Mendiptimes - Volume 10 Issue 9

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 9

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

FEBRUARY 2015

IN THIS ISSUE: E X P L O R I N G B L A C K D OW N FOCUS ON BUSINESS VALENTINE’S IDEAS COMMUNITY WHAT’S ON WASSAIL

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

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

WE ended January by wassailing our apple trees in the hope of encouraging a bumper harvest – and it certainly worked well last year. We’ve pictures from various events.

Our farmers can’t rely on folklore for good fortune and their plight is highlighted this month by Mary James, who says Britain’s productivity has fallen behind the rest of Europe, with dairy farmers suffering the most.

But it’s not all doom and gloom in the countryside. We’ve special reports this month on Yeo Valley, Thatchers and Farrington’s, who are all enjoying expansion. We also look forward to the West Country Game Fair and give you the chance to win tickets.

We join a group taking part in a study of Black Down and discover what the Forestry Commission has in store for Stockhill Woods. We also see what one of Mendip’s lost mansions might have looked like.

June MacFarlane has some culinary suggestions for Valentine’s Day, while Mary Payne suggests a whole range of plants, herbs and trees which can provide flowers, fruit and leaves to tickle the taste buds.

With the snowdrops and daffodils showing – and with all of our usual contributors and features – welcome to spring on Mendip.

March 2015 deadline: Friday, 13th February 2015.

Published: Tuesday, 24th February 2015.

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

01761 463888 or: email news@mendiptimes.co.uk or: letters@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates.

Front cover: Fiddle player Fiona Clogstoun at Kilmersdon Wassail.

Photograph by Mark Adler (see page 67).

5

Rock and rolls – that’ll be the Inner Wheel Day

20

The heat is on – young chefs excel in Rotary competition

56

Becky’s new beat – meet the hospice fundraiser

67

Here’s to thee old apple tree – wassail on Mendip

Plus all our regular features Environment...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE..........10 Food & Drink...............................16 Business ........................................30 Arts & Antiques ...........................34 Internet and Crossword..............38 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......41 Walking Sue Gearing....................42 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........44 Gardening Mary Payne MBE ......46

History ..........................................50 Health Dr Phil Hammond.............52 Community Simon Selby .............56 Charities .......................................58 Caving Phil Hendy........................64 Motoring .......................................65 Homes and Interiors....................70 Riding Celia Gadd ........................76 Sport..............................................78 What’s On ....................................80 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 3

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MENDIP TIMES

A party atmosphere

NEWS

Inner Wheel club president Avril Leat is pictured with guitarist Dave Stock (usually seen playing with The Sneakers) and some of the guests at the party

Time for tea: Pauline Lingley, Molly Arnold and Christine Pilkington prepare to serve guests

A FEW games of bingo, a delicious cream tea and live entertainment – what better way is there to enjoy an afternoon with friends?

Dozens of people packed the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton for the annual Inner Wheel Day senior citizens’ party.

Members of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel Club hosted the event.

House! Frank Forrester celebrates with Joan James after she won a box of chocolates in a game of bingo

Chris Foulkes, Avril, Grace & Amelie Chadwick, Rosemary & Martin West, Dennis Cruze, Joanne & Amy Hogarth and Harriotte Preston.

Stuart Haggett, Marlene Holmes, Beth Ashton-Hilton, Helen Jenkins, Carol Mottram, Veronica Bell, Jo Slade and the Rev Matthew Thomson.

800th celebrations underway

THE beginning of the year to mark the 800th anniversary of the foundation of St. Andrew’s Church, Congresbury started in style. On December 31st the Friends of St. Andrew’s re-instated the previous tradition of the New Year’s Eve celidh in the Memorial Hall and some 80 villagers were able to trip the light fantastic.

At midday on January 1st attention switched to the church where the bells were ringing to welcome a good-sized congregation to a service of blessing and unveiling of the village’s Timeline photographs. These had been taken beforehand by local A-level student, Harriotte Preston, and included groups from local primary schools, pre-school and various village groups.

All individuals are holding hands and a total of 800 have now

been mounted around the church to symbolise the significance of the achievement to date, but also the fact that the church continues to look towards the future A full programme of events are planned for the year which will encompass the whole village and beyond. Highlights include an art display by North Somerset Arts in the Refectory from May 1st – 9th, a youth partnership fun day on the Millennium Green on May 25th, a concert by Congresbury Singers on June 20th and a flower festival in the church from June 26th-29th.

The actual anniversary date will be marked by a special service in church on July 12th, part of a full weekend of celebrations, with the village fete being held in the paddock the previous day.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 5

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Owl campaign set to soar

MORE than 100 people took part in the launch of the Community Owl Project, a new scheme to help the much-loved bird in Somerset.

Caryford Village Hall, in Castle Cary, was the venue for the launch and organisers admitted they were taken aback by its success.

Give 2 Hoots was the idea of Jan Osborne and Teresa Day and is backed by Mendip Times contributor Chris Sperring, who led an owl prowl around the countryside surrounding the hall.

Teresa said: “When we decided to launch the scheme, we had no idea how many people would attend but the turnout has been fantastic.”

Several people bought owl boxes on the day and Teresa has heard of some people who plan to put up boxes as a memorial to a loved one.

Teresa Day, from COP, with her one year old barn owl Bellatrix and Oliver, who built a nest box to put up in the garden of his home on the outskirts of Castle Cary

Walks prepare to leave Caryford Village Hall for the owl prowl

Niamh, Brodie, Keona and Shannon, from Somerton, with their origami owls

For more information about COP, contact: somersetbarnowls@gmail.com Peter with Anna and her daughter Rose in Whatcombe Fields

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Buy a share to save open space

A COMMUNITY share scheme has been launched in Frome to try to raise £330,000 to save an area of open land on the edge of the town from development.

Save Open Spaces Frome was set up last summer to try to buy the 34 acres of land at Whatcombe Fields. Known locally as the “sledging fields”, SOS says the land was put up for sale with “development potential”. It asked the landowner for six months’ grace to try to secure the funds.

The share scheme was launched at the end of last year when the town’s mayor, Peter Macfadyen, bought the first community share. Peter said: “This is an amazing opportunity to get together as a community and ensure this beautiful land continues to be enjoyed for walking and leisure now and by future generations. The UK has already lost over 97% of its meadow land since World War Two. I urge everyone who can to support

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ENVIRONMENT

Protecting Burrington Ham

Cowslip on Burrington Ham

DOG walkers are being urged to keep dogs under control on Burrington Ham Commons, following recent incidents of dogs attacking cattle.

There has also been a significant increase in dog fouling. Dog walkers are being urged to keep their dogs under close control and take their dog waste home.

Burrington Ham, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is being managed for its nationally important limestone grassland habitat. Cattle are being used to graze the site in order to control scrub and allow the flower rich grassland to flourish.

Stuart Bardsley, AONB Discovering Black Down project officer said: “We encourage people to enjoy Burrington Ham responsibly and to be aware that it

Devon Red Cattle

is agricultural land where grazing animals are used to manage the site to maintain open grassland with a wealth of wild flowers.”

Details: Mendip Hills AONB Unit 01761 462338 sbardsley@somerset.gov.uk

Work underway on museum redevelopment

CONTRACTORS have moved onto the site of the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury at the start of a £2.3million redevelopment scheme.

Ken Biggs Contractors were appointed the main build contractors for the project, which is being is being undertaken by the Somerset Building Preservation Trust in partnership with the South West Heritage Trust and Somerset County Council.

The refurbishment works include the provision of improved visitor facilities and visitor access, the creation of a new Community Learning Space and new museum gallery displays and a temporary exhibition gallery.

The project has been made possible through funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Somerset County Council, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Fairfield Trust, The Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum and other donors. this important project.”

Anna Francis, who is helping to coordinate the campaign, said: “One of the things I love about Frome is that it has the best of both worlds – a thriving town with lots going on, surrounded by beautiful countryside which so many of us love to walk in and enjoy. There are lots of examples around the country where communities have got together to buy land through community shares. We know we can do this, we just need everyone to get now get behind the campaign.”

G Save Open Spaces Frome has until Friday, February 20th to raise the funds. Shares can be bought on-line or by cheque to SOS Frome c/o Frome Town Council, 5 Palmer St, BA11 1DS. No share money will be taken until the total is reached. To find out more about the Whatcombe Fields campaign visit: www.sosfrome.org

Time to go wild

A bee “hotel” under construction during a wildlife watch camp at Priddy

WEST Mendip Wildlife Watch – one of the junior sections of Somerset Wildlife Trust – is looking to welcome new members for the coming year.

The group meets monthly and, although based at Chancellor’s Farm at Priddy, tries to get out and about as much as possible for activities ranging from conservation

work to craft sessions.

Last year’s activities included a badger watch with Somerset Badger Group’s Adrian Coward, putting up nest boxes at Black Rock nature reserve near Cheddar and helping with the Trust’s Magnificent Meadows project.

To find out more, telephone 01823 652400 or visit: www.somersetwildlife.org

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 7

(Photographs courtesy of Mendip Hills AONB Unit 2014)

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MENDIP TIMES

Standby for change at Stockhill

ENVIRONMENT

Breaking the back of winter WINTER marches on and, by the time I write again next month, I will be able to turn my thoughts to spring.

As the saying with DAVID goes, by the time MAINE you get to midFebruary – around St Valentine’s Day Walking Charlie as snow clouds gather over Doulting

M E N D I P

W E A T H E R

S C E N E

ONE of Mendip’s most popular walking and picnic areas, Stockhill Woods, is about to see some dramatic changes. Many conifers in the area have been marked for felling.

The Forestry Commission, which manages the woods, says the thinning and clear felling is in line with its timber management policy. The woods are also renowned for nightjar and long-eared owl populations.

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

winter’s back is broken and you can see why. It’s still about the coldest time of the year, but the days are starting to get noticeably longer now and most of the dark dreary part of winter is now behind us with only two weeks to go before we are into the meteorological spring (comprising the months of March to May).

What sort of winter has it been, anyway? Well not as bad as the last one, I think everyone will agree, with nearly three months of solid rain and all those awful floods down on the Somerset Levels. Some television programmes such as BBC’s Countryfile revisited the levels, where some people are only now able to begin to return to their homes and farms and where work is continuing to try to prevent a repeat of the disaster.

We haven’t seen much snow so far this winter and December was a fairly average month both in terms of temperature and rainfall. January likewise, up to the time I write, but I did notice a few heavy sleet showers

A timely reminder that Valentine’s Day is just round the corner: snow on a letter box near Shepton Mallet

on my side of Mendip this morning (January 14th), but no more than the sort of thing one might expect on a January morning. The area around Shepton Mallet appeared to have suffered most heavily from snow today.

So, summing up: not too bad so far and we can look forward to midFebruary when it’ll soon be over.

Bye for now.

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

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

Mendip Times correspondent Dr Phil Hammond is a breath of amusing fresh air.

In the December edition he gently poked fun at his own calling but particularly at the jargonocrats who invent languages that probably nobody understands, including them.

I used to dream of a time when lawyer-speak would die out and legal documents become easily readable and succinct. No such luck, we are still impressed by our own verbosity though there are green shoots of progress. Give us time.

Lawyers aside, why do people mangle our wonderful language, using words they never use in everyday speech, inventing jargon, re-introducing long-dead usages or imports from the USA? Where has the verb “leverage” come from (“I think we can leverage an advantage from these negotiations”)? Why say “going forward” instead of “in future”? Why the archaic “without” instead of “outside”?

Grumpy? You bet. Don’t spoil perfection with deliberately concocted, meaningless corporate jargon.

How about this answer? A farmer client complained about a field gate left open onto a road. The offending organisation’s reply included “we hope that this letter addresses your concerns and realise the potentially negative implications that repetition could have on livestock”.

New Year resolution for all lawyers: go through February without writing or saying: the said, aforesaid, testamentary disposition, herein, hereby, forthwith, herewith; and without using any Latin. If successful, try another ten words next month.

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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God Speed The Plough – and save our farms

WITH the New Year only a few days old we attended a Plough Sunday service at All Saints Church, Kingston Seymour organised by North Somerset Agricultural Society. Blessing the plough began in medieval times evidently. It is a country tradition which is gradually fading away, With MARY which is a shame.

JAMES MBE You cannot take a huge eight-furrow reversible plough into a church these days, so an old small horse plough is used. Traditionally it heralded the start of the farming year. God Speed the Plough!

January is the month of conferences in the farming world and for various bodies to bring forth reports and ideas as to how the farming industry should move forward! At the Oxford Farming Conference there was a report on UK farming’s competitiveness showing that other countries have overtaken us in farm productivity, profitability and science.

Evidently we need to be more business-minded, more questioning and more ready to borrow to grow our businesses.

Farmers would do well to go out and look at other businesses, it said. All very well but if you are on a small or even mediumsized farm working all hours for little or no return there is not much time, inclination or desire to take dramatic business decisions particularly at this time of year.

As for reports I was amazed to see that a group had taken ten months to do research on cows and how they call to their

PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

calves and communicate with one another. A farmer could have given them the information they produced in less than half an hour at less expense. A cow will moo gently to her calf, she will bawl loudly when it is taken away. The cow has a different bawl when she is short of water and a different one when she is trapped somewhere or she has got out of the field.

If you hear your cows bawling in the middle of the night there is something definitely wrong and you rush out with a coat over your pjs plus wellies of course! When you think about it every animal lover/stockman etc. is in tune with the different sounds their animals make.

The situation in the dairy industry is dire. The number of dairy farmers in the UK is now under 10.000. As I write there is a Facebook petition running to ask government to put a base price for milk. When you think that 30p per litre is the cost of production it is an absolute tragedy that some dairy farmers are currently getting only 20p.

It is not only the dairy farmers who are in trouble; more than a hundred other food suppliers are in the same boat. According to insolvency specialists Begbies Traynor there are more companies in financial distress than in any other sector. Part of the pressure on the whole food chain comes from supply agreements with big buyers such as supermarkets, which can involve large discounts, slow payments or demands for rebates.

Buying British food, looking for the Red Tractor, is more important than ever.

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If something needs doing, do it right

FARMING

Mendip Rural Services Ltd.

Offering contractor services for: B Equestrian, campsites and smallholders * Paddock care, drainage and fencing * Agricultural machinery repairs * Lawnmower servicing * Digger and driver hire * Friendly and reliable * Fully insured Logs and hay for sale Please call Aaron Coleman on 07974 259766 or 01749 674077

Mendip Rural Services, Springfield, Haydon Drove, Haydon, Wells, Somerset BA5 3EH. E-mail: aaroncole80@hotmail.com Website: www.mendipruralservices.co.uk Aaron Coleman – his ambition is to see Mendip Rural Services expand

AARON Coleman has a simple philosophy behind his company Mendip Rural Services Ltd: if a job needs doing, do it properly.

It applies regardless of whether Aaron’s mowing a lawn or haymaking, putting up a fence and digging a drainage ditch or repairing agricultural machinery.

And if he feels that a particular task needs a specialist, then Aaron knows plenty of people to approach for their expertise. That is one of the reasons why many clients turn to Aaron and Mendip Rural Services time and time again.

Aaron studied farm mechanisation at Cannington College and later gained a BSC with honours in the subject at Harper Adams College in Gloucestershire. He also twice spent time working on farms in Australia, returning to the family home, at Haydon on the edge of Wells, to work for local companies such as Uphills and John Sheppard Feeders before starting his own business.

In recent years he has accumulated a wide range of equipment including a three-tonne mini-digger, various tractors and farm machines which are compact enough to appeal to smallholders and people needing someone to look after a paddock or cut a field of hay. Aaron said: “It’s all down to being flexible. I can get through an eight foot wide gate into a field that might otherwise not be viable for some agricultural contractors with much bigger machinery.

“But the most important thing for me is honesty. I like to keep people in the loop and will always carry out work to the very best of my ability. I am fully qualified in everything I do and have proper insurance.”

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 11

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Anna’s romantic relaunch

CLOTHES designer and fashion expert Anna Perra has unveiled a new image for 2015 – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Her new heart-shaped logo is not just about February 14th, although her shop in Shepton Mallet has plenty of ideas for romantic gifts ranging from her new spring collection to accessories and vouchers. Anna established her brand through passion and tenacity, but it was her loyalty and care for customers that gave her direction for her fashion concept. Encouraging women to feel good and rediscover themselves through the clothes they wear has made her brand more than fashion.

Anna said: “In the future I will create my own designs, I feel confident that I now have a beautiful identity that I can use and be recognised going forward – I am very excited about what the future holds.”

Anna stages regular fashion shows during the year, raising funds for charity especially Macmillan Cancer Care which received more than £2,300 in donations last year. Anna uses many of her customers “real women” as her models.

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Somerset, Genevieve Drinkwater, said: “We are grateful to Anna Perra and her ‘real women’ models in helping to raise vital cash for people affected by cancer. The money raised could help us fund one of our specialist cancer nurses for two weeks. We are delighted that Anna has chosen to support us by holding further events in 2015.”

Those include a fashion show at a wedding fair at the Royal Bath and West Showground on March 8th, and a spring and summer collection show at Ston Easton Park on May 15th.

Menu STARTERS Butternut Squash Velouté, with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds & Vanilla Oil (v)

Baked Young Goats Cheese Crotin, Wilted Spinach, Black Olive Puree & Marinated Red Peppers (v)

Terrine of Duck Leg Confit, with Red Onion Chutney & Pickled Woodland Mushrooms

Seared Cornish Scallops, Black Pudding, Orange Confit & Lemon Beurre Blanc

MAIN COURSE To Share: Aged Rib of Local Beef, Fondant Potatoes, Woodland Mushrooms and a Red Wine, Thyme Sauce (+£5pp)

Pan-Fried Breast of Duck, with Leg Confit Croquette, Root Vegetable Dauphinoise & Truffle Sauce

Lightly Cured & Poached fillet of Pollack, Creamed Savoy Cabbage, Cockles & Moules Marinier

Woodland Mushroom Wellington, with Marinated Artichokes and Truffle Velouté (v)

DESSERTS

Email: reception@bowlishhouse.com or info@bowlishhouse.com www.bowlishhouse.com e Bowlish House, Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5JB PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

To Share: Assiette of chocolate, Warm Fondant, Chilled Chocolate & Orange Fondant & White Chocolate Ice-Cream

Warm Treacle Tart, Lemon Curd & Forest Berry Ice Cream

Crème Brulee, with Homemade Shortbreads

Selection of Westcountry Cheeses, Homemade Chutney, Grapes and Biscuits

COFFEE (Served with homemade petite fours)

£39.50 per person

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Award for Bowlish House

JUST over a year after taking over at Bowlish House Hotel in Shepton Mallet, Martin Gibson and Len Muircroft have won a prestigious award.

The Silver Accolade for outstanding quality and service from EnjoyEngland.com is a fitting tribute to their dedication – and that of their team – in returning Bowlish House to its Georgian splendour.

News of the award just as the hotel was getting ready for the festive season, with a number of weddings, Christmas parties and a hugely-successful New Year’s Eve banquet.

Martin said: “We were totally delighted when we were told we had won. This is the first time that Bowlish House has received such an accolade and it came not long after we celebrated our first anniversary here.”

The team is not about to sit back and relax, however: they are planning a very special evening for couples who visit on Valentine’s Day – Saturday, Febraury 14th – and romance is very much in the air. Now established as an ideal venue for weddings – they have a marriage license for the dining room – the hotel is taking bookings for couples who are looking to tie the knot in 2015.

VALENTINE’S

Have a ball – at Cadbury

ROMANTIC couples are being invited to spend this Valentine’s Day within the stunning setting of one of the region’s top venues, as DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House hosts its annual ball.

Taking place on Saturday February 14th, the Valentine’s Ball will include everything needed to make for a special romantic evening. With sparkling wine and canapes on arrival, followed by a threecourse dinner and a DJ until 1am, couples are sure to have an evening to remember.

Cadbury House general manager Colin Badcock said: “We have put a lot of thought

into this year’s Valentine’s Ball and we’re confident love birds will have an amazing evening with us. From the specially designed menu, to the romantic lighting and decorations and even down to the small touches like chocolate hearts and roses for the ladies, we’re offering a night not to be missed.”

LOOKING FOR YOUR VALENTINE?

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 13

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MENDIP TIMES

Blagdon blesses the trees

ONCE again many revellers turned out to enjoy celebrations as Blagdon held its annual wassailing event. This year was the first to be held since Olga Shotton stepped down, after starting the event many years ago, handing the reins to Julie Chamberlain, Peter May, and Janet and Dominic Maskell.

Somerset Morris were again the guest dancers, demonstrating their art to the onlookers, before teaching them a dance.

Claire Fowler, originally from Clevedon and now living in Bristol, was picked as Apple Queen and after the crowning led the way, with her little helper Bella from Clevedon, down to Eldred's Orchard for the Wassailing ceremony.

Words and pictures Ros Anstey

Apple Queen, Claire Fowler, with her little helper four-year-old Bella

Apple Queen, Claire Flower, with members of the Somerset Morris, plus the two 'guns' from Blagdon Valley Gun Club, Matt Pluchino and Sophie Moore, and Olga Shotton, who used to organise the annual wassailing event.

Somerset Morris preparing to dance

Former organiser, Olga Shotton, with Julie Chamberlain, one of the new organisers PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

learning the stick dance

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WASSAIL

Old apple tree we wassail thee . . .

Wookey Purchase fires a gun into an apple tree to ward off evil spirits

FAMILIES gathered at North Wootton village green for the annual wassail evening organised by the Mid Somerset Agricultural Society.

The event – live music by Home Grown and dancing from the Beetle Crushers clog dance side took place in the nearby village hall – raises funds for Shepton Show.

Wassail queen Jess Higgins

Nicola and Norman sing the traditional wassailing carol as Robin, Jay and Archer join in Lynsey and Andy came from Street for the evening

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 15

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MENDIP TIMES

Why we ♥ oranges!

SEVILLE oranges, navel oranges, Sicilian blood oranges, they are all available now.

The bitter Seville marmalade oranges, dull-skinned and full of pips, have a very short season; they are the dragonflies of the orange family. Spanish navel oranges are large, juicy and shiny and the blood With JUNE oranges from Sicily remind you of the MACFARLANE colour and the passion of the fiery south.

Paddington Bear has made marmalade fashionable again, but try cooking with it. And with Valentine’s Day coming up fast, do make this delicious scallop dish for your significant other!

Dark thick-cut Seville orange marmalade

DARK THICK-CUT SEVILLE ORANGE MARMALADE This recipe makes a tangy rich marmalade that is not too sweet.

Seville oranges freeze well, so you don’t have to make the whole lot right now. Make in half quantities if you want to spread the load.

METHOD

Halve the oranges and squeeze the juice into a large bowl. Put pips onto a large muslin square. Scrape out the white membranes and pith and add to the pips. Cut the oranges into quarters and slice the peel as you wish – I like mine to be thickish. Put the peel into the bowl with the juice. Gather the muslin into a bag and tie tightly with string; add to the bowl.

Add 2.25 litres of cold water, immerse everything and leave overnight. Next day, tip everything into a very big pan and

CHICKEN WITH SEVILLE ORANGES, FENNEL AND BLACK OLIVES

If you have some marmalade jelly left over from filling your jars, this is what to do with it. And the dish practically makes itself!

METHOD

Mix the first five ingredients together to make a marinade.

Add chicken pieces and massage with your hands. Add the oranges, fennel, olives and rosemary and mix gently. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

Heat oven to 200˚C. Peel potatoes, cut into chunks and arrange everything in a roasting dish with the chicken skin-side up.

INGREDIENTS Pour marinade over and 150g marmalade roast for 35-40 mins, 2½ tbsp Worcestershire basting occasionally, until sauce chicken is golden brown.

60g wholegrain mustard Rest for five minutes 2 tbsp olive oil before serving.

1 tsp salt 4 chicken pieces 2 Seville oranges, quartered 700g fennel, thickly sliced 200g black olives 4 sprigs rosemary 3 potatoes PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

INGREDIENTS simmer slowly until the peel is 1 kg Seville oranges very soft – about 1½ hrs. This is Juice of one lemon very important, do not hurry it.

2 kg granulated sugar Remove the bag and let it cool a 1 tbsp treacle little. Add the lemon juice, the treacle and the sugar and stir over a low heat to dissolve the sugar fully. Squeeze the bag over the pan to extract the jelly-like pectin – I suggest rubber gloves.

Discard the bag. With the sugar dissolved, raise the heat and bring to a rolling boil. Boil until a blob dropped onto a chilled plate wrinkles when you push it with your finger and you have a set. Turn off the heat and allow to settle for five minutes. Ladle into sterilised jars.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CHORIZO AND BLOOD ORANGES INGREDIENTS

100g chorizo, sliced as thick as a pound coin 1 tbsp olive oil 6 scallops, patted dry 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 blood oranges, segmented, juice reserved baby kale, red chicory, fennel for salad olive oil

This dish is beautiful to behold and delicious to eat. Who wouldn’t love it on Valentine’s Day?

METHOD

Fry the chorizo in a little olive oil until it is well coloured.

Remove from pan and keep warm. Heat another pan until very hot, sprinkle scallops with a pinch of salt and sear for about two minutes on each side until coloured and opaque. Remove from heat and keep warm with chorizo. Deglaze chorizo pan with balsamic vinegar and add orange juice. Reduce to two tbsp. Slice fennel thinly and toss in a little oil with kale and chicory.

Arrange salad on warm plates with orange segments, chorizo and scallops. Drizzle over hot dressing from pan.

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FOOD & DRINK

Valentines bookings now being taken

open Monday to saturday offering lunch from 12-2pm and dinner from 6-9pm with sunday lunch on offer from 12 until its all gone usually around 5pm. b&b from £65. as far as possible all of our ingredients are from local small producers.

North Road, Timsbury BA2 0JJ Telephone: 01761 752015

FEBRUARY 2015 DATES

Wells: every Wednesday 9am-2.30pm at the Market Place All other markets 9am-1pm unless otherwise marked*

Saturday 7th Axbridge & Midsomer Norton SFM@The Frome Independent – no market in February Saturday 14th Frome & Keynsham Saturday 21st Crewkerne Friday 27th Burnham-on-Sea Saturday 28th Glastonbury & Yeovil (9am-2pm)*

www.sevenstars-timsbury.co.uk

follow us @SFMMarkets For more information phone 01373 814646 or visit www.SomersetFarmersMarkets.co.uk

Powering Farming’s Future Tel: 01225 667151 Web: www.yourenergyuk.com

h

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

01275 333042

h

Saturday 14th February Valentines 3 course meal £21.00 per person

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

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

Lunch and dinner service Mon-Sat – Sunday food served all day

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR SUNDAY 15th MARCH ‘MOTHERS DAY LUNCH’ – SEE WEBSITE FOR MENU The Red Lion – the pub at the heart of the community

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

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 17

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MENDIP TIMES

Yeo Valley opens its own restaurant

YEO Valley opens its restaurant, FODDER, to the public on March 3rd, offering both stunning food and stunning views from Yeo Valley HQ above Blagdon.

After serving as the staff canteen, with meals also provided for conference guests and visitors, Yeo Valley started inviting the public in for Roast Wednesdays and Fishy Fridays, offering delicious, organic food for a modest £12 for two courses.

It’s proved so popular that the restaurant is also opening to the public during working hours.

Sarah Mead, wife of Yeo Valley’s chairman, Tim Mead, has designed the restaurant and recruited a team of top chefs to run it.

She said: “FODDER reflects the values of the business as a whole. We are a farming family and the biggest organic dairy business in the country. So we are in a unique position to offer our employees and customers quality produce and great value.”

Meat and dairy produce are provided by Yeo Valley and its farm, with some vegetables and fruit provided by the Yeo Valley organic garden, which Sarah started 20 years ago.

Other local suppliers include the Community Farm, above Chew Valley Lake, local cheesemaker, Homewood, in Ubley, and – naturally – they will offer Blagdon trout, from the lake, which you can see through the window.

Paul Collins, who is executive chef, has been a chef for 25 years with a background at Daylesford, Lucknam Park and Cliveden. He said: “We have the complete provenance of everything we produce and consistency in the quality of what we make.

“We share the company’s beliefs in recycling and sustainability. So we eat the seasons – we buy strawberries locally and not from Spain – and made 40 kilos into jam last year. We made piccalilli from cauliflowers and other excess vegetables from the organic garden. If we have leftovers we sell to the staff at the end of the day.”

Paul is joined in the kitchen by Jason Eland, head chef, and Rob Lisle.

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Pictured l to r: Jason Eland, head chef, Paul Collins, Executive Chef and Sarah Mead

The menu includes starters like cream of Community Farm spinach soup with fresh horseradish; or hot smoked Blagdon trout, sourdough toasts, herb crème fresh and Severn Project salad leaf.

Main courses include grilled Holt Farm beef burger, Cave Aged Cheddar, marinated cucumber, ox heart tomato, red onion and Holt Farms mustard greens; belly of “Just Wild” pork, creamed potato, grilled Community Farm leeks and cider cream sauce.

Desserts include Yeo Valley Madagascan vanilla ice cream, with hot chocolate sauce.

The restaurant will also offer coffee, tea and cakes and has been included in the South West Independent Coffee Guide.

Sarah said: “It’s a way for us to invite people in to have a great time at affordable prices and to show them what the company is all about.”

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YEO VALLEY

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 19

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MENDIP TIMES

Take four (young) chefs

Deep concentration as Hugh (front) and Alex set to work

Jess gets to work on the tagliatelle

HAND-MADE tagliatelle with a red pesto sauce – followed by a mini French apple tart – earned Jess Radford the first prize in the Wells heat of the Rotary Young Chefs competition.

Jess, who attends Strode College in Street, was up against three students from Wells Cathedral School in the competition.

01761 221429

COMING SOON! SIX NATIONS BRUNCH & A PINT £9 Bar snack menu available for evening matches

Patrick prepares the banana loaf

Judges Charlie Chambers, Simon Jackson, Bede McGowan and Dan Holland conferred for more than an hour before declaring Jess the winner at the cook-off in the catering kitchen – opened by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc – at Wells Blue School.

Competing with Jess for first place were Hugh Latta (Grandpa’s Baked Lemon Trout, followed by chocolate pot with mint leaves and redcurrants), Alex Corum (Chicken Breast with a spiced pork filling wrapped in bacon with a white and raspberry chocolate cheesecake to follow) and Patrick King with turkey and leek pie, followed by banana loaf, greek yoghurt and honey.

The next step for Jess is the district-wide round in February where the first two will progress to the regional round covering all the southwest. The one winner from that will go on to the international round covering all of the UK and Eire.

Meanwhile Jess’s two-course meal will be cooked by a professional chef and served to guests at a Rotary Club of Wells dinner on March 23rd at the city’s White Hart Hotel.

A complimentary glass of wine for all guests that book in February quoting the code WINE. Offer will only be available for pre-booked tables.

VALENTINE’S DAY Book a table and receive a free bottle of bubbly

LIVE MUSIC – ENJOY THE BEST LOCAL TALENT Sign up to our news letter for up to date info and offers at The Waldegrave Arms, East Harptree

Church Lane, East Harptree BS40 6BD www.thewaldegravearms.co.uk • email: waldegravearms@btconnect.com PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Ready for the cook-off: (l:r): Blue School catering tutor Charlie Chambers (one of the judges), Sharon Haigh (Wells Rotary), Alex Corum, Hugh Latta, Peter Lean, rotary club president), Patrick King, Jess Radford, Annamma Cheriyan (rotary) and fellow judge Simon Jackson, chef at the Mendip Inn

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GARDEN FOOD

Luscious lingonberries

LITTLE known in this country (where they are sometimes called cowberries), lingonberries are extremely popular in Scandinavia where they are made into various preserves and served with meat, incorporated into bread or used to make cordial.

With JAKE They occur wild in great profusion in WHITSON the forests of Scandinavia (and also in the remaining Scots pine forests of Scotland), but they are also cultivated and named cultivars selected for fruiting exist – I grow ‘Koralle’ and it does seem to be markedly more prolific than the wild type.

The main season for them runs from August to September in Britain but they can hang on the bushes right through the winter – as this sorry specimen shows.

Lingon are related to blueberries and cranberries, and are very similar to cranberries in use, though smaller and with a subtly different flavour. They are packed full of vitamins and also natural preservatives such as bezoic acid, which allows them to be preserved without cooking them.

They can simply be put into jars with water and kept through the winter, or made into my favourite preparation – rårörda lingon, which translates as ‘raw stirred lingon’. It’s essentially a jam made without cooking – simply combine lingonberries with around half their weight in sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Packed into jars this mixture will keep in a cool larder or the fridge for at least a few months – usually longer, though occasionally a jar will start to taste a little alcoholic after a while. Have it on toast for breakfast, or use the resulting syrup as a cordial, or serve with meat as an alternative to redcurrant or cranberry jelly.

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

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Stretching boundaries

CAN anything be truly called ‘wild’ any more in our modified, adapted and everchanging landscape? What about something that is considered a domestic plant which once grew in a garden or was cultivated in a field but subsequently escaped and colonised areas beyond its boundaries With ADRIAN despite the best intentions of the gardener BOOTS or farmer?

We often call these plants ‘garden escapees’ or ‘wildings’ and I have a great one for you: Rocket.

Historically, this plant was a member of the ‘Cruciferae’ referring to the four evenly-arranged petals creating a Maltese cross shape. Today it’s known as ‘Brassicacae’ which is the cabbage family of plants. Edible brothers and sisters include garlic mustard, horseradish, wild cabbage, winter cress, black mustard etc.

Rocket (Eruca sativa) is an annual herb with large often rounded end lobes and several smaller lobes toward the base of the leaf stem. The flowers consist of four petals, off white/yellow in colour with darker lines radiating out from the centre. In terms of habitat it’s pretty much anywhere it can escape from, so that’s going to be fairly near gardens. Considered a spring herb, March to July, in protected areas I’ve picked rocket throughout the winter.

The flavour is peppery, nutty and an absolute prize to collect in the winter. I must qualify this statement as it can actually be bitter sometimes. Okay, okay quite bitter but it’s really challenging to find edible greens, so beggars can’t be choosers. It’s probably best to mix rocket with other salad leaves or make a soup where the addition of stock, seasoning and a dollop of sour cream will add to the flavour. Check out the seed pods too, they can make a good garnish.

Here’s another thought. Technically this is a desirable cultivated plant but as it’s found growing in the wrong place (e.g. not in the greenhouse) does that make it a weed? Happily us foragers can be flexible where a free meal is concerned and care not about stretching the boundaries (no, not of credulity although some might disagree!) of what is considered a ‘weed’ or indeed a ‘wild’. It’s all food after all.

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

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 21

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MENDIP TIMES

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Something special at Ston Easton Park

Menu available on website or at Langford Inn

Cost per customer £22.95

The Langford Inn Lower Langford, North Somerset BS40 5BL

Tel: 01934 863059

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

A SPECIAL aspect of this year’s Valentines menu running throughout February at Ston Easton Park is that for the first time they will be doing a romantic sharing dessert of ‘Chocolate Fondant, Rhubarb Fool and Passion Fruit Sorbet’, a naughty but nice dessert, a fun way to end the dining experience.

They are also offering couples the chance to go to Ston Easton Park on Friday February 13th and take part in a special Valentine’s cookery demonstration, where Daniel Moon, Head Chef will show you the tricks of the trade on how to prepare the ‘perfect Valentine’s meal’.

This will be followed by a two-course dinner with a glass of wine. Diners can always upgrade to the special Valentine’s six-course tasting menu!

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Food to remember

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PARTY Pig Catering is a professional, family-run business based at Lower Stock Farm, Wrington, specialising in spitroasted meats and barbeques.

Their full eight-hour spit roast Somerset reared pig comes with their famous secret Somerset rub crackling, home-made apple sauce and stuffing.

Or they can offer a spit-roast lamb or joint of beef to satisfy everyone at your special event, party or wedding.

The animals they use are of the highest standard, thanks to a combination of diet, habitat and welfare, which gives you the perfect taste for spit-roasting.

Andy Venn, a qualified butcher, has been spit-roast catering now for over eight years.

They have a strong focus on local fresh meat and ingredients ensuring low food miles and carbon footprint.

Andy said: “We are caterers with a real passion for local and home-produced food. When you choose Party Pig for your special day you get a real sense of showmanship and theatre as well as great tasting food and aromas.

“All dishes will be carved from the bone to the plate in front of you from our fully stainless steel roasters for an enjoyable spectacle that is not comparable to any other way of dining. You and your guests will have a party food experience to remember!”

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 and Saturday

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

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 2015 • PAGE 23

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MENDIP TIMES

BEAH

English & Mediterranean Restaurant, Wells

BEAH my Valentine!

Valentines Weekend 13th and 14th February Special Menu

Also available: Mothering Sunday Lunch Menu And Easter Sunday Lunch Menu All our Menus are on the website – visit www.beah.co.uk

Reserve your table now to avoid disappointment

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

Relaxed & friendly dining in the heart of Wells

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

FOOD & DRINK

Perfect romantic meal

WHY not show the one you love how much you care by cooking them a delicious meal this Valentine’s Day? Jon Thorner’s have a fantastic selection of meat, which is sourced as locally as possible, which will suit any budget.

Choose the finest quality West Country fillet steak for a meltin-the-mouth meal, outdoor reared free range loin of pork, which is full of flavour, or one of their succulent stuffed chicken breasts.

To make things a little bit easier they have a great choice of hand-made desserts and indulgent treats to finish off the romantic meal perfectly. And with a comprehensive range of quality wines and gift ideas, a trip to Jon Thorner’s Bridge Farm Shop in Pylle is all you need.

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THATCHERS

What’s new from Myrtle Farm

Barbecued Pumpkin, Pheasant and Chorizo Wraps

We’re delighted to be bringing you the first in a series of regular updates from Thatchers Cider in Sandford.

FRIENDS from around the country joined us at Thatchers Cider to celebrate the annual Wassail ceremony here at Myrtle Farm.

With the procession led by our Wassail Queen Eleanor Thatcher, together with The Green Man, Horse and the Mendip Morris Men, guests braved the weather to see the apple trees being blessed for a healthy apple harvest.

The ancient Wassail ritual sees the evil

WASSAILING goes hand in hand with a warming glass of mulled cider and some delicious seasonal outdoor eats. Chef Tim Maddams has compiled a great recipe for Barbecued Pumpkin, Pheasant and Chorizo Wraps for us – perfect with a glass of Mulled Cider.

Incidentally, mulled cider sachets are available from the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm. And if you wish to download the full recipe for Tim’s wraps, it’s available on our website, www.thatcherscider.co.uk/foodpairing

spirits warded away from the orchards with guns fired into the trees, while the trees are awoken from their winter slumber with everyone creating as much noise as they can, not just with their voices, but with sticks of wood to bang together. Meanwhile the good spirits are welcomed with toast hung in the branches, and the specially chosen tree blessed with cider poured onto its roots.

“A good cider is all about the apples – and at Thatchers we are also about supporting the great traditions of Somerset,” says Martin Thatcher, who’s fourth generation of the cidermaking family.

FOR those of you who love a pint of our Old Rascal Cider, you’ll be pleased to know it will soon be available on draught, and also in cans, as well as the regular 500ml bottle. We’ve given Old Rascal a new label too – we hope you like it.

With a full bodied character and a distinctive medium dry flavour, Old Rascal is crafted here at Myrtle Farm from our cider-makers’ choice of 100% bittersweet apples, including Redstreak, a favourite Somerset to add peppery and spicy notes; Dabinett for a rich, full body, and Tremlett’s for its flavour and tannins.

Cheers!

Thatchers Cider Thatchers Cider, Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA. Tel: 01934 822862 • www.thatcherscider.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 25

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FOOD & DRINK

The Somerset Wagon – all a country inn should be A WIDE range of perfectly-kept cask ales, an intriguing selection of wines, imaginatively prepared home-cooked food and a warm, cosy atmosphere: the Somerset Wagon in Chilcompton has it all.

It’s a winning formula which doesn’t just happen by accident; since he’s been its landlord, Vincent Webb has worked tirelessly to ensure standards have been continually improved.

This coming February will see Vincent’s seventh anniversary in charge of the Somerset Wagon – the same month will also see the first anniversary of its head chef Mark Lewis starting work there full time.

Under Mark’s leadership, the relatively-new kitchen team has developed a menu which offers traditional country inn fare plus a varied specials board – which reveals Mark’s interest in Asian influences. Recent reviews on Trip Advisor show it’s hugely popular with regular customers as well as visitors.

Mark trained at Bath College and

worked for a time as commis chef at the Pump Room in Bath. A change of career saw him join locally-based Mulberry (he was heavily involved in establishing its factory in Bridgwater) before agreeing to help Vince on a casual, then full-time basis.

Mark said: “The Somerset Wagon is all about teamwork. We are putting one of our young staff through college and another may join him shortly.

Vincent is well-known in the area for

Meet the team: Mark with the kitchen staff

supporting several local charities and hosts an annual bike ride in the summer which can attract hundreds of cyclists.

A smoking shelter – complete with heating – on one side of the inn is a recent addition: on one of the beams are carved the names of the people who installed it: Frank Reakes, Luke Reakes and Stuart Mellor.

And with a pretty garden at the front of the inn and plenty of parking, the Somerset Wagon really does have it all.

The Somerset Wagon Broadway, Chilcompton, Somerset BA3 4JW

Vincent and the team welcome you to this ever-popular village inn

Serving quality homecooked food seven days a week at a fair price. Locally sourced wherever possible. Booking advisable.

A wide range of cask ales including Butcombe, 6X and IPA and an extensive selection of wines. Specialist coffees.

Open Mon-Fri: 12-3 & 5-11, Sat: 12-3 & 6-11, Sun: 12-11.

Food served every day 12-2.30 (Mon-Sat lunchtimes), 6-9 Mon-Thur evenings (6-9.30 Fri & Sat) and 12-9 Sundays Well behaved children and dogs welcome.

The Somerset Wagon, Broadway, Chilcompton, Somerset BA3 4JW • E: info@thesomersetwagon.co.uk Tel: 01761 232732 • Find us on facebook

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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We’ve got the power!

13:08

A NEW charging point for electric vehicles has been installed in the car park of South Wansdyke Sports Centre in Midsomer Norton.

The unit can accommodate two cars at once, each using a fast charge sockets which provide a full recharge from empty in about four hours.

The unit has been provided by Bath and North East Somerset Council and funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund – a government grant for a package of measures aimed at improving sustainable transport options. It is hoped the charge point will encourage electric vehicle use, lower emissions and improve air quality in the area.

Councillor Caroline Roberts, from the council, said: “Electric vehicles are more environmentally-friendly than fossil fuel-based vehicles, so the council is pleased to be supporting the use of them through electric charging points. This is a definite bonus for air quality and we hope people will make the best possible use of them.”

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NEWS

Hall a step closer

PLANS to build new village hall and community centre in the heart of Congresbury have been given the green light by Fields in Trust, the charity formerly known as the National Playing Fields Association. The trust has to give

its permission for a development on the King George V playing field just off Stonewell Drive.

Organisers are now planning to submit a planning application and still need to get approval from the Charity Commission.

College celebrates success

WESTON College's annual Celebration of Success at the Winter Gardens was a glittering affair. The event showcases their outstanding students from all walks of college life and also honours businesses that have worked in Some of the winners: Alex Jones, Jim Eastwood – BBC’s The partnership with them Apprentice Finalist and Regional Vice President of Groupon, Chloe Helmore, Grant Baxter, Laura-Jean King over the past year.

Nailsea gets set to walk

REGISTRATIONS are already coming in for the fourth annual Nailsea charity walks and runs, organised by The Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell and supported by many local charities.

The event, which helped raise £18,500 for local charities and worthwhile causes in 2014, has now become firmly established as an important part of the Nailsea calendar when people get together to have fun, enjoy the local countryside with friends and family and raise money for deserving local organisations at the same time.

It will take place on Sunday, June 28th.

Details: Simply enter Rotary Nailsea into your search engine and select Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell. Or contact Graham Hunt (grahamjeanhunt@tiscali.co.uk – 07970 771845) – and ask for a registration form.

Wells girls enjoy radio success

AN all-girl choral group which was formed in Wells have enjoyed immediate success with the launch of their first album.

Celeste features Catherine Hart, Nell Ladipo, Polly Baker and Nikki Kingston, who were all educated at Wells Cathedral School. They were joined last year by Millie Harris, who went to Salisbury Cathedral School.

The album – called Celeste – became the Classic FM Album of the Week. The national radio station hailed it: “one of the most promising and well-produced debuts from a 'crossover' act for a long while.” The on-line retailer Amazon sold out its copies of the album on the day that Decca issued it.

Celeste enjoy success

Hear them on: http://celesteofficial.com MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 27

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Health = happy at Farrington’s in February February is an ideal month in which to visit Farrington’s and to discover the variety of high quality, independent businesses on the site. As well as some seasonal bargains on offer – and some great ideas for Valentine’s Day – visitors arriving in a sustainable way – either on foot, by bike or by bus – can enjoy a special welcome.

FARRINGTON’S Farm Shop at Farrington Gurney has been awarded funding to encourage staff and customers to leave their cars at home and find more sustainable methods of travelling there.

In return, Farrington’s has been giving away 1,000 hot drinks.

The offer lasts until the end of February.

The idea came about through a Bath and North East Somerset Council initiative. Originally aimed at employees to encourage them to use more sustainable transport, the authority has extended the benefit to include customers who choose to cycle, walk or take the bus. The award-winning farm shop has always adopted a “healthy = happy” outlook and sees this is as a great way to reward staff and customers who share these values.

Farrington’s and its thriving shopping village is easily accessible by cycle and on foot with various public footpaths and cycle paths linked to neighbouring villages. Buses (768, X39, 379, 376) run

(l:r): Paul Castle (Farrington’s Business Manager), Nick Rose (also from Farrington’s) and Christine Warren from B&NES

regularly to Farrington Gurney from Bath, Bristol, Wells, Midsomer Norton and Radstock and stop just outside the shop.

Christine Warren, Senior Transport Planner at B&NES, said: “We are delighted to support Farrington’s Farm Shop in this sustainable transport initiative. It is really encouraging to see them adopting a holistic approach and making the links between healthy, sustainably-produced food; sustainable transport and a healthy, happy workplace and customer environment.”

Situated just off the A362 at Farrington Gurney, Farrington’s Farm Shop and Shopping Village is open seven days a week. To receive your regular free drink, visit the Udder Room or Playbarn Café and sign up to their Free Cuppa Charter. For more information, call 01761 452266, visit www.farringtons.co.uk or follow them via Facebook.

Gluten-free at Batch #5 BATH Bakery – a familyowned and run craft bakery in Bath – has opened premises at Farrington’s to produce Batch #5, a new range of gluten-free products.

Managing Director Mark Slevin has a particular interest in this area as his five-yearold granddaughter is a coeliac sufferer and he knows from

Enjoy a free regular cuppa in the Café when you walk, cycle or take the bus to Farrington’s NOW! Plus – fishmongers, fish & chip kitchen, florist, garden centre, gifts and toys, ladies fashion, hair salon, furniture and craft workshops and children’s pottery painting all on site!

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

first hand experience that the choice of gluten-free foods available in shops, particularly bakery style products, is limited, not very attractive and rather expensive.

Batch#5 produces a wide range of products suitable for coeliac sufferers which are available in all Bath Bakery shops, Farrington’s Farm Shop and in many other shops throughout the area. Batch#5 products are also available online for national and international customers.

The current range includes white and brown breads, ciabattas and rolls, burger buns in white and brown plus confectionery items such as cupcakes, scones, muffins, fudge brownies, flap jacks, tray bakes, Victoria sponges and Swiss rolls as well as beautiful wraps and pizza bases.

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FOCUS ON FARRINGTON’S

Two shops – same philosophy Friendly florist BERRY Barn and Mini Moos: two amazing gift shops at Farrington’s, both run by Sam and Sheryl.

Berry Barn boasts an impressive selection of the latest, most adorable gift ranges that you Berry Barn: the white post box is won’t find anywhere available for hire for weddings nearby from gorgeous jewellery, candles, scarves and bags to beautiful cards and lovely things for the home and garden. They can also help with sourcing items for weddings.

Mini Moos is a beautiful child and baby shop, brimming with gorgeous clothing, new baby and christening gifts plus toys and games from 0 to 7 years. They are the place to visit for all your baby shower presents and for those endless birthday parties.

They also offer helium balloons and filled hand decorated party bags for just £2.50 each.

Quality plants – realistic prices

FAIRFIELD Nurseries is an independent, family-run garden centre. Situated just behind the cafe, they pride themselves in offering top quality plants at realistic prices, growing around 75% of the plants they sell which enables them to keep their prices down.

Darren, the owner, has 20 years of gardening experience and is on hand to give plenty of advice on planting. The garden centre is currently stocking up on a wide variety of shrubs ready for spring planting.

To keep up to date with offers and prices “like” their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fairfieldnurseriesuk

AMY at The Flower Cabin can provide fresh cut flowers for any occasion.

From traditional English garden style to bright, bold and tropical, Amy can create any style and colour of your choice. Amy can create anything to suit your budget; pop into her shop, located at Farrington’s Farm (just opposite the café).

Pre-ordering for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day is essential. Spend £25 or more and receive FREE delivery locally (quote voucher code “Mendip Times“ when placing your order), only if ordered before Saturday, March 7th in the case of Mother’s Day. Flower orders can be taken over the telephone on 01761 451298 (Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm).

Amazing half price sale

DRESS CODE is rapidly becoming synonymous with elegance and versatility.

Two new French and Italian collections are specifically designed to flatter and reflect the needs of “real women” who come in all shapes and sizes and Eye catching designs there are still many bargains to be snapped up at this exclusive boutique owned by businesswoman Diane Hayward.

As well as an exciting organic clothing range soon to arrive from Australia, stunning limited edition pieces are also on their way in time for spring and summer.

From statement pieces to understated elegance, a fabulous new range of jewellery – exclusive to DRESS CODE – features Swarovski and American Crystals to perfectly complement or totally transform an outfit.

Diane, who also offers a Personal Styling Consultation for clients, said: “I love clothes and DRESS CODE is all about indulging my passion for classic simplicity and uncompromising quality!”

A beautiful child and baby shop from 0 to 7 years.

• Gorgeous clothes • Presents for baby showers • New baby and christening gifts • Traditional toys, games and books

minimooos@outlook.com 01761 451727

07473 484948

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

Business can require tough love IT’S already February in the ‘new’ year, and as we all sigh heavily and wonder where the time is going, perhaps we need to put the brakes on and take stock of our plans for 2015 before we blink and find that it’s summer!

Naturally, one of the key aspects of any business plan is the financial one. Remember the motto ‘Cash is King’. It’s well worth bearing in mind, especially as we are climbing out of recession. Unfortunately, depending on one’s customers, there may still be a risk of late or missed payments.

For any small business owner, it’s really important to

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PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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

ensure that no late payments are overlooked and even more important to be clear that if a regular customer unexpectedly drops behind with settling an account, action is taken politely and clearly and above all, immediately.

It can be very difficult to approach someone to ask for money, even when it is due, but we put our livelihoods and those of our staff at risk if we overlook it. It’s surprising how a lax attitude (often caused by embarrassment) can spread into a culture within a company which can lead it into hugely difficult situations.

I have known a circumstance where a company allowed customers to be so slow in paying that virtually 50% of the annual turnover was outstanding. Needless to say, the company was struggling to meet its own commitments, but not because there weren’t enough customers or the turnover wasn’t sufficient, but because there was an overwhelming culture of ‘niceness’ which nearly finished it.

A situation like this can kill a small company in a relatively short space of time. So, now that we are approaching St. Valentine’s Day, might I ask that all owners give their businesses the ‘Love’ they deserve? Make sure you have strict payment terms and that you stick to them – customers won’t hate you for it, they will, however, respect you.

Take care and have a really good year!

Jane Bowe Probusiness

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Specialist appointed

THE Royal Bath and West Show has appointed local specialist publishers Graham Walton Publishing to partner them in producing their show schedules, equine catalogue and show programme this year. GWP, based near Shepton Mallet, work in partnership with more than 40 different agricultural shows and events, producing schedules, show guides and catalogues. They have been trading since 1997 when Managing Partner Graham Walton turned a hobby into a thriving business. He said: “We are delighted to be working with the Royal Bath and West Show this year.Their show is one of the most prestigious in the whole of the United Kingdom and we are proud to be involved.”

From a cable free home, to home automa on, Wedmore Home Technology Solu ons can provide you with a professional service with solu ons designed around you, and for you.

WIFI

Providing wifi availability all around the home or family safe connec vity with different levels of access

TV WALL MOUNTING

Installa on and removal of all unsightly cables.

HOME NETWORKING

From addi onal data storage and shared drive access to streaming music and video around the house.

HOME CINEMA INSTALLATION Fully scalable to accommodate your requirements.

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One light switch to an en re house, we can make your home an extension of your smartphone, whilst retaining exis ng func onality (suitable for anybody to use!)

We’d love to hear from you to discuss what services we can provide for you. Call us on 01934 713657 or 07545 551417 • www.wedmorehometechnologysolu#ons.com

BUSINESS

QUALITY MARQUEES FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT JG MARQUEES HAS A VERY BUSY 2015 – STAFF REQUIRED

Must enjoy working outdoors, physically fit.

We are looking for FULL TIME MARQUEE ERECTOR/RIGGER (no experience required, will train for an excellent long-term future). To work in a small team, erecting marquees and installing furnishings. During the winter, assisting with minor duties on the farm.

Monday – Friday 8.30- 5.30. Must have driving licence, ideally with 7.5t lorry licence, if not we will get you trained.

FULL TIME FOR SPRING/SUMMER (6 + months) Helping with marquees, must have a car driving licence.

STUDENTS FOR SUMMER – some keen, able bodies home from University, own transport to get to work is important.

Will be looking to fill these vacancies in the spring.

Pay will depend upon experience etc.

CV to: Jeremy Griffin, info@jgmarquees.co.uk JG Marquees, Nettwood Farm, East Harptree, Bristol BS40 6DA. Tel 01761 221366

TOWENS are now offering Skip hire and Waste management services from their new facility at Clutton

Extensive range of competitively priced skips and containers Experienced and helpful drivers Permanently sited skips and containers Wait and loads Discounts available on pre-sorted waste e.g. all hardcore or inert soil etc sorted into one skip or container

SKIP THE REST – HIRE THE BEST Towens Waste Management Ltd | The Old Coal Yard | Marsh Lane | Clutton BS39 5ST T 01761 453200 | M 07872 489335 | Website: www.towens.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 31

Photo by Ignyte Limited, Radstock.

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MENDIP TIMES

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

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

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

Respite Care also available

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

– e Photographer

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

ARIMIS

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES

A family business

COURT House in Cheddar is a family-run business and has been since it started 28 years ago.

The aim was to create somewhere with a homely atmosphere and everyone that visits agrees that this is still the case.

Residents all bring their own furniture, staff don’t wear uniforms and the walls are not covered in notice boards.

There are activities laid on such as a pianist who plays weekly, themed suppers and visits to the local pub for lunch.

Residents are by no means expected to join in; they have the choice which is also the case with all aspects of their daily living.

The superb location of Court House means that residents have wonderful views over the Mendip Hills and are also able to enjoy its village location meaning that they can continue to be part of the local community.

Support for food bank

Planning Applications Listed Building Building Regulations Care & Repair New Houses – Extensions Conversions & Refurbishments For a free consultation, please contact Rob Tel: 0800 458 4283 Mob: 07818 212 532 Email: rob@arimis-architectural.co.uk

SHEPTON Mallet Food Bank received a boost this Christmas from Red Berry who organised a collection to support them.

John and Louise Melia from the Salvation Army are pictured with Emily Cradock, commercial consultant, and Emma Haskins, social media and marketing manager.

Red Berry have said they would like to offer belated thanks to the general public and business supporters.

PAGE 32 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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Red carpet welcome for businesses

BUSINESS

The launch of the videos at a Coffee and Croissants networking meeting at Mendip Hub

JUDITH Ludovino and her team at the Mendip Hub in Wells rolled out the red carpet for visitors to a recent Coffee and Croissants networking meeting.

The reason was the launch of two new videos showcasing the facilities that the Mendip Hub can offer and the benefits of attending the informal Thursday morning gatherings.

Funding from the Somerset Work Hubs initiative allowed Judith to commission the videos from Peter Froome, who runs Wild Country Lane Studios and is a regular attendee at the Coffee and Croissant meetings. Judith said: “Peter and I met through Mendip Hub networking and it was a real pleasure to collaborate on this video project. Peter’s expertise has allowed the Mendip Hub project different messages to our different customers.

“We took Peter’s advice to keep both videos very short – less than 90 seconds – but it is amazing what visual information you can put into that timeline!”

The Mendip Hub offers flexible office and desk space in Wells as well as meeting rooms available by the day or just a few hours. As well as Coffee and Croissant meetings, Judith also hosts various other informal networking events including sessions on social media and for members of the creative industry.

The video, features interviews with some of the people who use the facility. Judith said: “Our hub users put across their enthusiasm for our working environment and the positive feelings of energy and drive we enjoy being in this lovely working space.”

Wild Country Lane Studios creates marketing and training videos as well as covering events. Peter said: “Film making by its nature is an exacting practice but the business people at Mendip Hub were so professional and supportive that the video was a pleasure to make.”

He added: “I have been attending networking and training events at the Mendip Hub for about a year and it was at one of these that Judith and I developed the ideas for the videos.

We were able to take advantage of a subsequent networking event for part of the shoot.”

Both videos can be viewed via the News section of the Mendip Hub website www.mendiphub.co.uk or by searching for Mendip Hub via YouTube.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

Happy clients

ANDREW Dale is a photographer specialising in weddings, events and portraits who has moved his business to the South West after seven years working in Scotland. He said it’s the people who make the job so interesting: “Every shoot is different, so taking time beforehand to understand what people need helps make sure everything goes well on the day. What's also rewarding is the reaction from happy clients. A woman I photographed recently sent a Facebook message saying she'd never had so many likes in just a single day. That's when I know all the hard work has paid off.”

Leaping into spring

VALENTINE’S Day is celebrated this month and jeweller Erica Sharpe has joined with the Fairtrade Foundation to use the day traditionally associated with romantic proposals (and the ladies are not exempt from popping the question!), to raise the profile of Fairtrade gold.

More couples are choosing Fairtrade gold, silver and platinum for their engagement and wedding rings, which gives peace of mind that they are ethical as well as beautiful! This gorgeous ‘Leaping Hares Ring’, in Fairtrade silver set with a sparkling pink sapphire, has been on display along with a range of Erica’s Fairtrade jewellery, at Cox and Power in London.

As well as offering Fairtrade materials, Erica also specialises in remodelling jewellery, bringing family items from previous generations into new uses, and at the same time protecting valuable natural resources.

Expert advice

PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

BLAGDON WI staged their own version of the Antiques Roadshow when Toby Pinn and George Tricks of Clevedon Salerooms invited members to take along some of their family treasures for discussion and valuation.

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Tamlyns expands its sales calendar DUE to a considerable increase in business, 2015 will see a few changes to the Tamlyns’ sale calendar with a wider range of auctions being held in their Bridgwater salerooms.

They are increasing the number of catalogued antiques

ARTS AND ANTIQUES

sales; these will run approximately every six weeks starting from March 24th, and will include jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, furniture, decorative items and books and will be available online with live bidding on the sale day.

A general sale will be held every month and this will include a wide selection of items from ceramics, glass, decorative items, prints and many other items – the emphasis will be on good clean lots that are of interest but not necessarily of high value. These sales will be simply catalogued but will not be available for live bidding.

The popular specialist collectors’ sales will continue – there will be four over the year, the first being on February 17th. They will continue to include everything from cigarette cards, postcards, militaria, coins, postage stamps, toys, pop memorabilia and the many other mixed sections these sales are known for. These sales will be fully catalogued and available online with live bidding on the sale day.

“This is an exciting time for the saleroom, it is such a positive step to increase the number of sales we will be holding this year and I look forward to the new challenges this will bring,” says Claire Rawle, auctioneer and saleroom manager.

Details: If you would like further information on how to enter items into one of Tamlyns’ auctions, contact them on 01278 445251.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 35

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Busy time for Mendip

THE Mendip Auction Rooms did not rest in December and January with a two-day sale being staged in December with over 1,200 lots going under the hammer. There was strong interest in the room and over the internet with an early 20th century British impressionist painting by Percy William Gibbs, selling to an internet trade buyer at £1,400.

There was strong American interest for a good Victorian needlework tapestry with competing US bidders pushing it to sell well above estimate at £300. The January sale of antiques and collectables was also well attended with various items of local interest being offered including a rule book for Shepton Mallet prison dating from 1866 which sold to a local collector.

Recent general sales have seen an improvement in prices for brown furniture with an Ercol table and chairs selling at £300 against an estimate of £60 to £80. Although Davenports have fallen in price they achieved £180 for a nice early Victorian example.

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

Mouse trap attracts the bidders Clevedon Salerooms’ recent specialist sale included this desirable Doulton Lambeth glazed stoneware figure of a mouse pushing a large vase in a wheelbarrow. Modelled by celebrated Doulton artist George Tinworth, this late Victorian figure was one of many mouse-themed groups designed by Tinworth, all featuring mice taking part in decidedly human activities.

Despite being only three inches high, these figure groups have a huge following and the winning bidder took the bait, trapping this mouse at £1,850.

The silver section featured this 1965 table pheasant by Garrard. Whilst silver-plated examples can be frequently flushed out of sideboards across the country, the solid silver examples are much harder to come by and this example, measuring almost 15 inches long was just that exception.

A number of phone bidders had this lot in their sights and the successful bidder hit the target at £1,200.

Clevedon Salerooms are holding a free specialist jewellery, silver and watch valuation day at the salerooms on Tuesday February 17th, 10am – 4pm where their specialist valuers

will be providing free, no-obligation verbal estimates on all jewellery, silver and watches possible inclusion in the March specialist sale. There is ample free parking and no appointment is necessary.

Looking to gain a few pounds this Spring?

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

FREE ANTIQUE VALUATION DAYS

£19,600

£930

9 10 11 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 17th February 10am – 4pm

Next Specialist Sale Thursday 12th March MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 37

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INTERNET

Google gives you More!

GOOGLE offers a lot of free stuff you can use or download. Some of it is designed for use on a smartphone, some for PCs. Here are a few of my favourites.

To start – go to Google (www.google.co.uk) click on the box made up of nine little boxes – top right corner of Google search page.

Click More – at the bottom of the menu Then click Even More – at the bottom of that.

One of the best ones is Google Earth – it’s quite a big download, but it gives a lot – you can “fly” to almost anywhere in the world – or even under the sea and off into space! Some of the images will be a year or two old, but if you click in the Google Earth search box and type your postcode you will get a bird’s eye view of your house. Or you could even take a look at what neighbours have in their garden!

Picasa is a download for you to organise, edit and share photos – for basic editing it’s hard to beat.

Google Docs is an online word processor which you can access from anywhere.

Translate – instantly translate text, web pages, and files. Click Translate – type what you want, choose your language and off you go! Or if you find a web page in a foreign language, Google will offer to translate it for you.

Calendar – this totally organises my life (well someone has to!) and so once I have it set up, I add all my appointments etc, as well as birthdays, which I set to repeat annually and get an email two weeks before the event so I have time to find a card.

Google + is a page to store photos and share with friends, but you need a Google Account in order to use it.

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

We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you; a session lasts 2 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 XP/Vista/W7/W8: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones.

We also run a Computer Drop in session 1.30-2.00 Thursday afternoons. Call in for a quick word of advice/help/info. Followed by workshops – contact us for more details Or if you can spare two hours a week, have skills on any level – especially iPad – that you would like to share with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 6. Lie in glue and try sticking to it! (9) 8. Jumbled amidst the clutter in an effortless way (5) 10. Gather no apples from valley (4) 11. The redesigned logo that is stressing beliefs (10) 12. Floored leaders gaped wondrously (12) 15. Curiously quiet in eastern sea (7) 16. Make a meal out of dip in road (7) 18. Law is revoked and rulers confirm support (7,5) 20. Woman and bishop have small timescale (4,6) 22. Plant lilies for pond life (4) 23. Major honour for Burrington (5) 24. Interrogator closes hurriedly and points to the equal value of the two sides (9) DOWN 1. City expands (5) 2. An eye for music? (5,5) 3. Hint is in undertone and done badly (7) 4. Award is going to have to manage without me (4)

5. Final element in a perfume is most important (9) 7. Likely to be cloaked in secrecy? (2,3,5,2) 9. Mixes ales in pan and attempts remarks (12) 13. Ant dismembered flea comprehensively, say (10) 14. I won bawdy fiction with much to look at! (3,6) 17. Worst kind of guile, believer! (7) 19. Times meetings (5) 21. Old financiers go round in circles (4) Compiled by Felkov

Answers on Page 81

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Keeping skills alive

FROME Textile Workshop has donated £10,000 to Frome College to thank it for its support. The workshop is a local group of weavers, spinners and dyers who are helping to keep the crafts alive and pass on skills.

The workshop was based at the college for 20 years and then for three years at the United Reform Church. It is now temporarily located in a much smaller space in the Sunday School at Chapel Barton.

Jane Lewis, teacher, organiser and founder member of the workshop, retired last summer and members have voted to make £10,000 available to establish a bursary in her name, to support learning opportunities within the crafts of weaving, spinning and dyeing.

The workshop needs a permanent home and is appealing for help in finding one.

Details: Laila Jhaveri on 07930 278445

Walk this way – new carnival DVD goes on sale A DVD has been launched which celebrates the heritage and development of walking masqueraders in Somerset carnivals.

Whilst the many spectacular carts usually grab the headlines, the walking entries are a remarkable celebration of talent as the entrants parade either individually, in pairs or in groups.

Walking Your Way into Carnival has been produced by the Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project and has been supported by a £8,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The DVD was launched at a gala night at Wells Film Centre.

CISSP was formed in 2009 in response to concerns that the unique heritage of the Somerset illuminated carnivals could potentially be lost in the future unless efforts were made to encourage more people to take part in the tradition.

Dr Andrew Tallon, chairman of CISPP, said: “This is the culmination of the latest exciting and interesting project that CISPP has undertaken. This gives us the opportunity to highlight how carnival originated with walking masqueraders and how West Country carnivals continue to be important to today to both the local community and economy.

“It also shows the enjoyment that can be gained from

A masquerader at Shepton Mallet carnival

masquerading in carnivals, and how the carnivalites of the future can get involved in masquerading.”

The film features archive carnival footage and new interviews with masquerading participants. It complements the “Iconic Carts from the last four Decades” DVD which was released in 2013.

Interviewees include members of Little Devils Junior Carnival Club, Krakus CC, Cousins CC Frome, Dee Gee’s CC, Lisa Mead, Dave and Lisa Arney, Norman Bishop, Roger Muspratt-Hamilton, Nicola Putt, Ann and Barry Popham, Dave Perrett, John Dean formerly of Colts CC, and Samvantra CC. Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the South West, said: “We were delighted to help provide this wonderful opportunity for the local community to delve into a unique aspect of West Country heritage which is still enjoyed as much today as it was in the past. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

On the streets of Frome

Masqueraders show plenty of imagination in Castle Cary

The DVD is on sale for £10 and is being distributed for free to schools across Somerset. For further information visit: www.cispp.org.uk

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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T he ch a rm i ng S to n ec ha t FEBRUARY is likely to be the last chance most of us get to see a stonechat until next winter at least.

This handsome little bird is about robinBy CHRIS sized, and equally as SPERRING smartly dressed. The MBE males have a striking black head and upper parts, giving way to an orange front and distinctive white vicar’s collar. Unlike the robin, though, the female stonechat is more drab in appearance, with a brown head and upper parts, and less distinctive white collar.

Once thought of as a member of the thrush family, modern DNA analysis has shown that they are in fact more closely related to the flycatcher family.

The English name for this bird derives from its call, which sounds like two stones being tapped together. It is a resident breeding bird, but is not as frequent as it used to be; however the numbers swell during the winter as many stonechats arrive with us to escape the harsher winters of the north.

If you are walking on the hill during February do keep a watch for stonechats, which are as bold as robins and have a favourite habit of perching on the tips of low scrub, tall grasses or teasel, which they use as vantage points from which they watch the ground for any movement of a likely meal.

If you stand back and just watch you will see them suddenly spring off their perch, dive to the ground, normally eating what they’ve found on the ground, before returning either to the same perch or another similar one nearby.

There are lots of places to see stonechats on Mendip during the winter, but some of the best are Priddy Mineries, Black Down and Burrington Ham. They are very much a bird of the open country, wherever there is scrub cover mixed within the open areas. They feed on a variety of invertebrates, and occasionally berries.

WILDLIFE

The stonechats that breed here will nest on, or close to, the ground, in grass or scrub, and on the coast they nest on vegetated sand dunes. They are classified as Green on the Birds of Conservation Concern list, meaning that their numbers are not under any threat.

Even so, it’s not a bird you see every day or indeed everywhere. So, whilst you’re enjoying a crisp walk in February, do look out for this small, yet bold, little bird. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

If you take time to stop and watch it may just reward you with some really close encounters.

Here’s a photo of me with Oliver at the launch of the Community Owl Project in Castle Cary. You can read about the event elsewhere in Mendip Times.

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 2015 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Follow the coast around Portishead

Another very early walk by Sue from Mendip Times in 2007 which has been re-walked and rewritten and we are reprinting while she has a two-month break from new explorations!

THIS is a fascinating, varied and beautiful walk in North Somerset exploring the Portishead coast, the marina, high down and part of the town – ideal for the colder winter months and good underfoot.

It goes along the coast path, by the historic Nautical School and then over Portishead Down. It continues through a quiet part of town and along the amazing Marina which has transformed the old Portishead docks. Follow a high ridge, once a fashionable promenading spot, go along the Lake Grounds and back.

There is a coastal pub at the start, another with a pretty garden and beach near the end of the Marina as well as other refreshment options. There are two places where you can pre-order fish and chips too! It is suitable for dogs provided they are well behaved and happy with some

With Sue Gearing PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

town walking.

There is a steep uphill section from the coast path.

PARK: In the free public car park by the Windmill Inn on Nore Road which is the lower coast road just west of Marine Lake and Lake Grounds in Portishead. (You could start by parking in Portishead town and following directions from Waitrose petrol station*).

START: From the car park drop steeply down the open downland to the right side of the Windmill to reach the coast path.

Here is the first of several access points to the pebbly beaches along here. Turn left along the coast on what is known as Mariner’s Path, passing the sailing club.

Continue to hug the coast all the way and at a point where the path seems to end, go right down steps and continue past a cottage and on, as before – a total distance of about 0.75 miles to the lighthouse.

1. LIGHTHOUSE Leave the coast path and turn inland on the footpath to the left of the impressive old Nautical School, now Fedden Village. It has a fascinating history. In the second half of the 19th century, spearheaded by a group of businessmen led by Henry Fedden, a ship, HMS Formidable was towed from Sheerness to Portishead and anchored off the pier, converted to a training ship for ‘urchins’ from the streets of Bristol so they could benefit from strict naval discipline. The ship, The Formidable, which could take 350 boys, was opened by the Rev. Charles Kingsley, author of ‘Westward Ho’.

Life aboard, as you can imagine, was hard and disciplined. Records show that at least 41 boys, aged 11-15 died there from one cause or another, some from drowning. It was replaced by the Nautical

School which continued until 1983, after which it was badly vandalised. Today it is converted into luxury apartments and named after Henry Fedden.

At the top of the path, go through a kissing gate onto Nore Road. Turn right a few yards, cross and go up Somerset Road, a residential cul-de-sac. In the right corner take steps on a Tarmac path up through woodland, zig-zagging steeply all the way to a residential road at the top.

Turn left and at the end of this cul-de-sac, take the path to the right of a garage and then turn up right up more steps to another road. Turn left and immediately right to reach a main road into Portishead.

2. ROAD Turn left and after about 7-8 minutes reach the High Down School complex.

3. SCHOOL Go past it and take the first right, the Downs. Before a bend, go right through a kissing gate into a field on the marked footpath. Turn left and go down the field (not diagonally) and over a metal pipe stile onto the Downs.

4. PORTISHEAD DOWN Continue straight ahead getting good views left over Portbury Dock and coast.

Go over a crossing path and drop down the downland. Bear slightly to the left and then go down, heading towards houses and other buildings below. Roughly in the middle of the bottom edge, go through a gate leading to a Tarmac footpath between houses. This leads to a residential road.

Turn right and shortly come to a through road. Turn left and after a couple of minutes, as the road bends left, turn right on St Mary’s Road.

4. ST MARY’S ROAD Follow this for a few minutes and as it

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slightly narrows, go up left on a Tarmac footpath just after a sign to the Cot. Go under a building and continue, with Fore Hill up on your left. At a residential road, carry on, drop down, leaving the Garstons, and turn left on the road. Pass St Peter’s Church on your right with its very visible 100ft high tower. Continue on, cross Avon Way and on again.

5. ST MARY’S ROAD Follow this for a few minutes and as it slightly narrows, go up left on a Tarmac footpath just after a sign to the Cot. Go under a building and continue, with Fore Hill up on your left. At a residential road, carry on, drop down, leaving the Garstons, and turn left on the road. Pass St Peter’s Church on your right with its very visible 100ft high tower. Continue on, cross Avon Way and on again.

6. CABSTAND Eventually arrive at another larger, crossing road, Cabstand with the United Reformed church opposite. Cross and turn right down Cabstand to the main road below. Turn left and as the road bends right go straight on, passing the side of the leisure centre on your right heading towards Port Marine. *You could start the walk here. Park in Portishead and go to Waitrose petrol station. Walk along the main road with the petrol station on your right. As the road bends go straight ahead towards Port Marine.

7. PORT MARINE Now come into Port Marine through the old metal dock gates, passing the primary school. Continue on Lower Burlington Road all the way to a metal sculpture. Turn right to the edge of the marina and turn left along it. This is beautiful along here and particularly interesting on a weekend with a good deal of boating activity as yachts pass through the large lock. At weekends and on sunny days there is a welcoming mobile snack bar on the other side of the lock which you can cross when the lock is not being used. It is a good spot for refreshment and a rest. On this side also is a popular restaurant, Farrells, once the lock-keeper’s cottage, where you can preorder takeaway fish and chips, or have a coffee, drink or meal.

This is a far cry from the old harbour and industrial area. It was not just a port but also occupied by two power stations and a large chemical works. A huge amount of development has taken place here and on the other side, known as ‘ashlands’, because it was the dumping ground for

5.25 miles, about three hours walking OS Explorer 154 map, Bristol West and Portishead, grid ref: 458 764

power station waste. Around the 1860s, at the height of the steel era, a pier and deepwater dock were built to take the large ships had that difficulty in reaching Bristol harbour.

Go to the end, dropping down onto the lower level if you wish, and pass the Barbican designed to resemble a quaint fishing village. Reach Portishead pier built in 1849 and connected to the railway.

There was a station too. Packet steamers unloaded passengers here.

Follow the edge round to the left. Here are unrivalled views of the estuary, the bridges, Welsh coast and Royal Portbury Dock. Go steeply up steps and come to the Royal Inn, once a hotel.

8. THE ROYAL This was built in 1830 to cater for passengers alighting from boats and embarking for the Americas from the nearby pier. This area became very fashionable for picknicking and walking with a handsome boardwalk up on the ridge, which you will soon reach.

The Royal has a beautiful woodland garden and a beach. You can eat in, or in the garden, and you can also ring ahead and order takeaway fish and chips.

Pass the hotel on your right, ignore Woodlands Road, and just continue a short way uphill. Opposite new houses, go right up newly-refurbished steps which lead up to the ridge in East Wood (if the footpath is still being worked on, you have to stay on the road and, opposite South Road, turn right up a footpath to the ridge. Go to the highest point and left).

Go along the ridge. This was very

fashionable for a promenade and known as Broad Walk. Keep straight on and all the way to the end to a road. Cross over and go down steps. Reach an information board about East Wood and Battery Point, with interesting history of this area going back to the Iron Age. Go straight out to Battery Point.

9. BATTERY POINT This was a fortified site from the time of Elizabeth I. During the Civil War it underwent a four-day siege by Parliamentary forces, and by means of a simultaneous blockade of the River Avon, Prince Rupert forced the eventual surrender of the City of Bristol. During the Napoleonic Wars Battery Point was again manned by the military and was used in both world wars.

Pass alongside the wall of the open air swimming pool and just past it, our walk continues by going left down steps to the road. But first, it is worth going right out to the Point, past a stone in memory of mariners and seafarers.

To continue, follow the coast, passing the Marine Lake and Lake Grounds on the left.

There are useful toilets here and a cafe. At the end follow the road uphill for a short way and then turn right towards a downland car park. Go through and turn along the coast, soon arriving back at the Windmill Inn and the start.

The Windmill Inn, 01275 843 677.

Farrells, 01275 842266, open from 11am.

The Royal Hotel, 01275 843944.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 43

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s Diary

IT’S now the middle of January and already I'm wondering where the time is going.

We've had the first 'bite' of winter, a dusting of snow over Mendip that made the Hill look impressive and inviting, without causing too much disruption or discomfort.

Perhaps that’s how snow should be, just With LES enough to say that you've had some and to DAVIES MBE be able to enjoy it, but not enough to make life difficult. As always my expectations of life are somewhat simplistic.

This time last year the Somerset Levels were flooded, but so far this year we can give thanks that that situation has not reoccurred. I was down there a couple of days ago, the river was still running very high at Burrowbridge and water was lying on the lower ground. This as I have said is a long way from the suffering that was experienced through last year’s flooding.

I'm told that a kind summer has allowed all the initial emergency work to be carried out and that the Environment Agency have been working closely with the local people, making good use of their knowledgeable local managers. There is now a 20-year plan in place to ensure that issues that may have contributed to the problems of last year will not occur again.

I have to say with some pride, that the Royal Bath and West of England Society were amongst the vanguard in raising the levels of awareness and money to help with flood relief. Through the able leadership of Edwin White, the society has taken a very active role in ensuring the future protection of this area.

It has also raised a considerable amount of money, showing that they truly know how to put their money where their mouth is! This is just the sort of thing that is at the heart of the society, building a strong rural economy linked to the importance of the landscape and conservation is the way forward.

February has always been a wet month, be that rain or snow. If Mendip is to get snow it's normally around this time of the year, but with the small consolation that it’s not likely to stay around for long. Several years back, I trawled through the Charterhouse school log to find some entries from the school’s first headmistress, Sarah Manning, who bravely took on the role in 1881.

She was a single woman who found Mendip (and its people) somewhat harsh. The hard realities of living high on the isolated Mendip Plateau, where she was totally dependent on outside help for food, supplies and transport, obviously shattered her hopes and expectations of rural education in this part of Somerset. Her entry into the school log for February 1888 shows the despair: “No healthy woman would ever desire to be a nun if she spent one winter alone here, let alone seven. But the markets are crowded.”

Such despair can only be imagined in winters where she records: “I returned after my holiday (Jan 10, 1887) to commence school this morning, having been forced to ride in an open car (railway carriage) on Saturday from Bristol – no other conveyance.”

She would then have had to make her way to the school house from Blagdon or possibly Burrington. She continues a little later

in the same entry to talk about her supply of house coal: “It was covered with more than a foot of snow.” In a later entry she tells how the snow was waist deep, and that she couldn't get to her coal heap. She gives a neighbour a large knob of coal for digging out three buckets full for her. This incidentally was in February, 1887.

I don’t mind the cold, but wet and cold can really upset me.

The livestock are no different to us and it’s the damp that causes problems. I paid a visit to a friend of mine recently, who amongst many other things, raises beef shorthorn cattle. His cattle shed has proved to be essential, especially with the wet and cold conditions. Yes, they are hardy beasts, but they do so much better under shelter. Like us, if you can take the rain off their backs, they are a lot better for it.

When I cast my mind back half a century things were so much different. Cattle in sheds were kept on deep litter, with 'bedding down' being a daily task. At the end of the season all that deep litter had to be cleared out. No such thing as a skid steer loader then and doorways were invariably narrow. This meant it all had to be done by hand, using a four-pronged dung fork and a hay knife.

No need to go down the gym after some of this. It was heavy work and just a 'tad' tedious as well. I remember working in relays; the 'calves’ house' consisted of wooden pens in a long building with doors. Everything had to be forked out of the pen into the alleyway; from there it went down and out of the door; then on its final leg of the journey it was carried to the shed door at the top of a flight of stone steps and cast onto the dung heap in the yard below.

Each forkful had to make this journey and as you can well imagine it was somewhat repetitive. I preferred not to cut it out in blocks with the hay knife, but to remove it in layers. As always a 'free thinker' from an early age!

I know that I have put on a couple of extra pounds (and have been told as such) over the Christmas period. Like many I made free with good food and wine and took a bit of a rest. In truth we all need a little extra on us at this time of the year, especially if you’re getting outside. As you can see I am already justifying my situation, but this 'extra' will soon burn off.

Even in the most miserable of weather conditions there will be a period when you can get out for a walk, so put on those new neoprene lined wellies that you had for Christmas and go for walk. Don’t forget the hat and gloves that also arrived courtesy of Santa, because they make life so much more comfortable.

Have a good February, spring is on its way, and I've a photo of spring crocus at Langford Court to bring a little colour into a dark February.

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

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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Greetings from Gabon – tracking mandrill across the plains

other end: their purple-and-blue tie-dye backsides.

These rainbow-covered beasts move in groups of up to 850 (known as hordes), the largest aggregation of wild primates in the world (aside from humans). While it might seem such a large horde should be easy to find, the forest in the south of the park outsizes them – 850 needles in 850,000 acres of haystacks. The only time we stand a chance of finding, following, and eventually attaching GPS collars to a few individuals from this horde is when they are out of the large forest block and into the small stretches of forest alongside the streams in the north of the park.

Once GPS collars are attached to a few carefully selected females (who stay with the large horde more than the normally solitary males), finding the horde will be simple, and will allow tourism, research, and help to alleviate the conflict between mandrill and villagers, who sometimes have their crops raided.

But for now, we have no option but to cover the 50,000 acres of savannah and forest in the north by 4x4 and on foot, and by using camera traps in places where the forest is thin enough to predict the mandrill’s path. Once some sign of the

Brigitte, a WCS research assistant, crosses between forest patches whilst tracking a horde of mandrill

horde’s passing is found, the puzzle begins – how many individuals? In what direction are they going? When did they pass?

Which of the many forest arms are they likely to go into next?

The answers to these questions are in the size of the disturbed area, the number of prints found, the number of scats, the freshness of the scat (smell being an unfortunately vital part of determining this), the most common direction the scat (faeces) points towards, the dampness of discarded fruit husks, how closed over by falling leaves or passing animals the sweptback areas are, and many more subtle signs that need to be fitted together into a sensible picture.

Given that the horde can reach such large numbers, it can also spread across a large area of forest, with the head of the horde passing a day before the tail, presenting mixed and confusing messages in the tracks and signs. The mandrill team will keep searching and waiting for the horde to pass into a suitable part of the forest to carry out immobilisations and collaring until the rains (which have yet to start) become too heavy. Once that happens, they’ll have to wait for next year’s dry season and start all over again.

A male mandrill walks past one of the hidden automatic camera traps used to track the horde in Lopé National Park, Gabon

Photography courtesy of Olly Griffin / WCS Gabon

FOR the last week, the sun has beaten down hard on the back of my neck as I crossed savannah, blackened and ashy from the annual with OLLY burning, and its glare GRIFFIN was only interrupted by brief moments of cool as we entered thin slices of forest that hug the edges of the streams and rivers that cut through the grassland in the north of Lopé National Park, Gabon.

Out in the strength-sapping sun, we strained our ears, listening for shrieking cries, and cast our eyes across the long line of forest edge for the tell-tale shake of branches. Once under the trees, we stared hard at the ground, looking for the smallest leaf out of place, little patches of ground cleared by some small hand searching for insects.

We were out tracking mandrill, large central-African relatives of baboons, described by Darwin as the most extraordinarily coloured mammals in the world. They well deserve this title, especially the adult males, whose blue, red, and yellow faces are matched only by their

Savannah grasslands are burnt each year, a process that has been occurring for thousands of years

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 45

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MENDIP TIMES

Floral delicacies to tickle the taste buds

WHY not grow some edible flowers to enhance your culinary delights? It is the trendy thing to do these days and celebrity chefs have With MARY emphasised the PAYNE MBE importance of presentation of dishes. Most edible flowers are easy to grow.

The Chinese were the first to experiment with flowers in their food and some of their recipes can be traced back to 3,000BC. The Romans used pinks, violets and roses, as well as lavender, and even 1,000 years ago pot marigolds and orange blossom were included in recipes.

Mrs Beeton’s Household Management (1861) included a recipe for cowslip wine. By growing your own you can ensure that the flowers are fresh and above all are pesticide free.

Easy annuals with ornamental edible flowers The seeds of these can be sown direct into the soil in early April without the need to transplant them. Thin the seedlings out a bit if you were a bit heavy handed with the seed.

Alternatively a pinch of seed could be sown in a container of multi-purpose compost. These do not need any heat to get them started.

Borage is an obvious choice and is often associated with Pimms. The flowers can be frozen in ice cubes and look most attractive floating in summer drinks. The blue star-like flowers can also be used in salads, in moderation, and have a slight cucumber flavour, but should be avoided by pregnant women.

The orange or yellow petals of the pot marigold (Calendula) add a colourful, slightly peppery taste to salads. Pull the petals off the flower head and scatter over the dish. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) can be grown in the same way adding a spicy clove-like flavour when sprinkled over pasta dishes, omelettes or salads.

One of my favourites is the humble nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus).

Common names can be very confusing as nasturtium is the botanical name for watercress. The nasturtium flowers and leaves have a peppery flavour similar to watercress and the green seeds were PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

often pickled and used instead of capers.

Perennials with edible flowers These will come up each year with little effort on your part. The individual flowers, with the stalks removed, of primroses, polyanthus and cowslip have a slightly sweet taste and I well remember in my youth crystallising the flowers to decorate fairy cakes (or cupcakes as they are now called – whatever is wrong with fairy cakes!)

Violets, violas and pansies can also be crystallised or eaten fresh. The petals of Sweet Williams, pinks and carnations have a slightly spicy flavour while day lily flowers (Hemerocallis) are good in salads, cold soups, or chopped and added to stir-fries.

Lavender is always popular and the flowers give a delicious flavour to shortbread. Rose petals, especially those with a strong fragrance such as ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, have the best flavour and can be crystallised or added to summer drinks.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a British native woodland plant that carpets the ground with clusters of white star-like flowers in May. The leaves smell of new mown hay when dried, but both the flowers and leaves are used to flavour wines.

Herbs with edible flowers The use of culinary herb leaves for flavouring is a well-accepted part of cooking, but the flowers of many can also be used. The purple bobbly heads of chives have a mild onion flavour, and can be used to add colour and flavour to salads. It is best to break the heads up into smaller pieces.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), bearing spikes of usually purple flowers, is worthy of a place in any garden, but white and pink forms are available in summer. It makes a useful edging for beds and borders, and can be cut back hard in the spring to keep it tidy. The small flowers can be infused to make a herbal tea or they make a perfect accompaniment to fish and meat dishes.

The flowers of the culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) have the same flavour as the leaves and are best used fresh as their vibrant colour turns brown on cooking. Other sage flowers are also edible; the brilliant scarlet flowers of the tender pineapple sage (Salvia

Calendula 'Orange King'

elegans) have a sweet flavour while the foliage really does smell strongly of pineapples.

The petals of the lemon scented pelargoniums can be used as well as the leaves although they lack the intensity of flavour of the leaves which will infuse their citrus aroma to the whole cake if placed in the bottom of a sponge tin before adding the mixture. The white flowers of coriander and the yellow flowers of dill can be used in much the same way as their respective leaves.

Marjoram flowers could also add a decorative touch to a pizza.

Vegetables with edible flowers Courgette flowers are gaining in popularity and are often stuffed with cheese and then deep fried in batter. To avoid depleting your supply of courgette fruits, only pick the male flowers bearing the stamens.

Trees with edible flowers Elderflowers (Sambucus niger) need no introduction, indeed elderflower cordial and presse have become popular commercial drinks. Collect the flower heads as soon as they open. Lime flowers from the European Lime (Tilia x euchlora) are loved by bees and give rise to the distinctive flavoured honey but the flowers can also be used to make lime flower tea. Pick the flowers just as they begin to open and detach the stalks.

The flowers can then be dried for future use and kept in an airtight container.

CAUTION Only eat flowers that you are sure you have identified correctly. Rinse all flowers before use to remove mud and any tiny pollen beetles that are prone to lurk unseen.

Edible flowers can add a new dimension and flavour to your culinary creations. Start planning now for summer of floral delicacies and hopefully wonderful weather.

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FEBRUARY GARDEN TIPS

G Sow early lettuce seed under protection. Plant out later for really early crops. Vaila-Winter Gem or Tom Thumb are good tasty varieties to grow now.

G Don’t forget to buy seed potatoes and set them up to shoot (‘chitting’). Early varieties like ‘Rocket’ will benefit but later varieties will yield better too if encouraged into growth before planting out. If you have room for only one variety, grow ‘Charlotte’.

G Continue to plant shallots. They prefer soil that hasn’t been used to grow onions, leeks or shallots for several years before and a well-manured plot. Plant onion sets if warm.

G Lots of vegetable plants can be sown now e.g. turnips, lettuce, stump rooted carrots, early cabbage, cauliflower and spinach in trays on the windowsill. These could be planted out later this month.

G Finish pruning and plant more fruit trees and bushes.

G Raspberry canes and rhubarb can still be planted now.

G Re-pot perennials and shrubs that are growing in pots. Use good compost and add Osmocote slow release fertiliser to the mix.

G Remove battered blooms from pampas grass and cut back leaves to 30 to 45 cm. This is much safer than setting fire to it! Wear gloves as the leaves are sharp!

G Sow Geraniums, fibrous rooted Begonias, Antirrhinum, Lobelia, Petunias and Impatiens. Make sure you use fresh compost, clean seed trays, some heat and fresh water!

GARDENING Come and choose from our huge range . . .

For great home grown plants Tel: 01934 832134

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

Courtesy Cleeve Nursery

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 47

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

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

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PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Hutton Garden Centre, Banwell Road, Hutton, Weston-super-Mare BS24 9UB

Tel: 01934 813261 www.westongarden.co.uk

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NEWS

Death of Captain Jack Payne

LIFEBOAT stalwart, Captain Jack Payne, has died three months short of his 100th birthday. Jack, a Master Mariner, served his country during the war on merchant ships and then as mechanic of Westonsuper-Mare RNLI Lifeboats.

Jack was born in 1915 and went to sea at an early age. He sailed the world in cargo and passenger ships up to and during World War II. During the war he was one of the unsung heroes of the merchant fleet, sailing cargo ships full of ammunition through water infested by German U-boats.

In 1946 he bought a trip boat Catherine Jane and started running boat trips from Anchor Head in Weston. He joined the lifeboat crew at Birnbeck Island and become the mechanic for the Liverpool class lifeboat Fifi and Charles.

During this time he was involved in many rescues. One of the most hazardous was the rescue of seven men off a drilling tower off Hinckley Point in 1957. While they were holding the lifeboat against the tower the scaffolding poles on the tower were breaking against the boat as it moved up and down with the waves. All seven were brought back safely.

From 1972-77 Jack was Master of the Polar Bear, the service vessel for Lundy Island. He gained a reputation for ensuring he delivered supplies no matter what the weather and because of this he was given the nickname “Hurricane Jack”.

He left one son, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

G The RNLI has announced plans to apply

Jack Payne (centre front) with the crew of the lifeboat Fifi and Charles

for planning permission to build a new, permanent lifeboat station at Madeira Cove in Weston. It’s been operating from a

Charity concert

WINSCOMBE Community Choir’s annual charity concert raised £2,000 for Weston Hospicecare. The concert marks the latest Winscombe event held in aid of the hospice, which plans to move to the former Mooseheart HQ in the village.

temporary base at Knightstone Harbour since access to the lifeboat station on Birnbeck Pier became too unsafe.

Flood scheme progress

A £200,000 scheme to construct a flood relief drain at Garston’s Orchard in Wrington has been completed, signalling the end of the first phase of a wider scheme for the village.

The scheme is designed to reduce flooding in Wrington to below the 1-in-50 year threshold. The second phase of the £670,000 project is due to begin in the summer and will see a flood water storage area built outside the village. This will also be complemented by additional property level protection measures fitted to the most vulnerable properties in the village.

Councillor Peter Bryant, North Somerset Council’s executive member for environmental protection, said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience while these works were carried out. This is an important part of the flood alleviation scheme for the village, and we’re pleased that such good progress has been made.”

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 49

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Walking back in time

By Mark Adler

THE keen and the curious gathered in Burrington village for a walk to mark the start of a project to research the history of the surrounding countryside.

Part of Discovering Black Down, the walk was the first of a series of site visits and other events. Discovering Black Down is a three-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund to raise awareness of the wildlife and archaeological value of the Black Down and Burrington Commons through activities, events and training.

In recent years erosion and damage to specific features and the site in general has occurred through a combination of recreational use and weather. Alongside the Discovering Black Down Project, work to restore and repair badly eroded paths across the Commons will be undertaken.

Robin Thornes, one of the leaders, said: “The research will include investigative site visits to the Commons and also visits to local museums, libraries and heritage centres at Bristol and Taunton, which we

Vince Russett, archaeologist for North Somerset Council, outlines some of the industrial history of the area

A section of enclosure at Burrington Camp

Walkers gather in front of Burrington church

hope will piece together the heritage of this landscape.”

Burrington Commons has evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years including Aveline’s Hole, the oldest cemetery in the UK, Burrington Camp, an Iron Age hill enclosure, and evidence of ancient field systems. It also became a busy industrial area a few centuries later with limestone quarries, lime kilns and calamine and lead workings.

Once the area has been researched and recorded, the results will be made available on the Discovering Black Down project website and a celebratory guided walk will be organised to reveal the hidden history of the landscape.

The project is guided by the Black Down Advisory Group with representatives from Mendip Hills AONB Unit, Natural England, English Heritage, Somerset County Council, North Somerset Council, and the land owner Sir David Wills.

G The Discovering Black Down Project photography competition has been launched and is open for entries until October 31st. The best 12 photos will be selected for the 2016 Discovering Black Down Calendar and the overall winner will receive a £50 prize.

Aveline’s Hole – it dates back more than 10,000 years

Historical maps and surveys reveal much of the area’s past but researchers believe there is more to be discovered

The project is keen to hear from anybody who used to farm the land or have commoner’s rights, or who would like to join the project team and learn historical research methods. A morning training session will take place on Wednesday, February 11th at 10 am at Court Lodge, High Street, Blagdon, BS40 7TQ. Contact Ruth Worsley on 01761 232898 or visit:www.discoveringblackdown.org.uk PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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HISTORY

Sewing the seeds of new community project THE Home in Frome community heritage project has launched a series of workshops to bring different generations together to create a unique heirloom for the town.

HiF – which exists to record, share and celebrate the unique character of Frome as it changes through the ages – was awarded a grant of £8,290 from The Big Lottery Fund to develop the Community Threads scheme to create a patchwork quilt illustrating stories about Frome.

Writer David Davies has begun working with pupils from Oakfield School, local volunteers and residents from Keyford Heights and Rowden House to capture

The Home in Frome logo

A group of younger and older people sharing stories at Oakfield School

stories. With help from artist, Mel Day, the participants will develop their ideas into images which will be appliquéd, embroidered and printed onto fabric squares. These will then be joined together to create an heirloom quilt for Frome.

Students will also have the opportunity to create performances

based on the stories with drama facilitator Annabelle Macfadyen, chair of HiF. From March, the project will be opened out to the wider community, so that groups, families and individuals will be able to contribute to the making of the quilt which will go on display during Frome Festival 2015 at the Black Swan Gallery.

For details, visit Home in Frome’s website – homeinfrome.org.uk – e-mail homeinfrome2@gmail.com or call 01373 466399.

Lodge comes to life

AS well as writing a book about Mendip Lodge, Chris Stephens has built a model of it! Chris, a former deputy chairman of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain first got interested in the history of the derelict house, while restoring walls around it at Dolebury Warren.

He started to research the history of the imposing

Italianate mansion built by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Sedgwick Whalley (1746-1828), whose guests at the mansion included Fanny Burney, Hannah More, Sarah Siddons, William Wilberforce, Lady Miller, Erasmus Darwin, Samuel Johnson and many others.

Details: Stephens, C. ‘The Rev Dr Thomas Sedgwick Whalley and the Queen of Bath’ Candy Jar Books, Cardiff, 2014. pp 438 ISBN 978-0-99228607-6-9 £9-99.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

The long and the short of it

One of the delights of being a media doctor is that other journalists phone you when they can’t be bothered to do the research

By Dr PHIL themselves. This HAMMOND week, I was phoned by the health editor of the Daily Telegraph to ask if penises are smaller than they were 60 years ago.

Someone in the office thought they'd read it somewhere, others weren't so sure. A quick show and tell in the toilet didn't settle anything. Penises come in all shapes and sizes, always have done and always will.

I spent as long as I could bear checking out the research and although the shrinkage theory is quite widespread, especially in Italy, it doesn't seem to be backed up by hard evidence. Men and boys have always measured their penises, and jammed a ruler in so tightly to convince themselves they nudge six inches that it leaves a 'Helix mark', but not many have gone public with their findings.

Science of course requires proper measurement. The average erect gorilla penis is only 3cm (1.25 inches) long, the average chimp sports 8cm erect and the average human penis today stands at around 13cm.

However, primates other than man have a bone in their penis that is good to go anytime, whereas men have a

highly complex system relying on nerves, chemical transmitters, pumps, blood supply, spongey tissues, thoughts and feelings all to come together at the same time. Not easy, which is why it will fail in all men at some stage.

We don't have much data on adult male penis size from 60 years ago, despite Alfred Kinsey's efforts.

However what we do know is that men are living a lot longer and carrying more weight than they used to 60 years ago, when half of us died before the age of 65. Now one in three of us live to 100. When previously we might have gone out with a bang at the retirement party, many of us are having to carry our penises around for another 30 years or more.

The older penis droops more just as all parts of the body seem to hang down lower, but it doesn't always stand up and swell like it used to and so may appear smaller. Drugs like Viagra can help a failing erection, as can a cock ring. Indeed, any penis is capable of expanding hugely if it has enough blood in it.

A pubic ring stops the blood escaping but you should never have it on for more than half an hour and always choose one with handles. If you just put the ring on, you might not get it off again. It swells up like a wedding ring on a septic finger, and eventually turns black. It's an emergency, but one that your local casualty could probably do without at the moment.

A big belly makes your penis look smaller and if you can't see it at all when you look down you need to get a grip quickly. You’re at high risk of type 2 diabetes and arterial disease, which can also affect the frequency and firmness of your erections. The bottom line is that a good erection is a sign of good physical and mental health, but for most women, your smile and smell are far more important than actual size.

Creativity, love, laughter, soap and good communication are much faster route to a happy love life than six months alone in the dark with a penis enlarger. Trust me.

Dr Phil is author of the embarrassing problem bible ‘Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?’ His tour comes to the Wyvern Theatre Swindon on March 31.

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Arias and caterwauling

GROWING up I would often hear stories of my grandmother’s musical talent. This was a woman who could sing the aria from Madame Butterfly, note perfect. She could play the piano too and was keen to pass on her love of music to her son, my father.

He grew up near the sea, in a warm and sunny land, and the beach beckoned louder than the piano.

Years later I came along and my parents would say: “Wouldn’t it be lovely if she inherited her grandmother’s gift for music,” and “those are piano-playing fingers.” I was very keen and began playing the piano aged seven. The trouble was I didn’t practise enough or have much talent – a disastrous combination.

It was around the age of seven that eldest daughter decided she wanted to play the trumpet. It made a change from the piano.

When she practised she was actually quite good. Her signature tune was the love theme from “Titanic”.

Second child also took up music lessons.

She chose the guitar. However, second child had trouble enough reading words let alone music and her teacher was more interested in teaching the children his latest Tai Chi moves than teaching the guitar.

All was not lost though and being a determined sort she took up the flute at secondary school. However, halfway through the school year she discovered the steel pans which were amazing fun and required no practise between lessons.

Listening to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, played on the steel pans by an enthusiastic group of 12-year-olds, I could not disagree with her decision.

Youngest son picked up eldest child’s discarded trumpet which is rather battered but still plays well enough. I am trying to encourage his efforts unlike Mendip Dad. Just this week I caught him backing out the door as youngest son played the theme tune to Doctor Who, which lends itself better to the trumpet than you might imagine.

I have to face the facts; we all have a long way to go before we reach my grandmother’s standards. I only hope my children have a better ear for music than I did.

Only recently, when remembering my attempts to sing as a child, my brother kindly likened the experience to “a fire in a pet-shop.” Well at least we can rely on our family members to be honest.

MENDIP MUM

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HEALTH & FAMILY

Yoga for youngsters

YOGA aims to relieve tension from body and mind, creating a calm, alert state, which as teachers know, is the optimal state for learning.

Deborah Maddison is passionate about passing on her knowledge to children and making it accessible and fun by combining stories with yoga. She has practised yoga for nearly 20 years and has taught children's yoga for eight years with a large yoga franchise, but is now launching her own teaching business, Adventures in Yoga, to give her greater creative freedom.

She has just resigned from her other part-time job, as a PA, to free more time for teaching, so is currently offering free taster sessions to organisations interested in regular classes.

She says schools, pre-schools or nurseries holding regular yoga sessions for their children are not only supporting their learning and development but are also giving the children vital stress-busting tools – such as relaxation and breathing techniques – which will support their well-being now and in the future.

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Mendip Times reduces travel costs

Learn more about this organisation and the opportunity to stay with families in Estonia and visit Latvia during May 2015.

Wednesday, 18th February, 2015.

BEAH Wells 11-1pm – Free event.

A chance to learn about travel from a local Somerset based group.

Just turn up!!

To find out about this event or Somerset Friendship Force (including the visit to Estonia & Riga) contact: jo.webb@mbzonline.net or ring 07549190744 to hear a recorded message.

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

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Holiday club offers more than just play THIS February half term, children and parents can enjoy an exciting holiday club with an inspirational difference – welcome to the Creative Skills Academy, the cooking, music and art skillsbased workshop provider for boys and girls age eight plus!

Whether a novice or beginner, your child will have fun developing their cooking talents under the guidance of experienced food technology teacher Jacquelene Seel. Together, children will learn to prepare healthy, tasty dishes using fresh ingredients for lunch and snacks – no need to bring a lunchbox!

With music sessions run by professional musician and experienced teacher Emma Wheat, children can sing as a choir, try a solo, learn to harmonise, choreograph dance moves and make up their own compositions.

Details: www.creativeskillsacademy.m oonfruit.com tel 01934 844134 or email ewheattuition@gmail.com

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

What symptoms can be helped with hypnotherapy?

ANYTHING that involves anxiety, depression or anger, ie: insomnia, confidence, phobias, procrastination, weight control, social anxiety, panic attacks, migraine, unresolved grief, PTSD, blushing, public speaking, tinnitus, exam nerves, jealousy, motivation, OCD, sexual problems, conception, bed wetting, IBS and habits such as smoking, nail biting, stammering, hair pulling, self-harming and addictions such as alcohol, work, sex, gambling, and focusing on sports performance, motivation etc.

What is hypnosis? Will you take control of my mind and will I do silly things?

NO! You remain in control at all times although you will feel very relaxed. Hypnosis is a natural day-dreaming state that we go into roughly every seven minutes. You are in an altered state of consciousness where the subconscious is receptive and will respond to suggestions. You can’t be made to do anything against your beliefs or values.

How is it different from other therapies?

Firstly Miranda Robarts-Arnold does not focus on the past and problems as this often creates more depression and anxiety. She uses solution focused questions to find where you want to be in your life. Secondly she uses hypnosis to cement the new ideas talked about. In this way, the therapy is powerful, relaxing and enjoyable as well as achieving results quickly.

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Range of treatments

HEALTH & FAMILY CAN’T SLEEP? AWAKE AT 4am?

ANXIOUS? DEPRESSED? NOT COPING?

HYPNOTHERAPY CAN HELP! After several years working out of clinics in Congresbury and Weston-super-Mare Julia Wallis decided to consolidate to a single location in Yatton and now offers more treatment days with flexibility for appointments.

She developed her new treatment room in a modern building located in her garden at home. She qualified in Beauty Therapy and Electrolysis in 1991 and worked in leading salons, spas in London and the South East.

She took a career break to have her children and restarted work in 2009 and launched Julia Wallis Holistic & Beauty Therapies in 2010.

She continued her professional development and is a member of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE).

She provides a range of treatments, tailored to suit your individual needs using, the highest quality products some of which you may purchase for use at home.

Meet new friends and enjoy an active social life

SINCE it was formed in Bristol in 1979 the Singles Professionals' Association (SPA) has grown to cover much of the South West, with six branches – Wells and Mendip, Bath, Exeter, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil The Wells and Mendip branch has over 70 members who are friendly, energetic and enthusiastic. Together they are a likeminded group of single people that socialise in a comfortable environment and who enjoy organised events including a weekly bar night, quizzes, meals out, skittles, walks, parties, NT visits and more; chances are you will find something to interest you.

They are definitely not a dating group. As a prospective member you can visit three of their busy bar nights in Wells, before being invited to join – a very warm welcome awaits you with SPA.

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

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

Initial consultation and relaxation CD

£30

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

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 Clinics held at: Wells Chiropractic & Osteopathy Centre BA5 1XJ Chew Medical Centre BS40 8UE

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.singleprofessionalassocia on.co.uk email: wellsandmendip@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Anne – 01934 743139 Veronica – 01749 330455 MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 55

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MENDIP TIMES

Lord lieutenant appointments

LADY Gass, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, has signed commissions for five new Deputy Lieutenants, including two former High Sheriffs of the county.

Their main role is to represent Lady Gass in her absence. This might include local ceremonies or other official events.

By SIMON Annie Maw, who has lived in Somerset for SELBY more than 35 years and in Pilton since 2004, has always been active in voluntary work. Annie is a council member and a director of The Royal Bath and West of England Society and Chancellor of the Somerset Children’s University.

Annie is also a trustee of the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust, serving the South and West of England, a trustee of TS5C (a charity supporting young athletes in Somerset) and a Wells Cathedral Guide. She was High Sheriff of Somerset from 2008 to 2009.

John Cullum, who lives in Bath and has wide business experience, was High Sheriff of Somerset from 2011 to 2012.

He is chairman of the Royal United Hospital Bath Appeal and is a trustee of the Quartet Community Foundation.

Peter Wyman CBE is a chartered accountant and has been President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. His current posts include chairmanship of Yeovil District Hospital, chairman of the Somerset Community Foundation (based at the Royal Bath and West Showground) and treasurer and member of council at the University of Bath.

Peter lives on the Quantocks.

Andrew Brownsword CBE currently chairs the family business which incorporates hotels, property development,

Annie Maw arrives at Wells Cathedral to be installed as High Sheriff of Somerset in 2008

farming and retail enterprises. He has also founded two charitable foundations, one of which secures important works of art for the nation, and the other which supports the arts, heritage and health in the South West of England.

Finally, Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff CBE, who lives on Exmoor, has had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy. He came to Somerset in 2006 as the UK National Hydrographer, based in Taunton and he is now the chief executive in the Hydrographic Office. His home is in the village of Timberscombe in Exmoor National Park.

A familiar face? Becky’s charity role MEET Becky Padgett, the recently-appointed Community Fundraiser for St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset – many people in and around Mendip will recognise her from one of her previous careers.

Born in Walton and brought up in Street – where she still lives – Becky (nee Lester) worked for the Nat West Bank for

Rebecca is pictured with the team from Tamburino’s Italian restaurant in Street accepting a cheque for £121.25. A percentage of money from certain items on the restaurant menu is given to charity

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

several years before embarking on a career change that would help her realise her ambition – to become a police officer and serve her community.

Becky worked as a PCSO in Wells for several years before applying – and being accepted – by Avon and Somerset to join their recruitment scheme, becoming a PC in the city.

Becky has three young children and family life meant a career in the police force was no longer compatible, but she was determined to carry on serving her local community.

Becky said: “Having joined the police to help my local community, I knew I wanted to carry on helping in some way and St Margaret’s Hospice is such a good, local cause. I am really enjoying it here.”

Now dividing her time between working from home and at St Margaret’s warm and welcoming hospice in Yeovil, Becky’s role is to support the many volunteers and organisations which work tirelessly to raise money for the charity.

With 12 beds at Yeovil and a further 12 at Taunton plus an extensive support system in the community, the charity is 33% funded by the NHS but relies on grants and donations for the rest of its income.

Becky, who works alongside Julia Poulton, the charity’s head of fundraising, is currently helping to organise a

Becky outside th

fundraising con 20th, featuring three female so Haydn Davies, supporter of the After that, the Street in March Gig Night at Bo featuring a num the gig night to team across Som

For more information, visit: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk

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Award for school in 50th anniversary year

UPTON Noble CofE primary school, near Frome, has been praised for the work it has done to make sure some of Somerset’s most vulnerable children are making great progress.

The school is one of three in the county to be granted £1,000 as part of the Pupil Premium Award for 2015. The other schools are in Bridgwater and Yeovil.

The award recognises schools in England which have been working to narrow the

COMMUNITY

gap for disadvantaged children. Mark Solomon, Executive Headteacher, said: “Receiving the Pupil Premium Award is a real recognition of the values we hold dear at Upton Noble, as well as the dedication of all the adults who worked with the children.”

Meanwhile, the school is busy with preparations for its 50th anniversary in April. Mark said: “Alongside our fireworks extravaganza on the 27th March we are

really looking to connect with stories and photos from the past. We are really interested in hearing from people who have left our school and what they have moved on to.”

The end result was that he caused a mini-epidemic of social positivity, empathy and good old-fashioned caring in the location in which he lived. This simple and achievable mind set reminded me of a film which deeply affected me the first time I saw it called Pay it Forward, starring Kevin Spacey. The plot revolves around one youngster deciding to do a good turn, before asking the recipient to simply do two more for others, as and when the opportunity presented itself. Perhaps now is a good time to do something similar on Mendip?

On the subject of films, may I suggest any caring parent might want to take an hour out of their busy lives to watch a recent programme from Channel 4 called Cyberbullying starring Maisie Williams?

As someone who advises on child safety and who is currently researching this

alarming phenomenon this programme will enlighten you regarding some of the possible “modus operandi”, consequences and potential destructiveness. It is deeply thought provoking and something you might want to show and discuss with your children. Incidentally, this suggestion is not intended to raise the fear of crime, but simply to combat and reduce it through knowledge and pro-social action.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to send my utmost respect to a very brave person from Frome who had the courage to pursue his dream despite some personal issues. Tom Carpenter sang in front of the nation on the prime time show The Voice. Despite having been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, this star put in a superb performance and certainly did himself and his family proud.

Simon Selby

Upton Noble youngsters who competed in the final of a round robin football tournament against Castle Cary primary school

If you have photos or stories you would like to share, contact either Mark Solomon or Thelma Hartnell at Upton Noble Primary School. Tel: 01749 850375 or e-mail: office@uptonnoble.somerset.sch.uk

Pay it forward!

AS the New Year resolutions pass away successfully – or unsuccessfully – I would like to recommend something which stuck a cord from the end of last year.

It was an all-too short-lived story about a chap who had made a point of doing something good, kind, or altruistic at least once a day, every day of last year. Some of the things were small acts of random kindness, done when the opportunity presented itself; others were larger requiring planning and some sacrifice financially or otherwise on his part.

Hall’s decade of use side the entrance to St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil

g concert in Wells Cathedral on Friday, February uring The Bridgend Welsh Male Voice Choir and ale soloists. The concert is being sponsored by vies, from Wells Reclamation, who is a loyal of the hospice. at, there’ll be an Easter fair at Crispin Hall in March, a fashion show in either April or May and a at Bocabar in Glastonbury on Saturday, June 6th a number of local bands. Becky is hoping to use ght to attract some younger volunteers to join the ss Somerset.

SHIPHAM Village Hall will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2015 and is ringing the changes with a new booking system and telephone number.

The hall committee is also keen to encourage more people to join their team as they begin to discuss ways to mark the anniversary later in the year.

Brenda Moorhouse was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of thanks for her sterling efforts as bookings clerk since the hall opened in 2005. Brenda has been succeeded by Kate Meadows who, with husband Matt, has been developing a computerised bookings system.

Poor mobile reception in the village has been overcome by changing to a land line with an answer phone facility. The new contact number for bookings is now 01173 182357 and the new e-mail address is: shiphamhall.bookings@gmail.com Tony Davies, the hall secretary, said: “The hall is well used not only by residents of the village but also by many who live within a five miles or greater radius from the hall when they have a special event to celebrate.

“Consequently the hall committee would welcome talking with anyone who has used the hall who would consider reinforcing our team with their experience or opinions and/or general assistance.”

For information about the hall, visit: http://www.shiphamhall.co.uk/

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 57

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MENDIP TIMES

Keep on running

Ebbie Burns and Georgie McCowan, from gala night organisers Ebbie’s Kitchen, present Nige with a cheque for £5,803 for CLIC Sargent

THE Bath Half Marathon and the London Marathon are just some of the events on the agenda for 2015 for supporters of a charity fund set up in memory of young cancer victim Ben Crutchley.

Last year ended on a high when a gala auction night and supper at the Rook Lane Chapel in Frome raised almost £6,000 for the CLIC Sargent child cancer charity.

Ben’s father Nige and mother Su, who lives at Newbury, near Coleford, have pledged to raise at least one million pounds for the charity in memory of their son.

The couple plan to repeat the hugely successful Mells 10K event in the autumn which attracted dozens of runners, walkers and cyclists.

Anyone for tea?

WESTON Rotary Club runs a contact the elderly group which meets for afternoon tea every month, usually hosted at the home of one of their members, and organised by Weston Rotarian David Ray. This party was held at George and Anne Horsfield’s home in Flax Bourton, with David and President Terry Gilbert providing the transport.

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

Help keep the wheels turning

In memory of Heather

A GROUP of cyclists from Weston College raised more than £1,000 in memory of a cherished colleague, Heather Wood, who worked at the college’s Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE) for 15 years.

Heather, aged 53, died suddenly last year while on a college trip to Italy and had been an insulin-reliant diabetic for 10 years.

Heather’s husband Dave, who works at CECE as a technician, was one of the 35 riders. He said: "It was hard work but very worthwhile. It is a great charity to give to and I’m sure Heather was looking down on us and laughing as she watched us set off. It means a lot to me that the people here would do this in her memory."

CECE staff are now planning several more fundraising challenges for Diabetes UK, including a ‘Tough Mudder’ obstacle event and the possibility of a longer bike ride later in the year.

PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

KATE Gillingham of East Harptree decided to hold a coffee morning on behalf of two local charities, including Mendip Community Transport (MCT), which provides community transport services throughout the Sedgemoor and Mendip District Council areas.

As well as providing minibus transport and running a comprehensive hospital car service, MCT also runs Shopmobility at Clarks Village Street.

Kate said: “My mother who has Parkinson Disease is now an experienced driver of MCT's scooters. We had a great time shopping at Clarks Village. Mendip Community's staff could not have been more helpful and it was truly a fun day.”

Mike Curtis, chief executive of MCT said: “We are delighted to have helped Kate and her family and are very grateful for her kind donation.” Kate’s mum, Mrs Diane Webb, is pictured handing the cheque to him.

Details: Mendip Community Transport, Mike Curtis or Mike Forbes 01749 330100.

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CHARITIES

Stroke victims put on a show

MEMBERS of the Stroke Association’s communication groups in Mendip have been out and about taking photos of Somerset and a few other holiday destinations.

The aim of the exercise was to show there is Life after Stroke and that Somerset had recovered from the devastating floods of the winter.

Ride to support children’s hospice

They held two exhibitions during the autumn, one in Frome Library and one in Wells Library. There was a great variety of topics from family and friends to farmers’ markets and railways, from days out to the coast and walks on the Levels to beautiful gardens and local landmarks.

A lot of local people were able to visit the exhibitions and see the photos and

also access information about the Stroke Association, which supports stroke survivors and their carers providing information and support through their ‘life after stroke’ services.

The two groups involved are for people who have communication difficulties following their strokes. They meet in Wells and Frome.

Details: stroke.org.uk helpline 0303 3033 100.

CHILDREN’S Hospice South West is planning a unique cycling tour of the region whilst raising vital funds for its three children’s hospices.

Ride for Precious Lives begins at Little Harbour in St Austell on Friday July 10th, then on to Little Bridge House in North Devon, finishing at Charlton Farm in North Somerset on Sunday July 12th.

Event fundraiser, Emma McKeown, said: “Don’t take on just any cycling challenge this year – come and be one of the Ride for Precious Lives team and join this incredibly inspiring and motivating ride through three counties. You really will be helping the hundreds of families across the South West who we support.”

Sponsored once again by Clevedon-based firm, Edwards, this unique 205-mile bike ride hopes to raise £100K for Children’s Hospice South West, which will help to fund the care and support offered to children across the region with life-limiting illnesses. Spaces are strictly limited to 100.

Shelter provides Xmas cheer

Some of last year's riders

Details: www.chsw.org.uk/ride

Jon Codd receiving the turkeys

COMFORT and Warmth, a homeless charity in Westonsuper-Mare, provided 68 meals for people on Christmas Day and accommodation for about 16 people a night over Christmas.

For the last 24 years it has opened a shelter at St. Paul's Church in Walliscote Road between December 23rd and December 27th, to ensure people are kept warm, fed and off the streets.

Puxton Park offered its help to the cause for the second year running by making a donation of turkeys for a festive feast.

Committee chairman, Jon Codd, said: “I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the Mead family at Puxton Park once again for the superb donation of six massive turkeys.”

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 59

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MENDIP TIMES

Service to others

THE Inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale celebrated International Day, marking Inner Wheel’s foundation in 1924, with a coffee morning and a collection of food for the Cheddar Valley Food Bank.

Walking for two good causes

BACK for a third year, the popular men-only eight-mile walk will take place on Saturday March 21st and aims to raise much-needed funds for Bath Rugby Foundation and Dorothy House Hospice Care.

With record numbers of walkers anticipated to sign-up, the men will set out from Dorothy House, Winsley at 1pm and finish at the Recreation Ground – home of Bath Rugby – with a pie, a pint and the Six Nations clash between England and France on the big screen.

Halena Coury, Head of Fundraising for Bath Rugby Foundation said: “We are aiming to double the number of walkers this year to a whopping 700, so we urge you all to get your friends involved and enjoy a great day out.”

Phillippa Watson, Dorothy House Hospice Care Major Gifts Fundraiser, said: “This is a fantastic event and we can’t wait to be working alongside Bath Rugby Foundation in 2015. Both charities rely on the support of the local community by participating in sponsored events to be able to continue their vital work.”

The walk is open to men and boys, aged 12 years or over, and the entry fee is £22.

G The Dorothy House Firewalk will be held on Friday, February 13th, giving 50 people the chance to walk over red-hot burning embers, while raising at least £10,000 for the hospice.

Details: www.bathmenswalk.co.uk or contact the hospice fundraising team on 01225 721 480.

PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Suella’s hair-raising charity event

WESTON Hospicecare volunteer Suella Stisted, of Yatton, had her head shaved in aid of the charity, raising £600 so far. She was joined by her son Tim and granddaughter Beth at Broad Street Hair in Congresbury, where they are pictured with hairdresser, Tracy Taylor.

Goodbye Gracie May

GENTLE giant, Gracie May, one of the most popular attractions at charity, Horseworld, at Whitchurch, has died after being cared for for nearly 14 years. She was rescued from near starvation in 2001.

Details: www.horseworld.org.uk or call 01275 893020 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

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Frome charity calls for volunteers

FAIR Frome, a new and expanding charity which supports local families in need, is appealing for more volunteers to join it.

The Fair Frome Food Bank, which opened in October, collects food donations at a number of points across the town and re-distributes the items as food parcels through a number of partner organisations.

The charity has a number of volunteer roles available including office administration, food collection, sorting and packing food parcels and fundraising support. It is also interested in hearing from anyone with relevant experience who would like to be considered as a Volunteer Coordinator, acting in a voluntary capacity themselves to support its large and growing number of volunteers. Fair Frome would also like to hear from people interested in supporting the charity but only on an occasional basis or in other ways such as donating food or supporting its fundraising programme.

Bob Ashford the Chair of Fair Frome Trustees, said: “This has been an exciting and successful year for Fair Frome thanks to our support from the town council and a large number of other supporters and partner organisations. As well as taking on the running of the food bank we have also developed other projects designed to meet the needs of working and unwaged people of all ages who find themselves in financial difficulties.

“We are looking to develop our range of services and urgently need more volunteers to join our existing hard working team in making Frome a fairer place to live.”

For details contact: info@fairfrome.org

Aid for hospital

CHARITIES

Meet some canine carers

MIKE and Pip England are encouraging people to join the Cinnamon Trust, a charity which helps people with terminal illnesses stay together with their pets.

The couple, from Wells, act as volunteers to offer support to owners who might otherwise be looking to rehome their companion animals.

They are currently looking after two dogs owned by an elderly lady who has mobility problems.

Mike said: “Pip and I take them out twice a week. We also fostered a dog last year when his owner collapsed at home. Unfortunately the dog was unable to go back there, but another home was found and the last I heard he was getting on extremely well.”

The charity recruits volunteers to do everything from walking the dog, fostering pets when owners need hospital care, fetching the cat food, even cleaning out the bird cage or litter trays.

Mike and the dogs on a wintry walk

To volunteer or find out more call (during office hours) 01736 758707 or email: volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk or visit: www.cinnamon.org.uk

School gift

WRINGTON Vale Rotary Club has donated a new cardiac bed and ancillary equipment worth £3,000 to Weston General Hospital.

The club is busy raising £60,000 for Heartworks, a training torso, which helps doctors and clinical staff identify heart problems more quickly.

Pictured (l to r) are Dr Ihab Dials, Peter Roswell, Dr David Hartell, and the cardiac support team, Carole Lowrie, Joana Silva, Lorraine Robertson and Jane Robertson.

Details: Peter Roswell on 01934 822280 or on the Facebook page of Wrington Vale Rotary Club.

CHURCHILL Pre-School has received a visit and donation of £255 from the Forest of Mendip Lodge based in Rickford, part of the Somerset Freemasons. Freemasons Ian Angell and Ray Beckingham are pictured with staff members Sam Stone, Reanne Sharp and Anna Lee. MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 61

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MENDIP TIMES

Country home

THE Rowans in Radstock has a lovely, warm, homely atmosphere that will wrap itself around you. The current owners say it has been an absolute pleasure living there.

The garden, although fairly large, has been easy to manage, with all its different interesting features, every corner turned brings a new surprise. The old oak tree in the field next door is a joy to see.

The convenience of the house is also great with the Ammerdown Estate just up the road, with its stunning views and woodland walks. It is also ten minutes from the Bath Park and Ride, with Bath almost on the doorstep.

Detached House For Sale in Radstock No Onward Chain Beautiful Family Home Set in Large Gardens Semi Rural Countryside Views Four Double Bedrooms Large Wrap around Conservatory Double Garage & Parking

FAMILY BUSINESS BASED IN THE CHEW VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS

We’ve got it covered

£450,000 (Offers Invited)

All enquiries call Bishop & Co 01761 411116

Mendip Times Distribution Points

Mendip Times is available from over 800 outlets across the Mendips from superstores to village stores and post offices, farm shops, supermarkets, garden centres, pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, libraries and tourist information centres.

ALHAMPTON AXBRIDGE BALTONSBOROUGH BACKWELL BANWELL BARROW GURNEY BARTON ST. DAVID BECKINGTON BISHOP SUTTON BLACKFORD BLAGDON BLEADON BRENT KNOLL BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BROCKLEY BRUTON BUCKLAND DINHAM BURCOTT BURRINGTON BUTLEIGH CAMERTON CASTLE CARY CHARTERHOUSE CHEDDAR CHELYNCH CHEW MAGNA CHEW STOKE CHEWTON MENDIP CHILCOMPTON

CHURCHILL CLANDOWN CLEEVE CLUTTON COCKLAKE COLEFORD COMPTON DANDO COMPTON MARTIN CONGRESBURY COXLEY CRANMORE CROSCOMBE CROSS DITCHEAT DOULTING DRAYCOTT DUNDRY EAST HARPTREE EASTON EMBOROUGH EVERCREECH FARMBOROUGH FARRINGTON GURNEY FAULKLAND FELTON FROME GLASTONBURY GREEN ORE GURNEY SLADE HALLATROW

PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

HIGH LITTLETON HINTON BLEWETT HOLCOMBE HUNSTRETE HUTTON KEINTON MANDEVILLE KILMERSDON LANGFORD LEIGH on MENDIP LITTON LONG ASHTON LYDFORD ON FOSSE LYMPSHAM MARK MARKSBURY MASBURY MELLS MIDSOMER NORTON NAILSEA NETTLEBRIDGE NORTON MALREWARD NORTON ST PHILIP NUNNEY NYLAND OAKHILL PAULTON PENSFORD PILTON POLSHAM PRIDDY

= Mendip Times Distribution area PYLLE RADSTOCK REDHILL REGIL RICKFORD RODE RODNEY STOKE ROOKSBRIDGE ROWBERROW SANDFORD SHEPTON MALLET SHIPHAM SOMERTON STANTON DREW STANTON WICK

STOKE ST MICHAEL STON EASTON STRATTON ON THE FOSSE STREET TARNOCK TEMPLE CLOUD TIMSBURY TRUDOXHILL TYTHERINGTON UBLEY UPHILL VOBSTER WALTON WANSTROW WEDMORE

WELLOW WELLS WEST HARPTREE WEST PENNARD WESTBURY SUB MENDIP WHITCHURCH WINFORD WINSCOMBE WOOKEY WOOKEY HOLE WRAXALL WRINGTON WRITHLINGTON YATTON

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PROPERTY

South West market bucks the trend

HOUSE prices and the number of potential new buyers in the South West rose in December, bucking the general trend across most other parts of the UK, according to the latest residential market survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

In the region new buyer enquiries turned positive, with 23% more chartered surveyors seeing an increase in December 2014, while 22% more respondents in the South West are also seeing prices continue to rise.

Across the UK as a whole, 10% more surveyors saw the number of potential new buyers decrease in December 2014 and London saw the weakest demand with 45% more surveyors reporting a decline in enquiries – the eighth consecutive monthly decline. The North of England also saw a strong rebound in demand but the underlying picture remains most upbeat in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Despite the slowdown, there is optimism that the Stamp Duty reforms will deliver a 2-5% boost in both sales and prices over the next 12 months, despite members in London expecting sales to decrease by between 5-10% and prices to decrease by 2-5%, with larger properties and/or those in prime areas of the capital expected to see the biggest price decreases.

Sales expectations also remained positive in the South West with 32% more chartered surveyors seeing an increase in December. The volume of agreed sales during December in the South West was also positive, with 9% more respondents seeing a rise and sales expectations for the next three months in the region saw a net balance of +23.

Success for Becky

DAVID James & Partners have announced that Rebecca Miller has now passed her CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers) exam.

Becky, a local dairy farmer’s daughter, who graduated from Harper Adams University in 2012, has spent almost two years at David James & Partners in Wrington.

Becky is a wellknown face in the Wrington Vale and Chew Valley, assisting Richard Nancekivell at machinery and farm sales.

W

NE

MENDIP HILLS, PRIDDY, NR. WELLS

A detached period cottage in a delightful country setting close the the ‘Green’ at Priddy. A real tardis offering spacious & character family accommodation. Three reception rooms, farmhouse kitchen with Rayburn, garden room, five bedrooms, three shower/ bathrooms. Self contained annexe if required. Pretty cottage garden, country views, garage and parking. EPC; F Ref: 24811.

PRICE GUIDE £575,000 W

NE

NORTH SOMERSET, BANWELL

You could pass this detached cottage by – it is so secluded from the road!

Occupying an elevated position with far reaching views and tucked away in its own ‘wildlife garden’, this detached cottage offers surprisingly spacious interior of 2/3 reception rooms with woodburners/open fires, modern good size kitchen, cloaks and three bedrooms and a bathroom.

Detached garage and parking. Epc., F ref: 24820 PRICE GUIDE £275,000

MENDIP HILLS, PRIDDY

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN RURAL SOMERSET. Two stone barns with planning for seven units on the edge of the village of Priddy. Mix of units: 2-4 bedrooms, two storey and one single storey with gardens and parking. In total 958 sq meters (10,300 sq ft). Ref: 22795 PRICE GUIDE £580,000 W

NE

NORTH SOMERSET, PUXTON

2 acres of adjoining land offered with this semi detached house occupying a country lane location on the edge of the village. Three bedrooms, two reception rooms, large kitchen, front and rear porches. Ample parking and good size garden. IN ALL 2 ACRES. Epc., D Ref: 6485/44 PRICE GUIDE £275,000

Wrington Tel: 01934 864300

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 63

MENDIP TIMES

Leery Mendip – following miners’ footsteps

With PHILIP HENDY

CAVING

I HAVE previously described some of the caves which were adapted by lead miners, usually to dispose of water after it was used to wash ore or power machinery at various

mineries.

Occasionally, however, the miners broke into natural cave during their work looking for or following veins of lead or ochre bodies. The most famous of these is Lamb Leer Cavern, at Gibbet’s Brow above West Harptree. The cave is situated at the head of Lamb Bottom and any large void encountered underground by the miners was called a leer.

It was discovered about 1676 and was soon explored by John Beaumont. At the foot of the miners’ shaft, a descending passage was followed, past a huge beehive stalagmite, to a vast chamber, with the passage emerging from the wall some 20 metres above the floor.

At the bottom, lead ore was found and extracted, which was unusual, as few natural caves have any lead or other mineral worth bothering about. Beaumont visited the cave and encouraged the miners to enlarge a passage in the side of the chamber, until they found a smaller chamber, the Cave of Falling Waters, with a magnificent flowstone cascade from floor to roof. The cave was lost and reopened several times, but is now closed, with access denied.

Strangely, some large caves have been discovered by cavers in mining areas, with no evidence that they had ever been entered by the old miners. G.B. Cave, Charterhouse Cave and Upper Flood Swallet, all in the Charterhouse area, are good examples. They have large chambers and are surrounded by old workings, but remained unknown until dug open by cavers in the 20th century.

On Axbridge Hill, Shute Shelve Cavern is a large cave discovered when an old ochre mine dating from the 1920s was dug out by the Axbridge Caving Group in 1992. Low workings led to the small Crystal Chamber. Near there, cavers dug through boulders and passed the Corkscrew Drop (now enlarged) to enter a large descending cave passage to a choke.

King Mine: Deads at Bottom of Entrance shaft

The passage contains a lot of ochre, although it had never been found by the miners. Higher up the hill is Axbridge Hill Cavern, three chambers entered through miners’ workings by the Axbridge cavers in 2011. The largest chamber proves the truth of the legend of a lost cave with a chamber ‘as big as Axbridge Square’, although in fact it is only about a third of the size.

Waste rock, ‘deads’, are stacked around the walls, and much yellow ochre remains.

It is thought that the mine was abandoned when the price of ochre fell in the early 20th century. The miners probably backfilled the entrance to prevent unauthorised mining, but never returned to continue extracting the ochre.

Over at Sandford, the hill is littered with old workings, most of which have collapsed. The longest open working is Sandford Levvy, a largely horizontal passage driven into the hill in 1830 in the hope of finding a large body of ore. It passes some natural rifts, but no ore was found.

Nearby, however, is King Mine, reopened in 2005 by a member of the Wessex Cave Club. A shaft leads to natural cave, although at one time it was almost entirely filled with ochre. Pick marks on the walls, and even in small cavities, show how hard the miners worked to extract all of the mineral. At the bottom, a large natural chamber is entered, seven metres wide and 25 metres long. It is up to six metres high, and has a mud floor, but no trace of workable ochre.

Several caves on Eastern Mendip, such as Banwell Ochre Caves and Bleadon

Cavern, are in fact old ochre mines, where the natural cave was once filled with ochre until it was all dug out, to reveal the cave itself. Some of these caves contained bones from extinct animals. Triple Hole at Sandford, and Hutton Cavern, are examples, although sadly most of the bones were collected by antiquaries, and were subsequently lost.

Shipham was once the centre of mining for calamine, a common ore of zinc. The area is still pockmarked with old workings, although few of the mines remain open.

The largest is Singing River Mine, which is more than 900 metres long. It has an active stream running through it, but it only encounters a few impenetrable cave passages.

Rowland Pavey of Cheddar was one of the few people to drive mine passages in the hope of finding open cave rather than ore. Spurred by the nearby popularity of Cox’s Cave, and Richard Gough’s excavations at what was to become Gough’s Cave, in 1890 he dug a four metre tunnel and a seven metre shaft above Cox’s Cave in the hope of finding something he could open up as his own show cave.

It was not to be, so he roofed over a small quarry at the foot of the cliffs, and called it Pavey’s Cave, filling it with various exhibits including Stone Age bones and tools which he found in the nearby Flint Jack’s Cave.

Several cavers, mainly members of the Axbridge Caving Group, are still locating and reopening old ochre mines. Who knows, the discoveries on Axbridge Hill may be equalled or even surpassed in time.

Phil has been caving for more than 47 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and is a caving instructor in Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves.

PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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UBLEY MOTOR SERVICES MG Rover Land Rover Specialists

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

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

SHIPHAM MOTOR GROUP Turnpike Road, Shipham, Winscombe BS25 1TX

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Volvo Warranty Compliant Independent Servicing on New Cars Volvo Accredited Master Technician Specialist Volvo Diagnostics and Software Downloads 01934 842350 Air Conditioning www.shipham.co.uk MOT Testing Volvo Parts & Accessories

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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

Our shop stocks a full range of accessories and equipment

> Very competitive labour rates £45 per hour plus VAT > Highly trained and qualified

> Collection and drop off service available for local areas

mechanic with over 16 years

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main dealer experience

> MOT’S arranged

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

> Fully insured > Professional Valeting including Machine Polishing

Marchants Hill, Gurney Slade BA3 4TY Call: 01749 841051 Mob: 07778 465520 Email: sales@caravanrepairs-sw.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Cider celebrations at Stewley

GUESTS mingled with members of the Shepton Mallet Cider Mill team at the annual wassail celebrations at the drinks company’s Stewley Orchard.

Morris dancers, a band and the traditional crowning of the orchard’s 2015 wassail queen – Angela Ham – were part of the night’s entertainment.

Wassail queen Angela Ham is flanked by members of Taunton Deane Morris

The poster says it all

Trudy, Sophie and Stacey, who helped to organise the wassail, were presented with flowers as a thank you

Angela is carried into the orchard for the traditional wassail ceremony

Going with a bang – shotguns are fired into the apple trees PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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Hats full, caps full . . .

WASSAIL

WASSAIL ceremonies traditionally are held to bless the cider apple orchards in the hope of a bumper crop in the coming year.

But villagers in Kilmersdon are hoping this year’s ceremony might bring them another sort of fortune.

They need to raise a further £4,000 towards the £15,000 cost of repairing the roof of the village hall, where the wassail began with a ploughman’s lunch. Proceeds from the day will go towards the roof fund.

Martin Horler, one of the organisers of the event, said: “I have applied for every single grant and fund I can think of. The scaffolding is due to go up any day now so, if anyone has any good ideas, please let me know!”

Wassail queen Maja Bailey, 12, who lives in Kilmersdon

Maja, Martin Horler and the Green Dragon lead the procession to the orchard

Cam Valley Morris – with dancer Ben Drew’s son Theo joining in – dance in the garden of Martin and France

Musicians play in the car park of the village hall

A packed village hall – people came from as far afield as Bristol and Bath MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 67

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WASSAIL

Sofie leads Priston ceremony

ABOUT 60 people took part in the wassail ceremony in Priston, where Priston Jubilee Morris started the afternoon with dancing.

On the stroke of 3pm the Wassail Queen, Sofie FranklinAdams, was crowned resplendent in an emerald green cloak.

Queen Sofie led the procession to a nearby orchard accompanied by music from the Morris band and an escort of Morris men.

Children, young and old, beat the tree with sticks culminating in a fusilade of shot-gun fire into branches of the tree. The ceremony over the assembled company repaired to the village hall for tea and cider cake (and of course cider cup!) and to buy raffle tickets in the hope of winning a very young apple tree.

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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Have your say on the future of Wells Rec

RECRUITMENT has begun to find members for a new Wells Recreation Ground Trust Advisory Group, to lead the way in planning for its future.

The purpose of the group is to help shape the way forward, particularly on the structure of the new trust which will operate independently from Mendip District Council, currently the sole trustee. In total, up to eight individuals will be recruited, one of which will be the Chair and lead the group.

A board of directors which will comprise members of the community will then be appointed. They will be responsible for running the trust and decision-making on the way forward. Benefits include a modern trust structure, wider public involvement and improved access to grant funding.

The regulatory body for charity law is the Charity Commission and they have recommended the approach the council is taking. Ultimately, the new trust and how it is set-up will need their full approval.

Councillor John North, Chair of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust, said: “Starting recruitment to the Advisory Group is a major step in this complicated process of change. This is a chance for people with the right skills and experience to play a key role in shaping the new trust.

“We are looking forward to receiving applications from people who want to make a real difference by securing a sustainable future for the Bishop’s Barn and recreation ground.”

G Anyone interested in being on the Advisory Group can find out details of how to apply at www.mendip.gov.uk/vacancies or by ringing Jane Sharp on 0300 303 8588. The application process is open until Monday, February 16th.

For more information about the Wells Recreation Ground Trust visit: www.mendip.gov.uk/wellsrecreationground

Boost for church

WESTFIELD Parish Council has made a donation towards the upkeep of St. Nicholas Church in Radstock and the vicar, the Rev Sue Greatorex is delighted: “This was the first year that we entered Radstock In Bloom and the graveyard was awarded a standard of ‘thriving’ which is only one below ‘outstanding’ ”.

“We were thrilled with this accolade of the work that is being done here and this would not be possible without the support of Westfield Parish Council.”

She’s pictured with parish council chairman, Geoff Fuller.

Peter knows his patch

NEWS

Peter (Ieft) with Jake on their Mendip walk

ENVIRONMENTAL charity worker Peter Hughes can often be found in supermarket foyers and events across Mendip recruiting new members.

And he certainly knows what he is talking about. Peter, 54 and from Glastonbury is one of the newest members of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s recruitment team. As part of his induction, he spent time exploring the landscape above Cheddar Gorge, in the company of colleagues from the membership team and the Trust’s Mendip Hills Living Landscape programme.

Peter said: “I had a fabulous time. I normally work alone, so it was great to be out with other people.

“I have photos of Chancellors Farm, near Priddy, with me when I’m recruiting and I’m now able to talk about how seeds from the wildflower-rich meadows there are being used to restore limestone grasslands on our reserves and surrounding land.”

While much of the trust’s income is derived from trusts, grants and other project funding, members’ contributions are vital to the charity’s work.

Mendip Hills advisory officer, Jake Chant, said: “Our Mendip Hills Living Landscape programme is a brilliant example of the Trust working to enhance ecological networks; natural corridors that enable wildlife to move across the landscape.

“The mantra is ‘bigger, better, more and joined-up’, and, although this work is primarily project-funded, the fact that Somerset Wildlife Trust has a strong membership enables us to bring in extra money.”

G Somerset Wildlife Trust currently has more than 19,000 members and is on a recruitment drive for more members and more people to recruit them.

To find our more visit www.somersetwildlife.org/vacancies

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 69

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MENDIP TIMES

30% off all conservatories – 50% off all doors

01761 439300 • www.staircase-manufacturing.co.uk

DIAMONDBRITE Conservatories are a local company with a fresh approach to sales and design, offering unbeatable quality and craftsmanship with security high on the list.

Their team have over 20 years of experience in the home improvement industry.

Diamondbrite have professional design consultants available to visit your home to enable you to see for yourselves what a conservatory will look like using the latest high-tech computer simulations, They will attend your property, survey and design the conservatory and leave you to have time to consider if the design is right for you.

A few days later they will provide you with a noobligation quotation to enable you to proceed and order if you wish.

Based in Midsomer Norton, with national connections, they are confident that all of their products represent the highest quality at the best prices, saying that if you can find an equivalent uPVC product cheaper from another company, they will drop their price to match it.

Diamondbrite offers: quality manufacture, luxury, security, a quality professional service, a fresh approach, high standards of workmanship and intelligent design.

The company offers guarantees and accreditation and they are specialists for conservatories, windows and doors.

Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net

We carefully dismantle your oven and cleanse it in our specially designed, heated dip tank.

From top to bottom, inside and out.

As good as new, with a no mess guarantee.

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D.R. CARPETS

Carpets Vinyls Wood Flooring Safety flooring specialist Natural flooring Bespoke rugs Mix and match designer range Domestic and commercial supplied and fitted

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

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Midsomer Norton: 01761 417170 or email us: diamondbriteconservatories@gmail.com PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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JACKSONS

Jacksons Fencing – news, topical treats and more . . .

Good fences make good neighbours!

HERE’S a lovely story that conjures up the well know adage ‘good fences making good neighbours’ beautifully.

We received some pictures from a very happy Jacksons customer, showing his new fence panels looking absolutely stunning as a boundary between two gardens (see photo at top of page).

After speaking with the customer, Ivan Frost, it soon came to light that the project was a joint venture with his next door neighbour Nick Jagger. They had both decided to replace the hedge between their two properties with Jacksons panels.

Following some research and discussion, they ended up choosing our Chilham panels, which happened to be a great choice, as this unusual fence is one that looks good on both sides.

If you are unsure of what we mean by that, take a look next time you happen to be near an ordinary fence. You will see that one side of the fence usually has several rails that run horizontally between the posts, the vertical timbers, or pales are attached to these rails.

This side of the fence is quite often referred to as the ‘bad’ side. Although strangely enough fencing ‘etiquette’ dictates that when you install a fence on your property, it is thought of as polite to have the rails facing in towards you, giving either your neighbours or the outside world the best view of the fence – the ‘good’ side that has no rails etc.

WIN

Ivan’s garden after the Chilham panels were installed, looks fantastic, especially now the flowers are blooming.

A

JACKSONS WHEELIE BIN STORE

Mind you, there’s no law involved here, it’s totally up to the individual and I know many people who prefer to see the side that has no rails as their view.

This is why we developed Chilham panels, they have an ingenious design that allows the rails to be hidden, thus the view from both sides of the fence is exactly the same and much more pleasing to the eye.

On the left Ivan Frost’s lovely garden, with roses in bloom and the splendid Chilham panels making a superb backdrop – the other side of the fence is Nick Jagger’s equally lovely garden, and not a single unsightly rail to spoil the views!

Enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win one of Jacksons wheelie bin stores. Simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 31.03.15. To enter go to: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal

It’s great to see the photos here of both sides from each neighbours perspective and not a rail in sight!

Both customers are very happy and we can see why, their fence and gardens look great. Our thanks to both, Ivan Frost and Nick Jagger, for sharing this story and their photos with us.

Info on the Chilham panels can be found on your local web page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/bathlocal, there’s also a link there to the customer project story with more photos of these lovely gardens.

SPECIAL OFFER If you are looking to replace your garden fencing this year, it’s worth noting that Jacksons have a special offer of FREE delivery on all garden fencing panels, posts and garden gates throughout February, full details and T & Cs are on the local page too. www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/bathlocal or call 0800 408 4754 to talk to your local Jacksons Fencing Centre. louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 71

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Grants available for home insulation

RESIDENTS in Mendip are being given the opportunity to improve their home for free, thanks to grant funding which is now available.

The Home Energy Team offer free and impartial energy saving advice and are on hand to give the latest information about the grants available. The offer means that any homeowner or privately-renting tenant in Mendip will be able to have cavity wall insulation installed in their home, free of charge – making their home much warmer and cosier, and cutting their fuel bills. Loft insulation can also be installed at no extra cost if the cavity is being insulated.

Jamie Walters, who manages the Home Energy Team said: “Having your home insulated can save you hundreds of pounds, and we know people have been waiting for this offer.”

The available funding for cavity wall and loft insulation tackles the problem of cold homes and excessive expenditure on fuel bills for Mendip’s private residents. As an example, householders living in an average semi-detached house could save £295 a year on their fuel bills.

The Home Energy Team can also help residents find out about various other ways to lower their heating and electricity bills with free and impartial energy saving advice.

For further information and to arrange a survey, call the Home Energy Team on: 0800 082 2234 or email: home.energy@cse.org.uk

PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Tony Hucker TV Service – Sales – Rental

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MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 73

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MENDIP TIMES

THE CHEW VALLEY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED WINDOW COMPANY WITH A REPUTATION BUILT ON QUALITY AND SERVICE

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To supply and fit an Ideal Independent 24kw combination boiler with a standard flue. This boiler has an inbuilt mechanical clock, 2 year warranty. Includes: Filling loop • scale inhibitor • Magna clean and Sentinel x 100 • test and fill system.

Other boilers also available Yearly gas service – £65.00 + VAT

All for the sum of £1195.00 incl. VAT* * Subject to site survey

WOODBURNER

Burley Debdale 4Kw DEFRA-approved Stove

To supply and fit the Burley Debdale Stove. Install a new stainless steel 316 flexible flue liner – 10m allowed. Includes register plate, vitreous enamel pip, pot hanger and top hat adapter.

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Give us a call on 01761 439408

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

www.wantastove.co.uk

OIL BOILER

Worcester Greenstar Heatslave 18.25Kw Combination Boiler

To supply and fit a Worcester Greenstar Heatslave 18.25Kw combination boiler with a standard flue. Comes with a 5-year warranty. Includes: Magna clean, time clock, mini-scale reducer, Sentinel x 100, test and fill system.

Other boilers available Yearly oil service – £80.00 + VAT

All for the sum of £3495.00 incl. VAT* * Subject to site survey

With over 15 Manufacturers and a commitment to be the cheapest stove supplier in the UK, visit us online or come and see the stoves at the showroom near Radstock, Bath – supply as well as supply and fit.

Email us: info@naturesflame.co.uk

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HOMES & INTERIORS

Tel: 01749 677299

citydecoratingsupplies@gmail.com

QUALITY PAINT & WA L L PA P E R

Visit our showroom to browse our amazing library of luxury wallpapers from Little Greene, Farrow & Ball and more.

Paint in various sizes and finishes mixed on one of our computerised machines while you wait!

We are one of the best stocked paint shops in the UK offering all types of products for DIY, trade, industrial use One stop shop for all types of coatings. Fireproof paints for steel and wood. Full fire certificate given.

If you cannot get to us call us or email and we will get products to you throughout the UK and Europe.

Open: Monday – Friday: 9am-6pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm No.1 The Old Chapel, Union Street Car Park, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PU

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 75

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MENDIP TIMES

Many miles in a day

MANY people who ride and compete in other disciplines do not really understand the skill, technique and hours of dedication that go With CELIA into successful GADD performances in endurance competitions.

Sue and Louise Rich from Oakleaze Farm in Bristol have many, many years experience and are both hoping to qualify this year to compete at the European Championships in Slovakia in September.

They have been running their yard for 25 years now at their home and are fully British Horse Society approved. They can accommodate for full, part or DIY livery and have a horse-walker, large outdoor arena and many acres of off-road riding.

This year they are both competing on a selection of horses, all home-bred and carrying their Oakleaze prefix and it is obvious they are very serious about their sport and have a very deep love for their horses.

Their main breeding stallion Oakleaze Czarus, unfortunately died last year but they still have frozen semen available from him, and they are still competing the 19-year-old Oakleaze Czaro, who is also used very successfully at stud.

Sue’s daughter Louise has the ride on Oakleaze Cziko, a pure bred 14-year-old who is FEI 3* qualified and on the England squad and also has the 2* Oakleaze Czamak who is 11-years-old.

As well as the squad horses they also have a selection of other horses that they use for dressage and the shorter, national

rides, more for fun than serious competition.

It is fascinating to find out more about this sport. All the horses have to start with 50-mile rides and then go through a novice/intermediate and advanced system similar to other sports.

Horses do not compete in endurance until they are six years old and it normally will take three or four years to get them fit enough, and trained well enough, to compete in the longer rides of 100 miles in a day.

Arabs are the most successfully used breed for endurance as they have phenomenal stamina, very hard and strong legs, and generally a calm enough temperament that they can cope with the excitement of the day without it putting too much stress on them. There are numerous Anglo-Arabs, thoroughbreds and other breeds now also starting to take part, particularly in the slightly shorter rides.

Basically the endurance ride is a race, but if the horses are not passed fit at each vet gate, and at the end, then they will be disqualified so the riders have to be excellent judges of what is happening underneath them and keep a close eye on the heart rate and recovery.

The horses are trained to carry themselves without pulling, but also importantly, so that the riders do not have to push them along as that would be too tiring for the rider and the horse. They must be forward going, willing but also calm which can be a difficult combination to find.

Sue talks about all the different characters of the horses they have Details: www.oakleazefarm.co.uk

Concrete proof of horse event’s success THE sponsors of the 2015 Nunney International Horse Trials have been announced.

Hopkins Concrete Ltd, based in Wincanton, is the new title sponsor after winning a draw amongst members of the event’s 200 Club in which businesses and individuals purchased memberships for £100. That entered them into a draw to find the main sponsors as well as the day sponsors for the Friday and Saturday of the three-day event.

The 2015 competition will take place at Whatley, near Frome,

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

competed, some are more suited to 50 miles a day two days on the trot, than 100 miles in one day and the successful riders are good at gauging quite early on where the horses strengths will lie.

It is obvious they love the sport, and are lucky enough to travel to some fantastic parts of the country, and indeed the world, riding across terrain that is not normally available to the ‘normal’ rider.

Obviously fitness, diet and stable management routines are crucial and play a very important part in the success of the horses.

Sue has many years of experience with horses, not only in endurance, but provides a very good livery service, with valuable advice given for the less experienced owners.

Louise Rich is a qualified Equine Sports Massage practitioner, ICAT trained and obviously this is a very useful addition to the team.

on June 19th, 20th and 21st. The event’s organiser, Alisa Hunter-Gordon, said: “This is the third year we have used a draw to find our title sponsors and its definitely growing in popularity as the idea becomes more established. It is wonderful that all three winners are local to Nunney and will be able to come along and enjoy some wonderful hospitality.”

Friday’s sponsorship was won by Kilver Court with Monkton Combe Pre-prep and Prep School winning the Saturday sponsorship.

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Mendip Farmers’ Boxing Day meet

RIDING

(Photography courtesy of Duncan Simey)

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A cup of inspiration

Young Cary players Angus and Fraser Croft, Livvie Collins and Carmen Reynolds pose alongside the cup. Paul Cox, England Rugby’s community rugby coach for Somerset, Cary coaches Ross Perkins and Ella McKintyre and Cary chairman Paul LesterHinchliffe look on

IT was a case of “no hands allowed” when the women’s rugby world cup trophy visited Castle Cary RFC as part if its tour of the south west – but that didn’t stop youngsters from dreaming that they too might one day be crowned champions.

England Rugby officials were on hand to make sure that admirers kept a safe distance from the trophy which led to the England women’s squad being named Team of the Year in the 2014 BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

But dozens of rugby-mad youngsters – and more than a few adults – were delighted to be able to pose for photos and “selfies” with the coveted trophy which England secured for the first time by beating Canada in the final.

Cary was chosen because of its close links with women’s rugby through its annual Kays 7s charity tournament. The trophy also visited Yatton RFC as part of the tour.

One day: Livvie and Carmen may lift the trophy as world champions themselves PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Go, go, go Aurelio

POTENTIAL pentathlete Aurelio Calipa is the latest upand-coming young athlete to benefit from a Somerset-based funding charity.

Aurelio, 12 and from Street, has joined the growing stable of names to watch who are being supported by TS5C towards the costs of training, travel and specialist equipment.

The youngster was named Swimmer of Aurelio Calipa: “The support of the Year at Millfield TS5C is brilliant” School (Year 7) and was also invited by the ASA to attend the Regional England Development Camp for 2014/15 for his swimming. GB Pentathlon has invited him to join the English Talent Programme.

Aurelio said: “It’s very exciting to have the support of TS5C. So brilliant that, as well as my family and coach, TS5C believes that I can do well.”

Alan Gloak, chairman of TS5C, said: “Aurelio has a really busy year ahead, and we are so pleased to be able to ease some of the financial pressures involved. It is a real privilege to watch our young athletes rise up the ranks of their chosen fields.

“They are all at the point of their sporting careers where they need to be nurtured and encouraged. Organisations are ready to put money into established, successful athletes, but it is at these crucial, early stages when it is most needed. Not only does our support help them out financially, it also demonstrates a confidence in their talent which can be just as important.”

During the course of 2014, TS5C gave a total of £8,000 in funding to 18 young, aspiring athletes from across Somerset.

They include powerlifter, Lucie Spraggon, also from Street, who trains at the Trainstation Gym in Glastonbury. Lucie is World record holder and first in the Junior under 90kg European Championships for squat, bench press and deadlift.

Epée fencer, Josh Stevens, from Glastonbury, one of the best fencers of his age in the UK, said: “I doubt whether I would have had the success so far without the support from TS5C.” Alan added: “It is interesting to note that in the 2012 Olympics, if Yorkshire had been classified as a country it would have come 12th in the list of medal winners!

“That’s an incredible statistic – and one which we wish to emulate in Somerset. But, we’re not going to be able to rely on government funds. We’re going to have to support our athletes ourselves. It’s a challenge but not insurmountable; we just need commitment from small local companies and individuals wanting to make a difference.”

For more information, visit: www.ts5c.org or email: info@ts5c.org

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Rebels ring the changes

THE “Cases” Somerset Rebels speedway team have been forced to make two changes to their proposed 2015 team ahead of the new season beginning in March.

Jack Holder has been released because his assessed average performance rating would have taken the seven-strong side’s total over the league starting limit. Keeping Jack would have meant losing two or three other riders from the Rebels, based near Highbridge. Meanwhile work commitments have led to Ollie Greenwood asking to be released from the Rebels Somerset team manager Garry May said: “We are sorry to let Jack down in respect of his team place with the Rebels, but having looked at all of our various options, releasing Jack was the least disruptive one as far as the team as a whole was concerned.

“With regards to Ollie, the company he works for has recently been taken over and his new working hours mean that he is no longer able to get the necessary time off work in order to get down to the Oaktree Arena in time for our home meetings on a Friday night.

“Whilst it is disappointing to lose Ollie’s services, we fully understand the reasons behind his request and wish him all the best for the future.”

The Rebels have signed Leigh Lanham as replacement for Jack and Max Dilger, a former German under-21 Champion, as Ollie’s replacement.

SPORT

Operation 500 and counting!

FROME Town Football Club is throwing open the gates of its stadium for a home fixture in March in a bid to attract a crowd of at least 500.

The club is offering spectators the chance to pay whatever they think suitable on the turnstiles – with the usual free admission for children.

The match is on Saturday, March 7th against Hungerford Town in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division.

Ian Pearce, the club’s managing director, said: “This is the first time the club is literally opening its doors to the community of Frome and beyond so help us spread the word and achieve our goal of getting 500 through the turnstiles and at the same time giving Fozzy (manager Adrian Foster) and the squad a further boost with a bigger crowd cheering them on.”

Ian added: “Of course we would be delighted for people to pay the normal admission charges to continue to help the club.”

Meanwhile, the club has officially applied for planning permission for their new floodlighting system. A decision is expected to be announced by Mendip District Council in February.

Frome Town Supporters Club has been fund raising for the new lighting system with a target of £24,000; they have already secured £14,000.

A day at the races – the perfect place to pop the question!

THE Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle – Wincanton Racecourse’s prestigious Champion Hurdle trial – falls on St. Valentine’s Day and, to mark the occasion, the course is on the hunt for romantic proposals!

Anyone considering “popping the question” should take advantage of Wincanton’s “Proposal Package” where the racecourse will confidentially assist in the planning and implementation on the course of the three best proposals on Saturday, February 14th.

From the parade ring being covered in roses to a racehorse wearing a blanket with a bespoke message or mob crowd dance proposal; the Wincanton team will ensure the perfect delivery.

The top three accepted proposals will also receive a half-price wedding venue discount should they decide to marry at Wincanton Racecourse within a two-year period. In addition, the ultimate proposal (couple) will enjoy a bumper overnight Valentine’s package at the luxurious Charlton House Hotel in Shepton Mallet.

The proposals will be fitted around a £121,000 total prize fund racecard featuring the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle which is live on Channel 4. If racing rumours are accurate, former master and pupil Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton will come face-to-face with their powerful Champion Hurdle contenders. The Nicholls-trained Irving is looking to reestablish his form following a disappointing run over the festive period due to a minor foot injury. Dan is expected to enter Blue Heron following a solid performance in the Boxing Day Christmas Hurdle, finishing third to the mighty Faugheen.

Steve Parlett, Wincanton’s General Manager, said: “We’re fortunate to hold outstanding racing from such a romantic setting on Valentine’s Day and we very much hope that we

attract some quirky proposals.

“I would also like to thank Charlton House for their generous support. Their package really seals the deal!”

G To enter, proposers need to email their unique proposal to: wincanton@thejockeyclub.co.uk by Thursday, January 29th.

The top three will be notified on Friday, January 30th. Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle Raceday gets under way at 11.30am with the first race at 1.55pm. Advance tickets start from £14 and are available online at wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk or by calling 0844 579 3014. Children aged 17 and under race free.

MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015 • PAGE 79

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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.

Saturday January 31st and Sunday February 1st Indoor Static Tractor Show, Royal Bath and West Showground, about 200 tractors on display, also trade stands, tractor spares, books, toys etc., auction on the Saturday, entrance adults £7, OAPs and children, £4, 9am-4pm daily, all proceeds to charity. Details: Nick and Pat Byrne 01749 860514 www.somersettractoshow.com Sunday February 1st Mid-Somerset Oxfam Group quiz, The Britannia, Wells, 7.30pm, £2.50pp, max six per table. Details: Trevor 07739 817136.

Monday February 2nd Red Cross hand and shoulder massage at Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, 11am to 12pm. Pop along to the entrance area for a free relaxing hand and shoulder massage to promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Alzheimer’s Society drop-in session at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Rd, 9am to 12pm. People with dementia, their families and carers can ask questions and find out about the support that the Alzheimer’s society can provide.

Tuesday February 3rd The Golden Age of Venetian Glass, a talk by Mrs J Gardiner, MA, for Mendip DFAS, 10.30 for 11am, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant (formerly the Westex Suite). Details: www.mdfas.org.uk. Guests welcome.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club, Mike and his Music, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.304pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Irish set dancing classes, Shoscombe Village Hall near Peasedown St John, first and third Tuesday every month, 7.30-10pm. Details: 01761 435204.

Thursday February 5th Irish set dancing classes, Dinder Village Hall near Wells, every Thursday 8.30-10.30pm.

Beginners very welcome. Details: 01458 210051.

Winscombe and Sandford in Era of WW1, talk with archive photos and material at annual meeting of Millennium Green Trust, open to all and all welcome, 7.30 Winscombe Community Centre.

Cheddar Valley U3A – Transformation: William Wordsworth in the South West – a talk

by Woody River at Church House, Cheddar 2.15pm – entry £2. Visitors welcome.

Wells Evening Society, David Edwards, Surviving the Volcano at Monserrat, 7.30pm, Wells Town Hall.

West Mendip Walkers – moderate walk around Glastonbury 11.6 mi/18.5km Ex 141 ST502384. Meet Bretonoux Road (BA6 8DP), start 10am. Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday February 6th Redhill Village Club Open Mic Night, from PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

T i m e s

8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe. Budding musicians and performers are all welcome, it's FREE to join and ample parking. Church Road, BS40 5SG. Tel: 01934 862619.

Charity concert and buffet supper in aid of Church House renovations, 7pm for 7.30pm, Church House, Cheddar, with Cheddar Valley U3A Handbell Ringers and Somernotes Male Singers, bar and raffle, tickets £7.50 include supper. Details: Margaret 01934 710242.

Free Health Walks – Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. Meet 10am. Easy, mostly level walks of about 1.5 miles around Glastonbury. Optional café stop at the end.

Details: vicssullivan@hotmail.com Saturday February 7th Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions concert, with B&NES Schools Philharmonic Orchestra and Cantelina Choir, Prospect Theatre, Writhlington School, 7.30pm, tickets £8. Details: 01761 235556 or 07811 420536 or email spo@rmnlions.org.uk Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, The Ashworth Memorial Lecture, Richard Kay on The Auctioneer’s Ten Commandments: Experiences of Working in an Auction House for the last 27 Years, Assembly Rooms, Frome, 2.30pm.

Mendip Society Walk, six miles around Bristol Dockside. Meet 10am, Temple Meads Station.

Contact: Roger 01761 490458.

Sunday February 8th Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip branch, Wintering Wildlife walk at Westhay Moor, 2pm, with Mick Ridgard, 07731 546783.

Somerset County Cricket Club Mid-Area Committee Quiz Night.Victoria Club, Leigh Road, Street BA16 0HB. 7pm. Fun evening and quiz in support of Pavilion Appeal. Cost £5 per quiz contestant (max four per team) or £4 for buffet only.

Tuesday February 10th Cookery Demo Day, Fodder at Yeo Valley HQ, 9.30am-1.30pm, with one of their chefs, including breakfast and lunch, creating a delicious dinner for two, £45. Details: 01761 461425 or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Clevedon Art Club, Winsor & Newton's professional watercolour and acrylic artist Linda Hollingshead, St. Mary’s Church Hall, Walton, 7:30pm.

Alzheimer’s Society drop-in session at Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, 10am to 12pm.

People with dementia, their families and carers can ask questions and find out about the support that the Alzheimer’s society can provide.

Mendip Society Talk, The Beau Street Hoard, with Lindsey Braidley, Wells Museum, 2.30pm.

Frome Selwood Horticulture Society AGM, Trinity Church Hall, Trinity St, Frome BA11 3DW. 7.30pm. £6 annual membership, £2 visitors. Be part of a local society that has been active for nearly 50 years, meet new friends, share gardening experience, two coach trips a year, plant sale, flower show, social evening.

Wednesday February 11th Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, so you think you know gladiolus, with Gill Hazell, United Reformed Church, Stockway North,

W h a t ’ s

Nailsea, 7.30pm.

Thursday February 12th Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH project) drop-in session at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road, 10am to 12.30pm. Find out how to make your homes warmer, reduce energy bills and improve your health.

West Mendip Walkers – moderate walk 6.6mi/10.6km from Tithe Barn, Doulting Ex 142 ST647429. Park along road. Start 12.30.

Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday February 13th Vampire Valentines at Yeo Valley HQ restaurant, Fodder, four courses and entertainment, £29pp, booking required. Details: Jill on 01761 461425 or email events@yeovalley.co.uk Wrington Friendship Club, bingo and bring and buy, 2.30pm Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street. New members welcome. Details: Fred Parsons 01934 863562.

Saturday February 14th Mendip Society Walk, Winscombe, four and a half miles. Contact: Mary 01934 843789.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm, at War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Monday February 16th Timsbury NATS, Richard Fox, Restoration of the Somerset Coal Canal, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 7.30pm, entrance £3.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, community garden event, learn how to sow sweet peas, included with admission, 11am-3pm. Details: www.bishopspalace.co.uk 01749 988111.

Tuesday February 17th NADFAS illustrated lectures, The limewood Sculptures of Renaissance Germany, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ, 11am, free parking, £6, details 01963 350 527.

Midsomer Norton Townswomen's Guild, Travelling With Your Bus Pass, with Norma Dando, 2pm, St John's Church Hall.

Congresbury Over-60’s Club, karaoke songs, with Tony Russell, Congresbury War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday February 18th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, celebrate the arrival of spring with fun floral activities and print your own wallpaper before heading off on a flowerrelated picture hunt around the Palace and gardens, 11am-3pm. Details: see above.

Thursday February 19th Cheddar Valley U3A – Meet and greet coffee morning at Church House, Cheddar 10.30am to 12 noon. Visitors welcome. Details 01934 710242.

Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH project) drop-in session at Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, 10am to 12.00pm. Find out how to make your homes warmer, reduce energy bills and improve your health.

West Mendip Walkers – moderate walk 7.86 mi/12.65km from Crowcombe Park Gate. Ex 140 ST149378. Park Crowcombe Park Gate.

Start 10.00. Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Friday, Feb 20th

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Concert with Bridgend Welsh Male Choir and three soloist singers. Wells Cathedral.

Doors 7pm, starts 7.30pm. In aid of St Margaret’s Hospice. Tickets available in the cathedral shop and box office, Wells Reclamation, The Yeovil Hospice (01935 709157) and on the door on the night.

Saturday February 21st Redhill Village Club Quiz Night, starting at 8pm. Suitable for teams with max. of six or individuals, £1 entry per person – winning team takes the prize money! Refreshments available during the break.

Winter warmer at Winscombe Bowling Club, a selection of steaming hot soups, with fresh crusty bread, followed by a choice of sweet, tea/coffee, 12-2pm, £4.

Bleadon Village Market 9-12.30 at the village hall, over 30 stalls with crafts, collectables, local produce and much more. Refreshments.

See www.bleadon.org.uk/market Mendip Society Walk, Hinton Blewett, five to six miles. Contact: Bob 01934 820575.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Ian Caskie, SS Great Britain from Launch to Relaunch, Assembly Rooms, Frome, 2.30pm.

Thursday February 26th Chew Valley Wildlife Group: a Wildlife Journey in Arctic Norway by Cecile Gillard, Chew Magna Millennium Hall, 7.45pm, visitors £2.50; season ticket available.

Somerset Wildlife Trust, East Mendip branch, Wildlife and the Four Seasons, illustrated talk

by Tony House, St. Catherine’s Church Hall, Park Road, Frome, &.30pm, adults £2.50, children and students £1.

West Mendip Walkers – easy walk 7.2 mi/11.5km from Tor Lane, Wells Ex141 ST554457. Park Tor Lane. Start 12.30. Contact Tony Strange 01934 733783 or anthonyestrange@gmail.com Thursday February 26th and Friday February 27th Trinity Singers Joint Concert, Bristol Cathedral (Thursday), All Saints’ Church, Weston-super-Mare (Friday). Time and ticket price to be confirmed. Music by Purcell, Harris, Tippett and Parry. Details: Susannah 01934 844106.

Friday February 27th Friends of Weston-super-Mare Museum, A History of the Privy from Roman times to the present day, with Linda Hall, Down the Garden Path, 2pm, Weston Museum, Burlington Street, members free, visitors small fee on the door.

Mendip Citizens Advice Mobile Unit at Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. 10am to 12pm. The CAB bus and staff will be available to provide free, independent and confidential advice on a range of issues. No need for an appointment.

Wrington Friendship Club, Blue Flowers, illustrated talk by Ian Parsons, 2.30pm Wrington Memorial Hall, Silver Street. New members welcome. Details: Fred Parsons 01934 863562.

Free Health Walks – Glastonbury Health Centre, Wells Road. Meet 10am. Easy, mostly

F e b r u a r y

level walks of about 1.5 miles around Glastonbury. Optional café stop at the end.

Details: vicssullivan@hotmail.com Rotary Clubs of Frome, Help for Heroes charity concert at Frome Memorial Theatre BA11 1EB, 7.30pm, tickets £10 from theatre box office.

Saturday February 28th Cheddar Vale Lions Club jumble sale, Church House, Cheddar, 2pm, entry 20p, jumble accepted from 12noon.

Brent Knoll Parish Hall fundraiser, Howden Jones in concert, 7.30pm for 8pm, tickets £8 from Jenny 01278 760477 or the village post office.

Backwell Village Market, Backwell WI hall, range of stalls and café, plus a drop-in dog masterclass, 10.30am-1pm. Details Gloria 07870 598770 or www.backwellvillagemarket.weebly.com Concert – Pilton Wind Ensemble – Mozart Serenade for 13 wind instruments and Strauss Serenade, St Thomas Church, Wells BA5 2UZ at 1pm. Retiring collection. Details 01749 890646.

Congresbury Book Sale, 9am-1pm at War Memorial Hall. Good quality books, jigsaw puzzles, dvds, cds and talking books.

Mendip Society Walk, Priddy, four or five miles, followed by 50th anniversary celebration of the society at the Queen Victoria Inn. Contact: Gill 01934 742508.

Plant Heritage Somerset Group: “Saxifrages” an illustrated talk by Ian Nex at the Village Hall, Edington (1/2 mile N. from A39, halfway between Bridgwater and Street) at 2.30 p.m. Members Plant Sale one hour before talk. Admission free for members, visitors £4.(01278 451631 Tuesday March 3rd The History of the Harp – from Mediterranean antiquity to 20th century Europe, a talk by Ms Sarah Deere-Jones LRAM LGSM for Mendip DFAS, 10.30 for 11am, Bath & West Bar & Restaurant (formerly the Westex Suite). Details: www.mdfas.org.uk. Guests welcome.

Wednesday March 4th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir concert, 1pm included with admission. Details: see above.

Friday March 6th Quiz night, Buckland Dinham Village Hall, 7.30pm, teams up to six, £5 per person to include supper, licensed bar. Details: Linda 01373 461897 or Simon 01373 452418.

Redhill Village Club Open Mic Night from, 8pm, hosted by Jerry Blythe. Budding musicians and performers are all welcome, it's FREE to join and ample parking. Church Road, BS40 5SG. Tel: 01934 862619.

Saturday March 7th Churchill Music! Vida Guitar Quartet, St. John the Baptist Church, Churchill, 7.30pm, tickets £14.50 or £10.50 for Champions of Churchill Music! Under 25s free. Details: Ursula Dornton 01934 852919 infol@churchillmusic.org.uk Clash of the Choirs, fourth event at St. Mary's Wedmore, 6.30pm sharp, ten choirs, 200 singers, a packed house to support them and the

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usual shenanigans. Tickets on sale from The Paper Shop in Wedmore from early February.

They will sell out fast! Contact, David Hopkins 01934 710149.

Book sale and Freecycle event in aid of Winscombe Community Association, 9am12.30pm. Refreshments available. Please leave donations of books, CDs, DVDs and jigsaws on the book trolley in the Community Centre, Sandford Road at the Thursday market, 9-12.00 or call 01934 823609 or 842250.

St Mary’s Church, Timsbury giant Jumble sale, in the Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 10am to 12noon. All the usual stalls plus tea and coffee and a raffle makes a great morning’s entertainment! Entry will be 30p and proceeds will be towards the cost of supporting the church.

Frome Society for Local Study and Frome Civic Society, Ian Pearson The work of Bath JPs in the Early Victorian Period, Assembly Rooms, Frome, 2.30pm.

Bishop’s Palace, Wells, community garden master class, an introduction to growing your own food, 11am-1pm. Details: see above.

Sunday March 8th Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Love Actually wedding fair, meet the cream of Somerset’s wedding suppliers and be tempted by all things bridal!

The team from The Bishop’s Palace will also be there to answer any questions you might have about holding your wedding reception at the Palace, 11am – 3.30pm. Details: see above.

Wednesday March 11th Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, salad and herb crops for the small garden, with Jon Mason, United Reformed Church, Stockway North, Nailsea, 7.30pm.

Monday March 16th Timsbury NATS, Tom Cairns, Natural History Recording, Conygre Hall, Timsbury, 7.30pm, entrance £3.

Tuesday March 17th NADFAS Illustrated Lectures, Tribal Rugs – Treasures of the Black Tent, with samples on display, Caryford Hall, Castle Cary, 11am, free parking, £6, information 01963 350 527.

ANSWERS TO THE MENDIP MINDBENDER

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MENDIP TIMES

Time to prepare for the Westcountry Game Fair TICKETS are on sale for the 19th Westcountry Game Fair at the Royal Bath and West Showground at Shepton Mallet in March.

The weekend event celebrates life in the countryside with the emphasis on have-a-go activities for all the family – including dogs!

Supported by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the fair takes place on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd. Activities on offer include terrier and lurcher shows, a family dog show, archery, air rifles and clay shooting along with demonstrations by top names in the areas of falconry, wildfowling, ferreting, gun dog training, fly casting and more.

Running alongside the fair will be the Westcountry Smallholders Show which will also host a selection of activities, products hand-crafted by smallholders, demonstrations, advice, poultry and livestock.

BASC plays a prominent role at the event providing shooting coaching, gundog scurries and tests and sharing their knowledge

WHAT’S ON

The main arena attracts huge crowds who enjoy a wide range of demonstrations

and expertise on their trade stand in the shopping village, with features including a wildfowlers’ row, artists’ row, game tasting, shooting clinic and much more.

The cookery theatre will host a variety of chefs all with simple, easy to follow delicious game recipes, with the opportunity to buy west country food and drink from a variety of local companies.

WIN TICKETS

Richard Jones and Peter Darnley, who ran a decoy duck retrieval competition on the showground lake at last year’s show. They are pictured with brother-and-sister dogs Tess and Jago and their mum Ruby

Mendip Times has teamed up with Contour Exhibitions, the organiser of the Westcountry Game Fair, to offer readers the chance to win five pairs of tickets to the event. To enter, please answer the following question: what do the letters BASC stand for?

Please send your answers on a postcard to: Westcountry Game Fair Competition, Mendip Times, Coombe Lodge, Blagdon BS40 7RG. Entries must reach us by Monday, January 19th. The tickets are valid for any one day of the fair. The first correct entries chosen will win. The editor’s decision is final.

You can keep up to date with everything happening at the show by visiting: www.westcountrygamefair.co.uk or joining its Facebook group or by following it on Twitter. For exhibitor enquiries, please call 01392 421500. To book your tickets in advance and save money visit www.westcountrygamefair.co.uk or call the ticket office (Monday to Friday 9am–5pm) on: 01392 421500.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 30th January

Starts Saturday 13th February

Starts Thursday 26th February Thursday 29th January

Wednesday 11th February

COMING UP: Big Hero 6 (PG) 3D/2D

Fifty Shades Of Grey (18) The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) Andrea Chenier ROH (7.15pm) Love’s Labour’s Lost RSC (7pm)

G Book in person G Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk G Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • FEBRUARY 2015

Globe on screen

WELLS Film Centre has confirmed details for its 2015 series of screenings of productions at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

The shows have proved hugely popular with theatre enthusiasts who want to savour the atmosphere of the iconic venue on London’s South Bank.

The 2015 season opens with the tragedy the Duchess of Malfi, which will be shown on Thursday, February 26th at 7pm and again on Tuesday, March 3rd at 2pm. March also sees Titus Andronicus, Julius Ceasar will be shown at the end of April and again in early May, Antony and Cleopatra will feature at the beginning of June and The Comedy of Errors will round off the season at the end of the month.

For information, visit: www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk

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Pancake Racing 17th February

• CAFE AND SHOP

• HALF TERM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

• FAMILY ACTIVITY DAY 18TH FEBRUARY • MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE

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