Issue 9 - Volume 19 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 19 ISSUE 9

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

FEBRUARY 2024

IN THIS ISSUE: HOMES & PROPERTY • TRACTOR RUNS • WASSAILS • HEALTH & FAMILY • SNOWDROP FESTIVALS Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

Welcome

WHAT to do in the depths of winter?

There’s no shortage of options here on Mendip, as you will see in this month’s magazine.

In Shepton Mallet they held a lantern parade. The people of Binegar went wheelbarrow racing. Priston held a duck race.

And If it’s raining hard enough why not take part in a tractor run? We report on one which raised £6,000 in memory of a young Chew Valley mum who sadly died of cancer soon after her wedding.

Phil Hendy pays tribute to two stalwarts of the caving community, Jackie Dors and Dr Donald Thomson.

Nick Green remembers farmer Tom James.

A new collection of photographs includes one showing the Ashton windmill being driven by steam – we have a preview. And there’s an appeal for more country markets to be held.

We have not forgotten that the wassail season is now in full swing - and there are snowdrop festivals to come.

With all of our regular features and contributors we’re looking forward to spring.

26

No bad apples – mummers make merry at wassail

48

Shepton’s lanterns – imaginations run wild

March 2024 deadline: Friday 16th February.

Published: Tuesday 27th February

Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Lisa Daniels lisa@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk To subscribe: subs@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:

01761 463888

or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd, Willenhall, Wolverhampton WV13 3XA. 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: Evercreech Tractor Run. Photograph by Mark Adler. See page 18.

CONTENTS

35

Daylight robbery – racing for a good cause

66

Rising to the challenge – William making progress Plus all our regular features Environment .............................6 Farming Nick Green................10 Crossword ...............................12 Food & Drink..........................14 Arts & Antiques .....................20 Business ..................................27 Charities ..................................34 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE ..37 Walking Sue Gearing...............38

Outdoors Les Davies MBE......40 Caving Phil Hendy...................41 Gardening Mary Payne MBE...42 Community .............................46 Health & Family .....................52 Homes & Property .................57 Sport ........................................63 Riding Jane Paterson ...............66 What’s On ...............................71

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MENDIP TIMES

Farewell to a friend

Military history and humour on show

NEWS

Kilmersdon – carrying an iconic Pines Express nameplate – on its last day of service at the heritage railway at Midsomer Norton

NEW Year’s Day saw the last trips on the Somerset & Dorset Railway Line at Midsomer Norton hauled by visiting steam loco Kilmersdon, which spent all its working life at Kilmersdon Colliery.

The loco – owned by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust – is usually based at the Watercress Line in Hampshire and visited Midsomer Norton for the line’s hugely successful autumn and Christmas season, which also saw a visit by former workers in the Somerset Coalfields as well as offering beginners the chance to enjoy driver experience days on the footplate.

The line is now closed to visitors until the end of March.

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

Tree collection

MORE than 140 volunteers braved chilly winter weather to travel across Somerset and collect Christmas trees, raising more than £20,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice.

Back for its third year, St Margaret’s Christmas Tree Collection united local businesses and individuals from across the county.

They journeyed across all corners of the county to pick up over 1,600 Christmas trees in return for a donation to the hospice.

Once collected, the trees were then taken to drop-off stations across Somerset where they were chipped by local tree surgeries.

These chippings were then given to local farms and allotments to be used as mulch or on pathways.

Kerry Baillie, Community Partnerships Manager at St Margaret’s, said: “This year was the biggest collection we’ve ever done at St Margaret’s, and we’re delighted to have raised so much money to help us continue to provide care and support to people across the county.”

G

Geoff with some familiar faces from the big – and small – screen

MILITARY historian and writer Geoffrey Dickson is putting the finishing touches to a new temporary exhibition at the Wells and Mendip Museum in February.

As well as publishing several books on WW1, WW2 and other conflicts, Geoffrey, who lives in Wells, sculpts heads of military figures which have been used by various museums and military associations at home and abroad.

He bases the figures on polystyrene heads used in shop window displays by businesses such as opticians before carefully adding accurate features of the subjects using a form of modelling clay. The heads are finished with authentic or replica headware, including badge caps, often sourced from Army surplus stores.

Geoffrey has started taking on commissions for individual collectors and has also added some familiar faces to his work of characters from military television shows such as Dad’s Army and the film Zulu.

The exhibition – called Heads and Soldiers – will go on show at the museum from Tuesday, February 27th until Saturday, March 2nd and Geoffrey will be on hand to meet visitors.

Geoffrey said: “Members of several military associations want my work because it is as authentic as I can make it. My characters wouldn’t be seen on the parade ground; I like them to look as though they have seen action on the battlefield.”

Geoffrey also gives talks based on his books, including Grandad’s Diary, based on his grandfather’s experiences in the WW1 trenches, Codename Cromwell, about Wells in WW2 and the battle of Rorke’s Drift. He has given talks to U3A, The Wells Businessmen's Breakfast Club, Shepton Mallet History Society and various other groups in the area.

For details and opening times, visit: www.wellsmuseum.org.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Volunteers welcome

Children’s “vision” for the woods

SOMeRSeT Wildlife Trust has launched a new project to encourage local communities and young people across Somerset to take community-led action for nature.

Wilder Communities 30x30 is a new three-year project funded through The National Lottery heritage Fund.

It aims to support the development of “Nature Recovery Corridors” by encouraging local communities to take action for the wildlife right on their doorsteps.

It says only around ten percent of Somerset can currently be classified as being in good natural or semi-natural condition, with species-rich natural habitats supporting abundant and diverse wildlife.

It will work with local communities to establish more space for wildlife in community spaces, gardens, verges, parks, and schools, joining up pre-existing green spaces and contributing to the Nature Recovery Network.

The trust’s new Wilder Communities Officer, Guy Braga,

said: “Often people have a great idea but need a little extra help to formulate a plan and get their project off the ground – that’s where I can help.

“I’m here to listen, advise and connect communities, to ensure that their ideas can be a success and benefit wildlife in the long term.”

The trust has also appointed a new Wilder Youth Officer, Sian Bentley.

(Photo courtesy of Vicki Cracknell)

Details: www.avonneedstrees.org.uk/woodlands/greatavon-wood/

PUPILS from St John’s First School in Frome have been working with Frome Town Council on designs for further play and family activities at Welshmill Woods.

The council’s Wild Some of the St John’s First School pupils About Trees Officer, helen Viner, explored ideas for the area with Year Two pupils. The project follows the installation of 12 eco-friendly “fairy doors” around the woods in 2023, providing a trail/treasure hunt for children and families to enjoy. Both projects aim to integrate play and family activities at Welshmill Woods, while retaining the natural structure and character of the woods. helen said: “As part of the project, we visited Rainbow Woods at Bath Skyline, where an elf and fairy trail and play equipment are incorporated into the woodland’s natural layout, encouraging imaginative play and keeping children engaged outdoors, for longer.

“The feedback so far has been really positive and supportive and we’re looking forward to taking the project forward. The next step is finalising drawings of around five or six elements that have come out of the children’s designs, with a view to installing them in the glade area in February/March.”

The team behind Great Avon Wood is calling for hundreds of volunteers to help plant a whopping 16,000 trees this winter in a new 100-acre woodland just north of Pensford.

Charities Forest of Avon Trust and Avon Needs Trees have jointly purchased the land for this groundbreaking woodland creation project, eventually planting and caring for over 40,000 trees supplied by the Woodland Trust.

Avon Needs Trees CeO Dave Wood said: “It’s a really great day out and our volunteers often talk of how much they feel a sense of achievement after a day of planting. I encourage everyone to get involved and join our growing community.”

Taking action for wildlife

Details: teamwilder@somersetwildlife.org or visit https://www.somersetwildlife.org/get-involved/team-wilder

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Surveyors spread their wings this spring

BUTTeRFLY surveyors on Mendip and in the surrounding areas are to expand their work thanks to a big increase in the number of volunteers joining them.

As well as monitoring the numbers and varieties of butterflies, this year the team is to begin studying bumblebees and dragonflies at a range of sites.

The routes (referred to as transects) are fixed so that surveys can be compared on a year-by-year basis, giving environmental scientists indicators of change. As well as feeding data to the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, the team will also send their findings to other recording schemes such as the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and the British Dragonfly Society.

Led by Fred Giles, of Westhay, the surveyors plan to run weekly walks from April to September, with a series of escorted walks in March to train new volunteers.

Although the number of volunteers has increased from eight to 174 in the past three years, more people are welcome to join.

Fred said: “Typically, a survey takes around two hours of steady walking and is done in pairs or very small groups.

Some routes are level walking but we do have a need for volunteers on some of the more hilly regions. “each route is surveyed on a weekly rota in the case of butterflies and monthly for either bumblebees or dragonflies so that it’s not too onerous but you do get to see the range of species in that area.”

For details, email Fred at: fred.giles@hotmail.co.uk

Great gardens, great cake!

The National Garden Scheme is looking for a new county organiser to lead the team in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire.

It says: “This is a great opportunity to meet and work with some wonderful people while raising much needed funds for nursing and health charities including, Macmillan, Marie Curie and

hospice UK.” The role involves managing the team of local volunteers while promoting garden openings and communicating with the support team at head office. See page 44.

Details: su.mills@ngs.org.uk

ENVIRONMENT

The lowdown on the hoedown

Some of the 14 volunteers who took part in the January hoedown

VOLUNTeeRS in Bruton are pressing ahead with plans to hold a monthly community clean-up – called a hoedown – around the town.

Organised by One Planet Bruton, the hoedown was trialled in November and involves volunteers clearing weeds and leaf litter from pavements and verges and replanting some bulbs.

The volunteers try not to remove some self-seeded plants which are pollinator-friendly.

One Planet Bruton was inspired by the success of a similar hoedown scheme in Frome and was also a response to comments that parts of the town were looking scruffy, especially during last autumn’s extensive roadworks.

The group also organises Stitch It Don’t Ditch It sewing, knitting and repair sessions at the town’s library.

Clearing Amors Barton, one of several narrow lanes leading from the High Street to Lower Backway and the River Brue

The plan is to tackle a different part of town each month

For details, visit: www.oneplanetbruton.org MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 7

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MENDIP TIMES

The importance of soil

UNTIL recently the soil has been rather taken for granted, referred to even as dirt or mud, but there is much, much more to soil than that and we misuse it at our peril for our very lives depend on it and yet we are misusing it horribly. here are some possibly surprising facts. l One third of all organisms on the planet live in the soil and yet so far only about a third of them have been named.

Apparently we know more about the outer regions of the universe than we know about soil. l It takes about 1000 years to make one inch of soil and yet it is being eroded constantly, particularly by poor farming practices but also by climate change when bare soil is exposed to unusually wet, windy or hot weather. l Microbes are central to all life on earth due to their huge diversity in form and function. In soils, one teaspoon of topsoil contains around 1 billion individual microscopic cells and around 10,000 different species. There are more living things in that teaspoon than there are people living on the planet. Many life forms depend on these.

The soil is a major ecosystem – an interdependent life support system made up of air, water, minerals (clay, silt and sand), organic matter and macro- and micro-organisms, all working together and interacting closely.

Many life forms make soil their home including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms and arthropods such as insects, millipedes, centipedes, mites and spiders and in turn most other life forms depend on them for food.

The diversity and productivity of living things depends on the soil ecosystem which is second only in importance to the oceans.

Further recent realisation of the complexity of soil was discovered in the early 1990s when it was found that plant roots, soil and mychorizal fungi live in a symbiotic relationship. The fungi anchor themselves to plant roots and then send out huge amounts of “threads” called hyphae thus effectively extending the plant's root system and so its ability to find nutrients.

The relationship is mutually beneficial in that the fungi provide plants with minerals and water whilst the plant

Charles Dowding

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ENVIRONMENT

provides carbohydrates from photosynthesis to the fungi.

This is an early science and much more evidence is being gathered.

The nickname for this web is The Wood Wide Web and it is suggested that 90% of plants live in this way and have done so for 400 million years.

Soil is finite but able to regenerate itself constantly so we need to protect and conserve it. But it is constantly being destroyed by intensive farming (and gardening) systems when we don't actually need to add poisonous chemicals, plough deeply or dig in fertilizers. Intensive farming eliminates species living within the soil – species that give soil its fertility.

Organic matter comes from the breakdown of dead and decaying matter especially by fungi of many types especially those that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, making it available to plants as nitrates.

Organic matter is vital to the soil and indicates its fertility since it forms a reservoir of nutrients. Organic matter helps soil particles to clump together thus improving soil structure which in turn improves permeability so that water can be retained for plant use.

I have always gardened organically. The major principle is to feed the soil and not the plant. That way nutrients are always available as and when needed by plants. If the soil has food added directly to it, plants may not be in need at that moment and so the fertilizer is leached out of the soil and possibly into drinking water which is then expensive to clean. however, there is more to think of than this. To me it is always upsetting to dig soil causing upheaval to the delicate balance beneath.

Worms can actually do the digging job very well especially if there is a good spread of organic matter on the surface which can be gradually dragged into the soil by worms particularly as and when needed.

No Dig gardening is an increasing popular method of gardening especially led by Charles Dowding in his books such as No Dig Gardening or on the many courses that he runs at homeacres, Alhampton near Shepton Mallet or talks given. See page 17.

DIANA REDFERN

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MENDIP TIMES

Farewell to Tom James

WE have lost a stalwart of our local farming community. Tom James from Castle Farm, Long Ashton passed away early in January.

Tom was a countryman and a gentle man in the true sense of the word. He had an infectious sense of humour and always had time for others.

With NICK GREEN After studying at Cannington College, along with his wife Mary (my predecessor and long-time contributor to the Mendip Times) he took over the family farm in 1972 and built up one of the best herds of Guernsey cows in the country.

He and Mary were also trailblazers with one of the first farm shops in the area. They recognised there was a ready market right on their doorstep and went on to have a successful farm shop serving many customers from the southern boundary of Bristol.

It wasn’t just a case of going to the farm to buy some dairy or meat, it was a visit to a real working farm and meeting the farmer.

Tom and Mary were an indomitable pairing. Mary was often the spokesperson but it wasn’t without Tom agreeing with the message beforehand!

As well as pursuing his hobbies of vintage tractors and Land Rovers he worked tirelessly with the North Somerset Agricultural

Tom James

Society and Bath and West Society over many years and was a constant support for Mary with her off-farm activities. RIP Tom, you will be missed.

There is a lot of coverage in the media about “regenerative farming”. Farmers were encouraged through the mid-20th century to increase food production. Alongside the increased demand, scientists worked on various means to help farmers deliver.

Artificial fertilisers were developed to increase yields and sprays were formulated to keep crops clear of pests and diseases. Farmers are now being encouraged to reduce food production and focus on the environment.

Many are reducing or stopping using some of these manufactured inputs, turning the clock back and using techniques of their predecessors. The theory being that regenerative systems have different attributes and the potential to improve soil conditions and the wider environment.

There is plenty of information available if anyone has an interest in investigating and it is something we can all keep an eye out for on our travels.

Regenerative farming

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

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FARMING

Don’t just Skip it, recycle it!

Booking available 24/7  Online www.pennysgroup.co.uk WhatsApp 07707 165491  Call 01373 813132 Western Skips – part of

www.pennysgroup.co.uk info@pennysgroup.co.uk  01761 241387 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 11

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MENDIP TIMES

The Mendip Mindbender ACROSS 1 Device for keeping moisture in the air (10) 6 Sounds like left and right given to the poor (4) 10 Boredom (5) 11 When shooting game birds, the gun might have this breed of dog. (9) 12 Male: Effeminately delicate or fastidious (8) 13 Perpetrator of crime (5) 15 An extended time (3-4) 17 Within hearing distance (7) 19 This poet's ashes were buried in East Coker's village church on Easter Sunday 1965 (7) 21 Gallantry, unfortunately made him sore (7) 22 Master of Ceremonies (5) 24 Piece of meat that accompanied Shari Lewis on stage (4,4) 27 A keeper of public or corporate records (9) 28 Brilliant display, distinction (5) 29 Tokyo youth always carries this

CROSSWORD

toy (2-2) 30 What Israel feels is coming from Hamas – and vice versa (10)

DOWN 1 Listen to and bear in mind (4) 2 Element Atomic no.25 reddish white, brittle metal (9) 3 & 4 down The original occupation of Sir Michael Eavis (5) 4 See 3 down (7) 5 To the utmost degree (7) 7 Even, with the same score (5) 8 After winter we look forward to this warmer weather (10) 9 Another name for a thief or shoplifter (8) 14 Theo Simon and family vowed to go to Australia without flying and started from this railway striking (7) station (6,4) 21 Small rodent kept as a pet (7) 16 Popeye's girlfriend (5,3) 23 Conceited and arrogant.

18 The masses or the rabble (3,6) Usually used about youth (5) 20 Having a noticeable effect, 25 Masticates (5)

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This month’s solution can be found on page 63

26 Brazils, say, go North and knock senseless (4) By greendandelion Clues in italics are cryptic

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The darker side of Mendip

STEEPED in legend and mystery, the Mendip Hills have been home to people for thousands of years and those people have left their stories behind.

This wild, ancient land has seen battles, executions, murder, and even the occasional monster. From mysterious finds from 4,000 years ago, through to the time of the Vikings and all the way up to the 20th century, there are terrible tales of the darker side of Mendip.

We have created The Darker Side of Mendip trail to share some of these legends and tales with you.

The trail will take you to locations all over the Mendip Hills National Landscape, where you will discover a QR Code that will unlock a legend or tale for that location.

There are eight trail locations in total. Find the location, find the QR code, that links you to a hidden part of our website where the stories can be found. For all the details of where and how to find the eight locations head to mendiphills-nl.org.uk/exploring/darkersideofmendip/ IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Not suitable for children aged 12 and under. Parent or guardian supervision and guidance is recommended for all

QR code legends and tales.

A smartphone is required to access the legends and tales via a QR Code on location. Don’t have a smartphone?

Please email mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk for a copy of the legends and tales.

Later this year we will be publishing the Darker Side of Mendip book, with all the stories, self-led trails and more. l Through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme we are helping farmers and land managers to keep these stories alive in our beautiful landscape. We can do this through the restoration of historical features, creation and improvement of footpaths and funding towards educational days and workshops.

Please get in touch with our FiPL officers if you would like any help with projects along these lines or for advice on how to apply for funding to encourage nature on your land. mendip@mendiphillsaonb.org.uk 01761 462338

THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, ORANGERIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD, UPVC OR ALUMINIUM www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk rhwindowsltd

Telephone: 01761 452171

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MENDIP TIMES

FOOD & DRINK

What’s not to love about these February ideas?

With KATY BEAUCHAMP

Valentine’s Day lover or not, these dishes seem to fit the bill for February with a mixture of tastebud-tingling dishes with a little added indulgence.

PARMA HAM CRISPS

These are so simple to assemble and cook in five minutes! They make a delicious start to a meal or just to share with friends along with a little drink . . . or two . . .

METHOD Lay a sheet of foil on a non-stick baking tray. Tear up the pieces of Parma ham and scatter over the top. Sprinkle half the grated Parmesan over along with the leaves of one sprig of rosemary. Bake at 220°C for five minutes. Roughly chop/break and serve!

Sharing made simple

AVOCADO AND LEMON SPAGHETTI This is a lovely, delicate creamy sauce. It is vegan, but lends itself well to a base to add some cooked pancetta or spicy prawns. I served mine with some toasted pine nuts.

METHOD Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Heat gently until warm and then stir through your hot spaghetti. Serve in bowls scattered with the pine nuts.

These are just soo(!) moreish. They are delicious cold, but even better warm served with some ice cream.

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(Will feed four to six people depending on how greedy they are!)

2 sheets of filo pastry 6 slices of Parma ham 40g grated Parmesan 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

INGREDIENTS

(Serves two) 80ml olive oil One ripe avocado Juice and zest of one lemon 1 crushed garlic clove Salt and pepper 1 tbs Hot chilli sauce (optional)

Anyone remember Lady and the Tramp?

SUMPTUOUS BROWNIES

I bet you can’t eat just one

INGREDIENTS

METHOD Mix the flour, cocoa and chocolate in a bowl.

Melt the butter and pour into the bowl and mix, then mix in the eggs and vanilla essence, to make a thick batter. Pour and spread into a lined baking tin and cook at 180°C for 40-45 mins. It should be crusty on top and gooey in the middle. Leave to cool before turning out and cutting into portions. If they are not all eaten immediately . . .

I would freeze them individually for another day!

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 20 smallish but extremely rich squares) 50g plain flour 60g cocoa powder 400g golden caster sugar 200g of chopped white chocolate 200g of chopped plain chocolate 250g insulated butter 2tsp vanilla extract 4 lightly beaten eggs

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MENDIP TIMES

Festival line-up announced WITH the first ever Bath & West Food & Drink Festival set to take place over the weekend of March 23rd and 24th organisers, the Royal Bath & West Society, have announced details of the line-up.

The event will feature demonstrations and presentations on everything from pairings and baking to cooking on a budget, with entertainment on offer for all ages.

TV presenter and Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, will get things underway on the Farmhouse Kitchen Stage on Saturday morning, followed by appearances from the likes of the Fuss Free Foodie, food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and food writer and presenter, Andy Clarke.

Other highlights include a cheese and cider pairing session with Thatchers and Wyke Farms. Away from the stage, Liver Cottage Mobile Kitchen will present a cookery demonstration like no other, as comedy chefs Hugh Fearn and Lee Whittingstall move through the crowds to create “fusion food on the move”, blending home grown ingredients with food foraged from the corner shop, the streets and the audience.

The festival will be built around the British Cheese Awards judging arena. Judging will take place on Friday March 22nd.

For details, visit: www.bathandwest.com/tickets

LIVE MUSIC AND MORE – MAKE MERRY THIS FEBRUARY

Friday 26th Jan Wassailing with live music from Jon Parry Sat 3rd Feb

Copperhead (from 8.30pm)

Sat 17th Feb

Sour Apple (from 9pm)

Sat 10th Feb Sat 24th Feb

Valentines Party with Monos Newwave Band (from 8.30pm) Elevator Live (from 8.30pm)

Winter food in the pub – 7 days a week: pasties £3.50/homemade soup & crusty bread £4.50/cheese & biscuits £3.50 Pizzas served Fri 6-9pm | Sat 6-9pm.

Food van open Fri 6-9pm | Sat 9-11.00am & 6-9pm | Sun 9-11.00am Old Parlour Café & Bar open Fri & Sat 8am-11pm | Sun 8am-5pm OPEN: Noon-11pm (Mon-Sat) Noon-10pm (Sun)

Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faukland, Radstock, BA3 5XF. T: 01225 962669 E: info@tuckersgraveinn.co.uk W: www.tuckersgraveinn.co.uk PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

l Venue Hire l Camping l Holiday Cottage

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WILD FOOD

An early gift

AUTUMN and spring. They are my favourite seasons of the year, not too hot, not too cold and plenty to forage for. Late winter into very early spring can prove a challenge in terms of finding wild foods but there is always one wild edible plant that delivers early greens every time: chives.

I like to think of them as an early gift.

With They have been used culinarily and ADRIAN BOOTS medicinally for over 5000 years, are believed to be good for the blood and to have antiseptic properties. Very healthy. For me they just taste great.

Chives (allium shoenoprasum) are a member of the onion family which includes garlic, leeks and wild garlic. They are a hardy perennial, with a long, hollow and cylindrical stem, dark green in colour, topped during the summer with purple-pink globe-shaped flowers, and are great at attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Chives can grow up to about a foot tall (30cm), and both flowers and stem are edible. They are found on grassy banks, verges, lane sides most often near houses although they can colonise grassy areas away from habitation.

Chives add a mild oniony note to a salad, add colour and tang to cheesy sauces and potato salad. You would have to go deliberately out of your way to mix chives up with anything else, maybe grass or hard rush both of which are relatively non-fatal.

If at all unsure one should wait a while and then let the nose decide. If after snapping a tiny bit off there is no clear aroma of onions, you can be sure you don’t have chives.

So, if you have decided to eat more healthily this year there is no need to make any unsustainable resolutions, keep a look out for lush green chives to add to your diet.

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

FOOD & DRINK

GARDEN FOOD

Light on the horizon

IT’S still cold for starting plants, but the light is getting in! We can start to feel some growing excitement, while not getting too carried away. For example, I see gardeners sowing tomatoes in February, but it’s not necessary and makes extra work, so I wait and sow tomatoes on March 10th. For cucumbers to grow in a With CHARLES greenhouse, I sow on April 15th. Related DOWDING to this is a nice saying: “In spring, later sowings catch up.”

The good light and warmth are ahead of us. Joining those better conditions later can result in stronger and healthier growth.

Sowings and temperature Onions, spring onions, radish, turnip and true spinach are good to sow from February’s third week. I pop the seeds into shallow holes in the compost of module trays, five seeds in each hole for the first four vegetables, which grow well in clumps unthinned.

Sow about a half millimetre or one fifth of an inch below the surface level.

In seed trays to prick out, I sow cabbage, cauliflower, calabrese and lettuce.

All sowings until midPhoto of small seedlings in March are under greenhouse March 2nd cover, because it's still too cold outside. Seeds need the correct temperatures 24/ 7 for germination to be strong.

Even in a greenhouse you can have cold nights which will stop germination, so I start many seeds in the house. They can even be in darkness until leaves are visible, because there are only so many spaces on windowsills.

Compost to use Some potting composts you might buy are not fit for purpose.

Compost manufacturers have had to find peat alternatives and they are not available in sufficient quantity, currently. Often one sees large pieces of wood in what is called seed compost.

Check out Pete’s peat free, which although expensive, will repay you in the end. I recommend to save money and storage space by buying just a multipurpose compost, because you don't need a special compost for sowing seeds when the multipurpose one is good. If you want to use home-made, it must be decent quality, and dry enough to sieve to about 5mm.

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

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 17

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MENDIP TIMES

Rod’s road run success

VINTAGE tractor drivers took to the roads around Evercreech and Ditcheat in an annual event organised by enthusiast Rod Gillard.

Rod is now busy finalising plans for his next run, starting and finishing at the Countryside Day – including hedgelaying competition and Land Rover meet – being held by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society at Bagborough Farm at Pylle, near Shepton Mallet, on Sunday, February 18th.

Drivers and friends ahead of the start of the run from the home of Rod Gillard and wife Karen

Rod leads the way

Heading out of Ditcheat on the way to Alhampton

In the pink – the run is now established as a popular event

Caroline Taylor waves to onlookers

For details, visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

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EVENTS

Priston New Year fun Lunch is served Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band

Ducks away

There were large crowds

Year ends on a high note

Rag Morris from Bristol

A SELL-out crowd enjoyed an evening of music and lights around the moat of Nunney Castle to mark the end of a successful year for the newly-reformed Nunney Community Association, which also revived the village’s famous street fayre.

Radstock and Midsomer Norton Silver Band played in front of the castle

Nunney Castle was illuminated for the carol concert MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 19

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MENDIP TIMES

Old toys are seeing some action!

THINK of an icon of the 1960s and who springs to mind? How about an With CHRIS YEO action hero who could easily give James Bond a run for his money, were it not for the fact that he’s only a foot tall and made of plastic? I’m talking about Action Man. Just the mention of his name is likely to bring back a flood of misty-eyed memories to lots of boys and a few girls, especially ones over the age of 50.

Launched in 1966 and made in

the UK by Palitoy, the figure was based on the American figure, GI Joe. It was an instant best-seller.

By 1979 eight million Action Men were in circulation and the following year he was named as the National Association of Toy Retailer's Toy of the Decade.

What is it about this diminutive character that has captured the imagination of generations of children? Could it be his good looks? The embodiment of square jawed masculinity, he’s very much in the style of James Bond but those rugged looks could not be less English, as the design of the head and features was based

ARTS & ANTIQUES

on John F Kennedy.

Sensing they had a commercial hit on their hands, the manufacturers immediately tried to get the figure patented and, with that in mind, gave him a distinctive scar on his face. As anyone who has seen Action Man with his kit off knows, a facial scar is the very least of his worries.

Today, nostalgia is big business and the last few years have seen prices rising dramatically for toys from the 1960s and ‘70s. Alongside Action Man, there were many clothes, weapons and accessories sold to complement the figure.

Action Man 1970s Soldiers of the World. sold for £500 plus buyer’s premium

Easily lost to the vacuum cleaner, they are often elusive and can be more valuable than the figures themselves. At Clevedon Salerooms a collection of 1970s Action Men figures and accessories in their original packaging sold for a combined total of £3,720.

Chris Yeo is a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Please visit the website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 21

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MENDIP TIMES

New term

Pictured (l to r) Maureen Baker, Trina Pope, Sonia Priest, David Turner and Jan West

◆ MEMORIAL MASONRY INCLUDING DESIGN & FITTING

◆ HEADSTONE RESTORATION, RE-LETTERING & REPAIR ◆ FRIENDLY, LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS

COMPTON Dando Art Group is looking forward to another year of weekly meetings after finishing last year by designing their own Christmas cards.

The group was started 18 years ago by Sonia Priest and meets weekly in the village hall.

Misty morning

We will work with you to sympathetically design, produce and install a personal memorial, either hand carved or engraved. Lawn memorials, complete kerb sets, cremation tablets and vases available in a wide range of slate, stone and granite.

We also offer headstone restoration services.

◆ Slate, stone and porcelain house signs also available

WWW.CARVEDSTONELETTERS.CO.UK PHONE: 01749 840 869 / 07966 366 816 EMAIL: andrew@carvedstoneletters.co.uk

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Glastonbury Tor from Mendip Golf Club by John Davies of Stoke St Michael

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Auctions for collectors and connoisseurs

ARTS & ANTIQUES

The Triumph Model C – estimate £13,000 – £15,000

FEBRUARY is a month of auctions for collectors and connoisseurs alike in a variety of fields at Dore & Rees.

On Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd February, The Private Collection of the Late “Great” George Withers brings one of most eclectic collections the team has seen to the salerooms. Those who knew George well, knew him to be collector and a rather reluctant seller, preferring to covet and keep his pieces for his own enjoyment.

As an antiques dealer, he had a shop in Bath and a stall in Portobello, London, for a time. His home was literally packed to the rafters with antiques and collectables that he gathered over his lifetime. The collection of more than 1,000 lots includes European furniture, silver, Asian art, European porcelain, paintings, militaria, clocks, antiquities and works of art.

On Saturday 24th February, the focus moves to The Bath & West Showground at Shepton Mallet where Dore & Rees host an auction at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. All ages and periods of design and engineering prowess are represented. A 1914 Triumph Model C is offered at an estimate of £13,000 – £15,000, in lovingly restored condition.

An exciting programme of auctions are planned for 2024, offering a variety of opportunities for sellers. Dore & Rees can help you understand the value of items by arranging a valuation appointment at your home or at the auction salerooms in Frome.

Contact the team on 01373 462257 or by email enquiries@doreandrees.com to arrange an appointment.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

21 & 22 February: The Private Collection of the Late ‘Great’ George Withers 24 March: Auction at The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show 13 April: Classic Cars – The Spring Auction TBC May: Fine Asian Art • TBC June: Fine Silver TBC June: Fine Jewellery and Watches Take a look at www.doreandrees.com for more details

A LARGE MEISSEN MODEL OF A RUFFED BUSTARD AFTER J.J. KANDLER ESTIMATE: £3,000 - £5,000

THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF THE LATE ‘GREAT’ GEORGE WITHERS 21 - 22 FEBRUARY VIEWING 16 – 20 FEBRUARY www.doreandrees.com enquiries@doreandrees.com 01373 462 257

Dore & Rees Auction Salerooms Vicarage Street Frome BA11 1PU MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 23

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MENDIP TIMES

Village preserves its historic photos A NORTH Somerset village community is re-discovering its past thanks to a remarkable collection of historical photographs depicting everything from cows to choirboys.

Taken over more than a century, with earliest images thought to date from the 1850s, the collection has been assembled over the years by residents of the neighbouring villages of Stone Allerton, Chapel Allerton and Ashton.

As villagers have moved on or died, photographs have been handed down to family and neighbours, gradually bringing the collection together.

Now the Allerton Historical Society has swung into action to preserve the images for future generations before the stories behind the remarkable photographs are lost forever.

The society’s first task has been to sort and identify the photographs, which provide a rich and varied view of village life.

Highlights include images of Stone Allerton’s tiny former school (and equally tiny pupils), villagers in historical fancy dress to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, a charabanc outing from the 1920s, and poignant wartime portraits of villagers who served – and in some cases did not return.

Local resident and project member, Val Wathen, said: “As a relative newcomer to the village I’ve found this a fascinating way to learn something of the history and personalities of my adopted home.

“I suspect many communities have these hidden treasures and I would urge other villages to seek them out and bring them together, for current and future generations.”

The collection, entitled Looking Back at the Allertons, is to be exhibited at Stone Allerton Old Schoolroom on Saturday, March 9th, 12-4pm (admission free) and will then move to King John’s Hunting Lodge at Axbridge for the whole of April (museum

Allerton villagers in patriotic fancy dress for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897

Allerton School circa 1905

entrance charge £2.50/free to National Trust members).

The Allerton Historical Society is working to publish a printed and online catalogue, with original photographs to be sent to the Somerset county archive for safe keeping.

A special launch evening is being held at Ad Astra Cider in Stone Allerton on Friday, March 8th, 6.30-9.30pm (admission free), to which all are welcome.

Ashton Windmill being operated by a traction engine, circa pre1900

Details: https://allertonvillages.co.uk/events/ • https://www.facebook.com/adastracider/ https://www.kingjohnshuntinglodge.co.uk/ • johnnytspence@yahoo.co.uk 01934 710188

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

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HISTORY

Unlocking its secrets

EXPERTS and students have carried out geophysical surveys on land next to Fenny Castle, near Wells, as part of long-term plans to reveal more of its history and create a new facility for education and the community.

A team from the University of Bristol’s archaeological department worked with students from Strode College on the meticulous task of mapping the field which leads to the remains of the Motte and Bailey construction.

The owners of the site – a community interest company – have already hosted visits by local primary schools and other groups to share their ideas and to allow students to learn about the history and heritage in a real context.

The students were from a University of Plymouth history, heritage and archaeology degree course but run by the college.

Fenny Castle is believed to have been a Norman fortification – probably used as a place where tolls and taxes would be charged on goods travelling between Wells and Glastonbury. The castle is first referred to historically in 1327, when William atte Castle is recorded as a local resident and taxpayer, and again in 1354 when Alice atte Castle was a tenant.

Dr Stuart Prior, Reader in Archaeological Practice at Bristol and an expert in medieval landscapes, believes Fenny Castle played a strategic role on what was once the main route between the two settlements – long before what is now the A39 ever existed –

looping past Wookey on higher ground when the rest of the area was underwater and rivalry between the church in Wells and the abbots of Glastonbury was intense.

But Dr Simon Selby, one of the owners and a former contributor to Mendip Times, believes the Normans may have adapted a much old, possibly Roman fortification. The CIC hopes one day to be able to carry out a full archaeological survey of the castle remains.

Results of the findings from the geophysical survey will be used to guide the CIC on where to site possible temporary buildings in the future to house a classroom and study centre.

Simon said: “This is an ongoing project to promote shared history and heritage. Schools who have visited us so far all say that children absorb so much more of the subject when they are being taught on an actual historical site.

“We don’t charge schools to visit and other groups are also welcome; we’re here for the community.”

Dr Stuart Prior: he has written a book about Somerset’s castles

Alex Birkell, from the University of Bristol, surveys the site

Eindride, a member of the Draca Beordor 9th-10th century reenactment group who visited the castle

Gathering at the foot of Fenny Castle

Simon outlines the history of the castle from the top of the bailey

For details, visit: www.fennycastle.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 25

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EVENTS

Wassailing in Street

SEVERAL hundred people enjoyed an afternoon wassail, hosted by the Alfred Gillett Trust, at The Grange in Street.

The Langport Mummers after their performance in the orchard

Street parish council chairman Bryan Knickerbocker with entrants in the best headdress competition

Some of the crowd joining in the fun

Scaring the evil spirits away by firing a shotgun into an apple tree

Sharing a joke (l to r) Andrew Heck, from local cidermakers Hecks, Ian Ryan, who fired the shotgun and master of ceremonies Les Davies

Master of ceremonies Les Davies and storyteller Jane Flood with two young onlookers

Helen Bruce and daughter Hazel, aged nine MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 26

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MENDIP TIMES

BUSINESS

FARMING divorces are different from other divorces primarily because they give rise to a real risk of a break-up of what could well be a long-standing family business which may have taken many years to establish which can generate a strong desire for the business to continue.

A farming divorce, therefore, calls for imaginative and creating thinking to find a way to a fair solution.

Family break-ups in a farming business can bring into play several legal issues.

They might lead to a dispute over the partnership agreement governing ownership and control of the farming operation. Individuals (possibly parents/grandparents) who have put money into the business may wish to intervene to establish a claim to an interest in the farm.

More likely than not, the farm will need to be valued and this can prompt discussion about diversification and finding ways to keep parts of the farm intact and viable, so requiring input from agricultural consultants and specialist accountants. Advice may also be needed on tax, Agricultural Property Relief and the like.

It is almost always preferable to negotiate an agreement because if the courts become involved they have limited powers as to what can be ordered.

Specifically, they can order a transfer of assets between the couple (but not to anyone else) or a sale.

So, it is best to reach a creative solution that achieves a fair settlement between the divorcing couple and hopefully avoid the whole farm business having to be sold.

Inherited farms In a typical farming situation, where the farm has been accumulated through inheritance and gift as well as the efforts of the spouses, the person who inherited the farm will undoubtedly have an advantage. The court must look at whether the farm is matrimonial or nonmatrimonial. Land that has been inherited or gifted over generations may be regarded as non-matrimonial.

The non-inheriting spouse In a marriage of any reasonable length, although the non-inheriting spouse may not expect to receive an equal share of the farm, their needs must still be met and housing will be a priority. There are also the needs of any minor children if they are not going to continue to live at the farm following the divorce.

Almost inevitably, therefore, even if all the farm was inherited, the non-inheriting spouse will be entitled to receive capital to house themselves and some form of income provision or pension provision may be made.

The financial settlement for a farm divorce The extent of the provision will depend to some extent on the financial state of the farm. A farm that is subject to very little

(Photography by Kookie Blu@DreamFieldLab)

Farming and divorce

borrowing and has cash at the bank is more vulnerable to having to raise a larger sum for housing the “outgoing” spouse than a farm that is very heavily borrowed.

If the farm is generational in nature the court will be much more reluctant to damage the viability of the farm by heavy borrowings for re-housing especially if there is another generation already involved in the farm and hoping to take it on in the future.

How to achieve fairness in a farm divorce A good way to protect the farm and the couple is by creating pre-nuptial or postnuptial agreements. In these complex and often delicate matters, it is vital that specialist legal and accountancy advice is taken in order to achieve the best solutions.

EDWARD LYONS

NOW 50 YEARS IN THE CHEW VALLEY Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168 An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases l Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence claims

OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168

Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 27

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MENDIP TIMES

Employment is a priority

SWALLOW, the charity in Westfield which supports local teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, wants to help more of its members into meaningful employment.

It is calling on local employers to support their campaign to “Get SWALLOW members into work”. The charity offers training in employment skills including catering, horticulture and arts and craft production and provides support to employers too. l For details, visit: www.swallowcharity.org/corporate-friends email nickyt@swallowcharity.org or call 01761 414034.

Much more than a market

Some of the stallholders at Glastonbury Country Market

SOMERSET COUNTRY MARKETS Visit your local market and buy fresh produce, individually packaged food, flowers and plants, crafts, jam and chutney, cakes, savoury goods and more!

Cheddar Market – Cheddar Village Hall.

Tuesday 10.00-11.30 Wessex Market – The Unicorn Function Room, Somerton. Saturday 9.00-12.00 Glastonbury Market – Glastonbury Town Hall. Tuesday 9.30-12.30 Taunton Shop (Affiliated Market) – Bath Place, Taunton. Open Thur, Fri and Sat 9am-2pm.

COUNTRY markets in Glastonbury, Cheddar, Somerton and Taunton have issued a call to other towns and communities to set up their own co-operative ventures.

The weekly markets are vibrant, friendly outlets for shoppers and stallholders alike with Glastonbury, in particular, offering a café in its Town Hall venue where all are welcome for a drink and slice of delicious homemade cake – many use it as a regular meeting place to catch up with friends.

The motto of the nationwide country market movement is “Cook, craft, grow” and is open to anyone who makes, bakes or grows their own produce. Glastonbury, for example, is now predominantly a craft-based market; Taunton is run as an “affiliated market” in a shop in the town.

Karin Shaw, who sells produce from her Dragon Farm smallholding on the edge of Glastonbury, said: “We have lost markets in several places including Frome and Wells, but would love to see them start up again or for people to launch new ones in other areas. We’re always here to offer advice.”

Stallholders pay a small percentage of sales towards the markets and offer makers – both men and women – the chance to exchange ideas and for shoppers to “meet the makers”.

Karin added: “We have moved far away from the traditional image of a country market. We can boast an amazing crosssection of makers in a friendly, welcoming environment – and there are no air miles involved in supporting local!”

No market near you? Why not set one up? Would you like to bring hand crafted/home grown produce and be a part of a market? Call 01934 742234 for further details. * Country Markets are a social enterprise co-operative society dedicated to homemade, high-quality goods.

https://www.country-markets.co.uk PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Tempting treats and much more on offer at the markets

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BUSINESS

ECATCHER MOL

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

C S d n

F S N

c m p W S a w a r L o P o

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

Mayor’s visit

CHEW Stoke Church School had a visit from the Metro Mayor, Dan Norris, to see how the school has been promoting sustainable and active travel to and from school and to see what initiatives the school was undertaking for Road Safety Week.

He saw the children designing posters and went out with them to monitor the speed of traffic in the village’s 20mph zone.

The school has won the South West Modeshift Stars School of the Year Award for Active and Sustainable Travel and will be travelling to London in March where they have a chance to win the national award.

Mendip Times debtors

WE have been forced, reluctantly, to take legal action against two companies who have failed to pay for advertising with us.

The Penscot Inn at Shipham currently owes £913.30. The landlord Graham Andrews has not responded to any requests from us or the court, despite a court order. The court has now ordered bailiffs to seek redress.

Silk Road Rugs ceased trading in Bishop Sutton but is still trading from premises at Chittoe, near Chippenham. They owe £624 and have not responded to requests for payment.

Mendip Times director, Steve Egginton, said: “We have a brilliant relationship with our advertisers and regret having to take this action.

“We’ve always been sympathetic to anyone who has difficulty paying, but as a small company ourselves I can do without the hassle of chasing debtors.”

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Village salute for Jack’s centenary

Farmer Jack with family and friends

NEWS

SUNDAY, January 7th saw the flag being flown on the village church in Compton Dando and the Christmas tree lights being kept on, as most of the village turned out to help local farmer, Jack Carpenter and his family and friends, celebrate his 100th birthday.

Farmer Jack, as he is affectionately known, was greeted by a pile of birthday cards and photos showing various parts of his life as a dairy farmer at Nutgrove Farm.

Jack met his future wife, Peggy Bates, at a Compton Dando dance and they were married in 1947, moving in to Nutgrove Farm to help Stanley, Peggy’s dad. Daughter, Margaret, and son, Roger, both still live at Nutgrove Farm with Jack.

For more than 20 years Jack and Peggy held annual garden parties to raise money for St. Mary's Church. Jack also ran a weekly whist drive in the village hall for more than 20 years and still enjoys going with Roger for a game.

Jack now has four grandchildren, Lucy, Daniel, James and John and great grandchildren, Jack, Rosie, Megan and Harry.

Farmer Jack with Peggy and Roger

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MENDIP TIMES

Penny’s award

THE Mendip Hills National Landscape Team have announced Penny White as their Volunteer of the Year for 2023.

They say Penny was chosen because of her dedication to and enthusiasm for the Mendip Hills and all the work done by the volunteers.

Penny has been volunteering for a number of years and is currently a

NEWS

regular at the weekly Nature Recovery task days, part of the drystone walling group and has recently become a full member of the volunteer ranger team.

She won the walling competition at the Mendip Ploughing Match. The Nature Recovery volunteers meet weekly, undertaking a wide range of tasks designed to enhance and protect

the landscape and the species that call it home.

Details: www.mendiphills-nl.org.uk/volunteering 01761 462338

Volunteers needed

Holcombe box pews

Carols by candlelight Emborough

THE Churches Conservation Trust is looking for volunteers so that Holcombe St Andrew’s Old Church can be opened to the public.

The church has late Saxon-early Norman origins and has been adapted through the ages, with a treasure trove of Georgian furnishings including box pews, pulpit, desk, west gallery and hat pegs.

It was used during the filming of Poldark and is being cleaned following work with the Bats in Churches project.

The trust’s community officer for the area, Marie Leverett, said: “Everything here is delightfully unrestored and atmospheric. It’s currently permanently locked, but we would like to have it open one day a week.”

The trust is also hoping to form a group of volunteers to hold more events at the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Emborough.

It has no heating, running water or electricity, but its candlelit carol service is one of the highlights of Christmas.

Holcombe church

Emborough St Mary’s is medieval in origin but much of the church we see today dates from an early Georgian rebuilding

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Details: mleverett@thecct.org.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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MOTORING

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Come and visit our spares shop open 6 days a week!

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

Tractors ride in memory of Ami

Father Christmas joined in PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Ami after her wedding

l Ami’s appeal was also one of the good causes to benefit from George’s Charity Tractor Run, which saw more than 100 tractors on the road from Yatton to Weston-super-Mare.

Tractors approaching Stanton Drew

(Photo courtesy of Somerset Agripics)

(Photo courtesy of Somerset Agripics)

THIS year’s Christmas Eve Tractor Express around the Chew Valley raised £6,000 in memory of young farmer’s wife, Ami Millard, who died leaving husband Sam and young children, Sidney aged eight, and Maggie, aged four.

Organisers said: “Before Ami passed, she was a huge part in deciding how this year’s donations would be used. It was her wish that this year your donations would be used to provide bespoke bereavement training in schools, now with over 30 signed up in the local area.

“This will give them the skills and confidence they need to help support the children and young people in their care who have suffered the loss of a close family member.

“At the request of the family any donations raised above the cost of the training will be gifted to the dedicated work of St Peter’s Hospice, who go above and beyond for the people in their care.”

Ami, from Knowle Hill near Chew Magna, is pictured after her wedding at the hospice, not long before she died.

The Tractor Express started off as a small group of locals bringing cheer to the Chew Valley post-Covid but has now grown to become a charity dedicated to raising funds for the local community.

This year’s event showed huge community spirit with new volunteer marshals and first aiders strategically placed within each village and crowds braving torrential rain to see the tractors pass.

Organisers said: “We'd like to truly thank all of our sponsors for their generous support this year and we are so grateful to have our main sponsor Kelston Sparkes Group on board for yet another year. Thank you to Pet Hub Chew Magna, Soul Trainer, ETM, Chew Moos, J.B Pearce and Magnetech safety Net Systems UK!” Sam Millard said he would like to thank everyone for their support, including the counselling given to his children at Stanton Drew School.

He said: “I couldn’t believe there were crowds in the rain lining the villages when we went through. Everyone has been just fantastic.”

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Foodbank fundraiser is a barrowload of laughs BINEGAR’S annual Bonkers Wheelbarrow Race has raised £200 for the Somer Valley Foodbank.

The race – starting and finishing at the village’s Horse and Jockey pub – was organised by BAGS, the Binegar and Gurney Slade Social Fundraisers.

CHARITIES

The teams gather at the start

Medics on the run

Santa run

THE annual Santa Run at the Queen Victoria in Priddy attracted 100 runners and raised £1,450 for Children’s Hospice South West.

Theatre trips

WITH ten trips planned and more due to be booked, Langport Red Cross theatre trips to the Bristol Hippodrome look set for a busy year.

Coaches start at 5pm from Curry Rivel, then pick up in Langport & Somerton and either Keinton Mandeville & Shepton Mallet or Street & Wells. All profits are donated to the British Red Cross.

Details: www.charitytheatretrips.com or Chris Cox 01458 273085

Land Before Wine – with Arthur in the wheelbarrow

Bath half marathon

BEX Walsh, a bereavement midwife at the Royal United Hospitals, Bath, is running the Bath Half Marathon on March 17th to raise funds for RUHX, the hospital’s official charity.

She supports families with baby loss during and after pregnancy. She ran the Bath Half 2020 wearing a cape with names attached to honour the “very precious babies not with us” and she plans to do the same this year.

There are a limited number of charity places left for the event: https://ruhx.org.uk/bath-half/

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 35

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MENDIP TIMES

Gala dinner

DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance will hold a 24th anniversary gala dinner on Saturday, March 23rd at The Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum.

The fundraiser follows its busiest ever year with the crew attending 2,224 incidents, at an annual cost of around £10million.

The charity says: “With the number of missions increasing every year and operational costs rising, support from the public has never been so important.”

Tickets cost £75 per person, or tables for eight cost £550.

Details: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Event/gala-dinner2024

(Photo courtesy of Ben Robins)

Supporting the homeless

THE 15th Big Bath Sleep-Out, organised by the Julian House charity, is back on Friday, March 1st, highlighting the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.

The charity says it’s facing scary times, with cuts in funding and escalating costs, so it’s urging people to support the event.

Last year it provided life-changing support to over 2,000 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West.

Details: https://bigbathsleepout.co.uk

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

CHARITIES

Rescue and rehoming centre is the cat’s whiskers

A cuddle a day keeps the doctor away?

A CHARITY in Oakhill dedicated to caring for cats has ambitious plans to expand in the future and it might involve lots of cuddles – and not just for the benefit of its feline guests.

Compassion for Cats – which cares for farm, feral and domestic animals – believes that hugs are just as therapeutic for humans as its residents.

The centre is currently working at capacity. For the last quarter of 2023 they took in 70 cats (approximately half domestic the other half a mix of strays and ferals/semi ferals.)

They fostered 20 and rehomed 50. The fact that the cats in/cats out numbers balance simply means they are as full now as they were three months ago!

During the same period, they spent an eye-watering £7,800 on vet bills. Sadly, some of that was down to an outbreak of a feline version of AIDS, the cause of which is still a mystery to vets across the country.

Compassion for Cats – which held its first fundraising stall at a Christmas fair at Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall – is now hoping to convert some outbuildings into both additional accommodation, and a maternity unit and also a venue where anyone can visit to spend some time befriending the cats and enjoying some quiet time with them.

Judy Knowles, who runs the charity from her farm, said: “Spending some time with a cat on your lap or watching them play is wonderful therapy for everyone, even if they are not in a position to rehome or foster at the time. Cats – as well as humans – need a ‘chill-out area’ which is what we are hoping to provide one day.

“We have a lot of older cats who would make wonderful companions, as well as younger ones. But another problem is that some people are deemed too old by other organisations to adopt a feline companion – we feel that, especially with longterm foster carers, everyone has the potential to welcome a cat into their home.”

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

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WILDLIFE

The call of the wild

NOW is the month that any potential breeding long-eared owls will call; our scarcest and most secretive owl.

Although head-to-tail they are smaller than the wood pigeon-sized and more common tawny owl, they have a long

By CHRIS wingspan for the size of their body with a SPERRING smaller tail compared to that of the tawny; MBE all this indicates the more open country nature of this bird compared to the denser woodland habitat of the latter.

A lot of publications will class them as being found in woodland, which is quite fair as their nesting and roosting sites are normally within a small copse, forest or woodland, but they are always near the edge so they can have quick access to the open areas which is primarily where they hunt.

The long-eared owl tends to be strictly nocturnal although, when times are hard, they have been seen hunting in the daylight. They hunt predominantly over rough or longer grassland areas searching for their favoured prey, the shorttailed vole, which needs longer grass to build up populations.

Of course, they can feed on other small mammals such as bank vole, shrews and young rats, but the majority of the prey will always be the short-tailed vole.

The wider Mendip area used to be a good location for them, particularly where habitat conditions were best suited; however, as in the rest of the South West, we have seen a marked decline and in the past two years we have recorded no calling or sightings at all, meaning they may have become locally extinct.

However, we do not give up hope, and so during February

Chris would love to hear of any sounds or sightings

A rare sight – but hopes remain that some may be spotted around here

and early March I will be venturing out in the dead of the night at various locations in this area in the hope of hearing our rarest owl and, if we do find them. coming up with some conservation measures to preserve and enhance their presence.

The Hawk and Owl Trust is currently carrying out winter surveys looking for groups of long-eared owls that might be over-wintering here from the much colder parts of Europe.

During the 1970s, through to the mid-1990s, I would find groups of these wintering owls roosting together sometimes between four and 19 in one tree, but this no longer happens in our location. The theory is that it is because the Euro longeareds don’t need to travel so far as the winters on the continent have got much milder. How much this then affects our breeding population is not known, hence wintering groups surveys around the UK. We need much more information.

The call of the male long-eared owl male is a low toned single “hoo” sounding like blowing air over an empty thinnecked bottle, whilst the female sounds like blowing paper through a comb, sounding like “veese”.

If anyone sees a medium-sized owl with ridiculously long ear tufts or, indeed, hears one over the coming month then please let us know by going to https://longearedowl.org where you will find forms to fill in and guidance to help you.

I hope you all have a great February and remember: spring is coming.

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

MENdIP TIMES • FEBRuARy 2024 • PAGE 37

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MENDIP TIMES

In the footsteps of the miners

HERE is an East Mendip walk from Radstock ideal for the winter as most of the walking is on dry tracks. This circle combines mining history with good views, open high fields, ponds and an attractive village and pub. Even after the really wet weather, when in fields and not on the hard tracks, I didn’t get more than a little mud on my boots. Our circle starts by heading out of Radstock on the Colliers Way, once an important railway in the Somerset Coalfield but now an attractive cycle and walkway. Head up across fields to Shoscombe village and on up the hill – none of which are very steep. There are

With Sue Gearing PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

no stiles. At the end is a more urban walk of a few minutes down through Radstock to the start and you can visit the museum to find out more about Somerset Coalfield Life.

PARK: Near the Radstock Museum on Waterloo Road in the centre of Radstock.

There are car parks along Waterloo Road just past the museum on the other side or there’s on-street parking.

START: Continue on Waterloo Road for a few minutes.

1. COLLIERS WAY Then, as the road begins to climb on Tyning Hill, go right to follow the Colliers Way, a disused railway – one of several that radiate out from Radstock in the heart of the former Somerset Coalfield.

Coal was discovered in Radstock in 1763 and mining continued for 200 years.

Walk alongside light industry and Radstock mill and the steep wooded slope of a former slag heap. Just follow this route along, keeping an eagle eye for cyclists as this is part of a Sustrans cycle route.

Come on to the part of the Colliers Way where apple trees have been planted, at intervals. Here there is one on each side of the track. Two boulders give their names. More boulders and trees can be found further on although some trees seem to have died. The planting reflects the history of apple trees by the railways

growing up from apple cores thrown out by passengers.

Pass a line of cottages with long gardens and continue out into the countryside. Reach bridge 33 in memory of Ray Inchley a miner and postman. The old track goes over a road and then you come alongside it for a short way and reach an information board about a disastrous crash.

2. CRASH SITE At this point in August 1876 there was a head on crash between two trains, the worst accident in the history of the Somerset and Dorset railway. There were

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WALKING

OS Explorer 142 Shepton Mallet & Mendip Hills East, grid ref: 549 689. BA3 3EP (museum) What3words: fallback.goats.developer 4.5 miles, about 2-2.5 hours walking.

13 fatalities and serious injuries.

Carry on and reach a gate to join a Tarmac drive and keep on, going under a pleasant avenue of trees. Soon reach a junction of roads.

3. FOOTPATH Turn into the lane on the left. Almost immediately go through an old iron kissing gate (KG) on the right onto a field footpath. Head up left to a hedge corner.

Follow the hedge for a few yards and then fork right aiming for the end of a line of cottages. The fork may not be all that clear. Go through a KG to the lane and pass the cottages. Continue up to the pleasant village of Shoscombe on White Hill.

4. SHOSCOMBE The village, which originally relied on farming, began to get involved in mining when it started up in the area and there was part of the Somerset Coal Canal here (now filled in).

At the top, turn left going past houses in the village and soon come to the popular

village pub, the Apple Tree Inn, a good place for a break and refreshment (check opening times). Follow the lane on and up, leaving the village, until it bends left. Go left a yard or two and then go ahead through iron railings to join a footpath.

5. TRACK This is a good, surfaced track climbing gently along the hill and leading to a road.

Cross onto the broad track opposite and follow this ahead (ignore a footpath which is signed to the right). Ignore a track left.

6. FARM At White Wicket Farm go ahead through a Bristol Gate onto a smaller track which soon drops downhill.

7. PONDS At the foot pass ponds down on the right and reach attractive Lower Wood Ponds, over on the left. It’s a good place for a picnic. Ahead, to the right of a No Access gate, is a footbridge. Once over the bridge go ahead, through a KG into a field. The route now is up across the field to an

opening in the hedge at the top into another field. Now head diagonally left up and across. Go through a hedgeline and straight across this next field, passing barns over right. You can see Radstock spread out below. Go through a wooden KG and along the bottom edge of a field to reach a gate into woodland.

8. WOODLAND Turn right on a woodland path, passing the other side of the huge disused colliery, now wooded over, which you walked by near the start. At boulders turn left on a crossing track.

9. RADSTOCK This leads to a road in Radstock. Follow it downhill past houses, and when you reach a larger road, maintain direction still dropping. At a Give Way to Oncoming Vehicles sign and a seat, turn left in Waldegrave Terrace and on down a footpath between houses. Soon, return to the car park near the museum.

The Apple Tree Inn, 01761 432263

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 39

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MENDIP TIMES

West Countryman’s diary

THE “seal” on 2024 has now been well and truly broken. This month’s copy of Mendip Times will be written by the middle of January ready for distribution towards the end. So it is, we move into February. I doubt there will have been a large amount of walking going on this month, but the hardy With LES DAVIES MBE few will not be deterred. I made mention in last month’s column of my empathy for those who have to go and work outside in the conditions we have had.

I’m thankful that although I still work outside, I can to a certain extent choose or not choose to do so. My time of having to be out in all winds and weather having now thankfully past . . . I just write about it these days!

Life cannot be sustained without water, but too much water tends to make life difficult to maintain. Rivers and drains on the Levels and moors are bursting their banks, flooding the land around. Certainly no grazing to be had in these condition and pretty though it may be, the land of King Arthur and of Alfred seems to be reverting to flood plain.

This may well be the future with wetter warmer winters and on the back of those hotter drier summers.

It’s interesting to note that the Glastonbury Lake Village from the Iron Age period was probably deserted by around 50BC (I still use BC and AD). This move, presumably to higher ground, took place because of rising water levels. I wonder what sort of hardy folk inhabited that environment?

Cold and damp it would no doubt have been in the winter but quite pleasant in the summer months when the living would have been good. When I watch Peter Jackson’s film of Tolkien’s book The Hobbit, I wonder if the lake town of Dale may not have been based on our own Glastonbury Lake Village . . . pretty damp and dank and not the place to live if you had a chest infection!

Having just finished a book about the ancient Kingdom of Wessex from 1000AD, I was captivated by the subject of water meadows. Whereas these old agricultural innovations have no place in our damper lands, the thinner chalk soils further east provided much better grass through the use of controlled flooding.

The reason for doing this was sheep. Sheep were “King” through the Middle Ages and beyond, as they were on Mendip.

Whereas on Mendip they provided wool and meat, on the chalk soils grain could not be produced in sufficient quantity without the sheep. These water meadows gave early grass for grazing flocks.

The sheep were then folded onto the arable land where their dung and urine provided much-needed nutrients to the thin soils and in consequence higher grain yields. I also wonder if some of the old agricultural practices such as this may be re-visited in the future, to be “tweaked” slightly in the interests of sustainability.

It would be cheaper than artificial fertiliser and after all nothing in life is really new, it’s only the intensity with which we go about things that changes.

There will always be two sides to every story. The flood water is an inconvenience to many (and that may be putting it mildly) but PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

OUTDOORS

to the waterfowl, it’s a gift providing plenty of feeding and protection from predators. No doubt the keen bird watchers will also be drawn by the chance of seeing something out of the usual in the way of visitors to these wetlands.

It has taken centuries to drain and cultivate these flood levels, but I wonder in the end will nature have its way? Hard to believe that ten years ago in 2014 the land below Burrow Mump was completely flooded. The road was closed and a massive re-think took place on how flood control would be delivered in the future. I dread to think what things would look like today, had those measures not been put in place back then!

This is also a good time to be a “landscape detective”. The land doesn’t have to be completely flooded to show up a few secrets from that past. The forgotten drinking pond that has been filled in, or dried up, in the corner of the field. A shallow ditch that once sat alongside a hedgerow in a smaller field system.

Our predecessors left their mark on this landscape and if you have the eyes to see them, the clues are still out there. Certainly on the Levels, ancient field systems show up at this time of year as gutters and ridges on the land. The ridges, just like raised garden beds used today, allowed the soil to drain and the gutters between them took the water away in a series of interconnecting courses.

It wasn’t all that long ago that these gutters were cleaned out on a regular basis to maintain their efficiency. Many today are only recognisable by the amount of common rush that grows within them.

Back on Mendip and this “honeycombed” lump of limestone can discharge around 72 million gallons of water a day (that’s about 324 million litres). This estimate was made by that renowned Mendip geologist, the late Willy Stanton, in his book written with Nick Barrington called Mendip, the complete caves and a view of the hills.

No-one can tell us better about underground water than our own Philip Hendy, who in his Christmas column mentioned a series of books that had been written with a subterranean theme. The power of water is a frightening thing and whereas you can compress a gas, you cannot compress a liquid . . . it’s what hydraulics are based on.

In conclusion, here’s a picture taken over the Yeo Valley. The foreboding sky in the background is tempered by the bright rainbow, possibly as a promise of better things to come?

Win some, lose some – start of a new caving year

CAVERS gathered for the 14th time at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn in November to celebrate the life of Tony Jarratt, a tireless caver and digger. The occasion is a chance to reveal the results of digging activities on Mendip and elsewhere and to make an award to the team that has found the most new cave passage in With PHILIP the past year. This time round, there were HENDY only two contenders and the honour went to Trevor Hughes and the Shepton Mallet Caving Club for their efforts in Stock Hill Mine Cave.

This is the second time that the group have won the award for discoveries in this cave, as they achieved a total of 173 metres of passage in 2021. This year, the length of cave found was 109 metres. The cave is situated just inside the Stock Hill forest near the old foresters’ cottages and although the system is quite complex, it seems to be heading in a south westerly direction towards the Wells road to Priddy.

A last-minute entry to the competition allowed Alison Moody and her team of Wessex Cave Club diggers to achieve second place with the discovery of 90 metres of passage in Longwood Valley Sink. This is the overflow sink for Longwood Swallet further up the valley.

It was first dug by the Wessex in the mid-1970s. They excavated a shaft in cherty rock to a small mud-floored chamber, but soon abandoned the dig. Later, a group from ATLAS (The Association of Thrupe Lane Advanced Speleologists) installed a winch and dug a sloping adit before they too gave up.

Interest waned, until the floods of November 2012. After a period of heavy rain, a large amount of water flowed down from the Black Down area into the Longwood Valley. The main swallet could not cope with the flow and neither could the overflow sink.

So torrents of water poured on down the valley to Black Rock Gate and then caused the closure of Cheddar Gorge for quite some time, with stones and gravel scattered down the road and severe scouring of the verges. The council was at a loss, but cavers from various clubs banded together, and after much hard work, managed to divert the flow down Longwood Valley Sink.

As a member of this team, and one who had originally dug the site in 1974, Alison decided to continue to excavate the swallet.

Over the next few months, Ali and her team, mainly from the Wessex, stabilised the entrance and streamway leading to it and installed a locked gate.

Digging continued, enlarging a small passage with explosives in squalid conditions. Work continued, even when Longwood Valley was closed to the public due to the perceived risk of injury from trees suddenly falling due to ash disease.

For some time, work had concentrated on enlarging a six metre long muddy duck, a small partially flooded passage. After using a lot of explosives, in November, the diggers emerged into a

CAVING

sizeable aven, with a steep boulder slope leading to a roomy but wet 25 metre pitch. This was quite unexpected, and exploration continues, subject to access being possible during the prolonged spell of wet weather.

Cavers and many others were saddened to lose two old friends and colleagues in the run-up to Christmas. Jackie Dors, wife of Roger, landlord of the Hunters’ Lodge Inn, passed away on November 22nd. Roger and Jackie had known each other since their school days and have been running the inn for around 50 years.

Both were well-known to cavers and Jackie provided sustenance from the renowned faggot and peas right up to a banquet for formal dinners. Her funeral at Priddy Church was attended by most of the village, as well as many cavers, old and young. She will be sadly missed.

Then we heard that Dr Donald Thomson had died on December 14th. For many years, after a very active early life, including practising medicine in Africa, Don was a GP in Leigh-uponMendip. He was also a medical warden for the Mendip Rescue Organisation, assisting at many cave rescues over the years.

He was until relatively recently an active caver and an accomplished cave photographer, amongst a plethora of other interests. He also dug with NHASA (The North Hill Association of Advanced Speleologists).

These digs included a swallet at Windsor Hill, Lodmore Hole, and Templeton. In recognition of his services to Mendip caving and to his club, the Wessex, he was appointed as the club’s fourth president, a position he held until his death.

Although in later years Don suffered from ill health, he never lost his love of caves and last summer a group of friends took him (and his wheelchair) into Wookey Hole to the 20th Chamber, which he had never before visited. His memory will live on.

So, we start the New Year with bitter-sweet memories as we plan for the months ahead. Already plans are being made for the summer expeditions and we anticipate further discoveries, not least in the Longwood Valley.

(Photograph by Peter Glanvil)

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

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Jobs for February in the garden AFTER the wettest previous six months on record, we did get some respite in midJanuary when the weather turned much colder, slowing up the With MARY development of PAYNE MBE snowdrops, hellebores and other winter flowering plants. The low light levels that accompanied the rain clouds did nothing to help indoor plants on windowsills, while lawns continued to grow in the mild weather.

If the soil is not frozen then tree and shrub planting can continue. Bare rooted trees offer excellent value for planting at this time of year, but are rarely available from garden centres, but can be purchased from specialist nurseries and online.

If planting in a grassed area it is important to keep a generous circle (one yard or metre), free of grass at the base until the tree is well established, possibly 3–4 years. Not only does this make mowing near the tree easier, but it also removes the necessity to strim long grass near the tree trunk, with what could be devastating consequences for the tree.

Grass is a very successful competitor and can deprive the young tree of water in its early years, proved by work done by the Forestry Commission.

Following storms Henk and Gerret, it is important to check tree ties on existing trees before the next one comes along.

Bare root roses are also good value and can be ordered online. When planting, bury the graft union (the bump where the stems emanate from). Roses are grafted onto rootstocks for the convenience of commercial growers but can also be grown on their own roots.

Hardwood cuttings, about 12 inches long, taken from last year’s growth, can be simply stuck in the ground, burying two thirds of their length. These can be lifted next autumn and planted in their permanent homes.

It is important to remember not to plant a rose where a rose was before, as the new one may not thrive. The cause of this PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

is known as rose replant disorder. This problem is still not fully understood but changing the soil prior to planting can alleviate it.

Seed orders will be plopping through letter boxes any day now and may indeed have arrived. So, while it is too early for many seeds to be sown, take time now to write the labels for your seeds and decide on a sowing date.

Sweet peppers, chillis and tomatoes are slow, so can be sown this month in warmth. Don’t be tempted to sow seeds too early as the light levels are too low. If you had problems with runner beans last year, try ‘Firestorm’, Snowstorm’ or ‘Moonlight’. All these varieties have some French bean “blood” in them which improves pollination and drought tolerance.

Many prefer to buy small plug plants and grow them on. They will soon be appearing in garden centres, but try to resist the temptation, as the light levels on windowsills are still very poor, and your plants may get weak and etiolated.

Onion sets, shallots and garlic can all be planted this month if the soil is workable. Parsnip seed can be sown later this month, as it is slow to germinate while the soil is still cold, although later sowings usually catch up well.

Do not sow any remaining parsnip seed from last year. The viability of parsnip seed is one of the shortest and fresh seed should be used each year.

Overwintered or newly purchased dahlia tubers can be started into growth by boxing them up with a bit of compost.

By mid-March the new shoots can be taken as cuttings to increase your stock.

Begonia tubers can also be started into growth in the same way.

If you have not already done it, autumn raspberries can be pruned to ground level.

If you would like a few earlier in the season, only prune some canes back by half. These will produce fruit at the same time as maincrop raspberries, while the newly emerging shoots from the ground will crop later in late summer.

I like to prune clematis this month.

Those that flower later in the summer, on

Betula

current season’s growth, can be cut hard back to 15 inches. These are labelled “Group 3 or hard prune”. The earlier flowering types with the larger flowers are a bit of a fiddle. These are labelled “Group 2 or light prune”.

The fat pairs of buds are this year’s flowers, so simply cut back the dead looking tangle above them to the fat buds. If you are faced with a “bird’s nest” tangle you might try cutting them hard back to 15 inches; you will lose this year’s early flowers but may get a later crop.

Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ can be cut to six inches if you like the largest heads of flower, or for smaller heads, less likely to flop, prune back to 12 inches. The H. paniculata hydrangeas can also be pruned now.

Cut back the last year’s growth to a couple of inches from where it started.

The lacecap and mophead types should only be thinned out removing some of the oldest stems at ground level, as cutting from the top down will remove all this year’s flowers.

Remember to avoid pruning vines, birch, acers, and walnuts now as the sap may well be rising and they will “bleed”.

If you have never heard the sound of sap rising, then press your ear onto the trunk of a birch tree in late February/early March and listen – it is quite amazing.

Several gardens are open in this area for their snowdrop displays so check out the National Gardens Scheme website www.ngs.org for details of dates and times.

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GARDENING

F E B R UA RY G A R D E N T I P S

• Before the usual spring rush, paint fences and sheds and get other general maintenance jobs done. If plants are trained onto fences to be painted make certain that the paint you use is plant safe.

• Check variegated plants for shoots that have reverted to all green. Remove these by trimming them back to the point where the leaves are uniformly variegated.

• Could your garden look better? This is the month when it is stripped to the basic skeleton by winter and when you can assess whether an evergreen shrub, conifer or tree or perhaps an archway, pergola or statue would improve things.

• Construct a cold frame to get early crops going.

• Go through your shed and remove any out of date and discontinued chemicals. The local authority recycling centre should be able to help you dispose of them safely.

• Re-pot perennials and shrubs that are growing in pots. Use good compost and add Osmocote slow release fertiliser to the mix. This will feed the plants for most of the year.

• Liquid feed overwintered pots, window-boxes and hanging baskets.

• Sow geraniums, fibrous rooted begonias, antirrhinum, lobelia, petunias and impatiens. Make sure you use fresh compost, clean seed trays, some heat and fresh water!

• Sow sweet peas in long tube pots or Rootrainers.

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MENDIP TIMES

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WILD BIRD FOOD, PEANUTS, SUNFLOWER HEARTS, MEALWORMS, FAT & SUET TREATS, FEEDERS, NEST BOXES, BIRD TABLES AND MORE!

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WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sundays PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

ELWORTHY Cottage is a one-acre plantsman's garden in a tranquil setting. Island beds, scented plants, clematis, unusual perennials and ornamental trees and shrubs provide year-round interest.

In spring it has pulmonarias, hellebores and more than 350 varieties of snowdrops. The garden is planted to encourage birds, bees and butterflies, resulting in lots of bird song.

There are wildflower areas and a developing wildflower meadow, decorative vegetable garden and living willow screen. There are seats for visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

Address: Elworthy, Taunton TA4 3PX. Contact: Mike & Jenny Spiller, 01984 656427 mike@elworthy-cottage.co.uk www.elworthy-cottage.co.uk Opening dates and time: February 1st, 13th, and 27th, 11am-4.30pm.

Admission: £5, children free. Cashless payment available.

Period of opening by arrangement: February to September.

Snowdrop Festival

EAST Lambrook Manor Gardens is a long-standing supporter of the NGS and its annual NGS Snowdrop Open Day is on Thursday, February 15th, 10am-5pm, when all entry money goes towards supporting the NGS’s nursing and palliative care charities.

Entry £7, U-16s free.

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

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Snowdrop festival may be the last

GARDENING

THROUGHOUT February the famous cottage garden at East Lambrook Manor in Somerset will be celebrating the snowdrop season once again with its annual, and possibly last, Festival of Snowdrops.

The future of the much-loved and quintessentially English cottage garden hangs in the balance as a buyer is sought for the property.

The gardens were created by Margery Fish, who moved to East Lambrook Manor from London with her husband Walter Fish, editor of the Daily Mail, in 1938.

A novice gardener when she arrived at East Lambrook in her mid-40s, Fish became a noted plantswoman and gardening writer and was one of the most important influences on gardening in the 20th century.

Mike Werkmeister and his late wife Gail bought East Lambrook Manor in 2008, having seen a feature about the property and its famous garden being for sale in the Sunday Times.

Mike said: “My late wife Gail, an antenatal teacher and president of the National Childbirth Trust at the time, saw the Malthouse Gallery at East Lambrook Manor as a fabulous teaching space whereas I embraced the garden and nursery.

“I shall be very sorry to say goodbye to both house and garden and would love to find a like-minded buyer to take on the property and keep the garden open to the public, but that is not proving easy in these difficult times.”

The festival is an opportunity to see the fabulous snowdrops in the garden together with additional displays showcasing many of the 140 varieties grown there. The festival will also feature steel snowdrop sculptures by Chris Kampf and tours of the snowdrops, with around 80 varieties for sale in the nursery.

East Lambrook Manor is being marketed by Savills for a guide price of £1.95m.

Details: www.eastlambrook.com

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 45

MENDIP TIMES

For crying out loud

Wassail – Frome-style

WASSAIL will return for a second year to the Weylands community space in Frome – but with a twist.

The celebrations, on Saturday, February 3rd, will include a contest to find a new town crier for Frome following the retirement last year of Mike Bishop.

The selection process will include writing and reading out a short, wassail-themed poem and trying out the crier’s bell.

Last year’s wassail followed the community planting of fruit trees on the site, off Whatcombe Road. The Frome wassail will once again include music by Frome Street Bandits, a procession to the trees to gift cider and toast, led by Annabelle Macfadyen and other performers, and craft activities for children, making musical wassail sticks.

Town councillor Anita Collier said: “Town criers are a longstanding part of our history, just like wassailing, and as making a loud noise is part of the wassailing tradition, it feels entirely fitting to combine the wassail with choosing our new town crier!

“In the digital age, we no longer rely on criers for breaking news, but they have a wonderful role to play in town events and we’re delighted that Mike has been so generous in offering several costumes, his bell and scroll to the new crier, if they wish to use them.”

Charly Le Marchant, from Tree Group Frome, said: “We want to welcome back all of the community that have been involved in our tree planting events over the years and those from the community who just want an excuse to get outside with good cheer and company at the coldest time of the year.”

The wassail begins at 1.30pm and event is supported by Frome Town Council, alongside the Tree Group Frome and Wood for the Trees.

For details, find The Tree Group Frome on Facebook

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Wellbeing awards in Westfield

Phil Wilkinson with Westfield Primary School

GRANTS of up to £1,000 each have been awarded by Westfield Parish Council to 13 organisations which support the community in the area.

Recipients included Citizen’s Advice Bath, for recruiting and training volunteers, Westfield Primary School, to create an outside classroom, Trinity Girls Brigade, towards a coach to take the girls on their summer camp and Westfield Voices, for updating their sound equipment for performances.

This year, the grant committee was pleased to offer an award to HeartTalks, a new group in the area offering help and support to any family bereaved in miscarriage or childbirth.

Parish council chairman, Phil Wilkinson, said: “It was great to be able to celebrate these wonderful organisations who do so much for our community. The parish council is very proud of our grant scheme and the good causes that the money goes towards.”

The awards evening also coincided with the presentation of prizes to local winners of South West in Bloom, including Westfield in Bloom, for their contribution to the local environment, and Westfield Primary School, with a special award for inclusivity awarded to local charity SWALLOW.

Light up Radstock’s night

RADSTOCK is to host its first lantern parade on Friday, February 2nd thanks to a collaboration between the town council and Lamplighter Arts CIC. The theme will be Brigid and the Bear and two free workshops will be held on Saturday, January 27th and Sunday, January 28th, led by professional lantern artists, at Radstock Youth Hub. Alternatively, home lantern making kits are available from the Radstock Community Hub and Library.

The procession, with students from Trinity Church School, will gather at the hub at 4.30pm to make it way to the town centre for a live performance.

The workshops take place between 10am and 4pm.

For details, email: office@radstock-tc.gov.uk

(Photo courtesy of JNorton Radstock Photographic Club)

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Target closer

WINSCOMBE Community Association has received a £300,000 grant from the UK Government Community Ownership scheme towards its WiNSpace project to upgrade the community centre and provide a new building.

The grant bid was supported by the parish council and local MP John Penrose. They have other grant applications currently being assessed, including £200,000 from the National Lottery, which they should hear about soon.

They now have 75% of the funding needed and are looking for the community to support them with the last push, either by donating via their website or donation station at the community centre or to lend a hand with the project.

Details: http://winspace.org.uk/support

New rector

THE United Parish of East and West Harptree and Hinton Blewett is joining with the parishes of Compton Martin and Blagdon and Ubley to form a new benefice, to be called Chew Valley South It will have a new full-time priest in charge, the Rev Katrina Dykes. She and husband Phil are moving from Suffolk where she has been in charge of nine rural churches.

She will start formally on February 8th when she will be licensed by the Bishop of Bath and Wells at St Laurence, East Harptree.

COMMUNITY

New community projects

TEN new community projects have been approved for the Somer Valley, including a bespoke taxi service on a side-byside tandem trike, an arts trail, a Forest School for adults and handweaving sessions for people with learning disabilities, all free for people to access.

The projects have been awarded a share of £115,000 from the Willson Grant, a two-year fund to encourage walking, cycling and wheeling and support good mental health through use of arts, culture or green events and activities.

The grants support individuals, community groups, microbusinesses, freelancers and organisations to launch or offer free active travel, creative, sustainable and cultural projects.

The Willson Grant is named after Jenny Willson, a Bath & North East Somerset Council employee who passed away at the beginning of 2023 and was instrumental in the development of the successful bid for national funding for The Active Way. The Active Way is Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Active Travel Social Prescribing Project which is funded through Active Travel England. It is a pilot taking place in the Somer Valley area which includes Radstock, Westfield, Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Timsbury and Peasedown St John.

Café’s birthday celebrations

Peasedown party

Some of the team: (l to r) Elizabeth, Caroline, Tim and Jane with Rachel (seated), who was visiting as a customer

PEASEDOWN’S popular Party in the Park has its first sponsor for 2024 - St John’s Church, who run an extensive range of community projects and initiatives across the village.

The 15th festival is on Saturday, June 8th on Beacon Field in the village, 11.30am-7pm.

Details: info@peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

A VILLAGE hall café run entirely by volunteers began 2024 by celebrating its first birthday.

The Oakleaf Community Café, at Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall, was set up as part of an initiative to enhance village life and encourage more people to make use of the facilities. It also helps raise funds for the hall and the Recreation Field where it is based.

The team has exceeded its turnover target and been able to extend the opening hours to 9.30am-3.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For details, find Oakleaf Community Café on Facebook

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 47

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MENDIP TIMES

Lanterns shine a light on Shepton HUNDREDS of people took part in the annual lantern parade through Shepton Mallet town centre.

The parade of handmade paper lanterns – many made at a series of workshops – began in Collett Park before making its way to the Market Place led by the Jamma de Samba band and the Little Big Horns.

The procession heads towards the town centre

Little heroes: Harry, Edie, Rupert and Oliver

The parade’s iconic pangolin lantern made by local artist Mandy McKenna

Heather, Toby and Harry PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Let it snow!

Ismay and Nicolle at one of the workshops

This lantern is the cat’s whiskers

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Successful year

Pictured (l to r) Ian Sheppard, Trish Van Haaren and Josie Knott

IT’S been another good year for Congresbury Community Café, according to manager, Ian Sheppard, with no increase in prices and a total of over £4,000 donated to local groups and charities.

This included £200 for the Senior Citizens Christmas lunch, £700 to Great Western Air ambulance, £1,000 to Macmillan Cancer, £600 to St. Andrew's School, £500 to the Swiss Air Disaster 50th anniversary garden, £400 to Congresbury Youth Partnership and £500 to Vine Counselling, for their work with children and young people.

The Glut Market, selling donated plants and produce, generated an additional £354. Ian thanked Lisa and Neil of Debbie Fortune for the use of their premises and the volunteers for their sterling efforts over the year.

COMMUNITY

New soup lunches

Pictured (l to r) Jane Garner, Jane James, Sally Daniels and Jenny Comber

SOUP lunches have started in Pensford to help people get out of their houses and meet others socially. They are being held fortnightly at the Old Schoolroom and the first proved to be a great success.

One of those in charge, Eilish McNickel, said: “It is somewhere for them to go and enjoy a warm meal with others, enjoy other people’s company and even make new friends.”

There’s no charge, but donations made a profit of £36, which will be used to buy a slow cooker. The next lunches are on February 7th and 21st, 12noon-2pm.

Aid for Ukraine

WRINGTON Vale Rotary’s past president, Bob Preedy, has completed the 1200-mile journey to deliver a four-wheel truck and supplies to Ukraine.

He was part of a 37-vehicle convoy, which was part of the Pickups for Peace initiative originally organised by Scottish Farmers.

Bob said: “The photograph of the cemetery reminds us of their desperate plight.

This was a wonderful contribution to the people of Ukraine carried out in the best spirit of Rotary.”

The serving team (l to r) Jane Flower, Eilish McNickel, Pam King, Catherine Miller and Jane Garner

Details: Jane Garner 07780 677253 or Eilish McNickel 07907 910520

Lions active

CHEDDAR Vale Lions are predicting a busy year, starting with a jumble sale on Saturday, February 24th in Cheddar Village Hall at 2pm. Donations can be accepted from 12noon on the day.

They are continuing their collections for Ukraine, especially sleeping bags, tents, all baby items and medical aid. They are also planning their third Country Music Festival being held on May 18th/19th at Petruth Paddocks, Cheddar BS27 3FS. Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 49

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MENDIP TIMES

District chairman’s visit

FROME Inner Wheel welcomed District 20 chairman Janet Fulford, from Shepton Mallet, to their January meeting where she talked about her plans for her year in office, including a charity walk in Cornwall. l The club is hosting a “Soup & Puds” event to raise funds for international committee Janet (left) with club president projects on Saturday, Yvonne Colvill February 19th at Chapmanslade Village Hall from 12-2pm. All welcome. To book, call Sheridan Curtis on 07816 401389.

Lions’ award

Don’t despair – repair

STREET is starting its own Repair Café for people who have items that need fixing. It will be held in the Quaker Meeting House, 36, High Street BA16 0EB on the fourth Saturday of the month, 10am-12pm, starting on February 24th.

Organisers say the main purpose is to save items from going into landfill. And while you wait for your item to be repaired you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious homemade cake.

The Repair Café concept started in the Netherlands in 2009 and the Repair Café International Foundation was set up to provide support to local groups around the world.

Repair cafes are now extremely popular community events, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Details: streetrepaircafe@gmail.com

MEMBERS of Glastonbury and Street Lions Club presented a certificate to Morrisons in Glastonbury to thank their customers for donating £700.24. These funds will be used to support mainly local causes and groups.

Pictured (l to r) Lion John Mulliner, Morrisons community champion Stella, Lion president Derek Green and Lions Ronnie Harkness and Rod Speed.

Donate unwanted devices to end digital exclusion

FROME town council is hosting a tech amnesty with Somerset CIC Donate IT at Frome Town Hall on Sunday, January 28th, from 10am to 1pm.

Donate IT collect, refurbish and redistribute phones, laptops, tablets and other digital devices to people who need them.

Anyone with devices to donate can bring them to the drop-off point in the town hall car park to hand to Donate IT volunteers.

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Library use increases

PEASEDOWN St John’s Community Library, which opened in October 2019 as part of B&NES Council’s network of community services, has seen a big growth in users.

Up to 300 books a month are now being issued compared to 150 books a month during the year before.

Operations manager, Cllr Karen Walker, said: “More people are using community facilities again after the Covid pandemic, people recognise that reading is good for our mental health, plus we have a dedicated team of volunteers who make people feel welcome whenever they visit!”

Details: peasedownlibrary@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/PSJCommunityLibrary

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COMMUNITY

Tidy-up time

Supporting wildlife

TAKING a walk along the Strawberry Line after the New Year’s celebrations, Louise and Barry Walsh, from Axbridge, noticed how shabby the intersection on the A38 at Shute Shelve had become.

Barry said: “The Strawberry Line attracts many ramblers and tourists all year round, so seeing how tired the section had become and probably stay that way for the foreseeable future, and also due to Somerset Council’s financial situation, I decided to roll up my sleeves and take it on myself.”

The following weekend Barry cleared one side of the A38 and posted his efforts on the Axbridge Community Group on Facebook.

The following weekend he was joined by Axbridge residents Manon Fry and Sally Batt (left) and together they finished clearing the area.

The queue

THERE were queues through the village for The Chew Valley branch of Avon Wildlife Trust’s annual jumble sale, which raised around £900.

One of the organisers, Annie Sewart, said: “It was a very good result. Lots of people went away carrying lots of bargains and helping a good cause as a result.”

Skittlers’ sweet success

Pictured (l to r) Diane Gardner, Debbie Jones and Rosemary Campbell

Hospice cheque Rotary on a roll

AFTER winning the Rotary Mid Wessex, District 1200 Skittles Tournament Plate last season, the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton & Radstock got the new year off to a terrific start by beating Bathavon Rotary at Peasedown St. John Cricket Club.

District 1200 is made up of 46 clubs and covers most of Somerset, parts of Wiltshire to the east and as far south as Lyme Regis and the Isle of Portland. Consequently, the club is eagerly anticipating a lot of evenings on the road to get to the various matches.

The club has now been drawn to play the Rotary Club of Westbury, date and place to be announced.

Pictured (l to r) Lucie Perryman, Alison Willins, Vivienne Bailey and Carole Parker-Kempson

LUCIE Perryman from the Children’s Hospice South West was the guest at Banwell WI’s January meeting. The WI presented a cheque for £445 and plans to visit the hospice in April.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

Millie’s moments – testing your mental health

NO-ONE likes being wrong, but one of the keys to being mentally healthy is to spot when you are, admit it and laugh about it. This fabulous story was told to me by a high-flying friend . . .

“My life is ridiculously busy, as a businesswoman and a mother, and I

By Dr PHIL HAMMOND choose for it to be that way. But I very rarely get time to myself and when I do it’s really precious. I was flying out to a conference and, rather amazingly, got through airport security very quickly.

“That gave me 45 minutes on the other side before I had to go to my gate; 45 minutes to myself is almost unheard of.

So, I thought I’m really going to pamper myself. I don’t normally eat cookies, but I thought, why not?

“I went to Millie’s Cookies and they were doing a special offer of three in a bag. They weren’t the huge ones; they were smaller and I really fancied them. So, I bought a bag of three, smallish cookies, I bought a trashy magazine and I got myself a cup of builders’ tea. Bliss.

“The airport was crowded and there weren’t many seats, but I sat down opposite a man I thought was Japanese. He smiled and nodded and I took the seat. I put my magazine down, had a sip of tea and went for my first cookie. The Japanese man reached out and got in there first. He took a cookie out of my bag, put it in his mouth and ate it. Smiling.

“I was shocked, and then quite angry, obviously, but I was also determined not to let this spoil my special time. I wasn’t going to make a big fuss over this. And I thought he probably just didn’t understand the way we do things. So I gave him the evils, really stared him down, and he looked down, and a bit awkward.

“I went for the second cookie and he went for it at the same time. He hadn’t even finished the first. He wasn’t smiling quite so much, and I was quite forceful. I think I might have said ‘No!’, a bit like you talk to the dogs or the children when they’re naughty.

“I actually got to the cookie first and again stared him down while I ate it. I can’t remember what it tasted like, because I was too busy staring. He looked down, but I thought he was still clocking me.

“I was starting to get quite anxious about the third and final cookie, but there was nowhere else to sit and besides, why should I move? I went for it first but he was straight in after me, like a snake. Unbelievable. We both got a hand on the cookie and were wrestling over it.

“I work out and I have quite a firm grip but so did he. We were moving around quite a bit and I sensed people watching us. But I was determined to win and I thought I was going to.

Then I knocked my tea all over my magazine. And a little bit

over my dress. The precious moment was well and truly ruined.

“The Japanese man won the cookie, obviously. He broke it in half, gave half to me – as if that would make up for my wet dress – popped the other half in his mouth, smiled again, and went off to get his plane. I was very, very angry but also in control.

“I’m used to having difficult conversations in a senior management position, and I thought I just need to give this man some feedback. He needs to know that’s not how we behave in this country, otherwise he might keep on doing this. And he needs to know that he ruined what should’ve been quite a special time for me. So, I decided to follow him and tell him.

“I picked up my sodden magazine to bin it, and underneath it was an identical bag of Millie’s cookies. He’d obviously seen the same offer and bought the same bag as me. I’d plonked the mag down on top of mine and I’d been eating his cookies.

“He very kindly let me. I bet he was thinking ‘who is this mad English woman, doesn’t she know the rules of cookies?’

I hate ever admitting that I’m wrong, but this taught me that my thoughts are sometimes completely wrong. They’re just flashes of electricity in the brain, and they can be very firmly held and complete nonsense at the same time.

“Whenever I have to have a difficult conversation at home or at work now, I make absolutely sure I’ve gathered all the evidence I can gather, and established as many of the facts as I can. It’s actually made me a much better manager and mother!

“And when I have thoughts that turn out to be completely wrong, I don’t beat myself up. I call them Millie’s moments and I laugh at them. And then I stamp on them.”

Dr Phil’s new 8-part podcast “Doctor Doctor” is available on BBC Sounds and includes doctors talking about their mistakes . . .

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

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HEALTH & FAMILY

Notaro Care Homes – caring when it matters most WITH 40 years of experience, Notaro Care Homes have gone from one home in Torquay to 11 homes in North Somerset, Somerset and Devon.

Not only have they physically expanded but they have developed their services too, offering nursing care, specialist care for those with alcohol-related brain damage, respite care, palliative care and care for those with learning and mental health difficulties.

Founder and managing director, Nunzio Notaro, said: “Our family-run organisation remains loyal to our core principals set out back in 1984; we remain committed to delivering not just good, but exceptional care to residents and we extend that support to our residents’ family and friends.

“We are regarded as a leading provider of quality care homes by healthcare professionals and the general public alike.”

Notaro Homes take into account the needs, thoughts and wishes of residents, and their loved-ones, to provide the best care possible. They say their reason for doing so is simple; to create a care package as unique as the individual they provide care for.

The look and design of Notaro Care Homes is not what you might picture when you think of a care home. Casa di Lusso located in Bridgwater is a state of the art, purpose-built dementia

care home which looks more like a modern hotel than a traditional care home.

The home boasts a cinema room, garden room, sunroom, café, hairdressing salon and a petting farm.

A daughter of a resident recently left a review stating: “My father has been a resident of Casa di Lusso since September 2019.

Everyone from the carers, nurses, housekeeping, maintenance, activities and management teams treat residents with care, dignity and respect, they take the time to talk to the residents by name and there is a unique person-centred approach with each resident.”

Details: notarohomes.co.uk or call 01934 422822

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN AT COXLEY, WELLS

The MOBILITY SHOWROOM

OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK AT COXLEY BUSINESS PARK (ON THE A39), COXLEY, WELLS BA5 1RQ • TEL: 01749 705657

ADJUSTABLE BEDS RISE & RECLINE CHAIRS MOBILITY SCOOTERS WHEELCHAIRS & WALKING AIDS DAILY LIVING PRODUCTS STAIRLIFTS

Open six days a week with l Large, fully stocked showroom l Friendly local business l Free, easy and level car parking

Also at: Melksham | Warminster | Trudoxhill (nr. Frome) | Shepton Mallet PART OF OUR FAMILY OF SHOWROOMS

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk

COURT HOUSE

AWARD WINNING CARE HOME

e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered.

Rated by the CQC as good in all areas

e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

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HEALTH & FAMILY

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 55

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What’s your farm worth?

SYMONDS & Sampson is once again providing its popular Free Farm Valuation Week for possible sales of farms, estates, smallholdings, land and rural properties. Farmers and landowners across the South West are invited to take advantage of the offer.

Andrew Tuffin, head of the farm agency department, said: “This is a chance to get an up-to-date market appraisal of your property. We cover the whole spectrum, from estates to paddocks and commercial farms to development opportunities. For landowners considering their options for the future, it’s a great opportunity to benefit from some free expert advice.”

In 2023 we saw a 15% increase in the supply of land to the market, the first time we have seen a double digit percentage increase in ten years. Rising interest rates also started influencing buyers’ appetite, therefore the land market cooled a little.

However, buyer demand remains strong with a much more diverse range of buyers seeking land. A general election year may see some vendors wait for clarity, therefore 2024 could be a good year to sell.

HOMES & PROPERTY

Our Devizes and Tiverton offices are going from strength to strength offering several farms and blocks of land across Wiltshire and Devon to add to our traditional strongholds in Dorset and Somerset and we have linked up with Cornish agents Millerson to offer auction properties across Cornwall.

To take advantage of our expertise and increasing coverage please contact Andrew Tuffin on 01258 472244 or one of the Farm Agents in your nearest office to discuss your property, the market and values

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 57

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MENDIP TIMES

Auction (Unless sold before) Tuesday 26 March 2024

Smallholding with 10 acres Nr. Winford As a whole or in 3 lots Barn Conversion Guide price £575,000 Land at Winford Land at Banwell 2 acres Land at Clutton 5 acres and Penford 2 acre Land at Whitchurch 22 acres Further entries invited

Classic Traditional Barns with Planning Permission 2 Dwellings

Development site 3 Plots Butcombe Guide price £900,000

WANTED DEVELOPMENT LAND www.nancekivellandpartners.co.uk richard@nancekivellandpartners.co.uk

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Maternity leave cover. Fixed term contract (12 months, open for review at end). Full time (Mon-Fri, 9-5).

Computer literate. Good communication skills.

Working as part of a small team. Punctual & reliable.

General office duties (full job description available on request). Based Wincanton.

Application closing date 5th February 2024 For further information or to apply, please send e-mail/CV through to info@hhpltd.co.uk

GROUNDWORKER

Experienced. Full time employed position. Weekly pay.

Immediate start available.

Please apply through our Office

From product advice to a full bathroom re-design, we are delighted to help you with your bathroom plans.

Whatever the size of your space or your budget, we’re here to help.

Visit our Showroom today!

AN INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN BATHROOM SHOWROOM AND DESIGN STUDIO

CALL US ON 01934 906516 info@blossombathrooms.co.uk | www.blossombathrooms.co.uk Unit 2C, Cheddar Business Park, Wedmore Road, Cheddar BS27 3EB

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

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February is all about anticipation

THE weather is cold, the gardens are hibernating and the nights still draw in early.

So, as we start what I expect will be a fifth successful year, you might ask why I am so cheerful? The reason is that I am excited about the superb properties being prepared for the market which we will launch in the coming weeks, just as spring brings the Chew Valley to life.

I am delighted that so many people have taken us up on our offer of advising them on how to get their houses ready for sale. That might be painting a room or just sorting out those little jobs you have been meaning to do, but just never quite got round to.

That service is just one of the many ways we go the

extra mile to help our clients ensure they maximise the value of their most important asset. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk, which is why our pledge of “Dedication, Imagination and Delivery” has made us the Chew Valley agent of choice.

The statistics prove that our share of the market is consistently substantially above any other agent in the area, which has made it difficult for some to compete with our level of performance.

It gives me no pleasure from seeing competitors drop out of the market, but there is a sense of satisfaction that my team is delivering such a high class of service that others simply cannot match us.

We sell houses at all times

HOMES & PROPERTY

of the year but I always say that the moment the clocks go forward is when the market really springs to life. I think that will be even more true this year, partly because mortgage lenders are becoming friendlier and offers more affordable.

National assessments, which had indicated another year of falling prices are being revised, which means demand for properties in our own micro-climate is certain to increase.

With that in mind, this is a great time to make use of the instant valuation tool on our website, joannatiley.com which will give you a sense of the current price you can expect to realise on your property.

It is just the beginning of a conversation, during which we can bring in our unrivalled knowledge of the detail of the local market, so we can provide you with a truly bespoke service.

We are passionate about selling houses and using our experience to help our clients get the most for their property.

We are approaching the most exciting part of the year so do get in touch because I can’t wait to get you moving.

JOANNA TILEY

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Where should I ride and who with?

SOMETIMES I get asked “do you know a good bike ride?” It’s a tricky one to answer, not least because first of all I have to make a judgement about the ability of the person asking the question. But more importantly than that it depends on what is meant by good.

CYCLING with EDMUND It’s something I like to think about LODITE before I set out on two wheels i.e. what is going to make this ride good. It’s not always that straightforward to answer either – “good” can mean different things at different times, and to different riders.

I’m not saying that there are “bad” rides, there is always something to be gained from being out on a bike. When I crossed the Avonmouth Bridge alongside the M5 during a circuit of the Avon Cycleway it wasn’t that pleasant, but it was certainly unusual.

After cycling along traffic free paths to then have trucks and cars driving nearby at 70 mph, was just a really weird experience.

A good ride can be made up from any combination of the route, the scenery and points of interest and, anything random that happens along the way!

Across Mendip, there is a variety of terrain and scenery that provide great options for a cycle route. From the flat Somerset Levels to the climbs up the Mendip Hills and from the Chew Valley Lakes to the Bristol Channel coastline there is plenty to choose from.

The days of reading an OS map when planning a route and considering the contours and geographical features are long gone. As are the pauses during the bike ride when the map needed to be unfolded to check directions. Now there are plenty of apps (mostly free) that allow a route to be plotted and its profile displayed.

Loading the route onto a phone to display turn by turn directions just makes the whole process of following a route much easier if you want to. Most times though I still like to follow my nose, and if I take a wrong turn then I am

SPORT

exploring!

Sportives take the hassle out of planning a route. They attract a lot of participants because the rider can follow signs along the way. Now, it is possible to copy those routes and then ride it anytime – but what makes these “great” rides is the mass participation. That is more important than the route.

The same is true to some extent with cycle club group rides.

A leader will create a route for the group to follow, but here the social interaction and banter during the ride is just as important as the route.

In a large group ride quite often the views and scenery along the route are lost. I remember watching a stage of the Tour de France where there had been some spectacular scenery.

I think it was Mark Cavendish who was asked by the commentator what he thought of it after the race, and he said: “Never saw it, all I saw today was the wheel of the guy immediately in front of me.”

This throws up an interesting question – is it better to ride alone or choose a partner to ride with?

There’s no doubt that one of cycling’s great pleasures is going for a ride with someone else. It’s a chance to share the experience, a bit of conversation, and a tiny bit of competition. But it can be hard to find the right rider, looking for the same sort of ride.

No two riders are the same and this most common of cycling problems is the hardest to solve. If you don’t know each other’s riding and continue to ride side by side, it becomes a mutually assured destruction ride. Both end up riding a little faster than they want to but at the same time thinking: “I wish they would slow down just a little”.

There are occasional moments when a great bike ride is topped by some even more random magical moments. I have several examples of that, but my favourite is when I cycled up Mt Ventoux with my friend Andy (who was ahead of me most of the time!).

As we each reached the summit a group of older German tourists applauded. As we basked in our glory they asked if they could borrow our bikes for some photographs. They then posed for photos as though they had just cycled up there themselves. They were brilliant – who said Germans have no sense of humour!

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ACROSS: 1. Humidifier 6. Alms 10. Ennui 11. Retriever 12. Ladylike 13. Felon 15. Agelong 17. Earshot 19. T.S.Eliot 21. Heroism 22. Emcee 24. Lamb chop 27. Archivist 28. Eclat 29. Yoyo 30. Aggression. DOWN: 1. Heed 2. Manganese 3. Dairy 4. Farming 5. Extreme 7. Level 8. Springtime 9. Pilferer 14. Castle Cary 16. Olive oil 18. Hoi polloi 20. Telling 21. Hamster 23. Cocky 25. Chews 26. Stun MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024 • PAGE 63

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MENDIP TIMES

Sri Lanka bound

Presentation lunch

ROBERT Patch, aged 14, from Winford (pictured left) has been selected by Somerset County Cricket Club for a tour of Sri Lanka.

The Chew Valley School pupil has been bowling for Blagdon’s Ist XI for the last year. The 13-day tour this month includes a boys’ and girls’ U-15s team and girls’ U-18s.

Robert said: “I’ve always been massively into cricket.”

He’s pictured with his cousin, Freddie, aged, 18, from Nempnett Thrubwell, a member of Chew Valley Rugby’s Colts team who reached the last 16 of the National Colts Cup before losing 27-12 to Ivybridge.

Freddie is going on a tour of South Africa with Hartpury College.

THE seniors’ section of Fosseway Golf Club celebrated another enjoyable season with a presentation lunch at the Centurion Hotel, Midsomer Norton.

Seniors’ secretary, Alan Jones, looked back on a season that had been a good one for the social team with four wins, three defeats and one halved match away to Cannington.

He said that there had been sadness with the deaths of two playing members Nick Foxwell and John Waters and that of a former member John Drybergh.

The player of the year award for the Roger Tabb Trophy went to Alan White who had an outstanding season winning the Rupert Moore Championship, the Rod Bruce Scratch Championship, the John Appleton Cup for the over 75s and the Don Shearn Trophy.

Club’s “takeover” of Parkrun MEMBERS of Somer Athletic Club stepped in to oversee the first Five Arches parkrun of the year in Radstock to give the usual volunteers a well-earned break.

They acted as marshals on the route and managed the timings and results – so

More than 200 people took part in the run

many offered to help that some club members were able to take part, with the club’s Tyler Maule leading home the field of 207 runners.

Parkrun launched in Radstock in September and takes place each Saturday.

It was the result of an initiative by staff at Hope House Surgery in the town and a number of people from the club, which runs regular Couch to 5k courses for beginners or people returning to running.

Out in front – Tyler Maule

For details about the club, email hello@somerac.org.uk or visit their Facebook or Instagram pages

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SPORT

Making muddy waves at Lamb’s Lair AROUND 60 motocross enthusiasts competed in the New Year’s Day Eco Angus Time Trial at Lamb’s Lair, near West Harptree.

The fully subscribed event was organised by the North Somerset (Bristol) Motor Sport Club; their next event is due to be the Terry Bunn Trophy Time Trial near Lulsgate on February 4th.

Down but not out: a rider takes a tumble but is able to get going again Riders set off in pairs at two second intervals

Conal McDonough (left) gets ahead of Nick Shephard

Andy Scudamore emerging from a muddy puddle

John Doddy at the start

Simon Legg in action

For details, find the club on Facebook

William Ell in a festive outfit

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Getting ready for spring

THERE’S no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing, so the saying goes, and since I opened my big soft Christmas present and discovered an With JANE Equidry, I have to PATERSON agree. For anyone out there who spends hours outside in all weathers, I’d say put it on your wishlist if it isn’t already hanging on your peg by the back door.

I haven’t been so warm and dry since I was too young to notice and for anyone wondering what an Equidry is, just look around at winter horsey activity gatherings and you will see them in all sizes and colours. A long voluminous, cosy, fleeced lined apparition with a hood. Magic. Love it.

I had to buy my own new wellies though, Santa’s generosity didn’t stretch to those as well, but hey ho the new ones reminded me how comfy you can be despite the rain, wind, and freezing conditions we have had and can expect for a while yet, so I didn’t begrudge the purchase, (much!)

The hardiest of Mendip children have been out competing throughout January, come rain or shine. Getting up in the dark

Charlotte and Harry

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to load up and travel in the cold is commendable commitment on their part (not to mention their mums and dads) so it’s a bonus if they come home with a rosette and maybe a bit of prize money.

Locally, Isabella Penfold won her 80cm. class at the Pony Club Arena Eventing at the Dorset Showground, on her recently acquired Bramble. A fairly new partnership, they are making great strides and will be fun to watch in the months ahead. Stepping up to a larger mount is a real challenge for young riders and it takes a while to gel with a new pony and develop a strong bond and trust.

Charlotte Smith on the lovely Harry was in the Sidcot School team which came 1st in the 70cm, and 2nd in the 80cm in the NSEA Eventers Challenge Qualifier at Kings Sedgemoor, so they will now be going to Hickstead in May for the final.

How exciting is that?

Charlotte and Harry also came individual 2nd in both classes, justifying their welldeserved place on the team. William Falango came 3rd in the British Showjumping Newcomers class at CCR Gloucester, riding the Fairlight Stud’s Fairlight Fairytale.

He is aiming higher and higher on this talented mare who isn’t always the easiest ride and they are working hard to try and keep up the clear rounds. Well done all three, and good luck for the season ahead.

Last summer we bought a youngster from Ireland, who had been broken in and lightly backed. He travelled from Galway and crossed on the ferry with no problems, arriving safely much to our relief.

After a couple of months of settling down and having a bit of schooling and light riding, we turned him out for the winter so that he could just be a horse and have some fun with his mates. He looked lovely and sleek when he went out, finely tuned with a shiny coat and smartly pulled mane.

Five months on he looks completely different! Hairy and muddy with a fairly

Isabella and Bramble

full tummy, he is very happy and contented where he is, but he will have to come back soon and carry on with his education. I think we are in for some fun, but he is a very friendly chap who is quite nosey and bold, so here’s hoping he turns out to be a good buy. We shall see. Watch this space.

The season for jump racing and point to point as usual is having to grapple with cancellations, flooding, and soft going. It was reported that some of Paul Nicholls’s horses at Ditcheat had to be evacuated from their stables at 10.30 one night due to flooding.

Apparently, the water came up very suddenly but also went very quickly, so it was a short and sharp emergency, but nonetheless it just proves how constant vigilance can stave off disasters. It’s a huge responsibility having animals in your care, and however tired and cold you might be, they still have to be looked after and checked on.

We have a couple of tough months ahead but getting ready for spring always did have its challenges and our horses will need to be fit and ready to go when the warmer weather comes, so get planning your fitness programme and look forward to getting out there again and having some fun.

It’s Badminton Horse trials in just over 16 weeks’ time with the Olympics following hot on its heels. That sounds incredible but it will happen, ready or not.

It’s going to be an exciting year whether you ride, compete, or spectate. Enjoy!

Working with horses can restore your va va voom!

WE have been welcoming a new group of volunteers this spring after a lovely write up in the Mendip Times last month and I can already see how much coming out to us has helped them.

It’s always good to have laughter and smiling faces around and even if you don't feel like venturing out (particularly when it’s cold and wet), you will be so glad that you did.

If you have lost your motivation, how do you get back on track or even become that active “out there” person achieving lots every day? The secret is to pick something fun or interesting. Take that first step out the door and have a go.

It really doesn’t matter what it is, but spending time around horses is definitely up there!

I have often noticed that people who volunteer at our stables, who come out just to be around the ponies, to give them a brush and a fuss or to help lead our disabled riders are a happy bunch of people; they get so much out of the time they spend with us and look forward to their next visit.

If you are spending too much time feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, depressed, lonely it’s really hard to break out of that situation.

So, if you are reading this and thinking it might help you please come and join us; you don't have to be fantastically fit, just willing to give it a try and find out if Winston Churchill was right when he said: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” and I think we can take that as “woman” as well.

Pat Bishop, Divoky Riding School, Downhead

Race day returns

THE incredibly popular Wylye Valley Pony Club race day is back for 2024 and entries for the seven races are now open.

The meeting, on Saturday, April 27th, is once again being held at Wincanton Racecourse and is open to riders aged nine and upwards, whilst all ponies must be aged between five and 20.

As well as sponsors for each race, support for the day has also come from Paul Nicholls Racing, Mrs Angela Yeoman, Podimore Recycling, The Racing Foundation and Pony Club Area 14. The first race is due off at 1pm.

Entries close on Saturday, April 20th.

To enter, visit: www.horse-events.co.uk

RIDING An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip

Return to riding!

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

H Ride and coffee mornings H Adult group lessons H Quiet Hacks

And here’s an incentive in time for Spring!

Call or email us for more details

Enjoy a special discount off our one-off, one-hour assessment lesson!

Usual cost £66 – available for £60 with this advertisement.

For new customers who have not previously ridden with us.

Beginners or experienced riders. e advertisement must be produced and must be an original, not a copy No cash alternative.

Vouchers valid until March 31st, 2024

Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk • Email: info@divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037

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(Photo courtesy of Kitty’s Equine Photography)

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Anniversary year

TRiniTY Singers, based in Churchill, are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year with some special concerts.

A short Sunday afternoon concert will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Yatton on Sunday, March 17th at 3.30pm.

“Birds, Beasts and the natural World” will include a broad selection of choral arrangements by composers including Lennon and McCartney (Blackbird), haydn (The heavens are Telling), Gibbons (The Swan), Rutter (Willow Song), Lauridsen (Sure on this Shining night) and Flanders and Swann (hippopotamus Song).

The singers will be conducted by their musical director, Andrew Tyrrell, and accompanied by Alison Blundell. The concert will be followed by tea and cakes.

On May 11th there will be a celebratory anniversary concert at All Saints Church, Weston-super-Mare, featuring French and Czech sacred music from the 19th century including works by Franck, Dvořák, Janáček, and Saint- Saëns.

The choir rehearses at 7.30pm every Tuesday at Churchill Primary School and new singers are welcome.

Details: www.trinitysingers.co.uk

He’s behind you

An exciting new chapter for Paige

ACTOR and writer Paige Farnham is preparing to see one of her plays being performed as part of a women writers-only series at the egg Theatre in Bath.

The 28-year-old University of the West of england drama and creative writing graduate, who lives in Paige Farnham at work in Holcombe Radstock, is so excited she has even bought her own tickets for the performance in February.

As well as the show at the egg – part of the Theatre Royal Bath – Uncaged Theatre (a South West based theatre company) will be taking the plays under the banner of Connections on a short tour.

Paige’s play is called “As We Know it” and it is about four teenage friends on the cusp of adulthood faced with the possibility that there is an imminent world-ending threat. it is set in an abandoned car surrounded by junk on an industrial estate. it will be one of four plays to be performed on the night of Friday, February 9th, each 40 minutes long.

Paige, who works as assistant manager at the holcombe Farm Shop and Kitchen, has enjoyed a varied acting career which has taken her to Los Angeles and she has also appeared in a Bollywood film.

She said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to have my work viewed by a wider audience! it’s about a passage of rites by the teenagers; there’s comedy but i hope to punch the audience in the gut with some sad moments.”

For details, visit: www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/connections

Spring concerts Scary monsters

The cast of Croscombe Frolics’ production of Frankenstein the Pantomime by David Swan have been rehearsing for their February half-term performances.

The panto, directed by Jacki Watts, takes place in Croscombe Village hall on Thursday, February 15th, Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th with doors opening at 6.30pm and the show starting at 7.30pm.

Details: Croscombe Village Hall website events page

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The first of Yatton Music Society’s spring concerts at St Mary’s on Saturday, February 3rd will be “Vivaldi by Candlelight” performed by the Bristol ensemble led by Roger huckle.

Music will include Vivaldi’s four seasons, Pachelbel’s canon, Albinoni’s concerto for oboe etc. The church will be lit by candles to create a wonderful atmosphere for beautiful music.

The second concert on Saturday, February 24th will be an evening of sparkling music by the brilliant Rockhampton Wind Quintet, with flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and horn.

Details: www.yms.org.uk

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(Photo courtesy of Celia Hughes, Tyncelyn Photography)

Panto time

MOORLiGhT Theatre Productions staged Sleeping Beauty at the Meyer Theatre in Street.

Band’s successful year

Award winners

FROMe Town Band is continuing to grow after a very busy year and is always looking for volunteers to help support the band at events as well as welcoming any new or experienced players into one of their three bands.

Their fundraising last year will go towards providing free music lessons for their beginners and intermediate band members.

Their Christmas concert was a sell out at the Merlin Theatre, when their annual awards were presented to natalie hanna, best newcomer; Alan Sills, Stannard Award; Katie Jackson, most improved female; Josh Pulman, most improved male; hugh Fowler, Tony Light Award; Lucy ide, musician of the year.

Details: contactfrometownband@gmail.com

Sax appeal

MUSIC & THEATRE

MUSiC from the Cadbury Saxophone band drew villagers from the surrounding area and filled St. Andrew's Church, Congresbury for a morning of carols and foot tapping tunes, which raised £300 for the homeless and for the church.

Choir seeks new director

MenDiP Male Voice Choir’s annual Christmas concert at St John’s Church, Midsomer norton, was a sell-out and followed successful concerts in Timsbury, Oakhill, Combe Down and Peasedown St John.

The 70-strong choir included some 18 new members who joined in September under the choir’s “20 Mendip Men needed” initiative, which raised more than £3,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. however, the concert was the last with Musical Director, Jamie Knights, who plans to leave in the spring after 11 years to spend more time with his family.

Choir chairman, Richard Luscombe, said: “We will be very sorry to see Jamie leave, the choir has blossomed with him, we have great fun, and the rapport Jamie has with the choir and our fabulous accompanist Phil every, who continues with the choir, is exceptional.” efforts are underway to find a replacement.

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

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EVENTS

Blagdon Wassail

Pictured (l to r) Blessing reader Alan Barwick, shooter Roger Keel, Apple Queen Elaine Barwick and wassailing organiser Julie Chamberlain

Pouring cider round the tree

Wassailing the night away in North Wootton THE annual North Wootton Wassail, organised by the MidSomerset Agricultural Society, took place in the community orchard and village hall with live music and performances by the Langport Mummers and the Beetlecrushers step dancing side.

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Wessex Purchase wards away the evil spirits

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Open day

WHAT’S ON

Cheddar u3a rock band

CHEDDAR Valley u3a rounded off 2023 with a winter dance enjoyed by a capacity number of members, dancing the night away to music from their very own rock band. This was followed two weeks later by their festive quiz again a “sell-out” event filled with fun and laughter.

Finally, a week later, their carols with coffee morning made sure everyone was feeling festive. They’re now looking forward to their Open Day on March 2nd at Cheddar Village Hall.

They will be welcoming everyone to drop in and meet members, see displays and demonstrations by some of their groups and generally find out what they have to offer the community. See you there!

Wassail time

THE Mendip Society will hold its wassail in Burrington on Friday, February 9th, meeting in the village hall at 6.30pm to choose the wassail queen.

There will then be a procession to a nearby orchard led by Master of Ceremonies, Les Davies, and the Barley Rye Choir, followed by supper in the hall afterwards.

Details: Judith 01275 874284 secretary@themendipsociety.org.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

T H E

M E N D I P

T I M E S

W H A T ’ S

We’re happy to list entries for non-profit community groups and charity fundraisers free of charge. Please send them written as a succinct single paragraph, in the format below, to annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Entries sent in as posters or which take time to re-write may be charged for at the commercial rate, £25.

Wednesday January 24th Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room (the old Church Room) All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

“Stories under the Ancient Oak” folklore stories of ancient trees by Lisa Schniedau. Free ONLINE event at 7pm. Details: www.avonneedstrees.org.uk/events Thursday January 25th Irish Set Dancing 8pm-10 every Thursday Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PF. £3 incl refreshments (sometimes cake). Fun, friendly, no need to book. Details 01458 210051 paulrharper@btopenworld.com Chew Valley group Avon Wildlife Trust talk about Beavers in Avon by Bevis Watts & Rob Stephens 7.45pm Chew Magna Old School Room, £2.50.

West Mendip Walkers strenuous 8m circular walk starting 9.30am from Ash Lane, Wells, BA5 2LS. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Friday January 26th Radstock Folk Dance Club meets every Friday, 8-10pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Country dancing at a steady speed.

Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3/night incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com Saturday January 27th Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaws etc.

RNLI Winscombe & District Super Quiz: teams up to six, £12pp to incl Ploughman’s.

Cash bar. 7pm Shipham village hall. BS25 1SG. Details: 01934 842304 or email: meejlfh@gmail.com Chew Valley Community Farm Wassail, with folk singer Susanna Waters, 1pm to 3pm.

Saturday Jan 27th and Sunday Jan 28th Radstock Lantern Parade free workshops: 10am to 4pm Radstock Youth Hub BA3 3QG. Parade on Sat Feb 2nd, see below. Details: office@radstock-tc.gov.uk Monday January 29th Cheddar Valley Singers: Mondays 7-8.15pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Contact cheddarvalleysingers@gmail.com Facebook @cheddarvalleysingers Tuesday January 30th Wells & District Wildlife Group: “Climate & Ecological Crisis? What's all the fuss about?” talk by David Ramsden of the Barn Owl Trust, 2.30pm Wells Museum. Details: 01749 677600 or www.wdwg.org.uk Joyful Voices: Fill your afternoon with song!

Tuesdays 1.30 to 3pm Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Contact: joyfulvoicesafternoon@gmail.com Wednesday January 31st Harptrees History Society: Reflections on coal mining in the Pensford Area by Gary Atterton, 7.30pm West Harptree Memorial Hall, BS40 6EG. Visitors welcome £3. Booking essential, please email: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall Details: PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2024

Sheila, 01275 462107.

Sing2breathe for breathlessness – learn techniques for breathing control and improved posture. 1.45 to 3pm every Wednesday, Cheddar Catholic Community Hall. Details: Kate: vocalkate@gmail.com 07595 745884.

Thursday February 1st Chew Valley Death Café meets 12 to 1.30pm in the Community Library Bishop Sutton, first Thursday every month. A safe supportive space to talk about life, death and loss over tea and cake. All welcome. Please contact: bryonyhuntley2019@gmail.com Irish Set Dancing 8pm-10 every Thursday, Dinder Village Hall BA5 3PF. £3 incl refreshments. Fun, friendly, no need to book.

Details 01458 210051 paulrharper@btopenworld.com Cheddar Valley u3a talk by Yeovil Free Wheelers, 2pm Village Hall, Parsons Penn, Cheddar.

Bath Railway Society talk by Andy Cope "the last Wheeltapper” 7.30pm Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Rd, BA1 2RH. £5, tea & coffee.

Congresbury Gardening Club talk by Sally Nex: “A World Under Our Feet” 7.30pm Methodist Hall. Visitors welcome. Details: www.congresburygardeningclub.com West Mendip Walkers moderate 12m circular walk starting 9.30am from Gardeners Arms, Cheddar, BS27 3LE. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Friday February 2nd Save the Children Lunch 12.20pm Shipham village hall. £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese.

Come and join us!

Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society “The Mendip Hospital and its Patients”, talk by Clare Blackmore 2.30pm Wells Museum. Details 01458 851443.

Radstock Lantern Parade: procession starts from Radstock Community Hub & Library, BA3 3PR. Meet 4.30pm.

Saturday February 3rd Frome Society for Local Study: “Caring for and repairing the redundant churches of Wessex” 2.30pm Assembly Rooms, Frome Memorial Theatre, BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome £5.

The Prophecy of Merlin: a story of the Cornish expulsion from Exeter by the Saxons, with Cornish musicians Mike O’Connor and Barbara Griggs. A fundraiser for the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières. Ston Easton Village Hall, BS39 4DA. Tickets £12 from: www.mendipstorycircle.com “Vivaldi by Candlelight” with the Bristol Ensemble, 7.30pm St Mary’s church Yatton.

Tickets £10, students over 16 £5, accompanied children free. Details: www.yms.org.uk Monday February 5th RAFA Mid-Somerset Branch meeting and talk by Baz Hamblin “The Black Buck Mission in Falklands War”, 11am Wells Golf Club, BA5 3DS. Optional lunch, bar open. Details: 01458 224057 or email Lunchrafa.midsomerset@gmail.com

Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

Tuesday February 6th Bath Natural History Society talk by Kate Souter, “Wildlife of Cost Rica”. 7 for 7.30pm BRLI, 16 Queens Square, BA1 2HN. Visitors welcome £3.

Yatton Local History Society: talk by Samantha Ball about the history of Weston Playhouse, 7.30pm Methodist Church, BS49 4DW www.yattonlocalhistorysociety.co.uk Backwell Sequence Dance Club: 7.15-9pm every Tuesday, Backwell WI Hall, BS48 3QW. Dancing couples always welcome. Details: Paul 07710 460550 or email backwellsequencedance@gmail.com The Arts Society Mendip: Edward Seago: from Circus to Sandringham with James Russell, 11am Croscombe Village Hall and Zoom. Guests welcome £10. Details: www.theartssocietymendip.org.uk Wednesday February 7th Kilmersdon Gardeners AGM 7.30pm village hall BA3 5TD. All welcome. www.kilmersdongardeners.org Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers: Grassy Knoll Ukulele Ensemble 2pm3.30 Backwell WI Hall.

Frome Carers Support Group 10.30am Cricket Ground. Details: Cath 07951 944420.

Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room (the old Church Room) All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

Thursday February 8th Chew Valley Gardening Club talk by Mary Payne on “Sustainable gardening for the future” 8pm Stanton Drew Village Hall.

Blagdon Local History Society AGM followed by local 1921 census updates, 2.30pm, Court Lodge.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 9.5m circular walk starting 9.30am from Bruton public car park, BA10 0EH. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Wells Garden Club: “Ecuador: ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, talk by Hilary Little, 7.30pm Wells Town Hall. Details: www.wellsgarden.club Friday February 9th Keynsham Avon Wildlife Trust talk by Rupert and Henry Kirkwood: ‘Elusive mammals of the UK’ 7.30pm Baptist Church Hall, High St BS31 1DS. Visitors welcome £4.50, incl drink.

The Mayor’s Valentine Quiz Wells Town Hall, in support of Heads Up and Whizz Kidz, 7 for 7.30pm, teams of up to six, £5pp (cash only).

Raffle, prize donations welcome, bar, nibbles.

Details: Terry 01749 672342 or terryricketts1948@gmail.com “Wanstrow Climate Change Garden” a talk

by Sally Morgan about adapting gardens to cope with climate change. 7pm Wanstrow Village Hall, BA4 4SX. Tickets £5 from Geoff 07515 868785 or on the door. Refreshments on sale.

Mendip Society Wassail in Burrington, with

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Les Davies and Barley Rye choir, meet in village hall 6.30pm, supper afterwards. Details & to book: Judith 01275 874284 or email secretary@themendipsociety.org.uk Saturday February 10th Brent Knoll Bazaar, Farmer’s Market & Café 10-12 Brent Knoll Parish Hall.

Huckyduck Carnival Club Jumble Sale 2pm Coleford Royal British Legion, BA3 5PB. Please bring donations between 11.30-12.30 or contact any club member to collect. Details on Facebook – Huckyduck Carnival Club.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc.

Sunday February 11th Glastonbury Seedy Sunday: Community seed and tree swap. St Edmund’s Hall, Chinnock Rd. Advice and info from local growing projects, tea and cake.

Monday February 12th Nailsea & District Local History Society: “From Brycgstow to Bristol in 45 Bridges” by Jeff Lucas, 7.45pm Green Lecture Room, Nailsea School. Visitors welcome £3. Details: 01275 463479.

Street Carers Group 10.30am The Crispin Centre. Details: Cath 07951 944420.

Tuesday February 13th Fosseway Gardening Club talk by Clare Hart on “Plants for Problem Areas”, 7.30pm Pylle Village Hall. Visitors £2. All welcome. Details 07772 008594.

Blagdon Pancake Races (weather permitting!)

Pancakes will be served, regardless of the weather, from 1.30 to 4pm. £2 for two pancakes in Blagdon Village Club.

Wednesday February 14th Blagdon Local History Society AGM followed by local 1921 census updates, 2.30pm, Court Lodge, next to village shop BS40 7TQ. Details: www.blagdonlhs.com Wells Folk & Barn Dance Club 7.30-9.30pm St Thomas’s Church Hall, BA5 2UZ. All welcome: 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wed every month.

Details: 01749 674920 or www.wellsfdc.co.uk Shepton Mallet Carers Group 2pm The Brasserie. Details: Cath 07951 944420.

Thursday February 15th to Saturday February 17th Croscombe Frolics: Frankenstein the Pantomime for all ages, 7.30pm Croscombe village hall. Tickets from the George Inn or www.croscombevillagehall.org.uk/upcomingevents/ Thursday February 15th Shepton Mallet Area History Group. Chris Norman: Cutterne and other water mills, smallholding and family connection. 7.30pm at the Salvation Army.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 8m circular walk starting 9.30am from Ring O’Bells, Compton Martin BS40 6JE. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Cheddar Valley u3a Coffee Morning 10am11.30 village hall, Parsons Penn. Cheddar.

Shipham & District Gardening Club: “Nature your neighbour” talk by Colin Higgins, 7.30pm Shipham Village Hall BS25 1SG. Friday February 16th North Somerset Quilters AGM followed by Gary Mills: “Designing and Creative Practice”

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7.30pm Backwell WI Hall, Station Rd, BS48 3QW. Visitors welcome, £6. Details: Karen 01275 463119.

Save the Children Lunch 12.20pm Shipham village hall. £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese.

Come and join us!

Saturday February 17th Frome Society for Local Study: “Somerset: A County of Glorious Gardens” 2.30pm Assembly Rooms, Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB. Visitors welcome £5.

Claverham Market 10am-12pm Village Hall.

Butcher, veg. crafts etc. 01934 830553.

Campbell & Jansen – Ashley Campbell & Thor Jensen with country, Americana and gypsy jazz. Fundraiser for Caryford Hall. Tickets £16: www.caryfordhall.co.uk Sunday February 18th Tunley Coffee Morning 10am -12, Tunley Recreation Centre, Nr Bath BA2 0DZ. Details: Philippa 07849 618221.

Monday February 19th Chew Valley U3A, talk by Dick Hyde about the Barton Camp at Winscombe, 10.30am Ubley Parish Hall.

“Igloo” by Travelling Light, theatre for children. Free performances at 11.30am and 2pm, Trinity Methodist Church, Radstock.

Suitable for babes to 3-year-olds, with their adults. To book, email: office@radstocktc.gov.uk Congresbury Memorial Hall Club Friendship evening with bingo, 8pm War Memorial Hall. Visitors welcome.

Timsbury Natural History Society talk by Brian Plant “Kruger National Park” 7.30pm Conygre Hall BA2 0JQ. Visitors welcome £3.

U16 accompanied by an adult free.

Tuesday February 20th West of England Cricket Society, talk by Tom Abell, Somerset captain 2017–2023, 2pm, Widcombe Social Club, Bath BA2 6AA, 2pm, £5 (to include tea, coffee, biscuits), bar available.

Wednesday February 21st Pensford Super Soup Lunch 12 to 2pm, Old School Room (the old Church Room) All welcome. Details: Jane 07780 677253.

Henton Garden Club: Howard Burnett – “Orchids – an Orchid Doctor’s Surgery” 7.30 Henton Village Hall, on the B3139. Visitors welcome, £5. Details: www.hentongardenclub.weebly.com Friends of Weston Museum: “The work of the Women’s Voluntary Service 1938 to 1947” by Romany Poppitt Price, 2.30pm Weston Museum BS23 1PR. Members £2, Visitors £4. Details: www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemuseum wsm/ Bath RSPB talk by Simon Roy “Adventures of Wildlife Photographer” 7.30pm on Zoom.

Details: Home – Bath & District Local Group (rspb.org.uk) Thursday February 22nd Chew Valley Avon Wildlife Trust: talk by Rupert Higgins “Butterflies in the Chew Valley”– the natural history of butterflies and how to support them, 7.30pm Chew Magna Old School Room. £2.50 incl refreshments.

West Mendip Walkers moderate 12m circular walk starting 9.30am from Blagdon BS40 7RL.

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Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Saturday February 24th Winscombe Jumble Sale, 2pm Community Centre, Sandford Rd, in aid of Old Station Millennium Green. Jumble wanted on morning please. Details: 01934 843461.

Street Repair Café 10am-12 at the Quaker Meeting House, 36 High St, BA16 0EB. Bring your broken items and enjoy tea/coffee and cake. Details: streetrepaircafe@gmail.com Cheddar Vale Lions Jumble Sale, village hall 2pm, deliver items by 12 please. Details: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk Rockhampton Wind Quintet 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Yatton, Tickets and details: www.yms.org.uk Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books etc.

Sunday February 25th Wells and Glastonbury YFC tractor run in aid of Heads Up. Meet 10am for 11am. Start and finish at Worthy Farm, Pilton BA4 4BY. Details: Glastonbury and Wells YFC on Facebook Monday February 26th Axbridge Carers Support Group 2pm Axbridge Town Hall. Details: Cath 07951 944420.

Tuesday February 27th Wells & District Wildlife Group: “The modern bird of prey and urban evolution” a talk

by Naomi Johns, West of England Falconry, 2.30pm Wells Museum. Details 01749 677600 or www.wdwg.org.uk Chilcompton Garden Club talk on “Snowdrops, the fair maid of spring” by Micky Little, 7.30pm Chilcompton Village Hall, BA3 4EX. Visitors welcome.

Wednesday February 28th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support meeting 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Harptrees History Society: The Clifton Observatory, Mary Coward 7.15 for 7.30pm West Harptree Memorial Hall BS40 6EG. Visitors welcome £3. Booking essential. email: info@harptreeshistorysociety.org Thursday February 29th RNLI Winscombe & District AGM, 3pm. For details call Alan 01934 842954, Mary 01934 842075 or e-mail: mary.wallace@hotmail.co.uk West Mendip Walkers moderate 8/9m circular walk starting 9.30am from Nunney Castle car park BA11 4NL. Details: www.mendipramblers.co.uk Friday March 1st Radstock Folk Dance Club meets most Fridays (not Good Friday) 8pm-10pm St Peter's Church Hall, Westfield. Country dancing at a steady speed. Beginners welcome, partners not essential. £3/night incl refreshments. Details: heather.m.leverton@gmail.com Wells Natural History & Archaeological Society AGM, followed by “A visible history of King’s Castle Wood”, a talk by David Cottle, 7.30pm Wells Museum. Details 01458 851443.

Save the Children Lunch 12.20pm Shipham village hall. £5.50 for soup, bread & cheese.

Come and join us!

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MENDIP TIMES

Something for everyone at Snowdrop Festival THE annual Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival opens on Monday, February 12th and promises to appeal to all – from children to adults.

Running each day until Sunday, February 18th, the core events will take place from Friday to Sunday around the town and

further afield and coincide with the halfterm holiday.

Highlights include a poetry trail around the town centre, a “gigantic” words and art exhibition in the Baptist church, stalls, theatre, storytelling, a fashion show and the James Allen Heritage Walk, which

Slugs, shoots and sucker pads: a “found” poetry workshop in the library – using recycled gardening books and magazines – which will form the basis of the poetry trail

WHAT’S ON

celebrates the life of the Victorian plantsman from Shepton Mallet who hybridised wild snowdrops.

Partner gardens for the festival include the town’s own Kilver Court as well as the Bishop’s Palace in Wells and the Yeo Valley Garden at Blagdon.

Louise Murray’s poem

For details, visit: www.sheptonsnowdrops.org

A carpet of snowdrops at the palace

Snowdrops at the palace

THE Bishop Palace’s popular “Snowdrop Month” returns to Wells in February when it is hoped carpets of snowdrops will be welcoming visitors

to the 14 acres of RHS partner gardens.

The team are expecting another bumper year this year and, to complement the themed weekends, visitors can collect printed snowdrop walks to guide them around the moat banks, then across the Willow Bridge to enjoy an arboretum full of the spring flowers. Each weekend little ones can also pick up a children’s trail from the palace ticket office with the reward of a small prize upon completion.

In partnership with the annual Shepton Snowdrops Festival, the palace’s head gardener, James Cross, will also be leading a Winter Interest Walk and Talk on the morning of Thursday, February 15th. Amanda Hirst, from the Shepton festival, will also be talking about James Allen. l Entry, including tours, is included with the 12-month admission ticket and membership.

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