Issue 5 - Volume 14 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

OCTOBER 2018

IN THIS ISSUE: PLOUGHING SEASON • BUSINESS • RIDING • WWI CENTENARY • ENVIRONMENT • ARTS & ANTIQUES Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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Welcome

WHAT is the Strange World of Gurney Slade? What was Captain Mainwaring doing in Westfield? What is Mendip’s longest cave? Who is the first winner of our new Mendip Mindbender?

The answers lie within the pages of another bumper issue full of news, views and information, with dozens of photographs from fetes, festivals and flower shows, including Frome Cheese Show and the North Somerset Ploughing match.

As ever our charities, community and what’s on pages are packed, as are our food and drink and busy business sections.

We hear how Frome Rotary has raised £100,000 in two years with its pop-up shops, join the miners in Radstock for their 30th annual reunion and follow the hardy crews who took part in the Bishop’s Palace moat race.

Two brothers from Winscombe are taking the world of dragon boat racing by storm while a former motorcycle champion has rebuilt his bike and made it a roaring success.

There was a big turn-out for the annual Double Hills memorial service, while across the area communities are preparing to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI – we will have more details next month.

With all of our regular contributors and features, let’s look forward to misty Mendip days.

November 2018 deadline: Friday, 12th October 2018.

Published: Tuesday, 23rd October 2018.

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: North Somerset Ploughing Match.

Photograph by Steve Egginton. See page 56.

CONTENTS

28

Shed load of music – the Chilcompton Fringe

30

Time to remember – Mendip’s WWI centenary preparations

82

Ladies in red – Avalonian choir in full voice

96

Flying high – Fairfield celebrations in Castle Cary Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............14 Food & Drink ...............................18 Arts & Antiques ...........................37 Business.........................................44 Charities........................................58 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......65 Walking Sue Gearing ....................66 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........68

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......70 Education ......................................76 Caving Phil Hendy ........................84 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............88 Community ...................................94 Homes and Interiors ..................108 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE...114 Sport ............................................118 Music & Theatre ........................122 What’s On...................................124 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 3

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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

We are delighted to be able to tell clients and other professional contacts that the merger of our Castle Cary and Glastonbury Offices has been completed.

Directors Robin Weelen (who has been in Castle Cary for 40 years) and Karen Lucas (who previously managed the Glastonbury Office) are looking forward to working together to maintain and build upon our strong existing client base.

Although we are no longer physically located in Glastonbury we expect to be able to continue to service our Glastonbury clients and indeed to take on new clients from that area.

Anyone from Glastonbury who may find it difficult to attend any of our other offices should please call us and we will make alternative arrangements.

In appropriate cases we will visit you at your home.

We occupy the whole of The Old Exchange building in Church Street and have several car parking spaces for clients, so the logistical difficulties of finding somewhere to park in the town centre will no longer be a problem for staff or clients.

Castle Cary: e Old Exchange, Church Street, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7EJ. Tel: 01963 350888

Cheddar: Bath Street Chambers, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3AA. Tel: 01934 745400

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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NEWS

Time to catch up with old friends SOMERSET Coalfield Live at Radstock Museum has hosted the 30th reunion lunch for former mineworkers.

Around 40 ex-coalfield workers met up for the event organised by the Somerset District Miners Welfare Trust; trust president Michael Eavis, who also spent time in the mines, was amongst those who attended.

The lunch is supported by local businesses including Radstock Co-operative Society Time for a chat in the sun before lunch

Trust president Michael Eavis with old friend Tony Charlton, of Charltons Timber

Michael Eavis prepares to sign the guest book watched by Bryn Hawkins

Act of vandalism to be replaced at a cost

A PLAQUE commemorating a little-known aspect of the history of Wells has been torn from the wall where it was placed.

Wells Civic Society installed the plaque outside a shop in Broad Street to commemorate the fact that the road was originally called Wet Lane, but by the 15th century it was registered as Water Lane. The plaque is one of several relating to the streets and buildings of Wells. Another, by an entrance to the Recreation Ground and marking the appearance there by cricketer W.G. Grace was vandalised last year but has been replaced.

Retailer and chair of Wells Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Robert Powell, found the plaque outside his shop, Basil Powell Shoes, had been prised off. He has offered to meet half the cost of replacing it.

Chris Winter, chair of the civic society, said: “I am very grateful to Robert for his generous offer. The plaque was very securely fixed to the wall and it must have taken some force to remove it. The wall will have to be made good and new fixtures made.” ● Other, circular blue plaques mark historic places and

famous people with associations to the city. Information and a plaques trail can be found at https://www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk/plaque-award-map

Robert Powell and Chris Winter survey the damage

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A w a rm w el co m e fo r wa l ke rs i n Di t che a t A VERY successful three-day walking festival took place in Ditcheat over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Hosted by Mendip Ramblers and with the invaluable support of the Ditcheat community a lot of walkers walked a lot of miles. The weather was kind, with lots of warm sunshine – if we forget Sunday! Although most walkers were reasonably local some travelled from further afield – Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Dorset, Essex, Hertfordshire, Solihull, Wales and France. Mendip Ramblers has global appeal, perhaps?

Walking on the footpaths in this delightful quiet part of Somerset there were opportunities for nearly all to take part.

Experienced walkers took the long routes and the hills but the short walks were very well supported – you don’t have to be a rambler to go walking and our knowledgeable local walk leaders ensured that everyone learned some local history.

All of this is possible because of excellent behind the scenes teamwork – the working party, the route planners and checkers and leaders, the caterers, the car parkers, the sign makers, and not forgetting the person who coordinates all of this – the festival organiser! Thank you Martyn for this and other Ramblers gather in front of St Mary Magdalene Church in Ditcheat ahead of the first day of the festival

And off they go: a series of short, medium and long walks was held around the area

festivals. Neither should we forget the people of Ditcheat who gave immense support in so many ways.

There will be another Mendip Festival next year – same time, different place: Shepton Mallet.

Elaine Dadley for Mendip Ramblers

New walking festival for Frome

A RESTORED public footpath in Frome is due to feature in a new walking festival based on the town and surrounding area.

Volunteers from the Ramblers Association Mendip Group cleared overgrown vegetation and built steps to

create safe access for walkers at Cottles Oak in Frome. The path allows walkers to get to Leaze Road and Marleys Way from Egford Lane. It is thought the path was blocked off inadvertently by fencing contractors as long as 30 years ago.

The opening of the path coincides with plans being put in place by the Frome Walkers Are Welcome group to hold a festival of walking event. The path will feature in one of the guided walks being organised as part of the festival.

For more information on Frome Walkers Are Welcome visit: www.FromeWalkersareWelcome.org

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Delving into the history of hamlets

A CONSERVATION group has won Heritage Lottery Fund money to research the lost history of the three west Shepton Mallet hamlets of Darshill, Ham and Bowlish.

The hamlets were centres of farming and cloth production – amongst other things – from medieval times until the turn of the 20th century and made a vital contribution to the local economy over hundreds of years, employing thousands of local people throughout that time.

The Darshill and Bowlish Conservation Society is to spend the next two years exploring the history of the area and the lives of people there.

The area takes in the current-day Shepton Mallet water treatment works (built on the site of the biggest woollen cloth mill complex) at Lower Darshill, through current-day Darshill, Ham and Bowlish to

ENVIRONMENT

Project members outside one of the only two remaining teasel drying Handle Houses in the UK, situated at Darshill

Longbridge in the town centre. Mills drew their power from the River Sheppey via a series of mill ponds, channels and tunnels to drive mill wheels as large as 30 feet in diameter.

Project leader Ian Keys, of Bowlish, said: “We want to know what traces our forebears have left through the centuries of their toil, strife, birth, marriage and death. We owe it to them to make their legacy known and available to all.”

The initial phase of the project is to research documentary evidence and

carry out surveys of the architectural, archaeological and environmental heritage. During year two, a two-part outreach programme is planned, taking the results of the project into participating local schools to support their curriculum and into the wider Somerset community through a series of public events.

Ian added: “Overall, we plan to improve the environment of the hamlets and make a real and lasting difference to the understanding of our exceptional town.”

The society – a charity – is seeking further funding to complete the project. For details, visit: www.dbhp.org

Future of Mendip Hills

LOCAL people, groups and organisations are being asked for their views on the future of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a simple online questionnaire for people to complete.

The Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 is currently being reviewed – the local authorities have a statutory responsibility to prepare the plan and review it every five years.

The plan sets out their policy for the management of the AONB and their functions in relation to it.

The Mendip Hills AONB Partnership, consists of the local authorities, Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, National Trust, together

Walkers on Crook Peak

with parish councils and other interested groups such as Mendip Society.

Jim Hardcastle, AONB manager, said: “The current plan contains eight themes including landscape, recreation, natural resources, biodiversity and heritage. We want people to have a look at the themes as they're five years old now

and may need updating.

“Your feedback is vital to help ensure we are getting this right for the next five years. The next stage is to produce a draft plan for 2019 – 2024 which will go out to formal consultation later in the year.”

The deadline for completing the questionnaire is September 30th.

Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/caring-about-the-aonb/the-mendip-hills-aonb-partnership/

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ENVIRONMENT

Put the marshes on the map

NATURALIST and author Stephen Moss has called for more support from tourism officials to promote the Avalon Marshes area on the Somerset Levels.

Stephen was speaking at the official opening of a new café at the heritage and visitor centre near Westhay. He said the Avalon Marshes complemented attractions such as Glastonbury and Wells and should be marketed in a similar way as a year-round destination.

The opening of the café comes as the road from Westhay to the centre is about to be closed for up to five weeks as part

Eva, aged eight and who attends Bishop Sutton primary school, is a frequent visitor to the Avalon Marshes

Brue crew get to work

Stephen prepares to cut the ribbon to open the Avalon Marshes Hub Café as Simon Clarke, café owner Sally Taylor and her team look on

of a scheme led by Natural England to install a new sewage treatment facility. New pipes are to be laid along the road to Westhay to connect the centre to the main network.

However, Simon Clarke, from Natural England, insisted the Avalon Marshes would be “open for business as usual throughout”. Work is due to start on Monday, October 1st but it is hoped the road closure will be lifted as soon as possible.

Simon said: “The works are an essential part of our aim to improve facilities here and create a fantastic wildlife and heritage centre in a unique environment.” ● A new book by Stephen about the life of the wren is due to be published in October. It is a follow-up to his successful book about the robin. Stephen now lectures in travel and nature writing at Bath Spa University.

A CONSERVATION project is underway to improve the River Brue through Bruton to make it more attractive to wildlife.

Volunteers under the banner of the Brue Crew are working to clear the stretch of river of invasive Himalayan balsam and weed and increase the flow of water. They also hope to promote the riverside as a natural attraction in the town.

Brue Crew volunteers with (front) Theo Pike, from the Wild Trout Trust and river landscaping consultant Luke Kozak (far right)

Work underway to remove weeds

With the help of funding from the Hills to Levels project, the Brue Crew – a charity – has enlisted an expert from the Wild Trout Trust and a river landscape specialist to advise them along with Somerset Wildlife Trust.

The latest work has seen a notch created in the weir below the famous Church Bridge to speed up the water flow – silt beneath the bridge arches has also been removed – and around 30 tonnes of stone will be used to create berms which will then be planted. An original plan to use brushwood and wooden posts to build the berms had to be abandoned after it was discovered that bedrock sat just beneath the riverbed.

To follow progress, visit www.bruecrew.org/ or find them on social media.

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What a wonderful area we live in

WE have an amazing amount of events connected to farming in this Mendip area.

On October 3rd the nationally acclaimed Dairy Show will be held at the Royal Bath and West Showground which is a showcase for all the dairy breeds.

In fact there are international visitors this With MARY year. There will be trade stands, British JAMES MBE food, classes for younger farmers and of course the judging of the cows to achieve an inter-breed champion at the end of the day. How fortunate we are to have such a wonderful showground as the Bath and West.

As well as the main show at the end of May every year there are other events held at the site almost every weekend. Facilities at the showground are improving all the time. A Rural Enterprise Centre was opened recently and work has just started to convert the cheese pavilion and restaurant to a top class facility/conference centre with seating for 500 downstairs and 350 upstairs.

As well as all that, the show society does take part in other local events such as the Wells Food Festival on October 14th for example where the Bath and West Farmyard will be in the Discovery Zone in the Bishop’s Palace Garden. There will be sheep, cattle pigs and poultry on display as well as an old tractor and an information gazebo.

The most famous event on Mendip and known internationally must be the Glastonbury Festival, held at Worthy Farm right

next door to the Bath and West Show site. Michael Eavis has a prize-winning herd of dairy cows and his wonderful commitment to both is legendary. Both events have really put Shepton Mallet and Somerset in the spotlight.

There are vibrant one-day agricultural shows, farms doing Open Farm Sunday and the farms hosting 43,000 children under the Farmlink education scheme in the last academic year. What a great area we live in.

A look at the weather now, the summer was marvellous except the grass stopped growing and livestock were eating winter feed. There may be a second cut of grass if we are lucky but the damage has been done and farmers have lost a lot of money. Sorry if that sounds like moaning but it is a fact.

I hate to mention Brexit but it is a hot topic and there is a cloud of uncertainty over the farming industry. In case you did not notice, September 12th was Back British Farming Day and the Agriculture Bill was introduced into the House of Commons. Basically it heralds a new system to pay farmers for environmental measures beginning next year.

But food and farming are linked inextricably together so we wait to see if politicians grasp the importance of British food production overall. Our food production standards are probably the best in the world and we do not want to see imported cheap food at lower standards than ours.

Finally an apology to Brenda Wear for calling her Beryl at the head of last month’s article. I’m not saying whose fault it was!

SEE US AT THE DAIRY SHOW STAND 93

Your main Kubota dealer for Somerset and South Gloucester Main Road A370, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6SE

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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FARMING

In memory of Derek Mead

PUXTON Park hosted The Derek Mead Dairy Weekend in memory of its late chairman, aimed at encouraging young farmers and breeders to get involved in dairy farming.

The grand prize was the Derek Mead Cup and an all-expense paid trip to the Libramont European Championship Holstein Competition held in Belgium in April 2019.

The prize was won by the Devon-based team which consisted of Jessica Ravenhill White, Jess Tapp, Emily Davis and Lauren Parkhouse.

During the event, Puxton Park opened a new barn dedicated to Derek Mead. His son, Alistair, managing director of Puxton Park, said: "Dad's dream was to open a place where children and their families could learn about farming and the importance of British agriculture.

“Now in his memory, we have opened a barn dedicated to the young calves that he loved so dearly. As his legacy lives on around us, we hope that all of our visitors can experience the joy

that these new lives bring to the farm."

Proceeds from the event – over £500 – were donated to the Derek Mead Health Room at Junction 24 and the Great Western Air Ambulance charity.

Farmers praised for protecting the curlew

THE unmistakable haunting call of the curlew, an elegant bird with a long, down-curved bill and long legs is continuing to be heard across the hay-meadows of the Somerset Levels and Moors – bucking the national trend.

This year over 40 pairs of curlews nested across the flatlands of Somerset –with figures holding steady for the last ten years.

The UK has a global responsibility for this bird, with a quarter of the world’s curlew breeding here in Great Britain – but nationally numbers have been in free-fall decline, largely due to habitat degradation, and work is ongoing across their range to help save them from extinction.

In Somerset landowners, farmers, Natural England, The RSPB, and local volunteers have all been working together to ensure that the plaintive bubbling cry of the birds continues to be heard for future generations.

The RSPB has been co-ordinating teams of volunteers to undertake specialist surveys and provide the information on the curlew’s nesting locations to farmers so that haying can be held off until the nests hatch and their chicks have fledged.

Sam Mitchell, a farmer with land adjacent to Kings Sedgemoor said: “Since we put the land into the Higher Level Stewardship it’s been a delight to hear the distinctive sounds of snipe and curlew more regularly on the fields once again, I am very keen to do anything I can to assist to assist the wildlife of the Levels and Moors.”

This service is also helping to protect another enigmatic bird of the Levels – the snipe. Snipe are a long-billed wetland

bird that perform a curious and magical display flight in the half-light of dusk or dawn, vibrating their tail feathers to produce an ascending bleating noise.

Snipe numbers have been steadily increasing in the hay meadows of the Levels over the last ten years to 150 pairs, with 90 on West Sedgemoor and 30 on Kings Sedgemoor – a record for the site – where careful water level and farming management have shown great results.

Snipe can nest well into July and even into August – so having a sympathetic farming regime supported through environmental stewardship payments is essential to maintain their numbers.

The RSPB and Natural England are working together with farmers to ensure that the farmed land of the Somerset Levels and Moors continues to provide a home for these, and for other special species.

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Thousands enjoy show as cattle make a comeback

AN estimated 16,000 visitors packed the West Woodlands Showground for the annual Frome Cheese Show.

Livestock enthusiasts were rewarded with the return of cattle classes after an absence of a year whilst cheese lovers marveled at the impressive exhibits in the new Cheese Hall, a new, permanent building on the showground.

Happiness is … taking part in the grand parade of livestock

Mike Windel (left), from Wroughton, with cattle helper Colin Merritt and Mike’s award-winning pair of Ayrshire cows

Sticky times in the fun kitchen in the Cheese Hall

Diana Steven, of Maiden Bradley, with her floral arrangement Twin Set and Pearls PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

The new Cheese Hall provided a perfect showcase for the Global Cheese Awards

Members of the handicraft committee take a break from preparing the marquee

One of the entries in a cheese wedding cake class

The supreme champion leads the livestock parade

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Winners of the inter-hunt relay who rode in support of Hannah's Willberry Wonderpony charity

FROME CHEESE SHOW 2018

Cbeebies star Gem on stage

Inspecting the fruit and vegetables

Crowds in front of the music stage

British Alpine goatling Nortbarton Ruby Rose with owner Di Davis, of Gillingham, who described her as “lovable, but naughty”

The Kangaroo Kid thrilled crowds around the Village Green with his quad bike stunts

Enjoying the grand parade from the Members’ Marquee

(l:r) Nicola Beardmore, Janet Brown and Jane Boswell, during the judging of a class for speciality cheese with sweet additives

Frome Town Band entertained the crowds outside the produce and horticulture marquee

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INTERNET

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Tips and tricks

iPads – Tap and hold the full stop button and when you let go it will type a quote”. Tap and hold the comma, and you will get an apostrophe’. Plus, all the keys have a greyed-out letter above them which works in the same way – tap and hold or tap and slide down. iPhone – To delete something you wrote, just shake your device until the Undo dialog appears.

If you double-tap the Shift key you automatically enable Caps Lock If you don’t like typing, you can slide your finger over the keys on most devices.

Windows laptops – right-click gives you lots of options – Cut, copy, paste, etc. But one useful one is the Send To option. So if you put a file in the wrong place, you can easily move it somewhere else.

Do you like Emoj’s?

Press the Windows (key) +; (semi-colon) to bring up the emoji keyboard.

To make them easier to find apps you use regularly, rightclick them, then click the “Pin to Start” option to have placed as a tile on your start menu. Or “Pin to Task Bar” to make it even quicker. But don’t do too many of these or you will defeat the object.

You can press the Windows key on your keyboard instead of clicking the Start button on the screen.

Right-click a tile to resize it, but click on More for more options, such as Turn Live Tile off, so you don’t get a rolling tile but one fixed one. Some like it; some don’t.

Right-click the Taskbar (bar at the very bottom of the screen) for options.

Apple products have AirDrop to share files and photos easily, but Windows has a similar option – with the document or photo, click the Share icon atop your doc or photo toolbar to open the panel, and then click Turn On Nearby Sharing to see what nearby devices are in range.

Submitted by IT for the Terrified : Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF PLEASE NOTE – WE ARE CLOSED FOR OUR SUMMER BREAK UNTIL OCTOBER. 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.

Or if you would like to share basic skills with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1 --- Knoll, overlooking 11 Across (4) 4 Romance (4,6) 9 Said to be outlined in the landscape round Glastonbury (6) 10 Ability to read and write (8) 11 Chew Valley village on the Monarch’s Way (6,9) 12 Channel 4 programme which investigated several Mendip sites (4,4) 15 Empty weight (4) 18 Organisation which manages Ham Wall Nature Reserve (1,1,1,1) 19 Ado Annie’s home (8) 21 Au Renoir, perhaps (15) 25 Inconveniences (8) 26 In agreement (6) 27 Village near Minehead known for wassailing (10) 28 Dumbo’s “wings” (4)

DOWN 2 Expressions of contrition (9) 3 Bypass closely (5) 4 Certified to drive (8) 5 Semi (5) 6 Players (6) 7 Cheddar pink (9) 8 Run up (5) 13 Village near Binegar whose name means “smooth hill” (9) 14 Bovine bellow (3) 16 Residue (9) 17 Former mining village near Bowlditch Quarry (8) 20 Political refugee’s request (6) 22 Some musical nuns could not solve this problem (5) 23 Map within a map (5) 24 Little girl awoken by the Everly Brothers (5)

THE GEORGE INN Croscombe

A place to relax and think…

Win a £10 voucher off a meal at The George Inn with our prize crossword. The George Inn, between Wells and Shepton Mallet, is renowned for real ale, great food, cosy rooms and a warm welcome.

Correct entries are placed in a hat. The winner is the first name drawn. Please send entries with your name and address to: Crossword Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries to be received by Thursday, October 11th.

T&Cs apply. Solution next month.

Last month’s solution and winner on page 130

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Cake and the queen for Mercy

NEWS Mercy prepares to cut the birthday cake

Party time at the Old Down Inn

MERCY Mountain, of Paulton, celebrated her 100th birthday with a party for her family. As well as a special birthday cake, pride of place went to a card from the Queen.

Poetry in motion in Pilton

RESIDENTS of Pilton have turned to verse to create a poetry trail around the village.

More than 100 poems were submitted for the trail which takes walkers to places ranging from the church to a bus stop!

The trail was launched at the village hall/Pilton Working Men’s Club and most of the poems will remain in place until the middle of October.

Poets and trail organisers Lorraine Wright, Andrew Shaw and Paula Jordan with some of the winning poets

Setting off on the trail, which starts and finishes at the village hall/PWMC

One of the poems on display – this one is by Lorraine Wright

The trail can be downloaded from the community website www.piltonvillage.co.uk

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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The season turns again

ONE of the great things about living in a country with four seasons is that moment when they change, when summer turns into autumn. Suddenly the mornings are chilled and dewy, the leaves are red and golden, and the With JUNE kitchen comes into its own again.

MACFARLANE Vegetables are sturdy and lasting, game is on the menu, and the new season’s apples with their traditional names are at their very best.

APPLE CLAFOUTIS

Shakshuka – a taste of the Middle East

SHAKSHUKA WITH CHARD

Lovely word, shakshuka. It’s a lightly spiced Middle Eastern dish with tomatoes and eggs. It looks wonderful and it makes a great brunch or light supper. I use chard as well, or you could use spinach.

METHOD Separate the ribs from the leaves of the chard.

Chop the ribs, reserve the leaves. Heat oil in a large pan and when shimmering add the chopped chard. Cook until beginning to soften, then add garlic and spices. Cook for 30 seconds then add tomatoes and stir. Cover and cook gently for 5 mins. Slice chard leaves thinly and add to mix, cover and cook until wilted. Make four wells in the mixture, break an egg into each, cover and cook until eggs are poached.

Sprinkle with coriander and serve.

Celebrate Apple Day with this Clafoutis

INGREDIENTS

(For four) 60g caster sugar 2 eggs 1tbsp vanilla extract 250ml milk 100ml dbl cream 3 eating apples, cored, peeled and sliced Icing sugar

A lovely dish for our wonderful apples. They are baked in a vanillascented batter which shows them off to perfection.

METHOD Preheat oven to 200°C. Whisk sugar and eggs together, add vanilla, milk and cream and whisk well. Butter a baking dish. Arrange apple slices in dish and pour batter over. Bake in oven for 40 mins until puffed and browning. Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

BREAST OF GROUSE WITH CORNMEAL DROP SCONES AND MARSALA

Grouse season is here but you could also make this with pheasant or partridge. The pancetta keeps the meat beautifully moist. The drop scones are my nod to Italian polenta!

INGREDIENTS

(For four) 6/8 medium leaves Swiss chard 2 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp salt 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 4 medium eggs Small bunch fresh coriander, chopped

INGREDIENTS

(For two) 6 slices pancetta 2 grouse breasts Two large sage leaves Olive oil butter 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely sliced 4tbsp Marsala 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly DROP SCONES 120g fine cornmeal ½ tsp salt 1 egg Milk

METHOD Lay out three slices of pancetta overlapping with a sage leaf on top. Wrap a grouse breast in the pancetta. Repeat with second breast.

Heat 2 tbsp oil in small pan until shimmering and cook grouse for 2 mins. Turn, add 1 tbsp butter and baste for 2 more mins. Remove and keep warm. Add garlic and shallots to pan and cook 30secs. Add Marsala and redcurrant jelly and allow to reduce a little.

Whisk drop scones ingredients together, using enough milk to make a thick batter. Heat some oil in a pan and when hot pour batter into pan to make small drop scones. When bubbles appear flip and cook on the other side. Serve with grouse and Marsala sauce.

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FOOD & DRINK

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Harvest, our favourite time of year THE long hot summer has been perfect for growing the apples we need for our cidermaking. Our trees are laden with fruit that is full of flavour, sweetness and tannin.

Apples from our orchards, and from our growers throughout the West Country, have been making their way into our mill at Myrtle Farm since the end of August. Harvest, our favourite time of year of course, will be continuing throughout October and into November.

Planting new orchards remains so important for us, as we’re dedicated to growing the highest quality apples for our ciders. In fact, over the last five years we’ve planted upwards of 150,000 new trees in and around Sandford.

As a cidermaker we need traditional bittersweet apple varieties to bring the tannins and depth of flavour to our ciders, while certain varieties of dessert apples – such as

Out and about in Somerset

WE’VE been out and about in Somerset filming for a new TV commercial, to be aired in 2019.

Wells was one of the beautiful locations we visited. As well as the Market Place, the film crew also took in the city’s iconic Vicar’s Close, as well as the Bishop’s Palace.

Thank you to all the businesses, residents and visitors in the city, we had a great day filming with lovely people.

our favourite Katy, add extra freshness and sweetness.

For us, there’s never been a better time to be making cider in Somerset.

A special day out

A MASSIVE congratulations to the young players of Winscombe Cricket Club’s junior section for representing their club so well when they visited Somerset County Cricket recently. They were fantastic ambassadors for Winscombe when they were given the exciting opportunity to form the guard of honour as Somerset started their match against Essex. The young players were also treated to two coaching sessions with the professionals and the chance to quiz Somerset and England player Craig Overton. What a day they had!

Christmas is on its way

PLEASE check our website for details of The Railway Inn’s New Year’s Eve buffet and disco, tickets are now on sale! Our Christmas menu will be available from 1 – 24 December, two courses for £24.50, three courses for £29.50. Please book early to avoid disappointment!

Cheers from us all at Myrtle Farm

www.therailwayinn.com 01934 611518

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

ENDIP TIMES• N •O CTOBER 2017 2018 • PAGE 19 MM ENDIP TIMES OVEMBER

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THE RED LION VILLAGE PUB & RESTAURANT Sutton Hill Road, Bishop Sutton BS39 5UT

01275 333042 New menu and excellent specials board served Tuesday – Saturday 12.00–2.30pm and 5.30–8.30pm Selection of delicious roasts on Sunday, served from 12.00–4.00pm Please see our website www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk to view our menus

Small and sweet for Autumn Fixed-price lunch menu 12pm until 2pm Tuesday to Friday, £10.00 for two courses

DELICIOUS DECEMBER Christmas Party-style lunches available with all the festive trimmings – call us for details!

The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community Opening hours: Closed Monday day time and open at 5 for drinks only • Tuesday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm.

Open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Swing with the gin PILTON-based Rolling Cocktail Company is poised to repeat the success of last year’s sell-out gin festival in Wells.

The 2018 event – Let the Festival BeGIN, Fizz & Swing – is in the marquee next to The Bishop’s Barn in the Recreation Ground on Friday, October 12th. It is a

curtain raiser for the Wells Food Festival taking place on Sunday, October 14th.

Matt Knight, co-founder of the Rolling Cocktail Company, said: “We can’t wait to kick off this year’s Wells Food Festival – an amazing event in itself.

We’ve made some tweaks to make our event even better this year. We’ve added a swing band as well as a few other surprises to complement the fantastic array of local gin producers and displays from local artists.”

Tickets cost £15 and include a free drink, bag and glass. The festival opens at 6.3pm.

To book, visit: www.therolling cocktailco.com

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GARDEN FOOD

Poblano peppers

I GROW poblano peppers almost every year and they always do well. Even young, the plants are noticeably more vigorous than many other chillies and peppers, quickly setting numerous fruit and carrying on long into the autumn.

They are something of a halfway With JAKE house between a chilli and a sweet WHITSON pepper – usually eaten green, and around the size of a flatted green pepper, they have a mild heat and richly flavoured flesh.

When allowed to ripen until fully red (which takes quite a while, they have an exquisitely rich flavour and a little more heat – it is at this stage that they can be picked and dried to create the Ancho chilli, which is widely used in Mexican sauces for its brick-red colour and complex, chocolatey flavour.

Poblanos at any stage are best roasted until blackened, either under a fierce grill, over a gas flame, on a bare electric hob plate or, my favourite, thrown in the wood burner for a few minutes, allowed to cool slightly, and then peeled. Sliced into strips they are then a perfect filling for sandwiches and wraps, but I almost always make chilles rellenos, which are stuffed and deep fried.

The filling can be as simple as a slice of cheese, but I like to stuff them with meat. First I fry a chopped onion until brown, then I add a few cloves of sliced garlic and 500g beef mince (or beef and pork combined). This I fry and stir until cooked, before adding a handful of chopped raisins, and spoonful of honey, and some chopped almonds or sunflower seeds.

Then salt, pepper and, if necessary, a splash of water (to keep the sauce juicy) to finish it off and then I am ready to stuff the peppers.

This has to be done with great delicacy, by slitting open the peeled peppers (the above mix should do at least four) and removing most of the pith and seeds, then spooning in a little of the mixture. A simple but effective batter is made by whisking the white of two eggs until stiff, and then folding in two egg yolks.

Again with great care, dip the peppers in the batter, and then lay them in a frying pan with a generous amount of hot oil. Flip after a few minutes, when golden brown. These are absolutely delicious served with white rice, crème fraiche, and the Mexican tomato sauce salsa roja, which I'll be writing about next month!

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

A bit of a boar

WILD boar that is, not an ill-mannered dinner guest. Like most people, the closest one hopefully gets to any part of a wild boar will probably be sausages. This would have been true of me also until a few years ago on a mountain biking trip to the Verderer’s Trail in the Forest of Dean.

With ADRIAN I was whizzing around the trail admiring BOOTS the changing leaf colour whilst trying not to crash, when I stumbled upon a dozen stripy piglets, four young adults and one whopping great alpha female busy rooting around in a clearing. I stopped, they looked at me and I looked at them.

Fortunately, the alpha female decided I clearly wasn’t worth it, nonchalantly turned around and sauntered off into the dark beech forest with the rest of the adults and very cute stripy piglets falling into line behind her, without so much as a backward glance.

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a big, hairy wild pig – literally. It’s dark in colour with a coarse bristly coat, a large head and unlike domestic pigs they have a long straight snout and tail. Adult males weigh 120 to 150 kg with large tusks. Males and females have a mane of wiry hair running down their backs.

Piglets are red-brown coloured with yellowish longitudinal stripes. It is the ancestor of the domestic pig. Once native to Great Britain, they were hunted to extinction 300 years ago but have now re-established breeding populations in the wild after escaping from farms or private collections. The main colonies are in the Forest of Dean, Dorset, Devon, East Sussex and Kent.

Fast forward to this summer and on a camping trip with friends in Normandy, Steve a hunter friend of ours presented my wife and I with some wild boar. Basically it was one side of the rib cage so I thought we’ll have spare ribs on the camp fire. Only problem was I didn’t really have a knife with me suitable for such monumental butchery.

This was once a very big animal. So after a rather lengthy period I had managed to whittle the poor beast in to something resembling cuts of meat. There was some discussion amongst the manly men in the camp i.e. me and friend Dave, on the best way to marinade the meat.

Steve had suggested traditional garlic and red wine but Dave had somehow found a recipe with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, sugar, salt and black pepper, cider vinegar, olive oil and Worcester sauce. Where are we going to find Worcester sauce in Normandy?

Turns out nearly all the supermarkets sell it (along with baked beans and Marmite) to the expats. Amazing! So we marinated the boar in this very sticky, sweet and sour marinade which perfectly balanced the smoky flavours.

It formed a blackened crust which imparted delicious flavour to the meat whilst keeping it from drying out. We washed the boar down with Normandy cider whilst we watched the sun go down. The perfect end to an anything but boring day!

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 • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 21

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Cafe at the heart of award-winning park

Seeking a new challenge?

Experienced manager required for thriving and well-established seasonal café in popular Green Flag park at the heart of Shepton Mallet.

This position would suit a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual keen to develop their career in the hospitality sector. Opportunity for profit-related bonuses and management buyout potential for future.

• Annualised wage with considerably more hours being required in the summer than winter months: approx 18-20 hours per week between September and March; 36-40 hours per week between April and August.

• Responsibilities include rotas, stock ordering, staff management, events organisation, social media, baking, assistance with menus and pricing and all other tasks to ensure the smooth running of the café throughout the year.

• Applicants must have a full, clean driving licence and own car. Experience in café trade and team leadership skills essential. Must be computer literate and flexible on hours/shifts.

*Please email CV and covering letter to info@collettparkcafe.com

http://www.collettparkcafe.com

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

A busy afternoon in late summer sunshine

THE operators of the popular Collett Park café in Shepton Mallet are to recruit a manager to build on its success over recent years.

Collett Park itself was awarded Green Flag status in the summer and has become a focal point for many events and activities. As well as the annual Collett Festival, the weekly Park Runs have attracted large numbers of people of all ages and abilities and the café has organised a series of live music events, the last starring the Drystones and the

Mangledwurzels.

Jo Murray, who has operated the café for the past four years, said: “We’re very proud to be part of the park’s success. There is a tremendous buzz around the place.

“People in Shepton Mallet have always been proud of their park, but word is spreading much further afield and there are exciting times ahead with new investment in facilities proposed.”

The café is open on weekends and school holidays between September and March and every day between April and August.

Jo added: “This position would suit a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual keen to develop their career in the hospitality sector.”

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

Dream harvest?

FOLLOWING heatwave-summer hype trumpeting a “bumper vintage,” picking began on September 4th.

Seven faithful harvesters rallied to help cull some 1.5 tonnes of imperfect Madeleine Angevine to be buried offsite. Dream deferred?

With Late August, just as all seven of ELIZABETH Aldwick’s grape varieties flaunted LAVER picture-perfect ripening bunches, the first rains fell. Greedy Madeleine quenched her thirst, causing berry bloat. The notoriously thin skins burst, exposing juicy flesh irresistible to hungry wasps and predatory fungal spores.

Blagdon beekeeper John Smythe heroically came at once to assess the wasp issue. What the general public and winegrowers perceive as a glorious summer clearly inflicts severe hardship on farmers and wildlife. As we scouted the Mad Ange vines, John indicated honey bees atypically feasting on fruit. Heat and drought had deprived them of adequate pollen supply; hunger drove them to seek alternative food sources. Climate change also enables invasive species, so John’s confirmation that hornets in our monitoring traps were not the Asian sort was reassuring.

Down but not out, Aldwick fielded a team on the 11th who meticulously redeemed 1400 kilos of the remaining Madeleine Angevine, despite the miserable, unpredicted drizzle. Our winemaker Steve Brooksbank praised its quality.

Two days later, an abundant 4.5 tonne crop of prime Solaris was gathered. Dare to dream?

FOOD & DRINK

Party time at Wedmore

THE 18th Wedmore Real Ale Festival was well supported, adding to the £168,000 it has raised for local causes since it started.

This year over 80 real ales and ciders were offered for visitors to sample, together with live bands and refreshments and as usual Saturday evening saw a fancy dress theme.

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

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 23

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FOOD & DRINK

Local food for all

ANYONE who wants to ensure their food is sourced as locally as possible can really put their money where their mouth is and sign up to a pioneering community share scheme.

Somerset Local Food – formerly Somerset Local Food Direct – is now a Community Benefit Society and a share offer – open to anyone – went live in September. SLF supports around 60 local producers and plays a vital part in the food supply chain as customers order online weekly for a home delivery.

SLF began 16 years ago when shoppers’ habits were very different; for example, Tesco’s home delivery service was in its infancy. But SLF has always believed that people in Somerset and the surrounding area would want some – if not all – of their food sourced as close to home as possible.

That is why a typical order might include fresh vegetables from Paddinton Farm Trust at Glastonbury – a charitable trust and social enterprise – or from Plotgate – a Community Supported Agricultural group – to large producers such as Barber’s Cheese.

SLF covers an approximately 30-mile radius from its base in Glastonbury, taking in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, parts of Wiltshire and the Dorset and Devon borders; customers will soon be visited by new vehicles bearing the new SLF logo – an improved and updated website was also about to go live as Mendip Times went to press.

Chief executive Philip Sharrett, a former business consultant,

Somerset Local Food chief executive Philip Sharrett

believes SLF also plays a significant role in people’s wellness, encouraging healthy eating and improved mental wellbeing. The organisation has received financial support from the South West Health and Wellbeing Fund.

Philip said: “We think the share scheme will appeal to many because more and more people are becoming passionate about local food and the local economy and we offer that vital link between growers/producers and customers.”

Philip added: “Somerset Local Food offers producers another outlet; some might sell through farmers’ markets or from the farm gate or on the internet; we’re not in competition; it’s a collaboration.”

To find out more about the share offer, visit: www.somersetlocalfood.co.uk

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

Time to think about Christmas and our home-produced meat

Enjoy a good Sunday roast

MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

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

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 • Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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High Littleton and Hallatrow Village Day

Hallatrow Holy Trinity Church bottle and can stall (l to r) Holly Maule, Georgia Craddock, Liz Craddock and Vicky Maule

Bath Spa Band entertained the crowds

Fancy dress contestants

Contestants in the dog show

Hallatrow WI members (l to r) Meryl Tovey, Liz Barlow, Kay Knott, Sheila Richardson and Katy Wareham PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

The grand parade

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EVENTS

Plough for life

FORMER world ploughing champion David Chappell didn’t visit the 60th annual Frome Young Farmers Ploughing Association match at Dean, near Cranmore, for the honours – he was raising money for a cancer charity as a thank you for the help his daughter, Jane, has received as she recovers from the disease.

David, of Doncaster, was joined by his partner Mandy at the match – just one of many that they have attended so far this year in aid of Breast Cancer Now. Almost 70 competitors took part in the match on land farmed by Christopher and Caroline Jerram; Caroline presented the awards.

The original match began as a low-key affair in 1958 as a competition between members of the club – mostly too young to drive on roads – at the end of their tractor proficiency tests. They opened to other ploughmen in 1959.

Champion ploughman John Hodges

Mandy and David at the end of the match

Max Turner, from Frome YFC, collected several awards

Waiting for the results to be announced – and the raffle

Passing ploughs

Ploughing the same furrow: Derek Stevens (far right) with son Graham and Derek’s great grandson Harvey, aged three. The family farms at Maiden Bradley

Keeping a close eye on proceedings

The ground was challenging and regular adjustments to the plough were required

Organisers would like to hear from anyone who might like to host the match in 2019. For details, contact Andy Pople on 07799 268601 or Ashley Down on 01373 830293.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 27

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Festival celebrated talent from near and far

THE second Chilcompton Fringe Festival brought together musicians, writers and performers from across Mendip and further afield.

Despite heavy rain throughout the day, the “festival-in-a-day” attracted a good family crowd to Chilcompton Sports Ground.

Published writers from Exeter Authors Association, Frome Writers Collective and Silver Crow all featured, along with bands such as Parfanon, the Honky Tonks and Fraser Road Race. Local youth theatre company Exit Stage Left also performed as did a team from Wookey Hole Circus School.

Fans of Parfanon show their support for the lead singer

Peeg, from Celtic folksters The Publicans on stage in the acoustic tent

Wookey Hole Circus School performers

Members of the Exeter Authors Association who gave readings and met fans

Local legends The Venezuelan Pig Rustlers

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Chilcompton’s own singer-songwriter Helena

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The lions, the witches and the wet clothes!

EVENTS

THE 17th annual Wells Moat Boat Races attracted even more teams in fancy dress for an afternoon of fun and competition.

Some of the home-built boats were less stable than others – the Crewkerne Lions team were taking on water before they even reached the start line but managed to paddle their way into the hearts of the crowd and complete the course.

The event is organised by the City of Wells Lions Club and 1955 City of Wells Air Cadets.

Ready for the start

A tangle near the finish

Getting that sinking feeling … this Hogwarts entry by members of Crewkerne Lions club looked like it would never reach the start line, yet alone finish – which they did to loud cheers

Farrington YFC’s entry

Winners turn for home

Nightcap anyone – the team from the Swan Hotel in Wells

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 29

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Shepton Mallet prepares to remember

A STRIKING statue of a First World War soldier has been unveiled in Shepton Mallet as part of the town’s preparations to mark the centenary of the end of the conflict.

The six-foot “Tommy” silhouette stands next to the Cenotaph. It is part of a nationwide art installation called There but Not There. A fundraising campaign alongside the art project aims to raise at least £15 million for armed forces and mental health charities.

Members of Shepton Mallet’s Royal British Legion branch are working with the town council to host an afternoon of special Armistice 100 commemorations in the town’s Collett Park on Saturday, November 10th, the eve of Remembrance Day, with a tree planting and dedication of a memorial bench along with tea and a band from HMS Heron.

Shepton Mallet’s Chapel Dance Studio will also be performing a WWI-themed routine.

The branch has also launched a poetry competition for young people aged eight-16 on the themes of remembrance, poppies or thanks.

Emily, a local schoolgirl, lays a wreath at the foot of the statue Prizewinning

Schools remember the war

Tim Bickerdike, a member of Wells Royal British Legion – which is working with the Shepton Mallet branch – alongside the statue

Tim and Emily are pictured with (l:r) Dick Skidmore, chair of Mendip District Council, Jeanette Marsh, from Shepton Mallet Town Council, Major General Ray Pett, president of Shepton Mallet RBL and branch chairman Andy Ransom

entries may be placed on plinths next to the bench or collated in a book. ● The closing date for entries is Sunday, October 14th. They can be emailed to the branch at jdcrbl20@gmail.com or posted c/o 46, Church Lane, Doulting BA4 4QE.

THE Somerset Poppies, a remembrance event involving nearly 4,000 Somerset children, takes place this November at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells.

Almost 8,000 silk poppies will be displayed from November 11th onwards, each one representing a Somerset serviceman who lost his life during WWI. Every poppy will have been created by children from 19 schools in and around Wells, with every child in each school having taken part.

The poignant and moving display will be free to view, between November 11th-25th and poppies are available for sale, to pre-order for only £5, at www.somersetpoppies.co.uk Alongside the educational and artistic aims of the project, the final outcome will be to raise money for the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

While The Somerset Poppies will be free to view, there is also a preview event, on the evening of November 10th, where the poppies will be displayed under floodlights with children from local choirs singing songs from the WW1 era.

Tickets cost £15 and only 100 are available to buy from The Bishop’s Palace Shop or online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/thebishopspalace

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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WORLD WAR I

Long Ashton

ORGANISERS are preparing to launch a 350-page book on the servicemen of Long Ashton in WW1, titled “Now Heroes, Adieu”.

It will be held at a cheese and wine party on Thursday, September 27th, starting at 7.30pm, in the Community Centre Jubilee Pavilion, Long Ashton.

The book will be distributed to local schools, Royal British Legion, churches and other Local community organisations, as well as being on general sale.

The village is planning a huge commemorative event on the weekend of November 11th.

St James's Church war memorial

Details: David Addis, group secretary thebattlesover@longashton.plus.com

Winscombe and Sandford

A PROGRAMME of varied events is being organised in Winscombe and Sandford to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the WWI. One highlight of the programme is a talk by the Dean of Wells Cathedral talking about God and World War 1 on October 18th.

The other talks are titled A Parish and the Great War and A Soldier in World War 1.

The final talk is an opportunity for people to talk about an artefact from the war or about a family member from that period.

On Remembrance Sunday, as well as the usual church services, at the end of the day every household is encouraged to place a Light for Peace in the front window of their home.

Details: William Du Croz wducroz@hotmail.co.uk Tickets for all the events are available from the church office 01934 844650.

An interactive day to mark the armistice COMMUNITY groups, Paulton Parish Council and the Natural Theatre Company are joining forces for a day of events to mark the centenary of the end of WWI. The free event takes place on Saturday, November 10th at Paulton

Memorial Park and the village hall with WWI characters in costume, a field hospital and a demonstration of trench building with students from Bath College.

There will also be a chance to help complete the Somer Valley Tapestry,

The park will host a typical field hospital and other war-themed activities

search family archives and enjoy displays. A spokeswoman for the parish council said: “This event celebrates the end of WW1 and is not to be missed; a family friendly event where everyone can be involved.” ● The day runs from 11am-4pm.

Bath Natural Theatre company will be taking part

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WWI events in Stoke St Michael

A GROUP of villagers in Stoke St Michael have drawn up plans for a series of commemorative events to mark the end of WWI in November.

The Stoke St Michael Community Events Group was awarded a £4,700 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the weekend of events on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday, November 11th and have raised hundreds of pounds more themselves.

The memorial hall will play a key part in the A full day of commemoration will commemorations be held in the village – including in the Stoke St Michael Memorial Hall – with displays of research, photographs and memorabilia, WWI tea rooms and live music. A village memorial service and laying of a wreath in the hall to remember the 17 men killed in the conflict will also take place.

Other activities will take place on the day and either side of the event to allow as many villagers as possible to engage with the event and provide a long-lasting testament to this historic day.

Extensive historical research on the lives of the men named on the plaque and the impact of the First World War on the village will be published online and in a book.

In the longer term, red poppy seeds will be sown in the Millennium Wood and young people will be encouraged to take part in workshops to create a permanent artwork piece in commemoration of the centenary. A new craft group in the village will work on a permanent multi-media artwork piece.

Frome poppy appeal

FROME Royal British Legion has set a challenge for a “Last 100 Day's Push for Poppies". August 8th marked the last 100 days of the centenary of WW1, which went on witnessing the horrors of war, until peace was declared on November 11th, 1918.

Frome Royal British Legion is asking people of all ages to mark this last 100 days by making poppies.

These will form a significant focus in Frome for Remembrance Sunday, on November 11th, the centenary of the Armistice.

Poppies of all sizes will be welcome: knitted, croqueted, paper for indoors, pebbles painted - anything goes for Frome.

Frome Memorial Theatre has kindly allowed the box office to be a drop-off point.

It’s open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-1.30pm. All poppies will be collected for creating into one or more display.

The Royal British Legion’s national Field of Remembrance

Details: Jane Norris chairman Frome Branch RBL 0777 620 8531 jane.norris9@gmail.com

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

WORLD WAR I

Nunney remembers – the final service

ALL Saints Church in Nunney will be holding the final service on Tuesday, October 23rd in its four-year-long series of Nunney Remembers, commemorating the local men who fought and died 100 years ago in WWI. The service, starting at 6pm, will be different from its predecessors, being longer and with more ceremony. The bells will be rung for about 45 minutes before the service, and there will be hymns as well as readings and prayers.

The first person from Nunney to be killed in action was Albert Hillier of Ridgeway, who died in France on September 22nd, 2014. He was a Private in the 1st Battalion, Duke of Edinburgh’s (Wiltshire Regiment). An evensong service was held close to the anniversary of his death – as has happened ever since for each of those killed.

The final service will coincide exactly with the deaths of the last men from Nunney to be killed in action, Edward Henry Burr and George Daniels, who died on October 23rd 1918.

At the final service, Nunney resident Steve Thomas, who researched the project, will read the full roll-call of all the men from Nunney and its immediate surroundings who fought in the conflict.

Allan Koop, on behalf of the Nunney Church Committee, said: “We should remember that beside the fallen of Nunney whose names appear on the permanent memorials, and who have been remembered individually, many more came home physically, mentally or emotionally damaged beyond belief.

All too often, their sacrifice is forgotten.” ● All are welcome at the service, which will be followed by refreshments.

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RAF CENTENARY

RAF centenary celebrations

THE Mid-Somerset Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) has continued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RAF, with an art competition at the Mid-Somerset Show and the Battle of Britain Service at St Cuthbert’s, Wells.

The cadets’ art exhibition was in memory of past president Air ViceMarshal Sir John Severne. Judging was carried out by branch chairman and wellknown local artist Paul Branson and the prizes were presented by president Group Captain Dick Whittingham RAF Retd.

First prize of the magnificent AVM Sir John Severne Memorial Cup (held for one year), plus £50 was awarded to Cadet Stanley Baker of 1182 (Shepton Mallet) Sqn. A service commemorating the Battle of Britain and the Royal Air Force’s contributions to subsequent conflicts was held at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells on Sunday, September 16th.

The standards of the three local air cadet squadrons were paraded, together with that of the RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch. The service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the church war memorial. The Rev Sam Denyer, the vicar of St Cuthbert’s and the Rev Lyn Morris, chaplain of the RAFA MidSomerset Branch, officiated The service was attended by Deputy

Lieutenant, Dr Nicholas Hooper, represented the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, James Heappey MP for Wells together with various civic dignitaries.

The service was well supported by members of the RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch as well as representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Royal Naval Association and members of the public.

Cadets on parade

THE Devon & Somerset Wing of the Air Training Corps commemorated the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force and remembered the Battle of Britain at a service and parade in Exeter. Some 200 air cadets were led by the Devon & Somerset Wing ATC Band. Squadron Leader, David Rolfe, Wing Media Officer said: “The air cadets on parade from Devon & Somerset Wing are immensely proud to wear their RAF uniforms today and remember those who gave their lives during the Battle of Britain.”

The RAF was established 100 years ago, formed by a merger of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps and is the world’s oldest independent air force.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 33

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Doulting Produce Show

Growers know their onions when it comes to the show

EVENTS

Esme Ford beat her father Andy Stevens to first prize in the alcoholic beverage class. Their cider was made using the same crop of apples but using slightly different methods

Hi-tech handicrafts: Christopher Ede, of Warminster, used a 3D printer to create the axle and brake mechanisms on his prizewinning model of a stone wagon on the Somerset and Dorset railway Neil Parfitt, of Coleford. He took first place with his entry of five dahlias in the flower section

Entries in the vegetable classes were of their usual high standard as growers competed for the Showering Rose Bowl PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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EVENTS

Whitchurch Village Fete

Fete prince, Sewery Oziedzic, aged eight, and princess, Brooke Pester, aged seven

The Blood Bikes team on their stall

Contestants in the dog show Some of the ladies in charge of teas

Oldland Brass Band entertained the crowds

Pictured (l to r) Sue Knowles, Mary Leader and Angela Bailey from Whitchurch United Reformed Church PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Having fun on a tractor

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Lion roars to £8,900 CLEVEDON Salerooms’ September specialist sale saw an increase in the number of internet bidders yet again, proving that the formula of careful cataloguing, professional photography with multiple images and a condition report are key for bidders and what differentiates salerooms.

A Lynn Chadwick (19142003) bronze lion with a provenance of having come direct from the

artist was eagerly fought over, the 21cm long bronze realising £8,900.

At the quirkier end of the spectrum, the full-size models of 1980s TV Characters Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally sold for £1,450.

Gentlemen’s wrist watches proved their worth with this 1967 Rolex Explorer ref: 5500 finding a buyer at

£6,200.

Clevedon Salerooms are now focussing on the November quarterly specialist sale and with that in mind have four free valuation days at the salerooms in October, in addition to two free jewellery and watch valuation days, one at the salerooms and the second in Bristol.

For more information and to find out why vendors choose Clevedon Salerooms visit www.clevedon-salerooms.com or speak to a valuer on 01934 830111.

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

ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE PRE-CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER SPECIALIST SALE (Closing date 24th October)

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

8th, 9th & 22nd, 23rd October 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the Salerooms No appointment necessary

Antiques, Interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Auctions 4th & 18th October Sales start at 10.30am 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

Heuer Autavia Watch

Sold for £9,300

Chinese Blue and White Vase

Sold for £5,200

Antique Bust – Aphrodite

Sold for £4,300

Free Jewellery, Watch, Silver & Gold Valuation Day at the Salerooms Wednesday 24th October 10am–4pm Ruby and Sapphire eternity ring

Sold for £5,150

We will be offering free no-obligation verbal sale estimates with the pre-Christmas 22nd November Specialist Sale in mind.

No appointment necessary – ample free parking MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 37

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Artistic tradition

A STRIKING portrait of the Rt Revd Peter Hancock, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, has been unveiled and is now on display at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells.

The portrait has been painted by local artist Richard Shepherd and continues a tradition which dates back to the 15th century when the oldest portrait in the palace’s collection was painted, that of Bishop Fox. The portrait is on display in the Drawing Room of the palace, opposite the Coronation Cope.

Countdown to arts trail

THIS will be the 16th year that the arts trail has been held in the Chew Valley, providing both a showcase for artists and crafts people and a great day out for the thousands of people who enjoy travelling around the venues.

Visitors will find a fresh selection of work from new exhibitors as well as the latest creations from the regulars.

There’ll be a huge and diverse range of things to see, including paintings, photography, garden metalwork, sculpture, glassware, jewellery ceramics, textiles, decoupage and even small people in boxes!

Whatever the weather, it’s a wonderful chance to get around the Valley, whether on foot, bikes or in the car. Chat to the artists, browse or buy and make a day of it by stopping off in a café or local pub. Some venues offer refreshments.

Brochures are widely available and all the details about directions and disabled access are on the website.

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Details: www.chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk

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Strong demand for quality jewellery AT the recent sale of Antiques and Collectables held at the Mendip Auction Rooms on September 8th, there was a good attendance of buyers seeking quality jewellery and there was an excellent entry to choose from.

An impressive diamond and sapphire ring with a diamond estimated to weigh 1.12 carats sold for £3,600 whilst a diamond halo cluster ring made £3,500.

Other jewellery selling to advantage included a further ruby and diamond halo cluster ring £1,100, a pair of aquamarine and diamond drop ear rings £1,100 and a three stone diamond ring £700.

Recent sales have also seen an increase in interest in pictures and a good selection on offer met with keen interest. An impressive 20th century oil on canvas of Napoleon and Josephine achieved £1,100 with a similar selling for £850. With an excellent entry of over 600 lots, it was a sale with something for everyone.

September also saw the staging of two busy auctions of Victorian and later effects including a wide selection of more modern items including household effects. These sales provide an excellent opportunity to furnish a house at

ARTS AND ANTIQUES affordable prices and there is always a great atmosphere. Do go and rummage and see what you can find.

If you fancy learning a little more about antiques then do attend one of their monthly coffee mornings where a presentation on the world of antiques is given at 10am with a range of coffees, biscuits and pastries on offer. The auction rooms will be holding a coffee morning in support of Macmillan on September 28th and another on October 19th, both from 10am.

Dropping items off for auction couldn’t be easier and the auction rooms are open every weekday morning between 10am and 1pm for valuations and deliveries. Alternatively, the valuers are more than willing to visit you at home free of charge.

The team at the auction rooms can also arrange collections and house clearances at competitive rates providing confidence that items are sold to advantage.

To contact the auction rooms, telephone 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 39

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Photo exhibition

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SOMERSET photographer Andrew Davis is exhibiting his work at the Wild Edge Gallery in Wedmore until Saturday, September 29th. Pop in and see some great examples of what makes Somerset so special. All framed prints are for sale.

Museum inspires Guild

A NEW exhibition at the Wells and Mendip Museum juxtaposes modern-day art alongside the displays which inspired the artists and craftspeople.

Interventions is sponsored jointly by the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen and the museum and runs from Monday, October 8th until November. A spokesman for the guild said: “The exhibition offers a wonderful A goldfinch: one of Kate opportunity to see the work in Rattray’s stunning mosaics the museum through new eyes, and to see how the local artists and craftsmen have been inspired by the past.”

The exhibition features several guild members whose work is also on display at the guild showroom in Broad Street in Wells as part of Somerset Art Weeks.

They include Kate Rattray who specialises in mosaics. Kate made the famous “Worminster Dragon” mosaic, with children from six local schools, which can be seen near the moat around the Bishop’s Palace.

Kate says that she has “developed her skills and style through experimentation, persistence, obsession, and by studying with mosaic masters”. Her work is both figurative and abstract and is strongly influenced by the landscape around her.

Pauline Rook’s large format photographs feature the richness of Somerset’s rural life with its many unique characters. The black and white photos give a poignant and graphic view of a rapidly disappearing way of life.

They are at the heart of the guild’s contribution to the art weeks together with Sue Sinclair’s translucent glass, Chris Kampf’s stimulating metal work, Nicola Hanman’s cheering ceramics, Will Shakspeare’s famous coloured glass, John Candler’s impressive stone carvings, Jonathan Blackmore’s atmospheric lino cut prints and Inka Gabriel’s exciting stained glass.

Just some of the 100 artists who are members of the guild!

Cheddar flowers

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THIS collage by Sue Davey won second prize at Cheddar Flower Show. We apologise that it was wrongly attributed to another artist in last month’s issue.

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American buyers boost online bids at sales THE Specialist Antiques, Collectables and Vintage Fashion Sale on Friday, September 5th at the Cooper and Tanner Sale Rooms at Standerwick, near Frome, was a resounding success.

The highlight of the sale was a Victorian oak Gothic desk in the style of Pugin made by Holland and Sons, selling on the hammer for £2,900.

Other items that sold very well were a single owner collection of Roman rings; various gold and silver coins and gold presentation medals for football.

There was a lot of interest in the vintage fashion section of the sale with

many lots going to America as well as all over the UK. Vintage fashion is in demand and very relevant to today’s auction market and this was reflected in the largest amount of online bidders the sale rooms have ever received.

The sale was very busy throughout the day, with a very large number of bidders attending the sale rooms as well.

The sale rooms are now accepting entries until Wednesday, November 21st for their sale on Wednesday, December 5th.

ARTS & ANTIQUES

A cornelian intaglio ring, possibly Roman, carved as Diana carrying a flaming torch, sold for £440

An Australian Aboriginal wood shield with deeply incised zigzag pattern to the front. Sold for £340

If you would like to enter any items please call the office on 01373 852419. Free valuations are available every Thursday and Friday; free home visits can also be arranged.

SALE ROOMS HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SEPTEMBER SPECIALIST SALE

A Victorian gold collar, circa 1880, SOLD £460 Gillows after a design by Pugin – a Victorian oak Gothic desk by Holland & Sons, SOLD £2900

Cartier, Santos, a stainless steel automatic bracelet watch, SOLD £900

A quantity of ladies headscarves, shawls, handkerchiefs and other scarves includes Hermes, Jacqmar, Jaeger, Liberty and others, SOLD £200

A 9 carat gold presentation medal from the Football Association for the Amateur Cup (Winners Medal), SOLD £420

Free specialist antiques valuations available by appointment, please contact the office on 01373 852419 to book Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB Gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 41

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EVENTS

Hutton Festival

Hutton in miniature made by resident John Chatburn

Made in Hutton - ladies from St Mary's Church

Teas from members of the Mustard Seed Cafe

There was a fine display of old vehicles

Nite Shift provided entertainment

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The barbecue sold out of burgers

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. . . season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun …”

BEAUTIFULLY expressed by Mr Keats and yet, it is also a season when HMRC will be doing its level best to bring in more and more revenue to plug the huge levels of deficit the Government faces.

By now, we all know the myriad devices used by the Revenue to part us from our money – Personal Tax Returns (due end January if you haven’t yet sent your paperwork into your accountant!), Company Tax Returns, CIS (Construction Industry Scheme), VAT, Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty when you buy a house etc, etc, etc Not forgetting that I live with a man whose daily breakfast reading material is the Taxation Magazine (we know how to live), even now my head spins!

Many of us would prefer to keep our heads firmly buried in the sand and hope that we don’t need to know the details. Or, we might believe that our businesses and investments are too small to be important, but, believe me, nothing is too small for HMRC to query and to launch an investigation into.

Please note, that even though, by law, we only have to keep records for seven years, I have known people to be chased by the Revenue for information after ten years, and no amount of pointing out that their enquiries have been “timed out”, stops them badgering an individual if they think there might be some money at the end of it.

If HMRC launches an investigation into your affairs, you will,

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in all likelihood, be glad of the support and expertise of your accountant, who might have been the keeper of your records for a number of years. What many people don’t appreciate is that this expertise does not necessarily come cheap.

A general investigation, for example, can last over a year by the time HMRC has asked every available question – don’t forget to remember what colour you painted the loo door!

Once all is completed, even if you do not have any further tax to pay, the cost of your accountants’ fees accrued during the investigation will land firmly at your feet, not the Revenue’s. The bad news is that they can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the enquiries.

Now that, with more and more digital submissions being required, the Revenue are spending less time processing and more time checking we can expect even more of these investigations.

It’s not all doom and gloom however, because many accountancy firms now offer a sensibly priced insurance against the cost of these fees. In the case of ours, one small business saved in excess of £3,000 in accounting fees over the course of a year by paying a premium of just over £100.

After all that time, their affairs were deemed to be completely in order. If you aren’t sure if you have one of these useful policies, please do check with your accountant. My motto for autumn? “Be Wise to HMRC!” It may not quite have the flow of Mr Keats, but it might stop the draining away of your hard-earned cash . . .

Jane Bowe Probusiness

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New chief executive

BUSINESS

SOMERSET Chamber of Commerce has announced Stephen Henagulph as its new chief executive, following the departure of Dale Edwards earlier this year.

He worked as head of business services at Screwfix for the past five years and brings over 25 years’ knowledge and experience gained through a career that spans B2B, retail, sales and marketing.

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Boundary wars and how to avoid them BOUNDARY disputes often entail disproportionate time and expense being spent by parties and their advisers, arguing about a small piece of land. Disputes take place in close quarters and the stress and personal tone of them can mean that the most reasonable of people can become embroiled in hostile exchanges and lose a sense of perspective over what is at stake. Since 2017 a protocol has existed to try and promote a resolution of a boundary dispute without the need to involve the courts. The protocol seeks to prioritise the early and timely exchange of documents and information between the parties, prioritise the early resolution of the dispute potentially by using alternative dispute resolution, and to reduce the legal costs associated with such disputes. In trying to establish where the true boundary lies the following factors are relevant: Paper Title – The First Conveyance 1. Ownership of most properties is registered at the Land Registry. It can therefore be tempting, when a boundary dispute arises, to start by looking at the title plan produced by the Land Registry. That is not the correct approach. In the vast majority of cases, property is registered with “general boundaries” only. In these cases, the Land Registry title plan tells you nothing about the precise location of the boundary.

2. However, it is always worth checking the register itself if a boundary dispute arises. In a very few cases, a “determined boundary” (or some other detail about the boundary, eg a previous boundary agreement) is noted at the Land Registry, either against your title, or

your neighbour’s.

3. However, in most cases, the title and title plan will be of no help in resolving the boundary dispute. In order to find out where the boundary between the properties lies, it is necessary to go back to the conveyance which separated ownership of your land and your neighbour’s land for the first time. It is important to note that that might not be the oldest conveyance in the unregistered root of your own title. It might have been a conveyance of your neighbour’s land and/or it might have been much longer ago. The start point, and in many cases the end point, for determining the location of the boundary is the interpretation of this First Conveyance, in light of the words used and the physical features present on the ground at the time. In some circumstances, subsequent conduct/conveyances can also be relevant.

Historic Boundary Agreements Any deed subsequent to the First Conveyance containing an agreement by the owners at the time as to the location of the boundary will be likely to be the deciding factor. So too will any subsequent oral discussion about the location of the boundary if this occurred in the context of a dispute about where the true boundary ran (as opposed to an agreed variation of the prior boundary line, which would only be binding if in writing and registered).

Adverse Possession The paper title line might also have been overtaken by adverse possession since the First Conveyance. Two different types of adverse possession must be considered. (a)An

BUSINESS “old-style” adverse possession claim arises if, for a period of 12 years expiring prior to October 2003, land which falls outside a person’s paper title is in their (and/or their predecessor’s) adverse possession. Possession means an appropriate degree of control based on the nature of the land, and an intention to keep out all others, so far as the processes of the law allow, which is manifested to the world at large. A person is in adverse possession if they have no right or permission to be in possession, but ceases to be in adverse possession if they make a written and signed acknowledgment of the owner’s title. (b)A “new-style” claim will be appropriate if there has been a period of 10 years’ possession of land outside a person’s paper title during a period commencing after October 1991. Possession has the same meaning as before. But, in relation to these “new style claims”, an additional hurdle exists: the person claiming adverse possession must also show that until very shortly before a claim is made, they reasonably believed that the land in question belonged to them.

Settlement Agreements settling boundary disputes often fail to achieve a final resolution, either because the agreement is unclear, or because it fails to record all matters satisfactorily. If there is any doubt about this, the parties should seek professional help.

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Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 47

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BUSINESS

New at Bath and West

THE Royal Bath & West of England Society has announced the appointment of Debbie Howarth as Commercial Enterprise Manager, with a remit to “enhance the commercial potential of the Bath & West Showground and cement its position as the premier events Debbie Howarth and venue in the West of England”.

Rupert Cox She arrives as the recently opened Rural Enterprise Centre starts delivering real results for local businesses, while the £1.2m redevelopment of the bar and restaurant building will transform the showground’s event space offering when it opens in May 2019.

Chief Executive, Rupert Cox, said: “This will help us develop a new way of managing events on the showground, not least in helping us drive business to the new Wessex Pavilion that will open in May 2019.”

Debbie said: “I am delighted to join the team at The Royal Bath & West Showground, the home of my favourite agricultural show! As well as ensuring the continued success of our valued and established events calendar, we are planning some exciting new ventures and events for the showground in the coming months and years, so ‘watch this space’!”

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Museum’s family fun day

A FAMILY day at the Somerset Rural Life Museum featured live music, have-a-go activities and even a flypast by the world-famous Red Arrows display team.

The Red Arrows fly over the museum’s tithe barn. A museum volunteer, a former RAF air traffic controller, contacted the team to ask them to make their brief appearance

Morgan of the Moor was another of the performers PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Freya, aged seven and from Burnham-on-Sea, tries her hand at a pottery wheel run by artist Ella Phillips

The Harlem Rhythm Cats played in the museum courtyard

Ronnie, Paige and Pixie, with mum Hannah, prepare to test their accuracy during a beanbag competition

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EVENTS

Winford Flower Show

Beryl Gillett and Howard Parker, secretary and chairman of Winford Amateur Garden Society, won six prizes each Millie, aged ten, who won several prizes

The produce section

The village hall was busy

Show chairman, Neil Sale, who won over 20 prizes

Admiring the flowers MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 51

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Hartley’s is surging ahead

COMPLACENCY is a terrible thing, says Paul Hartley, who with wife Linda, runs Hartley’s Cafe Bistro.

He said: “We get tired, things don’t always work out, the weather is bad, the dreaded Brexit – no wonder we get complacent.

“However, Hartley’s Kitchen at Binegar has been pushing the boundaries for ten years after converting a cattleshed into a lovely café bistro.”

Hartley’s is famous for their breakfasts – pancakes, freshly baked croissants, English breakfast, smoked salmon and a weekend special breakfast. Not being complacent, Hartley’s have introduced a three-course Champagne breakfast at only £50 for two – absolutely delightful!

Lunch is a gastronomic adventure – homemade pies, fish stews, steak au poivre et al, and fresh vegetables. Puddings range from fresh fruit terrine to jam roly poly. Just recently Hartley’s have introduced a stunning traditional afternoon tea.

To complete their passion, they uphold the Beaujolais Nouveau tradition on Thursday, November 15th, with a French breakfast buffet and an array of lunch dishes to shame any Paris bistro.

Hartley’s Kitchen e Café bistro on the Mendips

ODE TO HARTLEY’S

T’was a bright day when we all met as a bunch Hungry and thirsty and dreaming of brunch Visions of kippers, pancakes and divine gammon steak Increased the hunger – our tummies ache So we made a quick dash to satisfy our craving Away to Hartley’s our hunger raving Great venue, great menu and a welcome we got With salads and fish and curries – the lot The coffee was flowing The waitresses glowing Our hunger was sated, our plates were all clean What a wonderful time at Hartley’s it had been

Come back for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea Come and join us – such an experience you’ll see A glass of cider, local ales or just tea and cakes A lovely place to meet – that’s what Hartley’s makes.

Hartleys Kitchen, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL • Tel: 01749 841718 e-mail: info@hartleyskitchen.com web: www.hartleyskitchen.com PAGEP??

AGE •M 52ENDIP • MENDIP TIMES TIMES • DECEMBER • OCTOBER 2011 2018

Meet the At Rookery Farm Community

THE new owners of the At Rookery Farm business park near Binegar have spent the past few months building on the success of previous landlords Richard and Fiona Lyons.

Luke and Adelle Hobbs moved with their three daughters from Peasdedown St John to the farm in April. Luke is best known for the family business Hobbs Granite and Marble in Radstock.

Since then, the couple have been hard at work attracting new – and varied businesses to the site and At Rookery Farm (a slightlyrevised name) is currently full of tenants; there’s everything from well-established businesses such as Hartley’s Café/Bistro and Paws to Claws to a wine merchant and a fledgling brewery!

Adelle said: “We were looking to move home and went to look at the farmhouse where we met Richard and he told us about their vision for the site. That sold it to us.

“We’re now trying to build on what they’ve achieved and really put At Rookery Farm on the map.”

Adelle’s next big project is organising the farm’s annual Christmas charity fair with the support of the businesses on site. It will be held on Saturday, December 1st and promises to be a great day for all the family!

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The piano has been thinking

The couple’s chocolate labrador, Buttons, welcomes visitors to the showroom

ABBEY Piano Services is preparing for the festive season with its usual accompanying increase in demand for their tuning services and for self-play systems to be installed in instruments.

As well as stocking new pianos – from grands to uprights – Becky and Mark Doman have spent an increasing amount of time sourcing specific instruments for customers alongside their repair and restoration services; the Bell Inn in Shepton Mallet recently acquired a piano and Mark has also enjoyed taking on more tuning duties for private schools.

Becky and Mark are also proud to be sponsoring young Mendip violin virtuoso Poppy McGhee and are in regular demand to provide instruments for events such as charity concerts.

South Africa in Binegar – welcome to Perold Wines

WINE merchant Gerhard Perold has chosen At Rookery Farm as the location for his first shop and wine cellar.

Gerhard, who lives in Gerhard and wife Nicola in the new shop Chewton and tasting room Mendip, is the great grandson of Abraham Izak Perold, a South African chemist and viticulturist who was responsible for developing the Pinotage grape hybrid so popular in the country.

Just like his ancestor, Gerhard is determined to break new ground and Perold’s is much more than simply a shop. There is also a tasting room and on Friday evenings it becomes a cosy wine bar where customers can enjoy a glass of wine – or a gin – accompanied by a sharing board of delicious treats.

The room is also ideal for private events or business meetings and Gerhard is planning a series of wine-tasting evenings for all to enjoy; a wine club has also been launched.

FOCUS ON ROOKERY FARM

Look after your feet this autumn TO make sure your feet are up to scratch to enjoy the season’s rustic colours and lovely walks, Sue Boothroyd from Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice has a few tips: 1) Use a foot file regularly to remove dry and hard skin from around your heels and the bottoms of your feet 2) Use a good moisturising cream daily to hydrate the skin on your feet.

This prevents the skin from drying out and cracking and minimises the risk of infection.

3) Ensure your footwear is foot safe - wide enough, long enough and deep enough in the toe box to prevent pressure on joint.

A good shock-absorbing sole is important and also

check the internal lining or insoles are intact and not worn.

If in doubt visit your podiatrist for professional advice and help - your foot health is in your hands.

Make sure your feet are up to scratch

Call 01749 372404 Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice, Rookery Farm, Roemead Road, Binegar, Somerset BA3 4UL Email: footfaerie@gmail.com Web: www.footfaerie.co.uk

● Sales ● Repairs and Renovations ● Restoration ● Removals ● Tuning ● Self-play ● Gis and accessories www. abbe y pi ano se r vic e s. c o. uk Em ail : sal e s@abbe y pi ano se r vic e s. c o. uk R o o k e r y Fa r m , B i n e g a r B A 3 4 U L Te le phone : 01749 840880 MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 53

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Expert grooming for cats and dogs – where caring for your pets come first

Expert grooming for cats and dogs – where caring for your pets come first Convenient location with easy parking and a relaxed atmosphere A great selection of pet food, supplements and accessories Knowledgeable advice For grooming appointments call: 01749 841842 www.pawstoclawsptegrooming.co.uk

Visit Greens of Mendip for accessories, bags, gifts and more: 01749 841293 www.greensofmendip.co.uk Unit 1, Rookery Farm, Binegar BA3 4UL

Mendip Rural Services Ltd. Visit our showroom for:

La wnmower s & ga r de n ma c hi ne r y Sa l e s , s par e s , s e r v i c e & r e pa i r s Tool s ha r pe ni ng Cha i ns a w c ha i ns ma de & r e s ha r pe ne d Pe r s ona l pr ot e c t i on e qui pme nt Logs a nd k i ndl i ng f or s a l e ( c a n be de l i v e r e d)

Christmas Trees A great selection available from Saturday, December 1st

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 PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

FOCUS ON ROOKERY FARM

I treat them like my own, says Emma

Rumble was rehomed by Buddy’s Rural Animal Rescue and is a regular visitor with his new owner, who lives in Priddy, to Paws to Claws

EMMA Green, who runs the Paws to Claws pet grooming parlour at At Rookery Farm, treats her four-legged clients as though they are her own pets.

It is little wonder, then, why their owners return time after time and become friends as well as customers. Emma is also a big supporter of the Mendip-based Buddy’s Rural Animal Rescue service and regularly helps to get some of the dogs back to tip-top condition.

The Paws to Claws parlour is also home to the Greens of Mendip country store, selling pet food, accessories and gift items.

Emma said: “As a team, we try very hard to create a friendly bond with our clients and we get to know the owners and their pets really well.”

One regular customer said: “My dog is well cared for, there’s easy parking, Hartley’s café next door and a relaxed atmosphere.”

’Tis the season . . .

… TO think about getting garden machinery such as lawnmowers serviced in time for next year’s growing season.

Aaron Coleman, who runs Mendip Rural Services at At Rookery Farm, is already taking bookings as autumn arrives. Aaron said: “It’s been an unusual summer because it was so hot and dry but, just because the grass may not have grown too much, the machinery still needs to be maintained to stay in tip-top condition.”

Aaron is also gearing up for the usual autumnal demand for top-quality seasoned logs but added: “We haven’t really stopped selling logs; people have been wanting them for outdoor fire pits, so that side of the business has been incredibly busy!” ● Aaron will be selling Christmas trees at the Christmas fair at the farm on Saturday, December 1st with a 10% discount on offer on the day.

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Rower Rachel’s honour

Rachel (centre) with ITV's Ellie Pitt and Kevin Langdon

RACHEL Clark, the organiser of June’s world record 24hour rowing relay in Frome, has been nominated in the ITV Fundraiser of the Year category in the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards.

Rachel was a popular choice with viewers of ITV West Country after taking on several challenges since 2011 along with her brothers Daniel and Matthew and a group of friends, in memory of their mum Shirley.

The team have so far raised more than £28,000 for local causes, with most of the money benefitting Frome-based counselling charity We Hear You (WHY).

Gemma Wilkes, fundraising and communications manager at We Hear You, said: “Rachel is an amazing person and has done so much for WHY. She 100% deserves this award for all her hard work and extraordinary community spirit, which brings out the community spirit in everyone else!”

The charity has announced it’s extending its counselling service to Yeovil.

Details: www.prideofbritain.com WHY call 01373455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk

Poignant appeal for new members

THE Bruton and District branch of the Royal British Legion is appealing for new people to join them as it prepares to pay its tribute to the fallen of WWI and other conflicts.

The branch holds an annual poppy appeal and this year will host a commemorative lunch for members in mid-November.

But branch secretary Graham Lilley admitted membership was falling. He said: “We are all of a certain age and would welcome new, younger people to get involved in our work.

We have always been a very small branch, but we are trying to keep it alive.”

For details, find the branch on Facebook

Book project boost

NEWS

Downside students with club president Andy Downs and rotarian Jackie Partridge who came up with the idea for the scheme

STUDENTS at Downside School at Stratton-on-the-Fosse have donated more than £300 to a project to send unwanted books to Kenya.

The cheque will help with the costs of transporting the 4,500 books – donated by various schools including Downside – to the Rotary Club of Somer Valley. The club is waiting for clearance from the Kenyan authorities before the consignment can be sent to the Watamu Community School.

Jim’s a man on a mission

PUPILS and staff at Fosse Way school in Westfield have become the latest to commit to a project by endurance runner Jim PlunkettCole to improve fitness levels.

He believes his Mile a Day Run initiative also boosts people’s confidence and improves alertness. Schools in Wookey and Yatton are amongst those who have already signed up.

Jim, who lives near Mells, last year ran across the United States, visiting schools to spread the word. Jim has ASD and believes running helps him cope.

Fosse Way is a specialist education school. Head of school Mairi Lanyon said: “A lack of confidence can be a real issue amongst some of our older students but this initiative is proving popular with everyone here.”

Three cheers for Mile a Day

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 55

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North Somerset Ploughing Match

Gary Haberfield in action

Malcolom Dowling teaching hedgelaying to grandson Oli Garner, aged 18

Harry Janes from Puxton with a pair of the heavy horses PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Chaps in charge of the barbecue

Tina Langford and shire horse Tommy from Gloucester. The Western Counties Heavy Horse Society shared the site

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EVENTS

Following the plough, Willow (left) and Emilee, both aged five

A few furrowed brows

Taking the easy way round

Admiring the fruit and produce

Chris Chivers from Midsomer Norton hedgelaying

The ladies doing lunches Ed Champeny with his 1974 County

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 57

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Art on show for World Mental Health Day

CLIENTS of the Heads Up mental health charity, based near Wells, will be staging an exhibition of their artwork at the Swan Hotel in the city on Wednesday, October 19th to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The work will show the important role that creativity in paint, pottery and other media plays in expression and therapy for all ages and all types of mental health problems. Some pieces will be available to buy, with all money going to support the charity, based at South Horrington. ● The exhibition takes places in the hotel’s Garden Room from 10am-4pm. For details, contact: bridget@headsupsomerset.org.uk

New life for old trusts

SOMERSET Community Foundation could be in line for a boost following an announcement from the government that it can receive funds from inactive charitable trusts.

Already 16 charitable trusts, currently worth over £2.3m, have transferred to the foundation since its inception 15 years ago, most recently the transfers of the Graham Burrough Charitable Trust and the Cheeke and Stodgell Trust.

The government’s Revitalising Trusts initiative now aims to unlock a further £20m of inactive trusts through a partnership with community foundations and the Charity Commission.

Charitable trusts may struggle to use their income for a number of reasons, while community foundations are established, trusted charities that support local communities, reaching every postcode in the UK. Justin Sargent, chief executive at Somerset Community Foundation, said: “I welcome the announcement in the government’s Civil Society Strategy to breathe new life into inactive trusts in Somerset and beyond, so that we can continue to fulfil the founders’ wishes to help people overcome disadvantage, poverty and inequality.

“These are important assets for our communities today and for generations to come and we can provide the necessary stewardship to make sure our communities benefit.”

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

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Lodge boost to village hall refurbishment

Lodge member Paul Atherton presents a cheque to Lynda Redding, a hall trustee

MEMBERS of the masonic Lodge of Agriculture, who meet at Yatton, have made a donation of £1,250 towards the refurbishment of Puxton Village Hall.

The hall is used by many community groups in the area and a campaign has already raised the £85,000 needed to purchase the venue; phase two will include updating the 1960s interior, including the toilets.

Strictly for fun

Last year’s winners, Sarah and John in action

THE hunt is on for couples to take part in Weston Hospicecare’s Strictly Fun Dancing grand finale in March next year. This year the charity raised more than £22,000 at

the inaugural event.

A night which promises glamour, sequins and fun, will take place in the ballroom at the Winter Gardens on March 23rd.

The hospice is now searching for 12 couples to sign up. Starting from Sunday, January 13th couples can expect weekly training sessions for ten weeks at Kewstoke village hall led by professional dancers Ben Hazell and his dance partner Ali Carter.

This year, participants will learn a salsa and a waltz to perform at the grand finale in March. Couples selected to take part will need to pay a £30 registration fee and pledge to raise £500 for the charity.

Event organiser Kelsey Dehaney said: “It was far more successful than any of us at Weston Hospicecare imagined it could be. To raise more than £22,000 for one evening of glamour and fun is fantastic and it wasn’t just the dancers, staff, volunteers and attendees on the night that enjoyed themselves.

“Our patients thoroughly enjoyed looking at the photos and watching the event video which makes this event extra special.”

Details: kelsey.dehaney@westonhospicecare.org.uk

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CHARITIES

The beer necessities of charity THE annual Wessex Beer Festival in Chilcompton has again raised hundreds of pounds for good causes.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Somer Valley, the event featured dozens of real ales and ciders from across the area and further afield. It was held at Chilcompton Sports Ground with live music throughout the event.

Members of the Rotary Club of Somer Valley and supporters prepare for the rush

A hairy moment for sound engineers Sofie and Cody, from Maltings Audio

A laugh at the bar

Debbie Porter (left) and Jen Hawkes chat before the first band, Vox Terrae, take to the stage

Prog-rock band Vox Terrae – with members from Frome and Tilshead – got the live music off to a rocking start

Join the chairman for coffee THE Chairman’s Room, at the Guildhall in Bath will be offering tea, coffee and cake on Friday September 28th to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Council chairman, Cllr Karen Walker, is supporting the charity’s annual fundraiser, having lost both her parents to cancer.

Cllr Walker, from Peasedown St John, said: “Raising awareness of life changing illnesses such as cancer is something I care passionately about.

Over 350,000 people are diagnosed with cancer

every year, all of whom have a personal story to tell.

“Most of them will need care, which is why supporting organisations like Macmillan is paramount, especially when they strive to ensure that independence and personal dignity are retained when looking after someone with cancer.”

Macmillan Cancer Support's September coffee event last year saw 250,000 people take part and raised a record breaking £29.5 million.

The Guildhall event will be from 10.30am12.30pm on Friday, September 28th.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 59

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Dogs just want to have fun!

DOZENS of dogs and their owner enjoyed a family fun day in aid of the Happy Landings animal rescue charity.

As well as a fun dog show, there were chances to test a dog’s prowess on an agility course and scurry drive along with many stalls. The show was held on land close to the charity’s base at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, and was raising funds towards a new kennel complex.

Jack, aged 11, leaps into action on the scurry

The dog show underway

Charity founder Annabelle Walter (kneeling) with Amy, Danielle and Vikki

Joan Martin, of Holford, with Dylan, Chuck, Willow and Smudge. Joan was visiting the show with husband Al. The couple have adopted animals from the shelter in the past

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Waiting to be judged in the best rescue dog class

Ted, an 11-month-old labradoodle, soon got the hang of the scurry

For details, visit: www.happy-landings.org.uk

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CHARITIES

Rotary shop’s grand effort – 100 times over CHARITY pop-up shops run for the past two years by Frome Rotary Club have raised more than £100,000, mostly for local causes.

The current shop, in the Westway Precinct in Frome, is due to close in October after the premises were sold.

Volunteers from various organisations staffed the shops, raising money for organisations ranging from St John’s Church, YMCA Routes, Active and in Touch and Guide Dogs for the Blind to Water Survival Boxes.

A spokesperson for the rotary club said: “We have been very fortunate that the management of the Westway centre

Shopper Hilary Boulton buys a teapot to be used in the café at Radstock Museum where she is a volunteer

An Aladdin’s Cave: club president Norman Elmer (right) with fellow Rotarians Dennis Barnard and Dot Cretney – an extraordinary range of items have been on sale in the shops

have generously allowed us to use these shops and we thank them for this generosity and for helping to provide small charities, who find it difficult to raise monies, with an outlet where they are able to assist other local people in need.”

The spokesperson added: “Please keep your eyes open – we may be back and will welcome your support all over again. Thank you, Frome folk; you have been very generous in keeping our charity shop going for two years and, by doing so, have helped so many local charities in helping so many local people!”

Wedmore helps to flush away poverty

VILLAGERS in Wedmore have been supporting fundraising initiatives this summer to raise money to “twin” their village public conveniences.

The charity Toilet Twinning helps to provide clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene education in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Local councillor Polly Costello said: “I think this is a very worthy cause, providing toilets in communities in deprived areas of the world, a thing we take for granted on a daily basis, and I hope more parishes and residents throughout the UK can help in this great twinning project.”

Liz Burton who has been leading the local fundraising said: “By donating £60 to twin a toilet, you will receive a certificate with a photo and GPS co-ordinates of the toilet you’ve helped fund.

“Some 2.3 billion people around the world don’t have somewhere safe to go to the toilet. Basic sanitation has such a huge impact on health, life expectancy and the knock-on effects such as being able to work and provide for your family or attend school. Young women and girls are also at risk of assault without somewhere safe, close to home to go to the toilet.”

She hopes Wedmore will soon achieve “twinned village” status as more local residents and community groups support the cause.

She said: “Thank you to the parish council agreeing to this.

I’m proud that our village can now boast twinned loos, and the

Liz Burton (left) and Polly Costello (right)

public toilets will have certificates displayed for all to see, which will hopefully inspire others to find out more about the charity.”

Details: www.toilettwining.org

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Planning for Christmas FROME-based local counselling charity We Hear You (WHY) is once again calling on local children and young people to design a Christmas card to raise funds for Christmas card winner Ronnie

Charity barge trip

its free professional counselling service.

The competition is aimed at children who live across Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Entry categories are for children aged ten years and under and 11-18 years old. One design will be chosen from each age group and the winning designs will feature on WHY’s Christmas cards. Two runners-up will each receive a sweet treat.

Fundraiser, Gemma Wilkes, said: “We all love the Christmas card competition and we’re always blown away by the young talent in our communities. It might seem a bit early to be thinking about Christmas, but our printers don’t agree – so please send your designs to us by Monday, October 1st to be in with a chance of seeing your artwork in print this Christmas.”

Ready to set off

LOCAL charity Somerset Sight organised an activity on a horse-drawn barge at Tiverton for its members from across the county. The barge was packed with 65 people, ranging from three years old to 83 years old.

Heidi Linegar, activities co-ordinator for Somerset Sight, said: “It was brilliant and all the members loved it. It’s great being able to offer such a wide range of activities, especially when it appeals to all ages.”

The charity regularly organises trips out for their visually Service users impaired waiting for members and the barge their families.

Details: 01823 333818

PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Christmas card winner Grace

Entries should be A5 and twodimensional to allow for printing. Designs should be submitted by email to fundraising@wehearyou.org.uk or delivered to the We Hear You offices at Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB.

Fair supports charities

THE Mendip Christmas Fair raised £7,500 each last year for the Guild of Friends of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the Children’s Hospice South West.

It’s being held again this year on the Aldwick Estate, situated in beautiful countryside overlooking the Mendips and with 40 stalls, some old, some new, some returning by popular demand, there should be something

for everybody.

Aldwick Estate is signed just south of the A38, between Redhill and Wrington. There is ample free parking and access for all, with free entry for children under 16.

The fair will be held on Saturday, November 3rd, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 4th, 10am-3.30pm.

Details: www.mendipchristmasfair.org or Facebook

RNLI fundraiser

THE Chew Valley branch of the RNLI has raised nearly £2,500 over the summer with an event at Chew Valley Sailing Club and collections at New Manor Farm Shop and elsewhere.

Its next big event will be its popular curry lunch at Ubley village hall on November 16th.

Details: Keith Williams 01275 332221 email keithjoanwill@gmail.com

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Enriching lives of older people

CROSCOMBE Charter Market has raised £1,200 for the Mendip Mallards, a swimming club for disabled young people based in Street.

Market organiser, Mary Cadogan (right) is pictured with Malcolm Campbell, the chairman of the Mendip Mallards, and Eve Harris, a volunteer who lives locally who received the cheque which will be used to give the members and carers a day out before Christmas.

Malcolm said: “This money means so much to us as we are a small charity relying on volunteers and donations to keep going.”

The swimming club meets every Sunday from 12.301.30pm at Strode Pool in Street. New members, their families and helpers are always welcome.

Croscombe charter market is held quarterly at Croscombe village hall and the money for their chosen charity is raised each year from selling refreshments, the tombola, donations and stallholders’ fees.

Next year's charity is the playground equipment fund for Croscombe village school and the Christmas market is on Saturday, December 8th, 10am until 2pm.

Hundreds walk for hospice

CHARITIES

THE charity Alive is looking for green-fingered volunteers for their gardening groups. It is the UK’s leading charity aimed at enriching the lives of older people in care and giving training to their carers, with a growing presence in the Mendip Times area.

A spokesman said: “You will support some of the most vulnerable members of your community to have fun while they continue their hobby. You will volunteer alongside an expert social and therapeutic horticulture facilitator to help care home residents access all the benefits of taking part in fun activities, whenever possible, outside in the garden.”

Their autumn induction is taking place at The Create Centre in central Bristol, with two dates to choose from, Tuesday, October 16th, 10am – 12.30pm or Wednesday, October 17th, 5.30pm – 8pm.

Details: Sarah Mountford sarahm@aliveactivities.org 0117 377 4756 www.aliveactivities.org

NEARLY 300 women took part in the Midnight Beach Walk on Weston seafront to help raise funds for Weston Hospicecare.

Many of those walked the 5km route did so in memory or to support loved ones suffering life-limiting illnesses who have been or are being treated by the hospice.

The final amount raised will be announced in due course.

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Redhill Harvest Fair

Gerry Cleeves winner Best Flowers in a Handbag

Onion champions John Lee (left) and Rob Richards

Bobby Chiverton, aged seven, with sisters, Martha, aged five, and Annabella, aged two with one of their winning entries a garden on a plate

Tania Hillis, winner of the tallest weed competition

Sisters in arms in Wells

Not just for men – one of Bowlore’s female fighters PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

VISITORS to the Bishop’s Palace in Wells saw women taking part in battle scenes and demonstrating sword fighting skills as part of a reenactment weekend.

Members of Bowlore – a medieval archery and weapons display group based in Taunton – believe the story of women who took up arms is often overlooked. The costumed group set up camp on the South Lawn of the palace.

A call to arms

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WILDLIFE

Have we forgotten the trees?

I WAS fascinated to read a report by the United Nations which stated that the UK was one of the countries not ready for climate change and the extremes of weather that it is likely to bring.

Whilst reading some of the issues around flooding and heatwaves I began thinking

By CHRIS about things that nature provides that could in SPERRING fact help us, so I created a list and at the top MBE of the list, standing tall and obvious, were the tallest of plants, the trees.

This made me wonder if we’ve forgotten about trees and all the benefits they bring. For wildlife, trees are essential for a rich diversity of life. Some of the oldest oaks, for example, create their own entire ecosystem containing more than 500 different species!

But, apart from the commercial benefits of trees, like timber, paper and fuel, and the aesthetic value we place on them when they make up a woodland or park, what good are trees for us?

Well, trees planted alongside busy roads will absorb harmful pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen oxide and therefore help reduce the amount of these harmful gases we breathe in. They also remove some of the greenhouse gases that cause the heating of the planet, converting them into the oxygen that we need. In addition, they reduce flooding by slowing the movement of rain water as it falls, by increasing evaporation, and by actively “drinking” a large amount of water (one single oak will use between 50 and 200 gallons of water per day, and one piece of research even suggests this could be as much as 500 gallons per day!).

During the heatwave of 2018 it would quite often be unbearable to sit out in the sun, or even walk along a pavement as the sun’s energy would hit the pavement and bounce light and heat straight into my face. Trees, again, can help us during this type of extreme Trees are vital for wildlife such as this goldfinch – but also for us humans

A tree-hugger’s dream: a mighty oak

weather, as the temperature under the canopy of a tree can be as much as 10°C cooler than in direct sunlight.

Napoleon Bonaparte recognised how important trees were for his troops and so ordered that the streets of France be lined by equally-spaced trees to keep his troops cool whilst marching.

These trees can still be seen in France today and are the famous London Planes.

Trees will also reduce the effects of high winds; when grouped together like a shield they can help protect vulnerable buildings by absorbing the full force of the wind. Their presence also reduces soil erosion, whether by wind or water run-off.

We’re often too afraid to build into our planning the things that the natural world can help us with, perhaps because they have to be managed and they sometimes fall down, or even, as I was once told, “they make a mess”. But surely the enormous benefits are worth this small cost?

In the United States, in Florida, one city estimated the annual financial saving from its trees through health, water management, soil erosion and energy saving was around $35 million! It is also said that if you have trees in your garden or surrounding your garden it can add up to 7% to the value of your property!

It is said that trees are the lungs of the planet, so I will end this month’s wildlife article with this quote: “A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs/year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human beings.”* * cAliney, Mike. Arguments for Land Conservation: Documentation and Information Sources for Land Resources Protection, Trust for Public Land, Sacramento, CA, December 1993 Wildlife needs trees, and we need trees, so let’s get planting …

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 65

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Through a hill fort and along the River Yeo

ENJOY this moderate circular ramble from Congresbury village, on the A370 Bristol road near Yatton, taking in fascinating Cadbury Hill Fort – somewhere that many of you may never have enjoyed. I have to confess that after 30 or more years in the area it is the first time I have really been through it properly! You can spend some time there exploring on your own and then we head

down through the beautiful nature reserve.

After a little walking on roads come to the glorious church of Yatton and then a footpath wends its way through the back of Yatton to join the River Yeo which we follow along the bank to Congresbury. It is a good dog walk with only a couple of stiles. My route up to Cadbury Hill Fort is very gentle and the rest of this interesting circle is flat.

PARK: In Congresbury. The village lies on the A370 Bristol to Weston-super-Mare road. Near the Smallway traffic lights on the A370 find the free Bristol Road car park behind the bus shelter by the tennis courts. Turn into Gooseham Mead and then into the car park.

START: From the car park, turn right in Kent Road which runs along the side of the A370. Follow this on the pavement all the way to where it comes out onto the main road. Turn right and, when safe to do so, cross the main road. Opposite Halfway Garage, fork down the No Through lane.

Go past bollards at the end.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

1. FOOTPATH Go over the crossing lane to take the footpath opposite through a Bristol gate (a large gate with pedestrian access, so-called because it was dreamt up by footpath wardens in Bristol). Go ahead in the long field, heading towards the wooded Cadbury Hill. Go through into another field and on to the right of a power pole,

through the middle, heading for a substantial house ahead. In the corner, go through a metal gate and pass in front of the house and soon go through two more metal gates following footpath arrows. The second of these is a kissing gate installed

by Woodspring Ramblers. Go through the garden following the beech hedge. Cross the drive and go through another kissing gate. In the field, bear slightly right, passing close by an oak tree with a footpath sign and take a stile into rough ground. Cross it and leave over a similar stile. Then turn left along the fence. At the end, leave the field and come onto a crossing track.

Our route is left along here. It bends left and there begins a very gentle ascent up the hill.

2. CADBURY HILL Continue until you reach an entrance to Cadbury Hill Fort and Nature Reserve on the left with two explanatory boards.

There is evidence of activity way back in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and of occupation in the pre-Roman Iron Age when the hill was turned into a substantial hillfort. There was mining and quarrying around the site. Sadly, much of the evidence of occupation and religious activity was destroyed by subsequent quarrying. The area, which is wooded and also a grassland habitat, is known for its wildflowers and fauna. Dexter cattle graze the hill to maintain the habitats.

Follow the track up and bend left going

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WALKING

round the hill edge (ignoring a right fork) and fairly soon go up right on a wide grassy swathe which leads up into the top of the ancient fort, going over the remains of one of the ditches. The grassy track bears left and you should get some views ahead to the Bristol Channel on a clear day and on the left there is a view down across to the Mendips. You are now cutting across the fort centre.

Come alongside a rather bedraggled and distinctive pine tree (on the left). Here our grassy track drops to meet a crossing track on the other side of the hill. If you want to spend some time in the fort, make sure you return to this point. It is quite easy to get lost up here with so many paths.

So, turn left sharp right on this crossing path, going along the hill edge with the steep wooded slope on your left. Ignore paths that drop down steeply. Just carry on around the hill, dropping gradually, and in parts the path becomes rocky and is under trees.

3. GATE Eventually reach a wooden kissing gate on the left. Go through and on down the clear path which is stepped at the start. Go left and continue to drop, soon passing Cadbury Hill Stock Pond – a restored dew pond on your right, dating back to about 1820. It lies close by a huge small-leaved lime tree – one of the speciality trees of this area. Soon go under a huge oak where you join another path and come to the Cadbury Hill Local Nature Reserve board.

Now it is straight on through an opening in the wooden railings. Pass a magnificent redwood tree and maintain direction through a grassland area until you reach a parking area and Henley Lane.

4. HENLEY LANE Turn right on the lane for a short way and before you reach a house at the end, turn left on the footpath, past a barn, and then through a kissing gate and straight on across the field. Two more gates bring you out on the road by the low wooden catholic church of St Dunstan on the edge of Yatton. Cross and turn left. After about four minutes, turn right in Stowey Road for a few minutes, ignoring Stowey Park, and Beech Road and then turn left in Well Lane.

5. BEECH ROAD It’s not far up here to the main road in Yatton. Cross and go into Church Road.

Turn left through the car park and into a pretty garden. Follow the path, bending

L

4.5 miles, about 2.5 hours walking.

Explorer Map, 154, Bristol West & Portishead, Grid ref: 438 639.

right and left and leave through bollards onto the crossing Causeway. Now it’s right and follow this straight on into the churchyard.

6. CHURCH St Mary’s is often called the Cathedral of the Moors due to its size and grandeur in relation to the village. Go past the main church door and the glorious cross and on out the other side. Take the path between walls which bends left passing the church on the left. Ignore side turns. Come into a residential area. Go ahead a yard or two and then left and find a cycle path sign and follow this through metal railings and then stone bollards and railings and come onto a footpath which goes through the back of Yatton. Turn right. Reach a road and turn right. This is Binhay Road which leads you shortly to a T-junction. Now it’s left. Ignore side turns and at the end, when it becomes a wide hard track, continue on, and near the end turn left on a footpath which leads up onto the Strawberry Line cycle walkway.

7. STRAWBERRY LINE This is a wonderful walking and cycling route, much of it following the line of the now defunct Strawberry railway line. The old line, opened in 1869 was important for both passengers and freight carrying

dairy produce, stone, and, of course, the famous Cheddar strawberries. After nearly a century it was closed in 1965. Since then the line has been turned into a local nature reserve and volunteers from the Cheddar Valley Walk Society worked hard to turn it into a walk and cycle route, and work carries on to extend it further. Many other volunteers have added their support and manpower.

Turn along it to the left and follow it all the way to where it bends right, leaving the original rail route, and heads down a track, across a rhyne, to the A370 on the edge of Congresbury.

8. RIVER Just before the main road, cross left over a stile and follow the bank of the River Yeo (crossing en-route the line of the original railway, although you wouldn’t really realise it). Continue, until almost opposite Congresbury Church Spire (over right), you reach a second gate opening in the bank. Don’t go through, but stay in the field and immediately turn left following a hedge on your right. Go on, crossing a rhyne and then bear slightly right across to a stile onto the main Yatton road near Smallway.

Turn right and cross the A370 on islands to go ahead down Smallway. Then right in Kent Road back to the start.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 67

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

IT’S September and I am writing for October, when no doubt autumn will really make itself known. The grassland has made With LES an incredible DAVIES MBE recovery in such a short space of time. I was at Yeo Valley’s Holt farm and was amazed at just how much grass they had.

The third cut silage has finally happened on most farms. It may not be up to normal quantities, but I hope it will go some way to providing extra winter feed. Many will still be worried however, as winter feed stocks have been depleted due to use through the dry summer.

It has been the time for harvest homes and I was invited to East Brent this year.

With a strong claim to be the “Mother of all Harvest Homes” this is a very impressive gathering indeed! It was a feast of medieval magnificence and very well attended by the surrounding area.

I’ve had a chance to look back at this event through some film footage in a display at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. It seems to be just the same today, including the parade of the puddings, with Christmas puddings, originally left over from the Christmas before, being carried around the marquee led by the silver band.

Once these have all been polished off, comes the bread and cheese. No medium sliced white loaf of bread and a 500 gram pack of Cheddar here though. The bread was a specially made loaf that was in my estimation about five feet long and nearly two feet across – for those with a post-1971 education that will be 1.51 metres by 0.61 metres.

This was carried shoulder high on wooden boards, as was the cheese. This cheese is specially made for the harvest home and probably weighed in at around 50 pounds, that’s close to half a hundredweight – around 25 kilos – more than enough to keep the average working man in sandwiches for a while!

If you have had the chance to attend one of these thanksgiving celebrations, please don’t forget to say a special “Thank You” to the small percentage of our population (around 1.4%) who work to grow our food.

With autumn events in mind, I hope that you get your copy of the Mendip Times in time to visit this year’s Mendip Ploughing Society Match at Franklyns Farm, Chewton Mendip on Wednesday, September 26th. For those who find a post code handy, use BA3 4SQ. This will be the 149th match, so watch out for big celebrations next year at the 150th!

It’s a great day out with food and refreshments on site. There will be plenty to see if you have an eye for rural crafts and skills. No doubt there will be more in the next edition and plenty of pictures of the day.

Although I’m sorry to see the end of summer, I find autumn a gentle lead into winter. It’s also a time for preparation. I need to get the saw bench onto the tractor and get a good supply of wood cut and stored whilst it’s still dry. The berries have been wonderful this year, but my apple crop was disappointing.

At least the young trees survived in the orchard – I was thinking they were cursed. Having been eaten by the sheep on their first planting in 2017, I dug them up, cut them right down to the graft union and grew them on at home. I then planted them out again in a wet spring 2018, only to move into the driest summer since 1977.

Add to that, “Bambi” pays the orchard a visit and nibbles off most of the young leaves. Looking at it now, “Bambi” was a great help! Doing that summer pruning for me reduced the water loss from the young tree, thus enabling them to survive the drought. Everything is for a reason, even if you can’t see it at the time.

Back however to the berries. In a sealed bucket at my house there sits three kilos of elderberries soaking, ready for wine making. Now, if all goes well this should be some really good stuff! More than enough sunshine to push the sugar levels through the ceiling this year, so I am hopeful of more than just a few bottles of liquid sunshine for the winter.

If you don’t make a blackberry something-or-another this year, you never will. I can’t remember seeing so many berries on the bushes. Some people still go out and collect them, but many don’t bother. I think if you have been brought up with the foraging culture it never leaves you.

Adrian Boots is always coming up with

good ideas in his column and there are a plethora of recipes around to help you with pies, crumbles, jams, jellies and even gin. I had a very nice bottle of blackberry gin left for me by neighbours who had some of my blackberries (domestic thornless variety) from the bottom of the garden.

So far I have resisted the temptation to try it. After all though, I am a man, a weak and feeble creature, so it will not be too long!

It was always at this time of year when you were able to see a bit of art in the countryside. I well remember some pretty impressive constructions using round bales of straw, that were put up close to A303 in the past. There were also some less impressive structures, promoting an opinion or political statement to be seen around and about the countryside.

On the whole, I think it’s all a bit of fun in a world where we could all do with something to make us smile. One village “scarecrow” that has made me smile, is situated across the road from the Hunters Lodge pub at Priddy. Being a cavers’ pub someone has come up with the idea of having a caver coming out of the ground alongside the roadside finger post.

It’s caused more than a few looks from the passengers of cars as they stop at the crossroads . . . great!

So here he (or she) is, right alongside the road. Surely not another extension discovered in Swildons?

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

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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YEO VALLEY

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Autumn’s bounty

WHAT a fabulous year it has been for blackberries. Sometimes Mother Nature springs a surprise on us, actually she does it very often!

After the long drought I thought the blackberry crop would be black bullets, but far from it. Luscious fruits full of flavour With MARY and one of the joys of the autumn.

PAYNE MBE As the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is in full swing my thoughts have turned to other fruits to enhance our gardens, our plates and also the wildlife.

There is a huge abundance of haws on the hawthorn hedges too although sloes seem to be less abundant in my area, perhaps because the cold late spring saw the pollinating insects stay tucked up in bed.

Apples are smaller than usual due to the dry weather and there is a big problem with brown rot, a fungal disease that causes the fruits to develop creamy circles of pustules on the fruits which rot prematurely.

It is important to pick up and destroy, not compost, affected fruits as those left on the ground are a source of infection for next year. This problem affects both pears and plums.

Crab apples seem to be less affected and are well worth growing both for the ornamental value of their flowers, but also their fruits. There are many varieties to choose from, but I can thoroughly recommend the white flowered Red Sentinel as it hangs onto its fruits until well into the New Year.

Autumn fruiting raspberries are well worth growing. Both Joan J and Autumn Bliss varieties can fruit well into November if the weather permits. The Japanese Wineberry, Rubus phoenicolasius, has orange/red fruits resembling blackberries and has the added value of attractive reddish bristly stems that catch the winter sun.

For fruiting, these are pruned the same as maincrop raspberries, cutting out the fruited stems in the winter, but these can be left for ornamental purposes and cut out in the spring.

For those who would like to grow their own blackberries without thorns then help is at hand in the variety Loch Ness.

This is an improvement on the older Oregon Thornless variety.

Wildlife will appreciate any fruits as the winter approaches and coloured fruits can add valuable interest to the autumn and early winter garden. The evergreen firethorns, Pyracantha, always put on a good show of yellow, red or orange fruits and can be pruned in late summer removing much of the current season’s growth to reveal the fruits.

The Saphyr series have shown good tolerance to a leaf spot disease that can be devastating. Their thorns often put folk off planting them but birds love to nest in them as cats are put off by their thorny growth.

Our native Mountain Ash develop their fruits in late summer and are usually devoured quickly by birds. The fruits of Mountain Ash from further afield such as Chinese and Japanese species, such as Sorbus cashmeriana (white fruits), S. Pink Pagoda (pink fruits) and S. commixta Embley (red fruits) are often left until last. The latter is one of the best Sorbus for autumn colour.

The striking clusters of tiny bright purple fruits on the Beautyberry, Callicarpa Profusion develop best when two or more are planted in close proximity. The flowers are also tiny and easily overlooked but the foliage goes on to develop purple PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Koelreuteria pods

tints in autumn.

Our native spindle, Euonymus europaeus, bears pink fruits enclosing orange seeds and good autumn colour making it a useful addition as a shrub or small tree. Blue coloured berries are hard to find apart from our hedgerow sloe, but Mahonia japonica fruits follow the lily of the valley scented flowers in winter.

One of my favourites for autumn berries is the ubiquitous herring-bone cotoneaster (C. horizontalis). It grows anywhere and seeds freely, has superb red autumn foliage colour which fall to reveal the abundant red berries, loved by blackbirds and when it flowers in early summer it is alive with bees foraging in the tiny flowers that never really open.

In winter when the birds have had their fill the fish-bone pattern of the branches is also attractive. It is ideal for growing on a wall trimming off any forward pointing growth.

Don’t be tempted to cut down all your herbaceous perennials as soon as they have finished blooming. Many of them will give interesting seed heads that will remain all winter.

The black cone-shaped heads of the yellow Rudbeckia are particularly good and look even better when partnered with some orange or red winter stems of dogwoods and the buff shades of ornamental grasses.

The whorled seed heads of Phlomis russelliana set above evergreen basal foliage are also excellent. The birds will enjoy picking out the seeds and you will enjoy watching them.

Some plants have really thrived in the heat of summer and have put on a spectacular show of flower. The hardy Hibiscus is one such plant bearing an abundance of white, blue or pink flowers. The golden rain tree, Koelreuteria, is another and has even set large heads of seed pods (see picture).

Even the rampant growth of the trumpet vine (Campsis) has this year ended in flamboyant orange/red trumpet flowers. It has been a good year for roses too but only those with single or semi-double blooms give a good crop of rose hips for autumn interest.

There are always winners and losers in life and it is much the same in the garden. Some plants loved the heat and others have really struggled and may still be showing the after-effects for some time to come.

Autumn’s bounty has come as a welcome relief for wildlife and gardeners alike but what will winter hold in store for us all?

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OCTOBER GARDEN TIPS

If your borders look full and there appears to be no room for bulbs, pot them into largish pots or pond baskets so that they can be dropped into the gaps which will inevitably appear as winter approaches.

Taller tulips and daffodils can easily be grown this way.

Lift dahlia roots and store them in a frost free place for winter. Cut the tops back to about 8-10cm and stand them upside down for a few days to let the excess water drain out of the stems.

Finish bulb planting now, the sooner they are in the ground, the sooner they will start rooting and the better they will perform next year.

If badgers dig up tulip bulbs, plant them in a buried cage made of chicken wire.

Step up the bird feeding this month, a variety of feeds will bring a variety of birds to your garden.

Don’t rush to cut off flower seed heads as these could provide free bird food.

Put up ladybird, lacewing or mason bee overwintering lodges to help these useful insects overwinter. They will help you with pest control next year!

Install a shelter for toads, hedgehog and bat boxes.

Both these will encourage these very useful and interesting mammals to visit your garden.

Install a birdbath. Birds need to maintain their feathers as much in winter as summer.

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MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 71

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Wanstrow holds a successful show

Farmborough Flower Show

Admiring the Farmborough residents’ section

THE Wanstrow Harvest Show attracted some 200 entries from 56 entrants. Bob Bramley won the vegetable trophy and Audrey Ball top prize for flowers.

The event is organised by Dawn Bryant, Nichola Bartlett, Liz Sargent, Tracey Travers, Julia Gratton and Curtis Bartlett.

Details: enquiries@wanstrowvillagehall.co.uk

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The prize-giving

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

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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GARDENING

Award-winning gardeners

Before

PURN Landscapes is a leading landscape construction and maintenance company based in Somerset and started by principal Alistair Miles in 2015.

Alistair studied garden design at world-renowned KLC School of Design and went on to manage major projects for Randle Siddeley’s of London for five years.

Alistair has had several years of success at Chelsea Flower Show. Along with supplying and running landscaping equipment such as the state of the art Avant loader and handler, he and the team have gone on to deliver award-winning gardens.

The construction team at Purn Landscapes have hard and soft landscaping expertise to deliver beautiful gardens – making the most of outside space for lifestyle, beauty and practicality.

Alistair and his team take pride in their gardens and landscapes looking established and developed from the moment they are completed.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business

PERFECT PAVE After

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 • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 73

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Cricket groundsman honoured

Phil (left) with club president Ian MacDonald

MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club has awarded life membership to head groundsman Phil Mortimer in recognition of his work at the Withies Lane ground.

Phil prepares pitches and practice areas for senior men’s, women’s and junior cricket. He also serves as the club’s welfare officer and represents the club at countless league meetings throughout the year.

And he still plays cricket – as well as the lifetime award, Phil received the Third XI bowling award at the club’s annual presentation night.

GARDENING

Banwell Horticulture Show

Winners with their trophies. Pictured back row (l to r) Martin Bould, Sonia Mitchell, Denis Beck, Steve Parkinson, Barry Taylor; front row (l to r) Hillary Bibb, Jade Longmoor and Jacki Parkinson.

Steve Parkinson (mixed veg) receiving his trophy from chairman Tom Couch

Professional advice

IT’S been a fantastic summer this year, one of the hottest on record. For many of us, this has meant that we have been able to spend more time out in our gardens than ever.

Now that the autumn is drawing in, garden designer Eliza Gray has advice on how we can plan ahead for next year.

She said: “The autumn and winter are a great time to reflect on how we use our outside spaces, and make some plans.

Maybe you found that the view from your garden bench was a little uninspiring, you were lacking late summer colour in your borders or that there wasn’t quite enough room for everyone on the terrace.

“Getting a professional in to plan how you would like your garden to be in the future can help you to enjoy the time you spend outdoors, and avoid costly mistakes.”

Eliza offers a range of services from one-off consultations (which are popular as gifts) through to full garden and planting redesigns.

Details: www.elizagraygardens.co.uk

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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Wellow Flower Show and Country Fair

Boules was popular

Preparing for the dog show Admiring the cakes

EVENTS

The barbecue was busy

Mini-catapults were fun

Hugo Merican and Mckenzie Love get to grips with a boa constrictor from Just Snakes Rescue, Bradford on Avon

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 75

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Bath College offers a wide range of courses BATH College provides vocational and academic courses in a wide range of subjects and they can help you to find a suitable course to make sure you have the knowledge and skills for your chosen career.

As the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath and North East Somerset, they also offer excellent opportunities for young people to earn and learn on the job.

Their City Centre Campus gives students the opportunity to be in the middle of Bath’s vibrant atmosphere, which is easily accessible from Bristol, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. Courses available include art and design, photography, business, hospitality and catering, hairdressing, complementary therapy, health and social care, IT, media, music and sport.

Based in Radstock, Bath College’s Somer Valley campus offers a rural setting for a wide range of courses.

The beautiful campus grounds house the Animal Care, Animal Management

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

and Veterinary courses and provide the perfect location for horticulture apprentices to train.

The Somer Valley Campus is home to a state of the art Construction Skills Centre. It has large electric, engineering, carpentry, brickwork, stonemasonry, woodwork, plumbing and refrigeration workshops as well as a purpose-built painting and decorating centre and motor vehicle workshop.

Bath College also has a large number of foundation learning programmes for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a new SEND centre at Somer Valley Campus.

Go to one of their upcoming open events to discuss your future: Somer Valley Campus: Thursday, October 11th 4pm-8pm.

City Centre Campus: Saturday, October 20th 10am-1pm.

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Downs is outstanding

EDUCATION

WHAT distinguishes The Downs from other schools? Most obviously they enjoy a wonderful setting: 70 acres of stunning parkland and woodland, which is used to enhance the children’s development.

Put very simply their children are extremely happy; they hugely enjoy school, while they are undoubtedly challenged - in all areas - and importantly they experience disappointment.

In doing so the school seeks to develop resilience, perseverance and courage, traits of fortitude that will serve them well in later life. In doing so vitally they also provide exceptional pastoral care.

St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 4BD ‘Growing Together Through Christ’

Where every day is an OPEN DAY

Please call 01761 418594 to make an appointment We are a smaller than average school and pride ourselves on our caring approach and our ability to meet every child’s needs, helping them develop and ensure they reach their full potential, whilst growing in the love of Christ. We welcome children of all faiths. We also offer wrap-around care as well as an independent on-site Nursery Come and see for yourselves what the St Benedict’s experience can do for your child.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 77

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Arnhem remembered at 40th annual service

By Mark Adler

YOUNG and old gathered at Double Hills at Paulton to pay their respects to 23 men who were on their way to the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 when their glider crashed nearby.

It was the 40th service to be held on the land after a campaign for a permanent memorial led to a dedication service in 1979.

The glider – with 21 sappers and two crew – was on its way from RAF Keevil in Wiltshire to Arnhem when the aircraft broke up in the skies over Paulton, killing all on board.

Among the witnesses was a young boy called Ken Warren – now Sir Ken – who tried with others to rescue the men. Sir Ken, a patron of Double Hills and retired Conservative MP, was amongst those who gave an address at this year’s service. He was injured when the wreckage exploded.

The event is organised by members of the Royal Engineers Association and this year’s service also paid a special tribute to the glider pilots to mark the creation of the Glider Pilot Regiment Society.

Arriving for the service at Double Hills

Peter Yeates, who oversees the running of the event each year, addresses the audience

Hilary Daniel, of Frome, with programme sellers Thomas, aged 11 and Mackenzie, aged seven. Hilary was representing the Royal Observer Corps

Local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg arrives in the back of an historic military vehicle PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

The official party arrives for the service

Lt. Col Rex Nicholls, a former glider pilot, pays his respects

Next year’s service will take place on Sunday, September 1st. It will

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HISTORY

Veteran glider pilot John Setter attended the service for the first time

A section of the large crowd who gathered for the ceremony

Review officer Colonel Alex Willman, commandant of the Army Aviation Centre

An emotional Sir Ken Warren: A sadness lives deeply within me to have been so powerless to do anything of value

A flypast of two historic army aircraft

A minute’s silence to remember the fallen

Many wreaths were laid, some by relatives of the men killed

t will also mark the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 79

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Residents hit back at councillor’s claims

RE: New Town “threat to the Mendips” (MT August 2018) by Mendip Bystander and “Council hits back at ‘new town’ claim” – MT September by Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, deputy leader North Somerset Council.

Thank you, Mendip Bystander, for alerting so many people to this proposal for a new dormitory town which everyone is now talking about in horror. Thank you for pointing out to us the foibles of North Somerset Council as highlighted by Mr Ap Rees’ blistering response in September issue MT. Mr Ap Rees writes as if this new dormitory town is going to be built come what may. Not true. What arrogance! He leads us to believe that the new dormitory town, Mendip Spring, Churchill, has been consulted upon and is included in the finalised Site Allocations Plan.

Let me correct this confusion. The new dormitory town is not in the approved Site Allocations Plan (i.e. not an approved development location until 2026). It is still just a proposal in the West of England Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) which has not yet been through the Independent Public Examination process. Neither Mr Ap Rees nor his crystal ball can possibly prejudge the outcome of that process.

To refer to the New Town article as “Utter Hogwash” displays the arrogance of a council which is hell bent on destroying the beauty and tranquility of

the countryside of the Mendip Hills AONB, one of North Somerset’s greatest assets.

No mention of course about how North Somerset Council intends to create the thousands of jobs needed in the countryside, with earnings enough to support a mortgage and the average 2.3 vehicles that each house will generate in order to get anywhere at all.

I know as well as everyone else that driving into Bristol in the morning is traffic jam from the airport onwards.

Bristol is one of the fastest growing economies in the country. This is where the jobs will be. Houses should be built close to employment in Bristol. Bristol is being strangled by the green belt but Mr Ap Rees appears to be happy to allow precious agricultural land to be turned into urban sprawl here in Churchill.

Where are all these commuters going to park? I know – how about a new Park and Ride in the green belt? After all the South Bristol Ring Road runs through the very same green belt land that North Somerset council will not even assess in terms of alternative housing development scenarios because it is already owned by a developer and thus NSC won’t get a cut.

Clearly Mr Ap Rees and his team don’t give a jot about where people want to live and work, only the short-term gains to be made by creating dormitory towns and congested routes into Bristol on the A370

“New town” claim – CALRAG response FOLLOWING the Mendip Bystander’s very informative and actually extremely accurate account of what is in the pipeline in North Somerset which will affect the Mendip Hills, Mr Ap Rees writes in his article that the council has “engaged with parish councils and CALRAG and will continue to do so”.

On behalf of CALRAG (Churchill and Langford Residents’ Action Group) I can categorically inform you that this is not the case. “Engagement” means talking and taking note of each other’s issues to reach a sensible solution.

Sadly, in terms of engagement, letters to councillors including copies to Mr Ap Rees go unanswered. Officers have held only one meeting with us since the launch of the JSP consultation last year. At the meeting, we tried to present the officers with a snapshot of our paper, “An alternative Solution – a Different Perspective” churchilldevelopment.co.uk/documents The document and a petition of almost 5000 signatures remain ignored and unacknowledged.

Engagement? Not yet, but we still remain hopeful. Our paper proves that we have fully taken on board North Somerset’s plight to respond to the government’s housing

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

and A38.

Mr Ap Rees says that they are working on “improving public transport links”.

What a joke! Bus services are being cut all over the country and North Somerset appears to be leading the way. There is no local bus from Churchill to Bristol. A recent Sunday route serving the villages has now disappeared.

No mention of the higher skilled jobs that could support a mortgage. What company will set up miles from anywhere?

Circa 300 houses are already going up in Churchill and Langford villages (almost 50% increase in the parish) with 30-40% much-needed but so-called “affordable” housing. Of course house buyers will also need more than one car to get anywhere.

Wake up Mr Ap Rees, and smell the countryside – experience the phenomenal spirit of village life here, a mixed and vibrant community across all ages who help each other to rely less on council services.

Your plans for the Mendip Spring new dormitory town are unnecessary, unsustainable, unviable, undeliverable, lack public transport and as the name implies has high flood issues – Mendip lovers will have their say in the May 2019 council elections.

Terry Wilson Langford

targets and have presented an alternative solution highlighting job creation near Bristol.

Now it is for NS Council to respond to our plight to preserve our countryside for all to enjoy when there is already affordable housing going up in Churchill and an excellent alternative site on offer near Bristol adjacent to the new South Bristol Ring Road, where people want to live, cycle/walk to employment and cultural life.

Jan Murray Co-Chair, CALRAG 01934 853518 churchilldevelopment.co.uk CALRAG is a team of 40+ residents with a further 650+ mailing list of those who wish to be kept informed of what is happening regarding the West of England Joint Spatial Plan.

CALGRAG has many professionals with a wide range of relevant skills who are happy to give of their time to assist whenever called upon. We are not NIMBY, we believe that development must be good development – development in the right place.

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READER’S OPINION

Mendip development plans – the view from Bristol I WAS shocked to see in your September issue the response from Cllr Elfan Ap Rees to an earlier article by the "Mendip Bystander" which I have now read.

The plans for the Mendip Spring Garden Village have not been well publicised and it is only now that I am discovering the extent of what is planned and the adverse impact it could have on all of the Mendip Vale and the nearby Mendip Hills.

This area is hugely popular with those of us in Bristol who enjoy getting out at weekends to walk and cycle in the area.

For a new town (and given the sheer number of houses proposed to be built that is what it is) to be built in an area without any prospect of adequate

infrastructure is going to result in a great increase in traffic congestion and pollution which will affect the surrounding villages which will diminish the quality of life of those villages and those of us who presently enjoy visiting them.

I'm sure that I speak for many Bristolians when I say how disappointed I am at Cllr Ap Rees's lightweight and thinly reasoned response to the well-founded concerns expressed by the "Mendip Bystander".

The North Somerset Council would do well to look at creating more housing nearer to Bristol where the infrastructure already exists together with a need for local housing. Surely commuting from Churchill as opposed

An alternative view on climate change IN an article entitled “Why extreme weather is the new norm”

by Angela Terry in the September edition of Mendip Times I was dismayed, as a scientist, that she offers no references for her assertions about climate change.

She states “the 20 warmest years on record have all come since 1995”. According to the world’s longest temperature record the Central England Temperature CET, only 12 of the top 20 annual mean temperatures have been since 1995.

The top 20 also include the years of 1733 (16th), 1779 (20th), 1834 (14th), 1921 (15th), 1949 (6th), 1959 (13th), 1989 (11th), and 1990 (4th).

As the CET record started in 1659, during the Little Ice Age, it is hardly surprising that temperatures have been rising.

Ms Terry also says “Protecting the young, pregnant and the elderly is vital in a warmer world.” According to the NHS and the Office of National Statistics, considerably more people die during cold weather (in winter) than in warmer weather (summer).

On the subject of temperatures, I have been collecting raw (unhomogenised) daily (48x ½ hourly observations) weather for 27 locations in the UK for the last 20 years. There has been no statistically significant trend in annual mean temperatures for those 20 years.

She says “The significant increase in temperatures has also impacted water availability, crop yields, productivity and wellbeing.”

Crops – DEFRA/National Statistics, www.gov.uk wheat, barley, oil seed rape and oats have all increased yields since 2000.

Wellbeing – my research shows there has been no significant change in wellbeing since 1998. Mortality rates are much lower in Jun/Jul/Aug than Dec/Jan/Feb. Water availability - according to the seven main waters authorities reservoir levels range between 50-97% as of September 3rd 2018.

She states “As well as more heat waves, extreme weather events, such as droughts, hurricanes and wild fires are also

to the alternative site at Ashton Vale will have a huge environmental impact due to the inevitable pollution and congestion.

It seems very surprising that they should be so resistant to seriously considering the development of poor quality green belt land in Ashton Vale.

This leads one to speculate whether the choice of the development in Churchill involves some financial advantage for North Somerset at the expense of the true interests of the residents of North Somerset and those of us in Bristol.

I hope that serious consideration will be given to the current proposals and their impact on all involved.

Cara Stibbs Clifton, Bristol

increasing due to global warming”.

Heat waves are very much regional not global; droughts, again regional but no significant change; extreme weather events, not true, accumulated cyclone energy https://www.esrl.noaa.gov; wild fires, no significant change.

She says “The biggest impact on the UK is not heat but rising sea level that increasingly threaten our low-lying, coastal communities”.

Well let’s just have a look at the longest running record of sea levels in the UK, Newlyn and North Shields https://www.psmsl.org/about_us/ data can be found here.

It shows there’s not a very big threat: 1.82 mm/year and 1.92 mm/year. Well within the ability of local authorities to build an extra foot of sea defences within the next 100 years. And don’t forget isostatic bounce from the last ice age is changing our geology, the land is rising in Scotland and lowering in the South East.

Carbon dioxide – the theory is from an experiment in a glass bottle in a laboratory, that CO2 increases temperature in the atmosphere, but it is just that - a theory. Real world experimental evidence suggests otherwise.

CO2 is 406 part per million in the atmosphere as of August 31st, 2018, which equates to 0.00406% of atmospheric gases.

Man-made CO2 according to the IPPC is 3% of total CO2 and hence 0.000128% of atmospheric gases. So what effect has mankind?

Whilst there has been a 12.5% increase in overall levels of CO2 in the UK over the last 20 years, there has been no statistically significant change in mean temperatures.

As Ms Angela claims to be an environmental scientist, I am astonished her assertions are not backed up by rigorous research and references to identify the real facts to what she spouts.

All of my information is collected from official government sources, peer reviewed papers and my own research.

Neil Catto FRMetS Chewton Mendip MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 81

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Baltonsborough Village Show

Ivy, aged two and a half, on a Fergie tractor with owner Keith Lintern The Avalonian Free State Choir after their performance

Admiring the produce entries in the marquee

Kay Franklin, Alan Brian and Adrian Thomas, from the villagebased charity Rowan Romania. The charity takes aid to psychiatric hospital patients in Zarnesti

The colour run is now a regular feature of the show PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Roger White, from The Village Folk band

Lindsey Baldaro, from Crewkerne, with Rubie (right) a Romanian rescue dog and her best friend Dixie. The pair are inseparable. Rubie won the best cross-breed class

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EVENTS

Colefordians defy the rain

MEMBERS of the Coleford Revival Group were determined to press ahead with their annual village show despite heavy downpours.

The marquee on the playing field was packed during the day with villagers and visitors alike enjoying live music and entertainment. Some stallholders packed up early, but others stayed. Youngsters defied the rain to take part in a football tournament.

The day raises funds for the group which, in turn, organises events and activities for people of all ages in the village.

Members of the Coleford Revival Group who organised the event

No way! Too nervous at first to hold one of the reptiles being cared for by the Just Snakes Rescue charity, based near Frome, this teenager eventually takes a liking for one of them Keith Marshall received the Ted Phillips Cup for services to the community – he goes out on a one-man litterpick to keep the village tidy

(l:r) Eileen Smith, from the Coleford Tuesday Club, Robin Bradley, from the Court Café group, and Marilyn Burrows, from the Coleford Club, received cheques from the revival group

Electric Rooster entertain the crowd in the main marquee

For details, visit www.colefordrevivalgroup.org or find them on Facebook

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Mendip’s longest and deepest

THERE is often much speculation as to which of Mendip’s caves is longest or deepest. It is not a straightforward question, as the given length for a cave is the sum of all of the lengths of the passages making up the system.

Similarly, we refer to vertical range, not With PHILIP depth, as some caves ascend into the hill HENDY rather than going down, and others do both.

For example, both Wookey Hole and Gough’s Caves have high level series, leading far higher than the entrances, but they also have deep flooded passages which go below sea level.

Currently Swildon’s Hole holds the record for length, both in terms of total passage length (9,200 metres), but also the distance from entrance to the farthest point reached, Sump XII (around 2,400 metres).

The deepest cave is at Charterhouse. Longwood Swallet descends 175 metres from the entrance blockhouse to the terminal sump in The Slot.

There is a slight correlation between a cave’s length and depth, but several anomalies occur. For example, Stoke Lane Slocker is 2,250 metres long, but only has a vertical range of 40 metres.

Part of this range is due to high level passages beyond Sump I, where the discovery of archaeological material suggests the existence of a choked entrance high on the hillside above the stream sink, which is where cavers enter the cave. The streamway itself has a very low gradient.

The maximum depth of any individual cave is only part of the whole system, when we consider the total potential between the highest stream sink and the resurgence. We do not have the thickness of limestone found in areas such as South Wales, Derbyshire and Yorkshire, so inevitably our caves cannot reach the depths found there.

The highest point of Mendip, Beacon Batch, is 325 metres above sea level, with the levels to north and south at around 30 and 20 metres respectively. The summits are composed of sandstone, so cave development is not possible until the limestone is reached.

This gives a potential maximum system depth of 250 metres.

The altitude difference between the highest swallet to feed Gough’s Cave, Bowery Corner Swallet, is 234 metres, and for Wookey Hole, the upper sink, Eastwater Cavern, is only 174 metres above resurgence level. In spite of much effort by cave diggers, the prospect of a through trip from top to bottom remains a distant dream.

Due to earth movements which have forced the underlying sandstone above the limestone at high points such as Blackdown and North Hill, the limestone beds dip, at around 50o – 80o on the north flank, and 25o to 30o on the south.

Cave development tends to follow the bedding planes between the rock beds, or the joints, the perpendicular cracks within the beds. Therefore although some caves have vertical pitches, and some such as Pinetree Pot or Hunters’ Hole could be classed as Yorkshire-type potholes, such occurrences are rare.

Most of the currently known caves descend relatively gently and the pitches tend to be short. There are, of course, exceptions.

Primrose Pot in Eastwater Cavern is 57 metres deep, in three

CAVING

Nut Pitch in Spider Hole

stages, while the descent of High Atlas in Thrupe Lane Swallet is 100 metres.

Some recent Mendip digs have however started to reveal deep shafts, usually where the limestone beds are vertical or horizontal.

The first surprise was a dig with which I was associated, Lodmore Hole on the Yoxter Ranges. The bedding here is vertical and the shaft we dug was 37 metres deep, following a smooth bedding surface almost to the bottom.

The team later turned its attention to Templeton, believed to be in a prime location between the Priddy swallets and Wookey Hole.

Over more than 15 years, an almost vertical shaft of around 100 metres deep has been excavated, with the only lateral development being near the bottom. Lying on a fault, the limestone beds here are horizontal.

Near the top end of Cheddar Gorge, cavers dug the end of the short Spider Hole to find a deep rift, which has been dug almost vertically downwards to a depth in excess of 97 metres. High above the gorge, there are strong rumours that another deep shaft has recently been discovered.

Some of these statistics are bound to change, as cavers continually dig and discover new passages. The last edition of the Mendip caver’s bible, ‘Mendip Underground’, was published in 2013. It describes the vast majority of our caves, but became out of date almost immediately due to new discoveries.

A new version is currently being prepared and it will be interesting to see what changes have occurred to the league table in the last five years.

Following their acclaimed film describing Dan yr Ogof cave in South Wales, Andy and Antonia Freem have turned their attention to St. Cuthbert’s Swallet at Priddy. This is one of our longest and most beautiful caves.

The premier of ‘Tales from Cuthbert’s’ will be shown at Priddy Village Hall on Saturday, October 13th at 7.30pm. There is a small admission charge and a bar will be available.

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.

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

(Photograph by Peter Hann)

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Council’s record year

IT’S been another record year for house building across Bath and North East Somerset with 1,245 new homes constructed – the most in the authority’s 22-year history.

Council figures show this is the third year running construction targets have been exceeded, helping to ease the housing pressure in the district.

The council has set targets for delivering 13,000 new homes, including 3,290 affordable units, between April 2011 and March 2029. The new builds are spread across the district with 398 constructed in Bath, 416 in Keynsham, 285 in the Somer Valley and 146 in rural locations.

Of the new builds, 192 were new affordable homes constructed by the council’s housing association partners on 13 sites. ● The council has been shortlisted for a top award at the Royal Town Planning Institute South West Awards for Planning Excellence.

The regeneration of former railway land in Radstock is one of only eight projects, plans and policies vying for the coveted Excellence in Planning Delivery Award.

The project involved the restoration of the town centre through development of the former railway lands with appropriate housing, retail, heritage and community facilities.

South West rides the property tide

SALES growth in the South West was solid during August, but prospects for the coming months are less positive, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

It says there was a net balance of 19% more chartered surveyors reporting an increase in newly agreed sales in our region, while nationally the newly agreed sales net balance saw 10% more respondents recording a fall rather than a rise in August.

This represents the most negative reading in five months.

Regionally, after a sharp fall in activity at the end of last year, current sales trends are stabilising in London, but it says momentum is still slipping across East Anglia and the wider South East.

And despite a strong month it says sales expectations for the coming months are less positive, with a net balance of 13% more respondents predicting a decline in sales across the South West for the remainder of the year.

The survey showed demand from new buyers nationally remains flat, reflecting a slightly more cautious approach from property purchasers. It says this is somewhat unsurprising in the wake of the Bank of England’s decision to increase interest rates in August alongside the broader political and economic uncertainty.

On the lettings market it says the latest numbers point to a further decline in fresh rental stock in August, a trend that has been emerging on the back of tax changes on Buy-to-Let properties, while tenant demand continues to rise firmly.

Rents are therefore expected to rise at a faster rate than house prices in the medium term, with average rental growth projections standing at around 3% per annum over the next five years whilst prices are projected to rise by around 2% on the same basis.

Stone recycling with SRM Construction

PROPERTY

BASED in the rolling Mendip hills and operating across the whole of Southern England, SRM is a family business, with deep roots in the construction and

farming industries alike.

Their competent team provide a huge variety of construction services with a special focus on the use of recycled materials. Whether that’s a pothole-free, stable track or on-site mobile crushing and screening assistance that you’re after – they can deliver!

Save money, time and the environment with their superfast recycling service. All of their services cut down on the need for materials and heavy machinery, making it the most environmentally-friendly way to improve.

Time and money are precious. Their recycling service is super-fast and won’t break the bank, so you can be back on the right path in no time.

By using recycled materials on site, they eliminate the need for disruptive heavy delivery vehicles. The process is lightning quick so it’s over before you know it.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 85

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Winscombe Michaelmas Fair

North Somerset Samba in action

Winscombe Members of Winscombe Contact Scheme, which needs more drivers for the community bus (l to r) Rachael Bentley, Jenny Lester and Joy Cox Winscombe Community Singers

Serving teas (l to r) Rachael Bentley, Jenny Lester, Joy Cox, Lisa Sinnett and Tim Sinnett Admiring the exhibits

Throwing bean bags was fun PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Elodie Marsh meets Midget the little owl

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EVENTS

Merriment in Merriman

A FAMILY fun day in Merriman Park in Street attracted a large crowd for stalls and entertainment.

The afternoon and evening event was the fourth to be organised by the Merriman Park Community Group which fundraises to improve and expand the facilities and attractions available.

Alena, aged four, and one-year-old Jolanda

Some of the event organisers who helped make the day a big success

Tor RFC juniors gave a display of their rugby skills

Viking re-enactment group Draca Beordor – members come from across Mendip. Find them on Facebook

Clear as a bell: Trinity Handbells

A big hit: Sumo wrestling

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 87

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A healthy debate on Brexit

THE next election could be on May 5th, 2022 or it could be in three months’ time, such is the chaos that Brexit has brought to our bickering politicians. Here are my thoughts.

Does Brexit mean Brexit?

Clearly not. I’ve counted myriad

By Dr PHIL versions of Brexit, ranging from HAMMOND Labour’s Customs Union, to the government’s Chequers proposal to Norway, Norway +, Norway ++, Canada, Canada +, Canada ++ and No Deal.

The enthusiasts for each deal wrongly claim to have intimate knowledge of “what the people voted for”. E.g.

“People didn’t vote to keep one flipper in the Common Fisheries Policy” etc.

What we do know is that people voted in record numbers – including many who had never voted for anything before – in the hope that Brexit would make their life better. And if our politicians screw this up, some people may give up voting ever again.

So how would you do Brexit?

I’d ague that leaving the EU is a massive social experiment, just as joining it was. The formation of the NHS, too, was a massive social experiment 70 years ago but had the advantage that 96% of the population signed up for it. The EU, in or out, has always split the nation in half because some people benefit far more from it than others.

All complex experiments are unpredictable and we learn most from failures on the way. I voted remain because, like an untested drug, I’m not yet convinced the benefits of leaving will outweigh the harms, and I think it may take 30 years or more for the true picture to emerge (or less if the Euro collapses).

But I respect the referendum result. The scale of the Brexit task is so great, our politicians should have formed a coalition government at the very outset, with the best brains on all sides collaborating as grown-ups to come up with the best possible plan to put to the EU knowing it would be agreed by Parliament.

Instead, parties are using Brexit as a weapon to change leader or bring down the government, so even if a deal is agreed with Brussels, it may not get through Parliament, and a “no deal” almost certainly won’t.

So we end up with a Peoples’ Vote?

We might, but that just gets politicians off the hook from doing their job. If the deal is so bad that the majority of the country wants to have another say then so be it, but then what? Probably a general election and – looking at the polls – probably another hung parliament.

Ultimately the only solution to all the complex problems facing us – Brexit, global warming, health and social care, poverty, pensions – is for politicians to be guided by experts and evidence, and to collaborate across parties for the common good rather than shout and scheme each other into oblivion. Two party politics is broken. It’s time to grow up and work together. What do you think?

Dr Phil is a PPC for North East Somerset, but will stand down if a better candidate emerges.

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Plop the Raindrop

DID you have a good summer? I’ve not been able to see much of you lot as we water droplets have been off around the world for most of this year so far, apart from the odd downpour in August. I hope that didn’t spoil the school holidays too much for you.

My friends and I have been falling as rain a lot more than we usually do in many other parts of the world. Some of us always go to the tropics in their monsoon season, to help water their crops. But there were so many of us all together in Kerala, in southern India, that I’m so sorry to say we caused a lot of flooding and huge problems for people.

But we really don’t have a choice, honestly. We have to go where the wind and weather take us. One day recently I found I was flying over the Himalayas, the highest mountain range on earth and really spectacular, then the wind changed and took us all to Japan.

It was horrible. Billions of us fell out of the clouds and we caused landslides. We don’t deliberately set out to flood people’s homes and harm them, but that’s what’s been happening a lot around the world.

Some say people are to blame for changing the weather. I don’t know. But from one day to the next I really don’t know where I will end up. It’s definitely worrying.

Everywhere was fairly dry here for most of the summer but I managed to get back in time for Frome Cheese Show and the odd fete and ploughing match. Some of the ploughmen even complained the ground was still too hard and crumbly! They can be a miserable lot. Farmers always seem to moan about the weather – but it is not our fault!

Some of my friends had slept for thousands of years in ice at the north pole, then this summer they melted away and recently turned up in the Cam Brook at Camerton. As you can imagine, it was a bit of a shock for them, being stuck in ice one minute, plunging into the sea, evaporating into the sky and then dropping down into Camerton.

But it was really nice for the rest of us to see some of them again.

A bit like going back to school in September and seeing all the friends that you’ve not seen over the holidays. And making some new ones!

Actually, they’re really enjoying a bit of a holiday. Can you imagine being stuck in a single place for so long, without being able to escape? Also a bit like being at school. Now they have lots of new friends too! One told me he’d spent a very enjoyable fortnight inside a trout.

I’ve done that and it’s a bit smelly.

Some people actually eat fish, which sounds pretty disgusting. But I don’t need to eat anything, since I am one of the elements that makes up the earth. I’m indestructible, better than Superman, and can run with my friends as water, steam or ice or any of those three.

I’ve been told that the Elements are earth, water, fire, air and space.

I’ve been under the earth, sunk in the oceans, evaporated into the air and stuck in space as a bogey on Tim Peake’s nose. Did you know that Tim was the first British astronaut on the Russian space station?

That was really interesting, as you can imagine. But now I’ve been swallowed by a pike in Chew Valley Lake. I hope I’m not stuck here for too long – I’d like to be able to get out in time to see the fireworks next month…

Mendip Grandad

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Home praised by inspectors

Foot specialist

THEA Mirfin DipFH MCFHP MAFHP is a Level 4 foot health professional and registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals covering a wide area from her base in Glastonbury, bringing her expertise to patients when they are unable to travel to have their feet attended to.

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STANTON Court Nursing Home say they are delighted with their recent CQC report, rating them as Good in all areas following a recent unannounced inspection.

The report said: “The service was well-led. Systems and processes were embedded and enabled quality care to be delivered.”

Staff, residents, families and the local community celebrated with a garden party in the grounds of the home.

Chef Clare and the team provided afternoon tea, with entertainment from The Twerzles.

The home provides nursing, residential and respite care for up to 30 residents in the village of Stanton Drew.

The company’s Laurels Care Home in Draycott received a similar rating. It provides long-term residential and respite care for up to 21 residents.

Local business flourishes

LATE last year, Priddy resident Karin Baynes bought the Courtyard Natural Therapy Centre as a going concern, operating from listed premises that used to be the Mitre Hotel in Wells.

She’s undertaken a full refurbishment and hired some specialised therapists and now she’s keen to introduce herself locally as the practice manager.

Karin said: “During my recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome, I received the benefits of time, emotional support and focused healing techniques from

the complementary health sector.

“I’m particularly delighted to be serving highly qualified practitioners as they focus on enhancing conventional medical care, with nurturing treatments that boost the body’s own healing mechanisms.”

If you have any questions about your self-care practice or complementary health, get in touch with Karin and she will gladly assist you with your choices.

Details: Karin Baynes 01749 673070 www.thecourtyardwells.co.uk Like them on Facebook to enter their competitions.

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MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 89

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Joined-up thinking – will it work?

SOMERSET County Council says it has been helping utility companies to join forces to keep disruption to a minimum during a major scheme of essential works along the A371 between Draycott and Rodney Stoke this autumn.

The authority has helped Wales & West Utilities, Bristol Water and Gigaclear team up to ensure their much-needed works are co-ordinated to cause as little disruption as possible for motorists.

The road has been subject to several water leaks and gas repairs in recent times and mains renewal works by Wales & West Utilities and Bristol Water cannot be delayed any longer. Gigaclear also needs to install fibre cable in the area this year as part of the ongoing project to deliver superfast broadband.

All three schemes require a road closure and are being planned jointly in conjunction with the council to minimise disruption as much as possible.

A combined scheme will begin on Monday, October 1st and run through to March with works split into phases.

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “None of these works are county council works, but this is a great example of how we can help other organisations

work together to minimise disruption to the public.

“A road closure is always the last resort, but here we have three essential schemes where no other options are possible. Everyone always says, why dig up the road three times – why not work together? We’re doing the right thing by encouraging collaboration to ensure all three projects are completed as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

Further information including details of each phase of work and a combined Q&A sheet can be found at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/A37 1. This will be updated as the scheme progresses. You can also stay up to date with the latest on the roads by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter.

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Pensford End of Summer Fair

Spidermen and lions (l to r) Sam, Maddie, Josh and Phoebe

Lola and Jess selling stress balloons

Selling organic fruit and veg (l to r) top row Pauline and David Erskine and Holly Risdale, bottom row Chris Lawrence and Sue Cox

The Guide Dogs stand (l to r) Debbie Lambert, Jane Crumpton and Andrew Goddard and his seven-year-old guide dog Sammy PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

The Plinks, who entertained visitors (l to r) Mike Hicks, Rick Lanham and Barry Walsh, with Steve Parratt and Louisa Walsh (front)

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Allerton Harvest Home

EVENTS

Sounds of summer in Shepton Mallet

A SUMMER of events in Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park came to an end with an afternoon of music headlined by the Drystones.

Families picnicked on the grass to enjoy the free Music in the Park which also featured the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band and the Mangledwurzels.

Events in the autumn include a Halloween-themed Spooktacular on Wednesday, October 24th, organised by the team from the Collett Park Café.

The Drystones on the bandstand

The park hosted a number of live music events over the summer

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 93

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Fundraiser wanted

PEASEDOWN Party in the Park is looking for a new voluntary fundraising manager to join its team of organisers, following Mike Auton’s decision to step down after eight years in the post.

Since 2008 the event has grown to be one of the biggest in the district with up to 3,000 people attending. Over the past decade, £25,000 has been secured in funding – with every single penny going towards festival costs and expenses.

Cups and cuppas in Sue’s garden

The tea party underway

Details: nathan.hartley@peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

Water aid

WESSEX Water is offering financial support to grassroots groups that bring people together, with grants of up to £1,500 to organisations that build cohesion in communities, with priority given to smaller groups that work in areas of financial deprivation or rural isolation.

The fund is being delivered across the West Country by local community foundations.

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/wessexwater

New church trail

MIDSOMER Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel president Sue Hopkins marked the start of her year in office with a tea party which also celebrated the club’s success in collecting more than 1,000 bras for underprivileged women in other parts of the globe, especially Africa.

Sue’s garden was festooned with bras that will soon be off to new owners or sold to raise funds for a breast cancer research charity.

The club’s next monthly meeting is on Wednesday, September 26th at the Old Down Inn at Emborough when Judy Ray Bliss will give members an insight into “The Season” in 18th century Bath.

New members are always welcome. Contact Sue on 07944 298036 or Elaine on 07543 973666.

AFTER seven months of varying weather conditions, all repair works to the vestry of Holy Trinity Church, Newton St Loe have been finalised, thanks to contractors Ellis & Co and architects Chedburn Dudley.

This has been a costly exercise and Newton’s P.C.C. says it’s very grateful for a generous grant from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and smaller grants from The National Churches Trust and Somerset Churches Trust, also for the many private donations.

A key part of the project was the creation of an Following the trail exhibition and trail to reveal the heritage of the church. The heritage consultant, Lottie Collins-Smith, has done an excellent job and adults can enjoy browsing or reading in detail the standing panels of the history of Newton and its church.

The family trail is aimed at children aged from eight–11, accompanied by adults and will occupy them both inside and outside the church.

A spokesman said: “It is hoped that many will visit the church and enjoy the exhibition and trail and, of course, church services and the peaceful environment of the surrounding conservation village.”

PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Spanish style

ROTARY, Nailsea and Backwell is holding an evening of flamenco music and dance by Fiesta Flamenca on Saturday, October 20th at Nailsea School.

All proceeds from the event are in aid of disadvantaged local children and Child Assist, an initiative of Rotary, Nailsea and Backwell, targeted at deserving local youngsters.

Tickets are £17.50 which includes a Spanish meal, bar, raffle and a passionate and colourful rendition of this famous Spanish art.

Details: Roger Smith 01275 854076 or roger.jan@ blueyonder.co.uk

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The hoe-m guard in Westfield

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COMMUNITY

MEMBERS and friends of the Westfield Allotment Garden Society turned back the clock to the end of the Second World War as part of a fundraising open day.

Some dressed in authentic period costume, whilst others improvised – there was even an appearance by a Green Goddess fire engine. The event coincided with the anniversary of the end of the conflict and raised £950.

Sandy and Andy Willis with their USthemed WWII memorabilia display. They are members of several re-enactment groups. Andy is holding an onion and potato pie he made to an original wartime recipe

Don’t tell him your name … but it’s Martin Bates, one of the organisers, dressed as Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army

This really is Corporal Jones; however, in real life, David Jones was not a butcher, but a chef in the Royal Logistic Corps

Ted Mills (back left) on the steps of his Green Goddess fire engine with some of the team behind the open day. The event was opened by Geoff Fuller (second left), chair of Westfield Parish Council

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 95

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Fairfield festivities as community celebrates

YEARS of fundraising and hard work came to fruition with the official opening of the Fairfield community space between Castle Cary and Ansford.

Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis was the guests of honour at the celebrations. The Fairfield Project features a pump track, adventure trail, sensory garden, meadow gym, a network of hard pathways and more aimed at young and old alike.

Both Castle Cary and Ansford councils back the scheme which received

Michael Eavis with some of the Fairfield Project team

financial help from a number of organisations. Fundraising for the project began more than 20 years ago,

The pump track is there for all ages to enjoy

Fairfield sits between Castle Cary and Ansford

however, it wasn’t until 2014 that the land, known as Fairfield, became available to buy.

Enjoying proceedings from the benches at the sensory garden

Demand for cream teas kept volunteers busy in the church which was transformed into a tearoom for the afternoon

A band to watch out for – the undecided. They hail from Weymouth; their combined age is 56! Find them on Facebook and You tube

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Simon Purcell (left) and owner Bob Gilbey brought along this magnificent steam engine

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Centenary celebration

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club held an afternoon tea and presentation event at Hannah More Cottage in Cheddar, rounding off a very busy centenary year by presenting cheques to five outstanding organisations within the local community.

There were also Young Leaders in Service Awards to four young people, two Lions Centennial Appreciation Certificates to two individuals for their work in the community and a Lions Centennial Plaque presented to Cheddar Library for supporting the community with the services they provide.

This was all finished with a tasty tea provided by Cheddar Vale Lions’ members and the chance to chat to those who attended to let them know that the club will continue to support and provide service to those that need it in the area.

However, they do need more members.

Young Leaders in Service Awards were presented to Sam Kail-Dyke and Tom Bishop (silver) and Charlotte Levy and Michael Amey (gold)

Lions Centennial Certificates were presented to Anne Higgs, Cheddar Valley Music Club, Jon Pimblot, The Space project and Cheddar Patient Group and a Lions Centennial Plaque to Sue Purkiss, chairman, Friends of the Library

Cheques were presented to The Reach Opportunity Centre for adults with learning disabilities £200; Burcott Riding for the Disabled to assist a young boy with riding lessons £200; The Space Project £400; Cheddar Valley Music Club £350; Children’s Hospice South West £1,500 (raised from the duck race)

Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk or call 0845 833 7402

Ringing the changes

STANTON Ringers have got a new tower captain and will soon have a new bell to ring. Tower captain, Colin Bennett, who has been ringing for 25 years, started learning at Stanton Drew and then continued in Chew Magna.

The new bell, dating from 1815, is yet to be hung. Tower secretary, Shirley Edwards, said: “The bell was donated to us by Keltek Trust who contacted me two years ago.

“They said we could have the bell on indefinite loan at no charge so I just needed to raise the funds to have it fitted.

“I obviously saw this as an amazing opportunity to get a sixth bell fitted and within a short time I managed to get the funds with the support of the Pensford Publow and The Stantons Community Trust, the community cafe, parishioners and Chew Magna Ringers.”

Pictured (l to r) are the Rev Charles Roberts, Shirley Edwards, Philip Gladwin, Colin Bennett, Cathy Swift and Andy Davis.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 97

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Remembering the Great Flood

THERE’S to be a live performance of Bridge Across the Flood, a song cycle by local singers and musicians about the Great Flood of 50 years ago and how it affected the Dapps Hill area of Keynsham.

The show was first created in 1996 and was performed again at this year’s Keynsham Music Festival. It’s now back by popular demand for a performance on Saturday, October 6th, 7.30 – 9.30pm at St Andrews Church Hall, Chew Magna.

Film featuring this year’s 50th anniversary commemorative events and original unseen footage from 1968 will premier before the interval. Tickets are £8 (+ 80p booking fee) from: Keynshamtickets.cloudvenue.co.uk Earlier in the day Chew Magna’s resilience day conference will also have a display of photos from 1968 and a discussion about the current state of the village’s flood defences.

Details: www.wern.org.uk/great-flood/autumn-events

Mendip Hills Fund open for groups

SOMERSET Community Foundation is inviting community organisations to apply to the Mendip Hills Fund grants programme, but the clock is ticking! The 2018 round of the programme is open to new applications until October 31st.

The Mendip Hills Fund is a partnership between the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership and Somerset Community Foundation and was set up in 2014 to conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills.

Jocelyn Blacker, programmes manager at SCF said: “The programme is particularly interested in projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty.”

In previous years the fund has supported projects ranging from forest school activities to conservation volunteering for people living with mental ill health.

New look for Crispin Hall

Hall manager Lauren Capel with Clark’s family member, Will, in the new cafe

CRISPIN Hall in Street has reopened after a £1million renovation, which has included ramps to improve accessibility and a state-of-the-art heating system.

Hall manager, Lauren Capel, said: "The total renovation has been sympathetic to the Victorian heritage of this muchloved building, which has been closed for over a year, and has brought it into the 21st century.”

Other additions include a full set of lush velvet curtains, new toilets, and the professional installation of a sprung dance floor and double ballet barre to the large top floor room.

The Street Food Café offers seasonal menus of locally sourced food and projects still under development include the creation of a retail facility benefitting local artists and craftspeople.

Crook Peak to Cheddar Reservoir

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/mendip call 01749 344949 or visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk

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COMMUNITY

Cult series inspired community event SCREENINGS of an episode of a 1960s television series called The Strange World of Gurney Slade were amongst the highlights of a themed afternoon at nearby Binegar Memorial Hall.

Anthony Newley created and starred in the surreal, sixpart comedy/fantasy series on ITV featuring a character called Gurney Slade. Other stars included Una Stubbs and Charles Lloyd Pack. Newley was inspired to call the central character Gurney Slade after passing through the village.

The event also featured a quiz taking participants on foot around Binegar, as well as a slideshow and displays of photographs and other memorabilia. It was raising funds for a homeless charity and Holy Trinity Church.

Some of the event organisers (l:r) Debbie Rawlings, Claire Lilley, Andy Sanders, Carole Simmons and Frances Draper

The series was televised in 1960

Dorothy Burns and Margaret Gillard met up for the first time in 50 years at the event and were soon swapping memories

Enjoying the exhibits – organisers were also keen to receive feedback and other memories from visitors

The closing credits from episode one

The event was organised by a group of residents under the banner of BAGS – Binegar and Gurney Slade.

Find them on Facebook.

Landmark restored

THE illuminated cross on the apex of Paulton Methodist Church is about to return. It had been out of action for some considerable time, so there’s been a big fundraising effort to restore it.

The cross, which can be seen for miles around the area, will be switched on at 7.30pm on Sunday, September 30th by Pauline Smailes, granddaughter of Charles Ashman who had the original

cross erected in memory of his wife, Ethel.

Before it’s switched on there will be a celebratory tea at 5.30pm followed by music by the Mendip Brass Band. At 7.30pm a short service of dedication will take place outside led by the Rev Martin Slocombe. The road outside will be closed for about an hour.

Tickets for the tea at £5 each can be obtained from John Bowell 01761 416127

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 99

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Sheptopia – turning rubbish into art ART and music filled the centre of Shepton Mallet for the launch of the Rubbish Art Project’s first exhibition called Sheptopia.

Based in the former HSBC bank, members of the project – a co-operative – have spent the past few months working with the local community to create work from recycled objects. The centrepiece of the project is a giant polar bear mosaic.

The bank building now offers space for a café, gallery and studio space with a number of workshops taking place for people of all ages.

The opening night underway

An underwater world in the bank vault

DJ Joolz in the bank building PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Visiting artist and carpenter Matthew Franklin, from Charlton Adam, with his Jaguar Tree – yes, the tree comes through the roof

Heading for the Market Place

Posing beneath the polar bear

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

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Walkers enjoy autumn sunshine

THE third Somer Valley Walking Festival attracted 90 walkers from around the area and beyond to enjoy the local countryside and traces of its industrial past in the form of railways, canals and collieries.

The festival got off to a cracking start when Stephen Clewes of the BANES heritage team introduced a capacity audience at Radstock Museum to “what the Romans had done for us in the Somer Valley” including slides of the Fosse Way, coin hoards and a villa at Wellow which rivalled Buckingham Palace in size!

The walks on the following weekend were well supported. John Bull, chair of the steering committee said: “I am delighted that so many people participated in these free walks, especially people from outside our immediate area and people who had not done much walking before.

“I hope they will come again soon to enjoy what the Somer Valley offers in the way of beautiful countryside and traces of the industrial heritage.”

Harvest lunch in Publow

OVER 100 people attended the annual harvest lunch held at All Saints Church, Publow, with a rustic meal cooked and served by members of the parochial church council.

Some of those waiting for lunch included (l to r) Finlay, Cameron, Connie, Joanne Ward, Maisie and Sasha Perrett.

Shed on the move?

COMMUNITY

Trevor Brooks (left) and Mike Smith (right) at Street Men's Shed

STREET Men’s Shed is facing an uncertain future with a change of leaseholder at its premises in The Tanyard.

But it’s received one piece of good news – a grant of £750 from local company Cosyfeet’s community project fund.

The award is given annually to a local, non-profit initiative, geared towards enriching the lives of older people.

Street Men’s Shed provides a place for men to meet, communicate and create using the tools and equipment provided. There are currently 54 members, most of whom are men aged over 65, although membership is open to all.

Members are hoping to be given permission to stay in The Tanyard once the lease changes hands at the end of November.

Club Secretary, Brian Bastable, said: “Although we are not yet certain whether we will remain at The Tanyard, we have a great deal of local support and a strong future ahead of us.

This award will enable us to invest in much-needed equipment for the benefit of our members.”

Details: www.streetmensshed.btck.co.uk

Black history celebrated

PLANS are underway for a Somerset Black History Month launch event in Glastonbury, with the aim of bringing BME people who live in rural Somerset together – as well as inviting the community as a whole to learn about and celebrate black history and culture.

The event is a free family orientated fun day running from 12noon until 5pm at the Red Brick Building, Glastonbury on Sunday, October 7th.

Supported by the Positive People programme, funded by Big Lottery, and Somerset Diverse Communities the event will be opened by a special guest the lord mayor of Bristol, Councillor Cleo Lake.

Organiser, Eden Simpson said: “We are so proud to bring the people of Somerset a wonderful, positive and educational multicultural event celebrating black history, it promises to be such a fun day for all the family to enjoy!”

Details: Eden Simpson 07934 576 608 or email somersetmulticult@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY

Big day in memory of Andy

FAMILY and friends of a haulier from Rode who died of cancer last Boxing Day have held a fundraising day in his memory.

Andy’s Big Day, on Rode playing field, was organised by his daughter Katie, who now drives her father’s lorry.

It was raising money for the Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. Andy passed away aged 55 after suffering from cancer for 19 years.

Katie said: “We’ve been organising the day since April and it’s great to see so many people supporting us.”

Angel, a seven-year-old barn owl, fascinated youngsters. The owl is owned

by Greg Bolwell, of Dilton Marsh, who takes the bird to events and schools in aid of charity

Determined – welly-throwing underway

PAGE 102 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Katie Gillard (left) with Adrian Merrett and Sophie Francis-Merrett Kezzy and Sophie on the wrapped bottle stall

All in a good cause: Josh, aged 14, who is Andy’s grandson, on the ducking stool

Mendip Times

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FREE! access to all of our recent magazines from our website FREE! links to all of our advertisers’ websites FREE! links from our features and editorial pages More information – more enjoyment No annoying pop-ups – Mendip Times pure and simple FREE! service for readers and advertisers

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Chew Stoke Harvest Home

Run For Cover, one of the bands playing

Sally Hamerton with her prizewinning posy

Chew Stoke WI cake stand (l to r) Richard Osborne, Joan Williams, Val Knight, Liz Botham and Jan Osborne Carole Ogborne ,with her prize-winning marrow

Mila, Effie and Attica eating their snacks

Chew Stoke pupils Alexandra, Nuala, Cleo and Jasmine PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

The tug o' war

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EVENTS

Priston Music Festival

The puppet show was popular

The cake stall was busy

The Moonlit Poachers originally from Radford

Decorating biscuits on the Children's Hospice South West stall

Sophie Rose Brownlee, aged three, on the kids' art stall with mum Anna

Crowds enjoyed the music

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Time Is Precious is expanding A CHARITY founded by the parents of a boy who passed away from illness aged just five years old is to expand the services it can offer to families.

Neil and Nicky Halford, of Coleford, set the charity up in memory of their son Ben who lost a three-and-a-half-year fight against a rare brain tumour. He would have been a teenager this year. They launched Time is Precious seven years ago to support hospitals treating sick children.

Now they have won the go-ahead from the Charity Commission to offer support to individual families. Nicky said: “With thanks for the amazing support from the community, we have decided to try to help more children.

“Over the years we have had several individual requests to support children in their home. Unfortunately, we have had to turn these down, as it has not been in our deeds to do so. However, this has now been passed by the Charity Commission.

We are overwhelmed to be able to do this, as we want to help as many children as possible, while still being voluntary.

TIP now aims to help as many children as possible who may need extra equipment not supplied by the NHS at home. This could also include sensory equipment.

The charity launched the new initiative with the help of three local families including a boy from Radstock who needs an electric wheelchair for independence,

The first three children to benefit from the charity’s expansion

TIP’s new initiative was launched at a family day at The Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton

another who needs a specialised chair called a P.Pod due to his many disabilities and the other a mobile sensory unit to help with relaxation and stimulation. They are also offering to make available smaller equipment such as portable DVD players and game consoles to children who make regular visits to hospital.

Nicky added: “To enable us to do this, we of course will need more funds. The support of the community is essential and we hope that the support of TIP will continue, as we grow. If a company, family or person would like to support us, they can aim to raise a specific amount for a certain piece of equipment for a child, by sponsoring a child.”

TIP is also seeking more runners to join their team for the 2019 Bath Half Marathon. For full details, visit: www.timeisprecious.org or find them on Facebook

Sending aid to India

CATASTROPHIC monsoon floods in Kerala, India, displaced hundreds of thousands of people whose homes were destroyed and left them without access to safe drinking water.

Worldwaterworks Ltd, the registered charity managed by the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge, has responded to a request from Khalsa Aid, a UK based Sikh charity and International

NGO, www.khalsaaid.org) to supply Water-Survival Boxes.

Last September a new Rotary charity, Water-Survival Box Switzerland, was established in Lucerne to generate funds to help increase the amount of aid available. As on four previous occasions half of the cost involved in this consignment has been under-written by the Swiss Rotary partners.

Chelwood Bridge Rotary needs to raise some £30,000 to replace the consignment so it can send further aid to Kerala if needed or be prepared for future disasters.

Details: www.watersurvivalbox.org PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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Mendip Players

THE Mendip Players presented a murder mystery, Who Killed the Secret Agent, at Draycott Memorial Hall, proving they are a slick and smooth operation who are able to turn a production round in eight weeks, filling the hall to bursting and entertaining young and old alike.

From Rickford to Brighton

THE iconic annual bike ride from London to Brighton on September 16th provided the perfect opportunity for Rickford Cycle Club (RCC) to not only take on the famous challenge but also to raise valuable funds for the MS Trust.

Jo Wessell, who is a founder member of RCC, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis back in 2005 and saw the event as a perfect springboard to raise much-needed funding for the charity that has supported her recovery.

Jo was joined by fellow RCC riders, Rich Searle, Matt Hartley, Lucy Jones, Katie Oliver and Stu Parker for the famous event. Club members Sally and Martin Taylor volunteered for support vehicle duties along the route.

Jo explained that the MS trust charity provides support in many areas including the clarification of the reality of living with MS, providing special nurses and also funding research studies for treatments and cures.

Specifically the MS trust have supported research at Southmead Hospital’s Bristol Brain Centre where Jo was treated herself.

If you are inspired and would like to show your support for the team’s success and by Jo’s story you can make a donation by accessing Jo’s fundraiser page on uk.virginmoneygiving.com

L to r: Jo, Matt, Rich, Lucy, Katie and Stu.

Boost for village agents

NEWS

THE Community Council for Somerset is celebrating having successfully secured a third round of Big Lottery Funding for Somerset Village Agents.

Chief executive, Keeley Rudd, said: “This is obviously fantastic news for people and communities across Somerset and the culmination of the team’s hard work and dedication in making village agents so successful. We are so proud that we have achieved this as it is affirmation that the scheme deserves longterm investment.”

The grant will provide additional funding for a further three years and will enable CCS to expand the scheme across the whole of Somerset.

Village agents help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs. Village agents don’t just signpost to others but they find local community solutions which make a practical difference to everyday lives.

Solving these problems helps people to remain living independently for longer. Village agents can help shape services identifying gaps in service provision and motivating and enabling communities to respond to a local need by working together to address issues, for example by helping them to set up a coffee morning for a group of lonely people or start a volunteer car scheme.

Since the scheme began in 2012 many thousands of people have been supported and in 2016/17 alone, the village agents and their work saved the state £2.4 million – with an overall total economic benefit to Somerset of £5.2 million.

One person who was supported by village agent Gaby Bellamy said: “She has made a massive difference to our lives, she has been a Godsend to our family.”

Another person said about village agent Kirsten Rushby: “The determination to make it work, if one approach fails she tries again until she gets a result, she’s not just a village agent but a friend too. We all value her hugely.”

High achievers

WRINGTON Vale Inner Wheel Club members did a sponsored walk up Brent Knoll, involving 12 ladies, with a combined age of over 850 years - the average age was 75.

They raised £1,106 for female cancer charities, thanks to sponsorship and donations for fresh wild mushrooms.

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 107

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Some of Geoff’s work is not what it seems

A bookcase door made 20 years ago by Geoff for a customer in Bath and still working perfectly. It leads to a small flat

FURNITURE maker Geoff Collard has a secret to share – several in fact.

The craftsman, who is based near Peasdown St John, is the UK’s only specialist maker of bookcases which open up to

HOMES & INTERIORS G e o ff C o l l ar d F u r n i t u r e • Bespoke furniture & design • Joinery • Antique Restoration • Libraries • Secret Bookcase Doors • Window Restoration • Helical Staircases • Scale Model Making • Carving & Veneering

T: 01761 433857 M: 07720 887318 E: geoff@bathfurnituremakers.co.uk Unit 5, Wansdyke Workshops, Wellow Lane, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8HD

reveal hidden entrances to other rooms.

Bookcase doors can hold real books and can have usable cupboards below and are very easy to open. The minimum width is 1100mm, but Geoff can also provide fake books and bookcases in standard size door openings.

Geoff said: “I did a secret bookcase in a child's room which led to a secret den; I made a mechanism which meant he could use a different book of choice to open the catch.

“These doors are very good for hiding valuables as a would-be thief wouldn't bother trying to get in as he wouldn't even know there was a door there!”

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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When the going gets tough, Mendip gets going

SINCE Tam’s days of sheltering in the stable from the summer sun are over, we have returned to Auntie Fi’s at Ellick for fun, With RACHEL adventure and THOMPSON company.

MBE On the first day, choosing the challenging Twinbrook ride for my tough trekking horse, I was so pleased that the camaraderie among hill lovers still remains. We met a succession of good humoured horse riders, walkers, runners and mountain bikers, squeezing past each other with a cheerful word and a smile on the tough narrow rocky paths that make us all careful and kind countryside comrades.

Even the wild Exmoor ponies moved

politely off the track as we approached.

Autumn colour is creeping into this ever-changing landscape, dotted with golden gorse and pink heather. The grey of the sea, lakes and sky highlighting rust-tinged bracken, red hips and haws, blackberries and purple hawthorn.

If you are stuck for off-road hacking, try offering your services to a sheep farmer. Soon Mendip flocks will be transported long distances from home farms to winter graze dairy fields and other land needing the attention of sheep. Throughout the summer we have been patrolling a flock, grazing far from the farm on a steep-sided Mendip escarpment nature reserve.

A tough little horse is the perfect sure-footed vehicle for scrambling up sheep paths through dense vegetation, is tall enough to see over scrub and is

Zoe Aston on Junior

quiet enough to hear an animal in distress, tangled in briars or on the wrong side of the fence. A quick report on the mobile and the farmer has been

How horses can help disadvantage

HorseWorld trustee and B&W Vet Duncan Ballard, HorseWorld’s managing director Mark Owen, BBC’s Martin Roberts with his two children Megan and Scott with Shetland pony

PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Details: www.achieve.c

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saved time and fuel unless there is an emergency. Everyone is happy!

Talking of tough, hats off to those who braved the torrential rain to compete at Rodney Stoke show, a sad casualty of the end of the heatwave.

Chatting to co-organiser (with her mum Jane) Amanda Holmes I learn that the show dates back to 1975. It was started

by Jane Holmes, Bill Garrett, Molly Payne and Rex Puddy for local children to hack to as so few had the luxury of pony transport.

One of very few traditional shows, Rodney Stoke offers novice riders the opportunity to compete against one another and win rosettes in a laid-back family atmosphere. Amanda tells me that the show has evolved to include teddy bears and dogs due to unforeseen issues twice before. In 1989 equine flu meant no horses so the teddy bear competition was conceived and, in 2001, the Foot and Mouth outbreak also prevented equestrian competition and the use of agricultural land so a dog

aged children

Page 115

show, equine photograph competition and teddy show took place at Draycott Village Hall.

Failing to attend because of a cold (obviously not as tough as I should be) I deputised Draycott-based saddler Julia Garrett to capture “hard core equestrians in winter waterproofs still going strong” whilst Ruth Dadswell, there with her two children reported: “In only what can be described as biblical rain my maggots (Harry and Lily) have amazed me again in a seriously wet but awesome morning showing!”

Equine Stables Practice vet Kathryn Penn was thrilled to win the prelim number two dressage cup. Amanda sloshed around in wet gear for a full twelve hours and can still laugh – as Ruth said: “Well done for all of you that braved it and to the super organisers!”

Well done to all you tough Mendip folk indeed.

TV’s Homes under the Hammer presenter, Martin Roberts, has visited the animal rescue charity Horseworld in Whitchurch in the lead-up to an exciting event coming to Bristol.

He will be hosting Achieve, the second annual health, wealth and happiness event, being held on October 13th and 14th in the iconic Passenger Shed at Brunel's Old Station.

HorseWorld will be attending to raise awareness of their Discovery Courses and the benefit they can bring.

Discovery boosts the confidence, emotional well-being and life-chances of disadvantaged and vulnerable young people and adults through an innovative learning programme that brings them together with gentle rescued horses. This learning programme has seen results when nothing else has worked for the individual or group.

Every year Discovery works with up to 200 children and young people who are at risk of exclusion or are experiencing life challenges due to their social, emotional, mental health and learning needs.

Being with horses is proven to reduce stress and promote calmness, concentration and empathy.

HorseWorld’s managing director, Mark Owen, said: “We were delighted to welcome Martin, his wife and his two children to the charity’s busy working farm.

“They enjoyed meeting the rescued horses as well as the staff and volunteers who work on the Discovery Courses. The children especially enjoyed meeting Lucky, a young Shetland pony foal born at HorseWorld earlier this year after her pregnant mother was rescued.”

eve.co.uk www.horseworld.org.uk/discovery

RIDING

Harry Dadswell and Bertie looking decidedly damp

Golden anniverary celebrations

THE Mid-Somerset Riding Club will be marking its 50th anniversary with a special dinner in November to be attended by seven-times champion National Hunt jockey John Francome.

Francome, now a television presenter and author, will be the guest speaker at the dinner on Tuesday, November 27th at Northover Manor in Ilchester.

The evening will include a raffle and auction of sporting opportunities in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The Mid-Somerset Riding Club was formed in 1968 as the Bath and West Riding Club and changed its name to Mid-Somerset in 1997.

For details, visit: www.msrconline.co.uk or call Margaret Peverley on 01935 473188.

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See what’s new at Wincanton

VISITORS to Wincanton Racecourse on the opening day of the season on Friday, October 19th will be able to admire the results of a major facelift of its facilities.

Rooms have been reconfigured, new kitchens installed, huge floor-to-ceiling windows fitted and other work has been carried out to offer a fresh and updated look.

Racecourse’s general manager Huw Williams said: “It’s been an exceptionally busy summer with so much going on, but by having a re-think about the way we utilise the space we have here, we’ve created a much more user-friendly racecourse, with owners’ and trainers facilities that are second to none, a new restaurant, Chasers, which gives an enhanced fine dining experience, and fabulous new areas for racegoers to enjoy. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back and showing it all off!”

The racecourse has a packed calendar of 17 racedays, many of which are themed, kicking off with the opening fixture, when the six-race card is sponsored by Smarkets.

Countryside Day on Sunday, October 28th coincides with the last day of half-term and an array of free activities will be laid on for children, while racing features the Desert Orchid Silver Cup. Badger Chase Day on Saturday, November 10th is a highlight of Wincanton's season and a real favourite with racegoers.

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

What a year so far!

RIDING

THE team at Stables Equine Practice, based near Wells, began their year by settling into their new relationship with the University of Bristol Vet School which has gone from strength to strength.

They say being a part of a larger organisation has enabled them to pass on the economies of scale to their clients whilst not losing sight of their core principles in providing a high quality and personalised service.

The summer was certainly a busy one, welcoming vets Penny and Sophie on board as new members of the team. The vets have been busy both home and abroad: Tim has been “dual nationality” working with both Team USA and Team GB in their build ups to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon.

The Royal Bath and West Show was a perennial highlight at which Nicko is Chief Veterinary Officer and to which Stables Equine Practice was, as ever, proud to provide veterinary cover.

Additionally, the practice has expanded its behind-the-scenes team at Conkerfield Clinic at Burcott and, as ever, welcome visitors to drop in and put faces to names – and of course enjoy a nice cuppa!

The team will be with their friends at World Horse Welfare (Somerton) where they will be hosting a demonstration from the ever-popular Horses Inside Out team in October.

Outstanding Veterinary Care ★ Treating horses and ponies throughout Somerset from our purpose-built clinic base near Wells ★ Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our clinic ★ 24-hour emergency cover – our dedicated equine vets always available at the end of a phone ★ Fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment for dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI) as well as all aspects of routine health care Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

PAGE 116 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

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EVENTS

East Harptree Flower and Craft Show

The show attracted all ages

Jenny Cruse won the best cake in show Fancy dress competitors Frank Whiers, aged three, and his brother William, aged nine months Admiring the flowers

The children's entries

The hall was busy – organisers are looking for more committee members next year. Contact chair Lin Gwyther ladylindauk@hotmail.com MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 117

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The Tour of Britain races across Mendip

BRITAIN’S most prestigious bike race, The Tour of Britain, returned to the Mendips for the first time since 2011 and it didn’t disappoint.

CYCLING The eight-stage event with EDMUND LODITE across Britain attracted a world class field of cyclists, including this year’s Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome from Team Sky. The third stage from Bristol combined spectacular man-made wonders – a double crossing of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge – with the area’s best natural features as the race wound its way through Cheddar Gorge and across the Mendip Hills.

At 127km this was one of the shorter stages in the tour and right from the start the attacks came thick and fast. A group of four eventually managed to distance themselves but never far above the minute margin. Their hopes were finally extinguished on the fast run towards the day’s final King of the Mountains climb of Providence Lane in Long Ashton.

Approaching the finish, a much reduced leading bunch fought out the breathless sprint to the line. Julian Alaphilippe took the honours for the stage win and was very gracious in praising his teammate for leading him in towards the line.

The Frenchman said: “I’m happy to win, especially today as it’s my first race after a good break. My team did a really good job today, Bob (Jungels) and I have tried since the start of the tour to win, so I’m happy to take the victory today. In

Alaphilippe wins the race

PAGE 118 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

An early breakaway

the end I was in a really good position – Bob did a really good job and voila!

“This is my first time in the race and I’m really happy to be part of this race.

I’m surprised to be active in the race, especially in the final kilometres – maybe it’s because I’m fresh. I really like the parcours (course) here.”

This stage highlighted the best of team cycling. In a sprint finish the teammate drags you along and at the right moment releases you for the final kick towards the line. And, in the bigger picture, if all the teams work together in the peloton they can chase down breakaway riders.

Three days later Alaphilippe took the race leader’s green jersey and held it for the last two stages to be crowned Tour of Britain champion for 2018. This was another well deserved victory for the Frenchman who had been crowned King of the Mountains in this year’s Tour de France.

Across Mendip the race was just part of the story of the day. Thousands of spectators lined the route including schoolchildren and residents in the many villages and towns that the tour passed through.

Cheddar Gorge became a magnet for cyclists (and photographers) who arrived early to pick out a good viewing

spot. From there, many took the opportunity to cycle across the Mendip Hills to Chew Valley Lake in time to watch the tour again on its return leg to Bristol.

One of the aims of the Tour of Britain is to inspire youngsters to lead an active and healthy lifestyle – be it on two wheels or not. A brief glimpse of elite athletes including champions like Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas will have been a big inspiration.

The tour also had the effect of bringing communities together as schoolchildren, workers and residents stood side-by-side talking to each other waiting for the race to pass by. A spectator in Bishop Sutton said: “It was remarkable to see how everyone stopped what they were doing and came together for half an hour as the well organised procession of police motor cycles, support vehicles and cyclists passed by.”

By the time the Frenchman Alaphilippe was standing on the winner’s podium in Bristol the roads across Mendip had been cleared with little evidence of the day’s racing. But for the many youngsters who watched the tour there will always be the memory of the day a “bike race” passed by their school or house – and that is the best legacy to leave behind.

The Tour passes by

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Players have designs on success MIDSOMER Norton Rugby Club under16s player Luke Williams won’t have any difficulty recognising his team mates – he designed the kit which they will wear for the coming season.

All the players were invited to submit their own designs and the team wore the new strip on a tour of Holland where they finished runners-up in an eight-team Europe-wide tournament.

The team plays opposition from a 40mile radius and were losing semi-finalists to eventual winners, Wellington, in the Somerset Cup. Three players represented the county last season and full back Luka Williams has achieved Bath Academy status.

SPORT

Robert Wilcox from Massey Wilcox transport in Chilcompton presenting Midsomer Norton u16s with their new kit

Memorial cricket match

THE annual Twenty20 memorial cricket match between Leigh on Mendip Cricket Club and Coleford Athletic Football Club has taken place in honour of John Webb and Steve Willis who both gave so much to both clubs for many decades.

As always, the game was incredibly well supported and both teams featured members of Steve's and John's families.

It was a close-fought game with Leigh setting Coleford a competitive target of 144. Coleford finished on 132 for 6.

Leigh club spokesman Leigh Crafter said the club wanted to thank Coleford AFC and everyone else who came along to support the day. The barbeque, raffle and bar all did a roaring trade and hundreds of pounds were raised.

Westfield’s Waterloo

Friendly rivalries resumed – Westfield’s captain Diana Cooper with the regained trophy

WESTFIELD boules team enjoyed some revenge over a combined team from the Midsomer Norton and District Twinning Association and their French visitors from Ambares-et-Lagrave. Around 60 people met at Norton Hill Recreation Ground for a picnic and friendly tournament. Tuesday evening boules sessions at the recreation ground finished for the season on September 25th as Mendip Times was being published.

Endurance athlete off to Ibiza

CHILCOMPTON resident Ian Rough is in training for a trip to Ibiza; not for the nightlife, but to represent Great Britain in the European Endurance Championships in October.

Ian, who first represented GB in 2014, has been selected for both the duathlon and aquathlon events. In duathlon, he’ll run for 10K, then do a 40K bike ride before a further 5K run. Aquathlon is a shorter, faster discipline with a 1K swim followed by a 5K run.

The championships take place at the end of the month and there is an outside chance Ian could be selected also for the triathlon although places are currently full.

Ian is a freelance helicopter pilot and must fit in training between duties. He began taking part in triathlon events in 2011. The competitions are largely self-funded.

Ian said: “I’ll be aiming for a top ten finish in the duathlon; considering I’ll be up against around 100 other competitors, that would be a good result.” ● Ian would welcome any offers of sponsorship. He can be contacted on ianrough4@gmail.com

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Justin rides to another win!

JUSTIN Urch won more than 80 races as a professional motorcycle rider – now one of the machines he rode back in the 1980s has also turned out to be a winner.

His 1979 Yamaha TZ350F, with a top speed of over 150mph, was the first bike he raced and he came third on it at the Manx GP in 1985. Until a month ago it had lain in pieces in the back of his shed.

Then he was asked to enter it in the motorcycle classes at the Dorset Steam Fair – and came away with the Sports Trophy.

Justin, from Shipham, said: “I’d kept the engine and rebuilt it to use in another machine, but the frame was cracked and just lying in the back of the shed. I didn’t start work on it until about three weeks before the show and the paint was literally still wet on the night before we went down.

“When it was announced as a winner, I was gob-smacked, I just couldn’t believe it. When I started the engine down there, it was for the first time in 20 years.”

His racing career from 1984-1992 included seven tours of the Isle of Man as well as wins at Mallory Park and Pembrey, where he held the race record. He rode a range of machines, up to 1,000cc, sponsored by Fowlers of Bristol and Abbot and Co. He said: “I do miss it, it was a major part of my life really, but I’m just too old for it now.”

He’s retired as a tree surgeon and now spends time restoring old bikes and cars.

PAGE 120 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

Brothers roar into national squad

WILL Lloyd, aged 15, and his brother Tomtom, aged 13, have become international dragonboat racers just a year after taking up the sport.

The brothers, from Winscombe, who go to Sidcot School, both earned bronze medals representing GB for the first time at the European championships held at Brandenburg in Germany.

Tomtom took up the sport to win a scout badge – he’s preparing to go to the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia – and both he and his brother got hooked.

They are members of Bristol Empire Dragons and train at Saltford on the River Avon three times a week. One of the coaches there recommended them for the British national training squad, which involves two training sessions a month all over the country.

Mum, Liz, who works for the charity Farmlink, said: “It’s taken over our lives a bit. I was a slalom paddler and I always wanted the kids to be safe about water, so they have been kayaking from quite a young age and loved it.

“They showed a tremendous commitment to training over the winter and now it’s really paid off. It means we do a lot of miles but it’s great to see what they have achieved.”

Her husband Dan is an acupuncturist.

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Bragging rights secure as hockey season begins

Mendip Hockey Club players

MENDIP Hockey Club kicked off the 2018-19 season with an intra-club, mixed seven-a-side tournament at Saint Gregory's School, Bath.

The event saw players from each of the club's five senior sides pitted against each other in a round-robin, with personal pride and a season's worth of bragging rights at stake.

The tournament demonstrated the credentials of Mendip as a real family club, with a number of parent-and-child combinations taking part. These included Brenda and Jasmine Scott, Cherilyn and Megan Carey, Karen Inns and Monica Glover, Hayley and Liam Young, and Steve and George Smith.

After an eventful series of games, the blue team ran out worthy winners. The tournament organiser was Andy Flint and umpires were Karen Holliwell and Andy Baird.

Mendip continue their season with the three ladies’ sides competing in West Clubs Women's League Central, Brunel 1 and Brunel 2 respectively, and the two men's sides challenging for honours in Central 2 and West Central 2 of the Verde Recreo Hockey League.

Meanwhile the junior section has begun Sunday training at Downside School, Stratton on the Fosse.

New players are always welcome to attend. For details, visit: www.mendiphockey.org.uk

Clutton summer skittles

No tantrums, please!

SPORT

Winners Sarah and Lucy with club president Tasha Smith

WHILST Serena Williams was arguing with the umpire during the final of the US women’s open tennis, 16 women were battling it out in the annual Presidents Ladies Tournament at Wells Tennis Club.

The competition was a doubles tournament with partners drawn on the day and a round robin format. The eventual winners were Lucy James and Sarah Townsend by a mere two points over Wendy Edwards and Heidi Shakespeare.

The players who took part in the fun tournament

PHIL’S Followers beat the Casuals by 97.5 points to 92 to take the 2018 Clutton Social Club summer league trophy.

After 15 weeks of highly competitive all-in skittles which began in May the champions were awarded £750 and the runners-up were given £500.

Jibber Jabbers and Harptree Hitters both had 91.5 points but the Jibber Jabbers had 17 more pins so they took third place and were given £250. Tony Thompson won £250 for his highest score of 56.

Dave Edmunds won the singles at the presentation evening and was given £100. Dave Kerley and Natalie Parfitt shared the second prize of £50.

Clutton Social Club intend to run the competition next year from May 2019. It is open to non-members and teams consisting of four players playing all-in.

Details: Clutton Social Club 01761 452551

MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 121

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A good afternoon with the Good Afternoon Choir

Fascination of the flute

The concert underway at the care home

RESIDENTS of Gracewell care home in Frome were treated to an afternoon of popular songs in a concert given by the Frome Good Afternoon Choir conducted by Matt Finch.

Songs ranged from John Lennon’s Imagine to one of the most recognisable songs from the musical Les Misérables Do You Hear the People Sing and the Elvis Presley classic Can’t Help Falling in Love. The afternoon finished with a medley of songs from the Sound of Music.

The Frome choir is part of a community project with eight choirs in Bristol, Bath and other locations in the area started

by Grenville Jones. The concert formed part of a mini-festival organised by the Frome Festival president Martin Bax in conjunction with Chris Dixon and Debbie Goodsell and the staff at Gracewell’s. ● The Good Afternoon Choir in Frome is a non-auditioning choir led by Matt Finch and meet at Trinity Church on Monday afternoons between 2-4pm. All are welcome.

For details, visit: http://www.goodafternoonchoir.org/frome-gac.html

Wrington concert

TRINITY Singers are planning a concert, 1918: Endings & Beginnings, on Saturday, October 27th at All Saints' Church, Wrington, at 7.30pm.

The programme promises an attractive mix of choral works, solo vocal pieces and instrumental items.

The first half of the concert commemorates the end of WW1, with music by Elgar and Parry as well as the contemporary Canadian composer Eleanor Daley. In the second half works by Debussy, Stravinsky and Bernstein reveal 1918 as a steppingstone along new musical paths.

Tickets are £10, U-18s free with an accompanying adult.

Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk or contact All Saints' Church Office on 01934 861294. Tickets also available on the door.

PAGE 122 • MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018

NICOLA Woodward will be performing at a candlelight concert, entitled One World One Flute, at 7.45pm on Friday, November 9th at The Old School Room, Chew Magna in aid of the War Child Charity, which protects, educates and stands up for children in wars.

After leaving Chew Valley School, Nicola graduated from the Royal College of Music. She has played at Wigmore Hall and live on Classic FM. She has also played regularly for HRH the Prince of Wales, both at Highgrove and Buckingham Palace.

She said: “The flute has existed from the beginning of time as a voice to express human emotion. Every race and every people has sung of love, loss, pain and joy through the flute.”

The programme for this event includes music from Argentina, Japan, China, New Mexico, Lebanon, Spain and closer to home Scotland and Ireland. These pieces will be performed on flute, piccolo, alto quena, Chinese flute and Irish whistles.

Tickets cost £10, which includes a glass of wine and can be obtained in advance by calling 07973 796508 or on the door.

A musical treat

AFTER a very successful summer appearing at local fêtes, flower shows and steam fairs, the Burnham and Highbridge band return to the Princess Theatre, Burnham on Sunday, October 28th, 7pm.

With a selection of the band’s favourite pieces, there is something to cater for all tastes, from the ever popular Gilbert and Sullivan to the prolific Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The concert will feature several of their soloists playing pieces they have chosen so go along and enjoy a musical treat.

There will be their usual popular raffle and the theatre has a bar and some parking spaces.

Tickets are only £7 (concessions £6) available from the Princess Theatre Box Office.

Details: 01278 784464 or at www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk

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Choir recruiting

CHEDDAR Male Choir are holding two open recruitment evenings in Churchill Methodist Church on October 16th and 23rd at 7.30pm.

A spokesman said: “Please come along and listen or join in

MUSIC & THEATRE

just so you can see how much fun it is to sing in Cheddar Male Choir. If you are unsure then don’t be, there’s no pressure on you. Why not bring a friend or group of friends as well?”

Details: contactcheddarmalechoir@gmail.com 23rd at 7.30pm.

Morris needs some minors – and adults too!

Chalice Morris want to attract new members

Nailsea concert

NAILSEA Concert Orchestra are holding a commemorative concert on Saturday, November 24th at St Francis Church, Nailsea to mark 100 years since the end of WWI. The orchestra will be performing Elgar’s iconic Enigma Variations, Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Butterworth’s idyllic The Banks of Green Willow, the anthem for all Unknown Soldiers. All the pieces pay homage to the great sacrifices made by so many in the “war to end all wars”.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets (£12/£10/£2.50) are available in advance from Nailsea Music Shop or on the door.

Proceeds will go to the Royal British Legion.

Murder mystery in Shipham

CHALICE Morris Men are to hold an open evening in October to try to attract new members, both young and old.

The side is based at Brent Knoll, but dance across Mendip and further afield. This summer saw them perform as far afield as Essex and Manchester! The open evening on Thursday, October 4th coincides with the start of their winter practice sessions.

Neil Gratton, from Chalice Morris, said: “The team is thriving with a wide age range of membership but like all clubs is looking to the future to expand and to spread English folk music and dance.

“All ages welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult. Please do not feel that you need be an accomplished dancer, as full tuition will be provided.” ● The open evening will be held on Thursday, October 4th at 8pm at Brent Knoll Parish Hall. New musicians are also welcome. For details, email chalicebagman@outlook.com call Neil Gratton on 01278 782346 or visit: www.chalicemorris.org

SHIPHAM Players’ next production is a murder mystery, A Brush With Death, raising funds for the Lymphoma Association in support of a villager who was diagnosed last year, has since had treatment and is hopefully now recovered.

They are a group of all ages and provide quality entertainment for the village, as well as supporting the community by donating money to various groups and individuals from their productions.

The latest will be staged over two evenings, Friday, October 19th and Saturday, October 20th at Shipham village hall. Tickets, £15, including supper, are available from Hansford’s in the village.

Details: www.shiphamplayers.org.uk

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Autumn fun at the Bishop’s Palace THIS autumn half term the Bishop’s Palace in Wells is offering a range of fun activities to keep little ones entertained.

The theme for the week is Dastardly Dragons and families can join in with a variety of interactive autumnal activities.

The fun starts on Saturday, October 27th from 10am, when the new, dragonthemed trail will begin. Families can collect the trail at the shop upon arrival and follow the clues around the palace and gardens to explore and discover the site.

On Monday, October 29th there will be a dragon-themed Make-it Monday session from 10.30am-3pm, offering family crafting activities in the undercroft of the palace. The children will have the chance to make dragon masks and tails, so watch out for lots of miniature monsters roaming the site afterwards!

On Friday from 11am-3pm, the Nature Ninjas sessions will take place in the gardens, based around autumnal-inspired activities, using the natural world to create artistic pieces.

Don’t forget to visit the arboretum to

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Nature Ninjas in action

see the trees in their autumnal splendour – it’s also home to The Dragon’s Lair – ideal for exercising little legs after all the other fun.

If you’ve worked up a hunger, The

Bishop’s Table will have a full menu of hot and cold options to keep both children and grown-ups happy!

All activities are included with standard admission.

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Festival’s grand finale

THE Mendip Rocks!

Festival, which has been running since July, is in full swing and has something for everyone, including free family fundays, guided geo walks, tours of working and disused quarries, children’s and adult’s art workshops, geology field visits, geo lectures and more!

The team are looking forward to celebrating The Geological Society’s Earth Science Week from October 13th to 21st and have lots of events planned. On Saturday, October 13th Dr Peter Hardy will be leading a walk in Burrington Combe to explain about the geology of the lower carboniferous rocks and the story of how they were made.

Then on Sunday, October 14th, a further geo walk is planned with Richard Frost leading people around the remains of the Somerset coalfield in Radstock. Also during the week the team from Somerset Earth Science Centre will be taking groups into two working limestone quarries, at Batts Combe in Cheddar and Halecombe in Leigh on Mendip.

The Earth Science Week culminates in Explore Ebbor Gorge on Sunday, October 21st, 10am to 4pm, with a free fun-packed day of hands-on activities.

Prof Danielle Schreve will be on hand to show people the evidence of Ice Age beasts found in the recent cave digs carried out this summer. Refreshments will be available all day, with a pop-up café on site.

The festival finale will be a day of inspiring geology lectures to discover more about “Geological Resources in our Lives” at Wells Museum on Sunday, October 28th at Wells and Mendip Museum, 9.30am to 4pm.

WHAT’S ON

Please book via: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events/

@MendipRocks

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Budding talent discovered

FAMOUS names mix easily with those less-known, but all the speakers at the 26th Wells Festival of Literature in October will entertain, encourage, educate and inform their audiences.

An eclectic line-up of authors includes Max Hastings talking about Vietnam, Ed Stourton on the BBC during the Second World War, Alan Titchmarsh with his latest novel and Jonathan Miller’s son William telling the stories of his famous father. Former Bishop of Bath and Wells Peter Price will talk on Conflict Resolution whilst John Gray will discuss Seven Types of Atheism. More than 30 other authors are listed on the festival’s website.

One of the main aims of the festival is to encourage a love of words and creativity with the English vocabulary. Great support is given to schools, with the festival funding writers, performers and even rap artists speaking to youngsters, opening up a world of fascination through reading.

Around 600 primary school children will be entertained at a special event at the festival by Abi Elphinstone, author of The Dreamsnatchers Trilogy and Sky Song.

The competitions have, over the years, given writers the start they needed, with some finding publishers after their work has appeared on the short lists.

Visit: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk for the whole programme and to order tickets.

Vintage train show

An 0 gauge clockwork display at last year’s show

TRAIN lovers old and young will enjoy the tenth annual Vintage Hornby Train Show at King Alfred School in Highbridge on Saturday, November 3rd.

The show is organised by the Bristol and Somerset Branch of the Hornby Railway Collectors' Association. Members will be operating layouts in 0 and 00 gauges featuring original Hornby trains and other makes, including a large Hornby-Dublo layout called “I 'Ad That”, together with trade stands selling new and used items.

Proceeds from the day will be divided between the branch and the Friends of Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital, who are helping at the event. Admission prices are £3 for adults; free for accompanied children.

For details, visit: www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/events

Eggy plays Wookstock Dave Plimmer with Poorhouse

MUSICIAN and actor Dave Plimmer will be performing with his band Poorhouse at his own mini-music festival called Wookstock in Wookey Hole in October.

Dave, who appeared as Eggy in the acclaimed BBC1 sitcom Count Arthur Strong, will host the evening Acoustic Lounge session on Friday, October 5th at the Wookey Hole Social Club.

Music on Saturday, October 6th begins at 3pm with an open mic session; the evening headliners are Charlie Miller and the Soul Agents.

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Admission is free on both days, but donations are welcome.

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A weekend of fun at first beer festival in Wells

A WEEKEND of fun and the chance to try some of the finest beers and ciders around is promised at the first Wells Beer Festival at the end of October.

Organised by the City of Wells Lions, the event, in the Bishop’s Barn in the Recreation Ground, will raise money for some of the local charities they

support.

The event, on the evening of Friday, October 26th and the afternoon and evening of Saturday, October 27th, is divided into three separate sessions, with live music, food stalls – including German Beerfest-style gastronomy with staff in lederhosen –and other entertainment on offer. There will be 45 beers and ciders to choose from. Tickets cost £10 per session per adult, which includes six half pints of your choice.

Music on the Friday evening will feature highly-rated Glastonbury-based singer/songwriter Oska Zaky. On Saturday, Ross Kirk and his alter-ego, crooner Frank Martino, will take to the stage and there will also be an open-mic session. Sam Evans, another singer/songwriter tipped for great things, will star on the Saturday night. ● Tickets are now on sale via www.eventbrite.co.uk (search for Wells Beer Festival), or by calling 01749 670100 or emailing rod@nchq.co.uk Also, like the festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wellsbeerfestival for the latest festival news and the chance to win tickets, too.

History and cinema combine in Wells

WELLS Film Centre is collaborating with local art historian and film enthusiast Joanna Cobb to host a number of talks combined with screenings, called Talking Film.

The series begins on Wednesday, October 3rd with Art and Film in Focus: Girl With A Pearl Earring (certificate 12A).

Doors open at 6.30pm with Joanna’s talk at 7pm followed by the screening at 8.15pm. The evening costs £10 per person.

For details and to book, visit: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD NOW SHOWING:

Starts Wednesday A Star Is Born (15) 3rd October Starts Friday 5th October Starts Friday 12th October

Starts Friday 19th October

Starts Friday 26th October

Johnny English Strikes Again (PG) Crazy Rich Asians (12A) First Man Venom, Goosebumps Bohemian Rhapsody

OCTOBER EVENT CINEMA The Winter’s Tale 4th 7.15pm The Importance Of Being Earnest 9th 7.15pm Mayerling 15th 7.15pm They Shall Not Grow Old (15) 3D 16th 6pm

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

CITY OF WELLS BEER FESTIVAL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26th AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27th The city’s first beer festival! With 45 beers and ciders, food and entertainment!

Tickets £10 per session (includes 6 x half pints) Fri: 7-11pm; Sat: 12-4pm and 7-11pm (over-18s only) Brought to you by the City of Wells Lions Club in aid of charity

THE BISHOP’S BARN, SILVER STREET, WELLS BA5 1US.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE NOW AT: WWW.WELLSBEERFESTIVAL.CO.UK (BOOKING FEE APPLIES), CALL 01749 670100 OR EMAIL: ROD@NCHQ.CO.UK MENDIP TIMES • OCTOBER 2018 • PAGE 127

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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. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.

Wednesday September 26th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting, 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. A demonstration of vision aids. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

St John's Church Midsomer Norton lunchtime concert with Wells Cathedral School, 12.30 -1.30pm.

Refreshments available, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Harptrees History Society talk by Terry & Jennie Stevens: 'Tyntesfield, Progress & Discovery' West Harptree Hall BS40 6EB. AGM 6.30pm talk 7.30pm visitors welcome. Details: 01761 221758 or 221941.

Thursday September 27th West Mendip Walkers leisurely circular walk 6m from Wookey. Ex141 ST518457. Start 1.30pm Park nr church. Details: Carole: cajlewis@btinternet.com Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Gasper, Monarch’s Way. Start 10am Stourhead car park BA12 2SH, ST778341. Free parking with NT card. Details: Mo 07387 088151.

Friday September 28th Concert with professional soprano Sarah Minns and new talent, Flo Lunnon,7.30pm St Paul’s Church, Easton. Tickets £10, include glass wine, from Jane 01749 870543 or Pam 01749 679538.

Saturday September 29th The Bristol Ensemble’s string section perform their ‘Romantic’ selection, music by Elgar, Mendelssohn, Holst & Greig. St Mary’s Church, Yatton, 7.30pm.

Tickets £10; £8 YMS members. Details: www.yms.org.uk Jazz Piano: Craig Milverton, 8pm, Cossington Village Hall, TA7 8JN. Reserved seats £10 from 01278 451187 or rogercollett.sounds@talktalk.net supporting Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends.

Congresbury Gardening Club Autumn Show from 2.30pm, Old School Rooms. Details: www.congresburygardeningclub.org.uk Mendip Society Walk from Hutton. A moderate 4.5 miles, small hills. Meet 2pm, The Old Inn, Hutton BS24 9QQ. Details: Rose 07796 910123.

Music in Quiet Places; concerts at churches in East Harptree, Hinton Blewitt and West Harptree. A whistle-stop tour of world music.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Blake – The Anniversary Tour" 7.30pm. Tickets £23/£22. VIPs £47 from 01373 462795. Details: www.fmt.website Implement Sale, Rural Crafts & Funday, Priddy Village Green. 10am-5pm, with produce show, hobby horse gymkhana, bar & refreshments. Details info@timeconcerts.co.uk 01749 676339.

Tortoise pre-Hibernation Health Check. Free.

British Chelonia Group South West, 10am-4pm, RC Cathedral, Bristol. Details: Facebook @BCGSWR. Sunday September 30th “Back to Church Sunday” at All Saints, Lullington, BA11 2PG. Please join us at 4pm for Evensong; have a chat & cup of tea afterwards.

Monday October 1st Mendip Ramblers easy cup of tea 3.5m walk Norton Radstock Greenway. Start 1.30pm Midsomer Norton, South Road car park BA3 2EZ, ST665541. Details: Jane 01761 232715.

Tuesday October 2nd Backwell Sequence Dance Club start a ten week beginners’ ballroom dancing, Tuesdays 7pm to 7.45pm, Backwell WI Hall. £4/couple. Main evening from 8-10pm. Details: Brian Gage, 01275 463692 or www.backwellsequencedanceclub.org Taizé: Make time for an evening of chants & prayer 7.45 pm, Ammerdown Centre, Radstock BA3 5SW. No need to book, just turn up. Details: 01761 433709 or Janet: 07376 573093.

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Wednesday October 3rd Organ Recital, 12.30-1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments available, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday October 4th Congresbury Gardening Club, Flora on the Isles of Scilly by Alan Clark, 7.30pm, Methodist Hall, High St, Congresbury. Visitors welcome.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 13m from Holford Green. Ex140 ST155411. Start 9.30am.

Details: euan.stanwix@btinternet.com or 07801 621212.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6m walk Burrington Combe, Rickford, Blagdon. Start 10am Burrington Combe top car park BS40 7TZ, ST489581. Details: Martyn: 01761 471891/ 07986 621017.

Winscombe & Sandford Remembers 'A Parish & the Great War' talk by Lois Brenchley, 7pm All Saints Church, Sandford BS25 5NY. Details: William Du Croz 07960 697874.

Friday October 5th Redhill Club Open Mic Night, 8pm-1pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe. A mix of local professionals and open mic slots. Details: Jerry 07900 587646, Redhill Club: BS40 5SG. Saturday October 6th Valley Arts presents: The Packhouse Ceilidh – Live music and dancing for all the family, 7.30pm The Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna BS40 8SZ. Tickets £15 including supper. Details: www.tinyurl.com/VACeilidh West Mendip Orchestra open rehearsal of Scheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov. They will be delighted to welcome any visiting players who may wish to join them, 10am-4pm, Churchill Academy.

Churchill Music! London Bridge piano quartet: Mozart, Mendelssohn & Dvorak. 7.30pm St John the Baptist Church, Churchill, BS25 5QW. Tickets £12£16, U18s £4: www.ticketsource.co.uk Bath Community Gospel Choir, St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury BA2 0LG. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £10, U12’s £7. Wine & soft drinks on sale. Details: 01761 472448.

Frome FSLS & Civic Society Mary Wright on E W Godwin, the Greatest Aesthete of Them All, Assembly Rooms, Frome, 2.30pm. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Chew Magna Annual Resilience Day, Baptist Hall.10am-12: a chance to raise issues. Conference 12.30- 6pm:guide to B&NES & Parish councils, police & fire services, emergency coordinators, £5, incl lunch. Details / book conference: Cllr Lynne Easton 07810 810847 lynne@eastonpreecepreece.net Draycott Michaelmas Fayre, 10.30am-2pm, St Peter’s Church. Local crafts, tombola, teas & ploughman’s – to eat in or take away. All welcome.

Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Band Concert: Reflect & Celebrate 100 years, 7.30pm St Thomas’ Church, Wells BA5 2UZ.Tickets £10, include refreshments, from parish office 01749 672335 or on the door.

Kingston Seymour Country Market 10am-12, Village hall: fresh veg, quality meats, cards, cakes, plants, books, jewellery etc. Details: 01934 830553.

Castle Cary Anne Hallett Children’s Carnival from 3pm, followed by presentation of prizes outside Market House & Children’s Festival of entertainment. Details: www.ccacs.org.uk Jumble Sale, 2pm Cheddar Village Hall. Please bring jumble from 12 or call 0845 833 7402 for collection. Supporting Cheddar Vale Lions work in the community.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents "The Nutcracker” performed by Vienna Festival Ballet 7.30pm Tickets £20.50, £19.50, £15.50 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Entertaining Quiz at St James's Church Hall, Winscombe (BS25 1BA) at 7pm. Tickets £7 per person available from William Du Croz

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(07960697874). Light refreshments and raffle.

Raising funds for Christian Aid. Sunday October 7th Redhill Club Classic Car & Motorcycle Breakfast Gathering, 9am -11am. Full breakfast served in hall.

All welcome to park up on the Recreation Field, Church Rd, BS40 5SG. Tel: 01934 862619.

Somerset Black History Month launch event, Red Brick Building, Glastonbury, free family-orientated fun day, 12noon until 5pm opened by a special guest the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Cleo Lake. Details: Eden Simpson 07934 576608 or email somersetmulticult@gmail.com Monday October 8th Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with Bingo. Non-members welcome. 8pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall.

Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening, St James Church Hall Winscombe, BS25 1AQ. 8pm-10pm £3pp Details Pat 01934 742853.

“Benefits, Brass & the Girtest Grandest Day” a talk by Phillip Hoyland for Nailsea & District Local History Society. 7.45pm, Nailsea School. Single evening £2. Details: www.ndlhs.org.uk Tuesday October 9th ‘Indians, Buffalos & Storms: The American West through 19th Century paintings’ by Tony Faber. 11am Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B&W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN. Details www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk. Guests welcome.

Details: 01934 862435.

Wednesday October 10th Lunchtime concert: Somer Valley Singers, 12.30–1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton.

Refreshments, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Wells Civic Society “..lest we forget..” the story of the names on Wells War Memorials, with Sue Curragh; Somerset Poppies installation, with Dan Vidler, Wells & Mendip Museum, 7.30pm. Details: www.wellscivicsociety.org.uk Kilmersdon Gardeners, talk by Les Cloutman “The Natural History of the British Woodlands” 7.30pm Kilmersdon Village Hall, BA3 5TD. Details: 01761 233325. Visitors welcome, £2.

Growing Orchids – talk by Howard Burnett for Nailsea Horticultural Society. 7.30pm, Nailsea United Reformed Church Hall. Members £2, non-members £3 includes refreshments. All welcome.

Thursday October 11th West Mendip walkers moderate circular walk 5.5m Goblin Combe. Ex154 ST457655. Start 1.30pm. Car park Cleeve Rd. Details: Roger: 01934 743088/0772 4800882 or rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Friday October 12th Charity Ceilidh with The Four Foot Four, Kilmersdon Village Hall. Details: www.fourfootfour.com Saturday October 13th Somerton's 1st Oktoberfest, Edgar Hall: www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk. Tickets £14, include food, from Palmer Snell Somerton or 07928 508700.

Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmers’ Market & Parish Café 10am-12noon. Local produce, cards, jewellery, games, toys, crafts, etc. Free entrance. To book a table, Eddie: 01278 760 308.

Coffee Morning Wells Methodist Church, Southover BA5 1UG. 10am-12 in aid of church funds.

Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Divorced, Beheaded, Died – An Audience with King Henry VIII” 7.30pm, The Assembly Rooms. Tickets £12, £10 from 01373 46275. Details: www.fmt.website Frome FSLS & Civic Society 60th anniversary celebration, shared with Selwood School, 12-4.30pm at the school, lunch, entertainment, lecture, exhibition. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm, War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, dvds, cds, talking books.

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Winscombe Big Book Sale & Freecycle Event 9am-12.30pm Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe. Refreshments. Free entry. Details 01934 843986.

Strawberry Cream Tea from 2pm, Trinity Westfield Methodist church, in aid of Breast Cancer Care. All welcome!

Mells 10k Event: Cycle, walk or run in aid of CLIC Sargent in memory of Ben Crutchley, 10am, Mells Recreation Ground. Register: www.mells10k.com Boogie Woogie with The Harlem Rhythm Cats, 7.3011pm Binegar Church, in aid of church restoration & local homeless charity Connect £15, inc. glass of fizz & canapes, from Steve: 07528 169533 or Laraine: 07906 884360.

Castle Cary Carnival illuminated procession. 7pm.

Details: www.ccacs.org.uk Saturday October 13th and Sunday October 14th Chew Valley Arts Trail: Free entry to 19 venues around the Valley, 10am to 6pm. Details: 01275 333128 www.chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk Leigh on Mendip Arts & Crafts Exhibition at the Memorial Hall, BA3 5QQ. Free entry, cake & refreshments.

Monday October 15th “Forgotten Little Creatures” talk by wildlife photographer Victoria Hillman for Timsbury Natural History Group, 7.30pm, Conygre Hall, Timsbury £3 for non-members.

Tuesday October 16th Early Christmas Fair, Wincanton Racecourse BA9 8BJ 10am–3pm. Gifts, fashion, jewellery, toys.

Coffee & Lunch. Entry £3. Somerton Frome Conservatives supporting Marie Curie.

Spoken Word Café, Yatton Library, 10.30am -12.

Come to hear poems, share your favourite book.

Suggested donation £4; all welcome, disabled access.

Congresbury Over-60s Club ‘Time at Tyntesfield’ talk by Cyril Routley. War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm.

Details: 01934 832004.

Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, 2pm St John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Talk by Philippa Threlfall ‘History on the streets: a life of mural making’. Details: Glen Hepworth 01761 413528.

Evercreech History Society talk: The Amazing WWI Diaries of Sister Edith Appleton by Dick Robinson and Jane Buss, 7.30pm, village hall, BA4 6JP. 7.30pm. Admission £3 inc. refreshments.

A Photographic Odyssey Shackleton's Endurance Expedition, talk by Mark Cottle for The Arts Society, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary BA7 7JJ, 1100, free parking £6. Details: 01963 350132.

Cheddar Male Choir recruitment evening, Churchill Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Details: contactcheddarmalechoir@gmail.com Wednesday October 17th Mendip Gardening Club: Coastal Plants of Somerset, Helena Crouch, 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall. Details: Hilary 01761 750139 www.mendipgardeningclub.com Lunchtime concert: U3A Singing for Pleasure Choir, 12.30 -1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton. Refreshments, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Thursday October 18th Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Leigh on Mendip, Highbury. Start 10am Coleford, RBL car park BA3 5PB, ST686495. Details: Margaret P 01761 232042/07910 873853.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 11.5m from Nunney. Ex142 ST735457. Start 10am Quarry CP. Details: Margaret: 01373 462203/ 07543 696675 or margkdonkin@aol.com Winscombe & Sandford Remembers 'God and World War 1' a talk by the Dean of Wells Cathedral.

7pm St James's Church Hall, Winscombe BS25 1BA. Details: William Du Croz 07960 697874.

Friday October 19th Black Swan Arts Open Exhibition. Original art in

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all media. Michael Eavis judging. To submit entries: www.blackswanarts.org.uk Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Jackson Live Starring CJ" 7.30pm. Tickets £22, £21, £18 from 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Medieval Supper 7pm Butcombe Village Hall.

Medieval music, game pie, mead. Cash bar. In aid of Woodland Trust. Adults £18, U-16’s £10. Details: georgina.jefferies7@gmail.com or 01761462269.

Friday October 19th and Saturday October 20th Shipham Players’ murder mystery, “A Brush with Death”, raising funds for the Lymphoma Association.

Tickets £15, include supper, from Hansford’s, Shipham. Details: www.shiphamplayers.org.uk Saturday October 20th Valley Arts presents: Two Little Ducks – poet Matt Abbott brings Edinburgh Fringe to the Valley.

Powerful and thought-provoking, 7pm Chew Valley School drama studio, BS40 8QB. Tickets £8. Details: www.tinyurl.com/VATwoLittleDucks Brent Knoll Harvest Supper 7.15pm, Parish Hall.

Music from "The Fabulous Top Mix". Tickets £15 including supper from Eddie: 01278 760308.

Jumble Sale, Winscombe Community Centre, Sandford Road BS25 1JA, at 2pm in aid of Old Station Millennium Green. Items welcome – on morning or: 01934 843461.

Farmborough Craft & Gift Fayre, Memorial Hall, BA2 0AH.10.30am – 4pm, £1, children free. Wide range of gifts, refreshments all day.

Flamenco music & dance with “Fiesta Flamenca” 7pm Nailsea Comprehensive. Organised by Rotary in aid of Disadvantaged Children & Child Assist. Ticket £17.50 includes Spanish meal, from Roger: 01275 854076.

Popular Classics with Richard Lennox on piano and organ; Zoe Maitland, soprano.7 for 7.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, Blagdon. Interval refreshments.

Tickets £8: John 01761 462107.

Sunday October 21st Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m walk The Polden Way. Start 10am Street Youth Hostel BA16 0TX, ST480345. Details: Janet 01458 835238/07706 181609.

Monday October 22nd Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, non-members welcome, 8pm Congresbury War Memorial Hall.

Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening, St James Church Hall Winscombe, BS25 1AQ. 8pm-10pm £3pp.

Details: Pat 01934 742853.

The Green Gardeners welcome Mickey Little of Avon Bulbs for advice on the selection and planting of bulbs for best effect. Refreshments after the talk.

7.30pm, Parish Rooms, Somerton. Visitors welcome (£3).

Tuesday October 23rd Chilcompton Garden Club, 7.30pm village hall.

Success with house plants, Gold Club Speaker from Sherborne.

Cheddar Male Choir recruitment evening, Churchill Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Details: contactcheddarmalechoir@gmail.com Wednesday October 24th Lunchtime concert: Cellist, Linda Stocks, 12.30 1.30pm St John's Church Midsomer Norton.

Refreshments, donations welcome. Details: www.stjohnschurchmsn.org.uk Weston-s-Mare Music Appreciation Society meeting St. Jude's Hall, St. Peter's Church, Baytree Road BS22 8HG. 7.30 pm. Details: simonrawlings9@gmail.com or Dianne 01934 814752.

Thursday October 25th Chew Valley Wildlife Group: Forest Gardening. Talk

by Rob Handy covering permaculture, perennial veg & self-sufficiency, 7.45pm, Chew Magna Old School Room. £2.50. Wildlife group also seeking support for a jumble sale in January. Details: Claire 01761

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Bodies of Water: talks, demonstration, sound installations & film by Helen Ottaway & Melanie Thompson. Silk Mill Gallery, Merchant's Barton, Saxonvale, Frome, BA11 1PT. 7.30 pm. Admission £7.

St. Peter’s Church, Draycott, Malcolm Archer plays the first concert on the newly refurbished organ, 7.30pm, free admission, retiring collection.

Mendip Ramblers moderate 6.5m walk Ham, Harridge Wood. Start 10am Stoke St Michael, car park Frog Lane BA3 5LJ, ST661471. Details: Jane 01761 232715.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 7m from Nunney. Ex142 ST735457. Start 1.30pm Quarry CP. Details: Cheryl: 07818 462949 or cheryl.evans100@btinternet.com Friday October 26th and Sunday October 27th History & Heritage on The Levels, 11am-5pm Othery Village Hall, TA7 0QU. Entry Free.

Contributions to this exhibition from several local history societies. Fri 7pm talk by Janet Few, “Witchcraft in the 17th Century”. www.otheryvillagehall.org.uk Saturday October 27th “Dastardly Dragon” trail opens for half-term at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Collect the trail clues at the shop to explore the Palace and gardens.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws, dvds, cds. talking books.

Mendip Society Walk from East Harptree. A moderate 5 miles. Meet 2pm car park East Harptree Woods on Smithams Hill BS40 6DA. Details: Clive 01275 848052 Old Tyme Music Hall, Draycott Memorial Hall BS27 3UE. In aid of "Hope For Tomorrow" Chemotherapy Unit Bus. Tickets £8 from R James 01934 742180 or M Thomas 01934 742057.

Family Halloween Disco, organised by Coleford Revival Group. Kids disco 6-8pm; Adults 8pmmidnight. Adults £4, children £2 from Nicola, 07841 198372 or Philip 0777 338907.

Wells SOUP. Enjoy lunch as four local charities tell you what they do and are each given a cheque. 1pm Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street/Portway, Wells. Details: 07715 770454.

Organ Recital, Nicholas Tall alumnus Wells Cathedral School, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets £10 or £8 YMS members, details: www.yms.org.uk Trinity Singers “1918: Endings & Beginnings” music

by Elgar, Parry, Debussy, Stravinsky & Bernstein, 7.30pm, All Saints' Church, Wrington. Adults £10, accompanied U18s Free. Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk Tickets also on the door.

Sunday October 28th Mendip Ramblers moderate 10m Mendip Ring Circular: Burrington Combe, The Wrangle. Start 10am Burrington Combe top car park BS40 7TZ, ST489581. Details: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023.

Burnham & Highbridge Band, Princess Theatre, Burnham, 7pm, with a selection of favourite pieces.

Tickets £7 (£6) from: 01278 784464. Details: www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk Monday October 29th Mendip Folk Dance Club Evening, St James Church Hall Winscombe, BS25 1AQ. 8pm-10pm £3pp Details Pat 01934 742853.

“Make-it Monday” craft dragon-themed masks & tails, 10.30am-3pm, the Undercroft, Bishop’s Palace, Wells.

Wednesday Oct 31st Harptrees History Society: three talks by members of the Society's Research Group. 7.30pm West Harptree Hall BS40 6EB members £1 visitors £3.

Details: 01761 221758 or 221941.

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WHAT’S ON

W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting, 1.30pm, Backwell WI Hall. The speaker will be Gina Merrett-Smith. Details Sheila: 01275 462107.

Thursday November 1st Winscombe & Sandford Remembers 'A Soldier in World War 1' a talk by David Cuthbert. 7pm All Saints Church, Sandford BS25 5NY. Details: William Du Croz 07960 697874.

Congresbury Gardening Club: How to increase mental agility through gardening by Steve Taylor 7.30pm Methodist Hall High Street. Visitors always welcome.

Thursday November 1st and Friday November 2nd Frome Memorial Theatre presents "Showstoppers 2018" 7.30pm at The Assembly Rooms. Tickets £9.50 from

C O N T.

01373 462795. www.fmt.website Friday November 2nd “Nature Ninjas” create autumnal themed art & crafts in the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. 11am3pm.

Saturday November 3rd Frome Memorial Theatre presents "High Jinx Magic & Illusion Show" 2pm. Tickets £12.50, £10.50, £10 from 01373 46275. Details: www.fmt.website Frome FSLS & Civic Society, town clerk Paul Wynne on the challenges facing Frome Town Council in 2018, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm. Details: www.fsls.org.uk Jumble Sale 2pm Winscombe Community Centre, to support the Samaritans. If you have items for the sale please contact Mike 07393 613544, or bring from 10am.

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTION AND WINNER

ACROSS: 9 Average, 10 Exceeds, 11 Pepsi, 12 Smooth out, 13 The George, 14 Evita, 15 Chalice Well, 20 Ran in, 22 Talbot Inn, 25 Frequency, 26 Innox, 27 Cottage, 28 Fanatic.

DOWN: 1 Carpets, 2 Temple, 3 Lalibela, 4 Geyser, 5 Kerosene, 6 Scythe, 7 Memorial, 8 Ashtray, 15 Converts, 16 In tandem, 17 Emotions, 18 Orifice, 19 Inexact, 21 Neural, 23 Lay off, 24 Innate.

The first name to be drawn out of the hat was: John Lawes, of Wrington, who wins a £10 voucher for The George at Croscombe.

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