Mendiptimes Volume 11 - Issue 9

Mendip Times

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FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

FEBRUARY 2016

IN T H I S I S S U E : • RACING & RIDING • RAIL HISTORY • WEDDINGS • WASSAIL • SPORT

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

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

WILDLIFE and wassailing are to the fore this month. We meet the horse that starred in a film with Mel Gibson, a labrador that is learning to read and we hear about toad patrols preparing to set out across Mendip. On a more serious note, Chris Sperring considers how climate change may be affecting our wildlife.

We’ve been blessing orchards across the area, joining traditional wassails – we have pictures from several – and pictures from Wincanton races, Mendip Farmers’ hunt and the first big motorcycle scrambling event of the year.

We meet Trina Gulliver, the golden girl of British darts, who talks candidly about her struggle to win her tenth world title. We also join the celebrations for Frome Rotary Club’s 90th anniversary.

March 6th marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. We have a special feature from John Simms looking back at its history and looking ahead to events commemorating the old line.

We also preview snowdrop festivals across the area and the West of England Game Fair at the Royal Bath and West showground – with a chance for you to win tickets.

With a special focus on weddings, as well as all of our regular contributors and features, let us all look ahead to spring.

March 2016 deadline: Friday, 12th February 2016.

Published: Tuesday, 23rd February 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: Mendip Farmers’ Hunt meet at Ston Easton. See page 26.

Photograph by Mark Adler.

5

Eyes down – tea and bingo at Inner Wheel party

13

For trees a jolly good fellow – Wassail across Mendip

Stretching their legs – beagle hunt day out

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81

On top of the world – Cheddar’s champion

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Arts & Antiques ...........................14 Internet and Crossword..............18 Business ........................................20 Education......................................27 Food & Drink...............................28 Charities .......................................42 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......45 Walking Sue Gearing....................46

Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........48 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......50 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............54 Property........................................66 Caving Phil Hendy........................68 Homes and Interiors....................72 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE ....78 Music.............................................80 Sport..............................................81 What’s On ....................................87 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 3

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Extra trains just the ticket, says MP

Full house for Inner Wheel party

David Warburton MP (right) with Chris Loder from South West Trains launching the new direct train service between Bruton and Frome to London Waterloo

Club president Jackie Emm (centre) prepares to serve tea with fellow IW members Sue Meadows (left) and Mollie Arnold

Building for the future

Sofia (centre) joins in the fun

ADDITIONAL direct train services between Frome and Bruton and London Waterloo have been welcomed by local MP David Warburton.

But the MP for Somerton and Frome says he will continue to press for further improvements.

The new South West Trains services will run at 17:12 from Bruton and at 17:24 from Frome direct to London Waterloo, and from Waterloo to the south west at 12:50 each weekday. An additional two trains to Salisbury will also give an evening service running almost hourly to Westbury, with regular onward connections to Bath and Bristol.

The MP said: "The launch of this new service by South West Trains is great news for Frome and Bruton, giving us a muchneeded boost to our rail links and a welcome reduction in gaps in the timetable.

“We’ve struggled for a long time to get more trains in this area so this is a tremendously exciting development, and the Class 159 will no doubt provide an excellent on-board passenger experience.

MENDIP District Council is one of the county’s top performers when it comes to encouraging the building of much-needed new homes and bringing empty properties back into use, according to new government figures.

They show there were 620 new homes built across the district between October 2014 and 2015, making Mendip one of Somerset’s best performing local authorities. Of these new homes, 252 were affordable homes – the highest figure in the county.

Mendip also brought 35 empty homes back into use during the same period, putting it at the top of the charts compared with neighbouring authorities.

Tracy Aarons, Corporate Manager for Built Environment, said: “Like most areas of the country, Mendip needs more new and affordable homes and we are working hard to encourage more homes to be built in appropriate locations in the district.”

They are also offering a range of financial support to homeowners with the aim of bringing empty homes back into use.

DOZENS of elderly people in the Midsomer Norton and Radstock area enjoyed an afternoon of tea, bingo and entertainment, organised by the local Inner Wheel club.

The annual party, at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton, is held to celebrate Inner Wheel Day.

John Langan celebrates a full house

Details: 0300 303 8588 www.mendip.gov.uk

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Preparing for spring – Mendip’s toad patrols THE sun is setting on a cool, damp, gloomy February day. I could spend the evening curled up on the sofa, munching on leftover Christmas chocolates, no doubt putting on weight, whilst staring idly at the bright lights being emitted from the electric box sitting in the corner of our lounge that seems to dominate these dark evenings.

Or I could wrap up and step out into the fresh, wintery night air armed with a bucket, a torch and a high-vis tabard, to patrol an ancient migration route on Winscombe Hill, and possibly save some lives. Man’s modern roads now intersect the migration routes that lead from overwintering sites to the ancestral breeding ponds of a very special British animal: the common toad.

It’s a species that one wouldn’t consider

native amphibians and reptiles through projects, education and communication.

Froglife has a register of ‘migratory toad crossings’ throughout the UK and helps to co-ordinate local Toad Patrols.

I am a volunteer of Winscombe Toad Patrol. On a good night (damp or wet, above six degrees, not too windy) we have been known to assist over 200 toads. These toads will be travelling about 3km over the course of ten weeks, crossing the road at several points and resting at ponds or in gardens along the way.

It’s a harrowing journey that as many as 35% might not succeed in completing, although this figure is dropping thanks to the introduction of a toad patrol in Winscombe in 2012. Last year’s patrol recorded a mortality rate of just 22%.

with any particular affection, unless one had the opportunity to meet and observe at greater length over a period of time and possibly eventually fall in love with this gentle, unassuming charismatic creature.

Despite its namesake the common toad population is now rapidly declining as a result of the loss of breeding ponds and disruption to migration routes. It would be devastating to lose one of the four great characters from A.A. Milne’s classic book – The Wind in the Willows. Written in 1908 I’m sure Mr Milne could not have predicted the toad’s demise.

If we don’t do something pro-active the common toad will join the British ‘pool frog’ which was added to the growing list of extinct British wildlife in 1995.

Thankfully help is at hand – Froglife (reg. charity no. 1093372) launched a Toads on Roads project over 20 years ago.

This invaluable charity aims to conserve

Despite assisting frogs and newts as well, their mortality rates remained high at 32% and 43% respectfully.

The Mendip Toad Patrol in Priddy is led

by John Dickson, the chairman of the Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset (RAGS) which was inaugurated in 1994 as a specialist group of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. There are also

Amy is also a volunteer at Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar

active patrols in Chew Valley, Compton Dando, Clevedon and Portishead but there are currently no groups to cover the migration sites in Yatton and Meare.

So what do you have to do? Put on some waterproofs, carry a bucket, move the toads and keep count! The patrols are active from dusk at peak driving times, on mild damp evenings in February and March. We use torches to find toads on the road, put them in a bucket and release them at safe locations (mainly the other side of the road in the direction they were travelling in!).

Toads are very slow moving creatures that walk purposefully but freeze in car headlights and have no armour against car tyres. They’re not difficult to handle, they’re not slimy and they’re not warty!

There have been some evenings where car headlights have illuminated the road ahead of me to reveal dozens of toads in the road and other patrol members have slowed the traffic down while I raced ahead to collect up the toads before the cars reached them.

We also rescue toads that have become trapped in drains, gullies or stuck in highsided streams that lead to underground storm drains. We are in negotiation with the council about installing toad ladders in the drains and we have access to ‘toad crossing’ traffic warning signs. We submit our toading numbers to the patrol leaders for analysis by the organisations involved.

The losses are still high, approximately three in ten toads still get killed by traffic.

The more patrollers we have the more lives we can save. Please get in touch if you want to know more.

Amy Chandler Taylor

Details: http://www.froglife.org/what-we-do/toads-on-roads/ to find your local toad patrol. Or email the Winscombe patrol Joy Trussler: joytrus@hotmail.co.uk or the Priddy patrol John Dickson jdickson61@aol.com

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Volunteers at work across Mendip Hills

ENVIRONMENT

Royal rural award scheme

NOMINATIONS have opened for the fourth Prince of Wales Award to be presented at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show.

The award is open to community organisations, schools, colleges and groups which have brought about improvements to the lives of a rural population in a sustainable manner. It aims to celebrate a wide range of schemes where there has been a genuine attempt to move forward in a resourceful and inventive way to the benefit of a rural community.

Examples of such projects might be a community buying a local asset, such as a village shop, post office or pub or villagers developing their own allotments. The Mells Village Shop and Café project is amongst previous winners.

The Prince of Wales Award is open to all communities across Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. Shortlisted communities will be visited by three judges representing the Royal Bath and West of England Society and the Duchy of Cornwall, who will decide which organisation has made the most outstanding contribution to improving the lives of their community.

Finalists will receive complimentary tickets to this year’s Royal Bath and West Show – which takes place from Wednesday, June 1st until Saturday, June 4th – and the overall winner will receive £1,000 in prize money and a memento from the Prince of Wales.

Entries for the competition close on Friday, April 8th.

For details, visit: www.bathandwest.com

Council targets roadside ads

Volunteers with the finished boardwalk on Black Down

YOUNG volunteers have contributed 737 hours of their time to improve Black Down in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The 30 volunteers were participating in the Discovering Black Down Youth Project involving building a board walk across a muddy section of ground, coppicing, scrub clearance from archaeological sites and fixing and rehanging gates.

Discovering Black Down project officer, Stuart Bardsley, said: “It was great to see young people putting in so much hard work and effort to help look after this protected landscape and also learning new skills to help them in their future careers.”

Somerset Rural Youth Project’s Green Activity Program has been running volunteering projects for unemployed young people over the last three years based on the Black Down and Burrington Commons.

G The AONB unit is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with events and promotion of the area. They will help to organise and promote walks, talks, family activities and represent the AONB at local shows and fairs.

Details: www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

BATH and North East Somerset is planning a clampdown on unauthorised roadside adverts, threatening to remove them and charge those responsible £50.

It says most advertisers need to apply for consent in advance, although some adverts for specific events are exempt.

Details: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/roadside-ads

Bristol Channel survey

PEOPLE who love the UK’s coastline are being invited to help make history by being part of one of the largest coastal marine citizen science projects ever undertaken.

The £1.7m Capturing Our Coast project, funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, is designed to further our understanding of the abundance and distribution of marine life around the UK. The Herefordshire-based Marine Conservation Society, is running one of seven hubs, encouraging volunteers to collect coastline data from Pembrokeshire in South Wales, round to Somerset and down to North Devon.

Details: www.capturingourcoast.co.uk

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Wildlife returns to former railway

M E N D I P W E AT H E R S C E N E

WORK has started on improving the ecological habitat on the railway path between Radstock and Kilmersdon. The work is expected to take around 10 weeks.

The railway path will remain open throughout the work, although there will be occasions when short sections have to be closed for a few minutes.

This former industrial land was once dominated by scrub and grassland and home to reptiles, invertebrates and small mammals. Since the closure of the railway, it has been taken over by immature ash, sycamore and willow.

Much of this will be removed by specialists in order to restore the diverse grassland and scrub; increase light levels on the ground and encourage a wide range of flowering plants. This will also produce impressive views across the valley and, in time, create attractive meadows. Work to mature trees will be limited to thinning and raising canopies.

Bath and North East Somerset council says the scheme will help secure the future population of slow-worms and common lizards, colonies of rare flowering plants including Bithynian vetch, large-toothed hawkweed and fineleaved sandwort, and a diversity of invertebrate species including mining bees, butterflies and damselflies.

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Hearts of oak

PEOPLE who visit the Glastonbury Festival site at Worthy Farm at other times of the year are being asked for their memories or links to an ancient oak tree which stands in the Green Fields.

The Glastonbury Oak Tree Project started as the tree has witnessed memorials and other special moments which volunteers are collecting to provide a celebration of the tree and provide a thought-provoking activity for festival-goers.

The tree, which stands next to the pirate ship playground, is around 500 years old and now project volunteers would like to hear from anyone with memories associated with it as many people walk across the public footpaths on the site outside of the festival itself.

Suzi Silva, one of the organisers of

ENVIRONMENT

Suzi Silva, one of the organisers of the memory project

the project, said: “At Glastonbury Festival I run 'the Oak Tree Project' in the Green Fields. The oak is a veteran oak and we collect memories that festival folk have of this ancient tree – the festival is so long running that people who courted under the oak may now be picnicking there with their grandchildren.”

Anyone who would like to contribute should contact Suzi Silva at: oaktreeproject@glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

Get sharp for annual competition

HEDGELAYERS will gather near Cranmore in February for the annual competition organised by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society. Revived after an absence of many years when old trophies and certificates were discovered, the competition attracts some of the best hedgelayers from across the south west.

This year’s event will take place on land at Burnt House Farm at Waterlip, on Sunday, February 21st with open and professional classes. Once again, a clay pigeon shoot organised by Southfield Sporting, will take place alongside the hedgelaying. Spectators are welcome.

Breaking the back of winter

AN old saying goes that by the time you get to the middle of February – around St. Valentine’s Day – winter’s with DAVID back is broken.

MAINE So, what kind of winter are we going to end up with?

It started in December with phenomenal warmth. The month’s mean temperature of 10.9 degrees Celsius was a full two degrees above the previous highest for December, more than five degrees warmer than a typical month, warmer than a normal April and very nearly as warm as a normal October or May!!

Fortunately we missed the worst

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of the floods which so badly hit some areas of the North and parts of Scotland. Our rainfall total for December was 133.1mm, certainly a wet month but not a record. All the record rainfall occurred in the North, very thankfully.

Bristol Water reported that, as of January 5th, its reservoirs at Blagdon, Cheddar and Chew were averaging 80% full.

January started much the same but is now, as I write, reverting to much more like a normal month. We hadn’t had any air frosts (we only had one this “winter” way back on November 23rd!), until the week ending on Friday, January 15th, so any cold weather will come as something of a shock to the system.

Mild, but muddy: braving the conditions at Lambs Lair. See page 84.

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It’s hard to believe that it’s February already. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you all a Happy and Prosperous 2016.

A little late, but we thought you might enjoy seeing these photos.

Before we closed our offices for the holidays we held a Christmas Jumper competition for Charity.

Ali in the Christmas tree dress was our winner!

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

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

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

Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

FARMING

From Patagonia to Mendip – the future of sheep farming A PROFILE of a Mendip farmer this month, namely Jen Hunter of Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin. Jen is the partner of Andrew Wear and they have two, boys Kyle and Seth. Fernhill is an amazing farm – it is quite different – with 3,000 sheep and cattle, as well as camping barns With MARY with restaurant and it offers workshops on JAMES MBE many subjects.

Jen was born on a farm in Lancashire where the family raised salt marsh lamb, dairy and beef. At the age of 16 Jen took herself off to Lancashire Agricultural College gaining an HND (Higher National Diploma) in animal care. Then it was on to the Harper Adams College to study animal science.

For two years she worked with pigs for the well-known organic farmer Helen Browning. Voluntary Service Overseas in 2000 for two years was a challenging opportunity. Jen was based in Uganda, East Africa working as a livestock technical advisor and later as events manager of a popular visitor centre.

On her return to the UK Jen was put in touch with the Soil Association and found a job as livestock manager at the St. Werburgh’s City Farm, Bristol. In need of someone to shear the sheep, a friend suggested Andy Wear – and that was it!

Andy had bought a very rundown farm on Mendip and together they have worked incredibly hard to make Fernhill as it is today.

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Wood, wool and water are naturally replenishing sources and at Fernhill they have worked on renewable energy installations, timber and wool insulation, water purification – and attracting human visitors. This is really just putting this in a nutshell, as the work and enterprise involved is huge.

Jen has always had a love of sheep and wool, so obtaining a Nuffield Scholarship gave her the opportunity to study wool and what happens to it when it leaves the farm in many different countries. The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust offers an opportunity to those who work in farming, growing, forestry, or otherwise in the countryside, aged 25 – 45, to stand back from their occupation and study a subject they are interested in.

Jen gained a scholarship in 2013 and for two years she studied wool across the world visiting Australia, Chile, Patagonia and Argentina, Iceland, Norway, Copenhagen, France, Italy and Brussels. She has written a very comprehensive, interesting report on her findings which is on the Fernhill website www.fernhill-farm.co.uk.

Congratulations Jen – only 20 Nuffield scholars are chosen each year.

Wool is an ancient fibre with a resilient future. One young lady on a farm visit didn’t know that sheep were useful – she just thought they stood in a field all day eating grass! Wool is a product that has so many uses, such as insulation, soft furnishings, clothing, mattresses, tapestries, art and craft materials and much more.

British wool is sold into global markets, yet the price of a fleece just off the sheep is minimal, so at Fernhill they have set about adding value, increasing the numbers of sheep that have coloured wool for instance, as well as introducing lessons on spinning, weaving and shearing and many other skills.

Andy is a champion blade shearer by hand but I guess using a machine is easier to learn. Current trends indicate continued demand for Fernhill’s finest Shetland fleeces for knitting and cloth production and don’t forget the beautiful meat of course. Quite a useful animal, the sheep!

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Blagdon Wassail

Bad weather drove the dancers indoors

Somerset Morris with the all-important cider cup

Wassail Queen Pip Armstrong prepares the toast

Stanton Drew’s first Wassail

Steve and Pauline Croucher provided cider made from apples from their orchard PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Locals joined in

The marshmallow stall (l to r) Emilly Willmott, Daisy McGauley and Lynne Willmott

Millena Edmonds (centre) lead the ceremony

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WASSAIL

Mummers and more

Wessex Purchase fired the shotgun to scare away evil spirits

VISITORS packed North Wootton village green and hall for the now-traditional wassail evening organised by the Mid Somerset Agricultural Society.

Following the crowning of the wassail princess – Izzy Stone, aged six – and the lighting of the bonfire, “butler” Alan Stone led guests through the wassailing ceremony.

Langport Mummers, Beetlecrushers Clog Dancers and Straw Folk provided the entertainment in the village hall.

Wassail princess Izzy Stone (second left) helps to light the bonfire Jamie and Lucy were amongst the guests

Langport Mummers and the Beetlecrushers entertained the audience MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 13

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Rodney Matthews Ionawr exhibition

MASTER illustrator, Rodney Matthews, has an exhibition at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells until February 24th. He’s worked as a freelance designer and illustrator for 40 years.

Matthews' originals are acclaimed and owned by celebrities including Pythons John Cleese and Terry Jones, who have five between them. His record covers include albums by Thin Lizzy, Nazareth, Asia, The Scorpions, Barclay James Harvest, Magnum (10), and Rick Wakeman.

MENDIP VALLEY ANTIQUES Erica is finalist & COLLECTABLES WEDMORE jeweller Erica Sharpe says she is delighted to be a 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

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finalist in the South West Fairtrade Business Awards 2016.

Ethical standards are at the heart of her business and Erica was one of the first jewellers in the UK to be awarded a licence to use Fairtrade Gold.

Last year was a bumper year for Fairtrade jewellery and awareness is growing of the better care for the welfare and environment of the artisanal miners and their communities offered by the Fairtrade Foundation. Choosing Fairtrade means your jewellery is ethical as well as beautiful.

Details: www.ericasharpe.co.uk

Add a touch of glass to your home

STYLISH stained glass can be a real feature in any home.

If a period feature is missing, Andrew Patch can carefully recreate the original design and install it for you.

Perhaps a scene would enhance an internal window; using a comprehensive range of coloured and textured glass, sunsets and marine and water scenes make a wonderful sight and will bring life and colour to the rooms on either side.

Tiffany style shades can also be designed and made to suit your decor. Contact Andrew Patch Stained Glass to see what can be created for your house or garden in traditional or contemporary designs.

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Strong demand for Scandinavian furniture THE modern-day taste for Scandinavian furniture was visibly seen at the January sale held by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms. It was not flat-pack furniture on offer however but a set of six slat-back rosewood chairs that were met with fierce bidding, eventually selling for £2,600.

For the second month running, Killens saw a record number of registered internet bidders and a good attendance in the auction room with over 500 bidders observing the sale.

A unique collection of over 12,000 postcard-size negatives from approximately 1920 to 1970 and covering the whole of the British Isles also generated a great deal of interest eventually selling for £1,800.

There were a good number of 19th century ivory pieces with two charming figures of elephants achieving £440. Once again, there was an excellent entry of jewellery with many pieces selling for well above estimate including a Chopard lady’s bracelet watch selling for £500.

Entries are now being received for forthcoming sales with the next sale being

of antiques and collectables on February 13th. The next Specialist Quarterly Sale of Antiques and Fine Art will be held on March 12th and there will also be a Sporting Sale offering items connected with all sports including guns.

Progress is being made on the new auction rooms which will offer even larger and better facilities at Rookery Farm and it

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

is anticipated that the first sales to take place in the new premises will be in March. With the auction rooms attracting strong interest from across the world, do call in and seek advice from the valuers, Nicky Houston and Gareth Wasp, on how to sell items. In addition to monthly sales of antiques, sales are also held of more modern effects including household items.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 15

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Tamlyns have a busy year ahead TAMLYNS auctioneers are always keen to keep up with what their clients require. It has been apparent over the past few months that buyers and sellers really like the mixed monthly sales which contain a wide assortment of furniture dating from the 18th – 20th century, jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, collectables and all manner of other interesting lots.

Prices achieved at these sales have been consistently high, with many lots selling for way above their expected prices. The rooms are always full and the general buzz and energy creates a great atmosphere.

These sales are put onto Tamlyns’ website with images of all lots and on sale day images of the lots appear on the big screen which is a great aid for selling as buyers will often put in an extra bid if they think the lots look interesting.

This year’s diary is a busy one for Claire Rawle and her team with one of these large sales every four weeks interspersed with quarterly specialist antique sales which will contain far more valuable lots that require rather different marketing.

Following the recent success of the 20th Century Design sale, there will be two more dedicated to this subject and there will be four of the ever-popular Specialist Collectors sales.

The book sections have also increased considerably and the March 16th quarterly sale will now be a two-day affair with the second day devoted to children’s books.

Details: all sales can be found within the Antique section of the Tamlyns website www.tamlynsprofessional.co.uk drop in to the Market Street saleroom in Bridgwater or call 01278 445251.

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Exceptional taste at Clevedon

AN early 19th century sauce tureen of neo-classical design, similar to the one pictured, might be reasonably expected to achieve £300-£400 at auction. Exceptions as they say prove the rule.

This particular two-handled tureen sold at Clevedon Salerooms’ recent specialist sale had the advantage of coming from the workshops of one of the finest and highly regarded silversmiths of the period. Paul Storr (1770-1844) created pieces for George III and George IV and also the Battle of the Nile Cup for presentation to Nelson.

This tureen from his workshops measured 20.5cm wide and had a crisp set of hallmarks for 1804. It found a new buyer willing to part with £2,700 for the piece, putting it towards the Hollandaise end of the sauce spectrum, rather than perhaps the ketchup end.

Clevedon Salerooms will be holding a free no-obligation silver, jewellery and watch valuation day at the salerooms on Tuesday February 2nd, 10am – 4pm. No appointment is necessary and the salerooms will be accepting entries for the next specialist sale to be held on March 10th.

This Royal Doulton figure was designed by Charles Noke and was produced from 1915 – 1938. Whilst there is no denying that the majority of Royal Doulton figures of ladies in crinoline dresses produced in the 1980s and 1990s are currently worth only £10 - £20 each, the older, rarer Doulton figures still command a healthy following. This court jester complete with pig’s bladder will be entered in Clevedon Saleroom’s specialist sale on March 10th with an estimate of £500 - £800.

Who’s laughing now?

Looking to gain a few pounds this Spring?

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

£23,000

£11,000

8 9 10 February 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

£4,300 £5,150

£2,600

Free Jewellery, Silver & Watch

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

Valuation Day At the Salerooms Tuesday 2nd February 10am – 4pm

Next Specialist Sale Thursday 10th March MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 17

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INTERNET

Listening to the radio online

ASSUMING you have a reasonable broadband speed, there are many ways to listen to the radio – on your phone, tablet or PC. Broadly speaking, there are two different types – streaming and podcasts.

When streaming, the radio plays on your device in the same way as when you turn on the wireless – it plays; you listen. With podcasts, you can download the programme you missed and then you can pause, replay etc.

You might find you need to download Flash Player, but once you have it, you shouldn’t have any further problems with any video/radio playing. Or these days we have to have the app, so you can click the Radio Player and download the app. However, as always, it is best to go through your App Store.

You can simply go to the radio station you want (www.heart.co.uk; www.capitalfm.com; www.bbc.co.uk/radio to name but a few), In the case of the BBC, just click the On Air Now button and that takes you to the (fairly extensive) choices of currently playing stations – click the one you want and click Listen Live.

With Heart it asks you to click on the map for your local radio, and then it should just play. You may need to adjust your volume – just click the icon (often in the bottom right of your screen) slide the slider up or down. There is usually one on the radio page itself as well.

Once you have the station you want, you can just minimize it and get on with your work/solitaire!

Another neat feature is that you can see what songs played before, so if a tune is stuck in your head and you can’t remember who sung it, for example, you can click Last Songs played, and there is a list. You can then choose to download your favourite song to iTunes, so you can play it over and over. Some have a Preview button so you can have a quick sample. Or try the What Song Was That – then if you have a rough idea of what day and time it was playing, you can click the arrows to access to the last three days.

We’ll look at podcasts next month.

The Old Cowshed, Station Road, Cheddar BS27 3AG 01934 741751 www.itfortheterrified.co.uk itfortheterrified@btconnect.com This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts two hours and costs £10. We can cover a range of subjects including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows Vista/W7/W8/W10: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones. Plus courses on photos and eBay. We also run a Computer Drop in session 1.30-3.30 Thursday afternoons. Call in for a quick word of advice/help/info.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1/5 Hey, go in Florida for that special trip (7,7) 9 26 can be a matter of concern (5) 10 Cake the boy makes for a chat-show host (9) 11 Chart drink to accompany food (5,4) 12 Genotype without one country (5) 13 Savoury favoured by 22 ?

(7) 15 Good seller - tasty! (3,4) 17 Season pretty good in area of London (7) 19 Disallow encrypted communication for stockchecking (3,4) 21 Seaman returns with equipment including textile (5) 23 Little workshop added the Spanish fish as a means of identification (9) 25 Remaining periods of bowling proved to be no more than scraps (9) 26 About fifty scolded in the past for not being grownup (5) 27 Throw up rude colour (34) 28 Trained for part-exchange (5-2)

DOWN 1 Waste fried food (7) 2 Impolite fruit? Blow that!

(9) 3 Umpire never included her (5) 4 Fail to indicate futile situation ? (2,5) 5 Home town of men like 22 ? (7) 6 Crete isle where king was found (9) 7 The most famous Springfield of them all needs a wash & brush-up (5) 8 Get zany about Chinese river (7) 14 Resort to illegal game on the north-west coast? (9) 16 I began Rio conversion for first inhabitant (9) 17 Could be limos are where to use them (7) 18 Quarrel I eventually won to bring help (7) 19 Sweetie, take a seat and keep eye on junior (4-3) 20 Overlaid for encouragement ? (5,2) 22 Familiar term for Celt being very loud in Scottish river (5) 24 Holy woman of the Windward Islands ? (5) Compiled by Richard Thorn

Answers on page 89

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MENDIP TIMES

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Tel 01761 451787

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Campsite’s success

PETRUTH Paddocks in Cheddar, has been named by outdoor accommodation specialist, Pitchup.com, as its top-selling campsite in the UK for 2015.

The figures, compiled from Pitchup.com’s bookings for 1,605 camping and caravan sites throughout Europe, show it led the way for visitors to the south west, bringing an impressive 3,363 bookings to the region, 136% more than last year and 122% ahead of its nearest regional competitor.

With over 12,000 campers last year, it’s estimated it added £500,000 to the local economy.

Dan Yates, founder of outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com, said: "Thanks to its excellent location, less than 15 minutes from Cheddar Gorge, and customer-focused team, Cheddar Petruth Paddocks has rocketed to the top of our best sellers list not only in the south west, but in the UK overall, for the second consecutive year."

Cheddar Petruth Paddocks is a large, laid-back site offering 200 pitches and two lovely tipis. The site also introduced a shepherd’s hut and canvas bell tents to its offering in 2015.

Owner, Jules Sayer, provides visitors with logs and kindling for open fires and an information pack of what to see/do and eat locally. There is plenty to keep all visitors entertained, from the fun of Cheddar Gorge, to hiking, walking and cycling through the Mendip Hills or Somerset Levels.

Jules said: "We started working with Pitchup.com just three years ago so are naturally thrilled to hear that we are their biggest seller, considering they have such an impressive collection of accommodation, in all forms, throughout Europe.

“We’ve experienced unprecedented growth as a result of joining Pitchup.com and have been impressed with the simplicity of their website, which has enabled us to automate our bookings and run more efficiently as a business.

"Our visitors appreciate our flexible ‘free range camping’ ethos that means we will go out of our way to accommodate groups with varying needs and requirements. Many of our competitors are quite antiquated in their approach, which we feel gives us a competitive advantage. We look forward to continuing our success in 2016!"

P & C Logs C al l P h i l o n 0 7 7 3 4 0 9 8 3 2 3 , o r C o l l ee n o n 0 7 7 8 5 2 5 0 0 3 3 o r on E v en i n g s 0 1 7 6 1 2 2 1 5 4 3

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).

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Do you have your pension plan in place?

ANYONE else sick of the hearing the terms 'Auto Enrolment' and 'Workplace Pension'? Anyone else think that the cutesy colourful monster in the government ad is intensely irritating?

Anyone not actually taken any notice whatsoever?

If you are in the latter category and you run a very small business, BEWARE! The only time when Auto Enrolment definitely won't apply to you is if you are a sole trader with no employees at all.

You might only have one part-time employee, but even if their salary is under the threshold at which you are obliged to make contributions you must still offer them the opportunity to join a Workplace Pension. So you might have to set up a scheme that no-one joins, though it will then be in place for future employees.

Every employer, whether a limited company, sole trader, or partnership, or even a private individual, if they employ a nanny or carer for example, will have to be able to show that they have a scheme in place over the next couple of years. And please don't be lulled into a false sense of security that your business is so small it will somehow slip under the radar. Sadly, the radar has been getting much bigger and more accurate these last few years!

The process of setting up a Workplace Pension is not without its difficulties and, if you haven't already been given guidance by your accountant or payroll provider, there are a couple of places on the internet which may help. Firstly, to find out your 'staging

BUSINESS

date' (jargon for when you have to have your scheme in place and to be operating it) go to The Pension Regulator site at www.thepensionregulator.gov.uk Be armed with your PAYE Reference Number and you will be able to access the information.

Secondly, for a practical guide and other tips, the Street-based software company, Benchmark, has been the inspiration behind a free website for those brave enough to want to 'go it alone' called autoenrolmentsomerset.co.uk This will take you through the process step by step. You can find contact details on the website, or call Benchmark directly on 01458 444010.

Good luck!

Before I sign off to go and lie down in a darkened room, I want to warn you that we are once again in the season of scam emails purportedly from HMRC telling you about a refund. HMRC will NEVER contact you about this via email. So never respond to one and never give any details in response to such an email. If in doubt, call your accountant first for advice.

So, as it is February, and in a fit of entirely misplaced romance, I think I shall say "I ❤ HMRC" – just in case the Chancellor is reading this!

Jane Bowe Probusiness

HMRC

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 21

Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.

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MENDIP TIMES

Protel – the communications experts

FROM their base between Bristol and Bath, the Protel Communications team provide premium-quality, customdesigned telephone systems and cabling services for local and national companies. Since they formed in 1988 that’s just what they’ve delivered for thousands of satisfied clients.

Whether you’re having problems with your existing telephone system, planning to upgrade, expand or looking to connect offices to increase efficiency, they will provide the best solution for your business, backed up with exceptional service which you would expect from a long-established company.

Understanding you and your business is of paramount importance to them. By getting to know you they can give you a personalised response that meets your requirements. And because they enjoy exceptional employee retention, you’ll get a continuity of service that’s second to none.

There’s always someone to talk to if you need advice or information. Whether you’re looking for initial quotations or after-sales assistance, they can fully support your telecommunication needs, no matter how big or small.

Globally recognised for innovation and superior products, Samsung is one of the world’s top telecommunications brands.

That’s why Protel use their range of telephone systems to deliver the perfect solution for your business, now and into the future.

If you’re relocating, trust them to provide the technical knowledge and project management required. From the smallest move to the largest relocation project, they’ll help make sure everything goes smoothly for you.

Working with them will give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. They’ve built their reputation on providing a polite, efficient service and, above all, they’re there to help you make the right choice.

The Bristol View Glamping site is spectacularly located campsite overlooking the vibrant and historic city of Bristol.

Local residents and businesses are invited to the Open Day on Sunday 28th February, from 10am to 2pm.

Bristol View Glamping, East Dundry Lane, Dundry, Bristol, BS41 8NJ Tel: 01934 830373 Mob: 07779 122819 PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Let’s work together

STREET Chamber of Commerce has reformed with members pledging to work not just for the good of the village but the surrounding area as well.

They hope the new-look organisation will appeal to all businesses from retailers to service providers.

At its first meeting, the chamber agreed to back The Last Bank Standing campaign in Glastonbury which is fighting the closure of all the bank branches in the town. An estimated 500 people took part in a demonstration in the town against the closures.

The Street chamber hopes to work with other business organisations across Mendip. Chamber chairman Gail Chubb said: “We are a new team and we would like to hear from businesses to see how we can go forward and respond as far as possible to the needs of the community.”

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

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BUSINESS

Our home or yours – pet care service expands

WHETHER it’s a family holiday or a business trip abroad, Louise and Don Gillies offer a pet care and house sitting service that is second-to-none.

Home from Home offers exactly what the name suggests.

The couple treat canine visitors to their home in Ditcheat as if they were their own. Since setting up Home from Home five years ago, Louise has established a lengthy list of regular clients within a roughly 25-mile radius of Wells.

The testimonials she has received speak for themselves.

Martin and Sandy Smith, who live in North Wootton with West Highland Terriers Archie, Dylan and Sidney, said: “Our Westies love their holidays with Louise and we can enjoy our holiday safe in the knowledge that they are safe, loved and well cared for.”

Hilary and Bob from Hallatrow said: “You have to get in quick. We book Milly, our Bichon Frisse, and she just loves her holidays at Ditcheat.”

Don retired at the end of last year – he spent nine years with the fruit and vegetable wholesaler A. David and Son, running his own business before that – so the couple have decided to offer a house sitting service as well, regardless of whether people have pets or not.

Louise said: “We always insist on meeting a dog first before agreeing to look after it at home and we have some absolutely super guests who stay with us time and time

Louise at home with Timmy, a regular visitor to the couple’s home.

Timmy is owned by Andrew and Carol Stuart, from East Pennard, who say they would not leave him with anyone but Louise

again.

“Now Don has retired we felt we could expand the service by offering to look after people’s homes when they’re away.”

Camping in style – with spectacular views THE view is spectacular from Bristol’s latest glamping site! Bristol View Wigwams, based at Dundry just outside the city, includes three glamping cabins set in a former quarry with views of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and over to the Welsh hills.

Overlooking incredible views of the city coupled with rolling countryside makes this venture an exciting development in Somerset’s holiday

accommodation portfolio.

Run by George Atwell and his family, George saw the potential of placing Wigwam Holidays glamping cabins at the site, which joins his family-run livestock farm in Dundry.

George explained: “Given the unique position of the wigwams, our glamping cabins are ideal for guests visiting Bristol, Bath and Somerset.

“Our wigwams are the Running Water models which sleep up to four

Home from Home

We make your holidays carefree

Louise Gillies

Animal Carer and House Sitter Croft Cottage, Queens Square, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QX Home: 01749 860468 Mobile: 07712 587710

persons in each and include an ensuite bathroom, mattresses, kitchen area, toaster, kettle, fridge, an outdoor picnic bench and a communal fire pit to toast those marshmallows. We also have a purpose-built utility block, which includes toilets, showers, a rest room and bike store.”

Local residents and businesses are invited to an open day on Sunday February 28th, 10am to 2pm, to see what’s on offer.

"Bailey always goes to Louise and we book months in advance to make sure she is available. He loves both Donnie and Louise."

Jeanne e and Alan Cowler, Compton Mar n.

"We go away knowing our beautiful Marley is in very capable hands and gets all the affection he desires."

Dave and Sharon Wild, Langford

louise.gillies000@btinternet.com MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 23

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Taking the stress out of business

DON’T get a penalty! Let Bourne and Bargery, your local accountants, take care of the paperwork for you.

They can ensure you meet your deadlines and remove all the stress at the same time.

With over 20 years’ experience in accounts, bookkeeping, tax returns, payrolls and company formations they know just how time consuming the paperwork can be. They want you to enjoy your free time whilst they take care of the tedious paperwork you hate to do.

They are a small and friendly team based at Manor Farm, Chilcompton. They offer a reliable and competitive service to local small and medium sized businesses.

For any further information or a free consultation, pop in and see them or give them a ring on 01761 414009

Farmers urged to act

FARMERS who are still waiting to receive their full Basic Payment should consider asking HM Revenue and Customs if they can defer their January tax bill, according to accountant Old Mill.

Although the Rural Payments Agency was aiming to make most payments by the end of December, thousands of farmers are still waiting, with many unsure when to expect the money to arrive.

“There is no question that this is putting tremendous pressure on farm cash flows and it’s clearly most unwelcome that this pinch point is coming at a time when commodity prices are at such a low level,” says Mike Butler, director of rural services at Old Mill.

His advice is: “Contact HMRC now to arrange payment terms – that way you can budget ahead and avoid the risk of late payment penalties.”

A Professional Company serving the South West

Details: Mike Butler 01749 355029

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Burglar Alarms 0 Fire Alarms 0 CCTV Systems 0 Insurance approved 0 Installation, maintenance, repairs and upgrades 0 Central Station Monitoring 0 Local engineers Tel: 01275 331914 sales@chewvalleyalarm.co.uk www.chewvalleyalarm.co.uk

Relax knowing your property is protected

PENNY

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BUSINESS

TOPSOIL

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High quality dry screened or plain

CRUSHED CONCRETE All sizes graded and single size

ROAD PLANINGS LIAS STONE Hand dressed for house building

Large or small quantities supplied Delivered or collected

01761 241387 www.pennyplant.com

Hudson s Supplies and Service Heating, Plumbing

Bristol Drains Ltd Camera Surveys, Blo cked Drains, Jetting & Septic Tanks

For a genuine plumbing, heating or drain enquiry, a 24 hour call-out service is available 365 days a year. Please feel free to call us for a highly competitive quotation at fixed hourly rates.

HUDSON PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES LIMITED

BRISTOL DRAINS LIMITED

Tel: 0117 902 5820 • Fax: 0117 964 4666 Email: info@hudsonplumbing.co.uk Hudson Plumbing & Heating Services is a well-established local business located in the Bristol area. With over 20 years experience, we have built up an enviable reputation for quality workmanship, high levels of customer care, reliability and value for money.

Tel: 0117 940 0074 • Fax: 0117 964 4666 Email: info@bristoldrains.com At Bristol Drains, you can be assured of first-class work carried out by our own experienced and professional engineers.

Whether you have a blocked drain at your home our office or you require a buried drain traced/located – CALL US NOW – no job too small.

• Boiler Repairs • Boiler Servicing • Boiler Upgrades • System Upgrades • Power Flushing/System Cleansing • New Radiators • System Overhaul • Leaks • Bathroom Installations • Wetroom Specialists • Bespoke Adaptions for Disabilities.

• Waste Pipes • Toilets/Sinks/Baths • Water Jetting • Septic Tanks • Drain Repairs and Replacements • Gully Emptying • Camera Surveying and Reports • Domestic Drain and Pipe Cleaning • Sewer Cleaning

Units 5a & 5b, 75 Whitchurch Lane, Bishopsworth, Bristol BS13 7TE (Entrance in Cater Road) A C C R E D I T A T I O N S

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 25

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Grand venue for hunt meet

Palladian grandeur for the New Year’s Day meeting

MENDIP Farmers’ Hunt gathered at Ston Easton Park Hotel for their New Year’s Day meeting.

Aged just two, Phoenix is the hunt’s youngest member

Sharing a joke as the hunt gathers

The hunt leaves the hotel grounds Drinks are served

Happy Neigh Year

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

The hunt had met just days earlier on Priddy Green

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EDUCATION

College’s outstanding EPQ results – and why they matter THE Extended Project Qualification or EPQ was introduced as part of the government's Stretch and Challenge agenda. It offers sixth form students the opportunity to study a topic in depth and produce a final dissertation.

It is a free-standing A2 qualification and its purpose is to add a further dimension to sixth form study and to stretch the more ambitious scholar. EPQ is being increasingly used by universities such as Warwick, Cambridge and Oxford as the basis for interview discussion.

Since its inception, Prior Park College students have enjoyed extraordinary success with the EPQ and were recently advised of another set of outstanding results, with five students receiving A* grades and another five receiving A grades. Topics for the dissertations ranged from Replacing Chemical Rockets in Space Propulsion to The Fallen Woman in Victorian Literature.

James Murphy-O’Connor, MA Oxon Headmaster Prior Park College

Prior Park College is an independent school in the true sense of the word and this is why the EPQ means so much to them. To see their senior students working independently, extending themselves, managing their time, utilising research skills and then delivering first class presentations – and

thereby demonstrating the depth of their commitment to learning – is very gratifying.

Their EPQ students relish the challenge of engaging in a serious process of intellectual and creative endeavour, and they congratulate them warmly on their achievements.

They invite you to discover more of their students’ achievements on their new website – www.priorparkcollege.com • Prior Park College Open Door Day – Friday March 4th 9.30am-11.30am. Please register online.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 27

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MENDIP TIMES

The year of the bean

THE United Nations has declared 2016 to be the International Year of Pulses. These will include all the pulses/beans that we know here such as cannellini beans, haricots, and lentils – and many from around the world that we With JUNE have never heard of.

MACFARLANE Now is a great time to get to know your own favourites, just as the low period for fresh vegetables arrives. Whether you start from scratch with the dried versions or choose a tin, these are wonderful store cupboard ingredients that are great to have on hand. If you use dried and end up with too much, beans freeze easily.

HOME-MADE FALAFEL

These little beany, herby patties are gently spiced and delicious served with salad in a pitta bread wrap. You can freeze them individually so you always have them to hand.

INGREDIENTS

1 small onion finely chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 can chickpeas, drained, liquid saved 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tbsp chopped parsley juice of a lemon salt and pepper olive oil

METHOD Put everything up to the oil in a food processor and pulse until blended but not a paste. Add some of the chickpea liquid if the mixture is too dry. Take tablespoons of the mixture and, with wet hands, form into patties. When all the mixture is used refrigerate for one hour. Deep fry or shallow fry.

For a more healthy option drizzle with olive oil and bake at 200˚C for about 40 mins until golden, turning halfway through. Serve with salad in lightly toasted pitta bread.

WINTER BEAN SOUP INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp olive oil 100g smoked bacon lardons 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 2 small leeks, chopped 1l chicken stock 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 bay leaves 1 tbsp chopped parsley

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

This sturdy healthy soup freezes well, easy to have ready quickly.

METHOD In a roomy pot heat the oil and fry the lardons until the fat runs. Add the vegetables and allow to soften. Add the stock, beans, bay leaves and parsley and simmer 15 minutes. Check seasoning and serve with more chopped parsley.

Winter bean soup

HARICOT BEAN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS

olive oil 4 slices pork belly, cubed 100g bacon lardons 4 good sausages, preferably Toulouse, cut in half 2 legs duck confit (optional) 1 onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tin tomatoes 2 bay leaves seasoning 2 cans haricot beans drained, liquid saved white breadcrumbs

This is a poor man’s version of cassoulet, over which there is much argument and not enough room here to discuss. The beans take centre stage, pork and sausages are main characters and if you have some duck confit that will be a star turn, but it isn’t really essential.

METHOD Fry the pork belly in a little olive oil until the edges are golden. Add the lardons and fry until transparent. Remove both. Seal the sausages in the fat. Remove. Soften the onion in the same pan, add the garlic, tomatoes and bay leaves. Return meats to pan, add water to cover, season and simmer covered for about 45mins until rich and unctuous. Remove bay.

In a suitable pot, earthenware or enamelled cast-iron, put a layer of meat stew followed by a layer of beans until used up. Tuck in duck if using. Use some of the bean liquid to moisten.

Cover with a layer of half the crumbs. Place in the oven at 160˚C for a hour, then stir the crust into the beans and cover with the rest of the crumbs. Drizzle some oil over and return to oven for about half an hour, until the crust is golden. Best served at lunch when you have very little to do in the afternoon!

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Village creates its own cafe

A NEW community café is proving to be a great success in Lympsham. For years there had been an ambition to make more use of the village’s sports pavilion.

In November the café opened, thanks to a team of volunteers, and has been welcoming dozens of people ever since.

It’s aimed primarily at people living in Lympsham, Eastertown, East Brent and Brent Knoll, so has been named Lebe’s Community Café, though all are welcome. It’s open from 10am – 4.30pm on Tuesdays.

The cakes are made by volunteers and there’s a rota of volunteers to run it. It’s co-ordinated by George Tuttiett, Lynne Booth and Helen Bretherton.

They say it’s somewhere to go and meet or make friends, read a newspaper, drink excellent coffee and tea and eat cake, while increasing a feeling of belonging to a friendly community.

Lynne said: “We are delighted with the success of the cafe in such a short space of time – it's been brilliant to have so many people use the cafe and together create such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”

FOOD & DRINK Country shopping at its best

North Widcombe, West Harptree, Bristol BS40 6HW

MEAT SUPPLIED FROM OUR OWN FARM

CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S WITH US

Sarah Raven Seeds and Spring Plants

Enjoy a good Sunday roast

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

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

F E B R U A R Y D AT E S W e l l s E a c h We d 9 a m – 2 . 3 0 p m S t r e e t E v e r y T h u r sd a y 9 a m – 2 p m

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

A l l o t h e r m a r k e t s 9 am - 1p m u n l e s s o t h e r w i s e m a r k e d *

SAT 6th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SAT 13th Frome (C&G Market Hall) and Keynsham SAT 20th Crewkerne FRI 26th Burnham-on-Sea SAT 27th Glastonbury & Yeovil (9am-2pm)*

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

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

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 • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

The Holcombe Inn ALWAYS A WARM WELCOME Valentine’s weekend: full a la carte menu all weekend and Sunday roasts served all day.

Book your table now.

10 luxury AA 5* guest rooms, individually designed with indulgent romantic bathrooms.

Two new lodges with views to the countryside, patios and one with a log burner.

Multi-award winning beautiful, country Inn with stunning views of uninterrupted countryside and Downside Abbey. Great food and friendly service.

Serving fresh coffee, cakes and pastries all day and everyday from 8am.

Real ales, organic ciders and lagers, extensive wine list with many by the glass, also prosecco and champagne by the glass along with many unusual gins, rums and vodkas and a top shelf whisky collection.

VALENTINE’S DAY OFFER AT WINFORD MANOR HOTEL 3-course meal, accommodation and cooked breakfast for £150.00 Available only on the 14th February 2016

To book call reception on 01275472292 or email reservations@winfordmanor.co.uk

AMORS

Cosy fireplace snug with squashy sofas and a beautiful candlelit restaurant, serving delicious food, lunch and dinner seven days a week from pub classics to a la carte, the choice is yours. Every dish is freshly prepared from the finest ingredients by our very experienced team of chefs.

Featured in The Michelin Good Food Pub Guide, we serve an all day Sunday Menu and roasts with tender striploin beef, slow cooked shoulder of lamb and loin of pork with crispy crackling (when available) all with great Yorkshire puds, rich gravy and all the trimmings.

Stratton Road, Holcombe, Bath BA3 5EB. Tel: 01761 232478 Website: www.holcombeinn.co.uk E-mail: bookings@holcombeinn.co.uk PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

B o b & J a n e a n d t h e i r t e a m w e l c o me 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 O ff i c e Delicatessen, fresh coffee, succulent ham, cooked meats, fresh fruit and vegetables and a full range of groceries 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

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Whatʼs new from Myrtle Farm

FOOD & DRINK

Wassailing at Myrtle Farm

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

A rare look inside a giant oak vat Alastair Simms uses traditional tools such as a block plane when working on the Thatchers vats.

MASTER coopers have been at work at Myrtle Farm ensuring that our 150 year old giant oak vats remain in top condition for maturing our Somerset cider.

Rarely seen from the inside, the eleven oak vats each hold 120,000 pints – but occasionally the vats do need to be left empty so they can receive some expert care to keep them in the best possible condition.

Alastair Simms, Britain’s only master cooper and owner of White Rose Cooperage, is entrusted with the upkeep of the Thatchers Cider vats.

Constructed of three inch thick oak Thatchers Cider master cidermaker Richard Johnson tastes the cider from the oak vats

staves, each of our vats is over 30ft tall with its own distinctive character. It would have taken three fully grown English Oak trees to make each one, in fact the trees that were used were probably growing in the early 1700s.

While the cider, such as Thatchers Vintage, is held in the vats, usually for around six weeks, the oak softens and rounds the flavours, allowing the apple characteristics to shine through.

“Vats such as these are rare things nowadays,” says Alastair. “It’s a pleasure to see these at Thatchers so lovingly cared for.”

REVELLERS took part in our annual Wassail ceremony once again this year, which was led by the Mendip Morris Men and Eleanor, our Wassail Queen.

With cider poured over the roots of the Wassail tree and toast hung in its branches to attract the good spirits, the evil spirits were scared off with the banging of sticks, pots and pans, and shotguns fired into the air.

Of course, there was plenty of mulled cider to keep everyone warm too.

“The Wassail is one of the highlights of our year. It’s a reminder that cidermaking here in the West Country has a long tradition, and as a family company we take our heritage very seriously,” says Martin Thatcher.

Did you know?

Cheers from us all!

For coeliacs and those with a gluten intolerance, it’s good news that all Thatchers ciders are 100% free from gluten. They are also entirely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

www.thatcherscider.co.uk • Don’t forget you can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA Tel: 01934 822862 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 31

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From the organic vegetables we sow and grow, to pies, chutneys and ready meals made in our Farm Kitchens.

It’s this hands-on approach that makes us so special.

Local is best

FARRINGTON'S believe that real farm shops should be able to sell products they make from what they can grow – and their ethos is about just that.

The site of Farrington’s, Home Farm, is a traditional mixed farm and they go to great lengths to ensure they make the best use of their

With over 300 home-made products to choose from, visit Farrington’s Farm Shop today!

Open 7 days a week. Just off the A362, Farrington Gurney.

land.

From home-grown potatoes and vegetables fresh from the fields, to home-made pies and cakes,

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

you can find them all and so much more in their awardwinning shop.

Everything they make in their farmhouse production kitchen goes into the shop and cafe, famed for its allday breakfasts, lovely lunches and home-made cakes.

They believe in ‘food from around the corner and not around the world’ so their shelves are stocked full of delicious things from speciality and artisan finefood producers, sourced locally wherever possible.

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GARDEN FOOD

Raising beds

THERE'S not a lot to eat in my garden at the moment, so I thought I'd share with you a fantastic technique for creating raised beds from wood and garden waste that you might otherwise burn – it's called Hugelkultur.

Essentially you bury wood in soil – With JAKE firstly subsoil, then topsoil. As the wood WHITSON rots it gently heats the bed and releases nutrients and minerals which feed the plants. In time as the material breaks down further, it creates air pockets, keeping the soil loose and aerated and soaking up water to last through dry periods – for this reason these beds never need watering, as the plant roots reach down into the water-holding sponge of rotten wood.

In addition, subsoil gradually washes down and is incorporated with the rotting wood, essentially creating living topsoil, in a speeded-up version of how it happens in a forest. You can use any untreated wood (apart from perhaps cedar), including garden trimmings, and the more rotten it is the better.

It's also a good idea to have some larger pieces in there. In this way you are also sequestering some of the carbon captured by your plants into the soil – as well as the valuable minerals and nutrients.

The beds can be any shape including the normal raised bed shape with sides of wood or brick, but I usually make them high and with sloping sides (as pictured) in the manner of Sepp Holzer, an Austrian farmer who pioneered the technique.

I usually orient them east-west, which gives me a nice hot, south facing microclimate on one slope, and a shadier slope for growing things like lettuces which like a cooler, moister position. I like to plant a mixture of perennials like lupins and fruit bushes to hold the soil together and allow me to keep a steeper angle, along with annual vegetables.

You can even plant small fruit trees on beds like this. Over the years, if left alone, the beds may start to sink and collapse a little, but you can avoid this by mulching them with fresh soil or compost every 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, and runs the business jakeswildfungi.co.uk, making specialist mycorrhiza products for tree planting.

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Winter weather warmer

I’M very excited by this month’s wild food!

This is a fruit I’ve wanted to share with you for a long time but being in the right place (at the right time) and when it’s not completely inaccessible due to the weather in all its forms is really more luck than judgement. And apologies in advance for all With ADRIAN the weather related references. You’ll see.

BOOTS Apart from the odd cold snap, one advantage of the milder conditions we have been experiencing is that shrubs have been keeping their berries on for longer which is great for wildlife and forager alike. So there I was minding my own business looking up at a brooding sky when I reminded myself to look down and surprise, surprise spotted some cowberry also known as lingonberry.

So what’s so special about it?

Well apart from the beautiful and wild landscapes you find this berry in, they contain high levels of a derivative of benzoic acid, a natural preservative and as such store really well.

Scandinavian Sami people traditionally collected and stored lingonberry providing much needed vitamin C during the winter months without resorting to sterilised airtight jars, artificial preservatives or even freezing!

The name lingon originates from the old Norse ‘lyngr’ a name for heather. Our common name is much less glamorous and you’ll just have to use your imagination on how that one came about, probably something to do with ruminants.

Cowberry, lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idea) is a small, creeping evergreen shrub up to about 40cm. Leaves are eliptical to oblong, dark green above, paler beneath, with edges rolled under.

Clusters of small bell-shaped pink to white flowers appear May to June. The red fruits are small and rounded.

Now, if you don’t manage to forage for some yourselves (and who could blame you) due to howling gales or three-foot of snow across the mountains, moors, heaths, sub-alpine pastures and arctic boreal forest where they like to hide, then I have the perfect solution for you. Think of the following as a way of getting the full taste experience without the exposure.

Visit a large Swedish furniture retailer that keeps all its stuff in a big blue building with yellow letters on it. Go to the food shop section and brilliantly they have already made lingonberry products for you.

My recommendation, apart from a generous helping of jam on hot buttered toast (warning it’s not particularly sweet!), is hot lingonberry cordial. No really, next time you’re out take a flask of this with you rather than tea or coffee. It really is a winter warmer whatever the weather.

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 • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 33

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Gala dinner for hospital appeal

The L&F Jones group of directors

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD service and convenience store operator L & F Jones held its 19th annual charity gala dinner in Bristol, raising thousands of pounds for the Forever Friends Appeal for a new cancer unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The evening was attended by staff, customers, suppliers and Tim Hobbs and Louisa Smyllie from the appeal. Lots in an auction hosted by BBC Flog It’s Paul Martin included a classic suite stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel donated by the Royal Crescent Hotel, a two night stay at the Jane Austen Boutique Apartment donated by Bath Boutique Stays, a Dyson desk fan, donated by Dyson, and a Mulberry bag, donated by Mulberry.

The event, co-ordinated by Liz Jones, Ray D’Arcy and Trudi Nicholas, raised more than £4,500. Liz said: “I have been extremely proud to organise this event for such a worthy cause in the Forever Friends Appeal. Having the opportunity to have Paul Martin host our auction made a huge difference; he did a fantastic job.”

Besides raising money for charity, the gala dinner also recognised the outstanding achievement of suppliers and customers. There were five customer awards made on the evening: Banwell House Pub Company won Jones Food Solutions Licensed Caterer of the Year, Treasure Homes won Jones Food Solutions Caterer of the Year (Care Sector), King’s School Bruton won Jones Food Solutions Caterer of the Year (Education Sector), Hayes Catering won Jones Food Solutions Event Caterer of the Year and finally Kate & Adrian Brixey of the Natterjack in Evercreech won Jones Food Solutions Loyalty Award.

Jones Convenience Stores also held their store awards, with Batheaston store manager Dave Thomas accepting the award for store of the year.

The Forever Friends Appeal is the official charity for the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Their current major fundraising project is the Cancer Care Campaign which is hoping to raise £8.5 million towards a state of the art new cancer centre which aims to be the best for a district general Three of L&F Jones’s business development executives hospital in the UK. PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Sheep and ponies to the rescue Photo courtesy of The National Trust

Ponies grazing on Brean Down.

A FLOCK of 300 sheep and 35 Dartmoor ponies have been called in to protect the limestone grasslands of Brean Down from being overtaken by scrub.

Brean Down – a site of Special Scientific Interest - is home to rich coastal limestone grasslands, as well as several rare plants including white rock rose, dwarf sedge and Somerset hair grass. However, these species are particularly dependent on short turf and if the grasslands were left unmanaged, the delicate ecosystem would suffer from the encroachment of scrub such as bramble and hawthorn.

The National Trust, which manages the land is introducing the animals as the seasonal grazing they will be providing over the coming months will control the development of scrub and allow smaller herbs and coastal wild flowers to flourish. In turn, this will also invite a wider variety of insects and birds.

Scrub is not all bad and the North Somerset Ranger team continue to manage the scrub using a range of techniques, most commonly through the cutting and burning of material. A team of dedicated volunteers contribute more than 800 hours to this task and staff will spend around £70,000 each year in a constant battle to keep the scrub at bay.

G The herd of Dartmoor ponies have already taken up residence. The sheep are due to follow in March once they have lambed. The trust says the ponies are beautiful, but best admired from a distance. The desire is to keep them as wild animals, avoiding interaction with visitors. Attempts to feed or approach the ponies could result in them becoming tame and less effective in their conservation-grazing role.

Museum has it all sewn up

FOLLOWING the success of its first embroidery exhibition in the autumn of 2013, Radstock Museum is to host a new exhibition entitled “Threads thro’ Time” when it reopens in February.

The displays will include a wide range of embroidery (mostly contemporary, some vintage) and lace and will feature both modern and World War One embroidered cards illustrating “Remembrance”.

The exhibition will run Tuesday February 2nd until Sunday, May 29th at the museum in Waterloo Road.

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

Road deaths down

NEWS

LATEST figures from Somerset Road Safety show that 22 people were killed on the county’s roads in 2015 – that is 11 fatalities fewer than in 2014 and almost 25 per cent lower than the target set by Somerset County Council.

The Council’s road safety team receives police reports following any injury accidents recorded by the police and carries out its own research to identify trends and look for ways to improve safety across Somerset’s 4,000 miles of roads.

In 2015, five of the deaths were on urban roads: 11 were on rural roads with the remaining six on trunk roads (the M5 or A303) which are also classed as rural.

Councillor David Fothergill, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “I’m pleased to see a drop in the number of road deaths across Somerset in 2015 – although clearly a single death is one too many.”

Flood plans for stricken villages

THREE communities badly hit by the 2013/14 floods on the Somerset Levels have received detailed plans that will help them prepare for and respond to any future threats.

After more than a year’s work by residents – supported by staff working for the Somerset Rivers Authority and the Environment Agency – Community Resilience Plans are being distributed to every home in Moorland, Fordgate and West Yeo. Just over 160 plans will be delivered door-to-door by nominated local flood wardens from these communities. Each plan is different, taking detailed account of local geography, knowledge and need – plus valuable lessons learned. A plan for Chadmead will be finished soon.

As part of the new flood plan, Moorland village hall now has internet access, a laptop and a store of individualised wetweather gear and equipment for flood wardens to use. In future the hall can become a communications hub for local residents and agencies responding to an emergency.

New discovery found in abbey library

MONKS at Downside Abbey at Stratton-on-the-Fosse have discovered a handwritten recipe book, dating from 1793, in their monastery library.

With recipes as diverse as turtle soup, chicken curry and fricassee of pigs’ feet and ears, there is also a controversial recipe for the historic Sally Lunn bun.

Fr Christopher Calascione, a Downside monk, recreated the Sally Lunn recipe for the BBC in January, with a taste-test.

Dr Simon Johnson, keeper of Downside Abbey archives and library, said: “First and foremost we are a monastic library and our specialisms are in history, theology and philosophy, but yes we do have unusual material such as cookbooks which are just as useful to a monk’s education as Thomas Aquinas."

Members of the public can access the collections by contacting readers@downside.co.uk or by calling: 01761 235323.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 35

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Special offers in Wells

THE Best Western Plus Swan Hotel in Wells enjoys a fabulous location, directly opposite the stunning west front of Wells Cathedral. The hotel provides the perfect venue for intimate weddings, large receptions and civil wedding ceremonies at any time of year.

The hotel currently has a number of very special wedding offers available: • Sunday to Thursday bookings attract a 10% discount on room hire and food.

• Weddings held at the hotel between October and February can benefit from room hire reductions of up to £200.

• Bookings worth £5,000 or more allow the bride and groom to enjoy their wedding night in their awardwinning Cathedral Suite completely free of charge!

(Subject to availability).

The Swan’s Oak Room will be completely refurbished in February, ready for their first spring wedding receptions in March.

Details: To view their wedding facilities call 01749 836300.

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Prepare to enjoy your wedding day

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Special occasions

MOTHER and daughter, Linda Richards and her daughter Jessica, are now taking bookings for weddings both for this year and for 2017 at the Secret Garden florist and gift shop in Axbridge.

Their shop, which opened just over a year ago, specialises in flowers for weddings and funerals, as well as gifts and plants.

They also have a special offer for Valentine’s Day – for every bouquet they sell they will donate £2 to the British Heart Foundation.

Luxury loos WEDDING co-ordinator for The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, Siona Stockel, has over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry. Here are her top five tips for a smooth-run up to your big day!

Breathe – take your time to plan and let your creativity flow – no-one knows your vision better than yourself, so trust your own style, taste and instinct. This is your day; make it about you. If you keep the two of you at the centre of every decision, it will be the most memorable day of your life.

Prioritise – if your budget is stretched, choose the few things that are really important to you like the venue, photographer and music, for example, and then go from there. Be flexible on the other details and remember to have fun. You can be easily overwhelmed in planning, but once you select the date and venue, the rest will fall into place.

Relax – don’t get caught up in ‘perfection’. Embrace the unexpected and each other’s opinions, however surprising they may be, and don't let something unattainable spoil your wedding experience: you're in this together, now and for the future.

Trust – try not to stress! Remember why you are getting married and try to truly make it an event about, and for, the both of you. Have faith in your venue and wedding suppliers – they are the professionals – trust that they will do their job well.

Enjoy – when the Big Day arrives, don’t rush through, remember to relax and enjoy it! Make sure to take little moments throughout the day to savour everything; the emotion, the sights, the smells, the sounds – these are your future memories!

Take time out for the two of you for a few minutes – find a secluded area, away from all the celebrations, take a deep breath, let the moment sink in.

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

He set about producing his own and the company now provide luxury mobile showers and toilet units for small and major events throughout the south of England, working with the National Trust, the International Balloon Fiesta, Bath University, Bristol Botanical Gardens, Avon and Somerset Police, Portsmouth Historical Dockyard for Christmas markets and the naming of ships and the Bath Christmas market – to name but a few!

In addition, they also supply trackway if you need to drive on an area that has been turned into slippery mud by the recent rains.

Chew Valley Hire

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

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

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

• Weddings • Corporate Events • Trackway • Fashion Shows • Film Shoots MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 37

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Flowers for all events

YOUR wedding is one of the most important days of your life. Whether you are having a simple ceremony or a grand affair, Bouquet Florist can help.

They allow their brides to build a package to suit their wedding and budget – see their website for prices.

They can do everything from buttonholes and bouquets to church and reception décor.

They also hire vases and stands. Bouquet Florist has been established in the village of Cheddar for over 35 years. They personally deliver beautiful fresh flowers, chocolates and helium balloons within a ten-mile radius of the shop.

They can also arrange delivery nationally and internationally.

You may order on-line for local orders or by phone where one of their experienced florists will be able to help with any questions you may have.

They provide floristry services for weddings, funerals, events and local businesses. Their shop is located on the corner of Redcliffe Street and Cliff Street in Cheddar.

Bouquet Florist is owned and run by Carol and Claire Willcox who are a mother and daughter team who come from the nearby village of Mark. Carol has 15 years’ experience in the floristry industry and was a previous employee of Bouquet Florist before taking the business over last year. Claire is a trainee florist and photographer (www.clairewphotography.com).

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Aldwick an award winner

SANDY Luck, managing director of Aldwick Court Farm and Vineyard, says she was very excited to witness the launch of their new website.

Aldwick’s venue and award-winning wines have gone from strength to strength since she took over the family business in 2012.

Sandy said: “Four years in, I am thrilled to have a website we can truly be proud of.”

Venue manager and the team’s IT specialist, Rob Lewis, said: “Collaborating with our design agency Teapot Creative has been a tremendously rewarding experience. The new site is fresh, interactive and image led. We can present information in a variety of new ways. Certainly worth the cost of all that midnight oil!”

Kylie Winter, head of sales and marketing, said: “The best feature for me is our new events calendar. I can now keep everyone up to date with what’s on at Aldwick.”

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Remember the big day in a unique way BESPOKE picture framers Swan Artworks have helped create lasting memories of the big day for many a newly-

married couple and not just using wedding photos.

As Carrie Osborne, who runs Swan Artworks on the Old

Memories are made of this

A food experience to remember

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

Mill Trading Estate in Paulton with husband Tony, explained: “We have framed quite a range of different items and pictures for weddings over the years... wedding photos of course, but also small personal items like love tokens and poems, sugar flowers from wedding cakes and bouquets in box frames.

“We have also framed whole collections of items together like the name cards from place settings, invitations, confetti and ribbons and champagne corks. On one occasion, a customer brought items from their beach wedding including sand and shells, a sandal, cocktail umbrellas, napkins, plane tickets and wedding meal menus among lots of other fun and personal objects!”

Carrie added: “We do lots of things for anniversaries as well, especially the big ones!

One recent framing order was to frame a wonderful large black and white photo of a couple for their 25th wedding anniversary. Their sons had used 25 20p pieces laid out to make the number 25 over the image, each coin in yearly date order from their wedding day to the present! Very clever and creative!”

HONEYMOONS IN PARADISE Having just returned from the most idyllic place in the world, the Maldives we can give you the best advice: G You can twin this with Dubai or Sri Lanka G We can arrange your wedding abroad, stag or hen party G With 100 years of experience our staff are there to help ginf@thorntonstravel.co.uk 01275 332423

PARTY Pig Catering specialise in whole spit-roasted pigs, slowly cooked, turning for a minimum of seven hours to produce succulent self-basted pork and the finest crackling imaginable.

They have been perfecting the art of spit roast catering over the last ten years with Andy Venn at the helm promoting his strong passion for quality locally-sourced produce.

They are based at Lower Stock Farm, Wrington at the foot of the Mendip Hills providing the finest spit-roasted meats and barbecues around. They grow as much produce as possible to use in their food in a raised bed garden on the farm.

They also have a woodland with a small orchard at one end which gives them apples to make their own lovely sauce.

They can also offer a spit roast lamb for a party looking for something a bit different.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 39

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MENDIP TIMES

Find time to visit the corsetry chalet

Luxury and privacy are guaranteed inside the chalet

Are you looking for that unique present that says “I LOVE YOU”?

Or is buying a gift that says “WE LOVE EACH OTHER” the most sensible way to do things?

Whichever it is, the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen has a wonderful selection of individual, local, handmade crafts, including beautiful jewellery from local makers.

Open weekdays and Saturdays 10 – 4.

23a Broad Street, Wells BA5 2DJ (through the archway beside Pickwicks Café).

A VISIT to Orchid Lingerie in Langport could make all the difference to a bride-to-be’s appearance and inner confidence on her wedding day, says owner Sherrie-jane Jackson.

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

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

The most special lingerie is essential underneath the most important dress a woman is ever likely to wear and Sherriejane works closely with bridal boutiques around the country.

They recommend that women get fitted with Sherrie-jane before finding their wedding dress to ensure brides are in the right shape from the outset. Sherrie-jane also welcomes visits from brides-to-be who have already selected their dress; they can take it with them, although Sherrie-jane can also work from photos.

And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Sherrie-jane is preparing for an increase in visitors, including men looking for something special for a loved one.

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 40 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Love is in the air at Somerset Guild WEDDING gifts used to be relatively simple: lists of household goods at many different prices, enabling the newly-weds to set up their first home.

Now things have changed, with people getting married later, as often as not the couple are already well set-up with the stuff of daily life. Similarly, weddings used to be times when treasured heirlooms were passed on to the new generation, but with tastes and fashions changing, heirlooms do not necessarily fit in with modern lifestyles.

So, how do you find that unique gift? We are very fortunate in Somerset to be able to call on the talents of our exceptional craftsmen who live and work locally. The Somerset Guild of Craftsmen shop in Wells has a wide selection of work from skilled local craftsmen, offering genuinely unique gifts that will be treasured and which can become future heirlooms. And if you want something really special, the craftsmen will be happy to

Specially commissioned white gold swan engagement ring set with Pariba Tourmaline by Erica Sharpe. The recipient said “Yes!”, but unfortunately not all the Guild’s work carries that particular guarantee

We’ve got it covered

FOCUS ON WEDDINGS

John Candler’s Hands Across the World

discuss ideas from small wedding favours, to large unique pieces. Here are some examples: John Candler, a stone carver, recently had a small sculpture commissioned for an Australian/English couple, called Hands Across the World, a very personal gift which will always be with them. It has now moved with them to New York.

Sue Burne, who is also an Associate Fellow of the Guild of Glass Engravers, creates lovely personal engravings which seem to capture the light and preserve the moment forever, whilst Caroline Tetley, from Wells, makes beautiful enamel jewellery, including lockets which can convey a message as well as being lovely to wear.

Erica Sharpe, an award-winning jeweller based in Wedmore, works directly with clients to make bespoke jewellery. Erica takes the stories and lives of her customers and creates unique jewellery for them to treasure, often incorporating or remodelling family heirlooms.

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Music fans fundraise

(l:r) Peter Darbourne, Diane Wilkins, Bob Reynolds, Gloria Darbourne and Sheila Maundrell with Carol Summerfield and Roy Hole from SURE

JAZZ enthusiasts in West Huntspill have raised more than £3,250 for the cancer support charity SURE. BD Jazz Club collected £1,000 during its regular meetings at Laburnham House whilst members Tony and Sheila Maundrell organised a separate ball which raised £2,258.

SURE – Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment – supports the Beacon Centre which provides Haematology and Oncology services at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

Second shop in Frome for Barnardo’s

Mad March will soon be here

Some of the Mad March 2015 skydivers

COUNSELLING charity Positive Action on Cancer is preparing for another Mad March after the huge success of the community fundraising event last year.

The Frome-based charity offers services to people affected or bereaved by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Last year saw the first Mad March campaign, where the community was invited to take part in fundraising activities for PAC throughout the month. It saw people organise everything from Mad Hatter tea parties to a sponsored skydive, raising more than £40,000.

Assistant fundraiser Helen Sprawson-White said: “Last year’s Mad March was simply incredible, we were completely overwhelmed by the generosity and support from our community!”

PAC says it has seen an unprecedented demand for its free, professional counselling service with referrals up by around 17%.

Mad March will also see the return of PAC’s online auction, which last year raised more than £4,600. PAC is currently seeking prizes for the 2016 Mad March Auction.

A few spaces are still available on the PAC skydive scheduled for Saturday, March 19th and on the team for the Bath Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday, March 13th. For more details or to join in Mad March, email: fundraising@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk call 01373 455255 or visit www.positiveactiononcancer.co.uk

Dog learns to read!

Barnardo’s sales assistant Nicola Mattin and area business manager Rob Scott outside the new store in Stonebridge Drive

CHILDREN’S charity Barnardo’s has opened another shop in Frome, this time in Stonebridge Drive.

The shop will complement the existing store in the Kingsway Precinct in the town centre, which last year received more than 10,000 bags of donations.

Barnardo’s area business manager Rob Scott said: “We are delighted to be opening another shop in Frome and hope it will be just as popular as our town centre site.

“It’s in a prime location surrounded by shops and houses, but with the added benefit of free parking which will make it even easier for local supporters to deliver their donations.”

The new shop is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Call 01373 466099.

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CHOCOLATE Labrador Fernie was a special guest at Blagdon WI, when his owner Nik Gardner talked about the charity Dogs Helping Kids.

Fernie is a daily visitor to Winford C of E Primary School, where Nik is headmaster, and takes part in various activities, including “listening” to children reading.

Fernie is also learning to read flash cards and carry out their instructions – only four

words so far, but he’s learning!

Dogs Training Kids selects dogs for a variety of roles and says they can help to teach children non-violence, empathy, respect, kindness, love, responsibility, friendship and trust.

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Helping the elderly survive the winter

DURING the bitterly cold winter of 2010, a supporter of Somerset Community Foundation offered to donate the equivalent of his Winter Fuel Payment, which he freely confessed he did not really need, to help any other older person in Somerset struggling with the costs of staying warm during the coldest months.

The staff at the foundation thought that was a wonderful idea and so did many more of their supporters. With endorsements from Michael Eavis and the Bishop of Bath and Wells, and pledges of support from many other people, SCF launched the very first Surviving Winter appeal.

The response was, and has continued to be, phenomenal with the foundation raising over £360,000 in the past five years through what is now an annual appeal.

The foundation says cold winters and cold homes can have tragic consequences for our communities, particularly older people. Last year saw the number of excess winter deaths (those deaths that can be directly attributed to the cold weather) in Somerset rise from around 300 to 500.

Distributing the Surviving Winter donations to those who need it most is essential to help prevent tragedies and undue pressure on the NHS. SCF works in partnership with Mendip Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Mendip Credit Union to ensure the money reaches the right people.

The 2015/16 appeal has raised over £55,000, but SCF’s charity partners are already distributing this money, so more is desperately needed. If you think you can manage without your Winter Fuel Payment the foundation asks you to donate it to the Surviving Winter appeal.

Bristol based Quartet Community Foundation, which covers North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset, is making a similar appeal.

Details: www.somersetcf.org.uk or by cheque to their office at Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN. www.quartetcf.org.uk/general/surviving-winter

Inner Wheel day

WRINGTON Vale Inner Wheel Club celebrated World Inner Wheel Day with a coffee morning in aid of the charity Where to Go at the home of John and Pauline Alvis, raising more than £400.

Life-saver available in town centre

CHARITIES

The presentation of the defibrillator was attended by Paul Myers, the mayor of Midsomer Norton (third from right

A NEW defibrillator is available in the middle of the High Street in Midsomer Norton after a fundraising campaign by businesses and local Rotarians.

It will be kept and operated by staff at the Positive Living Centre during the week and in the Mallards pub from Friday night and over the weekend.

Therapists and clients from the centre raised £470, helped by the donation of a painting by local artist Josie White.

Mallards customers raised a further £100 and the rotary club donated the final £300.

The nearest defibrillators to the centre of town are opposite the Town Hall and at Welton Rovers football ground.

Tina Pascal, from the Positive Living Centre, said: “It would be really great if other defibrillators were available locally as there is such a short time available to be able to help someone if this is needed.”

Cash collections bring end-of-year cheer

A COLLECTION in Street in aid of Lake District flood victims has raised more than £1,340.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Glastonbury and Street, the collection outside Sainsbury’s rounded off an impressive end-of-year fundraising drive by the club.

A collection in Clark’s Village during the Christmas lights Hardy collectors: (l:r) Paul Lambert (president of the Rotary switch-on raised more than Club of Glastonbury and Street, £500 and a collection on Ray Adlam and Derrick Pedley Glastonbury Carnival night raised a further £600. Charities which benefited included Martha Care, School in a Bag and Cystic Fibrosis.

Collections during a tour of Frome by a Christmas-themed float raised just under £12,000. Organised by the Rotary Club of Frome and Frome Lions Club, the money raised will benefit local organisations.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 43

(Photo courtesy of Becky Brooks, MN & Radstock Jounrnal)

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CHARITIES

Wanted – handbags!

Charity casino

THE Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell is appealing for handbags, which it sells at the Nailsea Farmers’ and Craft markets. The last sale raised £348 in just three hours for Child Assist, a club initiative to provide funding for the benefit of local disadvantaged children.

They now need to replenish their stocks and are looking for any unwanted new or good-condition, slightly used handbags.

THATCHERS Jubilee Building welcomed 240 visitors for Wrington Vale Rotary’s James Bond Casino Night.

After an excellent meal, players took to the gaming tables before enjoying a disco. The total amount raised is not yet known, but the club made an immediate donation of £2,500 to Weston Hospicecare, with more to follow.

Other local charities will also benefit. The club says the event was well supported by local companies and individuals, as well as Thatchers.

Details: Roger 01275 854076 or at roger.jan@blueyonder.co.uk

Lynne’s charity breakfast

A SURPRISE champagne breakfast awaited Lynne Blakey as she returned from her morning run in Bishop Sutton.

But then she had just managed to run a total of 2,015 kilometres in 2015 in aid of charity. Friends laid on the breakfast at Wendy and Luke Kenny's home to congratulate her.

Lynne is raising money for Smile with Siddy and has now raised over £2,780 plus gift aid.

She said: “Smile with Siddy is a charity set up by my friend Flora in memory of her son Siddy Cahill who sadly died of neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, in 2013.

“Smile with Siddy aims to raise money to increase awareness and fund research and treatment of neuroblastoma.”

Details: her Just Giving page is still active at https://www.justgiving.com/LynneBlakey1?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=fundraisin gpage&utm_content=Lynne-Blakey1&utm_campaign=pfpshare-mobile PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Pictured (l to r) are Judi Driscoll, chair of the trustees of Weston Hospicecare, president of Wrington Vale Rotary, Mike Batchelor, supported by Paul Jenkins and Merlyn Saunders.

President to visit aid project

THE president of Rotary International in Britain and Ireland is to make an official visit to the Water-Survival Box project’s headquarters at Westfield, near Midsomer Norton.

The visit by Peter Davey, from Monmouth, on Wednesday, February 3rd, will coincide with a packing session involving trustees of the registered charity and other members of the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge.

The Water-Survival Box project arose from the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean and contains a water purification pack to provide clean drinking water and a range of essential survival items.

During the past nine years 11,500 boxes have been sent in response to 47 disasters in 27 different countries across the world.

The latest consignments have gone to Syria (for refugees from conflict) and India (families displaced by extreme monsoon floods).

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Fifteen to one – a worrying countdown AS I write, so far it’s been incredibly mild with day and night time temperatures well above the normal; no doubt by the time February comes winter will have arrived, or it might come in March

WILDLIFE

or even April?

The climate has always changed and nature does not stand still. However, for some time now the debate has been about how much of this change is caused by our activity. The effect of the sometimes strange or extreme weather on our wildlife can be enormous; watching how wildlife copes – or doesn't – gives us the information on how we might cope or otherwise.

My wildlife colleagues in central Sweden have once again this winter talked about observing blackbirds and song thrush in their gardens and, indeed, singing on some occasions but by midOctober thrushes like these should have left Sweden and headed south or even south-west towards us.

Their observations are backed-up by what I am seeing in my own garden, where, from December through to late February, I could be watching as many as 15 individual blackbirds, but this winter (so far) we only have one.

Perhaps it’s a case of: “Why make the trip when you don’t need to?”

By the time February arrives, many of the African migratory birds will be starting to make their way north towards the UK.

The sometimes dramatic shift in seasonal weather is proof that the effects of climate change are being felt on the global scale.

The swallow, for example, which overwinters in South Africa, runs the risk of these changes making it too dry for insect availability, so they time their journey north towards the UK so that it coincides with various insects coming on to the wing in West Africa. However, due again to changing weather patterns, some of these insects are coming on the wing before the swallows reach them, meaning, of course, that they then cross the desert areas underweight.

The pied flycatcher also has similar issues, but one study I was privileged to see on the Quantock Hills was looking into the effects of weather on these birds when they are actually here and breeding.

Pied flycatchers time the hatching of their young when there’s the maximum amount of the correct food available. In oak woodland, such as on Quantock, the timing of the emergence of certain prey species has changed and this has caused a slight issue because the caterpillars on which flycatchers feed their young are emerging earlier, meaning that the bird and caterpillar are out of sync.

This is certainly not the case all over the UK but what it does highlight is just how vulnerable species like these are to changes in weather patterns. I mentioned at the beginning about how winter might start as late as March or April this year.

Well, as many farmers and gardeners know only too well, that can sometimes happen. A mild winter turning into spring could coincide with a sudden change of

wind direction into the east taking what should be spring temperatures right down to sub-zero.

This seems to me to be becoming more common and is potentially devastating not just for humans trying to grow crops or flowers, but also for our wildlife.

The east wind will dry the ground out, meaning birds such as dunnock and blackbird, which could have started breeding as early as the beginning of March, may now abandon nesting due to plummeting food levels.

As with the cold spring of 2013, the building dawn chorus of bird song during mid-March and April can fall eerily silent at times, because the normal rising natural food supply is too low to stimulate males into song.

Of course, these changes I talk about will create positives as well as negatives, for example, the swallow and the flycatcher may adjust their timings again and indeed increase their summer movements even further north, thereby expanding their range.

Some birds that leave us during the winter may well have no need to leave and will adjust to becoming all-year-round residents. It does, however, take time for nature to evolve and adjust to these changes, the species to change the slowest will be predators.

So, as I have already said, climate change happens, but in the words of a Swedish scientist I interviewed for a BBC Radio 4 programme: “It’s not the climate change that’s the worry, it’s the speed of the change that’s the most frightening thing of all.”

Pied flycatcher: a study into their breeding habits has taken place on the Quantock Hills

Wintering female blackbird

Are swallows being affected by climate change?

By CHRIS SPERRING MBE

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust. Contact him on 07799 413 918 or via chris.sperring@btinternet.com. Please visit www.swp.hawkandowl.org for more information

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 45

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A blowy walk above Bleadon

THIS is a beautiful circle from Bleadon, Western Mendip, round the sheltered bowl below Shiplait Slate. There are good views at any time of year and it will be a picture if you can come later in apple blossom time because of the orchards en-route. Go well wrapped-up as it is exposed on the top.

From Bleadon village our route goes up through a nature reserve to the Roman

With Sue Gearing PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Road which runs along the top. Here is a good all-round viewpoint and then it’s across on tracks to the open plateau below which is the track downhill with good views across Somerset to the south. The walk has a good contrast at the end – a route along the River Axe.

PARK: In the free village car park just south of the church in the centre of Bleadon on Coronation Road. There are the Coronation Halls here, toilets and a children’s playground and picnic area.

There is also an interesting information board about the history of Bleadon and the discovery of Bleadon Man a replica of which is in the Coronation Hall. It also notes the martyrdom of a former Rector of Bleadon who defied Henry VIII and was hung, drawn and quartered in 1514 in London.

START: Turn up left on the village road, Coronation Road. Up ahead, in view, is the Queen’s Arms which you may like to visit now or later. We don’t pass it. Go over the road to the old cross and church with its very typical Somerset tower, visible from miles around. Go through the churchyard and out the other side and then turn up left to reach Shiplate Road and turn right.

Follow it for a few minutes and look for a public footpath sign on a power pole by the roadside. Follow it up a drive on the left, starting the ascent of Hellenge Hill.

1. HELLENGE HILL Go through onto the open area of Hellenge Hill maintained by Avon Wildlife Trust. It is an SSI, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The hill’s chalky grassland has a number of rare plants which you can see later in the year such as honewort and Somerset hair-grass which are only found on the hot southern scarp of the Mendips. Look out also for green-winged orchids, Carline thistle and autumn lady’s tresses. It is a good wildlife habitat and don’t be surprised on a sunny day to see adders basking on the slopes.

Soon reach a footpath marker post. Bear up right following the West Mendip Way (WMW). Stay on the left track at a fork, still the WMW. Go through a kissing gate and now just maintain direction, climbing, following the WMW through fields.

You get good views down over Somerset and Brent Knoll and the curve of the River Axe below. As you progress start to get see ahead, down right, the vast Thatchers’ cider orchard taking advantage of the warmth and shelter of this south facing slope.

Your route takes you up towards a house, buildings and fence. Go round to the right of the raised plot up to a Bristol Gate – a field gate with a pedestrian gate included in it, so called because the original idea came from two Avon Council footpath wardens in Bristol.

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WALKING

2. ROMAN ROAD Turn right on the Roman Road. This is actually a little to the south of the original Roman route across Mendip bringing lead and other minerals from Charterhouse to the port of Bleadon down on the River Axe which was navigable at that point.

Continue all the way to a parking and open grassy area on the left which is a great viewpoint looking across as far as Clevedon. Continue on a little further.

3. SCRATCHY LANE At the bend, go straight on along a footpath, known as Scratchy Lane, and still the route of the WMW. Turn right at the first T-junction, climbing again on a stony track. At the top, turn right following the WMW a little further, in the Loxton direction, still ascending.

4. TRACK The WMW then leaves and goes left but you continue straight on up a track until you go through a gate ahead into the open grassy plateau.

Here is one of the finest views on the Mendips looking over Weston-super-Mare, and Steep Holm – the last and most westerly hill of Mendip – the Severn Estuary and Wales.

Head across enjoying the ‘top of the world’ feeling, if the wind doesn’t bowl you over! A gate on the far side takes you onto a small path to the left of trees and this drops down Shiplate Slait.

5. SHIPLATE SLAIT ‘Shiplate’ means ‘sheep path’ and goes back at least as early as the 10th century.

You may still see sheep grazing here, which is appropriate as this was described as ‘one of the finest sheep slaits (pastures) in England’ at the end of the 18th century.

Join a Tarmac lane/drive and look across to Thatchers orchards. Continue down going now between orchards to the

OS Explorer Map 153, Cheddar Weston-super-Mare & Bleadon Hill, grid ref: 340 568 • 5.07 miles, about 2 hours walking.

Loxton-Bleadon road at the foot.

6. ROAD Cross towards Shiplate Fishery and take the marked footpath through a kissing gate on the right. Follow the left fence down and then along the foot and in the second corner go through a gate and along the hedge and over a footbridge.

7. FIELDS Go into a field and ahead along the bottom.

Continue through fields and gates in the same direction, on the flat, passing one or two houses on the right and a farm in the hamlet of Shiplate. Reach a stony drive heading towards a farm straight on.

Immediately on reaching the farm, turn back left into the field and turn right down the field with the farm on your right. Go right through a Bristol Gate in the corner and along with the River Axe your left.

Then through a gate into another field.

8. PARFITTS BRIDGE Soon reach a bridge over the Axe – Parfitts

Bridge. Cross and turn right, now following the river on your right. Continue all the way to a gate and the A370 road.

9. BLEADON BRIDGE Turn right, cross Bleadon Bridge, and view the large tide gates and sluice.

The Axe rises 20 miles away in Wookey Hole and before the construction of the gates here in 1802, the river was navigable for coal vessels and small craft as far as Cheddar. It also had important fisheries but for a long time these were ruined by poisoned water from lead works at Charterhouse and by chemical refuse from paper mills. Today, it is once again favoured by anglers and the water height monitored by the Environment Agency.

Continue on along the road, and through a parking area at the side, and cross the side road, Bleadon Mill. Just past a garage, take the road on the right to Bleadon – a fairly quiet route following a rhyne on the left.

8. CORONATION ROAD At the T-junction turn right on Coronation road, soon coming to the car park.

This follows the same route as one of ten circular rambles written by Sue Gearing and Les Davies for a book of family walks with activities and an apple and cider theme for Thatchers Cider which came out in the autumn. The book at £9.99 is available at the Thatchers shop in Sandford or on the website http: www.thatcherscider.co.uk Queen’s Arms, Bleadon, tel: 01934 812080 open daily MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 47

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

I TRY not to get too excited about the weather, but the last couple of days have turned everything around. Working outside has become With LES colder, but also a lot DAVIES MBE drier. With one of the mildest winters (so far) I have little doubt that everything will come back to normal with cold weather in the not too distant future.

I have been working in an orchard this week where there was blossom on a plum tree, an early variety admittedly, but something I've never seen this early before.

Rain, rain and then some more rain seems to have been the sum total of our weather so far. Is this climate change coming to 'kick' us in the backside? Is this something we are going to have to live with in the future, when the extreme becomes the norm? We may have to do a lot of thinking about how we build houses and where and how we manage the land.

Nature is all-powerful and, as technologically advanced as the human race is, we cannot control it. I watch the river Brue between Street and Glastonbury rise rapidly after rainfall, bursting its banks with worrying regularity to flood the land around.

I made mention to someone the other day that as a child a week seemed such a long time (until school holidays came along). He had the answer for this in a relatively simple mathematical equation that even I could grasp. At the age of five, a year was 20% of my lifetime and that’s quite a lot. However at the age of 63, a year is 1.5% of my life. Perhaps this is why time is going by so fast! Not so sure this is the complete answer, but it was certainly a 'light bulb' moment for me.

This awareness of time makes it more important to take in all that surrounds me and enjoy the moment to the full. The Christmas carol service at St Hugh's before Christmas was a truly ‘atmospheric experience’. The lighting, the smell, the sounds and the very fact that so many people had gathered together on that windy winter’s evening was for me something so special. I wish I

could have put it into a bottle and opened it later when I needed a little inspiration.

We are about to enter the month of February and I'm sure you are going to thank me for reminding you. The month takes its name from the Latin term 'februum', which meant purity and was celebrated by the Romans at their ritual of 'Februa'. It's also known as 'February fill dyke', a month that has long been known for its high rainfall.

There was also an Old English name for February, 'Solmonath' or 'mud month', so very apt! There is an old rhyme that extols this rainy month: “If February brings no rain it's neither good for grass or grain.” I would however just like to say: “I think we have had quite enough thank you.”

Candlemas Day is February 2nd when traditionally the candles to be used in the church that year were blessed, hence the name. It is also said that a fine Candlemas Day meant winter has not finished with us yet and there will be more to come. Now, if you forgot to take down the Christmas decorations before January 5th (Twelfth Night), you should leave them up until Candlemas Day. My favourite bit of folklore, however, relates to an old Scottish tradition that started with children taking candles into school so that extra light would be available. With the passage of time, the candles were abandoned and gas lighting took over the illumination of the classroom. In their place, children would bring money which the teacher was meant to spend on sweets and cakes for everyone.

Whoever brought in the highest amount of money was made the Candlemas King or Queen and would 'rule' for six weeks.

During this 'reign' they had the power to declare a whole afternoon's play each week and let off anyone from school punishment. I would imagine such a

tradition has long since been dispensed with (for fear of rebellion). I wish they had this one when I was at school.

Take every opportunity you can to get out and about. Even in the worst conditions there will always be a lull in the weather. That bright period to be taken advantage of so that you can recharge the human battery. Walking with a group is such a nice thing to do, but I find that a lot gets missed. I'm always too busy chatting away about everything and anything and nothing, far too busy to see what is going on around me.

I like to take the time to stand and stare, take the time to immerse myself completely in everything that surrounds me. It's meditation and a time to reflect on how lucky I am to do what I do and enjoy it in such an inspirational part of the world.

All is quiet with the apple trees at this time of the year, so I'm busy doing the pruning before they wake up. I will however soon be rousing a few trees at Godney as the Master of Ceremonies for their Wassael on the evening of Monday February 8th. Old Twelfth night is January 17th, that’s traditional Wassael time, but as always everything clashes, so it’s nice to be able to spread it out a bit.

Godney's night will be centred upon the Sheppy Inn, so contact the event organisers for more info. If you have difficulty I'm sure the good folk at the Sheppy will point you in the right direction. If it's too far for you no doubt there will be an event closer.

This month’s picture is my classic dream of summer days ahead. Warm sunshine, good food, good drink and a place in which I can feel content.

Unfortunately I cannot claim this picture, it was lent to me by a student from the 2014 University of Georgia trip. It often takes a fresh pair of eyes to point out just how fortunate you are. Thanks Claudia!

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

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Try something new this year

THE damp cold days, when getting out in the garden seems very unattractive, are the ideal time to snuggle up in a chair with the latest seed and young plant catalogues and make a wish-list for the coming growing season.

Every company has its “new selections” With MARY encouraging us to browse and wonder PAYNE MBE what will be the next fashion accessory in the plant world. To help you out I have browsed around and come up with some of the items that caught my attention, even though I do not have the space to try them all.

Those of you who experienced problems with runner beans not setting well last year should try the variety called ‘Firestorm’. This is a hybrid between the runner bean, which needs pollinating, and the French bean, which is selfpollinating, thus giving a better crop when conditions do not favour traditional runner beans.

Several folk experienced poor courgette crops last year, as the weather deterred pollinating insects from foraging, so try Courgette ‘Sure Thing Hybrid’, a variety that is selfpollinating.

Those wishing to keep up with the trend for variously coloured vegetables seen on the cookery programmes might like to try the red and white striped flesh of Beetroot ‘Chiogga’ or the yellow fleshed variety ‘Burpees Golden’. If you experience problems germinating beetroot, try soaking the seed overnight in a glass of water. This washes out the natural chemical that inhibits germination.

Other coloured vegetables include purple Brussel sprouts, such as ‘Red Ball’ or ‘Falstaff’, or perhaps leek ’Northern Lights’ whose foliage turns an attractive shade of purple during the winter months. Purple leaved curly kale ‘Scarlet’ would add to the winter interest in the vegetable garden.

For the summer how about a mixed packet of mangetout containing ‘Shiraz’ with purple and white flowers followed by purple pods, ‘Golden Sunset’ has mauve flowers and yellow pods, while ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’ is more traditional with white flowers and green pods. Add to this some pink seeded broad beans such as ‘Karmazyn’.

For a colourful stir-fry try yellow podded ‘Monte Gusto’, green podded ‘Monte Cristo’ and purple podded ‘Carminat’ climbing French beans.

Even the supermarkets are stocking multi-coloured carrots so why not grow your own in shades of cream, yellow, orange, red or purple. Carrots are traditionally orange because they were selected by the Dutch to honour William of Orange in the 17th century.

Even cauliflowers are now available in shades of green, purple or the traditional white. Cauliflowers are never an easy crop to grow as they tend to curd prematurely if given any sort of check. Sow your seed this month under glass and prick out into individual pots ready for planting out in April.

Then ensure they stay well-watered. If planted closer together the resulting curds will be smaller. Why not try the new green Italian variety ‘Macerata Green’?

Tomatoes also come in a wide variety of colours these days but which has the best flavour? Obviously this is all a matter of opinion, but I am going to give ‘Suncherry Premium’ F1 a try this year as it was voted the best flavoured cherry style PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Calendula 'Orange King'

tomato, knocking ‘Gardeners Delight ‘ and ‘Sungold’ off their perches.

Edible flowers are very trendy, so easy to grow and will add even more colour to your culinary masterpieces.

Nasturtiums offer edible flowers and peppery flavoured foliage with a host of flower colours available. Violas, pot marigold petals, borage, chive heads, cornflowers, daisies and runner bean flowers can all be used to garnish salads.

Other ideas and seeds are offered by theedibleflowershop.co.uk Travelling between Bath and Marksbury last summer, many will have noticed the large sign in a field near the Man with Three Heads traffic lights, announcing that Quinoa (apparently pronounced kin-wah) was being grown. This socalled “superfood” is high in protein, low in fat and calories and is rich in iron and magnesium as well as fibre and is also gluten free. What more can you want?

So what is it. Chenopodium quinoa, also known as the “sacred grain of the Incas”, comes from S. America and is related to a common weed in our gardens, known as fat hen (Chenopodium album). You can now grow your own quinoa.

The seeds area available from Suttons. They can be sown outdoors in March or April ready to harvest in September or October.

Pest and disease problems seem to vary each year depending on the weather conditions so look out for varieties that offer ‘resistance’, or even’ tolerance’ to problems in your area. Blight in potatoes has always been a problem, but the plant breeders are working hard on our behalf to breed blight resistant varieties.

Two new ones to try for this year are ‘Axona’ a pinkskinned type ideal for baking and mashing or ‘Blue Danube’, a purple-skinned general purpose potato. Both 0f these are maincrop varieties. For second earlies, try ‘Kestrel’, and for salads ‘Charlotte’, both of which show good blight tolerance.

Cucumber ‘Baby’ is a small cucumber variety that shows good resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem in greenhouses if the atmosphere is too dry.

The biggest breakthrough in flowers for me this year is the arrival of Cosmos ‘Xanthos’. This is a large flowered, clear soft yellow cosmos, on a short plant, similar in many ways to the “oh so useful” Sonata Series of cosmos that flower early and only grow to about 60cm (24 inches).

Enjoy browsing the catalogues and make it a little late New Year’s Resolution to try something new.

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FEBRUARY GARDEN TIPS

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

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

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

G Construct a cold frame to get early crops going.

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

G Re-pot perennials and shrubs that are growing in pots.

Use good compost and add Osmocote slow release fertiliser to the mix. This will feed the plants for most of the year.

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

G Finish pruning and plant more fruit trees and bushes.

Raspberry canes and rhubarb can still be planted now.

G Put plenty of well-rotted manure around your roses.

Give them a liberal dressing of Toprose fertiliser as well.

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

GARDENING

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316T – Powerful and versatile large ride-on mower with twin cylinder engine and optional 103 or 112cm Combi cutting decks, can easily fitted with a broom or snow blade or snow blower.

553S – Reliable, robust machine designed for tough, professional use, even in wet weather with front wheel drive for optimal handling, lightweight wheels of aluminium, double ball bearings and rubber tyres.

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

Tel: 01934 626093/813261 www.westongarden.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

Garden wins RHS approval

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Snowdrop Festival

The Prairie Garden

THE Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells has become an RHS Partner Garden, an accolade awarded to gardens of “outstanding and exceptionally high standards of planting and design”.

Head gardener James Cross has been in post for 11 years and has transformed the gardens during his time. He has added various features including the stunning formal planting of the Phelps Garden, replanted the Well Pools area and created a breath-taking Prairie Garden in the Garden of Reflection.

He said: “It is a credit to our hard-working team for all that we’ve achieved here to be awarded RHS Partner Garden status and we hope that the gardens will be introduced to a wider audience of horticultural enthusiasts throughout the coming year and beyond.”

RHS members will be entitled to visit the gardens for free during the winter months and for a week in June.

SPRING

Now’s the time to get your mowers ready! Will the grass ever stop growing!

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

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

THIS year the NGS is holding a Snowdrop Festival with four gardens taking part in Somerset.

EAST LAMBROOK MANOR GARDENS The quintessential English cottage garden created by gardening legend Margery Fish, with noted collections of snowdrops, hellebores and geraniums. Address: Silver Street, East Lambrook TA13 5HH. Opening Dates and Time: For NGS: Sun Feb 7th, Sat May 14th, Sun June 5th (10am-5pm).

Admission: Adults £5.75, children free.

ELWORTHY COTTAGE One acre plantsman’s garden in tranquil setting, with pulmonarias, hellebores and more than 250 varieties of snowdrops. Address: Elworthy, Taunton TA4 3PX. Opening Dates and Time: For NGS: Sun Feb 7th, Mon Feb 8th, Mon Mar 28th (11am-5pm). Admission: Adults £3, children free.

NYNEHEAD COURT Nynehead Court Gardens are on English Heritage’s list of gardens of historic interest, with magnificent snowdrops to be seen in February. Address: Nynehead, Wellington TA21 0BN. Opening Dates and Time: Sun Feb 28th, (2pm-4.30pm).

Admission: Adults £4, children free.

TRUFFLES A surprising, relaxing large garden, with formal and wildlife planting linked with meandering paths, lots of seating, and a magical hidden wooded valley, with a small stream and naturalised snowdrops. Address: Church Lane, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS39 5UP. Opening Dates and Time: Sun Feb 7th, Sun Feb 14th (11am-3.30pm). Admission: adults £2, children free.

Other Gardens Open for the NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, soon to be available from local Garden Centres. Or go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk

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World’s most historic trees

Julian Hight with his new book

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

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LOCAL author Julian Hight, from Frome, has undertaken a fiveyear world tour looking at some of the world’s most historic trees.

In 2011 he published Britain’s Tree Story, for the National Trust, which has now sold up to 26,000 copies.

The new book is World Tree Story – history and legends of the world's ancient trees, which features 100 trees in 39 countries.

It is a beautifully illustrated celebration of the world’s ancient trees and the intriguing stories that surround them. Told through history, legend, mythology and literature, the book compares archive photographs and engravings with stunning contemporary colour photographs taken by Julian.

Many of the ancient trees featured have been standing for 1,000 years or more and offer a glimpse into the cultures that have revered them — living links to their ancestors and colourful histories.

The book includes a directory of where to find the trees. Julian said: “My hope is that the book will help raise awareness of the richness and beauty of the world's ancient trees and promote their conservation.”

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

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

The Fredville Oak near Canterbury – the biggest in the UK

Details: Julian Hight 0774 7397081 www.worldtreestory.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Doctors on strike

THE first junior doctors’ strike in 40 years could be the making or the breaking of the NHS. The optimistic view is that the bravery of junior doctors in speaking up in such numbers will inspire all frontline staff to find their voice, expose the spin, tell the truth and get involved in improving the NHS. Lots of consultants, GPs, nurses and other NHS

By Dr PHIL professionals have voiced their support, but whether HAMMOND the health secretary Jeremy Hunt takes any notice remains to be seen. The NHS is unusual in that it has so few clinicians in senior management and yet the best hospitals globally tend to be run by clinicians.

The less optimistic view is that doctors are being de-professionalised to line them up as employees in a more corporatised NHS and that the breakdown in trust between this government and the frontline is irreversible. Applications to medical school dropped by 11% in 2015 and also fell in the two years prior; 52% of junior doctors who finish their foundation year’s training currently take a break from the NHS and some will never return.

We already have fewer doctors per head of the population than most Western countries. If we lose many more, the future of our NHS will be bleak.

Politicians love taking on the unions and spinning the data to support their victory, but Hunt appears to have this down to an art form. Yes, the NHS could be better and there are times when it simply isn’t safely staffed, but the answer is to inspire and motivate those staff in helping to find solutions, not to anger and alienate them by misquoting complex statistics to the media.

The aim of improving the NHS is laudable, but it has to be properly resourced and funded. NHS staff simply don’t believe that more NHS services can be extended over seven days with the same number of staff and no extra money without making the staff work longer or harder for the same money or less.

In a recession, many employees are expected to work harder and longer for no more money, but the NHS is a ‘safety critical industry’ and many frontline staff are already working full throttle. To make them work harder would be bad for their mental health and dangerous for patients.

The NHS and social care system is facing an unprecedented ten-year funding squeeze and we simply can’t always cope with the demand of patients living longer and with multiple illnesses. Austerity increases this demand, as it causes a lot of mental ill health. Suicide attempts are rising amongst men and women and those with mental illness also have worse physical health.

The problem in hospitals is not just lack of doctors, it’s lack of all grades of staff and the fact that the wards and emergency departments are already full so we couldn’t do more routine work anyway at weekends. Even if we could, we have nowhere to discharge patients to in the community.

There isn’t an easy answer to any of this, but the NHS was founded on the principles of compassion, competence and collaboration. Frontline managers and staff need to work together to do the best we can, not be divided by adversarial and avoidable disputes. The government and the BMA will eventually reach a settlement.

But the passion of our junior doctors must be welcomed and harnessed before it’s allowed to escape to the Antipodes. Hunt claims that the NHS needs whislteblowers and now he has 50,000 more of them. All he has to do is shut up and listen.

Dr Phil is doing two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, August 5th-27th. Say hello if you’re there.

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

A cooking challenge

IT’S Sunday and I’m listening to Sheila Dillon on Radio 4 as I prepare the Sunday lunch. Sheila is launching this year’s Food and Farming Awards and I listen with interest as they showcase previous winners and introduce this year’s judges, many of whom hail from the West Country. I imagine what it would be like if I could just abandon my job and open a pop-up restaurant of fusion food. Then my reverie is interrupted by the phone ringing. It’s my mum.

“I had a lovely evening with friends yesterday. Do you know that their 14-year-old daughter cooks the dinner twice a week? Her mother says it’s an important life-skill,” explains mum. I share this story with the family as we sit down to Sunday lunch.

“Do you know that Carrie cooks the dinner twice a week? Her mother says it’s an important life-skill and she has to fit it round her homework,” I explain.

And to my surprise eldest child finds this a challenge worth rising to. She jumps up from the table and returns armed with pen, paper and several cookery books. Within half-an-hour a rota is drawn up allocating each family member a day a week. Everyone chooses a recipe and the ingredients that need to be bought for their day are written under their chosen dish. This all comes on the back of several complaints about my cooking which have left me feeling unappreciated. It’s January and I’ve frugally been trying to use up the contents of the fridge and cut down on the excesses of the festive period but Mendip Dad does not want to come home to falafel and salad. He’s more a slow-cooked casserole kind-of-guy.

Everyone is very excited, except middle-child. She is worried about fitting the cooking around her busy schedule and being the fussiest eater in the family does not embrace new dishes. She is first on the rota and succeeds in setting the bar high with a new sausage and vegetable pasta dish. Jamie Oliver claims it takes half an hour to cook but it takes us a little longer.

Eldest child is next and her challenge is timemanagement. Can she fit in homework, seeing her boyfriend and have the dinner on the table by 7.45pm when we are due home from sporting activities? At 7.15pm I receive a phone call: “Shall I start cooking?”

By the time we arrive home Mendip Dad is acting as commis chef and we eventually eat around 8.30pm.

Timing issues aside, the dish of pan-fried sliced potatoes, bacon and vegetables is delicious.

Ever-the-gourmet, youngest son chooses rosemary and garlic infused monkfish topped with parmesan and breadcrumbs. The trouble is I can’t find any monkfish locally and have to opt for some extremely costly, sustainable, line-caught cod. However, the dish is a triumph. Mendip Dad cooks a delicious stroganoff and by the end of the first week we declare the experiment a success.

“Do you know we have a cooking rota and each of us is cooking a different dish every day of the week?

We’re fitting it around everything else because it’s an important life skill.” And as I hear eldest child explain this to Granny, I can’t help smiling. MENDIP MUM

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HEALTH & FAMILY

Specialist Dementia | Nursing | Residential | Respite | Day Care

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 55

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MENDIP TIMES

New practice in Wedmore

9 Borough Mall, Wedmore, BS28 4EB

STAIRLIFTS INSTALLED FROM

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! Daily Living Aids ! Mobility Scooters ! Stair Li s ! Rise & Recline Chairs ! Walking Aids ! Accessories

www.su onsstairli s.co.uk Tel: 01749 346900 • 0800 999 5432

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

An enthusias c and friendly group of single people who enjoy organised events

For more informa on go to www.singleprofessionalsassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Jackie – 01458 840958

Unit AB8a Anglo Trading Estate, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BY

WILL Smither is a BACP accredited counsellor, supervisor and mindfulness teacher with new premises in the Borough Mall in Wedmore.

He is a counsellor with more than 13 years’ experience and has a second base in Salisbury. He offers short-term counselling and open-ended psychotherapy that is

tailored to clients’ individual needs.

He describes his approach as integrative, meaning that he draws on a number of different models of counselling and psychotherapy in his work. He is specialised to help people with a broad range of issues including stress, life changes, separation and divorce, bereavement, relationships, selfesteem, work related problems, anxiety, low self-esteem and personal growth.

In addition to individual counselling, psychotherapy and tuition in mindfulness, he offers supervision to qualified practitioners and trainees.

Start on your road to fitness

AFTER the excesses of Christmas it is not easy getting back into the routine of work, not helped by January being such a long month. Many of us have started our road to fitness by doing ‘dry January’ but in our hearts we know there is no substitute for regular exercise.

At Balance they recognise that everyone’s path to being fitter is different and they tailor their classes accordingly. Sadly, there is no sudden quick fix solution to getting fit. Like most things in life, progress comes a little bit at a time and that is what they aim to achieve at Balance.

They are not there to make you into superman or woman, but to give you good habits going forward to live a fitter and healthier life. They say the secret is to make small changes that you can do every day and stick to them over the long term.

So whether your thing is Pilates for strength and core training, small group yoga classes to improve suppleness and flexibility, or Kettlercise and personal training for all round fitness, February is a great time to start the journey back to fitness.

Being active will make you feel better quickly – start now and

by Easter you will feel like a new person!

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Making a positive start to 2016

SEEKING counselling or psychotherapy does not mean that there is something flawed in you or something is wrong. Sometimes we just need support to re-discover the layers of our inner world.

Sometimes a life change can bring issues to the surface. Midlife crisis, menopause, children leaving home, divorce, death, moving to a new area or retirement are big transitions of change which can bring difficult and confusing feelings to the surface.

Pyschotherapist Randa Bott says it may show up in our relationships with others and professional commitments. She uses an integrative approach which means that she uses whichever methods work best for you.

RANDA BOTT PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Call or text: 07759 165325 randabott@gmail.com www.randabottpsychotherapy.com “Talking to the right person could really make a difference”

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HEALTH & FAMILY

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‘IS IT ABOUT TIME YOU MET YOUR VALENTINE?’

Come and have a talk to see how I can help you get back on track, call 07717 170 865 to book an initial consultation or visit www.mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk or email info@mirandahypnotherapy.co.uk Clinics held at: Wells Chiropractic & Osteopathy Centre BA5 1XJ Chew Medical Centre BS40 8UE

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 57

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MENDIP TIMES

Patients are a virtue as community quilt goes on show

Guests at the unveiling of the quilt at Frome Medical Centre

A STUNNING quilt recording people’s memories of Frome has been given a permanent home at Frome Medical Centre.

Patients, staff and visitors are encouraged to handle the quilt and read the inscriptions sewn beneath each segment.

The quilt was created over a space of several months as children from Oakfield Academy and St Louis School worked alongside residents of Rowden House care home and Keyford Heights before the project – led by Mel Day, Annabelle Macfadyen and David Davies – was extended to the wider community.

The quilt was the idea of the Home in Frome community project and was funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

The quilt is now on display on the first floor of the medical centre. Dr Tina Merry, from Frome Medical Practice, one of the services at the centre, said: “We are delighted to have the quilt on permanent display. It increases our links with the community and it will increase the wellbeing of the community in the widest sense.”

Kate Bielby, the mayor of Frome, said: “Of all the things I have seen in the past six months, the making of the quilt has been one of my favourites. It is a beautiful piece of work.”

Kate Bielby, the mayor of Frome, Dr Tina Merry and project leader Mel Day

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Seeking inspiration

WOMEN BY WOMEN, a youth-led project exploring inspiring Somerset women past and present, is looking for nominations.

The project run by the Somerset Film and Somerset Rural Youth project, is looking for women within the county who have inspired others or made an impact in some way. They are particularly interested in women from the past as well as women who are doing great things at the present time.

Those nominated will have their portrait taken for inclusion in the Women By Women book and the group also aim to record as many interviews as possible to capture the stories unearthed.

The project, which started in August 2015, has so far enabled 12 young women and men to discover noteworthy women within Somerset, gain new skills in portrait photography and discover a world of archiving at the South West Trust’s Heritage Centre in Taunton.

The project is supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund, Sedgemoor District Council, Arts Award – Trinity College London and the South West Heritage Trust.

To make a nomination email Natalie at Somerset Film on Natalie@somersetfilm.com with a summary of who you are nominating and why as well as a contact number. The closing date for nominations is February 14th.

Details: www.somersetfilm.com

Villagers get internet access

RESIDENTS living in Peasedown St John are being given the chance to access the internet, thanks to the local Residents’ Association.

From this month, The Living Room at St John’s Close Community Hall will be open every Tuesday morning so those who need to send an email, research information online, or apply for job vacancies, can do so on the Residents’ Association’s new PC. Mandy Clarke, secretary of the association, said: “There are still quite a lot of people these days who don’t have access to the internet at home.

“At a time when more and more services are being provided online, the residents’ association want to do all we can to ensure those who need to use the worldwide web can access it.”

The new Tuesday morning drop-ins will serve tea, coffee and biscuits and visitors can also keep up-to-date with news and current affairs thanks to one of many live 24-hour news channels now available to watch at The Living Room.

The drop-in will be held every Tuesday morning from 10am – 1pm at The Living Room, St John’s Close Community Hall, St John’s Close, Peasedown St John, BA2 8JG. Details: Mandy Clarke 01761 300057 or email ajclarke1@live.co.uk

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Spirit of the blitz

A NIGHT at Leigh-on-Mendip village hall took revellers back over 70 years for a fun-filled charity evening of swing dance.

Everyone arrived in period costume ready to be taken back in time to do what the hall was originally designed for.

Groups win funding

THE Big Lottery Fund has awarded £900,000 to 40 groups in the South West, including two in our area.

The Industrial Therapy Centre in Wells gets £10,000 to provide gardening sessions to people who may have mental health issues.

Cheddar First School will use £7,492 for The Gorge Climber, a Cheddar playground for children. The school’s play area will be greatly improved with new play equipment to encourage pupils to be more active.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund, England grant making director, said: “Whether it's supporting people living with dementia to make plans or keep active through gardening, or enabling children to be more active, these projects will make a huge difference to the lives of many people.

“They are excellent examples of people working together, often as volunteers, to support others in their community to build on the skills they have and reach their potential.”

New appointment at palace

THE Rev. Anne Roberts has been appointed to the new role of Palace Pastor at the Bishop’s Palace, in Wells.

She will offer pastoral and spiritual care to visitors, volunteers and staff.

She will move from Cumbria to take up the post with her husband, the Ven Kevin Roberts, Archdeacon of Carlisle, who has been appointed director of ReSource, a Wells-based charity working to support the growth of the church nationally. They will live at the Bishop’s Palace.

Bishop Peter Hancock said: “I’m thrilled to appoint Anne into the new role of Palace Pastor. She has a kind heart and a listening ear and will be a great addition to the Bishop’s Palace community.”

COMMUNITY

Preparing for the cold

COMMUNITY Council for Somerset village agents have been giving out winter blankets across the county in time for the colder weather.

They got £500 from Somerset Community Foundation’s Keeping Warm fund to spend on 50 cosy blankets.

The village agents live and work in their local area, making them perfectly placed to support individuals or groups in rural areas.

Audrey Mansfield, the village agent who made the successful application, said: “The feedback has been really great and I know that all recipients were extremely grateful for the thought as well as the actual item.”

Council grants help communities

TWO community groups near Castle Cary and Somerton have received some winter cheer with grants from South Somerset District Council.

The committee which runs Hadspen Village Hall, near Castle Cary, was awarded £3,000 towards extending the hall to provide additional storage. The project will make it possible to increase use of the hall which is already a popular local facility.

The grant was made by the council’s Area East Committee which also agreed to an award of £7,000 to Kingsdon Village Shop, near Somerton, to help them to remodel the interior and improve heating. A local group leases the former school building from Somerset County Council and opened a shop and café which has been extremely successful.

The committee approved five grants in December totalling £34,543, which were awarded to projects with an overall value of £294,424. The committee considers grant requests for capital projects twice a year in June and December.

Councillor Nick Weeks, chairman of the Area East Committee, said: “We were very happy to approve grants to all of the applicants in December. All of the projects will benefit the local communities and this is an example of how the council’s Capital Projects Grant Scheme can improve the quality of life for our residents.”

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 59

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MENDIP TIMES

Half a century on – the closure of the Somerset and Dorset railway

OVER the weekend of March 5th and 6th 1966 the last trains made their way over a mainline railway that once ran through the Mendip Hills on a section of track which linked Evercreech Junction and Bath (Green Park) station via Shepton Mallet and the erstwhile Somerset coalfield area around Radstock and Midsomer Norton.

After a working life of 92 years the “Bath Extension” of the Somerset and Dorset Railway closed as a through route and no longer could hard-working steam engines be heard for miles around as they lifted passengers or freight up the ferocious gradients to Masbury Summit 811 feet above sea level.

The Bath Extension was the last throw of the dice by the original independent Somerset and Dorset. It had begun life as the Somerset Central, a locally promoted line linking Glastonbury to a junction with the Bristol and Exeter Railway at Highbridge which opened in 1854.

As essentially an extension of the B&E it was built to I.K. Brunel’s broad gauge of seven feet and a quarter inch and in the normal course of events would have eventually ended up as a branch line of the Great Western. It was extended towards another broad gauge line, the Wilts, Somerset at Weymouth with a junction planned at Bruton and threw off a short branch line from Glastonbury to Wells.

But meanwhile the Dorset Central Railway was making its way northwards and the impecunious Somerset Central was tempted by one of the great obsessions of transport planning in the South West in the 18th and 19th centuries, an inland route for freight that would obviate the need for sailing ships and their crews to brave the hazards of Land’s End when travelling from the Bristol to English Channel ports.

No 34070 at Minehead

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

There had been proposals for ship canals before the railway age. And so the Somerset Central converted itself to standard gauge to match the Dorset Central and the combined Somerset and Dorset Railway settled down to contemplate the rich flow of traffic that would make its way between the jetty they had built at Burnham, plus the wharf at Highbridge, and Poole Harbour.

Alas however a fact that the railway promoters had overlooked was that whilst railway engines had been developing, so had steam ships and now the hazards of the Cornish coast and the prevailing south west winds were greatly diminished. And so it was that the Somerset and Dorset became a rural cross country line reliant on local freight and passenger traffic and having to hand over longer distance passengers to the Great Western at Highbridge and the London and South Western at Templecombe and Branksome, near Bournemouth.

At that point a logically minded company would have looked to try to sell out to a bigger company, either the GWR or London and South Western Railway but the S&D proprietors made one final throw of the dice and set out to reach Bath and tapping the coalfield for traffic on the way.

From the existing line at Evercreech station which now became Evercreech Junction (with the village benefitting from Evercreech New station, actually sited in the community as a result) the line set off on a steep climb to the summit followed by an equally taxing descent to a junction with the Midland Railway just outside the MR’s station which up to then had been the terminus of a branch line from Mangotsfield. It was an act of splendid defiance but it

completed the descent into bankruptcy.

With 71 miles of mainline route linking the Midlands and the North of England and the South Coast via the newly constructed tracks, the Somerset and Dorset went looking for buyers and approached the Great Western. The GWR was fully aware of the financial situation and took its time over negotiations, looking to exploit its position of strength but whilst Paddington was taking its time the Midland Railway and the London and South Western saw a main chance and took it. And so the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway came into being.

The new joint owners were amongst the best of the Victorian Railways but what they had taken over was one of the worst.

The years of financial struggle and expansion had left a legacy of inadequate engine power, poorly maintained track (the writer E.L. Ahrons who travelled much of the railway network feared for his life on one journey as the S&D train bucked, rocked and threatened to leave the lines whilst trying to make up time in Dorset) and staff whose wages were poor and no incentive for the better ones to stay.

Before the big companies could take matters in hand there was a frightful disaster on a section of single track near Radstock when two passenger trains met head-on. The Board of Trade Enquiry discovered an appalling state of affairs with insults being exchanged by telegraph lines instead of information, a teenage signalman not strong enough to pull the levers in his box and the fact that the signalbox shouldn’t have been there at all as it had not been authorised.

With that to spur them on the MR and LSWR took matters in hand seriously. The workshops at Derby sent more powerful engines south and even if these weren’t the elite of machines they were an incalculable improvement on what had gone before.

The South Western got to grips with the track and signalling and steadily the Somerset and Dorset became an excellent cross country route, albeit not a quick one.

Those low financial waters left a legacy that could not be overcome completely.

There were sections of single line which easily became bottlenecks if anything went awry, those steep gradients and two narrow bore tunnels between Bath and Midford where as smoke from hard working engines blew back and down from the unventilated walls the footplate crews in particular got the full benefit of

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ay line

smoke and red hot gases.

It’s believed that those conditions contributed to a derailment of a freight train in 1929 at Bath goods yard being due to the crew having been overcome by fumes and the train then running away.

South of the Mendips at Templecombe the junction arrangements with the ExeterWaterloo line were a ridiculous operating nightmare that persisted to the end with trains having to either back into or out of the station.

With all of that came the nickname “Slow and Dirty”. The first was justified, the second was not and the staff used to aver that S&D stood for “Serene and Delightful”.

Those staff became one of the great assets. Family connections abounded (in my own case there was the paternal grandfather, two uncles and two aunts who worked on the line at different times) and that side of the history is best told in the various books Alan Hammond compiled for Millsteam Books from hundreds of miles spent on the road and many hours of capturing memories before they were lost together.

There was a great esprit de corps and pride in the job so that when problems arose they were dealt with competently and with a dollop of good humour that could ease awkward times.

Being jointly owned the Somerset and Dorset escaped the 1923 “grouping” which saw the Midland become part of the London Midland and Scottish Railway and the LSW merge into the Southern. The Prussian blue livery of its passenger engines and carriages survived until 1930, after which it did look as though it was part of the LMS that had absorbed it.

By now the principal passenger train over the line was known as the “Pines Express” which covered the 71 miles in 130 minutes. Not quick in all conscience but at least it gave passengers plenty of time to enjoy the varied scenery and trains could move quickly on the sections through Dorset which were a level contrast to the limestone hills..

It was after nationalisation and the creation of British Railways in 1948 that the line became particularly well-known to railway enthusiasts. As matters recovered after the Second World War families took up seaside holidaying once more and during the summer months excursion traffic on Saturdays saw the line at absolute capacity with every locomotive that could

be found (including freight engines and shunting tanks from Radstock) working flat out to lift the passenger trains over the Mendips.

Most were for Bournemouth but there was one working between Cleethorpes and Exmouth which must have been an endurance test for any through passengers.

In addition the late Ivo Peters had appeared on the scene. Ivo was a railway enthusiast and a true gentleman who was also a brilliant photographer and as his pictures of the S&D at work appeared in the railway press a following for the line grew rapidly.

The drawbacks to all of this however were the slow speed of the trains as they slogged up to Masbury and then went through the arcane proceedings at Templecombe, and those last 71 miles once the train had left Bath could stretch out to a long time for a family with bored small children who all too often were in a coach that only ran on those Saturdays and spent the rest of the time in a siding mouldering steadily.

Also Ivo Peters’ work gave the game away. He had been a racing driver, he used a Bentley sports saloon (which still exists and runs), but even so his ability to photograph a train two or three times between Bath and Evercreech Junction despite the back roads around for example Wellow or Binegar showed how slow matters could be – no matter how much matters speeded up south of Templecombe.

In addition local passenger traffic was being lost as bus services got better and nothing was done to improve the railway journeys. When a new generation of more powerful steam engines was allocated to the S&D in the 1950s journey times stayed the same and connections made it look as though nationalisation had never happened, so that in terms on connections someone wishing to travel from

SDJR No 88 (BR No 53808) at Minehead

Glastonbury to Bristol was still expected to go via Evercreech Jnc and Bath, changing trains twice rather than more directly via Highbridge. Local freight was moving to road and the North Somerset coalfield was losing its mines to closures.

In 1958 the Somerset and Dorset became part of the Western Region of B.R. which was in many respects still the Great Western Railway and the slow decline speeded up rapidly. Through traffic to the south coast was steadily diverted to ex-GWR routes and after 1962 the through trains were all sent via Reading and Basingstoke rather than Bath, including the “Pines”.

The loyal staff who had worked murderous hours at considerable personal hazard in the winter of 1962-63 when weeks of snow blocked other communication routes now bitterly said that S&D stood for “sabotaged and defeated”.

Despite protests and campaigns closure was announced for the end of 1965 which was also intended to be the date when the Western Region replaced its last steam engines with diesels. However at the last moment one of the companies due to run replacement services pulled out and an “emergency timetable” with a very limited number of local steam trains limped on until the first weekend in March through stations which were now becoming covered in dust and with fading or peeling paint and where freight sidings had long been torn up.

But even at the last where the staff could maintain standards they did as in the case of Midford signalbox where, after the last special trains had run, the floor was cleaned, the brass wiped over and the duster taken round before the door was finally locked.

Odd bits limped on for a few years

Continued overleaf

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 61

(Photo courtesy of Steve Edge www.wsr.org.uk)

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serving local traffic and a connection was built between the S&D and the Western Region line at Radstock to take out the remaining coal. But all had gone by the mid-1970s. The Somerset and Dorset Railway Circle became a Museum Trust and set about the “Radstock Project”, intended to preserve the station, signal box and loco shed in the town and part of the line as far to a planned mining museum at Writhlington.

But eventually they were forced out by a lethal mixture of finance and local politics. After looking at other bases they moved to the nascent West Somerset Railway and established a fine museum and restoration base at Washford, open on most WSR operating days. More recently the Midsomer Norton restoration work by the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is bringing life back to a small part of the railway through the Mendips as they look to rebuild an operating line towards Chilcompton.

Midford is also seeing some revived activity on a site which has been worked on before. Bath Green Park is still extant and its former purpose is clear and Wellow station and signalbox were for some years home and studio for the artist Peter Blake (best known for the cover of the Beatles’ “Sergeant Pepper” album).

Elsewhere time and changes of site use has meant that sections of the route have been obliterated, including the site of Masbury summit where the cutting is infilled and the farmland looks as though it was never disturbed by navvies in the 19th century.

For those who recall the Somerset and Dorset or for those looking to get a taste of the atmosphere of what they missed the West Somerset Railway will be holding a commemorative weekend on March 5th and 6th and an S&D themed Gala event between March 10th and 13th.

Stations will be renamed and locomotives of appropriate types will head the trains including the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust’s 7F heavy freight loco (a survivor of 11 built especially for working over the Mendips) which is due to be back in action after overhaul.

The Washford Museum will be open to show original artefacts from the line and Bath (Green Park) will be working once again, in award-winning scale model form, at the Bishops Lydeard base of the Taunton Model Railway Group.

John Simms West Somerset Railway

More memories of the Strawberry Line

A NEW book brings back more memories of the Strawberry Line, the former Cheddar Valley branch line from Yatton.

The Ghost Train by Faith Moulin includes railway anecdotes and reminiscences from nine railwaymen who worked on the Strawberry Line in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

The book includes 30 black and white photographs, including some previously unpublished, and an update on the Strawberry Line today, explaining where you can find ‘ghosts’ of the former railway.

Profit from the sale of the books will be donated to the Strawberry Line Cafe at Yatton station, a not-for-profit community cafe which trains, supports and employs adults with learning disabilities. Faith helped fundraise for the cafe prior to its setting up in 2009 and her daughter Natasha is a director.

Faith has lived in Yatton for 40 years and has been a volunteer on the Strawberry Line for the last 30. She also initiated the project to restore the garden at Yatton station and was one of the organisers of a Millennium Festival event based on the Strawberry Line Heritage Trail between Yatton and Congresbury.

It was as part of this event that former railway workers were encouraged to record their memories and it is on those recordings made in 2000 that the book is based.

In 2009 Faith published A Life on the Railway, the memories of Colin Forse, which sold 400 copies and is still selling on Kindle.

Some more of Colin’s stories recorded in 2000 appear in the new book.

The book has been a family affair, with a foreword by Faith’s son Professor Christopher Moulin, a memory researcher, and a cover designed by Andy Pester, Faith’s son-in-law, a computer technician at Ravenswood School.

Details: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996.

Special film show

ON Sunday March 6th, 50 years to the day after the line closed, there will be a special showing of a film about the railway.

It was put together some years ago by local councillor and former mayor of Glastonbury, John Coles, and will be shown in the council chamber of Glastonbury town hall. It features the line from Evercreech to Glastonbury down to Highbridge and Burnham-on-sea.

There will be two showings of the S & D film which runs for 2hrs 7mins. The first showing starts at 3pm and second at 6.30pm. Entry will be £3 or donations to cover the cost of hiring the council chamber.

John says it’s a fitting venue, since the railway all started at Glastonbury with its headquarters in the town back in 1854.

PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Wrington Station on April 28th, 1957. Although the station had been closed when passenger traffic ceased in 1931, the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society chartered a special train to take rail enthusiasts on an excursion. Passengers are waiting as the locomotive ran round its carriages in order to turn round and go back to Congresbury.

Details: The Ghost Train is on sale at the Strawberry Line Cafe and local shops in Yatton, at £6.99, or can be obtained by ringing 01934 834282.

(Photo courtesy of R.C. Riley, Transport Treasury)

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HISTORY

Looking back – the Rotary Club in Frome The Rotary Club of Frome will celebrate the 90th anniversary in February of the granting of its charter. Here, Rotarian Margaret Gilmour looks back on some of the historic moments in the club’s history.

Frome Rotary Club’s Ladies Night in 1953

FROME Rotary Club received its charter on February 5th, 1926 – amongst its founder members were a vicar, a bank manager, a coal merchant, a publican, a dentist, a jeweller, a headmaster, a motor mechanic, and an insurance agent. Much the same make up as members today!

That year seems such a long time ago and industry in Frome was completely different. There were two breweries, two cloth making mills, Butler and Tanner’s printing works, Singer’s art metal works and many others.

The inaugural Rotary meeting had taken place on July 21st, 1925 at the George Hotel which was then a focal point for social activities. The club set up a welfare committee and soon started its community work in Frome with days out for poor children to pantomimes and outings for the elderly.

Times soon changed with war clouds looming. In 1937, the local press announced that £250 was to be spent in Frome on air raid precautions. A visitor from America, Rotarian JW Armstrong, told the club that “big businesses in the USA have the jitters about developments in Europe and we are working feveroushly to rearm ourselves”.

The Board of Directors of Rotary International issued a document headed “The Wartime Challenge” to all clubs. It contained advice on how Rotarians should rise to some of the

Members of the Inner Wheel club hard at work

challenges affecting their lives as a result of war. It urged Rotarians to “use your occupation as an opportunity to serve society”.

Early in 1940 Frome Rotary club together with Inner Wheel came together to adopt a steam trawler John Cattling. Every month the club sent the crew of HMT Cattling a parcel consisting of groceries, toiletries, cigarettes and sweets.

The ladies of Inner Wheel were then kept busy with their knitting needles as the crew then requested jumpers, socks, scarves and mittens. During a time of strict rationing of most commodities including food and clothing, Frome Rotary and Inner Wheel worked to generously provide these things, not then even able to begin to imagine just what comfort they brought to the crew of the Cattling during what were dangerous and troubled times.

The skipper of the trawler was George Aldan who in peacetime was a fisherman. He wrote the following to Frome Rotary secretary DC Yates in 1940: “Dear Sir, “Just a line to let you know we have received your three parcels and I have shared them equally among the crew. They were very pleased with them and it was very nice to have somebody to think about us after the trying time we have just been through. I expect you have seen the pictures in the paper although that is nothing to what it was in reality. But still it was a job well done and all in a day’s work”.

He added: “The gifts were gratefully received especially the woollies as the nights are now colder and longer. Many envious glances were cast at the person lucky enough to bag the jumper.”

The skipper was so grateful that these parcels contained things he knew were rationed and that allowances had been given up buy the clubs and their families to provide the crew with small comforts. The skipper could say little about his tasks but enough for the club to know they patrolled the dangerous parts of the English Channel where boats were often bombed.

These parcels from Frome Rotary to Cattling continued throughout the war. Surviving copies of the letters and many others over the years between the trawler and Frome Rotary Club are permanently in Frome museum.

To learn more about the club visit www.fromerotary.co.uk or visit them on Facebook.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 63

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Every man needs a shed

PLANS have been drawn up to establish a Men’s Shed in Wedmore, with a launch meeting planned as Mendip Times went to press. Village agent Lucille Simms along with Susan GerryRiley from Weston Hospicecare hope the group will help men who feel isolated. The Men’s Shed movement started in Australia with the emphasis placed more on coming together to work on small projects (bird boxes, picture frames, furniture repair etc) than on talking.

Lucille said: “Studies have shown that when men suffer issues such as isolation, loneliness, vulnerability or bereavement, they are less likely than women to attend support groups or reach out for help. I wanted to provide the option of an alternative to the usual group format and I hope that a Men’s Shed will accomplish this.”

Details: lucille@somersetrcc.org.uk

Rebels launch new club logo

THE ‘Cases’ Somerset Rebels speedway team will enter the 2016 season sporting a new team logo which will be more representative of the club’s Somerset roots.

Since their formation in 2000, the team logo has been the Confederate flag The new logo for the under which the Southern States 2016 season, which fought in the American Civil War, but starts in March club promoter Debbie Hancock felt that it was time for it to reflect its home county.

Debbie said: “Even though we are now some 16 years on since the club was first formed, people still ask what the Confederate Flag has to do with Somerset, especially as the nickname Rebels was adopted to commemorate the Rebel uprising at the Battle of Sedgmoor.

“In addition, we felt that given certain tragic events which took place in America last year, it would be insensitive of us to continue using the Confederate Flag as the club logo and, as such, we wanted something which would be more reflective of the county of Somerset and felt that nothing does that more than the mythical Wyvern, which is the Somerset county emblem.

“Within that, we are still retaining our traditional red, white and blue colours and the Rebels nickname, but it was felt that a change of logo was probably overdue and 2016 will see the team take to the track sporting our new Wyvern bodycolours.”

PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Award for Janet

NEWS

JANET Parsons from Stowey, has been awarded an MBE for services to disabled and disadvantaged people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Janet who started her career as a teacher, initially set up the Girls' Workshop as a registered charity in 1985, running classes for girls in non-traditional crafts such as woodwork and metalwork which they were not able to do at school in those days.

In 1988 the name changed to Orchard Workshops to reflect the fact that it was no longer just for girls, and the charity started reaching out to other groups, including carers, people with mental health problems, over 60s, young mums (including teenagers and schoolgirls), disadvantaged people, women suffering domestic abuse and people with learning difficulties.

Janet now teaches approximately 200 people a week at her workshops in Kingswood. She said: “At Orchard we teach woodwork, wood turning, stained glass, jewellery, silver smithing, enamelling, arts and crafts, sewing and knitting, and more.”

Within Orchard Janet has set up Orchard Woodpeckers, an enterprise for people with learning difficulties who now make and sell their work.

Tribute to venue “champion”

DEREK Maguire, a trustee of the Cheese and Grain in Frome and its market organiser, has lost his battle with cancer.

Derek was a champion of the multi-purpose venue and campaigned to keep it open five years ago when its future was uncertain. A spokeswoman said: “He was fiercely loyal and supportive of the community with high principles. He was liked and respected by all who knew him.”

He managed the weekly Wednesday and monthly Saturday antiques market at the Cheese and Grain for many years and was a colourful character that worked tirelessly to support the markets in Frome.

Market traders and friends have had a collection and will plant a memorial tree and plaque in the garden beside the venue.

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Driving down prices

WESTON MP John Penrose has welcomed news that electronic signs will compare the cost of fuel at motorway service stations on the M5 from this year.

The signs will compare fuel prices at service stations between Bristol and Exeter, so drivers can easily identify the cheapest place to fill up their cars and, in turn, encourage keener price competition between service stations, which have been criticised for higher fuel prices in the past.

Five signs will be trailed between Bristol and Exeter, but should the results be positive they could be rolled out nationally.

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CLEEVE HILL, UBLEY. TEL: 01761 462275 (24hrs) www.ubleymotors.co.uk

MOTORING

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

Bailey approved body shop and workshop

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

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Open Monday - Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 9am–1pm

Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Mendip farmhouse in idyllic location

IF you are seeking to rent a traditional house of character and in a secluded location surrounded by beautiful countryside, wood and fauna then look no further.

Killens are currently offering a large and spacious farmhouse that provides five/six bedrooms and sizeable reception rooms including a dining room that can sit 16 people and a modernised kitchen. There is a courtyard with a garden and a range of barns as well as a stable and paddock. There is also a two-bedroom annexe. A perfect country retreat!

Situated on the Waldegrave Estate, there is easy access to the nearby woodlands, which is a natural habitat for deer, pheasants, foxes, owls and much more. Dogs and other pets are most welcome.

Though the house is secluded, it is situated only two miles from the village of Chewton Mendip and five miles from Wells. For further details, contact the Lettings Department at Killens on 01275 333993.

If you are a landlord, Killens can offer you a knowledgeable and personal letting service that embraces proactive and innovative marketing, provides confidence and reassurance and secures the very best rental price for your property.

Whether seeking an agent just to find a tenant or an agent to fully manage a property, they can assist at competitive rates. Contact them now for a free appraisal of your property and details of the bespoke services they offer.

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Fellowship for Killens’ surveyor

JAKE Smith, who is based at the Wells office of Killens, has been awarded a fellowship of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Jake was born and bred locally and works alongside Tom Killen in the Agricultural and Commercial Department and is actively involved in the sale and letting of commercial property, planning and development, valuations and general rural professional work.

He is also an auctioneer at the Mendip Auction Rooms and in his spare time, he plays rugby for Wells RFC. For assistance on any commercial or agricultural property matters, contact Jake on 01749 671172.

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Spring auction offers a wide choice

YOU know spring is just around the corner when David James & Partners announce their first land and property auction of the year – Tuesday, March 22nd, the week before Easter and the clocks going forward!

Richard Nancekivell reports that there are some excellent lots coming in, such as a detached residential property with separate barn in Cheddar and various lots of land/stables/outbuildings in the Chew Valley.

These include a traditional stone barn at Chew Magna with the option of 26 acres of valley land; a range of timber stables and yard at Cameley; block and tile stables with 1.66 acres at Woollard Lane, near Whitchurch; some river frontage land at Wellow near Bath; four acres with stables at Wedmore and two acres with planning for four stables at Langford to name but a few.

There is still time for inclusion in the March auction. Call Richard or John to discuss your land sale/purchase or Oliver and Sharon for residential property sales or purchase 01934 864300.

PROPERTY

Training for the future

DAVID James & Partners Limited have become particularly good at ensuring their undergraduates achieve the appropriate qualifications in their field. John Williams is one of three surveyors to qualify recently.

He qualified in November and is now a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), having previously graduated from the Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester in 2010.

Brought up in Cornwall and recently married, John moved to Bristol four years ago and joined DJP. He has been involved with compensation work including Bristol Water, National Grid Hinkley, the South Bristol link road and flood defence schemes. He also advises on land sales, rural planning work and commercial lettings.

Partner, Richard Nancekivell said: “John is a key member of our professional team and it is very gratifying to see someone develop their career within DJP – it can only enhance our professional reputation and ensure our clients receive the best possible advice in all aspects of property and rural land matters.”

MENDIPS HILLS, NR. BLAGDON

CHEDDAR – AUCTION – 22ND MARCH 2016

Farmhouse with 55 acres and miles of far reaching views over the Mendip countryside. A detached house with well proportioned, high ceilinged rooms over two floors. Two principal reception rooms, conservatory, office, utility and cloakroom, four double bedrooms and family bathroom. EPC: F ref: 24834 PRICE GUIDE £995,000

A detached four bedroom farmhouse with approximately 2600 sq ft of accom. Parking, garage and garden, with detached barn with separate entrance comprising 767 sq ft. To be sold as a whole or in 2 lots. EPC: E ref: 25003.

PRICE GUIDE Lot 1: Farmhouse £350,000 Lot 2: Barn £75,000

Wrington Tel: 01934 864300 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 67

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Rail junction in Browne’s Folly Mine

and of course cavers and those with an interest in bats.

There is much to be seen and although many of the passages are high and wide, and easy to walk along, it is often necessary to climb or crawl to reach some of the more inaccessible areas.

Until 1948, all of the stone was extracted by hand – a laborious job. Starting at a smooth face, a 20cm slot was cut at roof level along the width of the face, using a narrow long-handled pick or jad. This slot was picked for a depth of just over two metres.

Then a narrow saw was used to cut the rock vertically in the required sections.

Levers were then driven in at the chosen depth and used to crack off a block. A dovetail was then cut into the block, into which steel wedges called lewises were inserted. A chain was then attached to a movable crane, jammed between the floor and roof of the passage; this was used to pull the block out, and place it on a horse-

A passage in Browne’s Folly Mine

drawn trolley.

Once the first block was removed, larger saws could be used to cut further blocks and the back of the block could be cut with a saw to reduce waste. In its freshly-hewn state, Bath stone is quite soft, and could be cut into smaller blocks in underground dressing shops. This meant that despite the weather, work could continue, although the stone was later brought to the surface to harden.

The workings were sometimes entered low down on the hillside, but often a passage leads off from a surface quarry, like those at Box Mine. Monkton Farleigh and Ridge Mines are on the top of the hill and have inclined shafts. These usually had a powered hauling system to raise the stone to the surface.

The general plan of an underground quarry is grid-like, often with passages more than four metres wide. Pillars of stone were left to support the roof; these are generally quite massive, although in

Tram loading bay in Browne’s Folly Mine

(Photograph by C. Haskell)

(Photograph by C. Haskell)

MUCH of historic Bath was built using stone which is readily found in the hills to the east of the city. It was reputedly first quarried by the With PHILIP Romans, who HENDY probably exploited outcrops to build their villas, but it was not until the early 18th century that it was sought in any quantity.

In 1710, Ralph Allen set about transforming Bath into a Georgian and Regency spa and resort; many of these buildings can be seen today. The pale yellow stone was ideal for realising the vision of Allen and his architect, John Wood.

Bath stone is Jurassic Oolite, 180 – 135 million years old. Oolite is a limestone formed by the cementing together of tiny concentric spheres of calcite, often formed around a quartz grain. It is a freestone, which means it is generally devoid of flaws or fossils, enabling it to be cut and worked in any direction without the risk of it splitting.

Not only can it be sawn into blocks for wall construction, but it lends itself to carving into architectural embellishments.

It was soon realised that the stone beds were of varying quality and the best material lay deep underground. It is reckoned that there are more than 60 miles of passages under Box Hill, comprising almost 40 underground quarries. Many have now been sealed, or are used by commercial enterprises, but the others are a draw for students of industrial archaeology,

(Photograph by C. Haskell)

E x pl o r i ng B a th s to n e q ua r ri e s

Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in produ

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Crane in Kingdown Mine

some cases they taper from top to bottom, where the quarrymen extracted as much stone as they thought it was safe to do.

The waste stone was built into walls of ‘deads’ along the sides of passages, or used to backfill disused workings. Although some passages can be more than six metres high, it is not unusual to find sudden drops, where the waste stone has been used to raise the floor, sometimes by two or three metres.

When the quarries were abandoned, many tools and other artefacts were left behind, though these have now largely been removed or vandalised. Many features still remain, such as the stables where horses were kept and ‘breakfast holes’, sheltered alcoves for rests and meal breaks. In places wheel ruts can be seen and some steel tram lines are still in place.

Fragments of machinery are still to be found and there are some cranes still standing, though in a very rotten and unstable state.

Here and there, long grooved stone blocks can be seen; these were used to support the saws when they were sharpened. Rarely, files can be found, and rusty lamp bases.

These were used by static workers such as stone dressers, though the hewers used candles or carbide lamps. Sooty niches show where the candles were placed. Percolating water was collected in stone troughs, for watering horses or damping down the stone dust.

Tallies scribed on the walls show where the quarrymen kept a check on the stone they had extracted, as they were paid on piecework. Names and dates are frequently seen and in places there is superb graffiti. Most are caricatures of workmen or supervisors, though there are military themes – even some pornography!

Most of the open quarries are now gated and locked to try to preserve them and because several are important bat roosts. There

Passage lined with deads in Kingdown Mine

is also the safety aspect – not only are many quarries now unstable, but the maze-like workings are not easy for the inexperienced to find their way around – there have been many searches for people who have failed to retrace their steps, or whose lights have failed.

Exploration is far safer and interesting with an experienced person, who has the knowledge to explain about the quarry and how it was worked. For the armchair mine explorer, I recommend one of the local pubs, which display old photographs of the quarries, and also collections of the tools used by the quarrymen.

These can be examined in comfort and safety, while supping a pint.

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

Graffiti in Ridge Mine

d in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 69

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

CAVING

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WASSAIL

Living history in Pilton

VILLAGERS in Pilton staged their first community wassail, organised largely by members of the local history group.

The day began with a performance by Cam Valley Morris, followed by a self-penned Mummers play performed by many well-known villagers.

Led by drummers and the wassail king and queen – Jaz House and Norman Hodghton – villagers then made their way to Gabriel’s Orchard, a community orchard with stunning views of Glastonbury Tor for the traditional blessing of the trees.

James Morris (left) and Joe King in the Mummers play

Villagers arrive at Gabriel’s Orchard

Retired vet Steve Tofts was master of ceremonies and also took part in the play

Wassail king and queen: Jaz House and Norman Houghton

The procession makes its way to the community orchard for the wassail ceremony PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Ann Mallinson was on holiday from her home in New Zealand and staying with family in Shepton Mallet

Seeing villagers in a different light – some of the cast of the Mummers play

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Can you entertain them?

SINGERS, musicians, comedians, magicians, dancers and all-round general entertainers are wanted to appear in this year’s Bridgwater Carnival Concerts in October.

The shows takes place between Monday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 15th and the 12 evening performances are expected to attract a sell-out audience of 4,500.

The aim of the “front of curtain” acts is to entertain the audience in-between the performances by the 13 Bridgwater carnival clubs.

Auditions for the highly prestigious spots will take place at Bridgwater Town Hall on Tuesday, March 15th. Carnival concerts have been held annually in Bridgwater since 1883 and tickets for the four-hour show will be available through the online shop at www.bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or from the carnival centre later this year.

Rita Jones, president of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, said: “We would love to hear from individuals and groups who enjoy performing on a stage in front of an audience, and who can entertain for a five-minute slot at this year’s show.

If our 2015 auditions are anything to go by, then the judges will have an extremely difficult task in selecting the acts that will go through to the concerts.”

G To apply to audition, contact Tony on 07901 233166, at: chiefsteward@bridgwatercarnival.org.uk or by completing the application form on the website. The closing date for applications is Saturday, March 5th.

Watch out – beagles about

Cheddar panto

NEWS

CHEDDAR Stage Society will present "The Wrong Pantomime" at St Andrew’s Church Hall, in Cheddar on Friday February 26th at 7.30pm and on Saturday February 27th at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The society has been established for many years, producing many musicals and plays such as The Wizard of Oz and the Sound of Music. Their club night is every Thursday at the Methodist Church Hall, Cheddar, 7pm – 9pm. The minimum age for members is 12.

The Wrong Pantomime is a mixture of pantomime characters and stories who all turn up at the same time and place to play their parts.

Tickets can be purchased from Deane & Sons in Cheddar.

Adults cost £7.50, children up to 16, £5.

THESE were the scenes when the Chilmark and Clifton Foot Beagles met at Emborough for a day of trail hunting on Mendip.

The hunt and followers prepare to set off from the Old Down Inn Eager to be off

Huntsman James Warnett (left) and joint master Ian Arnett MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

HOMES & INTERIORS

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PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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JACKSONS

Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .

You can read the full story behind these customer projects, the products that were used and see more photos by logging on to your dedicated page www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal

THREE of the best! February can be a grim month, but don’t despair – here are three of the best of our customer projects with some photos of glorious gardens to inspire you to think of 2016 garden projects and to help get you through the cold winter months.

Above: Jacksons Venetian panels are used to dramatic effect in this stunning garden refurbishment by Brighton designer Dawn Banks. She says: “I always use Jacksons Fencing as it provides the high quality contemporary effect required within my designs. The added benefit of the 25 year guarantee is very important when creating a beautiful space for clients. It is important not only to use the highest

WIN £300 OF JACKSONS VOUCHERS

quality material, but it is essential that they stay looking good and last for many years to come. A garden is an investment that grows and matures over time, so it is unthinkable to introduce a product that will perish or rot. So by installing Jacksons I can be sure these integral parts of my design will stay looking great as the garden grows around it.”

Below left: You can almost feel the heat radiating off the gorgeous circular paving in Maureen Vinall’s garden designed by Earthstone Landscapes. One of the aims of the redesign was to make what was essentially quite a small garden appear more spacious. This was achieved by terracing different levels within the garden

using Jakwall to make flowerbeds that radiate outwards and step upwards from a central round paved area.

Below right: The lovely garden below belongs to Brian Hattersley. He saw the Retreat shelter at a show Jacksons were attending and decided to incorporate it into the design for his new garden. He explained that he actually wanted something a bit larger than the standard Retreat shelter, so he’s adapted it to make a ‘one and a half’ sized one, see below. I think you will agree, it looks great, especially with the matching Venetian fencing. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

To enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win £300 of Jacksons vouchers simply log on to your dedicated page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 29.2.16.

To enter go to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal

For info on any of Jacksons products or brochures please call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2106 • PAGE 73

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MENDIP TIMES

Andrew James – a passion for stone AN eye for detail, an extensive knowledge of the different qualities of stone and a simple mallet and chisel – these are the tools of a man who is passionate about stone carving.

Andrew James, of Oakhill, specialises in the ancient art of hand carved lettering, using traditional methods to create beautiful and bespoke pieces in natural local stone.

His work is on display in private homes and public buildings throughout the West Country and Home Counties and includes: * House name and date stones: Andrew creates hand carved house name and date signs set in natural stone or carved directly onto existing walls. He also takes commissions for

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

commercial buildings and property developments. * Wedding stones: Perfect as a unique gift or an unusual table centrepiece, Andrew creates beautiful wedding stones to help commemorate your special day. * Memorials: Andrew offers a full range of memorial stone services, working with you to sympathetically design and produce a lasting and personal memorial. Gravestone restoration services are also available. * Wine racks: Andrew produces striking and uniquely stackable wine rack units crafted from hand carved stone. Ideal for both domestic and commercial commissions. * Bespoke commissions: With more than 20 years’ experience in stonemasonry, sculpture and architectural restoration, Andrew is happy to discuss bespoke commissions. If you need anything created in stone, give him a call to talk about it.

Andrew said: “The way the light falls on hand carved lettering and the shadows it creates is completely different to anything made mechanically; every piece is unique.

“I believe passionately that you have to use traditional tools and techniques to achieve that level of craftsmanship.”

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HOMES & INTERIORS Telephone: 01761 417654 Facsimile: 01761 417207 email: office@techniglaze.co.uk www.techniglaze.co.uk

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 77

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MENDIP TIMES

Meet Percy – Mendip’s veteran wonder horse THIS winter so far – wet, muddy and dreary just about sums it up.

Trying enough for most horse owners, but what about those who have elderly With RACHEL equines who need THOMPSON extra care through this MBE season?

Many Mendip folk will have seen Shepton Mallet-based Caroline Taylor on her annual circuit of showing, hunting and demonstrations with her stunning 28-yearold Thoroughbred x Hanoverian horse Percy. One of my (few) claims to fame is that I originally introduced Caroline to Percy when owned by another friend who was looking to re-home him. Honestly, one lovelorn look over that stable door 18 years ago led to a match that is still made in heaven.

There is no better way of reminiscing with old friends than to hack ‘n’ chat so I invited the pair up to Priddy for a ride out with me and Baggage (aka Tamora). We goggled as Percy bounced out of the trailer and towed us off towards Priddy Green looking for the hunt.

“Ok, so what’s your top tip for other veteran owners?” I asked, admiring the long stride, straight back, shiny coat, alert ears and beautiful toned muscle.

Caroline says that “keeping an elderly horse warm, interested and mobile” is the key to a long, healthy life. Percy’s daily care is standard, rugged to keep warm and time out in the field depending on the weather. When stabled he often wears a magnetic pad or boots which really seem to help his mobility as does a quality joint supplement. Both his and Caroline’s bodies are checked and realigned through regular Equine Touch and Vascular Harmony treatments. However, it is work that this horse really seems to thrive on.

A ream of paper would be required to record Percy’s CV – truly a horse that can turn his hoof to anything. In 1995, as a seven-year-old he was engaged as an equine film star carrying Mel Gibson as William Wallace in Braveheart and Andrew Keir as the Duke of Argyll in Rob Roy. Since 1997 his partnership with Caroline has seen them hunting (with eight different packs), showing and winning sacks of rosettes at local, county, Royal Windsor shows and the Veteran Horse Society Championships (“veteran” being 15 years and over).

The pair also perform riding displays such as at Buckham Fair and appear on stands in Percy’s role as patron for the Veteran Horse Society. Percy has also appeared at open evenings and birthday parties where he is happy to wear banners,

Percy and Caroline in Priddy

balloons and small children!

In his youth Percy was threatened with euthanasia due to a fractured sesamoid bone. “Has he needed the vet much since then?” I wondered. Caroline laughed: “One corn and blocked sinuses (twice) – he’s only ever lost a shoe once – in the Welsh mountains.” Worst experience? “Percy’s always been a strong horse – we were asked to leave the ring at the 1998 Mid Somerset Show following three laps of flat-out gallop – unable to stop!” Best experience? Caroline has joint problems so owning and caring for this remarkable horse gives her confidence, keeps her mobile and is a reason to get up every day.

G You can follow Percy’s adventures on Facebook where he has many friends – go to VHS Percy for more on this touching human and equine partnership.

Percy and Caroline at a display

Percy with Mel Gibson on a poster for Braveheart

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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What a year in prospect after anniversary celebration WITH the festive season behind us thoughts at Stables Equine Practice are turning towards the spring.

The practice celebrated its first year at its Conkerfield Clinic just before Christmas with a well-supported client evening in December to mark the occasion; it was so well supported that it held an “encore” in January to cater for those they were unable to accommodate first time around!

The two events also raised money for The Brooke Charity.

These informal gatherings will be repeated during the year at Conkerfield in association with The Pony Club, The British Horse Society and Dengie Horse Feeds.

Meanwhile, Nicko Robertson and the other members of the vet team will be looking forward to the resumption of racing at Bath in April and Tim Randle is beginning preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio which will take him away from the practice for much of August. In the meantime he continues his work for the United States Eventing Team. Closer to home all at The Stables Equine Practice wish young riders Charlotte East and Phoebe Locke the very best of luck as they both build upon their respective European Championship successes of 2015.

The practice will be supporting the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt point-to-point fixture at Ston Easton on Sunday, March 20th.

RIDING

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) Stables Equine Practice, Conkerfield, Pennybatch Lane, Wookey, Wells BA5 1NH Tel: 01749 830666 • website: www.stablesequinepractice.co.uk

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SUNDAY MARCH 20th 12.30pm MENDIP FARMERS’ HUNT RACES TEL: 07879 645364 FOR MORE INFORMATION

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 79

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Music for minis

Choir is hit in Holland

MUSIC for Miniatures has launched in the Chew Valley! It’s a concert series aimed at parents/carers with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Professional musicians perform a 45-minute recital with short pieces to a very young audience whilst the children react to the music in their own way without having to sit still or be quiet.

It’s a great opportunity for little ones to hear high quality live music, get right up close to the musicians and experience the joy of music at its best. The first concert featured violin and piano and was enjoyed by many parents, grandparents and childminders as well as all the children.

The next concert is on Wednesday February 24th, 10am in Chew Magna Baptist Church.

Details: www.musicforminiatures.co.uk

Folk band’s return

AFTER a five-year break, the five members of folk band, Magenta, have got together again to play some dates in 2016. Based in the Mendip area, Magenta had a large following in the 1970s and 1980s and recorded three albums and played throughout the UK and abroad.

Following the success of reunion concerts at Weston-super-Mare’s Blakehay Theatre and Playhouse in 2009 and 2011, and the release of a fourth album, Magenta are playing a special charity concert at St. Mary’s Church, Berrow, near Burnham-on-Sea, on Friday, February 5th.

They also return to the Blakehay Theatre, Wadham Street, Weston, for two nights on Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th.

MUSIC

WELLS Cathedral Choir has been on tour to The Netherlands, following a successful trip in 2010, returning to The Hague to sing, once again, in three Christmas concerts with the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.

Dutch government ministers and business leaders from all over mainland Europe attended the third of the three concerts, which took place in the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), which was built in 1649.

The music included John Rutter’s Magnificat, and various traditional Christmas carols alongside some newer Christmas pieces. There was also an English-themed orchestral medley, which included everything from the James Bond theme to Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory.

The concert was recorded for Dutch TV and was broadcast on Christmas Day. In 2014 it was the most-watched programme on the channel in the whole year.

Magenta consist of five musicians, all of whom have been involved in music in the West Country for many years.

Their music features a variety of instruments including guitars, keyboards, fiddle, mandolin, whistles,

recorders and harmonica and they all contribute to the vocal harmonies that are a part of their sound.

They are Arthur Brown, Pete Thompson, Jan Macauley, Allen Greenall and Mervyn Brown.

Details: Tickets for the Berrow concert are available from jann.mac@talktalk.net or 07970 525826. Tickets for the Blakehay concerts are available from the Blakehay box office 01934 645493 www.blakehaytheatre.co.uk, or contact Magenta on 07970 525826 (www.magentamusic.co.uk).

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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SPORT

Golden girl is back on top of the world

Winning one world championship would be an achievement, but to win ten is truly remarkable.

Trina Gulliver has re-staked her claim to be the Golden Girl of British darts after her latest world darts victory. Steve Egginton reports.

THE many thousands of viewers watching the world darts championships on television must have been struck by the steely determination of Trina Gulliver. Her victory marked a triumph in more ways than one.

Back home in Cheddar, with the enormous world trophy packed in a travelling case, she celebrated with her supporters at the Riverside Inn, where she practices.

Over a drink, she reflected on the heartbreak and challenges – and eventual triumph – of the last few years.

Trina reckons she threw her first dart at the age of two at the pub her mum and dad ran, The Bowling Green Inn at Southam in Warwickshire. At 14 she beat everyone at the Warwickshire Youth Darts Tournament – girls and boys – and the county coach, Jack Cundy, predicted she would play for England.

At the age of 24 she did, going on to win triple gold in one match in South Africa to earn the Golden Girl nickname, as well as a host of other tournaments.

In 2001 she won the first ladies’ world darts championship, going on to win eight more titles, during which time she published her autobiography and was later awarded the MBE for her services to darts and charity.

But the route to her tenth world title was far from easy.

Preparing to defend her title in 2012, her mum, Muriel, died two days before. She lost and had not won the title since then.

Trina said: “Mum’s death really rocked me but everyone said I should play, it’s what mum would have wanted. It’s something I struggled to get over, but I had to battle on and getting the tenth title meant so much to me.

“I’d been written off a bit by a lot of the darts fraternity

Trina with some of the locals at the Riverside Inn

Trina in front of the dartboard where she practices with the World BDO Trophy

and the media, so it’s satisfying to bounce back. A lot of it has to do with mental attitude. My mum was always such a supporter and was always in my mind.”

Trina also faced the dilemma of “coming out” when she and Sue, a former professional player she met on the darts circuit, announced they were getting married. Six years after the ceremony at Banwell Castle, they celebrate their anniversary in July.

Trina said: “I was petrified about losing friends, family, sponsors, since darts was my living, but it was such a relief for us to do it and everyone has been so supportive.”

Sue works in the post offices in Axbridge and Wedmore and her daughters Elaine, aged 24, and Paige, aged 17, were with her at the Lakeside for Trina’s world victory, along with Trina’s nephews, nieces and sisters.

After winning the world title, followed by interviews with Clare Balding and the rest of the media, it was back to training at the Riverside for the Dutch open in Holland – and back to work as a qualified carpenter and joiner.

Being a ten times world champion may be glamorous – but the prize money this time was £12,000, compared to the men’s prize of £100,000.

Trina said: “We play the same venues and face the same costs, but without anything like the same returns. So having qualified you have 40 men in the worlds, but only 16 women. There are good players who simply can’t afford the cost of getting there.”

Trina is available for exhibition matches, which help cover the cost of competing.

Details: www.trina-gulliver.com Trina 07721 026027 Sue 07809 481307.

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MENDIP TIMES

Don’t be a square – buy a cube!

CASTLE Cary Rugby Club is hoping supporters and the local community will square up to a fundraising challenge to install floodlighting for the first team pitches.

Set a target of £38,000, the club has received generous financial support from Viridor and Mendip District Council but still needs to raise a significant amount to complete construction.

Planning permission has already been granted for the floodlights. Each lighting column needs five supporting “cubes” on concrete, so the club is asking players, families and local businesses to sponsor a concrete cube.

The 1st XV plays in the South West Division – Tribute Somerset 1 league. Club chairman Simon Clifford said: “It’s a little unusual, but we are asking people to sponsor the 40 cubes we need – we’ve had a great start and already have a number of cubes sponsored and are looking to ask the wider community to give a little something back to the club.”

Each cube is available for £65 and each sponsor gets their name and a message on the floodlighting column as a thank you. Simon added: “We are a club which has tremendous support from local people and businesses and having a way that enables the club to raise some muchneeded funding while at the same time being able to recognise those who can help out is really important to us.

“The floodlighting is absolutely essential to us – at the moment we can’t train through the winter months and that holds us back. Having professional floodlighting will improve training, performance and also means we have something that we can offer back to our local community with a well-lit pitch that will be available outside rugby use.”

Club president Chris Watts said: “We have a successful adults team and a fantastic mini and youth rugby section which is supported by volunteers, families and friends – they are our lifeblood.

“But the support from people like Viridor and Mendip Council is equally fantastic and enables our club to look to the future and to continue to improve across all our teams.”

Castle Cary RFC is attempting to create a new world record to help with the upgrading of the club’s youth training equipment.

They have been asking players, supporters and officials to donate as many rugby shirts as possible from clubs of all sizes from all over the UK and abroad in an attempt to create the largest collection of shirts in the world. An approach would then be made to the Guinness World Records organisation to register the collection as a world record. The club will then raffle the shirts to raise funds for the project. Any unsold shirts will be sent to SOS KIT AID. For details visit Castle Cary record attempt on facebook or find them on Twitter.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a cube at CCRFC can contact club secretary Viv Armson at: vivienarmson@gmail.com

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

10K every day? That’s just for starters!

By Mark Adler

Jim at home with some of the medals and race numbers he has collected during his efforts

JIM Plunkett-Cole has barely had time to put his feet up after completing a short-course triathlon every day for a year, but Mendip’s real-life version of Forrest Gump is planning his next challenge – and it is not for the faint-hearted.

In October, Jim is planning to start an epic 19,000 mile, threeyear-long run to recreate the route taken by the star of the hit film.

His aim is to begin the adventure on October 1st from Mobile in Alabama – the same day and place where Forrest Gump started out. He will run 16 miles a day, stopping to give talks about the benefits of daily activity to schools and organisations en-route.

Jim said: “The intention is to try and translate the seven minutes in the film into reality, tackling weight and obesity issues amongst adults and children along the way.”

In 2013, Jim, of Kilmersdon, began running 10km every day as part of a one-man campaign to encourage people to become more active. The campaign K365 was largely driven through Facebook.

Last year Jim set himself a further challenge – to run at least 10km every day, complete a 20km cycle Bye bye bike – hello ride daily and swim 750m. He is America still running 10km every day as March 14th will mark his 1,169th run – the same number as Forrest Gump.

His efforts have certainly inspired people of all ages. Jim has started giving talks to schools; he was a popular visitor to Bishop Henderson primary school in Coleford where he also took pupils on a run around the sports area.

As with K365, Jim’s American adventure – being called Jim Gump – is being promoted through social media and Jim has sent a message to Facebook boss Mark Mark Zuckerberg who is planning to run a mile every day in 2016 to ask him to join him on October 1st.

Jim, 47, said: “I have already got a good support team but I have less than 10 months to make this happen.”

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Sailors brave the winds on New Year’s Day

AROUND 40 sailors from across the West Country braved the northerly winds and heavy rain to take part in the annual invitation New Year’s Day pursuit race at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club on Cheddar Reservoir.

Many more spectators enjoyed the view from the warmth of the clubhouse, or whilst blowing away the cobwebs on a windy walk around the reservoir.

First to start to a big cheer from the shore were Bettine Harris and Abigail Campbell, both aged 12, sailing together for the first time in a Cadet. They fought hard in winds of up to force five to

Grace is a star of the future

NORTON Hill pupil, Grace Stammers, aged 15, is tipped as a player of the future by Purnell Bowls Club’s chief coach Mel Bowen.

Grace joined the club in October 2013 attending most Saturday morning regular coaching sessions for young players and used her bowls training as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.

She was selected to play for the Outdoor Somerset County under 25s team at Knowle last August and has since played for the Indoor Somerset County under 25s team several times. In the most recent match at Bristol Indoor Bowls Club on January 3rd her rink won 18-5 and Somerset won by 25 shots overall.

Mel said he is “absolutely over the moon” with Grace’s progress.

SPORT

hold the lead for over an hour and a half of the gruelling two-hour race, but a capsize lost them valuable minutes and they were overtaken by Bettine’s older brother Jamie Harris in his Laser 4.7 As the finish drew closer Nick Noble from Portishead SC established a good lead in his Contender and was a worthy winner, ahead of Cheddar sailor Steve Bolland in his RS300, and Axbridge’s Ian Harris.

First Junior home was Jamie Harris, in his first season in the Laser. First lady helm and all-girl team were Bettine and Abi who finished sixth.

Bettine and Abi in action

About to capsize

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 83

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MENDIP TIMES

Stuck in the muds!

Photos by Mark Adler

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts shook off any lasting New Year hangovers by braving deep mud and heavy rain at a time trial event at Lambs Lair near West Harptree.

The event for solo riders and sidecars was organised by the Bristol Sporting Sidecar Association and was the first of two Alan Brown 2016 Time Trials being held in January.

Contemplating their next move

Sidecars and solo machines competed over the same course

Stuck fast

Concentration and determination were required in the tough conditions

One rider gets that sinking feeling PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Day at the races breaks records WINCANTON Racecourse has reported an almost 20% increase in the number of racegoers who attended in 2015.

Part of The Jockey Club’s nationwide portfolio of 15 racecourses, Wincanton welcomed an additional 8,256 visitors, an 18.5% increase from 44,586 annual racegoers to 52,842 year-on-year. A large crowd for the traditional Boxing Day meeting boosted numbers.

Huw Williams, Wincanton’s general manager, said: “I am thrilled for the Wincanton team to have secured such a positive increase in attendance for 2015.

“Having recently taken up the reins, I will be looking to build on such successes over the coming year and seasons.”

Wincanton’s much-anticipated Champion Hurdle trial – the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle – takes place on Saturday, February 20th, offering a last preparation platform for a number of top class hurdlers.

King’s Odyssey arrives in the winner’s enclosure after victory in the novices’ steeplechase

SPORT

East Hill (left), trained by Colin Tizzard of Sherborne, and Oscar Jane, trained by Bridgwater-based Johnny Farrelly, battle it out in the Bathwick Tyres Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. Colin was at Kempton to see Cue Card win the prestigious King George VI Chase

Enjoying a day at the races: this group from South Somerset was also celebrating the recent engagement of Charlotte Marsh and Tim Lishman (pictured second and third on the left)

The Boxing Day meeting is popular with all the family

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Junior skittlers’ awards

THEY start them young at Clutton! These are members of the junior skittles club at their awards night at Clutton Social Club.

Linda Hanlon, who runs the under-8s, said: “We try and teach them how to stand and throw the ball correctly but as you can imagine the under-8s have their own way of throwing the ball, some of them are four years old so it’s just great fun for them.”

The children pay 50p a session and get squash and biscuits thrown in for that. Ray Davidge keeps all the scores and supplies the children with paper and crayons to keep them amused between skittling.

Skittles has now resumed and new players are always welcome.

Cricket “ball” smasher

A MASQUERADE Ball held by Beckington Cricket Club has raised £14,000 towards the Forever Friends Appeal to build a new cancer centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

The ball, sponsored by Thornbury Sports Ltd., raised a total of £18,000. The Forever Friends Appeal, which is leading the fundraising campaign at the RUH, has recognised Beckington Cricket Club as one of their Community Partners (awarded to groups raising more than £10,000 towards the appeal).

Race entries invited

THE popular Chew Valley 10k race returns in 2016 and is now open for entries. Now in its fourth year, this scenic road race will take place on Sunday June 19th at 9.30am, followed by a children’s 1k race.

The event is officially licensed by UK Athletics and chip-timed.

As with last year’s event, the 10k will start and finish close to race headquarters at Bishop Sutton village hall, where supporters can also enjoy a wealth of entertainment and refreshments.

The event is not for profit and raises funds for Bishop Sutton Primary School, the Chew Valley School Society, the charity Bloodbikes Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Support and other local sporting and charitable organisations.

Details: www.chewvalley10k.co.uk

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

Breeze across Mendip

SPORT

BREEZE is an award-winning programme aimed at getting more women into riding bikes. I met Breeze ‘champions’ Heidi Blunden, Katty Skardon and Vicki Morris to find out more before one of their organised bike rides on a fine winter’s day by Chew CYCLING Valley Lake. with EDMUND There are three times as many men LODITE than women cycling regularly in Britain yet research suggests that almost one million British women would like to ride a bike more often. British Cycling surveyed over a thousand women to find out what was discouraging them from riding.

Results revealed that safety concerns, lack of knowledge of routes and having no-one to cycle with were the key barriers to getting involved.

In response to these concerns, British Cycling launched Breeze, its biggest ever programme focused on getting more women into riding bikes for fun. With National Lottery funding it offers a nationwide network of local, fun and flexible bike rides designed to close the gap between the number of men and women cycling regularly.

The Breeze network has over 1,000 ‘champions’ – female volunteers trained by British Cycling, who organise regular free bike rides for women throughout Britain.

Heidi, Katty and Vicki are part of the group of Breeze ‘champions’ who organise bike rides for women across Mendip. They explained that the bike rides are held monthly, vary in distance and are open to women of all ages and abilities. It also offers the opportunity to ride in a small group before thinking about joining a cycling club.

Led by women for women, the emphasis is on encouraging participation by organising local bike rides that are free, friendly, informal and which go at a speed that suits everyone. The cake stop is always one of the highlights!

After the bike ride from the lake, the feedback from Katty was: “We can always tell a ride is going well by the amount of chat and there was a good level today!”

Sounds good? Then for more information and to look out for bike rides near you visit www.goskyride.com/breeze

Breeze champions

Edmund Lodite has been a life-long cyclist who took up road bikes after competing in triathlons.

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Future stars at point-to-points?

VISITORS to this year’s Point-to-Point meetings at Charlton Horethorne and Ston Easton are being encouraged to stay to the end to enjoy spotting some potential stars of the future.

Both fixtures will culminate with pony races where young riders gain experience of racing in front of big crowds – and many get a taste for the limelight and pursue horseriding as a career.

The Charlton Horethorne fixture – just outside Wincanton – takes place on Sunday, March 3rd and is organised by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt. Six races being at 12.30 and there will be tradestands, bookmakers as well as a big screen for spectators to enjoy all the action in full.

Ston Easton once again hosts the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt meeting, on Sunday, March 20th, with six races again beginning at 12.30 and ending with pony racing. There will also be tradestands, bookmakers and a big screen.

Both fixtures are part of the Wessex area of the Point-toPoint Association, which covers meetings held in Eastern Hampshire, Southern Wiltshire, the whole of Dorset and Somerset and Eastern Devon. It is one of the largest and busiest of the sport's 14 nationwide geographical divisions.

Young riders at last year’s meeting at Ston Easton

WHAT’S ON

Bands and more at the Bell

LIVE music at the Bell in Shepton Mallet is rapidly becoming the “must-do” event on Friday nights for fans and bands.

The family-run freehouse has established an enviable Micky with daughters Gemma reputation for the consistent (left) and Lucy quality of the music it showcases, from rock, reggae and jazz to covers, metal and R ‘n’ B. Landlord Micky Taft said: “We have got a lovely reputation for our music and we are booked solid for most Friday nights as word gets round the music scene that it’s going to be a good night with a lot of fun and laughter.”

In February, Micky will celebrate both his birthday and the first anniversary of taking over the Bell which offers five ciders, four lagers and three real ales, along with a wide range of other drinks.

The Bell also hosts karaoke and discos on Saturday nights.

Admission on both Fridays and Saturdays is free.

Micky said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and look forward to seeing new faces every week.

I believe what we are doing is helping to put some life into Shepton Mallet town centre.”

Bands wanting to find out more about appearing at the Bell should contact Micky via the pub’s Facebook page where you can also keep up-to-date with all the news.

LIVE MUSIC FROM 9pm EVERY FRIDAY! January 29th: RAY JONES BAND “Rock and R ‘n’ B covers at their best”

February 5th: ZETON SPORE “Didgeridoo dance ‘n’ trance”

February 12th: DIRTY ‘ARRY “Four-piece band modern-covers powerhouse”

February 19th: PARFANON “Flat-out entertainment – a must-see band”

February 26th: SNAKE EYES “Non-stop talented guitar-led band”

Pony racing is fast, furious and great fun to watch

Entries for the Charlton Horethorne fixture close on Monday, February 29th; the closing date for Ston Easton is Monday, March 14th. More details can be found at: www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Follow all our news (including a guest band appearance in February to celebrate the landlord’s birthday) by finding us on Facebook and like us to have a chance to win free drinks worth £50 (T&Cs apply) – https://www.facebook.com/TheBellShepton/

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016 • PAGE 87

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M e n d i p

Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Wednesday January 27th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell WI Hall, 2pm, AGM and talk "How to use a defibrillator". Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday January 28th Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Somerset. Eve Tigwell on the patterns of change shown by the new BTO atlas & the Somerset Bird Atlas, 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome. Adults £2.50, students £1.

Chew Valley Wildlife Group, Natural Norway, a talk by Andrew Town, Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, admission £2.50, season ticket available.

West Mendip Walkers, a circular 4.5m walk from Banwell, OS Ex153 ST398592, start 12.30pm, car park opposite primary school.

Contact anthonyestrange@gmail.com 01934 733783 07976 902706.

Friday January 29th Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Litton village hall, 7.30pm, tickets £10. Details: Mike Goulding 01761 241522 or Maggie Beeton 01761 241522.

Saturday January 30th Farmborough Memorial Hall, quiz & curry with teams of 6-8 in aid of hall funds, 7pm for 7.30pm start, tickets £8.50 in advance (£10.50 on door) incl. two-course meal, licensed bar.

Tickets: Nicky or Dave, 01761 470158.

Clothes donations for Weston Hospicecare – New Year sort-out? Please bring any donations to Blagdon Village Club, 10am –12 noon, coffee available.

Somerset Plant Heritage Group, members’ plant sale at 1.30pm, “Peonies on the move” by David Victor at 2.30pm, Edington Village Hall TA7 9HA. Details: 01278 451631.

Mendip Society walk, Ubley to Rickford and back, meet 11am at Ubley sawmills car park. A six-mile walk with a lunch stop at the Plume of Feathers, Rickford. Details: Martin 01761 462528.

Tuesday February 2nd Eat, Sink and be Merry – Dining on the Titanic, Dr Annie Gray talk to Mendip DFAS at Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN at 11am, guests welcome. Details: 01934 862435 www.mdfas.org.uk.

Thursday February 4th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 7.8mi/12.5km from Charterhouse, OS Ex141 ST505556, start 10.30am, park at PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

T i m e s

Charterhouse. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Cheddar Valley U3A, Jane Austen – her life, a talk by Jane Dawes, Cheddar Village Hall (Church House) 2.15pm, entry £2, visitors welcome.

Friday February 5th Open Mic Night at Redhill Club, from 8pm.

Hosted by Jerry Blythe. Bring your voice or your instruments, an opportunity to showcase your talent, or just watch and enjoy. Free. All welcome, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, 8pm, Doors 7.30pm, £8, £6, in aid of village hall funds.

Details: 01458 447223.

British Horse Society Road Safety Talk by Julie Garbutt. Organised by East Mendip Riding Club. Doulting Village Hall, Doulting, BA4 4PL at 7.30pm. Open to all riders, motorists and cyclists - learning to keep safe together.

Mendip Players present Humpty Dumpty and the Magic Wall. 7.30pm. £7.50 adults/£5 under 17s. Draycott Memorial Hall. Tickets available from Barbara Wheal on 01934 743890 and Draycott Post Office stores. Shows also on Saturday, February 6th at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Saturday February 6th Pancakes event, in aid of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, Brent Knoll Parish Hall, TA9 4EH, 11am –2pm, also bric-a-brac and bring & buy, all welcome. Details: Liz 01278 760810.

Mendip Society walk around the Polden Hills, meet 1.30pm in Church Road, Bawdrip. An easy walk of six miles on the Somerset moors, including the King's Sedgemoor Drain. Could be muddy! Details: Judy 01749 672196.

Frome Society for Local Study & Frome Civic Society, Sue Bucklow, former curator of BBC’s Hulton Picture Library, on the Singers’ legacy war memorials. Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm.

Tuesday February 9th Weston-super-Mare Archaeological & Natural History Society, talk by Professor Ronald Hutton on the Traditional Festivals of Britain, 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, BS23 1XU. Visitors welcome £2.50. Details: www.wanhs.org Pancake Races at The Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe, 3.30pm, being held with the support of St James’ Church, Winscombe, refreshments available. Details: Mureen Fragher 01934 842084.

Wednesday February 10th Wells Civic Society, Community Radio, with Allan Trinder and colleagues from GFM, 7.30pm, Wells & Mendip Museum, nonmembers £2.

Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, the

W h a t ’ s

Fascination of Foliage with Don Everitt, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, 7.30pm, members £2, visitors £3. Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Thursday February 11th West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk of 6mi/9.7km from Sand Bay, OS Ex153 ST329633. Start 12.30pm, public car park, Sand Bay. Details: Tony Strange, 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday February 12th Banwell Society of Archaeology, update on the Winscombe Project, 7.30pm, Banwell Village Hall.

Saturday February 13th Mendip Society walk, Winford, meet 1.30pm

by St Mary & St Peter Church, BS40 8EW, a four-mile walk up Dundry Hill with lovely views. Details: Richard & Denise 01275 472797.

Fougere Rouge ceilidh band, Brent Knoll Parish Hall, 7.30pm, fiddles and flutes from 8pm. Tickets £10, to include an Irish stew supper, from Brent Knoll village shop. Details: 01278 760 986 or Jenny, 01278 760 477.

Sunday February 14th and Monday February 15th Snowdrop & Hellebore Days at Sherborne Garden, Litton, with Pamela & John Southwell, in aid of the NGS, 11am, entrance £4, children free, tea and coffee available. Details: 01761 241220.

Sunday February 14th Somerset Wildlife Trust East Mendip branch, winter wildfowl walk at Catcott Lows with Mick Ridgard, including the new tower hide & boardwalk. Meet 10am, Catcott car park ST401418, adults £2.50, students £1.

Monday February 15th Timsbury Natural History Group, Martin Hunt, A trip to Australia. Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3.

Details: Martin Hunt 01761 433234.

Tuesday February 16th Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, the Street Pastor Scheme, with Jennie Noakes, 2pm, St. John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Dreamtime to Machine Time, NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350 527.

Radstock Museum “Science in Radstock” talk. From Raindrop to Table Top: A technical history of Bristol’s water, by Colin Hunt of Bristol Water. Radstock Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Admission £3. Details www.radstockmuseum.co.uk Wednesday February 17h Axbridge Archaeological & Local History Society, “Lighthouses of Burnham”, with John Strickland, Cross Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, non-

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members welcome but are asked for a donation of £2.

Henton & District Gardening Club, Climbers and Clematis, Henton village hall, 7.30pm, visitors £2.

Thursday February 18th Cheddar Valley U3A, Meet & Greet coffee morning, Cheddar Village Hall (Church House), 10.30am to 12 noon, visitors welcome. Details 01934 744241 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 9mi/14.7km from Blackford, OS Ex 141 ST409477, start 10.30am, park in road near Sexeys Arms. Details: Tony Strange: 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Saturday February 20th Frome Civic Society & Frome Society for Local Study. Ken Rogers, formerly Wiltshire county archivist, on the Wiltshire and Somerset Woollen Industry, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm.

Mendip Society walk, High Littleton, meet 1.30pm at the lane off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood, BS39 6XZ. Park Greyfield Road, as only limited parking at the wood. A four-mile walk with a waterfall, no major hills but may be muddy. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Wednesday February 24th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, 1.30pm, speaker from Healthwatch North Somerset. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday February 25th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 6mi/9.7km from North Wootton Village Hall, OS Ex141 ST563418, meet 1pm, village hall car park. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Chew Valley Wildlife Group, Urban Peregrines with Ed Drewitt, Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, £2.50, season tickets available.

Somerset Wildlife Trust East Mendip branch, Nigel Phillips will update on SWT’s marine & coastal activities and the wildlife to be found, 7.30pm, St. Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome BA11 1EU. Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th Cheddar Stage Society presents “The Wrong Pantomime” at St Andrew’s Church Hall, 7.30pm each evening and 2.30pm Saturday.

Tickets £7.50, U-16s £5, from Deane & Sons Cheddar.

Saturday February 27th Winscombe Community Association Book Sale 9am-12.30pm, refreshments available, please leave donations in the Centre, Sandford Road at the Thursday market, 9-12.00 or call 01934 843986.

Mendip Society walk, Wedmore to Blackford

F e b r u a r y

meet 1.30pm, free car park on Cheddar Road, Wedmore, BS28 4ED, a six-mile walk with good views of the Mendips. Details: Geoff 01934 712834.

Onyx Brass, with Churchill Music, St. John’s Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5NB, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Champions of Churchill Music £10.50, non-champions £14.50, U-18s £4. Details: 01934 852919 or info@churchillmusic.org.uk Somerset Plant Heritage Group, members’ plant sale at 1.30pm, then a talk on Practical Propagation: Seeds, Cuttings & Beyond by Victoria Logan, 2.30pm. Edington Village Hall TA7 9HA, visitors £4. Details: 01278 451631.

Tuesday March 1st The Rose Red City & the Nabataeans. A talk about Petra, by Michael Clegg for Mendip DFAS. 11am at Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Thursday March 3rd West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk of 10.9mi/17.5km from West Pennard, OS Ex141 ST552383, start 10am. Park in road near church. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Talk “Back in Time” – The parish in archive photos plus brief report of W & S Millennium Green Trust, Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1JA, 7.30pm, all welcome.

Friday March 4th Open Mic Night at Redhill Club, from 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, bring your voice or your instruments, an opportunity to showcase your talent, or just watch and enjoy. Free. All welcome, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.

Saturday March 5th Chew Valley RNLI Quiz Night, 7pm for 7.30, Ubley Parish Hall, BS40 6PN. Tickets £15 include hot supper. Details: Tim Gracey, 01275 472639.

Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell charity horse-race night at Mizzymead Recreation Centre, Nailsea, 7.30pm, £7.50 includes a ploughman’s, a race card and unlimited excitement! Proceeds to the Luhimba Project for the education of children in Tanzania.

Details: John Hall, 01275 859019, or John Glason, 01275 463969.

Mendip Society walk, Brean Down, meet

WHAT’S ON

2 0 1 6

1.30pm at Brean Down Cove Café, TA8 2RS. A four-mile walk with views of Weston Bay and much of historical interest. Details: Pauline 01934 820745.

St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury, annual giant jumble sale, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 10am 12noon. Stalls, raffle & refreshments, entry 30p in aid of church funds. Details: 01761 471790.

Frome Civic Society & Frome Society for Local Study, “Flatpack Democracy – why only DIY politics can save the human race”, Peter Macfadyen, leader of Frome Town Council, 2.30pm at the Assembly Rooms.

Table Top Sale. Easton Village Hall. 10am to 3pm. Bacon rolls, coffee and other refreshments available. Tables £5. Telephone Roy on 870585 to book.

Explorer David Hempleman-Adams talk, Kilmersdon Village Hall, 7.30pm, bar, raffle, entry £5, in aid of proposed village community shop and cafe. Details: Ken Hutton 01761 435193 or Yvonne Kirby 01761 433331.

Wednesday March 9th Wells Civic Society, “Wells – A dementia friendly city”, Bridget Harvey and Wendy Attridge, of Heads Up, 7.30pm at Wells & Mendip Museum, non-members £2.

Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, Spring Gardening Tips by Jon Mason, 7.30pm, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, members £2, visitors £3. Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Friday March 11th Banwell Society of Archaeology, “Starfish and Subterfuge” with Mike Chipperfield, Banwell Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday March 12th Draycott and Rodney Stoke School PTA Quiz Night & Fish & Chip Supper. 7pm. Tickets £10 per person. Email draycottandrodneystokepta@gmail.com Seed Swap and Potato Day, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 10am-2pm, entry £1, under 16s free, stalls, talks, children’s activities, refreshments and more. Details: www.seedysaturday.org.uk Tuesday March 15th The Story of the Restoration of Barholm Castle, NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350527.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR FEBRUARY Across: 1/5 Foreign holiday, 9 Issue, 10 Parkinson, 11 Table wine, 12 Egypt, 13 Rarebit, 15 Hot cake, 17 Mayfair, 19 Bar code, 21 Batik, 23 Labelling, 25 Leftovers, 26 Child, 27 Sky-blue, 28 Trade-in.

Down: 1 Fritter, 2 Raspberry, 3 Irene, 4 No point, 5 Harlech, 6 Leicester, 7 Dusty, 8 Yangtze, 14 Blackpool, 16 Aborigine, 17 Mobiles, 18 Relieve, 19 Baby-sit, 20 Egged on, 22 Taffy, 24 Lucia.

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Game Fair has something for everyone

WHAT’S ON

A GREAT countryside experience is on offer at this year’s West of England Game Fair in March.

The event, formerly known as the Westcountry Game Fair, will celebrate its 20th anniversary and is being held on Saturday, March 19th and Sunday, March 20th at the Royal Bath and West Showground.

Throughout the years, the prestige show has set out to entertain and educate as well as create a platform for countryside traditions and issues.

Traditional field sports will all be represented at the show.

Graham Watkins, from Gamegoer Gundog Training, has a wealth of knowledge and experience, not just for the shooting field but also falconry. He and his wife Karen will be accompanied by Dave and Lex Rayner from Woodash Gundogs, based in Weston-super-Mare. Dave is a successful field trialer, having judged the Cocker Spaniel Championships both here and abroad.

Four gundog scurries organised by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) will be available this year, all are part of the Chudleys Scurry League with prizes supplied by Chudleys.

Elsewhere, World and European Casting champion Hywel Morgan will impart his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing and fly casting. Hywel has amassed many titles in his career, including World Games Accuracy Casting Champion,

European Distance Casting Champion and is the world record holder for multiple casting (66 rods cast simultaneously).

Bristol Clay Shooting will be providing a competition shoot on both days plus a have-a-go stand. High quality tuition and advice from the BASC team is also offered on the shotgun coaching line.

This year’s fair will showcase a wide selection of classic tractors and engines including Fordsons, Fergusons, Allis Chalmers, John Deere and many others and countryside traditions will be celebrated with a wide selection of crafts including stick making, leather craft, coppicing and willow making.

Clay pigeon shoots: there will be competitions as well as a chance for novices to have a go

Mendip Times has teamed up with the organisers of the West of England Game Fair to offer three pairs of adult tickets for either day of the event. To enter, please answer the following question: How many rods did Hywel Morgan cast simultaneously to claim the world record?

Please send your answers with your name and address on a postcard to: Game Fair Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us no later than Monday, February 15th. The first three correct answers chosen will each win a pair of tickets. The editor’s decision is final.

Gundog scurries are a big hit with owners and spectators

WIN TICKETS

To keep up-to-date with everything happening at the show visit www.westofenglandgamefair.co.uk or join it facebook group or follow on Twitter. For exhibitor enquiries, call 01392 421500.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 29th January Thursday 4th February Starts Friday 5th February Starts Friday 12th February

COMING UP:

The 33 (12A), The Revenant (15) La Traviata ROH 6.45pm Dads Army (PG), Goosebumps (PG) Alvin & The Chipmunks (U)

Friday, March 18th: Gala showing of Risen, raising money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Taunton Hospital. Tickets (£12.50 each) include a glass of wine or orange juice. Doors/reception 6.30pm, film 7.30pm.

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

PAGE 90 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

M e n d i p Ti m e s h a s a vac ancy f or a Crossword Compiler

Can you take on the challenge of the Mendip Mindbender?

Contact: steve@mendiptimes.co.uk or call 01761 463888

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Future stars at point-to-points?

VISITORS to this year’s Point-to-Point meetings at Charlton Horethorne and Ston Easton are being encouraged to stay to the end to enjoy spotting some potential stars of the future.

Both fixtures will culminate with pony races where young riders gain experience of racing in front of big crowds – and many get a taste for the limelight and pursue horseriding as a career.

The Charlton Horethorne fixture – just outside Wincanton – takes place on Sunday, March 3rd and is organised by the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hunt. Six races being at 12.30 and there will be tradestands, bookmakers as well as a big screen for spectators to enjoy all the action in full.

Ston Easton once again hosts the Mendip Farmers’ Hunt meeting, on Sunday, March 20th, with six races again beginning at 12.30 and ending with pony racing. There will also be tradestands, bookmakers and a big screen.

Both fixtures are part of the Wessex area of the Point-toPoint Association, which covers meetings held in Eastern Hampshire, Southern Wiltshire, the whole of Dorset and Somerset and Eastern Devon. It is one of the largest and busiest of the sport's 14 nationwide geographical divisions.

Young riders at last year’s meeting at Ston Easton

WHAT’S ON

Bands and more at the Bell

LIVE music at the Bell in Shepton Mallet is rapidly becoming the “must-do” event on Friday nights for fans and bands.

The family-run freehouse has established an enviable Micky with daughters Gemma reputation for the consistent (left) and Lucy quality of the music it showcases, from rock, reggae and jazz to covers, metal and R ‘n’ B. Landlord Micky Taft said: “We have got a lovely reputation for our music and we are booked solid for most Friday nights as word gets round the music scene that it’s going to be a good night with a lot of fun and laughter.”

In February, Micky will celebrate both his birthday and the first anniversary of taking over the Bell which offers five ciders, four lagers and three real ales, along with a wide range of other drinks.

The Bell also hosts karaoke and discos on Saturday nights.

Admission on both Fridays and Saturdays is free.

Micky said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support and look forward to seeing new faces every week.

I believe what we are doing is helping to put some life into Shepton Mallet town centre.”

Bands wanting to find out more about appearing at the Bell should contact Micky via the pub’s Facebook page where you can also keep up-to-date with all the news.

LIVE MUSIC FROM 9pm EVERY FRIDAY! January 29th: RAY JONES BAND “Rock and R ‘n’ B covers at their best”

February 5th: ZETON SPORE “Didgeridoo dance ‘n’ trance”

February 12th: DIRTY ‘ARRY “Four-piece band modern-covers powerhouse”

February 19th: PARFANON “Flat-out entertainment – a must-see band”

February 26th: SNAKE EYES “Non-stop talented guitar-led band”

Pony racing is fast, furious and great fun to watch

Entries for the Charlton Horethorne fixture close on Monday, February 29th; the closing date for Ston Easton is Monday, March 14th. More details can be found at: www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Follow all our news (including a guest band appearance in February to celebrate the landlord’s birthday) by finding us on Facebook and like us to have a chance to win free drinks worth £50 (T&Cs apply) – https://www.facebook.com/TheBellShepton/

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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of approximately 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. Commercial entries cost £25.

Wednesday January 27th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell WI Hall, 2pm, AGM and talk "How to use a defibrillator". Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday January 28th Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Somerset. Eve Tigwell on the patterns of change shown by the new BTO atlas & the Somerset Bird Atlas, 7.30pm at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome. Adults £2.50, students £1.

Chew Valley Wildlife Group, Natural Norway, a talk by Andrew Town, Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, admission £2.50, season ticket available.

West Mendip Walkers, a circular 4.5m walk from Banwell, OS Ex153 ST398592, start 12.30pm, car park opposite primary school.

Contact anthonyestrange@gmail.com 01934 733783 07976 902706.

Friday January 29th Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Litton village hall, 7.30pm, tickets £10. Details: Mike Goulding 01761 241522 or Maggie Beeton 01761 241522.

Saturday January 30th Farmborough Memorial Hall, quiz & curry with teams of 6-8 in aid of hall funds, 7pm for 7.30pm start, tickets £8.50 in advance (£10.50 on door) incl. two-course meal, licensed bar.

Tickets: Nicky or Dave, 01761 470158.

Clothes donations for Weston Hospicecare – New Year sort-out? Please bring any donations to Blagdon Village Club, 10am –12 noon, coffee available.

Somerset Plant Heritage Group, members’ plant sale at 1.30pm, “Peonies on the move” by David Victor at 2.30pm, Edington Village Hall TA7 9HA. Details: 01278 451631.

Mendip Society walk, Ubley to Rickford and back, meet 11am at Ubley sawmills car park. A six-mile walk with a lunch stop at the Plume of Feathers, Rickford. Details: Martin 01761 462528.

Tuesday February 2nd Eat, Sink and be Merry – Dining on the Titanic, Dr Annie Gray talk to Mendip DFAS at Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN at 11am, guests welcome. Details: 01934 862435 www.mdfas.org.uk.

Thursday February 4th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 7.8mi/12.5km from Charterhouse, OS Ex141 ST505556, start 10.30am, park at PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2016

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Charterhouse. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Cheddar Valley U3A, Jane Austen – her life, a talk by Jane Dawes, Cheddar Village Hall (Church House) 2.15pm, entry £2, visitors welcome.

Friday February 5th Open Mic Night at Redhill Club, from 8pm.

Hosted by Jerry Blythe. Bring your voice or your instruments, an opportunity to showcase your talent, or just watch and enjoy. Free. All welcome, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon, 8pm, Doors 7.30pm, £8, £6, in aid of village hall funds.

Details: 01458 447223.

British Horse Society Road Safety Talk by Julie Garbutt. Organised by East Mendip Riding Club. Doulting Village Hall, Doulting, BA4 4PL at 7.30pm. Open to all riders, motorists and cyclists - learning to keep safe together.

Mendip Players present Humpty Dumpty and the Magic Wall. 7.30pm. £7.50 adults/£5 under 17s. Draycott Memorial Hall. Tickets available from Barbara Wheal on 01934 743890 and Draycott Post Office stores. Shows also on Saturday, February 6th at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Saturday February 6th Pancakes event, in aid of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, Brent Knoll Parish Hall, TA9 4EH, 11am –2pm, also bric-a-brac and bring & buy, all welcome. Details: Liz 01278 760810.

Mendip Society walk around the Polden Hills, meet 1.30pm in Church Road, Bawdrip. An easy walk of six miles on the Somerset moors, including the King's Sedgemoor Drain. Could be muddy! Details: Judy 01749 672196.

Frome Society for Local Study & Frome Civic Society, Sue Bucklow, former curator of BBC’s Hulton Picture Library, on the Singers’ legacy war memorials. Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm.

Tuesday February 9th Weston-super-Mare Archaeological & Natural History Society, talk by Professor Ronald Hutton on the Traditional Festivals of Britain, 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, BS23 1XU. Visitors welcome £2.50. Details: www.wanhs.org Pancake Races at The Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe, 3.30pm, being held with the support of St James’ Church, Winscombe, refreshments available. Details: Mureen Fragher 01934 842084.

Wednesday February 10th Wells Civic Society, Community Radio, with Allan Trinder and colleagues from GFM, 7.30pm, Wells & Mendip Museum, nonmembers £2.

Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, the

W h a t ’ s

Fascination of Foliage with Don Everitt, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, 7.30pm, members £2, visitors £3. Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Thursday February 11th West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk of 6mi/9.7km from Sand Bay, OS Ex153 ST329633. Start 12.30pm, public car park, Sand Bay. Details: Tony Strange, 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday February 12th Banwell Society of Archaeology, update on the Winscombe Project, 7.30pm, Banwell Village Hall.

Saturday February 13th Mendip Society walk, Winford, meet 1.30pm

by St Mary & St Peter Church, BS40 8EW, a four-mile walk up Dundry Hill with lovely views. Details: Richard & Denise 01275 472797.

Fougere Rouge ceilidh band, Brent Knoll Parish Hall, 7.30pm, fiddles and flutes from 8pm. Tickets £10, to include an Irish stew supper, from Brent Knoll village shop. Details: 01278 760 986 or Jenny, 01278 760 477.

Sunday February 14th and Monday February 15th Snowdrop & Hellebore Days at Sherborne Garden, Litton, with Pamela & John Southwell, in aid of the NGS, 11am, entrance £4, children free, tea and coffee available. Details: 01761 241220.

Sunday February 14th Somerset Wildlife Trust East Mendip branch, winter wildfowl walk at Catcott Lows with Mick Ridgard, including the new tower hide & boardwalk. Meet 10am, Catcott car park ST401418, adults £2.50, students £1.

Monday February 15th Timsbury Natural History Group, Martin Hunt, A trip to Australia. Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3.

Details: Martin Hunt 01761 433234.

Tuesday February 16th Midsomer Norton Townswomen’s Guild, the Street Pastor Scheme, with Jennie Noakes, 2pm, St. John’s Church Hall BA3 2HX. Dreamtime to Machine Time, NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350 527.

Radstock Museum “Science in Radstock” talk. From Raindrop to Table Top: A technical history of Bristol’s water, by Colin Hunt of Bristol Water. Radstock Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Admission £3. Details www.radstockmuseum.co.uk Wednesday February 17h Axbridge Archaeological & Local History Society, “Lighthouses of Burnham”, with John Strickland, Cross Memorial Hall, 7.30pm, non-

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members welcome but are asked for a donation of £2.

Henton & District Gardening Club, Climbers and Clematis, Henton village hall, 7.30pm, visitors £2.

Thursday February 18th Cheddar Valley U3A, Meet & Greet coffee morning, Cheddar Village Hall (Church House), 10.30am to 12 noon, visitors welcome. Details 01934 744241 or www.cheddarvalleyu3a.org.uk West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 9mi/14.7km from Blackford, OS Ex 141 ST409477, start 10.30am, park in road near Sexeys Arms. Details: Tony Strange: 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Saturday February 20th Frome Civic Society & Frome Society for Local Study. Ken Rogers, formerly Wiltshire county archivist, on the Wiltshire and Somerset Woollen Industry, Assembly Rooms, 2.30pm.

Mendip Society walk, High Littleton, meet 1.30pm at the lane off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood, BS39 6XZ. Park Greyfield Road, as only limited parking at the wood. A four-mile walk with a waterfall, no major hills but may be muddy. Details: Peter 01761 221995.

Wednesday February 24th Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support, Backwell W.I. Hall, 1.30pm, speaker from Healthwatch North Somerset. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Thursday February 25th West Mendip Walkers – moderate circular walk of 6mi/9.7km from North Wootton Village Hall, OS Ex141 ST563418, meet 1pm, village hall car park. Details: Ken Masters 01749 670349 or ken@kenmasters265.plus.com Chew Valley Wildlife Group, Urban Peregrines with Ed Drewitt, Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, £2.50, season tickets available.

Somerset Wildlife Trust East Mendip branch, Nigel Phillips will update on SWT’s marine & coastal activities and the wildlife to be found, 7.30pm, St. Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome BA11 1EU. Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th Cheddar Stage Society presents “The Wrong Pantomime” at St Andrew’s Church Hall, 7.30pm each evening and 2.30pm Saturday.

Tickets £7.50, U-16s £5, from Deane & Sons Cheddar.

Saturday February 27th Winscombe Community Association Book Sale 9am-12.30pm, refreshments available, please leave donations in the Centre, Sandford Road at the Thursday market, 9-12.00 or call 01934 843986.

Mendip Society walk, Wedmore to Blackford

F e b r u a r y

meet 1.30pm, free car park on Cheddar Road, Wedmore, BS28 4ED, a six-mile walk with good views of the Mendips. Details: Geoff 01934 712834.

Onyx Brass, with Churchill Music, St. John’s Church, Church Lane, Churchill BS25 5NB, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, Champions of Churchill Music £10.50, non-champions £14.50, U-18s £4. Details: 01934 852919 or info@churchillmusic.org.uk Somerset Plant Heritage Group, members’ plant sale at 1.30pm, then a talk on Practical Propagation: Seeds, Cuttings & Beyond by Victoria Logan, 2.30pm. Edington Village Hall TA7 9HA, visitors £4. Details: 01278 451631.

Tuesday March 1st The Rose Red City & the Nabataeans. A talk about Petra, by Michael Clegg for Mendip DFAS. 11am at Bath & West Bar & Restaurant, B & W Show Ground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN, guests welcome. Details www.mdfas.org.uk 01934 862435.

Thursday March 3rd West Mendip Walkers – easy circular walk of 10.9mi/17.5km from West Pennard, OS Ex141 ST552383, start 10am. Park in road near church. Details: Tony Strange 01934 733783/07976 902706 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Talk “Back in Time” – The parish in archive photos plus brief report of W & S Millennium Green Trust, Winscombe Community Centre, BS25 1JA, 7.30pm, all welcome.

Friday March 4th Open Mic Night at Redhill Club, from 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe, bring your voice or your instruments, an opportunity to showcase your talent, or just watch and enjoy. Free. All welcome, BS40 5SG Tel: 01934 862619.

Saturday March 5th Chew Valley RNLI Quiz Night, 7pm for 7.30, Ubley Parish Hall, BS40 6PN. Tickets £15 include hot supper. Details: Tim Gracey, 01275 472639.

Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell charity horse-race night at Mizzymead Recreation Centre, Nailsea, 7.30pm, £7.50 includes a ploughman’s, a race card and unlimited excitement! Proceeds to the Luhimba Project for the education of children in Tanzania.

Details: John Hall, 01275 859019, or John Glason, 01275 463969.

Mendip Society walk, Brean Down, meet

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1.30pm at Brean Down Cove Café, TA8 2RS. A four-mile walk with views of Weston Bay and much of historical interest. Details: Pauline 01934 820745.

St. Mary’s Church, Timsbury, annual giant jumble sale, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 10am 12noon. Stalls, raffle & refreshments, entry 30p in aid of church funds. Details: 01761 471790.

Frome Civic Society & Frome Society for Local Study, “Flatpack Democracy – why only DIY politics can save the human race”, Peter Macfadyen, leader of Frome Town Council, 2.30pm at the Assembly Rooms.

Table Top Sale. Easton Village Hall. 10am to 3pm. Bacon rolls, coffee and other refreshments available. Tables £5. Telephone Roy on 870585 to book.

Explorer David Hempleman-Adams talk, Kilmersdon Village Hall, 7.30pm, bar, raffle, entry £5, in aid of proposed village community shop and cafe. Details: Ken Hutton 01761 435193 or Yvonne Kirby 01761 433331.

Wednesday March 9th Wells Civic Society, “Wells – A dementia friendly city”, Bridget Harvey and Wendy Attridge, of Heads Up, 7.30pm at Wells & Mendip Museum, non-members £2.

Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, Spring Gardening Tips by Jon Mason, 7.30pm, United Reformed Church, Nailsea, members £2, visitors £3. Details: Martyn Davis 01275 855563 or Jane Knight 01275 855342.

Friday March 11th Banwell Society of Archaeology, “Starfish and Subterfuge” with Mike Chipperfield, Banwell Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday March 12th Draycott and Rodney Stoke School PTA Quiz Night & Fish & Chip Supper. 7pm. Tickets £10 per person. Email draycottandrodneystokepta@gmail.com Seed Swap and Potato Day, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 10am-2pm, entry £1, under 16s free, stalls, talks, children’s activities, refreshments and more. Details: www.seedysaturday.org.uk Tuesday March 15th The Story of the Restoration of Barholm Castle, NADFAS illustrated lectures, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6. Details: 01963 350527.

MENDIP MINDBENDER ANSWERS FOR FEBRUARY Across: 1/5 Foreign holiday, 9 Issue, 10 Parkinson, 11 Table wine, 12 Egypt, 13 Rarebit, 15 Hot cake, 17 Mayfair, 19 Bar code, 21 Batik, 23 Labelling, 25 Leftovers, 26 Child, 27 Sky-blue, 28 Trade-in.

Down: 1 Fritter, 2 Raspberry, 3 Irene, 4 No point, 5 Harlech, 6 Leicester, 7 Dusty, 8 Yangtze, 14 Blackpool, 16 Aborigine, 17 Mobiles, 18 Relieve, 19 Baby-sit, 20 Egged on, 22 Taffy, 24 Lucia.

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Game Fair has something for everyone

WHAT’S ON

A GREAT countryside experience is on offer at this year’s West of England Game Fair in March.

The event, formerly known as the Westcountry Game Fair, will celebrate its 20th anniversary and is being held on Saturday, March 19th and Sunday, March 20th at the Royal Bath and West Showground.

Throughout the years, the prestige show has set out to entertain and educate as well as create a platform for countryside traditions and issues.

Traditional field sports will all be represented at the show.

Graham Watkins, from Gamegoer Gundog Training, has a wealth of knowledge and experience, not just for the shooting field but also falconry. He and his wife Karen will be accompanied by Dave and Lex Rayner from Woodash Gundogs, based in Weston-super-Mare. Dave is a successful field trialer, having judged the Cocker Spaniel Championships both here and abroad.

Four gundog scurries organised by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC) will be available this year, all are part of the Chudleys Scurry League with prizes supplied by Chudleys.

Elsewhere, World and European Casting champion Hywel Morgan will impart his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of fishing and fly casting. Hywel has amassed many titles in his career, including World Games Accuracy Casting Champion,

European Distance Casting Champion and is the world record holder for multiple casting (66 rods cast simultaneously).

Bristol Clay Shooting will be providing a competition shoot on both days plus a have-a-go stand. High quality tuition and advice from the BASC team is also offered on the shotgun coaching line.

This year’s fair will showcase a wide selection of classic tractors and engines including Fordsons, Fergusons, Allis Chalmers, John Deere and many others and countryside traditions will be celebrated with a wide selection of crafts including stick making, leather craft, coppicing and willow making.

Clay pigeon shoots: there will be competitions as well as a chance for novices to have a go

Mendip Times has teamed up with the organisers of the West of England Game Fair to offer three pairs of adult tickets for either day of the event. To enter, please answer the following question: How many rods did Hywel Morgan cast simultaneously to claim the world record?

Please send your answers with your name and address on a postcard to: Game Fair Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us no later than Monday, February 15th. The first three correct answers chosen will each win a pair of tickets. The editor’s decision is final.

Gundog scurries are a big hit with owners and spectators

WIN TICKETS

To keep up-to-date with everything happening at the show visit www.westofenglandgamefair.co.uk or join it facebook group or follow on Twitter. For exhibitor enquiries, call 01392 421500.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 29th January Thursday 4th February Starts Friday 5th February Starts Friday 12th February

COMING UP:

The 33 (12A), The Revenant (15) La Traviata ROH 6.45pm Dads Army (PG), Goosebumps (PG) Alvin & The Chipmunks (U)

Friday, March 18th: Gala showing of Risen, raising money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Taunton Hospital. Tickets (£12.50 each) include a glass of wine or orange juice. Doors/reception 6.30pm, film 7.30pm.

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

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M e n d i p Ti m e s h a s a vac ancy f or a Crossword Compiler

Can you take on the challenge of the Mendip Mindbender?

Contact: steve@mendiptimes.co.uk or call 01761 463888

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