Mendiptimes Volume 10 - Issue 12

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 12

IN T H I S I S S UE : • GARDENING • EVENTS • SPORT • BATH & WEST • WALKING • ARTS & ANTIQUES

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

MAY 2015

Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

THE great outdoors seems to be a theme this month, as we get out to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We join the Avalon Marshes volunteers who have clocked up 10,000 hours on conservation work in the area, while Chris Sperring welcomes the return of the little egret.

We also take a walk along the beach at Uphill to join in the celebrations by Weston Bay Yacht Club, who have extended their clubhouse.

Daffodils feature, with a picture special from Mells Daffodil Festival and reports from two local daffodil shows.

In her gardening column, Mary Payne offers advice on what to do with the bulbs once they have finished flowering.

We have picture specials from Mendip Farmers Point-to-Point and the Westcountry Game Fair and we preview the Royal Bath and West Show and offer you the chance to win tickets to Ladies’ Day. We will have our stand at the North Somerset Show on May 4th, Bank Holiday Monday, so do come and say hello.

Sadly local shows will have a stalwart missing in future – Butcombe farmer Frank Wear has died and we pay tribute to him, as well as to two village characters from Blagdon.

With all of our usual features and a packed What’s On section there’s no shortage of things to see and do across Mendip in the merry month of May. June 2015 deadline: Friday, 15th May 2015.

Published: Tuesday, 26th May 2015.

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: Launch of this year’s Royal Bath & West Show.

Photograph by Mark Adler (see page 16).

8

Here comes the sun – but how many saw the eclipse?

14

And the winner is – Bob forecasts a perfect day for Mells

65

Get gardening – join the growers at Baltonsborough’s allotments

92

Everyone’s a winner – Mendip point-to-point success

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................26 Arts & Antiques ...........................34 Business ........................................42 Internet and Crossword..............45 Charities .......................................46 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......53 Walking Sue Gearing....................54 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........56

Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......62 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............72 Community...................................80 Motoring .......................................82 Caving Phil Hendy........................84 Music.............................................85 Homes and Interiors....................86 Riding Celia Gadd ........................94 Sport..............................................96 What’s On ..................................101 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • 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

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

AT the time of writing the 2015 Royal Bath & West Show is just around the corner. As usual, Bartlett Gooding & Weelen are sponsoring the Power of the Past Exhibit although the display will this year be at the southern end of the showground rather than in the place it has occupied for many years.

We make our usual invitation to clients and friends to visit us whilst at the show and to perhaps enjoy a hot drink or a glass of wine. We always enjoy meeting clients and friends in the fairly leisurely atmosphere of the Royal Bath & West which makes a welcome change to the oďŹƒce.

Whilst making your way to visit us we would suggest coming via the livestock area of the show which will serve as a reminder that the Royal Bath & West Show is primarily an agricultural show (not just a shopping experience). Bartlett Gooding & Weelen as a ďŹ rm has considerable experience and interest in agricultural matters and it is partly as a result of this that we so value our connection with the show. We look forward to greeting you.

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

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

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

President’s night in Frome

NEWS

Let us bray!

Parishioners – some carrying palm fronds – gather outside The Strode Arms Gill and Humphrey Barnes

HUSBAND-and-wife Humphrey and Gill Barnes have been presented with prestigious Paul Harris fellowship awards by the Rotary Club of Frome.

Named after the founder of the rotary movement, the awards recognise commitment to the local community. It is rare for a couple to be recognised in this way.

Gill was the director for the recent For One Night Only concert at Frome’s Memorial Theatre, which raised £3,800 for Help for Heroes. Gill has made huge contributions to Inner Wheel in recent years and has been a driving force in the Frome Musical Theatre Company (formerly the Frome Operatic Society) for 57 years.

Humphrey was president of the rotary club two years ago and has made a great contribution to the movement. He is completely committed to every task he undertakes from carnival, the Frome half marathon and youth activities.

For most of his life he has been a leading light in the Frome Operatic Society. He joined 64 years ago and has played 82 major roles in shows.

The presentations were made at the club’s annual president’s night at the Standerwick Conference Centre, near Frome. Club president Jerry Lewis’s guests included district governor Judy Barnard-Jones and her husband Keith, who was the guest speaker. The president of Frome Inner Wheel, Margaret Holmes, along with the presidents of Frome Selwood Rotary Club, Frome Lions Club and Probus also attended.

Rotary Club president Jerry Lewis, his wife Kate and guests

TWO rescued donkeys who are best of friends led the Palm Sunday church procession through Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet.

Cudos and Precious, both 13, are a familiar sight in the village as owner Cobi Snelson regularly takes them for walks around the area; they have even Cobi and the been known to visit their donkeys lead local pub! the way Cobi and her family adopted the pair from the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth last year. They had been rescued in 2009 by the RSPCA from neglect. Cobi said: “We absolutely love them.

Everyone in the village knows them; they are something of celebrities around here.”

Cobi added: “The sanctuary was fantastic.

We had no equine experience and they helped us with everything.”

After teas, coffees, hot cross buns and homemade cakes, dozens of parishioners took part in the procession from Cranmore Memorial Hall to St Bartholomew’s Church for the service.

Time to celebrate

ST BRIDGET’S, the parish church of Chelvey and Brockley, is celebrating the completion of its seven-year restoration and improvements programme with a walk to Beat the Parish Bounds on Saturday, May 9th, starting from the church on Chelvey Road at 10am.

The walk is just over four miles and will end on return to the church just after noon. Everyone participating is welcome to join in a snack lunch.

Details: Jean 01275 462609, Sue 01275 853879 or Tony 01275 853138.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Otton’s meadow creates a buzz

A NEW polytunnel and meadow designed to support the rare shrill carder bee has been opened at Carymoor Environmental Trust near Castle Cary.

Otton’s Meadow has been named after the late Roger Otton, the founder of Castle Cary Museum and a keen supporter of wildlife. The original idea for the project had come from Roger and was taken up by Castle Cary resident, and friend of Carymoor, Stephen Best.

Roger’s widow, Molly, was at Carymoor for the grand opening of the new polytunnel. She said: “Roger would have been delighted to see this project develop and I am only sorry he cannot be

Aoife O’Rourke from Bumblebee Conservation Trust with children from Castle Cary Primary in the new polytunnel

Molly Otton cutting the ribbon on the new polytunnel

here to see it. Wildlife meant a great deal to him and Castle Cary was his life.”

Carymoor Environmental Trust leases 100 acres of capped landfill from Viridor at their Dimmer site outside Castle Cary.

Over the past 19 years the charity has regenerated the site into a nature reserve for a range of wildlife.

More than 100 schools from across Somerset visit each year to see the landfill site and learn of ways to reduce waste, as well as exploring some of the habitats created. Carymoor is now working to get a new project off the ground to establish a purpose-built wetland centre at the site to teach visitors about aquatic life.

The shrill carder bee was once widespread in the UK but is now only found in a handful of locations across the UK and Carymoor is working with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to establish a new habitat for them.

Somerset is one of its last remaining

strongholds, but even here populations of the bee are small and of low density.

Rupert Farthing, chief executive of Carymoor, said: “Over the past 18 months we’ve worked hard to establish a new polytunnel where we can grow the kinds of wildflowers that will support the shrill carder bee. We have a four-acre area of our site that we are developing as a wildflower meadow to support the bee.

Our volunteers have put in hundreds of hours on this project and we simply couldn’t have done it without them. I’d particularly like to thank the Best family and John Fletcher who have put so much into this project.”

Rupert added: “We have found the bee on our site once before in 2013 so we know we have them here at Carymoor but only in small numbers. We have a regular volunteer, John Butler, who will be monitoring bees on our site so we will be able to see how successful our project is in years to come.”

To find out more about Carymoor’s work visit: www.carymoor.org.uk

Tree tribute to school secretary CHEERED on by children at Chewton Mendip School, Vicky Maule plants a maple tree in the school garden to mark her retirement after 25 years as secretary and as a pivotal member of the team.

In her 25 years at the school, Vicky worked with three different headteachers and saw pupil numbers grow from 96 to more than 140 and watched new buildings on the site doubling the size of the school.

The children, staff and parents of Chewton Mendip School wish Mrs Maule a very happy retirement – they are all looking forward to watching her tree grow and brighten up its special spot, right in the heart of the school grounds.

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Chew Valley woodland

ENVIRONMENT

Coffin path marches on

Pictured (l to right) Tom Armour-Chelu, Nigel Chambers, Meg Thomas and Andy Lister laying the hedge

IT is several years since volunteers took up a request from The Woodland Trust to help with some improvements at Culvery Wood in Pensford.

This little gem of a woodland, which was hidden away along a footpath under Pensford Viaduct, was planted for the Millennium and is now well established, thanks to the volunteers.

One of the team's organisers, Nigel Chambers, said: "The B&NES footpath officer has been really helpful and has financed contractors to grade and drain the public footpath, which runs along the east boundary, as well as to install steps in one of the steepest, muddiest sections."

Elsewhere the volunteers have put in steps, opened up a new pathway and generally waged war on the brambles and nettles, resulting in a much more accessible wood, with more people now using it either as a short walk or as an add-on to the Three Rivers walk.

The wood is an eight-acre mix of mature and Millennium trees with beautiful views over the Chew Valley, now made all the better by the newly laid hedge on the western boundary. The hedging project will continue into next winter and anyone keen to help should contact the Woodland Trust.

Details: volunteering@woodlandtrust.org.uk

THE Coffin Lane Campaign is close to completing a safe route for walkers and cyclists from Axbridge to Cross, avoiding the busy main road.

Following the old coffin route from Axbridge, the campaigners have just one short section to complete, having added a new section of path at Clements’s Corner on the crossroads with the A38.

Co-ordinator, Tess Gill, said: “We have had a new fence built and once the work is completed people will be able to walk that section without putting themselves in danger from traffic hurtling past. There is now just one short section that we need to sort out and then people can walk and cycle in total safety.”

Baby Sam was among the group taking part in an Easter Walk, highlighting the campaign.

Quarry sculpture contest launched

YOUNG artists are being encouraged to enter a new competition to see their design for a quarry-related sculpture turned into reality.

The winners will feature in a series of events by 14 artists across East Mendip called stepinstone, a multistranded art trail around three disused and working quarries, illuminating the spectacular, hidden landscapes while exploring Somerset’s heritage and beauty.

The competition was launched at the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Wainwright’s Quarry in Stoke St. Michael to give the public a chance to come along and find out more about

The launch of the arts project

Details: www.coffinlane.com

the project which will take place in stages between June and October G Entries for the under 20’s Sculpture Design Competition are open online

until Monday, May 18th at: www.blackswan.org.uk/sculpturedesig n2015 or follow stepinstone on Twitter and Facebook MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 7

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MENDIP TIMES

Somerset’s own circle line

M E N D I P

W E A T H E R

S C E N E

THE STRAWBERRY LINE campaign to take forward stalled plans for an off-road path between Cheddar and Wells has received a boost with various groups now promoting the idea of the Somerset Circle – an 85-mile circular route linking Bristol and Bath with the communities of north Somerset and the Mendips.

Substantial parts of the circle have already been built, starting with the pioneering Bristol to Bath Railway Path which follows an off-road route all the way between the two cities. The path connects to the Two Tunnels Greenway, which also follows a former railway line to give an off-road connection to the Colliers Way – thus reaching Radstock and the outskirts of Frome. From Radstock the newly-opened Five Arches Way takes the circle as far as Midsomer Norton.

Moving in the other direction from Bristol cyclists can follow the River Avon Trail as far down as Pill. Plans are well advanced to extend this route via Portishead to Clevedon which is close to connecting with the Strawberry line at

Yatton. Local cyclists and walkers already make extensive use of the path which mainly follows the old railway line through Winscombe before arriving at Cheddar.

The major ‘missing link’ is in Mendip but even here there are sections of path waiting to be connected up. A short section of path leaves Cheddar in the direction of Wells; a slightly longer section leaves Wells in the direction of Cheddar and gets as far as Haybridge.

Details: www.thestrawberryline.org.uk

Views of the eclipse

with DAVID MAINE

THE partial solar eclipse in March was the biggest witnessed in the UK since August 1999 and certainly worth a mention here from the meteorological

angle.

On the weather chart we had a weak weather front over the south of the UK and another one over Scotland, with a “sandwich” of clear weather in between over South Wales and the Midlands.

Places to the north and west of

A hazy view of the eclipse from Doulting

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Bristol were able to see something of the maximum eclipse around 9.30am when about 85% of the sun was obscured, but further south towards Wells it remained mainly cloudy. As the front continued slowly south, more places were able to see the last part of the eclipse as the clouds broke.

Those who made the trip to the Faroes to see the eclipse were disappointed with cloudy skies, as was Yours Truly in 1999, when I made a special trip to south Devon. I would have seen more from my back garden!

Back to the “here and now” (a phrase very popular with TV weather presenters)! Spring is progressing nicely and, after a fairly average March, April is shaping up very well with signs of some real warmth (we reached 20ºC on the 10th).

However, one word of caution: you may have read reports in some newspapers of forecasts of three months of fine, warm weather. Fingers crossed for the North Somerset Show, the Royal

ENVIRONMENT

In the middle there is a short section connecting the villages of Rodney Stoke and Draycott and Somerset County Council and Sustrans have both invested funds to secure the only safe crossing of the A371 – under Easton bridge.

Finally residents in Shepton and Wells have been active drawing up proposals for sections of a path that would link in their communities and help complete the circle.

An online petition supporting the plan has now received thousands of signatures.

Staff and pupils from St Aldhelm’s primary school in Doulting watch the eclipse with the help of a homemade viewer

Bath and West Show and, of course, Glastonbury but my advice would be to keep checking the six day forecasts which nowadays are very accurate. But beyond that? Keep an open mind as things can, and do change, as we all know.

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Tel: 0800 097 8611

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

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

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MENDIP TIMES

The show season is upon us

IT is with sadness that I begin this month’s article with the news that the Mendip area has lost an outstanding countryside character.

Farmer Frank Wear With MARY from Butcombe passed JAMES MBE away on April 12th aged 88. Never at a loss for words, Frank always spoke his mind. He will be sadly missed.

Readers will know about Farmlink (classroom in the countryside) where we have children out to visit farms in the Farmlink group and that our spokespeople are Nick Baker (pictured) and Les Davies.

I had the pleasure of accompanying Farmer Nick to Wansdyke Primary School in Whitchurch just before Easter where we had to judge a competition.

The children had the task of making ‘eggmobiles’ where the exhibits had to be on wheels and depict farm or garden and science. There were some amazing contributions. The winners in each year then had to race their mobiles across the

school hall which was great fun. It was the 50th anniversary of the school and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol were present.

When the children were asked who were the famous people in the room the children shouted “Farmer Nick”.

The agricultural show season kicks off on May 4th when North Somerset Show will be held on their permanent site at Wraxall. It’s a good day out for all the family where you can see livestock, machinery, show jumping, terrier racing, the food hall, crafts and much more www.nsas.org.uk On to the Royal Bath and West four-day show at Shepton Mallet May 27th – 30th.

This year the Joint Presidents are Lord Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and his wife. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey there may just be a star or two around if you look carefully. See the Red Devils parachute display as well as sheep dog trials and Shetland pony racing.

The show has some big numbers this year: 499 beef animals, which includes over 100 of the South Devon breed; 1,200

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PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

sheep, 1,643 light horses and 81 heavy horses. Bees and Honey has attracted 400 entries; there are 100 producers in the food hall and 600 trade stands. My favourites are the heavy horses and our press office overlooks the heavy horse village so that will be great. It is cheaper to book tickets online so do get onto the website right away www.bathandwest.com There will be some farmers who will not be able to take their cattle to either show because they are shut down with TB. One farm has lost so many cows that they are taking drastic action. The cows will stay indoors all year and extra grass and maize will be grown to carry in to them.

The farm is also spending thousands to fence around a wood to keep the badgers out. There seems to be no end to this dreadful disease in sight.

Somer 2000 – ask the experts WITH a lifetime’s experience in electrical engineering, Bob Kingman is rarely phased by any of the complications and challenges thrown up by the industry.

From farmers telephoning Somer 2000 with a query about a failed electrical motor to designing a test Bob Kingman looks on as Mark transformer used by the Dando works on an electric aerospace industry, Bob and motor. the team have seen it all.

Based on the Midsomer Norton Enterprise Park, Somer 2000 can boast some impressive expertise among its 20-25 strong team.

Somer 2000 grew out of North Somerset Electrical Services and Sutton Transformers and has regular clients across the south west, south Wales and the M4 corridor.

Bob began his career as an apprentice for his local electricity board before joining Gloucestershire County Council and then an insurance company where he was an electrical surveyor.

Today, Bob looks after the transformer side of the Somer 2000 business, from bespoke “design and build” to the company’s Bulldog range. Son David looks after electrical engineering and contracting.

Bob said: “Our big advantage is that we have all the expertise under one roof and under one name.”

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Wedmore YFC’s annual show

WEDMORE YFC held its 81st annual show at The George in the village and as usual there was a high level of entries and support. The main winners were: The ER Nicholl’s Cup for most helpful member, Karl Hooper The Doris Burrough’s Cup for most enthusiastic senior, Fay Nicholls The Doris Burrough’s Cup for most enthusiastic junior, Georgie Seymour Handicraft Cup (Junior) James Hooper Handicraft Cup (Senior) Fay Nicholls Best All-Round Member (Junior) James Hooper Best All-Round Member (Senior) Ben Willcox Overall – Best All-Round Member James Hooper Alice Smith

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FARMING

Young farmers celebrate

FARRINGTON Gurney Young Farmer’s club has had a successful year of fund-raising, with two big events.

Mendips Got Talent, an evening full of fun and entertainment held by kind permission of the Green family at Ston Easton, raised £3,737 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The Fall Ball held at the Royal Bath and West Showground had a record attendance, raising £3,000, which will be split between the RUH New Cancer Centre and Farrington Gurney’s defibrillator.

Farrington is part of Fosse Group, with Wells, Glastonbury and Frome, which is hosting Somerset’s Annual Rally.

Details: If you are interested in joining young farmers please contact chairwoman Gemma Groves 07549097809 or join them on Facebook for updates.

FOSSE GROUP – is made up of three clubs; Farrington, Wells and Glastonbury and Frome.

This year Fosse Group are hosting Somerset’s Annual Rally with a theme of ‘ARMY’. This is a weekend where every club in Somerset (26 in total) will gather for competitions, Handicrafts, stock judging, Cattle and Sheep Show and much more. The rally is being held at Manor Farm, Stratton on the Fosse on the 16th May, by kind permission of the Addicott Family.

It’s open to the public so why not join us?

Gates open at 10am and there is a lot to see including tug of war, fence erecting, army style obstacle course and sheep shearing.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 11

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Mendip mourns the death of farmer Frank Wear YOUR mother should have drowned you when you were born! A commonly heard proclamation to anyone who hadn’t got something quite right from Butcombe farmer ‘Uncle’ Frank Wear who died on April 12th.

Frank Poole Wear was born at Ruslin Farm, Butcombe on May 10th 1926. He was the elder of two brothers and lived his whole life in Ruslin Farm celebrating his family’s one hundred year residence on March 25th this year.

Frank attended Butcombe village school and then St. Mary Redcliffe School. After leaving school he returned home to work with his father. A dairy herd milked by hand, pigs, sheep and root crops and a traditional farm orchard formed the basis of the farm output.

Tractor power was soon to take over from horse power and Frank had vivid recollections of having his thumb on the wrong side of the starting crank many times. An electricity supply followed meaning milking was done by machine. Milk production continued until milk churns were phased out in the 1970s, then beef and sheep production took over. Thereafter, he won many prizes at local fatstock shows for his prime cattle and sheep.

Wrington Young Farmers Club beckoned with traditional farming activities being the mainstay. A lifelong involvement

with young farmers continued providing guidance, teaching stock judging and maintaining and awarding the Percy Wear Memorial Bursary with his brother Richard.

Frank married Mary Marshall from Broadfield Farm in May 1951. Daughters Christine and Gillian followed and later their two husbands, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Part and parcel of farm life was hedgelaying and this is one of the things Frank excelled at. As well as being a champion hedge layer, along with a good friend Stuart Ford he taught hundreds of people the age old skill of making a good-looking, stockproof hedge from a previous tangle of overgrown trees and thorns.

Frank’s efforts were recognised in 2013 with a presentation from Prince Charles at Highgrove for his Services to Hedging.

It was a proud moment after a lifetime of effort.

An involvement with the North Somerset Agricultural Society lasted for many years. He helped organise and run the annual ploughing and hedging match and was heavy horse steward at the May Show for decades. The Mendip Ploughing Society was another organisation to receive huge commitment and occasional pieces of ‘advice’ and he continued the Wear family involvement as a Life Member with a family association of over one hundred years.

He was a colourful character with a turn of phrase which would made the vicar blush, old ladies smile and Mary raise her eyebrows on more than a few occasions. He had a zest for life that never diminished. He had time for all and respected everyone for what they were.

He was a great family man, a true friend to many and a farmer and countryman the like we will never see again. Rest in Peace Uncle Frank the world will be a poorer place without you.

Nick Green

Blagdon loses two of its village stalwarts

TERRY Lyons, who has died aged 85, took over Mendip Garage in Blagdon from his father, Oliver, and ran Blagdon Lioness coaches for many years.

He had been a volunteer fireman in the village and parish councillor. In his grandfather’s time the family ran horsedrawn coaches to Terry Lyons Bristol and the link to horses continues with their Blagdon Horse Drawn Carriage business.

Their pedigree Friesians pulled the carriage carrying Terry from his home to St. Andrew’s Church in the village. He leaves his wife Joan, son Michael, daughter-in-law Nicky, and two granddaughters Becky and Vicky.

PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

OBITUARIES

NORMAN Ryley, who has died just short of his 67th birthday, served as a fireman in Blagdon for a record 49 years, only retiring last year. His father, Peter, the village postman, served for 35 years before him. Both were Watch Managers at one time.

Norman was a selfemployed mechanic and had a workshop at Combe Lodge until a Norman Ryley couple of years ago.

He was a familiar sight around the village walking his dog Oscar. Members of the fire service joined family, friends and villagers for his funeral at St. Andrew’s Church in Blagdon.

He leaves his wife Teresa, daughters Maria and Sharon, five grandchildren, brothers Martin and Nick and twin sisters Frances and Veronica.

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MENDIP TIMES

Festival fever in Mells

AN estimated 10,000 visitors descended on Mells for the village’s revived Daffodil Festival.

The 2014 event was cancelled because of poor weather in the run-up to the day but gloriously sunny weather on Easter Bank Holiday Monday brought out the crowds.

ITV West Country weather presenter Bob Crampton is cheered by town criers as he opens the festival An estimated 10,000 people visited the festival

Richard on the decks at the vintage request disco in the garden of the Tithe Barn

A view of the main field from the church tower

Is it a bird; is it a plane? No, it’s one of the contestants in the teddy bear parachute competition launched from the roof of the church tower PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Matilda and Isabelle competed in the Easter bonnet competition

Mells scouts ran a food stall

EVENTS

Steve Wurzel & The Scrumpy Swillers

Corinne and Stephanie Tucker sell homemade cakes in New Street

Bathampton Morris dancing in the street

Relaxing in the sun in the classic car arena MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 15

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MENDIP TIMES

Back to the future at the Bath and West Show

By Mark Adler

THE year is 1965. The Beatles are reaching the peak of their popularity, Muhammad Ali knocks out Sonny Liston in their heavyweight boxing title rematch and the first Royal Bath and West Show takes place on its new home on the edge of Shepton Mallet.

Organisers of this year’s four-day event looked back for inspiration at their first year on their new showground home and realised that the principles and aims remain very much the same.

They will be paying homage to 1965 by once again putting the very best of Great British agriculture, entertainment and food and drink at the heart of the show.

With more than a passing nod to the entertainment on offer in the main arena back then, there will be parachute displays, sheepdog trials and a Shetland pony Gold Cup competition!

Other highlights will include the British Cheese Awards, the British Cider Championships and Ladies’ Day featuring Farm Woman of the Year. The show will also host the national competitions for the South Devon breed of cattle.

Rupert Cox, the show society’s recently-appointed chief executive, said: “I have got one of the best jobs in Somerset, nay the south west of England. I am so excited about all the developments here.

“The showground is a really important asset. We want to engage our local community and make it a rural hub with

The launch of this year’s Royal Bath and West Show Society chief executive Rupert Cox

new ideas and new innovations.”

Lord Julian Fellowes, who is sharing this year’s presidency with his wife, said: “We believe very firmly that farming must be supported.

The show celebrates their achievements. For us, it has been a great learning process and we are looking forward to the combination of the old and the new.”

See us at the Royal Bath & West Show

This year’s show takes place from Wednesday, May 27th to Satur visit: www.batha

New layout for 2015

THE old wooden art pavilion has disappeared and some of the other familiar landmarks are changing – welcome to a new-look Royal Bath and West Show.

The popular art exhibitions will now be housed in a refurbished building near the bandstand on the Main Square, Living Countryside and pygmy and goat classes will be close to Green Entrance by the arboretum and woodland areas, whilst the Power of the Past vintage vehicle showcase can be found between the yellow and blue entrances. Floral art returns in a different form, PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2015

Lord and Lady Fellowes enjoy a ride around the main ring with Caroline Sturgess and Yolande Hansford from the Somerset RDA. Pulling the carriage is Whizzy

utive Cox

h his d. at f the

THIS year marks the 40th anniversary of carriage driving within the Riding for the Disabled Association area and the local Somerset RDA group will be giving a daily demonstration in the Living Countryside ring.

The Somerset group operates from Butleigh Wootton, near Street, and has around 30 drivers taking part each week.

Show presidents Lord and Lady Fellowes with Shetland pony riders Annabelle and Natasha Cash and sheepdog handler Merrill Fox with Alfie

Saturday, May 30th. For information and to book advance tickets, bathandwest.com

with show gardens and competitions.

Meanwhile, the art pavilion, along with some of the showground’s other facilities such as the 180-seat theatre, are being marketed as ideal conference and meeting facilities as part of chief executive Rupert Cox’s plan turn the site into the “go-to” venue for Somerset.

Show manager Alan Lyons said: “Changing the layout freshens up the show but also brings together areas which are a natural fit.”

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 17

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Are solar panels still worth the investment?

PUTTING solar panels on your roof means you not only start saving money immediately by using the energy they generate (for free), but you will also get a generous return via the government’s feed-in tariff scheme. You will be paid a set tariff for every unit of energy your array generates, whether you use it yourself or it is fed back into the national grid.

An average domestic 4kW, 16-panel system will see an average return of £800-900 per year to include average energy savings.

The feed-in tariff scheme is a fixed tariff paid quarterly for 20 years (and will also rise with inflation). The average return on investment is around 12%.

The growth of the solar PV industry globally has resulted in a large drop in installation costs, due to the large increase and competition in component manufacturing. This has meant that the market has opened up and is now a lot more affordable to a lot more people.

Solar Power Intl was established in 2003 and has completed over 1,600 installations across the South West. Their solar PV systems can be integrated into every type of building, from domestic homes to commercial properties. As an MCS accredited company they design, integrate, supply and install your system.

For more information and advice please visit them at the Royal Bath and West Show or call Solar Power Intl on 01300 345668.

SWIFT Services Ltd HEATING AND MECHANICAL SERVICES FREE filter and 8 year warranty on selected Worcester (lproducts Award winning domestic and commercial oil and gas installations and maintenance Call Jamie Smart on 01380 726284 www.wsswift.co.uk

Frome and Devizes 01380 726284 PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2015

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Old Mill in prime position

OLD Mill say they are delighted to have their marquee once again overlooking the main ring at the Royal Bath and West Show and it will be open throughout the four days.

They see the leading regional show as an ideal platform to show their strong relationships with the rural and farming community. They sponsor both the Cattle Presentation Award and the Farm Innovation Award.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to be at the fore of the drive to show that this great show is relevant to farmers and all in the West Country. Please do come and see us.”

Putting the glamour into camping

GLAMPING equipment specialist Boldscan advise landowners on everything from planning, finance and positioning, to supplying and maintaining fully-equipped en-suite traditional Safari tents and ultra-modern Geodesic Domes. All canvas products are manufactured to the highest standards at the company’s Somerset factory.

As this hot holiday trend continues, The Tsavo, a twin-skinned safari lodge sleeping six, has proved very popular. The inner tent measures 9 x 5 metres and is designed to be built on a structural timber base. Depending on the layout requested, it can be designed to have three separate bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining/living room and en-suite bathroom, with an external veranda.

Prices start from £9,000, with farmers charging guests over £1,000 per week in high season.

The addition of an elegant, Clubhouse, available to buy or hire, has multiple uses such as activity centre, shop or cafe. Get the wow factor with carpet and linings printed with logos or images, using the very latest in dye sublimation technology. Boldscan’s experienced team can also install lighting, flooring, furniture and heating.

Boldscan has supplied smallholdings, large estates and farms around the UK and abroad, as well as The Durrell Wildlife Park in Jersey, Marwell Zoo, Twycross Zoo, The Forestry Commission and other notable enterprises. Many landowners start with just a couple of tents and grow as they get established.

Details: www.boldscan.co.uk

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Consult the experts

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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2015

BRISTOL Timberworks have recently set themselves up at their workshop in North Somerset. They are a young company lead by two experienced carpenters, Richard Stephenson and Tom Murrell.

Their involvement together started eight years ago when they met on a medieval carpentry course, which Tom descibes as a great introduction to each other “geeking out over traditional carpentry”.

They also worked at the same company in rural America: “An amazing experience, working on large and historic jobs,” says Richard. Once back in England they both worked as selfemployed carpenters getting involved in interesting projects around the UK and last year they decided to set up Bristol Timberworks to offer carpentry services to the highest standard.

So what do Bristol Timberworks offer? They say: “We basically provide a full design and build service for timber frame, or green oak structures, from porches to houses. We also take on interesting interior work such as kitchens and staircases. For smaller projects we can take on the full design and build and project management and for larger jobs we might just form one component in a much greater team.”

Their role is flexible – they work with designers, architects, structural engineers and other trades. They may be brought in on a sub-contract level or influence the design early on. At the moment they are really focused on getting their name out there and providing people with a first-class service. Bristol Timberworks will be at the North Somerset Agricultural Show and the Royal Bath and West Show so look out for their stands.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 21

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Fun come rain or shine

NEXT Steps is a wellestablished and popular childcare centre situated within 240 acres on the Royal Bath and West Showground just outside Shepton Mallet. The team have been delivering exceptional childcare since 2003.

They have an exciting

Award winning Children’s Day Nursery

Next Steps Childcare Centre

Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School

Highly qualified team. Excellent secure rural location.

Funding available for 2-3-4 year olds Gardening, Yoga, Music & Dance, Cookery

01749 346808

www.nextstepschildcare.com

The Royal Bath & West Showground Shepton Mallet BA4 6QL 2015 Ofsted inspection rated our "Contribution of the Early Years Provision to the well-being of the children" as Outstanding

activity garden, a private

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

forest school area and access to all the varied outdoor space within the showground. Come rain or shine, their learning and fun flows from inside to out.

They love the outdoor space and this year they are extremely honoured that they gained Outstanding from OFSTED for their early years provision and the wellbeing of the children.

They are proud of their school readiness education programme and the teamwork in partnership with all the local first schools. This year their pre-school “graduates” and their families, will be attending the Leavers Express Party, on the miniature railway steam train within the Showground.

Places available for September 2015.

Food, glorious (Great British) food!

Great British food will be celebrated at this year’s show

MORE than 100 independent food producers will be exhibiting at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show, organisers have confirmed. The very best of West Country produce will be on offer, from ciders and beers to cheese and cakes.

Celebrity chef Nigel Burden, who has a regular slot on Simon Mayo’s Radio 2 Drivetime show, will be among the judges visiting the food halls. Show manager Alan Lyons said: “I listen to Simon’s Drivetime show every night while mucking my horses out and Nigel is such a brilliant ambassador for great British food, which is what the Royal Bath and West Show is all about.”

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Keeping your farm clean

Page 23

PRESSURE washers have long been a farmer’s go-to tool when it comes to cleaning down valuable farming equipment and vehicles, protecting the item itself from corrosion-causing debris and defending the herd against the spread of infection.

However around the farm – and the rural business the industry is diversifying into – there are plenty of other time-saving uses.

Equally at home in barns or farm shops, Karcher’s FRV 30 hard surface tool allows for the cleaning of concreted, Tarmacked and tiled areas without splashing or leaving dirty water behind.

Indoors or out, it dramatically reduces the downtime of the area being cleaned plus saves all the time previously taken to manually clear the water away.

Using a hot water pressure washer is up to 35% faster – saving 21 minutes every hour. Another huge time saver is Kärcher’s Inno Foam Set. Instead of the laborious process of lime washing, in a recent study with the British Pig Executive (BPEX) their stockmen achieved a 60% time-saving by applying disinfectant with Inno Foam and significantly reduced Salmonella and Enterobacteria levels. Elsewhere on the farm, iSolar is a pressure washer attachment solar revenue protection tool. Since a build-up of dirt on solar panels leads to a loss in power, reducing both what you generate for own use and any compensation you receive for feeding electricity into the grid, iSolar pays for itself in no time.

Kärcher is proud to be a member of the NFU Farmer and Grower, NFUS, and UFU Affinity Schemes whereby union members are entitled to receive 5% cashback on the purchase of all Kärcher professional machines, accessories and detergents.

ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2015 WIN VIP TICKETS T O L A D I E S D AY

FASHION and style will take centre stage for the fifth year running at the Royal Bath and West Show.

Ladies Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 29th and Mendip Times has teamed up with the show to offer a pair of VIP tickets to the must-attend event. Ladies Day is now a firm fixture of the show, which is marking its 50th anniversary on its showground near Shepton Mallet.

VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to the Members Clubhouse to see all of the main ring action PLUS an afternoon tea. Supported by Ston Easton Park, the winner of the Best Dressed Lady title will receive a luxury prize.

To enter the competition, please answer the following question: how many years has the show been on its present site?

Please send your entries on a postcard to: Ladies Day Competition. Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must be received by Wednesday, May 13th. The first correct entry chosen will win the pair of VIP tickets. The editor’s decision is final.

A limited number of VIP tickets for Ladies Day are now on sale for £30. For details, visit: www.bathandwest.com

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 23

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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2015

Cute sheep on show

Come and say ciao!

Moor View Alpacas, from Cornwall, have been operating for nearly four years now and in that time they have been able to breed alpacas for knitwear and meat products and have had interest from The Hairy Bikers, and Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell.

They are also the first in the UK to have the Valais Blacknose sheep, deemed “the world’s cutest sheep” which they will be bringing to the show. They have been getting a lot of attention with these little cuties and even have a children’s book based on one of their sheep called Moor Adventures of Lollypop.

They have been seen on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and BBC Countryfile several times. They are only doing a select few shows this year and say they are looking forward to being seen at the Royal Bath and West Show on stand 555.

See us at the Royal Bath & West Show, Stand No: 555

THERE is always a warm welcome to be found on the D’Ovidio Bros. stand at the Royal Bath and West Show and this year they’ll be promoting another aspect of their famous Italian hospitality.

Tony D’Ovidio is one of the organisers of the Romulus and Remus Italian festival at Pen Hill on the outskirts of Tim Pitman will once again be singing Wells and will be at the Romulus and Remus party encouraging visitors to the construction company’s stand on Avenue B to join the family-friendly event which raises money for local charities.

Tickets are now on sale for the party, on Sunday, August 2nd which will feature live music – including Tim Pitman – and other entertainment, along with some deliciously authentic food. The day begins at 12.30pm and all are welcome.

The festival is named after the statue of Romulus and Remus which stands on the site of the former prisoner of war camp at Pen Hill and celebrates the bond between Somerset, WWII Italian prisoners of war and their families, who later made the county their home. One of the results of the friendship has been the twinning of Wells with the historic town of Fontanellato in the Parma province in northern Italy.

Tony said: “This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the best ever.”

Tickets for Romulus and Remus are available from Tony on: 01749 673984 or Tony Guidi on: 01749 830642.

The west country’s premium Alpaca supplier.

Biggest breeders of the Valais Blacknose Sheep in the UK and possibly the world.

We supply Alpaca meat, Alpaca bedding and knitwear products.

emma@moorviewalpacas.com

01579 320 843

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

We look forward to meeting customers old and new at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show – we're on Stand 192 on Avenue B D'Ovidio Bros Ltd, Building Contractor, Worth House, Worth, Nr Wells, Somerset BA5 1LW Tel: 01749 673984 • Fax: 01749 670665 • www.dovidiobros.com

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The new season on a plate

With JUNE MACFARLANE

FRESH local asparagus – what could be more delicious? And this year the crop is “absolutely beautiful, very, very sweet” according to Liz Hebditch of New Cross Farm*.

Crab is in season too for these wonderful crab cakes and maincrop rhubarb is reaching perfection – just right to pair with a delicious ginger studded sponge.

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH LEMON ZEST AND PECORINO

When asparagus is as good as this, really fresh and sweet, you can eat it raw. It is worth going to the trouble of peeling it so you get the crunch without the skin. Then all you INGREDIENTS need is a zesty dressing and 1 bunch asparagus, some shaved Pecorino cheese. rinsed and patted dry Absolutely delicious!

100g Pecorino cheese METHOD 1 unwaxed lemon Cut the flower heads off the virgin olive oil asparagus, reserve. With a salt, black pepper vegetable peeler, shave off the tough outer skin of the stalks. Then carefully cut the stalks lengthwise into thin strips. Arrange in the dish, grate over the zest of half the lemon, squeeze over the juice of the lemon and shave thin strips of Pecorino on top. Finish with the flower heads, seasoning and a splash of good olive oil. *New Cross Fruit Farm, New Cross, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5HD

STEM GINGER SPONGE WITH RHUBARB INGREDIENTS

8 tbsp of the syrup from a jar of stem ginger in syrup 2 pieces of stem ginger 450g rhubarb, chopped 150g caster sugar 100g unsalted butter, softened 2 large eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 125g self-raising flour

Rhubarb loves ginger and this dish makes the best of both. Make in a deep dish or in six individual ramekins.

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180˚C. Grease a 20cm wide baking dish and line the base with a circle of baking paper. Spoon six tablespoons of syrup into the base.

Put the rhubarb, two tablespoons of syrup and 50g of sugar in a pan and poach very gently until the rhubarb is tender.

Cream the butter and the rest of the sugar together until pale, whisk the eggs and vanilla together and add slowly to mixture, beating to incorporate. Finely chop the stem ginger and fold into the mixture with the flour. Pour into the prepared dish. Cook in the oven for about 30 mins.

Serve in slices with the rhubarb, and cream or custard if you like.

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Asparagus salad with lemon zest and Pecorino

CRABCAKES WITH FRESH TOMATO SALSA

INGREDIENTS

450g fresh white crabmeat 100g fresh white breadcrumbs or Panko crumbs 4tbsp mayonnaise 1 egg 1tbsp Dijon mustard 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp mace A few drops of Tabasco Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste Vegetable and olive oil for frying FOR THE SALSA 1 large shallot, peeled and finely chopped 1 medium red or green chilli, finely chopped 1tbsp white wine or cider vinegar 3 medium tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped 1tbsp coriander, chopped 1-2tbsp extra virgin olive oil

This is my favourite crab dish, the one I choose whenever I find it on a menu, and this is the best recipe yet. Any leftovers freeze well.

METHOD

First make the salsa. Put the shallots and chilli in a small saucepan with the vinegar and heat gently until the vinegar has evaporated; then transfer to a bowl. Mix in the tomatoes, coriander and enough olive oil to bind;

season to taste.

Check the crabmeat for shell. Put into a bowl with the breadcrumbs and mix gently. Mix the mayonnaise, egg, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mace and Tabasco together, season, then very gently mix with the crab. Leave the mixture for a few minutes then form into eight small cakes.

Refrigerate for one hour. Heat oils in the pan and fry crab cakes gently until brown, turning very carefully half way.

Serve with the salsa.

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FOOD & DRINK

21 years young!

The coffee experts

SINCE 2011, Rob and Jane at Beans and Machines have put their expertise and knowledge of the coffee industry together and created a successful and forward moving one-stop coffee company.

Based near Bath, Beans & Machines are distributors of the premium Italian brand of traditional Astoria Espresso Machines, CoffeTek and Azkoyen Bean to Cup machines and Matrix Dispense machines.

They can help and advise on machines to suit all business needs and offer the option to rent or purchase new and refurbished equipment to suit any pocket and any size business.

Not only are they passionate about coffee machines and service but they also have their own unique and carefully sourced coffee beans that are freshly roasted to their very own specific recipe.

The business prides itself on its customer focus and, having over 20 years’ experience in the industry, Rob and Jane know how important it is to ensure that customers receive outstanding service.

TAHEcountryTpubWOin theBtownREWERS with rooms We’ve come of age!

HAPPY 21st!

TO run the same pub for 21 years is something of a rarity these days, but Richard and Maggie Pearce have achieved just that at The Two Brewers in Street.

And the secret to their success? Looking after their customers and knowing what they like. That means sticking to some very simple principles: a friendly welcome, good quality home cooked food served lunchtimes and evenings and a wide range of real ales.

On top of that, The Two Brewers boasts three ensuite letting rooms and an attractive beer garden, ideal now that summer is on its way.

Richard and Maggie describe the inn as a country pub in the town – it’s just a few hundred yards from Clark’s Village and the centre of Street but has a distinctly rural feel with no music and no fruit machines.

Richard said: “It says a lot about the pub when our two managers have been here almost as long as us. Kate has been here for 13 years and – apart from one year – Mandy has been with us for 16!”

The key to our success? Some things never change!

# Same ownership # Same warm welcome # Same great home cooked food # Same excellent accommodation

The Two Brewers, Leigh Road, Street, Somerset BA16 0HB. Tel: 01458 442421 • www.thetwobrewers.co.uk e-mail: info@thetwobrewers.co.uk

Fancy working in one of the busiest and best village food pubs south of Bristol?

We are a busy food and drinking pub and renowned for good service, good food and a fantastic atmosphere """" Part-time and full-time bar and waiting staff required – experience preferred """" Good rates of pay and excellent tips """" If you’re interested please give us a ring or drop us an email Tel: 01934 862 871 Email: eat@theploughwrington.co.uk www.theploughwrington.co.uk e Plough Inn, High Street, Wrington, Somerset BS40 5QA MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 27

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Country inn close to Bristol Airport

SITUATED in the pretty village of Langford on the edge of the Mendips, is the award winning Langford Inn and Restaurant, a traditional country pub offering delicious food with a superb range of wines, real ales and accommodation.

Walking into The Langford Inn, you will be met by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It still retains many original features including oak beams and displays local memorabilia of interest.

Proprietors, Phillip and Claire Howells and the staff members, take pride in providing first class service and serving exceptional home cooked food.

In addition to the traditional meals, its menu includes vegetarian dishes, fresh fish and mouth-watering desserts. Specials change daily, in particular with fish, which is delivered fresh each day and availability governs the menu. Favourites with customers include, lobster, crab, trout and mussels.

It has an impressive range of real ales including the local Butcombe bitter and a menu of fine wines to complement any meal. The bar and cosy lounge is perfect to relax and enjoy a quiet drink. With the warmer days approaching, the beer garden with patio heaters is ideal for alfresco dining or a relaxing drink.

A large function room is available to hire for private hire and even has an eight-foot projection screen included. Adjacent to The Langford Inn, are seven en-suite bedrooms, housed in two converted 17th century barns.

THE GEORGE AND DRAGON Barry and Niki Horwood welcome you to their newly refurbished village pub.

Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm Sunday 11.30am – 10.30pm Traditional food served all day, Sunday lunch £6.95

Friday, May 15th – Fancy Dress Mexican Night – bring your own moustache!

BEER GARDEN Children and dog friendly FUNCTION ROOM AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

High Street, Pensford BS39 4BH. Telephone: 01761 490156 PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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GARDEN FOOD

An authentic barbecue

WHILE not strictly speaking a food, I use apple wood as a flavouring in the form of smoke and in this capacity it is just as important as any spice or herb. The winter pruning of my fruit trees resulted in a pile of trimmings which recently inspired me to use them to smoke some authentic With JAKE American barbecue brisket.

WHITSON Now, the term 'barbecue' has a very different meaning in the US (especially the Southern US) compared to here. Whereas we generally mean grilling food outside over the high heat of a wood or charcoal fire (what they would term 'grilling' or 'a cook out') the term is used over there to describe the subtle art of slow-cooking meat, usually for many hours or even days, over a low heat, enveloped by smoke – in effect what we would call 'hot smoking'.

It is a very specialised time-consuming art form and it is worth noting that almost none of the foods served in this country that bear the name BBQ are cooked in this way – most are just cooked in an oven or grill and covered with sweet barbecue sauce.

Now the mechanics of making or buying your own backyard hot smoker (and operating it) is somewhat beyond the scope of this article, but suffice to say if you search online there is plenty of information available.

To the brisket – first, I like to rub it with a little salt, pepper, brown sugar and chilli powder. Then place it in the smoker and cook according to the type of smoker and the size of the piece of meat you have – alternatively you could just sear the meat over a wood fire, before cooking in a low oven for the rest of the time (a whole brisket may take 18 hours but smaller pieces will be done in 4-5 hours).

Towards the end of cooking I like to coat the meat with a little home-made barbecue sauce – made by combining roughly 2 tbsp each of ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and crushed garlic with 1 tbsp mustard and 1 tsp each of ground allspice and black pepper – and then serve the sliced brisket with potato salad and vinegary coleslaw.

Jacob Whitson is a chef and food writer who has worked in many of the West Country’s most prestigious restaurants. He is currently working on his first book, a travelogue detailing the regional foods of Japan.

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

An antidote to fast food

RECENTLY I was asked for my expertise on wild food for a forthcoming TV show with a well-known and much-loved presenter (can’t tell you any more details, it’s all very hush, hush!). The theme for my bit was the dish Mendip Wallfish (aka garden snails) a rather obtuse reference to it With ADRIAN being a mollusc and if I may say so very BOOTS clever marketing indeed.

Originally pioneered in the 1970s at the Miners Arms pub near Priddy, the dish is Somerset’s answer to the French escargot ‘Petit Gris’. We were generously allowed to film in the garden of a house in Wells. I spent days and days collecting up and feeding snails from my own garden for the (not so fast) live actions shots.

When we were finished they were released alive and well into the person’s garden in which we were filming. Sorry about that, it was a lovely garden too.

The garden snail (Helix Aspersa) is a terrestrial mollusc (gastropod) with a shell diameter up to 40mm, marbled brown and black, often rather worn in older specimens. Common in gardens, also found in woods, hedges, banks ditches and walls.

Now believe me when I tell you that a dish of snails cannot be rushed, it takes time. Some would say ‘at a snail’s pace’ (the puns keep on coming) as it’s incredibly labour intensive preparing them and this probably explains why it has fallen out of favour. It’s a real shame as the flavour is simply outstanding.

To prepare, the snails first have to be purged. Put them in a container where they can breathe and feed them lettuce, carrots or cabbage leaves for seven to ten days. This is very important as it cleanses them of their previous meal. To humanely dispatch – place in a freezer for an hour or two so they go into torpor then put in boiling water for two-three minutes, this also blanches them.

Winkle out of their shells and remove the black part of the guts called the cloaca. Washed and cleaned they are now finally ready to cook which can be anywhere between two and two and a half hours depending on your chosen method. Are you still with me on this?

I based my recipe on the former landlord of the Miners Arms, Bob Reynolds, original. Lots of butter, a variety of herbs but no garlic (chives instead) and cider, this is Somerset after all. The resulting snails are delicious, tender (not chewy) and incredibly moreish. In my opinion as good as if not better than anything you’ll ever try in France.

An interesting thing I learnt whilst researching all this is that snail slime makes a rather good anti-wrinkle cream. Apparently, ancient Chilean snail farmers discovered that they had great looking hands. So come out of your shells (groan) and try some Mendip Wallfish today, no actually in a week’s time. Snails might well be good for you inside and out but it’s certainly not what you would call ‘fast food’!

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

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

BEAH

English & Mediterranean Restaurant, Wells

FOOD & DRINK THE BEST STEAKS AT UNBEATABLE PRICES THURSDAY NIGHT IS STEAK NIGHT:

Sirloin £8.99 • Fillet, Ribeye, T-Bone or Mixed Grill £9.99

Skittle Alley available for teams every evening

New lunch, dinner & £12 prix fixe menus for May! Friday May 22nd An evening of traditional Polish food In our upstairs restaurant £17.50 per person For further details call or email Our upstairs ‘chapel’ restaurant is idea for private parties, from simple buffets to three course dinner party menus Reserve your table now to avoid disappointment

01749 678111 or email: info@beah.co.uk 2, Union Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PU

Relaxed & friendly dining in the heart of Wells

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

KITCHEN & BAR STAFF REQUIRED Please ring Steve for more info Bristol Road, Rooksbridge Near Axbridge Somerset BS26 2TE Telephone: 01934 751005

THE QUEEN ADELAIDE BLAGDON

01761 463926

S at 2 n d S un 3r d

A x br i d ge a n d M i d s o m e r N o r t o n S F M @ Th e F r o m e I n d e p e n d e n t (10am-3pm)*

S at 9 t h S at 1 6t h S at 2 3 r d F r 2 9t h

F r o m e Ch ee s e & G r a i n a nd K e ynsha m C r e wk e r n e G l a s t o n b u r y an d Ye o v i l (9am-2pm)* B u r n h am - o n - Se a

A warm welcome from Colin and Sharon

Travelling through, walking local trails, or living in the village, if the doors are open – come in and enjoy what Blagdon’s little country pub has to offer.

Booking highly recommended

GOOD FOOD, LAGER, ALES AND LOCAL CIDER

GLUTEN-FREE ON WEDNESDAYS

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Whatʼs new from Myrtle Farm A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Planting for the future

OUR orchard team has been busy planting thousands of new apple trees over recent weeks. Over 100,000 trees, including classic varieties such as Vilberry, Harry Masters Jersey and Dabinett, are being planted in and around

Sandford. Apple trees will take up to six or seven years to start cropping fully – and we expect orchards to last for up to 40 years. So this orchard at Compton Bishop really is for future generations to enjoy.

In the mood for some outdoor eating?

THATCHERS

On the road in the West Country

WE’LL be out and about over the summer at many festivals and events where we hope to meet readers of Mendip Times.

Come and see us at: G Eat Drink Bristol Fashion – this celebration of food and drink takes place in Queen Square, Bristol from 29th April – 10th May. We’ll have a range of ciders on the bar – we’re looking forward to another amazing festival in the distinctive tepee tents.

G Bristol Food Connections – we’ve organised a special Thatchers Cider Trail that takes you to many of the city’s historic and fascinating pubs and bars.

For more details about Bristol Food Connections, 1st – 9th May, and all events during the cider trail, visit www.bristolfoodconnections.com G The Royal Bath And West Show, 27th – 30th May. We have been closely associated with the Bath and West Show for many years in lots of different ways, and we’re particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Orchard and Cider Exhibition for the first time this year, as well as having our Cider and Beer Marquee with Butcombe.

G GoldCoast Oceanfest – a weekend of surf, music and fun at Croyde Bay in North Devon 19th – 21st June.

G Glastonbury Festival – this will be the second year of our partnership with our friends at Glastonbury.

We can’t wait to be there again from 25th – 28th June.

YOU can find the full recipe for this delicious Pulled Chicken Burger, created by Tim Maddams, on our website. It’s served with sage and onion rings, a hazy ketchup – and a refreshing glass of Thatchers Somerset Haze Cider. Cheers!

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 • Tel: 01934 822862 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 31

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MENDIP TIMES

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

01275 333042

From Monday, 3rd May PENSIONERS LUNCH SPECIAL! Two courses for only £9!

On pre-bookings only

Please see our website www.redlionbishopsutton.co.uk to view our menus

Restaurant food at pub prices, in a warm and friendly environment, created by award winning chef Scott Lucas.

Lunch and dinner service Mon-Sat – Sunday food served all day The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS! Friday, Saturday And Sunday – Open All Day • Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 12noon ’til 3.00pm. 4.30pm ’til Close.

Charlotte is pleased to reveal the beautiful original cottage garden at the rear of her tearoom where it makes the perfect place for a cream tea on a sunny afternoon.

Customers can now enjoy the sunny sheltered garden which can accommodate approximately 30 people.

Charlotte’s Tearoom is the ideal place to stop off for light lunches or refreshments when walking or cycling the Strawberry Line through Winscombe.

The tearoom and gardens are dog friendly.

charlottesteas

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

charlottestearoomwinscombe

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DO you know what that wine labelling is telling you – Is it region, grape, producer or brand?

Most buy certain wines because they recognise the name and feel safe. Seems fair enough. Wines like Chablis, Sancerre, Rioja, Chianti and perhaps most famous of With KELLI all Champagne are extremely popular, but COXHEAD often people don't know what grape varieties are in the wine.The most usual example of this I hear goes something like: “I don't like Chardonnay, but I love Chablis.” They are in fact one and the same thing. Chablis is the region within France and Chardonnay is the grape that makes the wine, but you knew that right! Reality is, unless you know your wine laws inside out, then why would you know?In countries such as France, Spain and Italy you will find wine is usually labelled by region and not by grape, whereas wine producing regions such as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa will be labelled by the grape variety or brand.

Wassail cheque

FOOD & DRINK

A WASSAIL ceremony at a cider farm near Highbridge has raised more than £4,500 for charity.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Burnham-on-Sea and Rich’s Cider of Watchfield, the event raised money for the Stroke Association.

A QUICK GUIDE TO REGIONS AND GRAPES Wine Grape Chablis Chardonnay Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc Pouilly Fume Sauvignon Blanc Barolo Nebbiolo Rioja Tempranillo Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

A Great British farming success

THE Chase family have a reputation for farming some of the best potatoes in Great Britain, which they use to make their award-winning vodka and gin at their farm in Herefordshire.

Recently they have bought a vineyard in the Cote du Provence wine region of France and are producing a beautifully delicate dry Rose, presented in one of the most attractive wine bottles I have ever had the pleasure of opening, especially the magnum, which is just perfect for the garden with a few friends.

The Wine Shop are proud to have Chase Distillery coming to present a range of their wine and spirits, accompanied with tapas, in the sleek surroundings of The Cove West on Weston-super-Mare seafront. This is a great opportunity to learn the story of the Chase family and sample some beautiful gins, vodkas, wine and food. Places are strictly limited call us today to avoid missing out.

Chase Night and Tapas Tasting Date: Friday 12th JuneTime: 7.30 @ The Cove West on Weston-s-Mare seafront Tickets: £25ppThe Cove West Weston-s-Mare Call The Wine Shop 01934 708312 or pop in 21, Woodborough Road, Winscombe BS25 1AB. For more information, wines, case offers and events please pop in or visit the website www.thewinetastingco.com MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 33

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The art of Mells

VISITORS to a one-day art show in the historic Tithe Barn in Mells found themselves playing “spot the location” as Heather O’Brien unveiled a series of works focussing on some of the village’s hidden gems.

Corners of Mells featured more than a dozen paintings of the village; they took Heather, who has lived there for 18 years, around two years to complete. The exhibition also Elswyth Osborne, one of featured paintings of National Heather’s grandchildren, with Trust gardens and French her portrait landscapes. Two of the paintings which were not for sale were of her grandchildren whose parents, Carrie and Tony Osborne, run Swan Artworks on the Old Mills Trading Estate in Paulton.

Heather, who also takes commissions for portraits, said: “I am now thinking of finding another village on Mendip to paint. This is a lovely part of the country.”

New business launched

MENDIP Valley Antiques and Collectables is a new business being opened by Mark Sparkes at New Manor Farm Shop at Widcombe next to Chew Valley Lake.

Mark is a farmer and runs Sparkes Contracting Ltd., but has had an interest in antiques, paintings and collectables for years.

After a conversation with his neighbour, Colston Gay, who owns New Manor Farm, he’s decided to take the plunge and open a shop in a converted barn at the New Manor Farm Shop and Tea Rooms.

He said: “I had been toying with the idea of opening in Bath or somewhere like that, but since there’s nothing like this in this area I’m glad to be opening closer to home.”

Mark and his wife Alison live at Tudor Farm in Widcombe and have three children Adam, Jessica and Harry.

MENDIP VALLEY ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES Mark Sparkes has new premises dealing in antiques, paintings and curios New Manor Farm Shop Widcombe BS40 6HW Contact: sparkes.contracting@yahoo.co.uk 07966 387252 PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Strong bidding at Mendip’s latest sales A CHINESE porcelain floor-standing vase proved a major attraction at Killens’ sale on April 11th. Dating from the 19th century, the vase was of baluster form with blue underglaze, depicting warriors on horseback.

The vase had damage but attracted four telephone bidders, strong internet interest and interest in the room.

Eventually, a telephone bidder secured the lot for £4,800, well above estimate.

It was one of a number of strong prices achieved across all sections of the sale with a good presence of bidders in the room including many first timers.

Amongst the jewellery and watches, a lady’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust bi-coloured Jubilee bracelet watch achieved £1,700. A 9ct rose gold double watch chain of graduated solid curb links sold for £430.

ARTS AND ANTIQUES Many collectables were on offer with an excellent collection of cast metal farm animals including trees, people, horses and carts generating very strong interest before the sale and realising £650. In the ceramics, a Beswick figure of a large seated hare achieved £300.

About 650 lots went under the hammer at the general sale on April 21st with a diverse entry of items including furniture, pictures, silver, jewellery, ceramics and collectables. The next sale will be The Country House Sale on Saturday May 16th, starting at 10am.

This is the first quarterly sale of this type with an entry of approximately 600 lots from across the region comprising quality items epitomising the style of a country house. A further general sale will be held on May 26th.

The auction rooms can be contacted on 01749 840770 or log on to www.mendipauctionrooms.co.uk Nicky Houston and Gareth Wasp undertake valuation days every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am – 5pm or are content to undertake a free home visit.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 35

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MENDIP TIMES

Guaranteed a good yarn at Somer Craft Addix

Gardens are an inspiration

Sarah Robertson

KNITTERS and crocheters looking for quality and inspiration are being recommended to visit Somer Craft Addix near Binegar.

Owner Sarah Robertson is now stocking impressive and colourful Stylecraft yarns which complement her increasing range of crafting supplies.

Another sort of yarn has always been on offer at Somer Craft Addix, based at Rookery Farm. Sarah’s popular workshops and craft classes offer a chance for new and old friends to meet and chat as they work on their projects, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sarah said: “Many of my craft customers are also knitters and crocheters, so it made sense to stock the yarns.”

Stylecraft yarns are proving popular at Somer Craft Addix

SOMER CRAFT ADDIX

For all your paper crafting needs!

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS AND CRAFT CLUBS

Imagination Crafts • Crafters Companion • Woodware • Pan Pastels • Various dies, inks and much more!

Now stocking Stylecraft yarns!

Open: Tues 6.30-9pm • Wed-Fri 10-4pm • Sat 10-2pm

Unit 6, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA3 4UL

01749 840567 • 07739 048679 PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

NATASHA Clutterbuck says her favourite bedtime story is The Enormous Turnip, so it is no coincidence that she also likes to draw enormous turnips, pumpkins and parsnips.

In the veg patch at the Yeo Valley Organic Garden she is spoilt for choice. She has been developing her work there over the past three years and has created a vast array of different vegetable drawings that capture an essence of the garden.

Down there these are no ordinary varieties growing! Carrots are not orange but purple; courgettes are not polite elongated ovals but triumphant pendulous, trombone shapes. They are fittingly called Tromboncino Courgettes.

She is hugely inspired by this fantastic garden and would like to share it with you. She will be showing a large selection of her work in the earthy potting shed at the Yeo Valley Organic Garden as part of the Yeopen Day on May 3rd, 11am-5pm.

She will have originals, prints and a new range of postcards inspired by the garden available to buy or simply enjoy. If you are looking for a special gift or a signature piece for your newly refurbished kitchen or dining room this might just be the place to look.

Details: www.natashaclutterbuck.com

Natasha Clutterbuck Charcoal Veg Vibrant, earthy vegetable drawings using natural raw materials Potting Shed Exhibition At Yeopen Day Featuring work inspired by the ornamental veg patch.

Originals, prints and postcards Sunday 3rd May 2015 11am–5pm The Yeo Valley Organic Garden Holt Farm, Bath Road, Blagdon, North Somerset, BS40 7SQ Phone: 01275 331528 Email: n.clutterbuck77@btinternet.com www.natashaclutterbuck.com

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

Beryl Cook cruises west

CONSIGNED to Clevedon Salerooms from a vendor located in the Caribbean, this original Beryl Cook oil on panel titled On the Sun Deck will be included in Clevedon Salerooms’ quarterly specialist sale on June 4th, as part of the Bristol Section within the sale.

Measuring 76cm x 60 cm the work is one of two from the same vendor who having done their homework noted that Clevedon Salerooms have had more success than any other auction house in recent years in selling works by this distinctive artist.

With an exhibition of Beryl Cook’s art currently showing in Bath the £10,000 – £15,000 estimate will attract her loyal fans from far and wide. The catalogue can be viewed online from May 22nd at www.clevedon-salerooms.com If you have Bristol related items why not attend their free valuation days at the salerooms on Tuesday May 5th and Wednesday May 6th.

Time to give the jewellery box a spring clean?

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

£19,600

£930

5 & 6 May 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

£4,300 £5,150

£2,600

Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch

Tel: 01934 830111 or 0117 325 6789 The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT www.clevedon-salerooms.com

Valuation Day At the Salerooms Tuesday 12th May 10am – 4pm

Next Specialist Sale Thursday 4th June MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 37

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Vintage shopping date

VINTAGE in the Village’s next event will be in the lovely village of Walton near Street at the village hall and promises to be an event not to be missed.

Top vintage sellers from around the south west will be selling their vintage goods from stunning 1930s Art Deco to haberdashery, fabrics, vintage handbags, jewellery, china and glassware, millinery, vintage clothes, vintage luggage, antiques, furniture and lots more. You can also relax in their vintage tearooms and soak up the great vintage atmosphere.

So join them for a spiffing day out on Sunday, May 24th at

Walton village hall, Meadow Lane, near Street, BA16 9LA. Entry is £1 adults, children free.

Tel: 01761 415224 swanartworks@gmail.com www.swanartworks.co.uk

Church House Designs

Gallery selected for quality by the Crafts Council of Great Britain Open Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm (or by appointment) Broad Street, Congresbury, Bristol, North Somerset BS49 5DG • Telephone 01934 833660 • www.churchhousedesigns.co.uk PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Tamlyn’s successful sale

AN impressive Edwardian longcase clock made an equally impressive £7,500 at Tamlyns’ Antiques auction on March 24th.

From a local property, the clock had been bought by the vendor’s grandparents in 1920. The case was inlaid and adorned with mouldings and stood over nine feet tall; it struck the hours and chimed on a series of tubular bells so it was certainly not a clock you would miss!

This was one of the most successful sales for Tamlyns in recent years, trade was strong throughout and in all sections and some amazing prices were achieved – even furniture was seeing something of a renaissance!

A Steinway boudoir grand piano sold for £6,000; a late Georgian bracket clock in need of restoration £1,700; a Lalique “Inseparables” travel timepiece £1,500; Chinese carved agate figure of a sleeping cat £900; a large Victorian pine and elm dresser £1,600; three oil paintings by William Haseltine £1,500 and a French portrait of a young woman signed Jacques £900.

A novelty carved wood snuff box in the form of a toad sold for £320; a ladies French gold wristwatch £320; a brown jasperware stilton dish £300; Royal Doulton figure ‘In The Stocks’ with hairline crack £320 and a Japanese bronze figure of a rat £450.

Entries are now closed for their next antiques sale to be held on May 12th but they are always happy to accept items for the following sales. The catalogue for the sale on May 12th will be online and available to view on the week before the sale.

For further information contact 01278 445251

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Stars steal the show

Antiques Road Trip Charles and Raj

TAMLYNS Auction Rooms in Bridgwater recently had a visit from two celebrities from popular antiques television series Antiques Road Trip. The BBC show was in the South West filming for their upcoming series where Charles Hanson and Raj Bisram (famed for appearing on Channel 4’s Four Rooms) were competing against each other, purchasing antiquities to sell for the most profit at auction.

They chose Tamlyns' general sale on April 14th as their final destination and, after arriving in the show's trademark classic Triumph, the two experts battled it out to take the crown. The saleroom was packed on the day.

The next general sale will take place on June 2nd and entries are being invited now. Keep an eye on the Tamlyns’ website for news on when the episode will be aired.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 39

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Historic priory celebrates

WOODSPRING Priory near Clevedon is holding a Golden Weekend including music by an award-winning composer performed by the Axbridge Singers.

The weekend, May 16th and 17th, will mark the 50th anniversary of the Landmark Trust, which owns the priory. It will be open from 10am – 4pm.

Since May 1965 nearly 200 significant buildings have been rescued by the historic buildings charity, many of which could have been lost forever. Woodspring Priory is an Augustinian house, built by William de Courtenay, grandson of Reginald FitzUrse who murdered Thomas à Becket.

The highlight of the weekend will be a Golden Moment at 3pm on the Saturday, when local musicians will simultaneously perform a piece of music at all of the 25 open Landmark sites.

The specially-commissioned piece has been created by Kerry Andrew, winner of two 2014 British Composer Awards, and will be performed at Woodspring Priory by the Axbridge Singers.

A first for Philippa

Philippa with her parents John and Lucy outside the Order church in Clerkenwell, where her father is a Bailiff Grand Cross in the Order. Philippa currently works at the National Gallery in London

PHILIPPA Hemsley, from Compton Martin, has made history by becoming the first lady esquire ever to be invested in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

The role of an esquire is to assist at ceremonial events as a banner bearer or orderly in waiting, and up to now has been the preserve of men for more than 900 years.

The order, best known these days for the St. John Ambulance service, was founded in the 11th century and was originally established in Jerusalem to care for the growing number of Christians making the long and dangerous pilgrimage to the Holy City; however it soon took on the care for anyone, without distinction of race or faith.

Charity cheques

Welcome to the Memory Café

A FREE and friendly informal group for people affected by memory problems – and their carers – is continuing to thrive in Langport.

Forget-me-Not Memory Café, run by Langport and Somerton Rotary Club, meets every Tuesday at The Angel on Bow Street in Langport.

As well as tea and cake, there are popular card games and dominoes as well as guest speakers and live music sessions.

For details, contact Sherrie-jane on 07917 202906 or Wendy on 01458 251339

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

The cheque presentations at the annual handover day

MEMBERS of the Weston-super-Mare branch of Moose International have made presentations to their chosen charities for the past year.

Heather Moldrum presented a cheque for £800 to the Notable Club of Weston; Peter Douras presented a cheque for £1,150 to the RNLI Weston New Station Appeal Fund; Liz Whitehouse presented a cheque for £500 to Make-a-Wish; Paul Bateman presented a cheque for £750 to FarmLink, Jean Romeo presented a cheque presented a cheque for £500 to Western Stroke Club, Sheila Fisher presented a cheque for £300 to Children’s Hospice Southwest and Jill Cureton presented a cheque for £310 to Cheshire Homes.

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Sandra joins Somer Valley

SANDRA Gill, an administrator for an engineering company based in Midsomer Norton, is pictured being welcomed as a new member of Somer Valley Rotary Club by Alan Bowhay, who is the president elect.

Sandra, whose hobbies include ballroom dancing, swimming and keep fit, is also an active member of the Norton Radstock Ramblers. Sandra said: “In joining Somer Valley Rotary Club I aim to develop my skills, with the aim of supporting fundraising projects like the beer festival to raise as much money for our local community as possible.”

The club meets every Tuesday evening at the Fromeway Inn. Anyone interested in joining should ring 01761 235835.

Sun shines on President’s Night

NEWS

Leave our lanes litter-free!

FARMER David Perkins and his family have been winning support for a campaign against litter louts who leave rubbish on the country lanes around their home near Shepton Mallet.

Friends and neighbours have joined in a clear-up of abandoned fast food wrappers, drinks cans Get the message? Dave, Alex, Elspeth and and other Florence rubbish strewn in laybys and in hedges by motorists, van and lorry drivers around Millbrook.

David, a third-generation farmer who runs a 600-strong organic beef herd, has now installed signs around the lanes next to his land asking drivers to be more considerate. He said: “Rubbish is no good for the cattle and no good for wildlife.

“The amount of rubbish being thrown away became really noticeable when we were cutting back the hedges, so we thought it was time we should do something about it. I know farmers don’t have the greatest reputation for being tidy but we love living round here and I want it to be litter-free for everyone.”

David and his wife Alex, a vet, have two young children, Elspeth aged four and Florence, who is one-yearold. Alex said: “Elspeth has become very much more aware about litter. Everywhere we go, we have to pick up litter which has been thrown out of a vehicle.”

Elspeth with her friend and neighbour Conor Boakes collecting litter along Bolters Lane, near Shepton Mallet. Grownups were on hand to help

(l:r): Anita Rice, Philip Rice (president elect), Julian Thompson (president) and Judi Thompson. Philip will succeed Julian in June

GUESTS at the annual Rotary Club of Shepton Mallet President’s Night were able to enjoy spring evening sunshine in the spectacular gardens of Kilver Court.

The black tie event was hosted by club president Julian Thompson and featured a magic lantern show after dinner.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Award winners

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

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

RED Berry Recruitment won the marketing and promotion award at the Sedgemoor Business Excellence awards. Pictured (l to r) are Jonathan Langdon, partner at Milsted Langdon, presenting the award to Helen Lacey, managing director of Red Berry Recruitment and Simon Mannion, recruitment resourcer for the Red Berry Bridgwater office.

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

Everything you need for the great outdoors

Lightweight, Sun Protection, Quick Drying

ECATCHER MOL

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Jackets Fleeces G Walking Boots G Bags G Hats, Gloves G Travel Clothing G

NO MOLE NO FEE The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QA Tel: 01934 742688 Online Store: www.thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk

Travel Shirts

Telephone 01275 332966 mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

G

HALF PRICE ONLY £25!

1 Broad Street Congresbury BS49 5DG 01934 877333 www.countryinnovation.com

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Caring for rabbits

BUSINESS

Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.

DURING Rabbit Awareness Week (May 9th – 17th) Langford Small Animal Practice is offering free health checks in its Vet Nurse Clinic, including nail clipping, a 10% discount off vaccinations and a goody bag for each rabbit seen.

Here are some of their tips for caring for your rabbit: • Rabbits are more likely to struggle in hot weather than cold.

• Make sure your rabbit always has shade, whether in the hutch, run or free roaming.

• A bottle of water, a house brick or tile that has been frozen provides a rabbit with something cool to lie against.

• Offer water from a bowl as well as a bottle as the rabbit is likely to drink more and remain hydrated.

• Fly strike is a big problem in rabbits starting as early as spring, right through to warm autumn days. Check your rabbit’s bottom is free from faecal or urine staining twice daily.

• Make sure your rabbit is vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.

• Hanging a net curtain over the hutch can help prevent flies and mosquitoes getting in. Good air flow must also be maintained.

• Good quality hay should be the biggest part of any rabbit’s diet.

Call the practice on 01934 852422 to book your appointment.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 43

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New store in Frome

BUSINESS

BUILDING work has started on Radstock Co-operative’s Fromefield store in Frome, the group’s 15th store.

It’s being built on the site of the former Fromefield doctors’ surgery, at the junction of Bath Road and Rodden Road. The contract for the development and construction of the site was awarded to Higson & Sons Ltd who have already started work. The design features of the two-storey building gives it a contemporary appearance in keeping with newly-constructed buildings within close proximity, including the new Frome Hospital and medical centre.

Total Design Shopfitting Services, who have completed several projects on behalf of the society, have been appointed to complete the store fit-out which will take into consideration environmental factors such as the installation of the latest and most energy efficient freezers and chiller units, lighting and equipment.

Don Morris, the society’s chief executive, said: “We aim to expand on the success of our store in the Westway Centre and strengthen our commitment to the Frome area.”

If all goes according to schedule, the store should be open for trading in the autumn.

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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INTERNET

Missing out

IF you’ve been using a computer for a long time, you might have tried a new thing, decide if it works for you or not, and then use it or forget it. But that could mean you are missing out on something that has since changed and now works really well, which is what happened to me.

Someone came into the centre for help with a smartphone and asked what the symbol on the right meant: I said it was Google’s voice activated search, but it’s not very good so I don’t use it. And to prove it, I did a little demo, and to my surprise it actually works really well! Just tap or click the icon (or say “OK Google”) and say in your normal voice (no need to enunciate every syllable) what you want to find and it will show you what it thinks you said and then either take you to a list of results (just like any other Google search) or if it’s something fairly clear-cut, it will tell you what a page has defined. So if you said “when was St Paul’s Cathedral built” a nice lady will tell you that “construction for St Paul’s Cathedral started in 1675”, followed by a list of search results for more info. Or if you ask something like “what is a female swan called”, she will say “according to Wikipedia, a female swan is a pen” followed by lots of info about swans, and links to appropriate sites – in this case; Wikipedia. Or you can use it to skip various steps and go straight to what you want – e.g.: To call a friend or business: “Call I.T. for the Terrified.” Then the next step might be: Create a Google Calendar event: “Create a calendar event for computer lesson Monday 10am.” (assuming you already use Google Calendar) Set a timer: “Set a timer for five minutes.”

Set a reminder: “Remind me to call John at 6pm” Find a movie: “What movies are playing in Burnham-on-Sea tonight?”

Find nearby places: “Where's the closest coffee shop?”

Find the time: “What time is it in New Zealand?”

Translate words or phrases: “How do you say cucumber in Spanish?”

Define a word: “What does gluttony mean?”

Convert between units: “What's 16 ounces in pounds?”

Solve a math problem: “What’s the square root of 2209?”

Answer trivia questions: “Where was Albert Einstein born?” or “How old is Beyonce?”

You might find that Voice Search has been turned off, so click or tap the Details link to turn it on.

Submitted by IT for the Terrified : The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com 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; a session lasts two hours and costs £10. 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 W7/W8: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. We also run a computer drop-in session 1.30-3.30 Thursday afternoons.

Call in for a quick word of advice/help/info. Or if you can spare two hours a week and have skills on any level – especially iPad – that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1. Life stories filled with love follow two making declarations of support (14) 9. Attach pride in award to sport (4,4) 10. Part of an animal, e.g., a leopard, sold within the law (5) 12. Taking turns to return to a hill top (4) 13. Location good, noting hurriedly (10) 15. Mistaken, led yours all over the place (8) 16. A matter of blood as palm is lacerated (6) 18. Mama is disconcerted at characteristics of cloud (6) 20. Guerrilla action saga to be broadcast (8) 23. Observer newly at evolving rituals (10) 24. Allowed separate (4) 26. Part shelter part kitchen (5) 27. Common land dispute leads to expanded built up area (8) 28. No way out before two pilots in church tower went yo-yo! (5,6,3)

DOWN 2 and 21. Drunkenly list to bar prior to finding way out of local (7,7) 3. I have no silver lining; I am a villain (4) 4. When chromosomes lose nucleus attempt to make assessment of shape and structure (8) 5. The French are after a charity place (6) 6. Mid-fifties in bright lights? Get a grip! (4,6) 7. Common denominators set high parameters (7) 8. Agent rehabilitates in earth house (11) 11. Be older, hold something sacred within and keep control (11) 14. Is way back to porch I made similar? (10) 17. Disgust as irrelevant function consumed (8) 19. Tan changes woman back to communicator (7) 22. Laurels are so last year?

(3,3) 25. Will the new approach stimulate? (4) Compiled by Felkov

Answers on Page 105 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 45

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Volunteers honoured

TWENTY dedicated volunteers have been honoured for their long service at the St. Peter’s Hospice shop in Nailsea, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Between them they have given over 500 years of service.

Among those who received long-service awards was a group of seven ladies who volunteered at the original charity shop and have been with the organisation for the past 25 years.

Becky Taylor, Nailsea shop manager, said: “Without our team of amazing volunteers we would not be able to operate as we do and help so many people every year in Bristol and surrounding areas.

“From offering their valuable time to giving us the benefit of their specialist skills the volunteers are invaluable and help make St Peter’s Hospice such a wonderful community charity.”

Paul Chivers, head of retail at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “It is wonderful to be able to say thank you to this group of dedicated volunteers who go out of their way to serve the Nailsea community and support St Peter’s Hospice.

“As a charity we rely heavily on funds raised by the public and on help given by the local community. Without these shop volunteers we wouldn’t be able to continue running the 47 charity shops across the city, which contribute so much to funding care for life-limited patients both at home and at the hospice.”

Record numbers

THE third Bath Men’s Walk attracted a record 483 men and boys, setting out from Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley and ending at the Rec in Bath, and looks like raising more than £40,000 for the hospice and Bath Rugby Foundation.

Phillippa Watson, event joint organiser at Dorothy House said: “We are thrilled that the walk has been another fantastic success and we would like to thank all those that took on the challenge for us.

“It has been great to be a part of two well respected local charities coming together to make a difference to our community and to put the Bath Men's Walk firmly on the Bath calendar for years to come.”

Disaster relief

Details: New volunteers are welcome www.stpetershospice.org

Colourful runners

WESTON Hospicecare hopes to raise more than £50,000 from its second Colour Run, held on the beach. Event organiser, Claire Dibben, said: “We’re so pleased with how the day went. These events are so important to Weston Hospicecare – not only does it bring our loyal supporters together for a huge party but the amount of fundraising and sponsorship that takes place is astonishing.”

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Mendip were out in force in Cheddar and Wedmore raising money to help victims of the recent hurricane in Vanuatu. The collection raised £320 which will pay for two Water-Survival boxes. President, Mike Hiles, is pictured with Rotarian, Nigel Deane, collecting in Cheddar.

Legal aid

ST. PETER’S Hospice in Bristol raised £15,000 during Make a Will Week, when 16 local solicitors agreed to draw up wills free of charge, with a donation to the hospice.

Nearly 100 people took up the offer, which was led by accountancy and investment management group Smith & Williamson.

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Walk for children

SAVE the Children volunteer Jane Holmes will be marking the 50th anniversary of the fundraising annual Wessex Walks by once again helping with the organisation of this year’s event.

Jane, of Rodney Stoke, took part in the first walk in 1966. The walks begin and end in Wells and have raised more than £3million for the charity. Now aged 80, Jane said: “I will not be walking but will be helping to set up this year’s event in the Bishop’s Barn.

“I do hope lots of people enter the walks and have a lovely day.”

Organisers are inviting schools from across mid-Somerset to take part, but walkers of all ages are welcome. The date for the walks is Sunday, October 4th and there will be two routes: one of five miles and the other ten. They start Jane Holmes with a young in Wells and use safe and walker in 2005 attractive routes onto the Mendip hills before finishing at the Bishop’s Barn where special celebrations will take place.

All the money raised will go to Save the Children, which works in 120 countries to save children’s lives and fight for their rights. War-torn Syria is a priority for the charity.

For more information about the 50th Wessex Walks e-mail Maurice Hill on: Maurice.61@tiscali.co.uk or phone him on: 01761 410998.

Charity plans an open day

MENTAL health charity Heads Up will be holding some events at its premises in South Horrington, Wells to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, May 11th - 17th.

Clients, volunteers and staff will also have the opportunity to visit Strode College in Street where they will be pampered for a day.

On Thursday, May 14th they will be holding a coffee morning from 10am - 12pm which will be open to all. At 2pm Dave Cottle will give a talk on bats.

During the day there will be plenty of opportunities to take a look around their workshops, which includes their pottery room, woodcraft room and healing garden.

A spokesman said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate all that we strive for at Heads Up - that is to create a safe and nurturing environment where those in the Mendip area who are living with mental health issues and other difficulties can come and work alongside others in similar situations.

“They are able to rekindle old skills and discover new ones which helps to build confidence and self-esteem, encourages interactions within society and promotes a greater sense of wellbeing and improved quality of life.”

Details: www.headsupsomerset.org

CHARITIES

Hundreds attend agm

Stuart Hadler (left) and Ray Guthrie

FIVE hundred Freemasons from all of Somerset’s 88 lodges and surrounding counties gathered at The Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare for their annual general meeting.

The meeting marked the retirement of Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Ray Guthrie, from High Littleton, who has continuously held various active offices in the Province for 18 years.

Stuart Hadler, the Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, said: “His skills have been well matched by his friendly and approachable style, clear thinking, commonsense and wise counsel. He has earned the respect of us all.”

He went on to thank Freemasons from all over the country who had contributed to his appeal in early 2014 for the Somerset Masonic Flood Relief Fund following the appalling flooding on The Somerset Levels.

He said the original target was for £50,000, but remarkably over £200,000 had been raised. The great majority had now been allocated, including grants to village agents, Burrowbridge Coronation Hall, Moorland Village Hall and Moorland Church, but there were still claims being made and resolved.

He announced that the area’s two air ambulance services, Western and Dorset and Somerset, will benefit from a special charity appeal in 2017, when Freemasons will celebrate the founding of the movement in 1717.

Details: www.somersetfreemasons.org

70 years of service

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Mendip recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of their inaugural meeting with a formal dinner. The guest of honour was Her Excellency Ms Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė, the Lithuanian ambassador to the UK, who is pictured with Mike Hiles, club president, and Judy Barnard-Jones, Rotary district governor.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 47

Photo courtesy of Barry Davies

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Rare chance to view gardens

Langford Court Garden Day in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

A RARE opportunity for the public to view the stunning private gardens at Langford Court, owned by Sir David and Lady Wills, will take place on June 13th in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The gardens include yew topiary, a thyme walk, woodland, pond, folly and formal parterre. The open day will feature a sculpture trail, which includes renowned local and international sculptors such as David Backhouse, stalls hosted by local artisans and a large bring and buy plant sale.

There will be refreshments in the stunning orangery and live music from James Morton, Ambassador of music for Bristol, featuring Celestine from the BBC’s Voice. Entrance is £5.

Over 450 young people aged 13 to 24 from across the South West will undergo cancer treatment in the next year.

In March 2014 the Teenage Cancer Trust raised £2.5million to open the first specialist Teenage Cancer Trust unit in the South West and now needs to raise funds every year to maintain it.

Lady Wills

Weston has a party

President Terry Gilbert and Weston’s mayor, Roslyn Williams.

ST. PAUL’S Church Hall in Weston was packed with over 90 party-goers for Weston Rotary Club’s annual Easter party for the elderly and disabled. The party has been held for over 15 years and continues to go from strength to strength.

Everybody tucked into home-made sandwiches and delicious cakes and the Queen was properly toasted with a glass of sherry.

The party started with a welcome from Weston Rotary president Terry Gilbert; live music and balloon magic was provided by Chris Rainbow and Martin's Party show and the mayor, Cllr.

Roslyn Williams, enthusiastically encouraged the dancing.

Details: www.westonrotaryclub.org.uk and www.facebook.com/westonrotaryclub or telephone secretary Bernard Land 07970 184301.

Foundation seeks new chair

Details: www.teenagecancertrust.org PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

SOMERSET Community Foundation is looking to recruit a new chairman and trustees as those currently serving come to the end of their term of office.

Since 2002 the foundation has distributed £5million in grants to local organisations and built up a £4million endowment fund.

Current chairman, Peter Wyman, said: “SCF is a fantastic group of trustees, supporters, volunteers and staff whose collective efforts do a great deal to support Somerset communities and people. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to chair such a great organisation; I hope my successor will gain the same satisfaction from the role that I have."

If you are interested in joining the foundation call CEO Justin Sargent for an informal discussion on 01749 344949 or email or simply send your CV to justin.sargent@somersetcf.org.uk by 12noon, May 15th.

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk/about-us/vacancies

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Lions aid blood bikes . . . and so does Wrington Vale

FROME Lions handed over a cheque for £6,000 to Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service, probably better known as blood bikes. They raised this large amount with their gentleman’s sporting dinner held at Orchardleigh House.

Just over 100 paying guests enjoyed John Conteh the exlight-heavyweight world champion boxer give a super afterdinner speech about his life and career. The blood bikes are celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Charity collection

LOCAL charity St Peter’s Hospice has joined the fashion trade, unveiling its latest spring/summer finds, proving pre-loved fashion is great for your wardrobe and your purse.

Stocking the latest trends, colour palettes and fabrics, their shops in the area, including Nailsea, Yatton, Clevedon, Portishead, Long Ashton and Backwell, offer this season’s must-haves at a fraction of the usual price, including items from French Connection, Topshop, Dolce and Gabbana, Paul Smith and Armani.

The campaign has been fronted by those who have been supported by the hospice as well as staff members including Lee-Anne Masters, whose husband was cared for by the charity and Emily Ball an aspiring model working at the Yate hospice shop.

Paul Chivers, head of retail at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “We are finding that more and more people are recognising the many benefits of buying secondhand. The great thing about buying from a local charity shop is that you can try the items on while you shop and you can see the quality up close for yourself.”

CHARITIES

FOLLOWING his presidential year at Wrington Vale Rotary Club, past president John Thatcher had £1,800 from his president’s fund still to be allocated to charities of his choice.

He decided the money should be split between three charities, Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance, Freewheelers Blood Motorcyclists and the Rotary Heartwork appeal.

Pictured receiving their cheques at the Burrington Inn are from left, Anita Townsend, John Thatcher, Colin Thomas, (Air Ambulance), Tony Thurling and Tony Poole, (Wrington Vale Rotary) and Jason Phillips from The Freewheelers.

Support for foodbank

Joy Fraser receiving the cheque from Lion president Margaret Small, assisted by Lions welfare chairman Russell Ford with volunteers for the foodbank looking on

RADSTOCK and Midsomer Norton Lions Club has supported the Somer Valley Foodbank with a donation of £200. The foodbank was launched in January 2013 and since then almost 3,000 people have been supported with food parcels at times of crisis in their lives.

The foodbank works with various professional agencies, who identify the need and issue a voucher that can be exchanged for food at one of three distribution centres.

Foodbank project co-ordinator, Joy Fraser, said: “We know there is a need for the foodbank in our area and will probably be so for the next few years, as changes to the benefit system are introduced. We are pleased to be able to help so many people to have food at time of crisis.

“Everyone at the foodbank works voluntarily but we do have costs in renting a warehouse and running a van and financial support from an organisation such as the Lions is a great help. We are most grateful.”

Details: Joy Fraser, Somer Valley Foodbank co-ordinator 01761 433644.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 49

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Pamper yourself

THE Cathedral Suite at the Best Western Swan Hotel in Wells has been voted the most impressive guest room in the latest global Best Western fan awards. The sumptuous bedroom, sitting room and bathroom offer stunning panoramic views of Wells Cathedral.

The hotel is also offering a range of beauty treatments, courtesy of Lisa Mann, who has over 20 years’ experience of working in the beauty industry.

She’s offering a new exclusive treatment for Cathedral Suite guests – Thalgo Indoceane Spa Ritual, which is said to take clients on a journey of relaxation across different continents, starting with a soothing Egyptian milk foot bath and ending with a “sublime body wrap which harnesses the serenity and relaxing powers of the Orient”.

Chew Valley Hire

LUXURY MOBILE TOILETS 01761 221105 E: info@chewvalleyhire.co.uk W: www.chewvalleyhire.co.uk

We give personal help and advice, deliver and collect on schedule and pay immaculate attention to detail.

We provide a wide range of luxury and standard mobile toilets, showers and hire of trackway for special events including:

• Weddings • Corporate Events • Fashion Shows • Film Shoots PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

How the luxury loo was born

CHEW Valley Hire was created 16 years ago after Hans Wilson used a portable toilet at a friend’s wedding. From a building and construction background he thought “I can do better than that!” and the concept of the luxury loo was born.

Starting with a custom-built chassis, the Chew Valley Hire team of highly skilled carpenters, plumbers and electricians sourced the right materials and created a luxurious design style. Central heating, soft lighting and background music are just a few of the finishing touches in Chew Valley’s luxury portable toilets – no hard toilet tissue here! As well as their toilet and showers Chew Valley Hire also hire out Trackway allowing units, generators, catering vans and marquee vehicles access to weddings and other events without sinking into fields or ruining lawns.

QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

• High Peaked Roofs • Clear Roofs and Window Walls so ‘Conservatory Ends or Entrances’ can be created. Also Flame Towers.

• Furniture • Starlight Lining • Dance floors • Lighting • Fridge trailer hire

Call the Marquee Specialists, Tel: 01761 221366 Email enquiries: info@jgmarquees.co.uk • Website: www.jgmarquees.co.uk

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Don’t forget your honeymoon!

LINGERIE and bra fitting specialist Sherrie-jane Jackson has a simple message for brides-to-be: underwear is not just about your wedding day!

True, essential underneath the most important dress a woman is ever likely to wear is the most special lingerie and Sherriejane, who runs Orchid in Langport, works closely with bridal boutiques around the country. They recommend that women get fitted with Sherrie-jane before finding their wedding dress to ensure brides are in the right shape from the outset.

But Sherrie-jane also welcomes visits from brides-to-be who have already selected their dress; they can take it with them although Sherrie-jane can also work from photos.

Sherrie-jane is also available to advise on the all-important honeymoon wear from those extra special items to Welcome to the Corset Chalet: swimwear. Sherrie-jane Sherrie-jane in the garden of her said: “The sort of home on the edge of Langport

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Luxury and privacy guaranteed inside the chalet

underwear a woman will wear beneath her wedding dress is usually specific to its design and they may want something very different for the honeymoon.”

Underwear for all occasions is Sherrie-jane’s passion. The former beautician and fashion shop owner said: “I am passionate about the service I offer and making sure that ladies are well fitted. After all, we wouldn’t wear the wrong-size shoes, would we?”

Orchid is based in what Sherrie-jane describes as her Corsetry Chalet, purpose-built in the garden of her home and offering privacy and luxury. Appointments are free and Sherriejane has a wide range of mostly British-made items in stock.

Sherrie-jane added: “It is surprising how far clients are willing to travel but I know the service I offer is very special.”

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 51

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FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Visit Lanes for gift ideas

LANES HomeHardware in Cheddar is the place to go for wedding gift ideas, offering excellent service and a wide selection of housewares and electronics.

They stock a range of quality products to suit every betrothed couple, from shiny stand mixers to crowd pleasing gift vouchers.

Located in central Cheddar, visit them for some great gift inspiration, leave them your wedding list or to chat to a member of their expertly trained team.

Lanes HomeHardware is your local choice for your wedding wish list.

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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IT is always enjoyable to talk about conservation success stories and amongst the gloomy statistics we hear all too often there are

By CHRIS always some rays of SPERRING light which remind us MBE what can be achieved and that nature is always waiting for its opportunity to move back into its old haunts if we can just give it the space to do so.

The little egret is a bird which is hard to miss, yet until fairly recently it would have been amazing to see one in the UK. Historical evidence shows that they would have once been common here, indeed they are a species listed in the main feast of the 1429 coronation of King Henry VI in York, and 1,000 egrets were included in the banquet thrown to celebrate George Neville becoming Archbishop of York in 1465, which is evidence that there must have been a healthy population in northern England at that time.

By the mid-16th century, however, there had been a marked decline and there are records of egrets having to be sourced from further and further south to feed important banquets. During the 17th century hunting was also carried out to supply a growing demand for the beautiful white plumes to decorate ladies hats, and by the 19th century this became something of a craze.

The over-hunting of this species left its population dwindling towards the end of the 19th century and inspired the formation of the RSPB in 1889.

Eventually, little egrets became extinct in Britain, and, by the 20th century, the little egret was only clinging on in southern Europe.

By the mid-20th century conservation laws protecting this bird had been introduced and their numbers began to recover. Gradually they spread northwards into their former ranges and in 1996 they nested on Brownsea Island in Dorset and were a British breeding bird once again.

Their spread since that time has been a real good news tale for the UK, with more than 750 breeding pairs recorded in

A little egret in flight

2008, and more than 4,500 overwintering individuals. As the birds have mainly spread here from France they are most densely populated in southern areas, but are steadily moving northwards.

A classic member of the heron family, the little egret is smaller than the familiar grey heron, measuring around 60cm in length, compared to the grey heron which is around 94cm. The plumage is pure white with a black bill, black legs and characteristic yellow feet. During the breeding season the adults have two long feathers on the nape – these are the plumes which helped secure their demise in the past.

Often found in coastal areas, as well as inland wetlands, rivers and even ponds and lakes, one of the best places to observe them locally is the Somerset Levels, where you can also now see the extremely rare great white egret which bred on the Levels for the first time in 2012.

As its name suggests, the great white egret is much larger than the little egret, being close to the size of the grey heron.

Little egrets tend to be more active hunters than grey herons which stand perfectly still and wait for prey to come their way. Little egrets wade slowly

Photography courtesy of Chris Sperring

From feast to famine and back again – the little egret

WILDLIFE

through the water watching for movement and may also run in shallow water and even deliberately shuffle their feet in the mud to disturb potential prey items. When prey is spotted they freeze until the position is just right when they jab their spear-like beak into the water at lightning speed to catch the fish or amphibian that they’ve been stalking.

They can also feed on dry land, where they catch reptiles, insects and even small mammals.

Little egrets prefer to nest colonially in small trees, scrub or even in reed beds, and will join colonies of other species. A typical clutch consists of three to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 25 days, and the young egrets are cared for by both parents until they fledge at around 45 days of age.

The recovery of the little egret is something to be celebrated. People certainly played a major role in the extinction of this species in this country, but now we are redressing the balance and helping it to bounce back. Not just through greater legal protection from hunting (we no longer eat them!), but also through improving water quality and habitat restoration, such as that happening on the Somerset Levels.

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

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 53

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In search of bluebell woods

IT May be time for bluebells! Here is a short walk in East Mendip through the beautiful bluebells in Postlebury Wood – a new one to me. It’s an easy off the beaten track circle from a good, traditional English village country pub in Trudoxhill taking in quiet lanes and tracks and very little uphill work. There are quite a few stiles, but none that a dog couldn’t get round. One or two even have doggy flaps. Be warned, the fields in this area can get wet and in the wood the main track – actually a footpath – has been churned up by horses in parts; so wear good boots.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

PARK: In Trudoxhill, a village SW of Frome accessed from the A361 road. Go towards Frome on the A361 from Nunney Catch roundabout and take the next turning down to Trudoxhill. The Whitehart Inn in the village centre has kindly given permission to park in their car park, and it is certainly worth enjoying its hospitality – including the well-known pies. The building, dating from 1625, has variously been used as a blacksmiths, a brewery and also a dance hall for the locally based American GIs. START: Turn left from the pub – immediately joining the Macmillan Way (although not signed) – and fork left on Foghamshire Lane, passing the entrance to the village hall, and an unusual wooden memorial seat, the small Ebenezer chapel and a range of village cottages. There’s a farm, too, which sounds like something out of a children’s story: Sunnyside Farm. This all shows that Trudoxhill is very much still a rural, living village.

1. FOOTPATH As the lane bends left, go right through a kissing gate. Stay in this field (don’t go right) still on the Macmillan Way, and head down the field parallel with the right hedge. You are out in good open country.

Cross a stile and footbridge and maintain direction. Cross a stile into another field

and carry on along the right edge, with an emerging wood on your right, heading for the farm. Take time to look back at the good view behind and see the large mansion of Marston Park framed by trees.

In the top corner cross a stile by a gate, pass the farm on your left and go out to the road.

2. ROAD Turn left and shortly fork right on the lane to Witham. This is a quiet route with good views and you should be able to see Alfred’s Tower up ahead on the woodland ridge above Stourhead. After several minutes, ignore one footpath right and continue round the bend.

3. FIELD As you approach a large pylon, go right through an opening into a field. Head across, slightly left and cross a stream and two stiles.

4. POWER LINES Go under power lines and head up the left hand edge of the field, climbing to join a lane at the top. Turn right.

5. FARM DRIVE After about 4-5 minutes reach the drive to Barrow Farm on your right and follow this up. It was very pretty along here when I came, lined with daffodils. Bend left on the drive, cross a stile by the

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WALKING

electronically powered gate. After a few more yards follow the footpath arrow right into a field. Follow the edge round, getting your first glimpse of bluebells in the woods on your right. Go round the corner to a stile on the right.

6. WOODLAND Cross into Postlebury Wood. Go ahead a few yards to find the path going left at the side of a ditch/stream through the wood where violets, primroses, speedwell, dog’s mercury and even one or two bluebells were heralding spring.

This was on April 5th so they really were early. There should be many more blooming away when you go. Continue to a stile.

Cross and turn right and this is the start of the well-signed footpath through the wood, which may be rather muddy in parts, largely due to horse traffic. But there are dry ways round the mud. Soon see carpets of bluebells on either side.

7. CROSSING TRACK Drop down to a crossing track and go straight over. There are very few bluebells on this side, and the path is sticky and wet in parts. Head uphill and carry on. Ahead you eventually see the large gate out of the wood and there is a path on the left which parallels the main track and is dryer.

8. LARGE GATE Leave the wood through the ageing metal gate and head on in the field to the far right corner. Here go right and immediately left and then left again, walking along the top of the field with the hedge on your left.

Cross a stile and maintain direction,

3.4 miles, about 2 hours walking OS Explorer 142 Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref: 748 437

gradually moving away from the left edge a little aiming for a visible stile ahead.

9. WESTEND LANE Cross and go over to a stile on the other side. Follow the path across the field to

another stile. Maintain direction across this much larger field heading for double power poles and then cross a final stile out onto the village road.

Turn left and a couple of minutes sees you back at the pub. Cheers!

The Whitehart Inn, Trudoxhill, tel: 01373 836324

WHERE TO SEE BLUEBELLS

This is not a comprehensive list, but here are some of the bluebell woods I can think of in the area: Long Wood, Explorer 141, grid ref: 488 555. Accessed from Black Rock Gate on the road up Cheddar Gorge or Charterhouse and go down Velvet Bottom. Footpath.

Beacon Wood, Explorer 142 map, grid ref: 639 460. Footpath.

Black Down (good for late bluebells) accessed from cross Mendip road at Burrington Ham, cross the road and go up track by Middle Ellick Farm, Explorer 141 grid ref: 478 578. Footpaths.

Top of Wrington Hill, at the side of the lane from Cleeve to Wrington.

Fullers Hay, above Blagdon and Rickford, Explorer 141, grid ref: 493588. Footpath.

Compton Dando Wood just across the River Chew NW of Compton Dando.

Footpath. Explorer 155, grid ref:642 649.

Prior’s Wood and Bullocks Bottom, south of Portbury. Footpaths. Explorer 154, grid ref: 486 740.

Harridge and Edford woods, SW of Holcombe. Footpaths. Explorer 142 map, grid ref: 660 481.

It would be good to hear where there are other good bluebell sites.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 55

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West Countryman’s Diary

I HAVE to say that it’s with great reluctance that I sit down to write this month’s column. Not through any lack of enthusiasm with regard to my commitment to Mendip Times, but more of a lack of enthusiasm for being indoors when the sun is shining.

With LES It’s mid-April, and I am still searching DAVIES MBE the skies for signs of my swifts that will, I hope, be twisting and turning about the skies throughout the coming summer in pursuit of insects. Their encouraging cries (if that’s what they are) fill the summer evening as I take a break from keeping the garden up together and do what I do best, lean on the hoe.

It’s that time in the day for reflection, time to think about what tomorrow will bring and what has been achieved today.

Even after the sun has gone down, I still find difficulty in coming back indoors after such evenings.

The weather really does affect our moods and I notice the change in people when the sun shines. We all become a lot more talkative, there are smiles on faces and a general feeling of wellbeing. We are not the only ones to feel ‘the joys of spring’. The dairy cattle that come out after being housed all winter go wild with excitement.

Turn-out time is something to behold as the cattle emerge from the covered yard to jump, skip and run around the field with the sheer enjoyment of being outside after what will have been a long winter. I watched a cow and young calf do the same recently, when the young calf started skipping around the old cow followed suit, the pair of them kicking up their heels in bovine delight!

In the days of the old ‘cow house’ winters meant that cattle spent most of their time chained up in the stalls. I still remember as a small boy being allowed to go with my grandfather on his evening rounds to make sure everything was settled for the night. The sheds were lit by a couple of dim light bulbs that hung on long wires from the high roof.

Cattle were chained up in wooden sided compartments or ‘stalls’ that had a stone feed trough in the front and a wooden barrier behind which the hay was kept and feed distributed.

The steamy breath of the cattle would fill the cold night air in the shed, their breath smelling heavily of roots and hay.

That smell still stays with me today, it whisks me back to those cold dark evenings and the walk up across the stony yard to where dimly lit windows showed where home and warmth could be found.

Mid-April means the sap will start to move in the apple trees and I can start grafting. I’ve got more ‘head working’ to do this time, which means changing over the variety of older trees using the existing branches as a framework. It’s done for varying reasons; a better variety for soil and site; a more compact variety with better cropping; or maybe it’s just because someone doesn’t like that particular apple.

People were grafting several thousand years ago and I still carry out the basic principles as they would have done. That involves joining two living pieces of apple wood so that they grow as one. It’s very basic carpentry, but relies on the skill in using a knife to cut clean and straight. Once the two cuts

OUTDOORS have been prepared and placed together, the new variety is bound tightly to the host tree, being made waterproof and airtight with a sealant. The cambium cells of the tree do all the joining in much the same way as our skin can repair itself after being cut. It’s a little bit like ‘wood welding’.

If you’re out and about, especially with the dog, there are some things to look out for. May is when the roe deer will have their calves. These calves are left alone for periods of time by the mother as she goes to feed. The only protection the youngster has is to lie still and make no sound. Dogs will quite often disturb them and to handle the animal will further compound the problem, as the mother will abandon them. If you do come across one just leave it and walk away.

Adders will now be active, but during colder spells, will be a little slow. They will also use camouflage and lie still in the hope that anything that could be a threat will pass them by. This is danger time for dogs who being naturally inquisitive will literally stick their noses into places where they are not welcome. The final line of defence for the adder is to strike, which it will do if there is no other option. Every year dogs are bitten and it’s traumatic for dog and owner alike.

Livestock attacks are also an area of concern and dogs, like some humans, have selective hearing when the chase begins.

Don’t let a walk be ruined by incidents such as these. Be safe and take the ‘lead’ in countryside access where everyone can enjoy the day out.

May is the best month in the year, but also nearly half-way through it! What is going on when days, weeks and months seem to rush by with ever increasing velocity? I think it’s called “becoming older”, an inevitable part of living. Age brings with it experience and resulting knowledge that can only be gained by having done things and been places. I explain this life learning process by saying that knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable; experience has shown me I don’t put it into a fruit salad and pour cream over it.

Don’t forget the North Somerset Show on May 4th or the Royal Bath and West from May 27th until the 30th. I will be at the Environmental Youth Award site under the commentator’s box. Please come and see us.

Finally a vintage picture of Dairy Shorthorns grazing on Hales Farm Tickenham in the 1950s – tranquil, just as life should be!

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

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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F a i r i s th e n a me o f th e g a m e

By Mark Adler

A WEEKEND celebrating all this is best about outdoor pursuits – that is how the 2015 Westcountry Game Fair has been described.

Thousands of people visited the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet for the annual showcase event which is supported by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Experts mingled with novices in everything from clay pigeon shoots and fly fishing competitions and demonstrations to dog obedience classes.

Lisa Scattergood, from fair organisers Contour Exhibitions and Events, said: “We had a great show this year and we increased our visitor numbers on the gate, which was very positive.

“We had made some improvements this year, increasing the number of gun and fishing stands, expanding the food hall and the smallholders area, so it really has moved on in a positive way.”

G The dates for next year’s fair are Saturday, March 19th and Sunday, March 20th.

Dogs take centre stage in the main indoor arena as experts outline the different qualities of the breeds on show

Terrier and lurcher racing

Wheelwright Martin Symes at work in the Smallholders pavilion

Malcolm Fisher, of Wedmore, from the Bristol branch of the Salmon and Trout Association, demonstrates fly tying. The branch is holding a series of introductory fishing sessions for 11-20 year olds on Chew Valley Lake, starting on Friday, May 8th. For details, call Malcolm on 07870 869708 or Roy Buckland on 01225 760465 PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Game cookery demonstrations were held during the weekend

Bracken, a three-year-old cocker spaniel owned by the Bowden family of West Harptree, takes a short cut through – rather than over – the hay bales during a retrieval exercise

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WEST COUNTRY GAME FAIR 2015

Janice Cousins with Bear, a four and a half month old labrador who came second in the “handsome hound” competition

Moses – live music at one of the cider bars

Competitors at the clay pigeon shoot

Odd one out – watching the action in the dog agility area

Visitors could try their hand at bushcraft techniques

Whisky shows how it's done in the retrieve competition Starting handle? This Bristol car, from Coleford, was part of a display of historic vehicles

Artist Dawn Warr, who specialises in animal portraits, at work

A smoking gun? It's actually the chimney of an unusual revolver-shaped barbecue MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 59

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Radstock celebrates

Coleford duck race

EVENTS Connor was in charge of selling ducks

The launch of the event

RADSTOCK came alive with the sound of children’s laughter and singing as the three primary schools in the town, the Academy of Trinity Church of England Primary School, St Mary's Writhlington, and St Nicholas Primary came together for the very first Radstock Razzmatazz.

Supported with a £10,000 grant from the town council, it’s now hoped that this will become an annual event. The start was marked with children launching a spectacular 600 golden balloons into the beautiful clear blue skies above the town.

It included a Radstock’s Got Talent, judged by local celebrity Joffre White, and the outright winners were 11-year-olds, Maya Davids, Gemma Hucker and Evie Goold from Trinity.

'Bake Off' Judging Team – children from all three schools unite to taste test the entries!

Brenda Fisher presenting 4-year-old Pheobe Wall with her Pride in my Town award PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

The ducks and their owners/trainers before the start of the annual event

A rather damp Gill after she retrieved ducks from the Maypolethe dancing river

Liam Kelly from the King’s Head pub in the village which organises the annual charity race

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Commander has new role

Nikki Watson – a familiar face around Mendip and the rest of Somerset

NIKKI Watson, Avon and Somerset Police Commander for Somerset, has been appointed as one of two new Assistant Chief Constables for the force.

Nikki joined the force in 1987 and has served in both uniform and CID roles. She was the first female head of the roads policing and firearms department, prior to taking up the position of Somerset East Commander in 2006. She then became commander of the wider Somerset area in 2013, which covered the Somerset and North

Somerset areas.

She is an accredited public order commander and has experience of major public and sporting events including the Glastonbury Festival and the 2012 Olympics. Nikki will be responsible for the Prevention, Protection and Prosecutions portfolio.

Joining her will be Sarah Crew, who will take the lead for the Local Policing portfolio. Sarah has 20 years’ experience in both uniformed policing and CID in Bristol, heading up central Bristol's major and serious crime team. In 2009 she launched Operation Bluestone, a dedicated Bristol based investigative team for rape and serious sexual offences. As force lead for rape and sexual offences she championed The Bridge, a victimfocused treatment and support centre for victims of sexual violence and the introduction of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors to support victims.

In 2011 she moved to South Gloucestershire as the district commander until May 2013 when she became the lead for the new Operating Model programme within the force.

Charity fashion show takes over aisles

NEWS

New era as colleges merge

CITY of Bath College and Norton Radstock College have merged, marking a new chapter of further education for Bath and North East Somerset.

The new multi-campus college gives students more choice, greater opportunities and a wider range of facilities.

Newly-named Bath College has the City Centre Campus in Avon Street, Bath, and the Somer Valley Campus in South Hill Park, Westfield.

It says the scale and influence of the new college, as well as its combined expertise, is expected to provide a real stimulus for economic growth.

Its focus will be work-ready skills to ensure students are able to meet the demands of the local labour market.

Bath College Principal Matt Atkinson said the new college would be taking further education in Bath and North East Somerset from good to excellent.

He said: “This is an exciting time for us all with both students and employers reaping the benefits.

“The new college opens up so many opportunities; we now offer an even wider range of vocational and academic courses, in an even greater range of subjects.

“We are building on the strengths of the two colleges and moving forward to deliver outstanding learning and progression opportunities.”

He added: “As a merged college we will continue to be responsive to the communities we serve. We will continue to work tirelessly to make the people of Bath and North East Somerset proud of their new college.”

Bath College provides vocational and educational training for more than 3,000 full-time students and around 10,000 part-time students across the broadest range of subjects.

The merger was completed in 18 weeks after the Department for Business Innovation and Skills identified it as the best possible option following Norton Radstock College’s inadequate Ofsted inspection.

MEMBERS of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel club took to the catwalk for a fashion show to raise money for the William Budd Oncology Unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.

The show took place at the M&Co store in Midsomer Norton, raising a total of £800.

Inner Wheel president Avril Leat (centre) with models Sue Meadows, Beryl Appleyard, Jacky Emm, Linda Tanner and Heather Langridge MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 61

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B o th er t ho s e bu l b l ea v e s WE all enjoy seeing the hosts of golden daffodils in our gardens in April, but there can be few folk who do not curse the abundance of bulb With MARY foliage left behind, PAYNE MBE and even more folk who are perhaps wondering why their daffodils did not flower this year.

Unlike the tulip, daffodils and narcissus (although they are all botanically Narcissus) are well adapted to growing in our temperate climate, but a few things can go wrong and lead to “blind” non-flowering plants. After flowering, all spring bulbs require a period of growing to build up the bulb for the following season. If this is cut short for some reason, then they will fail to develop flower buds and appear “blind”.

After the flowers fade, let the foliage grow on for seven to eight weeks, and then the leaves can be cut back, even if they are still green. Often the foliage gets mown or strimmed off rather too soon by some well-meaning person, in order to make the garden look tidier, especially if the bulbs were flowering in the lawn.

Even worse, is the practice of tying the foliage in tidy knots, as this effectively prevents the leaves being able to photosynthesise and build up the bulb. It is good practice, but not always practical on a large scale, to pull off the faded flower to prevent the seed pod developing.

If choosing varieties of daffodils to naturalise in grass, which will be mown later in the season, always opt for early or mid-season flowering types. The late flowering ones, especially the delicate Pheasant’s Eye narcissus, do not flower until May and the grass cannot therefore be cut until after the seven to eight weeks are up, which means it is July before mowing or strimming can begin.

Another reason for poor flowering is that the bulbs are growing in too much shade. Overhanging trees and shrubs get larger, so the bulbs do not get enough light to regenerate. If this is the case the bulbs can be lifted and moved to a better position. Large flowered hybrid daffodils also tend to grow into big clumps and sheer competition can reduce flowering potential. So lifting and splitting such clumps will help. If all these causes have PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Narcissus 'Peeping Tom'

been eliminated then the final cause of poor flowering is more sinister.

The large narcissus fly may be the culprit. The female lays her eggs in the neck of the bulb, which is exposed as the old foliage dies away. The developing maggot burrows into the bulb eating out the centre, which is effectively the next year’s flower bud. The bulb produces offsets or daughter bulbs, which have leaves, but are not mature enough to flower and so the cycle continues – lots of leaves but no flowers.

To check if this is the cause of the lack of flowers lift a group of suspect bulbs in the autumn and cut an occasional large bulb in half vertically and look inside for the grub. If there are no grubs then the cause is likely to be one I have mentioned previously. If you find the maggot inside the bulbs there is little you can do to cure the problem – but at least you have captured one of the critters and dispatched it!

In a flower border the foliage is often left to die down naturally and can then be pulled cleanly away, but this leaves a neat hole in the soil ideal for the female fly to find, so cover the hole to make it difficult for the fly to lay her eggs. A firm heel press is ideal as it compacts the soil as well.

Tulips are less well adapted to our relatively warm, wet winters and planting should be delayed until November, but do not expect your bulbs to flower well the following season. So much depends on your soil. The more perfect the drainage, the more likely you are to get them to bloom again. For a really good show, in crucial locations, it is advisable to replant every autumn.

Last spring was wet and tulips suffered from a fungal disease known as “tulip fire”, when the foliage goes brown and grey mould appears. Unfortunately this disease can stay in the soil and affect future plantings, so it is best to avoid replanting in the same spot if you experienced the problem last year.

Hyacinths, forced in pots for indoors can be planted out in the garden. They may not flower too well the following year, but will soon settle down into regular blooming.

Snowdrops put on a magnificent show in early spring, so now is the perfect time to lift clumps, divide them into small clusters of three to five bulbs, and replant before the foliage vanishes.

The native snake’s head fritillaries, with their attractive chequerboard patterned flowers are in bloom now, so keep a keen eye out for the red lily beetle, hand pick and squash them. If they fall to the ground they are impossible to see as their underside is black and they never fall with their red side up – clever aren’t they.

They will nibble the foliage and then move onto your lilies where they will lay eggs that hatch into pinkish larvae, which have the rather disgusting habit of hiding in their own black pooh. Both the adults and larvae can do a huge amount of damage eating the foliage. There are chemical sprays available at your local garden centre to combat this pest if you prefer.

Don’t forget to pick up a National Gardens Scheme book or leaflet from your local garden centre and visit other folk’s gardens for inspiration, super cakes and plant sales.

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M AY G A R D E N T I P S

GARDENING

G Time to plant up your hanging baskets and containers.

G Give some of your border perennials the “Chelsea Chop”.

If you cut some of them back by about half now it will delay flowering but extend the display longer in your garden.

G Harden-off annual bedding plants ready to plant out soon.

Put them in a shady spot, keep well watered but bring them back inside if frost is likely. Keep a close eye on them and they will be toughened up ready to plant after about a week.

G Be ready to cover tender plants with horticultural fleece if frosts are forecast. Check the forecast every day this month.

G Order Slug nematodes and rid your plants of this pest the natural and safe way.

G Stake border perennial varieties that are tall growing and that tend to flop over. Either use pea sticks (tree and shrub prunings are good) or use purpose made support systems.

G Cut Aubrieta back hard when it has finished flowering and give it a feed. They will produce new growth soon and remain more compact if this is done each year.

G Hostas divide well this month. Lift clumps and split them up making certain that each shoot has plenty of root attached.

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

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

Take the pain out of gardening

IT’S that time of year again when the spring flowers are calling and we decide to get down and dirty-handed in the garden.

Unfortunately, for many of us, this time of year also brings with it the excesses of over-exertion: pain.

Ben Palmer, registered osteopath at Wells Chiropractic and Osteopathy Centre, says they are being inundated with calls from numerous gardeners with moderate to severe muscle and joint pain. So why is this?

“Throughout the year our low back muscles may have very little use and, particularly as we get older, they get tighter and less efficient at lifting or supporting our body weight whilst we spend long hours leaning. This over-exertion then overloads the muscles and the force of our activities go straight into the spine, joints and disks causing pain and injury.

“So, to avoid this try to have a little warm up gently leaning forwards, backwards and doing the hula-hoop with your hips for 5-10 minutes beforehand.

“Do small ‘windmills’ with your arms and shoulders and rotate your head (neck) side-to-side and up and down a few times.

“Take regular breaks every 20 minutes or so and try to tackle the garden over a few days rather than a few hours. Have a painfree spring.”

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 63

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Time to get a new mower

WITH their trade-in trade-up offer, now is a great time replace your tired old garden equipment and get up to £400 towards a new Honda product.

Of course, being a Honda, each one is precision engineered to give you perfect results with minimum effort, along with their industry-leading warranties for peace of mind.

Simply register your trade-in details, then take your old product (which doesn't need to be in working-order) into your local Honda authorised dealer, Mendip Mowers and trade-in your old for money off your new.

Garden Design • Planting Schemes • Horticultural Consultancy Courses in Gardening and Garden Design www.christinepritchard.co.uk • info@christinepritchard.co.uk tel: 01761 221166 • mobile: 07966 172282

www.mendipmowers.co.uk • 01373 832965 Green Farm Industrial Estate, Chapmanslade, BA13 4JJ PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Glebe Court Gardens

GLEBE Court in West Monkton is a former Georgian rectory that was sold by the church after the Second World War. The approach to the house is across a gravelled forecourt with a mixed shrub border on one side that includes a very large Driyms Winteri, a variegated Myrtle, species Peonies and a Paulownia grown as a small tree.

Yellow and Red Campsis, a white Wisteria and various roses climb up the walls of the house. The gardens behind and to the side of the house contain a traditionally planted mix of shrubs and herbaceous plants and there is a large walled garden divided for most of its length by a pergola planted with climbing roses, honeysuckles, Tropaeolums, Eccremocarpus Scaber and other climbers and surrounded by trained fruit trees, vegetable beds, Irises (that should be in full bloom), more species Paeonies, shade-loving plants and varied climbers. There is a large greenhouse.

The garden contains a series of pools fed by a stream that probably dates back to monastic times when monks from Glastonbury Abbey farmed in West Monkton. Before the stream vanishes under the adjoining Boome Lane there is a bed of Zantedeschia Aethiopica that should be in full bloom.

Elsewhere there are herbaceous and shrub borders, and a copse and paddocks planted with some unusual trees, mostly grown from seed obtained by the owners from specialist seed companies. Leaning over the wall of the adjoining churchyard is a very old Mulberry tree.

Plants propagated by the owner will be on sale in aid of local charities and the restoration of the adjoining church aisle roof.

NGS opening details: Saturday 30th, Sunday 31st May from 2pm to 5:30pm.

Admission: £5, children free.

Contact Information: Mr and Mrs Anthony Pugh-Thomas, West Monkton, Taunton TA2 8QT. OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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By the banks of the Brue

GARDENING

By Mark Adler

GARDENERS and growers are plotting a bumper season of produce at a community owned and run allotment near Glastonbury.

With views to Glastonbury Tor and set on the bank of the River Brue at Baltonsborough, Honeymead Garden is set in an idyllic location.

Honeymead was created after landowner Peter Simons offered the field to the village gardening society for the princely sum of £10. They established the Honeymead Garden Society and moved onto the land – believed to have been the site of the original village allotments in the 1900s – in February 2010.

A typical plot – there are 44 – costs around £20 a year but people are expected to help with the care and maintenance of the site as well, creating a strong sense of community, said society chairman Keith Rollason. Membership also entitles them to share in the crops of fruit such as apples, pears and plums growing on the site’s communal areas.

Keith, a professional gardener, said: “We have people from all walks of life coming here to grow pretty much anything they like but the main aspect is the sociability of it all; it’s all about getting people together.

“People do as much or as little on their plots as they like.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of bringing a flask and sitting by the river bank watching the wildlife.”

Mike Reardon-Harman, a retired master butcher and former chairman of the village horticultural society, added: “It is very rare to have a privately-owned allotment and we had great support from various charities and funding organisations when we were setting up. And if people are unsure about what to grow or how to grow something, then there is plenty of help and advice here!”

The allotment holders hold regular social events and will be having an open day on Sunday, August 9th as well as a harvest tea party in the autumn.

Come on down! Mike (left) and Keith would welcome new growers

A number of plots are available. For more information email the society at: honeymead.g.s@doyousee.me.uk

Oars of fun and relaxation: the rowing oar supports on this plot come from a former shop window display

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 65

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Blooming lovely

Jane and Bill Knight with their grandaughter Kathryn

Chris Middleton won most points in the handicrafts

THERE were over 200 entries for the Nailsea Spring Show, part of the National Daffodil Society’s group, and reckoned to be one of the best in the area, attracting exhibitors from far and wide.

The main prize winners were: the Barbara Randall Trophy for most points in the daffodil members classes Mrs Val Davis; the Daffodil Society Centenary Trophy for the best nine blooms Ivor Clark; Thelma Howes Memorial Trophy for the most points in the daffodil classes Terry Miller; Jim Tigwell Trophy for the best three sets of three blooms divisions 1-4 John Hamblin.

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Chairman is champion

THE Wessex Daffodil Group, with members from counties throughout the region, converged once again on the village hall at Henton for their annual show.

Group chairman, Derek Phillips, from Peasedown St. John, won best bloom, best exhibit and best Americanbred daffodils.

He said: “We come here because it’s central, it’s a lovely hall and they are lovely people, who are always helpful and make us welcome.”

GARDENING

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Opening 8.00am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri. 8.00am – 12.00pm Sat

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

Visit our ROCK CAKE CAFE Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Browse around JAMES STORE Large stock of HOME BREW PRODUCTS + many other bargains See our website for more details www.rockymountainnursery.co.uk

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 67

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Norton Green Farm Garden Centre and Nursery WELCOMES YOU THIS SPRING • Summer bedding and basket plants • Vegetable plants • Summer bulbs & seed potatoes • Unwins, Fothergills, Johnsons & Country Value seed collections together with specialist range

by Sarah Raven & sweet peas • Good selection of terracotta, glazed, fibreclay & plastic pots, troughs & containers • Compost, mulches & barks, including multibuy and offers • Wild bird food & feeders • National Garden Gift Vouchers • Cut flowers & house plants • Wide range of gifts and cards Also available: • Gravel & grits, paving & walling • Fencing, posts & trellis etc.

• Turf available weekly to order

Brace & Sons Garden & Building Machinery Repairs

Farm machinery, Servicing, all makes and models of Push Along and Ride On Mowers, Cement mixers, Strimmers.

No job is too Big or too Small, Free Collection and Delivery, No VAT.

Your Local Family Run Professional Machinery Specialists

Tel: 07444 467049

e-Mail: braceandsons@gmail.com

Mendip Times reduces travel costs 100,000 potential customers just a few miles from your business

Stump Grinding and Tree Services, throughout the South West

LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 10.30am-4.30pm

Wells Road, Chilcompton, Nr. Bath Tel: 01761 232137 E. nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk

See our website at www.groundlevelcontractors.co.uk or e-mail us at info@groundlevelcontractors.co.uk Prefer to talk to us?

Tel: 01934 710135 • Mob: 07941 908832

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

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES

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Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs We also do: Chicken Houses • Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE

Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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Garden business expands

GARDENING

Weston Garden Machinery Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists

WE HAVE MOVED! Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS Behind Bournville Service Station (Shell garage)

WESTON Garden Machinery has moved from Hutton Garden Centre to premises three times the size in Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare.

It marks a successful eighth year for this family business, run by Richard and Jayne Bevan and their son Ashley (pictured left) and apprentice Kyle.

Richard was working in garden machinery and Jayne was a bookkeeper, when they took over the business, which specialises in mowers, garden equipment, wood-burning stoves and specialist kit for tree surgeons.

Jayne said: “This has given us far more room for the showroom, extra workshop space, and the access is better for customers.”

Wide range of woodburning stoves

Chain saws and tree-felling equipment

Mowers to suit all jobs

Tel: 01934 813261 www.westongarden.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 69

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Flower arrangers head for Chelsea

GARDENING

Back row (l to r) Coral Gardiner and David Martin, second row (l to r) Mary Keily, Cath Humphries and Sue Gaskin, front row (l to r) Diane Clark, Anne Bartlett, Janet Warden and Lucy Ellis

Purveyors of the finest hardy perennials, shrubs, trees, climbers, exotics and specimens

Wrington Road, Congresbury BS49 5AN Tel: 01934 876337 www.middlecombenursery.co.uk PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

THREE members of Chew Valley Flower Decoration Society are among a team of nine from the South West who have been selected to represent The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies at Chelsea Flower Show this year.

They are Diane Clark, joint team leader, and talented arrangers Janet Warden and Coral Gardiner. The other team members are Anne Bartlett, joint team leader from Highworth, Swindon, David Martin, Highworth, Swindon, Lucy Ellis, Bratton, Wilts., Mary Keily, Warminster, Wilts., Sue Gaskin, Nailsea and Cath Humphries, Bath.

They will be arranging an exhibit entitled Revitalisation and Regeneration on a 20ft. square stand in the Main Marquee. Their thought provoking exhibit, with interpretation using plant material, takes you from a junk yard, through a wetlands area and wildlife park culminating in a modern urban area where old buildings, factories etc. have been revitalised to provide much needed living accommodation.

You can watch their progress on Facebook, Nafas at Chelsea, or via the South West Area website – flowerssouthwest.org We hope to report the outcome of this exciting venture in the next edition of Mendip Times.

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Young storytellers

Rock around the frock

NEWS

Stallholders Simone Knol (left) and Rachel Jardine

LAUREN Harvey, aged 10, and Marishelle Harris, aged 11, both students at Hugh Sexey Middle School, beat other entrants from local schools to secure a first prize cup from Mendip Rotary Club for winning the Junior and Intermediate RIBI Young Writers Competition.

They are pictured with Gina d’Auria from Hugh Sexey School, and Mike Hiles and Maggie Steel from Mendip Rotary Club.

ROCK ‘n Roll dancers brought a vintage clothes and accessory fair in Frome to life with a series of performances.

Members of Melksham 1950s Rock ‘n Roll Club took to a stage outside the Cheese and Grain for dance demonstrations before leading a class inside ahead of a high energy concert by King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys. It was part of a weekend of vintage-themed events at the venue.

A Vintage Bazaar jumble sale will be held at the Cheese & Grain on Saturday, May 16th.

Thank you Halecombe!

Leigh pupils at their renovated pond

PUPILS from Leigh on Mendip First School are celebrating the renovation of their school pond, thanks to volunteers from a neighbouring quarry.

Ten tonnes of stone was donated by Lafarge Tarmac at Halecombe to complete the work started by pupils from Writhlington School, supported by Dr Gill Odolphie from the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Moonshill at nearby Stoke St Michael.

Head teacher Mary Sturgess said: “Thanks to Vaughan Grey and his team of workers; it is great the work has completed in time for the pupils to enjoy this improved resource during the summer term.”

Fun in the sun: rock ‘n roll dance fans lead the way MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

Can your vote help the NHS?

SO who will you vote for in the end? A few people parade their party loyalty in bright rosettes, but most British people are reserved and private about their voting options, not least because a fair proportion of us don’t finally decide until we get inside the ballot booth.

As a BBC presenter, I am discouraged from telling

By Dr PHIL anyone how I might vote, although I have managed to HAMMOND cross a few parties off. But today I still haven't decided where to put my pencil.

Pencils are of course amazing things. In the hands of a child, some sort of magic occurs as they transform their early scribblings into pictures, thoughts, feelings and then dreams of how we want our lives to be. We continue writing and dreaming into our 20s and 30s but at some stage, often as we are about to hit 40, we find ourselves trapped in a dead-end job or a loveless relationship and we think, I might as well stick this pencil where the sun don't shine.

And believe me, many people do. So perhaps that would be the ultimate protest vote, not least because your local polling station will soon run out of pencils.

A slightly more rational way of choosing how to vote would be to go to your local hustings. In my case, Jacob, Todd, Wera, Ernie and Katy strutted their stuff in Ubley Village Hall on April 21st. I bet even now many of you would struggle to remember their surnames, their parties and one interesting thing about them.

As I write, Jacob is the only one with a Wikipedia page, and whether you love or loathe the combination of supreme intelligence and supreme right wing-ness, it tends to be the candidate with the highest public profile who wins. Prior to Jacob we had Dan the Labour man, but when the constituency boundaries were changed, Jacob emerged the clear victor.

I know absolutely nothing about any of the other candidates, apart from their names and parties. However I know plenty about the NHS and all parties are talking absolute nonsense about it. At the current levels of funding, I don't believe everyone over 75 will be able to see a GP on the same day. I don’t believe we can have a seven-day service even though it might be nice to have one. I very much doubt every woman in labour will have a midwife by her side every minute.

I do believe the NHS is being outsourced to the private sector on an unprecedented scale, with large amounts of public money and power handed over to private companies who have to make a profit for their shareholders. Many have already failed in the NHS, and the PFI building projects have been an absurd rip-off in many cases. And with all the reorganisations we had in the 30 years I’ve been in the NHS, any politician who claims they reduced the bureaucracy should be taken outside and shot.

My preferred option is that politicians grow up and collaborate to ensure that NHS reform is based on compassion, stability and the best scientific evidence, with an honest cross-party debate about how much money we need to put in and what services it will provide. Until we get honest collaboration at the top of the NHS it’s much harder for patients, carers and staff to collaborate at the bottom. And without health, life is rotten. At the end of the day, you probably did more for your health and the health service by walking to and from the polling booth than deciding where to put your cross. But please be careful where you put your pencil. Casualty is busy enough as it is.

Dr Phil’s bestseller, Staying Alive, is out now. He is performing at the Tobacco Factory on May 26th, talking about his book at Foyles in Bristol on June 4th and joining the Stand Up for Slapstick line-up at the Colston Hall on June 11th.

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Training goldfish to do housework

“IT’S like trying to train a goldfish,” so says Mendip Dad. He is describing what happens when you give a clear instruction to a nine-year-old which is subsequently ignored. The ignoring is not wilful and unlike a goldfish I like to think it is the product of a lively mind.

If you are a nine-year-old boy who has been asked to go upstairs and put your washing away, there are a several rooms and a staircase between your bedroom and the washing pile, which harbour at least a dozen distractions.

You might encounter electronics charging quietly and decide you would like to engage with them. On mum’s phone there is a message which tells you that you need to feed an animal somewhere in cyber-game space. On dad’s iPad you might need to reinforce your army ready for another “Clash of the Clans.”

You may find a real cat or two on the stairs who you can cuddle until they either attack or run away from you. Once upstairs, you might decide to enter your sister’s room. You know where her stash of sweets is and you could help yourself to some.

You have to be careful not to mess anything up in here. This requires stealth and speed and you have honed both skills over the years in the real world (and the cyber one). The sugar works its magic and you are ready for the next chapter in the adventure of everyday life.

On leaving middle child’s room you meet eldest sister. She is looking for anything to distract her from revision and you arrive just in time. You reenter middle child’s room together, eat some more sweets and play on the gym-ball.

Back on the landing, having perfected your flexibility, balance and posture with the gym-ball, you decide to clamber over various obstacles in your way. These have probably been left lying around after Mendip Mum’s latest failed attempt at de-cluttering. While you are clambering you are pretending to be a ninja-warrior. For a moment you are genuinely Japanese.

When you eventually reach your room you notice, for a nanosecond, a pile of washing. You remember what you were meant to be doing, while finishing the latest model in a fleet of Lego spaceships.

You find some toy soldiers and tanks and line them up. Then you see The Guinness Book of Records and decide to find the smallest man which you can view in 3D but you need your mum’s iPhone to key in a code and make it all come to life.

So you go back downstairs and it is at the foot of the stairs that you meet Mendip Dad who asks you: “Have you put your washing away?” And you look at him blankly and reply: “What?”

MENDIP MUM

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Putting a spring in your step

SPRING brings flowers, longer days and warmer weather.

With the warmer weather people start to think about changing their footwear to lighter shoes.

Sue Boothroyd, from Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice, says that it is appropriate at any time of year to ensure that you take care of your feet and toenails, but spring time is usually when podiatrists (chiropodists) see people who want to make sure that their feet are ready to be seen in sandals.

For many, having their ingrown toenails, corns, callouses and warts treated by a podiatrist is a matter of aesthetics, but in reality proper foot care is so much more than that. A podiatrist can help with foot pain and discomfort caused by warts and corns, they can help with pain and infection caused by ingrown toenails and they can tell how well your joints are moving by watching you walk.

Even if you don’t want to wear sandals, it may be a good idea to see your podiatrist (chiropodist) if you suffer from one or more of the symptoms below: Decreased sensation of the foot Toenail(s) that dig into the surrounding skin Diabetes If you are unable to reach or see the bottoms of your feet An unexplained open wound on your foot Foot or heel pain A growth on the bottom of your foot Callouses or corns (with or without pain) on your feet Misshapen or discoloured nails

HEALTH & FAMILY

Getting the best health cover DO you have the best private medical insurance for your circumstances? Mendip-based Health Care Management has over 20 years’ experience helping people find the most suitable health insurance policy.

During this time they have helped many people save money or improve their level of cover. Their specialist advisers will compare the leading insurers to find a policy that meets your health needs and offers the best value for money.

They give honest, unbiased advice and provide tailor-made recommendations for you to consider. An experienced adviser will be on hand to provide any support you may need during the policy year.

You will also be offered an annual review to make sure you always have the best cover available for your current

circumstances. There are no fees to pay for any of their services.

If you would like them to assess your current policy or would like to know if health insurance could benefit you, your family or your business, they would be happy to discuss your requirements with no obligation.

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We’re here to help. Low cost counselling places available in Street, Bristol, Bath & Frome. www.wessexcounselling.co.uk Registered charity number 1056310

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 73

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MENDIP TIMES

CAN’T SLEEP? AWAKE AT 4am?

ANXIOUS? DEPRESSED? NOT COPING?

HYPNOTHERAPY CAN HELP! MIRANDA ROBARTS-ARNOLD BA (Hons) HPD DHP SFBT (HYP) MNCH (Req) AfSFH CNHC CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST and PSYCHOTHERAPIST

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Come and have a talk to see how I can help you get back on track, call 07717 170 865 to book an initial consultation or visit www.mirandahypnotherapy.com

Clinics held at: Wells Chiropractic & Osteopathy Centre BA5 1XJ Chew Medical Centre BS40 8UE PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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COURT HOUSE

HEALTH & FAMILY

R E T I RE M E N T H O M E C H E D D A R

Accommodation available now with full en-suite Court House is a very special place to live, the very fact that it is made up of different areas of accommodation adds to its attraction. e Main House with gracious large rooms with full en-suite looking out onto different aspects and personalized with Resident’s own furniture and pictures etc. A spacious Drawing Room with doors to a covered veranda and patio area leading onto lawns and flower beds. e Courtyard which has lovely vaulted accommodation with full en-suite and cleverly concealed kitchenettes where Residents can make a cup of tea or a snack for themselves or their guests and small raised gardens so that the people living there may, if they so wish plant and tend their own flowers. e lovely cottage accommodation full of character with a large Victorian style conservatory looking towards St. Andrews Church and doors opening out from a lovely sitting room to a tranquil garden.

Putting all of this together with the very special care given by dedicated staff that respect and give privacy and dignity to all who live here, you can see why people who come to live at Court House are so happy to have found this very special place.

Respite Care also available

“One of the most beautiful and well kept retirement homes I’ve ever seen”.

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Please contact Chris Dando 01934 742131 Website: www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 75

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MENDIP TIMES

HEALTH & FAMILY

Sally Kingston

Do you want to feel fitter and healthier?

Fitness and Health Coach Personal Training and Nutritional Advice

WHETHER you are new to exercise, returning after a break or recovering from an injury, Sally Kingston, fitness and health coach, will help you to achieve your goals through guidance, support and motivation.

Sally is a qualified and insured personal trainer and has experience of working with clients both young and old. Sally will design a training plan just for you with training in your own home, an outside space or at Winscombe gym.

You can train with a friend or partner too. A review of food and drink consumption along with nutritional advice is also available. A money-back guarantee is offered if customers are not satisfied.

See her website for client testimonials and contact her for further information and to arrange a free initial consultation, with no obligation.

Mob: 07921 105 716 e-mail: info@sallyfitnessandhealth.co.uk Web: www.sallyfitnessandhealth.co.uk

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PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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John Webb estate agents on the move JOHN Webb Estate Agents and Wrington Vale Lettings are pleased to announce that they have moved from Langford to new offices at Unit 4 Burnett Trading Estate in Wrington.

John Webb said: “Over the many years that I have been in the estate agency business, I’ve seen the property market change dramatically but one thing that’s remained consistent is the need to provide a personal and professional service.

“This philosophy is at the heart of our business. Buying or selling your home is a big change for people and so we try to make it as easy as possible, every step of the journey.”

Working alongside John Webb Estate Agents, Wrington Vale Lettings are happy to offer a bespoke service to cater for the individual needs of landlords and take pride in helping people from all across the spectrum.

Whether you’re a tenant looking for a

rental property, or a potential landlord looking to invest, they ensure that you are looked after throughout the process.

They aim to build up a good working relationship with both tenants and landlords to ensure all is running smoothly.

PROPERTY The partners John Webb, Karen Morgan & Vanessa Webb outside their new office

Instruct them to sell or let your property and they can guarantee that you will be a big fish in their little pond, dealing only with the partners, John, Karen and Vanessa, who are committed to providing a personal and first class service.

For more information check out their websites: Sales www.johnwebbestateagents.co.uk • Lettings www.wringtonvalelettings.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 77

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PROPERTY

Uncertainty stalls buyers

THE number of properties coming on to the market continued to drop last month, pushing prices rapidly upwards in the South West, according to the latest residential market survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

In most parts of the country, the supply versus demand imbalance led to a rise in house prices in March and in the South West 36% more chartered surveyors reported a rise in house prices (up from 31% in February) and 16% more expect prices to increase over the next three months compared with 6% in February (albeit the results for both are significantly lower than in March 2014).

Looking at sales expectations in the South West over the next three months, 9% more chartered surveyors expect an increase in March (compared to 28% more in February), while new buyer enquiries remain flat, and new instructions continue to fall. Some 4% more chartered surveyors in the South West saw a drop in new properties coming onto the market in March.

Looking at the longer-term picture, the predictions for both sales and rents remain positive. The predicted increase from respondents in the South West for house prices over the next 12 months is 2.5% and over five years it is 3.1%. Looking at rents, the predicted increase over the next 12 months is 3% and over five years it is 4.3%. Nationally, Northern Ireland continues to outperform the rest of the UK with the strongest house price growth in March and the highest price expectations over the next three months. In London, a lack of prospective buyers saw enquiries and the number of agreed sales both fall for the 11th consecutive month.

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Please contact the Waldegrave Estate office for more details: Telephone: 01761 241049 (office hours 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday) Email: enquiries@waldegrave-estates.co.uk • Website: www.waldegraveestate.co.uk

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Traditional stone farmhouse with 2000 sq ft of family accommodation and 4400 sq ft of outbuildings standing in garden, yard, paddock and orchard of 1.46 acres. Far reaching views over miles of countryside to the Mendip Hills and Glastonbury Tor. Three principal reception rooms, 4/5 bedrooms, potential annexe. Pretty gardens, plenty of garaging and parking. Ref: 24823 EPC: F PRICE GUIDE £575,000

BRENT KNOLL, SOMERSET

LARGE DETACHED HOUSE WITH 9.48 ACRES Secluded rural setting on the west side of the Knoll with far reaching views to Crooks Peak across countryside. Well presented interior with 2800 sq ft of accomm. Modern kitchen and bathrooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, Utility, 3 Cloakrooms, and conservatory. Double Garage and gardens. (AOC applies). Ref: 24859 EPC; tbc PRICE GUIDE £595,000

Wrington Tel: 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 79

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It’ll be all right, deer

A YOUNG roe deer which appeared to have been hit by a car in North Somerset was rescued by police and nursed back to health at Secret World Wildlife rescue centre.

A member of the PC Rob Browne with the young roe deer public called police with concerns for the youngster which appeared to be badly injured and in a distressed state at the side of the road in Churchill.

When officers arrived, they discovered it needed some TLC and alerted Secret World Wildlife Rescue who arranged for a volunteer to bring the animal to them, where they have a dedicated deer unit.

PC Rob Browne said: “When we arrived at the scene, the animal seemed shaken and distressed. We were delighted to see that he wasn’t as badly hurt as we had first feared. We wanted to ensure that he was well looked after so our control room contacted Secret World. I’m pleased to hear that he has since made a full recovery and has been safely returned to the wild where he belongs.”

Graeme Thompson, Volunteer Rescuer for Secret World said: “The young male roe deer appeared to be in shock, possibly after being struck by a vehicle, which can cause temporary blindness.

They are very sensitive animals and have a delicate temperament.

Secret World nursed it back to health and released him.”

Jess Crabtree, Rescue Section Leader at Secret World, said: “We rely on members of the public to call us about injured wild animals, like this deer, so we can respond quickly and help them make a full recovery.”

If you find an injured wild animal, call Secret World on 01278 783250. Secret World would also like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver.

Community bus is a hit

THE community bus, which operates in Bath and North East Somerset, got an overwhelming response when it held sessions in Pensford and asked for support for extra lottery funding.

One parent, Mrs Lisa Cains said: “I would be thrilled if the bus received funding to run further play schemes in Pensford in the future. I think it's such a valuable asset to small rural villages, allowing the children and their parents to come together and socialise, helping to develop a sense of community.”

Senior playworker, Jackie Hails, said: “We were pleased with the turn-out as this was the first time the playbus has run play schemes in Pensford.

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Fundraisers in a spin

Tesco store manager Catherin Chattwood (centre) joins Lotte Buckley, Sue Barnard (on bikes), Debbie Saffin and Jackie Bemmer

A GROUP from the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area set up to raise funds for the Forever Friends Appeal for Bath’s Royal United Hospital says it has been overwhelmed by the

generosity of shoppers after its latest charity effort.

Volunteers from the Midsomer Norton and Radstock RUH Fundraising Group took to the pedals of two static bikes in the foyer of the Tesco store in Paulton to cycle for eight hours in the group’s second “Spinathon” to raise money for the appeal’s RUH Cancer Care Campaign to improve facilities at the hospital.

The group’s previous Spinathon, held last October, raised £1,279 for the campaign and their latest effort made £1,284.07.

The group is looking for new members to join and help organise fundraising events. Supporters are welcome from anywhere within the hospital’s catchment area. Lydia McGivern, the appeal’s Community Fundraiser, said: “This is such a wonderful fun group, who are committed to transforming care at the RUH and have already made such an amazing contribution to our RUH Cancer Care Campaign. With a few more members, there would be no limit to what they could achieve!”

If you are interested in joining the group, or would just like to hear more about it, contact Lydia on 01225 825825

“It gave us a chance to ask parents to complete short questionnaires on the need for play services to back-up our

bid for continuation funding from the Big Lottery. We hope to return to Pensford if we get the funding."

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Ten thousand on the clock – and plenty more to go!

A SIGNIFICANT milestone has been achieved by volunteers involved with the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership – they have clocked up more than 10,000 hours of their time to help the many conservation projects being delivered as part of the scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project has been designed to improve the area for wildlife and heritage as well as the thousands of people who visit the area each year.

Over the last two and a half years 400 volunteers have been involved in practical conservation work, reconstructing replicas of ancient trackways and logboats, surveying local footpaths and assisting at public events.

Volunteer Development Officer, Kevin Anderson, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by our existing volunteers as well as the many local people recruited by the partner organisations to deliver these exciting projects. Their efforts have made a significant contribution to the Avalon Marshes, which I am sure

Taking a well-earned rest

COMMUNITY

Volunteers hard at work on one of the partnership’s reserves

will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”

The Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership is made up of Somerset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the RSPB, South West Heritage Trust, the Hawk and Owl Trust, English Heritage and the Environment Agency.

The partnership works with local people, stakeholders and communities to deliver projects and activities that boost and enhance the wildlife and cultural heritage in the Avalon Marshes, the wetland lowland area stretching from Baltonsborough and Glastonbury in the east to East Huntspill in the west and from Mark in the north to the Poldens ridge. It is home to over 6,500 years of active history.

More information about these projects and the Avalon Marshes in general can be found at www.avalonmarshes.org

Police get in shape

AVON and Somerset police are the latest public sector partner to move to the Shape Mendip public services hub in Shepton Mallet.

Approximately 15 police staff are now based at the hub at Cannards Grave Road. The former Shepton Mallet police station will now be used solely by specialist police teams working across the county and is no longer open to members of the public. Police Inspector Mark Nicholson, Neighbourhood Manager for Mendip, said: “The local policing team at Shepton Mallet is excited to be part of the Shape Mendip (l:r) Police Inspector Mark Nicholson, Donna Nolan from Mendip District Council and Hub. PCSO Rob Nell outside the Shape Mendip public services hub “We are based in a better working Council, Somerset County Council, G Local residents who need to contact environment and are working alongside Shepton Mallet Town Council, Capita the police can now visit the hub our key public service partners who and The Landscape Group. More public between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to share our vision of making Mendip an service providers are expected to Friday. Outside of these hours, they will even safer place to live and work.”

The police join other public service relocate to the hub in the coming need to call 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk providers such as Mendip District months.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 81

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Guy Salmon Bristol Pioneer Park, Whitby Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3QB T 0117 3003180 F 0117 3009493 W www.guysalmon.bristol.landrover.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 83

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G l o w wo r m s an d b l a c k w a t e r r a f t i n g THE caves this month are a long way down – on the other side of the planet, in fact. The two islands of New Zealand are lands of contrast, from the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on the South Island, to the bubbling mud pools, hot springs and geysers of the North Island.

With PHILIP Much of the land is covered by nearHENDY impenetrable forest, mainly comprising tree ferns, including the national symbol, the Silver Fern.

Amongst all of the volcanic rock there is a surprising amount of limestone, much younger than our Mendip Carboniferous Limestone. It is very thinly bedded, some just two to five centimetres thick, and is easily eroded into intriguing and thoughtprovoking shapes. Where there is limestone, of course, we can expect to find caves.

Although caves are to be found over both islands, perhaps the most famous are at Waitomo, on North Island. The name derives from the Maori, meaning ‘water entering shaft’. There are three showcaves at Waitomo, the best-known being the Glowworm Cave.

Hanging from the cave roof and sides above the underground river are thousands of glowworms, the larvae of a fungus gnat.

About three centimetres long, they let down sticky silken threads or fishing lines, to which are attached droplets of their excrement, which glows in the dark due to chemical reactions.

The light attracts flying insects, which get caught on the threads.

They are then reeled in, to be eaten. The larvae live for six to nine months, then they pupate and hatch into flies. Being unable to feed, their only purpose is to mate and lay eggs before they die, like mayflies.

The high spot of a visit to the Glowworm Cave is undoubtedly the boat trip, where the cave guide draws the boat silently around the slow-flowing river, in complete darkness apart from the light from the worms. But to get there, two beautifully decorated cave levels must first be explored.

The upper level contains the Organ Loft, with a magnificent three-metre fluted column, the Pipe Organ. Steps descend to the Banqueting Chamber, where early tours would stop for a meal, and the vast lofty Cathedral Chamber, where concerts are often held. A 13-metre deep fluted tomo, or shaft, is passed, then begins the descent to the river and the glowworms.

Just over a mile away are two more showcaves, Ruakuri and Aranui. The entrance to Ruakuri Cave is concrete, designed to look like a doorway Cave Weta in Aranui Cave into a natural limestone outcrop.

Inside, a natural 20metre tomo has been enlarged and furnished with a spiral walkway around a small stream, falling from the roof to splash over a large rock at the bottom.

CAVING

Grotto Ruakuri Cave

Two airlock doors are connected by a short tunnel, and then the cave proper begins. To protect the floor, much of the route is on steel walkways suspended from cables attached to the roof and sides. As in the Glowworm Cave, the formations are mainly white, but there are plenty of them.

At the bottom of the high rift passages the underground river can be seen, and then the glow of lights and screams of fear or laughter announce the arrival of a party of Black Water Rafters.

This adventure caving experience involves negotiating the river in inflated inner tubes. The water is not cold, but all wear wetsuits.

Some tours include a high-level traverse above the river, abseiling down to the water, or jumping off the top of a waterfall into the black pool below. This is not for the faint-hearted, but it is very popular. Ruakuri Cave gives the opportunity to observe glowworms at close quarters, although they can also be seen along the riverbanks at night.

The third cave, Aranui, also has a wide variety of formations and some of these are coloured pink or brown, as well as white.

The largest chamber, the Cathedral, is more than 20 metres high.

As well as stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone, it also has some beautiful thin straws, and cave coral, a form of flowstone.

This cave has no stream, so there are no glowworms, but it does have cave crickets, called weta. These insects can have bodies more than five centimetres long, with thin spidery legs. They are harmless, but most people view them from a respectful distance.

Eighteen miles west of Waitomo is the Piripiri Cave, reached at the end of a walkway around a hill. Here, wooden steps lead to the bottom of a large decorated chamber, which can be seen by daylight, although a torch is useful for examining the finer detail.

Although there are no access restrictions, indeed it is well signposted, the cave formations here are remarkably undamaged.

New Zealanders care very much about their caves, a habit unfortunately we have not adopted. Cave Weta can be found here, too. A short distance away is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge, at the end of a short gorge which was formed by the collapse of a cave roof. The bridge is in fact double, with an arch taking the river, and a larger one above it, decorated with massive stalactites.

Beyond the bridge is farmland, scattered with limestone outcrops embedded with large fossil oyster shells.

For anyone interested in caves, at whatever level of ability, the New Zealand caves have much to offer. They are so unlike our British caves that a visit there is like discovering caving all over again.

Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

(Photography by Phil Hendy)

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Belles of the Royal Albert Hall

abilities, with regional heats taking place across the country in Shrewsbury, Surrey, Yorkshire, Cambridge and Exeter to provide six national finalists.

After winning the semi-final in Exeter, Bleadon Belles went on to win the final in Birmingham Town Hall. They had worked

(Photos courtesy of Andrew Billington Photography)

THE Bleadon WI choir, the Bleadon Belles, formed only a year ago, have been named WI Choir of the Century, as part of the WI’s centenary celebrations, and will now sing at the WI’s national conference at the Royal Albert Hall on June 4th.

The competition attracted singers of all

MUSIC hard at rehearsals with their talented choirmaster, Andrew King, and were accompanied at the final by Richard Lennox, a gifted pianist from Westonsuper-Mare.

They say they were amazed and delighted to win.

Choir members, Alison Hillyer, Jo Jones and Pam Lamb accept the trophy

Musical director, Andrew King, conducting the choir

Young musicians honoured

CHEDDAR Vale Lions Club presented seven silver and three gold Young Leaders in Service Awards to members of Cheddar Valley Music Club at their annual concert at Kings of Wessex Academy.

The project encourages young people between the ages of 13-18 to take part in service activities, which can range from being a young carer, helping younger siblings with reading and homework, volunteering with a local group – in fact anything where they support the community by giving up some of their time.

Club members achieved their awards by their commitment to the younger members of the group assisting with learning their instruments, to read music and guide when playing within the training band.

Wedmore Arts Festival

WEDMORE Opera has grown into a full-scale arts festival this year. The main event will be Carmen, Bizet’s enduringly popular opera.

The ground-breaking production is set in the late 1920s and inspired by the iconic poetry of Federico García Lorca. With Marie Elliott in the title role and Ben Thapa (of G4 fame) playing Don José, Carmen is on July 8th, 10th and 11th.

It will bring back to Somerset that superb mix of local and international professionalism that has made Wedmore Opera so successful over the past quarter of a century, during which hundreds of volunteers have been involved in 17 major productions.

The club was also presented with a small French horn and money towards music as recognition for the support they give to the Lions’ Tree of Light project each year by playing at the dedication service.

In addition to the opera, Wedmore Arts Festival will feature a number of other cultural events designed to appeal to one and all. In the festival big-top style theatre space Clare Teal sings with Edward Leaker’s Swing Band on July 3rd, whilst Marcus Brigstocke will provide an evening of comedy (over 16s only) on July 9th.

Elsewhere in the village there will also be plenty to enjoy – and the line-up is being updated on a regular basis, including Shenagh Govan’s one-woman show War Crimes for the Home, Anna Newman’s Marimba Concert, and a teatime concert with internationally acclaimed duo, Marie Vassiliou, soprano, and Nico de Villiers, piano.

Details: www.wedmoreopera.com 01934 713271. Tickets go on sale on May 18th.

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 85

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Peter surveys the future – and it looks pretty good

IN typically modest fashion, Peter Hicks describes himself as Kingfisher’s surveyor. But this only touches the surface of the role he plays and has played in developing the company and shaping its philosophy.

He will tell you that the atmosphere at Kingfisher has never been better in the 20plus years he’s been there, but what he won’t tell you is how much of this is down to the way he has trained, encouraged and motivated the installation team.

He makes no excuses for consistently drumming in the importance of what some may consider “old fashioned” values, such as punctuality, good manners and tidiness, which rank highly with Pete and contrast dramatically with his early experiences working for one of the national window companies.

He said: “In many ways I prefer to forget those days when everything was focused on getting money out of the

customer. Sales people were all on commission and had to sell to eat; installation was sub-contracted to fitters, many of whom had never fitted a door or window correctly in their life.”

Right from the start, Kingfisher adopted an approach that has totally refuted this “get it in and get the money” business philosophy. The customer is never pressured and this suits Peter down to the ground: “Once the decision has been made by the customer, I go in and survey the job. It says a great deal about the relationship we already have with that customer, that I am always welcomed with open arms!”

Supporting Peter is a team that shares his dedication and commitment. Most of Kingfisher’s new business comes from referrals and recommendations and these happen only when high standards are consistently maintained.

Peter said: “Of course, things can go wrong when something unexpected

occurs, but as a company we always try to exceed our customers’ expectations. We are never happy until the customer is happy.”

Without a hint of complacency, the future looks good for Kingfisher and in turn for its customers.

Peter said: “I honestly believe that none of our competitors can better us, but I don’t say this because I think standards in the industry are low. In fact, the reverse is the case; products are constantly improving and we are installing some superb windows, doors and conservatories that reflect leaps forward in terms of design and quality.”

Kingfisher’s range of products can be seen at their Mill Batch Farm showroom at East Brent (A38 about 1.5 miles north of Jct 22 on the M5. Tel 01278 760616).

Staircases Doors Windows Porches Gates Decorative Timbers Car Ports Juliette Balconies CNC Work Bespoke Joinery Free Quotation Service

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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JACKSONS

Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .

Ideas for making more of your garden this spring

TRY this idea for creating a green screen in your garden – an established customer of Jacksons, Nick Arrowsmith sent these photos in so we could see what good use he has put our raised beds with a single pergola to. I think it is a brilliant idea, and must admit it had not occurred to me, to use these in this particular way. You can see from the images that the two raised beds form the base for the single pergola above. By using tensioned wire as supports for the clematis and wisteria, he has planted in the raised beds, he will eventually end up with a totally green screen, which will enhance the privacy for the dining area he has created in this part of his garden.

Here’s what he told me about the project: Hi Louise, I promised you images of our pergola and raised beds – some time ago I know, and here they are. I used tensioned stainless steel wires in between the upright posts to allow the plants to climb. These are available to buy online. The one I used was a surface mounted balustrade wire kit. It’s great that it’s made from stainless steel – so no rusting, and it should last ages, just like your products.

I think it finished the pergola off really well and they are a more discreet finish than wooden trellis panels. We’ve planted one wisteria in each planter and then filled each one with two different varieties of clematis.

I really can’t wait until we get the green screen we’re hoping for. Your products are

Raised beds form the base for planting climbers that will grow up the tensioned wires strung across the pergola

lovely and of such good quality – we’re really pleased with the overall look. Please let me know what you think!

Kind regards, Nick Arrowsmith Radcliffe on Trent.

Well it gets the thumbs up from me Nick, thanks very much for sending those through and sharing your idea with us.

If you want to see more of Nick’s photos you can go to his customer project story by visiting your dedicated web page where there’s a link to his and other customer project stories, with handy links to the products as well, including where you can get the tensioned stainless steel wire he used.

On the subject of garden projects and makeovers, have you ever wished you could find a trustworthy and talented garden designer to come up with some exciting design ideas for your own patch?

We’ve been working closely with the Society of Garden Designers on our RHS Hampton design competition and we’ve discovered a page on their web site that helps you find a garden designer in your area, that is a member of the SGD – find a link to this on your dedicated page as well.www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal or call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

WIN TICKETS TO RHS HAMPTON C O U R T PA L A C E F L O W E R S H O W

To celebrate our presence at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower show we are having a free prize draw to win pairs of tickets to the show. The free prize draw will run from the beginning of April until 15th June 2015. Winners will get a pair of tickets and will receive a goody bag when they drop by the Jacksons show garden when visiting the show. For full details and how to enter please go to your dedicated web page:www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 87

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MENDIP TIMES

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PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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D.R. CARPETS

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MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 89

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MENDIP TIMES

Faces of the fayre

RECORD crowds enjoyed the sights and sounds of the fifth Glastonbury Medieval Fayre.

Held in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, the two-day event featured everything from jousting knights to traditional crafts.

Court jester Fiery Jack with daughter Ania-Mae

Members of the Archers and Drummers of Herstmonceux Castle

Portcullis – a band from Eastbourne – entertain children in front of the Stagger Inn

Ben Harvey, from Viking re-enactment group Oathsworn PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Olivia meets Ben the barn owl

Sir Thomas de la Ryvers – aka Keith Hughes – prepares for battle

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EVENTS

Tractors haul in funds for air ambulance DOZENS of vintage tractors took to the lanes around Street and Glastonbury for an annual springtime gathering.

Enthusiasts gathered at the Railway Inn at Meare for the start of the 22-mile journey through surrounding towns and villages.

The event, organised by Ivan Sparks, raised almost £300 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

G The annual Railway Rev-Up, an event for vintage tractors and other vehicles and which also raises funds for the charity, will be held at the pub on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th.

Keira (left) and Jade sell raffle tickets in aid of the air ambulance

Alec Chambers and David Grabham arrive on cart pulled by a tractor driven by Adam Troake On the road again – heading off across the Levels

Ivan Sparks and son Cameron, ten, lead the way on board a FieldMarshal tractor

Keith Lintern, of West Pennard MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 91

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One of the best for years THE 2015 Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point meeting has been hailed as one of the best in recent years.

A large crowd was attracted to Ston Easton by top-quality racing and warm, dry weather.

Stars of the future: the young riders who competed in the two pony races at the end of the day’s main racing

Huntmaster Kent Lock leads the parade of hounds

George takes the reins

Zoe Stanbury, 13, before the start of the first pony race

Philip Thomas, who rode to victory on General Girling in the Tincknell Restricted Steeplechase

The Tincknell Restricted Steeplechase being fiercely contested

George and Mary in the parade ring

GEORGE Pullen is to take over from Mary Dowds as secretary of the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point meeting.

George, a stockbroker who lives near Litton, is a keen member of the hunt. Mary, a teacher at Sidcot School, is standing down after four years as secretary.

PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

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POINT-TO-POINT

Crowds around the parade ring

Presentation for the Tincknell Restricted Steeplechase

Race action

And they’re off: starter Jeff Fear waves the flag to begin the Alec Jarrett Open Maiden Race

Point-to-point picnic (l to r) Tilly Counsell, Henny Counsell, Lucia Hargitay and Monty Hargitay

The Fosse group of young farmers, representing Farrington, Frome, Wells and Glastonbury YFCs were raising money towards the Somerset YFC county rally being held at Manor Farm, Stratton-onthe Fosse on May 16th

Good as Gould – Cranmore family’s success

Members of the Withywood Racing Club celebrate Sarah’s victory

SISTERS Lucy and Sarah Gould enjoyed further success at the meeting when both again rode winners on the day.

Lucy took the honours in the opening race on Special Occasion – trained by Sarah – before Sarah rode home in the Uphill and Sons Ladies Open on Third Chance, which she also trained.

Proud dad: John Gould with Lucy and Sarah MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 93

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Leg up for Hannah

With CELIA GADD

LOCAL rider Hannah Cox, aged 25, who lives at Chewton Mendip has recently been selected as a Somerset LegUpForTalent Apprentice.

LegUpForTalentSponsorMeDirect is a social media programme that is aimed at helping talented young riders secure sponsorship at grassroots level. It is at this level that funding is essential if the early interest of young talent is to be embraced and their ability nurtured. The idea is that with continued training, commitment and passion they can one day represent their country.

Hannah has always been involved with horses and has just spent the last nine

months in New Zealand working as a groom on an international competition yard that produced horses for showjumping and eventing as well as dressage with a separate breeding facility.

An important part of Hannah’s role was to ensure that the diet and stable routine of the horses was carried out with the utmost attention to detail and she was also responsible for schooling the horses.

She was lucky enough to be given a home-bred four-year-old to produce to sell and competed at lower level show jumping and eventing and she was successfully sold to a young rider.

Now back at home, Hannah has two horses to bring back to competitive work, with the view of eventing them both this season. Without her own arena she has to do a lot of travelling to other local yards to train the horses to a

Abi Wyatt in action

necessary standard.

Hannah has also started recently at a local equestrian centre as the head girl where with her qualification as a UKCC level 2 coach will be teaching all different ages and abilities.

To follow the progress of Hannah and her horses this season go to www.legupfortalent.com

May show dates

Lessons Show Jump, Flat Work or Cross Country Training on your own horse/pony, £20 per hour Riding School Lessons £25

Hill Farm Equestrian is very proud to offer seven week courses “Take Back the Reins” – these have been designed specifically for those wanting to find a little “me time” – ese sessions will not only include riding, but also enjoying a coffee with fellow participants each week. For full details of costs and dates of New Courses, please contact us on the telephone numbers below or via our e-mail

Livery DIY, Part, Full, Schooling & Holiday Livery available.

Purpose built stable yard and New American Barn style stables.

Fantastic facilities including – 2 x All Weather Arenas, Show Jump Paddock with XC Jumps, Wash Box, Meeting Room, Tuck Shop, Saddlery Goods for sale, Free Lorry/ Trailer Parking.

Reduced Price Lessons. Plus other excellent facilities.

British Horse Society Approved Riding School & Livery Yard (Highest Rating) Local Authority Licensed Riding School Hill Farm Equestrian, Hill Farm, Burtle, Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 8NB 01278 723415 or 07891 555151 or 07977 122047 Hillfarmequestrian.com or hillfarmequestrian@hotmail.co.uk

PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

Friday May 1st Adult camp – Pontispool Farm, Norton Fitzwarren Saturday 2nd May Madness Show – Chard Equestrian Sunday 3rd Devon and Somerset Point to Point – Holnicote SWPA Show – Taunton racecourse Monday 4th Show jumping – Pontispool Farm Tuesday 5th North Somerset Show – Failand Wednesday 6th Wednesday evening higher unaffiliated show jumping – Badgworth Saturday 9th Trec training – Bickenhall Farm Tuesday 12th Evening unaffiliated dressage – Pontispool Farm

Wednesday 13th Lower evening show jumping – Badgworth Weston and Banwell Harriers Point to Point – Cothelstone Saturday 16th Cash jump Regional Qualifiers – Chard Equestrian Wednesday 20th Evening higher unaffiliated show jumping – Badgworth Saturday 23rd British Eventing – Millfield Equestrian, Millfield school Monday 25th May show – Chard Equestrian Wednesday 27th Lower evening unaffiliated show jumping – Badgworth Saturday 30th British Eventing – Pontispool Equestrian centre

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RIDING

When only the best will do

THE Stables Equine Practice at Burcott, near Wells, was purpose-built with one thing in mind – the care and comfort of its equestrian clients and their owners.

Which is why the team there sat down together not just to draw up a wish-list of facilities but to consider every eventuality before anything was built.

Established by Nick “Nicko” Robertson in 1997 when he returned to his Mendip roots from equine practice in Hertfordshire, SEP began as a purely mobile veterinary practice based at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet. SEP still provides that service but the new clinic at Conkerfield offers everything under one roof – almost literally.

The flexible facilities include excellent spaces and surfaces for in-hand and ridden evaluations of performance issues as well as X-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy with the back-up of rapid turnaround laboratory facilities – and great coffee!

The team of five experienced horse vets is led by Nicko and Tim Randle, who can be found at various equestrian events including Badminton, Burghley and the Olympic test event in Rio as well as assisting the British Eventing Teams at their forthcoming championships.

Tim Randle at work in the new clinic at Conkerfield

Unlike some practices, owners are encouraged to contact the vets directly on their mobiles. The team looks after horses of all shapes and sizes, from racehorses to ponies, throughout the Mendip area and beyond.

Nicko said: “The new clinic provides an excellent base and facilities for thorough investigation and treatment of horses and ponies as well as for collaboration with a network of farriers, physios and visiting consultant surgeons.”

G Stables Equine Practice will be welcoming clients and visitors to the clinic on Friday, May 22nd when it stages an open afternoon (4-8pm). Entrance is free but donations welcome for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support.

For information, visit: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts # Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset # Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic

# 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone # A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI)

We host regular client talks and welcome local pony club and riding groups for educational sessions Follow us on Facebook

Join us on our Open Day – Friday, May 22nd (4-8pm) – for a tour of our new premises

Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 95

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MENDIP TIMES

Colin’s a silver server!

WELLS Rugby Club has made a special presentation to its steward Colin Glanville after he completed 25 years’ service at the club.

Colin received a commemorative engraved salver and a cheque. Colin said: “It is great here. It’s like working for a family business.”

Club vice-chairman Richard Hibberd said: “Colin is unique. To have someone who shows his sort of commitment and flexibility is absolutely extraordinary.”

The presentation was made before the First XV’s final home game of the season against Thornbury which saw then run out 41-24 winners. They are guaranteed a second season in the Tribute South West 1 West league.

The Firsts were due to play their Senior Somerset Cup final against Hornets at Bridgwater on Tuesday, April 28th as Mendip Times was being Colin (centre) with Richard Hibberd (left) and published. club president Alan Goymer

Cary get ready to party

Festival run is on again Backstage pass – competitors in last year’s run

ENTRIES have opened for the third charity Festival Run around the site of the Glastonbury Festival.

The number of places has been increased to 600 to cope with demand, but organisers say it will not get any bigger. This year’s event – in aid of Children’s Hospice South West and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – will take place on Sunday, October 11th. Individual teams of runners may also raise funds for their favourite charity.

One of the organisers said: "We are very grateful to Michael Eavis for his support of this event, including firing the starting gun and presenting the prizes.

"A big thank you also to the 80 local volunteers who help make it happen, from marshalling the courses through cooking the succulent brownies to handing out the Festival Run T-Shirts and timing chips, and to our many local business supporters who enabled us to pass so much of entrants fees to charity."

Julie Patterson of Childrens’ Hospice South West said: “It is a privilege to be involved in The Festival Run 2015. We encourage runners, both teams and individuals, of all ages and abilities to sign up to take part and help to make this fabulous community event bigger and better than in previous years!”

For details, visit: http://www.piltonvillage.co.uk/festivalrun.html or find them on facebook (Thefestivalrun) and twitter (@thefestivalrun) or email: thefestivalrun@gmail.com

Good sports rewarded

The Moody Cows and Cary ladies at last year’s festival

ALMOST 20 teams will compete in this year’s Kay’s 7s charity rugby festival at Castle Cary RFC. The weekend of fun raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of former Cary player Kay Booker.

A total of 11 men’s teams, from as far away as Kent and Wales are due to be there, along with six ladies teams, including the world-famous Barbarians-style nomads the Moody Cows.

Kay used to play for the Moodys, who call Cary their “spiritual home”. Castle Cary will have teams in both competitions.

The competition begins on Saturday, May 30th and finishes the following day. The Mangled Wurzels will perform on the Saturday night.

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

TRAMPOLINIST Corey Walkes, from Radstock and charity climber and cyclist Emma Welch, from Chilcompton, were amongst the volunteers, coaches and athletes who were celebrated at the Chairman’s Sport Awards 2015 run by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the awards recognise the achievements and dedication of local sports people and organisations which play a key part in increasing participation, raising the level of people’s health and building stronger communities in the local authority area.

Katrina Hart, a Paralympic sprinter, attended the reception at Bath’s Guilhdall and presented the awards with the council chairman Councillor Martin Veale.

All award nominees received a certificate and winners in each category were presented with a piece of engraved, Aqua Blue Glass.

The aw

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Bowls – for the young and young at heart!

WEDMORE Bowls Club is to host an open day in May to showcase their facilities and encourage more people to take up the sport.

The club, at Wedmore Playing Fields, boasts some of the bests amenities in Somerset with both indoor and outdoor rinks, meaning the sport can be enjoyed all-year round.

Dave Nicholls, recruitment officer for the club, said: “Contrary to popular belief bowling is a sport for the young, as well as the young at heart, and is unique in that it can be played by all ages at a competitive level, or just for fun.

“It is worth noting that some of the best bowlers in the world are under-40 and that Somerset County Bowls Association has a strong under 25s team.”

The open day takes place on Sunday, May 17th from 10am5pm. Wedmore BC members will be on hand to help people wanting to try the sport.

The club is on the B3139 Blackford Road, Wedmore, BS28 4BS. For more details, visit www.isleofwedmorebowlsclub.co.uk

Vase victory for Norton

MIDSOMER Norton RFC has won the final of the Somerset Vase competition, beating Bristol Harlequins 22-25.

Organised by Somerset County RFU, this year’s final was played at Weston-super-Mare. Norton last lifted the trophy in 2007.

On their way to this year’s title, they beat Old Bristolians 607 in the quarter finals and Gordano 8-22 in the semis.

he awards ceremony at the Guildhall in Bath

Corey, who attends Writhlington School, won the Young Achiever in port award. Hayley Chivers, of Writhlington was named Young olunteer in Sport. Emma took the award for Achiever in Sport with a arning/physical disability, whilst the Healthy Lifestyles Award went Paul Smith and Lisa Seviour – both from Radstock.

Morgan aims for the top

SPORT

Morgan Curle VCW Hill Climb winner

FROME College student, Morgan Curle, looks set for a successful cycling career – his ambition being to win a stage of the Tour de France.

Both Morgan, aged 14, and his sister Laura are members of and race for the Velo Club, Walcot in Bath, whilst also being members of Sulis Scorpions, a youth cycle club based in Bath where they train each week.

Last year was a mixed season for Morgan, resulting from a crash at Easter, in which he suffered a broken collar bone, but training soon resumed and 10 weeks later he returned to claim his first points of the campaign.

The Frome teenager went on to enjoy wins at Ludgershall, Castle Combe and Odd Down in the second half of the year, and finished with a respectable national points haul given the time lost though injury. He also gained his first experience of street circuit racing, with outings at Winchester and Chepstow.

The season was capped off with a fine win at the VC Walcot Hill Climb event in October, a punishing race from the A36/Claverton Hill junction, past the American Museum, finishing at the top of The Avenue in Bath.

Morgan’s first racing of this year was the Bath Duathlon, a mixture of running and cycling. In a field of 84 entrants, mainly adults, his running complemented a very strong cycle stage to bring him home eighth overall – quite an achievement for the youngest competitor.

Morgan said his goals are “to take it as far as I can, win a mountain stage in Le Tour de France – maybe finish 1st on the summit of Mt Ventoux!”

Boules teams wanted

ENTRIES are now open for the annual Wells Charity Boules Tournament when the Market Place is transformed into a little bit of France.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 19th and organisers hope to raise even more money than last year for The Nepal Trust, specifically to help fund a birthing centre.

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

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Yacht club celebrates improved facilities

WESTON Bay Yacht Club, based on the beach at Uphill, has celebrated the official opening of its new facilities, which have significantly increased the size of the clubhouse.

The club received £50,000 from Sport England and raised the rest of the funding itself. The club started life on Knightstone Island before merging with the former Pegasus club and moving to Uphill.

But it hasn’t always been plain sailing – the clubhouse was washed away by the storm of 1981. Today the club has 120 members and welcomes wind surfers and kiters as well as sailors and fishermen.

At low tide the berths may not look too attractive – but at £70pa they are far cheaper than other destinations!

Pictured (l tor) Ros Willis, mayor of Weston, Rob Carr, Sport England, Bob Godbold, club commodore, builder Martin Cope, mayoress, Jos Holder, builder Ian Cope, North Somerset council chairman, David Hitchens, and Tony Hoskings, vice commodore.

Weston RNLI supported the event

Members of the South West Association of Traction Kiting (SWATK), which supports the club. Details: www.swatk.co.uk

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Welton welcome fledgling Robins

SPORT

WELTON Rovers football club will host a friendly fixture against Bristol City’s under-21s side as part of their annual charity day in May. By that time, both sides could have plenty to celebrate: as Mendip Times went to press, Welton “the Green and Whites” were pushing hard for promotion to the premier division of the Toolstation Western League, whilst City’s senior side clinched the Skybet League One title.

The charity day will take place at

Promotion hopes took a dent when Rovers lost 0-1 to rivals Radstock Town in the “Old Mine Derby” on Good Friday

Forward Anthony Conradi has been one of the stars of the Welton Rovers side this season The new stand will be officially opened during the charity day on Sunday, May 3rd

Rover’s West Clewes ground at Welton on Sunday, May 3rd, to raise money for Dorothy House. The day will also celebrate the official opening of Rover’s new £70,000 grandstand, with 100 seats and covered terracing.

Kicking off the day will be a “Welton Veterans” match, seeing two teams of Green and White legends from the past three decades fight for the Paul Ingram Trophy.

Following this at 5pm, Brian Tinnion’s under-21s team will take on a Welton Rovers XI consisting of current day Welton players. Brian Tinnion, who

made over 450 appearances for the Robins in his career, said: “We’re very pleased to be helping Welton Rovers celebrate the opening of their new stand and support a very worthwhile charity at the same time.”

Alongside all the football there’ll be plenty of fun for all the family. Entrance on the day – starting at 11am – will be free, but club volunteers will be out with donation buckets as Welton attempt to better last year’s total of £600 raised for Dorothy House. For details, visit: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/weltonrove rsfc/

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Taylor heads for gold

TAYLOR Hunt, from Westfield, Radstock is a BMX racing champion at the tender age of eight. He hasn’t looked back since getting his first bike at the age of five, competing at regional, national, European and world levels since then.

His dad, Darren, was working on a kitchen contract when a work colleague mentioned his son was competing. Mum Vicky said: “We took him along and he was hooked. From his very first regional race at Paignton, which he won, we knew he had talent.

“In his first year he became South West number one and national number five in his age group.”

They’ve covered hundreds of miles since then taking him to

Investing in the future BATCOMBE Cricket Club – which last year reinstated its old pitch to be able to have it own home ground once more – is now the proud owner of a “pavilion”.

After a successful first year, club members renewed their lease on the field above the village and are now The new pavilion is lowered into place

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015

competitions. He retained his South West crown last year and moved up to number three nationally. Then in his first ever world championships in Rotterdam he finished fourth.

Taylor, who attends Westfield School with his younger brother Jenson, has won his first three national races this year and finished second and third respectively at the first two rounds of the European series in Belgium, competing against more than 120 riders in his age group.

He returns to Belgium in July hoping to win the world championship. Since BMX racing is now an Olympic sport, Taylor looks like he’s heading for a golden future.

investing in some facilities. The views of the surrounding countryside from the ground are some of the most spectacular of any club in Somerset.

The portable building arrived in February and has undergone a makeover in time for the new season, which began with a match against Croscombe and Dinder.

New players are always welcome at Batcombe, who face Buckhorn Weston at home on Sunday, May 3rd. More information and a full fixture list can be seen at www.facebook.com/batcombecc or on the club noticeboard at The Three Horseshoes.

Batcombe play against a background of some of the best views in Somerset

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Third year for festival

THE Three Towers Music Festival, from May 1st – 3rd, has now established itself as an annual event for the churches of Farmborough, Marksbury and Stanton Prior. This year’s programme is an eclectic mix from Baroque music of the 16th century to present day acoustic folk.

There will be performances throughout the weekend starting on Friday afternoon with Marksbury School choir led by Kathleen Still, who leads “whole-school” singing at the school.

The final performance on Sunday afternoon sees Common Tongues – five young men who “skilfully combine rasping acoustics, bubbling electronics, intricate harmonies and aciddipped violins”. Some events are free but donations and funds raised will be split between the churches and Music as Therapy International.

Details: www.threetowersfestival.org or call Pat Beaumont 01761 479187 or Judith Haywood 01761 470317.

COMPETITION WINNERS

LAST month we offered you the chance to win family tickets to the North Somerset Show on May 4th. The first two correct entries drawn were from T. Fletcher, from Yatton and Barrie Jones from Banwell.

WHAT’S ON

Booming Puxton Park welcomes record numbers

PUXTON Park has recorded its busiest ever period with more than 25,000 visitors flocking to the South West attraction and says it expects the surge to continue.

During the two-week Easter school holiday period the adventure park, in Hewish, welcomed more than 25,000 people through its doors during unseasonably warm weather.

Its busiest day, on Easter Monday, saw more than 2,000 people visit and with above average temperature expected to last, the park anticipates the surge to continue.

Puxton’s managing director, Alistair Mead, said: “We are delighted to have recorded our busiest ever week in Puxton’s history, which demonstrates families are choosing to stay at home rather than going abroad.

“We are pulling visitors from all over the UK, which is fantastic news and we hope that the hot weather will help boost the tourism industry as a whole in the West Country.”

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Take a walk on the wildside at Glastonbury Abbey

THE hunt is on to find out how many species of wildlife call Glastonbury Abbey home.

Wildlife experts will be setting up camp from Saturday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 24th for the 24-hour BioBlitz.

And with 36 acres to search, ranging from ponds to orchards, fields and hedgerows, the team needs your help.

Janet Bell, abbey director, said: “It’s four years since we hosted our first BioBlitz so it will be fascinating to see what’s changed and what’s new. With 36 acres of parkland we know we are home to many different species and we are looking forward to finding out more about what we have living here.”

The abbey has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund for the event, with support too from Ambios, a notfor-profit organisation which will be providing the activities and expertise, and Somerset Skills and Learning.

There will be a range of activities from a guided bug hunt and pond dipping to storytelling and badger spotting.

The event is free for people who enrol with normal admission charges applying for those wanting to watch it unfold. A full timetable is on the abbey’s website www.glastonburyabbey.com To book, pick a session or sessions and call 01458 832267 during office hours or email events@glastonburyabbey.com

Players’ anniversary

THE Ditcheat Players, who are in their 40th anniversary year, will present Alan Ayckbourn’s play Neighbourhood Watch from May 14th – 16th in the Jubilee Hall, Ditcheat.

The play was first performed in 2011 Cast of Neighbourhood Watch and tells a darkly comic story of a neighbourhood watch scheme that runs amok.

John Flanagan is once again at the helm as Director.

Brother and sister, Luke and Vikki Whitchurch, are cast as brother and sister, together with Graham “Barny” Barnard, Fraser Davidson, Clare Laverick, Peter Marsden, Jo Truman-Boal and Gaye Volk.

Tickets, £7, are available from Maryland Farm shop, Ditcheat and Kitchen Essentials, Castle Cary.

Details: Gaye 01749 860081.

Discover Shipham’s past

The Miner’s Arms

A TWO-day exhibition celebrating the history of Shipham will be held in the village’s parish church in May. Shipham History Society and St Leonard’s church are joining forces for the event on Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th when a large number of items – many rarely seen – will be on display.

Over the years, the society has acquired a large amount of memorabilia, maps and icons relating to the history of the village and the surrounding area that cannot normally be displayed.

Recently, as part of the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War, the society displayed service records in the village hall of Shipham residents who fought in the First World War. The church also has parish and graveyard records, maps and accounts that are rarely seen.

The exhibition and church will be open on Saturday from 10am-6pm and on Sunday from 1pm-6pm. Admission is free but donations are welcome.

For further information, contact Trish (churchwarden) on 01934 843388 or Jill (history society) on 01934 842291.

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Ray’s sunny afternoon – and evening!

KINKS legend Ray Davies will have an extra spring in his step when he performs at this year’s Glastonbury Extravaganza – as the winner of a prestigious Olivier theatre award.

The inspiration for the West End musical Sunny Afternoon, Ray received a special outstanding achievement award for the Sunny Afternoon score at this year’s Olivier ceremony. The show itself was named best new musical and its stars, John Dagleish and George Maguire – who play The Kinks brothers Ray and Dave Davies – were awarded best actor and best supporting actor in the musical category.

Ray will perform in the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey on Saturday, August 8th. He said: “My next project is finishing the album to my book Americana and putting it on stage or film. I am also starting work on another musical. I write songs most days.”

It is 50 years since The Kinks burst onto the national consciousness and the music still influences bands today but will 21st century groups have the same effect? Ray thinks not.

“It’s a different musical landscape now. New bands are very knowledgeable and savvy about the business whereas The Kinks didn’t have a clue.

“It shows itself in the somewhat contrived, corporate nature of some of new music. Whereas early Kinks music as well as other bands of that period had an innocence about it.”

Ray says Extravaganza goers have a lot to look forward to.

“Smiles, joy and a lot of humour,” he laughs, “A great band and an unlikely but interesting lead singer.”

This year’s Extravaganza will be organiser Michael Eavis’ 19th production and he said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing and listening to Ray Davies again. He deserves all the awards he can get!”

The day the war ended

WELLS Film Centre will host a charity screening of a new film marking VE Day through the eyes of the royal family.

A Royal Night Out (certificate 12A) portrays the princesses Elizabeth and Margaret who were allowed out from Buckingham Palace for the night to join in the celebrations anonymously and where they encounter romance and danger.

The black tie screening will be held on Friday, May 8th.

Tickets cost £15 (including a glass of bubbly and “royal treats”) and all money raised will go to the Cinema Television Benevolent Fund.

The film stars Sarah Gadon as Princess Elizabeth, Emily Watson as the Queen Mother, Bel Powley as Princess Margaret and Rupert Everett as King George.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 1st May Tuesday 5th May

From Friday 8th May Sunday 10th May

From Friday 15th May

COMING UP:

Far From The Madding Crowd (12A) La Fille Mal Gardee (12A) ROH Age Of Adaline (cert tbc) • The Good Lie (12A) Showboat (PG) A Royal Night Out (12A) • Two By Two (U)

Book in person Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2015 • PAGE 103

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T h e

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

M e n d i p

Thursday April 30th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk from Bleadon 8.0mi/12.9km. Park Bleadon Village Hall CP. Start 1000hr. Contact Tony Strange 01934733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday May 1st – Sunday May 10th North Somerset Arts Week, various venues.

Details: www.northsomersetarts.org Friday May 1st Redhill Village Club Open Mic Night, 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe. Great opportunity for musicians/performers to showcase their talent.

Church Road, Redhill BS40 5SG. 01934 862619.

Mendip Society Walk: Long wood & Velvet Bottom. A mod. 4 miles, ST 473 545. Meet at 10am in the NT car park in Cheddar Gorge, opposite the covered reservoir. Contact: Gill 01934 742508.

Saturday May 2nd Trinity Singers seventh annual plant and cake sale, 10am-12.30pm, St. Mary’s Church, Langford, admission £1, inc. tea/coffee.

Somerset Wildlife Trust plant sale and open garden, Rookery House, The Causeway, Mark (on the B3139), 10.30am-1pm. Entrance £2 (inc. coffee). Cakes on sale, exhibitions, raffle and activities for children. Parking in field opposite.

May Fair, The Plough, Wrington, maypole, music, merriment, barbecue, 2pm.

Sunday May 3rd Car Show, Downside School, over 100 vintage and classic cars on display, 12noon – 4.30pm, entry £5. Details Sarah Kerr skerr@downside.co.uk or call 01761 235194.

Dundry Church Tower OPEN – 2 – 4pm. Sorry no children under 8. Don't forget your binoculars!

Details: 0117 9642245.

Yeo Valley YEOpen Day – Food & Plant Fair 2015 with stalls, demos, good food & drink, talks & tasters.11am–5pm at Yeo Valley Organic Garden & Cafe and Fodder at Yeo Valley HQ, Blagdon. £1pp, for entry to both venues. Details: 01761 461425 or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Cheese and Cider Fayre, Ring O’ Bells, Compton Martin, from 12noon, with live music from 7.30pm.

Monday May 4th North Somerset Show, Wraxall. Come and see us on our stand!

City of Wells Lions biggest ever May Day Fayre, Wells Market Place and Cathedral Green, music and fun for all, stalls, dancing, vintage vehicles, 11am. Details: Sue Vines 01458 741165.

Tuesday May 5th Knitting Workshops, twice a week starting 5th May. Learn to knit, knitting & finishing techniques. Telephone Wells Knitting Centre on 01749 677548 for more details.

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Medical Practice, Enos Way, 10am to 12pm. Pop in for a chat with an adviser from Age UK and information on a wide range of issues affecting older people.

Thursday May 7th Cheddar Valley U3A AGM & Life Upon the Wicked Stage – a talk and stage show songs by professional musician Robbie Burns. Draycott Memorial Hall 2.15pm, entry £2, visitors welcome.

West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk 10.4m from Dulverton. ExOL9 ST915278. Park in village CP. Start 10am. Contact Tony 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday May 8th Free Health Walk leaving from Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. Meet 10am. Join us for a gentle stroll in and around Glastonbury.

Optional cafe stop at the end. Details: vicssullivan@hotmail.com Wrington Friendship Club, bingo and bring & buy, 2.30pm Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street. New members welcome. Details: Fred Parsons 01934 863562.

Saturday May 9th & Sunday May 10th Congresbury Boundary Stones Walk – reviving the ancient tradition of walking the parish boundary, as part of St Andrews’ Church 800 year celebrations. Saturday: meet at Riverside car park at 10.30am for 5-6 mile walk – take a packed lunch. On Sunday, meet at 1pm for a three-mile walk.

Saturday May 9th Arthritis Research UK Chew Valley Branch concert with Chew Stoke Choir, Chew Stoke Church Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm. Details: Cynthia 01275 333019 or Jean 01275 332686.

May Fair on the Green, Winscombe Old Station Millennium Green on the Strawberry Line, centre of Winscombe BS25 1AQ. Maypole, magician, owls, stalls & attractions. Free admission, all welcome.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Fosseway Gardening Club Plant Sale, 10am to 12noon at Ditcheat Jubilee Hall, BA4 6RE. Coffee morning with produce and plants in the Methodist Hall, Congresbury, 10-12noon, 50p entry. Mendip Friends Support Group for Children’s Hospice South West.

Mendip Society Walk: Redding Pit Reserve & Bluebells. An easy special interest walk, ST 539 637. Meet at 2pm at The Crown Inn, Regil, BS40 8AY. Details: Richard & Denise 01275 472797.

Charity Concert – classical, folk and jazz from Keynsham choir “jam” and Bath’s City Sound Choir. St John’s Church, Keynsham, 7.30pm, in aid of the Forever Friends appeal to modernise the cancer unit at the RUH. Tickets £10. Details: Keynshamrotary@hotmail.co.uk Somerset Singers Spring Concert, St Cuthbert's Church, Wells, 7.30pm. Conductor Jonathan Vaughn with Lochrian Ensemble and soloists Mary Walker (soprano) and Robert Clark (bass baritone). Tickets £12 in advance from Wells Tourist Information Office or 01934-842353, £14 on the door. Ffi: www.somersetsingers.co.uk

W h a t ’ s

Sunday May 10th VE Day Concert, Sing Along and Tea with Sing out Loud Community Choir and guests, St Andrew’s Church, Blagdon, 3pm. Tickets £10 including tea, from Blagdon Stores or Tina 01761 462508.

Corsley Festival Choir with soloists from Trinity College of Music perform Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, St Margaret’s Church, Corsley BA12 7QE, 7.30pm; £12.50 (Child £5) 01373 836866.

Wine bar from 7pm.

Monday May 11th Mental health awareness drop-in session at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. 9am to 12pm. Pop in for a chat about the “Time to Change” advocacy project.

Tuesday May 12th Demi Demo Days – ½ Day Cookery Experience, 9.30am-1.30pm at Yeo Valley HQ, Blagdon, BS40 7YE. May’s theme is May Day May Day! – emergency dishes to save your bacon, plus some insider rescue remedies. Learn how to save split chocolate/hollandais! £45pp, Pre-book online, call 01761 461425, or email events@yeovalley.co.uk “Tutankhamun’s Tomb & Treasures” a talk by Lucia Gahlin for Weston-s-Mare Archaeological & Natural History Society. AGM starts at 7pm, talk approx 7.45pm. Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, W-s-M, BS23 1XU.Visitors welcome £2.50.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club, Val Ross, vocalist, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.304pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Caravaggio & the Counter Reformation: A new art form to combat Protestantism, a talk by Alice Foster, MA, to Mendip DFAS, 10.30 for 11am, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant (formerly the Westex Suite), B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. Details: www.mdfas.org.uk.

Guests welcome.

Clevedon Art Club – David Rowlands – war artist, will be speaking at a meeting at 7:30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Walton.

Wednesday May 13th “Off the beaten track, hidden gems”, an illustrated talk by Andrew Tolman for Kilmersdon Gardening Club, 7.30pm at Kilmersdon Village Hall.

Wells Civic Society, the role of the Bishop’s Barn in Wells – past, present and future, 7.30pm Wells and Mendip Museum.

Made in Somerset artisan shopping event.

Proceeds to the Etatu farming charity in Street (helping communities in Kenya) and The Addington Fund (UK farming charity). 10am2pm, White Hart Inn, Market Place, Somerton.

Ffi: Jacquie Lindgren: Jacquie.lindgren@btopenworld.com Thursday May 14th West Mendip Walkers – mod circular walk 6.2mi from Clevedon Pier. Ex154 ST402719.

Park near Clevedon Pier. Start 1pm. Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Bird identification and survey workshop. Free course by the Avalon Marshes Landscape Project in conjunction with the BTO and the RSPB.

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Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9TT. 10am-4pm. Spaces limited –booking essential.

Ffi: kevin.anderson@somersetwildlife.org T: 01458 860556.

Friday May 15th Timsbury’s own “Gardener’s Question Time” at St Mary’s Church, BA2 0LG, 7.30pm.

Everyone welcome, gardener or not – panel of local experts and plant sale in aid of Timsbury Leonard Cheshire Home. Tea & coffee. Entry free – retiring collection for the church.

Saturday May 16th Blagdon Church and Village Fete. A traditional village fete held in the garden of Blagdon Court, High Street, Blagdon 1pm until 4.30pm.

Everyone welcome.

Oakfield Choir spring concert, Christ Church Parish Church, Frome, 7.30pm. Details: www.oakfieldchoir.co.uk Community Garden Master Class at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells. Create your own edible hanging basket, £20, 10am-1pm.

Wookey Village Spring Market – local produce and products, teas, coffee and cakes, 10am to 12noon at Wookey Church Hall, BA5 1JS. Entry free. Details: S Watts, 01749 677381.

A lunchtime recital by Margaret Hopes with songs by Vaughan Williams, Quilter and Stanford at All Saints’ Church, Weston-s- Mare, BS23 2NL. 12 noon. Tickets, which include lunch, £7 on the door. Details: Jude, 01934 420697.

Chew Magna Duck Race. Details: chewmagnasociety.co.uk Mendip Society Walk, circumnavigating Blagdon Lake. A hard 6.5 miles, ST 529 579.

Meet 2pm in the Ubley Sawmills car park, BS40 6PE. Contact: Martin 01761 462528.

Bleadon Village Market, 9-12.30 in the village halls. Over 30 stalls with local produce and much more. Details: 01934 812370/www.bleadon.org.uk/market and Facebook.

Garden Festival Open Day 2pm-5pm at the Self Realisation Meditation Healing Centre, Queen Camel, BA22 7NU. www.selfrealizationcentres.org. Entry £3 (U-18s must be accompanied.)

YFCs county rally, Stratton-on-the-Fosse. See page 11.

Sunday May 17th Nearly New Sale, Ubley Village Hall, 2pm3.30pm. Babies & children’s clothes, toys and equipment, home-ade cakes and refreshments. In aid of the Meningitis Trust. Details: Kate 01761 221444 or Rachael, 01761 221980.

Open day and fun dog show. National Animal Welfare Trust, Heavens Gate Farm, West Henley nr. Langport. 11am-4pm. All proceeds towards animals in their care, rescuing and re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals. Entrance: £2 adults, children £1, family £5. Ffi: 01458 252656 or www.nawt.org.uk Tuesday May 19th Breugal’s Scenes of Country Life NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, Tuesdays at 11am, free parking, £6.

Information 01963 350527.

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Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild “Handmade Chocolates” with Deanna de Burg.

2pm St John’s Church Hall, BA3 2HX. Thursday May 21st Cheddar Valley U3A Meet & Greet Coffee Morning – Church House, Cheddar, 10.30am to 12 noon, visitors welcome. Details 01934 710242 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk.

West Mendip Walkers – mod circular walk 9m from Castle Cary Station. Ex142 ST635335. Park at station. Start 10am. Contact Tony Strange 01934733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Classic Car & Motorcycle Evening Gathering at Redhill Club. All welcome. BBQ 7pm-10pm.

Parking on the recreation field off Church Road, BS40 5SG. Details: 01934 862619.

Friday May 22nd Free Health Walk leaving from Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. Meet at 10am. Join us for a gentle stroll in and around Glastonbury.

Optional cafe stop at the end. Details: vicssullivan@hotmail.com Wrington Friendship Club. Telling Tales out of School – talk by Bob Rylands, Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street. New members welcome. Details: Fred Parsons 01934 863562.

Saturday May 23rd to Monday May 25th Exhibition and Sale by local artist Betty Silburn at St Andrew’s Church in Blagdon between 10:30am and 5:30pm. All proceeds to Weston Hospicecare.

Saturday May 23rd to Friday May 29th Burnham-on-Sea Art Group’s 54th Annual Exhibition, 10am–5.30pm daily at the Community Centre, Berrow Road, Burnham.

Saturday May 23rd Mendip Society Walk – a hard 5-6 mile walk around Blagdon with a steep climb up to the Mendip Ridge. ST 501 592. Meet 2pm in the village car park, Station Road, BS40 7TA. Contact: John 01934 842868.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Bank Holiday Monday May 25th Cheddar Vale Lions Club Duck Race, Cheddar Gorge. First race 2pm, Tickets £1.

Lions Bradford on Avon Fun Day & Giant Boot Sale at the Victory Field & Culver Close. All profits go to mostly local charities. Contact 01225 866551.

Charity Bookstall, jigsaws and DVDs, run by the Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell, 8.30am to 4pm outside Waitrose, Nailsea.

Tuesday May 26th Congresbury Over-60s Club, social afternoon – quiz, games & chat, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday May 27th – Saturday May 30th Royal Bath and West Show – see page 16 for details.

Wednesday May 27th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support group meeting at Backwell WI Hall, 1:30 for 2pm.

Further information, Sheila 01275 462107.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, family activity day ‘A Bishop’s Life’, 11am-3pm, included with admission.

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AGE UK Somerset drop-in session at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road, 10am to 12pm. Pop in for a chat with an adviser and obtain information on a wide range of issues affecting older people.

Thursday May 28th West Mendip Walkers – mod circular walk 5m from Wrington. Ex154 ST469628. Park behind Plough Inn. Start 1.30pm. Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday May 29th Mendip Citizens Advice Mobile Unit at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. 10am to 12pm. The CAB bus and staff will be available to provide free, independent and confidential advice.

Saturday May 30th Mendip Society Walk: Star, nr Winscombe. A mod 5 mile walk followed by tea and homemade cakes. ST 440 585. Meet at 2pm at ‘Apple Acre’, down the lane by the side of the Star Inn, BS25 1QF. Contact: Mary 01934 843789.

Friday June 5th Redhill Village Club Open Mic Night, 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe. Great opportunity for musicians/performers to showcase their talent.

Church Road, Redhill BS40 5SG. 01934 862619.

Saturday June 6th Summer Ball in aid of St Michael's Church, Dundry. Tickets £12.50, include canapés and a two-course dinner. Licensed bar available.

Details: 0117 9643995, 0117 9782861 or 0117 9784209.

“Last Night of the Proms” organised by Chelwood Bridge Rotary and Inner Wheel in aid of local charities, 7.30pm, Prospect Theatre, Writhlington School. Bar. Tickets £12.50: Rob, 07983 720405 or Jim 01275 333430. Details: www.chelwoodbridgerotary.com Friday June 12th Wells Cathedral Organ Recital with Richard Lennox, 1.05pm, free.

Saturday June 13th Langford Court Open Gardens, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, £5. Details page 48.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS

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MENDIP TIMES

Brewery stages fashion show

CHEDDAR Ales Brewery will be transformed for the night on Saturday May 16th to stage a charity fashion show in aid of St. Margaret’s Hospice. It’s being staged by Amba, Wells, with “real women” models pampered and prepared by Sense of Wells.

Cheddar Ales will launch its new season beer Firewitch, from its premium craft range, as well as having its full range available.

It’s being supported by various companies including Queen Street Deli, Wells, wines from Sante, Ooh La La lampshades, who are helping to transform the brewery, and Rose Farm, Cocklake. A charity auction also boasts a host of top prizes.

Details: Tickets from ambafashionshow.eventbrite.co.uk, Karen at Amba 01749677676, SENSE 01749 670121 or Lucy Ham 07767790777.

WHAT’S ON

Palace gears up for garden festival

THE Bishop’s Palace Garden Festival will take place in Wells from June 20th – 24th and will be a celebration of the great British garden, featuring garden tours, talks, demonstrations and workshops from experts and VIPs, rare plants, garden essentials, market stalls, games, family fun and stunning floral displays.

The festival will be opened by Alan Titchmarsh, who this year celebrates 50 years of working in horticulture. Alan will be there from 10am on June 20th and will be holding an "Ask Alan" question and answer session at 11am. He will also be planting a tree in the gardens to replace the Tree of Heaven which fell down in the 2013 storms.

The 14 acres of the palace gardens and grounds will be filled with a range of exhibitors, demonstrations, talks, stalls and refreshments. The palace entrance hall will be decorated in fantastic floral artistry by the Wells and District Floral Arts Society whose work has been so popular in previous palace festivals.

Throughout the rest of the festival they will be welcoming some of the top names in UK gardening, including Bob Flowerdew, Christine Walkden, Troy Scott-Smith, Stephen Lacey, Charles Dowding, Alan Power and many more, all of whom will be giving talks and tips.

Sunday, June 21st is Family Day, with a bouncy castle, children’s games, competitions, trails and events for all ages, including an outdoor theatre performance of The Secret Garden by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. Entry for under 16s is free of charge.

Details: Tickets for the event and for talks are on sale now at www.bishopspalace.org.uk from the shop and by telephone 01749 988111.

Braces goes online

BRACES Shooting and Country Supplies have launched an online sales site. Not only can you log on and see what wonderful guns they have in stock you can also purchase all your shooting related kit from tweeds to wellington boots. Using the code mendip you can claim 10% discount on your orders. Log onto bracesofbristol.com and follow the links to the online shop.

Learn more about this organisation and the opportunity to stay with families in Estonia and visit Latvia during May 2015.

Wednesday 20th May, 2015.

BEAH Wells 11-1pm – Free event.

A chance to learn about travel from a local Somerset based group.

Just turn up!!

To find out about this event or Somerset Friendship Force (including the visit to Estonia & Riga) contact: jo.webb@mbzonline.net or ring 07730 397396.

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

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BRACES SHOOTING OPEN DAY Sunday May 10th 10am - 4pm ÂŁ150.00 High Gun 75 bird sporting shoot + pool shoot Braces Open Day and shooting competition 2015. We will have guns available to try and buy from: Blaser, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, Perazzi, Browning and many others. Take advantage and ask the experts, representatives of all the big gun makers will be around to answer your questions.

Call us for more details: 0117 300 99 56 Braces Clay Shooting School Maes Knoll Farm, Norton Lane Norton Malreward BS39 4EZ www.bracesofbristol.com

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