Issue 7 - Volume 12 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

DECEMBER 2016

IN T H I S I S S U E : • CHRISTMAS EVENTS • F O O D & D R IN K • WHAT’S ON • R I D IN G

S E AS O N’S GRE E TI NGS TO A LL OUR RE A DE R S !

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

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Welcome

IT’S a month of emotional contrasts – gladness at the prospect of Christmas – and reflection with thoughts of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

We hear how one branch of the Royal British Legion, Chewton Mendip and Litton, has collected memories of the 19 local men killed during the First World War, while in Long Ashton the Royal British Legion Club has closed and they have moved their Garden of Remembrance.

As preparations for Christmas get into full swing we’ve special features on various communities’ festive plans, as well as pages of food, drink and gift suggestions. Before then tens of thousands of people will have enjoyed our amazing carnivals – we have a picture special.

We salute some of our local community heroes, while Rachel Thompson reports on the charity Back on Track, supporting young people. We hear why Hot Fuzz is making a return to Wells and report on a Somerset rugby refereeing academy.

If you feel the need to work off some Yuletide excess, Sue Gearing offers a bracing walk around Maesbury Hill Fort.

We are also offering you the chance to win a Christmas Hamper from Ford Farm Cheese – just see if you can spot the golden rabbits hidden in the pages of this month’s magazine.

May we wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas.

January 2017 deadline: Friday, 9th December 2016.

Published: Monday, 19th December 2016.

Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk Rachael Abbott rachael@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:

01761 463888

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

Front cover: Festive market in Mells.

Photo by Mark Adler. See page 48.

14

CONTENTS

7

Story time – fun for all at geology festival

Merry Christmas – festive guide to food and drink

92

106

Lest we forget – wearing their poppies with pride

Now for the big time – speedway side’s promotion Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................14 Internet and Crossword..............26 Business ........................................28 Arts & Antiques ...........................36 Charities .......................................50 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......62 Property........................................70 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............78 Community...................................82 Caving Phil Hendy........................90 Music.............................................96 Homes and Interiors....................98 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ..103 Sport............................................106 What’s On ..................................109 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 3

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Frome leads the way

NEWS

Hero honoured in Binegar

A thumbs-up for the plan from Frome town councillors

RESIDENTS of Frome have become the first in the Mendip District Council area to approve a neighbourhood plan which will help shape the future appearance of the town.

A total of 3,631 people voted in a referendum on whether the plan should be adopted – a turnout of 17.9%, with 85.9% voting in favour and 14.1% against.

The Frome Neighbourhood Plan was prepared by Frome Town Council in consultation with residents and community organisations in the town.

Frome town councillor Pippa Goldfinger, chair of FTC’s planning advisory group said: “This is a major step forward in Frome’s campaign to have more say in what is built in the town. The Neighbourhood Plan has engaged hundreds of people in the making. That hard work has now paid off and we have our own planning document that must be considered when Mendip decides whether to approve planning applications.

“The Plan includes really important policies on increasing the amount of community and self-build housing, protecting the river corridor and green spaces in the town and promoting land developed for businesses and job creation.”

Frome’s a crowd

FROME Town Council will launch Crowdfund Frome in January and wants to hear from local community organisations interested in raising money through crowdfunding.

The council has set aside £25,000 to provide match funding to pledge on projects from not-for-profit organisations which will benefit the people of Frome.

Eligible projects include those which build a flourishing and active community, increase environmental sustainability or help with prosperity across the town – and could attract a pledge from the town council of up to £5,000.

Councillor Kate Bielby said: “We believe this pioneering partnership between Frome Town Council and Crowdfunder will be of real benefit to our town. Not only will it stretch our grant funding that much further, it’s a great platform for local innovation and entrepreneurship.”

For details, visit: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/frome

Vi Coombs, who now lives with her husband in Belvedere Cottage, with parish councillor Phil Roberts and a photo of Henry Martin

ONE of the defenders in the historic Battle of Rorke’s Drift has been honoured in his home village of Binegar.

Binegar Parish Council has unveiled its first Blue Plaque in memory of Private Henry Martin (1857–1937).

In January 1879, during the Zulu War, he was one of 139 troops who successfully defended a mission station against an attack by an estimated 4,500 Zulus.

Henry was one of ten children who, apart from his six years in military The blue plaque commemorating Pte service, remained true Martin’s heroism to his Somerset roots and the village. He worked in a local slate quarry – eventually becoming a foreman and was instrumental in establishing the Ashwick and Binegar branch of the Royal British Legion.

He lived in Belvedere Cottage onto which the council has placed the commemorative plaque and is buried in the graveyard of Holy Trinity Church, Binegar.

The soldier’s grave in Binegar parish church

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Students see life on the levels

A GROUP of agricultural students and their lecturers visited the Somerset Levels to learn about water management as part of the ongoing Hills to Levels project, set up in the wake of the 2014 Somerset floods.

The visitors, from Bridgwater and Taunton College’s Cannington Centre, were shown around Southlake Moor and Burrow Mump by Somerset Wildlife Trust, one of the key partners in the project. The aim was to give them a better understanding of the issues surrounding flooding and water management. One vital part of the project is linking what happens in the upper catchment area with the possible impacts downstream across the Levels and Moors.

The visit also showed why it is so important that farming and conservation work together to ensure that wildlife has a positive future in the face of the challenges and that local communities better understand the water management issues that have such a real impact on their lives.

The Hills to Levels project was started by The Royal Bath and West of England Society which established a partnership between the RSPB, FWAG and Somerset Wildlife Trust and together secured funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Charlie Coates, one of the students, said: “It was so interesting to see how farmers cope with the flooding and manage the land. It's completely different to what I am used to, coming from Exmoor.”

Daniel Rood, a lecturer in Agriculture, Food and Land Management at Bridgwater and Taunton College, said: “Enabling the students to see first-hand the areas affected by flooding and the different farming systems in the area has broadened their minds on the issues of land management.”

On future trips, the students will be meeting with livestock famers on the levels and learning about water management with the Environment Agency.

Going with the flow: the visitors below Burrow Mump

Mixed report for beaches

BEACHES at Brean and Berrow have passed tougher bathing water standards, but the quality of water at Burnham-on-Sea has again been classified as “poor”.

Brean has been classed as “excellent” and Berrow as “good” by the Environment Agency. The organisations which make up the area’s Bathing Water Quality Group welcomed the findings but said they were disappointed with the results at Burnham Jetty North Beach.

However, they say the good news is that all the work that has been going on means the water quality is continuing to improve.

Analysis over the past five years has been carried out to investigate a range of pollution sources. These include household plumbing wrongly connected to surface water systems, overflows from sewerage infrastructure, agricultural inputs, run-off from agricultural land, dog waste, sewage treatment works and septic tanks.

The classification categories of water quality are “excellent”, “good”, “sufficient” or “poor”. The classifications are based on the level of bacteria in the water as monitored by the Environment Agency between May and September.

Clevedon has been classified as “good” whilst beaches in the Weston-super-Mare area range from “sufficient” to “good”.

Six years of concerted effort by members of the group have brought Burnham Jetty North much closer to passing the tougher standards. The Bathing Water Quality Group says it will continue its efforts to tackle the problems across the catchment area. This includes a multi-million pound investment by Wessex Water to help improve the bathing water quality.

Harriet Yates-Smith, from the campaign group Litter Free Coast and Sea Somerset, added: “The Environment Agency’s results have shown that Burnham Jetty North’s bathing water is continuing to improve and this year the community have been part of this progress. Lots of people have shown a real passion for protecting their environment by working with Litter Free Coast and Sea Somerset to set up key groups like the Friends of Burnham Beach clean group or helping to spread the word about responsible dog ownership through the Burnham Pooper Troopers.

“Businesses have also been a part of the movement towards cleaner seas and beaches through their involvement in the ‘Don’t Feed the Locals’ campaign, helping to spread the word about the negative effects of feeding seagulls.”

A PORTRAIT of well-known hedgelayer Roger Parrish has won the 2016 Somerset Hedge Group photographic competition.

This year’s theme was Hedges and People and Jo Shepherd’s image called An Experienced Eye was named the winner at a ceremony in Burrington. Second prize was awarded to David Ramsay (In the lee of the hedge),

third was Trevor Pearce with This circle of bramble is mine.

Mike Trubridge was highly commended for Short back and sides.

The Somerset Hedge Group was formed in 1997 to coordinate the efforts of individuals and organisations who are concerned about hedgerows in the old county area.

An Experienced Eye by Jo Shepherd

The 2017 Somerset Hedge Group calendar, made up of photos entered in to the competition, is available for £4 from SHG chairman: Heather Harley at Exmoor National Park. Email: HJHarley@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

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(jojushep@hotmail.com)

Photo contest celebrates hedges

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ENVIRONMENT

Geology festival really rocked!

THIS year’s Mendip Rocks! was the best so far, organisers have announced.

Many events were oversubscribed during the six-week-long festival celebrating the geology of Mendip.

Amongst the highlights was a day of events at Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve when Natural England and its partners joined forces to offer an opportunity to learn about its geology, archaeology, and wildlife.

Alongside activities by the Mendip Hills AONB, Butterfly Conservation, Somerset Earth Science Centre and the National Trust there were guided walks around the gorge and the Gully Cave dig as well as storytelling by Michael Loader.

Simon Clarke, from Natural England, estimated 300 people visited on day. He said: “Both on the day and since we’ve had lots of fantastic feedback. The event was designed to engage and encourage as well as provide learning, and I think that was present in spades.”

Mendip Rocks! ended with a day of lectures at Wells and Mendip Museum. The speakers included Mendip Times contributor Les Davies, Professor Chris King, Alan Gray and Duncan Price.

Bob Corns (left), from Natural England, prepares to lead a walk around the gorge

Henry, with a fossil made of air-dried clay, and Adel Avery, one of the Mendip Rocks! organisers

Thomas recreates traditional ruckles – peat “bricks” stacked on the Somerset Levels to dry out. He is pictured with Kevin Anderson, from Natural England, who is holding a photograph of workers making ruckles in 1898

Going out with a bang: the finale of Mendip Rocks! 2016 ended with a series of lectures, including a talk by Professor Chris King (far right) on Mendip Volcanoes. He is pictured with (back l:r) Alan Gray (an ochre specialist), Gill Odolphie (Somerset Earth Science Centre), Les Davies (Mendip Times contributor and another speaker) and Patricia Stainton (chair of trustees, Somerset Wildlife Trust). Front: Speakers Duncan Price Mendip caving expert) and Adel Avery (Mendip Rocks! organiser). Wells MP James Heappey was amongst the guests at the event

Are you sitting comfortably?

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Learn about beekeeping

AN evening training course is to begin in January for people interested in learning how to keep bees.

The weekly theory sessions are being organised by the south east division of the Somerset Beekeepers’ Association and will be held at Ansford Academy in Castle Cary.

The association runs a summer programme of apiary visits which will provide a basis for practical experience and, where possible, mentoring is provided when people acquire their own bees.

There is a fee of £36 for the course – beginning on Tuesday, January 10th – which includes associate membership of the Somerset Beekeepers Association on completion.

For details call course tutor Lionel Horler on 01963 351037 or e-mail lhorler934@talktalk.net

You can be a hero

IN the run up to WWF’s Earth Hour – taking place on Saturday March 25th next year – WWF and People’s Postcode Lottery have launched a nationwide search to find those unsung heroes who are making a real difference for our planet.

People are being encouraged to nominate themselves or others for the Earth Hour Heroes competition. The initiative is searching for individuals who deserve recognition for going the extra mile to help the environment and inspire others – whether at home, in the community or in the workplace.

The competition is part of Earth Hour, when millions of people around the world are expected to switch off their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change.

The Earth Hour Heroes competition will have three categories: community hero, lifestyle hero and workplace hero.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to the Palace of Westminster on March 7th, where a winner for each category will be announced. The deadline for entries is Friday December 16th.

Details: www.wwf.org.uk/EarthHourHeroes

ENVIRONMENT

Grant helps local groups

THE Mendip Hills Fund has awarded six grants to a range of community and environmental projects, totalling nearly £6,000.

They include grants to the Mendip Society to improve Tanya’s Wood at Ubley, a nationally important archaeological dig that is unearthing new discoveries in Ebbor Gorge and a local archaeological project in Chewton Mendip.

Mendip Caving Group’s grant means it will be able to take younger groups caving thanks to improved facilities; In Charley's Memory helps people and their families struggling with mental health problems and they will be able to take more groups out; and the village of Stoke St. Michael will be able to have a wide variety of events all year round by buying two marquees.

The Mendip Hills Fund is a partnership between Somerset Community Foundation and Mendip Hills AONB Partnership providing a community fund to conserve and enhance the environment, communities and economy of the Mendip Hills.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB Unit said: “It’s great to see such a wide variety of local people benefitting from the fund. This year we had a total of £24,000 worth of applications for a pot of only £6,000. I’m on a mission to make the fund much bigger so we can help many more groups.”

Funds are raised from businesses, residents and visitors who wish to give something back to this very special part of the countryside, helping to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the Mendip Hills, and benefit local communities.

Judith Tranter from the Mendip Society said: "As well as being a lovely area of woodland with a variety of wildlife habitats there is also an historical interest - a goodly stretch of an ancient deer park boundary. This is in danger of being taken over by the wood so we will be looking to restore it to how it would have been originally and then devising a way to show it to the public.

“Part of this coming year’s plan will be to properly lay the huge hedge on top of the ditch part of the boundary; at the same time we will be running day courses for anyone who would like to learn the useful countryside skill of hedge laying.”

Snowdrop festival gathers support THE Lord Lieutenant of Somerset will be the guest of honour at the opening of the first Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival, organisers have announced.

Mrs Annie Maw, who lives near Pilton, will open the weekend-long celebration in February in honour of Shepton resident James Allen, a keen The festival logo collector of the plants in Victorian times who was known as the Snowdrop King.

The great-great-uncle of Annie’s husband, Dickie, was George

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk

Maw, a crocus collector and friend of Henry Elwes, a famous snowdrop collector from Gloucestershire. Annie said: “I just simply couldn't be more delighted to open the Snowdrop Festival. It is rather nice to follow in the footsteps of such great people as these intrepid plant collectors.

“I'm proud to carry on the tradition even if, actually, I'm just supporting others who are doing the collecting and planting these days!”

Christina Kennedy, the festival’s project co-ordinator, said: “We are thrilled that Annie has accepted our invitation to open the inaugural Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival. We could not have hoped for a more appropriate person. Annie is greatly admired in the county and we look forward to working with her.”

The Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival will be held throughout the town from Friday, February 17th to Sunday, February 19th. For details, visit: www.sheptonhortsoc.org.uk

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

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

Someone said to me recently how they look forward to our little monthly offering in Mendip Times and how the regular mentions of new qualifications and birthdays stress the link between the experience and wisdom (his words not mine) of our more senior members and the enthusiasm, energy and knowledge of our younger colleagues.

He was kind enough to say that there is probably a good reason we don’t mention the birthdays of some of us.

He’s right too (not about birthdays, silly – but about the link between the generations). When you think about it most organisations, whether they be sports team, national organisations, sections of industry, are a successful meld of different talents, levels of experience and age groups.

It works well in most situations so tell me why politicians don’t learn from the experiences and mistakes of others? On second thoughts, don’t or we would all become politicians.

Enough of that. We’re now beyond fireworks, US elections, carnivals and into Christmas, new year and wassailing. We are pleased we have been able to help people through the year and thank you for your support.

Let’s all have a wonderful but thoughtful Christmas and we wish you a happy and successful New Year.

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

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

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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Highs and lows of the farming year

With MARY JAMES MBE

IT is the time of year to look back and review 2016. From a farming point of view it was a difficult year. Weather of course, was the main problem at the beginning of the year, but you know what they say about farmers.

If the sun is shining it may be just right or they need some rain and if it is pouring with rain they wish it was dry! But that’s

the way it is.

Silage was late. Some farmers will usually start in early May but intermittent rain held up the process with June being a bit of a wash-out and not too much haymaking was done. Here, we did not get any hay until July and in some places it was August before completion. Then came the sun and harvesting went very well. Most of the agricultural shows in the area had good weather and so did the ploughing matches.

Dairy farming had a torrid time with such low milk prices driving a few more out of business. The price is improving slowly I am pleased to say. This will save some dairy farmers who may have been on the brink of selling. The problem is if milk production overall drops too much it is not easy to produce more at the drop of a hat.

Then there was Brexit. There have been descriptions of the current situation as being like a honeymoon period. One certain thing is that the weak pound improves export trade and our cheese and cider businesses are feeling the benefits. Every

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section of the industry is discussing ways forward but nothing much will happen until Article 50 is triggered.

I would like to think that all the red tape and regulation the farming industry has had to bear will be reduced, but don’t hold your breath. Then there was Donald Trump! Watch how he copes with agriculture.

I have just been reading the autobiography of an old acquaintance who has been a writer, broadcaster and farmer all his life. David Richardson, a Norfolk farmer, columnist for the Farmer’s Weekly, believes strongly that farmers need more contact with the consumer. I entirely agree. It was David’s idea to have Open Farm Sunday which is held every June.

Thousands have visited so look out in 2017, there may be one near you.

At the end of his book David writes a thought-provoking report on The Challenges Facing World Agriculture. Here is a summary to set you thinking – to feed a population that will grow from 6.3 billion to 9.5 billion over the next 40 years it will be necessary to double the total production of food, triple crop yields per acre, and do it on less land with much less water.

Food for thought for politicians and consumers alike in every country. If you would like to read the book it is In at the Deep End available from the publisher www.poppyland.co.uk It would make a good Christmas present for farmer or consumer. A very Happy Christmas to the Mendip Times team and all our readers.

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Access all areas with this outreach team

Jason (pictured in the basket) with fully-qualified sub-contractor Chris Maunders below

THE figures are impressive: with a working height of up to 26 metres and an outreach of 17.5m, Jason Beasley’s latest vehicle can operate pretty much anywhere.

And because it’s based on a lorry, the cherrypicker is also extremely

Now available: Lorry-mounted cherry picker 26m height/17.5m outreach 3-man (+ tools) basket

manoeuvrable, even up a private driveway. Its basket can accommodate three people, along with equipment, and also has mountings for television cameras or photography.

It’s the latest addition to Jason’s fleet of access vehicles which are becoming an

FARMING

increasingly familiar sight around Somerset.

Jason, of Blackford, said: “Its access is superb. It’s a one-off and its outreach capacity is vast. Together with our other vehicles, we’ve got easy access to anything up high.”

• FEED BIN REPAIRS • ROOFING • TREEWORK • LIGHTING • PEST CONTROL • BIRD SPIKES • INSPECTIONS

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Scarecrows help farming charity

FARMING

(l:r): Publisher Graham Walton, Pam Wills, RABI’s South West regional manager and Sam Braddick, secretary of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

MENDIP publishers Graham Walton Publishing have presented the proceeds of a scarecrow trail at an agricultural show to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

The competition was held at this year’s Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. GWP, based near Shepton Mallet, produces catalogues, show guides and programmes for the agricultural show and event industries.

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Compliments of the season

With JUNE MACFARLANE

AT this time of the year it’s always good to have something delicious that doesn’t take you away from the action for long.

I’ve made some colourful canapés that can be assembled in seconds, a main course that pretty much cooks itself and a Christmassy dessert that can be made in advance. Now you can get on with enjoying yourself!

SOFT CHEESE, PESTO AND TOMATO CANAPES Loaf of unsliced rye bread Olive oil Soft goats cheese Basil pesto Sun dried cherry tomatoes in oil

INGREDIENTS

I like the Christmas colours of these crunchy nibbles, and they pack a flavourful punch which is satisfying with a drink.

METHOD Pre-heat oven to 170°C. Cut very thin slices from the loaf, lay on a baking tray and brush with oil. Cook for about 20 mins until crisp. To assemble, mount with a tsp of cheese, followed by pesto and a cherry tomato.

Roast partridge with bacon and squash

ROAST PARTRIDGE WITH BACON AND SQUASH

Partridge is wonderful at this time of year; plump and not too gamey. Serve one bird per person. Soft, colourful squash goes perfectly with it.

METHOD Pre-heat oven to 200°C. Put the squash in a roasting tin, shake with some oil and butter, season with salt and black pepper and bake for about 25 mins until starting to soften. Snip the bacon into short lengths and add to the squash.

Rub the birds with butter, season and put a sage leaf inside. Place the birds on top of the squash, add the wine and roast until golden – about 30 mins. Serve with the squash and bacon, and some pan juices.

SAFFRON PEARS IN CIDER Make this in advance and keep in the fridge until needed.

It’s delicious and not too sweet.

Sprinkle with edible gold dust for added bling!

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One red legged partridge per person 1 medium squash, cored and thickly sliced 3 tbs sunflower oil 6 slices streaky bacon softened butter 1 sage leaf per bird 100ml white wine

INGREDIENTS

100g soft light brown sugar 1 litre pear cider big pinch saffron 1 stick cinnamon 1 vanilla pod, split zest and juice of 2 oranges 6 pears, cored and peeled edible gold powder (optional)

INGREDIENTS

METHOD Put first six ingredients in a big pan and bring to the boil. Add pears and simmer gently until easily pierced but still firm. Remove pears to a bowl, cover and reserve. Reduce syrup by two thirds over medium heat. Pour over pears and allow to cool. Scatter with gold dust for presentation.

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What’s new from Myrtle Farm

FOOD & DRINK

Fireworks at the Railway

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Bath rugby players share skills at Winscombe RFC

NATHAN Catt and Max Clark, first team players from Bath Rugby, joined the regular Sunday morning youth training at Winscombe RFC. The two premiership players spent the morning with the juniors passing on skills, tips and advice, and generally encouraging the youngsters in their active participation of the game.

The visit came about thanks to the association between Bath Rugby and Thatchers. We both place great emphasis on the benefits of their partnership by working within the community and sharing skills.

Martin Thatcher, who went along to support the training session said, “It’s a real thrill to be able to see Nathan and Max in action, interacting with the young players.

You can see the youngsters soak up all the tips and skills they are being shown.”

Friday tasting Every Friday at 12.30 our cidermakers gather round the oak vats to taste the cider. In our picture they have just been trying the cider made from one of our favourite bittersweet apples, Somerset Redstreak. It looks like it’s set to be a great season for this apple that’s big on flavour.

OUR RECIPE FOR MULLED CIDER

Take two litres of Thatchers Gold Cider, and add: • 1 sliced orange, lemon and apple • 2 star anise • 5 cloves • 2 cinnamon sticks • 8 slices ginger • 5 tablespoons of soft brown sugar to taste.

Simmer gently for around ½ hour but be careful not to let it boil.

Serve and enjoy!

A GREAT time was had by all at the family firework event held at The Railway Inn. Hot food was served on the terrace, and the night sky was lit up with some amazing colours.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening a great success.

Christmas and New Year at the Cider Shop

IF you’re looking for a gift, or want to stock up on cider for festive celebrations, we have many offers at the Cider Shop during the month of December. These include a Gift Box of three 500ml bottle ciders, or gift baskets. We also have vouchers that can be used in the Cider Shop and The Railway Inn. The Cider Shop opening hours over Christmas and New Year are: 24th December – 9am – 4pm 25th December – Closed 26th December – Closed 27th December – Closed 28th December – 9am – 6pm 29th December – 9am – 6pm 30th December – 9am – 6pm 31st December – 9am – 4pm 1st January 2017 – Closed 2nd January 2017 – Closed

Cheers from us all!

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862

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Bini’s busy and successful year

BINI Ludlow has had a busy year, including sending her food to Buckingham Palace, being a finalist for the Delicious Magazine Produce Awards 2016 for the South West region, and with forthcoming television appearances on C4 with Michel Roux Jr. She also became a consultant chef for Thatchers Cider after experimenting with spice and developing a range of dishes that pair perfectly together.

Bini has won various awards, from 10 Great Taste Awards and including Taste of the West best local food to go 2015. She is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol talking about spices and curry.

Bini was also a finalist for the Mendip Business award 2016. After starting her business five years ago with a budget of £200, Bini’s story and entrepreneurial success has helped her to inspire others and to be part of the FSB (Federation of Small business) Women in Enterprise

National Task force for the Somerset and Wiltshire area.

Her role is to engage and celebrate women in the world of business.

Follow this link to see more. http://www.fsb.org.uk/mediacentre/latest-news/2016/07/20/womenin-enterprise-taskforce-named Her six ready meals are now available throughout Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Bini is keen to support local people and companies within her business.

Bini, a qualified teacher, moved to Somerset 12 years ago and says she enjoys teaching groups of like-minded cooks, learning about Gujarati Indian cooking, methods learnt from her mother from a young age, passed down by family members.

Bini believes that Indian cooking is about loving the ingredients and not rushing the process. If a dish is rushed the food never tastes as good as when time, effort and a little care and attention have been taken to prepare it.

Sweet Cumin

Her Sweet Cumin Indian cookery school featured in the Guardian’s guide to top foodies courses in the UK. She offers courses to suit all ages and abilities, half and full day sessions. Her philosophy is that each cook prepares and cooks individually so they have the hands-on experience and learn by cooking themselves.

Indian Cookery School Gi Vouchers

available to the value of your choice ❖ Courses to suit all ages and abili es ❖ Enjoy learning in a small class size ❖ Take home the food you cook, a goody pack with recipe and spices

❖ Discover the secrets of blending and using spices with confidence

❖ Bini conducts public talks, demonstra ons and private catering

PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

❖ Half day courses £85.00 and Full day courses £165.00 per person.

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Wine and Christmas spirits

THE festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for Andrew Kinnersley, who runs The Grape and The Good independent wine shop in Wells.

From stocking up the wine rack ready to welcome friends and relatives to bosses wanting corporate gifts for staff and clients, Andrew is preparing the shop on Priory Road for the influx of Christmas customers as well as for online sales. He is also organising his second wine tasting event of the year. The Winter Wine Walkabout will be held at The Crown in Wells on Thursday, December 1st with up to 40 wines open for tasting. Details and tickets available online.

FOOD & DRINK Country shopping at its best

New Manor Farm Shop, North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US! MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

CHRISTMAS TREES, HOLLY WREATHS & HYACINTHS

BOOKING NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

Geoff’s fresh fish every Friday

Feast with us this Christmas

Centred around a traditional farm courtyard near Chew Valley Lake – the very best in local produce and gift ideas

TEA ROOMS

Book your Christmas Lunch now, various dates available

Hot & cold meals • Delicious cream teas Full English breakfasts • Come and enjoy our lovely Sunday roast lunches

Open: Tuesday – Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday 10am-4pm • Closed Monday e Cross, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3NA 01934 742521 • email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com

NEW FUNCTION ROOM NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE

Opening times: Farm shop: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm Tea Room: Monday to Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm

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

Farm Shop: 01761 220067 Tea Rooms: 01761 220172

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 17

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Bread & Beyond TEA ROOMS AND PROVISIONS

Warming winter lunches • Organic free trade coffee Cream Teas • Afternoon Tea (booking only) Home-made tarts, pies, cakes and bread • Local milk, cheeses and eggs Cards, prints and paintings by local artists.

Gift range including products from Mendip Lavender, Milly Green and Robert Fuller Galleries Lyonsleaf skincare products from Priddy now available.

Cyclists, walkers and dogs very welcome Open: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm • Saturday 7.30am-4pm Lunches served 11.30am–2pm

Bread & Beyond

High Street, Chewton Mendip, BA3 4LJ

01761 240820 email: breadandbeyond@outlook.com

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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GARDEN FOOD

Welsh cakes

I CAN'T honestly say that there is a lot to eat in my garden at the moment, other than some woody herbs like thyme and bay and a little straggly Swiss mint in the polytunnel which I continue to raid for my morning cup of mint tea.

With JAKE So instead, I offer you here my recipe WHITSON for Welsh cakes – a favourite of mine in the winter, when the chill and damp outside often convince me to stay inside and do something warm and comforting, like baking!

The first thing you will need is a thick-bottomed frying pan, skillet, or better yet, an iron baking stone – another alternative is to cook them straight on the hotplate of your stove if you have something like an Aga. So, to the Welsh cakes – first, mix 225g of flour with 1/2tsp of baking powder, a little mixed spice and 100g of butter, cut up into little cubes. Now either rub these together with your fingertips, or blend in a food processor, until you have a texture like breadcrumbs.

Now add 75g currants, one beaten egg and 75g sugar, and mix gently with your hands until you have just formed a soft dough – you can add a little milk if the dough is dry, but don't overmix it! Roll the dough out on a floured surface until around 5mm thick, and cut out circles with a pastry cutter – any leftovers can be rerolled.

Heat your pan/stone over a low/medium heat and bake your cakes on it (dry – don't add any oil to the pan) until they are golden on both sides and cooked through. Spinkle immediately with caster sugar and enjoy hot from the pan, with a cup of tea.

A perfect treat for Christmas or the New Year.

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

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Try this for Christmas

FED up with the same old heavy Christmas cake? Fear not, as I have the solution for you – why not try a heavy foragers’ Chestnut Chocolate Christmas Cake instead! What a mouthful that title is and I can assure you this cake is too. What better way to cheer everyone up at Christmas and ruin their diet With ADRIAN at the same time.

BOOTS The winter is not the easiest time for foraged goodies and forager alike. So we have to rely on our store cupboard favourites to jolly things up. For me this is preserved fruit and nuts which can be called upon in winter to pep up any dish or boozy tipple.

So for December the store cupboard (or rather freezer compartment) ingredients are going to be my roasted sweet chestnuts and dried cherries. I have a secret sweet chestnut tree which I visit every year and it normally produces very few nuts particularly when we have had bad weather in the spring/summer which really affects pollination.

Fortunately 2016 wasn’t bad weather wise and on one visit I picked up exactly 250 grams of nuts, which is fortuitous as that’s exactly what is needed for the following which is based on a River Cottage recipe. Here’s the recipe and method: • Heat 250g chestnuts in 250ml milk until bubbling to soften the nuts, then mash well (I like to leave some larger chunks). In a separate pan gently melt together 250g dark chocolate bar and 250g unsalted butter.

• Separate four eggs, put the yolks in a bowl and mix with 125g caster sugar, then stir into the chocolate and chestnut mixture until even. I also can’t resist the addition of a few very finely chopped dried cherries for a sour note and some finely grated orange zest to give it a little citrus zing. It is Christmas after all!

• Whisk the saved egg whites until stiff, fold carefully into the mixture then pour the whole lot into a cake tin.

• Bake in a pre-heated fan oven on 160°C for about 30 minutes until it is set.

My picture really doesn’t sell it too well does it? I’m not a good food photographer that’s for sure (must try harder). The one I baked and features in this photo is a little on the heavy side, something to do with an experiment in replacing the chocolate bar with cocoa powder, let me tell you it really doesn’t work. Stick to the recipe.

So cheer up your tummy (or is that build up your waistline I’m not sure) and release those endorphins with a foragers’ Chestnut Chocolate Christmas Cake (I only did that because I find the alliteration amusing). Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 19

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Start Christmas at Jon Thorner’s

JON Thorner’s will be holding a Christmas Open Evening on Friday December 2nd, 6pm – 8.30pm, offering mouth-watering meat, festive foods and tasty treats!

Enjoy an evening of delicious and festive foods to spark your imagination this Christmas. Discover handmade chocolates and desserts, specially brewed tipples, locally made cheeses and preserves from their host of local suppliers, including their own award-winning chef’s range, along with complimentary mince pies, welcome drinks and Brittens freshly-cooked hot chips.

There will be live music, carol singers, fantastic on-the-night special offers plus the chance to win a Christmas hamper worth £50! Join them at Bridge Farm Shop, Pylle, Shepton Mallet BA4 6TA.

B e s t w i s h e s f r om t h e O l d D o w n I n n t e a m

Old Down Inn The

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Looking forward to seeing you in 2017!

Emborough, Radstock BA3 4SA. Tel: 01761 232398.

Email: theolddowninn@hotmail.co.uk

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Puxton Farm Shop, a one-stop shop for your Christmas dinner PUXTON Farm Shop has everything you need for Christmas dinner. In freshness lies flavour and Puxton Farm Shop’s locally-farmed produce not only tastes delicious but offers sustainable, farm-to-fork food for your family.

Their turkeys are sourced from a Yatton farmer and their beef, pork and lamb joints come from their own herds. The veg is collected daily from the local market in Bristol, ensuring they have the freshest seasonal produce. Chutneys, sauces, dressings and the all-important cranberry sauce are CHRISTMAS DINNER from Rose Farm in Wedmore.

SHOPPING LIST Christmas mead, Turkey from £9.99 per kg ginger wine and bunch per £1.50 Carrots mulled wine are Sprouts £1.20 per kg perfect Potatoes £0.50 per kg accompaniments to a Rose Farm cranberry sauce roasted bird and come £2.75 for 227g from Lyme Regis Lyme Bay Mulled Wine £9.30 for company Lyme Bay 75cl Winery. They also Gelato £1.75 for 125ml tub have local beers, like Gorwydd Caerphilly £1.60 per Cheddar Ales, and a 100g range of ciders including Thatchers.

FOOD & DRINK

A huge range of cheeses are available, including the multi award-winning Gorwydd Caerphilly which is made onsite with milk from their own dairy. They also feature cheese from Time Past, in Draycott.

And to top it all off – their luxury home-made gelato ice cream in ten flavours. Again, made onsite with milk from their Jersey cows.

That’s your entire Christmas meal supplied by the bountiful West Country in one store.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 21

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FOOD & DRINK

Christmas hampers from Farrington’s

WHY not spoil a loved one with a Farrington's hamper? They are full of festive goodies like their home-made Boxing Day chutney, rich mince pies, jams, chutneys, chocolates, cakes and Christmas puddings.

Choose from a selection of Farrington’s home-made delicacies, creamy cheeses, fine wine, champagne and tasty treats from their farm shop. Priced from just £30 and beautifully wrapped in wicker baskets or gift box, they can be delivered anywhere in the UK.

D E C E M B E R D AT E S We l l s Ea c h Wed 9a m –2 . 3 O pm A l l o t h e r m a r ke t s 9 a m - 1 p m u n l e s s o th e r wi s e ma r k e d *

SAT 3rd Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SUN 4th SFM @ Frome Independent* (10am-3pm)

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

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner with us.

Note 80% menu is Gluten-free.

Booking highly recommended.

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

SAT 10th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 17th Crewkerne & Glastonbury* (9am-2pm)

SUN 18th Axbridge* (10am-1.30pm) FRI 23rd Burnham-on-Sea

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FOOD & DRINK

Food lovers: take a short detour to discover Centurion

CHEF brothers Sean and James Horwood maintain their awardwinning reputation with some fabulous food at The Restaurant at the Best Western Plus Centurion Hotel near Fine dining with views. The Midsomer Norton. conservatory at The Restaurant With illustrious CVs including successful stints at Hunstrete House, the Moody Goose and Ston Easton Park, head chef Sean and sous chef James are continuing to enhance their two AA Rosette status with their regularly-updated menu at The Restaurant.

It can be easy to miss the hotel, set amidst a lush golf course on Charlton Lane off the A367, but food lovers should make the short detour to discover this stylish and welcoming haven of foodie “fabulousity”, just 20 minutes from Bath or Wells.

As well as its reputation for its dining experience, the Centurion offers agreeably well-appointed rooms and suites, an extensive health club and a lively Sports Bar. Sean, James and the hotel team are firm believers that this is the time for the Centurion to reveal itself from the flourishes of dear old Lady Bath’s tasteful petticoats and is a place to visit in its own right.

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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Another successful year DREAM Doors in Congresbury is celebrating yet another fantastic year.

Colin and Camilla are delighted by the overwhelming success and positive response from customers all over North Somerset.

You only have to look at the feedback on Checkatrade.com with an overall score of 9.74/10 to see that their customers are happy.

Should you be looking to brighten up your kitchen in the New Year they can offer a solution for you, anything from a simple make-over with replacement made-tomeasure doors and work tops, right through to an allnew full replacement kitchen.

They have over 1,000 door colour/style combinations to

choose from and an extensive range of work surfaces such as wood, granite, laminate and various solid surfaces along with top brand appliances, sinks and taps.

They offer a free, no obligation quotation for a kitchen tailored to your individual requirements.

HODDERS

HIGH CLASS FAMILY BUTCHERS

Family butcher Local meat and poultry Booking now for Christmas The Precinct, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, BS49 5JG 01934 838844

FOCUS ON CONGRESBURY Jackets ● Fleeces ● Walking Boots ● Bags ● Hats, Gloves ● Travel Clothing ●

No. 1 Broad Street Congresbury BS49 5DG 01934 877333 www.countryinnovation.com

ttage Loaf o C Bakery, Café & Sandwich Bar

Craftsman baked bread and Confectionery from the Best West Country Master Baker All-Day Breakfasts, Hot and Cold Filled Sandwiches and Rolls and a Variety of Coffees, Teas and Milkshakes Open 7am–5pm Monday–Friday • 7am–1pm Saturday

2 The Precinct, Brinsea Road, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5JG

01934 876969

Keith and Sally Westlake

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 25

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INTERNET

YouTube

NO doubt you have all heard of YouTube – we sometime see clips on the TV or in a news app.

But it’s more than that – there are all sorts of things to fascinate and enthral – Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling, Steve McQueen on his bike from the Great Escape etc, plus clips of first dances at weddings – some very well rehearsed.

But where YouTube comes into its own as far as I am concerned, is with the instructional videos. There is almost certainly a video showing you how to do almost anything. If the door as fallen off of your washing machine, there will be a video showing you how to replace the hinge on your particular model – they are all different, of course.

Or if one of your radiators has suddenly gone cold, then a plumber will show you what to do to sort it out – radiators don’t like being unbalanced, apparently. But at the same time, there is a lot of rubbish out there, so the radiator is a good example, because I think it would be better to go with a company, rather than an individual, simply because they are more likely to be trained and know what they are doing. So try one or two until you get the full picture and find someone you think is reliable.

There are two ways you might normally use to get to YouTube – one is a straight forward search – try typing How to change a tap washer, for example, in Google/Ask/Yahoo and the chances are the first result will give you a link to YouTube – just click on the Play button and off you go.

Or you can go straight to www.youtube.com and see what suggestions they recommend – often a large amounts of cats and dogs doing funny things.

But you can type what you want in the search box, such as How to make a Christmas garland or for the more adventurous – How to decorate a Christmas Cake, which starts with the basics, then gives you some amazing decorations – all ready for the next Great British Bake Off???

On behalf of everyone at I.T. for the Terrified, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Submitted by IT for the Terrified: Now using Cheddar Village Hall, Church St, Cheddar BS27 3RF • 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com I.T. for the Terrified – for all your computer training needs. A skillsharing, community project.

Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you for £10 per hour. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Or if you can spare two hours a week have skills on any level that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1/5 Airborne vet who found somewhere longed for (4,3,7) 9 Leeds turn out for final score (3,6) 10 Announce the winning card – if it suits! (5) 11 So queer I even feel strange myself (5) 12 Disallow offer to one who serves drinks (9) 13 Moved leg once in Scotland (7) 15 Fruit said to be over ripe – take a couple (4,3) 17 Little water gone, so make delivery (4,3) 20 Make statement about point and final blow – issue invitation (3,4) 22 USA oil in a state of flux (9) 23 Ship’s officers change sides (5) 24 Long for change and take a slice (5) 25 Wind not so wet it generates hot air (4,5) 26 Senior detective’s been exploited and become obsolete (7) 27 One doesn't make a summer – I'll drink to that! (7)

DOWN 1 Too rich – even for the birds! (9) 2 At finish favourite lost his head – give your approval (7) 3 Soothe me with such a tune (5) 4 It leaves life assurance outfit to become placid (7) 5 Painter at races found rhythmic chat a nasty catch (3-4) 6 I think the pen is fine (2,3,4) 7 Leap forward – as you’re obliged (5,2) 8 How I personally deal with rain as a driver (5) 14 Disgruntled openers make sign to St Peter (5,4) 16 Notts team have argument in Sussex (6,3) 18 Modify revue so it works for Francois (7) 19 Apartment has somewhere to sleep – suit lorry-driver?

(7) 20 Assistants to be wary of when buying books online?

(7) 21 Invigilator has no gain – just invective (7) 22 Tied up and drink spiked (5) 23 Princess became dear to Jason (5)

Answers on page 113

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Hamleys opens at Clarks Village

BUSINESS

HAMLEYS is opening a new store at Clarks Village.

The iconic toy specialists, with a 255-year history, is the best-known toy shop around the world.

And with Christmas just around the corner, its opening will coincide with

festive fun at the village.

Hamleys’ CEO, Gudjon Reynisson, said: “We are really excited to be opening our new store at Clarks Village, and we look forward to bringing smiles to children and families in and around Somerset.

“Clarks Village brings in an impressive number of visitors on a daily basis and we look forward to seeing them in our new shop.”

Steve Burge, marketing manager at Clarks Village, said: “We are thrilled Hamleys is opening at Clarks Village! We are proud to be home to some of the biggest fashion, home and children’s brands, and Hamleys will offer our four million plus visitors another exciting store to start, or finish, their Christmas shopping with.”

The new store was due to open as Mendip Times went to press.

Details: www.clarksvillage.co.uk www.hamleys.com

Incorporated Financial Accountants – bringing to YOU advisory services

QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

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

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

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

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Although we “crunch the numbers” like everyone else, we are not here “to keep score” on what happened only.

We will provide you and your business with pro-active support and positive financial advice that will help you to: ● Achieve your goals ● Increase your business’ growth We wish all ● Enhance your return on investments

our clients a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

CAMELEY LODGE LAUNDRY

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

Tel 01761 451787

www.cameleylodgelaundry.co.uk

LECATCHER MO

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01275 332966 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

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P & C Logs

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu u Award winning Children’s Day Nursery u u u Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School u u u u Yoga – French u u u Music & Dance u u Cookery u u u Gardening u u u The Royal Bath & West Showground u u Shepton Mallet BA4 6QL u u u u 01749 346808 u u www.nextstepschildcare.com u u u Ofsted inspection rated our "Contribution of the Early Years u u 2015Provision to the well-being of the children" as Outstanding u u uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Call Phil on 07734 098323, or Colleen on 07785 250033 or on Evenings 01761 221 543

Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).

Seasons Greetings to all our customers

Furniture

Clothing

A Professional Company serving the South West

Huge choice of solid wood and painted furniture. Ready to take away today! Or have delivered to your door FREE of charge*

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

1000’s of new season clothes from ex-famous high street brands.

New stock arriving all the time!

Christmas

E v e ryth i n g y o u n e e d t hi s C H RI S T M A S !

Electricals

Fantastic range of all your festive decorations.

Everything from indoor and outdoor, lights, trees, inflatables, decorations and 1000’s of great gifts for all the family

Bringing a little bit of everything for everyone

*

Great deals on branded electrical products from Heaters, Vacuums, Kettles, Toasters, Microwaves, soap makers and much much more!

Burglar Alarms ✵ Fire Alarms ✵ CCTV Systems ✵ Insurance approved ✵ Installation, maintenance, repairs and upgrades ✵ Central Station Monitoring ✵ Local engineers Tel: 01275 331914 sales@chewvalleyalarm.co.uk www.chewvalleyalarm.co.uk

Relax knowing your property is protected

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Counting the benefits of old age

YOU may well know already, but if you don't, I'm here to tell you, that Wells is now a dementia friendly city! As a company based within the city, we decided to invite Claire Chettoe, who works with the Alzheimer's Society, to train the staff to be “dementia friends”. The 45-minute course is free and full of helpful advice.

In business you just never know when skills like these will really come to the fore. It may seem counterintuitive, because if someone is bringing paperwork to their accountant, it would be reasonable to assume that they were entirely clear about their business affairs. However, when they return again and again to see you with documents and papers which are not relevant to their business or their tax affairs, one might begin to feel concerned for them. Some knowledge of the potential symptoms of dementia and some understanding of how those with dementia might react when interactions challenge their perceptions could make a world of difference.

As we live in an increasingly ageing population, so it follows that more of us will live long enough to develop a range of

BUSINESS

conditions that are a part of this ageing process. It isn't helpful for us to ignore this; what is helpful though, is to gain whatever understanding of these conditions that we can, and to learn how to live a life of quality, should we ever have to face their challenges.

"Old age isn't for sissies," said Bette Davies, and we are all going to need some “gumption” (as my father used to say) to get to grips with it. One thing we learned above all else during our course with Claire, is that dementia does not preclude us from living a full and active life.

I know a lovely lady who is celebrating her 90th birthday very soon. I love the fact that dementia has not taken her natural good humour away. Every time she is reminded that she is 90, she roars with laughter!

She still loves life and folk still love her. So this Christmas I shall raise a glass to all those who are taking old age on the chin; all those who are still dispensing love and wisdom, generosity of spirit and humour and all the great things that old age and yes, even dementia, don't prevent us from doing!

Have a joyful Christmas.

Jane Bowe, Probusiness

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

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 31

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Boutique & Accessories Tel: 01934 263225 Mob: 07940 261124

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BLACKSMITHING EXPERIENCE DAYS

Please visit us @ Birch Hill House, Cheddar Gorge After care: £3.00 per hour Grooming from £20.00 Nail Clipping from £7.00 Bath & Style Luxury Accessories Treats & Toys

01275 464484 07906 916431 colinfabulous@live.com

Christmas gifts – for four-legged friends

GORGEOUS Grooming is located in the “Heart of Cheddar Gorge” offering full professional grooms with aftercare services, luxury doggy clothes (Urban Pup), treats, toys and quarterly V.I.P. customer promotion evenings.

Join them on Friday December 2nd for Cheddar Festive Night from 6pm till 10pm when they are offering 20% off all orders on the night only. There will also be a glass of fizz and mince pies (subject to availability).

Gorgeous Grooming is open Monday to Saturday from 9.15am to 4pm.

Forging a new Christmas experience

SHORT OF SPACE OVER CHRISTMAS? What can you buy people who seem to have everything?

HERE’S A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

Treat your family/friends to an overnight stay in these beau ful cabins overlooking Bristol, or a weekend away with a difference.

Call for details of price, dates etc.

Bristol View Glamping, East Dundry Lane, Dundry, Bristol, BS41 8NJ Tel: 01934 830373 Mob: 07779 122819 PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

STRAWBERRY Steel are inviting people to their Blacksmithing Experience Days with Colin Comrie, a Master Blacksmith with over 27 years’ experience in his art.

He has work exhibited all over the world and has a huge passion for his craft. He is also a qualified teacher, so you will be in safe hands.

Ox House Forge is an authentic historical blacksmith’s forge nestled in pasture land about a mile off the A370 between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare.

The experience days are great fun and educational. Colin will take you through the basic art of traditional blacksmithing with humour, skill and knowledge, and you will go home at the end of the course with objects of your choice and the knowledge you have gained.

Colin will take up to four people on any one course – sometimes it's just you, sometimes more. It’s a great idea for a party or small corporate event! Or why not buy a voucher as a gift.

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Unusual and exotic gifts for Christmas

THE Barn at the Manor House, situated in the tiny hamlet of West Compton near Shepton Mallet, is a veritable treasure trove of wonderful and unusual oriental textiles and gifts that you don’t find in the High Street. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for something different and special to give as a wedding present or Christmas gift.

Harriet Sandys started her business in the early 1980s while working with Afghan refugees in Pakistan’s NorthWest Frontier. The barn stocks ladies’ knee-length wool coats and jackets from India, smart sleeveless tweed gilets from Kashmir for men and a wide range of cotton nightwear and kaftans – ideal for those seeking some winter sun.

Oriental rugs, runners and tribal kilims from Afghanistan and Iran decorate the walls of the barn. There are carved wood chests and tables from the mountain villages of Swat in northern Pakistan and a fabulous assortment of handwoven silk and wool scarves as well as colourful Nepalese slippers for children and adults.

On sale too are table lamps, block printed tablecloths, bed spreads, quilts, cushions and throws from India as well as silver jewellery from Afghanistan, Thuya wood jewellery boxes from Morocco, and semi precious stone earrings made by craftsmen living in the desert villages of Rajasthan.

Prices in the barn start from £2.

The barn is open on the weekends November 26th/27th, December 3rd/4th and 10th/11th, 2pm-5pm. If you would like to visit at any other time, the barn is open by appointment.

Axbridge lavender

LOOKING for something special for your guests this festive season? Lavender & Co have a new Lavender Syrup to stir into your Christmas fizz, or serve with fresh berries and clementines.

Spread their lavenderinfused mustard and marmalade on your baked ham and impress Santa with a mince pie sprinkled with crunchy lavender sugar. Their shop is packed to the brim with gift ideas, with their exclusive range of hand creams, beauty lotions and shaving balm for the man in your life.

For the lady with exquisite taste they have a range of silk scarves by batik artist, Jane Hickman, hand-made original jewellery by Emily Dalton and delightful stocking fillers for all ages.

CHRISTMAS IDEAS 2016

Harriet Sandys Oriental carpets, kilims and decorative items from central Asia and India

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th November 2-5pm Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 2-5pm Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December 2-5pm e Barn at e Manor House, West Compton, Shepton Mallet BA4 4PB. Tel: 01749 890582 For directions: www.sandysorientalcarpets.co.uk

Open by appointment throughout the year

The perfect Christmas gift

Champagne balloon flights over the Chew Valley and Mendips

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

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 33

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One less thing to worry about

CHRISTMAS IDEAS 2016

PLANNING a day’s Christmas shopping or perhaps a prefestive treat, but worried about leaving your dog alone for any length of time? Wells & Mendip Dog Day Stay still have daytime places available in the run-up to Christmas, although they are fully booked for overnight stays.

Dogs are treated like one of the family at Wells & Mendip Dog Day Stay, at Haydon on the outskirts of Wells.

Emma Green, who runs the facility with her family, said: “We’re open right up to Christmas Eve and then open again after Boxing Day. We’re also starting to take bookings for day care and overnight care for the early part of next year.”

Day care and holiday care for your dog/s Springfield, Haydon Drove Nr Wells BA5 3EH find us on facebook: Wells & Mendip Dog Day Stay

Brook Bank welcomes beginners and experienced visitors to enjoy our extensive facilities

Beginners Clay Shooting Package (variety of targets) from £31pp Lessons available on Driven birds/clays by appointment Hull game cartridges for sale Open for practice 5 days a week Gunsmith on site – snack bar GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 35

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THE Bishop’s Palace in Wells is hosting a new exhibition, Shire Art, by artist Anthony Butterfield until the end of January.

Anthony works with oils, which he applies to the reverse side of glass to create the finished paintings. Over the years he has spent considerable time perfecting this technique and has developed his own methods to bring luminosity to his images.

He lived in the Glastonbury area for over 30 years, then after eight years living in Wales he relocated back to Somerset.

Anthony’s reputation flourished after the birth of his first child inspired him to take up the brush more regularly and as interest from galleries goes from strength to strength, he tries to create ever more illustrious pieces using his unique style.

Less is more, says Ian Marlow

“THE exhibition season is drawing to a close and winter is a time when I design and prepare sculptures ready for next year’s exhibitions which are already starting to roll in.

I always like to start the coming year with a new series of works and 2017 is no different. Work on the new series has already begun. The only difference this year is that they are getting an early showing in Erica Sharpe’s new gallery Wild Edge Gallery in Wedmore.

The new sculptures are based on the Japanese flower arranging art of Ikebana. I love the powerful simplicity of it. It really exemplifies the expression ‘less is more’.

Sculpting is a three-dimensional art form and that, by its very nature, has Inspired by Ikebana limitations for developing the many (too many) ideas that I need to express. I find writing, both prose and poetry, offers a way of pursuing concepts which can’t be expressed in stainless steel and sometimes I will use it to add an extra dimension to the steel sculptures. Unlike the other Japanese tradition of bonsai, Ikebana’s starkness is inspired from what we see happening in nature.”

Ikebana Dreaming The seed that falls in craggy rock, Or carried, windswept, through the air To settle high above the ground, Is quick to root and seek the nourishment It needs to grow within that barren place.

Before too long a leaf appears, or two, Or more if strength allows; a bud, a stem, And then a flower blooms, A burst of living colour in the Cold grey chill that frames its form; Its petals, soft and yielding in the wind, Speak silent words into the breeze, A whispered prayer, a song of hope, A dream of beauty in an unforgiving land.

Ian Marlow

Mendip VAlley Antiques & ColleCtAbles We BUY and SELL antiques and collectables

Due to overwhelming support and demand we are looking to extend the shop to provide a wider range of choice.

Monday Closed • All other days 10.30am til 4pm New Manor Farm Shop, Widcombe BS40 6HW Contact: sparkes.contracting@yahoo.co.uk 01761 221001 • 07966 387252 • Please visit our website: mendipvalleyantiquesandcollectables.co.uk PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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Charity shop find melts bidders’ hearts CLEVEDON Salerooms have a long association with St Peter’s Hospice, holding training events for their shop staff on what to look out for amongst donations to their shops.

The training paid off when this painting by French artist Fernand de Launay (1838-1890) was spotted by an eagle-eyed member of their staff.

Measuring just ten inches by 13 inches the oil on canvas depicting a flower seller on a Parisian winter street was subsequently offered in Clevedon Salerooms’ recent Specialist Sale with an estimate of £400 – £600.

The picture clearly captured the imagination and the gavel fell at £1,100 with every penny going to the hospice as the salerooms waive their commission when proceeds go direct to charity.

Clevedon Salerooms will round the year off with their December 1st Antiques and Interiors Sale which always includes a good selection of

affordable jewellery for those looking to treat themselves or perhaps someone

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

else at this time of year.

For more information, contact the salerooms on 01934 830111.

Clevedon Salerooms wish their customers a

Merry Christmas Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS 5 6 7 8 9 December 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – ample free parking no appointment necessary

Looking for that unique present?

Come to our final auction before Christmas

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

Thursday 1st December 10am Viewing: Wed 30th November 10am – 7.30pm, sale day from 9am

www.clevedon-salerooms.com MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 37

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Guild anniversary in Wells

THE Somerset Guild of Craftsmen is celebrating its first year in its premises in Wells.

The guild is one of the oldest crafts guilds in the country, having been founded in 1933. It has operated from several locations in Somerset, but it is hoped it has now found a permanent home – through the archway next to Pickwicks in Broad Street. The guild calls Wells the” true cultural centre” of the county.

This Christmas, the guild is offering a wide range of new products all from excellent local makers – unique gifts at a wide variety of prices.

WANTED – VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE

For Sale

An Original oil painting

by Martin Bentham RWA

HARDY, ALLCOCKS ETC. Also BRASS & WOOD REELS EARLY LURES & BAITS, RODS ANGLING BOOKS TAXIDERMY CASED & MOUNTED FISH

01934 625810

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Ploughing Match – Mendip offers invited in the region of £1,500. to view in priddy For details call Caroline Shipsey on 07769 278957

For sale – a piece of Mendip social history

A rare opportunity to purchase one of Martin’s paintings. Offers in the region of £1,500 are being invited

AN original work by celebrated Mendip artist Martin Bentham is being sold privately by its owner.

The oil-on-board painting, “Ploughing Match – Mendip”, dates from 1991 – before Martin, of Blagdon, was made a member of the Royal West of England Academy.

The painting shows a ploughing match underway in the Green Ore area. Owner Caroline Shipsey, of Priddy, is a friend of Martin’s and said: “Martin doesn’t just paint faces. These are real people and people may well recognise some of the characters in the painting.”

Caroline added: “I will be very sad to see it go; it is such a great painting.”

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Matchbox cars race up the bidding NEARLY 500 lots were on offer at Killens Antiques & Collectables sale on Saturday November 12th at Mendip Auction Rooms.

The monthly sale featured an extensive range of items from 18th century silverware, to diamond rings to 19th century paintings. A Danish pinwheel table made up of six teak tables produced by Peter Hvidt for France and Sons in the 1950s achieved £2,100.

A collection of 39 Matchbox supercars saw the bidding for the collectable 1970s toys reach £600, while a Chinese silver salter with an estimate of £60 sold for £360, showing that there is high demand for silver items, to an internet

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

buyer.

The next sale to be held at Mendip Auction Rooms in Binegar will be on Tuesday November 22nd starting at 11am and will be offering items which are Victorian or later effects.

There are already some exciting items entered including a naval boarding cutlass and a “Lord Charles” puppet, a replica of the one used by the ventriloquist Ray Allen. There will also be a variety of jewellery – which would be perfect for Christmas presents!

Killens are now accepting items for their two-day sale on December 9th and 10th.

The team of valuers from Killens are able to provide free valuations of items every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday or are content to undertake a home visit.

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

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 39

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Hair and beauty specialists

SO…Hair and Beauty is your one-stop shop for all your hair and beauty needs. The team consists of Sandra, Emily, Kim, Tasha and Darllen who have 45 years of experience between them. The salon is bigger than it looks and as well as hairdressing for men, women and children, there is a range of beauty and massage treatments.

Salon owner and beauty therapist Sandra Ogden specialises in facials and uses the Eve Taylor range of products which contain active ingredients that are beyond cosmetic. Mention the Mendip Times when booking a facial during January to receive 10% off any Eve Taylor Facial – the perfect way to treat yourself in the New Year.

• Hair Cutting and Styling for Ladies, Gents and Children

The Little Red Beetle • Delicious Hot and Cold Drinks and Food to Eat In or Takeaway • Locally Crafted Gifts • Craft Groups and Classes • Available to hire for Craft Parties for all ages.

Open Tues-Fri 9am-5pm • Saturday 10am-2pm

Broad Street, Wrington BS40 5LA 01934 863889 www.thelittleredbeetle.co.uk

• Highlights / Lowlights / Full Head Colour / Perms / Straightening • Advanced Facials / Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting / LVL Lash Lifting • Waxing / Pedicures / Manicures Shellac Gel Polish (2 week effect) • Massage… Swedish, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, Indian Head, Reflexology Broad Street, Wrington, BS40 5LD Tel: 01934 863611 Email: info@sohairandbeauty.co.uk

Bennetts is a niche and boutique commercial law firm operating out of modern offices at Barley Wood Stables, Long Lane, Wrington.

Our lawyers combine specialist legal knowledge with broad practical experience.

We can be relied on to give clear and positive advice on a wide range of complex or routine matters whether preventative or remedial.

Bennetts Solicitors Attorneys & Notaries Barley Wood Stables, Long Lane, Wrington Bristol BS40 5SA Phone: (44) 1934 862786 • Fax: (44) 1934 862404 Webpage: www.bennettlaw.co.uk e-mail: info@bennettlaw.co.uk PAGEP??

AGE •M 40ENDIP • MENDIP TIMES TIMES • DECEMBER • DECEMBER 2011 2016

Wrington’s Dickensian Fayre

9

THE Wrington Dickensian Fayre will be taking place on Friday December 9th and will be featuring a wide range of stalls to enable everyone to enjoy the evening and stock up for the Christmas festivities.

The fayre is being supported by the local Explorers Scout Group and this year Wrington Football Club will also be involved.

As usual there will be a Christmas tree and lights (donated by the Parish Council) outside the Plough Inn and the Plough will be providing mulled wine and cider together with the usual delights inside the pub.

Plenty of liquid then, to accompany the traditional hog roast which has been a perennial favourite. Several local shops will remain open during the fayre.

Various local businesses will be represented and the evening starts at 6.30pm when the Christmas tree lights will be lit up outside the Plough.

Entertainment will be provided by local children culminating in the usual lively performance by Joyful Spirit Gospel Choir who will finish the outdoor proceedings. The evening ends with the grand raffle draw and carols with a singa-long inside The Plough.

December

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Drama group’s new production

WRINGTON Youth Drama’s winter production is Jack-In-TheBox, a long-forgotten pantomime written in 1873 and originally performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, that same December.

With the flavour of real Victorian pantomime, Jack-in-theBox is the story of a prince disguised as a labourer who arrives in the kingdom of Storyshire, reputedly the stupidest place in England, in search of a beautiful princess whose picture

he has only seen.

Rachel Bowers has provided an updated script and the show is being directed by Julie Kingcott, who devised and directed the spectacular winter hit Wind in the Willows last January.

There is original music by David Tisdall, who scored last year’s show, and once again audiences will be treated to an ambitious, well-crafted and highly visual production that far exceeds any accepted notions of amateur theatre – that’s a promise!

Tickets will be on sale soon from the local shops for performances in January.

FOCUS ON WRINGTON

Sam, Joan And staff Wish you a Merry Christmas And a Prosperous New Year

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 5:30am un l 9pm Mon-Sat, 6pm on Sun BUGLERS, HIGH STREET, WRINGTON BS40 5QA

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 41

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Wrington remembers

Genuine local service

WRINGTON Motors is proud of its 24 years’ service to the village and continues to expand its ability to service a wider range of cars.

They have diagnostic equipment which matches that of most main dealers and can offer the same service and servicing to manufacturers’ specifications, using genuine parts. They also offer MOTs and a full repair service.

Wrington is one of the few villages that can still boast a garage that not only sells petrol, diesel and LPG, but also has a fully-equipped workshop.

They have a reputation for good workmanship and courteous service and will carry out small jobs, like fitting bulbs, batteries or wiper blades while you wait.

They also have a fleet of loan cars and a small van to keep you mobile whilst your vehicle is repaired.

• Sight Tests • Glasses • Contact Lenses Home visits available by appointment

AMORS

Near dealer level diagnostics for all these makes ★ VOLKSWAGEN ★ AUDI ★ SEAT ★ SKODA ★ BMW ★ MINI ★ JAGUAR ★ LAND ROVER ★ RANGE ROVER ★ PEUGEOT ★ CITROEN ★ RENAULT NOW INCLUDING: ★ MERCEDES ★ VOLVO

B o b & Ja n e a n d t h e i r t e a m w e l co m e y o u t o t h e i r t r a d i t i o n a l v i l l a g e s t o r e a n d P o s t Of f i ce

Orders for Christmas, bread, fresh vegetables, meats and small gifts Full range of breads from Pullins of Yatton and Birds of Winscombe Fresh sandwiches made daily and available to order Open 8am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday 8am – 1pm Saturdays

Broad Street, Wrington

01934 862211 PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

MOT testing, Servicing and repairs to most makes Four wheel alignment, Tyres, balancing and TPMS valve service Exhaust, repair and replacement Air conditioning servicing, repairs, system clean and deodorise Loan cars and loan van, local pick up and run home service available Free reminder service via Email or text

Tel: 01934 862297 www.wringtonmotors.co.uk Email: wringtonmotors@hotmail.com

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Home and Kitchen celebrates a bumper year

THE Home and Kitchen Store says 2016 has been one of their most successful years ever. Their bespoke range of kitchens has been expanded and they have manufactured and installed some of the most beautiful kitchens yet.

Not content to sit on their laurels though they are always on the lookout for exciting products and services to offer their new and existing clients. Their showroom is soon to be lovely and warm due to their new partnership with Everhot cookers.

The Everhot is a modern energyefficient heat storage range similar to an AGA. Designed to remain switched on, and up to temperature 24 hours a day, it provides controllable cooking capacity with background warmth to suit the time of year. Even the hardiest souls find themselves being drawn towards its gentle warmth.

It has also been a good year for

flooring. Many of their clients have used their wonderful range of engineered oak flooring to complement their kitchens.

They have now expanded the range and on show are some stunning oak boards ranging from the smoky Earl Grey to the dark and mysterious Ceylon.

This is all supplementary to their stunning range of kitchens. If you haven’t visited them before – please do! Even if you aren’t in the market for a new kitchen they make sideboards, TV

FOCUS ON WRINGTON

cabinets, fitted wardrobes and more.

The team has also expanded this year to welcome a new member of staff, Tony Fraser, an extremely talented joiner from Winscombe, who has slotted into the team and has hit the ground running. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

So do visit them in 2017 and see what HKS can create for you. Don’t forget they offer a completely free, no obligation design and quotation service.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 43

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What a busy year!

DAVID Bush Joinery has had one of the busiest years they can remember.

They have been involved with very varied work and a number of very exciting projects.

They have seen the arrival of Accoya timber which they have been using for some time with excellent results. This extremely durable timber is especially suited for outdoor joinery, i.e. windows, doors,

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conservatories, etc, as it is extremely weather resistant.

A number of their customers are enjoying their Accoya joinery and have given them very positive feedback.

Their work this year has included a new music console for St Andrew’s Church in Clevedon – where the programme Broadchurch is filmed.

They have installed a new hospitality suite at Chantry Church, near Frome and are currently looking at Bell Tower work in St Mary’s Church at Almondsbury.

As well as local work they have been travelling further afield and have been working on the south coast in an exNational Trust property as part of a large restoration project which has also been an exciting and challenging experience for them.

They have invested in their workshop too, installing a

new extraction system which is linked to each machine, making a more pleasant working environment for their staff.

Next year they will be looking to invest in some new machinery which will keep them up-to-date.

They say they would like to take this opportunity to thank all of their loyal customers for their continued support, and their patience, and would like to extend thanks to all of their staff for their efforts this year.

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Natalie’s legacy raises £100,000 for charity

JOHN and Vanessa Webb would like to take this opportunity to thank all those generous supporters of Natalie’s charity golf days over the years, in helping them raise the incredible sum of £100,000 for their daughter ‘s chosen charities, as they have decided that this year’s event would be the last.

It was amazingly Natalie’s idea to raise money for charity, always thinking about others even at a time when she was very ill battling against cervical cancer. The first golf day and auction was held ten years ago at Mendip Spring Golf Club and it was Natalie’s wish that her family continue to raise money for her chosen charities, Weston Hospice Care and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, after she sadly lost her fight against cancer in 2007.

People have helped in so many different ways over the years by entering teams, sponsoring holes, bidding for auction lots that they didn’t necessarily want and making donations. Other people have given their time generously helping to organise the day, making cakes, collecting auction and raffle prizes and generally supporting the family both physically and emotionally.

Rob Music offered his thanks on behalf of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: “Over £50,000 is such a significant amount and has a huge and positive impact in helping us grow to where we are today. As a result we are supporting more women affected by cervical cancer than ever before, so thank

FOCUS ON WRINGTON

you.”

John and Vannessa added: “Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and know that your kindness has done so much to help others trying to cope with the life changing effects that cancer has on families like ours.”

Natalie, who was a speech and language therapist at Weston General Hospital, was married to Mark Holland only weeks before being diagnosed with cancer.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 45

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Art centre memories

The arts studios today

AN exhibition of photographs about the development of the Black Swan Arts building in Frome has gone on show as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

The collection of images in the Round Tower gallery at the centre chart its roots from an inn in the1800s, to the 1950s to its current incarnation as a thriving arts centre.

Black Swan Arts has been marking its 30th anniversary year with a series of special exhibitions and events. The finale is an exhibition called “30 Years, 30 Artists” which celebrates the talented makers who have worked in the Black Swan Arts studios, including Annette Gabbedey, Chris Lee, Kate Cooke, Christina Oswin and Mel Day. The 30th anniversary events have been a resounding success: with overwhelming support and engagement from the local community, Black Swan Arts has raised muchneeded funds.

30 Years, 30 Artists runs until Saturday, December 24th.

Council steps in to help training centre

FROME Town Council has agreed to subsidise the operating costs of Somerset Skills and Learning’s training centre at Saxonvale.

The council owns the land and has offered to charge only a peppercorn rent when a new tenancy agreement is completed with SSL, a not-for-profit social enterprise.

This is expected to save the tenant in the region of £8,500 per year and enable SSL’s resources to be ploughed into the delivery of its services.

The Saxonvale Training Centre plays an important role in improving the employability of young people and adults alike.

Over the last two years, SSL has supported 195 learners to achieve qualifications.

The help that adult learners can obtain includes counselling, computing skills, maths and English, adult apprenticeships and courses to improve access to Higher Education.

The CIC also supports 16-18 year olds with vocational study programmes, learning to work/traineeships for those that would otherwise not be in employment, education or training and 16-18 apprenticeships.

Other organisations use the centre as a regular resource, including groups that support adults with learning and other disabilities back into employment.

Councillor Toby Eliot, Mayor of Frome, said: “This is not a particular project for the town council but a decision that allows really important services in our community to continue. It is essentially a grant in kind and we're happy to support the work of Somerset Skills and Learning.

“The tenancy agreement also lets either SSL or the town council make changes in a short time scale meaning that we still have flexibility over any future Saxonvale development.”

On yer bike

David on his bike

Bringing colour into the school hall

A TEAM of parents and grandparents has revamped the tiredlooking hall at Mells First School.

Liz Roberts, grandmother to two children at the school, painted a seasonal tree of life, wrapped around one Youngsters enjoy the new mural of the windows. Liz included a selection of the children’s drawings of animals and even a cheeky little robot! ● Mells C of E First School has joined in a partnership with Beckington C of E First School securing Claire Chantler as executive head teacher of both.

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

DAVID Warburton MP for Somerton and Frome, the Director General of The Royal British Legion and more than 80 other Members of Parliament raced against the clock on an exercise bike to raise money for The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The bike ride was organised by the Industry and Parliament Trust in association with The Royal British Legion and follows on from a successful bike ride held in 2015.

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We will rebuild it

School praised for apprenticeship scheme

NEWS

The castle in the background as officials and children gather for the official opening of the new play area

CAMPAIGNERS for better play facilities in Wells for youngsters were left devastated after the centrepiece of a new attraction was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The wooden castle and other equipment had opened less than a week before the incident and had already proved hugely popular. The area had cost £100,000 to build and taken four years of negotiations.

Three crews from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue were called to the playhouse in Wells Recreation Ground on Guy Fawkes Night.

Within hours of the fire, a crowdfunding appeal to replace the structure had been launched on social media.

Councillor John North, chairman of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust, said: “I’m angry and disappointed that this has happened. We will now work with the local community and Better Play Areas For Wells to rebuild the damaged section of the play area as quickly as possible.” ● See Community page 84.

Castle ruins – destroyed less than a week after its official opening

Back row (l:r): Shaun Adams (sport), Rebecca Burge (nursery), Brian Walton (head teacher), Macie Pople-Anderton (nursery), Jasmin Dalgarno (nursery), Tom Ball (sport). Front row (l:r): Kate Gould (specialist provision), Abbie Hopkins (early years), Georgia Latty (finance)

BROOKSIDE Academy in Street has been highly commended in this year’s South West National Apprenticeship Awards.

The academy – which provides specialist primary school provision for children with additional needs alongside their peers as well as a nursery – was the only school in the country to feature in the awards.

It was entered in the medium employer of the year category and employs 13 apprentices across the school in partnership with Strode College, specialising in skills such as sports tuition, business administration, finance, nursery education and specialist education. Apprentices make up more than a quarter of support staff at Brookside.

The awards are run by the National Apprenticeship Service and recognise excellence in two areas: businesses that grow their own talent with apprentices and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplaces.

Head teacher Brian Walton said: “As a large primary school we can provide a diverse range of experiences for young people who want to get a meaningful and supported start to their career.

“We benefit greatly from the positive attitude, skills and willingness to learn they bring to the school and we’ve been able to offer more services for families. I firmly believe that schools are a great place to start a career through an apprenticeship.”

Pop-up charity shop opens

AGE UK B&NES and Midsomer Norton Rotary Club have opened a joint pop-up shop on the High Street in Midsomer Norton in run-up to Christmas.

The shop sells second-hand items including clothes, toys, books and bric-a-brac. Money raised will be split between Age UK B&NES, for its work to support local older people and Rotary.

The pop-up shop will be open on the following dates: Saturday, November 26th, Friday, December 2nd, 9th and 16th and Saturday, December 3rd, 10th and 17th.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 47

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Ubley craft and gift fair

Donna Coles, with Cerys, ten, Ellen, ten and Lydia, 12, painting pottery on the Mother Hen ceramics stall

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All crafters great and small

LOCAL skills were celebrated at Ston Easton village hall during the annual craft fair which raised £650 for the parish church.

AN amount of just under £900 has been raised from this year's annual craft and gift fair at Ubley. The money raised will be divided equally between Ubley Primary School PTA and Ubley Parish Hall.

Ubley PTA members serving refreshments – Joanna Croot, Callie Marks and Constance Clarke with Wrenna

EVENTS

Val and Philip Blatchford ran a stall raising money for the residents’ fund at Clare Hall Nursing Home in Ston Easton. Items for sale included a 2017 calendar featuring Philip’s photographs.

The fund helps to pay for trips and activities for the residents

Lyn and Bob Manvill, of Croscombe, shared a stall selling Lyn’s knitted goods and Bob’s woodturned items

Christmas in the country

Helen Lawson and Tina Seviour, the market organisers

THE Tithe Barn in Mells was again transformed into a Christmas market, attracting hundreds of visitors. Now called Christmas in the Country, around 20 craftspeople from Mendip and further afield took part.

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Festive decorations by Jane and Polly

Isla tries her hand at a stick dulcimer, made

by Peter Searle, of Cannard’s Grave, near Shepton Mallet. His dulcimers and other instruments are made mainly from sapele and tulip wood

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Stuart’s office treadmill

Stuart winning the 2016 Chelmsford Marathon

A FANATICAL runner from Winscombe will be attempting to break the world record for a 50km run on a treadmill – in his office.

Stuart Leaney is aiming to raise £1,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust to help transform the lives of young people with cancer in the South West.

Stuart, a father of three, who is an operations director at a financial services recruitment company based in Bristol, has been inspired to fundraise for the trust through his close friend Katie Crossey, local fundraising coordinator in the South West.

Stuart aims to break the world record on Friday, December 9th, starting at 9am.

The current official Guinness World Record is three hours nine minutes and eight seconds. The unofficial (not ratified

by Guinness) record currently stands at 2’59”49 – that’s running 5’47” per mile for 31 miles.

Stuart said: “Running has given me so much enjoyment and I want to use my love of running as a way to help raise awareness and support for such an amazing charity. A charity that supports people whilst at their most vulnerable.

Running has always been a hobby of mine it improves my health, fitness and mental wellbeing, I hope by completing this challenge to help others when they need it most.”

To support Stuart visit: http://www.justgiving.com/StuartLeaney

PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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Bethan honoured for work in Kenya

A LOCAL teenager has been honoured at the Palace of Westminster during the inaugural British Citizen Youth Awards.

Bethan Rees, aged 14, from Brent Knoll, was one of just 20 youngsters from across the country recognised for their positive impact on society, communities or other good causes.

The awards were presented by Kimberley Wyatt from the Pussycat Dolls group at a glitzy ceremony in the House of Lords.

Bethan became involved with the charity Educate the Kids, which provides an education for desperately poor children in Kenya, after a family holiday to the country in 2009. She was inspired by her grandmother, Burnham-on-Sea fundraiser Sue Stevens, and motivated by the sight of young Kenyan children whose families simply can’t afford to send them to school.

Since that holiday she has been raising awareness of the charity at every opportunity.

Bethan organises fundraising events herself, as well as helping at those of her grandmother’s. At the age of just 11, Bethan completed a continuous 10km sponsored swim to generate enough money to fund the education of Deborah Chome, a young Kenyan girl, for several years.

Bethan has also recently been doing the administration and publicity work involved with bringing The Singing Children of Africa to the area. The choir is chosen from the 700 pupils at Jolaurabi School, a school built by Educate the Kids. The singing tour saw the choir hosted by Somerset families, visiting Somerset schools to exchange educational and cultural differences and perform evening concerts to generate muchneeded funds for the charity.

Bethan has also travelled to Kenya on several occasions assisting with vital work at Jolaurabi Primary and Kindergarten.

Only 20 youngsters from the whole of the United Kingdom were honoured with British Citizen Youth Awards, each having their own unique and inspiring story. Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of awards sponsor Specsavers, said: “The society we live in tomorrow will be shaped by the children of today, which is why championing amazing young role models is so important. These unsung heroes are the rising stars of the future – let us shine a light on them and celebrate!”

Bethan, a former pupil of Hugh Sexey Middle School and now at Sidcot School, was unaware of her nomination until learning that she had gone through several stages of selection by an independent panel and had been chosen from numerous applications.

She said: “I am really pleased as this will help to raise awareness that many children in Kenya are unable to go to school not because they are not bright or not keen, but simply because they are too poor.”

Bethan also met the MP for the Wells, James Heappey, who said that he was delighted for her. He said: “I had the pleasure of welcoming Brent Knoll’s Bethan Rees to parliament today. She was presented the award for her amazing work raising money for a school in Kenya. She has been doing it since she was seven – just incredible!”

Parents, Steve and Sarah Rees, praised both Bethan and her younger sister Megan “for all the work that they do to help children less fortunate than themselves”.

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Rotary responds to Haiti disaster

CHELWOOD Bridge Rotary is sending 500 Water-Survival Boxes to survivors of Hurricane Matthew that devastated large parts of Haiti. They say the requirement for water purification is crucial and urgent – further aggravated by the accelerating cholera epidemic.

They now need funds to replace the initial 500 boxes so they can respond again in the weeks and months ahead.

Each box can deliver up to 100,000 litres of clean water – so that 100 people can have 10 litres of safe drinking water every day for three months. The first consignment will provide some 50 million litres of purified water.

The cost of a box is just £150 including the air freight charges.

Donations by cheque can be made out to Worldwaterworks Limited and sent to Broadway House, Third Avenue, Westfield Trading Estate, Midsomer Norton BA3 4XD – or by bank transfer.

Details: http://www.watersurvivalbox.org/donate/

Gala celebrates new rescue centre

HORSE enthusiasts and families are invited to a Christmas Equine Gala next month at a brand new equine centre near Somerton.

RSPCA South East Somerset branch will host an evening of festive fun on December 2nd at the brand new World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm Visitor Centre in Kingsdon.

From exciting riding displays, Christmas shopping stalls and festive food in the cafe, the event, organised by the RSPCA South East Somerset branch, will be the perfect way for horse-lovers to get into the Christmas spirit. Riding displays to excite the audience will include pony club games from Wylye Pony Club, dressage to music with Charlotte Crocker-Westlake, carriage driving with Anya Walker and a nail-biting puissance finale.

RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths said: “This is the first event of its kind that we’ve organised to fundraise especially for the horses in our area so we really hope people will come along and support it.

“It will be a great festive evening out for people to pop in the diary and then come along and have some fun, buy a few stocking-fillers for friends and family and really get into the spirit of things.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to Claire Phillips and the staff and volunteers at World Horse Welfare for allowing us to host the first event in their beautiful new centre. All the proceeds will be going towards securing the welfare needs of horses from right here in Somerset.”

World Horse Welfare Glenda Spooner Farm Centre Manager Claire Phillips said: “We’re delighted that our new facilities can be put to such great use for an event like this. We look forward to welcoming many people for a festive celebration like no other!”

The Kingsdon centre is the charity’s fourth, dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of horses.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £5 per child under 14 years, and include a glass of mulled wine (or soft drink) and a mince pie.

Details: www.worldhorserescue www.rspcaeastsomerset.co.uk or call 01935 825996.

CHARITIES

Bowls league supports centre

THE Floodlit Charity Bowls League, organised through the Norwest Bowls Club, in Radstock, have donated £1,000 to the Bath and North East Somerset Carers Centre, which helps support carers in the local community take a break from their caring role.

Chief executive, Sonia Hutchison, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support shown. We rely on donations and sponsorship to continue our work supporting carers – like offering breaks and respite to people who otherwise might not be able to take any time for themselves.”

She said the donation will help fund support for carers over the Christmas period, which can be a very difficult time for families looking after someone who is ill or disabled. A carer can be anyone, of any age, and the Radstock-based Carers’ Centre supports adults and children from age five upwards.

Over the past 11 years the league have raised in excess of £27,000 for local charities.

Cheddar Challenge success

THE inaugural Cheddar Challenge, held at Southcroft Farm, Cross has raised £8,260 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – beating its own challenge to raise £5,000.

The day included a clay shoot, darts, golf, sheep racing, live bands and a barbecue and involved darts champions Trina Gulliver and Scott Mitchell.

It was organised by Paul Brinson and his family, with Trina, and they are now looking forward to organising a similar event next year.

They said: “We’d like to thank everyone for their support, particularly all of our local sponsors.”

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 51

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Swimmer’s charity challenge

A FORMER Chew Valley girl completed a 41-mile solo swim around the island of Jersey to raise money for pancreatic cancer.

Aly Phippen, aged 33, who previously swam the English Channel, braved the third largest tidal movement in the world in waters at a temperature of a balmy 17º–18ºC degrees.

The swim started at 6.10am and finished just after 4pm in the afternoon.

Aly who graduated from Chew Valley in 2001 said: “Swimming at dawn is pretty magical; the colours of the sunrise were spectacular especially through the crystal clear water of Jersey.”

Raising money for pancreatic cancer has close personal links for Aly and another former Chew Valley student Carina Hicks whose mother recently passed away from the disease.

Next summer, alongside her brother and friends, including Aly, Carina will be cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

So far they’ve raised £6,603.

Having completed a solo English Channel swim in 2012 Aly, who now serves in the RAF, is looking for her next big challenge; swimming round Manhattan or an Ironman event are certainly possibilities.

Details: Carina’s Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RideforGerry

Helping the elderly keep warm

IF you are expecting your winter fuel payment and don’t really need it, Somerset Community Foundation is asking people to donate it to its award-winning Surviving Winter campaign, which supports people in our communities who need help most.

A Surviving Winter grant doesn’t just pay for extra heating, it’s hand delivered by one of their small number of trusted local partners, like Mendip Credit Union, Rotary Frome and Citizens Advice Mendip.

The grant becomes the foundation for a new relationship that can help overcome the isolation and loneliness that many older people experience. With the support of over 300 donors, Somerset Community Foundation was able to provide vital grants to 390 older people to help them through last winter.

In one case an elderly woman had recently undergone an amputation and was left practically immobile, when a village agent found her trying to keep warm by heating a kettle. She had run out of money to pay for heating, food or her telephone needed to summon medical assistance in an emergency.

A Surviving Winter grant quickly restored the heating and the village agent was able to alert other agencies that were able to put in place the care that she needed to recover fully.

Details: http://www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or send a cheque made out to Somerset Community Foundation (SW written on the back), Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN or call 01749 344949.

Donations to Cheddar Foodbank

Christmas gifts

A LARGE consignment of Christmas shoeboxes for needy children in Romania have been filled by members of District 20 Inner Wheel clubs. These include clubs in Midsomer Norton, Chelwood Bridge, Mendip, Wrington Vale, Frome, Shepton Mallet and Wells.

They were collected at the clubs' district meeting, which was held at Oake Manor Golf Club and packed into waiting cars to be delivered to SWEEPS, the organisation who would be delivering them.

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

ELLIE Lewis, a team leader for Slimming World in Cheddar and Churchill, has donated £300 to the Cheddar Foodbank. She often supports the foodbank with donations of money and by asking her members for collections of food and toiletries. They have also had money donated from Katy Boo in Cheddar from their recent fashion show.

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Art is good for the heart

Jane Mann, Cherry Yhearm and Maggie Shreeve, three of the artists. They’re standing in front of a painting by the late Iona Cairns, an enthusiastic member of the art group and a series of original paintings by Joseph Wright of What-a-Mess, the character made famous in a series of illustrated children’s books by Frank Muir

MEMBERS of Mells Art Group joined forces for an exhibition to raise money for a heart defibrillator for the village.

Held in the stables of Mells Manor, the artists were joined by professional painters and photographers. The group is led by artist Danny Markey.

Organiser Rob Shreeve said: “The village has a rich tradition of arts and culture and this exhibition is the first of, what we hope, will become an annual event.”

A lifeline in Lesotho

A FARMER from Westbury-sub-Mendip has returned from a trip to southern Africa to visit work being carried out by the agricultural charity Send a Cow. Jackie Laws met farmers tackling the effects of drought in Lesotho which has caused food shortages across the country.

Jackie said: ‘‘I have seen Send a Cow’s work in several African countries, but I was astounded by what I saw in Lesotho.

The wetlands are dry and Jackie and a farmer wearing traditional hats dusty, but despite the harsh climate and lack of water the Send a Cow projects are thriving. Families are eating a variety of vegetables, have a surplus to sell, and are taking care of their livestock.” ● To find out more about the charity’s work and its Christsmas gift ideas, visit: www.sendacow.org Jackie is available to speak to schools and local groups and can be contacted on: jackie.laws@btinternet.com

Fair aids hospice

CHARITIES

MEMBERS of Blagdon's fundraising group for Weston Hospicecare raised £1,100 with their annual Christmas fair.

The group's team of knitters had again been busy, this year selling home-made Christmas trees, filled with a large chocolate donated by Blagdon Gun Club.

Hospice holds long service awards

AN astonishing 1,500 years of service has been celebrated by St Peter’s Hospice as it honoured over 150 of its longstanding volunteers who have dedicated hours of their time to help support those with life-limiting illnesses.

Casualty and Strictly Come Dancing star Sunetra Sarker handed out the given for five, ten 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.

Russell Cowan, head of volunteer resources at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “A combined total of nearly 1,500 years of committed voluntary service is a mind boggling figure! We are immensely grateful to our remarkable volunteers who continue year in, year out to donate their time, skills and experience, both in our shops and at the hospice.”

Details: 0117 915 9448 or email russell.cowan@stpetershospice.org

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 53

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Rookery Farm Fair

Businesses at Rookery Farm near Binegar are once again joining forces for a charity Christmas fair.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, December 3rd from midday until 2pm with a range of cakes, crafts, gifts, cards and quality second-hand toys for sale. There will even be a visit by “Santa Paws”. Christmas trees will be on sale and Mendip Auction Rooms will be offering valuations of treasured items for just £1.

All proceeds will go towards three fundraising appeals for local children: Eady’s Journey, William and Lewis Need New Wheels and Help Jessica Walk.

Piano experts tune into new premises

Becky and Mark Doman will be welcoming visitors to their new showroom on Saturday, December 3rd

ABBEY Piano Services will be celebrating the completion of their new showroom and workshop at Rookery Farm with an open day on Saturday, December 3rd.

Mark and Becky Doman have moved to the complex from Chilcompton, bringing with them their extensive stock of instruments – not an easy task, although

the couple are experts in moving pianos!

The workshop side of the business has never been busier for Mark with everything from small repairs to full restoration and action overhauls whilst Beck is a qualified installer of PianoDisc and QRS self-play systems. The couple may soon be offering the services of an in-house piano teacher.

Both have barely had time for a breather in the past few weeks. As well as the relocation, Mark and Becky are keen carnivalites as members of Luckington Carnival Club and Becky also runs Stardust Majorettes who have also had a busy season.

The open day – from 10am-5pm – coincides with Rookery Farm’s Christmas Fair. Visitors to Abbey Piano Services can also expect to be welcomed by Buttons – the couple’s endearing chocolate Labrador!

An exciting range of new therapies now available SUE BOOTHROYD, Podiatrist.

Gentle treatments for healthy, happy feet.

BSc (Hons), DPodM, HCPC reg.

SIMON CRUTCHLEY, Podiatrist and Chiropodist.

Lower limb rehab, gait analysis & orthotics.

JEANNE BURNETT, physiotherapy, acupuncture and Hypervibe therapy.

MScAc, MCSP, HCPCreg.

FIONA LINDSAY, Massage Therapist. A professional massage at an affordable price.

MA(Ed), ICHT, FHT, RBFP.

BSc (Hons), HCPC reg.

Unit 11, Rookery Farm, Binegar, near Wells, BA3 4UL

PAGEP??

AGE •M 54ENDIP • MENDIP TIMES TIMES • DECEMBER • DECEMBER 2011 2016

Enjoy an exciting range of taster treatments

THE practitioners at Foot Faerie Podiatry Practice will be offering an exciting range of taster treatments and the opportunity to meet the newly-expanded team during the Rookery Farm Christmas Fair.

Podiatrist Sue Boothroyd will be checking that your feet are ready for winter and come and see how Hypervibe can help with your wellbeing and fitness with physiotherapist Jeanne Burnett.

Fiona Lindsay will be offering free ten-minute neck and shoulder massages to visitors to the clinic. Fiona is a professionally trained massage therapist who offers massage as a remedial treatment for on-going aches and pains, occupational injuries or age-related wear and tear. The neck and shoulders are areas which carry a lot of tension, especially at this time of year when the weather is colder. Why not come and have a taster neck massage to put you in a relaxed mood for Christmas?

Simon Crutchley is a chiropodist/podiatrist who has a specialist understanding of biomechanics and gait analysis. He has been practising for 12 years and works as an NHS musculoskeletal podiatrist. He concentrates on patients who have lower limb pain, as well as treating patients with other foot health issues. Simon will be offering Gait Analysis tasters.

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We’re closer than you think

CHRISTMAS AT ROOKERY FARM N...

O O S P ING OPEN OF MENDI S GREEN okery Farm at Ro

Essential tack, clothing, pet feed and accessories as well as gift ideas for Christmas for you and your animals Forgotten something? We’re closer than you think!

Jess and Tami wear clothing by Musto, watched by Pepper the dalmation

EVERYONE has been on their way home from a day’s shopping trip and realised they have forgotten something – that applies as much to horse riders and pet owners as people on the supermarket run.

Now Emma Green, who runs the Paws to Claws dog grooming salon at Rookery Farm, is preparing to open Greens of Mendip, a fresh take on a typical country store. Emma said: “We’ll be stocking the bits and pieces of tack, a range of clothing, pet food and accessories and last-minute gifts that people might have forgotten or they come to Rookery Farm and pop in for a look and buy on-the-spot.”

Emma chose Rookery Farm for her new venture because of its location: “We’re just minutes away from Shepton Mallet, Wells and the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area; we’re much closer than people think.”

Winter’s here – get ready for Spring

NOW is the time to think about getting the lawnmower serviced in time for spring next year and Mendip Rural Services at Rookery Farm is just the place to visit.

Until Saturday, December 3rd, Aaron Coleman is offering a 10% discount on advance bookings for servicing and repairs to lawnmowers and other garden machinery – the offer is valid on bookings until the end of January.

Now is also an ideal time to visit Mendip Rural Services to see their range of saw benches, log splitters, multi tools and leaf blowers and Aaron is also busy supplying logs, ranging from £5 nets to one-tonne dumpy bags.

Aaron opened his showroom at Rookery Farm in the summer and says the decision has been a good one: “There are so many diverse businesses here that we are able to bounce off each other.”

Unit 5, Rookery Farm, Binegar, BA3 4UL

Mendip Rural Services Ltd. Visit our showroom for: Lawnmowers & garden machinery Sales, spares, service & repairs Tool sharpening Chainsaw chains made & resharpened Personal protection equipment

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

01749 840848 07491 665290 E-mail: mendipruralservices@outlook.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Unit 8, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Radstock BA4 3UL. Tel: 01749 840848 MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 55

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A family history

LESLIE and Marie Lyons came to Rookery Farm as newlyweds in September 1945 where they took over a small herd of 14 cows and a pig, as well as a few ducks and chickens.

They worked hard to expand the farm over the years, building a flock of Hampshire Down sheep as well as a large dairy herd. Leslie ran a hay and straw business for many years regularly driving lorries to Wiltshire and Hampshire to collect and deliver straw. He also bought and sold second hand farm machinery and horse trailers and was a well-known Mendip character.

During this time they also bought up four sons. In the early 1970’s Leslie and his second son, Richard, started a business at the farm building horseboxes. This business grew to become Lyons Commercial Body Builders which moved to purposebuilt workshops in the late 1980’s.

Leslie and Marie retired in the early 1990s and Rookery Farm became home of the Great British Sheep Show run by the couple’s youngest son, Alan, until 1993. Richard and his family purchased the farm in 1994 and have developed Rookery Farm into what it is today – a thriving place for business and pleasure.

SOMER CRAFT ADDIX

For all your paper crafting needs!

WEEKLY WORKSHOPS AND CRAFT CLUBS

Imagination Crafts • Crafters Companion • Woodware • Sweet Dixie, Craft Creations and much more!

Now stocking Stylecraft yarns!

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

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

01749 840567 • 07739 048679

CHRISTMAS AT ROOKERY FARM

Have a crafty Christmas

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year for craftspeople wanting to make gifts and cards for friends and loved ones and Somer Craft Addix is gearing up for a busy few weeks ahead.

Festive cards made by people who’ve taken Places on its part in workshops at Somer Craft Addix popular workshops are filling up fast and the shelves are full of craft items from wool to paper. During the Rookery Farm Christmas Fair, visitors can take part in simple “make and take” gift tag sessions.

Somer Craft Addix owner Sarah Robertson has started using ebay and has seen a big demand for craft items from across the UK and Europe: stores.ebay.co.uk/somer-craft-addix Sarah said: “Our Christmas card workshops will be running until the middle of December. Please phone me to book a place.”

Christmas trees for charity

PROCEEDS from the sale of a range of Christmas trees at the Rookery Farm Christmas Fair will go to the families of local youngsters in need of support.

Richard and Fiona Lyons, who run Rookery Farm, have chosen three good causes: ● Eady’s Journey: Eady, who lives in Cranmore, suffers from a severe disorder affecting development. ● William and Lewis Need New Wheels: an appeal to raise funds for two young brothers from Shepton Mallet who have a life-limiting illness. ● Help Jessica Walk: Jessica, of Pawlett, has cerebral palsy.

The tree sale is just one of many fundraising initiatives on the day. Fiona said: “Everyone on the site has come together to make sure the event is a success and we are very grateful for their support.”

Wishing our tenants and customers a Happy Christmas and a very Prosperous 2017 Richard and Fiona Don’t miss our Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd December Catch up on all our news by checking out our monthly What’s Happening @ Rookery Farm Newsletter on our website http://fionajlyons.wixsite.com/atrookeryfarm/newsletters Or find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/At-Rookery-Farm-499301906792816/ PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

William and Lewis at home with parents Zoe and Gareth, who are fundraising to provide a specialist wheelchair transporter bike for the brothers

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WILDLIFE

The decline of the tawny owl IT is just one year ago that our most common owl, the tawny owl, was classed as amber on the national Birds of Conservation

By CHRIS Concern list.

SPERRING This designation is MBE given to species that have declined by 25% across the country. The worrying thing about this species declining is that it is yet another that was once very common and widespread, found almost anywhere with sufficient tree cover; from farms to city centres.

Despite its declining numbers this is still the owl you're most likely to hear whilst out and about over the Christmas period. Its famous mid-toned hooting sounds like three hoots, a long intro with a short hoo, followed by a long drawn out ending hoooo.

It can also make a rising screech, sounding like “erieee”, and though both sexes have similar vocal capabilities, it is mostly the female which screeches and the male that hoots.

Despite the national decline taking place I have noticed that where I live there has actually been a localised increase, which is probably due to an increase in food supply in gardens.

It seems that people are starting to realise the importance of wilder gardens and how simple measures can bring the joy of wildlife to their doorstep. The owls that visit my garden regularly are

probably attracted by the wealth of invertebrate, small mammal and amphibian prey species which have been encouraged by things like small log piles, ponds and native plants that I have provided.

When people see the variety of birds in gardens like these it might just encourage them to adopt similar practices in their own gardens and soon a lot more than just owls would be helped. Sadly, I do not have a mature enough tree to erect a nesting box for the tawny owls in my garden, but contributing to their food supply is something I can do.

My own local owls begin their

Tawny owls are regular visitors to Chris’s garden

A tawny owl with Orion in the background

nightly activity from their daytime roosting site of a group of mature trees in a local cemetery. The male leaves first and begins hunting throughout the local gardens. He will use vantage positions such as garage rooves, corners of houses, and even gateposts to simply watch for the movement of potential prey.

I have now managed to collect prey remains from this pair of owls in the form of owl pellets, which are the regurgitated parts of the prey that owls cannot digest, like bones and fur. The prey being taken here includes wood mouse, brown rat and shrews, along with some small birds and beetles, but they will also take earth worms and amphibians, as well as carrion.

If anyone finds themselves with time on their hands over Christmas and New Year why not take some evening jaunts, perhaps to the local pub, or out with the dog, and see if you can hear a tawny owl or two?

I would love to conduct something of a Mendip owl survey over this period, so please do let me know what you find, either via email or social media (I can be found on Twitter and Facebook).

It may be a bit of fun but the results may help us plan and target conservation efforts across the Mendip Times area, towards which everyone can contribute.

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him on 07799 413918, via chris.sperring@btinternet.com, or via social media

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 57

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Fortify yourself with this special winter circle

I DEVISED this ideal winter warmer especially for Mendip Times readers. It will certainly blow the cobwebs away and is a fairly short and level walk in East Mendip between Wells and Oakhill starting and ending at a much-praised cafe and garden centre. Walking is dry in the main and the circle offers widespread views over Somerset and near the end come onto Maesbury Hill fort with a spectacular panorama spread around you.

There are a few stiles but none of them will prove a problem for dogs. At the end take a look at a former railway station at Masbury.

PARK: In the car park of Rocky Mountain Nursery, which includes Masbury Cafe and shop. Tuck yourself out of the way. Thanks to the nursery for allowing MT walkers to use the car park. The cafe has a very good reputation for good value, quality food.

The nursery is on a turn off the B3135 cross Mendip road. It joins the Old Frome Road which runs between Wells and Frome, just north of Shepton Mallet.

START: Turn right along the road, where there will be some traffic, for two or three minutes.

1. LANE Take the first road right signed to Croscombe and Dinder. This lane is quiet and heads south so you should be in for any sun around. There are good views ahead – a taste of those to come.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

2. OLD RAILWAY Cross over the line of the old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway – note the raised grass embankment on the left.

The line closed under the Beeching Axe in March 1966. Shortly after this, before a right turn, go left on a stony track (not signed). This takes you through the line of the old railway and into a field through a gate. Keep straight on, close to the right edge, and be prepared for some wet and soft going along here for a short way. When the hedge ends, maintain direction on across the field and to a large gate in the corner. There is a wind turbine up ahead on the left. Keep on along the right edge of the next field. At the end a gate leads onto an old track.

3. TRACK Follow this as it bends round several times and reaches a gate onto the end of Burnthouse Drove.

4. BURNTHOUSE DROVE Continue along this old thoroughfare which is quiet and dry and very pleasant. Reach a junction at Fern Cottage and turn left.

5. 0LD BRISTOL ROAD Shortly, when the lane bends right, go left and join a track, the Old Bristol Road which leads gently uphill for about half a mile. Keep your eye out as you ascend for wonderful views across the Somerset Levels through gate openings on the left.

Reach a junction with the Old Frome Road by a telecommunications mast.

Cross with care onto the lane opposite which serves the 200-year-old Mendip Golf Club and is a continuation of the Old Bristol Road. You have reached the ridge at about 296 metres above sea level. Now your views are to the North as you descend. Down over to the right is the edge of Oakhill.

6. GOLF CLUB Pass the golf clubhouse. Keep on, ignore a turn right, and at the very end just before the lane bends right to the main road go left on the marked footpath track.

5. FOOTPATH It is a track at first. Then cross a stile into a field. Now continue on through fields and over stiles in the direction of the Pen Hill transmitter. Near the end, see an old stone stile on the right.

Ignore it, but at this point, turn left.

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WALKING

8. SMALL STREAM After a few yards cross a small stream and turn immediately left along the edge.

Follow the stream up along to a gate at the end of the field where the stream bends left. You go straight on along the right hedge in the next field beginning the gentle ascent to Maesbury Castle hillfort.

Go through a kissing gate and on up along the right edge passing a line of beech trees. In the top corner go through two kissing gates and enter the edge of Maesbury Hillfort.

9. HILLFORT This is an Iron Age hill fort listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The name comes from maes, meaning field or plain in Welsh, and burh, meaning fort in Old English. The area was a boundary between the Romano-British Celts and West Saxons during the period 577-652 AD, when the nearby Wansdyke fortification comprised part of the border.

The enclosure of 6.2 acres, lies at a height of 950ft and has spectacular views in many directions. This includes the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor and Brent Knoll – two of the most easily identifiable landmarks. The fort has a single rampart up to 6m high, with an outer ditch. The fort and surrounding grounds are now owned by the Stevens' family who have been farming in Somerset for over 60 years.

Follow a small path ahead over the ditch and up on to the outer bank. The official footpath goes straight across the hillfort, but there are paths along the bank. Turn right on the bank. On the west side, for the easiest route, go out right through an opening which takes you over the ditch.

Then turn left between the hillfort and hedge and continue along until just before a wood on the right, find a marked gate and stile on the right. Or to enjoy the views from the top a little longer, stay on

OS Explorer Map 141, Cheddar Gorge & Mendip Hills West, grid ref: 521 456.

4.25 miles, about 2 hours walking.

the bank and continue on this along the south edge until you find a small steep path dropping down the bank and over the ditch and across to the gate and stile.

10. STILE Cross the field diagonally and drop down to a gate with a stone stile at the side.

Cross onto the road and turn right, soon coming back to Rocky Mountain. But it is worth spending another minute or two by going on a little further to the bridge over the old railway. Look down left for quite a sight – the old Masbury Station complete with platform and grassed-over line.

This was a small isolated station on the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway's main line between Evercreech Junction and

Bath near the summit of the line as it crossed the Mendip Hills. The station opened in 1874 and closed with the rest of the line under the Beeching Axe in March 1966. The station was never heavily used and from 1938 it was reduced to a "halt" status. A feature of the station was a substantial stone-built stationmaster's house on the main northbound platform.

The site is now in private hands as a family home. Plans may be in progress to restore the station to its original state, including rebuilding the signal box and renovating the platforms and waiting rooms.

Miles More Mendip for Christmas Your chance to get a great new book of circular walks of discovery on the Mendip Hills for Christmas at a special rate.

Written by Mendip Times’ writers, Sue Gearing and Les Davies, Miles More Mendip Is a book of ten circular walks within the Mendip Hills. They are walks with a difference that show you new

Masbury Cafe and Rocky Mountain Nursery, 01749 841014

and hidden places on Mendip and help unlock the mysteries of the landscape. Spiral bound, beautifully designed in full colour with photos and maps. 77 pages.

Price for Mendip Times readers is £8.99 (a discount on the normal retail price of £9.99) plus a flat fee p&p of £2.50.

ORDER FORM

Complete the coupon and send with cheque (payable to Sue Gearing) to: MT book offer, Sue Gearing, 33 Garstons Close, Wrington, Bristol BS40 5QT. Name: ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address:.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Postcode:................................................................................................................................Tel no:.....................................................................................

I wish to order . . . . copies of Miles More Mendip at £8.99 each plus flat fee of £2.50 p & p. Any queries, contact Sue: gearings@btinternet.com

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 59

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

I CANNOT believe it is almost Christmas!

So what will the weather be like this year? Cold and frosty with snow on the ground or wet and With LES misty with rain in the DAVIES MBE air. What is a traditional Christmas after all?

Has our view of Christmas been idealised over the years by Christmas cards with snowy scenes, or by silver screen classics such as White Christmas with Bing Crosby? All warm woolly sweaters and log fires while the snow settles outside.

We are all visited by the “Ghost of Christmas” past in one way or another at this time of year. Memories of family gatherings that cannot be re-visited, memories of happy times and sometimes sad, but above all there is the feeling of another year coming to a close.

For me, within this mist of memories lie a few icons of Christmas past. Things that still remain sharp in the mind even though the passage of the years has dulled the short-term memory, it seems to enhance the longer term.

The simple Christmas dinner that was taken around the kitchen table. It would be chicken, thyme stuffing, roast potatoes and sprouts, all topped off with a rich brown gravy that could be cut into slices when it went cold! The fire would be lit in the sitting room with hot coals brought in on a shovel from the kitchen Rayburn and the afternoon spent watching a TV Christmas special.

Tea would be one of the Christmas puddings my grandmother had made the year before, carefully stored away and now re-heated and served with thick Bird's custard with extra milk and sugar. So would end another Christmas Day with all its traditional “punctuations” that I remember.

One item of Christmas tradition was the Giles book, a collection of cartoons from the Express newspaper drawn by Carl Giles, who satirised events throughout the year through the antics and exploits of a very ordinary extended family that most of us could relate to in one way or another.

Many of you will I'm sure remember these wonderful books.

For those of you who were never fortunate enough to receive the collection

of Giles cartoons for Christmas, let me explain how this iconic, dysfunctional extended family managed to survive the festive season, or should I say how the festive season managed to survive them.

Christmas in Giles land was always snowy. Outside, the long garden complete with coal house and shed is covered in snow. Inside the house, the living room has a large open fire and a Christmas tree festooned with lights in one corner. The ceiling is hung with paper chains and lanterns such as I can remember from my childhood days and a glimpse of the kitchen was always available where mother, wreathed in steam, would be cooking a Christmas meal helped by her two grown-up daughters.

Dad is in front of the fire, feet propped up and fast asleep, whilst grandma, complete with a huge padlock on her handbag reads the Racing Times and drinks stout. The children, meanwhile, play on the floor with a plethora of guns and knives that would give any trading standards officer a nightmare.

As for the family pets, they also add to the chaos by chasing one another and shredding various items of household soft furnishings. Even the poor old Christmas turkey gets in on the act and on one occasion is reprieved by a family vote whilst being hugged defensively by one of the girls. Christmas dinner will be several large tins of corned beef that day.

It was not only at Christmas that Giles excelled in his pictorial portrayal of everyday life. His view of the countryside, which no doubt came to him first-hand as a pig farmer, gave an attention to detail that did him credit. His countryside was classic, with sunken lanes and woods dominated by oaks and elm.

Wooden gates hung from their broken hinges and in the local pub men sat on benches, still wearing their coats and hats, drinking pots of foaming beer. The landlord would hang menacingly across the bar and on the walls a few notices extolled the joys of a local dominoes match or village jumble sale. Coats were held together with string and the hats were a mix of flat caps and trilbies. Nice to know that I'm still in fashion!

His portraits of countryside characters have always been priceless, set in a postwar era of rural fashion. This meant flat cap, ex-Army great coat, nailed boots or

wellingtons with the tops turned down and leather jerkins. His farm workers where solid and strong with flat caps worn at the “jaunty” angle.

Wide leather belts would fasten their trousers with a large metal buckle at the side. Farm machinery was draw in minute detail and quite often in a “broken down” situation with some poor soul covered in oil trying to repair it in the snow.

The countryside poacher received the Giles treatment as well. Always with a flat cap and enormous overcoat, protruding from which would be a mass of pheasant tail feathers and still more in his bag. Of slight, wiry build this rural rogue was a lovable rouge, and nothing like the poachers I had dealings with when I was working as the warden on Mendip!

He went about his business on a bicycle, knocking off the birds that belonged to the local squire’s shoot. His nemesis was the village policeman, a rotund individual with his helmet worn towards the back of his head and with bicycle clips around his ankles. This character portrayed a time when rural policing was of a lower intensity.

The Giles book was a treasure that you could take down from the book shelf time and time again, each time finding something new in the drawings. Some imminent disaster that was about to befall an unsuspecting victim, or a whole different story that was being played out in the background. This was the magic of Giles and of the institution he created with his Christmas cartoon books, so if you see one in the charity shop grab it! It will certainly give you hours of entertainment.

Finally I have attached a picture of my very own countryside character, my grandfather Charlie Tavener. Please note the belt buckle, breeches and gaiters together with the solid stance and a firm grip of the pipe.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope that it will be everything you could wish for!

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

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Grandfather outside the meal house

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YEO VALLEY

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The holly and the ivy . . .

THE value of both these native evergreen plants is often overlooked, but they have a huge amount to offer us as garden plants and as a source of food for wildlife.

Ivy (Hedera helix) is a bit different from many of our garden plants in that it has two phases to its life cycle that are With MARY visually very distinct. When in its juvenile PAYNE MBE phase (sometimes called “sterile”) ivy stems run or climb vigorously using aerial roots and bearing their characteristic leaf shape.

As the plant matures (fertile phase) the leaves lose their shape, become larger and it loses the ability to climb, growth slows considerably and it flowers in the autumn. It is at this stage that ivy loses some of its appeal as a garden plant but becomes invaluable to our wildlife providing nectar and pollen to late insects especially bees and butterflies, and later the black berries are good for the birds.

As a garden plant ivy is usually used in its many plain green-leaved or variegated forms. Over 200 different varieties exist. Two of the most popular are the yellow/green Goldchild or the white variegated Glacier. Both make a valuable colourful addition to winter containers or hanging baskets when trailing over the edge, but can also be used to cover unsightly objects from fences and walls to whole sheds if required.

It is important to keep it under control and only use ivy on sound surfaces as the aerial roots can penetrate soft or crumbling mortar. It can also be used as excellent ground cover, particularly as it can grow in the deepest shade and even the variegated varieties are shade tolerant and can be used to create interesting “pools” of light in woodland.

Opinions vary as to whether ivy should be allowed to colonise trees. I prefer to keep it off specimen trees but am happy for it to grow up woodland trees for its value to wildlife. Ivies are excellent on industrial sites and are very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Hedera hibernica or Irish Ivy also occurs commonly in the West Country and is the only species native to Ireland. It has slightly larger leaves and is frequently used on landscape sites as ground cover.

A larger leaved type is Hedera colchica, native to the Caucasus. The yellow blotched leaves of Paddy’s Pride are particularly colourful in winter, while Dentata Variegata has a creamy green leaf.

Our native holly (Ilex aquifolium) comes into its own at this season for its berries, that are also much loved by birds as the weather gets colder. A holly tree is either male or female, so both are required to set the berries on the female plant. There is a variety that is hermaphrodite namely J.C. van Tol. Not only does this variety set a good crop of berries without a male plant but it has the enormous bonus of having very few spines on the leaves.

Like the ivy, holly is also evergreen and extremely shade tolerant making it a useful garden plant. The variegated forms are most commonly used and come into their own in the winter months. Again, like ivy, the holly has produced a plethora of variations, some have more or less prickles, some have different variegations and of course they do not all produce berries.

Unfortunately, the folks who named some of our holly PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Ilex x altaclerensis 'Golden King'

varieties got rather confused. So Golden Queen has striking yellow variegated leaves, but is a male variety. Silver Queen has black young stems, creamy green leaves and shrimp pink new shoots, but is also male.

If berries are not important to you then my pick of the bunch would be Handsworth New Silver, a female clone that berries freely (given a pollinator), with dark stems and creamy edged foliage. Closely related is the hybrid holly Ilex x altaclarensis Golden King (female). This is one of the best yellow variegated hollies for the garden and the foliage is also almost spineless too.

For something a bit different try the Hedgehog Holly (Ilex aquifolium Ferox Argentea). The leaves are small and even the surface of the green leaves, edged with creamy white, is covered with spines. Also for the curious is the yellow fruited variety I. aquifolium Bacciflava or the orange yellow fruits of I.aquifolium. Amber. If plain green or totally white shoots appear on any variegated holly these should be removed.

Hollies can be used as specimens in the garden and respond well to pruning to keep them in shape. Standard “lollipop” hollies of any variety are easy to maintain, but they do better planted in the ground rather than in pots making useful accent plants in both a formal style garden or a traditional cottage style. Prune these in the spring.

A holly hedge can make a striking feature in a large garden as light is reflected off the shiny foliage, but is a bit of a monster to clip and is usually done in late summer or early autumn.

Sadly, one of the most spectacular hollies requires a slightly acidic soil and is deciduous. This is Ilex verticillata from E. North America. The variety Christmas Cheer is a female clone and therefore needs a male to set a good crop of small bright red fruits that persist along the leafless branches through the winter months. Twigs of this holly can often be found in seasonal floral bouquets.

Holly boughs can be gathered before the birds eat the berries if required for Christmas decoration and stored under cover ideally standing in water where it will keep for several weeks.

Enjoy the Christmas festivities and look forward to those first snowdrops in the New Year but don’t forget to cut the old leaves off your hellebores to prevent the spread of the black leaf fungal disease.

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GARDENING

DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS

● Move pots of tender plants inside or close to the house walls. The shelter of the house wall can make a big difference! ● Plant roses, fruit trees and bushes. Transplant trees and shrubs that lose their leaves in winter now. ● Fork over borders and dig some goodness back into the soil. ● Don’t worry if there are bulb shoots already appearing outside in the garden, they are very tough and will generally survive very low temperatures. However, bulbs in thin sided plastic pots will need to be sheltered from wind driven hard frosts. ● Move potted “prepared” Hyacinths into warmer rooms to gradually force them into flower in time for Christmas. If they are coming on too fast move them back into the cool again. ● Plant up Amaryllis bulbs inside. Use a soil based compost and water very sparingly to start with. As flowers and leaves appear, give more water. ● Poinsettias need to be kept warm and out of draughts – good for centrally heated homes. Water when the leaves start to wilt and the compost feels dry. Give them a good soak but never let them stand in water for long. ● Azaleas need lots of water, preferably rain water. Cold tea once a month helps too! They will tolerate lower light and temperature levels. They will also tolerate draughts.

Repot into lime-free compost in the spring.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

Norton Green Farm Garden Centre and Nursery EVERYTHING FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS SEASON

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

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

Timberwork Buildings

• Jekka’s Herbs, Unwins, Mr Fothergill’s, Johnsons & Sarah Raven seed collections • Country Value Seeds – at only 99p per pack • Seed potatoes etc. due early January • Wide choice of wild bird feed & feeders etc.

• Garden tools & sundries • Compost, manures, bark & mulches

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

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES

GARDEN SHEDS

SHELTERS & STABLES

PLAYHOUSES

Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs We also do: Chicken Houses • Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores

YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE

Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk • e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com

• Pots & containers of all types & sizes • Garden tools & sundries • Calor Gas, burning logs & kindling • Christmas trees & gift ideas • Holly wreaths • Cut flowers & house plants Potatoes & free range eggs for sale.

National Garden Gift Vouchers sold & redeemed

Wells Road, Chilcompton, Nr. Bath Tel: 01761 232137 E. nortongreenfarm@tiscali.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 63

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GARDENING

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY

MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 • FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk COME AND SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF HOUSE PLANTS, SHRUBS, PERENNIALS AND CLIMBERS

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees from £15.00 – Pot Grown Christmas Trees from £3.50 – Lots of Christmas Plants & Gifts, AVAILABLE NOW

VISIT OUR MASBURYS CAFÉ – 01749 84115

Full menu of home cooked food available, 7 days a week Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Tea • Now serving Roast lunches every Sunday. Only £8.50 for 1 course or £10.00 for 2

See our website for more details: rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES

PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMOBER 2016

ASPECT 4 COMPACT The Aspect 4 Compact is the smallest of the Aspect Range but it really kicks out some heat. With a heat output range of 3-5kW, DEFRA approved and a very high efficiency, this stove may be small but ensures a beautiful view of the flames through its large viewing window.

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

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

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Midsomer Norton Carnival

he Show Must Go On: Oasis Carnival Club, from Frome

SOMERSET CARNIVALS 2016

Hot Rock’s entry Stobor lights up the crowds along the High Street

Loggers Yard, by Eclipse CC, was one of the biggest entries on the night A pair of masqueraders - Dee Dees Carnival Club

Waiting for the procession to begin. This year’s street collection raised almost £6,000

Abandoned Emporium by King William CC

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 65

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Christmas arrives in Winscombe

6

December

WINSCOMBE will be hosting its Christmas Shopping Night on Tuesday December 6th, when the main road through the village will be closed from 6pm – 9pm.

The village will be filled with crowds enjoying the chance to visit the local shops, which will be offering mulled wine and other treats, as well as the chance to stock up for Christmas. Father Christmas is due to arrive at around 6.15pm.

There will be stalls along the street, as well as children’s rides, bell ringers and the Winscombe Community Choir.

Now in its fourth year, Winscombe Shopping Night gets busier every year!

Clive’s a winner

WINSCOMBE butcher, Clive Litster, is celebrating after winning top awards during British Sausage Week at the first time of entering.

His pork and black pudding sausage won gold while his traditional pork won bronze. He said: “I’ve now got someone working for me full-time which gave me time to enter.”

He’s been running the butchers in Winscombe for 17 years and has been living in the village with wife, Gail, for ten years. He trained in Clevedon and previously worked in Weston-super-Mare.

10 Woodborough Road, Winscombe BS25 1AA Tel: 01934 842811 We also have offices at Worle and Weston-super-Mare

Residential & Commercial Property Divorce & Family Breakdown Criminal & Motoring Offences Disputes & Dispute Resolution Wills, Trusts & Tax Probate & Estates Special Needs of the Elderly Lasting Powers of Attorney Business Matters Friendly local office with own car park at rear Home visits by arrangement • Quotations given without obligation Contact: Ruth Berry, Peter Whicher, Jane Banks, Anne Mehlig, Vanessa Dawson, Toyah Sugar or Morwenna Homewood

Wishing all of our clients a very Merry Christmas

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Winscombe Fish Bar

Traditional high quality food from friendly and reliable staff

Mon Tues Weds 11.30–2pm and 5–10pm Thurs 11.30–2pm and 5–10.30pm Fri Sat 11.30–2.30pm and 5–10.30pm

Gluten and wheat-free night the last Sunday of every month

1, Sandford Road, Winscombe

01934 843666

Litsters Traditional Butcher Booking now for Christmas 27 Woodborough Road Winscombe North Somerset BS25 1AG

01934 842248 Mob: 07772 007128

clivelitster@tiscali.co.uk

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New business in Winscombe

FOCUS ON WINSCOMBE

LISA Weakley has opened the Global Independent Travel Centre in Winscombe after successfully establishing her business in Clevedon. She moved to live in Winscombe in May and took over Winscombe Travel in October. She’s spent her whole career in the trade, after studying travel and tourism at college.

She worked for a travel agent before opening her first travel centre in Clevedon in Old Street, at the bottom of Chapel Hill and has established a big clientele there.

She said: “I believe in independence. Our ethos is to provide what’s right for the client, rather than being told what to sell.”

She’s pictured (centre) with manager Charlotte Harris (left) and Natasha Carter.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 67

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Winscombe’s Help for Heroes

Pictured (l to r) Hugh and Jill Fountain, Nina and Andy Flint (chairman), John Penrose and his wife, Dido Harding, Jonathan Le Galloudec (aka Frenchy) and his partner Hannah.

WINSCOMBE Football Club held a black tie charity auction in aid of Help for Heroes at Sidcot School, which was attended by over 100 people and raised over £4,000 for the charity.

Last year a number of the club’s committee attended a fundraising event for the charity, organised by club vice chairman, Steve O'Leary, and felt that as an FA Community Club they could organise an event of their own.

The evening started with music from local pianist, Paul Quinn, and during the dinner they were entertained by the Swinging Waiters. Following the meal, provided by the catering staff at the school, the club appointed their long-serving clubman, Hugh Fountain, to the role of club president.

The Wine Shop’s festive recommendations

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

THE Wine Shop have selected festive wines that we know are great for the Christmas season. A few of the wines are top sellers from our 2016 Somerset Wine Fair and deserved to be in our Top 20.

For the full range of wines, spirits and other festive tipples visit us at The Wine Shop, 21 Woodborough Road, Winscombe BS25 1AB Mon - Sat 9:30am-6:30pm We look forward to helping you chose your perfect wine, here are just a couple to wet your appetite.

Modella Prosecco, Italy £9.99 (New for 2016 & Somerset Wine Fair Top Seller) The perfect Prosecco! Delicious apples, citrus fruit with beautiful soft bubbles.

Blanquette de Limoux 'Le Moulin' France £13.99 (Matthews Fizzy Tipple) Exceptionally good!

Pasqua Passimento Blanc, Italy £10.99 (New for 2016) Perfect white wine for turkey.

Manzanos Rioja, Spain £7.99 (New for 2016 & Somerset Wine Fair Top Seller) Intense cherry, ripe red and black fruits with a touch of chocolate.

Amares Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa £15.99 (Somerset Wine Fair Top Seller 2016 & 2014) A total of eight barrels made, handcrafted wines giving juicy blackberries with a hint of mint and vanilla.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year from Kelli and Matthew.

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FOCUS ON WINSCOMBE

BIRDS BAKERY

Trick or treat?

MING! C H RI S T MAS I S C O n c e p i e s s • Mi C h r i s t m as p u d d i n g S pe c i al i t y b r e a d s

c e m b e r 1s t O p e n u n t il 9 p m D e

Tel: Winscombe 01934 842210 Winscombe was alive with ghosts and ghoulies on Hallowe’en

Join us at the

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2 main course meals for £10.99 from selected menu Offer available Mon to Fri 12pm–6pm

SIDCOT ARMS, Bridgwater Road, Winscombe BS25 1NN Telephone: (01934) 844145

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Girl power at Killens THE property and professional teams at Killens have strengthened further with the appointment of two new members of staff, Emily Kinver and Antonia Hann.

They join Jasmine Ball who joined the firm of estate agents and chartered surveyors in May this year.

Emily, who originates from rural Devon and now lives in Frome, is a former member of the GB sailing team and joins as a land agent to work alongside Tom Killen in the sale and letting of rural and commercial property, as well as agricultural professional issues.

Emily gained a degree in Property Agency & Management from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and has previously played a key role in her father’s animal feed business.

Since completing a degree in Property Agency and Marketing at the Royal Agricultural University in 2013, Antonia has worked for a variety of local businesses, gaining residential lettings, marketing and administration experience.

Antonia co-ordinates the accounts, marketing and administration for Killens,

Pictured (l tor) Antonia, Emily and Jasmine

as well as for the Mendip Auction Rooms in Binegar.

Jasmine is a member of the residential sales team at the Wells office assisting Sally Killen and Robert Banbury. Having grown up in the local area, like Antonia, Jasmine has excellent local knowledge.

Both Jasmine and Antonia are active members in local young farmers’ clubs,

PROPERTY

where they have both took on the roles of secretary and treasurer for the clubs in recent years.

If you would like information on the many rural, residential or commercial property services that Killens can provide you with then contact the Wells office on 01749 671172 or go to their office at 10, Sadler Street, Wells.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 71

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PROPERTY

House prices are on the rise

HOUSE hunters are returning to the UK residential market after the June referendum, but may face a lack of purchase options as the supply of available homes remains restricted, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

It found across the South West that interest from prospective new home buyers increased for the second consecutive month with 17% more respondents reporting a rise in demand from buyers rather than a fall.

Prices also continue to rise in the region, with 33% more respondents seeing growth in prices rather than a decline – up from a net balance of +25 in September. It says this pattern in prices is replicated across the UK, with the exception of central London which has recorded an eighth consecutive monthly decline in price growth.

While the number of new instructions in the South West has risen modestly in October, more generally RICS says the rise in prices has been fuelled by a lack of new properties on the market, a trend that has been continuing for well over two years.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the tight supply conditions continue to be a very dominant feature of the market across the UK. Looking further ahead, it says 30% more respondents predict a rise in house prices in the South West over the next three months, rather than a fall.

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www.residence9.co.uk PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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Rejoice – Joyce is back on track

Peasedown plans a party

NEWS

RESIDENTS are being invited to Beacon Hall in Peasedown St John for the village’s sixth Christmas in the Park event on Saturday December 17th.

It’s organised by members of the Party in the Park festival team and will feature live music and carols from the 20-piece Bath Spa Band, hot food and drink, a visit from Father Christmas, festive puppetry and a range of stalls and attractions.

It will take place from 1pm – 4pm, rather than in the evening, as previously.

Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk

Looking forward to spring

Steve Ehrlicher was on guard duty in the brake coach and Charley Davies was Controller for the day. They are seen in the photo with platform staff Paul Akers.

IN 2002, a little steam engine called Joyce arrived at Midsomer Norton Station in a bit of a state. Now, many working hours later she is smartened up and ready for work.

On Sunday, November 13th, Joyce was back at work hauling the trains. This was the first time the Sentinel locomotive had been officially rostered for passenger trains after her official naming ceremony by Antiques Roadshow presenter and steam enthusiast Paul Atterbury earlier in the year.

The number of passengers greatly exceeded expectations and the coaches were filled on nearly every trip. The Sentinel pulled a coach load of about 60 passengers, and the brake coach behind, up the line and back again all day. ● In December Joyce will be pulling the Santa Specials on Sunday, December 11th and Monday, December 12th and giving rides for the heritage line’s Mince Pie specials on Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th.

Joyce in steam

FROME Rotary Club and students from Critchill School have planted 5,000 purple crocuses in three separate locations around Frome: North Parade, Boyles Cross and in the grassed area between the Canoe Club and the weir.

The purple crocus is a symbol of the worldwide Rotary campaign to raise awareness and aid in the eradication of the disease.

Mark Branson, one of Frome Town Council’s rangers, who has been working with the two groups to plant the flowers said: “We can all enjoy watching these stunning flowers grow in Spring next year, and also recognise Rotary’s commitment of working to eliminate polio.”

Step back to Victorian times

RADSTOCK Museum will relive Victorian times at a special free event on Saturday, December 3rd.

Visitors will be able to make their Retail therapy Victorian-style own Victorian-style Christmas decorations and take part in a range of typical activities in the schoolroom.

Its miner’s cottage will be decorated for the festive season and there will also be a Victorian-themed co-operative store with some of the special items that would have been available to buy.

The following Saturday sees its annual fundraising fair, organised by the Friends of Radstock Museum, with craft stalls, raffle and tombola and entertainment from local musicians and children from Farrington Gurney Primary School.

Mendip Times contributors Sue Gearing and Les Davies will be signing copies of their new book Miles More Mendip in the museum shop.

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

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 73

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Farmers and landowners back flood prevention

A NEW farmer-based advisory body is to be launched in Somerset aimed at giving the sector a united voice on the environment, flood risk and water quality issues across the county.

The Somerset Catchments Farmer Advisory Group is the result of a co-operation between the CLA, NFU, the Royal Bath and West Society and the Somerset Rivers Authority. It will seek to influence the activities of all the agencies and organisations involved in flood risk, water quality and environmental management across the county.

CLA rural surveyor Graham Clark said: “It is farmers and landowners who make the decisions on land use that are central to effective land management – and it is critical that public authorities understand that farmers know and understand the land they manage.”

He added: “The ambition is to make this farmer and landowner-led group a key voice on environmental issues in the county. Given the impact of Brexit this a great time to get involved and shape the future. Anybody involved in farming and land management in Somerset should be concerned about how the county’s water and the environment are managed in the future.”

New cup for carnival after club’s demise

NEWS

Don with the new trophy

Dredging trials underway

NEW techniques for dredging the River Parrett are being tested as Somerset Rivers Authority seeks cheaper and better ways of maintaining tidal rivers.

The trials are being carried out between Westonzoyland Pumping Station and Burrowbridge to see how effective water injection dredging and agitation dredging can be at getting silt moving down to Bridgwater Bay and preserving the River Parrett’s capacity.

John Osman, SRA chairman, said: “This is the first time that such trials have been done on the Parrett in conjunction with a long-term programme of detailed monitoring.

“Potentially, new methods offer Somerset big benefits: done at the right times, in the right places, they could be much cheaper, more effective, and better for the environment, local residents and farmers.”

The trials are being delivered for the SRA by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board with contractors Van Oord.

Knit for nature

SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched the latest in its hugely-popular knitting patterns – of a barn owl – as part of its campaign to raise awareness of the decline of the species.

Boris the Barn Owl follows on from the success of Rustle and Blue Bell Hedgehog patterns.

The pattern is available from the trust’s website – http://www.somersetwildlife.org/knit_for_nature - and all proceeds will go directly to the work they do to safeguard vulnerable species in the county.

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

A NEW cup will be presented at Shepton Mallet Carnival Committee’s presentation night in December.

It’s been donated to the committee following the demise of Key Kids Junior Carnival Club and will be presented to the best local feature entry on a vehicle.

Chairman Don Clifford said: “We usually have a good response from carnival clubs to our presentation evening and I am sure this will encourage more eligible local clubs to attend. There are now three cups in this class.

“It is very sad to see the closure of any carnival club but this is a fantastic way for the club to be remembered. We are very proud that Key Kids has chosen us as a recipient of this fantastic cup.”

Trees honour space adventure

A COMMEMORATIVE tree is to be planted in Midsomer Norton in recognition of a space launch.

Two artists launched a weather balloon from the Silver Street Nature Reserve in June 2015 as part of a project called A Decade With Mars.

In honour of a tradition started by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, which has been continued by other astronauts since, the pair – Ella Good and Nicki Kent – will return to the reserve on Saturday, December 3rd for the ceremony, hosted by the conservation group Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve. The ceremony will be held at midday.

Mendip Times

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ONLINE Free access to all of our recent magazines from our website Free links in future to all of our advertisers’ websites

And free links from our features and editorial pages More information – more enjoyment No annoying pop-ups – Mendip Times pure and simple A new service for readers and advertisers

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Club celebrates 40 years

MOTORING

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

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THE Classic & Historic Motor Club celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special event aptly named The Ruby Run. Members were requested to wear red and to decorate their cars suitably for the occasion. Over 50 cars and 106 members made a magnificent display as they arrived at Puxton Park before setting off for a 50-mile run through the Chew Valley and Mendip Hills, arriving for lunch at Winford Manor.

There prizes were presented, including that for best dressed car won by Sam and Ann Budd (pictured) from Stanton Drew, with their 1953 MGTD. The club has 350 members and is open to all makes of car

over 30 years old.

Details: www.candhmotorclub.co.uk or contact the membership secretary Frances Baker 01934 418008

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Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 77

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How to spot a bogus doctor ALWAYS wanted to be a doctor? Not got the grades for medical school?

Feel that you’ve let your mother down?

Well worry no more

By Dr PHIL because you too can HAMMOND join the ranks of the elite thanks to Dr Phil’s Instant Medical Degree.

What’s more, I promise to cut out all the nasty bits of being a medical student. No torturing harmless domestic mammals or hacking your way through a dead person’s colon. No public humiliation by hairy surgeons with lowset ears or late nights in the library memorising the embryology of almost everything.

And you won’t be forced to drink a pint of vomit in honour of the rugby

club. In fact, with Dr Phil’s IMD you can by-pass medical school altogether.

Just pop down to Ikea, buy yourself a desk, sit behind it and say “there’s a lot of it about” – for 30 years or so.

Perhaps I’m trivialising the doctor’s craft (you may be called on to say “it’s probably a virus” too) but if you strip any job to its bare essentials, it becomes distressingly easy to fake it.

Indeed, there are plenty of pseudodoctors who’ve deceived the punters for years without attending so much as a night class in wrist-splinting.

The British record goes to a Bradford man who impersonated a GP for 30 years before he was caught. He was prescribing shampoo for conjunctivitis and creosote for a sore throat but his

patients didn’t complain and had he not been shopped by a member of his family he could still be practising. To be fair, a few of the local pharmacists were a mite suspicious but when the creosote sales are going so well, you don’t like to cause a fuss.

General practice is well suited to the fraudster as GPs tend to practice alone and can, if they wish, resist attempts by others to scrutinise their work. In hospital, you might expect the loony locum to come a cropper on the first ward round when put on the spot by his consultant, but many survive for months. The reason, rather depressingly, is that consultants have very low expectations of their junior staff and locums in particular. Indeed, some hoodwinked consultants have later admitted that their bogus houseofficers were by no means the worst they’d had.

The GMC has now tightened up on the registration of doctors; photocopied certificates or anything with Tipex on are now rejected and all hospitals are advised to check with GMC before employing any doctor. Although fakes are on the wane, they have at least taught us that front-line medicine is not nearly as academic as we’d like to think it is and many people who wouldn’t survive the brain torture of medical school would make perfectly good doctors.

Also, those who haven’t been near a medical school often have the empathy and communication skills that are beaten out of medical graduates. So how do you tell if your doctor’s a fake?

Well, 96% of fakes are men, so if a woman tells you she’s a doctor, she probably is. For a male doctor, there are two shock tactics to try. You could ask him if he’s ever drunk his own vomit – if he looks at all shocked at the suggestion, he hasn’t been to a UK medical school. Or you could just ask him for some creosote. If he doesn’t look shocked, you should be.

Dr Phil Hammond’s Health Revolution tour is coming to Bristol and Bath.

Details www.drphilhammond.com

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Plop the Raindrop

I like to have two Christmases. If I’m up in a cloud, we’ll have a party as soon as we see the sun come up on Christmas Day. Then if the clouds are travelling really fast, I’ll jump in to a rain shower to drop in on my family somewhere on the ground.

We can’t really have presents up in the sky.

The clouds won’t hold anything heavier than me and my friends. So we can’t have sweets or chocolates up there – they would fall through the cloud and land on your head.

Can you imagine sweets falling from the sky? Wouldn’t that be epic.

But we do a lot of singing and dancing. If you watch the clouds, you will see us swirling about, like bubbles in your bath.

Then I can jump in to a rain shower to join my family. Sometimes the rain turns to snow and I might get stuck in ice for a while before I can see them.

Last year the rain was so heavy I got caught in a flood and went racing right past them.

In one place I got washed through a house and out through the cat-flap. The Christmas presents were all floating about. It was very sad.

Have you ever seen a river when it floods, or got stuck in a snowdrift?

It’s very scary. Much nicer to be in a dry, warm house, with your mummy, daddy, sisters and brothers, rather than spend Christmas on your own?

You can have fun!

How wide can you smile? When I meet up with my family, my smile nearly fills my face.

Can you make a smile that big?

When I laugh, my body wobbles.

Ho, ho, ho, wobble, wobble, wobble. Like Father Christmas.

Can you laugh that much? What about if you have a tickle?

If you eat and drink too much you might wobble like me – or you might burst like a balloon.

Pop goes Plop!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

MENDIP GRANDAD

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From top to toe at Feet1st4u

SILVER STREET, WELLS, BA5 1UN beautyatpalacefarm@outlook.com 07707 088576

6a/6b The Hollies, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DT Tel: 01761 410021 Now offering chiropody & reflexology, women-only gym, beauty therapies (using Decléor products) pilates & kettle bell classes Please call in for a FREE 10 minute consultation.

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Shellac Manicures £20 Shellac Pedicures £25 Nail Art extra £3 Shellac Removal £5

Hayley Reece Mobile: 07745 875940 E: hayleymills@live.co.uk Easton, Wells, Somerset PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Grand opening 1pm, Saturday, December 3rd

Michelle (right) with gym instructor Chelsea and beautician Amy

YOUR whole body will be in better shape after a visit to Feet1st4u’s new, larger premises in Midsomer Norton.

Owner Michelle Targett has taken over a gym in The Hollies and the extra space means she can now offer a much wider range of treatments.

As well as the gym – women-only but men are very welcome in the rest of the business – Michelle and her team are running a series of fitness sessions led by Chelsea, including pilates and kettle bell classes. Amy, a beautician, is offering a range of treatments using the acclaimed Decléor products.

Michelle, a qualified chiropodist and reflexologist, said: “My last premises had become too small to cope with the number of clients and I had always had it in mind to be able to expand to offer additional treatments.

“The response so far from all our clients has been very good; everyone seems to enjoy visiting here.” ● Paul Myers, the mayor of Midsomer Norton, will officially open the new premises on Saturday, December 3rd at 1pm.

Nails for all occasions

HAYLEY Reece has been a makeup artist and nail technician for several years now. She works from home in a relaxed setting and has excellent personal skills making her clients feel at ease and comfortable.

She uses shellac nail polish for both manicures and pedicures, in a wide range of colours, and creates stunning nail art too.

She offers to do make-up for weddings, proms, or any special occasion, with a trial makeover at her home, or wherever the bride chooses, before the wedding day itself.

Why not give her a call and book to have your nails done in time for that special occasion?

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HEALTH & FAMILY

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 81

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Support for memorial hall

Pictured (l to r) Steve Wilcox, vice chair of Pensford Memorial Hall committee, hall committee chairman, Peter Moore receiving the cheque from Bill Morris, secretary of Pensford Social Welfare Centre, Jenny Gully, current chair of Pensford Social Welfare Centre and Kevin England, trustee and former chairman of Pensford Social Welfare Centre.

PENSFORD Memorial Hall has been awarded a grant of £850 by the Pensford Social Welfare Centre, formerly known as the Pensford Miners' Welfare Institute, to go towards the refurbishment of the ladies’ toilets at the hall.

Chairman of the hall committee, Peter Moore, said: “The work has already been carried out and everyone is pleased with the results.

“Pensford Memorial Hall is a wonderful facility but its upkeep costs quite a lot. We are really pleased to have been given a donation from the Pensford Social Welfare Centre Committee.

“I understand that this is the first time they have ever been able to financially support other community groups and we are very happy to have been given this donation.”

Beating polio on the menu

Inner Wheel president Lynne Evans with Tony Quinn (left) and Neil Edwards, rotary club president

MEMBERS of Shepton Mallet Inner Wheel Club were joined by guests from the town’s rotary club for a dinner addressed by Tony Quinn, Rotary District 1200 chairman.

Tony spoke about the Rotary Foundation and a visit to India for Polio Plus as part of the organisation’s programme to eradicate the disease. A raffle raised £108 for the project.

Coffee and cake for Macmillan

Villagers enjoy a curry

Joel (centre) with other members of the youth club

JUST under £600 has been raised for Pensford Memorial Hall funds thanks to a curry and comedy night held recently at the hall, with entertainment provided by comedians Lee Carol and Garry Dorsey. Pictured (left to right) Sheila Wilcox, chef Chris Lawrence, Karin Lawrence and Amy Wilcox.

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

MEMBERS of Stoke St Michael Youth Club have staged a coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event was organised by Joel Horler, 15, who staged a similar fundraising gathering in the village’s Memorial Hall.

Joel said: “I’ve had a lot of help from family and friends and also support from local people and businesses.”

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COMMUNITY

Very many thanks to Somerset’s community heroes MORE than 60 community stalwarts have been recognised by the chairman of Somerset County Council in the annual Chairman’s Awards.

Christine Lawrence said: “The dedication of everyone who has been recognised this year really goes to show that community spirit is alive and well in Somerset. Hearing the stories of people from all walks of life, and the goodwill they show to their neighbours and communities is so very heart-warming and a lesson to us all.”

Recipients included: ● David Worker, who has lived in Shipham for more than 25 years, during which time he has been prominent in promoting village and community life, including the creation of the award-winning village hall. ● The late Hannah Francis, a keen equestrian whose battle against cancer inspired the Willberry Wonder Pony charity. ● Jonathan Brandreth Glauert, of Mark, who has been a church warden and benefice administrator. He was Mark Harvest Home committee secretary for more than 25 years and is now vice-chairman. ● Ken Lloyd, of Nunney, a former governor of the village school and one of the driving forces behind a project to restore the roof of Nunney church. ● Lucy Travis, of Rode, who was nominated for this award because of her “exceptional contribution to the cohesiveness and sense of community in the village.” ● Mary Davies, of Street, because she has made a significant contribution to community life. ● Pat Harper, of Ston Easton, who has been involved with community live since moving to the village in 1985. She has organised many events including the harvest festival, Christmas Eve service and the Turkey Supper. She also organised concerts in the church followed by wine and cheese evenings. ● Richard Emery, of Binegar, who has been involved in parish affairs from a young age. Richard runs a local milk round as well as doing odd jobs around the community. ● Sandra Booth, of Glastonbury, who works all yearround raising awareness and donations for the annual Christmas lunch for the lonely and needy.and co-ordinates the free Friday soup lunches which are held at St Benedict’s Church. ● Sherry Briggs, currently the chairman of Somerton Community Association who, over the years, has raised many thousands of pounds towards local facilities including the recreation ground, parish rooms and Edgar Community Hall. ● Trevor Coldman, of Bruton, who was a member of Bruton Town Council for eight years in the 1970s and then again from 1993 to 2015. Trevor is a volunteer driver for the Red Cross, taking patients to the oncology department at Bristol Royal Infirmary. ● Veronica Bufton, of Wookey, who has given many years of voluntary help in the village raising money and arranging village and community events. She has also given a great deal of time to the community through her many years as a member of Wells Lions Club.

Christine Lawrence (right) presenting awards to: Pat Harper . . .

Ken Lloyd . . .

Veronica Bufton . . .

and Richard Emery

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 83

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Four years on but finally it’s playtime in Wells

HUNDREDS of youngsters and their families flocked to Wells Recreation Ground to be the first to enjoy a new play area and gym circuit.

Parents had battled for four years to persuade local authorities to install the new equipment as part of a scheme to breathe new life into the area, which includes the historic Bishop’s Barn.

The new facility was commissioned by Mendip District Council for the Wells Recreation Ground Trust and designed by Eibe Play Ltd. Kirstie Harris, from the campaign group Better Play Areas for Wells said: “It has taken us four years to get here, but it show how working together can benefit the community.”

Kirstie added: "What a wonderful sight and sound it was to see the children rushing in through the gates at the grand opening of our brand new play area. We’d like to thank Wells Recreation Ground Trust and Mendip District Council for listening to our concerns and requests, and for trusting our instincts.”

Councillor John North, chairman of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to finally see the end result after months of discussions and public consultations. I’m really excited with how the play area has turned out and would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work in making it happen.”

The future of the Bishop’s Barn has still to be determined as part of the regeneration of the area.

Leo, aged one, prefers a balloon and the autumn leaves

PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Henry Ballard, Katie Harris and Maya Rowlands cut the ribbon to open the play area, watched by Jeanette Marsh (chairman of Mendip District Council), Kirstie Harris, John North and Alison Gibson, the mayor of Wells

The rush to be the first – hundreds of youngsters enjoyed the opening afternoon

Swings and roundabouts feature in the new facility

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Friendship Force folds

IT was a sad occasion when current and past members of the Friendship Force of Somerset met for the last time for a farewell meal at Cameley Lodge. The club has closed after nearly 20 years of exchange visits with members all over the world.

The club was formed in 1997 and was one of several in the West Country, with its main aim of arranging exchange visits between clubs around the world.

It gave members the chance to learn about new cultures as personal guests not as tourists, with members staying in the host’s home.

Anne Bennett from Stanton Drew, who is a member with her husband Colin, said: “There is still a Bristol club, and one in Devon. The organisation is run from Atlanta, USA, and started back in the days of Jimmy Carter as a way of people learning that we are all the same just living in different countries.

“It was a way to promote peace in those cold war days. There are hundreds of clubs around the world, who host and travel.

Different to house-swap, the club sets up a programme for the incoming group, and shows them the best of their area.”

The Friendship Force of Somerset had its last incoming exchange of ambassadors from Adelaide, Australia, before the final meet-up of members at Cameley Lodge.

The club's president, Jo Webb, said: “Unfortunately we have been unable to recruit more members to continue with annual exchanges, so had to close, but the group plan to continue meeting regularly for social events.”

Harvest lunch

Nat over the moon

COMMUNITY

NATHANEAL Croker, aged seven, from Pensford, has managed to meet his hero, British astronaut Tim Peake, twice in the last few months, after meeting legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin at the Forum in Bath last May. After meeting Tim at the New Scientist Show in London, Nathanael was granted a place at the Principia European Space Agency conference recently, where Tim shook his hand and talked to him and his sister Ella-Mae. They showed him a poster they had made about his time in space.

Their head teacher in Pensford, Warrick Barton, said: “We are delighted that Nathaneal was once again inspired by meeting Tim Peake – for the second time! He and his sister Ella-Mae have produced some lovely work as a result of their visit, which we are proudly displaying in school.”

NEARLY 100 people sat down to enjoy a harvest festival lunch at Norton Malreward, enjoying a three-course feast – and some very good company. A raffle raised £1,148 for the village’s Holy Trinity church.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 85

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Gallery’s grand opening

WITH the success of the opening of Erica Sharpe’s new venture, The Wild Edge Gallery, Erica is pleased to announce that both Fine Jewellery and The Wild Edge will be open late on the evening of December 14th for Wedmore by Lamplight.

The opening of The Wild Edge on November 12th coincided with the Sparkling Jewellery Open Day and was a great success. Featuring the work of international artists inspired by the wild and natural world, the gallery hosts a range of styles from paintings to sculptures to photography.

Erica’s watercolours are also exhibited. Guests were treated to a warming winter mocktail, really bringing that sense of Christmas approaching, Prosecco to add to the sparkle, Fairtrade cupcakes and many a fanciful nibble.

As well as Wedmore by Lamplight, the galleries will also be taking part in Small Business Saturday on December 3rd and will be open from 10am – 3pm. Small Business Saturday is a non-commercial campaign, highlighting small business success and “shopping local” within the community.

The Wild Edge Gallery and Erica Sharpe Fine Jewellery are both open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am – 12:30pm.

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Wedmore by Lamplight

14

THE magic of Christmas comes alive in Wedmore on Wednesday December 14th for Wedmore by Lamplight.

It starts with a service at St. Mary’s at 6pm, followed by carols around the Christmas tree in the churchyard.

Then the procession moves down to The Borough, where the road is closed for the evening. Shops throughout the village will be open, offering festive treats and the chance to do some Christmas shopping.

There will be stalls along the streets, street entertainers and rides for the children, to a background of carols and music from the Burtle Silver Band.

You can also expect Father Christmas – and live reindeer – to make an appearance.

December

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FOCUS ON WEDMORE

Festival aids village

10, Borough Mall, Wedmore BS28 4EB T: 01934 708953 M: 07708 340 750 E: dimitybutton@btinternet.com www.dimitybutton.co.uk

THE 16th Wedmore Real Ale Festival raised £17,000 for local causes, an all-time record.

Representatives from no less than 14 local beneficiaries gathered at the annual presentation night and picked up cheques ranging from £250 to £3,000 that will in turn provide welcome assistance to a wide and varied cross section of the community.

In the last 16 years the event has raised and donated £150,571 for local worthy causes.

This year it supported: Wedmore Brownies, £250, Hugh Sexeys Middle School £300, Cheddar Vale Gateway Club £500, Wedmore Tuesday Club £500, Theale Play Area £750, Movement Workshop Nights £750, Orchard Vale Trust £900, Weston Hospicecare £1,000, Children’s Hospice South West £1,340, Brainwave £1,500, Wedmore Scout Group £1,750, Wedmore PTA £2,100, Wedmore Village Hall £2,360, Wedmore Playing Fields management committee £3,000.

Next year’s festival will be running from September 15th – 17th.

PISCES

FISHMONGER & GREENGROCER

Details: www.wedmorerealale.com

Order now for Christmas

THERE’S a warning from Pisces that the last date for ordering fish for Christmas and the New Year will be Tuesday December 20th. The next landings of fish won’t be until early in the new year.

They are operating their usual pre-order system for the Christmas holiday week, so do pick up an order form.

Pisces will be open for Wedmore by Lamplight offering seasonal treats like glace fruits and dried fruit, along with their usual produce.

Dean Downer looks forward to seeing you and wishes all of his customers a Happy Christmas.

New shop in Wedmore

DIMITY Button Creative Soft Furnishings is a new addition to the Borough Mall in Wedmore.

It’s a sister shop to the wellestablished soft furnishing shop Atmosphere Bath, in Broad Street, Bath.

Dimity Button sells an exclusive range of double and single width soft furnishing fabrics on the roll alongside haberdashery products. It also offers a range of “How to” workshops for interlined curtains and Roman blinds.

Direct supply of Cornish Sea Food.

Loch Fyne Smokehouse stockist.

Northern Water and Continental seafood specialists.

Fruit and vegetables personally selected at market, exotics and the unusual, fresh herbs and the best local produce.

Selection of culinary ingredients.

Open all day Tuesday to Friday plus Monday and Saturday mornings.

5 The Borough Mall, The Borough Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Tel: 01934 710318

Call into the shop for further details or call Julie Bryan 07708 340750 01934 708953.

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uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu u Exclusive Children’s Day Nursery u u u Baby room - Nursery - Pre-school - Forest School u u u u Yoga - French u u u Music & Dance u u Cookery – Gardening u u u u u u u u u u Wells Road Latcham Wedmore BS28 4SA u u u u 01934 713527 www.littleowlschildcare.com u u Ofsted 2015 - Staff support children's emotional well-being extremely well and have a u u very good knowledge of their individual needs, positively supporting children's learning u with effective modelling and questioning u u uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Turnip in print

WEDMORE’S famous Turnip prize, given to outstanding examples of worthless art, has been turned into a book. Pictured at the launch are former winners Bracey Vermin and Royston Weekz OBE with organiser Trevor Prideaux (centre).

Successful first year

BERRYMANS estate agents say they are delighted to be part of this year’s Wedmore by Lamplight, to be held on Wednesday December 14th. This fantastic annual event gives an opportunity for visitors and their families to enjoy a wonderful evening and the height of

the festive season in a picturesque village.

Having been warmly welcomed to the village in April, Berrymans are opening their doors this year from 6pm until 9pm to offer mulled wine and nibbles to all.

Catherine, Lilly and the team very much hope that you will join them for a drink to celebrate Christmas and their successful first year on Church Street.

If you are thinking of buying or selling in Wedmore or the surrounding area, please do not hesitate to contact Berrymans on 01934 611998 or wedmore@berrymansproperties.net

(Photograph by Tony Bolton)

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Pale Blue

Women’s clothing and other lovely things

1 The Borough, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Email: paleblueclothingltd@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 01934 713773

Find us on Facebook and Trip Advisor

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 89

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CAVING

Behind the scenes at the Showcave

AT 10 o’clock the iron gates swing open, the ticket kiosk opens, and the guides at Gough’s Cave welcome visitors as they queue for their tickets and audio-guides and start to explore the showcave.

In the previous hour, everything has been checked and made ready for another With PHILIP day at Cheddar. Few visitors consider what HENDY has to be done to make their experience as carefree and enjoyable as possible.

Although everyone apart from office, maintenance or Rocksport staff is a called a guide, each will have allocated tasks and responsibilities based on skill and experience. The forecourts and car parks will have been swept and litterpicked – it is a sad fact that every day, litter deliberately thrown in the car parks by evening visitors with takeaway meals has to be cleared up.

The cave will be opened by a runner, who will also be responsible for providing breaks for cashiers and the bus guide. The runner will wash the cave floor, especially where adventure cavers have descended from the Black Cat Chamber, and check that the lighting, emergency telephones and other equipment is in working order.

If not, the maintenance crew aided by Rocksport instructors will put things right. The cashier will have set up the till and checked the bookings for visiting groups, their expected times of arrival, and particular needs.

Leaflets will have been put out and also a bowl of water for dogs. Dog owners appreciate the welcome given to their animals at Cheddar and “accidents” in the cave are rare – although guides can quickly clean up when necessary. There may be time for a quick coffee, then all is ready to man the car parks and meet and greet at opening time.

During the day, the guides will take it in turns to talk to visitors outside the cave, dispensing essential information about prices, toilets and the location of the various attractions; they will also hand out audio guides, and spend time at the end of the cave in the Diamond Chamber, providing information and giving a light show where possible.

Down the road, the same procedures will have taken place at Cox’s Cave, with the additional responsibility of checking the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower.

Further down, at Lakeside, the open-top bus will be waiting for its first passengers and the tour guide will talk about the geology and history of Cheddar Gorge, with insights into the wildlife and conservation.

In the Museum of Prehistory, the guide who today is the Stone Age Hunter-Gatherer, will have set out the prehistoric paraphernalia of skins, skulls, bones and flint tools, and be ready to impart information about life in the Stone Age and maybe demonstrate flint knapping and fire lighting using a bow drill and King Alfred’s Cakes, a type of fungus.

One of the Rocksport instructors will have rigged the 50ft climbing wall ready for action, while the other has tidied the

Outside Gough’s Cave

hut and checked equipment, in preparation for the arrival of the first adventure cavers.

Most days run smoothly, but guides are always ready for the unexpected – which usually means treating minor medical issues such as trips and falls. Now and again a lost child has to be reunited with its parent (or vice versa!) and occasionally someone will get into difficulties walking around the clifftops.

Most of these events can be dealt with by the Cheddar staff, many of whom are trained first-aiders and can use a defibrillator, but of course, professional paramedics and the Cheddar Cliff Rescue Team can always be called in to assist.

There are occasional issues with the feral goats and sheep.

At the end of the day, everything is checked and closed down. In particular, the caves themselves will be patrolled to ensure that no-one is locked in overnight, and the lights will be turned off, ready for the next day.

Visitor numbers are reduced of course during the winter months and the open-top bus returns to the garage until spring. This gives an opportunity to deal with repair and maintenance issues, in particular checking the cliffs for loose rocks.

Frosty weather and plant roots growing into crevices in the rock cause instability and so vulnerable sections of the cliff will slowly be descended by abseilers, who will check for loose material, and bring it down, while Stop – Go boards are used by guides on the road to prevent the passage of traffic and pedestrians until debris has been cleared and it is safe for people to proceed. Particular attention is paid to the cliffs above car parks and the more popular climbing routes.

The winter months also allow licensed cavers to enter some of the more obscure caves in the Gorge, to count hibernating bats. Cheddar is home to most British species, in particular the endangered Horseshoe Bats. In fact, caves in the Gorge hold about ten percent of the country’s Greater Horseshoe Bat population.

For nearly nine years I was privileged to be a guide and Rocksport Instructor at Cheddar, until my retirement in September. Never have I worked with such a wonderful and knowledgeable group as my fellow guides and I feel very proud to have been part of that enterprise. Every day was different, every day was interesting – and I did meet some fascinating people.

Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

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Remembering Corporal Harry Uphill FOR the last year work has been going on to research the history and life stories of the 19 men from Chewton Mendip, Litton, Ston Easton and Emborough who died in the First World War and whose names are inscribed on local war memorials.

The area corresponds broadly to the area covered by the Chewton Mendip and Litton Branch of the Royal British Legion, which organised the research.

Its chairman Paul Lane, said: “Remembering those brave men (boys largely) each year on Remembrance Day is hugely important but, until now, we have had little more than ‘names ranks and numbers’ to relate to them.

“While our thoughts have always been earnest and heartfelt we had no history to link names to our locality or the tragic events that took place between 1914 and 1918. But that has now changed thanks to the excellent and thorough research carried out by Gill Hogarth of Hinton Blewett.

“She has generously given a huge amount of her time and skill to prepare brief histories of each of the 19 men who fell from these villages; we now have pictures, records and, in some cases, local stories that tell us more about these men and their times, where they served and where and how they died.

“We have not yet decided how to present or publish the ONE of those Gill researched was 18year-old Corporal Harry Uphill, a shoeing smith, who died after the battles of Delville Wood and Flers-Courcelette.

On Friday September 23rd relatives marked the centenary of his death with a very moving family ceremony at the Chewton Mendip Memorial. Janet Hall, Harry’s niece who led the short service, suggested that it was easy to forget that in 1914 virtually everything that moved had a horse in front of it and a farrier behind it.

At the outbreak of War the British Army had 25,000 serving horses and, almost immediately after, the government ordered that a further 140,000 be requisitioned.

The family say “Uncle Harry” was hardly more than a boy when he volunteered, but he was already a skilled farrier, which was the family trade. The Royal Field Artillery, the regiment in which he served, relied on “war horses”, and farriers like Harry were essential personnel.

Janet said that it was only through Gill Hogarth’s excellent research that the family became aware of and were able to mark the centenary of Harry’s falling. She said: “Harry was serving in D Battery of the 47th Brigade of the 14th Division Royal Field Artillery. His division had taken part in two battles on the Somme.

REMEMBRANCE

material Gill has prepared but summaries have already been passed to the local primary school in Chewton Mendip to support its annual preparation for Remembrance Day. We also intend to make copies of the histories available in each of the local churches.”

Harry and the horse he was shoeing were hit by a piece of shell that burst nearby. The horse was killed; Harry was very seriously wounded and died before reaching hospital.”

“Harry was one of millions who made the supreme sacrifice in that terrible War. He was very special to our mothers, our fathers, our grandmothers and grandfathers and it is right that we, his family, should be here today to commemorate his memory.”

As part of the ceremony, family members read poems written by Sally Mitchell, one of Harry’s great nieces.

One of these, entitled “Remembering Harry Uphill” captures his siblings’ memories, though it could relate to any

of the young men who gave their lives: Recollections are but few, Though fondly we remember you, A birth, a son, for the Uphill clan, A baby, brother, uncle, man.

What celebrations on that date What joy a baby son can make With older sisters in a row They helped you thrive, develop, grow.

Til joined by younger siblings, MORE!!!

Yet each one loved and cherished for, Their unique traits, their strength and fun, Like Harry . . . a truly much loved son . . .

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 91

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Poppies and prayers

CHURCHES in Wells came together for an artistic and poignant Armistice and Remembrance tribute.

St Cuthbert’s, St Thomas’s, SS Joseph and Teresa and the United Reformed Church were all decorated with poppies, many of them hand made.

Meanwhile, Wells city centre came to a standstill for a two-minute silence on Friday, November 11th – Armistice Day – whilst members and supporters of Mendip Farmers’ Hunt fell silent before the start of their meeting at the Old Down Inn at Emborough.

A member of Mendip Farmers’ Hunt

Huntsman Kent Lock

PAGE 92 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Passers-by joined the tribute in Wells, attended by civic dignitaries and members of the Wells branch of the Royal British Legion. The standard bearer was Janet Boyce

Poppies decorate the pews, pillars, font and even the piano at St Cuthbert’s

Sunlight falls on the piano in St Cuthbert’s

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Mendip remembers

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REMEMBRANCE

Glastonbury

Cheddar

Glastonbury

Cheddar

New Garden of Remembrance LONG Ashton Royal British Legion has relocated its Garden of Remembrance following the closure of the Royal British Legion Club in the village.

The memorial is now in front of their Polish Air Force Memorial, erected in remembrance of the Polish crew who lost their lives in the fatal crash in the adjoining field on the night of November 21st 1944, when their Halifax Bomber LL126, crashed.

The legion’s standard bearers, women's standard, Kath Sidwell, Somerset county standard bearer, and Buster Footman, Long Ashton RBL branch standard bearer are pictured at the rededication ceremony on November 11th.

After the Remembrance Sunday parade the women's standard was laid up in All Saints Church, following the closure of the women's section. The branch will continue to operate from the village hall and community centre at Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton.

Congresbury

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 93

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Shepton Mallet Carnival

Globe CC prepare to go wild One of the entries in the juvenile masquerade class

Photography by Mark Adler

An army of street collectors

One of the cast on board the Shambles CC entry Grease

Even the undead must eat: Calum, Nikki and Max from Limekiln CC’s Night Train of Terror PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Huckyduck CC’s Great Fire of London

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SOMERSET CARNIVALS 2016

The procession makes its way through the town centre

Cavaliers CC’s entry Kerching

Some of the cast of Gremlins Carnival Club: Mexican Day Of The Dead Festival

Huckyduck CC competed in the tableau section: it means they have to retain the pose for the whole procession

Shambles CC on their home circuit of Shepton Mallet

Underground Express by Harlequin CC

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 95

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Only fools and Morris

TRIGGER was there, along with Ratass and a couple of Mollies, but Del Boy was conspicuous by his absence.

No, not an episode of the iconic comedy series, but the annual gathering of Morris Fools and Animals who this year chose Wells for the start of a weekend of dancing and the occasional visit to a pub.

The “Unconvention” – as the Illustrious Order of Fools and Beasts call it – was held to start the 40th anniversary

Wyvern Jubilee Morris in action

By Mark Adler

The unconvention gathers outside the Bishop’s Palace

celebrations of Wyvern Jubilee Morris, based in Yeovil.

The fools and beasts are the outlandishly dressed figures who often act as announcers and entertain spectators between dances. Their origins are said to go back more than 800 years, before Morris dancing.

Beasts are usually horses – such as

Morris dancers meeting a group of wedding guests

The Ministry of Silly Dancing?

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Bodmin-based Trigg Morris’s Trigger – or men dressed in the style of pantomime dames, called a Betsy or Molly. Ripley Morris has a Unicorn, whilst Plymouth Morris’s animal is Ratass – but no-one is quite sure whether it is a rodent or a donkey.

Their visit to Somerset began with a trip to Heck’s Cider Farm in Street before they held a number of displays in Wells, Croscombe and Castle Cary.

Announcing the next dance outside Wells Town Hall

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Moor men needed

The Moor Singers want to recruit more men

TWO community choirs in the Cheddar area are appealing for more male singers to join them.

Moor Singers specialise in performing English traditional folk songs. They are led by well-known folk singer and composer Issy Emeney, who writes all the arrangements.

Issy said: “We are a relaxed and friendly group. We work hard, have a lot of fun, make a wonderful sound in glorious harmony, and raise money for charity through the concerts we perform at.

“We are very happy to welcome and support all new singers of all ages and experience, but our members are predominantly women with just a loyal handful of lovely men.”

Jackdaws steal the show

MUSIC

THE finalists of the 2017 Music Teacher Awards for Excellence have just been announced and Frome-based charity Jackdaws has been nominated with a different project, in the same category they won last year, thanks to excellent support from the public.

Following the success of OperaPLUS in being named as the Best Classical Music Education Initiative 2016, this time Jackdaws project "The Year of..." has been announced as a finalist and they need public votes to secure the win. Voting closes on November 30th.

The new project involves a different ensemble or artist highlighting their musical instrument with a whole school performance workshop, followed by smaller group work with up to 30 "players" from each school.

This leads up to a grand finale concert where all the schools perform en-masse alongside the professionals in Frome's Cheese and Grain.

Details: www.jackdaws.org.uk/voteyearof

For details phone 01934 741551 or email issy@emeney.com

Sing for Somerset’s volunteers

SOMERSET Community Foundation invites the public to join their annual Sing for Somerset carol service in Wells Cathedral on Saturday December 10th at 7pm.

This is a special celebration of the hard work carried out by everyone connected to the voluntary sector in Somerset during the past year and it is a fantastic way to ring in the festive season. Admission is free, no tickets are required and doors will open at 6.15pm.

Sing for Somerset features a festive mix of traditional and contemporary music conducted by Laurence Blyth, featuring the Mid-Somerset Orchestra, Somerset Voices and organist Matthew Redman.

The Christmas story will be read by leaders of local voluntary organisations and supporters of the foundation. Carol sheets will be provided for all to join in the festivities.

The service is by kind permission of the Chapter of Wells Cathedral and is sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Management.

The retiring collection will benefit the work of Somerset Community Foundation.

Details: email info@somersetcf.org.uk or call 07149 344 949.

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 97

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New look for Tincknell Fuels LOCAL family-run firm Tincknell Fuels say they are proud to announce the launch of their new company logo and fleet colours as part of a complete refresh of the company’s image.

The frosty blue colour is fresh with a blue sparkle and the blue and red flame represents energy and a dynamic future for Tincknell Fuels.

Director, Diana Tincknell, said of the company’s new look: “We are proud of our rich history and Tincknell Fuels has been serving the local community for over 60 years. We felt it was time to update our look and make our tankers more distinctive.

“We hope our customers like our new image which we will be rolling out to all our tanker fleet first and following shortly

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

with our heating services vehicles. It is an exciting opportunity for us to re-fresh all our communications and a new website will be launched soon.

“As we further emerge into this exciting phase of growth, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers and business associates. Without your ongoing support this exciting evolution of our company would not be possible.”

At this time of year heating is at the forefront of many people’s mind. A few tips from Tincknell Fuels are to check your oil tank and to make sure you order your fuel in plenty of time for Christmas. Also to think about when was Details: www.tincknells.com

HOMES & INTERIORS the last time your boiler was serviced.

A regularly serviced boiler is less likely to break down in the cold weather and is more energy efficient.

Tincknell Fuels – a local family company that specialises in heating oil, home servicing and installation for oil and gas heating boilers and systems.

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FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

• ‘A’ Rated Windows • Doors • Staircases • Porches • Gates • Roof Lanterns • Decora!ve Timbers • Car Ports • Julie"e Balconies • CNC Work • Bespoke Joinery • Free Quota!on Service

PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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RH

Windows THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR CONSERVATORIES, WINDOWS AND DOORS IN HARDWOOD OR UPVC

HARDWOOD JOINERY SPECIALISTS

HOMES & INTERIORS

Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

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01275 332888 www.tonyhuckertv.co.uk Email: tony@tonyhuckertv.co.uk Unit 4, Fairseat Workshops, Chew Stoke BS40 8XF Open: Mon – Thurs 9.00am – 6.00pm Fri – 9.00am – 5.30pm

www.rhwindowsltd.co.uk

Telephone: 01761 452171 Fax: 01761 453342

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 101

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HOMES & INTERIORS

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS, DOORS CURTAINWALL ATRIUMS PVCU WINDOWS DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

Telephone: 01761 417654 www.techniglaze.co.uk Facsimile: 01761 417207 email: office@techniglaze.co.uk

Offering the complete service for over 30 years Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Techniglaze Team

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RIDING

Happy on horseback

IT’S always a pleasure to spend the evening in the isolated but atmospheric Castle of Comfort – even more so when I was recently in the With RACHEL company of the small THOMPSON but dedicated MendipMBE based Back on Track team of volunteers led by its chairman Sally Whittaker.

Back on Track is a charity specialising in offering equine therapy to young people who may have problems in their lives.

Equestrians, especially those lucky enough to have been reared in a horsekeeping household, often consider the horse as something to be trained, schooling it – often with its human partner – to perform in various disciplines, dressage perhaps or show jumping. We (the humans) assume that we are the teachers but do we ever stop to consider what the horse and, in particular, the interaction with the horse can teach us – particularly young people?

Busy parents coping with the everyday rush of equine-related chores, particularly through the winter months, might not notice that the much taken for granted family pony is helping to promote the emotional development of the child caring for it.

The Back on Track team knows that horses have an affinity with youth – particularly troubled young people who may otherwise be therapy-resistant. Worldwide equine therapy is a relatively new

phenomenon but here on Mendip it took off in in 2007 when the Somerset Activity and Sport Partnership approached the committee of the Somerset branch of the British Horse Society about using their skills to help children who have emotional, behavioural or welfare problems and who were not doing well in school.

The discipline uses horses as a means to promote emotional growth through providing metaphoric experiences. In the USA, for instance, therapeutic riding programs for young (particularly troubled) people exist in every state. Horses are fun and enjoyable to work with but, more than that, they give the handler immediate feedback through mirroring so that the handler has to learn to trust and to act and react appropriately.

Initially, 14 children were sponsored by Back on Track to have riding and horse care lessons with astonishing results and life-changing consequences. Nowadays, projects are run all over Somerset in partnership with local riding schools and education establishments. Each project supports up to ten children who ride and learn horse care for a term. Teachers provide pre- and post-project evaluation

Presenting certificates to youngsters at the end of their course

for each pupil. In the summer I went along to a course to give the children attending their awards and it was a truly uplifting experience watching their smiles and banter as they walked and trotted around the arena.

In nine years, teachers agree that results have been truly remarkable. Five hundred local children have been helped through 62 projects. Children who have scored poorly for confidence, emotional engagement, being in a team, motivation and dealing with conflict and poor school attendance have improved amazingly after attending a project. One member of staff wrote that all she wished was to see “her smile”, she had her wish as the child giggled throughout her sessions. It is proven that happy children learn better.

Some of the children chosen have diagnoses of Autism, ADHD or Global delay speech and language difficulties.

They struggle in mainstream schools.

These projects give them the confidence and courage to want to learn and to build relationships with their peers. They all do mucking out and yard sweeping; they dislike the smell but are very happy to join in!

Applications from ten schools for 2017 have been received, costing £18,000. Any help or donation will be very gratefully accepted and if you would like to visit a project please contact Sally: Sallywhittaker@btinternet.com

A taste of what’s in store

THE first premier raceday of the season at Wincanton Racecourse offered a glimpse of the drama on the track – and the entertainment off it – on offer at this year’s Boxing Day fixture.

The Badger Ales Day

featured the 55th running of the prestigious Badger Chase – a Class One listed race with a total prize fund of £60,000. Gentleman Jon, from the Milborne Port yard of in-form trainer Colin Tizzard took top honours.

Entertainment for

racegoers ranged from a heroine’s welcome for gold medal Paralympian Jo Frith, from Glastonbury, to street entertainment and live music – a taste of what’s on store for the go-to, familyorientated meeting on Monday, December 26th.

Delighted Paralympian Jo Frith with BBC racing pundit and Wincanton ambassador Luke Harvey

For details and advance tickets, visit: wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 103

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Merry Christmas from the team at Stables Equine Practice

IT has been an action-packed year for the Stables Equine Practice at Burcott and many of their clients and 2017 promises to continue in a similar style.

Two years into moving to their purpose-built clinic at Conkerfield, the practice is looking forward to celebrating its 20th anniversary. The team has said goodbye to James and Alice (who have moved onto new things) and welcomed Jenny and Ed to its veterinary team.

Kathryn, Nicko and Tim have been busy at equestrian events across the South West, ranging from vetting at racing, endurance and eventing events – and Tim was one of the team of vets in Rio! The practice has also been thrilled by the achievements of many of “its” riders and owners, including Paul Gardner, whose Springcombe Stud was the winner of the Cartier Sprinters Award as breeder of Quiet Reflection.

Phoebe Locke has returned to European Championships competition again with aplomb and Alex Bragg has set himself up for a really exciting 2017, having successfully debuted at 4* level this year and finishing fifth at Pau**** in October! Likewise Donna Callaghan and Alex Coats, whilst Ashley Edmonds, Steph Sweet, Molly Dumas and Charlotte East and Paul Nicholls'

Ditcheat Team look set for really exciting seasons in the upper echelons next year. Good luck and best wishes to all for 2017! ● Why not drop in to the practice for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie if you're in the Wells area on Thursday, December 15th? Follow the team on Facebook for further details.

Riding Lessons and Livery ½ hr Shared – 2 riders sharing a lesson Ideal for absolute beginners – £20pp ½ hr Private – one to one lesson ¾ hr Semi Private – 2 riders sharing (not beginners) 1hr Group – maximum 4 riders of same ability – £25pp Bring your own horse/pony – £15pp for all above

Livery • Arena Hire • Pony Parties Putting your horse’s health in the hands of the experts ★ Based in Wells and covering Mendip and throughout Somerset ★ Providing a personal and professional service for all horses at your home or at our purpose-built equine clinic ★ 24 hour emergency cover – our team is available at the end of a phone ★ A fully mobile service with state-of-the-art equipment, dentistry, pre-purchase examinations, fertility work (including AI)

Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2017

Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

PAGE 104 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

e Level Experience Equine Assisted Learning & Mindfulness with horses for adults and children.

Corporate Team Building & Communication or Corporate Fun Days Please see: www.levelexperience.co.uk

Conference/Function Room Hire

For more information or guided tour of the yard Contact 01278 723415 07891 555151 www.hillfarmequestriancentre.co.uk hillfarmequestrian@hotmail.co.uk

Gift Vouchers available

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Choosing Free Range is good for business

ACCOUNTANCY might not appear the most passionate of professions, but Jo Murray simply loves running Free Range Business in Shepton Mallet.

And one of the reasons is that many of the company’s clients share her interest – horses.

The daughter of a Cornish farmer, Jo returned to her rural roots to launch Free Range, which specialises in helping equestrian and rural SMEs. Over 10 years ago she had been studying equine science at the University of Bristol when she was approached by a major accountancy firm looking for new students for its specialist bloodstock and equine department.

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and working for several years in both the corporate world and in the racing industry – and with a young family – Jo decided it was time to start up on her own and Free Range was hatched in 2014.

The business is called Free Range because Jo and her team pride themselves on being entirely flexible and adaptable to each client’s individual needs, vitally important in a rural area where the challenges can be so varied.

Jo said: “I wanted to humanise the profession; some people can be intimidated when they approach a large accountancy firm.

Clients are welcome to come to our offices or we’ll go and visit them on their farm or at their livery yard and sit round the kitchen table. I never liked wearing a suit and am far more comfortable in wellies!”

Jo, who evented up to 2* level before having a family, is joined by office manager Tracey O’Brien, who comes from a family of

Meet the team (l:r) Charlotte, Tracey, Rufus the dog, Jo and Jake

chartered accountants and is studying book keeping. Together with her partner and children, Tracey hopes to turn the family home into a smallholding.

Accounts assistant Jake Tankard, who grew up locally, is currently studying for his ACA qualification, whilst fellow accounts assistant and the team’s newest recruit, Charlotte Jesson, shares everyone else’s passion for the countryside and horses, being a keen rider herself and competing on her own horses.

And, of course, the team would not be complete without Rufus – Jo’s lively spaniel who welcomes visitors to Free Range’s offices in Harvest Court in Park Road with delight.

Jo added: “I’ve got a team around me who totally buy into what I am trying to achieve with Free Range.

“Like many people running small businesses out there, we’re not 9-5 and are happy to be flexible.”

Our services include:

We’re passionate about the rural community and with a wealth of experience in small and medium sized businesses we are able to provide not just the professional services you would expect from an accountancy firm but also the understanding of the needs and challenges faced within your industry.

We can work onsite or offsite, from a one off project through to monthly retained work, always at a reasonable rate and at a time that's convenient for you.

Above all else we believe in finding the best solutions to suit you.

So, let’s arrange a time for a chat to discuss how Free Range Business can bring a fresh approach to your financial needs.

• Bookkeeping • Management accounts • Payroll and P11d’s • VAT • Liaison with HMRC • Cash flows, budgets and forecasts • Statutory accounts • Sole trade/partnership financial statements • Company Secretarial tasks • Financial Controller/Finance Director role • Corporation tax • Self assessment/ partnership tax returns

Telephone 01749 345895 / 01749 344 111 Email info@freerangebusiness.co.uk @freerangejo The Old Mill, Harvest Court, Park Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5BS. MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016 • PAGE 105

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Oh, what a season!

THE “CASES” Somerset Rebels speedway side has completed the most successful season in its history, with four major titles.

After winning the Premier Shield, Premier League Pairs Championship and League Cup the curtain fell on the season in spectacular style with a stunning two-leg victory over Sheffield Tigers to claim the Premier League Championship.

And now the promoters of the side have taken the decision to move the club up into UK speedway’s top tier, the newlynamed Premiership (previously known as the Elite League). It follows the biggest revamp of the sport in modern history.

Rival side Rye House will join Somerset in taking the plunge with promotion to the top flight where they will face teams including local rivals Swindon and Poole, plus clubs like Wolverhampton, Coventry and Leicester.

Somerset promoter Debbie Hancock said: “Although we are a relatively young club in speedway terms, having only been formed in 2000, we would like to feel that we are also a club with ambition, and after 15 seasons in the sport’s second tier of racing, the last five years of which have been highly successful by way of the titles won, we felt that the time was right to move up into the sport’s highest level of racing in the UK.” The decision came after the Rebels enjoyed their end-ofseason presentation night where special guest Kelvin Tatum, Sky Sports’ speedway presenter, said: “I think that the team were difficult to assess at the beginning of the year with them having three new riders to the Premier League in their side, but, as ever, the management did their homework on those riders, and the results of that are here to see in the trophies won by the team.”

Rohan Tungate – being carried aloft – was chosen by fans as the Rebels Rider of the Year

Heroes and hopefuls

Dignitaries and athletes at the reception in Wells

SPORTS charity TYS5C hosted a reception for present, past and possibly future Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Among the guests were Annie Maw, the High Sheriff of Somerset, Rio Paralympian and gold medallist, Jo Frith; 1972 Munich Olympic gold medallist, Bridget Parker; PO Sean Gaffney, multiple medal winner at this year’s Invictus Games and several young athletes being supported by the Somersetbased charity.

The event was organised by Alan Gloak, TS5C chairman, who said: “It’s been a privilege to chat to Jo and also to Sean about their experiences of competing on such high-profile stages, and I know the TS5C athletes here tonight have found it inspirational.

“It’s the charity’s tenth anniversary next year and we have lots of exciting fund-raising events in the pipeline. I want to ensure that in 2020 when we are welcoming back Somerset’s Olympians and Paralympians from Tokyo, the room is full of TS5C athletes.”

Jo, of Glastonbury, who won a silver in this year’s Paralympics individual wheelchair archery and a gold in the team event, said: “It has been great to talk this evening to some of the young athletes who are working so hard. There is financial support for athletes at the top of their field, but virtually nothing at the grass roots level. With the extensive costs involved in training and competing, especially living in such a rural area, charities such as TS5C are integral to ensuring Team GB continues to go from strength to strength.”

For details about the work of TS5C, email info@ts5c.org or visit www.ts5c.org

(Photography courtesy of Colin Burnett)

The Premier League champions!

PAGE 106 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Tennis club awards

WELLS Tennis Club has held its annual awards evening with winners and runners-up from the club’s Finals Day receiving their trophies from club

president Tasha Smith (pictured).

Club members also voted for the coveted ‘Players Player of the Year’ 2016 award, which went to Men’s B-Team and Winter League Captain, Dave Mills.

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Whistle while you learn WHY would anyone ever want to be a rugby referee?

It’s a question often asked by spectators on the touchline or watching a match on television – sometimes accompanied by some fruity language.

The answers are many and varied, but one thing is certain: no referee, no game.

Which is why a refereeing academy has been launched in Somerset to nurture, train and support anyone who is interested in what can be a baffling role for even those with a good knowledge of the laws of the game.

Somerset Rugby Referees Society launched the academy after recognising that some people were being deterred from taking up the whistle – it can be lonely both out on the pitch and back in

Respect! Teenager takes charge

SPORT

By Mark Adler

the clubhouse.

Laurence Beere, the society’s recruitment and retention officer, said: “We recognise that referees need more support from their peers. It can be as little as a text after a game to ask ‘how did it go’ to more structured feedback and just as important is to offer referees the chance to share their experiences with each other, both good and bad.”

Laurence runs a successful hotel and restaurant in Bath and took up refereeing four years ago after coaching schoolchildren. He said: “It’s the mental challenge for me. I know that for two hours I will be concentrating solely on the game. My over-riding priority is

A SERIOUS leg injury led to Chris Brown taking up the whistle – and he is still only 17 years old.

Chris was told to stop playing the sport he loved but decided he still wanted to take part in some way. A chat with his PE teacher led to him joining the Somerset society’s academy.

Chris, who lives in Wellington, said: “Being younger has not made any difference; all players know they Teenager in the middle: have to respect a referee.”

Chris Brown is just 17 The teenager added: “I would years old recommend refereeing to anyone.

Ideally, I would like to get to the top. To be a semiprofessional referee at, say, championship level, would be fantastic.”

Chris takes charge of Midsomer Norton 2nd XV against Bristol Barbarians

ensuring everyone is safe on the pitch and that I referee to the best of my ability.”

Somerset’s academy referees wear distinctive sky blue tops. The role is voluntary and, in an ideal season, referees would take charge of some 1518 games per season. The society has around 80 active referees – Tony Spreadbury, the RFU’s Head of Professional Game Match Officials is the best-known – and the opportunity to progress is available to the most talented officials, should they wish to take their skills further.

Laurence added: “The best games are always the ones where the referee goes unnoticed – we don’t go out there to be the centre of attention.”

Rising to the challenge

Jon is clapped off the pitch at the end of Keynsham IVs v Old Bristolians IIIs

JON Taylor had never played rugby but the challenge of learning how to take charge of a game was too great to resist.

The 50-year-old company CEO had always enjoyed watching rugby but said refereeing had become something of an obsession: “My choice of bedtime book really is the laws of the game.”

He contacted the Somerset Rugby Referees Society and they recommended a course: Refereeing the 15-a-side game. He then spent months reading the laws and sitting the on-line law exam: “There was no way I was going to embarrass myself on that course, despite having never set foot on the field. I also watched as much rugby as I could wither on TV, YouTube (to get lower level games) and visiting local clubs to watch the referee.”

Jon began by officiating at a sevens tournament where he had other referees to turn to for advice and encouragement. He said: “If you don’t like feedback – good or bad – then refereeing is not for you.

“A very experienced ref came over to me – a complete novice – at the end of one match and asked me how I thought he could improve!”

To find out more about the work of the society, visit: www.srrs.org.uk

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SPORT

Fastest up the hill

BURRINGTON Combe once again attracted some of the best hill climbers from across the country for the annual time trial organised by Bristol South Cycling Club.

This event has grown in numbers since it started many years ago and has become a popular event at the end of the season, for CYCLING both riders and spectators. This year there with EDMUND were 113 entries on the start sheet.

LODITE The 2.2 mile hill climb up Burrington Combe is not one of the steepest cycling climbs on the Mendip Hills, but it is one of the longest. With a nice steady gradient, averaging at 6%, it is a different challenge to the shorter sharper climbs.

In the days leading up to the event, the run of mild weather ended abruptly and temperatures dropped sharply. By the morning of the hill climb it was 6 degrees as the riders left the start in one minute intervals.

Half way up the course there was plenty of noise and lots of welcome encouragement from the spectators, at what has now become known as “cowbell corner”. From there a slight headwind hit the upper parts of the climb, and combined with the cold weather meant this was never going to be a day for personal bests.

Tejvan Pettinger, National Hill Climb champion in 2013, was fastest overall with a time of 7’17” twelve seconds ahead of his nearest rival Isaac Mundy, who favours short steep climbs.

Pettinger has now won this event seven times and also holds the

Tejban Pettinger passing Cowbell Corner

course record at 6’51” which he set in 2011. Having suffered with persistent injury this year it was his first hill climb victory of 2016 and a welcome return to form. Joanne Jago also successfully defended her title in a time of 9’21”.

Pettinger commented afterwards “I set off relatively conservatively, primarily because I was uncertain of my form on minimal training. I kept a good pace throughout the climb. After riding this event nine times, you do start to know it like the back of your hand.” And reflecting on his win, added “It was nice to win my first and only hill climb of the year. It’s not quite the heady days of a few years ago. But, I have hopes of having a good hill climb season next year.”

When asked what attracts him to hill climbs he replied “A hill climb pushes you to the edge of your capacity. It's painful during the race, but gives a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. It is particularly satisfying because you are overcoming gravity too”.

Club welcomes new members Anyone for tennis?

TIMSBURY Short Mat Bowls Club had a good turn-out for its recent open day and hopes to see its membership grow.

It’s also celebrating the donation of a new mat from Cllr.

Doug Deacon’s members’ initiative funding.

The club was founded in 1995 at Conygre Hall Bowls Court and soon established itself as a friendly and competitive club playing in the Mendip Bowls League and competitions.

It says the doors are always open and it welcomes anyone to join playing this sometimes frustrating but very addictive game.

Details: www.timsburysmb.org.uk

PAGE 108 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

PENSFORD Tennis Club was one of several clubs in the region which took part in the Great British Tennis Weekend, which was offering people the chance to play tennis for free.

Beginner taster sessions for all ages were run by the club coach Dan Church and the whole event offered a fun day of tennis for all the family.

The club has two all-weather floodlit courts and caters for players of all ages and abilities.

Details: www.pensfordtennisclub.co.uk or call 01761 490834 or 01761 490867.

(Photograph courtesy of Rich Lewton Photography)

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Celebrating Britain’s railways

STEAM Train Tours are offering holidays especially for railway fans in 2017. The coach travel tours visit many preserved steam railways and other places of railway interest, like railway museums.

For lovers of steam train travel a holiday like this is a must! New for 2017 is a tour of the railways of The Isle of Man, with a full day travelling the Isle of Man Steam Railway, plus the Snaefell Mountain, Manx Electric, Douglas Horse Drawn Tram, Groudle Glen line, and a visit to the magnificent Lady Isabella Laxey Wheel.

If you have not visited the Isle of Man, and you love railways, put this one on your list! The Lake District holiday features a steam hauled ride on The Fellsman over the famous Settle to Carlisle line, crossing the world renowned Ribblehead Viaduct, Ais Gill, and Dent station; also the Ravenglass and Eskdale, and East Lancashire Railways, and a boat ride on Lake Windermere.

Yorkshire includes York Railway Museum, Wensleydale line, Beamish museum, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Heartbeat line). They also visit the Great Little Trains of Wales, of massive interest to fans of narrow gauge lines, and ten railways in six days on their tour of Devon and Cornwall.

The tour of Kent and Sussex includes the Bluebell Line, Romney Hythe and Dymchurch, and Kent and East Sussex Railways. See advert for details.

WHAT’S ON

It’s a straight ten for parade

Father Christmas prepares to leave the Market Place

THE Wells Reindeer Parade will celebrate its tenth anniversary in December with another fun-filled day of events in aid of charity.

Live reindeer will once again lead the parade through the city on Sunday, December 4th as part of a day of family entertainment organised by the city’s Rotary Club. Last year’s parade raised £2,500 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity through programme sales, donations from the public and generous support from the local business community. The day begins at 10.45am with the parade at midday.

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Bigger, better and back

Learning to take wildlife photos at last year’s show: Kirstie Harris, Stewart Cursley and Eleanor Batson

LAST December, the team at the D H James shop in Wells ran their first photographic show which proved more popular than they had hoped.

Nick James, who owns the photography shop in Sadler Street with his brother Chris, said: “People have been asking us all year when we are doing the next show.”

So now they have announced its return at the refurbished Olive and Garden Rooms of the Swan Hotel in Wells on Saturday, December 3rd.

On offer are extra competition prizes totalling £1,000, a range of big discounts and Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre providing an opportunity to take wildlife photos. Experts on cameras, lenses, binoculars and telescopes will be there to give advice.

PAGE 110 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

The most wonderful room of the year

THE Christmas Room at Kilver Court Designer Village in Shepton Mallet is the most magical space, full of festive delights from Nordic, vintage and kitsch to woodland …

Have a great Christmas thanks to The find your perfect Great House Christmas story and style. Situated in The Great House, you’ll find all that glitters is gold, silver and bronze!

Kilver Court features stand-alone outlets, a designer emporium and arcade offering more than 40 designer fashion, home and lifestyle brands. Christmas at The Great House is a festive feast for the eyes, seasonal treats for your taste buds and the best place to come to feel the warmth of goodwill and good cheer.

Hygge is the word of the season: cuddle and cosy up in your own Nordic wonderland with their new brand Broste from Copenhagen. The theme is natural and snug where the colours reflect the changing tones in nature and drop in temperature.

If kitsch is your thing, then overtly garish, popularist and often retrospective styles of yesteryear are a must have for any contemporary Christmas décor. Pop in to the Christmas room and you will find all manner of decorations from electric blue peacocks, pink and purple faux velour stags and glittery elephants to sugar pink houses and Father Christmas on his bike.

If foraging in the woods for the holly and the ivy is looking a little cold and damp, visit The Great House for an entirely warmer way to bring the outdoors in, whilst vintage fans will love the nostalgia and rustic charm of Christmas, from the old world glamour of the tarnished gunmetal, pewter and copper decorations of Grand Illusions and oversized baubles from One World Trading to the delicate, luminous glass baubles that will be sparkling away in the Christmas room catching many an admiring glance by Treasure Tree.

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Find the rabbits and win!

MENDIP Times has teamed up with the makers of multi-award winning Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar to offer one reader the chance to enjoy a very special hamper this Christmas.

We’re running a competition in this month’s issue of Mendip Times aimed at the keeneyed amongst you, whether young or old.

You’ll also need to visit the new-look website for Ford Farm, the makers of Grading by candlelight in Wookey Wookey Hole Cave Aged Hole Caves Cheddar.

Hidden amongst the pages of Mendip Times are four golden rabbit symbols. A fifth can be found somewhere on the Ford Farm website – www.fordfarm.com – where you can learn all about their delicious range of cheese and even visit their online shop.

Discover all the symbols and tell us exactly on which page they are located to have a chance of winning a hamper of cheese (with a retail value of around £80), along with a family ticket to Wookey Hole Caves.

Here’s a clue: one of the rabbits appears on an advertisement in Mendip Times for Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar – but where?

Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar is a traditional West Country Farmhouse Cheddar made by Ford Farm, a dairy located on the Ashley Chase Estate overlooking the expansive Jurassic Coast in West Dorset.

The key ingredient for this unique cheddar is the highest quality rich milk sourced from dairy cows that graze the lush pastures of the picturesque Ashley Chase Estate and the surrounding Dorset countryside.

The Cheddar is made to traditional methods and recipes right from the outset by a highly skilled team of cheesemakers. Each stage of the process is performed by hand, from the turning and salting of the curds to the wrapping of each individual truckle in cheesecloth.

Once made, the Cheddars are then transported to the Wookey Hole Caves where they are left to mature naturally in this ideal environment for several months.

The caves, with their natural humidity and year-round constant temperature, provide the optimum environment for maturing Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar, ensuring it remains deliciously moist and packed full of the characteristic earthy and nutty flavours of the caves. Wookey Hole Cave Aged is the only PDOregulated West Country Farmhouse Cheddar to be matured in caves. ● Please send your answers on a postcard to: Christmas Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us by 5pm on Wednesday, December 7th in order that we can get the hamper to you in time for Christmas.

The hamper will contain several different permutations of Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar as well as some of their other brands.

The first correct entry chosen will be the winner. The editor’s decision is final.

WHAT’S ON

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Thursday November 24th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6.25mi/10kms from Upper Weare Church, OS Map Ex141 ST414527, start 12.30pm, park near church.

Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Saturday November 26th Taize’ & Teas at Stoke St Michael Church, 4pm, please come along and join us in singing Taize’ chants for Advent or just enjoy listening and relaxing in our wonderful church, free event but donations to the church are always welcome.

Details: Janet 01749 840409.

Chew Valley Choral Society 40th anniversary concert, Mozart Requiem, St John the Baptist Church, Keynsham, 7.30pm, tickets £12, students and children £6, from the parish office, 1 The Park, Keynsham, 01179 863354, members of the choir or telephone 01275 333014.

Cats Protection Christmas Fair in Wells Town Hall, 9.30am-2.30pm, refreshments available, admission free but donations welcome – particularly cat food. Details: 01749 880545.

Carers’ Centre winter charity concert, St. John’s Church, Chilcompton, 7.30pm, £7, £6 for carers.

Details: 0900 0388885 or info@banescarerscentre.org.uk Shepton Mallet Lantern Festival workshop, Paul Street community Centre, Shepton Mallet.

Black Swan Arts, 30 Years, 30 Artists (November 26 – December 24) Black Swan Arts, 2, Bridge Street, Frome, 10am-4pm Mon to Saturday and Sunday December 4th, admission free. Details: www.blackswan.org.uk 01373 473980.

Wells Cathedral Advent carol service, 5pm – 6.30pm, all welcome. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Mendip Society walk around Chilcompton, meet 1.30pm in the lay-by on the B3139 to the east of Chilcompton near Norton Green Nursery (BA3 4RR), a five-mile walk with no major hills. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Nunney Christmas Market. Supporting makers, crafters and other small businesses in the Nunney area. Nunney Village Hall 11am-7pm. Any proceeds will be shared between Nunney Flower Show, Nunney Community Association and Nunney Village Hall. Free entry. Ffi: http://www.visitnunney.com/index.php/nunneymakes-christmas/, email: nunneymakeschristmas@gmail.com or call: 07714 098748.

Sunday November 27th Redhill Village Hall & Club Christmas Fair, 12noon – 4pm, stalls £10. Details: Hazel Davies 01275 474973 ASAP. Artisan Craft & Gift Fair. Faulkland Village Hall.

Quality handmade products at affordable prices (cash payments preferred). Supporting Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Doors open 10.30am.

Free entry. Ffi: Naomi Millard 07814 319441.

Monday November 28th – Saturday December 3rd Bristol Hippodrome, Million Dollar Quartet, starring Jason Donovan, evenings, 7.30pm, PAGE 112 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

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matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm, tickets from £14.90.* Monday November 28th Green Gardeners welcome Anne Hassed for a demonstration of winter floral decorations, parish rooms, Somerton, 7.30pm, seasonal refreshments, visitors welcome (£2).

Wednesday November 30th Backwell and Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, 1.30 for 2pm, "Cinderella", with Tim Lewis and Sheila Furneaux. Details: 01275 462107. There will be no meeting in December.

Thursday December 1st West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 9.7mi/15.5kms from Corfe, start 10am from church, park on roadside near church. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday December 2nd Cheddar Festive Night from 5.30pm, stalls, entertainment, Santa and much more throughout the village and Gorge.

Toddler Story Time, Cheddar Library, Christmas Time, 2.30pm.

Redhill Club Open Mic Night hosted by Jerry Blythe, 8pm, join us and unwind with an evening of live music, acoustic singer-songwriters at their very best. Details: Jerry 07900 587646.

Saturday December 3rd Churchill Music, Epiphoni Consort, a festive candlelit concert with seasonal refreshments in the interval, 7.30pm – 10pm, St. John's Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5QW, tickets Champions of Churchill Music! £12, Non Champions £16, under 18s £4. Please send an SAE to Ursula Dornton, Dove Cottage, Upper Langford, Somerset BS40 5DH. Mendip Society walk, an Advent amble, Wells and Dinder, meet 1.30pm at the east end of Ash Lane, Wells (BA5 2LW), a five-mile walk on the East Mendip Way to Dinder, via the Cathedral & Palace and Iron Age fort. Details: Brian 01749 672457.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Jerry Clifford, the Somerset and Dorset Railway, 2.30pm, Assembly Rooms. Frome.

The VIDA Guitar Quartet celebrate their appointment as Jackdaws Artists in Residence with this fundraising concert in the Jackdaws studio, 6.30pm, repertoire will include Vaughan-Williams, Warlock, Bach, Brahms and Rossini arranged for four guitars, tickets £12 in advance, £15 on the door, call 01373 812383 or email music@jackdaws.org Charity Christmas Fair, Rookery Farm, Binegar, 12noon – 2pm, all proceeds to three fundraising appeals for local children – Eady’s Journey, William and Lewis Need New Wheels and Help Jessica Walk.

Christmas Crafts and Market, Wookey Church Hall, 9.30am – 12.30pm. Details: Sue Watts 01749 677381.

Somerset Plant Heritage at Edington Hall TA7 9HA, 11am, members plant sale, 12noon, AGM, 1.15pm, bring and share Christmas lunch, 2.30pm “Rejuvenating a Tired Garden” by Elizabeth Holman, garden designer and horticulturist, visitors welcome, £4. Details: 01278 451631.

Christmas Artisan Market, Browne’s Garden Centre, Wells. 10am-3pm. More than 20 stalls (food, craft and gifts). Free parking, coffee

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shop.Play area for children. Charity partner for 2016 is Pilton Pre-School. Ffi: Vanessa Lancaster: 07789 874402.

Meet The Victorians. Radstock Museum will be open to visitors free of charge from 11am-5pm with “A Victorian Christmas” between 2-4.30pm.

Victorian Christmas demonstrations and activities with museum volunteers in Victorian costume.

Museum tearoom and shop open all day for refreshments and Christmas shopping including local history, local walks and children’s books, stocking filler toys and other gifts.

Sunday December 4th Guided Walk – the geology of Beacon Hill, with Roy Vranch, meet 1.45pm at the main gate. Details: info@beaconhillsociety.org.uk or email bo_walsh@yahoo.co.uk Shipham Christmas Market, village hall, 11am – 4pm. Details: Mel Edmonds 01934 843177 or email mel@mediafly.co.uk 10th Anniversary Wells Reindeer Parade.

10.50am: opening by the Mayor of Wells and the president of the Rotary Club of Wells. Midday: parade by Santa Claus in his sledge drawn by real reindeer through the city led by the town crier and the City Band. During the day there will be music plus rides and other entertainment in the Market Place and a variety of stalls selling festive food and drink, seasonal goods and gifts.

Tuesday December 6th Winscombe Christmas Shopping Night – see page 66.

Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Sue Jackson, The Huguenot Silk Weavers of Spitalfields – From Riches to Rags, Bath & West bar & restaurant, B & W showground, Shepton Mallet, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Wednesday December 7th Norton/Radstock Ramblers, Walton Hill to Windmill Hill & Compton Dundon, a six-mile walk, meet 10am Walton Hill car park, BA16 9RD. Details: Tessa 01761 470453 or 07811008567.

St Margaret’s Hospice Christmas Fair, Wells Town Hall, 10am – 3pm, free admission, stalls, refreshments and raffle.

Congresbury Christmas Fair, War Memorial Hall, 6-9pm, tables £5 each. Details: Irving Prowse 01934 832004.

Thursday December 8th West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk 6.5mi/10.4kms from Shapwick, start 12.30pm from church, park in nature reserve car park. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349/07784 941439 or email k.masters265@gmail.com Friday December 9th Wrington Dickensian Fayre – see page 40.

Village Voices Community Choir and Friends Christmas Concert, St Mary Magdalene Church, Chewton Mendip. 7.15 for 7.30pm start, in aid of church building projects, festive refreshments available. Details: Jacky 01761 241700 or Jim on 01761 241493 for tickets, £7.50 or buy on the door.

Saturday December 10th – Sunday January 8th Bristol Hippodrome, Cinderella, starring Torvill and Dean, various performance times available, tickets start from £12.* Saturday December 10th Sing for Somerset Carol Service at Wells Cathedral, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm), featuring Mid Somerset Orchestra, Somerset Voices Choir,

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Matthew Redman on organ, conducted by Laurence Blyth, entry free, no ticket required, retiring collection benefitting Somerset Community Foundation.

Mendip Society walk, Dundry Hill, meet 1.30pm at The Carpenters Tavern, Wells Road (BS41 8NE), a walk of four to five miles on Dundry Hill with extensive views. Details: Richard 01275 472797.

Somerset Singers Christmas Concert, Mozart Requiem & Haydn Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War), St Cuthbert's Church, Wells, 7.30pm, conductor Jonathan Vaughn, plus Lochrian Ensemble, tickets £12, available in advance from Wells Tourist Information Centre, or £14 on the door. Details: 01934 843727. www.somersetsingers.co.uk Congresbury Book Sale, at War Memorial Hall, good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books, 9am – 1pm.

Brent Knoll Christmas bazaar, farmers’ market and parish café, various stalls, Christmas raffle, all proceeds to parish hall. Details: Eddie Fuller 01278 760308.

Carols and Christmas music at The Link (formerly Methodist Church), Bishop Sutton with inspiring Unity Singers, 7pm.

Radstock Museum Christmas Fayre. Organised by the Friends of Radstock Musuem. 10am to 4pm.

Stalls selling quality goods and gifts, raffle, tombola and entertainment. Ffi: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk Vox in Frox, St Margaret’s Church, Hinton Blewett, £10 inc mince pie and mulled wine.

Details: Julia Haggett 01275 332366 juliahaggett@mac.com Stoke St Michael Community Events Group: Dickensian Christmas Fayre. 4-9pm, Knatchbull Arms car park. Market stalls, carol singing, Santa's grotto, BBQ, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and much more. Festive fun for all the family. Free admission.

Sunday December 11th Christmas Craft Fair at Blagdon Village Club, High St, Blagdon, BS40 7TA, 2pm to 4pm, entry £3.50 per child, £7.50 for a family of three or more, raffle, crafts, lucky dip, tattoos and making decorations, refreshments available. All proceeds to supporting Blagdon Under 5s.

Norton/Radstock Ramblers, a 6.5 mile country Walk from Frome, meet 10am Frome Market Place, car park, BA11 1BE. Leader Ken 01373 812865.

Tuesday December 13th Frost Fairs on the Frozen Thames, NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350 132.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club songs and music from the Reflections Singers, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday December 14th Mendip Society social evening, Burrington Inn, 7pm, members, friends and non-members welcome, music from Jane Neve, finger buffet £10, book by Dec 12th. Details: judithtranter1@btinternet.com 01275 874284.

Wedmore by Lamplight – see page 86.

Nailsea and District Horticultural Society seasonal floral art with Diane Oliver, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, 7.30pm, members £2, visitors £3. Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or

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Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Glastonbury Male Voice Choir Christmas concert & carols, St John’s Church Glastonbury, 8pm, with a large number of Christmas trees each decorated by local organisations. Details: www.glastonburymalevoicechoir.co.uk Thursday December 15th Wells Civic Society, seasonal celebration and chocolate tasting with Steph Hillier, Wells and Mendip Musuem, 7.30pm.

West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 10mi/16kms from Rackley, start 10.30am, park at Webbington Road car park. Details: Vi Howley 07711 662993 or email vihowley@btinternet.com Friday December 16th and Sunday December 17th Bishop’s Palace, Wells wreath-making workshops, Friday 10am – 12.30pm, Saturday 9.30am – 12noon, £20 inc materials, coffee and tea. Details: 01749 988111 or visit the palace shop.

Saturday December 17th Mendip Society walk around Winscombe, meet at 1.30pm behind the Woodborough Inn (BS25 1HD), a four-mile easy walk. Details: Contact: John 01934 842868.

Peasedown Christmas in the Park, 1pm – 4pm, Beacon Hall, Peasedown St John. Details: www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk Collett Park Café Christmas Stocking Filler Market 10am-4pm in Collett Park, Shepton Mallet.

Santa’s Grotto, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies, All day hot food, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting and FREE Treasure Hunt around the park! Drifters Boat Club Christmas display on the water 2-4pm all followed by the Lantern Parade in the evening!

Monday December 19th Timsbury Nats indoor meeting a light-hearted evening of quizzes and food, with Mike Clay, Sue Langdon and Rod Bruce, Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury BA2 0JQ, 7.30pm.

Tuesday December 20th Congresbury Singers Christmas concert, 7.30pm, St Andrew's Church, a fusion of seasonal, traditional, serious and light-hearted readings, music and carols, tickets cost £8 including refreshments can be obtained in advance from Congresbury Post Office, or pay on the door.

Midsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild meeting and Christmas party, 2pm, in St. John's Parish Hall, BA3 4HX. Details: 01761 413528.

Thursday December 22nd West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 6.4mi/10.3kms from Butcombe, roadside parking near church. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or email anthonyestrange@gmail.com Thursday December 22nd and Friday December 23rd Wells Cathedral Carol Services, a traditional

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carol service led by Wells Cathedral Choir, plus bible readings, 6pm.

Saturday December 24th Wells Cathedral family crib services, 2pm and 3.15pm, with some dressing up clothes for children who will also be invited to take part in making our own real nativity scene in the Cathedral. Details: www.wellscathedral.org.uk Tuesday December 27th Mendip Society walk, Carscliff and Middle Down Drove Reserve, meet at 10.30am by the Gardeners Arms, Silver Street, Cheddar (BS27 3LE). Do not use the pub car park. A five-mile hilly walk with good views. Details: Gill 01934 742508.

Thursday December 29th West Mendip Walkers moderate circular walk 5.5mi/8.8kms from Shipham Village Hall, park at village hall. Details: Roger Mead 01934 743088 or email rogermead1941@hotmail.co.uk Friday December 30th Mendip Society, Glastonbury industrial heritage walk, meet at 10.30am by the Red Brick Building on the Morland Enterprise Park, Morland Road, Glastonbury, a four-mile walk around Glastonbury, incorporating great views of the town and surrounding Avalon Marshes from Wearyall Hill.

Details: Judy 01749 672196.

Saturday December 31st New Year's Eve – Redhill Club live music & disco with Daz, 7pm for 7.30pm, tickets £20, inc. sitdown meal), or just enjoy the evening entertainment, £10 in advance for entry after 10pm, limited tickets so please get in touch ASAP. Details: Janet Bell 07709 069036.

Friday January 6th Toddler Story Times, Cheddar Library, Snow Day, 2.30pm.

Tuesday January 10th Mendip Decorative and Fine Arts Society Is Christmas in Good Taste? A light review of the artistic merits of our Christmas celebrations by David Phillips, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, 11am, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Wednesday January 11th Wells Civic Society Annual General Meeting followed by The Reredos Project: Jerry Sampson talks about the rare find at St Cuthbert’s church which is being documented and prepared for display, 7.30pm, Wells and Mendip Museum.

BRISTOL HIPPODROME Further information and booking at www.atgtickets.com/bristol or 0844 871 3012. Bkg fees apply and all calls 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR OCTOBER Across: 1/5 Over the rainbow, 9 End result, 10 Trump, 11 Eerie, 12 Bartender, 13 Glencoe, 15 Pair off, 17 Drop off, 20 Ask over, 22 Louisiana, 23 Mates, 24 Carve, 25 Blow drier, 26 Disused, 27 Swallow.

Down: 1 Overegged, 2 Endorse, 3 Theme, 4 Equable, 5 Rat-trap, 6 In the pink, 7 Bound to, 8 Wiper, 14 Cross keys, 16 Forest Row, 18 Oeuvres, 19 Flatbed, 20 Amazons, 21 Vitriol, 22 Laced, 23 Medea.

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Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 25th November Starts Friday 2nd December Starts Friday 9th December Starts Thursday 15th December

DECEMBER EVENT CINEMA

NOW SHOWING:

Allied (tbc) • A United Kingdom (12A) Sully (12A) • Moana (U) 3D/2D The Birth Of A Nation (15) • Mum’s List (tbc) Star Wars Rogue One (12A-tbc) Thursday 8th December Andre Rieu Christmas 10.30am The Nutcracker ROH 7.15pm

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

FLY A GLIDER! THE IDEAL GIFT!

Mendip Gliding Club is located near Cheddar and offers a variety of Glider Flying packages including Introductory Flight Vouchers (from £35), or regular membership and “Fixed Price To Solo” options. Club is open all year on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Suitable for aged 12 upwards – no upper limit! Fly with BGA-rated instructors in dual control gliders.

For further information, please visit our website at:

www.mendipgliding.co.uk or contact Penny Broad 01275 340827 (Marketing)

PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • DECEMBER 2016

Festival will have a hot fuzz buzz

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THE 2017 Wells Festival of Film will celebrate two special anniversaries – the 25th birthday of the Wells Film Centre and the tenth year since the release of Hot Fuzz.

There will be a special Hot Fuzz evening in the Bishop’s Palace as part of the festival, which will be held from Wednesday, April 26th to Sunday, April 30th. The first festival was launched Ten years after – stars Simon Pegg and to great acclaim earlier Nick Frost with director Edgar Wright this year. at the premiere in Wells of Hot Fuzz in Organisers are still 2007 finalising details, but anyone wanting to be kept in touch can register their interest by emailing wellsfilmfestival@aol.co.uk or pick up a copy of the December issue of Widescreen magazine – the Wells Film Centre in-house publication.

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