about after the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, organisers of the annual Wessex Beer Festival, confirmed they would be returning to the sports ground – run by a charity – for this year’s celebration of real ale and cider.

With the marquees booked for the beer festival – taking place the following weekend – trustees of the sports ground charity decided to make more use of them. Giles Harrod, one of the fringe festival organisers, said: “Our vision is to offer a platform for live performance and create a cultural event that will happen every year.

“Lots of bands have approached us to play and we have some excellent authors and poets giving readings and running workshops, but we have so far been unable to attract any comedians. However, there is still time.”

Tim Curtis, chairman of Chilcompton Sports, said: “Chilcompton Sports Ground is a fabulous amenity and it is good that we are able to increase the value it provides to the community by hosting a different type of cultural event.

“Because we want each act to be able to perform to a good size audience we have ensured public access to the event is affordable.”

For the first time, cider will dominate beer at the Wessex Beer Festival, on Friday, September 1st and Saturday, September 2nd.

This year it will have 28 real ales, some sourced locally, and 35 ciders including its own brew called Wessex Wallop.

Last year, the festival attracted 12 visitors from the Muraer’n beer club from Norway! A beer festival spokesman said: “Tickets are now on sale online and there has been an early take up of tickets in the first week.

“Again, there will be live bands playing throughout the festival and a selection of hot foods with pig roast.”

MUSIC

DRAMA

ARTS & CRAFTS

BOOK READINGS WORKSHOPS

POETRY

SPOKEN WORD

STREET STALLS

FOOD & DRINK

Midday-11pm. “Early bird” entry before 5pm just £3/adult & £1/11-16yrs. Under-11s free. £5 adults after 5pm.

FFi: info@chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk

www.chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk

For details about the fringe festival, visit: www.chilcomptonfringefest.co.uk Tickets are now on sale online for the beer festival, sponsored by Etavoni Engineering of Radstock. Visit: www.wessexbeerfestival.co.uk or call 01761 235835.

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 109

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Get ready to race!

THE annual Wells Moat Boat Races, one of the highlights of the city’s summer season, take place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28th, organised by Wells Lions Club and Wells Air Cadets.

This year will see a record number of races: 16 in total, starting at 1pm and concluding around 4pm. And a record number of racers are expected to be taking part, with more than 20 teams competing for glory. All the rafts are constructed from empty oil drums lashed together with wood and rope, and each team spends months preparing and decorating them. Entertainment begins from 10am in the Recreation Ground next to the Bishop’s Palace.

Fete’s 40th birthday

WHITCHURCH plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its village fete in style, with three days of events starting on Saturday August 26th with a traditional barn dance with the Last year’s fete princess Granny Smiths in the marquee Lucy Kent in Greensmore Field, alongside the A37. On the Sunday, there will be a car boot sale, while the fete itself will be on the Bank Holiday Monday, providing great entertainment for the whole family, with a flower show and a variety of stalls and attractions.

Details: www.whitchurchparishcouncil.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017 • PAGE 111

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Wednesday July 26th Families for Children Trust, a specialist adoption agency and charitable trust, is running an information session for prospective adopters, from 4pm-6pm at Foot Anstey, The Quad, 2000 Blackbrook Park Ave, Taunton TA1 2PX. Thursday July 27th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 5.6miles from Ebbor Gorge, OS Map Ex141 ST520484, start 1.30pm, park NT car park.

Details: Jill Ollis 01934 713068/ 07709 767907 or jill.m.ollis@gmail.com Friday July 28th – Sunday July 30th Weston Lions Real Ale & Cider Festival, Beach Lawns, Weston-super-Mare, everybody welcome, free entry before 5pm, open 11am until 10.30pm in aid of Breast Cancer NOW, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK & Alzheimer's Society, live music from 7pm Sat; jazz from 12noon Sun. Details: www.westonlionsrealalefestival.co.uk Saturday July 29th and Sunday July 30th Portishead Flower Show and Country Fair, The Show Field, Clevedon Road, Portishead, BS20 7RA, not just a flower show, with a host of arena events including meerkats, falconry, ferrets, dog show and live music, something for all ages, adults £5, U-17s free. Details: www.portisheadflowershow.com Free heart tests, Tatworth Memorial Hall, Chard TA20 2QW, organised by CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young. Details: 01737 363222 or www.testmyheart.org.uk Friday July 28th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Day, first of Family Fun Fridays during the holidays.

Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111.

Saturday July 29th Banwell Fun Day, Banwell Football Club, Riverside, various attractions. Details: karlybanwellfc@gmail.com Mendip Society walk, Cadbury Castle, Parrock Hill, Corton Ridge and Hill, meet 2pm in the castle car park, South Cadbury (BA22 7HA), ST 632 253 a 6.5 mile walk with some steep hills but rewarded with extensive views, car park limited so car share where possible.

Details: 01749 672457.

Taize’ and Teas Stoke St Michael Church, BA3 5GT, 4pm, come and join in singing chants from Taize’ or just listen and relax, no charge but donations to church funds always welcome, stay for a hot drink and biscuits afterwards.

Details: Janet 01225 869337 or 07376 573093.

Bridgwater Arts Centre, TA6 3D, hosts free family-friendly comedy show, The Three Musketeers from CBeebies favourites and fresh from Justin’s House and Spot Bots, 11am then Quayside for after party. Details: 01278 422700.

Bridgwater Quayside Festival in various locations, Blake Gardens, West Quay, Fore Street, Bridgwater Library, King Square, Angel PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2017

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Place and Bridgwater Arts Centre, live music, street theatre and family activities, 12noon – 6pm, entry Free.

Special Finds Day at Frome Heritage Museum.

Part of the UK Festival of Archaeology. 10am3pm. Dr David Robinson will be identifying coins and Somerset Finds Officer, Laura Burnett, will be identifying any archaeological or historical finds that people bring in. Also a talk by Dave Crisp, who discovered the Frome Hoard. Free entry but donations welcome.

Sunday July 30th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, A Comedy of Errors with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, barbecue and bar from 6pm, take rugs, picnics and lowbacked chairs. Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk 01749 988111.

Monday July 31st Wessex Stationary Engine Club talk “A Life in Engineering” by John Blackford, 7.30pm, Old Down Inn, Emborough, BS3 4SA, all welcome, free entry. Details: 01225 754374.

Wednesday August 2nd Wells Cathedral free family creative workshop “Working with Paper”, sessions from 10.30am and 2pm in the education room, no booking. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Thursday August 3rd West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 10mi from Shearwater Lake car park, OS map Ex143 ST856421, start 10am. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Friday August 4th-Sunday August 6th Valley Fest, Community Farm, Chew Valley Lake. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk Friday August 4th Cheddar Library, Crafty Animal Agents family session, organised by the library’s sewing and craft group, 2.30pm, 50p to cover materials. Details: 0300 123 2224 to book a place, or e-mail chelib@somerset.gov.uk Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Family Fun Friday – Wacky Weather – 10.30am-3pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Saturday August 5th Nunney Street Fayre, 10am-5pm.

Mendip Society walk around Bleadon, meet 2pm in Bleadon village car park BS24 0PQ ST 341 569, about five miles with some hills.

Details: John 01934 842868.

Cheddar Library free craft session, run by the library sewing and craft group, always a popular session so please book, 2.30pm.

Sunday August 6th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Day – Midsummer Mayhem, games, bouncy castle etc., 10am-4pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Monday August 7th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of bingo, nonmembers welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall.

Tuesday August 8th Cheddar Male Choir, open workshop evening for new recruits in Burnham-on-Sea community centre, TA8 2ET, also August 15th, 7.30pm.

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Thursday August 10th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk of 5.5mi from Clevedon, OS map Ex 153 ST396710, start 1.30pm, park in Salthouse Fields car park. Details: Roger Mead 01934 743088/07724 800882 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Friday August 11th Cheddar Library free story session with Brian the Lion of the Cheddar Vale Lions, again please book to avoid disappointment, 2.30pm.

Headway Somerset Acquired Brain Injury Centre, Henton Village Hall, BA5 1PD, open morning 11am-2pm, stalls, art exhibition, entertainment, refreshments, and information.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday – Brilliant Bugs, 10.30am-3pm. The Wind in the Willows musical by Boxtree Productions, 6.30pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Saturday August 12th Clutton Flower Show, celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Burtle Café at Burtle Village Hall, TA7 8NB, 10am–12 noon, always second Saturday of each month, teas, coffees, home-made cakes and hot bacon rolls available, meat Raffle, assorted items for sale, handbags, cards, candles, meat products, pies, veg . . . and cake! Details: Steve 01278 723 670.

Mendip Society walk, A President’s Perambulation, Les Davies leads a trip down his memory lane in the Tickenham area of North Somerset.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Compton Dundon and Littleton Village Show. Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon.

2.30pm. Sponsored by Compton Dundon and Littleton Gardening Club. Doors open to the public at 2.30pm. Prizegiving 4pm.

Refreshments available.

Wednesday August 16th Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group, leisurely stroll up Cley Hill with Eve Tigwell, 10am for fantastic views, orchids, butterflies and birds, park at Cley Hill car park on A362, ST837444, small entrance west of Longleat roundabout, adults £2.50, children and students £1.

Thursday August 17th Redhill Village Club classic car and motorcycle BBQ, meet from 7pm, all enthusiasts are welcome to park up for a chat and meet like-minded people, held on the Recreation Field (BS40 5SG). Details: 01934 862619.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 10.5miles from Dartmoor YHA, PL20 6TU, OS map Ex OL28 SX656774, start 10am, park in Bellever PC. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday August 18th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday – Dastardly Dragons, 10.30am-3pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk

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Saturday August 19th Timsbury Horticultural Society summer show, Conygre Hall. Details: www.timsburyhorts.webplus.net Claverham Village Market, in village hall, 10am-noon, good variety of stalls, tea/coffee and bacon “butties”. Details 01934 838017.

Mendip Society walk, Radstock to Foxcote, meet 2pm in the public car park, opposite the Radstock Museum, in Waterloo Road, Radstock BA3 3EP, ST 690 551, a five-mile walk with hills, valleys and industrial heritage. Details: Gill 01934 742508.

Barrow Gurney Flower Show, village hall, 2.45pm.

Bruton and District Horticultural Society Show, Sports Hall, King’s School, Bruton.

Doors 2.30pm, prizegiving 4.30pm. Admission 50p; children and society members free. Ffi: www.brutonhorticultural.org.uk Sunday August 20th Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet. See page 114.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells rare plant fair, 10am6pm, £5 inc entrance to the palace gardens.

Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Monday August 21st Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with a game of bingo, nonmembers welcome, 8pm at Congresbury War Memorial Hall.

Wednesday August 23rd Wells Cathedral free family creative workshop, “Shapes and Geometric Art”, sessions from 10.30am and 2pm in the education room, no booking. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Thursday August 24th West Mendip Walkers easy circular walk of six miles from North Petherton Church, OS map Ex 140 ST290332, start 1.30pm, park near church. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday August 25th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Family Fun Friday – Crazy Castles, 10.30am-3pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Saturday August 26th – Monday August 28th Mendip Ramblers walking festival, starting at 10am each day there will be three walks ranging from three to 13 miles, with a short walk of three to four miles starting at 1.30pm, all walks will start from The Sports Pavilion, Back Town, Butleigh, Glastonbury BA6 8SW, ST 524 338. Details: Martyn 01761 471891 or at martyn@mendipramblers.co.uk Bishop’s Palace, Wells Bowlore Medieval Bank Holiday weekend, 10am-6pm. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Whitchurch Village Fete’s 40th anniversary, starts Saturday with a traditional barn dance with the Granny Smiths, 7.30pm in the marquee in Greensmore Field, alongside the A37, £5 adults, £1 children; Sunday bargains galore and free parking at the car boot sale, 11am-to 2pm; Monday the annual fete and flower show with

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great entertainment for the whole family, £2.50 adults, £1.50 children and OAPs, proceeds go to local charities and organisations. Details: Ashton Broad 01275 832148 or email whitchurchvillagefete@hotmail.co.uk Mendip Mower Racing in aid of YMCA Somerset Coast, Old Coach Road, Cross BS26 2JB. Details: events@ymca-sc.org Saturday August 26th – Tuesday August 29th Harriet Sandys summer sale of decorative items from Central Asia and India, 10% off a wide range of stock, 2pm – 5pm, The Manor House Barn, West Compton, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4PB. Details: 01749 890582 www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk Saturday August 26th High Littleton and Hallatrow village day, various stalls, displays, attractions, fancy dress parade, dog show, bar, car boot sale from 12.30.

Details: Chris Wootten 01761 471106.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Mendip Society walk Westbury-sub-Mendip to Priddy, meet 2pm in the Square BA5 1HL, ST 501 488, a five-mile walk via the Queen Victoria in Priddy. Details: Jo 01749 870813.

Fete. St John’s Church, High Street, Glastonbury. 10.30am-3pm. Stalls inc. bric-abrac, crafts, cakes, retro and more. Trips to the top of the church tower (weather permitting) and refreshments.

Wednesday August 30th – Sunday September 3rd Hutton Festival Taste of Somerset Fayre, Wednesday, with 60+ local stalls, horticultural show, Saturday, 60s night, Saturday night, Proms Night with Weston Brass, Sunday.

Details: Steve Cope, clerk to Hutton Parish Council 01934 813871.

Wednesday August 30th Bishop’s Palace, Wells Midsummer Night’s Dream with The Pantaloons. Details: 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support afternoon tea, including bring and buy and books Backwell W.I. Hall, at 2pm. Details: Sheila, 01275 462107 Thursday August 31st West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk of 10miles from Allerford car park, OS map OL9 SS905468, start 10am. Details: Tony Strange Tel: 01934 733783/07415 517355 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday September 1st Redhill Club Open Mic Night (BS40 5SG), hosted by Jerry Blythe, starting at 8pm, join us and unwind with an evening of live music, acoustic singer-songwriters at their very best.

Details: Jerry 07900 587646.

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Friday September 1st – Sunday 3rd City & Guilds Embroidery Exhibition, Hill Cottage, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LS, refreshments and cream teas, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West, 10am-5pm daily.

Sunday September 3rd North Somerset Ploughing Match, Crafts and Produce Show, Box Bush Farm, Redhill, Wrington BS40 5RH. Bristol Aquarists Society, goldfish exhibition, Hengrove Community Centre, Fortfield Road, Bristol BS14 9NX, 2.30pm, entry £1. Details: www.bristol-aquarists.org.uk Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip group walk at Merehead Quarry, the largest working quarry in Europe led by Tony House plus Simon Wiltshire the quarry’s bio & environmental officer, park at top of Slait Hill off A361 towards Downhead. ST 690457, BA4 4LQ, adults £2.50, children & students £1.

Friday September 8th and Saturday September 9th Chew Valley Beer Festival, Ubley village hall.

Details: www.chewvalleybeerfestival.co.uk Friday September 8th Mid Somerset Oxfam Group open evening, conversation with Lord Frank Judd, Wells and Mendip Museum, 6.30 for 7pm start. Details: David Green 01749 673356 email db.green@tiscali.co.uk Celia Lacey 01458 445921 email celialacey48@hotmail.com Saturday September 9th Winscombe Michaelmas Fair at the Community Centre, Sandford Road, BS25 1HD from 1.45pm, lots of stalls & entertainment for the whole family! In the evening at 7.30pm a great barn dance with bar, tickets £10. Details: Dee 07879 852519.

Street Chrysanthemum, Dahlia and Vegetable Society, 69th annual show, The Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street, 12noon5.30pm, free admission. Details: 01458 443303 linden.driscoll@virgin.net Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show – see page 105.

Sunday September 10th Redhill Village Harvest Fair, Flower & Produce Show, 1pm-4pm, adult and children's exhibits on display, filled rolls, tea, coffee & cakes, kids’ face painting, craft, produce & beauty stalls, free entry, all welcome, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619.

Monday September 11th Nailsea and District Local History Society, the growth of Bristol’s Victorian suburbs, with Peter Malpass, Nailsea School, 7.45pm.

Friday September 15th – Sunday September 17th Wedmore Real Ale Festival. Details: www.wedmorerealale.com

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR AUGUST ACROSS: 1 Yeovilton, 6 Midsomer, 8 Faulkland, 9 Corfe, 12 Annie, 16 Kingston, 17 Rudge, 18 Redhill, 19 Norton, 20 James.

DOWN: 2 Tessa Munt, 3 Tarnock, 4 Winford, 5 Heappey, 7 Curt, 8 Failand, 10 Maw, 11 Seymour, 13 Lympsham, 14 Dinder, 15 Worle.

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HERE are our tips to enjoy this year’s Mid-Somerset Show, on Sunday, August 20th: 1. Arrive early. Equestrian competitions get underway around 8am and the livestock judging at 9am. It’s fascinating to watch judges and handlers at work. Don’t worry about missing the animals. They’ll stay for the grand parade in the main arena at 3.10pm.

2. Grab a cuppa and head for the arts and crafts stalls in the Rural Crafts area. Traders from the Shepton Mallet Sunday Market are relocating there for the day.

3. Next to the Vintage Vehicle field. Look out for a steam driven water pump from Wainwright’s Quarry – the quarry’s CEO Peter Barkwill is this year’s show president – and see if you agree with the judges who will choose a classic vehicle as the winner of the inaugural David Vagg Perpetual Memorial Trophy.

4. Back to the main arena for 10.30am to see the amazing horseback feats of falconer Jonathan Marshall. There’ll be another performance by Jonathan later in the day.

5. Time to stroll around the many stalls and attractions on your way to the Heritage Tent which will have a special tribute to the late David Vagg, a staunch supporter of the show.

There’ll also be a display about Wainwright’s.

6. Don’t miss the dog show, on all day. From the finest pedigrees to companion pets, the show promises to be great fun. Then marvel at the entries in the poultry and eggs section.

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The show could not take place without the support of a wide range of sponsors. Many gathered at the Cider House for a reception hosted by Matthew Showering, from sponsors Brothers Drinks

7. Time for lunch. There are many food concessions on site.

Relax in the picnic area to the live music from the Acoustic Stage. There is a circus skills workshop and Punch and Judy show for youngsters as well.

8. Don’t miss the South West Cheese Awards and the Somerset Cider Championships, or the fantastic entries in the Arts and Crafts marquee 9. Take time to enjoy the attractions in the countryside arena, with a performance by the Mangled Wurzels! Events in the main arena conclude with scurry driving at 5pm, so there’s no need to hurry home.

10. Finally, do come and say hello to the Mendip Times team!

We’ll be on our stand by the Member’s Marquee and will be delighted to see you!

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