Issue 2 - Volume 15 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE 2

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

JULY 2019

IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER EVENTS • CULTURAL WELLS • SPORT HISTORY • FOCUS ON WEDMORE • WHAT’S ON • BUSINESS Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

THE middle of the year and Mendip comes alive with festivals, fetes and other events and we’ve managed to get around to many of them.

We’ve pictures from the Royal Bath and West show, Open Farm Sunday and many other community celebrations.

We look ahead to a cultural feast coming up in Wells, where the town crier has been immortalised in miniature! In Frome there’s been a big competition to find the best town crier in the country. We also have a special Focus on Wedmore this month.

The community shop in Mells has celebrated its tenth anniversary, while local people have also taken over their local shop in Winford. As usual, we have pages and pages devoted to community news.

We feature a new book from Frome on the survivors of WW2 and another on the 175th anniversary of Congresbury Cricket Club.

On top pf Mendip the enthusiasts who have been uncovering the secrets of Charterhouse are celebrating their 20th anniversary – Sue Gearing’s walk takes us through there this month.

If you think this month has been busy – wait until you see what’s coming up in our What’s On section! With all of our regular contributors and features, it’s time to get out and enjoy ourselves.

August 2019 deadline: Friday, 12th July 2019.

Published: Tuesday, 23rd July 2019.

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: Faye, from Rainbow Gecko at Collett Day in Shepton Mallet.

Photograph by Mark Adler, see page 44.

12

Feeling bullish – Royal Bath & West in pictures

82

Shop celebrations – Mells community on song

100

Carnival capers – Cary’s sun in the sun

85

Record entry – for the Chew Valley 10K Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Mary James MBE ..........10 Internet and Crossword ..............14 Food & Drink ...............................16 Arts & Antiques ...........................24 Business.........................................30 Charities........................................46 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......57 Walking Sue Gearing ....................58 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........60

Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......62 Property ........................................72 Caving Phil Hendy ........................74 Health Dr Phil Hammond .............78 Community ...................................82 Homes and Interiors ....................90 Music & Theatre ..........................94 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE.....95 Sport ..............................................96 What’s On...................................102 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 3

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

New addition to school playground AN outdoor classroom which also doubles as a playtime shelter has been built at St Aldhelm’s School in Doulting, thanks to the support of local businesses.

Grants from quarry firms Wainwright’s and Aggregate Industries, Willmotts Transport and a donation from Tesco’s Bags for All funded the wooden structure. Head teacher, Pippa Cohen, said she was much encouraged by the overwhelming support from the local business community.

Their thank you cards say it all: St Aldhelm’s pupils with head teacher Pippa Cohen (centre), Chris Herbert, from Aggregate Industries and Joni Stoker, from Wainwright’s Futures Foundation

New members for friendly society

PRIDDY Friendly Society – one of the last remaining in Somerset – attracted 18 new members last year.

The news was announced on club day during the roll call outside the Queen Victoria Inn which was followed by a church service and lunch. The society began in 1883. Society membership became open to women in 1987.

The band from TS Weston sea cadets passes the village green

Friendly society member Roy Turner outside the Queen Victoria Inn

The procession arrives at St Lawrence’s churchyard

Rhona Gauld takes the roll call

Priddy vicar the Rev. Paula Hollingsworth

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Bringing back the wiggle to the Brue

VOLUNTEERS have built two stone berms in the River Brue in Bruton town centre as part of an ongoing project to improve the flow of water and attract more wildlife.

The berms will help to deflect the water through all three arches beneath Church Bridge, one of which used to lead to a mill leat has become silted up, and “slow the flow” to reduce the risk of flash flooding.

The lower part of Bruton was devastated by a flood in June 1917 which saw the river rise 20 feet above its normal level after ten inches of rain fell in 24 hours.

The volunteers – under the banner of the BrueCREW – hope their efforts will provide good habitats for invertebrates and fish and encourage more people to enjoy the river.

BrueCREW – a charity – has received funding from the Somerset Rivers Authority’s Hills to Levels scheme set up after the floods on the Somerset Levels in 2014.

The BrueCREW has been advised and supported by the Wild Trout Trust and the stone for the berms was supplied by The Newt in Somerset. Theo Pike, from the WTT, said: “It’s all about putting the ‘wiggle’ back into the river.”

Getting to work above Church Bridge

The berms are designed to help slow the flow by diverting the water

Teams of volunteers worked in human chains to build the berms

The water rose 20 feet in the great flood of June 1917

Theo Pike, from the Wild Trout Trust, has been advising the project

For details about BrueCREW visit Facebook: @brueCR3W

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Wildlife needs help

STAFF at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre have launched a desperate appeal for double sheets, double duvet cases, and large towels which are vital for the daily care of their animals.

So far this year it has taken in more than 500 young wild animals, including fledglings, nestlings and juveniles.

In order to prevent the spread of disease, fresh towels and sheets are required throughout the duration of an animal’s stay.

Centre manager, Dr Bel Deering, said: “We get through thousands of towels and bed sheets each year while we’re helping to rehabilitate wildlife as they get ready for release back into the wild.

“Whenever possible we wash and re-use them, but we have to be so careful preventing the spread of disease, so sadly in some cases we can only use a towel or sheet once.

“This spring we’ve seen a huge number of animals come through our doors and the supplies of sheets and towels our generous supporters have previously donated are beginning to dry up, so we’re calling on the help of the kind-hearted residents of Somerset and further afield to donate their unwanted towels and sheets.”

Details: www.rspca.org.uk

School’s green fingers

IN November, Chewton Mendip Primary School received a grant from the Mendip Hills Fund, managed

by Somerset Community Foundation, to help with equipment and planters.

This has meant that they could finish transforming an overgrown patch to a planting garden, managed by their Badger Class and gardening club. This was installed by parent volunteers and is now regularly tended by the children and is growing beautifully.

ENVIRONMENT

Help for hedgehogs who roam the roads

VILLAGERS in Yatton, Claverham, Congresbury and beyond have launched a £1,000 campaign to warn drivers about hedgehogs crossing busy roads.

They want to put up reflective signs on privately-owned land – the signs have still to win Government approval to be installed on highways – urging people to take care.

Watch out – hedgehogs The villagers say hedgehog about numbers are declining partly due to the loss of their habits and are roaming further afield, travelling up to one mile and a half each night.

Julia Wallis, one of the campaigners, said they were working with the national organisation Hedgehog Street to persuade Parliament to accept the signs. She said: “We in our local villages don’t want to wait so are raising funds to put these Department of Transport-spec reflective road signs up on private land and walls as close to the public highway as possible and once approved by parliament they can be moved onto lampposts etc.

“We would be grateful for any support in raising funds and awareness to help the hedgehog species.”

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/juliawallis?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget &utm_campaign=20190605_114718

Preserving Mendip’s dry stone walls

THE Mendip AONB unit, working with an accredited dry stone walling association trainer, has trained 20 of its volunteers to help preserve Mendip’s dry stone walls.

There are over 400km of walls in the Mendip Hills AONB and 60% are thought to be in an advanced stage of decay or derelict.

A well-built dry stone wall can stay standing for hundreds of years. With the new and refreshed skills of the Mendip Hills AONB volunteers and a programme of practical sessions throughout the year, the walls and wildlife of Mendip look set for a brighter future.

Details: http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/volunteering/

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 7

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ENVIRONMENT

A cut above the rest

A HAYMAKING competition was held as part of the Green Scythe environmental festival at Thorney Lakes, near Muchelney.

The volunteer-run festival was powered by the wind, sun and humans and featured more than 100 stalls as well as the West Country Scything Championships.

A good place to watch the competition

Festival will celebrate beauty spot

A FREE family fun event is being held in July to encourage people of all ages to enjoy the river through Rodden Meadow in Frome.

MeadowFeast, on Sunday, July 14th, will offer a chance to learn all about local wildlife and there’s plenty to get involved with from things to make, foraging, pottery and willow weaving. MeadowFest has been organised by Friends of the River Frome and Frome Town Council and will take place from 1pm.

Event organiser, Dorothy-Anne Bryant, said the idea grew out of Mayhem in the Meadow last year when children were able to discover the many animals and plants that make their home in the river. She said: “The children loved paddling into the river, stirring up its bed and getting a net full of stuff out to investigate, so we can’t wait to do it again this year.”

A number of local groups, including Frome Children’s Festival and Playrangers, will be bringing a variety of activities and games to the meadow. Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust, and Wessex Water will also be there with their own activities and information for anyone interested in finding out more about their work.

Mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, added: “This is the perfect event for anyone with a passion for nature to meet others who feel the same and explore one of Frome’s own special spaces. Everyone will be invited to contribute some weaving to the framework of a willow sculpture which will then be installed by Frome Town Council in Rodden Meadow.” l There is no car parking so visitors should walk along Willow Vale and under the railway bridge to Rodden Meadow. Alternative footways more suitable for wheelchairs come in from Wallbridge and Rodden Road. There will be PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Scything took centre stage in the main arena

There were competitions and skills tests for individuals and teams of men and women

Messing about in the River Frome

accessible toilets available. Those who need extra help getting to the meadow should contact Frome Town Council on 01373 465757 or email info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk

(Photos courtesy of Kevin Redpath – www.redpathcreative.co.uk)

MENDIP TIMES

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THE Bath and West Show is always a great day out and this year was no exception.

As in recent years, the weather was fine and the show was as popular as ever. The many visitors to our tent were well-rewarded with complementary glasses of wine, tea/coffee and nibbles as well as a chance to sit comfortably for a while with a perfect view of the activities in the main ring.

Thanks as always to the organisers of the Power of the Past section for looking after us so well. We are already looking forward to next year and, of course, to the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Show which will be in Shepton Mallet on Sunday 18th August. Although that is much smaller than the Bath and West entry is free and it is a wonderful day out for the whole family.

We had intended to profile new members of staff this month, but we’ll include that in next month’s ad. Hopefully, the weather will have become rather more seasonal by then!

In the photograph are Vicky Hoskins from our Cheddar Office (left) and Hannah Phillips from Shepton Mallet (right) outside the BGW tent on the Friday of the Royal Bath and West Show.

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Website: www.bgw-solicitors.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Young farmers celebrate a special anniversary WELL done the Somerset Federation of Young Farmers Clubs for achieving a Gold award for the best agricultural trade stand at the Bath and West Show. It was also a celebration of their 85 years in operation.

A family of four generations were present to celebrate their continued involvement in With MARY YFC. As we enjoyed afternoon tea a former JAMES MBE member and president, John Alvis, wellknown farmhouse cheesemaker from Redhill, spoke of the tremendous history of the YFC and how much members had achieved over the years.

He said: “Agriculture is facing a big challenge, we must all look forward.”

He issued a challenge to young farmers to find more members outside agriculture to come and join in to learn more about farming through all the activities the YFC provides as well as being part of a special young community and having fun.

He said: “Engage with all young people to help them.”

I guess that not many of the younger generation will read this article so if you have a son, daughter or grandchildren who might be interested there are various clubs in the area, including Wedmore, Farrington Gurney, Chew Valley and North Somerset, whose details can be found on the Somerset Federation YFC website.

Getting out into the countryside, learning new skills and making new friends is what YFC is all about. You do not have to have a

Pictured (l to r) Rupert Cox, chief executive, Bath and West, Georgia Manning, Somerset YFC marquee chairman, Anita Symonds, Somerset YFC president, John Alvis and Leigh Waite, Somerset YFC chairman

farming background.

On June 14th, my husband and I attended the funeral of wellknown Mendip farmer Terry King (King Waste) who I mentioned in my article a couple of months ago. An estimated 700 people attended a moving country service at East Harptree church.

A tractor and trailer were used to convey the coffin followed by hounds from the Mendip Hunt. As the coffin waited to leave the church, Kent Lock, Mendip huntsman, sounded the “gone away”.

Then, very aptly, the coffin left to the sound of “King of the Road”. Our deepest sympathy to Jane, Peter, Jonathan and their families.

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PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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FARMING

Down on the farms

A CHURCH service held in an orchard, carriage rides, games and a chance to meet some animals were just some of the activities on offer on Mendip during Open Farm Sunday.

Worshippers took part in a service surrounded by apple trees at Orchard Park Farms at Hornblotton

The Rev. Marion Clutterbuck, priest-in-charge of the Six Pilgrims group of churches, who led the service at Orchard Park Farms

Silver Shires, based at Priddy, taking visitors to Godney Farm on rides with views of Glastonbury Tor

Jasmine, aged five, enjoyed the straw pit at Farrington's

Farrier Toby Holliday at work shoeing Beauty at Orchard Park Farms

Midsomer Norton Men's Shed made bug hotels at Farrington’s

Amy Hallett and children at Orchard Park Farms

One of the cattle meeting visitors to Godney Farm MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 11

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MENDIP TIMES

Bob Chaplin, who lives near Shepton Mallet, is standing down after 19 years on the Orchards and Cider Committee

Not a race, but showing underway

Two of the FMX motorbike display team soar over the main arena

The Dimond family, from Mark, with their prize-winning dairy cattle

Glastonbury Festival creator Michael Eavis, speaking in the Pilton Tent; Michael introduced the music stage during his year as society president

Pete Budd. The Wurzels performed to a packed Sheep Shearing Pavilion on the Saturday

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ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOW 2019

WI members were kept busy Flinging out a fleece from a shorn sheep during a shearing competition Peter Rose, from Mendip Morris

Hedge layers Clive Bethell and Sally and Paul Gulliford

Traditional steam and fairground attractions

Judging the cheese awards

Farriers Brad Brett (left) and Lyle Evans

Isobel Holly, from Bath

Was this the coolest-looking sheep during the grand display of livestock?

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 13

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INTERNET

Applications – a guide

“THERE’S an App for that” – is a marketing phrase used to emphasise the remarkable versatility of Smart Phones and tablets, and encourage us to make fuller use of our devices’ considerable capabilities. One way or another we pay a lot of money for them so it makes sense to try and make them earn their keep.

First of all by app we mean a small programme usually dedicated to a particular purpose, for instance BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub, both of which will allow the user to access and explore the companies’ output with a few taps of a finger.

Most devices have some very useful apps built in such as a browser for roaming the internet, contacts, calendar, email, camera, clock apps etc., and following on from our last article a Google app. However we can add to these via the Store if we are using an Apple device or Play Store for an Android one. We can customise our device to match our interests and needs (always use your store not a third party website).

For example, you might consider adding a First Aid Manual app to your phone. You may never need it but . . . Find and tap on your devices store icon button, look for search, which may just be an entry bar at the top of the screen and tap on it, then enter First Aid using the keyboard that appears. The screen should then show you a number of First Aid apps to choose from.

Tap on, say, the St John one. Fuller details of the app will appear together with an option to install. Be aware that whilst a large proportion of apps are free some you have to pay for and many carry advertising. Tap on install and in a few seconds the app will be added to your device, and from then on you will have a First Aid manual to hand whenever you have your device with you.

Apple’s App Store has currently 1.8 million apps for you to chose from, even more in the Android Play Store, and the numbers are increasing. To get you started you might try asking Google for the “Must have apps 2019” for your devices’s platform and look through the various suggestions to see if there is anything appropriate for your needs to make your device work more for you.

“Now which is the best knitting app…?”

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We offer individual training, at a pace to suit you. We can cover a range of subjects – including absolute basics; photo management; shopping online; emailing; Word processing, spreadsheets; basic web design; etc. on a range of devices, including Windows: Macs: Tablets: iPads: smartphones.

Or if you would like to share basic or more advanced skills with others, please get in touch.

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 9 Colonnade (7) 10 Unpaid athlete (7) 11 Yellow gem (5) 12 Welcomed to the fold (9) 13 Northern carnivore (5,4) 15 Municipal (5) 16 Potholers' target near Elborough, also known as Hutton Cave (7,6) 21 Cathedral city (5) 23 Ace (9) 25 Somali capital (9) 27 Later (5) 28 Patronises 3 Down, for example (4,3) 29 Frome academy (7)

DOWN 1 Tomb inscription (7) 2 Drive along (6) 3 Fast-food place (8) 4 Park house, perhaps (6,4) 5 Worn by women in India (4) 6 Lunatic (6) 7 Remnant (8) 8 Ship repair area (7) 14 Charlton Musgrove attraction (10) 17 --- Bottom, site of Bristol Airport (8) 18 In Somerset, nine of these were Thankful that all their men returned from WW1 (8) 19 Overwhelmed (7) 20 Cook quickly (4-3) 22 Swallet in Burrington Combe (6) 24 Protract (6) 26 Place online (4)

Mendip Times requires a Crossword Compiler Can you take on the role of the Mendip Mindbender?

Our current compiler is retiring.

Details from: Steve@mendiptimes.co.uk This month’s solution can be found on page 114

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MENDIP TIMES

Fruits for our labours

July is one of two glorious months with an abundance of fresh fruits for the cook, the other being With JUNE September.

MACFARLANE Summer fruits need to be eaten quickly or made into preserves to enjoy later. Bring them to full ripeness in the kitchen to enjoy at their best.

PROPER LEMONADE

All-natural ingredients, just INGREDIENTS lemons, sugar and (makes 75cl) water. Cool and 3 unwaxed lemons refreshing and so 140g caster sugar easy to have on 500ml water hand throughout the summer. Top up with sparkling or still water or use to make your favourite sundowner.

METHOD Chop the lemons roughly. Put in a blender with sugar and water and whizz thoroughly. Strain through muslin and twist to squeeze out last drops. Chill. Dilute to taste.

So simple … so refreshing

Colour and crunch with this salad

WATERMELON AND TOMATO SALAD

A great salad for summer, full of colour and crunch and perfect on a hot day. Good at room temperature too so perfect for outdoor eating.

METHOD Put the melon, tomatoes and mint leaves into a large bowl and gently mix with your hands. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice, whisk in the honey, season and taste. Dress the salad sparingly – there is a lot of juice – and arrange on plates.

(for four) ½ watermelon, cut into chunks 250g mixed small tomatoes, halved 12 mint leaves, finely sliced 3 tbsp olive oil Juice from ½ lemon 2 tsp honey Seasoning

APRICOT AND VANILLA COMPOTE WITH PANCAKES INGREDIENTS

(for four) 30g butter 100g plain flour 1 tbsp caster sugar 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten 350ml milk 350g ripe apricots 75g caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 100ml water

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INGREDIENTS

You don’t have to serve this with pancakes, thick cream would be perfect too. I have it for breakfast with yoghourt.

METHOD Melt the butter and reserve for later. Sift flour and a pinch of salt into a large bowl, stir in sugar, make a well in the centre and add egg and milk. Beat to a batter and set aside for 30 mins. Halve and stone the apricots. Put in a pan with the sugar, vanilla and water and bring to the boil. Turn down heat and simmer gently until tender. Remove apricots to a bowl and reduce syrup by half.

Pour over apricots and keep warm. Grease a small frying pan with the butter and make thin pancakes. Fold into quarters and keep warm. Serve with the apricots and their syrup, dusted with a little icing sugar.

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What’s new from

Myrtle Farm

FOOD & DRINK

A round-up of events from Thatchers Cider in Sandford

Join us at Valley Fest

VALLEY Fest is just around the corner, the perfect weekend for fans of great music, great food, and great cider.

Valley Fest is held on a beautiful organic farm overlooking the stunning Chew Valley Lake – what better way to spend an amazing family weekend right on your doorstep!

We’d love to share the experience of being there, with you. So we’re really

pleased that we’ve got a pair of tickets to this fantastic local festival specially for readers of Mendip Times.

So if you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Valley Fest, which takes place from 2nd to 4th August 2019, either drop a card into Thatchers Myrtle Farm Reception, or email us on info@thatcherscider.co.uk with the

following information: your name, address, telephone number and DOB, as we can only accept entries from Over 18s. Please mark your email or card with Valley Fest Tickets Mendip Times.

We’ll randomly select a winner on the closing date of midday, 12th July 2019, and for the full t’s and c’s, see www.thatcherscider.co.uk

Happy Birthday to the Railway Inn

THE Railway Inn is turning four! To celebrate, on Saturday 27th July, there’ll be live music during the afternoon (12pm6pm), as well as children’s entertainment. It’s free entry, so we hope you’ll come along and celebrate with us.

Countess Bathurst declares this carriage open!

A WHEELCHAIR accessible carriage for the Bath and West Miniature Steam Railway was officially launched at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show, by Countess Bathurst, President of the Royal Bath and West Society.

Made possible by a donation from The Thatchers Foundation, the new carriage has a drop-down side which allows wheelchair and less abled users to access the carriage.

Philip Smith, Trustee of the Thatchers Foundation, was joined by the Countess Bathurst, Brian Wilson of the East Somerset Society of Model and Experimental Engineers, and Mrs Joan Ashdown, to officially declare the new carriage in use.

Brian Wilson said, “This is a fantastic carriage that will allow us to offer rides to more visitors. When not required for disabled access, the carriage holds a removable bench seat in the same style as the other carriages.

“We’re really appreciative of the donation from the Thatchers Foundation that has enabled us to purchase this new carriage.”

MT ENDIP • JULY 2017 2019 • PAGE 17 MENDIP IMES T • IMES NOVEMBER

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MENDIP TIMES

Welcome to the new look Pelican!

JOIN Matt and the team at the newly refurbished Pelican in the heart of Chew Magna village. After a short period of closure, the scaffolding has gone, and the doors are now open.

Inside, the bar and dining area have a totally new look and feel, with fresh new colours and furniture, and a stylish new bar and gantry. Of course the bare brick wall and fireplaces still remain and create that feeling of cosiness which we all know and love.

The outside has been transformed too, with festoon lighting and ample seating so everyone can make the most of the sun-trap courtyard and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining. The new courtyard also features a wood-fired pizza oven, which the team at the Peli will be firing up every Sunday evening from 6pm.

What’s more, you can even get pizza to take-away so you can take a “pizza” the Peli home with you!

The beautiful function room The Barn has had a makeover as well and is an ideal space for meetings and coffee morning, formal dinners and parties, and even intimate wedding receptions. In fact whatever the occasion, The Barn is a fantastic choice. Drop the new General Manager Matt a call to find out more.

Whether you’re a local or visitor you can be sure of a warm welcome and Matt and the team look forward to

PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

welcoming you to The Pelican soon (dogs and children are very welcome too). Sign up to become a Butcombe Loyalty Cub member and get £5 off your first visit, plus 25% off every Wednesday, and earn points on all your visits.

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GARDEN FOOD

Blueberry heaven

IF I had to pick my very favourite fruit, I think it might be the blueberry. While less richly flavoured than our native bilberries, these American cousins are bigger (of course), sweeter, crop far heavier and have a wonderful, almost crunchy, grape-like texture.

With JAKE It seems that I am not alone in this, as WHITSON blueberries have in recent years overtaken raspberries to become the UK's second most popular soft fruit, after strawberries. While I've dabbled around with blueberry bushes for years, it's not until this year that we have started planting in earnest, and at the moment we are testing out 23 varieties, which in time may form the basis of a small commercial planting.

Cultivated blueberries comprise a handful of species, most notably (for those of us in cooler climes at least) Vaccinium corymbosum, often called the northern highbush blueberry.

These grow in time to be two metres tall and can bear more than 6kg of fruit per bush per year!

Other less common named fruiting varieties come from the lowbush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium, the rabbiteye blueberry, Vaccinium virgatum, and all kinds of hybrids between them. Flavour varies greatly between the different cultivars with some having a strong “wild” flavour not dissimilar from a bilberry – one of the most notable of these is an old type called Rubel.

Ripening time also varies tremendously and with the proper selection of varieties it is quite possible to have fresh blueberries from the end of June through to November. Another plus point of blueberries is that they freeze exceptionally well – their skin protects them from getting all crushed up into a big mass and they defrost to a delicious sorbet-ish texture within minutes.

Something I love to make with blueberries, fresh or frozen, is a treat well known across Scandinavia – blueberry soup.

While the name is off-putting to some, it is not really a soup, more a hot drink, perfect on a cold winter night.

To make it simply add some blueberries (or bilberries) to a pan, just cover with water, and bring to the boil. After a few minutes, liquidise the whole lot, then add sugar to taste, and add a bit of potato flour and water mixture, a little at a time over a gentle heat, to thicken it to the texture of single cream.

Serve in mugs, with biscuits and cream to add, if you like!

Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder.

He is currently working on setting up a small sustainable goose farm in Somerset with his partner Johanna.

FOOD & DRINK

WILD FOOD

Nice weather – for ducks!

THIS month’s article has nothing to do with the recent rainy weather or ducks for that matter. The title really stretches the link to this month’s wild food: duckweed!

Yes that’s right duckweed, the bright green, small-leaved stuff that stuffs up canal waterways, slow moving rivers, streams and With ADRIAN of course ponds.

BOOTS Many years ago, and in a different life, I had much to do with watercourses and the presence of duckweed was considered an indicator of nutrient enrichment in the water.

The duckweed would multiply because of the nutrients (a process called eutrophication don’t you know) hoovering up all the oxygen and killing off much of everything else. A bad thing.

Yet there are good things too.

Duckweed is also used by scientists to investigate the potential effects of pollution, toxicity and nutrient levels, so it is now considered a very useful indicator of our watercourses’ health.

And, if you can believe this, what was once a wild plant is now being turned into food for human consumption. Yes that’s right, soon you’ll be able to eat duckweed!

Duckweed has no flowers but small, flat disc-like leaves. There are 22 species around the world, with five species in the UK. The biggest is 58mm and is called Great Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) and the smallest is called the Least Duckweed (Lemna minuta) with diminutive leaves a mere 1-2.5mm across.

It may be worth bearing in mind that duckweed has been eaten in South East Asia, particularly Thailand, for years. Recently, researchers in the Netherlands have applied to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to classify duckweed as "novel food" suitable for human consumption.

High in protein and vitamins, it also contains antioxidants so is considered incredibly healthy.

Of course I wouldn’t recommend getting out the kids’ old pond dipping net and popping down to the local ditch to scoop up supper. You won’t want to know about the effects of certain waterborne pathogens, bacteria and microbial life. You do?

Let’s start with Cryptosporidiosis: lethargy, vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea and abdominal rash; E-coli: vomiting and diarrhoea; Botulism: blurred or double vision, vomiting and abdominal cramps, high temperature and respiratory failure; Hepatitus A and to make things worse Hep C too, and finally not forgetting the more obscure “Trent tummy”. I think we all know where that’s going.

I hope I haven’t put you off. In the near future duckweed will be farmed in a more controlled fashion with clean water and will be available in a supermarket near you so you won’t have to collect it from the local swamp . . .

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

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 19

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MENDIP TIMES

ME OF FEATHERS U L P

DUCK RACE SATURDAY 13th JULY

Starting at 5pm. Great family fun evening with a local band playing, best dressed duck competition, duck racing, BBQ, pig roast, face painting, ice cream stall, 3 bars open. Come and get your ducks from the Plume, decorate at home or at the Plume from 5pm and enter them before 6pm.

Rickford, Somerset BS40 7AH

01761 462682

Visit www.theplumeoffeathers.com

Somerset food trail launched

IT has been described as a “new adventure” in food and drink – a Somersetwide trail celebrating the very best of the county’s Phil Mills, from sponsors Old Mill, and produce and organisers Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds at producers. the launch of the trail at the Royal Bath and West Country West Show Food Adventure – taking place from Saturday, July 13th until Sunday, July 28th –involves dozens of producers, farmers.

The trail has been inspired by the success of Somerset Art Weeks.

It was the brainchild of Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds, who organise the Eat Festivals. They have worked with sponsor Old Mill and Wells Food Network amongst others.

Bev and Sarah said: “Over the past few months we have been developing an advnture in food and drink – we have been working with dozens of fantastic producers, farmers and creative sorts to put together a two-week adventure that will encourage families, friends and explorers to get out onto the land and Taste the Landscape of Somerset.”

THE SEVEN STARS village pub & dining Mon-urs 12noon-11pm Fri and Sat 12noon-11.30pm Sunday 12noon-10pm

The Churchill Inn Bristol Road Langford BS25 5NL 01934 852757 the churchillinn.co.uk

A new look A new menu Same warm welcome

Russ and Bernie’s relaunched pub

SEVEN STARS | NORTH ROAD | TIMSBURY | BATH BA2 0JJ WWW.SEVENSTARSTIMSBURY.CO.UK | 01761 741700 HELLO@SEVENSTARSTIMSBURY.CO.UK

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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White Hart gets a new lease of life IT’S very much a family affair these days at the White Hart, in Congresbury where Suzanne Devine and her partner, Lee Claydon, took over in April.

One punter remarked their car park is so busy, were they doing airport parking?

The fact is they have proved to be an instant hit, thanks to their wide and fairly priced home-cooked menu and drinks and perhaps because they have lived in nearby Wrington since 2009.

On one recent Sunday, their carvery menu at £10.95 for adults and £4.99 for children, was fully booked for three separate sittings.

Suzanne’s daughters, Chloe, aged 19, and Katie, aged 18, were working at the pub when the previous landlord decided to call it a day and it closed.

They are now back, Katie in the kitchen with chef, Mike McCarlie, and Chloe front of house. Suzanne’s other daughter, Isabella, aged 13, helps with washing up.

Suzanne’s son, Archie, aged 11, and Lee’s son, Alfie, also 11, are in charge of grass cutting. Suzanne’s father, Rob Palmer, from Compton Dando, has sorted out the flowers around the pub.

Suzanne was a business manager for a finance company before deciding to make a career change. Lee is still area manager for Snap-on Tools and works at the pub part-time.

He said: “When we put in a recent beer order, the brewery said it had never seen one so big from here.”

Suzanne said: “Because we are related and working together,

FOOD & DRINK

we all have a vested interest in making it work. The reception from customers has been absolutely brilliant.”

The pub itself is a delightful 16th century inn, with beamed lounge, open fires, beautiful conservatory and outdoor patio area and extensive garden.

There’s also a paddock at the bottom of the car park, where they have installed a marquee for birthday parties, weddings and other events, with camping available.

After one recent party, they opened up on the Sunday morning to provide breakfasts.

With locals back in force, they are hoping to form a new table skittles team this autumn.

Wrington Road, Congresbury BS49 5AR 01934 833303 whitehartwrington@outlook.com www.white-hart-wrington.co.uk

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT • A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PUB Great selection of home-cooked food including vegetarian and vegan menus Main courses from £10.50 Children’s £4.99 Snacks from £5.95

SUNDAY CARVERY choice of four meats £10.50

WEDNESDAY CARVERY

choice of two meats £6.50

Great selection of beers, wines and cider NEW! Marquee for hire in the paddock at the bottom of the garden

Open Monday to Saturday 12-11pm Sunday 12-10.30pm Food served Monday to Friday 12-2.30pm and 5.30-9pm Saturday 12-9pm Sunday and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 21

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MENDIP TIMES

Peasedown parties

OVER 2,000 villagers supported Peasedown St John’s 11th annual Party in the Park community festival.

The Sara Holley Community Award went to Jane Street, who has spent the last 15 years serving the community as part of St John’s Church and the Somer Valley Foodbank.

One of the displays

Hares and tortoises defy the rain

EVENTS

MOTORCYCLISTS ignored poor weather to turn out in good numbers for the annual Tortoise and Hare run around Mendip.

Starting and finishing in Wells, the run was open to modern and vintage machines with the tour split into three according to their power and speed. Once again the run, organised by the Wells Classic Motorcycle Club, was raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

The mayor of Wells John Osman and mayoress Holly Osman try out a customised BMW before the mayor waves the city flag to start the tour (below)

The bikers prepare to leave the Market Square

Jane Street with Party in the Park committee members

The view from the stage

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Summoning the riders to the start

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MENDIP TIMES

Art group’s anniversary

THIS year Frome SODA (Society for Disabled Artists) joins its national organisation in celebrating 40 years since Sydney Nightingale formed an informal group with a few like-minded friends, which duly became a registered charity in 1979.

They are marking this important event with a "People's Choice" competition at their annual exhibition during the Frome Festival in July. SODA has held an exhibition since the festival began in 2001 but this one will be extra-special.

They are open for the full ten days of the Frome Festival at St John's Church, Frome, Friday July 5th-Sunday, July 14th, 10am4pm, 11am-4pm on Sundays. Free admission.

for her and to see her reaction.

A beautiful Coalbrookdale garden bench in need of restoration fetched a good price and some vintage Omega and Longine watches also made good money and saw lots of bidders.

It was another friendly and fun auction with some great lots. Can't wait for the next one at the end of September. Keep an eye on www.ripleyantiques.co.uk for further details.

WELLS Painting Group, founded by popular local artist Pauline Phillips, is holding a special exhibition to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

After many years in the Blue School, the group moved to St Thomas’s Church Hall where it meets on Monday mornings to this day.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary the group is holding an exhibition of work for one day only in St Thomas’s Church Hall on Saturday, July 13th, 10am-4pm.

Everyone is welcome to view their paintings, many of which will be for sale. Refreshments will be available and, in recognition of their long association with the church hall, there will be a 50 pence entry charge to go to the St Thomas’s Church Development Fund.

Arts trail

Auction success Our second auction was another great success. With almost 100 people registering to bid and nearly 300 lots, it meant that again the Town Hall was packed with people from all around Somerset and North Somerset.

We had a silver three-piece tea set that was brought in a box of “junk” that the owner had stored in the loft for years thinking it was worthless.

Expecting around £20, we were so happy to pop round with over £300

Wells Painting Group celebrates 50 years!

Ripley now has its new kitchen thanks to a Sedgemoor small business grant so monthly Bistros in Ripley's are back up and running!

And the van is back on the road! So we are firing on all cylinders and ready to go!

REGISTRATION is now open for Cam Valley Arts Trail, which will take place on November 2nd and 3rd. The annual exhibition and sale attracts more than 500 visitors to venues throughout the Cam Valley. Registration closes on July 31st.

Details: camvalleyartstrail.co.uk

Sculptor’s new studio

Pictured (l:r): hospice community fundraiser Yvonne Brunton, raffle winner Patsy Frost, whose late husband Gerald was cared for by the charity, raffle organisers Paul and Bernie Hewitt and Ian Marlow

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

IAN Marlow will once again open his studio and garden exhibition space to the public during the Frome Festival in July – but regular visitors will notice a few changes.

Ian, based at Buckland Dinham, has had a new sculpture studio built in the garden which has also meant making changes to the layout of his work outside.

Meanwhile, he donated a tulip sculpture to Dorothy House Hospice for a raffle, which raised £3,984.

Ian said: “Creating a new studio has meant making changes to the sculpture garden, but it was important to retain the natural feel which provided the calm tranquility that visitors always enjoy. So, as well as sculpting I’ve been building dry stone walls, creating rockeries, fern gardens and places to display the sculptures.” l The studio and garden are open from Saturday, July 6th until Sunday, July 14th from 10am-5pm.

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ARTS AND ANTIQUES

Gold items achieve high prices THERE was a real buzz in the air at Cooper and Tanner’s last Antique and Collectables sale on June 5th with some frenetic bidding on a large collection of Saint Louis glass.

With strong bids in the room and online the hammer finally went down at £4,800 to an online bidder. Bottles of Maderia dated 1815 also had buyers excited with a telephone bidder snapping up all seven bottles for £2,700.

Cooper and Tanner had a large collection of jewellery in their sale with fantastic hammer prices, online buyers and those in the room were competing for a stunning opal and diamond cluster ring making £800, a three stone diamond ring making £800 and a five stone diamond ring £1,000, proving that diamonds really are a girl’s best friend.

Gold also achieved high prices with a two-colour flat link bracelet selling for £940 and an 18 carat gold collarette of triple foxtail link chain making £860 at the hammer.

It was with great pride that Cooper and Tanner were able to sell on behalf of Dorothy House Hospice Care a Mazda MX5 which had been donated by Robert Merrick, the mayor of Calne, fetching £1,200 at the hammer; all proceeds of the sale go towards the superb care provided to patients and family at a difficult time.

Their next Specialist Antiques and Collectables Sale takes place on Wednesday, July 10th where they have a large interesting collection of American psychedelic posters, a very

Golden moment: this two-colour flat link bracelet sold for £940

good private collection of jewellery, watches, silver and a Victorian single glass curved shop doort. Also included in the sale are some original enamel signs including AA garage, Dunlop, Esso, Rowntree’s Cocoa, Melox dog foods and many others.

Gareth Wasp, their auctioneer, will be holding his next specialist jewellery, silver, watches and antiques valuation morning at Bath Cricket Club on Tuesday, September 24th from 9am until 1pm where he will be available to view with no appointments necessary; just pop along on the day.

Gareth is always available for home visits too; please call the office to book on 01373 852419.

COOPER AND TANNER SALE ROOMS HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR MAY SALE

Collection of Saint Louis glassware including decanters and jugs.

Sold £4,800

An opal and diamond cluster ring. Sold £800

Five stone diamond ring.

Sold £1,000

Four bottles of Waterloo Bual Solera 1815 Madeira. Sold £1,500

SALE ROOMS Gareth Wasp Telephone 01373 852419 The Agricultural Centre, Standerwick, Frome BA11 2QB gareth.wasp@cooperandtanner.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 25

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MENDIP TIMES

Queen Victoria’s bloomers get bidders in a twist!

CLEVEDON Salerooms’ June Quarterly Specialist Sale featured one of the more unusual lots to be consigned in recent years in the form of a pair of Queen Victoria’s silk bloomers. More correctly referred to as “split” or “open-drawers” the garment bore the royal cipher and VR (Victoria Regina) monogram.

The somewhat large undergarment was sold with a letter of provenance detailing the history of the bloomers from a great aunt who had been a lady in waiting. Estimated at £800-£1,200 this bit of very private royal memorabilia sold for £1,000.

The star lot in the sale was the fine 19th century Italian Pietra Dura cabinet that came from a property in Westonsuper-Mare. Sold on the instructions of Bristol solicitors acting as executors, the cabinet had multiple internet bidders and five telephone bidders with the One of the four 7cm wide micro mosaic eventual battle between a US collector and a panels, this one depicting the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, mounted on the French bidder. The gavel Italian cabinet that sold at Clevedon for fell to the successful £22,000. purchaser at £22,000 and

In full bloom after 55 years

Nora and Audrey from the Clevedon & District Flower Club with Clevedon Salerooms’ Toby Pinn

TO celebrate their emerald anniversary, Clevedon & District Flower Club held a summer luncheon in the Orangery at Clevedon Hall. After a delightful lunch, Clevedon Salerooms’ Toby Pinn hosted an Antiques Roadshow style event where he talked to over 60 elegantly attired ladies, all members of the thriving flower club, about the various antiques, jewellery and treasures that they had brought along.

Highlights included a chair from Westminster Abbey used at the coronation of George VI and a William Callow watercolour with a provenance suggesting that it had once belonged to Charles Dickens. The event was brought to a close with the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake to mark this special occasion.

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Salerooms’ photographer Kim Jaehme with the pair of Queen Victoria’s silk bloomers that sold for £1,000.

the cabinet will be on its way to a new home in Paris.

A Jacques Staunton type chess set found two bidders locked in a stalemate until a bid of £3,800 forced a surrender from the underbidder. A lino cut print by celebrated artist Cyril Powers was spotted by an eagle eyed volunteer in a St Peter’s hospice charity shop, the easily overlooked print of stylised trapeze artists realising £3,500.

Clevedon Salerooms have six free valuation days in July. For a free valuation why not come along, or alternatively send images of items you may be thinking of selling to info@csrauctions.com

Antiques Road Trip film at Clevedon Salerooms

THE cameras were rolling at Clevedon for an episode of The Antiques Road Trip, with competing contestants Angus Ashworth and Arusha “Roo” Irvine selling items that had been brought in Devon and taken to Clevedon for auction.

Of the ten lots on offer all found buyers, some on the internet and others to buyers in the room. A fun day was had by all. No sooner had one film crew left, a few weeks later another arrived, this time to film Make me a Dealer hosted by Paul Martin.

Saleroom Manager Craig Bennett (Centre) flanked by Arusha ‘Roo’ Irvine and Angus Ashworth from ‘Antiques Road Trip’

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

JUNE SALE HIGHLIGHTS

19th Century Maltese silver jug

£2,900

Plates to Selby’s British Ornithology

£8,000

16th Century Spanish pottery tile

£5,000

FREE antiquE VaLuatiOn DaYS

£22,000

19th Century Italian Pietra Dura cabinet

antiques, interiors, Collectables & Jewellery Sales

1st & 2nd July 15th & 16th July 29th & 30th July 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm.

Held at the salerooms – no appointment necessary

£3,500

Cyril Power lino cut print

Thursdays 11th & 25th July 10.30am start

Tel: 01934 830111

Viewing day before 10am – 6.30pm

The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol BS21 6TT

www.clevedon-salerooms.com

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 27

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MENDIP TIMES

ARTS & ANTIQUES

Collectors on the search

THE term “collectables” covers a wide range of items from the bizarre to the charming to the intriguing and the Mendip Auction Rooms sees large numbers of collectables passing through their saleroom. In most cases, they attract keen interest and demand, particularly from internet buyers.

At their antiques sale in June, Killens saw a good entry of toys. An entry of Graham Farrish N Gauge railway sets attracted particularly keen interest with most selling to buyers in the room after strong competition from telephone and online buyers.

Passed down through the generations, wartime memorabilia often has a significant sentimental value, but Killens are seeing growing demand for such items meaning trinkets hidden away in lofts and cupboards could now be worth hundreds of pounds.

As the country has commemorated the centenary of WWI and the 75th anniversary of D-Day, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people who wish to own a piece of history.

Medals are cherished by families but those awarded in the Great War often attract particular interest. Other wartime items sold through the auction rooms include Farnell or soldier mascot bears, Princess Mary gift tins,

Medals recently sold

helmets, bayonets and uniforms.

As Nicky Houston says: “There is an increased interest in the two world wars and a desire to find out more and this is leading to greater demand for wartime items.”

The Mendip Auction Rooms are now open Monday– Friday from 10am until 3pm for valuations or members of the team will be content to visit you at home free of charge.

Contact the auction rooms on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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

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ASBESTOS Asbestos removal and collection. Roof sheets, tiles and guttering. Call for information.

TRANSPORT 4,6 and 8 wheeled tipper Lorries for hire and muck away. Low loader, beaver tail and road brush hire.

PLANT HIRE Wide range of plant. 360 excavators, Dumpers, Bulldozers and Crushers.

EXCAVATIONS Large and small excavations. Specialist works include Equestrian all weather surfaces, drainage and bulk excavations.

Specialising in Oak staircases Free no obligation quotes Free measuring Free delivery

Tel: 0800 097 8611

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

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

The Staircase Manufacturing Company Limited, Wellsway Works, Wells Road, Radstock, Bath BA3 3RZ email: stairman@talktalk.net

Business section.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 15:30 Page 30

MENDIP TIMES

Welcome to Coates English Willow

TUCKED away in the rural village of Stoke St Gregory, in the heart of the Somerset Levels the Coate family have been growing withies on the moors since 1819, making willow baskets and artists’ charcoal for almost 50 years.

To find out more about this fascinating industry you can join one of their guided tours.

They have been running these for over 30 years and they are still very popular with young and old alike. You will hear the whole willow story, from planting a willow sett, to finishing a basket from their informative and enthusiastic staff.

Their very special museum is free of charge to wander around and reminisce about the days before plastic, when baskets were used for virtually everything. It is full of baskets, willow curiosities and artefacts from over 100 years ago.

Soak up the scenery with a walk to the withy beds; the Willow Sculpture Trail is a very popular feature with the children.

Finish your day with a visit to the Courtyard for refreshments in the Lemon Tree and browse the craft units; Pallker Art Glass, Withies Deli, Hatty’s Attic and Edwina’s Flowers.

Details: www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk

Clevedon man with a van

NIGEL Hammond lives in Nailsea. He decided to start the Clevedon Man with Van enterprise when he was trying to clear the mess that was his shed and had a rather unfortunate and colourful run-in with a wasp nest. To cut a long story short, there was not much left of the shed and a fire was involved!

After hours searching and trawling the usual places where you can acquire the help of a van with a man or a woman, Nigel couldn’t find anyone, man or woman with a van, at short notice.

How absurd, he thought.

Then it dawned on him, he would create and operate a cargo service in the Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead area. A service for clearing unwanted furniture and waste, sheds and emptying garages but not your wallet because reasonable prices are the foundation of Nigel’s business.

Nigel operates a tight ship with fast and efficient house, garage and garden clearances in the Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead area.

Details: 01275 852 971

PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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The value of photos

BUSINESS

IN this time of smart phones, tablets and affordable cameras, it is easy to forget the value of a creative, well-composed and perfectly-lit photograph.

Portraits of children or families, weddings photos, even pictures of favourite pets; all become treasured possessions and benefit from being photographed by a reliable and hugely experienced professional photographer.

Nick Wilcox-Brown is based in the Chew Valley and his editorial and advertising photography has graced the covers of magazines, books and the billboards of Bristol, London and beyond for over 25 years.

In addition to portraits, actors headshots, weddings and commercial photography, Nick also runs bird and wildlife photography holidays with training in Somerset, the Highlands of Scotland and Europe.

Healthy gardens, more time to relax

AS summers get warmer and our time becomes ever more valuable, an automatic watering system becomes an ever more attractive choice for both committed and beginner gardeners.

With this in mind, new local business Jack and Jill Solutions offer quick and easy installation of garden irrigation systems and will be looking to develop Anthony Dutton a range of products and services to make life easier for gardeners.

Many local people will be familiar with the founder of Jack and Jill – Anthony Dutton ran local business Archers Marquees for many years, before selling the business last year.

As Anthony explained: “My family history is steeped in plant growing and prior to Archers I ran a landscaping and plant display business, so my return to this area was almost inevitable.

“We’re all increasingly aware how beneficial being outside is to our mental health and I’m really excited about the prospect of setting up a new operation that helps people to tap into this area which is very close to my heart.

“Irrigation is an obvious place to start at this time of year, but we’ve got plenty more ideas coming down the line. Anyone that has come across me in the marquee world knows what they’ll get from my business – top quality products, sensible prices, outstanding service, honesty and a bit of fun along the way.”

Details: www.jackandjillsolutions.co.uk or call Anthony on 07958 793 873

Fancy a break from watering?

We design and install automated watering systems across Somerset, Bath and Bristol.

No garden too small, easy to use timers, fast efficient service, easy online quote system.

Go to www.jackandjillsolutions.co.uk/ irrigationquote or call 07958 793 873 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 31

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BUSINESS

Coping with investment uncertainty

FINANCIAL markets have been turbulent recently and you may have heard that “uncertainty” is the cause. This suggests that uncertainty comes and goes, but because the future is unpredictable, investors must cope with uncertainty all the time.

Consider the Brexit process, US China trade talks and recent fund manager issues that have been in the press. Not everything goes to plan. So how can investors learn to cope with pervasive uncertainty? It can be hard, especially in volatile periods when the value of your investments is fluctuating from day to day.

Pricing-in uncertainty Millions of stock-market participants around the world are continually assessing information, its expected effect and prices change as participants act on this. It’s therefore reasonable for you to work on the assumption that today’s market level has priced in current uncertainty.

As we know, predicting future events

correctly, or how the market will react to future events, is difficult. The good news is that being a successful investor doesn’t rely on making accurate predictions. It’s important to understand that market volatility is a part of investing and to receive the benefit of higher potential returns, investors must be willing to accept increased uncertainty.

Uncertainty and your investments We define a successful investment experience as one where our clients sleep soundly at night, understand the investment journey they are taking, and have a strong chance of achieving their future lifestyle goals.

A key part of this is being able to stay with your investment philosophy, even during tough times. A well thought out, transparent investment approach can help people be better prepared to face uncertainty and may improve their ability to stick with their plan and ultimately capture the long-term returns of capital markets.

It’s natural to feel unsettled with so

Suzanne Williams

much turmoil in the UK and globally, so please contact us if you would like to discuss your investments. That’s what we’re here for.

Suzanne Williams Suzanne.williams@om.uk 01749 335008

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

Solarsense open day

THE Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), NASA and world's leading scientists have warned us that we are already seeing the catastrophic consequences of global warming and that if we continue to burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal and oil we risk a “man-made disaster of global scale”.

We must increase and accelerate the rate at which we generate, store and distribute our energy from solar panels and renewable sources if we are to avoid irreparable damage to our planet.

There are significant financial and environmental benefits for businesses and homeowners that invest in clean energy technologies. Solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps (eligible for RHI subsidy payments) and electric vehicle charge points are all effective options for reducing on-going energy costs, protecting yourself from rising energy prices and ensuring the future of our planet.

Solar has become the fastest growing energy source worldwide; more than one million UK homeowners have now switched to solar panels to power their homes as well as thousands of businesses. Whilst energy prices have risen yearon-year, the price of installing solar panels has plummeted, generating healthy returns and reduced payback periods.

For more information, why not visit Solarsense’s Renewable Energy Open Day on Thursday, July 18th at Helios House, Chelvey Lane, Backwell BS48 4AH.

Award for Middlewick

MIDDLEWICK Holiday Cottages is celebrating after winning one of the main categories at the 2019 Mendip Business Awards.

Middlewick Holiday Cottages owner Jill The venture at Barker (back, far right) at the awards Wick, below ceremony Glastonbury Tor, features accommodation and a farm shop as well as offering an events venue, won the Retail and Tourism Hospitality award, sponsored by Kilver Court Designer Village.

P & C Logs

Summer prices from 1st June to 1st September

Call Phil on 07734 098323, or Colleen on 07785 250033 or on Evenings 01934 741941 Friendly prompt service from Phil & Colleen at their farm in Charterhouse Quality seasoned beech and ash hardwood, chopped and split into a variety of load options (with free delivery).

PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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Recent changes to landlord and tenant law LANDLORDS beware! The new Tenant Fees Act came into force on 1st June 2019. Read on. . !

You might have heard that there will be a ban on tenancy fees from 1st June and you might have understood that this is limited to landlords and letting agents not being able to charge tenants for such things as inventories, tenancy agreements and referencing. In other words, the landlord will have to bear all the costs associated with setting up a tenancy.

However the changes are rather more

extensive.

The Tenant Fees Act also outlaws a whole load of other charges you might expect your tenant to pay. For instance, if you organise a weekly cleaner or a regular gardener, you will not be able to charge the tenant separately for this service. Similarly, you will not be able to charge them penalties for such things as failing to stick to an appointment with the plumber, or leaving rubbish in the front garden.

Also, while you can insist tenants leave a property cleaned to “a professional standard” you will not be able to insist that they pay for a professional cleaner at the end of the tenancy as this would require them to enter into a contract with a third party, which is outlawed by the Act. Essentially from 1st June landlords will only be allowed to charge tenants for water, gas, electric and any other utilities, Council tax, Wi-Fi and phone lines and the TV licence. Pretty much all other fees will be banned.

If your tenant requests a change to the tenancy you will be able to charge them up to £50 or more as long as the charge is “reasonable”, and you will be able to charge them a reasonable amount if they ask to end their tenancy early.

You will also be able to charge them a default fee for late payment of rent and

BUSINESS the replacement cost for lost keys or other security devices, as long as these are specified in the tenancy agreement.

From 1st June you will still be allowed to request that tenants pay a holding deposit prior to them signing the tenancy agreement, but this will be capped at one week's rent and there will be strict rules about if and when this must be refunded.

You will also be able to take a deposit for the duration of the tenancy, but this will be capped at five weeks rent, even for high risk tenants and those with pets.

If you have already taken a deposit of more than the amount permitted by the Tenant Fees Act you will have to refund the excess if and when you renew the tenancy. If you allow the tenant to roll onto a statutory periodic contract instead of issuing a new fixed term tenancy agreement, you will be allowed to hang onto the full amount until they move out.

Make a mistake and accidentally charge the tenant for something which is not permitted under the new rules and (a) you could end up with a £5000 fine (b) you will be prevented from evicting a tenant using the section 21 eviction procedure until you have repaid any unlawfully charged fees or returned an unlawfully retained holding deposit.

Food for thought!

Edward Lyons

Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168

An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients.

l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases

Chew Magna 01275 332168

OFFICES AT: Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 35

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BUSINESS

Outstanding in the field FOR 30 years the Pearce family have been selling and repairing agricultural machinery and tractors. As these machines have become more advanced and complex, their stores and knowledge have had to expand meaning that they will try and source parts for most makes on the market even if they are as old as them!

They stock a large range of replacement tractor spares and work closely with some of the largest parts suppliers in Europe.

Machinery is also a big part of their business and over the years they have managed to supply class leading products from some of the largest agricultural manufacturers in the world.

When it comes to managing livestock they seem to have it all and are one of the largest stockists of IAE livestock equipment in the South West, from standard galvanised gates to the latest design of cattle squeeze crush.

This is complimented with a vast

range of fencing materials in which the timber can be bought in a standard tanalised form or there is a pressure treated creosote version boasting a 30year work life!

Their range of stock fencing is forever growing and now they are stocking rarer varieties such as otter and badger wire along with the more common sheep netting and barbed wire.

Their ever expanding shop stocks a vast array of hand tools, power tools, electric fencing, country clothing, spares and accessories, trailer parts,

fasteners and fixings and much, much more.

JW and TJ Pearce are now proud stockists of CAN-AM ATV’s and SSV’s, Westwood ride on lawnmowers, Ariens Zero turn and push along mowers and also stock a large array of Echo garden power tools.

Pearce’s would like to welcome their newest member of the team, James Covell. With a background in the agricultural and engineering trade he will be heading up the shop, parts and aiding in the sales department.

St Katherines Farmhouse Downside Road, Lulsgate Bristol BS48 3DZ

Contact: 01275 472471 www.jwandtjpearce.co.uk

Can-am ATV’s and SSV’s Westwood ride on lawnmowers Ariens zero turn and push mowers Echo Power tools Agricultural Machinery and servicing Call into our shop to find: u Tools u Fasteners u Fixings u Timber u Fencing u Electric fencing u Oils u Lubricants u Water fittings u Clothing u Spares u Parts

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

5% Discount for NFU members on Can-am ATV’s and SSV’s

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“Excellence” recognised at Burrington village school A RECENT inspection of Burrington Church of England Primary School has given the school an overall rating of “Excellent”.

The SIAMS inspection, carried out by the Diocese of Bath and Wells, looks at how effective the school’s Christian vision is in enabling pupils to flourish.

The report praised the leadership of the head and the dedication of staff and governors.

It also found that the school’s Christian values have had an extremely strong impact on pupils’ exemplary behaviour and their positive attitudes to life and learning and that the school’s inclusive, nurturing approach was providing pupils with the foundations for future life.

The report recognised that pupils at the school enjoy all that the school offers and are excited and inspired by the range of innovative curriculum enrichment opportunities such as chromatography workshops and winning public speaking awards in Rotary competitions for the last two years.

Head teacher, Sarah Joskey, said: “I am

College teams up with Puxton Park

delighted that the SIAMS inspector recognised what we see in school every day. Expectations are high at Burrington School and our children consistently perform at or above national levels.

“What really pleases me is how the report highlights how parents feel that that every child is valued, and how the nurturing Christian ethos has enabled

WESTON College students will get the chance to work with a range of animals thanks to a partnership with Puxton Park, with the creation of a countryside classroom.

It will enable students to develop industry-specific skills working with the park’s specialist facilities and animals, which include domestic, farm and a range of exotic animals.

The link will also allow students to gain broader experience on their customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties, all helping to prepare them for the world of work.

Dr Paul Phillips, principal and chief executive of Weston College, said: “This innovative and exciting partnership provides a wealth of opportunities for students to develop practical skills with species to suit everyone’s interests from reptiles to large farm animals through to birds of prey.”

Alistair Mead, managing director of Puxton Park, said: “Puxton Park was originally built with the intention of being an educational working farm park.

“Over the past 12 years, the park has grown in many ways; however, our roots as a place of learning and growth are deeply ingrained in everything we offer which is why we feel so passionate about supporting and working with future veterinary nurses, animal keepers, animal scientists, farmers and vets.”

EDUCATION

their children to thrive and grow with confidence.”

Burrington welcomes pupils from all backgrounds and locations and children don’t have to live in the village to attend.

Prospective parents can arrange to visit the school or pre-school by contacting the school office on 01761 462662 or via the website www.burringtonprimary.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 37

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All types of poultry, meats and game. For those lazy Summer days, BBQ packs and our award winning sausages Produced on our own farm or supplied locally

Just pop in or we can take your orders over the telephone, call us at the Shop on 01934 712384

Street fair set for blast-off

RECORDS show there has been a street fair in Wedmore since 1285. Over the years it has evolved and moved with the times and this year organisers are bringing it bang up-to-date with their theme of “space”.

This is a big year in the world of space exploration, marking the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing when Neil Armstrong made his famous “one giant leap for mankind” statement.

With further big developments this year, including an incredible photograph of a black hole for the first time, there’s plenty of inspiration for costumes this year, whether it’s astronauts or aliens.

They will be awarding prizes for the bestdressed stall as well as the best adult and the best child costume so join them to celebrate all these amazing achievements at their out-ofthis-world fair.

With live entertainment; music, food and drink, as well as all the usual stalls, games and demonstrations, Wedmore Street Fair is fundraising for four local groups – Wedmore First School PTA, Green Wedmore, The

Village Hall and Wedmore Harvest Home.

In the past five years alone the event has raised nearly £15,000 for these good causes and that’s thanks to the incredible support from local businesses, villagers and visitors.

Free parking is provided in Glebe Field (beside the village hall) for all stall-holders and visitors. Disabled parking for blue badge holders only will be provided in the village hall car park.

They are always looking for extra helpers, so please get in touch if you can assist with setting up or packing away on the day or marshalling the parking. Contact Gareth Gosling, chair 01934 710234.

The fair is on Saturday, July 6th, 10am-4pm.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/WedmoreStreetFair

Find us on Facebook and Trip Advisor

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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FOCUS ON WEDMORE

Spectacular new pendant from Erica Sharpe

WEDMORE jeweller Erica Sharpe has just completed a spectacular new statement pendant for an exhibition being hosted at A2 Gallery in Wells.

“Meles Meles” (the Latin name of the badger) features the work of many artists covering a variety of disciplines. They have created works that explore, celebrate and reflect the badger and its place in our countryside.

Erica’s design features a badger’s head created from elements of its habitat and the things that sustain it. Woodland leaves and bracken fronds in recycled silver and palladium make the contrasting details of the badger’s markings.

Black and white diamonds pick out the eyes and nose. Two Fairtrade gold earthworms make the ears!

She said: “I started from my own understanding of, and feelings about badgers and wanted to portray the amazing and unique adaptations that badgers have; their physical strength, distinctive

bold markings and strong jaws.

“I also wanted to incorporate a sense of their vulnerability and showed this balance and delicacy by making the piece from finepatterned leaves. The colour choice of bold black and white and also subtly dappled shades reminds me of their twilight environment and the contrasting views that people have of them.”

Erica’s creative process has been made into a short film and will be available to view online. The exhibition runs from July 8th27th at A2 gallery, Wells.

Details: www.a2gallery.co.uk

New shop in Wedmore

BUMBLE Bee's Tots Clothing in Wedmore is a new venture for Tracey Pether who has been in retailing and the hospitality industry all her life. Wedmore is a hidden gem for a fantastic shopping experience.

Her new shop stocks quality children's clothing and accessories currently ranging from new-born to five years of age.

They are proud and excited to be a regional stockists of award winning organic cotton ranges from brands Kite and Toby Tiger incorporating fun, colourful, bold classic designs. They will continue to add new ranges and products to bring colour and interest into your children's lives with brands that are sustainable and gentle on your little one’s skin.

Visit their Facebook page and website to view their stock and watch out for posts on newly-arrived stock and events or call in and see them at the shop and create your own buzz. Summer opening times 10am-4.30pm.

Church Street Wedmore Somerset BS28 4AB

01934 708181

PISCES

FISHMONGER & GREENGROCER

Direct supply of Cornish Sea Food.

Loch Fyne Smokehouse stockist.

Northern Water and Continental seafood specialists.

Fruit and vegetables personally selected at market, exotics and the unusual, fresh herbs and the best local produce.

Selection of culinary ingredients.

Open all day Tuesday to Friday plus Monday and Saturday mornings.

5 The Borough Mall, The Borough Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Tel: 01934 710318

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2018 • PAGE 39

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Our new venture . . . come to see our new cabinets hosting hand-picked antique and vintage dealers in The Treasure Chest Tea shop, just next door to us.

We will be open for Wedmore Street Fair – and charity fundraising on the day.

If you have any questions, find us on Facebook – Prowse Antiques and Interiors or call us on 01934 712453 or 07860 837 680

Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4SA 01934 713527 www.littleowlschildcare.com A unique Day Nursery with Forest School, Boogie Bears music & drama sessions, Yoga and Reggio Emilia*.

*Reggio Emilia Approach is where daily activities are driven by the children’s ideas and individual interests.

Outstanding education and childcare to children aged 3 months to 5 years old Open from 8am until 6pm every weekday, all year round

Summer at Lime SALE – starts Saturday 6th July at 10am 15, The Borough Mall, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB

01934 710479

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Best start in life

LITTLE Owls Childcare in Wedmore believes that early childhood is a foundation on which children build the rest of their lives and to that end have adopted the Reggio Emilia Approach to children’s learning and education.

This is based on the belief that children are competent, intelligent and curious social human beings and that their ideas and thoughts are sometimes lost in a teacher-led classroom environment.

Beside developing communication, language and a host of other skills, they also use Forest School, yoga and Boogie Bears music and drama to encourage creativity and a desire for learning.

Little Owls employ Early Years educators who are passionate, creative thinkers, who can implement this child-led curriculum.

Details: 01934 713527 or www.littleowlschildcare.com

Changes at The Borough Yard

LOTS of changes have happened in The Borough Yard, Wedmore.

Prowse Antiques and Interiors have joined up with Coffee, Cake and Curtains to blend their offerings. So, now you can enjoy a lovely afternoon tea in The Treasure Chest Tea Shop whilst browsing through the exclusive cabinets filled by dealers that have been handpicked by Martin and Rachel.

Please visit the new venture! And if you are a dealer looking for a beautiful place to sell your wares, give Martin a call now.

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Wedmore’s carbon neutral future GREEN Wedmore has commissioned a report from Mark Letcher, managing director of the Bristol-based Climate Works consultancy, on how Wedmore and surrounding villages can become carbon neutral in terms of energy use on power and transport.

Wedmore set a zero carbon target a year ago and since then has been working on projects to help achieve carbon neutrality, including a further two community solar projects on the tennis club and bowls club and on Hugh Sexey School. The report was funded through the

FOCUS ON WEDMORE

village’s Community Power Co-op (the solar farm community fund).

The key findings of the report are that the village needs to tackle energy efficiency in homes, much greater use of electric vehicles and to generate more renewable energy. The report will form the basis of the Green Wedmore strategy going forward and should help the parish council, who have declared a climate emergency.

A Wedmore climate summit is planned for later in the year.

Details: www.greenwedmore.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/132214663464919/ Twitter: @wedmoregreengrp

The Swan promises quality

THE Swan is a bustling pub at the heart of Wedmore. It’s a haven of easy-going comfort, with wood floors, leather sofas, cosy corners, a great garden, real ales and great food served all day.

Tom Blake, formerly head chef at River Cottage, oversees the kitchen which consistently produces outstanding food. Tom’s a champion of local produce and the meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheeses, and yoghurts all come from named local suppliers.

There’s much on the menu to enjoy and a great selection of vegan options. Every Friday night there’s free live music in the bar. It’s open all day, every day. Dogs and children are always welcome.

Coming up

LAST year’s Wedmore Real Ale Festival raised a whopping £18,150 for 11 local groups. This brings the grand total raised for local good causes to just over a staggering £186,221 since the festival began back in 2001! Planning is already well underway for this year’s 19th festival, which takes place from Friday, September 20th – Sunday, September 22nd. l Wedmore’s Harvest Home will take place on Friday, August 16th, with a full day of events, starting with a church service, followed by the harvest home procession.

There is a lunch for adults, followed by children's sports events and then a tea. The evening sees an evening of entertainment, often with a tribute band playing to a packed marquee.

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 41

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Wedmore gets on its bike

WEDMORE’S second 30:40 charity cycle ride was a great success, with 220 riders, up from 155 in the inaugural year, with around 45 youngsters making it a real family event for Fathers' Day. The riders set out on a variety of Molly was the oldest rider and raised distances from the £600 riding 30 miles village’s super new sports clubhouse. The event raised funds for Weston Hospicecare and The Friends of St. Mary's Wedmore.

The Connell family, Carol, Brian, Archie, aged ten, and Tilly, aged eight

Ted Sayer, aged two, whose family supported the event

The event attracted all ages and abilities

Wedmore is somewhere special

PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

WEDMORE is a very special place – not many small villages can boast a thriving and diverse population of unique independent shops, with some trading for decades and other newer outlets adding a more contemporary feel.

Wedmore’s unique retail community has grown over recent years as more retail space has been

created. Pale Blue opened its second store there in 2016.

Boutique owner Jane Brake said: “I love Wedmore, it’s beautiful and has a real rural village life feel. It attracts visitors from far and wide.”

Pale Blue offers a fabulous eclectic mix of affordable women’s fashion and accessories and has quickly built up a loyal fan club.

Jane said: “It’s really important to keep the look of the shop fresh by continually sourcing new stock. I am continually searching and always looking to both inspire and be inspired.”

So if you haven’t discovered Pale Blue yet, put Wedmore on your list, take a friend, have lunch and enjoy.

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Festival under the stars

FOCUS ON WEDMORE

THE 2019 Sand Cider Festival is once again being held on Saturday, August 31st in the organisers’ beautiful candlelit cider orchard overlooking Glastonbury Tor. This family friendly event starts at 6pm and finishes at 1am.

There will be four different live bands playing including Rayguns Look Real Enough back by popular demand!

There will be a large marquee set within the orchard in case it rains, large bonfire and fire pits, a fully stocked bar with a wide range of spirits, high-end gins, locally produced beers and ciders, including their very own Old Jollop Cider.

There will be free soft drinks and bouncy assault course for the kids; a hog roast, a large BBQ, Cheddar cheeses and pickles, with all ingredients produced either on the farm or from local producers.

For those who want to sleep under the stars, camping pitches are available at £10 a pitch and if you fancy a bit of luxury Bell tents are available for hire at £100 pre-erected and ready to go, sleeping up to six people, with limited availability.

Tickets are available from Wedmore paper shop or Old Jollop’s office on 01934 710780 or drop in (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).

Details: www.oldjollop.com

Pale Blue

Women’s clothing and other lovely things

JENNIFER MORECROFT BDS (U.Bris) MFGDP (U.Brist)

PETER SEDGWICK BDS (U.Bris) DPDS (U.Brist) SALLY CANTWELL Hygienist RDH JANE FELLOWS Hygienist RDH

1 The Borough, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EB Email: paleblueclothingltd@yahoo.co.uk

Tel: 01934 713773 MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 43

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Ubley Village Fete

Tilly and Abigail having fun in the Lucky Dip

Edward Owen, Ali Chapman and Steve Blyth managing the barbecue

Ubley Primary School's choir in full song

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Park packed for a day of fun

AROUND 2,000 people visited Shepton Mallet’s annual Collett Day event.

It is held in honour of businessman John Kyte Collett, who died in 1933 and who donated the land to the town as a free space in 1906.

This year’s event was dedicated to showcasing local charities and community groups and was a scaled-down version of recent years when a stage hosted a day and evening of live music.

The lack of live music – although the bandstand did host a brass band and Shepton Mallet Ukele Group – attracted criticism from some on social media, whilst others said how much they enjoyed the atmosphere.

Castle Cary Cygnet Majorettes ahead of their display

Tincknells provided an inflatable go-kart track raising money for Mendip YMCA … local police officer George Simpson couldn’t resist the challenge

Emily and Jake, from Whitstone School’s Eco Club with science technician Hazel Hartley and teacher Di Grove. The school recycles crisp packets and pens and has also just planted a memorial garden with the help of a £600 bursary from the Royal Horticultural Society

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EVENTS

Packhorse fair packs them in

BRUTON’S Packhorse Fair returned for its 20th anniversary with the launch of a new community fund to support projects within the town.

The Great Bruton Raffle – tickets are on sale until mid-September – is an initiative from Bruton Community Partnership.

The fair, along the banks of the River Brue, was organised by Bruton Festival of Arts and featured live music, stalls and the infamous Great Bruton Drag Race, this year raising money for Dementia UK. Bien Goverd, a professional seamstress, donates 10% of funds from her services to support the Lukan Fund for the refurbishment of St Luke’s Catholic Church in Wincanton

The Johnsons on the main stage

All in a good cause – drag racers went around the town collecting donations

Local singer/songwriter David 9 Lunas

Bruton Dub Club had their own set-up

The Bruetones community choir, led by Su Har

Fairground attraction – the main arena

For details, visit www.packhorsefair.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 45

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Charity ride

VOLUNTEER Jason Preston organised a bike ride from Radstock to the old Severn crossing to raise money for Radstock Juniors, which is part of Keynsham and District Mencap society.

Some 20 people took part in the 40-mile ride and raised almost £500. The money raised will go towards providing fun activities for the young adults.

Access for all at Samaritans

NEWLY completed building work means that the Weston-superMare and North Somerset branch of Samaritans now has fully disabled access, opening up volunteering opportunities to those with mobility issues.

Previously a steep flight of stairs in the High Street building made disabled access to the charity’s operations centre impossible.

Now, after taking over the lease of the former fish and chip shop below, and carrying out extensive renovations, the centre can boast full wheelchair access.

Branch director Andy said: “We are delighted that we now have full disabled access to our building. It means we can now welcome those with disabilities to join our team of volunteers as well as provide a ground floor space for those members of the public who seek face-to-face advice from our team.”

Samaritans is dedicated to providing a 24-hour telephone helpline for those struggling to cope. Last year volunteers at the branch at 137, High Street, Weston-super-Mare responded to 15,350 phone calls for help as well as answering over 1,000 emails and 700 text messages.

The next information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Samaritans volunteer are being held on Wednesday, July 10th at 7.30pm and Saturday, July 13th at 10am.

Details: samaritansrecruitmentwsm@yahoo.com 07852 962909

Supper by the lake

THE Chew Valley fundraising branch of the RNLI is staging a musical evening and supper at Chew Valley Lake on Friday, July 5th to which all are welcome.

For a modest £12.50 (U-14s go free) you can enjoy music from local band Rebel Brass and have supper and wine. If the weather is good, take your own chairs but, if wet they have access to the CVLSC clubhouse.

Plentiful parking is available and there is a lift for the less able and wheelchair users.

Details: Tim Gracey 01275 854623

PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Sailing to support vulnerable children

Steve Pointon (left) and Danny Burnell prepare to leave portland marina

STEVE Pointon, from Cheddar, has once again set sail on his yacht, Tikka, for an intrepid journey around the UK to highlight the issues of neglected and disadvantaged children and raise urgently needed funds for Action for Children.

In 2016, the Tikka’s Travels challenge saw Steve and a variety of shipmates sail anti-clockwise around the UK in 11 weeks raising over £20,000 after setting a target of £10,000.

This time Tikka will sail around the UK in a clockwise direction with the aim of finishing back in Portland on July 17th holding quizzes and fundraising nights in eight of the ports along the way.

Ex-Navy man, Steve said: “Talking to so many people while tackling Tikka’s Challenge in 2016 made me realise the passion for helping children and families that exists around the UK. I’ve been itching to do another challenge on Tikka and I can’t wait to get going.

“This challenge will be very different from 2016. Most of the time Tikka’s crew will be Danny Burnett and myself. No crew changes each week and only seven weeks to complete the trip.”

Action for Children’s South West community fundraiser, Shelagh Hillier, said: “I’m delighted this is taking place as our 150th birthday celebrations get underway as it underlines how critical the work Action for Children does for the children in our communities who need it most.

“We’ll be supporting Steve and the crew all the way and we wish him all the best and good weather for June and July.”

Details: www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/tikkastravels2019

Volunteers wanted

LANGPORT & District Red Cross is appealing for more house-tohouse collectors after this year’s Red Cross Week collection raised £1,801.75, the lowest total for 20 years.

Volunteers are needed in Somerton, Aller, Babcary, Langport & Huish Episcopi, Long Load, Long Sutton, Kingsbury Episcopi, Low Ham, Curry Rivel and Pitney.

Organiser, Chris Cox, said: “All we ask is a few hours once a year, during the week which contains May 8th, the birthday of Henri Dunant, our Swiss founder. New volunteers are assured of a very warm welcome.”

Details: 01458 273085 or email cox.cj@btinternet.com

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CHARITIES

Charity appeals for volunteers Hospital donations top £2,000 CATS Protection’s Frome & District branch needs to recruit a volunteer fundraising and events co-ordinator and fundraising volunteers to help raise money for its vital cat welfare work.

The branch, which is run entirely by volunteers, needs people who can spare a few hours a month. No previous fundraising experience is necessary as the charity can provide assistance and support materials.

Regional fundraiser Diana Miller said: “The branch does a huge amount of work to help local cats but we really need more volunteers to help raise money to enable us to carry on our work.

“The roles are varied and include organising raffles, attending fetes and fairs and getting support from local businesses.”

Details: www.cats.org.uk/frome/volunteering or email fromecp@gmail.com

Council boss rides for charity MENDIP District Council’s charity of the year partnership is set for a fundraising boost, as the council’s chief executive takes on a 100-mile cycle ride to raise money for CLIC Sargent.

Staff at Mendip District Council have been using #BikeWeekUK to get behind Stuart Brown, as he plans to take part in the Prudential Ride London to Surrey 100-mile challenge later this year.

He is teaming up with his son Ben for the ride and the pair plan to complete the challenge for a third time on Sunday, August 4th.

Stuart said: “This is the third time that

Lauren (left) with club president Sue Hopkins

we will have cycled the 100 mile route from London to Surrey and I am delighted to be able to support the staff in their fundraising efforts for CLIC Sargent.

“Having visited CLIC House and seen for myself the work the charity does, I have been spurred on to cycle a little harder and raise as much money for them as we can.

“The team at CLIC House were truly inspiring, going above and beyond to support the families that stay with them whilst their children are receiving cancer treatment and if I can get on my bike and enjoy a cycle ride through some fantastic

DONATIONS by Radstock and Inner Wheel Club to the Bath Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends appeal have reached more than £2,000 after a cheque for £100 – the proceeds of a lunch organised at her home by club member Betty Jones – was presented to fundraiser Lauren Noble.

Staff with Stuart

scenery with my son to raise money, then I am only too happy to help.”

Details: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartridelondon2019

Family fundraiser

KATE and Darren Branch, with their family, Alex, Matthew and Harriet, held a fundraising event in aid of Cancer Research UK. BRANCH FEST was held at Brooklyn, Easton, Wells on Saturday, June 1st and raised just over £3,600.

It started at 4pm and went on throughout the evening until 10.30pm with live music performed by local bands Acoustic Mutineers, Jukebox and Steve Henderson, playing free of charge.

There was a raffle, bar, tombola and a hog roast. Also an inflatable slide for the children and an ice cream van by Ollie’s Lollies.

Kate and Darren said they would like to

thank Dave Gouldney for organising the event and his band; James Dixon from Abbas Marquees for donating staging and marquee; Andy Jones from the Westbury Inn for providing the bar and Denis Ring and Graham Laws from the Ring O’ Bells Wookey for donating the hog roast.

They would also like to thank everyone that helped out throughout the day.

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 47

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Superheroes rock for Lucia

AN afternoon of live music by bands from the Midsomer Norton and Radstock areas has raised more than £1,000 for a local charity Go Blue.

Railway Rocks – at the Railway Hotel in Radstock – saw bands ranging from Parfanon to the Venezuelan Pig Rustlers and the One Tones take to the stage in front of a big crowd, many dressed as superheroes, the theme of this year’s fundaiser.

The event was held in memory of teenager Lucia Robinson, who began fundraising as a 17-year-old after she was diagnosed with spinal cancer and passed away in 2015.

Joanne Cullen, one of the organisers of Railway Rocks, said: “Thanks to everyone, band members, bar staff, raffle ticket sellers, local businesses and people that donated raffle prizes and everyone that came along to support us we raised £1053.44p.

“Lucia wanted to help others that are in a situation she was once in and this money is going to help do just that. We are so grateful for everyone’s support.”

Superheroes one and all

Parfanon on – and off – the stage

The Zero Hour

The day raised more than £1,000

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Rocking at the Railway

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CHARITIES

Bella’s legacy is as strong as ever

By Mark Adler

THIS time last year, the Children’s World charity was facing a financial crisis – a fallow year for the Glastonbury Festival meant its biggest single source of income had dried up.

The charity knew it was coming but, as director Kristen Lindop explained: “People who are struggling to make ends meet know it all too well – you find it hard to save money when you still have to pay the bills. You know it’s coming, but what do you do?”

Children’s World was born out of Glastonbury in 1981; the charity’s founder was the late Arabella Churchill who began the festival alongside Michael Eavis. Today the charity provides backstage catering – including a “green room” marquee – for the Theatre and Circus area as well as a front-facing food outlet for festival-goers.

Kristen and her fellow director Paddy Hill along with trustees including Arabella’s husband Haggis McCleod launched an appeal for £60,000 and the response was overwhelming. Events ranging from Glastonbury’s annual Zombie Walk and Body Art festival have raised both money and the charity’s profile. Kristen said: “Something incredibly positive came out of the fallow

Feeling positive: (l:r) trustees Haggis McLeod and Jill Barker with directors Kristen Lindop and Paddy Hill at a fundraising sports day at Middlewick Holiday Cottages

year; we had massive support from everywhere; we’ve found the affection quite humbling.”

The ending of the annual Glastonbury Children’s Festival in the Abbey Park after 30 years inadvertently meant that some people believed the charity itself had ceased. Instead, it had been working quietly in schools across Somerset and further afield, providing fun yet educational integrated workshops for children of all abilities. At the end of the 1990s, it also began working abroad and, in recent years, has been running circus workshops in refugee camps in Northern France.

Children’s World also runs fun events and circus skills workshops at many events, such as at the recent Collett Park

Fun with Bath Natural Theatre Company at last year’s mini festival at Paddington Farm Trust

Day in Shepton Mallet and Frome Children’s Festival and Keynsham Festival in early July.

The appeal also resulted in some new trustees coming forward, including businesswoman Jill Barker, of Middlewick Holiday Cottages, and safeguarding expert Maggie Dear.

Last summer, it launched a mini children’s festival working with Paddington Farm Trust at Wick on the edge of Glastonbury – it takes place again this year on Friday, August 2nd until Sunday, August 4th. It is also once again running its youth programme Off the Streets Week in Glastonbury.

Kristen added: “Everyone is feeling very positive about the future; Bella wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Goat yoga – one of the fun activities at Middlewick Holiday Cottages during the sports day

For details about their work, visit: www.childrensworldcharity.org

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CHARITIES

Taking the challenge

NEARLY 1,100 walkers hit the Mendip Hills to take on the Mendip Challenge to raise money for Weston Hospicecare in the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

The bumper turnout of 1,094 – an increase of more than

200 on last year and the highest number of entries in more than a decade – saw participants complete sponsored 30, 20 or ten-mile routes along the West Mendip Way.

Veterans march in memory of comrades

PAUL Thorner, from Paulton, a local veteran from the 1st Battalion Light Infantry, is training for a military fundraising march “Not just Another Brick in the Wall” due to be held this September.

He will be carrying a brick in memory of veteran Glyn Woodland, who died last year. You may see Paul out training around Paulton village and Mendip areas.

Devised by PC Paul Cocoran, the project will see volunteers carrying bricks dedicated to the veterans who have lost their lives on operations, or who have sadly taken their own life as a result of mental health issues.

He hopes to raise £100,000 for The Rifles’ Care for Casualties charity.

The challenge will be to walk 45

miles of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland over three days, carrying the bricks to the finish. Each brick will have a brass plaque with the name of a loved one inscribed. Over 150 people have already signed up, including some currently suffering from PTSD. Paul Thorner said: “Each volunteer will be asked to carry one house brick to highlight the brick upon brick our soldiers suffering from PTSD are carrying in problems every day.”

Paul Corcoran said: “Not just another brick in the wall means that these aren’t just names; they are soldiers who were sons, fathers, and brothers. Seven Rifles veterans have taken their own lives in the last year alone. I don’t want to inscribe another brick.”

Details: Facebook Not Just Another Brick In The Wall www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-thorner or email paulcocoran@hotmail.com

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NEWS

A brolly good show!

A thoughtful-looking town crier David Greenway

The procession prepares to leave the town hall

The day was a celebration of all that is Glastonbury

THE High Sheriff of Somerset came to the rescue with an umbrella during a downpour at the start of the annual Glastonbury civic parade and service.

Johnnie Halliday escorted new mayor Denise Michell and Morgana West, who carried the town’s Unity Candle, from the town hall to St Benedict’s church.

Denise, mayor for a second term, later hosted a community party in the town hall.

The band should have been playing Handel’s Water Music

West Country welcome

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Mendip welcomed six visitors from Rotary District 3030, Maharashtra in India as part of an international friendship exchange.

Their programme included visits to Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury, learning about cider-making at Thatchers and cheese production at Lye Cross Farm and a shopping trip to Bristol.

Church to host competition

ENTRIES are open for a free photography exhibition which will run from August 1st to September 15th at St Cuthbert's Church in Wells.

The competition is open to amateur photographers who are invited to submit high-quality original photos of Wells and the surrounding area to the church office. Successful applicants will then be asked to provide a high-quality print of their photograph in a picture mount. Names and contact details will be displayed alongside. The closing date for entry is Monday, July 15th. l Entries should be emailed to: office@stcuthbertswells.co.uk For more information email the office or call 01749 676906.

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Queen Charlton

Visitors on the village cross

Alison Streatfield-James (left) with the BBC's Alex Lovell who opened the fete

QUEEN Charlton's traditional country fete raised around £2,500 to support the village hall. It is 440 years since the first Queen Elizabeth granted the village a charter to hold an annual fair.

Gardens a delight

DESPITE rain in the morning, over 250 visitors attended the open gardens event at Compton Dando, raising just over PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Andy Rickards and Paul Hanley with Paul's 1932 6.2 litre Ford Model B

Christie and Roger Pearcey in their garden at the Old Rectory

£1,900 for the Compton Dando Community Association and St Mary's Church.

The church was busy serving tea and cakes while the village hall hosted a plant sale along with other goodies.

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EVENTS

Top of the Gorge

Runners set off Fun on the climbing wall

Grizzly and Grasshoppers on stage

Litton Village Fete

The duck race

The bottle stall

Teddy ready for launch – the fete had a space theme

Creating space cakes MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Claverham celebrates

The May Queen is crowned

EVENTS

Draycott Strawberry Fair

The Mendip Players human fruit machine

MAY Day celebrations in Claverham raised £792.40 for village hall funds.

The maypole dancers

Cheddar picnic

A teddy bears’ picnic in Cheddar raised funds for Radio Lollipop which broadcasts at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

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Strawberry Fair royalty princess Poppy Ladd, queen Gwennie Golding and princess Ella Northcott

Strawberry girls Leia, Ellie and Ariane

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NEWS

National honour for branch chairman

THE chairman of Shepton Mallet Royal British Legion has won national acclaim for his work to revive the branch.

Andy Ransom took over when membership had dwindled to around 30 and the branch had nowhere permanent to meet.

Now numbers have grown to more than 135 and the age of members is much younger with teenagers and people in their early 20s taking an active part. Andy uses social media to promote the legion’s work and connect with the town, organising social events and building a good relationship with the town council.

Andy received special recognition from outgoing national RBL chairman Terry Whittles who was allowed to grant an award to Andy (right) receives his award from Phil Davies, Membership Council Representative for Somerset and Wiltshire

Andy used social media to attract people to observe a two-minute silence on the 75th anniversary of D-Day at The Cenotaph in Shepton Mallet

Len’s big little compliment

Len Sweales with the miniature portrait

WELLS town crier Len Sweales says he’s received one of his biggest compliments to date – a portrait of him by a leading miniature artist.

The painting – by Kent-based Linda Kracht – was one of 300 paintings on display in Wells Town Hall at the annual exhibition by the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists.

Len said: “I was so pleased when I was told about the picture – it’s the biggest little compliment I’ve been paid.”

someone in the legion who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. The award came as a surprise to Andy, who was at work and unable to attend the national conference in Bournemouth.

He said: “It is a massive honour for me and also for Shepton Mallet. The support I have received from the town as a whole has been fantastic and I want to say thank you to the Shepton Mallet community.” l New members are always welcome. The branch meets on Monday evenings at The Club.

Family and friends gather to remember

A TREE planting ceremony has been carried out in the grounds of Marston House near Frome to celebrate the life of historian, architect and writer Dr John Hooper Harvey.

Hailed as the greatest British historian of Gothic architecture, Dr Harvey died in Frome in 1997 aged 86. He was a great supporter of the Frome Society for Local Study.

Eleanor and Richard, two of Dr Harvey’s children

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MENDIP TIMES

Quackers in Cheddar

HUNDREDS of people lined the gorge for Cheddar Vale Lions duck race, which is expected to raise £1,500 for Children’s Hospice South West.

EVENTS

Westfield Family Fun Day

Members of Westfield Allotment Growers Society including Martin Bates (centre), named Westfield’s Inspirational Citizen 2019

The start

North Somerset Samba Band ahead of their performance in the main arena

Princess Snow White shelters from the rain

The Cheddar Vale Lions team

Cheddar Rainbows supported the event PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Tilly and Pip on the bonnet of a 1957 Land Rover owned by Charlie Moore

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WILDLIFE

Memories of the whinchat?

CHATS are a family of birds that most people are not too familiar with. It includes species such as common redstart, black

By CHRIS redstart, nightingale SPERRING MBE and stonechat and when you encounter any one of these birds you are most likely to think also of the European robin to which they are very closely related.

The whinchat, another member of this family, is now a very rare bird locally and is Red Listed on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern list. It is also a reminder to me of how easy I used to see them on Mendip during my youth, but sadly not anymore. No doubt there will be many older farmers who also remember their presence.

Whinchats are a similar size to the robin at around 12-14cm in length. The male during the breeding season has what looks like a black face mask with a very striking white stripe above the eyes, running from the back to the front of the head, and also white just under the cheeks.

The front is orange on throat and breast, giving way to a buff-coloured belly and a black tail with white tips to

Do you have memories of whinchats – or still see them?

the outer tail feathers. The upper parts on both sexes are mottled brown, and overall the female lacks the striking appearance of the male in the breeding season. Recently-fledged juveniles look much like the females.

Whinchats, like robins, are solitary and quite aggressive towards intruders.

They feed predominantly on insects and are migrants, arriving in the UK for the summer months to breed.

Breeding starts around April or May, when the nest of dry grass and moss is built by the female either at ground level or very low to the ground at the foot of a bush for example. Between

Whincats can be solitary and quite aggressive

four and seven eggs are laid, which hatch after around two weeks. The young leave the nest after around two weeks and are very vulnerable to start with but are fed by the parents for a further two weeks before being removed from the territory. The whinchats’ nest is one of those that used to be targeted by the cuckoo for parasitising.

People often think of the whinchat as an upland bird these days, however it’s very true to say that though they like habitats conducive with places like Black Down and Priddy Mineries, I can also remember them being on the Somerset Levels in the drier, rank, open habitats.

Reasons for their decline and absence are many and varied but the one reason that stands out is the increase in sileage as a winter fodder crop. This removes nesting sites and also reduces the amount of invertebrates in the landscape.

What will be very interesting is to see if there’s any benefit to species like whinchats from farmers, either by grant or voluntarily, creating rough grassland margins around sileage fields.

I would very keen to hear from anybody who remembers, or still sees, whinchats within the Mendip area. l I’m leading an all-night wildlife walk for the Somerset Wildlife Trust on Mendip on the July 20th/21st and there are still places available. If anyone is interested in this event, or any other walks I’m doing, please get in touch.

Chris Sperring is Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust Contact him via chris.sperring@btinternet.com

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Contrasting scenery on this Charterhouse walk

ALL the ingredients are here for a splendid summer walk – fascinating humpy bumpy ground and historical evidence of former mining, a nature reserve, wild flowers, grassland, farmland, mown tracks through the largest woodland area to be planted on Mendip over the last 20 years, great views, quiet tracks and lanes.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

This circle of six miles starts in the heart of Mendip at Charterhouse and is mainly on the flat all the way. It is suitable for dogs too. Take a picnic as there are no refreshment stops en-route.

It should be very dry underfoot, except maybe after heavy rain, through one field near the end of this walk.

PARK: Take the B3134 road across Mendip from Burrington Combe to the Miners Arms crossroads with the B3135. Not far from the top of Burrington Combe reach a turning to Charterhouse and Priddy. Follow it to a crossroads with a lane left to Blackmore Reserve and one right to Shipham. Charterhouse centre is on one corner and St Hugh’s Cottage on the other. Turn towards Blackmore Reserve passing a post box in the wall and Charterhouse Centre on your right and at the end reach a rough parking area with a notice about the reserve, the Romans and the former lead mining here.

START: In Blackmore Reserve car park. Blackmoor Reserve lies in the heart of the historical lead mining area on the Mendip plateau and is made up of a special mix of habitats including pools, wet woodland, spoil heaps and heathland. The mine closed for the last

time in 1885 and is now a humpy, bumpy grassland area of wildflowers and rabbits. You will see more at the end of this walk.

Facing into the car park as you entered take the footpath in the right corner between boulders. Bear right on the track with grassy mounds on your right and a little further on at a choice of paths, stay left. Climb up the path fringed with wild flowers and come through a gate into Ubley Warren Nature Reserve and another information board.

1. RESERVE Go up a few yards and then stay left, following the fence and woodland on your left. Go through a gate to the land of the organic farm of Ubley Warren run by Yeo Valley.

2. FARM Continue on and go through a kissing gate and join a track going straight on.

Pass barns and reach the entrance drive. Over right are two domes, used as growing zones. Turn left. The farm drive takes you along and past Lime Kiln racing stables and kennels and on to the main road.

3. ROAD Turn left along the edge, and soon

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WALKING

cross with care and go right on the Compton Martin, West Harptree road.

This is a quiet, small road taking you past farms and farmland. After about 0.75 miles reach a right bend at Hazel Corner with the entrance lodge to Hazel Manor drive. There was once a Gothic style house, Hazel Manor, as the centre to this estate towards the end of the drive but it was burnt down in the 1930s. Stay on the road for another 0.7 mile to the first house on the left, Whitegate Lodge.

4. FOOTPATH Turn left here on the marked footpath towards the lodge. Go past it and other buildings, where work is continuing. At the end join a small path into woodland, where in the summer you may usefully have a stick to help keep the path clear.

At a fork of paths, bear left and continue all the way to a large deer proof gate on the left coming into Hazel Manor estate, although not marked here. Go straight on with boundary on your right and then go through the wall line and maintain direction with trees and the boundary on your left now.

Start to get great views north over Chew Valley Lake. Soon see ahead of you, Hazel Farm, but don’t go that far.

Look for a stile left onto a permissive path – a pleasant mown track through the forested area which used to be run by a large syndicate, Will Woodlands,

Le

Six miles, about three hours walking. Explorer 141 Mendip Hills West grid ref: ST 506555. Nearest postcode BS40 7XR.

but has recently been bought by Yeo Valley.

5. WOODLAND In 2001, 500 acres of mixed woodland was planted here on the land of Hazel Manor Farm. Predominant species are oak, ash, beech and sycamore comprising 60% of the broadleaved woodland area, the remainder being minor broadleaved species. In addition several acres of conifers were planted to provide ecological variety and winter colour contrast.

For about half a mile, follow the mown track through the forest in the same direction, crossing mown tracks en-route and going through hedge lines.

Eventually the track bends right and leads to a stile ahead onto Hazel Manor drive, flanked by magnificent beech trees.

It’s left now on the drive for a few yards, going through large gates and immediately right on the Limestone Link and Mendip Ring long distance paths on what is known as Green Lane – aptly named.

6. GREEN LANE Continue on this green thoroughfare between hedges, soon getting views left over the open landscape of Mendip on your left. Reach a stile and gate on a right-hand bend. Continue under a line of beeches and at the end bend left. Over right you get views again over Chew

Valley. Carry on to the end, passing Ubley Hill Farmhouse and reaching a junction with Ubley Drove.

7. UBLEY DROVE Turn left and a gentle climb follows. The drove is often a picture bordered by wild flowers. It leads you to the main crossMendip road, the B3134.

8. FIELDS Go straight over and take the footpath opposite through a kissing gate and go ahead with the hedge on your right.

Follow the right hedge through two fields where there may well be marshy areas and at the end come over a stile into Nether Wood. Follow the path straight on and join a stony track which continues on along the edge of the wood, over a couple of small streams and then come into more evidence of the former mining industry here, into Blackmoor Reserve.

9. BLACKMOOR You may be able to spot three large round hollows on the left, which are all that remain of buddle pits used for washing the ore. Then pass a pond and a rather dramatic area of black slag. Over left at this point, behind a fence, are the remains of the Victorian stone flues which conducted the lead-laden fumes from the furnace to a tall chimney. Only the flues remain. This is all part of a heritage site managed in partnership with the Mendip Hills AONB Service and is a scheduled ancient monument.

Keep straight on, passing more humpy and hollowed “groovy ground” and return to the parking area.

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OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

SO the middle of the year has arrived! This time last year we were experiencing that long heatwave. This time it seems a little different with some areas receiving a month’s rain in one day. As always much of this rain will not go down into the soil where it is still needed, but will instead run With LES off into the drains, streams and rivers.

DAVIES MBE I don’t think any of us need to be reminded of previous disasters where “flash” flooding has caused havoc. Fast moving water is a very scary thing! It helped create Burrington Coombe and Cheddar Gorge.

Now having gotten everyone into a thoroughly depressed state, let’s move onto some good news. The Royal Bath and West Show had a good turn-out this year with only day one being wet and cold. From then on it did improve, but thankfully without the oppressive heat predicted at the end of the week.

I am sorry to say that there were no entries from Mendip in this year’s Environmental Youth Awards (EYA) programme.

The overall winner out of the five areas of Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire was Dorset.

They were worthy winners, with school pupils full of enthusiasm and with the determined support from the teaching staff behind them. We are now looking for entries into the 2020 programme, so if you are involved with a youth group of any sort, or a school, we would like to hear from you. Contact me through the website address below.

We were also pleased to welcome the Mendip Hills AONB Young Rangers to the show this time. They arrived to help with a very hectic prize-giving on the Friday, and took a chance to look around the show whilst they were there.

Foxwood is looking green and lush! The bracken has come back again, but not in the strength it was last year. It’s shorter and less dense, a sure sign that I am winning the battle! I crushed it last year at the beginning of July in the very dry weather. It didn’t re-grow and as such will have starved the underground root system of valuable food reserves needed to get it going this time.

The grass meanwhile has gone from strength to strength. It is a very coarse type of grass and not one that I would favour. The answer here will be cutting and removal to reduce the nutrient levels in the ground. It is after all feeding on years and years of dead plant litter from the bracken. My aim is to reduce the strong grass dominance and allow the weaker species to come through – not a five minute job that’s for sure!

Whilst on the subject of vegetation, it’s that time of year when I like to remind everyone about ticks – yes, nasty little hitch-hikers who will latch onto anything or anyone that comes by. With a mild winter their numbers will be up, so make sure you go prepared, with long trousers and arms covered if you intend walking through high growth.

Don’t forget to do your body check at the end of the day, looking in those soft hidden places that these “critters” like to get in! There’s plenty of advice online on how to deal with them and if you start to feel unwell seek medical advice. Finally on this matter, please don’t forget the dog. They are more at risk than us as they explore the undergrowth. I don’t wish to create a

scare but only want to make you more aware!

I’m getting ready for the next batch of students from the University of Georgia in the US, who will be arriving on Mendip in the middle of July. This is now year five of me being their UK landscape guide and even further back doing the Mendip tour.

As always there will be a visit to see Jim Hardcastle and his team at the AONB, for a protected landscape view. This always helps set the scene for my other site visits with the students in the Peak District, the Pennines and the Lakes.

Then it’s on to Edinburgh where I fly back to Lulsgate – yes the “Westcountryman” is flying back! So much quicker than the six hour train journey I normally take.

This year’s tour is tinged with sadness as Joanne Ratliffe, who ran the trip every year, recently died. She was the matriarch who held everyone together whilst they were far from home. She could also make her displeasure known as well and I have been on the end of what she termed her “Come to Jesus talk” a few times! Never any resentment held after though, on either side – this trip will be a tribute to her!

It cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that this year is the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during WW2. The top of Mendip became one large vehicle park and arsenal, as fields were filled with munitions and explosives.

Vehicles lined the roads, drawn up at right angles and leaving only a single track between them.

From the beginning of 1943 the whole of Mendip Top became a military controlled area. Then the whole lot moved to the channel ports for embarkation. Many men never returned, not only British and American but Canadians, Free French, Poles and many others went as well. We should never forget and it should never be forgotten the sacrifice that so many gave in the liberation of mainland Europe.

Today the feelings over Europe run high again, but for a different set of reasons. I sometimes wonder if this may have been forgotten by some in Europe, who feel it necessary to penalise the British people for even daring to think that they might want to take control of their own destiny!

Finally, this month’s picture courtesy of the AONB, is of the Mendip Hills Young Rangers with manager, Jim Hardcastle, and support and communications officer Sarah Catling, taken outside the Environment Youth Awards (EYA) stand at the Royal Bath and West Show, with the EYA team.

It must be pointed out that the EYA team do not fall into the categories of either youth or young!

Hope the summer comes back!

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

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YEO VALLEY

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It’s all in the name

A BEWILDERING number of plants are now available at garden centres and nurseries with an even more bewildering array of names, many of them completely unpronounceable.

So why is a Michaelmas daisy no longer an Aster, and why are there so many different varieties to choose from?

With MARY Are the new ones any better than the old PAYNE MBE ones for our gardens? It seems to me that as soon as a plant becomes fashionable and appears at the Chelsea Flower Show in several gardens, the taxonomists seem to think it must be ripe for investigation and DNA is to blame in many cases.

Nursery owners are always on the look-out for something new from which to make a bit of money and there is nothing wrong with that, but I do have the feeling that many of these “new” plants are not tried and tested before appearing for sale.

One such case was Anemone Wild Swan – voted Plant of the Year at Chelsea in 2011. It hit the nurseries by storm, recommended as a long flowering perennial. It had been trialled for some time on one nursery, but when it got out into a wider variety of situations it failed to perform and is now regarded with some caution.

Plant of the Century in 2000 Geranium Rozanne has, however, gone on to become one of the most useful hardy geraniums flowering from June to October. I wonder how this year’s Plant of the Year winner, Sedum takesimense Atlantis will fare?

Some plants are quite promiscuous and so many seedlings may appear being slightly different from the parent plant, but do we really need them all to be given names and be on sale? So how does the average gardener decide? The simplest way is to look for a variety that displays a small trophy on its label or alternatively AGM. This stands for Award of Garden Merit and is given by the Royal Horticultural Society to plants that have stood the test of time and done well in their trials over a period of years, not just for one season.

Hattie’s Pin Cushions (Astrantia) have been popular cottage plants for many years and there are 110 different ones to choose from, but of those only three have been awarded the coveted AGM. One of these is Astrantia Roma AGM. This variety is sterile and as a result keeps flowering for longer and does not set seed. It must therefore be propagated by division of the crown in the autumn or spring.

One thing that constantly annoys gardeners is common plants that change their name. Many, but not all, of the stalwarts of the late summer flowering sedums have now become Hylotelephium, and Kaffir Lilies, once known as the tongue twister Schizostylis are now Hesperantha – a little easier to pronounce.

A recent crazy change is that your well-loved African violet (Saintpaulia) is no longer and has joined forces with the Cape primroses to become Streptocarpus. The poor genus Aster has suffered even more indignation. The North American asters, better known as Michaelmas daisies, have been hived off into a completely unpronounceable genus, Symphyotrichum, whilst other asters have become Eurybia which sounds like some dire disease.

Only the Eurasian asters have retained the generic name Aster including the justly popular Aster x frikartii Monch.

Common names can often cause confusion as one plant may have several common names e.g. bindweed is also known as PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Astrantia Roma

withywind in deepest Somerset, and syringa is a common name for Philadelphus, but also the botanical name for lilac so I am quite pleased that scientific names sort it all out, but I do have sympathy with amateur gardeners.

Plant breeding based on pure genetics (not genetic modification), rather than natural selection, is making great strides in giving us pest and disease resistant plants such that our use of pesticides can be minimised, whilst yields are maintained or even improved.

We have cucumbers, courgettes and peas resistant to powdery mildew, brassicas resistant to club root and white blister and many more. Look carefully in your seed catalogues. For those who are troubled by leek moth there is now a pheromone trap available that lures the male moths to a sticky end using the sex hormone of the female moth.

This method of pest reduction is being increasingly deployed and traps area available for plum moth, apple codling moth, pea moth and tortrix moth. Congratulations to Simon Groot a Dutch plant breeder who has just received the 2019 World Food Prize for his work, developing disease resistant vegetables for farmers in South East Asia.

There is a new dessert apple variety bred by East Malling called Saturn which is scab and mildew resistant – a huge bonus for growers in the West Country where scab is so common. It is rare for a commercial variety to be also recommended for amateur gardeners but this one is, and another bonus is that it is self-fertile.

Another trend is for dwarfer, compact plants suitable for growing in patio pots and containers as our gardens get ever smaller. How about Raspberry Yummy which only grows to 18 inches (45cm) or a dwarf mulberry with the horrendous name of Morus ’Waisei-kirishima-shikinari’, but often referred to as Charlotte Russe. No guesses where it came from with a name like that!

Weigela seem to get smaller every year to suit pots with Pink Poppet weighing in at just two feet tall and offering repeat flowering during the summer months.

Exaggerated claims in catalogues may tempt you to buy but beware. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

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J U LY G A R D E N T I P S

GARDENING

• It is time to sow winter flowering pansies, primrose and polyanthus. All are best sown in seed compost in seed trays. Cover the pansies with ¼” of compost but cover the others with cling film and put them in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks before bringing them out into a cool place to germinate. All these plants germinate best if kept cool.

• It is also time to sow your wallflowers; these are sown thinly into a prepared seedbed (water well before sowing) outside, prior to lifting and planting out in the autumn.

• Remove the dead flowers from tall perennials such as delphiniums, lupins and foxgloves. This will encourage them to flower again this year.

• Fill any gaps in your borders and pots with plants that provide instant colour.

• If you are having a few friends around for a party in the garden brighten the place up with a few extra planted pots!

• Some perennials such as Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) can be too successful and may seed themselves everywhere. To limit their spread, remove the flowers as soon as they fade so that seeds cannot form.

• Stake sunflowers and other tall plants.

• Provide water for birds to bathe and drink.

• Plant butterfly and bee friendly plants in a warm sunny place. Try Buddleja, Hebe, wallflowers, Sedums, marjoram, mints, Aster, Solidaster, Solidago, heathers, and thyme.

Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you

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

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES GARDEN SHEDS SHELTERS & STABLES PLAYHOUSES Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs

We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 63

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MENDIP TIMES

New business

Weston Garden Machinery Garden Machinery & Woodburning Specialists

Ride-on mowers, designed for the tight spots

A NEWLYfounded gardening business based in Nailsea, Ranzo Gardening, covers the North Somerset and South Bristol areas.

As well as lawn mowing, decking care, hedge trimming and tidying jobs, they specialise in what you could call “heavy gardening” taking the strenuous physical aspect out of your own gardening efforts.

This might include removing unwanted trees and roots, rubbish removal, shifting soil/stone or building a workshop or brick BBQ according to your lifestyle and garden use.

Key to their ethos is productive and environmentallyfriendly gardens; they’re big on planting and pruning apple, pear and plum trees that are easy to keep and reward you greatly!

They are keen to listen to your requirements of how you would like to enjoy your outdoors from a low maintenance space in which to relax or an active place for growing and play! Ranzo can also help with other DIY jobs around the house. Get in touch!"

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

Tel: 01934 626093/813261

PERFECT PAVE

www.westongarden.co.uk

Perfect Pave, based on the Valley Line industrial estate, in Cheddar, has built an enviable reputation over the last 16 years for the quality of its work installing block paving and other landscaping products. Now founders Alex Howley and Simon Bethell have set up a new service run by James Starmer supplying these products to both the trade and public, as well as continuing to expand their installation team. e company now has contracts all over the South West and offers a wide choice of projects.

Now supplying – as well as installing – landscaping products to the commercial and domestic trade Wider range and cheaper prices than builders’ merchants or garden centres

Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Stowey Gardens Stowey Dormers

GARDENING

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NURSERY

MASBURY, NR. WELLS, SOMERSET BA5 3HA TEL: 01749 841014 FAX: 01749 841055 www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

COME & SEE OUR FINE RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, SHRUBS, GERANIUMS & FUCHSIAS A WARM welcome awaits you in Stowey, near Bishop Sutton, where the gardens at Dormers, Stowey Mead and Manor Farm are opening in support of the National Garden Scheme. These gardens have something of interest for everyone, from vegetables to topiary, ponds, a ha-ha, flower-packed beds and borders, orchards, exotic garden, roses, shrubs and trees as well as many other delightful features.

Each garden is unique and, year-on-year, new developments and features can be found. Graham Nicol’s speciality sweet peas at Dormers are inspirational and not to be missed. Trees and teas are a speciality at Stowey Mead; Manor Farm offers extensive views, past “Stowey Henge”, from the lawns with the well-established lavender hedge.

Plenty of seating is available in each garden enticing the visitors to rest a while to enjoy the delightful views. Please join them for an interesting afternoon looking around other people's gardens!

Facilities: Cream teas, with home-made cakes and scones, will be available at Stowey Mead. There will be a large and varied plant stall at Dormers. Teas and plants will be sold in aid of Stowey Church.

Opening details: Sunday, July 21st from 2pm to 6pm.

Combined admission: £5, children under 16 free.

Address and postcode: Stowey, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS39 5TL.

Visit our MASBURY’S CAFE

Serving breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea Delicious homemade meals. Sunday Roasts, Outside catering, buffet lunches delivered, themed cuisine events.

Telephone 01749 841155 for further details.

BROWSE AROUND JAMES STORE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS www.rockymountainnurseries.co.uk

Stowey Manor Farm

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

ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS – SET IN 12 WONDERFUL ACRES – MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Cricket book captures 175 years of village life

A NEW book celebrating 175 years of village cricket opens up a window on life in Somerset through the Victorian and Edwardian eras to the present day.

The book, published by Congresbury Cricket Club in association with Congresbury History Group, tells much more than the story of cricket in the village over the generations.

“The more research I did, the more people I spoke to, the more I realised how the fabric of village life and the development of cricket were intertwined,” said local historian and author Clive Burlton.

The book, with 112 pages, 60,000 words and 250 images draws on the archives held by both the cricket club and the history group as well as recounting the memories of villagers and players, past and present.

Clive, a club vice president, explained: “Among the many nuggets we’ve found is a photograph and an account of a 1907 men v women cricket match in the village

Wartime survivors

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Men v women 1907

with men batting lefthanded with broomsticks!

“We also found recipes for all sorts of cakes and pies written by village ladies with known links to cricketers of the time which sparked the idea for a cricket tea bake-off at the Congresbury Fete on June 29th.”

The oldest

FROME Family History Group has produced a book about the men from the Frome area who returned home after WWI. The book, Frome Survivors – Those who returned from WW1 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the war.

The group started work in 2012 and using internet sources were able to identify the service records of more than 140 men.

They researched the men’s early lives, their time during the war and what happened to them after they returned home. The book includes over 120 photos and maps and costs £10 plus P&P.

document uncovered is the scorebook from 1919. The first match after WWI was against Weston-super-Mare – the two clubs met again in April this year in a pre-season friendly almost 100 years later.

The book tells far more than the story of Congresbury CC, looking at the development of cricket in North Somerset from the middle of the 19th century with extensive use of newspaper archives since the 1850s.

The book was designed and produced by Bristol Books and can also be obtained online at www.bristolbooks.org

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HISTORY

Celebrating 20 years of Mendip exploration

IN 1999 Penny Stokes, then the Countryside Officer for Mendip District Council, sat down with four enthusiasts to talk about ways of learning more about the history and archaeology of the Charterhouse area.

Within a very short time that small group had increased to well over 40 and with the help of Vince Russett, the North Somerset archaeologist, had formed itself into the Charterhouse Environs Research Team, CHERT for short.

It was the birth of community archaeology in the area and in the coming years several other similar groups formed as a direct result of CHERT’s success.

For the following two decades members have met every Tuesday morning at Charterhouse. Their remit has always been to study the archaeology and history of the area and rain or shine they have worked tirelessly to bring to life the hidden story of Charterhouse.

So 20 years after that first meeting, what has CHERT achieved?

Initially they started out by surveying the archaeological sites over the area around Charterhouse and Velvet Bottom intensively, producing wonderful scale drawings which are now held in the Wells and Mendip Museum.

Another early project was researching and carrying out a two-year archaeological survey for the M.O.D. in the area around Yoxter which is a unique and undisturbed historic mining area.

When the Mendip Hills AONB Service started work on the Lifelines project (surveying and studying the stone walls on the Mendip Plateau), CHERT joined in enthusiastically and worked hard at research, field work and drawings. No fewer than 26 members are acknowledged in the resulting publication.

Time Team descended on Charterhouse in 2005 with a view to carrying out a magnetometry survey and selected test pits of the Roman town site and of course, CHERT members were there to help.

Alas, it was not to be as it was very quickly discovered that the high levels of lead contamination in the soil made it unsafe to excavate, in spite of the white protective suits that were issued to all the diggers. The survey, however, was completed and it revealed a Roman settlement based around extensive lead and silver extraction in the area and

CHERT in action, uncovering the 17th century cottage near Charterhouse

which was about four times larger than had previously been believed.

A few years later when a member obtained permission to carry out a couple of excavations in the same field, everyone dug enthusiastically with no ill effects. The results of those two digs were impressive with a previously unknown 17th.century cottage being revealed in the first and a corn dryer in the second. Without the hard work of CHERT those structures would have remained hidden.

A lottery grant was obtained to enable the production of a leaflet for walkers in the Charterhouse area. It contained a map together with photos of sites of particular interest along with a brief description.

Several members made a number of trips to the British Library in London to study the diaries of the Rev John Skinner, an 18th century antiquarian who excavated a great many sites in the area and kept meticulous diaries detailing his findings.

They spent many hours transcribing the parts relating to drawings of sites on Mendip and the resulting ‘CHERT Index of the Drawings and Sketches of the Reverend John Skinner’ can be found at https://www.bacas.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2017/08/CHERTSkinnerIndex.pdf Over the years, members have given talks to groups all over the area about different aspects of Mendip and Charterhouse. They have led walks,

written articles for local publications and participated in the National Festival of Archaeology for several years with talks and displays in St Hugh’s Church, Charterhouse and with walks around the area.

There was always plenty of time for relaxation and fun though. Over the years there have been 17 coach trips to sites of particular interest and one memorable afternoon members could have been found standing on what appeared to be small boulders scattered amongst the heather on Exmoor, only to discover that in fact they were standing on the top of a stone circle which had almost disappeared over the centuries.

There have also been seven visits to European archaeological destinations in Spain, Rome, Ostia, Corfu and Butrint in Albania.

CHERT has always been a close-knit, happy group of enthusiasts and has encouraged people to study. As mature students, at least six members have subsequently obtained degrees in archaeology from Bristol University.

Every Tuesday morning you will still find those same stalwarts gathering at Charterhouse, albeit fewer in number nowadays. It is a magnificent group that has done and continues to do wonderful work in bringing the history of one small part of Mendip to life. Long may it continue.

Roberta Hunt Chairman

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 67

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MENDIP TIMES

Memorial to airmen who died on D-Day

WHILE the world commemorated the 75th anniversary of DDay on June 6th, a poignant memorial service took place in a field between Bristol Airport and Barrow Gurney to remember two airmen who crashed and died on the same day on a training flight from what was then RAF Lulsgate Bottom.

Flying Officer Harold Roots, aged 24, and Flight Lieutenant Peter Cadman DFC, aged 22, died after their Airspeed Oxford MK 1 caught fire.

A relative, Simon Roots, arranged the service and for a memorial to be placed under a tree on the edge of the field.

Representatives from the RAF, service organisations and the local community attended.

A local 16-year-old farm boy, Jim Vowles, of Freemans Farm, witnessed the crash and ran across the field in vain to help. His sister, Mary Carnell, now aged 81, was six when she arrived home from school to see what had happened.

She attended the service with her son, Philip, elder brother, Mervyn, and Jim’s son, Chris, who now runs the farm.

The memorial

Harold Henry Victor Roots (third from left) PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Flying Officer Harold Henry Victor Roots

The Last Post

Mary Carnell, with son Philip behind her, with Chris Vowles (back left) and his uncle Mervyn Vowles

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HISTORY

Singers exhibition unearths mystery portrait

Finds Day in Frome

John Webb Singer at the foundry (second from right)

Laura Burnett at a previous finds day at the museum

THE team behind Casting the World: The Story of J.W.Singer & Sons, Frome have discovered an intriguing image, thought to be showing the acclaimed 19th Century French sculptor Camille Claudel, when she visited

Frome during the 1880s.

The image was found by exhibition curator, Sue Bucklow, when looking through the glass plate negatives that were rescued from the J.W. Singer & Sons Foundry.

These plate glass negatives are records of the works that were produced at the foundry during the Victorian era and offer a unique insight into working life there.

Images taken from the negatives will form a key element of the Casting the World exhibition, which launches in Frome at the end of June.

Sue has been researching John Webb Singer, the Singer foundry and his family since 2000, and was intrigued to come across this portrait, as most of the other negatives show the monuments, sculptures, ecclesiastical and domestic work that the factory produced.

Through her research, Sue later discovered that John Webb Singer’s daughter Amy had shared a studio in Paris with Camille Camille Claudel Claudel and began to wonder if the woman in the portrait could be Claudel, who is known to have stayed with Amy and the Singer family in July 1886.

She said “Through research I discovered Camille was incredibly interested in photography and that on a rainy day in Frome, she and Amy had written to fellow studio partner Jessie Lipscomb, asking her to send the glass plate negatives that documented her trip to England so that they could print them.”

Camille was the student of Auguste Rodin, later becoming his lover and his muse, with many art historians attributing some of his most famous works to her influence.

Rodin became the patron of the studio that Camille shared with Amy, and whilst the expressive, figurative sculptural works Camille created are on display across France and the world, little is known about the whereabouts of Amy’s work.

The exhibition runs from Saturday, June 29th until Sunday, July 28th at Rook Lane Chapel, Bath Street, Frome, with the exhibition preview from 5pm-7pm on Friday, June 28th.

Details: www.rooklanearts.org.uk/castingtheworld

FROME Museum will be celebrating the Festival of Archaeology in July by hosting a finds day.

Somerset Finds Liaison Officer, Laura Burnett and Dr David Robinson of the British Museum Money and Medals Network will be at the museum on North Parade on Saturday, July 27th to identify archaeological finds, coins and medals.

Local metal detectorist Dave Crisp, who found the Frome Hoard of Roman coins, will have some of his finds on display and will be pleased to answer any questions about the hoard and metal detecting in general.

The Frome Tunnels Team, including museum trustee Colin Wisbey, will also be showing their archaeological finds from the tunnels beneath the town.

The museum is open between 10am and 2pm. For details visit: www.fromemuseum.wordpress.com or find them on Facebook.

There be dragons

MOST churches have weathercocks, but Compton Dando has a weather dragon, installed to keep evil spirits at bay.

The dragon has been repaired and re-gilded by David Dawson of Dawson Steeplejacks at their workshops in Hewish.

It needed its eye and tongue replaced and repairs to its spindal tube.

Weathercocks were first fitted in the fifth century as a watchful eye of the Almighty, being the first to rise in the mornings and the last to roost at night. One of the oldest in our area is at Keynsham Church and dates from 1655. David is the eighth generation of his family involved in the business.

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 69

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

New shop is Sen.se-tional!

Students and guests at the opening of the Sen.se shop in Bath Street

Frome mayor Mark Dorrington was joined by Mendip District Council chair Helen Sprawson-White and some of the students as he cut the ribbon

A POP-up shop has opened in Frome run by students from special schools across Somerset and stocked with their own products.

The Sen.se shop, in Bath Street, is the result of a collaborative partnership between the non-independent special schools in Somerset and specialist provision in the county. Sen.se stands for “Special Educational Needs. Somerset Expertise”.

Previous versions of the shop appeared in Taunton and Yeovil and there are hopes that future ventures could be located in other

Farm service awards

towns in Mendip.

Mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, cut the ribbon and said: “I am delighted that this project has chosen to come to Frome. It is really important that we enable our young people to access valuable work experience opportunities and gain skills for life and this shop will do just that.”

Products range from gifts, ornaments, jams and upcycled furniture, to limited-edition paintings, cards, sweets and plants, silk scarves, lavender products, candles, bird feeders, printed aprons, bags and mugs. l Sen.se is open Mondays-Saturdays and will also open to coincide with the Frome Independent market on Sunday, July 7th.

It will close its doors on Saturday, July 13th.

ROYAL Bath and West Show president, Countess Bathurst, presented long service awards at the show to six agricultural workers who have totalled almost 290 years of service between them.

Head of shows, Alan Lyons, said: “Recognising those within the agricultural and farming sectors has always been a big part of the Show. It’s so important to thank those who have dedicated their lives to the industry and made remarkable achievements throughout.”

Kevin Baker, Bruton, 45 years

John Osborne, Evercreech, 40 years

Chris Harris, Westfield, 54 years

Robert Luke, Frome, 47 years

David Barnett, Maiden Bradley, 51 years

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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READER’S OPINION

How big a threat to health is the expansion of Bristol Airport?

BRISTOL Airport expansion could jeopardise the long-term health of unborn babies due to massive increases in toxic emissions from planes and vehicles, it has been claimed.

A new Aberdeen University landmark study showed that exposure to air pollution is linked to the stunting of babies’ growth during pregnancy. A smaller gestational birth size is also associated with conditions later in life, including, coronary artery disease, type two diabetes and asthma.

Paediatrician, Professor Steve Turner, who led the study, said: “The government has taken action to improve health with tobacco and there are rising concerns about food and alcohol. The next public health beast is tackling air pollution.

“Anything that increases air toxicity is putting peoples’ health at risk. A bigger airport would mean a greater amount of combustible fuels from planes and cars which would intensify exposure. The less fossil fuel we burn the better for future health.”

Bristol Airport, owned and run by the Canadian-based Ontario Teachers’ Pension Professor Steve Plan is seeking permission to handle up to Turner 12 million passengers annually by 2025 with a potential to increase to 20 million.

The expansion would mean 97, 373 aircraft movements in a 12month calendar period: a flight almost every three minutes and an average of 9,500 extra vehicle movements every day.

Talullah Gaylard, aged 31, of Wrington, who is eight months pregnant, said: “I can take multi-vitamins, not drink alcohol, go to pregnancy yoga but air pollution is completely out of my control.

I don’t want a massive expansion at Bristol Airport that is going to impact on my child’s health. My brother hasn’t flown for the last seven years because he believes it is unsustainable.”

The Aberdeen University scientists reviewed more than ten years of global research to establish the extent to which mothers’ exposures to air pollution affects foetal growth.

They discovered evidence that nitrogen dioxide – primarily generated by vehicle traffic, resulted in smaller foetal head size in the last three months of pregnancy.

Professor Turner added: “It could possibly happen before the last trimester but we would not be able to monitor this. The air pollution studies were from Australia, the USA and countries in Europe. In all, the evidence was clear that in the third trimester, exposure to nitrogen dioxide reduced foetal growth.

“There is nothing a pregnant mum can do about air pollution – you can eat healthily, exercise and reduce stress but you can’t do anything about the quality of air you breathe, or your unborn child takes in.

“Nobody knows the baseline of the amount of pollution that can cause harm. This needs legislation, taxation and someone to champion cleaner air.”

He called for public health measures to minimise pregnant women’s’ risks.

Wrington parish councillor, Donna Robertson, said: “Bristol Airport seems to be tinkering around the edges of the environment with bland PR about litter pick-ups and paper cups. This is about a serious danger to health and not just in our own backyard.

“If the airport expands and permanent airspace change

Talullah Gaylard mum-to-be

proposals are agreed, a greater number of communities in Somerset will be flown over by thousands more planes.

Approaches and descents will start from many other directions across the region, affecting wide

areas of the South West.

“This can be viewed on the Civil Aviation Authority website www.caa.co.uk under Permanent Airspace Change Proposal CAP 1616, Bristol. Along with this, millions more cars will pour through the region.

“It is imperative district councillors and the government stop this expansion, not only for the environment and climate change but for public health.”

North Somerset councillors are soon set to decide whether to approve the controversial expansion of Bristol Airport to a level where emissions would be greater than the rest of the local authority put together.

Bristol Airport has one of the UK’s lowest passenger uses of public transport. More than 87 per cent of passengers in 2017 reached the airport by car.

Development to 12 million passengers annually will generate an average of 9,500 additional vehicle movements per day and at peak periods around 13,000 extra, daily – that’s 28,000 private vehicle journeys per day or 10.2 million car journeys a year through North Somerset to and from the airport.

The airport’s business model requires high levels of on-site car parking using green belt land, so it’s not in the airport’s interests to promote sustainable alternative transport methods.

The advisory Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recently stated the UK's planned increase in aviation needs to be curbed to restrict CO2.

When the government first laid out proposals for increasing aviation, the UK had an overall target of cutting CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050 but the CCC is recommending Britain adopt a target of net zero emissions by either capturing CO2 and storing it or planting more trees.

In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report on the state of climate science, warning that if the planet warmed by more than 1.5C there would be devastating consequences, including the loss of most coral reefs, increased extreme weather, heatwaves and floods.

Ensuring the planet keeps to 1.5C will need a radical and rapid shift across energy, land, industrial, urban and agriculture to reduce emissions.

In a joint US study by Columbia University and the University of California, scientists measured carbon monoxide levels at the 12 largest airports in California tracking rates of heart and lung disease among six million residents.

The incidence of asthma and respiratory diseases was, on average, 17 percent higher among those living within 6.2 miles of an airport. Cardiac problems were nine percent more common, with the elderly and very young particularly at risk.

Melanie Greenwood, Wrington

Details: melanie.greenwood16@gmail.com on 07940 519297 or Donna Robertson domayrobertson@gmail.com

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

For Sale By Auction

Redhill, North Somerset • Guide Price £450,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a detached, three bedroom cottage.

Occupying an elevated position and set within a generous plot with fine views. Requiring updating but with scope for extension (subject to the usual consents). In total 0.64 acres. EPC:F. Ref: 24264

Redhill, North Somerset • Guide Price £300,000

Former agricultural barn with planning permission to convert into two, three bedroom dwellings. Stunning rural position with magnificent views, approx 3250 sq ft total. Option to purchase a further agricultural barn in the future. Planning ref: 18/P/5224/CQA.

Auction: Tuesday 30th July 2020 (unless sold prior)

Rowberrow, Nr Churchill • Guide Price £650,000

A large detached farmhouse requiring modernisation and offering some 3500 sq ft of accommodation; 5 bedrooms, 3 receptions, kitchen, utility, cloaks shower and bathroom. Barn attached, tractor shed and additional outbuildings and paddocl. In all .9 acre. Epc: G. Ref: 22236

Wraxall, North Somerset • Guide Price £450,00

A detached 1920’s house located in a rural lane with views over farmland to front and rear. Three/four bedrooms, bathroom, annexe room with shower on ground floor. Sitting room, dining room, and kitchen. Integral garage. Good size garden adjoining farmland.

Requires modernisation. EPC: E Ref: 25633.

Contact the Wrington Office: 01934 864307 PAGE 72 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Sandford, North Somerset • Guide Price £595,000

LOOKING FOR A LARGE FAMILY HOUSE? A detached five bedroom family house with three reception rooms and two bathrooms, over 2500 sq ft of accommodation and planning to extend further. Gated driveway with plenty of parking, garage and outbuilding. Large level garden. EPC: C Ref: 25608

West Hewish, North Somerset • Guide Price £595,000

A quality detached house in cottage style offering spacious four bedroom accom. Three reception rooms, open plan kitchen with Aga, en suites, cloakroom and utility. Landscaped gardens, two drives, detached double garage with contemporary flat over. EPC: B Ref: 23838

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PROPERTY

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 73

MENDIP TIMES

Swallets under Black Down

With PHILIP HENDY

I HAVE previously described three big caves formed by streams flowing south from the Black Down sandstone. They are the Charterhouse Cave and G.B. Cave complex, and

Longwood Swallet.

They each have their challenges and are popular with experienced cavers. The Black Down streams are also responsible for forming other caves, both of which are interesting, though maybe not visited quite so often.

A quarter of a mile west from the Charterhouse crossroads lies Manor Farm, where a stream flows through the farmyard to sink rather indeterminately in the floor of the shallow valley below.

Various clubs dug in the valley in the hope of finding a cave, but it was members of the University of Bristol Speleological Society who found a chamber 20 metres down in 1966. The shaft collapsed, so they commenced blasting a shaft though solid rock in the hope of finding the chamber again.

The storm and flood of 1968 caused a collapse which re-opened the chamber. A tunnel was blasted to connect the collapse to the mined shaft, after which the collapse was blocked off and eventually backfilled.

In 1972 the dig was taken over by members of NHASA, the North Hill Association for Speleological Advancement, a team of cavers from various clubs formed in 1965 when digging North Hill Swallet at Eastwater, Priddy. A year later, the cave was entered.

It is essentially a single stream passage and with some good formations. The 14metre entrance shaft is protected by a wall to exclude inquisitive cattle. Below this September Rift, a five-metre climb, leads to the cave proper. This is a roomy passage where the stream is first met with.

After heavy rain it can be quite wet.

The cave descends steeply to Curtain Chamber, with its large brown and white curtain. A six-metre pitch can be freeclimbed or bypassed, and then the stream is followed along a rift to a short squeeze, Albert’s Eye, where one of the NHASA explorers, Albert Francis, got mud in his eye.

An inlet is passed, and then John Ham’s Corner, a sharp bend is reached. John, another NHASA digger, was temporarily trapped here by a boulder which fell on him during exploration. The passage continues until the stream disappears amongst boulders.

A hole was seen along a black calcited ledge and when entered a large passage with a flat roof was discovered. NHASA Gallery is almost 100 metres long and up to ten metres wide. It lies above the main streamway, but continues far beyond it.

There are several short and decorated inlets, and much digging has taken place over the years, but it was in 2009 that a group calling themselves the Fat Belly Boyes engineered a route at the end of NHASA Gallery which they called Silence of the Lamb.

Climbs and squeezes, rifts and chambers, eventually terminate in a sump.

This discovery takes the cave to a depth of 179 metres, making it the second deepest on Mendip after Charterhouse Cave.

Two miles to the west and bounded westwards by the short stretch of road between the two sharp bends at Tyning’s Farm, is a field with four Bronze Age round barrows. One has almost been ploughed flat, but the others are clearly visible. They are a scheduled monument.

During the 1968 flood, a hole opened up near the road and members of the Axbridge Caving Group explored 40 metres of cave, naming it Tyning’s Barrows Swallet. It was soon filled in by the farmer, but negotiation resulted in members of the Grampian Speleological Group re-opening the cave eight years later.

In 1979 a joint effort by these diggers and the Bristol Exploration Club extended the cave to a terminal pebble choke, where they decided to stop. They called it A Day. The entrance, a five-metre concrete pipe shaft, is dry, but inlets further down admit water to form a small stream which eventually sinks at A Day. It is likely that the water forms part of the Cheddar catchment. There are various small inlet passages; White Dog Passage at a junction where a hare’s skeleton was found was pushed by members of the Wessex Cave Club in 1977 to find Dragon

CAVING

Manor Farm Swallet, Streamway curtain

Chamber, a 12-metre chamber which ascends to end some ten metres high, almost under a filled surface depression.

The other major discovery was made by the BEC in 1979, when Drunken Horse Inlet was found at the end of a roomy rift passage. The route ascends via a short waterfall and a dog-leg squeeze to an unstable boulder choke and a sump. The choke was passed with care to enter Mountbatten Chamber, roomy but loose.

The main stream passage is a descending rift, which is generally quite easy to negotiate, but there are various obstacles – squeezes, crawls and climbs, some of which require ladders. In places the limestone has been eroded to leave sharp fossils protruding.

One ascending inlet, Velcro Passage, is well-named. Some of the features have been imaginatively named. Pyramid Pot was where the original explorers had to form a human pyramid to climb back up this three-metre drop.

Paton Place was named after the manager of Tyning’s Farm in the 1970s, but the nearby slab of rock perched above the rift was named The Book after the novel. Another three-metre blind pot, the Aardvark Trap, has to be crossed to reach the lower reaches of the cave. To date, no aardvarks have been caught, perhaps the wrong bait is being used.

These two caves lie fairly close together, but are quite dissimilar in character, both in the number of calcite formations and with different stream sizes. They both, however, provide a sporting trip, with quite a few routefinding problems.

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

PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

(Photograph by Phil Hendy)

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MENDIP TIMES

Unhealthy ambition

IT’S not often I get on the national news these days but up I popped asking Boris Johnson if he’d ever snorted cocaine. It was on Have I Got News for You back in 2005 and Johnson waffled his way through the answer.

He said: “I did… I did… but I sneezed it

By Dr PHIL back out again and it had no effect on me at HAMMOND all and it may well in fact have been icing sugar, but in any case I was a very silly, silly billy…”

I remember thinking what an unusual personality he had, endearing to some but entirely unsuited to prime minister. And here we are, 14 years later, and the biggest prize is his to lose. I was embarrassed, rather than horrified, at the illicit drugs confessions from assorted candidates.

I did lots of things at medical school that might destroy my career as a future politician if they were plastered all over the Daily Mail and we should forgive some youthful experimentation lest we end up with another robot leader.

But we do need a leader who is compassionate, competent and collaborative, and of those currently on display Rory Stewart would be a far greater threat to Labour than Johnson.

Politicians are an odd breed, not least the current crop of ageing Conservatives many of whom were “early borders”.

Being separated from your parents at a young age and sent away to prep and public schools (aka borstals for the rich) can play havoc with your long-term mental health.

The combination of early abandonment and a reflex desire to please your distant parents puts you under huge pressure to make the most of your gold-plated ticket into the judiciary, the army, the City and, especially, government.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be the making of you,” is all the reassurance you get as you’re despatched to the rough house at seven, so your parents can enjoy their affairs in relative privacy.

I went to Marlborough College as a boarder, but only for the sixth form, having enjoyed a good state school education. I skipped the waiting list and the fees (currently £40,000 a year) because a kindly headmaster gifted me a place to recognise the contribution my deceased Australian dad had made as a chemistry teacher.

I relished the opportunity, cruising into Cambridge to study medicine which I doubt I would have done back then from the local comprehensive. But what struck me most was how damaged some of the pupils were (my floor consisted entirely of four parent families) and how good they became at disguising it.

All that money buys you a sense of entitlement and supreme confidence, often far in excess of your competence. And the culture of elitism can make you a bully beyond any accountability.

Mr Johnson, our likely prime minister, has called gay men “bum boys”, black Africans “Pickaninnies with watermelon smiles” and likened Muslim women wearing hijabs to “bank robbers” and “letter boxes”, without any understanding of the harm his comments have done.

We may not want a robot leader, but we certainly don’t want a cruel one. Fortunately, he won’t last long.

Dr Phil is launching his campaign to become Health Secretary at the Komedia in Bath on July 4th.

Details: www.drphilhammond.com

PAGE 78 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Plop the Raindrop

GIVEN my great age, you might expect me to be a bit of an expert on just about everything. The fact is I’ve the attention span of an ice cube, which vaguely remembers getting frozen in a fridge.

We water droplets don’t need to think and don’t generally bother. We literally go with the flow, going where tides and clouds take us.

But over all the years since I landed on earth, I do recall how some things have changed. How water got here at all is a mystery.

I suspect I was on an asteroid full of ice that crashed here.

That was probably about four billion years ago. I told you I was old.

It was a pretty miserable place back then, with all kinds of stuff crashing down and volcanoes exploding in all directions.

I was just a puff of steam most of the time.

A couple of billion years later, some weird, tiny microorganisms started to appear, but it wasn’t until 535 million years ago that actual animals and plants came along. Most of them were wiped out by an ice age.

I was stuck in the ice for ages, so I was safe from harm. Lots of times over millions of years there were events of mass extinction, as they are known, but always new life seemed to find a way back.

Then the dinosaurs appeared and ruled the earth for about 150 million years. I can still remember the smell and taste of dinosaur poo.

I can also remember the skies turning black and blocking out the sun, when a huge chunk of rock hit the earth about 65 million years ago. It wasn’t just the dinosaurs that were wiped out by that.

Again, as the skies cleared over many years, new creatures appeared, who were able to adapt to changing conditions. By this time plants had learned how to make oxygen, which is one of my relatives.

One of these new creatures was your ancestor, who appeared only about two million years ago. Human beans like you only came along about 200,000 years ago and managed to wipe out my old friend the mammoth.

I used to love sheltering in the thick fur around his neck.

It’s possible another rock might hit the earth or there might be another ice age, which could change life on earth once again.

But the biggest threat now is from you human beans.

From a few individuals in Africa, I have watched you colonise the world. Some of the early ones lived in harmony with nature, taking what they needed to live, but hardly leaving a footprint on the ground.

Now you people are everywhere, messing up the planet.

At one time, when I crossed the world in clouds, I saw the green of the forests, the blue of the sea and the white peaks of snow on the mountains.

Now I often see the red of raw earth, green polluted seas and black mountains stripped of snow. It’s very sad.

You are all much more intelligent than me, with your cars and aeroplanes and must be able to do something about it. I’ve flown with a couple of you to the moon and seen how beautiful the earth is.

I’m perfectly able to survive climate change but I don’t really want to get stuck in another ice age just yet.

MENDIP GRANDAD

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Praise for first responders

SOUTH Western Ambulance Service has been shining the spotlight on its thousands of volunteer responders who provide essential support to patients throughout the South West.

The volunteers include hundreds of Community First Responders (CFRs) who attend emergenies and care for patients before paramedics arrive and often save lives.

Rob Horton, responder manager, said: “We are extremely grateful to all our amazing volunteers who give up their time to be there when the community calls.

“I am so proud to work with these people who make such a difference to us and our patients. Thank you to you all.”

Somerset grandfather, Dave Reed, was relaxing at home on a hot summer’s afternoon when he experienced chest pains and breathing difficulties.

The retired prison officer thought he was having indigestion.

But his wife, Jenny, decided to call 999 because she was concerned it might be something more serious.

SWASFT Community First Responder (CFR) John Hill arrived within five minutes to give him routine treatment. But then Dave’s heart stopped beating and he lost consciousness.

John carried out CPR on Dave and used a defibrillator to get his heart restarted.

Then Dave went into cardiac arrest again. But with the help of paramedics John managed to resuscitate him for a second

HEALTH & FAMILY

Jenny and Dave Reed with first responder John Hill

time.

Dave was taken by ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital where he was given heart surgery. He was able to go home just three days later and has gone on to make a fantastic recovery.

Dave said: “If it wasn’t for John, I wouldn’t be here. He is my superhero. He deserves a medal.”

John said: “He fell sideways and went bright purple. When I brought him back, he was very distressed. In 17 years of being a CFR, he is only the third person I have treated for a cardiac arrest who I know has survived. It’s one I won’t forget.”

Details: If you are interested in becoming a Community First Responder, visit NHS Jobs to find out more about SWASFT recruitment in your area.

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 79

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MENDIP TIMES

Dentistry, designed for you, whatever your needs SPADENTAL welcomes dentist Lucy Williams to the practice. Lucy has a special interest in prosthetic dentistry. Also called prosthodontics, Lucy has the aesthetic skill, as well as the technical knowledge required, to replace damaged or missing teeth.

Lucy helps patients to make the choice that best suits them between crowns, bridges, dentures or implants. Not only is Lucy studying for a master’s degree in implantology at the University of Bristol, she is also a clinical supervisor of undergraduate dental students at the

University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School.

Lucy Williams joins dentist Lucy Smith who is already a firm favourite with her patients. Offering essential preventive and restorative care, Lucy takes time to get to know her patients, building trust and confidence. Lucy has a special interest in techniques for pain management. For patients with a high level of anxiety, she is qualified to administer intravenous sedation too.

To demonstrate SpaDental’s commitment to providing excellent private dental care at

Dentistry for all the family

TO meet the increasing demand for private care that caters for all the family, regardless of age or need, SpaDental Glastonbury is welcoming new patients.

SpaDental offers a full range of essential, restorative and cosmetic treatments at competitive prices in friendly, local practices across the West of England, from Devon to Shropshire.

Conveniently located close to the High Street at 3, Lambrook Street, the reception team is always willing to outline payment options and services.

SpaDental invites you to: “Give us a call, write us an email, or just drop in and ask!”

PAGE 80 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Lucy Williams with horse

competitive prices, the Glastonbury practice is offering both new patients and current patients, check-ups or clinical review throughout July and August.

Contact the Glastonbury practice team on 01458 831 883 or glastonbury@spadental.co.uk to book an appointment or ask for further information about what is best for you. You can also learn more about the practice team and treatments on the website: www.spadental.co.uk/glastonbury.

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New service for bereaved LOCAL charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care, is extending its bereavement services in Somerset with the launch of a weekly Friends in Grief (FIG) bereavement support group in Shepton Mallet.

Every Wednesday the Shepton Mallet FIG group will meet between 10am-12pm at The Brasserie & Café Bar, High St, Shepton

Mallet and is open to anyone who has been bereaved.

The first pilot Friends in Grief group was set up by Dorothy House in Malmesbury in July 2018. Dorothy House are inviting local people to get involved either by attending the new group or by becoming a trained FIG volunteer.

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The Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 81

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MENDIP TIMES MENDIP TIMES

What an achievement

VILLAGERS turned out in force to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the community-run Mells Village Shop.

Residents decided to act to save the store and post office when the previous owner sub-postmaster Robin Tindale retired.

They launched a successful fundraising campaign which enabled the Mells Estate – which owns the property – to refurbish and modernise the premises and then to open a café which is popular with locals and visitors.

Current chairman Bobby Hanscomb

COMMUNITY Clare Asquith with a copy of the book

Oliver Duffield with his prize-winning picture in a children’s art competition. His work is to be turned into postcards

Celebrating ten years – the village shop is thriving

Founding chairman Simon Fordham

A book about Mells has been published to mark the anniversary. All profits from sales of Mells A Portrait will go to the shop. Books cost £5 and are available from the shop

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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New community shop

WINFORD Community Shop is now open, supported by more than 100 members and after months of work filling the staffing rota, ordering stock and completing all the legalities.

Local people have raised nearly £30,000 to take over the former village stores. It will have a sustainable ethos, avoiding plastic bags and offering local produce where possible.

Details: www.winfordcommunityshop.org.uk

Community fund

WESSEX Water Community Fund, managed

by Quartet Community Foundation, has just handed out its first grants supporting 12 projects across the West of England.

The fund, which aims to support community cohesion projects and bring communities together across the West of England, offers grants of up to £1,500 to smaller community groups and charities.

Sue Turner, chief executive at Quartet Community Foundation said: “We are very pleased to be working together with Wessex Water to help them support local communities. This is just one of the many corporate funds we manage for the West of England and these partnerships help companies such as Wessex Water offer real community benefits where they operate.”

Ann Ramsey from the Strawberry Line Café in Yatton which was awarded £1,406 towards the cost of running four community cooking sessions for 40 people with learning disabilities said: “Our aspiration is to help people with learning disabilities enjoy a fun and interactive cooking experience.

“We hope it will make a difference by helping them to gain confidence in preparing a healthy and simple meal which they can then try at home. They will also have the opportunity to go 'behind the scenes' at our café and find out more about what it is like to work in a catering setting.”

Details: www.wessexwater.co.uk/community

COMMUNITY

Scouts are celebrating

The group congratulates Owen (centre) with award. Leader Ray Marsh is fourth from left

TWO top awards in scouting have been achieved by the 5th Frome (Hayesdown) group. The Chief Scout’s Award has been won by 14-year-old patrol leader Owen Jones.

Scout leader Ray Marsh has also been recognised by the award of the Silver Acorn for his “years of specially distinguished service”.

Owen, who lives in Frome, tackled numerous practical citizenship challenges to achieve the top award in the scout section for ten to 14-year-old youngsters and will now move up to join the Explorer Scouts.

He is preparing to fly to West Virginia in the USA for the Scouts’ World Jamboree, having been chosen as one of 27 scouts who will represent Somerset.

Ray, aged 63, has been involved since he joined as a cub scout, aged eight in his home town of Slough. He became a leader when he moved to Frome, to start his builder’s business.

Details: 5thfromescouts.org.uk or contact group scout leader, Mike Plaskitt, 01373 472101

Henton celebrates

HENTON is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its magnificent village hall this year. The hall is a focal point for many activities, including the Headway charity, the Henton Gardening Club, which regularly attracts nationally known speakers, short mat bowls, Tai Chi, the Women’s Institute and much more.

It’s also the venue for the village fete and dog show, which is on Saturday, July 13th, 2pm. This is the quintessential Somerset summer fete, traditional in character and offering a fun afternoon for all the family.

Henton lies at the centre of the “millstream” villages between Wells and Wedmore. Its close neighbours include Yarley and Bleadney. Running through them is the Lower Axe river, at one time supporting nine working mills, of which Burcott Mill, near Wookey, remains.

Tradition and innovation run hand in hand – the “Green Henton” initiative aims to make the village as sustainable and energy efficient as possible; already, members have made great progress. l Henton is trying to re-order its church to make it a community hub. The work will probably cost in the region of £200,000.

A fundraising event on Friday, August 30th, Jazz on a Summer’s Evening will feature Edward Leaker and friends in the village hall, with a cash bar and cafe-style seating. Tickets £10 adults, £5 children.

Details: jennycrossley@mbzonline.net 01749 675492

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 83

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MENDIP TIMES

Minibus reaches milestone

MIDSOMER Norton & Radstock Community Service Vehicle Trust have produced a booklet to mark the history of their local minibus service.

It was founded in 1967 as an initiative by Midsomer Norton & Radstock Rotary Club and the local Red Cross and was originally paid for by public subscription.

The minibus has been servicing local community and church groups especially those for the elderly, housebound and less-abled members, picking them up to attend lunch clubs and meetings, and undertaking one-off trips to Chew Valley Lake, local garden centres and much more.

Over the 50-plus years, many people have been involved, both driving, organising and behind the scenes. Rotary president, Reid Speirs, said: “The need for this service is just as essential now as it was at the inception.”

Copies of this free limited edition booklet 50+ Years of Community Service is available from The Treasurer, 8, St. Mark’s Road, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2EN. Donations are invited towards the ongoing work of the Trust.

A warm welcome

MEMBERS and guests of the Welcome Club in Holcombe celebrated an amazing 43 years with a birthday lunch, after which the Silver Foxes provided entertainment.

The competition for the party was a hand-made birthday card. Margaret Baron was first, Cathy Hughes second and Eileen Smith third.

To end the afternoon a beautiful birthday cake made by Linda Smith was cut by the competition winner Margaret Baron and everyone then enjoyed a slice with their cup of tea.

The club meets at Holcombe Village hall on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2.30pm. All are welcome.

Support for village hall President’s triple

THE annual Nailsea charity walks and runs is expected to raise more than £20,000.

Many local organisations were represented, the largest groups walking or running did so for St. Peter’s Hospice, Parkinson’s UK North West Somerset, Nailsea School PTA and Lions Brass4Youth.

Club president, John Hall, is giving his feet a well earned soak as he started at 6am, walked all three routes in turn starting with the 20k, 10k and ending with a gentle stroll around the 5k route by 2pm.

President John Hall PAGE 84 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

WEST Harptree is holding a big event on August 10th to raise funds for the village memorial hall. The West Fest beer and cider festival promises family fun for everyone.

There will be children’s activities in the playing field, refreshments in the village hall and a barbecue, Morris men, music and other events at the Crown.

The village hall urgently needs re-roofing.

Legion branch seeks help

THE Wells branch of the Royal British Legion is looking for a volunteer to become an assistant Poppy Appeal organiser.

The volunteer would work alongside Derek Cooper and possibly take over the role at some point. Derek said: “Being in the services is not a requirement but to be able to give up time over the coming months to help with the many plans and jobs that need doing.

“It would suit someone who is maybe retired and has the hours to spare or someone in work who can be available on various days and or evenings.”

Preparations for this year’s appeal are already underway with 2019 poppy pin badges and a commemorative D-Day pin badge available from the The Venue in Wells – the branch’s home – Wells Film Centre, Wendy’s Hair and Beauty and the Hidden Cafe in Guardhouse Lane. The annual poppy concert takes place in Wells Town Hall on Friday, October 25th.

For details about the role, contact Derek on: wellsrblpao@aol.co.uk

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COMMUNITY

Scary? Carnival’s spooky

PROMOTERS of the Somerset carnival circuit have released a new DVD featuring some of the spookiest entries.

Scary Carnival Carts includes 66 of the scariest carts to have hit the streets in recent years, with themes ranging from Halloween to magic. The DVD – raising funds for the educational organisation Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project – was on sale at the first fun day to be organised by the Castle Cary and Ansford Carnival Society at Caryford Community Hall.

Members of CISPP with the latest DVD and some of their earlier offerings

Country dancing outside the community hall

Reuben, aged five, with Archie, a prize from one of the stalls

A bit of a puzzle: Di Pinnions from the carnival society, on one of the stalls

Benefits of gardening

Game for a laugh – members of Castle Cary Comedians Carnival Club

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

THE Community Farm in Chew Magna has been awarded £2,500 by Quartet Community Foundation to support a pilot social and therapeutic horticulture project.

Hatty Richards from the Community Farm said: “This funding will enable people to take part in horticulture and nature-based activities to boost their mental health and wellbeing.”

Details: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grant-programmes/express/ MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 85

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MENDIP TIMES

30 years of caring

Somerset celebrated at flower festival

STREET United Reformed Church staged a two-day flower festival in aid of CLIC Sargent and church funds.

The theme was Somerset Our County and exhibits ranged from Glastonbury Festival and carnival to shoemaking and farming. The festival closed with a concert by the Glastonbury Male Voice Choir.

EVERY Monday, the Chew Valley Monday Club meets in Chew Magna to provide elderly, isolated folks with a healthy, cheerful start to their week.

This is now the 30th year in which the club has been making a positive difference to their members and their carers by providing respite care in a safe, friendly environment.

It creates opportunities for socialisation and camaraderie in a safe, welcoming environment, in which to make or meet friends, old and new.

Days start with tea or coffee and biscuits, followed by a raffle and other activities; then a healthy, tasty, two-course home-cooked lunch (the puddings are oh so popular).

Recently members were treated to a lunch cooked on-site by a chef from the Pony and Trap.

The variety of fun-filled, entertainment includes age-friendly exercises, clever quizzes, bingo and plenty of musical, singalong sessions. If you, as a carer or close family member, would like a break, whilst knowing that your other half is in good company having fun, then they may be your ideal answer. Pop in to see them at the Millennium Hall (next to The Old Schoolroom, Chew Magna) any Monday, between 10am and3pm.

Time for tea

TEAS are being served 2-5pm in St Mary's Church in Compton Dando every Sunday throughout the summer, ending on and including August Bank Holiday Monday, August 26th.

One of the organisers, Jenny Davis, said: “As well as serving teas, there will be an exhibition of past times in Compton Dando and a table top sale of various gift items. There are also lovely walks around the village.”

The photo shows Noreen Busby, who is a regular visitor to the Sunday teas, being treated to a cake on her special birthday.

PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Three of the organisers: Margaret Harrison, Jane Fry and Pat Harris. Jane’s mother, Olive Pursey, began the annual festival in the 1980s

Ploughing, by Ruth Stacey

Part of a display by Jenny Jones celebrating Street’s shoemaking heritage

Awash with colour

AMAZING displays of magnolia and cherry made Glastonbury awash with colour in the spring.

Now organisers of Glastonbury in Bloom are hoping the wonderful scenes have inspired gardeners to create even better displays this year and to enter the annual competition. Entry forms are available from the Glastonbury Information Centre, library and local pubs.

The closing date is Friday, July 5th. The town is entered in the Preece Cup category.

There was a good entry from St Benedict’s School in the Glastonbury in Bloom poster competition, which was open to all schools in the town. The winner was Freya De La Bedoyere, aged ten, from St Benedict’s.

Gerald Morgan and Mark Penton, joint co-ordinators of Glastonbury in Bloom said: “In 2018 we noticed many gardens, front and rear that were worthy of an entry into the competition.

Please don’t be discouraged that ‘yours won’t be good enough’; have a go it doesn’t cost anything to enter.” *The colour scheme for 2019 throughout the town’s floral displays is yellow, blue and white/silver, representing the colours contained within the coat of arms.

Ladies Circle 50th anniversary

SHEPTON Mallet Tangent enjoyed a meal recently to celebrate the 50th anniversary since Shepton Ladies Circle was formed.

Three guests were invited, Muriel Baker, Jenny Andrews and Ali Cannings. Muriel and Jenny were both founder members in 1969. Marge Sugg cut the cake and members all had fun looking at old scrapbooks.

COMMUNITY

Mendip Rotarian’s honour

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Mendip awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship to one of its past presidents, Patrick Simpson, in recognition of the exceptional community work he has done over many years.

Mr Simpson is chairman of the Food Service Centre based in Cheddar, but with outlets all over Europe.

Club president Adam Travis, pictured presenting the award, said: “Patrick exemplifies the qualities of a good Rotarian. He has supported the club through personal service and through his business contacts.

“He founded ‘The Big Pitch’, which develops entrepreneurial skills in young people, initially through the Mendip Club at Kings of Wessex Academy, but now being rolled out across our Rotary District.”

The fellowship is awarded in the name of Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris. The Rotary Club of Mendip meets on Thursday evenings in Draycott.

Details: www.rotaryribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1215

Community awards

LOCAL learning disability support provider, Discovery, has given the first round of grants from the Discovery Community Fund to seven community groups, totalling almost £90,000.

The fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation, aims to support improvements to the health and independence of adults with learning disabilities and autism right across the county of Somerset.

It is the result of a partnership between Discovery and Somerset County Council. Luke Joy-Smith, managing director at Discovery, said: “We want to use this fund to help people to live a full and active life and the first seven community groups will certainly do that, with a range of exciting and valuable activities.

“We are looking forward to seeing what these groups can do with their funds and to launching the next round of awards in September.”

The seven groups to benefit from funding are: The Angel, run by the Langport Church Community Trust, £2,870; Calvert Trust Exmoor, £10,000; Dunster Festival, delivering classical music to the Seahorses Day Centre in Minehead, £684; Openstorytellers in Frome, £20,320; Orchard Vale Trust, county-wide, £15,651; People First Dorset in Crewkerne and Chard, £29,985; The Pod in Frome, £7,500.

Details: Somerset Community Foundation 01749 344949 www.somersetcf.org.uk

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(Photo courtesy of Nick Spratling)

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A vision comes closer to reality THINGS might not have worked out quite as Star Murray first hoped, but his vision of a mobile project to help the homeless in Mendip and the surrounding area is about to become a reality.

His converted and refurbished coach – now called Help the Homeless Coach Café – which is also his home, will be officially unveiled on Saturday, July 13th in Priddy.

Health and safety and insurance restrictions mean that his original intention of welcoming homeless people on board the coach for a coffee, simple meal and a chat have been shelved.

Instead, Star plans to set up a large gazebo on the side of the coach and serve visitors outside. A donation of a heavy gauge double gazebo would be welcome.

The stainless steel kitchen area is now fully functional and Star has gained a food hygiene qualification. It means he and a volunteer can prepare food on board the coach which they are currently taking by car to various locations until they can find suitable places for the coach itself to park up for around two hours at a time.

Star Murray: a former homeless person himself, he is determined to help others in the same situation

The coach – and events marquee – is due to be unveiled at Ebborways camping site at Priddy during Priddy Folk Festival. Star said: “It hasn’t worked out how I intended originally, but nothing was going to stop me.”

To contact Star, find @HelpTheHomelessCoachCafe on Facebook.

Men’s Shed has a new home

STREET Men's Shed held an open day to celebrate the opening of their new shed at Hempitts Farm, Walton.

It included craft displays, information stands and tours of the workshops; with refreshments in the newly fitted kitchen and “café” known as Le Café Des Deux Richards as it was mostly built by two of their members named Richard.

The new shed was needed when they lost their tenancy at The Tanyard in October last year and were offered an old chicken shed by John and Steve Wilcox of Hempitts Farm.

The refurbishment has involved fully lining and insulating the interior of the shed and ceilings to give a warm, dry and inviting area to work and socialise in. After this was done they started the task of fitting out the two workshops, toilet and the café.

None of this could have been done without the

hard core of members who worked through the winter to build what is a “State of the art Shed” and provide such a great amenity for the communities of Street and Walton and the surrounding area.

The work had the backing of Somerset Community Foundation, SHAPE Mendip lottery, Street Parish Council, The Street Drum & Trumpet Corps and Cosyfeet who have helped with grants over the last year.

Engie Ltd and Sydenham's of Glastonbury donated materials and Andy Hemmings completely rewired the shed and fitted energy efficient lighting in every room.

The shed was set up in March 2017 as part of a commitment by Health Connections Mendip to provide a place for the older men in Street and the surrounding area to socialise and work on projects for themselves or the community.

The new woodworking shop

Details: Brian Bastable 01458 443940 email brianbastable123@hotmail.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StreetMens-Shed-372836529862383 or www.streetmensshed.btck.co.uk PAGE 88 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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COMMUNITY

It’s a crying game

TOWN criers from across England and Wales gathered in Frome for the 13th annual competition and festival.

Organised by Frome town crier Mike Bishop and his wife and consort Angie, the competition was the largest to be held in Britain with nearly 30 criers and escorts gathering for the day.

Each crier had to perform two cries, including their “Home Town Cry” extoling the virtues of the place in which they live.

The second cry was a piece of news.

The winner was Peder Nielson, from Bromyard.

The criers gather outside Frome library with Helen Sprawson-White (seated front left), chair of Mendip District Council and Mark Dorrington, mayor of Frome (second left)

Mike and Angie Bishop announce the start of the competition

Taking shelter from the rain

No guesses where Steve King is from …

Ros CharltonChard, town crier in Hatherleigh

Winscombe celebrates

WINSCOMBE is planning a big celebration for the 40th anniversary of its community centre on Sunday, July 7th, 26pm.

There will be an afternoon of music, displays and entertainment as they celebrate the past, present and future of the centre.

There will be a marquee, with a bar, on the field behind the centre with plenty of room for picnics. Organisers say: “Come and see what the community centre has for you.”

Details: www.winscombeca.org.uk

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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MENDIP TIMES

R.O. Dando and Sons Ltd Builders, Decorators & Roofing Contractors

HOMES & INTERIORS HOMES & INTERIORS

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Call us or visit our website for more info:

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MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 93

MENDIP TIMES

Music day donation to homeless group

A ONE-day music festival organised by the Coleford Revival Group has raised £500 for a homeless project in the south west.

Local bands were joined by a headline group from London for the day at the Royal British Legion Club in the village. The first festival was held last year.

Youngsters Psychic Junk opened the festival as a three-piece – one of the members was on holiday – followed by No Thursday War, Jon Hayes, The Moonshiners and Call The Shots before Tv200 – originally a Jam covers band but now also performing their own songs – took to the stage.

As well as the donation to Helping the Homeless in the South West, the festival also raised funds for the CRG’s work with the community in Coleford.

Jon Hayes. The former publican and chef is responsible for cooking the CRG’s annual lunch for the elderly in Coleford

MUSIC & THEATRE

Psychic Junk – aged between ten and 13 years old – opened the festival

Tv200 relax ahead of headlining the festival

Olivia, aged two and Layla, aged three, dance whilst dad John Hayes was on stage

Dance club off to Bridport

MEMBERS of Mendip Dance Club are to take part in a special event in Bridport in July to raise the profile of the mature dancer.

They will perform a contemporary dance piece specially choreographed by dancer, teacher and events manager Lena Oliver, from Keinton Mandeville, at COLLECT organised by

the Bridport-based company Grace and Growl. The event on Sunday, July 28th, will feature live performances, speakers and films.

Mendip Dance Club is not a performance company but rather a group of women who love to dance and meet weekly for classes with professional tutors in various genres.

For details about Mendip Dance Club, email mendipdance@gmail.com or visit: www.mendipdance.wordpress.com

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(Photo courtesy of Louis Smith)

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So sad – look what I missed!

RIDING

MAY 28th! I’m excited, my press pass is organised at last and I’m off to spend four days at the Royal Bath and West Show.

Hoping for sun, resigned to rain, it’s a holiday, a delightful multi-colour festival of food, music, animals, machinery, shopping and meeting and greeting old friends and With RACHEL new.

THOMPSON So, what happened? Well I’ll tell you what MBE happened! A chronic sore throat, sneeze, cough, shiver, shakes, hot, cold happened and the show all went on without me while I either snuffled in bed or dragged myself around the house hoping someone had put something in the fridge. A very kind person left a carton of home-made mushroom soup on the doorstep. Thank you, you know who you are!

So I missed more than 2,000 horses and ponies competing in top class equestrian contests, I missed the highs and lows of the in hand and ridden classes, the excitement of the show jumping and driven classes and the sheer entertainment of the crowd-pleasing team events!

I had looked forward particularly to the magnificent heavy horses that A farrier at work during one of the shoeing competitions once built our farms

and carried us into battle, the inspirational team work displayed by the pony club games, the thrills and spills of the inter-hunt relay, the elegant carriages and carriage horses, the long-limbed show jumping superstars, the superbly groomed show horses of every size, shape and breed.

Out riding with Emily in the rain I ask what she loves about the Bath and West Show? “Well,” she says, “where else can you go to see all those horses, from the smallest to the tallest, every breed, every type, every sport, everyone loves the pony club games, I love the way that horses are everywhere, in the main ring – not just pushed to the outer rings.”

Maybe that’s one of the Royal Bath and West Show’s unique selling points – the keen encouragement of young and upcoming riders and horses into international sport and an inspirational show casing of equines, owners, riders and handlers for all ages and abilities in a superb Somerset setting with the public milling around, smelling, touching, seeing horses. Horses are good for the spirit.

Well, I’m looking forward to next year, enjoy the pictures, I may have to go back to bed!

Elegance and style: one of the competitors in the ladies cart class

Emily Dewey on Moose; they qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in October in the “Speedi-beet Grade C” – Emily described it as “a childhood dream come true”

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls with star jockey Bryony Frost (left) and showjumper Harriett Nuttall at the end of a jockeys versus showjumpers contest in the main arena

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(Photograph courtesy of esp photographic)

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Getting on YoBike – a guide to cycling in the city

IF Boris Johnson has done just one good thing in his political career it is his association with the public bicycle hire scheme in London. Introduced during his time as Mayor of London the bikes became popularly referred to as Boris Bikes.

While Boris has typically been willing to CYCLING take much of the credit for the scheme, the with EDMUND initial concept was actually announced and LODITE instigated by his predecessor Ken Livingstone. The good thing is that besides having opposing political viewpoints they agreed on a common goal that benefited everyone.

That early success in London has since seen the roll-out of similar schemes across the country, but with mixed success.

Earlier this year the NextBike scheme that had been operating in Bath for nearly five years closed its operation.

Public bicycle hire schemes are costly to run and need a reasonably high usage to offset the set-up, maintenance and bike redistribution costs.

Corporate sponsorship is often the only way to subsidise and maintain cycle Using the YoBike app hire schemes.

But funding isn’t the only issue. Compared to the rest of Europe this country has a problem with vandalism and theft of bikes. The German-based company that ran the scheme in Bath admitted Britain’s antisocial behaviour was a shock to the firm.

It said: “Sadly, the UK compared to the rest of mainland Europe has a lot less respect for shared resources. Our parent company in Germany honestly find it hard to get their head around the generic levels of vandalism and theft that occur in the UK.” Meanwhile in Bristol, the YoBike launched in 2017 is still going strong and describes itself as an “Uber-like” bike sharing service.

An easy to use phone app shows you the location of nearby bikes that can be unlocked by scanning the bike’s identity code.

Then you’re ready to ride at £1 per hour or £5 per day but the best offering is an annual pass for two rides a day (aimed at commuters) for just £39 per annum.

To find out what it’s like – I tried it out. To start with the phone app is easy to use and from the map view I quickly located the

Circuits of the Mendips

TOP quality road racing reached Mendip as elite category riders battled it out in the 95-mile long Circuit of the Mendips.

The course headed south from Bristol to take in four different loops on the Mendips with climbs at Harptree Hill, Blagdon Hill and two ascents of Burrington Combe.

On the return leg the vicious climb up Dundry Hill broke the field apart leaving a small bunch at the front for the final sprint in Bristol.

Rory Townsend, winner of the men’s race said: “That’s definitely the hardest round of the series – the climbs were pretty mad, and longer than we’re used to. That probably suited me more, but it was a really hard day, which makes it even sweeter.”

PAGE 96 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

YoBike ready to use

bright yellow bike. Rather than using expensive docking stations the bikes have a lock around the rear wheel that can only be unlocked via the app.

Other security measures to detract thieves include a tamper alarm, location tracking and custom-made parts which will not be of much use to private bikes.

Each bike has its own id code and after releasing the bike I checked the weight. At nearly 21kg you would probably be quite disappointed if you stole this bike! But with a three-speed gearing system, dynamo-powered lights, chain guard and puncture resistant tyres the YoBike seems to be a perfect option for short rides and commuting.

The ride felt firm and safe over grass, cobbles and Tarmac alike.

The YoBike wasn’t built for speed but if you’re cycling in a busy city it’s unlikely you’ll be able to anyway. So how would it cope with hills? I headed for Park Street to find out and started the ride uphill. Surprisingly, the downside from the weight of the bike was mostly offset by the benefit from the lowest gear and a little bit of effort.

At the end of the ride, I flag the ride as finished on the app which then locks the bike. Whilst bikes can be parked in any legal location, the YoBike app indicates suggested parking areas to promote good cycling habits.

Overall, the bike felt good to ride even though it was a bit heavy. As a transport solution to congested roads it ticks all the right boxes and offers more flexibility than schemes which use fixed docking stations. The good news is that these schemes also make us healthier.

Developing a healthy cycling culture in this country needs adequate funding. Let’s hope Boris doesn’t forget his “green credentials” if he gets the keys to no 10!

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SPORT

IT was a night to remember for Clandown A when the Radstock and District Billiards and Snooker League held its presentation dinner at the New Inn Farmborough. They won both the snooker league Division 1 and the snooker team plate.

The celebrations were overshadowed, however, with the news that one of its prominent members Ken Cox had recently passed away.

Marksbury B were runners-up in the league but triumphed in the knock-out cup beating Timsbury E in the final. Clapton D were beaten in the plate final while Paulton RBL won Division 2 with Clandown B runners-up.

Timsbury A were billiard league champions and Clandown who had topped the league for three years in a row had to settle for second place. Paulton RBL won the billiards knock-out cup for the second year in a row beating Writhlington in the final.

The outstanding individual performance of the year came from vice chairman Andy Stock who achieved the highest break in the league for many years with a superb 121. Division 1 Player of the Year was James Purchase with Dave Chivers taking the honour in Division 2.

The presentations were made by long serving league member Brian Harris from Timsbury.

(Photography courtesy of Mike Lang)

Clandown and Timsbury triumph

Timsbury billiards league winners Andy Stock top break

Club’s new look Clandown Snooker Division 1 winners

Steve Rogers open billiards champion

FROME Town Football Club has launched a brand new club crest. The process began last summer where the club committed to a five-year aspiration to become the “Best Non-League Club in the Country”.

Club chairman, Jeremy Alderman, said: "We are delighted to see the club continue to evolve and lead the way for sport in Frome, whether that’s men’s, women’s, children’s or ability teams.

We now have a new identity to represent this development.

“The club continues to grow daily. Now our supporters have a real opportunity to show their pride in the club, especially its tireless work in the community to help make Frome Town F.C. a real asset to the town itself.”

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MENDIP TIMES

Dom steps down at Timsbury

IT was an evening of mixed emotions when Timsbury Athletic held its annual presentation night at the cricket clubroom.

After six successful years as first team manager, Dom Eatherden is standing down and tributes were paid to him for the outstanding job he has done.

Paul Hallett is also calling it a day as manager of the A team after getting the team established and giving many youngsters their first taste of adult football.

The first team finished sixth in the Somerset County League Division 1 and after a thrilling cup campaign reached the semi-

Jem Lutwama with president Chris Fear

Young players of the Year Chris Midgeley (left) and Toby Neilson

All change at cricket club

MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club officially opened their new changing rooms in front of a large crowd of players, families and friends.

The countdown to the ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the club’s junior All Stars who will be able to make great use of the new facilities in the years to come. More than 80 youngsters are currently enjoying their first taste of cricket as part of the All Stars programme at Midsomer Norton.

Club chairman Graeme King thanked Techniglaze, the Sperring Trust, Somer Valley Rotary Club, the Medlock Trust and Midsomer Norton Town Council for the financial support which has helped the project progress and he thanked club members, including secretary Alan Elkington, project chairman

Some of the All Stars enjoy the ceremony in front of club officials and guests

PAGE 98 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

final of the Somerset Senior Cup before losing out to a strong Chilcompton side.

Striker Jem Lutwama was the big winner on the night after another outstanding season. Two days before his wedding he received the Roy Lockyer Memorial Trophy as Supporters’ Player of the Year and the first team Players’ Player of the Year.

Jesse Bishop was the manager’s Player of the Year.

Rachel Taylor was named as the Club Person of the Year after raising a large amount of money for the club when running in the Bath half-marathon.

Club Person of the Year Rachel Taylor

Techniglaze managing director Nick Candy (left) and Midsomer Norton Town Council mayor Steve Plumley prepare to cut the ribbon

Graham Poulton and cricket manager/groundsman Phil Mortimer, for all their work. Graeme also thanked Ken Bowen Jones for his work in the early stages.

The new changing rooms replace facilities built more than 100 years ago. The new building features four separate changing rooms with their own showers and toilets and provides separate changing facilities for both male and female players and match officials. The club’s men’s and women’s senior sides and the junior teams will all benefit from the new facilities. l New players of all ages and abilities – and social members – are always welcome. For more information, contact Nick Potter (07872 383499/nickpotter29@gmail.com), Phil Mortimer (01761 413725/morts@tiscali.co.uk) or Jennie on angerlina1999@sky.com. Club news is also posted on Facebook at https://en-gb.facebook.com/midsomernortoncc/ , Twitter at @MidNortonCC and the club website at www.midsomernortoncricketclub.co.uk

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Anyone for tennis?

Pensford Tennis Club, recently voted Avon LTA’s Club of the Year 2018, held their annual Big Tennis Weekend at the end of May. Sue Grimes said: “Lots of families came along to the tennis club, which is based at Pensford Memorial Hall playing fields, to try tennis for free on our two recently refurbished courts.

“Thanks to our professional coach, Dan Church, local families had a fabulous day playing tennis, as did the current members who came along to play, watch, eat and drink as well as soaking up the sun!”

Those who attended were told about the club’s extensive coaching programme, competitions, tournaments and league play.

Future plans include a new clubhouse and the introduction of walking tennis.

Details: www.pensfordtennisclub.co.uk

Erin’s the champion

LOCAL triathlete Erin Jeffery from Farrington Gurney celebrated her first appearance at the Leeds Triathlon British Championships by winning the Olympicdistance event for her age group and finishing third woman overall.

A year ago, she hadn’t even competed in a triathlon. The event, held at Erin on the podium with men’s winner Roundhay Park in Ed Castro Leeds, consisted of a 1500m swim, 36.2km cycle and 10km run.

Her background of swimming at national level enabled her to complete the first element ahead of all bar one of the 713 male and female competitors. This gave her a strong lead which she held onto during the cycle and run.

This result was particularly impressive following a winter of minimal run training due to injury and has now cemented her place at the 2020 ITU Age-Group World Championships to be held in Edmonton, Canada.

This was also only her fourth-ever Olympic distance triathlon.

Erin is coached by Trowbridge-based Richard Smith and trains at Vobster Quay during the summer months.

She is now actively looking for sponsors who can benefit from the local and national exposure she can offer.

Details: on Instagram @erinrjeffery

Kitty leaves the others in her wake

SPORT

Victory for Kitty, who is pictured with Jessica Colson and Keith Darch, from show sponsors Duo

EVENTER Kitty King and her horse Cristal Fontaine won the prestigious John Colson Memorial Perpetual Trophy at this year’s Nunney International Horse Trials.

The Olympian, based in Wiltshire, took first place in the CCI-S 3* Section; having last won the event in 2014 on Ceylon Lan. The three-day spectacle was based at Southwood House, home of Mrs Angela Yeoman. Local riders included Millie Dumas, of Shepton Mallet, who won the Open Intermediate Section T on Kec Feakon, Sarah Gould, also from Shepton Mallet and Milo Kennedy, of Frome.

The first fence on the cross-country course

Sarah Gould on JR Ewing in the Novice Section I

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MENDIP TIMES

Chew Valley 10k

Runners supporting the Harvey Hext Trust

Members of Cheddar Running Club

The youngsters set off Race director Denise Mellersh (left) with Denise Bresnahan from A Life for a Cure, one of the charities the event supported

Members of Chew Stoke Cricket Club heading for the finish

Women's winner Victoria Ratcliffe from Somer AC PAGE 100 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

Race winner Dave Eagon, from Bishop Sutton a member of Bristol and West AC

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SPORT

Welsh raiders take Frome trophy haul

THERE was an all-Welsh final in the Men’s Open at the 2019 Frome 7s rugby tournament and a women’s side from Wales claimed victory also as hundreds of players and supporters enjoyed two days of serious – and not-so-serious – competition.

Gogerddam Raiders, an invitational side based in Cardigan, beat Nelson RFC to claim the trophy. Earlier, Ponty Butchers ladies were victorious in their open tournament, whilst the Ponty men’s side took the Open Plate title.

Gogerddam Raiders enjoy the limelight

Ponty Butchers ladies celebrate

Nelson RFC (in multi coloured tops) on their way to the final

A close contest in the men’s final

Match officials from Somerset Rugby Referee Society relax at the end of the tournament; they welcome anyone interested in joining them: www.srrs.org.uk

Ponty Butchers faced The Mayans, a charity side, in their final

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Stepping back to wartime Somerset

THE Edwardian theme at the Somerset Steam and Country Show last year gave organisers the opportunity to tell more of the story behind the fabulous exhibits they have each year.

The fun and success of last year’s event has inspired them to showcase another era from our local history and give some other of their exhibits time to shine. They will be looking into life in Somerset and the West Country during World War II. Through their exhibits and participants, the aim is to shed light on the critical role rural communities played during this time. From food production to keeping the nation fed, to providing temporary shelter to evacuees from the towns and cities, and then the “friendly” invasion of the American forces as they brought their vehicles and troops to the countryside in preparation for the Normandy Landings, 75 years ago this year.

Organisers will also be gathering the stories of the roles their exhibits played during this decisive time in the last century, whether it’s the ploughing engines commandeered into War Department duties or tractors and their drivers that worked tirelessly in the fields around the showground in the picturesque Somerset landscape. l Vintage Spirit. During last year’s show, organisers recieved great feedback on their staged recreated photos around the site setting up a scene as close as possible to a vintage photo. They will be doing more of these at the 2019 show.

Please don’t let me be misunderstood

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THIS year at Glastonbury Abbey, summer nights will be brought alive with Shakespeare’s most famous story of love at first sight and his sparkling comedy of misunderstandings.

Exploding onto the stage with passion and verve, Groundlings Theatre Company brings together a thrilling ensemble in classic dress to present the trials and tribulations of love.

Groundlings Theatre Company In the old monastery ruins, are coming to the abbey the company will perform two Shakespeare classics, Romeo & Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. Both are presented in traditional Tudor dress with Romeo & Juliet also played by all male cast as it would have been in Shakespeare's time, Groundlings Theatre are experts in bringing to life the birth of British drama.

Artistic Director of Groundlings Theatre, Richard Stride, who is also directing these production, said: “Nineteen years ago, Groundlings Theatre Company first started as a Shakespeare touring company and in the years after we travelled the UK performing to some wonderful audiences. This summer we are proud to return to our roots and go back on the road and are looking forward to sharing summer nights this year with new audiences and some beautiful venues.”

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Cricket club hopes for big score with music festival

Dancing in the Moonlight with Toploader

MIDSOMER Norton Cricket Club is to stage a one-day music festival in August with headliners East 17 and Toploader.

The Outfield Festival, on Sunday, August 25th, will raise funds to improve the facilities at Withies Lane as part of the club’s commitment to encourage more young people to take up cricket.

The festival will be opened by Glastonbury Festival creator Michael Eavis followed by a day of music celebrating talented bands from the local area, climaxing with the two legendary 90s bands which have had 13 UK Top 10 hits between them.

Other acts will include talented local solo artist Keith Horler, disco trio Patwawa, Bath-based Centrefolds, Verdisa and the Avalon Brothers. A festival spokesperson said: “This local band has just signed a record deal and we are very excited to have them on our lineup. One day you will be able to say: 'remember when we saw them play Norton'.”

There will be various food outlets and a licensed bar at the Outfield Festival, with the day underpinned by local DJ James Bridges.

The spokesperson added: “The current club welcomes players of all levels of cricket from our youth, starting from four years old, up to our first team. However, the club facilities require major investment to ensure sustainability.”

Poets celebrate

WHAT’S ON

THE Barn Poets have just celebrated their second birthday and are going from strength to strength.

Founding member, Shannon Turner, said: “We are at least 20 strong every month and growing. People are taking a real interest in poetry now, it’s one of the fastest growing areas of literature in the publishing industry, so there is a real interest out there and a need for groups like ours.”

Next month, on Saturday, July 13th The Barn Poets are performing as part of the Midsomer Arts Festival in the Midsomer Norton Town Show. The final meet of the summer is on Tuesday, July 16th before breaking until the autumn.

The Barn Poets meet on the third Tuesday of the month at Book Barn International at Hallatrow, except August and December.

East 17 – the seminal boy band

Tickets are available online at www.outfieldfestival.co.uk from Midsomer Norton Cricket Club, Riverside Recruitment or Ian McDonald Insurance Services in Midsomer Norton.

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Farm open day

CHEW Moos are opening up their farm for an open day in aid of charity on Saturday, July 6th, 10am-5pm, with a variety of attractions and the chance to see their prizewinning herd of Guernsey cows, which are the source of their delicious ice cream.

As well as their café, there will be a variety of stalls and the chance to meet Chris Sperring from the Hawk and Owl Trust and staff from Avon Wildlife Trust. Chew Moos is on top of Dundry, with stunning views over the surrounding area.

Summer Strolling in Shepton Mallet?

Last year’s festival was based in Ditcheat

LOOKING for Bank Holiday outings that are good for your wallet and your wellbeing?

Mendip Ramblers have just the thing for you! All you will need are your boots, a hat, some water and a sandwich when you join in our annual August Bank Holiday Walking Festival based this year in Shepton Mallet.

Over August 24th, 25th, and 26th, there will be a choice of four walks each day, all starting from Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre on Whitstone Road where there is ample free parking.

There are two short walks each day, as well as longer walks of seven or 11 miles. The short walks of three or four miles are ideal for those who want to enjoy a leisurely pace.

Children with their families and new walkers are especially welcome. You don’t have to be a rambler; you can just ramble!

Tea and cake will be your reward.

Elaine Dadley for Mendip Ramblers For details, visit www.mendipramblers.co.uk or call Kevin on 01749 672996

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Gala time at Holcombe

HOLCOMBE Gala promises fun for all the family and it’s free! Is there a better way to spend a lazy summer’s afternoon with family and friends eating, drinking and being entertained?

So why not join them on the playing field and in the village hall on Saturday, July 6th, 12-4pm for some fun and laughter, with live music, demonstrations, refreshments, stalls, bouncy castle, classic cars, animals and the ever popular dog show!

And don't forget to enter the baking competition by calling Graham on 07710 281847 to register your entry.

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Rock of Ages service

WHAT’S ON

THE annual Rock of Ages service was first held in August 1921 and was called “The Rally at the Rock”. Some 30,000 people attended, travelling from London, the Midlands and of course the West Country and the event was organized by the “Evening World” Hikers’ Legion.

It took two hours for the great crowd to “invade” the combe with a silver band and two choirs to lead the singing.

The service was repeated in 1931, on not quite such a large scale. Records show that the service then continued until 1935 as an annual event and sadly the service ceased, perhaps due to WW2. The service was “restarted” in the 1980s when there was still interest, indeed 1,200 people attended many of the services in the 1980s and 90s.

When the services restarted the Salvation Army bands from both Bristol and Clevedon supported the event, with some rousing music heard in the combe. Sadly numbers have dwindled over the past years. New vicar/rector, the Rev David Gent, hopes to revamp the annual service. This year it will be held on Sunday, July 7th, 11am opposite the Rock of Ages, with popular hymns in one of the most beautiful areas in the Mendips.

If wet, it will be held in Holy Trinity Church, Burrington. There will be parking in a field nearby and organisers suggest taking a picnic or enjoying lunch at the Burrington Inn or Plume of Feathers.

Details: the Rev David Gent 07773 537626 or Paul Keel on 07990 580006.

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POET Roger McGough will close this year’s Wells Festival of Literature with a show featuring a collection of classic works set to music.

The veteran performer and writer who was a member of Scaffold will be joined by the band LiTTLe MACHiNe on Saturday, October 26th. The show has already inspired rave reviews around the country, including from Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter who described it as: “brilliantly entertaining, led by a legend.”

The full line-up for the festival – tickets go on sale from Monday, July 22nd – will be revealed to an exclusive gathering of festival “friends” on Sunday, July 15th, but organisers have also announced that the Book Group event is back by popular demand (Sunday, October 20th) and features best-selling author Joanna Cannon, mental health campaigner, former doctor and psychiatrist, whose internationally acclaimed The Trouble with Goats and Sheep reveals the secrets behind closed doors.

Her latest book Three Things about Elsie is described as a hilarious and heart-breaking exploration of memory, friendship and old age. As always, the event allows the audience an exclusive conversation with the author; organisers say do read the book in advance to get the most out of the afternoon.

A festival spokeswoman said: “Discussion and scandal about names such as Handel, Will Shakespeare, Anne of Cleves, Abelard and Eloise will be so vivid, they might just as well be there in person once the philosophers, psychologist, historians,

Roger McGough and the LiTTLe MACHiNe

novelists and commentators get going.” l There is still time to join the festival friends. For details and to find out more about the festival – running from October 18th-26th – visit: www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

Festival in the classroom

Novelist Emma Carroll, who lives in Somerset, on a visit to Elmhurst School in Street, and below, working with a class

THE festival has an education team which entails building relationships with schools and colleges, spending all the festival profits on education initiatives, author visits, drama and other projects in local schools.

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(Photograph courtesy of Nick Wright)

Legend to headline literature festival

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RE-FORMATION in Wells: a contemporary art exhibition

CULTURAL WELLS

HEATHER Wallace and Rebecca Barnard, co-directors of Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios, present REFORMATION, a summer exhibition showing at the Bishops Palace in Wells, from Monday, July 22nd to Sunday, October 6th.

Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios are dedicated to supporting Somerset and West Country Artists. This wonderful summer exhibition includes an incredible wealth of talent, drawn from artists of all ages from across the county and beyond, some of whom have returned to making art in later life.

Heather and Rebecca said: “The artists we have selected to take part in RE-FORMATION are not all at the same point in their artistic career. While many are at the peak of their profession, having worked continuously for many years, others could be described as ‘New Older Artists’.”

Whether early, mid- or late career, Heather and Rebecca know that each of these artists prove that a diverse range of ages and experience can produce an exhilarating and authentic sense of the here and now. They added: “We have realised that there are an increasing number of contemporary fine artists who are returning to, or beginning, a career in the arts later in life.”

RE-FORMATION will guide the viewer through a multi-layered engagement with the ancient buildings and landscapes of the Bishops Palace, re-formed by this group of inspired artists of all ages and through many disciplines, to portray a cohesive yet very contemporary and unique vision. l A debate about “NEW OLDER ARTISTS” will be hosted by Martin Cody at the Bishops Palace on Saturday, August 31st. For full details, visit: www.heritagecourtyardstudio.com

Art in a medieval setting

WELLS Art Contemporary is delighted to be working in partnership with Wells Cathedral for an exclusive, free summer exhibition, opening on Saturday, July 20th.

The seventh WAC open competition attracted a record-breaking 1,800 entries from around the world. A distinguished panel has drawn up a shortlist of 96 pieces, including nine by Somerset artists, for this vanguard project which will be on display within the Cathedral’s magnificent cloisters and in the Camery Gardens.

There are also 15 installation sites throughout the cathedral, inspired by the fabric of the building. These include a site dedicated for artwork from Heads Up at the Elim Connect Centre and one for WAC’s president, Professor Anita Taylor.

Paddy O’Hagan, chair of WAC, said: “It feels a natural collaboration. For centuries, cathedrals have been inextricably connected to art, beit stonemasonry, glass work, music or the architecture itself. Plus, this partnership sits perfectly within the cathedral’s active policy for social and community engagement.”

Tickets are available for a series of informal discussion groups during the exhibition on “The magic of demystifying art” run by Robin Sewell, artist and longstanding senior university lecturer in fine art. WAC runs until Sunday, August 11th.

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Summer entertainment at the Bishop’s Palace

THIS summer, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will be holding a huge range of family activities guaranteed to keep little ones entertained throughout the long holidays.

The fun begins on July 24th, when the first of the summer trails will be in place – each week of the holidays a different trail will encourage children to explore the gardens, focusing on the theme of the week.

Every Tuesday from July 30th onwards, children can join in with the “Crafty Cats” family activity sessions between 10:30am-3pm in the Undercroft of the Palace.

On Thursdays (August 1st, 8th and 15th) from 11am-3pm there’s a chance to enjoy the popular “Nature Ninjas” family garden fun sessions with a range of garden and nature-based activities.

One of the highlights of the summer at the Palace is the “Midsummer Mayhem” Family Fun Day, which takes place this year on Sunday,

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August 4th, 10am-4pm.

On the evening of August 4th families will be entranced by Boxtree Productions’ theatre production of “The Legend of King Arthur”, held on the beautiful South Lawn with a backdrop of the medieval ruins of the Great Hall.

Several other productions, including Sense and Sensibility, A Midsummer Details: www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Night’s Dream and Wuthering Heights will be staged in July and August.

To bring the summer holiday to a dramatic finish, why not join medieval re-enactors and combat specialists Bowlore Medieval for a Bank Holiday Weekend like no other? Their encampment will be in residence at the Palace from August 24th-26th.

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Celebrate the summer with a concert in Cedars Hall

CEDARS Hall have announced the return of the Strawberry Concerts in July, which have previously sold out. There will be three concerts from July 10th-12th incorporating classical, folk and big band jazz music.

Free strawberries and cream will be served during an extra-long interval in which picnics can be enjoyed on Cedars Lawn.

The Bristol Ensemble will open the series with Mozart on a Summer’s Evening on Wednesday, July 10th at 7pm. Bristol’s only professional orchestra was founded in 1994 by its artistic director and lead violinist Roger Huckle.

The second band performing will be folk trio Gigspanner on Thursday, July 11th, formed by legendary fiddle player Peter Knight (ex-Steeleye Span).

Finally, the internationally acclaimed jazz singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe, will be performing, alongside the Swing Machine Jazz Orchestra, for the final Strawberry Concert on Friday, July 12th.

Free strawberries and cream will be given out at each concert and there will be an interval of 45 minutes, so plenty of time to enjoy a picnic on Cedars Lawn. The bar will be open during the evening.

CULTURAL WELLS

Talking Film in Wells

ART historian Joanna Cobb will be exploring the background to the film The Goldfinch at Wells Film Centre in October.

The event will be the fourth Talking Film at the complex where guest speakers offer insights into a film. Joanna, who lives locally, will be revisiting 17th-century Holland, where the first Talking Film, Girl with a Pearl Earring, was set, but this time with a different twist.

The Goldfinch will be screened on Monday, October 7th. Doors 6.30pm, talk 7-8 followed by a short interval and film.

Princes Road, Wells, BA5 1TD

Starts Friday 5th July Starts Friday 19th July Starts Friday 26th July

EVENT CINEMA FOR JULY

Spider-Man Far From Home 3D/2D The Queen’s Corgi (PG) The Lion King 3D/2D The Current War Horrible Histories Rotten Romans Westlife The Twenty Tour Sat 6th 8pm Pavarotti (12A) Sat 13th 7pm The Lehman Trilogy Thur 25th 7pm Andre Rieu Sat 27th 7pm Sun 28th 4.30pm

● Book in person ● Online 24/7 @www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk ● Over the ’phone: 01749 673195

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Mendip step dancing to return to Priddy TRADITIONAL Mendip step dancing is to be revived at this year’s Priddy Folk Festival.

SomerStep, who are based at Crewkerne and were formed to encourage local traditional social dance and step dancing, will be dancing throughout the weekend. Step dancing was once a popular entertainment in pubs around Mendip and in the Priddy and Wells areas it survived into the early 1950s.

Step dancing has been described as first cousin to clog dancing and uncle to tap dancing and is usually danced solo.

Dancers wore boots with taps and stepped heel and toe. It is thought the form of the dance was rather like Dartmoor Stepping, a tradition which thrives today.

In 1931, 600 spectators watched the Mendip Step-Dancing Competition for the “Wells Journal Championship Cup”. The competition, held at the Bishop’s Barn in Wells, attracted thirteen entrants from the local area and the cup was won after a dance off by Mr A. Weeks of Rookham, Priddy. The grand finale of the event was an exhibition of all 13 steppers dancing in unison.

At the New Inn at Priddy a flagstone was worn through by the dancing feet of generations. Both men and women danced and showed off their agility and skills by dancing in small areas or around objects. Steppers at Priddy danced around a hankerchief or a pair of crossed churchwarden pipes and competitions were held to find the best dancers. The tunes they danced to were collected by Cecil Sharp when he was collecting folksongs from the Mendip Hills and Chew Valley area in the early 1900s.

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You can see SomerStep perform – and take part in competitions – at the following locations during the festival:

l Saturday, 2pm: at the Queen Victoria Inn where they will be running a “Kitchen Dance” session featuring step dancing and some of the folk dances from the region which traditionally people would have been able to dance in kitchens or other small spaces. l Sunday, 10.30am in the Eastwater marquee where they will host a workshop focusing on Southern English heel and toe steps. l Sunday, midday again in the Eastwater marquee; the first revival Priddy Step Dance competition echoing the tradition of competitions years ago. SomerStep will give a short history of step dancing in the Mendips and explain the competition rules.

The first competition, the Beginners Dance Competition, will be open to novices and is intended to encourage young and old alike to develop their step dancing. The second competition will be the Priddy Hankerchief Dance Competition, open to all and danced around a hankerchief laid on the ground.

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LET there be Rock! There is an amazing array of events planned as part of the 2019 Mendip Rocks! programme. You'll be able to go into quarries, see fantastic fossils, explore coalfields and how the geology of the Mendip Hills shapes everything we do on top and below!

There are four showcase events for you and your family:

The Mendip Rocks! programme has been organised by the Somerset Earth Science Centre, AONB Unit and Mendip Society since 2011.

Local and national experts all give their time to put on this unique array of events.

“IT’S A BLAST” at Westbury Quarry. Saturday 10th August. 10:00-3.30pm. Explore this quarry that you can't normally get into and we'll be blowing a car up! We'll have lots of rocking activities going on for all ages.

FOSSIL FUNDAY at Somerset Earth Science Centre in Moons Hill Quarry. Wednesday 21st August. See lots of fantastic fossils unearthed across the hills and bring your own to be

WHAT’S ON identified by the experts. With rock crafts and arts and quarry tours.

BURRINGTON COMBE ROCK BASH Wednesday 28 August 11:00–4pm. Check out the caves and combe and discover how it all came about. You even get to make your own limestone in seconds plus lots more family activities.

EXPLORE EBBOR GORGE Sunday 20th October 10:00-4pm. Delve into this amazing gorge with experts and rangers to guide you through staggering history that is still being discovered to this day. The archaeologists will be on hand to explain just how important this site is and show you the fossils and bones they've found here. a day not to be missed in the 450 million-year-old history of the Mendip Hills.

Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB Manager, said: “We love putting on the Mendip Rocks! programme each year; alongside the main four events we've got another 20 walks, talks and tours that really let people understand just how important the geology is to our lives in this area.

What's great is that the events brings you close to the experts that can really bring everything to life and you get to go places you can't normally go.”

To discover the whole programme, go to http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/events

Balloon flights over the Chew Valley, Mendips and Somerset Levels

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Please send entries for these listings as a single paragraph of less than 25 words. We’re happy to list entries for charities and voluntary groups free of charge – but please submit them in the format below. We may not be able to use entries which are too lengthy or submitted as posters or leaflets. Commercial entries cost £25.

Until late August Brewery House open by arrangement for five to 20 visitors, for the NGS. An organic garden at Southstoke, Bath. £3.50, children free. Details: John Brooke 01225 833153.

Thursday June 27th Mendip Ramblers mod 6.4 miles to Priddy. Start 10am Stockhill Woods car park BA5 3AS, ST548513. Leader: Mike 01373 472101/07711 090656.

Friday June 28th West Mendip Orchestra concert 7.45pm Friends Meeting House, Sidcot. Tickets £10 on the door.

Castle Cary Choir concert 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Street. Tickets £6 from Crispin Community Centre or on the door. Interval refreshments.

Saturday June 29th Wind in the Willows, open air theatre, Parish's House, Timsbury BA2 0ND. Picnics 4pm, performance 6pm. Bring rugs & chairs. To book: 0845 450 5157.

The Blue Notes with Hannah Wedlock 6.30pm Elm Park Farm, Chewton Keynsham. Bring your own picnic! Tickets £15: 0117 9868369 or 07952 524640. For RUH Forever Friends.

Cate Cody & her Jazz Cats, 7.30pm in the garden, Churchill Court Lodge, BS25 5QW. Tickets: 01934 852589 or www.churchillmusic.org.uk Congresbury Village Fete, gardening club show, dog show, stalls, from 1.30pm St Andrews Paddock. www.congresburygardeningclub.org.uk Mendip Society walk from Wedmore. Mod 5 miles.

Meet 2pm car park on Cheddar Road, BS28 4ED. Leader: Brian 01749 672457.

Weston Walking Group: mod 8m with three climbs, to Corton Denham & Whitcombe ST 632 252. Meet 10.30am Cadbury Castle CP, on left just past Camelot Inn, BA22 7EX. Picnic. Leader: Ken 07770 721954.

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June Floral Art Festival & Open Garden 10am–4pm Windsorgrove Farm, Long Street, High Ham, TA10 9DN. Langport Flower Club, for the Red Cross.

Sunday June 30th “Blues Vespers” an evening of blues music with the Backwell Boys, spirituals & readings, 7pm Holy Trinity Church, Cleeve BS49 4PN. Donations only.

All welcome! nigelbthomas1@gmail.com Mendip Ramblers mod 10.5m Sherborne Country Way leg 3 circular. Start 10am Purse Caundle, nr church DT9 5DY, ST696175. Leaders: Bob & Rosemary 01749 346023.

Avon Owls Open day, from 10am, Whitley Head, Banwell, BS29 6NA. Tuesday July 2nd Congresbury Over-60s Club ‘The Wildlife of North Somerset’ a talk by Higgy, YACWAG. War Memorial Hall, 2.30-4pm.Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday July 3rd “Musical Movie Magic” by Terry Merrett-Smith, 2-3.30pm WI Hall, Backwell & Nailsea Support Group for Carers and ex-Carers.

Thursday July 4th Mendip Ramblers mod 6.4 miles Pylle & East Pennard. Start 10am Ditcheat, on road nr church and Harvester Yard BA4 6RB, ST625363. Leader: Roger 07803 791414.

Friday July 5th Shared Reading groups, every Friday. Join in, or just relax with a coffee and enjoy listening.

Glastonbury library 10.30am-12; Wells library 11am-12.30. Details: 0151 7292200.

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lane on Radstock past. Bring an object to share!

10.30-12, Free, Radstock Museum.

Musical Evening & Supper, Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club, supporting the RNLI. £12.50, U14s free, from 01275 854623. Wheelchair accessible.

Redhill Club Quiz Night 8pm, BS40 5SG. Max of 6/team. £2pp. Hot dogs during break. Details: 01934 862619. Proceeds for play area.

Friday July 5th and Saturday July 6th Claverham Beer & Cider Festival this year has a Gin Bar! Organised by Yeo Valley Lions. Details: www.claverham-beer-festival.org.uk Friday July 5th to Sunday July 7th “Danceworks 2019” Frome Memorial Theatre. £10.50, £8 from 01373 462795 www.fmt.website Friday July 5th to Saturday 13th Somerton Music & Arts Festival: www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk/ Saturday July 6th Big R Big Band Jazz, 7pm Church Paddock, Winscombe Hill, BS25 1DE. Bring picnic & chairs.

Adults £10, children £5. Details 01934 843617.

Wedmore Street Fair, 10am-4pm www.facebook.com/WedmoreStreetFair. See page 38.

Paulton Party in the Park, 2-9pm.

Chewton Mendip Fete, 1pm-4pm. Traditional village fete by the church, BA3 4SW: stalls, games, prizes, bouncy castle, BBQ, bar.

Charltons Village Day, nr Somerton, 1-5pm. Local stalls, dog show, classic cars, bar, teas & BBQ. Details: 07487 620202.

Pink Bra’ss Concert Wells Town Hall, fund-raising for Prostate Cancer UK Mendip Ramblers mod Wessex Wanderer Walk to South Brewham. Start 10am Bruton Station BA10 0DX, ST687348. Mike: 01373 472101/07711 090656.

Mendip Society walk from Winford. Mod 4.5 miles. Meet 2pm at the Church, BS40 8AY. Leaders: Richard & Denise 01275 472797.

'Meet the Expert' 2-4pm, Radstock Museum: try your hand at printing with Peter Leach. Usual museum charges.

Congresbury Singers' ‘The wonderful world of the Waltz’ 7.30pm Old School Rooms. Tickets £8 from village Post Office.

Author talk by Jan Ellis 11am Wells Library.

Romcom and mystery. Free. Details: 0300 123 2224.

Summer Fair Stoke St. Michael Primary School, 25pm, Free entry. Stalls available: 01749 840470.

Kingston Seymour Market 10-12pm village hall.

Fairtrade goods, cakes, crafts. Tables £2. Details: 01934 830553.

Much Ado About Nothing with the all-male Festival Theatre Players Company, 7pm in the gardens of Speeds Farm, Lamyatt. Picnics from 5.30pm. Tickets: adults £16.50, U15s £5.50 from www.shakespeareinlamyatt.co.uk, Sunday July 7th Open Air Rock of Ages Service 11am Burrington Combe, beside the Rock. If wet, Holy Trinity Church, Burrington.

Mendip Ramblers mod 10.7 miles Faulkland to Hassage. Start 10am Wellow Station Rd BA2 8QB, ST738581. Leader: Margaret 01761 232042 / 07910 873853.

Winscombe Community Centre 40th birthday party, 2-6pm for residents of Winscombe, Sandford & pupils of the former school. Displays, music & children’s entertainment. Bring your own picnic.

Incandescendo for Frome Jazz Festival 7pm at the Cornerhouse, 1 Christchurch St E, BA11 1QA. Free – www.facebook.com/ events/2162344427417735 Compton Dando Village Fete 2-5pm, church tower tours, vintage tractor run, tug-of-war, skittles, duck race and an assault course as well as teas & stalls.

Details: 07941 222662.

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Romulus & Remus Music Festival from noon, Palace Farm, Silver St, Wells. Adults £15, Children £10, U5s free, incl lasagna. Tickets: 07770 994652 or 01479 830605.

Monday July 8th Mendip Folk Dance Club 8pm-10, St James Church Hall Winscombe BS25 1AQ. All welcome, £3pp. Details Pat 01934 742853.

Nailsea & District Local History Society selfguided tour of All Saints Church Wraxall at 7pm, then refreshments. Members free, visitors £2 www.ndlhs.org.uk Congresbury Memorial Hall Club friendship evening with Bingo. Non-members welcome, 8pm War Memorial Hall.

Tuesday July 9th Clevedon Art Club. Jem Bowden: Direct & Dynamic, watercolour landscape demonstration.

7.30pm Sixth Form Centre Clevedon School. Nonmembers £3.

Chew Valley Connect, Bishop Sutton village hall, BS39 5XQ, 2.30-4.30pm. Free for all older people in the Chew Valley & surrounding area: www.chewvalleyconnect.uk Wednesday July 10th Mendip Society walk mod 5 miles. Meet 2pm Stockhill Woods car park BA5 3AS, ST548513 Leader: Peter 01761 221995.

Kilmersdon Gardeners, talk by Charlotte Poposcu "In praise of apples" 7.30 pm village hall BA3 5TD. Weston-super-Mare Music Appreciation Society 7.30pm St Jude's Hall, St Peter's Church, Baytree Rd, BS22 8HG. Details: 01934 814752.

Nailsea Horticultural Society talk on Irises & Peonies by Sue Applegate 7.30pm United Reformed Church Hall.

Classic Car & M/cycle BBQ 7-9pm Chew Valley Rugby Club, Chew Stoke BS40 8UE. Large car park 01275 333660.

Thursday July 11th Mendip Ramblers mod 7.5m to Waterlip. Start 10am East Somerset Railway, Cranmore BA4 4QL, ST668431. Car park £1. Leader: Tony 01749 342285 / 07752 689629.

‘Shifting Horizons’ exhibition, Cineworld, Weston.

Iconic local images by Paul Blakemore, 6.30pm free, public launch with Dizzy O’Dare www.theatreorchard.org.uk.

Friday July 12th Frome Memorial Theatre presents “Jethro – The Count of Cornwall” 7.30pm. Age 14+. Tickets £20.50: 01373 462795. www.fmt.website Barn Dancing with Jeroka, 7.30 pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall, £4. All welcome. Caller, Peter Bolton: 01749 672911.

Friday July 12th to Sunday July 14th Priddy Folk Festival: www.priddyfolk.org Saturday July 13th Plume of Feathers Duck Race, 5pm, music, food, ducks! www.therplumeoffeathers.com Henton village fete 2-5pm, stalls, band, dog show, kid’s activities, beer & burgers.

Nailsea Concert Orchestra: Rhapsody in Blue, 7.30pm Methodist Church. For the Strawberry Line to Clevedon Group www.nailseaconcertorchestra.org Lunchtime concert with tenor Gordon Pullin, 12 All Saints Church, WSM, BS23 2NL. £10 on the door includes lunch with wine.

Cantilena Choir 40th anniversary concert, 7pm Millfield Sports Pavilion. £12 includes supper, from cantachoir1@gmail.com Wells Painting Group celebrates 50 years!

Exhibition of work 10am-4pm St Thomas’s Church Hall. Entrance 50p for St Thomas’s Church Development Fund.

'Meet the Expert' 2-4pm Radstock Museum: find out more about spinning with Pam Mitchell. Usual museum charges.

‘Whirligig’, free family outdoor arts fiesta, 12-6pm

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Weston’s Italian Gardens. Spectacular shows, acrobatics, dance, music, circus. www.theatreorchard.org.uk Wells SOUP enjoy a light lunch as four local charities tell you what they do. 1pm, Connect Centre, junction of Chamberlain Street /Portway, Wells.

Details: 07715 770454.

Midsomer Norton Fayre 12.30-4.30pm. www.midsomernortoncommunitytrust.co.uk Coffee morning 10.30-12.15pm for people with Parkinson’s, families/carers, St Francis Church Hall, Nailsea.Talk: ss Great Britain by Ian Caskie. Details 01934 834060.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books & jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds.

Stanton Drew Flower Show, village hall, 2-5pm.

Music on the Green at Brent Knoll with Adam & Alex Lipinski, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from village shop, 01278 760308 or 760986. Accompanied U14s free. Bar & BBQ. Sunday July 14th Classic Car & M/cycle Breakfast 9-12 noon Chew Valley Rugby Club, Chew Stoke BS40 8UE. Large car park 01275 333660.

Mendip Society walk from Stockhill. Mod 5m. Meet 2pm Stockhill Plantation CP on the Old Bristol Road to Wells BA5 3AR. Leader: Peter 01761 221995.

Wells Boules Tournament 9am-5pm in the Market Square in aid of the Nepal Trust.

Sunday Tea every Sunday in July 2-5pm St Mary’s Church Compton Dando.

Castle Cary Concert: flautist Adelaide Brown, pianist Clare Sydenham 2pm Methodist Church. To improve lighting at the community library. Tickets £5 from the library, £6 on door, children free.

Monday July 15th Fagus Gardening Club "The March of the Women"

by Andrew Mikolajski, 8pm Methodist Church Hall, Nailsea. Members £2, visitors £4.

Tuesday July 16th Calendar Girls – the Musical evening Charity Theatre coach trip to Bristol Hippodrome: www.theatretrips.webeden.co.uk or Chris: 01458 273085.

Wednesday July 17th Mendip Gardening Club: Introduction to Forest Gardening, permaculture & self-sufficiency by Rob Handy, 7.30pm Ston Easton Village Hall. Details 01761 750139.

Business drop-in session, outside Storagebase 10am2pm for businesses on Commerce Park. Free. www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/business-events/ Thursday July 18th Mendip Ramblers mod 6m to Maesbury Castle.

Start 10am Oakhill village hall BA3 5AN, ST633475.Leaders: Trevor & Val 01761 232311 / 07976 629342.

Redhill Classic Car & M/cycle BBQ 7-10pm. All welcome to park up for a chat, Church Road, Redhill, BS40 5SG.Details: 01934 862619.

Business drop-in session, outside Manor Road Café 10am-2pm for businesses on the Marston Trading Estate. Free: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/business-events/ Friday July 19th Worle Chorale, free concert with retiring collection, 8.30pm All Saints’ Church, WSM, BS23 2NL. Frome Memorial Theatre presents “The Drifters” 7.30pm. Tickets £26.50: www.fmt.website or 01373 462795.

Memory Café: for people with memory loss & carers, using items of nostalgia. Free, 10.30am-12, Radstock Museum. Easy access. Details 01761 437722.

Saturday July 20th Summer Fete, Shepton Mallet Community Hospital League of Friends, 2-4pm St Paul’s School.

'Meet the Expert' 2-4pm Radstock Museum. Martin Horler, Royal Mail Guard & Christina Charles-

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Bayliss, leatherworker. Usual museum charges.

Mendip Society walk from Hutton. Mod 4.5m. Meet 2pm by The Old Inn. Park Orchard Road BS24 9RX. Leader: Rose 07796 910123.

Claverham Village Market 10am-12 village hall, Bishops Rd. Stalls, fresh produce, teas/coffees. Tables £2. Details 01934 838017.

Winscombe Tennis Club open day, 10am-4pm at Winscombe Recreation Ground BS25 1AP. Free coaching sessions in morning, 50% off membership on the day, all welcome, light refreshments.

Contact:winscombelawntennisclub@live.co.uk Saturday July 20th and Sunday July 21st Wells Tennis Club open weekend. Saturday activities for children & adult beginners; on Sunday courts are free for adults to play, or join club members. Details: wellstc.co.uk Sunday July 21st Mendip Ramblers mod 10m, short hills, West Harptree & Litton. Start 10am Harptree woods car park BS40 6DA, ST558541. Leaders: Laurence & Barbara 07568 584994.

Monday July 22nd Congresbury Memorial Hall Club friendship evening with bingo. Non-members welcome, 8pm War Memorial Hall.

Tuesday July 23rd Chilcompton Garden Club, talk & demonstration

by Cathryn Brown on preparing an exhibit for Chelsea. 7.30pm village hall.

Congresbury Over-60s Club AGM & cream tea, 2.30-4pm War Memorial Hall. Details: 01934 832004.

Wednesday July 24th Considering Adoption? Families for Children Trust information session 10am-12 Axminster Football Club. EX13 5HN.Details 01271 612004 www.familiesforchildren.org.uk Bishop’s Palace, Wells – school holidays start with family trails. See advert page 102 for details & dates of all events. U5s free!

Thursday July 25th Mendip Ramblers mod 6m walk to Knowle Hill, Bowers Hill & Yarley Hill. Start 10am Henton village hall BA5 1PD, ST496454. Leader: Brian 01749 672457 / 07476 797446.

Saturday July 27th Wrington Garden open for the NGS 11am-5pm, Park Cottage, Wrington Hill BS40 5PL £5, children free.

Charity Boot Sale 10pm -3pm St Paul's Church, WSM BS23 1EF. Refreshments, free entry. Details: 01934 820426 Lunchtime organ recital noon All Saints’ church WSM, BS23 2NL. £10 on the door includes lunch & wine.

Companion Dog Show 10am-5pm, Writhlington

WHAT’S ON

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village hall. Pedigree & novelty classes.

Refreshments. Details: 01761 437197.

'Meet the Expert' 2-4pm Radstock Museum. Simon Carter explaining the pitfalls and positives of family history research. Usual museum charges. Guide £2.

Mendip Society walk from Winscombe, a hard 4.5m.

Meet 2pm Recreation Ground, BS25 1AZ. Leader: Pauline 01934 820745.

Strawberry Tea at Nailsea Court, 2-5pm, supporting St Bridget’s Church, Chelvey. Jazz, stalls, games.

Direction signs from the church.

Glastonbury Male Voice Choir 2pm Wells bandstand (Bishop’s Barn if wet) Free. Refreshments.

Wells Lions, details: 01458 210926.

West Mendip Hospital Fete 2-4pm with Hannah’s Hoofers, alpacas, live music, stalls. League of Friends.

Congresbury Book Sale 9am-1pm War Memorial Hall. Good quality books & jigsaw puzzles, dvds & cds.

Sunday July 28th Banwell Bowling Club Annual Charity Tournament, 10am-5pm. Several local visiting teams raising funds for the club and Prostate Cancer. Raffle donations sought, please ring John 01934 742995.

Wednesday July 31st Harptrees History Society guided walk of the Old City of Bristol led by Bob Jones. £3, please book: 01761 221941 or 221758.

Backwell & Nailsea Macular Support talk "Lesser known functions of Wessex Water” 1.30pm Backwell WI Hall, Station Rd. Details: Sheila 01275 462107.

Friday August 2nd to Sunday August 4th Valleyfest on the Community Farm above Chew Valley Lake. Details: www.valleyfest.co.uk Saturday August 3rd Nailsea Horticultural Society Summer Show, 125pm. Nailsea School.

Wrington Garden open for the NGS 11am-5pm, Park Cottage, Wrington Hill BS40 5PL £5, children free.

Saturday August 3rd to Saturday August 10th A1 Camera Club Exhibition Free entry 10am – 5pm daily, Weston Museum, Burlington St, WSM. Sunday August 4th Stanton Prior Cream Teas every Sunday in August & Bank Hol Monday, in the village hall or on the green. BA2 9HT. Free parking.

Thursday August 8th to Saturday August 10th Spellbound presents BLITZ! Frome Memorial Theatre. Various times & prices, see www.fmt.website or 01373 462795.

Friday August 9th Barn Dancing with music by Jeroka, 7.30pm Ditcheat Jubilee Hall, admission £4. All welcome.

Caller Peter Bolton: 01749 672911.

COMPETITION WINNERS

LAST month we offered you the chance to win three pairs of tickets to the Royal Navy International Air Day at Yeovilton on July 13th. The first three correct entries drawn were from Maximus Mingo-West, from Walton, Duncan Rideout, Chilcompton and Mrs A. Offer, Wells. Congratulations – enjoy your day out!

JULY CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ACROSS: 9 Portico, 10 Amateur, 11 Topaz, 12 Initiated, 13 Polar bear, 15 Civic, 16 Bleadon Cavern, 21 Wells, 23 Excellent, 25 Mogadishu, 27 After, 28 Eats out, 29 Steiner.

DOWN: 1 Epitaph, 2 Propel, 3 Pizzeria, 4 Mobile home, 5 Sari, 6 Maniac, 7 Leftover, 8 Drydock, 14 Racecourse, 17 Lulsgate, 18 Villages, 19 Swamped, 20 Stir-fry, 22 Sidcot, 24 Extend, 26 Site.

MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019 • PAGE 113

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MENDIP TIMES

Society president with farming roots

THE head of the Showerings drinks company has told of his pride in becoming president of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society.

Matthew Showering, MD of the Shepton Mallet-based company, will be the last president to attend the MidSomerset Show in August on its current site before it moves to a new location for 2020.

With his brothers alongside, Matthew

Matthew Showering at the family cider mill

PAGE 114 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2019

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Guests at a reception hosted by Matthew Showering and his wife Leta at the Cider House

has overseen a boom in production and bottling across Showering’s 29-acres of buildings across three sites. The nine bottling lines, running seven days a week, turn out ten million bottles ranging from cider to Fever Tree tonic water.

But whilst the family name has been synonymous with the drinks industry, it was Matthew’s father Keith who also made his name as a leading expert in the field of dairy cattle genetics. The Sharcombe herd of Friesians was famous for its high milk yields.

Matthew said: “It is a great honour to be president of the show in this historic year and I think I will most look forward

to visiting the livestock.”

This year’s show takes place on Sunday, August 18th. As well as the serious livestock, equine, cheese, cider and craft classes organisers are arranging some fun competitions such as Ugliest Vegetable, Oversized Vegetable, Best dressed lamb and handler and Best dressed pig and handler. l Entries are open until July 31st for the Harvey Family Cup short story competition for young people aged 1116. The theme is “It was honestly the best day of my life.” Entries of 400-500 words are required. For full details, visit: www.midsomersetshow.org.uk

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